Her Man Flint (13 page)

Chapter Twenty-Four

Flint tried to get up to catch Adriana, but his side hurt so bad he’d couldn’t move. He was positive some ribs were broken and his face felt swollen. His lip was busted in two places and he was pretty sure Adriana had fainted from the sight of him.

He hadn’t gotten a chance to see what they’d done to his face, but judging by Robert and Adriana’s reaction, it must be pretty bad, at least as bad as it felt.

Flint was relieved when Robert caught Adriana and lifted her up into his arms.

“Call a doctor, now.” Robert took control of the situation. “I want Adriana and Flint looked at immediately. And if the doctor finds even one broken bone on Flint’s body, your asses will be in a sling. As I recall, police brutality is illegal in any state.”

“Robert,” Flint called in a weak voice.

“Yes, Flint. Are you all right?” Robert glared at the cops in the room.

“They didn’t read me my rights. They have to let me go.” Flint flinched in pain when he tried to sit up straight.

“Is that right? No one read him his rights. I see a civil case brewing here. I—”

Adriana groaned and stirred in his arms.

Robert placed her down into a chair and patted her hand.

“Adriana, are you okay?”

Her eyes fluttered open and she stared at Robert.

“What happened? Where’s Flint?” Her eyes searched frantically around the room. A strangling sound escaped her throat when her gaze landed on him.

“Dray, I’m okay. Don’t cry.” Flint tried his best to reassure her, but he didn’t think it would work. Adriana was in shock.

“Robert, take her out of here,” Flint ordered. “I don’t want her upset anymore.”

“I’m not leaving. These animals are going to pay for what they’ve done to you,” Adriana screamed hysterically. “Police are supposed to uphold the law. This is clearly criminal intent.”

Adriana turned to Robert. “They handcuffed him and beat him with no way for him to defend himself. They have to pay for this,” Adriana spat.

“Calm down, Adriana. They will.” Robert pulled her out of her chair. “You go wait outside. I’ll handle this.”

“But—”

“No buts. Go.” At that moment the front door opened and two men came in, one, a uniformed officer, the other wore a black suit.

“I’m a doctor,” the man in the suit said, glancing around the room, then immediately went to Flint’s side.

“What happened to him?” the doctor asked in a sharp tone.

“He resisted arrest,” all the cops around the table echoed.

Adriana stared daggers at the gray-haired cop who’d arrested Flint. “That’s a lie. He was handcuffed when I left him.”

“That’s your word against mine. Isn’t it, lady?”

“How can you call yourself a cop?”

“Dray, go out and wait in the lobby. You’re not helping,” Flint said, then recoiled when the doctor touched his ribs.

“I’d say that one’s broken.” The doctor looked to Robert. His uncle’s face flushed with anger.

“Are you going to let him go? Or am I going to call a lawyer friend of mine and see what kind of charges he can bring against the Denver P.D? What do you think? It’s up to you?” Robert crossed his arms over his chest, waiting for their answer.

“We’ll release him for now. But don’t leave town,” the gray-headed cop said, glaring at Flint.

“Right. Like he’s up to that after what you’ve done to him.” Robert looked at the doctor who was still examining Flint. “What do you think, Doc?”

“I think we should head right over to the hospital. He’s going to need these ribs taken care of right away. I’d like to do a CAT scan too, just to be on the safe side.”

Robert helped Flint out of the chair and placed his arm around his waist, trying not to do more damage than was already done.

Robert stopped by the door, just long enough to look back at the cop who arrested Flint. “If it’s the last thing I do, you’ll pay for what you’ve done to my nephew.” Robert glared at them all, then turned and helped Flint out the door.

* * *

Adriana eased herself slowly out of bed, trying not to wake Flint who slept next to her.

She made her way into the bathroom, glancing at herself in the mirror. She looked awful. Her complexion was so pale it made her eyes and hair look lifeless.

It had been a week since she’d brought Flint home to take care of him, but it had taken its toll on her own health. She was so tired she could hardly keep her eyes open.

Adriana’s stomach chose that moment to rebel. She leaned down and vomited into the toilet. As she wiped her mouth with a damp cloth, she wondered what was wrong with her. She grabbed for her toothbrush and when to work on her teeth.

Turning on the faucet to her large garden tub, Adriana hoped that a nice hot bath would make her feel better. She filled the tub and poured in lavender scented bubble bath to sooth her tension. She stepped in and eased herself down into the hot, bubbly liquid. The scent immediately relaxed her tight, tense muscles. There was nothing better to Adriana than hot soothing water caressing her body to relieve her troubled spirits.

The bathroom door squeaked open and Flint walked in, grinning wickedly when he saw she was in the tub.

“How are you feeling?” Adriana asked as she picked up her sponge and squeezed sudsy water over her chest.

“Actually, I feel great. Frisky, even.” Flint raised a suggestive brow at her.

Adriana’s mouth went dry, wondering if she was up for what he was proposing?

“Would you like some company?”

Adriana bit her bottom lip as she paused in thought, her gaze running over his masculine frame.

“There’s nothing I’d like better.” She smiled, and watched with hooded lashes as he released the drawstring of his flannel lounge pants and let them drop to the floor. The man was a God. Perfect in every way, except for the bruising still noticeable on his ribs and face.

Adriana’s temper sparked when she thought of what the Denver cops had done to him.

Flint eased himself down across from her, sloshing water over the edge of the tub, the white bubbles a contrast against the dark hairs on his chest.

Adriana’s heart skipped a beat as she watched his nipples harden from the tepid water.

“Come over here and wash my back.” Flint drew Adriana’s attention to his face.

“Maybe you should wash mine.” She squirted water at him with the fist of her hand from under the surface.

“I’m going to get you for that, woman. Come here.” Flint tugged at her until he had her squirming on his lap.

“Is that a forty-five between your legs or are you just happy to see me?” Adriana turned her head slightly to note his reaction to her jibe.

Flint winked suggestively at her. “No. Not a forty-five, but it’s hard as steel and it can fire when ready.”

“Flint, that’s awful.” Adriana tried to wriggle out of his lap.

Flint tightened his hold on her waist, drawing her back up against his chest.

The feel of his slick, wet skin next to her own sent Adriana heart drumming wildly in her chest. His warm lips connected with the lobe of her left ear, bringing it into his mouth. Heat radiated between her legs and a jolt of current ran down to her feet and curled her toes.

His lips continued their assault on her ear as his hands took on a life of their own, caressing her breasts, then kneading them gently. His touch, enhanced by the silky water heightened her senses and crushed any resistance she might have had to his intent. Every fiber of her body yearned for him. Even in her weakened state, she needed to feel him inside her. When his finger slid down her belly, between her legs, Adriana moaned with pleasure. His skillful fingers could do magic to her body. Adriana felt his body respond, now fully erect, rubbing against her bottom. She was lost in the sensations. Couldn't hold back any longer and turned in his arms. She kissed his mouth as she tightened her hold on his neck.

“Dray, you don’t have hold me so tight. I’m not going anywhere,” Flint whispered seductively into her ear.

“I love you, Flint.” She held his head in her hands, tears threatening in her eyes, as she thought about how close she’d come to losing him a few days ago. At the hands of someone who’d sworn to uphold the law.

“I love you too, baby.” Flint brought her face to his and kissed her again—a sweet, tender kiss that turned to passion in seconds.

Adriana hands found Flint’s erection and stroked him gently, receiving a strangled groan from him for her efforts.

Flint clenched his teeth. “You’d better stop doing that or you’re going to be disappointed with the outcome. Come here.” He grasped her bottom, positioning her atop his cock, then swiftly thrust up inside her.

Adriana’s closed her eyes, reveling in the incredible sensation. No man had ever fit so perfect. His body was made for hers. She tried hard to be content with his arousal within her, but she wanted more—needed all of him. She arched up and drew him deeper, moaning with ecstasy at the sheer feel of him inside her.

Finding her rhythm, Adriana moved on top him, soaring higher with each thrust until her body tightened convulsively around him. She ignored water sloshing around them as she climaxed.

Seconds later, she felt Flint’s own release, thrusting one last time into her limp body.

They held each other tight, allowing their frantic heartbeats to ebb.

Adriana could stay in his arms forever, but the cool water around them made her shiver, which forced both back to earth, and quickly out of the tub.

* * *

Flint stepped out of the bedroom, dressed and ready to go to his apartment to pack a bag. Though Billy had brought him what he needed to get by for a few days, he was anxious to move a few of his things in. Flint knew it was the right thing to do. Adriana was the woman for him. He wanted to be with her as much as he could, and moving in again seemed the logical solution.

“Can I borrow the keys to the Porsche?” Flint looked around for her key ring before turning his attention to Adriana.

“And where do you think you’re going?” Adriana stood with her hands planted firmly on her hips, not happy he’d planned to leave.

“I’m going to my apartment to pack a few of my things. I should be back in an hour or so.”

“I don’t think you’re up to that yet, Flint. Wait until you’re stronger.”

He grinned. “If I can do what we just did in the tub, I’m strong enough to go get a suitcase or two.”

“Let me go with you then?” she said, jumping off the sofa. “I can help.”

“Dray, I’ll be all right. You look tired. Get some rest while I’m gone. How about I stop on my way back and pick up some take-out from Fu-Chung’s. Does that sound good?"

She sighed and sat down again. “Okay. But you promise to take it easy, right?”

“I’m not an invalid, Dray. I’ll be all right. I’ll be back in an hour.” Flint placed his hand out. “Keys.”

Adriana reached inside her handbag and threw him her set.

“Don’t drive too fast. All you need is the Denver P.D. to pull you over for speeding.”

“True. I’ll be careful. You get some rest. I may want to repeat the tub thing when I get back.” Flint winked at her, then left, intent on picking up a huge bouquet of flowers for her along with the food.

Adriana had spent the last week taking care of him. He owed her not only his life, but also the loving care she’d given him when he was in bed nursing three cracked ribs and a concussion. It had taken its toll on her. He saw it on her face. She looked pale and gaunt, and if her health didn’t improve soon he’d insist she go to the doctor. But not Dr. Mike Terrell. It’d be a cold day in hell the next time she saw that man, professionally or otherwise. Over Flint’s dead body. Better yet, if Dray ever thought about seeing him again, it would be over Mike Terrell’s.

The thought made him grin from ear-to-ear as he made his way to the elevator.

Chapter Twenty-Five

Flint fumbled with his apartment keys, then unlocked the door and stepped inside. It seemed as if it’d been a lifetime since he’d found Lindsey dead. The yellow crime scene tape was still stuck to the door, but the lock installed to preserve the crime scene was gone.

He glanced around. Memories of the day she died came flooding back, guilt hitting him like a sledgehammer.

Shaking it off, Flint brushed the events away and walked to his bedroom. The mattresses missing from his bed brought the memories right back. Visions of Lindsey with a bullet to her head was an image that would haunt him for the rest of his life.

His heart went out to her. “I wish I would’ve stayed with you, Lindsey,” Flint said out loud.

“Oh, how touching,” someone said close behind him.

Flint swung around. Ryan Hartford stood pointing a .45 at Flint’s chest.

“What are you doing here?” Flint sneered. Ryan Hartford was pure evil and needed to be put away for life.

“Waiting for you, of course. I was beginning to wonder if you’d ever show up.”

“What do you want?” Flint checked the room for Ryan’s henchmen.

“I’m alone, if that’s what you’re looking to see. The boys wanted to come, but I told them this was something I needed to take care of myself. You see, I’ve been dreaming about this day for a long time now, Morgan.”

“What are you talking about?” Flint wondered if Hartford had finally lost his mind.

“I’m going to kill you. And, it’ll not only be for stealing my girlfriend, which,” Ryan laughed wickedly, “will warrant a shot to your incredible cock, that little tidbit according to Lindsey’s diary. Apparently you were the best she ever had between her legs. I have to admit that was quite a blow to my ego, but Lindsey paid with her life, and so will you. But that’s only the beginning. Your death will be a tribute to my father, who died at the hands of yours. I intend to make you suffer, Morgan, then—I’ll kill you. So where should I start? Hum.” Hartford pierced him with his intense stare. “Maybe we should read from Lindsey’s diary. What do you think?”

Flint glared at him. Could he get to the gun in Hartford’s hand before he could get a shot off?

“Cat got your tongue? What did Lindsey say about that tongue of yours? Wait—I’ll find it.” Ryan leafed through the book in his hand.

“Hartford you’re a real piece of work. Lindsey loved you until you asked her to screw someone else for you. Why would any woman care for someone who’d asked a thing like that? She was obviously hurt and turned her affection toward me. She didn’t love me, she didn't even know me, she just needed a man to make her feel good about herself again, not cheap like you did.” Flint found it hard to stay in control of his anger. The mere sight of Ryan Hartford disgusted him.

“Save it for Oprah.” Ryan pushed the barrel of the gun into Flint’s chest, sending a chill down his spine. “Sit down,” he hissed. “How long do you think it will take for that gorgeous blonde partner of yours to come looking for you? An hour? Two? You see, I thought about having a little piece of her when she was under my roof, but she caused too much trouble at the time. But I was very impressed by her attributes, real I might add, according to what she told my men. And that tight little ass of hers is nice, too. I wouldn’t mind a piece of it.”

Flint sprung at him, but was stopped by the barrel of Ryan’s gun shoved up to his nasal passages. “I could go ahead and kill you right now, and I’d still have your girlfriend. But I want you to watch when I do. Who knows, she might find she likes it the way I take her. You know some women like it rough.”

“I’m going to kill you,” Flint said in a deadly tone.

The man’s eyes turned black, like his heart. “Who’s the one with the gun, Morgan? I’m going to kill you, but first we’re going to have a little fun.”

Flint held his temper in check. Ryan Hartford was crazy and you couldn’t reason with a man like that. He’d bide his time, wait for Hartford to let his guard down, then he’d see that the man never walked again.

* * *

Adriana paced her apartment, glanced at the clock on the wall for the tenth time in the past half hour, then continued to pace.

“Where the hell are you, Flint?”

He’d been gone for almost two hours now and she was sick with worry. She bit nervously at her bottom lip, contemplating if she should go look for him. Fifteen minutes, that was all she’d give him, then she’d go out and search. Maybe she should call Billy. Maybe he could call his friend at Denver P.D. and find out if Flint was picked up. No. There was no way they would have arrested Flint again, not after what they did to him. That whole mess was still pending investigation. “Damn it, Flint. Why didn’t you let me go with you? Now I’m walking a hole in my rug worried to death.”

Adriana’s mind drifted back to the tub. Flint was incredible. She couldn’t get enough of him. Her stomach had been upset, but one kiss and she’d completely forgotten about it, concentrating only on the pleasure his body gave hers. She needed him like her body needed water. He flowed through her and quenched a thirst only he could.

She sighed deeply, then quickly ran to her bedroom to change. Her mind screamed that she had to find him. Something was wrong. She knew that instinctively in her gut, and she wouldn’t feel a sense of relief until she found him.

After calling for a taxi, Adriana rode to Flint’s apartment. She hoped the sick feeling was just her imagination working overtime.

She paid her fare, and got out, noting her Porsche parked across the street. A heavy weight lifted at the sight of it. She had worried for nothing. But now she was angry. She had tried to call him at his apartment right before she’d left, but got no answer. Was there a problem with his phone?

She opened the building door and turned to go to the elevators.

Flint was going to get it for this. He was never going to leave her side again.

The ride up seemed to take a lifetime. Adriana went over everything she was going to say. By the time they headed back to her apartment he was going to know who was boss.

She smiled with satisfaction as she walked down the hall to Flint’s door. Adriana unlocked the door with her extra set of keys, intending to rip Flint up for making her worry.

“Flint Morgan you are in big trouble,” she said, then stopped dead in her track when she saw Flint sitting in a chair in the middle of the living room. “What’s going on?”

A cold metal object stuck in her back as the door slammed behind her.

“Nice to see you again, Miss Kent. I was hoping you’d drop by.” Adriana turned around, swallowing hard when she saw it was Hartford holding a revolver.

“What’s this all about?” Adriana glanced at Flint, who she could see now had his hands tied behind his back. Dread hit hard, making her stomach roll again.

“Morgan and I have a few things to settle. The first on the list-- to screw his girlfriend like he did mine.”

Adriana felt the blood drain from her face. She glanced at Flint, who was fighting now to get out of his restraints.

“You so much as touch her Hartford and I’ll make you pay with your life,” Flint shouted.

Hartford rolled his eyes. “Again, who has the gun here? You’ll have no say in what I do or don’t do to your woman. Like I said, she might even like it. Who knows?”

Hartford grabbed Adriana by the arm and twisting it around her back, sending her to her knees. Adriana cried out in pain as he continued to bend her arm. “Now we’re going to have some fun.” Hartford ripped at the back of her blouse, tearing it to shreds.

“Goddamnit, Hartford!” Flint thrashed in the chair. Adriana covered her chest with her hands as a tear slipped down her cheek. Hartford pulled her up and clapped his hand on her breast, squeezing it painfully.

“Damn. They are real,” he said turning to Flint. “I’m going to have a good time with your little whore, then I’m going to kill you both.” Hartford slapped Adriana hard across the face, sending her backwards, falling to the floor.

Stunned, Adriana looked up and watched Hartford unbuckle his belt, then unzip his pants.

Ryan smiled wickedly at her. “I may not have the huge penis your boyfriend has, but it’s not the size that counts anyway, it’s how you use it.”

Adriana scrambled to get away, but was stopped when Hartford pulled her back by her hair. Tears sprang to her eyes, but Adriana refused to give into the pain. She’d die before she allowed Ryan Hartford to rape her. She heard Flint behind her cursing, clearly fighting to get out of the ropes. In his weakened state, he would probably be helpless to break free.

Hartford grabbed her arms and brought them above her head as he straddled her waist. Adriana arched up, trying to knock him off balance. She had to fight or he’d win.
Stay calm
. There was no way to overpower him, she’d have to wait and hope for a chance to knee him hard in the groin. That would be her only hope of escape. A sick, sadistic look covered Hartford’s face. The man was insane and she would have to be crazy herself to think she could talk him out of what he planned to do with her. She’d try a different tact. Maybe if she pretended to enjoy his advances, he’d relax enough to give her the opportunity to cripple him.

Adriana swallowed as Ryan hands ran over her breasts. Bile rose in her throat. She had to hide her contempt. He wouldn’t lower his guard if she didn’t. Playing along with Hartford, Adriana moaned as if she enjoyed his touch.

“Oh, baby,” Ryan said hoarsely.

“Get off her you piece of shit.” Flint distracted Ryan just long enough to give Adriana the time to bring her knee up and gouge him in the groin. She received an agonizing grunt from him for her efforts. She jumped up, then took off at a run, only to slip, skidding on the floor, trying to get to Flint.

Firm hands snaked out to grasp her around the ankle, sending her sprawling back to the ground.

A click of a gun brought both her and Hartford around to find Flint now free from his restraints. He held Hartford’s gun in his hands.

“Let her go, asshole, unless you want me to shot you.”

Hartford’s eyes turned black with fury. He didn’t look fazed by Flint having his gun.

“Call the police, Dray.” Flint didn’t bother to look at her, but continued to watch Hartford intently.

Adriana eased herself up and limped over to the phone, then heard a scuffle from behind and turned to see Hartford wrestling with Flint for the gun.

Her piercing screams filled the room when a shot rang out, ringing in her ears until it was almost deafening.

Time moved in slow motion as Adriana watched both Flint and Hartford go down, the beige carpeted floor turning crimson beneath them.