Death isnt enough, p.14
Death Isn't Enough, page 14
Noa grabbed his face and stood on tiptoes. It wasn’t close enough. Luke stepped back. Noa jumped, wrapping her arms around his neck, her legs around Luke’s waist.
He dropped the hammer and gripped her thighs, resting his head against hers.
“Baby, look at me. Please.”
Luke rubbed his forehead against hers.
“No secrets. We promised.”
“I can’t do this.”
Noa wrapped her legs tighter around him and placed her hands on either side of his face. Luke backed her up against the wall.
“I want you so much that every part of me aches.” She knew Luke meant it; the pressure of him against her made Noa’s stomach clench. “I read what he did to you and it’s selfish of me to want you. It’s wrong. Noa, I’ve wanted you since we met and every day you make me ache for you. You’re compassionate, strong, beautiful, and you’re everything to me.”
“It’s not wrong.” Noa pressed her mouth against his and licked against his lips until Luke took control of the kiss; dominant and leaving no doubt in her mind.
Noa dug her fingers into his back as Luke thrust against her.
With a growl he released his grip on her thighs. Noa held on. Luke’s eyes met hers and she saw the same need she had before, but it held so much more.
“I’m in love with you,” Luke whispered. “I’ve never felt what I do with you. You’re what I’ve been running from my whole life, but you’re exactly what I’ve wanted to run towards.”
Noa couldn’t control her breathing or the fire burning within her. “I want to take another step.”
He lifted his eyes to hers and Noa reached between them, finding him more than she imagined. As she stroked his length, Luke shuddered and pressed her into the wall.
“Please, Noa. I can’t.” He rubbed his forehead against hers. The throbbing cock in her hand told her differently.
“I need this. Another victory.” Noa lifted her head and against his mouth she whispered, “Luke, I need you.”
His eyes darkened, and he ate at her mouth, keeping his tight grip on her thighs. The sheer act of giving Luke pleasure gave Noa more than she ever thought possible. Before it had always been about her, but with Luke she wanted to give him everything. Every day of her life. Every part of herself.
Noa kept her eyes on his face as the last shudder rippled through him. The intensity resonated through his hands into her thighs. The sight? Mesmerising.
Luke braced himself against the wall, his legs shaking. Noa slid down to the floor, pressing her face to his chest and listened to the thunder in his heart.
“Thank you,” she said. He smiled, and she knew the sight of victory. I’m not broken.
“You’re thanking me?”
“Yes. You don’t understand how big a step this is for me. I’ve never experienced anything like this.” Noa wanted to run her hands up Luke’s beautiful chest and into his hair. “You will never hurt me, Luke Taylor. I might not be ready for everything … yet. You gave me more now than I ever thought possible. My past was wasted because this is ...”
“I know. It’s big.” Luke’s smile was wicked.
“Yes, that too.” Noa’s cheeks heated even though she knew what he meant. “I think we found a better way to relieve stress because at the rate we’re going we won’t have any walls left.”
Luke’s laughter filled her soul. Noa pressed her mouth to his chest. This wasn’t a small step, but a giant leap.
Saturday, 26 June, 6:35 a.m.
Jamie reached for the irritating thing interrupting her sleep. “Edwards,” she mumbled.
Jamie removed Spencer’s arm from around her waist and got to her feet. “I’ll be there as soon as I can,” she said and ended the call.
Spencer reached for her across the bed and placed his hand bellow her naval. “What’s wrong?”
“I need to get Noa. Please take your gun with you today and stay at Lamont until I get home.”
Spencer pressed his lips to her neck. “I would much rather stay in bed the whole day with you. You and the baby need rest and you’re not supposed to be working this weekend.”
“I know, but I’m in the middle of a multiple murder investigation and he – or she – just upped the stakes. This is going to destroy her. Please promise me. Gun. Stay at Lamont.”
“You’re scaring me.” Spencer hugged her.
“Good, because I am scared.”
Chapter 29
Saturday, 26 June, 8:00 a.m.
They strolled into the house hand in hand. King ran in ahead. Noa smiled, watching him sniff every object and surface. It wasn’t lost on her that both of them had settled into life with the Taylors’ far more easily than they had to living on their own. Luke hadn’t missed her comment about them tearing down their walls. He welcomed it, and had teased her as they fell asleep with their bodies intertwined.
Aaron sat at the dining room table reading on his iPad. From the kitchen, Laura called to Madison and the young woman shouted from somewhere in the house.
Noa’s heart clenched. Luke became the man he was today because of the love of this family. She would be forever grateful to them for giving him a good life. For the rest of his life, she’d ensure Luke knew how deserving he was. And how loved.
“Ah, you came to see a man about a horse?” Aaron placed the iPad next to his plate and crossed his arms over his chest.
“Good morning, Aaron. How are you today on this misty morning? Can’t remember last winter being this cold.”
“Weather, Noa? Your response is to talk about the weather when I’m offering you your pick of the horses.” He gestured to the chair to his right and Noa sat. “You know Luke and Maddie’s horses are off limits. Which one will it be then?”
Luke laid a hand on her shoulders and gave a light squeeze. “Tell him which one you want.”
Noa’s head tilted back. “You people are insane. Who gives a horse to someone?”
Aaron cleared his throat. “Do you hear this, son? You people.” He reached for Noa’s arm. “We are your people now. Your family. Giving Jamie’s friend, and Luke’s special friend, a horse is a small welcome to the family gift.”
Luke laughed when Aaron’s eyebrows moved up and down.
Noa touched her face, arms and legs. She poked at the fading bruise on her cheek bone. “I’m not dreaming? You talk of being family when I barely know you, and you me. My own mother never even referred to me as her daughter or us as a family.”
“Do you see the light in my son’s eyes? You’re his light. I knew within the first week of meeting Laura we would get married. Don’t give me any crap about it being too soon or whatever. Suck it up middle daughter.” Aaron pushed to his feet and pulled Noa into an embrace. “You’re my daughter now. I think Maddie has been home too long. I’ve never used the words whatever or suck it up like that in my life.”
Noa wrapped her arms around him and tried to stifle the sobs, but as Aaron caringly rubbed her back, she embraced being called my daughter and being part of this family. Her own father had never called her his daughter. He never had the chance as they’d only met once.
When prompted again about her choice of horse, Noa chose a young thoroughbred mare Laura had saved a few weeks before. The Taylors saved whoever needed saving. Noa was grateful to be one of their rescues.
Laura and Madison joined them, carrying in serving trays filled with scrambled eggs, bacon, croissants and a variety of cheeses. Noa’s stomach grumbled as the aroma filled the room.
“She gets a horse, but I can’t get a new guitar. Not fair. Even with another sister I’m still the youngest. And you know the youngest has to get spoiled rotten. It’s a fact of life.” Madison rested her chin on her fists and pouted.
“I believe sisters help each other. What if I offer to help you write some original songs for your band? I’ve been inspired to write lately.” Noa patted Luke’s leg under the table and watched as a cheeky grin transformed his face.
“You write songs?” Madison jumped out of her chair and nearly strangled Noa by wrapping her arms around her neck.
Noa coughed, tapping Madison’s arm. “Yes, a couple of my songs have been bought by record producers. You may recognise the artists who perform them. But non-disclosure agreements stipulate I can’t divulge any more details.”
“I love you more than Jamie. I swear.” Madison kissed Noa’s bruised cheek.
Noa ignored the pain as the front door opened and King made his way to greet the late arrivals. Jamie entered the dining room, unable to hide the fear in her eyes. Behind her, Spencer didn’t seem to be his usual happy self.
“Mom, Dad, I’m sorry to do this on Maddie’s farewell breakfast, but Noa and I need to leave.”
Noa pushed her chair back. Luke did the same.
Jamie’s focus shifted to her brother. “You can’t come with. If you do, Noa’s safe house might be compromised. We can’t risk it.” Jamie rolled her shoulders and shut her eyes. Spencer wrapped his arms around her.
“What happened?” Noa asked, walking towards them.
“Kim was in an accident last night. Hit and run. I’ll tell you more on the way to the hospital.”
“Noa is not leaving.” Luke placed his hands on Noa’s shoulders and pulled her back against him.
“Dammit, Luke, I don’t have the energy to fight you. Get off your alpha-male, testosterone-fuelled horse and let me do my job.”
“I’ll follow you and provide back-up if needed.”
Jamie sank into the chair Spencer pulled out for her. She looked at the faces of her family before returning her attention to Noa and Luke. “It wasn’t an accident. We can’t discuss the details here or now. Noa and I need to leave. Can you all please stay on the estate today?”
“I have a gig tonight in Shadow Bay so I need to leave,” Madison said, biting into a croissant.
“Okay, but you call me as soon as you get there and don’t take the back road through town. Get on the highway and keep going. Is one of your friends driving back with you?”
Madison rolled her eyes. “I’m not a child, James. I won’t take candy from a stranger or stop for hitchhikers. Emma is driving back with me. I promise you there won’t be space for a butterfly, never mind another person.”
“I don’t like this,” Luke mumbled.
Jamie got to her feet. “You don’t have a say civilian Taylor.”
Luke turned Noa to face him. “I don’t want you to go. But I know you will because your friend is hurt. Do you have your gun with you?”
Noa stepped back and took his hands, placing one below her breasts and the other at her lower back. “Who’s your girl?” She winked.
Luke lowered his head and whispered, “If we were alone right now, I’d push you against a wall and do to you what you did to me this morning.” His hands remained in place.
Noa’s cheeks heated. In his voice she heard a promise she wanted him to keep.
“I’m not allowed to have a guy stay over even once, but these two are practically making babies in front of us. Do you want me to clear the table for you and usher everyone out before they have breakfast and a show?” Madison leaned back in the chair, crossing her arms over her chest with a sly grin.
Saturday, 26 June, 9:30 a.m.
If there was one thing Emily could never resist it was a friend in need. Wasn’t it a shame little Emily had grown up unloved and when love had stood right in front of her, the damage done to her had blinded her? He pulled the collar of the coat closer to his skin and stared at the hospital’s main entrance.
There he sat, in the cold, waiting for her. His mate. The other half of him which he didn’t know existed until she’d stood in front of him.
“Play this right and she’ll be back where she belongs.” His heart stilled as she exited the car.
“Not as beautiful as you were with your natural black hair, but you still have the same effect on me.” He massaged his erection. “Hello, my love.”
Reaching for the door handle he reminded himself now wasn’t the time to grab her like before. No, this time, Emily would come to him.
He braced for the cold outside by remembering her sweet, wet heat.
Eeny, meeny, miny, moe, who will be my next ho?
Maybe Jamie. Maybe Maddie.
Eeny, meeny, miny, oh.
Saturday, 26 June, 9:45 a.m.
Kim turned her head towards the door as Noa and Jamie entered the hospital room. Noa grabbed Jamie’s hand but kept her face from showing the horror which screamed inside her. A sickening sweet smell hung in the air. Noa’s stomach tightened.
“I know it’s bad. The doctor said after a few skin grafts I should look good as new. To think of all they money I wasted on anti-wrinkle creams.” Kim tried to smile, grimacing instead.
“Once the swelling goes down and the bruises fade it will look much better.” Noa inched closer to the bed, not paying attention to the casts on Kim’s legs or her right arm.
“The flowers in the corner came for you. Both of you.”
Noa and Jamie turned as one and stared at the bouquets of white roses next to the washbasin. Noa pushed down hard on the need to scream; later she’d further her and Luke’s progress on the wall.
“He sent me a bouquet too. Matthew read the card. You’re free to take it, Jamie. The flowers too.” A tear slipped from the corner of Kim’s eye.
Jamie removed a latex glove from her coat pocket and read the note aloud. “If only Noa didn’t kill Emily. You’re collateral damage. No hard feelings.”
“Who is Emily?” Kim asked.
Before Jamie could protest Noa said, “I’m Emily.”
Chapter 30
Saturday, 26 June, 10:00 a.m.
“This is all because some psycho is obsessed with you?” Kim asked, pain and fatigue heavy in her words.
Noa helped her take a sip of water. “Yes. I’m sorry. I should never have moved here.”
Kim ignored Noa. “What are you doing to stop him?” she asked Jamie.
Jamie stood with her back to them and removed the envelope addressed to Noa from the bouquet. She opened the card, but didn’t read it out loud. Noa walked up behind her and read it over Jamie’s shoulder.
You will always be mine.
Soon my love, you will beg me.
You will say it. YOU WILL.
xoxo
“Open yours.” Noa’s voice came out low and shaky.
Jamie did and placed a hand to her stomach.
You can’t protect them all.
Not even the one you carry.
Give me my Emily. She’s mine.
Noa touched Jamie’s stomach and whispered, “I won’t tell and he will not touch you.”
They turned to see Kim had fallen asleep. Jamie kissed Kim’s forehead and made her way towards the door.
Noa leaned over Kim and whispered, “I’m so sorry. I won’t let him hurt anyone else.”
Matthew and Eric waited for them in the corridor, both with vacant expressions on their faces. Eric hugged Noa.
“Jamie, you better find the person responsible, and the rest of you need to get in line. I get first dibs on breaking every bone in his body.” Matthew slammed his fist into his palm.
“I’ll get to him first and after one minute he’ll wish for broken bones.” Eric patted Matthew on the back.
“How is she?” Matthew asked.
“Sleeping. I think rest is what Kim needs most now. I’m so sorry, Matt.” Noa hugged him.
“Jamie, please tell me you’ve heard something?” Matthew asked.
“It wasn’t an accident. CCTV footage shows the driver speeding up. The car was discovered outside of town, burnt up, but the VIN number was traced back to a vehicle stolen in Malmesville. Noa, it’s time for us to leave.”
Eric grabbed Noa’s hand. “Wait a minute, Jamie. You can’t take my friend from me. Noa and I haven’t spoken in a week. What’s going on?”
“It’s all my fault. And I need you to be extra careful until this is over.”
“Sweetie, you’re scaring me. What’s going on? Where are you staying? I can’t even call you, and all Jamie will ever tell me is you’re safe.”
Noa glanced at Jamie; Jamie shrugged. “You said you’re tired of the lies. The truth might help them to be more vigilant.”
Noa asked her friends to follow her to the restaurant in the lobby. Once seated, she told them and watched as both men’s mouths dropped to the floor.
“Why didn’t you tell us?” Matthew reached for Noa’s hand.
“I started a new life and wanted to forget about it. I don’t know how he found me, so please be extra careful until this is over.”
“Where are you staying?”
Noa looked at Eric. “I’m staying in a safe house in a neighbouring town. He abducted me off the street last time … We’re not taking any chances.”
Matthew cleared his throat. “Does Luke know about this?”
“No. We only started spending time together when this happened. I don’t want to drag him into it. I sent him a message telling him I’m out of town visiting friends and will see him when I get back. Jamie, if you think Luke might be in any danger, you should contact him.”
Matthew squinted. “Why isn’t he helping with this investigation? He has a ninety-eight percent arrest rate. The conviction rate from his arrests is just as high. Check his records.”
Jamie held up a hand, silencing him. “Luke’s a civilian now. Noa and I need to leave. I promise to get justice for Kim.”
As they walked towards the car Noa asked Jamie why she didn’t want their friends to know she was staying with Luke.
“You never know who might have been eavesdropping.”
Bile rose in Noa’s throat at the idea of him being within earshot.
Saturday, 26 June, 12:00 p.m.
Jamie switched off the ignition. She and Noa stared at the Taylor family home. The twenty-minute drive back from the hospital had been filled with silence.
