Code Name: Genesis (Jameson Force Security #1)(64)

“Okay, kitten.”

She smiles and goes to her tiptoes, pressing her lips softly to mine. When she pulls back, her face is filled with gratitude and relief. “Thank you for coming to get me.”

I vaguely realize Cruce and Saint have yanked Carlisle to his feet and are marching him toward his cabin.

I let my eyes roam over Joslyn’s face, wondering how long it’s going to take her to heal from these events physically and emotionally.

“I’m so sorry he got you, honey,” I say apologetically. “I should have never let you leave my side.”

She shakes her head adamantly. “Don’t you dare. This was all my fault for falling for his lies. And for the record, I’m not going to let you leave my side again.”

I can’t help but smile. “Is that a promise?”

Her return smile is tart, and I see the strength in her gaze. “It’s a fact. Get used to it.”





CHAPTER 30




Joslyn


It’s hard to believe that less than nine hours ago, I had been locked up in a shipping container after having been kidnapped by a psychopath. Now I’m back in the safety of my own home, surrounded by old friends and new… as well as the man I love.

I’m exhausted, but I don’t want to show it. I can’t because everyone wanted to come over to see me.

To celebrate my safety.

To perhaps see with their own eyes I am indeed okay.

Kynan wanted to chase everyone away. I assured him I was completely fine. Told him I wanted to pop some champagne to celebrate our victory.

It’s been a rough day for sure. After Kynan rescued me, I grudgingly agreed to allow an ambulance to transport me to the hospital. Kynan rode along with me, which is the only reason I agreed to it. Scott Carlisle was handcuffed, then led off by the sheriff’s department. Lynn later reported he was booked on charges of kidnapping, assault, battery, and attempted murder. I’m fairly sure he’ll never step outside of prison again.

I’ve spent some time wondering if I did the right thing by stopping Kynan. There’s no doubt in my mind he would have beaten the man to death, which would have ensured my absolute safety in the future. Ultimately, I just couldn’t let him go through with it. Deep down inside, I realized those actions are not the man I know and love. He was being driven by rage because of what Carlisle had done to me and wanted to do to me. Kynan hadn’t been seeing reason. Not to mention there’d been a damn good chance Kynan could’ve gone to prison if he’d killed the man, even though I’m sure all witnesses involved—that would be Saint, Cruce, and me—would have sworn he was only defending his own life in a classic case of self-defense.

The hospital was the worst—not because it hurt like hell getting my injuries treated, particularly my feet—but because there were injuries I hadn’t been sure about. It was awful because I’d been asked by the doctor if I needed a rape kit, and I honestly hadn’t known the answer. I was ninety-five percent sure he hadn’t touched me in that way because I couldn’t feel anything. Surely if a woman had been raped, she should be able to know, right? But I had been drugged, so I ultimately told the doctor I should probably have an examination. Kynan ended up breaking down at that point, and it killed me to watch as he put his hands on his face and wept.

It hadn’t made it any better when the doctor later confirmed I had not been violated. It was traumatic enough in both my mind and Kynan’s to know it had been a possibility.

I was at the hospital for a few hours, and everyone congregated there to wait for me. Detective Kitchner came to interview Kynan, Saint, Cruce, and me. My mom and Darren were obviously there, although they stayed in the waiting room while I’d been treated. I’m sure my mother would have wanted to be in there with me, but in this instance, I think she stepped aside for Kynan to claim his role as my main and primary protector.

Jerico, Bebe, and Rachel had caught a private jet out of Vegas, then drove straight to the hospital where they joined everyone else in the waiting room. Lynn and Harry as well. When I was finally discharged and brought out in a wheelchair, my feet heavily bandaged, it had been incredibly overwhelming to see them all smiling in relief and love. My mom cried, so, of course, I did, too. I’d known everyone except Jerico, but that hadn’t stopped him from giving me a massive hug once Kynan introduced us. Knowing he, Bebe, and Rachel had come just to support Kynan—and hopefully see me alive and well—prompted me to invite everyone to the house.

Kynan had not been happy about it. Had even tried to countermand my offer.

We had our first real fight right there in the emergency room lobby, me in a wheelchair and Kynan bending over me, arguing until he was red in the face.

I won though, and Cruce stopped by the store on the way to pick up champagne while Harry went to In-N-Out Burger and got a buttload of food.

Of course, Kynan carried me into my house and settled me in a big chair with pillows under my feet on the ottoman. From my throne, I entertained my guests. My mother hovered unnecessarily, but I didn’t mind. Ultimately, Darren chased her away to give others a chance to sit on the couch and talk to me. To have a few moments whereby they could ensure I was indeed okay on all counts.

Cruce and Saint doled out glasses of champagne, and Harry passed out burgers and fries. It was the best party I’ve ever been to in my entire life.