Troy walked to the window of his office, glaring out at the ugly day. Clouds swirled as the wind whipped, pinging against the side of the building. He could feel the intense chill even through the tempered glass. He glared at the empty parking lot, the rustic buildings flanking the streets. He’d left the swank offices of Miami Beach for a direct view into the cluttered backyard of some residence. A bitter laugh refused to be denied. What a life. However, the environment was much better for Jamie. Thankfully, his boy had thrived after the move. Lamenting over the fact he was lucky to have a job, let alone a license to practice law wasn’t doing him any good. He still had bills to pay. Lots of them.

He’d spent the better part of Saturday night after the dinner working to get his client out on bail, the worthless piece of shit. The asshole was guilty as charged and defending him on any level seemed ridiculous, but the man was wealthy, influential and had opened a satellite office on Troy’s suggestion. All the way from Miami. The dinner had been as expected, a floorshow as well as a direct warning. There had also been a veiled yet concentrated effort to help him understand the basics of what he’d gotten himself into.

You bet he was in way over his head.

He checked his watch. Damn Sunday and he was working instead of home with Jaime. The kid was so grown up. He never complained. He understood every missed school event and dinner. He’d made a promise to Jaime after moving here that things would be different. Then all hell seemed to have broken lose.

The manila file on his desk drew his attention. He’d been lured into taking the case, for extra money and no other reason. Now? He could no longer look at himself in the mirror. How could he? He felt powerless, held prisoner to an organization that held all the cards. An intense shiver ran down his spine. The dinner meeting had been called at a last minute’s notice. The two men had flown in from Miami. And why? To strong arm him. At least that’s what the very polished tactics had seemed like. That and a huge check. Yeah, his client was trying to go legit. Right.

Huffing, he walked to the file, opening the flap. You bet the man in question was dirty. Dirty as they came. He didn’t have to look under the rocks but so much to see the scum there. His eyes darted to the check. One hundred thousand dollars to do what? Keep working? Keep quiet? Hell, he didn’t know any longer. He picked up the check, eyeing the dollar amount. He could do a hell of a lot with this kind of money, but what he was going to have to do was bordering on unethical. That wasn’t a question. Their business ethics had changed over the years and he’d managed to slip slide his way along with them. Why lie to himself any longer? The money, clout and expensive toys had allowed him to look the other way. No wonder his wife had gotten sick. No, he couldn’t think this way. She was dead now, unable to see his demise, but she would have left him if her life hadn’t ended so tragically.

He’d sold his soul once, years before. He didn’t want to do it again, not for anyone and especially not for money. The man was out of jail awaiting trial, that wouldn’t be scheduled for months. He had a sinking suspicion the man would never see the inside of a courtroom. Too many powerful friends. Maybe things could change, start over again. He desperately wanted to have a personal life.

That wasn’t going to happen. His acceptance of the check was blood money. The required favor, he had no doubt, would come when he least expected it. He grabbed the check, folding it into thirds and shoving it into his suit jacket. The rest was going to have to wait. He wanted nothing more than to go home. He’d handled the required calls, filed paperwork as demanded.

The moment he turned out the overhead light, his cell phone rang. He glanced at the screen, frowning. “Fuck this shit.” He held the piece to his head after the third ring. “Troy Bruester.”

“Troy. I’m glad I caught you. I hope I’m not interrupting anything.”

He exhaled and wiped his mouth. “No, sir. Of course not. Just finishing up on the paperwork you asked me to do.”

“Good. Glad to hear it. I need a favor.”

And so, it begins…

* * *

Laney stood in front of the mirror, the same mirror she’d been fucked in front of, and groaned. The way he’d cupped her breast, squeezing, the feel of his breath on her naked skin continued to make her tingle. Holding her breath, she dropped her head, grinding her hips back and forth. Just the thought of Garcia made her wet, longing to have his cock buried deep inside. She brushed the tips of her fingers back and forth across her breasts until her nipples became rock hard. Then the wretchedness of her life cut short the delicious fantasy, forcing her to open her eyes.

“You’re a coward.” The words were spat, leaving saliva on the mirror. Seeing the boxes on her bed, already half full confirmed the fact. She was running. Again. Why? Because of some unknown phone calls and a glance at two men, who kinda sorta looked like two men she’d seen once or twice years before. She’d been a terrified little girl then. How could she remember anything? “Fuck.” This wasn’t any kind of life to live.

She could almost see Garcia’s eager face, the way he looked at her in the warm glow. She’d never seen anyone hunger the way he did. For her. He was so open, so honest. All she did was tell lies. Lies! She gulped air and glanced over at Topper. “Don’t worry. You’re coming with me.” But where exactly was she going and in the middle of the school year? Jerking open the last dresser drawer, she grabbed a handful of clothes, balling them up and tossing them into one of the boxes. She was going to leave with nothing more than she’d arrived with. Useless crap.

Defeated. She was nothing but defeated. Turning around, she slapped her hand against the dresser as tears streamed down her cheeks. “No. I don’t want this any longer.” Slumping down, she wrapped her arms around Topper’s neck, burying her face into his fur. “I don’t want to leave. This is my home. I want to be with him. God, what am I saying?”

Topper’s tail wagged back and forth as she clung to him. He gave a gentle woof, the sound more comforting than he could know.

Laughing, she wiped her eyes. She could leave and possibly go through this again or stay and fight. Fight what? Demons? Her thoughts drifted, thinking about Garcia’s request. Call her contact. What could it hurt? If the man knew anything at all, that would help her make her decision. She debated then knew it was the smart thing to do.

She kissed Topper on top of the head then went into the bathroom, opening the linen closet door. The hidden compartment was still intact, no tampering by some boogeyman. The flap opened easily, and she peered inside the darkened hole. She hadn’t looked at the small box, the one holding bits from her real identity in at least a year. The metal felt cool in her hands and she ran her fingers across the top before lifting the lid. The hinges creaked, and she peered inside, half expecting everything to be gone. Everything was exactly as she’d left it. Very carefully, she placed the box on the counter and pulled out her driver’s license. She looked so much different than before. Age had filled out her cheeks and she’d grown another two inches. Her hair was much lighter than the raven haired, freckle faced girl in the picture.

Laney held up the picture as she stared wide eyed into the mirror. The new look suited her. She was a grown woman after all with an amazing career she loved and a… boyfriend. She had an actual boyfriend. She held the license in place and smiled. Her eyes were also different, so haunted, tortured from denial and secrets, lies and living on the run.

More convinced than ever, she dug through the box until she found the detective’s phone number. The crinkled piece of paper could hold a number for anything, anywhere. The kind detective had risked his career in order to help her in a most unorthodox manner.

She exhaled and pulled her phone from her pocket. With shaking fingers, she dialed the number.

“Leave a message.” The voice mail was short, but active.

“This is Laney Cavanaugh. I have some information you might find helpful,” she stated with defiance in her voice. “Please call me back.” If he was still on the police force, he’d grab the number and call her. If not? She’d know within twelve hours. Until then? She’d sit tight.

Hey beautiful. How are you?

The text made her jump. Then she smiled. Garcia. For whatever reason, he was hooked. Then again, so was she. She allowed her finger to hover before answering.

Missing you

A tentative smile crossed her face and she held the phone to her chest as she walked out of her room. At least she could be hopeful for now.

Good. Imagine what I’ll do when I see you again.

Giggling, she sent a smiley face and barely hit send when her phone rang. Unknown. Fuck. One, two, three, four, five. She answered. “I told you, fucker, to leave me alone.”

“I guess I don’t have to ask why you’re calling.”

The voice was male and gruffer than she remembered, but still the same teasing demeanor. “Detective Braxton. I’m sorry. I just... I didn’t know who was calling.”

“Unknown caller. Remember? The protocol? I must admit, I enjoyed your tirade the other night.” His laugh was genuine.

“What? You called me before?” Stunned, she clenched her other fist, resisting jumping up and down. She should have guessed, remembering from before.

“A few times in fact. I apologize, but I didn’t want to leave a message. Just in case,” Detective Braxton stated. “Can you talk?”

“I can. I thought someone, I thought he found me.”

“That’s why I was trying to call you, to give you some good news for a change.”

Nervous, she walked to the front window, placing her hand on the glass. “Please tell me he’s in jail.”

“You bet he is. He was tried and convicted to a life term. The charges are extensive and there’s no way any slick attorney is going to get him out of jail this time. Tony Scavuli won’t be bothering you any longer.”

She began to pant and slid down on the floor, lightheaded and nauseous. Visions of the fire, the courtroom and the constant threats flooded her senses, filling her ears with echoes.

“Laney. Are you all right?” The detective’s voice held concern. “Are you still in Pennsylvania?”

“I’m fine and Montana. Seemed like Missoula would be a good place and away from everyone. Are you certain, Detective? I mean, what about his goons? They did all the dirty work. Remember? They were…” Horrible. Cruel. She could still see grinning faces, ugly scars. Why hadn’t she known from the beginning?

“Breathe for me. Okay? Two were shot last year and four convicted with him. The men who threatened you won’t be bothering you any longer. I waited until I was certain.”

Tears streamed down her face and she cowered next to the wall, rocking back and forth. “It’s over? It’s really over?”

Detective Braxton laughed. “It’s over, honey. You’re free to live your life. I hope this makes you breathe easier.”

“It does. Oh God. Do my parents know?” When he hesitated, she gripped the phone tighter. “What? What aren’t you telling me?”

“Your dad is very ill.”

The words hit her hard. “What? What’s wrong?”

“Cancer. I don’t know all the details. I wish I did. As you can imagine, I haven’t been able to talk to them at least until now. I paid them a visit last week to give them the news about Tony. I thought that might ease the pain of your death. They were still upset as you can imagine,” he said then sighed. “I know this is hard, Laney, but at least you can live. You don’t have to run ever again.”

She coughed as the tears continued to fall. She’d gone along with the plan, allowing everyone to think she was dead to protect them. The ruse had worked. “Is it okay to call them?”

There was silence on the other end.

“Detective, I can’t lie to them any longer! If I’m truly safe and no one can get to me, I should be able to call them,” she insisted.

“You’re right but keep in mind, this will be a significant shock. Give them a call, but I’d still maintain a quiet lifestyle. I’m not suggesting there is any reason to fear anyone else in Tony’s life, but playing it safe isn’t a bad idea.”

“I understand. I just… My parents are all I have.” She could hear the crack in the detective’s voice. She’d never be completely free. Tony had too many connections, but at least she didn’t have to run away again.

“You deserve a life. Give your mother a call. I’m certain she’d appreciate it.”

“Thank you for everything. All the years helping me. You have no idea how much I appreciate it. I don’t know how to thank you.” The words sounded garbled, echoing in her ears.

“Just have a happy life. I’ll keep the number active in case, but I don’t anticipate you needing to use the connection any longer. I’m so glad, Laney. Just so glad.”

“I am too. Thank you again.” As he ended the call, she folded and eased onto the floor, cradling her arms. “Topper. It’s over. The nightmare is over.”

Topper bounded on her, nuzzling her neck, her arms and licking her face.

She wrapped her arms around his neck, pulling him down onto the floor. “Baby. We’re safe. Mommy is safe. I love you so much. We have a home, a forever home.”

The world seemed to move by slowly, so much so she could hear her heart thumping, the beating against her chest. She was in a vacuum, the ringing remaining. Wiping tears away, she managed to sit up and was suddenly so cold. There were so many things she wanted to do. Run in the snow, scream from the mountains, but as her thoughts moved to her father, and his condition, she stiffened. She hadn’t been able to be there for him or for her mother. How could she forgive herself?

She knew her mother’s number by heart, had memorized the change the day her parents had been forced to move. As she picked up the phone, staring at the screen, she smiled and forced the tears to cease. This wasn’t a time to be crying. Her hand shook so badly as she tried to dial that she had to try three times before she hit the correct buttons. When the phone started ringing, she almost chickened out. Half expecting an answering machine, when she heard her mother’s voice, she began to weep. “Mommy?”

* * *

Garcia rubbed his hands on his jeans before entering the hospital. He hated these places. As he walked toward the main desk, he stared at the text. At least she’d responded.

“Can I help you?”

“James Hatcher?”

“Yes, he was just moved to 510. Are you a family member?” she asked, a curt look on her face.

“Just a friend.”

She scrutinized him, including his attire before nodding. “Fifteen minutes. He needs his rest. There’s been too many people trying to see him during the last two days.”

He thought about the comment, remembering he had no one, and nodded. “Fifteen minutes. Promise.” He found the elevator easily enough and tried to figure out who might have come to see him. Family. Between what he’d heard just after the fire to what his captain had told him seemed entirely different.

Garcia stood outside the man’s room for a full minute before going inside. He could tell the man was sleeping. Very quietly he walked closer and was able to smile. Mr. Hatcher was resting comfortably, a single IV in his arm.

As if sensing his presence, James opened his eyes, fear flashing in them at first then recognition. He reached out, patting Garcia’s hand. “You’re the boy who saved me.” His voice was scratchy but strong.

“I’m one of the firefighters, yes, but there were others. How are you doing?”

“I’m in here,” he huffed and shot a look to the door.

“I’ve heard you’re going to be good as new,” Garcia said, resisting laughing. With all the visitors, there were no flowers or cards or any acknowledgment that anyone had been to see him.

“Remains to be seen.” James scooted up in bed. “I thought you might be one of them.”

“Them?”

“Cops. Fire investigator. Forgot what his name was, but not a nice man.”

Garcia grinned as he pulled the single chair closer and sat down. “Frederick Nelson and he’s one of the good guys.”

“Very accusatory if you ask me,” James sneered.

“I wanted to ask you if you remember asking for help, at the fire I mean.”

James glanced at Garcia up and down, a faraway look in his eyes. “Son, I hate to say this, but I don’t remember too much about that day. I was scared. Not gonna lie. The fire was so damn hot and happened so fast. After the smoke started rolling in, I had trouble breathing and remember almost nothing until I woke up in the hospital. Except I remember your face so thank you for what you did.”

Garcia wasn’t certain if he was disappointed or relieved. Rising to his feet, he patted James’ hand. “I’m just glad Stoker and I were there to save you as well as your animals.”

“My animals. I miss them. I hear my neighbor is taking care of them.” James seemed to fade away, the light in his eyes dimming.

“I’ll let you rest now.” Garcia walked toward the door and turned back. James seemed preoccupied, almost as if he didn’t know Garcia was in the room. Sighing, he walked out. Maybe Stoker was right. He’d pushed himself to find some magical key to life, longing to be a hero just like everyone else seemed to be. Time to be himself, live his life as he wanted to. Time to grow up.

He had some thinking to do, but for the first time in months, a light seemed to be shining ahead of him. Things were going to get a hell of a lot better.

As he walked out of the hospital and toward his truck, he couldn’t stop thinking about the two men who’d shot at him. Were they after him or some hidden treasure at the Hatcher place? You bet he was going to continue snooping.

* * *

Monday morning dawned with a slender view of the sun, but Garcia remained apprehensive. He’d driven back to the Hatcher ranch and found nothing indicating a reason for the intruder’s visit. Perhaps they’d been hired to watch the place. But by whom?

He’d found the address easily enough. Troy Bruester worked for a small but reputable attorney firm located on the Northside of town. While his office wasn’t in the most fashionable district of Missoula, he’d heard enough to know every attorney made good money. He parked and stood outside of his truck as he figured out what he was going to say.

Well, he’d think of something by the time he met with the man. Everything he’d found out about Troy indicated he’d taken a very different career path after moving from Miami. His career in Miami had been initially measured by lavish dinners and other corporate events. Then, he’d dropped out of sight. Even with the digging he’d been able to do, the only additional information he found was a newspaper article from four years before. At only two paragraphs long, there was little information and had left him with too many questions.

He’d made a note with the reporter’s name, but doubted his recent email message would yield anything worthwhile. Yesterday’s news was just that.

He stood as the receptionist finished a phone call, tapping his fingers on the sleek looking counter. The building had seen better days, but the furnishings were a recent purchase and no doubt high dollar. He was in the wrong line of business.

“Can I help you?” she asked, her eyes obviously happy to see him.

“Troy Bruester?”

“Do you have an appointment?” she purred.

“No, I honestly don’t. I just need a few minutes of his time. Garcia Puevos. I gave a presentation at his son’s school.” Grinning, he scanned the entire area as she checked what had to be Troy’s schedule.

“Tell you what. He’s here. Let me take you back. He has a client coming in about fifteen minutes but I’m certain he’d want to meet with you. I’m Angela by the way.” She gave him a more than polite once over as she beckoned him to follow her down the hall to the last door at the end. “Right in there.”

“Thank you.” Garcia waited until she was out of his view before tapping on the door and just walking in. “Troy?”

Troy looked startled as he looked up then rose to his feet. The recognition came within seconds. “The smokejumper. Right?”

“That’s me. I came to ask you a few questions.”

“About?”

Garcia closed the door. “Laney Cavanaugh. Do you want to tell me why in the hell you’re stalking her?”

* * *

“Hey, Dad! I got an ‘A plus’ today. Didn’t I, Miss Cavanaugh?” Jaime’s face was lit up, his eyes bright and shining as his father walked into the room.

Laney noticed how haggard Troy seemed, his face pinched and his skin carrying a grayish color. “You did such a fantastic job on the report. You deserved the grade.” She walked behind Jaime as he jumped up and down, this time acting like a kid instead of an adult. “Hi.” Then she noticed the cut on his lip and the yellowing around his eye. “Whoa. Were you in a fight?”

“Dad. You look terrible. I think you need a vacation,” Jaime huffed.

Troy offered a waning smile before crouching down, pulling his son into an embrace. “Very proud of you, son, and Dad is just fine. Just fell in the parking lot.”

She could see a change in the man, as if he had the weight of the world on his shoulders. The hug was tight, longer than she’d normally seen. “Fell, huh? That looks less like a fall and more like…” She didn’t finish her sentence given Jaime’s presence. There was no doubt he’d been in some kind of fight.

“I’m fine. Really. Worked all weekend. The grind. Paying the bills. I wasn’t paying attention and tripped on some concrete earlier today. I should sue the owners of the building.” The laugh was hollow.

Nothing about Troy seemed the same, but he didn’t seem to want to open up to her. “I understand. Well, Jaime did great today. He’s doing so much better with his schoolwork. I see marked improvement. Whatever you’re doing is working.”

Troy nodded and looked away. “Jaime, honey. Can you give your teacher and me just a couple minutes?”

“Uh-huh, Dad. You want to ask her out, don’t you?” Jaime grinned and ran toward the door.

Breathing out, Troy laughed, wincing when he did so. “Kids.”

She bit back a laugh and folded her arms. “Do you need some ice?”

“No, really. I’m fine. I just wanted to let you know that your boyfriend made it very clear that you belong to him. I mean, I don’t blame him at all. You’re a beautiful lady. I’ll back off. Okay?”

“My boyfriend?” Laney could feel heat rising in her face.

“Garcia. He’s very, um…” Troy laughed and touched his face.

“He did this to you?” She was horrified and would never have expected Garcia to do anything like this.

Troy shrugged. “Look. He just wanted to talk to me about why I was stalking you and honestly, it must have looked like I was. I’m sorry. Okay?”

She blinked several times as her anger increased. “I don’t know what to say except I’m sorry. He had no right to come talk to you and to hit you is just…”

“Wait. Don’t blame him because—”

“No. He doesn’t speak for me. He and I haven’t even gone out on a date, for Christ’s sake,” she interrupted. Why had he overreacted? Granted, her story and her heightened level of fear, but to beat up Troy?

“He cares about you. I can see that.” Troy gave her a genuine smile.

“I’m sorry, Troy. I really am. I’m honestly not certain I want to see anyone right now. Just getting my life in order.”

“Finally. That’s good. I’m glad to hear it.”

Finally. The word was the truth. She had no idea what else to say.

“Well, I should go. Going to try and rest tonight.”

“Get some ice on that eye,” she whispered.

“I will.” Troy turned to go then tipped his head. “I come on hard, but I know when I’m beaten. He’s a lucky man.”

She watched as he walked out, his head held down, riding a look of defeat. “Huh.” After grabbing her bag, she stormed out of the school to her car.

Laney easily found the address of his house and wasn’t surprised he lived near the river. By the time she drove up to the small ranch, she was furious. Yes, they’d spent time together, having sex and yes, she’d told him more personal aspects about her life than she had anyone. But to go to a man’s office and beat him up? That was more than just uncalled for.

She’d changed into jeans and boots and the car was barely slammed into gear, the engine cut off when she was out the door and stomping toward the porch. Her boots thudded against the wood as she stormed onto the platform, smacking her hand against the wood.

Bam! Bam!

Only seconds later, she heard footsteps and huffed as she placed her hands on her hips.

The door was swung open, a look of shock on Garcia’s face.

Wham!

Her fist hit him across the cheek, the force just enough he was shoved back, tumbling on the floor.

“What the hell?” Garcia reacted, slapping his hand over his face as he narrowed his eyes. “What is going on?”

“That’s for what you did!” she snapped and remained in the doorway.

“You’re going to have to be a little clearer.” He managed to get to his feet and held out his hand. “Powerful swing you got there. Goddamn.”

“For accosting Troy. Why in the hell did you do that?”

Garcia grunted. “Do you want to come in and talk about it or stand out there in the cold?”

“Tell me!”

“Because you’re terrified of him.” He walked toward her, shaking his head back and forth. “Because I care about you.”

The angst in his voice and the way he held such concern in his eyes as he towered over her was so powerful. “I was overreacting. I told you that.” She couldn’t look him in the eye. Poor Troy had nothing to do with her irrational fears.

“Will you come in now, so we can talk about this?” He tugged at her arm until he could close the door.

She pulled away from his hold and walked further into the living room. “I can take care of myself.”

“I never said you couldn’t, but from what you told me, whoever is after you is a dangerous person. You said you were bothered by the attorney, so I checked him out.”

“Checking him out is one thing but taking out your aggression and your concern? He has a child to take care of. What do you think that poor little boy thought seeing his daddy’s face beaten up?”

Garcia reared back then shook his head. “What are you talking about? Yes, I went to his office and confronted him, even calling him a stalker, but that’s it. We had a basic conversation and I believe he’s nothing more than an infatuated guy.”

Laney turned toward him and could see total truth on his face. “You had nothing to do with his split lip and black eye?”

“Not a thing. I wouldn’t do that. Violence doesn’t solve anything and besides, if he’s with a group of criminals, I don’t think those actions would have been prudent.” Garcia grinned.

She exhaled and couldn’t help but smile. Even Garcia’s look was one of mischief, a little boy expression that no woman could resist. “You’re right. I’m sorry, I just… Wait a minute. If you didn’t beat him up, then why did he lie?”

“Did he tell you that I attacked him?”

She thought about what had been said. “No, but he allowed me to come to my own conclusions. He wanted me to think that you hit him.”

“I don’t think there’s anything sinister there. He’s jilted.” He inched closer, rubbing his hands down her arms. “I won out over him. I get the girl. I am the big cheese.”

“Very funny.” She’d witnessed Troy’s face. “He really wanted me to believe that you beat him.”

“Well, then that means he’s covering up for someone else doing so. But why? From what I could tell, he’s a decent attorney, handling corporate clients.”

“From what he told me, yes. But he’s from Miami.”

“Which means?”

She thought about her words and rubbed her eyes. “Garcia, I’m originally from Miami. My entire family was there. I left when my house was torched.”

“That’s how you died in the fire.”

Nodding, she could feel another cold shiver oozing down the back of her legs. Was there such a thing as coincidences?

“Did you call your contact?”

“I did.” She couldn’t get her mind off Troy.

“Talk to me. I’m standing right here.” He cupped her face, rubbing his thumb across her skin.

“The detective said everything is through. Tony Scavuli is behind bars.”

Garcia shrunk back. “Tony Scavuli?”

“I didn’t want to tell you but since he’s in prison somewhere in Florida, I think I can give you more details.” She pulled away when he furrowed his brow. “What’s wrong?”

“I want you to take a look at something.” He walked toward his kitchen.

She followed, laughing seeing his sparsely decorated house, his lack of anything personal. “You need a woman’s touch.”

“I just need a woman,” he said as he grinned. “Working on that if she stops beating me up.” He shifted through some papers.

“Very funny.” Looking down, she could see printouts on Troy, both his law firm here and in Miami. “You really did investigate him.”

“I told you. I was very worried. You were terrified, and it’s changed your life.” He handed her a paper. “Take a look at this. Do you recognize this article?”

Laney read the words and shook her head. “Not that I can remember. That was after I left. What do you think this is?”

“I don’t know, but I sent the reporter an email. We’ll see if he has any other information.”

She placed her hand on his arm. “It’s over. I love that you care so much, but it’s really over.”

He pulled her into his arms, lowering his head and whispering, “I don’t want anything to happen to you. I just found you.”

Tipping her head until their lips just touched, she answered, “I know. I’m here and I’m going to stay here.”

Crushing her mouth, he held the back of her head as he French kissed her, keeping her heated body against his chest.

She clenched her eyes shut as the passion roared between them, current riding up the back of her legs, tearing into every cell. She moaned into the kiss as her nipples hardened, pushing hard against her thin blouse.

He rubbed his hands up and down her back then tugged at her coat, jerking it off one arm at a time. After dropping it to the floor, he slid his hands under her buttocks, lifting her up.

Straddling his legs, she allowed her fingers to intertwine in his hair as the kiss continued, leaving her breathless and lightheaded.

Cradling her in his arms, he swung her around then broke the kiss, nuzzling under her neck. He bit down as she threw back her head, the moan turning into an intense series of whimpers.

She was on fire, crazed with desire. He held her head back, keeping her neck exposed as he nipped her flesh, creating glorious pain. His kisses and nips turned into licks as he traveled further down, pushing his nose into her shirt. She was lost to the pleasure, tingling, her body quivering.

Garcia eased her down and gripped both sides of her face. “You worried me. You know that. Right?”

“I do. I’m sorry.”

“You just can’t do that when someone cares about you.”

“You truly care about me?” His smile was telling yet the way he looked at her was breathtaking.

“Lady, I’ve fallen so hard for you that my head is spinning. I promise you that I’ll keep you happy, loved. Safe. I will do everything in my power to fill your days full of passion.”

Shuddering, she was bursting with happiness, a joy unfulfilled for years. Years of her life wasted. “Oh, Garcia. I love you. I know we’ve known each other for a short period of time, but I love you and I want to share what I have with you.” She could feel the beating of his heart, caught the way his breath was skipping.

He tugged at her shirt, freeing the edge from her jeans. Peeling the material over her shoulders and dropping it, he kept a grin on his face, his eyes narrowing as they filled with a dominant longing. “But…”

“But?” she managed as she fumbled with his jeans.

“You’re going to have to learn that girls who terrify their boyfriends will be disciplined.”

She jerked her head up. “I didn’t mean to terrify you.”

“But you did.” He kept a look of authority on his face as he backed them up, moving further into the living room.

“But I won’t again?” Everything about his tone of voice, his demeanor was titillating. She craved his dominating side.

He shook his head and pulled her all the way around until he could sit on the couch. “Nope. Not good enough.”

As he unfastened her jeans, yanking them down her hips, she remained quiet, but her gaze never left his hands.

“Discipline. You need very strict discipline.” Garcia slipped his fingers under the elastic of her thong, pulling the crimson lace down her thighs. “Very strict.” He pulled her over his lap and rubbed the small of her back.

She placed her hands on the floor and would never be able to explain the freeing feeling, the utter blissful moment of accepting finally, once and for all, the woman she’d tried desperately to push aside. Years of denial and one man was able to awaken the sleeping princess. She held no more fear, no resentment and no more anger. She only wanted this to be the beginning of a new life. Reborn with a man she’d fallen in love with.

Crack! Pop!

“Oh!” The moment his hand peppered spanks across her buttocks, she swooned, jerking up as a reaction.

“Keep your position. This is good for you,” he whispered.

The deep baritone rang in her ears.

Whap! Smack! Pop!

She breathed out, trying her best to keep her place.

Crack! Smack!

“Can you learn to obey me?” His question held a slight sound of uncertainty, needing her affirmation as they continued forward, forging a relationship for them both.

“Yes, sir.”

“Good.”

Smack! Pop!

As the spanks fell hard and fast, every crack of his hand methodical, practiced, she was lulled into a fantasy fulfilled.

Crack! Smack!

Harder and faster the whipping came, his hand peppering back and forth.

Perspiration beaded down from her forehead and nose, dripping down onto the colorful area rug. She watched as the drops fell in slow motion until her ears were ringing and she could no longer focus.

Smack! Whap! Pop!

The spanking continued until he grunted and lowered down, kissing her upper back. He rubbed his fingers down her spine to the crack of her ass then tapping both cheeks before gathering her into his arms.

She nuzzled against his neck and draped her arm over his shoulder, blinking as the tears fell. They weren’t just tears from the painful spanking. They were tears of joy, tears of letting go.

Tears of salvation.

Laney was now free of her monster.