Breaking The Silence (Fatally Flawed Book 3) (4 page)

Chapter 9

Izzy

              When I return, from taking the quickest shower known to man, I wonder into the kitchen surprised to find only Gunner. Kiersten would normally be out here by now, telling Gunner about every one of my flaws in detail. “Have you seen my sister?” I ask him.

              “Yep, she came out in something completely inappropriate to parade around in, pretending to be hungry. I told her she needed to cover herself up if she wanted to talk to me, then she stormed off into her room calling me every name in the book.” He looks at me with apologetic eyes, studying my reaction.

              “I wish you would have waited until I was out. That would have been awesome to see.” I state, letting him know there are no hard feelings. With Kiersten you either love her or hate her, there is no in-between unless you are family. In my case, I love to hate her, but at the same time love her as a sister. It’s very complicated.

              “I thought we could watch a movie while we wait for the pizza?” He suggests. “I don’t mind that. As long as you are fully aware there will be no touching of anything other than pizza and napkins. Absolutely no fooling around of any kind. I’m just not that type of girl.” I give my declaration with a powerful voice. I need him to know everything I’m saying is truthful, leaving no room for a misunderstanding.

              “Well in that case your pizza is on the way, I’ll see you around.” He starts walking like he is going to the door, but changes directions abruptly and starts backing me up toward the kitchen counter, “do I come off as some horny teenager that can’t control his sexual urges?” His voice has lowered and all the playfulness from his features is gone.

              “Ummm…N N Nooo. I was just making sure we were on the same page.” I stutter out. When the shock of him being so close wares off, I finally get my determination back. Placing my hand on his chest, I push with a good amount of strength, but he doesn’t budge. “I have to admit seeing this feisty side of you does make it hard to not take what I know deep down you want to give me, but I’m a patient man Izzy.” The rest of his statement is cut off from a knock on the door. He takes a few steps back before giving me a sexy smile, “pick the movie, I’ll get the pizza.” Then he walks off in the direction of the door leaving me standing in my kitchen trying to calm down my racing heart. The way he inserted himself into my personal space makes it so much harder to control these damn hormones racing through my body. There is just something about a domineering man that sets my veins on fire.

              I shake the sexual thoughts from my head before walking to the movie cabinet and picking one of my all-time favorites, Frozen. There are several reasons this is a good movie but the obvious one right now is pay-back. I can’t wait to see the reaction on his face when he realizes what I picked.

              He walks in carrying two root beers and one box of pepperoni pizza. He places the two drinks and pizza on the table in front of the couch, just as I hit play on the movie. As soon as the song starts playing, the ice pickers now on the screen, he turns to me with a smile on his face, “my niece loves Frozen, good choice.”

              Ripping off a piece of the cheesy goodness, I take a huge bite smiling on the inside. He doesn’t want me to know the truth but it’s written all over his face when he thinks I’m not paying attention. I knew no man could possibly enjoy this movie. Well you can just suffer buddy like I am with all these unwanted thoughts about your lips.

              After the third piece I am completely full and need a napkin to wipe my hands on. “Do you need a napkin?” I ask him, preparing to get up and get one. He shakes his head no before taking the fingers I used to eat with, one by one, he places them in his mouth swirling his tongue around. Had anyone else told me a story where a man just licked pizza grease off their finger I would call them complete weirdos and tell them it was disgusting, but the way Gunner is staring at me and nibbling on the ends of my fingers has my hormones going from a curious newcomer to full blown horny bitch.

              “Izzy I’m going to break one of your rules if you keep looking at me like that.” He mutters leaning further into me. I start to lower myself onto the couch, my back completely resting against it now. He places both his hands on the sides of my head, holding himself up with his lean arms. Instinctively I lick my lips, wishing for him to break my rules, hoping he places his on mine. He leans in until we a breathing in each other’s air, both staring, waiting on the other’s next move. I throw my stupid rules and caution to the wind, my hormones finally winning their battle.

              The moment my lips touch his I know there won’t be any regrets in the morning. They are so soft, yet masculine at the same time. He licks my top lip, as way of demanding me to let him in. I eagerly obey. My body no longer listening to any reason. He’s slow and sensual at first allowing me to get used to the feel of him. When I start to run my hands through his hair, he deepens the kiss, but still manages to keep his control. I want him to lose it. Just when I’m about to test his restraint further, I hear Kiersten’s voice above me, and its effect on my libido is instant. “Get a room why don’t you.” The blood in my veins go ice cold as I break the kiss.

              “Sorry.” I mutter at the same time I start to fix my crumpled clothing. Gunner is still looking at me with disciplined desire, and that’s when I start to compare him to K.J. Like I do every guy I end up dating. He is strong and domineering like him, but there is a lack of craving in his eyes, that I see in K.J.’s, whenever he looks at me. I know it’s ridiculous for me to compare someone to a man that has never given me the time of day, but I can’t help it. Looking at Gunner, I make a promise to myself, I will not ruin what we could have over a teenage crush that will eventually burn out.

Chapter 10

K.J.

              I follow the officer to an empty waiting room, on the far side of the hospital, currently no mood to sit around and answer unwanted questions. He is banking on the element of surprise. Confident he has managed to catch me off guard. Underestimating me is something everyone does, before learning the hard way not to make the same mistake twice. I knew he would be here tonight, just like I’m certain he isn’t here to learn more about what occurred tonight.

              “You want to go over exactly what happened earlier?” He asks. Aware that saying too much could potentially cause problems, in the future, I state the obvious. “Bethany was attacked.”

              A look of frustration briefly flashes across his face, “I was told by the officer on the scene she was stabbed in the stomach only once before you arrived.” There is no question for me to answer so I just stay quiet, giving no indication on whether the story is accurate. “I would say that is pretty good timing on your part.” He says, hi tone full of accusation.

              “Not really.” I declare, not hiding the anger in my voice from not making it to her on time.

              “Let’s cut the bullshit Kade. You and I both know you were not there by chance. As a matter of fact, there seems to be a trail of missing people you have left behind in your wake. I have no evidence to prove my theories on those, but it just so happens we found a John Doe, not far from a group of abandoned storage sheds, that appears to have been skinned alive.

              I make sure to keep my stare blank. Any reaction at this point will only cause more problems for me, but inside my blood is boiling with a barely controlled fury. There must be a rat amongst Lorenzo’s men. How else would he know about the storage sheds?

              “I know who you work for. What you do.” He says with a confidence. “I also know that without you, Lorenzo’s empire would fall, and I won’t rest until you are rotting away in a cell where you belong.”

              Crossing my arms over my chest, I take a step toward him. “If I’m as dangerous as you claim, where is your partner. Why come alone?” I ask, wanting to see the look on his face when he realizes I know more about him than he thinks.

              “He had other leads to follow.” He states, out gazes still locked.

              “If it’s information on me you’re after, you’ll get nothing out of her.” I say.

              “Your confidence will be your down fall.” He declares before walking off. Not letting him get too far away, I turn around and shout out, “tell your wife congratulations for me.” I arrogantly say. “A new baby in the house is something to celebrate.” 

              He stops mid step, a look of fear briefly flashes across his face, before he is able to hide it. Having made the first impression, I wanted, I dismiss him by walking away. That’s right, asshole. You will never have the upper hand when it pertains to me and my life.

              On the way to Bethany’s room I see Jasper, in the waiting room, stress from tonight evident in his posture. Sitting in a chair, too small for his frame, he is staring at the floor. I’m able to go unnoticed, as I approach him, until purposely making my footsteps heard.

              He looks up, eyes full of dread, “You alright?” I ask.

              “That’s what I should be asking you.” He declares, glancing at my injured shoulder.

              “How’s Bethany?” I question, not wanting to discuss an injury I’ve dealt with many times before.

              “She lost the baby.” He mummers in a monotone voice. Hearing the news that she lost the baby is enough to have me turning around. Determination coursing through my veins. Knowing how happy Dalton was, and recognizing all this is happening because of someone that is determined to ruin me, is more than enough to send me over the edge.   

              “I’ll come back in the morning.” I announce before walking away.

              “K.J. wait.” Jasper yells out.

              I turn back toward him, watching as he takes the few steps toward me, “I thought Izzy had told you brother. I’m sorry for dropping the news on you like that.” There is nothing left to say. I was not focused enough tonight, and Dalton payed the price. I walk away from Jasper with thoughts of revenge running through my mind. Anthony Johnathan will not hurt another person I care about.

Chapter 11

K.J.

              I stroll into Lorenzo’s office interrupting a meeting he’s having with, his successor, Santiago. He is sitting behind his oak desk, while Santiago stands in front of it. The two look so much alike you would think they were brothers. With their thick black hair, black eyes, and natural tan all Cubans have.

              “How?” I ask, knowing he will know exactly what it is I am referring to.

              “Santiago give us a minute.” Lorenzo says easily dismissing his business partner. This should come as no surprise to Santiago. Lorenzo only tells him what he thinks he needs to know. There is no true partnership. He is just another puppet to Lorenzo and judging by the look on his face he is starting to realize it.

              “I have killed men for far less then barging into my office.” He states once Santiago is out of the office. He seems to think I am still that scared little boy he was forced to take in.

              “I have tortured men for looking at me wrong, what’s your point?” I ask.

              “I don’t know how the cops found the buildings, there must be a rat amongst us. I have someone working on sniffing them out. Until then, I need you to stay low. I’ll have Diego take over your targets.”

              “Where is London?” I question. If this Agent Marks decides to go further back and look into her disappearance that could mean bad news for all of us. No one in my group knows exactly what happened to her or that I had her abducted and sold to the highest bidder.

              “She’s in Rio with her new owner. Learning to keep her mouth shut and legs open. Apparently she is a fast learner. Raymond says she has learned quicker than most.”

              “I’m going to be off the radar for a while. When you find the rat call me.”  I declare before turning around to leave his office. “Don’t barge into my office unannounced again.” He shouts to my retreating back. Smiling inwardly, I think about the day I will ultimately force him to experience the pain and agony he once showed me.

              Arriving at my next stop, with less than five minutes to spare, I stride into the nursing home. The receptionist at the desks looks me over, eventually asking me my name. “Charlie Ward.” I state. With a few clicks to her computer, she comes across the fake name, “follow me, Mr. Ward.” She orders.

              This place isn’t your typical shit hole nursing home. Here they have colorful flowers. Trying to make the smell of death less prominent. Framed photographs on the wall show different activities that have taken place between the elderly living here. The orderly walks me to a door in the middle of the hallway. Stopping in front of the door she gives me a small smile before walking away. I waste no time at all entering the room of my new friend, Maggie. 

              She is lying, on the bed, peacefully asleep. Oblivious to the threat that is now in her room. When it comes to protecting what is mine there is nothing I wouldn’t do. Including using someone’s dying mother against them. I take a seat on the reclining chair, next to her bed, and wait for her next visitor to arrive.

              It doesn’t take long before the door opens, and I am looking into the eyes of Sabastian. Quickly hiding the shock in his eyes, he shuts the door quietly, before making his way to the other side of the bed. “They were right about you.” He states, now staring at my hand that is holding a syringeful
l
 
o
f pancuronium bromide.

              “Start talking.” I say, standing to my full height.

              “Anthony hired me to follow you and your family around. I was told to keep track of your comings and goings, place a few photos here and there, and stay hidden.” He replies, glancing at his mother. I take the syringe and stick it into Maggie’s I.V. He’s not telling me the truth, and I am running out of patience.

              “Alright, Alright.” He hollers out. “Your father and I go way back. I was there when he met your mother, before he went to prison. Him and Lorenzo have always fought over territory and drugs. Now that Anthony is out he wants his old territory back and the only thing standing in his way is Lorenzo.”

              “Why come after me and my family?” I ask.

              “You were raised by his enemy. He no longer sees you as blood. In his eyes you are the reason people won’t take him serious anymore. Killing his own son will make him look all the more brutal.

              I remove the syringe’s needle from the I.V taking a step back. “Just let me say my goodbyes.” He pleas, while looking me in the eyes. He knows the opportunity to talk was to save his mother, not himself. As he is leaning over to whisper something in her ear, I stab him in the neck, releasing the poison into his blood stream. The side effects are almost instant, Sebastian grabs his neck, stepping away from the bed he falls to the cold floor. Every muscle in his body is now paralyzed, making it impossible for him to move, his diaphragm no longer working. Stepping over his body, happy with the new information, I leave him to die alone and helpless on the old tiled floor.