We spent the next three days at the resort waiting and researching. The longer we looked into the man who was with Tanner, the more I fretted over his safety. I was so terrified for my brother but I swore when we found him I was going to kick his ass.
Ever since my hypothesis about Tanner and “Cole,” I couldn’t quite get the image out of my mind. We had learned a couple of things in the last few days, though. “Cole” was actually Peter Broderick. Leo had proven he had some really good connections stateside. It took less than twenty-four hours to find out everything there was to know about Mr. Broderick.
I’d been wrong about him being in foster care all his life, but it turned out he probably should’ve been. I was still very saddened by the fact that his life had been so unforgivingly hard.
Peter and his two younger siblings had grown up with a neglectful heroin addict of a mother. His father, if he even knew him, was nowhere in the picture. He never had much of a home to speak of as every place they had tried to settle ended in an eviction notice. By the time Pete was thirteen he was already doing whatever he could to raise his two siblings, ages one and five. Department of Family Services had been called multiple times but the courts kept placing the kids back with the mother. By the time Pete reached eighteen, his siblings had been taken from the home permanently and placed in foster care. He was left to fend for himself as he was no longer a minor.
Peter tried to fight for custody of the two children but was denied by the judge. He’d been told he had nothing to offer and that the foster home would be better for them. That part broke my heart the most I think. Imagine having someone tell you, you had nothing to offer your own siblings who you had practically raised yourself.
I don’t know what was sadder, the fact that he had to grow up in that situation or that he grew up just to repeat the same cycle his mother started.
In the years since then, Peter made quite the name for himself with local law enforcement. His rap sheet was a mile long with offenses ranging from possession of illegal substances to petty theft. He spent most of his twenties in and out of lockup with an endless list of public defenders to keep him company.
When looking into the crowd he normally ran with, we found that most of those people were known for various nefarious criminal activities as well. It didn’t take much digging to find that some the same names on Pete’s list were on Tanner’s. My assumption of them meeting at a mutual party was proving to be spot on.
The more Leo and I dug into Peter’s past, the more my imagination seemed to run rampant. I even started having bad dreams about it every night. It was always the same. We would find Tanner walking the streets at some local market. Peter was walking behind him with his hands in his pockets looking the same as he had in the photo. Hateful, jealous, and maniacal. I watched helplessly from the vehicle Leo kept me locked in as Peter started to pull something from his pocket. I could still feel the utter helplessness as I watched the gun appear in his hand. My screams went unheard as he pointed the gun at my brother’s back and pulled the trigger.
I woke up with a jolt every time, drenched in sweat and my lungs heaving. It always took me a few beats to realize where I was. When Leo’s hand would gently graze my damp back, I would jump as if I just remembered he was with me.
When another one of the same dreams awoke me early this morning, I was shocked when I immediately searched for Leo’s comfort only to find cold sheets instead. My brows furrowed in confusion as I glanced all around the suite, only to find it completely empty apart from myself. That’s when I noticed the open sliding glass door. Early dawn light trickled in across the cream-colored tile.
I wrapped the crisp white sheet around myself and slipped from the bed. The cool tile against my feet felt almost refreshing as I padded toward the door that allowed a slight breeze to waft over me. The sheet gathered on the ground behind me as I walked across the room. The stillness of the room made the sound of the starched fabric dragging across the floor almost too loud in my ears. I could hear a hushed mumble from where I stood just inside the door.
When I poked my head outside the slightest bit, I finally laid eyes on the main star of my fantasies. The sun was starting to rise just enough that I could see his striking features in the dim lighting. He paced back and forth slowly in front of the pool. He held his phone to his ear as he listened intently to the voice on the other end.
I lost all focus on what he was saying to whoever he was speaking to when he turned away from me. Maybe I was just a sucker for a strong back, but damn. He forwent the shirt altogether, leaving all that golden skin covered in dark ink exposed. His shoulders were defined to perfection. My gaze blazed a trail down his lats, and further still. The top swells of his toned ass poked out of the fabric that hid the rest. I squeezed my thighs together as I thought about all the delights those shorts were hiding.
When he turned again to face me I almost lost all concentration as I looked at his rugged beauty. His brows were furrowed in frustration as he raked his hand through his wild locks.
The way his muscles seemed to glide so smoothly underneath all that soft flesh was almost hypnotizing to watch. God, would I ever get used to this man’s immaculate beauty? He was the epitome of perfection. I feared I would always want him as much as I did at that moment. The unrelenting urge to constantly be around him and touch him was almost maddening.
I let my gaze trail down from his broad chest to his washboard abdomen and further still. He had slipped on his shorts but didn’t bother to button or zip them. Those shorts of his were barely hanging on as it was and I wanted nothing more than to give them that final push. I had to catch my drool when I noticed the top of his thick cock poking out. I sucked in an almost startled breath as I watched that cock twitch under the fabric.
“See something you like, Princess?”
I jumped from my spot by the door as my gaze jerked back up to his eyes. He was obviously done with his conversation and had caught me ogling him. He had a mischievous look sparkling in his eyes as he set his phone down on the side table before straightening to his full height again.
“Did you have another bad dream?” he asked softly as his gaze raked me from head to toe.
I nodded and said nothing else. He held his arms out for me to come to him and I didn’t think twice. I clung to the sheet at my chest as I practically ran into his open embrace. When I hit his chest, I expected him to hug me but instead, I squealed in delight as he picked me up into his arms and cradled me to him. He always made me feel so feminine and delicate even if we both knew I was anything but.
He grinned down at me as he walked us both on those strong legs over to the hammock. More gracefully than I would have, he laid me down before crawling in next to me. Once he was situated he pulled me to him and draped me over his warm chest. I snuggled down into him as a sigh of contentment left my parted lips.
We lay like that and watched the sunrise for long silent moments before I gained the courage to ask the question that had begged for an answer this whole time.
“Where’s Tanner?”
Leo pulled in a deep breath before he ran his hand down my back firmly. “Isabelle has been working with the local police department all week. She’s been given access to the CCTV cameras. Unfortunately, she hasn’t seen anything else since the last picture was taken with Peter and so far we’ve come up empty-handed with the local landlords.” He sighed heavily against my hair as I closed my eyes.
Come on, Tanner, work with me.
I squeezed my arm around his stomach before I lifted my head. I placed my chin on his chest and looked up at him. “I can’t believe neither of them has come out at all. Even for food? By the looks of the last picture, Tanner only had a couple of shopping bags with him. They must be running low by now. They may even be completely out,” I said then immediately winced. Would it even matter if they didn’t have any food? I knew some drugs made you not want to eat at all.
I lifted my head and looked down at my lover. The worry and empathy I found staring back at me were almost enough to break me. Leo was thinking the same thing. Tanner may be too strung out to know he needed to eat.
I laid my head back down on his chest and took soothing breaths as I listened to the steady rhythm of his heart. His fingers played in my long strawberry-blonde locks while I gained the courage to speak again.
“I think we should go to the shopping complex, where the picture was taken. It’s been almost a full week since the last time they were there. Maybe they’ll venture out again today and we’ll get lucky,” I muttered as I played my finger along the black lines on his chest and abdomen.
Leo kissed the top of my head before he spoke. “I think that’s a good idea, Emy. I’ll call Isabelle back and let her know when I’ll meet her.”
I lifted my head again and went up on my elbows to look into his eyes. “I’m going with you,” I said firmly.
Leo frowned up at me and shook his head. “No. It’ll be safer for you to stay here,” was all he said.
“He’s my brother, Leo. I’m going with you and you’re not going to tell me no. I was sent here to get him so I will be the one to retrieve him.” I glared at him. “He doesn’t even know you, so please tell me how you plan to get him to come with you?” I raised my eyebrow at him in challenge.
Leo glared right back at me before raising onto his elbows and coming closer to my face. I could feel his breath puffing across my cheeks as he spoke. “I was hired to find your brother, Princess. Not only that, I have to keep you safe as well. I can’t do that if you’re running willy-nilly down the streets of fucking Columbia,” he seethed.
“I’m coming with you and you’re not going to stop me,” I growled right back.
We stared at each other then. Neither of us was willing to back down. When it came to who was more stubborn in this relationship, it was a toss-up. If it was anything else we were talking about, then I wouldn’t have a problem backing down. But this wasn’t just any argument we were having. This was my brother we were talking about. I would be damned if I wasn’t allowed to help look for him.
In the end, it was Leo that caved. I held my frown in place as his softened into a grin. He huffed a small laugh as he leaned in the rest of the distance and kissed away the crease between my brows. “You win,” he mumbled against my lips. “But, you will stay in the car. If we see him then you can come with me to retrieve him. Even then, you will listen to everything I say and will not put yourself in unnecessary danger. Am I understood?” he said firmly.
When I started to bristle at his tone he pulled me to him so there was no space between us. He gripped the back of my neck as he grazed his lips against mine. “I can’t have anything happen to you, Emy,” he whispered.
Unhashed emotion clogged my throat as he admitted his fear. I sighed against him as I nodded. “Okay,” I whispered back before he kissed me fully and held onto me like a lifeline.
****
“Have I told you how incredibly sexy you look in that getup?” Leo’s sultry voice sounded in the otherwise quiet car.
I grinned at him before looking down at myself and shrugged. My outfit was less than eccentric for our outing today. I’d opted for denim shorts, a tight hot-pink tank top, and my Nike running shoes. I wanted to be comfortable enough to sit in a car all day but also functional enough to get out of the car and walk around if I needed to. I had wanted to wear the bright top for safety reasons more than anything. It was harder to find someone in a dark color rather than a bright one. Not that I was planning to get lost away from Leo, but a girl could never be too careful.
So far we’d been sitting in Leo’s rental car for about two hours and had yet to see anything out of the ordinary. Locals and tourists of all shapes and sizes littered the streets today, some buying things and others just browsing. Looking around at all the colorful people of different backgrounds, I had a hard time seeing why Leo was so worried in the first place.
Sure, the crime rate in certain areas was higher than others, but everything around here seemed safe. The only thing different than some places in the states was the constant stream of police walking in and out of the crowd with their weapons on full display.
It was almost unsettling to think that this was everyday life for most of these people.
I shook off the thought as I glanced back over to my traveling companion. I made a show of puffing my chest out a little more for him to get a good eyeful of my cleavage. I giggled at him when his eyes flared and he readjusted himself through his dark jeans.
“You have literally seen me naked and bent every which way to Sunday, and this outfit turns you on?” I laughed as I spoke.
He leaned toward me in a way that made me think of a lion stalking its prey. “Just because I know what’s underneath those tight clothes, doesn’t make me any less intrigued to see every part as I search for new ways to make you crumble in my arms.” His husky voice sent heat straight to my core.
I smiled brightly as I leaned over the center console to get face-to-face with him. I let my hand grip him just above his knee before making the slow ascent toward his manhood. When he was a breath away I dodged his lips quickly before moving on to his ear. “Maybe we can see what it would take to make you fall apart for me,” I whispered before nipping his earlobe as I rubbed him through the thick denim of his jeans.
The only warning I received was a low growl before he pounced. He gripped my throat in his big hand before he brought me back to his mouth. His kiss was all-encompassing as he thrust his tongue past my lips. I gripped him as best I could through his jeans and he sucked in a sharp breath.
“Be careful what you ask for, Princess,” he growled. “I’ll have your arms tied behind your back and this cock shoved past those perfect lips before you can even think to beg for mercy.”
His wicked threat made me shiver before I smiled against his lips. Did it make me a masochist if I wanted everything he threatened?
“Promises, promises,” I cooed before flicking my tongue out for another taste.
The look of feral gratification passed through his eyes before he smiled. Just as he started to lunge back for my mouth, there was a knock on the window that jolted me back into the present. I tried to pull away from his grasp but he held me firmly before he gave me one last kiss. As he released me, the grin on his lips told me he thoroughly enjoyed our banter.
He readjusted himself before pulling his searing gaze from me to roll his window down. As he did, a tall female came into view as she knelt. She had a knowing grin on her lips as she propped her elbows on the opening and squatted to eye level with us. She was attractive enough with her cropped short black hair. Her eyes were so dark they were almost black. Her lips were nice and plump. She had no makeup on and she was dressed for business in her blazer jacket and matching slacks. The chain hanging around her neck told me she was law enforcement. Possibly a detective.
She looked me up and down with an appreciative gaze that made me think she was either very curious or very gay. My guess was the latter. She extended her hand through the window and over Leo as an offering to me. I gripped her outstretched hand and gave it a firm shake.
“Isabelle Paseo,” she said by way of greeting. Her thick accent only added to the persona that was her. I opened my mouth to return the greeting when she cut me off. “And you’re the famous Emily.” She grinned. “I’ve heard a lot about you. And I see that Cruz here wasn’t exaggerating about your beauty.” She winked as I blushed.
Definitely gay.
She released my hand and looked at Leo. “Can I speak to you for a moment?” she asked him before glancing back at me briefly. “Outside,” she finished.
Leo nodded and rolled the window up as Isabelle stood back to her full height. He looked at me before opening his door. “I’ll be right back,” he said before slipping out of the vehicle.
I’m not one to eavesdrop normally but I’m not even ashamed to say that I tried to listen to their conversation. Although, they were talking way too calmly and quietly for me to make out anything at all. If they were discussing Tanner, shouldn’t I be in on the conversation?
Just as I made to grab the door handle, the driver’s door jerked back open to reveal Leo. He didn’t climb back into the car as he squatted to look at me.
“I’ve got good news and bad news,” he said with a half-smile. I said nothing as I willed him to continue. “Isabelle is pretty sure she’s located where Tanner and Peter are staying. She says multiple eyewitnesses say they’ve seen two white men that match their descriptions coming and going out of the apartment building. We think they’re a few blocks south of here. We need to go talk with the landlord.”
“What are we waiting for then? Let’s go,” I said as I straightened in my seat, grabbing my seatbelt.
Leo’s hand stilled mine before I could click the belt into place. “That’s the good news,” he mused. “The bad news is that the building they seem to be staying in is not known for its … friendliness.” He searched my eyes for a reaction he wouldn’t find. I snorted around an audacious laugh. I knew the type of people Tanner was known to hang out with. They weren’t known for their friendliness, but it had never been intimidating for me to be around them.
When Leo said nothing else I had to assume he didn’t want to tell me he wasn’t going to let me go. “Like I said, let’s go.” I tried to sound calmer than I felt.
“Emily…” He frowned.
“You promised.” I didn’t try to hide my annoyance. “You said I could go with you when you found him,” I gritted behind clenched teeth.
“That was before I knew how dangerous it was going to be,” Leo defended himself.
“You know you can’t save me from everything, right?” I challenged.
“But I can save you from this,” he said firmly.
I rolled my eyes and straightened my spine. “He’s my brother,” I said. “He needs me and I’m not going to let him down,” I growled. “Not again.”
“You don’t think I know that?” A look of frustration crossed Leo’s eyes. He ran his hand through his messy hair before releasing a sigh of exasperation. When he looked back up at me, his eyes seemed to beg. “I’m trying my best here, Emily. I can’t do what I need to do in order to get Tanner back if I’m worried about you getting hurt in the crossfire. If this Peter is as dangerous as we think he is, then there’s a big chance someone could get hurt. I can’t have that be you,” he pleaded with me. “I just got you back. I can’t stand the thought of losing you again.”
I didn’t want to feel the tugs on my heart his words caused. I wanted to scream and thrash at him. To be able to tell him to go fuck himself, that I was coming along one way or another. Even though Tanner was older than me, I felt as though he was my responsibility. I left him three years ago and look what happened. All of this was my fault.
I studied Leo for long moments before speaking. In the end, the logical side of me won out.
“Go,” was all I said.
“I need to take yo—”
“If you take me back to the resort now you are wasting valuable time. I don’t want you to miss him because of me.” I swallowed thickly as I closed my eyes. I hated this feeling of defeat and helplessness. “I won’t leave the car. I’m going to stay here and watch for him a little while longer and then I can find my way back to the resort on my own. I have my phone and the directions.” My voice sounded numb even to my own ears as I spoke. I turned around to face the windshield and Leo was left staring at my profile.
I felt him climb into the car before he grabbed my chin and forced me to look at him. Honey-colored eyes searched my own before he kissed me softly. “Call me if you see anything at all and I will be here. I’m going to bring him back in one piece, Emy. I promise,” he whispered.
“You better,” I murmured before I kissed him one last time.
He exited the vehicle with the parting order to lock the doors. I did as I was told before I watched him walk away from the vehicle. I sighed heavily as I climbed over the center console into the driver’s seat. I leaned my head against the steering wheel and swallowed thickly before releasing a shaky breath.
I knew logically Leo was right. The place he had to go to find Tanner wasn’t safe for me to be in. Ultimately it was dangerous and it was no place for a woman who didn’t know the slightest bit of self-defense. I was just too stubborn to admit he was right.
I swore as I thumped my head against the wheel. Tanner was going to get the thrashing of a lifetime when we found him. I think the sheer stress from this whole experience had shaved off at least a year of my life.
I straightened in my seat and looked out the windshield. I would sit here for a few more minutes searching the crowd before I headed back to the resort. Even in a locked car, it wasn’t safe to be a single woman around this many strangers.
As I scanned face after face, I felt my heart rate increase. My grip on the steering wheel relaxed as I moved. I blindly searched the door with my hand as I kept my gaze trained forward. I gripped the door handle and opened it. I stepped out of the car and kept a steady eye on what I was seeing hundreds of feet in front of me. The humid midday heat smacked me in the face so hard I had to squint when my eyes immediately dried. I still kept focused on my target.
I realized Leo was going to come back to me empty-handed. Even though he was probably one of the most competent people I had ever met in my life, I knew he was going to fail on this mission. The reason I knew this was because I was looking directly at the one thing we had come here in search of.
I felt my feet moving of their own accord toward the one person I had shared so much of my life with. He looked just like he did in the photo right down to those sunglasses that covered the eyes that mirrored my own. I waved my hands above my head as I shouted above the massive crowd.
“Tanner!”