Chapter 29 That’s a Good Name
CHAPTER TWENTY-NINE
THAT’S A GOOD NAME
Devon
Iglance over at Harlow. She’s out cold and sprawled over the middle of the bed. The covers are pulled down so far, the swell of her ass peeks out at me.
After our time in my office last night, I managed to get her to the room in one piece.
We ordered food, but not too much, ate a quick dinner before I pulled her into the shower, where I proved I can’t get enough of Harlow Madison.
But this time the sex wasn’t quick or hard and didn’t have the edge of angst built in with pilots on the other side of the door.
It was slow, it was hot, and I savored every inch of her before we passed out.
The last thing I want to do is leave her naked in my bed, but this is one call I can’t miss.
I grab my vibrating cell from the nightstand, pull on a pair of sweatpants that were in a heap on the floor, and silently shut the bedroom door behind me as I make my way through the dark suite so I don’t wake my sleeping beauty.
“You seem to forget I’m three hours earlier than you,” I bite in lieu of a greeting.
“Yet you answered, because when you see my mug come across your screen, you can’t help yourself. You love me as much as the next gent. Good morning, by the way, you bright, fucking ray of sunshine, you.”
“To this day, I wonder what my sister sees in you.” I rub my eyes and clear my groggy throat. “What information were you able to drum up? Because you’d better not be dragging me out of bed at this time for anything other than cold, hard intelligence.”
“You are one demanding fucker, but I shouldn’t be surprised. You’re a Donnelly. I should know, I married one. God, I love that woman more every day.”
I cringe. “Dammit, Cole. I left Harlow asleep in bed, like everyone on the west coast at this hour. Get to it.”
He does not get to it. “I can’t wait for the little family reunion and the big introduction to the woman who was recently someone else’s bride.
Speaking of, thanks a billion for putting up the Monroes for their honeymoon.
I haven’t heard from Rocco, but Teagan texts Bella daily thanking her.
You did something special for those youngins. We appreciate it.”
I would not describe Rocco Monroe as a youngin, but whatever.
“Focus, Cole, or I’m hanging up.”
He continues to run his mouth. “You’re the second person I know who hooked up with a billionaire heiress.
What are the odds? I doubt most people know even one, which just goes to show you how exceptional I am.
Though Ozzy married an actual princess. Yours was only hailed as one by American tabloids.
Liyah has actual royal blood running through her.
That means Ozzy still has one up on you. ”
I pinch the bridge of my nose. “I want you to know that until the shit show of a wedding that never happened, I was hitting the weight room daily. If you don’t get to the point, I will take you down the minute you step foot into Winslet. I have no time for this shit.”
I can actually hear him recline in his chair when his tone changes. “You can keep your bloody British hands to yourself, bro-in-law, because I’m about to make you one happy bloke ... mostly. I’ve got good news and bad news.”
I tip my head back and stare at the wood paneled ceiling. “I’m waiting.”
“Jett Parker Cross. That is a good name. I’m almost jealous. The second T really does it for me.”
“Fuck me,” I mutter.
“Jett Cross,” he rattles off faster this time.
“I’ll tell you what he’s not. He is not a terrorist, sex offender, and grand theft auto is not on his very short list of offenses.
He did, however, go through a phase of street racing in high school which resulted in four tickets.
Two of those were dismissed, which means they didn’t suspend his license.
Of course, that all happened before he turned eighteen, and even though those records are supposed to be sealed, I’m the C-I-fucking-A, so I know everything. You’re welcome.”
I stare across the lake toward the mountain range. “So he is who he says he is?”
“Yep.” Cole enunciates the P. “Everything I found matches the lowdown you gave me—down to his email and home address. He rents an old house in small town Iowa. Not that he’s farming—the man has seen more than his fair share of troubles.”
“No shit? Send me the report. I want to read it. I do remember something about life and death. But these days, everything seems like life and death.”
“Yeah, Bella told me about the shooting. Exciting times.”
“Harlow has a brother,” I mutter aloud.
“You’re going to have to take it from here. I’m a CIA officer, not a phlebotomist.”
“Did you really just come up with that word on the fly?” I ask.
“I’m gifted, fucker. Don’t forget it.”
I sigh. “Hit me with the bad news so I can end this call.”
“I say it’s bad because it’s fucking bad, but any information is good, right?
Hugh Bancroft, the dead friend who isn’t so dead .
.. well, sorry to say, everything you thought about him is true.
Ozzy confirmed it through voice analysis, but I took the numbers you gave me and performed my wizardry.
Not only on Bancroft, but also Turner. Those two were in cahoots for years before the rest of us grieved his fake death.
From what I found, this guy was into some bad, bad shit when he was still at SIS.
And I’ve got to tell you, this takes me back to your sister’s drama, and the assholes who were trying to do me in all those years ago. ”
“Fuck.” I drag a hand down my face. “That bad?”
“May I venture to say worse? Ozzy is going to send you the transcripts. Sorry, man, but this is something you need to digest on your own.”
“Probably so,” I agree. “Is that all?”
“A-fucking-gain, you are welcome.”
“You know I’m grateful.”
“I know you are, but I did not know you turned into sleeping beauty. Go back to your billionairess. Bella has read every single thing she could find on Harlow. She’s a real philanthropist, huh?”
“Yeah, so much it breaks her heart to waste food. I learned that the hard way.”
“Good for her. Everyone has their thing, right?”
“Is that it? I could still get another couple hours of sleep if I can turn my brain off.”
“Good luck with that. You’ll get past this. Let me know if I can do anything else. You’re really taking advantage of the family discount,” he drawls. “Can’t wait to meet your heiress. She really dodged a bullet—more than one if you count her murderous ex.”
“Go find someone in your own time zone to talk to,” I bite.
“You’re a real Princess and the Pea.” He laughs, and I can imagine the wolfish grin on his face as he says it.
“Later.” There’s no way I’m listening to anything else. I ring off and head back to the bedroom. I drop my sweats and slip back into bed, putting a hand to her hip and pulling her back to my front.
“Mmm,” she hums and threads her fingers through mine before tucking it between her tits. “It’s so early.”
I kiss the back of head and spoon her naked body. “It is, baby. Go back to sleep.”
Morning will come soon enough, and she’ll have to decide what she’s going to do about the potential brother she didn’t know she had.
For me, there are no decisions to be made about my resurrected ex-mate.
I know what to do about Hugh Bancroft.
And he won’t see it coming.
Harlow
Isit cross-legged in Devon’s bed staring at him over the cup of steaming coffee he just handed me. I’m wearing his shirt from yesterday and a pair of panties that I threw on when I got up to brush my teeth.
“So, he’s legit?” I stare at Devon trying to take in what he told me. “He’s not some crazy lunatic trying to weasel money out of my dad?”
Devon takes a sip of his coffee. His back is to the headboard, and he’s wearing a pair of gray sweatpants.
His bare feet are crossed at the ankles.
The only thing distracting me from the thought I may not be an only child are Devon’s rippled abs and bare feet.
I had no idea feet could be so masculine until I became obsessed with all things Devon.
Don’t get me wrong. I’ve always wanted a brother or sister. My parents couldn’t have any more kids. I’m thrilled, but it’s still a shock. I have no clue who this guy is and why it took this long to find us.
“I don’t know what to do.” I blow on my coffee that’s still too hot to drink. “Do I just call this guy up and say, ‘Hey, I heard we might share a dad. Want to meet up for a DNA test?’ I mean, that’s just weird, right? Is there protocol for this? Does Miss Manners have a lesson plan on what to do?”
Devon frowns. “Who’s Miss Manners?”
“I don’t know,” I say and set my coffee down. “She’s this ... never mind, you know what I mean. But the bigger question is, do I tell my dad?”
He shrugs. “That’s up to you, baby. He can obviously take it. He’s handled everything else to this point.”
“But a child. I have no idea what my dad was like before he met my mom. And what kind of woman wouldn’t tell a man that they made a human? It’s not like he wouldn’t have taken responsibility.”
“I’m sure you’ll find out in time. His mum is dead, and no one knows the circumstances. Do you want me to reach out to him? I can set up a lab to perform the test for both of you. You don’t have to meet him until you know for sure. Even then, you don’t have to do anything you don’t want to do.”
I shake my head and hug my knees to my chest. “No. I can do it. I’ll email him and set up the test. I need to do this.”
“I knew you would. You’d go crazy not knowing.” He leans forward and presses a kiss to my lips before reaching for his cell. “I’ve got to make a phone call. You can listen, but I need you to be quiet.”
I pick up my coffee and test it before taking a sip. “Oh, this sounds like secretive stuff. You know I want to listen.”
Devon opens his laptop before making the call and putting it on speaker.
Dean answers on the second ring. “What’s up, Donnelly?”
Devon winks at me before he starts talking, but his tone does not match the playful look he shoots me.
“Don’t what’s up me, Moretti. There was a shooting on my property, and no one has talked to the victim yet.
I know Winslet is a small town, but what the fuck?
I’m trying to run a business here. Malloy has something to do with Harlow Madison.
I feel it and want to know the connection. Hell, I should’ve known two days ago.”
“Step back, Donnelly. I know you did whatever the fuck you wanted to as a secret agent across the pond, but that’s not how it works here.
I need access from his physicians. And if you’d give me two seconds to answer, I’d be able to tell you, because I just got the all clear.
The doctor said I could go in this afternoon.
Let me do my job, and if you’re not an asshole, I might share what I learn. ”
“It’s about time,” Devon barks. “You know where to find me. I’ll be waiting for answers.”
“Fuck, you act like you’re my boss. You’re lucky I’m sharing anything with you. Don’t call me again demanding shit. You’ll be one friend down in Winslet.”
My eyes widen when the line goes dead.
Devon hangs up and tosses his cell to the mattress.
“Wow,” I say. “That was really ... mean.”
He shakes his head and pats the mattress next to him. “This is just step one. Let’s see if they take the bait.”
I hold my coffee out as I walk on my knees up the bed to settle in next to Devon. He’s got a text string pulled up on his laptop, but it doesn’t look like any text I’ve ever seen before.
A message pops up.
Turner – It’s happening this afternoon. Are you in position?
Unknown – You know I am. I’ll get this done and get out.
Turner – Sooner than later. I can’t afford anyone talking.
Unknown – I can’t locate our last client. I’ve looked for two days. He’s not at work, home, or any of his vacation properties.
Turner – Work faster. Your relationship with me is on the line. If you can’t finish this, I’m cutting you loose.
Unknown – I’d be careful if I were you. I have as much on you as you have on me.
Turner – You forget, no one has ever issued a death certificate in my name. Life isn’t messy for me like it is for some.
There’s a pause.
“Is that it?” I ask the screen before turning to Devon. “What’s he going to do?”
Devon stares at the screen as if he’s willing Hugh Bancroft to answer. He mutters, “Come on, you cowardly bastard. You don’t have the balls to do what’s right.”
Bubbles appear on the screen.
Unknown – I’ll get it done. I always do.
“Fuck, yeah.” Devon sets the laptop to the side and claims my face. His kiss is searing and hot and as possessive as it’s ever been. I’m breathless by the time he breaks the kiss and rests his forehead on mine. “This is happening, baby. And it’s happening today.”