Slay Bells Ring (An FBI Romance Thriller Book 12) (23 page)

Callen kissed her.

“I broke his heart, and I had to live with that, Callen. I hated myself over it.”

“If it didn't bother you, then you’d be a bad person. Knowing that you hated doing it, shows that you’re a good person with a big heart.”

She shrugged. “I still broke him, so I don’t think about it. I try not to recall what his face looked like when I ripped his heart out, stomped on it, and then walked away. Plus, I wasn’t the same after Livy left the FBI. I had to watch my partner give up her career, and that haunted me. I wasn’t doing well. I wanted to focus on my job, especially since I broke the law when I took
‘The butcher’s’
life.”

Callen got it. While she may pull the trigger easily, it still weighed on her soul like a stain.

“Well, Livy left to marry Gabe and have kids, right?”

She shook her head. “That’s what they said, but the Boston Butcher rattled them both. We never told her that I killed him. Only you, Ethan, and Gabe know. Thank God for that. Prison garb is unattractive on pregnant women.”

Callen understood.

“Then something happened.”

“What?”

“I met Ethan Blackhawk.”

Callen grinned. “Your life got flipped, huh?”

She laughed. “Boy did it ever.”

“What happened?”

“When I first kissed Ethan, it was the most amazing feeling in the world. Here was this sexy Native man, and he wanted me. I couldn't help but fall in love with him. He was so strong. He was a Fed and understood what I had lived through. Then he cooked for me. No one’s ever done that. When he dropped to his knees, over Italian, it was like my whole past was repeating itself. Only this time, I wanted to be married. I wanted the life he was offering me, and I craved it with him. That’s how I knew.”

Callen listened.

“I knew at that first kiss that he was the one. I never felt that with Dak.”

“And me?”

She stopped chewing her shrimp. “When I kissed you, it was the same thing. I re-experienced that same feeling all over again. I loved the way you smelled, and that night you took Desdemona out while we were on that case, I was jealous. I didn't want to share you with anyone else. I knew I couldn't have you, but still...”

He loved when she was honest with him. “Had you told me you didn't want me to go, I would have stayed. I would have died to make you happy—even then. I wish you did tell me, and then I could have saved myself the pain of dealing with her abuse.”

Elizabeth carried that guilt too.

He’d only been with that woman because his heart longed for his other half. His soul mate was taken.

It had been brutal.

“It all worked out. You figured it out. What do you think granddad thinks about our tribe?”

“He’s probably thrilled. We did him proud.”

“Yeah, we really did.”

“If it matters, I still stand by my assessment. You’re a softie.”

Elizabeth laughed. “Am I?”

“Yep.”

She leaned over and met his mouth with hers. The kiss they shared was amazing. It heated her body, and surely warmed his.

“I hope you’re horny this entire pregnancy. I could use seven more months of this.”

She elbowed him, but didn't stop from smiling. “Perv.”

He was well aware.

When Elizabeth got quiet, he stopped eating. “What’s wrong?”

“Now you have me thinking.”

“About Dakota?”

“No, about deep fried pickle chips. They’re so damn good. I could eat about a thousand of them.”

Callen snorted. “There’s my sexy momma to be. She’s off and thinking about grease—the other food group. That sounds about right.”

She smiled sweetly at him.

“Uh oh, what?”

“Um…can I have some of your beef? Your child is starving. I may eat a house.”

He handed her his container. “We’ll eat Ethan’s. I don’t think he’s going to want it. Tomorrow, he’s going to have one hell of a hangover.”

Callen was right.

“Can I ask you something else?”

She kept chewing but noticed the worry in his eyes. “Yes, always, my love.”

“I know I asked if you were okay, but I need the truth. He really didn't hurt you, right? I mean…I will kick his ass if you tell me to, but that’s awkward when we get naked and take turns with you.”

She snorted. “No, I swear I loved it. Well, the carpet burn on my ass is something I could live without, but you know what I mean.”

Callen got quiet.

She was focused on the container. “What did you get him?” she asked.

“Tell me the truth, and I’ll make sure you get all his chicken and broccoli.”

Elizabeth licked her lips. “It’s mean to use food against a pregnant woman.”

He didn't care. Callen needed to know that she’d not been hurt. He loved his brother, but still…this was their woman. There was no doubt he was going to have to have a talk with Ethan, and her answer would set the stage for the tone of the conversation.

“It was rough, but nothing bad. I swear. If he hurt me, I would have stopped him. I was fully engaged in the sex. I like it rough, and you know that.”

Callen accepted that because he knew his woman wouldn’t lie to him. He also was glad he wouldn’t have to bitch at his brother.

“Stop staring at me like I’m food. We already have two crazies in the town. I don’t need a cannibal wife.”

She stopped. “Uh, that sounds ominous, and I don’t think it was really directed at me. What happened?”

They weren’t going to talk about it, but he did let it slip, so he gave her a tiny preview. “Let’s just say I think I found the missing penises.”

She stopped chewing.

“Did someone deliver them in a festive box?”

He started laughing. “No, definitely not.”

“Then how?”

“Let’s just say they had an untimely demise by the hands of a killer and blender.”

She stared down at the Beef.

“Please tell me that’s a joke.”

He shook his head. “Trust me, I wish it was. Merry is testing the liquefied mess to give us a definite. Rarel, do I like to say penis, blender, and liquefy in one sentence. It makes my skin crawl.”

“Well, that proves one thing.”

“What?”

“We’re definitely dealing with a sicko. Who does shit like that?” she asked. “This isn't the average, run of the mill, fruit loop.”

Callen agreed there, but enough was enough. They weren’t going to think about it.

“Want to decompress? I think we should turn on the TV, cuddle up, and watch a Christmas movie. There has to be something on.”

“Not the one with the leg lamp. God knows we have enough appendages lying around. I’ll be seeing that in my nightmares.”

Callen laughed. “Sure thing, angel.”

As they flicked through the channels, they settled on one with Bing Crosby. The music reminded Callen of the crime scene, but he wasn’t going to let it ruin the moment.

Elizabeth was cuddled against him, her hand under his shirt. As her fingers drew circles over his abs, he wanted to forget about the day.

They deserved it.

“Mmmmm…I love you, Callen James.”

“I love you too, beautiful.”

As they sunk down into the bed, cuddling, Callen was pretending to watch the movie, only he was thinking about one thing.

Elizabeth was one hundred percent right.

These two killers were bat shit inane.

                 
* * *  B l a c k h a w k - W h i t e f o x   * * *

Outside Motel

Midnight

He wasn’t quite sure what was going on.

He followed the one Director to the seedy motel.

He went inside.

What shocked him was that the woman who answered the door was his sister-in-law.

Up to that moment, he believed that Ethan Blackhawk was aware. If he was, why were they meeting there?

They had that cabin.

This piqued his interest.

He was going to have to dig deeper.

Seth Denton could smell a story, and it was right below the surface. When he found the truth, he’d share it with the world.

This was a prize winner!

He could smell it.

Chapter Seven

Thursday Morning

When he woke, his head was pounding, his mouth was dry, and he felt like he’d gotten the hell beat out of him. Ethan’s whole body ached from not moving the entire time he was passed out.

Granted, most of his night was nothing more than a booze soaked blur. Ethan Blackhawk recalled buying some Jack and then heading to the sleazy motel to drink his anger away.

That part was crystal clear.

Then from there on out, it got foggy.

That was, until she showed up. That’s when his self-induced bender became a clusterfuck of mass proportions.

When Elizabeth knocked on that door, he prayed she’d go away, or he’d have the strength not to open it.

Unfortunately, neither scenario worked out in his favor. Bits and pieces were rushing back, and he was horrified.

Him pinning her to the floor.

Her clothes being ripped away.

The way he forced himself into her body.

The nausea welled up.

There was no way he could forgive himself for what he’d done. When it was all said and done, he’d abused her, and their trust.

It was black and white.

He’d raped their wife.

Ethan Blackhawk wanted to crawl into some deep dark hole and die. Without Elizabeth and Callen, he had nothing, and the second he opened his eyes, it was over.

Everything he’d worked hard for the last five years was shot to shit because he lost control. He’d become that man he once was, and he was ashamed.

There was nothing left to do but face the music.

Ethan could hear the slow in and out of breathing not far from him, but he was still scared shitless to open his eyes.

He’s crossed one hell of a line, and he knew that he had to pay for it.

If he was lucky, he wouldn’t lose them.

Maybe she’d forgive him.

Hopefully, Callen would.

What it came down to was that he had to beg his wife for forgiveness. It would be their call.

In his mind, he began replaying it all, praying for some miracle. There, in his own head, he could see himself taking her in some wild, sweaty romp.

He’d forced himself into her body, and she didn't deserve that. In fact, if she left him, he had no one to blame but himself.

Ethan prided himself on being cool, collected, and steady under fire, but Dakota Rakin, the case, her pregnancy, and everything else had him rattled him to his core.

He knew keeping it in was what ignited it. Add booze to the mix, and he’d made a lethal cocktail.

This wasn’t like him.

He was better than this.

Ethan wasn’t a stupid man, but last night…he’d crossed a line. Now it was judgment day.

Opening his eyes, he saw them not far away. Elizabeth was cuddled against Callen, and his eyes were open.

To make it worse, he was staring at him.

Ethan wanted to begin apologizing, but his brother didn't give him a chance.

Pointing at the door, Callen gave him the hand gestures. It looked like he was going to be meeting his brother outside.

This wasn’t good.

Someone was getting their ass handed to them, and it was happening outside for the whole world to see. So much for forgiveness.

So it began.

As he sat up, his head throbbed, and he didn't even curse it.

This was his punishment for being a dumb ass.

And he deserved it.

There was no doubt about that.

           
* * *  B l a c k h a w k - W h i t e f o x   * * *

Reservation

Cabin # 3

One of the things that Broderick and Johanna enjoyed more than anything was running together. As Feds, they had to keep in shape.

So, by taking that morning run, it always heated their bodies.

So much so that when it was done, there was always a quickie before work. Who didn't like a slippery partner in a shower?

Broderick sure as hell did.

As they stripped out of their clothes, he watched her. Joey’s body called to him. She wasn’t too thin, and she wasn’t too curvy. She was in the middle, and that was perfect for him. He didn't want a woman who was all sticks and bones.

The gentle glide of flesh over wickedly dangerous curves made his heart pound.

If she lost that, his heart would break. He loved everything about her.

When she stood naked in their rented cabin, he couldn’t help but think about having his way with her. The last three months had been heaven.

Again, the ring was on his mind, and Brody wanted nothing more than to ask her to be his wife.

Only, this seemed like a bad time to do it.

It wasn’t romantic.

“Brody?” she asked, turning to face him. She noticed he was staring, and it sent a flush up her body.

“Huh?”

She laughed.

“I lost you there for a second. I was asking you a question.”

“Oh, I wasn’t lost. I was checking out your ass,” he said, partially lying. He was really picturing the ring he bought her on Joey’s finger.

“I’m going to hit the shower,” she said.

As she walked away, his heart was pounding. He wanted to follow, but he wanted something more.

He wanted to propose.

Against better judgment, Brody was going to take a chance. Slipping the engagement ring out of the box, he carried it into the shower, palmed lovingly in his hand.

As Joey showered, he watched her.

There had to be a right way to do this. Stepping in behind her, he placed the ring on the bar of soap when she wasn’t looking.

Now he needed to distract her long enough to figure out how to go about asking her to be his wife.

When she turned, he made her focus on him. “Do you think we have some time to fool around?” he asked, caging her between him and the wall.

Johanna’s heart skipped.

Whenever she looked at him, all she saw was love. Here was someone who’d always have her back.

She trusted him.

Not only that, but she knew the kind of man he was, and that was intoxicating. When he’d once told her he’d die for her, she was sure it was just words.

Then he nearly did.

Brody proved that she was all that mattered, and in a world where people lied right to your face, she’d come to treasure his honesty.

It was a gift.

“We might be able to have some upright bathroom sex if you’re in the mood,” Joey offered. She knew what a sucker he was for getting dirty in the shower.

His mouth ran across her shoulders and throat. “Sweetheart, with you, I’m always in the mood. You don’t ever have to ask me if I am. It’s a given.”

She didn't understand that, but she was grateful. Before him, no man ever loved her like this.

It was endless.

It was limitless.

It was…amazing.

Reaching between their bodies, she found Brody warm and erect. She really loved sex in the shower too, and this was why.

When she stroked him, he couldn’t help but moan. There was nothing like her fingers wrapped around him. “Joey,” he whispered.

Without warning, she dropped to her knees and began moving him in and out of her mouth. When she glanced up, he was watching her.

His blue eyes were filled with something she’d never seen before, and a little part of her worried if he was okay. As of late, he’d been quiet, and that freaked her out.

Instead of stopping, she put her whole heart into it. As she ran her teeth down the long length of him, his head dropped back and he braced himself against the wall.

“Oh, shit!” he muttered.

Johanna loved when he was vocal. It turned her right on.

When she added her hand, he hissed in pleasure. It made her want to smile.

“You’re killing me,” Brody admitted. “Just don’t stop. I don’t mind dying just like this.”

That did make her laugh.

When he popped out of her mouth, she was grinning wickedly up at him. “Then you’re in serious trouble because we’ve only just begun. I’ve yet to really begin tormenting you.”

Without warning, she was on her feet and jumping. As her legs wrapped around Brody’s hips, trapping his erection between them, he stumbled back. There was a little ledge in the shower, and he was perched on it.

Her mouth assaulted his.

Tongues did battle, and she drove him into the pleasure. While he was so focused on the mating of mouths, he didn't realize she was in position to strike.

With one smooth stroke, he was buried in her body.

Johanna and Brody moaned at the same time.

It was heaven.

It was amazing.

They slid to the floor.

When she could focus on him again, and not the claws of lusty need filling her belly, she began her ride.

“I love you,” he whispered. “There will never be a woman more perfect than you.”

She wanted to weep with the simple beauty of that one sentence. Here was the man she’d love until her dying day.

As Johanna rode him hard, Brody held on for dear life. The storm was crashing around them, much like the water from the shower.

“More,” be begged.

She gave him her all.

It rocked them both.

Brody’s hands were on her hips as she bounced wildly in his lap. If this was what heaven felt like, sign him up.

“I love you,” she whispered, as he quivered beneath her. His eyes filled with heat, and his body was rock hard beneath hers.

“Jesus, Joey! I’m going to...”

She didn't give him a chance to talk. The second she felt him tighten beneath her, Joey sought his mouth with hers.

They rode the pleasure out together.

Her mouth drank from his as Brody’s body poured into her. They shared their orgasm, riding out the beautiful storm.

When they floated back to awareness, she was resting her head on his shoulder.

“My tongue is tied in knots,” he admitted.

His heart was also pounding in his chest. She was going to have a big decision to make any second.

It was going to be marriage.

Or not…

As they both calmed, Johanna finally lifted her head. Her brown eyes were filled with laughter. “I can’t take you anywhere. You just like to fornicate.”

He snorted. “I’m a man. That’s what we do. As for taking me anywhere, I’d crawl if you asked.”

She didn't doubt that for a second, but part of love meant never doing that to him.

He deserved all she had to give him.

Gently, he touched her cheek. “I meant what I said, Johanna. You’re the only woman I’ll ever love, and it’ll be until the end of time.”

Her heart kicked in her chest.

“I believe you, and I feel the same. I’ll never love anyone but you, Broderick. You’re the best man in the world for me.”

He was glad. Now came the moment of truth.

“Can you wash my back?” he asked, smiling sweetly as Johanna climbed off his lap and reached for the soap. “I can do…”

She stopped, her hand inches from the bar of soap. She couldn’t believe her eyes.

Sitting on top of it was an engagement ring. It was shiny, sparkly, and absolutely gorgeous.

“Oh, crap! Brody! Are you insane?”

When she turned, he was on his one knee behind her. “I wanted a more romantic place, like Christmas eve, but it looks like we’re going to be working. I couldn’t wait any longer. I want you to marry me, Joey. I want to spend the rest of my life with you.”

She glanced back and forth between the gorgeous ring on the soap, and the man on his knee.

He was perfect.

It was perfect.

She wanted to weep.

Brody had chosen well. While the ring wasn’t flamboyant, and that was good since they were partners and couldn’t get married, it still made her want to weep.

So did what would happen if she said yes.

The FBI would split them up.

“Brody.”

“I know what you’re thinking. We’re moving fast, and you’re not ready. I let you make the decision for us before, Joey, and you ran. It’s my turn to make the choice. I get to be the one who leads us on this one.”

She didn't know what to say.

He was right, but he was also not being realistic. They would get caught and separated. The bosses told them they had to come to them if this ever happened.