Keeping You: KJ Elite Inc. (30 page)

“I’ll just bet. Listen, maybe you ought to step back from the girl until all this is settled.”

His voice is rough and gritty; no doubt a smoker.

And who is he to say anything about our relationship – if that’s what we have. I mean, besides his father. Dangit. His dad doesn’t want us together and that hurts me.

“I appreciate your concern for my virtue dad, but we’ve discussed this, remember? What’s going on between Jamie and me is our business.”

Jeesh. I can hear the resemblance when they are the only voices talking.

“I understand, son, but that girl is fragile. Figured I would try again, with a calmer head. With her, it’s a ‘you-break-it-you-buy-it’ type of deal. And if no one else does, I’ll hold you to that.”

It’s clear to even a stranger that Noah’s father’s tone is not angry and threatening but rather loving and full of promise. I would certainly not want to cross him.

“Dad, that deal’s already been done. There’ll be no breaking here though. Let it be known that when this all wraps up, I’m marrying Jamie Wright; she will be a Kane.”

I gasped in surprise.

“Is that so, boy?” Now his father sounds amused.

“It is, sir. We shook on it and everything.” I can hear the silly grin on his face.

That sneaky little turkey. I know he knows I can hear all of this.

“Well, Kane is much better than what she got hit with. Alright, I’ll let your mama know.”

The door clicked shut, the lock engaged and apparently so was I.

“Come on out, sugar.” Noah said quietly.

With as much dignity as I can muster, I emerge from the bathroom holding up the thing nearest me – a ripped washcloth – to cover my important bits. Needless to say there was some sacrifice on my part.

“So…” I began, leading him to answer all of my unspoken quesetions.

Noah just watched me, not taking the bait. He wants me to say it.

“Engaged, huh?”

“Hey, you asked, I just agreed! I’m innocent in all of this.”

“You? Innocent? Hah!” I threw my head back, imitating his roaring laughter. It felt soul-cleansing, even if I was mocking him.

“I’m glad that amuses you. Seriously though, tell me how you’re feeling because my dad has likely already told ma.”

His expression sobered as he reached for me, tossing the washcloth away from us.

“I don’t know. I mean, I didn’t even know we were dating. We hardly know each other.”

“Jamie Sue Wright, 24, born September 14
h
, though that could be wrong since Marcus forged those documents. I don’t know your parents real names but to be fair neither do you. Your favorite color is whatever shade my eyes are at the time, your best friends are Taylor Kane, Matthew Carver and Paul E. Paulson and you’d do anything for them. You like sushi, but love steak, think mustard is for fries and ketchup is for dirty dogs. You hate feeling powerless and crave knowledge of all things. When you’re emotional or crazy tired, your accent is so thick it’s like a brick wall. You don’t cuss out of habit but deep down you really love to let a good one fly and you are sick and got damned tired of people treating you like this fragile little piece of china. You’re terrified of dogs because Marcus used all forms of control including abused animals but you love our pup and can’t imagine not having him, now. If none of that tells you how well I know you, then at least let it prove how fucking much I love you.”

He took a breather giving me a chance to say something, or so I thought. Noah covered my lips with the tips of his fingers and continued.

“I might not know every single detail, but I know the big important ones. Let’s start there.”

His fingers were still covering my lips so I lightly bit them.

“Okay, but you have to let me in, too.”

“You’re so in, you’re farther in than I have ever let myself. You’ve seen pieces of me that no one else has which is why everyone is so worried about you. They’ve never seen me like this before. I don’t do dating or relationships or first names.”

Noah reached out and started running his palms up and down my arms, warming me.

“Let’s go back to bed. You’re freezing.”

I allow him to move me while I process what he’s just said. Diesel huffed at us from his doggy bed.

“You don’t do first names?”

“No, sugar. I don’t normally care too much about the women I fuck, so long as they’re willing and legal.”

He makes it seem so cold and meaningless.

“Let me explain better.”

Pulling the blanket and sheets back, I crawl in and he follows me before covering us back up.

“I never ‘dated’, not even in high school. Being wild and free was so much more appealing to me. Ma called me her free spirit but I know it hurts her. Anyway, I loved the kink and the control. Being a Seal helped keep it all casual since I was always moving. After the accident, I was having withdrawals, battling PTSD and suffering night terrors. It was just another shit hand dealt to another soldier. When I lost my leg, I couldn’t stand the sight of myself, let alone another person looking at me. So I started only seeking out the fast and loose women I knew would let me dominate them. Freaks attract freaks. The blindfolds and restraints were my thing. If I could tie them up, take their sight and fuck them hard, it was a good night. I never stayed for sleepovers or cuddles and pillow talk. 9 times out of 10 I was gone before my come dried.”

God, what he’s describing is drawing out conflicting emotions.

I feel fear and excitement at the thought of him wanting to or asking me to try those things but sadness too, for the women he did that to on top of heartbreak for him feeling the need to do all that; the bondage and abandoning.

There’s also a touch of jealousy. I don’t want to be treated like a rag doll but maybe a little blindfold would be exciting.

“With you though, it’s so different, sug. When we were done, I didn’t care if they started letting guys run a train on them, I was done and out. If another man looks at you, I want to rip out his jugular and shoot him in the balls. There’s no need to fuck and run but there is a need to lay you down and love you all night long. I want to – no, I need to see every emotion on your face while I’m pleasing you, driving you to ecstasy. I want to learn your body inside and out; what you like, love and hate. Mostly though, I want to fulfill your every fantasy and be the only one who gets all of you.”

Lord help me.

“I want that, too.”

Unfortunately, I can’t fight the very unwelcome yawn that overtakes me.

“Sleep first. I’ll be here in the morning.”

* * *

Blind faith.

That’s what she’s always giving me.

Undeservingly so.

I say move, she moves; I tell her to go, she leaves; I don’t confide in her and she doesn’t ask any questions.

She doesn’t even ask me why I was into all that shit. She just accepted my need to control with no reason behind it.

Damnit though, if she doesn’t ask I may never tell her why.

Now she’s cuddled up, snoring lightly in my arms.

I can hear someone hovering by our door so I get up slowly and quietly.

“Diesel, here.” I call, pointing to the bed beside Jamie.

I toss on a pair of low hung sweats and house shoes before making my way to the door.

Trying to make as little noise as possible, I disengage the locks to find Peyton pacing a hole in the ground.

“Dude? You are aware it’s well past midnight, right?”

“You should really come hear this. Baby went with me, into town, earlier. We ran into Bryant.” He said, and then walked away.

Damnit. I thought about jogging back into the room to grab a t-shirt but decided to just leave it. No one wants to be out of the action and apparently, there is action to be had.

In the meeting room is Peyton, Mike, Candace, Luke, Charlie, Tommy and dad.

The age old question: where the Hell is Baby?

“Noah.”

“Dad.”

We nodded and I set my focus on Baby and Peyton who looked hyped up.

“What’s going on?”

“I went for a run to grab some essentials when Bryant just walked right out of the gas station store.”

“Alone?” Mike asked.

“Alone.” Peyton repeated. “He asked if we would be interested in a trade. Of sorts.”

“Bryant didn’t fuckin’ touch her, did he?” She aint here and I’m feeling edgy.

“A trade?” Dad asked, craning his neck in confusion.

“Baby for his guy. Apparently we will get all the answers from his guy.”

“How can we trade Baby for his guy if we’ve got them both? Where the fuck is she?” My body is overheating from the anger overtaking my recently achieved sense of calm.

“That’s the weird part. He wants us to just surrender Baby over to him.”

“Like Hell we will. He’s officially lost his damn mind.”

“Baby wanted me to tell you it was okay.” Peyton said, eyeing me sympathetically.

I don’t need his damn sympathy, my girl ain’t walking into the hands of the same creep who broke her heart and is trying to kidnap my woman for a sex trafficker.

“I’m sorry. Did no one hear my, ‘like Hell we will!’?”

Peyton handed me a note that read:
“Bryant does make useless or senseless deals. Give me just enough time to work him and I’ll be back.”

-Alice

My eyes snap shut and I take a deep breath. They’ve got to be pulling my leg. There’s no way this is real right now.

“Who let her walk into this?” I ask, trying not to growl.

“She went on her own. She’s a big girl and wanted you to know it was her choice. Baby knew you wouldn’t be on board with the plan so she didn’t come back to discuss it, she just went.”

“Fuck that! I’m her team leader and friend. I won’t let her sacrifice herself. Bryant is still dirty.”

“Let’s just see what his little parrot has to say.” Dad suggested, standing.

“Not like I really have a choice, now do I?” My stomach and good mood are soured. You never get over losing a team mate.

You get even.

Maybe that’s what Bryant’s doing, but if Baby’s right… he handed us one of his on a silver platter. What in the Hell is going on.

Chapter 15

The door of the cell creaks open, jerking the douchebag awake. He sits up and rubs his eyes coming to.

“Morning sunshine.” Peyton hollers, tossing a snickers at him.

“Breakfast of champions.” He grunts, ripping it open. “It’s not laced with cyanide, right?”

“Take a bite and find out.” Candace says, leaning her frame into the corner farthest from him.

“Would you prefer fish?” Mike asked, straddling a chair.

He came since Baby’s preoccupied now and Peyton just followed us.

Ole’ boy looked up at that and shook his head, at a loss for words. I mean, how would you even defend that?

“Can I get a first aid kit or something?” He asked swallowing half the snickers.

“You’ve got a t-shirt and belt.” I said, staying near the door.

It’s for the best.

Looking me in the eyes, he carelessly chucked the wrapper in Candace’s direction. “Pick that up, will you, girl?”

My fists clenched. I know Baby didn’t like a man to defend her and I can only guess Candace wouldn’t either, so I stay put, mouth zipped. Mike on the other hand is chomping at the bit, eyeing Candace, waiting for her to make her move.

Instead, Peyton walks forward and steps on top of it.

“Who are yall working for?” Candace asked, inspecting her fingernails.

I’ve come to learn that Baby chews, Candace eyes. If only I could teach Baby that trick.

“Oh, come on. No foreplay?” He clucked his tongue.

“Sorry, bitches aren’t my type. Give me a name.”

“Ooh, feisty. Daddy likey.”

Candace put a hand over her mouth and gagged.

“Focus, shithead.” Mike warned.

“What’s in it for me? Because he’s paying a hefty fee and I gotta say,” he threw his arms out and looked around. “I don’t think you can afford to make demands.”

“Here’s the thing,
daddy
.” Candace said nearly vomiting the word. “You’re gonna answer us because without our help, you’re dead either way. Bryant doesn’t stand for traitors on his team, I mean, why do you think he put you directly in the line of fire and tripped you up? And if your pimp gets a hold of you? I really don’t think I need to paint you a picture.”