Contract Signed: Triggerman, Inc., Book 1

by Marie Harte

  “Does it feel good? Because it feels good to me.” Again she sounded surprised.

  “Told you you’d beg me.”

  She laughed and moaned. “I bet you’re close to begging me.”

  “You have no idea,” he said through gritted teeth as he withdrew a fraction, only to slide back inside such a tight, hot grip. “Oh Addy. I need to move. Need to fuck you. So much.”

  “Do it, baby. Give it to me.”

  He did his best to be careful, but he feared he was moving too fast too soon.

  Then Addy yelled for him to move faster. Harder.

  And Noel lost it.

  So close, on the edge, and he pumped hard twice more and seized in a wave of bliss so extreme he was frozen. He could have been stabbed, shot, hung, threatened with a flame thrower, and he’d have been unable to respond, in thrall as he emptied into Addy’s perfect, amazing ass.

  It took him some time to come back to himself, and he ended by moving in and out of her in tiny motions, until his sensitivity became too much.

  He finally withdrew and slumped over her, kissing her shoulders and neck. “Addy, I can’t move.” He sank into her until she grumbled about his weight.

  He withdrew and grudgingly left the bed to clean himself. He came back to help clean her as well, then snuggled in bed with her.

  “Okay, honey?” He cradled her head on his chest, stroking her back, and knew he’d finally come home.

  “It was…”

  Her pause alarmed him, and he sat up in a hurry. “What? I didn’t hurt you, did I?”

  Her angelic smile had his heart racing even faster. She was it for him. He knew it. But it was all so sudden, wasn’t it?

  “It was amazing. You’re amazing. You and that big, thick, tasty penis.”

  He cringed. “You had me until ‘penis.’ A little too clinical.”

  She sighed. “Sorry. I got carried away. How about thick, tasty cock?”

  “Much better.” He wanted to get back to being tasty, just as soon as he got a bit of rest. “Addy?”

  “Hmm?”

  “I swear I’ll be ready for round two soon. I just need a minute to enjoy my post-coital bliss.”

  “Now that’s a mouthful.” They both paused. “I made it too easy, didn’t I?” Addy groaned.

  “You did. But we’ll get back to that mouthful comment soon enough.” He chuckled. She joined him, and the laughter settled them both into a companionable rest.

  Addy had never imagined sex could be so much fun, or so satisfying. Even the positions that she thought should have hurt or been awkward felt natural with Noel. He was the one she wanted. The one she’d waited for.

  She hoped she wasn’t confusing exceptional sex for emotional closeness, but heaven help her, Noel had given her multiple orgasms. Sex with him was liberating and fun, because he took the time to pay attention to her needs. So giving, so sincere.

  So deadly.

  She studied his body, aware he had more bruises than he’d had Saturday. Perhaps he’d gotten hurt during the fight in Seattle. But he didn’t act injured at all. He sure the heck hadn’t moved as if he had pain.

  She cuddled closer to him, wishing every night could be spent in his arms. Every day spent waking up heartbeat to heartbeat. She toyed with the sleek chest under her, wondering if he naturally had little hair or if he shaved. Either way, she loved his body. So hard and muscular.

  Noel had seemed underwhelming at first glance. Handsome and cold without the appearance of physical toughness. But without his clothes on, the man had a solid framework. Solid. A terrific word to describe Noel.

  “I’m quitting the business, Addy.”

  “So you said.” She tried not to be too hopeful about that.

  “I mean it. And this just… I want to be with you. I want to be a man you can respect.”

  She heard the buried question in his words and leaned up to see his face. “I do respect you, Noel. You’re a good man.”

  “Who does bad things.” He sighed. “I want to be a good man who does good things. No more lies. No more tearing things down. I want to build a life.” He ran his hands through her hair and cupped her cheek. “I want to build it with you, Addy.”

  She smiled down at him, feeling tenderness for the man still so guarded. His emotions for her seemed so obvious, but he hadn’t come out and said he loved her. Yet building a life with someone meant trust. He’d trusted her enough to tell her the truth, hadn’t he?

  “For all that we’ve known each other, we haven’t really known each other until recently.”

  He stroked her hair once more and nodded.

  “So I hope I don’t seem crazy when I say I love you, Noel.”

  He stopped. “What?”

  She caressed his chest, feeling his heart race like crazy. “I love you. That toughness, that sarcastic wit. The way you move, the power in your body and soul. You’re a protector more than a killer.” She paused. “Do you enjoy ending life?”

  “Is it wrong if I say sometimes?”

  “But the people you end, they do bad things?”

  His shadowed expression told her more than words could say. “Yes.”

  “I know, because I know you. I really do, you know. I might just be an elementary school teacher, not as well-traveled or sophisticated as you. But I know people. And I know I love you.”

  He pulled her down for a kiss and a hug that lasted a good, long while. “God, I’m so happy right now.”

  But he hadn’t said he loved her.

  “And?”

  He must have heard a warning in her voice, because he looked up at her, wary, when she pulled back. “And I hope you’re happy too?”

  She slapped his chest, not hard, but firmly.

  “Hey.”

  “Noel, do you love me?”

  He actually sputtered and blushed, and she stared at her answer, surprised she had to ask. “I, well, Addy, I want you to move in with me. I want to marry you. I’ve been infatuated with you for years.”

  “But do you love me?” she asked softly, aware she’d startled him. She, boring old Adeline Rose, school teacher, terrified her assassin.

  “What I feel for you goes beyond love, and it scares the crap out of me because of the danger we’re facing. I don’t want to lose you, Addy.” He gripped her hand in his, so she could only prop herself on one arm and his chest.

  “You love me.”

  “Yes, yes. I love you.” He blew out a breath. “Now with any luck I haven’t jinxed us. I haven’t had a lot of softness in my life. Not a lot of experience with love. But I don’t like being away from you. And don’t tell the guys, but Noel Jr. has really grown on me.” He blinked away suspicious moisture. “Addy, I imagine a life with you that’s so far beyond what I deserve.”

  “What you think you deserve,” she corrected, doing her best not to cry with him. “I know I deserve it. I’ve been good, darn it.” She laughed with him. “I love you, Noel. And if you’re sure about staying here, I want us to be together. We’ll take it slowly, once you’re here for sure. I don’t want you to have regrets.”

  He snorted. “That’s my line. You can do much better than me. I’m scared once the novelty of having me around wears off, you’ll find out I’m too boring for you.”

  She leaned down to kiss his chest. “Now, Noel. You’ve met my dad and seen his gardens. Who do you think he passed all that secret gardening information down to? You want big tomatoes and cucumbers like Bert Rose? You have to get them from me.”

  “So you’re saying that in order to learn how to grow like a pro, I have to seduce my neighbor? That’s more Deacon’s style. I’m more of a fixer. But…” He smiled and kissed her. “I can do it. Maybe if I had more practice though.”

  In a slick move, he had her on her back, his hand in the drawer fishing out a condom. “Let�
�s put this on and try again. I’m not sure I have the hang of missionary. And being old and boring, I should really know how to do this one position, shouldn’t I?”

  Ready to take him on once more, she wrapped her legs around his waist and nodded. “Yes, you should. Then I’ll tutor you in math, and we’ll take a closer look at the number sixty-nine.”

  He groaned on a laugh and entered her, and then there was no more talk as they both became the teacher, and the student, in bed.

  * * * * *

  Two days later, Noel was still on cloud nine. Yes, he now owed Hammer for disposing of two bodies—and not in his garden, thank you very much. Yes, they were no closer to determining the father of Noel Jr. since the lab had gotten the results screwed up and had to test again, adding more time to the delayed progress. And yes, he was stuck with Deacon and Hammer through it all, because they had decided to stay to help stop the hitmen after Noel and now Addy and the baby. But life couldn’t feel any more perfect.

  Deacon and Hammer actually liked the little guy, though Hammer did his best not to touch the baby, afraid of hurting him. Deacon had no problem toting the kid along, because it helped him pick up chicks—his words.

  Solene grudgingly stayed at Addy’s while Addy stayed with Noel. Solene would soon go back to her house, and when she did, he knew Deacon or Hammer planned to go with her. At least until they worked out who had targeted them. Solene would be in danger on her own.

  They’d upped security at her daycare, at Addy’s school and in her classroom, though the ladies remained unaware of Noel’s extra precautions, because he didn’t trust the quiet.

  The men he’d killed—in his own fucking house—were the key to the puzzle he was slowly trying to work out. Hammer hadn’t gotten very far, though he had learned a vital clue in Pennsylvania.

  Someone wanted all three of them dead for a purported wrong they’d done him on a job overseas.

  That meant Noel, Deacon, and Hammer had all been involved in a particular mission. It wasn’t just Noel, as Deacon had already confirmed. Hearing Hammer say the same made it certain. That made Noel feel better about ordering the guys to stay. Not just for the baby, but to clear up potential danger. It was bad enough they had to watch their backs during regular civilian life. But to be in the middle of an op with an extra target painted on their backs? No way.

  The phone rang while he stood in his greenhouse and spliced a new tomato plant he wanted to try. “Noel here,” he answered.

  “Noel, it’s Addy.”

  “Hey, beautiful.”

  “I wanted to remind you we had an early day today because we’re prepping for teacher conferences.” She paused. “I’m going to finish up here then head to lunch with Brent.”

  He put down his clippers. “What’s that?”

  She sighed. “Brent called me yesterday. We’ve been friends for years. We’ve dated a bit, but we’ve never been serious. At least, not on my end. He was hoping for something else. I think I owe it to him to tell him face to face I’m seeing someone else.”

  “You mean, that you love someone else, and he could never be more than a pale substitute for my manliness.”

  “Yes, something like that,” she said dryly.

  He nodded, pleased. “Just let me know where you’re going, okay? Somewhere public is good. I’ll have Deacon shadow you.”

  She groaned. “Really? This will be hard enough without knowing I have an audience.”

  “I could be there instead. You’ll never see me. Don’t worry.”

  “I don’t know…”

  “Addy, it’s necessary,” he said softly. “I know this is a huge pain, and it’s intrusive, but until we know who and why they’re after us—all of us, you included—you’re in danger.”

  A small silence. “I’m scared, Noel. When we’re together, none of this seems real. But I remember what happened. Before. I-I don’t want that to happen again. I worry for you. And I sure don’t want anyone I know caught up in it. You think I should just tell Brent over the phone that we’re done?”

  “No.” As much as he didn’t like the thought of her with another man, she needed to feel at least a measure of normalcy in her hometown. The people on their tail didn’t want the police involved. Only in private would there be more danger. “Just let me know where you’re going and I’ll be there. Don’t worry, honey. You’re safe as long as you’re in public.”

  “Okay. I was thinking he and I would go to the Treehouse Café for lunch. We’ll be there around two-ish. I’m almost done here at school, then I’m going to stop by Solene’s to drop off a sweater she leant me. Brent works nearby, so we’ll meet up at the daycare before driving to Treehouse together. Then you can drive me back to my car, okay?”

  “You need to go together?” He didn’t like that.

  “It’s our thing. We’re friends, and that’s kind of what we do.”

  “Fine.” He made a few notes. “I’ll see you at two. Text me if you have any problems. Anything at all.”

  “I will. I love you.”

  He felt warm all over. “I love you too, Addy.”

  She hung up and he went back to his garden. He had a feeling he’d have the biggest and best crop this year with all the positive energy he’d been feeling.

  * * * * *

  An hour later, Deacon and Hammer found him typing in the basement on the secured server. Noel thought he might have found someone else to add to their list.

  “Noel, you need to see something.” Deacon sounded grim.

  Behind him, Hammer nodded.

  “What’s up?” He followed the pair upstairs to Deacon’s laptop. The television showed a soccer game, muted in the background.

  “This.” Deacon turned the laptop to show the feed from Addy’s school. “You see that guy?”

  Noel peered at one of the maintenance men. “That logo…”

  “Yeah.” Hammer nodded. “Same red letters, same logo as the one Bob was wearing. You remember Bob? The dead guy whose neck you snapped?”

  “Hell.” Noel was already getting his keys when Deacon swore. “What now?”

  “There’s someone at Solene’s who’s been bothering me. A new handyman she’s been dealing with. Says his name is Franks. Weird thing is I found a buried set of prints under the Franks name. His other prints come up Jon Wilkes.”

  Noel felt panic when he should have been ice-cold. “Deacon, you go to Solene’s. Hammer, you stay here with the baby. You can feed us intel while protecting him. I’ll pick up Addy at the school.”

  “She’s not there,” Hammer said. “She left ten minutes ago. Best bet, head to Solene’s and meet her there.”

  “Let’s go, guys. I have a feeling all hell’s about to break loose.”

  Chapter Thirteen

  Addy pulled into the parking lot and saw Solene’s car there. The daycare had closed early the day before due to some maintenance issues—there seemed to be a lot of bad pipes on the island lately. Solene had not been happy. She’d ripped her handyman a new one. Even Deacon had felt for the guy, or so he’d continually said.

  Addy smiled, loving the fact Solene had met two men she couldn’t wrap around her little finger. Three, including Noel, but he was taken. Deacon and Hammer seemed to see through Solene’s beauty, neither man giving in to the termagant’s demands. They didn’t seem intimidated by her either, which Addy also loved.

  Solene had no problem with Hammer. They seemed to treat each other like tolerable siblings, and spending so much time together, that was a good thing. But Deacon… He and Solene were like oil and water. But Addy had a feeling with a little time, they might actually strike sparks off each other that would explode into flame. Problem was, Deacon wasn’t the settling type, and Solene still hated men in general—just Hammer and Noel a little less.

  And then there was that pesky target hanging over the group of them.r />
  She sighed and parked the car. Before exiting, she glanced around. Seeing the lot mostly empty except for locals moving around to neighboring stores and buildings, she felt safe enough to leave the car. She hurried inside, fingering the earrings Noel claimed were his favorite. The dangly loops made her feel pretty, and since he’d actually had an opinion about them, she’d worn them to make him happy.

  Once inside the daycare she heard Solene arguing in the back. No one else was in, apparently, because the place appeared spotless and kid-free.

  Until that plumbing issue was fixed, it figured the daycare would have to be closed. Addy felt Solene’s pain. That issue with the bathroom at school had unnerved her. Fortunately, they had a decent maintenance crew and had fixed the problem quickly. The pipe problem had also given her an opportunity to introduce the children to the concept of plumbing. So a win-win, despite the potential mess.

  “Solene,” she called out. “It’s just me.”

  “I’ll be right out,” Solene growled from the back. “You’re kidding me! I already talked to Ralph, and his estimate… What?” A low murmur answered her.

  Addy pitied the handyman. A new guy in town, he’d been highly recommended by the accountant and massage therapists next door. Even Brent had used him once a few months ago.

  And speaking of which… Addy waited for Brent to arrive, nervous about letting him down. Though they hadn’t hit it off exactly, they’d always been friendly. She had a difficult time understanding why he thought they could move beyond being just friends, though. She felt no chemistry with him at all, though he had decent enough looks and personality.

  He had never acted super attracted to her either. Not like Noel did.

  She flushed, remembering how he’d woken her this morning…right before having to hustle out of bed to deal with a fussy baby.

  Addy smiled.

  After a while, she didn’t hear anything in the back. Strange.

  The door jangled. She looked over her shoulder to see Brent.

  He waved. “Hey. Ready to go?”

  “Sure. Just let me check on Solene first.”