Dead Shall Speak (An FBI/Romance Thriller Book 10) (28 page)

When Tony used a tie to cover her eyes, she didn't know what he had planned. Instead, she allowed him to lead her wherever he wanted.

After all, Jaxon loved being with him. All day, he was distracted, and she only hoped that some time together would be enough to give him peace.

“Where are we going?” she asked for the millionth time.

“I told you that it’s to a surprise location that you’re going to love.”

There was no doubt that she would. Any place with Tony had the potential to be a great time. While they hadn’t had much alone time, the few stolen moments were amazing.

“Can I have a hint?”

“Yes. You love this kind of place. It always makes you smile, and we’re used to it.”

That didn't give her anything.

Jaxon was easy to please, and he could take her to a busy street and she’d be happy. It had something to do with those sexy aqua eyes.

When they came to a stop, she waited nervously. The ground wasn’t even, and she could smell flowers and candles. There was the quick click of a lighter, and then a flash of light.

Okay, there were candles.

“I’m dying here, Tony,” she stated.

“Hush. I promise you’ll love it,” he said, leaning down to kiss her. He couldn’t help himself. Maybe it was to add to the mood, or to alleviate his fears.

This place was a gamble.

“Okay, it’s time.” With nimble fingers, he freed the tie and let her look around.

“A cemetery?”

“An old Civil War cemetery,” he corrected. “Belleville has some of the oldest graves in the state.”

She squealed with excitement, rushing over to one of the oldest stones to read it. When she glanced back at him in the dusk, he saw the thrill.

Score one for him. He definitely knew his woman.

“I thought we could have a picnic here, and then take a moonlit walk through the stones.”

She loved that idea. Ever since she was a girl, the archaic notion of burying bodies enthralled her. There was something so mysterious about the rows of marble and who was housed beneath.

“Tony! This is perfect,” she said, seeing he also had a picnic.

Holding out his hand, he led her to the blanket that the tech had left for them. When he sat, she came down right beside him, still holding his hand.

“I’m so glad you like it.”

She kissed him on the cheek. “Oh, I love it! Like doesn’t even come close. Cemeteries are my favorite places to explore.”

It gave him the creeps, not because of the dead around them, but because he nearly lost her in a cemetery not that long ago.

But this wasn’t about him.

Tonight, it was all about Jaxon and offering her his ring.

“Well, I thought some dinner, a stroll, and maybe we could talk.”

She took the glass he held out to her as he opened the wine. “About what?”

He grinned. “Us.”

Jaxon took a sip of the wine and the bubbles made her giddy. “I assumed, but about what specifically?”

Tony pulled out the food that he’d picked and placed an olive in her mouth, before following it with his lips to seal them with a kiss.

When he pulled away, Jaxon looked dazed.

“You know—the normal stuff that couples discuss.”

Except, this evening was going to be anything but average. Tonight, he was going to give her something he hoped she’d cherish.

“I love being on a job with you, Jaxon. I really wish this assignment would never end. It feels wrong to not go to work every day by your side.”

“We could both get jobs at a university.”

His heart quivered. While Tony would sacrifice his future at the FBI, it would still wound him. “That’s an option.” With his resume, he could pretty much pick any job he wanted, and yet Tony hated that idea. He loved what he did for a living.

It was gratifying.

It was part of him.

“Look at those night blooming flowers,” she stated, pointing to a vine that climbed a nearby tree.

Getting to his feet, Tony decided to go with the proposal and to stop talking about work.

“Let me get you the perfect one,” he offered, reaching up to pluck it from the vine. With his other hand, he pulled the ring from his pocket and set the scene.

Jaxon nearly swooned watching him. Here was an older, sexy man, and he was picking her a flower on a romantic picnic in a cemetery. How much more seduction could she bear?

She was ready to melt.

Taking a seat beside her, he stared into her eyes. “This flower isn't nearly as beautiful as you,” he admitted, tucking some red strands of hair behind her ear.

She gazed up into his eyes, lost in the moment.

“Jaxon, will you accept this from me? Will you promise to always keep it and forever respect it?”

She didn't know what he was talking about. It was a flower. Soon, it would die.

Holding out his hand, Tony dropped the gorgeous blossom into her palm. When she looked down, he knew when the sparkle caught her eye.

“Oh my God!”

There in the center of the flower, around the stamen, was a ring.

“Marry me, Jaxon Charlotte Armstrong. I know I demanded before, but now I want it to be your choice. Take me as your husband, offer me everything you are, and let me lead us through life.”

Her eyes filled with tears.

“Oh, Tony!”

With gentle fingers, he pulled the ring from the flower. It was simple, but elegant. The multiple stones glittered as he prepared to offer her his gift.

“I picked it out for you. The center stone is us, coming together. The ones on each side were us before finding love. They are smaller, because until we met, life was less. Now, we’re whole and complete.”

She watched him take her hand, sliding it onto her finger. “Marry me, Jaxon. Make me whole.”

It was hard to string a sentence together. Yet, she tried.

“Tony Horracio Magnus, it would be my honor to be your wife. I know you’ll protect me, treasure me, and scare away all the shadows that once lived in my life. You’re the perfect man for me. I love you.”

He brought his mouth to hers, and they shared their first official engagement kiss. Until that moment, it didn't seem real. Now that she was wearing his ring, it was perfect.

Here was his wife-to-be.

The mating of mouths intensified.

Her hands wandered, finding the opening of his dress shirt. When they dipped inside, his heart began pounding in his chest.

“Jaxon,” he warned, knowing that she was baiting him. When it came to her, he’d take her just about anywhere. This cemetery wouldn’t be any different. Let the spirits of the past watch. He didn't give a rat’s ass.

“Tony, just touch me. Put your hands on me. I want to celebrate this night, and I’ll never forget this moment. My future husband, the most romantic night, and sex in a cemetery, will forever be in my mind.”

If this was what Jaxon longed for, he’d give her just that. Leaning into her, he pushed her to her back. Immediately, his fingers began moving down her torso, unbuttoning her shirt.

When his mouth followed the opening material, she squirmed beneath him.

“I love you, Jaxon,” he murmured, finding her nipple through the lacy bra. With teeth, he caged it.

“Oh God!” she arched into his mouth, even as his fingers moved lower down her body. Jaxon could feel him sliding the zipper lower and lower.

“Tonight is all about you, Jaxon. I want you to forever remember our night together. When we’re old, I want you to think about how we made love in a cemetery as we promised to never be with another person again.”

She wanted to give him anything he asked for. The man above her was tearing her apart with his words and mouth. She would give him her soul if he asked.

“Promise me that your lips will only be mine.”

“Yes, Tony.”

He tugged her pants down until she lay bare beneath him. “Promise this will only be mine,” he whispered, right before devouring his woman.

She moaned. The feel of his mouth, on the most sensitive part of her body, drove her to madness. She wanted more and more and couldn’t help but fall into the spiral of pleasure.

Tony wanted to brand her forever with his kiss. He wanted anyone who ever placed their hands on her to be a distant memory. From here on out, it would only be him.

Jaxon would forget anyone who ever left a little impression on her life.

She was his.

Tugging her pants lower, he refused to let her fall into the bliss. He wanted her to beg, plead, and offer herself to him.

“Tony! Please,” she whispered, when he moved his mouth to the inside of her thigh. Delicately, he teased her there.

“What?” he asked, allowing his fingers to trail through the wetness.

“Please let me feel you in me.”

It wasn’t good enough. “Who came before us, Jaxon?” he asked, waiting for her response.

“No one, Tony. There will be no one before or after you. You’re my all.”

With that, he dove in hungrily. He stole, pillaged, and devoured her until she practically wept from the pleasure. His fingers, mouth, and tongue all worked together to find that one perfect spot, and when they did, she ruptured apart.

“Oh God!”

He watched the pleasure wrack her body as he stood. In the flickering candles, so much emotion showed on her face.

He was lost in it.

Dropping his zipper, he freed himself from his boxers and dress pants. Before she could surface, he was over her body, positioned in place.

Nibbling at her throat, Tony waited. When her eyes opened, he pushed into her, claiming what was only his.

His woman.

His wife-to-be.

One day, the mother of his children.

“Tell me you’re mine.”

She obeyed as he began moving. Immediately, her legs wrapped around his hips, giving him total access to her body.

“Tell me, Jaxon.”

She gave him what he wanted. “I’m yours.”

“You’re going to be the perfect wife.”

Her gasp of pleasure filled him.

It gave Tony peace knowing that this woman wouldn’t leave him. Over the last month, he’d built the ties to bind them together.

As he reached closer to the edge, nearly slipping into his own bliss, Tony stared down into her eyes.

“Tell me you’re mine, Tony. Only mine,” she demanded.

Her words hit him directly in the heart.

Not only did she love him, she wanted to claim him as her own too.

“I’m yours,” he promised. “You’re going to be my wife. My one, my only,” he vowed. “I won’t ever touch or love another. I can promise you that, Jaxon. You’re my true love.”

Pulling his mouth down to hers, she sealed it with a kiss. Now, there were only the legal papers to tie up the last part of the knot.

With one last stroke into her body, and her tongue across his, Tony Magnus erupted like never before.

Then he fell, knowing that when he opened his eyes, it wouldn’t matter. He would be safe.

Home.

In peace.

He’d found his path in life, despite it all.

Nothing could break him now.

He’d found the woman who would be his wife.

~ Chapter Eight ~

This was all weighing heavily on her heart and mind. Both men knew, just from watching her, that it was definitely eating away at Elizabeth. While she was prone to sink deep into thought over a case, she wasn’t really one to nervously pace back and forth.

She was now currently wearing a path in the hotel carpet.

“You’re doing the right thing,” Ethan offered.

She glanced up at him, hoping that he wasn’t just trying to offer her empty words.

“I feel like I’m handling this all wrong. I don’t want to hurt him, but I can’t figure out how to navigate around this.”

Callen wanted to offer her some reassurance too. “If I were you, I’d be doing this the same way. I know I’m not the investigator you are or the profiler that Ethan is, but I’d want to be sure. Why hurt him if there’s no reason?”

All she wanted to know was if it was DNA from his mother or father. If it was the latter, they would be safe. Never in her life had she ever prayed that they didn't find the identity of a victim. If Tony’s mother was in that hole, Elizabeth was sunk, right along with her friend.

The worst part was she wouldn’t be able to save him from the pain. Since acquiring people who matter, she had found it increasingly difficult to keep her heart safe.

Now, she was going to be risking it all.

“What about you, Ethan?” she asked.

They had one major rule in their marriage—no lies. “If I was Tony, I would want to know, but I’m a control freak. I’d want to hover over the situation, micromanaging it. I’m not easy going like Callen. I can’t just sit back while fate screws with me.”

Of course the men were each going to pick a different end of the spectrum. Why was she shocked?

“What would you prefer, angel?” Callen asked.

She didn't know.

Before she realized that love was the most important thing in the world, she would want to know, but now… Elizabeth would trust the ones who cherished her to protect her when her heart was on the line.

She would trust these two men with her life.

“I honestly don’t know.”

Ethan had a sure fire way to make her feel better. “How about we get ready for bed, call Wyler, and you can see the kids?”

That did cheer her up. In fact, she ran for the large king size bed and jumped onto it.

“I’m ready!”

Both men laughed.

Pulling out his tablet, Callen got into position beside her. When they heard the ping of the video call being answered, they also heard squeals. It was an hour earlier back home, so the kids were still up.

“Hi, Dad!” Elizabeth called enthusiastically.

When he heard her voice, the Blackhawk grin came out. “Sweetheart! I’ve missed you! I didn't expect to hear from you.”

She missed him too. Here was an older version of her Ethan, and she loved him like he was her own father. Over the last few years, he’d become just that.

“I like to surprise you, Dad. How are you?”

He laughed. “Your dogs are out of control. Are you sure that Cyra likes us? They just ate another pair of shoes. I think they have some leather deficiency.”

Ethan immediately sat up. “Please tell me it wasn’t one of mine.”

Wyler laughed at the look on his son’s face. “I’m sorry, son. The black ones with the tassels are dead.”

“I’m going to kill those dogs.”

Callen laughed along with Elizabeth. “I’m betting your genius idea of getting two fluff balls doesn’t seem like such a good idea now.”

Wyler turned the tablet toward the floor. Sitting there, flanking EJ and Cat, were the two dogs. They were protectively watching over them.

On second thought, what was a pair of shoes anyway?

“They’re damn lucky they’re cute,” Ethan stated. Yeah, and he also had no doubt that they’d watch his children, keeping them safe. They were lousy shoe hounds, but excellent guard dogs.

Elizabeth whistled and both dogs’ ears perked up as they searched for her in the room. “I think they’re trained perfectly.”

The men knew that Cyra had somehow conspired against them. The dogs greeted her at the door and listened to her commands. It had to be a girlfriend code thing. There was no doubt that the women had somehow plotted against them.

“Can I see the kids?” Elizabeth asked, eagerly bouncing on the bed.

Wyler got down on the floor and held the tablet for the two kids. When she saw them, her eyes filled with tears.

“Kitty Cat, I love you so much.”

Catherine touched the screen and batted her big green eyes. “Momma.”

Elizabeth’s heart skipped in her chest. “Yes, baby, it’s me. I’ll be home soon. I promise.”

Then, EJ, true to form took the tablet and tried to eat it.

“That’s your son,” Ethan said. “He’s going to eat us out of house and home.”

Callen snorted. “That’s okay with me. I’ll work five jobs just so they’re happy.”

No one doubted that. Callen loved his children with all he had. He was working damn hard at giving them the idyllic childhood that he only dreamed of as a boy.

“EJ, I love you.”

Immediately, he listened to the sound of her voice. When he realized she was on the tablet waving at him, he grinned. He had a dimple in his one chubby cheek.

“He’s so damn sweet.”

Then, they heard their other terror. Unfortunately, CJ liked to play parrot, repeating everything. Now, he was running in circles yelling ‘damn’ as loud as he could.

“Callen James Blackhawk!” Ethan said, raising his voice.

It had the desired effect. The boy stopped in his tracks.

“CJ, momma loves you.”

He wandered over to the tablet. “Hi, my momma. I miss you. Hi, dadees. I cop.”

It was hard to miss that he was dressed up in a play costume and carrying fake pistols. He looked pretty damn cute too.

“You’re my handsomest man,” she crooned. Her son was looking more and more like his father with every passing day. She’d missed the last month with all three of her baby birds.

“You come home, Momma?”

Her eyes filled with tears. “I will soon, baby. I promise. I’ll be home before you know it. Then we can make cookies and watch movies.”

“Yay!”

With that, he took off running, singing a song about the joys of cookies.

Wyler’s face returned to the screen.

“How’s the new housekeeper working out?” Ethan asked. “You’re not searching for pie, are you?”

Callen snorted. “The Blackhawks love their pie, especially Wyler.”

“As a matter of fact, Callen James,” he admonished, “I’m not getting pie in the house anymore.”

Ethan lifted a brow, catching the last part of that sentence. “But you’re still having dessert often?”

He didn't say anything.

Elizabeth slapped herself in the middle of the forehead. “Oh Christ!  Please tell me Bly isn't making pie deliveries again.”

Wyler said nothing.

Callen spoke up, “Dad, get off that crazy train. It’s only going to derail and kill everyone onboard.”

“Do I comment on your sex life, son? Have I ever teased, admonished, or commented on the women before our Elizabeth? Trust me—there were some winners. In fact, I think I lost count of the women you took to your bed. You pretty much worked your way through the Rez.”

Callen flinched beside Elizabeth.

Immediately, she took his hand in hers and squeezed it reassuringly. They all knew Callen hated his life before their union. If anything, he was ashamed.

“I know I did, Dad.”

The older Blackhawk looked angry.

All three of them stared at the man, still in shock. They didn't expect him to take a shot at his son. Normally, he was easy going. It was where Callen got it from.

“Dad,” Ethan began, getting ready to defend his brother. The last thing he wanted to see was Callen hurting over his past. They had all made mistakes, Wyler included.

“If I want to have sex, I think that’s something that should be between me and the other person. If my sex life is an issue, I can move back to the Rez and out of your house.”

What the hell was this?

Ethan closed his mouth when his wife placed her hand on his wrist. It was a clear signal.

This wasn’t the time or place.

“Sorry, Dad, we won’t ever bring it up again,” Elizabeth offered. “You’re right. It’s not any of our business, and we shouldn’t bust you about it. The pie conversation is dead. The next time any of us bring it up, it will be about real baked goods.”

His cheek twitched.

Yeah, Wyler was stirred up. Something was going on there. Before anyone could say anything else, the man continued.

“I need to see to the kids. Cindy leaves in a little while, and she’s going to help me get them wrangled and into bed. I’m glad you’re safe, Elizabeth. Have a good night.”

They didn't know what to say.

Never had Wyler cut them off so abruptly, especially when they were only teasing him.

This was new.

Awkward.

Bizarre.

“Goodnight, Dad,” Ethan stated right before the man ended the video call.

Callen was surprised. “Holy shit! What did we do to set him off? I don’t think I’ve ever seen him that mad before.”

They weren’t sure.

“If he’s back with Bly, she’s not getting her damn job back,” stated Elizabeth. “We just got rid of her, and Cindy is freaking Mary Poppins. Plus, she likes me. If he asks us to take her back, you have to be tough and say no,” she said, staring at her husband.

“Why do I have to say no? Why can’t you be the one who wears that bull’s-eye?” he asked, teasing her. “There are two other people running this household. How did I get nominated to be the bad guy?”

“You’re tougher than I am. He puts on that dopey Blackhawk grin, and I’m toast. He can’t do that to you because you’re male and immune.”

Ethan laughed. His wife had a point.

“Please keep evil Bly away, Ethan. There’s no one to switch around my coffee mugs, comment on my panties, or make our lives hell.”

Callen spoke up, “I comment on your girly things all the time.”

She punched him.

“Shit! I didn't miss that while you were away!”

Ethan was amused, and for his wife, he would easily take one for the team. “She’s not coming back. I promise. Cindy is really good at her job, and she’s here to stay.”

“Do you think we hurt his feelings?” Callen asked.

They all rolled onto their backs in bed and stared at the ceiling.

“I hope not,” stated Elizabeth. “We may have to stop the hating on his Native babe, which is going to suck. I can’t stand her. I don’t know if I can fake my way through that.”

“Maybe we should have her over for dinner and bury the hatchet.”

Elizabeth and Ethan stared over at Callen.

“Are you insane?” Elizabeth asked, appalled by that suggestion. Once you let evil back in, you can’t get it to leave. Bly is like the bad things that come through when you play with a Ouija board. No one needs her haunting our house.”

Yeah, not happening.

He laughed. “Come on. Think about it. How awkward would that be? She’d be a nervous wreck. We can spin this in our favor. Ethan can stare at her with that cold empty gaze, you can give her the disapproving look, and I can snicker the entire time.”

They started laughing.

“Your deviousness is sexy,” Elizabeth admitted. “I kind of like that plan.”

Callen grinned. “Thank you. I’m learning from the best.”

Ethan pulled out his tablet, opened it, and then pulled up Elizabeth’s shirt. This was something he’d missed doing the last month.

“What are you up to?” she asked, watching him curiously.

“It’s bedtime, so I thought that I’d go back to reading to Charlie.”

That made her grin and go to mush all at once. “Ethan Blackhawk, I couldn’t love you more if I tried.”

“What are you reading her?” Callen asked.

“It was a toss up, but I picked ‘
I Can Lick Thirty Tigers Today’
, by Dr. Seuss. I was torn between his more popular ones, but I figured she’d hear those in school. Why not be original?”

Elizabeth started laughing. “I’ve never heard that one,” she added. “This should be interesting.”

“It will be.”

With that, they all curled up, and Ethan Blackhawk took a few minutes to help his wife forget the mess brewing around them. For that moment, they were just a family, loving their unborn child.

“This is nice,” Callen stated, running his hand over the baby bump.

“Yeah, it really is,” she replied.

Ethan grinned. If anything, he knew how to calm his wife.