Chapter 13

Chapter 13

Ash woke, stretching panther-like, eyes still shut, body slack.

Until his hand touched warm, velvet satin.

He pulled an eye open and found himself gazing at beauty.

She lay with one hand under her cheek, her hair spilling over the pillow.

He drank the curve of her breast, her tummy’s soft mound, and those gorgeous dimpled thighs.

His cock thickened, thinking about how her lush and intoxicating body turned him into a ravenous beast.

They’d made love twice more that night.

The last time was at 4 a.m. as the moon waned over a dark, turbulent seascape beyond the expansive glass windows.

The sex, unhurried, passionate and heartfelt, blew his mind.

He’d buried his face in her neck, obsessed with her scent, especially where her neck met her jawline near her ear.

He didn’t know whether it was pheromones, but Cece smelled terrific all over, and the crux of her nape was intoxicating, obsessing.

A rush of need consumed him, and he wanted the night to repeat so he’d lose himself in her unceasing pleasure over and over again.

Crossing his hands under his head, he stared at her, lost in thought, taking in her essence.

It felt good and proper like she belonged in his arms for life.

Because underneath his hardcore desire for her were the growing tendrils of emotion and care.

He sliced his eyes to her, lost in sleep. He jolted, realising that she was becoming the one person he wanted to wake up to every morning.

Like a siren song, she drew him in with her golden eyes, joy, and unashamed passion for him.

Cece Mirren was intoxicating, and he was love drunk on her.

The thought unnerved him just as his tummy growled.

Parking his feelings, he left the bed as gently as possible. He snagged a tee and shorts, then moved to the living room, shutting the connecting bedroom door.

Using the QR code, he ordered breakfast for two.

He opened his laptop and scrolled through his messages and email.

Consulting his calendar for the day, he found that in about two hours, Cole, Kris, Saint and himself had a briefing with his Defence contact.

There was one single agenda item: The Mirrens. To be precise, Liam and what he had to share about Joseph.

What would happen next to Cece’s brother was in the hands of ADFIS.

Worried about their play, Ash closed his laptop with a sigh. His eyes flicked to the sea, where Bondi’s famous surf was rolling under a clear blue sky.

A chime at the door indicated breakfast was ready.

He stalked the door and opened it to see a covered food cart and the grinning visage of Saint Tahana.

‘Room service,’ the man said. ‘For two, I believe.’

‘Your uncanny bloodhound sense? Or were you stalking my doorway til I left?’

‘Nothing quite so sinister. I was on my way to the office when the server rolled up. I offered to save them the trouble of dealing with your fugly face.’

‘Fuck off.’

Saint sniggered and jerked his chin to the tray where two coffee cups sat. ‘Seems she doesn’t hate you after all.’

Ash tugged the food cart inside, inserted himself between it and Saint and snarled. ‘Stay off my back, I’m warning you. When your turn comes to have a real woman you like in your life, trust me, I’ll be your biggest ball buster, my friend.’

Saint grinned. ‘Bring it, buddy. Hold up. Like? Huh?’

Ash stepped back stone-faced and let the door close in his mate’s face.

‘See you soon, lover,’ Saint called as his smug mug disappeared from view.

Ash’s lips twitched, part amused, part irritated.

Ravenous, he uncovered the food cart. He downed a thick, rich macchiato. Then, he ploughed through his order of eggs and avocado on toast and polished off a fruit plate.

Sated, he headed to the bathroom, past a still-sleeping Cece. He smiled as he glanced at her curled up around a pillow. Oblivious to the world.

Even after he showered and changed, she still hadn’t moved.

He scribbled a note on a notepad, propped it against the covered food tray and exited the apartment.

Minutes later, he was in a lift whisking him to his brother’s HQ.

He walked out at the Falcon & Eagle office level and nodded to the receptionist, who gaped at him.

‘Here for Cole.’

She nodded, eyes fluttering as his muscled frame powered past her.

He strolled through the light and airy layout, stopping at the open doorway into a modern office with views for days.

Inside, one man sat behind an extensive desk.

He was tall, lean and muscled with dark brown lustrous hair. He rocked a tailored suit and white starched shirt.

His face was manscaped, with a groomed moustache, beard, and chiselled jaw underneath. He had thick brows above unusual blue, cerulean eyes. He was ruggedly handsome and resembled Ash.

On the surface, Cole Falconer was far opposite of his big brother Ash. His sartorial style meant he favoured razor-sharp jackets and slim fitted lines to Ash’s badass sweats and jeans for that jolt of VIP energy.

He was the more outgoing of the two, the charmer, talker and social bee, to Ash’s sometimes taciturn, quiet nature.

Underneath the designer threads, though, was a fierce, loyal streak, first to his brother, then to his family and Sovereign crew.

He glanced up as Ash placed both hands apart, leaning against the door jamb.

Love for his sibling spilled out of his eyes.

Ash gave him a chin lift and a similar unabashed wash of emotion.

‘Finally,’ Cole drawled. ‘Heard you were busy all night and was a possible no-show this morning.’

Ash’s lip curled. ‘Damn, Tahana.’

A chuckle came from behind him. ‘Don’t take my name in vain, brother, especially when I’m behind you.’

Ash growled at the imposing part Maori man now prowling into the office behind him, clutching a to-go coffee cup.

‘Don’t listen to a word he says,’ Ash warned his sibling.

The man inside rounded his desk and gave Ash a long hug. ‘It’s OK, big bro, let it all out. I got you.’

The three men laughed as Ash pulled back. ‘Cole, Saint is rubbing off on you way too much.’

‘True. I need new friends,’ Cole moaned. ‘Maybe even a woman, so I can be like you when I grow up.’

‘Yo!’

The three men turned as a fourth man stalked into the room.

He was tall, with dark and silver hair in a bun and a rogue pirate-like essence about him.

‘Kris!’

Ash was elated as he wrapped the man in his arms, thumping his back.

It was the Sovereign way, where affection and care were shared freely, given the horrors they’d witnessed together and the ingrained knowledge that tomorrow was no promise.

‘Been a minute, Tanner. How’s it going?’

‘Life is sweet. How’s the 70?’

‘It rocks brother, I love that ride.’

Kris’s body shop, Tanner Engineering, had modded up Ash’s rig a year ago. Transforming his brand new Land Cruiser 70 Series stock truck into an off-roading beast. The Double Cab Chassis build came with lifted suspension, upgraded shocks and BFG KM3 off-road tires for improved off-road grip. It was Ash’s pride and joy.

The dark and silver-haired man grinned. ‘You should; the shop just won another best rig modifier award, our twelfth down-under.’

‘Congratulations.’ Ash saluted.

After a few more pleasantries amongst the four men, he interjected. ‘We’ve got our meet in three. Boardroom?’

Cole nodded. ‘Let’s roll.’

‘Who are we seeing again?’ Saint said as the four men marched out of Cole’s office.

Ash pushed a door open. ‘Senior Inspector Terry Kitt, our main contact.’

They filed into the large boardroom and settled in. Cole fussed around with the controls of the wide-screen TV.

In minutes, they dialled into a secure-link video call.

A man soon appeared onscreen. Ash’s brows rose because the person was not the one he’d been expecting.

‘Gentlemen,’ the man said in greeting.

‘Sir,’ all four men replied.

Ash raised a finger, concern snaking through him. ‘Senior Inspector Owens, where’s S.I. Kitt?’

‘He’s away, overseas. As his second in charge, I’m taking charge of the case indefinitely.’

Ash bit back a retort. He didn’t like Owens.

He studied the man he thought of as arrogant, meddlesome and impractical. Dressed in full uniform, the man had an imperious stare.

He was thin-haired, lumpy and aged in his early to mid-fifties. He had muddy brown eyes, bushy brows, a broken nose, a weak jawline and an equally weak command style.

On the other hand, His superior, Senior Inspector Kitt, was one of the most experienced personnel in ADFIS.

S.I. Kitt was heading the inquiry into ex-Major General Mirren. He was a sensible yet firm leader with an easy, understanding nature. Qualities that appealed to Ash and the Sovereign team.

So far, the S.I. Kitt had given the operation his personal attention. Until now.

Ash’s heart sank.

Owens was going to fuck this up. He just knew it. The man was notorious for overreach and seeking clout whenever he could.

He sensed Saint, Kris, and Cole thought it, too. Given the narrowed glances they sliced at him and the tensing of their bodies.

Owens cut into Ash’s thoughts, glaring at him. ‘Where are we up to?’

Ash had no choice but to give the man an update of sorts.

He covered how they’d found Liam and how he worked for the general as a dealer.

He held back the discovery of the drugs and the USB with the videos of Joseph’s drug deliveries. He needed them for leverage in case Owen fucked this up.

He also didn’t trust the man and preferred handing the hard evidence only to S.I. Kitt.

‘I need to speak with Liam,’ S.I. Owens clipped.

‘You’ll get my report after I question him. That’s what I agreed with your boss.’

‘He’s not here and handed over the op to me. I want Liam Mirren in ADFIS hands. Now.’

Ash stopped cold. ‘What do you mean? Sir?’

Owens’ lips curled. ‘I mean that my people will be taking him into custody. Somewhere discreet where they can have a conversation with him. Before what he knows becomes public and hurts the case.’

‘Sir, I believe I was to question him -,’ Ash said.

The S.I. interjected. ‘Is he with you right now?’

Ash’s jaw ticked. ‘He’s in the building.’

S.I. Owens twisted around and spoke to someone off-screen.

‘My people are walking into the building now to pick him up.’

Ash started, sitting up in his chair. ‘Your what?’

‘My MPs have been parked across the road for a day waiting for you to bring Liam in. When you requested a meeting in Sydney, we concluded you’d be coming in with the goods. I planted my men at Falcon & Eagle, waiting for your return.’

Ash half stood, eyes blazing. ‘You had no -’

Owens gave a mirthless laugh as he interjected. ‘Falconer, we’ve been prepping for this for a long time. Desperate for any incriminating evidence on the general. We had you do the leg work because our arms are stretched. But now that you have what we need, you’ll need to step aside.’

The Sovereign team exchanged glances.

Saint nodded, his face grim, indicating he thought they best comply. Ash took his cue, knowing he’d no recourse. At least not yet.

Ash turned to the Senior Inspector. ‘I’ll meet them in reception and bring him to them.’

‘No. They’ll meet you on the floor that he’s in. Please pass that on to me now.’

Ash took a breath. ‘Level 9.’

‘Thank you. My man, Inspector Raine, will introduce himself. You’ll need to show him to the location and let him take over.’

Ash’s nostrils flared with frustration. ‘Note, he’s with his sister, so tell your men to tread with care.’

‘You can tell them yourself.’

Ash gritted his teeth. ‘Is that all, sir?’

‘For now.’

The screen flickered to black as S.I. Owens ended the call.

‘Crap!’

Ash kicked the chair away from under him and sprinted for the door. Cole, Kris and Saint followed.

They raced down the hallway to the surprised glances of the Falcon & Eagle staff.

At the elevators, Ash jabbed at the lift button, cursing. ‘I thought we had the lead on this. Kitt said as much. Now, this tosser Owens is going to mess this up. Liam is not in a state to be questioned. And we need to keep him on our side because he is already willing to witness. Being taken into custody will make him think he’s being arrested. He won’t trust me anymore, let alone Owens, to speak with him. Dammit.’

‘We need Kitt across this asap,’ Ash said grim-faced.

Saint nodded. ‘I’ll get my assistant on it to try and get a hold of him. As soon as Kitt finds out, he’ll go ballistic on Owens for fucking you up, Ash.’

Ash sucked his teeth in annoyance. ‘If Owens thinks I’m going down without a fight, he can kiss my brave ass.’

The elevator arrived, and the Sovereign men strode in. Ash glowered at the lift display as it sunk lower to Level 9.

They exited and walked straight into a group of four uniformed MPs and a senior with cool eyes.

‘Sir,’ he called out.

Ash jerked his head. ‘Raine.’

The two men faced off, and from the corner of his eye, the MPs gave each other skittish glances. Ash Falconer was a revered and awarded soldier with legendary status in the military. Pissing him off would not be a good look for Raine.

The Inspector fell in first. ‘Sir, not the way I’da gone about it, but I have my orders. Where’s Liam Mirren?’

Ash sucked his lips in annoyance. ‘Not the way I’da run this either,’ his only concession to his outrage. ‘Follow me.’

He turned on his heel and headed down the hallway towards the Mirren’s temporary residence. He paused at the door. ‘Be careful now. He’s staying here with his sister, also a civvie, so you’ve got to go in lightly.’

‘Noted.’

Inspector Raine gave a chin lift to the MP’s leader, who raised a hand and banged on the thick wood frame.

‘Liam Mirren, please answer the door.’

The voice was loud and booming, not light at all, and Ash winced.

No answer came for a moment, so the MP banged again.

Inspector Raine turned to Ash. ‘It’s key card controlled. Got master access?’

‘I can get the master card,’ Saint offered with some reluctance.

‘Please do so. Sir.’

Before Saint could leave, the apartment door opened with a thunk.

Revealing Liam in pyjamas, looking pained, thin and twisted like a corkscrew. He reeked of body odour from sweating too much during recovery.

His dark, shadowed eyes tracked across the men crowded in the corridor. A whistle sounded under his breath. ‘Whisky, tango foxtrot?’

His voice was hoarse from coughing during withdrawal.

Inspector Raine raised the document in his hand. ‘Ex-Corporal Liam Mirren, my name is Garrett Raine. I’m with the Australian Defence Force’s Joint Military Police Unit. I’m taking you into temporary detention as part of an ongoing investigation.’

Liam’s eyes widened. ‘Fuck off.’ His enraged eyes lifted to where Ash stood. ‘Sir, you reassured Cece and me that you’d be the only one I’d speak to.’

Ash’s face fell with remorse. ‘I did.’

Liam leaned in, his face suffused with redness. ‘Then what the hell happened?’

‘It’s a misunderstanding, mate,’ Ash rasped. ‘The problem is that someone new has taken over for now. I’ll be reaching out to my contact to lodge a formal protest. However, for now, our hands are tied.’

‘You mean mine are.’

Inspector Raine interrupted. ‘It doesn’t have to be like that, Liam. Come quietly with us, and we won’t have to cuff you.’

‘Leave me the hell alone!’ the thin man lunged back and tried to slam the heavy door. The thick shoulder of an MP stopped its progress.

Ash shook his head, balling his fits. ‘Liam! Don’t make it hard on yourself.’

‘Like you care!’ The man shot the words back as he struggled with the two MPs who were now on him. They pulled him from the confines of the apartment and wrestled him against the wall.

Cole, Saint and Ash cursed as Liam continued to fight until a pair of cuffs clapped over his hands to his front.

Just then, the door to the next apartment flew open, and Cece appeared.

Ash sighed, bracing himself.

Dressed in her shorts and tee from yesterday, barefoot, her curls swinging free. Eyes flaming. While still being heart-stompingly beautiful. ‘What the hell is going on?’

Her hands crossed over her chest as she studied the scene before her. Credit to her, she didn’t turn into a screaming harpy. Instead, she kept her calm.

‘Ash, speak to me.’

He closed his eyes for a moment, then turned to face her. ‘Cece, higher-ups in the Australian Defence Force’s Joint Military Police Unit have taken over the investigation. They insist on questioning Liam as a matter of urgency. He needs to go with them. There’s nothing we can do to stop this.’

She took a sharp breath, lifting her hands to indicate her confusion. ‘You said this wasn’t going to be the case.’ Her voice fell further. ‘You promised.’

Her soft rebuke hit him square in his solar plexus. He bit his lip, vexed he’d failed her yet again. ‘I know. I had no idea this would happen. My hands are tied.’

‘Is that right?’ Cece’s voice was arctic, cutting, without mercy.

He raised a brow at her, then shook his head in frustration, not at her, but at the situation.

Her cold gaze sliced away from him and to her brother, who was gazing stonily at the wall. ‘Liam. You OK with this?’

He met her scrutiny with an incandescent rage. ‘Hell, I’m not. But do I have a choice?’

She turned back to Ash. ‘You get him back, do you hear?’

She spoke with such authority that he almost saluted her.

‘Hear.’

He nodded to Inspector Raine. ‘Tell Owens this was not the agreed protocol and that I’ll be in touch with S.I. Kitt.’

The MP shrugged. ‘Your call, Sir. Can anyone grab the man some shoes, a jacket and some clothes?’

‘I’ll do it,’ Cece said, shouldering past Ash, her energy vibrating with anger.

She cursed under her breath, the sound amplified in the secluded hallway, a visceral reaction laced with hurt.

Yet she knew better than to fight a military police order.

She powered into the apartment and further toward Liam’s bedroom—the men who remained stood around stiff and awkward until she emerged.

The MPs uncuffed her brother, and the group looked away as she helped Liam dress, whispering to him as she did.

Ash didn’t catch everything she said, but he caught wind of reassurances that he’d be OK. Expressed with such compassion and care, he tore his eyes from the pair.

His heart and soul surged with guilt, and he caught Cole’s eye and shook his head in regret.

Once dressed, the MPs led Liam away.

Cece tried to take a step after him for a final hug. Ash shot out a hand to stay her.

She shook him off, turning her back on him, wishing never to speak with Ash Falconer again.

When Liam and the MPs disappeared into the lift well, she whirled around and back into the apartment.

Ash followed.

A whisper came from him, keeping his companions at bay. Saint and the two other men she didn’t know.

One was a tall, devastatingly handsome man who resembled Ash. The other could have been a rock star god. At this point, she didn’t give a damn. They could all go to hell.

She said as much as she rounded on Ash after he closed the door behind them.

‘Tell me you’d no idea this was going to happen.’

‘No clue, babe, I-’

He didn’t get to finish. ‘Don’t call me babe! Don’t call me anything because you’ll be nothing to me unless you bring Liam back.’

He flinched as though she’d ripped into him with a knife.

His face shuttered, and the jade of his eyes churned with a storm that threatened to slam into her heart if she got too close.

She ignored the warning of turbulence ahead. ‘You. Will. Bring. Him. Back. Otherwise, I’ll tear your world down. Including ripping this investigation to shreds.’

He winced, the impact of her words visible on his face. ‘You’ve every right to be angry, Cece. I am, too, because I got overruled. Please believe me.’’

She studied his face for a moment, her energy dropping a level. ‘You should have seen this coming or at least warned us. Instead, you gave Liam assurances that now hold no water.’

‘I’m sorry.’

They fell into silence.

Cece stared at Ash, hoping the heat in her eyes would implode him from within. He met her glare with a steady one until she capitulated. She peeled her eyes from him. ‘Damn, I hate-’

‘You hate me.’

Cece’s jaw set even harder at his words. Her cheeks were red and flushed with rage, her expression defiant and ready for a war, lips tight and thin. Her fists clenched at her sides, and her brows furrowed in frustration.

‘I’m not saying I hate you. I’m saying that you are the bane of my existence right now. What I loathe is that my stepfather is the reason this is happening. He’s the one they need to arrest now, not Liam.’

Ash plunged a hand through his hair, pacing the room. ‘Just to reiterate, he’s not under arrest, Cece. He’s a key witness, so ADFIS needs to understand how much he’s across Joseph’s affairs. So they can form a case to arrest your stepfather.’

Cece swung back to him. ‘How long will that take?’

She saw Ash wince and ploughed on. ‘Days? Weeks? Months?’

He shrugged. ‘I can’t say. I don’t know.’

She hissed under her breath. ‘Fuck. This is all so wrong.’

A chasm grew between them, filled with their frustration and vengeful thoughts.

After a beat, Ash took a sharp breath and whirled to face her. ‘What if I told you there is a way to get Liam out sooner?’

‘I wouldn’t know whether to believe you or trust you.’

He jerked. ‘I deserved that.’

‘You did.’

‘Give me a few days. I’ve got a play I can work with.’

‘Whatever it takes.’

The hush bloomed even more, filled with silent accusations, broken promises and betrayal.

Cece stirred from a rush of exhaustion and emotional overload. ‘I want to return home. Back to Mason and a routine. Meantime, you fix this, Ash.’

He sighed with heaviness. ‘I get it. I’ll have the plane ready for you later today.’

‘Great,’ she said with coldness, walking away from him towards the bedroom she’d occupied alongside Liam.

The heat of his eyes burned her back, and she dampened the need for him that surged through her.

She would not entertain her feelings for him until she had her brother with her, safe and sound.

She was not going to waste any more time in Ash’s presence. Even at the cost of her desire for his infuriating, smexy, gorgeousness in and out of the sheets.

His gravelled voice stopped her in her tracks. ‘I’ll drop your handbag back to you.’

She swivelled and faced him, not quite looking him in the eye. Not wanting to confront the reason they were in his suite in the first place. ‘Thank you.’

She took a step into the bedroom and closed the door.

Her small suitcase took less than fifteen minutes to pack.

Mid-packing, a chime sounded from the front door. When she opened it, her bag was hanging off the knob. No one else was present in the empty corridor.

She nabbed it and retreated to safety.

Soon after, ready to leave and anxious, she sat at the apartment’s dining table. Her hands wrapped around a cup of warm, soothing tea, and she watched the steam curl and swirl into the air.

Her reflection in the bar mirror showed an ashen face. Her eyes were heavy and red from the tears that had run down her face while she’d folded her clothes into her carry-all.

Her whole body still trembled, her heart drumming in her chest.

She was wracked with guilt at leading her brother into a trap. And that Ash had been the one to set it.

Cece beat herself up, remembering that she’d been conflicted about Ash and his intentions all along.

She should have listened to her gut, to her doubts about him.

She groaned, her thoughts jumping everywhere, her soul shattered. Convinced he’d sold Liam down the river.

For a fleeting moment, she tasted him on her tongue, a tantalising forest fresh tang she’d memorised during their night together. A savouring of forbidden passion that had never been so desirable.

She shuddered, remembering the heat of his skin. The way he moaned into her mouth when she’d sucked on his tongue. How hard and fast he’d ridden her, with driven fury.

She almost choked on her tea as her mouth filled with the bitter acid of betrayal. She was so over falling for him, so over being played.

Her phone vibrated. She picked it up and studied the text message on her screen with a sigh.

Ash: The plane will be ready in half an hour. I’ll drive you to the airport myself.

She typed back a furious response.

Cece: No. I can take a taxi.

Ash: We have security concerns in Sydney, so stay put until I come for you.

Cece: Fine.

She sighed.

Minutes went by—finally, a knock—firm, insistent and impatient.

She nabbed her rolling carry-all and slung her bag across her body.

Cece opened the door, not meeting Ash’s eyes.

He flicked his over her and gauged her mood, jaw clenching as he stalked off.

She was glad he didn’t offer to take her bag. She’d have snarled at him.

Soon, they were in the parking garage by the Range, which Ash unlocked.

He turned and gestured for her to place her bags into the back. She did so as he headed for the driver’s door, then sidled into the passenger seat as the sports engine purred to life.

They didn’t exchange a single word.

The car pulled away from its parking spot and out of the building.

They eased into the busy traffic below a bright and sunny sky.

The air was clear, not a hint of smog. The only sounds were the engine’s growl, the rushing wind through her open window and her erratic breathing.

The silence was stifling. She flicked her eyes at him, her expression still holding onto the unfairness of Liam’s arrest.

He must have sensed her heated perusal.

‘Reg, my Sovereign 2IC in Byron will meet you at the other end. And take you home. He’ll also keep you and Mace safe for me.’

‘Thank you.’

Their breathing mingled in with the radio playing over the speakers and the rustle of his shirt as he touched the car’s controls.

They arrived at the private airport and swung towards the familiar arrivals lounge.

The car came to a smooth stop, and Ash flung his seat belt off, leaving the vehicle.

She followed, closing the door behind her as a hot breeze hit her legs.

He nabbed her bag and placed it on the ground while a valet rushed to help.

Their eyes met, his filled with uncertainty, her’s brimming with fraught tension.

Cece’s eyes drifted past him, focusing on anything but him, while a small host of emotions played out in her eyes. They flickered from him to the plane, to the plane’s valet beside them, to the horizon.

He hesitated for a beat. ‘Not sure if this means anything, but I’m sorry about this morning, and I promise to fix this.’

‘OK.’ Her voice was a whisper in the wind.

‘I’ll see you soon.’

She started a little at his words, gave him a tight nod, and stepped away towards the plane, where the valet ushered her inside and to her seat.

She settled in and steeled herself to look outside.

There was no one where Ash had been standing.

He was gone.

The plane taxied down the runway and darted into the air. The ground fell away in a stunning view of the airport and the city beyond.

Cece scanned the empty cabin and was hit with a rush of loneliness and need. For her brother, the man and the heart she’d left behind.