Page 91 of Protecting Josie
“Fucking adult diaper,” Preacher mumbled from the driver’s seat. “Gross.”
It was. But it also proved premeditation, which Josie hoped would mean she’d get a harsher sentence in court. Though she was well aware that by the time lawyers did their thing, the amount of time both Millie and Gen spent behind bars would probably be minimal. It sucked, but she had to hope that karma would take care of the heartless bitches.
CHAPTER TWENTY-ONE
Blink was having a hard time being away from Josie. He’d almost lost her. She’d been taken from right under his nose. He’d known that those fucking bitches were behind her disappearance. Even though Tex hadn’t found any evidence, he’dknown.
But even being right didn’t make what happened any easier. Hearing Josie describe what Gen had said about her future had him wanting to puke. The thought of his Josie being forced into sexual slavery was horrifying.
And that scene at the house, when her captor had that gun against her head and was threatening to shoot her…Blink’s life had flashed in front of his eyes. A life without Josie was cold and barren, and he wouldn’t have been able to rebound if she’d been murdered in cold blood.
He and his teammates were about to make their move, to tackle the guy, when Josie had screamed. Blink would never forget the sound. It would haunt him to the end of his days. Itsounded as if all her terror and anger and anguish came forth from her soul. The scream echoed around the quiet neighborhood as if a dark entity had come for vengeance on everyone’s evil deeds.
But it had also been the distraction he and his teammates needed to be able to take the asshole out. As he shoved Josie away, they’d been able to tackle him before he could shoot them—or Josie.
Still, every time he looked at the woman he loved more than life itself, he was reminded of that damn revolver pressed against her head. The burn mark from the hot barrel on her temple would eventually fade, but Blink would never forget the despair and helplessness he’d felt during the short standoff.
To both their surprise, he was having a harder time with what had happened than Josie. She claimed it was because she knew he would find her, would come for her. But even though he had no doubt of who was behind her disappearance, he hadn’t been as sure about the outcome. And knowing he’d searched that damn house andmissedher, ate at him.
He’d been so close to her. If he’d only looked a little harder, hadn’t given up so easily, she wouldn’t have had to go through what she did. Wouldn’t have been almost shot. It would be weeks, maybe months, before Gen, Millie, and the asshole they hired would face justice. But at least they’d be spending the time until then behind bars, as a judge had denied them bond.
The detectives wanted to find the peopleabovethe guy who’d come to collect Josie. Wanted to shut down the entire sex slavery ring, but that was much harder than it seemed.
The woman named Bree was in the wind, as well. Smiley hadn’t been able to find her, even with Tex’s help, and it bothered him more than he let on. Two weeks had passed since the incident, and he’d spent both weekends in Vegas, cruising the streets, visiting hospitals and calling women’s clinics, attempting to find any sign of her. With no luck.
Today was the first day Blink was supposed to work a full shift on base. He and the rest of the team had a briefing to attend and an upcoming mission to plan. Josie wouldn’t be alone, but even knowing she was spending the day with Jessyka and Benny wasn’t enough to let Blink relax.
“She’s okay,” Kevlar said quietly during one of their breaks.
Blink sighed. “I can’t stop thinking about going home and finding her missing, like last time.”
“You texted her?”
“Only about a hundred times today already,” he said with a small snort.
“Do it again.”
“She already thinks I’m paranoid.”
“Yeah. But she also probably needs to touch base with you, as much as you need to do the same with her. I know you said she’s taking things really well, but you both went through something traumatic. It’s not causing any harm to check in. For either of you.”
Blink didn’t need any more encouragement. He’d been trying to hold himself back from texting her…again…for the last twenty minutes.
He shot off a quick text and waited anxiously for her response.
Josie: I’m good. Jessyka is trying to teach me how to make some fancy mixed drinks…it’s not going well.
Blink smiled at her note. She didn’t sound upset that he’d texted her for the umpteenth time.
Blink: You partaking?
Josie: A chef can’t make master status without tasting her creations. :)
Remembering the last time Josie had alcohol made Blink’s cock twitch. They hadn’t made love since she’d been kidnapped. Her shoulder had been sore for a long while, and all Blink wanted to do was hold her as close as he could against him all night. But for the first time, sexual desire rode hard and fast through his body.
“That smile must mean she’s fine, huh?” Kevlar asked.
“Yeah.”
