Broken (Broken Trilogy Book 1)

by Drake, J. L.

  He is pouring out his feelings, opening his heart, and exposing his soul to me. All that is running through my mind is he’ll be leaving me soon.

  “Don’t, baby,” I hear him whisper over my cheek as he moves at a gentle pace. “Don’t go there now, I’ll come home.”

  I press my lips together letting a few tears leak out.

  He kisses them away. “Stay with me, my sweet Savannah.”

  My eyes flutter open.

  “Fall with me, I promise I won’t let you go.”

  All I can do is nod as he kisses me breathlessly.

  The slow pace is making my head spin. A ball of fire grows quickly in my stomach. My legs are restless so I wrap them around his waist feeling his back muscles twitch and my hands grip the sheets as he whispers my name.

  “Cole!” I beg, knowing I’m so close.

  He starts kissing along my collarbone.

  The mix between his hard breaths and his hot lips tip me over the edge. I free fall into the fireworks losing my ability to think. I can only feel. I’m tumbling, spinning, twisting inside. I’m vaguely aware that I’m screaming something incoherent. Cole’s shaking and gripping my legs, getting deeper. It’s all too much but I don’t want it to stop! Sweat bursts out along my skin, my hands hanging on for dear life as we both reach the peak together, his body convulsing along with mine. I feel myself float back to earth, feeling like a feather taking its sweet time to land.

  Sinking back into the mattress, feeling like I’ll never move again, Cole wipes the hair out of my face as he smiles down at me, at the same time sliding out, making me flinch at the feeling.

  He gets a warm facecloth to clean me then chucking the cloth in the general direction of the bathroom he crawls back in, making the bed dip. He tugs my limp body into his chest, running his fingers up and down my spine.

  I close my eyes, giving into the utopia that’s rushing through my veins. Being in Cole’s arms has never felt more right. He owns every part of me. Just as I’m walking the thin line to blissful sleep I feel Cole’s chest vibrate against my cheek.

  “You can always fall, Savannah, because I will be the one catching you.”

  Chapter Eighteen

  “Savannah!” I feel my shoulder being shaken roughly, “Savannah wake up!” Cole shouts through a whisper.

  “Okay, I’m awake. What’s wrong?”

  Cole is tossing clothes at me.

  “Get dressed,” he says pulling on his pants. “Quickly, we don’t have time!”

  My mind scrambles as I tug at my clothes and pull on my boots.

  “Here!” He hands me my jacket. “Follow me.” He grabs my hand and opens the bedroom door, checking to see if it’s clear. “Come on!” He hurries down the hall. Why aren’t we using the back stairway I wonder?

  “Where are we going?”

  He doesn’t answer, stopping as he unlocks Abigail’s room. Abigail, June, and Sue are huddled on her bed looking terrified.

  “Stay here, no matter what. Don’t open the door. I’m the only one with a key.” Cole holds my shoulders as he bends down to eye level. “You’ll be safe; wait for me.” He kisses me then instructs June to lock the door behind him.

  “No, Cole, wait!”

  “Savannah, stay!” he orders.

  I look back toward the women feeling completely confused since I was awoken out of a dead sleep. My mind is madly trying to come to terms with what is going on.

  “Come here,” Sue says, patting the mattress beside her. “Tell me, Savannah, when you guys were coming down the hallway, did you hear anything, see anything?”

  “No.” I shake my head. “I don’t think so.”

  “Oh God, this is bad,” June cries. “I always knew this day would come, but now…” She reaches for her sister’s hand and starts to pray.

  “I don’t understand. What's going on?” I ask.

  “The Cartel,” Abigail says in a straggled voice. “Mark said there’s at least twelve of them.”

  “Oh my God,” I say, starting to shake, “this is all my fault.”

  “No, dear,” is all June says.

  Pounding on the door has us all screaming at once. Someone yells something in Spanish then the door blasts open. Wooden chips fly all around us and we’re momentarily stunned before Abigail starts screaming at the top of her lungs.

  All I see is a black AK-47 rise out of the dust and flash three bright bursts of light followed by a thud.

  June flies to her sister’s side as two more flashes of light appear and then June flops to the floor on top of Abigail. I feel Sue fling herself on top of me, pushing me back on the bed as her body gives four violent shakes, then goes limp. Her blood drains all around me covering my face and hair as I struggle to get free. When she falls to the side I see The American standing in the doorway wiping his hands with a white handkerchief.

  “Time to go,” he says like nothing has happened. Like he hasn’t just killed three people I love! I ignore, him rushing to Sue—holding her cooling body in my arms as I try to bring her back, but she’s so pale.

  “Please,” I cry, sobbing loudly, “wake up!” There is so much blood. I feel The American grip my arm and pull me toward the door.

  “I said, time to go!”

  “No!” I scream. “Please!”

  “Savannah! Savannah!”

  My eyes pop open as I leap out of bed, still screaming for my friends. I run for the door when a strong pair of arms wrap around me. “How could you kill them?” I sob, “They’re my family.”

  “Savannah, stop, it’s okay. You were dreaming.” Cole’s chest vibrates against me. “It’s okay, it’s okay.”

  “Cole?” I whisper.

  “Yes, baby, it’s me.”

  “Cole.” I turn in his arms, sobbing into his chest and collapsing as he lowers me to the floor with him. I hold onto him for dear life until the nightmare wears off and I’m left to deal with its hangover. After a while I finally calm. As I rest my head on his leg, his fingertips run along my arm—back and forth.

  “You want to talk about it?” he asks softly.

  I shake my head no, even just him asking brings on a few more tears.

  “Okay, when you’re ready then.”

  After some more time goes by I decide to ask a question that’s been bothering me. “If the house was to get attacked, is there a safe room?”

  “Yes, there is,” he replies gently.

  I let out a long breath.

  “Under the entertainment room there’s another level. It’s where we kept York. There are four jail cells and beyond that is the safe room. More like a safe floor, it’s huge, the size of the kitchen, living room, and dining room combined. It’s untouchable from the outside. If we ever were to get attacked you would use the back hallway and follow whoever is taking you down to that room where you will stay until it’s safe.” I shift so that I’m looking up at him.

  “Would you come with us?”

  He plays with a piece of my hair between his fingers. “The captain doesn’t jump on the lifeboat.”

  A few more tears slip down into my hair. “But what if he has a reason to?” I counter trying to grasp for straws.

  “Baby, I know it’s scary, but I’ll protect you.”

  “I’m not worried about you protecting me, Cole, I worry about something happening to you.” I move to sit up, feeling my head clogged from crying so much. I wrap my arms around my drawn up legs, resting my chin on my knees.

  “This is my job, Savi, and I’m good at it. If it means anything, I’m not scared, it’s what I do.” His mouth twists as he looks at me. “What are you thinking?”

  I shrug, feeling tired, but now I’m nervous of falling asleep. “Sometimes I feel like this is one big dream. I mean this kind of thing doesn’t happen every day. I feel like I’m stuck, helpless, and taking up the Army’s time and resources. I know this isn’t my fault but it doesn’t make me feel less of a burden to you all.” I let out a long sigh. “I just want answers. I want
to know who’s behind this whole thing. I want my life back.”

  “I know you do.” Cole pulls me to my feet and lays me back in bed. He wraps his arm around me, tucking me against his side. “You’re not a burden Savi, you’re one of the best things that’s ever happened to this house. Not just for me, but for everyone.” He moves my hair out of his way and kisses the side of my forehead. “Try and get some sleep, you’re not alone. I’m here.”

  I close my eyes counting his heart beats till I finally pass out.

  ***

  Five days later…

  We walk hand in hand down the decorated street, colored string lights hanging in rows along both sides. Christmas trees stand outside every shop beautifully trimmed with every imaginable ornament and decoration. Carolers dressed in historical costumes sing “Carol of Bells” as they stand next to a hot-chocolate booth. A horse-drawn carriage is pulling a family of four down the street with sleigh bells ringing as they pass. Sue was not kidding. This town certainly is in love with Christmas. This is truly amazing, it looks like a scene right out of a Thomas Kinkade painting. I glance up at Cole who’s looking very classy in his black wool button up coat and gray scarf. I search his face, trying to see if he’s here with us or thinking about what’s ahead.

  The tension in the house has calmed down some since Cole held a house meeting the other night after dinner.

  Keith could not confirm if it was Jose Jorge or not the day I thought I saw him in town.

  But like Cole said, there’s nothing we can do but be prepared. He was wary about this outing but Daniel convinced him that we have to keep on living as long as we take the proper precautions.

  I had a wig and glasses on, about to head out the door, when Cole stopped me.

  “How do you feel?”

  “Honestly, a bit funny.” I hold a piece of the wig up. “I never pictured myself as a blonde.”

  He smiles and pulls it off.

  “I think if we’re careful enough, you won’t need this,” he chuckles adorably. “Here.” He tugs on a light pink knit hat. “That’s better.” He fingers one of my curls. “I like the sexy-librarian glasses though,” he jokes.

  I bat his arm but keep the thick rimmed glasses on. They really do change my appearance.

  Spotting Mark and Melanie walking together up ahead makes me smile, seeing that she has linked arms with him, her fire red hair peeking out of her green hat. They look happy; it’s refreshing to see everyone enjoying themselves. We really needed this.

  A jewelry shop window causes me to stop—who could resist! I press my hands on the frame to get a better look. “Oh, it’s beautiful,” I whisper, causing the glass to fog briefly.

  Cole leans over my shoulder to get a better look. It's a small crystal tear drop with a real snowflake preserved inside, hanging in the middle of a delicate chain. The way the crystal is set helps magnify the tiny flake.

  “Really does make it one of a kind.” He smiles as he says it.

  I have to laugh thinking how true that is. We continue walking to meet up with the group—we’ve fallen a bit behind.

  Cole doesn’t seem to be in a hurry. He suddenly flinches, then mutters something. He stops and leans down close to my ear. “Please go with what I say next.”

  I look up at him and he shakes his head then I hear what’s making him uneasy.

  “Well, well, Cole Logan,” says this long-legged blonde with unbelievably white teeth.

  “Hello, Christina,” he says back through clenched teeth…oh the bat-shit crazy ex! She looks over at me, then down at our joined hands.

  “Who’s this?” she asks him, not acknowledging me.

  “This is my fiancé.” He smiles down at me and I play my part well by stepping up on my tippy-toes giving him a rather long kiss.

  “You’re engaged?” She looks like a trout with her mouth hanging open. “Well, that’s a pity.”

  I roll my eyes.

  “Yes, we are and we have to meet up with the family so…ah, take care, Christina.” He nods, stepping around her.

  “Happy Holidays, Serena,” I say sweetly.

  “It’s Christina,” she huffs behind me.

  We round a corner before Cole says anything. “Well…”

  “She seems nice.”

  He starts laughing then pulls me into him giving me a hug.

  “So, your fiancée huh?”

  “It’s not far from the truth baby,” he mutters into my hair but before I can get him to clarify exactly what he means by that he’s tugging my hand in the direction of Zack’s restaurant.

  Dinner is just being placed in front of us when Cole’s cell phone rings.

  Mark looks over at him with a worried look as Cole excuses himself from the table and steps outside.

  “Could be anything,” Keith whispers in my ear.

  Watching Cole through the window gives up nothing, as his back is turned to me, so I can’t read his face. Twenty long minutes go by and everyone at the table attempts to draw my attention away from Cole. Finally it’s Sue who comes and sits in Cole’s chair who gets me to focus on her.

  “Hey,” she says gently running her hand over my forehead. “Are feeling all right? You look a little pale.”

  I shake my head and think about this morning and over the last few days I have been feeling a little off but it’s to be expected with all that’s been going on.

  “I’m stressed and my stomach's been a bit off.”

  Her eyes narrow watching me then finally she nods. “Have you been getting much sleep?”

  “Surprisingly, yes,” I reply. Minus the horrific nightmare at the beginning of the week, I have been getting lots of sleep. “I even took a few naps.”

  “Well, that’s good.” She smiles.

  I think I’ve convinced her I’m all right but it makes me wonder how bad I must look. I glance over at the window but Cole is gone. Looking around at everyone I see he’s not in the room. Just as I’m about to get up and look for him he returns, putting an icy hand on my shoulder.

  Mark looks at him and I catch some kind of emotion run across his face but nothing happens.

  Sue gives him back his chair and heads over to her seat whispering something to Daniel and his eyes flicker over to mine.

  Really guys I’m all right.

  “Cole?” I say, turning my attention to him.

  “Savi, you should eat, your food is getting cold.” He is looking at my untouched plate.

  Seriously? You want me to eat?

  “Was that Frank?” Mark says, looking past me to Cole.

  “Yes,” he whispers.

  “Are we being shipped out?”

  Cole glances around the table then shakes his head.

  What does that mean?

  “So Mark, what are your plans for Christmas?” Melanie asks, breaking the tension. Mark takes long deep breath before replying.

  “Umm, I’m leaving tonight actually for my cousin’s cabin.”

  I stare at him, unmoving.

  “Oh yeah, when will you be back?” she asks.

  “Not sure yet,” he says with a smile plastered on his face, “but when I get back we’ll have to go on that ski trip we talked about.” He looks very uncomfortable.

  I shove my plate away while Mark’s words hit me like a blow to the head. “Excuse me,” I say, rising out of my seat.

  Cole stands up signaling his mother.

  “Savi,” he says, sounding worried.

  “I just need the restroom,” I whisper not looking at him.

  Sue comes along, acting like she has to go too.

  My head is spinning. I begin to feel a little dizzy, and Sue helps me to the leather couch in the powder area of the restroom.

  “Here,” she says, holding a cool towel to my face as she sits next to me.

  “They got the call,” I whisper. “They ship out tonight.”

  Sue takes my hand but puts her fingers over the inside of my wrist.

  I look at her, thinking this is odd. �
��I’m all right, I just feel a little dizzy.”

  “Mmhmm,” she hums, continuing to check my pulse.

  “How do you deal with it?” I ask, feeling desperate for some help.

  She sighs, letting my arm go.

  “It took a while to get used to it,” she says quietly. “I just found things to keep me busy until he came home. Luckily for you, you have me, Abigail, and June, until she goes home, and the rest of the house.”

  “I’m scared,” I admit to her.

  “I know,” she says, giving me a comforting hug. “So am I.”

  ***

  Cole is trying everything in his power to concentrate on the meal and the guests but his conversation with Frank has him very uneasy. He nods to his father to meet him at the bar. They both excuse themselves and make their way over.

  “Two brandys,” Daniel orders as Cole runs his hand through his hair. “All right, son, what did Frank say?”

  “Blackstone is shipping out tonight at twenty-three hundred.”

  His father hands him his drink. “Target destination?”

  “Mexico City.”

  “That far south?”

  “Yeah.”

  “Hmm,” Daniel says, rubbing his neck. “Are you thinking—?”

  “Yeah, I am.”

  “Should I make the call to Agent Joel?”

  “Definitely.”

  “Cole,” his father says, placing a hand on his shoulder, “we’ll protect her. I’ll bring in my guys and make sure it’s Fort Knox up there. You need to focus on this trip and you need to do whatever it takes to focus and get your head in the game.”

  Cole looks up and sees Savannah is back at the table.

  “I hear ya, Dad.”

  ***

  I watch as Mark says goodbye to Melanie. I feel torn wondering which side I would like to be on. Maybe there’s something to being kept in the dark about their work. But at the same time not knowing would kill me. Oh Christ, I’m my own worst enemy.

  I feel Cole come up behind me, he slips his arm around my waist and ushers me out into the cold air. Sue and Daniel decided to spend the night to say goodbye to the guys before they leave. When Cole broke the news to Paul and John I was surprised by their reactions; they acted as if they were just given an updated weather report. I, on the other hand, am feeling tired-very tired. I lean into Cole, wrapping my arm around his waist.