CHAPTER SEVENTEEN
Sinner
WE PULLED INTO a motel three days into our trip and stopped at yet another run down motel where we could pay in cash and stay hidden for another night. After checking in, Sean headed out to get us all dinner while Vanessa took a shower. Sean had gotten everyone some clothes after we stopped the first night, so at least we didn’t all reek to high heaven.
I looked at Cara as she laid on the bed with her eyes closed. We hadn’t really gotten a chance to talk since everything went south. She had been quiet for most of the drive and I couldn’t blame her. This had to be hard on her and then to find out that she didn’t have her pills with her, I was worried that she would freak out at some time. The good news was that Sean seemed to have stepped up and now knew how to better handle her when she got anxious. At least it was one less thing for me to worry about.
I laid down on the bed next to her and watched her for a few minutes until she turned to me and looked me in the eyes. Neither of us said anything as we laid there, but I couldn’t help myself as I brushed my thumb across her perfect mouth. I needed to touch her. Through everything, I still wanted her more than anything.
“What did you mean when you said you lost your job defending me?” she asked.
I knew she wouldn’t let this go, so I answered her.
“Sebastian is just like everyone else; he thinks you’re broken. I took offense to his assumptions and we got into it. I just couldn’t stand to hear people talk that way about you. He thought I was going to fuck you up because he assumed that I didn’t care about you.”
“And do you?”
“Cara, I care about you so fucking much that I considered sticking around just to see if you would ever want me again. I wanted to fix things between us, but I just couldn’t bring myself to stay so close to you and not see you. You made it pretty clear what you thought of me.”
“I didn’t mean it. I was angry and I didn’t want to admit that you were right. If I could take back everything-”
“Let’s not talk about this anymore. I can’t be thinking about what’s going to happen with us and do my job. I need to concentrate so I don’t get us killed. We’ll talk when we get back.”
She nodded and closed her eyes. Against my better judgement, I pulled her closer to me and held her tightly to me. I didn’t want to send her mixed signals, but I needed this small comfort for now.
✯✯✯✯✯
My head was a fucking mess. We’d been driving for days now and I was ready to just get home, or back to Pittsburgh. We had to go south toward Texas first because it was winter and it was too dangerous to drive through the mountains this time of year. That was the faster route, but it just wasn’t worth it.
Cash set up motels for us to stay at and had vehicles left for us at random truck stops. We were now about two hours away from home and I was losing my fucking mind. I needed to talk to Cara, but that wasn’t possible until I dropped off Vanessa. I had to be one hundred percent focused on the job right now. We had eaten fast food all the way home because we couldn’t risk Cara freaking out in a restaurant and drawing attention. She said she could handle it, but she had been off her meds since my truck ended up in the lake and none of us knew how she would respond.
“So, where am I going once you drop me off with Sebastian?”
“He’ll set you up in a safe house somewhere. You’re sure you can’t think of any more details?”
Vanessa shook her head and sighed. “I wish I could. I wish I would have gone through his study before I left, but I just had this feeling that I had to get out.”
“You’re lucky you left when you did. You might not have gotten out. Don’t worry. We’ll figure this all out.”
“Will you be staying with me?”
“I’m probably headed back to California. My boss will expect me back within a few days.”
“How’s Sam doing?” she asked as she wrung her hands.
“He’s getting better. He’s going through physical therapy right now. From what I understand, he’s not walking yet, but he’s getting there.”
“I feel so bad that he’s going through that.”
“You shouldn’t. We all know what could happen when we take a job like that. It’s what we do.”
“Still, I would like to see him and thank him.”
“Maybe you’ll get your chance.”
Sean, who had been sleeping since he drove the first leg of today’s trip, woke up with a yawn. “Fuck, I’m ready to be out of this car.”
“Tell me about it. This has ruined things for all future road trips.”
“I’ve never been on a road trip,” Vanessa said.
“Really?” I looked at her out of the corner of my eye in question. “How have you never been on a road trip?”
“My father only traveled in style. I don’t think taking a car across country was the most luxurious way to travel.”
“How much longer before we’re home?” Cara asked as she stretched in the back seat. My eyes scanned her breasts as she raised her hands over her head. A horn honking had me quickly jerking the wheel back into my lane.
“Eyes forward, Sinner,” Sean grumbled from the backseat.
I cleared my throat and responded. “Not too much longer. I have to go to Reed Security first, so you’ll have to come along.”
“That’s fine. I just want to get out of the car.”
We drove in silence the rest of the way, but I needed a distraction. One look at Cara’s tits and I was rock hard. I still had no idea what was going to happen once we reached Reed Security and I didn’t know where Cara and I stood. Now that I had another job, I wasn’t sure I wanted to quit. My options weren’t that good if I stayed in Pennsylvania, but I wasn’t sure that she could make the move to California. She’d be alone a lot and that wouldn’t be good for her anxiety. If I gave up my job, what the fuck would I do with my life?
I pulled into Reed Security and was granted access after my license was checked. I never thought I would be stepping foot on this property again or see Sebastian Reed again.
“Derek, it’s good to see you, man.” I gave him a man hug before turning to Cara and Vanessa.
“This is Vanessa Adams and you remember Sean?”
“Yeah. It’s good to see you.”
“And this is his sister, Cara.”
Cara nodded and I knew she was uncomfortable around Derek.
“So, you guys decided to hitch a ride with this guy, huh?”
“We were in the neighborhood and it looked like he needed a hand,” Sean grinned.
“Yeah, I heard you parked your truck in the lake.”
“I loved that truck. I better be getting a new one. You know, hazard pay and all.”
Derek rolled his eyes. “Yeah, I’m sure Cash will just hand over the keys to a new truck as soon as you get home.”
My smile dimmed a little at that. For just a second, the easy banter with Derek made me forget that I still had to go home.
“Anyway, let’s get you guys up to see Sebastian. He’s in the conference room with Becky trying to track down a lead.”
I entered the conference room with Vanessa, Sean, and Cara in tow. Sebastian looked up with relief.
“Glad you were able to make it in one piece.” He walked forward and extended his hand to Vanessa. “I’m Sebastian Reed, owner of Reed Security. It’s nice to finally meet you.”
“Right. I’m sure you’ll be saying that in another few hours,” she quipped.
Sebastian smiled and took a seat, gesturing for us to do the same.
“No thanks, I’ve had my ass in a car for the last week. I’ll stand,” I said.
“He’s here? Where?” I recognized Freckles’ voice immediately and turned to the door. I thought she would be happy to see me, but judging by the pissed off look on her face, I was wrong.
“What the hell is wrong with you?”
“Uh..It would help if I knew what you were talking about.”
“It was all over the news in California!” she fumed as she walked further into the room.
“Cash called when it was on the news to let us know it might be a problem,” Sebastian supplied.
“We already knew your truck went into the lake, but then it was all over the news that an old man had to pull your ass from the water and give you CPR because you weren’t breathing!” Maggie continued.
I glanced at Cara who stared at me in shock. Yeah, I hadn’t told anyone the details of what actually happened. Maggie didn’t give me a chance to respond before she started yelling at me again.
“Seriously? What is the point of being all badass if you can’t even outrun a few mercenaries? Death by drowning? Seriously, Sinner. I’m disappointed. At least go out in a hail of bullets.”
“I’ll keep that in mind for next time.” I raised an eyebrow at her, questioning if she was done. She ran toward me and gave me a big hug.
“Stupid oaf.” She punched me in the shoulder and walked over to Sean. “And where were you? I thought you were some hot shot detective? You didn’t find the clue that someone would try to kill him?”
I had to laugh. Freckles was hilarious when she got pissed.
“Don’t you dare laugh, aquaman. You’re lucky you live on the other side of the country.” Then Maggie spun to Sebastian and shot him a glare. “We’re not done talking about that yet.”
“Freckles, we’re all fine, but I need to fill Sebastian in so maybe you could take Vanessa and Cara for some coffee.”
“Fine, but this conversation isn’t over.”
I nodded and gave Cara a quick kiss before they left the room.
“I’ll wait outside too. Let me know when you’re ready to go,” Sean said.
I faced Sebastian who looked more than a little uncomfortable. He cleared his throat and opened a folder. We went over the events of the last week and what it took to get Vanessa out here.
“Freckles brought up something that you should be aware of. People know that you survived the crash. I’m assuming it was your truck that went into the lake.”
“Yeah.”
“Then most likely, they’re already looking for you. It might be best if you stayed out here for a while. I could ask that you stay on here until this whole mess is sorted out. You’d basically be on loan to us until I deemed it safe for both you and Vanessa.”
“Gee, Cap. I didn’t know you cared,” I said with as much sarcasm as I could muster.
He threw his pen down on the table and grunted. “I don’t care, asshole, but if I want Maggie to stick around I need to make peace with you.”
“Cap, you and I both know that you don’t mess with Freckles. Now, she’s awesome and I’d take her to the shooting range or have her as back up any day, but there is no way on God’s green earth that I would saddle my ass to that woman. Mark my words, one of these days, you’re gonna wake up with a live grenade between your ass cheeks.”
Sebastian grimaced and flipped the folder shut. “You have two weeks to get your shit sorted out with OPS. If you’re not back by then, I’m finding someone else.”
“I don’t know, all that sunshine and the hot women that walk around in skimpy bikinis? Why would I leave that?”
He rolled his eyes, “Fine, I’ll go half and half with OPS to replace your truck.”
“And then I already signed the lease on my new place out there. Sure would be tough to break it.”
He sucked in a breath and clenched his fists. “And I’m sorry for what I said about Cara and you. Obviously, I don’t know her well enough to judge her state of mind and from what Sean tells me, you’ve been really good for her. Please accept my apology.”
I grinned a wolfish grin. “Shit, Cap. Don’t go all soft on me now. I’m gonna have to get a box of tissues for you in a minute.”
He glared at me as I held out my hand to shake his. He took it grudgingly and gave a swift shake.
“Two weeks, Sinner.”
I held up my hand and walked out of the conference room. Cara was sitting in the lounge having a cup of coffee with Sean, Vanessa, and Maggie.
“Let’s hit the road. Sean, I’m going to need a ride since mine is now at the bottom of a lake.”
“Sounds good. I can’t believe Lillian hasn’t been calling every five minutes wondering where I am. Where am I dropping you?”
“My apartment. I still have the lease because I couldn’t move my shit out to California yet.”
We drove to my apartment and when it was time to get out, Cara stepped out with me.
“Go on, Sean. I need to talk to Mark.”
He nodded, “Good thing you’re staying with him because there is no way I’m listening to you two fuck again.”
Cara slammed the door and then we headed up to my apartment as Sean took off. When we got inside, I immediately took her to the bedroom. I was beat and I needed to lay down.
“Can we talk for a little bit, Mark?”
I was already drifting off to sleep. “In the morning. I need to sleep.” I pulled her in close to me and fell asleep to the steady thrum of her heartbeat against my side.
✯✯✯✯✯
“What time is it?” I asked as I shuffled into the living room the next day. Cara was leaning against the kitchen island in a t-shirt of mine and panties. She looked fucking hot and my cock immediately noticed.
“It’s almost noon. You sleep like the dead.”
“Not usually. I was just wiped out.”
“Here, I made coffee.”
“Thanks.”
“So, what happened with Sebastian yesterday? Are you going back to California?”
She didn’t look at me as she asked. She stared at her coffee mug waiting for my response.
“Yes, I am.”
She looked up at me and nodded solemnly.
“I have to pack my shit and be back here in two weeks.”
Her face morphed to anger as she picked up a dishrag and threw it at me. “You ass. Why would you make me think that you weren’t coming back?”
“Maybe a little bit of revenge for how you dismissed me from your life,” I grinned.
“And you think that’s going to get you laid?”
“No, but I have no doubt my tongue will definitely get me there.”
“Be serious for a minute. What’s going to happen with us?”
“I want you to be my girlfriend or whatever it is when two adults are fucking and freaking out at restaurants together.”
“Well, I’m solving one of those issues, so it’ll just be fucking. Do you still want to be around for whatever happens in place of the throwing up and passing out?”
“Lollipop, you could be perfectly normal and do the things that every other girl did and I would still want to be with you. Your issues are just a small part of who you are. However, I have to say that I like you quirky.”
She wrapped her arms around my neck and kissed. “Yeah? Why’s that?”
“Obviously, because you’re even more grateful in the bedroom.”
I earned a slap for that one, but then she pulled my pants off me and knelt down on the kitchen floor, stroking my cock.
“Damn, woman. I can’t take your lips around my cock right now. I’ll blow inside your mouth.”
“You’d better make this good. Last I heard, you were shit in bed. What was it she said? Worst fuck she’d ever had?” She leaned forward and took me into her mouth, sucking and teasing me with her tongue. “Well, I can see you can get it up and it’s quite hard, so she was wrong about that at least.”
My hips jerked as she took me in her warm mouth again and sucked me so hard, I almost came seconds later. Pulling back from her, I hoisted her up and placed her on the bar stool and slid a hand in her underwear.
“Just as I thought, hot and wet for me.” I played with her pussy and watched her mouth part slightly as I slid a finger inside.
“Oh, God,” she moaned.
“Don’t you know by now that I’m the devil?” I whispered against her ear. I pulled out my cock and stroked it a few times as I thought of what it would feel like to be inside her again. I pulled her underwear to the side and slid into her heat, groaning as I bottomed out inside her. “Lord save me.”
I fucked her hard, grabbing her ass and pulling her into me with every thrust. The stool rocked every time I pounded into her. She wrapped her arms around my neck and held me as close to her as possible.
“I love fucking you, Lollipop. There’s nothing as sweet as your pussy.” She groaned and leaned forward, taking my nipple in her mouth. I cursed as electricity shot through me. My balls started to tighten with every stroke of her tongue across my nipple. I had no idea it could feel so good. I slammed harder and harder into her and finally came when I felt her squeeze me with her own orgasm.
She rested her head against my chest as her breathing slowed. I was so relieved to have her back in my arms that I didn’t give a fuck about what happened before. She had her issues and I would gladly take them on if it meant I got more moments like this.
“Mark, I know that I was terrible to you before and I just want to tell you that I’m so sorry that I said those horrible things. You’ve been so great to me through everything, but more than that, you showed me that I need to be fighting for myself. I never would have realized how much help I needed without you.”
“Lollipop, I’m pretty sure you knew already.”
“Maybe, but I never would have gone back to the doctor. I would have continued to hide out because it’s easier.”
“I know that it’s hard for you to go out in public and we’ll keep working on that when I get back. Rome wasn’t built in a day, you know.”
“I guess what I really want to say is, I love you.”
She waited for me to say something, but I was so stunned, I wasn’t sure how to respond. The obvious answer was to tell her I loved her back, but I just couldn’t say it yet. It seemed like it was too soon after everything that had happened. I thought I loved her and I really wanted to, but that wasn’t a good enough reason to say it.
I watched as the light slowly dimmed in her eyes as every second passed, knowing that I could bring all that joy back. We still had so much to work through before I was willing to say something like that. I needed to be sure.
“Cara, it’s not that I don’t have strong feelings for you, but I think we have a lot to work through. I mean, something great was happening between us and it all went up in smoke. I just don’t want to say something so meaningful arbitrarily. I need to be one hundred percent sure because I don’t want to fuck with your head or mine.”
She looked down and then adjusted her underwear that I had pulled aside when I fucked her.
“I think that’s a smart decision. If the words don’t automatically come then I think it’s a good idea to hold off. I wouldn’t want you regretting something like that.”
Now it was awkward. I wanted to stick around with her, but the sooner I got back to California and quit my job, the sooner I could pack and get back here where we could sort out our issues.
“Look, I need to get back to California. Cash will be expecting me and I need to give him a report of what happened. Then I have to quit my job and I don’t know how that’s going to go. I have to be back in two weeks, so give me that time to get my head on straight.”
She nodded and gave me a kiss. I felt like the biggest shit on the face of the earth. I had told her we would work things out when we got back, but now I was running off again. All we had really settled was that we would be together again. I wasn’t expecting her to tell me she loved me, so that just added another thing for me to work out before I got back.