“Oh, good point. Hey, if the job’s online I’ll take a look at it, but I love it here, even if I have plans on castrating Jeff at some point. I wonder if human testicles would be considered a delicacy?”

  “You are cold and cruel, which is why I love you. Think about trying to get away for a weekend. The drive is really beautiful. Plus, you’ll have a fabulous place to stay in.”

  “Would I get to meet your hot roommate?”

  “You would.”

  “I’m as good as there. I’ll see what I can do. But I can’t promise anything at this point.”

  “And you call me a party pooper.”

  “You are, but I hear happiness in your voice,” Esme told me.

  I made a turn into town, enjoying the view more than I had before. Bright sun. Not a cloud in the sky. It was all just about perfect.

  Even if I did feel like a black wave was threatening to drag me straight into hell. “I am.”

  “I’m so glad.”

  Her tone was entirely different. I heard noise and if I knew her, she was trying to create an IV coffee drip. “What’s wrong?”

  “There’s nothing wrong.”

  “I don’t believe you. Did Joel do something?”

  She sighed and it was her dramatic sigh, the one I learned the first week I’d met her that I needed to be concerned about.

  “Joel came in for a drink last night.”

  “Oh, he did, did he? Let me guess. He was intimidating as hell to you, his second method of trying to get his way.”

  Esme snorted. “He tried but he failed. But he did say something weird. He told me to tell you to watch the news in the next few days. He wouldn’t provide a date or tell me anything about what he’s talking about. Do you have any clue?”

  Shit.

  “I’m not certain.” It was time to hire an attorney, although at this point, I wasn’t certain what one could do unless he or she was a shark. And law enforcement wouldn’t help since he hadn’t openly threatened her. I didn’t want to alarm her any further.

  “Well, I’ll keep my ear to the ground. I gave him a piece of my mind, but he is just a smug asshole.”

  “Yes, he is. Just stay away from him.”

  “I don’t plan on seeking him out, girl. But be careful. He was just… Different. Strained. I don’t know. It was like something happened. Did you hire an attorney or something?”

  “Not yet, but I plan on doing that in the next week or so.” I’d also spent time searching for one in Danger Falls only to realize I’d need at least a law firm out of Roanoke at this point. The initial phone call had allowed me to know I was in for the long haul with Joel’s attempt to push forward the adoption, but I had a few elements on my side.

  Maybe, somehow, he’d gotten wind of any inquiries they made.

  “Good. I’m glad to hear that. Let’s talk in the next couple of days.”

  “I’d like that. Remember. Don’t give this phone number out to anyone.”

  Esme laughed. “Not a chance. Wild horses couldn’t drag it out of me.”

  “Of that I have no doubt.” I pulled into the community parking lot just a block away from Poppy’s, already taking a deep breath to calm my nerves. “Think about coming out.”

  “I definitely will. Just take care of yourself and that sweet girl of yours.”

  As I ended the call, a slight sadness washed over me. I missed our fun times together. It was so good to feel a connection to my past.

  Grabbing my purse, I headed into the diner, thrilled that a couple of people passing by knew my name. How silly it was to feel happy that I was being recognized. That didn’t happen in Baltimore even in tight social circles. Not that I’d ever considered any of Joel’s friends anyone I could trust.

  In this tiny town, everything was different.

  Poppy waved as soon as she saw me. I headed for the small but luxuriously packed bakery case, breathing in the delicious aromas of freshly baked goods.

  “You’re exactly the person I wanted to see,” Poppy said as she approached.

  “Uh-oh. What did I do?”

  She laughed. “Not a thing, darlin’. I wanted to talk to you about the engagement party I’m organizing for Shephard and Denise. They haven’t had the time with their work schedules and I thought it would be a nice touch since they’ve both done so much for the community.”

  “That’s a great idea. Now, if I can only convince Jagger to be Shephard’s best man.”

  “I have a feeling you’re the only person he listens to.”

  I rolled my eyes. “I don’t know about that. How can I help?”

  “All you need to do is get them to the restaurant. That’s it. You can tie Jagger on the hood if he argues with you.”

  She could have me laughing for hours. “I just might need to do that. When is the party?”

  “Saturday night. Eight sharp. I got my ladies making sure everything is decorated and we have a few surprises in store for them.”

  “Be careful. Shephard is still a bear according to you.”

  “I can handle Shephard Fox. I handled his dad just fine. Maybe I’m an old lady, but I still know a thing or two about men.”

  “I know you do, Poppy, and you’re not old. Happy to help. Now, you can do me a favor. Where’s the best place to purchase a sexy dress in town?”

  She leaned over the bakery counter, giving me the kind of look that said she had an entirely different wardrobe away from the diner.

  I wasn’t going to ask.

  Jagger

  “You were right,” Hunter said as he walked into my office. Shephard was close behind, closing the door after him.

  “What was I so right about?” I leaned back in my chair, folding my arms behind my head.

  “Remember I mentioned I’d heard the Brockford name before?” Hunter asked as he moved to one of two chairs in front of my desk, plopping down. He had his usual grin on his face as well.

  “Yeah. You found something out.”

  “I found out how connected Joel’s father is. He’s funded several major projects in Baltimore, provided campaign donations to the tune of millions, and even helped design the new children’s wing at the hospital where his son works. He’s all over the social pages as the do-gooder. However, you are correct in that he is tied to some pretty bad people.”

  “How bad?” I asked, although I could guess the answer.

  “Let’s just say I wouldn’t cross them if I were you. No one dares try. If they do, they tend to find themselves in various vats of hot water or worse. I’ve seen it myself.”

  I glanced at Hunter. He wasn’t joking.

  “And what does Joel provide for them?”

  “Didn’t you know? He ventured into several other interests with regards to surgery.” Hunter gave me an odd look.

  A light turned on over my head. “He’s a goddamn plastic surgeon for the right money.”

  “Bingo.”

  “Well, shit,” Shephard said. “He’s changing identities of those very bad people when the pressure is on.”

  Hunter nodded in his direction. “Yep, and since he never actually went to medical school for that particular skill, it’s kept a great big secret.”

  “I’m curious, brother. How do you know?” I asked.

  He didn’t appear eager to be forthcoming, so when he sat forward in his chair, I was eager to hear what he had to say. “The people I worked for after I did my stint in the military were little more than criminals themselves. I’m not going to share with you any names, but my targets were also some unsavory people considered their enemies. I had an up close and personal run-in with my target. He wasn’t too happy to see me. But in the end, I completed my mission.”

  Hunter was grinning, the memory obviously a fond one.

  “Even my handler wasn’t interested in going up against the Brockford family.”

  I glanced at Shephard. I had a feeling he was the single brother who’d remained loyal to a mission that had started the moment he’d entered bootcamp. Until now, I’d had no idea Hunter had fallen into the same darkness I had. The two of us would never be considered saints.

  Even more reason we didn’t usually share stories amongst the three of us. “With that kind of muscle, Joel is going to track her down. I still can’t figure out why he gives a shit. A foster kid with a child spawned by someone else.”

  Shephard and Hunter looked at each other.

  Tension swept into my system. “What is it? Talk. One or both of you.”

  “You’re not going to like it,” Hunter said and shook his head to reiterate what he was saying.

  I pounded my fist on the desk. “Tell me. Secrets will destroy her.”

  “Because she’s more important to Joel than you think. With her on his arm, his power will ultimately increase.”

  Hunter relayed the information as if reading off a dossier given to him regarding his target. Much like I’d been given. It would seem there truly was very little difference in those hoping to tread the gray line and those preferring the evil endeavors done by monsters.

  I wasn’t certain where I fit in.

  But with another secret revealed, another reason Joel would stop at nothing to get Bella back, I knew what had to be done.

  Maybe karma was on my side, but if I had to sell my soul to the devil again, I was finally doing it for a good reason.

  “What are you going to do, brother?” Shephard asked. “I’ll help you any way I can.”

  “I’m going to do what’s required to keep her safe.”

  “Don’t do anything stupid,” Hunter suggested.

  I laughed. “My entire life has been a lie. I thought I was doing the right thing. But in the end, I was a fool, wasting years that I can’t get back. I found the one thing that makes me happy and no one is going to take her from me. No one.” I gave them both a hard look.

  Shephard nodded. “I understand. Know we’ll have your back.”

  Where I was going, they couldn’t help. Maybe it was for the best.

  They left my office and I closed my eyes, rubbing my temple. A headache was forming and it had Joel’s name all over it. I took my phone and dialed the number.

  “Silencer.” It was the name given to me more in jest than anything, my use of a silencer the only thing ever noted by police or other law enforcement agencies throughout the world. I’d been forced to use that method since so many of my targets remained in high profile areas. Creating a stampede could have possibly kept me from exiting the location safely.

  “I have considered your request,” he told me.

  “And?”

  “I will handle the operation, but you will owe me. You do understand that, do you not?” His English was fluent although it had been a long time since he’d set foot in the United States. I’d never met the man, few people had, but he was considered one of the most lethal men in the world.

  He’d also been my mentor.

  “I understand.”

  “What level do you prefer?”

  We’d used codenames for everything including missions. At this moment, I wanted to put a bullet in Joel’s brain myself, but that meant choosing today to return to my old life or staying in my new one.

  I chose what was most important to me.

  Bella.

  “Level two.”

  “You’re certain.”

  Joel would be destroyed, giving a clear warning, but would be allowed to live. I’d prefer he wallow in sanctimonious bullshit and the loss of his reputation and maybe his career. Prison wouldn’t be bad. “Yes.”

  “Then so be it. Just remember the deal you made.”

  “Yes, I will.”

  The veil of secrecy was required to be kept. It was written in blood by those who’d joined the organization. That same blood would be spilled if any treachery occurred. It was my cross to bear, but right now, one I would do so without issue.

  Salvation wasn’t in my vocabulary.

  The call ended and there would be no further discussion until the deed was done. What I’d done would come back to haunt me in weeks, months, or even years.

  One day I’d be dragged into the past.

  If only for a little while.

  I only hoped it would be something Bella could forgive.

  CHAPTER 30

  Bella

  “Secrets,” a former teacher had told me, “will always end a relationship.”

  I had too many of them to count.

  So did Jagger.

  We were mired in them. For all the joy I’d been able to experience over the last couple of weeks, a heavy weight was coming close to crushing me.

  “Stop fidgeting,” I told Jagger as I adjusted his tie. “You look debonair.”

  And he did. In fact, he looked as if he’d just walked from a hot male magazine meant to drive women nuts. It was working for me.

  “Yeah, right. Why the hell am I wearing this shit?”

  “You mean a jacket and tie? Because the event is slightly more formal.”

  “Do you think Shephard isn’t going to know something is up? He ain’t wearing a tie.”

  I grinned and stood back, admiring the look on him. He’d even shaved, allowing me to watch as he’d cut off his long beard. “You look much younger and sexier without that Brillo pad on your face.”

  He yanked me into his arms. “I thought you adored my beard. The way it scratched that sweet pussy of yours. Huh? Tell the truth.”

  “I’m not saying a thing.” When he pushed me over the back of the couch, swatting my behind, I squealed, which caused Xena to bark like crazy. I had to laugh. He was much more playful lately, although I still sensed there was a darkness in him that would haunt him for many years to come.

  “I can’t believe you roped me into this,” he grumbled as he returned me to a standing position.

  “It’s good for you to get out. Makes Mr. Grumpy a nicer guy.”

  He rolled his eyes, not something he normally did. “Let’s go. Where do they think we’re going?”

  “A fabulous restaurant.”

  “And how did you convince them to go?”

  I backed out of his reach. “By telling them you had a little announcement to make.”

  “You did not.”

  “Yes, I did.” I grabbed my coat, heading out the door before he could grab me.

  He waited a few seconds before emerging from the house, as grumpy as ever. “You will get it for this.”

  “Promises. Promises.”

  Jagger was still grousing as he climbed into the Range Rover, huffing as he started the engine. “Just remember, your hours are numbered.”

  “It will be fun. Besides, everyone can use reasons to celebrate.”

  I knew I did. Christmas was around the corner and I honestly had no idea how well I’d handle the holiday. Or if I could. Time would tell.

  The clock was ticking.

  He said very little as he drove, although he kept his hand on my knee. But I was very observant, noticing he continuously glanced into the rearview mirror. He’d also checked his phone several times, never mentioning a word of what he was doing.

  Secrets.

  I sat back in the seat, trying to calm my nerves. This was a celebration, a beginning of a new life together. I was happy for the couple, even though I was wondering if I’d ever experience something so incredible like marriage again. I refused to allow Joel to sour me on the subject.

  As he pulled into Shephard’s driveway, he grumbled another long list of reasons the engagement party was a bad idea. I’d gathered the distinct feeling his bad mood had nothing to do with the party and more to do with the question hanging over his head.

  Would he agree to be his brother’s best man?

  “I’ll be right back. Do not go anywhere,” he barked, although his expression softened after peering back at me from the driver’s door.

  “Where am I going?”

  “Knowing you, anywhere you want.”

  I noticed Denise giving him a big hug and whispering something in his ear before they headed to the vehicle.

  “Where the hell are we going?” Shephard asked as soon as he slid into the backseat. “And why am I wearing this getup?”

  “Are all three of you nothing but grumpy bastards all the time?” I asked.

  “Yes,” Denise confirmed. “They are. But that’s why we love them. Right?”

  The two of us could laugh while the men bristled. I could also breathe a little easier for tonight. I’d be amongst friends.

  “We’re going to a dress-up place,” I told them.

  Shephard grumbled just like Jagger always did.

  The ride to the restaurant only took a few minutes. For some reason I was thankful for that. It seemed oppressive sitting next to Jagger, as if another shoe was going to fall. When he kept his hand pressed against my back as we walked toward the entrance, constantly scanning the parking lot, my gut told me he was preparing for something to happen.

  I sucked in my breath, only able to give him a strange look before walking inside. This was a surprise party after all. I couldn’t pull him aside and grill him on what was going on until later.

  At least Jagger took over, mentioning the Fox name for our reservation while I studied the people inside the restaurant. I suddenly had a feeling we were being watched, studied as we were walking toward the back of the location.

  My skin was crawling. Although I attempted to tell myself I was being foolish, the ugly sensations remained.

  “Right this way,” the hostess told us, heading for a set of closed doors.

  “Why do I feel like this is a setup, bro?” Shephard asked.

  “Don’t fucking look at me,” Jagger said, grinning as he looked in my direction.

  “Hey, I was just the decoy,” I told them.

  Denise smacked her hand on her waist. “To what?”

  The doors were opened and as everyone inside screamed surprise, any possibility of responding was lost in the gleeful whoops and hollers of the fifty or so people. Instantly, music began to play, almost everyone coming up to congratulate them. Poppy had pulled out all the stops, creating a breathtaking environment. There were waiters walking around with silver trays full of flutes of champagne, the delicious scent of food wafting throughout the room.