by K. C. Lynn
Ryder’s only a few feet from us now. “This is your last warning, Prescott, stop fucking moving or I will shoot.”
He finally stops moving and I think everything’s going to be okay until he says: “I will stop, but not her.”
Suddenly everything happens in slow motion. I get shoved the same time a series of gunshots go off. A scream locks in my throat as I stumble backwards; my hands flail, grabbing at air. Ryder rushes at me and I watch his mouth move as he shouts but I hear nothing, only silence. It feels like I’m not even in my own body anymore, it’s as if I’m looking from the outside. Through it all, I see Kyle fall over the same time as me, and it’s in one heart-stopping second that I realize this is it. I close my eyes, not being able to bear the thought of seeing me crash to my own death. But then I instantly slam back into myself with jarring impact when I smash against rock, the landing not as hard as I anticipated.
My eyes snap open in confusion and it takes me a minute to realize I’m hanging. I look up to Ryder on his stomach, my wrist gripped firmly in his hand. “I’ve got you.” I can barely hear him through the sound of the water rushing below and the pounding in my ears.
I make the mistake of looking down, seeing nothing but blackness, it’s too dark to see anything but I can tell it’s a really far ways down.
“Don’t look down, Emily. Look up at me.” I do as Ryder says, my gaze locking with his intense one. “I’ve got you, baby, I promise. Reach up with your other hand and hold on.” I follow the order and hold on tight while he pulls me up. I weep with relief once I’m locked safely in his arms.
He rolls us away from the edge and pins me under him. “Are you okay? Please fucking tell me you’re okay,” he asks with a gruff whisper.
“I think so,” I mumble, still having a hard time grasping reality.
He starts peppering soft kisses all over my face. “I’m so sorry. I’m so fucking sorry, Em.” I have no idea why he’s apologizing but I quickly realizing he’s crying, something that I didn’t think he was capable of. His hot tears hit my face and mix with my own.
I wrap my arms around his neck and revel in the feel of him against me, something I never thought I would feel again. “I was so scared you weren’t going to be able to find me. When they found the wire I…” I gasp, remembering the others. “Oh my god, Ryder. Cassie – they still have her. We have…”
“Shhh. Nick has her, baby, she’s okay. We reached them before I found you.”
I sigh with relief and pray she’s all right. My throat burns at the thought of everything she was put through by the hands of my father. I look back up at Ryder as I think about what happened tonight. “My father’s dead.”
His expression is somber as he nods. “I know.”
“He was going to sell me,” I mumble numbly, still having a hard time wrapping my head around the fact.
Ryder’s jaw clenches in fury before he rests his forehead on mine. “It’s over, Em. All of it. I’m going to take you away from here and I swear I’ll never let anyone hurt you again.”
His comment pulls me from my sad thoughts. “You’re going to take me away from here?” I ask quietly, hoping he’s saying what I think he is.
He trails his soft lips across my battered cheek. “Yeah, baby, I’m taking you back to Florida with me, where you were always meant to be.”
Pleasure warms me from the inside out, and I can’t help but rib him on his bossy insinuation. “What if I don’t want to go to Florida?” I whisper.
He freezes then swings his gaze back to mine. I try really hard to keep a straight face but his expression has a small giggle escaping me. He doesn’t find it funny, and glares down at me moodily. “That shit’s not funny, Emily.”
I smile and slip my hands under his police vest to pull him closer. “I’d follow you anywhere, Jameson. I love you, even when you’re bossy. Now shut up and kiss me.”
He smirks before leaning in and giving me what I want. He brings his lips softly to mine, but I refuse to let him be gentle. I lock my arms around his neck and kiss him with a desperation I’ve never felt. Our moans mingle as we immediately get lost in each other. I hear the distant sound of sirens and a helicopter sounding overhead, but we don’t break. Nothing matters right now but the two of us, and feeling what I thought, only moments ago, I would never feel again.
Chapter 24
Emily
Two weeks later I stand in my living room and take in my empty apartment as Ryder loads up the SUV with the last of my small stuff. A feeling of nostalgia washes over me as I say goodbye to my old life before starting my new one. Though I’m not sure why. The only good parts left of my life here were my job and Cece, and although I will miss the children I worked with, I’m excited to see what the future has in store for my career when I get to Florida.
As for Cece… I swallow past the ache in my throat and tears immediately sting my eyes at the thought of her. She hasn’t answered my phone calls, so I’m taking it that she’s not going to forgive me, and, to be honest, I’m having a hard time forgiving myself. Her father is dead from saving my life. If that didn’t make me feel horrible enough, it turns out he wasn’t a part of the sadistic sex ring my father and the rest of them were a part of. At least not in the way we thought he was.
A large brown envelope was found in a safe at his home office. It was filled with video evidence from the after parties, and a letter of admission stating exactly who was all involved. As it turns out, Paul was only recently aware of what my father and Archer were a part of. He stumbled upon it accidentally, and Archer had threatened Cece’s life if he didn’t keep quiet. It was then that he started collecting as much evidence as he could gather, but when he realized just how many people were in on it, he had no idea who he could trust.
Because of that evidence, along with what Ryder and Nick have, it’s enough to put away a lot of people for a long time. Including my mother. Though she never partook in the after parties, she knew about them. Her reasoning for keeping quiet was all for money, or so I imagine. I haven’t spoken to her nor do I plan to. There’s no point, nothing she says will undo the damage she and my father have done.
Ryder says there’s a good chance Archer will get the death penalty for the murders of Paul and the social worker, let alone any other possible victims he has killed. There is still so much to uncover when it comes to him. It makes me sick to know that poor lady’s body was buried in the well on my parent’s property all of these years. A place that I used to spend so much time at, and thought was so magical, now makes me sick to my stomach. I hope he pays, I hope they all pay for the lives they ruined and the people they hurt.
One good thing that came from that night was finding Cassie. She has a long road to recovery, both mentally and physically, but she’s a very strong girl and I know she will pull through. I spent a few days with her in the hospital as I knew she had no family and I wanted to make sure someone was there to support her. But Marianne Olsen, her school counselor, is amazing and truly cares about her. When Nick told her about Cassie being found and alive she came right away, and has stayed by her side ever since. She even plans to take Cassie in to live with her. We’ve promised to keep in contact, and I’m hoping once Cassie is better they will come visit us in Florida.
I get pulled from my thoughts when I feel strong arms envelop me from behind, bringing the most amazing warmth and safety with them. They’re arms that make everything right in my world. “Hey, baby,” Ryder mumbles against my neck, sending a sweet shiver down my spine. “There’s just two more things to load then we’re ready.”
I smile and tilt my head to the side, giving his delicious lips more access. “What else is left?”
A startled yelp escapes me when he swiftly lifts me off my feet. “My girl and her dog.”
I wrap my arms around his neck with a giggle. “Well you can’t forget about us.”
“I’d never forget your sweet ass,” he responds with a smirk then lays a smack to my behind. Before I can stop i
t an illicit moan slips past my lips. His eyes heat at my reaction. “That’s it, we’re fucking, before we leave.”
I bite back a smile. “As much as I like your idea, Jameson. How are we going to do that when there’s no furniture in here anymore?”
“Fuck furniture, we have the wall, I don’t need anything else but you.”
“Oh, well in that case.” I attack his sexy mouth, catching him off guard for only a second before he growls and takes control of the kiss like always.
Just as he starts walking to the door to close it, someone clears their throat. “Uh, knock, knock.”
My gaze snaps to the door. “Cece, hi,” I greet softly, shocked that she’s here.
“Hey.” She gives me a small smile, but it’s a really sad one and it completely breaks my heart.
An awkward silence settles over us before Ryder clears his throat and sets me on my feet. “Why don’t I take Summer out to the car so you two can have a moment alone. Or do you want me to stay?”
I shake my head. “No, go ahead. If you don’t mind taking Summer out that would be great.”
He nods then kisses me on the head. “Take your time.” He pats his leg for Summer to follow him, then hesitates as he passes Cece. He surprises me when he greets her with his usual annoyance. “Kensington.”
She watches him for a moment and my stomach twists, worrying what her reaction to him will be, but it vanishes when she greets him back with her usual sassiness. “Jameson.”
“Nice luggage,” he quips, pointing to her massive purse.
She tilts her head and smirks. “I’m starting to think you have a thing for my purses. You know they have ones for men now? My friend Louis makes them. I could get you one if you wanted.”
Ryder grunts. “No guy in their right mind would carry that shit around.”
I smile, my anxiety easing at their bantering but it kicks up once again when Ryder walks out and closes the door behind him, leaving Cece and I alone.
We watch one another, silence surrounding us once again. Her gaze darts to the ground. “So Florida, huh?”
“Yeah,” I reply softly.
She nods but doesn’t look up at me. “Sorry it’s taken me so long to come see you.”
“It’s okay. I’m glad you’re here now. I’ve been really worried about you,” I whisper, trying to keep my tears at bay.
“I know. I’m sorry, I just needed time to sort through everything and I needed to do it on my own.” She swallows, trying to hold back her own emotion. “I’m not mad at you. I mean, I was at first, but after I thought it through I understood you couldn’t tell me what was going on.”
“I wanted to,” I tell her truthfully. “I hated having to keep it from you, but if it makes you feel better I only found out a week before you did. I didn’t know about the case when Ryder first came back.”
She finally looks back up at me and my heart shatters at the tears rushing down her face. “I just can’t believe any of this happened. I can’t believe my dad is gone,” she says on a sob.
I don’t hold back any longer. Walking over, I wrap her in my arms. “I’m sorry, Cece, I’m so, so sorry. Please forgive me,” I tell her, my own tears rushing hot and fast.
She steps back and looks at me confused. “Forgive you for what?”
I swallow, trying to get words past the emotion clogging my throat. “He died only because he saved my life.”
She shakes her head. “No, I don’t blame you, Emily. No matter how hard it’s been on me and my mom, we’re both glad he was there to help you.”
Her words mean everything to me, and eases a little of the guilt that has been suffocating me. “I don’t know where I would be right now if he hadn’t done what he did.”
“He died a hero,” she whispers.
“Yes, he did.”
She reaches up and touches the cut on my forehead. “How are you doing with everything? It looks like you got pretty banged up,” she says, acknowledging my faded bruises.
I shrug. “The physical marks will heal fast, but my heart’s going to take a little longer, especially over Rosa.” A sharp pain slices through me like always when I think about her.
Cece’s eyes well again but her expression turns fierce. “A lot of people’s lives were ruined over this, and I hope that everyone involved fucking pays. Especially Archer Benedict,” she grinds out.
“Ryder says he will make sure of it.” And I know he will. He and Nick have been making sure they have everything in order to bring everyone involved down.
“I can’t believe Jameson is a cop. I thought for sure the guy was an assassin,” she says with a smirk, lightening the mood.
I chuckle through my tears. “I assure you he’s not a hired killer, he’s an FBI Agent and it turns out he’s a real good one. I don’t know what I would have done without him through all of this,” I add softly.
“You always did see the good in him, and I have to admit, the guy is growing on me. I don’t like that he’s taking my best friend away, but he’s good to you and I know he’ll take care of you,” she pauses and visibly swallows. “I’m really going to miss you, Emily.”
We’re back in each other’s arms, blubbering all over again. “I’m going to miss you too, Cece. You’re the bestest friend I’ve ever had and you always will be.”
“I’m the only friend you’ve ever had.”
I chuckle. “This is true, but even if I had my pick I’d always choose you.”
She scoffs. “Well, I am pretty awesome.”
“Yes, you are,” I reply with a smile.
She gives me one last squeeze then steps back. “All right, enough sap.” She wipes her tears then slings an arm around my shoulders. “I’ll walk you out. We don’t want to keep the purse police waiting too long.”
I pause and take one last look around my apartment before walking out. We leave out the back entrance and I’m happy to see no reporters. They have been like vicious vultures, or at least they were until Ryder scared them off. I’m pretty sure the one guy almost pissed his pants by the time Ryder was finished with him. And speaking of my guy… my eyes take him in as he leans against the SUV in all of his sexy glory. Summer’s head sticks out the opened back window next to him.
“I have to admit, Emily, the guy is one hot piece of ass,” Cece mumbles quietly.
I smile. “Yes, he is.”
“I hope one day I find someone to look at me the same way he does you,” she says softly.
“You will.” Cece is one of the most beautiful girls I’ve ever seen, and although she loves her high-end lifestyle she still has a beautiful heart. I have no doubt that she will find someone who will love her as much as Ryder loves me.
Once we reach the vehicle, I turn and pull Cece into a hug again. “I’m going to miss you, but know you can come visit anytime you want.”
She squeezes me back tightly. “I will be coming to visit, and soon.”
“Good.”
She steps back. “And who knows, maybe I’ll love Florida and want to move there too.” She glances briefly at Ryder as she says this and I know she’s only messing with him, but the thought of her living there too has excitement rushing through me.
“I’d love that. You could even live with us until you found a place.”
She turns to Ryder. “You hear that, Jameson? She says I can come live with you guys, do you have a closet big enough to store all of my purses?”
He grunts. “I have a feeling your luggage wouldn’t even fit in my entire apartment, let alone a closet.”
She looks to me with a smile. “I’m so buying him a man purse, I’ll make sure there’s even a little compartment for his badge.” We both burst into a fit of laughter. The thought of Ryder with a purse is absolutely comical. By his glare he clearly doesn’t find it as funny. “Oh calm down, Secret Agent Cody Banks, I’m just screwing with you.” I’m laughing so hard now there are tears running down my face.
“Ha, ha, so fucking funny,” he mumbles, clearly
unimpressed. “And it’s Special Agent, not Secret Agent.” His grumbling only has us laughing harder.
After we get control of ourselves, Cece pulls me in for one last hug. “All right, I better get going. Call me when you get there.”
“I will, I promise.”
Letting go, she starts walking backwards out of the parking lot. “Take care of my best friend, Jameson, and if you’re lucky you’ll see me soon.”
“I can’t wait,” Ryder mumbles unenthusiastically.
With a sassy wink she turns around and disappears around the corner. I look up at Ryder, trying to bite back a smile. “You have to admit she is funny.”
He grunts. “She’s not even a little bit funny. Now get your sexy ass in the vehicle and let’s hit the road.” Giggling, I give Summer a kiss on her nose through the opened window then get in.
On our way out, Ryder drove into Allendale. He stopped at the garage where he used to work and made arrangements to have his bike shipped down to Florida. I got to meet his old boss, Hector. He was a very nice Hispanic man, and it was easy to see how proud he was of Ryder and all he has accomplished.
From there, Ryder took me by our old high school to show me what it looked like. Since it was lunch break for the students, he took me inside and showed me around. The halls were packed with students and I didn’t miss all the teenage girls giggling and eyeing Ryder. I have a feeling that’s how it always was back when we went there too.
First he took me to the classroom where we had trigonometry together, and even showed me which desks we sat in. Mr. Wesson was doing paperwork and was pleasantly surprised to see us. After exploring most of the school we stopped in at the counselor’s office to see Mrs. Johnson. She was thrilled to see us, especially Ryder. It seemed she knew he became an FBI Agent, but she hadn’t known he was back. She didn’t bring up the case on my father but I’m sure she guessed that’s what he was here for. She had tears in her eyes when he told her I was moving with him to Florida, and she seemed genuinely happy for us.
Even though my time at the school was short-lived, it’s a place that holds some of my most treasured memories. It was there I met the boy who was forbidden to me; the one I gave my whole heart to.
