CHAPTER 182 Good Thoughts, Joy

*Joy*

"Lorenzo Ortiz just stepped out of a black SUV," Kiki announced. "He's accompanied by two men. One looks to be in his mid-twenties, Hispanic, dark hair and dark eyes, around 5'10 in height. I suspect he's a bodyguard. The other looks to be around his forties, maybe fifties judging by his gray hair. He has scars on his cheeks, jaw line and forehead, and is around 5'8 in height. Unlike the bodyguard, both Lorenzo and this man are wearing the same dark sunglasses with matching scarves."

Once Kiki spotted Lorenzo Ortiz and his twinning male companion, Dina and Cristos went to work with their facial and body recognition software.

The initial results sparked a heated debate. Sebastian and Xavier both argued that Lorenzo's companion had the same height, foot size as well as ethnicity as Pete while Cristos pointed out that the man was much slimmer and hideously scarred. Personally, I disliked being overly reliant on technology, but our plans left no room for doubt.

I was about to tell the three men I would feel really guilty if we snatched an innocent man when Dina told them to shut up. "I got a perfect match. It's him!"

Lorenzo's friend had made the surprising mistake of removing his sunglasses and replacing it with a beekeeping hat. This enabled Dina to catch an image of his face via Kiki's spy camera which inadvertantly produced a perfect match.

"We'll confirm through phone call," Xavier said through coms. "Sam, when the parade starts, make the call."

"Copy, X," Sam replied gruffly.

"As for the rest of you, keep an eye on the prize."

I didn't need a phone call to confirm his identity. I knew the moment I saw him walking through the crowd. It was the way he carried himself, strutting in the same pompous manner I had witnessed from Pete during Cynthia's funeral. Not even the gray hair on his head and his unsightly face could hide the fact that this man was indeed Pete McDowell.

It actually made my blood boil knowing he was just a few feet away from me, and I couldn't do anything to him, but pretend that I didn't notice him.

Yet, my anger got the best of me. Instead of continuing to ignore him as I was explicitly told to do, I turned around and met his lustful gaze, my eyes reflecting all the contempt I had for him.

"Emma confirms they have Pete. I repeat, we have Pete McDowell in custody," I heard Cristos say through our communication devices amid the loud cheers from the townsfolk. "Kiki, after you've placed a tracking device on Lorenzo's SUV, make your way to Virtue. The rest of you, hold your positions and wait for further instructions."

I turned my head toward the loud sound of the sirens and watched Emma and Autumn drive away with smug satisfaction.

This called for a celebration. I decided to join in on the fun and watch the parade. Liam, that murderous prick, could wait. I knew where to find him anyway.

So, just like all the locals around me, I clapped and cheered for each *bee themed* float that passed by. Honestly, it felt good to be part of this community...

*To be back home*.

I was suddenly struck with an immense feeling of nostalgia, remembering the times I attended the annual parade. As children, Noah and I, we didn't care much about the floats, the clowns or the majorettes. We only came with our parents with the sole purpose of eating as much cotton candy and chocolate cupcakes we could get our hands on until we both suffered massive tummy aches.

As we got older, things changed. The last time I was here, standing along Main St., all those years ago, I was with Lisa, both of us wearing identical yellow dresses adorned with black wings that I had designed and sewn. I pretended to be happy throughout the parade when in reality, all I could think about was Noah and how much I wanted to be with him.

Then, prom came. My hands immediately balled up into fists, my nails digging into my palms, as I angrily recalled that horrifying night.

*Good thoughts*, *Joy*. *Think of good thoughts*.

Earlier, Kiki and I were about to go upstairs to get ready for the parade when Sebastian told us to stop.

"Hold on, you two. We need to revise our plans," Sebastian said. I sank back into my chair, eager to hear what he had in mind. "From the intel we've received, if Lorenzo Ortiz is indeed planning to see Liam, the best time is during the parade. *What if* Pete comes with him? According to the Black Hawk Max interrogated, Lorenzo, Pete and his capo are all currently at La Casa de Flores. Therefore, we should assume the three of them will be coming to New Salem, although, I doubt if Pete's capo will make himself known."

"You have a point. This could be our chance to nab Pete," Cristos replied. "If we do, we don't need to go through the whole abduction charade we initially planned. Instead, we can use the abduction as an escape."

"What do you mean?" I asked Cristos curiously.

"Remember how we originally planned to lure Liam, Jack, Cris and Dan to the boy's gym on prom night... before we got into this mess with the McDowells?" Cristos asked me. *Oh*, *right*. "The plan was for you to grace the prom, all dressed up as the ghost of Joy Taylor. With Pete out of the way, we can revert back to that plan and use the *abduction* as an escape. Pete then becomes the primary suspect-"

"But it's possible that instead of Pete, Joy Taylor becomes the primary suspect," Xavier interjected. "I prefer if Virtue disappears first. It gives us more possibilities."

"Guys, focus. I assure you, we'll have plenty of time to finalize our plans for tonight," Sebastian butted in. "Right now, let's devise a plan to capture Pete in case he pops up. First, we need to identify Lorenzo Ortiz. Second, check if he has any companions. If he does, they will likely come in some sort of disguise. That's where you and Dina come in, Chip."

"You really think Pete will come with?" Kiki asked, her brow furrowed. "I don't know. And this Lorenzo... he may wear a disguise himself."

"Someone as proud as him? I don't think so," Xavier replied, pointing to Lorenzo's picture on Cristos' laptop. "Kiki, it's better if we have a plan in motion in case Pete does make an appearance. And if he doesn't, well, we still have Plan B for later tonight. So, what are you thinking, Dom?"

"I'll post men along the entry points to New Salem. There are three designated parking areas, the commercial complex, the open field at the end of Main St., and the park for those entering via Mandan. I'll have men roaming the three parking areas to check all incoming vehicles," Sebastian explained.

"And how, pray tell, are you going to *nab* Pete without drawing any attention?" Kiki asked skeptically.

"I have something in mind. I just have to make a quick call to Caruso," Sebastian answered, grinning. Since St. Elizabeth's was short staffed, Dr. Williamson called Emma, asking her to come back to work.

"Alright," Kiki replied, her skepticism written all over her face. "Let's say Pete does come and we capture him, what then? How are we going to transport him out of the area with all the streets blocked for the parade?" Sebastian chuckled at Kiki's lack of imagination.

"By making it look like he has a medical emergency," Sebastian answered.

"I see what you're getting at," Cristos said. "We'll use the ambulance to transport him." Xavier nodded his head, pleased.

"With a patient in need of emergency medical care, the Sheriff and his deputies will let the ambulance through without suspicion," Sebastian assured us. "By the way, Kiki, I need you to do something important for me. Virtue, you can go ahead and get ready. I need to talk to Kiki."

With the last minute plans in place, Xavier left to pick up the boys from Mandan while Cristos went to the pub to open early. Tired, Sebastian stayed behind to take a quick nap in the den.

I was in my underwear deciding what to wear when someone knocked on my bedroom door. I opened it, thinking it was Kiki needing to borrow something, but instead I found Sebastian, his hair tousled and his shirt unbuttoned, scratching the five o'clock shadow along his jaw.

Shocked to see me so scantily clad, he gasped and quickly averted his eyes.

However, he was unable to resist.

His eyes began to slowly roam along my body, drinking in my nakedness, his lust apparent. As his gaze lingered at my black lace panties, the corner of his lips curved into a naughty smile.

The heat I felt emanating from his body aroused me, making me wet with desire.

"Are you going to come in or just stare?" I asked coyly, biting my lower lip to seduce him. I saw him hesitate.

I took a step back, beckoning at him to come inside.

"Fuck it. We have time," he uttered hoarsely. He closed the door behind him and quickly pulled me into his arms.

He lowered his head and kissed me passionately, his warm tongue parting my lips, eager to entwine itself with mine. I moaned, opening my mouth, allowing his tongue to slip inside, eager to taste him.

At that moment, I forgot about everything else. I wrapped my arms around his neck, pressing my pliant body against his hardness, wishing our kisses would last forever.

Yet, he had other things in mind. He quickly unhooked my bra, freeing my breasts, only to replace it with his hands. His lips then left mine, trailing soft lingering kisses down my neck. It felt oh so good, but I wanted his lips on mine.

"No," I whimpered in protest, tugging his hair.

"Yes," he growled before taking a rosy nipple in between his teeth. I cried out in delight, arching my back as he licked and suckled on my twin peaks.

While his lips continued with their torment, I felt his hand travel down my stomach to my inner thighs, ultimately finding its way to the inside of my lace panties.

"Spread those beautiful thighs for me, Virtue." I obeyed, allowing his fingers to slide into my slit. I threw my head back in pleasure as his finger found my sensitive nub.

He began to gently stroke my clit, making me ache from want. "I want more, Dom. Please..."

"Whatever my love wants, she gets," he whispered, pressing firmly on my nub. I closed my eyes and moaned loudly as the pleasure of his touch began to build.

I slid one hand down his chest until it reached the bulge in his pants. I began to rub, up and down against his shaft. Gosh, I wanted to touch him...

I wanted to give him pleasure.

"Come for me first, baby, and I'll give you what you want," he moaned, his lips pressed against my swollen breasts while his fingers played with my clit, rubbing it the way I liked it.

It wasn't long before that familiar ache between my legs exploded into an orgasm, taking over my entire body. I screamed, tightening my grip around his cock, as the waves of pleasure engulfed me. I trembled and twitched, my mind in a haze as I held on to him for dear life.

"I got you, my love," Sebastian whispered, lifting me in his arms and placing me gently on my bed. He quickly removed his clothes while he watched me ride the rest of my orgasm.

Once he was naked, his erection swinging proudly in front of him, he removed my panties and in one swift thrust, he buried himself deep inside me. I was so wet, there was hardly any resistance.

"I've forgotten how it feels to be in bed with you," he groaned. "When this is all over, I'm going to lock myself in a room with you and make love until we're spent."

He began to move, in and out, slowly at first. I wrapped my legs around his waist to give him more access, wanting him to move faster.

And he did. His thrusted into me faster, deeper and harder, until my eyes rolled to the back of my head as I reached the glorious heights of my climax.

"Dom!" I cried out, my body shuddering with my release.

"Oh, yes!" He growled, thrusting deeply into me one last time as he came. He collapsed on top of me, his breathing ragged and his body slick with sweat.

After his breathing had slowed down, he rolled to the side of the bed, his eyes closed. I knew he was tired, so I decided to let him get some rest while I got ready for the parade.

I was about to grab my robe when he spoke.

"I can't be caught sleeping here," Sebastian grunted, suddenly sitting up. "Bo is going to have a fit if he sees me here." He jumped off the bed and began to dress.

"Why did you come to my room in the first place?" I asked, slipping into my robe. Sebastian muttered a curse under his breath, berating himself for losing control.

"Dina called and informed me that Dan received two phone calls this morning. One was from Norma, asking him for money. I've already sent a team to take care of them." *That didn't sound too good for the Martins*. "The other call was from Mrs. Brent confirming the information Max obtained from the Black Hawk. According to Dina, Lorenzo is going to see Liam at the parade to negotiate Pete's return to New Salem, so it's safe to assume Pete will be arriving with Lorenzo Ortiz."

"So the plan is a go?" I asked as I picked my bra off the floor. Sebastian nodded his head.

"Dina and Chip's team is monitoring the CCTVs we've secretly placed around Main St. while several of our men are spread out, manning the highway to report any incoming vehicles. Since the parking lot at the commercial complex is already at full capacity, there is only one other place to park if they enter from Bismarck and that is at the open field at the end of Main St. I have men stationed there, including Kiki acting as a vendor. We doubt they'll enter through Mandan since taking that route takes longer to get here, but we have men in that area too. So far, according to them, the only place busy near that area is the pub."

*People were already drinking*.

"Any update on the Blue Rogues?" I asked. "If they've been hired to protect Lorenzo Ortiz, they must be already here, disguised as locals."

"Some of the men have noticed several in the crowd, but don't worry about them. *We'll* handle the Blue Rogues," he answered, zipping his pants. "By the way, once we have identified Pete, I need you to distract them."

"Me?"

"Yes, you," Sebastian answered, walking towards me. He gently cupped my face, his thumb caressing my cheek. As I stared into his dark eyes, a shiver ran down my spine. "All you need to do is walk pass them, Virtue. One look at your beautiful face and they won't be able to resist. I know I couldn't." He suddenly lowered his head, his lips so close to mine, I thought he was going to kiss me. Unfortunately, he pulled back and walked to the door. "Now, get dressed."

I smiled, grateful we were able to pull this off. Finally, I would exact my revenge on-

"You look happy," a male voice said, grabbing my attention. "You like parades?"

I turned my head to find Lorenzo Ortiz standing beside me.