Never Ever (Never His Duet Book 2) Read online

  Aiden nodded. “All right. But as soon as we find out where the Ritos are, we’re coming up with a plan together. I don’t want you running off anywhere without me. You can’t defeat them on your own. It’s going to take both of us. And you can’t send your men after Veronica because we’re going to need everyone.”

  “I know.” As Carter turned toward the door, Aiden wondered if his brother was still going to feel the same way about their relationship after he found out the truth, because so far, it didn’t seem like he knew anything about it.

  Chapter 3

  “UM, THERE’S SOMEONE who wants to see you,” Sophia said as she poked her head into my office.

  My shoulders stiffened. “Who?”

  “She says her name’s Jo and that Aiden sent her. She’s not armed, and she’s right in front of one of the cameras if you want to see her for yourself. But if you don’t want to talk to her, I can tell her to leave.”

  I leaned back in my chair, rubbing my chin. Why would Aiden send someone now? Was it a trap? Was Jo really just working for Aiden or was she Carter’s too?

  I picked up the tablet that let me easily check all the cameras that were in the club, and I sifted through the images until I found the one that I was looking for.

  A brown-haired woman with hazel eyes was smiling at the camera and looking straight at it.

  What should I do? It was just a woman, but I wasn’t going to underestimate her and the risk. She could still try to kill me, weapon or no weapon.

  “I can tell the guards to come with her,” Sophia said.

  “No,” I finally said. “Let her come here, but check her once again for any concealed weapons. Just in case the guys at the door were distracted.”

  Jo was a pretty woman, and I wanted to be really sure that she wasn’t armed. Whatever she had to say to me, if it was really a message from Aiden, I couldn’t let anyone overhear us. I trusted my guards to protect me, but I didn’t exactly trust them to keep my secrets.

  “Okay.” Sophia closed the door, and I looked down at the tablet again.

  Jo was still there, and I couldn’t help but wonder if that meant Aiden and Carter had returned from wherever they’d been. Was she here to warn me or to tell me to run?

  What if Aiden didn’t want to see me? What if he’d chosen his brother over me once he had the time to think things through?

  I supposed I was going to find out soon.

  When Sophia opened the door again, she let Jo through.

  Jo’s eyes quickly scanned my office before settling on me.

  “Please take a seat.” I motioned toward the chair across from me and gave Sophia a little nod so she’d close the door and leave us.

  “Nice office,” Jo said as she took a seat, her leather jacket squeaking as she shifted. “But I don’t think I could stay in here all the time.”

  I eyed her carefully, wondering if she was trying to gauge whether I slept here too, but I wasn’t about to give her any clues, especially since I didn’t know what she wanted.

  Sneaking out of the club in the morning was complicated, and I had to switch a few cars and go around a few times to get to my apartment and make sure no one was following me. When it was time to return to the club, I had to do it all over again.

  If Jo or any of the Lawrences’ men hadn’t figured it out, then that meant my efforts weren’t for nothing.

  “Why are you here?” I asked when she was quiet for a few moments, her gaze pinned on me with an almost irritating intensity.

  “I could ask you the same question.”

  “First, that’s none of your business. And I don’t have time to play games. If you came here to say something to me, just do it already.”

  “I’ve been watching you for a while. My boss... Aiden... is really worried about you. He doesn’t think you should be here. Anyone can get to you.”

  “I’m aware of the risks. If Aiden’s worried, then maybe he should come check on me himself.” That came out a little harsher than I’d intended, but if Aiden thought he could just send Jo to talk to me about danger when he hadn’t even had the decency to let me know that he was alive and well, he was wrong.

  “He’s busy with some very important business, and he can’t be here right now.”

  Just how much did Jo know about Aiden and me? What had he told her and why? Why did he trust her so much? She could double-cross him and end up working for his brother instead.

  “That’s just great. Thanks for letting me know he’s fine.” I gave her a quick fake smile.

  “Actually, I’m not here to warn you about how dangerous your being here is. I’m here to tell you that you’ll have Aiden’s protection. He’s sending some guys to watch over the club and over you. You just need to make sure your guards don’t get too jumpy around them. No one can know they’re Aiden’s men. It’s very important.”

  I supposed that meant Aiden still hadn’t talked to his brother about me. “And what if I say no? What if I don’t want his men lurking around? Why would I trust them?”

  “They’re very skilled professionals, and they’re not something you’ll find by posting a job ad. They’re far better than your guards and they can really make sure no one gets to you.”

  “I thought most of Aiden’s men were dead.”

  “That’s true. Many perished in the attack, but these are new contractors and they’re discreet, so no one will know they’re working for Aiden. If I were you, I’d agree, because you have nothing to lose. They’ll keep their distance and you won’t even know they’re there unless there’s danger. In case of an attack, you should let them help you.”

  “Let me guess. The only reason you’re asking me first is because Aiden’s afraid I might think they’re the enemy and won’t let them help me.” Otherwise, he would’ve just sent them to watch over me like Jo had apparently already been doing without my knowledge.

  “Yeah,” she said.

  “Fine.” Even if I said no, they’d probably stick around anyway, and I could always use more protection.

  If they stayed away, and if I didn’t have to let any of them too close to me or inside the club, then I supposed this whole thing wasn’t a trap.

  “So when do I get to see Aiden?”

  “Soon, hopefully. He’s looking for a way to pay you a visit without alerting anyone of his presence in the city.”

  “Right.” I wasn’t overly convinced.

  “I know this is hard for you, and Aiden would prefer if you were somewhere safe far away from here, but you have to be careful.”

  “I am.”

  “Good. Then everything’s settled. I’m going to stop by later to give you all the info you need about your new security team.” She got to her feet. “Can I ask why you stayed here?”

  “Why do you ask? Because the most sensible thing would be to run? This is my home, and I don’t think I can run far away enough, all alone.”

  “Okay.” She shrugged. “It’s your choice.”

  “What is Aiden doing, exactly? Is he in danger?” All Jo had been talking about was the risk that I was in, but what about Aiden? “What about that attack? Was it Carter?”

  Jo licked her lips, probably wondering how much she was allowed to say. “It wasn’t Carter. He and Aiden are fighting a dangerous enemy. I’d be lying if I said what he’s doing isn’t risky, but you don’t have to worry about him. He’ll be fine.”

  I just gave her a nod, and she headed for the door after flashing me a smile.

  So someone else had attacked Aiden’s house that night and not Carter, and now the two of them were together. No wonder Aiden couldn’t talk to his brother about me, since he probably needed Carter or he wouldn’t be able to defeat their enemy on his own. Not with so many of his men dead.

  I let out a sigh.

  Aiden should’ve sent Jo to me earlier, but he probably hadn’t wanted to do it until he had found the men who he could trust with my protection.

  And Jo had to be careful not to be seen in my club,
although it didn’t seem like that was a problem for her. As I checked my tablet again, I couldn’t see her on any of the cameras. She was just gone, as if she were a ghost.

  The only thing I could hope for was that I’d get to see Aiden soon.

  Chapter 4

  WHEN JO CAME FOR ME a few days later so she could sneak me out of the club and take me to Aiden, I thought that I was dreaming. But as I sat in the car with tinted windows, I was sure that it was all real.

  I was finally going to see him.

  I was finally going to see Aiden.

  My stomach was already doing nervous flips because, even though I was really, really happy that he was alive and well, and that I was going to see him, I couldn’t help but wonder what he was planning to do.

  What if he only wanted to meet with me so he could tell me in person that he no longer wanted to have anything to do with me? That he’d fallen out of love with me? Or that he’d been confused and had realized he’d never even cared about me, and that it had all been just infatuation?

  Why are you doing this to yourself? At least wait and hear him out first.

  I took a deep breath as Jo drove through dark alleys. A part of me wondered if she’d been tasked with ending my life instead.

  Maybe I shouldn’t have agreed to leave the club with her.

  Maybe I should’ve taken my guards with me, but she’d insisted that bringing anyone with us would attract too much attention, and we needed to make everyone believe that I was still at the club.

  My hand hovered over my gun that was in the holster at my waist. I never went anywhere without it, although I wasn’t sure if it was going to help me at all against professionals.

  Sure, I knew how to pull the trigger, but I hadn’t had a lot of shooting practice.

  “Where are we going?” I asked, already getting antsy.

  If Jo had wanted to kill me, she would’ve done it already and dumped my body somewhere, so I supposed we were really going to see Aiden.

  Or it just might be Carter.

  I really should’ve asked more questions, although I’d asked a lot, and Jo had shown me a video of Aiden assuring me that it would all be okay. But what if it wasn’t going to be?

  He hadn’t even let me know that he was fine and now he was meeting with me, even though supposedly whatever business he had to do still wasn’t done.

  Why?

  He has his reasons, and you’ll hear them soon.

  Damn it, Veronica, stop panicking.

  When Jo pulled over behind a building that was completely in the darkness, I peered at it through the window, but I couldn’t see much.

  “Come on. We have to be quick.” Jo got out of the car, and I followed.

  We rushed toward the door, which was unlocked, and Jo led me down a dark hallway. I could barely see where we were going. But then she pushed a door open, and bright light spilled through it.

  “In here,” she said, pushing me through it.

  I squinted as I stumbled inside, and when my gaze found Aiden’s across the room, it was as if everything ceased to exist and I forgot where I was.

  I moved toward him, and he met me halfway.

  His arms wrapped around me, and I wound mine around his neck. My lips were on his as if they belonged together.

  The familiar scent of him filled my nostrils and I breathed in, pulling him closer to me. His hands roamed up and down my back as if he was trying to make sure that I was real and whole.

  His tongue intertwined with mine, and I let out a small moan at the back of my throat.

  “Are you okay?” he breathed when he pulled away, his forehead pressing against mine.

  “Yeah.”

  “I’m sorry I couldn’t come sooner.”

  I’d been mad at him, but I couldn’t bring myself to hold onto my anger now. My eyes traveled up and down his body.

  He was completely fine, and damn, he was as hot as I remembered. His dark brown eyes, full of lust, were trained on me. A few strands of his dark messy hair, which was a tiny bit longer than it had been when I’d last seen him, fell over his forehead.

  “Veronica, I know that you don’t want to run, but it would be better if...”

  I placed my finger over his lips. “No, I told you, you don’t get to use my name like that. And we’re not having this conversation now. I want you. I’ve missed you so much.” I placed my hand against his chest and trailed it down toward his cock, which instantly bulged against his jeans. “I know you missed me too. We can talk later.”

  His lips found mine again, hungrier than ever, and I let myself get lost in him, just enjoying the feeling of his strong body against mine, his warmth, his touch...

  A quick glance around told me that we were in a bedroom, which was so damn good because I needed him out of his clothes as soon as possible. His hands slid under my light blue shirt, sending shivers of desire through me, and I lifted my arms up so he could pull it over my head and toss it to the floor.

  I got hold of his dark blue tie and a slow smile spread across my lips. “Don’t take this off. I like it.” I tugged him closer for a kiss.

  He grinned at me, and I tilted my head so he could press his lips to my neck. My eyes closed for a few moments as he left a trail of soft kisses up and down my neck.

  But no matter how much I enjoyed this, I just wasn’t patient enough.

  Not tonight.

  Not after being away from him for so long. And I could see that he was barely containing himself too.

  “We don’t have time for this. Take off your clothes,” I said as I reached for the button of my pants.

  I had no idea how long he could stay here, and I’d have to get back to the club before anyone realized I was gone—Sophia knew, and she was going to make sure no one panicked, but still, I couldn’t be away for hours.

  Aiden quickly unbuttoned his dress shirt, and a shock of energy went through me at the sight of his toned, strong chest. Once he tugged his pants and underwear down, my gaze was transfixed to his thick length, my core already aching for it.

  His lips were parted as he watched me step out of my panties, and the look of pure desire in his eyes was making me even wetter.

  If I’d had any doubts that he cared about me, they were gone now. He was clearly still very, very into me, and I was sure that it was more than just lust.

  As I made my way toward the king-sized bed, I grabbed Aiden’s tie that he’d left around his neck and pulled him with me. I lay down, tugging him on top of me.

  “Wow. I really love this tie.” I gave him a long kiss.

  He lowered himself down to my breasts, his hot mouth teasing my nipples, tugging and sucking. His teeth grazed my sensitive flesh and my grip on his tie got stronger.

  A smile spread across his lips, and then he pressed his lips to my stomach, his tongue trailing over my skin. The tie almost slipped out of my hand when his nose rubbed against my slit, and I spread my legs wide for him, giving him more access.

  His tongue dipped inside me, and a loud moan escaped my throat. He lapped at me, pushing in and out, and I lifted my hips toward him, grinding against his tongue.

  Once his tongue found my clit, teasing and flicking over it, I gasped out, my whole body shaking with tremors of delight.

  His eyes met mine as he licked me again and again, and it was enough to tip me over the edge.

  “Aiden,” I choked out, pulling on his tie and then letting go of it.

  I didn’t even have to tell him what I wanted. He just pushed himself up, positioning himself over my entrance.

  It turned out I wasn’t the only one who was impatient because he shoved himself inside me, stretching and filling me.

  Once he started rocking his hips, I clung to him, pulling him closer to me.

  He pounded into me, his strong body pushing against mine, and I dug my nails into his back, raking them up and down.

  A groan escaped his throat, and with every powerful thrust, it seemed like we were becoming one again, as if
we were two pieces that had been separated and lost and now had finally been put together.

  His every move made the bubble of pleasure inside me grow bigger and bigger, until my whole body tingled, and all I could think, feel, and see was him.

  His eyes met mine, his lips brushing mine, our flesh connecting as our hips met over and over again.

  I clenched around him and felt him throb inside me just as my orgasm spilled through every inch on me, sending endless pleasure all over me in strong waves.

  I held onto him as we both cried out, and I didn’t want to let go.

  Ever.

  “Veronica,” he gasped out, and when he rolled off me, we were both panting for breath. His eyes met mine, and they were swirling with so much emotion it seemed surreal.

  “I love when you say my name like that.”

  So lost in me.

  So completely mine.

  He gave me a wide smile, but then he looked away and it faded. “I know you don’t want to talk about this, but I don’t want to do anything until I know you’re safe. And while you’re in this city...”

  I turned on my side, and his eyes were on mine again. “No. I am safe. Right here.”

  “I could send Jo with you or someone else. You wouldn’t be alone and...”

  I shushed him with my finger.

  His lips brushed against it gently.

  “No. I’m staying, and the only person I want to be with is you. So what are we going to do? What about your brother?” I hated to bring up his brother now, but we didn’t have time to wait for the right moment.

  “I’ll handle him. I promise.”

  “Really? Didn’t you have plenty of chances for that already?”

  He closed his eyes for a moment. “You’re right. I was hoping that I’d find the right moment to tell him, but... it’s probably never going to be the right moment. I have to do it. As soon as I see him.”

  “Do you have a plan?” Carter wasn’t going to be happy once Aiden told him about us. “I don’t want anything to happen to you.”