“You’re sexy as hell.” I smiled and imagined undressing her, letting myself go to that one and only night we’d spent together. “It’s almost impossible to have conversations with you without . . .”
“I’ve been thinking the same thing.” She stood up and slowly walked over to me.
Desire to be with Ava coursed through my veins, and I knew I needed her.
We were two people who craved companionship, and for now, I wasn’t going to overthink things. We needed each other. I could see desire running through her eyes.
Just thinking about being with her made every part of me instantly hard, and I wanted her to relinquish the control she was so good at maintaining.
I stood up and held out my hand, which she quickly grabbed.
“Upstairs?” she asked.
Her gaze lit with an unsaid promise as Ava pushed herself into me, feeling how hard I was for her. Her hand slid down my stomach, and an uncontrollable craving ran through my body.
“I need you, Ava Dalton,” I murmured.
Her eyes filled with lust and excitement as she threaded my fingers through hers, slowly leading me out of the kitchen and up the stairs. With every step, my pulse pounded through my veins. I wanted her so badly it hurt.
When we reached her room, she slid her curtains closed and turned around, tugging on her oversized sweatshirt.
I brought her into my arms and kissed her, softly at first and then deeply. The longing overtook us both and she fell deeper into me.
She was all woman, and I wanted to dominate her.
“Close your eyes,” I whispered, and she quickly obeyed.
I lifted her sweatshirt over her head, tossed it on her bed, and began pulling down her yoga pants. Her breath caught as my knuckles grazed her bare skin. She stepped out of her pants, keeping her eyes closed, and I took a step back, admiring how gorgeous she was.
Her eyes flashed open and she smiled.
“I’m not very good at following directions,” she whispered, stepping toward me, but I picked her up and set her on her bed.
Heated desire ran through Ava’s gaze and I quickly moved over her. She shook her head and scowled as she tugged on my shirt.
I kneeled over her on the bed and took off my shirt and pants and a smile returned to her lips.
“I didn’t think men actually had muscles like these,” she said, giggling. “I almost thought last time was a mirage.”
I shook my head and bent over her, running my mouth down her stomach, trading licks for kisses and watching the expression of desire turn to something far more primal as she twisted the sheets between her fingers.
She tasted so sweet as her hips writhed in pleasure, her fingers locking with mine as she moaned.
It was impossible to look away as her body arched, and I felt her tighten before I moved up her body. I softly kissed behind her ear and her body trembled with want.
Ava reached down, holding me in her hands, guiding me inside.
I inhaled sharply as I felt her tighten all around me. She worked her hips, thrusting forward, moving me deeper.
There was so much heat in her eyes as she brought me to the brink and another moan escaped her lips. Her body shuddered into mine, and I knew I’d fallen for Ava beyond anything I’d ever understand. This was something life changing, and I never wanted to let her go.
Chapter Twenty-Two
Ava
“I could never be with a man who could take someone’s life.” I sat across the table from my dad in his kitchen. It was a statement that pretty much came from nowhere, and I regretted it ever leaving my lips.
Edith was at the sink rinsing out my dad’s coffee cup when she turned to look at me. She had just returned from visiting her daughter several states away and hadn’t seen my dad until this morning.
I hadn’t meant to interrupt, but I didn’t know she was here. It was Saturday morning, and I’d just finished my first week back at my old job and wanted to see my dad.
“Sometimes, people are put in situations . . .” He scowled and looked at the plate of croissants between us.
“I know, and that’s not what I meant,” I said, feeling completely insensitive. Of course there were situations that couldn’t be avoided.
My dad nodded and slid a croissant to his empty plate. “What’s got you thinking of that anyway?”
“It’s not like that’s a hard prerequisite to check off, you know.” Edith looked at me over her square-framed glasses. “In fact, I’d wager a bet that finding someone who has would be more difficult than someone who hasn’t.” Obviously, my dad hadn’t filled her in about the Volkovs. I was relieved about that and welcomed her ignorance on the topic.
I laughed nervously. “I completely agree.”
My dad took in a deep breath and let it out in a long, drawn-out sigh. “I still haven’t received a bill from Fletcher Security.”
“A bill for what?” Edith asked, taking a seat at the table.
“Since the latest incident with Alfred, I’ve had private security,” I informed her.
Her eyes grew huge. “How in the world can you afford that? I know you make a good living, but . . .”
“I’ve got enough in savings to cover whatever is needed,” my father answered.
I knew this wasn’t going to end well.
“Fletcher . . .” Edith glanced out the window. “As in Luke Fletcher? I’ve heard all about him. He’s quite the celebrity. Aren’t his clients politicians and actresses?”
I shrugged.
“Yes,” my dad replied, looking at me.
“Curious.” She looked between my dad and me, pulling her brows together. “What am I missing?”
“I’m sure my daughter wouldn’t put us in a position where we’d ever owe anyone anything. Isn’t that right?” My dad scooted his chair back and stretched his legs in front of him.
“Not purposefully.” I stared at my father and Edith stood back up.
“I think I’m going to exit. I’ll let you two be alone and sort out whatever this is. I’ll be catching up on HGTV in the other room. My daughter doesn’t have cable, and I’m behind on all of my shows.” She quickly left the kitchen, and I felt extremely guilty for ruining my dad’s Saturday morning.
“I’ll be in there shortly,” my dad called after her before turning his attention to me. “I can read you like an open book.”
“I doubt that.”
“You’re still seeing that Volkov brother. That’s why I’m not receiving a bill for the two men camped outside my front door. That’s also why you’re using me as a sounding board about who you will or won’t date.” My dad tapped his finger on the empty plate.
“Dad, I’ve never talked about who I dated before. Why would I start now?” I asked.
My dad opened his mouth and then clamped it shut before opening it again.
“Because you’ve never dated someone before.” My dad rubbed his fingers across his chin. “Not more than a date or two, anyway.”
“That’s all this is.”
His brow arched. “Everything I know about those men tells me there is no such thing.”
“What are you talking about?” I dismissed him with my hand.
“His kind demands loyalty. There’s no escaping.”
“That’s ridiculous.”
“Is it? You should track down the ex-wife of the oldest. Tell me how ridiculous it is.”
“I’m not dating the oldest one. I’m not dating any of them. I wouldn’t do that to you.” I felt my throat swelling as the lump grew in size.
“It shouldn’t be a question of doing anything to me, honey. I would have thought I raised you to have better sense than that.” He let out another deep sigh. “Considering everything you’ve studied your entire professional career, I would have thought it was obvious.”
“Not all criminals are crazy, dad.”
“I don’t know about that.”
I shifted uncomfortably in my seat. “Blake hasn’t been involved with h
is family since he started playing soccer professionally. It’s only recently that—” I’d said too much.
“I’m telling you the Volkov men are not forgiving. When they fall, and they will fall, they’ll bring down everyone around them. Is that a chance you’re willing to take?” My dad’s jaw clenched.
“Have you ever thought about what Blake is jeopardizing by dating the daughter of a police Captain?”
Surprise flicked through my dad’s gaze. “So you are dating.”
“I don’t know what we are doing or not doing, Dad. It’s complicated.”
My dad groaned and walked over to the coffeepot, pouring himself a fresh cup in a new mug.
“You care for him, and judging by those two men out there, he cares for you.”
“Yeah. I feel safe saying we’re in the caring stage.”
“Well, I sure as hell hope that’s the only stage you ever get to with him.” He took a sip of the steaming coffee and continued to stare at me. “But it’s going to be quite the predicament if it turns into something more.”
“Why’s that?”
“You said it yourself. You could never be with a man who could take someone’s life.” A wry grin spread across my dad’s lip.
“Guess that solves that then, doesn’t it?” I cocked my head slightly.
“I doubt it.”
“Why do you say that?” I asked, standing up to pour myself a cup too.
“Because your mother said the same thing.”
I smiled.
“You two have to be the most stubborn people I’ve ever met.” My dad set his cup on the counter. “Once either of you made up your mind, there was no changing it.”
“Well, maybe I made up my mind that I can’t date someone like Blake.”
“If only it were that easy.”
“You know, I don’t believe Blake has done any of the things his other brothers have.”
“Maybe not now, but he will.”
“We don’t know that,” I said softly.
“The man has got to make a living somehow.”
“He did quite well playing professionally.”
“Isn’t that over now?” my dad asked.
“Yes, but I’m sure he’s fine. Besides, they have several companies rolled under Wolf Industries.”
“They sure do.” My dad sounded only slightly condescending.
“Blake still hasn’t made his final decision about where he plans on putting most of his energy.”
“He’s got many paths to choose from.” My dad took another sip of coffee. “Let’s see . . . there’s computer and internet fraud, securities fraud, arms dealing . . . the sky’s the limit for that guy.”
“He’s not like that, Dad. He’s a good guy.”
“You’re only seeing the side of him he wants you to see. That’s how criminals work.”
“I’m more than aware of the criminal mind, and Blake isn’t one of them.”
“Do you think you can save him? Is that it?” my dad asked, his voice quieter than before.
“People can only save themselves, Dad. No one takes help they don’t already want.”
“All I’m saying is that I’d feel better if a bill arrived in my mailbox so I didn’t feel like my daughter owed the most ruthless mafia in the city. How’s that?”
I let out a slow breath and knew there was nothing I could do to change my dad’s mind. I felt foolish for even attempting to stick up for Blake.
“Don’t make me feel bad, like I’m using Blake for my own personal security.”
“I never thought you were.” My dad shook his head. “That is one thing that never crossed my mind, but for someone who deals with criminals day in and day out, I would’ve thought you’d be wiser in your choices.”
I took a sip of the coffee and tasted the bitterness trail down my throat. I walked over to the fridge and poured some milk into my cup to cut the taste, but something told me it had nothing to do with the coffee.
“So has anyone found out anything about Alfred?” I asked. “Are we any closer to bringing him in?”
My dad’s shoulders slumped, and I knew the answer before he opened his mouth.
“He’s done a great job of turning himself into a chameleon. We can’t find a trace of him. Not a trace.” My dad shook his head and dropped into the chair.
“We haven’t seen any sign of him either.”
“We?” my dad asked. I pointed to the front door, indicating my security force, and felt the guilt creep in.
It had to be hard on my dad on so many levels. Not only did his wife get murdered, but his daughter was now being stalked by a very dangerous individual. To top it off, she—meaning me—was leaning more on outside forces than what my dad had built his life around.
“Has there been any other information on the photos of the women you found in the crawlspace?”
He nodded. “Most have been declared missing since about the time he escaped your facility.”
“So it looks like . . .?”
He nodded, and my stomach turned in on itself.
Alfred had a murderous mind. He drank in the entire process from beginning to end. He enjoyed the hunt. He reveled in selecting his prey. He delighted in being the predator and rejoiced in his victories. If there wasn’t any sign of them, chances were they were gone.
“Ava, I do understand that not all bad is without good and vice versa. Sometimes, people are needed and circumstances are needed for the greater good. Things are often set into motion that we’ll never understand, but it’s how we position ourselves in life.” He smiled. “I just want you to have a good position.”
“I understand.”
And I did. He only wanted a good life for me, but my worry was that our idea of good was very different since Blake stepped into my life. But then he said something that turned my world upside down.
“If Alfred were standing right in front of me, Ava, I don’t know that I’d be any better or worse a man than any of the Volkovs.” He pressed his lips together and looked toward the family room, where Edith was watching television. “There are days when I welcome the opportunity, and I remind myself which side of the law I chose to be on.”
I nodded and felt a chill in the air.
“I understand.”
My dad nodded, and I came over to give him a hug.
“That’s what I love about you. You’ve always chosen the right side. You’ve wanted to make this world a better place to live in.”
“So have you.” My dad hugged me back. “I’m proud of you, Ava. You know that, right?”
“Every single day.” I smiled. “And Dad?”
“Yes, honey?” The worry in his eyes turned to love.
“You don’t have to worry about me getting involved too heavily with Blake. I don’t think I could ever marry someone who could take a life.”
My dad laughed nervously. “There are always extenuating circumstances, but I’ll definitely take some solace in knowing that.”
He kissed my cheek, and I wandered out of the kitchen, barely able to believe I’d even had a conversation that started or ended like that.
Now, if only I believed what I said, I’d feel better about it.
Chapter Twenty-Three
Blake
“I still can’t believe you let Max live.” Devin shook his head.
“I wouldn’t really say it was me, would you?” I glanced at my brother. “Jax made the final call.”
“Because of what you told him.”
We were standing in front of the bulletproof glass etched with the words, Wolf Industries. Three guards flanked the hallway as we walked through the doors, and I took in a deep breath, surveying the lobby. Our receptionist hadn’t made it in yet. She was an older woman in her sixties, and we all hoped she wasn’t planning on retiring anytime soon. Greta ran a tight ship and she’d be impossible to replace.
“The guy obviously didn’t have a sound mind,” I said, unbuttoning the top button on my suit jacket.
“Doesn’t excuse what he did.”
I shook my head. “No, it doesn’t. But it explains it.”
“Now we’ll have to be looking over our shoulders until he’s in a grave.”
“I don’t believe that to be the case. The Sokolovs don’t want any trouble. T.J. paid Max’s parents a visit and provided them with the information we have on their son. They know his voice recordings are in a safe place, and we have no problem sending them to the authorities if needed. Believe me, they don’t want anyone sniffing around, especially if it has to do with a potential murder case. I think they’re just relieved I’ve decided to put their son’s action behind me.”
Devin walked into the conference room and the blinds automatically opened.
“Whatever you say, man. I just hope you’re right.”
“It never hurts to have leverage.”
“I suppose.”
“So tell me about this Summit acquisition.” I walked into the lunchroom and made myself a latte with a press of a button. “I’ve read their portfolio and only see an upside, but if they’re looking to sell, what’s the deal?”
“From what Jax and I can tell, we think he wants to sell because the sons have no interest. They don’t want any part of the family business and the father has failing health. He wants to get all of his affairs in order.”
“You mean some families give their children a career choice?”
Devin laughed. “Hard to believe, isn’t it?”
“Very.” I walked into my office, and Devin was right on my heels. “So what’s our cap?”
“There’s no reason we need to cough up a penny more than nineteen million.”
“So we’ll get it for seventeen.”
“A little sure of yourself, aren’t you?” Devin joked.
“I don’t see any other cheerleaders hanging around much.” I grinned and my brother chuckled.
“True enough.” He leaned against the wall and looked out my window.
The office interior was as sleek inside the building as out. This building was one of our tallest in the city. It glimmered in the light and had actually won several awards from architectural organizations.
Blake: A Romantic Suspense (V Mafia Series Book 1) Page 18
