Claiming Felicity (Ace Security #4)(56)

Felicity blinked, then giggled. “What? Why?” she asked when she had controlled her laughter.

“Because I’m the man. And the man does the asking.”

Felicity rolled her eyes. “Whatever.”

He put his hand on her cheek then. “Humor me, love. I’ll be the first to admit that women have all the same rights as men, but let me do this.”

“Fine,” she told him in a huff, not really upset in the least, but it was fun to egg Ryder on. “But it better be one kick-ass proposal.”

He grinned. “Challenge accepted. Now that we’ve covered the fact that we love each other and that you’re moving in with me, can we please get out of this fucking parking lot where we’re sitting ducks for Joseph-fucking-Waters and get you to Grace’s where you can ooh and ah over my nephews?”

“You’ll call the cops and report the newest harassment?”

“Of course. I’ll also get in touch with the security company and see if there is any video of Joseph putting the fucking stickers on your car. Although, as much as I hate to admit it, I’m guessing he was probably smart enough to stay to the shadows and never show his face. Oh, and I’ll arrange for that shit to be removed from your car while I’m at it.”

“Awesome. Thank you. Then, yes, I’m ready to go to Grace’s so I can ooh and ah over my godsons. Lead on, oh supreme ruler of our household.”

He merely shook his head. The hand that had been on her cheek moved up and over her hair before clasping the back of her neck. He leaned in and said softly, “I love you. From the bottom of your feet to the top of your beautiful black hair.”

“My mom used to say that to me,” she whispered.

“I know. You told me.”

“And you remembered,” she said in awe.

“I remember every single thing,” he said, then kissed her lightly on the lips. “Now get in so we can go.”

She smiled as she pulled away and climbed into the passenger side of his car. Joseph Waters might be a sadistic asshole, but ultimately he’d led her to Ryder. He’d hate knowing that, and she hoped like hell she had the chance to tell him.



Joseph watched the 370Z pull out of the parking lot from the driver’s seat of his piece-of-shit rental and clenched his fists. He’d hoped to see Megan pitch a fit at seeing her beloved car covered in the offensive stickers, but instead it seemed as if he’d just witnessed some sort of lover’s tryst.

She wasn’t acting like he wanted her to.

She was supposed to be scared.

Supposed to be freaked out.

Supposed to be packing and leaving town.

It wasn’t his ultimate plan, but he would’ve taken advantage of it and snatched her before she left the state.

But she was ruining things.

They were ruining things.

That damn Ryder Sinclair was giving her false courage. Convincing her he wasn’t going to get his hands on her. As if.

His father had called earlier and had been beyond furious.

“You need to forget about her and get home.”

“No. She needs to pay for interfering.”

“Listen to me, son. This has gone on way too long. I thought you’d given up this asinine obsession. I got a call from Rex from Mountain Mercenaries. He’s not happy. And if Rex isn’t happy, I’m not happy. He’s given me one chance to make this right. Come home. Today.”

You need to speed this up or Father is going to get involved.

Nodding to himself, Joseph started the engine and pulled away from the downtown area. He had some more work to do before he could end this. It would mean not being able to leave Megan with any gifts for the next couple of days, but hopefully she’d let down her guard while he was gone. And when he got back, the game would be back on.





Chapter Sixteen

Felicity stomped her foot like a fifth grader. “Ryder, you have to go.”

“No, I don’t.”

“Dammit. Yes, you do.”

“I’m not leaving you and the twins here by yourselves.”

“We’re fine,” Felicity insisted. “Nothing’s happened in days.”

“That doesn’t mean that Joseph is gone,” Ryder said.

“I know that, but I’m not an idiot. I’m not going to step foot outside of this apartment while you’re gone. The babies are asleep in their cribs. It’s been a long day and I’m exhausted. I’m going to sit right here on the couch and watch TV until you get back.”

Ryder leaned in, caging her body between his and the counter behind her. “I don’t like this.”

She laughed a humorless laugh. “Neither do I. But Blake texted that he needs you, and now he won’t answer his phone, and I can’t get Alexis to answer hers either. Logan and Grace are up in Denver at that play, and Nathan and Bailey haven’t heard anything. You can’t ignore this.”

She looked up at Ryder. He was stressed. It was clear as day on his face. It was obvious he didn’t want to leave her alone in the apartment, but it was just as obvious he wanted to get to his brother.

They’d been watching television and relaxing when he’d received the text. It had been short and sweet.

I need you. My house. ASAP.

That’s all it said.