Protected by Shadows (6 page)

“What do you mean no, son?” their father asked.

“Nothing hidden in my meaning. The less you know of what I do the better. Like I said, forget you even heard that bit.” He held his father’s gaze.

“You’re involved with going after terrorists,” his mama snapped. “You really think I’m just going to forget it?”

“I know you don’t want to, Mama, but yes, I expect you to.”

“What about The Watchers?”

He should have known Jaydee wouldn’t let it go. The woman was fiercely protective of her friend.

The phone rang again. “Equate them to a homegrown terrorist cell.”

“White supremacist?” Gio asked.

He shook his head. “No. Their hatred is for the government, and anyone whose beliefs mirror their own is welcome.”

“What does it have to do with Lexy?”

He shrugged. “I can’t say, Enzo, because I don’t know. But it’s serious if they went after her brother.” The ringing began again and this time he answered it. “Yeah?”

“Problem getting to your phone, Cassano?”

Masters. Valentino skimmed his tongue over his top teeth. “Apparently.”

“Need you to come in.”

“Sorry, I’ve got a lead on The Watchers I’m going to follow up on.”

Silence met his declaration, but he knew the explosion wouldn’t be long in coming. And he was right. Masters went off in a flurry of words no one should ever hear.

“Trevor?” Masters asked.

Trevor Mansfield, leader of the Watchers. Many members of Valentino’s group, Theta Corps, had lost people because of this man. Himself included.

“I won’t know until I get there.”

“Where is there?”

“Virginia.”

“Call in Beauregard to meet you. Tell him to bring Ethan and Anabelle Lee along as well.”

While he wanted to argue, Valentino keep his thoughts to himself. “I have to go.”

“Keep me apprised.” The order preceded the click.

Valentino shoved his phone in his pocket and faced his family. Hurt, understanding and betrayal lingered amongst their faces. Gio and Jaydee were the only two who had understanding.

He couldn’t think or worry about them now. “I have to get on my way.”

His mother sniffed and walked to join Halyn and the children. His father departed seconds later. Enzo glared but gave him a quick hug.

“Keep Lexy safe, bro,” he said in Italian before striding off as well.

“Mama and Papa will come around, Valentino. They hate being kept out of any aspects of our lives.”

“I know.” He hugged Gio. “Keep an eye on them.”

“Always, and call if you need anything.”

“Will do.” Valentino nodded at Jaydee then climbed in his car and left in a flurry of spinning wheels.

He sent a short text to Beauregard and his cousins asking them be ready to meet when he sent coordinates—he didn’t need them tailing him when he tracked Lexy down. He went to the airport.

Lexy. Just the thought of her had him reacting physically. Pushing those feelings and notions away, he waited to board his flight. Once he landed, he got a car and began the drive to Lexy’s, only to change his mind and stop at a hotel. Drumming his fingers on the steering wheel, he mulled over the options before him.

Logically, he knew it would be smartest to approach her in the morning. He knew, even before he pulled back onto the road, there were very few logical anythings when it came to Alexsa Camden and himself.

Despite wishing to speed, he refrained. It neared midnight when he slowed to turn into her driveway. A lone security light framed the front of the ranch house and yard overflowed with flora. After pulling to a halt, he climbed out and made his way to the porch with its numerous wind chimes. A prickle skated along his spine and he knew he was being watched.
Should have figured it would happen.
He pressed the doorbell.

He loosened his tie as he waited. The outside light flicked on, bathing him with a bright glow. Then the door opened and he promptly lost his breath.

From her Hello Kitty head wrap to the cut-off—belly-button ring exposing—lavender camisole and on to the low-riding black boxers, she kicked his libido into high gear.

“What are you doing here?” she demanded.

He watched her lean the Louisville Slugger against the wall. She might very well hurt him for what he was about to do, but he didn’t give a damn. Besides, they were being watched.

After reaching out, he grabbed her to him and slammed his mouth over hers, hunger immediately overtaking any semblance of control. Her taste swarmed over his tongue and he closed his eyes in bliss, even as he moved her farther in to be able to shut the door behind him.

When the latching sound penetrated their bubble, Lexy pulled away and stared up at him, her brown eyes full of wary suspicion.

“What the fuck are you doing here, Val? How did you find out where I lived?” She pushed him away and paced before him, enticing him with each stride she took.

“What do you know about The Watchers?” he countered with his own query.

She froze. For a moment her eyes went wide before they narrowed dangerously. She held up a finger and took several deep breaths then stomped to him.

“You know something about this crap that right nearly killed my brother?” Her finger stabbed him with each bitten word. Her Southern accent was so thick he had a hard time understanding her.

“I’m sorry about your brother.” He captured her wrist and drew her near. He realized his mistake and kissed her as he moved toward her stereo system and turned it on.

“What are you doing?”

“Give me five minutes to sweep the house then we’ll talk,” he murmured in her ear.

Her mutinous glare told him he barely had five minutes. He got to work sweeping her house.

Lexy seethed as her ‘visitor’ moved through her home as if he had every blipping right to do so. On one hand, seeing him again had her body thrumming with joy. For her here, however, it was nearly catastrophic.

She sat at her kitchen table and watched him. After a few moments, she got up and went to her Keurig. Within seconds, she was adding creamer and sugar to her coffee while another brewed for Valentino. Her
guest.

He strode into the room and she covered for her faltering breath by sipping some of her java. Val appeared rumpled.
How I like him.
Okay, so that wasn’t entirely true—she liked him any way she found him. His blue tie hung askew and the white shirt had a few buttons undone. Black slacks showed off his strong lower body.

Hotness aside, she truly didn’t like people coming into her home as he had. Being invited was one thing, pushing your way in another entirely.

Val grabbed his coffee and sat opposite her before fixing it how he wanted then taking a long drink.

“Well?” she snapped after he sat there in silence.

“Tell me what you know about The Watchers.”

She snorted. “Oh hell no. My house, which
you
shoved your way into. I want answers. So you will sit there and answer
my
question or you’ll be leaving.”

He quirked an eyebrow. “Gonna throw me out?”

“Yes.”

“How exactly?”

She so wanted to punch him in the face to get the smugness off it. “I can call the cops.” A shrug. “Beat you with the bat or a frying pan.” She drummed her fingers on the table. “Or drug you.” She looked pointedly at his coffee mug.

He paused briefly in the act of drinking. “You won’t call the cops because you want—as you stated—answers. And you won’t get any if they take me away. The other two, you don’t have it in you.”

She blinked a few times and leaned back in her chair. “You have no idea just exactly
what
I’m capable of, Valentino Cassano. Don’t make the mistake of thinking because you’ve fucked me on the down low that you have the slightest inkling of what I have in me.”

He dragged his tongue along his bottom lip and her belly clenched.
I want to feel his tongue on me. Focus, I need to focus.

“Answer my question, Val. What do you know about this group?”

“The name is Valentino.” He paused. “I’m not an investment banker.”

She fought a yawn. “No shit.”

He narrowed his gaze. “What do you mean?”

“You may have fooled your family,
Val
, but not me. The places we meet. Hell, there were times you arrived smelling like gunpowder.”

“You know what gunpowder smells like.” He made it a statement. And damned if he didn’t sound a bit shocked by the notion.

She laughed, unable to help herself. “Southern,” she said, pointing at herself. “Not sure who you’re used to da…dealing with.”
Shit, I almost said dating.
“I have two older brothers and I can shoot anything. Yes, I know what it smells like.” Shaking her head, she took another drink. “Stop trying to ask the questions. Who are they?”

“A large group of men and women who disagree with the government we have in place.”

“Cult?”

He gave a quick shake of his head. “Think more militant group. Not a religious cult. Although they are just as devoted to their leader.”

She frowned. “Issues with the government? What the hell does it have to do with me? It doesn’t make sense.”

“I need to know exactly what they’ve said to you.”

Her laughter was anything but amused. “What’s your role in this?”

“The group I represent is actively trying to stop The Watchers.”

“This ‘group’ have a name?”

He nodded and she crossed her arms. Waiting.

“Does it matter?”

“My brother,
mine
, is lying in a coma because of this Watchers group. You show up demanding answers and my cooperation, like they did—without the appearance—spouting about another group. Oh yeah, don’t forget you feel the need to sweep my house for listening devices. So yes, Valentino Cassano, it matters. Who are the ones you work for?”

“Theta Corps.”

She sniffed. “Never heard of ’em.”

“Not surprised.”

“So all y’all are after The Watchers? For how long?”

“Years.” While his response came immediately, she couldn’t miss the derision which coated the word.

“Are you the reason my brother is in a coma?” He never blinked. “I mean because I slept with you and you are in this Theta Corps, are they coming after my family?”

“No.”

“Swear it.”

He leaned forward, the chain and gold ring spilling into view. “We go after many groups, I can’t swear that.”

“At least you didn’t lie.” She glared. “About that.”

“I don’t announce what I do, Lexy. It’s a dangerous job.”

“Right. Like 007.”

“Sure. Without the accent, tuxes, a desire to gamble and—”

“Drinking?”

“I was going to say the women, but yes, the drinking as well.”

“Does your family know?”

“I had to tell them today. No, they weren’t happy, they feel betrayed.”

She didn’t want to discuss family, for it made her think of hers. “How long have you been in this group?”

“Over fifteen years.” He put his cup down. “My turn.”

She didn’t think so. She had no desire to make this easy for him. “Sorry. I have to get some sleep. I have surgeries tomorrow.”

She stood and took her mug to the sink. Although part of her expected it, when his arms settled on either side of her she jumped slightly.

“I’m staying.”

Giving a shrug as if she couldn’t care less, she rinsed out her mug then his. “I have a couch.” She also had a guest room, but she didn’t want him to feel comfortable. He might get the idea of staying longer and that wouldn’t be good for her sanity. Hardening herself against her stupid, derailing emotions, which got her in trouble, she ducked under his arm. He grabbed her and she halted.

“I still have questions.” His voice was cold and hard.

“I don’t care. I’m beat. It’s been a hellacious day and by all accounts, tomorrow will be as well. I need sleep. You and your questions can wait.”

A tic appeared in his jaw. “My boss wants an update.”

She removed his hand. “And? Give him one, just keep your voice down, I’m really tired.”

She knew he wasn’t pleased. Tough. Neither was she.

“Answers, Lexy. I want them.” He narrowed his gaze. “I will have them.”

“Then you don’t need me.”

Val stepped back. The shadows in the kitchen appeared to reach out and draw him into their arms. All she could see were his hazel eyes that flickered with anger and danger, as well as the set jaw. Dangerous and hot.

“I’ll put some sheets out for you.” She moved from the kitchen and got the items for him. Once she set them down, she turned to find him scowling at her. “Night.”

“We’re not done.”