I put the car in park, leaving the CD player going before turning my attention to her. Lunging at her, I pushed her down onto the seat, crushing her with my weight.

Hozier's "To Be Alone" started to play. Reaching up, I pressed repeat, loving the words of this song, especially with Angel underneath me. Pushing my straining erection against her, I dry-humped her as I dug my teeth into her flesh. Then I ran my tongue over her jugular, feeling the beating of her heart as it picked up its pace.

Her fingers snarled through my hair, tugging lightly as she wrapped her legs around my back. Fighting every urge in me to rip off her clothes, I traced her pulse up her neck, across her chin, and to her mouth before sucking the air from her lungs. Grinding against her and devouring her mouth, I used one hand to undo the top b.u.t.ton of her jeans. I slid my hands inside and groaned as I felt her wetness. Her tiny moans drove me further, and I pushed my fingers inside her. The tight s.p.a.ce caused by her jeans didn't stop me; I needed to feel her, to taste her. As I stuck two fingers inside, my palm rested against her c.l.i.t, her body twitched as I moved them in and out.

She clawed the skin on my shoulders, digging deeper with each stroke of her G-spot. "Don't stop," she moaned, pulling my mouth closer against hers. She pushed against my hand, driving my fingers in further, and rode my palm. Feeling her body begin to shake, I stilled my hand.

"No," she begged, wiggling her body underneath me. "Please," she said against my lips, nipping at my flesh.

"Not yet," I growled, removing my hand from her pants.

My d.i.c.k was about ready to burst, and the feel of her slick c.u.n.t against my skin had me about to explode like a teenager.

"Taste how sweet you are." Setting my fingers between our lips, I used my tongue to lick at her juices.

She stuck her tongue out, tasting herself on my fingers. My eyes started to roll back in my head. The smell and taste of her with her tongue on my flesh was almost too much for me to bear. As I dipped my fingers inside her mouth, she sucked them clean.

Unable to contain myself any longer, I sat up and unfastened my jeans. I pulled out my c.o.c.k between, not bothering to pull my pants all the way down. I just needed enough to stroke her deeply. My body shook as I palmed my d.i.c.k, rubbing it up and down.

Angel scurried, shimmying her jeans down her legs and panting as her eyes stayed glued to my throbbing d.i.c.k. When she pushed her pants to her knees, I grabbed them from the bottom and yanked them off.

"You don't need these." I tossed them in the back seat.

My patience snapped as I reached down and ripped the lace panties off her body. She laughed, throwing her head back as I threw them on the dashboard. Those were staying inside the car as a souvenir.

When I pushed inside her, she wrapped her legs around my back. Her warmth and slickness enveloped my hard shaft as my body began to convulse with pleasure. Unable to stop, I pounded into her. While I braced my arms next to her head, she grabbed my neck and curled her body into mine. The closer she drew to me, the tighter her p.u.s.s.y felt. It sucked the life from my d.i.c.k.

"Yes! Yes!" she wailed, f.u.c.king me back, making the impact that much greater.

This was better than any high school f.u.c.king I had done in this field as a kid. That had been amateurish, child's play. Angel was the real deal, the woman I loved, and the one I'd never get enough of-no matter how long we spent together.

My b.a.l.l.s tightened, my spine tingled, and my d.i.c.k grew harder. I was ready to burst at the seams. She rode my shaft, bouncing up and down on it over and over again, as I sat up and took her with me. Using my hips, I met her thrusts, driving myself as deep as humanly possible without tearing her in two.

"Oh, G.o.d. Almost there..." she moaned, sealing her eyes shut and tipping her head back.

Needing her to crash over the edge, I wrapped my hands around her neck and applied pressure. Angel always got off on choking, and I knew it. I knew her body better than she did. Using her neck as leverage, I pulled her down on top of me, paying careful attention to her airway. As I watched her face turn red and her eyes roll back into her head, I could barely hear her breathing. Then she let out a strangled cry as her c.u.n.t milked my c.o.c.k.

The crushing force of her o.r.g.a.s.m sent me into a mind-numbing and vision-blurring frenzy. I released her neck and pulled her hair, forcing her neck backwards as I sank my teeth into her flesh and emptied myself into her.

As I moaned against her skin, my body convulsed, riding the crest as I came. Panting, I swallowed hard, resting my forehead against her. Her p.u.s.s.y continued to clamp down on my c.o.c.k, her body shaking in tiny aftershocks. Hozier still played on repeat as we clung to each other, trying to catch our breath.

"f.u.c.k," I muttered, dragging my face from her neck. As I backed away, a tiny drop of blood caught my eye. I'd ripped her skin open with my teeth as I bit her. Lost in the moment, I hadn't been paying attention to how hard I had clamped down. "s.h.i.t, baby. I drew blood."

"Am I going to die?" she asked, swallowing roughly on a heavy breath.

"No," I replied, touching the wound.

"That was worth a small cut, Thomas." She sagged against me, licking the sweat off my shoulder.

"Don't start licking me again, Angel. I need a minute." Moving her off my d.i.c.k and out of my lap, I set her on the seat and reached in the back for her jeans. Handing them to her, I said, "You can wear these for now, but I'm not done with you yet."

"I'm all yours, Thomas. Only yours."

About f.u.c.kin' time.

Chapter 18.

Unable to sleep, I ventured downstairs to make myself a cup of hot tea with milk. While I was checking my phone as I waited for the water to boil, a new notification caught my eye. I had text messages from a number I didn't recognize. When I clicked on it, I froze. There were more than one, and the further I read, the sicker I felt.

Unknown: I know where u r, u little s.l.u.t.

Unknown: U can't hide from me 4ever.

Unknown: If u want that boyfriend of yours to stay alive, u better find a way to get some $$$. ASAP.

Who the f.u.c.k has my phone number and how do they know about Tommy?

My hands began to shake violently as I grabbed the teapot. It jiggled in my hand, water spilling from the spout as I tried to pour a cup. The metal clattered against the ceramic mug, sounding like there was an earthquake happening.

After placing the teapot back on the stove before I hurt myself, I stared out the window. I ran down dozens of possibilities. None of them seemed right. I'd never given anyone this number. Work only had my old home phone, the only reason I'd kept a landline.

Unknown: I know you read my messages. I'm giving u 24 hours to respond before I come for both of u.

Sickness overcame me. I threw up in the sink, and tears began to sting my eyes. Struggling for breath, I felt as if my throat were closing, being paralyzed by fear.

This can't be f.u.c.king happening!

For once in my life, s.h.i.t was going well. Life seemed to be filled with possibilities, and now someone was after me. But more importantly, they were after Thomas. He was too good of a man, and I'd brought this to his doorstep. What if they hurt him? I couldn't live with myself if something happened to him.

He had an amazing family that loved him. I had no one. Whether I lived or died was inconsequential in this world, but Thomas mattered to so many.

Feeling my legs begin to shake, I crumpled to the floor, a sob bursting from me. Tears streamed down my cheeks and I felt like I was going to be sick again.

I had known that this s.h.i.t was too good to be true. Why had I let myself dream? I wanted to run upstairs and wake Thomas to let him know about the messages. He'd take care of it-or they'd kill him and come after me. I couldn't risk it. Couldn't risk him. He deserved better than that.

As I cried uncontrollably, my chest felt tight and I tried to catch my breath. Hunched over, I felt dizzy, pounding the floor with my fists. I was p.i.s.sed off. How could this s.h.i.t have happened? Karma sure as f.u.c.k didn't like me. She f.u.c.ked with me every chance she got, and I was always the fool thinking that maybe this time it would be different.

Pushing myself up on shaky legs, I decided to do the only thing I could to keep him safe. I didn't have any f.u.c.king money, and there was no way in h.e.l.l I'd ask Thomas to pay blackmail. He wouldn't do it. He'd get the cops involved, which would just make everything more dangerous. He'd gotten out alive after taking down the Sun Devils, and that s.h.i.t was unheard of in my circles.

I crawled up the steps, unsure if my legs would hold me as I tried to ascend the steep incline. After pulling myself up using the banister, I slid down the hallway using the flat surface. Once I'd pushed the door open, I rested against the frame and watched him. His chest rose and fell in a rhythmic manner while he was totally oblivious to the danger that lurked so close to home. As I opened the door farther, the hinges creaked, but he didn't move. I'd learned in a short amount of time that he was a heavy sleeper-especially after the type of night we'd had after returning from dinner.

Tears dripped down my face as I sniffled and tried to pull my s.h.i.t together. I didn't have any other choice. Sometimes, we have to sacrifice for the good of our partner, and I was willing to go back to my s.h.i.tty existence if it meant he would be okay. He had so much to give, more than I deserved. He'd find someone in the future to make him happy and grow old with, but she wasn't me.

I crept into the closet and grabbed a bag, shoving everything I could inside. As I packed, it dawned on me that I didn't have a f.u.c.king car. How in the f.u.c.k could I leave without any way to get anywhere? They had taxis in the area. They had to. I'd grab a taxi, rent a car, and find my way back to my c.r.a.ppy-a.s.s apartment and my s.h.i.tty job, where men groped me for their pleasure.

"f.u.c.k," I whispered, slamming more clothes in the bag. I didn't want to go back.

Leaning forward, I caught a glimpse of him sleeping peacefully, unaware of the h.e.l.l I felt inside. Frozen, I memorized the picture before me, letting the tears of self-pity fall down my cheeks. After wiping them off, I zipped up the bag and grabbed one of his T-shirts, throwing it on with a pair of jeans. His smell surrounded me as I bent over to slip my tennis shoes on. I inhaled deeply, lingering on his scent before picking up my bag and tiptoeing to the door. Allowing myself one more look, I turned and took in the sight of his hard body with the sheet draped across his abdomen. Resisting the urge to touch him, I walked out the door, leaving it open a crack.

As I walked down the stairs, I looked around, trying to memorize his life so I could imagine him being happy when I was gone. Then, after grabbing my purse off the coat rack, I unlocked the door and headed outside.

"s.h.i.t," I mumbled, knowing I couldn't just leave. I needed to leave him a note or something to help him understand why I had to go. He couldn't wake up and find the house empty. He'd think I didn't leave on my accord, even though he'd be partially correct.

Upon finding a piece of paper on the counter, I scribbled a quick letter.

Thomas, I realized today that I don't fit into your world. We're too different to work. You have an amazing family and deserve a woman who can be everything to you. My heart isn't in it. I'm not the right person for you. Please don't look for me. I don't want to be found. It's best if we end things now before we're both in too deep to realize what's best. Thank you for an amazing time. I'll look back on our time together with nothing but a smile. Your secret is safe with me. I'll never do anything to put you in danger.

Love always, Roxy I couldn't stay here and wait. He might wake and find me. I needed to get as far away from the house as possible and wait for the taxi. There was a gas station at the end of the street on the main road. I'd make my way there and call. Might as well sit around a well-lit location that was easy to find while I waited to be picked up and taken away from the one place where I felt at home.

So I left the note on the island for him to find and went to the front door.

As I walked down the driveway, I kept peeking over my shoulder, silently praying that he'd catch me and force my hand. I didn't want to go.

Stopping when I reached the street, I faced the house and whispered, "I'm sorry." I knew he'd be torn up wondering what the h.e.l.l happened to me. I hoped the note would be enough to stop him from looking for me. I didn't want this all to be in vain.

Looking over my shoulder, I watched the house as it grew smaller until it faded away. The farther I walked, the more I cried. The thought that I'd never see Thomas again made me feel dead inside. What was the use of going on if he wasn't the one I'd be spending my days with?

A car approached from behind, driving slowly and following me. I wasn't a paranoid person, but they were going at almost a snail's pace. Refusing to look back, I kept my eyes forward, watching the light of the gas station grow brighter. The squeak of the brakes sent my mind into overdrive. As I turned to look back, an arm wrapped around my body as a cloth covered my mouth. I screamed, feeling a burn in my throat as I kicked and fought back. My attacker was pulling me backward toward the car as I screamed, flailed, and tried to claw at his hands but failed miserably.

My eyes grew blurry from tears, my throat started to close, and the world around me turned gray. Before I blacked out, I saw the person responsible for this-the person I'd least expected.

Chapter 19.

Without opening my eyes, I felt for her, needing to touch her skin. Sliding over, I searched for her in the darkness, but I found nothing. There wasn't a night that had pa.s.sed where I hadn't been able to pull her against me. Startled, I sat up and looked around the room. Nothing seemed out of place, and the bathroom light was off.

"Angel!" I yelled, waiting for her to respond, but again only silence.

After climbing out of bed, I headed out the door and down the hallway. All the lights in the house were off. Hoping she was in the kitchen, I ran down the steps two at a time and then rounded the corner in the foyer. Darkness everywhere. Flipping on the light, I glanced at the kitchen and saw a sc.r.a.p of paper sitting out where I hadn't left it.

As I walked up to it, I could see my name scribbled across the top. "d.a.m.n it," I said, picking up the piece of paper and reading each word carefully. I had to read it twice because there wasn't a word on the G.o.dd.a.m.n piece of paper that I believed. My heart pounded erratically in my chest as I tried to pull in breaths.

What the f.u.c.k was I missing?

Once I'd jogged into the foyer, I checked the coat rack-her purse was missing. Then I turned toward the steps and took them three at a time. When I made it to the bedroom, I ran to the closet and found half of her clothes missing.

I walked out, sat on the bed, and grabbed my phone. Hitting it against my forehead, I tried to think of my next step. First, I'd send her a message and beg her to come back. She never could say no to me. That's why she'd had to leave while I couldn't stop her.

Me: Angel, come back. We can fix whatever is going on. I love you too much to say goodbye. Give me another chance. Give us another chance.

As I stared at the screen, I held my breath, waiting for a reply. A few moments later, the message showed "read" before she started to type a response.

Thank you, Jesus. She wasn't ignoring me.

Angel: Ur Angel is busy. If you want to see her again and keep your ident.i.ty to yourself, I want 1 million dollars.

I blinked, shaking my head as I looked down at the screen. Then I blinked again. I'd thought I'd read it wrong, but I hadn't. My heart, which already felt like it would burst, started to beat out of rhythm as my chest began to feel tight. Sucking in a sharp breath, I swallowed hard, trying to let the message sink in.

Me: When and where?

As I waited for a response, I paced back and forth in the kitchen like a lion in a cage. If they so much as hurt a hair on her head, I'd f.u.c.king torture them. Either way, they were dying, but it was up to them if it was quick or prolonged agony as they met their maker.

Angel: 48 hours. We'll be in touch.

Without wasting a moment, I opened up my text messages send out a ma.s.s text to my brothers, including James.

Me: Emergency! Be at my house ASAP. Joe grab Pop.

This was a declaration of war. I couldn't go to the DEA or the cops for help. They would say, "I told you so," and just complicate the s.h.i.t out of everything. I needed to keep it on the down low, and I knew my brothers would always have my back.

I ran upstairs, needing to get dressed and be ready when everyone arrived. There was a ton of work to do. Gather intel on her location and possible suspects, get as much ammo and as many weapons as possible on short notice, and come up with a plan.

In the spare bedroom, I went straight for the closet. I had boxes of weapons in there, all secured with locks. I stockpiled anything I could get my hands on. Florida didn't have stringent laws when it came to guns, so anything was possible and available at a price.

After laying each item out on the bed, I checked to make sure they were in working order and empty of any rounds. I knew James had a cache of weapons at his disposal, and I was pretty sure my brothers did as well, even if they were dusty and hadn't been used in a while.

I studied the inventory, staring at the ma.s.s of guns on the bed: Five AR-15s, three Smith & Wesson .44s, two 9mms, a sawed-off shotgun, and a brand-new Sig Sauer P320 pistol. I pulled out the five bulletproof vests I had ama.s.sed while in training and kept on hand for future use, and added them to the collection.

The front door opened and closed before heavy footsteps moved through the house. When I placed my hand on the pistol, I heard Mike yell, "Yo!"

f.u.c.k, I needed to calm down. They weren't going to come back for me. They had what they wanted-whom they wanted.

"Up here!" I yelled back, shaking out my hands and rolling my neck. I needed to loosen up and get control of the situation.

Mike pushed the door opened and whistled. "f.u.c.k, that's pretty. What the h.e.l.l are you doing with all this s.h.i.t?"

"Some people collect figurines. I collect guns. And for the first time, the s.h.i.t is going to come in handy."

He walked up to the edge of the bed, grabbed a .44 from the collection, and checked the chamber. "What the f.u.c.k is going on? Your text had me in a panic, man."

"Angel is gone. I don't know what the f.u.c.k happened, but I got a text demanding money for her life."

"f.u.c.k me," he muttered, pointing the unloaded gun out the window and pulling the trigger.

"Where the f.u.c.k is everyone?" I complained, glancing at my watch.

Just then sound of screeching tires echoed through the room. We left the guns behind, running down the stairs to meet them at the door. James, Joe, Pop, and Anthony were walking toward the door.