Protected by Shadows

by Aliyah Burke

  He allowed his gaze to trail over her low-cut jeans and appreciated the way they cupped her ass. How he longed to do that very thing. Her tight long-sleeve shirt, faded and worn, had him recalling how her body felt beneath his touch.

  A smile filled Jaydee’s face as the two friends embraced. Then Lexy kissed each of the kids, not minding when they put cake and frosting on her. He moved closer, unsure what to make of his craving to be near her.

  She accepted a bit of cake from Dante then stared at him. “Scared of your niece and nephews, Val?” Her Southern drawl fell from her lips all thick and honeyed. It wound around him, making him think things he shouldn’t. Not with where he was at this moment in time.

  “No.”

  “Lexy.” Jaydee gave her a glare.

  “All right. I’ll be good. I’ll cut the baby some slack. He is, after all, not wearing a suit. For once,” she muttered.

  Valentino glanced down at his attire. Slacks and a polo. With a strained smile he said, “Need your claws trimmed?”

  She tossed her hair and rose, dabbing at some of the frosting on her pink and gray shirt. “Not what he said last night, he enjoyed them just—”

  “Lexy! Child listening,” Jaydee inserted.

  She winked at Liev. “He isn’t payin’ me any mind.”

  Liev might not have been, but Valentino certainly was. It killed him to think of any man touching her. His possessiveness was increasing by the heartbeat when it came to Lexy. It didn’t make sense. He knew she was anything but right for him.

  “Scowling at my kids’ party. What gives?”

  Valentino finished his cake before answering Gio. “Mama send you?”

  Gio shrugged. “She worries.” They walked to the kitchen as the children got louder. “So what’s going on?”

  There were times when he wished he could tell them what he truly did.

  “Just thinking about work.”

  “Of course you are.” They each took a beer. “When was the last time you had sex?”

  Valentino paused with the bottle partway to his mouth. “Seriously?”

  “Yes, I’m being serious. You know, sex just to relax.”

  He drank while mulling over how to respond. Wonder if he’d be okay if I told him I just had mind-blowing sex with Lexy two months ago. Nope, don’t see that going over well.

  As if his thoughts had conjured her up, Lexy sashayed into the kitchen in her stilettos. Christ, how’d I miss those before? He knew. He’d barely made it past the way her pants molded to her ass. Yeah, he had it bad.

  “Boys,” she drawled. “Don’t mind me, just need a water. Continue with y’all’s talk.”

  “Thanks for coming, Lexy.” Gio stepped back, allowing her fridge access.

  The grin she flashed him had Valentino nearly grumbling with discontent. He knew he shouldn’t be jealous—to Lexy, flirting was as natural as breathing. Not only that, he understood she wouldn’t dare try something with her best friend’s husband.

  “Y’all know I love all y’all. Wouldn’t miss this for the world. Y’all are a joy to be around.” She pinned him with her brown gaze. “Mosta y’all, that is.” She grabbed a water then bumped the fridge closed with one shapely hip and took a long drink. “Some in your family annoy me.”

  Gio groaned. “One day you two need to work out your differences.” He shook his head.

  She tapped her artistically designed nails against the plastic bottle. “What do you say, Val, wanna head upstairs for a roll in the sack? See if that makes us anymore agreeable to one another?”

  His heart pounded even as he coolly arched a brow and ran a dismissive gaze over her. “Not really my type.”

  “Right.” She nodded and held his gaze. “I forgot you still pay women. Don’t those twenty-dollar, back-alley blowjobs and fuckings get old?” She laughed. “My mistake, of course not. I mean, why use a bed when a trash-ridden alley or front seat of your car will suffice.”

  “You two—” Gio shook his head. “Don’t let Mama hear you.” He left.

  Valentino stared at her. “Just can’t help it, can you?”

  She blinked. “What? Think I’d be different because we’re fuckin’ on the down low?” Her chuckle was harsh. “You’re just another fuck, Val. And I truly enjoy annoying you.” She reached up and patted his cheek. “You make it so fun.”

  He grumbled low in his throat as he pivoted and watched her walk away. Her hips swayed seductively and he tightened his fingers on his bottle. Just another fuck. Words he despised with a passion. Somewhere along this tumultuous journey they’d been taking, she’d come to mean something more to him.

  Lexy’s laugh had him turning his gaze to her. Both she and Jaydee lifted their heads and stared at him. Lexy’s expression was full of amusement while Jaydee seemed slightly amused. Jaydee lowered her head and Valentino held Lexy’s gaze. Lord, he wanted to carry her away and strip her.

  Her mocking smile was like a heated fist around his cock, working him into a fevered pitch. Slamming some more beer, he composed himself and made his way to a chair in the background so he could observe some more.

  * * * *

  Darkness had fallen and rain had moved in by the time everyone began to talk about leaving.

  “I can drive you, Lexy.” Jaydee stood by her friend.

  Valentino arched a brow before walking close.

  “Nonsense, Jay. I’ll call a taxi. I’m sorry I got called home, but Hector said it was important.”

  “At least let me call Travis to take you.”

  Lexy was already shaking her head. “I’ll call one right—”

  “Leaving already?”

  Both women glanced to him.

  “She got called home.”

  Yes, he knew that. By Hector. And he’d be pissed if he didn’t know that was one of her brothers.

  “I’m heading to my hotel, so I can drop her off.” He remained focused on Jaydee.

  “Are you sure it will not be an inconvenience?”

  Oh, it would. It definitely would.

  “I’ll make do.”

  “Excuse me,” Lexy began. “Why are you talking about me as if I’m not here?”

  “Quiet,” he ordered. “Adults talking. You run along and get in my car. I’ll be right there.”

  Her expression turned near rabid. If he approached her further, he’d be bitten. And then…shots. “Someone should geld you like we do hogs. No anesthesia.”

  There was a visual he could have done without. “Run along.”

  She kissed Jaydee before stomping down the steps.

  “Must you two always fight?” Jaydee asked.

  “Works best.” He gave her a smile and left, calling over his shoulder, “I’ll see you in the morning.”

  Ever since the first time he’d stayed here, he’d booked a hotel room, realizing Jaydee’s preference to not have people in her space. He understood.

  Hopping into his car, he wiped the rain from his brow. He could practically see the steam rising from Lexy. And something else. Fear? Concern?

  “Where to?” He cranked the powerful engine. She didn’t respond and he glanced at her. She had her eyes on her phone, fury evident in her every move. “Lexy.”

  “Bus.”

  That one word was coated with ice and lowered the interior’s temperature. On the road, he tried—unsuccessfully—to engage her in conversation. Nothing. He pulled into the bus station, put the car in park and turned to face her.

  “Everything okay?”

  He’d admit it. He was worried. This…this behavior was not typical Lexy. No, sir, not in any way, shape or form.

  When she went to climb out, he halted her. From the parking lot lights, he could see the fear and rage in her eyes. Immediately, all senses went on full alert.

  “What’s going on?”

  “Nothing.”

  “That tear you’re fighting so hard not to let fall says otherwise. So what gives?”

  She trembled. Not a sexy, I-want-you tremble, but
one which bespoke the nearing of a breakdown.

  “Thank you for the ride.” She tried again to open the door, only he rebuffed her attempt. “I don’t have time for a car fuck, Val. Will you let me leave or will I have to report you for kidnapping?”

  The fact there was no real bite to her words had him letting her go. Silent as a wraith, she slid from his car and walked inside the bus station. No look back. No exaggerated swing of her hips—although the natural sway had him wanting to hold her.

  He couldn’t explain what propelled him to park and leave his car. Pushing through the door of the station, he saw her immediately. She stood by the large windows before the waiting buses. She squeezed her hands into tight fists before smoothing them flat at her sides, then into fists again.

  After his initial perusal of the room, he strode directly to stand behind her. She didn’t start and he knew she could see him in the rainy reflection. He didn’t allow himself to touch her, well aware of what would happen if he did that.

  “What’s going on?”

  “Go away, Valentino.”

  Valentino? Something was very wrong. She loved calling him Val, knowing it irritated him.

  “No.”

  Her entire body tensed briefly before she slowly rotated to face him. He recognized the look on her face. Seduction.

  “Still after a car fuck?” She touched his chest with her fingertips. The simple contact burned through to his skin. “They’re gonna call my bus soon, but maybe we could do it in a bathroom stall or closet. Keep it nasty. It may get back to your brothers, though. So this clandestine meeting would be not so clandestine.”

  “You won’t let me help you, will you?”

  The announcement caught her attention and her smile was sorrowful. But it was swiftly replaced with the look he knew well. Temptress. She patted his cheek. “Catch ya later, sexy.” And she walked away. This time the exaggerated swing was present in her walk.

  “You’re crazy if you think I’m going to let it go, Alexsa.”

  * * * *

  Lexy rubbed her temple and walked out of Norfolk International Airport. Her brisk stride took her to long-term parking where she found her black Mitsubishi Spyder where she’d left it.

  Always a bonus.

  Unlocking her car, she gazed around. Something felt off. She felt as though someone were watching her. The feeling had been there since she’d boarded the plane and she didn’t much like it.

  Maybe I’m just being paranoid. Wouldn’t be the first time. After all, sleep had eluded her during the five-hour flight. Buckling in, she locked the doors then started the engine.

  She was rattled. She admitted it. When Hector had called her to inform her of the accident involving Eugene, her other brother, she’d not wanted to believe him. His brakes had failed and he’d crashed his truck. After flying through the windshield and landing, he now lay in a coma.

  She furiously wiped at the tears that leaked free and left the airport, stopping only to pay her ticket. Once she reached the interstate, she opened up the engine and drove fast amongst the pre-rush hour traffic.

  Her phone rang and she took the call, even though she didn’t recognize the number. It was four in the morning. Hell, for all I know it could be my answering service. Although I’m pretty sure I know that number.

  “Hello?” She turned down her music.

  “The first was merely a warning, Dr Camden.”

  Dr Camden? First what? She didn’t usually go by that title, although some colleagues refused to call her anything but. She frowned. The voice was digitized and terror skittered through her at the sound.

  “Who is this?” she demanded.

  “You ignore my summons again and your brothers will breathe their last.”

  Panic exploded out through her and with shaking hands, she pulled off the road, turned on her hazards and struggled for breath. Her brothers were her only family—aside from Jaydee—and she would do anything…anything to keep them safe.

  This…person… It had to be a person—right? They wouldn’t change that.

  “Who are you?”

  “Shut up, bitch, and listen.”

  Nausea swarmed in her throat. “All right, I’m listening. What do you want?” She rubbed the grit from her eyes—she’d been up far too long without sleep.

  “We will be in contact. Do not tell the cops of this or your brothers will die.”

  Click. The line went dead.

  Lexy bolted from the car and lost the contents—which were few—of her stomach. Wiping at her mouth with the back of her hand, she groaned when red and blue flashing lights rolled up behind her vehicle

  She squinted at the flashlight shining in her eyes. “Ma’am? Are you okay, ma’am?”

  Was she? Nope. Not even close. “Fine,” she croaked.

  “Walk toward me and keep your hands where I can see them.” The order came with the undercurrent of a Southern accent.

  Swallowing back her need for a repeat performance, she followed the sternly issued directive. The state patrol officer dwarfed her. She halted when he asked her to, making no sudden movements.

  “What are you doing, ma’am?”

  “I stopped because I was sick.”

  She couldn’t make out his features, courtesy of the wide-brimmed hat he wore.

  “You been drinking, ma’am?”

  “No, sir.” Sure could use one though.

  He approached her. “License and registration.”

  She quirked her lips. “Hon, I pulled over and bolted to puke my guts out. I don’t have it on me. But feel free to dig it out. Or I can go get it.”

  He walked her to the door and she gratefully sat on the leather seat. The phone taunted her from the passenger side as she dug for and found both requested items.

  “Here.”

  “Stay put.” He walked away.

  She dropped her head back with a groan and closed her eyes, exhaustion overtaking her.

  “Here you are, Dr Camden.”

  “Thank you.” She opened her eyes and took the cards back from him. “Anything else?” She tossed the items on the passenger seat.

  “No, ma’am. Drive carefully.” Black gloves tipped the hat and he strode away.

  “Just fuckin’ great.” She buckled herself back in, used her blinker and got back on the interstate after shutting off her hazards. Not wishing to be stopped for speeding, she held back. It took her longer to get home and her eyes burned furiously as she made her way up the steps of her antebellum house.

  “Crap, I’ve not been this tired since vet school.”

  She walked to her bedroom, where she leaned against one of the pillars of her four-poster bed and reached down to remove her stilettos. Flexing her toes, she groaned in relief.

  Lord, my bed looks so good. Eyes half lidded, she stumbled to the master bath and turned on the shower. A bath sounded divine. Truly.

  “I’d probably drown.”

  She stripped and stepped beneath the showerhead. Palms on tiles, she exposed her neck to the pounding spray. As much as she wished to linger, she had to get some rest before she went to visit her brother.

  Once finished, she wrapped a towel around her body and did the same to her hair. Then she flopped across her bed, set her alarm and gave into the demands of the Sandman. Hard to keep ignoring him, given how he’d pretty much been beating her over the head with a sleep stick.

  * * * *

  Every inch of her was sore when she flailed about trying to shut off the loud, ear-splitting beeps which pierced the air. Two hours of sleep was not enough.

  “I need more,” she muttered to no one in particular.

  With a grunt, she pushed up, her hand going to her head and encountering the towel that now sat haphazardly and precariously where she’d placed it. Fighting another yawn, she blinkingly made her way to the bathroom.

  “Shit. I look like I went ten rounds with the devil.” She frowned at her raccoon eyes. “And I lost.”

  After her shower, she dres
sed and got on her way, opting to swing through a drive-thru for a coffee instead of making one. In the hospital parking lot, she headed in after locking her car. Sipping on the elixir, she walked up to the admin desk.

  “Can I help you?”

  “Hope so. My brother Eugene Camden was admitted yesterday. I need his room number, please.”

  Thankfully the nurse was quick and got her the information. Armed with the destination, Lexy strode to the elevator bay, her tennis shoes making very little noise on the floor. Muzak played in the lift and she rode up leaning in the corner, her hat pulled low over her eyes. Exiting once the doors opened, she followed the signs to her brother’s room.

  She knocked before entering. The room was mostly dark, though the lights from the machines hooked to him cast his bed in an eerie glow. Tears pricked her eyes as she saw the battered face of her elder brother.

  “Oh, Eugene,” she said.

  His head had been bandaged with white gauze, one eye as well. There were cuts and abrasions all over his exposed skin. One leg had a cast on it, as did one of his arms. The part of his face not covered in bandages also had large bruises.

  She turned on a lamp, placed her coffee down and winced even more when the light illuminated better the damage done. With the tips of her fingers, she tenderly touched his cheek.

  “Who did this to you?”

  The door opened and she hastened into Hector’s arms once he had fully entered the room.

  “What the hell happened, Hector?” Her voice trembled.

  “Something went wrong with his car and he ran it off the road.” Hector held her tight.

  “Has he told you anything?” She drew back when he didn’t respond. “Hector?”

  “Remember, Lexy, I told you he’s in a coma.”

  Bile rushed up as her legs buckled. Hector assisted her to a chair and knelt before her as he wiped the tears from her eyes.

  “Did the cops find anything?”

  “Not that I’m aware of.”

  “Eugene is a cautious driver and he takes care of his vehicles. This doesn’t make any sense, Hector.”

  “Accidents happen, Lexy.”

  The call flashed through her mind. “I’m not so sure it was an accident.”