Page 30 of Undefeated Love
“I sure am. Didn’t agent Nikkole Chernakov tell you that I was here?” If she hadn’t, this could work even better.
“Katrina,” Jack bellowed. “Did you know Katlin was here?”
“I was going to—”Smack. “Jack, sweetheart, we haven’t had—”
Smack. A chair sounded like it fell over.
“Can you tell this mercenary wannabe to let me in?” Katlin was about ready to charge the gate. She couldn’t stand hearing Jack beat Nikkole.
“You stupid bitch. That’s the first thing you should’ve told me last night. What the fuck is wrong with you?”
“I love you,” Nikkole said through tears. “I’d hoped I would be enough for you.”
Jack’s voice sounded closer to the microphone. “Bring Katlin to me.”
The guard already had his keys out unlocking the century-old gate. “Ma’am, come with me.”
Katlin casually held the edge of the gate, placing the piece of duct tape hidden on her palm over the lock, and took the guard’s arm, practically dragging him across the yard.
Either the man didn’t know enough to frisk her for weapons, or she’d plowed over his next thought by immediately speaking. “Which building is he in?”
“He’s still in the house. He got a late start this morning.” The guard looked her way and smirked. “He had…unexpected company last night.”
“We’re in,” Nita affirmed. “Heading to positions now. I’m thirty feet behind you.”
Katlin blew one puff, signifying affirmative.
When they reached the house, the guard simply opened the door and signaled for her to enter first. It was unlocked. He gave Katlin a few seconds to visually sweep the area for enemies and weapons. They stood in an open concept space with a darkened living room off to the right, a vivid yellow dining room enhanced by the open windows, and a bright white kitchen at the far end separated by a long breakfast counter.
Nikkole lay awkwardly on the floor, as though Jack had knocked her off one of the several tall stools. Her delicate porcelain face was beaten and bloody.
“Katlin,” Jack said breathlessly as he stood from his chair. “It really is you.”
Jack took a tentative step forward.
“We don’t need to give your guard a show. Send him back outside,” Katlin ordered as she stepped between the dining room and living room.
Jack’s gaze swung to the guard beside her. “Leave. No matter what you hear, you don’t leave your post at the front gate.”
“Perfect timing. Thank you, Jack.” Nita’s voice almost made her smile, but Katlin had to stay in character.
“You’ve come to me. I knew you loved me. I knew if I had your babies, you would come. My original plan can still work.” Jack took another step toward Katlin, who didn’t move except to slowly pull her gun from the holster at her back. She held it there waiting for an opportunity.
“You have…my…eggs…here?” Katlin hated that her voice cracked but the thought of Jack having her eggs ripped at her heart. But he’d said babies. Was it even possible that he had any unfertilized eggs? She’d check…after she put a bullet through Jack.
“One tango down,” Nita announced.
Katlin blew out one puff of air in confirmation.
Jack smiled as though he were a little boy who’d done something right. “Yes. They’re in the freezer over in the clinic.” His smile became broader, nearly filling his face. “We have all the medication that you’ll need to take immediately to prepare your body for the IVF.”
Katlin’s brain was still wondering if there were any viable, unfertilized eggs. She swallowed hard. She needed to keep up with the conversation. Through clenched teeth she managed to ask, “Did you fertilize all of them?”
Jack’s head bobbed up and down vigorously, his long overdue for a cut hair flying out to the sides. “Yes, of course. But we’ll only implant a few in a time, just in case you aren’t able to carry the babies to full term.” His smile turned psychopathic as he took another step forward. “Once we’re sure you’re pregnant, we can have a sex like a normal married couple.”
All the blood drained from Katlin’s head. There was no way in hell she would ever have sex with Jack Ashworth. She physically shuddered at the thought.
“Now that you’re not engaged to that fuckhead, there’s nothing keeping us from being together.” He didn’t step as much as ease forward. It was a common trick for agents. A way to get closer without seeming to even move.
