Page 310 of 7+Us Makes Nine

Heavy boots approached my motel room door. I stood still, frozen in fear. I didn’t know what to think. I’d assumed without doubt that I was safe here and wondered how Conall had found me.

Well, it isn’t gonna be anyone else. I’m in trouble.

I grabbed my cell with a shaky hand, dialing Jack’s number as quickly as possible. It was answered after ringing for only a second. Jack’s voice calmed me somewhat, urgent and panicked.

“Eden! Conall knows where you are, he…”

“He’s here, Jack! Help me! Where’s Lucas? What happened?” I spoke quickly, knowing I didn’t have long.

“Fuck. He beat Lucas up bad. Real bad, threatened his family. Lucas’s probably on his way to hospital by now. He’s in a bad shape but I’m sure he’ll make it. I’ll be there soon, babe. Hold on!”

I held the phone away from my ear as someone banged loudly on the door. Three slow, ominous knocks.

Knock… knock… knock.

“Jack, I’ll be ok. Get here as soon as you can. I… I love you.” I clicked the phone off, wondering at how I had time to feel sheepish about telling Jack I loved him after only knowing him for a week.

But it was true. I’d fallen for him already. He just needs to save me from Conall one last time, and I’ll show him…

The door was smashed open suddenly, wood splintering with a crunch as it flew inwards, flimsy wood no match for Conall’s huge frame.

Four figures stood at the door. Conall, and three of his trusted, I presumed. One was holding his gut, leaning to one side, blood pouring down a white vest. A grim, pale face stared at me meanly. The other two of his

goons were unharmed, arms crossed against huge, fat chests.

Conall grunted as he saw me.

“Eden. We need to talk, you and me…”

NINETEEN

Jack

I’d returned to my apartment after my meeting with the Lieutenant, resisting the urge to visit Eden. Home, but somehow… not. I frowned as I’d looked around the small space I’d called home for a few years now. The area seemed empty, colorless. Something was missing.

Or someone. Eden.

I sighed, throwing my clothes off casually, walking naked across the kitchen to the fridge and grabbing a bottle of water. I stretched my muscles, rolling my shoulders and loosening my neck muscles. I was tired, but felt good. I felt alive, strong. Like a man.

Eden entered my mind once again as I stood naked at the large window, staring out over the town below me. Cool air brushed my naked skin, invigorating me. I imagined the look on Eden’s face as we had sex, contorting with pleasure as she reached orgasm. I sighed with longing.

I looked down to find myself slightly aroused and struggled to shake the thoughts of sex from my mind.

I’ll see Eden tomorrow or Monday. Plenty of time for that later.

My face hardened as I thought of the task ahead of me. Taking down a big meth operation single handed. Sure, I had all the good cops in the department at my disposal with one quick call to the Lieutenant. He’d told me he’d be by the phone, ready. Bullet proof vest on, gun loaded. He said if I needed immediate backup that he’d be there himself in less than five minutes.

One last hurrah, he’d said. But I’m gonna try my best to do this one on my own. Now it’s personal. No one fucks with Jack Storm, takes him for a fool.

I finished my water and headed for the shower. I had a quick workout as I waited for the water to heat up and the room to fill with steam. I washed quickly and headed to bed, deciding to make it an early night. Or try to at least.

***

I didn’t sleep much. Not with everything swimming around in my mind. My intelligence was a burden sometimes, and it was often impossible to switch my brain off.

Well, apart from when I was with Eden, lying there contentedly after passionate sex. That seemed to do the job quite nicely…

I restlessly rose from bed and quickly ate breakfast after doing some pushups. Powerful muscles lifted my torso up and down easily, and I lost count of how many I’d done. Breakfast was washed down with a strong, black coffee.

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