Chapter Eleven

Jayde awoke slowly. Her whole body ached with a stiffness she didn’t understand. She knew she was in a bed, but where, she didn’t know. Her brown eyes opened slowly and took in her surroundings.

The room was small, just the bed and a chair in it. There were no windows and a dim overhead light bulb allowed her to see. She sat up in bed and realized she wore no clothes. Gripping the sheet around her nude body, she edged towards the one open door that led to the bathroom. As she passed the chair, she saw some clothes on it, so Jayde grabbed them and took them with her.

Finally relieving her full bladder, she decided to take a shower and loosen up her tight muscles. Jayde locked the bathroom door and even brought the chair in and wedged it under the doorknob before she felt remotely safe enough.

She washed quickly and dried off before picking up the clothes she’d snagged. The bra and panties were her size and looked new. The shirt was a little large but it would work. Jayde eyed the pants; they were ugly olive green khakis, but they fit. She put on the black socks and tied off the pants around her ankles.

Looking at her reflection in the mirror, Jayde curled her lip over her hair; then she looked down and saw a brush and scrunchie along with an unopened toothbrush and a tube of toothpaste. There was also a stick of deodorant and a jar of baby powder, both of which she used. She brushed her teeth and combed her hair, putting it up in a ponytail with the scrunchie.

Just before she unwedged the chair from the door, she noticed the ring on her finger. Its silvery glow halted her for a moment. Nevertheless, she finished moving the chair. For some reason, she couldn’t bring herself to take off the band.

She walked back into the small room, armed with the chair. Tyson stood in the doorway and behind him were about four other male heads trying to look around him and see into the room.

Tyson smiled briefly. “Morning Jayde,” he said.

“Where am I?” she queried, stopping and watching him warily.

“At a remote safe house. We will get you back to the States soon.”

Safe house? Back to the States soon? “I used the toothbrush and stuff in there.”

Tyson moved towards her, yet she kept the chair between them. “I got it all for you. Glad the clothes fit.”

“Right. Where are my clothes?”

“I had them washed.”

Jayde’s head tilted to the side as she peered around him into the faces of leering strangers. “I see.” She didn’t really. Silently dismissing the men behind Tyson, she turned her attention back to her husband. He seemed well rested. Tall and imposing, he stood watching her with those damn eyes of his that seemed to have gold flecks in them today. For some reason, the more she looked at this man, the more defined his muscles became, for he appeared to be larger than she remembered.

She could smell his aftershave. His black shirt was indecently tight, pulled tautly across his muscular chest and shoulders, and tucked into a pair of pants like hers. Yet on him, they looked amazing. He also wore black combat boots on his feet; every inch of him looking dangerously hot.

His hair still wasn’t trimmed and it fell about his head like he’d been running his fingers through it, as if worried about something. Jayde felt her body grow damp with desire as she looked upon him. She just couldn’t shake the images of him poised above her, sliding into her, taking her to ecstasy. Over and over again.

Her eyes darkened with desire and her breathing changed. She hoped the others couldn’t see her reac-tion.

“Are you hungry?” he asked, stepping closer to her.

“Yes,” she said as her gaze moved up and down his body unashamedly.

“Good. Breakfast is out here.” Tyson reached out his left hand and she saw the flash of his ring before she placed her hand in his.

Jayde couldn’t explain how comforting it was to see that ring on his finger. She felt secure and easily walked towards him, stepping from behind the chair. Oblivious to everyone else there, he kissed her before leading her out to the main room. It was brief, but it was enough to convey his feelings to Jayde.

She saw five guys lounging around the living area. They were all dressed similarly to Tyson, but to her, none looked as good. Each of them looked at her inquisitively. Tyson went to the kitchen island and began fixing her a plate; the few who weren’t watching her observed him with amazement. Jayde wondered why.

A tall, dark, handsome man stood and walked toward her. He flowed like water. “Well, well, well…” he began. “Aren’t you going to introduce us, Cade?”

Cade? She thought his name was Tyson. Jayde looked over at him and saw a scowl on his face. “Leave her alone, Maverick.”

The tall man ignored him. “Hello, there–”

“Maverick.” Tyson had a threat in his voice. “Leave her alone.”

Again the directive was dismissed. “What’s your name?” Maverick kept looking at her. He was very suave.

“Your plate is ready,” Tyson interrupted them and looking directly at Jayde. “Come eat.”

She glanced back at Tyson then stuck out her hand at the man who was in front of her. “Jayde. My name is Jayde.”

“Mine is Maverick, my dear. But if you call, I will answer to anything.” He winked at her as he shook her hand.

Jayde thought Tyson might say something about their sham of a marriage but he kept his mouth shut and glared, giving her a small stab of disappointment. With a small smile, she took her hand back and went to Tyson who held out her chair for her, before he had to take a phone call.

The rest of the men came over and introduced themselves. All but one flirted with her, putting her at ease. The blond man named Scott just watched her. Jayde noticed that the more flirting they did, the more pissed off Tyson appeared to become. Maverick was the worst of the lot; straddling a chair next to her, he kept up a steady conversation.

The second his dark hand reached for a piece of fruit on Jayde’s plate, Tyson reacted. His hand closed over Maverick’s wrist, halting his movement. “Enough. Leave her alone, Maverick,” he growled. “In fact, all of you leave her alone.”

Maverick stood and met Tyson glare for glare. “Why should I?”

“Aside from the fact I said so? Because she is my wife!” Tyson snapped.

The room fell so quiet it was as if breathing had ceased. Each of the five men tried to close their open mouths but couldn’t seem to do so. Maverick raised an eyebrow but backed off silently.

“What did you say?” Scott asked. Jayde couldn’t tell if there was disgust in his voice or just plain sur-prise.

“I said,” Tyson ground out. “Jayde is my wife. Respect her, protect her; just remember she is not up for grabs.”

“Well, damn,” another voice piped in, “I didn’t expect you to get married especially after the whole fi-asco with…” it fell silent after the man gained five glares. But it was too late; Jayde had caught on.

One of the others, Dimitri, stood and walked over with a half grin on his face. “Well, hell, congratula-tions! Welcome to the family, Jayde.” He placed a quick kiss on her cheek and shook Tyson’s hand. The others offered congratulatory speeches for Tyson as well.

Jayde felt uncomfortable with the looks she was receiving from everyone so she tucked her head and dug into her food. She vaguely remembered hearing a phone ring and someone tell Tyson it was for him.

After she finished with her food, she sat a while longer. Tyson was still on the phone and the other men were standing in groups talking to one another. Finally she slipped away into the small room, shutting and locking the door behind her before climbing into the bed and succumbing to tears.

He obviously had someone else in his life. Why did that make her so sad? When was she going to get home? The events of the past few days were just too much and she fell apart.