Where There's Smoke (18 page)

“Nope, not going to be that easy.” He jerked him to his feet. Geary’s right hand lay limp on the side, his face a mask of pain, blood ran down his face from his nose and mouth. More blood ran between his legs on his thighs.

“Geary,” Smoke whispered into his ear. “The three men you sent to the office to take us out are in Federal custody now. The bitches you sent to kidnap me are dead. The head of the fake construction company is also dead.” Geary stared ahead without moving. Smoke got closer to his ear. “Oh yeah, Cameron has a new Top.” Geary flinched and swung with his left arm. It never connected. Ross had stepped up, grabbed the hand, punched him in the face and stomach before anyone realized what happened. Smoke released the man on the first punch, allowing him to hit the floor. He lay in a heap, unmoving. Red picked him up, threw him over his shoulder and walked toward the door. Ross grabbed his partner's shirt and jacket along with his and followed. Smoke grabbed his clothes and made a call.

“Carlos, I need you and a couple of guys to get a big truck and come to this address. We found more inventory.” He paused looking around. “You'll need a forklift.” He clicked off, glad to have that taken care of. The water he'd thrown earlier had washed away most of the blood. Bending, he picked up the tape and rope. After a few more douses, he felt he'd done the best he could. Exiting the building, Red and Ross stood waiting.

“I got this,” Ross said.

Smoke smiled, patted his shoulder. “I'm not interested in having a company without my partners. If this goes down, I'm in. Don't waste your breath or my time on anything else.” He walked toward his truck and started the engine. “Let's go,” he said.

Red rolled his eyes at Ross. “I told ya. None of the superman shit. We do this together.” He walked to his Hummer and started the engine. Ross stared at ground, and finally got in his truck. They drove off toward the lake.

Chapter 18

By Wednesday morning, Smoke was tied in knots. Vianca was still with him and he wasn't sure how he felt. A part of him was nervous that he'd come home and she'd be gone. Another part wished she'd leave so he wouldn't be so nervous. Admittedly, he was mixed up and confused. It was all her fault. The past weekend he'd had his boys over for an impromptu cook-out and she'd cooked enchiladas, made salsa from scratch, played with the girls. And kept Cherise and Denise occupied so he could spend quality time with his friends. Like a fool, he'd spent a lot of time watching
her
. The way she smiled and laughed openly, his heart raced seeing her so happy, carefree. Of course, Red couldn't leave things alone and had to open his big mouth.

“So what's up with you and Vianca?” Red asked. Smoke wasn't surprised, the man never had a real sense of boundaries.

“We're very close friends.” He watched her across the room play a game with Shannon, or maybe it was Shantelle. He had a hard time telling Red's twins apart. She looked good with the kid.

“I think she wants more,” Red said watching her as well. “She seems like a nice lady and she did save your life.” His lips twitched.

“True, all true.” He'd looked at Ross, waiting for his two cents.

“Hey, she got you out of a fucked up situation, so she gets a lifetime vote in my book,” Ross said before returning to the game.

He hadn't been able to get the “upgrade” thought out of his mind. All day, he'd thought about it. He'd wondered if she wanted to upgrade their relationship as he made love to her the night before. He wanted to ask, but wasn't sure if he was ready for any answer she might give. She was so responsive in bed, he couldn't use that as a barometer either. This morning, while waiting for Winston to get dressed for work, he took a few moments and watched her sleep. How pathetic was that? It was unusual for him to think about one woman to this degree, it bothered him. No matter how hard he tried, he couldn't get Vianca off his mind. His midday call to her surprised them both.

“Hey.”

“Smoke?”

“Yeah.” He didn't know what to say, she didn't sound too excited to hear from him. “I just called to check up on you. What're you into?”

“Cherise and Denise came over for lunch. We're going over some stuff for the wedding. I think I'm going back with them to the office after this.” He heard some muttering in the background. “Yeah, they plan on kidnapping me to work with them later.” She didn't sound bothered. In fact, she sounded thrilled.

“Okay, but don't overwork yourself, I have a full itinerary for you later on.” He could hear her smile.

“Really?” she purred. His world zeroed in on her voice. There was no one or nothing else that mattered at that moment. Shameful how aroused he became so quickly, listening to her.

“Yeah,” he breathed, stirred up. “I've got something special planned for you tonight, so don't cook.”

“I wasn't going to cook.”

“Okay, well then, that's good.” He fumbled.

“And then what? What are we going to do next?” She was like a child on Christmas Eve.

“Can't you wait and see?”

“No,” she snapped. “Tell me.”

“Tell her,” yelled Denise and Cherise in the background before they burst out laughing. He chuckled, remembering they weren't alone.

“I'll see you soon.”

“Okay.”

“Make sure you're home by four, naked and lying on my bed when I walk in the door.”

Her breath hitched. “Okay, Papi,” she whispered.He could tell she was excited. Damn, he'd never met a woman who matched him so perfectly in bed or out. She teased him intellectually, tempted him physically, and trumped him spiritually.

“And don't touch yourself at all today. That's my job.”

Ross walked by and heard the last remark. He smiled at him as he walked by. Clicking off, he glanced at his watch. A groan escaped his lips, he had another five hours of work and he was hard as stone now. That'd teach him to call her in the middle of the day. Irritated at the restriction of his pants, he walked back to the site. Ross burst out laughing when he threw him the bird. It was a hard lesson learned.

Smoke walked in at ten after four. He'd dropped Winston off at Red's to help Denise do something. In truth, he thought his brother wanted to spend the night over there so wouldn't hear him and Vianca going at it. He'd made a few comments on the noise level the past few days. Vianca took the teasing in stride and explained what he heard were the sounds of satisfaction and he should strive to move his partners to similar decibels. Winston hadn't said anything after that. As he passed the kitchen, the aromas of the dinner he ordered from the soul food restaurant reached him. As tempting as the dishes smelled, he was hungry for something else.

Tired and excited he stood in the doorway of his bedroom and stopped at the vision in front of him. The package he'd been holding fell from his fingers. He'd stepped into another world she’d created especially for him. The lights were dimmed, the sounds of a slow instrumental played in the background, and some soft fragrance wafted in the air. The showstopper, Vianca, laid spread eagle on his bed with a rose in her mouth. Her body glistened, her hair fanned around her. He moved in a daze toward the bed, staring at her beauty. Her nipples pebbled under his perusal. Without thinking, his fingertip brushed against her flesh. She moaned. He licked his dry lips, and searched for moisture to satisfy his hunger for a taste of her.

“I need to wash this filth off me.” His voice croaked. She didn't speak. “Five minutes,” he whispered backing away pulling off his clothes as he moved. He sprinted into the bathroom and turned on the water.

Vianca closed her eyes as a tremor of need wracked her frame. Nerves shot. She wanted him with a desperation that scared her. It wasn't just the sex, although that
was
something to write home about. When she was with him, she opened up. He knew her dreams, the things she still wanted to accomplish. He’d listened and encouraged her. Her level of confidence increased, he offered his opinion when she asked for it and listened to everything she said as if her words had merit. He never spoke down to her. If he agreed, he'd say so. If not, he'd explain his position, but never demand his way was the only way, like her father and so many men she worked with. In short, he was a refreshing departure from the stuck up know-it-alls in her family and small circle of associates.

She couldn't justify staying in his place much longer. The threat to her had diminished. If only he'd say something, anything to let her know he wanted more. He'd been so adamant against relationships at the beginning, she wasn't sure where they stood. Denise and Cherise told her he'd never had a woman stay with him. Denise could only recall him introducing two women to her in the past eight years she'd been with Red. Bless their hearts, they thought they were giving her a reassuring pep talk when all that did was sink her further into despair. The man really didn't do relationships. She'd never be able to watch him with other women. Inhaling, she clenched the plastic stem between her teeth. She’d decided to give him a night they both would remember, and then go home.

Rejuvenated by the sight on his bed, Smoke cleaned himself in record time. He was anxious to make love to her. Turning off the water, he half-dried his body and semi-sprinted into the bedroom. She hadn't moved. Their eyes met. He threw the towel down and headed toward her. She smiled in welcome. That was all he needed. Within moments, her leg was over his shoulder and his lips were between her legs, reveling in the taste that had driven him insane all day. Inhaling her scent, he strove to get closer, taste deeper. He hummed his pleasure and held her bucking hips steady. He didn't want to miss one drop of her creamy essence. She screamed as her body tightened, shook and released his tasty treat.

“Good pussy,” he murmured against her swollen lower lips. His head rested on her stomach, enjoying the tremors running through her. After she settled, he kissed her belly and chuckled when she stroked his head. Licking his lips, taking in the remnants of her juices, he pulsed with desire. This woman inflamed him.

He rose, palmed her heat and gazed at the dreamy look on her face. A stirring of pride and something else edged him forward. Her hips rotated against his hand.

“I need you,” he muttered, knowing this time would be fast and hard.

“I need
you
.” She moved harder against his hand and reached for him. Her nipples tightened to a dusky hue. He bent forward and licked. She moaned as he slipped a finger inside her and thrust against the digit. He added another finger while sucking her nipple further into his mouth.

“Oooh, Papi, you feel so good. Give it to me so good.” Her words and clasping pussy pushed him close to the edge.

“I got what you need.” He moved over her and surged forward, filling her balls deep. Her head shot forward as she held onto his arms and he rhythmically pumped into her. She arched her back, meeting him thrust for thrust, their grunts loud in the theater of lust. His mind clouded as his balls drew up. This is what he'd needed all day, what he craved, what he refused to name. His connection ran deep with this woman. He roared and spilled his seed. Her body shook in acceptance. Words failed him, he held her tight, his anchor in the storm of unfamiliar emotions. She burrowed into him. They lay sated for the moment, in total accord.

Chapter 19

Smoke pulled into the driveway of the large house with Winston. Julio had called and given him this address and told him the man who'd accosted his brother was secured there. He glanced at the sober young man seated next to him and sighed. He'd been worried about the changes in his brother. Not that they were bad. Winston needed to grow up and handle his responsibilities. It seemed the change took place overnight, and that’s what blew him away.

Gone was the laughing kid who didn't care about anybody or anything. In his place was a man whose world had been badly shaken. Everything wasn't in black or white, there were definitely some shades of gray. Winston worked on Ross's crew, never complained, followed directions and worked hard. He'd contacted his baby's mama and told her to get a bank account. He planned to send her money for his son. When Winston asked him to help him open a bank account, he'd been floored.

“You don't have to go inside,” Smoke said without looking at his brother.

“Yeah, I do.” He paused, as if gathering his thoughts. “If I don't face this, it'll always be there. Shit, it's not too far from the surface now. A muthafucker kissed me on the street.” He shook his head. “That's one for the books. I have to face the boogey-man or I'll always be scared.”

Smoke looked at him.

“I'm not scared of an ass-whupping or man against man shit. But that...wanting to have sex, touching like that, struggling to break loose, it scared the shit outta me. I gotta deal with it. I keep seeing it, and it fucks with me.”

Smoke nodded, remembering how impotent he felt against the kidnappers. A dark rage still surfaced at the thoughts of how they stripped him of all control, all of his choices, all of his strength.

“I definitely feel you, man. Let's do this.” They walked to the door. Smoke lifted the combination lock-box and punched in the code. It opened and a key was nestled inside. They opened the door, walked in and relocked it. The house was tastefully furnished in warm, neutral colors. Smoke headed toward the kitchen, found the door to the basement and walked downstairs. Their feet echoed off the steps as they ventured below. There was an open recreational area to the left and two rooms to the right. Smoke walked to the first room, opened the lockbox and walked inside. He flipped on the light switch. The room brightened on a heavily tattooed man sitting and tied in a metal chair. He tried to open his swollen eyes, but couldn't get them all the way up.

“Is that him?” Smoke asked Winston.