Reed (Allen Securities) (15 page)

He had no problem taking control. She placed open mouthed kisses on his firm chest, running her tongue through the smattering of hair there. After placing her feet on the bed, she worked her center up and down on him, pushing hard enough down he slammed into her cervix each time.

When the throbbing in her clit was more than she could take, she leaned back. Her fingers dug into his chest as she bounced hard on top of him. His grunting only seemed to spur her on more, sending her into a frenzied pace.

“Oh God, Liv!” he shouted. She felt him swell in her and slammed down as hard as she could, grinding her clit against his pubic hair. Her orgasm was hard and long. When it subsided, she fell helplessly onto him, drained and fully satisfied.

Olivia lay quietly on his chest, catching her breath. The solid thump of his heart slowed as they came back to their senses.

“Did you love her?” The question was out before she could even think it might not be a great idea.

Reed stiffened under her.

“I don’t know,” he said coldly. He pulled her off gently and got up to go to the bathroom.

“You know it wasn’t your fault right?” Olivia pulled the sheet up around her when he stopped at the door.

“I know I shouldn’t have gotten involved with someone who was related to a job,” he said quietly.

Olivia stared back, open-mouthed. Anger flashed through her.

“Well what’s this then?” Her voice trembled with emotion.

“A mistake,” he said quietly and shut the door to the bathroom.

Olivia bit back the tears that threatened to fall. She was stronger than this. Stronger than him. Without thinking, she threw off the covers in search of her clothes.

***

Reed wiped the fog off the bathroom mirror and stared at himself. He was an asshole. All this time he’d been telling himself that he shouldn’t sleep with her and that’s exactly what he had done.

He leaned on the counter and took in deep breaths. It didn’t matter what he felt for her. She wasn’t a part of this world. She had worked hard to get away from people like him. If it weren’t for her brother, she wouldn’t have even looked back.

Hell, he’d already been the reason she’d been kidnapped once. If it weren’t for her quick thinking, they would have burned up. His gut twisted at the thought of her ending up like that.

Instead of being selfish, he should have sent her on the boat with her brother. They would have been safe. Now he’d put them all in danger because he couldn’t keep his dick in his pants. Ryder was right once again.

Reed shoved his hands through his still wet hair and tried to decide what to do. There was no way he could stay there. Not only could he not keep himself away from her, but she likely wouldn’t want to see him again after what he said.

There was really only one option. He’d go to the office and get one of his brothers to come stay. She and Ryder seemed to have struck a truce. Maybe he would be good.

He opened the door and peered around. Not seeing her, he quickly went to the closet and dressed. He swallowed hard, looking at the bed. The sheets were a tangled mess from their earlier joining. It was no surprised she didn’t waste any time getting out of the room.

After throwing the wet towel in the basket, he strolled down the hall. The previous morning she had been up making breakfast and coffee. Nothing like that filled the house this time. Unease settled over him, and he quickened his steps.

The kitchen was empty, as well as every other room in the house. All her things were gone. He threw open the front door and looked into the distance.

Nothing in sight.

A chill crept over him as he went over everything that could have happened. He doubted that either of her friends would be able to find the place. The house had been chosen because it was off the beaten path, and he liked it that way.

He sighed and called the only person that could possibly be up.

“What the fuck?” Ryder bit out on the third ring.

“She’s gone.”

Reed paced the floor.

“What do you mean she’s gone?” he responded, his voice clear and calm.

“I, we…” He paused trying to figure out what to say. “I was a dick, and I think she left.”

“Left or was taken?”

“Left,” he said. “Her stuff is gone, but the car’s here.”

Reed shot a worried hand into his hair. Anything could happen out there.

The phone beeped, and his heart leapt into his chest.

“Just a sec,” he said. “Someone’s on the other line.”

Meg’s name flashed across as he switched over.

“You’re a fucking idiot,” Meg greeted him.

“Is she with you?” Relief washed over him.

“No, I just love calling you at six in the morning to call you an idiot.” Her anger vibrated through the phone.

“Is she all right?” he asked quietly. Silence met him. It wasn’t often Meg became mad. She could be sarcastic and irritated half the time, but anger wasn’t something he saw from her often.

“She’ll be fine,” she said finally.

“Maybe I should come and talk to—”

“Don’t you fucking dare.” Meg’s tone had dropped, and he knew he was reaching dangerous levels. “You come over here, and I’m calling Mom.”

Reed’s eyebrows shot up. The threat was a hell of a good one. His mother would not only take their side but likely lead the charge for attack.

“Fine,” he bit out. “Just keep her safe. I’ll talk to her tomorrow at dinner.”

Reed clicked back to the other line.

“Meg has her.”

He was surprised by the chuckle on the other end. “Well you’re up shit creek.”

“Thanks.”

Ryder cleared his throat. “I’ll drive by and check on them a few times.”

Reed felt the wind rush out of him. Olivia was safe now, but that didn’t mean she would stay that way.

“Bring them lunch, dinner, whatever they want on the company card.” The more he could keep Ryder over there, the better things would be.

“Got it,” he said. “I’ll keep you posted if anything changes.”

“Thanks.”

Reed hung up and stared at the empty house. He’d never thought of it as being empty, but that’s exactly what it was. Empty.

Chapter Fifteen

For the second time that day, Olivia woke up deliciously warm but for entirely different reasons. This reason was a hundred and fifty pounds of pure fluffy love. Olivia smiled as a wet black nose invaded under the covers followed by two very happy eyes.

“You know you’re a bed hog, Harley?”

The dopey dog, happy to be talked to, crawled further under the covers. His mission was clear to her. Must. Lick. Face.

She laughed and dodged the first attempt. Not one to be put off, Harley placed a heavy paw on her chest this time.

“Hey, no fair!” Olivia cried.

After shoving him back, she bounded off the bed, followed quickly by the large Newfoundland.

Olivia shrieked as he jumped up and shoved her back. Laughing, she fell on the bed with Harley licking her face.

“What the hell?” Ryder ripped open the door.

Olivia and Harley froze in their play to stare at the crazed man.

“Damn it!” Meg popped her head in behind Ryder. “I told you she’s just fine. Harley is in here watching her.”

The dog woofed at the sound of his name.

“That dog is no protector.” Ryder pointed to Harley.

Olivia laughed as Harley sat on the bed turning his head from side to side.

“I think he might be right, Meg,” Olivia said, scratching him behind his ears. “He’s big but about as scary as a bunny.”

“Whatever.” Meg waved her hand in the air and rolled her eyes. “Anyone broke in and he’d annoy them until they went away.”

Ryder turned back to give the dog a hard stare. “Do your job,” he said firmly to Harley.

The dog woofed again.

Olivia looked up to Ryder and noticed the slight blush on his face. Looking down, she noticed her t-shirt had crept up. “Sorry,” he said sheepishly.

“I’m wearing shorts, Ryder.” She smiled at him. “It’s all right.”

Back to being stoic, he nodded and shut the door.

Olivia put her hands on either side of Harley’s large head and rested her forehead on his.

“You’re a good boy, Harley,” she whispered.

It had been a tough day and regardless of what happened, she would have to see Reed no matter what by tomorrow.

She had thought all morning after Meg had picked her up. The time she’d spend with Reed had been chaotic and wild and, despite the danger, she’d been glad to have met him. The more she thought on it, the more she was sure he felt the same way. They were a good fit.

This all led back to Niki. She shouldn’t have asked about his feeling about her. It wasn’t something he was ready to examine and trying to force it only led to trouble. Case and point.

She sighed. Regardless, Olivia would find a way to get through to him. For now, she was taking a day off from their drama. It was obvious something had happened between Liam and Meg that hadn’t gone the way she expected. Things looked good when Olivia last saw her locked in a passionate dance.

“Well,” she said to Harley. “Can’t mope around here all day.”

She gathered her items for the bathroom and shoved Harley out the door. The last thing she needed was a dog in the shower with her.

Olivia chuckled and went to get ready.

***

Reed pulled out his phone for about the millionth time that day. Still no word from Ryder. Had they let him in? Maybe he was on her side now. Reed shook his head. He doubted a man like his brother would suddenly change his mind.

Taking a deep breath, Reed calmed himself. They were just busy, sort of like he should be.

Reed looked down at the papers in front of him. Nothing was coming together with this. There was no good way to nab Carson, turn in the Russians and keep Ben safe.

A loud knock at the door startled him.

“Yeah,” he called.

Cage strolled in and sat at the chair in front of him. “Liam just called.”

“Good.” Reed leaned closer.

“Finn can help,” he said. “But he said you aren’t going to like it.”

Reed frowned. “What is it?”

Cage shook his head. “Liam said for us to meet with them tonight. At the same club. He wants Kace to come as well but to make sure he’s off the clock.”

Reed stared at the paper in front of him. If Finn had a solution, it was better than the nothing he was coming up with.

“Set it up.”

Cage stood and walked to the door. He paused in the frame.

“You know she’s a good woman.”

Reed nodded. “I do, and getting her mixed up in our world is the last thing she needs.”

Cage shook his head and walked out without another word.

The cell on his desk buzzed with a text.

Ryder: She’ll be fine.

Reed smiled at the phone. There was no doubt in his mind that she’d be fine. He couldn’t really say the same for himself.

***

“So get this,” Olivia stopped at the doorway of the living room, “Reed says we can order whatever we want for dinner.”

Ryder pulled out the card and flashed it at her.

“Is that so?” She smiled slightly at Meg. “Too bad I feel like tacos at Los Banditos.”

“I don’t really think…” Ryder stared.

“Well that’s funny, see.” She crossed her arms. “He offers dinner but has limitations to it.” She narrowed her eyes at Ryder. “On second thought, that is very much like him.”

Ryder grimaced.

“You’re right,” he said. “You want tacos. Let’s get tacos.”

Meg and Olivia froze and stared at Ryder. He shrugged and sat comfortably on the couch.

“Great,” Meg said. “I’ve got some clothes you can borrow.”

Olivia followed her through the house, actually noticing the décor. The style wasn’t really what she would expect from someone who knew how to shoot and hung out with a lot of men. Of course, maybe that explained it all. The very feminine look might be a reflection of that.

It wasn’t overly girly, but there were moments of it. A scrolling frame to a painting. A bit of lace on a throw pillow or some non-intrusive flowers. The whole feel of the place was refreshing and calm. Various shades of blue and purple with hints of yellow. It reminded her of being out on the water.

When they came to her room, Olivia was again surprised. An antique scrolling white wrought iron bed sat in the middle of the room, nearly taking up the whole space. Delicate painting of flowers hung from the walls on all sides.

Olivia smiled at the inviting space. It was not what she expected, but it fit the fierce Meg.

“What should we go for?” Meg disappeared into the extra-large closet.

Olivia thought for a moment. Maybe what they really needed was a girl’s night out.

Grinning, she plopped down on the bed. “Hot with an extra side of hotness.”

Meg pulled away from the closet to give her a skeptical look.

“I’m going to text Jess and Irene to meet us at Banditos. I think we could all do with a girl’s night out.” Olivia stared pointedly at Meg.

Blushing, she went back to the closet and emerged with two dresses. A little black dress with a swoop neck dipping low and thin spaghetti straps. The other was a sleeveless charcoal gray sweater dress that hit mid-thigh. The thin material would show off all her curves, but it was the safer of the two.

“Sweater,” she said to Meg.

A grin spread on her face. “I knew you’d say that. I’ve got a pair of boots you have to wear with it.”

Olivia laughed. “I think out of the two of us, you’re the best one to wear the boob dress.”

Meg looked down at her breasts and shrugged. “If you got ‘em, flaunt ‘em.”

As the two got ready, Olivia received texts from her friends that they’d both be able to join them for dinner.

“Jess says she needs to stop by the club after.” She grinned at Meg.

“Shucks.” Meg grinned back. “Looks like we’ll just have stop by. You know, for moral support.”

Olivia laughed. The ease of friendship between them made the ache of the day less painful.

***

The second strawberry margarita was setting in nicely as the girls chatted, Ryder mostly forgotten except for the occasional grunt of annoyance.