Broken by His Hand - Piper Stone Page 0,80
help but think at what cost. The woman I loved more than life itself? The possibility for a future, maybe even including children? And that damn white picket fence that she wanted so desperately? Sighing, I rubbed my eyes, finding it difficult to look in her direction.
I’d held her during the rest of the flight, wanting the comfort of her touch as much as finding out the information I’d asked her to divulge. What she’d told me didn’t seem to add anything to my beliefs on the person responsible. She certainly had never administered any kind of medical attention to the prince or any of his consults. In fact, she didn’t have the kind of clearance needed to perform surgery on someone of that stature.
As far as the pilot, I’d already contacted Gregory to research the man’s recent activities, including his bank account. That would be telling enough. While there was a possibility the contact in New York could have betrayed me, I hadn’t bothered to call him until after our arrival.
I remained on edge, but my gut told me this wasn’t over. Not by a longshot.
As I pulled closer to her brownstone, I leaned forward, searching the streets.
“You’re afraid he’s waiting for us?” Sophia asked.
“It’s entirely possible.”
She peered out the window, leaning back once again when she noticed Marko standing by another black SUV. “Who the hell is that?”
“Someone you can trust. Marko has worked with me for years. He’s a black belt in karate, a weapon’s expert from his time served in the Marines and a damn good listener. He will make certain you’re safe while you gather your things.” After pulling to the curb, I could sense her continued hesitation.
“I don’t like any of this, Michael. I do want to try and get my life back.”
“I don’t like it either, but you have to trust me and give me some time. Marko is going to take you to my house where he’ll stay with you until I return. I will figure this out. I promise you.” I pulled her hand to my lips, rolling my lips across her fingers.
She turned her head. “I do trust you.”
“Come on, I just want to check inside.” I got out of the vehicle, giving Marko a nod as I walked around to the passenger side. While I took her hand into mine, I placed the other around my gun, scanning the street as we walked toward the entrance.
“No deliveries,” she half whispered as she pulled out her key, unlocking and allowing us both inside.
“Stay right here,” I instructed, almost expecting she would follow. I moved through the house methodically, checking every closet as well as the locks on every door and window. Nothing seemed amiss. When I returned to the foyer, she was leaning against the wall, her eyes closed. “It’s safe, baby. Just don’t take that long.”
“I want a hot a shower and a change of clothes and that’s it. Okay?”
“Okay. Promise me you won’t try and run.”
“With a big man like that outside?” she asked, laughing. “I promise you.”
Lowering my head, I kissed her lips softly, my heart racing. My gut was working overtime, my mind trying to put the pieces of the puzzle together. What the hell was I missing?
She clung to me, holding on to both sides of my jacket as the kiss turned passionate, her tongue sweeping into my mouth. The feel of her body crushed against mine was both enthralling as well as terrifying. What if I couldn’t give her the life she deserved?
When I pulled back, I tried to give her a smile full of confidence. Her eyes were laced with uncertainty as well as a hint of fear.
“We’ll talk more tonight about anything you want to discuss,” I whispered.
“Deal. Nothing off the table and no secrets.”
“None.”
While I hated leaving her even for a few hours, at least I knew she would be safe. I only hoped that either Gregory or Christopher had found something and could explain why my location had been compromised.
I walked out the door, moving toward Marko.
“Boss,” he said quietly.
“Do not allow anyone near her brownstone and if you even see what could be considered a delivery driver, give me a call.”
“Will do.”
I gazed back at her building one last time before getting into the vehicle. Somehow, I knew the next twenty-four hours were going to be crucial.
Especially since I’d asked Gregory to carefully spread the news the ledger had been found. While I’d upped to game to something more