Hey, a soft voice said.
Evie.
The beeping quickened.
It had to be monitoring his heart rate, because the muscle careened out of control at the first indication that she was nearby.
She came into view, leaning over him, his own personal angel. Long, dark hair fell over her shoulder, curling at the end. Those big, brown eyes that dominated her face were filled with worry and relief. The heart-shaped lips he loved to kiss were . . . slightly blue? Why? Then his gaze snagged on the angry mark marring her pale skin, and he could focus on nothing else.
Your poor cheek, baby, he said, reaching up. The tendons in his shoulder protested painfully, and he grimaced, but that didnt stop him from running his fingers across the wide bruise. What happened?
You were in another explosion, Evie said. A piece of metal tubing perforated your side, but we got it out. You lost a lot of blood, but dont worry, we didnt give you a transfusion. I remembered what you said. She smoothed her hands over his forehead.
I didnt mean me. What happened to you?
Oh. Your power came back in a burst and knocked me across the room.
What? A sharp pain lanced through his middle. What? he asked more gently. I did this?
You had no idea what was going on, so Im not going to hold a grudge. Seriously. Dont worry. I promise Ill only remind you of the pain I suffered on holidays and anniversaries.
She made light of it, and he wanted to hug her for it, but he wasnt sure he would ever be able to forgive himself. Im sorry, princess.
Dont be. I mean it. She traced her thumb across his jaw. Youre on the mend and thats all I care about.
He held her gaze for a long while, wishing he could do more. He would rather be stabbed every day for the rest of his life than do anything to hurt her. Hows Solo? he finally croaked.
Hes already up and around.
Good. Something to be relieved about. Give me a few hours. Ill be up in every way that matters, too.
He wanted her to grin. She didnt. She merely blinked at him, saying, How about I give you a few days? You only got out of surgery yesterday. Then she dropped away from him, flopping into a chair beside the bed.
Light from a side lamp spilled over her, allowing him to see her more clearly. Glistening tears cascaded down her face, and her teeth . . . her teeth were chattering. The air was frigid, he noticed, and he frowned.
Come here, he said, patting the mattress beside him.
She shook her head, and his frown deepened. I dont want to accidentally
Come here, he repeated more sternly.
This time she obeyed without hesitation, stretching out beside him and curling into his side, being careful of his wound.
Her skin was ice, and he didnt like it. He wrapped himself around her, willing his warmth into her body as she shivered. Why are you so cold?
Remember when Dallas told us he was healed by the Arcadian king? Well, I called Dallas and told him Id cut off his man junk if the king failed to give me any pointers. He told me open wounds heal better in frigid temperatures. Apparently, your planet is a frosty one.
Blue hadnt known that. Hed always lived here. If you get sick because of this, I will finally give you that spanking you so richly deserve. And I wont let you give me one in return.
She humphed. You wouldnt be able to stop me.
Want to bet?
Darling, did you hear the part about speaking to the Arcadian king? I also asked him where your most sensitive parts are so I could have you on the ground crying for your mommy in seconds.
He swallowed a laugh. All youre doing is turning me on. He loved waking up to this woman. Loved holding her. Loved comforting her as she comforted him. He just flat-out loved her.
Totally, madly, deeply. Werent those the words shed used?
Somehow, she had become his everything.
Challenges rocked. Hed always preferred the missions and games hed had to work hard to win. And Evie had certainly made him work for every milestone. But, oh, when she surrendered a few yards, there was nothing sweeter.
I believe Ive noted the fact that everything turns you on, she said.
When youre involved, yes.
She chuckledbut the humor soon morphed into gut-wrenching sobs.
Reeling, he held her close. He had never seen her break down like this, and it tore him apart. Pooh bear? he asked the moment she calmed enough to hear him. Whats wrong?
Im sorry, she said, sniffling, wiping her tears away with a shaky hand. Ive been running on adrenaline, and now youre awake, and, well, its crashed, and my emotions are getting the better of me.
He kissed her temple, relieved. Thank you for taking care of me.
She nodded, her cheek rubbing against his chest, the friction sending a lance of pleasure straight to his groin. I would do it again in a heartbeat, she said, I really would, its just . . . Im coming to need you too much. If you had died . . . I wasnt sure what I would have done without you.
The words . . . yeah. He wasnt going to let himself get emotional about her declaration, but . . . yeah. This woman.
My woman.
She loved him, too, totally, madly, deeply, whether she realized it or not.
What I feel for you scares me, too, he admitted. Ive never felt it before. Obsession and addiction, as if my identity is now forever tangled up in yours.
You dont mind?
No. You are such a self-contained woman, its difficult to get past your barriers. But I made it, and I want you to need me the way I need you. I dont want to be alone in this thing.
A pause. Then: Youre really right there with me?
I am. And he wouldnt change a thing.
Blue, she whispered, kissing his chest just above his beating heart.
I want you, baby. So much.
We cant.
We arent. You are.
Well, well. I like the thought of that. Finally, Ill be the one to do all the hard work. She gently pulled at his pants, stripping him. Then she sat up in the bed and discarded her own garments.
As golden moonlight spilled over her, she straddled his waist.
The contact electrified him, wet heat pressing against his length.
I love seeing you like this, he said. You are the most beautiful creature ever created, Evangeline Black.
No. That would be you. She cupped her breasts and leaned down to him, offering him a taste.
He licked one, then the other, then blew on both, watching the nipples pearl. Love these little darlings.
Mmm, she moaned. Love them more.
With pleasure. He flicked his tongue over a beaded tip, then sucked, then licked again, always savoring. She gave another moan and ground against the long, wide length of his shaft. So perfect, baby, so perfect. He reached back and curled his fingers around the bars of the headboard. I will never get enough of you.
She turned her attention to his mouth, kissing him, feeding him passion and pleasure, nipping at his lips while sliding up and down along his erectionso warm and wether hands all over him, learning him, driving him insane, her hunger feeding his own, already an undeniable force, and peeling away all sense of self.
There was no Blue without Evie.
You ready for me, baby?
So ready.
Then take me.
She rose to her knees and placed him at her entrance, then, slowly, she sank down. He had to fight the urge to surge up, going deeper, all the way.
Feels so good, she groaned.
Someone needs a vocab lesson. It feels amazing.
A smile lifted the corners of her lips, a powerful smile, feminine. Oh, yeah?
He practically vibrated with a hunger only this woman could induce. Yeah.
Tell me if I hurt you. She lifted before shed worked herself all the way down, only to slam back with all of her strength; his hips arched automatically.
Yeah. Yeah, like that.
Again, he rasped. Please. I can take it.
She did, harder and faster, and she didnt stop. She found a rhythm and rode him, lost, wild, taking all that she wanted, all that she needed, and he loved every moment, always rising up to meet her, uncaring about any momentary pain, giving her all that he was, all that he had; and when she screamed with the force of her release, his own poured forth, the pleasure too much to bear.
She collapsed on his chest, out of breath and damp with perspiration, and, hopefully, too exhausted for dreams. She drifted off to sleep and he rolled her over, cleaned them both, then curled into her side.
For the first time in his adult life, he felt as though hed found a home.
Twenty-five
THE NEXT DAY BLUE sat at Evies desk with Evie in his lap. There she is, he said, tapping a red dot on the screen. Tiffany Star.
Evie frowned. The dot tells me nothing.
Shes in a remote part of Vermont.
Then to Vermont we go.
If they were lucky, the Star boys would be there as well. If not, they would deal.
During Blues recovery, Solo had gone after the son on his own; but, like his father, Tyson had already gone into hiding.
How soon can you be ready to go? he asked.
Thirty seconds. I just need to grab my purse. She hopped off his laphe wanted to pout like a childbut returned in only ten seconds, her bag in hand.
He checked the contents, smiling when he found a small bottle of ranch dressing, duct tape, dice, a pair of panties, a mans bow tie, and other things he couldnt identify.
No weapon? he asked.
Please. She snorted. Everything in there is a weapon.
Love. This. Woman.
Well take Michaels jet, she said, and he noticed she gave a little shudder. Its got, like, warp speed, so we can be there in an hour.
Why a shudder? Ill call Solo and tell him to meet us at the airstrip.
Thirty minutes later, the three of them boarded the jet and settled in the plush, dark leather seats. There was a dining table, a bedroom in back, and three four-by-four cages for carting criminals. Luxury and business at its finest.
Blue sat next to Evie. She grew pale and tense, and even squealed when the engines started up.
You okay? he asked her.
I hate flying, she grumbled. Its stupid. Planes are stupid. And were stupid for climbing inside this death trap!
Distraction time. Look away, Solo, he said, leaning in to place a kiss at the base of Evies neck. Things are about to get freaky.
She pressed her lips together, but it was too late. A giggle escaped. And when he made growling noises against her skin, as if he were the big, bad wolf, she outright laughed. Better.
Do you know how hilarious it is that the indomitable Evie Black is afraid of flying? he asked.
She slapped at his arm. You take that back, Corbin Blue! Im afraid of nothing.
Except joining the Mile High Club. Right, baby?
That earned him another slap. This one packed a little sting. Maybe Ill joinwith myself.
Mmm, dont tease me like that. She hadnt noticed that theyd hurtled down the runway and launched into the air, he thought with a smile. Especially since this stupid plane comes with a bedroom.
Looking at Solo, she hiked her thumb in Blues direction. Has he always been like this?
Incorrigible? Always. And then the warrior did something that astonished Blue. He winked at Evie.
A stamp of approval, right there.
His grin was wide.
So you two are really together, Solo said.
Yes, but Im considering breaking up with him, Evie replied.
Blue shook his head with mock pity. Id just win you back. You know its true, so why even waste the time? Youre helpless against my immense charms.
She rubbed her temples as if warding off a headache. How did his other girlfriends put up with him? she asked Solo.
He was never like this with his other girlfriends was the soft reply, and Evie faced Blue, her eyes wide.
He shrugged. It was true. He could be himself with her, no secrets in the way. No fears.
With a contented sigh, she nestled her head against his shoulder.
When the jet landed, he almost wished theyd had to go a greater distance. Holding her was a sweeter pleasure than having sex with another woman.
The cabin was twenty miles away, and once they reached it, Blue realized it was smaller than the blueprint made it seem, and decrepit-looking, hidden in a thick cluster of real trees.
A single light spilled from the only window Blue could see. A window leading into the living room. There were no guards outside patrolling the area, which meant there had to be trip wires on the ground.
Well, okay, then.
Evie anchored her night-vision goggles in place and attached a laser sensor over the lens. As she searched for any place the ground might have been disturbed, as well as any glowing red lines to indicate that an invisible security fence was activated, she quietly said, The entire area is surrounded. There isnt a clear spot anywhere.
He took the goggles and looked for himself. Every red line was computerized with a signal meant to scan body heat and weight, as well as bone structure, and decide whether or not the invader was animal or manno matter how quickly the creature moved. Once a determination was made, weaponsprobably gunswould pop out of secret locations, all stripper from a cake deadly.
I can get in without detection, Blue whispered. You two stay here and shoot anything that comes out without first shooting a flare.
Solo nodded and took off for the other side of the house.
Plug your ears, baby. Blue pulled the pin on a scrambler grenade and tossed it through the wires. Then he closed his eyes and covered his own ears. He knew the exact moment the grenade detonated. A surge of electricity lifted the hair on his arms. A piercing ring made his brain want to jump out of his skull. Anyone within a mile radius would experience the same reaction.
Couldnt be helped.
One.
Knowing he had only five seconds before the scramble failed and the lasers kicked back on, he sprinted forward, moving as fast as his feet would carry him.
Two.
He reached the front porch and dropped to his stomach, removing his mask and palming two pyre-guns. Aimed.
Three.
A tall, muscledand armedmale opened the door and peered out, frowning. He rubbed at his ears.
Four.
Blue didnt have to squeeze the trigger, because a yellow blaze soared past him, slamming into the mans chest. Thanks, baby. The guy dropped to the ground, already dead. The beam fried his heart to a crisp.
Five.
Henry? another man said.
The ringing stopped.
Blue popped to his feet and launched forward, through the door, barely missing the reengagement of the lasers. He scanned the home, taking everything in at once. The living room had three other guards in it. Two were watching television. One was striding toward the fallen Henry, his expression concerned.
Pop. Pop. Pop.
All three died as quickly as their friend, this time courtesy of Blue.
A search of the premises revealed no other guards. Just Tiffany in bed, her blue eyes wide as she pressed against the headboard, her hands trembling as she aimed a pyre-gun at him. She squeezed off a shot as Blue approached, but he dodged, and the blaze soared over his shoulder. He was on her the next instant, rolling her over and tying her hands behind her back.
She bucked, far stronger than she appeared, but still Blue managed to subdue her easily enough.
Stop fighting, he said. Youre not going to win this.
No, Blue. No. Dont do this.
Begging wont help, honey. Im taking you hostage.
You dont understand. Her struggles renewed, but they were just as ineffective as the others. Please, she said. Dont do this. Youll regret it.
Im not going to kill you. Yet. Pressing her into the mattress with one hand, he withdrew a syringe from his pocket with the other. Right now my plan is to use you as a bargaining chip. Your father has something I want, and youre going to get it back for me. Star claimed he would not trade, but they would soon put those words to the test.
No, she sobbed. You dont want to take him on. Just leave me here. Walk away before you tumble straight into his trap. Its the only way youll survive.
Blue paused. Her words . . .
Those of a frightened captive, sure. But there was something else at work here, it seemed, something far more desperate than he was used to seeing from those hed wrangled over the years.
He didnt have time for a conversation but found himself flipping her over anyway, placing a knee in her stomach to hold her down and training a gun on the doorway, just in case they had any unexpected visitors. He also kept the syringe ready to be plunged deep into her neck.
She was fully dressed, he noted. T-shirt, jeans, and tennis shoes. The tennis shoes looked odd on her. Too casual for the girl hed come to know, the white canvas somehow out of place when paired with the bright colors of the rest of her clothing.
Watery eyes beseeched him. Walk away. Leave Tyson and me alone.
I cant. What do you know of your fathers plans for John, now that Im coming in strong?
She pressed her lips together in a thin, stubborn line.
Im going to find out one way or another. You can make it easy on yourself and talk now.
No. I cant, she whispered, her features tormented.
You can. Drawing on his compulsion, he said, You will.
But she shook her head, making him think her father had given her an injection of whatever made him immune to the ability. I wont. You dont understand.
Enlighten me.
She closed her eyes, and a tear beaded from the corner, cascading down her cheek. Im not a horrible person. Im not. But hes going to make me become one, and I dont want to become one, but I will, theres no other way, because I cant survive on my own, dont want to survive on my own.
Enough babbling. He wasnt getting any answers out of her. Frustrated, he jabbed the needle into her vein with a little more force than hed intended, watched as her eyes closed and her head lolled to the side.
He double-checked her vitals before hefting her over his shoulder. When exiting the front door, he disengaged the lasers outside and fired a flare into the night sky.
Evie and Solo raced over to him.
Got her? Evie demanded.
I do.
Hauling her to the plane was easy. Locking her in one of the holding cells was satisfying.
Once they were in the air, Blue called Michael to tell him everything was set.
Ill find a way to reach Star and let him know weve got his baby girl, Michael said. His tone wasnt as affectionate as it used to be, but it wasnt laced with disappointment or anger, either.
Progress.
I want to know what he says. Blue paused, then offered: Somethings off with Tiffany. She knows something, but I couldnt get it out of her.
Whatever it is, well find out. Time is on our side now.
Blue scrubbed a hand through his hair. Yes. Youre right. See you soon.
Wait, Michael rushed out just before he disconnected.
Curiosity and dread warred. Yes?
There was a crackle of breath. Listen, I know I havent been supportive of your relationship with my daughter.
Understatement.
Im . . . sorry about that. You make her happy and thats all that matters. Just . . . take good care of her.
Shock hit him as his gaze found Eviehis gaze always found Evie. His heart seemed to beat for her, and her alone. She sat in front of Tiffanys cage, waiting for the girl to wake up, determined to have a little girl talk. Every moment in her presence was a gift.
I will, he vowed. Just then, he thought loving Evie was what hed been born to do.
Twenty-six
TIFFANY WAS STILL SLEEPING when they reached New Chicago. And she was still sleeping when they carted her to a cage in Michaels underground room at the boathouse. Nothing roused her. In fact, she was still sleeping an hour later.
Go home, Michael finally said. Eat. Get some rest. Youre all operating on pure adrenaline. Shell be here in the morning. Or afternoon. Whatever.
Solo took off to be with Vikawhere hed left her, no one knew.
Blue and Evie werent far behind. They stopped to pick up a bag of Evies things, then drove to his safe house and fell into bed, exhausted.
When her phone rang, however many hours later, bright light slanted through the curtains. She groped for the cell perched on the nightstand.
Hello? she rasped.
Sorry, sunbeam, but I need to speak with Blue, her father said, and hes not answering his phone.
Hang on. Groggy, Evie tried to hand the cell to Blue, who was curled tightly around her body, holding her as if he feared she would slip away.
Put it on speaker, he muttered. I like where my arms are.
She pressed a button. Youre on, Daddy.
I sent a message through certain underground contacts, letting them know I have Tiffany. They let Star know. He called me but refused to talk about terms. He wants to talk directly to you, Blue.
All right. Well be there as soon as possible.
Also, Tiffany has woken, Michael added. I spoke to her at length and even used Evies truth serum, but I got no answers out of her. Shes definitely had some improvements since you last saw her.
Blue stiffened. Well, then, weve been asking too nicely. Might be time to change that.
Evie hung up and set the cell on the nightstand. She dug through her bag, picked the purse she wanted, and filled it with everything she thought she might need. A golf ball, a pair of glasses, a coaster, a Rubiks Cube, three tubes of lipstick, all in a different shade, and a package of freeze-dried ice cream.
More weapons? he asked, startling her when she realized he was standing behind her.
Yeah. When I fit my fingers into certain grooves in the golf ball, its activated, and poisoned smoke will fill the air. You can breath it in, and thats fine, but if it comes into contact with your eyes, youre in trouble. And the Rubiks Cube is actually a bomb. Line up certain colors, and you get to watch a room go boom boom.
Grinning, he tugged her into his embrace for a quick kiss. You are too adorable for words.
Uh, Blue. I hate to break it to you, but I think theres something wrong with you if you find a girl with weapons of destruction adorable.
So adorable. Or should I say adorbs?
She punched his arm, but inside, she was as giddy as a little schoolgirl.
The boat ride proved uneventful, for which she was grateful. She used the time to get her focus off Blue and what he made her feel and onto the Stars and John. The entire ordeal was almost over. There was finally a light at the end of the tunnel.
Her father was in the spacious living room, cleared of all but a table piled high with weapons, a lounge chair, a few computers, and now a cage. Tiffany was trapped inside. Dirt and tears smeared her cheeks, and her shirt and jeans were ripped and wrinkled. There were angry cuts running the length of both of her arms, and one across her neck. She looked nothing like the elegant woman Evie saw at the victory party.
Tiffany paled when she spotted Blue, stood, and curled her fingers around the bars of her cage. Youd be wise to leave, she said, a tremor in her voice.
Youd be wise to give us the answers we seek, he snapped, before I make use of the tools on the table. That happens, and youll pray for death. But you wont get it. He looked to Evie. You want to watch me work, princess?
Would love to, Mr. Hammer. He deposited her in a chair at the computers, kissed her, kissed her again, and stalked to Michael, who waited at the table, cleaning a dagger.
Wheres Solo?
On his way, Michael replied. I have Stars number, if you want to call him.
He smiled coldly at Tiffany. Yeah. Lets get him good and scared about what Im going to do to her.
* * *
Blue was so ready for this to be over. He wanted to move into Evies officially, or move her into his place. He wanted to take her on a date. Their first. He wanted to ask her to marry him.
Yeah, he realized. He did.
He wanted her to wholly belong to him. To be his family.
He wanted her ensconced in every part of his life. And he wanted to be ensconced in every part of hers, whether she did a little agenting or went back to the hospital as shed originally planned. He wanted to romance her so hard she offered her heart on a silver freaking platter.
He just plain wanted.
Michael held out a cell phone. Youll need this. And youll also need to stop staring at my daughter.
He blinked into focus, only then realizing hed switched his attention to Evie.
She offered him a knowingwickedsmile.
He winked at her, then shifted his gaze. Tiffany sobbed quietly.
He hardened his heart and dialed Stars number.
Two rings in, the male answered with Well, well. Someone finally remembered hes at war in lieu of a greeting.
You know we have your daughter and you know what we want. Lets not play games.
Mr. Blue, a low growl crackled. Where is she?
Somewhere youll never find her.
You dont want to do this. I will kill your friend and send you the pieces.
Despite the money you would lose?
Oh, yes. Ive done more for less.
Blues laugh was devoid of humor. I could say the same. You hurt John any more than you already have, and Ill do the same to your little girl. In fact, as soon as we hang up, Ill take her fingers and make myself a real pretty necklace from the bones. Or maybe Ill remove her skin the way you removed Johns.
A hiss of fury.
So, where does that leave us? he finished casually.
Silence dominated the line for several seconds. I suppose you want to trade.
I do.
And you would trust me to keep up my end.
Of course not. I would force you to keep up your end.
Another hiss. I want to talk to her first. Proof of life.
Thats great, wonderful. Ill let you. Just as soon as Ive spoken to John.
I thought youd say that. Sadly, hes not in the mood to speak right now. However, if youll glance at your screen, Ill show you a video of him.
Dread filled Blue as he lowered the phone. An electronic notebook was held up, displaying that days paper. Then the notebook was removed, and a small concrete room came into view. The walls were gray. There was a beda gurney, reallywith a huge red lump in the center.
A red lump that was . . . that was . . .
Blue nearly hunched over and vomited. That red lump was clearly John. He was a mass of meat and blood, without a single inch of skin to protect his insides. His mouth was parted in an endless, agonized scream he probably didnt have the strength to unleash.
The scene vanished, and Blue shoved the phone back to his ear. His hand was shaking. Youll pay for that, he croaked. I will make sure you pay.
Evie came up beside him and wrapped her arms around his waist, offering comfort. He was glad. His knees were knocking and his head swimming with a rage his body couldnt seem to contain. He was on the brink of cracking and he hadnt even realized it.