Forgiven (Touched Series #2) (10 page)

Both our heads turn when we hear someone clear their throat and see Knox walking over to our table. “Nice spread. Got one for your ole man?” Bo smiles and leaves us to go fix him a plate and Knox takes his seat. “How are you this evening, Stormy? Everything going well?”

My smile is big. “Yes, the crews are at dinner but said they’d have the rest of the tables in today. I’m so excited!”

He gives me a smile back, but it doesn’t reach his eyes. “Actually, I’m talking about Ricco.” The corners of my mouth drop and I swallow hard. I look down at my sandwich, and suddenly I’ve lost my appetite. “Look….” My eyes move back to him as he leans on the table with his elbows, his hands folded together. “Is there anything more you can tell us about him? Where he lives, where he hangs out, anyone he trusts or who his friends are?”

“Not anything more than what I’ve told Emerson. Ricco has no friends, no one he trusts. He always came to my apartment when Mom wasn’t home or he’d have me meet him at a hotel. Always changing places, never in the same place but then he’d have me meet him at places like a park or somewhere public just to make me nervous. I’m sorry. I wish I could tell you more.”

His smile reappears. “Hey, it will be ok. I promise.” He reaches over and grasps my hand and then removes it when Bo approaches.

“Here you go, ole man. Best sandwich you’ll ever eat,” Bo quips as he sets the plate down on the table.

My eyes follow as Knox rises, taking the plate and cocking an eyebrow at Bo. “Thanks, son. I’m sure it will be. I’ll just take this to go.” He looks over at me and I give him a small smile. “Stormy.” He begins to walk past a surprised Bo, stops and looks at him. “Take care of her. Make sure you’re both are safe.” Bo just nods slightly and watches as Knox leaves the restaurant.

“What was that all about?” He asks as he sits back in his seat.

I look at him and put on my big girl panties. “Oh, nothing. He was just telling me what a great job everyone is doing.” He picks up a chip, smiles and winks. It’s time I do something about Ricco, head him off at the pass so to speak. We finish our dinner and Bo heads back upstairs to do some more things on the computer to get everything set up there. I walk into the kitchen, smile at a couple of workers and go back to the small niche in the corner, pull out my phone and hit call.

“Ah! I was wondering when I’d get your call. What’s up my best bitch?” His vile voice makes me cringe but I’m so mad and determined it doesn’t last long.

“Look asshole. What’s it gonna take for you to leave my family and me alone? I’m done playing your fucking games. How much?” I growl into the phone.

“Tsk, tsk, tsk. Is that any way to talk to the one person who gave you all you desired? The one person who was there for you when no one else wanted you? Such a mouth,” he spews back like he cares.

“Whatever, Ricco. We both know you’ve only been there for one person. You. Now what in the fuck do you want? They have all your information, your number and whatever else I could give them. Consider this payment for all you think you’ve done for me.” I know I should have given Knox his number, but Ricco doesn’t know that, still thinking I could do something on my own was stupid. Silence. I pull the phone away from my ear thinking he’s disconnected our call, but it shows it’s still connected.

“Peaches. Isn’t that what HE calls you?” My heart takes a jump, and my throat tightens. “One million dollars. Cash. How soon can you have it for me, whore?”

“What? You know I don’t have that kind of money,” I shout but then look around and lower my voice.

“Yes, well. If you can’t deliver my money in two days then I’ll have no other choice. And don’t you worry your pretty little head about me. I move around. A lot. They won’t find me.” He laughs, and I feel like I’m going to be ill. “You know, it’s too bad really. You’ve been the most beautiful and best whore I’ve ever had work for me and the best I’ve ever had the pleasure of fucking myself. It’s a shame. A real shame and such a waste,” he whispers then sighs.

My heart almost feels like it’s beating through my throat when the call disconnects and I’m feeling even more foolish than ever. Why did I think I could reason with him? I quickly dial another number and hold the phone back up to my ear and the person answers quickly. “I’m texting you Ricco’s number. I’m such a fool that I thought I could do something to help end this. I was wrong. He thinks you have it already so he may get rid of his phone now. I’m sorry.”

I hear a deep sigh and wait for the screaming to begin. “Just be smart. Let me handle this from now on. I’m proud of you for trying to protect my family but he’s too good at what he does. Thank you, Stormy,” Knox speaks slow and clear. I nod like he can see me, tears streaming down my face as I tell him goodbye and text him the number. Leaning back against the wall, I lower the phone and raise my head up, looking at the ceiling. I’ve got to get my shit together and let those willing to help me do their job. I’m just so used to doing everything on my own and I need to let it go, let them help me or someone’s going to get hurt. Or worse…. killed.

Chapter Ten

I fixed us a great dinner and Stormy hardly touched hers. Something’s going on but she won’t spill. She just keeps saying she’s tired, but I’m not buying it. She came down to the restaurant to lock up since the workers just left and I’m in the kitchen, down here, putting a fixing table together. “Don’t forget to set the alarm, Stormy!” I yell out. Nothing. No reply. I stand up from my squatting position and walk through the big kitchen and out through the swinging doors and stop cold. Standing by the front door, she’s holding a small box in her hands and is pale from head to toe. I walk quietly and slowly over to her and look down at her hands. My hand shakily removes my phone from my front pocket and only take my eyes off her trembling hands long enough to hit 911.

“911 Emergency, what can I help you with?” A girl’s voice speaks into my ear as the feeling off dread radiates throughout me.

“Bomb threat. Hurry!” I start to give her the address when Emerson comes walking in the front door. He takes one look at Stormy, then me and his eyes follow mine down to her hands. He take two giant strides, grabs the box and runs out the door. I throw myself on top of Stormy, bringing our bodies down to the floor, holding the back of her head so it doesn’t hit hard as we land with a thud.

“Oompfh!” she moans when we hit and I immediately make sure I’m covering her entire body from the blast. But seconds later there is no blast, no loud boom, nothing but sirens that sound like their coming closer to the building. I look down, her face still very pale but her eyes are alert with fear.

“Stormy! Are you ok? I didn’t hurt you did I?” My eyes are trying to look underneath me checking every inch I can see.

She shakes her head, her hand rising and then laying on the side of my face. “I’m fine. Don’t worry. I’m just not sure….” The front doors burst open and two police officer’s walk in, their guns are stowed away and they walk towards us with concern on their faces. I carefully get off Stormy, taking her hand and pulling her up with me and then wrap my arm around her trembling shoulder.

“Let me through,” I look up as Emerson’s voice rings out behind the officers but look up to see he’s looming over them. They part for him and he walks quickly towards us. “She ok?”

“Yes, but she’s pretty shaken up,” I reply looking down at her sweet face that’s now buried into my chest.

“Take her over to a chair. I’ll get her something to drink. Officer Cross here will ask her a few questions then you can take her upstairs.” I nod and help Stormy over to the nearest table. She sits and I take the seat next to hers, never releasing contact with her, but I don’t think she’d let me if I tried. The officer comes over and asks the standard questions and Stormy tells him everything. Emerson walks over and places a shot glass with what looks to be Jack in it, and I watch as she chugs it quickly, then Emerson produces the bottle and pours her another.

“That’s enough,” Emerson tells the officer. “You want more information call me later.” He hands the officer a card and both officer’s smile, nod and leave. He sits down across the table and pours more of the liquid into the glass once Stormy finishes the shot.

“Emerson.” His eyes move to mine and his face is alert. “Where did you go running with that box? Isn’t that a bad thing to do when you think it could be a bomb?” I ask not being able to help my curiosity.

“Hunch. But to be sure I needed to get it far away. I ran down the street and threw it in the vacant lot at the end. Nothing happened so my hunch was right. I gave it to the officer’s outside when I got back.” He looks at Stormy, who is sitting up now and taking another shot, his face changing to one of concern and worry. “Better take her upstairs before she gets too plastered. I figure she deserves it though, after today.”

I look back over at her and see her body is swaying a little, put my arm around her as she turns her head to me, her smile small and her eyes are glazed over. “I’m sorry. I….” she slurs. I watch as Emerson stands and walks to the front door, clicking the locks in place and setting the alarm then walks through the place, flipping off lights.

“Come on, Peaches. Let’s get you upstairs and into bed.” The look on her face almost comical if it wasn’t for the situation. I help her to stand and she wobbles a bit, laughing and then her face gets serious, well, tries to.

“Oh, yes! Let’s go to bed and….” I catch her as she passes out, lift her up and toss her over my shoulder, her long soft hair hitting along my back and her feet dangle in front of me as I wrap my arm around her legs.

Emerson walks out of the kitchen looks at me and shakes his head, chuckling under his breath then walks passed me and opens the back door. “Probably good that she passed out. This way she’ll sleep all night.”

I hear him lock up as I head upstairs and then unlock our apartment door and turn my head as he walks down the hallway towards the back door. “Emerson?” He stops and turns halfway to me. “Thank you.” He gives a sharp nod and then begins walking to the door again. I half stumble with Stormy’s dead weight into the apartment and then through the living room and up the stairs, taking her straight into our room and lay her as gently as I can onto the bed.

It took me longer than I’d imagined to get her clothes off and put her sleeper top and shorts on her with her limp limbs but I finally managed and tucked her under the covers. Once I’ve pulled my clothes off and put my sleep pants on, I run into the bathroom and fill a cup with cold water and grab a couple of aspirin then walk back into the room, setting them on the nightstand, and crawl under the covers beside her and yet she still doesn’t stir. I wrap my arm under her and then pull her over to me and lay my head back against the pillow in time to hear a soft snore. Looking down I see her full lips are slightly apart but she’s out cold. I smile to myself and close my eyes knowing I’ll be taking care of my hung-over girl in the morning. God, to think I could have lost her.

“Ungh, Bo” Her voice wakes me and I look over at her. She’s struggling in the sheets, her legs all caught up in them and her hand is fisted tightly on the comforter. “Bo, run!” I lean over her and shake her hard.

“Stormy! Baby, you’re having a nightmare,” I say loudly but afraid of scaring her. Her eyes spring open, her eyebrows creased and she’s panting heavily. “Here, let me help you sit up.” She seems out of it, so I put my hands under her arms and move her up against the headboard. Reaching over her, I grab the cup of water and aspirin and open her still fisted hand, placing the pills in it and then after she pops them in her mouth I hand her the water. She drinks down the pills and then proceeds to finish off the water, handing the empty cup back to me. I reach over and move her long hair over her shoulder and frown. “You ok?”

“It felt so real, like it was happening all over again but this time, there was ticking and I couldn’t get you to run away.” Her eyes become a little wet as she looks into mine with such worry.

“It’s over now and we’re both here,” I console her as I move back and sit against the headboard next to her, putting my arm around her. Her head lays on my shoulder and she sighs.

“But what about next time, Bo?” She asks her head turning up at me. “I wish someone would find him and put him away before it’s too late.” Her eyes search mine and her chin quivers. “Bo, I’m scared.”

I squeeze her into me and kiss the top of her head. “I won’t let anything happen to you, Stormy. You’re my life. I’ll die protecting you.” I slide down with her in my arms and close my eyes.

“That’s what I’m afraid of,” she whispers.

♥    ♥    ♥    ♥

Oh, my God! My head feels like it’s going to fall right off my shoulders. I should have never drank that many shots last night. What was I thinking? Wait! What was Emerson thinking giving me all of those? As soon as I open my eyes I shut them quickly. Today would be a great day for it to be storming and raining outside but no, the sun is shining and the birds seem awfully loud today. A soft tap on the door makes my eyes snap across the room and I bring the covers up to my neck when the door slowly opens, Emerson peeking around the half opened door.

“Breakfast. You might want to get dressed,” he chuckles.

“Very funny! Ow!” I yell. He laughs again and pulls the door but doesn’t shut it. I’m not sure I want to get up. Can’t I just stay in bed all day? I think I deserve it after yesterday. I close my eyes again and take a deep breath. Yes, I’ll just stay in bed. I feel like I’ve just dozed off when I hear yelling.

“Stormy! Hurry up or your eggs will get cold!” Bo yells from downstairs.

Ugh! Eggs. My stomach just churned and I may not make it through this day. My mind wanders to the bomb scare, and I quickly jump out of bed, run into the bathroom, hitting the floor on my knees as I relieve yesterday’s food and liquor into the toilet. I’m holding my head up by my hand, leaning my elbow on the edge of the toilet seat, and my eyes close when I startle from something cool and wet on my forehead. Opening my eyes, I see Bo sitting on the floor next to me, his hand holding a wet wash cloth against me and a sad look on his face.

“Are you ok, baby? I could kill Emerson for giving you all those shots.” I hate how sad he looks, the concern in his eyes and frown on his lips.

“Hey, I didn’t have to drink them. Trust me, I’m paying for my own mistakes.” I close my eyes as my stomach churns again and quickly lean over the bowl, nothing leaving me but dry heaves. When I open my eyes I look over to see Bo standing up and looking down at me.

“Mom and Dad are going on a mini vacation for two days and I’m taking you over to the house for some R & R. I think you could use it and the security is tighter over there. I’m packing you and me a small bag. Come. Let me help you to the bed and I’ll bring the trashcan, just in case, then you can tell me what you want packed.” I nod and let him help me up, he grabs the small trashcan and leads me to the bed, placing the cool cloth over my forehead and it feels so good to lay down. “Now. What do you want packed?”

My eyes are closed and I can’t even think. “I don’t care. Something to wear and sleep in. Ugh,” I moan. I hear him moving around, pulling on a zipper, drawers opening and closing and I start to drift off.

“Come on, Peaches, time to go.” My eyes open only a slit when I feel Bo pick me up but then close again as I nuzzle my head onto his shoulder.

I open my eyes and look around the room disoriented. After blinking a few times I smile and pull the covers up around me. My room at the Dunway’s house. I close my eyes again but this time I’m wide awake and my head doesn’t seem to be pounding anymore. I slowly push back the covers, get out of bed and walk into the bathroom. After taking a quick bath and do all my bathroom things I feel more human and go downstairs. When I walk into the kitchen, I find Bo cooking and my stomach growls loudly. His head snaps in my direction, and his gorgeous smile takes over his handsome face.

“Morning! Guess you’re hungry,” he smirks but then winks.

I walk over to the table and slowly sit down, pulling the chair in closer and then rest my elbow on top, my hand rubbing across my face. “Morning. I’m starving.” I peek through my fingers to see he’s staring at me. “Morning? I can’t believe I slept the day away yesterday. Thank you for taking care of me.”

Still smiling he brings over a plate of food, setting it in front of me as I move my arms out of the way and my stomach growls even louder. “Anytime, Peaches. Now, eat until you’re full. You seem to be losing weight. Need to get some meat on those bones.”

I look up at him and he winks again making me smile. I don’t hesitate even a second in digging into the yummy food. “Mmmm. This is so good,” I tell him with a mouthful. He walks over and retrieves his own plate then sits down next to me.

“I have to go to a couple of classes. Emerson is here so holler if you need him.” He looks at me, his eyes full of worry. “Pearl called and said she’ll be back tomorrow and wants to know if we can fix up the spare bedroom at our place and let her stay there for a while. It doesn’t bother me if you’re ok with it. If you don’t want her to, that’s fine. I’m sure she’ll understand”

My eyes widen in excitement. “Oh, no! That’ll be great! She’s always been like a sister to me, you know that and she is my best friend. It will be great having her with us. Kind of weird too with you and me…. Well, you know.”

He winks and takes a bite of food so I continue to eat. “Oh! She said something about visiting a new bar that’s opening soon? Down the street. Um, she said something about meeting the owner?” I swallow my food and roll my eyes, feeling his jealousy radiate from him.

“Ha, well…. She wants to meet the owner. Says ‘He’s dreamy’,” I explain doing a quotation mark with my fingers. He just looks at me, his eyebrow raised and gives me his cocky grin. “Hey, I’m with you and I don’t want anyone else. Get your jealousy in check,” I smirk back.

He sits up straight and gives me his ‘all business look’. “I’m not jealous. Pffft.” I can’t help but laugh spewing my orange juice across the table.

I end up having a lazy day out in the sun on their deck as I read a book and then flipping over, eventually, and falling asleep on my stomach. When I awaken, I’m burning up from the sun even though it’s beginning to set so I lay my book down on the ground, get up and then climb down into the pool, being mindful of my cast wrapped up in plastic. The water is refreshing on my slightly sunburned skin. I start floating on my back, closing my eyes and welcome the darkness. I’m startled slightly when I feel a hand on my stomach, open my eyes to see two beautiful blue ones looking into mine full of desire. Moving my body down into the water, I put my hands around Bo’s neck, my mouth instantly pressing against his lips as his arms wrap around my waist holding me up in the water. My legs move around his slim waist and my ankles clasp together. It doesn’t take long for our kissing to become heated, and it warms up my entire body from the inside as one of his hands releases from around me and inches its way up under my swimsuit top and cups my breast. His fingers tweak my nipple making my pussy moist but not from the water. My head tilts back and I moan loudly, unashamed. I whimper when he removes his hand from my breast but moan again when it plunges under my suit bottom and a finger pushes up inside me, right where my ache is pulsing. His thumb begins making circles on my throbbing clit as another finger moves inside me and I can feel my impending orgasm start to build. As he moves his thumb faster, his fingers crook inside, my panting becomes faster as well and louder but I look back at him when everything comes to a halt as he removes his hand abruptly. The water sloshes over us and my legs squeeze his waist. His hands leave me, but I unclench from him when he begins to pull down my suit bottom and resume my position once they are gone and his hard cock drives inside me quickly.

“Ungh!” I moan when he pulls out and rams back into me, his moan matching mine. His mouth smashes against my lips. My fingers thread into his hair as he pulls us underneath the water, holding my casted arm out of the water, and his cock continues its rhythm. He pushes his feet against the floor of the pool and as we break free, catching our breaths, a loud moan escapes me as I reach my climax. I’m oblivious to anything around me, any sounds as my body goes limp in his hands.

“You are the most incredible woman.” His lips press against my cheek, my forehead and then my mouth. “God, I love you so much.”

My heartbeat starts to return back to normal as I open my eyes and stare into his loving ones. My mouth finding his quickly and I try to return all the love that I’m feeling. “You are amazing and I love you too, so much.”

Our heads turn fast, when we hear a throat clear, my body smashing against his as close as I can get not to show my nakedness. When I look at Emerson, his hand is covering over his eyes, and his head turns away from us.
How embarrassing!
Bo shuffles under the water, helping to put my swim bottom back on, my face into his shoulder in embarrassment. “Uh, we spotted Ricco down the street talking to the owner of that new bar. Thought you’d wanna know.” My eyes shift to Bo and watch him nod curtly at him then his eyes turn to me.