Inferno (SKALS) Read online

  “Me? What about you? You’re the one shooting off like a loose cannon every time I turn around.”

  “Let’s get one thing straight,” Sebastian warned through clenched teeth. His fists tightened on Josh’s collar until his partner’s face turned purple. “You are not me. I do and say things that Marx would never let you get away with. There’s a little saying in life that I suggest you get yourself on board with. Do as I say, not as I do. Do you got that?”

  Josh jerked away and straightened the rumpled front of his uniform with a dry snort. “Yeah, Dad. I got it.”

  His eyes narrowed as his temper rose. Leveling a forefinger, he jabbed it at the end of his partner’s nose. “Keep running your lips and you won’t have to worry about salvaging your pride. You’ll be fucking dead.”

  The words hung between them. Bit by bit, the tension ebbed from Josh’s solid frame. His shoulders dropped and he released a heavy sigh as the truth behind the warning hit home.

  “You’re right, Baas. I’m sorry. I wasn’t thinking. The heat and tension was just becoming a little too much out there, you know? You get pissed when you get nervous. I crack jokes. Lightening the mood is just my way of trying to cope.”

  “I know,” he said, wiping a stream of blood-tinged sweat from his eyes. “And I try to let most of it slide, but Marx is at the end of his rope with you. Straighten up or spend the next few weeks locked down. I can’t afford your bullshit right now.”

  Josh glared, but said nothing. Silence cloaked them both as Sebastian led the way through the dimly lit labyrinth of hallways toward the cool, quiet confines of his office. His partner kept a steady pace beside him. Once inside, Sebastian shut the doors and glanced over as Josh jostled past him with a forceful nudge.

  “That squint was the sign, right?” he asked.

  Dropping into his chair, Sebastian pulled a bottle of water out of his desk drawer and tossed another his partner’s way. “Not exactly, but it worked.”

  Josh downed the contents in a few frantic gulps and swiped his mouth with the back of his hand before tossing the empty bottle through the air in a fluid arch. It hit its mark and landed with a ping in the bottom of the empty trashcan.

  “It always does. You’d think he would have caught onto that ploy by now,” Josh said. “This is only what? The third time now?” Propping his feet up on the edge of the desk, he gestured for another water.

  “You would think so,” Sebastian agreed, pitching a second bottle his way. “Slow it down or you are going to get sick.”

  Josh twisted off the cap and tapped it several times against the bottle, his expression turning pensive. “I know we were going for realism and all, but what you said back there was a little harsh, don’t you think?”

  Polishing off the remainder of his drink, Sebastian fixed him with a pointed stare. “No. That wasn’t just for show. There was a large measure of truth in what I said. You might want to think about that.”

  “Aw. Come on, Baas. Some small part of you enjoys my wisecracks. Just admit it.”

  Much to his chagrin, the corners of his mouth twitched in silent agreement. Catching himself, he forced a more somber expression into play and leveled his partner with a soft look of reproach. “I’ve already admitted to crossing the line and regarding you with some measure of friendship. Don’t make me regret that.”

  Snorting, Josh waved him off. “Either way, you have to admit we make a hell of a team. You don’t see anyone else escaping into the air-conditioning and enjoying a refreshing drink now, do ya?”

  He couldn’t help the quiet laugh that slipped past his throat. “No, Josh. No, I don’t. Unfortunately, I am going to have to rough you up when you finish hydrating.”

  His partner’s broad shoulders dropped in a forgiving shrug. “It’s a small price to pay for comfort. To us,” he said lifting his bottle in mock salute.

  Sebastian tipped the empty plastic in acknowledgement before tossing it through the air to join Josh’s in the trash. “It isn’t often you can get a man to toast to seven long years of living breathing hell. It’s amazing what the heat can do.”

  Josh’s forehead wrinkled in a brief show of confusion. “Wait. Was that…a joke?”

  “No.”

  Josh sat up straight. His boots hit the floor with a solid thump. “No, really, Baas. Granted, it sucked, but I really think that was your piss poor attempt at humor,” he said, covering his heart. “I’m so damn proud right now,” he said feigning a small sniff.

  “Shut up.”

  “Too much?” Josh asked. “It’s okay. We can take baby steps here. I’m good with that.”

  “Reevers…”

  “I know, I know. I’m gonna get more than a busted lip if I don’t shut up. See? I know the routine. No need to get your testicles in an uproar.”

  “Why do you insist on making me enjoy the thought of hitting you?”

  “I don’t know.” Josh spread his hands in mock innocence. “Probably because we both know deep down you’ll eventually feel guilty about hurting me. I mean, it’s not like I did anything.”

  Sebastian stared at him for a long moment before responding. “You give my conscience far too much credit.”

  “Yeah, okay. It’s your story, pal. Spin it however you want.”

  “Shut your mouth and get the hell out of my office before I change my mind.”

  Grinning, Josh stood. He hesitated for a moment, the amusement in his blue eyes changing to a look of more thoughtful reflection as he cocked his head. “You okay, Baas?”

  He’d already started thumbing through the stack of files regarding the new recruits in order to pitch the ones that were no longer relevant. “Yes. Why?” he asked without looking up.

  “You just seem…I don’t know…different somehow.”

  Nodding, he tossed one of the thick manila files into the trash. “I see. And is that a bad thing, Joshua?” he asked, lifting his gaze.

  His partner laughed as he shook his head and backed toward the door. “No, Baas. Not really. See ya.”

  He waved Josh off, dismissing both man and comments. Troubled, he leaned back in his seat and tented his fingers beneath his chin. As much as he enjoyed exploring the lighter aspects in life, he was going to have to be more cautious in the future. If Josh noticed the subtle changes he was starting to feel, Marx wouldn’t be far behind.

  ~*~*~*~

  Taylor peeled back the curtains and scanned the vast sprawl of greenery, rocks, and landscaping spanning the lavish grounds. The first traces of summer had kissed away the pale hues of spring and vibrant colors were bursting into life in the flowerbeds. It was a beautiful morning. The kind that made people glad to be alive. A contented smile plied her lips as she watched two baby rabbits frolic near the wide stone basin of the birdbath. Trees rustled, dancing in the gentle wind and she could feel her heart soar with the blissful promise the onset of summer always seemed to bring.

  Unlike much of the western wilderness that spanned their beautiful state, Flagstaff was not prone to the brutal desert heat. The higher altitudes and snow-capped mountains offered a cooling breeze and she relished the crisp scent as it billowed through the open windows in the morning room.

  Grabbing her cup of decaf off the tiled table, she eased the sliding doors open and stepped onto the wooden deck spanning the back of the house in search of Rupert. It didn’t take her long to spot his tall, muscled form patrolling the side perimeter. Spotting her, Rupert glanced up and tipped his colorful Oakley shades in a cheerful acknowledgement.

  She couldn’t contain her smile. She hadn’t seen her designated bodyguard since the accident and it was good to see him doing so well. Setting her cup down, she made her way across the deck to the wooden railing and gripped the edge.

  “Hey you. How’re you feeling, big guy?”

  Grinning, he adjusted his rifle strap and gave the bulk of his shoulder a solid thwack. “Good as new, Ma’am. Agent Baas only gave me a few days off as a safety precaution.”

  “It�
��s really good to see you back. I didn’t get a chance to say anything the other day, but I’m sorry I almost killed us,” she said with an embarrassed wince.

  His deep chortle wafted between them as he dismissed the apology with a wave. “No need for that now. It wasn’t your fault, and even if it was, it’s just a part of the job. I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t forewarned.”

  She choked on a noise that was half snicker and half indignant huff. “Warned about what exactly?” she asked, quirking a dark brow. “The job perils or my driving skills?”

  The jagged scar contouring the left side of his face whitened with his grin. “Both, Ma’am. By all accounts, they happen to be one and the same.”

  “Just out of curiosity, is this assessment based on your personal time here or is this the voice of your wise employer talking?”

  His smile slanted into a knowing tilt. “I’m not at liberty to say.”

  “Wow. With warnings like that, it’s a wonder you took this job at all.”

  Laughing, Rupert offered a dismissive shrug. “A man is willing to risk just about anything if the pay is right. Even your iffy driving skills.”

  “Smart ass,” she quipped.

  “Better smart than dumb,” he offered.

  Taylor cleared her throat and peered down over the railing at him with a pointed expression. She fought a smile as his cheeks colored and he flushed.

  “I didn’t mean that the way it sounded.”

  Folding her arms, she cocked her head. “Uh huh. I see how it is. First you attack my driving, then you insult my IQ.”

  He snorted and lowered his shades. “I say this with all politeness, but maybe you should get it checked, Ma’am. There’s obviously something misfiring in that head of yours if you think I would ever stand here and insult you.”

  “That’s interesting,” a soft voice interjected. “I hope that is because you consider yourself a gentleman, Rupert.”

  Taylor startled. Her grip on the railing tightened upon hearing the familiar silken rasp, and she whirled with her heart in her throat to find Sebastian leaning against the open door. His eyes held no hint of emotion as they flickered past her to land on the man stationed in front of them in the yard. The blood drained from Rupert’s face and his throat bobbed as he forced a respectful nod.

  “Good afternoon, sir.”

  “Is it?” Sebastian asked, prowling to the front of the deck to join Taylor’s side.

  She let her eyes drift shut as he wrapped a possessive arm around her waist and drew her closer. Warm breath fanned the side of her neck, joining the gentle caress of the wind sweeping off the mountains as he nuzzled her hair out of the way. Despite the heat, she shivered as a very distinct chill settled into her bones.

  “What’s this? No greeting?” Sebastian asked, his voice bearing a hint of hurt and disappointment.

  “Of course there is. You have no idea how much I missed you, handsome.” Turning, Taylor wound her arms around his waist and searched his pale stare. “I didn’t hear them announce you pull in.”

  “Obviously.” He let the word hand between them for several seconds before snaring her chin and stealing a forceful kiss. Releasing her, he took a step back and studied her face. “Is there something I should be concerned about here?”

  Folding his arms, he turned his attention Rupert’s way.

  The hulking Cajun looked a bit taken aback as he gave an adamant shake of his head. “No, sir. Not at all.”

  Capturing his bottom lip between his thumb and forefinger, Sebastian stroked it several times in thought before nodding. Taylor held her breath when he seemed to come to a visible conclusion and sauntered over to the rail, his lean body moving with its trademark sway. Her eyes darted to the slight bulge of the pistol strapped to his thigh beneath the hem of his overcoat, and she fought the urge to reach for his arm.

  “I appreciate your friendship and loyalty where my fiancée is concerned, Rupert. I’m aware that you serve her well, but there is a very definite line with me that you do not want to cross. Joking or not, I don’t ever want to hear you insult her again. If you value your job, among other things, you will find a way to be playful without putting her down. Is that clear?”

  “Yes, sir. I’m very sorry, Miss Taylor.”

  “It’s okay, Rupert. No harm done.”

  She hoped. Dear God did she hope.

  She took a quick step back as Sebastian whirled on his heel. In a moment of typical Irish grace, she stumbled over the back of her own feet and caught herself on the rail. Embarrassment flamed in Taylor’s cheeks as her lover’s jaw steeled and he gave an incredulous shake of his head.

  “Go inside before you hurt yourself,” Sebastian ordered dryly.

  Shooting a hard, final look at Rupert over his shoulder, he ushered her through the sliding glass doors and eased them shut behind him. Wringing her hands, Taylor stood riveted in the center of the kitchen as her heart pounded a frantic drumroll inside her chest. Images of what happened the last time he’d caught her chatting outside with one of the security guards played and replayed in her head with horrifying clarity. She tried to tell herself this was different. That he accepted her socializing with Rupert. That she’d been smart and not left herself wide open by sticking to the relative safety of the deck, but she wasn’t so sure. Opening her mouth, she thought to offer an apology but quickly clamped it shut. It wouldn’t matter either way.

  Sebastian studied her for a long moment before indicating toward the steps leading off the kitchen with a slight tilt of his head.

  “Let’s finish this discussion upstairs.”

  Her stomach knotted. Gripping the thick, polished railing, she forced herself to make the arduous journey one agonizing step at a time. The back of her neck prickled, alerting her to the fact that Sebastian followed close behind. When they reached the top of the broad landing, her fear got the better of her and she faltered.

  Part of her argued that he wouldn’t hurt her when she was pregnant. Another pointed out that he was perfectly capable of swinging a belt without it getting anywhere near the baby, and the timid voice of uncertainty insisted there were far more painful and controlled ways for him to express his displeasure. Tensing, she bit her tongue as he brushed past her and swung the heavy wooden doors to their bedroom open.

  The simple fact was, none of it mattered. Sebastian was going to do what he wanted to do. Whether she wanted to admit it or not, her fate had most likely been decided before they ever set foot in the house.

  Hanging her head, she dragged her feet across the carpeted threshold and stepped into the sitting area off their bedroom. Cold silence hung between them until the tension became almost too much to bear. Turning his back on her, Sebastian wordlessly stripped the thick leather belt of his overcoat free.

  “It’s nice to see you up and moving around,” he stated, his voice soft and almost conversational in tone. He draped the outer layer of his uniform over the arm of the micro suede loveseat before turning to face her and unbuttoning his sleeves. “I am going to assume that means you are feeling better.”

  She shifted uneasily on her feet. There was no winning here. It was a lose-lose answer either way. Sighing, she nodded. “Yeah. I am.”

  “That is good to know, Taylor,” he stated. Unbuttoning the top of his shirt, he headed toward the bathroom and shot a look over his shoulder that clearly indicated she should follow.

  The stone slabs felt cold and jarring beneath the bare soles of her feet. Confused, Taylor watched him peel his shirt free. Ignoring her for the moment, Sebastian reached in to turn on the shower. The forceful blast of the water hitting the walls roared in her ears. She took an uncertain step as he rounded on her, his eyes blazing and intense.

  His laughter was dry and humorless as he pinned her against the wall and raked a hand through the matted curls on his head. “Okay, Taylor. That’s enough. I am going to ask you something and I want the truth. Believe me when I say I will know if you are lying to me,” he said, trailing a fi
nger along the underside of her jaw. “And I don’t think either one of us wants that.”

  “No, Sebastian,” she agreed in a hoarse whisper. Resisting the urge to hold onto him, she tried to still the anxious jitter in her knees.

  “Why are you so nervous?” he asked. “Did you do something wrong?”

  “No.” She shivered as his forefinger traced an idle path between the heavy mounds of her breasts. Taylor froze when she found herself suddenly trapped between the unyielding lines of his body and the cold, stone-tiled wall behind her.

  “You have nothing to be afraid of. I’m not going to hurt you, Taylor,” he murmured, stroking the side of her cheek. “Everyone else may be a different story, but I have no desire to hurt you. After all, you would never do anything to hurt or betray me. Isn’t that right?”

  Lifting her hands, she braced her palms against the rigid bulge of his pecs. “Right. You know that, Sebastian. Just calm down. Please.”

  “I am calm. I’m perfectly calm, Taylor. You are the one who seems on edge here. Not me.”

  Icy terror crawled through her veins and her bladder throbbed. Nothing in his assurances matched the cold calculation gleaming in his eyes.

  “S-Seb…”

  “Look at me,” he growled. His fingers bit into her chin and she silenced a frightened yelp. “Look me in the eye and tell me that you don’t regret the choices you have made. Tell me you don’t regret being with me. I don’t know how, but that is what you need to make me believe.”

  She clung to his wrist, unable to help the beginnings of the heartbroken sob. For the first time she not only saw, but truly understood, what motivated him. It wasn’t crazed anger flashing in his eyes. There was jealousy, yes, but for the most part, it was fear and pain.

  “How?” she asked once his grip lessened. “How can I do that when all you ever do is doubt me? Why is it always one step forward with you and three steps back? We just spent the last few days spilling our hearts out to each other. We shared it all, Sebastian. The good, the bad, and everything in between. Do you really want to hear the truth?”