Shooting Bullets: The Men of Revenge Book 2

By Sue Langford

Jamie had just about had enough of Colt. Wanting to bury him under the jail was an understatement. He'd created more havoc in all of their lives than anyone suspected. When Jamie starts having nightmares of Piper being shot, he only has Jackson to look to. Telling Piper he'd always be by her side wasn't going to be an easy feat when he wanted more than anything to murder Colt himself. Nobody was getting near her ever again if he could help it.

When Jackson agreed to the job to work with Jamie, he had figured it would be an easy job. He could watch cameras, travel and see the world and all he had to do was make sure Jamie was safe. Knowing that Piper's life was in his hands almost gave him as many nightmares as Jamie had.

Inspired by A Star is Born, the Revenge Series as told by the men.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Sue Langford
• Release date: Sep 19, 2021
• ISBN: 9781005802097

Sue Langford

Sue Langford has been a practising psychologist for more than thirty years, the past twenty of which have been in private practice, working in both clinical and organisational roles. She has provided consultancy services to the Department of Defence and other government agencies over the years. Her particular interest is in trauma management.

Book preview

Shooting Bullets

The Men of Revenge Book 2

Sue Langford

Copyright ©2021SueLangford

All rights reserved.

To my Revenge Series Addicts,

My best girlfriends

And to all the ladies out there who needed it.

There is a stubbornness about me that can never bear to be frightened at the will of others. My courage always rises at every attempt to intimidate me.

Jane Austen

Chapter 1

What do you mean he’s out? The police said he wasn’t getting out on bail. It’s our damn wedding day. I understand, but you know that Piper’s safe. She has 3 security people with her. Jackson, this is my damn future wife. The woman I spent all this time trying to find. I’m not letting him come after her and kill her before I put the ring on her hand. Jamie pulled his jeans on, pulled on a random t-shirt and took off with the security staff. He was lucky he had so many, but numbers weren’t helping his attitude. Piper’s life was in danger, and he couldn’t do a damn thing about it other than hunt Colt down like he’d been hunting Piper. Where’s my gun, Jamie asked. Sir, please just leave me to the gun situation alright? Jackson. Jamie’s face went a red that Jackson had never seen before. It’s in the lockbox in your office at the house. Jamie glared at him and Jackson handed Jamie the loaded gun and grabbed his backup from his overnight bag. Sir, I really don’t think that you need to get your hands dirty on this. That’s what you have all of us for. And some good that was. You idiots are the reason that I’m gonna lose her. Jamie went off and did a full search of the property. Little did he know that he was too late. Colt had found Piper.

* * *

We all know that he’s not gonna keep going with the rumors. He’s doing it to get attention. Jamie couldn’t handle the conversation. He wanted to go after Colt himself. He’s stop him. He’d put him 60 feet underground in a cement coffin if it was up to him. He had to walk away before he said something that could get him arrested. When Piper came over to him, she saw the look. It wasn’t one she’d ever seen. What’s goin on, he asked as she slid her arms around him. Nothin. He wasn’t about to ruin the proposal day. Not with Colt’s crap. You do realize that I know when you’re lying right? She kissed him. Honestly, it’s nothing that we’re talking about today. We’re celebrating. She did her best to try and distract him from thinking about the Colt stuff that he’d intentionally overheard, but she was right. She deserved a happy day. I still can’t believe you did all of this on stage. You always said go big or go home right? She kissed him. He asked me permission. Did he tell you, her dad asked as they approached. It’s what I was always told to do if I ever met the woman of my dreams. Piper shook her head. My son, his dad said as they all sat down to celebrate together. This means we can start planning. I have a million ideas, his mom joked. They’d all been counting down to the day he finally met the right person. Deep down, his folks both thought he’d be married to his money instead of a woman like Piper.

We still have a huge tour to finish. When it’s done, we can start planning, Piper said trying to distract her mom and Jamie’s into planning everything. We could just do it when you’re having the break at Christmas, he teased. Piper gave him a look. That look said just about everything. He’d more than jumped 20 steps ahead. He’d jumped right into a whole other game. We could just head back to the hotel and meet up for breakfast, Jamie said determined to get Piper alone. We could go looking at dresses tomorrow, her mom said obviously overly excited. Y’all could just go ahead and plan without me, Piper joked. Her mom and Jamie’s mom were a little upset. Jamie snuggled her closer and kissed her forehead. It should’ve been a good night, but he was faking the smile. He wanted to rip Colt’s fingers out one by one. He knew that he’d be tossing and turning all night, but letting her know that wasn’t high on his list of priorities. For now, I’d kinda like to just be engaged. I know y’all are all excited about this, but honestly, I would rather be at home. She knew when to stand her ground. It was honestly one of the biggest turn-ons he had about her. When they started trying to talk her into looking the next day, he could see her not wanting to disappoint anyone. We have to head home for a while anyway. She deserves a little down time after all the shows she’s been doing. We’ll do breakfast or something instead tomorrow. How’s the house going, his mom asked. Getting there. I want it to be what Piper wants it to be. The house was demolished between ours, so we have a little left to wait on. This mean that we can come visit once you’re settled, her mom asked. That means when it’s all done in a year or so, y’all will have your own space to come visit, he replied trying his best to distract them from asking anything else. He saw Piper faking the good mood, but Colt had got both of them beyond mad.

He slid his arm around Piper, trying his best to get her away from everyone. They managed to get away and get a little time alone. Everyone got settled at the hotel in their suites and they went into their suite with Jackson keeping an eye on the room. Just tell me, Jamie said as they sat down. I’m not ruining the day Jamie. He looked at her. Tell me. She shook her head. Another rumor. He snuggled her to him. He kissed her. You don’t need to hear this Jamie. He kissed her, devouring her lips. Whatever he did isn’t gonna ruin this Piper. He said that he got me pregnant. Jamie tried to contain his irritation and aggravation. Kinda hard to do with us being together side by side all the time. I just want to forget it. He kissed her. Were you at least surprised when I walked onto the stage? Not like we could’ve just had a normal thing. We could’ve done all of that just us at Forsyth Park. We had our first date after a show Piper. How normal could that be? I wanted to do it with all of us there. With the people that mean the most to you at your side. They definitely were. Talking us into dress shopping before the ring even gets settled, she teased.

You sure you’re alright? She nodded. I just didn’t want to mess the whole day up after the Colt stuff. Here’s the thing. We get to do whatever we want to. No shows. We can hang here, we can go home and christen the house. Whatever you want to do. You mean since the press will be hounding us. He kissed her, snuggling her and picking her up, carrying her to the bedroom. She looked and saw the rose petals in a heart on the bed and the candles. Jamie, did you seriously do all of this? Nobody messes with our night sexy fiancée of mine. And what are you up to handsome? Reminding you of one of the reasons that you said yes. He peeled her clothes off, little by little, and devoured her lips. I still can’t believe that you walked out there and did that. He kissed her. Had to. You would’ve kicked me if I’d done it any other way. He peeled his shirt off and kissed his way up her leg. Jamie. Mm. Are you trying to seduce your fiancé? He nodded.

Keeping your mind on more important things. Oh really? And what might that be? He leaned into her arms, kicking his jeans and boxers to the floor. Now about that whole keeping your mind on something else thing. She kissed him and he nibbled and sucked on her lips, making the kiss even hotter. And what did you want, she teased as her leg curled around him. You naked the rest of the dang night. He kissed down her neck. Anything else, she said breathily. He devoured her lips again. Mine. He smirked. Jamie. You have no idea how addicting those lips are. You could just tell me. He shook his head and kissed her again, watching them turn from pink to red and back again. You’re taunting me Piper. He kissed her again, closing his eyes to memorize the feel of her lips. Do kinda like saying you’re my fiancée. I’m getting used to it. Good. He kissed her again and pulled her legs around him.

You know I love you right? Why do I think there’s a negative something in there? You still good with the kids thing? Seriously having this conversation right now? Just figured we could practice tonight. Practice is always interesting, she said as his kisses trailed down her chest. He looked at the woman in his arms and wanted her more than anything. She had his ring, and everything he could ever give her. There was one thing that was definitely hers.

He leaned into her arms and within a few minutes, he was making love to his fiancée. God, he loved that word. He used to dread it. Hide from it even. There was just something about her that made him throw out every worry that he’d ever had. Even though she didn’t think she was perfect, she was in his eyes. Every glorious inch of her was amazing. He devoured her lips, making love to her until neither of them had a lick of energy left. Even then, he wouldn’t move. She felt too good wrapped tight around him. Instead of rushing to get to sleep, they were making out, making love and making every inch of her tremble. Every inch of her was trembling in his arms like it was the first time. He couldn’t help himself. When he finally couldn’t handle that pulsating throbbing feeling, he collapsed into her arms, devouring her lips.

Just as he was about to kiss her and pull her to him, he heard her phone go off. Don’t even think about it, he teased. She kissed him and curled up under the covers. I know something else is on your mind, he said as he slid an arm behind his head to prop him up. Just thinking. I mean, there’s probably a million things we have to do. Wedding planners. You’re alright with someone else controlling the wedding plans? Mister control freak? I know your style and you know mine. We can do whatever we want to so it’s our way. Trusting me? Jamie nodded. She rested her head on his shoulder and pulled the extensions out. I have to get up. Jamie shook his head. Nope. I have to wash this makeup off. He kissed her and she slid out of his arms. She washed the makeup off, took the rest of the extensions out and came back to bed, sliding right back in where she left. His arm wrapped around her and she snuggled back in, resting her head on his shoulder and falling asleep in his arms.

He woke up at 4am, having nightmares that the rumors were real. He looked at Piper, out cold, looking like an angel in the moonlight. He kissed her forehead and managed to get up without disturbing her and slid his joggers on. He went into the sitting room and went through emails, seeing one from Jackson:

Colt created 32 profiles to ensure he can still make comments on her accounts. I went in and tried to block them, but I got booted. Still trying. Only 2 left to try and remove from her sight. Her website is fixed so he can’t get in as well as her email, texts and phone.

He saw the next email:

Handled the house stuff. They got the permits and are starting on it.

He kept going, eliminating a pile of work emails and saw one that said unknown name:

And you really thought you could eliminate that video? Big surprise for you tomorrow.

Jamie shook his head and sent it to Jackson. Within 2 minutes, there was a quiet tap at the door. Jamie got up and he saw Jackson. I handled it and got into her email, deleting anything that has to do with either of you and grabbed out any trace of the video. You’re fine. I don’t get what she’s doing. Trying to blackmail you for attention. Honestly, I can handle this. Get your mind off it and go curl up with that fiancée of yours. Jamie nodded and Jackson headed back to his room. Jamie turned his laptop off and walked into the bedroom, leaning against the door frame and seeing the moonlight hitting her just right. He loved her something fierce. He shook his head, smirked and walked back into the bedroom, curling up with her. When he laid down, she curled back up with him and was completely unconscious doing it. He fell asleep and tried focusing on better dreams.

When he woke up and saw a note on her pillow, he shook his head. He tried nodding back off and couldn’t. He grabbed his laptop and checked his emails, making sure there weren’t any others from Amy. He saw one that looked odd and sent it to Jackson. When Jackson knocked at the door again, Jamie answered. Yep. Email handled. It was from Colt. You alright? Jamie nodded. I managed to get maybe an hour or two of sleep. I’m second guessing every dang email. I have it handled. I want her email monitored. She doesn’t need that too. Jackson nodded. Anything you need me for today? Jamie smirked. I’ll let you know. Get some rest. Jackson nodded.

Jamie took a deep breath and opted for another hour of sleep. When he heard her come in a while later, he woke up. Morning fiancée, he said. Morning yourself handsome, she said as she came over to him. He grabbed her hand and pulled her into bed, almost tackling her to the mattress. He leaned into her arms, devouring her lips. I guess you got sleep, she teased. I hate empty beds. I had to go workout so I look good walkin down that aisle in that sexy dress. You look perfect to me already. You always have. She kissed him and went to get up. Where do you think you’re going? Breakfast. Already ordered. He’d managed to order it when he woke up an hour prior. Then I should get in… He kissed her and started peeling her clothes off little by little. Jamie. He shirt slid off between kisses then the rest of her clothes, little by little. He pulled the blankets up and slid into her arms, wrapping her legs around him. What are you doin Jamie? Seducing my woman before we have to check out and go home to reality.

He was just about to devour every inch of her when breakfast showed. Stupid dang room service, Jamie said as he kissed her again. He got up, pulled his joggers back on and answered, bringing breakfast in the bedroom to her. He leaned back into her arms. Mine. Jamie. He kissed her neck and nibbled, kissed and licked his way down her body. When he got to her hip, she stopped him. What? What are you tryin to do Jamie, she asked as she started breathing heavier. He nibbled her hip and moved to her inner thigh. Tease until you give in. Didn’t know I had a choice, she said as he moved her leg so he could kiss her inner thigh again. Jamie. What? His fingers slid down her torso, past her hip and she stopped him as he devoured her lips all over again. You’re taunting intentionally. He nodded and leaned into her arms, as her legs entangled his. He curled up and made love to her. He couldn’t get enough of that feeling. It’s like they fit together like puzzle pieces. Even when every inch of him was buried in her, he wanted her. He couldn’t and wouldn’t let go. He needed her. He craved her. He wanted every inch of him buried in her for the rest of his life. He collapsed into her arms, nuzzling her neck and smirked. What? Probably need food. She nodded. He barely managed to move, but got up and brought breakfast to the bed. You know, this is pretty good, Piper said. Last breakfast before we go home. We were supposed to do breakfast with my folks. Darn it. Funny, she said sarcastically.

She shook her head and they had their breakfast curled up together. Just as she was finishing her bacon, Jamie fell asleep. She got up and did her email and watched him sleeping. When he came back in a half hour later in nothing more than boxers and saw her irritated, he smirked. Mornin. And again, you vanished out of bed. We have to get changed and go back to the house. Piper, what’s wrong. Jamie. We could stay tonight then head back in the morning. You have work. I have to fly to LA. Have fun then. You’re comin with me. Eve and Caroline girl night. Not when I’m not there. He knew it would end up being a fight, but wasn’t giving in an inch. Come with me. If we do that, we have to do the interviews there. For what? Putting Colt’s crap behind us. She thinks a bunch of interviews about the engagement will fix it. Then we do it in LA. Three. Then I get you to myself again? After that I work on music and you get real work done.

So you’ll be taunting me from the sofa in my office? From the hotel. Condo. Jamie. You’re fine working from the office. Talk. Negotiations. He smirked. His cue word for taunting her until she gives in. You can come at lunch and we can do a late dinner or something. Or I just work from the hotel and you meet me there for dinner. Piper, do we really have to start all of this off with a fight? Depends fiancée of mine. You gonna quit giving me a hard time? She shook her head with that sexy smirk that always made him melt. I can handle it Jamie. I’m gonna have girl night and then we can fly out and meet you and Carter. Or you two come with us and we can all be out there together. The negotiations had officially begun. Ladies night. Diamond trumps that. She shook her head sliding his arms around her. I want you there with me. And I’m having girl night. Anyone other than Caroline. Wasn’t exactly inviting her anyway. I still want you to come to LA. She hadn’t even noticed him mention the condo. Stupid question, but why LA? Buying a company and have to sign off on the paperwork. She kissed him. As long as you aren’t sending me dress shopping. You have an appointment for when we’re back for a while next time. I could pick out a few even. She shook her head. What?

Jamie, I’m capable of picking out my own dress. And on top of that, I’m planning it. No wedding planner. My assistant can help. She shook her head. Nope. Doing it myself. All of it. She got up and walked into the shower, turning the hot water on. He took a deep breath. All of it was a lot to handle. When he saw her in the shower, he got up and walked towards the bathroom, kicking his boxers off. He slid into the shower behind her. You telling me what’s going on sexy fiancé, he asked as he slid her under the stream of hot water. I’m doing things my way. Piper. You seriously think that trying to control everything is a good idea? He kissed her. I think that we deserve to have the best and I’m gonna make sure that we do. Jamie, I can handle this myself. I get that you want things your way, but there’s two of us in this. Not us and your assistant. She went to step out and he pulled her back to him.

Where are you going? To get dressed. They’re expecting us for coffee at least. Piper, you’re driving me nuts. You’re trying to control a wedding. That’s driving me nuts. She stepped out and he shook his head. He quickly showered, half expecting her to be gone when he got out of the shower. He wrapped himself in a towel and walked into the bedroom. You do know that we’re talking about this right? When she shot him a look, he knew. There was no point in trying to fight with her. Whatever had ticked her off after breakfast was sticking. He walked over, seeing her fuss with her hair and wrapped his arms around her waist. What? He kissed her, walking her towards the bed and she stopped him. We’re checking out in an hour and a half. Then we have time. He had to do something to stop the fight. We’re going. He kissed her again, sitting down on the bottom edge of the bed. You’re saying no to me? I’m saying we’re going and whatever you want to discuss we can talk about it away from here. Piper. She shook her head, putting her things into her bag. What’s the dang rush? Her phone went off and she grabbed it. This is why. She walked off and went into the living room while he got dressed. He came up behind her and turned her to face him. Tell me what’s going on. Not right now. We have to go hang with my folks. They made a reservation. He kissed her. We can talk tonight then. She nodded.

She packed everything and wheeled the bags to the door. Piper. Yep. Dress shirt or tee? Funny, she said sarcastically. Nothing could get through her and he knew he was missing something. He packed up his laptop and checked his phone while he freshened up. Colt had gone overboard. That’s all the email from Jackson had said, and he knew that was the reason for the short-tempered fiancée in the other room. He packed the last of his things up, making sure they had everything, and took her hand. Tell me what has got you in such a bad mood? After breakfast. Piper. Colt. We can talk about it later. He kissed her and gave her a hug. It was the only solution that he could even come up with.

They left everything in the room and Jackson retrieved it and took it to the airport while Piper and Jamie had brunch with her parents. As soon as they were done dodging wedding planning questions, they headed out and Jamie got everyone loaded to head back to Savannah. Once they were in the air, Jamie pulled her aside to the back, closing the door for privacy. Tell me. Jamie. He gave her that let me protect you for goodness sake look. He said he got me pregnant. And? Every time that we’re happy, he throws a wrench in it. What in the world makes you think he wouldn’t ruin a damn wedding? Neither of us can control his level of insanity Piper. I have to come up with a way to fix it every time Jamie. I have to do interviews to refute his lies. Then don’t do them. Don’t give him the attention. Concentrate on you and me being happy. I have to do interviews Jamie. You don’t want to be part of it… He kissed her, pulling her tight to him and she broke away, going and sitting back down in a single seat. He sat down on the sofa beside her and looked at her. He needed to talk to her without anyone around. She could see the desperation in his eyes and she went and sat with Harley.

When the plane landed, everyone hopped off, happy to see their families and Jamie held Piper back and walked her to the back room of the plane. What? I never said anything about not doing the interviews Piper. All I’m saying is that your manager jumps with every stupid comment or rumor he starts. He’s trying to get attention. You know that and so do I. Jamie. All I want is for everyone to stop giving him exactly what he wants. You don’t get to tell me what to do with my career. Piper shook her head. Before she could walk off, he pulled her to him and kissed her. I’m not trying to. I’m giving an opinion. She shook her head and walked off, getting into the SUV. Jamie went to hop off and Jackson looked at him. Don’t. They hopped off and Jamie slid into the SUV with Piper. She barely said 2 words all the way home from the airport.

When they got back to the house, she walked upstairs to unpack in complete silence and he followed her, closing the door behind him. What? Talk. Jamie, I don’t have a choice but to deal with him. If the rumors don’t stop, I have to find a way to distract people from paying attention. You can’t fix it for me Jamie. I want you there for the interviews. I need you to be there, but if you’d rather avoid it then fine. You do realize that the more you fight the more he’s gonna attack right? He’s not gonna stop until he knows that he doesn’t matter. He gets attention either way. When the press ignores him is when it’ll stop Jamie. You can’t keep putting yourself through this. I’ll stop him even if I have to do it alone Jamie. I want to whoop his butt as badly as you do. I just don’t want you getting hurt in the meantime. I won’t. He took a deep breath. And as for the wedding stuff, take the help. I don’t need anyone else planning it Jamie. That’s part of the fun. I’ll plan the honeymoon. Just let someone help. My assistant could be your wedding planning assistant. She was about to fight him on it and he kissed her. Please. We’re planning it. You and me. He kissed her. Where do you want to do it?

He had to run with it before another fight ensued. Here. What? In Savannah. Plantation kinda thing or church? Wormsloe. The idea completely caught him off guard. He knew what a security mess Wormsloe would be, but it was an idea. You sure? You said small, and so did I. We can do small. They have that little altar. We can have the wedding there, do the photos on the walkway under the live oaks. Piper, a wedding with you and me wouldn’t be that small. We agreed on small. Not 20 people small. Then we do the photos there and do the wedding at the church. Is that what you want? She nodded and he could see the hesitancy behind her eyes. Piper. Yes. He pulled her into his arms and kissed her, devouring her lips until he couldn’t breathe. He walked her towards the bed, leaning her onto it. He didn’t know what else to do. The only thing she could control was the music and the wedding. Finding a way to make everything better was the only option.

He slid her shirt and jeans off then went for his tee when her phone went off. Don’t you even think about it. She kissed him, grabbed it and answered as he peeled her panties off. Yep. He heard her on the phone with her manager and worked even harder to taunt her into hanging up. He peeled her lace bra off and kissed down her torso, down her leg then back up her inner thigh as she hung up. You are relentless. Jamie nodded. Definitely. What are you up to Jamie? He kicked his jeans and boxers to the floor, devouring her lips. Jamie. Every dang inch of this sexy woman in my arms is mine. He kissed her again as her legs curled around his. You do realize that I’m not a possession right? He smirked and nibbled down her neck. Sorta, he teased as he kissed her shoulder, leaning against her. You are absolutely… He kissed her, wrapping her legs around his hips and plunged himself into her, wiping any fight she had left completely out of her. I want you. The sex went from slow and calm to intense and passionate within what felt like a matter of minutes. Just as he was about to go that much further, his phone went off. He kept going, as she almost pushed it so things were harder and almost harder. When he finally gave in to the throbbing and trembling, he collapsed into her arms and devoured her lips all over again. When he