Shadow of Sin (The Martin Family) (11 page)

The temptation to take her somewhere isolated had almost choked him once they were alone in his car. It’d been too long since he’d been with a woman. As a general rule, he liked to pay for his sex. Less complicated if he got a little rough.

He did like to hear them scream.

The fact that he had other plans for Samantha was the only thing that had saved her life. She was a means to an end. Not even that. She was the means to the means to the end. Until her knight in shining armor had come to drag her away. It was then that Mark had learned the landscape of his plan had changed.

As planned, he’d snuck out the back and slipped into the woods that night. The rush he’d felt from their fear as he’d fired those shots … Mark closed his eyes and his dick hardened behind the fly of his jeans at the memory. Not as fulfilling as the death he’d planned, but it had been worth the risk. Death would come later.

He couldn’t afford to be careless now. Not when he was so close.

Shifting his feet, he shoved his hands into his pockets as the woman he’d come to know as Amanda Martin stood. Moments later, she stepped out onto the sidewalk. From his vantage point, he could see the tension in her stance. Something wasn’t quite right. He was tempted to follow her, but Mark had learned that Neanderthal she lived with was never far behind these days. And that was a meeting Mark wanted to put off as long as possible.

He preferred to play with the redhead anyway. He’d allowed Samantha to grow complacent over the last few months. He’d wanted her to believe she was safe, that the person who’d broken into her office, her home, had gone away, lost interest. Not that she knew Mark was the one who’d done those things, but that would be remedied soon enough.

He waited a few minutes before entering the cafe. Samantha saw him and offered a slight smile of surprise. Her expression appeared drawn, sad. It didn’t take a rocket scientist to realize her meeting hadn’t gone well. What he wouldn’t have given to be a fly on the wall during their conversation. A man could learn the most interesting things when women gossiped.

“Mark? What are you doing here?”

Mark slipped easily into the persona of concerned friend. “You disappeared the other night. I tried to call you, but —”

“Yeah, my phone … well, it’s broken. I haven’t had a chance to replace it yet. How’d you know I was here?”

Her suspicious tone grated on his nerves. “Didn’t,” he answered easily. “I saw you through the window as I was walking by.”

She hesitated and Mark knew she was trying to figure out if he was telling her the truth or not. Much to his regret, things between them hadn’t advanced as much as he’d have liked, since she obviously didn’t trust him. Not that it mattered.

He held his palms up and took a step back. “Hey, it’s cool. I didn’t mean to freak you out or anything. I just wouldn’t be able to live with myself if something bad had happened to you while you were out with me. I’ve been worried.”

Her expression softened and she ran her fingers through her hair. “No. You’re right. I’m sorry. As you can see, I’m fine, but I’m just getting ready to leave.”

He inched closer as she stood. “I see you’re in one piece, but are you sure you’re okay?”

“I’m fine, really.”

Her eyes told a different story, but Mark didn’t push. He didn’t care if she was fine or not. She had information he needed.

“Can I walk you somewhere?”

“No, that’s okay, but thank you. It really was nice of you to come in and check on me.”

She started off toward the entrance, where a security guard appeared to be waiting. Mark stepped in beside her. He forced a grin and lightly bumped her with his elbow. “Of course. Who was that guy who dragged you away the other night, anyway?”

She stopped. “I really am sorry about that. He can be rather, shall we say, persuasive. I hope I didn’t worry you too much.” She reached out and squeezed his forearm.

The warmth of her hand seeped into his skin and he placed his hand over hers, trapping her against him for a brief second before he released her. She’d never been skittish around him before, but her unease was as plain as the nose on her face. “He your boyfriend or something?” He kept his tone light, teasing.

“He’s a friend. My best friend’s brother. Family.” She laughed. “I don’t know what to call him. But I do know if I don’t get back soon, he’ll come looking for me.”

Mark suspected she’d added that last bit for his benefit. A warning of sorts. It didn’t matter. He’d learned what he’d come here to learn. Her nipples had hardened at the first mention of her male friend. Her pupils had changed and tiny bumps erupted across her skin. The man was obviously more than just a friend.

“Gotcha. I didn’t mean to startle you. Come on, I’ll walk you out.”

“Thanks.”

He chose his next words carefully. “I’m really am glad to know you’re okay. I heard there was a shooting in the parking lot after you left.”

Samantha diverted her gaze and acknowledged the guard as they stepped into the lobby. “I heard about that. Crazy, right?”

He nodded, fully aware of rent-a-cop on their heels. “Makes you wonder if anywhere is safe, doesn’t it?”

And wonder was exactly what he wanted her to do.

At first, she’d been his way in. After what he’d just learned, it seemed she was much more than that. The saucy redhead was the key to his success. Unexpected, but he knew how to adapt. It was the only reason he was alive.

Samantha said a quick goodbye and moved toward the bank of elevators. Her tight little ass, held snug by jeans that rode low on her hips, tempted him. He’d bet she was a screamer. It made him wish he had the time to play with her before he snapped her pretty little neck.

Fishing the cell phone from his pocket, Mark dialed a familiar number as he stepped out into the sunshine.

“What is it?”

“Aw, come on now, Vinnie,” Mark drawled. “Is that any way to greet an old friend?”

“Unless you have something useful to discuss, this conversation is over.”

Mark
tsked
his disappointment. “Such impatience. I’ve warned you that your impatience would be the death of you one day. But, in this case, I’ll make an exception. I assume you’re set for tomorrow night?”

Vincent’s sigh was loud in his ear. “I’ve already told you. A public announcement of my attendance at the fundraiser went out. Anyone who’s anyone will know I’m attending.”

“Excellent. But there’s a slight change in plans.”

“I’m listening.”

The need to knock the arrogance out of the man nearly had him crushing his phone. All things in good time. “You’d better be, asshole, because the time for games is over.”

Let the fun begin.

Chapter 11

Caleb stared blindly at the ballgame, his feet propped on the coffee table next to his laptop—which also sat ignored.

He hated this part. The waiting. The time between plan and action where there was nothing to do. He’d pulled all the strings he’d had to pull to rush the ballistics, but still no word. Alec had made all the arrangements for the benefit and Brandon had finished up their last training session for a few weeks. Joe and Amanda were with Samantha and he was … waiting, ping-ponging between lust and worry.

The fact that Joe was with Samantha quieted the worry, but there was only one cure for his lust and she was currently off gallivanting around Austin.

In the past, Caleb had never minded being alone. Now, however, his home seemed empty without Samantha’s vibrant personality and sharp wit to drive him crazy. That mouth of hers had the ability to render him stupid. Whether she was arguing with him or sucking his brain out his cock, she left him with the insane need to chain her to his side—where she’d be safe and no other man could touch her.

Caleb shook his head and took a swig of his beer. Samantha would bust a nut if she knew the possessiveness of his thoughts. Good thing he hadn’t planned on sharing.

Caleb’s phone went off and he grinned when Joe’s number came up on his caller ID.

“What’ve they done now?” he asked in way of greeting. “Wait, let me guess. They made you sit across the restaurant so they could girl talk?”

“If I pretend to know what you’re talking about, will you take a look at the picture I just sent to your phone?”

“Hang on, let me grab my iPad so I can actually see the damned thing.” Caleb docked his phone and activated the house speaker. He grabbed his iPad and, with a few swipes, pulled up the photo. He recognized the man standing on the sidewalk in front of the Driskill Hotel. “That’s Vincent, but I don’t recognize the woman with him. When was this taken?”

“Just now. I’ve had eyes on him for the last half hour. Would you show it to Samantha and see if she knows who the woman is before I send it to Alec?”

“Why don’t you show it to her?” Caleb closed his eyes and drew in a deep breath as a thought occurred. “Please tell me Amanda and Samantha are with you.”

Silence.

“Joe?”

“Goddamn those women. Mandy is supposed to be with
you.”

“Yeah, well, she isn’t. They left here over an hour ago.”

“And you just let them go?”

Caleb growled. “I didn’t
let
them do anything.” If anyone knew how hard-headed and stubborn those women could be, it should be Joe. “They told me you were waiting downstairs to take them to lunch.”

“The bloom off the rose yet, buddy? Your sweet little sister would con the hide off a deer if it meant pulling one over on you. I swear, I’m going to paddle Mandy’s ass when I get my hands on her. Hang tight. Call you back.”

Caleb felt like doing a little paddling of his own. He should’ve known better, he thought as the line went dead. Samantha was reckless and impulsive, but he’d assumed she’d have a little more respect for him now that they were … whatever the hell they were doing.

He couldn’t even call her.

Why hadn’t he replaced her fucking phone? Because he’d believed she’d not be out of his sight, that’s why.

Stupid, stupid, stupid.

He’d about paced a hole in the floor in the fifteen minutes it took Joe to call back. Longest fifteen minutes of his life.

“You got ’em?” Caleb barked out.

“Yep. I’m going to guess they had an argument because Mandy decided to do a little window shopping—which she rarely does—and she’s not talking about what happened—also a rarity. She’s with me, and she said Sam never left the building. They only went to the café, and Amanda warned security ahead of time. Sam’s probably still there.”

Caleb sent up a silent prayer. “Lemme talk to Amanda.”

“Not a chance. Worry about your own girl; you’re not ripping into mine. Listen Caleb, I recognize that tone and I can’t say that I blame you. I’m sportin’ a few gray hairs myself, right about now. But they weren’t careless. All the same, you’ll understand when I say we aren’t coming up. Good luck, buddy.”

Joe hung up.

It helped to know she’d used her head this time, but even that hadn’t been enough to soften the blow of finding out they’d lied to him.

The elevator opened and Samantha stepped out, hesitating a moment when she noticed him leaning in the doorway. A smile lit up her face as though she were happy to see him. Before he could get a word in, she walked straight to him and raised on her toes, pressing her lips to his in a warm, soft kiss.

God, she felt good. He wanted to tear the clothes from her body and take her. Fast and hard. Right here. Right now.

Not a good idea while he still wanted to throttle her, so he didn’t pull her in, didn’t devour her as his body demanded. He let her control the kiss and he got a grip on his temper. The delicate little sounds that hummed from her mouth helped to distract him.

When she pulled away, she wore a sly grin. “I like that I can do that.” She caressed his bottom lip with her thumb.

His anger subsided somewhat. “Do what?”

“Kiss you.”

Yeah, he liked it too. A little too much.

“You’re in a good mood.” Considering what Joe had told him, he hadn’t expected that. Who was he kidding? He never knew what to expect with this woman.

“No offense, but it was nice to get out for a bit.” She moved past him and went to the kitchen.

Wanting to know if she’d come clean, Caleb kept it light. “Did you have fun?”

Her smile faltered slightly. “Always.”

Ah, there it was. Caleb watched her carefully as she went to the fridge and started pulling out containers. There was a sadness in her that he hadn’t seen a moment ago, making him wonder what had gone on between her and Amanda.

She glanced up and caught him staring.

“You hungry?” Without waiting for his answer, she pulled two plates out of the cabinet.

“I thought you and Amanda had lunch.”

“We never got around to actual food.”

“That right?” Enough of this crap. “Joe called me.”

She froze for a moment before continuing to fill the plates. “I didn’t know he wasn’t downstairs until we were in the elevator.”

At least she hadn’t given him any bullshit excuses. “And yet, you still went.”

“Of course I did. I’m not going to be held hostage, Caleb.”

That little comment did nothing for his current mood. “Is that what you think I’m doing? Holding you hostage?”

She put a plate in the microwave and started it up. “You aren’t mad.”

The hell he wasn’t. “I’m not?”

“You’re not. Well, not at me anyway.”

Oh, this ought to be good. He crossed his arms over his chest. “Do tell.”

“Let’s take a look at what happened, shall we? Amanda and I went to lunch, or coffee, actually. As we’ve done a hundred times in the past, and probably will more times than that in the future. I respect the fact that the situation is different right now, but we’ve agreed that whoever is harassing me doesn’t want me dead, so —”

“I didn’t agree to sh —”

“Let me finish,” she snapped. The authority in her tone gave him a taste of what it’d be like to go up against her in court. “We stayed in the building, Caleb. Amanda made sure security knew what had happened to me and they stayed close. Believe it or not, I wouldn’t have gone otherwise. And, let’s not forget that Amanda and I aren’t slouches, either. We know how to handle ourselves if threatened. Joe’s even taught us a few new moves.”

He had?

She pulled the plate from the microwave and replaced it with the other. She stabbed a fork into the mashed potatoes and slid the warmed plate toward him.

“You might not believe this, Caleb, but I’m not looking for a fight. I’m prepared to scream my bloody head off at the first sign of trouble, but I’m not willing to hide out to avoid it. I’d appreciate it if you’d stop thinking the worst of me.”

“Thanks for the analysis, counselor, but you’re missing the point.”

Her expression softened. “You were worried, and now you’re pissed off because you couldn’t control the situation. Anything could’ve happened and you’d have been powerless to stop it.
That’s
the point. I went downstairs, had some coffee with a friend, chatted with a guy I know for a minute, and came back here. Safe and sound. Nothing happened to me.
That’s
the point, Caleb.”

Such a calm, logical explanation. Wait. “What guy?”

She pointed to his plate. “You should eat before it gets cold.”

“Not hungry. What guy?”

“Then why did I warm that up for you?”

“Samantha! What. Guy?”

She scrunched her nose. “No one to get all excited about. The guy I ditched when you showed up the other night stopped in to make sure I was okay.”

Warning bells went off in his head. “He just happened to know where you were? Convenient, don’t you think? Or is it possible he stopped by to finish off your date?”

“Be careful, Caleb,” she said dryly. “I might start to think you’re jealous.”

Jesus, the woman was infuriating. “What I am is pissed off that you lied to me.”

“I’m not the one who lied to you. You’ll have to talk to your sister about that one.”

“Anything could’ve happened,” he argued, repeating her words.

Christ, she was right. He’d been worried. Scared out of his head, actually. Vincent was only a few blocks away. But, she didn’t know that because he still hadn’t shared it with her. “You’ve got to be more careful.”

She stretched her arms wide and glanced down at herself before pinning him with a stare. “Yet, here I am. Healthy and whole. The only way I could’ve been more careful was to not go at all, and you already know how I feel about that option. You’re getting worked up over nothing. Besides, while I’ve enjoyed playing house with you this last week, it can’t continue forever. And I can’t have you freaking out every time I step outside. I won’t have it, Caleb. It’s not fair to me … or to you. You’ve got the next generation of bad asses to train, and I’m sure you’ve got a line of women waiting for a chance in your bed.”

She choked on that last part, and Caleb clenched his teeth so hard his jaw ached. He didn’t give a shit what she was sure of. He didn’t want another woman in his bed, and he sure as fuck didn’t want another man in hers.

“I’ll decide what’s fair for me, if you don’t mind,” he snarled, shocked by the possessiveness that rolled over him. “And as for my bed … you’re the only woman I’ve shared that particular pleasure with, sugar. In fact, other than Amanda, you’re the only woman who’s ever crossed my threshold.”

This conversation was not going as he’d planned at all.

Her eyes widened and her hand trembled as she reached for another fork. “We got off topic. You want me to be more careful. Fine. Done.”

She grabbed her plate and a beer from the fridge. She jutted her chin toward the TV. “Watch your game, darlin’. I’ve got some work to do and it’ll take a few hours. Then, I’ll see what I can do to reassure you that I’m fine.” She winked before dropping a quick kiss on his mouth. “I think I have the perfect outfit for that.”

The soft lilt of her laughter followed as she disappeared into his room.

Caleb glanced to the game and then back to the empty place where Samantha had been, just a moment ago. Son of a bitch. He shook his head in wonder.

She’d done it again.