Being Free (Siren Publishing Classic)

by Lee Rose

  When he came out he discovered a different Anna. Her hair was hanging long and loose down her back and she had applied make-up. Her eyes were outlined in some black stuff making them look sexy as hell and her lips were painted a soft pink color. She looked hot but he liked her without the makeup or war paint as his dad often called it. He used to joke and say when their mom had on her war paint she meant business. This was Anna’s armor for when David came and questioned her. She slipped on some silver heels and added silver dangling earrings and a bracelet.

  Blake quickly got dressed and they went out into the living room. “I can make breakfast for us.”

  She shook her head. “I can’t eat. How about toast?”

  Blake made her a plate of buttered toast. Sam and Victor both showed up a few minutes later.

  Anna let the three brothers sit in the living room and talk. She was already feeling scared as if everything was spinning out of control and she couldn’t stop it. She didn’t think Blake understood how cold Santiago was. His image meant everything to him and her beating him up and escaping his clutches wouldn’t sit well with him. She washed her plate and the coffee mugs, feeling too agitated to just sit quietly. Her stomach was tied up in knots and her chest hurt.

  She wasn’t sure what to expect when she met Blake’s FBI buddy, but the mild-mannered man took her by surprise. He was tall but built lean and wore a navy suit and wire-trimmed glasses. His blond hair was slicked back with gel and he looked like an accountant, not a law enforcement agent.

  They must have noticed her surprised expression because they all seemed amused by it.

  “Don’t let his Clark Kent appearance fool you, honey,” Blake said, bringing her into the living room and sitting her on the couch next to him. “He is one sneaky son of a bitch.”

  Sam laughed as he sat in Blake’s recliner. “David is more stubborn than Blake and that will help you fight Santiago.”

  “Thanks for the introduction, guys. I think you scared her more.” David gave her a gentle smile and grabbed her hand and kissed it gallantly. “You are even more beautiful in person, Miss Lopez. I have seen many of your pictures.”

  Anna blushed and whispered her thanks. “Please, call me Anna.”

  Blake pulled Anna’s hand out of the way and told David to sit way across the room, making him laugh.

  “What do you mean pictures?” Victor questioned.

  “Santiago Martinez is a wealthy man. He owns two of the most successful casinos in Reno and is constantly followed by the media. As his live-in girlfriend, so is Miss Lopez. She can’t go places without guards or reporters following her. So far he has explained her absence by saying she is on a vacation but I think the press is wondering why you have disappeared from the scene.” He pulled out a newspaper clipping of her stepping out of a limo with Santiago and his guards and one of her cutting the ribbon at the new medical center Santiago helped to fund. He loved any publicity that made him look good.

  They all looked at it except Anna. She didn’t want to be reminded of Santiago, even in a picture.

  “I know a little bit of basic information about you, Anna. You are twenty-six years old and the live-in girlfriend of Santiago Martinez. You run a lot of his charities and the people you deal with speak highly of your kindness. You make him look good and people tend to forget he is nothing but a crook.”

  “Ex.” She stressed that word but he wasn’t telling her anything new.

  “Of course, sorry,” he corrected. “Are the charities on the up and up?”

  She looked anxiously at the men seated around the room then at Blake. “Can I speak freely?”

  Blake nodded and held her hand waiting for her to speak.

  “Yes, because I am in charge. I insisted they be legal and Santiago finally agreed. It made him look good with the press and he has the money to spend. I know not everything in his business dealings is legal, but I did my best to stay out of the way. That was the only way to stay alive. I admit in the beginning I saw Santiago through rose-colored glasses. As time went on I saw the real him but by then I was stuck in the relationship. I was never allowed to go out alone, only with him or his guards,” she said sadly. The choices she had made in her life led her here and she had only herself to blame. She didn’t have time to sit around feeling sorry for herself. If she could, she had to get out of this and make better choices in the future.

  “Do you have any evidence? Blake told me you witnessed one of his men gun your friend down but it will be hard to pin that on Santiago. His men are known for their loyalty,” David said, looking at her with sympathy when she agreed.

  Anna stood up and paced. She bit her nails while thinking about something. She finally looked at David. “I do have some copies of papers of shady deals and recordings in my safe deposit box back home. Ben kept an account open for me in his name. I have money and information that I planned on using to get away from him. If I go to Reno, I can give it to you. It might be worth the risk.”

  “Do you know Benito Morales?”

  Anna shook her head. “I know the name but I never met him. He’s Santiago’s business partner but he also deals with drugs, big shipments. Whenever they had a meeting together, Santiago would send me away with some guards. He said Benito was ruthless and untrustworthy and he didn’t want me around him.”

  David nodded. “That’s true.”

  He looked at Blake as if knowing Blake would refute his statement. “Guess me and Anna are headed to Reno. This is the only way for her to have something against Santiago. If the information is good, then I can involve my bosses and do this the right way.”

  “Or we could just go to Reno and just shoot his ass,” Sam volunteered seriously. “He has so many enemies they won’t know who did it.”

  Anna smiled. “I like Sam’s plan. Simple and quick.”

  Blake rolled his eyes. “Don’t encourage him, honey. Sam loves using his guns way too much.”

  David laughed. “Let’s try the legal way first. Then I’ll help Sam with his plan if plan A fails.”

  “I’m going with you to Reno. No way is Anna going alone,” Blake stated firmly.

  Anna hugged Blake around the waist, leaning into his warm, hard body. She would love to have him near her but she also didn’t want him to get in the crossfire. “Maybe you should wait here for me where it is safe. If you want, I can come back.”

  “Anna, believe it or not I can take care of myself. You are putting a dent in my macho image.” He seemed amused at her worried look.

  “I know you’re tough, Blake. I was actually scared of you that first day and wondered if you worked for Santiago. I could easily see you as one of his muscle men. But a bullet can kill anyone, even big muscled men like you.” She crossed her arms across her chest stubbornly. “Santiago’s men won’t hesitate to kill anyone or fight without honor. I already lost my best friend. I don’t think I can stand to lose you, too.”

  “What if you’re in disguise, Anna?” Sam interrupted with an idea. “Melody can fit you into a wig and make you look different. If you go as is, your ex will know within two minutes. Wouldn’t it be easier for all of us to sneak in as tourists?”

  David nodded excitedly. “That’s true, Anna. If you are in disguise, it will be better and Blake can accompany us to the bank. Since I am here off the clock, I can’t exactly call my boss and ask for back-up. Sam can come, too. He is quick and accurate with a gun. He can be our outside lookout.”

  “Hey,” Victor protested, standing up. “I might not have been in the military but I can shoot a gun just as well as Sam.”

  David looked at Blake and Blake sighed. “Fine, you are both going with us. But Vic you better not breathe a word to mom or dad or I will kick your ass.”

  Sam pushed Vic playfully. “Yeah, Momma’s boy.”

  Anna couldn’t help it. Victor’s mad face did make him look like a little boy being picked on by his two older brothers. She started to laugh until they all joined in.

  Chapter 11

/>   Melody put a short, light brown wig on Anna and stepped back to see the results.

  Anna looked in the mirror and smiled as she turned her face to the left and to the right. The wig’s hair landed just above her shoulder and was the color of sand. They were in Blake’s bedroom while the men waited out in the living room.

  “Wow, Melody. I can’t believe how different I look.”

  Melody giggled. “Gone is the sultry sex goddess who can’t help but be noticed. You still look beautiful but more the girl-next-door type of beautiful. And if you wear sunglasses out in public that will really add to the disguise.”

  Anna agreed with more confidence. This plan might just work and without anyone getting hurt. “Thanks for your help, Melody. You’re a lifesaver.”

  “I hope you come back, Anna, and we can be friends,” Melody replied with a smile. “Us girls need to stick together with these stubborn Murphy men thinking they are in charge.”

  Blake walked into the bedroom with a bag in his hand and stopped in mid-step. His mouth just hung open and no words came out, making the two girls laugh hysterically.

  He turned Anna in different ways and critically looked at her appearance. “I can’t believe how different you look, but you are still beautiful, honey.”

  “I know. That’s what I told her.” Melody smiled.

  Blake put his arm around Melody’s shoulder. “Thanks for your help, Melody. Sam is lucky to have you.”

  “Hey, get your hands off my woman.” Sam came in to the room and grumbled playfully at Blake. He pulled the petite redhead out of Blake’s arms and into his own. Melody leaned into Sam and he complimented her on her work, giving her a quick kiss.

  “We have some jeans and a shirt for you to try on,” Blake said, remembering why he had come in. He handed Anna the bag and they left her alone to change.

  Anna put the jeans on and then the light green camisole with matching sweater. It seemed strange to look in the mirror and see a totally different person. If she wore no makeup at all it would also help add to the disguise. Santiago had never liked her being without make-up on.

  She walked out into the living room to see everyone’s reaction. They all commented on the dramatic change to her look.

  “So we leave in the morning then,” David said, having made all the arrangements. He was staying with Victor at his apartment tonight. “Let’s meet here at seven a.m.”

  Sam took Melody home so he could spend some time with her.

  “Let’s go to the diner and have dinner,” Blake suggested. “Molly saw Anna yesterday. If she doesn’t recognize her then we’ll know for sure if we have a chance at sneaking into Reno.”

  “I need to go home and cancel a date and pack,” Victor said, leaving the three of them alone.

  Blake and Anna drove to the diner in David’s rental car and walked in together. Anna had added a pair of sunglasses to her disguise. Molly seated them and greeted Blake. She greeted David and Anna without a flicker of recognition for Anna.

  Once they were seated, Anna whispered with relief. She leaned toward Blake and whispered happily, “I think it worked.”

  They had dinner and kept the conversation casual. David insisted on paying so Blake and Anna walked outside to wait for him. Anna found a bench to sit on. She took a deep calming breath. Just the thought of going back into Santiago’s territory made her insides clench in fear. But it was necessary if she wanted her freedom and she did. She wanted the chance to be part of Blake’s life and to re-discover who she really was. Maybe get a job and live a normal life without guards or fear.

  Blake sat next to her and anchored her body close to his. Anna’s fear was apparent on her face.

  “It’ll be okay, honey,” he assured her with confidence, kissing her forehead softly. “How many guards did you always have with you?”

  “Two if I was alone and four if Santiago was with me,” she answered quickly. “Why?”

  “Well now you have us four guarding that delectable body of yours.” He kissed her neck, making her giggle and relax a little. She leaned her head on his shoulder. Why hadn’t she met Blake years before?

  “Well, Blake,” a voice sneered and they looked up into Jenna’s smug looking face. It was obvious she was angry to see Blake with someone else. Jenna smiled but it wasn’t a nice smile. “You sure are turning into quite the playboy. This isn’t the same girl you were with at the steakhouse.”

  Anna decided to have some fun. She pretended to be outraged. She changed her voice so it had a country twang to it. She stood up and put her hands over her heart, trying to look mad and not laugh. “Why, Blake Murphy, you scoundrel. You assured me I was the only woman in your life!”

  She turned to Jenna who was smiling with triumph. She gave her a sweet smile. “Thank you for saving me. I was just about to go home with him.”

  “You’re welcome. This man is bad news.” Jenna gave Blake a triumphant look.

  Anna pretended to stomp off, leaving Blake with Jenna. She walked across the street to David’s car where he was already waiting for them. He had overheard the scene and walked off before he burst out with laughter.

  When Anna reached him, he couldn’t contain his laughter. He pulled Anna into a hug as if he was comforting her. “I take it that is his ex. Sam said she is a real piece of work.”

  Anna giggled. “She saw us together a few nights ago but she didn’t even recognize me. I feel more confident now.”

  David let her go and they got in the car. Blake crossed the street giving Anna a look that promised retribution. He got in the car after making sure Jenna had left already. He turned and looked at Anna who was in the backseat laughing.

  “You deserve a spanking for that little performance.”

  She laughed and did her country voice. “Why, when you, sir, are the heartbreaker. Just dating women left and right. It’s such a shame I tell you. Good men are hard to find.”

  David laughed as he started driving. He had a feeling Anna was exactly what his old friend needed.

  Chapter 12

  Anna was so nervous on the flight back home. She actually thought she might lose the breakfast Blake had forced her to eat a few hours ago. They were booked anonymously in a hotel and tomorrow, in the morning, they would make the journey to the bank. Blake held her hand and she felt comforted by his presence. She couldn’t remember the last time she had felt so safe. Even before she decided she had had enough and left, she had always been under stress. She was always so careful about how she acted so Santiago wouldn’t get mad at her.

  Blake tried to distract her and ask her about all the places that tourists like him and his brothers could visit. She knew he was trying to get her mind off going home and she went along with it, willing to forget for just a minute.

  “Besides the nightlife of casinos and fancy restaurants, there are a lot of outdoor activities in Reno. Ben and I used to canoe at one of the lakes on our day off. Sometimes we would camp for the weekend or go bike riding. Wow. I had forgotten all that. Santiago hated parks and outdoor things so I wasn’t allowed to go.”

  “Well after all this is over me and you are going camping and swimming. I’d love to make love with you under the stars,” he promised seductively in her ear so the others couldn’t hear.

  “I’d like that a lot, Blake,” she whispered back, trying not to blush.

  They checked into the Hilton away from the main strip where all the popular attractions were located. Anna let Blake do the actual checking in since they were checking in as Mr. and Mrs. Murphy. She wanted to stay in the background, unnoticed. Sam and Victor checked in to their own rooms and David went home promising to come back later before dinner.

  “Well this is an improvement over the Shady Grove Motel,” Anna commented after the bellhop left. She took off her sunglasses and laid them on the dresser.

  Blake laughed and looked around at the luxurious room. He liked the king-sized bed and wiggled his eyebrows in a suggestive manner. “A bed big enough to roll around
in. I can’t wait to try it out.”

  Anna swatted his chest playfully.

  Blake looked out the window to make sure no one was out there watching the hotel. It was mid-afternoon and cars drove by but it looked clear. Then he went to open the doors that connected to the other rooms. Sam and Victor had a room on each side of them. Anna was surrounded and should feel safe but she still couldn’t help but feel a tingle of fear that Santiago would find out. She knew most of it was in her mind but she wouldn’t feel better until she was as far away as possible from Santiago.

  Anna was exhausted emotionally and physically so she lay on the couch and took a nap while Blake and his brothers made plans. She dreamt Santiago and his men busted the door down, ready to kill her. She whispered his name, pleading for him not to kill Blake.

  * * * *

  Blake knew Anna was having a nightmare when he heard her whisper her ex’s name. He walked over to the couch and soothed her until she fell back into a peaceful sleep. He hated the thought of her being scared but after all she had been through with that asshole, he understood. Maybe he should have listened to Sam and just took the bastard out. It would be no great loss to the world but he still thought a legal route was their best bet. Santiago deserved to rot in jail for all the harm he had caused Anna and for killing her only ally in life. But she wasn’t alone anymore. He would stand by her side through all this and she was going home with him. There she would have his family, too. He covered her with a blanket and stood staring at her for a few minutes. She was beautiful and he knew in his heart he could no longer fight his feelings for her. He could feel it deep down in his soul. He was okay with it, too. Sam had been right. The difference was he trusted Anna. She wasn’t interested in playing games with his heart.

  David arrived and they went into Sam’s room so they wouldn’t disturb Anna. Blake made sure he left the door between the rooms open.

  “Anything going on?” Blake asked David.

  David shook his head and pulled his laptop out of his briefcase. “I took the day off tomorrow so we’re good. I looked up the First National Bank.”