by Wilder, L.
“Cabin? What cabin?”
“My uncle’s place. It’s a few hours from here. He’s got a real nice cabin up in the mountains, miles away from anything,” Gus explained.
“But wait, what about my job? How am I supposed to—”
Before I could finish my sentence, Jackson looked at me and said, “I know this isn’t going to be easy for you, Reece, but you’re going to have to go invisible for a while, same as it would be if the cops put you in protective custody. No family. No friends. No job. It’s the only way we can keep you safe.”
15
Riggs
Once we were done talking to Gus, Reece and I took Tate down to my room, so she could put him down for a nap. I watched from my desk as she lay beside him on the bed and started talking to him in a low, almost whisper-like voice as she tried to coax him to sleep. The day had taken its toll on them, and it wasn’t long before they both gave in to their exhaustion. I was in complete awe as I watched them lying there together. It was only a few short days ago that I was alone, that I had no one who I could truly call my own. But with a quick wave of fate’s hand, that all changed. I’d been blessed with not only a woman who completely captivated me in every way but a son—the most extraordinary gift of them all. These two incredible souls were mine, and the mere thought of Navarro harming them in any way sent a wave of rage searing through me. There was nothing that I wouldn’t do to keep them safe—nothing.
I was still sitting there, lost in my world of thoughts, when there was a tap at my door. Worried that the sound might wake up Tate, I quickly opened it and found Blaze standing there. I stepped out into the hall and asked, “Hey, what’s up?”
“I had something I wanted to run by you.”
“Okay. What’s on your mind?”
As he glanced into the room, he said, “Might need to discuss this somewhere more private.”
I nodded, then closed the door and followed him down the hall. Once we were at the bar, I asked, “What’s on your mind?”
“I was thinking about Navarro and what we could do to make sure that he stays locked up.”
“Yeah?”
“It got me to thinking about last night. Remember the guy they brought in to the warehouse?”
“The guy they got out of the trunk?”
“Yeah. What do you think they did with him?”
“Got no idea, but if I had to guess, I’d say they got what they wanted out of him and killed him.”
“I was thinking the same thing.” Blaze cocked his eyebrow as he continued, “They never brought him out, so that means, dead or alive, he’s still in that warehouse. If we can find a way to let that FBI agent know what’s up, then we’re set.”
“Damn. You’re right. I’ll work out a way to tie the warehouse to Navarro, we’ll have him.”
“You think you can do it?”
“I can do it. No doubt about that.”
After Blaze and I ran his idea by Gus, I went back to my room and logged in to my computer. With just a few keystrokes, I managed to change over the ownership of the warehouse from some old timer in East Memphis to Josue Navarro. Next, I created an untraceable file that contained everything I had on Navarro, including the suspicious activity at the warehouse, and sent it to Agent Hamilton. While I doubted the Memphis cops would be happy about it, I knew it would only be a matter of time before Hamilton would have that warehouse crawling with agents, and Navarro’s case would be taken over by the FBI. I was just about to go let Gus know that I’d done what we’d discussed when I heard Tate babbling behind me. I turned around and found him sitting up next to Reece, toying with a strand of her hair.
I walked over to him and smiled. “Hey there, buddy. Did you have a good nap?”
“My momma.”
“Yeah. Your momma is tired.” I reached down and lifted him into my arms. “You hungry?”
“Hun-gwy,” he repeated after me.
“Want to go see if we can find a snack?”
“Snack.”
“Okay. Let’s let your momma sleep, and we’ll go find us a snack.”
Trying my best not to wake her, I slipped out of the room and took Tate down to the kitchen. I had no idea what a kid his age would eat, so I was thankful that Louise was at the stove making dinner. She was not only a mother but the grandmother of two, so I knew she’d be able to help me out. “Hey, Louise. You think you could help me find Tate a bite to eat.”
She turned around to face me, and her eyes lit up the second she spotted Tate. “Oh my! Isn’t he a doll!”
“That he is.” I smiled. “He just woke up, and I think he’s ready for a snack.”
“Snack,” Tate repeated once again.
“I think there’s a box of Cheerios in the cabinet.” She looked down at him with a silly grin and asked, “Would you like some Cheerios?”
I could tell by his expression that he wasn’t sure what to make of her, but that all changed when she reached into the cabinet and pulled out the big yellow box of cereal. A bright smile crossed his face as he reached his hands out and said, “Mine.”
“I think we have a winner,” Louise said with a chuckle. “I think there’s a highchair in the back of the pantry if you want to go get it.”
“Yeah, that would be great.”
She then reached for Tate. “Let me take him.”
“Thanks.” When I returned with the highchair, Louise settled him in and then poured a handful of cereal into a bowl. As soon as she sat it down in front of him, Tate grabbed a handful and shoved it in his mouth. “I think he’s a fan.”
“Of course, he is. All kids love them,” Louise replied as she knelt down beside him. “He looks just like you, Riggs. Same beautiful eyes and that lopsided grin. This little guy is gonna be a heartbreaker.”
My chest swelled with pride as I looked down at my son. “I still can’t believe he’s mine.”
“You’re going to be a wonderful father.”
“You think so?”
“Absolutely. I have a sixth sense about these things, and my gut tells me that you have a natural gift. You’ll see.”
“I hope you’re right.”
“Where’s his mother? I haven’t gotten a chance to meet her yet.”
“She’s asleep. Been a rough day for her.”
“I heard. Sounds like your girl is one tough cookie.”
“Yeah, but she’s been through a lot. I don’t know how much more she can take of all this.”
“Well, you know what they say … tough times don’t last, but tough people do. I have a feeling your girl is going to be just fine.” She must’ve sensed my apprehension, because she said, “Why don’t you go check on her? I can keep an eye on little man for a while.”
“You sure?”
“Of course. Besides, who wouldn’t want the company of a handsome fella like him?”
“Thanks, Louise. I’ll be right back.”
“Take your time, Riggs. Really, we’ll be fine.”
I nodded, then headed down the hall to my room. When I walked in, Reece was still in the bed, but she was starting to come around. I sat down beside her and smiled when she stretched wide and yawned. “Hey.”
“Hey. Did you get a good nap?”
I’d barely gotten the words out of my mouth when she shot up on the bed and gasped, “Where’s Tate?”
“He’s fine,” I told her as I placed my hand on her thigh. “He’s in the kitchen having some Cheerios with Louise.”
A puzzled look crossed her face as she asked, “Who’s Louise?”
“She’s Moose’s ol’ lady.” When her eyes narrowed with disapproval, I gave her thigh a light squeeze. “Trust me. She’s an old pro at handling kids. Has two grown girls of her own, and all kinds of grandkids running around. Has two of them living with her right now.”
Her expression softened. “Oh, okay.”
“The guys went over to your apartment and packed up the things on your list. It’s all still out in the SUV, but I’ll have
them brought in. We should check to make sure they got everything.”
“Okay.”
“We also need to call Detective Rayburn and see if there’s been any developments with Navarro. I don’t want any surprises where he’s concerned.”
“Okay.”
“They won’t need you at the preliminary hearing, but I’m sure the prosecutor will want to talk to you before we leave town.”
“Jackson,” she interrupted. “Can we please slow down for just a bit? I need a moment to wrap my head around all this.”
“We can take all the time you need.”
“Can you lie down with me for a minute?”
“Yeah, I can do that,” I told her as I crawled onto the bed next to her.
We lay there in silence for several minutes before she turned to face me. “I still haven’t had a chance to see Alejandra. When do you think I can?”
“She’s dealing with some things right now, so I’m not sure.”
“What’s she dealing with?”
“Jason was a really good friend of hers. Plus, his sister is taking his death pretty hard, so she’s spending some time with her and the rest of his family.”
“I didn’t realize she was friends with him.”
“She was. I’m sure she’s having a hard time with his death as well.”
“Did Rodrigo know that they were friends? Is that why he was at his apartment?”
“I never said Navarro was at his apartment, but regardless, that’s a story for another day.”
“But—”
“Another day, Reece.”
“Okay.” Then she let out an aggravated sigh. Several minutes later she said, “Tell me about the cabin we’re going to.”
“It’s a nice place right by a creek. It has a wraparound porch with swings and rockers all around. It’s big … Three stories with five or six bedrooms, and that’s just the cabin. Jed’s house is across the way, about five hundred yards or so.”
“Why does he have two houses?”
“That’s a good question. None of us really know, but having a place to disappear to helps when you need it.”
“So, you’ve been there before?”
“Yeah, a couple of times. I think you and Tate will like it there.”
“Will it be just the three of us there?”
“No. Some of the guys will be coming with us so they can help keep an eye on things.”
“You really think Tate and I will be safe there?”
“I wouldn’t take you there if I didn’t,” I assured her.
“Thank you for all this, Jackson. You don’t know how much this all means to me.”
“No need to thank me. Besides, I have my own selfish reasons for wanting to keep you safe.”
Reece looked at me with a soul-searching stare, and I have no idea who moved first, but the next thing I knew, we were connected with her mouth pressed against mine. A light moan vibrated through her chest when my tongue slid across her bottom lip with a lazy glide, and my hand gripped the back of her neck for better access, as I delved deeper into her mouth. My tongue tangled with hers as she hooked a leg over mine, arching her hips towards me. Her hands slowly drifted down my chest, and when she reached the hem of my shirt, she looked at me with need in her eyes. “How do you do that?”
“Do what, baby?”
“Make me feel like you and I are the only two people on the planet?”
“I have no idea, but you make me feel the same way.”
With her eyes locked on mine, I pulled my t-shirt over my head and tossed it to the floor. Before I’d had a chance to react, she reached for her own and removed it, pitching it onto the floor next to mine. She turned back to me, and her voice was low and strained as she whispered, “I need this, Jackson. I need to feel your hands on me … feel your body close to mine.”
As soon as the words slipped from Reece’s lips, the damn broke and any resistance slipped away. My hand dove into her hair, and I brought her mouth to mine then kissed her hard, our tongues twisting and tasting each other with nothing but passion and desire. Her mouth was warm and soft, and each swirl of her tongue made the blood rush to my cock. I lowered my mouth to her neck and ran my lips softly down the curve of her jaw down to her shoulder and whispered, “You’re perfect. Every fucking inch of you. Perfect.”
“Jackson,” she rasped as she wound her arms around my neck, pulling me closer. Needing to feel her skin on mine, I trailed kisses down her collarbone as I slipped my hands behind her and unclasped her bra. Her fingers raked through my hair as I lowered my mouth to her breast. Heavy breaths and low moans filled the room as I brushed my tongue against her nipple. Her head fell back, and with her eyes closed, she mumbled, “You feel so unbelievably good.”
Goosebumps prickled across her skin as my fingers trailed down her abdomen. I quickly unbuttoned her jeans and lowered the zipper, and as she lifted up, I slid them down her long, slender legs. A little whimper escaped her throat as I eased my hand between her legs, slightly grazing her center. My touch was feather-like, just enough to drive her wild, and when she could no longer contain herself, she bucked her hips forward, begging for my touch. I slid my fingertips inside her and had just begun to stroke her as she moaned, “Oh God, Jackson, don’t stop.”
I brushed my thumb against Reece’s clit and felt her body start to tremble. Knowing she was close, I ran the rough pads of my fingers across her g-spot. When I increased the pressure, her breath quickened, and her head dropped forward as her entire body tensed with her release. I couldn’t wait a minute longer. I had to have her.
She was still recovering from her orgasm when I withdrew my hand and removed my jeans. I turned towards her, and just as I was about to ease on top of her, she placed the palms of her hands on my chest and coaxed me to lay back on the mattress. When Reece started to move over me, I reached for her hips, lifting her as I settled her over my cock. As she raked her warm, wet center across my throbbing erection, she leaned forward and kissed me with hunger. I loved the feeling of her mouth on mine, but I wanted to be inside her. Hell, I thought I’d lose my mind if I had to wait another second.
Feeling the same need burning inside of her, she raised up and asked, “Do you have a condom?”
“Side table. Bottom drawer.” Reece reached into the drawer and handed me the small square package, and as soon as I slid the condom on, she was back on top of me. While she leaned over me, the heat of our breaths mingled between us until the anticipation became too much. Her hand lowered between our bodies as she slowly stroked me. Inching herself down over my cock, a fevered hiss slipped through her lips as she took me deep inside. Fuck. She felt so fucking tight, so warm and wet, and I wanted to savor every second, feel every sensation, but the building need became too much. I was doing my best to keep it together. “I’ll never get enough of you, Reece Winters. Not even if I have you every minute of every day. It’ll never be enough.”
Her pace quickened, and even though it felt incredible, I needed more. Unable to control myself, I brought my hands up to her hips, guiding her back and forth. Her nails dug into my chest as her hips bucked against mine, meeting every thrust with more force, more intensity. “That’s it, baby. Don’t stop.”
“Oh my God, Jackson!” she said, and I could feel her muscles contracting all around me as my body became tense while I struggled to hold back my own release.
“Come for me, Reece.” Her hips rocked against mine, faster and faster in a feverish rhythm until, finally, she let out a tortured groan. With one last deep thrust, her body became tense, and her breath stilled as her head fell back. She clamped down around me, making it impossible to hold back as I came deep inside her. “Fuck.”
I held on to her hips, holding her in place as I caught my breath. Her body trembled above me, still shuddering from her release. She lowered herself onto my chest and lay with her heart next to mine, neither of us moving as our breaths started to slow. I ran my fingers through her hair as I whispered, “You’re
mine now, Reece. Every single inch of you.”
She looked up at me with love in her eyes as she whispered, “Didn’t you know … I’ve been yours since the first night we met. Nothing’s changed. I’ve always been yours.”
16
Reece
After a long, restless night with very little sleep, I found myself sitting across from Angela Roswell, Chief Prosecutor for the city of Memphis. Even though I was exhausted and barely coherent, I could tell that she was a go getter. It wasn’t because of how she was dressed or how she wore her hair, it was the way she spoke, the way she carried herself with poise and confidence, and most of all, it was the look of determination in her eyes. I had no doubt that she could handle whatever came her way. After recounting everything I’d witnessed at Jason’s apartment and seeing the picture I’d taken on the fire escape, not only was I relieved to hear how confident she felt as far as winning the case, but that Navarro would be convicted of first-degree murder. It was even more reassuring to hear that the judge denied Navarro bail after learning the FBI had named him as the primary suspect in another local murder. Considering the amount of evidence and Navarro’s history, Roswell requested an immediate trial, and the judge agreed. I’d hoped that meant we would go to court in a couple of weeks, but sadly, that wasn’t the case. We’d have to wait two and a half months before that would happen, and just like Detective Rayburn, she was concerned about my safety and requested that I go into protective custody. While I refused, I assured her that my safety wouldn’t be a problem.
As soon as we left her office, we went back to the clubhouse to gather Tate’s and my belongings that were packed up for us and let Jackson pack as well. In no time, we were on the road. After driving for several hours, I realized that Gus wasn’t exaggerating when he said that Jed’s cabin was miles away from everything. It was like we entered another world as we headed up into the highest, most desolate region of the Appalachian Mountains. While the scenery couldn’t have been more beautiful, with the colorful autumn foliage falling from the trees, and the exquisite mountainsides, there was hardly anyone around. I quickly realized this part of the country was definitely not a tourist attraction. There were no cute little shops filled with t-shirts and knickknacks, and there certainly weren’t any restaurants or your usual convenience stores. When we did happen upon someone, they were far from friendly. They didn’t smile or wave as we drove by. Instead, they stood like statues with their old wicker hats pulled down low, glaring at us with fierce expressions on their faces, making me feel like we were encroaching on their land. While it gave me the creeps, Jackson and his brothers didn’t seem to notice their odd behavior. It was like they were completely oblivious to the fact that these people didn’t want us here. Beyond concerned, I turned to Jackson and asked, “What’s the deal with this place?”
