Dismissive (Invasive #2) Read online

  “Yeah, yeah, I know. Romanic comedy. No zombies. Got it.”

  We hadn’t even made it through a full movie before Lincoln sent a text to Sam saying he’d be back soon and we could go shooting. Of course, Sam took it upon herself to dress me for this ‘date.’ After attacking my hair and pulling it into a high ponytail—with what looked like more hair left in the brush than my head—Sam went through her closet until she found what she was looking for.

  “Are you crazy? This isn’t some cheesy action movie.”

  “Oh shut up, you’ll look amazing.”

  “I am absolutely not wearing your Halloween costume from last year, Sam. You’re ridiculous.”

  “You’d look so hot though, Rem,” Sam pouted.

  “You’re crazy, you know that? I’m not wearing that. This is stupid anyways, it isn’t a date. We’re just going shooting.” There’s no way in hell I’d be caught dead in her skanky Tomb Rader costume. I don’t even know what she was thinking.

  I made my way back to my room—aka the guest room—and changed into a comfortable pair of yoga pants and a slightly oversized sweatshirt. If Lincoln can’t handle my cozy look, then that’s just too bad for him.

  By the time I made it back downstairs, Lincoln was ready and waiting for me. I don’t know if it was the snooping on my phone or the way my ass moved in these yoga pants but as I walked by him on my way outside, I could swear I heard him take a sharp breath. A quick look over my shoulder told me I was right. He’s grinning and watching the sway of my hips with no remorse.

  The car ride is silent as he navigates through town. I notice we’re heading towards The Hills, a place where underage kids go to party and men go to hunt the wildlife. So, I guess we aren’t going to the range here in town then.

  Lincoln silently moves his hand onto my lap and gives my leg a quick but reassuring squeeze. As I look over, I suddenly remember the information I have to get to Ben. And time is of the essence here.

  “Hey, where did you say you met Tessa for the first time?” I ask, hopeful my random Tessa questions won't upset him too much.

  “Uh, at a bar,” he answers looking confused.

  “Yeah I remember that, but where was the bar?”

  “In the next city over.”

  Okay, hopefully that’ll be enough for Ben, Lincoln doesn’t seem like he wants to talk about it.

  “And her name is Tessa what?” I ask, pushing my luck just a little further.

  “Tessa Moore. Why so many Tessa questions all of a sudden?”

  “No reason. Just trying to know everything I can.”

  “Don’t waste your time trying to figure her out. I’ve had her in my life a lot longer than you have, and I still can’t,” he says before turning the radio on, obviously done with this conversation.

  That’s okay, I just hope I have enough for Ben.

  Reaching over and taking my phone from the empty cup holder between Lincoln and me, I shoot out a quick message telling Ben all the information I have on her. I took the liberty to include what she looks like and the rest stop where Lincoln said he left her. I don’t know how much more information he’ll need, if any.

  Twenty minutes later we pull off the highway onto a dirt road leading up to The Hills. As I wat out the window, I think about what I was going to have to do. I can’t just sit back and wait for her to come again. I can’t just put my life on hold to hide, cowering in a corner. Tessa must be stopped.

  “So, what do I need to know before we start?” I ask Lincoln after we parked and unload the car.

  “Alright, so this is a Beretta 9MM Nano. She’s sweet and fun sized, kind of like you,” Lincoln laughs. “Keep your finger off the trigger until you’re ready to shoot and keep her pointed at the target. Here’s the clip. There’s only one way it can go in so don’t worry about putting it in wrong. Here’s where it gets real, grab the slide, this right here and pull back. Bring her up and align the front and back sights. Are you ready?”

  I shake my head. I’m more nervous than I thought I’d be.

  “Here,” Lincoln said taking a step behind me and putting his arms over mine. “Keep your finger off the trigger until you’re ready to shoot.”

  He’s standing with his chest to my back, crouching a little to get down to my level. His warm breath on my neck sends tingles down my spine. I forget about the past week, forget about all of the struggles we’ve faced and have yet to face. Standing here in his arms, this feels real. We feel real.

  “It sounds easier than it is, but just aim and pull the trigger.”

  In an instant, I remember it all. I have to focus on the task at hand, not him. Taking a deep breath, I lift the pistol a bit higher, focus on the target, and squeeze the trigger.

  My heart starts beating faster than ever before and without thinking I turn to face Lincoln, gun aimed straight at him. He quickly and quietly moves out of my way and removes the gun from my shaking hands, putting it down on a nearby rock.

  “You did fine but never point a loaded gun at anyone you’re not going to shoot, Remmy.” It sounds like he’s reprimanding me, but I don’t understand why until I snap my head up, looking at him for the first time since I fired the pistol and shake my head.

  “I’m sorry,” I whisper looking down at my shaking hands.

  That wasn’t what I was expecting at all. I thought I’d feel empowered. Safe.

  But I feel weak and helpless. I wonder if Tessa feels that way when she pointed her gun at me. If she felt as unsure and scared as I do.

  Lincoln’s boots slowly come into view, and he lifts my head to look at him. Only when he wipes a tear from my cheek do I notice I’m crying.

  “I’m sorry, I wouldn’t have pushed you to do this if I had known you’d react this way,” he whispers, pulling me into him.

  This changes everything. How can I do what must be done if I can’t handle this?

  “Let’s go again,” I say, my voice filled with doubt.

  “I don’t know if that’s such a good idea,” Lincoln starts.

  “You don’t get to make that decision,” I snap.

  Lincoln stares at me for a moment then nods.

  We end up taking turns for the next hour. Lincoln eventually stops standing behind me, giving me room to do it on my own. By the end of the hour, I felt more comfortable but the weakness was still there. I wasn’t sure I was capable of using one. The thought of ever needing to use it on someone makes me want to vomit.

  “You did really well today, Remmy.” Lincoln pulls me in and kisses the top of my head.

  “Well enough for a prize?” I ask pulling back and looking up at him.

  “I’m tempted to say no and leave you high and dry like you left me this morning. But I’m not a strong enough man to do that,” he says as he picks me up and walks away from the pit and towards his car.

  He kisses me forcibly, claiming my soul, marking my heart.

  Lincoln drops me onto the hood of his car and goes to lay me down, but it’s not the time for that yet.

  “Nope,” I say climbing down off the car, “it’s my turn to return a favor.”

  I twist him around and unbutton his jeans. Pulling them down to his knees, I push him to sit down.

  First I kiss him, trailing a line of soft kisses down his neck, lifting his shirt to reveal that toned muscular chest, lower still until I’m crouching on my knees in front of him. I press a quick kiss against his hard, waiting cock. Slowly, I wrap my lips around him and hear a long, slow groan. He’s so large that I can’t get close to his base, so I wrap my hand around his length and palm him in tune with my mouth.

  “Fuck, Remmy,” he groans before lifting me off the ground and ripping my pants off in one swift movement, sitting me down on top of his lap.

  “I guess play time is over?”

  With a growl, he moves my panties to the side and rubs the tip of himself against my core, and once he finds I’m ready, he pushes himself inside me.

  That pleasant fullness I’ve come to kno
w and love envelops my senses in an instant. After burying himself to the max, he sits and waits, breathing heavy against my neck. I wiggle my hips, inviting him to move, my body begging for release.

  “Don’t move,” he whispers against my ear with a nibble.

  Oh fuck yes, the dominating Lincoln is back and I can’t fight the moan from escaping.

  “Such pretty little sounds, my love,” he responds as he pulls his magical cock almost completely out then slams back into me.

  “Ohhh God, yes!” I practically scream.

  “Your greedy little pussy loves my cock.”

  It doesn’t sound like a statement, more like a question.

  “Yes,” I answer him while clenching down on him.

  His eyes open and for a moment he stops moving. Staring at me intensely he smiles at me and slowly winds his hand up my neck and into my hair. With a light pull, my head shoots back and he attacks my neck, biting, licking, sucking.

  Lincoln grabs my ass and stands, gravity works her magic and I rock back and forth while he slides in deeper than ever before.

  “Fuck. Me,” I breathe out; my forehead resting on his chest.

  “Oh, I’ve only just begun, Remmy.”

  We spend the next two hours fucking in the woods, on and in his car.

  “I can’t believe you fucked him out in the open like that!” Sam squeals when I tell her—in full detail—all about my day with Lincoln after coming back to her place.

  “Sam, it’s me we’re talking about here,” I laugh.

  “Okay, so maybe I can believe you. I just didn’t consider how hot it could be. Out in the open like that, where anyone could see you at any time. Wow. I think Rylan and I need to spice things up a bit.”

  When Sam blushes, I lose control and laugh louder than I should because Rylan and Lincoln practically jump through the closed bedroom door, which only makes Sam start laughing and I laugh harder.

  “What’s going on, ladies?” Rylan asks, raising an eyebrow at Sam.

  Sam puts a finger to her lips and shakes her head at me.

  “Oh you know, just girl talk, husband.” She eyes me warningly.

  “Oh no, don’t lie, my dearest Sam, do tell.”

  “Remmy, I swear to God.” If it were possible to see smoke coming out of her ears, I would be seeing it right now.

  Just as I’m about to open my mouth to tell Rylan all about his wife’s new steamy ideas for the sack, my phone rings and I see Ben’s name flash across the screen.

  “Saved by the bell,” I say instead and stand to leave with all eyes on me.

  “Hello?” I finally say after walking into the bathroom and turning on the shower.

  “Hey, I got what you wanted.”

  Quick and to the point, I like it.

  “That was quick.”

  “She wasn’t hard to find really, she’s actually here in town.”

  Shit!

  “That close hmm?” I ask, trying to hide the fear in my voice.

  “Yeah, she’s staying in a motel just outside of town. The desk clerk is an old friend of mine and gave me the direct number to her room.”

  “Great. Send me everything you have. I owe you.”

  After hanging up and turning off the shower, I take a minute to stare at my reflection. Gone is the carefree girl I used to be. Things are about to change, fast. I just hope everyone can forgive me for what I’m about to do.

  Hey, Tessa, it’s Remmy. Look, I don’t want Lincoln. You can have him. All he does is talk about the love he lost, you. I don’t know the full story, but I don’t blame you for what you did. I just want you and Lincoln to be happy together so I can move on with my life. I’ve said my goodbyes to him, and he’s ready to be with you now. I left him at Regents Street Pub & Grill, he’s waiting for you.

  “I don’t understand,” Sam says for the tenth time.

  “You don’t need to, Sam. Really. I’ve got it handled. Just stay out of sight and call me as soon as she leaves.”

  “You know he’s going to be furious when he finds out.” Sam, always the worrywart.

  “Yeah, but everything will be done, and then we can all move on.”

  “If she even falls for it.”

  “Oh, she will. With everything Lincoln told me, there’s no way she’d pass up the opportunity.” Well, at least I hoped not. Everything was riding on this.

  “Okay, I’ll let you know when she leaves. Are you sure you had the right number?”

  “Yeah, I left her a message with the front desk after she didn’t answer; the clerk is a friend, he gave it to her. Look, I have to go. I should get Lincoln to the bar now.”

  Getting him there won’t be the problem. Getting him in and then leaving him there alone, there’s the problem.

  “Lincoln!” I yell upstairs.

  “Yeah?” He peeks around the corner, a smile on his face.

  “Dinner and a drink?”

  And just like that, we’re heading to where everything will end and begin. I can only hope that today will put an end to Tessa once and for all.

  As we head inside, I count the customers and start to relax a little. There are too many people for her to try and get too crazy, I hope. Lincoln starts guiding us to a corner booth, but I quickly pull back towards the bar.

  “Let’s sit up here. I haven’t really talked to my boss, Steve, in a while.” My voices drops for a second but I’m quick to recover. “He’s probably worried about me.”

  Even with all the support, my nerves are something crazy right now.

  “Of course, no problem.” His voice gives his confusion and frustration away while his face stays blank.

  “Well, look what the cat dragged in,” Steve says loudly when he finally see’s us approaching the bar. “And who is this young man with my little Remmy Girl?”

  Lincoln goes to put his arm around me but gives me a questioning look when I pull back. Worried that Tessa could be here any minute, even though Sam hasn’t sent the text. I don’t think I can take this anymore, Lincoln looks defeated. I can almost hear him thinking what he did wrong since this afternoon.

  Nothing. You did nothing wrong, baby. I just can’t mess this up, I think to myself, already planning my quick exit.

  As if Sam could read my mind I finally feel my phone vibrating in my pocket.

  She just left. Bags in hand and in a hurry too.

  Thanks. See you when this is over.

  Good luck, Remmy!!!!!

  “Hey guys, I’m going to run back to my place and make sure I didn’t leave any lights on when I left earlier.”

  “I’ll come with you.” I’ve got to hand it to him, he can be quite the gentlemen.

  “No,” I say too quickly. “Really, it’s fine. It’s right across the parking lot Lincoln, I’ll be right back.”

  Before walking away, I hear Steve start the story of how we met, and I’m sure it’ll end with me renting his basement apartment and him cutting Lincoln’s balls off if he ever hurts me. You know, that “what are your intentions” talk.

  I’ve only got a few minutes to get out of sight and fill Lincoln in before Tessa shows up.

  Don’t freak out. I text to Lincoln as I round the corner to sit on Steve’s porch. The perfect angle allows me to see the entrance of the bar while remaining unseen.

  Why would I freak out, Remmy?

  Well, Tessa is on her way to you now. Don’t panic. Everyone in the bar tonight is undercover and waiting for her.

  Minutes that feel like hours tick by.

  I don’t like that you did this behind my back, Remmy.

  It all happened today, I didn’t want to involve you and risk her finding out somehow.

  Still not cool…what do I do?

  Just look happy to see her. I told her you couldn’t stop talking about her, so I left you there waiting for her. She’s on her way now. Sam saw her leave the motel outside of town. That’s why I left.

  Tessa should be here any minute, so I stuff my phone into my pocket and wait.
>
  Chapter Six

  Lincoln

  I owe you for this. XO

  I don’t get the chance to respond before the door opens and in walks Tessa. It’s hard to imagine feeling ill at the sight of such a beautiful woman, but Tessa can manage that tenfold. She walks in like she hasn’t recently abducted and almost killed two innocent people. If I didn’t know about the hundreds of layers of crazy under all that, I’d be impressed by how put together she looks. Huge wavy curls, tight shirt, and even tighter jeans.

  “What a sight for sore eyes.” I can barely keep the bile from rising in my throat.

  “Oh, so now you want to play nice?” Tessa asks while pulling out a barstool and sitting down beside me. “What’s changed from you leaving me in that rest stop to today?”

  “I realized that she could never be you.” There. Girls love to hear that kind of shit, right?

  Bingo. Tessa flips her hair and laughs.

  “It’s about time. Now let’s get out of here. I don’t want to be anywhere you’ve been with her.”

  I don’t know what I’m supposed to do now. Shouldn’t they be swarming and grabbing her? Should I stall? I rub my hand over my clean-shaven face, and I’m suddenly filled with anger and determination. Remmy went through a lot of effort to get Tessa here today and end this wild goose chase one and for all.

  “Let’s get a drink first, then I’m all yours,” I say as I wave Steve back over and order two rum and cokes. Not even caring if that’s what she wants or even likes.

  “Excuse me.” Comes a voice behind me.

  As I turn to face the man who spoke, Tessa grabs my arm and nods her head down towards her lap. Of course, she brought her gun. Things never work out as easy as they should.

  “We’re busy,” she replies flatly.

  I finish turning and see him wink. Is that the signal? Goddamn Remmy for not filling me in on this. I’ll just have to take my chances.

  “Tessa, don’t be like that. We’re here to celebrate. I’m going to go tell that bartender to pull some top shelf stuff. Don’t bite this poor guy’s head off while I’m gone.” I lean in and kiss her hard. Trying to sell our joyous reunion. It’s not easy kissing someone you literally want dead.