by Tia Louise
My shoulders shudder as tears flow freely down my cheeks. My throat closes, and I fight the vomit. I touch my closed eyes. The sounds of torture are in my memory, and I’m racked with the same fear that gripped me every one of those nights. It’s so strong.
I went to Blix at a time when I couldn’t think about the future. I’d lost everything. I was losing my vision. I wanted to die. I actually hoped one of his jobs would kill me. None did, and I’ve lived my life as his slave ever since.
Now the cost of my hopelessness is Cam. He’s in danger, Logan is in danger…
My hand falls open on the wood floor at my side and the ring of keys tumbles onto the floor with a clink. In that moment, an idea cuts through my desperate mind. A solution. A way out of this nightmare.
The only question is when. The answer…
Tonight.
Debts
Logan
We’re in the war room, that damn letter is in the middle of the table, and the four of us—Rowan, Sir Reginald Winchester (his great uncle), Freddie (his second in command after me), and me. We’re the same team that brought Zelda home last year, minus only one member, Rowan’s younger brother Cal.
“I’m glad to see we all appear well-rested and ready to meet this new challenge,” Reggie says in his usual, superior tone.
“You look better, Logan,” the king says, giving me a nod. “I hope this means you were able to regroup while we were away.”
Discussing my private life is something I don’t do. “It took me a day or two to relax, then I… found something I thought I’d lost.”
Rowan’s brow rises, and he smiles. “Good work. Now to get our minds back on the current situation.”
“What’s the latest news,” I take my seat and frown at the offending missive.
“My spies have reason to believe Blix Ratcliffe returned to Monagasco last week,” Reggie starts. His words make my scalp tighten. “We have verified proof he left the Caribbean, and a few strategically placed moles followed him from the market yesterday.”
“But we’ve only just returned.” The surprise in Rowan’s voice echoes my response. “How did he get into the city?”
“He’s modified his appearance somewhat,” Freddie answers, taking two glossy photos from the manila folder beside his laptop. “Our trackers captured these images, which we blew up. Charting the structure of his bones, the color of his eyes, we’ve established a positive ID.”
I lift them and study his face. It’s true. The dead blue eyes are the same. “His hair is dark,” I note.
“It helps him blend in with the locals,” Freddie says, pointing to the next one. “He’s added a prosthetic to his chin.”
“I actually think this a good sign,” Reggie interjects, drawing our attention.
“In what way?” the king demands.
“If he’d known you were in Tortola, he wouldn’t be here.” The grand duke leans back in his chair, stretching his legs. “It would’ve been far easier to make a move on the family there, where protection is less… organized.”
He nods toward Freddie’s workstation just as our partner slides another printout across the space. “They followed him to this condo building, but it’s unclear if he’s staying there or if he was making contact with one of his associates.”
“He has associates in the city as well?” My eyes flick to Freddie’s, and all I can think is who might have been following me these last few days. I hadn’t even considered covering my tracks.
“It’s fair to assume someone like him never acts, or travels alone,” Freddie says.
Reggie cuts in, sounding bored. “Of course he has associates. What do you have so far?”
Freddie pulls up faces on his laptop. “I’ve circulated photographs of all the men involved in the kidnapping of Zelda who are still at large.”
Blix’s head, with his now-dark hair and cold blue eyes is first on the screen. Next, is the giant gorilla-man with hands the size of dinner plates.
“He’ll be difficult to hide,” I note.
“I’m not sure he’s trying to,” Freddie muses, pulling up another photo of a man I don’t recognize. “This is one of the two new associates our trackers were able to photograph.”
Rowan steps forward. “New ones?”
The new man is lean with medium brown hair. He’s average height and could easily blend into a crowd. His only distinguishing characteristic is the ink rising out of his collar along his neck. Still, his hands are fisted, and from his side-glance and the set of his jaw, I can see he’s a cruel motherfucker.
“We believe his name is Taz,” Freddie continues. “He appeared on our radar with the body in Miami. Police found his fingerprints at the victim’s house and at the warehouse where they recovered it.”
“He doesn’t care about leaving behind evidence,” Rowan says, his eyes never leaving the man’s face. “Not a good sign.”
“We also have reason to believe he’s been with Blix since the beginning, but we’re still piecing together his story.”
“You said there were two new associates,” Rowan presses.
Freddie’s thin lips disappear with his frown. “We don’t have a positive ID on the second,” he says. “It’s possible he’s deep undercover.”
That’s not good enough for me. “Why are you sure there’s another?”
“Four people are on the manifest coming from Miami. All were on the same flight. All arrived at the same time. It’s not a coincidence.” He glances up, dark eyes determined. “At least we’re not treating it like a coincidence.”
Rowan pats his shoulder. “Good work.” My eyes remain on the three faces on that laptop as Rowan continues to the door. “I’m confident none of those men will get anywhere near Ava.”
“No one will,” I confirm.
Our steely eyes meet, and he’s as serious as I am. “I know I can trust you.”
* * *
It’s dark when I leave the palace on my motorcycle. Rowan was reluctant but willing to let me slip out for a few hours—I didn’t have to tell him much, just that I had made plans with someone before I knew they were home. Freddie was more than willing to take my place as Ava’s shadow. He’s the only one the king and I trust for the job. He’ll keep her safe, but won’t make her feel afraid.
Now, on my bike winding through the glittering streets, my insides are a twisted knot of concern and dread. I had no idea the threat had grown so high. What the fuck am I going to do with Kass? How am I going to keep tabs on her and protect Ava? The question has battered my mind since this morning, but now it presses so hard, my forehead aches.
I’d have to discuss it with her tonight. Now that we’re involved, she’s not safe. My being in a critical position makes Kass a liability Blix would be all too happy to exploit. I can just see that fucker rubbing his hands together at the prospect.
My fists tighten on the grips of my bike at the thought. I’ll break every bone in his body…
Cool air pushes against my face, and I do my best to calm my raging insides. I don’t want to be angry when I pick up my girl. Instead, I look up at the twinkle lights draping the colorful awnings of the cafés and restaurants along the streets.
Music is in the air, and tourists mix with locals at the small tables. Their lives are carefree. They’re oblivious to the dangers someone like me lives with. They laugh and share wine, coffee, dinner, or pastries. They kiss and make memories in this beautiful city by the sea.
It’s October, and the number of tourists has tapered off, although it hasn’t disappeared. The days will grow a bit cooler, and the rain will increase. I slow to a coast when I reach Kass’s warehouse apartment, and once stopped, I smell the weight of the water in the clouds obscuring the moon. It’s a dark night outside of the cheerful lights of the busy streets.
Concern tightens my brow, and I wonder if it would be possible to take Kass to the palace for the night. The loud clatch of a metal door draws my attention, and I look up to see her emerge from her buildin
g.
In spite of everything, my insides release when I see her. Desire, longing… something like love replaces all the rage I’ve been wrestling with on my drive.
She’s dressed in tight jeans that show off her slender figure, a long-sleeved, filmy black shirt with a low V-neck. A gold necklace peeks out of the opening, and those glasses are back. Her lips are deep red, and she crosses the narrow sidewalk to where I’m parked as if she’s drawn to me.
“You’re too good at this,” I say, shaking my head. “I would never have figured it out.”
“The glasses help,” she says, giving me a little smile. “They help the dark shapes have a little more definition.”
“But it’s a dark night,” I say, sliding my hands around her waist and pulling her to me.
With her tall boots and my position still sitting on the bike, she’s closer to my height. She places her hands on my chest and runs the tip of her finger along my chin.
“And you’re sitting right here under this bright streetlight.” She smiles, but her beautiful blue eyes that don’t quite meet mine tell me something is troubling her.
Her eyes. They’re the only way I understood what was happening when she told me she’d lost her sight. They focus somewhere along the tops of my cheeks, never quite connecting with my gaze. While it hurts losing the connection we used to share when our eyes locked and we could read each others’ souls, all that fades away when I hold her, kiss her, see her entire body light up with her laughter… or bloom with ecstasy when I make her come.
I still see her soul.
I lean forward to kiss the side of her jaw, speaking right in her ear. “What’s wrong?” I’m rewarded with a little melt, but she shakes her head.
“It’s nothing. Just… dealing with my business.”
I pull back to study her face, and she isn’t smiling. “You never told me where you went. Where did you live when you were in the States?”
She shrugs. “I was along the coast. You have to be when you’re working in shipping.”
“So New York?” She certainly looks like something you’d see walking Fifth Avenue. “California?”
“I wish it was somewhere that glamorous,” she smiles. Still, it doesn’t reach her eyes. “I was stuck in south Florida. Stripped down Ft. Lauderdale to be exact.”
A flash goes off in my chest, and for a moment I pause, holding her. “Did you fly out of Miami?” I ask, thinking about Freddie’s presumption. The second associate.
She nods. “It’s the closest international airport.”
“Alone?” I press. I have to be sure before I go back and tell them we’re good. Blix is only traveling with one new associate.
Her head tilts to the side. “These are odd questions.” Her eyes blink as they drift around my face. “Of course I traveled alone.”
I’m simultaneously relieved and alarmed by her proximity to that bastard, even if she had no idea. I don’t want her within inches of him. My decision is final. I’ll discuss her with Rowan and Freddie tomorrow. I’ll ID her as the fourth Miami passenger, and we’ll figure out a plan to keep her safe.
“Are we going to the café?” she asks, and I can tell she’s surveying my body language as much as I am hers.
“Yes,” I turn in the seat as she holds my arm, climbing on behind me. “I think we both need a drink.”
“Not too much for me,” she says, leaning forward so her lips graze the skin of my neck right at the back of my collar. The sensation registers straight to my dick.
“We might have to make a little pit stop along the way,” I turn to kiss those lips. “I’ve missed you.”
Her smile grows, but so does the distance in her eyes. “Even after last night?”
“Especially after last night.”
She gives me a nudge. “Let’s check in with Cam first and maybe we can leave early.”
I like the sound of that, although the smell of rain in the air is growing stronger. I’m concerned I might have to cab her back before our date is over. As much as I’m committed to keeping my word to Rowan, to keeping Ava safe, I’m frustrated at not being able to stay with Kass tonight. Now that I have her in my arms, I never want her leaving them.
With a roar of the engine, we shoot off into the night, headed to the little café down by the waterfront. It takes a matter of minutes to arrive at our destination. Everywhere in town is close enough to walk, but I love the feel of Kass behind me on the bike, her body pressed close to mine and her arms tight around my waist.
They’re just finishing a song when we walk in. Our names are on the list at the door, so we don’t have to pay the cover charge. Still, I give the doorman twenty Euros. Kass is focused on the front where her brother sits on a stool between two other guys all playing guitars and harmonizing.
It’s been years since I’ve seen Cameron, but I recognize the kid I met six years ago. He’s grown into a good-looking guy. He shares a family resemblance to Kass. They both have those vivid blue eyes only his complexion is darker. He’s got the rock-star hair hanging to his shoulders, and all the swagger of a front-man.
Kass made it sound like he was just getting started in the music business, but an appreciative band of females swaying on the dance floor directly in front of him makes me think he’s been at it longer than his sister knows. With every smile, his groupies swoon, and I can’t help wondering how much of what’s happening Kass is able to perceive.
She’s standing at the edge of the tables, where a wooden railing parts over a short staircase leading down to the open floor. I step up behind her and place my hand on her waist. She does a little jump, then relaxes into me. I don’t like how tense she is tonight.
“I told him this was a bad idea,” she says, turning her face to speak close to my ear. “I’ll have to apologize. He’s very good. It sounds like he has a fan club.”
She nods toward the front, and I smile. “He’s got a small mob of females hanging on his every word.”
“That’s good.” Her tone is resignation, and I try to understand. Is she feeling some form of empty nest syndrome? Is she sad her little brother is not so little anymore? It seems unlikely.
For a moment we listen to his rich baritone singing a popular song I recognize. His voice is strong and full, and he’s not a bad guitarist. When he gets to the part about having his heart broken, a pair of thong panties flies on the stage at his feet, and I can’t help a chuckle.
“What happened?” Kass turns to me, confused. “Why are you laughing?”
“Your little brother is causing panties to fly.”
“What?” She’s still confused, and I decide to spare her the details in case she is feeling nostalgic. “Would you like a drink?”
She considers my question far longer than it deserves. “Maybe just a soft drink for now.”
“I’ll be right back.”
In the time it takes to order a scotch for me and a soda for Kass, her brother is on a break and standing with her in the same spot at the edge of the dance floor. She tells him something that provokes an embarrassed smile, and she reaches out to tug the side of his hair. I glance up to see his groupies shooting daggers at her with their eyes. I have no problem shutting down their jealousy.
Walking up to the pair, I touch Kass’s arm, and Cameron looks up at me with a carefree smile. It reminds me of his sister’s back in our early days, and I want to see her smile like that again.
“Logan?” he says, holding out a hand. “Damn, you’ve grown!”
I laugh and pass the soft drink to Kass before shaking his hand. “I was about to say the same to you.” My voice is noticeably deeper, more serious than his youthful one.
“But I grew up,” he says loudly. “You’re a fucking mountain!”
“Cameron,” Kass’s voice is quiet but scolding.
“Sorry, sis.” He throws an arm around her shoulder and drags her head to this lips for a quick kiss. “My language is fucking awful since you left. It’s why you need to move back here. Keep
me straight.”
She gives his side a gentle punch, and for a moment, her tension slips. I see the genuine love she feels for him warm her face. It slips away just as fast.
“I wish I could, but you know how my job is.”
Her words hit me like a freight train. I hadn’t considered she might be leaving. After last night I’d stopped thinking of her as someone who could disappear from my life as quickly as she’d reappeared in it.
Now I’m desperate to get out of here. We need to talk. I need to know what her timeline is, how much longer we have. How much time I have to change her mind.
Cam is still talking. “Just don’t do like you did last time. Disappear without a word. I was fucking frantic until you finally called and told me where you were.”
“I’m sorry,” she says, reaching out to touch his arm. “It seemed better that way. I didn’t mean to make you worry.”
I can’t take my eyes off her. Why didn’t I follow up when she mentioned her business outside her apartment? I’d been too enraptured by the mere sight of her. Now the emotions that keep bubbling up in her eyes are filtering through my chest. She’d better not fucking disappear…
“So you liked the set?” Cameron asks us, but I’m finding it difficult to concentrate on his words.
“You’re amazing,” she tells him, “And Logan says you have a little fan club. Did someone throw panties at you?”
“I thought you couldn’t see!” he cries, embarrassed again.
“Logan told me,” she answers, and his eyes fly to me
“Dude!” he cries. I shrug, trying my damndest not to bring down his happy mood. “They just like the music is all,” he says as if we don’t know better.
Kass leans in close and squeezes his arm. “Use protection. You can’t afford to be a father right now.”
“Jesus!” he hisses, and it reminds me how young he is. The other two guys are on the stage, and one of them calls to Cameron. “Saved by the bell,” he mutters, leaning down to kiss his sister’s cheek. “Thanks for coming out.”
