Chapter Seventeen
Tally tossed a discarded stack of papers into the trash and wiped the sweat from her brow with the back of her sleeve.
“It has to be here. I know I saw it, and he never threw anything away… fucking pack rat. Who needs all this stuff, and why the hell didn’t I throw it away months ago? There’s a question Freud would have a field day with.”
She’d been sorting through Karl’s old files for hours, determined to find a letter she remembered seeing laying on the kitchen counter a few days before her husband’s ill-fated trip to Colombia. The envelope had been an odd size, and the flowing script so beautiful, it stood out. She’d planned to ask him about it, but an emergency call back to the hospital had taken precedence.
The damned thing had completely slipped her mind until early this morning, and she’d been on a tear ever since. She’d been cursing herself for keeping all Karl’s stuff, but now she wondered if her subconscious hadn’t been trying to remind her about the letter. Looking at her watch, Tally was shocked to see it was almost four o’clock in the afternoon. She’d hauled out bag after bag of shredded paper, but she only had one more box to sort. There was finally light at the end of this paperwork tunnel.
“If he comes back here and saves one more piece of worthless paper, I swear I’ll burn the damned house down.”
Grabbing the last box, Tally settled on the floor close to the overworked shredder and pulled the lid from the box. Her eyes widened in surprise when she realized these were the most recent postmarks she’d seen. Some of these envelopes were dated after Karl’s disappearance, which meant someone else had boxed up the contents. There had been a lot of people in and out of the house during the first couple of months, so it was likely one of her friends had been trying to help and taken it upon themselves to store these away. For the first time, Tally felt a surge of hope she might find what she was looking for. She wasn’t sure why, but something told her that envelope was a clue, and she was past ready to find out if her husband had walked away from her willingly or if he was a pawn in some government agency’s twisted game of chess.
*
Koi leaned back in the leather chair he’d purchased for Tally’s home office and watched the screen of his laptop as she rifled through box after box of trash. What Karl had been thinking keeping all that crap was a mystery to him. The truth was he and Tally were a much better fit than she and Karl had ever been, and her husband had known it. Koi knew from his first encounter with Karl, the man wasn’t happy in their marriage, no matter how hard he’d tried to disguise his detachment.
Everyone he’d talked to after the senator’s disappearance had insisted their differences had only become a problem when he’d begun pressuring her to move back to Washington. The one exception had come from a woman he’d least expected.
Several months ago, Koi had been in Texas on business and had run into Brinn Peters. The young woman had stirred up a lot of trouble at Mountain Mastery, but she had been the one to call for help when he’d been badly injured in a car accident. It was no exaggeration to say she’d saved his life that night, and for that, he’d be forever grateful. He’d stopped to talk with her while she and her Doms shared dinner at a local restaurant. Brinn had looked so different from the high-strung woman he’d met in Montana, he might not have recognized her if she hadn’t spoken to him as he walked past.
She’d introduced him to Parker Andrews, who he already knew was the local Police Chief, and Dan Deal, a psychologist with a successful practice in Austin. She’d asked him to convey her sympathy to Tally, then surprised him by commenting she hoped Tally could retain her sweet memories of her husband because the ache of shattered illusions was more painful than losing someone you thought you knew. They’d been interrupted by the waiter before he could question her, and then the moment was lost.
Twisting the slender, silver pen between his fingers, Koi knew what Tally was looking for because he’d been the one to tuck it in the bottom of the box of unrelated mail. His hope had been she wouldn’t find it until she was strong enough to handle the contents—he sent up a silent prayer to his ancestors he’d made the right choice. That damned letter was going to change the way she viewed everything about her life before Karl’s plane went down, and he hoped he had what it was going to take to put her heart back together again.
Koi hadn’t pushed Tally to throw any of it away sooner because he’d known it was something she needed to do in her own time. Sighing, he was glad she hadn’t heard him come in several hours ago, but he wasn’t pleased knowing she hadn’t taken a break or eaten anything all day. They’d be having a long chat about that soon enough.
When he saw she was getting close the bottom of the small box, he pushed out of the comfort of his chair and started making his way downstairs to the room where Karl Tyson’s collection of unimportant papers had been stored. He’d carry out the last bags of shreds tomorrow. Tonight, the woman who’d captured his heart before she’d even said hello was going to need him, and he’d do whatever it took to help her deal with the firestorm of emotions he was sure was coming.
*
Mia felt drained. How could she be so tired when all she’d done was sit passively for hours answering questions? She’d been close to breaking before Micah Drake had let her talk with Tally. The other woman had assured her she appreciated Mia’s consideration in sending the pictures to her directly instead of to the government, even if it had been a shock.
After sending the envelope of pictures, Mia had researched the young surgeon and knew she’d walked away from a lucrative future in Washington D.C. after meeting the popular senator from Montana. Everything she’d read indicated the other woman had fallen in love with her new home and had no desire to return to the east coast. Micah Drake had confirmed Karl Tyson’s insistence Tally return to the nation’s capital had been nearing the breaking point when he’d disappeared.
What would it be like to lose someone you’d been ready to leave? Had Tally felt a measure of relief? Had Mia been responsible for ending that respite, or would she have found out, eventually? They would probably never know what might have been. From Mia’s perspective, the whole thing reminded her of cartoons she’d seen as a child. Something as small as pushing a snowball down a mountain could have devastating consequences for those unsuspecting people along its path. What had started as her desire to chase a story had quickly changed everything in her life. And like all major changes… there were both good and bad pieces.
As she lay in Tucker’s arms, she couldn’t stop the flow of tears of compassion she felt for Tally. She’d been incredibly gracious, but she’d been unable to hide what Mia suspected was a deep sense of betrayal. Why hadn’t Karl made some attempt to contact his wife? And why hadn’t the U.S. government told her he was still alive? Questions whirled around in her mind until she was almost dizzy trying to keep track.
“You’re thinking so hard, you’re going to give me a headache,” Tucker’s teasing tone surprised her, and she raised her head to look at his profile. He always seemed so serious… almost to the point of being sad; she wanted to see what teasing Tucker looked like. Much to her surprise, he looked much younger, and the sparkle in his green eyes made her wonder if this was the way his family saw him.
“I’m sorry, I was just thinking about Tally. She was so sweet, but I could see the pain in her eyes, and it’s hard knowing I had a part in putting it there.”
Tucker didn’t respond until they were inside their suite. He sat her on one of the bar stools and pulled her into his arms. For several minutes, he just held her without uttering a word. When he finally pulled back, she was surprised by the depth of compassion in his sparkling green eyes. This was a man who’d suffered, and she suspected he’d been as affected by Tally’s grace under pressure as she’d been.
“You’re a rare treasure, Mia. Most people wouldn’t have seen Tally’s pain. For what it’s worth, I think you’re right about everything except your misguided guilt. The rumors of Tyson’s survival were gaining strength and credibility. The Wests were already talking about sending a team in, the pictures just upped their timeline. We’ll wait for Brock to find out whatever they weren’t saying, and trust me, Cam and Micah were wringing every last detail from you, but they weren’t showing any of their own cards.”
When she tensed, he shook his head and continued, “No, they weren’t being asses, they didn’t want to prejudice any of your answers by telling you what they knew. Witnesses integrate any information they’re given into their minds… usually unconsciously, so they were simply trying to prevent that from happening. Don’t get me wrong, that was an interrogation, a damned tough one, but we’re all on the same team, and even if they didn’t say so, they’re grateful for your help.
“There is something familiar about Cameron Barnes, I’m sure we’ve met before, but every time I think I’ve figured out it out, a different name pops into my head.” She’d been struggling with it since meeting him and unraveling the mystery was starting to become an obsession.
The same boyish grin she’d seen earlier transformed his entire expression into one she suddenly wanted to see more. She shook off the mental image of the Deitz brothers spending any time with her beyond delivering her into the Wests’ care as the fantasy it was. It hurt to know their interest was an illusion but accepting the truth later… after she’d fallen for them, would hurt a lot more.
“I don’t know what just went through that pretty head of yours, but you need to shake it off and come back to me.” Tucker’s hands wrapped around the sides of her neck, his thumbs brushing along the underside of her jaw. His hold wasn’t physically restrictive, but the psychological effect was undeniable. When he was satisfied he once again had her attention, Tucker gave her a knowing look.
“You are so beautiful and more responsive than we could have hoped for. Watching the pulse at the base of your neck accelerate and your dark eyes dilate makes me want to strip you and fuck you until I’ve chased those insecurities out of your mind. As for Cam, keep in mind the man is a master at disguise. He’s known your grandfather for years. I’m sure you’ve met him any number of times, and it’s unlikely he’d have ever been introduced to you as the same man twice.”
Mia was speechless. It had never occurred to her that Cameron Barnes was an acquaintance of her grandfather’s. The revelation shouldn’t have surprised her as much as it did.
“Well, I guess this explains why you have been so willing to help me and why Mr. Barnes was willing to hold the ship until we arrived.” She suddenly felt disillusioned. They already had the pictures, and now that she’d told them everything she knew, there was no reason for her to stay. When they docked in Cozumel tomorrow, she’d catch a flight to… She sucked in a breath and whispered, “Where will I go? I can’t go home, and I don’t have—”
The door of the suite slammed closed just as Tucker picked her up off the bar stool and set her on her feet. His scowl was her first clue her self-talk hadn’t just been spoken in her mind.
“Why isn’t she naked?” Brock’s barked question behind her made Mia jump and spin around.
Clutching her chest, she gasped, “Ropes and lizards, you scared the cotton out of me,” she gasped, clutching her chest.
“Our sub thinks the only reason we’re helping her is because Cam is acquainted with her grandfather.”
Brock’s snort told her he didn’t think much of her conclusion. She noticed he hadn’t disagreed; evidently, he didn’t like being confronted with the truth. Tucker crossed his massive arms, and she tried to not stare at the way his black t-shirt pulled tightly over his thick chest. The move molded the shirt to his abs, outlining his well-defined six-pack, and she hoped like hell she wasn’t drooling. She’d been looking forward to running the tip of her tongue over each of those ridges, but fate seemed to have other ideas. His eyes blazed with a searing heat that stole her breath, and she knew she’d been caught lusting after his body.
“She’s also planning to bolt since she thinks she’s no longer needed.”
“Oh, I see. Since we’ve wrung all the information from her, she thinks we’re going to cast her aside. She doesn’t have a very high opinion of us, does she?” Brock shifted a step closer, and she fought the temptation to take a step back. Without thinking, she glanced toward the door, silently trying to calculate her chances of beating them to the exit.
And then what, genius? I’m on a damned boat! It’s not like I can catch a cab and disappear.
“I swear if she tries to run, I’m going to give every Dom on the boat two swats with the paddle of their choice,” Tucker’s growled threat made her wonder if he would really let another man touch her.
“Good plan. I don’t want their hands on her bare ass, but if they use a paddle, they’ll be able to make their point.”
Tucker glared at her as Brock spoke, but there was a twinkle in his eye that showed he wasn’t as angry as he sounded. But she didn’t want any of the other Doms touching her… with anything. That was something she couldn’t ever see herself allowing. Of course, she’d never envisioned herself having sex with two men at the same time, either. Maybe she didn’t know herself as well as she believed.
“Strip,” Brock’s one-word command was such a surprise, she could only stare at him blinking for several seconds. Neither of them made a move toward her, simply watched as she tried to get her brain and body to work together.
Maybe a couple of good orgasms before I go? Sort of like a goodbye gift? Don’t most people give watches or wine?
Tucker’s lips twitched, and she felt her face flush with embarrassment. Grabbing the hem of the dress they’d given her to wear, she pulled it over her head and tossed it aside. The cool air from the air conditioning hit her nipples, making them tighten, drawing the men’s attention which made her nipples pull into even tighter peaks. If they didn’t stop staring, the damned things were going to get so long and narrow, they’d break off. Tucker brushed the back of his knuckles over the tip of her left breast and smiled when she sucked in a quick breath.
“These beauties are going to look spectacular in jeweled clamps.”
“Emeralds. We’ll buy emerald beads for the chains. We’ll fuck her in front of a mirror and watch the stones sway with each thrust,” Brock’s words heated her from the inside out, but before she could respond the ship rocked violently to the side, pitching her between the two men. Tucker’s arm snaked out so fast, she didn’t even see him move as he secured her to his side.
“What the fuck?” Tucker held her as they tilted the opposite direction, sending trinkets tumbling from the shelves, instantly turning the floor into an obstacle course of broken glass. Adding to the confusion was a shrill alarm sounding above their heads, and Mia instinctively burrowed into Tucker’s chest and clasped her hands over her ears. She didn’t know how he was staying on his feet, but she was grateful he was keeping her from bouncing around like a pea in a can.
Brock turned from the glass sliders to shout, “Storm! Get her dressed, we need to get mid-ship before it gets any worse.”
She didn’t have a lot of experience on boats, but she assumed the rocking would be less in the middle, and she was already starting to feel queasy. Minutes earlier she’d been hungry, but just thinking about eating now made her hiccup in an effort to stave off the growing feeling of nausea.
Tucker pulled her dress over her head before picking her up and sprinting down the hall.
“Hang on, sweet cheeks, it’ll be much better when we get you moved into the center of the ship. This is one of the hazards of cruising the western Caribbean, the weather is fickle.”
The closer they got to the middle of the small ship, the more her stomach settled.
“Why didn’t it bother you? You caught me and didn’t even shift on your feet. And Brock moved to the doors without holding on to anything.” The minute she asked the question, she slapped her hand over her forehead. “Oh geez, I can’t believe I asked that.” His chuckle made her smile.
“Yeah, this is nothing compared to riding squalls out in a Zodiac. Don’t let the military blow smoke up your ass about shock mitigation. Those fuckers are rocket fast, they turn on a fucking dime, and they are going to rattle your teeth no matter how calm the sea.”
He sat her between CeCe and another young woman she’d met earlier. Laura. Her husbands worked for Cam, one of them managed the club in Houston if Mia remembered correctly.
Tucker gave her a quick kiss and promised to return with a snack. She didn’t know how he’d known she was hungry, but she was grateful. After he’d walked away, CeCe grinned.
“Eating is the best way to control motion sickness, and it usually helps with morning sickness as well.” Mia must have looked as confused as she felt because CeCe laughed. “The last part was for future reference. From the way Tucker was looking at you, I’d say it won’t be long until you can use that tidbit.”