Cobra (Blue Angel Security Book 1), page 26
“Jaycee, do you trust me?”
“Of course, I do, Luca.”
“Okay, so now you need to make a decision. I’ll honor either one, but do you want to call the police back in for them to investigate? Or, can I call Jackal and have our team figure out what’s going on?”
“Can I keep my mom’s locket? I know it’s not in the best condition with her hair and blood on it, but,” my lips tremble just thinking about the possibility of losing my mom’s locket once again.
“Hawk will want his buddy to lift the prints from it, and then we can clean it before returning it to you, but yes, you can keep it.”
“Then I want BA’s to handle it. If I call the police, I know I’ll never see it again. Now, can we please go back to your house? I want to change and go for a run.”
“Okay, baby, what all are you bringing with you?”
“At least a few days worth of clothes. I’m not in a big hurry to come back.”
“Sounds fantastic to me. Do you need anything else from here?” he asks, taking me into his arms kissing me.
“Just my bath products. The ones Rayne told you to get were nice, but I’d like to have my own. The only other thing we need is Nyx’s food.”
“That’s already at my house. The night Shadow carried him to my house, he went back to your place and grabbed his entire bag.”
“In that case, we’re good to go,” I say, looking around the home that once brought me security like I haven’t known in years, only now I’m realizing it was all an illusion. Lost in my thoughts, Luca tugs gently on my arm.
“Alright, baby, let’s go home.”
Cobra
The last ten days have probably been ten of the best days I’ve had since my family’s tragic demise. In the mornings, Jaycee and I get up, have our coffee together, change into our running clothes, leash up Nyx and then take off for our trail. Life has been great. Best of all, she hasn’t once mentioned going home. Although, to be honest, she’s probably still freaked out over the locket being discovered in her bedroom. I can’t say that I blame her.
With her ear buds in and pounding away on not one, but two computers, she seamlessly fits into my home. I wish I had enough balls to just tell her she needs to move in with me, but I know she’s not ready for that step. You’d think I’d be the one dragging my feet with apprehension, but nope, I think it’ll be her. I may have a problem with what I thought love was, or how it could hurt someone, but she has lived through the ultimate betrayal with someone who promised to love and cherish her. It’s definitely going to take her some time to feel comfortable with the idea of living with me. She closes her laptop and walks to the door, just as I hear a brisk knock and she lets Liam and Clayton inside.
“So are we still on?”
“Yeah, give me ten to change,” she says smiling as she heads upstairs.
“What’s on the agenda today, boys?”
“Ripped Fitness, today she’s taking on Clayton. This will be their first time sparring. She’s getting better, definitely more confident in her skills.”
“Good.”
“One of these days, you should spar with her. If she can take your ass down, we for sure would have nothing to worry about.”
“Yeah, I don’t think I could be that guy. Sorry. There are a lot of things I might be able to do, but to train a woman to defend herself takes a strong man, not just physically. I don’t think I could restrain her without gutting myself first.”
“See, told you, Liam,” Jaycee says, stepping off the bottom stair. “He’s such a sap.”
“I guess you were right,” Clayton says to her. “You do know the bigger they are the harder they fall. I bet you could take him. You’ve gotten a lot stronger.”
“Thanks for the encouragement Clayton, but I think I’ll save the tackling between us for the bedroom. It’s a lot more fun.”
“Two weeks with him and he’s already corrupted our sweet little Jaycee,” Liam mocks her.
“Not true. She was already corrupted when I met her,” I defend myself.
“Enough with trash talking me, I’m right here boys,” she tells us while laughing. “Let’s go. Kylee is coming over tonight for dinner and, of course, she wants chicken and dumplings, so it’s gonna take a bit to cook dinner tonight.”
“And you’re not going to invite us to join you?” Clayton whines when he realizes he isn’t getting his way.
“Nope. It’s just Kylee and me tonight.”
“What do you call Cobra? He’ll be here too. It’s not fair,” Liam agrees with Clayton.
“I call him an extra. Kylee and me are eating over at my house tonight.” She pauses and looks at me. “And as long as I can fall asleep, we’re going to stay the night there, too,” she adds nervously.
I walk over to her and tilt her chin looking up at me. “There’s no rush, baby. You can stay here for as long as you want. And if that means Kylee is here tonight, then so be it. I’ll even stay in the guest room so my girl can have her girl’s night. This is your home too as far as I’m concerned.”
“Thank you,” she whispers, leaning against my chest. “I’ll be back soon.”
“Give em’ hell, Tiger,” I say, causing her to laugh.
“She always does,” Clayton smarts off as they walk out the door, just as my phone pings with a message.
Jackal: You need to come to the house ASAP.
Me: It’s bad, huh?
Jackal: Just get here.
Me: On my way.
I walk over to the back door and call for Nyx. He’s been outside most of the morning, but with me leaving, unfortunately, he has to come back inside. At least now, I know it really shouldn’t matter who gets home first. He should be good to go. As I turn to leave I send Jaycee a quick message, letting her know about my change of plans.
Me: Jackal needs me to go in. Nyx is inside, probably already upstairs in bed. I’ll see you when I get home. Be careful, baby.
Tiger: You too.
A short time later, I’m strolling through the main doors at BA’s. Popping her head up from her station, Rayne waves at me never missing a beat. I give her a slight wave in return, before racing up the stairs, taking two at a time. Jackal and Shadow are both standing outside of Hawk’s lab as I enter our large conference area.
“Jackal?” I call out as I walk toward him. The look on his face tells me whatever reason we’re here, it’s not good. He hasn’t even said a word, and yet my gut churns.
“Cobra,” he turns to me. “Come on, there are a few things you need to see.”
Hawk pulls out a chair out for me to sit in. “First off, here is the locket. There was nothing usable on it. All the DNA belongs to Jaycee’s mom. I was able to identify this chain definitely was around her neck at one point. Tell Jaycee I’m sorry it took me so long to get it back to her, but I wanted it completely cleaned before returning it,” he tells me, handing me a small baggie with the locket sealed inside. “Second, I’m glad she let us have that locket. My buddy removed a tracking device from inside of it. I think Damon was hoping she’d at least want to wear the locket at some point. Anyway, it’s free and clear of anything to worry about.”
“He was going to track her whereabouts. That’s what we’re assuming right?”
“Yeah, but, Cobra, I don’t think he’s working alone,” Hawk says with a tone, making sure I know this the last thing he wants to tell me.
“I did something behind Jackal’s back. Don’t worry he already knows and yes, he thoroughly ripped me a new asshole, but if it helps us keep Jaycee safe, I’d do it all over again. So, my buddy who helped with the locket knows of a very good PI in California. I asked him if he could find Damon for me.”
“Well?” I huff out in annoyance. “Spit it out, Hawk.”
“After about four days, he found Damon, at LAX. He was meeting a woman coming in from New York. She never left the airport. Two hours later, she boarded for a return flight. He tried to get a picture of her, but they sat in a secluded area of a pub. She never removed her hoodie or mask. Of all times for the country to decide masks are gonna be the new mandates. Anyway, she handed Damon an envelope, which he thumbed through, and then gave her an envelope in return. A short time later, she left. My buddy called me and told me what time she’d be back in New York. I waited by that terminal for over three hours after the plane she was supposed to be landed. She never showed up. And before you ask, no we didn’t hack the passenger manifest. That was one area I wasn’t screwing with. I kind of figured I’d be more help out here than locked up in a federal prison.”
“I appreciate everything you did and have done to keep Jaycee safe, Hawk. And you’re right, we need you here. What’s our next step Jackal? We know Damon is going to come for her at some point, and now he’s working with some unknown woman here in New York.”
“Keep her close by, and if you have to tell her what’s going on, then do so. Maybe she’ll be more agreeable to being chaperoned wherever she goes, if she knows what’s at stake.”
“I’ll tell her tomorrow after Kylee goes home. As for tonight, I’ll be spending it at her house.”
“Okay, keep me posted, and if you need anything or anyone, let us know. Keep our girl safe.”
“You know I will.”
29
COBRA
It’s been eight weeks since Jaycee found that locket in her home and nearly as long since she’s been home for longer than a few hours. We should’ve foreseen this was going to be a huge obstacle for her. At least mentally. Weeks ago, she had planned on having a girls’ night with Kylee at her place, but within a few hours, they called it quits at her place. Jaycee was too jumpy and couldn’t relax, even with me there. So, we packed up her delicious chicken and dumplings and came back over to my house. Kylee stayed for another hour or so, but then her mom called. Apparently, Tarryn’s floor of her apartment building had flooded and she was heading to Kylee’s for the weekend. That was her last attempt at a sleepover.
I know it’s both emotionally and mentally challenging for her to be back in that house. For as much as I love seeing her lounge on my couch, work on her web designs, or playing with Nyx in my backyard, I’d give anything to see her enjoying her studio once again. I know how much she loves that room, but until she’s ready, or lets me help her conquer those fears, that room will sit unused.
As I come downstairs this morning I see her sitting in her usual spot at the dining room table, that’s been used more for a desk than a dinner table for weeks now. She’s already hard at work, which gives me the perfect opportunity to admire her beauty. It doesn’t matter if she’s wearing a dress for one of our dates, or simply wearing a pair of sweats with one of my BA t-shirts, she’s a thing of beauty. One I’m honored to call mine.
“Good morning, Tiger. You’re up early this morning.”
“Yeah, well, I have a long day ahead of me, and I was kind of hoping we could do something today.”
“And what would that happen to be?”
“I want to get a Christmas tree.”
Blankly, I stare ahead trying to remember if I had one single memory that was attached to any holiday that was remotely good. Realizing she is anxiously waiting for my response, I try my best to change the subject.
“So besides that, what else is on your plans for today? I thought you said you had a long day ahead of yourself.”
“I do. And don’t think I didn’t catch your diversion away from the Christmas tree topic. I don’t think I have to guess very hard as to why you don’t want one. It’s just hard for me not to have one around. This was my mom’s favorite holiday. In fact, it was nothing for us to have three or four Christmas trees all set up and decorated to the nines every year.”
“When you first mentioned a Christmas tree, I stood here and tried to think when the last time I had one was, or even helped set one up. Sadly, I came up with nothing.”
“The only year I didn’t set up a tree was the first year they were gone. I felt so guilty I couldn’t bring myself to celebrate.”
“Tiger,” I say, pulling her up into my arms, noticing her tears. She leans her head against my chest as her tears fall. “Shh, baby. I know it hurts. I wish there was something I could do to make the pain stop. But, I do know my girl and her family loved Christmas, so, I guess we’re going to go pick up one.”
“Are you sure, Luca? I don’t want to make you feel uncomfortable.”
“Yes, if this is something my girl wants, then yes, we’re getting a tree.”
“Yay!” she tells me clapping her hands together like an innocent child. “It shouldn’t take us long to pick one out. I know exactly where my ornaments are,” she says losing all the excitement she had just seconds ago.
“Hey, what’s wrong?”
“Nothing, it’ll just be a little tougher this year. I’m not sure how much time I’ll be spending enjoying my tree. I can’t even manage to spend more than a few hours inside my home. Who knows maybe this will give me the push I need to finally go home.”
“We could always set it up over here,” I offer.
“No, Whiskey. Your offer is sweet, but really I don’t want to make you uncomfortable in your home.”
“Baby, I don’t ever plan on letting you go. So, don’t you think this is something I should get used to?”
“Are you sure?”
“That I want you here forever, yes. And if that means I get to set a Christmas tree once a year and be blessed with your infectious smile, than I’m all for it. Besides, it’s a tree. How bad can it be?” I tease her, watching her smile broaden.
“Not bad, I only have a few boxes of ornaments. Plus the custom ones I had made in my parents’ memories. Oh, and I need candy canes, too, lots of them. Thank you, Luca. You don’t know how much this means to me,” she says, snuggling against my chest.
“Not yet, I don’t, but I have feeling you’re going to show me.”
“You know, when everything happened the way it did seven years ago, I swore off everything that would ever make me happy again. I didn’t dance for a long time. I didn’t talk to anyone more than I had to for fear of losing them once they discovered who I was, and I sunk into a horrible depression. I promised myself I would never fall victim to any situation where I could be hurt again. Unfortunately, that also meant never falling in love again, either.” She reaches forward, sliding her hands under my shirt as she tenderly kisses the corner of my mouth. “Then, I met you. You made me feel so many emotions I thought were long since buried. You made me feel alive, and then, to my complete surprise, you taught me a lesson I never would have learned without you.”
“And what lesson did I teach you, Tiger?” I nervously ask.
“You, my brave, strong, wounded protector, taught me that what I thought was love, wasn’t love at all. I was in love with the idea of being in love when I married the asshole. With you, I’m in love with a man who protects and cherishes me. The man who sat on my couch and bared his soul to me just so I would know that I wasn’t alone. The man who took the leap first and showed me that hell comes in all different forms. The man who, without being told to, took me into his arms and home and rescued me from my own chaos when my mind shut down to keep me safe. The man who continues to show me every day what I mean to him. The man who will set his own fears aside just to see me smile. Now that’s love and, that’s what you taught me. I love you, Luca, forever and always.”
“Tiger,” I murmur as I slam my mouth down, kissing her passionately. Nipping at her lip, I demand entry. As she opens, I wrap my tongue around hers. Breathlessly, I break the kiss and slowly pull away from her looking deep into her eyes, “If I taught you all that then it’s only fair to tell you, that you taught me it was okay to let my walls down and let someone into my life. I felt safe enough with you to show my weak and vulnerable side, as well as my strong and dominant side. You taught me I was wrong for most of my life. You taught me that love is real and not just a myth. You taught me that love is beautiful, hopeful, passionate, and most importantly, it doesn’t hurt or destroy people. You taught me that there is nothing more in this lifetime or the next one that I want more than to keep on loving you. I love you, Josslyn, with all my heart.”
I lift her tear-soaked face up to mine where she kisses me sweetly, softly, and passionately. “Make love to me, Luca,” she says as she places her lips against mine again. Picking her up, I carry my girl back to bed, where we spend the next couple of hours showing each other just how wonderful being in love really is.
After a quick lunch, we walk across the street to Jaycee’s. She deactivates her code and opens her door, instructing me to follow her upstairs. We walk past her guest room, heading for another room, which I know to be her storage room. As she flips on the light switch, I internally groan looking at the endless boxes.
“A few boxes? Tiger, just where do you think we’re putting all this stuff? You said only a few, this certainly doesn’t look like a few to me.”
“Don’t worry Whiskey,” she tells me, laughing. “It’s not all going to your house. I collect items throughout the year to donate to the woman’s and children’s homes throughout the city. They always need help this time of year. Most of the boxes in here are toys, coats, and blankets. My decorations are on the back wall.”
“You buy all this for women and children?”
“Yes. It was one of the charities my parents were heavily invested in all their lives. After their deaths, I carried on the tradition, with my own money, of course.”
