Stepping between Raider and Ali, the doctor glared at him. “You aren’t allowed in here. You’ll need to leave, or I’ll be forced to call security.”
“Sorry, Doc, but security already knows about the threat to Nurse Kasey.”
Sputtering, his gaze shot between them. “Threat?”
Ignoring him, Raider gripped Ali’s arm, drawing her several feet away. “Are you about ready to break for lunch?”
Brows bunching together, she stared up at him. “Assuming there’s no rush of new patients, I can leave in about fifteen minutes. Why?”
Determined not to alarm her when all the Devils had done was watch the hospital for a few minutes, he shrugged. “No big deal. Just syncing my schedule with Wrath and the others.”
She didn’t believe him, but went along with the story. “I’ll meet you out front.”
“No. I’ll wait for you right outside the doors to the exam area. We’re going to leave a different way.”
“Why, Jace?”
Instead of answering, he brushed a kiss across her lips, surprising them both. Confused at his brash action in the middle of nurses, doctors, and patients, he stepped back.
“I’ll wait for you,” he snapped, irritated at his increasing lack of control around Ali. Turning, he all but stormed out, mentally chiding himself. What the hell was happening to him?
Stunned, Ali stared after him, feeling her face flush. Not at the way he’d snarled at her. It was the kiss, the type of fleeting moment between a man and a woman he cared about.
“Nurse Kasey. Are you ready to assist me?” The doctor Raider spoke to stood rigid, his arrogant glare having no effect. She’d learned to ignore his accusatory scowls, which now provided more humor than censure. As long as she did her job, acted professionally, there was nothing he could do.
“Yes, doctor, I am.” Watching the double doors, still swinging from Raider leaving, she disappeared into a curtained space.
“Sonsofbitches moved the kid to another foster home.” Digger plopped into a chair across from Mario. “An older couple with one other kid. A girl. I don’t see a problem taking him, Prez.”
“Take two others and grab him tonight.”
“Where do you want us to take him?”
Mario’s brow rose, mouth twisting into a sneer. “The small home in the county. It’s isolated. No one will be able to see or hear anything.”
Digger shook his head. “He won’t talk to us.”
“Then take his mother to him. If she can’t get him to tell us what he knows, then bring the nurse. He won’t let us hurt her.”
“It would be easier to make him disappear. If the kid is gone, he’ll never be able to tell anyone what he knows.”
Mario rubbed his chin, eyes narrowing as he processed the idea. It would be the easiest solution. No mess or loose ends to worry about.
“What will happen when his mother finds out?”
Digger chuckled, mirthless and low. “Nothing. She’ll be right alongside him.”
Mario studied his enforcer. He’d known the man was ruthless, never shying away from a kill order. The complete lack of remorse at suggesting the killing of a young boy and his mother surprised even Mario. No matter how repugnant, the idea presented an easy solution to their problem.
Mario scowled at the banging on his office door. “Yeah?”
“Someone’s here you’ll want to see, Prez.” It was Hammer, his VP. He’d only interrupt him if someone important needed to see him. He returned his attention to Digger.
“I like your idea. We’ll talk more tonight.”
Standing, Mario threw the office door open. A few feet away, Hammer stood in front of a man who shouldn’t be in their clubhouse. Shouldn’t be near anything belonging to the Night Devils.
Mario’s features twisted into an enraged glower. “What the fuck are you doing here?”
Cal Coleman ignored the outburst, pushed past the club’s president to enter the office. Without invitation, he sat down, stretching out his long, muscled legs.
The slamming door signaled Mario had joined him. Face red with anger, his fisted palms settled on his hips.
“Tell me what you came to say and get out.”
Cal looked around, nonplussed at Mario’s unspoken threat. “No coffee?”
“Fuck coffee. Talk.”
“We’ve got a problem.”
“Hell, we always have problems.” Mario swung his chair around and sat down. “MS-13 wants more money, and we’ve got a kid who knows more than he should.”
Cal’s eyes widened. “Timmy Fallon?”
He’d known they shouldn’t have met at the house belonging to Digger’s old lady. It had been a last minute decision, required by MS-13’s unplanned trip to Liberty Lake from the valley.
“He may have overheard our meeting last month. Some bitch nurse reported abuse to the county. The kid’s in a foster home, which makes it important he’s silenced, along with his mother. No telling what he’ll admit to those people or the cops.”
“Shit.”
“Why did you ignore our agreement and show up here?” The look on Mario’s face told Cal he’d better have a damn good reason. If not, he might not be leaving alive.
“MS-13 has been meeting with Demons Blood.”
The muscles in Mario’s jaw tensed, nostrils flaring. “Why?”
“They’re eager to cut us out of the trafficking trade.”
Chapter Fourteen
Raider grabbed a box of Chinese take-out from the center of Ali’s table, stabbing into it with chopsticks. She’d suggested a restaurant he’d never heard of, having him stop when her shift ended.
“This beef and broccoli is great.”
“Told you their take-out was the best.” Ali held the box of orange chicken as if guarding it for herself. “Did you try their Buddah's Delight?”
“Does it have meat?”
She laughed, shaking her head. “No. Vegetables only.”
“I’m going for the kung pao chicken.” Swiping the box from the table, he dug in. “Now this is good stuff.”
Raider had decided not to mention the bikers who’d come by the hospital, deciding it better she went about her day without added stress. He’d kept vigil all day, relaxing somewhat when they hadn’t returned. It didn’t mean they would leave Ali alone. In fact, Raider’s instincts told him the Devils weren’t done with her or Timmy.
Finishing the last bite of beef and broccoli, he set the container down, stretching out his legs with a sigh of gratification. “Best I’ve had in town.”
“Told you.” She stood to gather the empty boxes, yelping when he grabbed her hand, tugging her onto his lap.
“You work too hard.” Running the back of his hand down her cheek, he leaned in, settling his mouth over hers.
Ali didn’t resist, her arms encircling his neck, melting against him. The heat of their kiss caused a rush of desire to spiral in the pit of her stomach, toes curling. Tightening her hold, she sighed into his mouth.
His tongue traced the lush fullness of her lips before delving inside to explore, sending coils of ecstasy flowing through her. As he worshipped her mouth, one hand moved under the hem of her top, cupping a breast.
Mouth covering hers hungrily, he pinched a nipple through the cotton bra, emitting a groan. “Too many clothes…” Lifting her top, he pulled it over her head, tossing it aside along with the bra. “So damn beautiful,” he breathed against her lips before his tongue continued to probe the depths of her mouth as a hand massaged a breast.
Needing to see him, Ali did the same with his shirt, sucking in a breath at the taut skin over ripped muscles. Doing as he’d done, she circled his brown nipples with her thumbs, earning a deep growl. Shifting, she straddled him, pressing herself against his hard length while he tongued then sucked in a plump breast.
Arching into his mouth, she rubbed both hands over his back, moaning low at his ministrations to one, then the other breast. She’d never felt such consuming heat, her
body pulsing with mind-numbing pleasure. When he slid a hand into the elastic waistband of her pants to play with her wet folds, thrumming her clit with his thumb, her body exploded.
Taking her mouth, he let her ride out the climax, his own body responding as if feeling her bliss. It briefly crossed his mind he’d never felt such fulfillment at bringing a woman to complete satisfaction.
Standing, he gathered her in his arms before she could protest. Covering her mouth again, he walked down the hall and into her room, gently easing Ali down onto the bed. Pulling her pants and panties off, he rid himself of his jeans, exposing he’d gone commando. Pulling two condoms from a pocket, he dropped the pants to the floor, his gaze moving over her gorgeous body.
Jace stretched out beside her, his large, calloused hand stroking her breasts, stomach, thighs.
Reaching between them, she curled her hand around his rigid length, caressing him with a slow, firm grip. A small grin tipped the corners of her mouth at his low groan before he slipped two fingers into her silky depths.
“Jace…” Ali bowed into his hand, continuing to stroke him.
He knew what she wanted. What they both wanted.
Pulling away, he rolled on a condom and hovered above her. “Are you sure this is what you want, sweetheart?”
Reaching up, she cupped his cheek, glazed eyes boring into his. “Yes.”
Positioning himself, he thrust inside, growling at the intense pleasure. “You’re so damn tight.”
Incapable of responding, she threw her head back, fingers digging into his back. Wrapping her legs around his waist, she met each thrust with one of her own.
Her breasts tingled against the silken hairs of his chest. Skin-to-skin, their bodies heated until she thought they’d combust. His pace increasing, she held on, all reason fleeing as they both drove to completion.
Slipping his hand between them, his thumb and forefinger rolled her hardened clit, her moans growing more urgent. A moment later, her body stiffened, crying his name just before his explosive release.
Ali woke well before sunup, spooned against Jace. He’d woken her twice more during the night to make love. Each time was better than the last. The knowledge, the realization she lay naked with a man she could barely speak to a few weeks ago, had her questioning all her beliefs about Jace.
Since they’d reconnected, Ali had seen a side of him hidden during his recovery. Not a sign of the gruff, antagonistic man she’d come to know. This side of him confused her. The fact her own feelings were deepening frightened her.
Jace never had a problem getting women. Lots of women. According to Dani, he’d see them a few times, then cut the cord. Most often, they’d walk away without fuss. She did not want to be one of many who’d experienced pleasure with him, then been tossed aside.
“What are you thinking?” His sleep roughened voice spoke into her ear as he massaged a breast. The hard erection pressing against her back indicated he was once again ready, the same as her.
“Whatever it is, Ali, it can wait.” He continued to massage both breasts while shoving her legs apart with his knee. Thrusting into her from behind, he groaned against her neck, his warm lips trailing kisses along her soft flesh.
Arms banding around her, he increased the pace, hot breath washing over her back. “I’m not gonna last, babe.”
Even as beads of moisture spread over her forehead, a soft smile appeared on her face. Sheets clenched in her hands, she held her position even as his thrusts became more urgent, demanding. For the fourth time that night, they came within seconds of each other before relaxing into a tranquil sleep.
“He’s still in there.”
Digger glared at Slider, their sergeant-at-arms, who sat next to him in the truck. “Damn straight. Raider’s in bed with a beautiful woman.”
“Thought you didn’t like her.”
“She’s a bitch. It doesn’t mean I wouldn’t fuck her.”
They’d been outside for less than thirty minutes, confirming Raider was still tucked in bed with Ali. No threat to their plans for the night.
Rolling away from the curb, Digger turned the truck onto a main road heading out of town. He’d memorized the location. Two more of their brothers would join him and Slider a half mile away.
Timmy slept in the back corner bedroom of a small home just into the county. Built in the fifties, the house was constructed of wood with a fireplace and only two points of entry and exit—the front door and kitchen door.
The older couple was down to one foster child, making the job of abducting Timmy a little easier. His mother had already been taken and was being held in a place no one would think to look. She’d fought, begging them to spare her and snatch Timmy. Digger answered with a savage laugh.
The lights were off at the house, no sign of activity. The four split up, each taking one side, positioning themselves so they could watch the others.
Digger moved to the kitchen door, picking the lock with little effort. Stepping inside, he stopped, listened, then walked farther inside, still hearing nothing. Continuing down the hall, he peeked into one room. Even in the darkness, he could see it was empty except for well-used pieces of furniture, including a bunk bed.
The second room was identical, except for a few clothes hanging in the closet. Getting closer, he could see they were for a boy about Timmy’s size.
“Shit,” he muttered, wondering what the hell was going on.
Shutting the door, he stalked to the last room. Same as the others. Empty. He realized something else. The car he’d seen in the driveway earlier was gone.
“Sonofabitch.” Rushing back outside, he ran to the front, realizing he’d been right. The car was gone, the same as the people inside.
“What the hell are you going to do with the woman?” Mario snarled into the phone.
Although almost dawn, Digger had woken him from a warm bed and a willing woman to talk about the botched abduction. Probably not the best move on his part.
“We’ll get the kid tomorrow night, or as soon as they return home.” Digger cursed their luck. “I left one of the brothers at the house. He’ll call the instant he spots them.”
“And the woman?” Mario repeated his earlier question. The longer they held her, the higher the possibility she’d be reported missing.
“I’ll make her believe I never meant to hurt her. The bitch won’t question me if she thinks I’m going to let her go.”
“She’s got a job. They’re going to look for her.”
“Let me handle it, Mario. It won’t come back at us.” Digger hoped. He had innumerable ways of convincing people to see things his way.
“Keep the woman quiet and get the kid. I don’t care how.” Mario ended the call, turning back to the pliable woman beside him.
Digger slipped the phone into his pocket. The call had gone better than expected, but he wasn’t at all satisfied with the night’s activities. Instead of having Timmy, with his mother as leverage to get him to talk, they only had the woman. Having her alone did them no good. She knew nothing about the Devils and their relationship with MS-13 or Cal Coleman. It was Timmy who posed a threat. He wouldn’t know how much until they forced the kid to give up everything he’d overheard.
It didn’t mean he and a couple brothers couldn’t take the nurse, amuse themselves with her until they could grab Timmy. The bitch deserved whatever she got, and it might stop her from butting into other people’s business.
Tonight had been a bust. Digger would make certain their next move wasn’t.
Chapter Fifteen
Eternal Brethren Clubhouse
“This must be pretty damn important to pull us all off surveillance.” Fuse rested his well-muscled forearms on the table, cradling a cup of coffee in his large hands. “Not that tailing Junior is all that interesting.”
Banner pulled out a chair next to Fuse. “Hell, you should be on Malcolm Wendt. That guy has no life. A big night out for him is stopping for tacos.”
Gunner and Fargo
sat across the table. They’d returned a couple days before from a week of training at WETC, immediately being assigned to track Eddie Katz.
Gunner checked his phone, grinning before setting it aside. “I’ve caught Katz two times in as many days meeting with a small-time dealer.”
“Did you let Geoff know?” Banner asked.
“We’re not looking to put him away for petty drug charges,” Fuse answered. “What we need is evidence of who he’s working with to move people.”
Standing, Fargo refilled his cup. “Other than visiting his lady friends, the guy seems to be putting distance between himself, Wendt, and Junior. I’m thinking he’s still spooked from the night Raider and Fuse followed him to the cabin. He believes they were being watched.”
“He’d be right,” Fuse said. “Just wish we’d been able to hear their plans.”
The door to their newly finished conference room opened. Wrath entered, Ghost, Rock, Wrangler, Tracker, and Moses following.
“All right, gentlemen. As you’ve already been told, Grayson has sent us a new mission. It’s similar to the one a few months ago when we extracted Senator Blackmore’s daughter from one of Zahir’s camps.”
Abdul-Bari Zahir, head of a terrorist cell based in western New Mexico, and the suspected mastermind of the attack on the casino. He was also suspected of ordering the kidnapping of Brittany Blackmore.
Fuse stared down at his now empty cup. At one time, he and Brittany had planned to get married. The senator and his wife had other plans for their precious daughter, and they didn’t include a lowly Navy SEAL with few prospects after he retired from the service. The rescue had been the first time he’d seen her since the split.
“Seems our friend, Zahir, is trying his hand at kidnapping once more.” On the flat screen secured to the wall, he pulled up the images of two women. “Both are daughters of prominent media mogul, Preston Wagner. This time, a ransom request has been received. An even twenty million. Wagner has forty-eight hours to comply before the women are placed on the market.”
They all knew that meant open bidding on the dark web by wealthy, well-vetted buyers from around the world. The odds of ever seeing them again would drop to almost zero percent.
Exposed (Eternal Brethren Military Romantic Suspense Book 7) Page 10
