Caught Off Guard (6 page)

He wants to be with me, like for forever. I don’t know if I believe that or if he is just confused after what has happened with the attack. He took me to see Elizabeth and I noticed that Jackson looked at me then to Mike and back and didn’t smile. I had a feeling my brother didn’t approve and I knew that wouldn’t bode well for us. Did he not trust Mike’s motives, too?

We spent the rest of the day in the hospital getting to know each other. I learned that my new man liked to read and that he didn’t have a college education even though he was a successful business owner.

“We barely made it out of high school. After the orphanage we worked a lot and paid for a tiny apartment. It was hell, but we made it work for us. We really learned to save our money, making it easy to open up our company about a year ago.”

“Wow, do you have someone that helps with the books and the office management or do you handle that yourselves?”

“Now that our company as boomed, we have a larger staff. In the beginning it was Milo, Duke, our accountant and myself. We worked our asses off to make it happen. Your brother happens to be one of our biggest clients and was our first.”

“That is great. You have come far.” I thought about how useless I was at this point in my life and how sorry I had felt for myself when he had overcome so much. I was actually ashamed of myself.

“You look tired. I am going to go back to my room, so we can be well rested and can bust out of this jail, already.” I smiled and just as expected he kissed me. I tried to hide the happy dance my heart was doing in my chest.

We were home for two days and a whole can of worms opened up, and left Zoey and me no room to talk about anything, but what was happening. I filled her in as best as I could, but some of the details were just for the guys. It seems the shooter was Jackson’s partner, Thompson.

“Your partner Mr. Thompson was admitted to the hospital. He had a case of sepsis stemming from a gunshot wound that had been treated outside the care of a hospital.” said Detective Reid, who has been working this case. When Jackson learned of it he lost it. Can’t say I blame the guy, I wanted this fuck dead too, and Zoey wasn’t my wife yet. “He’s a dead fucker!! That fucking piece of shit. I didn’t want his slut of a daughter and kicked her naked ass out of my office so he goes to kill my wife!”

We were warned to stay away since we would be prime suspects should Thompson die. We did back off and the fuck died in the hospital from his injuries. It was then that the biggest fucking kicker happened. We found out that Elizabeth had been stolen as a baby and her real father was Detective Reid. It was a shock to everyone and we all rallied around Elizabeth and the emotional confusion she had. Zoey had been at her side as often as possible, limiting when I could talk to her.

Zoey and I spoke every day, none had been so eye opening as the day when we found out the truth about Elizabeth’s abduction as a child.

“Can you imagine what the Reids must have felt? To have their baby stolen from them?” I could feel the pain her words. She would be traumatized if someone stole our baby and I wouldn’t allow that to happen.

“No babe I can’t. I would be like Reid and searching the world for her.” I stated.

“Well you are a hero, I’m sure you would have been able to find her and would have never given up.” Damn why did she have to constantly bring up my actions from the accident. I felt like she receptive to me because I was her hero. I didn’t want that shit. I wanted her to want me for me.

“Will you give up on the hero crap, it was my job to protect you.”

“No it was to protect Elizabeth, we were just the extras. However, that is not what I meant. You were a marine. You are a hero who has risked his life so many times.”

“Who told you about that?” I didn’t tell her about my days as a soldier because they weren’t pretty.

“My mother did, plus I overheard you talking to your harem at my party.” I laughed at her anger about the party. I was trying to avoid her that night, I was so tempted to take her upstairs to fuck her.

“I don’t have a harem. I was hoping the stories would send them running. Well my days as a marine are long gone.”

“Do you miss it? Is that why you do protection detail?”             

“No, I don’t miss it, and I’m only doing this for your brother.”

“Why did you become a marine in the first place?” Damn she had a lot of questions today. I just wanted to kiss her some more.

“Like I mentioned before, Milo and I had been orphans at a very young age and left to fend for ourselves. By the time we were old enough to get booted from the foster care system, we saw the marines our only option. We both served for several years. Then Milo came home, joined the FBI and I stayed a marine. I haven’t looked back since I left.

“I’m sorry that you got short changed a family growing up. I thought my problems were bad.” she said pathetically.

“What problems? You are smart, beautiful and come from an affluent and loving family.” I didn’t mean to make her seem spoiled, but I didn’t understand what could be wrong. Whatever was wrong in her life, I was going to fix.

“You see it the same as everyone else, but you are right to most my problems are not that serious.”

“I don’t mean that, but you have the life most would love. A life I envied as a child.”

“Well that is the problem, people want the life you have. Do you know how many friends I actually have?”

“Hundreds?” There was a lot of motherfuckers at the party the other day.

“None. I mean true friends. I haven’t trusted a friendship in years. They all want the same thing, association with my family. I had seen it for years with my parent’s acquaintances, but the kids my age had been cruel as to hide it until I overheard a group of them talking about me. The only reason they came around was because I had a hot brother and a powerful family, plus they got to experience the trips, the horseback riding and everything.”

“Then why did you invite them to your party?”

“Well it wouldn’t be much of a party if no one was here, would it?” she shrugged.

“So what is up with the boy? If you don’t trust any of them why were you trying to hook up with him?” I tried to hide the anger, but it was hard when it came to her wanting someone else.

“Rick is a nice guy and had nothing to gain from being with me. He has everything I have and more. He is naturally popular, smart, handsome and wealthy too. He’s the kind of guy I thought I could see myself ending up with.” she said awkwardly.  I shouldn’t have asked question I didn’t want the answer to. I didn’t like it at all. She seemed to still care for him.

“You don’t see yourself with a guy like me, do you?” I had to know if she was any closer to making a decision about us. I thought I was winning her over. We shared kisses and though I wanted more we were still recovering, so it wasn’t a good idea. She was always smiling at me.

“It doesn’t matter what happens between us because I’m leaving to go away to school in New York and our relationship will fall apart in time.” she added, as she got up from the couch. I wanted to punch a fucking wall. She wasn’t ready for me and really had no plans of being with me. I helped to her room and said goodnight as I felt the pain in my heart.  “Good night Mike.”

Mike had just walked me to my room and left. I felt like a fool. I was madly in love with him, but he didn’t try to talk me out of going to New York for school. I already had plans and I couldn’t just give them up without reason. He didn’t give me a reason like I hoped he would. I guess he really didn’t feel that strongly about me. I went to bed that night resigning myself to my fate resting in New York trying to recover from my first broken heart.

I was about to make my way downstairs when I overheard Jackson and Mike talking outside the door.

“Listen, I need you to stay here and hold down the fort for me. I have to go back to Seattle and handle some issues. They found the fuck and you know I have to make sure my girl is safe. Please protect her and the rest of my family.”

“You know you don’t need to ask twice. Are you sure you are going to be okay going alone? I could leave Milo here to look after the girls.”

“No man, I need the both of you to look after all of them. I thought you would want to stay here. You seem to be spending a lot of time with my sister.” Oh my, Jackson noticed Mike’s attention to me.

“She’s a nice girl after you get passed her biting attitude, but no when the coast is clear I’m going back to Boston.” I stepped back as I heard that. I clutched my chest as it ached. I thought the tears I shed last night after his lack of concern were over, but the fact that he was leaving for good brought them back. I limped to the shower and got control of myself.

It took the rest of the day to feel normal again. It was late when my mom came into the room to tell me I had a visitor. She helped me down the stairs and down in the living room waiting for me was Rick.

“Hey Rick, what’s up?” I was glad to see him because even though he thought we couldn’t be together he still cared enough to stop by.

“I wanted to see how you were doing. I know we ended what we had, but I needed to see that you were going to be fine. I know your lug of a boyfriend isn’t going to let that happen, so I just wanted to wish you the best.” We spoke for about ten more minutes before my mom came and brought me my medicine.

It was about two minutes later that they hit me full force. I was suddenly so tired I yawned.

“I’m sorry I must be boring you,” Rick said in embarrassment. Actually we had a very stimulating conversation.

“No you are not. It is these pain pills.” I shrugged

“Yeah your mom did just bring you like five to take.” he chuckled. Why couldn’t I want the less confusing and frustrating guy? No I have to want the guy who wants me one minute then not the next.

“Well I’ll get going. Do you need me to help you up the stairs or anything?”

“No she doesn’t.” Growled an angry Mike, who magically appeared when I hadn’t seen him all morning. He avoided me all day and I was partially glad for it. I wish he would just leave already.

“No, I can handle it myself, but thank you. You are a true gentleman.” I kissed his cheek, and he blushed while I heard a rumbling growl coming from the big ass in the doorway. Rick passed by Mike, but I couldn’t tell what he said to Mike.

I slowly walked to the door, so I could go up to my room, but Mike wouldn’t let me pass, and before I could argue I was in his arms as he carried me up the stairs.

“What the hell is wrong with you, you big buffoon? You are going to tear your stitches.” I shouted out of concern.

“Don’t worry about me, little girl. You obviously didn’t when you kissed him.” He said with venom dripping from every word. We reached my bedroom door, he opened it, walked in before he decided to he put me down.

“You know you are a confusing ass. What does it matter if I gave him a kiss on the cheek? You don’t want me anyway. You are going back to Boston.” Before I could react he pinned me against the wall.

“I don’t want you? How many pills have you taken? I told you to make a choice about us and you tell me you are going to New York and saying our relationship would fail. I took that as your choice. What am I supposed to do, wait around while you have your lover boy with you, following you around like a lost puppy?”

“What am I supposed to do, drop everything for a man who thinks I have a bad attitude and can’t make up his mind? That isn’t a very bright thing to do.” I was starting to get tired from the pills and the heartache I suffered. Mike noticed the fatigue and carried me to bed.

“Sleep.” he commanded.

“That’s it! That is what you tell me I should do?” I was pissed.

“I want you to make your mind up about us. Unless you are certain I’ll not make a move.” I sat up in the bed and decided I needed to make my move. If that was what was holding him back then, fine I can fix that, easy. I used my hands and pulled his tie until he was an inch away and leaned in the rest of the way planting my lips on his. I was too ashamed when he did nothing, so I pulled back, but he must have been shocked because the moment I pulled away he pulled me back and his lips gripped mine, while his hands wrapped around me.

Our lips were moving in a hurried fashion. I felt my back hit the mattress as I opened my mouth, allowing his tongue to enter and caress mine. Our tongues intertwined as he lay softly on top of me his chest pressing against my aching breasts. My hands moved into his rich thick black hair. I moaned in his ear as he pulled away from my lips and kissed my neck. I felt him bite down, and I purred. He moved back to my mouth possessing it like it was his to claim. I was so wet, with desire. That was when I could hear footsteps in the hall and we had left the bedroom door wide open. He jumped right off me. When he helped me sit right in the bed I could see that it was Milo passing by just shaking his head.

“Next time, can you two keep the door closed? I personally don’t care, but I think your father or Jackson might.” he said, as he continued to shake his head and continued walking.

“Get lost Milo.” Mike said, as he closed the door. I thought he was going to continue with our kissing, but I was mistaken.

“Zoey, I want you. I need you to know that, but we need privacy. I plan on loving you all night. Just so you are prepared, tomorrow I’m coming for what’s mine. You will have no doubt of who you belong to.”

“What if I refuse to open my door?” I arched my brow in challenge.

“Then I won’t be back. If you open the door all bets are off.” I could feel my panties getting wet from the excitement. I wouldn’t refuse him. My only thought was, ’Should I tell him I’m a virgin or does he already know?’ His next words answered it for me.

“Just so you know I’m going to make you forget anyone who came before me, like you’ve made me forget anyone before I met you.” He opened the door, walked out and closed the door behind him. I was just about to fall back on the bed when he opened it back up, “Good night princess.” He gave me a wink and was gone.

The moment my head hit the bed, I breathed out a harsh breath and absorbed what just happened. I smiled as I stared up at my ceiling, Elizabeth was right a man like Mike is perfection. The kiss was the best I had ever had. It was full of the passion I craved when I looked at him. It took a long time to fall asleep as I thought about what he wanted from me. Was he serious, he claimed he wanted more than just sex or was this a strong lust he had for me? Would it pass once he had a taste or would it be what he wanted to have forever? I knew there was no doubt I was going to open the door for him. My parents were going on a date tomorrow and Jackson was leaving, so that left just Milo with Elizabeth here.