AllFreeNovel
Share Us
In ways, the shooting had spared him. It spared him time and deliberation, but he resented the loss of control. His plan had been safe and methodical, if not a bit cold. Cold didn’t matter. It was the results he was interested in, and Taylor would have never been in danger. His fists clamped around the steering wheel in frustration. A simple break in would have done the trick. She would have been rattled, scared, and more than willing to run to the safety of his arms. Brad wouldn’t have hurt her. Of that much he’d made sure. Instead, her house was shot up, her arms were cut, and the trauma of what she’d seen and heard would probably haunt her for weeks. And for what? All so some two-bit hood rats could get a little payback? The thought made his blood boil.
Movement on the monitor drew his attention. Cocking his head, Sebastian watched two figures duck out of the bar and make their way down the street. Showtime. He flipped the laptop shut and, within seconds, he followed a few feet behind.
“Everything’s clear, Baas.”
He closed the distance as they turned into an alley. A quick scan of his surroundings and Josh’s silence assured the path was clear. The taller of the two paused, his lanky body growing stiff at the soft but distinct click of the pistol’s safety.
“Don’t move.” Sebastian issued the raspy whisper against his ear. “You boys made a very stupid mistake today, Davon, and it’s going to cost you.”
Clamping his hand on the back of the man’s neck, Sebastian drove him to his knees with a quick blow from behind. The punk’s body buckled and he hit the asphalt in an awkward sprawl. The sudden topple drew his friend’s attention. A snarl rode Sebastian’s lips as the squat one rounded on him. Outrage gleamed in his eyes, and the business end of his gun brought the younger one to a halt.
Staring at him, Sebastian cocked the hammer. “Get over here and join him before I blow your face off,” he ordered.
The two shared an uncertain glance before Kenny sank into a kneeling position.
“You holding us up, man? I don’t have no money on me.” Worry hiked Davon’s voice up an octave as he peered at his friend. Sebastian forced a cold smile.
“I find that a bit hard to believe,” he whispered, leaning between them. “Two drug dealing gangbangers like you?” Sebastian shook his head and patted the man roughly on his shoulder. “No, Davon. Do us both a favor and don’t lie to me. Nothing puts me in a bad mood faster.”
“I think you’re already in a bad mood, yo. That or crazy as hell,” Kenny muttered, craning his head to track Sebastian’s movements as he casually strolled in front of them.
Eyes narrowed, he offered a curt nod and crouched before the pair. “That’s a very good possibility,” he said softly. “Call me crazy, but when the woman I love gets caught in the crossfire of a random shoot out, I have a very difficult time turning the other cheek.”
“Look man, we had nothing to do wit--”
The soft ping of the silencer was deceptive compared to the ominous spray of blood that followed. Wide-eyed, Davon issued a breathless howl, swiping at his face in a frantic attempt to clear away the gelatinous bits of brain and fragments of skull clinging to his skin. He gaped at his fallen friend in horror before swinging a pleading gaze Sebastian’s way.
“I warned you not to lie,” he stated with a callous shrug. “I am done playing games, Davon.”
“Look, man, please. I’m sorry your girl got caught up in it. She wasn’t who we were after. Please…”
Sebastian stared him in the eyes with a slow shake of his head. “I’m afraid that doesn’t matter. Your apologies mean nothing to me.”
“Man…please…I’m begging you. Let me go. I won’t do it again, I swear.”
“You’ve got that right,” Sebastian whispered.
A whimper parted the young man’s lips as cold steel pressed against his forehead in a menacing kiss. The familiar stink of urine rose from the street. Sebastian curled his lip in disgust and rocked to his feet. The cold glint of hatred in his eyes was the last thing he saw reflected back at him in the terrified flare of Davon’s pupils.
Sighing, Sebastian stripped off his holster and dropped it on the kitchen counter. It had been a long day, but a successful one. They were another step closer to closing in on some crazed cult leader, he’d spilled the need for vengeance, and, best of all, there was a beautiful woman waiting for him. For the first time in hours, the beginnings of a genuine smile lit his face. Stepping back into the laundry room, he stripped down and changed into a pair of sweatpants. He wasn’t worried about evidence: the bullets were completely untraceable and gang retaliations happened every day. What he didn’t want was Taylor spotting any blood. If she did, the questions might start and answers weren’t something he was willing to give. As hard as it was to wait any longer, he made a quick stop in the half bath to wash up before roaming the house in search of his prize.
He found her curled up on one of the plush leather couches in the great room. She’d burrowed beneath one of the maroon throws, and if the crumpled magazine on the floor was any indication, she’d fallen asleep reading. Crouching down in front of Taylor, he studied her with a small smile. She was so beautiful, so innocent, and gentle. And now, she was completely his. The thought was almost humbling. Reaching out, he smoothed the hair back from her face and watched as her grey eyes slowly fluttered open.
“Hey, darling,” he murmured. “What are you doing on the couch?”
The sleepy smile she offered stole his breath away.
“Where else was I supposed to sleep?” she asked, stretching beneath the soft throw like a contented feline.
“My bed would have been an excellent start,” he chuckled.
Her eyes took on an impish gleam. “You said the master suite was yours and yours alone. I also recall you saying maybe you would show it to me sometime if I was a good girl. I was not about to be so presumptuous or bold.”
Sebastian’s shoulders shook with a quiet laugh. “I think you enjoy playing hard to get, little minx. I warned you I was not a patient man. Haven’t I chased you long enough?”
Taylor giggled and tucked her hand beneath her chin. “Don’t tell me you’re growing tired of it already. The chase is always the best part.”
Cupping the side of her face, he gazed into the silver pools of her eyes. “Make no mistake. I would hunt you to the very ends of this earth and back if that’s what it took. You have no idea the things I would do for you.”
Taylor’s cheeks flushed and her stare disappeared beneath the thick, sooty sweep of her lashes. His body throbbed with desire and the primal need to stake his claim on this woman. He’d waited long enough. Gathering her into his arms, he lifted her off the couch.
“What are you doing?” she asked, clinging gently to the side of his neck.
“Taking you where you belong.
V.
Taylor glanced around the opulent master suite in awe as the fireplace lit the room, bathing it in a subtle glow. The heavy double doors had been impressive enough, but the spacious retreat blew her away. A sitting area opened to the left of the doors, complete with a lush micro suede furniture set and ornate end tables. Even the walls were decorated with the simple eloquence of silver framed pictures and mirrors. The bedroom loomed to the right, equipped with a massive four-poster bed and a fireplace that served as a quarter wall dividing the two areas. Deep in the far end of the room, was an enormous walk in closet that could have easily fit her entire apartment, just from what she could see. The opposite side of the room boasted a window bay with rich, velvety drapes and a plush chaise lounge that made her want to curl up and read. She ran her hand over the embroidered comforter, marveling in the soft padding and striking combination of black and silver.
Her heart beat a little faster as Sebastian approached the side of the bed. The firelight played across the firm lines of his body, highlighting each solid ridge and valley. She was surprised and a little amazed. He wasn’t some hulking gym-rat but, beneath his shirt, he harbored a gorgeous body. Every inc
h of him was lean, hard, and well defined. He was like a panther: sleek, dangerous, and full of lethal power. Reaching out, she trailed her fingers over the taut drum of his abs. Sebastian sucked in a sharp breath and caught her wrist in response, but not before she witnessed the marvelous play of the six-pack stretched beneath his skin. Or was it eight?
