Piper
It was hot. Really hot. Sweat rolled down my back and between my breasts, and if I didn’t get relief soon, I was sure I would melt. I tried to roll over, but I was pinned to the bed by an arm and a leg. Tugging a little harder, I yelped when pain ricocheted through my body. Right—bruised ribs. Needed to remember that.
“Are you okay?”
“Yeah, just hot.” I stared into Cade’s concerned eyes, wondering how I’d gone twelve years without him.
“You cried out.”
“Kind of forgot about the ribs.” I shrugged, trying to feign nonchalance, but it didn’t work. Cade sat up, lifting my shirt and lightly touching the abused area.
“Are you sure? Do I need to get Cruz?”
His hands on my skin felt amazing, and I started to get hot for entirely different reasons. Cade seemed completely unaware of my newly awakened state, so I tried to lower my eyes and not meet his gaze.
A finger went under my chin as his hand rested just below the bandage on my lower back. His big hand, hot and calloused against my skin, set off an electric current through my body.
“What’s wrong?”
“Nothing. I’m fine.”
“You don’t look fine. You look flushed and, oh—”
Cade jerked his hand away, and I tried to hide my face. Then a wicked grin slowly started on one side of his mouth. I tried not to think about that mouth against mine or his hands on my waist or his lips trailing kisses across my collarbone. And that just made it worse. He chuckled and scooted away, checking his phone for the time.
“The guys will be meeting soon. Do you think you’re up to briefing them on what happened?”
I was so grateful he’d changed the subject. I cleared my throat before answering and slid to the end of the bed.
“Of course. Just let me freshen up and get some clothes on that are a little more appropriate.”
I’d been completely embarrassed last night when Cade had brought me the shirt I’d kept of his all these years. The only time I hadn’t worn it was while I was with Jake. It felt like I was cheating on him somehow. But Cade’s shirt had brought me comfort when I hadn’t had him in my life. I’d never looked too closely at what that meant, and I wasn’t about to examine it now.
I rushed into his bathroom, realizing I hadn’t brushed my teeth last night and didn’t have a way to do that. I’d need to go back to my room to do that and get new clothes, and yet, I was reluctant to leave. Being with Cade made me feel safe and secure, feelings that I hadn’t had in more than two years.
I splashed some water on my face and exited the bathroom. Cade was pulling on a pair of jeans, his underwear-clad backside on full display. Good Lord, the man was hot.
“Oh, sorry!” I turned away to the sound of Cade’s chuckle.
“It’s fine. I’m clothed.”
I turned back around, only to come face-to-face with his naked chest. His muscles stuck out in high definition, his tattoos down his arm and part of his chest creating a tantalizing feast for the eyes. I wondered at the new tattoos, especially the one on his back. I’d love to ask him about it, but it seemed too intimate a conversation for where we were in our relationship.
You did just sleep in his bed all night. Can’t get much more intimate than that.
“You forgot a shirt.”
Cade’s knowing smile turned wicked. “Did I?”
I laughed and shook my head. “I, um, need to go get dressed. I’ll meet you in the conference room?”
“No. Meet me in the kitchen. You’ll need more than a protein bar today. I’ll get breakfast started, and we’ll eat before we go in.”
“Won’t the guys be waiting on us?”
“They’ll work on the stuff they don’t need us for. It’s not a problem.”
I shuffled out the door and to my room, sinking back against my closed door. I’d slept without nightmares last night, which was a miracle. I knew it was only because I’d been in Cade’s arms. I couldn’t let myself depend on him, though. When he left—and he would leave—I’d never recover.
When he’d said I’d never be alone again, I’d wanted to believe him. To trust that he’d always be there, and we’d always have each other. But I knew better. Everyone always left. And I needed to keep reminding myself of that before I let Cade too far in.
After we caught Varga, I’d move away. Find another job someplace. I was sure Will could pull some strings for me. Surely. Or maybe I could even explain things to the FBI and get my old job back.
I’d worry about that later. After brushing my teeth and pulling my hair up in a messy bun, I stared at what clothes I had packed. I was sore, more sore than I’d ever been in my life. I knew a regular bra was out of the question, and I wasn’t sure I could lift my hands up over my head to pull on a sports bra, so I settled on a cami with a built-in bra, pulling it on like a skirt instead of over my head.
Next I put on my black leggings, knowing the soft fabric and wide waistband would be forgiving with my bruised body. Putting on a shirt was going to be tricky. I chose a loose tunic that hugged the top half of my torso but was long and flowy around the bottom, but there was no way I was getting that on without assistance.
I dabbed a little mascara on my eyes and swiped my lips with a nude color and called it done. I’d have to have Cade help me put the shirt on.
When I reached the kitchen, his back was to me as he stood frying bacon in a pan and scrambling some eggs. The smell of the bacon made my mouth water. Who didn’t love bacon?
He turned around, taking in my half-dressed state, and quirked an eyebrow. I loved it when he did that. “I couldn’t pull this on over my head. I thought maybe you could help me?”
Cade didn’t answer. Just nodded and washed and dried his hands before turning to me. He took the tunic from my fingers and held it out for me. I slipped one arm in and then my head. When we got to my left arm, Cade pulled the tunic out so I didn’t have to hold my arm over my head. He stepped back and went back to the food.
“Thanks.”
He cleared his throat as if he was uncomfortable. “Anytime. Breakfast is almost ready. I have plates there for us.” He motioned to the bar where two plates were laid out along with two glasses. “There’s juice there, milk, water, or coffee.”
“Do you have Coke?”
Cade laughed. “I forgot about your obsession. I don’t. But I’ll run out and get some today.”
“You don’t have to do that.”
“I don’t mind. We all have our own stash of food and beverages here.”
“Then I can get my own.”
“You need to rest. I’ll get it. I need to run to the store anyway.”
I could have continued to argue with him, but I knew I’d never end up getting my way. Resigned, I poured myself a glass of water and prayed I wouldn’t get a headache from the lack of caffeine. If only I could be normal and drink coffee like everyone else.
Cade plated the food and came around the bar to sit beside me. The smell was amazing, and yet I felt my stomach churn. I realized I hadn’t had a bite to eat in almost forty-eight hours. No wonder I was hungry.
I took the first bite and moaned out loud. Cade chuckled beside me.
“That good, huh?”
“I hadn’t realized I was so hungry.” I shoveled another bite in my mouth, my stomach rumbling expectantly.
We ate in silence, enjoying each other’s company without needing to fill the air with words. That was always the case with Cade and me. We were perfectly content to just be together.
After we finished our breakfast, Cade put the dirty dishes in the dishwasher and helped me off the barstool. Together, we walked across the building to the conference room. When we arrived, the rest of the team was already there. Ryder was speaking in animated tones.
“If we’re going to continue, we have to have help. I can’t do it all. Not the phone calls and the emails and then all my other responsibilities. We need an admin, Levi. Like yesterday.”
“Fine. Set up some interviews.”
“I already did. We have three this afternoon.” Levi opened his mouth to say something, but Ryder just grinned and kept talking. “I’ve already run their backgrounds, and they’re squeaky-clean. Washington has also signed off on all three. The first one will be here at two o’clock.”
“Okay, then. Cade, nice of you to join us.” Levi smirked, and I felt my face go hot. I heard Cade growl next to me and wondered how much he’d told them about our past. Apparently enough that they felt free to give him a hard time. I wasn’t sure how I felt about that.
“Subtle.” Cade sat down at his regular spot next to Levi. I was grateful he didn’t break his routine and sit next to me. Not after the knowing smirks that were being thrown his way.
“You’ll need to join me for the interviews today at two. Ryder, you too.”
“Wouldn’t miss it for the world.” Ryder followed his reply with a smartass smile. I was sure those dimples and crystal-blue eyes had women tongue-tied on a regular basis.
“Okay, back to business. Piper, we’re glad you’re back safe and sound. We’ve tightened up security and replaced the gate with one that’s a little more SUV-resistant.” Levi smirked and continued. “You up to filling us in on what happened?”
I took a deep breath. I knew they needed to hear what I’d been told, but it was reliving the ordeal that had me pausing to gather my courage.
“They interrogated me for hours. They wanted to know who I worked for. Why I’d left the FBI. They mentioned that they knew I thought El Sangre was responsible for Jake’s murder, which means someone in Chavez’s organization tipped them off.”
“That’s interesting.” Levi leaned forward and gave a meaningful look to Cade. I wasn’t sure what it meant, but it was clear these two could communicate without words. “What else?”
“They told me that they didn’t believe that you and Cade were really just gym owners. And that Varga was responsible for Jake’s death. He said that they helped Varga leave for Mexico to stick it to Chavez.”
“So, Varga is in Mexico. That lines up with what I’ve discovered, as well.” Ryder typed a few things on his computer and then plugged it up to the center console in the table. The screen on the other side of the wall filled with a map of Mexico.
“Our best guess is he’s somewhere on the east side of Mexico, probably in one of the tourist towns or just outside. Easier for him to blend in. In smaller, remote towns, the locals would know he wasn’t from there or be suspicious. I’ve narrowed it down to three possibilities. Now that I know for sure he’s in Mexico, I’ll follow up with my contacts and see if we can pinpoint his exact location.”
“Excellent. Good work, Piper.” Levi gave me a nod of approval.
“I’m afraid that was all dumb luck.”
“No, it wasn’t.” Levi shifted in his seat, leaning forward as if to make sure he had my undivided attention. “It takes a strong person to withstand the beatings and interrogations you endured. I’m sorry you had to go through that.” My eyes fell to the table. I hadn’t told them about the attempted rape and the threat to sell me to sex traffickers. I knew Cade suspected, and that was humiliating enough. But if it helped put Pablo Sanchez and Arturo Morales away for good, then I needed to share what had happened.
“What?” Cade leaned forward, reading my mood.
“It’s nothing.”
“It’s not nothing. Your face just lost all its color. You look like you’ve seen a ghost.”
I blinked back the tears that threatened to fall, inhaling deeply to settle my nerves. I didn’t need to tell them how close it had come. How desperately I’d wanted to tell those men what they wanted to know so they’d leave me alone.
“They were going to gang-rape me and sell me to traffickers, but you guys got there in time, so nothing happened. But in case that helps in the case against them, I figured you should know.”
Cade let out a string of curse words, then slammed his fist on the table. The loud sound caused me to jump and pain to lance through my body. I winced, and Cade cursed again. “I’m sorry, Piper.” He dropped his head in his hands as Levi patted his shoulder.
Levi cleared his throat. “I’m sorry. Truly.”
“There’s nothing to be sorry about. You guys got there before they could do anything. I’m so grateful.”
Oscar and Cruz mumbled something in Spanish under their breath. I wondered what they were saying, but by the looks on their faces, it wasn’t very nice.
“Thank you for sharing that. I know it was difficult. If you need anything, please let us know. We’re damn lucky to have you on the team.” Levi’s words warmed my heart. It had been a long time since I’d felt like part of a team. Really since those early days with the FBI. Once I’d climbed the ladder, I’d had to maintain an air of control and indifference I didn’t enjoy. It was nice to be a part of something bigger than myself.
“I’m glad to be here. Thank you all for rescuing me. I don’t take that for granted.”
The men grunted, obviously uneasy with the gratitude. It made me smile, and my heart felt a little bit lighter than it had when I’d sat down at that table.
“Cade, any news on the buy tomorrow?”
“I’ll touch base with my buyer tonight. Our latest correspondence gives every indication that everything is a go. I’ve not received any messages from Juan Carlos or Santiago of any changes, but I’d expect something tomorrow shortly before the meet. They’re notorious for changing things at the last minute. Suspicious bastards.”
“If only they knew—” Oscar laughed, his face lighting up with a giant smile. I couldn’t tell if it was cute and endearing or freaky as hell. There was something just a little bit crazy about Oscar.
“What is your guy buying?” If I was going to be a part of the team, I needed the details of the missions. It was time I took a step in showing that I was more than a liability they’d need to rescue. I was a highly trained agent and had a set of skills to offer.
“Drugs and guns. Primarily meth and heroin. And a crap ton of AKs.”
That was a lot of guns and drugs on the streets of Atlanta. “What happens if we don’t catch the buyer before he gets to the streets?” My biggest fear was that those drugs and guns would find their way into the hands of the most vulnerable kids on the street. Atlanta was already number one in gang-related violence on the East Coast.
“I’ve notified our DEA contact. They will be ready to go once the products and money change hands. Then they’ll swoop in and take him out.”
“What about the mole?”
Cade narrowed his eyes, but there was a teasing glint behind them. It seemed my questions both annoyed and amused him.
“Our contact won’t put anything in motion until my call to him. They’ll be a little behind, but it’s the only way I can be sure there won’t be a leak to Chavez.”
Cade grinned. “Any other questions?”
The men around the table laughed, and I put on my best haughty expression. “Just making sure you haven’t missed anything.”
The guys roared with laughter, and even Levi seemed to be enjoying the exchange. The more I was around these guys, the more I came to better understand their personalities. As the joking died down, Levi leaned back in his chair, his hands steepling in front of his face.
“Ryder, any word on Chavez? Will he be there?”
“I haven’t found any indication either way. The chatter is awfully quiet these days.”
“It’s a pretty big buy.” Cade’s declaration was met with nods around the table. “I’d be shocked if he wasn’t there.”
“Then we’d best be prepared. All hands on deck. Piper, you can stay here for now. Let’s wait till you’re healed, and we’ll get you out in the field.”
“I’ll be fine.”
“I’m not going to risk it.”
“Would you risk it if I was one of the guys?” I raised my eyebrows, annoyed that Levi was making the decision for me. If I was going to be a part of this team, I needed to be treated equally.
“Well, it all depends—”
“On how they felt—right? I promise if I’m not up to it, I’ll let you know. But I should be there. I’m a part of this team.”
Cade started to protest, but Levi shook his head. “You’re right. If your ribs are healed enough that you can move uninhibited, then you can go.”
“Deal.” I stood, my hand out for Levi to shake. He shook his head, laughing softly as he shook my hand.
“Cade, you’ve got your hands full.” I started to say something to that, but Levi continued to talk. “Meeting adjourned. Piper, get some rest. Cade, two o’clock today in the lobby. We’ve got to find us an admin.”
I rose from my chair, ready to leave the conference room, when my phone vibrated in my hand. I glanced down at the screen and saw Will’s name.
Leaving town tonight. Would really like to see you before I go.
Dropping my head, I stared at the text, not yet sure I even wanted to respond. Will must have mind-reading skills.
Please. I know you’re probably not sure you even want to respond to me right now. I get it. But please, Piper.
Fine. Samaritan’s Coffee. 3:00 p.m.
Thank you.
I closed the screen on my phone as Cade’s hand touched my waist. “You okay?”
“Yeah. I will be. I think I’m going to rest. And then I’m meeting Will at Samaritan’s.”
“Do you need me to go with you? I’m not sure I like you going out by yourself.”
“No, I don’t need you to go with me. I’m perfectly capable of going to the coffeehouse without supervision.”
I was a little ticked off that he was treating me with kid gloves, until I saw the real concern on his face. It hit me that it wasn’t that he didn’t trust me to take care of myself, but that he couldn’t control what someone else might do to me. I got that.
Squeezing his arm, I leaned in for a quick hug. Cade’s arms came around me, pulling me gently closer to his side. His head rested atop mine, and he gave me a quick kiss on my forehead.
“I’ll be fine.” My words were muffled by his chest.
“I know.”
I didn’t want to pull away. Staying in his arms all day seemed like a perfectly acceptable way to spend the afternoon. But I’d already given too much of myself to this man, and becoming attached to him was not a good idea. So, I carefully extracted myself from his embrace and took a step back.
“I’ll see you around?” I hated that my voice sounded so shy and unsure.
Cade simply nodded, his gaze never leaving mine. I had to drop my eyes to the floor to break the connection. When I got to my room, I sank onto my bed, setting my alarm so I wouldn’t oversleep. Closing my eyes, I drifted off to sleep, with only thoughts of Cade in my mind.
***
The coffee shop was bustling with activity when I arrived. Young professionals stopping in for a quick afternoon pick-me-up. I saw Will immediately. He’d already found us a table and had ordered his coffee. He knew me well enough to know I didn’t drink coffee. What he didn’t realize was that this was the only coffeehouse I knew of that also served soda. I stepped up to the counter and ordered a Coke. When the barista handed it over, I took a big sip and let the caffeine course through my veins. Pure bliss.
I sat across from Will, putting my cup down on the table. He smiled, tilting his head towards my soda. “Coke?”
“What else?”
“Some things never change.”
“And yet, so many things do.” I knew immediately my words would cut him. I couldn’t help it. I wasn’t quite ready to let it go. Will had hurt me deeply by sending Cade away and lying to him. I didn’t know if I’d ever get over it.
“I’m sorry, Piper.”
“I know. You’ve said that already.”
“No, I’m really and truly sorry. I underestimated your feelings for him all those years ago. I thought I was protecting you. I see now that all I did was delay the inevitable.”
“What do you mean? I’m not together with Cade.”
Will laughed without humor. “You’re lying to yourself, Piper. Your feelings for him and his for you are plain as day. You may not be with him now, but you will be.”
I shook my head. I didn’t like where this conversation was leading. “No. I’m not. After Jake, I promised myself—” I stopped, shaking my head again. “No. I’m not meant to be with anyone.”
“You think you can keep yourself safe by closing yourself off to people?” I shrugged. Yep, that’s exactly what I was doing.
“You’re delusional, Piper. And I’m not afraid to tell you the truth. That’s not what we’ve ever been to each other. When I lost Anne, I thought life would end. I loved her with every fiber of my being. And then you came along.” Will cleared his throat, and I dabbed at the tears threatening to spill over. I wasn’t much one for crying, but the events over the last few days had caused my emotions to be close to the surface.
“If I could change things, go back and never let Anne in, knowing I’d lose her—well, I wouldn’t change a thing. I’d do it all over again just to have her in my life for those few years we had together.” Will took my hand, waiting until I met his gaze. “Love is everything. And regardless of the pain that might lie ahead, it’s always worth it. Always.”
We sat there for a few moments, his words marinating my soul. I wasn’t sure if I was ready to jump on the love bandwagon. I’d known love with Jake. Different from my love for Cade, but I’d loved him regardless. Could I take a chance on Cade? What if I lost him again? But what if I didn’t?
“I’m sure you didn’t come here to talk about my love life.”
Will pulled his hand away and sat back in his chair. “No, I didn’t. I will say one final thing—I didn’t think Cade was good enough for you. I thought he was bad news, and he’d ruin your life. I was wrong, Piper. I’m sorry.”
I nodded, dabbing at my eyes with my napkin and taking a big gulp of Coke, grateful for the burn of the carbonation down my throat.
“Now, what do you know about a secret government organization fighting crime on the streets of Atlanta?”
I nearly spewed the soda from my nose. As it was, I inhaled wrong and choked on the liquid that hadn’t quite made it down my pipes. Will waited for me to get myself under control, a knowing grin on his face.
“I—I, uh, have no idea what you’re talking about.”
“Really? That’s interesting. You see, I was called in yesterday by a personal friend of mine to take a couple of gangsters off the streets. From what I can gather, a woman had been kidnapped, and this team of undercover agents came in and rescued her. Know anything about El Sangre?”
Will gave me his best FBI stare. Unfortunately for him, I’d had years of practice withstanding that glare.
“I have no idea. Sorry.”
“What happened to your face?”
“I fell.”
“And your lip?”
“It was a bad fall.”
Will grinned wider, his eyes lighting up with mischief. He stood, bending down to kiss the top of my head. He offered me his hand, and I stood next to him. He pulled me into a gentle hug, and I relaxed against the only father I’d known in twenty-four years. “Be safe.”
I nodded, my throat too clogged with tears to say anything further.
“You look good. Better than you have in months. Well, minus the bruises.”
I playfully slapped at his chest, savoring the connection we shared.
“I love you.” His words were a whisper, and the tears I’d been holding back flowed freely down my cheeks.
“I love you, too.