Little Bird (The Tangled Series) (26 page)

Mindy started to continue but Geoff put his hand on her shoulder, stopping her as he said, “The Senator’s friend is providing the location free of charge as a birthday gift for the Senator. But Hartwell called me last night. He said he would cancel the whole party unless I guaranteed him Savannah would be there.”

Lee was already shaking his head. “This is insane.”

“Yeah, I know. When he called I didn’t know what the real story was so I just told him I’d see what I could do. If he felt the need to cancel the party, that was on him. Even on short notice we could move everything to my place. But I figured I’d ask you first anyway. Since I knew you were Cara’s ex-husband I called Paul this morning to see if he knew how to get in touch with you.” Geoff glanced at Savannah and she thought he was blushing a little. “I know Mindy has your number but I wanted to talk to Lee first if I could.”

Savannah rolled her eyes as Mindy snorted, “Assholes.”

Lee couldn’t help but laugh at the girl’s disgruntled reaction as Geoff continued. “So anyway, when I called Paul, he told us you’d been shot and insisted on meeting. Mindy called Todd since they’d figured out you two knew each other. Anyway, when Paul explained the whole thing to us, we got to thinking. Maybe this is the perfect solution to your problem. The ‘friend’ this property belongs to is George Anders. He and Harry Langston will both be staying in the lodge with the Senator. I have to believe along with getting their kink on, they’ll also be conducting some business. You and Cara would have four days to try and get the proof she needs and end this thing. And there are so many people around all the time, I can’t imagine there would be much safety risk.”

Savannah thought they might be on to something but Lee still seemed unconvinced. “The doctor says they aren’t going to release me until Wednesday or Thursday, assuming all goes well. And when I do get out of here my arm is going to be in a sling. I’m hardly in top form for a situation like that right now. Shit, I’m right handed. I can’t even give her a proper spanking at the moment, let alone protect her if things get out of hand.”

Todd grinned and winked at Savannah. “I’ll be there, brother. I’m happy to give the girl a whooping if you’re not up to it. And you know I’ve got your back if things go to shit.”

Savannah looked up at Lee thoughtfully. The way Hartwell had behaved at the club the other night frightened her, but it wasn’t until they’d tried to kidnap her and shot Lee that Savannah really felt afraid. If Hartwell had been willing to go to those lengths, what else might he do? They couldn’t even go back to either of their homes until this mess was resolved. No, their friends were right; the sooner they ended this the better.

Tapping her finger on Lee’s chest to get his attention, Savannah waited for his eyes to meet hers. “Lee, they aren’t going to leave us alone until they find Cara. This is just going to keep escalating if we don’t help her resolve it. I think we should do this.”

“Did I ask what you think?”

Savannah opened her mouth to reply, ready with a tart quip, but Lee shook his head, scowling as he cut her off. “You are far too eager to jump into situations which put you in danger. I would think after yesterday you would be a little more cautious, but apparently nearly getting kidnapped wasn’t enough to knock any sense into your hard head.”

Savannah sighed and put one hand on Lee’s chest, her initial anger dissipating. He did care what she thought, but he was worried and she could understand that. She was worried, too. “That’s exactly why we have to do this. I know it might be dangerous. But we can’t go on like this forever. We just need to get this over with.”

Lee closed his eyes, laying his head back on his pillow, his voice resigned. “If I get sprung from this joint by Thursday morning we’ll go.”

“This will work. I know it will. I need to get going. I’m due at the office this afternoon.” Paul seemed relieved, an emotion Savannah shared, although deep in the pit of her stomach a part of her had been hoping Lee would refuse to give in and they’d find some other way out of this. Maybe they could just run away and live on a sailboat for the rest of their lives.

“I wish I shared your confidence.” Lee didn’t open his eyes as he replied to Paul, his hand caressing Savannah’s hip.

“Feel better soon, Sir.” Mindy leaned over Savannah, kissing Lee full on the mouth. He did open his eyes then, grunting with surprise.

“Right, I’ll try, Mindy.” Lee looked amused as he watched her strut to the door, her hips swaying provocatively as the others followed behind her. “Hold up, Todd.”

Todd stopped, looking back, both brows raised at Lee. “What’s up, man?”

“Did you ride with them?”

“Nah. I rode the bike. I can hang for a while if you want. Nothing else for an old soldier like me to do all day anyway.” Todd sat down in the chair again, leaning back and stretching out.

“Old soldier? You were in the military?” Savannah felt a little reassured by that thought. With Lee compromised it couldn’t be bad to have Todd in their corner.

“He’s being modest.” Lee chuckled as he looked down at Savannah. “He’s a retired Ranger.”

“Holy shit! As in Army Ranger? Really?” Savannah swung her head around to look at Todd and both men laughed.

“Yeah, really.” Todd gave Lee a serious look. “It’s going to be all right, man. We’ll keep her safe. Hartwell and his friends are nothing compared to some of the shit I saw in the service.”

Lee gave Todd an uneven smile. “I’ll be so fucking thrilled if we get her through this in one piece, I just might let you fuck her.”

Savannah gasped, her cheeks flaming as she looked up at Lee with outrage. “Are you out of your fucking mind?”

Lee laughed but ignored her question, more serious again as he turned back to Todd. “It really all depends on Hartwell. Who knows what kind of security team the guy keeps around. At best, this could be a wasted effort if security is too tight.”

“We’ll get what Cara needs. And if not, you guys can stay with me until we get this wrapped up. We have an extra bedroom and Hartwell and his thugs wouldn’t know to look for you there.”

“Let’s hope that’s not necessary.” Lee grinned devilishly. “Besides, Jen would probably carve your perverted heart out with a spoon if you let me bring Savannah into her house.”

“I’d like to see her try.” Todd snorted and kicked the side of Lee’s bed. “Anyway, I imagine it’s your heart she’d be after with that spoon.”

Savannah frowned, looking between the two men. “Is this Jen going to be at the camp?”

Todd shifted his eyes to Savannah and gave her a reassuring smile. “She is. But you have enough to worry about, don’t you worry about her.”

Jealousy flared in Savannah’s stomach, knotting like a hard cramp, and she fisted her hands in her lap as she glared at Lee. “I don’t think we should go.”

Lee laughed loudly, swatting her hip. “You’d rather keep playing hide and seek with Hartwell then face a woman I’ve previously fucked? Come on, Little Bird. You’re braver than that.”

Savannah didn’t respond and the men’s conversation moved on to other things. She wanted to be brave like Lee had said but somehow the idea of facing one of his former lovers was far more intimidating than Hartwell. It was silly, for certain, because Hartwell had proven yesterday he would have no hesitation about harming or even killing them. But spending an entire weekend with another woman Lee had been intimate with was daunting. Yet she didn’t feel threatened by Cara and he’d been married to her. Maybe what she felt now was just because Jen was an unknown and it wouldn’t be so bad after she met her. At least, Savannah hoped that was the case.

Chapter Thirteen

L
ee sat on the edge of the hospital bed while Savannah kneeled in front of him and tied the laces on his boots. He was in a foul mood. As his time in the hospital had progressed, his disposition had steadily deteriorated. Now, he was further annoyed by the slow discharge process. Savannah, on the other hand, was cheerful as she helped him dress.

“Mindy and Geoff took our tent and sleeping bags and stuff so all we have to worry about is our personal stuff. Joni went to my apartment, she took her boyfriend Derrick with her just in case, remember you met him the other night at the party. Anyway, she got some clothes and stuff for me and your bags. So, I have that stuff in the Jeep downstairs already.” Lee just grunted so she smacked his knee as she stood up. “Cheer up. You’re getting out of the hospital. As soon as we get your discharge papers we are out of here and on our way to Camp Kink.”

Lee rolled his eyes and looked down at his right arm, cradled in a sling against his chest. “Savannah, I’m worried sick about you this weekend and I’m half considering backing out because I don’t want anything to happen to you. My shoulder still hurts like a son of a bitch and these pills they’re sending home with me aren’t nearly as good as the stuff that was in that IV.” He raised his eyes, locking them with hers, as he added more quietly, “And I’m horny as all fuck.”

“Well, when we get to Camp Kink we can take care of that last bit. As for your shoulder, you said yourself it’s feeling better every day. And there will be way too many people around the camp for anything to happen there without a million witnesses. It’s going to be fine.” Savannah grinned at him, fighting back her own mixed feelings about this weekend. She was frightened of how things would go with Hartwell and nervous about meeting Jen, but her anxieties aside, she was intrigued about the whole concept of the camp and hoped they’d be able to relax and enjoy it at least a little bit.

A pretty young nurse came in pushing a wheelchair. When she stopped by the bed she handed Lee a folded packet of papers and smiled. “You’re all set, Mr. Jackson. Here are your discharge papers. Now just have a seat in the wheelchair and I’ll take you downstairs.”

“I can walk.” Lee glared belligerently at the nurse and Savannah giggled. As long as she wasn’t the target of his withering glares she thought they were sort of cute.

The nurse gave him an understanding look but didn’t waver. “I’m sure you can. But it’s hospital policy.”

Lee cursed expansively under his breath as he seated himself in the wheelchair and maintained a steady stream of cussing and complaining as the nurse steered him to the elevator and out of the hospital. Savannah followed along with a barely suppressed smile.

The Jeep was parked in front of the main entrance and Savannah pulled open the passenger door as Lee stood and took the last few steps to the vehicle. Once he’d climbed inside, she slammed the door and turned back to the nurse, thanking her for her help, before circling the Jeep and getting in on the driver side.

Savannah was turning the key in the ignition when Lee asked, “How far is it to Camp Kink?”

She looked at the printed directions she’d left on the dashboard. “About an hour, I think.”

Lee turned in his seat to scan the parking lot. Pointing to the farthest corner of the lot, which was bordered by a heavily wooded forest, he added, “Go park over there.”

“Why?”

“Just do it.” Lee glowered at her. Yeah, those scowls weren’t nearly so cute when they were aimed in her direction.

When she’d moved the Jeep to the spot he’d indicated, they were parked with the passenger side of the vehicle next to the woods. He pushed his door open and got out, calling behind him. “Come here.”

Savannah furrowed her brow in confusion but did as he asked and got out of the Jeep, coming around to stand next to him by the rear passenger door. “What?”

Without a word Lee grabbed her hip with his left hand and shoved her up against the side of the Jeep. Stepping behind her, he kicked her feet apart with one boot so she stood spread eagled, his weight holding her against the car. Slipping his hand beneath her skirt, he ran his fingers between her legs, gently pushing against her panties. “God, I’ve missed this.”

“Now is not the time. Someone might see us.” She looked over her shoulder at him, her eyes narrowed with worry.

“They won’t, the Jeep is blocking us.” Lee withdrew his hand and took a step back, giving her room to move again. “Get a condom.”

Savannah froze against the side of the car. With Lee in the hospital and everything else going on, she hadn’t been able to make it to the doctor, which had been sort of okay with her. Actually, more than okay.

Sitting in the hospital with him all week, she’d had lots of time to think about things and the more she thought about how close she’d come to losing him forever, the more she realized she didn’t really want to get on birth control. Lee’s brush with death had not only reinforced Savannah’s feelings for him but had also made her thankful for every day they had together. It’s easy to take things for granted with the one you love, to just assume they’ll always be there, that things will work out exactly as you’d planned. But this experience had brought home for Savannah just how fleeting life could be. It was important to make the most of every day you had together because you never knew just how many days that might be. She knew she loved him, she knew he loved her. He’d even said he was going to marry her. Why fool around with delaying the inevitable?

So she hadn’t packed condoms and she had intended it to be a surprise. Kind of a “Yay, you lived so let’s make a baby to celebrate!” sort of thing. Still, there was a chance Lee would balk and as a precaution she’d mapped the location of the pharmacy nearest the camp. So she’d felt fairly confident she had her bases covered. Unfortunately, she hadn’t anticipated this.

“Savannah, hurry up or I’ll tear this goddamn car apart looking for them.” Lee sounded amused, probably because he thought she was nervous about having sex in a parking lot and was stalling for time.

“Levon?” Savannah turned around to face him. She’d brought this on herself; she would have to fess up.

“What?” Lee looked at her expectantly.

Savannah mentally kicked herself for not realizing this might happen. He’d been in the hospital for nearly a week. It had been five days since they’d had sex. She should have known he wouldn’t be in the mood to wait. Gah, why hadn’t she thought of this?

Lifting her chin, all but glaring at him, she said, “I didn’t pack any.”

Lee’s jaw clenched, his nostrils flaring as he stared at her for several long seconds. When he finally spoke his voice was low and hard as steel. “You dumping my worthless ass?”

“No.” Savannah took a deep breath, trying to steady herself. “I want to have a baby with your worthless ass.”

“Don’t you think that’s something we should talk about?” Lee arched a brow at her, his expression otherwise bland. This wasn’t really the reaction she had anticipated from him and she wasn’t quite sure how to take it.

“I don’t see why. You make unilateral decisions all the time without asking me what I think.” Savannah knew she sounded sort of smug. She’d been practicing that line in her head ever since she’d decided to do this just in case she had the chance to use it.

“True, but that’s because I already know what you think. You’re not exactly difficult to read.” Lee laughed, clearly amused by her explanation. He turned, his arms over his chest and his ankles crossed as he leaned against the Jeep, waiting for her to say more.

“All right, then. We’ll talk about this. But maybe we should do this elsewhere. A parking lot doesn’t really seem like the best place.” She didn’t really think he’d go for that suggestion but it was a worth a try.

“Nope. State your case, Little Bird.”

“Okay. You said you’re going to marry me and you said you want to have a family. So, why not? Plus, you’re going to be thirty-eight next month and I thought if we’re going to have a baby you might like to do that sooner rather than later. I mean, you don’t want to be watching high school graduation on Skype from your nursing home, do you?” Savannah grinned at him, teasing.

“So this is about me being old. I should have known.” Lee chuckled, shaking his head. “Is that all then?”

“Honestly, it’s really more about you getting shot. You could have died. I’ve thought about that a lot this week. I just, I want every day to matter. I don’t want to wait to start our lives together.” Savannah paused, trying to push down the tears she could feel gathering. She’d been so frightened by the prospect of losing him when she’d only just found him. Remembering how she’d felt in those first hours after the attack made the fear feel fresh again.

Determined not to cry, Savannah decided another joke was in order to keep the mood light. “Besides, you could get sick of me so I need to get you good and trapped while I have the chance.”

Lee frowned, evidently unimpressed with her joke. “I am going to marry you, Savannah.”

“I know.” Savannah pushed up on her tiptoes to give him a light kiss. Apparently he’d missed her teasing tone. “I was just teasing you.”

“No, I mean, today.”

“What?” Savannah stared at him, agape. He couldn’t possibly be serious.

“You heard me. I’ll trade you one unilateral decision for another.”

“You’re crazy. We can’t just get married today. What about blood tests and waiting periods and witnesses and all that stuff?” Savannah took a deep breath, her hands on his chest as she looked up at him with a shocked expression. Maybe that concussion had scrambled the poor man’s brain.

“None of that is required in Virginia. You just go to the Court, get a license and they give you a list of people approved to officiate. I figure we ought to be able to find someone available, even on such short notice.” Lee narrowed his eyes at her. “I assume you’re freaking out about this because you always imagined a big wedding, with the dress and the flowers and the cake and all that bullshit?”

Savannah snorted, annoyed by his obvious disdain for traditional weddings. “Well, I guess now I know what you think about all that bullshit.”

Lee surprised her by laughing, but she just glared back at him. He’d been in such a pissy mood just a few minutes ago and now all the sudden he was cheerful and laughing at her.

“Savannah, I did all that once and it was a disaster so no, I don’t really give a shit about big weddings. If it’s important to you we’ll wait and you can have a traditional wedding. I’m not saying I won’t do that. What I am saying is if that’s what you want, we’ll stop and buy condoms today and you’re going to get on birth control until then.”

“Who knew a pervert like you would be so old-fashioned?” Savannah tried to sound mad but she couldn’t really pull it off. She was surprised by his insistence they marry before quitting all birth control. That wasn’t really something that mattered to her, at least as long as they eventually planned to marry. It was sort of charming, if unexpected, that he turned out to be such a traditionalist.

Lee laughed and shook his head. “Call it what you like, but there it is.”

“All right, have it your way then. We’ll get married today.” Savannah wondered if he would change his tune now that she’d agreed. Maybe he was relying on her wanting a big wedding and had thought he could put her off this way. Well, if he was, she’d just called his bluff.

“Okay. Let’s go then.” Lee pushed off the side of the Jeep and opened the door to get in.

“Wait.” Savannah grabbed his arm, stopping him, her voice raising several octaves. True, she’d been nervous about sex in a public place but she was as anxious to have sex again as she’d thought he had been. “What happened to fucking in the parking lot?”

“I changed my mind.” Lee pulled her against his chest, his hand stroking the back of her neck as he pressed his mouth to her ear and continued. “I’m desperate to be inside you, sweetheart. But I’d rather wait now so the next time I fuck you, I’m fucking my wife.”

Getting the marriage license was as easy as Lee said it would be. He teased her when he found out her middle name was Jane, and she was surprised to learn he didn’t have a middle name at all but otherwise the process was totally uneventful, aside from Savannah’s overactive nerves, anyway.

Afterward, they stood on the sidewalk outside the courthouse, Savannah fidgeting anxiously, as Lee called potential officiants on the list the court had provided. They got lucky when the second person Lee called, a gentleman named Carl Milligan, was available and agreed to meet with them right away. Savannah drove them to his house, trying to remain calm and concentrate on not getting in an accident, but the reality was she was freaking out. Not necessarily freaking out in a bad way but she just couldn’t believe she was about to get married.

She was disappointed her parents and Joni and her other friends wouldn’t be there to share this day with her, but when it came right down to it she didn’t want to wait. If she were honest with herself, this is what she had really wanted anyway. She just hadn’t had the courage to tell Lee she wanted him to marry her sooner rather than later. Somehow the birth control issue had been one she’d felt more comfortable addressing, one she felt she had more control over. She didn’t know why that was exactly, but it had worked out for the best and now she would get both of the things she’d wanted.

Standing on Mr. Milligan’s front porch Lee rang the doorbell. They could hear a dog barking inside and then the door opened, a friendly older man smiling at them warmly.