Hidden Obsession: An Alliance Agency Novel: Book 2

by Kells, India

  “Does that mean I can stay?”

  The question was tentative, and he regretted he had made her doubt herself. If he had learned one thing in the last few days, it was that life was short and could change on a whim or a word. He wasn’t prepared to hold back anything of himself anymore. Cleo was his, and he would spend eternity showing her how much he loved her.

  He swung her into his arms, making her giggle and strode toward the hallway determined to show her with his body how much he meant every word. He stopped abruptly as he made it to the hall. “Where’s your grandmother?” He wanted to meet the amazing woman that had cared for his Cleo but not right now.

  “Malco took her back to my place. Spears is still out there so he’ll stay and make sure she’s okay. I think he has a soft spot for her. Wolf too from what I got.” The smile on her face matched the one in his heart.

  “Good because what I have planned for you will involve a lot of noise.”

  Cleo waggled her eyebrows as he threw the door open. ”Oh yeah? Show me!”

  And he did—all night long. His food and exhaustion were forgotten. The only thing he needed was her in his arms.

  Chapter Twenty-Five

  Cleo was lost in paradise and didn’t want to ever let go of that feeling. With Mason’s strong heartbeat beneath her ear, their naked bodies intertwined under the covers, their own private fortress where nothing else mattered, she was happier than she’d ever been.

  She snuggled up, trying to get even closer when Mason’s hand started to trace her spine, a sure sign he was awake. Cleo searched for something to say but finally decided to keep silent. What else could be said? After they had said the words, their lovemaking had been another marvelous form of confirmation, one she had freely given and received many times throughout the night.

  Mason started playing with a strand of her hair and caressing her scalp, and she purred. His chest moved a little in a silent bout of laughter. Cleo was about to lightly bite his chest, inevitably starting another round of lovemaking when a pounding resonated throughout the apartment.

  Immediately Mason tensed, and Cleo scrambled up as he hopped out of bed and grabbed a pair of pants, quickly slipping them on. She put on one of Mason’s shirts and was glad it covered her almost to her knees.

  Mason took a quick look at his phone and frowned. “Shane’s tried to reach me several times. Don’t know why my phone didn’t ring.”

  As he left the room, he grabbed his gun. Cleo’s swallowed hard, anxiety creeping higher. What was going on? Who’s at the door?

  Mason told her to stay behind, but when they got to the door, Shane’s loud voice instantly reassured her. However, even though Shane being at the door meant it was safe to open, it also meant something had gone wrong.

  Mason put his gun in his waistband and opened the door to Shane and Malco.

  “Damn, Bentley! Don’t you ever fucking answer your phone?”

  Air seized in her lungs when she saw Malco. “Weren’t you supposed to be watching Nana?”

  When she approached the man, he rubbed the back of his neck uncomfortably. “I was. I dozed off on your couch, and when I woke, she was gone. Left me a note on the kitchen table saying she had unfinished business to take care of.”

  Cleo looked at Shane and then Mason, and it was easy to follow their train of thought. “She went after Spears. My grandmother went after Jeffrey Spears.”

  Several emotions fought to get out and stopping herself from lashing out at Malco was a feat in itself. “I’m not sure how well she knows Miami. I need to get dressed. Did she take her cell? Do you know where Spears is right now?” Mason touched her lower back, a silent sign to calm down. She realized that with each question, her tone had increased almost to a yell.

  Shane nodded. “I already have some of ours manning the coms, trying to triangulate her location with her cell as soon as we find her signal. During the final stage of the Travis incident, I redirected all our resources, and now we’re blind to Spears’ whereabouts. I have already dispatched people to find him.”

  “Is his sister still in the hospital?”

  Malco shook his head. “That’s the first thing we checked. She’s been transferred to a convalescence home for the next phase after her surgery. Spears hasn’t been seen with her and there’s no sign of him on any of the surveillance cameras so far. We’re checking the flight manifests at the airport and he’s not listed there either. He’s also checked out of his hotel.”

  Cleo’s first instinct was to run outside calling her grandmother’s name, although she knew it wouldn’t do any good. Her logical side knew the chance of her finding Spears in a couple of hours was low. It would be the worst kind of luck if that happened.

  “Does she know where Spears is? Malco, did she say anything to you?”

  “No. When we arrived at your place, she acted normal. She never mentioned Spears or anything else. She cooked enough food to feed an army. I helped her out, cleaned up afterward, and she went to her room for the night. I didn’t see her on the phone, but she may have used it when I wasn’t there.”

  Without letting the poor man finish, Cleo turned and headed back to her room. She threw off the shirt and quickly grabbed underwear. Behind her, she heard a deep curse and loud footsteps scurrying away.

  Mason entered the room and closed the door with a sigh. “You should have closed the door. Shane and Malco were following you, and you gave them quite the show.”

  Her naked bottom wasn’t on her list of priorities. With her bra on, she searched her stuff for a pair of jeans and sneakers. “I’ll say sorry later. Right now, I want to get Nana back.”

  Just saying her nickname had her throat closing with emotion. When would this hell be over?

  Cleo sat on the bed to put her shoes on. Keeping her head low and swallowing reflexively, her laces blurred before her eyes. Fingers fumbling over her laces, Cleo almost repeated Shane’s curses.

  Big, warm hands covered hers, forcing her to look up. Mason’s worry and love were etched on his beautiful face. “We’ll get your nana back, baby.”

  A tear escaped when she tried to smile. “I believe you. It’s just…”

  The man who held her soul wiped her cheek. “Just what?”

  How could she put what she felt into words? “Last night you told me I didn’t deserve you. This morning, I feel like all I bring you is danger and problems. I don’t want to be your problem, Mason.”

  His fingertips lingered on her face, tracing its contours before caressing her cheeks. ”I know you’re fully capable of taking care of yourself. But deep within my soul, I know we’re stronger together. You’re not a problem. You may see it like that because of Spears, but our meeting was the opportunity for you to resolve your past and not have it dangling over your head anymore. That’s something I can shoulder with you, the team will help as well. Nobody should ever be left to fight alone. Let me help you shoulder that burden, get rid of Spears, and get your grandmother back. I’ll be right here to help you whenever you need me. And I’ll be there for you. Always.”

  Cleo didn’t know what to say, but her heart settled, warming her entire chest with the same certainty she saw in his eyes. “I promise I don’t have any other bad guys hidden in my closet.”

  A smile tugged at her lips. “And I don’t have any other spurned lovers. That I know of, at least.”

  “Good.” Cleo leaned in to kiss him when someone coughed behind the closed door.

  “Hey! Caitlin called and your grandmother used her phone. We’re the closest to her current location. We need to move, now.”

  * * *

  When she saw her nana sitting on a bench under a palm tree, seemingly admiring the vast ocean before her, Cleo almost fell to her knees. Surrounded by Mason, Malco, and Shane, she took a deep breath to steady herself and quietly asked them all to stay back.

  At this time of day, the beach was starting to fill with people, kids laughing and running around as their parents wobbled toward the water like p
ack mules.

  Cleo didn’t say a word when she sat beside her nana, and grandmother smiled. “It seems I got lost, my dear child. Thank you for finding me. I tried to call, but I think I left your phone number on the kitchen counter.”

  “Nana… why did you leave like that? You gave me the scare of my life! On that note, I’m guessing you were going after Spears. I was beside myself thinking you could be standing in front of that psycho right now.”

  There was no apology on her grandmother’s face when she turned to look at her. Instead, she saw a blazing intensity in her normally warm gaze. “No need to guess, that’s exactly what I intended to do. My goal this morning was to find and confront him. I wanted him to know how his actions uprooted my life, destroyed my family, and hurt you, my precious girl. I wanted him to understand the consequences of his actions. I’ve been wanting to do exactly that for so long.” She sighed. “I just miscalculated how big Miami was.”

  As she talked, her voice started trembling, and tears shimmered, toning down the fire. Cleo instinctively took her hand in hers and scooted closer to put her chin on her shoulder. For the first time, Cleo understood how Spears’ actions hadn’t only hurt her, but also destroyed her family. Lost in her own suffering and fear, she had forgotten to look out for her grandmother. “I’m sorry for your loss, Nana. I wish I could make all this disappear. I wish I hadn’t brought you into my mess.”

  Mrs. Darwin shook her head and turned to look deep into her granddaughter’s eyes. “Cleo, my darling. We’re not responsible for the actions of others. I had nothing to do with my son and your mother being drawn into this evil man’s clutches and choosing to stay there. Our only role is to survive and fight. That’s why I wanted to find Spears. You’re my blood. Of course, I want to protect you. And I guess you want the same for me. Otherwise, you wouldn’t have sent me that good looking cowboy back in Mesa or the handsome Malco to protect me.”

  Lightness slowly returned to Cleo’s heart as her grandmother continued talking. “And I’m not a fool. I doubt Spears would see the light, and even if he is arrested, my family will never be the same. I pray for my son every day, but I’m under no illusions. This confrontation was mostly for me. A way to let out all the pain and fear that’s accumulated over the years.”

  Cleo nodded, understanding perfectly. “I wish I could do that too. Unfortunately, I doubt Spears will ever see the light. He’s dangerous. Please don’t try to find him. I couldn’t bear it if he hurt you. I can’t lose you, Nana. You’re the only family I have.”

  As she had so many times, her grandmother gathered her in her arms, her familiar warmth and calming perfume surrounded Cleo. “You’re my blood, child. I would do anything for you. And you’re creating a family of your own. From the way your man looks at you, cares about you, he has the same ideas as you. I’m happy for you, my baby girl.”

  Cleo’s heart somersaulted at the thought of building a future with Mason. It was both frightening and exciting, full of possibilities. They sat together on the bench, in a tight hug, as the world bustled around them. Cleo remained there for a long time, cherishing what she had, but knowing it wasn’t yet over. “Nana? Until the team makes sure Spears is no longer a threat, please stay with Malco or whoever else is in charge of your protection. No more escaping, okay?”

  With a kiss, her grandmother laughed softly. “I promise. And with those gorgeous men you’re sending to look after me, why would I want to leave? I should probably cook another meal for dear Malco, so he forgives me.”

  They both giggled and hugged some more. “Speaking of which, I like it here, with the sea and the palm trees. Do you think you would mind if I found a little place of my own nearby? Would your young man mind?”

  Right then, her grandmother answered her silent prayer. Cleo knew she couldn’t move back to Mesa, not with Mason, the Agency, and her job. Her only reply was her arms tightening around her.

  Enjoying this connection a little longer, Cleo knew she had to get back to reality in the next few minutes. The world would start spinning again, and she had her family to protect. Deep down in her soul, she knew for that to happen, Spears had to be taken down so she could start the next chapter of her life with Mason.

  Chapter Twenty-Six

  Over the last four weeks life had settled into a rhythm Cleo never had before but one she could see herself loving for the rest of her life. Her nana had found herself a small house close to the beach in a community of senior citizens. With Malco’s and Mason’s help, they had packed up her home in Mesa and moved her into her new place this past weekend.

  For her part, life had changed in all the best ways. She spent her nights with the man she loved and her days doing a job that gave her satisfaction and fulfillment. She was surrounded by friends and family every day and more blessed than she could ever have wished for.

  Just one thing marred the beauty of her life—Spears was still unaccounted for, and it left a nasty stain on the horizon of her life. Mason wanted her to officially move in with him, or for them to get a new place together, but with Spears hanging over them she was reluctant to do so. When she and Mason took that next step, she wanted it to be with a clean slate. Not with her past hovering, threatening to tarnish it.

  Mason was patient with her about it and said he understood, but she also knew he was frustrated with the limbo she had placed them in.

  The door to the Agency opened, and her nana breezed in on Malco’s arm, who had somehow been adopted by the older woman. Her grandmother sent her a beaming smile. “Cleo, my darling girl! I’ve come to take you to lunch at The Point.”

  Cleo was happy to see her grandmother looking more carefree and content than she’d seen her for a very long time. She had failed to see the pain Spears had caused her grandmother and regretted that. Even though her grandmother didn’t blame her, she still felt ashamed and vowed to take better care of the woman who had been her everything for so long.

  “That sounds wonderful. I love the crayfish they make there. Let me grab my bag.” Cleo sent a quick text to Mason telling him where she was going and smiled when she received one back with lots of heart and kiss emojis. It would shock the people they worked with if they knew what a soft romantic he was. The dignified and professional veneer he wore at work was still in place, if a little more relaxed these days, but with her, he was a total sap. She loved it, and she loved him.

  Mason Bentley had changed her life in all the best ways, and she’d never get tired of hearing him say he loved her. She’d also never get tired of the way he made her body sing to his tune with the slightest touch. The passion between them was insatiable, and she hoped it never changed.

  “We can take my car, that way Malco can stay here and catch up with Knight.”

  Malco paused. “Are you sure?”

  Cleo’s grandmother nodded and turned her head to Malco, “My dear boy, it’s time you went back to work doing more important things than watching an old woman all day.”

  Malco grinned. “Mrs. D., you know I love our time together.”

  “Be that as it may, you need to get back to work. You’re cramping my style with the residents at my new abode if you know what I mean.” She gave him a wink.

  Malco burst out laughing. “I got ya, Mrs. D.” Malco winked at her and walked back inside as Cleo grinned.

  “Nana, have you got your eye on a man?” Cleo took her grandmother’s arm and steered her toward the car at the front.

  Her grandmother took her seat on the passenger’s side before answering. “Maybe I do, and maybe I don’t.” With another wink, she patted her granddaughter’s hair.

  Cleo drove the short distance to The Point trying to get information from her grandmother about this new man.

  Once they were seated and their drinks order was taken, her grandmother pinned her with a silent look that meant business. It was the one she used when Cleo was young and trying to hide something from her. “Right, young lady, are you going to tell me why you’re stalling moving in with M
ason?”

  Cleo looked away, surprised. “I’m not.”

  “Don’t lie to me. I’ve known you your entire life.” Her grandmother reached across the table for her hand. “Tell me, child.”

  Cleo could never lie to her grandmother for long. “I’m terrified.”

  “Oh, darling girl, why?”

  Tears pricked Cleo’s eyes. “What if we move in together and everything changes, or Spears comes back and ruins it all?”

  “Oh, Cleo, my sweet child. Of course things will change, but that doesn’t mean it will be for the worse. Life is constantly evolving and moving, and we have to move with it or get left behind, wondering what could have been. Don’t live your life in fear; embrace it. We only get one life, so make the most of it.”

  “I want to,” Cleo admitted, “but what about Spears?”

  “Cleo, have faith in those around you. Your young man loves you, and I have no doubt he and his friends will stop at nothing to make sure that threat is neutralized. Mark my words it will all work out. Have faith, my girl. Do you love him?”

  “With every bone in my body.” That was an honest answer.

  “Do you trust him?”

  “Completely.”

  “Then, there you have it. Move in with him, make a life together, and trust the rest will work out.”

  Cleo mused on her grandmother’s words as they ate lunch. Perhaps her nana was right, and she should blindly trust it would work out. Or more importantly that it would work out because Mason would make it so.

  * * *

  In the three weeks since her lunch with her grandmother, Cleo had been playing her words over and over in her head and concluded she was right. Not that she should have doubted her. Her nana was the wisest person she knew and had never steered her wrong.