Page 20 of Benedict’s Rejuvenation (Dark Patriots #5)

“Mr. Ambrose, I don’t know who is feeding you this crap, but I’d stop listening if I were you.

And let me say that if there was a story I had to tell, ambushing me in public and while out with friends and family wouldn’t make me inclined to speak to you.

You’re rude. Since you think you know everything, why don’t you go back to your source and ask them?

Oh, wait, it’s because they don’t know jack shit, just like you,” I told him haughtily.

Heath snickered. The rest of us were glaring at Rich Ambrose.

“More than one source has corroborated that the Billings police department filed a missing person report from Keeley Mills last December. It was reported that her sister, Kensington, had gone missing. Keeley continued to work with a detective until six months ago. No one will tell me why the case is still unsolved. You mysteriously return home. The detective is nowhere to be found. There have been rumors that another kidnapping occurred in the mountains around here, and it involved you, Keeley Mills. Then, hours later, both you and your sister were miraculously together, and the kidnapper got away,” he rattled off.

The mention of Detective Chase made me tense on the inside.

What if this reporter’s snooping uncovered something that would bring the truth to light?

There was more than one body out in those mountains.

I had to consciously fight not to shiver or let my bland expression change to prevent Ambrose from knowing he was on to something.

“It sounds like you know everything in this fantasy tale, so there’s no need to bother my fiancée or her sister. Stay away from them,” Beau said with a warning in his tone.

“Fiancée? When did that happen? When is the wedding? Who are you? I’m sorry I had to wait and do it like this, but you run people off with shotguns, I’ve heard,” Ambrose responded.

“Goodbye,” Ben said as he tucked my arm over his and we walked away. The rest followed. Unfortunately, so did Ambrose.

“Wait! Wouldn’t you like to have your side of the story told? Something happened in those mountains that day, and long before that. I will find the truth. Why not just talk to me and let’s get the truth out there?”

We made it outside, with dozens of people watching us. They couldn’t help but overhear what he said. Ben had his arm around me. Beau was holding my sister the same way. Heath guarded our backs.

“Get lost,” Keeley snapped.

“This street is public. I have as much right to be on it as you. I’m exercising my freedom of speech.” Ambrose smirked.

“And we’re exercising our right not to listen to your bullshit,” Heath told him.

We first drove the moving truck to my new place, then rode to the deli in my sister’s truck. We climbed into it and took off without a glance back. I sagged in relief when we pulled away. Beau was driving. I saw him glancing in the rearview mirror.

I didn’t look, but I asked in fear, “Is he following us?”

“Not yet, but I don’t trust him. We’re taking a detour just to be sure he isn’t. Once I know he’s not, we’ll head to the townhome. Don’t worry. If he is, I can lose him,” Beau assured me.

I didn’t bother to say anything. Instead, I leaned my head over onto Ben’s shoulder.

I was between him and Heath. The rest kept up a low chatter about Ambrose and debated who his source or sources were.

I zoned out and fought not to become sick.

My lunch wanted to find its way back up my throat.

What if by nosing around, it was discovered that the burned-down cabin in the woods was connected to us, along with its missing owner?

Dear God, please, don’t let anyone figure this out.

???

The rest of the day didn’t go as smoothly as planned.

Sure, we weren’t tailed, and everything was unloaded promptly.

Even a chunk of the boxes had already been emptied, and the stuff from them put away.

It was the lack of laughter and lighthearted banter that was missing.

The others tried, but I couldn’t get out of my head to enjoy it or participate.

When I didn’t, they kept assuring me there was no way Ambrose knew anything or could find out.

I wasn’t so sure of that. Something about him made my skin crawl, and dread filled me.

Finally, the others left for the evening.

They wanted me to go out to dinner, but I passed.

Ben ended up insisting he was staying a while with me.

Heath gave me a hug and said he’d see me soon.

He was going out to dinner with Beau and Keeley, and then they’d drop him off at the airport.

I felt guilty that he had come for less than twenty-four hours, and all he did was work. He told me to think nothing of it.

Ben had walked them out to the truck. I’d said my goodbyes inside.

I was absentmindedly removing things from a box and putting them away in the kitchen.

I wasn’t concentrating on where I put anything.

It was something mindless to do. When Ben returned, he came straight to me. His arms circled me from behind.

“Talk to me, Kensy. I know that reporter is worrying you. Tell me why. You’re withdrawing, Hummingbird.”

I glanced over my shoulder. “Hummingbird? Where did that name come from?”

“You answer my question first, and I’ll answer yours,” he negotiated.

I sighed and turned to face Ben, who turned and leaned back against the counter with me still in his arms.

“It’s not something definite. He makes my skin crawl for some reason.

Yes, I’m scared he’ll discover something he shouldn’t.

How? I don’t have a clue. It concerns me that someone has told him enough to pique his curiosity and make him want to keep digging.

What if he finds out what happened to Slava, Vadzim, Detective Chase, Mona, and the others?

We’ll all go to prison for the rest of our lives if he does.

All for a bunch of monsters that the world should celebrate are gone. ”

“Babe, I don’t see that happening. While not exactly sanctioned, the work we did isn’t news to some key people. I promise he won’t be allowed to harm you in any way.”

“But I’m not the only one in danger. What about you, Beau, my sister, and the others?”

“They’ll be protected, too. Beau is calling to speak to the bosses later. They’ll no doubt circle back with our resources. By morning, we’ll know what this Rich Ambrose eats for breakfast and how many times a day he takes a shit and what color it is.”

“Eww, that’s gross,” I told him as I wrinkled my nose and pushed on his chest. Ben laughed, causing me to giggle.

“But it made you giggle. Okay, let’s forget him. We’re settling in for your first night in your new home. I think it looks good. Tell me what you want to do next,” he asked as he steered me to the living room. He sank onto the couch and took me with him. I ended up on his lap, my favorite spot.

“Right now, I want to know why you called me hummingbird.”

“Do you know what a hummingbird represents spiritually?” he asked unexpectedly.

“No, do you?”

“Yes. It was something that I learned from my sister, Cassia. She was always into talking about what things in nature were supposed to represent when she was a teenager. One time, she talked about hummingbirds. I was thinking about you, and I remembered what she had said. A hummingbird is symbolic of speed, obviously, but much more. Joy, perseverance, love, transformation, healing, and humility are other symbols. Plus, others are rejuvenation, balance, freedom, creativity, growth, surrender, trust, and courage. All those amazing things are you, Kensy. If you look at you before and after the kidnapping, those describe you.”

His explanation brought tears to my eyes.

Too choked up to say anything, I let my mouth do it another way.

I rose enough to seal my lips to his. As always, we kissed insatiably.

Ben and I had increased the time we talked in the evenings and throughout the day, whenever possible, and even when he was away.

He’d found a way to spend his free days here in Montana over the past two weeks since we’d seen each other naked and cataloged our scars.

While we hadn’t removed our clothes again, we did sneak kisses and alone time.

His hands had been on my breasts on the outside of my clothing a few times.

He never tried to push for more. I had made myself hold back due to the lack of privacy.

Doing that in the house with my sister and Beau down the hall felt weird.

Plus, the sneaking of kisses and copping feels had added a touch of excitement to it.

We always wondered if this would be the time we’d get busted.

That was no longer an issue. It was him and me.

If we wanted to kiss, touch, or do more, we could.

The thought of it and the thrill his kiss gave me had my body heating up in no time.

I wanted to remove my clothes to cool off.

Ben suddenly lifted his mouth from mine. He was breathing slightly fast, the way I was. The way I was sitting on his lap, I could feel his erection growing and pressing into me.

“Kensy, we’ve got to slow down. You’re making me crazy,” he muttered.

“Not any more than you’re making me, Ben. Telling me what I remind you of made it worse. I love that you think of me that way. I don’t think I’m all that great, but I love that you do.”

“Oh, you’re those and more. Maybe I should head to your sister’s and Beau’s place. Being here without them is a test of my strength. I’ll be back in the morning.” He abruptly changed the subject.

I pushed my hands hard on his chest when he went to move me. I narrowed my eyes on him. “Listen to me, Benedict Madris. If you dare to get up and try to leave, I’ll show you another side to me.”

“Oh, and what side is that?” he asked.

“The watch-me-tie-you-up-and-kiss-you-silly side.”

A sexy smirk spread over his face. “I don’t know if I believe you have that side in you, Hummingbird. What would you do if I challenged you to prove it?” His eyebrow quirked upward.

“I’d say sit there and watch, and I’ll be back. I hope you didn’t have other plans tonight,” I growled, nipping his lower lip with the edge of my teeth. Ben groaned.

“Fuck, beware what you’re doing, Kensy,” he warned.

“I hope that I’m making you so hot and bothered that you’ll agree the only recourse is to get rid of some of these damn clothes,” I blatantly offered.

These two weeks had pushed against my control, and I’d told Iolani that I wanted Ben to do more than kiss and fondle me over the top of my clothes, but I was scared.

What if I freaked? Her answer was to do what I desired and take it slow.

If I freaked, then stop and talk it out with him.

If I calmed down and wanted to continue, then do it.

If not, then we stop. Either way, when it happened, not if, she wanted me to have a session with her to discuss it.

Ben groaned. “Kensy, are you sure you want us both naked? Do you want more than that?”

“I want us both naked, Ben. As for more, we’ll see. But I will tell you,” I vowed.

“Then your wish is my command,” he replied.

I felt a thousand hummingbirds take flight in my stomach as he brought us to our feet.

Here it goes. I hoped I didn’t ruin this.

Ben gave me a sweet smile. He bent to kiss my lips softly before he took my hand and started for my bedroom.

The stairs that led to the bedrooms seemed to be extra long.

He took his time. I think he was waiting for me to call it off.

But as apprehensive as I was, my excitement was more.

I wanted Ben. I’d never know if I was capable of having sex with a man again, unless I tried. He was the only man I desired.

Entering my bedroom, my heart sped up. Ben turned so he was facing me. “If you want to stop at any time, all you have to do is say so. Promise me, you’ll do that. The last thing I want to do is scare you.”

“I’m ready to try, Ben. The longer we wait, the more nervous I’ll get.”

“Then let me undress you, Hummingbird,” he said gruffly.

“I’m all yours. Where do you want me? How do you want to do this?” I asked.

“I’m turning up the lights so I can see you better. It’ll be like last time. And then I’ll move you beside the bed. I won’t lie. I like to be commanding when it comes to sex. Tell me to tone it down if I get too demanding or aggressive.”