Chapter 21
CHAPTER TWENTY-ONE
LUCY
There’s nothing to be nervous about.
Just because I haven’t been anywhere on my own for almost two months doesn’t mean there’s anything to worry about.
And anyway, I’m not on my own. I’m going to be at Kali’s apartment, which is perfectly safe, snacking on junk food and hearing all about the new guy she’s dating.
Plus, it’s been two weeks since Peter Amberson—or Piece of Garbage, as Xavier prefers to call him—was arrested, and it doesn’t look like he’ll be getting out of jail for a very long time.
Well, he’ll be transferred to a maximum security prison after his sentencing, but that’s as far as he’s going. And given the slew of charges against him, chances are good he’ll spend the rest of his life there.
No other accomplices have popped up in the meantime, and both the FBI and Blade and Arrow are confident Peter masterminded the game on his own. He hired out contractors and subcontractors on the dark web to do his dirty work, like abducting innocent victims, but without him involved, the rest of the operation fell apart.
So it’s safe for me to get back to normal life, whatever this new version of it is.
It won’t be working at the bookstore, although I’ll still go in to visit. And it won’t be spending Saturdays trawling through estate sales by myself like I used to. Solo jogs through my old neighborhood are a thing of the past, replaced by walks around the B and A property or workouts in the gym.
I could be sad about the changes, about the sense of security I’ve lost. But how can I be upset when I’ve gained so much more?
A cozy apartment to call home with the man I love.
Friends who are quickly becoming like family just down the hall.
A place to live where I always feel safe.
Woods to walk in when my anxiety sneaks up on me. And a fence that’s already being built to protect them.
Even a lovable dog as a surrogate pet, until Xavier and I decide if we want one of our own or if—in my heart of hearts, I know what I want—we end up trying for a baby instead.
Oh.
A baby with Xavier.
If it doesn’t happen, if it ends up not being right for us, I’ll still be happy. I’ll be thirty-six soon, which isn’t too old for a baby, but I know some people have trouble once they get to my age. And Xavier hasn’t come out and said it, but I know he’s nervous that he won’t be a good father because of the terrible example his parents set for him.
Which is ridiculous. Xavier would be an incredible dad. Kind. Funny. Protective. And I can only imagine how a little girl would have him wrapped around her little finger. Or how he’d have such fun with a little boy, teaching him sports and games and sharing his love of Jeopardy .
Although, if it doesn’t happen, that’s okay, too. As long as I have Xavier, that’s the most important thing.
“What are you smiling about?”
Xavier glances over at me, his eyes soft with affection, bits of liquid gold and amber picking up the light of the afternoon sun. “Are you looking forward to seeing Kali? It’s been a while since you’ve seen her.”
“It has,” I agree. “And yes. Mostly. Sometimes she can be a bit… Well, she talks about herself a lot. But I’ve known her since high school, so—” I shrug. “I like to stay in touch with her. And she doesn’t have family anymore, so I think she gets lonely sometimes.”
“Well, then it’s good you’re going to see her.” The traffic light changes, and Xavier turns back to the road. As he accelerates, he adds, “I know I’m being overprotective, driving you there, but…”
“It’s okay.” Reaching over, I put my hand on his thigh and give it a little squeeze. “I’m glad you’re bringing me. And picking me up. Maybe in another week or two, I’ll feel okay driving by myself. It’s not the bravest thing?—”
“You are very brave.” He glances over again, this time with a serious expression. “Everything you’ve done over the last couple of months has been incredibly brave.”
Hmm. I’m not sure about that. There have definitely been a lot of moments I’ve felt the furthest thing from it. But there’s no point in arguing. Instead, I just say, “I was smiling because I was thinking about you.”
In profile, his jaw tightens. He swallows hard. “Ah, gorgeous. You make me smile every day.”
Aww.
I never knew my heart could feel like this before. So full.
As Xavier hits the blinker to turn into Kali’s apartment complex, he glances over at me again. “So, how long do you think you’ll be here?”
“Um, maybe a couple of hours. Although I know that’s probably inconvenient, since you’ll want to go back home, and with the driving…”
“It’s fine, Luce.” He pauses, making a right turn into the parking lot before continuing, “I have some things to do in the city anyway, so I’ll take care of those while I’m waiting for you.”
“Oh. Anything interesting?”
“Well, someone has a birthday coming up next month.” A little smile quirks his lips. “So I have some shopping to do.”
“Oh, you don’t have to buy me anyth?—”
“Lucy.” Xavier pulls into a parking spot and puts the car in park. In a gently stern voice he says, “There is no way I’m not buying you presents for your birthday. It’s the first one I get to celebrate with you. You’re getting gifts. Lots of them. End of story.”
“Oh.” And there’s my heart turning to goo again. “Well. Okay.” I flash a quick smile in his direction. “Far be it from me to argue, then.”
“Good.” He turns off the car and unfastens his seatbelt. “I intend on making sure you have a very special birthday.”
Anticipation fizzes in my chest. Not that I haven’t had plenty of nice birthdays before—my parents always threw me a party growing up, and I’ve had some fun celebrations with friends—but spending the day with Xavier is different.
“I can’t wait.” Just as he moves to get out of the car, I lean over to kiss him on the cheek. “I love you. So much.”
Yes, I know I’m in danger of becoming a parrot, telling Xavier I love him at least ten times a day, but I don’t care. It feels good to tell him. And I love seeing his smile every time I say it.
“I love you, sunshine.” He cups my cheek, his gaze intense as he looks at me. Closing the inches between us, he captures my lips with his, softly at first, then more passionately. As his tongue plunges inside, stroking and tasting, my womb clenches. Need throbs deep in my core.
Do I need to visit Kali? What if we just turned around and went home? And Xavier and I could spend the afternoon making love instead?
Sooner than I’d like, he breaks the kiss, grinning sheepishly as he says, “As much as I’d like to ravish you right here, we’re in a parking lot. And your friend is waiting for you.”
“But maybe later, after we get home, some ravishing?” I ask hopefully.
“Oh, yes.” His eyes flash with desire. “ Definitely some ravishing later.” After another quick kiss, he adds, “Now let’s get you to Kali’s place before she wonders if you got lost.”
It’s not until we’re standing at Kali’s door that my nerves hit me full-force.
I was fine getting ready back at the apartment, and all during the ride in the car. Even walking to her door was okay, because Xavier insisted on coming with me. He claimed it was just good manners, but we both knew the real reason—being apart is just as hard on him as it is on me. Maybe in another month it’ll get easier, once the bad memories have had more time to fade.
“You’ll be okay.” Xavier frames my face with his hands, holding my gaze with his. “It’s just spending time with your friend. And this place looks safe; I spotted at least half-a-dozen security cameras on the way in.”
“I know.” With a deep breath and exhale, I square my shoulders and lift my chin. “It’s fine. I’m fine.”
“If you need me,” he says, “just call. I’ll come back right away.”
Just for a second, I contemplate backing out of this whole thing and admitting I’m scared to be away from him.
But I’m stronger than that. So I force a smile I’m not feeling and press the intercom button as I reply, “I know you will. But I’ll be okay. It’ll be nice to catch up with Kali after so long.”
And what kind of coward would I be, chickening out from spending a couple very uneventful hours with my old friend?
That’s what I keep asking myself as I make the short trip from the entrance up to Kali’s second-floor apartment. Am I a coward who’ll spend her life cringing from strangers and being too afraid to go places on her own? Or will I be brave, like Xavier thinks I am?
I feel better once Kali opens her apartment door and flings her arms around me, chirping, “Lucy! Oh, my God! It’s been too long! I’m so glad to see you!”
A few seconds later, she lets go and steps back to look at me, her gaze sweeping from head to toe. “Oh, you look really good. I wasn’t sure what to expect after, well—” She stops to clap her hand over her mouth. “Sorry. I didn’t mean it that way. I just thought, since you’ve been under so much stress…”
Smiling, I say, “It’s fine. I’m doing pretty good. You look amazing, as always.”
It’s not an exaggeration. With her thick black hair, lush curves, and blue eyes so dark they’re nearly black, Kali has never had trouble attracting attention. No matter where she is—home, work, at the bar—she always dresses to make the most of her appearance. Today, she’s wearing a burgundy wrap dress that shows off a hint of cleavage and clings to her generous hips.
“Oh, this dress?” Kali does a little spin. “It was on sale. Otherwise I wouldn’t have bought it. But I’m thinking I’ll wear it on my next date with Ethan. So you’re my test run, so to speak. You really like it?”
“Absolutely. Ethan is going to love it.” I glance down at my own T-shirt and denim shorts. Laughing, I add, “I feel underdressed next to you.”
“Oh, stop.” She grabs my hand and tows me over to the couch. “You look fine. And anyway, you’ve never cared about clothes and appearances like I do.” A pause, and then, “I mean, you have this whole natural look going for you. And if your Xavier likes it…”
Oof. I grit my teeth as I give her a tight smile. “He does.”
Even though I know she doesn’t mean anything by it, some of her comments aren’t always the most tactful or sensitive. But after almost twenty years, I’m used to it.
“So.” As I set my bag on the coffee table, Kali turns towards me. “I still can’t believe everything that happened to you. Not just kidnapped once, but twice? It’s terrifying.” She shudders. “Honestly, I’m scared to go places at night alone now.”
“Well, I’m glad you’re being careful.”
“Was it because of your parents?” Leaning forward, her eyes wide and bright with interest, she continues, “Like a ransom thing? Or was it—” Her voice dips. “Trafficking?”
My stomach lurches as a wave of nausea sweeps through me. I’ve been getting better at talking about everything, but it still makes me feel uneasy. A bit tersely, I answer, “It wasn’t either of those things. But it’s still an active investigation, so I’m not really supposed to share the details.”
Which is true. Aside from my parents and the Blade and Arrow team, of course, all I’ve told anyone else is that I was abducted by a stranger and they tried to get me back. And it’s a relief, honestly, to have an excuse not to talk about it more than that.
“Oh.” Kali’s lips flatten. A flicker of irritation moves across her face. “Fine.”
Wanting to change the subject, I ask lightly, “What about Ethan? How long have you been dating? I’d love to hear about him.”
After a momentary silence, she huffs, then says, “Not too long. Just a couple of dates.”
“Where did you meet?”
“The gym.” Her answer is clipped.
“Okay… What does he do?”
“He’s in sales.” Her gaze skitters over to the bedroom door before moving back to me. “He’s nice enough. And he says he wants a family. So that’s good.”
Hmm. Doesn’t sound like a rousing endorsement. But this is what Kali always does. She picks a guy based off a checklist of criteria—successful, good looking in that all-American way, wants two kids and a picket fence—and throws herself at anyone who ticks the boxes.
Kali reaches over to the coffee table and takes a bottle of water from it. As she opens it, she nods at the other bottle sitting there. “In case you’re thirsty.”
“I’m good now, but thanks.”
“So, what about Xavier? How are things with your super hot bodyguard boyfriend?”
“They’re good.” Excellent, really, but she doesn’t sound super enthusiastic about this Ethan, so I don’t want to rub it in.
“Just good?” she prods. “You’ve been with him for ages. It’s just good?”
“It’ll be eight months soon.” I can’t stop my smile from spreading. “And it’s more than good. I love him. And we just decided to move in together.”
Kali’s face jerks with surprise. “You never live with the guy you’re dating. Ever.”
“Well, I never felt this way about anyone else before. I think…” At her raised eyebrows, I admit, “I think he’s the one.”
“Are you moving in with him? Or is he moving into your house?”
“I’m moving in. Well, I pretty much have already. It just makes more sense, since he works right there. And everyone else who lives at the ranch is so nice. So that’s a bonus.”
“And your parents?”
“Oh, they love him. They came over—” But I cut myself off. There’s something in Kali’s eyes that tells me though she’s asking the questions, she doesn’t like my answers.
In a colder tone than I’ve ever heard her speak, she says, “So it sounds like everything’s working out for you.”
“Well.” That sick feeling bubbles up in my stomach again. “I don’t know about that. But things are?—”
“It sure sounds like it to me.” Her eyes narrow. “You have an incredibly hot former-Special Forces boyfriend who loves you. Who wants you to live with him. I bet he’s planning a proposal already.”
“I don’t know?—”
“Your parents love him,” she continues. “Now you have all these friends at this Blade and Arrow place. Plus, you’re a successful writer. And you’ll never have to worry about money.”
My chest tightens. I hate when Kali gets like this. She’s normally fine, never shows a hint of jealousy, but maybe once a year or so, when she’s going through a tough time, she lashes out.
No one’s perfect, though. And it’s true, she’s had a much tougher life than me, at least up until recently. Her dad passed away when she was sixteen, and her mom turned to alcohol to dull the pain, leaving Kali to struggle through the rest of high school on her own. There wasn’t money for college, or a car, or any of the things my parents helped me with. And she’s never been able to pull everything together the way she really wants—money, a nice house, new SUV, tennis and long lunches at the club.
She doesn’t have a bad life, by any means, but I can see how, in comparison, mine looks pretty good.
In a conciliatory tone, I start, “You know, I think we’ve talked about me enough. I really want to hear about you. Ethan. Work. Your classes at the gym.”
“You have it so good, and you don’t even appreciate it.” Scowling now, she glares at me. “Perfect Lucy, who has everything just handed to her.”
“It’s not?—”
“It is ,” she snaps. “No matter what happens, you always come out on top. I mean, look at you. You’re kidnapped and your freaking Army bodyguard comes to rescue you. Falls in love with you. Anyone else would have been stuck there. But not Lucy. Everything always works out for you. And it’s not fair .”
Oh .
It feels like I’ve been kicked in the chest.
Tears press against the backs of my eyes.
How could she say that?
“I’m going to leave.” Swallowing hard, I reach for my purse. “This is obviously a bad time—” I fumble for my phone, about to text Xavier to come pick me up, my eyes downcast so I don’t have to look at her.
So I don’t have to face Kali after what she just said.
“Put your phone on the coffee table. Now.”
“I’m texting Xavier to come pick me up,” I reply. “I’ll wait outside for him.”
“NO.” It’s hard. Rough. Angry. “Put your phone down right fucking now .”
Then.
A click.
All too familiar.
My head jerks up.
And my heart stops.
There’s a gun. Pointed at me.
Behind it, Kali sneers. “Toss your damn phone on the floor. Right now. Or I’ll shoot you.”
How?
Why?
Nothing makes sense.
“NOW! Or I will fucking shoot you.” Her voice rises. “Don’t test me!”
Everything zooms in to her finger on the trigger. Tightening.
With a yelp of fright, I toss the phone on the floor.
My heart slams so hard I’m afraid it might burst. “Why?” I croak out. “I don’t under?—”
“Fucking perfect Lucy,” she snarls, her eyes filled with hate. “I’m so fucking sick of it. Sick of you.”
Oh, God. Has she gone crazy?
“Kali—”
“I’m done with it. I’ve been done with it. Year after year of watching your perfect life. Famous author. Money. Loving parents. Living in a house your parents bought for you. And then, if that’s not enough, you find the perfect boyfriend. And you don’t appreciate any of it.”
I can’t seem to get enough air in my lungs.
She’s gone crazy.
I need to get out of this. But she has a gun .
“Please. Put that away.” It comes out as a whisper, barely audible over the frantic drumming of my heart.
“Nope.” Kali bares her teeth in a rictus of a grin. “I’m going to take what I deserve for once. And watch perfect Lucy’s life fall apart at the same time. It’s going to be great.”
How can I get out of here? There have to be ways. But my brain… it doesn’t want to work. I can’t think. Gray spots are edging into my vision.
“You know, at first, I thought it would just be enough to see your life ruined,” Kali says, almost contemplatively. “And it should have worked.” She pauses. “Did you even know about the dark web? I bet you didn’t. Not perfect little Lucy. But I was intrigued by it.”
What?
No.
“Oh, yes.” Kali smiles, this horrible, devilish grin. “And when I found this game… Expiration Date. I was curious at first. But then I thought… wouldn’t it be interesting to see how you’d hold up? How long you’d last after your charmed life?”
Oh my God.
“It was so easy,” she continues. “All I had to do was suggest your name. Well, and provide all the information to find you. A photo. Your address. Your work schedule.”
How can this be?
Pain shears through me, along with a breathless sort of disbelief.
“But it didn’t work.” Kali huffs. “So I’m trying again. But this time, I have a better plan.”
I have to do something. Not just sit here gaping at her.
“So here’s what’s going to happen.” She tilts her chin at the water bottle on the coffee table; the one she offered me just a few minutes ago. “You’re going to drink that. I drugged it, so it’ll make you fall asleep shortly. And then, do you want to know what’s going to happen?”
“What?”
Stop staring at her. Come up with a plan. Now. What would Xavier do? Would he just sit here passively letting this happen?
“The dark web is so amazing. Did you know sex trafficking is one of the most lucrative businesses out there?” After a pause for emphasis, she says, “I’m going to sell you, Lucy. For half-a-million dollars. The buyer will be here tonight to take… possession of his new property. And you know what else, Lucy?”
Think.
What do I have?
“What?” I bleat, while trying to string together actual thoughts in my head.
“You might not die right away. But you’ll wish you were. And I’m going to feel so good about it. Knowing that all the luck in the world won’t save you this time.”
In a flash of welcome clarity, my thoughts coalesce.
The earrings. How could I have forgotten so quickly?
And.
In my purse, the pepper spray Xavier insisted I carry. The purse that’s no more than a few inches from my hand.
“Drink the water. Now.” Kali jabs the gun towards me. “And don’t try anything funny. I’d rather not shoot you, but if I have to… I will. It’s not like you need to be in perfect condition for where you’re going.”
As I look into the eyes of my old friend turned enemy, time seems to slow.
I’m only going to get one chance at this.
“Okay,” I tell her, letting my fear show in my voice. “Just don’t shoot.”
And on a slow intake of breath, I move.
First, I reach my right hand towards the water bottle, taking my time with it.
My eyes follow Kali’s, and the moment she glances away from my left hand, I press my earring hard.
“Faster,” she barks. “You’re taking too much time. Drink it. Now.”
“I will ,” I snap, anger pushing past the fear.
How dare she? How could she?
While her gaze is still on the bottle, I quickly reach into my purse to grab the little canister of pepper spray and hide it in my hand.
“Faster!”
The bottle near my lap now, I glance up at Kali. “I’m going to do it. Just… stop pointing the gun at me. Please.”
“No.” She squeezes the trigger, a hair’s breadth from going off. “ Drink the fucking water, Lucy. Or I’ll shoot you . ”
As carefully as I can, I begin to unscrew the cap while keeping the tiny canister tucked in my hand.
And then.
I fumble the bottle.
It starts to fall.
Kali snaps, “Are you kidding?—”
But for just a second, she’s not looking at me.
The gun dips.
I hold my breath.
Then.
I spray the noxious liquid into her face.
Kali shrieks. Claps a hand over her eyes.
My panicked paralysis broken, I jump to my feet.
Kali lunges at me, but her eyes are squeezed nearly shut, red and swollen and wet with tears.
I use that move Xavier showed me—the heel strike—and drive the fleshy part of my palm into her face.
“You bitch!”
She’s disoriented, her vision compromised, and now there’s blood streaming from her nose to her chin. But she still has that gun .
With a howl of rage, Kali leaps at me, but I manage to duck away.
I need to get to the door. Get out. Find safety until I can call the police. Until Xavier gets here.
“You fucking bitch!” she howls. “You’re not getting out of this!”
Rage like nothing I’ve felt surges through me. And with it, incredible confidence.
“Yes,” I bite out. And I grab the coffee table, my adrenaline making it feel weightless. “ I will .”
And I fling it at her.
The wooden table slams into Kali, knocking her down.
The gun falls from her hand, and I race after it, kicking it away from her.
Kali is shouting, completely unhinged, “I hate you! I hate you!”
It’s chaos.
Then the door flies open, and Xavier— oh, Xavier, he’s here —comes storming inside.
He’s terrified. It’s all over his face. “Lucy!”
“Take care of her!” I shout. “I’m fine.”
Well. Sort of.
He pauses for less than a second, taking everything in.
His gaze turns deadly.
With an expression of barely-controlled rage, Xavier rushes over to Kali and has her zip tied in less than thirty seconds.
The entire time, she’s screeching, spitting hateful things, until Xavier snaps, “Shut the fuck up. Or I’ll knock you out. Don’t think because you’re a woman I won’t. You fucking tried to hurt Lucy, so all bets are off.”
Is it crazy I find dangerous Xavier sexy?
Is it crazy I’m thinking about sex at all right now?
Once Kali is fully restrained, Xavier carefully retrieves the gun and sets it on a nearby table. Then he runs to me and pulls me into his arms. His whole body is shaking as he hugs me against him.
“God.” Even his voice is trembling. “Are you hurt? What happened?”
“I… I’m…” Stopping, I take a deep breath, hold it for four, and let it out slowly. “I’m okay. Not hurt. But she wanted to… The gun. It was her, Xavier. She’s the one who gave them my name. For the game.”
“Fuck.” His arms convulse around me.
Outside the building, sirens approach.
Xavier releases me just enough to gaze down at me, his expression tortured as he meets my gaze. “I’m so sorry, Lucy.”
“It’s not… But how did you get here so quickly?”
Amid the fear and anger, his eyes soften. “Oh, Luce. I never left.”