Seeking Justice, page 12
Slowly, as if she might push him away, Reed slid his arms around her, pulling her close despite the damp towel she was wearing. He was going to get his clothes wet. “It’s true. You don’t need it. You’re beautiful just the way you are. Drop dead gorgeous.”
Only a man in love could say those things and actually look like he truly meant it. Her insides melted into goo and she rested her head against his chest, the steady thump of his own heart under her cheek.
“You’re wrong but I love hearing that kind of stuff.”
“I’m not wrong. You’re just hard on yourself.”
That seemed to be a trend. After talking to Ava, she was trying hard to be kinder to herself but habits die hard.
“I’m going to miss you.”
His strong hands ran up and down her back, dislodging the towel so that it fell to the floor. His rough fingertips glided down her spine and she couldn’t help her shiver in response. It felt so amazing to be touched and cuddled. She’d missed this so much.
“I’ll miss you too, but this will all be over before you know it. Then I promise you we’ll make a new start.”
“You didn’t expect it to go on this long.”
“That’s true but this time Logan is going after Bryson personally. It won’t be long now.”
Her arms tightened around his lean middle and she took a lungful of his delicious scent so she could hold onto it while they were apart. “Promise me you’ll be careful. That you won’t take any stupid chances.”
Reed was the quintessential man’s man with complete and utter self-confidence when it came to law enforcement. Luckily, he had the skills to back up that confidence but it didn’t make the worry gnawing at her stomach go away.
He leaned back, his hand cupping her chin so she had to look up into his eyes. “You’re not going to lose me. I’m going to dog your heels forever.”
She’d be happy if that were true, but Wade Bryson had left a trail of bodies in his wake.
“Bryson is a cold-blooded killer.”
“He’s not the first I’ve gone after.”
“True, but he’s desperate, Reed, and he doesn’t care what he does or who he hurts. He’s not your average criminal.”
“We’ll work as a team. They’ve got my back and I’ve got theirs.”
Kaylee trusted these men, but she couldn’t shake the sense of foreboding that had come over her. She wanted to hold on to Reed and never let go.
“I know. I just worry. I don’t want anything to happen to you or anyone else, for that matter. If I lost you now–”
Emotion tightened her throat and she couldn’t finish what she was going to say. She was basically sending her husband off to battle and that wasn’t an action to be taken lightly.
His fingers stroked her cheek and his thumb slipped over her lips before he bent his head and kissed her, slow and soft at first, but then that familiar passion flared and the kiss became something far more. More eager, more passionate, and definitely more promise. This was the absolute worst moment and they didn’t have time, but Kaylee needed to be close to Reed. As close as possible.
Reed pulled back reluctantly but his hands didn’t stop caressing her skin. “We don’t have time.”
She frantically tugged at the bottom of his t-shirt, desperate to be with him one more time. “Then you’d better hurry.”
Reed seemed to pick up on her urgency, stripping off his t-shirt so her hands could roam all over his tanned skin. As always, she was endlessly fascinated by his body, so hard and different from her own. Her fingers traced the ridges of his abdomen as he pulled her closer for another kiss, their tongues playing a heated game of tag.
They shouldn’t be doing this and they didn’t have time but dammit, they were going to get it done. Underneath the worn denim he was hard and ready, so she traced the outline of his cock, drawing a groan from his lips.
Lifting her off of the ground, he settled her onto the vanity, pressing her knees apart while kissing a wet trail down the middle of her body. What was he doing?
“We don’t have time for that.”
He looked up from where his mouth hovered over her mound, a smile playing on his lips.
“There’s always time, baby. Sit back and let me drive.”
There was nothing Reed loved more than being in control when it came to sex. Most of the time Kaylee was happy for him to take the lead, but every now and then she wanted to be in charge, too.
Now was not one of those times. She was happy for Reed to run the show.
The first touch of his tongue had her arching and twisting underneath him, but his hands on her hips held her firmly in his grasp. She was helpless as he placed her legs over his shoulders and his mouth did magic things, making her blood sizzle and flames to lick at her veins. Her head fell back onto the mirror but she barely noticed as her arousal built quickly. He wasn’t teasing her as he normally did. Reed Mitchell had gone in for the kill and damn if he wasn’t going to send her over practically in seconds.
The steam in the bathroom drifted around them, the heat almost consuming Kaylee as her body exploded in a series of waves that had her trembling and digging her nails into Reed’s shoulders. She’d barely caught her breath when she heard the metallic sound of his zipper and then a string of curse words as he tried to free his cock. There was no sweet nothings or buildup. She was wet and ready and he plunged in deep. Kaylee cried out at the invasion but not from pain. It was like being bathed in a pool of infinite pleasure, the water gushing over her as he rode her hard and fast.
They were both breathing heavy and ragged as the pressure began to build toward another climax. Reed knew her so well, their bodies completely in tune with one another. He knew exactly what to do to send her over the edge, his cock unerringly finding that sweet spot inside of her. He ran over it time after time, pushing himself closer to the cliff as well. When they both fell over, they held each other close for the entire drop to earth. Kaylee clutched Reed, her legs wrapped around his waist and her arms around his neck, holding on for dear life.
It was quick, hot, dirty, and exactly what she needed before boarding a plane to Florida. He held her for a little while but not nearly as long as she would have liked. The world outside of these walls called to both of them. They had business and commitments. Places to be and people to protect.
Wade Bryson was still out there and until he was captured, there would be no rest.
Chapter Nineteen
Ava was loading the twins into the minivan when Reed strode up to her husband, his expression grim. More bad news? It was beginning to come faster than she could process it. She quickly closed the van door so Colt and Brianna couldn’t hear what their uncle was about to say.
“Amy and Mike are missing.”
Reed’s flat tone belied the seriousness of the words he spoke. The color that drained from Logan’s face matched the rest of the men. They were all taken aback by the news, but Ava was shocked at how numb she was becoming when hearing about the evil that Wade wrought over the planet. Perhaps it was a coping mechanism, but it was like she was standing outside her body and watching the whole scene as if it was a bad television show and she needed to change the channel. If she gave into all the emotions inside of her she might not be able to do all the things she needed to.
So she’d just shut them down.
“They were watching the perimeter while we packed,” Logan said, his gaze running over the assembled group. “When was the last time you saw or heard from them?”
Jared stepped forward. “I was watching the east and Amy the west. It was all good until about ten minutes ago. She didn’t answer on the radio, so I called Reed to take a look in case she’d been hurt.”
Nodding to Griffin beside him, Reed pointed out to the tree line. “Then I couldn’t get Mike on the phone, either. We looked for them but all we found was this.”
Amy’s badge.
“Fuck,” Logan spat out. “Wade playing more of his games.”
“He couldn’t have gotten far,” Jared said. “We have to go after him.”
“We have to get to the airfield,” Griffin argued. “Tanner and Seth are meeting us there along with Evan. Then we can go after Bryson. There are only a few roads out of here. He’s finally tipped his hand. We’ve got him.”
Everyone was looking at Logan to make the call but instead Jason spoke up.
“The women and children need to get to their flight,” he said, stepping into the center of the group. “That has to be our priority. They’re going to need our protection on the drive to the airfield.”
Rubbing his chin, Logan nodded in agreement. “You’re right, and let’s be sharp. If Wade is around, he may not be done playing pranks. He might be waiting for us on the road.”
Logan and Reed rode in the van with Ava, Kaylee, and the twins while Griffin took his place in front with Jason and Jared in the rear. This time the drive was quite different, though. No darkness, no worrying about stealth. The sun was up and there was no hiding. This trip would be taken at maximum speed. The sooner they were on the plane, the better.
Kaylee leaned close to Ava. “I can’t believe that Evan knows someone with a private plane. He’s rubbing elbows with millionaires down there in Florida.”
Ava chuckled. “It’s Steve’s plane.”
Steve was their mutual friend who wrote thrillers. They’d all hung out together at a book convention years ago and drank way too much tequila. An outsider looking at Steve would think that he was a vagrant by the way he dressed and rarely combed his hair, but he was simply a little eccentric.
“Steve? Wow, I didn’t realize he’d sold that many books.”
“Family money,” Ava replied promptly. “His parents are loaded. Like the jet set kind of loaded. He needn’t work another day in his life. He just loves writing.”
“Remind me to send him some candy as a thank you.”
And Steve loved sugar. Any form. The man had a seriously wicked sweet tooth.
“We both will.”
The rest of the journey passed uneventfully and as they grew closer to the airfield Ava could see a small jet out of the window preparing to land. They’d timed it perfectly.
“Looks like Evan and Josie made it right on time,” Logan said, giving Ava an encouraging smile. This separation wasn’t easy for either of them, but it had come to the point where it was better for her and the twins to be out of his way. He couldn’t worry about them and do his job at the same time. But leaving him was still hard. Somehow, she felt better when he was close at hand. She had a great deal of waiting and wondering ahead of her. Luckily, Kaylee would be right there with her. This had to be difficult for her, too. “The jet stopped in Denver to fuel up so they’re ready to just get you guys on board and turn around. Kids, are you excited to see Uncle Evan and Aunt Josie?”
“Mickey Mouse,” Brianna called out with a grin, raising her arms triumphantly in the air. “I wanna go see Mickey.”
“I want to go to the beach,” Colt said, his own face lit up with glee.
Ava’s heart lurched in her chest at her children’s infectious happiness. They’d taken to all of this like the troopers they were. They had to know something was up, but they’d dealt with it by concentrating on the positive side of the situation.
Disney and the beach. It was a pretty terrific combination.
“We’ll see about Disney and the beach,” Ava said, using her best mommy tone. According to Logan, they’d be safe as kittens down there so they could move about as they pleased. “I better see some excellent behavior from you two.”
“I think they’ll both be eating their vegetables at dinner tonight,” Kaylee said with a smile. “They’re highly motivated.”
“It’s the only way. They’re great negotiators. They have a future in used car sales.”
The van came to a halt and Logan and Reed quickly climbed out along with Griffin and Jared in the other vehicle. All of the men were on high alert, scanning the area but it appeared completely deserted. Just as they’d hoped.
Reed slid open the door of the van as Logan began to unload the luggage in the back. They hadn’t brought much with them. The door to the jet opened and the stairs descended followed by Josie and Evan bounding toward them with their arms outstretched. Both Colt and Brianna ran straight for the aunt and uncle, squealing with delight as only a child can. They launched themselves straight into Evan and Josie chattering about Mickey Mouse, the beach, and cheeseburgers. Ava wasn’t sure what that last part was about but if her two children wanted cheeseburgers for dinner tonight she’d gladly make or buy them.
Hugs all around and Ava couldn’t help the tears that welled up in her eyes at seeing their friends all come to their aid. There was something about this circle of people, so loyal and devoted. They were all risking their lives and poor Evan was still recovering from having his appendix out. His inability to be right in the action was driving him crazy but coming to their rescue with this plane was nothing short of heroic.
Josie hugged Ava again. “Don’t worry about anything. We brought all sorts of games and toys to keep the twins occupied.”
She’d said the magic words. Colt and Brianna’s ears perked up and their eyes widened.
“Games?” Brianna asked.
“Toys?” Colt parroted.
“Absolutely,” Josie replied, rubbing her hands together. “Let’s see…I think we have Uno, Hungry Hippos, Operation, and um…oh yeah, Sorry. We also brought some Legos and a few Barbies, and I think there’s a whole bucket of miniature chocolate bars.”
The truly magical word. Chocolate. Colt and Brianna were dancing around like it was Christmas morning. From the sounds of it, it kind of was. Christmas in July, anyway.
“But only if your mother says it’s okay,” Josie warned. “She’s the boss.”
Ha ha. Wait until Josie had her own kids. She’d be laughing about that statement someday.
Colt pointed to the plane. “Are we really going to be the only ones on the airplane?”
“We really are,” Evan confirmed. “It’s a private plane owned by a friend of mine and your mother’s.”
“Cool,” Colt said, obviously straining at the bit to get on board. “Can we look inside?”
It wouldn’t be a terrible thing for the kids to be onboard when Ava said goodbye to their father.
“Okay, but first give your dad a hug and tell him you love him. We’re not going to see him for a few days.”
Ava’s eyes welled up with more tears as Logan knelt down to hug and kiss the twins. Her husband had hugged the children hundreds of times but today he held them just a second or two longer and her heart almost couldn’t take it. Logan’s own eyes were bright as well and he kept clearing his throat as he told them to behave and listen to their mother. He’d see them soon.
Ava desperately hoped that was true. She was counting on forever with this man. He’d promised it and she was going to hold him to it.
As soon as Logan stood, Colt and Brianna bolted for the small staircase, Josie on their heels to show them around.
“I’ll take good care of them,” Evan promised Logan. “Don’t worry. I’ve got some volunteers down there to help me. Good guys that I trust absolutely. They’ll be fine.”
Logan’s smile had disappeared and his expression had turned somber. “I trust you. This is the right thing to do.”
Evan’s gaze landed on Ava and then Kaylee, who was standing next to Reed. “I’ll give you ladies a few moments to say goodbye. We’ll wait in the jet.”
The other men tried to pretend they weren’t standing there too, looking in any other direction. Ava grabbed the front of Logan’s t-shirt and tugged him closer.
“Be careful out there, cowboy. You have a family to come home to.”
“And Mickey Mouse. Let’s not forget him. When this is over, we’ll have a real vacation.”
Ava didn’t want her husband to think that the kids were happy to leave him.
“They’re just excited. The private plane and the toys and candy. In about an hour they’re going to want to call you because they miss you.”
“I know.” Logan paused as if trying to find the right words. “You’ll be safe. I should have done this at the beginning.”
“I wouldn’t have gone in the beginning.”
“You would have if I said that’s the only way to keep the twins safe.”
True, but she wouldn’t have made it easy on him.
“I’ll miss you,” he said, leaning down to press a kiss against her lips. He wasn’t one for public displays and honestly neither was she. They’d already said goodbye in private before they’d left the safe house. “Be good.”
That made her laugh. “Be good? What do you think I’m going to do? Stay up past my bedtime and eat too much sugar?”
“When you and Kaylee are together, anything can happen. Seriously, I’ll call you when I can.”
They’d already discussed that she couldn’t call him unless it was an emergency. He couldn’t be sneaking up on Wade and have his phone go off.
“I know. We’ll be fine. The kids are going to have fun.”
“So…don’t do anything stupid.”
“That takes in a lot of territory, good girl. Can you be more specific?”
Good girl. It never ceased to make her warm and happy. He knew it, too. How could she be this happy when her heart was breaking all at the same time?
I’m going to see him in a few days. Alive and well. Nothing bad is going to happen. I have to believe that to even begin to get through this day.
“Specifically? Stay alive.” She poked his chest with her finger. “I’ve got plans for you when this is all done.”
“Baby, I have plans for you, too. And I told you before, I don’t plan on getting dead. I underestimated Wade before but I’m not about to do it again. I’ve done nothing but study him and I’ve got his number. I know how he thinks.”
Ava hoped so. Logan was probably the best lawman she’d ever seen – along with his friends – but Wade didn’t play by any rules.
