Guarded from Treachery (Blade and Arrow Security Bravo Team #4)

Chapter 19

19

ISLA

“ I sles, I thought you were supposed to be resting.”

As Matt walks into the living room, I quickly shove my laptop to the side and do my best not to look guilty. “I am,” I reply. “See? I’m on the couch. Sitting. Resting. Not doing anything strenuous at all.”

He eyeballs the laptop with suspicion. “So you were just watching videos? Or shopping? Not working like I caught you doing three times since this morning?”

I could lie, but that’s not the kind of relationship I want to have with Matt. “I was checking emails. And going over my boss’s schedule for next week. But those aren’t exactly stressful activities.”

Crossing the room, he sinks onto the couch beside me and covers my hand with his. He gives me a sheepish look, his ears turning that adorable shade of pink. “I know you probably think I’m being ridiculous. Overprotective. Bossy, even.” His brows draw together. “I just want to make absolutely sure you’re okay. That’s all.”

Threading my fingers between his, I give his hand a little squeeze. “I know. And I don’t think you’re being ridiculous. Maybe a little bossy…” Trailing off, I flash him a teasing smile. “I get it. Really. But the doctor said I was fine. And I’ve been resting since yesterday.”

“But the stress,” he insists with an earnest expression. “Doctor Goodman said stress can have a tremendous impact on your body. The cortisol and all that. Plus, I was reading online that increased stress can affect the?—”

He stops, his mouth clamping shut. The flush in his ears spreads to his cheeks. After a beat, he says quickly, “Anyway. The doctor said a couple of days of rest couldn’t hurt. And you’ve barely been resting as it is. With everyone coming by, and calling…”

I’d hardly call visits from his teammates stressful, particularly considering that Sarah brought over Rambo, her trained therapy dog, and Erik stopped over last night to practice some restorative yoga and meditation. And Lucy and Jade brought over all sorts of aromatherapy oils and candles and chocolate—the latter because, as Lucy claimed, “When I’m stressed, sugar is a necessity.”

All his teammates have been by the apartment to check on me at least once since we got back from the store yesterday. Niall and Xavier came over with Jade and Lucy, Dante stopped by with Sarah, and I saw Rhiannon last night and first thing this morning.

It’s been really nice, actually. After years of taking care of myself, now I know what it feels like to have a family to look after me. And not just everyone here at Blade and Arrow, but the extended family, too. Cole’s wife, Maya, called yesterday evening to introduce herself and offer her support. Then a few of the other Sleepy Hollow B and A women jumped on the call—Leo’s wife, Georgia, and Rylan’s wife, Charlie.

They were so lovely, and echoed Matt’s idea about coming to visit. “We can’t wait to meet your little one,” Georgia told me kindly. “And I’ve already started knitting a swaddling blanket for her.”

Charlie jumped in. “Or him. Remember, Isla’s waiting to find out.” She paused before adding in an almost disbelieving tone, “I’m not far enough along yet. We could have done testing when we went through IVF, but we want to be surprised, too.”

“It’ll be so great,” enthused Maya. “All the Sleepy Hollow babies can meet up. Clara, Lily, my best friend Scarlett’s twins, Delia and Jack, our friend Ari’s daughter, Winnie, Thea’s stepdaughter and son…”

Charlie laughed. “There are a lot of babies in the Blade and Arrow family. And now with you and Jade expecting, we’re adding even more.”

I love how they talk about me like I’m part of the family. Even though Matt and I aren’t quite there yet—there’s been no talk of living together or an engagement or marriage—I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t hoping.

Yes, I know he said we’ll make it work wherever I decide to live. But I don’t want to go back to Dallas, to a city with acquaintances but no real friends. Back to an apartment that’ll never feel safe again. And I really, really don’t want to live hours away from Matt.

After seeing him every day, and now spending every night with him, how could I ever go back to being on my own again?

I could . Would it be hard? Yes. But I could.

But I don’t want to. I want to stay here with Matt.

Not just that, I want more of the life I’ve gotten a taste of here. Movie nights with Jade and Lucy and Sarah. Binging home improvement shows with Rhiannon. Yoga with Erik. Gatherings in the barn with whoever’s around to play foosball and cornhole and giant Jenga.

And once this is all settled, I want to go into San Antonio to spend more time with Blythe, Milena, and Hope. I want to meet their families. Get to know some of the other first responders they’re friends with.

After more than a decade of living on my own, of thinking that independence was the best option, I’ve found I like relying on other people, too.

I like letting Matt take care of things sometimes. Not because I can’t do them, but because he wants to. Because it makes him feel good to look out for me.

So while Matt is being a bit on the overprotective side, I’m letting it go. I could put my foot down and insist I’m perfectly capable of doing some basic administrative work from the comfort of the couch. But judging from the worry etched into his features, I think he needs this more than I do.

Not that I’m feeling awesome about what happened yesterday. Far from it. But I’m really determined to focus on the positive instead of letting the terrible memories get to me.

Was I terrified? Absolutely. But something Sarah mentioned this morning really resonated with me. She said, “When everything happened to me, I couldn’t understand it. I didn’t know what I could have done to deserve something so terrible. But then I realized something. I was actually really lucky. I had help. Support. A safe place to stay. And at the end of it, I ended up with Dante.”

At that point, Rambo put his paw on my knee and gave me a soulful please pet me look. Sarah chuckled as she scratched his head. “And Rambo, too.” Glancing at me, she added, “It was serendipity. Finding something magical amid the chaos. And as hard as it was, I wouldn’t change a thing.”

I love that.

Serendipity. A shimmering silver lining. A treasure at the end of the rainbow after the storm settles.

That’s Matt. And little Dove. Or Eagle, if Matt ends up being right. A family in the most unexpected of places.

Like Sarah, I think I’d go through it all again if it brought me here.

Climbing onto Matt’s lap, I stroke his cheek. Then I press a kiss to his lips, lingering long enough to taste the sweet tang of apple cider—thanks to Lucy, we have enough to supply a small army—and that unique flavor that’s uniquely his. “I won’t do any more work for a while,” I concede. “I’ll stay on the couch and watch mindless TV. But only if you sit here with me.”

Matt’s shoulders sag. Some of the tension drains from his features. A smile lifts his lips. “I can do that.”

“Good.” I snuggle into his chest and rest my cheek on his shoulder. “We have all the food Sarah and Dante brought over, so there are lots of choices. Tacos, lasagna, enchiladas…”

Matt’s stomach makes an approving rumble. “Sounds perfect.”

As he reaches for the remote, my phone buzzes. I start to reach for it, but Matt leans forward to grab it. Then he deposits into my hand.

I glance down at the screen to see a message from Rory.

How are you feeling today? Is cute Matt taking great care of you? I think I found someone to watch the dogs in a couple of weeks so I can come visit. Do you think you’ll still be in San Antonio or back in Dallas?

When I called Rory last night to give her the latest update, my normally reclusive friend announced she was coming to visit as soon as she could. I would never have pushed for her to come—she gets self-conscious around people she doesn’t know, though I wish she wouldn’t. But I’m thrilled she’ll be able to get away from her shelter in Vermont for a visit.

But the question remains—where will I be living?

Before I reply, I say to Matt, “It’s Rory. She said she has someone to watch the dogs at the shelter. So she should be able to come visit in a couple of weeks.”

“That’s great.” He smiles at me. “I can’t wait to meet your best friend. Do you think she’d want to stay in the spare room here? Or the client apartment might be available, depending on how our next pro-bono case goes.”

So he’s not kicking me out yet, even though my case is close to being solved. But how long does he intend for me to stay?

I want to ask him, but fear steals my words.

Instead, I quickly type out a reply to Rory.

Matt is awesome as usual. I would love to see you! I think San Antonio for now. If you want, you can stay in Matt’s guest room.

Once the message goes through, the three dots dance on the screen for several seconds.

In the guest room?? Does that mean you moved in??

Crap. Can Matt see her text? Is he going to wonder what I’ve been telling her?

But a quick side glance shows his gaze intent on his own phone, so I send a brief reply.

I’m not sure yet. We haven’t talked about it. I’ll call soon to fill you in!

Moments later, her response appears.

You’d better! I want to hear everything!

Smiling, I tap out one last message.

I will!

As I put my phone down, Matt does the same. Then he shifts me on his lap so he can meet my gaze. His expression shifts from relaxed into something more serious. “That was Dante. He wants to stop by with some news. Do you think you’re up to it?”

My stomach squinches into a knot. Part of me wants to delay it, to enjoy this peaceful time with Matt a while longer. Spend the afternoon snuggled on the couch together, watching HGTV and kissing and possibly making love if I can convince Matt it won’t hurt me.

On the other hand, I want to know. I need to.

“It’s fine,” I reply, hoping I sound at least somewhat convincing.

From the skeptical arch of Matt’s eyebrows, I don’t think I succeeded. But thankfully, he lets it go and simply says, “Okay. I’ll tell him to come over.”

After he taps out a quick message, he looks back at me, hesitating for a second before he adds, “I know you’re strong, Isles. So strong I’m in awe of you, really. But you’ve been through a lot. So if it feels like it’s getting to be too much, it’s okay to stop. To take a break. Okay?”

“Okay.” As he looks at me, there’s more than just concern in his gaze. There’s pride. Wonder. And so much love it almost brings tears to my eyes.

“Matt?”

Lines form across his forehead. “What, gorgeous?”

“I really love you. I just wanted to tell you.”

Emotion softens his features. “Oh, Isla. I love you, too.”

He touches my chin, tipping it up and lowering his lips to mine. It’s tender at first, soft caresses and gentle nips, but soon escalates to something deeper. Passionate. Our tongues dance together, stroking and exploring. Hints of apple and spice flood my senses, and I know I’ll never think of apple cider the same way again.

As our kiss continues, desire blossoms in my core. Dampness builds at the apex of my thighs. My nipples tighten, every brush against them sending tingles of heat and electricity racing through my body. Need coils in my belly.

Beneath me, I feel Matt hardening, his length nudging at me.

I wriggle my hips and he jerks beneath me. One big hand comes to my breast and plumps it, his fingers lightly plucking at my nipple.

Delicious sensations flood through me, chasing away my fear and anxiety and replacing them with arousal and breathless anticipation.

Maybe we could sneak in a quick round in the bedroom before Dante gets here?

Matt didn’t say when he was coming over. We might have time.

Then the doorbell rings.

Crap. I guess not.

As Matt heads to the door to answer it, he adjusts himself, hiding his rather obvious erection. Unfortunately, I’m only wearing a thin T-shirt that doesn’t do much to disguise my nipples, so I grab the throw draped across the back of the couch and hug it to my chest, doing my best to look casual about it.

Right. Like clutching a blanket to my chest is normal? If it was cold, maybe. But Matt’s apartment is a balmy seventy degrees and definitely not blanket weather.

Once Matt sits back down next to me, he casts a quick glance at the blanket. At first, he looks puzzled. A beat later, realization dawns. A satisfied smirk curves his lips.

Dante takes the armchair across from us and looks first at Matt, then me. Amusement lights his eyes for a moment. A beat later, his expression sobers. He takes a deep breath and lets it out before saying, “So. I’ve been talking with the police and the FBI all morning. And we have lots of news.”

Matt slides his arm around me and tugs me into his side. His body is rigid with tension. “And what did you find out?”

Dante lifts his chin at Matt. “I spoke to Cruz. And he gave me the majority of the information.” To me, he explains, “Cruz is a friend of ours. He works in the local FBI office. So he’s kind of an unofficial liaison to B and A.”

I nod at him. “Okay.”

“Well.” He pulls out his phone and taps the screen a few times. “Fortunately, once the two men from the store realized the extent of the charges they’re facing, they were eager to talk. In fact, Cruz told me that they were throwing their colleagues under the bus as fast as they could in hopes of leniency.”

Matt scowls. “ Leniency ? They held a gun to a pregnant woman. Threatened to shoot her. They should be locked up for as long as possible.”

“I agree,” Dante replies, “and trust me, they’ll be punished. Cruz mentioned lengthy sentences for assault, attempted kidnapping, breaking and entering… But if they get out a few years sooner by talking—” His lips compress into a line. “I know it’s not ideal.”

“But if it stops the people behind this,” I say, “then it’s worth it.” I meet Dante’s gaze. “Did they know? The two men? Or were they hired on the dark web, too?”

“The fucking dark web,” Matt mutters under his breath. A beat later, he flashes me an apologetic look. “Sorry, Isles. I’m just?—”

For a second, my attention shifts back to Matt and how sweet he is. Not once have I complained about him cursing—I don’t do it much, myself, but I’m definitely not offended—but he still insists on trying to avoid it when he’s around me.

“I know.” I catch his hand and give it a little squeeze. “It’s okay.”

“They weren’t hired online,” Dante answers. “Finally. In a stroke of luck, or maybe a foolish act of desperation, they were actually hired in person. Darius Whitley and Hank McMaster were long-time employees of the man who partnered with Remington. And when it came down to them taking the fall or the millionaire who hired them, they didn’t hesitate to throw him under the bus.”

Nervous flutters erupt in my chest. “So it was Mr. Remington behind it?”

“Remington and an attorney named Stewart Day.” Dante glances at his phone again. “Day is a partner with a firm in Dallas.Apparently, he and Remington were fraternity brothers. And when Day was going through a costly divorce a few years ago, they came up with the idea together.”

“Are they certain?” Matt asks. “Whitley and McMaster could be making this up, after all. Trying to find someone else to pin the blame on.”

Dante shakes his head. “Cruz said they provided other names, too. Nurses. Doctors. Whitley even knew about Milton Oaks and his involvement with the fertility clinic. The FBI arrested half a dozen people based on Whitley and McMaster’s information, and a nurse and doctor already confessed to everything.”

A grim smile touches his lips. “Apparently, they had no problem going along with this sick plan when they were getting paid. But once they got in front of the FBI interrogators… it was a whole different story.”

Matt’s jaw could cut glass. “And what about Day? Is he in custody?”

“He is,” Dante confirms. “They brought him in last night. He’s not talking yet, but according to Cruz, the evidence against him so far looks good.” He pauses. Frowns. “The FBI discovered some… interesting findings when they searched Day’s property.”

The way he says interesting doesn’t sound promising to me. It sounds sinister. Scary. And something I’m sure not to like. My voice wobbles as I ask, “What did they find?”

“Day has a large property outside of Dallas. With a guest house. And inside—” Anger darkens Dante’s gaze. “There were women being held against their will. Pregnant women.”

Bile burns my throat. “Were they… Did Remington…”

“Remington and Day. Yes. The three captives said they discovered they were pregnant much like you did. But they were abducted soon afterwards. And they confirmed that several other women had already given birth over the last few months. Women who disappeared close to delivery and never came back.”

God. That could have easily been me.

And those poor women—the ones held captive and the ones who?—

Tears spring to my eyes. Pressure builds in my chest.

Matt glances at me, his features softening with concern. “Isles? Do you need a break?”

“No.” I shake my head quickly. “I want to hear everything.” Turning back to Dante, I ask, “How did they choose us? Why me?”

Dante glances at Matt with his eyebrows raised in silent question.

“Dante.” I narrow my eyes at him. “I’m right here. Don’t ask Matt if it’s okay.”

Twin spots of pink ruddy Dante’s cheeks. “Sorry, Isla. You’re right.” He pauses before adding, “One of the doctors arrested gave the FBI all the details. The women were chosen because of their… unique characteristics and talents. A genius IQ. Heterochromia. Musical talent. Or?—”

“Violet eyes like Isla’s,” Matt interjects. He glowers as he continues, “Of course, Isles would attract attention.” He turns to me. “Not just your eyes. But you’re beautiful. Smart. Talented.”

“I’m not,” I retort. “I’m just an estate manager. Or at least, I used to be. But that’s nothing special.”

“You’re beautiful ,” Matt repeats. “And you have a gorgeous voice. I know you didn’t perform, but it wasn’t a secret. People could have heard you at church. Or your music teacher could have innocently mentioned something.”

“Matt’s right,” Dante adds. “According to the doctor, the women were selected based on client requests. Day and Remington had a database of women. And when one of them matched up with what a client wanted, that’s when the woman was impregnated and subsequently abducted.”

Matt looks like he’s about to explode. “So these assholes targeted women so they could steal their babies? For some fucked up black market adoption ring?”

A shudder runs through me. Despite Matt’s obvious anger, he hugs me closer and presses a kiss to the top of my head.

Dante’s expression shadows. “From what Cruz said, yes. The goal of the entire operation was to”—he stops and shoots me an apologetic look—“create custom babies for their clients. Clients who would pay millions to have the exact baby they wanted.”

My hand comes to my belly protectively. “But why not just do IVF? And surrogates? Why all of this?”

Before Dante can answer, Matt jumps in. “Because they aren’t guaranteed to find the perfect donor by just going through clinic databases. And it’s more complicated once you have rules and ethics thrown into the mix. Remington and Day didn’t care about doing the right thing. All they cared about was the money and damn the consequences.”

“But…” My thoughts are scattered in a hundred directions. It’s almost too crazy to believe, even though I’ve spent hours contemplating all the possible reasons why this was happening to me. “I don’t understand,” I finish weakly. “They just saw me and decided I was a good pick to carry a baby for them?”

“We don’t know how they found you,” Dante replies. “Not yet. But we do know that Remington offered you the job with the intent to get you on his property. To make it easier to impregnate you. And to make you disappear once the pregnancy was confirmed. That’s why he offered you the guest house. But when he died, it ruined their plans. You moved out before you could be taken into captivity. So Day had to scramble to try and get you back.”

Each revelation is like another kick in my gut. “So it’s all because I took the job offer? If I hadn’t—” My voice cracks.

Matt brushes his finger across my cheek and it comes away wet. “I’m so sorry.”

I swallow hard a few times as I sniff back my tears. “So they got me there and changed my medication so I’d be more likely to get pregnant.” Another swallow. “But… what about the sperm donors? Did they know what was going on?”

Did I think Matt looked mad? Now he looks murderous. “I’ll ruin them,” he growls. “If they don’t end up in jail, I’ll make them wish they were.”

“I don’t think so,” Dante tells me. “From what Cruz said, the men were recruited by Milton Oaks and paid for their donation. They were led to believe it was all legitimate.”

Matt starts, “And do they know who Isla’s?—”

“I don’t want to know.” It’s quick. Loud. Adamant. “I don’t want to know,” I repeat. “Whoever it is, they’re just some person who sold their sperm.”

“But their medical history…”

I turn towards Matt. Emotion shakes my voice. “I can’t . Not now. Maybe one day. But not now.”

“Okay.” He pulls me against his chest and kisses my head again. “Whatever you want to do, I fully support you.” To Dante, he adds, “I don’t care if the FBI thinks they have enough evidence. I don’t want to end protection on Isla until we’re absolutely sure.”

A shaft of fear spears through me. Not for the end of my protection, exactly, but for everything it means.

Not living at Blade and Arrow anymore. Not seeing Matt every day. Losing the first place that’s actually felt like home.

“Of course not,” Dante agrees. “I’d like to keep Isla here until we’re certain the case against Day is airtight. Plus, we can continue our own investigation to ensure that everyone involved is caught.”

“Damn right,” Matt grits out. “I won’t stop until every last one of them is punished for what they did to Isla.”

“But what about after?” It just comes out without thinking. “When you find everyone? Where will I go then?”

Matt stiffens. His brows pull into a deep V. “Do you want to leave?”

“Do you want me to leave?”

“You know, I think I’m going to get going,” Dante announces. Without waiting for a response, he jumps up and speeds towards the door. “I think we’ve gone through everything for now. If I hear anything else, I’ll let you know.”

Matt’s gaze is fixed on mine as he says absently, “Okay, D. Thanks for coming over. I’ll talk to you later.”

As the front door clicks shut, Matt shifts on the couch so he’s facing me. His knees bump against mine. Something that looks an awful lot like fear fills his gaze. “ Do you want to leave, Isles? Go back to Dallas when this is all over?”

Now I’m afraid, but it’s for a different reason.

What if I tell him the unvarnished truth and he doesn’t respond the way I hope?

I’m not sure I could take it on top of everything else.

“Isla?” That vulnerable look in his eyes is back again. “Is that what you want? I wasn’t going to ask, not now, at least. But if Dallas is where you want to be?—”

“It’s not.”

Matt stares at me. Hope flickers across his face before disappearing. “Where do you want to go?”

“I don’t want to go back to Dallas. I want—” My throat closes for a second. In a whisper, I finally say, “I’m scared, Matt.”

“Oh, honey.” He lifts me onto his lap. “Why? I won’t let anyone hurt you here. I promise.” A beat, and then, “I know I screwed up at the store. I should have set up cameras outside. Brought more people to stand guard. I’m so sorry.”

“It wasn’t your fault. And that’s not what I’m scared of.”

“Then what?”

How can I face off against would-be abductors but be terrified to tell Matt what I want?

“I’m scared you don’t want the same thing I do,” I admit. “And I know you think I’m strong. But I’m not sure I’m strong enough to handle the disappointment.”

Confusion ripples across Matt’s face. A moment later, realization takes its place. “Oh, Isles. I’m sorry.”

My heart plummets to my feet. “So you do want me to leave.”

“Oh, no.” Pink touches his cheeks. “I’m sorry I’m such an idiot. I thought waiting was better. With everything going on, I didn’t want to push you. Or make you feel uncomfortable. But…”

“But?”

“I want you to stay here. At Blade and Arrow. Not in the client apartment, but with me. We could turn the guest room into a nursery. You and Jade will have your babies around the same time, so it would be nice for them to grow up together, and Rambo is great with kids, you should see him at the community center.”

Reaching over to the coffee table, he snags his phone and swipes across the screen. Then he taps it a few times before holding it out to me. Displayed is a 3D rendering of a nursery, complete with furniture and decorations and even tiny paintings of doves and eagles on the walls.

“It wouldn’t have to look like this,” he continues, his words still coming in a rush. “This is just an idea. It could be however you want it to look. If you decide to stay. But I know you’ve just been handed a shi—crap-ton of stuff, and you might not feel up to making a decision right now. And whatever you decide is okay. I meant it when I said I’ll do whatever it takes to make things work. I just… I love you, Isla. And I desperately want you to stay.”

The tears I’ve been fighting against since Dante arrived burst free with a vengeance.

“Oh, Isles. Please don’t cry.” Panic is all over his face. “I’m sorry. I knew this was bad timing. What can I do? A massage? A nap? Should we call your counselor? Please, just tell me what I can do.”

Aww. My sweet Matt. He can deal with the most frightening of situations—things he’s barely touched on from his past but still make me shudder to think about—but a woman crying? Forget it.

I press my mouth to his, tasting the salt on my lips. “You didn’t do anything wrong. At all.”

“Then what?—”

“I want all of it. Staying here. In your apartment. And the nursery is perfect. I wouldn’t change a thing.”

“Our apartment,” he adds fiercely. “Not mine. It would be ours.” A pause. “If you’re sure.”

“I am.” More tears leak down my cheeks. “I’m so sure, Matt. I’ve been thinking about the same thing, but I was too scared to ask.”

“Oh, gorgeous.” He turns me on his lap and frames my face with his hands. “Don’t be scared to ask me anything. Okay?”

I give him a sniffly nod. “Okay.”

We stare at each other before the corner of his mouth lifts. “So you’re moving in? And I have the go-ahead to work on the nursery?”

“Yes.” I kiss him again. “Yes. I would love to move in. And I love you.”

“Isla.” Matt’s expression melts. “I love you, too. And I swear, I’ll do whatever it takes to make you happy. Anything. You’re the most important person in the world to me. And when little Eagle or Dove comes, they will be, too.”

Oh.

Out of the storm comes the treasure I’ve dreamed of my entire life.

Sarah was right.

I would go through it all again if it meant ending up here.