Lori Foster (29 page)

“Sounds like a real dirtbag.”

“A wealthy dirtbag,” Rowdy agreed.

“The worst kind.” Pepper wrinkled her nose. “I agree with Rowdy. Don’t go back there alone.”

“And speaking of Fisher...” He slid his cell phone across the table to her. “Give your mom a call, see if you can set up that visit. I’d as soon not wait around for him to make another move.”

She’d just promised Pepper that she wouldn’t cause a scene or kick up a fuss. But the timing was all wrong, coming out of nowhere. Somehow she’d expected to sense when Rowdy started to pull away.

Instead, he’d blindsided her.

Pepper didn’t seem to realize that Rowdy was setting up an exit plan, but Avery saw the signs loud and clear. She just didn’t know what to do about it—except to give him what he wanted.

She picked up the phone and rose out of her chair. “I’ll make the visit for as soon as I can.” Quietly, she walked out of the kitchen, going to the couch for a modicum of privacy to talk.

* * *

R
OWDY
COULD
HEAR
Avery on the phone, but not exactly what she said. She sat with her back to them, her head bowed, her shoulders showing defeat.

Pepper kept talking to him. She had a hundred questions about Fisher, and he answered as succinctly as he could without giving away anything important—like how much he loved Avery. How important she’d become to him.

How, in such a short time, she’d impacted his life.

He needed some time away, right now, before he cracked.

Avery rejoined them. “Mom is busy until next weekend. Is that too far away for you?”

Like a stay of execution, he was glad for the additional time with Avery. “That’ll be fine.” He pushed to his feet. “I’m going to run to the security store to get some stuff.” Before either woman could ask, he detailed the measures he’d take. “I want to put up some more security cameras at the bar, but also here at my apartment.” He reached out to touch Avery’s hair, letting a long corkscrew lock glide through his fingers. “At your apartment, too.”

Pepper lifted her brows. “I thought you wanted her to get rid of the place.”

He knew he’d confused his sister, but then, he was also confused...by so many things. “I do. But either way, as long as others think she’s there, I want to take some precautions so if anyone comes around there snooping, we’ll know it.”

Avery didn’t pull away from him. “I can be ready in ten minutes.”

“Why don’t you and Pepper hang out and visit? I won’t be long.” He picked up his keys, put them in his jeans pocket.

Suspicion brought Avery out of her chair. “You promise you’re not going after Fisher?”

“I told you we’d confront him together.” He didn’t look at her as he went to the bedroom to get his shoes. “I don’t lie.”

Avery said gently, “I know.”

At the same time Pepper snorted. “Since when?”

To his sister, he clarified, “I don’t lie to you, and I don’t lie to Avery. That’s what I meant.” When necessary, in other situations, he had no problem at all saying whatever he needed to.

Then again, he’d just told Avery that she should stay with him, without explaining that he wanted her to get rid of the apartment, to cut back at work, all because he wanted her safe—away from the inherent danger in his world.

A lie of omission, if not an outright whopper.

The significance of that statement wasn’t lost on his sister; he’d just elevated Avery’s importance to him in a very big way.

Again Pepper looked back and forth between them. She caught on, understanding that he needed some time alone but didn’t want to leave Avery by herself. He and Pepper had always had that special connection, a way of communicating without words.

Faking a bright smile, Pepper said, “I would like to hang out, Avery, if you don’t mind.”

Avery’s smile was too strained. “I’d enjoy that, thank you. If you don’t mind, I’ll go take my shower right now, and then we can visit.”

Rowdy caught her hand as she headed past him.

She hung back a few seconds before coming in close, wrapping her arms around him.

God, it felt good.
Rowdy hugged her close and pressed his mouth to the top of her head. “I won’t be gone that long, babe. A few hours, tops.”

“I know.”

But he sensed her gloom and it bothered him. “If you’re fretting, don’t.” He nudged her face up so he could see her eyes. “All I have planned is to buy security equipment, maybe go by your apartment to get whatever you need then come back here with you.” He looked into her eyes, willing her to understand. “Believe me?”

Her smile touched his soul. “Always.”

Hand over her heart, Pepper said with stageworthy drama, “So romantic. I’m ready to swoon.”

Rowdy tossed one of the bed pillows at her.

She caught it and hugged it tight. “If you’re going to install new equipment at the bar, I can help with that, right?”

“Sure.” Keeping Avery close, he asked, “How late will Logan be working?”

“Hard to say. Guess it depends on what he finds.” She tossed the pillow back to the bed. “Since he’s out being heroic and all, I probably shouldn’t complain.”

Keeping in mind what Peterson had disclosed, Rowdy understood why Logan might be so busy. Like him, Logan wanted to keep Pepper safe, well away from the cruelty that existed in everyday life.

To help keep Pepper busy, he made an offer—with conditions. “I don’t want you leaving the bar alone, but if Logan comes by to get you when he’s done, then you can hang out with us as long as you want.”

Pepper agreed, then called Logan to fill him in while Rowdy finishing getting ready to go.

He was glad Avery would have company, and appreciated the opportunity to go by her apartment to make a few arrangements. If Fisher even drove by, Rowdy would know about it.

He was an expert at setting up surveillance, and he knew how to cover his tracks. Fisher was as good as busted—and then he’d be out of Avery’s life once and for all.

CHAPTER TWENTY-THREE

E
VEN
KNOWING
P
EPPER
waited on her, Avery took her time showering, washing her hair then applying some makeup. Pepper was so incredibly beautiful that she felt like a dud next to her.

Her plain jeans, flat shoes and sweatshirt couldn’t compare with Pepper’s take-no-prisoners attractive style. Pepper had one of those figures that no matter what she wore, it looked sexy. Today she had on skinny jeans, high boots, and a black, snug-fitting thermal shirt that not only emphasized her curves, it also made her incredible blond hair even more noticeable. Pepper wore makeup like a pro, but looked just as stunning without it.

When she exited the bathroom, Avery found Pepper on the couch, making herself at home. She’d removed her boots and had her feet propped on the table as she flipped through the pages of a book.

Avery would have asked if she wanted anything, but she saw that Pepper had already switched from coffee to cola.

Taking the chair opposite her, Avery curled up, her feet tucked under her, and waited for Pepper’s attention.

“My brother really is pretty amazing.”

“Yes.”

She held up the book on small-business management. “He’s always done stuff like this. Educated himself in whatever way he needed to.” Pepper set the book aside, then drifted her fingers over the cover. “Mostly that meant teaching himself to fight, to steal and how to cheat without getting caught.”

“Necessary traits, I’m sure.”

Pepper grinned with her. “He used those talents to keep us safe, fed and clothed. So yeah, pretty necessary.” She turned pensive, looking around the apartment as if only then noticing the unique architecture. “Whenever Rowdy could keep a legit job, he did. But it wasn’t easy.”

What an understatement. “He did more with what life gave him than any other person I know.”

“He’s so used to it just being us that he’s still adjusting. It was enough that he had to get used to Logan, but then Reese, too, and Alice.”

“And now he has Marcus in his life.”

“Little by little, he’s digging in. Making commitments and getting settled.” Pepper sat forward. “The bar, this apartment. Friends.” She tipped her head at Avery. “You.”

I’m only temporary.
But Avery couldn’t bring herself to say that out loud. “You do realize he asked me to stay with him mostly so he could protect me?”

Pepper barked a laugh. “Yeah, right.” She stood to pace, looking around the apartment. “My brother wants to play protector to just about everyone, but he doesn’t go moving in random women to do it.”

Avery would have loved to believe that, but she didn’t want to delude herself. “I’m not all that random. I’m his bartender.”

“Ha! And you think that’s what he cares about, protecting his own interests? You must not know him as well as you think.”

“No, I didn’t mean it like that.” Far as she could tell, Rowdy was never motivated by mercenary selfishness. “I meant that because we work together, we were already friends before we got intimate. I’m not
just
a woman he’s sleeping with.”

“You have other women working at the bar?”

“Sure.” Ella was the most regular, but others filled in, too, as part-time waitresses.

“Has he ever slept with any of them?” Pepper didn’t give her a chance to answer. “No, he hasn’t. Because my brother is smart enough that he wouldn’t want to muddy the waters. And screwing a woman he works with, when he knew he only wanted sex, would definitely muddy it up.”

Avery hadn’t really thought about it like that. “He hit on me even before he bought the bar.”

“And soon as he got it, he made you the bartender—which sort of ensured you’d keep hanging around—then
still
came after you, right?”

She nodded.

“I’m guessing he was already hung up on you way back then, otherwise he’d have steered clear of you, or fired you if he couldn’t.” Pepper shrugged. “So don’t underestimate what he wants based only on what he’s said or hasn’t said.”

It occurred to Avery where Pepper’s insight might come from. “Is that how it was with you and Logan?”

“It was worse. Logan used me to get to Rowdy. He arrested my brother, put him in danger....” Holding on to the pole, Pepper turned a lazy circle. “I didn’t think I’d ever be able to forgive him. But I figured out leaving him would be the hardest thing of all. Especially after he got hurt.”

Gently, Avery said, “I’m glad things worked out for you.”

“Yeah, they really did.” She pushed away from the pole and went to Rowdy’s bookcase to peruse the other titles. “Now I want Rowdy to be just as happy as I am.”

Could she make him happy? Avery wanted to, very much.

A knock sounded on the door and the two women glanced at each other.

Pepper lifted a brow. “Expecting anyone?”

“No.” She stood. “Rowdy said the other ladies in the building sometimes pester him.”

Pepper went back to looking at books. “If that’s who it is, tell her to get lost. He’s taken.”

Thinking she just might do that, Avery started for the door.

“But make sure before you open it.”

“Of course.” She went up the short stairs and to the door. Rowdy didn’t have a peephole in the door, so she called out, “Who is it?”

“Avery?” Meyer said. “Your mother insisted I bring her by for a visit.”

Oh, wow. Her mother was here? Thinking that something had happened, that her mother might have gotten bad news during a checkup, Avery turned the locks and swung open the door.

And there stood Meyer. Instead of her mother being at his side, he’d brought Fisher.

The enormity of the ruse hit Avery like a sucker punch. She drew in a breath, surprised, angry—and a little fearful.

Before any one emotion could claim the lead, Meyer pushed his way in—which forced her to back up. In her nervousness she almost fell down the short flight of stairs.

Fisher shot out a hand and caught her arm. He wore a dark scowl and what looked like confusion.

“What the hell is this, Meyer?” He didn’t release Avery when he said it, but he did shove the door shut.

Avery had just enough awareness to notice he didn’t lock it. With any luck, she’d get a break and she could run out—if Pepper could follow. No way would she leave Rowdy’s sister behind. But maybe she could go for help. If she made it to the street—

“Come on, then.” Meyer gestured for them to go down the stairs. “Let’s all get cozy.”

Hand still squeezing her upper arm, Fisher took in Meyer’s expression, then turned to Avery with clear displeasure. “You heard him.” He dragged her along as he went down into Rowdy’s apartment. “So this is where you’ve been staying?”

It occurred to Avery that Pepper was out of sight. Fisher and Meyer were both looking around, but they didn’t see her. Had she ducked behind the bookshelf? Under the bed?

Lord, please don’t let her be as fearless as Rowdy.
Never would she forgive herself if anything happened to Rowdy’s sister.

Anxiety left her mouth dry and made her heart race. “What are you doing here?” She’d hoped to sound in charge, confident and courageous when she spoke, but the words came out breathless and shaky.

Bemused, Fisher said, “I have no real idea.”

Though he held her arm too tightly, his thumb brushed over her skin, and that ramped up her fear factor even more. She’d rather Fisher abuse her than get amorous.

“What do you mean, you don’t know? You came here.”

He shrugged. “Meyer told me we were meeting a thug who would discourage your lover. I’m as surprised as you are by his plans.”

“You were balking at the idea of chasing her,” Meyer explained. “I had to take matters into my own hands.”

“This changes nothing.” Fisher held on to Avery when she tried to wrench away. Forcefully, he pressed her into a chair at the kitchen table. “I don’t mind getting a little revenge, but she’s used goods now and no longer appeals to me.”

“Used goods?”

“You’ve been fucking a broken, lowlife brute. Do you have any idea how that repels me?”

“Good!”

“No, Avery, don’t be that way. He’ll change his mind.” Meyer paced to the windows to look out. “Once your bodyguard is gone, Fisher will see again how perfectly suited the two of you are.”

“You’re insane,” Avery whispered. “I’m not going to listen to this.” She started to stand.

Fisher slammed her back down in the chair. “Be quiet.” He stepped behind her, both hands on her shoulders close to her neck. He tightened his hold, keeping her locked in fear. “In this instance, Meyer, I have to wonder if she’s right.”

“She’s wrong!” He jerked around to face them—a gun in his hand.

Ohmigod. Even if she got away from Fisher’s hold, she’d never make it to the door in time to get out, not without being shot. Knowing Pepper was somewhere in the room only amplified her fear. If she was even half as daring as Rowdy, she might try to rush Meyer. And if she did, he very well might kill her.

“Meyer.” Fisher’s tone held a new edge. “Just what are you doing?”

“I’m setting things right. Sonya wants her home, so home she will be. Now, do your bit, damn you.”

From the corner of her eye, Avery saw a shadow move. Pepper. No, no, no.

“My bit?” Fisher asked, thankfully keeping Meyer’s attention.

“You’re an abusive ass, Fisher.” Meyer pulled out a chair opposite them and sat down as casual as you please. He crossed his legs and rested his gun hand on the tabletop—pointed toward them.

Avery had the horrible suspicion that Fisher stood behind her so that she could be his shield. The miserable coward.

“I don’t know what you’re talking about,” Fisher said. But Avery heard the lie in his voice—and so did Meyer.

“I’ve known it for years. The women you’ve paid not to prosecute. The women you’ve hurt.”

Out of sheer surprise, Fisher’s hands loosened. “I don’t know where you heard such lies, but I assure you—”

“Please. Where women are concerned, you’re a masochistic prick.” Meyer shrugged, uncaring. “I’ve convinced Sonya otherwise, of course. I’ve not only played up your good deeds but I’ve painstakingly covered the tracks of your ill repute.”

“Why?” Avery whispered. This man knew that Fisher had tried to rape her. He was saying Fisher had done so to other women. Rage crept in around the hurt and fear. “Why would you do that?”

As if it explained everything, Meyer said, “He comes from a good family. He has the respect of the community, is well looked upon by the press. He produces excellent business results. My colleagues love him. And your mother is fond of him.”

Fisher shook his head, but he didn’t deny any of it. “Damn, Meyer, I don’t know what to say.”

Meyer waved it off. “I have my own investigators, you know. They’ve made sure you haven’t left any messes behind. That fuckup with Avery...it was touch and go, especially where her mother is concerned. But I managed to convince Sonya that you were an innocent pawn and that Avery was just upset over losing her father and her mother marrying me. I was very sincere, very
hurt
over the slight Avery dealt me with her attitude. I played the loving stepfather to a tee.” He grinned. “I assured her Avery would return home where she belonged after she got the wildness out of her system. But it’s gone on too long, and Sonya has suffered too much. So now you’ll do what needs to be done.”

“That being?”

“Sonya wants her daughter back. As long as you get Avery to toe the line, I have no qualms how you do it.” He looked Avery in the eyes. “Maybe get her pregnant.”

“Go to hell!” She struggled away from Fisher, and he barely caught her, jerking her around with her back to his chest, locking his massive arms around her. “You won’t touch me!” she insisted while fighting him.

Fisher laughed. “I’m touching you now.”

She could feel him growing hard. Revulsion made her stomach pitch and she gagged.

“Don’t,” Fisher said near her ear. “You will regret it if you vomit on me.”

Through locked teeth, Avery said, “You will regret it more, I swear to you, if you do this.”

“A challenge,” Meyer said with anticipation. “Go on, then.”

Fisher stalled. “Here?”

“Yes.” He settled back in his chair. “I believe I’ll watch.”

Fisher gave a disbelieving laugh. “No, I don’t think so, Meyer. Having an audience is not my thing.”

“That’s unfortunate, because I’m finding it might be mine.” Meyer aimed the gun. “And you will do it, or lose everything.”

She could feel Fisher’s breath on her temple, the bellowing of his chest on her back. Instead of outright refusing, he said, “What if her junkyard dog returns?”

“I’ll handle the crude bastard. Don’t worry about that.” Meyer showed his teeth in a sick smile. “He’s as good as gone.”

Terror gave Avery courage. Rowdy could return at any minute, so she knew she needed to do something now, even if it got her shot. In fact, a gunshot would maybe alert others. It’d give Pepper a chance to escape. And it would bring the police, maybe even Logan and Reese.

Rowdy would be safe—and at the moment, that’s what mattered most of all.

* * *

C
ANNON
DETESTED
INDECISION
. He was out jogging—part of his conditioning—and he’d just so happened to be going past the bar when he noticed the men heading into Rowdy’s apartment building. He recognized one of them as the man who’d visited the bar.

The other guy... He had a bad feeling.

Being that he wore sweatpants and a long-sleeved shirt with running shoes, he didn’t have his wallet or cell phone on him. He couldn’t call Rowdy to verify things were copasetic.

Should he go up to Rowdy’s apartment to check on them, even though it seemed like ridiculous overkill to get bent out of shape over two clean-cut visitors? Rowdy could sure as hell handle himself.

Still...

“Screw it,” Cannon said aloud and, choices limited, jogged toward the family-owned restaurant less than a block away. He’d use their phone to call Rowdy and then he’d decide what to do.

* * *

W
ITH
SEVERAL
PURCHASES
on the seat beside him, Rowdy drove toward Avery’s apartment. He’d thought to take his time, to use up a few hours while he thought things through.