Falling for Agent Cox:A Falling Novel Page 11

  “So how long have you two been banging?” I ask Cress, just as she takes a sip of the celebratory champagne. She spits it everywhere and her eyes widen in surprise but before she can answer, Lexi comes racing over.

  “Mommy, I need to go poo poo,” she says, crossing her legs and rocking on the spot.

  Quicker than I have ever seen someone move in regard to shit, Cress jumps up, grabs Lexi’s hand, and escorts her down the hallway to the bathroom.

  “Saved by the poop,” I say to Preston, who I notice hasn’t said a word. He neither confirmed nor denied my question and in my experience, when people are silent, they are trying to come up with a rebuttal.

  “Bay,” Ave says, “leave her alone. It’s been a rough time for them—”

  “Lexi is doing much better now,” Preston interrupts. “Cress and I are watching her like a hawk. I won’t miss anything like that again.”

  “Miss what?” I ask. I’m genuinely concerned ‘cause Lexi is a kick-ass kid.

  Ave looks to me. “I’ll fill you in later.” She turns back to Preston, who kinda looks like Channing Tatum. “Glad all is well.”

  Cress returns with Lexi, who now has a lollipop and my mouth waters. I haven’t had candy in so long. My mind drifts to Laffy Taffy and as if she’s a mind reader, Ave walks over to me with a rectangular box and a smile breaks out on my face. “Is that what I think it is?”

  “It might be.”

  “You are the best sister, ever,” I tell her, grabbing the box and ripping it open. Two-point-five seconds later, I’m popping a purple chewy candy into my mouth. I close my eyes and savor the flavor, as a moan breaks free.

  “Would you like us to leave you and your candy alone?” Ave says.

  Opening my eyes, I look up and see everyone is staring at me. “It’s sooo good.”

  “That purple shit is nasty,” Flynn says, “I much prefer the green ones.”

  “Nah uh, buddy. Purple all the way.”

  We all head outside to enjoy the rest of the evening. We drink champagne and eat our weight in hors d’oeuvres; the food is amazing. It sure beats prison food, I’m going to end up so fat from eating all the things I missed out on while being locked up.

  Looking around, I smile. Flynn outdid himself. The patio has been transformed into a romantic oasis. There’s no way Ave would say no. It’s such a romantic scene, and my mind drifts to Corey Cox. I wonder what the straitlaced sexy asshole is up to right now. I’m brought back to the present when Cress, Preston, and Lexi announce they are leaving. They say their goodbyes and soon after, it’s just Flynn, Ave, and me.

  Tonight could not have been more perfect, even Cress wasn’t as annoying as I used to find her to be. Seems getting laid has mellowed the bitch. My sister is still beaming, Flynn went all out with the proposal but Ave deserves that and so much more. It’s funny, the old me would have been majorly pissed off that my release from the slammer was overshadowed by the proposal, but seeing the happiness on my twinsie’s face warms my little dead black heart.

  Deciding I need some air, I excuse myself and head downstairs. Exiting the elevator, I pause mid-step when I see him standing in the lobby. My heart stops beating, I’m shocked at seeing him here. After that day, I never thought I’d see him again. Over the last twelve months he has gotten sexier, if that’s possible.

  He stops in front of me and we stare at one another. The air around us simmers and raises the temperature in the lobby. He speaks first and the sound of his voice vibrates through my body. Every nerve ending sparks to life and my clit jumps and pulses like it’s at a rave. Twelve months of no contact and two words almost bring me to my knees.

  I’m so screwed.

  22

  Corey

  “Hello, Kitten.”

  "I’m not your fucking Kitten,” she spits at me. My eyes rake over her body and she’s just as sexy as I remember.

  "For a woman, you have such a potty mouth." My gaze drops to her lips and I remember the feel of them pressed against mine. Wrapped around my cock. Even though that occurred over twelve months ago, my body remembers as if it happened just moments ago.

  "Fuck you, asshole. I’m not your Kitten. Never was and never will be.”

  “Kit—”

  “You better watch your back, Cox. I have claws and I won’t hesitate to use them on you. Now, what the fuck are you doing here? I’ve done my time. I’m a good girl now.”

  “I have no doubt you would scratch and mark me, but, Kitten,” stepping into her personal space, I lean closer and whisper, “I promise you when it happens, you will be purring. All. Night. Long.” Stepping back, I notice her swallowing deeply. Score one for me I think to myself. “I need to talk to you.”

  “What do you think we’re doing now?”

  “Don’t sass me, Kitten.” I see she’s still sassy…and sexy as ever. “Can we go upstairs and talk? I have something important to discuss with you.”

  She shakes her head. “No, you can tell me here.”

  Looking around the lobby, it’s empty except for the concierge and us. Stepping closer to her, I lower my voice. “Kye Vlahos escaped from custody today and a threat was made against me…and you.”

  She wobbles on her feet as my words sink in, “Wwww…what?” she says, her voice wavering. Any and all sass gone. “How?”

  “He faked illness and managed to escape while in hospital.”

  “Why would he threaten me? He doesn’t know I was a part of it, does he?”

  “It looks like he knows. I think Creed Dawson told him.”

  “Fucking asshole, I’ll kill him if I ever see him.”

  “That might be hard, he was murdered earlier today.”

  “What?”

  I tell her about Creed’s untimely death earlier today and mention the note threatening us. “I…I…we, I nee—”

  “Kitten, listen to me.” She lifts her gaze to mine and fear is etched all over her face. “I won’t let anything happen to you. I have a man stationed out front and you will be protected.” Stepping closer to her, I cup her cheek. “I promise.” I run my thumb over her bottom lip. Her eyes droop closed. When she opens them, they are cloudy with desire. My head begins to lower to hers, but the moment is interrupted when I hear a soft voice from behind me. “Agent Cox, what are you doing here?”

  Pulling away from Baylor, I turn to face her sister but before I can say anything, her eyes lock on Baylor and she immediately knows something is wrong. “BayBay, what’s wrong?”

  Baylor looks to her sister and hearing her voice unravels her. The floodgates open and she begins to cry. “Avie,” she blubbers, falling to her knees. Covering her face with her hands, she cries as her sister embraces her in a sisterly hug.

  The elevator doors open and my head snaps up, I see a gentleman step out, he looks familiar but I can’t place him. His eyes lock with mine, then they drop to the sisters embracing and he races over to them. Squatting down, he rests his hand lovingly on Avery’s back. “Ave, baby, what’s wrong?”

  She lifts her head to look at him. Concern is plastered all over her face. “I don’t know,” she tells him. “I came down to find Bay with Agent Cox and when she saw me, she fell apart.”

  “He’s going to kill me,” Bay murmurs.

  “Who’s going to kill you?” Ave asks her sister.

  “Kye,” she whispers.

  “Who’s Kye?” the man questions them.

  “The guy Bay helped Agent Cox bring down. But he’s in jail. I don’t know what’s going on.” Avery stands up and turns to face me. “Care to explain, Agent Cox?” The tone of her voice reminds me so much of Baylor when she’s pissed off.

  “How about we take this upstairs?” Flynn says, looking over his shoulder toward the front desk. “We can discuss this in private.”

  “Good idea, Flynn.” She looks to her sister. “Come on, Bay, let’s get you upstairs.”

  Bay nods, but when she stands up, she wobbles on her feet and stumbles. Stepping forward, I wrap my arms ar
ound her. “I’ve got you, Kitten,” I tell her, as I lift her up bridal style.

  She wraps her arms around my neck and snuggles into my chest. As we walk toward the elevators, she whispers, “He’s going to kill me,” over and over again.

  Following behind Avery and Flynn, I whisper, ‘Shhhh’ over and over, but she’s lost in her mind right now. This isn’t how I expected her to react. I was expecting my feisty kitten to tell me he can try, but no one will bring her down. I certainly didn’t expect her to break down like this. I guess prison has mellowed her. My inner voice says, ‘If you’d kept an eye on her, you’d know her better.’ So many times over the last twelve months, I wanted to reach out. Make sure she was okay but the agent in me knew that was crossing a line.

  The elevator doors open and we step into a gorgeous foyer. Flynn and Avery live in the penthouse, the four of us enter and my eyes dart around the place. Must be nice to have cash to spend on a flashy home like this. It’s open plan with light walls, a large dark sofa with bright throw pillows, and doors leading to an amazing outdoor area. The kitchen is gorgeous. With dark chocolate-brown granite with wooden cabinetry, it’s the ultimate dream kitchen.

  Everyone walks to the living room and takes a seat on the sofa. Bending down, I go to place Baylor next to her sister, but she’s gripping me tightly and not letting go. Turning around, I sit next to Avery with Baylor still attached to me like a monkey.

  “What’s going on, Agent Cox?” Avery asks.

  “I got word today that Kye escaped. I came to warn Baylor to be on the lookout.”

  “Why do I feel there’s more?” she questions.

  This woman misses nothing. “As well as Kye escaping, Creed Dawson was murdered this morning in his cell.”

  “Ohh my God,” she gasps, covering her mouth. “Does Cress know?”

  “I’m not sure, but when Mr. Dawson was discovered, there was a note left.”

  “What did it say?”

  “‘Rats like to squeal. You and that bitch are going down.’”

  “Oh My God,” she says again, covering her mouth as the enormity of this sinks in.

  “Will Bay be safe?”

  “I will not let anything happen to her.”

  “What about you?” Flynn asks.

  “I’ll be fine. My concern is Baylor. I never imagined this would happen, if I had thought it would, I never would have used her to bring him down.”

  Baylor’s head snaps up. “You used me,” she growls, pulling away from me, she stands, and glares down at me. “You used me to get him and once you got your man, you tossed me aside like a piece of trash. Hell, you didn’t even say goodbye after it all went down. I did exactly as discussed, I cozied up to the fucker. I pretended to want him. To be his queen. To be by his side. I did everything. Then once you got him, I became a footnote in your report. You forgot all about me.” She turns and stalks toward the windows. She stops and takes a deep breath then spins to face me again. She points at me angrily. “You used me,” she says softly, “and now my life is in danger because I tried to do the right thing.” Tears streak down her cheek. “This always happens to me. I try do right and it all blows up in my face.” She wipes away her tears and locks her eyes on me. “If I die, Cox, I will fucking haunt you for the rest of your days.”

  She turns and storms down the hallway. Slamming a door in anger, the force causes the doors out here to rattle. “Well, that went well,” I say to break the silence.

  Turning to face me, Avery stares at me. “She’s right, you know.”

  “How so?”

  “She did all this for you and then you ghosted her. After the moments you shared, she thought you cared, but in reality, you just did what was needed to get what you wanted.”

  Shaking my head, I protest, “That’s not true at all. I…it’s…it’s complicated.”

  “You need to tell her that. She feels used and betrayed, and I don’t blame her.” The room falls silent again. “I think you should leave, Agent Cox.” Avery stands. “You better keep Bay safe because if even a hair on her head is harmed, well, let’s just say, you don’t want to see what I’m capable of. If you think Baylor can be bitchy, wait until you meet ‘Angry Avery’, she has nothing on Bay. Agent Cox, my sister means the world to me. Sure, she’s done some unsavory things, but she’s owned her mistakes and has made up for them. You need to keep her safe so she can have her second chance.”

  Standing, I face Avery. “I will keep her safe.” Walking to the door, I look over my shoulder with my hand on the door handle. “And for what it’s worth. I do care about her…more than I should.”

  Opening the door, I step into the foyer and walk over to the elevator. Pressing the call button, I wait and think about what just went down. I realize how badly I fucked up when it came to Baylor and me. This is my chance to show her I don’t just think of her as an informant. Maybe I will get my chance with Baylor Evans after all.

  23

  Baylor

  Curling into a ball on my bed, I hug my knees and let it all out. I cry like I do when Thomas J dies in My Girl. I should have known something like this would happen. I never get a free pass, no matter what I do. Shit always hits the fan. This was meant to be my redeeming moment but now, now my life is on the line because I tried to do the right thing.

  A knock on my door startles me, but I don’t want to talk to anyone right now so I ignore it. Through the door, I hear Ave. “I’m here when you want to talk, BayBay. I love you.”

  “I love you too,” I quietly whisper.

  Rolling to my back, I let out a deep sigh and stare at the ceiling. Hours pass by and the events of the evening continue to play over and over in my head. One minute I’m over the moon to be released. Then I’m on another high celebrating my twinsie’s engagement. And then it all comes crashing down around me when Cox tells me Kye escaped and that my life has been threatened.

  Fuck. My. Life.

  Closing my eyes, the image of Cox when I stepped out of the elevator pops into mind in high definition, full color vision. He really is a sexy-as-sin man. As soon as my eyes landed on him, my breath hitched. My heart started racing like I’d run a marathon and I’m no runner, so it was freakin’ fast. My skin is still tingling from being in his arms. If only it wasn’t due to my life being on the line. If only he was here to sweep me off my feet and ravage me.

  At the thought of him ravaging me, my clit begins to tingle and throb. Sliding my hand down my body, my nipples pebble as I brush past them. Flicking open the button on my jeans, I slip my hand in and under the material of my panties. My clit sparks to life as I slide the pad of my finger over the ring and down between my folds. I’m wet already. Cox has that effect on me. My finger easily slides inside and I quietly moan. Biting my lip to keep myself quiet, I continue to thrust my fingers in and out, grazing my clit as my hand slides by. Gripping my breast through my shirt, I explode around my fingers. Moaning his name as I ride out the pleasure coursing through me.

  Removing my fingers, I stand, grab my things, and skip across the hall to the bathroom and have a shower. I change into my pj’s and once back in my room, I slip back into bed. The orgasm doing nothing to ease the worries swirling around my mind.

  The next morning, I walk into the living area to find Ave at the kitchen counter with a coffee cup in hand. “Morning,” I say, as I climb onto the stool across from her.

  “Morning,” she replies, as she fills a mug for me and hands it over to me. “Sleep okay?”

  “Ish,” I reply. Wrapping my hands around the mug, my palms warm from the heat of the hot black yummy nectar inside. Bringing the mug to my lips, I take a sip. Closing my eyes, I savor the flavor, my taste buds dancing and zinging to life. The coffee in prison was horseshit so to finally drink something good—no amazing—I can’t help but moan.

  “Would you like me to leave you and your coffee alone?” Ave teases, as she takes a seat on the stool net to me.

  “Ave, you have no idea how shit the coffee was in t
here. This right here is everything.”

  “What’s everything?” Flynn asks.

  “Coffee,” Ave and I say in unison.

  Flynn leans down and kisses Ave on the top of her head. She leans back into him and closes her eyes. The love radiating between them is enough to heat an entire city block. Grabbing my mug, I slink back to my room, leaving the two lovebirds alone.

  Snuggling down in the armchair in my room, I grab my Kindle and devour Benched by Rebecca Barber. I’m not normally a fan of the man bun but the way Rebecca describes Hunter-Caveman-Mitchell, I have been swayed.

  A knock on the door pulls me away from my book and I smile when I see Ave. Her cheeks are flushed, indicating she and Flynn just got down and dirty. “Hey, what’s up?”

  “Just checking to see how you are? You disappeared earlier.”

  “I’m getting there. Yesterday was a lot, but I think I’m okay.”

  “You know you can talk to me.”

  Nodding, I place my Kindle down. “I know. I just don’t want to rain on your parade. You should be celebrating your engagement. Not worrying if my mafia kingpin ex-boyfriend is going to make good on his promise.”

  “Well, I wasn’t really worried about it until you put it like that. I was more checking on how you feel after being out? From all that I’ve read, it can be an adjustment for those being released.”

  A laugh escapes me. “Why am I not surprised that you looked all of this up?”

  “What can I say, I like to know what to expect.”

  “Ave, I’m fine.” I stand and walk over to her. “I promise.”

  “Just promise me you’ll talk to me if things get too much?”

  “Yes, Mom, I’ll do that. Now, I’m going to walk to the store, get myself some wine and cheese, and then I’m going to binge watch movies all afternoon.”

  “Want some company?”

  “I’d love some.”