The reporter put her hand to her mouth, looking as if she found his reaction adorable. “Oh my, you didn’t know? Yes, I’m happy to report that Lucinda is alive and well, Sir Davis.”
Davis looked over at Brie for confirmation, as if he didn’t believe what he’d heard.
She nodded as she made her way over to him, pushing past the reporter to take hold of his hand. “It’s true, Sir. You saved that little girl on the plane. I spoke to Lucinda myself. In fact,” Brie said holding his hand tight, “she has been waiting all this time to give you a picture she made.”
Davis shook his head slowly, his raw emotion bared for the world to see. “I never imagined she…” He closed his eyes, unable to finish as he swallowed down the lump in his throat.
Naturally, the reporter was thrilled to catch his poignant reaction on film. Her smile was cheesy as she tilted her head and addressed the camera. “Lucinda, honey, if you are watching, you can give that picture to your hero now.”
Faelan didn’t care for the way the interview was being handled. It lacked respect for Davis and the seriousness of the situation. He grabbed the man holding the camera and pulled him toward the door, saying, “Let’s give these two the privacy they need.”
Faelan shooed the entire crew out the door and said a curt, “Thank you,” as he shut it.
Davis nodded to him in thanks before turning his attention back to Brie. Smiling at her, he said, “She’s alive…”
Brie grinned, squeezing his hand. “She only had a broken arm and if you can believe it, Lucinda was able to go home just a few days after the crash.”
“That’s remarkable.”
“It was a miracle, Sir. Her family was so grateful to you…is so grateful.” She picked up the plaque and looked at it proudly. “You are a true hero.”
Davis did not acknowledge the award, reaching to place his hand on Brie’s stomach. “My only thought was if that were my daughter, I would want someone to protect her.”
Brie clasped her hands over his, her bottom lip trembling.
Faelan felt uncomfortable witnessing their private moment and was about to leave when Mr. and Mrs. Reynolds opened the door and entered the room. Davis’s uncle seemed surprised to see Faelan there and instantly stiffened.
Faelan couldn’t help wondering if Reynolds thought he held something against the man. Although it was Reynolds who’d informed Davis about him breaking protocol when he’d talked to Brie at the tobacco shop after the Collaring Ceremony, that had been years ago—like a lifetime ago.
He never held it against the guy, firmly believing family needed to look out for each other.
To alleviate any lingering misunderstandings Reynolds might still hold, Faelan walked straight up to the man and held out his hand. “It’s a pleasure to see you and your wife again.”
Reynolds stared at his open palm for a moment before taking it. “I certainly didn’t expect to see you here with Thane, Mr. Wallace.”
Davis spoke up. “He’s been invaluable since Durov’s hijacking.”
Mrs. Reynolds looked at Faelan with new compassion. “I had no idea you were helping our Thane.” She gave Faelan a motherly hug and patted his cheek when she let go, saying, “Such a nice young man.”
Brie giggled behind him. Faelan turned, giving her a lopsided grin.
“You two are a welcomed sight,” Davis said, looking at them gratefully.
Faelan appreciated the significance of their visit, but knew the information he needed to share was too sensitive for an audience, even if they were family.
Davis must have noticed Faelan’s look of concern. After receiving hugs from both of them, he asked, “Unc, would you mind getting lunch so we can share a meal together? You always stressed the importance of breaking bread and I need that familial connection.”
Mr. Reynolds looked from Thane to Faelan. An observant man, he took the hint and replied, “I couldn’t agree more. Come, wife, help me create a feast from the offerings at the cafeteria.”
Judy’s eyes twinkled as she took the arm he held out to her. “Now that’s a challenge I gladly accept.” As they were walking out, she asked over her shoulder, “Are you coming, dear?”
Brie looked at her husband, who shook his head. “If you don’t mind, I’d like to catch up with Faelan a bit more.”
“Don’t mind at all,” Judy replied. “Leave it all to us.”
Once they were gone, Faelan pulled up a chair and sat down next to Thane. When he shared Lilly’s plans to escape, Davis stated his surprise and concern, “She’s leaving the baby in jail?”
“That’s what I’ve been told.”
Davis frowned. “Even though I have no ties to the child, I can’t help feeling responsible for it.”
Brie respectfully disagreed. “The woman is related to you whether we like it or not, which makes this baby part of your bloodline. However…her mistake should not become your responsibility, Sir.”
“There is more,” Faelan informed them.
Davis shot him a look. “You don’t plan to return her to the authorities, do you?”
“No, I’m convinced she would only escape again.”
“I one hundred percent agree,” Brie stated.
“So tell me your plans then,” Davis insisted.
“You may not be aware of this, but Durov set up a recovery clinic for victims of human trafficking.”
Davis furrowed his brow, seeming surprised by the revelation. “No, I was not aware.”
“I believe he did it for the girl Stephanie, because he put her in charge of the facility.”
“The girl he saved in Russia?”
“Correct. She’s been in charge of it for over a year and says it has changed her life.”
Brie gazed down at the floor, a sad smile on her lips.
“What is it, Brie?” Davis asked.
She looked up at him with tears in her eyes. “I remember when Rytsar read the note Stephanie had written to him. He carries it in his wallet. Back then he wasn’t sure how to help her but…I guess he figured out a way.”
“My old friend surprises me yet again.”
Brie asked Faelan, “Have you spoken to Stephanie yourself? Do you know if she is doing well?”
“I have, actually, and she is doing remarkably well,” Faelan told her. “The girl is seriously passionate about what she’s doing. If you get the chance to meet her, you’d know what I mean.”
Brie smiled to herself. “That makes me very happy.”
Davis understood this was a lead-in to Faelan’s plan, and asked, “What did you speak to her about concerning Lilly?”
“I want to make sure that woman pays for her deeds in a way that will impact her profoundly. Both Durov and I were agreed on that, although Marquis has been strongly opposed to anything that does not involve the legal system.”
“Go on.”
“I would like to introduce Lilly to the recovery center in a unique way.”
Both Brie and Davis looked concerned, and he could see Brie was about to protest.
“Hear me out before you say anything. I’ve spoken to Stephanie personally and explained I had a woman whom Durov wanted punished. Without hesitation, she insisted on helping. I did not mention names when I shared with Stephanie some of Lilly’s violent history, including what she planned for you,” he added, looking at Brie. “While she and I are both agreed that Lilly needs to see firsthand the devastation human trafficking causes the victims and families, we know she cannot be trusted to have any contact with those who are recovering.”
“Agreed,” Davis growled angrily.
“Therefore, I have assigned guards to watch over her, but I would also like to bring in an ‘assistant’. Someone who will act as if she is suffering the same treatment, but who is really there to extract information as Lilly fulfills her role.”
“What is her role?” Brie asked.
“She will be in charge of food prep, cleanup, latrine duty—any menial but necessary job to run the facility.
However, she will do it all while isolated from others.”
Davis actually smiled but cautioned Faelan, “She is extremely dangerous, not someone to toy with. Who do you plan to ‘assist’ Lilly?”
“There is someone I have in mind, but I still need to speak with her to see if she’s willing. I would share her name but if she agrees, no one can know. It is the only way to protect her identity.”
The Reynoldses came bursting into the room with large bags of food.
“What did you do, buy the whole cafeteria out?” Brie laughed.
“Well, we weren’t sure what Mr. Wallace likes so we have all the bases covered,” Mr. Reynolds explained.
Judy dug into one of the bags and pulled out a large chocolate cake. “The cook there is a complete angel. When I told her what we were doing, she insisted on giving us the whole cake.” She walked over to Faelan and handed it to him. “I remembered Brie once said that you like chocolate.”
He smirked as he took the massive cake from her. “Thank you, Mrs. Reynolds. I’m not quite sure what to say.”
“I’m going to share would be nice,” Brie suggested.
Mrs. Reynolds whispered to Faelan, “You aren’t required to share.”
“Good to know,” he joked. Setting the cake on a counter, he helped Mrs. Reynolds unpack the rest of the food containers. While they were busy unpacking, Davis addressed his uncle.
“Unc, Mr. Wallace just shared something that has me deeply concerned.”
“What’s that, Thane?” he asked, walking over to him.
“Lilly plans to abandon her child.”
“What?!” Judy cried, turning around, a horrified look on her face. “How can a mother do that?”
“What will happen to the child if she does such a thing?” Reynolds demanded, clearly upset.
“I assume the child becomes a ward of the state until a suitable foster home is found.”
The Reynoldses stared at each other, communicating between themselves.
Thane continued, “I do not think the child’s fate should be left to the state.”
“Absolutely not,” Mr. Reynolds agreed.
“However, raising the child guarantees involvement with the mother at some point. It would be inevitable.”
Faelan noticed the terrified look in Brie’s eyes. He sincerely hoped Davis wasn’t going to suggest Brie raise Lilly’s child.
Mr. Reynolds glanced at Judy again, who responded by nodding. “I think we may have a solution, Thane.”
Judy walked over to her husband and held his hand, announcing, “We would love to adopt Lilly’s baby.”
Davis cautioned, “You must understand the risk. This isn’t something that should be decided lightly.”
Mr. Reynolds put his hand on his nephew’s shoulder. “Lilly is my niece by blood and the grandchild of my sister. I feel it is my duty to bring love into this innocent’s life.”
“Lilly could ruin you, Unc.”
Mr. Reynolds stepped back, putting his arm around his wife. “Judy and I are tough old birds. I think we can handle it.”
Judy was actually beaming. “Thane, you know how much I’ve always wanted to be a mother. Now I will get that chance! And for a child who desperately needs us.”
Brie was staring at the two of them with a mixture of joy and misgiving as she unconsciously rubbed her own belly.
Faelan understood Brie’s mixed emotions. As long as Lilly lived, no matter how happy the Reynoldses were as a family, they would have a dark cloud hovering over their future. But it relieved Faelan to know that Brie was not the one being asked to take on that responsibility.
Faelan was certain that Davis also shared Brie’s misgivings. As innocent as Lilly’s child was, it carried with it a terrible curse.
“So that’s settled,” Mr. Reynolds announced proudly. “The baby will remain with family.”
“If you are decided, I can have Thompson contact you. You’ll need to have all the paperwork ready in preparation of the baby’s arrival.”
“Won’t they get suspicious if we jump in to claim the child before she actually gives it up?” Judy asked, sounding worried.
“Of course not,” Mr. Reynolds explained to her. “It’s only natural for family members to seek custody of a child when the mother is in custody.”
“Just as long as we don’t hurt our chances of adopting the baby,” she stated, smiling at Thane.
“I would never jeopardize the adoption,” Davis assured her. “Thompson is one of the best in the legal arena. He’ll advise you on exactly what you need to do.”
Judy looked down at her arms dreamily, pretending to cradle the infant. “I feel a connection now that I know the baby needs us.” She let out a happy sigh and went back to piling up food on plastic plates. “And now we are going to feast in celebration of Thane’s recovery!”
Faelan still needed confirmation that his plans were acceptable to Davis and asked, “So are we in agreement about the rest?”
Davis motioned him closer and said, “I’m confident you will do what’s best.”
Taking Brie’s hand, he looked at his wife. “But I want to know what you think, babygirl?”
She glanced at Faelan and smiled. “I have confidence in you as well.”
Faelan took the overstuffed plate of food Judy offered him. The damn thing was weighed down with all manner of food, but he ate with gusto. Now that permission had been given…
Lilly wouldn’t know what hit her.
Best Woman for the Job
Faelan rang the doorbell and waited. He wished it hadn’t come to this, but he felt without a doubt she was the best person for the job.
It was worth the indignity he was about to endure.
Mary, being Mary, naturally took her time to answer the door. When it finally opened, Faelan saw the irritation on her face quickly turn to shock as she recognized who was standing in front of her. She tried to slam the door, but he had anticipated her reaction and deftly stuck his foot out to block it.
“Get the fuck out of here, Faelan!” she screamed.
“Just hear me out.”
“And why the hell would I do that?”
“Because I’m not here for me.”
Those sensual lips of hers turned downward into an ugly frown. “What the fuck does that mean?”
“Brie needs help.”
Rather than inspiring her sympathy, Mary’s face contorted in anger. “Don’t you dare give me a guilt trip about not going to visit her. You have no right. No right at all!”
“Guilting you is not my aim, Mary.”
Her frown grew more severe. “You know as well as I do that the last thing Brie needs is a fuck-up like me in her life.”
“I’m not asking you to be a part of it.”
“What then?” she demanded, her voice rising in pitch along with her fury.
“I need your help in handling a dangerous situation that involves Brie. You happen to have the skills required for the task.”
Mary’s tone became condescending. “Oh, I see. This is your pathetic way of trying to win me back or something.”
His amiable smile did not falter when he told her, “I would never take you back.”
“Hah! You’re still in love with me and you know it.”
“I was—once. But you were very effective in your exit. I hold no romantic feelings toward you now.”
Her sarcastic laughter filled the air. “I don’t believe it.”
“Look in my eyes and know the truth,” he insisted.
Mary couldn’t hide her arrogant smile as she gazed deep into his blue eyes. Her haughtiness slowly faded as she studied him longer. Eventually a look of concern flashed across her face but she quickly masked it with a smirk, stating, “You’re like a dog—loyal and begging for its master, no matter how it’s treated.”
Faelan held back a surge of resentment, knowing that what he was about to share would rock that fragile confidence of hers.
“I’m loyal, yes. I am also
a Dominant. I know my limit and you crossed it. I told Brie once that I am a man of extremes. I’m either hot or cold toward a person. While I’ve matured since then, the essence of that statement still holds true. When I was in love with you, I would have done anything for you. Now that you’ve destroyed those feelings, there’s no bringing them back. We will always be connected because of the history we share, but I can guarantee you one thing, Mary. I will never love you again.”
Those last words hung in the air between them.
She said nothing, but her gaze returned to his for several moments. Mary eventually leaned back against the doorframe and began clapping her hands together slowly. “Nice speech. I’ll give you an eight out of ten for that one.”
Having no interest in playing games, Faelan directed the conversation back to the reason he’d come. “Let me enter and I will tell you the details. As I said before, there is a high level of risk involved should you choose to help.”
Although he knew that fact actually intrigued her, she asked in a dismissive tone, “Why the hell would I put myself at risk for you?”
“Not me—Brie.”
Mary pursed her lips. She considered Brie family, and Faelan suspected those fighter instincts were already rising up inside her even as they spoke.
His suspicions were confirmed when she opened the door farther, turning away from him as she started down the hall. “Don’t get your hopes up. I haven’t agreed to anything.”
“Of course not,” he replied, entering her apartment and shutting the door behind him.
“In fact, I’m not doing a damn thing for you,” she added as an extra jab.
Faelan chuckled to himself. Her brittle responses were in high form, but they’d lost the power to provoke him.
Looking around her apartment, he noted all the carefully placed Disney memorabilia. Faelan understood the importance of each item’s placement. Mary had painstakingly set them in the perfect spots to complement the room. It was serious business to her.
When he spotted the jeweled necklace he’d given her, displayed in a prime location, he was left to ponder. Did the placement signify the uniqueness and worth of the item or did it hint to her lingering feelings for him?