Fifth Regret (Heaven Sent Book 5) Read online

  He slowly dragged his fingers down to her chest. “I really enjoyed last night and yesterday.” He toyed with her perky nipples with his thumbs.

  Smiling, she stepped back. “Keep that up and I won’t let you leave.”

  He grabbed her hips and tugged her to his body. “Will you tie me to the bed and have your wicked way with me?” His cock continued to strengthen. “Tell me you will and I’ll strip right now.”

  Her kissable lips stretched and curved. “You’d like that, huh?”

  “Very much.” His cock continued to stiffen. This woman in his grasp ruled his world. Could he shout it loud enough?

  “I like that idea too, but I think I’ll wait until my back is better.” She smooched him. “Come back soon. I’ll miss you.”

  Her love for him warmed his heart. Although he’d rather stay and pleasure her, he had things to do. And since he wanted her back to heal quickly so he could please her better, he needed to get going. Playtime would have to wait for later.

  “I’ll miss you more.” He gave her another kiss.

  “Don’t forget to get some coffee. I’m going to need the caffeine if we have to follow the demon all day.”

  He headed for the door. “Supplies for your back. Food. Coffee. Got it.” He pulled on the handle. “See you in a little bit.”

  Elation flowed through him as he headed to the car. He had a wonderful woman who loved and cared for him. Life seemed spectacular. If he didn’t have to destroy demons, life would be even better.

  Andrew drove in the direction of Walmart, which happened to be a few miles from the demon’s house. The sun had risen, casting shades of pink and peach in the sky. The beautiful colors brought a smile to his face. One day he wanted to watch the sun come up with Emily.

  The early morning traffic had yet to arrive. Since Andrew made good time to reach the store, he decided to keep going and drive by the demon’s home to check for the police car. If he didn’t see it, then Andrew would know the demon had gone to work already. And if Deon had left, Andrew could spend the day in Emily’s embrace. The idea brought a smile to his face. He liked the plan much better than following Deon.

  Andrew steered onto the street in the demon’s neighborhood. The marked vehicle sitting on the driveway generated a big sigh from him. Instead of enjoying the day in bed with Emily, they’d have to sit and watch for the demon. On the bright side, they would be together. After he circled around at the end of the road, he proceeded back toward the exit.

  Minutes later, Andrew arrived at Walmart. He removed one of the carts from the rows of them past the doors, and then headed inside to the pharmacy department.

  The store had low people traffic, making it easy for him to move through the aisles. He grabbed everything he could think of to treat her back. The splint on her hand would hold as long as she kept it wrapped to the splint. He considered getting supplies to make a cast, but decided against it since he knew she would resist one.

  His phone vibrated in his pocket. He withdrew the cell and grinned when he saw Carrie’s name on the screen. She’d used the alias Troy had given her so she could remain hidden from the law. He recalled on the boat to San Diego Troy had said he’d get her a new identity. He made a mental note to ask her later about it. “Hello, love of my life.”

  “Are you still at the store?”

  “I am.”

  “Can you get some bottled water please? And since we drank all the beer, you might want to get more. But it’s up to you. I just need water. And maybe a few bottles of orange juice. We can keep everything in the mini-refrigerator.”

  “Water and juice. Got it.”

  “Hurry back, lover.”

  “I’m almost done. See you soon.”

  Andrew returned the cell to his pocket. Once he finished securing all the medical supplies he might need, he headed toward the grocery end of the store. Along the way he passed clothes for women. Taking a detour, he strolled between the aisles of clothing. He doubted Walmart would have much of a lingerie selection, but he wanted to check it out anyway. Maybe he’d get lucky and find something sexy for her to wear.

  He searched in the underwear department before he moved to the sleepwear area. The garments on display were not attractive by any stretch of the imagination. Shorts, pajamas, and nightgowns hung from the racks. He’d have to find another place to shop for something more intimate for her.

  On the grocery side of the store, he picked up packages of water and orange juice bottles. He wasn’t in the mood for any more beer. The only reason he’d purchased a case after he first arrived in Lafayette was to help him sleep and take the edge off his sorrow. They’d drank the remaining liquor since there hadn’t been anything else to drink in the room.

  Pushing the cart to the front of the store, he noticed only two lanes were open and both had small lines. He chose the one where a young woman dressed in pajama bottoms and a tank top waited. She had a cute plump baby sleeping in a car seat in the front of the cart. Andrew wished he could stay on Earth and have a baby with Emily. He had a gut feeling they would make good parents.

  While he stood in line, he typed up a message to his lover. Waiting to check out. Looking forward to another kiss.

  The covers of most magazines at the end of the cashier lane showed photos of country music star Annabelle Butler and her father. Some showed the brother trying to hide from cameras. Thanks to Matt’s help, everyone believed Annie and her father’s deaths were the result of a murder-suicide. The news had stunned everyone. Of course, a few people knew the truth. Four young women were also on a few magazine covers. They had agreed to not to share any information about Carrie to the press. From the bits of news he’d seen on TV and on the web, it appeared they were honoring their vow to her.

  The young gal with the baby moved up to pay the cashier. Andrew stepped in front of his cart. He hurried to load his items from the cart and onto the conveyor belt. By the time he’d finished, the woman in front of him started walking away.

  The older woman with gray hair working the register never bothered to say hello or good morning. She frowned the entire time she scanned items over the laser reader. Maybe she’d forgotten her caffeine fix before heading to work. Or maybe she hated her job. He couldn’t blame her. If he had lived to his sixties, he wouldn’t have wanted to work a cashier job at that age either.

  Andrew’s thoughts turned to Emily while the cashier bagged his goods. One day in the not too distant future he’d return to heaven and she would still be on Earth. She’d have to survive without him. He wouldn’t want her to struggle. The notion of her working multiple jobs or working past sixty as a cashier for low wages bothered him. He had no idea how long she would live before joining him upstairs, but he wanted her days to be filled with happiness, not stress or worry. Once he killed Deon, he’d work on a plan to set up an account to make her financially secure. Emily would not labor to make ends meet. He’d make sure of it.

  After Andrew paid with cash, he loaded the cart with his bags. One more stop and he could be with his lover again.

  Glad to be on his way, Andrew pushed his cart out of the store. A police cruiser sat idle in the row where Andrew had parked. In fact, it was blocking his vehicle. As he strolled across the walkway, Andrew noticed the digits on the cop’s car. His pulse began to race. He searched the area, but didn’t see the demon in sight. But he did see one of the back taillights on Matt’s sedan busted and glass on the ground near the trunk.

  Andrew stopped the cart on the side of the sedan. Questions flooded his mind. Had Deon seen Andrew following him? Or did the California license plate on the vehicle give Deon incentive to toy with Andrew? Whatever game Deon was playing, Andrew had to remain calm. He’d take whatever ticket Deon would give him and then head back to Emily.

  The large black man dressed in a police uniform stepped out of the cruiser. Deon walked around the back as Andrew unlocked his trunk. “Is this your car?”

  “Yes,” Andrew said. “And it looks like someone�
�s recently busted my light. Did you happen to see the punk who did it?”

  Deon moved closer. “Nope. It was like that when I pulled up.”

  Andrew began unloading his cart. “Well that sucks. Someone should have to pay since I didn’t break it.” He set the items in the trunk.

  “Can I see your license and registration please?” Deon said.

  Andrew withdrew his wallet. His pulse continued to speed. “I’ll have it fixed today, officer.” He tried to sound as normal and calm as possible.

  “Sure you will,” Deon said as Andrew handed over his license. “Where’s the registration?”

  “I lost it.” He swallowed hard. When Matt had handed the keys to him, Andrew hadn’t even thought about the paperwork for the vehicle.

  Deon glared at Andrew and held a slight grin. “Right. I’ll be right back.”

  Andrew hurried to put the remaining goods in the trunk. He wanted to send Emily a message before the demon returned. After he closed the lid, he withdrew his phone.

  Deon appeared on the driver’s side of the cruiser. He began walking around the car before Andrew could a single word typed. He lowered the cell.

  “Spencer Reynolds?” Deon stopped in front of Andrew.

  “That’s me.”

  “Why have you been following me?”

  Andrew stared into his dark eyes. “Excuse me?” The confrontation surprised him.

  “I’ve seen you in my neighborhood. I’ve seen you following me. Last night you showed up at the restaurant. And this morning you drove by my house.” He took a step closer. “Why are you stalking me?”

  So he had noticed Andrew. Emily had been right about Deon being alert and trained to spot signs of potential trouble. Crap, this did not bode well for Andrew. Still, he refused to let the demon intimidate him. “You have me mistaken. I wasn’t following you.”

  “Oh really?”

  “Yes, really.”

  “This car is stolen and you’re driving around with a busted taillight. That’s enough for me to lock you up for several days.”

  Andrew balled his hand while he held the phone in his other at his side. So the demon thought he could threaten Andrew to get a confession. While threats worked with naïve young women, they did nothing but anger Andrew.

  “I know for a fact the car is not stolen. And if we check the security footage from the store, I’m sure you’ll find out the taillight was not broken when I arrived. In fact, you’ll probably see who busted it. Maybe we should do that, check the security footage.”

  “Are you threatening me, boy?” Deon said loudly.

  One of the customers leaving the store stared at them.

  Andrew took a step back and lifted his hands with one palm facing Deon. “You misunderstand.”

  “Oh I understand clearly,” he roared. “You stole this car and I’m placing you under arrest.”

  “What?”

  Deon grabbed one of Andrew’s wrists. He swung it behind Andrew and shoved Andrew toward the trunk. The quick move stunned Andrew and he dropped the phone to brace his free hand on the car. He heard the cell smack on the pavement. Deon took hold of his other arm and brought it behind Andrew’s back. Andrew refused to fight, knowing the dirty cop would use it against him. Staying bent over, he listened to Deon read the usual rights spiel while he slapped cold cuffs around Andrew’s wrists. The entire time he spoke, Andrew could think of only one person.

  His happy world collapsed in a heartbeat. Emily would panic. She’d worry about him enough the night before when he hadn’t replied to her text. Now, she’d really freak out. She might even think he’d run away from her. His heart pounded within him. He prayed she wouldn’t think he’d left her again.

  “Do you understand these rights?” Deon asked as he tugged on Andrew’s arm, bringing him upright.

  “Sure.”

  Deon retrieved the phone on the ground. “Is there anyone I should contact?”

  Fear sliced through Andrew like a bolt of lightning. “No. No one.”

  For Emily’s safety, he couldn’t let the demon know anything about her. If the demon found about her while Andrew was behind bars… No, he didn’t want to think of all the bad things that could happen to her. He couldn’t see her suffer again.

  “We’ll see about that,” Deon said as he nudged Andrew toward the backseat of the cruiser.

  “You’re making a mistake. I know you’re lying. The car isn’t stolen.”

  “You made the mistake.” Deon opened the car door. “You stole a car, harassed me, and resisted arrest. I’m going to make sure you stay locked up for a while.”

  He pushed Andrew into the back of the cruiser. The restraints on his wrists cut into his skin when he landed on the seat. But he hurt more for Emily. She wouldn’t know what had happened to him. Even worse, if Deon learned about her, he would harm her, probably kill her.

  What started out as a great day had quickly transformed into a horrific one.

  Chapter Twenty

  Emily paced in the room. Her nearly dry hair brushed over her shoulders while the tips of her bangs continued to slide over her brows. She wore tights and a bra as she strode back and forth between the bed and the television sitting on the long dresser. The brazier had been difficult to twist around her body after she’d hooked it together, but she’d managed to slip it on without irritating many stitches. The large gauze she’d worn before had protected her breasts and kept them from bouncing, but there was no way she could put it on without help. So she’d donned the underwire garment. A touch of fear had ignited within her after waiting a half hour for Andrew to arrive. If he didn’t show up soon, she was leaving to find him.

  Pausing at the table, she checked the time on her cell. “Fuck.” She ran her hand over her forehead, scooting her locks to one side. Her concern increased. The last time she’d heard from Andrew had been over an hour ago. She’d sent him three messages asking where he was. So far, he hadn’t responded. “Where the hell are you?”

  She sat on the chair and bobbed her leg. The alarm bells going off in her head could no longer be ignored. Something had gone wrong. Andrew had last told her he was in the check-out line. The amount of time needed to pay, go to the car, get breakfast, and return should’ve been twenty minutes, thirty if traffic had increased and the food joint had been busy.

  Inhaling a deep breath, she doused the fear and tried to think logically. She doubted Andrew would have left her again. He’d said he never would. After the wonderful day and night they’d shared, his words and actions led her to believe he loved her and made a mistake when he’d left her in San Diego. If everything he’d said had been a lie, then she was the biggest fool to walk the Earth and he was the cruelest man alive. Since she didn’t believe either, then something had to have happened to Andrew.

  She considered the possibilities. Maybe his car had broken down or he’d been in an accident. If such were the case, he should’ve responded to one of her messages unless he’d been injured and knocked unconscious. But the amount of traffic at the early morning hour should’ve been light. Sure, accidents can happen at any time, especially if an emergency vehicle had been flying down a road and other vehicles hadn’t noticed. She shook the thought out of her head. The chances of him getting hit by a fire truck or any other car were slim. It could’ve happened, but not likely.

  Leg still moving, she wondered if he’d decided to stop at another store or restaurant. Maybe he’d had an idea to get something else for them. He was a spontaneous type of man. But even if he had gone somewhere else, he would’ve let her know.

  The list of potential reasons for his silence dwindled. One more came to mind and she disliked it. Maybe he’d decided to drive by the demon’s house. He could’ve spotted Deon and followed him, or he could’ve decided to kill the man. Either one made sense since Andrew didn’t want Emily to get hurt. Maybe Andrew had pursued Deon without her to ensure she would remain safe. She wouldn’t put it past him.

  But another terrifying thought f
ormed in her mind. Deon could have recognized Andrew or his car at the restaurant the previous night. The demon could’ve followed Andrew, stalked him the way Andrew had done to Deon. Perhaps the demon pulled Andrew over. Or maybe Andrew drove by Deon’s home and the demon had stopped him. She could conjure plenty of ways for Deon to find and confront Andrew. And if the cop had, then Andrew could be either locked up or dead.

  Heart beating faster, she shot up from the chair. While the odds of Andrew being killed seemed low, she couldn’t ignore them. It seemed more believable Deon would’ve arrested Andrew if the cop suspected trouble. Either way, she needed to investigate and find out what had happened to her lover.

  She stopped at the dresser, pulled out a tank top, and then grabbed another shirt from one of the drawers. While she’d been waiting for Andrew, she’d unpacked her clothes and had straightened up the room. She’d also taken her antibiotics to ward off any infection from her injuries. Bandages would help too, but since she couldn’t apply them herself, an extra layer of clothing would have to suffice. The high humidity would make her feel uncomfortable, but at least the shirts would protect and hide her wounds. She slid one top underneath the other before she slowly donned them together so she wouldn’t have to lift her arms twice.

  With her purse and phone in hand, she forced her feet into the sneakers. The shoes felt snug, but at least the laces remained tied. On her way to the door, she snatched her keys. Determination filled her as she strode from the hotel room. One way or another, she would find out what was keeping Andrew from her.

  She left the hotel lot and headed in the direction of Walmart. He’d mentioned going there instead of a drugstore. As Emily drove below the speed limit, she surveyed the areas on both sides of the road, looking for his car. Not many places were open yet except for food establishments, a Walgreens, and gas stations. The shopping lots were bare.

  Emily steered into the first Walmart entrance she reached. The large store had several parked vehicles at the grocery and other side. She drove down one of the center lanes, scanning for the maroon sedan. Seeing plenty of vans and beat-up cars, she continued to the next aisle. When she still didn’t see his vehicle, she continued to the other rows. Crawling along the fifth one, she spotted the sedan with the California plate. Her heart accelerated. Someone had busted the taillight. Why would someone… She figured out the who and why before finishing the question.