Chapter 28

Sara

There were no words to describe the way I was feeling other than being grateful I was alive. He'd saved me. On top of being a brilliant author, a powerful and debonair man, he'd now shifted into the category of hero.

I think I liked the latter title the best. Although sexy worked.

Hunky.

Rugged.

Suave baby.

I giggled but when I did, I was reminded only five days before I'd been in a horrific blast. Only two days before had the ringing stopped in my ears. What had shocked me almost as much as being chased by a man everyone believed they could trust or that a woman I'd considered one of my best friends had betrayed me, was the horrific explosion we'd endured. We'd been tossed back by several feet, landing only inches away from Easton's car.

The fire had all but consumed the vehicle within seconds, leaving nothing but a charred wreck. Even Marcus' body had been incinerated. Of course, Easton hadn't allowed me to look, protecting me as his brothers had rolled in like additional knights on big steel steeds.

It seemed impossible now, including the fact that while Easton had tended to the minor cuts I'd received, what he called a cleanup crew had removed all traces of the car and the fire within what seemed like minutes.

Although I knew it had been much longer. Everything had simply moved in slow motion. Even now, days and nights seemed to mold together as I continued to process what I'd seen.

And what I'd heard.

I'd heard how Marcus had lost his father, Easton holding nothing back other than what he called the gory details. However, there were no secrets left between us, our long discussions something I would cherish.

Even if most people would call me sick for accepting just how horrible his life had been and the bad deeds he'd taken upon himself to do.

All the details were still somewhat surreal, but I trusted Easton far more than I ever had with Josie.

I sat with the glass of wine in my hand, listening to the continued Skype meeting he was having with his brothers. He hadn't tried to shut me out of anything, including conversations with his family. I still found it hard to believe I'd bought the doctored photograph of him in the first place.

However, modern technology was extremely impressive.

I sat back, listening in on the conversation.

"For now, I've handled things with the police department, but I won't put it past the good senator to rear his ugly head once again," Creed said.

"Including trying to get a warrant to search the sanctuary of your house, Creed. That could include excavation," Styx said quietly.

All three were worried and I couldn't blame them. I almost started laughing again. Bodies buried in the grounds.

I must have made a sound since Easton turned his head in my direction, a smile crossing his face at the same time lust filled his eyes. He'd purposely left me alone to heal, as he'd said, although he'd spent every night in my room watching over me.

Like a hawk.

"We need to connect him to Marcus," Creed stated.

I lifted my eyebrows. I knew what his brother wanted. For me to use Josie the way she'd used me. I had no proof she'd been sleeping with Marcus and all I wanted to do was to put the ugly incident behind me. Behind us.

After shaking my head that I wouldn't allow Josie to be put on a chopping block, Easton lifted his glass in what appeared to be respect.

"Not going to happen, boys," he said. "Sara doesn't want her friend's life destroyed."

"Even after what the bitch did?" Creed snarled.

"You and I both know that girl was manipulated," Easton said more for me than for their benefit.

Styx chuckled. "He's right, Creed. In this case, the woman is a true victim in this horrendous scenario. I plan on issuing a warning to the good senator myself since he needs campaign funds. That should keep him on a short leash until we can ensure there's nothing incriminating left. However, have you noticed our brother has been wrapped around a girl's finger finally?"

Easton moved out of the view of his laptop screen, placing his finger across his lips. I pretended like I was zipping them before taking a satisfying sip of my merlot. How could I not enjoy eavesdropping?

"True. I think our boy has finally met his match with that little woman. Speaking of a leash. Soon, she's going to be dragging you around by one," Creed teased.

Easton planted his hands on his desk, leaning over with the mischievous grin forming on his face I so adored. "Gentlemen. Let me remind you that both Emily and Bella captured more than just your hearts, something you begged me to consider allowing to happen. I am curious. How tight are the collars you're wearing?" He laughed and winked at me seconds later.

"You're a bad man," Creed said. "Don't forget the christening is in four days. You will not miss it or Bella will have my balls."

While all three men laughed, I realized how lucky I felt on so many levels.

I had a career that I adored already.

A man I loved, even if I'd promised myself that I had to wait to confirm saying that for at least a respectable month.

And a growing family. I couldn't wait to meet everyone. It was strange and maybe too twisted for anyone else to understand, but I felt as if I was finally home.

Even my parents had shocked me by encouraging me to follow my dreams when I'd talked to them the night before. Maybe I really could have everything I wanted.

I only prayed the nightmares would end eventually and I could get back to writing.

"We wouldn't miss it for the world," Styx said. "We'll come bearing wine and presents."

Easton had even told me during one of our heartfelt talks that there would be no more Angel of Death, that the crusader had been put to rest. I'd taken that to mean he'd realized how much he could have lost.

And how much he had to gain in the future.

"Say hello to Sara for us," Styx said.

I couldn't help myself, jumping up and racing toward Easton's desk. When I stuck my face into the middle of the screen, I could tell both men were shocked I'd been listening the whole time. "Hello, boys. I'll be eager to meet you as well. And don't worry. I won't make Easton's collar too tight."

"God, she's perfect," Creed said.

"Goodbye, brothers of mine." Without any hesitation, Easton ended the Skype call, immediately turning to face me. When he wagged his finger, all I could do was shrug, giving him a slight puppy dog look.

"What?"

"You are one bad girl. You weren't supposed to let them know you were listening."

"I couldn't help myself. Remove my privileges." I planted one hand on his chest. I wasn't making light of his past, or that of his brothers. I knew some terrible things had occurred, but in my mind the three boys had been through hell and back, finally learning to let the horrors go.

Would I wonder about other details? Maybe.

Would I ever be worried Easton would become his father? Never.

I knew better. I wasn't wearing rose-colored glasses. I was being allowed to see the little boy who'd adored his mother, grieving the loss while blaming himself, building his life after so much pain and torture into being a pillar of society. Now I was able to watch him experience so many things in joy for the first time.

Movies.

Ice cream.

Pizza.

Grilling.

Simple things that so many of us took for granted. For us, it was perfect. And I did so love him for allowing the light to erode the darkness.

"I think I'm going to do better than that," he mused.

"Oh, you are, huh?" I ran my finger down from his neck to his chest, enjoying the way he growled.

"Yes, and I know exactly what to do to try and keep you in line." He wasn't hesitant about reminding me he was still in charge, tossing me over the edge of the desk, immediately yanking my dress to my waist, my thong to my knees.

All before I had a chance to react.

"What are you doing?" I huffed, struggling to push myself up from his desk. I threw a look over my shoulder, trying to keep from being horrified even though I was already excited, far too wet.

"What do you think? Giving you a hard spanking."

He had one hand pressed on the small of my back, the other ripping at his belt. "Why?"

"Because you deserve it. That's why. You left the house without my permission, which almost got you killed. You allowed Marcus to enter the house and didn't bother telling me. If I'd known he'd stopped by, I might have put the pieces together."

"How could you have?"

"I don't know but it was possible. I'm a genius. Remember?" He was half laughing, obviously enjoying himself tremendously.

I wiggled and moaned, even wincing when he managed to free the thick strap. He purposely cracked it onto the hardwood floor, before leaning over and nuzzling into my ear.

"You're a beautiful vixen who needs to be tamed."

"Let me guess. You're just the man to make that happen."

"You bet, little fawn."

When he brought the strap down four times, I couldn't help whimpering.

"Ouch!" I yelled, shifting back and forth.

"You know what they say about rounds of discipline," he said in his far-too sensual voice.

"Yeah. Yeah. That they're supposed to hurt."

He delivered five or six, one coming right after the other and the tingling deep in my core was spectacular. I was panting, juice trickling along my inner thighs.

"My very beautiful yet bad girl. Incidentally, we need to finish the book. I have a publisher who is very interested."

Two more cracks and I was panting. "I am your co-author. Right?"

"We'll negotiate." He was laughing.

"I'll kick your butt if I'm not on that book jacket."

"Oh, yeah?"

I lost count as he continued, the volley hard and long. But all it did was push my fantasies into the forefront of my mind, the sweet knowledge that I was exactly where I needed to be, something I hoped would stay with me for a long time.

He was whistling. Really? Was this man kidding me?

"Hell, yes. I am your co-author."

When he said nothing, I wasn't certain whether to be upset or annoyed. Maybe I'd need to remind him just how invaluable I was.

Seconds later, he tossed the belt, his breathing heavy as he adjusted my clothes. When he brought me to a standing position, immediately spinning me around, the look in his eyes was so deep, so intense I was mesmerized.

But it was his words that would always warm my heart.

"Baby, you aren't just my co-author. You're my everything. Never forget that." Easton captured my mouth and for a few beautiful seconds, I fell into the kind of blurry fantasy all little girls dreamed of.

Along with their wedding day, which I refused to think about.

After all, the man hadn't made enough of a fool of himself. Had he?

Eight days later

Easton

"There you are," Creed said as he broke away from the crowd he'd immersed himself in.

"There's that beautiful baby boy," my lovely fawn said from beside me.

"That's my nephew indeed." In my hands were almost a dozen presents Sara had insisted on purchasing.

At least Bella was coming to my rescue, the little tyke planted on her hip.

"You must be Sara," Bella said with a huge smile on her face.

"My co-author, this is Bella, the light of Creed's life. The truth is she makes the man tolerable."

Creed was glowing almost as much as Bella was.

"Don't mind him," Sara piped in, taking a few presents from my arms and placing them carefully on the overfilled table. "He's been cranky since I'm keeping him on a short leash so we can finish our book."

Styx and Emily walked up just in time to overhear her.

Meanwhile, I rolled my eyes as Creed winked.

"Yep, perfect," Styx mused. "Emily, darling, ball and chain of my life, this is Sara, a woman soon to enter into our family."

"Don't rush things," I told him. "I haven't made enough of a fool of myself for my beautiful Sara to consider anything other than being writing partners."

Sara nodded in affirmation and the two girls helped with the rest of the presents, although laughing and smiling as if they were meant to be sisters. I had a feeling I was in for a heap of trouble.

"The christening was beautiful," Sara said. "I've never been to one."

I was shocked the three of us hadn't erupted into fire since we were inside a church.

"The little monster did well," Bella said. "I'm thankful he takes after his mother in looks and brains. Isn't that right, little pumpkin?"

"Rein it in, darling wife," Creed mused.

The women laughed and the three of us smirked, but it was amazing to see smiles and happiness. In truth, it was perhaps the best day in a long time.

"How about a drink?" Emily said. She threw a look at Styx, even blowing him a kiss. "The boys can fend for themselves."

Sara grinned as she walked away with them and I admitted it, I couldn't wait for a drink.

"Why don't we head out to the patio. I made certain I have a private stash of the good stuff." Creed led the way to their expansive deck. As soon as I was outside, I caught both the sight and the scent of hundreds if not thousands of blooming flowers.

"Gin and tonic?" Creed asked, already preparing my daytime drink of choice.

"Why not?" I moved to the railing, staring at the area that had once been the start of the hunting grounds. It seemed oddly cathartic to be here today celebrating new life when so much had happened.

The drink was within my hand in seconds, both Creed and Styx flanking my sides. "What is bothering you, brother?"

Creed's question was spot on. "I don't know. I can't get past the feeling we're missing something."

"Like what?" Styx asked.

"Just something. The end was too easy, like one of those books you crucify after finishing it for not having enough twists."

"He's an author alright," Styx said, half laughing. "It's a beautiful day. Nothing had occurred. The Feds aren't breathing down our neck. The reporter is alive and well, already being sought after to write national articles. We have all our contracts in place, and we have three incredible women in our lives. Maybe it's time for you to let the past go once and for all."

I took a sip of my drink, knowing they were right. "There's only one way to do that in my mind."

"What's that?"

I glanced at Creed after he asked, nodding toward the forest.

My brothers knew what I was suggesting. As we headed off the deck to the grassy area, I already felt part of the remaining weight being lifted from me. But I wanted my mother to know how much I missed her and would have done anything to save her.

We walked in silence and reverence toward through the trees. Almost immediately I heard the fountain, one of several that Creed had the workers install. I had to admit that as we walked down beautiful, curved pathways, with flowers and shrubs, birds and feeders on both sides, I gathered even more of a sense of peace.

I knew the way to the gravesite, but that didn't make finishing the distance any easier. But when I was standing right in front of it, the sun seemed to easily find a dappled path through the canopy of trees.

We remained quiet, each of us in our own memories, our own need to find forgiveness.

"None of us were to blame," Creed said.

"I know that," I half whispered.

"Especially you, bro," he continued. "We know all about the therapist. We were the ones who should have known our father would overreact."

I wasn't certain what to say but another weight was thankfully lifted.

Styx placed his hand on my shoulder. "She loved all of us. She will forever live in our hearts."

Yes, she would. I only hoped I'd made her proud.

As the seconds ticked by, I took my time to say my goodbyes. As so many who grieved the loss of others had said, she wasn't here in this single spot.

She was in all our hearts.

And I planned on becoming the good man Sara deserved.

Maybe it's what I deserved as well.

Sara

It was so good to talk to women for a change. I adored being around Easton, but I missed girl talk, even if I'd refused to talk to either Josie or Taylor. Both had tried until just a couple of days ago, but I had nothing to say to either of them. Maybe that wasn't fair to Taylor, but she'd known about the affair with Marcus. I was positive of that.

There was nothing I wanted more than to put the past behind me.

"Your house is beautiful," I said as I sipped my champagne.

"We love it. But I was glad Creed was amenable to making changes." She laughed and handed Christian off to the parttime nanny who worked with them, kissing the little sleepy boy on the forehead.

"You did an amazing job," I agreed.

"What's it like working together?" Emily asked.

I thought about the question and grinned. "Sinfully delicious."

"Oh, you have it bad for him," Bella cooed.

"Well, Easton is one hot man," Emily added.

I pointed my finger at her, looking at her first. "You touch him, you fight me."

When I laughed, the two girls did as well. I heard the ring of my phone that was buried inside my purse and groaned. I couldn't stand not knowing who was bugging me. I turned away, yanking it into my hand. Seeing Taylor's number right now pissed me off, but a sudden sixth sense shifted into my system.

"I better take this," I told them, Bella nodding before I started to walk away.

"I don't want to talk, Taylor. This is a bad time."

"She's dead," Taylor said before I had a chance to hang up, her voice shaking.

"Who's dead?"

"Josie. She was murdered last night. In her bed."

The information not only caught me off guard, it left me spinning. I sucked in my breath, strange shadows floating all around my periphery of vision. "What?"

"Yes, her father found her. I can't believe it. I just…"

I was close to hyperventilating, moving to the set of French doors and searching for Easton. He was nowhere to be seen. Where was he?

"I'm so sorry. I just… can't. I'll call you later. Okay?" It wasn't nice of me to hang up on her, but in my gut, I knew something was terribly wrong. I moved outside, placing the glass on one of the tables and heading toward the railing. "Where did you go?"

When my phone rang again, I glanced down.

Unknown number.

I was shaking all over, trying my best to keep my resolve as I fought the demons so I could answer it.

"Hello?"

"I've been watching and waiting. It's time we talk."

Easton

By the time the three of us returned to the deck, I was feeling much better, more at peace than I had before.

As we headed up the stairs, I realized I'd finished my drink. Now it was time to celebrate.

Suddenly, both Bella and Emily flew out of the house.

"What's wrong?" Creed demanded.

"It's Sara. She got a weird phone call and said her friend was dead. Then she disappeared."

I glanced at Bella, who was obviously distraught. "Did you see where she went?"

"The other direction toward the woods," Emily said. "We tried to stop her, but she was running toward them."

"Stay here," Creed growled. "Do not leave this house. Do you ladies understand?"

"Yes," Bella whispered. "What's going on?"

"We were duped," I said and flew off the stairs, headed toward where she'd pointed out. By the time I reached the trees, my two brothers had caught up with me. All three of us had weapons in our hands as we moved in our old perfect tracking form.

Maybe some things we'd learned would come in handy. If her friend was dead, that meant Josie. Unless I was nuts, I knew who was responsible.

Or maybe I just believed in ghosts after all we'd been through.

One thing was certain; the fucker wanted me to suffer the most.

We remained quiet, moving stealthily, acting as one core unit. It was good to have them by my side. I honestly believed that as a team, we were much stronger.

But as a family, we would continue rocking the world.

And the worthless man bent on revenge would not take that away from me. From either one of us.

A single crack drew our attention and we paused. When I heard another noise, I threw my arm back, keeping the other two from moving at all.

This was the type of moment the three of us had learned patience for, even if as we'd grown older it had become a lesser virtue.

Today, I was rewarded for remembering my training.

The single scream was short, cut off almost immediately, but it was all the three of us needed. We moved like a team of Navy Seals or Army Rangers through a group of trees we knew far too well. Within seconds, we'd isolated the noise, surrounding our prey.

The whiff of my little fawn's perfume was all I needed to confirm what I already knew.

I nodded to the other two before stepping into the small clearing. Fortunately, the three of us had garnered an element of surprise.

"Well, well. If it isn't the prodigal sons," Marcus said as he laughed. In his hand was a carving knife, one with a jagged edge.

Just like our father had used on his father. How he knew or if it was a coincidence didn't matter. What did was that he had the blade positioned against her throat.

"Put the knife down, Marcus. Or should I call you by your given name? It is Sergio Rossi. Right?" I asked the question with a smile on my face.

He grinned as if I'd just found him hiding in a closet. "I knew you'd figure it out, although it did take you long enough. I had to admit I did enjoy getting to know you, buddy. You were a fount of information, yet you had no weaknesses. That forced me to keep up the charade. But no longer."

"Who died in that explosion?" Styx asked as Creed did what he always did so well, move silently into a more strategic location without being noticed.

"Oh, just a schmuck I paid a few hundred dollars. Of course, he didn't know he was going to die that day but what the hell? You lose one, you… lose one. Right?"

"You were watching. You denotated an explosion." I already knew the answer. I just wanted to keep him talking.

"Very good. You do pick up quickly, my friend."

"He killed Josie," Sara hissed.

"Ah, sweetie," he mused as he pressed a kiss against her cheek. "One look at you the day I found you at Easton's house and I knew it was only a matter of time before Josie would no longer be useful. I knew she had to die when she told you the truth."

"You fucking bastard. I will kill you." I was surprised at her abilities once again, almost knocking the knife from his hand. I would need to teach her about not fighting with a monster but first things first.

What I was about to do was risky as fuck and something I might regret, but it was the only thing I could do. I whistled shrilly, which caught him completely off guard. The distraction allowed her to push away, but not before he sliced a cut into her neck. She went down and I issued a single shot, catching him in the shoulder.

The knife was tossed free of his hand, the force enough he tripped on some debris, going down hard. I didn't waste any time, rushing toward him, planting my foot on his chest and pointing the barrel of my gun right between his eyes.

"Someone once told me I shouldn't consider myself judge and jury, but today, it's something I need to do." As I was prepared to fight, I was shocked when she grabbed my arm.

"No. No, baby. You're not a killer. You're a brilliant author, an amazing businessman, and the person I've fallen head over heels in love with. Don't do this."

"I'd listen to her, Mr. Saint. Don't do it."

Hearing the odd voice, I glanced over. Suddenly, it would seem we were surrounded by police officers, a detective all three of us knew standing with his hands in his pockets. I was surprised he had a look of amusement on his face.

"Put the gun down, Easton. It's all over," the detective continued.

I glared at him and he laughed.

"Look, we know he's the Angel of Death, doctoring photos to make it look like you did the crimes. We found evidence convicting him of the two recent crimes and those from the past. We're completely aware of his threats to you and your family and we have surveillance from Senator Barker's house where Mr. Shelton was stupid enough to commit a cold-blooded murder. I assure you that he's going away for a very long time. But don't make me need to arrest you instead."

I returned my gaze to the man I'd once considered a friend, feeling entirely different than I thought I would.

I wanted to live.

Not die here today.

In fact, I had more to live for than I ever had in my entire life. So I dropped my weapon, backing away.

I took her into my arms, walking her several feet away from the ugliness. "Are you alright? Oh, God, are you okay?" I gingerly lifted her chin, thanking God he'd barely nicked her.

"Don't worry about me. I told you I was tough." She threw her arms around me and for a few blissful seconds, I indulged in the kiss of a lifetime.

But something sparked my mind about what the detective had just said.

After breaking the kiss, I cupped her face. "I'll be right back."

"I'm not going anywhere."

I motioned my brothers to follow me and when we were a safe distance away from prying ears, I glanced from one to the other. "So he's the Angel of Death, huh?"

"It seemed the least Styx and I could do so you could have a new life," Creed said as he shrugged.

"Uh-huh. What am I required to give you in return?"

Styx pulled out his sunglasses, donning them before being the one to answer. "A lifetime of enjoying yourself. And maybe a couple nieces and nephews."

The three of us laughed and I turned to study her beautiful face. There was so much love in her eyes and in her heart. I made another promise to my mother this time as well as to myself and my lovely fawn that I would stop at nothing to make her the happiest woman in the world.