Page 79 of Compelled Obedience

The kiss was a passionate roar, a mere taste of what was to come later after his return. I was lightheaded, his scent covering every length of my body. As he slipped his tongue inside, he took his time exploring the dark recesses of my mouth, as if no one could ever interrupt us. The thrill of being in his arms was incredible, dazzling lights splashing across my periphery of vision.

He slipped his other hand down my back, his fingers caressing my skin before sliding his palm under my bottom then lifting me off my feet. Did he have any idea the level of explosive heat that continuously coursed through my body? Did he sense that my legs were like Jell-O, my pussy throbbing with need?

When he eased me down seconds later, he captured the moan, his growl a delicious reward. Then he backed away, shaking his head slowly.

“You’re going to be a good girl and stay right here tonight. As I mentioned, the building is secure, and no one can get in who isn’t on the list. Okay? I won’t be long. I just need to handle a couple things at the club. We’ll work out details of the apartment and you’ll get your life back when I’m certain of security.”

“I’ll be fine. I wish you’d allow me to work tonight.”

“Not a chance but don’t worry. There’s plenty of time for that,” he said, grinning. “We’ll begin your training soon.”

“I thought that had already started.”

Chuckling, he grabbed his jacket.

After Grant had read and studied the note I was certain had been sent by Drago several times, he’d placed it in a plastic bag in case there were any fingerprints still on it, which I doubted. Whoever his friends were, it was obvious some were in law enforcement. Maybe I should be grateful that he was intervening, but I found it difficult to give up control.

Plus, I had a terrible feeling that things were about to get a whole lot uglier.

I didn’t have time to answer him before I heard the subtle chiming of my phone. While it was possible Rebecca was checking on me, prickles formed on my skin from sick anticipation.

We both glanced toward the coffee table where I’d left it, Grant tensing.

“Why don’t you answer that.” His tone was darker than before.

Maybe he believed I needed a boost in courage. I pulled away, taking tentative steps toward it. When I noticed the screen, a series of shivers intensified the chill and I hesitated before picking it up, sliding my finger across the screen. “Detective Randolph.” I’d forgotten about his promotion. “It’s been a long time.”

“It has been. I understand you called the prison where Drago was held.”

I hadn’t mentioned anything in the message I’d left except I was trying to clarify some information. “It’s my right.”

“I didn’t say it wasn’t, Kerri. I just hoped you wouldn’t feel the need to return to that time in your life. You’re aware he died in prison.”

“I’m surprised you didn’t call me with the news. That would have allowed me to breathe easier.”

The sergeant seemed irritated. I could tell by the few curses I heard under his breath. “It didn’t cross my mind. The situation was messy. However, now, you have absolutely no reason not to enjoy our life. Your stepfather is dead, just as you were told.”

My lower lip quivered and I rubbed my index finger back and forth across it as I sat down on the soft couch. I lifted my gaze, studying Grant. He was watching me intently, his eyes boring into mine. “I need to know how he died. I am following this through.”

“Let it alone,” he advised.

“I won’t.”

The fact he hesitated irritated the hell out of me. The man had berated me for weeks about what I knew and what I’d seen. He’d known all along I was hiding something, but my testimony hadn’t been necessary to put my stepfather in prison.

“Fine. Drago was shanked in the shower. The people he worked for had folks inside the joint. He’d been in protective custody until recently. They knew he’d been a snitch and waited for an opportunity.”

A snitch. It was the first time I’d heard of it. Something told me that I hadn’t heard the entire story. “The LA Cartel has a far reach.” I wasn’t certain why I was bothering to mutter the words. Grant narrowed his eyes, staring at me intently.

The sergeant chuckled under his breath. “Be careful paying too close attention. The fact you didn’t testify doesn’t mean you’ve fallen off their radar, even with a new leader in position in the regime. Rivera had a long memory from what I understand. He doesn’t like snitches, his way of dealing with them… gruesome.”

“Why does that sound like a threat, Sergeant?”

“Some things never change, Kerri. Just be careful. As I told you before, I don’t want you hurt. Continuing to ask questions or bringing light to yourself is a good way of getting yourself killed. Are you still working at Harry Carver High? I should at least keep tabs on you until this settles down.”

The question caught me off guard. I wasn’t certain I wanted anyone but Grant to keep tabs on me. I tried to remember previous conversations I’d had with Colton Randolph. It had been long enough that details were fuzzy. “I’ve moved on since then.” Why I was lying to him I wasn’t entirely certain, but the one thing I’d always relied on was my instinct. It was screaming that I needed to be careful.

“Ah. Well, whatever you’re doing, just take care of yourself. Live your life and let this die.”

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