Skylar (The Love Family Series Book 1) (8 page)

“Drop the weapon, asshole.”

The man grabbed Skylar around the neck and held the gun to her head. “I don’t think so, pig. One wrong move and she gets a bullet to the brain.” He cocked the trigger.

She pulled on his arm, fighting a losing battle in trying to get free.

“Shoot the asshole.”

Declan moved the gun looking for the right angle. “I don’t have a shot.”

“God damn it, Dec, shoot this son of bitch. If I’m dying, he’s going with me.”

His hold on her throat tightened. “Shut up,” he growled in her ear.

Luke inched out from behind the column and approached them from the rear. Declan’s eyes darted to him and back to Sky’s.

“Skylar, listen very carefully.”

Tears streaked down her red face as she gasped for air in the man’s hold.

“Remember when I stole your precious doll and threatened to tear her head off? You remember what you did to Flynn when he was restraining you?”

She double blinked.

“It’s that time again.”

She stepped to the side, her fist coming down hard on the assailant’s crotch. When he doubled over, he lost his hold, and she elbowed him in the nose and scurried out of his reach.

Luke jumped on top of her, sending them both to the concrete ground, covering her body with his.

Two gun shots rang out through the concrete garage as she struggled from beneath Luke’s hold to see if her assailant was hit. He lay dead on the ground with a bullet hole between his eyes. Blood seeped beneath his head. She glanced over at Declan. He was lying on the ground, holding his hand to his chest.

“Dec…” Luke called out, jumping up and hurrying over to Declan’s side. He tore his shirt open and peeled the layers back. “Shit. Sky, call for medics.”

A team of police officers burst through the door. The lead uniform keyed the mic. “Love’s been hit. Send the paramedics into the parking garage.”

Luke used his hand to press on the wound, trying to staunch the flow of blood as a gurney was wheeled out. The paramedics moved everyone out of the way and slid Declan on before whisking him away again.

She stood beside Luke and watched her brother being carted away while another team, and the officers left behind, dealt with the dead guy. In a trance, Luke stared down at the blood on his hands.

“Sky, you need to call your parents.”

Sky led him into the hospital and up the stairs into one of the ladies restrooms, not carrying if it was occupied. She held his hands under the water and soaped her hands and helped him wash the fresh blood away.  The warm water snapped him out of his daze and he finished his hands alone, drying them before cupping her face and pressing his lips to hers in a punishing kiss.

“He almost killed you.”

“But he didn’t, Luke. He didn’t hurt me. Besides, I knew Henry would tell on me if I wasn’t back in two minutes. I was counting on it.”

He leaned his forehead against hers. “It’s over.” The words were a whisper between them.

“He never told me why he did it.” She pressed a kiss to his lips before pulling out her phone and dialing her parents.

“I’m sure it’s just a matter of time until the police put the pieces together.”

Skylar held up her finger. “Mom. Declan was shot saving my life. I need Dad and you to come to the hospital.”

“Martin, grab your keys,” her mother yelled. “We have to go. Baby, are you okay? Are you hurt?”

“Just scratched up, but I’m fine. I’ve got to go find where they took him.”

“We’ll be there in ten minutes. Hold tight, honey. Momma’s coming.”

Tears gathered in Skylar’s eyes. “Thanks, Mom. I love you.”

“I love you too, baby.”

A single tear fell, and Luke pulled her into his arms, holding her while her shoulders shook. Her mind raced, replaying the incident and seeing Declan so hurt.

“It’s okay, Sky. Let it out. I’ve got you.”

She sniffled and broke his hold, wiping her tear-stained face. “Not until I know about Declan. When I know he’s going to be okay, then I’ll have my breakdown.”

Luke kissed her forehead and led her out of the bathroom to the uniform that had apparently followed them.

“They took him straight to surgery on the fourth floor.”

“Thank you,” she whispered.

Luke took her hand and squeezed it as they made their way to the fourth floor, where several cops sat in the surgical waiting room. Olivia sat alone in a set of chairs.

“What are you doing out of bed?”

“Like they could keep me still, please.” She gestured to Henry. “Henry here heard it all over the radio. I threatened to castrate him if he didn’t take me to the waiting room.”

She rose. “Are you okay?” Olivia took Skylar’s arms and turned them. “Did you get shot? Did he hurt you?”

“No, just a few scratches.” She turned back to the door. “Have they come out and said anything?”

“No. I tried to call your parents, but no one answered.”

“That’s because I already called them. They’re on their way.”

Declan’s second-in-command, Deputy Chief Simmons, approached them. “Ms. Love, if there’s anything you need, we’re here for you.”

“Thank you.”

“Baby,” Skylar’s mom called, rushing into the waiting room with open arms. Skylar was engulfed and surrounded by the love of her mother as her dad stood watch. Her mother squeezed her tight and kissed her cheek. “Are you all right? Have you heard anything? Do I need to go find the doctor for answers?”

“No, Mom, Declan’s in surgery, and it probably wouldn’t be good if you tried to break in demanding answers. As for me, I’m fine. A psycho tried to abduct me; Declan and Luke saved me.”

Her mother’s gaze shot to Luke. “You saved my baby?”

“No, ma’am. She pretty much saved herself, giving Declan an opening to shoot the bast….I mean, psycho. I just covered her during the gunfight.”

“You saved my baby.” She ignored Luke’s explanation and threw her arms around him. “I always knew you were a good boy.”

Skylar tried to hide her smile, watching as Luke was engulfed in an awkward hug.

He patted her back. “Honestly….It was all Declan…”

“No.” She finally let go. “Stray bullets are a real thing, and you put your life in front of hers.”

“Sky, how you holding up?” her dad asked, putting his arm around her shoulders. 

“I’ll be better when we hear news on Declan.”

Her father led her over to one of the chairs and sat next to Olivia and her. “Okay, girls, start talking. Olivia, you can start with why in the hell you’re pulling around an IV bag.”

“Sky’s psycho hit me on the back of the head before he burned down our shop.”

Sky’s father rested his elbows on his legs. “That’s what happened? We heard there was a fire but we didn’t think it was your shop.”

He glanced at Sky. “Your turn.”

She spent thirty minutes getting her parents caught up with everything that had happened since Friday night, leaving out all the juicy details of what had happened between Luke and her. About the time she finished, her brothers showed up and she had to repeat the story.

Chapter 9

Sky glanced up from her slouched positon to see the doctor pulling off his mask as he approached the waiting room. She stood, placing a trembling hand on her stomach. Luke wrapped his arm around her waist and pulled her close.

“Mrs. Love?”

“Yes.” Her mom stood up, her father’s reassuring hand on her back.

“Surgery went well. The bullet went straight through and he only suffered minor damage. He’s in recovery and still groggy from the anesthesia, but when he wakes up, we’re moving him into a room, and we’ll come back to get you.

Her father shook the doctor’s hand. “Thank you, Doctor.”

Luke pressed a kiss to Skylar’s forehead. Out of the corner of her eye, she saw her father take notice.

“How about I go get us some coffee?” Luke whispered in her ear. “After we visit with Declan, I’m going to take you home and get you cleaned up.”

He lifted her arm and turned it, observing her scratches. The same scratches she had forgotten were there.

“Come on, Olivia. It’s time to go back to your room.”

Olivia rose and glared at her warden. “Didn’t you hear? The bad guy’s dead. I won’t be needing your services.”

“Until Declan tells me otherwise, I’m afraid you’re stuck with me,” Henry reminded her.

“Remind me to kill your brother when he wakes up,” she whispered to Sky in passing. “Call me later.”

“I will.” Sky squeezed Olivia’s hand as she walked out. “Thanks for being here.”

She smirked at Henry. “I wouldn’t have had it any other way.”

“And she means that, Ms. Love,” Henry chimed in.

Forty minutes and two cups of coffee later, a nurse came in to escort them to Declan’s room. Most of the officers, that had shown, had left with the message to let Declan know that they’d be back to visit.  Deputy Chief Simmons announced he’d be back later tonight to talk to Declan and that he would go check the dead guy’s background to see if he could pinpoint any connection between the dead man, Luke and her. She’d wished him luck.

Declan was resting comfortably when they entered, alert and aggravated that the nurse kept having to remind him he couldn’t just get up and move.

“There’s my baby boy.” Her mom started across the room, leaning over the bed and peppering him with tiny kisses all over his face.

“Mom, quit. I’m not a baby.”

“You’ll always be my baby,” she quickly replied while straightening the blanket on the bed and making sure he was covered.

Declan rolled his eyes. “Thanks, mom.” He glanced at Sky. “You okay?”

“Yeah.” She waved off his concern. “Thank god you stole my baby doll when I was young.” She grinned. “Or I might not have been.”

He chuckled and then clutched his chest and coughed. “Good thing we toughened you up. If you’d been a girly girl, we’d all be hurt because I wasn’t letting him take you. Maybe next time you’ll listen and stay put when you’re told.”

“Keep kidding yourself, Dec.” Luke chuckled.

Sky moved beside the bed and squeezed Declan’s hand. “I’m so sorry, Declan. It’s all my fault.” Her eyes glassed over.

“Now don’t go blaming yourself, Sky. He was probably crazy long before he met you. I’m just glad you’re okay. Did you recognize him from anywhere besides the restaurant?”

“No, and I asked him why he was doing this, but he never gave me an answer.”

Declan’s brows dipped. “Is Simmons looking for a connection?”

She nodded and swiped away the tear that slipped free.

“I’m sure he’ll find it,” he reassured her. “He’s like a hound dog sniffing out a bone. You look like hell. Why don’t you go home and get some rest? It doesn’t look like I’ll be going anywhere.” She didn’t miss the look that Declan gave Luke or the slight nod of his head toward the door.

“Come on, Sky. I’m going to take you home.”  He rested his palm on her lower back. “I’ll come back tomorrow to visit. If you need anything, call me.”

Skylar hugged her parents one last time before following Luke out of the room. Her shoulders sagged, as did her heart. She was ready to drop on her feet. She followed Luke into the parking garage and out the door. Two wet spots remained where the blood had been washed away. Her heart clenched.

“It’s over.” Luke slid his fingers through hers.

She gave a slight nod and swallowed around the lump in her throat before getting into his SUV. She slid the buckle in place and rested her head. She fought to reassure her mind, even if she couldn’t make sense of any of it. The facts were the man was dead and her brother lay in a hospital bed.

****

Luke drove straight to the cabin, taking the long way and purposely avoiding her boutique. That was added stress that could wait one more day. Her strong veneer was cracking, and if she had a breakdown, he’d help her through it. A quick look from the corner of his eye and he noticed her dazed expression. The only noise was the hum coming from the air conditioner vents. She needed a jolt to get out of her head, something to counteract the miserable day.

He pulled into the drive, parked the car, and pulled the keys. “Sky?”

“Hmm?” she answered, unmoving, her gaze out the front window.

“Marry me.”

“What?” She blinked several time before whipping her gaze to his. “You’re nuts.”

He shrugged. “That’s not quite the response I was looking for. A yes or no would have sufficed.”

She unbuckled her belt and shifted in her seat. “What did you expect? We’ve been almost poisoned. Everything I’ve worked for has just gone up into flames; I was kidnapped; Declan was shot, and now you go and pull this? A marriage proposal? Luke, we’ve been running on adrenaline.” She took a deep breath, opened the door, and slid out heading for the porch.

“And…she’s back.” He grinned and slid out of the car, before following her into the cabin. “Sky, you didn’t answer my question.”

She was heading for the hallway, but his comment had her stopping dead in her tracks. She slowly turned to face him. “I would have given you an answer had you meant it. I know what you just did. It was like a splash of cold water to my face. I needed it. So, thank you.”

“And what would have been your answer if I’d ‘meant it’?” He made quotation marks in the air.

“It doesn’t matter, Luke.” She shrugged. “It wasn’t real.” She spun on her heels and disappeared down the hallway.

“What if it was?” he whispered to himself.

“I heard that,” she hollered back at him. “No more talk of marriage tonight or anything else.”

He grinned and walked to the fridge. After grabbing a beer and popping the top, he leaned his hip against the counter as he took a long pull of the icy brew.

Minutes later, she appeared in the hallway with a towel wrapped around her body. His cock grew thicker every second he stared at the perfection he knew was hidden beneath. He swallowed, his beer forgotten. “You need me to wash your back?”

“Not quite.” She tossed him his swim trunks and another towel. “But you can join me for a relaxing dip in the hot springs.”

“You don’t have to ask me twice.” He stripped in front of her and changed, and they were out the door minutes later. “I figured you’d be tired and need sleep.”

“You thought wrong.” She walked down the short path to their destination. “Believe it or not, my brother doesn’t know what I need.” She let the towel fall to her feet, standing naked before him. “But I’m betting you do.”

She smiled and eased into the water.

“Damn right I do, woman.” He hopped to get out of his swim trunks, dropped them on the towel, and followed her in. His cock jetted out in front of him, as if to reach her first. He eased under the water and pulled her into his arms, holding her while pressing his back into the rocks. His hands rested at her waist when she wrapped her legs around him. He held her still, letting her feel the length of his shaft as it rubbed against her wet folds. Steam rose around them. The warm water eased his tired muscles.

He pressed his lips to her collarbone, working a slow, agonizing path up her neck. “I guess you’ve decided it’s play time?” he asked between kisses until reaching her lips. He took them in a deep kiss, taking his time and claiming every inch of her mouth until she pressed closer to his body. He reached between their bodies and slid his fingers against her folds before sliding them in.

He swallowed her moan before adding another, working them in and out.

She broke the kiss and reached for his shaft, stroking him from the base to the tip.

“You fight dirty, Sky.”

She grinned. “You don’t even know what I’m capable of.”

He pulled his fingers free, positioned her over his cock, and eased her down his length. “I can’t wait to find out.”

He lifted her weightless body up, sliding her up and down his shaft, working her into a state of frenzy while trying to contain himself. “I think we may have to borrow Declan’s handcuffs one night. Would you like that, Sky?”

She moaned. Her nails dug deeper into his back.

“I’ll take that as a yes.”

“I don’t need his. I have my own.”

Damn. Her words made his cock throb against her silky folds. He quickened their pace, watching her breasts as they bounced in the water. He wasn’t going to last, and damn, if she wasn’t coming with him.

He eased one hand between them and found her clit as she used her legs to continue the motion. He circled the tiny nub, using his thumb to add pressure.

“Oh god,” she called out.

Her channel tightened around him, squeezing him as her orgasm hit. His name was a moan on her lips as he stilled inside her, fully seating himself inside of her to the hilt, shooting his seed to soak her womb.

Her racing heart matched his as their chests rose and fell in quick succession, each vying to breathe.

Silence lingered between them as he held her gaze. Words were left unspoken. He loved her, yet she wasn’t ready to hear it. Not like this, not here and now. He swallowed around his dry throat and kissed her, trying as he might to convey his feelings through his gentle kiss.

He rested his head against the rock. “Wow.”

She slid off him, taking the warmth of her body.

“You can say that again.” She chuckled. “You knew exactly what I needed.” Skylar rested her back next to his and looked up at the night sky. “So what happens now?”

He glanced at her. “I guess dating like normal people.”

She smiled. “Luke, we’ll never be normal.”

He pushed off the rock and moved in front of her, his hands on her hips. “That’s what I love about you, about us. I can be myself with you. No more pretending that I’m something I’m not.”

She rested her hand on his cheek. “I’ve always known who you are. You’re a good man, Luke Tanner.” She pressed her palm to his chest. “In here.”

His heart skipped a beat. “You take my breath away, Sky. All of this wasted time…”

“It wasn’t wasted, Luke. Finding cures is what you were meant to do. It makes you who you are.” Her eyes searched his, and he could see the love in her eyes without the words.

He held her gaze. “I can’t lose you.”
I love you
.

She visibly swallowed. “You won’t.”

He kissed her as if she held a direct line to his heart. Fighting to hold back his words was one of the hardest things he’d had to endure.

****

Sky lay naked under the covers. The morning light seeped through the curtains warming her face as she snuggled in Luke’s arms. After the hot springs, they’d come back and made love again, and she fell asleep as he held her. He was the only part of her world that was right. Her mind drifted to the store, and the headaches that would wait for her until she rejoined the real world. Her life on the run was coming to an end. She closed her eyes, wanting to savor the feel of his body, afraid if she got up then everything would change.

“I can hear the wheels turning.” Luke kissed her forehead. His fingers drew a lazy path over her arm. “Whatcha thinking about?”

“Everything I’ve got to do today.” She leaned up and rested her weight on her elbow. “If you’re moving back, where are you going to stay? Have you found a house?”

“Not yet.” He smiled. “I was hoping you’d help me pick one out.”

She rested her head against his chest, her palm over his heart. “You can stay with me while you look.”

He rolled on top of her, settling between her thighs. “You mean you’re not making me sleep on the streets?”

She rolled her eyes and giggled as he nudged closer to her heat. “You’re a millionaire. You could easily renovate the top floor of the Dagger building into a sweet bachelor pad.”

He chuckled as he placed lazy kisses on her chest. “Is that what I am? A bachelor?”

She wrapped her legs around him, lifted her hips, and used her hold to slide his shaft into her. “No…you’re taken.”

“Damn right I am.”