Cara.
Slowing, he pulled behind her and stopped. “Are you okay?”
She didn’t answer, as if not hearing his question. Dismounting, he walked to her, settling a hand on her shoulder.
“Cara, are you all right?”
Startled, she moved away, eyes panicked.
“It’s Wrath. Tell me what happened.” He saw her shoulders rise and fall with each ragged breath.
“A group of javelinas started to cross the road. I had to swerve to miss them and must’ve hit an oil patch. I lowsided.” She looked at him, her eyes still wide with alarm.
Taking her shoulders, he turned her to him. “Let me see what we have here, then I’ll get the bike up and look it over.” Wrath walked around Cara, studying the road burns on her leather, but saw nothing indicating further injury. Still, she should get checked out. “I should take you to the emergency room.”
“No. I’m fine. Really. I just need to get back on my bike and finish the trip home.” Her voice wobbled a little, although it held a hint of determination.
Accepting she’d fight any attempt at having her examined, Wrath bent down, righting the bike in a quick motion. Looking it over, he spotted oil on the ground under it. Swinging his leg over the bike, he turned the key and tried throttling the machine, getting a choppy stutter before it died. He tried again, getting the same result. Blowing out a breath, he looked at her.
“You aren’t riding this anywhere tonight.” Dismounting, he pulled out his phone. Walking away, it didn’t take long for him to arrange for his guys to pick up the bike. Ending the call, he turned back to her. “My crew will be here in a few minutes to load up the bike and take it to our shop. I’ll take you home.”
Her jaw dropped. “You’re not taking me anywhere. I’ll call for a cab.”
Cara’s reluctance confused Wrath, but he didn’t argue. If she wanted to waste her money, it was her choice.
“Whatever you want, Cara.”
Brows furrowing, she pursed her lips, feeling a slight sense of disappointment. “All right.”
They stood in silence for several minutes before a truck appeared, coming to a stop behind them. Two men got out, walking to Wrath.
“What do we have here, Prez?” Rock crossed his arms. He and the man with him, Fargo, were part of the Posse and ran the club’s motorcycle customization and repair business.
“The lady lowsided. I can’t get it to turn over.”
“All right then.” Rock looked at Fargo. “Get the ramp out and we’ll get this loaded so Wrath can get on his way.”
“Wait!” Cara looked between the three men. “Where are you taking it? Do you have a card? How do I know you’re legitimate?”
Wrath stepped next to her. “Cara, this is Rock and Fargo. They run the club’s repair shop and are the best at what they do. I’ll give you one of my cards, and you’ll just have to trust me that the business is legit.”
Letting out a frustrated breath, she thought of her options, which were few. “All right. But call me with how much it’s going to cost before you order any parts.”
“Yes, ma’am.” Rock’s voice held a hint of amusement. “But I’ll need your number.”
Before Cara could respond, Wrath interrupted. “I’ll get it and let you know.”
“Good enough, Prez.” Rock rolled the bike to the back of the truck, loading and securing it within less than five minutes. “See you in the morning, Wrath. Have a good night, ma’am.” His lips twitched a little on the last.
Watching the truck’s taillights disappear, Wrath turned back to Cara. “Cab, or will you trust me enough to get you home?”
It would take at least fifteen minutes to get a ride out this far. Biting her lip, she blew out a breath. “If it isn’t too much trouble.”
“It’s not.” He got on his bike. “Where do you live?”
Cara rattled off an address, then climbed on behind him. “Do you know where it is?” She slid her arms around his waist, enjoying the feel of his taut muscles.
Stifling a groan at being this close to Cara, he nodded. Maybe he should’ve insisted on the cab. “I do. You ready?”
“Yes.”
Without another word, Wrath took off, taking the most direct route to her apartment. Each corner drew her closer, her chest pushed against his back. His body tightened to a painful degree, reminding him of how this had been a bad idea. Murmuring a curse, his jaw clenched.
Wrath needed to get her home and off his bike before she drove him crazy. This wasn’t quite what he expected, although it was exactly what he wanted less than an hour before. He now knew just how much she affected him. The knowledge didn’t sit well. Neither did the fact he’d now have to take a much longer cold shower.
Chapter Three
Rubbing his forehead, Wrath took another sip of his third cup of morning coffee, concentrating on reading through the papers in front of him. Their next mission wouldn’t be easy, but he had no doubt of the outcome. The admiral had indicated another assignment would be sent soon, giving Wrath time to set up this one.
The Eternal Brethren had been budgeted a good number of personnel, allowing them to take on several assignments at once. Each had been completed to Admiral Grayson’s satisfaction, the results inevitable. He’d be diverting the more difficult requests their way, which suited Wrath and his men just fine.
The success of the Brethren proved the argument for their organization had been dead-on. The few who knew about their existence wanted to duplicate the operation. Over a year ago, a second chapter had been started on the East Coast.
Wrath had asked permission to mention the new club to Ghost as a possible president. He’d refused. Instead, he’d put forth the names of three other possibilities, all active SEALs. The first one accepted. Wrath met with the man a few times before the officer had taken charge of his own unit, or club, as their public identity required.
From what Wrath knew, the new chapter had done an exemplary job. At least he hoped so as one of the new assignments would be a joint venture with them.
He looked at his vibrating phone, seeing Rock’s name. “Wrath.”
“We’ve checked out your lady’s ride and it’s going to be here a while.”
His mouth twisted. “She’s not my lady.”
Rock gave a low chuckle. “Of course she’s not. Anyway, we need to replace a tension belt, repair the fuel system, one fork is bent, rear axle needs to be replaced, plus the bodywork.”
“How much?”
Rock quoted a number, one bigger than Wrath expected. Still, he knew his friend had been fair, probably giving Cara the friends and family discount.
“I’ll call her and get back with you.”
Picking up the card where he’d scribbled her number, he made the call. Waiting several rings, he’d been ready to leave a message when Cara answered.
“Hello?”
“Cara, it’s Wrath.” He heard a noise on the other end.
“Sorry. I dropped the phone.” He heard another short pause as she cleared her throat. “Okay, give me the bad news.”
“Do you want the list of what needs to be done or the bottom line?”
“The bottom line, then give me a few minutes to let it settle before listing the problems.”
Wrath covered a chuckle, knowing she wouldn’t appreciate it. Giving her the total, he grimaced at the whispered curse.
“Well, that is more than I anticipated.”
“Let me give you a list of what Rock found.”
“No need, Wrath. I’m sure he was thorough and the price is fair.”
Brows drawing together, he frowned. “Are you certain? Because—”
“I made a few calls this morning. It seems your shop is the best in town and has a reputation of being fair and reasonable. Since I need my bike back right away, please go ahead with whatever needs to be done.” She hesitated a moment. “You do take credit cards, right?”
He did chuckle this time. “Yes, ma’am, we do.”
<
br /> Cara blew out a breath. “All right. Would you call me when it’s fixed?”
A strange urge rushed through him, one he’d felt before but had always been able to control. It wouldn’t be silenced today. “What are your plans tonight?”
“My plans?”
He felt like a high schooler asking a girl on their first date. “Dinner. Do you have plans for dinner?”
“Oh. Well, no, I don’t.”
“Good. I’ll pick you up at seven.”
“What the hell?” Cara muttered, staring at her phone. He’d hung up, never giving her a chance to respond. The move was so much like her late husband, she wanted to throw it across the room, rejoicing in it smashing to pieces against the wall. Except she couldn’t afford a new phone along with the cost of repairs to her bike.
She’d been jumpy since the accident the night before. No bumps, bruises, or scratches. Nothing indicating any injuries, except to her pride.
Without doubt, Wrath was the most intriguing man she’d met since moving to Liberty Lake at the beginning of the school term. Sinfully attractive, with dark hair and gray eyes that pierced right through her, he made her forget every vow she’d made to be cautious with any possible relationship.
It had been close to three years since her husband died, the same amount of time as when she’d first learned about his passion for cheating. Even now, the knowledge her marriage had been a sham tore into her, as if she’d discovered it yesterday.
Cara didn’t hate men. She had three older brothers and loved each dearly, would trust them with her life and her children, if she had any. Another painful reminder of what Greg had withheld from her.
“Cara, your new client is here. Should I put her in the small conference room?”
She nodded at the woman who administered the shared office space for four attorneys. “Please let her know I’ll be with her right away.”
Picking up the file, she quickly read the few notes on the woman waiting down the hall. Twenty-five, single, mother of two, nurse, ex-husband five months behind on child support. Sucking in a breath, she straightened her skirt, ready to learn what really brought the young woman to her. Everyone had a story, and Cara braced herself for this one.
A few minutes and several tissues later, she continued to take notes at a furious pace, eyes widening as the woman spoke. Holding up her hand, Cara stopped the rapid flow of words.
“Did you know he was a member of a gang before you married him?”
Brushing tears from her face, the woman nodded. “A few days before. He’d always been secretive, never giving me much information when he’d disappear for several days at a time. I didn’t know what he did until I overheard some phone calls. If I’d known…” Another sob broke from her lips.
Cara allowed her a few moments, knowing she’d continue when ready.
“But I was pregnant, so maybe I would’ve gone along with it anyway.” She shook her head, grabbing another tissue. “Guess I’ll never know.”
Scanning her notes, Cara pursed her lips, mind working as the pieces began to fit. “Is he still in a gang?”
“Yes. He lives in Los Angeles and doesn’t know I’m back in Arizona. It won’t take him long to find me, though.”
“And he’s threatening to take your daughter if you continue to demand child support?”
She let out a quiet sob. “Kidnap.” Her panicked gaze searched Cara’s. “He loves her, but not enough to keep her with him. He wouldn’t hesitate to sell her.”
Cara’s eyes widened. “Sell her?”
“It’s what they do. His gang, I mean. They deal in human trafficking.”
The woman’s story hadn’t left her mind as Cara changed into jeans, a lavender sweater, and boots. More than anything, the frightened woman had come to her for guidance, someone to confide in who wouldn’t go straight to the police.
Instead of the police, Cara had called her oldest brother, Seth. He and their two other brothers owned a private security firm in their hometown of Missoula, Montana, taking jobs across the country. All had been in the Army, each one offering distinct skills which contributed to the continued success of their business.
His advice had been simple. Let the FBI know what she’d learned and they’d take it from there.
The counsel hadn’t been what she wanted to hear. Instead, Cara decided to meet with the woman in a few days, making a decision afterward.
Knocking had Cara picking up a small purse and hurrying toward the front door. Pulling a jacket from its hook, she checked the peephole, letting out a short breath. Wrath was definitely the most captivating man she’d met in a long, long time.
Before opening the door, she looked in the entryway mirror, feeling silly at the unusual act of vanity. Having not been on anything remotely resembling a date in almost three years, her nerves were strung tight, stomach churning at the thought of sharing a meal with someone who set her on fire with one quick look. Something she needed to get control of right away.
Settling a hand on the knob, she pulled the door open, a neutral expression in place. “Good evening, Wrath.”
She felt an unfamiliar wave of heat when he looked her up and down before offering a smile that most likely got him whatever he wanted from those of the female persuasion.
“Cara. Are you ready?” He stepped aside, allowing her to lock the door.
Looking up, she grinned. “We’re taking your bike?”
“If you don’t mind?”
“Are you kidding?” She walked toward the bike, then turned. “I need to get my helmet.”
Grabbing his extra one, Wrath handed it to her. “I brought one for you. It’s a pretty safe bet yours isn’t legal with the way you lowsided.”
Taking the helmet, she looked it over, wondering who else had worn it. Another silly thought, one she had no business considering.
“It’s new. You’re the first to wear it.”
Glancing up, she saw the smirk on his face, as if he’d read her mind. Cheeks heating, she hurried to put it on. “Thanks.”
Climbing on, Wrath looked at her, once again taking his time, not caring what she thought. “Get on.”
She stilled. It was more of an order than an invitation. Again, something Greg would’ve done. Not wanting anything to spoil the evening, she shook it off, taking a seat behind him. Resting her hands on her thighs, she waited.
“You know the drill, Cara. Arms around my waist.”
After the accident last night, she hadn’t thought of his closeness. Tonight felt different, disconcerting, more intimate.
“We can sit here all night, Cara. I don’t mind.”
Sticking out her tongue, she grimaced at the immature gesture, feeling twelve instead of twenty-seven.
“I saw that,” he chuckled, settling farther down on the seat.
Enough stalling. Cara slipped her arms around him, clasping her hands together. Even through their jackets, she felt a rush at the contact.
“Now, that wasn’t so hard, was it?” He didn’t wait for an answer before starting the bike and moving into traffic.
A minute later, they roared down the street, heading east past town. She’d ridden out this way before, finding a few shops and restaurants, vowing to return when she had more time. Continuing a few miles, Wrath took an almost hidden driveway, parking the bike in front of a non-descript building.
Getting off, she noticed his head for the first time. “You didn’t wear a helmet.”
Standing, he cocked his head, the corners of his mouth slipping into a grin. “I didn’t wear one last night, either. Can’t remember the last time I did.” He tapped her head after she’d removed her helmet. “Unlike you, I don’t have much to scramble.”
Before she could protest, he took her hand, leading her into the small restaurant. A rush of aromas assaulted her.
“This smells delicious. Barbeque?”
“The best in the west. I’ve eaten everything on the menu and it’s all good.” Wrath smiled, holding out hi
s hand to a man of medium height with caramel skin and dark brown hair who walked toward them. “Manny, it’s good to see you.”
He took the outstretched hand. “It’s been too long since you’ve been in, Wrath.”
“It has. This is Cara. Cara, Manny, the man who makes magic with barbeque.”
Reaching out her hand, she shot a look of surprise at Manny when he lifted it to his lips. “It is always a pleasure to meet a beautiful woman.” When he lingered a moment too long, Wrath nudged him away.
“She’s mine, Manny. Find your own woman.” Taking her hand again, he didn’t notice the way her mouth fell open at his words.
“This way. A table by the window just opened up.” Grabbing two menus, Manny led them past the other diners to a spot in the back. “Will this do?”
“Perfect,” Wrath answered, letting her get into the booth first before settling beside her. Sensing her stiffen, he grinned. “You don’t mind sharing your side with me, do you?” He moved close enough so their thighs touched.
Taking the menu, she bit her lip, shaking her head. “Um, no.” Although she did. She needed space, enough to clear her head and steady her reaction to him. Sitting this close, feeling the heat through their jeans, did nothing to squelch the desire exploding through her.
“Do you have a preference?”
It took her a moment to realize Wrath spoke to her. “Preference?”
“Yeah. The meals come with all the same sides. All you have to decide is ribs, brisket, pulled pork, or chicken. They’re all excellent. Whatever you don’t try tonight, you can order the next time.”
Next time. The words hung in the air a moment. “Brisket?”
“Ah, a woman after my own heart. Most girls order a salad or something else just as puny.”
She huffed out a breath. “First, I’m not a girl. And second, I don’t eat a salad when there’s perfectly good beef on the menu.”
Throwing his head back, he laughed. “Touché.”
They sat in silence, looking out the huge picture window. “It’s a beautiful view.”
“We own about eight acres and the businesses in the complex.”
Eyes widening, she stared at Wrath, his gaze still focused out the window, not noticing her surprise.
STEADFAST Page 3
