Page 21 of A Heart So Savage

The older of the two was Aaron Redding, son of Bitter Spring’s senior district attorney, which explained the man’s swift rise to the rank of detective. Aaron was a distant friend of Carson’s during college, but their partnership now bridged the gap between criminality and getting caught.

The other man simply provided the illusion of local law enforcement endorsing this impromptu visit. The young officer was the muscle, so to speak, since Aaron was out of Bitter Springs’ jurisdiction.

“Kingston.” Aaron adjusted his tie. “Been a long time.”

“It has.” Kingston continued descending the stairs, waving off his men when they imperceptibly moved closer. Paulie stood posted near the front door, effectively blocking the exit. The kindly twinkle usually present in his eyes was replaced by a hard, sinister gleam.

“Mister Winter, sorry to bother you like this, but we’re here concerning the whereabouts of a missing woman.” The young officer’s eyes traveled around the foyer, obviously impressed by the grandeur of the space, and mildly concerned to see the half-dozen men now silently surrounding them.

Aaron grinned, throwing his hands up in the air in mock exasperation. “So fucking eager when they first graduate the academy, aren’t they? Officer Holt, if you don’t mind, I’ll ask Mister Winter all the questions.”

Kingston’s eyebrow lifted, his entire demeanor one of acute boredom.

The younger man flushed. “Sorry, Detective.”

Aaron turned back to Kingston with a knowing smirk. “Do you have information regarding the whereabouts of Ava Bella Blue?”

Kingston understood that this was a game of sorts. Who would blink first and show their hand.

Aaron Redding had no idea he was playing against a master.

“Who wants to know?”

“Her family.” Aaron’s voice was relaxed, but beneath the calm was the first real quiver of frustration.

“Her family is dead.”

“Her parents, yes, but you are aware that her brother is very much alive. Of course, he’s worried sick that she’s met up with some unsavory characters.” The detective smirked. “You know, bad people.”

Kingston’s lips twitched. “What makes you think she’s in danger?”

“Just a hunch.” Aaron’s head cocked. “We’ve received some disturbing tips from an anonymous source. Possibly being held somewhere against her will. Perhaps in a basement. Maybe even in a cell or something similar. Mind if we look around?”

Fucking Oliver. He’s behind this. He’s given them just enough detail to incite action but still vague enough to avoid closer inspection and leave him in the clear.

“I do mind,” Kingston drawled, crossing his arms and staring Aaron down. “You see, the maid hasn’t been around for a couple of days. Place is a wreck. I’d rather no one see it in such a state.”

Officer Holt’s head tilted in confusion, his gaze quickly darting around the immaculate foyer. “Detective Redding? You need a warrant if Mister Winter declines a voluntary search of the property.”

“No shit,” Aaron muttered, his attention distracted by a disruption at the top of the staircase. “I’m well aware, Officer Holt.”

Kingston half turned toward the sound of pounding footsteps. His blood pressure soared as Ava made her way toward him, stilted but still graceful. Only Kingston recognized the pain in her movements. His cock twitched as though she tugged it with an invisible string.

He was responsible for her discomfort.

Jack was the culprit for the heavy footsteps. Sprinting behind Ava, he skidded on the marble before slowing to a swift walk. His jaw set with grim determination as he watched her descend the stairs. There was nothing he could do but let Ava go, his hand hovering over the hidden holster containing a nine-millimeter. He was ready for whatever Kingston decided.

Even if it meant keeping their prize by force.

Ava practically floated down the stairs, and while Kingston considered how he might handle the situation without bloodshed, his prisoner surprised him. Rather than dashing toward the safety of law enforcement, she gravitated to Kingston like an errant kitten. Snuggling beside him, her arm slipped around his waist.

With her mussed hair, smeared mascara, and clothes obviously thrown on in a hurry, she looked as though she’d just rolled from their bed after an afternoon of lovemaking. Her pink lips were swollen from both hard kisses and the gag that had been forced into her mouth.

Even her feet were bare, adding to the impression that she’d recently been thoroughly fucked. And for God’s sake, her scent was driving Kingston crazy. As though he’d marked her for his own like some sort of animal, he couldsmellhimself on her.

Aaron’s eyes lit up with satisfaction while Officer Holt frowned in almost comical confusion.

“I hope I’m not interrupting,” Ava said with a languorous pout, her gaze sweeping over the strangers gawking at her and the security detail ringing the foyer. Paulie gave her a wink, and she returned it with a smile before gazing up at Kingston in an admirable imitation of sultry adoration. “Kingston, you said you’d be right back. I got tired of waiting.”

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