Circumstances Unraveled Read online

  I watch him leave and nod. “Home sounds good. What do you think?” I lay my hand before me, inviting Mel to take it. Helping her up from the chair, I pull her close, breathe her in, and smile. Mine. “Let’s go outside and wait.”

  Now that my adrenaline subsides, exhaustion takes over. I can’t wait to shower and crash. Sleep hasn’t been fruitful these past few days. I had one great night of sleep, but the others? Not so much. My anxiety has my mind running marathons and then comes the nightmares…I want to tell Jack, but he has enough on his plate.

  It’s still early afternoon. A little nap will do wonders for me. I’m sure sleep and some Jack time will pull me from this slumber and everything will be right in my world again. Oh, wait. No, it won’t. I still have to deal with my father in a few days. Fuck. I tuck myself closer to Jack as we stand on the side walk, wrapping my arms around him.

  “You okay, Mel?” He asks. His voice is full of concern.

  I yawn, covering my mouth, slightly embarrassed. “Yes, just tired is all.”

  He wraps his arm around my shoulder and starts to rub it up and down. It’s relaxing. “We’ll be home soon and you can rest. Just a few more minutes.”

  He finishes his sentence just as his truck pulls up to the curb. The driver’s door opens. A young man gets out and walks over. He hands Jack the keys and nods. “Here you go, Jack. Gabe says the bill’s all taken care of.”

  Jack and I both look to the young man a little shocked (but thankful) as he walks toward another truck that pulled up behind Jack’s. He hops in and that truck drives off.

  “Looks like I owe Gabe a favor now.” Jack chuckles as he moves to open the passenger side door. I move to get in, noticing that all the broken glass is gone, the front seat area has been wiped clean, and a new air freshener is hanging from the rear-view mirror. I smile.

  I flick the lemon scented freshener and laugh. “I think the repair man is trying to tell you something.” The door shuts, but I hear Jack laugh before it closes completely. He rushes around the front of the truck, opens his door, and hops in.

  “My truck didn’t smell before, baby. You’re just trying to rile me up.” He smirks and shakes his head. “Don’t get me going if you want to nap when we get home.”

  I bite my lip and look out the windshield. I stay quiet because I know if I don’t shut up I’ll be in trouble. I’m tired. I want to nap. After some sleep, I’m game for some fun.

  I stay quiet for the whole drive. Leaning my head against the back of the seat, I fight to keep my eyes open. We pull into the driveway and he puts the truck in park. Jack gets out and looks around before he comes to my door. Why I waited I’m not sure, but he seems happy that I did.

  Opening my door, he looks at me with bright eyes and open arms. I reach out for him and he helps me out of the truck. When my feet hit the ground, I wrap my hand in his. He closes the truck door and we head inside hand in hand.

  I kick my shoes off by pushing them off at the heels. Leaving them at the door, I head for the comfy couch. “I’ll just lie here for a little bit.” I curl my arms under the throw pillow on the end of the cushion. It’s not long until I’m asleep.

  I wake to soft music playing, the lights are dim and something smells amazing. I sit up on the couch and look around. Jack’s at the stove and the table’s set for two. By George, is Jack being romantic? I think he might be. I grin internally as I stand up and move toward him.

  I’m soft with my steps, quiet with my movements. I don’t want to startle him, but sneaking up on him is fun sometimes. I move to press my body up against his back—his hard muscular body. I slide my hands up his black tee shirt and hear him groan.

  “Oh, baby—we don’t have time for dessert first, dinner’s ready.” He swiftly turns his body around, shocking me with his quick movements. He dips his head down and gives me the pleasure of his warm lips pressed to mine. “Go sit down. I’ll bring the food over.” He tells me.

  I do as I’m told and sit at one of the place settings. “What’s for dinner?”

  He heads toward the table, carrying a big, glass dish full of something delicious. I can tell by the smell on its own. “Chicken fettucine. Homemade.” He sets the dish on the table and returns to the kitchen to grab a serving spoon.

  “It smells wonderful.” I lean toward the dish, taking a long, slow sniff of the pasta. Damn, does it ever smell good! I lift my plate. “Can you please put some on my plate? I can’t wait to try your cooking.” I wink at him.

  He scoops up a hefty portion and pours it on my plate. “There you go. Enjoy.” He then plates some for himself and sits down.

  I take a bite and literally moan. Fuck, it’s delicious. “Damn, Jack. This is the best chicken fettucine I’ve ever had.” I take another bite and moan again.

  Jack stares at me, his eyes glisten as his mouth goes rigid. He licks his lips and shakes his head. “Fuck, baby, you make me horny just by eating. Stop moaning, will ya?” He scoops a mouthful on his fork and eats it.

  I giggle and take another bite. I force myself not to moan this time. It’s hard not to, the food’s so good. “Sorry, baby. But the food’s so good. I like what I like and I have to show my appreciation.” Taking a sip of the water that was set with my place setting, I watch him for his reaction.

  “You can show me your appreciation after dinner.” He winks and takes another bite of his food.

  I finish my noodles, wipe my face with a napkin, and stand up with my empty plate. I head to the kitchen and set my dishes on the counter. “Thank you for cooking dinner. Would you mind if I go shower?” I ask as I walk over to him, leaning down and wrapping my arms around his neck and placing my head on his shoulder. Looking into his eyes, I see that mischief reflects back at me. I don’t know what plans he has for me, but after today’s events I need to wash the filth of Matt and Riley from my mind. The thought that they were anywhere near me again makes me feel like I bathed in dirt. I need to scrub my skin and wash away the day.

  “You go ahead and get showered. I’ll clean this up.” Jack tells me as he stands from the table, turning in my arms and pressing his lips to mine in a sweet, tender kiss.

  Mel goes to shower and I clean up the dishes. I imagine today has been very stressful for her. She needs some alone time, some peace and quiet. I’ll give her everything she needs, everything she deserves.

  I head to the bedroom and pick up the mess I left there when I showered. I managed to sneak one in while Mel slept, in between meal prep and cooking. Fixing up the bed, I notice that I left my gun out on my dresser. I don’t need that reminder out in the open for Mel to dwell on, so I take it from my dresser and put in the top drawer.

  Looking in the mirror, I see a tired man. Stress wears a man down. I have so many things to be thankful for and Mel’s number one. I suppose being alive should be first, but having a woman to love makes it all worth it.

  I look around the room and I smile to myself. Nodding, I feel proud. This is my house. I’ve finally put down roots. It feels good. I think I’ll be putting a leave in at the FBI and doing most of my work at CSIS. I want to stay close to home.

  Hearing the water turn off, I begin to rid myself of my shirt. I pull it up and over my head, tossing it into my laundry hamper. I pull my socks off, one by one and in the hamper, they go. I lean against my dresser and wait.

  Mel walks in with a towel wrapped around her naked, wet body unaware of me watching her. She walks over to the bed where her bag sits on the floor.

  “Hey there, firecracker,” I say with as much sex in my voice as I can.

  Mel jumps and drops her towel. “What the…?” She yells moderately as she turns around to find me smirking at her.

  I stare at her now naked body. My eyes drift up and down. I whistle at her beauty. “Perfect. Just amazing.” I tell her.

  “You scared the shit out of me, Jack.” She bends down to grab the towel, but I’m quicker. I rush over and grab the towel first.

  “No need to cover up, baby. Let me look
at you.” I set the towel on the bed, take her hands, and raise them up so I can look her over. I lick my lips and swallow. I spin her in a slow circle and groan. My cock gets harder by the minute. “Never hide this body from me. You’re beautiful.” I pull her close and wrap my arms around her. I imagine she can feel my cock press against her, but tonight’s not about me. I want it to be for her.

  All for her.

  I pull back and place a light kiss on her lips. “Lay on the bed, baby.”

  Mel does as I ask and I smile. I walk around the bed until I get to the end. I crawl up onto it and kneel there, just watching her breathe, her chest moving up and down, her gorgeous breasts begging to be touched. I move up her body—slowly—lightly touching her, sweeping my fingers along her skin, enticing goose bumps to rise on her flesh. I kiss her inner thighs, blow on her warm pussy, teasing as I move up her stomach, nipping, licking and kissing until I get my mouth on a breast. I suck a nipple into my mouth and I hear Mel moan. I roll her other nipple with my fingers until it’s taut. Releasing her breast with a pop, I switch to the other, moving my tongue around the nipple and sucking it in. She moans again. Her skin’s so soft and sensitive. I look up to her face and watch her reactions. She’s breathing erratically and biting her lip.

  I bite lightly on her nipple, lick it, and move down her stomach, tracing with my fingers as I go. At the top of her pussy, I lightly blow on her skin. She arches her back, begging for me to take what I want.

  I plan to.

  I caress my fingers across her hips, down her thigh and into her warmth. I feel her shiver to my touch. I swipe my finger up and down a few times in her wet slit before I sink my middle and ring finger inside.

  “Jack…” She moans loudly as she lifts her hips to meet my hand.

  Her sweet smell begins to drive me wild. I thrust my fingers in again and again. I can’t hold back and delve into her. I lick her glistening pussy and she tastes heavenly. I find her swollen clit with my tongue and flick it once, twice. Mel starts to buck her hips, moaning my name. I know she’s getting close.

  I thrust my fingers harder, faster. I gently bite her clit and lick around it. Her body tenses as her breathing becomes rapid.

  “That’s it, baby, come for me.”

  Mel lets go, screaming my name. “Jack…Yes!” I continue fingering her and licking her pussy as she comes. I pull my fingers out, sucking them clean, and wipe my mouth with the back my hand.

  I crawl up her body and slam my mouth to hers. I take the kiss deep, battling my tongue with hers. I nip her bottom lip, kiss her chin and down her neck. I move to my side and roll her to spoon with me.

  Her whole body feels lax, sated. I wrap my arms around her and cuddle her. My cock is rock stiff, but like I said, it’s not about me tonight. I’m not selfish. Well, maybe I am, but only for Mel.

  “Jack? What about you? I can feel you poking me.” She tries to turn over, but I don’t let her. I pull the blankets up and over us.

  “I’m good, baby. Tonight was for you. Just relax and get some sleep now. I love you.” I press a kiss to her shoulder and blow out a breath. I love this woman so much. I’m not looking forward to Friday.

  She entangles her arms and legs with mine and sighs. “I love you too, Jack.”

  It’s Friday. Today’s the day. The past couple of days have been hectic. The men have been planning everything, crossing the ‘T’s’ and doting the ‘I’s’ for what’s supposed to go down tonight. I have yet to make up to Jack the orgasm he gave me the other night, but in time (if I survive) I’ll double it for him. It’s the least I can do.

  It’s only five in the morning. Jack’s still sleeping. He looks so handsome lying in bed with the sheet barely covering his masculine body. I love his body. I love all of him. My sexy savior.

  I couldn’t sleep last night because of all the thoughts going through my head about the upcoming danger. I don’t want anyone getting hurt.

  I came to a conclusion a few hours ago. I’m doing this on my own. My father’s my problem. I need to deal with him on my own. I watched where Jack put his gun last night, so while he sleeps, I’m going to sneak it and take it with me for my protection.

  I know I’m stupid to go alone on this, but it has to be me. I’ve been running scared my whole life and it’s time to stop it. I need to face my demon head on.

  I manage to dress without waking Jack. His gun’s in my bag along with my cell phone. I grab my jacket and quietly head out the door, careful not to shut it loudly.

  I’ve been walking for about a half hour and haven’t received any texts. Feeling like I’m in the clear, I pull out my phone and pull up my texts. I find the one from my father and start typing.

  Let’s meet earlier. Say an hour?

  I check my surroundings making sure no cars are coming and I cross the street.

  My phone beeps so I look.

  Eager to see me, daughter?

  I huff out a breath.

  Cut the shit. Can we meet, or not?

  I can just imagine what he is thinking. I never once swore at him in my early ages. I’m feeling brave at the moment. I don’t know how long I’ll feel this way, but I plan to use it for as long as I can.

  I’ll see you soon.

  I close out the text messages and pull up taxi services. I dial the first one and give my location by the street names I’m currently at.

  The taxi drops me off at my destination, the Don River Bridge, a half hour later. Stupid city traffic makes the trip longer than it should, but it gives me time to pull my strength together, to get my mind set on what’s going to happen.

  The bridge is abandoned and sort of scary looking. I grip my purse tight and start walking around. It’s shortly after six thirty in the morning, the sun begins to shine, but the warmth it provides doesn’t help uphold the bravado I carry.

  The area is huge, old and, dilapidated. The bridge is broken in several areas, condemned with rat’s nests in its dark corners. I can just imagine why my father wanted to meet here.

  I see no sign of my dear old dad yet, so I find a bench to sit on and wait. He said he’d be here, so I know he won’t be long.

  Seagulls fly overhead in search of their next meal. Creaking noises make me tense and grip my purse tighter in my lap. I look around, watching for movement.

  A shadow approaches from the east out of nowhere and I feel like my body jumps out of its skin, but I hold myself still. I watch as my father walks toward me, a black trench coat covers his large body, grey hair covers his head. His eyes mirror my own.

  “Hello, Sydney. Or should I say, Mel?” He says with a terse voice.

  I stand from the bench. Pushing my shoulders back, I look him in the eye. “Father.”

  He holds his hands out showing they are empty. Raising his eyebrows, he asks. “No, ‘I’ve missed you? It’s nice to see you?’ Anything?”

  You’ve got to be kidding me. This man standing before me thinks he deserves such gestures from me? “No, sorry. Not today. What do you want?”

  He steps toward me and the hair on my neck stands up. I can’t let him get too close.

  “Your mother. What do you think you saw?” He takes another step.

  I step back, slowly easing my hand into my purse. “You know what I saw.” I spit out. My anger rises to the surface.

  He watches me move my hand and narrows his eyes. “Don’t be stupid, girl.” He growls as he reaches inside his coat.

  I pull out the gun, wrap my hand around it properly, and place my finger on the trigger—pointing it at my father.

  My father’s quick and mirrors my actions. A gun points at me in return.

  “I think we have a problem, Dad” I grunt.

  I stretch in bed and yawn as I roll over to wrap my arms around my love. She’s not there. I open my eyes and blink. “Mel?” I call out and get no answer.

  I kick the blankets off and get out of bed. I check the time. It’s only six in the morning. I don’t hear the water running, so I pull on the jea
ns I left beside the bed the night before. I grab a clean t-shirt and pull it over my head. I leave the bedroom in search of my woman. Room to room I go and she’s nowhere to be found. Her purse is gone. Her phone, too.

  Today’s the day we confront her father, but she wouldn’t do anything stupid…would she? I check to see if she left me a note, but there’s nothing. I get a sinking feeling in my gut and check for my gun. Opening the drawer, my gut sinks to the floor. “Fuck.” I yell out.

  I head back to the living room in search of my phone. I need Gabe, Sebastian, and Dex in on this. I need to save my woman before it’s too late. I can’t believe she would risk her life like this. Who knows what the senator will do to her once he gets his hands on her?

  Immediately I dial Gabe. He picks up on the first ring. “It better be an emergency. It’s barely morning, man.” He growls in a groggy voice.

  “Mel’s gone. She took my gun and is gone, man.” I run my fingers through my hair and pace my living room floor. I look outside and see my truck’s still there. Thank fuck for that, but that makes me wonder how she’s getting around. And when the fuck did she leave? Fuck, fuck, fuck. I shove my feet into my shoes, grab my keys from the counter and head out the door.

  “Okay, calm down, Jack. We’ll find her. You think she went to meet him?” I hear him wrestling around, probably getting dressed. I hear Belle mumbling in the background.

  I open my truck door and hop in, starting the engine. “Where else would she go? I’m going to call Dex and have him track her phone while I head that way. Meet you there.”

  “Gotcha.”

  We hang up and I dial Dex. “Morning, Jack. Why are you calling so early?” Dex is a morning person, but still I didn’t expect such a pleasant greeting.

  “Hey, Dex. I need you to track Mel’s phone. She has my gun and she’s missing.” I rush my words as I start driving down the street.

  “Shit. Seriously? I’m on it. Call you back in a few.” He tells me and hangs up.