Lessons in SECRET Book #4 of Corrigan & Co.
By Crystal Perkins
Copyright © 2015 by Crystal Perkins Cover Design by Helen Williams www.allbookedout.com Ebook Formatting by Jesse Gordon adarnedgoodbook.com All trademarks are owned by their respective companies and are denoted by the use of proper capitalization of the company and/or brand. All rights reserved. Without limiting the rights under copyright reserved above, no part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in or introduced into a retrieval system, or transmitted, in any form, or by any means (electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise) without the prior written permission of both the copyright owner and the above publisher of this book. This contemporary erotic romance is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, brands, media, and incidents are either the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously. The author acknowledges the trademarked status and trademark owners of various products referenced in this work of fiction, which have been used without permission. The publication/use of these trademarks is not authorized, associated with, or sponsored by the trademark owners. This ebook is licensed for your personal use only. This ebook may not be resold or given away to other people. If you would like to share this book with another person, please purchase an additional copy for each person you share it with, especially if you enjoy sexy, emotional, romance novels with alpha males. If you are reading this book and did not purchase it, or it was not purchased for your use only, then you should return it and purchase your own copy. Thank you for respecting the author’s work.
TABLE OF CONTENTS About Lessons in SECRET Other books by Crystal Perkins Prologue Chapter 1 Chapter 2 Chapter 3 Chapter 4 Chapter 5 Chapter 6 Chapter 7 Chapter 8 Chapter 9 Chapter 10 Chapter 11 Chapter 12 Chapter 13 Chapter 14 Chapter 15 Chapter 16 Chapter 17 Chapter 18 Chapter 19 And so it begins… Epilogue Acknowledgements About the Author
ABOUT LESSONS IN SECRET
A woman whose IQ is so high, it can’t be measured Isabelle Carlton has always hid behind her brain, staying in the background and not going on many missions for the Society—or many dates. When she stumbles upon a high school prostitution ring, she knows that it’s time to finally put herself out there in more ways than one. A sexy history teacher could be just what she needs, in and out of the classroom. A man who’s running from a past that can’t be ignored Mason Wells is more than just a high school teacher, but exactly how much more is his biggest secret. Even though he knows Isa isn’t really a student, getting involved with her is wrong. He’s hiding too much, and she’s just too innocent. Despite knowing that it will destroy them both, he can’t stay away from her, even when they’re both put in the crosshairs of a powerful and evil man. Lessons can be learned, but will their love pass the test when a devastating SECRET is revealed?
OTHER BOOKS BY CRYSTAL PERKINS The Griffin Brothers series Gaming For Love (The Griffin Brothers #1) Building Our Love (The Griffin Brothers #2) Creating A Love (The Griffin Brothers #3) Learning To Love (The Griffin Brothers #4) Designing The Love (The Griffin Brothers #5) Working On Love (The Griffin Brothers #6) Keeping Their Love (The Griffin Brothers #7) Corrigan & Co. series Fielding Her SECRET (Corrigan & Co. #1) Devouring the SECRET (Corrigan & Co. #2) Rocking a SECRET (Corrigan & Co. #3)
Publicly, The Corrigan & Co. Foundation has been supporting women for years. Secretly, five powerful women led by Jane Corrigan have recruited ten agents, sending them to rescue women and children in need, and take down those who exploit the weak. This secret society of women all have unique skills they’ve brought to the foundation. Additionally, they’ve all had training in weapons, etiquette, martial arts, technology, and languages. Helping out friends and family of their five mentors from time to time is something they were told to expect. What they didn’t plan for is falling in love.
About the Corrigan & Co. Foundation and the Society: • Mitchell Corrigan created the Corrigan & Co. Foundation for his wife as part of his company ten years ago. He stipulated that the foundation would continue as long as there is a Corrigan woman to oversee it. • Jane Corrigan, Cyndi Evans, Maggie Griffin, Mallory Daniels, and Helen Wilson are the founders of the secret society within the foundation. They focus on helping women and children, but take on other missions from time to time. • While they assist government and private organizations on a regular basis, they only take referrals for private missions. • Each founder has recruited, and mentors, two agents. • The company was founded in Chicago, but has now moved to Las Vegas, where Mitchell was born. On his deathbed, he asked his grandson to move the company headquarters to help revive the economy in his hometown. There are satellite offices all over the world. • Jane’s grandson, Matt, who is President and CEO of Corrigan & Co., knows of the society. His friends Nathan and Aiden, who he brought in when they all left the military, know as well. This was a decision by the five women when they needed help on a mission that went bad. They do not know all mission details, but help when they are asked.
For Lisa Dess and Sarah Vela, two girls who love books as much as I do, and who’ve supported me from the very beginning! And also for all the women and men who fight against human and child trafficking every day. You’re dedication and hard work is appreciated, even if you don’t hear it as often as you should!
PROLOGUE
Mason When I told my friend Luke Griffin what I thought was going on at the private school I teach at, I never expected to be sitting in a conference room at the Corrigan & Co. Foundation. Luke swore me to secrecy and told me about a Society that’s part of the foundation. He said it helps women and children, like the foundation does publicly. Just in a different way. Since a high school prostitution ring covers both women and children, he convinced me to come here for help. He said they’d contact the police if they found anything concrete. “Thank you for coming in Mason. Luke said you think there’s a prostitution ring at your school,” the woman he introduced as Reina says to me. “Yes. And I’m pretty sure it’s student run.” “What clued you in?” “I teach history and wanted to do something to engage the students a little more. I gave them a chance to write anonymously about something that’s happened in history, what they’d like to have legalized in the future, or what they wouldn’t. I got fifteen papers about why prostitution should be legalized. And four that said it shouldn’t. Those four talked about girls being intimidated and threatened if they didn’t turn tricks.” “I can see why you might be alarmed.” “I started paying more attention to what was going on, and I think I know who the leader of all this is. His name it Kurt, and his dad’s one of the wealthiest men in the city. I’m sure he has no problem finding clients.” “Since you’re coming to us, I’m going to trust that you’re not involved and confirm that Kurt is indeed the person in charge.” “How do you know that?” “We’ve actually had someone undercover for over a month.” “What? Who?” “Me, Mr. Wells,” my favorite student says as she walks into the room. Favorite because I can’t stop fantasizing about her while she sits in my class twirling her pencil as I teach. I’ve been beating myself up for lusting after a student. But apparently she’s not a student. “Isabelle,” I say, sounding way too relieved for even my own ears. “You sound relieved to see me.” “I am. I mean, I…” This is so not going well. “Oh my God. You want to be the Ezra to her Aria, don’t you?” Luke asks, looking at me with a smirk on his face. “Shut up, Luke. And how do you even know about them? You don’t teach high school.” “Olivia loves that show.” “Can someone please clue me in,” Luke’s mom says. When he told me she was part of all this, I told him I already thought his mom was cool, but now I had even more respect for her.
“Ezra and Aria are characters on a TV show, Pretty Little Liars. He was her teacher, but they’re in a relationship,” Isabelle tells her. “So basically, Mase wants Isa,” Luke tells her. I want to die right now. Like seriously die. After I kill Luke, of course. “I didn’t come here for this. I’m glad you know and are taking care of it. I’ll just be going now.” I get up and walk out of the room, stopping to lean back against the wall. Imagine my shock when Isabelle walks into the hall after me. “Is it true? Do you want me?” * * * Isa I can’t believe I followed Mr. Wells—Mason—out into the hallway. But I needed to know. Because I want him. I never understood the term “hot for teacher” until I walked into that classroom and saw him. Honestly, I’ve never been “hot” for anyone before, so I’ve been so freaked out every time I walk into History class that it’s a wonder I could answer anything when asked. Thank God for my super brain. “Do you want me to want you?” “What kind of question is that?” “The kind that won’t get me into trouble.” “I’m 23 and not in high school.” “The school doesn’t know that.” “So we won’t do anything there. Or anywhere else where someone could see us. If you do want me, that is.” Who is this bold girl, and where the hell did she come from? He leans in close, so his mouth is only about an inch from mine. “Your lips make me crazy. Especially when you bite the bottom one while I’m lecturing.” “Then kiss me.” His eyes widen, and I think I may have gone too far. I’m not usually so forward, but Tegan and Stella have always told me I need to just go for it. So, now I am. When his lips meet mine, I silently thank them for making me bold. And then I shut my mind off and just let myself feel. He holds the back of my head as he licks at my lips. I open for him, and his tongue darts inside my mouth. It’s better than I imagined it would be. For all these years I’ve wondered, and now I know. My first kiss is amazing. He pulls back sooner than I’d like and I follow him a little with my mouth, capturing his again for a few seconds. He chuckles as he cups my cheek. “I need to go.” “You didn’t like it?” He looks at me curiously before answering. “I fucking love your mouth, which is why I need to leave. We’re in your workplace, after all.” “And we can’t kiss at yours.” “No, we can’t.” “If-if you want to see me or something, my friends would help us.” “I do want that. I’ll call you later, okay?” he asks, holding out his phone so I can enter my number. “Okay,” I tell him, but I feel some of that confidence I just showed leave me. I may not have much experience around guys, but even I know a brushoff when I hear one. He said the kiss was good, but would he really tell me if he didn’t like it? Probably not. I should’ve let some of the guys my friends made me flirt with at the bars kiss me. Then at least I’d know what I’m doing.
“Perfect,” he tells me when I hand the phone back to him. “I’ll talk to you soon, Isabelle.” “You can call me Isa. My friends do.” He nods and walks away. Once he’s out of view, I thump my head back on the wall. I know better than to crush on the hot guy. It didn’t work for me when I was skipping grades in high school and college, so why would it work for me now? I’m still that same girl. The one with the giant brain, and social skills I’ve been trained to know, but can’t use properly. Who really wants that? * * * Mason It’s ten o’clock and I’m still looking at my phone like it’s a snake about to bite me. I want to call Isa. No, I need to call her. But I know I shouldn’t. She’s some kind of “secret” secret agent, and I’m, well, I’m me. This would not turn out well. For either of us. I’m nothing if not a masochist, though, which is why I finally tap her name and call her. “Hello.” “Hi. It’s, uh, Mason.” “Oh. Hi.” She sounds hesitant and surprised that I’m calling. “Did you think I wasn’t going to call?” “Honestly? Yeah. I mean, ‘I’ll call you later ’ is one of the biggest ways to brush someone off, right?” “I don’t want to brush you off.” “You don’t?” I should. “No, I don’t. I told you I loved kissing you. I want to do that again.” “Me too.” “I’m sure I don’t have to tell you that we can’t show any of this at school.” “I’m not a teenager, Mason. Mase. I mean, Mr….I mean…what should I call you?” “At school, it’ll have to be Mr. Wells. Outside of school, you can call me anything you want with that sexy mouth of yours.” She laughs, and we spend the next hour talking. About everything and nothing. I was attracted to her before, but now I really like her. Even though I know it’s going to turn out really badly. For both of us. They say the road to Hell is paved with good intentions, but I’ll do everything I can to make sure she doesn’t share my fate.
CHAPTER 1
Isabelle The private school I’m “attending” wants to be seen as progressive, so there’s no dress code. My friend and co-worker, Stella, filled my closet with clothes from Topshop, but after a month here, I think I may have her go more upscale. These girls look like they walked off a runway, and while I’m holding my own, my labels aren’t up to par with theirs. My “parents”—who are actually friends of the Society—are supposed to be super wealthy, so I need to fit in. When the popular and sleazy Kurt approaches me, I realize that maybe my clothes are just what they need to be. After all, when he saw me at a local hotel and tried to recruit me, I was in jeans and a t-shirt. “Isabelle, you’re looking good, but I could help you look better.” He reaches out to rub the tuxedo collar of my black dress, and I throw up a little in my mouth. Really, I swear I do. “I’m good, but thanks,” I tell him as I start to walk away. The plan is for me to play hard to get for his little after school club. Which isn’t hard since it would be hard to get me. I just had my first kiss, for God’s sake. I’m not ready to be a sex-for-hire worker yet. Or ever. I knew from my first day with the Society that this kind of mission would probably come up. I even initiated the mission after he approached me, but it doesn’t mean I’m comfortable with it. “People don’t tell me ‘no’ very often, and the ones who do tend to change their mind pretty quickly. This is your only warning, beautiful. You will be mine, whether you plan to be or not. It’s inevitable. I’ve let you be this last month, but my patience is starting to wear thin.” “Is there a problem here?” Mason asks from behind me. “No, Mr. Wells,” Kurt says with a smirk. “Isabelle and I were just discussing some employment opportunities I thought she’d be interested in.” “Were you interested, Isabelle?” “No, I really wasn’t. I need to get to class.” I practically run from them both. I want to take down Kurt, and kiss Mase, so they’re both dangerous to me at the moment. I text Reina as I walk into my English class and take my seat, letting her know that things are escalating. I tell her I’ll fill her in more after I’m done here for the day. “Isabelle?” I turn to see one of the most beautiful girls in the school sitting behind me. She’s got curly brown hair and flawless mocha colored skin. She’s also biting her lip and looking a little nervous. “That’s me.” “I heard you with Kurt. You can’t do that.” “Do what?” “Turn him down.” “Um, yeah, I can do that.” “He’ll find a way to get you. It’ll be easier on you if you just give in.” “Did he do something to you?” “Just tell him yes, okay.” “No.”
“Well then, I’m sorry in advance. Please remember that I warned you.” She darts out of the chair, and the classroom, before I can ask her anything else. I’m not sure what she was trying to warn me about, but it can’t be good. I’m glad I have that meeting later. Even if I can’t stop what’s being planned for me, maybe I can try to be prepared. * * * Mason That little bastard is planning something for Isabelle. I know he is. He’s wanted her for his harem since before she started school here a few weeks ago, and he’s not about to give her up just because she says “no.” I know why he’s pushing so hard, too. It’s that damn virginal vibe she throws off. I know she doesn’t even realize that it’s there, but it is. I’d be lying if I said it wasn’t part of what attracted me to her in the first place. There’s not much sexier than a woman who doesn’t even know just how sexy she is. I nearly fell over when she told me to kiss her. I wasn’t expecting it, but I wasn’t complaining either. Especially when my lips were finally on her. There’s a special place in Hell for guys like me. I know it, yet I’m still pursing something with her. It’s not a relationship—it can’t be. But I do want something. More than I’ve wanted with a woman in a long time. And that right there could destroy us both. I manage to push those thoughts out of my mind for the next few class periods, but then she walks in wearing that damn dress. It’s like a sleeveless tuxedo on top with some black lace covered material in between the lapels to make it more respectable. It fits close to her slim body before flaring out into a tiny skirt with pleats at the top, and lace at the bottom. Her mile long legs are on display, and even though she’s wearing flats, I replaced them with heels in my lunchtime fantasy. I should’ve never kissed her. I knew it, but I did it anyway. Like I said, I’m definitely going to Hell. “Hi, Mr. Wells,” Grace says to me as she sits down in the front row and licks her lips. She’s been making not so subtle passes at me all year. I have no interest in her, other than the fact that I know she’s the proverbial cash cow in Kurt’s operation. One of the only girls who’s participating by choice, not blackmail. She’s also one of the most beautiful girls in the school, and one of the richest. Her participation would make no sense if I hadn’t seen her in action. She loves the thrill, and the sex. She still shouldn’t be selling it, but it isn’t up to me to get her to stop what she wants to do. And if I tried to get personally involved, I know it would send the wrong message. I just have to trust that Isa will do her job, even if it may make my life a lot harder. “Hello, Grace.” “I couldn’t quite figure out my homework for last night. Can you help me after school?” “The tutoring lab is open after school. They can help you.” “I want your help. I’m sure my parents would appreciate any help you could give me.” She knows she’s got me. Like I said, she’s one of the wealthiest girls here, and her father has a large amount of influence. I can’t afford to lose my job. “Okay, after school. You can meet me in the tutoring lab.” “I’d rather meet here,” she says, pouting at me. Yes, pouting, like she’s a little girl. I’m sure she thinks it’s sexy, but to me it’s not. “Tutoring lab.” “Fine.” I glance over, and Isa looks like she wants to murder Grace. Dammit. She has to keep her emotions out of this if she’s going to succeed. I need to remind her of that next time we’re alone. No one can know that anything’s going on with us. It’s more than just my job at stake, and if she’s the professional
I’ve been led to believe that she is, she should know that as well as I do. This is definitely going to be harder than I’d planned for it to be, but now that the wheels are in motion, there’s no stopping the train that’s headed our way. I can only hope that we both survive it. * * * Isa School stayed weird all day. Kurt kept alternating between leering and smirking at me, and Grace hit on Mase hard during class. Also, I couldn’t get the conversation with that girl out of my head, and I’m, well, I’m just exhausted from all the subterfuge. This is why I rarely go out on missions. I’m much more comfortable working behind the scenes, helping with research for everyone else’s assignments. But I signed on to the job, and completed all the training, so I need to pull my weight. And this mission was my find. So here I am. “Hey Double G, how was school today?” Nate asks me with a smirk as I walk into Reina’s office. I flip him off, before responding. “Aren’t you just adorable? Did you shoot anything today?” “No,” he says laughing. “But you just flipped me off.” “I did.” “I didn’t know you knew how.” “Leave her alone, man,” Matt says. “It’s okay. We all know that when I came here, I wouldn’t have done that. But I’ve found that I enjoy silently telling people off that way.” “Our little girl’s growing up,” Matt tells me with a voice full of affection. “She’s not a little girl, and you need to stop treating her like one. Isa’s been a valuable part of our team for over two years now,” Reina tells him, trying to sound firm, but she’s smiling too. “Are you going to punish me tonight for being bad, Princess?” “Matt! We are at work. Try to remember that,” she says, her cheeks turning red. It’s rare to see Reina blush, but Matt can always do it. “Oh, I do remember,” he says with a smirk. “Dear God,” she says, dropping her head into her hands. Nate and I exchange amused glances as Matt tries to make it up to her. “Sorry, Rei. I’ll behave. Until we’re alone.” She starts shaking with laughter, and we all join in. “You wouldn’t know how to behave if you tried.” “For you, I do. Oh hey, there’s some practice right there,” he tells her, referring to their upcoming wedding. “Just don’t forget how to say it on the big day.” “Never.” “I can’t be the only one scared with how cute they’re being with each other, can I?” Nate asks me. “Nope. It’s a little scary, but wonderful at the same time.” “Sorry. I’m sure Isa didn’t ask us to meet so that we could put on a show for her and Nate,” Reina says, trying to stop from smiling. I’m so happy for her. We all are. She’s finally got Matt, even if it’s just for a year of marriage. I may not have experienced it myself, but I believe in true love. That phenomenon where you feel like you’re one with the other person and you’d do anything and everything for them. Reina and Matt are the poster children—or adults—for that. And I don’t think they’re going to be done after that year. I can’t dwell on that now, though. I need to tell them about my day.
“It’s okay, but I did have a mission related reason for calling all of you here. Kurt made his move today. I blew him off, and he told me that I would be part of his little group whether I wanted or not. Then, a girl came up to me and said she was sorry ahead of time for something.” “Fucking little shit’s going to set you up for something so you have to join,” Matt says. “Yeah. I’m pretty sure he is.” “Isa, I know you wanted this mission, but I’m getting a bad feeling about this. The risk may be too high for you,” Reina tells me. “It’s fine,” I say, but that’s not how I feel. “I’ll do whatever I have to. I know a couple of the girls, like Grace, think they want to be doing what they’re doing, but others didn’t join voluntarily. And whether Grace realizes it or not, she doesn’t really want this life either. I can’t let this continue.” “I can assign one of the other women to go undercover.” “No. I can do this, Rei. I promise.” “You need to go see your man and let him fuck you,” Nate says suddenly. “Wh-what?” Nate sighs, and then looks at me. “We all know that you haven’t…you know…done the deed before. I know you won’t have to sleep with the guys who hire you. The A-Team will make sure that doesn’t happen. But I can’t imagine that Kurt, or someone else if he’s not the top guy, won’t want to try you out. I don’t think you want to have your first time be with a pimp.” He’s right. I know he is. I’m not going to be a virgin for much longer, no matter what happens in my “real” personal life. I just thought I’d be in love for my first time. Maybe not true love, but love all the same. I already like Mase a lot, but love isn’t in the equation. Yet. I know it could be, and maybe that’s good enough. It’s definitely better than Kurt, or some other creepy stranger getting to be my first. Audrey and Ainsley will help me with the clients, but I can’t fake it if I have to perform an audition. And I don’t know if I could survive that being my first time. I’m trying hard to act tough, but I’m not. And everyone in this room knows it. Nate’s just the only one blunt enough to tell it like it is. “Thanks, Nate. I hadn’t thought of it that way. And I don’t want my first time to go down like that. I should be going.” “I meant what I said, Isa. I can assign someone else,” Reina tells me. “No. I joined the Society because I wanted to make a difference. It’s not fair to everyone else if I just stay buried in my books while they take risks.” “You’ve helped on every mission. Don’t discount what you’ve contributed.” “I’m not. I just know I need to do more. I need to be out in the field sometimes. It’s only fair.” Reina nods because she understands. She hasn’t been on a mission since I’ve been here. She was already being groomed to take over when I was hired, and she spends most of her time behind the scenes now. I don’t know that she misses being out in the field, but she told me once that she feels bad about telling people what to do, and doing none of it herself. No one begrudges her, though. She’s an amazing leader—and friend—to all of us. We all say our goodbyes, and I walk out of the conference room. I text Mase and give him directions to my apartment. I tell him we’ll be safe there. Which we will. All of us live there, except for Ainsley and Faith who live with their guys. The place is more secure than a military base. Mase texts back that he’ll bring dinner, and I smile when I think about seeing him again. Kissing him again. And maybe more. No, definitely more. If I think of this as just another thing to be done, it’ll make it easier. Yeah, right.
CHAPTER 2
Mason I pull up to the underground garage that Isa told me to park in. The guard at the gate comes across like a normal rent-a-cop, but I know better. I can see the military training, even if he’s trying to hide it. I’m surprised that she’s invited me into her private lair so soon. But then again, I’m not. Our kiss yesterday nearly set me on fire, and I know it affected her as well. I should’ve left it at just that kiss, but I’ve decided not to deny myself what I want because my window of opportunity isn’t going to last too long. After getting into the garage, I take the elevator—which opened and started moving on its own—to the lobby. There are several more guards here. I’m honestly impressed with the level of security. I suspected that it would be secure since Isa said that we’d be safe. But this is beyond even what I imagined. I’m kept at the one large desk there until Isa comes out of an elevator to fetch me. “Hi, Mase. Sorry about the wait,” she says. “I’ve only been here a couple of minutes.” “I know, but still. I wanted to be down here when you arrived, but my friend Stella said I had to change.” I’m actually a little disappointed that she changed. She took off the sexy as sin dress that she wore to school today and replaced it with jeans and a thin sweater. Her dark blonde hair is in a long braid over one shoulder, and she has no makeup on. “You look beautiful as always.” “Thanks.” I’m surprised when, instead of walking back to the elevator she just got out of, we walk down a hallway behind the security desk. “Where are we going, Isa?” “Oh. I thought we could hang out in one of the lounges down here.” “I thought this is where you live.” “It is.” “But you don’t want me in your apartment?” She shouldn’t want me there. But fuck if I’m not disappointed. My cock is practically crying out in despair, too. We were both looking forward to some naked time. I won’t push, though. Kurt has something planned for her, and she’s not going to have a choice soon. I’ll give her one with me. She bites her lip before answering. “I do want you there. But my apartment is…umm…not sexy or glamorous.” “Is it covered in bookshelves?” I ask as I lean my head down towards her. “Y-yes.” I kiss along her jaw and down to her neck. “Is there a bed?” I feel her nod as I nibble on her ear. I suck and lick as she holds on tight to my biceps. I nudge her loose sweater off one shoulder as I continue covering every exposed bit of her with my mouth. She tilts her head back as her nails dig into me. I move back up and nuzzle her neck before speaking again.
“I want you, Isa. You are the sexiest thing I’ve seen in a long time. Your brain is so fucking sexy, and your body has had me hard all day. I want to go upstairs and show you just what you do to me. But I won’t push. If you’re not ready for that, we’ll stay down here.” “My apartment looks like a library,” she blurts out. “And you’re the sexy little librarian who’s going to let me take her against those books,” I say against her neck. “Yes,” she sighs. I smile as she takes my hand and practically runs back to the elevators. We barely make it inside her apartment before I drop our dinner, and take her into my arms. She’s not hesitant like she was the first time we kissed. This time she’s biting my lip and twirling her tongue around mine. It’s got me even harder than I already was, and I worry that I’m going to come in my jeans like a horny teenager. I’m definitely horny, but my teen years are long over so I need to at least pretend that I can control myself. I pull away from her, and look in her eyes. “I need you now, babe.” “Please.” I practically rip off her sweater, and I do rip her bra as I tear it off her. I stop to stare at her perfect breasts that will fit nicely in my hands, but Isa starts pulling at my shirt, and I reluctantly shift my focus to helping her get it over my head. We take care of our jeans ourselves, and then we’re standing in front of each other in our underwear only. I growl as I look at her tiny pink lace thong that barely covers her front, and I know won’t cover anything in back. Fuck. I’m not going to last long this first time. Especially when she reaches out to stroke me through my boxer briefs. I grab her hand to stop her, and she tries to jerk away as her cheeks redden. “You didn’t do anything wrong,” I tell her. “I just want to be inside of you when I come.” “Me touching you would make you come now?” “Oh yeah.” She gets a big smile on her face. She looks confident and a little cocky. I like it. A lot. Too much. I have enough presence of mind to reach for my pants, and grab a condom before taking her in my arms. I kiss her hungrily while I slide my hand down her stomach. Moving my fingers beneath that lace, I feel how wet she is for me. She sighs as I start to stroke her, pleased that she’s so ready. “I can’t wait, Isa. I’ll make you come while I’m in you.” I don’t wait for a response as I grab a handful of that thong and pull, tearing it from her body. I pick her up and carry her to one of the bookshelves lining the walls. She wraps her legs around me, and I push her against the books and hold her with my upper body as I push my briefs down just enough to free my cock, and cover it. I’ll be romantic later. I need inside of her now. I line myself up and cup her face with my hands. I need to be a little bit sweet with her even though I feel out of control. She deserves more than an animalistic fuck, but that’s what I’m about to give her. Weeks of watching and wanting have made my control almost non-existent. I hope this one little gesture will tell her that I’m not an ass. Even though I am. I have no doubt about that, but I need to hide that from her as long as I can. I kiss her sweetly and then slam my way home. She screams as I pin her to the books, and it’s not from pleasure. She’s too tight, and no. Fuck no. What have I done? “Oh my God, Isa. No. Why didn’t you tell me you’re a virgin?” * * * Isabelle
I feel like I’ve just been torn in two. I should’ve slowed things down, but I wanted him. And I told myself it wouldn’t be so bad. But it kind of is. Since he hasn’t moved since he realized he’s my first, I’m getting a little used to it. To him. But it still hurts like hell. “Well, I’m technically not one anymore,” I try to joke as he looks at me in horror. “You should’ve told me. I wouldn’t have…I would’ve been gentler. Where’s your bed?” “I want it here. Against the books like you said.” “No, babe. This isn’t where you want your first time to be. Let me love you right.” Why do men have to be so hard headed sometimes? I know what I want. And as the pain recedes to a slight burn, I start to move. “I want it here.” “You’re sure?” “Yes. Now do it.” He starts moving, but I can tell he’s still holding back. I won’t mention it though because while the pain has lessened, it isn’t gone. And I know I won’t have an orgasm with him inside me. At least not this time. But I want to know that I made him find his pleasure. “You okay?” Mason asks me. He hasn’t stopped moving. I’m honestly not sure if he can. I may not have done this before, but I’ve read a lot about it. “It’s getting better.” “Enough to come?” I can’t lie. “No. Not this time.” “Shit.” I lean forward and kiss him, trying to convey that it’s okay. He kisses me back and starts to move a little faster. It’s not long before he’s shuddering inside me and whispering my name against my lips. He slides out of me, but doesn’t put me down. Instead, he turns me sideways so he’s holding me in his arms. “I’m so sorry, Isa. Show me where your bathroom is so I can take care of you.” I point to the staircase before speaking. “There’s nothing for you to apologize for. I didn’t tell you I was a virgin.” “But I should’ve known. You were hesitant when we kissed. And you give off a vibe. I just let my cock lead me.” Time to be even more honest. It may scare him off, but he deserves it all. “I was hesitant because that was my first kiss.” “Jesus,” he says as he almost drops me. “I’m totally going to Hell.” I laugh as he sets me on the counter in my master bathroom. “No you’re not. It was great. This wasn’t exactly, but I wanted my first time to be with you. And not…not with some random guy Kurt’s going to hook me up with. Or Kurt. Or his boss.” “Kurt’s not going to touch you, Isa. I promise you that.” “But you can’t promise anything else.” “I’ll do what I can to protect you,” He says as he runs a warm washcloth over me. I flinch a little when he gets between my legs, but he kisses me softly to distract me while he washes me up. “Thanks, Mase. But I’m the trained professional. I need to take care of myself. The women I work with have done things to make sure a mission is successful. It’s not officially part of our job, but they’ve done what they had to in order to save people. I can do those things too. Especially now that we did this.” “Isa, this wasn’t good for you at all.” “It was. I mean, yeah, the act itself was painful, but I did it with you. Someone I like. A lot. And next time will be better, right?”
He just stares at me for a moment, and I’m scared that I said the wrong thing. Maybe he doesn’t want more than one time. Or maybe the thought of me having to sleep with a random guy is turning him off. I can understand that. “I’m going to do everything I can to not sleep with someone else. I promise. I don’t want to do that. At all. I swear.” “I know, babe. I just wish the people you work with didn’t put you in this situation.” What? I’m getting a little angry now. “They didn’t. I told you it’s not part of the job. Reina even offered to take me off the mission. No one I work with would ever ask me to do something like this. They wouldn’t ask any of us. Some of the girls just view sex as a more casual thing, so it doesn’t bother them if they’re put in that situation. I chose to do this, and I’ll see it through. The girls who don’t want to be part of what’s going on deserve my help. And so do the ones who want to do it. Because I don’t think they really understand just what they’re doing to themselves.” “I didn’t mean to make you angry, Isa. I don’t know how your employment works, and I wanted to make sure that you’re protected. I’m still going to do what I can, even if you think it’s not much.” “I am protected. Over-protected, actually. They all treat me like a piece of china that might break. But I’m strong. I’ll take their help, and yours, because I’m smart enough to know that everyone needs help. But I’m capable of taking care of myself.” “Duly noted,” he says with a smile and kiss on my nose. “Now, how about taking a bath with me? We’re not going to have our second time tonight, but I still want to make you feel good.” “I’d like that.” And I do. He’s gentle with me, and after washing and drying me off, he uses his mouth on me in ways I’ve only read about. Not in the place that’s begging for him, because he says he knows I’m still sore, but everywhere else on my body. He worships my breasts like they’re temples built just for him, and I nearly fly off the bed when he sucks on the sensitive place behind me ear. It’s way better than reading. I think I may have lost a few brain cells, even. He smiles when I tell him that, and tucks me into bed before kissing me goodbye. I want him to stay, but he has no other clothes with him, and it’s a school night. Hopefully I can still act normal around him tomorrow. And for however long this mission lasts. Because I think the “like” could turn into that other “L” word, and for once in my life, that doesn’t scare me.
CHAPTER 3
Mason I told Isa that I would protect her, and I’m trying. I know she needs to get into Kurt’s group in order to fully bring it down, but I’ve been delaying her initiation. I can’t stop Kurt, but I’ve given him extra work, which kept him busy enough to leave her alone for the past couple of weeks. I know time is running out. He wants her, and for her to succeed, he’s going to have to get her. And I’m going to have to stand back and let it happen. While her progress at becoming a “teen” prostitute has been on hold, our relationship has been moving right along. I’ve spent almost every night with her at her apartment. I’ve been bringing clothes along so I don’t have to leave after I make love to her. After that first disastrous night—I still can’t believe she didn’t tell me she was a virgin—we’ve had some pretty mind-blowing times together. I took it slow the next few times, but now we can’t get enough of each other. It’s a wonder that I can even teach after we woke each other up for more all through the night, last night. I saw her practically staggering through the hall earlier. I should’ve felt bad, but all I felt was a surge of male pride. Yeah, I did that to her. I shouldn’t be proud at all. In fact, I should be staying far away from her. But I can’t. There’s something about her that makes me believe in love. It’s more than the sex, as amazing as that is. It’s just her. We talk for hours, watch BBC shows on TV, and sit side by side as I grade papers and she does her “homework.” It’s the closest to perfect I’ve ever come, and although I know it won’t last, I wish it would. Because walking away from her—or having her walk away from me, which is the more likely scenario—is probably going to come close to killing me. I know it’s stupid, and there’s no way it will work, but I pull my phone out and send the text anyway. Me: I want out. Boss: No. I knew that would be the answer, and now there’s going to be hell to pay. Dammit. I shouldn’t have tried. Isa has me all mixed up. I want things I can’t have. I want her. Forever. But I know that I can’t. I manage to pull myself together before I have class with her. She smiles as she walks in, and takes her seat in one of the middle rows. Grace sits up front and just like every other day, she pulls her shirt down, trying to tempt me with her cleavage. I’m hard, but it has nothing to do with her. Kurt walks by the open door and gives me a little two fingered salute. Asshole. A few minutes into class, a local UNLV student who the school hired to help us grade longer research papers, walks in. He’s not smiling; instead, he looks really nervous. “Is there a problem, Chris?” “Um, yeah.” He glances around the room. “Two of your students had the same exact research paper.” “What?” “References and everything.” I take the papers from him, my heart sinking. I already know whose papers I’m going to find, and how this is all going to go down. Knowing doesn’t make it any better, though.
“Chris, can you go get Kurt? Isabelle, can I please talk to you in my office for a moment. Everyone else, please start reading Chapter 20. Silently.” They ignore me before the two of us even clear the door. The gossip and murmuring has begun. And Isa’s going to be the casualty—unless she gives in to Kurt. This is her set-up. Her normal instinct would be to fight it, but she’ll give in because she needs to go deeper undercover. She’s already told me that she’ll save the girls at this school, no matter what the cost to her is. Once the door is closed behind us, I stay quiet, waiting for Chris to bring Kurt before I address them. “Would one of you like to explain to me how you turned in the exact same research paper?” “You know I’m not a cheater, Mr. W. My dad would be pissed if you tried to accuse me of being one. I don’t think the school board would like that.” And so it begins. “I didn’t cheat,” Isa says. She knows I know that—I was sitting next to her while she wrote the damn paper. “Well, one of you did. I’m going to give you a few minutes alone in here to decide to tell me the truth. Thanks for your help, Chris.” I wait until Chris walks out the other door to walk back into the classroom. I already know what will happen, but I need to let it play out. Once Isa gives in, Kurt will take the blame and let his father buy him out of yet another sticky situation. He gets a slap on the wrist while Isa gets a new “career.” * * * Isa “So, you ready to come work for me Isabelle?” “That would be a no.” “I’ll make the cheating thing go away for you.” “We both know I didn’t cheat, and I’m prepared to defend myself if necessary.” I know this is the part where I’m supposed to start crying or something, and give in. I need to give in. But not this way. Kurt wants to take me down, but he chose the wrong course of action. I don’t mess around with my grades, even if this isn’t my first time in high school. “You really think you can go up against me, and win?” “I honestly don’t know. But I’ve got to try. I won’t let you dirty my name with this cheating bullshit.” “Ah, there’s a tiger inside the little mouse, huh?” “I’m not a mouse, you pig.” That just rubbed me the wrong way. Ainsley’s “Little Mouse” to the guys at work. I’m “Double G” for girl genius. Although, I’m pretty sure they get a laugh out of my nickname since my bra size is a solid B. I’m just happy to fit in. “But you will be working for me. Have no doubt. I’m going to make your life here at this school such a living hell that you’ll be on your knees begging me to take you on. And then I’m going to have you take me in your mouth before I save you.” “Never.” “Don’t say I didn’t warn you,” he says, trying to kiss my cheek. I shove him away and glare as he opens the door to the classroom, calling for Mase to come back into the office. He does, and crosses his arms to stare at the two of us. “Are you two ready to tell me the truth?” “She won’t admit she cheated, and I know I didn’t, so I guess we’re at an impasse.”
A look of shock crosses Mase’s face. I know he thought I’d give in since I need to be undercover. But my brain won’t let me do something like that when it comes to this. I can already hear the lecture from Reina, but I just can’t do it. I can’t act like I might have cheated, and Kurt’s saving me. “We don’t have to be at an impasse,” I say. “How do you propose to move past it?” Mase asks. “Take our tablets and cell phones. Then quiz us about what was in the paper. In front of the class, and that Chris guy.” “Seriously?” Kurt asks, looking nervous. “Yes. I won’t have anyone thinking that I’m cheating,” I tell him with a glare. “That’s actually a good idea,” Mase says, pulling out his phone. “I’ll call Chris to come back to the classroom.” “What? Are you fucking insane? I’m not doing this. You can’t make me.” “Actually, I can make you, Kurt.” They engage in an intense glaring contest, and I’m a little surprised when Mase wins. “Fine. I cheated and copied her paper. Try doing something about it, Wells. We both know the administration will shut you down.” “They can’t stop me from giving you lunch detention. You’ll have it for the next week.” “A week? He stole my research paper and you’re giving him a week of lunch detention?” I ask. This is ridiculous. “You’re not the teacher, Isabelle. Don’t question my decisions. Ever.” I flinch at his words, which isn’t lost on Kurt. He turns to me with a smirk. “You may think you’ve won, but this was just a little battle. The war will be mine, and so will that fine ass of yours.” “Get back to class, Kurt.” He gives Mase another one of his annoying two fingered salutes before walking away. At the last second, he turns and winks at me while licking his lips. I want to stab him in his carotid artery with a pencil, but I settle for flipping him off. Which, unfortunately makes him smile even wider. Before I can say or do anything else, Mase slams the door shut. Wheeling on me, he pins me with a glare. “Are you really that stupid, Isa?” I fight the urge to retreat. I’m a strong woman, and no one’s going to make me feel any different. Even if it is the man I’m falling in love with. Especially if it’s that man. “Do not talk down to me, Mr. Wells.” He hears the venom in my voice, and now he’s the one flinching. “Isa,” he says, reaching for me. I do step back then, and dodge his hand. He lifts it to run over his close cropped hair. “You can’t win against him. He wants you.” “And you’re okay with that?” “You know I’m not. But you said you had to see this mission through. And we both know the big picture is more important than us.” “If he had picked something else, I would’ve caved. But cheating? I couldn’t go along with that.” “Just be prepared. It’s going to get worse. He’s going to get worse. And there’s only so much I can do to protect you from him.” “I know.” We walk back into the classroom, and I take my seat. I ignore the whispers going on around me— Mase and I weren’t alone for more than a couple of minutes, and I’m not that talented. Yet. He says he loves everything we’ve done together, but it’s been pretty tame. I want to drive him wild, so it’s time to start watching some videos. I’ve been avoiding it, hoping the books I’ve read would be enough. But I know they’re not. If I’m still in one piece after talking to Reina, I’m going to watch at least one before Mase comes over tonight.
I manage to ignore Kurt and his minions for the rest of the day. All they did was glare at me anyway. Well, except for Max, the girl who tried to warn me. She gives me pitying and apologetic looks, which are actually a little harder to deal with. I may despise Kurt, but I also know that he’s smart. And those looks from Max tell me there’s already another plan for me in place. I’ll be ready. If I’m still on the case. I walk into the Foundation offices, and smile at Alex. I ask her to let Reina know I’m here, and need to talk to her. Then I walk to my space, which is actually more like a library than an office. I check in with my small team of analysts in the two story, book filled area, and then head to my private office in back. Anyone walking in would think we’re Luddites, or working in an antiquated way. We’re not. My team and I use technology more than these books, but sometimes we need to go old school. I work on a couple of requests that Ainsley sent me for Audrey’s upcoming mission while I wait for Reina. I’ve just finished the second one when she knocks on my doorframe, a smile on her face. “Hi Isa. You wanted to see me?” “Yeah. I…umm…I did something I shouldn’t have today.” She straightens her spine, and takes a seat in front of me. “Go ahead and tell me.” “Kurt tried to blackmail me today, and I wouldn’t go for it.” She sighs heavily. “I told you I’d replace you with someone who’d be more comfortable if you couldn’t go through with his. You know that sleeping with random people isn’t part of your job. We’d do what we could to stop it from happening while you’re ‘employed’ but we can’t stop any type of initiation from happening. We’ve been over this already, Isa. Why did you let it get this far, only to have me replace you now?” “I don’t want to be replaced, Rei. I know I’m going to have to be with someone. I won’t enjoy it, but I have to do it. You can’t protect me forever. I’m not a virgin anymore if that’s what you’re worried about.” She doesn’t even try to hide the shock from her face. “You slept with Mason.” “Yes.” “Oh Isa. Why didn’t you come talk to me? Are you okay?” “I didn’t want to make a big deal out of it. I’m fine now. It was…rough, but once Mase knew, he took care of me.” “It is a big deal. And what do you mean, once he knew?” “I-I didn’t tell him right away.” “Isa, no.” “You wouldn’t understand.” “But I do. I didn’t tell the first man I was with either.” “You didn’t?” “No. And I felt like I was being torn apart when he…well, you know.” “Yeah, I do. Why didn’t you tell him?” “I wanted to make him think I was more sophisticated and sexy than I really was. And I was trying to forget that I’d almost once had my virginity taken from me.” “Someone tried to rape you, Rei?” “Yes. When I was very young,” she tells me, her voice shaking a little. “The man didn’t succeed, but I still remember how scared I was. Even after all these years.” “I’m sorry to make you think about it.” “Don’t be. I think about it every time I help a woman who finds her way to us, or I send one of you out on a mission. I feel stronger every day, just knowing that we’re helping people. Jane bringing me into the Society saved my life. I was broken, and she gave me a chance to heal. I owe her everything.” “And now you’re marrying her grandson.”
“It’s a fake marriage. You know that.” “Don’t, Rei. With me, and the other girls, don’t pretend that this isn’t real for you.” “He’ll never see it that way.” “He loves you.” “I know. But it’s not enough. I’m not enough to heal him. I can tell him all day and night that he’s wonderful, and special. And the bravest man I know. But he’ll never believe me. He has it in his head that he’s somehow not worthy of me, or true happiness.” “You have a year to make him see it. He said he’d never cheat on you, so you’ll have him with you every night.” “I already do. We haven’t been apart since the day he ‘proposed.’ I can honestly say that I’ve never been happier, or sadder. It’s almost worse to know that there’s a time limit. Because I know that when he walks away from me this time, it will truly be the end.” “If anyone can change his mind, you can. I’ll do whatever I can. We all will.” “Thanks, Isa. Now back to you. Why did you turn down the blackmail proposition if it’s not because you’re afraid to have sex with him or his boss?” “He somehow got my research paper and turned in the same one as his. He was trying to say I cheated. I couldn’t allow it.” I drop my head in my hands. “I know I need to look at the big picture, but I couldn’t.” “How did Kurt react?” “He said I’m going to regret it. And that I’d been warned.” “So he still wants you. Probably even more now.” “Yeah. Mase thinks it’s going to be bad for me. He said he’ll do whatever he can to protect me, but I know that’s not much.” “I’m giving you some backup, then.” She holds up her hand before I can argue. “This isn’t about sheltering you, Isa. Everyone has used backup on missions. You know that.” I do know that. And I need to get over my stubborn pride. “Thanks, Rei.” “You’re welcome. Now go home and get some rest. I have a feeling you’re going to need it.”
CHAPTER 4
Mason “Leave Isabelle alone, Kurt,” I tell him with a menacing glare the day after the cheating scandal. We’re just inside my classroom and the door ’s open, but so help me God, if the little prick doesn’t keep his mouth shut, I’ll shut it for him. He doesn’t need Isa. I know she thinks she needs him, but there has to be another way. Maybe she can get Max to confide in her. I know she’s not doing what she’s doing by choice. Which kills me, but I really can’t do anything about it. “You want a turn at her, Wells? Is that it? She’s going to cost a pretty penny when I finally convince her to join the other girls.” That he’s being this cocky—and mouthy—while we’re here at school tells me something. He’s getting desperate. I’ve observed him with the other girls, and I’ve never seen him like this with anyone. I know part of it is because Isa stood up to him, and he wants to break her. I won’t allow that, though. So I think fast. “You got me, Kurt. I want her. I want to initiate her into your little group.” I don’t have to pay, of course. But offering may smooth things over, and help her out. Hell, I don’t want her mouth on another man. She hasn’t done that with me yet, and I’ll be damned if I have to find out she sucked off someone else. Especially Kurt. “The girls initiate on me. Always.” “Maybe it’s time for a change.” “No.” Before I can respond, he lets out a low whistle. I look out the door, and see what’s gotten him distracted. Or I should say, who’s gotten him distracted. A doe eyed girl with long brown hair and short bangs is sauntering down the hall. There’s no other word for it. She’s fucking sauntering down the hall, and every male in the building is tracking her progress. She’s slim with slight curves, but the way she carries herself makes you think she’s packing a lot more than she really is. It’s confidence, along with the knowledge that she’s sexy. Her skirt’s short, and her top’s little more than a bustier. If I wasn’t so into Isa, I’d go for it. But while I can appreciate how hot this girl is, she’s doing very little for me. Not nothing—I am a red-blooded male after all. But not much. The girl comes to a stop in front of Kurt and me. “Are you Mr. Wells?” “I am, yes.” That came out a little husky, and her eyes narrow. Dammit. “I’m Ellie. Today’s my first day, and apparently, you’re my first class.” “Lucky us. I’m Kurt,” he says, holding out his hand. “Neither one of you is getting lucky. At least not with me. So you can put your little smile, and your little dick, back where they can’t offend anyone.” Kurt drops his hand and glares at her. “You’ll learn soon enough that making an enemy of me is not in your best interest, bitch.”
“Am I supposed to be scared? Shaking in my heels? Not gonna happen.” She turns back to me, dismissing Kurt. “Is there assigned seating, or can I sit wherever I want?” “There’s no assigned seating, but the other students have claimed the seats they like throughout the year. If you wait until everyone gets here, we can see what’s left.” “Whatever you say, Teach,” she says and then walks past us to sit on the edge of my desk as the other students start to file in. Wow. This girl is something else. And she just poked the bear by taking on Kurt. She puts on a tough act, but I hope she can follow it up. I don’t have time to worry about her, though. I have Isa to try and protect, and I also have a job to do. One that I’m jeopardizing by getting involved with her, real student or not. When I see Isa later in the day, I know Kurt’s begun his school day torture. Her mouth is in a thin line, and her clothes have some food stains on them. She stills walks into my classroom with her head held high. Which is the wrong way to play this. I’m trying to think of some way to convey this to her before the school day is over, when Grace walks in. Isa sees her and immediately bursts into tears. It’s like she flipped a switch, and it’s exactly what Kurt’s number one minion needs to see. Grace has a smirk on her face as she approaches Isa’s desk. “Did something happen at lunch, Isabelle?” Isa nods between her tears and answers in a small voice. “Yes.” “It’s only going to get worse.” She walks to her own seat, making sure to bend over far enough to flash me some cleavage as she gets settled. I shake my head because I know she won’t give up. But I won’t give in to her. I wasn’t going to before Isa, and I definitely won’t now. I head over to Isa’s place after I’m done in the tutoring lab. I know that the tears were fake, but I still want to make sure she’s okay. And yes, I want to fuck her. I went months without a woman, but even a day without her makes me crazy. Logically I know that I need to get her out of my system, but it’s been more than just sex with her from the start, so that’s not going to happen. God help us both. She’s in the shower when I find her. I quickly shed my clothes, grabbing a condom from my wallet before I join her. “Hi, babe. You doing okay?” “I am now,” she says with a sexy smile on her face. “I need to get the ketchup out of my hair before you make me scream, though.” “They put ketchup in your hair?” Motherfuckers. “Yeah. It’s almost out,” she tells me as she rubs more shampoo in the long locks. I move her hands aside and take over. I wash the last of it out as she reaches behind her to stroke my cock. I wanted to take care of her, but I don’t have the strength to stop her from pleasing me. It feels too damn good. She has one of those rain showers, but it’s not just a showerhead. The entire ceiling has little holes that have water coming out of them. So it’s like really being in the rain. I’m trying to decide how I want to do this—do her—when the lights go off. “What the fu—“ “Just wait,” Isa says. Colored lights all of sudden stream from the top of the shower. The colors are changing and shifting into patterns on the wall and shower door. And all over our bodies. It’s hands down one of the most erotic things I’ve ever seen—lights washing over Isa’s body along with the water. “Holy shit.” I drop to my knees, because I know exactly what I want right now. My mouth on her. The water pressure drops, and I’m glad one of use still has enough brain function left at the moment to make sure I don’t drown. I’m going to make sure she doesn’t remain this coherent for much longer, though. I love to drive her crazy, and taking care of her pussy is guaranteed to do just that. “Are you sure, Mase?” Isa asks me.
I look up at her, and see how nervous and shy she looks. She’s biting her bottom lip, and has her arms crossed over her breasts. Fuck. I thought she’d be okay with this. Hell, I thought she’d be more than okay. I keep forgetting that I was her first. And that I shouldn’t want to be her last. “It’s going to feel good, Isa. Really, really good. I promise.” Her lips curve up at my words. “I have no doubt. I just don’t want you to feel like you have to—“ “I want to. You have no idea how much I want to, Isa. I can show you, though.” I reach down and take my fully erect cock in my hand. It’s heavy, and I wouldn’t be surprised if I actually come while getting her off. Just the thought of it makes me twitch. I see her eyes go wide. “That’s you, Isa. All you. I want to taste you so bad.” “Yes, please.” I don’t even hesitate. I lean forward and lick her like she’s my favorite dessert. And after that first taste, I can honestly say nothing else I’ve ever eaten can compare to her. I stroke myself as I devour her, taking us both higher, and closer to release. She’s pulling my hair, thrusting her hips at my face, and spouting off random facts that only make sense to her and her sexy brain. It’s so hot that I can’t believe I haven’t gone up in flames yet. It only takes a couple of minutes, and some intense suction on her clit before she’s coming hard. I’m right behind her, spilling myself all over the shower floor. Isa sinks to the floor next me and I take her in my arms. “Wow.” “That’s the understatement of the year, babe. You’re delicious. Not that I ever doubted that you would be.” It’s true. I’ve always liked going down on women, but there have only been a handful of pussies in my life that I’ve truly loved to eat. Isa’s has joined that exclusive club, which is going to make everything even harder than it already is. Because I’m going to be thinking about it every time I see her. Teaching a class of teenagers isn’t going to be easy when I’m hiding a raging boner. But then again, when is anything in my life ever easy? * * * Isa It’s been two days since Kurt waged his war on me. I’ve had food thrown on me, my locker ’s been filled with whipped cream, my clothes were stolen from my P.E. locker while I was in class, and random guys have been brushing up against me while saying disgusting things. I want to just shoot the little asshole in the crotch region, but I know I have to pretend to crack. So, I’m going to. I get out of my English class a couple of minutes early by telling my male teacher that I have “female things” to take care of. I wait in the main hall of the school until the bell rings. Then I slide down the wall next to Kurt’s locker and start to sob. Tegan wanted me to start wailing in the middle of the floor, but Audrey reminded her that a great performance is one that looks more realistic, and not some over the top shit. Her words, but she’s right. I can’t put on a show, I just have to be one. I hear people talking around me, but no one approaches. Not even the teachers. I feel a shadow over me, but I fight the urge to look. I know from the cologne that it’s Kurt. He crouches down next to me so he can whisper in my ear. “What’s the matter, Isabelle?” he asks me, reaching out to brush my hair from my face. “Having a hard time lately, aren’t you?” “Y-yes.” “This could all be over. You could be one of the most popular girls in school. Just say the word.” “Wh-what do I have to do?”
“Just make some men happy. And maybe a woman or two. It’ll be fun for you.” “I don’t have much experience.” “That’s even better. I’ll try you out and see how to market you.” Market me? Is he for real? My body isn’t a can of Pepsi. And God, the thought of doing…that… with him. But I have to. I know I do. “Okay,” I tell him. He gets a text before he can say anything else. “Dammit,” he says, gripping the phone like he wants to throw it. “I’ll be in touch. No one will mess with you anymore.” He kisses the top of my head, and then storms off, looking like he wants to kill someone. I get up off the ground and start to walk to Mase’s room. Max falls into step next to me. “It’s not so bad, you know. I mean, it is…but you get used to it. Kurt and the boss protect us. So yeah, we have to have sex with random old guys, but no one hurts us.” “Physically, you mean. What about emotionally? And who’s this ‘boss’?” “I try to block out the emotional. I mean, I have no choice. I can’t get expelled—I’m on scholarship here. This school is my ticket to an Ivy. And at least I’m making good money. As for the boss—I can’t tell you about him. You’ll find out when he thinks you’re ready.” We’re at the classroom now, so I can’t ask her anything else. She gives me a small wave as she walks away. I’m shaking my head when I walk inside. Until I feel the tension in the room. It’s emanating from Grace, and directed at Mase. It’s a far cry from her blatant flirting, and alarm bells ring in my head. When I look to him, he’s not even paying attention to her, though. He’s writing on the board. I’ll ask him about it later, but for now I’m just glad that I don’t have to watch her undressing him with her eyes for the next forty minutes. After school, I head to the Foundation so Ellie and I can debrief. I have to pretend like I don’t know her when we’re at school, and we can’t be seen out together anywhere, so this is our first chance to talk this week. She’s definitely made a splash around campus. While I’m playing myself, she’s playing an exaggerated version of the tough girl I know she is. And Kurt’s practically foaming at the mouth. “Hey girlie, how are you doing?” she asks as I walk into her office. While mine looks like a library, hers looks like a bar. Or a family pub. That’s where she was working when Helen Wilson found her—her family’s pub. She wasn’t twenty-one yet, but she’d been tending bar for years. She’s as street smart as I’m book smart, but her intelligence is above average as well. What you see with her is definitely not what you get. So yeah, her team works at booths that look like they should be drinking in them, but she’s not someone I’d ever underestimate. “You saw my ‘breakdown’?” “Oh yeah. It was perfect.” “I just have to be initiated now. With Kurt.” “Fuck. Why didn’t you just let me go in first, or get recruited first?” “You want to sleep with Kurt?” “Of course not, but I could handle it. It’s just sex for me.” “What’s just sex for you, El?” Aiden asks, walking into the room. “None of your business, Aiden,” she tells him with a scowl. “So that’s how it is?” “It’s how you made it. You don’t want me? Fine. I get it. But you have no right—or claim—on me, so who I do is none of your concern.” He looks like he wants to argue, but he knows she’s right. Ellie’s made no secret of the fact that she wants him. She’s been clear since the moment he walked into the building with Matt and Nate. But for some reason, he thinks he can’t have her. So he won’t touch her. He just touches all kinds of other
women in front of her. I’m honestly surprised that he’s still standing. Or alive. I know he was Special Forces, but Ellie’s not someone I’d ever mess with. “See you around, then.” “Did you have something you needed from me? You came in here, after all.” I see the hope in her eyes, and it nearly kills me. I can see that he’s having similar thoughts. “I just wanted to make sure that everything was going okay. That you were okay.” “Why?” “Because I had to. Are you…okay?” “Aiden,” she says, taking a step towards him. He steps back, closing his eyes for a moment before speaking. “Don’t, Ellie. Don’t take it wrong.” Her eyes turn cold as she tries to hide the hurt that had flashed in them a moment ago. “I won’t. I’ve learned that nothing about me is right where you’re concerned. As for your question, I’m fine. Perfect. Couldn’t be better. Your conscience can remain clear while you fuck the female population of the city.” He wants to speak. I can see that he wants to tell her what she means to him. But he doesn’t. He just nods at us before turning to walk out the door. Ellie lets out a small cry, and I go to her immediately. She sobs in my arms for a few minutes, before shaking herself. “I’m sorry you had to see that. We need to focus on you, and the mission. Not my failed love life.” “He wants you, Ellie. He’s just fighting it for some reason. He’ll come around, just like Matt did with Reina.” “Matt hasn’t come around. He’s planning on a year.” “I don’t know if that’s still his plan. Since they’ve been exclusive, he’s been…nicer to her.” “True. But I heard him telling Nate that nothing’s really changed, other than he’s getting lucky every night.” “Matt? Matt said that?” Reina asks. Oh hell, neither of us heard her come in. “Umm…maybe?” Ellie says, trying to diffuse the situation. “I should’ve know. I do know. It’s been this way for years. Why would a stupid ring change things?” “He loves you, Rei.” “He loves my body, Isa. I hope he enjoys it for the year. Because once he divorces me, I’m done. And if any of you see me start to give in, slap me. I give you and the other girls permission to slap the shit out of me if I go near Matt Corrigan once the year is up.” “Don’t hold back, Princess. Tell them how you really feel.” Oh God. Could this day get any worse? First Ellie and Aiden, and now Reina and Matt are about to go at it. Sleeping with Kurt isn’t looking so bad in the grand scheme of things. “Like you’re telling Nate that you’re only happy about getting lucky every night with me? Well guess what? Your luck’s run out. My body is off limits to you.” Matt’s mouth drops open, and he’s gone pale. “For how long, Rei?” “Forever, Matt. For-fucking-ever. So get used to your hand since you can’t cheat on me.” “How is it cheating when the Ice Princess isn’t giving it up?” She punches him so hard that his head snaps back. “You know what? Go ahead and fuck someone. In fact, go fuck the whole damn country for all I care. Just know you won’t be fucking me ever again.” She runs out of the room, while the three of us just stand there in stunned silence. I’m the first to break that silence, because I can’t stay silent, even if blood is gushing pretty steadily from Matt’s nose. “How dare you, Matt? Haven’t you messed with her enough? She doesn’t deserve the way you treat her, like she’s nothing.”
“I know. And for the record, Double G, she’s everything to me. Every. Fucking. Thing.” “Then maybe you should tell her that.” “Yeah, maybe I should. But I can’t.” He walks out before I can tell him that he’s smarter than the way he’s acting. Ellie and I agree that we need to help them however we can. Matt may be an ass, but he’s like a brother to all of us. So while Reina has our allegiance, we won’t shut him out completely, either. We talk about school and strategize the best way for her to allow herself to be recruited. She can’t seem eager, but she can’t fight Kurt too hard, either. We come up with a solid plan, and call it a night a few hours later. I’m still worried about Kurt and the initiation, but after today, I realize that things could be much worse. At least I have Mase.
CHAPTER 5
Isa I didn’t want to dress too sexy for what is probably going to be the day I have sex with the head of a teen prostitution ring, but I also don’t want to look like a nun. I compromised by wearing a short blue dress that has a subtle print, and a high V-neck. My hair is in my usual braid, and I’ve got my blue cowboy boots from Tegan on my feet. I don’t know if they’ll give me the extra courage I need to go through with this, but they can’t hurt. Right after I walk into the main building, Kurt grabs me and pulls me into an alcove. “Are you ready, Isabelle?” “As I’ll ever be,” I tell him truthfully. “Wait for me at your locker after school. And be prepared for the show.” “Show?” I ask, swallowing hard. “Plans have changed, but there’s no way I’m not going to watch.” “I don’t get a say in this, do I?” “Nope. From now on, your life belongs to us. Don’t forget that.” “I won’t.” I also won’t forget that I need to find out who his mystery boss is. The guy who’s pulling the strings. Max admitted that there’s someone else, which is actually a no-brainer. Kurt’s too cocky to keep this going on his own. He likes to brag, and seeing him the past few weeks has made me realize that although he seems to give everything away, he’s been holding himself back. And it’s killing him. If I can play this right, I should be able to get all the info I need from him. Then I’m taking them both down, and getting these girls the help they need. No one throws anything at me, or tries to humiliate me throughout the day, but I’d honestly prefer that. They’re leaving me alone because they know I “belong” to Kurt, and that doesn’t sit well with me. At all. I’d rather fight them—I could totally take that asshole football player who was trying to cop a feel earlier this week—than have them look at me like I’m something less. Because even if I was going to be sleeping with people for money, I’m still a person. A good person. Good people do things they have to in order to survive all the time. That doesn’t make all of them bad, it just makes them desperate. I’m leaning against my locker after school when Kurt and Grace walk up to me. She’s still looking like she wants to kill someone, although he’s smirking at me. “Ready?” “You already asked me that this morning.” “Yes, but I wasn’t sure if you’d try to chicken out now that you have no idea what to expect.” “As you’re so fond of reminding me, I have no choice. I really never did. You wanted me, and now you’ve got me.” “Not like he wants you,” Grace mumbles. “Shut it, Grace. Unless you want me to take you out of rotation.” “You wouldn’t. You can’t!”
“I can. We have the lovely Isabelle now, and we’ll have that Ellie chick soon, too. So watch your mouth, and get over your jealousy.” I see that she wants to fight him, but she doesn’t. “I’m sorry, baby. I’ll be good.” “And right now, so will Isabelle. Let’s go.” We walk down the hall, and stop in front of Mase’s office door. This isn’t right. What are we doing here? ”Come in,” he calls out, when Kurt knocks. Kurt ushers us inside and then locks the door. I fight to catch Mase’s eye. He looks uncomfortable, but resigned as he pushes his chair away from his desk and turns it sideways. I’m still confused until Kurt speaks, and what he says sends chills down my spine. “On your knees, Isabelle.” “Wh-what?” “Everyone’s favorite teacher is getting the pleasure of that nice, sexy mouth of yours on his dick. So drop to your knees and start sucking.” “I-I…” “Isabelle, come over here. I promise I won’t bite…this time. And please don’t bite me.” “Does everyone…you know…get initiated like this?” “No. They do not. I worked out a deal with Kurt.” “Why?” I know why, but I feel like I need to play my part. And stall a little because I’m freaking out inside. “I’ve watched you in class, and I’ve wanted you. I want more than this, but it’ll do for now.” Mase sounds so calm. How the hell can he be so calm? He knows I haven’t done this before, because I wasn’t ready to do it to him yet. And now I have to not only perform this intimate act on him when I’m not ready, but I have to do it in front of Kurt and Grace. Now I know why she’s so angry. I take a deep breath, and force myself to think clearly. I don’t know how he did this, or what he promised Kurt, but I understand that he’s trying to protect me. I can’t mess this up. For the mission, or for myself. I square my shoulders and walk to him, dropping to my knees in front of his chair. I reach out and undo his belt, then the button of his khakis. My hands shake a little as I pull down his zipper. I’ve done it a bunch of times now, but never when I was on my knees. Or in front of other people. I feel hands in my hair, and then Mase is taking out my braid, and creating a curtain with my hair to shield what I’m about to do from the other eyes in the room. I still can’t look at him, because I’ll break if I do. “What are you doing, man? I can’t see with her hair down like that.” “All you need to see is that she’s doing it. I’m not putting my dick on display for the world. Or little girls who think I’m going to fuck them because they show some cleavage.” I hear ice in his voice that’s never once been there when he’s talking to me. If I’m being honest, it almost scares me a little to hear him like that. Then I think about how he’s being this way to shield me, and my nervousness dissipates. I push down his briefs and take him in my hand. This part is easy. I’ve made him come with my hands before. I close my eyes, and take a deep breath before bending over and darting my tongue out to give him a little lick. He tastes like Mase. I don’t know how else to describe it, but that’s it. Him. He leans down to whisper in my ear. “It’s just us here, Isa. Just us. They can’t see what you’re doing, and I’ll probably kill Kurt if he speaks up again. I’m sorry it has to be like this, but I couldn’t let him touch you.” “Thank you,” I whisper back, and then I just close my eyes and do it. I lick his shaft from bottom to top, and then take him into my mouth—just a little, enough for him to moan into my ear. I know he’s holding himself back from just thrusting into my mouth. Being
gentle for me. I show him my appreciation by opening my mouth wider, and taking him all the way to the back of my throat. I’m surprised that I’m liking this. A lot. He’s pulling my hair tight, as he tries not to make any noise, which is way hotter than it sounds. To know that he’s shielding me while at the same time, keeping his sounds for me alone, well that just makes me fall a little more for him. I reach down and cup his testicles in my hand, rolling them across my fingers while pumping him with my other hand, and sucking hard with my mouth. It takes less than a minute before he stiffens beneath me, and grips my head, hard. “Isa,” he breathes as he comes in my mouth. I swallow down everything he gives me, and lick my lips as I let him go with a pop. We’re both breathing hard as I keep my head down while moving his clothes back into place. He pushes my hands away to zip himself up and re-fasten his belt. I look up into his eyes, and he smiles at me, letting me know I did it right. I start to smile back when the clapping begins. “Very nice, Isabelle. Very nice. You got him off in less than five minutes.” “I could’ve done it in two,” Grace says. “She’ll get better with practice.” “You got your show, so why don’t you just get hell out of my office.” “And let you have a go at her again? No.” Mase stands so fast that I almost fall over. “You little son of a bitch.” “Temper, temper, Mr. Wells. If I didn’t know any better, I’d think you want more than a suck or fuck from the lovely Isabelle.” “Get. Out. Now. All of you.” That ice in his voice has returned, and Kurt doesn’t try to talk back to him again. He grabs Grace and is halfway out the door when he sees I haven’t moved yet. “He said all of us, Isabelle. That means you, too. You can go cry yourself to sleep now. Just make sure you’re ready for your first date tomorrow night.” I turn to look at Mase, but he’s looking away, his jaw clenched. I get up off the floor, and make myself walk out the door, even though all I want to do is run. Yes, we have parts to play. I know that. But being treated the same as them after what I just did, well, it hurts. And I don’t know how to stop it. * * * Mason I had to act cold towards Isa. If I’d shown how much I cared, it could have ended up hurting us both. Kurt wouldn’t hesitate to cause trouble for me, and then Isa would be all alone. Dammit! This isn’t about Isa. Who am I kidding? From the moment I saw her, everything’s been about her. But it can’t be. I need to find a way to slow things down while trying to still help her. Not tonight, though. Tonight she needs me. Or at least the “me” I’ve let her see—which is honestly, the real one. I stop for food, and then make my way to her place. The guards in the lobby nod at me, and grant me access to the elevator. She has the door open before I get to her, and I drop the food to pull her into a hug. “Are you okay, babe?” “No.” Shit. “What can I do? Tell me. I’ll do anything.” “I want to punch you.” “Okay.”
I lock my legs in place and bend down a little, giving her my chin. She punches me in the stomach instead, and I double over. I almost forgot that she’s not the sweet high school girl people think she is. She’s a trained spy, and she could do a whole lot more than punch me. She probably will once all is said and done, and I can’t even complain about that. I deserve whatever she does to me. Because I know I should’ve never even started this—whatever it is—with her. “Now can you just cuddle with me while we eat?” she asks, picking up the bag of food from the floor. “Yeah,” I tell her, my voice still a little shaky. “You pack one hell of a punch, by the way.” “I wouldn’t have passed my training if I couldn’t.” I smile then, my first real smile all day. It’s too fucking cute when she’s being so sensible. And hot. That brain of hers is an undiscovered aphrodisiac. We cuddle, and kiss for a few hours before I carry her up to bed. She asks me to stay for a little while, and I do. It gives me a chance to ask her about some things I’m curious about. “All the Griffins know about you guys, huh?” “What?” “I was just wondering. I mean, I know Luke knows. So his dad and brothers know too, right?” “No.” “Really?” “Yeah. We can’t just go around telling everyone we know. Even if we think we can trust them, they might slip up one day.” “That makes sense.” And helps me with something that had come up earlier today. “Thanks for staying we me,” she tells me on a yawn. “It’s my pleasure. Go to sleep, Isa. I’ve got you.” “I know.” Once she’s sleeping soundly, I kiss her on the forehead before leaving. I wish things could be different for us, but they’re not. So this is going to have to be the last time I come here. I should’ve told her that, but I didn’t. My heart was still holding out hope, but my brain won out. It always does.
CHAPTER 6
Isa Today’s the big day. Well, the other big day. I have to go on my first “date.” Since we didn’t have the exact timeline of when Kurt was going to send me out, Reina couldn’t get one of the guys to step in. Audrey stopped by with something to help me out, though. That’s the only reason I’m not more worried—there’s a plan in place. I am a little worried about me and Mase, however. He was sweet and loving last night, but it seemed off. I know he liked what I did yesterday, so that’s not it. It was also weird when he asked me about the other Griffins. I didn’t like lying to him, but it’s part of my job to protect the privacy and identity of our “Friends.” I would never out someone, even if it is to the man I’ve fallen in love with. “Isabelle, let’s walk together,” Grace says, coming up beside me. “Sure.” “Do you know what you’re wearing tonight?” “As a matter of fact, I do.” “It has to be classy, but sexy at the same time. Are you sure you can make that happen?” she asks, looking at me from head to toe, and obviously finding me lacking. “Is there something wrong with that I’m wearing today, Grace?” I have on wide leg blue jeans, with a black, short sleeved top that ties at the side, showing a little bit of skin. My hair is in some kind of crazy twist Stella felt I needed this morning, and I even have a couple of bangles on. So I’m really not sure what’s wrong with my outfit. “You look like you’re trying too hard to not be sexy,” she says. “I should take you shopping after school.” “Thanks, but I like my look.” “Come on, it’ll be fun. I’m going to be a stylist, you know. In fact, my father is going to get me an internship with Kace from Storyside’s stylist, Stella.” “That’s not going to happen,” I say before my brain can stop my mouth. “Excuse me?” “Stella doesn’t do internships,” I say, trying to work my way out of this. “And how would you know that. You don’t know her.” “Actually, I do. She’s my stylist.” “As if.” Clueless much? More like all the time in her case, but still. “She is my stylist, and if she heard what you said about my clothes a minute ago, it wouldn’t be pretty.” “Have her come here at lunchtime if she’s really your stylist.” “I can see if she’s available.” “You do that. We both know you’re lying, so good luck.” High school was never this cutthroat for me when I was there for real. Probably because I was much younger than everyone, so no one saw me as a threat to their dominance. It’s like animals in the wild, with a whole mini-population watching and waiting for the battle. If Grace and everyone else
knew how little any of that means to me, they’d be shocked. It’s the nature of the beast to want to be the strongest of the pack, but I really just want the library. I’ve never wanted attention or adoration from the masses. Or even just a single person, really. Until I joined the Society, and met the women who are like a second family, I didn’t care for much except for learning everything I could about, well, everything. Now that I’ve met Mase, I want more. I want his love. Maggie Griffin saved me from a life of solitude, and some other stuff my parents had planned for me, but I’m afraid that she won’t be able to save me from heartache if I mess this up and lose the man I love. * * * Mason I have lunch duty today, and I can hear a commotion as I walk to the cafeteria. It’s always a little crazy in there, but the fact that I can hear the noise all the way down the hall makes me think something special’s going on. It is almost prom time, so maybe a crazy invitation is happening. I’ll find out soon enough. Walking in the door, I see that it’s even more of a frenzy than I originally expected. And then I see why. That Kace kid from the boy band is standing on a table with a bombshell of a woman, and Isa. I don’t know what’s going on, or why they’re here, but I wade into the crowd to help his security and the other teachers. “What’s going on?” I ask when I get to the front. It’s Grace who answers. “I didn’t believe Isabelle when she said that Stella was her stylist. I told her to make her come here. We didn’t expect Kace, too, but I’m not complaining.” “Of course not.” “What’s that supposed to mean?” “Don’t test me today.” Before she can respond, the new girl jumps on the table. “Kace, baby, it’s been too long.” The bombshell—Stella—looks ready to kill her as she pulls him into a hug. “Oh hey, Erica.” “It’s Ellie,” she reminds him with a pout. “Oh yeah. Sorry.” “We should get out of here. You know it’ll be good.” “I’m the only one he’ll be leaving with so run along little girl.” Stella and Ellie have a staring contest that lasts long enough for the security team and other teachers to organize the students into a long line. I belatedly notice it when the tension breaks as Kace reaches over and kisses Stella like he means it. Ellie jumps off the table once she realizes that she’s been defeated. “His loss,” she shouts as she storms out. I watch as Kurt follows in her wake. Smart guy. He’s been wanting her, and now might be his best shot at getting her. I turn my attention back to the table, where the happy couple are still making out like their life depends on it. “Excuse me,” I say. “The natives are getting a little restless.” They pull away from each other with smiles on their face. I wish I could kiss Isa like that in public. But I can’t, and probably never will. The thought of being without her is like a knife slicing through my heart, but I try to ignore the pain. I knew what the outcome was when I went into this, and it’s too late to stop it now. “Walk with me,” Stella says as she jumps off the stage.
I realize she’s talking to me, and I look up at Isa. “Umm, no thanks.” “It wasn’t a request, Globe Guy.” “Globe Guy?” “You do teach history and geography, right?” “Yes.” “Then there you go. You’re a Double G. The perfect pair.” “Stella,” Isa says to her, coming up next to us. She doesn’t look happy, and it’s kind of hot to think she may be jealous. “I need to have a talk with your teacher, Isa. I promise to leave him in one piece when I’m done. Keep an eye on Kace for me, okay? These kids are a little nuts.” “Then stay and watch out for him yourself. And leave my…teacher…alone.” “I just want to talk.” Isa gives in, which I’m not sure is a good thing or not. “Fine. But one piece. I mean it.” “Pinky swear.” She holds her pinky out and Isa links hers with it. They both smile as Stella grabs my arm. I let her hold onto me as we walk into the hall. I start to head into my office, but she steers me into my empty classroom instead. Once we’re in the door, she locks it and pushes me into my desk. “What the hell?” “I promised her I’d leave you in one piece, but know this. You hurt Isa, and I will leave you alive. But just enough to feel the pain I’ve inflicted on you.” “I don’t know what—“ “I work with her, asshole, so you can drop the act.” Shit. “I don’t want to hurt her.” “You’re not doing a whole lot to reassure me here.” “I can’t predict the future.” “Again, not reassuring.” “Can you tell me your future?” “The exact details, no. But I can tell you it begins and ends with that guy signing autographs in the cafeteria.” “It’s that easy for you?” “Easy? Fuck no. We’ve been to Hell and back. But we’ve got each other, and that means we can survive whatever happens to us.” “What about other women?” “You mean like the chick who jumped on the table?” I nod. “No. I don’t worry. I know he loves me, and that means he won’t cheat on me.” “Cheating isn’t the only way to hurt someone.” “No, it’s not. And now you’ve got me worried again.” She should be, but I’m not stupid enough to tell her that outright. I do place some value on my life. “Isa’s too good for me.” “She’s too good for everyone. With her super brain, big heart, and a face that belongs on the walls of a museum, no one can compare to her. But she’s chosen you. Now the only question is, are you going to rise to the challenge or not?” I want to lie. Hell, I’m a master at lying, but I know Isa’s going to need her friends. So I tell Stella the truth. “Not.” She closes her eyes, and exhales. “I was afraid of that. You need to walk away now. Scratch that, you need to run. Go to another city, find another job, I don’t give two fucks. Just go away.” “I can’t do that, Stella.”
“Then be prepared for the fallout. I’m not Isa’s only friend. And I can tell you that everyone who knows her is fiercely protective of her. We’re not going to stand by while some dumbass prick who she gave her most precious gift to shreds her heart. There’ll be Hell to pay when everything goes down. And what I said about leaving you alive? Our friends may not be that accommodating.” “I’m aware of how my actions will come back to bite me in the ass.” I accepted that a long time ago. “But for the record, I’m humbled by what she gave me. No other gift has ever come close to making me feel what she did—does. I love her, Stella, but this would never work. We would never work.” “Tell her today, Mason, and I’ll keep the assassins at bay.” “Thank you.” “I’m doing this for her, and not you.” “I know.” * * * Isa I didn’t have time to talk to Mase after he went off with Stella, and I can’t do it now, either. I have to leave right after school to start getting ready for my date. When Kurt told me the time, I was surprised. I guess I just assumed that these things would happen at night, not around early bird dinner time. I’m nervous, but with a little help from my friends, I know I’ll be okay. Tegan’s doing my hair when Stella gets to my “parents’” house. We figured it was best if I left from here in case anyone was watching me. Tegan’s been posing as the housekeeper for a week, which I’m guessing is part of her punishment for telling tales about her bestie last month. All has been forgiven, and they’re as close as ever now, so I don’t ask her to leave when I confront Stella. “What did you say to Mason today at the school?” She doesn’t hesitate to answer. “I told him I’d fuck him up really bad, but keep him alive to feel the pain, if he hurt you.” “What?” I ask, jumping out of the chair so fast that I almost burn Tegan with the curling iron. “Damn, Isa. Warn a girl, please. But you know what she told him is true. We’d all take a turn at him if he broke your heart.” “No. You wouldn’t,” I tell them as I sit down. “It would be my problem. I’m tired of being treated like a little kid who needs to be protected.” “That’s not what’s happening here,” Darcy says as she steps into the room. None of us heard her enter the house—which was locked. That’s why she’s going to be a big part of what happens tonight. “Then please enlighten me because it sounded like that was exactly what was happening. Again.” “Stella threatened him because she’s your friend. And Tegan said we’d all go after him for the same reason. We’d go after anyone who hurt one of us. We’re more than a team, we’re family. At least I think of you all that way.” “I love all of you. You are my chosen family. It’s just…my biological family sheltered me so much because I was, well, the way I am. And I see you all do it, too. I’m rarely sent on missions, and you all keep guys away from me when I go out with you.” “Hold up,” Tegan says. “Stell and I have tried to get you to hook up, or at least kiss someone, every time we’ve gone out with you. So don’t include us.” “I don’t think you’ve had less missions because anyone’s trying to protect you, either. You went through the same training that we did. We know you can be badass when you want to. Or have to. I think it has more to do with the fact that you are so freaking amazing behind the scenes. You’ve saved me at least twice that I know of, and probably more times that I don’t,” Darcy tells me.
“I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to sound like a bitch. It’s just that I’ve always went to school with people who were way older than me. Because of that, my parents and teachers always kept me separated from the other students. I understand why they did it, but I had no friends until all of you. And I guess I want to be like you. Well, not exactly like you, but I don’t want to be protected anymore. If Mase breaks my heart, I’ll deal with it. It’ll suck, but everyone’s had their heart broken at least once, right?” “I have. And it sucks balls, but I’m a functional member of society at present. Not the Society since I’m still being punished. But I do okay,” Tegan says. “You’ll be back on a mission soon, Teeg.” “I know. And I’m kind of liking my down time. Helping Yas set up the literacy center has been great. I just miss taking down bad guys.” “I doubt they miss you,” Stella says, and we all laugh. Everyone re-focuses on the task of getting me ready, and before long I’m headed out to my first “date.” I hope our plans work, because I’m not prepared for anything other than flirting. Well, and one kiss. That’s all I’ll need.
CHAPTER 7
Isa Kurt is waiting when I walk into the hotel. He makes eye contact with me, and nods towards an older gentleman sitting alone at the lobby bar. I know how this is supposed to go down. He told me when he cornered me at school today. Well, I guess it’s not really “cornering” since I’m supposed to be on board with all this now. I make my way into the bar, and sit down next to my “friend.” “There you are. When you didn’t come right back to the room after your meeting, I was worried.” “I knew you’d find me, my dear. How was your day?” “It would’ve been better if you hadn’t had that dumb meeting,” I tell him with the best pout I can muster. Yes, this conversation is killing some of my brain cells, but playing dumb is going to help me later. He won’t expect what’s coming. Which means Kurt won’t suspect anything is off later, either. “I’m sorry to have ignored you, but I’ll make it up to you. I promise.” He looks me up and down, and then smiles like the cat who caught the canary. I want to throw up, but I keep the smile pasted on my face. Audrey’s taught me well. I even manage to reach out and stroke his arm while keeping the drink he ordered me down. I take another sip as his hand moves to my knee. “I think we’re ready to go up to our suite now,” he says when I finish my drink a couple of minutes later. I nod, but then stumble as I stand up. Something’s wrong. I don’t feel right. He grips my arm tightly, and smiles indulgently at me. My brain clears for a moment, and I realize that I’ve been drugged. I watched my drink from the moment the bartender gave it to me, so he must be the one who did it. I reach over and lightly press on my forearm before succumbing to the cloudiness again. We’re stumbling into his room with him practically carrying me when the fog lifts again for a moment. “Lipstick,” I say. “You want me to put your lipstick on, my dear?” I nod, and he sets me down on the couch. I feel him open my small bag, and then he’s painting my lips. Thank God. I know my friends are close by, but they can’t interfere. I’m fading again, but I manage to get the two words out. “Kiss me.” He does, sticking his tongue in my mouth even though I’m not an active participant. He starts to pull my dress up, but doesn’t get very far. I feel him stiffen before he collapses on top of me. I can’t move him, but at least I know I’m safe. It’s the last thought I have before falling completely under. When I wake up, my mind is still foggy but my date isn’t on top of me anymore. I slowly open my eyes, blinking a few times. “She’s awake,” I hear someone say. I think it’s Tegan, but she’s not supposed to be here. “Isa, can you hear me?” Reina asks me. She shouldn’t be here, either. “Yes. What are you doing here?” “You were drugged, Double G.” Matt’s here too?
“I know. I activated my panic button, knowing Ainsley would see the drug in my blood when my vitals popped up.” “You still managed to knock out the old guy,” Matt says with admiration in his voice. I smile at him and start to sit up. He rushes over to hold me. “I couldn’t say much, but I got him to put my lipstick on and kiss me.” “You did really good,” Matt tells me, kissing my temple. “I would’ve killed him if he’d touched you, you know.” “You would’ve had to get in line. Please tell me I can have a go at Kurt before we turn him over. He’s behind this, and guys who drug girls to rape them—or have someone else do it—need to feel some pain.” “You can have one punch, Teeg,” Reina promises her. “I appreciate the support, but isn’t this going to jeopardize the mission? I mean, only Darcy was supposed to be here to help me.” “No one will know they were here,” Darcy says, coming out of the bedroom. “The guy’s all taken care of in there.” “Condom wrapper, empty bottles, the works?” Reina asks. “I’m not new a trainee, Rei. You know I know what I’m doing.” We all know that. Before Mallory recruited her, Darcy was a cat burglar and con woman. She grew up that way, so she’s done things like this her whole life. She knows how to get herself out of pretty much any situation. That’s really come in handy for us on a number of missions. “I do know, Darce. But I wouldn’t be doing my job if I didn’t double check everything.” “You can double check me anytime, Princess,” Matt tells her. “I’m not even single checking you at the moment. In fact, don’t you have a bar to trawl?” I can feel him sigh behind me since he’s still holding me up. “This isn’t my ideal setting for this conversation, but I need you to hear me and I’ll take what I can get. I’m very aware of what you’re— we’re—not doing. And when I went out last night, it was just to hang with the guys. I didn’t pick up anyone. I won’t be picking up anyone if I go out. I’m sorry that I hurt you by what I said to Nate, and that I always hurt you. That’s the last thing I ever want to do, Rei. You’re more than a body to me, and you know it. Even if I put up my walls, you see past them just like you always have. I’m going to try and be the guy you deserve. I swear it.” “I hate to break this up, I really do. But we need to get out of here,” Darcy says. “Yeah, we do,” Matt says. He gives me one more kiss on the forehead before standing up and grabbing Reina’s hand. She lets him, which I think is a good sign that they’re okay again for the moment. They head to the balcony, and I see them put on their harnesses and swing over to the suite next door. Tegan and Darcy follow them, but go to the opposite balcony. I untie their ropes once they’re safely on the other balconies, and then I fix myself up, and head downstairs. Kurt falls into step with me as I head for the valet line. “Did you have fun, Isabelle?” “Since I don’t remember anything, I really couldn’t tell you,” I say, making my lips tremble. “I think I was drugged.” “You were.” “What?” I should be getting an award for how shocked I make my voice sound. “He likes it that way. He doesn’t want an active participant.” “What if he’d hurt me.” “He wouldn’t. He’s harmless, and just wants a passive fuck.” “You could’ve warned me.” “That wouldn’t have been as much fun. Relax. You’re fine.”
Tegan’s not the only one getting a punch in when we take down this little asshole. Maybe he needs a little drugging, too. I’ll need to talk to Audrey about it. The lipstick she gave me worked perfectly. She’s the sexiest woman I’ve ever met, which helps disguise a brain that rivals mine. Hers leans towards chemistry, while mine is more about knowledge and research. Ainsley and her combined are better than that “Q” guy from the James Bond movies. That’s why the guys call them the A-Team. Audrey also has a theater background, which she uses to help us learn to blend in, or stand out, when we need to. She’s the real deal. “What now?” “You’ll have an envelope in your locker tomorrow, and I’ll be in touch when someone requests you again. Have a great night.” I turn away from him without answering. My night consists of a long hot bath, and maybe a good book. I’d like to talk to Mase, too, but after Stella threatened him, he may want to stay away. I hope not, but I have to be prepared for it. * * * Mason I’m sitting in the game room at Isa’s apartment building waiting for her. The guards directed me here when they told me she wasn’t home yet. There’s no seating in the lobby, and I was hoping they’d just send me up to her place. I wanted to look around a little, and see how close she is to bringing Kurt down. I know she’s in, but I really need to know how much time there is. They didn’t go for my promises of just wanting to surprise her, and told me they’d send her into the room once she got here, and I could surprise her then. If I’d been thinking clearly, I would’ve remembered that this place isn’t guarded by the usual rent-a-cops. That’s the problem, though. Since meeting Isa, I haven’t been thinking or focusing the way I need to be. And I really shouldn’t be here. I convinced myself that it was over, but I know it’s not. I can’t walk away from her. And it just might get me killed. “What do I need to see in there?” I hear Isa ask from the hallway. I don’t hear the answer, but I stand up to greet her as she walks in the room. “Surprise.” “Mase? Hi. What are you doing here?” “I wanted to be here in case you needed me. You know…after.” “Oh. You didn’t have to. I’m fine.” She’s fine after sleeping with some random guy? Maybe we’re both hiding more than I thought. “Really?” “I didn’t sleep with him…or anything else.” “What? How? Isn’t Kurt going to be mad?” I already know the answer to that last one, but I have to ask. “I can’t tell you the details, but let’s just say that he fell asleep, and will wake up thinking we had a really good time.” She knocked him out. Good girl. “That’s the best news I’ve heard all day.” “I know what Stella told you earlier. I hope she didn’t scare you away,” she tells me, looking way too serious. “I’m here, Isa.” “But maybe it’s too tell me goodbye.” “That’s what I should be saying, but I can’t. I really can’t.” “I don’t want you to be with me if it’s not what you want.”
“I’ve never wanted something as much as I want to be with you. Please don’t ever forget that. I love you, Isa. More than I thought I could love another person. I should be walking away from you, but I’m too selfish for that.” “I love you, too. And if wanting you is selfish, then for the first time in my life, that’s what I plan to be.” I kiss her. I can’t not kiss her after she says something like that. She kisses me back, and we both pour everything we are into it. Into each other. I’ve never kissed another woman like this, because there’s never been anyone like this for me before. And there never will be after her. She’s it for me, and that means I’m going to die alone one day. Because God knows, I’m not going to be with her. I put those thoughts out of my mind as she starts walking backwards, our mouths still having their play date. I hold her hands as she leads me down the hall. We stop kissing before the lobby, but I keep possession of one of her hands. We smile and nod until the elevator doors close, and then the bases are loaded. Her legs are wrapped around me as I suck on her nipple through the fabric of her dress and bra, and thrust my pelvis into hers. Her hands are pulling at my hair as she squeezes me closer. I never realized that dry humping in an elevator could be so hot. Belatedly, I think of the cameras that must be in here, and pull back. “Cameras?” “Yes. But Ain—my friend—will erase the tapes. I need your mouth.” We reach her floor just as I give her what she asked for. I’m the one walking backwards now, carrying her in my arms as she starts kissing and biting me on every exposed piece of flesh she can find. I gently pry her off my neck to remind her that it’s not turtleneck season and there’s school tomorrow. “But I want to mark you as mine. I want Grace to see that she can’t have you.” “I’m all yours, babe. And Grace was never even a consideration. Now let me get you upstairs,” I tell her as I push her door open. “No. Not there. I want it…” “Where? Where do you want me to make love to you?” She doesn’t answer at first, but I see her eyes dart to the side. Ah, she wants it there. We haven’t done that since the first time. When it was horrible for her, and heart wrenching for me. I can totally work with that. But I want to hear it from her. “Tell me, Isa. Command me.” Her eyes widen, while her mouth forms an O. I hold her gaze as her eyes search mine. For tonight, she’s in charge, and I need her to know that. A smirk forms on her lips. “I want it against the bookcase, Mase.” “What do you want? Name it and it’s yours,” I tell her as I carry her over there and set her down with her back to her beloved books. “Take of your clothes,” she tells me biting her lip. “And…and then mine.” “Yes, ma’am.” She starts laughing as I pull my t-shirt over my head and toe off my sports sandals. “Don’t call me that. This is so not that kind of thing.” “It could be. I’d totally submit for a night.” “Duly noted.” I’ve got my shorts and briefs pushed past my hips now. I watch her as she’s watching me, licking her lips without realizing it. “You like what I’m showing you?” “I love. I want.” “Your clothes are still on.”
“Hurry up, then. I mean, geez. What kind of submissive are you?” God, she’s adorable. And sexy. “You said we weren’t playing like that,” I remind her. “Well not after you get our clothes off, but until then, I was expecting some level of urgency.” “I’m worth the wait,” I say as I run my hands up her thighs, taking her dress with me. “Oh, I know. Which is why I’m so impatient.” I’ve got it over her hips now, exposing plain boy shorts. She didn’t wear her sexy stuff for the old guy which makes me very, very happy. “Good things come to those who wait.” “Amazing things come for guys who take a girl hard against a bookcase.” I chuckle as I pull the dress over her head. I dip my head and take her bra strap in my mouth, grazing her with my teeth as I pull it down. I start to move to the other one, when she groans. And not in a “this is amazing, do more” way. “Mason.” “Jake,” I tell her without thinking. “What?” Shit. I stop what I’m doing and put my mouth to her ear, hoping to get this out in the right way. “My good friends call me Jake. I’ve never really liked the name Mason.” For reasons I can’t tell her. “Okay. Please stop torturing me, Jake, and put your mouth on me.” “Where?” I ask as I drop her bra to the floor. “Anywhere. Everywhere.” I nuzzle my nose between her breasts and start kissing and licking back and forth, from one to another. While I do that, I slide my hands down her stomach to hold her hips. I let my thumbs rub her skin beneath her panties, but I don’t try and take them off. It’s not time yet. She has other ideas. “No,” I tell her with one of her nipples in my mouth. She tried to take those little shorts off herself, and that’s just not happening. I was given an order and I fully intend to follow it. Once I’m ready. “I thought I was in charge.” “Oh, you are. I promise.” I start kissing below those perfect handfuls, and get to her ribs before she halts my progress by pushing me away from her and crossing her arms. I hold back my laugh as she looks at me with one eyebrow lifted. “If I was truly in control here, books would be shaking on the shelves behind me. You haven’t even taken my underwear off.” I have to tell her the truth because this is one thing I can’t lie to her about. “I wanted to cherish you, Isa. I want you to know how much you mean to me. But if you want me to rip your panties off, and fuck you against this bookcase, I can do that too.” Her eyes get wet, which is not what’s supposed to be happening. At all. Shit. I really do suck at this love stuff. I’m trying to figure out how to fix this when she puts all my fears to rest. “Thank you. I want to be cherished. And also fucked hard against my books. But cherishing first would be wonderful.” I kiss her softly, my heart feeling lighter as I push everything except for us and this moment aside. I drop to my knees and kiss my way across her stomach from one side to the other. I swirl my tongue around her belly button, nibble on each hip. After her panties are off, she spreads her legs wider for me. I’m understanding why she wanted to mark me earlier. I want to claim her as mine, even if I can’t do it publicly. I start to sink my teeth into her inside thigh, but look up at her as she grips my hair tight. “Yes,” she tells me.
I bite hard as she moans. I know she liked it because liquid drips down to my cheek as I’m soothing her with little licks. I turn my head and lick up the rest of her thigh to where I really want to be. I take my time there, licking, sucking, and biting her through two explosive orgasms. I’m harder than I can ever remember being in my life as I get to my feet and take her mouth again. Her hands go to my ass to pull me close, and I almost come all over her stomach. “Still want it hard?” I ask because I know I left her a little shaky already. She nods. “Good. Because I really want to fuck you right now.” I reach down to grab a condom from my shorts, but she stops me. “You know I’m clean. If you are, I trust you. I’m on birth control.” Oh hell yeah. I’ve only been bare with a handful of women in my 29 years, but I know how good it feels. Being with Isa like that may kill me. But I’m more than ready to die for her. I straighten, pick her up and make sure her legs are wrapped tightly around me. Once I’m lined up, I grab her hands and link our fingers above her head. Only then do I slam into her, and nearly come immediately with how good it feels. “Holy fuck. I knew it would be amazing, but this…you…if I move, I’m going to come.” “So move. I’ve already come twice, in case you forgot.” “I never forget having my mouth on you. You’re sure?” “Yes, Jake. I’m sure.” That—hearing my name on her lips while I’m buried balls deep inside of her—that’s what makes me move. I’m powering into her within seconds, feeling that tingling down my spine that tells me I’m close. Isa beats me to it as she comes for a third time, screaming out the name I told her to call me. I’m right behind her, spilling everything I have into her as a few books fall off the shelves. “Oh God, Isa. I didn’t know you were so close.” “I didn’t either,” she says and we both burst out laughing. We clean up, and make some omelets together. I make slow love to her before we fall asleep in her bed hours later. My life is perfect. A perfect lie, that is. I’m running out of time, and God help us all when that clock strikes twelve, because this is no fairy tale and I’m definitely no prince.
CHAPTER 8
Isa Ellie joins us a few days later with no fanfare, and no initiation. She told Kurt her mouth wasn’t coming anywhere near his “little penis” unless he paid up. He said he didn’t pay for it, and she told him she didn’t give it up to high school guys for free. She told me he turned red, but he knows she’ll bring in good money, so he agreed. I see her talking to Grace near my locker and have to hide a smile as I walk up to them after school. “Hi, I’m Isabelle.” “Oh yeah, I almost forgot to tell you about the braniac. I guess the librarian look does it for some guys.” “Me, too.” Ellie says as she reaches out to twist one of my loose curls around her finger. “I’d totally do you, Isabelle.” “Um…thanks,” I say, holding back my laughter. “Girl on girl. I could totally sell that,” Kurt tells us as he places his arms around me and Ellie. “I could do it, Kurt.” “No, Grace. These two would be perfect. And I know just the client. He signed on yesterday, and I can already tell he’d be up for anything. Be ready for my text, ladies,” he says before heading down the hall and out the doors. “He’s only giving you attention because you’re new. I’m his favorite. I always will be.” I’m horrified as I realize that Grace needs that attention. That’s why she’s doing this. Dammit. She needs to see her worth, and she’s not going to do that while she’s on her back. Or her knees. “We need to get her help after this is over,” I tell Ellie after Grace is gone and the hall is empty. “Yeah. We definitely do.” “Thanks for saying…you know.” “Why are you thanking me? I would totally do you if I was into girls. You’re hot, my friend.” “Sure.” “Um, hello, who’s got the sexy teacher practically ripping her clothes off in the elevator?” “What? Ainsley said she’d erase the tapes.” “She did,” Ellie tells me with a wide grin. “But you just confirmed my suspicions. And won me twenty bucks from Jade.” “You two are ridiculous.” “Yeah, yeah. You know you love us.” “I do.” Both of our phones buzz right then. “Really?” Ellie asks. “I guess ‘girl on girl’ is what the client ordered.” “Lucky us.” We decide to take our own cars to the hotel so Kurt doesn’t get suspicious. He told us to just come as we are, because the guy told him he could care less about what we wear—as long as we take it off
fast. Ellie’s not nervous about us having to do this, but I am. I’ve never been with a girl before. And while I’d rather it be with someone I know, I’d prefer for it to never happen. This is a different hotel than last time, and the directions have changed as well. After valeting, we walk in together, nod at Kurt, who joins us in the elevator. We ride up and down a little until we’re finally alone in there. He takes out a key card and gives it to me. “This guy’s well known in some circles. He can bring me a ton of business, so make sure he’s more than happy when you leave. He said he wanted just the show, but if he asks for something else, just give it to him. Anything.” “You don’t know what he likes?” I ask, confused. Kurt told me he keeps detailed files on his clients. “He just signed on, so no.” “How do you know this is safe?” Ellie asks, knowing full well that the two of us could handle pretty much anything. “He’s probably not. But like I said, he could bring in a lot of money. And one of you should be able to get away if he tries something. Call me and not 911 if that happens, though.” He’s completely serious. Kurt’s willing to send us into a situation that could get at least one of us hurt in order to get more business. Has he done that to Max? Or Grace? We need to get this takedown done soon. I know we want the bigger boss, but I don’t want any of us to get hurt. Ellie and I don’t look at each other as we exit the elevator. We make our way slowly until we hear the doors close behind us. We stop and look back, just to make sure Kurt didn’t get off to follow us. “What the fuck, Isa?” “I know.” “If whoever ’s in there tries anything, I’m taking him the fuck down. We can get Kurt and his boss some other way. I’m not doing some kinky shit.” “Um, hello, we’re about to have girl sex.” “Well, yeah, but I was ready for that.” “You were?” “Well, as ready as I can be. Let’s just get this over with.” With a deep breath, I open the door and we walk inside. There’s no one in the living room, but neither one of us move toward the bedroom. If this guy wants us, he can find us. We take off our bags, but that’s it. “Hey, you’re supposed to be naked and getting it on,” Nate says, coming out of the bedroom. “Nate!” I yell as I run to him. “Hey, Double G,” he says as he hugs me tight. “Happy to see me, huh?” “Definitely.” “What if I still want my show? I mean, I did pay for it.” “You’re such a pig. You and your stupid friends,” Ellie tells him. “It’s so nice of you to always sugarcoat things, Brass. And Aiden’s not stupid, he’s just confused.” She flips him off. “Like you are with Jade, huh? And now I know why you hired us—you want to see if I really have a brass pair under my skirt, don’t you?” “No. I trained you, so I know you’re all girl. But you’re still the toughest chick I know.” “I’m tough,” I tell him. “Yeah you are. And no one would ever see it coming. Which is perfect.” “Why thank you.” “Now that that’s all settled, what should we do for the next couple of hours?” “We’re supposed to do “anything” you want so you’ll tell all your friends. I always forget you’re a star.” “I’m just a guy, not a star.”
But he is. Before he joined the military, Nate was the top underground fighter in the country. In fact, the UFC still calls him regularly trying to get him to join. But he won’t. Since Selene got fired, he’s taught all of us, but he won’t fight anyone outside of when he helps us. People still know his name, though. I’ve been with him when he’s been stopped for autographs. “Okay, just a guy, tell me why you won’t go out with my best friend.” Ellie just went there. One of us might just end up leaving here a little bloody. Is it bad that I’m glad it won’t be me? “I don’t go out with anyone. I fuck women. That’s all.” “Then fuck Jade.” “No. She’s…she’s…” “Not pretty enough? Not sexy enough? What?” “She’s perfect! There I said it. Are you happy? Jade is fucking gorgeous, and strong, and everything I would want if I could let myself want a woman the way she deserves to be wanted. I can’t just fuck her.” “You’re all she wants.” “I’m the last person she should want. I’d hurt her. In more ways than one.” He runs his hand over his short black hair before walking back towards the bedroom. “Do whatever you want out here. I just need to be alone.” Once the door is closed, Ellie takes out her phone. “Call Nate,” she says and then hangs up. “You know that won’t end well.” “The both deserve happiness.” “So do you and Aiden.” “Yeah, well, I’ve given up hope that he’ll ever help make that happen.” “Just don’t give up on him, Ellie. There’s still hope as long as you don’t do that.” “I’ll try, Wise One. I’ll try,” she says as she rests her head on my shoulder. We put on the TV, but spend most of our two hours talking. Although I’m closest in age to her and Jade, we don’t hang out much. They’re not as wild as Stella and Tegan were, but they do go out several nights a week. I’m always invited to go out with them—and everyone else—but I tend to stay in. Audrey and I are close because we’re both Maggie’s girls, but we don’t hang out too much, either. I just feel different than all of them. Because I am. No one ever makes me feel that way, even though I know it’s true. That’s why I would lay my life down for any one of them. And not even give it a second thought. When our time’s up, Nate comes out of the bedroom to hug us goodbye. “Sorry, I was an ass ladies. I love you both, you know.” “We know,” I tell him. “She called you?” Ellie asks. “Yeah. She shouldn’t have, but thanks.” “Just make sure to tell Kurt we left you happy,” she says. “As happy as I can be, you mean.” “Yeah, that.” I kiss him on the cheek and then we walk out. When we meet up with Kurt, he tells us he already got a text saying that we exceeded expectations. He also tells us we’ve earned a spot at his party next week. He says we’ll get all the details later. We part at valet again. This party gives me a bad feeling that I can’t shake. I hope I can handle whatever it is that’s going to happen there. * * *
Mason “No. You can’t go to his party. I’ve heard about these parties.” Isa asked me to come over after her latest escapade. She hasn’t told me if she did anything, but she’s been in good spirits, so I’m guessing she didn’t. I don’t think she could get out of something at the party, though. “How? When you came to us, you acted like you just had suspicions, but now you seem to know everything.” “I-I knew when I came to you, okay? I didn’t want to say how much I knew because I was afraid your boss would think I was involved. But you’ve seen how Grace is with me.” “You should go now.” “What? I’m trying to be honest with you, and you’re kicking me out?” “Is this you being honest? Completely honest?” “Yes. It is. I shouldn’t have hid that I knew about it, but I did. Now I’m telling you what I should’ve told you then.” “I can handle that you knew if that’s all you’ve kept from me. That’s it, right?” “Yes. I swear.” That just sealed my fate in Hell. Fucking sealed it. But a guy’s gotta do what he’s gotta do. And I like breathing. “I love you, Mas-Jake. Jake. I love you, Jake. I’ve never said those words to anyone in a romantic way before. They mean something to me.” “They mean everything to me when you say them, Isa.” I won’t say that I’ve never said them before, because I have. I’ve never meant them before, though. “I love you so much it hurts. Always know that.” “Why are you saying it like that? Like we’re doomed? This is why I’m worried.” We are doomed. “I’m sorry. I just keep thinking that you’re going to realize I’m not the guy you want.” “Well, I gave you my heart and body. I don’t know what else I can do to show you.” “Nothing. You’re perfect, Isa. So damn perfect. I just know I don’t deserve you.” “Well, you’ve got me. So don’t screw this up. As for the party, I have to go. This may be my chance to find out who’s giving Kurt his orders.” “Did he tell you about the party?” “No. Just that Ellie and I are invited to it.” “I don’t know much about Ellie, but she seems like she could handle it.” “And you think I can’t?” “I don’t want you to have to.” “Just tell me what you know.” This I can do for her. And if what I tell her helps bring it all down, then that’s what has to happen. “Kurt’s boss opens up his home every month for a special party. The men who attend all have bank accounts large enough to bid. In the seven figures, if necessary.” “Bid?” “Yes. The men wait in the guesthouse at the mansion. The girls all hang out in the Great Room downstairs in the main house. In only lingerie and heels. The men start bidding on who they want. They have ten minutes to bid for each girl, and the highest bidder wins. The man goes up a back staircase to a designated room, and the girl meets him there. He gets that girl for the night. The entire night. ” “Wow.”
“Now you know why I don’t want you there. You can’t just knock someone out for a few hours and escape.” “I have to do it.” “I know,” I say, running my hands over my face. “I don’t have to like it, though.” “Will you spend the night before with me?” “Yes, Isa. Of course I will.” She climbs on my lap and starts kissing my neck. “Stay with me this weekend, too. All weekend.” “All weekend, huh? You’re not going to get sick of me?” “Never.” I’ve already got that reserved place in Hell, so of course I stay. I kiss her and show her my love. I make love to her and say the words we both need me to tell her. I watch movies with her and hold onto her as we eat. The end is coming, and my life is about to be over, even if I’m still breathing after this week.
CHAPTER 9
Isa I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t worried about the party tonight. Reina and Ainsley have been trying to figure out a way to get Ellie and me out of the mansion we’re going to, but they’ve been unsuccessful so far. I’m surprised when the knock at my door turns out to be Maggie Griffin. “Maggie, hi.” “Hi, Isa. May I come in?” “Of course.” “I wanted to see how you’re doing. I haven’t been doing too much mentoring on this mission. I’m sorry about that.” “You’re busy. I understand.” “Not too busy for you. I need you to know that you can call me, and I’ll do everything I can to help you. Always.” “I do know that.” “Yet you haven’t called.” “Alex just got married, and Olivia’s having the baby soon.” “Which are both happy events that I don’t have much to do with.” I raise an eyebrow at her. “Okay, I’m very involved with my children and grandchildren, but you’re part of my family, too. So tell me all about Mason Wells.” “You’re my family too, and I should me more involved with everyone. I promise to call more. As for Mase, he’s wonderful. I still can’t believe he wants to be with me.” “Why wouldn’t he? You’re beautiful inside and out as well as being smarter than him. You’re quite the catch, and it’s time you started realizing that. I know your parents are difficult, and we’ve been guilty of keeping you closer than the other girls as well. But you’re one of the strongest, and best we’ve got. Never forget that.” “Thank you.” “It’s the truth, Isa. There’s no need to thank me for pointing out the truth.” “I-I…never mind.” “Tell me. You can tell me anything.” I realize that I need to tell her. I want to tell someone, and she’s the one who recruited me. “I sometimes—lots of times, actually—feel like I’m less than the others.” “In what way?” “I’m quieter. And I don’t go out. Or dress up. I don’t like attention.” “Do you know how many famous people are introverts?” “I know Einstein was. But I’m like him.” “Yes, you are. You’re brilliant. There’s no doubt about that. But I’m talking about Julia Roberts, Emma Watson, Diane Sawyer, Eleanor Roosevelt, and Audrey Hepburn. Women who have had a big impact on the world. Just like you. You may be quiet, and like to blend in, but you are also brave and
your light shines even when you try to hide it. Your friends love and admire you for more than your brain, and so do I.” I’m crying and she reaches out to hold me. “I needed that more than you know. Thank you for believing in me.” “I always have, and I always will. You can be sure of that.” We talk for another half hour, but then it’s time for Ellie and me to get ready for tonight. We’re doing it here, though, since Kurt and his minions should be too busy setting everything up to worry about where we are beforehand. Maggie and I head up to Stella’s apartment. Helen and Ellie are already there, but they tell us they’ve just arrived. Stella takes us up to her dressing room to show us the lingerie she bought for us. Ellie’s going to be wearing a corset—of course—and a teeny tiny pair of boy shorts that show most of her ass. She’ll also be in thigh high shiny books. They’re definitely going for the dominatrix look as Stella brings out a studded collar and bracelets for her to add to the rest of her all black outfit. They do her hair in big curls, and she’s made up to look like a Barbie doll come to life. A sexed-up Barbie, but no less of a doll. Then it’s my turn. I see what Stella got me, but I shake my head. “No. I don’t want to look innocent tonight. I’m quiet, but I’m strong.” She smiles and her eyes light up. “I know you are, Isa. And I was hoping you’d say that so I got a second outfit for you.” The lingerie she pulls out is hot pink with black accents, and definitely not innocent. It’s a lace and satin push up bra with all kinds of black and pink straps crossing above and below it. The bottoms are a thong with a sheer black skirt over the top which covers almost nothing. There are matching black stockings with lace at the top, and she got me hot pink heels that I could kill someone with if I had to. When I put it all on, everyone just stares for a minute. Ellie is the first to recover. “Damn girl. You’re definitely getting the highest bid, and your hair and make-up aren’t even done yet.” I smile and thank her. Stella does my hair in curls as well, but puts some up on top of my head. The make-up is thicker than I’ve ever worn it, but it fits with the look. Stella sprays us both all over with glitter spray, and then Ellie and I slip coats on. We get into our separate cars, and head to the party. I hope we’re really ready for whatever it will bring. My first impression when I’m allowed past the guard gate at the mansion is that this ring is making more money that we thought. Because this place is huge. Like Bruce Wayne big. I leave my car with the private valet and walk to the door, Ellie a few steps ahead of me. Kurt told us the clients would already be here by the time we arrive. He also told us that no electronics are allowed inside of the house. Most of the men who attend the parties are paranoid about blackmail threats, so while there are cameras filming all of us downstairs, there are none anywhere else. They allow the men to have their security teams sweep the house when they arrive. In return, the men have nothing with them but the clothes on their back. Kurt has his phone, but he has to leave the house once the last of us is “won.” Secrecy is paramount, which is a little frightening if you’re one of the women. The men could do anything, and no one would hear you scream as the bedrooms have ben soundproofed. Kurt takes my coat and whistles at me. “Trying for a high bid I see. I knew you were a good pick.” I roll my eyes and follow him into the Great Room. Ellie, Max, Grace, and six other girls I’ve seen around school, but never talked to, are in the room already. Kurt doesn’t introduce us, he just says they’re his go to girls. Ellie and Max give me small smiles, while everyone else glares at me. I wanted attention tonight, and I’m getting it.
It’s pretty boring at first. We just walk or lounge around, trying to look sexy but not obvious. About fifteen minutes in, things start to happen. Kurt calls out a name and a room number. One of the “go to girls” goes up the staircase. It continues on until I’m the only one left. Kurt’s watching his phone anxiously for a few minutes, and then he smiles. “You just got the highest bid ever, Isabelle. Go to room ten and have some fun.” I walk up the stairs on legs that are a little shaky. I have to take several deep breaths before walking inside. The man stands in the shadows until I close the door. Once it’s shut, he steps out and relief floods my body. “Ryan,” I say, running into Ryan Griffin’s outstretched arms. “Hey, Isa. Put this on.” He takes off his suit jacket and puts it on me. “Thank you. For the coat…and this.” “Of course. My mom had me register with this exclusive club a couple of weeks ago. It took some time to get approved. In fact, the approval just came through today, along with the party invitation. I was a little worried that I wouldn’t be able to help you.” “But you did. I’ll pay you back, you know.” “Nah. Ainsley and Scott are going to get our money back. But if they couldn’t, it’d be okay. You’re family, and I always take care of my family. Even the badass secret agent ones.” “Our? Did someone else have to chip in?” “Oh. No. I meant Nate and Aiden’s money.” “They’re here? Thank God. They got Ellie and Max?” “Yeah. Aiden bought Ellie, and Nate bought your friend, Max.” “Someone should’ve bought Grace. She thinks she wants this, but she’s just really messed up.” “We couldn’t get anyone else approved so quickly, or we would’ve bought them all. I’m sorry.” “Don’t be. You did what you could.” “There’s something else, though. Kurt’s boss met with Nate, Aiden, and me before the bidding to welcome us and go over everything.” “So you know who it is? Thank God. I am so ready for this to be over.” “Isa. You should sit down.” “It’s that bad?” “Yeah, honey. It is.” “What? Who?” I ask, my stomach sinking. “It’s Mason Wells. He’s behind all of this.” “No,” I tell him, backing up towards the door. “No.” “Aiden said you’ve been with him for the past several weeks.” I nod. “No. Please God no. It’s a mistake. Maybe it just looks like him.” “I wish it was a mistake. I really do. But he told us his name. He said it was all in the name of full disclosure between everyone.” I fall to my knees and Ryan comes over to pull me into his arms. “I’m going to throw up.” He picks me up and carries me to the bathroom, holding my hair as I do just that. Once there’s nothing left in my stomach, he grabs a washcloth and helps me clean up. Then he picks me back up and sets me on the sink, handing me a toothbrush and toothpaste. “I probably shouldn’t tell you that he looked like he wanted to kill me when I won.” “If he loved me, he wouldn’t have sold me to you.” “I can’t argue with that.” “We can’t do anything until tomorrow, so I would really just like to sleep.” “Of course. I’ll take the floor.”
“Ryan, that bed is big enough for ten people. And you’re like my brother. A brother who’s madly in love with his wife and would never cheat on her. You can take a side.” “Thanks. I wouldn’t, you know. Cheat on Chloe, I mean. This was just for show. She knows I’m here.” “I was never worried.” We take our sides, and I try to sleep. I can’t, though. All I can think about is how Mase or Jake or whoever the hell he is, told me he wasn’t keeping anything from me. But also how it felt like a goodbye almost every time I was with him. And I was just with him yesterday. He came over and stayed with me like he promised he would. He also asked me a few weeks ago if all the Griffins were involved in the Foundation. I lied to him then, and I’m glad for that now. He would never have let Ryan in if he’d known. What else did he lie to me about? Love. That’s what else. There’s no way he could have let me go out those two other times or had me here up for bid if he loved me. Yes, he tried to tell me not to come here tonight, but he could’ve stopped it on his end. He didn’t. He let me be bought by the highest bidder. I make sure to be quiet as I cry all night. Quiet is what I do best, after all. Look what happened when I tried to put myself out there for once. My heart just got shattered into a million pieces. I should’ve let someone else have this mission, and just stayed quiet. Too late for that now, though. Because I’m going to take down Mason Wells, and take him down hard. * * * Mason I’m going insane. Like seriously insane. Isa—my Isa—is up in one of those bedrooms with Ryan fucking Griffin. He’s got a beautiful wife and a little daughter, but it’s not enough. It never is for powerful men like him. Which is why we’re making so much money here. I don’t care about the money right now. I want to run up to that room, and pull her out of his arms, but my boss would kill me. I know that without a doubt. So I’m just sitting here in the guest house drinking enough to get buzzed, but not stupid drunk, and thinking of what that bastard is doing to the woman I love. The woman I betrayed. I can’t hide much longer. She’s getting too close. If she took Kurt in, he’d break under even the hint of torture. He knows our boss is bad, but he doesn’t know just how scared he should be. I know, and that’s why I haven’t told Isa the things I should have. The things she needs to know. I could give her enough to bring down everything, but I’m a coward. I’m too scared for my own life to do the right thing. So instead of helping her, I’ve let her be bought and sold over the last few weeks. And then I’ve gone over afterwards to make love to her. Or fuck her, depending on what she’s said she needs. Who does that? Oh yeah, me. I wouldn’t have told Luke if I’d known that he was connected to the famous “Society.” I was having a casual lunch conversation with him and his friends Nikki and Michelle at that training day. I thought it would be fun to shock them. Turned out the joke was on me. Especially when Isa walked into the room. I should have kept things professional. I planned to keep them that way. But then she asked me to kiss her. And I had to. Everything in me was calling out for her lips. That one kiss condemned me, and when she gave me everything else, I knew it was over. I wasn’t kidding about that reserved spot in Hell being saved for me. I’m just not sure when I’ll be using it. I only know that it’s probably going to be soon. I watch the sun come up, and I start getting the alerts that the “guests” are leaving. Within the hour, the girls are all gathered in the Great Room again. I sit up straight when I see Isa crying. What the
fuck did that bastard do to her? I’m going to kill him. I swear he’s a dead man. A few minutes after I watch her leave the house, I get a text from her asking me to come over. I immediately tell her yes. I go into the bathroom and splash water on my face, and then change my clothes. The girls think the “boss” lives in the main house, but this is where I really live. I don’t need fancy because I’m not doing this for the money. I know Kurt, and probably Grace, are still on the grounds so I force myself to walk slowly to my car. I should debrief with him, but it can wait. He can wait. Fuck, all of them can wait. Isa needs me, and she’s all that matters. Even if thoughts like that are what’s going to get me killed.
CHAPTER 10
Isa The bastard who I gave everything I have to is on his way over to my place. My first kiss, my first lover, my first love. He took it all, and gave me lies in return. I want to curl into a little ball and cry, but I won’t give him that, too. I’m going to destroy him, and only then will I let myself feel the hurt. I’m not surprised to find Reina in my apartment when I get there. “Tell me what to do, Rei.” “He can’t know you know yet.” What? “You can’t expect me to pretend I’m still in love with him.” “You are still in love with him, Isa. Feelings like that don’t just go away. Believe me, I know that from experience.” “Fine. I love him. But I can’t be with him.” “I wouldn’t ask you to do that. He thinks you spent the night with Ryan. Tell him you can’t sleep with him. He’ll understand, or at least pretend to.” “What’s wrong with me, Reina?” “Nothing, Isa. Absolutely nothing is wrong with you.” “I believed him. He’s been lying to me all this time about who he really is. That means he lied when he said I was beautiful…and that he loved me.” “I can’t answer that, because I honestly don’t know if everything was a lie.” “I’m such a fool.” “He fooled us all. We should’ve done a background check on him, even if he did come to us. I was just glad to have an ally, so I dropped the ball on this.” “He was just that good, wasn’t he?” “Yes, he was. We just need a little more information, and then we’ll get him Isa. I meant it when I said that I don’t want you to do anything you’re not comfortable with, but I want Ainsley and Tegan to dig deep, because after hearing who else was bidding tonight, I’m worried that this goes bigger than Vegas.” “You think there are other cities with the same set-up?” “Yes. I’ll take Kurt and Mason down if they’re all we can get, but I’d like to try for more.” “Okay. I can pretend if it means saving some more people.” “We’ll do this as fast as we can. I promise.” “I know you will. Maybe I can get some info from him.” And then I realize I have something. “He asked me to call him Jake.” “Jake?” “Yeah. He said his good friends call him that because he doesn’t like his name.” “I’ll let the girls know. And I won’t tell you not to try and get more information, because we need it. But don’t put yourself in jeopardy. We don’t know anything about the others who might be involved.” “I’ll be careful.” “Okay. Love you.” “Love you, too.”
She opens the door and literally runs into him. “Oh sorry, Reina.” “Not a problem, Mason. Take care of our girl.” “I plan to.” I try to smile, but I just can’t. I guess that will work with him thinking Ryan ravished me all night. “You made it here pretty fast.” “I was so worried. Are you okay? I mean, of course you’re not okay. But…God, Isa…I wish you didn’t have the job you do.” Some truth from him. Well, isn’t that refreshing. “I love my job.” “Even when you have to do what you did last night?” “Even then. I don’t want to talk about last night right now. Or ever, maybe.” “Of course. I’m sorry. What can I do? I’ll do anything you need me to.” No, he won’t. Because I need him to take back all the lies he told me, and tell me what’s really true. Reina needs time, though, so I have to be the strong woman everyone tells me I am. “I need you to help me wash off last night. I want it scrubbed from my skin.” Audrey taught me to infuse some truth in my acting, and what I said was true. My world imploded last night. Just not for the reason he thinks it did. I can see on his face that he wants to ask me what happened, but he stops himself. “Dammit, Isa. I want to kill him. You don’t know how much I want to kill him.” “You don’t even know who it is.” He looks me straight in the eye, and lies again. “That’s true. But if you know his name, I’ll find him. I swear it.” “It’s over now. I mean, yeah, I did things with him that we’d never done, but I’ll get over it. Eventually.” Another truth dished out because I’ve never slept in a bed with the man before me where we weren’t touching. Even when he’s just slept with me, he always holds me. And yes, I did say it the way I did to get a reaction from him. Even though I know he doesn’t really care about me. He only cares about whether I can put him in jail or not. “What did you do?” he asks, and for a moment I believe he is really jealous and angry. “I said I can’t talk about it. I really need a shower. You can help me…or go if you can’t be with me.” “I’m not leaving. And of course I want to be with you.” “You’re not disgusted that I was with someone else? I basically cheated.” “I could never be disgusted with you,” he says as he cups my face with his hands. “I love you. You didn’t want to be with the other guy, so it’s not cheating. You had a job to do. I already told you I hate your job, but I could never hate you.” “Stop. Just stop,” I yell as I run to my bathroom. Maybe I can’t pretend, because I almost believed what he just said to me. Almost. “Isa, oh God. Don’t cry. Please don’t cry.” “I can’t talk right now. I want to just be clean, and then go to sleep.” “We can do that. I can do that. Let’s get you cleaned up and then I’ll tuck you in.” I let him help me out of my clothes, and God help me, but I watch him take his off, too. Reina was right. I can’t just turn off the love, or the lust. He turns on the shower, and uses the remote to turn off the lights. “You don’t want to look at me?” “I do. So very much. But I thought maybe you needed the lights off.” He’s doing everything right. Everything a real boyfriend would do. Why? Why is he doing this to me? I’m quiet, but I’m not pathetic. I know that. So why is he pretending to care? I don’t know if I’ll ever find out, but I need to know.
“Thank you.” He kisses me lightly on the mouth, and then leads me into the shower. I stand there and let him wash me up. He’s still trying for that Boyfriend of the Year award as he gently scrubs every inch of my body from feet to forehead. He also washes and conditions my hair. I’m crying by the time he’s done. He’s right to think it’s because of what happened last night. Because the fact that he sold me to the highest bidder, and is now pretending to cherish me, is tearing me up inside. And when he pulls me into his arms to hold me tight, I’m done. There’s nothing left of me. I barely notice as he dries me off, and carries me to my bed. I let him kiss me softly for a few minutes before I turn my head. He continues to kiss my cheek, and forehead, until I turn to my side because I honestly can’t take it anymore. “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to push.” “You didn’t. I just need to sleep.” “Can I sleep with you?” No. “Yes. Of course.” “I love you, Isa.” I pretend that I’m asleep so I don’t have to answer him. Because he doesn’t deserve to ever hear those words from me again, and I’ll do everything I can to avoid saying them. He lies down close to me, but doesn’t touch me. I guess now I am doing with him what I did with Ryan last night. That’s my last thought before I succumb to the sleep my body needs. * * * Mason I’ve been angry before in my life, but never like this. It’s like a red haze is clouding my vision, and I’m on the verge of committing murder. Isa’s so broken, and Ryan Griffin needs to pay for doing this to her. I wish she’d tell me exactly what he did, but then again maybe it’s better that she doesn’t. I’m just about done with the dinner I’m cooking for her when I hear her come downstairs. I turn to give her the best smile I can. “Did you get enough sleep, babe? Dinner is almost ready.” “I slept surprisingly well. You didn’t have to cook me dinner, Jake.” She looks genuinely shocked that I did this for her. Oh God. Does she think I don’t love her anymore? Did he break her that badly? Death may not be a good enough punishment for him. “I love you, Isa. That hasn’t changed.” “Are you sure? I mean, do you really love me?” “Yes. I really love you. More than I thought I could love another person. I told you that. You’re everything to me.” She bursts out crying, and I start to go to her but she stops me. “You should go. I-I can’t do this right now.” “You’re scaring me. I don’t want you to be alone.” Awareness dawns on her face. “You think I’d hurt myself?” I reluctantly nod. I am afraid of that. She really does seem broken, and fragile right now. “I’m not going to hurt myself over you, Mason.” Over me? What? Oh. “You really don’t believe me. Are you breaking up with me?” She shakes her head. “No. But could it even be that? We’ve never given what we’re doing a name.” “You need a name for this?” She shrugs and I know she does. “You’re my girlfriend, Isabelle Carlton.” “You sound like you mean it.”
“I do mean it. Whatever happened with that guy last night doesn’t matter to me. It doesn’t change anything between us.” “I-I just need to think. Please give me some time to think. I’ll see you at school tomorrow, okay?” I don’t want to leave. Walking out of her apartment is the hardest thing I’ve ever done. And I’ve done some pretty intense things. But she wants, or needs, to be alone, and I’ll never deny her anything. I put on the rest of my clothes, and kiss her goodbye, thinking that it feels too much like forever. I’m home for less than five minutes when the first phone call comes in. “Hello.” “Congratulations, Mason. Last night was our most profitable ever.” “It was great.” “And this Isabelle girl? I think we should move her around. Weekend trips to the other cities for parties.” Oh Fuck no. “No. She’s doing very well for me here.” “And she’ll do even better in some of our other markets. Those big eyes combined with the sexy lingerie is a big moneymaker. I almost bid on her last night.” “You’re here in Vegas?” “No. But I could’ve been.” “You just said I made you a ton of money. Leave me and my girls alone.” “Did you just try to give me an order? Are you forgetting that I own you? That I have enough evidence against you to send you to jail for years?” “I haven’t forgotten.” “Then bring Isabelle to Milwaukee next weekend.” “No.” “Yes, Mason. Either you bring her, or I’ll send a couple of the guys with her. I’d have to remind them not to mark her up on the plane ride, but they’d be happy to do what I ask.” That red fog I’ve been seeing has turned into a full blown storm. There is no way in Hell I’m letting any of his “guys” put their hands or anything else near Isa. “I’ll bring her.” I won’t, but he doesn’t need to know that yet. Once I’m off the phone with him, I get the other call. That one doesn’t go well, either. I know I’m in big trouble, but I’m not really caring about it. I should be, but all I can think about is protecting Isa. That’s my biggest priority. My only priority. I know she can take care of herself, but she doesn’t know how big this is, or how bad the man I work for is. The other person who called me isn’t much better, but at least he works for my mother. He can’t push me too far unless he wants to deal with her. And no one wants to ever deal with her when she’s on the warpath. Which is why we all try and stay on her good side. I spend the rest of the day planning. I’ve had an exit strategy for myself, but now I need to also protect Isa before I disappear. I take out the phone that’s only for emergencies. The one that no one knows I have. Well, one person knows, and that’s who I call now. It rings in a weird way, but I know that’s because the line’s being scrambled. “Jake, you’re using the phone. What happened?” “I need your help, Mom.” “Why? Again, what happened?” “I fell in love.” “Tell me everything.”
CHAPTER 11
Isa Ellie and Jade come over as soon as Mase/Jake leaves. They have ice cream, and the Indiana Jones and Tomb Raider movies with them. I laugh, and hug them tight. I thought no one saw me, but they brought me just what I need. “He was here all day?” Ellie asks. “Yeah. It was hard.” “Did you have to…you know? I mean, it’s none of our business, so you don’t have to say,” Jade tells me. “You’re my friends and I-I want to tell you. I know I usually keep everything in, and I’m sorry.” “Nothing to be sorry for. You don’t need to be loud and in your face like us. We love you the way you are.” “Thanks, Ellie. I love you guys, too. Even though you can be a little scary sometimes.” “El and I are only like that with other people. We’ve got your back, Isa. Always,” Jade tells me. “Thanks. To answer your question, we didn’t sleep together. It was even worse, though.” “Worse, how?” Jade asks. “He took care of me. When I said I needed a shower, he turned off the lights and scrubbed every inch of me. Then he washed my hair. All because he thought Ryan made me do…things.” “He loves you. I don’t think he lied about that. I’ve seen the way he looks at you when we’re at school. He’s a dirty bastard, but he loves you.” “He kept saying it. Like he knew I didn’t believe him, and had to convince me. But if he loved me, he wouldn’t have sold me to the highest bidder last night.” “Ain’t that the truth. He may love you, but he loves his money even more,” Jade says. “And that’s why we’re not going to talk about him anymore. I need just one day to be a no Mason Wells zone so I can be ready to face him again on Monday.” “Let’s talk about Ellie and Aiden alone in a room all night. While she was wearing almost nothing.” “He gave me the one night,” she says suddenly. “Gave you…you mean? Oh my God, El.” “Yeah, J. I think I did see God last night. But that’s it. He told me he couldn’t resist me, but it had to be for just last night.” “Shit. That sucks.” “And she did too, I’m sure,” I say and then cover my mouth as they both burst out laughing. “Why yes I did, my little harlot in training.” “Damn, Isa. We’re rubbing off on you. I like it,” Jade says. “Seriously, though. Are you okay, Ellie? I know you want more than sex from him.” “Yeah, I do. Especially after last night. I mean, I knew it’d be hot with him, but that man has skills no one I’ve ever been with could even come close to matching. I’m surprised we didn’t burn the house down.” “He was nice to you?” I ask.
“Oh sweet little Isa, he gave her the best fuck of her life. That’s very, very nice.” Ellie throws a pillow at Jade before answering my question. “Yes, he was nice to me. As my bestie over there so eloquently put it, he gave me the best fucks of my life. Plural. But it wasn’t all rough and hard. He made love to me slow and sweet, too. And when he whispered my name, and cuddled with me…well, I could die happy now.” “You cuddled? Silent and scary Aiden Ford cuddled with you?” “Yeah he did.” Ellie looks like she might cry, and that jars me. These women who I always think of as stronger than me, are actually just like me in some ways. I’ve spent too much time hiding when I should’ve been getting to know them better. And even though I’ve kept to myself, they came right over to comfort me because they knew I needed it. “It’s not over, Ellie. If you’re feeling like this, I bet he is, too. He can’t have been with you like that and not felt something.” “I know he cares for me, Isa. That’s what makes it harder. If I was just a random fuck, I could probably handle this better. But I’m not. When I walked into the room last night, he pulled me into his arms, and held me tight. He told me that he’d almost lost in the bidding war, and he would’ve had to kill the winner if that had happened.” “Then you need to step it up. Have Stella shorten your skirts even more than she does now. Wear your damn corsets every day. Flaunt the other guys in front of him at the clubs. Whatever it takes to show him what he’s missing.” “No, Jade. She needs to do the opposite. She needs to become me.” “What?” Ellie sits up, her eyes sparkling. “She’s right. Oh my God, she’s fucking right. I’ve done the skirts, corsets, and other guys. It didn’t work. That’s what he expects from me. The trifecta didn’t nickname me ‘Brass’ because they think I’m sweet or smart. So that’s what I’m going to be. I’m going to still be sexy, but more like Isa and Reina. Understated and classy sexy. And no more going to the bars. By the time I figure out a way to get him alone again, I want him so confused and worked up that he can’t help but give in.” “I love you enough to ignore that you inadvertently said I wasn’t classy,” Jade tells her. “You, Stella, and Audrey are the sexpots. You can’t help it. The three of you exude sex appeal no matter what you wear. There’s nothing wrong with you playing it up.” “Nate thinks there is.” “Nate eye fucks you every time you’re in range.” “I want a cock fuck, not an eye fuck, from that sexy beast of a man.” “We’ll think of something,” I tell her. The rest of the night is spent watching movies, painting our nails, and eating junk food. When I tell them that this was my first sleepover, they call all the other girls who aren’t on missions, and we do it all again Sunday. With an added fashion show courtesy of Stella, of course. I’m not alone with my thoughts for even a minute, and I appreciate what they’ve done for me more than they’ll ever know. * * * Mason My Mom is not your ordinary mother, so we spent many hours on Sunday trying to figure out a way for me to escape the situation I’ve put myself in. The problem is, many of her solutions included
me sacrificing Isa. I know she’s a trained spy, but that doesn’t mean I’m going to throw her to the wolves. “Why not, Jake? She knew the risks when she went undercover.” “She didn’t know this was a national mission, and you know ‘why not.’” “Falling in love with her is what put you in this position.” “So you’d give Dad up to save yourself?” There’s silence on the other end of the line, and I know I’ve got her. “You know I wouldn’t.” “Then how can you ask me to do the same to her?” “You love her that much?” “I love her with everything I have in me. Most of which is dark and ugly. I’m ashamed of what I’ve had to do.” “Don’t. Don’t you dare talk about my baby like that.” “I haven’t been a baby for a long time.” “You’ll always be my baby.” “You know the things I’ve done.” “You didn’t always have a choice, Jake.” “There’s always a choice. You taught me that.” “I love you, kiddo. You know that, right?” “I do. And I love you, too. Now go hug Dad for me.” “We’ll figure this out.” “I’ll figure this out. I shouldn’t have called you.” “I’m going to be talking to some people.” “Mom…don’t jeopardize yourself. Or Isa. Promise me. Please.” “I won’t, but I will be talking to some people about what’s going to happen when we get you out of this.” “I’d tell you not to. Again. But I know you’ll just do what you want.” “I will,” she tells me with a chuckle. “I’ll talk to you soon.” “Yeah.” I hope so. I force myself to wait a couple of hours more before calling Isa. I want to rush over and be with her, but she was distant last night. I did what I could to help her, but I could tell she didn’t really want my help. Not touching here while we were in bed yesterday nearly killed me. I wanted to hold her close, and tell her it didn’t matter. Whatever the hell Ryan Griffin made her do doesn’t change how I feel about her. It makes me want to murder him, and I will pay him a visit before I leave Vegas, but it’s not her fault. None of this is. When I call her, she doesn’t answer. Any of the seven times I try. She also doesn’t respond to any text messages for most of the day. I’m about to go over there even if she doesn’t want me to, when a single text comes through. “I’m fine. I just can’t talk right now. I’ll see you at school tomorrow.” I text her back that I understand, and I love her, but there’s no response. I’ve learned over the years to trust my gut, and it’s telling me that something is very wrong. Which spurs me to do something I shouldn’t do. I set up a meeting I shouldn’t. But I have to know. I drive through the gates of Ryan Griffin’s house twenty minutes later. I have to sit in my car for almost a full minute to get my rage under control. I know I could kill him easily, despite the size advantage he has on me. I also know I can’t do that without getting myself in even more trouble than I’m already in. I’m not above hurting him, though. I need to know what he did. I’m more than a little surprised when Chloe Griffin answers the door. “Hi. You must be Mason. I’m Chloe.”
I shake her hand, and follow her inside. Their house is a masterpiece, but I wouldn’t expect anything less. Ryan’s a world-renowned architect, and Chloe’s just as well known for her interior design work. We walk down a hallway to a giant playroom. Ryan’s in there with their daughter, rolling around on the ground. My rage starts making its way back to the surface. How can he play with his daughter after spending a night with a woman he bought in a bidding war? “Ry, your guest is here.” He looks up at me, and I see the emotions as they cross his face. Annoyance, and rage that could rival my own, before he settles his features into a smile. “Hello, Mason. Let’s go to my office.” He extricates himself from his little girl after promising her he’ll be back soon. We walk in silence to a room down another hallway. The door is barely closed before he wheels on me, pinning me with a look that’s meant to intimidate. It doesn’t work on me, but I’m more than a little impressed. “Thanks for meeting with me, Ryan.” “Why are you here, interrupting my Sunday?” “I need to talk to you about Friday night?” “You came to my home to talk about that? Are you insane?” “I asked you to meet, and you told me to come over. What did you think I wanted to talk about?” “Shit. You’re right. Well get it over with. Is there a problem with the payment or something?” I couldn’t give two fucks about his damn payment. “What did you do to her?” “Excuse me?” “The girl you…won. What did you make her do?” He smirks at me then. A fucking smirk. Does he have a death wish? Because I’m not caring about my future at the moment. I clench my fists at my sides, and he suddenly realizes how on edge I am. “Are you okay, man? You look like you’re a little on edge.” “Just tell me what you did to her.” “Ask her.” “No. I am not going to make her re-live what you made her do. She’s better than that.” Understanding dawns on his face. “You care about her.” “That’s none of your business.” “All I’m going to tell you is that I didn’t hurt her.” “She’s broken. Something happened to break her on Friday night.” “It wasn’t me who did that. She was fine when I left Saturday morning.” “Maybe we should call your wife in here and have you tell her that.” “I’m trying to be nice here, but don’t threaten me. What happened on Friday has nothing to do with my wife. If you try to involve her, I will react. And not in a way that’s going to have you leaving here in one piece.” “You don’t scare me.” “Really? Because if you think I’m going to let a piece of shit pimp threaten me in my own house, you’re dumber than you normally come across.” “Don’t come to another auction. You’re not welcome.” “If I never see you again, it’ll be too soon. Now get the fuck out of my house.” I don’t even remember my drive home. I wanted answers that I didn’t get from Griffin. I could’ve gotten violent with him, but his wife and kid didn’t need to see that. Maybe his wife should’ve seen it, but it’s really not my business to bust up their marriage. Plus, if it got back to the boss before I manage to get out, I’d be dead. Then no one would be around to protect Isa. And she definitely is my business, whether she wants to be or not.
CHAPTER 12
Isa I walk into school on Monday with my head held high. He can’t break me. I won’t let him. My heart’s broken, but no one will see that. They’ll just see a well-dressed teen, with a killer manicure. “You’re practically glowing, Isabelle. Friday night agreed with you, it seems,” Kurt says, putting his arm around me as we walk down the hall. “It was very enlightening, that’s for sure.” “The boss was very happy with your winning bid. You’ll be going on a special trip this weekend, so no dates until then.” “What kind of trip?” “That’s a surprise. One that will make you a nice chunk of change.” “When am I leaving? What should I pack?” “Enough with the twenty questions. You’ll know when the time comes.” He leaves me at my locker, which gives me time to text Reina. This could be the break we need. If I’m going somewhere, that means she was right about this being about more than Vegas. It also means that Mase will have to reveal himself to me. That’s not going to go well for either of us. I manage to avoid him for most of the day. I can’t do that in his class, though. He calls on me twice, and I answer, but that’s all I give him. No smiles, and definitely no chewing on my pencil. I’m like a robot version of myself. Speaking when spoken to, but showing no emotion. It’s not like I don’t know how to do that. I lived most of my life being like a robot. I just didn’t think I’d ever go back to the old me again. “Isabelle, a word please,” he says when the bell rings. “I have a test next period, Mr. Wells. Can it wait?” “Please come see me after school. But I do need to speak to you.” “Okay.” “You think you’re pretty great, don’t you?” Grace says as I walk out. “Yeah, I do.” My friends helped me realize this weekend that I am pretty great. “But what does that have to do with you?” “I’m top girl. I have been since I started.” “Okay.” “Tell Kurt you won’t go on the trip this weekend.” “I wasn’t given a choice, Grace.” “I was supposed to go. I’ve been promised that trip for months.” “Again, I didn’t ask for this. I don’t even want it.” “Just like you don’t want Mr. Wells’ dick in your mouth again? You know that’s what he wants to see you about. He’s under your spell, too.” “This conversation is over.” “It’s over when I say it is.”
“You just accused me of using a ‘spell.’ Imagine what I could do to you if I really am a witch,” I tell her as I walk into my next class. I don’t want to go see him, but I really don’t have a choice. He’s technically my teacher here, and if he says he needs to speak to me, I have to go to him. I know it’s not school he wants to talk about, but I couldn’t exactly accuse him of it in front of a classroom full of students. “Isa,” he says, pulling me to him and locking the door when I walk into his office. “I’ve been so worried. I wanted to be with you yesterday.” I let him hold me, and I even manage to put my arms around him. He kisses me all over the top of my head, and then my face. I pull back when he gets to my mouth. I can’t let him kiss me like he cares. “My friends came over. I was fine.” “You’re not fine, though. You can’t even look me in the eye.” I force my eyes to his, hoping I can succeed in looking like I’m not disgusted by him. “I’m looking at you now.” “You’re so sad,” he says, searching my eyes with his own. “I hate that you’re sad.” “There’s nothing you can do about it. You didn’t sell me to the highest bidder.” His eyes go wide for just a second. I wouldn’t have seen it if I hadn’t been looking. We both know he did indeed sell me to Ryan. He just doesn’t know that I know. “I-I…I’m sorry, but I can’t talk about that. About what happened on Friday. I want to be here for you, but I can’t talk about it.” “You wanted to talk about it on Saturday. You asked me what I had to do.” “I know. But I realized yesterday that it’s probably better if I don’t know.” “What if I need to tell you?” He swallows hard before answering. “Do you? If that’s what you need, I’ll listen.” “No. Not now. I may need to later, though.” “Whatever you need, Isa.” “You mean it.” I can tell he does, and that unnerves me a little. Okay, a lot. “Of course I mean it. I love you. I can tell that you still don’t believe me, but it’s true.” “Why? What’s so special about me?” “Everything. You already know you’re almost always the smartest person in the room, but you’re also the kindest. Your heart is so big and brave…I’m just in awe of you whenever I’m near you. And let’s not even talk about how beautiful and sexy you are.” No. It’s not supposed to be like this. He’s not supposed to be like this. Because it really doesn’t feel like he’s lying. I know he’s been lying about other things, and I missed it. But I’m watching closely now. So either he’s that good, or he really does love me. I’m honestly hoping for the first, because I don’t know how to deal with the second after knowing what I do. “I love you, too,” I tell him as I burst into tears. “So, so much.” He pulls me into his arms, and I let him. Because no matter what he’s done, those feelings are still there. And having his arms around me makes me feel safe, even though I know he’s dangerous. It’s messed up, but right now I just don’t care. I need him. I want him. “Here, Jake. Make love to me here. Now.” “The classroom. God help me, but I want you in the classroom.” “Can we?” I ask as he picks me up. “We’ll be quiet.” “Are you sure we can?” “No,” he says with a laugh, placing me on my desk. “But I’m going to have you here anyway.” “I like this reckless side of you.” “I’m so glad you wore your hair down today.”
I don’t say anything else as I start unbuttoning his shirt, kissing every inch of skin I expose. I love his chest. It’s perfectly defined, and oh so sexy. I know this is probably the last time we’ll be together, and I should take it slow, but I can’t. He has my shirt and bra off in seconds, and spends long, glorious minutes worshipping my breasts. My jeans and his pants are still on as I rub against him like we haven’t been together in months, instead of just days. He keeps a nipple in his mouth as he reaches down to undo my jeans. I push them and my panties down my legs. He takes care of his own pants and briefs before thrusting into me. He stops once he’s fully seated inside. “Home. My God, Isa. Nothing has ever felt like coming home before you.” “It’s the same for me,” I tell him as I kiss him. I shift my hips back and forth, loving the slide of him inside of me. He groans before taking over the work. We’re completely silent as he makes love to me, going slow until both of us need more. As he speeds up, he moves my hand between us. “Touch yourself. I’m getting close.” I do it without question, moving my fingers like I would if I was alone. It should embarrass me, but it doesn’t. Everything he does to me, and with me, makes me feel bold and desirable. “I love this. I love being inside of you, Isa. I’m just jealous of my cock right now because I didn’t put my mouth on you first. I should have your taste on my tongue right now.” He goes back to nibbling on my neck and collarbone as I use that boldness he infuses in me to give him what he wants. I take my fingers from between us and move them to his mouth. He pulls back to look at me as he sucks my fingers into his mouth. His eyes close as he savors what I just gave him and that’s all it takes. I come hard, harder than I think I ever have. He’s right behind me, and when his head bangs on the desk next to my head, I know he’s just as affected. We both lie there for a few minutes, breathing hard. He slips out of me, but stays where he is. I rub his back as he runs his fingers through my hair. “Did that help, babe? To erase whatever Ryan Griffin did to you?” I stiffen in his arms, because he just made real-life come back into this room. “I never told you it was Ryan Griffin.” * * * Mason Fuck. “Kurt told me.” Isa pushes me off her. “Don’t lie to me after what we just did. I know you’ve been lying to me since the beginning, but not now. Please not now.” She pulls her jeans up, and crosses her arms over her chest. I don’t pull my pants up, because I feel like she needs me to be a little vulnerable right now. She needs to be in control of what is happening. And I need to own up to what I can. “What do you know?” “I know that you were the one who sold me to the highest bidder. That despite the fact that I believe you love me, you did that to me. Anything could’ve happened to me, and yet you did it. You sold me to him.” “I went to see him yesterday. I wanted to kill him. He wouldn’t tell me what he did to you. His wife and daughter were there, or I don’t know what I would’ve done.” “You-you went to see Ryan?”
“Yes. Friday night was the worst night of my life, Isa. I’ve had a lot of bad nights, but nothing compared to that. I didn’t sleep, and I wanted to go up to that room and get you. I knew I couldn’t, but I wanted to. Thinking of him touching you…and whatever else he did. Tell me what he did that we haven’t. I need to do it if you want, or do something else to help erase it. Please. I need to know.” “We did it Saturday.” “Saturday? But we just slept in your bed. Away from each other.” “Yes. And that’s what Ryan and I did.” “He didn’t touch you?” “Well, he held my hair when I threw up, and washed my face. After he told me you were Kurt’s boss.” What? Oh shit. She’s been broken because of me. Because she knew. Which means she lied to me, too. I’m a bastard for it after what I’ve been hiding, but I call her on it anyway. “You lied to me. You said the other Griffins didn’t know.” “Don’t you dare try and turn this on me. You sold me. More than once since Kurt works for you. How is what I’m saying not getting through to you? You can’t deflect the blame, or try to pretty it up.” Her movements are jerky as she puts on her bra and shirt. I want to go to her, and hold her again. But I can’t. I did what I had to do, but that doesn’t make it right. “I didn’t have a choice. That doesn’t come anywhere close to excusing what I did, but I need you to know that I had to do it all.” “You’re the boss.” “And I have a boss, too.” I shouldn’t tell her that. It means she’ll know that this thing, this disgusting and horrible thing, is bigger than she thought. But I need her to know that I had to do what I did. What I’ve been doing. “You chose your boss over me.” “I chose to live. But yes, you should’ve come before that.” I know that now. I know that when the time comes, I’ll lay down my life before I let anyone threaten hers. Without even blinking. “You’re in danger?” she asks, walking over to me and placing her hands on my chest. “I’m always in danger, Isa. I can’t remember a time when I wasn’t. But I know what you’re asking, and the answer is yes. My boss would kill me without a second thought. He’d kill you, too. And every one of those girls who work for him.” “You have to get out.” “I’m working on it.” “I’ll help.” “No. Absolutely not. You have a job to do. And that includes taking me down. I knew I was sealing my fate when I went to Reina. I didn’t know the student I’d been lusting after was really a sexy spy, but I knew I was going down with the ship. I’ve accepted that.” “You could testify against him. Go into Witness Protection.” “That was kind of the plan…before.” “Before?” “Before I fell in love for the first time in my life.” “No, Jake. Don’t sacrifice yourself for me.” “I’m not trying to do that. I want to live. I want to marry you one day, and have kids. I want to grow old with you by my side.” “Then live. Please live. Turn yourself in.” “You’d leave everything for me? Your job, and your friends? Never see your family again? Because if I went into Witness Protection, that’s the only way we could be together.”
“I…I…” I place my fingers over her mouth. “It’s okay, my beautiful Isabelle. I know you can’t. Which is why I won’t go that route. Keep investigating. Bring me down. Bring it all down because it’s ugly and horrible. Just let me love you until then.” “I’m not giving up on you, but I can’t shield you. There has to be a way.” “You let me worry about that. You just worry about what you need to do. I’ll help you however I can.” “I want to decline that offer, but I have to do what’s right. And shutting this thing down is right. These young girls are being hurt, and I can’t put them at any more risk than they are already in. Even Grace, who thinks she wants it.” “I know. And I’m truly sorry that I’m a part of this. I wish I wasn’t.” “How did you get involved?” I’ll tell her what I can. “My mother ’s friend is running the whole show. He caught me at…a bad time. I should never have taken him up on his offer, but I did.” “Your mother can’t help?” “She’s trying.” “You’ve never told me about your parents. You know all about mine, but I know nothing about yours.” “When this is all over, I’ll tell you everything. No matter how it goes.” “I’ll visit you in jail. Every day until you’re released.” “No. I’ll take every second I can get with you until that day, but once I’m in jail, you will not visit me. You’re going to find someone who can give you everything, and you’re going to love him with your whole heart, Isabelle Carlton. Because that’s what you deserve, everything.” “I already have everything with you. There will never be anyone else, Jake. You’re it. The one. I’ll wait for you.” “You’re the one for me, too. But I can’t ask you to do that. To wait.” “You didn’t ask.” I bend down and kiss her because there’s nothing I can say that will be big enough for what she’s offering me. I’m still not sure I’ll get out of this alive, but if I do, I now have hope. Hope for a future with the woman I love. Which means, I need to get out of this alive. There’s no other option. If only it was all up to me.
CHAPTER 13
Isa I’m sitting in the large conference room at the Foundation, waiting for everyone to arrive. Maybe I should be talking to Reina and Maggie alone, but I need everyone to know. And I need them to be okay with my choice to stay with Jake. For real. I also want them to understand that I won’t allow my feeling to jeopardize the mission, or stop me from taking the man I love down. He knows it’s going to happen, and I know he’s going to jail. We’ve accepted it, and now I just need everyone else I care about to do the same. As my friends start to arrive, my nerves attempt to get the best of me. I tamp down my worry. No matter what happens in here today, I’m going to follow my heart, and my mind for the first time in my life. I’m in love with a bad guy. I can’t change that, and I won’t change who I am. But he doesn’t want me to. He loves me the way I am, and that is what’s giving me the courage to do what I have to. The room fills up and I stand to address them all. “Thanks for coming, everyone. I know how busy you all are, and I appreciate you agreeing to be here.” “Of course we’re here, Isa. We know you wouldn’t call us here if it wasn’t important,” Audrey says. She just returned from her mission last night, and I haven’t had a chance to talk to her yet. “It is. As you all know, Mason Wells is Kurt’s boss in the prostitution ring.” “Yeah. We know. Don’t worry, Double G, we’re going to take care of him once it’s all out in the open.” “Thanks, Matt, but if you lay one hand—or bullet—on him, I’m going to kill you myself.” “Isa? What’s going on? I know I asked you to pretend until we could find out if this went farther, but why are you threatening Matt?” Reina asks. “Because I’m not pretending. I love him. And he…he loves me. He knows I know, and that I’m going to take him down, but he still loves me.” “He’s lied about everything. You can’t believe his lies. Especially if he knows. He’s lying. I’m sorry to be so blunt, but you don’t have much experience being out in the field. He’s just using you. You have to realize it, or it’s only going to hurt more.” “Really, Reina? And when have you spent time with him?” “I-I haven’t.” “That’s right. I know I keep to myself and don’t go out with all of you, but that doesn’t mean I’m completely clueless about the world.” “I didn’t say that.” “Yes. You did. He’s not lying. He told me not to wait for him, but I’m going to.” “No, Isa,” Audrey says. “He does love her. At least Ryan is sure he does,” Maggie says. “Ryan? How would he know?” “During the infamous ‘auction,’ Ryan says that Mason was barely holding it together. As the bids rose, he got pale and Ry was afraid he would pass out. When Ryan won, Mason looked like he wanted
to kill him. He had that same look when he went to his house on Sunday to confront him about what he did to make Isa so ‘broken.’ Ry told me that he honestly thought he was going to have to fight for his life. While Chloe and Erin were in the other room.” “He’ll leave Ryan alone. I told him nothing happened. Mason knows he’s the one who broke me. He’s putting me back together now, though.” “I need a little more information, Isa. How did this all come about? Did you just tell him you knew? Were you unable to keep pretending?” Jane asks me. Until the wedding next month, she’s still in charge although Reina’s taken over almost all of her duties already. “I was pretending. It wasn’t easy, but I was doing it. Even when he said things that left it wide open for me to tell him I knew. But then we…we were together in his classroom after school. After, he told me he hoped it erased some of what Ryan did. He said his name, and I just couldn’t let that go. I confronted him about how he knew it was Ryan.” “What did he say?” Reina asks. “He told me he has a boss, and that it’s a friend of his mother ’s. He wouldn’t tell me more about her, or the boss, but he said he’s trying to get out.” The next part is hard, but I have to tell them. “He said he’s thought about turning himself in, and Witness Protection, but he knows I couldn’t leave all of you. And he can’t leave me. So he’s prepared for us to take him down.” “Whoa,” Nate says. “Yeah. I know. I’m not leaving him. I just have to tell you all that. I will see this through, and put him in jail. But I’ll stand by him through the aftermath.” “And we’ll stand by you, Isa. Always,” Jade tells me. “We haven’t made that decision yet,” Reina reminds her. “I have,” Ellie says. And then everyone speaks up. Well, everyone except for the mentors and Reina. The other agents, and the guys all pledge their support to me. And then I wait for the ax to fall. “You can do this? You’ll take down the man you love?” Maggie asks me. “Yes.” “Then you have my full support as well.” Helen, Mallory, and Cyndi also say that they’re with me. Reina and Jane share a look. When Jane nods, Reina turns to smile at me. “Whatever you need is yours, my friend. Please know that I am your friend, even if I have to all be your boss sometimes. I also get caught up in my own…problems from time to time. I promise to try and be a better friend to all of you.” “Thank you. For all of what you said.” “You’re welcome. Now, if everyone could excuse us, I need to talk to Isa, Ellie, Tegan, Ainsley, and Scott.” “Don’t forget our wedding meeting later,” Stella reminds her. “Wouldn’t miss it.” Once the rooms clears out, Reina has Ainsley and Tegan tell us what they’ve found. Which isn’t much. The head of this operation has buried himself deep. They couldn’t find much on Mason, either. “Reina told us he wants you to call him Jake. There’s absolutely nothing on a Jake Wells. Mason Wells, however, has a laundry list of teen infractions. All petty things like shoplifting, underage drinking, and joyriding. After that, he appeared to be a model citizen. Until now,” Ainsley tells us. “How did he pass a background check to work at the school if he had a record?” Ellie asks. “He was under eighteen when all that happened. Those records are sealed,” she tells her with a pointed look that makes Ellie smirk. “Ainsley just unsealed him. Because she’s talented like that,” Tegan says. “I’m not too bad myself, though. I managed to find out the other cities where the group is operating. I’m pretty sure which one
they’re taking you to this weekend. It was a little surprising since it’s not what I was expecting. Especially knowing where else they operate.” “Where is it?” I ask. “Milwaukee.” “Which is why I wanted Scott here,” Reina says. “Me?” “Yes. You’re friends with Lisa Dess right?” “Lisa? Yeah. Sarah Vela and she have been big supporters of Yas with their blog. They’re helping with the literacy project, too. But how can she help?” “She’s a CPS supervisor in Milwaukee.” “Oh yeah. I forgot about that. You want me to call her?” “Yes. We can use all the help we can get this weekend. If opportunity to take down another city arises, I want to be ready.” “I hope I am,” I accidentally say out loud. “You’re worried about this weekend, Isa?” Reina asks me. “Yeah. Grace said she was promised the trip for months, but they gave it to me instead. Are you going, El?” “No. I have three dates this week, but he didn’t mention a trip.” “I have no dates. He said I’m supposed to save my energy for the weekend.” “Well, we can’t all be the one with the highest bid.” “Ha-ha. Aiden bid a pretty penny for you too, and you know it.” “Which reminds me, I have to get those millions back for them,” Ainsley tells us. “Millions?” Ellie asks, going pale. “Yes. Those guys each paid millions for you. Well, Matt fronted Aiden the money, but still.” “You need help?” Scott asks her. “I’m not going to refuse it,” she tells him with a smile. “Okay. Just keep me posted as usual. Especially you, Isa,” Reina says. We agree and then everyone but Ellie and I leave the room. I’d texted Jade already, so she joins us. We don’t say anything at first. I knew Ryan had paid a nice chunk of change for me, but Ellie had no clue that Aiden did the same. “Millions. He paid millions. For me.” “Well, you’re worth it,” Jade tells her. “It’s not fair. One night’s not fair.” “Then make it more,” I tell her. “Don’t take no for an answer.” “I’m not planning to. After this mission is over, I’m going full on into the new clothes and behavior. I can’t yet, though. Not when I have to dress like this for ‘school’ and all. But after this, all bets are off.” “And then hopefully the clothes will be, too,” Jade tells her with a smirk. “Yes, that.” “We need to work on you and Nate, too.” “I’ve been thinking about that. I can’t really do the understated sexy thing, but I have some other ideas.” “Details, please,” I tell her. “All in good time, my dearies. All in good time.” “Fine. Be that way,” I tease her. “I will. Besides, I want to hear all about the classroom. Did you get all the chalk off?” “We weren’t near the blackboard, or whiteboard for that matter.”
“Then where were you?” Ellie asks, her eyes twinkling. “My desk,” I tell them as I blush and cover my face. “Nu-uh. No hiding from us,” Jade says as she pulls my hands away. “Yeah. I mean, I’m going to be trying to figure out which one is yours every time I’m in there, but spill. Was it hot?” “Yes. I mean, it’s always hot. But it was…different this time.” “How?” Ellie asked. “I was more confident. More bold. Being with him, and spending time with all of you has really helped me. It’s made me feel more comfortable in my own skin. Like it’s okay to be me.” “Of course it’s okay to be you. You’re amazing,” Jade says. “I never really saw it before. Because I’m so, you know…awkward. At least socially. I wanted to change, but now I know I don’t need to. I think it took falling in love with someone who loves me for me. And having friends who feel the same. It made me really look at myself, and realize how much I like myself. I’ll never be totally comfortable around a bunch of people, but I think I’m going to be okay with it. Even if I feel like they’re judging me, or not totally getting me.” “Well, good, because we all love you. And if anyone judges you, we’ll kick their ass.” “Thanks, J. Now what are we going to do about Aiden?” “Why do you need to do anything about me?” he asks, walking into the room. “You paid millions for that night with me,” Ellie tells him. “Worth every penny. I mean it.” “What if they can’t get the money back?” “I made up a payment plan for Matt. He says he won’t take my money, but he will. I’ll make sure of it. I pay my own way.” “You didn’t have to do it.” “Yes, I did. Don’t you get it, El?” “No, I don’t. Do you…want to be with me? Like really with me?” “Yes. Which is why I have to leave.” “What? No. You can’t leave me.” “I love you, El. I shouldn’t tell you that, but it’s not right for you to think that night was just fucking.” “Then we can be together. I love you, too.” “No. We can’t. There’s things…things I can’t tell you. And I can’t be with you if you don’t know.” “Then tell me. You can tell me anything, please.” He looks to Jade, and then me. “I can’t. I’m leaving after the wedding.” “Please don’t go, Aiden. Please.” “You’re going to be happy. Someone else is going to make you happy, and that’s all I want. If you need me, if you every truly need me, I’ll be there for you. Always. I swear it. You call me and I’ll come to wherever you are. But I can’t stay here, and see you every day, hoping that I can have you.” “You can have me. Why won’t you see that?” “Because I know better. I bought your dates all week, so you’ll be safe. Goodbye, El.” “Goodbye? You said you’re staying until the wedding.” “I am. But it’s best if we stay away from each other.” “Best for who? You damn coward. Stay here. Be with me. Let me show you I love you enough to not care about your secrets.” He pulls her to him, and hugs her tight. There are tears shining in his eyes when he lets her go. But he still walks out the door. And we catch her as she falls towards the floor.
Why do all these stupid men think they’re not good enough for us? Or that we can’t handle their truths? We’re stronger than we look, and what breaks us is them being too scared to give us a chance. Maybe one day they’ll get it. Until then, we’ll just have to pick up the pieces for each other. * * * Jake This week has been close to perfect. I’ve pretty much moved into Isa’s place. She knows it all now. Well, at least the all I can tell her. There’s still a couple of things I have to keep from her. I feel bad about it, but there are just some lines I can’t cross. Knowing that she loves me and wants me, even though she knows the bad within me, is beyond every hope and dream I’ve ever had. There’s nothing like her love. I’ve been doing my best to show her that I love her just as much as she loves me. I’ve also been giving her as much information as I can about how everything works. I know it’s going to make things way harder for me, and that I could lose my freedom, but it means I’ll be keeping her, and that’s way more important. The only thing that has me worried is the lack of communication from my boss. He told me Isa needed to be on the plane tomorrow. She says Kurt told her she’s leaving tomorrow, but I have no info. I have a very bad feeling about this. We made all that money last weekend, so why would he keep me out of the loop? I’ve worked hard to prove my loyalty. What I told Isa was the truth—he really is a friend of my mom’s. Or at least he was before she found out what he offered me. Now she keeps him close because he’s an enemy, not a friend. And I do what I have to in order to stay alive. I’m in the middle of class when Kurt comes in with a note in his hand. “I have permission to take Isabelle home for the day. There’s been a death in her family, and a plane is waiting to take her back home.” Shit. I didn’t see this coming. “No.” “Excuse me?” “She’s not going with you.” “That’s not up to you.” “In my office. Now. You too, Isabelle.” I tell the class to study the next chapter. When Grace tries to follow us, I tell her to get back in her seat. I close and lock the door behind us, placing myself in front of Isa. “What the hell is going on Kurt? I was supposed to take her.” “Change of plans. The big boss doesn’t trust you for some reason. And since you just outed yourself in front of the merchandise, I’d have to agree with him.” Merchandise? I swear I’m going to end the little bastard when I get a chance. “She’s not going with you.” “I have some friends outside who would beg to differ.” “Even you wouldn’t be so stupid as to bring those thugs into the school. Your daddy’s power only extends so far.” “You’re a dead man if you try to stop this. You know that.” “I’ll go,” Isa says. “Don’t put yourself in danger because of me.” I grab her arm as she steps around me. “I already have. You can’t go with him.” She seems to get that something’s wrong, so she stops walking, but instead of standing behind me, she stands next to me. Crossing her arms, she glares at Kurt. “I guess I’m going to have to pass on this trip, Kurt.” “Like hell you will. Do you want to go back to the food and the comments? Did you enjoy that?”
“No. I don’t want that, but I can take whatever you dish out.” I’m so proud of her. She’s amazing, which I already knew. But her courage just humbles me. I know how much being looked at and talked about scares her, yet she’s going to do it to protect herself. I didn’t think I could love her more, but I was wrong. “You’re getting on that plane today, even if I have to involve others to make it happen. You’re too valuable. Our new clients know how much you went for at auction, and that you got rave reviews. They want you bad, and they’re going to have you. Well, once my friends and I are done with you.” “You’d have to kill me first.” “Unfortunately, we can’t even mark you. But it will still be fun…for us.” I lunge for him. I can’t help myself. I get in two good shots before he plays dirty and stabs me in the arm with a knife. He gets away before I can react. “Jake. Oh my God.” “It’s fine. He didn’t get it in deep.” “Let me look.” “There isn’t time. I need you to get safely to your apartment or the Foundation. Can your friends do that?” “I’m sure they can. But I should be on that plane. I need to finish this.” “If you get on this plane, they will do just what Kurt said. You’ll be gang raped. I know you’re tough, but four to one on a private plane is not the odds we’re looking for.” “Four? How do you know?” “My boss uses the same three guys when he needs some muscle for the dirtiest jobs. He threatened to send them if I stepped out of line. I must have given something away about you when I talked to him. I tried not to, but it was after that night of no sleep, when I thought you and Ryan had sex. I was a little crazed.” “I’ll get away. But will they go that easily?” “No. Your fake parents aren’t at the house, are they?” “No. They’re at their real house today. But…oh my God. Tegan’s there. I have to call her.” I wait anxiously as she dials the number. The bell rings, but I don’t go check on my class. The charade is over, anyway. When Tegan answers, Isa tells her what’s going on and then something happens. “Teeg? What’s going on?” I grab the phone from her. “Tegan, it’s Mason. Are they there?” “Yeah. They just broke through the gates.” “Is there a panic room or somewhere you can barricade yourself in?” “No panic room, but the servant’s bathroom has only one entrance and is pretty secluded.” “Get yourself there. I’m on my way.” “No offense, but I’ve already sounded the alarm for our friends. They’d be much more help.” “Don’t be so sure about that. Plus I’m probably closer. And I’m coming for you, regardless.” I hand the phone back to Isa and head out the door. “Get safe, Isa. I love you.” “I love you, too, Jake. You need to be safe, too.” “Right now, I need to help your friend. I’ll be as safe as I can.”
CHAPTER 14
Jake I realize my miscalculation when I sneak into the staff parking lot of the school. Tegan said there were people at the house, but there are also some guys here. They’re not the usual three, but they look just as bad. It’s a good thing I have my bike across the street in case of situations like this. I sneak through the cars, which is easier than it should be, telling me these guys aren’t pros. That could make things go either way here at the school. They could be bumbling enough to make it easy for Isa. Or they could be desperate to prove themselves, and cause problems. I know Isa and her friends can handle whatever comes their way, so I need to concentrate on Tegan since she’s alone at the moment. I race my bike through the quiet streets and through the broken gates of Isa’s fake home. I made it here in less than five minutes, but I’m almost too late. Tegan’s already being dragged from the house. The sound of my engine startles the assholes enough so that she’s able to get away, but they’re after her again. I pull up alongside her, and she jumps on the back of my bike. It’s not going to be enough, though. The extra “helpers” are forming a barrier in front of me that I would have no trouble driving through, if it weren’t for the guns in their hands. I pull out my own gun and hand it to Tegan. I drive around the house, but there’s no other way out for us as the canyon behind the house is being guarded, too. The boss really wants Isa. I don’t blame him. But I am going to kill him. “I’m going to get as close as possible to the gates. Then I’m jumping off and you need to just go.” “Are you insane?” “Yes.” “Isa will kill me.” “If we’re both dead, she’ll be even more upset. Just take care of her. Are you ready?” “Yeah. Thanks, Mason. You didn’t have to do this.” “I really did. Here we go.” I drive us out towards the line, with Tegan shooting as many of the guys as she can while we still have the element of surprise. Right before the gates, I yell “now” and jump off. She surges forward and grabs the handlebars, the bike weaving a little as she shoots out onto the street. She’s safe. Thank God, she’s safe. Me? Not so much. “Isn’t this interesting? The cold hearted Mason Wells sacrificing himself for a woman. And not even the one our boss thought you were trying to protect,” Asshole One says to me. I don’t answer. They can do whatever they want to me, but I’m not saying a word. About anything. Especially not Isa. “Aw, Cat’s got your tongue. You’ll be screaming and begging soon enough, tough guy.” They pull me roughly to one of the SUVs and toss me in the backseat. Assholes Two and Three join me, one on each side. They leave the new minions who are still alive behind to fend for themselves. As we drive down the street, I see my motorcycle abandoned on the side of the road. Thank God. Tegan got away, and Isa should be safe by now, too. I knew this was coming, and it would be bad, but at least I was able to protect the woman I love and her friend.
Kurt and Grace are already on the plane when I’m escorted to my seat. Kurt smirks at me, but Grace looks worried. She should be. I don’t know how I’m going to protect her on this plane, but I have to try. Crossing state lines with a minor with the intent to commit a crime should help place another nail in the boss’ coffin, but while this girl thinks she wants the life she’s living, I can guarantee that she doesn’t. “Looky here, we may not have the winner, but blondie is a nice consolation prize,” One says. “Prize? I’m going to a party.” “But we have permission to party with whatever girl we found here on the plane first.” “No,” she says looking scared now. “Kurt?” “They have permission.” “You don’t want to touch her,” I tell them. “Oh yeah, we do,” Two tells me. “Do you know who her father is?” “Why should I care?” “Because he’s powerful enough to hire people better than you to find you and hurt you.” “She won’t tell, will you?” Grace looks at me. “Please don’t make me do this.” “If you haven’t noticed, I’m not in a position of power here, Grace. But you have power. Tell them who your father is.” It’s the only thing I can think of. I know she doesn’t want anyone to know—even most of the kids at the school don’t know. But I know, and so does Kurt. Which is why he’s the one looking scared now. “He’s right. I shouldn’t have brought her. But we needed someone. Those millionaires can protect themselves, but we’d be dead within a day,” he tells One. “You’re serious.” “Yeah. I wish I wasn’t because we could all have fun with her, but I’d like to live a little longer.” “Well, shit. The boss owes us some pussy on the ground then.” I breathe a sigh of relief. I won’t be any use to her once we land, but I was able to save Grace here. I can only hope that Isa and her friends come through. If my mom hasn’t already. Between them, I may actually have a chance at making it out of this alive. * * * Isa I made it to the Foundation safely. It wasn’t easy, especially since almost everyone needed to go to Tegan, who was under a bigger threat than me. Ainsley said the house was surrounded. There were a few guys waiting outside for me, too. Ellie was already in the building, and Jade came with Nate to help us. The guys actually started shooting at us, which told us they were new and trying to prove themselves. Jade got grazed on the arm by a bullet and that’s when Nate went crazy. After the three of us helped to unarm them and got into the car, he beat the shit out of them until all three were unconscious. Only then did he jump in the backseat with Jade, ripped off his t-shirt—which nearly caused Ellie to crash the car—and wrapped it around her arm to stop the blood. It was pretty amazing and gave me a new found respect for Nate’s talents, and um, his chest. Which really is a thing of beauty. He’s down in the medical ward with Jade now, since he refused to leave her side even after she told him she was fine. It would be adorable if I weren’t so stressed about Tegan and Jake. There’s been no word, and they should have been back by now.
When the group comes into the lobby, I look from face to face, but he’s not with them. “Where is he?” “I’m sorry, Isa. I told him he was insane.” “What are you talking about Teeg?” “He sacrificed himself to get me out of there.” “No!” I feel my legs go out beneath me, and a pair of strong arms catch me. Matt lifts me up and carries me to the conference room. He sets me in a chair as Aiden hands me some water. When Jade and Nate join everyone in the room, Nate comes to stand by me, too. It’s like the three of them are trying to protect me, but I don’t know from what. I’ve already been protected by the man I love, and what we should be doing now is planning on how to rescue him before…before his boss kills him. A moment later, I understand why they’re standing guard. A number of military men enter the room, followed by The Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Elizabeth Mason. Because I do so much research for missions, I have high security clearance and know that the guys help her with special assignments from time to time. I don’t know why she’s here, though. “Liz, to what do we owe this visit?” Jane asks her; although, she doesn’t seem surprised. “You know damn well why I’m here so let’s skip with the bullshit.” She looks to where the guys are standing around me. “And you three should be on a plane already.” “We needed to make sure everyone got back here safely,” Matt tells her. “My son did not make it back here safely, so obviously you didn’t do your job.” “Your son was not my concern. Mainly because I didn’t know he was your son. If he’d been honest with us, or at least Isa, we could’ve helped him.” “Yes, well, Jake’s always been a lone wolf. Until now.” Jake? Oh my God. “Jake is your son. Jake Mason. That’s why he wanted me to call him that. His name isn’t Mason Wells.” “No it isn’t.” “You need to explain everything to us. Just telling me to have my girls stop digging because he’s your son is not enough,” Jane tells her. “Once those three get on a plane to Milwaukee, I’ll tell you everything.” “Wait. They’re going for him? I’m going, too.” “Oh no. You’ve caused everyone enough trouble.” “I love your son, and no one in this room is going to stop me from helping bring him out of this alive. No one. Now tell us what we need to know.” She narrows her eyes at me, and then nods. “Time is of the essence, so here’s the short version. My son was in military intelligence for four years. And then he started working directly for my team, taking on assignments that seemed impossible, but never were for him. This is something that we never shared with the public, or even our friends. Everyone thinks he just has a cushy, low responsibility job with my husband’s company. We always played it off like he was aimless and couldn’t find his way. It worked too well in this case. “One of my so-called friends has apparently had a lucrative business going for a few years now. A business that, as you know, sells girls to the highest bidder. He had recently expanded into a new market, but he didn’t want to be associated with that city. He needed someone else to do his dirty work, and who better than a rich playboy with no responsibilities? When he approached Jake, my son played along. And then he came to me. I was against him getting involved, but what he’d been told sickened him, and he wanted to help. Actually, that’s not true—he needed to help. It’s his nature. He’s always been the one his friends go to for help when something goes wrong.” “He’s a good man,” I say.”
“Yes, he is. And he was close to bringing everything down, until he did something he’d never done before. He fell in love with you, Isabelle. When he called to tell me, I tried to reason with him and get him to run. But he reminded me that I would never sacrifice his father to protect myself. Which tells me just how strong his feelings for you are.” “I feel the same.” “Even though you thought he was a bad guy? He told me you were willing to stand by him if he went to jail.” “I was. I am. I’ve never been in love before, either. I would lay down my life for him in a second.” “You realize that you very well could be if you go with the guys?” “Yes.” “I still think this is too risky. You can’t just walk in there as yourself. They’d take you immediately.” “Which is why Stella needs to be on the plane with me. She can alter me enough to pass as someone else.” “Yes, I can. But I’m not sure I should,” Stella tells me. “Please, Stell.” She looks to Reina, who nods. “He saved Tegan. We owe him. The guys are already going, regardless. If Isa feels she needs to go, we’ll do everything we can to help her. Which means we’re taking our own plane. We won’t go in with them, but we’ll be nearby. I’ll have Scott call Lisa Dess to alert her.” Stella goes to grab what she needs, and everyone else files out to get ready to go to the airport. Reina is the last to go. She lifts an eyebrow at me and then nods when I do. So now, it’s just me and Mrs. Mason. Her guards are outside to give us privacy. “I’ve looked into you, Isabelle.” “You can call me Isa, and I wouldn’t expect anything less, Ma’am.” “Liz, not Ma’am. I get enough ‘ma’ams’ an hour to last a lifetime, and I’m really not that formal if I’m being honest.” “Good to know.” “Your background is very impressive. You not only graduated college, but got more than one Masters, and a PhD. All while you were still a teenager.” “I did, yes.” “You lived a sheltered upbringing and have continued to draw as little attention to yourself as possible in your adult years.” “Again, that is correct.” “Yet, you joined this organization and passed their rigorous training classes.” “Is this going somewhere, Liz?” “A mother tends to think no one is good enough for her son, but you may just be the exception. A genius with a strength of spirit not found often in women or men. Not to mention your obvious beauty. I’m not surprised that my son was willing to give up everything, including his life, for you.” “I never wanted that. For him to have to give up anything to be with me.” “I believe you, Isa. And that makes me even happier. Now go get my son and bring him home. If that bastard who took him gets killed in the process, that will just be a bonus.” “You didn’t tell us who it is.” “No, I didn’t.” “It’s that bad.” “Worse.”
She tells me then, and I almost fall out of my chair. She says the guys know, but asks me not to tell my friends yet. I understand the need for national security, so I promise to not say anything for now. “Isn’t there going to be Hell to pay if he’s killed?” “The White House has a cover story already planned. They want him gone almost as much as we do.” “This is a little crazy, like something out of a Harlan Coben novel. If I wasn’t in the middle of it, I wouldn’t believe it was real.” “Isa, we need to go,” Matt says, walking into the room. “Knocking would’ve been appropriate, Commander.” “Ex-Commander, and you can cut the crap, Liz. If you’d told me who Jake really was, I could’ve made sure none of this was necessary.” “Yes, well, hindsight and all that. Go get my boy, and make sure this girl comes out with him.” “That’s not even a question. But it’s her before him, you have to know that.” “Understood.” “I can take care of myself you know.” “Yeah, we do know, Double G. Love can make you careless, though, so we’ve got your back.” Stella and I board the government plane with the guys, while everyone else rides in one of the Corrigan jets. We spend the few hours of the flight with Stella transforming me, while Matt fills us in on what’s going to go down. I knew the three of them were badass—they were in the most sought after Special Forces group in the military—but I’ve never seen them in action before. It’s pretty awesome, along with being a little scary. I’m really glad that they’re on my side.
CHAPTER 15
Jake I’m not sure why they would bring me to the property where the auction and “party” are taking place. I guess it just speaks to the arrogance of the man in charge. He thinks nothing and no one can touch him. I had a chance, but I blew it. Isa’s still out there. She doesn’t know who he is, but maybe her and her friends can figure it out. Or maybe they shouldn’t. This guy doesn’t care who he hurts. Kurt and Grace are directed to the main house while I’m taken to a separate building that turns out to be a private gym. “Ready to play, Wells?” One asks me. Obviously, my real name hasn’t been given out to the underlings. I wonder how they’d react if they knew not only my name, but how much combat training I’ve had. I don’t think this idiot would be asking to fight me. But what he doesn’t know can only help me, so I’ll bite. “Not really.” “Too bad.” I hang back, trying my best to look nervous. It seems to work as he rushes me, and I easily throw him over my shoulder. He gets to his feet as I chuckle. I might as well have a little fun before I die. An hour later, I seem to have worn all three of them out while only getting punched a few times. That’s when they bring out the big guns. Literally. Asshole Number Three holds a Sig Sauer on me. “Lie down on the ground,” Two says. “No thank you.” “That wasn’t a request.” Shit. Why couldn’t I just play along? I know this isn’t going to be good. Whatever they want me on the floor for is going to hurt. I’ve been trained to handle pain, but it doesn’t mean I like it. Since I don’t have a gun of my own, and I’m not close enough to disarm, I have to do what I’m told and get on the floor. Sure enough, once I’m down, the cowards start kicking me. The first time I pull one of the two to the ground with me, a bullet grazes my thigh. After that, I stop fighting; although, I do protect my head. Since I’d already worn them out with hand to hand, they don’t last too long before tiring out. I know I have at least one broken rib and am bleeding from where the bullet grazed me since they made sure to kick me there, but all in all I’m not in too bad of shape. They handcuff me to a weight bench and bring in three other guys to watch me. Not sure where they think I can go at the moment, but I’m glad that they seem to be more than a little scared of me. I’ll be sure to use that to my advantage later. Sleeping can be precarious, but I decide that getting some rest will serve me well later. I’m not sure if I’ll have a chance for anything, but I’ll take what I can get. I dream of Isa and what it would’ve been like if I really was just a teacher. She’s not a student, but just Luke Griffin’s friend. And we live happily ever after with our 2.5 kids and a white picket fence. It’s my favorite dream ever. A wave of cold water breaks me out of my happy place. I shake my head to clear it and get the water out of my eyes. And there he is, the man himself. Bartlett Mays. The head of this multi-state
prostitution ring. And the Secretary of State of the United States of America. God bless the U.S.A. indeed. “You’ve become such a disappointment, Jake.” “Fuck you. You’re trading money for teenage girls. I think your level of disappointment far exceeds my own.” “I had such high hopes for you,” he says, ignoring my insult. “I wanted you to run it all.” “Not interested.” “All because of a piece of ass. A nice piece of ass granted, but you’ve had better.” He’s trying to bait me, to get me to say more than I’m willing to about Isa. It’s not working. “Maybe I just grew a conscience,” I say with a shrug. “It’s a little late for that, isn’t it?” “I don’t think it’s ever too late for a conscience. You should try it.” “So you’ve gone from a good for nothing rich kid to a comedian. You should’ve kept your day job.” “It was better than my night job, that’s for sure.” “Do you not understand that you’re going to die tonight?” “Well, I was pretty sure, but thanks for clearing it up.” I’ve pushed him too far. He nods, and my head snaps forward as I’m hit from behind. Three steps in front of me and uses me as a punching bag for a few minutes. I can taste the blood in my mouth, but my teeth are still intact. I spit out blood, hitting Mays’ shiny shoes in the process. I honestly wasn’t trying for that, but I’m not sorry. “Stupid boy. I was almost willing to let you die quickly. But now you’re going to suffer. You’ve got a few hours to think about all the things I’m going to do to you when I get back.” “You? You’re going to dirty your hands with lil ol’ me?” “You better believe I am. And you won’t be making jokes, I can assure you of that.” I decide to sleep again. I want my happy before I die. But that’s later. Right now is a brilliant mind and braids. Laughter and kissable lips. Love and coming home. Isa. * * * Isa When we step off the plane in Milwaukee, I don’t even recognize myself. My hair ’s a short black asymmetrical bob, my eyes are a vibrant green, and I’m dressed like a rock dominatrix. The wig, contacts, and clothing can change the way I look on the outside, but I need to own it on the inside in order for it to work. We worked on my walk and mannerisms during the last hour of the flight. I know I’m ready. I have to be. Failure is not even on the multiple choice list. The drive to the mansion is short, and we have no problem getting in. With Nate and Aiden having been at the Vegas auction, they had no problem getting in on this one. And Matt, well he’s Matt. Not many people say no to a Corrigan. Especially the one who’s getting ready to give up being the biggest player in the world to get married soon. I’m going along as his companion. Nate and Aiden said there were a few couples in Vegas, so it was easy to bring me along. I tense a little as Kurt greets us at the pool house. He looks at me a little curiously, but says nothing. I’m not sure if I’m in the clear, but for now we’re all okay. The screens on the wall show who’s up for grabs today. Lisa Dess sent us pics to look at on the flight. They’re of girls she thinks have been given up to this life by their parents. Her friends in law enforcement are with my other friends, waiting for the signal to storm the mansion.
I recognize only two of the girls from the photos. I know Nate and Aiden will take them. I nudge Matt when I see Grace. He raises an eyebrow, and I nod. I’m determined to save this girl whether she thinks she needs it or not. He answers my nod, and we settle in until it’s time for the bidding to begin. It’s strange to be on this side of things, but I keep up my act throughout the live action. Nate and Aiden are out before us. There’s some guys who don’t want to give up Grace, but Matt is one of the richest men in the world, so they’re no match for his bank account. We’ve given our room number, and we make our way up the back staircase to Grace. Matt ushers me in the room first and then closes and locks the door. Grace looks between us and I see fear flash across her face before she puts her game face on. It’s in that moment that I make my decision. “It’s me, Grace. It’s Isabelle.” “What? How? Oh my God, you have to get out of here. They’ll put you in one of these rooms. Or kill you. They’re going to kill Mason.” “We’re here for him. And you, Grace.” “He saved me on the plane. They we’re going to all do…me. But he talked them out of it.” “We’re going to get you both out of here.” “My father will never allow it.” “Your father?” “He’s…he’s the one on charge.” “Your father is Bartlett Mays?” “Yeah.” Matt and I exchange glances. This is even more fucked up than we thought. “And he-he knows about you doing this? He has you here?” “No. I found out what he was doing when he left his personal email open one day. I knew Kurt, of course, but I didn’t know Mason. Kurt thought it was a big mind fuck to have me working for them.” “How did Mason not know? His mom and your dad are friends.” “They are? Well, my mom isn’t dear old dad’s wife. So most people don’t even know I exist. That’s why I did this. I just wanted some attention from him.” “This isn’t the way to get it.” “I figured that out pretty quickly, but I was getting attention from Kurt. And Mason tried to talk me into leaving once he found out. I thought he, you know, liked me. But he didn’t. He loves you.” “Yeah he does. I won’t apologize for that, but I meant what I said about getting you out of here, and I’d like to help you, too.” “Thanks. And it’s okay about him. You two are actually kind of cute together. I don’t know how we’ll get out of here, though. It’s well guarded.” “We have a plan and a back-up plan. One of them will work.” “Or we could go with a new plan,” Matt says. “A reunion with Daddy Dearest could give us the distraction we need.” “No. It’s too risky for her.” “For me? No. My dad may ignore me, but I know he loves me. And when he finds out I’m part of his little club, he’s going to freak out. He doesn’t even want me to date yet.” “Are you sure, Grace? Because I don’t want to take the chance of you getting hurt. Like I said, we have other plans.” “You really care? After how mean I was to you?” “Yes. I care. I hate to have attention on me as much as you crave it, so I understand.” “There’s a small alcove by the top of the stairs. Go there. I’m going to give you a minute to get situated, and then I’m going to scream.”
“That won’t work. When they get here, and find you alone, they’ll know something’s up,” Matt says. “She won’t be alone.” “Oh hell no, Isa. You’re not going after Mason alone.” “Yeah, I am. It’s the only way. I can do this, Matt. I promise.” “I don’t like this, but it’s a good plan. Reina’s going to withhold sex from me again, but I’m going to let you do it.” “Someone’s withholding sex from you? Is she crazy? I wouldn’t do that.” “Behave little girl. I’m taken, and even if I weren’t, I like my women legal,” he tells her with a smile that should be illegal. And probably is in some countries. “You watch out for yourself, too. It’s not going to be pretty when her dad gets up here.” “I’m going to demand a refund, and call the Calvary while I keep him talking.” “Okay, I’m out.” I creep down the hall and find that alcove. I’m squeeze in as far as possible and wait for it. The scream is so loud. Cries of “Daddy” over and over again. Damn, she’s good. Or at least she will be once we get her some help. The hall shakes as the men fly up the steps. I see Mays among the guards. I wait for my chance and then fly down those stairs. I see a guard right as he sees me, but I launch myself from the step I’m on and kick him in the head before he can yell. Then I’m out the door. I’m careful as I make my way around the house. From the satellite images of the house we saw on the plane, we’re pretty sure they’ve got Jake in the gym that’s in a building on the property. It’s the only other outlying building, besides the pool house, that had a good amount of thermal energy showing up. I’m able to get to the building without any other trouble. I think about how I want to play this and decide that acting like I’m lost is the ticket. It’s not original at all, but I just need to get inside the door. I pull down the thin black tank I’m wearing as far as I can. The spaghetti straps forming a ‘v’ in the middle hinder me a little, but I get it down low enough to show some cleavage. The tight, shiny black pants I have on hide nothing, so they’re already doing their part. I flip my wig, and walk to the door. The first thing I see upon entering is Jake handcuffed to a weight bench. His looks bloody and beaten, which make me want to kill someone. Then I notice the three men who have stood up and are coming towards me. I bite my lip and strike a pose. “Oh. This isn’t the pool house.” “No, that’s next to the pool.” “Silly me,” I say, pulling on my top. “I’ll show you, baby,” one of them says, coming towards me. “Oh, thank you,” I tell him as he comes close. “You’re—“ and that’s all he gets out before I punch him in the throat and take his gun. I cock it and shoot one of the others before he realizes what’s happening. The third comes for me, but I’m ready for him. My training pays off as I take him down, allowing only one punch to my cheek to get through. I pick the gun back up and run to Jake. I shoot off his handcuffs, and pull him into my arms. He wakes up and says my name before passing out again. The authorities rush in with my friends less than a minute later. I have to let him go. I need to be questioned, and he needs the hospital. That’s what I’m told as my hands are removed from him by the military men who have shown up, along with everyone else. I whisper that I love him, and then he’s gone. Hours later, when I try to find him, I’m told he’s been moved to a hospital in Virginia. Liz Mason gave me her son, and then she took him away.
CHAPTER 16
Isa I’m in Virginia now. It took time for me to get away from Milwaukee, but Reina called in favors and I was allowed to leave. I took the jet straight here because I need to see Jake. I know Elizabeth Mason is probably going to try and stop me, but I can’t let her. I walk into the hospital and ask for his room number. The volunteer tells me he’s in intensive care, but only family and those on his approved visitor list can go upstairs. I smile and walk to the cafeteria. I use some skills Darcy taught me, and snag a badge from a young doctor who was flirting with me. Good thing I cleaned up on the plane. I use the pass to access the staff elevator and get into the ICU waiting room. Which is where my luck ends. There are a handful of military guys in the room who’ve obviously seen my picture. “You can’t be here, Ms. Carlton.” “I need to see him. Please.” “We have orders, and we need to follow them.” I’m about to say more when a beautiful brunette walks into the room. “Jake Mason, where is he?” she asks the nurse behind the window. “Your name?” “Vicki. I’m on the list.” “Oh yes, his girlfriend.” The room starts spinning, and I nearly fall over. I don’t hear anything else as I start to fall to the ground. The guy I was talking to catches me and helps me stand again. When I look around, I see that Jake’s girlfriend is gone. Because she’s allowed to see him. Of course she is. I never expected to be the “other woman” at any time in my life. But that’s what I am now. And let me tell you, it really does suck. Being the masochist that I am, I can’t leave town without talking to Jake. I need to hear him tell me that it was all a lie, so I hang around town for the next few days. I’m in the hotel across the street from the hospital, and I see the press going crazy as Jake leaves the hotel. With Vicki. I’m going to his parents’ house today for one last try at getting the closure I desperately need. I pull up to the gates, expecting to be turned away. That’s not how it works, though. I’m actually let in. Of course Liz is the one waiting for me in the room the butler leads me into, and not Jake. I knew this was a little too easy. “Why are you here, Isa?” “You can’t be serious. I saved him. You know I love him.” “I also know that you saw Vicki at the hospital. My men said you nearly fainted.” “I need Jake to explain all of this to me.” “That’s not going to happen, but I’ll indulge your curiosity. Vicki and Jake were high school sweethearts. Everyone knew they were perfect for each other, but they decided to take a break. This little situation has brought them back together.” “You mean you brought them back together.”
“It was Jake who asked for her, not me. He’s realized that she’s the one he really wants, and his other…feelings…weren’t what he thought they were” “I don’t believe you. Let him tell me that.” “My son is still recovering from his injuries. He doesn’t need to see a scorned little girl crying over him. He needs rest, not guilt.” “I’m not a little girl.” “I know that and, actually, that’s why I let you in today. I have a job for you, Isa. One that I think will help you get closure. And will also help keep my son safe. That’s what you want most, isn’t it? For the man you love to be safe.” “Of course I want him to be safe.” “Then let’s focus on that, not your broken heart. You’re young, someone else will come along. But could you live with my son being a target when you could’ve eliminated the man who would threaten him?” “You want me to kill Mays.” “Yes.” I nod. “I’ll do it.” Because she’s right. I love Jake enough to want to protect him, even as my heart’s breaking. * * * Jake I can’t remember much about how I got out of that gym. But I know Isa was there. She was wearing a wig, and her eyes were green, but it was her. My mother denies it, but I know what I saw. I want to call her, but no one will give me a phone. They say I need to rest and recuperate. But it’s been almost two weeks. And if I can talk to the police, I should sure as hell be able to talk to the woman I love. I would get one myself, but my mom’s been keeping me drugged up, and there are guards at my door around the clock. I bribed my day nurse to lessen my meds, though, so it’s game on. “Jake, you’re up,” my mom says as she enters my room. “It’s the middle of the afternoon, Mom. Of course I’m up.” “And in as good a mood as ever, I see.” “I need a phone.” “No.” “You can’t keep me from her.” “If it protects you, then yes I can.” “She saved me. I know she was there.” “You had serious head trauma. And I’ve seen security tapes. There was no one there with her description.” “I won’t stay here forever. When I get out, I’m going to find her. If you make me wait that long, you won’t get a wedding invitation. I swear it.” “A wedding? You can’t be serious.” “About spending the rest of my life with Isa? I’m dead serious. About not inviting you to the wedding, well I can be persuaded to change my mind. If you give me a damn phone.” “Jake.” “Mom. Phone. Now.” “Fine, but I really am trying to protect you.”
“I don’t need your protection,” I say, holding out my hand for the phone. I dial Isa’s number, but it goes to voicemail. I don’t want to leave a message on there, so I use the browser on the phone to get the number for the Foundation. Alex Griffin answers on the second ring. “Hi Alex. It’s Jake Mason. I’m trying to get in touch with Isa.” “Oh my God, Mase. I mean Jake. I mean…whatever your name is. She’s been so worried.” “You can call me either name. I haven’t had a phone until now so I couldn’t call her. Is she there?” “No. She…um, well I should let you talk to Reina. Hold on.” “Sure. I’d love to talk to Reina.” “Hang up the phone, Jake. Please,” my mom says, and that’s when I know I’m not going to like what I’m about to hear. I shake my head and hold the phone tighter. It takes less than a minute before Reina’s on the line. “You’re looking for Isa, Mase? Didn’t your mother tell you where she is?” “No. My mother has kept me from a phone and told me nothing.” I glare at her, and she shrinks before my eyes. She may control the Armed Forces, but she’s done controlling me. What did she do to Isa? “Mays got away when the house was raided. He tried to take Grace with him, but she managed to get to us first. The President gave permission for him to be taken down, and your mother…well, she guilted Isa into going after him.” “My mother sent Isa after Bartlett Mays? How did she make her feel guilty enough to do it?” “I don’t know the exact details. I wasn’t there. I only know Isa came home and cried for two days straight before she told us what happened.” “Shit. What do you know about anything else involving Isa and my mother? I need you to tell me everything. And don’t worry about Dear Old Mom. She won’t go after you unless she wants to never see me again. I’m putting you on speakerphone.” My mom sinks into the chair next to my bed and holds her head in her hands. We’re definitely having a serious talk about boundaries when I get off this phone call. After I know the extent of what she’s done. I told her how much I loved Isa, so it makes whatever she did to her even worse. “Okay. Here’s what I know. Your mother had already contacted my fiancé and his friends to help you when you were taken. They help her with sensitive missions from time to time apparently. After you saved Tegan, she burst into our offices with a full military escort and demanded they go get you. Isa said she was going to go with them. She didn’t ask, she insisted that she be there to help get you out alive. We all left them alone to talk for a few minutes while we made preparations, and I thought it went well. Isa told our friend Stella that your mom approved of her, and that once she got you back, everything would be great. “And she did get you back. It was all her, Mase. She took out a guard in the house and then all three who were with you in the gym. By herself. When we got there, she was holding you in her arms. She held onto you as the paramedics took your vitals and got you onto the gurney. And that’s when it all started to go bad.” “She wasn’t at the hospital when I woke up.” “No. When we were waiting offsite with local law enforcement, some military men joined us. We thought it was a good thing. Until they physically pried Isa’s hands off of you and held her back while you were loaded onto the ambulance. They made her stay to be questioned, even though the local guys had told me they could find her at the hospital and get her statement. We wanted to fight them, but since they were there on behalf of you mother, and I couldn’t reach POTUS, we had to do what they said. “When Isa was done, we rushed her to the hospital the paramedics had told us you’d be at. They told us that you were gone already. That you had been moved to a hospital in Virginia.”
“My mother took me from her.” I look at her, and I know she feels my rage like it’s a physical thing. “You fucking took me from Isa after I told you I loved her. After she saved me.” “Jake, please.” I ignore her for now. “Sorry for the interruption, Reina. Please continue.” “I gave Isa the Corrigan jet we had with us, and she flew to you, along with our friend, Jade. They wouldn’t let her see you. There were military men there who told her that your mother had given orders for her to be kept away from you. She wouldn’t leave the city, though. She slept in the closest hotel to the hospital and watched every day until she saw you leave. She…um, she said there was a beautiful brunette with you, holding your hand when you did.” “Brunette? Oh, you mean Vicki. She must’ve seen Vicki. She’s been my best friend since I was five.” “And your ex.” “Well, kind of.” “Isa said the nurse in I.C.U. called her your girlfriend, and your mother told her you were back together when she went to the house to talk to her.” “Isa was here? In the house?” “Yes. Like I said, your mother told her you were back with your old girlfriend and didn’t want to see her. She told her you were caught up in what you were doing, and it made you feel things that weren’t real.” I hear her take a deep breath and watch as my mother ’s eyes plead with me. “She told Isa that you realized you never really loved her.” “No. No. She couldn’t.” I look at her. “You wouldn’t do that. Please tell me Reina’s wrong.” “She’s not the one for you.” “I just told you I want to marry her, so you’re obviously incorrect.” “But Vicki is much better for you.” I’m so angry, I can’t even respond. “In high school, you were the golden couple.” “We pretended to be that to make you and her parents happy. We weren’t interested in each other romantically. We tried to kiss once, and it was gross for both of us. I felt like I was kissing my sister.” “She practically flew to your bedside.” “Because she’s my best friend. Stop getting me off topic. I still need to know about the mission Isa’s on. Sorry again for interrupting, Reina.” “I understand. So, yeah. All of that happened, and then your mother told Isa something about how if she really loved you, she would make sure Mays could never hurt you again. She came back, cried over her broken heart, and then went after him.” “You’re in touch with her, right? You can tell her I do love her and that I’m coming to her.” “That’s just it. She hasn’t called in for the past two days, and she doesn’t answer when we call her. I’m getting worried because she went by herself with another group of guys your mother uses.” No. She didn’t. She wouldn’t. But I’ve learned that she would. “Where is she, Mom?” “I only wanted the best for you.” “If she’s hurt, I’ll never forgive you.” “She’s not hurt.” Yet. I hear that unspoken word. “Stop whatever you have planned and get her back here to me.” “I’m sorry.” “I don’t want to hear that right now,” I tell her. I speak to Reina again. “I’m going to have her brought here, Reina. I’ll call you as soon as I know anything else.”
“Thank you. And Liz? You can forget about ever asking Matt, Nate, or Aiden for help. That’s not going to happen. And no one in the Society will take a call from you ever again.” “Reina, you can’t do that.” “I just did.” “I’ll go to Jane.” “I’ve been on this call from the beginning, Liz. What you have done to Isa is unforgivable. She loves your son and risked her own life to save him. Not to mention that going after one of my girls was the stupidest thing you’ve ever done. It will never be forgiven, and as Reina told you, no help will be given to you ever again. I’ve already discussed this with the President.” My mom goes pale, and I think she may pass out. Good. I love her, but God help me, I don’t know that I can forgive her for what she’s done. That she did it in the name of her love for me makes it even worse. “I’m going to get off this phone, so she can call her dogs off and get our girl back here. I’ll talk to you soon.” I hang up and turn to the woman I used to think hung the moon. “Make the call.” * * * Isa This mission has been weird and stressful. I mean, all missions are stressful, but this one’s different. For one thing, I’m working with strangers who took my phone. And then there’s the fact that I’m doing it with a broken heart, which is not the mindset anyone should be in when conducting a mission. Unless said mission is to kill the person who tortured the man you love. Then it works pretty well. So well in fact that the target didn’t even see it coming. I got the Secretary of State alone by practically climbing onto his lap in his favorite pub here in Dublin. Once we were in his room, I just had to start stripping before he told his guards—who are actually here with me—to wait outside. A single shot to the head was all it took. I should be on my way back to the States already. But it’s hard to do that when someone’s pointing a gun at you. I underestimated the lengths Liz Mason would go to in order to make sure I stay away from her son. She already told me he doesn’t love me, so I don’t know why she thinks I’d come around again. But apparently she does because two from this special team of hers pulled guns on me when they came in the room. The third is setting up the scene the way we had planned. Although there will now be two bodies for the local police to find, instead of just one. If I give in, that is. Which would be so easy to do. But I’ve never been one to take the easy way out. I’m working through all the possible scenarios in my head, when a phone starts to ring. The guy in charge, the one who’s setting the scene, answers while looking at me. “Everything went as planned. I’m just setting the scene.” He listens for a moment and then responds. “No. We’ve got guns on her, but she’s not dead yet.” I want to hear the other side to this conversation. I wish he would put it on speaker. He doesn’t, of course, but I really wish he would. “What? Are you sure? You sound like you’re under duress. Is someone making you say this, Ma’am?” Now I really want to know what’s going on. “What? Oh hey. How’s it going?”
The smile slips from his face, and his eyes goes wide as he listens. “Shit. I’ll take care of it. No worries, man. See you soon.” He hangs up and tells the other guys to lower their guns. “We have a change in plans, guys. The beautiful Isabelle here is Jake’s woman. His mommy didn’t like that, so she was going to have us take her out. After she did the dirty work for her. Which she knows how to do because she’s also a member of the infamous Society. And like a little sister to Matt Corrigan, Aiden Ford, and Nate Anderson.” “Fuck. Jake, the Society, and the Triple Threat? We’d have no chance at staying alive no matter where we tried to hide,” his friend says. “That would depend on whether the guys or the girls found you. They guys would probably kick your asses a little, and then kill you. The girls would hurt you bad, but keep you alive. If it helps, though, I’m not Jake’s woman anymore. He’s back with his ex. So he wouldn’t care,” I tell them, trying hard to act nonchalant about this whole situation. “That’s not what he said on the phone. We’re to get you safely back to Virginia. And I…we…well, we’re sorry about all this. Taking your phone, and, you know, the guns.” “You were following orders. I get that. Just don’t expect us to be best friends after this.” “Got it. Although, you’re a pretty cool chick, Isabelle.” “Thanks.” They finish up with the room, and then we all head to the airport. They give me a wide berth on the plane, leaving me to my own thoughts. Number one of which is why Jake would say I’m his woman. He didn’t need to do it to save me. The Society and the “Triple Threat” would’ve been enough. I guess I’ll ask him when I see him. I also think about what’s been going on at home while I was gone. Once I got my phone back, I called Reina to check in and see how everything’s been going. A lot has gone on since I was fully functioning, and I feel bad that my friends had to do it all without me. Reina told me that everyone was happy to help. After the raid, Tegan got her punch for Kurt in, while I was a little too distracted to care anymore. His father tried to buy him out of jail time, but it didn’t work. He’s being tried as an adult, and bail was denied while he waits for his trial. He sang like a canary while trying to work a plea deal. Working with Al and Cathy from the local PIT team, authorities in all the other cities were able to shut those organizations down. My friends got Max and Grace into counseling. When the school found out what was going on, they granted Max her scholarship for the next year without question. If they hadn’t, I would’ve just paid her tuition. But it’s the least they can do. Literally. I also asked Reina to use some of our connections to make sure she gets a place at one of her dream schools once she graduates. She assured me that Max is all taken care of in that department. The high school wanted to kick Grace out, but Ellie intervened so they’re allowing her to stay. She’s on strict probation, and from what I was told, she’s okay with that. Her mom was horrified by what happened and has vowed to pay more attention to her daughter. We saved a lot of girls this time around. I should be dancing and celebrating. But I can’t. So I do the only thing that will make me stop stressing about what’s going to go down once we land. I fall asleep.
CHAPTER 17
Isa While I was sleeping, someone placed a blanket over me. I know this because it shifts on top of me as I’m being gently shaken awake. “We just landed,” the guy in charge tells me. I thank him and stand up. As I’m walking to the cabin door, I hear a string of expletives. When I step outside, I see why. All the girls, as well as the guys, are here to meet me. I run down the stairs and am quickly engulfed in a giant group hug. I’m so glad to see all of them. Matt’s voice, which sounds like it could cut ice, rings out next to me. “Which of these bastards held a gun on you, Isa?” “Look, Matt. We were just following orders. You have to understand that. I know you haven’t agreed with every assignment you’ve been sent on.” “It’s not their fault, Matt,” I tell him. “Fine, but look at all of these women very closely. And know that if you were to ever hurt one of them, I’d hunt you to the ends of the Earth.” “We got it. We’ll stay away from them. If you want to know the truth, they scare us more than the three of you do.” “Smart men,” Reina says with a laugh. “What now?” I ask after they leave us alone. “We’re going to go to the house here and get you all prettified so you can go see your man and his evil mommy.” “I don’t have a man, Stella.” “Talk to him, Isa,” Reina says. “Is that an order?” “If it has to be, then yes.” I just want to go back to Vegas and hide, but since I can’t do that, I let Stella have her way with me. I must admit that the dress she picked for me is kind of perfect. And she just pulls my hair back into a sleek ponytail. The shoes are black and white with high heels that I can actually walk in. I’m dressed to kill after almost being killed. The irony isn’t lost on me as I ring the doorbell after being let through the gates of the Mason family estate. Last time I was here didn’t go so well for me, and I’m expecting today to be even worse. The butler lets me in and shows me to the same office I sat in last time. And just like that time, it’s Liz Mason waiting for me inside. “Nice dress, Isa.” “Thank you, Ma’am. I like it.” Her mouth quirks up into a little smile at the small dig I just managed. “Please sit down.” “I’d rather stand.” “Okay. I…well, I need to apologize to you.” “For?”
“Everything that has happened since I met you. I meant what I said about you being worthy of my son. I just never planned on letting you be with him. I blamed you for him being in danger because I didn’t want to admit that I actually shouldered much of that blame myself. When he came to me, I shouldn’t have been so encouraging to him about playing along. I know he would’ve done it anyway, but if I’d objected, he might have been more careful.” “Or he would’ve done exactly what he did with your support and encouragement.” “There’s always that. But I blamed his love for you, when I should’ve been celebrating it. He loves you so much, Isa. It scares me because I never want my son to put himself in a position where he could lose his life because he’s sacrificing it for someone else.” “And that’s what he did with me.” “Yes. Then you saved him, and I just wanted you gone. You’re a strong woman, Isa, and I didn’t like that. I didn’t like that you’d stand up to me.” “But you like it now?” “If I’m being honest, it’s going to take some getting used to. But like I said, my son loves you. And I like you very much. You’re one hell of a woman.” “Your husband might hate me.” “No. Jake talks about you non-stop. He has his father thinking you’re the greatest thing since Google.” “You told me he didn’t really love me,” I say. “I lied.” “And the ex? Vicki?” “She’s no one for you to worry about.” “Can I see him? I need to hear all this from him. I believed you once, and it kind of destroyed me. Forgive me if I can’t trust you again.” “There’s nothing to forgive on my end. I really am sorry, and I hope we can be friends one day.” “Maybe one day.” “Jake is in the sunroom. Just go straight down the hall and you’ll run into it.” I nod and head down the hall. I push open the door and stop short. I knew I couldn’t trust Liz. Because Jake has his arms around the girl she just told me not to worry about. I don’t even realize I’ve made a noise until they quickly break apart and look towards me. “Isa,” he says as he stands suddenly. “This…it isn’t…it’s not what it looks like.” “It looks like you were holding your ex-girlfriend.” “Well, yeah. But it was nothing.” “I guess our definitions of ‘nothing’ are a little different.” “Are you going to introduce me to the great and wonderful Isa, or do I have to do it myself asshole?” Well that’s different. I hold out my hand. “Hi. I’m Isa. Not great or wonderful, just Isa.” “I’m Vicki. And honey, you need to own the adjectives because from what I’ve been told, there aren’t enough in the English language to describe your awesomeness.” “He shouldn’t talk about me like that when he’s dating you.” “’He’ is right here, and Vicki are I are definitely not dating. She’s my best friend. Has been since we were five.” “You never mentioned your best friend.” “I didn’t tell you a lot of things I should have. I’d like to remedy that if you’ll believe me when I say my mom lied to you. I never doubted my love for you. And I never will.” “She told me she lied, but I wasn’t sure what to believe.”
“He loves you. Like fall on his sword loves you. Which he apparently already did, or tried to do before you saved his sorry ass,” Vicki tells me. “My ass is very nice, and it doesn’t appreciate you disparaging it.” “Your ass speaks for itself now?” she asks him with a laugh. “I’ve never heard it talk, but it is very nice,” I say. “On that note, I’m going to leave the two of you alone to compare asses or whatever. I’ll also find another date for the ball tomorrow, since I’m expecting you to take my new friend here.” “Ball?” “It’s torture, Isa. Save me from the torture.” I look at Vicki with an eyebrow raised. “They do tend to be pretty awful, but we’ll make it fun for ourselves. I love your dress, by the way.” “Thanks. I wore it in honor of my favorite teacher.” The dress is a blank tank style that goes past my knees. It’s covered in what looks like chalk drawings, words, and equations. It really does remind me of the man who’s now sitting in the chair in front of me. I wore it because I will always remember our time in Vegas, even if things don’t work out here. Which I now think maybe they could. * * * Jake She’s here. Thank God she’s here. When my mom called her guy and he said there were guns on her, I almost stopped breathing. If we’d called even five minutes later, this extraordinary woman in front of me would be dead. “I wouldn’t necessarily be dead, Jake.” “What?” “I can see on your face that you’re thinking about what would’ve happened if you hadn’t called. Yes, I might’ve died, but I wasn’t going down without a fight, so I might’ve lived.” “You shouldn’t have ever been in that position.” “No. I shouldn’t have. She’s very beautiful.” Huh? Who? Oh fuck. My mom needs a new hobby. “Just a friend, Isa. My best friend, but that’s it. I swear.” “I saw her leaving the hospital with you, holding your hand.” “That should’ve been you. I wanted it to be you.” “You didn’t call.” “My mom kept all the phones from me. I threatened her into giving me one yesterday.” “I-I thought you didn’t care.” “Never. There could never be a time when I don’t care. When I don’t love you. I’ll love you until the day I die.” “You almost did.” “Until my sexy, badass girlfriend rescued me.” “I wanted to keep you around a little longer.” Just a little? “How long?” “I was thinking about forever.” Oh yeah. We’re on the same page. “I love your dress by the way. Not as much as I love what’s underneath it, but I had to tell you that.” “I want to kiss you, Jake.”
“Good. Because I might die right here in this chair if you don’t.” She takes those precious steps over to where I’m sitting, and I pull her down onto my lap. Her arms go around my neck, but she pulls back when I lean in. I rub her hips with my thumbs as I wait for her to be ready. “This is okay, right? I mean, you’re okay with me on your lap?” That’s why she’s waiting? I almost laugh out loud. “My ribs are still healing, and I’m a little weak, which is why I didn’t run to you when you walked in here, and why I had to sit down again. None of that is going to stop me from kissing you now. Or taking you up to my room to ravish your hot body in a little while.” “Not in your parents’ house.” “They won’t care.” “You’re funny. Not.” “Fine. My mom would care. We’ll go to my apartment instead if it makes you more comfortable. But I will be inside you today.” “Will you now?” Oh. I shouldn’t have assumed. “Um, maybe. Or I guess no. I should’ve asked if you wanted that, too.” She leans over and sucks lightly on my neck. “I want it. But first let’s have that kiss.” I use my hands on her waist to pull her against me as she leans down and takes my mouth with hers. It’s little kisses first, but there are some tongues and teeth involved as we play with each other. Those little licks and nips set me on fire and I move my hands higher as I finally deepen the kiss. I don’t know how much time has passed, but my shirt is off and my hands are inside her dress when a throat clears. I remove my mouth from her long enough to say what I have to. “Go away.” I reclaim her mouth and hope they listen. I’m not stopping if they don’t. Let them have a fucking show. I don’t care. I need Isa. Our two weeks apart felt like two lifetimes. “Isabelle! Stop this now.” She practically jumps off my lap and turns toward the unfamiliar voice. “Father?” she asks shakily. “This is why you should still be at home. You could be working at the university and dating a nice boy. One your mother and I approve of. Not behaving like some shameless hussy. Come with me.” “Don’t talk about her like that,” I warn him. “I’ll speak to my daughter however I see fit. Now let’s leave, Isabelle.” Shit. This isn’t going to go my way. What she’s told of me of her parents has shown me that they take pleasure in controlling her. And she’s always let them. As I watch her, I realize that maybe she’s not going to listen this time. She straightens her spine and adjusts her glasses before speaking. “I love my job. I’m not going with you. As for Jake, he’s the nicest guy I know. I can’t make you approve of him, but that’s your problem, not mine.” “That foundation and those women who work there did this to you. I’ve heard about Matthew Corrigan. Have you slept with him, too?” She bursts out laughing. “Slept with Matt? No?” “You don’t have to laugh so hard about it, Double G,” the man in question says, walking into the room. “Yes I do. You’re like a brother to me, and you’re marrying one of my best friends.” “When you put it that way, it is pretty funny. You know how much you mean to me.” “Yet you call her by some demeaning nickname,” her father tells him with a sneer. I’m not letting this go one much longer. I want her to stand up for herself, but I also need to give her my support. Once I’m not walking around with a steel pipe in my jeans, of course. That’s the real
reason I’m still sitting. “Girl Genius is an insult?” Matt asks. “I-I thought you were joking about…well, her less than stellar assets.” “Thanks for pointing them out to everyone, Father.” I do stand then. Hard-on be damned. “I find your assets wonderfully stellar, babe.” “We all saw your hands in her dress, so I don’t think that was in question, Son.” My dad is smirking at me. His eyes are twinkling, too. I know he’s happy for me that Isa’s here. I’ve told him all about how amazing she is. I need to introduce them properly. “Isa, this is my dad, Bill. Dad, this is Isa.” “Hello, Isa. It’s nice to finally meet the woman my son can’t stop talking about.” “It’s great to meet you, too.” “I’m sorry about my wife. She takes the mother lion thing a little too far sometimes. But she thinks you’re pretty great. Even if she doesn’t show it.” “A little is an understatement, but I can handle her. Oh, and Father, this is my boyfriend, Jake. Jake, this is my father.” “You may refer to me as Mr. Carlton. I can’t say it’s a pleasure to meet you.” “I hope to change your mind. I don’t think I can totally change to be what you want, but there’s got to be a compromise we can make.” “No,” Isa says. “You’re not going to be anything but who you are, Jake. You helped me realize that being the person I am is okay, and I won’t let you do anything but be yourself. You don’t need to impress my parents.” “Isabelle, once you’re back home, you’ll realize how wrong this young man is for you.” “What exactly do you find wrong with me, Mr. Carlton?” I ask. It may not matter to Isa, but I want to know. He starts ticking them off on his fingers, and I almost burst out laughing. Almost. “You are much older than her. You’ve been with more women than necessary. You live off your parent’s money instead of having a job of your own. You use your fists more than your mind. And you can’t possibly have anything in common with my daughter.” It’s my turn to tick things off on my fingers now. “I am older than Isa, but by less years than I can count on my hands. And yes, I do use my hands to count sometimes. It wouldn’t matter if I had to include my toes, though. I love Isa more than life. Literally. “As for being with other women, yes I have played the field in the past. If Isa develops a time machine one day—or the Doctor lets me borrow his—I’ll go back and change that. Your daughter is the only one I want for the rest of my life. “I can combine the next two of your problems with me. I don’t live off my parents and I do indeed use my brain quite frequently. I had to project that image of an aimless playboy to hide my real job, which was in military intelligence. In fact, I have a fairly high IQ. “Isa and I laugh at the same jokes, love the same movies and TV shows, and have a few other things we both enjoy. I don’t want to be with a woman who’s a carbon copy of me, or agrees with everything I do. I want the woman who makes me work for her, and then gives me everything when I prove I’m worthy. That’s what your daughter does for me.” I hear a sniffle, and look over to see Isa crying. I was so focused on her father that I didn’t notice. I pull her into my arms and kiss the side of her head. “That was one hell of a speech,” Matt says in the silence that follows. “I would almost switch teams and marry you myself.” I flip him off as he laughs. Isa’s laughing now, too as she hugs me tight. My dad is smiling, but Isa’s father is not. He’s still glaring at me.
“You have some nice words, but I still don’t see how this will work.” “You don’t need to see it,” Isa tells him as she turns to face him again. “Come home, Isabelle.” “I am home, Father. Jake is my home.” “We’ll be there when he’s done with you and tosses you aside. I won’t say I told you so, but I’ll be expecting it.” “I guess this probably isn’t a good time to ask for her hand in marriage, huh?” “You won’t get my blessing.” “He doesn’t need it. He has my blessing,” she tells me. I love that she feels this way, but I wanted her family to accept me. “You have my blessing as well,” Maggie Griffin says from the doorway. Isa’s friends all file in after her, and that’s when I realize that her family does accept me. Not the one she was born with, but the one she’s chosen. “Thanks, Maggie.” “Are you going to ask me then, Jake?” “I wanted to plan something super romantic, but you know I can’t deny you anything.” I drop to one knee and take her hand in mine. “Isabelle Carlton, I love you more than I ever thought a man could love a woman. I promise to never break your heart again. I’m a guy, so I may bruise it a little, but I promise to kiss it better every time. Will you do me the honor of being my wife?” “As long as you include some great make-up sex in the making it better part, then yes. I would love to be your wife.” I stand up and pull her into my arms so I can whisper my response in her ear. “I’m going to great make-up sex you into next month once I can get us out of here.” “Please do.” We kiss as her friends clap and whistle. When we break apart, her father is gone. I see a glimmer of sadness pass through her eyes, and my heart hurts. My dad pulls her into a big bear hug, and her eyes sparkle again. I mouth a “thank you” to him, and he nods. My mom walks up behind me and squeezes my arm. “Congratulations, Jake. She’s a wonderful woman.” “She is.” “I’m going to make this all up to both of you. I’m sorry.” “Just don’t try to kill me again, and we’ll be okay,” Isa tells her. They hug as Matt motions me over. I talk to him for a few minutes and we shake on what he’s just offered me. Then, I grab my fiancée and make a run for it. We love these people, but I need to be alone with her. And a bed.
CHAPTER 18
Isa Jake’s apartment is actually a townhouse in an upscale part of D.C. It’s definitely a man’s place, with leather couches and big TVs. But there’s also art and knickknacks from all the places he’s traveled to. It’s what I think a modern day Indiana Jones’ place would look like. Well, without the dangerous artifacts, but still. It’s so Jake, and sexy as hell. “My apartment’s turning you on? We haven’t even gotten to the bedroom yet.” “What? No.” “Your eyes got dark, and you licked your lips a few seconds ago.” “Fine. I like your stuff.” “I love your stuff.” “Is that all you can think about?” I ask, pretending that I haven’t been thinking the exact same thoughts since I saw him earlier. “Right now, all I can think about is making love to you.” “So it won’t be slow and sweet then?” I ask as I crook my finger to beckon him over to me. He swallows hard before answering. “It could be.” “No,” I tell him, pulling him down on top of me as I tumble into the couch cushions. “The bed’s upstairs.” “We’ll get to that later.” “God, I love you.” “I know. I love you, too.” We don’t speak again until our clothes are off—or at least moved around enough to make this happen. Whispered words and promises are shared as Jake enters me for the first time in what feels like forever. I wrap my legs around him, digging the heels of my shoes into that very nice ass of his. This time is fast for both of us, taking only a few minutes before we’re yelling instead of whispering, but the words are no less sweet. Hours later, we’re soaking in his big Jacuzzi tub when he brings up what happened at his parents’ house. “Are you okay, babe? Your dad was pretty harsh. I should’ve asked you that much earlier, but you had me a little distracted.” “My dad is always harsh. And I was trying to distract you. I didn’t want to talk about it.” “We have to, you know. Not now if you don’t want to, but sometime.” “Just like we have to talk about your mom.” “Yeah. We can start with her if you want. Or like I said, talk later.” “It’s probably better to get it over with. You know, in case you decide my family’s too much for you.” “Not gonna happen.” “Today was just a little taste of how my parents can be, Jake.” “My mother put a hit out on you, Isa.” I have to smile. He always makes me smile. “There is that.”
“I wanted to punch your dad when he was calling you names and talking about your ‘assets.’ I only held back because I knew it would make it worse for you.” We’re starting with me, then. Time to rip the band aid off. “My parents deal in facts. Never emotions. My father didn’t even consider how I would feel when he talked about me because he raised me not to feel. I grew up knowing how to process data and make rational decisions. When my parents talked about me, it was the same way. If I was a certain height and weight, I either needed to eat more or less. If my breasts weren’t as nice as my ass, then I needed to find a guy who liked asses, not breasts. Or just let them pick a guy whose IQ was high enough, and who was suitably impressed with them. Because that’s what it comes down to—how good a job someone does at kissing their proverbial rings. “Bow down and you can go on a date with their daughter. Help them advance their academic careers, and you might even get to marry her. Love doesn’t play a part because I’m just a ‘thing’ to them. Something to make them better than their friends. I made them famous in their circles because my IQ couldn’t be measured. Now, I’m a commodity to be traded. Or at least I was until you threw that wrench in their plans.” “I should’ve fucking punched him,” he tells me as he kisses my neck. “And for the record, I’m a tits and ass man who loves every inch of you.” “You asking me to marry you, despite him refusing to give you his blessing, wounded him far more than a punch would have. And all my inches love you right back.” “Now I know why you like to hide, but I have to say that you are one of the most compassionate people I have ever met.” “You want to know how that happened?” “Well, I watched that movie, Matilda, when I was younger, so I know it’s possible. But yeah, I’d like to know.” “Oh my God, Matilda is one of my favorite movies ever. So thank you for the comparison.” I turn a little to kiss him before continuing. “My parents kept me away from everyone my age, and most people I went to school with as well. But I still saw things and learned things. I was fascinated by social justice issues, but knew they wouldn’t approve of my interest in anything that wasn’t considered ‘academic.’ I often did two research papers for my classes. One to show them, and one that I turned in. “At some point, my parents just started looking at my grades and degrees, but couldn’t be bothered to pay attention to the actual classes or majors. That’s when I started adding in the ones that interested me—women’s studies, world religions, multi-cultural studies and literature, and of course, archaeology. I took some extra language classes, but I’ve been multi-lingual since I was little. I’ll never be adept at all of them like Reina, but I can get by in most countries. “One of my professors was friends with Maggie Griffin. She looked at my classes, and degrees, and asked me to meet with her. The first time I went to her house, I knew what a family should really be like. She and Gary welcomed me like I was their own. And the boys…well, they’re like my own brothers. I would do almost anything for them, and I know they’d do the same for me. Between them, and the women I work with, I’ve learned about different variations of love. “And, of course, there was the time when I met this totally hot teacher…slash bad guy…slash undercover intelligence agent…slash son of one of the most powerful women in the world. He taught me how it feels to be loved like no one else matters.” Jake lifts me and turns me around to straddle him. Instead of the kiss I’m expecting, he pulls me tightly against him in a hug. “That’s because no one matters to me as much as you. I’m so glad you feel it because it’s true. You’re everything to me, and if the city fell around us, I wouldn’t give two fucks as long as I had you in my arms. I’m so sorry that you had to go outside your biological family
in order to discover your real family, but I’m glad you found all of them. And me. I thank God every day that you went undercover and found me.” “Let’s talk about your mom later,” I tell him as I reach between us to guide him back inside of me. “Right now I just want to show you how thankful I am for you, too.” * * * Jake They give medals for marathons and triathlons, but where’s my award for the sexathon I completed a few hours ago? I didn’t even think it was humanly possible to orgasm that many times. Not that I’m complaining. I just want a shiny medal to recognize my endurance. And maybe a week’s worth of sleep. Sleep’s going to have to wait since there’s something we need to do before the ball tonight. I run my fingers through Isa’s hair as I kiss the top of her head. I don’t want to startle her awake, but she does need to get up. “Seriously, Jake? Again? I’m only mortal, you know.” “Excuse me, but last time it was you who started it. And your brain is definitely super-human.” “You can even up the score later.” “I’m ahead in the orgasm department if I remember correctly.” “I could probably use my hand. My mouth would require me to move my entire body, so that has to be out for now.” She’s so fucking adorable. “While I appreciate both offers, and will definitely be taking you up on at least one later, I’m waking you up because I have an errand to run and then we both have something to pick up before the ball.” “No we don’t. Stella already gave us my dress, shoes, and whatever else she deemed necessary. It’s in the backseat of your car.” Yes, her dress and shoes are there. I did bring in the small bag Stella told us was for if we decided to go outside during the day today, though. “You need a ring.” “No I don’t.” “I know I got hit in the head a few times while we were in Milwaukee, and I’m not fully recovered from the sextahon we had, but I was pretty sure you said you’d marry me yesterday.” “Sexathon? Are you hoping for a medal by calling it that?” “Actually, yes. But we can get to that later. Marriage, woman, marriage. Focus.” “I quite happily accepted your marriage proposal yesterday, but I don’t need a ring. You should save your money until you decide what you want to do now. Unless you’re going to still work for your mom. And oh, we haven’t even talked about where you’re going to live. I mean, I can’t expect you to give up your life here. Or your Indiana Jones bachelor pad.” She looks like she’s on the verge of a panic attack as she suddenly sits up, clutching the sheet to her chest. This is not going at all like I planned. But really, when does anything go the way I plan it? “Breathe, Isa, breathe. One thing at a time. You do need a ring, and money is no object. Let’s just be clear about that before I take you to the jewelry store. I’m buying you whatever ring you want.” “How is money no object? You told my dad that you don’t live off your parents and this place couldn’t have been cheap.” “While I never lived off my parents once I became an adult, I did receive my trust from my grandfather when I turned twenty five. I used that to pay off this place, my car, and all my other bills. The rest is still in the bank, along with a good chunk of the money I made working for the military
and my mom. I donate a percentage of the money, as well as the interest I earn on it, to various charities. There’s still a big amount left after that. As for the future, Matt offered me a job at Corrigan & Co. He said Aiden’s leaving for at least a little while, and he thinks I’d be a good fit with him and Nate. If it works out, I’d stay on when Aiden returns. The pay he offered me is more than enough for me to live on. For a decade.” “You’re really going to move to Vegas?” “Yes. Even if I didn’t have that job, I’d be moving there. It’s where my home is.” “Me?” I nod. “They’ll give you your own apartment in our building. Unless you want to…um, you know.” “Do I know?” I do, but sometimes it’s fun to play dumb. “Your stuff would look nice in my apartment.” There we go. “My Indiana Jones stuff that makes you horny?” Instead of getting embarrassed, she hits me with a pillow as we both laugh. “Yes, that stuff.” “I agree. Now I’m going to go take care of my errand while you talk to your girls.” “I don’t need to talk to them.” “Uh-huh. Just make sure to mention my endurance level during the sexathon,” I tell her as she lobs another pillow at me. After some kissing and groping, followed by me bringing her gown and other stuff inside, I make my way down the street to take care of my errand. It’s something I decided to do after we had our talk last night, and I have to admit that I’m a little nervous as I walk up to the door. But I need this, so here I am. “Hi, Jake. Please come in,” Gary Griffin says as he opens the door to his own D.C. townhome. * * * Isa Two can play this game. Jake’s off on his secret errand, so I plan one of my own. I’m not sure how much time I have, but Darcy found me a place close by so I’m headed there now. Stella packed me my favorite dress and boots, so I feel confident and sexy, which is good because I’d normally be embarrassed to ask for what I need. Or just not go get it at all. Thanks to Darcy’s connections, I get what I need with only a short wait. I get out of the cab back at Jake’s right as he’s walking up the street. He’s got a coffee cup in his hand, and a smile on his face. I smile back as I see him look me over from the toes of my chunky heeled black boots to the top of my short black dress with the oversized pockets in front. One of those pockets is hiding my surprise, so I’m extra thankful for it today. “I like the sexy Lara Croft look,” he says as he sips his coffee. “Well, you were raiding my tomb all night,” I reply, causing him to spit out the drink he just took. “Jesus, babe. Where did that come from?” “I thought you liked me being bold.” “I do. I seriously do. But I also think I created a monster.” I look pointedly at the front of his jeans. “Is it growing right now?” “You know it is. We have a ring to buy, though, so it’s going to have to wait until later.” “I need to buy some new panties, too. The ones I’m wearing are just a little…wet,” I tell him, licking my lips. “Isabelle Carlton, you’re going to be the death of me.” “Been there, done that, killed some bad guys.”
“Holy fucking shit. This is the hottest conversation I’ve ever had in my life. And we’re both fully clothed.” “For now.” He walks by me, slapping my butt in the process. “For such a brilliant woman, you seem to be having a lot of trouble focusing on things today. Now get in the car so I can take you to the shop with all the sparkly things, and you can get whatever you want.” “You did not just say “sparkly things” instead of jewelry.” “I did, and you’re illustrating my point exactly. I also said you could get whatever you want. Most women would focus on that, but not you. Oh no. You have to tease me about my word choice.” “I already know I’m getting a ring, Watson.” “I didn’t say you could get a ring. I said ‘whatever you want.’ And I’m more of a Moriarty, thank you very much.” “As long as I’m Sherlock.” “Of course, Beautiful Courtesan.” He did not just go there. I punch him in the arm as he laughs. “Don’t make me hurt you,” I tell him like the true Cumberbitch that I am. “You can spank me tonight. I’ve been a very bad boy, making fun of the great Benedict Cumberbatch’s name and all.” “Just drive.”
CHAPTER 19
Jake I skip the big name and fashionable jewelry stores and take Isa to a small shop I’ve seen while walking around in the past. It always has interesting and different looking jewelry in the windows. I think Isa will find something that she loves. If not, I’ll take her somewhere else. We still have a few hours before we have to get ready for the ball. “Wow. I love this place already,” she tells me when we walk up. “I thought you would.” “Have you bought a lot of things here?” “Fishing?” “Maybe.” “No. I have never bought anything here. I have, however, bought necklaces for women I’ve dated at Tiffany. Actually, the same necklace. I thought it was cool when I was younger, and the girls seemed to like it." “I’m sure they did. I imagine that the ‘Jake Mason necklace’ was a badge of honor.” “More like dishonor, but who cares. I only want to buy sparkly things for you now.” “There you go again, using those pretty words. And I know you only want me. I was just curious, not jealous.” “My heart is wounded by your lack of jealousy on my behalf.” “I was jealous of Vicki. Isn’t that enough?” I turn her around to look at me. “You know I meant it when I said she’s just my friend, right?” “I said I was jealous, not that I am. I think men and women can be friends. I have some awesome guy friends.” “Just wanted to be sure. Other women haven’t been so comfortable with her.” “I’m never going to be like other women, Jake. I thought you knew that.” “I do. It’s what I love most about you. Now let’s go inside and find that ring. And other things.” “A ring. Just a ring.” “You say that now, but I already saw you admiring the things in the window.” “I could buy them for myself if I wanted to. I am actually quite wealthy, you know.” “I didn’t know, but I suspected. Please let me spoil you just a little.” “Maybe.” That’s better than a ‘no’ so I’ll take it for now. I hold the door for her and watch her jaw drop as we step inside. It is a pretty spectacular sight with all the gems on display. I let her wander for a moment until I hear it. “Oh my God. It’s just…wow.” I hurry to her side and look down at her ring. It has a giant pink diamond in the middle, surrounded by diamond scrollwork, and diamond flowers on the side. Diamonds also flow down the band on both sides. “You won’t be able to hide with that on your finger.”
“What? No. It’s too much. I know it’s too much.” “For you to wear?” She shakes her head. “I’d wear it. I wouldn’t even care if people looked at me. It’s the most beautiful and perfect ring I’ve ever seen. But the price has to be astronomical.” “We’d like this ring,” I tell the man behind the counter, before looking back to her. “It’s yours, Isa. I told you money doesn’t matter. I don’t care if this ring costs everything I have in the bank. It’s going on your finger right now.” “You can be my kept man if it takes everything.” Fuck yeah. “Deal.” The ring takes a nice chunk out of my savings, but doesn’t even come close to all of it. I pay for it right away, calling my credit card company to let them know that there will be more charges coming. I didn’t want to wait to put it on her while we looked around some more. I slide it on her finger and then kiss her hand. “I just almost swooned. Like seriously, fell to the floor swooned,” she tells me “That would’ve almost made up for me not being given kept man status.” “I’m keeping you.” “Thank God.” She kisses me and pulls me along with her to look at other jewelry. I see her eyes light up at a pretty cool looking diamond set. “You want something else, don’t you babe?” “I’ll buy the earrings and bracelet. Will you buy me…um, the necklace?” It takes me a moment to understand why she seems a little shy all of a sudden, but then I get it. She wants a necklace. From me. Well, I want something else. “I’d like to buy you all three.” “Just the necklace, please. I’d like to join that exclusive club.” “I’m not going to lie to you. There are a good many women before you who got a necklace from me—with just one little diamond in it and not a few hundred, by the way—but there will be none after you. You know that, right?” “What if your mom wants a necklace?” “My dad will buy it. Necklaces are for you, and you alone from now on.” “Are you trying to make me cry?” “If it means I did something to make you happy, then yes. If you’re pissed or hurting because of me, then fuck no.” “Happy. Definitely happy.” “Then let’s get you that necklace.” “I love you so much, Jake Mason.” “And I love you, Isabelle Mason to-be.” * * * Isa I think I may have woken up in a fairytale this morning. I certainly feel like a princess at the moment. The dress Stella got me is dark pink and strapless. Instead of just being plain on top, it has extra fabric cresting over in a 3-D effect. It hugs my body until right above my knees, where a couple layers of big ruffles hit the floor in front and flow into a small train in the back. You can’t see my shoes, but they have silver heels and tips with clear, crystal encrusted material covering the sides of my feet.
If the dress and shoes don’t do enough to enforce the princess look, then my diamonds most certainly do. The necklace features a strand of diamonds, with another curving onto it. Below those is a small flower made of a diamonds, and a big diamond flower with what looks like ribbons of diamonds wrapping around it. If that’s not enough, a small row of diamonds leads to a large oval diamond on the bottom. The earrings and bracelets match perfectly. They can’t outshine my ring, though. I’ve never been one for fancy things, including jewelry. But when I saw this ring, I wanted it so bad that I almost cried. Jake wouldn’t let me hear the total, but I know it was high. Hell, just from paying for the bracelet and earrings, I know that my necklace was in the seven figures. It’s the ring that I care the most about, though. I’d give up every other material item in my life to keep this ring. I know I don’t have to, but I would. I finish pinning my hair up into the fancy bun Stella taught me and have just applied my last coat of lipstick when my prince knocks at the guest room door. “Come in,” I tell him. I turn and lose my breath. I seriously can’t breathe for a moment. I thought he was hot as Mason the teacher, Mase the bad guy, and Jake the military man. But this Jake, the one who was born into privilege? He blows all the other versions away. His tux is obviously custom, and he’s just…I don’t even have words that can convey how perfect he looks. “Isa, you’re staying next to me all night.” “Where else would I be?” “I don’t know, but if any guy besides your friends tries to talk to you, or even looks at you too long, I’m probably going to punch him.” “Have you looked in the mirror? I’m going to be the one getting into a fight.” “You’re wearing my ring, babe. No one’s going to try anything with me.” “Yes they are, but you love me. So it won’t matter.” “Not even a tiny iota.” We kiss, making a mess of my mouth and his. Neither one of us cares as we put ourselves back together a few minutes later. I grab my clutch, which only has my license, lipstick, and Jake’s gift in it, before we head out to the waiting limo. We talk about Jake’s new job, and his move, deciding to pack up before we leave D.C. I’m due some time off, so it will work out perfectly. When we walk towards the ballroom at the hotel, I’m almost blinded by the flashbulbs that go off. Jake makes sure to place my left hand on his arm so everyone can see my ring. When the photographers ask, he introduces me as his fiancé. I hold my head high and smile through my anxiety. I can do this. I am doing this. Inside the room there are no more photographers. But there are catty comments and stares. Lots of stares from women trying to make me feel like I don’t belong. They’re wrong, though. There’s no other place on Earth that I belong more than wherever Jake is. He introduces me to everyone and makes sure that there’s no doubt about how much he loves me. After successfully dodging his mother for almost an hour, she manages to corner us. “Jake, I need you to come with me. Just for ten minutes. Please.” “I’m not leaving Isa. Her friends won’t be here until the press leaves, and she doesn’t know anyone else.” “I’ll keep her company,” Vicki says, coming up to hug me. “Go be a good boy.” “Thanks,” I tell her when he leaves. “I should be thanking you. In fact, I will. Thank you for making my best friend truly happy for the first time in years.” “He makes me happy, too.”
“Good. And girl, look at that ring. And the other jewelry you’re sporting. I knew Jake liked giving out sparkly things, but damn.” My stomach sinks a little at her words. “Sparkly things?” “Oh yeah. That’s Jake’s saying for jewelry. He didn’t say that to you?” “He might have mentioned it.” “Well, be prepared to be spoiled. For my birthday last year, he took me to this cool jewelry store near his house and told me to get whatever I wanted. I held back…a little. Seriously, though, my jewelry box is full of baubles from him. I have my eye on a necklace for my birthday next month. I can’t wait to add it to my ‘Jake’ collection,” she says with a laugh. Until she sees my expression. “Oh. Maybe you don’t know. Jake is famous for his necklaces. He used to give them out like candy. And I always got the best ones. Until now,” she says, looking pointedly at my necklace. “Take it. It’s yours. Happy early birthday from Jake,” I tell her as I remove it from my neck and thrust it into her hand. “What? No, Isa. I didn’t mean…I shouldn’t have said what I did.” “I appreciate your honesty,” I say, pulling off my ring. “Oh God. He’ll kill me. Put your ring back on, Isa.” “Take it or I’ll throw it in the fountain outside.” She reluctantly holds out her hand, and I place my dream ring in her palm. It turns out that she held my dreams in those hands all this time. She was just letting me borrow them. “Can you also give him something for me?” “You should give him whatever you have yourself.” “Please don’t make this harder for me than it already is.” She closes her eyes and nods. I give her the drawstring bag that holds what I got him. It’s stupid and now I know it won’t mean anything to him, but I want him to have it. “Have a great night, Vicki,” I tell her as I walk away from her. I start to head for the main doors, but then remember the press outside. There’s no way I can face them alone. I look around for a way to make a quiet exit, but my choices are limited. I see a flash of silver on my right and turn just enough to see Vicki approaching Jake. I have to get out of here before he tries to lie to me again. And then I see my way out. * * * Jake I need to get back to Isa. Vicki will protect her from the vultures, but I don’t like knowing she’s so close, yet not right next to me. I’m planning my exit when I see my mom’s eyes go wide, and she pulls the guy we were talking to away from me. I turn to see Vicki, and I know something’s very wrong. Even if we hadn’t been best friends for almost twenty-five years, I’d know. “I screwed up, Jake. I’m so sorry.” “Wha—,” I start to ask, and then see her hands. She’s holding Isa’s necklace and engagement ring in one hand. And a drawstring bag in the other. “I was jealous of her, Jake.” “What have you done?” She tells me, and I want to kill her. My best friend betrayed me and hurt the woman I love. All because she was jealous. For no fucking reason. “She was cool with our friendship, Vick. She understood that you’re my best friend. Some of her best friends are guys, so she knows it works sometimes. She was never going to try and push me out
of your life. But you just pushed her the fuck out of mine!” “I didn’t think she’d be so upset. I just wanted her to realize that I’m important to you, too.” “You honestly think I didn’t tell her that? How many women have I sent on their way because they couldn’t accept my friendship with you?” “Would you have sent her away?” And now we get to the heart of the problem. I’m not going to lie to my best friend, though. “No. But I knew I wouldn’t have to.” “But you would have.” “Yes, Vicki. If I had to choose between Isa and you, I would choose her. Always.” “You’re choosing her now.” “I won’t have to choose if you help me find her and explain why you lied.” “Finding her won’t be too hard. Matt Corrigan just practically ran through the ballroom with a group of people.” “Fuck. Let’s go.” I’m probably going to get punched. A lot. And this time I don’t even deserve it. I square my shoulders and walk their way. As I approach the group outside, I see Ellie and another girl on their knees next to Isa. I already found out that Ellie was undercover, and after talking to Isa, I’m guessing the other girl is Jade. Before we can reach her, Reina steps in front of us. “We need to talk to Isa.” “She doesn’t want to talk to you.” I turn to Vicki. “Tell her from here if you need to, but get the fucking words out.” “I lied, Isa.” My beautiful, broken girl stands and takes a few steps towards us. “I know. When you said I make him happy, right?” “No. That was the truth… and the problem.” “Because you love him.” “Not like you think. He’s like my brother. No woman has ever understood that, so he’s broken things off with them. I knew he’d never leave you, and it hurt. So I made it seem like I was more special to him than you.” “I never would’ve tried to break up your friendship.” “I know that now.” “You would’ve known that earlier if you’d asked.” Vicki nods. “The only jewelry he ever bought me was a pair of diamond earrings for our high school graduation. I buy everything else myself. He told me where he was taking you, and what he joked about with you, but I’ve never been there with him. I swear it.” “If you want to be my friend, you can never do anything like this again.” “I-I won’t. We can still really be friends?” “Yes. You’re important to my future husband, which makes you important to me.” Reina steps aside when Isa says that. I grab the jewelry, and the bag, from Vicki before walking to her. I twirl my finger so she’ll turn around, and fasten her necklace back where it belongs. She holds out her hand with a smile, but I shake my head. “Jake?” “Let’s walk over to that gazebo,” I say, nodding towards it. “You can say whatever you need to in front of my friends.” “I’d rather do this alone.” “I can’t, Jake. I’m scared.”
I take a step back. “You’re scared of me?” “No,” she says, reaching for me. “I didn’t mean it that way. I’m scared about what you want to say to me.” I nod, and then say what I need to. “I didn’t put this ring on your finger lightly, Isa. I did it because I love you, and I trust you. I always have. If you look back at our time together, you’ll see that I never once doubted you. I was willing to go to jail for you, and to die for you. I even went to see Gary Griffin today because you said he was like a father to you, and I wanted to make sure he was okay with me marrying you, even if your biological father isn’t. I would do all of those things over again, but I’m not sure I can marry you.” “Why? I love you, Jake. I want to be your wife more than anything.” “Yet you took this ring off without a second thought. Without coming to me and asking me if what Vicki told you was true.” “She’s your best friend. You kept telling me that. I didn’t think she’d lie to me.” “Then you should’ve confronted me. In front of that whole fucking room if need be.” “You know I couldn’t make a scene like that.” “I’m just not going to win with you, am I? You’re never going to see how much it destroyed me to see this ring, the ring I watched you fall in love with and then put on your finger, in Vicki’s hand.” I don’t want to walk away. The thought makes me feel physically ill. But if she’s not all in with this, I can’t stay with her. No matter how much leaving her is going to break me. I walk back into the ballroom and look for the nearest bathroom to throw up in. “Jake,” Isa yells running past me, to stand and face me, right there at the edge of the room where people can see her. Where they are seeing her because she’s making a little bit of a scene. “I love you. I know that you never doubted us. Neither did I, until this. You could also look back and remember the times I fought for us. You’re right about tonight, though. I didn’t fight for us tonight, and that was probably the biggest mistake I’ve ever made in my life. I can’t promise I’ll never do it again, but I can promise that I’ll try really hard not to. I love you so much. Will you please marry me? I’ll buy you a ring tomorrow.” She starts to drop to her knees, but I grab her arm and pull her to me. “We’ve already got a ring, babe,” I tell her as I take her hand and slide it back on her finger where it belongs. When the woman you love—who avoids attention at all costs—is ready to get on her knees in a packed ballroom after declaring her love for you for everyone to hear, you know she means what she’s saying. “You didn’t answer me,” she says. “Yes, I’ll marry you. Of course I’ll marry you. You didn’t need to ask me in front of all these people, you know.” “I had to show you that you’re more important to me than my fear of being seen. I’ll probably never do something like this again, but I had to do it now.” “I appreciate it more than you could possibly know.” I remember what else is in my hand. “Can I open my gift now?” “Sure.” I open the little bag and what I see makes me burst into laughter before dipping her down into a kiss. It’s a ribbon with a medal on it. Like you’d get for completing a marathon. Only this one says “The Inaugural Isabelle Carlton Sexathon Endurance Award.” “Best. Gift. Ever.”
AND SO IT BEGINS…
Reina Today’s the big day. The day I marry the man I love. If it was happening for real, I’d be wearing my dream dress and it would be taking place somewhere else. But it’s all fake, a way to keep the Foundation and Society intact. So I’m wearing a dress that looks okay, a ring made up of a stone that’s a color I hate, and it’s all happening in a casino ballroom. It could be worse, but it could also be much better. I decide that I probably spoke too soon when a delivery from my husband-to-be arrives. It’s a necklace and tiara that most women would love. But since they’re both made of not only white diamonds, but yellow ones too, I hate them. Almost as much as my big yellow ring. Which I don’t really hate because Matt gave it to me. Even if it’s a hideous color, it came from the man I love so I’d wear it for the rest of my life if I could. Just like the necklace and tiara. I’ve been in love with Matt Corrigan since I was seventeen years old, and I know I’ll love him until the day I die. There was a time when I thought he wanted to be with me forever, but whatever happened to him overseas changed him. I know he loves me, but he usually hurts me more than he shows me his cares. And oftentimes, it’s intentional. Like all the women he flaunts in front of me. Or flaunted. He promised that it would just be me for the next year, and I believe that he’ll keep that promise. So I’ve got a year to convince him that we’re right together. If I can’t, I don’t honestly know if I can stay on at Corrigan & Co. I know I should’ve told Jane that. I should’ve let someone else marry Matt. But I’m too selfish to let that happen. I need this year, and then I need it all from him. I just pray that he’ll finally be ready to give it to me. * * * Matt I guess some men are nervous on their wedding day, but not me. I used to dream of this when I was in the desert. I’d think about making it out of there alive and coming home to her. Reina. She was just a girl when we met, but she was my girl. Until she wasn’t anymore. That’s all on me. After what I did, I couldn’t face her again. Or even email with her. I was tainted, and the blood wouldn’t come off. She deserved better. She still does. When I saw her again for the first time three years ago, I felt at peace for the first time in forever. She does that for me, she calms the beast that lurks inside of me. I use her, and she lets me. Even when she knows I’ll take another woman to bed the next night. It’s not that she lacks self-respect. She does it because she loves me, and she believes I love her, too. I do. I’d die for her, and kill for her. I just know I’m wrong for her. She should be with a guy who doesn’t carry around the demons I do. But she’s too stubborn to give up on me. And God help me, but I want it to work. I pray every night that I’ll be the man she deserves. So far it hasn’t happened, but I won’t stop the prayers.
We have one year. One year for her to love me into being a better man. Or one year for me to break her for good. I know which one I want, but I also know which one is more likely. Maybe I need to start praying more than once a day.
EPILOGUE
Tegan Reina and Matt’s wedding was everything we all knew it would be—full of unspoken love, and fake romance. It wasn’t the wedding Reina dreamed of as a little girl, and that’s exactly the way she wanted it. She loves Matt more than life itself, and he loves her just as fiercely. But since he won’t admit that, she made sure that none of what happened yesterday was real. They’re really married, but that’s about it. She wore a dress she could tolerate, yellow diamonds she couldn’t, and a smile that anyone with half a brain could tell was fake. They didn’t even take a real honeymoon, which is why I’m walking to Reina’s office right now. She called and said that there was someone coming in who needed our help. I just got done with my suspension from missions, so she was offering it to me first. All I know is that it’s some kind of personal protection job. I walk into the office, and stop dead in my tracks. The woman in the chair sees me at almost the exact moment I see her, and she rockets to her feet. “Tegan?” “Hello, Mrs. Hall.” “You two know each other?” Reina asks. “Yes. We do,” I say, trying not to show any emotion. “She can’t be the one. She can’t help. My son would never believe I hired her as my assistant.” “Son? This is about Caleb?” “That’s none of your business. You made sure of it when you cheated on my son, and broke his heart.” “I didn’t cheat on Cal, and believe me, what he did to my heart was much worse.” “People saw you leave that bedroom in your bra and panties.” “That may very well be, but no one saw what happened in that room.” “Greg told Caleb what happened.” “Don’t sugarcoat it for my benefit. He told the whole town what he wanted them to hear. That doesn’t mean it was the truth.” “I want to believe you, Tegan, I do. You were like a daughter to me for so many years. But you weren’t yourself after that night, and you didn’t try to defend yourself. The girl I knew wouldn’t have let it all go so easily.” “Yeah, well, when they boy I loved more than life itself called me a slut without even giving me that chance to defend myself, it kind of broke me.” And nothing and no one have ever been able to put me back together. Not only because of what Caleb did, how he believed someone else over me. But because of what happened after. And what would’ve happened if Cyndi Evans hadn’t saved us. Because as a sixteen year old girl, what my parents had planned for me was out of my control, but would’ve destroyed me for good. I have control now, though, and years of ignoring that stupid ‘S’ word people like to throw around like it’s nothing. Like it doesn’t hurt a girl to be called that. Even if she does enjoy sex. Or if she’s just
using sex to try and get over a boy, or the hurt he’s caused her. “If Caleb’s in danger, I’m doing this mission. I may not be able to be point person, but I’m going to be there as back-up.” “Teeg, are you sure?” “Yeah, Reina. I am.” It’s time for me to go home and confront my demons. And maybe even the Devil himself. I have to do it, because despite my scarlet “S” and the hate Caleb spewed at me all those years ago, I still love him. God help me, but no one has been able to make me forget him, and what could’ve been. I gave up hoping that we’d be together years ago, but I can make him listen to me now when he wouldn’t back then. I’ll hold him at gunpoint if I have to, but he will listen to me. And maybe I’ll even let him meet our son.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
Dominique and Gabi, you always get top billing here :) Helen Williams, Jesse Gordon, and Ally Murphy-As always, there wouldn’t be a book without the three of you! Thank you for all the hard work you put in for me! Lisa Dess-Thanks for talking up Gaming for Love last year while we were at RT, and for making me have Hurricane Shooters on my first ever release day. I’m glad I got to share that with you, and give you a mention in this book! Sarah Vela-I don’t see you as much as I’d like, but I appreciate you more than you can ever know! The Friends of the Society-You ladies are the best secret group ever (although I guess now you’re not so secret)! Thanks for always being impatient for my next book, which makes me write them even faster! Chris Baughman, Al Beas, and Cathy Hui-All those times I went out to hear Chris speak about PIT and your team at his book signings has obviously stayed with me! Las Vegas needed you, and you answered the call, saving so many women! Eternal thanks for everything you’ve done for this city! To all the readers who pick up the books, post on my Facebook wall, send me emails, and message me on FB, Twitter, or Goodreads, THANK YOU! I appreciate you all (and I’m as obsessed with Reina and Matt as you are)! Feel free to reach out any time!
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Crystal Perkins has always been a big reader, but she never thought she would write her own book, until she did. She lives in Las Vegas, where you can find her running author events and selling books at conventions when she isn’t reading, buying too many Sherlock t-shirts online or finding a place to put all of her Pop! figurines. A mac and cheese connoisseur, she travels the country looking for the perfect version, while attending book conventions and signings as a cover for her research. The Griffin Brothers series are all International Best Sellers, the Corrigan & Co. series is also doing well, and she’s thankful to the readers who made those things happen! Find her here: www.crystalperkinsauthor.com facebook.com/crystalperkinsauthor @wondermomlv
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