by Aliyah Burke
Her laughter was anything but amused. “What’s your role in this?”
“The group I represent is actively trying to stop The Watchers.”
“This ‘group’ have a name?”
He nodded and she crossed her arms. Waiting.
“Does it matter?”
“My brother, mine, is lying in a coma because of this Watchers group. You show up demanding answers and my cooperation, like they did—without the appearance—spouting about another group. Oh yeah, don’t forget you feel the need to sweep my house for listening devices. So yes, Valentino Cassano, it matters. Who are the ones you work for?”
“Theta Corps.”
She sniffed. “Never heard of ’em.”
“Not surprised.”
“So all y’all are after The Watchers? For how long?”
“Years.” While his response came immediately, she couldn’t miss the derision which coated the word.
“Are you the reason my brother is in a coma?” He never blinked. “I mean because I slept with you and you are in this Theta Corps, are they coming after my family?”
“No.”
“Swear it.”
He leaned forward, the chain and gold ring spilling into view. “We go after many groups, I can’t swear that.”
“At least you didn’t lie.” She glared. “About that.”
“I don’t announce what I do, Lexy. It’s a dangerous job.”
“Right. Like 007.”
“Sure. Without the accent, tuxes, a desire to gamble and—”
“Drinking?”
“I was going to say the women, but yes, the drinking as well.”
“Does your family know?”
“I had to tell them today. No, they weren’t happy, they feel betrayed.”
She didn’t want to discuss family, for it made her think of hers. “How long have you been in this group?”
“Over fifteen years.” He put his cup down. “My turn.”
She didn’t think so. She had no desire to make this easy for him. “Sorry. I have to get some sleep. I have surgeries tomorrow.”
She stood and took her mug to the sink. Although part of her expected it, when his arms settled on either side of her she jumped slightly.
“I’m staying.”
Giving a shrug as if she couldn’t care less, she rinsed out her mug then his. “I have a couch.” She also had a guest room, but she didn’t want him to feel comfortable. He might get the idea of staying longer and that wouldn’t be good for her sanity. Hardening herself against her stupid, derailing emotions, which got her in trouble, she ducked under his arm. He grabbed her and she halted.
“I still have questions.” His voice was cold and hard.
“I don’t care. I’m beat. It’s been a hellacious day and by all accounts, tomorrow will be as well. I need sleep. You and your questions can wait.”
A tic appeared in his jaw. “My boss wants an update.”
She removed his hand. “And? Give him one, just keep your voice down, I’m really tired.”
She knew he wasn’t pleased. Tough. Neither was she.
“Answers, Lexy. I want them.” He narrowed his gaze. “I will have them.”
“Then you don’t need me.”
Val stepped back. The shadows in the kitchen appeared to reach out and draw him into their arms. All she could see were his hazel eyes that flickered with anger and danger, as well as the set jaw. Dangerous and hot.
“I’ll put some sheets out for you.” She moved from the kitchen and got the items for him. Once she set them down, she turned to find him scowling at her. “Night.”
“We’re not done.”
“This is what I hear from your mouth. Blah, blah, blah.” He twitched and she hid her grin. This could prove to be fun. “Yep, that’s it. Blah, blah, blah. I don’t want to talk and answer your questions, Val. I’m tired and I have to operate tomorrow—today. I’m going to bed. Alone. Don’t enter my room or you’ll find out just how good I am with a gun.”
He stepped from the shadows. “I need answers to be able to protect you.”
She glared, making fists. “My brother needed protection. I don’t. Now get out of my way unless you’d like to be neutered.”
“My boss—”
“I don’t know your boss and I don’t give a flying fuck about him. Or her. I’m going to bed. Perhaps—and I do mean perhaps—I’ll answer your questions tomorrow.” She moved by him. “Don’t bother me because I’ve gotten some answers. I also have no problem letting you spend the night in jail.”
She made her way back to her room, brushed her teeth again then climbed back into bed. With a punch to her pillow, she bemoaned the knowledge of him being so damn close. To be able to sleep with him…heaven.
She flopped over, frustrated. Sleep, she had to get some sleep.
* * * *
When her alarm went off, she was still cranky. She showered and dressed then sat on her bed to place a call.
“Morning, sis.”
“Hey, Hector. I’ve got a day of surgeries so leave a message with Minnie if something changes.”
“Will do. You okay?”
Hell no. “Didn’t sleep the best.” I’m not telling him of the man who slept on my couch.
“He’ll pull through, Lexy. We have to have faith.”
“I know, I know. Love you.”
“Love you, too, sis.” Hector hung up.
She put her phone down and cradled her head in her hands. If only she could go to the hospital and see her brother. She lifted her head as voices filtered back to her. What the fuck? Who’s in my house?
Not a good start to her day. Phone in hand, she left her room and strode up to see who her visitors were. Once she stepped from the hall to the living room, she halted. Along with Valentino, there were three people she didn’t know. Two men and a woman.
The woman noticed her first. She had a wealth of vibrant red hair and a body most women would kill for. Sparkling blue eyes moved over Lexy, assessed then summarily dismissed her. Lexy bit back her irritation, but just barely.
“Valentino.” The redhead drawled his name as she lowered herself into a chair. She sat with grace and crossed her long, tanned legs as she gestured with her head.
Val turned along with the two men. Holy shit! The men were panty-soaking hot. And one was familiar—she’d seen him in Zurich. All three men stood, the redhead remained sitting.
If I were into group sex, I just found the three men I’d want in bed with me.
The familiar one grinned at her. A John Deere cap sat on his head, complete with stains. His jeans were molded to powerful legs and the ends of his blond-brown hair touched wide shoulders, covered by a tight blue shirt.
Christ, he was huge.
The other man had blue eyes, short dark hair and leaner muscles, but was dressed in a similar vein. Valentino had redressed in his suit he’d arrived in.
“Lexy,” Val said, sidling toward her.
She knew he expected her to blow at the invasion. Lexy pasted a welcoming smile on her face and moved past him. “Hi, I’m Lexy. I’m sorry, can I get y’all some coffee, tea, juice? I’ll have some breakfast ready in a spell if I can tempt you to eat.”
“Breakfast sounds divine.” The large man stepped in front of her. His eyes were a startling shade of green.
I wouldn’t want to be on his bad side.
“Name’s Beauregard Jackson, ma’am.”
Of course it was. “Lexy Camden. Did you have a good time in Zurich?”
Straight white teeth flashed in his tanned face as he grinned. “You do remember.”
“You’re a hard man to forget.”
His smile grew. “I like her, Valentino.”
“Get away from her.” Val’s voice slid around them like a dangerous pit viper.
“Always with the orders.” Beauregard winked and moved back.
Ignoring Valentino, she focused on the other man. “And you are?”
“Ethan Jackson,
ma’am.” He pointed to the redhead. “My sister, Anabelle Lee. Cousins to Beauregard.”
She nodded at the woman. Got a barely-there one in return. She’s not happy with me. “Let me get a start on breakfast. Val, a word.”
“Val?” Ethan asked in a shocked voice while the other two had looks of disbelief on their faces.
Lexy made her way to the farthest point in her kitchen and waited for him to join her. When he stood before her, she poked him in the chest.
“Who the fuck do you think you are bringing strangers into my home?”
“I work with them. Would you stop calling me Val?”
Nope. “I don’t give a rat’s ass if they’re part of the prez’s inner circle or your besties from childhood. This is my house. Mine! You have no right.”
He frowned. “Wait. Let me understand this. You’re pissed at me for inviting them in, but you offered them breakfast?”
“Duh. Of course. Southern hospitality.” She grabbed some pots and pans.
“Southern hospitality.” He shook his head. “I didn’t see it last night.”
Her grin was feral. “You’re an unwanted guest.”
“What’s the difference between me and them?”
“They’re guests you invited—visitors—and I will be the pleasant hostess. So no need to worry I will snap and shoot everyone.”
“You’re crazy.”
She glared at him. “Be careful, Val. One more surgery on my docket is doable.” Turning her back on him, she got to work.
Chapter Four
“What’s going on?” Beau asked as Valentino stood by the living room window watching Lexy as she tossed some bags in the back of her convertible.
“The Watchers put her brother in a coma and have contacted her.”
Ethan and Anabelle Lee joined them, concern on their faces.
“What can we do?” Ethan crossed his arms and rocked back on his heels.
“What did they say to her?”
Valentino scuffed the toe of his shoe against the tan carpet. “She wouldn’t tell me last night when I arrived, Anabelle Lee.”
Anabelle Lee’s cobalt gaze narrowed. “So what, she’s not taking this seriously?” Anger tinged her words.
“She’s overwhelmed.” He’d had some time to mull it over since he’d arrived.
“So what, we have to coddle her?”
Beau and Ethan shared a look. Valentino tipped his head and stared out of the window. “Coddle? No. She needs to be protected.”
“Is she the one?”
Valentino tore his gaze from the woman heading up her walk toward the front door and placed it on the redhead beside him. “The one?”
“The woman you’re pining for?”
“Anabelle!” Ethan reprimanded.
“What? You both are thinking it. I’m merely voicing it. There’s emotion in his voice. If it’s because of her, she needs to be worthy.” She sidled closer to Valentino. “And jealousy shows a woman’s true mettle. Will Lexy fight for you, Valentino?”
“No reason for her to. He’s not hers and she doesn’t want him.”
Valentino ignored the three smirks and faced Lexy, who stood in the doorway. Her expression shared nothing with him. How can she just say I’m not hers and she doesn’t want me?
“I’m leaving so I’m not late for work. Y’all need to get out of my house. Unexpected guests are one thing, but I am not letting you hang out in my place while I’m gone.”
“Val knows us,” Anabelle Lee said, sliding her arm around his waist.
“Then he can get a house for y’all to hang in. He’s an unwanted guest in this one.”
Valentino stepped forward. “Lexy, you need protection.”
“I always carry protection. A few condoms is the smart thing for a woman to have on her person. Never know when we may find a man we want to drop everything for and fuck.” Emotion flared in her gaze, burning him and tearing his thoughts from the mental picture of her and someone else. “I’m not having you lurk in my operating room.”
“Send Anabelle Lee,” Beau suggested.
The women stared at one another and he swore sparks arced between them. He was uncertain if it would be wise—it was never smart to mix fire and gasoline. Don’t say that when it’s you and Lexy, his brain chimed in with its unwanted commentary.
“Whatever,” Lexy said. “Let’s go. Get out.”
Everyone left the inside her house. After Lexy locked up, she sent him a look that promised retaliation.
Valentino stood before her. “Be nice,” he warned in a low tone. “And we’re talking about this tonight.”
“Don’t spend the day lurking on my porch.” She whirled around and strode to her car. “Let’s go, Red, unless you plan on walking.” Lexy peered over her shoulder at them. “Or do you prefer Scarlett?”
Valentino grabbed Anabelle’s wrist, halting her explosive forward movement. “Let it go.”
“Red,” Anabelle seethed. “Scarlett? I’m gonna snap your woman, Val.” She pulled free then went down to the car.
“Oh yeah, great idea, Beau.” Ethan leaned against the railing. “My sister has attitude issues.”
“Like you’re stable, Ethan?” Beau punched his cousin. “Come on, I rented a house.”
Valentino watched Lexy’s car back out then speed off, tires squealing. “Where’s the house?”
“Right over there. The pink one, I thought Ethan would feel comfortable there.”
Ignoring their squabble he said, “Good. Let’s get you moved in.”
“You’re not staying?”
“I’m staying with Lexy.” Both men howled at his pronouncement. “This news is amusing to you both?”
“Hell yeah!” Beau said, holding his side.
“Ain’t no way that woman is letting you stay with her.” Ethan laughed harder, apparently agreeing with Beau’s sentiment.
Ethan bent over the railing and Valentino really wanted to plant his foot in his ass and send him over. But that would ruin the flowers and Lexy would be even more ticked with him.
“I agree with my cuz on that one.”
He glowered at them both. “You seem to think I’m giving her a choice in the matter.”
“I wanna be a fly on the wall when you tell her.”
“Fuck off, Beau.”
The cousins made their way down the walkway to the car. “Be in touch.”
He waved as they moved the car down to the rental basically across the street. As much as they could be big pains in the asses sometimes, they were the ones he trusted at his back. Pivoting, he let himself back inside Lexy’s house.
Taking his time, he went from room to room, discovering what he could about Lexy. Her house reflected her personality. Bright, vivacious and independent. Loud colors that would keep a person going filled the rooms. Except her bedroom. Last night he’d been focused on other things. Now, however, the difference made him wonder if he hadn’t gone into a different house.
Calming. Soothing. Relaxing. That was her bedroom. As with the other furniture in her house, the items in her bedroom were simple and functional. The wall across from her bed had a mountain mural painted on it. Snow-capped, it loomed over a winding river lined by trees. The sky was a beautiful blend of purples and gold.
It took him a few moments to realize the mural led to her closet. He’d been so impressed by the painting he’d not noticed the sliding door. His cell rang and he answered immediately.
“Cassano.”
“What are you doing?”
Masters. “About to go find out what she knows.”
“Thought you were doing that last night.”
“Plans changed.”
“You do know I talk to Beauregard, Ethan and Anabelle Lee as well, right?”
Yes, I know. “So no need to call me. They could fill you in.” Valentino hung up.
After he’d familiarized himself with her place, he left, locking the door behind him, then headed for her clinic. Again, he hadn’t been
quite sure what to expect. The building was large and welcoming plants lining the walk to large doors, which were spotless.
He strode up the path then into an enclosed entryway, also all glass, then he progressed fully inside to the main part of the clinic. One woman sat in the waiting room next to a young girl whose feet didn’t even touch the ground. In her tiny hands she held a red leash, which was attached to a small dog. Or puppy. He wasn’t sure.
“May I help you, sir?” a woman asked as she walked across the tile floor. Her hot pink scrub pants and paw print white and pink top almost made him smile.
He stared at her and read the nametag. Minnie. “I need to speak to Lexy.”
“It will be a while. She’s finishing up a surgery then has to see Ms Clara’s Mitzi there.”
“I’ll wait.” He claimed a padded seat and leaned back. Where’s Anabelle Lee?
Minnie didn’t seem at all concerned by his statement. In fact, after her nod, she turned her attention to the two who were waiting and led them away, stopping briefly to weigh the dog.
A mix of music played—nothing that would ramp up animals or patrons but a good compilation. A side door opened and a tall black man in jeans and a plain green scrub top stepped through. During his career with Theta Corps, Valentino had learnt how to size someone up. And this man would prove to be a challenge to take down.
“Minnie!” the man called out.
The receptionist stepped back into view. “Hey, Hector.”
“Where’s Lex?”
“Just finished surgery and is in with a client.”
“Can you send her back to the west barn when she has a moment?”
“Will do, Doc.”
Hector winked at her before leaving. Valentino watched as two more men approached with two large dogs on leashes. One of the canines jerked free from his owner in the entryway and he saw the reason for having the setup as they did—one could always see if there was a loose animal poised to escape before another opened the door.
They finally got his leash back on and entered. Minnie called out a greeting even as both dogs lunged for Valentino. He managed a smile as they apologized.
“Dr Camden, you’re needed at the west barn ASAP and you have someone who’s been waiting to speak to you.”
“I’ll be right there, Minnie. Make sure Mitzi gets a treat for being so brave and one for Ms Clara as well, for continuing to be so good training her.”
