Page 33 of Bulletproof Love

“Did you want to stay in the closet a little longer? I’ll admit it’s not my first choice, but at least it’s cozy.”

I can practically feel his self-satisfied grin behind me. “Don’t forget I have a knife and I know how to use it.”

He makes a suggestive sound. “Now we’re really not leaving this closet.”

“Jasper!” I say between gritted teeth. He chuckles and peeks through the cracked door.

“Come on, let’s have a little talk with Wayne. Then hopefully we can get the hell out of this place and you can show me how you use that switchblade.”

“You’re unbelievable.” I shake my head, hiding the laugh that wants to make its way out. If only he knew how much that idea intrigues me.

CHAPTERTHIRTEEN

JASPER

My nightjust got a hell of a lot better now that we get to have some fun with Wayne. Don't get me wrong—the night's been fantastic already with Falin in that curve-hugging dress, letting me touch her and play with her until she squirms. All that and the promise of her kicking my ass again, it’s enough to make me bite back a moan.

Now it’s time to do what I do best—Well, other than fucking. Wayne will not be getting fucked by me. I need to make that clear.

We found the office easily, thanks to Fairfax’s lackey. I almost wish he gave me more of a challenge, but the night is still young. He’s flat on his back on the floor, my foot holding him down, hands tied in front of him with my tie. Oh, and I can’t forget the gun that I have pointed at his face.

“Whff duh yuh wahn fruh meh?” Wayne mumbles around the makeshift gag I made from my sweaty dress sock.

“What was that, Wayne? Can’t quite understand you.” I chuckle. Man, this is fun.

““Ffuhk, whuh duh yuh—” I shift my weight forward and his words are cut off with a groan.

“I think you know the answer. And let me tell you, Wayne. I’m great at getting what I want.” My eyes find Falin across the room and linger. She looks up from the computer, like she can feel my gaze.

“Anything?” I ask, ignoring Wayne’s grumbles.

“Nothing out of the ordinary, but I’m copying everything onto a drive. Should be done soon.” She clicks a few times and straightens out. “It’s doing its thing.”

“I’ve got him. Why don’t you search around? Fairfax must have been talking about something tangible when he sent his little manservant in here.” At that, Wayne tries to thrash around—emphasis ontry. Poor dude, I almost feel bad for how weak and pathetic he is. I kick him again and smile.Almost, but not really.

“Did you see these photos? They look like the perfect suburban family.” She glides her finger over a framed family portrait on the wall. It must be our distinguished hosts—nice to see them without the masks—and two kids, a boy and a girl, both elementary school age.

“Just goes to show that looks can be deceiving.” I bend down and stuff the sock farther into Wayne’s mouth. Hopefully Falin finds some useful information, or I’ll have to try and get something out of him the hard way.

“That’s the truth,” she says as she stares at another family photo of the four of them on a sailboat. “What about your family? Were looks deceiving?”

I grab Wayne by his bound wrists and drag him toward Falin, getting a better look at the photo that’s caught her attention. “Before or after Bailey was taken?”

My throat goes dry as I say Bailey’s name. It shouldn’t be that way. She’s my baby sister—talking about her should come as easily as anything else, but after all this time, saying her name out loud brings a visceral reaction.

“I’m sorry. That was a stupid fucking question.” Falin sucks in a breath and moves on to the built-in bookshelves, pulling out leather bound volumes and searching the pages.

“No, it’s okay. Honestly, it feels good to say her name.” I drag Wayne toward the plush armchair near the bookshelves so I can sit while I keep a foot on his torso and my gun trained on his head. “Is it crazy to say that I grew up pretty normal? Little league and Boy Scouts, summer barbeques, fishing and hiking with my dad. Bailey and Mom had always been super close, but we all made it a point to have dinner together most nights. Then when I met Damon, we basically took him in. My parents didn’t hesitate. We were never rich by any means, but they did okay enough to send me and Bailey to college with the help of some scholarships and loans.”

She looks up from the legal pad she’s skimming. “That sounds pretty normal to me.” Her small laugh lights up my chest. “Especially for a guy who’s currently pointing a gun at someone.”

The irony didn’t go unnoticed.

“Yeah, well, normal can change in the blink of an eye.” I try to hide the sadness in my tone, but it’s pretty damn clear. “When Bailey was taken, everything fell apart.”

“I can’t even imagine the pain you’ve all gone through. To lose someone like that, not knowing if she’s… Shit, here I go again. I’m not the best at these types of conversations.”

Dead or alive.

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