Chapter Sixteen
Kenzie lost consciousness and though Declan wanted to stay with her until she woke, he needed to check on Eric. He had no idea what shape his brother was in or how bad his injuries. Kenzie would be sleeping for a while from the amount of knock-out juice she inhaled before he managed to secure a mask on her face. The cut on her neck wasn’t deep. Kayla had already cleaned and dressed it with butterfly bandages. He doubted it’d even leave a scar.
“Noah, can you drop me back at the hospital before you take Kenzie and Jamal to the safe house?” BeBe had arranged accommodations for the duration of their stay in Chicago.
“I was headed there now.”
“Thanks.”
“I’ll go with you,” Kayla offered.
“No, they need protection.” He indicated Kenzie and Jamal. “Not me.”
“And they’ll have it with Noah and Ethan,” Kayla insisted. “You’re a target, too and we don’t leave our coworkers to go it alone. Sorry, newbie, you’re stuck with me.”
He wanted to argue. It was Jamal and Kenzie he was worried about. He cared more about their safety than his. But Kayla was right. The Addison brothers were more than capable of watching over them. If the situation were reversed and one of his coworkers wanted to go off on their own, he’d argue, too. “Okay. You can come with me.”
“Oh, how adorable. You thought you had a choice.”
Ethan snickered and Declan considered smacking him in the back of the head but restrained himself.
Noah pulled up to the hospital, shifted into park and turned in his seat. “Let us know as soon as you hear anything.”
“I will.”
Careful not to jostle Kenzie, he arranged her on the seat before climbing out of the Escalade.
“Wait, Declan, I want to go with you,” Jamal called out.
They’d kept him in the compartment after making sure he buckled up. He felt safe there. The hidden room in his aunt’s condo had saved his life. Declan would make sure to build him one, along with a pool in their home, wherever that might be. He’d toured the housing section of the compound and planned on building a house at some point. At the time, he’d thought there was no rush, but now that he was going to be an instant father, the time was now. He needed to call his bosses and purchase the plot he’d picked out and then start planning. He’d let Jamal design his own room.
He’d been surprised to learn of the network of underground tunnels that led to Armageddon-proof subterranean rooms beneath the entire complex. Jamal would love it so much down there, he’d probably want to move right in.
Declan leaned into the floorboard so he could talk to him through the ventilation panels. “I need for you to help Noah and Ethan with Kenzie. She might be scared when she wakes up and it will calm her to know you’re there. Can you do that for me?”
“I guess, but Declan, please come back soon. I’ll miss you.”
“I will, buddy, I promise. I’ll miss you, too.”
After making sure Kenzie’s belt was buckled as she curled on the seat, he closed the door and then walked with Kayla into the hospital.
They beelined for the information desk. He didn’t know if Eric was in surgery or had been moved to a room. Those were the only two options he’d consider, except for him being well enough to be released, but that possibility was slim at best. He was relieved when a nurse gave them a room number, though she wouldn’t provide an update on his condition. They’d have to wait to talk to a doctor.
They passed a kiosk selling several kinds of coffee and a gift shop with stuffed animals in the window. They made him think of the bear sitting in his truck at the airport. Jamal would be relieved to have Yogi back if he could find time to retrieve his vehicle. Kayla found a bank of elevators and they rode up to Eric’s floor.
“I hate hospitals.” Kayla mock shuddered. “The smells, the sounds.”
“You and me both,” he muttered. Waking up after the coma Jamal’s mom initiated, he did everything in his power to leave as soon as possible.
The door slid open and a doctor with reddish blond hair and green eyes started in. His steps stuttered when he spotted Kayla. She had that effect on men. Not him, but then, his heart belonged to Kenzie.
Slapping a hand against the wall, Declan concentrated on breathing. When had his heart become involved? Surely it was too soon for that organ to insert itself in the relationship, or whatever they shared. They’d been forced together in unusual circumstances. Maybe he was confusing feelings of gratitude and camaraderie for the “L” word.
The panels slid open again and Kayla stepped out. He followed her by rote, glad she hadn’t noticed his mini panic attack. By the time they reached the end of the hallway, he’d pulled himself back together.
As they turned a corner and approached the room, they both noticed the man standing outside the door at the same time. At six-four, Declan was used to towering over people, but this man topped him by four or five inches. Despite the chair at his side, he stood ramrod straight, his feet shoulder-width apart. His tree-trunk-sized arms were crossed over his chest and even Declan felt intimidated by his presence. Chocolate brown eyes surveyed his surroundings like a hawk, stopping when he spotted Declan and Kayla approaching. He dropped his arms, one hand resting on a weapon on his hip.
“Is this Eric Bishop’s room?” Declan asked.
“It is,” the man confirmed in a deep rumble. “No visitors.”
“Are you with the Chicago Police Department?”
“That’s need to know, and you don’t need to know,” he retorted.
“Let me see your badge,” Kayla challenged.
“I’m off duty. I was hired to stand guard and not let anyone inside.”
“Who hired you?” she asked.
“I’m not at liberty to say,” the man responded. Then his eyes narrowed. “Are you Elliot?”
He almost repeated the giant’s need to know line, but he was anxious to see his brother and no mood for games. “Yes.”
“Can I see some ID?”
“Only if you tell me who hired you.”
“Your bosses.”
Declan glanced at Kayla with raised brows.
She shrugged. “I didn’t know either, but I’m not surprised. I’m guessing Alex Mylonas arranged this?”
The man reluctantly nodded. “Mylo and I go way back.”
She turned to Declan. “Alex used to be a detective with the CPD.”
“I met him. Good guy.”
Kayla held out a hand. “Kayla Hepburn.”
“Nice to meet you, ma’am. Terrance Owens. Can I see some ID?”
They both handed over their credentials, which he studied critically—front and back—before nodding and returning them.
“Are you the same Terrance Owens who played in the NBA?” Kayla questioned.
“One in the same.”
“How’s the knee?” Declan asked of the injury that ended his playing days.
“Rehabilitated.”
There was more to the story, but Declan didn’t have time to listen and Terrance didn’t seem inclined to talk. “How long will you be here?”
“Through the night. Another off-duty cop, Ramiro Vargas, will relieve me and then I’ll be back tomorrow evening. We’ll be here until Bishop is released.”
Declan shook his hand. “Thank you. I’ll sleep better knowing Eric’s safe.”
Terrance slapped a catcher’s mitt-sized hand against the door and held it open for them. The room was dim with the curtains pulled and the television off. The only light came from the various machines beside the bed wheezing and beeping. Eric was attached to several monitors, his damaged body bandaged and bruised. One side of his face was swollen, and his left arm rested on a pillow on his stomach. Declan flashed back to the night he arrived at the foster home, so small and skinny. The man had beat him within an inch of his life for no reason at all except that he breathed.
Moisture gathered in his eyes as he stepped to the bed and lifted Eric’s unbandaged hand. His scarred thumb unconsciously stroked the matching wound on Eric where they’d vowed to be brothers for life. From that first day, he’d sworn to protect him, and he’d failed. It was his fault he was lying in the hospital bed, battered and broken.
Eric’s lids fluttered and he opened his eyes.
“Hey, brother.” Declan wiped away a tear before it fell. “I’m so damn glad you’re awake.”
Eric managed a half smile. “Me, too.” His voice was a low wheeze. “Kinda iffy there for a while.”
“How do you feel?”
“Like I flashed back twenty some years,” Eric remarked, referencing the night Declan had been thinking about when he walked in the room. “Except this time, there were two of them.”
“I’m so sorry,” he whispered, guilt eating a hole in his stomach.
Eric’s eyes opened again. “Not your fault,” he insisted. “Asshats who did this to me are to blame.”
He could say that, but it wouldn’t absolve Declan’s guilt.
“You look like a wreck, Dec. Am I dying?”
“Hell no!” He wouldn’t let that happen. He’d cut out his own heart and give it to Eric if he needed it.
“How bad am I?”
He wanted to lie and assure him that he’d be just fine, but he couldn’t. “I don’t know. I haven’t talked to the doctor yet.”
“Actually, you’re going to be just fine.”
Both heads swiveled to Kayla, who’d stayed back while Declan talked with Eric. She held up a silver chart. “Cracked ribs, concussion, fractured ulna, several contusions, bruised kidneys, but nothing too serious.”
That many injuries sounded serious to Declan, but he didn’t want to panic in front of his brother. He’d wait until he was alone. “Eric, this is a coworker. Kayla Hepburn.”
Kayla flashed her mega-watt smile and goodness, she was staggering. “Nice to meet you, Eric, though the circumstances suck.”
“Damn, bro, I want to work where you do,” Eric mumbled, his lids drifting closed though he valiantly tried to fight it.
“Go to sleep. I’ll be here when you wake up.”
Eric’s eyes snapped open and he grabbed his hand. “No. You need to find out what these men want so Jamal will be safe. I’ve got protection, thanks to your bosses. Finish it.”
Declan wanted to stay with his brother until he was well, but Eric was right. Jamal wouldn’t be safe until the threat was over. “I’ll check in with you every day. Call if you need anything and I’ll let you know when it’s done.”
Eric was asleep before they left. Declan stopped to exchange phone numbers with Terrance. “Please call me if there are any problems or complications.”
“Will do.”
As he and Kayla navigated the corridors, he felt marginally better having actually spoken with Eric. He had a long road ahead of him to recover, but he was alive. That was all that mattered.
Turning to Kayla, he said, “I have no idea where the safe house is located and I’m not sure I can find the SUV we drove here. I was zoned out when we parked.”
“Got it covered,” she assured him.
They skirted around a man wearing a blue uniform and headphones as he mopped the floor. He turned abruptly and bumped into Kayla before his foot slipped on the slick surface and he went down. He reached out for something to steady himself and grabbed Kayla’s foot, sending her stumbling into Declan. He caught her before she went down and helped her stand.
“Oh my gosh, I’m so sorry, ma’am.” The man awkwardly lurched to his feet and tugged cords from his ears, his face reddening in embarrassment. “I wasn’t paying attention. Did I hurt you?”
“No problem. I’m fine.”
“You sure?”
“Positive.”
“Sorry again.” With a sheepish look, he turned away and resumed his task.
“Are you okay?” Declan asked once they were on the elevator heading down to the garage level.
“The hit wouldn’t have been so bad if he hadn’t tried to dislocate my leg from my acetabulum.” She rubbed her hip socket.
“Do you need to have it looked at before we leave?”
She made a dismissive sound and waved a hand. “Nah. It’s fine.”
The doors swished open and she led him to the SUV. He’d have never found it on his own. Tugging the keys from his pocket, he punched a button on the fob and unlocked the doors.
“I’ve been meaning to ask, do COBRA Securities agents drive anything in a color other than black?”
She chuckled. “I think BeBe gets a volume discount if they all look alike.”
He climbed behind the wheel and secured the belt across his chest. Pushing the start button, he waited for the engine to fire before shifting into drive. Kayla consulted her phone and punched numbers into the GPS. A voice instructed them on the route to take. As they drove along the streets, he recognized the area. It was an upscale suburb surrounded by trees, featuring large houses with security gates. He was realizing his new company spared no expense.
Speaking of, he hadn’t talked about numbers with his bosses, but he intended to pay the fees. Noah, Ethan and Kayla were unexpected help and he was grateful he wasn’t going this alone anymore. Having security outside Eric’s door was a huge weight off his shoulders, too, and would allow him to sleep. It wouldn’t be cheap, but maybe they’d float him an employee discount. As it was, he’d probably be working free for the next fifteen or so years.
The cultured voice on the GPS instructed him to turn right into the next driveway. He almost missed it because it was hidden. Stopping at the gate, he rolled down the window and entered the number Kayla read to him. The gates slid open and they motored along the blacktopped drive to the house. This one was modern with glass and concrete, nothing like the mountain home where they’d spent the night in Michigan. He parked next to Noah’s Escalade and cut the engine.
Ethan was waiting for them by the door. “How’s Eric?”
“Banged up, in pain, but alive and awake.”
“Thank God,” Noah said, coming up behind his brother. “I’ll make a call and get security set up outside his hospital room.”
“Someone is a step ahead of you.” Kayla slid past them to grab a bottle of water from the fridge. “The bosses beat us to it.” She held one up to Declan and he nodded, catching it when she tossed it to him.
“I’m not the least bit surprised,” Ethan claimed. “They think of everything.”
“Get this.” Kayla recapped her bottle. “The man standing sentry is Terrance Owens.”
“The NBA player?” Ethan asked.
“Former,” she corrected. “He’s a cop now.”
The two of them started discussing his pro career and subsequent injury as they headed out of the kitchen.
“Noah, can I talk to you for a minute?”
“Sure.”
“Since this case is personal, and heck, I’m not even officially an agent yet, I plan on picking up the tab for having you three here and the added security for Eric.”
Noah held up a hand. “I’m going to stop you right there. First, I’d be here no matter what. Ethan, too. Besides being coworkers, you’re our friend and we’ll always support you. Second, Jamal is important to us and to Peyton. Finally, the bosses won’t let you. You’re one of us now. They take care of their own.”
“But this is above and beyond.”
“When I hooked up with Peyton, it was because her brother called me to check on her. I drove to Chicago on my own. When it was clear she was in danger, the bosses authorized full support, even though it wasn’t an official case. Same with Ethan and his girlfriend, Esme. You can offer, but they won’t let you pay.” He chuckled. “Actually, it’s how most of the agents met their significant others, Luke and Logan included.”
“Well, I’m extremely grateful you guys are here.” He would still offer to reimburse the expenses, even if they declined. “Thank you.”
“No thanks necessary.”
He followed Noah into the great room. The décor was contemporary and industrial, with clean lines and minimal furnishings. It might be artistic or whatever, but it seemed cold to him.
“Declan!”
Jamal jumped up from the couch and ran to him, throwing his arms around his legs and clutching for all he was worth.
Declan rubbed his back. “Hey bud, shouldn’t you be in bed?”
“He refused to go until you arrived,” Ethan informed him.
He crouched down until they were face to face. Jamal smiled but he was trembling. “Are you okay?”
He nodded shakily. “I’m okay. I was just worried about you.”
Jamal’s arms wrapped around Declan’s neck so tightly, he risked cutting off his air. He needed to check on Kenzie and go over game plans with his coworkers, but he needed to assure the young boy first. “Do you want to watch television before bed?”
Jamal nodded happily. “We’re watching Secret Lives of Pets 2.”
That was another thing he’d need to consider when he adopted Jamal. He was obsessed with animals. Declan never owned a pet. Some of the foster homes had dogs or cats, but he learned early never to get too attached. It was hard to leave them when he was shipped off to a new family. Life in the service was not conducive to pet ownership. Declan would make sure Jamal had one now.
“How’s Kenzie,” he asked Noah when he was settled on the couch with Jamal close to his side.
“Asleep. Ethan checked on her before you arrived and she’s still out.”
It pained him that she’d been forced to endure the debilitating consequences of the flashbang but getting her out alive was the priority and they’d succeeded. The effects would fade, and she’d be back to normal soon.
A soft weight thudded against his shoulder. Jamal was out like a light. “I’ll put him to bed and then we can talk.”
“There’s a room ready for him upstairs, second door on the left. Yours is across the hall next to Kenzie.” Noah informed him.
“Thanks.”
As he climbed the steps, he wondered if anyone would notice if he slipped into Kenzie’s bed. He wanted to hold her, assure himself she was okay. He also wondered if Jamal knew he’d be sleeping in his own room instead of sharing one as they had the last few days. Declan knew he was scared to death and it helped him rest easy.
He found the room Noah indicated and placed Jamal on the bed. The covers had already been turned down. Jamal still wore his sneakers, probably because Declan insisted they keep them on in case they needed to make a quick getaway, but he was safe here. Untying the laces, he slid them from his feet and placed them at the foot of the bed.
As he tucked the covers around Jamal, he noticed a teddy bear on a shelf, and it reminded him of Yogi. He’d have one of his coworkers drive him over to retrieve Jamal’s prized possession soon. Reaching for the stuffed animal, he tucked it against Jamal’s arm. He instinctively clutched it tightly in sleep.
Spotting a nightlight in an outlet low on the wall, he switched it on. He didn’t want Jamal to wake up confused with his surroundings. With one last look, he eased the door closed and made his way across the hall to check on Kenzie. She was sound asleep, still fully dressed. Noah or Ethan had removed her shoes. Declan considered taking off her pants so she’d be more comfortable, but he didn’t want to chance waking her. She was curled on her side, taking up miniscule space in the big bed. There was plenty of room for him to crawl in behind her and draw her against his chest.
Brushing a tendril of hair from her cheek, he let his fingers linger on her soft skin. A chill ran through him. He’d come close to losing her tonight. If Ethan hadn’t thought to tag her, they might not have found her in time. The thought made nausea churn in his gut, so he pushed it from his head. They did reach her in time. He’d focus on the positive.
Reluctantly he stood and forced his feet to move away from her until he was back down with the others. The cartoon movie had been replaced with a basketball game.
Kayla tucked her feet beneath her. “We really need to figure out what this gang wants with Jamal.”
Ethan shot up from where he’d been reclining in a chair. “I just realized something. The guys I tied up didn’t have the Eighty-Sixer’s tattoo on their face.”
“That’s strange. I don’t think mine did, either.” Noah grabbed his phone and scrolled to the pictures they’d snapped of the kidnappers. “Nope.”
Kayla held up her cell. “This one is tatted up like Travis Barker, but no eight or six on his face.”
“What could that mean?” Declan handed Noah back his phone after viewing the photos.
“That’s the first thing they do to a new recruit.” Noah shook his head. “Jamarcus tried to ink Jamal. He wanted him to deal at his school and the mark would let the buyers know whom to approach for the product.”
Kayla made a face. “His own brother. That’s disgusting.”
Declan glanced from Noah to Ethan to Kayla. “Do you think they farmed out the task of grabbing Jamal to another gang?”
Ethan shook his head. “Not likely. Most gangs are notoriously territorial. They might partner with groups in other cities, but I can’t see them aligning with another one in Chicago.”
“I agree,” Noah concurred. “The Detroit Original Gangsters didn’t pose a threat to their home base.”
“Then we’re dealing with not one threat, but two,” Kayla surmised.
Declan gritted his teeth. “And Jamal won’t be safe until we stop both.”
#
When it was time for bed, Declan followed Noah and Ethan up the steps. Their rooms were on the other side of the stairwell. With a wave, he turned in the opposite direction to look in on Jamal. He was sound asleep with the substitute Yogi tucked closely against his side. He closed the door and checked the hallway.
The coast was clear.
Creeping silently on tiptoes, he aimed for Kenzie’s room and slipped inside, closing the door behind him. She’d turned over since the last time he checked on her, but she still slept soundly. Toeing off his shoes, he removed his socks and jeans but left on his shirt and boxer briefs. He wouldn’t stay long but he needed to feel her in his arms for a little while before he headed to his own room.
Gently lifting the covers, he slid in behind her, trying to move the mattress as little as possible. He hadn’t even settled yet when she rolled and snuggled against him, a contented sigh slipping past her lips. Wrapping his arm around her, he valiantly tried to ignore the putrid odor in her hair. Lingering effects of the flashbangs had settled into the soft strands, almost choking him. As it was, his eyes watered, and his throat itched. If it affected him this badly, it had to be worse for her. Breathing toxic fumes couldn’t be good for her lungs.
Tossing the covers back, he stood and scooped her in his arms. Her head settled against his shoulder, but she didn’t wake. It took maneuvering worthy of a circus contortionist to turn on the taps in the walk-in shower and adjust the temperature with her in his arms. Once the water was just right, he settled her on a bench and began undressing her.
“Declan?”
“I’m here, babe. How are you feeling?”
“Tired. Hazy.”
“That’s the effects of the flashbang.”
“Thank you for rescuing me.”
He kissed her forehead. “You don’t have to thank me. I’ll always come for you.”
Her brows pinched but she didn’t open her eyes. “Are you having your wicked way with me?”
Now it was his turn to narrow his brows. “I’d never take advantage of an unconscious woman.”
“Because you totally can,” she murmured. “I give you permission. Wicked away.”
Just like that, his body hardened. He tamped down any carnal urges and focused on the task at hand…removing the unpleasant stench from her hair and clothes.
By the time he had her naked, sweat dotted his forehead from restraining his gaze. She didn’t need him ogling her flawless breasts while incapacitated. He removed his shirt but left on his underwear to avoid any temptation.
Washing her was another level of hell, especially doing so with his eyes closed. It forced him to learn her body by touch and have mercy, she was fine. His eyes shot open when she sleepily slid her soapy hand beneath the band of his boxer briefs and gripped him. He let out a groan and allowed himself one…okay, two seconds of pleasure before he gently removed it and turned her around to lather her hair. She leaned back against him trustingly and he couldn’t resist wrapping both of his arms around her waist and hanging on. A shudder passed through him. He’d have nightmares about her being tied up and bleeding. But she was alive and in his arms where she belonged.
When he squirted shampoo in his hands and started massaging it into her scalp, she let out a long moan that had him hardening again—or still. It was a pretty constant state around her. If she were even a little awake, she’d feel him pressing against her. It took two lathers before the smell was completely eradicated. He managed to soap up and shampoo his hair, too, before turning off the water and lifting her in his arms. He placed her on a padded vanity chair to dry her off with a fluffy white towel. She was conscious enough to stay upright, but her eyes were still closed. Spotting a brush on the counter, he picked it up and worked it through her long, black locks. The movement was soothing, and he wasn’t sure how long he brushed until he felt her start to nod off. Her hair had started drying, so it must’ve been a while.
He carried her back to the bed and placed her on the cool sheets. Her hair fanned out in stark contrast against the white pillowcase. He tucked the blanket around her and turned to find his discarded clothes so he could leave when she grabbed his arm.
“Stay with me?”
No way could he turn her down. He’d wait until she was sound asleep again before he returned to his room.
Crawling in beside her, she nestled her bottom against him and clutched his arm to her chest. Her naked chest. When she placed his hand over her breast, he knew he was a goner.
#
Too many near-death experiences had Kenzie willing to take chances and go after what she wanted, and that was the man snuggled behind her. She was just awake enough to boldly initiate contact. She’d wanted to jump him in the shower, but her body wasn’t cooperating. He’d washed her hair! If she hadn’t already fallen in love with him, that might’ve tipped her over the edge.
She still felt sluggish and uncoordinated, but she’d recovered. She didn’t want to waste another moment. Turning in his arms, she grasped his face and kissed him. The same zing of pleasure she felt when their mouths met rolled through her. It was as if their lips were made for each other.
If he’d been shocked that she attacked him, he didn’t show it. He quickly took charge, kissing her with intent and purpose and skill. She wondered how many women he’d kissed to have become a master and then shoved the notion aside. The thought of him doing this to another woman made her green with envy.
He maneuvered her to her back and rolled on top of her, their lips never parting. His hands were in her hair and he was making love to her mouth. Good. Very exceptionally good, but not enough. Reaching between them, she slipped her hand beneath the band of his boxer briefs and gripped him. Suddenly he broke the kiss, their harsh breaths mingling as he rested his forehead against hers. She continued to stroke him, and he moaned deep in his throat.
“Kenz, you have to stop.”
“Why?” She increased the pressure.
His teeth clenched. “Because I’m not going to take advantage of you.”
“Then don’t.” She added a twist that had him moaning again. “I’ll take advantage of you.”
“Kenzie—”
She silenced whatever protest he had by fusing her mouth to his again. When she spread her legs until he settled against her, she knew she’d won. Her victory was short-lived when he jerked away. She cried out but he was back with a condom in hand. He suited up so quickly, he had to have practiced often to become that proficient and again, she loathed the faceless women he’d been with before. He pushed into her and all thoughts of other women were obliterated as he rocked her entire world.
#
Declan tried hard not to hate himself. He’d just had sex with a practically comatose woman. Sure, it was sensational, and he was pretty certain he blacked out for a minute, but that didn’t excuse the fact that he’d known better. Kenzie was in no condition to give consent.
“Stop.”
He glanced up at her as she snuggled on top of him. “Stop what?”
“The self-flagellation.”
How did she know that’s what he’d been doing? Had he said it out loud?
She lifted her head. “This is on me. I wanted you and I didn’t give you a choice. It was going to happen, one way or another.”
“There’s always a choice,” he scoffed.
“Nope.” She resettled against his chest. “My feminine wiles are irresistible.”
He chuckled. “True, that.” He’d been powerless to say no. “I’d better go to my room before someone catches us.”
She clutched him tighter. “No. Stay.”
Just a few minutes, he told himself, then he’d leave. He’d wait until she fell asleep.
When he blinked awake, the face next to him wasn’t the one he was expecting to see, and he barely kept from shouting in shock. Sometime during the night, Jamal had climbed into bed with them, sleeping on top of the covers, which was a good thing since he and Kenzie were both buck naked.
Kenzie wore him out good because he didn’t even feel when Jamal joined them. He’d maneuvered his small body between them, teddy bear clutched in his arm. Mental note to include strong locks for the bedroom door in his home plans.
Kenzie blinked awake and let out a small gasp. “Uh, Declan, I’ve got an au naturel situation going on under here,” she whispered urgently.
“Yeah, babe, same here.”
Sliding carefully away, he disappeared into the walk-in closet and found a t-shirt and sweats that fit and then rifled through the women’s clothes for the same for Kenzie. He helped her dress without waking Jamal.
“When did he join us?”
“I don’t know.” He studied her carefully, looking for any residual effects of the flashbang, or any regret for what happened. “How do you feel?”
“Better. Rested.” A wicked smile lit her face. “Satisfied.”
If Jamal hadn’t been sleeping peacefully on the bed, he’d have tossed Kenzie down on the soft mattress and made love to her all morning long.