Chapter 18
“We need to talk.”
I halt and freeze in place; I’m stunned that he’s sitting in front of my door. I close my eyes at the sound of his deep, demanding voice.
Opening my eyes back up, they connect with his. It’s been weeks since I last saw him—since the night he took someone’s life with his own bare hands in front of my eyes. Jameson looks tired, unkempt, and a deep sorrow hides behind his dark orbs. He looks nothing like the man I’ve grown to love.
My legs wobble as I take the steps to reach my door. “What are you doing here?” With an unsteady hand, I try to get my key in the lock.
He stands. “You can’t avoid me any longer, Kylie, we have to talk.”
I shake my head frantically. “No. Nope, there’s nothing to say. You need to leave.” I try to stay strong, even though I want to let him in. I want to tell him I’m sorry for leaving.
I open the door, get inside, and try to shut it, but his powerful hand stops the door from closing. “I’m not leaving until you talk to me.”
“Fine. Say what you need to say, and then leave.” I open the door wider for him to enter. I don’t know why I’m being this way towards him. I’ve missed him, so maybe it’s the unanswered questions, or the fact I am seeing him and talking to him for the first time since that night. I’ve come to terms with what he did, and I understand why he did it. But…maybe just now seeing him is bringing back the fact I watched him do it.
I shut the door behind him. “Do you understand why I did it?”
Turning my body, I face him and cross my arms over my chest. “You could have let me arrest him; you didn’t have to kill him.”
“Yes, I did. He took my mother’s life, your sister’s, and they aren’t the only ones, Kylie. Why should a man like that get to live?” His hard eyes bore into mine and his stance matches mine.
I stand firm. “Because we can’t take the law into our own hands.”
“How did you know to find him there?” he questions.
“He called me. He gave me the time and address. I was trying to save him.”
“So, he just happens to want to meet in the middle of the night? Kylie, open your fucking eyes!” He throws his arms in the air, exasperated. “He would have done to you the same thing he did to my mother, your sister, and all the other women.” He takes a few steps towards me, and his tone softens. “I don’t regret what I did, and I would do it again if someone tried to hurt you.”
“He was going to rape and murder me?” Tears well in my eyes.
“Yes.” He releases a deep breath. “Are you going to have me arrested?”
I swipe a fallen tear from my cheek. “If I was going to turn you in, I already would have.”
“What’s stopping you?” He takes a couple more steps towards me.
“After I came home that night, I honestly didn’t know what I was going to do. A few days later— I needed to absorb what happened first—I went to work and told my lieutenant that I had an anonymous caller give me a new lead on my sister’s case. They dug up human bones where George said he buried her body.” I stare into his eyes and go on. “I didn’t want to believe that the man I was trying to save is the reason my sister is gone. But…when I saw the bones, I knew it was true.” More tears fall, and Jameson closes the distance between us. He tries wiping them away with his thumbs, but more come, negating his efforts.
“I thought about Jenny. How full of life she was, how she would make you laugh by some funny face she’d make, and how she could brighten anyone’s day. Her life was ripped away from my family, from her. She never even had a chance and he did it for revenge against my father. After the forensic team dug her bones up, the only thing that ran through my mind is that I would have killed him too. I understand why you did it.”
He cups my cheeks with his hands and keeps my gaze on him. “I’m sorry you saw that side of me.”
“You put me in a bad spot, Jameson. You’ve made me cross every line I am as a member of law enforcement and as the person I am. I’ve been crossing lines for you since before we even met.” Hesitantly, I lift my hands and place them on either side of his waist.
He closes his eyes for a moment and opens them back up. “Kylie, I never wanted to hurt you, scare you, or ask you to put yourself in that position.”
“I know you didn’t, but it’s done now.” My brows knit together as I remember to ask this final, unanswered question. “How did you find out what George did to my sister and the others?”
“Brent’s not just my driver. He’s retired from the Navy Seals; he also has connections with secret services. I don’t know all the details, but I know enough. He knows how to break through any firewall or password-protected computer, he knows how to interrogate—he can spot a lie quicker than any lie detector test—and he knows how to find out people’s secrets. He found all the information that he needed on George, and once he had everything he needed, he took a bag of heroin, teased George with it, and then started his interrogation process. For a little bit of drugs, George answered all the questions Brent asked.”
“Why could the cops never figure it out?” This is all so crazy.
“Because with men like the Red Skulls you can’t play by the rules. When you have six men that won’t talk and have intimidated everyone around them, you won’t find too much information being on the right side of the law.” He pulls me in, hugging my body against his.
Slowly, I wrap my arms around his waist. I’ve missed the feel of him, his masculine scent, and even though he can be terrifying towards people, he has always made me feel safe.
“I’m sorry that you were there, but I’m not sorry that you finally know the truth—and I’m not sorry for what I’ve done.”
I nod against his chest. “Thank you for finally giving Jenny and my family peace. Where do we go from here?”
He grips my shoulders and pulls me back so I have to face him. My arms stay wrapped around his waist. “Do you love me, Kylie?” Dropping my head to my chest, I slightly nod once, and the tears return. “Have you missed me?” I nod again and swipe at my cheek.
He cups my cheeks with his palms and lifts my face so my eyes meet his. “I love you too, Kylie, and I’ve been going crazy without you.”
I narrow my eyes. “How do I know you won’t kill someone again?”
He chuckles lightly. “I’ve never killed for fun; I’m not out searching for my next victim. I don’t get a thrill out of it and I have no need to do it now. I had six men to kill and now it’s done. But…I will protect what I love and what’s mine. Are you mine?”
“Can you give me some time to process everything?” I stare up at him innocently.
“I’ve given you weeks, Kylie.” He sees the thread has broken. I’m his.
“I know, but…” He stops me by putting his hand over my mouth.
“No.” He uncovers my mouth. “On your knees now,” he commands sternly.
I lower down to my knees; Jameson runs his hand over my hair and down the side of my face. “So beautiful.” My eyes stay glued to his. “Don’t run from me again. Don’t try to hide from me—I will always find you. The beast will always catch you.” He slowly unbuttons his shirt, pulls it off his shoulders, and throws it onto the floor.
“I won’t.” My mouth waters for him.
“I won’t what?” He unzips his slacks and begins to push them down his thick thighs, along with his boxer briefs. He removes his shoes and socks then kicks off his pants and boxers.
“I won’t, sir.” I watch as he takes his cock in hand and starts stroking himself.
“Good girl. Take your clothes off.” I quickly stand, rid myself of the offending material, and when I am completely bare, I sit back on my knees. “Sit on your heels and spread your thighs.” He continues pumping his hand up and down, his cock growing with each long motion. I do as he demands, opening for him as far as I can. “So fucking pink and pretty. It’s glistening for me, begging me to taste you.” My lips part at his dirty words, a quiet moan slips free, and my hand starts moving closer to my pussy. “Go ahead; touch yourself and let me see you.” His words come out breathier as his eyes watch my hand move closer and closer, and his strokes become faster and faster. The first touch to my clit makes me gasp louder. My finger rotates between small circles and up and down movements. “Does that feel good?” His eyes grow heavier with need.
“Yes, sir,” I pant.
“Fuck! Open your mouth.” He steps in front of me. I open wide for him and he enters my mouth slowly. I taste the precum that’s leaked out and savor the salty flavor. He pushes further in, all the way to the back of my throat. His hands fist my hair and he begins moving my mouth along his length. “So fucking good!”
Tears start to leak out of my eyes as I try to hold back from gagging. “Relax your throat.” I do just that, but he’s so big. My finger continues its movements on my clit, and I whimper as I grow closer.
“Don’t come!” he commands.
I have to quit touching myself or I won’t be able to stop my orgasm that’s so close, right on the cusp of pulling me over the edge. Reaching up, I hold his balls in my hand and begin massaging them. He groans in approval as he fucks my face faster.
“I need inside of you now! Stand up.” He pulls himself out and I scurry to my feet. He spins me around and kicks my feet apart. He lines up to my entrance from behind and pushes his way inside. God, I’ve missed the feel of him. I cry out in pleasure. “Do you trust me?”
Without hesitation I reply, “Yes, sir.”
His hand comes around to my throat and slowly starts to squeeze. He pounds into me so hard, but it’s so good. He limits my breathing with every thrust he makes until I am seeing stars. I’m so close to coming I can’t make a sound. His grunts begin to fade in and out, and right when I think I’m going to pass out, my orgasm thunders its way through my body. Every part of me shakes uncontrollably, and he releases his hold on my throat.
“I love you, Kylie,” he whispers as he drives into me one more time.
“I love you too!” I yell as he sends me into another orgasm right along with his release.
I can hardly keep my eyes open because I feel so exhausted. He picks me up into his arms and carries me to my bed. He lays next to me, pulls my back against his front, and in no time at all I fall into a deep sleep.
The next morning, Jameson gets up early, gets dressed, and sits on the edge of the bed. “I’ll call you after I get off work. I love you.”
He kisses me slow and steady, and it makes me want to pull him back into bed with me. I pull away. “Do you have to go?” I question with a pout.
He chuckles. “I wish I didn’t, but I have a lot to catch up on since I was slacking for the last few weeks.”
I dramatically sigh and roll my eyes. “Fine. I love you too.” He tickles my side, making me laugh.
He walks to my bedroom door and turns to face me. “I’ll see you later.”
I continue to lay here for a few more minutes, and then the burner phone rings. I pick it up off the nightstand. “Hello.”
“Rayven, it’s Magdalene. I need you to come in today.”
“Okay, I’m just getting up. I’ll get dressed and come right in.” We hang up and I get out of bed, pick out my clothes for the day, and go into my bathroom to turn the water on. I quickly wash my hair and body, get dressed, and grab my stuff. I get in my car and rush over to Miss Magdalene’s.
When I walk into Miss Magdalene’s, the only three girls left—Nina, Elise, and Jacqueline—are already here, along with Magdalene and Heather.
“Join us, Rayven.” Her tone is somber. I walk over to the other girls, all of us eyeing each other. They obviously don’t know what this is about either. “I’ve called you all in today because I am shutting down Miss Magdalene’s. This is a hard decision to make, but it must be done. I have continued to put your lives in danger for far too long, and for that I am sorry.”
“It’s not your fault.” Heather lays her hand on Magdalene’s shoulder, consoling her.
“Will you reopen when the killer is caught?” Elise asks and then adds, “If he’s caught.”
“At this time, I’m not sure. You can finish up your appointments for the week.” Magdalene holds her head high, but you can see tears in her eyes, and visible through those tears are regret, sadness, and sorrow. She walks back to her office.
“What are we going to do now?” Jacqueline asks no one in particular.
“I don’t know,” Elise and Nina respond together.
“I guess we will be looking for new jobs,” I reply.
“Oh, will you, Rayven? I thought you were pretty set up with Mr. Freedman. Don’t act like you’re in the same boat as the rest of us.” Heather glares daggers at me.
“What does that mean?” Nina asks.
“It means that he bought her from Magdalene. That’s why she never has other appointments, and that’s why she won’t need to find other income. While the rest of us are screwed,” Heather angrily tells them.
My mouth gapes open and I point to myself. “You think I asked him to do that? No, I didn’t.”
“Way to go, Rayven,” Elise sarcastically chimes in, rolling her eyes.
I throw my arms in the air, exasperated. “How did I become the bad person?”
Jacqueline replies, “You’re not. Everyone’s just upset right now. Come on, girls.” The three of them walk out.
I turn to Heather, narrowing my eyes. “You didn’t need to do that.” She huffs and walks away.
I stomp out of Miss Magdalene’s, back to my car, and turn the ignition on, then drive to the department.
Knocking on the lieutenant’s door, I enter after he gives permission. “Detective Sanders, what can I do for you?” I close the door behind me and take a seat in one of his chairs.
“Magdalene is closing her business.”
He nods, but doesn’t seem surprised. “I wondered how long she would let it go on.”
My hands fidget with one another. “I’m sorry I haven’t been much help being undercover.”
“It’s okay, Kylie; while we haven’t closed this case, yet, at least we have closed the one for your family. There’s no need for you to be undercover now, so get with Jones and see where he’s at on his side of things.” His attention goes back to his computer.
“Thank you!”
“You’re welcome.”
I leave the lieutenant’s office and walk to mine. Jones is in, so this will be perfect for me to catch up with him. “Hey!” I say cheerfully.
“Hey!” He chuckles. “What has you so chipper?”
“I’m no longer undercover because Magdalene has shut down her business, so fill me in.” I plop down in my desk chair.
“Good to have you back!” He smiles. “I was just shutting down to follow up on a lead over at the Hilton. You can ride with me.”
I mirror his smile. “Let’s go!” It feels good to be back.
Jones parks at the Hilton; we quickly stride into the hotel and up to the front desk in the lobby. Jones pulls out his badge, shows it to the desk clerk, and her eyes widen.
“We are working a case and have gotten a lead about a man that booked room 517. We need that room key.”
“Yes, officer, no problem!” She scurries to get the card, activates it, and hands it to Jones.
“Thank you,” I respond. We cross over to the elevator, push the number 5 button, and when it gets to the fifth floor we step out. We find room 517, pull our guns, and quietly Jones slips the card in so we can enter the room.
I flip the switch and we clear the room. “Jones, I think this was a dead lead. The killer’s not here.” I put my gun back in the holster and turn to my partner. “Let’s go.”
“We’re not going anywhere, Kylie. The killer is here.” He shuts the door behind us. He steps closer and closer until he is standing toe-to-toe with me.
“Where?” I look around the room and back to Jones. “No. No. No.”
His gaze is pure evil. I shake my head frantically. He’s no longer my partner, no longer the man I have grown to know, no longer the man I considered to be like a brother. That man is replaced with this stranger, intent on hurting me. You can see it in the sneer of his mouth and the deadness in his eyes.
Tears pool in my eyes. “Jones, no, not you.” This can’t be happening. I’ve known this man for five years, worked beside him every day—trusted him.
“Why’d you have to do it, Kylie? Why did you have to become one of them?” He looks at me like I’m nothing; the evil that lurks in his gaze gives me chills, and my body shivers in response.
“I’m not! I’m Kylie, your partner. It was an undercover job, you know that.” I act innocent.
He waves his gun in my face, and I reach for mine. “Don’t move your fucking hands!” He grabs my gun out of the holster and throws it towards the door. “I watched you, Kylie; I saw you meeting with him at that hotel where I killed Celeste. You would stay in there for hours with him.”
“Why are you doing this?” Never in a million years would I have suspected my own partner to be a serial killer. I now see the difference between Jones and Jameson: Jones actually enjoys this.
“Because whores like you took my mother away from me!” he yells, and I flinch when spit lands on my face.
“It was just a job—it didn’t mean anything,” I plead with him. “What happened to your mom?” I try and deflect him.
“You’re lying, and now you’re going to be just like them. Dead.” His sinister laugh is the last thing I hear. The gun lands on the side of my head and everything goes black.