Page 21

Serenity

B efore I could scream, Stone tackled me, hurtling us out of the way. The momentum threw us to the ground, where Stone took the brunt of the fall. I rolled with him until we came to a stop in the gutter.

Stone shifted off of me. “You okay?”

“I think so.”

“Serenity!” Felicity shrieked from the house. “Oh my God!” She ran down the lawn towards us.

Stone jumped to his feet, but the car was long gone. Bending down, he helped me stand. I clung to him, my legs shaking. “What the hell was that?”

Stone’s hold tightened. “Someone just tried to kill you.”

Felicity reached us, her gaze traveling over my body. “Holy hell! Are you okay?”

“Yeah. I’m all right.”

“That car nearly hit you! I thought…” She covered her mouth with her hand. “If Nate ha dn’t—”

“What’s going on!” Mom rushed to my side.

“What happened?” Dad yelled, coming up behind her, followed by Ryan and Will.

Felicity turned to them. “A car almost hit Serenity! I saw the whole thing! It was waiting for her to cross, but it sped up while she was in the road. It would have hit her if Nate hadn’t tackled her out of the way.”

“Did anyone see the car?” Will asked.

“The brights were on.” I shook my head. “I didn’t see a thing.”

“Should we call the police?” Mom asked. “You could have been killed!” Mom jerked me into her arms. “Are you sure you’re okay?”

“I’m fine. Just a little shook up.” She held me tight, rocking me back and forth like I was a child. I pulled back from her smothering embrace, and Dad grabbed me next, then Felicity joined him. I held them both for a few seconds before pulling away. “I’m okay. It’s fine.”

“I’m calling the police.” Will pulled out his phone.

I glanced at Stone. He stepped beside me, and I leaned into his arms. “Is that a problem?” I whispered.

“No. It’s fine.” He glanced at the others. “We should file a report with the police, but you need to be prepared that they won’t be able to do much. I didn’t even see what kind of car it was.” He motioned to my sister. “Do you have a security camera on your house?”

Her shoulders fell. “No. I’ve been wanting to get one, but—”

“It’s okay. Maybe one of your neighbors has one.”

“I don’t understand,” Mom said. “They were waiting for you to cross? But then they sped up? Were they trying to hit you? Are you sure that’s what happened?” Her voice got louder and more hysterical as she spoke .

“Yes!” Felicity said. “I saw the whole thing. Someone just tried to kill her! If not for Nate, she’d be dead.”

“We don’t know that for sure.” I shook my head. A shiver ran down my spine, and I couldn’t seem to stop shaking.

“Let’s go inside.” Stone held me close. “We’re all a little shaken up, and it’s going to be a while before the police show up.”

I sank against him, grateful he was taking charge. As we filed into the house, Will finished his phone call to the police. “They said it would be about half an hour before anyone could get here.”

Stone took me to the couch and pulled me down beside him while my mom left to get us some water to drink. Emma had kept the kids in the back yard, away from all the excitement.

Felicity sat beside me, and I turned to her. “Don’t let the kids know what happened, okay? When the police get here, let’s meet them outside. I don’t want to ruin Gracie’s birthday.”

Her eyes held worry, but she pressed her lips together and nodded. “That’s a good idea.”

We hardly spoke before the police arrived, all of us in a state of shock. Stone and I hurried out to meet them, along with Felicity and my parents. It didn’t take long to tell them everything we knew. The fact that no one saw a license plate, or the make and model of the car, didn’t give them much to go on.

One of the officers pulled me aside. “I don’t want to upset your family, but do you know why someone would want to kill you?”

I swallowed. “No. I have no idea.”

“No husband, boyfriend, co-worker, or ex-lover?”

“My husband and I are going through a divorce, but I can’t believe he’d want me dead. ”

The officer’s brows drew together, and she glanced at Stone. “Is that him?”

“No… that’s… he’s a friend.”

“Okay. So what’s the name of your ex?”

“Brandon Jones.”

“You have an address and phone number for him?”

“Sure.” I gave it to her, and she added it to her notes.

“Okay. Anyone else?”

I shook my head. “Not that I can think of.”

“I’ll file a report and see if one of our detectives can look into it. In the meantime, I’d suggest you be extra careful, and let us know if anything else happens.” I nodded and she put her pad away. “We’ll be in touch.”

“Thank you.”

As they drove away, Stone came to my side. He’d had to give them his name as a witness, and I worried it would be bad for him. “I’m sorry you had to talk to them.”

He raised a brow. “Don’t be. It’s not a problem.” He sighed. “Can we go now? Not that I don’t like your family, but they’re a little much, and we need to talk.”

A smile crossed my lips. “No kidding.” We stepped to where my parents and Felicity stood. “We’re going home now.”

My mom’s brows rose. “But someone just tried to kill you. I don’t want you in your house by yourself. You should stay here, where you’ll be safe.”

Oh crap. Now what?

“She won’t be alone.” Stone wrapped his arm around me. “I’ll be staying with her.”

“Oh.” Mom glanced at Dad and Felicity, and then back at me. “Really?”

I nodded. “Yes. Nate told you he was in security, so he’s been helping me. He already installed a security camera on my front porch and changed the locks. ”

“Why? Has someone been threatening you?”

“No. Nothing like that. I just don’t want Brandon to get in the house when I’m not there. In case he made a copy of the key.”

“Oh… right.”

“I thought it was a good idea,” Stone said. “And after this, I’m getting a security system set up as well.” He glanced at my mom. “I’ll make sure she’s fine, and I’m going to find out who did this. They won’t get away with it, I promise.”

My mom’s eyes widened, then she rushed forward and threw her arms around Stone. “Thank you, Nate. I don’t know what’s going on, but I’m so glad you and Serenity are together.”

Caught by surprise, it took Stone a few seconds before he returned the hug and patted her on the back.

I did a mental head-slap. Did she just say we were together?

She stepped away, only to have Felicity throw her arms around him and thank him as well. After she was done, my dad stepped forward. Stone braced for another hug, but Dad held out his hand, instead.

As Stone shook his hand, Dad leaned toward him and lowered his voice. “I’m trusting you have the resources to take care of my daughter?”

“Yes, sir. I’ll protect her. You have my word.”

My dad gave him a nod before pulling me into his arms. “Sen. I love you, sweetie. I wouldn’t let you go if I didn’t think you’d be safe.”

“Thanks Dad. I’ll be fine, I promise.” After I hugged my mom and Felicity, we hurried across the street to my car. I fumbled with the keys, and Stone took them from my hand.

“I’ll drive. ”

I nodded and slipped into the passenger seat. My family watched as we drove away, and I sent them a wave before glancing at Stone. “Holy hell.”

Stone snorted. “Yeah. That was… unexpected.”

“The way my mom and Felicity threw themselves at you? Or the nearly-getting-killed part?”

He snorted. “The hugs were kind of nice. But… I don’t get it. Why are you a target? Is there something I’m missing?”

“I know. It doesn’t make any sense.” I swallowed, still shocked that I’d nearly died. What the freak? It couldn’t be real. Why would someone want to kill me?

The rest of the drive went by in a blur, and Stone pulled the car into the garage, shutting off the engine. I opened my car door, and Stone unlocked the door to the house and ushered me inside. I flipped on the kitchen lights and slipped off my jacket. “I need to sit down.”

“Let’s go in the living room.” Stone took off his jacket and draped it over the chair with mine. I flipped the light switch, turning on the lamps and filling the room with golden light. Stone pulled the drapes shut and came to sit beside me on the couch.

I turned to face him. “What do we do now? Maybe it was all a mistake, and they just thought I was you?”

“Babe… I hate to break it to you, but you look nothing like me.”

I huffed out a breath. “Fine. But why would someone want me dead?” I blinked, surprised that my eyes had filled with tears.

Stone reached for me, and I gladly fell into his arms. He held me firmly against his chest, and I took comfort in hearing his heart pound beneath my ear in a soothing rhythm. I breathed in his scent, and felt his strength surround me. Slowly, the tightness in my throat began to loosen.

“Thanks for saving me. I… couldn’t even move.”

His hold tightened and he kissed the top of my head. “Yeah. It shocked me, too. I’m glad I was right there, but try not to get almost killed again, okay?”

I huffed. “I’ll do my best.”

“Good. Because I’m pretty sure you’re the only person who would even consider saving my sorry ass.” He shook his head. “We’re quite the pair. But at least that makes us even now, right?”

I snorted. “No way. I’ve saved your life more than once, and I have wounds to prove it. You’re not even close.”

“Hmm… I suppose that’s true.” He shook his head. “I still don’t get it. Who would want you dead? And why? Do you think it’s because of me?”

“How could it be? The driver obviously knew I was at my sister’s house and waited for me to come out. Who would even know about that?”

“The only person I told was Vanetti, and we know he doesn’t want you dead.”

I closed my eyes. “So, the only person who’d do this is Brandon, but he’d get nothing if I died. I changed my will, so all my assets go to Felicity, whether I’m married to Brandon or not.”

“Does he know that?”

I shrugged. “Maybe not, but even then it’s hardly worth the risk. I mean… maybe if I had millions… but I don’t. So why would he do it?”

“Anger? Jealousy? Who knows?”

“I can’t believe it’s him, but I can’t think of anyone else.”

His lips twisted. “Have you done any other jobs where you’ve made an enemy or two? ”

I tried not to laugh. “Hardly. I haven’t done that many jobs. So. No.” A car honked outside and I tensed. “Do you think we’re safe here?”

“Yes. Although I’d feel better if you had an alarm system. I’ll have to get one for you tomorrow. But we’re good for now.”

I shook my head. “I appreciate that, but alarm systems cost money, and I don’t have enough for one. Besides, you have to keep paying them monthly for it to do any good.”

“Babe. Let me do this for you. I’ll put it in my name and pay the fee. It’s the least I can do. Besides, I promised your Dad. You don’t want to make me a liar, do you?”

“No… but…” He put a finger over my lips, and I raised my eyes to his.

“Please, Sen. Let me do this.”

My heart squeezed. I didn’t know if it was the concern in his eyes, or the use of my nickname, but something shifted inside of me. My breath caught and sudden tears filled my eyes.

I tried to hold my emotions in check, but I couldn’t make them stop. I knew most men hated crying women, and Stone was probably horrified. “Sorry. I’m just a little overwhelmed. It’s been kind of a crazy couple of days.”

He wrapped both arms around me, and I laid my head against his chest.

“We’ll figure this out. You didn’t die, so we’ve got time to get to the bottom of it.”

I sniffed. “But I’m supposed to be protecting you. Not the other way around. I’m even getting paid the big bucks for it.”

“True.” He leaned his cheek against the top of my head. “But, I want to protect you, and not just because you saved me. I want you, Sen. ”

“You do?” My mouth dropped open. “Are you saying…” I pulled away to meet his gaze, noticing the flecks of gold in his dark eyes. “…that you… really want…?”

His eyes darkened. “Do you?”

Swallowing, I nodded.

His lips were only inches from mine, and he waited a split second before lowering his mouth.

Right before his lips brushed mine, I raised my fingers to his lips. He hesitated, then pulled back. Lowering my hand, I swallowed. It took all my courage to say the words, but I needed him to know how I felt. Once he knew that this meant more to me than simply paying him back, he may never kiss me again.

“First of all, you need to know that this… what’s happening between you and me… it isn’t just lust for me.”

He brushed his fingers across my cheek. “So… this thing between us, it’s not just… a fling?”

I turned my cheek to rest in his cupped hand. “Not for me.” I took a deep breath and met his gaze. “So… if you’re not okay with that… tell me now.”

His lips twitched and his gaze bored into mine. “Damn, you’re so beautiful.” He leaned in to kiss my forehead, then my cheeks, my nose, the side of my mouth. “I’m more than okay with it.”

“Really?” My heart practically soared out of my body.

His lips moved to my neck, just below my ear, then he continued to rain kisses down the side of my neck. My breath caught, and I closed my eyes, twisting to give him better access.

“There’s nowhere…” His lips moved up to my face. “I’d rather be. Than here…” He kissed the side of my mouth. “…with you.”

My heart lurched, and I turned my face to meet his lips. His tender kiss sent my pulse racing. All my worry and fear evaporated, replaced by a haze of yearning desire. He was here, and I felt safe in his arms. I wanted this… oh, did I want it.

The kiss deepened, robbing me of thought. Desire rushed through my body, sending my pulse racing. Giving in, I climbed into his lap, pushing him down onto the couch. Lying on top of him, I pulled away to breathe, and his lips brushed against my arched neck.

Lowering my lips to his, I plastered my body against him. His arms came around me and his hands lifted my shirt, pulling it up to expose my back to the cool air. A small voice in the back of my mind sent a warning that if I didn’t stop this now, I would regret it. Then I heard my sister’s voice saying I would regret it all right, but only if I didn’t give him a chance.

All at once, Stone pulled away, breaking the kiss. “Someone’s at the door.”

A loud knocking sounded, jolting my heart with panic. “Are you kidding me?”

“You want to ignore it?”

“Yes.” The pounding kept up, and I held still, hoping whoever it was would go away.

“Serenity? You in there?”

Oh my gosh! It was Brandon. What the freak? Before I could move, the door knob jiggled but didn’t open. I could hear keys jingling and his attempts to get the door unlocked. His loud muttering that I must have changed the locks came next. Then he used a few choice curses before trying the door again.

I pushed against Stone’s chest and sat up, moving off his lap. Stone stepped silently to the window and lifted the curtain so he could see Brandon. I covered my mouth and watched Brandon’s shadowy form through the marbled glass on the door panel. He tried the knob one more time before turning to leave.

Stone stayed where he was, watching until Brandon drove away. “He’s gone.”

I shook my head and put my face in my hands. Anger and frustration flooded my veins. Could anything else go wrong tonight? I couldn’t even look at Stone. I had to face it, my life was a mess.

Here I was, worried about getting involved with a possible hitman for the mob, and Stone was probably thinking my life was a nightmare. If anything, he was grateful for the interruption.

Pulling my hands away from my face, I glanced his way. “I guess it’s a good thing you changed the locks.”

Stone came back to my side and sat down. “I kind of wished I hadn’t. It would have been interesting to see his face when he walked in on us, don’t you think?”

My eyes widened. “He would have gone ballistic.” I shivered just thinking about it.

“Yeah, but then I could have beaten the shit out of him. It would have been totally worth it.”

I lifted a brow, but couldn’t stop the grin that twisted my lips. Just imagining Stone punching Brandon a few times lightened my heart. I shook my head. I was a terrible person for wishing that, but since it didn’t actually happen, maybe I wasn’t so bad.

“I like seeing you smile like that. The sadness is gone, and you look ready to take on the world.”

My brows rose. “Really?”

“Yeah. It’s sexy as hell.”

My breath caught, and I grinned, turning toward him. “You know what’s sexy?” I pushed him back on the couch and moved onto his lap again. “You… without a shirt. ”

I began to unbutton his shirt, running my fingers over his taut stomach muscles as I went. “You know… the first time I touched your skin, I felt an electric shock run through me.”

I undid the last button and spread his shirt apart. Taking in his sculpted muscles and defined pecs, I swallowed before spreading my hands over his skin, exploring every inch of his hot perfection. A soft moan escaped my lips.

My gaze met his, and heat surged through me. His dark, hypnotic gaze swept over me, and he reached for my waist, his hands slipping under my shirt to gently expose my skin. His fingers roamed over my ribs and lower back, giving me time to accept or reject his touch. I raised my arms, and he tugged my shirt up to push it over my head. I pulled it from my arms, sending it to the floor.

Gazing at my chest, he swallowed. My black lacy bra showed the swell of my breasts, and he raised his hand toward my collarbone, tracing a line from my neck to my cleavage. My skin tingled beneath his fingers, and shivers ran down my spine. I watched his eyes darken, and my pulse raced in response to the erotic feel of his touch.

He sat up, pushing his shirt off his arms, and bringing his hands around to support my back. He leaned in to trail kisses down my neck, and I ran my fingers through his hair. As he kissed the swell of my breasts, he released the bra clasp, and pulled it away from my skin.

“Oh, baby, oh baby.” Staring at my breasts, his husky voice sent my pulse racing. Then his fingers traced the long scar below my left breast and down my stomach. “From the accident?”

“Yes. It looks hideous—”

“No. It just means you survived something terrible.” His fingers brushed along the scar before he lowered his mouth to kiss the puckered skin. “You’re beautiful. ”

Tracing the scar with his lips back to my breast, he used his tongue to caress first one, and then the other. I’d never thought my small breasts were anything special, but the way he suckled them sent all my worries out the window.

His breathy declaration sent fire through my core, and my body responded to his slightest touch, humming with anticipation and desire. Never in my life had I experienced such deep yearning for fulfillment.

His lips left my breasts and met my lips, his kisses gentle at first and then becoming more demanding. Sucking and tugging on my lips and tongue soon became an erotic dance.

Pulling away to breathe, he gathered me in his arms, tugging me tight against his naked flesh. Feeling his hard muscles and soft skin rubbing my breasts sent ripples of desire down my spine.

His lips found my ear, and his soft breath and wet tongue sent jolts of pleasure through my core. I returned the favor and kissed his neck, breathing in his amazing scent and feeling his pulse begin to race.

Urgency throbbed through my blood. I couldn’t wait any longer. I wanted to feel all of him. Sensing my readiness, Stone rose to his feet, still holding me in his arms, and kissed my lips. As my feet touched the ground, his hands moved to my jeans and he easily unclasped the button and pulled down the zipper.

He stepped away, breathing heavily while his gaze raked over my half-naked body. Feeling a sudden chill, I wanted to close the gap between us, but the way his eyes devoured me filled me with anticipation.

A smile tilted my lips, and I reached for the belt on his jeans. His left brow rose, but he did nothing to help me with the buckle. His breath caught as I undid his pants and pulled down the zipper .

That feeling of power only lasted a heartbeat before I glanced down at his flat stomach and the V between his hips. Holy hell. I wanted to shove his pants out of the way to see more, but I also wanted this moment to last.

The sexual tension between us was off the charts, and each second we waited made it more powerful. The desire in his eyes held a desperation that matched my own.

The last few days of keeping my distance from him was like holding back an avalanche. I didn’t know what we had, but he’d become much more to me than a job. Maybe none of this made sense, and I’d never see him again once the job was done, but right now, I’d take this moment over never having it at all.

He reached for me, but I stepped back. Doubt flared in his eyes until I kicked my shoes off and tugged my jeans down my hips. As they fell around my feet, I stepped out of them, wearing only a black, lace thong. He took a step toward me, but I held up my hand again.

Stopping, he swallowed, his eyes darkening as he drank in the sight of my body. He closed them for a split second, signs of strain on his face. “Babe… I don’t know how much more of this I can take. I want you so bad it hurts.”

Feeling more powerful, I slowly pushed my underwear down my body, watching his chest catch while he held his breath. Fully exposed and vulnerable, I stepped closer to him, trailing my fingers across his chest. He quivered at my touch, and I glanced into his eyes with a saucy grin. “I kind of like you like this.”

His lips twisted into that sexy grin of his, and it took all my will power to play this game I’d started. “Babe… you’re killing me.”

I glanced down at his jeans and my mouth went dry. I knew he was a big guy, but if that bulge was any indication, he wasn’t kidding about it hurting. “Uh… we’d better get you out of those.”

He bent down to take off his shoes and socks, before straightening. “You want to finish this?” He raised a brow, challenging me.

I chewed on my bottom lip, unsure if I could do it without causing him pain. “Uh… okay. I’ll try and be careful, but no promises.”

He snorted, but waited for me to get busy. Instead of pushing his jeans down, I ran my hands over his chest and down his stomach to the V of his groin. Using both hands, I turned them so my fingers were pointed down his thighs and began to move them lower. His earthy scent filled my nostrils, and I wondered why the hell I was taking so long.

Stone inhaled sharply, then tugged his jeans away from his body to finish the job.

“Whoa.” My eyes widened, and I glanced over his body while he kicked his jeans away from his feet. Now it was my turn to drink my fill, and he held perfectly still while my gaze roamed over every perfect inch of him. He literally took my breath away. “Wow.”

A satisfied grin split his lips before he moved toward me. I stepped his way at the same time, and our bodies crashed somewhere in the middle. I stood on my tiptoes and plastered my breasts against his chest. For some reason, I couldn’t seem to get close enough.

Stone picked me up and carried me into my bedroom. Laying me on my bed, he followed, taking me with him to his side. Gently holding my head, his frantic kisses stole my breath until I could hardly breathe.

We both pulled apart. Breathing heavily, he met my gaze. “I need a condom.”

Still breathless, I managed to speak. “I have some… right there. In my bedside table. Top drawer. ”

Relief filled his eyes, and he stepped from the bed and pulled the drawer open, only taking a moment to find one and open the foil.

“Let me.” Scooting to the edge of the bed, I took it from him. Swallowing, my lips dropped open as I slid it over his erection. He groaned and I glanced up at him, an impish grin on my face. He narrowed his eyes, hesitating a moment before he began to tickle me.

I shrieked and tried to escape, moaning and laughing at the same time. We fell on the bed and our wrestling movements turned into passion. He claimed my lips, and his hands roamed over my body, rubbing expertly over my core and sending me into oblivion. Our movements changed into a frantic rhythm, only slowing for a few seconds while he paused to enter me.

I opened for him, and a shudder rushed through me to feel him inside. I groaned, wanting to take every inch of him into my core, and savoring each and every second of this moment in his embrace.

Our movements became a steady rhythm, climbing faster and faster and continuing until all thought left me and I soared into the stratosphere. Then his thrusts took me even higher into the dark sky where bright stars exploded like fireworks around me. The electric charge of pure pleasure burst through my body, and I let it all out, his name spilling from my lips.