Dangerous Pursuit (The Pursuit #3)

19 Bad News

BAD NEWS

Jackson

I s it possible to be this happy? I’m on cloud fucking nine right now. I don’t know how I got so lucky. It’s as if we were meant to be, like the universe brought her to me and didn’t give up until I opened my eyes. I think these feelings were slowly growing all along, rising to the surface, and once they did, the sunlight took it from there. All I can say is that it feels fucking fantastic.

I make our coffees and order room service with a smile that refuses to budge—until I check my phone and see the text from Mia’s security detail.

Security Sam: We finally got a match on one of the guys coming from Mia’s house. It’s not good. Call me.

Dammit. This had to come over now of all times?

Since Mia’s in the bath, I might as well get it over with.

“Jackson, hey,” he answers immediately.

“Who is he?” I cut straight to the chase.

“His name is Jay. He’s a collector for the loan shark Bambino, who also runs a gambling ring in town. He’s connected to a local crime syndicate. Not sure why they’d be hanging around a girl like that, but it can’t be for anything good.”

“Fuck. How bad are these guys?”

“Do you want me to sugarcoat it?”

“Just spit it out.”

“I haven’t heard of anyone dealing with them and coming out unscathed, and that’s of the ones who made it out at all.”

“Goddammit. And you can’t find a connection, I assume? Does it have anything to do with her dad?”

“Couldn’t tell you, and these aren’t the kind of guys who are open to a question-and-answer session. Sorry to be the bearer of bad news.”

“Fuck… Okay. Thanks for letting me know. Keep a closer eye on her from here on out. I don’t want her unprotected. I’ll let you know if I find out anything. It might be time to pry some answers from her.”

“Good luck. We’ll talk soon.”

“Okay. Bye, Sam.”

After hanging up, I stand silently by the minibar and run through my options. Either I come clean to Mia and tell her I’ve been having her watched or maybe bring up poker again and try to coax it out of her. I just want to help the woman I’m in love with, for fuck’s sake.

“Jackson?” I hear Mia call from the bedroom. She sounds upset.

What the fuck? “Mia, why are you packing?”

“I need to go home. Something’s come up, and I need to get back.” She’s frantic, throwing clothes in her bag haphazardly.

I go over and grab her shoulders, turning her to face me. “Slow down, sweetheart. Breathe. Tell me what happened and what I can do to help.”

“Nothing, I just really need to get home. I forgot I had something scheduled tonight, and I can’t cancel it. I’ll pay the change fee to switch my ticket and Uber to the airport.” She tries returning to her bag, but I wrap my arms around her in a hug.

“Mia, please tell me what’s going on. Let me help you. I’m not letting you leave without me. I’ll go with.”

“Jackson, no. You can’t cut your visit short with Cici. I’ll be fine.”

I pull back and give her a stern look. “If you use that goddamn word one more time, I’m going to lose my shit. I know something bigger is going on and has been since I saw those bruises. Don’t shut me out, Mia. Let me help. You can trust me.”

“I do trust you. That’s not the issue. It’s just… you can’t help me. No one can. I don’t want to get you involved. Please just let it be.”

“That’s not going to happen, and the sooner you come to terms with that, the sooner we can work toward finding a solution. Now spit it out, Mia. What the fuck is going on?” I see her warring with herself, deliberating whether to come clean, and I know she’s close to cracking.

“Sweetheart, look at me.” I tip her chin up to see tears pooling in her eyes. Fuck. “Whatever it is, we’ll handle it together. You’re not alone anymore, Mia. I’ve got you.” I see the moment she caves, her shoulders sagging in defeat.

“My dad… he ran away with a lot of money that he borrowed from some really bad people, and they came to get their money back, so I’ve been playing poker to work off the debt.”

“Why the fuck are they coming to you instead of your dad?”

“They can’t find him, and he mentioned at some point that his daughter was a card shark, so they figured they could use me to get the money back by having me play tournaments.”

“So what am I missing? Why is it so important that you go back tonight?”

“Because they dictate when and what games I play in. They texted me about one tonight, and even though I told them I was out of town, they didn’t care. They’ve been threatening to hurt my mom or worse if I don’t do what they say or find out I told anyone. That’s why I couldn’t tell you. Why I shouldn’t be telling you. Jackson, you can’t say a word to anyone.” She’s bawling at this point, and all I can do is hold her tight while she lets herself go.

Dammit, this is bad, and I don’t know what the fuck to do. I’m at a loss and feel like my hands are tied. What I do know is that there’s no possible way I’m letting her out of my sight or handle this shit alone anymore.

“You’re not going to that game without me. Tell me where it is, and I’ll have Eli get me in. I’m not risking what happened last time.”

“Jackson, first of all, you’re here to visit Cici, not babysit me. Second, I can’t risk them finding out that I told someone. If you show up again, they might figure out that you know.”

“It’s not called babysitting—it’s called taking care of someone I love. As for going with you tonight, it’s non-negotiable. The only thing they’ll figure out is that you have a protective boyfriend. It doesn’t point to you telling me anything other than where you’re going.”

“I don’t want Cici mad at me for shortening your visit. And besides, they don’t give me the address until an hour before the game.”

“She won’t be. I’ll take care of it. Tell me the buy-in amount and what time the game is so Eli can track it down. If that doesn’t work, we’ll figure something out.”

“It’s at seven tonight, and it’s another big one—three thousand this time. That’s why they wouldn’t let me miss it.” She looks down in shame, but I lift her chin gently.

“Hey, I’m all in, remember? You’re not alone anymore, sweetheart. I’ll go pack my things and switch our flights. Don’t worry, everything will work out. I love you.” I lean in to kiss her forehead, and she releases a shuddering exhale.

“I love you too. I’m sorry.”

“You have nothing to be sorry for, Mia.”

I’m already dialing Eli as I close the door to her room. He answers within seconds.

“Hey, buddy, sorry to do this again, but I need another favor.”

“Don’t worry, I’m keeping track. Just remember you owe me when I come to collect. What can I do this time?”

“You got it, man. Mia has another game tonight, and I need you to track it down and see if you can get me in. It’s a three-thousand-dollar buy-in at seven o’clock. Think you can find it with that?”

“Shouldn’t be too hard with that dollar sign. There are only so many to choose from. But I thought you guys were in Montana this weekend. What’s going on?”

“Yeah, we’re headed back early. Long story, but basically Mia’s wrapped up in some shit she shouldn’t be at no fault of her own. I can’t go into details.”

“Sounds like trouble to me. Speaking of, how’s your sister?”

“She’s doing good. Seems to like it here, although personally, I couldn’t handle the small-town vibe for long. She was right, though—there is some great potential here.”

“Really? Maybe we’ll have to take a look.”

“Back off, man. You can have my sloppy seconds. I’ll let you know when I’m done. Then you can look all you want.”

“Don’t worry, I wouldn’t knock you out. We’re more into commercial shit anyway. It’s a completely different ballpark.”

“Yeah, well, I’d offer to pass on Cici’s number, but something tells me you already have it.”

He laughs. “Not sure she’d accept my call, but maybe I’ll have to check Bozeman out sometime if it’s as ripe as you say it is.”

“I’m not wishing you luck on either count, but I do hope you find my game tonight. Anyway, I’ve got a flight to switch and a sister to piss off, so I’ll talk to you later.”

“Oh fuck. I’ll wish you luck with that one, man. I’ll get to work on this and text you when I’ve got something. Talk soon.”

“Thanks, Eli.”

With that out of the way, I do a quick flight change on the app and then steel myself for the call I’m not looking forward to.

“Hey, Jackson, what’s up? You guys about ready for me to come grab you?” Cici asks.

“I have some bad news. Mia got a call this morning, and something came up that she needs to head back for, so I switched our flights to early this afternoon. I’m sorry.”

“Seriously? Can you send her back without you?” She’s not asking maliciously since she likes Mia, but I know she was looking forward to spending time with me.

“Mia’s caught up in something and needs me right now.” I sigh. “Christ, she’s needed someone in her corner for a while now. She means a lot to me, Cici. Hell… I might as well tell you—I’m in love with her.”

“Yeah, doofus, I know. I saw it on your face the minute she opened the door. I’m happy for you, Jackson. She’s sweet. I like her a lot, but I’m not happy you’re leaving.”

“I know. I wish we didn’t have to either, trust me. But I’ll make it up to you somehow. Maybe if we end up with a couple properties here, I’ll have to show up more often. Speaking of, I told Eli about the place, and he might be interested in checking it out.”

“What? Why would you do that?” I hear the panic in her tone. I’d love to know what went down with those two.

“He knew I was in town, scoping stuff out, and mentioned taking a look since I said you were right about the potential here.”

“Ugh, thanks a lot. Whatever, I’m sure he’s all talk. Anyway, can I come over and hang out until you catch your flight and give you a ride to the airport?”

“Absolutely. Get your butt over here so I have time to remind you why you don’t want to live in the same city as me.” We laugh together.

“Trust me, I haven’t forgotten. It doesn’t mean I don’t like you visiting every so often, though.”

“Goes both ways, sis.”

“Yeah, yeah. I’ll text you when I get there. See you in a bit.” She hangs up.

I flop on the bed and take in the last twenty-four hours. It went from paradise to a shitstorm in a matter of minutes. I should have confessed that I’d been having her followed the second she came clean about everything. Why didn’t I? Fuck if I know is my initial response. But deep down, I know exactly why. It wasn’t worth risking a negative reaction from her under the current circumstances. She needs me by her side more than I need to clear my conscience.

When I get her through this mess and out of it safely, we’ll have that conversation, but right now, what she doesn’t know won’t hurt her. I just wish my subconscious believed that. The most important thing at the moment is to keep her safe, which means protecting her in every way possible. I just found the woman I love—I’m not letting her go that easily.

Mia

After landing, Jackson dropped me off at home to regroup and let my mom know I was back. We thought about going to his place as if we were still out of town, but it didn’t feel right, and honestly, I needed time to reflect.

Mom was surprised to see me, but I had my story ready and told her Jackson had to return for a meeting tonight that I’d be attending as well. She didn’t bat an eye and even said to let her know if I would be back tonight or not. Apparently, I don’t need Walker as an excuse anymore—being eighteen has its benefits. She asked how the weekend went and was happy to hear that Jackson and I had a good time with Cici. It’s good to have our relationship out in the open and be able to talk about it with her.

Telling Jackson about my situation is a different story. It was a relief to share what I’ve been going through, but it opened the door to a host of new fears. I was nervous before, but now I’m terrified. Not only do I risk them finding out I told someone, but involving another person in this mess isn’t fair. Especially since it’s the man I’ve fallen head over heels in love with.

I still can’t wrap my head around the last twenty-four hours. Being with Jackson is intense. He brings me to levels of pleasure I didn’t think possible. The things he says and does weren’t even conceivable before, and now I can’t get enough. That he said he loved me before saying the words myself chased away any remaining doubt I had, allowing my complete surrender.

His desire for my safety makes me feel cared for in an unfamiliar way, and I’m relishing this new scenario. The dynamic of our relationship started on equal footing, but having him assume the role of protector is comforting. The future is less scary knowing he’s by my side, but at the same time, it freaks me out. I’ve never depended on another person for peace of mind, so it’s hard to be vulnerable. Is that what love does to a person?

My mind is spinning in circles while I get ready for tonight, and I decide a distraction might be necessary for a minute while I finish up, so I finally call Walker to fill him in on everything. He’s sent numerous texts over the last few days, to which I’ve responded with short, hurried messages telling him I’d call when I had time.

He listens patiently as I recount the events since my birthday. He gasps, oohs, and aahs as I tell the entire story. After I make it to tonight—minus the real reason we came home—I finally go silent, giving him a chance to speak.

“One week is all it took. I knew it. Damn, girl, you scored yourself a man.”

“Walker, seriously, you gotta give me more than that. Honestly, though, what do you think? Am I crazy? Is it too fast?” I’m looking for reassurance. Hopefully, it doesn’t backfire.

“Mia, there’s no time limit on love. It just happens. And, girl, I saw it in his eyes that day. He was already in love with you. I’d say if you’re happy—and I can tell you are— and you’re having mind-blowing sex, then you go, girl.”

“Ugh, it would be about sex for you. It’s not just that, though. He makes me feel… I don’t know how to explain it… special. Important. Like I’m his number one priority and I’m worth it. God, that sounds vain. But it’s not only how he makes me feel. It’s him, how smart he is, how he holds himself, and you should’ve seen him with his sister. He’s… everything.”

“Mia, are you trying to convince me or yourself? Nothing you’ve said screams ‘too soon.’ Stop worrying about what you think is normal and just go with it. He’s supposed to be older and wiser, right? Well, he’s on board, so stop questioning things and enjoy the ride.”

“Okay, you’re right. That’s exactly what I needed to hear. Thanks, Walker. I love you.”

“I love you too. Now go have more sweaty sex tonight and give me details later.”

“Walker!”

“I may be gay, but I’m still a guy. Later, babe.”

“Ugh. Bye, Walker.”