by Louise Dawn
Pearl was now listed as missing, and Leo was grateful that her mother hadn’t mentioned Antonio’s name. An agent caught in an unofficial firefight would cause a shitload of trouble. The police would still figure out his involvement. Their rental was listed under his name, and he’d conveniently disappeared.
Still, Shelly Wilson’s statement bought Leo some time to protect his brother’s career and life. Coraline Samson stepped out of her mother’s room, holding a little girl’s hand. An older boy trailed behind as they made their way to the nearest vending machine. They looked like a Stepford family—so perfectly presented to the world. Except Everett Samson was a ruthless tycoon who worked with unsavory contacts and tested the boundaries of the law.
And he’d drawn Antonio into his circle. Leo had followed the asshole to his brother’s gym and had seen their workout. Now, they squatted at Everett’s cabin, and Antonio relied on his security team. Leo didn’t care for the alliance. Pearl and her family were trouble, and if his brother got hurt, nothing would stop Leo from seeking vengeance. Everett might be a dark horse but Leo was a savage demon when it came to protecting those he loved. He’d failed once before and would die first before he failed again.
Rising to his feet, Leo approached his three targets, who argued over a chocolate bar. “Listen to your mama; it’s too early for that much sugar.” Meeting Coraline’s surprised gaze, Leo smiled. “You’ve met my brother, Antonio. I’m Leo—I’m the friendly one.” And just like that, she relaxed and offered a hand to the tiger in the room.
After a grueling twenty-four hours on the run, Pearl had finally taken a steadying breath while watching darkness descend. The deep wicker chair offered comfort as the forest creatures came to life. Ice clinked as she raised a chilled glass of lemonade to her lips. She would’ve preferred wine but knew that she had to remain vigilant. There may be dozens of guards, but she was the last defense when it came to her daughter.
Antonio stepped onto the luxurious deck, and she paused to take in the warrior. His loose t-shirt hinted at the muscles beneath, and she remembered running her hands down that defined back. His strength always offered comfort, even in times when she refused his help. His steady determination unsettled Pearl. She wasn’t used to reliable humans, or perhaps Everett was right.
Her untrusting attitude pushed away those who truly cared. Was that a trick she should be passing on to her daughter? A kid who would eventually have trust issues due to her father’s past.
Antonio sat, and his spicy sandalwood scent drifted in the breeze. Judging from his damp hair, he’d showered about the same time as she had. He leaned back, and she admired his splayed form. He touched the holster at his waist as he shifted to get comfortable.
“How are you holding up?”
His question had her biting a lip before answering. “We can’t live this way forever. Surrounded by strange men on obscure mountainsides.”
“Everett’s men will take turns sleeping in the guest house next door. If you can tolerate one strange man in the cabin….”
“You’re not strange.” Pearl smiled. “Just persistent.”
“How’s Aysha holding up? I’ve been busy with a security briefing all afternoon.”
“She’s in bed. Crashed after a restless night and long day. An earthquake couldn’t wake her. Do you want a sip?” Pearl passed her glass to Antonio. “Thanks for the trendy attire.” She pointed to the black Pearl Jam t-shirt that she wore over maroon leggings.
“Found it in the men’s section.” Antonio grinned. “It matches your edgy haircut, and it has your name on the front.”
“I feel like a rebellious teenager.”
He laughed.
“But seriously. Thank you. For saving us. Saving my mom.”
“I’m glad she’s doing okay.” They’d been receiving regular updates from Everett.
“I haven’t called her that in years—’my mom.’ Not since I was a kid.”
“And no-one said that you should.” Antonio handed back the glass. “You do what feels right.”
“Your mom and dad seem like wonderful parents.” Pearl couldn’t keep the envy from her voice. She would’ve given a limb for maternal affection. Especially in her teenage years.
“I’m fortunate.” Antonio reached out and covered her fingers. “But not having good parents doesn’t mean you’re not strong. Or brave. Or undeserving of love. I’m in awe of your strength.”
Confusion at his kind words had her pulling away her hand.
“I mean it. You’re the worthiest adversary when it comes to Rajin, and I’m glad to be fighting by your side.”
“No! I’m scared and powerless and—”
“When I entered the condo and saw you struggling with Bronco—fighting like a woman possessed. Even injured, you launched yourself up those stairs to get to Aysha. You’re courageous, and that comes from the gut—from the soul. You don’t need ‘good’ parents to teach you how to be a fine human.”
Feeling comforted by his words, Pearl wrapped her arms around her knees and stared out into the night. This man deserved honesty, and she was done fighting her demons. So what if she wasn’t a perfect person or mother. Comparing herself to others and dwelling on failures would only build on toxic anxiety. The way she saw herself was clearly different from others, and she trusted Antonio’s opinion.
“Stay with me tonight.” Too nervous to meet his gaze, she focused on the dark sky.
“What do you mean? I’m not going anywhere.”
“No—stay with me. In my room.”
He stilled, and she felt him drilling a hole into the side of her face. Licking her lips, she elaborated. “In my bed.”
“Jeez, Pearl. I… I really, really want that but, I need to patrol the property and—”
“Just for a few hours. I want you to hold me. When I left Sri Lanka, the first adult who’d hugged me in years was you. You give the best hugs and I want one of those tonight.”
“You’re breaking my heart. What about Aysha?” he asked gruffly.
“She’s asleep in her room. And if you’re serious about this dating thing, then that’s what comes with dating a mom. Stolen alone time.”
Jerking to his feet, Antonio paced. “Okay, now all I focus on is you. Which isn’t anything new but protecting you comes first, and, awe hell!”
“I’ll get ready for bed.” Pearl stood. “Do your scouting route and then take a little break….”
After applying the berry lotion that Antonio had bought from Walmart, Pearl climbed beneath the covers and waited. She still wore the Pearl Jam t-shirt, with nothing underneath. She wasn’t ashamed and would grab onto every last drop of Antonio’s solid affection and use these stolen moments to gain back her courage.
Replacing her desperate terror with love? Could Antonio be the cure? Could he stop her soul from shaking apart? Minutes ticked by, and she wondered if he’d come. Her muscles tensed as she held the sheet in a tight grip. Sleep would elude her tonight as she thought back on the gruesome tapes she’d discovered. Images of Rajin beating his victims.
A hand touched her shoulder, and Pearl jerked in surprise.
“It’s me. I didn’t mean to scare you.”
Rustling indicated that he was shedding his clothes. “Are you sure this is what you want?”
“You move so silently, and yes.” Pearl reached back and opened the cover.
“A habit from the job.” Antonio slid in behind her and shifted closer.
Without turning, she touched his hip and traced his boxer briefs. Her cheeks burned. His hand rubbed her side, and goosebumps broke at his languid touch. Sliding across her t-shirt, his arm pulled her closer, and she felt his erection pressed against her thigh.
“I can just hold you this way if that’s what you want?”
“No.” Pearl swallowed as her blood heated. Turning slightly, she waited for his lips to meet hers. He took his time, rising onto an elbow, and her eyes ran over his beautiful collarbone and naked chest.
&nb
sp; His hand slid up and cupped a breast through her shirt. A thumb traced a nipple, and she arched into his palm. Leaning down, he gently touched his lips to hers, teasing as he lazily played. Pearl’s hunger built, and she moaned into his mouth.
Gripping her jaw, he turned her head away and nipped her neck. Holding her in place with his mouth, he pulled up her shirt. With one swift move, he shifted away and stripped her naked. When she tried to turn, he pushed her back to her side.
“I want to kiss this pretty neck. Don’t move.”
She waited, hearing him tear open a condom. When he pressed against her back, he rubbed against her entrance, and Pearl gasped. His lips grazed against her ear and trailed hot kisses along her shoulder. With his tip nudging at her opening, Antonio took his time—licking and sucking her neck as he played with a breast.
“Please,” she begged and felt him smile against her shoulder.
“Like this?” He rolled his hips, and Pearl bit her lip to keep from screaming. Her hand clutched at a pillow, and he buried himself. This time, they both groaned, and her eyes drifted shut with pleasure.
Instead of hammering out his need, Antonio rocked slowly, driving them both towards insanity. When she whimpered in frustration, he increased the pace, and she felt like she was flying. For a sweet blissful moment, she felt such relief that she almost sobbed. When he bit her neck, Pearl blew apart as he thrust heavily and growled out her name.
Spasming, he held her hips close, and once he was done, she rolled to her stomach. He didn’t let go, and his broad back sheltered her as she came to her senses. His breath whispered across her ear, and she shivered.
“I love you.”
The unexpected words had her pausing for breath.
“Don’t say anything. I know you’re not ready—not with everything that’s happened. But I’m not going anywhere, and my feelings won’t change. I’ll wait for you, even if it takes a lifetime.”
“Antonio—”
“I’ve never said those words to a woman that I’ve dated, but that’s how I feel.” After kissing her shoulder, Antonio rolled away, and Pearl immediately missed his intimate touch. She slowly turned and watched him clean up in the bathroom. When he returned and stood by the bed, she reached out her hand and offered an uncertain smile.
“I have to keep watch. Get some sleep.”
“When do you rest?”
“In a few hours. Lying beside you is too tempting. I’ll rest in my room.” Releasing her hand, he reached for his clothes.
“Can I get a hug before you go?” Pearl got to her knees.
“Anytime.” He pulled her in and rubbed her back. “Don’t be afraid. I’m here.”
Once he’d left, Pearl sat back and stared at the door. That was the problem. He’d stop a bullet for both mother and daughter. Could she live with the guilt or pain if he got hurt?
Chapter Nineteen
“I want my pink slippers. I hate wearing socks.” Aysha stuck out her lip and crossed her arms.
“Finish your cereal, and then you can have a bath and wear your new sneakers. Antonio bought them especially for you.” He’d actually bought the same pair in three different sizes because he’d been unsure of Aysha’s shoe size. Bless the man.
“I don’t wanna. I want my slippers.”
Running a hand through her hair, Pearl glanced up at the heavens for help. Her child had been ornery since opening her eyes, and as the morning progressed, she’d gotten worse. Being in a new environment, away from her familiar possessions, was probably the catalyst. The kid had gone through so many changes over the last few months and craved stability.
Her safety came first. Pearl stood and gathered the breakfast dishes. At least she’d managed to shower earlier while Aysha slept, and Pearl looked human even though she wasn’t wearing make-up. At least she smelled good—wearing the strawberry lotion that Antonio had bought her and Aysha.
She left the sliced apple for Aysha to nibble on and headed for the sink. The breathtaking view through the large windows caught her attention, and Pearl took a moment to appreciate the blue skies.
“Mommy, can’t we go and get them?”
“No, Lovebug. They’re very far away. I’ll buy you slippers in Colorado.”
Aysha reached down and stroked Shreddy’s fur in her lap. At least she had her teddy, and Pearl was glad she’d remembered the stuffed toy during the chaos.
Antonio strolled in and picked up a slice of apple. Another breathtaking site that Pearl could feast on. He wore a blue t-shirt and gray sweatpants which molded his ass perfectly.
“Hey! That’s mine.” Aysha straightened and shot him a death stare.
“Sorry, Bichito. It’s hot outside, and I’m about to go for a run. Can I have your juice?”
“No!” Aysha’s eyes shot fireballs, and Pearl suppressed a smile.
“I’m just teasing. I’ll grab one from the fridge.” He gave the angry kid a wide berth and shot Pearl a wink. “What’s with grumpy pants?”
“She misses her slippers and her other toys.”
“And my blankie.”
“Yes, and her favorite blanket. At least she has Shreddy.”
Antonio stilled while reaching into the fridge. The odd look on his face had Pearl raising her brows. “What’s up?” He still hadn’t moved, and his sudden pallor had her calling his name.
“They found us so easily at the airstrip. We assumed that they’d tracked us through CCTV, or that one of Everett’s men was a double agent.” He slammed the fridge door and turned to Pearl. “Aside from the clothes on your back, what did you take from the condo? Let’s break it down.”
“Um…”
“Now, Pearl. I need a list.” His sudden urgency had her straightening.
“Shreddy and essentials which were in that satchel.”
“What essentials? Where is it?”
“In my bedroom.”
Antonio stalked towards her room, and Pearl followed. He moved quickly, and when he spotted the bag, he threw it on the bed and tore it open.
“What are you doing?”
His intense focus scared Pearl, and she hovered as he scattered the belongings.
“That contains passports, birth certificates, cash, and I think I have some pepper spray and—”
“Where did you buy this bag? In Sri Lanka?” He ran his hands along the lining.
“No. Recently—in the States.”
Antonio moved so fast that she stumbled back. He ran back to the kitchen, and Pearl followed his retreating back. “What’s wrong?”
“Where’s the bear?”
Aysha now sat on the sofa and had left Shreddy on a kitchen chair. Antonio grabbed the toy by the ear. He pulled a knife from a pocket and slammed the bear onto a counter.
“Antonio, calm down—”
Aysha leaped to her feet. “Hey! Don’t hurt Shreddy!”
His fisted hand shook as he held the knife to the soft tummy, and Pearl touched his arm. “Have you lost your mind?”
“I think it’s the bear. Look.”
Aysha started to cry, and Pearl looked at where he was pointing.
“Can you see that? He’s been sewn up, just under the leg. Was that you? Did you mend him?”
“No. I fixed Shreddy’s arm and ear once. Never his leg.”
“Mommy! Tell him not to kill Shreddy.” Crocodile tears rolled down Aysha’s cheeks, and Antonio laid down the knife and knelt beside Aysha.
“Shreddy has been hurt, and I need to do surgery on his belly. I want to help him and help you.”
“Neo! You wanna kill him!” Aysha wailed.
“Look at me.” Antonio grasped her waist and swiped at her tears. “Have I ever hurt you or your mommy?”
“No.”
“And I never will because I love you so much that it hurts my heart.”
Screwing up her lips, Aysha looked up at Antonio with watery eyes.
“I want to keep you safe. Will you trust Shreddy with me. I’ll open him up carefully and re
turn him to you safely.”
“What’s inside of him?”
“I’m not sure yet.”
With a chin wobble, Aysha nodded. “But don’t make him cry.”
“I think if you sing him a song and hold his paw, he’ll be good.” Pearl lifted her daughter onto a barstool, and Antonio slid the bear to Aysha’s side.
“Hold his paw tight. If you ever want to be a surgeon, this is what you’ll do.” With a wink, Antonio got started, working the stitched thread. Once he’d opened the fluffy cavity, he reached inside and felt around. “Wow. He had a big breakfast.”
Aysha giggled as he removed some of Shreddy’s stuffing. “And where are the vegetables? All I can feel is candy?”
“Naughty Shreddy.” Aysha grinned as he twisted and pulled at something.
His smile dropped, and Pearl tensed as he removed a strange-looking device.
“Is that meant to be there?”
Antonio shook his head. “This is a military GPS tracking device.” He turned to Aysha. “Can you put the stuffing back in Shreddy’s tummy while I talk to your mom?”
Pulling Pearl aside, he held her wrist firmly. “We’ve been compromised. Pack up your things because we’re rolling out now.”
“Rajin… Rajin must’ve placed it in her toy.”
“And we’ve found it. Now it’s time to run.” Antonio headed for the door and drew his weapon. “You have five minutes.”
In less than three minutes, Pearl pulled open the front door. The security was on high alert and prepared for the exfil. Antonio was already by her side and lifting Aysha into his arms. As he turned to guide them to the SUV, all hell broke loose. The cabin windows shattered as smoke grenades breached the interior. Gunshots filled the air, and Aysha screamed. Without a retreat, Antonio swore, knowing the only escape was a vehicle.
