CHARLOTTE FELT PANIC seconds before her dream came into focus.

The warrior appeared before her and smiled, which made her heart race even faster.

“Nye?” she whispered. “I’m afraid.”

Strong arms wrapped around her, felt but not seen, and she stared up at the familiar face of the man who’d been haunting her dreams. He was looking behind her, so she followed his line of sight and gasped. Blake Harris stood there, his hands fisted at his sides and his face contorted with rage. Before she could react, her attention was pulled back to the giant.

“Ekki vera hrædd, litla,” he said. “Pabbi mun vernda þig.” (Do not be afraid, little one. Papa will protect you.)

“But who are you?” The man began to disappear and she panicked again. “Wait.”

“Ég mun sjá þig fljótlega.”

“What do you mean you’ll see me soon? Where are you going?” she called, but he melted into the mist, as did Blake.

Charlotte forced her eyes open, her breath coming in short pants.

“Charlotte?”

“Hmm?”

“You okay?” Niall rolled her to face him, his arms still firmly around her.

His chest was bare, and she couldn’t help herself from reaching over and touching him. His skin was so smooth and taut, his muscles beyond “cut.”

“Wow,” she rasped, and sat up, realizing she was in her bra and underwear, under the covers. “Why am I naked?”

“You’re not really naked, love,” Niall countered.

She pulled the sheet to her chest. “Why am I in my underwear, then?”

Niall smiled. “Because after you ripped my shirt to pieces, you started in on your clothes. I managed to keep you from destroying your jeans, but your top is a goner.”

“I did this?”

“Aye, lass, you did. You divested us of most of our clothing, all the while speaking Icelandic. Quite remarkable, actually. I managed to get you to sleep, but for a minute there, I thought I’d have to bind you.”

She flopped back on the pillows and covered her face with her hands. “What is going on with me?”

“I don’t know.” Niall pulled her closer, leaning down to kiss her quickly. “I think I’m going to have to bind you soon, though. Either that, or we’ll be forced to keep our distance. I only brought a limited amount of clothing, and I’d rather not have to go shopping while I’m here.”

Charlotte ran her fingers over his stubbly chin. “I’m sorry.”

“Don’t be sorry, love. Last night was fun, even if it was a little frustrating.”

“Have you ever seen anything like this before?”

He shook his head. “No, but I’m probably not the one to ask.”

“Why? Because you haven’t slept with a lot of women?”

“No, because I haven’t slept with any.”

“What?” she exclaimed. “Seriously? Why not? I mean, not that I would want you to or anything, but you’re like a million years old, a famous musician, and groupies are whores.”

“Aye, they can be.” He settled his head in the palm of his hand. “And a million might be a bit harsh.”

“Okay, only hundreds,” she joked.

He grinned. “When I turned twenty-five, I made a choice to wait. I couldn’t bring myself to sully a woman who wasn’t mine, and I didn’t want to disrespect my future mate by sleeping with a human just because I could. I saw the state of the women Max left in his wake. So, I didn’t.”

She sighed. “Are you for real?”

He chuckled. “It doesn’t mean I wasn’t tempted, sweetheart. I am still a man.”

“But you had self-control. Most men don’t.” She smiled. “It just makes me love you more.” She groaned. “Shit!”

“What?”

“I wanted the first time I told you I loved you to be romantic.”

“It is, love.” He leaned down and kissed her. “Say it again.”

She grinned. “I love you.”

He kissed her again. “I love you too.”

Charlotte tugged him closer, wrapping her arms around his back and kissing him deeply. Things were just getting interesting when her phone rang. She ignored it and ran her hands down Niall’s chest. Without warning, he slid from the bed and held his hands out to keep her from following. “Take a minute,” he suggested.

She sighed. “I’m okay, babe. But you’re right. Let’s get up and order room service. I’m starving.”

He smiled. “I love that idea.”

She sat up and climbed off the mattress. “Do you have a shirt I could borrow?”

“What, and cover up the best view I’ve ever had?” he challenged.

She shrugged. “Hey, you won’t bind me, so no gawking at the sweater yams until that happens.”

He laughed as he handed her a T-shirt. “Sweater yams?”

“It’s a line from a television show, I think. I don’t know. Grace and I use it all the time... it seems appropriate on occasion.”

“It’s funny.” He leaned down and kissed her quickly.

She ran her finger over the birthmark on his ribcage. “Have you always had this?”

“Aye, lass. All Cauld Ane men do.” He glanced to where her fingers were. “A birthmark of some sort, that is.”

“Really? It looks like a pineapple.”

He chuckled. “Me mum used to say she thought it looked like the Scottish thistle. She said it was proof of where I was from.”

“That’s so sweet.”

He nodded. “Do you like it?”

“Yes, why?”

“Because you will have the same one once we’re bound.”

“I will?”

He nodded and touched her ribs. “It will mirror mine.”

She sighed. “So, no chance of it morphing into an American flag, then?”

He laughed. “No, but that would be something, eh?”

Charlotte nodded as she ran her fingers over his mark again. “I love it.”

He leaned down and kissed her cheek. “Let’s eat.”

Niall ordered room service while Charlotte checked her messages. Davis had called her about the weekend church services, but asked her to call him back rather than respond via e-mail. She dialed his number.

“Charlie, hi,” he said. “Thanks for getting back to me so quickly.”

“No problem,” she said. “What’s up?”

“Well, I have a bit of a dilemma.”

Charlotte chuckled. “Uh-oh, that sounds ominous.”

“Two of my vocalists bailed as did our drummer, and I’m having a devil of a time finding anyone to fill in. It’s a big weekend this weekend, and we’re a little frantic.”

Both Kris and Rose attended Davis’s church and Charlotte and Grace had sung there on occasion, but Charlotte had always felt it was too big for her...not that she went to church as much as she probably should.

“Anyway, Kris mentioned you might know a drummer, and I could really use you as well.”

“I’m not sure the drummer I know has ever played worship music, so I’m not sure he’d even want to do it, but let me ask him and I’ll call you back, okay?”

“No problem,” Davis said. “And you? Will you save me? I’ll pay you.”

Charlotte smiled. “Yes, Davy, I’ll save you.”

“Thanks, Charlie. Okay, just let me know about the drummer.”

“I will. ’Bye.” Charlotte hung up just as Niall did. “Can you play anything?”

He raised an eyebrow. “Is this random-question Thursday?”

She grinned. “Yes.”

“Okay, I’m game,” he said, and sat on the sofa. “Yes, I can play anything. Why?”

She joined him. “I don’t mean as in instruments. I mean songs. We need a drummer for the weekend and I’ve been asked to sing.”

“I’ve never played in church,” he mused.

She frowned. “That’s what I thought. It’s fine, I’ll let Davis know.”

Niall grabbed her arm. “That doesn’t mean I can’t or wouldn’t like to.”

“Really?”

“Aye, lass. I rather fancy the idea of hearing you sing, especially if I get to stare at your lovely bottom for an entire weekend.”

Charlotte giggled. “You’ll be behind plexiglass, so I don’t know how much of a view you’ll get.”

“I have my ways.”

“I bet you do.” She smiled. “So, can I tell Davis yes?”

“Aye, lass, you can.” He checked his watch. “Do you have a local music shop where I can purchase a few things? I will need sticks and a pedal.”

“Yep. There’s a Guitar Center in Portland,” she said as she grabbed her phone and texted the worship pastor. “We can go today if you want.”

“Perfect.”

“Do you travel with your in-ears? If not, we’ll have to get you some.”

“I have mine. I use them for a lot more than playing. They’re much better than headphones or ear buds to listen to music or watch movies. I also try to be prepared in case of situations like this.”

She leaned over and kissed him. “You’re a regular boy scout, aren’t you?”

He chuckled. “Don’t start sainting me yet, love.”

“I would never.”

Niall laughed and Charlotte rose to her feet. “I think I should stop at home for a shower and clean clothes. My mom’ll be at work, so the coast will be clear.”

Niall nodded as he stood. “I think you should pack a bag while you’re there.”

“Why?”

“Because I’d like you to stay with me.”

Charlotte bit her lip. “In the hotel?”

“Aye, lass. And my home and our home, obviously, when we’re bound.”            

“I’m not sure I’m ready to make that leap.”

“Then, how about you just pack enough things that will cover you should you decide to shred your clothes again?”

“Deal.” She grimaced. “I’m really sorry about your shirt.”

“I love you even when you destroy my clothing, love.” He smiled, leaning down to kiss her. “Maybe even more because of it.”

“Good lord, you’re charming.”

“Thank you.” He chuckled. “Shall I have Bruce drop you home and I’ll pick you up in an hour?”

She nodded. “That would be perfect.”

Niall texted Bruce, and Charlotte felt admittedly disappointed when he arrived quite quickly. Niall smiled and kissed her. “One hour.”

She nodded and grabbed her purse, following Bruce from the room.

* * *

Fifty minutes later, Niall knocked on her door. Charlotte pulled open the door and giggled. “What happened to an hour?”

He nodded over his shoulder. “Shall I come back?”

“Don’t you dare.” She grabbed his hand and tugged him inside.

He chuckled as he pulled her into his arms and kissed her. “I missed you.”

“Same.” She looped her arms around his neck. “I packed a bag that we can leave at the hotel.”

Niall glanced toward the door. “You went small, I see.”

Charlotte giggled. The suitcase was her largest. “I packed enough to cover several shredding incidents.”

“Good thinking.” He grinned. “Is yer mum home yet?”

She shook her head. “She’s still at work and Vandi’s at school. Although, Van should be getting home soon.”

“So, you haven’t talked?”

“No, babe, but it’ll be fine.”

“Is she worried?”

“Who? My mom?”

He nodded.

“About what?” she asked.

“You. Where you’ve been. Who I am, etcetera.”

Charlotte shook her head. “No. I think she’s still not used to having me home, to be honest. I do keep her updated, so that might help as well. After yesterday, though, I need to make some changes.”

“I agree,” he said. “If you’re not safe here, I may have to make other arrangements for you.”

Charlotte frowned. “I’m perfectly safe. My mother will never hit me again, so I’m not afraid of her.”

“Are you sure?”

“I’m sure.” She smiled as she stroked his cheek.

He sighed. “What about your father?”

“What about him?”

He raised an eyebrow. “When will I meet him?”

“Soon. Maybe.”

“Charlotte,” he admonished.

“What? I don’t want you to meet him yet. He’s overprotective to a fault, and I’m not ready for him to get all harpy on me.”

“Harpy?”

“Yes. I feel like he’s kind of lost that right,” she said.

“Wasn’t he the one who was lied to?”

She blushed. “Yes, I guess you have a point. But he’s also lied to me for so long.”

“He’s still yer da, love.” He slipped a wayward lock of hair behind her ear. “He did raise you.”

She nodded. “I don’t want to argue about Matthew Whitmore today, okay?”

Niall stared at her for a few seconds before nodding. “Come on, then. Let’s have some fun.”

“Good answer.”

He grabbed her suitcase and Charlotte followed him from the house.

* * *

Having acquired everything he needed the day before to feel comfortable behind a drum set foreign to him, Niall took Charlotte to breakfast before heading to church. They arrived fifteen minutes before rehearsals were to begin, and walked into a madhouse. Charlotte shook her head.

“Crap,” she whispered. “It would appear your cover’s been blown.”

“My cover?”

“Davis thought it would be a good idea not to tell folks you were playing, because he knows what our musicians are like.”

“What are they like?” he asked.

“Rabid fans.”

He chuckled. “Are all these people musicians in your church?”

“No. These are the looky-loos who are obviously just fans.” She grimaced. “I’m really sorry, Niall.”

He smiled. “Don’t worry about it, love. This is going to be fun.”

Charlotte led him to the greenroom, where a swarm of people milled around, just outside the room, looking as though they had something to do, but all the while using their “work” as an excuse to get close to Niall. Davis shot Charlotte an apologetic smile as he shook Niall’s hand and ushered him into the greenroom.

Charlotte heard their bandleader, Cameron Shane, outside speaking to the group. “Hey, everyone. It’s awesome to see you guys, but as you know, unless you are a musician serving this weekend, we need to keep this area clear.”

There were a lot of grumbles, but Cameron managed to get everyone to go back to their specific tasks. Cameron walked into the greenroom a few minutes later and pulled Charlotte in for a hug. “How are you, stranger?”

Cameron was about six feet tall, with dark, shaggy hair, and deep blue eyes. He was in his early thirties and one of the nicest men on the planet, in Charlotte’s opinion. It was actually the opinion of a lot of people, including ninety percent of the single women in their church, however, he hadn’t met “the one” yet and avoided dating at all costs.

“I’m good,” Charlotte said. “How about you?”

“You know me... livin’ the dream.”

She giggled. “So very true. Ah, Cam, this is Niall MacMillan.”

“It’s nice to meet you,” Cameron said, and shook his hand. “Thanks for bailing us out this weekend.” He smiled at Charlotte. “You too, Charlie. I didn’t want to be stuck up there with just Davis. You know what he’s like.”

“Hey!” Davis said good-naturedly, and made his way over to them. He greeted the couple and then smacked Cameron on the back... hard.

Cameron chuckled. “Wimp.”

Davis laughed. “Did you get a chance to look at the set list?”

Charlotte smiled up at Niall. “We did.”

“Anything you feel uncomfortable with?” Cameron asked Niall.

He shook his head. “No. You just let me know if you want a different feel.”

“Great.” Cameron smiled. “You okay with your stuff, Charlie? You know how I love the powerhouse female songs.”

She chuckled. “I do know that. Why you picked them when I’m on, I have no idea.”

Cameron rolled his eyes. “Yeah, my bad.”

Charlotte giggled. “I’ll show Nye where everything is, okay?”

“That’d be great,” Cameron said. “Thanks. Oh, let me know if you feel up to doing a little fan meet and greet after services. I’m not entirely sure how folks knew you were coming, but the church is buzzing about it. No pressure... just thought I’d ask.”

Niall smiled and glanced at Charlotte in question.

“Hey, I get it. I’m a fan too,” she pointed out. “It’s fine by me.”

Niall smiled. “Then it’s fine by me.”

“Cool. I’ll set it up,” Cameron said, and left the greenroom.

“Where’s your ring, love?” Niall whispered.

She pulled on the chain around her neck, the ring attached to it. “I don’t want to share just yet.”

He frowned, but dropped the subject, and she led him behind the stage and to the curtained area where the drums were.

* * *

By the end of the final service late Sunday afternoon, Charlotte thought her legs and her voice might break... six services a weekend was enough to tire anyone out. She sat on one of the reclining sofas in the greenroom while Niall paid court somewhere else to his many admirers.

Are you shattered, love?

Yes. She closed her eyes. I want a hot bath and a bottle of wine.

Will you share?

No. To both.

She felt his chuckle. I’m almost done here, sweetheart.

Charlotte sighed. Good.

She felt soft lips on her cheek and opened her eyes to find Niall standing over her. She realized she’d fallen asleep.

“Hi.”

“Hi,” he said, and smiled. “I’m sorry I left you here for so long. I didn’t gamble on folks going home and returning with albums for me to sign.”

“Like I told you. They’re rabid fans.” She yawned. “What time is it?”

He grasped her hands and pulled her from the sofa. “Time for me to pamper you.”

“Where’s all your stuff?” she asked as she glanced around the room. “I just need to grab my purse.”

“Our stuff’s in the car. Bruce is waiting outside.”

“So I can sleep in the car,” she said, and yawned again.

“Aye, love, you can sleep in the car.”

* * *

Niall wrapped an arm around Charlotte’s waist and guided her out the back door and into the Town Car. Cameron had done as he’d promised and made sure no one else bothered them as they were leaving. If Niall was human, he’d guess his hands would be cramping from all the autographs signed. He’d never seen so many people at a church before. Granted, he’d rarely gone to church, and he’d certainly never been to anything like this one.

He smiled at Charlotte, who had promptly fallen asleep in the car as they drove back to the hotel. He was in awe of his mate and her voice. He couldn’t wait to get her into the studio and sing with her. She was a powerhouse singer, and her countenance changed when she sang. She was even more beautiful, if that was possible.

Charlotte smiled. “I can hear your thoughts.”

He chuckled. “I have nothing to hide.”

She opened her eyes and sat up straighter as she checked her watch. “Holy cow, is it really six?”

“Aye, lass.”

“Two hours of signing autographs is a long time. Are you okay?”

He chuckled. “That’s a slow day, baby.”

“Of course it is, I should have known.” She rolled her eyes. “What’s the plan now?”

He tugged on her necklace. “First you’re going to put this back on...”

She gave him a shy smile and slipped the ring back on her finger.

“Now, I’m going to feed you, and then you’ll take your bubble bath and drink that wine.”

Charlotte grinned. “You know just how to woo me.”

“Yes. Yes, I do.”

* * *

The next morning, Charlotte’s cell phone rang, dragging her from her surprisingly pleasant dream. She ignored it, but it started again and she shifted closer to Niall. She’d fallen asleep curled up next to him, and he currently had his arms wrapped around her and she wasn’t willing to move. Her phone pealed again. She reached for it and saw her mother’s name pop up on the screen. She sent the call to voice mail, but the phone rang again immediately. She sighed. “Mom? Everything okay?”

“No!” she snapped. “Outside of the fact you didn’t come home last night, your sister’s missing.”

Feeling Niall move, Charlotte glanced to see him slide from the mattress and grab his phone. She threw her arm over her eyes. “What? What do you mean, ‘missing’?”

“Missing, gone, vanished, take your pick!” her mother screamed.

Charlotte pulled her phone away from her ear. “Mom. Calm down. How long has she been gone?”

“Two hours... I think.”

Charlotte sat up and checked the time. It was just past ten. “Okay, she’s probably just mad and gone for a walk or something. Don’t overreact. Did you try her cell phone?”

“I found it smashed on the floor, Charlotte. I’m not overreacting!” Her mother groaned. “I just ran to the store for fifteen minutes. When I got home, she was gone.”

“Okay, Mom. Okay.” Charlotte took a deep breath. “Did you call the police?”

“Yes, of course I did. They’re on their way.”

“Good. Did you call Dad?”

“Yes,” she huffed. “He’s on his way too.”

She slid from the bed and looked for Niall. He was in the living room, pacing the floor and rubbing his forehead. “Do you want me and Niall to look for her, or would you rather I come home?” Charlotte asked.

Her mother sobbed in relief. “Would you look for her, please? You know where she likes to go more than me.”

“Of course, Mom. We’ll leave right now.”

“Text me as soon as you know anything.”

“I will. I promise.”

Her mother hung up and Charlotte shoved her phone in her purse. Niall was still on his phone so she headed into the bathroom to change from her pajamas. As she dressed, she tried to listen to his conversation.

“Aye. I’ve sent you photos of her and the number of the man I think she’s with, along with photos of him. Track his phone if you can. Hopefully, he hasn’t disposed of it yet.” He glanced at the clock next to the television. “Aye, we’re going to look for her now.” He sighed. “I’ll no’ promise that, Dalton. Aye. Call me when you have news... or before. Thanks.” He hung up just as Charlotte walked out of the bathroom. “Dalton has notified the local FBI.”

“Who’s Dalton?” she asked.

“He’s Samantha’s brother. Ex-FBI.”

“I really think my mother might be overreacting,” Charlotte said, and pulled on her shoes. “Vandi can be dramatic. I’d hate to take them away from someone who might really need them.”

“You don’t think it’s strange that Vandi’s cell phone was on the floor and broken? Or that she ‘left’ just when yer mum stepped out?” he challenged.

Charlotte shrugged. “She could have been waiting for her to leave.”

“And they could have as well. Don’t minimize this, Charlotte.” He gathered his wallet and keys.

“Don’t get all snippy at me,” she retorted. “I know my sister. You don’t.”

He took a deep breath. “If she has simply run away, she will need to know what that choice has done to her family. And if she hasn’t, every second counts to get her back.”

Charlotte nodded, her mood suddenly somber. “You’re right, I’m sorry.”

“Hey,” he said, and kissed her temple as he wrapped an arm around her waist. “We will find her, sweetheart. Okay?”

Charlotte nodded and let him lead her out the door.