Thursday. Luxe Ibiza Hostel, Cala Gració, Ibiza.JENNIFER WALKED TOWARD THE main house in a daze.What the hell had she just seen? What in the ever loving hell was that? When was it?She hadn't left Milan's side in the last two weeks. Scratch that, the last month. That meant the footage was from before her birthday party. Jennifer combed back through her memory, trying to recall a black, slinky dress. But there was nothing. Milan had been all about color lately.Only...Jennifer had taken three days off. It was on that last long weekend when Milan had been at home. Jennifer had the long weekend because they'd known the birthday trip was coming. Since Milan was going to be around her father and his security, a little time off had been reasonable. Jennifer hadn't needed to concern herself with Milan's safety. The head of security was top-notch.Fuck.It had to be that stretch of time. That was almost six weeks ago.But, why?Milan had a more than generous allowance f
Jennifer needed it analyzed. Normally, this was something she'd shoot up the chain of command to her boss. However, if Milan had committed a crime, that would put Aegis Group in the uncomfortable position of protecting criminal acts. Jennifer needed to have a plan in place before she made that call. She had to know all her options."Ready," Milan muttered.Jennifer glanced at her. Milan had the robe belted over her odd get up and her feet shoved into fuzzy Ugg boots."Orion is waiting for us. Come on."The walk from Milan's room to the security office was a silent one. A few other guests were around, but they took one glance and found somewhere else to be.Orion was waiting for them at the patio entrance to his office, looking grim. He held the door for them and closed it without saying a word. Jennifer blew out a breath once the door clicked shut."Okay." She gestured to the wicker chairs farthest from the desk. "Milan, tell me in your words what happened. Before you make
Thursday. Luxe Ibiza Hostel, Cala Gració, Ibiza.ORION FINISHED HIS REQUIRED half hour schmoozing at the cocktail bar. It couldn't have come at a worse time. Every Tuesday and Thursday he hosted this casual event. Many guests came just to talk to him. There was no getting out of it on short notice. Not without drawing more attention.Jennifer had opted to stay in his office talking over the weak points in their security with Mateo. Damn it, Orion should have been there with her. His ego said there was no one better at keeping his guests safe than himself. But that wasn't true. Mateo had around five years on Orion and had been an Army Ranger until three years ago. Mateo saw everything. His warm demeanor hid his struggle with the demons that had followed him from battlefronts the world over.Mateo would protect their guests with his life and smile while he did it.Orion could trust the man with Jennifer. He knew it, and yet it was hard to keep his mind on his guests while he m
Thursday. Luxe Ibiza Hostel, Cala Gració, Ibiza.JENNIFER MADE THE TREK back toward the main building less than twenty minutes later. She'd taken the quickest shower known to man. There was nothing like stress sweat to make a person reek. Dressed in simple, cropped yoga pants and a long tank top, she felt more herself.It was a stroke of luck this Bain guy had thought she was Milan twice now. Given how much he'd studied what she looked like, there was no way Jennifer would pass inspection if she and Milan were seen together. They were just lucky. For now.The throbbing music from the patio reached her ears. The dinner buffet was no doubt in full swing. Milan had already informed Jennifer she was eating in her room with her two newer friends, so there wasn't any need to worry about her for now. That would come later, when everyone left the hostel.They'd agreed earlier that plans to go out were a bad idea. Staying in until they'd handled the situation was best.Of course Mi
Jennifer watched Orion as he pushed up off the sofa and crossed to a panel she'd assumed was a dressed up fuse box. He pressed a button, and the doors opened on a dumbwaiter. Carefully, he reached in and lifted a heavily laden tray out."How many people are you feeding with that?"He grinned at her. "Wasn't sure what you'd pick, so I had them make a little of everything. Come sit at the table?"The dining table was a circular, wooden thing with deep scars. It looked like it had come out of someone's ancestral kitchen. The four chairs were mismatched yet sturdy.She had no doubt Orion was rolling in cash, yet this was how he chose to decorate his private space. It said something about him, though she didn't know what.He placed three dishes in the middle of the table, then handed her a smaller plate."I figure, we take what we want. Sound good?" He slid into the chair across from her."Yeah. You always have the best food here." And the finger foods they'd enjoyed on the bo
Intellectually, Jennifer knew she was damaged. That normal people didn't think or feel like she did. It made sense that she might heal past all of this someday, but she didn't see how."Jennifer?""Hm?""Answer me two questions?""Okay." She set her fork down, giving up the pretense of eating the cheesecake."Do you enjoy my company? Like today?"Her insides flooded with warmth. At every turn, he'd been attentive. They'd laughed. She'd never felt...special. Not like that. But it was more. He was easy to talk to about everything. Their youth. Combat history. The demons they'd brought back with them. They had a lot more in common than she'd ever realized."Yes," she finally said."Are you attracted to me?"She snorted at that question. It was the most ridiculous thing he could ask. "I'm pretty sure a heterosexual woman would have to be blind to not be attracted to you on sight. And even then, she'd hear you and would be done for."His gaze dropped to her mouth. "Oh, y
Thursday. Luxe Ibiza Hostel, Cala Gració, Ibiza.ORION KNEW JENNIFER WASN'T asking how she began disappointing him. Her mind had moved down another path in the silence. One that he prayed meant opening doors to a possibility she had been closed to.He lifted a hand, smoothing her hair back even though there wasn't anything for him to adjust. There was pleasure in the act of touching her.Orion felt as though the small thing he'd spent the last few years nurturing suddenly sprang up, dwarfing him. The way Jennifer stared at him now, he felt as though he could see into her soul. Even earlier on the boat, she hadn't been this open to him. He didn't know what had changed or if he'd finally said the right thing to make her see the real him, but he was humbled.Did he deserve this?No.What he said and did mattered right now.They were balanced on the brink of something new. Something that scared her.He wanted her to make the choice to walk into it together. Not tip her o
Orion turned and his mouth went dry.She wasn't wearing a stitch of clothing.He almost mourned the pleasure of watching her strip. Almost. Seeing her was the very best thing. She was all long lines, lean muscle and soft curves.She grasped the condom packet and slowly tore it open.His dick had never been so hard in his life."You're still dressed," she said with a smirk."Easily rectified."Orion yanked on his belt, then shoved both shorts and underwear to the floor. He flowed from that, scooped her up and tossed her onto the bed. Jennifer yelped, the sound turning into a laugh. He pounced, caging her under him.Her eyes sparkled with lust and enthusiasm.She was so damn pretty."Now I'm not," he whispered and leaned down.Her palm flattened against his chest and slid down. "Oh, I approve."He watched her hand, thinking any moment she'd stop. Instead, his tongue nearly rolled back into his throat when her fingertips touched the base of his cock. She wrapped he
Three months later. Ibiza.THEY SHOULD HAVE ELOPED.Lumen was ready to throw the silly bouquets into the water, scream at the top of her lungs and jump off the cliff herself. Alone.Jennifer appeared almost instantly. "Have a drink, you look stressed."Lumen considered the beverage. She'd meant to abstain from anything that might make her the least bit emotional until after the wedding, but right now it was just what the doctor ordered. She took the glass and downed the contents in two gulps."Way to chug," Jennifer snickered.Lumen thrust the glass back at her. "You. Shut it."Prudence burst in through the curtain, one sheer panel sticking to her bun of braids.Lumen jumped, startled by the sudden appearance. "Shit, what?""It happened," Prudence blurted.Lumen pressed her hand to her chest. "What happened? What now? Fucking hell, people. This is a wedding not... I don't know. What?"Prudence cringed. "I should have thought about this. You might not want to hear before th
Sunday. Hotel, Boa Vista, Brazil.MAX WAS WAITING WITH a plate the moment Lumen appeared. Jennifer and Prudence both glared at him, but he managed to get Lumen's attention and steer her into the bedroom where their things had been left. He could tell that Lumen was exhausted and in more pain than she wanted to admit. Besides, she'd never been much for messy emotions and she'd already told him he loved her today. That alone would leave Lumen wanting to avoid groups."Oh, thank you." She settled on the edge of the bed and grimaced."You seemed to be kind of done."Lumen chuckled. "You still know me so well."Max offered her the sandwich. He wished he could give her more, but it was what was on hand for now.The desire to touch her was driving him crazy, but he didn't dare. Instead he retreated to the one arm chair in the room and sat at a safe distance. She might have forgiven him for today, but he kept replaying it and all the moments he should have acted differently.Maybe he
Sunday. Hospital, Boa Vista, Brazil.LUMEN WASN'T SURE WHAT she liked the least, the pain or the way all the drugs made it feel as though she were moving through quicksand. Or that gel stuff the kids liked playing with.She sighed, only to be reminded that her ribs were. Not broken, so that was a relief. The fractures were tiny, hairline cracks, so in the scope of things it was nearly a best case situation. Didn't change the fact that right now she hurt like hell.A nurse with kind eyes stepped behind the curtain. She'd been working double time considering her grasp of English was the best of those currently working. "The doctor says you're good to go.""Thanks. Thank you. For everything. You've been a great help.""I chose the right time to come home, didn't I?" The nurse chuckled. "Do you want me to let your husband come back?"Husband.Lumen swallowed.In the confusion of arriving at the hospital, it had been easy to just let people draw the conclusion. Now, after Lumen ha
Sunday. Creed of Truth Sanctuary, Brazil.LUMEN FELT AS THOUGH she were being grilled alive lying in the bed of the pickup with the afternoon sun baking her. Her shoulder throbbed and if she breathed too deeply her ribs hurt. She didn't think they were broken. Fractured or bruised, but not broken. That was good.Thomas spat curses as he wrestled with the newly flat tire."Hurry up," Blair demanded.Lumen winced.That wasn't going to go over well."What did you say to me?" Thomas said in a dangerous tone.There was a heavy thud.Lumen imagined Thomas dropping the tire iron as he rose to direct his wrath at a new target."They're going to find us. We need to get clear of here," Blair said."What the fuck do you think I'm doing?""God, I never should have listened to you.""If it weren't for me, you'd be locked in your daddy's pleasure palace waiting on him to stick you with a needle and turn you into a good little daughter.""Shut up!" Blair roared. "Why don'
Sunday. Creed of Truth Sanctuary, Brazil.THE DRAMA AT THE front gate dragged on.Max ground his teeth.They couldn't take off down the road without raising questions. They were stuck here, with all eyes on them, until someone made a move.He prayed Lumen was safe, that she could last a little longer."Canteens are full," Prudence said from the back of the SUV."Did we find sunblock? These meat heads won't think about that until it's too late," Jennifer said."Yeah, there's some." Prudence shifted behind Max. "Everything's ready. How's it looking out there?""The same," Vito replied. It was pretty much the only thing he'd said since indicating he would be going with them on this adventure.That left Brett and three other Aegis Group guys to guard Nabanita and her family. Those weren't great numbers given the situation, but Max was willing to believe they could hold their own."Have we heard from Zain?" Max asked."Nothing yet," Prudence replied.Max pulled ou
Sunday. Creed of Truth Sanctuary, Brazil.LUMEN SAT ON THE bottom bunk watching the only door to the room, but it was still shut.Had Blair really not realized her phone was missing? Was something else going on?"Breakfast should have come by now," Buzz said for at least the fifth time, if not more. "Something's not right."That last bit was new.She turned her head and watched him pacing, eyes on the door like hers."Hey?" she said. "It's going to be okay.""You don't know that.""I do."She still hadn't told him what she'd done, though he'd seen. He had to have seen.He kept pacing, not listening to her at all.Poor kid, he'd been locked up for over a week from the sound of things. She doubted he'd had a lot of company."What's their reasoning keeping you locked up like this?" she asked to get him out of his own head."I don't know," Buzz said."Okay, well, what have they said? What do you know?""Nothing. I know nothing, okay?""I see."He sighed
Sunday. Creed of Truth Sanctuary, Brazil.MAX SAT IN THE backseat of another SUV and watched as Nabanita and William once more tried to reason with the idiots at the gate.This time, however, there hadn't been just an attendant at the gate. They'd been met with four armed men who appeared to be from Sonny's personal guard. Just how many of them were there? A truck was parked in front of the entrance. There was no way to easily drive in.This was all Zain's plan.Max didn't pretend to understand the maneuvers, only that they were testing the waters today. Dangling Nabanita and William as a decoy was their aim."Think they've brought up the book?" Jennifer asked."If I were them I'd be sweating bullets," Prudence muttered.Orion glanced back and caught Max's eye.He looked away quickly. The last thing he wanted to do right now was talk."Notice anything off that we might not?" Orion asked.Max sighed and looked back at the gate. "Thomas isn't out there this time. H
Sunday. Creed of Truth Sanctuary, Brazil.LUMEN LAY ON THE top bunk staring at the ceiling. Buzz had fallen asleep again finally.They'd spent most of the night doing that. Talking, drifting off into silence and sleeping a bit. Eventually one of them would wake up, then the other and it began again.He'd seemed to understand without her needing to say it that there were some things they just couldn't talk about.Buzz was a perceptive kid.Like his sister.It killed Lumen that they needed to be this grown up.Kids should get to be kids.She prayed Max and Aspen were safe, that they'd gotten to the others and were hatching some mad scheme. Lumen had no doubt that the girls wouldn't rest until she was sprung from this prison. Unlike Jennifer, Lumen knew the lengths her coworkers and friends would go to for one of their own. She'd never doubted the resolve of those she worked with. Aegis Group had become her family in a way.The real question was, how long would it tak
Sunday. Safe House, Boa Vista, Brazil.THE GRAY DAWN BROKE on the horizon as Max and the others rolled through the front gate of the safe house. He eyed the surveillance men. They were mostly the same ones he'd seen before he'd left. Still the battle hardened faces of men who knew what they were doing.Which meant it was Sonny keeping an eye on them and bypassing Thomas.Max hadn't seen it until the very end, but there was a dividing line between Thomas and Sonny. The two didn't always know what the other was doing.Fuck all of them.Vito pulled the SUV into the garage where they could safely unload. They needed to keep Max and Aspen's whereabouts under wraps for as long as possible.It had taken them hours to land and get back. More time than he'd have thought necessary. All of which meant that Lumen was still back there. Alone. Going through who knew what.Max stuffed all the frustration down inside of him as he opened the SUV door and helped Aspen out. She'd held he