Chapter 11

Gray crossed the conference room two days later, frowning at the data West was passing out to the team. "Ivan Rogers most frequently travels to Cancun, Mexico and San Diego, California aboard private planes," West said. "Note the number of flights to each location. He's been to Miami multiple times, but it hardly compares to his top two destinations. While Rogers does have a home in San Diego, he's there more frequently than any of his other properties."

"Do you think he's crossing the border?" Ford asked.

"Damn straight he is," Jett said, his gaze narrowing as he looked at the number of flights. "He's got multiple connections in Mexico. It's not just American women that have been caught up and sold in his sex-trafficking ring. He travels where the women and buyers are. As we all know, there are many men who've made lucrative profits off of selling innocent women. There are just as many men willing to pay a hefty sum for a female."

The team exchanged a glance. Luke's girlfriend Wren had met him while searching for her own sister in Mexico. Ivan Rogers was hardly the first sick bastard they'd gone after.

"Do we know when he last went to San Diego?" Luke asked. "This data compiles the number of flights but doesn't show the dates when each occurred."

"Three weeks ago," West confirmed, crossing to his laptop. He typed in something, and then the travel dates and locations appeared on the big screen. "Here's the kicker. While I have flight data of where he's been traveling for several years, there's been nothing for weeks. Not a single damn flight booked by Rogers. Somehow, he showed up in New York, but it wasn't aboard a private plane."

"Unless he was using an alias," Gray pointed out.

"While possible, his cease of travel via private jets started prior to the kidnapping," West explained. "The Feds hadn't raided his homes yet. He'd have no reason to think he was being watched any more than usual."

"Something changed," Sam said with a frown.

"Yes, but we don't know what," West agreed. "For whatever reason, Rogers stopped booking private flights before the women were kidnapped here in New York."

"Did he assume he was being tracked?" Nick asked with a frown. "We know he wasn't being tracked via his private flights at that time, but maybe he thought someone was onto him. Cronin and Levins had taken Kaylee to the safehouse by then. They were hired by the military officer at Offutt, but Rogers could've been involved somehow and we missed it."

"It doesn't add up," Gray said. "It's like he suspected he was being watched and suddenly stopped booking any and all private flights."

"Maybe he had a falling out with the company or a pilot," Ford said.

Jett drummed his fingers on the table. "Maybe he was planning an escape. Those goons working for him on other jobs were no doubt raising suspicions by taking Kaylee. Her disappearance from Offutt wouldn't have gone unnoticed. Even if Rogers wasn't directly involved in that escapade, maybe he decided to get out."

"And go where?" Gray pressed. "Mexico?"

"Lena said he was going to keep her," Nick said, his voice eerily calm.

"He didn't know Lena before the kidnapping," Gray said, feeling his blood pressure rise at the thought of Lena with that monster. "If she hadn't been with Kaylee, she never would've been kidnapped."

"Maybe he wanted Kaylee," Nick said, his voice growing hard. "Those assholes Cronin and Levins were filming her at the safehouse. Say Rogers saw the footage and decided he needed her—either for himself or his sex-trafficking operation. For whatever reason, he saw Lena when they kidnapped both of them, and fixated on her instead."

"He's a sick fuck," Gray muttered.

West's gaze was moving between the men. "The problem is we don't know his current location. I retrieved the flight records and can go back through his travel for years. He's constantly on the move, and I know every single time he's hired a private jet. If we'd gotten this data mere weeks ago, we could've determined his probable location. Narrowed down the places he was selling girls. Brought him in. The trouble is, he hasn't gotten on an airplane in weeks."

"The Feds didn't mention any fake identification when they raided his home," Luke pointed out. "If he's traveling under an alias, he'd have to be carrying it on his person."

"He's an arrogant prick," Jett said, his eyes hard. "He thought he could get away with traveling under his own name because nothing stuck until now. The Feds tried arresting him before but he was out on bond within hours."

"How the hell is that even possible?" Ford asked.

Jett eyed him. "Money talks. He had his lackeys do the dirty work and managed to keep himself clean. Until Lena and Kaylee."

"The FBI profiler has an entire dossier on him," West said. "Ivan Rogers is narcissistic and arrogant. He's driven by sex and money. Obsessive. Maybe he fixated on Kaylee, enjoying the footage his men shared with him from the safehouse, and wanted to keep her. Either way, that changed when he saw Lena. It'll be harder to travel now with the Feds looking for him, knowing he's wanted for kidnapping and assault. He's going to take what he wants and flee."

"And what he wants is Lena," Gray said, horror washing over him.

"You think he's still in New York," Jett said, crossing his arms. "You think he's still out there, waiting."

West nodded, his voice grim. "I think he'll come back for Lena."

***

Gray mumbled and thrashed around, trying to escape from the ropes that bound him in place. A fine sheen of sweat coated his skin, his heart racing. His fists clenched in anger and frustration, and he sucked in a breath, the dry desert air doing nothing to quench his thirst. He tried to shout out a warning but couldn't speak. Couldn't find his voice.

He couldn't stop them.

Couldn't help her.

Gray couldn't move, no matter how hard he tried.

"Lena. Lena!"

He gasped as he awoke, taking shaky breaths. He was tense and agitated, twisted in the sheets. The darkness and cool air surprised him. It wasn't blindingly bright or stifling hot like the desert. He wasn't in that fucking tent.

Gray sucked in another breath, trying to get his bearings as he sat up in bed, his body shaking.

"Shhh, it's okay," a sweet, feminine voice murmured, soft hands running down his arm. Soothing. Comforting. A woman's gentle touch. Surprisingly, he began to calm down, his body instinctively knowing he was safe.

Gray looked over in the darkness, awareness suddenly washing over him. "Lena?" he croaked.

"I'm right here, baby. You had another nightmare."

One hand slid to his nape, lightly applying pressure. It was grounding. It reminded him he was in bed with his girl, not tied up in Afghanistan.

"Another one?" he asked, his voice low.

"You were murmuring and restless earlier but didn't wake up. This one seemed worse."

"Shit." His head fell to his hands, a feeling of defeat washing over him. He'd slept soundly the past few nights at Lena's side, in her bed, but the briefing earlier today with Jett and his teammates had rattled him. Gray hadn't been in fear of his own pain, of the evil men who'd gleefully hurt him, of the torture he'd endured. He'd been fucking terrified because Lena needed him, and he couldn't save her.

Her soft hands kept running over his bare arms and shoulders, her touch light and gentle. It was a welcome relief. She paused, clearly feeling the scars on his back as she gave him a careful hug. While he'd undressed Lena and pleasured her every night, he'd been careful to make it about her enjoyment. He hadn't let her explore his own scarred body. He hadn't made love to her yet either, wanting to make sure it felt right.

She softly kissed his bare shoulder, and Gray's arms came around her, holding her close. Her soft skin, bare breasts, and warmth felt like fucking heaven. Gray's heart thundered in his chest. He felt safe in the dark here with her. He might be stronger than her physically, able to protect her from harm, but mentally? She was the one shielding him from his nightmares.

Hell if he didn't need her as much as she needed him.

"Did you dream you were back in Afghanistan?" Lena asked softly, pulling back to look at him. The covers had slipped down, and he could see her perfect breasts in the moonlight. Fuck, she was beautiful. Long, dark hair. Fair skin. Gorgeous curves. Her breasts hung heavy and full, her nipples peaked. He'd explored every inch of her earlier, Lena collapsing in a satisfied heap atop him shortly after. She'd wanted to touch him, but he'd made her come twice, making sure she was thoroughly sated. She'd been too exhausted to do more than fall asleep in his arms.

Now he was wide awake in the middle of the night, tormented by dreams that weren't even real.

He huffed out a sigh. "This was different. Usually, I have nightmares about my captors. My torture. I dream that I'm tied up in that goddamn tent, bleeding and in pain."

"And this time?" she asked quietly when he didn't continue.

Gray looked up, meeting her worried eyes in the shadows. He couldn't see her too well in the moonlight, but he knew without a doubt she hurt for him. She'd shed tears on his behalf before, when she was worried she'd hurt him. It had felt like his own heart was being ripped out, seeing her upset. Lena was sweet as honey, empathetic to his pain, and nothing but light and goodness. While he felt like he shouldn't touch her with his own darkness, the moment felt quiet and safe. "This time I was upset because I couldn't save you." His voice sounded thick. Tortured. If Lena was ever hurt because he couldn't get to her, Gray didn't know what he'd do.

He didn't miss her quiet intake of breath. Just as quickly, she was soothing him once more, pulling Gray close. He let her lay them back down, Gray's head pillowed on her bare breasts. It was both intimate and comforting. "I'm okay," she soothed, her hands running over his head. "I'm right here." His breathing was still ragged, but Lena was so warm and reassuring and real. He was safe from his nightmares in her arms. But when he fell asleep again?

Gray tensed.

"What are you thinking?" she asked, stroking her slender fingers over his head once more.

"I'm just worried about falling asleep and having another nightmare. I could've hurt you thrashing around like that," he admitted. Her breasts rose and fell beneath his cheek, and Gray's hand slid to her hip, cupping it possessively. He was only partly lying on Lena so as not to crush her, but he wanted to mark every part of her as his. Kiss her all over. Mark her with his scent. Fill her with his seed.

It was a startling thought. He didn't think he wanted kids, but he wasn't opposed to seeing Lena pregnant with their child. Gray was jumping way ahead of himself, however. They hadn't even had sex yet, and when they did, he'd certainly wear a condom.

But Lena, pregnant with his baby, filled him with a possessiveness that shocked him.

"You'd never hurt me," she said vehemently. "You told me yourself the nightmare was because you couldn't get to me. Even in your sleep, your subconscious wants to keep me safe."

Her hands shifted, lighting running over his back. Gray realized she could probably see his scars in the moonlight. He'd stripped his shirt off every night, knowing she could see him if she wanted, but he hadn't given Lena a chance to explore his body. He'd been too busy ravishing her to worry about himself. Tasting her everywhere. Making her come on his fingers, mouth, and tongue.

Her fingertips trailed carefully over the scars near his shoulder blades, her touch whisper light. "I hate them for hurting you," she passionately said.

Gray closed his eyes, his head pillowed by her breasts, his mind whirling. He didn't want to think about those fuckers. He wanted Lena. All of her. His grip at her hip tightened. Turning his head, he kissed her plump breast, shifting up to pull her nipple into his mouth. She gasped out loud but didn't shift away, and then Gray was moving. Touching her soft skin with his calloused hands. Kissing and caressing her everywhere. Her legs parted as he buried his face between her thighs, and before long, Lena's sweet cries were filling the bedroom.

"Make love to me," she pleaded as he kissed his way up her stomach afterward, her sweet taste still on his tongue. Gray wasn't sure he could hold back anymore. He kissed his way across her breasts, rubbing his beard over her skin, then hovered above her body. Lingered. He stared down into her dark eyes, his biceps bunching as he held his weight, then kissed her, hard.

Lena's arms and legs wrapped around him, pulling him down to her. Holding him close.

"Condom," he muttered.

Lena licked her lips as Gray rose and crossed toward his bag, his dick already rock hard against his boxers. He grabbed the box of condoms he'd tossed in his duffle, carrying it over. Lena was stretched out on the bed in the moonlight, her creamy skin and womanly curves on display. She was beautiful. Full breasts. Pert nipples. Bare pussy. And long, satiny legs he couldn't wait to feel wrapped around him as he finally claimed her as his own.

Lena surprised him by sitting up and scooting over to the edge of the bed, her breasts bouncing with the movement. As Gray watched, she pulled him closer, her hands holding his waist, her mouth right at his erection. Lena gripped his thick length through the soft cotton, her thumb rubbing over his engorged head. His dick twitched, but Gray otherwise held still, barely daring to move. The sound of his heavy breathing filled the bedroom, and his entire body was tense, ready to snap.

Lena tugged his boxers down, not hesitating in the slightest, and Gray dropped the box of condoms as her hot, wet mouth wrapped around him. She didn't just put his head between her lips, she sucked him deep, her hand gripping the base of his shaft.

Gray choked out a cry, her mouth and tongue the most incredible thing he'd ever felt. Gray had been with other women over the years, but nothing compared to Lena's mouth wrapped around his cock, those dark eyes looking up at him as she sucked him off.

Lena eagerly bobbed her head on his shaft, her free hand moving to cup his balls. Gray felt them tightening, his pending eruption bearing down on him. His hands slid through her hair, his fingers tightening on her silky strands, and he gently eased her off his erection, his chest heaving. "I want to come inside you," he said, his voice strained.

She nodded, her lips swollen, then scooted back on the bed, resting on her elbows to watch him. Her long hair curled around her breasts enticingly, her gaze raking over him. Gray retrieved the condoms and sheathed himself as her legs parted. He was barely hanging on as it was, nearly ready to explode, and Lena was lying there offering herself to him like the best fucking present he'd ever received.

He paused for a moment, drinking her in. Lena's dark eyes were on him, the moment soft despite the passion raging through his bloodstream. It felt like everything would change after this. Lena would be his, body and soul.

Gray prowled over her, his erection jutting out in front of him. He was hard as steel, on edge and ready for his woman. His cock slid through her folds as he kissed her, Lena falling back on the bed once more. Her fingers eagerly raked through his short hair, her legs coming up around him. Gray notched himself at her entrance, throbbing, and then pushed inside the tightest, hottest pussy he'd ever felt.

Lena gasped at his penetration and clung to Gray, her body trying to take all of him. Gray was big. Everywhere. And Lena was so fucking tight. She felt like a dream. He continued to ease in slowly, holding himself back until she got used to his size and possession of her. Gray kissed her again, soothing, teasing, and felt Lena begin to relax around him. Testing her readiness, he gently thrust, her slickened walls easing his way. Lena moaned as he bottomed out inside her, and he grunted, trying to keep himself from erupting right then and there.

"You're big," she panted, her cheeks flushed and eyes wide.

He kissed her again, thrusting in time with his next words. "You're tight. Hot. Perfect."

Lena keened, arching against him as the base of his shaft rubbed against her swollen clit. "Gray," she moaned as he rubbed against her again. "Gray. Oh my God."

"I've got you, baby girl."

Twining her slender fingers with his own, he lifted her arms above her head, pinning her hands to the bed. She clung to him almost desperately, crying out again as he increased the speed of his thrusts. Lena's inner walls were already spasming around him, still swollen and ready from her earlier orgasm. She tightened her legs around his waist, and as Gray thrust harder, faster, Lena screamed out his name, her pussy gripping him tightly.

Gray felt her fluttering around him, squeezing his cock as she orgasmed, and then he was coming, too, hot seed filling the condom. He mumbled her name, shocked at the intensity of their joining. He'd always been able to keep in control before, to hold off and come when he was ready, but Lena's own orgasm had sent him over the edge.

He huffed out another breath above her, trying to hold himself up so he didn't crush her. Lena was flushed and gorgeous, panting, and looking like the prettiest damn thing he'd ever seen. Gray rolled them both over, too sated to even care as the sheets rubbed against his back. Lena had been wrapped around him, too, and he'd barely noticed any discomfort. It was hard to even remember his scars as aftershocks of pleasure rocked through him, his body drowsy and sated.

Lena was draped over him, Gray's cock still half-hard inside her. He needed to deal with the condom, to get up, but his body was too slack to even move at the moment.

"Oh my God," she murmured quietly.

He turned his head, pressing his lips to her temple. Gray's arms tightened around her, holding her closer still. "Thank you," he said, his voice rough with emotion.

She nuzzled against him for a moment, kissing his jaw. His mouth. "For what?" she asked, her voice soft and drowsy as she gazed down at him. Lena looked content and satisfied. A woman thoroughly pleasured. But it was the easy comfort he felt with her that made him feel safe.

He kissed her roughly, stealing her breath.

"For bringing me back to life."