Raiden (The Kent Brothers #2) - A.M. Hargrove Page 0,40

like that? O’Brien had men everywhere, especially Ireland. And what about the law? Kidnapping was a serious offense with major penalties. She could end up in an Irish prison with a life sentence. No amount of money would get her released.

Chapter Twenty

Scottie

Finally, my wound had healed to where I was back on my feet again and feeling well. The doctor had given me his approval to return to work, and we were now finalizing the plans for Ireland.

Raiden became withdrawn every time I mentioned it, but we had to discuss it. There were some things he needed to know about my past I hadn’t shared with him.

Nights were comical with our innuendos of us being together in his bedroom. We’d part ways, I’d go to mine, and he’d go to his. Desire would consume me and I'd end up in his bed before long. I was weak regarding that man. Somehow he’d torn down every reasonable excuse I’d created for why I shouldn’t be with him. My inner arguments were useless.

One particular night, as we lay in bed talking, I brought up the Ireland topic again. His body morphed into a giant two by four.

“Raiden, every time I bring up this subject, it feels like I’m in bed with a piece of lumber. I acknowledge you hate this, but I have to tell you things before I go.”

“Scottie, all the begging in the world won’t stop you, but I can’t help hating you going there.”

Curving my palm around his cheek, I said, “I understand. I wouldn’t want you to go either. But our plan is sound and the details are perfect. But I want you to know some important information.”

“Go on.” Lifting himself up to an elbow, he nodded.

“We’ve never talked about my past.”

“You avoided it when I asked.”

“Right. And for a reason. It’s not pretty. But you should know some things, in case something happens to me.”

“Scottie, you said—”

I gripped his arm. “Raiden, I could die in a plane crash. Or a car accident. Every job has its risks. This information is important. Please listen.”

He nodded. “All right.”

“There’s a key to a safe deposit box in the nightstand drawer. The bank’s name is on it. You have access to it in case of my death. Inside are papers that you can never share with anyone.”

“I don’t understand.”

“You will, but I need your promise you won’t share what I’m telling you with anyone.”

“Never.”

I sucked in my lower lip as my belly knotted as it hadn’t in several years. The tears formed, but I swallowed them as I blinked, blinked, blinked.

Raiden pulled me into his arms. “Scottie, whatever it is, you can trust me. I swear.”

My voice was hoarse when I answered. “I know. It’s why I’m telling you.” I allowed the comfort of his arms to blanket me. Then I began.

“Several years ago, I was with a different branch of law enforcement, but I can’t say which one. The details are inside the box. Anyway, I was working on a case and we were getting very close to moving in on our suspect. My husband—yeah, I was married then—, my three-month-old daughter, and brother, were at my parents. It was Christmas Day, and we were eating dinner when the attack occurred, like when you and I were at the apartment. Except this was worse. There were a dozen or more men armed with SIG assault rifles. They took out my entire family except for my daughter and me.”

“Jesus, Scottie. I don’t know what to say.” His eyes softened as he stared into mine. Then he pulled me back into his arms and held me tightly against him. “I’m so sorry.”

I swiped at the tears the memory brought forth. “There’s not much to say. It was horrific. When the shooting began, I grabbed the baby, dropped to the floor, and called 911. My parents lived out in the country, the closest neighbor being about a half a mile away. I shouted for everyone to get down, but by that time, it was too late. My husband stood up. I’m sure he was in shock and confused. That’s when they blew his head off. Then Mom screamed and just sat there, frozen. I yelled again, but she took a round to her chest. They’d already shot my brother, along with my dad. I crawled to the basement where a door that led outside was. You know, one of those cellar doors? That’s how the baby and I survived. I ran with her