If his heart didn’t already belong to Ariana, she’d have owned it now. He hadn’t even kissed her, yet he couldn’t imagine not having her in his life. It made no sense, she was barely in it now, except that she was on his mind all the time. Shit, he sounded like a stalker. But she was perfect, the whole enchilada as Elwood used to say. Inside that short, curvy, stubborn body was a heart of gold and a sense of humor that put Clay to shame. He was just itching to take her into his arms and kiss her, but this wasn’t the time or the place. He still had to get her to tell him about the asshole who’d gotten her into this mess.

When he stopped chuckling, he realized from the look of confusion on her face that she’d been serious about the one-night stands. What on Earth had made her think that’s what he wanted? Oh wait, she’d already mentioned his “other women.” She must not have been paying attention lately. There hadn’t been a woman in his apartment or bed in over two months.

“I’m sorry, baby. I didn’t mean to laugh at you. But that was the last thing I expected to come out of your mouth.”

“Why? Don’t you think I’m attractive enough to sleep with?” Ari sounded belligerent almost, and it was out of character for her from what he knew. Maybe it was the wine talking.

“Dammit, woman. That couldn’t be further from the truth. I’ve been sitting here for the last hour wondering how you’d taste, what you’d feel like in my arms, in my bed. Don’t even go down that path.” It was his turn to surprise her. As much fun as flirting with her was, it’s not why they were there. He needed to rein it in if he was going to get her into a safe house.

“It sure sounds like you want a one-night stand.”

“Baby, there is no way one night would ever be enough. A thousand nights wouldn’t quench my thirst for you.” As the words sank into her tipsy brain, she turned all kinds of red. It reminded him that tonight was about making sure she was safe, not seduction. Besides, he wanted their first night together to be perfect, and that meant she’d be clear-headed with no chance of regret the next morning. He’d meant what he said, one night would never be enough. She needed to understand that, because once he had her he’d never be able to let her go.

“I think you’ve had too much wine.”

“Nope, I’m fine. I think I started to fall for you the first day in the gym. You were so serious, so determined to get it right and do it all by yourself. I was worried you’d get hurt.”

“You were probably right. I didn’t have a clue what I was doing. I just wanted to get stronger. To be able to protect myself…”

There, the opening he’d been looking for. “Protect yourself? Wouldn’t a self-defense class be better?”

“Not really. Maybe.”

“What’s going on, Ariana?”

“Ugh, I don’t know if I should tell you. I’m worried you’ll go all Neanderthal on me.”

“What?”

“You know…troglodytic? Caveman?”

He chuckled and shook his head. “You think I’m a caveman?”

“Yup. Look how you’ve been about the door.”

“It’s a safety thing.”

“Exactly, and if you find out all the trouble I’m in you’ll be worse.”

“Trouble? Now you have to explain.” He hated pushing her like this, but it was the only way. It’s how the plan was supposed to work, so why did he feel so shitty about it?

“You may not have had too much, but I obviously did. Damn. Two glasses don’t usually get to me especially when I’m eating.” He didn’t have the heart to tell her she’d had more like three. He’d been barely filling his. It made him an asshole, but she was so stubborn, she’d never have let down her guard otherwise.

“Tell me about this trouble.”

“Are you finished?” The server interrupted.

“Yes, thank you. It was absolutely delicious,” Ari said with a smile.

“Would you like me to pack up the rest for you?”

“Sure, that would be great.”

“Can I bring anything else? Dessert? Our tiramisu is outstanding, but we also have gelato and cheesecake.”

“I couldn’t eat anything else.”

“Do you want to get something to go? We can have it with coffee when we get home.” He wasn’t ready to let her slip through his hands. He was a man on a mission, and he always finished what he started. At first, he thought she would say no, the smirk she gave him said she knew what he was doing.

“Okay, twist my arm. Do you want to share a tiramisu?”

“Sounds perfect. Could you pack one for us with her leftovers?”

“Of course. I’ll be back with that and your check.”

“Ariana, just because we were interrupted doesn’t mean I’ll forget.”

“No? I didn’t think so. I figured that’s the reason for the dessert.”

“Partly, the other part is I really love tiramisu. I’ve had it all over the world so I couldn’t pass it up.”

“Really? You’ve traveled that much?”

“Yes, and I’ll tell you about it someday. But now I want to hear about the trouble that’s making you so upset. It’s why you were crying earlier, wasn’t it?”

“Yes, it was. It’s a long story. A boring, messed up story.”

“I like those,” John said with a smile.

The server was back. “Here you go. I hope you enjoyed your meal and that you’ll come back again.”

“It was excellent. We’ll definitely be back.” Ariana raised her eyebrows at his statement but didn’t contradict him, and he was more relieved than he should have been. He gave the server cash for the bill. It was more expensive than his usual dinner out, but as far as he was concerned the time with Ariana was priceless. “Mr. Darcy, are you awake down there?” The fluffy tan head popped up from under the tablecloth with a woof.

“Are you ready, baby?”

“Yes. Thank you for dinner. It was great.”

“Our evening isn’t over yet. Don’t think you’ll be ditching me at your door.”

She laughed as she stood and grabbed the bag with her leftovers. “I didn’t think it would work.”

“You thought right. I knew you were a smart cookie.”

“Well just don’t crumble my cookie and we’ll be fine.” Chuckling, he put his hand on the back of her waist and led her through the maze of tables and onto the sidewalk. Mr. Darcy followed along beside him.

“I don’t plan on any crumbling, but no promises.”

“That’s what I’m afraid of.”

“Don’t be. Let’s be serious for a moment. Whether or not you believe me, I will never intentionally hurt you.”

“How can you know that?”

“I realize we haven’t known each other that long, and I’m hoping to rectify that. You’re an amazing woman.” In his mind, he repeated intentionally, as he took her hand and they headed back to the apartment complex. The Marshall’s car was following along with them, he almost felt bad for the guy. He should have sent over some dinner.

“You only think I’m amazing. If you knew everything you wouldn’t think that anymore.”

“Then tell me. I promise you, I’m your friend first, and I’m not going anywhere.”

She’d stopped and looked up at him, her face glowing in the moonlight. She took his breath away, and he hadn’t kissed her yet. God help him once he tasted her.

“I’d like to believe you, John. But my track record hasn’t been great.”

“You’ll never know if you don’t take a chance.”

“That’s true. But you have to promise me one thing.”

“What’s that?”

“That you won’t go apeshit and be Neanderthal man.”

“I don’t know what you’re going to tell me, so it’s kind of hard to promise that. I’m a SEAL my first instinct is to protect. How about I promise to try my best?”

“I guess that’ll have to do. But if you go crazy I’ll sic Mr. Darcy on you and trust me, he can be ferocious when he needs to be. Right, Mr. Darcy?”

On cue, the fluffy ball woofed, and they laughed. “You really got a great dog. I’m so glad you found each other.”

“Me too. I can’t believe he’s only been with me for a month.”

“That means it’s a good thing. My mom always said that if time flew by you were happy, it only drags when you’re miserable.”

“I’ve never heard that before, but it makes a lot of sense. Is your mom still alive?”

“Yup, she lives in Virginia with my sister.”

“You have a sister? See I really don’t know you at all.”

“I told you that you can ask me anything.”

By then they’d arrive at their building. John typed in the keycode and opened the door. “Do you want to go to my apartment or yours?”

She gave him a questioning look.

“Dessert, remember? And you promised you’d tell me what’s going on with you.”

“You really don’t forget anything, do you?”

“Not much,” he answered with a huge grin. She was pretending to be exasperated, but she couldn’t hold back her answering smile.

“Mine will be easier, and Mr. Darcy can have his real dinner and some water.”

They didn’t have long to wait for the elevator and soon they were on their floor. Her apartment was closer and visible once they stepped out of the elevator.

“Shit. Get behind me and hold on to Mr. Darcy.”

“Why, what’s…”

“Shhh. Your door’s been busted open. I want you to stay out of sight and call nine-one-one. Mr. Darcy, you stay and watch our girl.”

“Okay.”

He hated to hear the quiver in her voice, but it couldn’t be helped. She wasn’t alone, and he had no intention of letting anything happen to her. Of course, it was one of the few times he wasn’t carrying. It was stupid on his part. Especially since he knew the danger she was in.

Double checking to make sure she was protected and dialing the police, he approached the door and slowly pushed it open with his foot. He made sure he was out of range if someone with a gun was inside. Nothing happened, and he peered around the smashed door frame and when he didn’t hear or see anything he stepped inside.

Holy fuck. The apartment was trashed, there wasn’t one thing left upright from what he could see of the living room and kitchen. It looked deliberate, like they’d been searching for something. This was another threat. He was damn glad they’d done this when she wasn’t home. Maybe they were smart enough not to want an assault charge or worse on their heads. Ariana would be devastated when she saw what they’d done to her home. He wished there was a way to soften the blow.

Going from room to room he checked for intruders, but they were long gone. Even the balcony had been trashed. The sons-of-bitches would pay for this when he caught them, and he would catch them. As soon as he got her settled either in the safe house or his apartment—he was opting for the second choice—he had a few phone calls of his own to make.

***

“Nine-one-one, what’s your emergency?”

“My name is Ariana Nelson. My apartment was broken into.”

“Are you in the apartment now? Are the intruders still there? Are you in immediate danger?”

“I don’t think I’m in danger.”

“What’s your address?”

“Twenty-two eighty-nine Alameda Boulevard. Apartment seven-oh-three.”

“A unit should be there within ten minutes. Are you alone? Do you want me to stay on the phone with you?”

“No, I’m okay. I have a friend with me. He actually went into the apartment to check it out.”

“Ma’am, tell him not to touch anything until the officers get there.”

“I will, but I’m sure he already knows that.”

“Very well.”

Ari disconnected the phone and looked down at Mr. Darcy who was sitting obediently. John was still inside her apartment, but there was no sound. Whoever had broken in was probably long gone.

“C’mon, Mr. Darcy, let’s see what damage has been done.”

“Woof.” He didn’t budge, hadn’t even stood up.

“Come, Mr. Darcy. Don’t make me pull you.”

“Woof.” Still, he didn’t move.

“What’s wrong with you? Fitzwilliam Darcy, you need to listen to me.” But instead of getting up he looked from her to the apartment door and back to her again. It was as if he was saying, John told us to stay so we’re staying. “Whose dog are you? You’re supposed to listen to me.”

“He’s protecting you. I told you to stay put for your protection. I’m glad the dog listened at least.”

“I didn’t go in.”

“Nope you didn’t, but only because he wouldn’t get up.”

Dammit, she was busted. Not only was he a Neanderthal but he had ears that could probably pick up a fart a mile away.

“Whatever it is you’re thinking, you have an evil expression, and it’s kind of creepy.”

“Really?” She growled, and even Mr. Darcy looked at her. “You promised not to go all caveman on me, remember?”

“I promised I’d try. I didn’t count on this.”

“Ugh. It’s not your problem.”

“It is now. What did the police say?”

“They’d be here in ten minutes or less.”

Ari had no sooner said it when they could hear the sirens coming down the road. It’s all Mr. Darcy had to hear to trigger his howling. He was practically a professional and had great range. The first time he’d done it, she’d wondered if at some point he’d belonged to a Fire Department, but she couldn’t imagine they’d have let him run away.

“We should probably go downstairs and let them in,” John said as the elevator doors opened revealing Shadow Four with two police officers. “Who’s with the police?”

“My protection detail.”

“Your what?”

“Protection. He’s a US Marshall. He’s one of four men that watch over me. I call them all Shadow because I don’t know their names. This is all part of what I was going to tell you.”

“I see. I’m surprised they only have one on you at a time. There should have been someone here guarding your place.”

“Nope, they only follow me.”

“Miss Nelson, please stay out here while we clear the apartment,” Shadow Four said in his best authoritative voice. Shadow one and two weren’t so bad, but three and four were totally over the top when they spoke to her.

“The Crime Scene Unit is on the way. In the meantime, can you tell us what you know?”

“Of course, but it’s not much. We’d just gotten back from dinner…”

“We?”

“Yes, my friend and I were at dinner. That’s him talking to the Marshall. His name is John Dillon, he’s in the Navy. If you need more information than that, he can give it to you.”

“Got it. How long were you and your boyfriend gone?”

“A couple of hours, but he’s not my boyfriend.”

“Yes, I am,” John said as he appeared at her side.

The policeman looked back and forth between them and shrugged. It was obvious it wasn’t the first time he’d heard this argument.

“Okay, so you were at dinner for a couple of hours and then came back when?”

“Just before I called, so whatever time the nine-one-one call came in. We’d just stepped off the elevator when John saw the door smashed in.”

“Did either of you see anyone?”

“No.”

“Did you go into the apartment?”

“I didn’t. I stayed out here with my dog to call you.”

“I went in to make sure no one was around, but I didn’t touch anything. I know how to deal with crime scenes.”

The officer nodded and kept making notes. Ari wanted to see her apartment, from the way John was acting it couldn’t be good. Would they even let her stay there tonight? Damn, that made her think of Colin. She probably should have called him. Hopefully, Shadow Four took care of that.