Charge, page 8
“I tried a new method.” Wiggling my fingers in front of him with a grimace, I untangled myself from his hold. “Safe to say I won’t be repeating the experience.”
“I found some of your paintings in the pool house. They’re amazing.”
Turning away to hide my blush at his compliment, I went into the large walk-in pantry in search of the first aid kit. I spotted it up on the top shelf. Grabbing the stool we kept in the pantry, I reached up to grab it. But before I made contact, two large hands spanned my waist and lifted me out of the way.
“What are you doing?” My voice was breathless, the feel of his hands on me like hot irons branding my skin.
“Keeping you from hurting yourself even more.”
He pulled the bag down, the move bringing him even closer. I held my breath and closed my eyes. A hand on my cheek caused me to take a shuddering inhale. Without thinking, I leaned into the touch. As long as I kept my eyes closed, I could pretend I was dreaming and there was no reason we shouldn’t be standing in the dark pantry with not even an inch between us.
“Let’s get you fixed up.” Archer’s voice was raspy, and his hand dropped away.
I followed him into the kitchen, and he directed me to sit on one of the bar stools. Obeying wordlessly since my throat had closed up, I watched him open the kit and get everything out.
His touch was efficient and gentle, his movements sure as if he’d done this many times before. I guessed with the missions he went on, he would have plenty of experience patching wounds.
After smoothing down the last bandage, he put everything away again. I hadn’t moved at all the whole time other than lifting my hands.
Archer didn’t seem struck down by the same paralysis, moving around the kitchen with sure strides. He opened the fridge, reaching inside. “I’m out of milk in the pool house.” Holding up the container, he turned back to me. “You want anything? Hot chocolate?”
Something else he hadn’t forgotten. I still didn’t trust my voice to work, so I nodded, hoping he could see me in the dim light.
Putting a mug with milk in the microwave, he opened drawers in search of the hot chocolate powder.
“It’s on the second shelf on the left, right after you walk into the pantry.”
My voice didn’t sound like my own, and I cleared my throat. At least he couldn’t see my flushed body.
I watched his outline move confidently around the kitchen. He added hot chocolate powder to my hot milk before pushing it in front of me. When I spotted the mini marshmallows floating on top, I promptly burst into tears.
Covering my face with my hands, I didn’t resist the arms that wound around me, pulling me into a hard chest.
Archer ran one of his hands up and down my back, the other holding me to him tightly. When my sobs tapered into hitched breaths, he peeled me off him but kept an arm around me. “You don’t like marshmallows anymore?”
Chuckling through my remaining tears, I wiped my face with the hem of my T-shirt. “I love marshmallows.”
I burst into tears again, and he pulled me close once more, continuing his gentle murmuring and caressing.
Despite not wanting the loss of his touch, I eventually pulled myself together enough to move out of his arms. “I’m sorry. I don’t know what happened.”
I knew exactly what had happened. But I couldn’t tell him that the weight of what I’d lost was sometimes too much to bear, and it dragged me down until I struggled to breathe. And his thoughtful gesture had been what tipped me over the edge.
“No need to apologize. I remember what happened every time you kept your emotions bottled up.” He mimed an explosion, and I sniffled a laugh.
“I’m not the same person anymore.” Tears still brimmed in my eyes, and my voice was scratchy from crying.
“You might have changed your hair, and your clothes are more expensive, but you’re still Thea.”
My chin dropped to my chest, and I studied my immaculate manicure. “I’ve missed you.”
He sighed. “Then why did you disappear? I would have done anything to stay in your life.”
Lifting my head, I took in his pleading gaze. “I didn’t know how to tell you what had happened. I barely spoke to Everleigh the first few years. And you were off at college, finally living your life. I don’t know how to explain my marriage.”
The knuckles of the hand holding his glass were white, his posture rigid. “Then explain it now. I want to understand.”
“I can’t.”
Because doing so meant giving away William’s secret. One I’d sworn to protect.
Nodding, he set down his full glass of milk and walked out of the room. I slumped in my seat, hot chocolate forgotten. Every time we talked, I seemed to make things worse. But I’d made a promise. And if nothing else, my word meant a lot to me.
After all, it was all I had to give.
9
ARCHER
Thea was hiding something. And despite my promise to myself to keep much-needed distance between us, the need to find out what she wasn’t telling me burned a hole in my chest.
I’d been spending my nights in the gym, exhausting myself to the point that I could barely stand up. But it was the only way for me to sleep. It was also something I hid from my therapist. I was sure adding insomnia and obsession with a client to her report wouldn’t get me out in the field any time soon.
But for now, I was taking Thea out of the house. Walking into their industrial-sized kitchen, I greeted Jacques, then turned to Thea, who was finishing a shake. “You ready?”
Setting down her glass that was whipped away by the busy chef as soon as it touched the marble of the counter, she picked up her bag. The thing was big enough to hold anything from a coffee machine to at least three outfits, including shoes.
I’d noticed she never left the house without it, despite the worn-out corners and faded color. She could afford to replace it with ten better ones, but I recognized it as one that Everleigh had given her one year for Christmas when we were all still living in Falina.
She stood up, waving at Jacques. “Let’s go before all the flowers are gone.”
Thea loved to go to the markets every Sunday. She’d missed a few weeks, but there were no immediate threats we knew of that would prevent today’s trip. And since I was a controlling asshole and trusted nobody else with her safety, I insisted on being the one to accompany her every time she left the house.
I walked her out to the waiting car, and our driver, Kelvin, opened her door. He was another of my men and acted as backup if needed. I hoped I never had to make use of him, because it would mean I hadn’t been able to protect her.
I slid into the passenger seat, unable to stop my eyes from wandering to the rearview mirror, watching Thea settle into her seat.
Her hair looked like spun gold in the early morning light, her beautiful eyes hidden behind large sunglasses she’d slid on as soon as she stepped foot outside the house.
She didn’t have to make the trip since Jacques took care of all the food shopping. But she enjoyed wandering the busy markets, stopping at almost every stall.
Thea always bought something for Sofie and often included a present for Everleigh as well. But she’d always been generous, sharing what little—and now unlimited—funds she had.
The market was a nightmare to secure, but I knew how much the trip meant to her, so I didn’t ask her to stop going.
“Don’t forget to stay glued to my side, no matter what,” I told her once we arrived.
Rolling her eyes, Thea waited for me to get out of the car and open her door. “Really? I didn’t think you were serious when you told me to not leave your side the last twenty times.”
I took her elbow, my eyes never leaving our busy surroundings. “Smartass.”
Kelvin would park the car and join us. If he could find us. There were people everywhere, the crowd swallowing us as soon as we’d walked a few steps. I kept close enough to Thea that our arms brushed against each other with each movement.
I wanted to pull her into me, sheltering her. But over the last few weeks, I’d become skilled at resisting the urge to take care of her as more than a client.
It was impossible not to bump into strangers since there was no room to so much as lift your arms. My hand hovered over my gun, my body poised for fight. I followed Thea from stall to stall, watching her fill her bags to the brim.
I wordlessly divested her of her heavy load, carrying all the bags in one hand, ready to drop them at a moment’s notice. Having even one of my hands full wasn’t ideal, but there was no way I’d stand by while Thea was carrying the heavy groceries.
There was still no sign of Kelvin, despite my frequent updates on our location. He was a big guy, able to push his way through the crowd with force if necessary and should have found us by now.
The uneasy feeling that had never really left since arriving at the market flared to life with a vengeance. I turned to Thea, who was busy admiring a bracelet. “You almost ready to head back?”
She put the jewelry back down, her shoulders slumping. I hated seeing her like this, but the need to get back to the car grew with every moment. The longer we were out in the open, the more chance someone had to attack. And I saw an attack around every corner these days. An occupational hazard, but one that had kept me alive so far.
“Sure. I think I have everything for the apple rhubarb I want to make today.”
Thea had been trying her hand at baking. Her skills in the kitchen had never extended to more than two-minute noodles and mac ’n’ cheese. But she’d been cooking and baking with Jacques. Since she always fed everyone on the grounds, we all reaped the benefits of her steadily improving skills.
Glued to her side, I directed her back to where Kelvin had dropped us off. I hadn’t heard from him despite asking him to check in. And when there still wasn’t a reply when I checked my phone, I didn’t hesitate to call in the cavalry.
It would take them at least fifteen minutes to get here. And my priority until then was getting Thea to a safe location.
Parking was always an issue around here, and not even William’s money could buy us a permanent spot close to the market.
Once we were back on the street, I turned us toward a nearby restaurant. We didn’t have to walk far, but even the three hundred feet seemed too much.
I questioned whether I’d made a mistake trying to get Thea to the restaurant, but anyone could sneak up on us while we were in the market. There were too many people to keep them away.
Spotting the sign up ahead, I hastened my steps, Thea rushing along beside me. “Archer, what’s going on? You’re scaring me.”
“I haven’t heard from Kelvin. Something’s wrong. We’re going to wait in the restaurant until backup gets here.”
But we didn’t make it. Instead, two heavily armed guys stepped out from an alley we were passing. Someone had been watching us, waiting for the perfect moment. And we’d played right into their hands.
Lifting their guns, they motioned for us to follow them. I could take both of them, but I couldn’t protect Thea at the same time.
Praying the team would get here soon, I did what I had to if I wanted to keep Thea safe. We followed them into the alley, Thea’s face as white as a sheet, her body slightly trembling.
I dropped the bags at the entrance of the alley, hoping someone would see them. The two guys who were following us didn’t seem to notice, or they simply didn’t care.
Once we’d walked a few feet, a figure stepped out from behind a car parked on the side.
The guy held out his arms, approaching us with a cold smile. “I’m disappointed. Everyone always tells me Locked Security is the best. Yet here you are, unable to protect your charge. And we had to do little more than wave guns in your face. Disappointing indeed.”
He looked familiar, but I couldn’t figure out where I’d seen him before. His fitted suit was expensive, his diamond watch drawing attention. I didn’t reply, knowing when someone was goading me into a reaction. And my priority was and always would be Thea. Losing my head would only put her in danger.
Once he realized I wouldn’t respond, he turned his attention to Thea, making me stiffen and tighten my arm around her.
“And here’s the beautiful siren I’ve heard so much about. William talks about you all the time. You must be something special to catch his attention.”
Thea went impossibly stiffer at his words, her breaths shallow. But she still wasn’t saying a word.
The guy turned his attention my way once again, and it was my turn to go still, waiting for something to happen. Instead, he ran his gaze up and down my rigid form, his eyes lingering on the arm that was holding Thea.
There was a reason we weren’t supposed to get involved with our clients. And I was currently showcasing why. But it was too late to change anything now. And I’d never regret my feelings for her.
“Such a shame to waste another talented young man,” he said, sounding bored. “But the boss hates it when someone sticks their nose in our business. I thought getting rid of one of you would be warning enough. But you seem to multiply like cockroaches, crawling into every place you aren’t supposed to. It seems I have to make a bigger statement this time. I’m thinking of sending body parts. What do you think? Effective enough?”
“No,” Thea yelled, then let out a sob before covering her mouth with her hand.
This was either a terrible joke or I was currently standing in front of the man who’d killed Sam, one of Gunner’s men. The realization hit me like a punch to the gut.
Instead of comforting Thea, which was what I longed to do, I raised a brow as if I was bored. “I think they’ll take notice either way. But please, by all means, drag this out. There’ll be no place safe enough for you to hide. If Locked Security doesn’t get to you first, William will. You said yourself how much she means to him.”
He smirked at me, nodding to my hand that was currently fused to Thea’s waist. “I’m sure William will get over it. Especially with all the money we’re paying him.”
He motioned to the guy standing behind me. I didn’t see the blow coming, the hit to the head making me sway and release Thea who was crying out, reaching for me. Someone else restrained her and she fought against the hold.
My vision was blurry and I didn’t see the next punch coming, hitting my stomach. I evaded the hit aimed for my face and reached for the gun still in my holster. But my sluggish movements were easy to predict, and the guy who’d punched me removed the gun before I had a chance to touch it.
I was surrounded by four guys, my view of Thea blocked. I knew I had no chance to get out. Usually I would have tried to take out as many guys as I could before they shot me. But with Thea so close I didn’t want to risk it.
She had a chance if they focused on me. I always knew I’d have a short life expectancy, but I’d hoped for more for Thea. She deserved better than to be killed in a smelly back alley.
My gaze found Thea’s tear strained one. I wanted her to be the last thing I looked at before I’d die. But when the guy standing closest to Thea lifted his weapon and pointed it at her, my blood went cold and my muscles tensed.
I didn’t feel the pain anymore. The only thing on my mind was to eliminate the threat to Thea. Before the guy could do anything, his head exploded, leaving chunks of brain matter and bone behind. His body slumped, the gun clattering onto the ground.
Thea screamed, and I threw myself at her, taking her down to the pavement. Good thing she was small, because my body covered hers completely. Footsteps sounded behind us, and I spotted Kelvin running our way, blood covering most of his face.
I lifted my head and was met with motionless bodies. But the body I wanted to see on the ground wasn’t there. Their leader was absent from the carnage.
Gently untangling myself from Thea, I got up, pulling her with me. She was shaking so hard her teeth clacked together.
“His h-head,” she stuttered. “G-Gone.” More clattering of her teeth. “Blood.”
The rest of our guys were close behind Kelvin. I’d never worked with any of them before this assignment, but Gunner only hired the best. I should have known there would be a skilled sharpshooter on the team.
Nodding at the guys, I moved Thea so she was facing away from the blood and chaos.
Kelvin came up to us, his gaze landing on Thea, who had moved her face into my chest, not making a sound. “Let’s get her home. Police are on their way, and I have the men scouting the area.”
Grunting my assent, I pointed to the end of the alley. “If we’re lucky, the cameras I spotted at the entrance of the alley are working.”
Kelvin was on the phone before I’d even stopped talking. “Carter, I need you to check some cameras for me. It’s a priority. Thea was just attacked.” He relayed our location and waited.
Lowering the phone, he put it on speaker. “Okay, they can hear you. Go ahead.”
“It’ll take me a few hours to get the footage,” Carter said. “And another couple to run it through an identification program. Gunner wants a report by tomorrow.”
I tightened my arms around Thea, who was still shaking so hard she could barely stand up. “Tell him I’ll get it to him first thing in the morning.”
“Roger that.”
He hung up, and I led Thea back to the car, Kelvin close behind. When we made it there, I let out the breath I’d been holding in. Today could have ended a lot differently.
When I opened the door for Thea, she didn’t release me but instead took my hand and sat down. I crouched beside her, watching as she sat in the passenger seat, her shoulders hunched, her grip on my hand tight.
I pulled out the seat belt with my free hand and buckled her in, brushing her belly and side. My heart thundered in my chest at the contact. Despite this being the absolute wrong time for any feelings in that direction, I couldn’t help my reaction.
Pulling back, I stood up again. “You’re going to have to let me go, beautiful.”
