Alexis (The Love Family Series Book 6) (2 page)

Chapter 3

Alexis paced her living room. With every step she took, the fire in the fireplace flickered higher before it calmed back down. Her hair was up in a ponytail, and she wore nothing more than a pair of shorts and a T-shirt. She was not going out on a date with Cole Buchanan. She was embarrassed enough she’d let herself get carried away. He was a virtual stranger, and it had not been something she’d normally do, even if she’d acted like she did. Hell, she didn’t even have alcohol to blame her actions on. She’d been a wanton hussy, and damn if that didn’t piss her off more.

“He doesn’t know where I live.” That thought gave her a little piece of mind. She’d bought the house from her uncle. It was secluded in the forest, near the caves she liked to explore, and she had a lake in her backyard, which she’d use any time she saw fit, with or without a bathing suit. Thank you very much.

She glanced at the clock once again. It read five minutes past eight before she let her boiling anger subside. He was screwing with her. Typical. She shook her head, walked into the kitchen, and poured herself a glass of wine, content to relax by the fire and read the new book she’d just bought. This was her life. Working at the salon, running, and the peace of her home.

She heard the knock on her door and jumped from her spot. Moving over to the window, she inched back the curtain. Cole stood on her stoop.

“It’s after eight,” she called out. “The carriage has already turned back into a pumpkin. Sorry.” She held in her giggle.

“Open the door, Alexis. This is important.”

His voice was devoid of humor, and she watched as he ran his hand over his head. It hit her with the force of a brick that something might actually be wrong.

She moved to the door, unlocked the bolts, and pulled it open. He stepped inside, cupped her neck, and pressed his lips to hers in a demanding kiss, only to pull back a minute later. His breathing was labored. His chin was smudged with soot and he had a manila envelope beneath his arm.

“What’s wrong?” she asked, instinctively knowing the kiss wasn’t what was so important.

“You need to pack a bag. You can’t stay here.” He turned and jiggled the lock on her door, as if checking to see how sturdy it might be.

“I’m not going anywhere, Cole. Tell me what happened.”

His eyes darkened as he moved to the window and peered outside. He took a deep, calming breath and grabbed her hand, pulling her to sit on the couch. “I’m late because we had a call.”

“Who?” she asked, afraid to know the answer. “Where?”

“The other side of the lake, and it wasn’t the first call we’ve had. The others are still under investigation, but the proximity…” His voice trailed off.

“Cole, you aren’t making sense, and how exactly did you know where I live?”

He let out a breath and rose to pace the floor. “You should sit down for this. I don’t think you’re going to like my answers.”

Alexis rose and folded her arms over her chest.

“I’m your neighbor on the lake, but when I bought the house, I didn’t know you. I didn’t know anything about you at first or...”

“At first?” she asked. Her throat felt like it was closing.

“Did anyone tell you about my past?”

“You lost your wife. Or at least that’s the story I got from Olivia and Sky.”

“That’s true. What they didn’t know was how I lost her.”

Alexis moved to the other side of the kitchen island, “How did she die?”

He held her gaze “Victoria died in a fire. Everything pointed to it being an accident, until the coroner found the stab wound. She was attacked and killed and then someone set our house on fire.”

“Oh God,” Alexis said on a breath, her heart breaking. She couldn’t imagine losing someone she loved, and to know they’d been murdered. Her heart clenched and she rubbed at the spot. “I’m so sorry.”

“I moved here for a fresh start and left it all behind me, or so I thought…”

Ice slithered down her spine, and goosebumps rose on her flesh.

“Everyone thought it was a random break-in and the killer tried to cover his tracks with a fire. When I moved here, I threw myself into work and firefighting. I lived to battle the blazes, hoping that I could save anyone else from the same fate Victoria had.”

“I’m sure you do. Cole…I don’t understand.”

“Your brothers knew I was your neighbor. Jackson helped me install my security system. He asked me to keep an eye on you. They noticed the pattern that no one else had.”

“What pattern?”

“The increase in fires. Properties just like yours and mine were going up in flames. They were just concerned about you being out here alone. That’s the only reason they asked me to watch you.”

Bile rose in her throat. “I was a favor.”

“Yes…no. I did watch you, and you seemed to be fine. I wasn’t like stalking you or anything like that. Just watching out for a neighbor, in the event you needed me. I was the closest that could help.”

She gave a small nod of her head, not knowing what else to do or say. Her mind and body went numb as she mulled over his words. Her brothers had asked him to watch her. Why? And why the hell didn’t they tell her. She pressed her lips together as confusion turned into a slowly boiling anger. The fire in her fireplace licked up. The sound and intensity drew Cole’s gaze.

Alexis inhaled a calming breath, about to demand that he leave.

“My wife was apparently targeted, and now you have been too.”

“What!” she asked and shook any feelings out of her head to process his words. “What the hell are you talking about?”

“Our tryst in the hot springs.” He walked over to the kitchen island. She instinctively clutched the butcher knife lying on the counter. Just the thought of being a target, angered her. His eyes zoomed in on the action, and he made no sudden movements. It seemed he had a brain after all.

“I’m just going to put this down,” he said, lifting the envelope in the air. He eased it down on the table and moved back into the living room, giving her some much-needed space.

She reached for the envelope, keeping the knife within reach.

“I’m so sorry.” His words were apologetic, almost pathetic. “I didn’t know. You have to believe me.”

She opened the envelope and pulled out the pictures. Her stripping by the hot springs before getting in the water. She flipped to the next one. Him doing the same. “Oh God.”

She flipped through the rest. One of her head thrown back in ecstasy, the next one of them kissing. The next of him getting dressed and leaving, and the last of her doing the same.

“You did this.” She waved the pictures in the air. Her voice grew louder with each syllable. “You knew my routine. You were the one who approached me in the hot springs. You set this up. You. Did. This.”

She dropped the pictures onto the counter and grabbed the knife again, clutching it tighter. The fire grew in intensity. She didn’t care. Her life was ruined.

“I didn’t.” His voice softened. “You only looked at the front of the pictures. You didn’t read the back.”

Her breathing turned labored, and every fiber of her being burned like the flames that flickered in the fireplace. She needed to calm down, or she’d burn down her house. She turned the pictures over, and all the fire in her veins turned to ice, and the blood rushed out of her face.

One day you’ll learn, even if I have to kill them all. She’ll be number two all because of you.

She flipped over the next picture.

Can you feel the flames getting closer? Can you smell the burnt flesh? Soon you will.

She flipped the next picture that showed her head thrown back in the pinnacle of her orgasm.

This one will make the same face for me.

She flipped the last one.

You aren’t man enough to save this sweet little piece of ass. Just like the last one.

She flipped the one of him standing nude in front of the hot springs.

You still wear the battle scar I gave you. I’ll make sure to leave another.

Alexis felt her world tilt as the blood rushed through her body. Her vision blurred, and her ears rang. She heard Cole through the ringing. Saw him coming near before her world faded away.

Chapter 4

Cole paced the living room and continually stopped to look over at Alexis. He knew he had to do something, anything to keep her safe. What had started out as fun and games had turned into a nightmare in less time than it took to flame her fire. He debated his options as he listened to the sound of her breathing. He could call the cops, the sheriff being her cousin, but that would entail him seeing the pictures, and that was sure to win Alexis’ hatred forever. He could call her brothers and have the shit beaten out of him; although, with his training, they might be the ones hurt, and then she’d hate him. Both those options resulted in her hate, and that was unacceptable.

He could carry her away, but that was kidnapping. Her brothers and the law would be after him, and she’d still end up hating him. His options were dwindling, just as she had in the kitchen. Getting to her before she knocked the crap out of her head had been pure luck. He knew the man responsible. He knew the score and what he was capable of. Hell, if he was honest, he even knew why.

Cole moved to sit beside the couch. The gun in his waistband prodded his back, reminding him of why he’d come. He hadn’t meant to involve her and drag her into his mess.

Her eyes fluttered open and she stared up at him.

“Are you okay?”

“No.” She shook her head. “I need to rest and you should go home.”

Cole lifted her into his arms and carried her down the hall to the only bedroom. He laid her on the bed and covered her up. Leaning down, he pressed a kiss to her hair. “Get some rest; we can finish this later.”

Her eyes fluttered closed again and she rolled onto her side.  

One hour turned into two, and Cole had made a cup of coffee. He needed the warmth, the reminder he was still alive, and how precious the woman was sleeping down the hall. She didn’t know him, not the way he’d hoped. They should have dated. He should have wined and dined her and given her a choice, and yet, he’d fucked that up too. He liked his women strong and feisty and not taking his crap. She was worth every effort he’d put in and so much more. Not that she’d seen much effort.

What the hell was he talking about? He didn’t know her. Little more than how to get her off. He knew her brothers. He knew her friends, and the way they’d all suggested the two of them date. All of his information came second-hand. The only real first-hand information he had was what he saw and felt when he’d touched her when she’d kissed him. There was a fire in her eyes, one he’d wanted to explore. Pushing her buttons was easy enough; getting her to give him a chance would have been much harder. None of that mattered now.

Alexis walked out of the room, rubbing her eyes. “It wasn’t a dream.”

“Afraid not, I’m still here.” he answered.

““How long did I sleep?” she asked, glancing at the dark windows.

“Three hours,” he answered. “Long enough for me to figure out that dinner I’d promised you. I have it warming in your oven. I figured when you woke, we’d need to decide what to do.”

“Who are you?” she asked, while scrunching her nose, making an adorable face.

“Cole Buchanan, ex-special forces and currently a Love Island firefighter.”

“That explains the abs,” she muttered.

“Are you sure you didn’t hit your head? I checked and didn’t feel any bruising.”

“I’m fine.” She stood and grabbed the couch, and he was by her side in a flash, making sure she didn’t fall. “I said I’m fine,” she reiterated and brushed his hands off her. “What did you cook? I’m starving.”

“Lasagna and French bread.”

“I had that in my cupboards?”

“I ordered delivery from the hotel.”

Alexis dropped her head on her shoulders. “Please tell me it wasn’t from La Amoure.”

“Of course, it was. They’re the best in town. How did you know?”

Alexis pressed her lips together. “My uncle owns it. The entire family will know you are at my house and we’re eating a late dinner together. You might as well have put out up a billboard that we’re sleeping together.”

“That’s good.”

“In what universe?” she asked walking to the stove. She grabbed the pot holders and took the lasagna out. Her stomach growled as she got a whiff of the spices and cheese.

“Our cover, until we get this resolved,” he answered, while making several trips to move everything to the dining room table. “While you slept, I had a lot of time to think, and all of the options I came up with sucked and involved you being embarrassed, or your brothers wanting to fight me, and I don’t want to hurt your family. Then you really wouldn’t give me a chance.”

“Uh…I didn’t give you a chance. You pushed your way into my watering hole, demanded a date, and then showed up on my doorstep. You’re lucky I didn’t throw the knife at your head.”

Cole placed the silverware next to the plates and moved to stand in front of Alexis. He rested his hands on her hips. “I’m sorry I was so pushy, and yes, I did all of those things, but I was serious when I said I wanted to date you.” He kept her gaze. “And I was serious about my hands on you when you’re in reaching distance.”

“Well, that sucks for you,” she said, swiping his hands from her sides. “I haven’t decided if I even like you a little.”

“The watering hole wasn’t a one-time thing, baby. You kissed me and meant it.”

She poked his chest. “I kissed you because I wanted to come. Don’t make this more than what it was. It was a fling, and you see where that got me. Or have you forgotten someone wants to stab me and set me on fire.”

Cole cupped her cheek. “I won’t let anything happen to you.”

“How are you going to protect me?” she asked, unwilling to be left in the dark about anything else concerning their situation.

“It’s different this time.” His eyes searched hers. “I know who I’m dealing with and what I’m looking for.”

Alexis patted his chest and then stepped around him. “Well, at least that’s something. Maybe you can share your information with the class.” Alexis gestured to the chair. “Sit down and eat. I can’t do this on an empty stomach, and after my night, I deserve a little eye candy.”

“You think I’m eye candy?” He grinned, whipped off his shirt, and took his chair. “Let me give you some more. Should I strip to my boxers?” He winked. “Or maybe you’d like to eat in the nude. I’m game.”

“Is sex all you think about?” she asked as she dished the lasagna onto both of their plates.

“You’re right.” He nodded. “I think we should go ahead and sleep together, just to get it out of the way so I can focus on the real problem.”

“I’m not sleeping with you.” Alexis walked across the kitchen, grabbed two beers out of the fridge and set one in front of him.

“You’re wrong again,” he said. “As a matter of fact, I’ll be sleeping in your bed tonight, or you’ll be in mine. Actually, I’d prefer that you were in mine. It’s on the second floor, and I have better security. Any chance I can get you to pack a bag?”

“Uh…no. Were you raised by cavemen? You cannot seriously treat women this way,” she answered flatly.

“Alexis, let me be straight with you.”

“Please, that would be a nice change.” She smirked and took her seat.

“You’re in danger here, and regardless of whether you like me or not, or even if you’ll ever date me, I’m the only one who can keep you safe. If there were any other way…” His eyes softened, and he cleared his throat. “I’m sorry, but under the circumstances, and knowing he’s already on the island, the only other option is for you to leave, and even then, it would have to be with someone I trusted to watch my back.”

“Do you know your one big mistake? And you’ve made plenty already.” She dabbed her fork into the lasagna and brought it up, holding it inches from her mouth. “You’re under the assumption that I can’t take care of myself. That I’m a defenseless woman living out in the wilderness and need a prince charming to come and rescue me.”

“Can you shoot a gun?”

“My cousin is the sheriff. Of course I can shoot.”

“Can you fight off a man twice your size in hand-to-hand combat?”

“I have two brothers and another cousin who is a lethal operative. I’ve been taught a thing or two. Unlike you, they believe women are strong individuals who should be prepared for anything.”

Cole sat back in his chair, his food untouched. “I think you’re strong.”

“I’d never guess.”

“I think you’re beautiful. I think you can handle any verbal sparring we will ever have and probably come out on top. I think you have a beautiful smile, although you hardly show it. I think you have fantastic legs, and I think everywhere you go you leave a little of your magic behind, but do you know what I like best? Why I approached you in the first place?”

Alexis swallowed around her bite. “What? What does the great Cole Buchanan, ex-special ops, and current Love Island firefighter, like most about me? I can’t wait to hear this one.”

“Your heart, with the fire in your eyes as a close second.” He winked.

“How would you know anything about my heart?” Alexis dropped her fork on the plate with a clatter. “You don’t even know me.”

“You help everyone who needs you. You help old people cross the street. You play with your cousins’ children, and what really did a number on me…what really sets you above all the rest of the women on this island…you aren’t the least bit afraid to tell me I’m full of shit.”

“Great. I’m a challenge you’re trying to conquer. Is that what happened today? If I give in and sleep with you, will you go?”

“No,” he countered. “Alexis, let me help you. Let me keep you safe the only way I know how. If you come to like me in the process, that’s even better. That’s all I’m trying to do here.”

“If you really wanted to keep me safe, you’d leave the Island and lose interest in me. He’d follow you, right?”

“If I thought it was that simple, I’d leave, but there’s no way to tell if he’d follow, not now that he’s seen us together.”

“I could call my cousin and have you forcefully removed.” She folded her arms in front of her.

“I’ll show him the pictures and he’ll understand why I’m not budging.”

“You wouldn’t.” Her eyes narrowed to slits.

“I would,” he countered. “Then I’d call your brothers. You can either deal with me protecting you, up close and personal, or deal with them trying with me in the background. Either way, honey, I’ve made you my personal assignment. You are now officially under my protection, even if I have to call in a favor and make it official.”