Repossessed (17 page)

There was no turning back now. Consequences be damned.

“You know, if you let people get to know you, they might find out you’re not such a burly bear,” she whispered between kisses.

She’d gotten chatty. He’d have to remedy that. “My attitude keeps the crazies away.”

“But what about acting nice—” She tried to speak and only managed to gasp. “That tongue of yours is the bane of my existence.”

“I enjoy putting him to work.” He turned her around so her back faced him. A much better position for what he had in mind. His hand left her waist to trail up to her breasts. Gently, he rubbed his fingertips over the nipples, grazing them again and again. Her gasps excited him, hardening him even faster. She was so soft, so warm. He couldn’t help thrusting forward, attempting to position her legs for spooning.

Rob whispered an incantation for “protection.” There was nothing more reliable than a spell-based condom that wouldn’t break. His uncle reminded him at length before he’d entered the service that no magical
oops
were allowed.

She hissed as he slid into her wet warmth. He tried to go slow. Maybe even build a rhythm to give her the pleasure she’d given him last night.

“Rob!”

He squeezed his eyes shut in agony. She called his name again and again, tightened around him until he wondered if he’d finish quickly. Damn, she felt so good.

“You want it harder?” he whispered at her neck. He quickened his pace, unable to hold in the curse that slipped through his lips.

They soared higher and higher, cresting at some unknown peak again and again. He whispered words in Korean she wouldn’t understand—that she was his flower, his perfect moon—but that didn’t matter. The only important thing was that she was here with him. Overwhelmed with emotion, he stiffened with another climax as she reached her own release.

Slick with sweat, they lay quietly for some time before he withdrew. Instead of pulling her into his arms, he propped himself up on the pillows and glanced down at her.

She smiled back at him. A sweet expression he wanted to remember for the long days to come. Just her, lying like this with him.

Tessa reached for him, gripping his shoulders before grabbing his waist. Her hand kneaded his muscles—far too roughly. Pain shot through his side—an area that had been pain-free for the last couple of days.

He pulled back briefly. “Please don’t do that. I need some recovery time.”

“You’ve had a whole night.” Her hand moved to caress his chest before pulling him into a hug.

The pain that came again was sharper than he’d expected. He’d wasted far too much energy last night. He cringed as she brushed against the muscles of his ribs.

“Sorry!” she blurted.

Her eyes formed slits. Cautiously, she touched his skin. “Rob, you should really get that checked out.” Her fingers tentatively touched the area.

Before he could stop her, she discovered the hidden layer of magic. Rob recoiled and sat up, but it was too late.

She squinted, attempting to unfold the spell he placed on his midsection.

“Don’t,” he warned through clenched teeth.

He’d worked so hard to bind his midsection like a corset. All he could do was stare at the ceiling. Damn, what could he say now? What he had wasn’t a minor sprain.

“Tessa, there’s something I need to set right with you.”

She looked horrified. “Are you marr—”

“No, I’m not married. Why would you think that?”

“In my business, when most men are hiding something, it’s usually another woman.”

He shook his head, not meeting her eyes. “It’s not another woman.” He paused. “Remember when I left you after the fight at the bar?”

She nodded.

He released the folds of magic around his middle and they dissipated. Layer after layer around his midsection. It was both freeing and quite painful.

“I went down to the Bethesda Naval Hospital for treatment. For an injury I received during a rescue and recovery mission a few months ago back in South America.”

“An active duty mission—as in one for the Navy SEALs?” Her whole body clenched against him. “I thought you weren’t in the military anymore?”

Rob bit his lip and he stared at the far wall. “I didn’t want my aunt and uncle to think I’d have to suddenly up and leave. I just wanted to help them out while hiding my problems.”

He said a final incantation. In moments, the veil over his injury cleared. He didn’t need to look down to see what her wide eyes took in: A large scratch marred his skin under his chest muscle to curve toward his ribs. Bruises were a mottled yellow in places. Stark white bandages were draped around his middle. A costly hour with a local wizard had only done so much.

“I’ve been doing repo jobs at night and reporting to the hospital for treatment once in a while. I’ll be going back to Fort Briggs as soon as the doctors sign off.”

Anger practically boiled off her skin. “You lied to me.
To everyone
.”

His head dropped. “Tessa, I—”

“No. Don’t try to explain.” She scooted away from him.

He tried to reach for her and he winced.

Damn it all to hell. This moment should’ve been funny. They should’ve laughed it off while he groaned in pain, but not everything worked out that way. He should’ve trusted her and told her he was active duty and on medical leave.

And now the look of pain in her eyes was one he wanted to take away.

What a fool she was. Tessa gave into this fantasy for the moment, hoping Rob would offer her something different. But like some of her matchmaking clients, he withheld the truth until it suited him. “I knew you were rough around the edges, but I didn’t suspect you to be a liar.” She left the bed, searching for her clothes.

With clenched teeth, he stood and snatched her pants away. The mask on them had faded overnight. “I think you’re overreacting. I haven’t lied to you.”

“Lied—withheld. It doesn’t matter. All I know is that I can’t deal with this right now.” She pushed him out of the way. “Move!”

She knew this would happen. This revelation was punishment of some kind. She was already failing at her business. Why not screw up a relationship, too?

Not only had Rob lied to her, but even worse, he’d lied to his
family
. His poor aunt had no idea that her nephew was active duty and soon he would need to leave. As to when, she didn’t know how the system worked. Probably not any time soon since he was in pretty bad shape. One thing she did know was that once Rob left, he wouldn’t be around to support his aunt and uncle.

Her thoughts flashed to his aunt. A woman she’d gladly place above her own Aunt Daisy.

“I need you to let me to explain myself.”

“No need. I’ve heard enough.” She grabbed her pants. He didn’t fight her as she dressed.

“I’m trying to hold things off as long as I can. I’m supposed to be convalescing until the hospital clears me to return.”

He grabbed her arm as she tried to pass. “I’m taking a big chance doing my job to help both you and my family.”

“How kind of you,” she said. “Telling the truth should’ve been a chance you had taken, too.”

Tessa left and didn’t bother looking back.

CHAPTER SIXTEEN

Dating Tip #5: Grow from the positive and negative dating experiences. And ladies, be sure to remove that chastity belt. Nothing says, “I’m not playing the field,” more than a medieval device used to barricade horny knights.

Why did the pain of betrayal always sear so deep? Deep enough to make her wonder if she’d ever dig herself out?

Tessa thought her dad knew how to do a number on her. Rob evidently worked just as hard. It was on early mornings like this one that she couldn’t help but think about a corner similar to the one where she stood now. She wasn’t waiting for a taxi or a bus at the time.

She was waiting for another man. The first one in her life. She’d been waiting for her father to come pick her up for her rite of passage.

The once-in-a-lifetime event for witches who’d soon leave their homes to be educated in college. She had another year of high school left, but she’d been accepted to attend Northwestern University. She was on the path her parents had set out for her.

A few hours earlier, her mom had said, “Are you sure you don’t want me to take you? I know it’s a father-daughter thing, but I could give you a ride.”

“Dad will show up, Mom. He told me he’s cleared his evening and he’s wrapped up his case load.”

Clark Dandridge was making a name for himself among the supernatural trial lawyers in the Midwest. She’d often heard her father’s name during her grandmother’s dinner parties. He was a man to be respected—especially since he fought for the disenfranchised.

Meet me outside of my office, sweetheart,
his note said.
I’ll be there at six o’clock sharp.

It was seven-thirty and her feet hurt from standing in her heels so long. The fall wind had picked up as well.

Cars passed by on the busy downtown street in Chicago. After all this time waiting, she sensed everyone’s eyes on her. Who was this girl in a pretty red dress? Why did she look at each car with expectant eyes?

Each time a black car approached, her heartbeat sped up. Would it be him this time? Wouldn’t she feel silly that she’d doubted him?

Like all the other times? He’d taught her to stand behind her words. To uphold the truth.

Tessa took a step toward the curb and tried to ignore a growing feeling. Of regret. He
promised
he’d come this time. It wouldn’t be like the other times when her dad had told her he’d leave work early or take her out to eat and not show up.

A black car pulled up. One that she recognized, but the woman who opened the door and ushered her inside wasn’t her father. It was her mom.

She didn’t say a word as they rode to the dance.

Tessa cried the whole way.

The event was everything she’d expected it to be. Minus the man who was supposed to be at her side.

The ceremony at the country club was simple, yet profound. Fathers offered their daughters a gift, one that would prepare them for their journey in the magical world. Most got jewelry, others got rare wands and capes made from exotic materials.

“I’ll get you something tomorrow,” her mom told her. “Something really nice.” Her mom’s kind words touched her, and Tessa tried to hide her disappointment. She was the only girl without a gift. Rather embarrassing with all the money that flowed around her affluent friends.

The dance began and one of the teachers took her hand to lead her to the dance floor. Dr. Parks wasn’t the tallest guy either—the top of his head was at the same level as her eyes, but he beamed at her the whole time. The math teacher’s eyes shined as if to say to everyone, “She’s my daughter tonight.”

If only such things were true.

After the father-daughter dance ended, Tessa sipped her punch and gabbed with her friends.

The evening almost came to a close—then someone lightly touched her shoulder. She turned to see her aunt Daisy.

“What are you doing here?” When she noticed the distraught expression on her aunt’s face, Tessa’s smile vanished.

“Tessa…I’m so sorry.” Daisy swallowed visibly. “We need to talk somewhere else.” Her mother wasn’t standing with the adults anymore. She was by the door leading out of the ballroom, holding both of their coats. Grief was etched in her features.

Something was very wrong.

As her mother led her out, Tessa kept repeating, “What’s wrong, Mom? Is it Dad?”

Had he got in an accident? She should’ve waited a bit longer. Had he missed her and gotten hurt?

By the time they’d reached the hallway outside, her mom broke into tears. Her sobs stabbed into Tessa. “It’s Grandma. She’s gone. She died a half-hour ago.”

The trip home didn’t exist. The house where her family gathered to mourn didn’t exist. All she had left was her family’s love, but even at that moment in time, what she really needed was her dad. And he didn’t bother to exist either.

Clark Dandridge didn’t bother to show up until her grandmother’s will was read.

The ticking clock left Tessa hungry for a repo mission. Ursula’s hard work proved fruitful. After reading and arranging the paperwork for the agency, she managed to determine the contact information of four of the seven warlocks on the list. The intern could alter her voice and contact relatives or old golf buddies, fishing for information on the location or contact details on the missing client.

Tessa was reading the profiles for an upcoming dinner party this week for Clive when the phone beside her rang.

She heard the haggard voice of Rob’s aunt.

“Thank God you answered. I’ve no one else to call.”

“What’s wrong?” Was Rob hurt? A thousand ideas popped into her head.

“Arthur isn’t feeling very well. We were out for a walk in Central Park and he started having chest pains. I can’t get a hold of Rob.”

His aunt’s worried voice sounded strange. The woman’s fright broke her heart.

“It’s not that bad, Matilda. Come sit down with me,” her husband’s voice barked.

She could see where Rob got some of his stubbornness. “Matilda, if he’s having chest pains you should call 911.”

“He doesn’t want to call them. He took a Bayer aspirin and told me not to worry.”

“Sounds like he’s being stubborn.”

“I’d agree. Now, I know you’ve only met us once, but well, I’d hoped you could help me convince him to head to the hospital.”

Arthur’s voice grumbled protests not far from the phone. “I’m feeling a bit better.”

“Then why are you still clutching your chest?”

As they went back and forth, Tessa had already re-arranged her schedule on the computer.

“Matilda, here’s my cell phone number. I’m on my way.”

Twenty minutes later, Tessa found the pair sitting on a park bench not far from 73rd Avenue.

The heat couldn’t be the source of poor Arthur’s sweating. She’d never witnessed a heart attack before, but she knew they shouldn’t take things so lightly.

“How about we catch a cab to head to the hospital real quick?” she asked softly.

“And pay over a thousand for some quack to tell me to take an aspirin? No thanks,” Arthur grumbled.