Hollow Veins: A Dark Reverse Harem Romance (Sabre Security Book 3), page 11
With a squeal of tyres, it comes screeching around the corner, breaking several speed restrictions. Brooklyn snuggles closer to me, subconsciously seeking reassurance.
“Is it Logan?”
I stroke a hand over her hair. “No, Brooke. We’re all here with you, though. You don’t need to be scared.”
The car lurches to a halt next to the convertible, then three pairs of legs climb out. Hudson, Phoenix and Eli are all frantic, their clothes creased from hours spent driving around.
“Brooke,” Eli yells louder than I’ve ever heard him speak before. “You found her.”
He and Phoenix approach together to ease her from my arms. She collapses in the middle of them, and her cries echo throughout the rain-slick car park.
“Firecracker.” Phoenix runs his hands all over her, needing assurance that she’s intact. “You scared the living fuck out of me.”
“Nix,” she breathes. “You’re here.”
Pressing himself into her spine, Eli buries his face in Brooklyn’s drenched, blonde hair. He’s shaking like a leaf with nerves.
“You promised to never run away from us,” he accuses. “We deal with things together, not apart.”
That’s when she breaks, and all of the terror spills out. Brooklyn sobs into Phoenix’s t-shirt, and the pair of them have to hold her upright.
“Where was she?” Hudson walks over to us, each step laden with exhaustion. “We’ve been driving around the city for hours.”
“She was just walking around the graveyard.” I gesture towards the gravestones behind us. “Not far from Alyssa.”
“The others are on their way. Has she said anything to you?”
“She’s been asking for Logan.”
“Logan? You’re sure?” he repeats.
“She’s seeing him again.”
With a curt nod, Hudson approaches Brooklyn to embrace her. Eli and Phoenix surrender her to him, both hanging within touching distance for their own sanity.
“Blackbird.” Hudson tugs her into his arms. “I’m gonna scream at you later for doing this. Just let me hold you first.”
I watch the four of them cling to each other like the storm will tear them apart. Relief crashes over me in tumultuous waves. Our fucked up family isn’t intact without them in it.
“Thank God.” Hunter stops at my side. “That was a close call.”
“I’m going to take her home,” Hudson announces. “We need to deal with this together. Can you ask Richards to make a home visit?”
I nod back. “I’ll give him a call.”
“Thanks, Theo.”
Letting them bundle Brooklyn into the Mustang to get warmed up, Hudson hands Phoenix his car keys so that he can drive them home. He climbs in the back with Brooklyn instead.
We’re in serious shit if Phoenix can’t even crack a smile at being given the privilege of driving the Mustang. He still looks shaken up, even with Eli holding his hand tight.
Pulling out my phone, I hit Richards’s name on speed dial. He answers within seconds, his rich baritone laced with worry.
“Theo? Do you have an update?”
“We’ve got her. Who called you?”
“Enzo.” He sighs in relief. “He put me on standby hours ago. I returned to Clearview in case she somehow found her way there.”
“Graveyard,” I rush to explain. “They’re heading home now, and you’re needed. She’s had a relapse. A bad one.”
Richards doesn’t often swear, but his muttered curse is all too appropriate in this situation.
“Tell them I’ll be there in an hour.”
“Thanks, doc.”
He disconnects the call without a goodbye as the low growl of another engine joins us in the car park. Enzo’s beast of an SUV tears into the space next to us in record time.
“Theo! Hunter!”
Harlow flies out of the back door, almost tripping and faceplanting in her haste to get to us. She’s been distraught all morning.
“What happened? Is Brooklyn alright?”
“It’s okay, beautiful. She’s fine.”
Enzo climbs out of the car, his expression steely. “I thought we’d find her at that weird record shop she likes. Good work, guys.”
Still flustered, Harlow slips her hand into Hunter’s and sags into his side. I know she feels shitty about spilling Brooklyn’s secret. I can see the guilt overpowering her relief.
“Should we go over to theirs?” she suggests.
“They want to be alone.”
Her shoulders slump. “This is all my fault. I should have raised the alert when Brooklyn stopped replying to me days ago.”
“You couldn’t have known,” Enzo comforts. “She’s an adult. All we can do is our best to look out for each other when things get bad.”
His eyes flit over to Hunter, standing slightly back from the group and locked in his own world. I watch Enzo swallow hard.
Harlow shakes her head. “I’m worried about how the guys will react. Brooklyn may need someone there to have her back.”
“They love her to death,” Enzo disagrees. “None of them would ever leave her, even if she killed a fucking puppy.”
“I guess you’re right.”
“Come on.” He tugs her hand into his. “Leighton’s waiting at home for us. You can choose what takeout we order tonight.”
“A high honour indeed,” she snorts. “Leighton may have something to say about that. You know how weird he is about food.”
“And I’m tired of eating pizza like it’s going out of fashion. Let’s get out of this place. We have work to do.”
After untangling herself from Enzo’s possessive hold, Harlow approaches me and drops a kiss on my cheek. Her lips tease the shell of my ear so she can whisper without being overheard.
“So… about this morning.”
I wind an arm around her waist. “What about it?”
“Can we pick up where we left off?”
Letting the other two climb back into their cars, I back her up against the polished metal before pecking her lips. She feels so fucking good clasped in my arms.
I have no idea how I survived so long without touching her, but that time is long gone. After this morning, I want to finish what we started. We’ve wasted enough time.
“Date night this weekend?” I suggest in a low voice. “I’ll take you to a club in London.”
“Really?” she asks excitedly.
“If that’s what you want. I have somewhere in mind.”
“Then it’s a date.”
CHAPTER 10
HARLOW
WHO DO YOU WANT – EX HABIT
Checking my reflection for the fifth time, I anxiously smooth the loose, glossy brown curls that hang over my shoulders. I spent an hour applying my makeup, something I’ve never bothered to do before.
I’m wearing full war paint tonight—thick, glamorous lashes and deep-red lipstick that highlight my blue eyes. Brooklyn even gifted me one of her little black dresses for good luck, sending it over with Hudson while she remains at home recuperating.
The short, flowing chiffon fabric teases my upper thighs, covering my matching pink lace bra and panties. I’ve shaved every inch of myself in preparation for my first date with Theo tonight.
“Princess?”
Bedroom door creaking open, Leighton’s headful of hair pokes inside. He looks me up and down with a low whistle of appreciation.
“Shit. I am so jealous of that four-eyed fucker right now.”
I slip my ID and phone into my handbag. “Thanks, Leigh.”
“Seriously, you look incredible.” He bites his bottom lip. “Sure I can’t convince you to stay at home with me instead?”
“I’m sure you’ll survive one night without me.”
After striding into the room, he steals my handbag and throws it on my unmade bed. I’m scooped into his arms, my breasts straining against the square neckline of the dress as he smashes me into his chest.
“You know where he’s taking you, right?” he murmurs.
“I do.”
“Enzo’s furious. I think he’s ready to lock Theo in his car boot instead of letting him take you to some kinky sex club for a first date.”
I click my tongue. “You make it sound so seedy.”
Leighton chuckles. “Oh boy. You’re really in for a shock tonight. Do you have any idea what happens in these kinds of places?”
“Well, no. But I’m going in with an open mind.”
Sliding a chunk of hair behind my ear, his lips tease mine. “Just the idea of him fucking you in front of an audience makes me stabby.”
“An audience?” I choke out.
A grin lights up his face. “Precisely my point. Just take it slow. Things can get crazy in these clubs, and you need to be careful.”
Pecking his lips, I try to sound more confident than I feel. Leighton doesn’t need to know how nervous I am about this date.
“I’m not going to be doing anything in front of anybody. Stop worrying. You know Theo will look after me, no matter what.”
“True.” His lips trail along my jawline, planting soft kisses. “Watch yourself, and call me if you need us to come rescue you, alright?”
“Deal.”
His hands sneak beneath the hemline of my dress, and he groans as his fingertips stroke the edges of my panties. My stomach somersaults at his light touch.
“You better leave before I bend you over this bed, and trust me, Theo won’t be able to tear you away from me if that happens.”
Placed back on my feet, I kiss him again, slower and with all of my appreciation. If it wasn’t for Leighton, I doubt I’d even have the confidence to consider going to a place like this.
He was the first one to build me up and give me power over my own life. While the others thrive on protecting me, all Leighton wants is to cherish every inch of my soul, and I love him for it.
After grabbing my handbag and heels, I tangle my fingers with Leighton’s and follow him downstairs. The hum of the TV playing accompanies pots and pans being loudly bashed together.
In the kitchen, Hunter is knee-deep in ingredients and cooking some complicated dinner. Enzo sits at the breakfast bar, a pile of folders and paperwork spread out in front of him with a beer.
He swivels on his barstool, his mouth falling open. Following Enzo’s line of sight, Hunter freezes mid-chopping with a knife in hand.
“Fuck,” Enzo curses. “I’m gonna murder that bastard.”
“I called dibs.” Leighton skips to the fridge to retrieve a beer. “Form an orderly queue behind me for your turn.”
With an eye roll, I walk into Hunter’s arms, careful of the knife still clasped in his hand. His chin lands on top of my head.
“You look beautiful, sweetheart,” he rasps. “I know I still owe you a date. I should be the one taking you out tonight.”
I look up into his espresso eyes and mouth, “I love you.”
I’m rewarded with the thing I wanted most: his smile. They’re few and far between still, so I’ve made it my personal mission to score one every single day.
“Becket and Tara will meet you both there.” His eyebrows knit together. “They’ll give you some privacy, but don’t go anywhere without them.”
I know better than to argue with Hunter. This was their one condition for letting us go into the city despite the investigation and current risks. Two of Sabre’s best agents are going to be tailing us the whole time.
He squeezes me tight then plants a kiss where his brother’s lips claimed mine. I’m handed off to Enzo, his paperwork forgotten.
“I don’t like this.” Enzo picks me up in a hug. “Keep your phone on you at all times. The tracker is activated. Watch your back too.”
“This is supposed to be a bit of fun. You’re making it sound like we’re heading into a war zone.”
“You are,” he growls. “The entire country is freaking out over those suicides and the press conference. If anyone recognises you, Becket and Tara are under strict instructions to haul ass.”
“We’ll be fine, Enz.”
Gripping my chin, his eyes scour my face. “Promise me you’ll be careful, little one. Don’t make me regret approving this date.”
I doubt he gives a shit how controlling that sounds, but the reality is, we’re all beholden to Enzo’s approval these days. Nothing is safe.
“I promise,” I assure him.
He ducks down to whisper in my ear. “I’m fighting the urge to rip off this stupid little dress and fuck you right here on the breakfast bar for both of them to see.”
“Hands off the goods. This dress isn’t mine.”
“You think I give a rat’s ass whose it is?”
Teeth sinking into my earlobe, the violent growl of his voice causes warmth to flood between my thighs. The worst part is, I wouldn’t even complain.
The staircase creaks as Theo heads down to join us, and Enzo begrudgingly puts me down with a scowl. My heartbeat stops the moment my date arrives.
“Oh,” I squeak.
Who the hell is this guy?
His timid, unassuming disguise thrown to the flames, the Theodore I know has been replaced by a smouldering stranger. Any coherent thought flies straight out of my head.
From the tight black dress shirt highlighting his wiry lines of usually concealed muscle to the fitted seam of his trousers and open leather jacket, Theo has abandoned his chrysalis.
Even his black-framed glasses have been replaced by contacts. His blonde ringlets are slicked back, showing off his sharp angles, cut-glass cheekbones and a freshly shaven face.
“Here, let me get that for you.”
I feel Enzo’s finger beneath my chin as he clicks my mouth shut. I’m surprised there isn’t a puddle of drool gathering at my feet.
“Why doesn’t she react like that when I walk into a room?” Leighton pouts.
I expected perhaps a fresh flannel shirt, maybe a pair of jeans without holes in them. Not this sexy Greek god who wouldn’t look amiss on the pages of a glossy magazine.
“You ready?” Theo asks awkwardly.
“I’m gonna need a minute.”
His cheeks darken. “Isn’t that my line? You look phenomenal.”
“Alright,” Enzo mutters. “That’s enough flirting for my ears. Get the fuck out of here before I lock the pair of you up.”
Theo grabs my coat then opens his arms for me to step into it. I let him assist me, my belly awash with those damned nervous butterflies again.
He kisses my temple and intertwines his fingers with mine. All three sets of jealous eyes in the room are narrowed on us both.
“Head’s up.”
Hunter tosses a pair of car keys through the air, leaving Theo to catch them. I recognise the Costa Rican keyring I bought him as a joke—a bright pink tortoise.
“Sure?” Theo signs.
Resuming his methodical chopping, Hunter nods. “Crash it and there’ll be hell to pay.”
“Alright, then.” Theo tucks the convertible’s keys into his pocket. “Ready to go, beautiful?”
“As I’ll ever be.”
The moment I slide out of the cherry-red convertible, leaving my handbag safely stowed inside, I’m hit by a column of heat. London feels boiling hot tonight.
Shadows drape the quiet street, and the hum of music emanates from behind locked doors. We’ve parked in a tight space that’s surrounded by expensive sports cars.
“Just how exclusive is this place?”
Theo clicks the car door shut. “Members only. I haven’t been here in a long time, but it’s the best around and costs a small fortune.”
“And you can afford somewhere like this?”
“I own a portfolio of stocks that outweighs Sabre’s entire net worth. Who do you think bought the house?”
I gape at him. “Um, Hunter?”
Theo shakes his head.
“Wait, it was you?”
“I covered it,” he reveals shyly. “Sabre isn’t my only source of income. I just don’t like to flaunt it like other people.”
His eyes stray over to Becket and Tara, both dressed down in matching black outfits, idling in their car down the street.
“Let’s go inside.”
Clinging to his arm, I follow him towards the sound of music. There’s a discreet door in the red-brick building, tucked beneath an overhang and marked by roped barriers.
After ringing the buzzer, the door swings open to unveil a heavily-built security guard. Theo pulls out his wallet then hands over a gold card that has an engraving in the matte material.
TARTARUS.
“Mr Young,” the man booms. “It’s been a long time.”
“It has,” Theo says stiffly.
“Donatella will be glad to see you.”
His hand clenches mine tighter. “I’m paying for discretion, Kaleb. Remember that.”
“Right you are.” He clears his throat. “She’s hosting a private show in the Indigo room. I’d avoid going there tonight.”
With a terse nod, Theo steers me inside, and I’m engulfed in darkness. Thick, blood-red carpets swallow the click of my heels while black and gold brocade wallpaper muffles all sound from outside.
The throaty purr of violins and a crooning voice beckons us farther into the low-lit shadows. My nails dig into Theo’s hand.
“Who is Donatella?”
“Someone best left in the past,” he answers.
“Could’ve warned me that we’d be bumping into your ex-girlfriend.”
“She never made it that far.” He holds open a lacquered black door for me. “I’m here with you, Harlow. No one else.”
With a breath for courage, I step into the unknown. Music meets my ears, soft and sensual, breaking the silence of the welcoming bar.
Velvet chairs surround flickering candles, offering intimacy to the darkness. Behind the well-stocked bar, a gilded mirror gives a snapshot of the luxury on all sides.
The handful of guests wear smart business attire and dresses, sipping on their crystal glasses of liquor. No one looks up at our arrival, all content to mind their own business.
