Chapter 24
Craig had never been so torn in his life. He wanted to kill Robert. He refused to let Kelly out of his sight. How was he supposed to handle the conflict of the two?
He tried sending her home. Between his desire to hold her and her insistence on coming with them, he had no choice but to bring her along. The group of misfits resembled a cloak and dagger operation. Three adults and five kids, on a mission heading for danger.
If Robert was as insane as his actions, who knew what they were getting into? Craig wondered if he’d lost his mind, dragging his love with him to face a man he wanted to kill. Encouraging a band of innocents in this unreasonable plan to find Kelly’s attacker.
Retribution drove him now. Robert had dared to harm Kelly. Craig would make sure it never happened again.
“Craig. What are you going to do?” Kelly’s voice drew him from his dark thoughts. He squeezed her hand and tugged her to him.
“Keep you safe.”
“What are you planning to do to Robert?”
“Are you worried about Robert?”
“No, I’m worried about you,” she said, as her soft palm cupped the side of his face. He placed a kiss in the center.
“I can take care of myself.”
“I’m not doubting that. I don’t want you to go to jail.”
He gave a slight chuckle. “Don’t you think he deserves a good beating?” Before she could say anything, he silenced her with his fingers on her lips. “Do you have any idea how I felt when I found that woman in your bedroom?” Agony stabbed him, fresh as it had speared him then. “Blood on her face, and her telling me he took you? After he hit you with his fists?” Without realizing it, his voice had risen. The small group had stopped, and the kids were listening. He tried to control his breathing.
“We’ll talk later. Right now, I need to take care of him. Make sure he never touches you again.”
She gave a nod and he released her. Robby spun on his heel and started walking again. The trek was short, maybe a mile to the edge of town. Craig wished they’d brought a flashlight when one of the boys pulled one from his pocket.
“It’s really dark out here, but we don’t want to be seen, so I’ll just use this so we don’t fall in a hole.”
“I got one, too,” Runt said. “We won’t fall in no hole if we watch where we’re going.”
A few minutes later, Jimmy turned off his light. “There. That’s the house.”
“Look.” Billy called out pointing to a car parked in front. “He’s back.”
Craig charged forward, but Dennis grabbed him. “Whoa, Buddy. I’m going with you.” He turned to the others. “You kids stay here.”
Robby bristled. “I ain’t no kid.”
“Me neither,” Runt and the others voiced.
“Look. He’s bound to have found Kelly gone by now. He’ll—”
Just then the front door banged open and a man stormed out.
“Robert,” Kelly gasped.
He’s a dead man.
Robert ran down the steps and darted around the house.
Craig charged after Robert, not caring who followed. Fury fueled the fire in Craig’s blood. The two men came face to face as Craig sprinted around one corner of the property.
In a fit of rage, he grabbed the son-of-a-bitch and flung him against a brick wall, ready to tear the man to pieces.
“Craig,” Kelly cried.
His fingers tightened around Robert’s throat, but the urge to wrap Kelly in his arms won. Kelly needed him. And he needed her. But he couldn’t resist one good punch. His knuckles ached, but the crunch he heard indicated he’d broken the bastard’s nose. Blood trickled, giving him even more satisfaction.
He thrust Robert away, dismissing him for the scum he was, and clasped Kelly as she lurched into his arms.
“You fucking son-of-a-bitch,” Dennis yelled.
Craig glanced over Kelly’s head, welcoming the sight of Dennis pounding the hell out of the other man. Dennis struck Robert on the jaw with enough force to break it. Robert fought back, but Dennis had the upper hand. He’d been as scared and distraught as Craig. Fear and concern for Kelly fed every violent punch.
“Enough, enough.” A low, pathetic wail hissed. Robert slumped on the cold ground with Dennis above him, glaring down, his bloodied fists braced in front of his body.
“I won’t stop until I’ve broken every bone in your worthless hide.”
“She invited me in.” Robert wheezed while holding his ribs.
Craig didn’t want to hear a word from the lying man’s mouth.
“We went to dinner.” Robert swiped at the blood running from his nose and lip. “Kelly wants me back.”
“The hell you say?” Dennis struck a blow to Robert’s face.
“Give it to him.”
“Don’t show him no mercy.”
“Yeah, no mercy.”
The blood-thirsty, young demons were edging Dennis on. Craig had forgotten about them.
He gently removed Kelly’s arms from his neck, every muscle in his body begging for battle.
“Craig,” Kelly objected, but he silenced her with one reassuring look. He turned, ensnaring Robert’s gaze. His body was a bloody pulp, his expression one of mock bravery combined with fear.
“So, you’re Robert.” Craig spoke with deadly calm, using a voice deep enough to crack cement.
“Who the hell are you?” Robert’s breathless voice croaked.
“I’ll ask the questions.” Craig took a threatening step closer, glaring down at the pathetic creature on the ground. “As a matter of fact, I’ll give you some friendly advice.”
Dennis backed away as Craig took another step forward.
Robert blew out a distraught breath. “She came to me. She agreed to meet me for dinner. She wants to come back to me.”
The slime did not know when to keep his mouth shut.
“Do not say another word,” Craig instructed with cold fury. “Listen very carefully. Any relationship you had, or think you have, is over. I will allow you one choice. Only one. Never come near her again, and live.”
Robert’s eyes glazed over with fear, then turned anxious with inquiry, as if considering the substance of Craig’s words. Judging whether or not he meant them.
“Am I sincere? I assure you, I am.” Craig had never been more serious in his life. He’d kill the cocksucker if he dared to touch Kelly again. Every word he spoke came from the depths of his soul. “The decision you make must be now. Verbalized loud and clear.” He leaned closer so the young boys would not hear. “I urge you to make the right choice, or you will not leave here alive. I will send you to hell.”
The veins at his temples throbbed. He straightened, clenching his jaw as he stared at the man who dared to hurt Kelly. He almost hoped the bastard would argue. Give him a reason to release his pent-up rage. He would never allow his love to be in danger again. His beautiful, desirable, fun-loving Kelly belonged to him. He would protect her with his life. If she and the others weren’t watching, he would have torn Robert’s head off by now.
He drew in a ragged breath. He still might.
Robert must have understood he was in deep shit. The bastard swallowed and sputtered as if he were trying to find his voice.
“I will stay away from Kelly. You can have her.”
“Careful, man,” Dennis warned. “Choose your words with care or Kelly’s new boyfriend might make good on his promise and kill you before I have a chance to call the cops.”
Robert’s gaze filled with dread. He glanced at Dennis as if to ask, ‘What are you waiting for?’ By the look on his petrified face, he preferred being arrested to what Craig might have in store for him.
“I suggest you disappear.” Craig glared at Robert, his intentions clear. “I have friends who will find you if you should change your mind.”
“I’ll never see her again. I swear it.”
Even though Craig desperately wanted to pound Robert into the next millennium, he wanted to wrap his arms around Kelly more.
“Now, Dennis. You may call the police.”
~ ~ ~
Craig treated Kelly with such gentleness it brought fresh tears to her eyes. After the horrible ordeal, he’d picked her up and carried her to the porch steps. He held her until the police arrived. He kept his arm around her, never leaving her side during their questions. She made it through the unpleasant business, and Robert was taken away in handcuffs.
Her heroes danced with excitement. The young teenagers enthusiastically answered the police questions, each one thrilled to tell their version of events. She worried what might have happened if Robert had come back early and found them in their attempt to rescue her. They were so young. She wondered about their parents, where the boys lived, if they had a proper home. One thing was for sure. Each one had her heartfelt gratitude.
A sleek black automobile rolled up behind one of the police cars. Craig helped her to stand and then escorted her to the waiting limo. Once inside, he lifted her onto his lap again. She burrowed into his comfort. The horrifying ordeal was over. Her man, and those children, had saved her. Her body shook. Tears ran down her face. Desperate for his warmth, she snuggled into Craig’s embrace, allowing his crooning voice and the strong hand stroking tenderly down her back to sooth her.
Once they reached Craig’s hotel, he carried her inside and up to his room. He never put her down until he reached the bed in his penthouse.
Instead of joining her, he placed a kiss on her brow. She didn’t want him to leave. She clung to him.
“Where are you going?”
“I’m going to draw you a bath in the Jacuzzi tub. I won’t leave your sight.”
He drew a bath and sat with her while she soaked in the hot water. Even though she asked him to join her, he refused, fussing over her, pampering her, soothing her as he drew a cloth over her bare skin. For a long while, she enjoyed his ministrations, bringing her into a state of relaxation. He’d known just what she needed. The man was a saint. And every woman’s dream. Could she love him anymore?
“Come on beautiful. Take my hand.”
He helped her from the tub and wrapped her in a soft towel, large enough to cover her entire body.
“As much as I like you naked, I don’t want you to catch a chill. Especially after the shock you’ve had.”
Again, he lifted her as though she weighed nothing and carried her to his bed. His hands slid over the towel, up and down her limbs, drying her.
“Mmm, that feels wonderful. I think I’d like it better without the towel.” She peeled the towel back, dropped it on the floor, and crawled under the comforter. She patted the space beside her, inviting him in. He lifted a knee to the edge of the bed and she stopped him. “Uh-uh. Take off your clothes.”
“Are you sure?” Concern and caring filled his gaze, his emotions making his voice gruff, yet affectionate. He showed his love for her in every gesture, and she so wanted to wallow in his strength.
“Don’t treat me with kid gloves. I’m fine. I just need you to hold me.”
He quickly shoved buttons through the holes on his shirt and removed his pants. The big bed dipped as he crawled in and stretched out beside her.
She leaned into the caress of his fingers sliding into her hair, tugging her head against his chest. How she loved the safe, warm feeling of being cradled in his tender embrace. His fingers gliding through her hair, slithering along her scalp, alleviating the tautness in her body, lulling her into a state of wakeful slumber.
“Thank you,” she murmured.
“Hmmm? For what?”
“For saving me, and not killing Robert.” She felt his muscles tighten.
“You have no idea how much I wanted to.”
“I think Robert did. You looked pretty scary.”
“I didn’t mean to scare you.” His hand drifted to her shoulder, kneading. The movement was so tender and caring, she wanted to melt into his warmth.
“You didn’t,” she sighed. “You protected me.”
A long silence followed. Lying together felt so natural, so right, listening to each other breathing, secure in their love for each other.
“I love you,” she said.
He gave her a squeeze. “I love you, too.”
“Robert . . . he doesn’t matter.”
“No, he doesn’t,” Craig assured her in a firm, yet soothing tone. “Not at the moment.”
She leaned back so she could see his face. “Not ever.”
His blue orbs darkened, filling the shadows with promise.
“I missed you,” she whispered, threading her fingers through his silky hair.
Craig’s eyes blazed. His palm cupped her cheek and he rolled to his side, turning her with him. He slid one leg between her thighs.
The electricity that always came with his touch raced down her spine. She latched onto his perfectly sculpted biceps and breathed deep as he rubbed his nose against hers.
“I missed you, too. My heart stopped when-”
“Don’t think about it,” she said when he wavered. Her strong, powerful man had been reduced to a vulnerable heap. She would spend the next several hours erasing the worry from his mind.
“I could have killed him,” he said on a ragged breath. “I’ve never felt so off balance. All I could think about was you. Your safety. I wanted to break him in half.”
“It’s over. I’m safe. I’m with you now. That’s what matters.” She clutched the back of his head, bringing him in for a kiss, losing herself in his intense, blue gaze. His need was her own. She needed to sooth him, remove any bad images still harnessed in his mind. Reassure him and her both that she was safe.
When his lips brushed hers, she burrowed into him, needing the force of his kiss. Desperate for the man she loved more than anything.
His hands smoothed over her shoulders and down to her breasts. “You are my heart, my soul, my very breath.” He fondled her breasts that now ached with need, and flicked his thumbs over her raised nipples. Then his mouth covered her breast with violent impatience, as if he were starving, sending her crashing into a well of desire. One hand moved lower to slip between her legs, finding her slick with desire. She bit her lip and held her breath as his thumb circled her sensitive nub. His finger dipped into her wet center. The air rushed out of her lungs in a breathy moan.
“You’re so wet. You’re ready for me.”
As if he couldn’t wait, he rolled between her legs, her excitement rising, knowing he was seconds away from being inside her. Maybe her mind was frazzled from the terrifying incident earlier, or maybe from seeing the anxiety on Craig’s face, but her emotions were all over the place and her body’s response was frighteningly intense. Craig made love with fierce abandon, as though he too was lost in a world of overwrought passion.
They tore at each other in desperation. He couldn’t get enough of her and she couldn’t get enough of him. Craig knew what to do, how to drive her out of her mind until she was whimpering, breathless. With each thrust of his hips, he demanded everything she had to give, ravaging her to completion. Her orgasm crashed through her with alarming intensity. His grip tightened to steel and her name roared from his lips.
After several moments of blissful intimacy, Craig tucked her into his side. Her limbs boneless, she sunk into him, letting his heat envelop her body. She placed one hand on his chest, finding the heavy thud of his heart, pounding from their exertion. She loved his aggression. Giving herself over to him had been sensual. Invigorating. Trusting.
He clasped her hand, squeezing her fingers. “All I want, Kelly, is you, here, with me.” His head dipped and he placed a gentle kiss on her forehead.
“Always.”
~ ~ ~
The sleek limo was long enough to hold a dozen people. She had no idea why Craig had picked her up in it.
“Where are we going?”
“I have something to show you.” His eyes sparkled like Topaz gemstones and he hadn’t stopped smiling since she slid into the car.
“You’re wired. But it’s a different kind of energy. You’re excited. What’s going on?”
“You’ll see.” Craig lifted her hand and kissed her knuckles. She loved feeling the feather light touch of his lips brushing over any part of her body. Every part of her body. The seat was pretty long. The driver couldn’t see through the dividing window. She wiggled her eyebrows suggestively.
“What’s in that remarkable mind of yours? I hear you thinking.”
She giggled. “I’m thinking maybe you have a . . .” she cleared her throat in a provocative manner, “sexual interlude in mind.”
He burst out laughing. “No matter how much the idea appeals to me, I don’t think we have time.”
“When have you ever not made time?”
The car rolled to a stop.
“We’re here.”
For him to pass on a sensual moment? Something was up. She followed him out of the limo and gasped. A few delivery trucks were parked in a row, several men carried boxes back and forth. Men with hard hats and tool belts lugged lumber down an alley-way. She suddenly recognized the location.
“What are we doing here?”
Craig grabbed her hand. “Come on.”
She followed him down the familiar alley to a large opening. Inside, the sound of hammers and saws signaled a lot of activity. Craig held her hand as they stepped over debris and waded through working men.
“Kelly!”
She turned to the voice who’d shouted. Joey. And right behind him, Robby, Jimmy, and Dirk. All covered in sawdust.
What in the world?
“Hey, look at this.” Jimmy yelled.
“This is cool.” Dirk had obviously found something special.
“Where ya been?” Robby waved at her. “Craig’s been here every day.”
She glanced up to find Craig’s smile had gotten even larger. “You’ve been keeping secrets.”
Before he could answer, Joey tugged her through another doorway. The room she’d hid in while waiting for Craig and Dennis to collect her. The transformation was unbelievable.
“Hi Kelly.” Billy dug through a box and pulled out two books. On the wall behind him, hand-made shelves had been installed. “This box is full of books.”
“I’m putting in an entertainment center, but I hope they will also read,” Craig whispered in her ear.
“I can’t believe this.”
An assortment of cabinets lined the entire left wall, a microwave in each corner and a functioning sink in the middle.
“Look at this.” Joey turned on the faucet and water splashed into the stainless-steel sink. “And we got cold drinks.” A brand-new refrigerator had replaced the old broken one. Joey opened the door. Jugs of tea and bottles of water lined the top two shelves. Dr. Peppers and Sprites filled the spots in the door. “Craig told us we had to drink water every day before we get a soda.”
“Glad you remembered that,” Craig directed to Joey.
“Hey, Runt. Hand me a Coke.”
“Don’t call me Runt. We ain’t got no Cokes.”
“We do now.” Dirk came in carrying a case of Coca Cola.
“They’re not cold,” Billy whined.
“You never complained before.”
“We never had a refrigerator that worked before.”
Dirk placed the case of sodas on a wooden table that had several chairs surrounding it. He and Joey tore the box open.
A sectional sofa filled the center of the room. One wall had been removed, or extended, to give space. Plastic and lumber littered the floor, so they were still working on that.
She turned to Craig. “What have you done?”
These kids needed a decent place to hang out. I fixed it up a bit.”
“A bit?” She echoed, flabbergasted. “Not only have you given them decent furniture and functioning appliances, but,” she spread her arm out, indicating the dismantled wall, “you’re renovating.”
“I owe these kids a debt worth more than anything I can repay.” His powerful gaze expressed his deep love. The changes taking place were his way of expressing his appreciation to the boys who’d saved Kelly.
Her heart swelled. She stepped closer and tugged on his lapel.
“Have I told you today I love you?”
~ ~ ~
An hour later, Kelly climbed back into the limo.
“You’ve ruined those kids.”
“No, I haven’t. They’re going to work for it.”
“An entertainment center? Hockey tables?”
“It can be a club house. I had a long talk with them and made a deal. First, I had to meet their parents. If any of these kids were runaways or living on their own, I needed to take other measures. Turns out, this is more of a club or an escape, if they need it. I know what they’re going through.”
“You’ve lived their life.”
“More or less,” Craig said with a shrug. “Took a while for Dirk to agree. He turned out to be the one with the most concerned father. His dad is a grease monkey. Won’t let him hang out at the shop. I think that’s why Dirk has dark splotches on him all the time. Either he’s sneaking in, or he found a junk yard.”
“What about his mother?”
“There’s no woman in the picture.”
“He seems so mad. But he sure looked happy today.”
“Bored boys can get into trouble. They need something to keep them busy. Each one has a job to do. I set it up, gave them the rules, and told them how to keep this place running. I bought the building. I’ve hired a local firm and given them directions. It’s up to the boys, err, the young men, to take care of it and keep it going. When they get older, they will contribute. If it’s handled right, more boys can come in. It’s strictly their choice. The five of them are a tight group.”
“When did you come up with this?”
“When I saw sleeping bags and wondered if these kids were living here.”
Kelly snuggled into his side. “I love you so much.”