Vinny: Alvarez Security Series (23 page)

“Yeah. I’m great.” He hesitated a moment and then plunged ahead with something that had been on his mind. “Can I ask you something?”

“Anything,” she replied.

“Would you consider getting on the pill? I’m clean and I swear I’ve never, ever gone without a condom.” Seeing a look cross her face, he continued, “Honest, babe. Never without a condom. But we had to have physicals all the time in the military and for Tony as well. I’ve got the paperwork.”

Her pink tongue darted out, licking her lips. “I’ve thought about it but just never did anything. I…I can go to see my doctor.”

“If it’s not what you want, then you don’t have to do it. I’ll keep a sheath on,” he assured her.

“No. No, I don’t mind,” she admitted shyly. “I…I’d like to see what you…um…feel like.”

Bearing his weight on his arms, he leaned down to kiss her again. “Good, ’cause I want to feel your walls squeezing me without any barriers and baby, I’ve got to tell you, I can’t wait to fill you.”

Moving away just long enough to roll on a condom, he moved over her again placing his eager cock at her entrance. Looking down into her eyes, he felt her grasp his shoulders before he plunged inside.

Her body welcomed his as she felt the tight stretching when he filled her. Her hand slid from his shoulders to his back, feeling the muscles ripple and move underneath her fingertips.
Such power,
she thought.
All this and he could have anyone. But he wants me. He loves me.
The warm friction was building inside as he rocked in and out, still bearing his weight on his forearms. Her head was supported by his hands on either side, as their gazes never wavered.

She watched him and all the emotions that played across his face as their bodies were joined as one.

Looking down at her, he felt a myriad of feelings. Love, certainly. But also protectiveness. Pride. Awe. And the desire to feel all of these forever. Right before his body’s needs took over all rational thought, he was left with the realization—
I want this woman in my bed and in my heart for the rest of my life.

Powering through his own orgasm he felt her body contract around him, squeezing as he poured himself into her. Refusing to take his eyes off of her, his thick neck strained as he gritted his teeth, the orgasm sending shocks down to his toes.

Underneath all of his strength and power, she flew apart again, her core clutching at him. Feeling him release deep inside, she knew this was a connection she wanted to experience forever.

Their eyes finally closed, he lay his head down on the pillow next to hers, their ragged breaths heaving from their bodies. Legs tangled, arms wrapped tightly, hearts beating as one.

He loves me,
she thought with a smile.

She loves me,
he realized, knowing he would protect her with his life.

*

Jawan wondered if
things could possibly get more fucked up. His contact had just called to say that the harp had never passed through Dulles and the handler had gotten nervous. Not only that, but instead of searching carefully, he had trashed the harpist’s apartment and now was on the police’s radar. Sighing heavily, he placed another call.

“I need a hit,” he bit out.

“You got it,” came the response.

Jawan felt his blood pressure slowly drop as he received the answer he desired. Tired of bumbling fools making a mess of things, it was satisfying to have someone he could count on to take care of things. And this would surely make Don happier with him.

Giving the name of the handler and his address, he disconnected.

Now, placing another call, he reported to Don. “We’re making progress. It never went to Dulles and we’re eliminating that problem. It will be easier to train and place new employees there than to leave him as a threat.”

Not hearing Don reply he continued, “We know where the drugs are. They’ve got to still be with the harp.”

“And why hasn’t it been confiscated? How difficult is it to get it from the carrier?”

Jawan recognized Don’s icy tone. Licking his lips, he plunged ahead, “She’s not living alone. It appears that she is living with her security escort from Alvarez Security.”

“So the drugs have been discovered? Is that why they’re still involved? Are the goddamn police and DEA involved as well since it appears the whole fucking world is?”

“No, no,” Jawan hurried to explain. “It seems like no one has discovered what is inside the harp yet. She’s just living with him. I guess they started fucking on the trip and are still involved. But don’t worry. She’ll be on her own soon. He’s got a reputation for not sticking with one woman, so he’ll soon tire of her.”

Silence once again greeted him.

“Don, I’ve got this. She can’t keep the harp secluded forever. It’ll come out and when it does, we make our plans. I’ll get the drugs back. That’s a promise.”

“You’d better. Cousin or no…I don’t accept failure.”

Sighing after Don hung up on him, he called his contact. “Are you keeping tabs on her? I want to know where she is and who she’s with. And we need that fucking harp.”

“Look, all my other runs for you have been successful—even the ones with lil’ miss princess. I’ve got this. I’m keeping an eye on her and as soon as I can, I’ll get the stuff back for you. I can still make it to the buyer on this end.”

“I’m sending someone to take care of the baggage handler. No problem to me if he does another job for me. You get what I’m saying?”

Licking their lips nervously, they bobbed their head as they rushed to agree.

S
everal days later
Vinny dropped Annalissa off at Maurice’s home for practice. Kissing her goodbye, he checked to see when her lesson would be over with. “I’m having Terrance pick you up when you’re done, babe.”

“I’ll be here for several hours. Should I call when I’m finished?”

After he agreed she went inside, greeting her teacher. Moving to the back room, they began to practice for an upcoming concert with a visiting symphony. The first hour went by quickly until they were interrupted by a visitor.

Mrs. Baxter walked into the studio with Todd right on her heels. Annalissa’s heart sank. She had hoped to continue to avoid seeing him for a little while longer.

“Maurice. Annalissa,” he greeted.

“Todd,” she said listlessly, lifting her face as he came over to air-kiss her cheek.

“What are you two working on?” he asked greedily.

Maurice motioned for Todd to have a seat as he answered. “The pieces are for the small contingency from the New York Philharmonic that you’ve scheduled for next month.”

“Perfect,” Todd exclaimed. “Look Annalissa, I know you’ve had reservations, but now’s the time to strike while the iron is hot.” Pulling out his Ipad, he quickly found what he was looking for and turned it around. “Look at the press from the concert you just did in LA. They loved you.”

Before giving her a chance to read it, he turned it back to himself and read it aloud. “The director claimed that you were the most talented harpist he has ever worked with. Let’s see, yadda, yadda, yadda. Oh, here it is. ‘The lovely Annalissa O’Brian wowed the crowd at the symphonic concert last night. Her musical interpretation is brilliant, making her possibly the country’s most notable Celtic harpist. Considering her youth, she can expect to have a long and distinguished career ahead of her and here’s one reporter that will be looking forward to having her grace our fine city once again.’”

She was pleased that her performance was well received, but knew that Todd was not finished.

Pulling out a sheaf of papers, he said, “Here’s what I’ve been working on. The contingency from New York is just a preliminary contact that we have with them. This concert will build our reputation and they have already agreed to have you play with them in six months in New York. Before then, there is an excellent opportunity for you with the Phoenix orchestra and I can pair that with a trip to Chicago and then Minneapolis.” Shuffling through the papers in his file, he showed her more concerts that he was proposing. “I’ve worked closely with Gordon to make sure he can book these.”

“Todd, that has me traveling for a week every month for the next year. You know I don’t want to travel that much,” she protested.

“I’ve talked to your father and he agrees—”

“No!” she said vehemently, coming to a stand. “I don’t want to travel that much.”

“Look, this is what can make your career. I’m working on a CD deal, but you need to make sure you have a name for yourself and a following. That’s what these concerts will do for you.”

Her eyes swung over to Maurice, looking for support. He sat quietly, staring down as he rubbed his hands together. Sighing deeply, he lifted his gaze to hers.

“I know you want to teach, Malyshka,” he said, using his native Russian’s endearment. “But it is hard to make a living at this unless you have something to go along with it.” Leaning forward, he reached over to take her hand. “If you want to ever be free of your father’s dominance, then having this career will do it.”

Her unwavering gaze held his as she plopped back down in her chair.

“Travel some for a few years and then…when you have a bigger name and a bigger following, then you can slow down and teach more.”

Todd eyed the couple in front of him greedily. He knew she would listen to the old man. She always did.

Her thoughts, a whirlpool of emotions, filled her mind threatening to overwhelm her.
It all seems so easy to them. Travel, live out of a suitcase, be surrounded by people who pull me in different directions all of the time. Practice nonstop until my fingers can’t move. And I hate flying…unless Vinny is with me. Vinny. They don’t know about him. And me. And us.
Her eyes closed, trying to block out the voices in her head.

“My dear, you’re tired. Why don’t we call our lesson for today over and you go back home to rest. Think of what I’ve said.” Maurice leaned in closer, saying, “And think of your father. Yes, traveling will make him happy since this is what he wants for you, but it will give you freedom. Away from him. And then financial freedom so that you can have your own life, apart from his.”

Maurice knows me so well.
Tempted to sign the forms from Todd immediately, she hesitated.
But I want to know what Vinny thinks. Or am I just exchanging several men’s opinion of how I should live my life for another’s
?

Standing up again quickly, she packed up Easnadh. Turning to face Todd and Maurice, she forced a smile and said, “I appreciate all you do for me. I really do. I’m going to think about these Todd and will let you know.” Reaching her hand out, she took the file of possible bookings from him and slid them into her music bag. Bending to kiss Maurice, she whispered, “I’ll be back after I practice those difficult passages.”

He patted her back, giving her a kiss on the cheek. Todd moved in for another air kiss and she followed Mrs. Baxter to the front door.

Once on the sidewalk, she realized she had not called Vinny, but desperately wanted to be alone for a little while.
I’d love a walk
but…she looked ruefully down at Easnadh’s case in her arms. Lifting her hand, she hailed a cab. Giving the address of her apartment, she sent Vinny a text letting him know where she was. Settling back in the seat, she decided that it was time to take charge of her life again. And the first thing on her list? Take a look at her home.

*

The cab driver
let her off at the entrance to her building. The old, red-brick apartment building was located in a decent part of town—not expensive by any means, but not in a scary location. The apartments were mostly filled with university graduate students. They did not seem to mind her practicing and she ignored their occasional parties.

Lugging Easnadh up the front stoop, she entered the building and made her way down the first-floor hall. Her apartment was located in the back of the building, her windows overlooking a small courtyard. Letting herself in, she stopped dead as the doorway swung open.

Oh my God, Vinny wasn’t kidding.
Her apartment looked like something from a movie. The cushions were off of her old brown sofa and the shelves were empty of her books and CDs. They too had been strewn onto the floor. Her chair and music stand next to the window were the only things still in place in the entire small room. Stepping carefully, she set her case down and walked the few steps to her kitchenette. The cabinets were empty of their contents and even the refrigerator had been searched.