“And you didn’t order her to?”
He shook his head.
“Damn, Sebastian, I would be more than willing to take some time off and go help her, you know hold her hand and see her through this.”
Sebastian wasn’t shocked. Henry couldn’t stop talking about how beautiful North was and so sweet. He had been just as affected by her injuries as Sebastian had been.
“Cool it. You know she would turn you down.”
“Well, she needs to be rid of all this danger and fear. Let’s do this your way. You choose who knows about this operation and who doesn’t. Maybe we’ll find our rat, and put all these scumbags away once and for all.
* * * *
“This is the third time you cancelled. What is going on with you, North?”
Afina was concerned. Either North was seeing someone, or something happened to make her stay clear of Corporal’s bar and all their friends.
“Nothing is going on. I’ve been busy and by the time Friday comes I’m exhausted and the weekend is filled with appointments. I have an open house Saturday that I hadn’t planned on.”
“Are you sure? Because it seems to me like you’re avoiding Corporal’s.”
“Not at all. Listen, I haven’t even been able to call Amelia back yet today, and Kai wanted to get together for lunch, but I’m swamped. Maybe in another week or so things will lighten up.”
“You need to make time for yourself or you’re going to get burned out.
“Can you squeeze in lunch?”
“Not today.”
“Well where is this open house Saturday, maybe I can stop by to see you and say hello. Don’t worry, I won’t interrupt if there are potential buyers.”
North laughed. “April just said the same thing to me. It’s actually a really nice place. You’ll love it. I’ll send the address. Just text me when you’ll be arriving.”
“Okay. Well, we’ll miss you tonight at Corporal’s.”
“Have fun and see you Saturday maybe.”
Afina couldn’t stop the thoughts running through her head. Was it just coincidence that Mike, Turner, and Phantom were in bad moods the last week? Ever since those two guys Rodriguez and Denver were in town searching for a house and flirting with North, her cousins were irritable to say the least. Maybe they were jealous? Maybe they finally realized that they needed to make a move on North before some other guys moved in on her? Maybe one of them made a move and North panicked? She wondered and immediately called April.
They had known North for only about a year but the moment her cousins met North, they liked her, but they were going through something. She had a feeling the last several contracts they had with the government had been dangerous. Mike hinted about being in a hospital, and then tried to cover that up. They kept to themselves and as close as she felt she was to them, she knew they had secrets. Something was definitely going on here.
* * * *
North didn’t want to be here. She didn’t want to talk to Ice. She didn’t want to hear his consoling words, and it was like nothing was going to ever heal her. She looked out across the field as the kids played and people ran along the running paths. She walked, taking the long way to this spot, a spot many times she just sat and tried to clear her head. Today she was dressed for a run, ready to force herself into an almost state of exhaustion to clear her head, and she knew she would need that run when she was done talking to Ice.
She turned to the right and then the left, waiting for him to appear. Ice was definitely not your typical therapist. He was hardcore, badass, tattoos and beard, killer eyes, killer instincts, and a capable man. A man who had the ability to get through to even the roughest, toughest soldiers. Afina knew him, but Afina didn’t know that North knew Ice so well. It made her feel sort of guilty. Her made up life here in Mercy was based on lies, except for her recent accomplishments. She was doing so well in the real estate business, moving up quickly, getting closer to being the top seller for the agency, and she loved it. Loved this town, these people, the patriotic atmosphere and even Corporal’s which she had been avoiding like crazy. She was going to have to face her friends and face Turner, Mike, and Phantom again. God, she let Turner kiss her. What an idiot.
She spotted Ice as he walked around the path straight toward her. Sure enough he was on the phone as he walked, dressed casually like he was going for a run in sweats, a tight fitting t-shirt that showed off all his muscles and some of his tattoos. He was burly, intense, but when he spoke, he spoke calmly and compassionately. She wondered why he was single. Any woman would love a man so masculine and yet empathetic and caring. She was surprised by her thoughts. It wasn’t like she was attracted to Ice, but now that Turner had kissed her the way he did, she was feeling things she submerged for so long. She thought they didn’t work and that compassion wasn’t needed in her life. That a hug could mean so much.
She tightened up. This was the wrong state to be in with Ice. He would draw out these emotions. He would make her talk them through with him and try to make her feel. She didn’t want to feel. She wanted to remain numb to everything. It was easier that way.
“Hey, beautiful,” he said, putting away his cell phone. She stood up and he hugged her and gave her a kiss on the cheek and she quickly pulled back, looked away and then sat. When she looked up, he was squinting at her. “Did you run yet?”
“Nope.”
“Why not?”
“Figured I would need it afterwards,” she said, and she heard the coldness in her tone.
He slid his arm over the back of the bench and shifted his body toward her as he crossed his leg over his other leg.
“So what happened?” he asked, straight out, no bullshit.
“Nothing happe—”
He shook his head, giving her that stern expression that stopped the words coming from her lips. She clasped her hands on her lap and thought of a bunch of things, and about Turner kissing her, his dominance and his anger when she stopped things.
“Someone got under that guard of yours, huh?” he asked.
She turned toward him.
He gave a small grin.
“I can handle this, Ice.”
“By distancing yourself? By ignoring the pull to be human and to feel again when you’ve conditioned yourself not to feel?” he asked. He summed it up. Son of a bitch. Tears filled her eyes.
“I don’t want to feel. I don’t want to be vulnerable. I don’t want to hurt. I can’t take the emotions, Ice. It’s so much easier to just be alone and to not have to feel for anyone.”
“To be a robot? To work, to be in a routine and to be completely alone, lonely, sad, and scared?” he asked her.
“Fear is an everyday emotion I’m used to.”
“There can be a difference between living your life in fear and living your life on guard, aware, and having a plan in motion.”
“I do have a plan in motion. I actually have several of them.”
“So you’re prepared. That was something that concerned you months ago. Maybe this town, your friends, have helped you to feel more confident and to let down your guard a little.”
“I let down my guard and that was when things changed.”
“How so?”
“You want me to talk to you about it, but it’s enough that I can’t get it out of my head. I know the reality of this situation and the negatives have to outweigh the positives.”
“What are the negatives?”
“When he comes for me. When he finds me and anyone close to me, anyone he perceives as a threat will die. That negative enough for you, Ice?”
He stared at her then placed his hand on her shoulder. “You’re afraid for this man, for his life because by getting involved with you he could become a victim?” Ice asked.
“They could.”
He squinted. “More than one man?”
She didn’t say anything.
“What do they do for a living?”
“Don’t even go there. First of all, I don�
��t know. Something with the government. Right there a big no-no.”
“How many?”
“Three?”
“You feel an attraction to all three?”
“One kissed me,” she said, and her voice cracked and she felt emotional. He hugged her to his side.
“You have a right to be loved and cared for, North. You’re young, beautiful and classy, have so much to offer.”
She snorted. “So much to offer? Last time I checked a death sentence for getting involved with a woman wasn’t at the top of the list of things guys want from a woman.”
“North?”
She heard her name and both her and Ice looked up to see Phantom standing there. He had a hooded sweatshirt on over his head, his face slightly hidden and that darkness, that intensity about him appeared twofold.
She slid away from Ice and then looked at him, and he looked at Phantom, then at her before he stood up. When Ice did, she did.
“Good afternoon, Phantom. How’s it going?” Ice said to him, and her heart hammered faster inside her chest. Ice put out his hand and Phantom shook it. He then looked at her, giving her the evil eye. Would Phantom think her and Ice were an item? Was he pissed because Turner probably went home and told him what happened between them? Shit.
“Out for a run?” she asked, trying to pull away from the awkwardness of this situation. Phantom stared down at her. He was tall, over six feet three, and had big thick muscles against the snug fitting hoodie.
“How do you know Ice?” he asked, and she looked at Ice.
“We’ve known one another for a while. I was just out walking and we bumped into one another. In fact, I should let you get back to your run, North. I know how much you enjoy that. We’ll talk later in the week and I can give that contact information on my friend who is looking for a condo to rent.”
Ice was helping her by making this story up and she was grateful. If Phantom knew Ice, then Ice knew what he did for a living.
“Thanks again and I’ll talk to you later,” she said, and he winked.
He looked at Phantom. “Good seeing you. Tell Mike and Turner I said hello,” Ice said, and then walked away.
She swallowed hard, even the mention of Turner’s name had her feeling hot and affected. Phantom looked her over. She wore a pair of spandex shorts, a tank top with a light long sleeve windbreaker over it. “Going for a run?” he asked, and she nodded.
“I’m doing the same,” he said, and held her gaze.
She had to look away from him. Phantom was too intense, too dark, mysterious and unnerving to her. She always stayed clear of him, but then she felt his hand on her hip and she gasped and looked back at him. “Don’t be afraid of me.”
“I’m not,” she snapped at him, and he licked his lower lip.
He stroked her hip. “You’re shaking. I can feel it.”
“Too much coffee,” she lied.
“I don’t like liars,” he said to her, and squeezed her hip. She pulled away and bent down to tie her sneakers, which were already tied but she panicked. She felt too much. That attraction and that need.
“I need to get going,” she said, and started to run. She felt him following her, and a glance over her shoulder and she knew he was looking at her body, watching her. He didn’t stop or change directions. He kept up with her and she started to go through some of the other trails hoping he would get tired and slow down, but he didn’t. Soon he was side by side with her but she was leading the way. She didn’t know how, but she felt comfortable with Phantom by her side, despite how cold and distant he seemed to her. When they came toward the end of a path by the water that led through a wooded area, she hadn’t expected him to grab her around the waist, lift her up and stop her. She gasped as he wrapped her up in his arms and pressed her against the tree and held her gaze. “Enough of the games.” He pressed his mouth to hers.
She was shocked. Turned on, completely aroused by his dominance and his take control attitude. For a quiet, scary sort of man he was a complete turn on. She couldn’t think as he plunged his tongue into her mouth in exploration as his hand slid up her waist to her breast and cupped it. She moaned into his mouth. Thank God they were alone on this path or they would be giving quite the show. She was overheated, perspiring, but she could smell his cologne combined with her body spray and prayed she didn’t smell badly.
Their lips parted to breathe and he hugged her to him and she exhaled, her voice coming out like a squeak because his kisses and hugs were so effective she felt the tears emerge. He pulled back, cupped her cheeks, and gazed into her teary eyes, squinting.
“Tears?” he asked.
She gulped and tilted her head back against the tree. “This is bad. This can’t be happening.” She felt his lips against her neck gently spreading kisses.
“It is real. It’s happening.”
She tilted forward and shook her head. She reached up and stroked his cheek, felt the gruff beneath her fingertips. “I’m sorry, Phantom, I can’t do this.”
He growled low and pressed her firmer against the tree and his hard, solid body. “It’s too late. I’ve tasted these lips. Felt this body in my hands.” He slid his hand along her hip and to her ass. He pulled her against him and rocked his hips then kissed her again. It was wild as they battled for control of that kiss, and then in order to breathe, he pulled from her lips and suckled against her neck. She gripped his arms, he was so big, so hard like stone beneath her fingertips. She felt his tongue lick into her top and over part of her breast.
She tightened her hold. “Phantom. Oh God please don’t do this to me. Please.” She begged and tears fell.
He hugged her to him, kissed her neck and whispered into her ear. “Whatever it is, whatever you’re so afraid of, we’ll work it out. I’m not giving you up. This feels too fucking powerful. Turner will agree, and Mike, too.”
“Oh God,” she said, and then wondered what kind of lies could she tell them? How could she fight this and not allow it to happen? What could she do to stop wanting more?
He eased back and cupped her cheeks and saw the emotion in her eyes. “You’re so goddamn beautiful.” He covered her lips and kissed her again.
* * * *
Every instinct in Phantom’s body went on alert. North had secrets. Seeing her speaking with Ice, a therapist he knew, made him wonder what happened to her, how badly she was hurt, and what could have possibly occurred in her life that she needed a man like Ice to talk to? His bullshit story of them knowing one another and wanting her help in real estate was a lie. He read people well. In his line of work no one could be trusted. Everyone was a threat and sometimes that paranoia flowed into his personal life as well. He didn’t trust people. He hated having conversations in general never mind deep ones, but here he was walking alongside North and wanting more. Much more. Like her in his bed under him crying out his name as he made her come. It was instant and now he understood Turner’s upset at her denial of the feelings and pushing him away when they kissed. Wait until they found out about today.
“What are your plans for the rest of the day?”
“I have work.”
He gripped her hand stopping her from walking. He raised one of his eyebrows up at her.
“I do. It’s an open house and then I have another appointment to show a few places to a client.”
“Where’s this open house?” he asked.
“Phantom, don’t.”
He stopped and pulled her close again and kept one hand on her hip and one he placed against her cheek. “Don’t lie about how you feel. I’m the kind of guy to dissect emotions, I can tell you’re scared. I want to know why, and is it because of me? Is it because Turner was so pissed you blew him off and walked away?”
She stared at him and he could see her expression change. “I don’t like aggression. To be manhandled and made to feel like I could be struck.”
“What? Turner would never raise a hand to you, neither would I, or Mike. He made you feel that way?”
She took a deep breath and exhaled. “I don’t want to argue with you. This is what I was trying to avoid. I won’t be some bedmate for the three of you. A convenient thing to do for now. I know there’s an attraction but what would come of us? I only have a few good friends and Afina is one of them. Things get screwed up and my friendships will be over. I think it’s wiser to remain friends.”
“No,” he said to her. She squinted at him. “You’re lying.”
She pushed from his hold. “I need space.”
“You feel it.”
“I didn’t say I didn’t feel it. I just can’t entertain it. I’m sorry, Phantom, but there are things in my life, private circumstances that prohibit me from taking this chance, and getting involved with any man. I’ve never accepted a date, a fling or whatever, and I won’t now. I just want to be left alone. Please.”
He couldn’t help but to be angry. To be offended in a way because he put himself out there. He took a chance at showing his emotions which wasn’t something he was used to doing. “I took a chance, too, you know,” he said to her, and then shook his head. He raised his hands up and stepped back. “I don’t play games. Whatever, North. Whatever.” He walked away.
* * * *
“This place is incredible,” April said, then walked toward the sliding glass doors.
“It sure is. I would love to live here, but it’s a bit out of my price range,” Afina added.
North smiled as her friends walked through the place. She only had a few interested clients come through earlier.
“So you have like another hour or so right?” Afina asked, and leaned against the counter in the kitchen, sliding her palm along the dark granite countertops. It was an industrial kitchen that overlooked a large closed in patio with a pool and waterfalls. Past the yard was open land and then the ocean.
“I did have a client I was supposed to show some townhouses to, but he hasn’t confirmed yet.” She glanced at her cell phone.
“Well if he doesn’t then you can meet us at Corporals’ for dinner. We need to hang out and talk.”
Healing Hearts 2: Fight for Freedom (Siren Publishing Menage Everlasting) Page 5
