Blind Rage: Team Red, Book 4 (9 page)

“Oh, girlfriend. Please tell me you’re not returning the necklace?” Jinx moaned. “That has to be the most singularly beautiful piece of jewelry I have ever seen. It looked so beautiful on you.”

“Jinx, you know I can’t keep any of it. The jewels were given to me under false pretenses. He is a married man, and should never have given me such an extravagant gift when he wasn’t free to do so. I especially can’t keep it when it’s part of a set.”

The table was silent as my friends joined me in mourning the loss of the exquisitely detailed jewelry. “Another round,” Janey said, to the server who approached our somber vigil.

“Men are jerks,” Jinx grumbled.

“Sometimes, yeah. David’s such a nice guy,” Janey protested. “He seemed so trust-worthy. How come none of us saw this coming? Did we miss some huge-ass clue?”

“It’s not as if he had a large, red ‘A’ stitched onto his dress shirts,” I said, making reference to the book,
The Scarlet Letter
. “Even Bastian had no warning. David really doesn’t feel like he’s a married man. I don’t think he gave off any signals we missed. He simply lied by omission.”

“No kidding. The ring was definitely premeditated. He’s had since August when he asked me to locate the gift set,” Tara added. “The man should have taken care of his divorce before proposing.”

“Speaking of the wife,” Jinx groused, drawing out the last word as if it left a bitter taste in his mouth, “exactly how do you feel about having her and the kid in your house?”

I suppressed a grin threatening to break through at the sour tone of my friend’s voice. I got it, really I did. Each of them was indignant on my behalf, and I felt blessed by their support. “The kid’s name is Wesley, Wes for short, and it’s not his fault, or Marcia’s for that matter, that David neglected to mention them before now. These are two innocent people who will be going through a horrible few months, and we need to be strong and positive while they cope with cancer. David’s a good man who did a bad thing. Much as I’d love to yell and rant about how unfair life is being to me, my feelings pale in comparison to what Marcia is going through.”

“Yeah, I realize that, and I’m sorry.” Jinx sounded genuinely contrite. “I don’t really feel angry toward his wife and boy. Wes. But, it’s so hard to sit back and watch this unfolding. It’s like observing a train wreck in slow motion, yet I’m unable to reach out and pluck people to safety before it all crashes. I want to help, but I don’t know how.”

“Jinx is right, Teresa. It is going to be a very difficult couple of months for you. Add the child, Marcia’s illness, Bastian’s anger, David’s obvious presence, and the PreClan deadlines together, then stir in a dozen Mustangs underfoot, and it’s a recipe for stress.” Janey laid a comforting palm over my fingers, nervously pleating the edge of my paper napkin. “I guess, most importantly, we want you to know we’re here for you. We know you aren’t the type to burden others with your personal issues, but like Jinx said, we want to help.”

Jinx leaned against my opposite arm, resting a cheek against my shoulder in silent support. Tara reached across the table and linked her fingers with my free hand, saying, “There will be a point, probably many of them, when you’ll feel overwhelmed; call one of us. Let us be your friends. Let us help absorb some of the load.”

I exhaled a heavy sigh. My friends were right. I would insist on being there to help them through hard times, so I had to learn to accept their need to help too. “Okay.”

There was silence. The subtle shifts where each of them touched me, suggested they had pulled back to stare at me or, possibly, each other.

“That’s it? Okay?” Tara sounded offended.

“What?” I was honestly puzzled. “I thought you wanted me to accept your support.”

Janey chuckled. “It’s my fault. I told them you would probably protest, and we would spend an hour, or more, trying to convince you to let us help.”

I’m sure my mouth was twisted in wry amusement this time. “Yeah, I suppose I could string you guys along for longer, but you’re right. Janey has been a great help setting up a sick room. It would have taken me weeks to do what she accomplished in two days. I’m already starting to feel the stress as we get closer to their arrival. I want to support David. I love him—not the same way I did a month ago, but we are first and foremost, friends. I want to preserve our friendship, as well as make it easier for Bas and David to find balance. They have a business together, and I want them to have a chance to fix their personal relationship while maintaining their professional one, without them worrying about my feelings. My heart goes out to Wes. That poor little man will be losing his mom in a short while, and he’ll need to feel safe and accepted here.”

Janey asked the hard question. “Are you positively sure you want the three of them under your roof?”

I pulled my hands away so I could cradle my head. Jeez, my brain hurt. “I honestly don’t see another alternative. It’s safer to keep Bas and David together so Russ can maximize the security coverage. If we put David in the rental house with Marcia and Wes, the security teams are split up, and they are vulnerable as they move between the rental and my house. Having his family close by while he finishes the software program will allow David to concentrate better. We all know David is not the world’s best multi-tasker, so I can assume he’d be overwhelmed with Marcia’s illness and keeping Wes occupied. My house makes the most sense.”

“I don’t know that I’d be as generous, Teresa. If my lover had betrayed me like this, I’m not sure I could welcome him
and
his family into my home.” I could hear the steel in Tara’s voice.

“Though I’m angry with David’s actions, I refuse to spew my hurt and fury on his wife and son, Tara. I’ll admit, my feelings for Bastian are making what should be an incredibly awkward situation, much easier. He’s been supportive, even in the face of me choosing David at the end of The Siege. In a warped way, David’s screw up allowed me to see Bas in a totally different light, and I was able to work through some prejudices which kept me from recognizing what a good man he is. Now I see David’s obsession for what it was, and I can appreciate Bastian’s qualities in a new way. He makes my heart happy.” I could feel the dopey grin on my face, but I didn’t care.

“Oh my friggin god,” Jinx gasped…

… a split second before Red’s voice in my mind declared,
“Lights on.”

Apparently I’d been too distracted with the conversation to notice his connection. What was Red doing here? I wondered briefly, watching through my dog’s vision as Tara and Jinx whipped out their cell phones and began maniacally snapping pictures like teens at a rock concert. “What’s going on?” I asked, puzzled by this weird behavior, and still trying to figure out why Red was here.

“That man is a god,” Tara sighed.

“No,” Janey corrected, “my brother is a bone-headed control freak. I can’t believe Bastian showed up here on Girl’s Night.” There was a distinct whine in her tone, not echoed by our other two friends who were still taking pictures furiously.

“Why is Bas here? Why did he bring Red?” I was ignored again, as our group stared toward the doorway with various expressions ranging from annoyance to adoring.

“One of our escorts must have mentioned the guy hitting on you when we were at dinner. He’s in caveman mode.” Jinx sounded more admiring, than alarmed. “Oh, Teresa. Bas is one fine specimen of studhood.”

Studhood? She made that up. Red halted beside my chair, and gazed up at my face, in time for me to watch a black suede-covered hand reach out to cradle my nape, dragging me to my feet in a fiery hot kiss which contrasted with the cold bite of his leather jacket.

“What’s this I hear about you flirting with some bozo in a three-piece?” he growled in my ear, before swooping back to take my mouth in another drugging kiss, without giving me a chance to reply.

I’m pretty sure it was Jinx who sighed like a starry-eyed groupie.

“Here,” Janey said, extending a dainty cocktail umbrella toward Bastian. “In the absence of a flag or banner with your name written in red, bold letters, you can stick this on her head to stake your territory.”

“Or, he can lift a leg and pee on you,”
Red added helpfully.

“Seriously, Sebastian?” Oops, Janey was irritated if she was using her brother’s proper name. “You couldn’t wait another two hours for her to get home?”

“Obviously not,” he teased, ignoring his sister’s pique. “My woman is attracting unwanted attention from bar-hopping businessmen. I can’t blame
you
, Babe.” He slung a companionable arm over my shoulder. “You’re just
that
gorgeous; you can’t help being a dick magnet.”

Through Red, I didn’t see any familiar faces to indicate additional PreClan security staff had accompanied Bastian to the hotel. “Aren’t you supposed to be under lock and key? Why did Russ let you leave without an escort?” I knew Bas was uber-competent, and able to handle bad guys with ruthless efficiency, but this critical stage of the software development meant he rarely left the house without a half-dozen armed men shadowing him.

Bas smirked. “I’m testing the long-range drones. There are a dozen of them at various points outside, monitoring the area. I’m wearing an earpiece so I can communicate with the security detail if the facial recognition software sees someone questionable. Your guards are able to watch both of us inside.”

Facial recognition software? Geez, just when I think I’ve learned all the facets of the program David and Bas are working on, they throw in a new twist. “Isn’t it an unnecessary risk for you to ride your motorcycle? It’s dark outside, and there is a lot of water on the roads.” I would be devastated if something happened to him. Another thought struck me, “And how in the hell did you get here with Red?” I assumed he rode the bike because the leathers were cold and damp.

“The roads are fine. Henry found a roll of the rubbery shelf-liner stuff in the pantry to throw over the gas tank. Red crouched down in front of me,” Bas explained. “My legs kept his hindquarters steady. He did pretty well, once I explained why it was important for him to stay low. I think he enjoyed the ride.”

“It was awesome, Teresa. He went really, really fast. And we zipped around cars like they were standing still. Maybe we can get a sidecar so Tank can come on a ride too!”

“I don’t think Bas wants a sidecar, Red.” To Bas, I said, “He did enjoy the ride. He’s tattling about how fast you were going, and you were weaving through traffic.”

“Not really. His perspective from a bike would be different. It may seem faster, but we kept to speed limits, and no weaving. Besides, I wouldn’t chance him slipping and scratching my awesome paint job,” he teased.

“Don’t take any unnecessary risks. I don’t want to lose you.” I slid a hand over his jaw and cupped his nape, hoping he understood the sincerity of my concern.

“No worries, Babe. I was careful,” he promised.

Bas swept a loose tendril of hair behind my ear. Even from Red’s perspective, I could clearly see the love in his eyes as he gazed into my upturned face. My heart sped up. Mine, I thought with mild surprise at the sense of possessiveness I felt. I mentally tried out the word again, waiting for any twinge of unease or doubt. Mine—all six-foot-three inches of honed and toned virile male. I felt no hesitation in claiming him; apparently, I was emotionally ready to move forward, we simply had to get through the closure with David. I was confident this man would be a large, and significant part of my future. “Mine,” I whispered against the heat of his mouth.

“Never doubt it, Babe.” He closed the distance, gifting me with a tender press of his lips against mine.

Jinx sighed. Janey harrumphed. Tara, oblivious to the interaction, made goo-goo eyes at Dex. Shameless flirt.

Chapter
Eight

In a break of our usual pattern, Bas and I elected to forgo a night on the couch, in favor of a good night’s sleep in my bed. If sleep was even an option with this crazy attraction between us. After publically staking his claim, my leather-clad bad boy joined the security team at their table, leaving us girls to chatter amongst ourselves. When we parted for the night, Frost jumped at a chance to ride the bike back. Bastian rode in the vehicle with Red and me; a motorcycle headlight shining behind us the whole way.

We laid in an approximation of the sprawl we preferred on the sofa, my body pulled partially over his chest, his arm wrapped around me, my head tucked securely into the curve of his jaw. I loved the sound of his heart under my cheek, the steady beat held back the frequent nightmares I’d endured for over two months. I’d managed to hide them from David, who slept through my startled awakenings, but not Bastian. As Red frequently reminded me, little gets by Bas. The first morning we’d accidentally fallen asleep on the couch, exhausted from conversations where we explored our feelings for each other as well as our disappointment in David, I woke suddenly, cradled in Bastian’s arms, with the soothing murmur of “I’ve got you, Babe,” in my ear.

Every night, since November, I relived the break in and assault by my ex, Devon Carpenter, who had forced his way into the house to steal PreClan secrets. While I’d successfully fended off his attack, remnants of the violence still clung to me, tormenting my dreams. Since that mid-morning, when I’d thrashed and cried out in my sleep, waking him, Bastian held me every night. Most times, I slept peacefully. On rare occasions when my subconscious took the upper hand, this wonderful man soothed me with quiet strength and calming whispers, patiently waiting as my terror subsided. I fell back to sleep each time, with Bastian’s scent filling my senses, calming my fear.

Only two more days and David would be back. We’d get him and Marcia settled into the room downstairs, and if Wes was comfortable enough with the Mustangs, he’d have his bunk in the Cave. Then we’d talk. Sadly, it would be a conversation to bring closure to our romantic relationship, and hopefully healing between David and Bas. Closure didn’t mean Bas and I would instantly fall into each other’s arms… geez, who am I trying to fool? We were ready, willing, and if the erection against my hip was an indication, able. We simply wanted to have the situation with David handled before we added the complication of sex to the equation.

We were snuggled cozily, Bas in his usual sweat pants and cotton t-shirt, me in yoga pants and a tank top, talking about our day. Gossiping good-naturedly about our zany circle of friends and family. “You realize Tara and Jinx are circulating pictures of you, decked out in biker leathers, to all their friends, right? Everywhere you go, strangers will be pointing and heaving fan girl sighs in your direction. Women, and probably a few hopeful men, will be falling at your feet, hoping to gain your attention.”

“You’re the only one I’m interested in, Babe,” Bastian assured me with a chuckle. “I will admit to being concerned they’re always pulling out their camera phones when I’m in the room. Tara tells me she made one of the Christmas photos into a life-size poster in her room. I feel violated.”

Not feeling a great deal of empathy, I provoked, “You
did
look ruggedly sexy, decked out head to toe in leather, straddling your new bike. I hear Jason has a poster of you in his bedroom as well.”

“And you’re not disturbed our friends ogle me when they’re in bed?” he queried, a hint of smugness in his tone.

“You have model good looks,” I pointed out unnecessarily, “a body like a comic book superhero, superior intelligence, a wonderfully warm and funny personality, and a single-minded focus—which means you are stubbornly immovable. They only have a two dimensional piece of you; I have the whole package,” I boasted.

“Yes you do, Babe. We both went the long way around, trying to get where we are today, but I’m thankful we finally got to this point. Me. You. In a bed. Not arguing. Loving, even if it’s only in our hearts for now. The physical will come soon.” His tone became suggestive, “In fact, I see a lot of coming in your future.”

“I’ll admit, I’m still a bit anxious, Bastian. But, a lot of my nervousness is anticipatory, too.”

“Nothing wrong with a few nerves. Things will happen when we’re ready. But, from this point onward, I want you in my arms every night, regardless of how our confrontation with David goes.”

I lifted my head, aiming sightless eyes toward Bastian, not to see him, obviously, but so he could watch my features. “I’m disconcerted you’re anticipating conflict. David knows he screwed up, and I’ve been up front regarding my changed feelings for him; he knows we’ve shifted to a platonic relationship. I’m seeing this talk as closure, and setting up new parameters for living together in the same house with Marcia and Wesley. I’m hoping the conversation focuses more on how to rebuild our friendships, and less on what brought us to this point.”

“One of the wonderful things I love about you, Teresa, is your optimism.” I could hear the smile in his voice. “Unlike you, I believe David is going to fight for you. I would, if I were in his place. The fact we haven’t progressed to a sexual relationship yet, presents a crack in the door I’m sure he’ll shove a foot into.”

I lifted a brow in query. “Is this an awkward attempt to pressure me into sex, Mr. Declan? I expected you to cast a smoother line.”

This time I felt the chuckle rumble through his chest. “Babe, I’m hurt you have such a low opinion of my pick-up technique.” He captured my mouth in a heated kiss, tasting me and sharing the flavor of coffee and peppermint. Goodness, at the rate he was devouring them, there probably weren’t any candy canes remaining on the Christmas tree, still decorated and standing guard over a pile of wrapped gifts.

“You taste good,” I sighed as he pulled away. I wanted to tear off his clothes and have my wicked way with him. Repeatedly.

“No need to pressure you into sex, Miss March. If I’d pushed, even a little, you would have folded like a cheap card table.” Again with the smug tone. “Together, we’ve decided we want to enter a relationship with a clean slate, and together we’ll decide when the time is right. I’ve told you before, I’ll wait until you’re ready. I’m. Not. Going. Anywhere.” He paused, gathering his thoughts. “David will use this against us, though. There’s an additional level of intimacy which comes with sex. He’s experienced it with you, and it won’t take him long to notice the sexual tension between us. Instead of seeing it as restraint on our part, I’m betting he views it as uncertainty.”

“But, that’s silly, Bastian. I’ve been very clear—” I began to protest.

“Yeah, Babe, I know. David loves you; his feelings are closer to obsession than love, but fixation doesn’t make his emotions any less real for him. He fell in love with you through my stories, but I honestly believe he has a powerful attachment to you. Likely, at least in part, due to the familiarity created by living together, intimately.”

I didn’t respond. Frankly, I wasn’t sure what to say. Bas knew David through half-a-dozen years of association. Regardless of how close David and I had once been, our relationship was based on lies. Did I really know him well enough to argue the point with Bastian? Probably not. I tempered my urge to deny the possibility, but now that Bas placed the thought in my mind, I worried David’s homecoming may be more stressful than I’d anticipated. “Crap,” was all I could manage.

“I’ve been working on a possible long-term solution.” Bastian, said, interrupting the wild tangents in my mind. “There are only three other residences on your street, which is a private road, so there’s no real traffic, and the wildlife sanctuary to the south affords us even more seclusion. I’ve had the PreClan attorneys make offers on the surrounding houses. My plan being to buy up the homes adding the land and structures to our existing property. It will give us some housing for the Mustangs, and we can give one of the houses to David and Wes. Two of the families have accepted the offers, and will be moved out by February. Your neighbors across the street, the Frasiers?”

“Fosters,” I corrected.

“Yeah. They’re back from vacation tomorrow, so it may be a few days until we come to terms. I expect we’ll have that property by the end of March.”

“Geez, Bas. How are you closing on the properties so fast? Doesn’t it take time to go through escrow? The property valuation process takes forever, especially in the winter months.”

“We’re not going through the banks. Cash deals. We don’t care about the property inspections, we want the land. Any issues with the homes we can fix ourselves. Not requiring an inspection, or any kind of verification for financing, shaves about two weeks off the process.”

“How much land will we own?” I wondered, aloud. “Most of the lots out here are five acre parcels, or more.”

“I’ve also bought up a few more pieces of acreage toward the main road turning into ours. It will give is almost fifty acres total. With the Wild Horses moving a branch to Spokane, we can build more houses to order, if we want more structures. David may want to build his own house. Hell, Teresa, with all the activity in the basement, you may want us to build our own place, too. We could leave this house as a base for operations, and design something else for us on a less centrally located piece of land. Your choice, Babe. I’m home where you are.”

Is it wrong to feel a thrill quiver down my spine as Bastian spoke with confidence we would build a life, and possibly a home, together? He truly was in this for the long term. “I like this place Bas. I enjoy the quirks and hidden rooms. It’s familiar and comfortable, and an excellent floor plan. I feel safe. Your work is high risk, even if you try to keep a low profile. The Foster home, or building a house to the west of it, would be best for David and Wes. They’ll be close enough Red can visit and patrol, and Wes can walk between houses without worry. Since Russ plans to extend a tunnel from the Wild Horse compound to the house, the Mustangs will be able to access the Cave without constant traffic through the kitchen, so they won’t be a bother.”

Bastian agreed. “Much as I’m anxious to move David to his own house so we can begin our future, I understand the need to help with Marcia and Wes—at least until the project is finished and handed off to the military. Marcia is pretty weak, and will no doubt spend a lot of time in bed. The doctors don’t think she has more than a month left. It will be best to keep her close by so you and Janey can help her. I’m fairly certain David will be useless as she becomes bedridden and more dependent on morphine. Janey, for all her tender heart, is experienced with hospice care. You may remember she volunteered at the retirement home for quite a few years.”

“And don’t forget, Ken is a registered nurse. He’s volunteered to help, also. We have a hospice nurse tentatively scheduled to come in for a few hours each day, but Ken can help when needed. Wes is out of the hospital, but it will good to have a medical professional around; head injuries can be so unpredictable.”

“Damn, it’s not like me to forget these types of details, but I’d completely forgotten Ken started out as your rehab nurse. It’s a waste, if you ask me; he has talents in the kitchen.”

“Added bonus, for sure,” I concurred. “I’m upping Ken’s salary while Marcia is here, partially because he’ll be shopping and cooking for her dietary needs, while she’s able to eat anyway. But more significantly, he’ll be in charge of her medications and care when Cora, the hospice nurse, is off-duty. I anticipate he’ll be working additional hours.”

“Henry has taken over the household accounts, and will track the expenses to bill back to David. I’ll make sure he knows about Ken’s bonus, and takes it out of David’s funds,” Bas said practically.

“I don’t mind paying Ken’s wages, Bas,” I protested. Sheesh, it was my idea anyway. David never asked for the extra help.

“Babe, you remember David has a pretty hefty savings account, right? This is his responsibility.” Bas’ tone was firm. “Hospice care is not cheap. David will be getting reimbursed for much of it, as his insurance covers Marcia and Wes. You may remember insurance coverage is what started this whole mess in the first place,” Bas snipped, referring to the reason David and Marcia married.

Ever the tactician, Bas changed topics, “David tells me he’s ahead of schedule, so we may be done with the project within the next ten days. Completing the assignment will take pressure off our security team, but the installations and training will begin soon afterward. I’m not much for sex on a schedule, Babe. I enjoy spontaneity, but I’ve been thinking, there will be over two dozen people crammed into this house after David returns; which is not very conducive to privacy and stolen moments together. I plan to reserve a suite at the Davenport Hotel for us. Even if issues are unresolved and making love is not a part of it, I’d like some alone time before I disappear for a month, getting software installed.”