Nurturing Britney (Surrender Book 7) by Becca Jameson (best books to read fiction .TXT) 📗

“Ah. So, that really was her only contact?”

“Yes. Convenient. And telling. Her closest friend is a stripper she’s only been in touch with when she needs to trade shifts at work. I doubt Mila even knew she was on the contact sheet. Britney probably put her down because she had no one else.” I close my eyes for a moment and breathe deeply. It makes my chest hurt to know that the sweet girl in my kitchen playing with Legos had no friends or relatives until I brought her home.

I remind myself she did have Cindy and Charles and a few other people at Safe Harbor in recent months. That’s at least a comfort.

“Please tell me she hasn’t contacted Mila since she left there Thursday.”

“No. I went through all of her recent messages. Lazinski has called or texted more times than I can count. Mila also left a few messages. Before that, she hasn’t had a text since one with Cindy a week ago.”

“Good. Can you encourage her to stop using that phone?”

I chuckle. “Blade… Come on, man. Do you not know me at all?”

He returns the laugh. “Let me guess, you’ve confiscated the phone.”

“Of course. I already deactivated it too. I didn’t see any tracking apps on it, but I wasn’t going to take chances. Besides…” I consider my next words. How much do I want to tell my boss about my relationship with Britney?

“Go on. Spit it out. You’re not going to shock me.” The man knows me well. “Every time we’ve discussed Britney, you’ve gotten defensive and gone into full protection mode. I assume if she isn’t already living as your little, she’s well on her way.”

I smile, thinking about her in that sweet little dress down the hall and around the corner. I’m so screwed. “She is, and she runs young.”

“That’s convenient. You like your littles young.”

“I do, and I’m sure you realize she had no familiarity with any kink lifestyle before Thursday, so it’s going to take some time, but cell phone privileges aren’t on the near-future short list.”

Blade laughs. “Oh, man. You are whipped.”

“Can’t lie about it. Wouldn’t change anything.”

He sounds more solemn when he speaks again. “Be careful. We’re dealing with some serious shit. I need to know your head is fully in the game at all times.”

“Always. My life isn’t the only one on the line here.”

“Good. What else?”

I rub my temple. “He verified his transfer is Saturday.”

“Figured that would happen. That gives us four days.”

“Yep. Between Thursday and today, he’s built up a story. He’d like me to believe Britney has something valuable of his. He hasn’t specified, but he talks in circles like she has a piece of jewelry she made off with.”

“Clever. She has something valuable, all right,” Blade mumbles.

I cringe. I can’t let myself think about the stakes. They are high. I’m well aware.

“What do you think he’s going to do when he doesn’t have her?”

“I’m not sure. He’s dead if he doesn’t show up with the commodity.”

“Which means he’ll need to have someone else in her stead.”

I grit my teeth. “Yeah, I’ve thought of that.”

“I’ll have Spike tail Lazinski in case he picks up another woman. Or girl.” I can hear the disgust in his voice.

“He can coordinate with Shepherd. I’m sure the cop will be willing to trade off.”

“Good idea. I’ll call Gordon next.” He hesitates. “Listen, I know you don’t want to hear this, but you realize this is over on Saturday either way. If Lazinski doesn’t have Britney at the drop-off, he’ll either have someone in her stead or he’s a dead man. Either way, he’ll give up on Britney because he won’t need her anymore. He’ll find another woman for next year.”

I cringe. The thought of not stopping Lazinski makes my stomach roil. The idea that he might sell anyone makes me sick. In addition, I’m not fully convinced Lazinski won’t continue to look for Britney even after Saturday. He might just be pissed enough to continue looking for her and sell her to someone else or make her pay for ruining his exchange. “Not an option.”

“I hear ya. Just giving you perspective.”

“Until everyone involved is in handcuffs, I’m not letting Britney leave the house, so we can’t fail.”

Blade sighs. “I figured you’d say that.”

“She’s mine, Blade. I’ll do anything to keep her safe.”

“Okay. And you know I’ll do everything to help you.”

“I’d do the same for you.”

“I know.” Blade’s voice is as serious as I’ve ever heard him. “I’ll call you if I hear anything new.”

“Thanks. Later.” I end the call and set the phone on my desk. I don’t like this situation one tiny bit. I don’t want this to end with Lazinski selling another woman to his buyer at the last minute and us unable to track him to the rendezvous point. I’m grateful we have Gordon Shepherd on our team too. Hopefully, he’s gathered more information while I’ve been playing kiss-ass to Lazinski.

Chapter 24

Britney

I’m in deep concentration when Daddy’s hand lands on my back. I jerk my gaze up from the thick instruction book and smile at him. I immediately point at what I’ve accomplished. “Look. I got the base done.”

He leans over and inspects it. “You sure did. It’s going to be big.”

“Yep. There are a lot of pieces.” I point at the clear bags all over the table. “I didn’t drop any on the floor either,” I announce.

“Good girl. That’s enough for today.”

“Aw… Has it been two hours already?”

“Yes.” He takes my chin. “And I suggest you not whine when I tell you to do something, or you’ll find yourself over my knee.”

“Yes, Sir.” I swallow. I know he’s serious.

He lifts me off my seat and sets me on my feet. “Let’s get some fresh air. You’ve been inside for days.” With a hand between my shoulder blades, he leads me to the back door.

I find I’m kind of excited, partly because he’s right. I haven’t been out of the house since I got