Chapter 4: A Physical Reminder
Derek
Fucking Houston took longer than I planned.
Between filtering through their myriad of networks and users and their lax social media policy, half the computers had viruses and the other half had unnecessary virus protection added. I don’t finish the analysis until late Wednesday.
Nikki is sitting at the front desk waiting, perky as ever, when I present her with the package.
“Happy leap year.” Keeping the frustration out of my voice is difficult.
“What’s this, boss?”
Remembering my new leaf, I soften my tone. “I need you to mail that to our new Houston client. And I’ve got a surprise for you.”
Her dark brow arches.
“Take the rest of the week off. With pay.”
Instead of squealing, she leans back in her chair. “Is it that bad?”
I feel my own brow furrow in response. “What?”
“Look, I know you think I’m just a dumb blonde, but you’re wrong. Something’s going on, and it’s something with Melissa.”
For a split second, I almost lose it, but I recover fast—poker face back in place. “Melissa’s fine.”
“I know she’s fine. We text pretty regularly. But whatever has you so edgy is about her, and don’t try to tell me it isn’t.”
Fuck. The tension creeps up my back again.
Why didn’t I go solo after Stuart left? Patrick was a real test of my patience, but Nikki might push me over the cliff. I don’t need an office manager. I handle my own travel plans now, and half the time I even answer my own damn phone.
But Melissa likes her.
“I’m working on something,” I say, calming the adrenaline spike in my veins. “And I’m handling it. There’s no need to worry Melissa.”
Her blue eyes roam around my face searching for clues. Nikki has pretty much pissed me off since Day 1, but if she can keep her mouth shut now, I’ll let all of it go.
We face each other for a few, tense seconds before she nods. “I won’t say anything.”
“Thank you.”
“Only because I know how much you love her. You’ll do anything to protect her. Right?”
I can’t believe she even has to ask, but I guess some women see a lot more shitty guys than good ones. “Right. I won’t be back in this office until I’m sure she’s safe.”
Standing, she collects her coat, purse, and the package. Then she gives me a little salute. “Take as long as you need, boss. I’ll be on standby if you want someone here.”
And with that, she’s out the door. I lean against her desk, gauging my level of exhaustion. If I leave now, I’ll be in Wilmington by morning. If I fall asleep at the wheel, I won’t be any use to anybody. My phone buzzes, and when I see the face, I make my decision.
PM check in! Melissa texts. P&E are here. You home or work?
Just finished Houston, leaving work. Miss you.
Tomorrow?
ASAP.
Be careful driving. Love you.
Love you more.
The cottage is dark when I arrive at 6 a.m. Elaine is the only one with an early wake-up call, so it’s possible I can get into Melissa’s room before they’re up and stirring. Driving all night might not have been the most restful approach, but with the energy surging through my chest, I knew I wouldn’t get any sleep anyway. I’ll nap a few hours this morning and be ready to go without losing a day.
Dropping my duffel by the stainless fridge inside, I ease off my boots and place them one at a time by the door doing my best to keep quiet. Grabbing a water bottle, I head to Melissa’s bedroom, but I nearly slam it against the skull of a half-dressed Patrick. He’s right around the corner, holding a wooden baseball bat high, like he’s about to use my head for the winning homer in the World Series.
“SHIT!” we both whisper-shout.
“What the fuck?” Patrick lowers the bat and breathes.
I recognize the energy surging through his muscles. It matches the rapid tweaking of my own, and I need a second to recover.
“You could’ve shot me a text,” he groans, dropping onto the couch. “Did you fucking drive all night?”
“Couldn’t sleep.” I clap his shoulder as I pass. “Glad to see you’re on your toes. You’re officially off guard duty.”
“Hey!” I pause, and he tosses me the bat. “Happy to help. I’m going back to bed.”
Catching his “weapon,” my brow lines. “Think you’ll be able to sleep?”
“Nope.” That grin spreads across his face. It’s the same one that used to tick me off because I knew it meant I’d be cleaning up his shit sooner rather than later.
“Just keep it down. I don’t need to hear you getting any.”
He points back at me as he heads down the hall. “Right back atcha.”
Shaking my head, I turn Melissa’s bedroom door handle as softly as possible. Unlike my younger partner, I don’t plan to wake her this early. I know the pregnancy makes her tired, and I’ll be content to be beside her. It’ll be the first good rest I’ve had in four days, knowing she’s with me and safe.
She’s curled in her familiar sleeping position, and I can’t help a smile as the warmth of love fills me. I will never get tired of watching this woman sleep.
Jeans off, I whip the thin, navy sweater I’m wearing over my head and slip into her king-sized bed. She doesn’t even stir, and I’m happy she feels so secure with Patrick in the house. He might have been a pain in my ass in the past, but he’s more than made up for it with this assignment.
Easing closer to her, I lift her long, dark waves off the pillow and replace them with my head. She makes a soft noise and stirs, but she doesn’t wake. My arm goes above her, and our bodies are so close, I can feel the warmth radiating from her ivory skin.
Wrapping a dark curl around my finger, the tension slowly drains from my body. Being with her is enough. She’s home and comfort and warmth and all the good things I thought I’d never have again. She’s my future and my desire and my love, and the notion that some dickwad might try to hurt this woman, might threaten what I cherish…
She sighs and scoots closer to me, still asleep. The idea that she knows I’m here is incredibly satisfying. My own eyes are heavy, and I lower my head.
In three breaths, I’m out.
It’s dark, and I sense his presence. He’s hiding like the coward he is, waiting for me to let my guard down so he can strike, so he can try to hurt her again.
Sensations of being back in battle engage my reflexes. I can’t see the enemy, but that doesn’t mean he can’t see me. I have to move forward, keeping the one I’m charged to protect covered by my side.
A noise, and I know where he is. My fists are clenched. This time I’m not sure I’ll have the presence of mind to stop until he’s eliminated. Permanently.
Energy is building in my core, preparing for a fight… And the scene changes.
Softest velvet touches my skin. Whispers like a butterfly’s wings feather over my cheeks and the sensation moves to my brow. Now it’s on my temple, causing my eyes to blink open.
I’m in Melissa’s pale green room. Sloan’s gone, and the butterfly wings are her hair falling in my face as her delicate lips cover me with kisses.
One swift movement, and she’s on her back with a shriek and a laugh. I want to cover her mouth with mine, but first I’d like to swish with some water—or preferably mouthwash. Instead I opt for devouring her slim neck.
Her fingers thread into the sides of my hair. “What time did you get in?” Her voice is breathy and high, as I follow a trail with my lips along her collarbone.
“Just before six. I tried not to wake you.” My mouth is moving up into her hair, behind her ear. She smells like roses mixed with the ocean, and I inhale deeply as she makes one of those little noises I love.
“Patrick said he almost batted you into next week.” A laugh moves through her torso.
“He did a fantastic job.” I kiss her jaw, pulling little bits of skin between my teeth, tasting her. She’s delicious. “I’m giving him a bonus. Something major. A Rolex.”
She’s squirming, trying to catch my lips with hers, and I lift up long enough to grab the water bottle and take a quick hit, swishing it around and then diving back into her arms. She pushes my shoulders, flipping me onto my back and straddling my waist as she forces my lips apart, finding my tongue.
She’s wearing a skirt, and the way she’s sitting, I can tell she’s not wearing panties. Fuck me. Her heat is flush on my bare stomach, and between that, her hands in my hair, and her mouth moving mine, my morning wood has turned into a full-fledged tree—one of those giant redwoods.
“You’re overdressed.” I pull up the sweater she’s wearing, and my brow collapses with appreciation when I discover she’s also braless.
Her breasts are firm and round and a few sizes bigger these days. Gorgeous.
Holding them, I massage my thumbs over the dark circles before pulling a beaded nipple into my mouth. She lets out a moan, and the chances are great I’ll last about as long as a teenage boy once I’m inside her.
Melissa is not helping the situation. She slides down my stomach and jerks my boxer briefs to my hips. The beast is unleashed, and she covers it with that hot velvet mouth.
“Fuck.” I arch back and try to think of baseball. Cold showers. House fires…
Her small hand pumping my shaft. Warm lips caressing my tip then moving lower, followed by the slow sweep of her tongue. Shit.
In a move fast enough to rival Superman, I catch her under the arms and pull her up and over. I’m inside, sinking deep into her slippery-wet body, in less than two seconds.
“Derek!” She cries and holds on, but I can’t stop.
She’s lying on her back, but I’m on my knees leaning into her, needing to be as deep inside her as possible. Her moans drive me crazy as I grip her ass, pulling her against me. Harder, faster… My stomach tightens as the explosion builds. A ragged groan scrapes my throat as the orgasm blazes through me, shaking me to the core. It’s so good, I have to hold her a few moments to recover.
Releasing my grip on her backside, I lean on the headboard as I catch my breath. These last several weeks, I’ve been doing my best to avoid putting pressure on her abdomen, where the baby is, but she’s crawling up, lips following the lines on my stomach, kissing her way up my chest until she wraps her arms around my neck.
“You’re so sexy when you let go.” Her voice is a husky whisper, and when I open my eyes, her beautiful mouth is inches from mine. I can’t resist kissing it.
“You didn’t finish. I’m sorry.”
Her blue eyes narrow, making her look even more like the sex kitten she is right now. “I guess you have to make it up to me then.”
I manage a weak laugh. “You might have to give me a minute.”
She makes a teasing pout that melts into a smile she presses against my lips. Her breasts touch my chest, and it’s possible I might have a little something left.
My hands roam down her sides, exploring her curves. She’s still up, but I move lower, kissing the sexy crease at the bottom of one breast, inhaling the scent of her body. Fresh-air flowers.
“Mmm…” The vibration of her voice moves through her torso as I kiss her skin. My fingers go between her legs, my thumb circling the tiny bud while my middle fingers push inside her. She moans again, and her hips rock as she rides my hand. I catch her up with a few practiced movements.
Her eyes are closed as she savors the sensations. Her nipples bounce near my chin, so I pull one into my mouth, which earns me another little cry.
“Derek, oh…” Her sighing my name like that is enough to get my semi all the way to ready, and I lie back, pulling her onto my lap so she can ride it out.
Her hips buck against mine as her hair swishes around her waist, and I’m glad I got the edge off because I wouldn’t miss this sight for the world. Her gorgeous body is like a goddess rising above me, sexy and full of life. I’m holding back now, enjoying the beauty of her ecstasy. She’s mine to cherish and to love and to protect, and if my past has taught me anything, it’s how to do that.
Her insides are pulling me, massaging and milking, and now my own instincts kick in. I catch her waist, rocking my hips against her.
“Yes… oh, shit!” She wails, shoulders shuddering with my thrusts, and with a groan, I let go.
It’s pure bliss the second time I come. One last push, and she collapses in my arms, a broad smile on her face. Her cheek is on my shoulder and she starts to giggle.
“What?” Smoothing back her hair, I smile as her blue eyes blink open.
“That was incredible.” Then she laughs again. “I’m such a stereotype. The horny pregnant lady.”
Kissing her eyes and face, I hug her close against me. “You’re not a stereotype. You’re amazingly sexy and everything I want.”
She stretches up and kisses my nose. “I thought I’d have to wait a while after that first round.”
“No way.” My hand is cupping her breast, my thumb circling her nipple. “I can’t have my lady frustrated.”
“Thank you.” Then she giggles again, sitting back and wrapping the sheet around her body, eyes sparkling. “Saying that makes me think of our first time. I was sure I’d gone crazy being with a complete stranger like that. And then you thanked me.”
She covers her eyes and laughs again. I love seeing her so happy.
“You have no idea what a game-changing moment that was for me. It was pretty major.” My thoughts go back to the reason for that encounter and the reason I’m here with her now, and my tone grows serious. “You were always safe with me. I’m sure you sensed it even then.”
Another laugh and she shakes her head, dropping her chin. “I’m pretty sure the only thing I sensed was how incredibly sexy you are.”
Catching that chin, I rub my thumb over her soft skin. “I should’ve done better research before agreeing to help him.”
“Stop.” Her hand covers mine, pulling it down and threading our fingers. “We’ve covered that. And anyway, if you had done better research, you probably would’ve turned him down, and we’d have never met. It was ultimately for the best.”
I can’t argue with that.
“Now,” she continues. “Since we’ve caught up physically—”
“I wouldn’t be so sure—”
She dodges my attempt to pull her to me again. “Tell me why I’ve had house guests all week. Why you’re here early. It’s about my ex-husband, isn’t it?”
Her attempt at being bossy is adorable. “What makes you think that?”
“Patrick is a terrible liar.”
“There goes his Rolex.”
I start to get up, but she catches my arm and holds me. “Tell me what’s going on.”
Her blue eyes are serious, and I sit back against the headboard again. “Okay, yes. It’s about Sloan, and this time I’m not giving up until he’s behind bars.”
Or in hell, I mentally add.
Anger or frustration—it’s hard to tell which—flashes across her face. “I told you I wanted to put the past behind us.”
“I’d be happy to do that if he weren’t still a threat.”
“What threat?” Her voice goes high. “He’s back in Baltimore. He wouldn’t dare touch me. Sloan’s pretty sick, but he’s not stupid enough to cross you.”
“I wish I could agree, but I’ve seen too many cases like this. I know how they go.”
She tries to leave the bed, but I catch her and bring her back. “You have to trust me on this, Mel.”
“You mean I have to live in fear all the time, looking over my shoulder? I won’t do it. I can’t.”
“I’m not asking you to live in fear.”
“And I won’t have you jeopardizing our future by doing something potentially illegal just to… what? Get revenge?”
My lips tighten at her words. I know she’s saying these things because she wants to convince me, but she’s only partially informed. Reaching up, I rest my palm on the side of her face and run my thumb lightly over her scar.
“Every time I see this, I want to kill him. I know exactly how I’ll do it, too.”
She reaches up to take my hand and fold it in both of hers. “My scar reminds me of how strong I am. What I can survive.”
A familiar anger tightens in my chest that she would even need a physical reminder of such a thing.
“I wish I’d never shown you that picture.” Her voice is quiet as she traces her fingertip over the back of my hand. “It was unfair, and now you can never un-see it.”
“Jessica Black is dead.”
Her body goes still. For a moment I’m not sure if she’s breathing.
“Mel?”
Now when her eyes travel up to mine, they’re worried. “How…”
“I don’t know, but I have a hunch.”
Blinking quickly, her head moves side to side as she’s processing what I’m not saying. “He didn’t… he wouldn’t…” She squeezes her blue eyes closed, and I’m worried she’ll cry. She doesn’t. Instead when she opens her eyes this time acceptance is in her voice. “But why?”
“Have you ever seen a picture of her?”
“I never saw pictures of any of them.”
“I’d be willing to bet they all have a similar look, and it’s long, dark waves, petite with fair skin.”
She’s off the bed now, scooping up my shirt and wrapping it around her body. Her arms are crossed over her midsection, and she’s pacing the room still shaking her head. “No. He’s an abusive, controlling son of a bitch, but he’s not a murderer.”
Picking up my jeans, I quickly step in and pull them up my hips before crossing the room to pull her into my arms. “You say that, but you didn’t believe he’d hurt you either.”
I feel the tremors moving through her, and I hug her tighter against my chest. “Shh… I’m here now, and I’m not leaving until he’s no longer a threat to you. Or the baby.”
Another shiver moves through her, but she’s fighting it. “Do you have some reason to believe he’s responsible? The girl was a hooker. She lived a dangerous life. She could’ve been killed for any number of reasons.”
“She was living in Baltimore. She’d moved there a year ago, and it appears she was one of Sloan’s regulars. It’s probably why he got careless, and you found out.”
“That’s a big leap with no evidence.”
“Police records have a mug shot of her beaten. It’s what caught my attention in the first place. The image looks… very similar to what you showed me.”
“Oh, god.” She covers her face with her hands.
Guiding her back to the bed, we sit on the foot. I pull her onto my lap and wrap my arms around her, preparing to hold her for as long as she needs. Not surprisingly, it isn’t very long.
She pushes back and seems to shake herself. Standing again, I see her find that strength I know is inside her. It’s amazing to watch.
“Fuck him.” Her voice is calm. “Let Sloan Reynolds try to come here. I have a Louisville slugger for that very purpose.”
Grinning, now I’m the one shaking his head. “I love you so much, and there is no fucking way I’ll let you be a sitting duck out here.”
She stops moving and faces me, hands on hips. “So you have a plan? Patrick’s in on it?”
“Yeah. I’m heading to Raleigh with him to meet someone he says will help us.”
“Toni Durango. You’re hiring a hooker.”
“He really lost that Rolex this time.”
“I saw the name on his phone. He told me what she does.”
Standing, I cross to where she is and put my hands on the tops of both her shoulders. “I don’t know what Sloan might do, but at this point, I’m willing to consider any possibility. After last week, I was willing to hire someone to take care of him for me—”
“Don’t let him win.” Her eyes are round and serious. “If he took you away from me, I’d have lost something I can’t live without.”
“Enter Patrick, our man with the plan.”
“And his friendly call girl.”
A little groan rises in my throat. “I’ll let you know how it goes. I haven’t committed to anything yet.”