Savage Scheme (6 page)

"So..." she started. 

"So..." he mimicked sitting across from her, his cup of coffee steaming in front of him. She didn't want to ask, to be that needy girl, but she wanted, needed to know if whatever was between them was stuck within this twenty-four hours or if it would continue. 

"What happens next?" she asked.

He sat for a moment contemplating his answer. "I have to fly home tonight."

She caught herself before she choked on her orange juice. "Home?" God, she really didn't know anything about him. 

"Vancouver."

She nodded her head slowly, a surprising feeling of disappointment settling heavily in her belly. It really was a whirlwind romance, one that had very clearly met its end. She wondered if it meant anything to Nate. Or maybe he always swept women off their feet and into his bed with his rakish smile and his rogue demeanour.

“Libby.” The command in his voice brought her out of her wayward thoughts. He had obviously said something to her and she’d been caught not paying attention.

“Yes, sorry, what were you saying?” She worked hard at keeping her face from flaming.

He reached across the table and linked his fingers with hers, that familiar spark coming to life at just his touch. “I was saying, that I don’t want this to end. I’m not nearly done with you yet.” The heat in his voice sent a shiver running through her. “Come with me. To Vancouver.”

“Nate, I can’t.” She felt the bubble of laughter in her throat knowing full well she was actually considering it. “That’s crazy, first of all. Second, I have to work and...”

“Just take a few days off, come on. I’m sure, just in the small time we’ve spent together that you have some vacation days stored away.”

“I do,” she agreed, her mind focused on what she would tell her boss. No, she couldn’t. As much as she wanted to stay in the fantasy, she knew once she got on the back of his bike and he drove her to her apartment reality would invade. And the last thing she wanted to do was drag Nate into her reality. “But I can’t. I really do appreciate the offer and it sounds amazing. But...”

“You can’t.”

“I can’t,” she repeated. A flash of something passed through Nate’s eyes but before she could place it he smiled at her in understanding.

An hour later they were saying goodbye to Nick. “You’ll come back and see me beautiful Libby.”

“I would love that Nick.”

“And if you feel like dropping the dead weight before you come back, I’m okay with that too,” he whispered dramatically with a wink.

“You’ll find this dead weight plowing into your jaw soon if you keep talking that shit,” Nate growled from behind her. She couldn’t help but laugh at their banter. Nick gave her a quick kiss on the cheek before he pulled Nate in for a quick man hug. Hearing his name called from the main house, he waved over his shoulder as he jogged toward whatever problem vineyard owners dealt with.   

"Are you ready to head home?" Nate asked.  

"No," she said with a sigh. She didn't want to leave this little slice of heaven.

He leaned in and pressed his lips to her jaw. "Me neither." 

Libby felt her phone vibrate against her thigh as the wind whipped past them. She tightened her arms around Nate as they drove away from their little corner of paradise and back toward the concrete jungle. It was two hours of pure torture, the thrum of the bike between her thighs as she as she held onto a man she called her own for a measly twenty-four hours. But he wasn’t hers and he was leaving on a plane taking him to the other side of the country. His offer kept repeating over and over. How she wished she lived a life where she could just say yes, where it was easy for her to drop everything without worry or fears and just go with him. A part of her was pushing her to go with desperation. To get out of the sad little bubble she had built around herself.

The ride was over too quickly as she directed him around the last turn to her apartment. Nate cut the engine as he stopped out front of her building. She pulled off her helmet and stared up and the red and grey brick that looked more depressing than it ever had.

“If you end up changing your mind, the flight is at six.” She reached out and cupped his cheek, forcing a small smile to her lips. Gripping her wrist, he pulled her in for a kiss that stole a small part of her soul.

“Thank you, Nate, for an incredible weekend,” she managed once she was able to drag oxygen back into her lungs. She searched his eyes, hesitating for a moment before she forced herself to turn on her heel and away from him. Her stomach churned at the loud thrum of the motorcycle coming to life behind her. Taking a balancing breath, she gripped the door handle and left Nate and their wonderful weekend on the street.

Her phone vibrated in her back pocket reminding her she had a text message waiting. Stepping out of the elevator she pulled it from her jeans as she walked toward her door at the end of the hallway. As the screen came to life, her feet stopped, the beat of her heart picking up a panicked rhythm. She reread the words over and over knowing exactly who they were from. She felt her training wrap around her, falling comfortably in place as her eyes scanned the hallway.

Play time is over. It’s time to come home.

Sliding her hand silently into her purse, her fingers wrapped around the familiar handle of the gun she always carried. Pulling it out, she padded down the hall. Standing in front of her door she stared down at the carefully covered up splintered wood of her doorframe. Amateurs, she thought with a daring grin. Listening to the quiet of her home, she pushed open the door with her gun at the ready. Staring at her now trashed living room she knew instinctively she was alone. Whoever had been here was long gone leaving one clear message. She wasn’t safe any longer. They had finally found her. But how? Stepping through the shattered glass and torn apart pillows she moved toward her bedroom. She stared at the destroyed props she used every night. The ones that displayed her as the boring admin who came home and took warm baths and read romance novels every night while she actually lay on the roof staring out at the city through her scope. Not that she didn’t love a nice bath and a steamy romance novel, hell it was her favourite pastime - one she didn’t get to experience nearly as often as she would like. The machine that cast shadows throughout her apartment sat in pieces. She pouted at the sight, it was her favourite new toy. Moving into the room she could see there was nothing left of her beautiful bed, the mattress left in ribbons. Opening her closet, she immediately found her hideaway compartment untouched. Prying apart the seamless slats of wood, she grabbed her emergency bag and quickly took inventory of the contents. Enough clothes to last her for a week, a new passport with a stash of cash along with her carefully concealed weapons that would undoubtedly pass through airport security. She pulled the silver makeup case from the compartment, quickly putting together an emergency disguise kit, knowing she wouldn’t be able to bring all of it. Choosing a new set of contacts, hair dye and her favourite prosthetics allowing her to change her features, a more angled chin or chiselled cheek bones if she needed, she threw them into her bag with a deep breath. She didn’t know where she was headed, but she knew this could no longer be home. She took a moment to look around the space that was finally starting to feel like a place of belonging, tamping down the emotions that wanted to rise in riot within her. An overwhelming wave of hatred swamped her as the face of the man at the root cause of it all flashed before her. She felt her heart shatter and its very resolve all in the same moment. She allowed one tear to slide down her cheek before she hastily wiped it away and walked out of her apartment for the last time. The quiet click of the door closing behind her signifying the end of a chapter.

“She has no information for us. She hasn’t spoken to her father in years.”

“Are you sure?”

“I’m sure,” he told his brother with absolute certainty. Libby was definitely hiding something, but it wasn’t information about James West. Her anger toward her father was palpable, he’d almost call it hatred, but he could see that even though she kept mile high walls around her, she had a heart that was soft, unallowing of such an emotion. She was hurt and angry. And judging by what little she had told him, he knew if it were him, she was a better person than he because he probably would have taken the man’s last breath a long time ago. Hell, even now, even though Libby had walked away from him and his offer, he wanted James West’s blood. He craved it like an addicted need that pulsed through him for an endless list of felonies, for putting everything before the child he dared bring into this world and most of all for hurting his little wildcat. “She definitely has secrets of her own but they have nothing to do with West.”

“What do you think they are?” He smiled at Cameron’s curious question, she was always the one that wanted to know more about their target. It was a personal level they couldn’t allow or afford.

“I don’t know little one, she’s pretty closed off and rightfully so from what she did tell me. She’s had a tough life, one that has caused her to constantly be on the run. But one thing that I am positive of is that woman can take care of herself. She definitely has training, impressive training at that. She carries too. I was able to look through her purse and she has it nicely concealed, but it’s there. A small but very lethal glock. Well maintained with modifications.” He nodded at Aiden’s slow whistle.

“Anything else you think we can pull from our girl?”

Nate sighed, there was a lot of information he wanted from her but none of it had to do with his current mission. And that was trouble. “No. I asked her to come back with me.”

“You did?” Max’s disbelieving surprise was evident in his question.

“Yeah, she turned me down though, she’s staying in Toronto.”

“Uh oh, has lady killer Nate Savage lost his charm?”

“Shut the hell up,” he growled, rolling his eyes. “My flight’s at six, we’ll debrief tomorrow morning.” Before he could hear any more, he hung up the conference call and stepped off of his bike and onto the tarmac, throwing his duffle bag over his shoulder.

Nate couldn’t stop thinking about the day before. He couldn’t remember the last time he’d had so much... fun. Libby West sparked feelings inside of him he thought were long dead, hell just thinking about her and his cock stirred to life. She sparked his interest, something he specifically turned away in women. But something about Libby was magnetic. He wanted to learn more about her, to learn what made her who she was, what made her tick. But it seemed those were the things she held so deep he was lost at how to drag it out of her. It was the memory of her legs wrapped around him, of sinking into the sweetest heat he had ever experienced while she cried his name were moments he knew would haunt him for the rest of his days. He was insatiable when it came to Libby. He had to admit that inviting her back to Vancouver with him was just as much personal as it was for the mission. He wasn’t finished with her, not even close. He knew he just needed to be with her, fuck them both into oblivion and until she was out of his system. Then he could move on and their time together would be a fond memory. He chose to ignore the hollow, dull feeling in his chest at her refusal. He could see she was thinking about it, considering actually leaving with him to Vancouver but whatever war she was waging in her head had won. He’d had to drive away before he went after her and practically begged her to go with him. Shaking his head he knew he needed to let it go. She was a mission and she didn’t have any information they could use. That meant it was time to move forward with the next lead, although he had a feeling their next lead wouldn’t intrigue his eager cock the way this particular daughter of a known enemy did. Christ, what the hell was wrong with him? She practically had caution signs all over her and he still touched her, every bare inch of her. And it was one of the hottest nights of his life. 

A familiar halo of dark hair appeared in the doorway bringing a smile to his face and away from his wayward thoughts. His little sister stood waiting for him with a knowing grin, waving her arm to showcase her new ride.

“Hey big bro, you look... well rested.” Roxy was his sister with the most sass. He raised an eyebrow and chose not to engage in her prodding. Not only was she the one with the most sass, but she was also the one who was the most mischievous, always known for her planning and plotting. He climbed the stairs of the small plane two at a time and wrapped his sister in a giant bear hug, lifting her off the ground. Not that it was hard, she was a hundred pounds soaking wet and barely over five feet, but she was one of the fiercest women he knew and the best damn pilot he’d ever had the experience of flying with.

“It’s good to see you too Rox. Where did you steal the sweet new wings from?” he asked, looking over the sleek body of the aircraft.

“From the airstrip at the Barn.”

“What?” he asked, genuinely confused.

“Didn’t you hear? I’m test driving this pretty thing.”

“Considering making a large purchase?”

“We all are, and I am more than happy to see if this baby can handle me.” They had been talking about adding an aircraft to their fleet. It was much needed and now it appeared his brothers were trying to charm their skilled pilot sister into officially joining them by teasing her with what she loved the most. Flashy and fast airplanes. He suddenly felt Roxy stiffen in his arms. Pulling back, he stared at her with concern.

“We have company,” she murmured, staring over his shoulder. He turned his head, suddenly on high alert as his hand went to the butt of the gun at his lower back. But it was as if time stopped. He stared at the raven haired beauty looking up at him with confused betrayal in her eyes.

He let go of Roxy and bounded down the stairs toward her. He could see her start to back away and his heart clenched at the thought of her denying him again. What the hell was wrong with him? Finally reaching her, he grabbed her wrist and pulled her into his space. With his other hand, he took her duffle bag that was thrown over her shoulder. "I didn't think you were going to make it." 

"Me neither," she admitted quietly. Leaning in he let his lips brush softly and swiftly against hers. 

"I'm so glad you did though." The sound of the plane engine coming to life silenced anything else he was about to say. "Come on," he yelled over the noise, gripping her hand tighter so she couldn't run. "Our pilot can be a real tyrant if we make her late." Turning, he led her away from the tarmac and the waiting open door, a sense of impending victory pounding through his veins. 

"Libby, this is my sister Roxy, our esteemed pilot for this flight," he introduced, stepping into the cockpit. He watched as she looked with carefully concealed understanding between him and Roxy.

“It’s nice to meet you Roxy.”

“Likewise,” his sister started, as she turned and stood from her captain’s chair pulling the headset to rest around her neck. “You’ll be joining us for the flight?”

“Yes, she will be,” Nate interrupted. Roxy slowly looked to him and he could feel both his sisters as well as Libby’s eyebrow raise at his statement. He didn’t need to hear his sister’s bratty attitude so before either could respond further he tugged Libby away from the cockpit and toward the seat beside his.  

Nate was getting antsy, she’d been too silent for too long. He didn’t want to push her, but he needed her to say something, anything. “What made you change your mind?” he finally asked her.

"So... Roxy is your sister. And a pilot. And that’s supposed to explain the private jet." 

He winked at her, concealing his frown at the question in her statement, but allowed her to change the subject. She would tell him, eventually. She was very good, he realized, at hiding her emotions, her feelings. But he knew by the tension that was almost palpable that something had happened in the time that he dropped her off and she showed up at the airport. "She is. Don't worry, you're in good hands - she's the best pilot I know." He watched as Libby stared at him as if seeing something she hadn't before. 

"Tell me more about your family. Is Roxy your only sibling?" 

He felt the bubble of laughter in his throat. "No, although sometimes I think that would be easier," he teased. "I have six other brothers and sisters besides Rox." 

"Six!" She squeaked, shocked. "Sometimes I wish I had a big family like that, I bet you always had someone to play with." 

"Absolutely, but there was always someone to fight with too," he told her, laughing. 

"And where do you fit on the totem pole?" 

"Around the middle. Aiden is the oldest, and then there is Logan and Max, then Cameron, my sister, then me and my twin sister Stella, Luke then Roxy." 

"You have a twin?"

"I do. I have amazing relationships with all my brothers and sisters, but Stella and I have a different kind of relationship. Twin bond and all," he said, shrugging his shoulders.

“Are you two very much alike?”

“Oh she will tell you she is much smarter than me, and I will tend to agree with her. She is a brilliant doctor. Which is actually great to have in the family since my brothers and I tend to get into trouble every now and then.”

“And what kind of trouble is that?”

“The kind that needs a doctor who knows how to make scars look less intimidating but still bad ass.” He loved hearing her laugh.

“What was it like?” she asked. He looked at her with a frown, not sure of her question. “Growing up around so much family.”

He took a deep breath thinking back on his childhood realizing hers was probably the polar opposite. While his was always chaotic, there was always love. For every scraped knee or blackened eye, there were stern lectures followed by warmth and a mother's kisses to make everything better. Without thinking, he reached for her hand and entwined their fingers together before bringing them up to his lips, brushing a soft kiss against her knuckles. “It wasn’t always sunshine and roses,” he started. “My mom was a single mother with four kids - me, Stella, Logan, and Aiden. It wasn’t until I was six that she met my dad and married. That’s when our family doubled in size because he was a single dad with four kids of his own. It was hard before my mom met David. She struggled and Aiden tried to help out as much as he could, doing whatever odd job he could pick up, paper route, mowing lawns, anything anyone would pay an eleven-year-old to do. He was an instant man of the house and it was a lot for him to handle. Stella and I were so young, but we were at an age that we knew what was going on.”

“What happened to your father?” she asked softly, her thumb tracing invisible circles against his skin. It was oddly relaxing. There was something about Libby that made him want to tell her about his past. He’d never spoken to anyone about how he felt when his father had left, not even his mother. It was a dark shadow that crept into his soul, a memory he knew no six-year-old should ever have to carry.

“He’s not my father, he’s just some man, a coward who was useful for one thing - being a sperm donor.” He knew his words came out harsh, gravelly.

“I’m sorry,” she whispered. He closed his eyes briefly and shook his head in an effort to get rid of the darkness that was encroaching at memories of the past.

“I was the last person he spoke to before he left. He wasn’t a man Libby. I woke up in the middle of the night because I heard a noise and found him halfway out the front door while everyone else was sleeping. He told me he couldn’t do it anymore, that this life wasn’t for him. He needed something faster - girls, cars. He told me that I was a lot like him and that I would understand one day. That I should come and find him when I figured it out.” He still remembered the tears he cried, quietly begging his father to stay. He hadn’t been the best dad and he wasn’t around very often. Hell even at six-years-old he knew that his mom and the sperm donor didn’t have a loving relationship, but one built out of necessity. And after that night, the loneliness he’d experienced watching the door close after the man he was supposed to look up to, the pain in his chest started to harden the heart of a six-year-old boy.

He felt Libby rest her chin on his shoulder, her soft breath against his neck. “So what did you do when you found him?”

He pulled back in shock, how the hell had she known he’d looked for the sperm donor? He hadn’t told anyone about that except Angela. And her lack of support shouldn’t have been surprising but it had hurt. “How did you know I found him?” he asked incredulously instead of answering her question. He wasn’t ready to be that vulnerable again. He’d told Angela that he’d found his father, not the state he’d found him in. Watching the old man stumble into his motel room, his transient lifestyle obvious in the stained white t shirt and the stench of alcohol he could almost smell from where he sat in his car across the street. The part of Nate he thought dead toward the man he used to call Dad spurned to life with anger seeing exactly what he had traded his family in for. A five dollar beer, a shower a week and fly by night girls who’s tag line was “leave the money on the nightstand.” For a moment he allowed himself to feel sorry for him, for what he gave up so many years ago. Nate had planned to confront him, to yell and demand answers. But after seeing the hair loss, the paunch of his gut, the sweat stains that rimmed the once white t shirt, he couldn’t do it. Instead he closed his eyes and counted to ten, listening to the bustling traffic and the accompanying sounds of the run down neighborhood before he started his car and didn’t stop for the next eighteen hours, the amount of time it took to drive from Las Vegas to Vancouver.