Chapter 25

The next morning, Summer was seated at the island, sipping a cup of herbal tea in her usual attire—whichever man's T-shirt she'd grabbed from the floor.

Bridger was cooking.

Colter walked in, freshly showered, hair still damp, and kissed her temple. "Now that we've given our relationship a cosmic shift, perhaps you'd be willing to start wearing all those sexy nighties and lingerie my sister keeps adding to your stash instead of these ugly T-shirts." He plucked the shoulder.

She giggled. "You love me in these T-shirts. Your eyes are always following me around, smoldering. Don't lie."

"She's right," Bridger commented, waving a spatula around as he turned to face them. "She takes my breath away in our shirts. If she put on one of those see-through nighties, we'd never get anything done. Plus, it would end up on the kitchen floor while breakfast burned."

"See?" Summer pointed at Bridger. "He's got a point."

Colter slid his hands around her from behind, cupped her breasts, and thumbed her nipples over the cotton. "All I see is how fucking sexy you were last night. The only point I know is the one behind my fly."

She moaned and leaned back against him. "My nipples are pretty pointy, too," she murmured, grasping the edge of the island.

"Stop it, you two," Bridger said as he set two plates on the island. "Eat. We'll need fuel."

Colter released Summer and moved to his other partner, treating him to the same attention, wrapping his arms around him from behind. Colter set his lips on Bridger's ear. "So bossy."

"Mmm."

"Set the spatula down before I decide to use it on your ass."

"Promises, promises."

Summer squirmed at their playful teasing. They were always like this, but they weren't holding anything back this morning.

Colter snagged the spatula from Bridger, dropped it in the sink, and grabbed another one from the utensil stand—a wooden one.

Bridger was still staring at him in confusion when Colter stepped behind him and gave his fantastic ass a firm swat.

"Ouch!" Bridger jumped out of the way.

"Colter," Summer exclaimed. "Put that down and eat."

He turned toward her, one brow lifted. "You want me to lift that T-shirt and swat your bottom, too, honey?"

Her face heated. She licked her lips. "Yes. That's why I'm suggesting you put it down so we can eat first. Bridger's right. We need fuel. I want you to show me a few more positions this morning."

Colter dropped the spatula onto the counter, strode over to her, cupped the back of her neck, and kissed her so passionately she forgot to breathe.

When he finally released her, she was panting and slightly dizzy. "Eat, honey."

It took all three of them a few minutes to focus on food, pour drinks, pass out napkins, and drizzle syrup, but finally, they managed to eat.

As soon as they had the dishwasher loaded, Summer faced them both and clapped her hands together. "So, what should we do today? Wanna watch old movies? Read? Listen to music?"

Her men stalked toward her, hands flexing, gazes roaming up and down her body. She giggled hard when they grabbed her and smashed her between them.

Bridger cupped the back of her neck and brought his lips to hers, kissing her deeply while Colter's hands ran up and down her body. Just as he was reaching under her shirt, the buzzer sounded next to the elevator.

Ever since the guys had stationed someone permanently at the elevator's entrance, the guard would call up before allowing anyone to come up, including Carmen and Nathaniel. He took his job seriously.

Colter growled as he released Summer to stride across the room. He pushed the button. "Stanton?"

"Mr. Latimer. Sorry to bother you. There are two FBI agents here. They'd like to see Mr. Arnoult."

Summer stiffened. She jerked her gaze toward Bridger. "Why would someone want to talk to you?" She started shaking. Panic set in as she considered the possibilities. Had someone found out about her? Had Nathaniel told someone she was here?

Bridger's brow was furrowed, but he rubbed her arms. "Let's get you dressed."

Colter spoke into the intercom again. "Please ask them to wait a few minutes. We're not dressed yet."

"Yes, Sir. No problem."

Summer was frozen in her spot. She started shaking her head, and fear climbed up her spine. "No. No. I can't. Tell them to go away."

Bridger gripped her shoulders. "Baby, we don't know what they're here for. Maybe it has something to do with my grandfather or something completely unrelated."

She felt herself sliding into her old ways, scared and unable to breathe.

Colter lifted her off the floor, cradled her in his arms, and carried her to the bedroom. He went straight for the closet.

Bridger pulled out clothes, and the two men dressed her like they'd had to nearly every time for the first several weeks. She hadn't been this catatonic in two months. She didn't even care what they were putting on her. Bra. Panties. The loose black pants she preferred. A pink cotton shirt slid over her head. They didn't put shoes on her. None of them had shoes on.

When they returned to the living room, she was in a daze. "No," she repeated, rubbing her temples.

Bridger pulled her in front of him and held her close, her back to his front. They stood several yards from the elevator, waiting while Colter told Stanton it was okay to send them up. He turned toward Summer and Bridger. "Whatever it is, we'll handle it. I promise."

Summer flinched as the elevator doors opened, and two men stepped into the penthouse. They glanced at Colter and Bridger, but their gazes landed on Summer.

An odd relief came across their faces that made no sense to Summer. Finally, they drew in deep breaths and smiled. One of them extended a hand to Colter. "Jagger Whitley. I'm with the FBI. And this is Agent Boyd Lampros."

Summer was breathing so heavily that she was grateful Bridger had both arms around her. She might have fainted otherwise.

The men turned toward Summer, freaking her out.

Jagger spoke. "You must be Bridger Arnoult?"

"Yes. How can we help you?"

Jagger's gaze lowered to Summer. "I'm sorry. I don't know your real name. I only know you as Daffodil."

Summer's knees gave out.

Bridger gripped her tighter.

Tears slid down her cheeks. They were going to take her away. Master J would find her. She would never see her guys again. She knew it as well as she knew her name.

"We don't mean to scare you, ma'am." Jagger held his hands out, palms up. "You're not in any trouble."

"How do you know her?" Colter asked, stepping between everyone, his hands on his hips.

"It's a long story. We'll tell you everything. We've been working on this case for over three months." He looked directly at Summer. "You're the fifth woman we've found."

She gasped. She couldn't fully process what he was talking about.

The other man, Boyd, spoke. "Let's sit. We'll explain." He motioned toward the couch.

Bridger lifted Summer off her feet and carried her to the sofa, where he lowered himself, keeping her on his lap.

Colter sat next to them and made no attempt to hide his connection. He took one of her hands in his and rubbed her knuckles. "How did you find us? Only two people know Summer is here."

Jagger smiled at her. "Summer." He cleared his throat. "Don't worry. No one gave up your location. We have an informant. Someone we assume is close to the seller. He's been trying to locate all six women. We assume he's working through emails until he gets a hit. When he does, he lets us know. He gave us your name yesterday morning, Mr. Arnoult."

Bridger flinched. "What do you mean he gave you my name?"

Boyd nodded. "As one of the buyers."

Summer turned to look at Bridger's face as it went totally pale. She grabbed his arm and held on tight. Her fear shifted to him.

He swallowed hard. "I did not buy Summer."

"Don't worry. We figured that out, sir," Jagger responded. "None of you are in any kind of legal trouble."

Colter exhaled hard next to her, and she physically felt his body relaxing.

Jagger spoke again. "Your case was confusing. Our informant gave us three names yesterday. And Daffodil's. We started the day assuming three men had purchased her and were sharing her."

"Three names?" Bridger asked.

"Yours, Benjamin Arnoult's, and Jonathan Sweltzer."

"Benjamin Arnoult was my grandfather," Bridger said.

Jagger nodded. "Yes—and we know he was the one to purchase Summer."

"How did you piece it together?" Colter asked, rubbing Summer's hand, never losing the connection.

"The first warrant we got was for Jonathan Sweltzer. We went to his house yesterday afternoon."

"Who the hell is he?" Bridger asked.

Jagger looked at Summer.

Suddenly, she knew. "The man who picked me up from the auction," she murmured.

"Yes. He's been arrested. He was a fount of information. Most criminals are when faced with prison time." Jagger drew in a breath. "He was unaware that your grandfather had died, but he did help us out by filling in the blanks."

Bridger tensed. "So you know my crazy grandfather purchased Summer."

"Yes. And we also realized you'd had nothing to do with it and no knowledge."

Summer licked her lips. "No one is holding me here against my will. They rescued me. I insisted they not report it. We even consulted a lawyer," she argued, hoping to make sure her men weren't blamed. Jagger had said no one was in trouble, but she didn't trust him yet. She continued rambling, "The lawyer said I didn't have to report what happened to me if I didn't want to. He said victims of crime are not obligated to tell anyone."

Jagger nodded. "He's right. I promise you're not in any legal trouble. We're just here to let you know that the FBI is working on your case. We wanted to make sure you're safe and have the resources you need to get your life back. The other four women we've found are all adjusting and working through the trauma together. If you'd like to see them…"

Summer sat up taller. She was so happy four others had been found. "Who have you not found?"

"Lily. But we will. We won't stop until we do," Boyd said confidently.

"Lily… She's such a sweet girl. I hope you find her. I'm so glad you found the others. I'll sleep better. I still have nightmares. I worry about them all the time. I've felt such guilt for not going to the police…" Her breath hitched.

Bridger held her closer. "It's okay, baby."

She shook her head. "It's not okay, but I was too scared."

"Well, you're safe now, Summer," Jagger informed her. "I hope you'll be able to get some peace from our visit. The others would love it if you came to see them. They are actually all at my home right now, hoping we will have found you and been able to bring you back."

Summer gasped. Panic set in. She shook her head. "No. I can't. I can't leave this house. It's not safe. He'll find me."

"Who?" Jagger looked confused.

"Master J. You don't understand how he threatened me. If he ever found out I'm not doing what he trained me to do, he'll…" She stopped. There was no way she could continue that line of thought with these strangers.

"He's in prison, Summer," Jagger stated. "His name is Jovani Russo. We arrested him more than two months ago. He will never see the light of day."

She couldn't breathe. She couldn't even blink.

"Holy shit," Colter muttered. "You caught him?"

"Yes. Three of the buyers have also been apprehended."

"What about the fourth?" Bridger asked.

"That was my best friend. His name is Damon Albertini. He spent three years looking for his girlfriend." He shifted his gaze toward Summer. "You knew her as Marigold. Her name is Gemma. Damon found her on the dark web and bought her himself."

"OhmyGod." Summer slapped her hand over her mouth. "Her own boyfriend bought her?"

"Yes." Jagger grinned.

"Tell me about the others." A huge weight lifted off her shoulders. Just knowing Master J had been arrested changed everything.

Jagger leaned back in his chair, smiling broadly. "The second woman was Oleander. The police got descriptions of all six of you from Gemma. Oleander was also picked up from the auction by a handler. She ended up… Well, she shot and killed him. She was so damn brave. And…" He glanced at Boyd before looking back toward the others. "She's the love of my life."

Summer gasped. "Seriously?"

"Yes. Her name is Kalinda. Most people call her Kally. I brought her home that night, and she's never left. We run this rescue operation out of our home."

"Tell me more." Summer was excited now.

"The third rescue was Jasmine. Her name is Nora. She'd been raised in a cult when she was sold into this human trafficking ring. An FBI agent named Axel had been living undercover with the cult. He'd fallen in love with her. When Axel heard about us, he came to my house, hoping Nora would be among the photos we recovered when we raided Russo's home. We had a match, we found her, and they are reunited."

Summer's heart was so happy. "And Tulip?"

"Grace. She escaped her captor with only his suit coat over her shoulders. She ran from the house and hid in a cabin. When the cabin"s owner, Khai, showed up, she told him nothing. They fell in love. We found her and brought the two of them into the fold just recently. And now, we've found you."

Summer set her hand on her chest. She was breathing heavily. "I can't believe it. You really think I'm safe?"

Jagger nodded. "As safe as any of the others. You're certainly safe from Russo. He can't touch you. Unfortunately, Russo was not the seller. He was a middleman. We don't believe he knows who he was working for. It would seem he doesn't even know who the buyers were. He was paid heftily for his services, but we have not caught the actual seller."

Colter's hand stiffened over hers. "Do you think the seller might come after them?"

Jagger sighed. "We can't know for sure. We're hoping he has washed his hands of them after the sale and doesn't care what happened. He got his money. Why would he care if they escaped or were rescued? However, we take precautions. Most days, everyone gathers at my house. It's like command central. It's loud. We have dozens of computers strewn around the kitchen, which has been turned into a giant office. We keep the women close. We never let them go out alone. We have protection. I see you do, too."

Bridger nodded. "Yes. We didn't know any of this, of course, but…" he slid a hand down Summer's hair, "…as you can see, we guard Summer with our lives. She hasn't left this penthouse since we brought her here the night my grandfather told me he'd purchased me a woman."

Jagger glanced at all of them. "And the three of you…"

"We're a unit," Colter informed him, sitting up taller, defensively.

Summer wanted to lean over and kiss him. So protective.

Jagger and Boyd simply smiled.

"No one among us will judge you. I'm so glad Summer fell into kind hands."

Colter lifted her fingers to his lips and kissed her knuckles, lingering for several seconds. "She is our life. We'll do whatever it takes to ensure she's safe. If that means helping with your operation, we're in."

Bridger grabbed Colter's thigh and squeezed before leaning in to kiss him on the lips. "Definitely."

Jagger leaned forward. "If I may ask. Do you know why your grandfather purchased Summer in your name?"

Bridger sighed. "He was a crazy old man. He was particularly concerned about me marrying and producing an heir. It was absurd. He knew I was in a relationship with Colter and had been for ten years. He thought he could force me to see reason, leave Colter, and marry a woman if he arranged it."

Jagger's eyebrows rose. "Sounds like a movie from the early nineteen hundreds. Did he put that in a will?"

"Yep. He changed it all the time. The night he requested my presence, his lawyer was there to get all the latest papers signed. If I don't marry Summer by the end of one year after his death and produce an heir by the end of three years, his fortune will be split among five charities."

Summer knew all of this, but they hadn't discussed it further.

Jagger stared at all three of them. "And what are your plans?"

Summer was shocked when Colter spoke instead of Bridger. "We don't want or need that money. Bridger will derive great pleasure in seeing it go to those charities at the end of the year."

Summer's heart raced. She jerked her gaze toward Bridger and then Colter.

Colter lifted her hand to his lips and looked her in the eyes as he continued speaking. "That's not to say we aren't madly in love with Summer, but when we make this legal, it will be me who marries her on paper just to spite the old geezer. And any children we have will have two fathers. Unless it becomes medically necessary someday, we will not know who fathered them."

Summer sucked in a rushed breath and stared at him. Stunned. No one had spoken to her about this. They'd made this plan without consulting her. She wasn't in disagreement. She was simply surprised.

She shifted her gaze to Bridger. "You're okay letting go of your inheritance?"

"More than okay, baby. I really don't want that money. It has bad memories associated with it." He lifted her other hand and kissed her knuckles just like Colter had. "We love you. You have to know we intend to marry you, eventually, when you're ready. You know we want you to carry our children. It's only logical that Colter be the one to marry you legally. It won't diminish anything between us. We'll know in our hearts that you're just as much married to me as to him."

She swallowed hard, fighting back tears.

They both pulled her in close for a group hug, all of them ignoring the two men sitting as silent witnesses to this emotional moment.

They loved her—really loved her. Summer felt so much relief she couldn't even put it into words.

"Summer, I have a question," Jagger began.

She turned toward him again, her arms around her guys.

"By chance, were you abducted originally by a man you believed to be a police officer?"

She gasped. "Yes. What do you mean? Was he not?"

Jagger shook his head. "He was posing as an officer in order to lure you in. He was the same man who kidnapped Grace. I'm so sorry. We suspected he took another woman because we tracked down the dates he stayed in that apartment building the second time. Did he lure you to his apartment somehow?"

She swallowed hard and nodded. "I lived across the hall," she murmured. She stared at Jagger. This was a huge revelation. He wasn't a cop…

Bridger held her closer. "That was another reason Summer hadn't wanted to call the police. She was certain one of their own abducted her."

"Tulip felt the same way. She also refused to call the police. Understandable."

"Did you… Did you find him?" Summer asked.

"Unfortunately, no," Jagger responded. "We're still working on that."

Colter rubbed her arm. "Surely, he wouldn't come after her?"

Boyd shook his head. "We don't think so. He got paid to kidnap women. Why would he care if they later escaped?"

Summer shuddered. "He could be out there right now, looking for his next victim…"

"That's why we're still looking for him." Jagger stood. "We should get back. Would you like to join us?"

Summer slowly smiled. "Yes, I think I would."