Accidental Trifecta (19 page)

Cam paced the small waiting room of the small medical center until he could do it with his eyes closed just by counting the steps. For the first time in his life, he understood the true meaning of fear. When he’d heard Cecelia’s scream his blood had turned to ice, but the two shots that followed had nearly caused his knees to fold out from under him. Running had been pure reflex because that had been the only part of his brain that had been functioning. Cam had only been steps behind Carl—
damn, he still runs like the wind
—but he’d known when he saw her wrapped in his friend’s arms she was fine. He’d only paused long enough to see Carl’s quick signal indicating their woman was safe before moving to Captain Andrew’s side.

Mitch Ames had made the shot of a lifetime. He’d been running toward the trio on the beach when he’d seen Craig Allen take aim at Cecelia. Mitch had seen in a microsecond what the rest of them saw clearly when they reviewed the security footage, Allen had every intention of killing Cecelia. Without breaking stride, he’d drilled Allen almost dead center in the forehead with the M14 he’d been carrying.
Hell, shooting that rifle
requires precision under ideal conditions
and making that shot while running down a fucking rock covered hill
is unimaginable
.
The man is going to be a fucking legend among his peers.
What Mitch had done was nothing short of phenomenal and certainly explained why the Pentagon was pressuring the Wests to stop recruiting the cream of their crop.

During a video conference call with Kyle West and Micah Drake, both men had reviewed the tape calling it the “shot of a lifetime.” He hoped to hell that it was the shot of Cecelia’s lifetime because just the thought of her ever being in that kind of danger again was enough to send him into a panic. It was hard to believe the hero that had saved both women was standing in front of the small room’s windows staring outside even though Cam knew the man wasn’t seeing a thing. Mitch had been in the same parade rest position for hours, he’d barely moved a muscle and at times Cam had wondered if he was even breathing. The only time he’d even responded to a question was when Mrs. Guzman had asked him if he needed anything.

Carl stepped up beside Cam and nodded toward Mitch, “Is he doing okay?”

Cam sighed before responding, “He will be, but he’s struggling. I’ve never seen anyone power through an adrenaline crash like he did. Hell, he barely blinked. After what he went through most people would be down for the fucking count, but there he stands—still as a damned statue.” When the door to the waiting room opened, Cam wasn’t all that surprised to see Kent West and Jax McDonald stalk into the room.

Cam had known they were coming, but the speed with which they’d managed the trip was damned impressive. Kyle had stayed home with Tobi and their children because, to quote his friend, “She’s gonna be hell on wheels when she finds out what’s happened and she wasn’t invited to the party.” The truth was Cecelia probably could have used Tobi’s comfort, but he agreed that adding the fiery Mrs. West to the craziness already surrounding them would be like pouring gas on a raging fire.

Kent broke off and headed for Mitch while Jax joined him and Carl. “How’s Aspen?”

“We haven’t heard anything for a while. They don’t have enough medical staff to keep sending someone out with updates.” Jax nodded his head in understanding. “Truthfully, I can’t see how it can possibly take this long. I know there was a lot of damage. Fuck the bullet splintered several ribs as it bounced around ripping holes in her organs. It’s a fucking miracle the internal bleeding alone didn’t kill her before the paramedics got her here.”

“From what I hear, your wife is the reason she made it this far. The Prairie Winds' team and the U.S. government are both going to owe her—no matter how this ends.”

Jax had been speaking softly, but Mitch had obviously heard him. “Aspen is alive. She is fighting like hell to stay that way. Her soul is seeking strength from those of us surrounding her, so please monitor your thoughts.” Cameron knew the former Green Beret had been raised in the Bayou, and the rumor mill had often referred to his voodoo beliefs, but it had always simply been gossip until now. Jax had nodded and Mitch had returned his attention to the window.

They settled in for the wait and Cam was overwhelmed by the generosity of the locals. Just as they’d been warned, word spread quickly around the small island. Soon they were being inundated with food and drinks. Many came to stand outside and pray for the woman who had saved their new doctor. The steady influx of well-wishers made the time go faster, but Cam still wondered how Cecelia was holding up. Christ, at this point she’d been on her feet for almost forty-eight hours. He had no idea what was sustaining her except a soul deep dedication to helping others. Cameron knew about the stories surrounding his time in the military and the years he’d spent as a private operator. He wasn’t overly smug about the success he’d had, but he also knew it was damned impressive. But he was in awe of what his wife was capable of. She’d pioneered surgical techniques that were used the world over and she’d steadfastly refused to reap any windfall profit from patents. She’d only submitted the applications for patents to keep others from reaping the benefits, claiming saving lives was her only priority. Cam found himself silently adding his voice to the prayers of those around him, pleading for the wellbeing of both women. It had been a long time since he’d spoken to a God he’d often thought didn’t know he existed, but knowing there had to be something greater out there because having her in his life couldn’t possibly have been a coincidence—he simply wasn’t that lucky.

*****

Carl tried to stay busy greeting the locals and managing calls, anything to keep from reliving the terror that had filled him until he’d been able to hold CeCe in his arms. How she had managed to pull herself back from the edge of exhaustion to care for Aspen Andrews was something he’d never understand. Hell, he’d seen well-trained soldiers leveled by crashes after less. But she’d pushed past the exhaustion to care for Captain Andrews with a single-minded determination that earned her a whole new level of respect in Carl’s view. Sure, he’d liked her on sight and even respected her simply because of the information he’d read in the report he’d been given back in Austin. But this? This was something else entirely—this was the respect of one
soldier for another.

Two doors at opposite ends of the room opened at the same time, Captain Andrew’s commanding officer, Lieutenant Colonel Brian Riggs stepped into the room just as CeCe moved through the door Carl knew led to the small medical center. And goddammit if Commander Riggs didn’t make a beeline to CeCe before Carl or Cam could intercept him. “Dr. Barnes, it looks like my timing is perfect for once. I’m Lieutenant Colonel Riggs, how is Captain Andrews?”

CeCe looked a bit stunned for a moment, but she rallied quickly, “It’s a pleasure to meet you, sir, although I wish it had been under different circumstances.” Everyone in the room watched as she shook the man’s hand and then stepped back to ensure their conversation wasn’t seen as private. “Now, if you’d kindly move back a bit I’d like to address everyone at the same time, I’ve only got a few minutes and I don’t want to waste them repeating the information several times.”
Good for you, baby. You grab those reins with
either hand or
he’ll steamroll you and
you'll
never even feel the bump.
How could he have forgotten how annoying CO’s could be? Sure, the room might have plenty of former military personnel in it, but the woman with the power was a civilian and obviously no shrinking violet. Glancing over at Cameron, Carl saw the corners of his mouth twitching up and knew he was thinking the same thing.

Cecelia’s voice was crystal clear as she addressed the room, without even a hint of the fatigue she had to be feeling. She patiently explained the details of Captain Andrews’ injuries, how she and Dr. Guzman had managed to repair the multitude of holes and tears caused by the bullet and the slivered pieces of Aspen’s ribs. Carl found himself lost in all the medical jargon but he’d plainly heard the hope in her voice. When Lieutenant Colonel Riggs demanded to know when Captain Andrews would be well enough to return to duty, CeCe had leveled a look at him that would have withered a Brigadier General, “I’m not God, sir. I am a physician, a very tired physician who on occasion can exhibit a bit of a snarky attitude if you are inclined to listen to my husband. I am not one of your underlings, so the tone will not serve you well here.” Every former soldier in the room was suppressing a smile and several had coughed to cover up their snorts of laughter. When CeCe noticed their reactions and Riggs’ shocked expression, her cheeks tinted a lovely shade of pink before she continued, “I promise I will keep you updated if you’ll leave your contact information with Mrs. Guzman. Since St. Maarten’s view of patient confidentiality is considerably more lenient than I’m used to, I will be able to share more information.”

Carl and Cam moved toward CeCe, flanking her in what he felt certain would quickly become a signature move. She looked up at them, blinking several times as if she was trying to get her tired eyes to focus before she smiled. Cam turned her so she faced him, then tipped her chin up with his fingers, “I’d like for you to eat something before you go back in there, love.” Carl noticed he hadn’t asked her if she was hungry, he’d basically told her he wanted her to eat. When she slowly nodded, Cam turned her to Carl saying, “Take her over into the corner and don’t let anyone close. I’ll make her a small plate.”

Leading her across the small room, Carl settled her on his lap. Mitch stepped in front of them and before Carl could protest, he leaned forward and pressed a chaste kiss to her forehead. Carl knew the move was part apology and part gratitude even though the man hadn’t spoken a word. Mitch stepped back, turned, spreading his legs apart and crossing his bulging biceps over his broad chest in a move clearly letting everyone know they would have to get through him before disturbing CeCe. Carl had suspected Mitch’s interest in Aspen Andrews was something more than simply professional, but the look of relief that swept over his face as CeCe explained how optimistic she was had validated his suspicion.

Shifting his attention to the woman leaning against his chest, Carl shifted so he could look into her eyes as he spoke, “You amaze me. I cannot imagine how spent you must be, yet your humble recounting of what happened in that operating room barely hints at what I know you’ve been through.”

“If my Master hadn’t funded all the upgrades here in his attempt to persuade me to move my practice here—well, we’d have lost her. It wouldn’t have mattered what we would have done, without some of the pieces they’d just set up we’d be dealing with a much different outcome.” The dark circles under eyes were turning darker with every minute and he wondered how long it would be until her body simply refused to cooperate any longer. As a SEAL, Carl had learned how to push his body to its absolute limit, so he recognized the signs and Dr. Cecelia Barnes was getting very close to the edge.

CeCe was one of the most sensual women Carl had ever met, he’d felt drawn to her from the moment she’d walked into Cam’s office. Hell, that was a lie—he’d practically fallen in love with her just from reading her profile on the way to Houston. But in this moment, having her curled up in his lap—trusting him to shelter her even if just for a few moments, sex was the furthest thing from his mind. Everything he’d ever learned about the responsibility of a Dom to care for his submissive came into crystal clear focus in that moment. Trusting their Dom when they are at their most vulnerable, no matter what’s brought them to that point, is the greatest gift a submissive can give. All the kneeling, collars, and mind-bending orgasms in the world mean nothing without trust.

Cam pulled a chair around until he could sit down facing CeCe. The significance of the move might not have meant anything to her, but it spoke volumes to Carl. Cameron Barnes would always be an
operative
. It was in his blood. It was just who he was as a person. So watching him put his back to the room warmed Carl’s heart. As one soldier to another, the move had clearly telegraphed his trust in Carl. It was tantamount to shouting to everyone in the room that they were partners. Setting that aside, Carl listened intently as Cam spoke quietly to CeCe. Carl could feel her relaxing in his hold and he understood how his friend’s soothing tone and words were putting her at ease.

Carl doubted CeCe realized how much she’d eaten from her Master’s hand, and how close she was to falling asleep in his arms. The fruit, meat, and cheese were going to serve her well for the next several hours, she’d get the short-term boost from the fruit’s sugar and the longer-term benefits from the protein in the meat and cheese. Cam had given her just enough of a respite to revive her for the next couple of hours, and the glint in his eyes as he met Carl’s gaze above her head told him the man had a plan to pull her back from that overly relaxed state as well. Carl hadn’t seen that particular look in a long time, but he recognized it immediately—Cam was up to something and he was damned happy about it.
Yes, indeed. This ought to be fun to watch.

Cameron had always loved feeding Cecelia from his hand. There was something very powerful about the connection between a Dominant and his submissive when the Dom was providing for one of the sub’s most basic human needs. The unspoken message was “you are mine to care for, your needs are mine to meet” and he’d yet to see the simple act be powerfully effective. Over the years, Doms had often approached him for advice when they didn’t feel as though they’d fully bonded with the sub in their care. Without fail, hand feeding the sub during aftercare had been his first recommendation. And even though they hadn’t just shared a scene, there was no doubt his lovely slave was as vulnerable as he’d ever seen her.

Each bite had been a step closer to pulling her back from the emotional collapse he’d seen on the horizon. He’d spoken to her in the same soft tone he used with Chloe and wanted to smile when the mother responded in exactly the same way their daughter did—huge dark eyes focused on him, taking in every nuance of his facial expressions. They were both sponges when it came to human connection and he’d often envied them that particular ability.
How perfect it would be to be able to find happiness in such a simple act. To fee
l that level of connection to another human being, a bond that could chase away the coldest feeling of loneliness and alienation had to be a gift straight from God.

The thing about human connections that had always fascinated him was that they require trials and tribulations in order to strengthen. He’d always reminded the Doms he had trained that it was much like friendship—those that were new and lacked shared experiences weren’t as strong as those that had endured the highs and lows of life over the years. The same was true of a Dom’s connection with his submissive, and he was about to shift gears with his beautiful slave. Pushing her right now was going to not only strengthen the ties between the three of them, it was also going to send a bolt of electric energy through her. He could see how close she was to falling into a blissful sleep, but he also knew that isn’t what she needed. Oh, her body might need the sleep, but her heart and mind needed to return to Aspen Andrews’ side. And even though he’d like nothing more than to lead the two people seated in front of him out the door, he wouldn’t—at least not just yet.

“Now that you’ve eaten a bit, there is something we need to address.” Cam had deliberately changed his tone from soothing to the formidable Dom CeCe was intimately familiar with. As long-term D/s relationships went, theirs had been a fairly simple transition, but he knew she’d recognize the switch and the phrase “something we need address” for exactly what it was—the prelude to a punishment for misbehavior.

Watching her eyes widen as her mind pulled back from the quicksand it had been slogging through. He’d taken her hand in his own, wrapping his fingers around her wrist served two purposes—first was the subtle act of bondage and it also let him monitor her pulse so he’d know when she’d reached that perfect state between fighting and surrender. He wanted her alert, not frightened.
Perfect.
“You put yourself in danger by going down onto the beach.” She’d also endangered Captain Andrews, but he wasn’t going to mention that—she’d come to that conclusion on her own. And they’d deal with her feelings of guilt about that when the time came.

“Endangering what belongs to your Masters is not acceptable, pet.” Her breathing hitched and she shuddered. He deliberately used the plural, Masters, she needed to start seeing him and Carl as a united front. “This isn’t the time or place to resolve this issue, but rest assured the topic will come up again.”
Oh yeah, she’s wide-awake now. Probably won’t last long, but
should
sustain her for a few hours.

“Now, it’s probably time for you to return to your patient.” When she nodded and started to get up from Carl’s lap, he stopped her by tightening his hand around her wrist, “Love, just for the record, I’m incredibly proud of you. Your skills saved a young woman’s life today. I’m sure her family and friends will be eternally grateful.”

He smiled when Carl whispered, “I think Mitch is also very grateful.” When Cam looked over his shoulder, the hulking man had turned his face toward Cecelia, he winked, gave a quick nod, and then resumed his position shielding them from the rest of the room.

She seemed to have settled a bit and this time when she moved to stand, he let her. But before she moved past him, she looked up through her dark lashes and in a voice that was barely more than a whisper, said “Thank you. I know what you’ve done. You know me so well, Master.” He simply smiled down at her as she turned and walked past him.
She’s a gift I didn’t deserve.

*****

Mitch Ames watched Dr. Cecelia Barnes disappear through the doorway leading to the hospital’s few rooms. He’d watched the small sub shift from frightened kitten into a tiger out on that beach. CeCe had gone to extraordinary lengths to save Aspen’s life and it wasn’t something he would ever forget. Thinking back on the first time he’d seen Aspen, Mitch could still remember every single detail—the way her hair tumbled around her shoulders like a silky gold cape. Hell, her hair shone so brightly despite the dim lighting in the room, she’d almost looked like an angel—a very naked, very aroused angel. She’d been tied to a St. Andrew’s Cross in the main lounge, as a Dom he later learned was a local psychologist flicked the soft deer hide strips of a flogger over her. Mitch had moved closer, standing to the side, watching, studying her every reaction. The scene had been erotic as hell, but it had been clear the two weren’t involved in a long-term relationship—and something about that pleased Mitch far more that it should have.

Several hours later, Kent had introduced him to Dan Deal, the Dom he’d watched flog the captivating blonde submissive right into subspace. Oddly enough, despite very divergent occupations and interests, they’d hit it off. They’d even shared a scene with Aspen Andrews the next night. Since neither of them had considered sharing outside a club setting, they’d both been surprised how easily the topic had come up after she’d been called back to active duty.

During the next two years, they’d kept in contact and that friendship had been one of the reasons Mitch had taken the job in Austin. They had also kept track of Aspen through Jax McDonald. When Mitch had found out the Wests were recruiting Aspen for this assignment, Mitch hadn’t hesitated to hop the first flight to New York. That first night on the street, he’d seen a small flare of recognition in her eyes, almost as if she knew she should know him, but wasn’t sure why. He’d have been offended if it hadn’t been so easy to understand. Hell, his hair was much longer and his face had been painted with black paint to better blend into the shadows outside the Wests’ building. But as she’d been laying on the beach, her blood soaking the sand around her, he’d seen her eyes flutter open for just a few seconds. He’d seen rather than heard lips whisper his name and in that moment he knew…she belonged to him.

*****

Cam made his way around the room to Kent West’s side and nodded his head toward the door. When the two of them were alone outside, Cam looked up at the stars and smiled. It had been a long time since he’d been able to stand outside and see the stars—far too long, and he’d forgotten how much he’d missed it. “Are you and Kyle interested in my proposal?” He’d shot them a deal on the club and penthouse that he didn’t think they’d be able to pass up. In exchange for the low asking price, he’d retain a small percentage of ownership, all of his employees would keep their jobs, and Fischer would receive a hefty raise as well.

“Yes, we are interested—very interested actually, but I’m not satisfied with the price.” When Cam’s face turned quickly in his direction, Kent held up his hands in mock surrender. “Hold on, hear me out. I know you don’t need the money, but we don’t do business this way. We’ll go over the details later because I want to know that your wife is fully on board first. Perhaps we can help find a buyer for her clinic because the damned thing is worth a fucking fortune from what I hear.”

Cam couldn’t hold back his soft chuckle, “It is, indeed. But I don’t think it’s going to be a problem for Cecelia to walk away from it when she has already seen how much she is needed here. The pace she’d set for herself has taken a far bigger toll on her than she realizes—and far larger than I should have ever allowed.” He really did feel guilty for the fatigue he’d seen in her eyes the past several weeks, hell, she’d been practically walking in her sleep each night by the time she’d gotten home from her evening rounds at the hospital. “As long as my employees are taken care of, I’ll be happy with whatever you come up with. I’m not trying to sound like a sap, but damn it, most of them have been with me since I opened the club.”

He’d always paid his dungeon monitors—and paid them well. He’d realized from the start that having well trained people the members could rely on would save him far more than it could ever cost, and he’d never regretted the decision. As a matter of fact, when the Wests had asked for his input when they’d first started Prairie Winds, that was one of the first things he had advised them on. And as far as he knew they’d been happy with the way it had worked out as well—even though many of their employees were now doubling as contract operatives.

“You still in on helping with missions if your particular very broad set of skills fit the bill?”

Cam snorted a laugh at Kent’s attempt at tact. “I will be if Carl stays. I won’t ever leave my family unprotected—I’ve made too many enemies over the years.” He paused for a long while and Cam was sure his friend was probably wondering if he was going to answer any of the unspoken questions that lay between them. Finally, taking a deep breath, he turned to Kent, “I’m hoping he’ll stay and build a life with us here. I won’t ask him to give up working for you, but I will ask that you never send us both out at the same time. Cecelia and Chloe both deserve better.” When he paused to take a breath, he was surprised to hear Kent chuckle.

“You think that just because all the juicy details of your relationship with Carl weren’t in the file we don’t know how close you were? Christ, Cam, you know Micah Drake better than that. Hell the man probably knows what you’ll be having for dinner a week from tomorrow, nothing gets past him.” Cam knew his mouth had fallen open but he honestly didn’t know why he was so surprised. “You know, I spent hours on a fucking plane to get here because one of my best friends in the world was in a panic about Captain Andrews, I’m missing my kids, and my damned brother just sent me a picture of our very naked wife tied to our bed.” The man sighed and then narrowed his eyes, “Fuck, I ought to just shoot you just for the fun of it. I’m absolutely certain it would be therapeutic, even though I know Tobi would be righteously pissed on her friend’s behalf. What CeCe sees in your grumpy ass baffles me.” Kent seemed to relax a bit after his mini-tirade, hell, Cam had never seen the normally calm twin so unhinged. “Want a bit of advice here? Fuck it, you’re getting it regardless. Suck it up, admit how much you care about Carl Phillips, and get on with your life. You and I both know walking away has haunted you for years. We’ve known the two of you had a physical relationship for years, but only got the details of how it ended when we first started our club. And that was because we wanted to know everything about you before we asked for your help. Sure you and Jax had been friends for a long time, but you’d encountered a lot of shit over the years,” he shrugged apologetically, “and we wanted to make sure none of it had stuck. No sense in us patterning ourselves after someone who was going to take us down like the Titanic at some point. So get off you hypocritical high horse and do what you need to do.”

Cameron was shocked. Completely and utterly blown away. The truth of Kent’s words hit him full force and he couldn’t even imagine what an ass he must look like to his friends. He hadn’t actually lied to any of them, but he’d damned well lied to them by omission and he hated to think how many punishments he’d meted out over the years for that very thing. And worst of all, he’d lost years with the only man he’d ever loved, because his idiocy wasn’t restricted to just the last few years. No, that particular affliction had started that night twenty-five years ago. Christ he had a lot to make up for.

As if he knew how thrown off Cam was feeling, Kent slapped him on the back before saying, “I’ll tell you what, you yank your head out of your ass and figure out what kind of commitment ceremony you’d like and we’ll host it. Of course we’re going to turn Tobi and Gracie loose on your ass, they’ll run you ragged with calls and texts about the details.” Kent leaned his head back and laughed at what Cam knew was a stricken look on his face. Hell, he was all-in about the commitment ceremony, but being subjected to the two whirlwinds subs that terrorized Prairie Winds was just terrifying.

Kent laughed again, “Yes, indeed. This ought to go a long way in evening out the score. Don’t ever assume your friends are idiots just because they don’t throw the secrets you are trying ineffectively to hide back into your face. And don’t get a stick up your ass thinking they’ll judge you, that’s just plain insulting. Now that I know Aspen is going to be okay, I’m anxious to get home. We’ll hang around until she wakes up but then Jax and I will be heading out.” Cam was surprised when the man pulled him in for a hug before pounding him on the back. Pulling back, he looked directly into Cam’s eyes, “Don’t fuck this up, Barnes, you have everything at your fingertips. Don’t let it slip away again.”
Wise words from a man who’d seen some of humanities worst and appeared to have come through it unscathed.
The wear and tear on a soul showed in Kyle on occasion, but Kent always seemed to live in the moment, a habit Cam hoped very much to cultivate in himself.

As they stepped back into the small waiting room, Cam realized he actually felt lighter, as if the weight of the world had been lifted from his shoulders. He wondered if it showed in his face when Carl looked up, surprise registering in his expression before he raised a brow in question. Cam couldn’t hold back his smile—Christ, how long had it been since he smiled
just because?
For years he’d worried someone might uncover his secret and use it against him only to discover it hadn’t been a secret for a long time—there was something very liberating in that. And knowing his reputation as an operative and as a Dominant hadn’t been diminished by his friends’ discovery was empowering. He’d been looking forward to making changes in his family’s life, but now he could hardly wait and the anticipation had him practically dancing on the balls of his feet.

When Cecelia stepped through the door an hour later to let them know Aspen was awake and talking, the room erupted into joyful chaos and he wrapped her in his arms and twirled her around in a circle. “Well done, pet. I can’t begin to tell you how proud I am of you, even though Uncle Sam will probably be trying to recruit you now.” She grinned up at him even though he knew his sudden public display of affection had surprised her.
And that is another thing I need to change. My family needs to know that I love them, no matter where we are.
His days as the cold and distant man he’d become over the years were numbered. He was wise enough to know he wouldn’t change overnight, but he felt like he was emerging from a dark tunnel into the light of day for the first time since he’d walked away from Carl that night at St. Andrew’s.

“Thank you, Master.” Her soft voice warmed him from the inside out, but the uncertainty he heard in her tone told him just how far he had to go before he’d be the man he wanted to become. After pressing a soft kiss to her forehead, Cam turned her into Carl’s arms and watched as the only two people he’d loved as an adult, embraced one another. As soon as his daughter joined them the four of them could begin building their lives together, and Cam could hardly wait. But first, his sweet slave had the paddling of her life coming for putting herself in danger and scaring ten years off his life, but this punishment would be unlike any other she’d ever gotten. The scene he had planned wasn’t going to be a Master’s reminder to a slave, this time it was all about reminding the sweet submissive who had entrusted herself into his care, that she was equally responsible for the protection of what belonged to him…and to Carl. It might have been accidental, but their trifecta was going to end up being the best gift Cameron Barnes had ever received.