Forbidden Touch: A Second Chance Stepbrother Romance

by Rye Hart

  Libby gasped into the phone.

  “Listen to me. Who are you with?” I asked, keeping an eye on the driver for any movements towards his phone. He didn’t reach for it once.

  “Roco,” she said. “We were having lunch together, but he said he had to make a phone call a few minutes ago.”

  “Get away from Roco. Get back to the hotel, and lock yourself in the room. Don’t tell anyone where you are, and don’t answer the door until I’m there. Got it?”

  “Got it.”

  Libby hung up a second after that. I bounced my legs anxiously as I rattled off the address to the hotel. The driver pulled off a side street to head in the right direction.

  “Is Libby going to be okay?” Abigail asked, voice a hoarse whisper. “Please tell me that she’s going to be okay, Harley.”

  “She’ll be fine,” I said, one hand resting on the hilt of my .22. I didn’t look at Abigail who clung to my arm. “I told her to get to the hotel. She’ll probably be there the second we pull up.”

  “I don’t understand,” Abigail said. “Who was shooting at us? I don’t even know where they were, or how they found out where I was.”

  “Someone told them where you were,” I said. “I have a feeling that they knew about your trip to Madrid.”

  I watched the realization spread across Abigail's face at those words. There was no doubt in my head that she posted her adventures to social media. Libby too. It was an easy target for anyone to know where they were going to be.

  “I’m calling your Dad,” I said, scrolling through her contacts. “We have to get out tonight. We can find out who the people worked for that shot at us soon enough.”

  Abigail swallowed thickly. “How soon?”

  “Within the next hour or two. When they figure out why they aren’t answering their phones to confirm whether or not they killed you.”

  She didn’t say anything to that. I waited for the secretary of Robert’s office to transfer me to his direct line.

  “Robert Carter speaking,” he said, annoyance evident in his voice. “This better be an emergency whoever is calling.”

  “It’s Harley Jordan,” I said.

  “Harley? What is going on?”

  Panic filled Robert’s voice instantly as I knew it would. The only person who had the money and connections to get us out safely and fast was Robert.

  “We have to get out of Spain,” I said. “Within the next hour preferably. A hit on Abigail had been attempted just now.”

  “Oh, God. Please tell me my baby girl is okay.”

  “She’s going to be fine.” I glanced over at Abigail who was close to tears. “Can you get us out of Spain? I’ll explain everything once we are in the air.”

  “Yes. I will call now.”

  I hung up before he could ask anything else. I spotted the hotel and Libby walking up the sidewalk at a hurried pace. I opened the door quickly to pull out Abigail before throwing money at the annoyed driver. He sped off without pausing even to see if the passenger door was shut.

  Libby hugged Abigail tightly as they both fell into tears. I ushered them both up the sidewalk while glancing over my shoulder. No sight of Roco, or anyone else that looked familiar to the shooters in the trees.

  “What are we going to do?” Libby asked, wiping the tears from her cheeks. “I’m sorry, Harley. I should’ve listened to you. I just didn’t think that something like this would happen.”

  “We can’t stop to apologize right now,” I said, flatly. We entered the elevators. Once the doors slid shut, I let my hand fall away from the hilt of my gun. “Get all your shit and pack it up in ten minutes. Keep that damn door between our rooms open too.”

  “What happened?” Libby asked.

  “I don’t know,” Abigail said, holding onto her. “I don’t know. We were down at the beach when someone came up on us shooting.”

  “Tried to shoot,” I corrected. “Whoever they were, weren’t good at all. I can tell you that they had shitty aim. Someone hired amateurs to take a hit out on you.”

  Libby looked aghast at the thought. “Who though? Who would come to Madrid to kill Abigail?”

  “Someone that her Dad is putting in jail,” I replied, and the elevators dinged open. I glanced out to find the hallway empty. “It’s not that difficult to figure out. Give me your room key.”

  Abigail handed it over without question. I did a quick survey of the room before pulling them both in. The startled affect. I could read it on their faces as they stood there together looking about their room with wide eyes. I sucked in a deep breath to keep myself calm as I pulled the door open to my room. Gunfights never fazed me anymore. It was pure adrenaline and instinct that took over now.

  “Hurry it up,” I told them. “Get your things. Whatever you leave behind, is what stays behind.”

  They moved then. I gathered my things that were packed neatly in one spot out of years of habit of having to move quickly when we needed to. It only took me a few minutes before I had everything gathered.

  I entered the room to find them silently throwing things into their suitcases without speaking or looking at one another. While Libby went into the bathroom to gather a few things, I stepped over to where Abigail was zipping up her suitcase with trembling fingers. I reached out to calmly grasp them in mine.

  Her eyes were still wide with absolute terror. I pressed a kiss against her right temple, ignoring the fact that it was an intimate gesture. Even if I had spent the past few weeks fighting with her, fighting my desires to have her, I knew how terrified she felt. In just a matter of minutes, her world had came crashing down on her.

  “I’ll get you home safely,” I said. “I promise. This is what I was paid to do.”

  “I know,” she said, numbly. “You were only paid to protect me from horrible things. Go figure that it actually happened. At least I had someone in the Special Forces there to shoot back.”

  I smiled thinly at the tearful compliment. “I’m just glad you didn’t get hit.” It hit me then I hadn’t even checked either one of us for wounds. I took a step back to survey Abigail’s bare legs, but there wasn’t any sign of blood on her. “You weren’t hit, right?”

  “No,” she said, shaking her head. “I don’t think that I was at least.”

  “I don’t see any blood or anything.”

  “Roco just texted me,” Libby said, coming from the bathroom with a pale face and phone in hand. “What should I say? He’s looking for me back at the shop.”

  “Tell him that you went down to another shop,” I said. “Whatever one you can think of that is away from here.”

  “Do you honestly think he had something to do with it?” Libby asked.

  I felt Abigail rest her head against my shoulder with a quivering breath. I didn’t miss the quick look Libby sent her.

  “Yes,” I said, darkly. “I have no doubts. I’ve had a feeling from the day he was here at the hotel trying to talk to you both.”

  “He kept tabs through me,” Libby said, aghast. “I’m sorry, Abi. I had no idea. I shouldn’t have forced you to come on this trip.”

  Her fingers danced across her phone screen. “Done,” she said and looked up at me the. “Let’s get the fuck out of here before someone else comes back.”

  CHAPTER FIFTEEN - ABIGAIL

  I couldn’t let go of Harley’s hand no matter how hard I tried not to hold on. I had no idea if he was annoyed with it either, but he never pulled away. His fingers remained strong and steady intertwined in mine the entire flight back to the United States.

  The sight and sounds of Manhattan never felt more welcoming the moment we touched down in a private plane my Dad sometimes used to charter around the city if he had too. Two SUV’s with armed guards waited for us when we walked outside of the airport.

  “Tell me everything that happened between you two later,” Libby whispered into my ear, hugging me tightly to her. “I’m sorry, Abi. I can’t forgive myself for the danger I put you into.”

  I h
ugged her back fiercely. The both of us looked like hell with our pale skin, unbrushed hair, and smudged mascara. I know Libby hadn’t slept once on the entire flight back as well.

  “Don’t blame yourself. It wasn’t your fault. Text me to let me know when you made it home okay.”

  “I will,” Libby said, and she nodded at Harley who stood at my side still with his hand in mine. “Thanks, Harley. I’m sorry I was such a pain in the ass the entire time.”

  Harley didn’t say anything. We watched her disappear into an SUV before Harley’s hand guided me to the one waiting for us. He let go of my hand before reclining back into the leather seat with a long sigh.

  “I never thought it’d feel good to be back in Manhattan,” he said, rolling the window down a crack to let fresh air in.

  “No kidding,” I said, and resisted the urge to reach across to grab his hand. We were now surrounded by drivers hired from my Dad to take us back to our Manhattan apartment. “I used to hate it sometimes— the city noise. I used to want to live in a small town upstate to just escape the constant traffic and noise.”

  We fell into silence while the SUV navigated through traffic. I half-listened to Harley talk with the other drivers about the details of what happened. I'm sure one of the drivers was from the FBI, or a cop, knowing my Dad. He had been furious on the plane phone when I had called to talk to him.

  My days of living the country were officially done.

  The weight of that realization along with the memory of what had happened on the beach settled on me painfully. It had been such a good time on that beach too. I glanced over at Harley who was distant as usual whenever people were around. I was paid to protect you.

  I swallowed down the bitterness of it. I had made the decision to be with him. For that brief moment with him, I had felt alive and free of everything. I refused to regret losing myself to the person who had saved my life on the beach without hesitation. The person I was falling in love with.

  The second I entered through the front door of my parents Manhattan apartment, my Mom swept me up into a tearful and nearly hysterical embrace. I patted her on the back awkwardly while I tried to fight tears off too.

  “My poor baby girl,” she cried, sweeping a hand across my forehead. “I can’t believe this happened to you. Do we know who they were?”

  My Dad came from the kitchen. “Not yet,” he said, and also gave me a tight hug that nearly brought me to tears again. “Are you okay, Abigail?”

  “I’m fine, Dad,” I said, batting away the urge to sob. “I’m here because of Harley.”

  “I know. Aren’t you happy I hired someone to come with you?”

  I smiled a little at the sarcastic question. He released me to nod over at Harley who stood politely behind us with his hands tucked behind his back. “We cannot express our gratitude for saving Abigail. Your check is doubled.”

  Harley shook his head. “Not necessary, sir. It’s not about money for me.” Our eyes met then, but I couldn’t decipher the look in Harley’s eyes. “I’m just glad that she is alive, and we were able to get out as quickly as we could.”

  My Mom pressed a kiss to my forehead. “Maybe you should lay down, Abi. We’d like to talk with Mr. Jordan before he leaves.”

  “Sure,” I said and turned to look at Harley with reluctance. Laying down sounded wonderful, but I longed for a moment alone with Harley. I had gotten so used to reaching out to touch him. “Do you mind if I have a moment alone with Harley?”

  My parents exchanged a look before my Dad nodded. “Of course. Just a moment though.”

  They left the living room to go into the kitchen to give us a small bit of privacy. I imagined my Mom was leaning up against the kitchen door, so I kept it wordless as possible. I wrapped my arms around Harley’s waist tightly. His arms wrapped around my shoulders as well in a tight embrace.

  “Get some rest,” he said, breath stirring the strands of hair on my head. “I will be by later to check on you.”

  “Thank you,” I said, and pulled back to stare up at him. “For everything. I regret the trip had to end so quickly though.”

  “I know.”

  Not caring that my parents were most likely listening in curiously, I stood on tip toes to press my lips against his for a soft kiss. Harley broke it off quickly before anything could escalate, but I had felt his hands twitch against my shoulder blades.

  I left him standing in the living room before entering the guest room down the hallway. The wall space were windows that overlooked Manhattan. I set my purse down on the bedside table before standing up against the warm glass to watch the steady stream of cars and people down below.

  I could hear the distant chatter of my parents down in the kitchen. If they suspected anything had happened between Harley and me, there was no doubt in my mind they were trying to fish it out of Harley himself.

  My Dad would still give him the check though if Harley did admit to it. I sighed loudly before kicking my shoes off to collapse on the feather top. The past 24 hours ticked by me surreally as I stared up at the ceiling of the room. I smelt horrible, and my hair felt grimy and tangled from our rush to board a plane.

  As panicked as it had been to get out, I had known it was going to be okay with Harley sitting there. A shiver went through me thinking of his lethal aim. I had killed people. He didn’t seem bothered by anything. His face had remained stoic the entire plane ride home. The only source of comfort had were through his fingers squeezing mine.

  I had no idea if I was ever going to see him again, but I was too tired to even get out of bed to ask him. All I could do was pray that come tomorrow morning everything would be okay again. I curled up on my side to hold onto the pillow with a sigh before a dark and dreamless sleep took over me for the first time in a few days.

  CHAPTER SIXTEEN - HARLEY

  “Dear,” Robert glanced over at his wife as Abi walked out of the room. “Could you grab the checkbook off my desk and bring it here? I’d appreciate it.” His expression hardened a little as he turned to face me after his wife left the room. “I appreciate all you’ve done, but if you think I’m a fool, you’re wrong, son.”

  I nodded, not quite sure what to say. I respected the guy, but I’d taken his daughters virginity when I’d been paid to stand guard beside her. In the way of honor, I was a piece of shit, which was new to me. Having a big handful of metals from the armed forces that said differently, for the first time in a long time, I was in conflict with myself.

  “Sir, I-”

  “No. Please don’t apologize or explain. Abigail is my only child. I don’t honestly want to know if someone almost twice her age took advantage of her.” His lips pursed into a tight line, and I felt sick to my stomach.

  “Took advantage of her?” I choked out.

  He lifted his eyebrow. “Would you call it something else?”

  “I’m not sure what you think happened, but-”

  “You were hired to protect her, and you did. Thank you for that, but if I see you anywhere near her in the future, I will make your life a living hell. Steer clear of her. She deserves a man who isn’t tainted by war with blood on his hands.”

  I stiffened. I’d always thought that Mr. Carter was a friend to the military. Obviously, he had a few hidden feelings. Where I wanted to defend myself, lying to him wasn’t happening. I had too much honor after serving alongside good men and losing them.

  “Here we are,” Lauren walked back into the room and lifted the checkbook toward her husband as her expression turned to worry. “Oh, I’m sorry. Is everything okay?”

  “Yep. Harley and I were just going on what happened in detail. Nothing you need to hear about, dear.” He gave me a stern look before walking to his desk, leaning over and filling out the check.

  “Well, I’m just so thankful that Robert hired the right man for the job.” Her eyes filled with tears as she reached out and squeezed my shoulder. “If anything had happened to my baby-”

  “Here. I’ll show you to the door.
” Robert’s voice was curt.

  “Thank you, both. I can show myself out. You just take care of Abigail.” I narrowed my eyes a little, letting the older man know that even though he’d won the battle, I was still watching and waiting to win the war.

  He might have scared the shit outta everyone else, but if somehow I came to the conclusion that Abi was going to be mine, no one was going to stop me. Not even him.

  “Right.” Robert’s disgust followed me out as I walked into the bright sunny afternoon and made my way over to my bike. I was grateful for the decision to bring it over before we left for the trip instead of letting him send a chauffeur to pick me up. The last thing I wanted to do was ride home in the back of a big black limo, feeling like a little boy who’d been punished for misbehaving. I was a fucking man in my thirties.

  Abi wanted me, and I gave into her. Plain and simple.

  I enjoyed the wind in my hair as I drove to my Mom’s little house on the east side of town, the people there were so much more welcoming and at ease. Poverty did that to people though. When there was no way out of the hole you were in, at times you finally just settled into it and put up some furniture.

  My Mom met me at the door as I walked up the stairs. “You’re back early, baby.”

  “Hey, Mom.” I pulled her into a quick hug. “I’m happy to see you. It’s a long story.”

  “Good. I like stories. I just pulled a pie out of the oven. Tell me all about it.” She smiled and moved back, letting me into the house. The smell of apples and cinnamon filled my nose, and I couldn’t help but think about Abi.

  There was no way I could just walk away from her, could I?

  “You got a lot on your mind. Take a load off and tell me all about it.” She cut me a piece of pie and sat down, and I opened up my soul and spilled all my shit to my best friend and only remaining family member.

  At the end of me being a little too honest about Abi, my Mom blushed and chuckled. “Well, sounds to me like you might be falling in love. Don’t let that go, baby. It doesn't come around too often.”