“Oh, shit.”
Both of us froze and he tried his best to cover me with his body to hide from view of our intruder. “Blake, get the fuck out of here.” I heard the door shut and I quickly slid off the desk, grabbing my shirt to put it back on. “Lexi, I’m sorry, I should have checked the door.” I didn’t turn to him. “Lexi?” I felt his arms pull me to him and I slowly turned. Seeing his face, I knew he was hurt by my silence. “I’m sorry, I shouldn’t have let it get that far. You regret it, don’t you?” I stood there for a minute before breaking out in a hysterical laughter and he looked at me like I’d lost my marbles.
“Jax, that was hot. Up until your brother walked in. Oh God, how am I suppose to look at him again?” I looked at him mortified, causing him to laugh at me and I smacked at him playfully.
“I’m sorry, but the look on your face is priceless.” We both straighten up, laughing at the ridiculousness of us getting caught by Blake.
“Time to talk to Cohen about Maxwell. So how much trouble am in, with him anyway?”
He shook his head at me. “He’s upset. I, however, am pissed at your recklessness. You do know you’re not allowed out of my sight, right?”
I walked up and twisted my fingers in the belt loops of his jeans, yanking him to me. “Sounds good to me.”
Chapter Fifteen
“You can’t be serious, you leaked that you’re going to have him revealed to the press. Do you have a death wish?” So Cohen was clearly not on board with my choice to take down Maxwell.
“It’s time to end this and the only way is to get him to come after me. That’s no one’s choice but mine, no matter whose feelings are involved.” I looked at both Jax and Cohen, seeing their realization that neither would sway me to do otherwise.
“Lexi, this won’t bring Lucas back.” I turned to Cohen and my eyes bolted him to his spot.
“Don’t bring him into this. This isn’t just about him anymore. People are coming after me, after the people I love. Too much has been lost, I’m not willing to lose anymore, so either be on my side or get the hell out,” I said firmly. “It’s done.”
Stunned didn’t even describe the look on their faces right now. Cohen stayed completely still, but Jax walked up to me, grabbing my hand, causing it to tingle at the touch. “Lexi, I’m with you, no matter how crazy I think this is. I understand.” I heard something slam and I noticed Cohen had stormed out of the room. I let go of Jax and started chasing after him.
“Cohen, I’m sorry, but I have to do this.” He whipped around and was in front of me, crashing his lips on mine. I got lost in the moment and kissed him back, feeling his need for this. I admitted I felt the need in myself and returned the kiss tenfold before breaking apart.
“I won’t stand by and watch you get yourself killed. I love you too much to see you do that.” With that he left me standing there confused and disoriented, unable to turn around to face Jax.
I felt his hands on my waist and I tensed, waiting for the argument. “Lexi, relax, I’m not mad. Cohen loves you, I’ve known for a while now and I accepted that. He’s just upset and scared that you’re going to get hurt. I can’t blame him for that or for kissing you. You forget I had my own experience and it was nothing like that. I know you have feelings for him. The only way I have an issue is if that means you want him and not me.” I shook the back of my head against his chest. I knew he was right about Cohen and that I did care. What I felt for Jax or Nolan was consuming and world ending. I just didn’t know if that made it the right thing. Jax had been my rock lately, but is it infatuation and comfortable habit to fall to? Nolan, God I don’t even know, it’s looking more and more like he is working against me. I still don’t believe he’d let me get killed. Cohen I trust more than anything. He is always there, my north star guiding me and dodging the bad waves. Do I play it safe or go for the risk? And which one is which?
* * *
Things had been very quiet since what happened with Jax. That was nearly five weeks ago and we had put everything to do with us on the backburner. I knew I had love type of feelings for Jax. I knew I loved Nolan more than anything in the world, but that didn’t mean we were meant to be together. Cohen, well, I cared about him. I loved him as a friend, but my life was too complicated; until I was sure, I was going to try not to cloud the air anymore than it already was. Right?
Tory came around the corner and I looked at him, seeing his concern. “There was a letter sent to the office. Nolan was waiting for you at the penthouse.” I felt the panic in his voice and knew better than to argue with him at this point. “Okay, let’s get Clark and we will go. Jax, tell your dad to have the rest of the team meet me at Cadenza, I’ll see you there.” I gave Jax a tight hug and he reluctantly let me go. He knew I’d be doing this either with his support or without. I ran and grabbed my jacket before meeting Tory and Clark by the elevator. Rushing out of the building into my SUV, I thought of all the things that could be wrong. What if the threat is against Nolan? I’d never be able to live with myself if something happens to him, even if he’s working against me. My brother loved him as a brother and I love him more than I ever thought possible, even though I hate that I do.
I rushed into the living area of my apartment and he was standing there, holding a letter. When he saw me, he tried to crumble it, but I ran to him and grabbed it. “Don’t read it, Lexi.” I dodged away from him and hid behind Clark and Tory.
“She has a right to know, Nolan, it’s her life they are trying to take away,” Tory said. Nolan backed down and stood there, waiting for me to read it.
Miss Storm, I’ve gotten your message. Clever child, maybe too clever for you own good. This will not come to pass; you will hand over the codes within the next 24 hours. If I don’t hear from you after that, what happens will be the unfortunate consequences of your dire actions or lack of. I’d hate to see you suffer a worse fate than your dear brother or maybe I will go after those you love first, so you will not refuse me. Do the intelligent thing, child. Give me the codes. I’ll be watching. *M*
I handed the letter to Tory, who quickly read it before crushing it and tossing it in the fireplace that was lit by him. “Alexis, what are you going to do? Maybe we should give him what he wants or put you into hiding?”
I shook my head because neither of those would get to happen right now. “I’m done hiding. This is only going to end in two ways, either him or me in a coffin.” I looked at Tory and there was anguish in his face at my words.
“No. Lexi, stop this. You’re going to get hurt. Tory, we can’t let her do this, she’s going to end up dead.” Tory was firmly in the middle of this and I knew the pain that caused him.
“Nolan, man, she’s right. He’s not going to just stop if she hands over the codes. He can’t duplicate her product when the stock runs out. He will be back for more and only with bigger threats. She will never be free until he’s dead and gone. Don’t ask her to give up her life, man. I think she’s given up enough to them, don’t you?” Clark never talked, so everyone was caught off guard, even me whom he did openly talk to. When Clark spoke you listened, and by both Tory and Nolan’s silence, they clearly had.
“I don’t think it’s a great plan, but I’ll be by your side the whole way.” I turned to Tory and hugged him. He had no idea what his support meant to me. I had found a father in Tory over the last few years, but I never thought much of it until it was clear he was always with me.
“Thank you, Tory.” Clark nudged Tory and they walked out, leaving Nolan and I alone in here.
“Lexi, baby, don’t do this to yourself. Please, if not for you, then for me and for Lucas. This isn’t a game and he will kill you.” I saw he was holding back tears at the realization I was most likely not going to make it out of this alive. I’d be crying too, but I knew that when I started all this. Locking my arms around his waist, I put my face against his check and hugged him tightly.
“Nolan, I don’t know what’s going on or who to trust. But I can’t do any
of this without you. I need you safe, I owe that to Lucas. Enough people have been hurt by these people. You can’t save me, but I can save you.”
“Lexi, I know you don’t have any reason to believe me, but I really am on your side with all this. I just can’t tell you everything, I can’t be honest about a lot of the things you want me to, but it’s all for you.” I felt my heart sink. I wished I could believe him and that he’d be on my side, but there were too many unanswered questions.
“I know and I want that to be true. Don’t prove me wrong, Nolan. Now I have to go. I’m sorry, but thank you for telling me about the letter.” I moved away and opened the door, but it was slammed shut again.
“What do you mean you have to go? He’s giving you twenty-four hours, we have to come up with a plan.” I shook my head at him because I already had.
“I’m going to Cadenza tonight and my plan is to ignore him. When the twenty-four hour mark hits, we will be ready for his attack.” He looked shaken by my answer.
“Fine, I know I can’t stop you, but then I am coming too.”
I saw in his eyes there was no room for arguing, but still feeling entirely insecure around him, I couldn’t help my response. “Fine, let’s go try not to screw anyone tonight.”
Chapter Sixteen
When we arrived at the club, I went to Paula first to check in and get her to sign some paperwork for Cadenza. She looked at me puzzled. “Just in case I’m not around, I need you to be able to sign for everything.” She reluctantly signed off on everything and I handed it off to Clark to take it to the office to have it filed. The club was doing so well with her in charge. She was really taking her job to the next level. Nolan, Jax and Cohen were hovering and frankly starting to piss me off; it was bad enough Tory was attached to my hip. I headed to my office and only allowed Tory in with me, much to the dismay of the others. “Tory, I need to tell you something you’re not going to like hearing. Remember everything they’ve done to me before you scream.”
“Oh, Alexis, what trouble have you caused now?” He knew me so well, that I doubted I had to tell him not to be mad. “I may or may not have sabotaged the prototype that Maxwell had and was shipping to show his illegal investors a couple hours ago.” When I explained how and that the computer would read it was illegally obtained while being tracked and unusable, he fought hard to control his anger with me. “Alexis, I understand why you’re doing this. I miss Lucas too, but you’re poking a bear here. You don’t know how he’s going to react to your display of rebellion.”
I shook my head at him and he stopped lecturing. “Tory, I know exactly how this is going to play out. He’s going to come after me, people will be exposed and sides will be chosen. We will be ready for him when he does.”
We joined the others after a bit more of discussion and all, but Nolan demanded to know what was going on. Nolan knew better than to ask. If I wanted them to know, I would’ve had them in the conversation. Jax was called out with Blake to do a sweep of the surrounding area, leaving me with Cohen, Nolan and Tory watching closely. I went and danced with Paula while the men watched us and we laughed at their inability to relax. I looked over and saw Tory listening intently to his ear peace and the look on his face turned to terror. He said something to Nolan, causing his face to mirror Tory’s. They were upon us, dragging us off to the side of the dance floor before we knew what was going on.
Just then men started coming in the front and side exits and someone yelled “Cops,” causing everyone to scatter. People were fleeing in every direction and the men were descending upon us. They had locked in on me and started yelling out orders. My men were everywhere and fighting broke out. Tory took off to the men who were running at us, beating them to the first punch. “Get her out of here, Nolan.”
Cohen grabbed me and started dragging me after him toward the west exit, but I was brought to a halt when Nolan yanked me out of his arms and started off toward my back office exit. “Let her go. Lexi, come on.” Nolan looked at me, pleading with me to stay with him. I made a decision to go with him. Tory said for Nolan to do this. As much as I didn’t trust him, I did trust Tory.
We made it into the back with Cohen trailing behind us and he was holding the door closed just in case. “Lexi, you can’t trust him, you know that. He’s just going to hurt you like always, let’s go now.” I looked at him, blankly realizing he was asking me to choose between Nolan and himself.
“Get Tory out of here, Cohen, just do it and make sure he’s safe, please.” I put my hand in Nolan’s. He grabbed me, kissing the top of my head and the last thing I heard as we left was Cohen yelling.
“Don’t you see he’s never going to change?” We were running down the alley and we heard men yelling, so we ducked into a back building until they passed.
“Nolan, we have to get out of here and find Tory.” He put his hand over my mouth, silencing me as another group of men passed.
When the coast was clear, he dragged me behind him as we made our way through the street and he flagged down a taxi. He gave them an address I’d never heard and I was wondering if I just made a huge mistake. We pulled up forty minutes later to an old Victorian style building and he pulled me out the taxi while throwing money at the driver. Once we were inside, he put in a code to the elevator and we went to the top floor. As the doors opened, I saw family pictures on the wall and came to the realization that this must be his dad’s New York apartment.
“He’s not here, but I couldn’t think of anywhere else to bring you. I just had to get you out of there and the penthouse wasn’t an option. I know you did something to make him do this. What have you gotten yourself into now, Alexis?”
I spent the next fifteen minutes telling him everything and then another five in silence as he paced looking at me, opening his mouth but closing it right after. He had no idea what to say at my blunt show of rebellion to Maxwell. “Don’t hate me, Nolan, please, I’m begging you. I can’t take that from you too, right now.” He didn’t say anything, so I continued. “I know you’re working for someone and keeping tabs on me. I don’t care, we all have secrets. But a choice is coming and you’re going to have to make a final choice, just like I will. Don’t say anything. I don’t want any more lies, so unless you will tell me everything, don’t try and reason with me about your lies.” He looked on like he was staring right through me. “Am I going to be safe with you, Nolan?” He huffed and looked offended, refusing to answer my question. “Can I trust you?” I pleaded.
“The better question is can I trust you, Lexi? When all this comes to play, can I trust you will listen?” He walked up to me and put his hands on either sides of my face. “Nothing goes as planned, Lexi, this is going to get you hurt. I...” He struggled to keep his emotions in check and with whatever he was trying to say to me. I saw a single tear come down his face and it pulled at my heart. I was silently praying for him to say something, anything to show me I was wrong about him. “God, I love you, why can’t you see that I just don’t want you to get hurt?” I was stunned at his confession and I looked wide-eyed at him, searching for signs that he was lying. There weren’t any. I knew when Nolan wasn’t lying, and he wasn’t being dishonest, he truly did love me. “Lexi, baby. Please, just say something, anything. I love you, more than anything in this world.” His words broke my heart; they made me feel like everything was being turned upside down. His face was distant, waiting for my rejection.
“You shouldn’t have said that.” I pulled him to me, letting our lips do the rest. He pulled me closer and there wasn’t an inch of space between us. I started pulling off his shirt and he didn’t stop me this time. I was not stopping, even if he did try. He pulled from me, gliding his hands down my sides, then pulled my top off as well. I became hesitant and my touching of him stopped.
“Why, baby? I’ve wanted this for so long, don’t stop me, Lexi baby.” At the thought of those words, whether they be true or not, I nearly convulsed right in his arms.
“Because I... I will never
be able to let you go now, Nolan.” My words were shaky and I could barely keep my breathing levelled.
When I looked away from his eyes, I could barely form words now. When I looked back at him I saw his solid chest and noticed he had a nipple piecing. I giggled, causing him to stop stroking my bare skin on my back. “I never thought of you with one of these.” I flicked it and he moaned, grabbing my backside and pushing me against his now solid erection. I had no doubt that he wanted this as badly as I did.
“I’m glad you’ve been thinking of me.” I groaned and captured his mouth with mine. He picked me up so that my legs were straddling his waist and he walked us into a bedroom, placing me on the bed gently. I glanced up at him and took in his appearance, causing me to become breathless at the sight of him. There’d never be another man I looked at, like I looked at him; he brought sex appeal to a whole new level.
I tugged on his pants, bringing him down on top of me and started to roll him onto his back. I straddled his legs and I started to undo his pants. When I did that, he lifted his backside off the bed, allowing me to pull down his pants without much effort. I shuffled up so I was sitting right on top of him, causing him to groan with the pleasure of the near contact. He swiftly grabbed my behind, turning me onto my back with him on top of me. I went to undo my pants, but he stopped me. No, not now, if he stopped this now, I might kill him with my sexual frustration.
“Let me do that.” He slowly undid my pants, shimming them down slowly until they were now beside the rest of our expelled clothing and we were left in nothing more than our underwear. “Beautiful, how are you so damn beautiful, Lexi?” He bent down and started trailing kisses down my stomach, which made me shiver with satisfaction. I was losing my thoughts and falling into a place of bliss with every kiss. I was almost there when I felt his mouth on me and I propped myself up in a fright at the connection.
Determined & Derailed (Storm Corp Book 1) Page 10
