Smitten (12 page)

Chapter Fourteen

Hunter-

This one was going to be a piece of cake. I had the truck to myself this time, Ripper trusting me to go out on my own this go around. I did as he’d taught, driving through some of the classier parts of town looking for vehicles parked in illegal loading zones. Ripper
explained that rich people were lazy. Either they don’t care about parking tickets, or they think they’re entitled to closer parking. No one would think anything of a tow truck picking up a car parked there.

We’d stolen several that weren’t parked illegally too.
It appeared the general public turned a blind eye to vehicles being towed. He had quite the racket going on here. Seth and Nick worked for different garages too, so the trucks were rotated. It seemed no one had a clue about what he was doing, either. No one but me, that was.

Now I was in on the action, growing closer to the guys all the time. They were still pretty tight
-lipped about anything to do with Manny, though. That made me a bit suspicious, like they were trying to hide something, which only made me more determined to wheedle it out of them. It was time to finish this and bust these guys. I was beyond tired of watching someone else manhandle my girl, and lately Roberta seemed to be really into kissing me whenever Cami was around. If I didn’t know better, I’d think she was jealous of her.

I pulled in front of the bright
-yellow Porsche resting halfway in the red fire zone and backed up to it. I dropped the yoke and slid it under the vehicle, clamping before lifting the hydraulic arm and driving away. I hadn’t even stepped a foot out of the truck, and I’d stolen the car in less than a minute. It was almost too easy. Someone was going to walk out to the sidewalk and get a big shock when they found their car missing.

I drove back to Ripper’s warehouse, being sure to take the streets that would have the least amount of traffic on them. I called him on the phone right before I got there, so they’d know to open the doors.
Ripper was waiting, lifting the garage doors on the backside of the building as soon as I flashed my headlights in the prearranged signal. I drove into the lit space, and they closed the door to the well-camouflaged building behind me.

I noticed Cami immediately. She was sitting at an old desk with her schoolbooks spread out o
n the top, a pen stuck into her hair, busy typing away at the computer. She’d become a fairly permanent figure around here, something I was both happy and upset about. I loved being able to see her, but constantly worried about her safety. Ripper had kept his distance from her like he’d promised—not pushing her to do anything she didn’t want to. It didn’t stop him from kissing her, though, and I often had to watch the two of them snuggling together. He practically doted on her, always super attentive to anything she needed.

This past week of observing them had left me feeling murderous most of the time. I often had to leave the room when he kissed her, teasing and playing with her until she kissed him back. He was determined to bring her out of her shell
, and it drove me insane. I knew she was only acting her role and doing it to protect me, but I suddenly understood how she felt about watching me with Roberta. This lie wasn’t easy for either of us to live, and I often caught her staring at me longingly before she’d quickly glance away.

“Looks like you got a beauty,” Ripper said approaching the vehicle as I got out, tearing my gaze away from Cami.

“Yeah, another sucker parked in a loading zone. When will people learn?” I shook my head, and Ripper laughed, coming to drape an arm around my neck.

“I knew you’d make a great addition to the team. Congrats on your first solo run.”

I chuckled. “Thanks. It was almost anticlimactic, though.”

“Why’s that?” Ripper questioned.

“I don’t know,” I said with a shrug. “I guess I always imagined stealing cars as being much more of an undertaking.”

“You’ve been watching too many old
TV shows, dude.” He laughed again. “We’re high-tech around here with all the latest technology.”

“Well, I hope the garage owners never catch on to what we’re doing with their trucks. We’d be in a lot of hot water.”

“Don’t worry about it. If they haven’t caught on by now, they aren’t gonna. We’ve been at this for quite a while. It’s down to a science by this point.” He waved his hand. “Follow me. I have some cash for you. We made a bundle off those cars we stole last week. The parts we chopped also brought in more than I’d expected.”

“Seth, Nick, and Roberta are back from Vegas?” I asked, as I followed him to the safe by the desk.

“Yeah, they got back about an hour ago. They made some good deals.” He stopped to twirl out the combination. “They’re in the kitchen now, grabbing something to eat.”

“How you doing, Sis?” I asked, casually leaning against the top and crossing my arms.

She smiled and let out a deep sigh. “I’m overwhelmed. I can hardly keep up with all these class assignments. I think maybe I bit off more than I can chew.”

I shook my head. “Not possible. Everyone knows you’re the brains of the family.”

She gave a little snort as she stared back at the computer. “Hardly.”

“You know it’s true. Is there anything I can help you with?”

“No. Thanks, though. I’ll get through it eventually.” She continued typing, and it annoyed me that we had to pretend we weren’t thrilled to see each other.

Ripper stepped toward me holding a wad of cash. “Here you go. This is your cut.”

My eyes widened in surprise. “Wow, that’s a lot of money. I didn’t think it’d be so much.”

He smiled widely. “The guys we deal with are big money with mob connections. Plus, sometimes we throw in a
n extra incentive. We get some pretty good bonuses off that.”

“Incentives?” My attention was immediately perked. Was Ripper dealing in other goods I needed to know about? “Like what?”

He chuckled. “You’ll find out soon enough.”

“Dude, tell me now if you’re into the drug scene. I can’t be a part of that. My brother is messed
up bad because of that shit.” I stared him down seriously.

He kept smiling and shook his head. “There’s no drugs, bro. I promise. The incentives we give don’t affect you or your part in all this.”

“You know, you all could go to school and get an education like normal people.” Cami gave us both a disapproving look. “Then you wouldn’t have to be tied to this risky business.”

Ripper slipped his arms around Cami’s shoulders and kissed her cheek. I felt my insides crawl as I forced myself to remain still. “What’s the matter, sweetheart?” Ripper teased. “Are you worried we’re gonna get hurt?”

Cami locked eyes with me. “Of course I am. No girl wants to hear her brother and . . . the guy she’s dating are messing around with the mob. It’s too dangerous. There’s got to be better ways to make money.”

“You won’t think so when I give you things like this.” He reached into his pocket and pulled out a sparkling diamond tennis bracelet
, laying it on the desk in front of her.

Cami sat unmoving for several seconds as she stared at it. It was amazing how little Ripper actually knew about her. She’d never been a girl whose head was turned by shows of wealth. She slowly reached out and traced her finger
across the length of it. “Is it real?” Her voice was soft and she didn’t look up.

“Yes,” Ripper replied, lifting her arm so he could clasp it around her wrist. “Nothing but the best for my girl.”

It took all my willpower not to protest his possessive words.

“I can’t accept this,” Cami said, finally looking up at him.

“Why not?” Ripper seemed confused.

“Because it’s too much, too soon. What does a college girl like me need diamonds for?”

“You’re over thinking this, Cami. Just accept it as a token of my affection for you.”

I almost snorted. There was no doubt in my mind he was trying to bribe his way to better things. He expected something in return
, and I knew exactly what that something was.

She glanced briefly from him to me
, and I gave her a nearly imperceptible nod to go ahead, hating that she had to accept it to keep our cover. She looked at Ripper and gave him a tight smile. “Okay, thank you. This was very generous of you.”

He
bent and kissed her forehead. “Like I said, nothing’s too good for my girl.” She stood and he hugged her.

She responded loosely. “I’ve got to run to the restroom real quick,” she said apologetically. “Too much soda.” She gestured to the forty-four ounce drink on the table and left.

We both watched her walk out of the bay.

“Damn that chick is fine,” he said appreciatively. “You weren’t kidding about her being nervous. I sure wish I could get her to loosen up a little more.”

“Still my sister, dude,” I said, pocketing the money he’d given me. “Thanks for this,” I added hoping it would distract him from further comments about Cami.

“No problem. I think I’ll
sell this car you got tonight as-is.” He walked around it, surveying it closely. I’m going to move it into the shop next door, get these plates off it, and start taping it for a new paint color.”

“Sounds good. I’ll be over to help you in a bit. I’m going to find Roberta real quick and let her know I’m here. Here’s the keys.”

I tossed them to him as I headed across the room. The tow truck engine roared to life behind me, and I hit the button to open the garage door. I waited for him to clear it and then shut it again, making sure to press a button that would open the far bay door for him also.

He’d be busy for a
while now, and I was determined to have a moment alone with Cami.

Chapter Fifteen

Cami-

I opened the door into the bay and felt a hand roughly close around my upper arm. I gasped as Hunter shoved me up against the wall, pinning me there with his body
as his lips descended to mine. His mouth assaulted, laced with possessiveness and desperation as his tongue invaded, sweeping inside with delicious abandon. My knees shook, and I fisted his shirt in my hands, trying to pull him closer as I drowned in the sensations he was creating inside me.             

This is dangerous!
My brain shouted, reminding that Ripper could walk through the door any second and catch us. The thought quickly left as one of Hunter hands tangled in my hair, and the other drifted down my body. A soft moan escaped from me, and he growled in return, pressing harder.

“I can’t take this anymore,” he whispered harshly against my lips. “Seeing you in his arms—watching him touch you. It’s driving me insane. I want to rip him apart.” He claimed my mouth again, denying me any chance to reply, but I didn’t care. I didn’t want him to stop—I wanted him to continue his ravishing. My blood pounded in my ears, rushing with both fear and desire as I continued to clutch at him, desperate to keep this connection. Heat streaked through my veins and threatened to melt every part of me
 . . . I couldn’t get enough.

“Cami, where are you?” Ripper’s voice floated in from the hall, interrupting the moment
, and Hunter released me abruptly, stepping away, his breathing rapid as he stared hotly.

“You are
mine
,” he whispered, glancing once over me before he swallowed thickly, then fled the room through the far door that led outside.

My legs felt like gelatin as I quickly stumbled back to the desk and sat down at the computer, trying to slow my breaths.

“There you are,” Ripper said, peeking inside with a puzzled look. “Didn’t you hear me calling for you?”

I shook my head. “No, sorry. I think I’m coming down with a migraine or something. I don’t feel very well.” It wasn’t really a lie. All of this pretending was starting to get to me.

Ripper’s eyes narrowed for a moment, and he studied me as he walked over.

I felt my heart rate click a notch
higher. Were my lips swollen? Could he tell I’d been kissing Hunter?

“You do look a bit flushed. Why don’t you go lie down in my room?”
He said it casually enough, but there was no way I was going to cross that boundary. I needed to keep as much distance as possible between us. I felt sick every time he touched me.

“Actually, I think I may go home, if that’s okay with you. I’ll take some medicine and go to bed. I have a lot of homework due tomorrow, so I’ll need to get
up early and finish it.”

Ripper rubbed a hand against my face. “Whatever you need, baby. It’s okay with me. I’ll probably be working on this car for a while anyway. Call me in the morning, okay?”

“I will,” I promised, standing and grabbing my purse off the desk. Ripper turned my face toward his and placed a kiss against my lips. It was all I could do to not start weeping. I didn’t want to kiss him. I only wanted Hunter. I hated all this faking, but it had to be done. I’d do anything required to keep Hunter safe.

Quickly, I gathered my books, and Ripper walked me outside. I couldn’t help glancing to the bay next door where Hunter was bent over the dash of the new car. It looked like he was replacing the VIN plate. Ripper scavenged salvage yards to get bogus numbers off other vehicles that might match new models they brought in. He really had thought of everything
, and I hated knowing as much as I did about this illegal business. Even though the police were involved, it still made me feel guilty and dirty, as if I were doing something I shouldn’t be.

“Taking off already, Cami?” Hunter asked, looking at me casually as if nothing had happened between us.

“Yeah, I have a headache and a ton of homework,” I hoped my voice wasn’t shaking.

“Feel better,” he replied before turning his attention back to the vehicle.

“Thanks,” I mumbled as I continue to my car, wishing I could tell him goodbye properly. Ripper opened the door for me, and I slid inside, fumbling to get the keys into the ignition.

“Call me if you need anything.”

“Okay, thanks.” I started the car, and he shut the door so I could drive away. I made it through the alley and out to the stop sign on the street before my phone buzzed. I checked it, seeing a text from Hunter.

I love
U
.

I texted him right back
.
I love U 2
.
Then I started to cry.

The old theater felt the same—pretty but sad, as if it were unable to get past its own nightmarish history. I drug my hand across the yellowed wallpaper as I walked down the red-carpeted aisle toward the stage. I paused to stare at it before gingerly walking up the steps.

The heavy curtains suddenly parted
, and I snapped my head around, wondering who was with me. A spotlight suddenly flooded out from the back wall, blinding me, and I lifted my arm to shield myself from it.

“Who’s there?” I called out, my voice shaking. I could see the silhouette of someone sitting in the audience.

“Sing, Cami,” a familiar voice said quietly. Strains of music filled the air, but I couldn’t sing. Something wasn’t right. I had to get out of here.

I ran down the steps and sprinted up the aisle toward the giant doors
, eager to escape the shadowed watcher. I reached the doors, frantically twisting the knob, but it wouldn’t budge. Banging my fists against it, I started screaming.

“Help me, please! Someone help me!
”

Something heavy hit me, knocking me to the floor
, and I felt the breath whoosh out of my lungs. I opened my mouth to scream, but nothing came out, and I felt like I was suffocating.

Clay’s face suddenly swam into focus as he pinned me to the ground. “What’s the matter, Cami?” he asked, his expression a mask of concern. “Why do you need help?”

“Get off me!” I ordered as I twisted about beneath him.

“Why? What wrong?” he asked again. He dipped his head and began kissing my neck.

“Help me please!” I called out again in a panic, tears leaking from my eyes.

The thick doors burst open and Hunter rushed inside. Relief poured through me as he dragged Clay away, the two of them fighting desperately over Hunter’s gun.
I jumped at the sound of a shot firing. Clay fell to the ground, a pool of blood spreading beneath him.

“Cami?” Hunter swung around to face me, breathing heavily. “Cami? Are you okay?”

Relief flooded through me as he ran toward me. Suddenly, another shot rang through the air. Hunter stiffened, a surprised look on his face. Two more shots rang out, and he looked down at the blood pouring from his chest.

“I’m sorry, Cami,” he said
, and the same red fluid started running out his mouth. He fell to his knees, then hit the floor, revealing Ripper holding the smoking gun behind him.

“Hunter!” I screamed and jerked awake with a gasp. My chest was heaving and tears ran down my face.

With a trembling hand, I turned the clock on my nightstand. Three A.M. A disgusted sigh escaped as I flopped back onto my pillow, running a hand across my sweaty forehead. My temples throbbed, and I rubbed them, trying to ease the increasing headache.

“It wasn’t real. It’s okay. It wasn’t real,” I spoke aloud, trying to give myself a comforting pep talk. The nightmares were starting to come more frequently again. I wasn’t
sure what to do about them, but they were definitely tied to Hunter being on this case. I was more than ready for it to be over and done with. While I was happy to see him and spend time where he was, things were getting stressful, to say the least.

I did not like Ripper. Despite his good looks, every time he touched me
, my skin crawled. It was getting harder and harder to keep acting interested. I knew exactly how Hunter felt, because I felt the same way about watching him with Roberta. She might be his contact, but she was totally into Hunter, that much was plain. I wondered if he was aware of it too, since it seemed impossible to miss.

I needed something to drink. I got up, put on my slippers, and grabbed my water bottle to fill at the fountain
in the hall. Everything was blissfully quiet, though there was some light shining out from under a couple of doors. I wondered if anyone else was plagued with bad dreams too, or if they were simply having late night cramming sessions. I kind of wished I had another girlfriend here, someone I could share my concerns with whenever I needed. I’d been too busy with everything else going on to really make any friends.

I reentered my room and stared at my phone, tempted to call Hunter
simply to hear his voice. I wanted to make sure he was okay, but I didn’t know if he’d be with Roberta. I picked it up and dialed another number instead.

“Cami? Is everything okay?” Russ’s sleepy voice answered.

“I’m fine. Sorry to bother you. I keep having nightmares, and I can’t sleep.”

“You aren’t bothering me. I told you to call me whenever you needed. Talk to me.”

“I keep dreaming about bad things happening to Hunter. I know he’ll do his best to stay safe, but I still worry. These people are criminals, and he’s with them all the time. I can’t even go see him at night because he spends most of his time sleeping at Roberta’s.”

“That’s rough, I’m sure,” he replied sympathetically, still sounding kind of out of it. “How about I come
get you? We’ll find an all-night restaurant somewhere and have a milkshake or something.”

“That sounds marvelous, but I don’t want to drag you out on my account.”

“No worries, really. I’ve been craving a shake for two days. I’ll be there in fifteen minutes. Can you be ready?”

“Yeah, I’ll meet you outside.” I
ended the call and glanced down at the t-shirt and shorts I’d fallen asleep in. They were good enough to wear to a diner, so I quickly rubbed the mascara out from under my eyes, ran a brush through my hair, and pulled it back into a ponytail. Grabbing my purse, I popped a breath mint into my mouth before heading to the lobby.

Staring
out the glass doors, I waited until Russ pulled up in his new pickup, which had been a graduation present from his parents. He was quite proud of it. I hurried out the door and he leaned to open the passenger side for me.

“Hey, buddy,” I said as I jumped inside.

“Hey yourself,” he replied with a wink as he put the truck in gear and backed out of the parking space. “Sorry I was a little longer than fifteen minutes. I had to do my hair.”

I snickered as I stared at the ball cap he was wearing. “Did you now?”

“No. That’s code for I couldn’t find my hat.”

“Ah, I see. You are like the best friend in the whole universe right now
. You know that, don’t you?” I smiled widely at him.

“Yeah, that’s me. I’m always out rescuing chicks from nightmares in the middle of the night.” He laughed and I joined in. “Why didn’t you call Hunter?”

I sighed and leaned my head against the back of the seat. “He’s been under so much pressure lately I didn’t want to worry him anymore. Plus he’s all the way across town. I know he’d feel obligated to jump in his car and drive here to check on me. He’s been spending the nights with Roberta, too, so I figured it would probably upset her if he went running off to me. I guess I didn’t want to rock the boat any more than it already is.”

He glanced at me with concern. “It must be tough for you to watch him with her all the time.”

“You have no idea. She’s stuck on him like glue—at least she is whenever I’m around. It drives me nuts.”

“Does she know you’re his real life girlfriend?”

I shook my head. “No. I think Hunter told her I’m someone he works with. He didn’t want her to know for some reason.”

“That makes sense. I think
he wants to keep as much of his personal life to himself as he can. If things went badly, he wouldn’t want anyone looking for you to get to him.”

“Well, all I know is that it stinks not being able to tell people we’re together. I swear I almost gag every time Ripper lays a hand on me. Between fending him off and watching Roberta and Hunter, I’m almost in a constant state of nausea
. And that’s not counting the mountains of homework I have to do.”

“It’s no wonder you aren’t sleeping well. Your life
’s a complete mess. I’d be nervous too. Sounds like this is a perfect time for you to go out and do something normal.”

“I agree. Thank you.”

“My pleasure,” he replied as he pulled into the parking lot of a nearby Denny’s. We went inside and a waitress greeted us and led us to a booth. There were a couple other tables with college kids there too.

“What
can I get you to drink tonight?” she asked as she handed us menus.

“Actually
, we don’t need menus. We just want to get some shakes,” Russ spoke up.