I Belong to You (11 page)

“It’s fucked-up, but that pretty much sums it up.”

“I’ve been with Jacob around the clock for weeks.”

“That doesn’t mean you couldn’t have hired someone. And you and I both know that you did.”

“The kid was going to turn in evidence on Ava. He’s a hero, as far as I’m concerned. And the police have to know that I’m not foolish enough to drop him this close to home.” I walk into the dark bathroom, snatch up a towel, and wrap it around my waist.

“Or they think you’re smart enough to know that would be the obvious assumption.”

I grind my teeth. “In other words, Grant and I are about to go around the block a couple or ten times again. Well, just tell him to be careful. There’s a fine line between questioning and slandering, with this much press involved and the livelihood of a business at stake.”

“I’ve had that conversation with him, believe me. But the guy’s pretty ‘who gives a shit?’ He’s a problem.”

“I’ll deal with him. You just find Ava before she hurts someone else. And in case that’s not clear enough, let me be more direct: Keep my family and employees safe. Or I swear to you, Blake Walker, your brothers will be looking for vengeance on your behalf—and I’ll come stand on their doorstep and tell them to bring it on.”

“You’re living in hell, so I’ll pretend you didn’t say that. We’re adding extra men to the operation and tightening surveillance where we can.”

“But you still have no clue where Ava’s at.”

“No.” He hesitates. “Look, man, I might be on the right side of the law, but I was undercover in one of the biggest drug cartels in the world. I know how to play dirty. Connect me to whatever underground contact you have. I’ll make it count.”

“Not a chance. I’m going out to Long Island. I’ll meet you there.”

“Forget it. They won’t let you near the kid, and my brother Luke is headed down there now. If Corey talks before I get there, Luke will be there to make it count.”

“I don’t like how this is going down. Someone is sending me a message.”

“None of these people I’m dealing with are fools.”

“But?” I sense there’s more.

“But it’s an election year, and the DA in San Francisco needs this to go away. That’s why you need to consider sharing anything you know with my team—and letting us help.”

“I’m sick and fucking tired of hearing about the election year.”

“You and me both—but it’s a fact we can’t escape. So let me help. Be straight with me, and let me make sure they don’t use you as a fall guy.”

“What happened to conflict of interest?”

“Fuck conflict of interest, if they try to make you the fall guy again. I’m pulling up to the airport now. Luke will call you if he finds out anything. And just a heads-up: The detective is flying in with me, but he’s going to go straight to you. My brother Royce, who’s former FBI and still well connected, will be there if he crosses any lines. Just make sure the ones you and I know that you’re crossing stay hidden. And keep Crystal the hell away from it, so she won’t go down if you do.”

“There’s nothing to keep her away from,” I say, being careful not to have anyone admit anything.

“Denial,” Blake says. “I did it, too. It can be dangerous. Remember that.”

He’s hit a raw nerve, and I grind my teeth. “Just have Grant call my cell when he arrives. I don’t want this near Riptide or my parents.”

“My team will do our best to keep him and all of this away from both. I’ll call you when I land.”

He ends the call and I lean on the sink, my hands on the counter, head dropped forward. It seems the tables are turned. I’m going after Ava and Ryan, and someone is coming after me. Most likely Ava and Ryan, who’ve proven killing isn’t beyond their scope.

I dial Jacob. “I assume you know what’s happening?”

“Yes. That’s why I was calling you.”

“Have my things at the hotel brought to Crystal’s.”

“All of them?”

“Yes, and the sooner the better. But I’ll need to go by and clear the safe, so we need to leave here at about eight thirty. And I’ll be going to Riptide with Crystal after the hospital.”

“I’ll have them there in thirty minutes.”

“I’ll be waiting,” I say, ending the call, and I prepare to get dressed and seek out privacy to reach out to my underground contact. Turning, I find Crystal standing in the doorway, hugging her silk robe to her body.

“What’s happening?”

“The kid that left with Ava was dropped off at a hospital, badly beaten. No one knows by whom, and he’s in ICU and can’t talk yet.”

“But he’s alive, so that’s good, right?”

“Yes—but he’s also here in New York.”

Her eyes go wide. “Here? How did he get here?”

“Everything is a mystery at this point, but Blake’s on his way here to question him when he can speak. Apparently a detective from San Francisco is also headed here to talk to me.”

“You? Why?”

“I cared about Rebecca and this kid was dropped here in New York, so they see it coming together as a motive. And since I’ve been under supervision with a security person at all times, they think I hired someone to do it.”

She draws back slightly. “Please tell me you didn’t.”

“I didn’t.” I’ll kick Blake’s ass for telling her about my vow of vengeance.

“That’s it?” she challenges. “Just ‘I didn’t’?”

“It’s a straightforward, honest answer.”

Her eyes narrow. “Then why do I feel like it’s complicated?”

Because nothing these past few weeks has been simple.

I close the distance between us. “I’m moving in with you. My things will be here soon. And I need to go downstairs and attend to some business.”

“What? Did you really just tell me you’re moving in with me without asking?”

“There’s no question to ask. Somebody wanted that kid to be dropped off here because I’m here. I was cautious about my plans, which means someone is watching me—and doing a job no amateur could.”

“Who? Ava? Is she that sophisticated?”

“No. That’s the point. And I’m not leaving you alone to end up like Rebecca. End of story.” I try to step around her.

She grabs my arm. “So, what? Now I’m your responsibility? Is that why you came here last night? To get close and make sure you can keep your guilt at bay?”

“As I showed you last night, I’m not someone who fakes emotions. I don’t even fucking
want
to have emotions. But yes, you’re my responsibility, and don’t even bother to argue that point with me. I will protect you, even if you end up hating me in the end.”

She inhales and her lips tighten. “What business do you have to attend to?”

“Business.”

“Got it. Your business is none of my business, but you’re now living with me. Glad to know we’re being honest.”

She lets go of my arm and I fight the urge to pull her close and explain, but I resist. Blake’s right. There’s more to this than just protecting her. If the police are about to be on top of me again, the less she knows, the better.

Letting her go, I walk into the bedroom and begin to get dressed. I grab my pants and pull them on, reaching into my pocket to remove the disposable phone to see a missed call. I glance up to find Crystal staring at it and me.

She says, “Vengeance isn’t business. And it isn’t protecting your family or me.” She disappears into the bathroom and turns on the shower.

I don’t go after her. If I’m right and that kid was dropped off here to turn up the heat on me, this
isn’t
vengeance anymore.

It’s war.

Eleven

Mark . . .

Once I’m dressed, I take the elevator down to the lobby. Certain there will be security feeds anywhere in the building, I head toward the exit, only to be intercepted by Jacob just before my escape.

“I thought we weren’t leaving till eight-thirty?” he asks.

“We aren’t. And how did you find me?”

“It’s my job, one that you expect me to do well.”

“While I won’t argue that point, I don’t require assistance at the moment. Just make sure my things make it to Crystal’s.” I shove open the glass door and exit into a gust of arctic air, wishing like hell I had the coat I’d left in Jacob’s SUV last night.

Hunkering down against the wind, I grab the disposable phone and punch in my contact’s number. He answers on the second ring and says, “Ava was last seen in a Mexican border town near El Paso, Texas, three days ago. The clear assumption is she’s escaping to Mexico.”

“If she was going to Mexico, she could have done that in California. Was she with the mercenary you told me about?”

“Yes. And from what I understand, she had her tongue down his throat.”

This is not good news. “So she’s not a prisoner.” To avoid the elements, I step under the awning of a retail store sharing space with the apartment building.

“It’s hard to say with this guy,” my informant says. “He could be using her for a little pussy before he slices her throat. He’s that vicious.”

“Or she could have him pussy whipped.”

“Doubtful,” he says. “I’d bet my right ball he’s the one pulling her chain. You don’t get under this guy’s skin. He’ll scalp you for trying.”

“I need a name.”

“Luis Jimenez.”

“Mexican,” I say. “Any connections to Ricco Alvarez?”

“You’ve had me focused on destroying Ryan Kilmer, so not that I know of. But Ricco Alvarez has the kind of money this guy would demand, and he’s suspected of helping her escape.”

“If Ricco found out she killed Rebecca, he wouldn’t still be helping her.”

“Who says he is? Maybe he told Luis to kill her, and Luis is just playing with her for a while before he does.”

“Until I have proof, I’m not ruling out any options. That means Ryan, Ricco, and even Ava meeting Luis on her own are still on the table. And you can stop looking for the kid who ran off with Ava. He ended up in a hospital here in New York, so beaten up he’s in the ICU.”

He whistles. “Someone was telling you they’re on your doorstep.”

“Exactly. Find Luis and Ava and see if there’s a connection to Ricco. And yes, I know it will cost me.”

“I expect a wire today for what you owe me.”

“Words aren’t proof. You’ll get the money when I get proof that Luis is with Ava, and Ava is alive. And I want everything you have on Luis.”

“Not a problem. The hotel manager where they were staying likes extra money under the table. He took a photo. I have a man in New York. I’ll have a file delivered to your hotel to avoid electronic signatures.”

“No. I’m moving locations. Deliver it to Riptide. Make sure you put ‘Confidential’ on the front.”

“It’ll be to you this afternoon.”

“Then you’ll get your wire this afternoon.”

“And you’ll be happy to know Ryan Kilmer has another blow awaiting him today. That money-laundering scandal you wanted linked to one of his primary properties is sure to put him back on the police radar.”

“Good. Include details in the paperwork you send me. But most importantly, find Ava and Luis.” I end the call and head back toward the entry to the building, glancing at my watch. It’s already eight o’clock. We need to leave for the hotel to clear the safe in thirty minutes to be sure we make the hospital in time to see my mother before her treatment.

I quickly enter the welcome warmth of the lobby, my long strides eating up the path to the elevator. If I end up with proof that Ava’s alive, I have to tread carefully. I won’t go to the police and let them screw up a chance to catch her. I have to get to her before she gets to me and the people I care about.

Once I’m back on the fiftieth floor, I’m keyless and forced to knock, vowing to remedy that situation quickly. “Who is it?” Crystal answers after a good minute.

“Me,” I say.

The door cracks open but she doesn’t appear. I step inside to find her walking away, her hair wet, her skin damp, with nothing but a towel covering her. I’m in the hallway, locking the door in an instant, in hot pursuit. I catch her just as she rounds the corner to the living room, snagging her wrist and pulling her around to face me.

She whirls on me. “Damn it, Mark, let go.”

“Not a chance,” I say, pulling her to me, inhaling her sweet, floral scent, which is becoming as addictive as she is.

Her hand flattens on my chest. “When I’m pissed, don’t touch me.”

I flatten one hand on her back, molding her to me. “I have to touch you. That’s just it—I have to. And that’s not familiar to me. I’m trying to be honest here, Crystal. And I’m asking you not to push me on some things right now, and don’t shut me out. I’m doing what I feel I have to do—but you’re the one thing keeping me grounded.”

Her fingers curl on my chest. “You’re riding grief and guilt, Mark. And you’re scaring me.”

“I’m not going to do something foolish, but I’m also not sitting back and letting you or my parents get hurt. If anything happened to you or them right now . . . I would lose it. And I wouldn’t be responsible for my actions anymore.”

She wraps her arms around me. “I’m scared for you, Mark. Let the police handle it.”

A knock sounds on the door and I kiss her, a deep, possessive claiming, before I start to set her away from me.

She grabs my arm and wraps her arms around me again. “I want to be here with you and for you, and I’m not shutting you out. But I’m also asking you not to shut me out.”

“Whatever I do is for your protection.” There’s another knock and I kiss her again, hard and fast, and this time I set her firmly away from me, turning away to end the conversation. “Who is it?”

“Jacob.”

I glance over my shoulder to make sure Crystal’s no longer standing there in a towel, to find nothing but the towel remaining. My groin tightens. She’s sending me a message and it’s loud and clear. She won’t be dismissed, and it worked. I unlock the door, pulling it open to reveal Jacob and my bags. I have only one thing on my mind.
Her.

I wave Jacob forward, and he rolls a cart inside. “Where do you want them?”

“Just leave the cart. Come back in about twenty minutes and I’ll be ready.”

“Will do. Luke Walker wanted me to give you a message.”

Unease rolls through me. “And that would be what?”

“The kid started talking before he got there. He has no idea what was said, only that they asked a lot of questions about you.”

“Are you saying the kid accused me of beating him up?”

“All Luke knew was that you were the focus of the questioning.”

I inhale and hold in the breath a moment before I say, “I need to make a phone call. We’ll go by my hotel after the hospital, on the way to Riptide.” I glance at my watch. “It’s eight twenty. Be back here at nine.”

I snatch up the towel and turn away, already grabbing my phone from my pocket and dialing my attorney, Tiger. The door opens and closes, telling me Jacob has left. I wait through a series of rings and get voice mail, which doesn’t please me.

I say, “Call me when you get this. I might need you in New York. And yes, I know it’s going to cost me. When have you ever been cheap?” I end the call and stuff my phone back into my pocket. Clutching the towel, I stare down at it. Everything inside me wants to go find her and fuck her. Everything inside me just wants her, period. Selfishly. Completely. In the face of danger she shouldn’t be a part of.

But it’s too late. If I send her away, fire her, alienate her, and tell my mother why, her safety would still be at risk. There is no way to be sure she’s safe except to keep her right here, right now.

A dark edginess I know all too intimately begins to overtake me, a part of the Master that has been long buried hard and fast in the act of sex.

Aware that time is ticking, I stalk toward the bedroom and open the door. It’s empty, the bed still a mess from where we slept.
Together.
I don’t know how it’s happened, but since the day I met her, she’s become such a part of my life that no matter how I fight it, or her, she’s in my blood—a part of why I exist. Yet so is Rebecca. I don’t understand it, and I do not like things that I don’t understand.

I walk into the bathroom to find Crystal in her pink robe, finishing her makeup. Memories of Rebecca doing the same freeze me in place, as I realize the intimacy this means I have now with Crystal. And I like it. I like it in a way that I never allowed myself to with Rebecca—which rips at me like a chain saw.

Crystal’s eyes meet mine, and I know she’s seen what I feel. My ability to hide my emotions has gone to shit, along with my ability to deny they exist—at least where she’s concerned. I have that sense of connection with her. It’s a vulnerable moment, and I find myself fighting the rawness of the emotions it stirs. My cock thickens, the need for sex and release—my way of coping with what I don’t want to exist—hitting me hard and fast.

“We’re leaving at nine, instead of eight thirty,” I say, walking past her to the shower. After stripping down, I open the door to turn on the water and don’t wait for it to warm. Stepping forward, I let the cold water wash over me and turn my back to Crystal, pressing my hands on the wall.

“Mark.”

Her voice whispers over my nerve endings and my body doesn’t seem to care how cold the water is. I want her. “Not now, Ms. Smith.” I grab her shampoo and soap my hair, the damn flowery scent surrounding me. I rinse it off but it’s too late; the scent is all over me. I wipe water from my face, smooth my hair back, and turn to the damn wall again, smelling roses and jasmine mixed together. Rebecca. Crystal. Confusion.

The door opens, telling me Crystal has ignored my dismissal, but what’s new? I cut her a hard look over my shoulder. “What part of ‘not now’ do you not understand?” I ask, my eyes traveling her naked body, her tight little pink nipples, and I growl low in my throat with the thickening of my cock, turning away to let my head fall forward.

“Oh dear God,” she gasps, “the water is freezing.” In a moment the cold becomes warm, like my blood.

“Go away, Ms.—”

“Crystal,” she corrects as she ducks under my arms to rest on the wall in front of me, her hands settling on my chest and turning my warm blood to hot.

Grinding my teeth, I compel myself not to touch her. “Damn it, woman. Don’t you get it? I
fuck
when I’m in a bad place. That’s what I do. I fuck, and I need to fuck
you
right now.”

She wraps her arms around me, my erection pressing against her hip, and it’s torture, absolute torture, not to touch her. “Then fuck me,” she whispers.

“What part of ‘we don’t have a condom’ have you forgotten?”

“I’m on the pill.”

“And you didn’t tell me last night,” I say, part a demand for explanation and part accusation.

“You told me you always use condoms. I knew that made you safe for me, but I wasn’t sure you’d think it made me safe for you.”

“How many partners?”

She blinks. “Partners? Oh. Partners. One without a condom, and I lived with him for over a year. He was clean. I made sure of it, and just to be clear, I’d never go without a condom for a one-night stand. Or even several, like we were. But now you’re—”

“Moving in with you,” I say, wrapping my fingers around her neck, pulling her mouth a breath from mine. “That means you belong to me now.”

“No,” she says. “It means—”

My mouth slants over hers, cutting off her words, my tongue pressing past her lips, delving deeply, possessiveness rising in me so intense that it’s a living, breathing thing. I hate the man she lived with. I deepen the kiss, wild hunger rising inside me, driven by darkness and the self-blame that I’ve lived with for ten years. What am I doing with Crystal? What the
fuck
am I doing?

I turn her into a corner, my hands on her shoulders, and step back enough to loosen her grip around my waist. “You should get me the hell out of your life, before I destroy you like I did Rebecca. Tell me to leave.”

She laughs without humor. “Like you’d listen?”

“Damn it, tell me to leave, Crystal,” I demand.

“Your staying or leaving doesn’t impact the premise of your demand, which seems to be that I have no control over myself. That’s wrong. I decide who destroys me, not you, Mark Compton.”

“You think Rebecca didn’t say that?”

“Apparently being a Master has confused you, or made you a little too arrogant for your own good. I have a mind of my own.”

“That’s what she said.”

Her hands go to my arms. “And she left you, Mark. That’s not a woman who lost her backbone or her own mind. She wasn’t too weak to survive you and whatever you think you did to her.”

I tangle my fingers in her now damp hair. “You don’t know everything. You were right when you said I’m an asshole. I am.” I turn her to the wall and lean in close. “You want me to stay?”

“Yes.”

“Are you sure?

“Yes. I want you to stay.”

“Then you need to know who and what I am. I’m going to spank you and it’s not going to be gentle. And in the future I will flog you, clamp you, and torment you in ways that you have never dreamed of. Still want me to stay?”

“Mark—”

“
Do you
want me to stay?” I ask, rubbing her backside to get the blood flow where I want it.

“Yes. I do.”

I keep rubbing, warning her with my touch, preparing her. “Do you understand that means I’m going to spank you now?”

“I—”

“Do you—”

“Yes. Yes, I understand.”

I don’t hesitate. I squeeze her backside, caressing for several seconds, and she stiffens. “Relax or it will hurt more.” She doesn’t, and I command, “I said, relax your muscles.”

She makes several heavy, gasping sounds, but her body eases. Not giving either of us time to think, I spank her. One firm smack is followed by another, and another. Seven total, enough to leave a burn but no pain in its aftermath. The instant I’m done, I turn her and force her to face me.