An Act of Salvation (Acts of Honor #2)

by K. C. Lynn

  Katelyn shakes her head. “No, I can’t believe that. You don’t understand. My brother hates him, probably even more than I do. It makes no sense.”

  “I agree,” I cut in. “But right now nothing is making sense.”

  “Maybe your father was threatening him?”

  Katelyn laughs at Ryder’s suggestion but it comes out bitter. “Trust me, my father doesn’t scare Kolan. Not anymore. He could kill him with his bare hands.”

  “Do you know about the last time he was in Montana?” Ryder asks her.

  She shakes her head. “He hasn’t been back since we left there. He hates that place.”

  Ryder cocks back in his chair. “I think there’s more going on with your brother than you realize.”

  “Why?” I ask, knowing he must have something else.

  “Shortly after the second withdrawal, Kolan booked a flight to Montana. From what I could find he was there for two days. He stayed at the Sheraton in Bridgeport.”

  Which is where we used to live.

  “If you ask me, I think whatever the hell is going on has something to do with your father.”

  Katelyn’s gaze meets mine again, fear sharp in her dark eyes as her face drains of color. “Why would he give him money? Why would he go back there?”

  “I don’t know, but we’re going to find out.”

  CHAPTER FIFTEEN

  Katelyn

  I follow Nick into his apartment, my mind still reeling from the last few hours. After Ryder found the connection to my father, two airplane tickets were booked for Nick and me to catch the red-eye to Montana. The only way we’ll get answers from my father is going there and forcing it out of him. But the thought of going back to that place and coming face-to-face with him has my stomach twisting violently.

  Nick didn’t want to travel under our own names, knowing it would be easy for people to find us if they were searching, so he had fake passports made up. It’s amazing what can be done for you in a flash if you carry a badge that says Special Agent on it.

  “I’ll be quick then we’ll stop and get you some stuff before the airport,” Nick says, walking around the kitchen and into his bedroom.

  Or what I’m assuming is his bedroom.

  I’m proven right when I enter in after him, watching as he begins packing a duffle bag. I look around his room, taking in the king-size bed with a dark blue comforter neatly made over it. Other than the dark furniture, his room is pretty plain, no personality at all.

  “I don’t have my wallet,” I tell him, wondering how I’m going to afford to get anything.

  “Don’t worry about it. I’ll get it.”

  “Is anything even open right now?” I ask, taking a seat on the bed next to his bag.

  He comes to a stop as he walks out of his closest, his eyes moving over me like a heated caress. A flutter ripples through me and I welcome the beautiful distraction.

  “I’m sure we’ll find something,” he replies.

  I shrug. “Well, if we don’t, between the clothes I have on now and mine from earlier that Emily washed I’ll be fine until tomorrow. Speaking of which,” I add, lying back on his bed with my hands behind my head, letting my shirt ride up just past my belly button ring. “She’s really nice. I like her a lot. Did you know she not only gave me a change of clothes but also a brand new pair of Victoria Secret panties she had kicking around with the tags still attached? I have to admit, I’m close to bumping her up to bestie status.”

  I’m screwing with him. Anything to distract myself from the blood-curdling fear of facing my father again after all these years.

  When he remains silent I lean up on my elbows to see him watching me, his expression hard and eyes fierce. “You better be careful, Katelyn, you’re playing with fire and you’re about to get burned.”

  The warning makes my heart race at a dangerous pace. “Oh, Nick, you have to know by now, I love the heat.”

  His expression is almost comical. With a frustrated growl he shakes his head and stomps into the bathroom before slamming the door. I chuckle and fall back down on the bed.

  Yep, he’s still so much fun to ruffle.

  In all fairness I wasn’t lying. Emily did give me brand new Victoria Secret panties and that calls for some high-end friendship status if you ask me. All kidding aside though, I got to talk a little more with her while Ryder and Nick were getting everything in order. She shared a lot about herself and really is a sweet, genuine person. She reminds me a lot of my friends back home, ones I’ve missed desperately since shit hit the fan with Kolan. We exchanged numbers before I left, promising to keep in touch. I made sure to get her address so I could mail her money for the clothes she refused to take back. I do really hope to see her again; I’d love for her to come to Charleston.

  The door swings opens and Nick steps out. “Let’s go,” he snaps, hightailing it out of the room.

  “Yes, sir,” I mock with a smirk as I get up to follow him out. However, just before I can make it out the door, he strolls back in and collides into me, pinning me against the wall with his body. I suck in a sharp breath as I stare back into his heated gaze, feeling his erection against my stomach.

  “You’re treading into some dangerous territory, Katelyn,” he grits, his voice rough. “I’m trying to be good by not crossing boundaries like we did before but you’re making it fucking difficult. Keep it up and there will be no going back.”

  I stare into his wild gaze, feeling both desired and discouraged. I love knowing I still get to him, that he still has some sort of feelings when it comes to me. Yet, I’m sad to know the memory I’ve cherished for seven years was nothing more than crossing a line to him.

  Hurt overrides the desire, and I swallow thickly. “Well, you don’t need to worry about that, Nick. I decided a long time ago I’m more than a boundary to be crossed, and I’m not some naïve girl anymore who is stupid enough to think you care more for her than a casual fuck. So don’t worry. You’re in the clear. No lines will be crossed.”

  I push him away, going to walk around him when he grasps my arm in a firm grip, halting me. His eyes are enraged as he stares down at me. “That’s not what I fucking said, you’re twisting my words.”

  I rip out of his hold. “Yeah, you did, but it’s nothing new to me. I knew seven years ago, when I found out you left town without so much as a good-bye, that what happened between us meant nothing to you.”

  Okay, that’s a lie. I held his letter close and that stone even closer for years. I would remember the way he looked at me as he moved inside of me, remember the things he whispered—telling me I’m more—but right now I’m too hurt to remember any of that.

  “Katelyn…” he starts then trails off, clearly struggling to find the right words but, really, there’s nothing to say.

  “Whatever, I just want to get the hell out of here.” This time it’s me who leaves first, and I don’t look back, not wanting him to see the pain I know is all over my face.

  CHAPTER SIXTEEN

  Nick

  The sun is beginning to rise as we pull up to my grandfather’s ranch, a place I haven’t been to visit in far too long. Katelyn has barely said two damn words to me since we left my apartment last night, but I don’t blame her.

  I hate myself right now.

  My fucking words didn’t come out right; I wanted to tell her how wrong she was about what happened all those years ago. I wanted her to know I’ve never stopped thinking about that night or her, but it would have been a stupid move. Bringing feelings into the equation is fucking dangerous; they make you vulnerable. And even though it’s the truth it doesn’t change things. It doesn’t change our circumstance of what never can be.

  “Do you think he’s still asleep?” she asks softly, staring out her passenger window as we park.

  “No. The man gets up at the ass crack of dawn. I’m sure he’s getting ready to head out to the barn soon.”

  “Yeah, but it’s four in the morning.”

  As if we just summo
ned him, Pop opens the front door with a big grin on his face. He’s already dressed and holding a cup of coffee.

  “Guess you’re right,” Katelyn muses with affection as we both climb out of the SUV.

  “Well I’ll be damned, I never thought I’d see the day where I’d get to have two of my favorite people together, visiting me,” Pop bellows cheerfully while we make our way up to the door.

  Katelyn runs up the front steps and into his arms. “It’s good to see you, Pop.”

  He envelops her in a long hug. “Likewise, darlin’, I’ve missed you.” Stepping back he grabs hold of her shoulders, taking her in. “Look at you. Even more pretty than I remember. I didn’t think that was possible.”

  “Oh you’re smooth, too bad that charm never rubbed off on your grandson,” she quips before turning back to me with a glare.

  Yep, she’s still pissed.

  “Forgive him, he comes by it honestly. I’m confident one day he’ll learn to be as smooth as his Pop.” I grunt, making him chuckle. “Come here, Nicky boy.” He pulls me in for a quick hug, giving me a few hard claps on the back.

  “Good to see you, Pop.”

  “I’ve missed you, son. Been too long since the last time,” he replies, making me feel like shit because I know it’s the truth and my fault.

  It’s been close to five years since I’ve come home. I flew him down to Florida one Christmas but he hates to travel as much as I hate the reminders of the past. However, I should have sucked it up for his sake. He’s the only one to ever give a shit about me and provided a roof over my head when I had nowhere else to go.

  “Well come in. I know you guys must be exhausted but I have some breakfast cooking. You guys can eat before you crash.”

  “Go ahead.” I gesture to Katelyn. “I’ll grab our bags.”

  With a nod she follows Pop in. As I walk to retrieve our stuff from the back of the SUV, I breathe in the country air and glance around the property. Everything is still kept in top shape and it makes me wonder if he’s had to do it all himself or if he’s had help.

  Shaking my head, I walk into the house and drop the bags down by the door before heading into the kitchen. Katelyn sets the table while Pop stands at the stove, frying bacon.

  “George tells me you’ve done well, that you got yourself a beauty place down there,” he says, talking about her Papa.

  I lean against the wall, watching Katelyn smile. “I do, thanks to Kolan and Papa. It’s my pride and joy.”

  “Ah bologna.” He waves a hand in the air. “It’s all you and your hard work.”

  “That’s what I keep telling her.”

  Katelyn’s gaze snaps to me, the smile she just had vanishing and her eyes narrowing. Clearly she doesn’t appreciate the compliment from me.

  “Well, I’m pretty good at my sink. Just ask Nick,” she remarks with a sassy smirk.

  I grunt as I take a seat at the table, recalling the ice-cold water on my head.

  “Yeah? Nicky boy, you went and got beautified by our girl here?” He asks, sharing Katelyn’s amusement.

  Katelyn quirks a brow and responds before I can. “He sure did. You know how high maintenance our boy is. He even wanted a wax but…I didn’t have time.”

  Pop barrels out a laugh, knowing she’s full of shit but finds her funny anyway. I, on the other hand, don’t but my cock still hardens all the same at her sass.

  The shit I want to do to that mouth of hers…

  Pop brings over a big plate of bacon and pancakes. “Eat up then you guys can hit the hay. I did up the sheets on both beds,” he says, talking about my bedroom and the guest room. “Unless, of course, you only need one?”

  “We definitely need two,” Katelyn rushes to answer his not-so-subtle question. “But thanks, Pop, for letting us stay. I know this was all last minute,” she adds softly.

  “Anytime, darlin’. You guys are always welcome here. Besides, it’s long overdue for me to see my boy.”

  “Just how long has it been?” she asks, taking a bite of her pancake.

  “Ohh hell, it’s got to be close to five years now if memory serves me right.”

  Katelyn’s fork clatters to her plate as she turns and stares at me. “It’s been five years since you’ve seen your grandfather?”

  “Ah it’s all right, he’s been busy with work.” Pop rushes to my defense, making me feel even more like an asshole. “The boy has gone places just like I knew he would. Top FBI agent at his headquarters. He and his partner brought down a big government official a few years back. Ain’t that right, Nicky?”

  “Yeah, Pop,” I mumble, shoveling food in my mouth.

  “Well there should always be time for family. Especially when it’s the only ones we have.”

  I glare at her, not appreciating her judgment. I already know I’m an asshole; I don’t need the reminder.

  Thankfully, Pop changes the subject and the rest of breakfast consists of him and Katelyn catching up. Lots of the stuff Katelyn tells him are things I already knew when I checked on her over the years. He doesn’t bring up Kolan, probably because he knows it will upset her.

  My earlier guilt comes rushing back when he talks about the ranch, mentioning some of the work is becoming more difficult for him so he had to sell off some of his livestock. It makes me wonder what will happen when he can’t do this anymore. Where will he go? Who will help him? It might be selfish of me but I don’t want to leave Florida. I love my job and don’t want to leave it. But I can’t leave him to die alone…

  Panic strikes me hard and fast at the thought, making it difficult to breathe. Fuck, I don’t even want to think about it.

  “You should retire and come live down by me,” Katelyn suggests, pulling me back to the moment. “Charleston is amazing. The weather is beautiful, food’s incredible, and the southern hospitality is like nothing you’ll ever experience. I’d take good care of you.”

  I tense, pissed she offered before I even had a chance to.

  “That’s awful generous of you, and it sounds like a great place but…” He shakes his head. “Nah, I don’t think I could ever leave here. This is where my Helen and I spent our life together until she passed away and Nicky came along. It holds a lot of memories, including the only ones I have of my li’l girl, Lila. It’s home.”

  My entire body goes stiff, blood rushing in my ears and palms sweating at the mention of her. A hot poker spears my chest, the pain so sharp it fucking stops my heart.

  He never brings her up, he knows not to.

  “I can understand that.” Katelyn’s soft voice echoes through the panic building inside of me. “Just know the offer is always open. I’d love to see your handsome face every day. I’ll even give you free haircuts.”

  I clear my throat, trying to steady my voice and change the subject. “Why don’t we find you a ranch hand? Get you some help?”

  He nods. “I thought about it. It’s hard giving up work I’ve done for so long.”

  “I get that but you need the extra hand, and this way you could stay here.”

  “I’ll think about it,” he says noncommittally, taking a hefty sip of his coffee before putting the mug down. “Well I better get out there.”

  “I’ll come help.” I’m tired as hell but there’s no way I’m going to leave him out there by himself now.

  “No, no. You go on and get some sleep. I’ll be fine. It’s just some small stuff this morning.”

  “You sure?”

  “Yep. We’ll catch up tonight at supper,” he says, clapping my shoulder before bending down to kiss Katelyn on the cheek. “You leave the dishes. I’ll get them when I come back in. Y’all rest up.”

  As soon as he walks out the door, Katelyn ignores the order and starts cleaning up. I join in and between the two of us we get it done quickly, all the while remaining silent. There’s an underlying tension in the air. A million emotions are plaguing me, and I fucking hate it. It’s one of the reasons I don’t come back.

  We grab our bags by t
he door and walk up the stairs. “You can have my room. I’ll take the guest room,” I offer, since my bed is more comfortable.

  “Thanks. Though I don’t think it’s your room anymore since you haven’t been back here in five years.”

  Her snide comment sends me over the edge. “Would you fucking lay off?” I stop in the hallway between our rooms and face her. “You don’t know shit. How long has it been since you’ve been back?”

  “I don’t have anyone here to see,” she snaps, stepping into my space. “He’s the only family you have, Nick.”

  “You think I don’t fucking know that?”

  “You don’t act like it!”

  “You’re right, he’s my grandfather so back off and quit trying to take him on as your responsibility.”

  She rears back, gaping at me before a smile breaks out over her face. I have no idea why since there’s nothing fucking funny happening right now.

  “What?” I ask when I can’t take the silence anymore.

  “You’re jealous.”

  “I am not.”

  Her smile spreads. “Yes, you are. You’re worried I’m going to steal your Pop away.” She pokes me in the chest. “It would serve you right. He’s always been there for you. He deserves the same loyalty in return. If you won’t be there for him then I will.” She stomps away, slamming the door to my room behind her.

  Oh I don’t fucking think so.

  I go in after her, almost ripping the door off its hinges as I enter. She spins around, eyes wide as I close the distance between us. “Let’s get one thing straight. You do not set the rules, I do, and you will not be taking care of my Pop. You have your own you can go take care of.” I storm out, slamming the door behind me but then decide I’m still not done with her and stomp back in to see her standing in the same place. “And let me tell you something else—I am not fucking jealous!”

  “Really?” she says, propping a hand on her hip with the smug smile that drives me fucking crazy.