Protecting The Billionaire Read online

  Chapter 19

  Finally. He put the lock picking set back into his pocket. He’d hoped the key would work, but he’d known it was a long shot. The new locks installed were a definite upgrade. They’d managed to slow him down but not stop him. Nothing could stop him. He was smarter than all of them.

  He pushed the door open and entered the pitch-black kitchen. Before moving any further, he switched on the recon LED flashlight he’d purchased. He’d tested it out at home, and it performed as promised. It provided him with light and preserved his night vision. Not that he needed much light. He’d visited the house enough. The back stairway up to the second floor was on his right. By using it, he avoided walking past the laundry room. On his last visit, he’d spotted a dog bed near the pet crate. He assumed it meant at night the dog slept in there. The last thing he wanted was to alert the dog. From his past visits, he knew as long as the dog didn’t see him, he remained quiet.

  Taking a step up, he paused and savored the giddiness making his heart pump faster. His skin itched for the feel of Allison against him. His ears longed for her screams when he punished her for choosing Raimono instead of him.

  He pushed away the tantalizing vision. Go time.

  Chapter 20

  She paced from the bed to the windows. On her second pass, she stopped and peeked outside. Both utility trucks remained parked down the street, along with a police cruiser. Power’s probably still out, darn. Allison let the curtain fall and tried the lamp closest to her anyway. Nothing. She hoped she was right and whatever sound Rock heard had been the workers outside. She didn’t want any more mice in the attic or anywhere else in the house.

  The doorknob rattled and Allison moved to open it. He told me to lock it. Why would he try opening it? The thought brought her to a standstill. Rock would call out and ask her to open the door. He wouldn’t forget his instructions to lock it and try opening the door.

  Allison stepped back until her legs hit the bed’s footboard. She swept her flashlight around the room and looked for anything she could use for a weapon. The door lock would only slow a person down, not stop them. It wasn’t that kind of lock. She needed some kind of weapon until Rock got to her.

  Rock. Oh God. If the intruder made it to the bedroom door, did that mean Rock was hurt? Was he dead downstairs? A hand gripped her heart and squeezed as a scream fought its way up her throat. Don’t make a sound. Rock’s fine. He’ll be here.

  She searched around again for a weapon. Rock had taken his pistol with him. She didn’t see the knife he often had clipped to his belt. Hide in the closet. Again, not a solution, but just a way to buy Rock some time.

  Pop. The simple lock in the doorknob released. In silence, the door swung open. A large male form filled the doorway.

  She prepared to scream. Then she got a look at the intruder’s face. Her voice failed her as her mind swirled with questions.

  “Hunter?” No, it couldn’t be. She was dreaming. This was some terrible nightmare again. Why would Hunter Perkins be breaking into her bedroom? They were, well, maybe not friends, but at least friendly acquaintances. They’d talked this afternoon in her office. He’d asked for recommendations for places to live in the city. He couldn’t be standing in her doorway.

  She made eye contact with him before he looked toward the bed behind her. When he glanced back, she saw the surprise reflected in his eyes. She saw something else too. Coldness like she’d never seen in anyone. He expected me to be asleep in bed.

  Fear gripped her. Her knees shook. She looked away from his face. Her flashlight reflected light off the large blade in his right hand and she glimpsed the pistol on his hip. He’s going to kill me.

  “Allison.” The same voice she’d heard in her office whispered her name, and Hunter’s lips curled into a wicked smile. “My sweet Allison.”

  Ice enveloped her body and she trembled.

  ***

  Rock cleared the library. He’d checked almost all rooms on the first floor and nothing. Maybe there was a mouse in the attic. Old homes were notorious for critters getting in. He closed the door behind him. Regardless, he’d check the kitchen and laundry room while down here.

  Creak. The noise stopped him dead, and he listened. Creak. No mouse made sounds like that.

  Rock bolted into kitchen and up the backstairs, his bare feet silent on the thick runner. A tall athletically built figure stepped into Allison’s bedroom. Red filled his vision and he raised his pistol. One shot through the back and the SOB would be down.

  He lined up the sights and went for the trigger. Stop. Enough rage cleared his mind and his dad’s words echoed in his head. Know what’s on the other side of what you’re shooting. He couldn’t see Allison. He didn’t know where in the room she stood. What if the bullet went through the bastard and into her? No, he couldn’t fire until he knew he had a clean shot.

  “Hunter?” Allison’s voice reached him down the hall. She told him about her unexpected visit from Hunter Perkins at the office.

  Moving his finger from the trigger, he considered his next move. So far the jerk didn’t know he was mere feet away.

  “Allison,” Hunter’s voice barely reached Rock. “My sweet Allison. It’s time.”

  Everything around him stopped. He charged down the hall, prepared to tackle the jerk to the floor and put a bullet between his damn eyes.

  Hunter turned and raised his knife. He’d lost the element of surprise, but it didn’t matter. Only protecting Allison did.

  Rock moved and Hunter’s blade made contact with air.

  He caught sight of Allison directly behind the SOB. He couldn’t fire now. Not with her so close.

  Before he could swipe at him again, he grabbed Hunter’s forearm and dug his fingers into the pressure points. He’d sent men to their knees with this move. Hunter’s blade hit the hard wood floor, but he remained upright.

  Pain radiated through Rock’s cheek and blood filled his mouth.

  ***

  He dropped the knife. She heard it hit the floor and shined the flashlight toward the men. She’d never seen anything like it. Both men were about the same size, and it was obvious they’d both learned some hand-to-hand fighting techniques. While Rock appeared the more skilled of the two, Hunter looked to be holding his own.

  Suddenly, Hunter got the upper hand and smashed Rock’s head into the wall. Somehow she needed to help. She passed the light across the floor in search of Hunter’s knife. Once again, the light bounced off the lethal-looking blade. Should she try for it? All Hunter had to do was move a little and he’d be able to pick it up again and stabbed Rock. Maybe she could get to it first.

  Near the wall, one of the men grunted before a deafening bang exploded in the room. Her ears rang with pain, but she didn’t stop to consider why. Instead, she dove for the knife. A heavy foot came down on her hand just as her fingers touched handle. Allison cried out as Hunter grabbed her around the waist and pulled her against him.

  “You’re mine. You moved here to be closer to me.” Hunter’s arm tightened around her waist, making it hard to breathe. “It’s your fault, Allison. He has to die tonight because of you. How could you let that piece of trash touch you?” He jabbed something hard into her side. “Only I have the right to touch you.”

  Muted light suddenly filled the room as electricity flowed through the lamp she’d tried switching on earlier. She wished the power had stayed out.

  Rock faced them. He had his pistol drawn and pointed at Hunter. Already his right eye had turned an ugly purple and blood trickled down his face. It was nothing compared to the blood soaking his undershirt.

  She gaged at the sight and her head swam. Keep it together. She couldn’t pass out now.

  “Drop the gun.” Hunter pressed the pistol further into her side, and she bit down on her tongue rather than cry out.

  How was this possible? She’d always thought Hunter a little odd, but not batshit crazy. Whatever hold the man had on reality had completely left him. He planned on killing
Rock and it was her fault.

  “If you don’t, it’ll be your fault when the princess starts suffering.” Hunter kissed her temple. “Don’t worry. We’ll still have our fun together, Allison. Nothing will get in the way of what I have planned.”

  The wine she’d drank rushed up into her mouth and she swallowed it back down.

  Slowly, Rock lowered his gun.

  “I said drop it.”

  Rock’s eyes never strayed from Hunter’s face when he spoke. “Move yours away from her.” His voice remained calm and authoritative. She couldn’t detect a hint of fear. Nice to know at least one of them wasn’t ready to pee their pants before passing out.

  “You’re not in control here.” Despite his reply, he pulled the gun away a little. “I am.”

  “Kill me. Leave her alone. I forced her. She wanted to be with you. I wouldn’t let her.” Rock took a step forward as he spoke. “She begged me to let her find you. Get rid of me and you can have her.”

  “I knew it.” He kissed her temple again, the slight touch making her skin crawl. “But she still needs to pay too.” The arm around her waist loosened enough for her to breathe. “Stop moving,” Hunter shouted when Rock took another step forward. “Put the gun on the floor and kick it away or she starts paying right now while you watch.”

  It looked like his mouth had stopped bleeding, but the spot on Rock’s shirt continued to get bigger. He was going to die and it was because of her. There had to be something she could do. “Hunter please—”

  “Shut up.” He squeezed her again. “This is between him and me. I’ll take care of you later.”

  No. She watched in stunned horror as Rock followed Hunter’s orders and put the pistol on the floor.

  “Last chance. Kick it over here.”

  Don’t do it. Don’t do it.

  He gave the weapon a nudge with his toe and it skidded toward them, leaving Rock defenseless.

  Everything after that happened in a blur. One minute Hunter had his gun pressed into her side and the next he’d raised it. On instinct, she pushed Hunter’s arm so the gun no longer pointed straight at Rock’s chest. Another deafening shot split the silence in the room and then suddenly Hunter pitched backward, his arm around her loosening enough so she could roll away.

  Both men struggled on the floor. A third shot rang out and bits of plaster from the ceiling rained down. She raced for Rock’s gun. They’d never made it out to the range, but she could do this. She had to do this. Rock’s life depended on it.

  Shaking hands and damp palms were not a good combination when trying to get a proper grip. She mouthed a little prayer and tried to remember everything Rock had told her about aiming. She only wanted to hit Hunter. She’d never forgive herself if she shot Rock instead.

  It looked like something out of a movie. One minute the men were grappling on the floor, and the next, Rock plunged a knife into Hunter’s neck. Blood spurted from the wound and Allison dropped to her knees, her eyes closed. Her head swam as if she’d spent an entire afternoon on a spinning ride at an amusement park.

  “Ally.” Rock sounded in pain.

  She opened her eyes. Both Rock and Hunter lay on the floor. Blood covered Hunter’s neck and puddled under him. His eyes remained open, but she couldn’t tell if he was alive or not. She didn’t care either.

  Allison stepped around Hunter and kneeled down. “I need to call for help.” Although Rock remained breathing, he looked in rough shape. His white undershirt looked like someone had tried tie-dying it red, and she could see the bullet hole in it. His left thigh was also drenched in blood. Her phone should be near the bed. “I’ll be right back.” She kissed his forehead.

  Rock took her hand before she stood. “You okay?” He grunted. She couldn’t even imagine the pain he was in.

  “I’m fine.” Physically anyway. She’d deal with the mental ramifications later. Right now, getting him help was all that mattered. “You need help. I’m just going to grab my phone.” Despite his injuries, Rock gripped her hand as if he never intended on letting go. “I’ll be right back. Promise.” She pulled away and he grimaced.

  “Love ya.” The deep sexy voice she’d enjoyed listening too contained only pain when he spoke, which was something she never wanted to hear in his voice again.

  “I love you too.” Hot tears burned her eyes, blurring her vision. Cry later. She sprinted for her smartphone. She dialed 911 and walked back to Rock’s side and took his hand. He’d closed his eyes, but his chest rose and fell. He’s going to be okay.

  “911 what’s your location?” the dispatcher asked.

  “45 Cameron Street, Alexandria. I need the police and two ambulances. My boyfriend was shot and someone else stabbed.” If Hunter was alive, he’d need help too.

  “Are the victims responsive?” the dispatcher asked, her voice calm and cool considering the information she collected.

  She gave Rock’s hand a squeeze. For a moment, he opened his eyes and looked at her. “One is.” At least for now, she thought but didn’t repeat. “I’m not sure about the other.”

  “The police and paramedics are on their way. I’m going to stay on the line with you until they arrive.”

  Please get here fast. Until they did, she needed to do something. Try to help in someway because every second that ticked by, more blood flowed from his wounds. She’d gotten her first aid certification. She could help him.

  “Are you willing to administer first aid until they get there?”

  “Yes.”

  “Okay, here is what I need you to do. Grab some towels or shirts,” the dispatcher said before she rattled off more instructions.

  Allison listened as she grabbed T-shirts from her drawers so she could apply pressure. I can do this. Rock had saved her life. Now she had to help save his

  Chapter 21

  The door opened but she didn’t turn around. What if it was the doctor coming in to tell her Rock hadn’t made it? When the paramedics took him out of the house, he’d matched the sheet on the stretcher. Not to mention all the blood. The bedroom floor had been covered with it. She kept reminding herself it hadn’t all been Rock’s. Some belonged to Hunter.

  Hunter. He was her stalker. She still couldn’t process the truth. He’d seemed normal, like any other college-aged man. In many ways, he’d been like his older brother, Charles. How had he gone off the deep end like that? She rubbed her temple and pushed away the image of him lying there, his eyes staring at the ceiling and his shirt soaked. When the two sets of paramedics arrived, one descended on Rock and got to work. She overheard the second team say Hunter was gone before a police officer managed to escort her from the room. She didn’t see what the paramedics did after she went downstairs.

  The same police officer later drove her to the hospital where she’d been shown to a private waiting area with hospital security officers posted in the hall so nosy reporters left her alone. That had been a while ago.

  “Allison?” The door clicked closed and her cousin called out to her.

  Turning around, she rushed toward Jake and flung her arms around him. When the hospital suggested she call someone to stay with her, she’d immediately contacted him. When he didn’t answer, she’d left a message sharing bits and pieces of what happened and hoped he checked it soon. He’d called a short time later and promised to be right there.

  For a few minutes, neither spoke as the tears she’d held back so far exploded. Jake rubbed her back as she sobbed, her entire body shaking. Even when the tears subsided, she clung to him, her anchor in the crazy night.

  “Are you sure you’re okay? He didn’t hurt you?” Jake asked, unable to hide the worry in his voice.

  She sniffed several times as she nodded her forehead, rubbing against his shirt. “I’m...I’m okay. But Rock...” Her voice failed as she pictured him on the floor again, blood soaking his clothes. “There was so much blood, Jake. What if the paramedics didn’t get to him in time? If he dies, it’s my fault.”

  “He’s where he
needs to be. The doctors here are excellent.”

  Using her palm, she wiped the tears from her cheek. “I know, but I’m scared.” Reluctantly, she moved out of Jake’s embrace and went for the tissue box. “What’s taking so long?” She wiped her nose and eyes before noticing her cousin’s shirt. She’d drenched a large section of it. “I’m sorry. I didn’t intend to give you a bath.”

  In true Jake fashion, he gave her a nonchalant shrug. “Don’t worry about it. Garret does worse after each feeding. Have you heard anything?”

  “Nope. Shouldn’t they have some kind of update?”

  Grabbing the tissue box and her hand, he led her over to the cheap sofa. “Sit. When they have an update, they’ll tell us.” He plucked out several clean tissues and shoved them in her hand. “Did you call his family?”

  “I tried his parents. They didn’t answer.” She’d been more than a little relieved when the call went to voicemail. She’d rather talk to them when she could tell them Rock was okay. Or even better, let Rock call and tell them himself. Unfortunately, she recognized the possibility that she might have to tell them the exact opposite. “Addie went into labor tonight. Actually, I guess it was last night.” She’d lost track of time but knew it was now sometime early Saturday morning. “Rock’s parents went to the hospital to be with her and Trent. Since they didn’t answer, I guess they’re still with them.”

  “I didn’t know Addie went into labor. Trent didn’t call me. What about his brothers? Did you try any of them?”

  “No. I don’t have their numbers. I only have Marta’s because I helped her plan Addie’s bridal shower.” What a lifetime ago the event seemed. “And I can’t call Addie and ask her for them.”

  “It’s possible the police have informed them already anyway. They must have procedures for handling situations like this.”

  Stupid, stupid. She should’ve realized the police would inform his parents. When the police officers questioned her, they asked about Rock’s family. Why else would they ask if they didn’t plan on contacting them? “I gave them his parents’ names and address. But if they’re still with Addie, the police might not have reached them yet either.” She didn’t know which would be worse, getting news your son had been shot from a police officer or from someone who loved him.