Chapter 25
CHAPTER TWENTY-FIVE
Titus spent the night with Emelia, holding her tight. They didn’t make love.
He heard rustling and opened his eyes. The room was dimly lit. The early morning light filtered through the curtains. She was already up and dressed.
“Where are you going?” His voice was still heavy with sleep.
Emelia looked at him like he had two heads, her eyes tired but determined. “Work, of course. I need to start baking.”
“Are you all right?”
Emelia sat on the edge of the bed, the mattress creaking slightly, and let out a heavy sigh. “No, not really. But I refuse to let yesterday get me down any more than it has. I can’t control whatever is going to happen with the interview, but I can control what I do. And what I can do is make the best product I can, have the best environment for people to work and relax in, and depend upon those closest to me to have my back.” She leaned over to kiss him, her lips soft and warm.
He pulled her in closer and deepened the kiss with lots of tongue before letting her go. “Damn straight. I’m so proud of you for staying strong.”
“I’m done running,” she replied. “Moving to Haywood Lake is the best thing I could have done for myself. I’ve met some great women. I have interesting and devoted customers, a puppy who makes me happy, and the man I love. Life is good.”
“Go get ’em, tiger,” he replied with a slight smile.
“Will you be here tonight?” she asked, a hint of uncertainty in her voice.
Maybe she wasn’t as brave as he thought. Titus wanted to stay with her, but he had something more important to do—something that would ease his mind and hers.
“Hmmm. I have a job for the next couple of days, but I’ll call.”
Emelia gave him another kiss before leaving. The sound of the front door closing echoed in the quiet room.
Titus lay back, his hands resting behind his head. The bed already felt empty without her.
Leo was already in his crate when he walked into the kitchen. The pup was chewing on his favorite bone but jumped up and barked when he saw Titus.
“Yeah, I know Leo. I’ll feed you as soon as I shower.”
Satisfied, Leo laid down and continued chewing on his bone.
First thing this morning, he planned to talk to Vanessa and Sean and let them know he’d be gone for a couple of days. Afterward, he intended to have a conversation with Chase and the Brotherhood. If Emelia thought he was going to let this problem go, she didn’t know him.
No way in hell was he going to let some douchebag scare or threaten the woman he loved. The problem stopped now.
After stopping at the gym to chat with Vanessa and Sean, Titus phoned Chase, who promised to gather whoever was around to meet in an hour.
Titus drove over to the campus and pulled up to his cabin. A light breeze carried the promise of rain as he stepped out of the car.
First off, he desperately needed a shower and to pack a few things. He dressed, and craving a jolt of caffeine, he headed over to command central. A pot was always on during the day. As he made his way to Chase’s office, he said hello to Melissa, who was getting ready for a class, and Zach, who was predictably by her side.
Chase was coming in the front door with a man as Titus walked toward the library.
As they approached, Titus locked eyes with a familiar face.
“No way!” he exclaimed, shaking hands with Abe. “What brings you so far from home?”
Abe chuckled. “Just passing through to visit my sister in Tallahassee. Stopped by to say hello to Mark and Joe Harkin over in Black Pointe—and, of course, to check in on you jokers before heading out.”
“Good to see you, man. How’s your mom?”
“She’s good and greatly appreciates the work you all did.”
“Glad to help. I miss her cooking.” Titus smacked his lips, his mouth watering at the memory of Bev’s meatloaf and brownies.
Abe raised an eyebrow. “I heard that you’ve found a new source for treats.”
“News travels fast. Yeah. Emelia is a talented baker.” Titus sighed. “That’s part of what I want to talk about.”
“Let’s start,” Chase said. “Zach is coming. Ryker, Finn and Will are already here.”
They followed Chase through his office into the command center. Chase introduced Abe to the guys while they waited for Zach.
Titus was able to catch up with the comings and goings of Wolf’s SEAL team and Tex, the computer expert they used occasionally. Tex was still up north with his wife and kids and still had his hand in all sorts of intrigue.
However, it was comforting to hear that everyone was safe and well.
“I’m here,” said Zach, walking into the room.
They spent a few minutes discussing upcoming jobs, and then Chase asked Titus what was going on.
He explained about the events that Emelia was dealing with, focusing on the interview the previous day, and Wyatt’s threats. The tension in the air was palpable.
“I’m going up north for a couple of days. I want to talk to this Wyatt and just snoop around.”
“Why would he bother Emelia now?” asked Finn. He turned to Zach. “You’re monitoring the security feeds, right?”
“Yup. But there isn’t anything I can do about the interview,” replied Zach.
Chase furrowed his brow. “Titus, what do you think you’ll get out of Wyatt?”
“I’m not sure, but he threatened to ruin Emelia, and I’m not letting that go.”
“Ruin?” said Chase. “That sounds like a threat for sure.”
There were murmurs of agreement around the table. No one here liked threats, especially against a woman or loved one.
Titus nodded. “That’s what I thought too. I wonder how this interviewer found Wyatt. Or did he find her? I worry Wyatt is going to do more damage to the bakery or Emelia, and I want to stop whatever he thinks he’s going to do.”
“Does Emelia know you’re going up north?” asked Chase.
“No.” Titus shook his head and looked around the table. “I don’t want anyone to tell her, either. She has enough to worry about. I would appreciate you all looking after her.” Titus clenched his jaw, worrying about the danger to Emelia.
“That’s a given,” said Chase, and the men all nodded.
“Well, I’ll keep an extra watch on the security feeds,” said Zach, breaking the silence.
“I’ll ask Naomi to gather the women around her so she doesn’t feel alone,” said Chase. “They really like her anyway, so it won’t be a problem.”
Titus slapped the table and stood. “Sounds good. I have a flight to catch, and I’ll let you know what happened when I get back.”
Abe followed him out. “I hope it works out well for you and your woman. Let me know how it goes, will you?”
“Sure will,” replied Titus. “Give my best to your mom and the guys.”
Titus walked back to his cabin and grabbed his go-bag.
He had no idea how Wyatt would react to his visit, but no way was Wyatt doing anything to hurt Emelia. He could only hope it turned out well for her, but nothing was guaranteed in this life, especially when dealing with slime wads.