Savage Scheme (7 page)

“Blending in and reading people were two skills that were and still are of necessity to me. They are two skills I was trained in and became very good at. You’re not as closed off as you think you are Nate, you’re a pretty easy read if you look hard enough,” she said with a small shrug and a tentative smile, bringing him out of his wayward thoughts.

“Why were they of necessity Libby?” She drew her eyebrows together pretending not to understand the question. “Blending in and reading people. Why were they skills that you needed to know and still need to know?”

“I told you, my father isn’t a very nice man. He has many enemies and it was for my own safety,” she told him, waving it away. He wanted her to talk to him, to tell him everything because his gut was screaming at him that he needed this mission just as much as Libby needed him.

“You’re so guarded, I wish you would talk to me.”

“I could say the same thing about you. You want to dig through the skeletons in my closet? You can go first - how about you tell me about the woman who hurt you. Because I know there is one, that is quite obvious.” Nate felt himself shutter. He wasn’t going to talk about Angela, not because she had hurt him and he didn’t want to drag up his history with his ex, but because she wasn’t worth talking about. Especially not to Libby. He let out a long sigh, realizing that this conversation was getting him nowhere. He would push her when the time was right, when he knew she would talk to him and open up and he knew that time would be when she was naked and wanting in his arms. He was a manipulator and an asshole and he knew that he would do what it took to pry information from her. He still had a job to do.

Putting his arm around her he pulled her close so she rested her head against his chest. Kissing the top of her head he inhaled the scent of her hair. “Try and get some sleep,” he murmured. He felt her relax knowing it was because he had dropped the subject. He didn’t plan to drop it for long. He needed to find out what she was hiding because he had a feeling Libby was the key to making or breaking this mission.

Libby pulled the seatbelt on while Nate walked around the truck. Roxy had to stay back at the airfield, waving them off after Libby thanked her for an amazing flight. In the short moments she had spent with the woman, Libby found her respect for the very capable woman rising. Not only was Nate’s sister obviously unbelievably talented she was also one of the most intimidating and beautiful women she had met. She was little, but she had spunk and attitude and she had been nothing but welcoming. Libby had never had any real girlfriends and it was in those moments when people like Roxy showed warm welcoming that a longing built in her chest. She’d never had that friend to call in the middle of the night when she got her heart broken or simply to go out on a Friday night for a cocktail. When they were saying their farewell’s, she watched as Nate grabbed his sister and pulled her in for a hug, the love they shared palpable. But it was when Roxy moved out of his arms and pulled Libby in for one too was when she had to push the unexpected emotions aside. She knew she wouldn’t be in Vancouver for long, a couple days maybe. She wouldn’t allow her father to find her when she was with Nate and put him in danger.

She was positive now that he wasn’t telling her the whole truth about what he did. She’d never known a security specialist to fly in private jets, even if his sister was a pilot. She’d tried to sneak glances around the opulent plane, but Nate had proven to be an accomplished distraction.

“Ready?” he asked, jumping behind the wheel. God, she hadn’t thought past getting out of Toronto. She had no idea where she was staying in a city she had never stepped foot in. It was rude of her to think Nate would welcome her into his home. What if he didn’t live alone? What if there was a woman waiting there for him? He wouldn’t have asked you to come with him then, you fool, she cursed herself.

"I guess I didn't really plan this out past the airplane so if you want to drop me off at the nearest hotel..." The heat of his stare caused her sentence to trail. 

"Oh sweetheart, if you actually think I'm going to let you stay at a hotel instead of in my bed, you have another thing coming. Last night was the hottest sex of my life and I'm not done with you yet. Consider yourself tied to my bed." 

Libby stared at him as if he was crazy. He had to be, no one had ever spoken to her that way. And she would be lying to herself if she said his words didn't cause her stomach to flip in anticipation. Libby had a hard time trusting people, she was trained to never trust anyone but herself. Everyone lied and those who got close to her were doing it for selfish reasons. But in that moment she believed Nate. She swallowed not trusting her own reaction. Tearing her gaze away from his, she stared out the window and remained silent as he pulled the truck into traffic and headed what seemed to be away from the city. Taking in her surroundings, she memorized street signs and buildings, anything to familiarize herself with the area. Blinking, she could feel her contacts starting to dry out. Silently cursing, she didn’t know how she was going to pull off staying at Nate’s house and continue the charade. What would he think when he realized her eyes weren’t gray but brown, that her hair wasn’t naturally streaked with blonde but closer to black? While she was figuring out a plan in her head, she hadn’t noticed him turn onto a long gravelled driveway. The sprawling house that came into view was stunning. It was a striking combination of Victorian and modern. Libby felt equally surprised and oddly not at Nate’s choice of home. Hopping out of the truck she took in the landscape in awe, almost in the country but the city skyline still in view - the perfect middle. The forest on the other side of the house stood far enough away not to devour the beauty of the home, but close enough to shroud the property in privacy.

“Two of my brothers have homes on the other side of the woods, Aiden’s is across the field and Luke is in the middle of building his down closer to the water.”

She looked up at him with a confused smile. “You all live so close?” She couldn’t imagine what it would be like. She pushed away the pang of jealousy realizing that she didn’t even know the meaning of family.

“Far enough away that we have our own space but close enough in case we’re needed.”

Libby frowned, wondering at his choice of words - why would he need his brother’s close? Before she could ask, he took her hand and pulled her toward the house.

***

"Welcome to my humble abode," Nate said as they walked into the vast foyer. The house was very modern and open concept, the warmth throughout conveyed just enough welcome and just enough bachelor pad. Carrying her bag and his he gestured for her to follow him as he took her toward the back of the home, pointing out the kitchen and bathrooms as he went. Reaching the doorway at the very back of the house she stepped through tentatively seeing the massive bed that seemed to convey a huge presence in the space. She'd never been intimidated by anything in her life but staring at Nate’s bed was the first time she felt something akin to the unfamiliar feeling. The thud of their bags dropping to the floor pulled her out of her trance. Looking over at him she couldn't help but feel the smile grow on her lips. He'd started to toe out of his shoes, his eyes never leaving hers. She felt something unfurl deep in her belly, his silence commanding and domineering. His fingers moved to the buttons on his shirt, his movements steady and confident. 

"You better start getting undressed sweetheart if you want your clothes to remain intact. The way I'm feeling right now is nothing short of savage and if I get my hands on your shirt it will be torn from that delectable body of yours." 

"Quite sure of yourself, aren't you?" she countered. His arrogant smirk was answer enough. She couldn’t control her hands if she tried as they moved to the hem, pulling it up and over her head.

“Pants,” he commanded. She bit her bottom lip to contain her grin. As she stepped out of the pile of material at her feet, another pair came into her view. Bare. What was it about a man’s bare feet? She would have put money on the fact that she couldn’t be turned on by toes, but Nate continued to derail everything she once thought to be true when it came to her attraction to men. She dragged her eyes up the jeans that hugged his muscular thighs, swallowing at the site of the bulge that inherently made her mouth water. He’d divested himself of his shirt, leaving his chest bare. Damn but the man was a god. She’d never seen male perfection in its truest form yet here it was standing in front of her. His muscles were honed and chiselled, each one defined and torturous on any female’s hormones. She felt her pulse quicken wondering how the hell she was going to pull this off. Something about Nate made her vulnerable, stripped her bare until she didn’t know how to handle the wants he made her fantasize about. His scent wrapped around her, and she closed her eyes breathing it in, memorizing it for a time when she no longer would have it. She felt him move closer, his warmth wrapping around her causing a shiver to start at her lower back. She held her breath in anticipation and gasped as his lips found her pulse point at the base of her neck.

“Do I make you nervous?” he murmured, his tongue licking over the small mark his teeth made in the soft skin. His question was confident, but she heard the strain of underlying concern.

“No,” she breathed, knowing his question was a result of the rapid beat of her heart under his touch.

“Good.”

She felt his smile before her hands cupped his face and brought his lips up to meet hers. She felt his fingers grip her ass and lift her against him. Instinctively she wrapped her legs around his waist, her arms around his neck. She felt him moving, but she didn’t dare break the fusion of their lips. She could only hope it was toward the bed. Or the wall, or the floor, or somewhere where he could shed his pants and show her heaven. Her back hit the mattress and she restrained the urge to throw her fist in the air in victory. Her fingers immediately moved to the button on his pants followed by the zipper as she pushed without finesse to get the cursed denim down his legs. He growled against her mouth and tore away just long enough to kick away his pants and grab a condom. Her back instantly bowed off the bed as he stole her breath and filled her completely in one movement. His fingers dug into her hips, holding her still.

“Fuck, baby. I’ve never felt anything so perfect in my life.”

His words sounded as if they were torn from his chest. She ground her hips against his hold, needing him to move against the sweet torture he was currently providing. He gave in to her silent pleading with a destructive rhythm, each ruthless thrust perfectly hitting the ache that had been building in her belly since she’d had him the night before. “Nate, please. More.” She cried out in protest as he immediately moved away from her. Before she could take her next breath, he had her pulled to the edge of the bed and flipped over as he stood behind her. Her chest lay against the soft duvet as her feet planted firmly on the hardwood floor beneath her. Before she could send up a silent thanks, his thighs bracketed hers knowing she was too weak to stand on her own, a sharp hand came down across her ass at the same time he slammed into her. She would almost bet that anyone walking by would have heard her scream as her climax violently took over. She felt his grip tighten as his movements increased and she wouldn’t be surprised if she wore his phantom touch in the form of bruises tomorrow. Falling on top of her she felt their bodies meld together, his damp chest against her back as he lay soft kisses against her shoulder. She smiled into the bed cover at the turnaround of his emotions. She loved the fact that he’d just fucked her like a starving man and in the next moment treated her as if she was a cherished treasure. Their heavy breathing was the only sound in the quiet bedroom. Hell, she was content to stay just as they were and she frowned behind her shield of hair when he pulled out of her slowly but not before she heard him hiss almost as if in regret. He turned her over and picked her up, cradling her in his arms. She didn’t want to break the moment that seemed to drag between them so she remained quiet as he took her to the bathroom. Without letting her down he turned on the shower and stepped under the stream of water.

“Nate!” She squealed with laughter as the jets of cold water washed over her. She felt his chuckle as he nuzzled her neck.

“It’ll get hot in a second. I’ll warm you up in the meantime.”

Libby changed quickly after towel drying her hair and running a brush through the long wet tresses. She’d asked Nate if he had a blow dryer somewhere and was met with a blank stare. Bachelor house and all. If she was honest with herself, she was glad there weren’t past women’s random things taking up space in his drawers. Walking down the hall she found him with his head in the refrigerator. She slid onto one of the barstools at the large kitchen island and waited patiently, watching with her chin in her palm. Turning around he grinned at her, walking to stand between her legs.

“I was going to make us something to eat but all I have is some sour milk and an apple in my fridge.”

“Yum,” she said sarcastically. He squeezed the tops of her thighs, sending a tingling tickle through her.

“I’ll run out to the store and grab the essentials. It’s too late to do a full shop so we can order dinner. Here’s a bunch of flyers and menus - ladies' choice tonight.” Libby looked at the clock on the stove behind him - nine o’clock. She didn’t know when the sky had turned dark. It was probably when you were on your back screaming, she told herself with a saucy grin.

He lay a swift kiss against her lips and moved away before coming back for another causing her to laugh against his assault. “Go,” she urged, pushing against his chest.

“You’ll be alright here alone while I’m gone?” She rolled her eyes in exasperation as he laughed on his way out the door.

She took one look at the image of the pizza in front of her and didn’t bother to look through the stack. An extra large, extra cheese pizza was exactly what she needed after her whirlwind day. She’d thrown away her cell phone and regrettably her bug detector in the trash can outside of her apartment building and she felt lost, disconnected somehow. A part of her relished the freedom, but the other felt restless. She had a handful of burner phones in her bag, but she would only use those if she needed to. Tapping her fingers against the counter she silently stared around the living room and down the hall. The open door across from the living room caught her attention. She narrowed her eyes at the glimpse of a desk and pursed her lips at the idea that there was probably a computer in what had to be Nate’s office. Contemplating her options she found herself sliding off the stool and making her way toward the room. Pushing open the door she was met with warm woods and a simple yet functional decor. She smiled and shook her head, moving behind the desk and slipping into the leather chair. Moving the mouse, the screen came to life. She pushed aside the flutter of unease as she told herself she wasn’t snooping, she was checking her email and then she would shut down the computer. Her natural instincts to gain information were rioting, fueling the war against what she wanted to do and what she should be doing. Blowing out a slow breath she moved the cursor to open a new window when she caught sight of a folder in the bottom corner of the screen. She drew her eyebrows together at the title, L.W.2014. With curiosity eating away at her insides, she found herself opening the file. At the same time, she heard the front door open and a distinctly feminine voice.

“Nate?”

Libby immediately closed the window with a grind of her teeth and shut off the screen as she moved from the chair. She swallowed nervously. Nate didn’t tell her he was expecting someone.

“Nate, honey - are you home?”

She knew the voice didn’t sound threatening, but she also knew, from experience, how easily one could be deceived. Relaxing the tension that was suddenly corded through her, she prepared herself for anything as she pulled open the door. She came to a stop, surprised at the stunning woman who was placing a handful of grocery bags on the counter. Turning, she quickly recovered from her own shock with a warm smile that lit up her face.

“Hi!”

Libby found herself clearing her throat, realizing exactly who this woman was. Nate’s mother. They shared the same hair colour, but it was the spark that lit up her eyes when she smiled that was identical to her son’s. “Hello.” She had never felt so awkward in her entire life and with Nate not here to deflect she stood there twisting her fingers together in a nervous gesture. She didn’t think she’d ever felt so out of place in her life. She had been so isolated, brought up in a reality where mothers didn’t bring groceries and check up on their children. They simply didn’t exist in Libby’s world.

“I’m Juliette, Nate’s mom,” the woman said, moving closer with her hand held out.

“Libby,” she returned, wiping her clammy palm against her pants before shaking her hand.

“It’s very nice to meet you Libby. A little birdie told me Nate would be home today and I knew his fridge would be empty. I do it with all my kids,” she said, waving her hand in the air. “It’s a terrible habit. My husband continues to remind me that they are all adults now, but I can’t help it.” Libby couldn’t help but smile as Juliette laughed at herself.

“Nate’s not home. He went out to grab a few things from the store, but he should be back soon,” she offered.

“Oh, that’s okay honey.” Libby watched as Juliette hesitated before asking her next question. “So, how do you and Nate know each other?” Without letting go of her hand, Juliette pulled her over to the couch. This woman was so warm, so welcoming and it felt almost natural to sit and have a conversation as if they hadn’t just met a few minutes ago.

“Oh, he’s a friend. He was kind enough to let me stay here while I’m in town.” Libby did her best not to fidget while Juliette regarded her in silence, assessing her statement.

“I’d say you’re almost as good a liar as my children. But you have to remember, I have eight of them.” Libby bit her lip and felt her cheeks flame. “Don’t worry sweetheart,” Juliette said with a wink. “With a brood as large as mine, it’s hard to get things past me. Tell me, how long are you in town?”

She breathed a sigh of relief at the change of subject. “Oh, just a few days.”

“Do you have family here?”

“No.” Libby winced at how fast her answer came.

Juliette smiled almost as if in understanding. “And where are you off to once you leave Vancouver?”

“I haven’t quite figured that out yet,” she admitted.

“I see - well I do hope that you’ll come over for dinner while you’re here.”

“Oh, I don’t...”

“Ma?”

They both turned to find Nate walking through the door, his arms full as he kicked the door shut behind him. “Here, let me help you with that.” Libby jumped at the opportunity, wanting to busy herself in the wake of Nate’s uncertainty and confusion. He continued to look between her and his mother who was now pushing herself off the couch with her arms open and a wide smile.

“Hi, sweetheart! I’m so happy you’re home safe. I just came over to drop off some groceries when I met your
friend
Libby. We’ve been having a wonderful conversation... about how the two of you met.” Libby clamped her lips together to stifle her laughter at Nate’s sudden look of horror and Juliette’s seemingly innocent demeanour as she taunted her son. She knew she liked this woman. Nate quickly masked his surprise with a smile as he enveloped his mom into a tight hug, laying a kiss on the top of her head.

“Hi, Mom. Thank you, for dropping off the groceries. Did you want to stay for dinner?”

Libby tried to busy herself unloading the food in the kitchen, feeling like she was intruding on a moment where she shouldn’t be.

“Oh no, no - we ate a while ago and I have to get home to your father. But I was telling Libby that I hope you can fit in a dinner before she leaves.”

“Before she leaves?” Nate looked up and caught her eye with a frown as if he wasn’t thinking about her leaving. Her chest clenched as she bit her lip and turned, unable to hold his gaze.

“Yes, I know there isn’t a set date yet but maybe you could come for Sunday dinner.”

“Maybe, Ma. We’ll try and make it, promise.”

“Great! Libby, it was wonderful meeting you.”

She moved from her safety of the kitchen island, noting that cold greetings or goodbyes were not tolerated. Tensing slightly as Juliette wrapped her in a hug, she slowly returned the gesture, melting into the other woman’s warmth. Closing her eyes, she fought the distant memories that assaulted her of her own mother, of memories that were violently stolen away from her. “It was wonderful meeting you as well,” she whispered before clearing her throat and breaking the spell.

Nate walked his mother to her car as Libby stood at the doorway and waved watching her pull away. Something about it felt so unnaturally natural.

“What’d you pick for dinner?” he asked, coming to a stop in front of her, resting his hands on her hips.

“Pizza,” she said with a grin, wrapping her arms around his neck.

“Perfect.” Pulling her closer he pressed a heated kiss to her lips, leaving her hungry for more after he pulled away. “I’ll go place the order.”

“While we wait for it to come, can you show me around?” she asked. She needed to know the lay of his land, the ins and outs, the potential for what could happen and the security of his property. She needed to know how easy it would be to escape should she need it. She smirked at the small frown that formed between his eyebrows, knowing that her question sounded a bit odd. “It’s so beautiful in the moonlight, it just begs to be explored. Please?”

“Okay.” He nodded his head, pulling out his phone to place their dinner order. Mentally storing away the address he gave to the person on the other end, he took her hand and led her around the side of the house toward the field.