Retribution Boxed Set (Books One and Two) (41 page)

The sun had long since set when Sam ushered Janie
into his downtown apartment. “I’ve wanted to show you my place for a long
time,” he said, tugging her inside and closing the door.

Golden walls offset the chocolate and turquoise
décor, giving the place a feel of comfortable elegance. Immediate warmth
engulfed her. Where the safe house had always seemed cool and spacious, this
was cozy and inviting. “I love it,” she said, turning to get the full view.

Sam carried her suitcases down the hall, and she
followed him into an oversized bedroom that had more of the same colors. A
picture of Sam when he was younger accompanied by a girl close to his age sat
on the dresser. A large seaside painting hung on the wall. His closet doors
stood agape with a pile of discarded clothing on the floor in front of them.

It seemed her Sam could be a bit messy.

“Is this my room?” she asked.

“Uh…” He laid her suitcase on the bed and
approached her, taking her hands. “Actually, I was hoping this could be
our
room. I do have another bedroom, but I told Christian he could stay in it for a
while. His apartment above the bar won’t be habitable until it’s repaired, and
I need to get a cleaning company in the house before anyone will want to stay
there again. If you’re not willing to share, I’ll be on the couch.” He sent her
a hopeful smile that warmed her from the inside out.

She stepped closer, wrapping her arms around his
waist. “You talked to him, then? He’s okay?”

He tilted her chin up, lowering his lips to hers
for a smoldering kiss. “Not as okay as this, but he’ll survive. I talked to him
while they were questioning you. It seems someone set off a pipe bomb outside
his back door. Unfortunately, there were enough cardboard boxes stacked inside
the door to create a nice fire hazard.”

“Paul?” she whispered. As much as she’d tried to
avoid it, he’d hurt one of her friends anyway.

“Someone working with him.”

“Do you know who?”

A troubled look crossed his face. “Probably.” He
inhaled, before blowing out a tired breath. “Not long after word reached the
station about what had gone down between you and Paul, one of our guys in
investigations, a guy named Clark Dyer, went into his office and…killed
himself.”

Janie widened her eyes in shock. “What?”

Sam nodded. “As you know, we’ve had some issues
in the department for a while now. Internal Affairs has been investigating, but
hasn’t been able to figure out who. Unless there’s some other reason for him to
off himself, I’m guessing he figured Paul’s trail would lead to him. We’ll
obviously do more investigating to determine if that’s what happened, but
that’s the only thing that makes sense.” He snorted. “When my boss called me in
today, he knew about you. Someone had figured out you were with me and told my
captain. I think the whole thing was a well-devised plot to get Christian out
of the house and keep me at the station.”

“And that bad cop of yours helped?”

“The tip my boss received was anonymous, but I’m
sure, in time, we’ll be able to pinpoint where it came from, especially since
Clark left a literal smoking gun.”

The thought sobered her. “Two people died today.”

“I know.” His sentiment echoed hers. “But you
need to remember what I told you about it being their choices that caused this,
not ours.”

She traced a finger down his cheek and across his
jaw line. “I thought of that when Paul broke down the door. It’s what helped me
pull the trigger.”

He seemed pleased by that. “Good, because it’s
true. There are plenty of officers across the nation who have to deal with the
same principle. Most cops don’t want to take a life, but they’ll do it when
necessary. But it’s not their actions that cause it. There are a lot of really
bad guys out there, and some of us are willing to do what it takes to protect
the rest. I’m sure it’s not that different for soldiers.”

She lifted on her tiptoes and pressed a kiss to
his lips. “Thanks for that. From me and all the others you protect.”

He took her soft kiss and added heat until
passion ignited inside her. She laughed and pushed him back onto the bed. He
growled as he grabbed for her and pulled her down with him. “You haven’t
answered my question yet. Am I in here or on the couch?”

“Here,” she said with a playful laugh.

“Forever?” he asked, his gaze suddenly serious.

The laughter faded inside her, replaced by a
tightening around her heart. “What are you asking? She held her breath as she
waited for his response.

He rolled them over, pinning her to the bed. He
pushed the hair from her face, searching her with his intense brown eyes. “I
love you, Janie,” he said softly. “I want you to stay with me forever. Will you
marry me?”

She couldn’t breathe. In the past, she’d always thought
when she found the love of her life, the moment would be lighthearted and fun. But
this powerful emotion plunged far deeper than that, cutting her to the core. She
held it, tested it, and suddenly, a bright warmth bubbled from deep inside. The
love she felt was good and strong, and nothing like she’d experienced before.

This was real.

She smiled, tears gathering in her eyes. “Yes,
Sam. I will marry you.”

His lips split apart in a wide grin, and then he
claimed her with a passionate kiss.

An hour later, Janie lay curled against Sam’s
warm, hard body, safe and cherished, an amazing feeling she’d thought she’d
never experience. The doorbell rang, and Sam groaned. “It’s probably Christian.
He doesn’t have a key.” Sam rolled away from her, and she missed him
immediately.

He slipped into a pair of jeans and hurried to
answer the door. She donned her clothes as well, wanting to see for herself
that Christian was okay.

“How’s the pub,” she asked as Sam closed the door
behind Christian.

Fatigue lined the corners of Christian’s eyes and
mouth. “It’s all fucked up.” He sighed. “But salvageable with some money and
work.”

Janie stepped forward and put her hand on his arm.
“I feel terribly responsible for this, you know.”

He shook his head. “Not your fault. When I joined
this group, I knew it came with risks.” He smiled then. “You’re well worth the
trouble.”

Emotion curled inside her. They might not be
related, but she realized she’d found her family. Nicole and Xander were part
of that group as well. “I have some money I’ve saved, and I want you to have it.
I can help clean the smoke and water damage, too.”

“Me, too,” Sam added. “Whatever you need, buddy.”

Christian’s shoulders sagged as though he’d been
relieved of an overwhelming weight. “I don’t need the money. Insurance will
cover it. But I may take you up on the hard labor part.”

Janie grinned. “Absolutely.” She wouldn’t mind
working beside these two men she’d grown to love.

“Thanks. Right now, I’m taking a shower and going
to bed. Today’s been a real bitch, if you know what I mean.” He lugged a bag
over his shoulder and headed for the spare bedroom.

Janie turned to Sam, and he pulled her into his
arms. “What do you think about me volunteering to cook at an abused women’s
shelter?” she asked.

“I like it.” He hugged her tighter. “I’m sure the
shelter staff along with the women and children would love it.”

“Yeah. Nothing like a good meal to help a person
feel loved.” She wrapped her arms around his neck and kissed his lips. “You’re
my inspiration.”

He chuckled. “How’s that?”

“You’re willing to give so much to others. I want
to do the same.”

“Hmm…” His voice teased her.

“What?”

“You
could
start now.”

She smiled, still getting used to the warm
feeling floating inside her. “Are you looking for volunteers?”

“Absolutely. If you really want to help, you
could start with this.” He framed her face, kissing her until she was
breathless.

She laughed as he led her toward the bedroom. “Sam?”
she whispered when she was safely tucked into his arms.

“Yes?”

“If this is as good as it gets, I’ll be happy the
rest of my days.”

“Me, too.”

She held him tight and let him love her. Forever.

The End

Chapter One

She was nineteen and pregnant.

Could things get any better? Allie Jordan didn't
think so. Excitement bubbled in her like the fizzy Coke she held in her hand
while she waited outside the local bowling alley after finishing her shift. She
watched for her boyfriend's face among the few stragglers who walked Chicago's
darkened west-side streets.

Sure, her friends thought she was crazy for
wanting a baby and a family right out of high school, but they didn't know
lonely like she did. They had families who waited for them to come home. Allie
was lucky her aunt still let her crash on the rotted couch in the basement. She
desperately wanted someone she could love forever. Now, she'd found him.

Half the marquee lights above her were burned
out, leaving a soft, protective glow around her. The summer temperatures had
come early in May, giving warmth to the evening and coaxing the hoodlums out of
their hangouts. Being out alone in that part of town was not for outsiders, but
this was her small section of the city. She knew how to avoid the dangers. Besides,
nobody messed with Joey Pagano's girlfriend.

She took a sip of Coke and rocked on her heels in
anticipation. Once she told Joey about the baby, she knew he'd want to get
married. Then she'd finally have the family she longed for. An odd kind of
energy swirled around her, and Allie knew this was a night she'd remember forever.

Her heart rate jumped when Joey came in to view
as he hurried toward her, his dark hair and jacket making him seem part of the
night. "You're late again.” Allie wrapped her arms around his neck,
pressing her body against his. His breaths were quick and deep from exertion,
but he was there, and everything was perfect. The world lay at her feet, and
she couldn't wait to grab it and run. "Someday—"

"Allie, stop."

The fear in his voice surprised her. Her happy
mood dropped like a block of cement in the nearby Chicago River. When she
looked closer, she realized he had a black eye and his beautiful lip was cut,
leaving a bit of dried blood on his mouth. His injuries struck a chord of fear
that had long been dormant inside her. "What's wrong?"

She'd never seen him with his dark eyes so full
of anxiety. "We've got to get out of here," he said. "I'll take
you home. You need to stay inside your aunt's house as much as possible. I
don't think anybody will mess with you there.” He pulled her along the street
into a deserted alley, tugging her harder and harder until they were nearly
running.

"What do you mean, nobody will mess with me?
The sound of their feet smacking the pavement echoed around them, leaving the
other noises behind. "Is somebody messing with you? Is it Benny? Anything
that was bad, wrong or dangerous in Joey's life was because of Benny Trasatti.

Joey didn't answer.

He slowed as the eerie darkness enveloped them,
allowing her to catch her breath. A cat dashed behind one of the few parked
cars on the deserted street.

"You're not talking to me. Why won't you
tell me what's happened? Couldn't he see she was freaking out?

"I can't right now. Just—don't worry. Everything's
cool."

They reached the end of the alley, and she wanted
answers. She dug in her heels and forced him to a stop in front of Newman's
Jewelry store, the place she'd intended to tell him about the baby. She'd
dreamed about it all day. On their way home, she'd tell him her news. He'd
propose. They'd look at rings, and her future would be set.

"Joey, please. I love you. Tell me what's
wrong. Who hit you? Are you in danger? She gestured with her hands, her fingers
spread wide in frustration. "Please, I can't stand this."

Joey glanced in both directions before pulling
her into his warm embrace. "It's fine. Just a little misunderstanding with
the boys."

The boys. The term he'd given to Benny and his
delinquent friends. The same boys who had deep family connections to the mob. Benny,
himself, was the grandson of a notorious mob boss. And this was supposed to
reassure her? "You know those
boys
are trouble. I wish you'd stay
away from them."

He pressed his warm, firm lips to hers. "It's
no big deal. As soon as I give 'em what they want, they'll be happy."

His words sobered her. "What do they want? She
recognized the threat to her future happiness. Benny dealt in drugs and guns,
so it was pretty obvious he wasn't asking for Joey's lunch money.

"Nothing you need to worry about.” He tried
to kiss her again, but she refused to be distracted.

"You need to stay away from them, Joey. You're
going to get hurt."

"Don't go losing sleep over this. Nobody's
going to get hurt.” He seemed to relax. "I've got everything under
control.” He touched the top of her breast where a fresh tattoo lay hidden
beneath her bra. "Remember this.” He put his palm over his own chest where
he had an almost identical tattoo.  "This means we love each other, and
we'll always be together."

She let him pull her close this time, needing to
feel the strength and security he offered. Maybe she should tell him about the
baby now. It wasn't exactly the romantic declaration she'd dreamed of, but it
might be enough to convince him to leave the life of crime he seemed determined
to claim.

Allie snuggled next to his warm body as a passing
car's headlights illuminated them against the jewelry store. Beyond Joey's
shoulder lay the cutest gold band. The ring she hoped he'd buy her once she
told him about the baby. "Joey, I think we should move away from Chicago. Let's
pack up and go. Forget about what your boys want. We could leave tonight. My
aunt's pissed at me, anyway."

She glanced up at his face, ignoring the stab of
hurt she felt because he wasn't focused on her. She placed a hand on his cheek,
trying to turn his face. "You can go to school, and I can get a job
anywhere."

Joey's gaze followed the car before he returned
his attention to her. "Easier said than done, Allie. You know things
aren't that simple. Besides, if this works out the way I want it to, I won't
have to worry about an education. We'll be set for life."

Allie's defenses went on high alert. It scared
her to think about what he might be involved in. If it would take care of them
for life, it had to be big, which also meant dangerous. "But—"

He sighed and looped his arm around her neck,
pulling her head close to his. "I've told you before, Al. I'm not the
college type.” He kissed her, sending shivers to her core. "You don't need
to worry about this thing with Benny's family. It's all good. I can handle
myself."

Joey, handling a mob boss? A small breeze rustled
down the sidewalk, sending her long hair skittering across her cheek. Now was
her chance. It was time to tilt the world on its axis and make it spin in her
direction. "Joey.” She pulled back so she could catch his expression. "I
have something wonderful to tell you. I—"

"Shit.” Joey shoved her against the jewelry
store, the rough brick scraping her jacket as he turned away.

"Hey.” His actions caught her off guard, and
it took her a moment to realize he'd positioned himself between her and another
set of oncoming headlights. "Joey?" she whispered, her voice
stumbling over the syllables as she watched him pull a gun from the back of his
waistband. Oh God.
No
.

"Get down.” The force of his words was meant
to set her in motion, but she froze as someone in an old green sedan lowered
its passenger window and two shots exploded.

Everything became distorted. Time sped up, and
yet moved at a snail's pace.

Before she could react, pain ripped across her
arm as Joey knocked her down. She grunted as they landed hard on the sidewalk,
Joey covering her for protection. Tires squealed away from them, and then all
was quiet again.

"Oh my God, Joey!” Her heartbeat went from
zero to ninety in the space of a second. "We need to get out of here.” She
waited for him to move, to take her to safety, but he seemed as frozen from
terror as she was. "Come on. They might come back."

Fear sluiced through her as Allie tried to move
from beneath him. "Joey, come on.” Hot tears puddled in her eyes. She
pushed against his arm. Something wasn't right. He was too heavy, too lifeless.
If she didn't get help soon, he would die.

With a panic-filled shove, she managed to free
herself. Joey's beautiful face lay against the cold sidewalk, his features
relaxed. She lifted a hand to clear her eyes, but the action only made things
worse. She swiped and swiped with shaky fingers, but couldn't get a grip on
reality.

"Joey? Her lips trembled as she put a hand
to his face. "Please, Joey.” She leaned her head close to his, hoping to
hear a breath or a whispered word. "We're going to have a baby. We need
you.” If anything would wake him up, that would. "I would have told you
yesterday.” Her words broke off on a sob. "I wanted this to be
special."

No
.
No
.
No
. The words kept
repeating in her head. He was her family. Her precious future. She'd lost her
mother, and now she was losing the only other person who'd ever truly loved
her.

She laid her head against his chest to listen for
a heartbeat. A warm wetness met her cheek. She jerked back. The realization
that his black T-shirt was covered in blood was like a slap to her face. She
whisked her hand down her cheek and recoiled from the dark red stain on her
palm. Only then did she realize his open eyes hadn't blinked.

She tried desperately to catch her breath. "Oh
my God. Oh my God.” Everything in her began to shake. She needed help.
Now
.

She got to her knees as another car squealed
around the corner. Her world shifted again. Instinctively, she knew they
weren't coming to help Joey. Bright headlights glared at her, trying to trap
her with their brilliance.

They were back.

Adrenaline kicked in. She pushed off the cement. Pain
shot through her palms as broken glass sliced into her skin. In a brief flash
of a second, she turned to the broken window of Newman's Jewelry, catching a
glimpse of the gold band. At a moment when her world could end in a heartbeat,
it seemed strange to notice the wedding ring still sat upon its velvet pillow,
untouched, with the shattered display all around it.

Then she ran.

Her feet moved of their own accord, back down the
alley. One after the other, they pounded on the pavement, keeping pace with the
rapid beat of her heart. Air rushed past her face. She'd never run so fast in
her life. Her arm ached where she had landed on it, but she didn't stop, didn't
think beyond her next footstep. Faster. Faster. She had to go faster.

But it wasn't enough.

The side street lit up as the car turned to
follow her, growling as it leapt closer. If she could make it to the next
corner, maybe she'd get away.

An ominous black car with dark windows screeched
to a halt several feet ahead of her. It wasn't the green sedan whose occupants
had shot Joey, but it seemed just as dangerous.

She almost fell as she ground to a halt. The back
door of the car opened. Before she could see who emerged, she turned and
sprinted back toward Joey.

"I'll get her," someone yelled from
behind.

She swallowed a scream before sucking in a huge
breath of air. The sound of running feet grew closer and closer. This was it. They
had her. Her life was over.

Her lungs deflated as a strong arm grabbed her
around the waist, knocking her feet from under her. The harsh pavement rushed
toward her face, but at the last second, she was flipped, and she landed on her
attacker.

Before she could clamber off the big brute of a
man, he was out from under her, pulling her to her feet. "I'm here to save
you.” His rough voice was close to her ear, and she aimed her fists in that
direction. He caught them as though they were butterflies and pinned them to
her sides.

"Don't fight me."

Again, she heard another engine roaring toward
them from behind. She jerked her gaze toward the oncoming lights, no longer
able to comprehend in which direction lay life and which meant death. Her
choice was taken from her as the brute tossed her over his shoulder, nearly
causing her to vomit. Her stomach bounced violently against his hard body for
several steps, and then she was unceremoniously thrown into the backseat of the
black vehicle.

Before her captor could get the door shut,
several shots rang out from the approaching car. Allie screamed when bullets
shattered the glass behind her. Her attacker slammed the door shut and shoved
her to the floor as the driver screeched down the darkened alley.

"Stay down.” The harsh words came from the
front seat, and she wished she could get a glimpse of the driver. But at the
moment, she had no desire to put herself in the line of fire. She focused on
the guy next to her, trying to memorize his details so she could report them to
the police. But in the darkness of the car, she could only make out short dark
hair and muscles. Lots of muscles.

It was obvious whoever was in the car behind them
wanted to kill them. It might not have been her first choice of places to be,
but apparently, she was better off where she was. The driver swerved, adding to
the nauseous feeling in her stomach. More bullets whizzed overhead and lodged
themselves somewhere in the car.

"Where the hell is your gun? The driver
yelled over his shoulder as he squealed around a corner, causing Allie's head
to press hard against the door behind her.

"I've got it," shouted the man next to
her. "Can't you be fucking patient? The bastard winged me in the
arm."

Allie gasped as the brute sat higher in the seat
and fired off several rounds through the broken back window. Then he ducked
down on the seat next to her. Their faces were only inches apart. He watched
her as she watched him. She swore she could feel his breath against her cheek. Life
and death. They were in it together. "Who are you? She needed to know.