Chapter Fifteen
Markie closed the door and knew that Nate had gotten the message. She just didn’t want him to come busting in and get hurt.
“You did good, Markie. Now let’s go.” Jarrett pointed the gun at her.
She walked down the hallway and stopped in front of the door with ‘Dispensary’ on it.
“Open it,” he snapped.
Taking a deep breath, she unlocked the door and pushed it open. Jarrett put his hand on her shoulder and gave her a little shove.
“You don’t have to push me,” she said, then jumped when he slammed the door.
“Holy shit. Look at this place.”
Markie glanced around taking in all the tall cabinets containing all types of medicine. She watched him walk around, peering into the glass panes of the cabinets. He looked at her over his shoulder.
“Get a bag.”
“Bag?”
“Get a fucking garbage bag. You’re going to fill it up for me.”
“Jarrett, some of these drugs are harmful for humans.”
“I’ll figure that out. Now, get a bag.” He pointed the gun at her.
“Alright. They’re over here.” She walked behind a counter.
“Do not try anything, Markie.”
“I won’t, but once you get what you want, you have to go.”
“I haven’t gotten everything I want yet,” he said with a smirk.
Markie clenched her jaw. “Just take the pills and go.”
“Fill the bag, Markie.”
She sighed, made her way to the first cabinet, unlocked it, and lifted a container of pills.
“Put them in there slowly. I don’t want them broken.”
She nodded, then set the bag on the floor, and added bottles of medications. She wanted to take her time because she was terrified of what he was going to do once the bag was full.
“How long have you been addicted to opioids?” she asked.
“Just fill the fucking bag,” Jarrett snapped.
“You can get help you know.” Markie looked at him. “Did it start with you stealing my mother’s pills?”
Jarrett sighed. “No. I’ve been using for years. I got addicted to them when I was in a car accident.” He smirked. “Anytime I was invited to dinner, which I would always tell your father how much I loved that, I’d take some of your mother’s pills. At first, she had the time released ones and then, she got the ones she takes now.” He shrugged. “I had to take more. When your father died, I saw a perfect opportunity. Your mother was a good way to get them free.”
“You married her for her pills?” Markie exclaimed.
“Why else? Your father told me the last time she had surgery that she’d been given strong pain meds.” Jarrett shrugged. “That’s why I’d get dinner invitations whenever I could. Though, I will say, it wasn’t that bad being married to her, even though she’s older, she’s a beautiful woman. She takes good care of herself, but I never loved her.”
“So, it was just her pills you were after.”
Jarrett laughed and she wanted to slap him. “That and her money, but I also wanted you.” He clenched his jaw. “But you acted like you didn’t want me—”
“I didn’t act, you dickhead!” she shouted but backed up when he strode to her and put his hand on her throat.
“Too fucking bad, because you’re going to get me whether you want me or not. Put the fucking pills in the bag.” He shoved her back to the cabinet.
Markie blinked tears from her eyes. She didn’t doubt a thing he said, and it scared her to death.
****
Nate looked in one window as Rafe walked toward the other one.
“Nate, come here,” Rafe said in a low voice.
Nate headed toward him. When Rafe nodded toward the window, Nate looked in and clenched his jaw.
“He’s having her get the pills for him.”
“Damn, it looks like he wants all of them. I don’t think humans can take some of those,” Rafe said.
“I wouldn’t think so, but he wants the opioids. He’s just making her get everything.”
“That is one crazy son of a bitch,” Rafe snapped, then looked at Nate. “What’s your plan?”
“I’m going to go back to the door and ring the bell again. I want you to break the window. I’m hoping there’s an alarm on it.”
“Sounds good. Let me grab my tire iron first so I’ll be ready.”
Nate nodded and waited for Rafe to return to the window.
“I’ll watch from around the corner, you give me a wave when the door opens, then I’ll bust the window,” Rafe said.
“Sounds good.”
After taking a deep breath, Nate blew it out, then headed back toward the door. As he stood at it, he hesitated. What if Knowles panicked and did something to her? But Nate knew he had to do something. It was no telling what Knowles would do if Nate didn’t get in there. The mere thought made his gut ache.
Reaching out, he pressed the doorbell and waited. Several minutes passed before he heard the lock on the door turn. When it was opening, Nate waved his hand, then looked at Markie. Same as before, she only opened it enough to peer out. He saw her eyes widen when she saw him again.
“Nate? I told you to go home.”
“You did, but I forgot that I left my T-shirt in your apartment. Remember I wanted to get it today?” He stared at her.
“Uh, yes, but—” She stopped when she suddenly heard the glass breaking and looked behind her, giving Nate the time to push the door open and get inside.
He came to a halt when he saw Knowles pull her back against him with his arm around her neck and the gun pressed to her temple.
“I don’t know what you’re trying to pull, but I’m done fucking with you. I’m going to lock you in a room until I figure out what to do with you,” Knowles said.
“Let go of her,” Nate snapped.
“No! Come on, Jefferson, this way.” Knowles motioned with his head for Nate to head down the hallway.
“Hey, jerkoff,” Rafe called out, making Knowles turn in his direction. He fired toward Rafe and Nate hoped like hell he missed as Nate rushed forward to grab Markie, but Knowles turned, aimed his gun at him, and fired. Nate groaned as the bullet hit his arm and he fell to the floor.
He heard Markie scream as he lay there, but he also heard sirens in the distance. The window must have had an alarm on it. He swore as he watched Knowles run out the door and disappear into the night.
“Nate! Nate! Oh, my God, please say something,” Markie said as she knelt beside him where he lay on the floor with his eyes closed. She sighed when she saw him open them.
“Damn, that hurt like a bitch,” he said, then tried to sit up. “Rafe…”
“I’m here. He missed me.” Rafe squatted and looked at Nate’s arm. “I think it just grazed you.”
“Shit, if that’s how much a graze hurts, I’d hate to be shot.”
Rafe helped him sit up against the wall, then looked at Markie with a grin.
“Markie? It’s nice to finally meet you, though this is not the best way. I’m Rafe Marshall.” Rafe shook her hand.
“It’s nice to meet you too, Rafe.” Markie smiled at him.
“Hey, I’m bleeding here. Stop flirting with my woman,” Nate snapped, making her and Rafe laugh.
“You told me she was beautiful, but—”
“Shut the fuck up, Marshall.” Nate glared at him as Rafe laughed.
“I saw him,” she whispered.
“Saw who? What are you talking about?”
“This past week. The day I met you for lunch. I saw Jarrett across the street.”
“And you didn’t tell me? What the fuck, Markie?”
“I knew you’d have gone to look for him.”
“Yeah, I would have, and this might not have happened.”
“Do not put this on me,” she snapped.
“Then tell me who else to put it on. You should have told me or Sam. Damn it, Markie. He could have killed you.”
“Well, obviously he didn’t!”
“You two can settle this later,” Rafe interjected.
Nate took a deep breath. “Yeah.”
“Sheriff’s department,” a voice called out.
Markie walked toward the door. “You can come in.”
She watched a tall, good-looking deputy enter, followed by another one.
“Ma’am, I’m deputy Logan Townson, and this is deputy Nevada Shelton. Are you alright?”
“We are now, but Nate got grazed.”
“Nate?” The deputy squatted beside him. “We need to get you to the hospital.”
“I’ll be alright, Nevada. It’s just a scratch.”
“Scratch hell. It’s a deep graze wound. Logan, call for an ambulance.”
“I’m not going in a damn ambulance,” Nate snapped.
“Oh, yes you are, Nathanial Jefferson. No arguing,” Markie snapped. She noticed the two deputies and Rafe grinning.
“Don’t argue with a woman,” Deputy Townson said.
“Why are you two on nightshift?” Rafe asked them.
“Paul had a family emergency and Mark is on vacation.” Deputy Shelton told him, then looked at Markie. “Tell me what happened.”
Markie relayed everything that had occurred tonight, along with going back as far as telling them about Jarrett and her mother. How he stole her pills and that’s what he was here for.
“In fact, the bag is still in the back room. He’s been addicted for years. That’s why he married my mother. When my father died, he saw the perfect opportunity to get pills for nothing. When Nate rang the bell again, I set it down because Jarrett wanted me to get whoever was there to leave.”
“You rang the doorbell?” Logan asked Nate.
“Yeah, for the second time. After I talked to her the first time, I knew she was in trouble.”
“So, you took it upon yourself to bust in here without calling us first,” Nevada said.
“Uh, yeah,” Nate said as he looked at Rafe.
“Hey, don’t look at me. I told you we needed to call.”
“You and me?” Nate pointed to Rafe and himself. “We’re no longer friends.” Nate grinned when Rafe laughed.
****
It had been a couple of weeks since the chaotic incident with Jarrett, and Nate getting shot, but they were still on high alert. Nate knew in his gut that Jarrett would be back for revenge. That was why he was teaching Markie how to shoot a gun, so she could protect herself if needed.
Nate leaned against the post of his porch, the rough wood pressing into his shoulder as he watched Markie’s SUV come to a stop. The engine cut off and she stepped out of the vehicle and made her way over to him. Her smile lit up her face and Nate felt his heart race at the sight.
“Hi,” she greeted him as she climbed the steps to join him on the porch. Her blue blouse was tucked into her jeans, and she took his breath away.
“Hey, darlin’. How are you today?” Nate asked, concern lacing his tone. He knew she had been struggling with nightmares and restless sleep, but he also saw her getting stronger every day. She had stayed with him for a week before finally going back to her own apartment. He had enjoyed having her here, but he respected her decision to return home.
As she leaned in for a kiss, Nate pulled her into his arms, savoring the feel of her body against his. His lips moved hungrily against hers in a deep kiss, their connection growing stronger with each passing moment.
“Are you ready for this?” he asked as he stared into her eyes.
Markie nervously chewed on her bottom lip. “I don’t like guns.”
“I know, but you need protection and since you won’t stay with me, you have to be able to defend yourself. This is the only way, Markie.”
“I understand. I just...”
He shook his head, understanding her hesitation. “I want you to feel safe, even when I’m not around.”
“Okay.”
He took her hand and led her through the woods surrounding his home until they reached a clearing. A target was set up in front of a tree.
“Do you practice here?” Markie asked.
“Yes, I do. I don’t like shooting anything if I can avoid it, but with all the wildlife around, sometimes it’s necessary. I usually shoot into the air to scare them off, but if they attack, I need to be prepared.”
“I can see that.”
“Alright, on this table here, there are two handguns. The Glock 17 may be too heavy for you, so we also have a Smith and Wesson Shield that might be more suitable. Try both and see which one feels better.” Nate handed her the Glock first, but Markie shook her head.
“It’s too heavy.”
“Okay, try the other one then.”
She picked up the Smith and Wesson and smiled at Nate. “This one feels better.”
“Great, let’s go with that one.” He showed her how to load and unload the gun and explained how to use the iron sights. Then he told her to aim at the target and shoot.
Markie pulled the trigger and flinched at the loud noise before turning to Nate with a worried expression. “Did I hit it?”
Nate chuckled. “Not even close.”
“Let me try again.” She focused on holding the gun steady with both hands and fired again. “Where did it go this time?”
“I’m guessing into the next county. Let me show you,” Nate said, standing behind her and placing his hands on her arms. He instructed her on how to hold and aim the gun.
“Spread your legs a little and gently squeeze the trigger,” he whispered in her ear.
“What?”
“Widen your stance and use a gentle squeeze instead of pulling too hard. You don’t want it to jerk.”
Markie chuckled. “I love it when you talk dirty.”
Nate laughed, “Come on now, let’s focus on learning to shoot.”
“Spoilsport.”
“Behave yourself. We’ll do dirty later.”
Markie glanced over her shoulder at him. “Fine. But just so we’re clear, I really don’t want to learn how to shoot someone.”
“In all likelihood, you won’t have to. Just having a gun pointed at him will likely make him back off until the police arrive. If he shows up, call nine-one-one immediately. If you can’t talk, just press a button and the operator will understand. They’ll find you. Don’t argue with him or talk back, try to keep him calm. I don’t want to scare you, but we know what he’s capable of.”
“I’m already scared.”
“Markie, listen to me. If it comes to it, just do as he says and try not to aggravate him. He’s just a drug addict looking for his fix.”
“But last time he didn’t get any thanks to you and Rafe. I feel terrible that you got shot because of me.”
“It wasn’t that bad and I’m fine. Make sure you keep your phone with you at all times and lock all doors behind you. Keep an eye out for him. I’ll do everything I can to protect you.”
“I know you will.” She shook her head, “but I have to stay in my apartment. It’s closer to the hospital.”
“I don’t like the idea of you having to go out alone to check on the animals, either in the hospital or out somewhere.”
“But I have to. I’ll carry the gun with me.” She hesitated, “I just don’t know if I could actually use it.”
“Well hopefully, you won’t have to. Just him seeing it aimed at him might be enough.”
“I hope so. I hate him but I don’t want to kill him.”
“It probably won’t come to that, but you’d be surprised what you’re capable of when you have no other choice.”
“Have you ever had to? Shoot someone?”
“No. Do you know Dr. Sawyer Griffin?”
“Of course.”
“Piper, his wife, had to shoot her ex-husband when he came after her. She killed him. He also shot Sam when he went after him.”
“Oh, I didn’t know Sam had been shot. That must’ve been tough for Tess. And I’ve met Piper, she seems so sweet. I had no idea about her ex.”
“Yeah, well he used to beat her, and she finally found the courage to leave him. He didn’t take it well and came after her.”
“Oh my God, he was trying to kill her?”
“That was his intention, Markie. That’s why she ended up shooting him. So, until you’re in a certain situation, you can’t say what you will or won’t do.”
“I know, I know. I’ll do what needs to be done. I’m just hoping he doesn’t come back for me,” she admitted with a sigh.
“You can bet he will. He won’t be able to resist the urge to get revenge on you for escaping him. There isn’t a doubt in my mind,” he assured her.
“Sam told me that law enforcement is actively searching for him. There’s even an all-points bulletin out on him.”
“I’ve spoken to Sam a few times and he’s frustrated about not being able to catch him. Hopefully, they’ll apprehend him soon.”
“Once we finish practicing, let’s head back to your cabin and see if we can get a little dirty,” she teased with a wink.
Nate chuckled and shook his head before they resumed her shooting practice.
As they walked back to the house, the air around them was thick with sexual tension. If Nate didn’t have her soon, he was going to go insane.
When they made it to the porch, they stumbled through the front door of the house, their lips locked in a feverish kiss that betrayed the urgency of their desires. Their hands roamed wildly over each other’s bodies, clawing at clothing with equal fervor. The air was thick with the scent of lust.
Markie’s hands found the hem of Nate’s shirt, yanking it upwards with a ferociousness that spoke to the hunger within her. She broke their kiss only long enough to pull the garment over his head, before putting her face against his neck. Her lips found the tender skin below his ear, her teeth nipping and sucking with just enough pressure to leave a mark.
Nate’s fingers deftly worked at the buttons of Markie’s blouse; his movements frantic in his eagerness to feel her bare skin against his own. He managed to free the top few buttons, before giving up on finesse and tearing the remainder of the fabric apart. The sound of ripping fabric and buttons hitting the floor filled the room, a testament to their unbridled passion.
“I knew you weren’t wearing a bra,” he said in a low voice.
“No,” she whispered.
With a growl, Nate led her to the sofa, turned her away from him, pushed her against the back of it. His hands roamed over her now-bare chest, his thumbs brushing over her nipples with just enough pressure to elicit a gasp from her lips. He ground his hips against her ass, his hard length pressing insistently against the back of her jeans.
Markie arched her back, pressing herself against Nate with a need that matched his own. She reached behind her, her fingers fumbling with the button and zipper of his jeans. She managed to free him from his confines, her fingers wrapping around his length with a bruising grip.
Nate let out a low moan as Markie began to stroke him, her movements jerky and desperate. He thrust his hips in time with her touch, his breath coming in ragged gasps. He reached around, his fingers finding the waistband of her jeans and tugging them downwards.
Markie kicked off her shoes and stepped out of her jeans, her body now bare save for the black lace panties. Nate’s hands roamed over her thighs, his fingers tracing the curve of her hip before slipping beneath the scrap of fabric. He found her already slick, her arousal evidence of her own desperate need.
With a growl, Nate removed Markie’s panties, his fingers digging into her skin as he did so. He gripped her hips, positioning her so that she was bent over at the waist. He stepped back for a moment, his gaze raking over her bare form with a hunger that bordered on savage. He removed a condom from his wallet, rolled it on his hard cock, and stared at her.
Markie looked back at him over her shoulder, her eyes dark with desire and her lips parted in anticipation. Nate needed no further invitation; he stepped forward once more, positioning himself before thrusting into her with a single stroke that stole their breath away in unison.
The sex was brutal and raw, their bodies moving together in a rhythm that was as old as time. Nate gripped Markie’s hips with bruising force as he thrust into her again and again, each stroke sending waves of pleasure crashing over them both. Markie pushed back against him with equal fervor, meeting him thrust for thrust as they chased their release together.
Their orgasms hit them hard, stealing their breath and leaving them trembling in their wake. Nate collapsed against Markie’s back, his chest heaving as he struggled to catch his breath.
****
Markie did all she could to catch her breath. When she moved, Nate stepped back from her. She straightened up and turned to face him. Their eyes met, then a frown marred his brow.
“I didn’t hurt you, did I?”
“No, of course, not.” She smiled as she cupped his cheek in her hand.
“I was a little rough, Markie.”
“It was wonderful, Nate. I know you’d never hurt me physically.”
“I will never intentionally hurt you in any way.” He pulled his jeans up, picked up her clothes and handed them to her. “I’ll get you a T-shirt.”
Markie laughed. “You owe me a blouse, cowboy.”
Nate pulled her into his arms. “I will give you anything you want.” He quickly kissed her lips, then walked toward his bedroom.
Markie pulled her jeans on, held her torn blouse in front of her bare breasts and waited for him to bring her a shirt. When he appeared, he walked toward her, took the blouse from her hands, tugged the T-shirt over her head, and she put her arms through the sleeves. It hung like a dress on her.
“I need to use the bathroom.”
“Alright.”
“Can I stay with you tonight?” she asked.
“You never have to ask, Markie. What about your cat?”
“I should go home and make sure she has fresh water. How about you just come home with me?”
“Alright. I’ll grab some things, then I’ll follow you.”
“I’ll be right back after I use the bathroom.”
Nate grinned, then walked down the hallway. Markie sighed as she entered the bathroom, then returned to the living room. She loved Nate so much and had no clue of his feelings. Sure, they’d said they were crazy about each other but that’s not the same as saying, I love you.
Her phone buzzed from her jeans pocket. She removed it to see her aunt’s number.
“Hi, Aunt Lola. How are you?”
“I have finally convinced your mother to move to Clifton.”
Markie nibbled on her lip. She wanted them here, but she also knew that Jarrett would be back. The thought of putting them in danger terrified her.
“Have you looked for a place yet?”
“No, but we thought we’d look online then travel to see it.”
“Oh, okay.”
“Markie, what is wrong?”
“Nothing.” She had never told them about Jarrett. She didn’t want to scare them.
“Are you sure?” Her aunt was way too astute.
“Yes, Aunt Lola. You know, it might be better if you wait until springtime. It’s almost September, you know, and we don’t know what the weather will be like.”
“Well, it probably would be better to do it in the spring. This house is just too big for the two of us.”
“Have you or Mom heard from Jarrett?”
“Not a peep, but I don’t trust that son of a bitch. He’s around, I can almost guarantee it.”
Markie saw Nate heading back toward her, carrying his duffle bag. He set it down and raised his eyebrow at her. She mouthed ‘Aunt Lola’. He nodded, then walked toward the kitchen.
“Well, keep an eye out and make sure you keep all the doors locked and the alarm on.”
“Markie, do you know something we don’t?”
“No, Aunt Lola. I just want you to be cautious.”
“Okay, honey. We’re going out to dinner later, so I need to get off here and make myself beautiful.”
Markie laughed. “You’re already beautiful.”
“I agree with that,” Nate said when he reentered the room with a bottle of water.
“Did you hear Nate?” Markie asked her aunt.
“Yes. I promise you; you’d have a run for your money if I was much, much younger. We love you, kiddo.” Her aunt hung up.
Markie put her phone back into her pocket and noticed Nate staring at her.
“Don’t say it.”
“You should tell them, Markie.” Nate frowned. “Like you should have told me.”
“I said, don’t say it.” She sighed. “I’m sorry I didn’t tell you, but you know why, and it would just worry them.”
“But they’d keep an eye out for him. They need to be on guard.” Nate shrugged. “Just my two cents.”
“I’ll think about it.”
“It’s up to you, baby. I’ll go by your decision. Let’s get out of here. I hope you have some food. You made me work up an appetite.” He winked.
Markie laughed. “I love making you work up an appetite.”
Nate put his hand out toward her, picked up his duffle bag and they walked out of the house. He locked the door behind them. Something he’d been doing since the incident with Jarrett.
After she got into her car, he followed her in his truck to her place. The entire way, she kept glancing into the rearview mirror to make sure no one was following them.