“There you go, Marvin. Send it to the asshole.” Trinity read the email message three times, then four, her fingers shaking as she crouched in front of the computer. She was going to have to leave the house just to be able to hit send. Right now, all she wanted to do was crawl under the covers. The words were the best she could come up with, even though they said almost nothing about the incident in the past or address the full level of accusations thrown at her.

Still, the statement could be enough to get Jack and her agent and the entire movie world off her back. However, she had a feeling she was going to have to have a conversation with David. The realization left a bad taste in her mouth. She knew nothing about David’s new life, one he’d forged only recently. She’d severed all ties, telling the man in no uncertain terms that he was never to contact her again. But she knew where he was, where he’d landed.

Groaning, she grabbed her keys and headed out the door. She could use this as an excuse to grab a bottle, no three bottles of wine. A pity party she was allowed tonight. All. By. Herself. She started the engine and roared down the driveway, the tires skidding on the gravel just before she hit the main road.

As soon as she was a half mile down the winding path, her cell phone rang. She was utterly terrified to look at the screen. Seeing Ana’s phone number, she breathed a sigh of relief. “Ana. At least a happy voice.”

“Happy. I’m not happy at all right now. Just had a lovely and caustic visit from that man you dated.”

“Chance?”

“Oh, you bet. He’s looking for you. Says you are the love of his life and he will find you,” Ana said then chuckled. “He didn’t take kindly to me throwing him out at gunpoint.”

“You did not!”

“I did too. I told you no man was going to give me shit ever again.”

“That’s why I adore you,” Trinity purred. “Do you really think he’s going to try and find me?”

“Honestly, I do. I hope you haven’t been recognized.”

“Not so far. Seems Missoula is far removed from the glamorous life of Hollywood. The truck is interesting.”

“Ah, come on. You fit right in.”

“Yeah, you’re right about that.”

“Jack’s been sniffing around too. I don’t think he knows you’re out of town yet. The guy isn’t so bad. Just has a fixation on you.”

Trinity made several grunting sounds. “Jack is a pinheaded peon.”

Ana laughed. “I understand. Hey, would you like some company?”

“If the person doesn’t have a cock between his legs. You bet.”

“Do I want to know?” Ana asked, her voice holding a lilt.

“That’s for a bottle of wine or maybe tequila.”

“You’re on. I thought I’d come spend a couple of days. I know what you’re dealing with. I know what you’re going through. Nothing is a secret in this town.”

Trinity cringed. “I think I could use a friend.”

“Good. I can’t make it for a couple of days, but I’ll let you know when I book the flight. Have that tequila handy. I think we’re both going to need it.”

“Oh, I will. Call me.” She wanted to toss the phone out the window. If Chance found her on top of everything, she would absolutely leave the country.

She pulled into the parking lot and sat for several minutes before she managed to look at the email one last time. There was no doubt Marvin would be on the phone in a matter of minutes, but by that point, she’d be nursing her first glass of wine. “Here goes nothing.” Her finger hovering, she said a silent prayer then hit enter.

Then she became chilled to the core.

* * *

“Thank you all for coming in.” The male voice was clipped, even bored, as if their presence wasn’t necessary. “I’m Lieutenant Yancy and this is Lieutenant Sloan. We’re working on the task force investigating the recent bomb threats.”

“Riker Sheffield,” After shaking hands, Riker looked at the two investigators sitting behind the table and nodded. Goddamn, they were smug. This particular task force was small, but he had no doubt they’d been made aware of the situation in lowly Montana the second the first bomb threat was made. Interesting how they were only minutes away after the second call had been made. He knew little about their operation except they went by the book. At least the threats were being taken seriously. “Sure.”

“Antonio Giovanni. My expertise is, or I should say was working with bombs out of New York. Small fire department, but we had our share of follow-up calls.”

Antonio had concurred that his concept of the bomb being one used by the military was spot on, but that in itself didn’t mean shit. Anyone could build a bomb based solely on information found on the internet. For all they knew, a kid could be flexing his wings. Up to this point, no real harm had been done. “I’m not certain what any of us might be able to add. We’re smokejumpers,” Riker said.

“I understand you’ve had experience with this type of bomb during your stint in Baltimore,” Lieutenant Sloan commented as she glanced at Riker.

The woman wasn’t going to address his statement. “Yeah. We had a particularly nasty case involving the same type of mechanism, the only difference being the bombs were detonated, killing almost a dozen people.” Riker had recalled as many of the details as possible, even though his entire working past he’d pushed behind him. “Remote detonation through a phone, a radio signal, etc. However, the difference being, the person sending the signal isn’t required to be in close proximity.”

“Exactly what was and is currently being used in military applications. However, from what I’ve heard, the bomb that went off at Best Buy was older in design, no longer used. I was able to confirm that from my old sergeant.”

Riker looked at Stoker. They’d come directly from the Hangar to the makeshift office in the government administration building. There would have been no time for Stoker to call anyone. Why was the man bluffing?

“We are aware of how it works, Mr. Sheffield and Mr. Hansen, we suspect the perpetrator isn’t on active duty.” Lieutenant Sloane looked at her partner, a knowing expression on her face.

“Then why are we here?” Antonio challenged.

When the two investigators remained quiet, Stoker leaned across the table. “This isn’t about the bombs. Is it?”

“The bombs are a cover up.” Antonio sat back in his seat, his dark eyes penetrating.

Both investigators looked uncomfortable.

“This is an active investigation and as such, we can’t divulge any details.” Lieutenant Yancy kept his eyes locked on Riker.

“I repeat, why are we here?” Antonio jerked up from the seat.

“I think we should go, gentlemen.” Stoker did the same.

“Hold on. Unfortunately, the bomb was detonated, the pieces destroyed prior to our arrival on the scene. Mr. Sheffield. You were the only person to see the actual device. At minimum, we will need a detailed sketch.” Lieutenant Sloan’s tone was suddenly softer, encouraging.

Riker rose to his feet, a smirk on his face. “I’m certain we can do better than that. With Stoker’s help, we’ll get you an actual color photograph of the device used for your records. Will that help?”

“A great deal. Thank you. I think that’s all we need.” Lieutenant Yancy smiled as he stood. “Here’s my card. You can email that photograph. As soon as possible.”

“Of course.” Grabbing the card, Riker stuffed it into his back pocket without taking a glance.

“Thank you so much for coming in.” Lieutenant Sloan had already shut down, closing her notebook.

Antonio chuckled. “We’re happy to help.”

Riker was the last to leave the office and he stood just outside the door, trying to catch any additional conversation. Their voices were hushed. When he was outside, he glanced back at the building.

“What in the hell was that about?” Stoker asked.

“A waste of time,” Antonio huffed, cursing under his breath.

“They were fishing, but why?”

“Because you and Landen arrived first?” Stoker paced the sidewalk. “Nah, they have more information than they’re letting on.”

“You were bluffing in there,” Riker stated.

Stoker gave him a once over. “No task force arrives on the scene for a simple bomb threat, especially given their credentials, and I know they’re not simple investigators. I can tell.”

“I don’t like this shit at all. Reminds me of the asshole from last year. A smokejumper with a beef.” Antonio looked from one to the other.

Riker thought about what little the investigators had offered. “What if the perpetrator is ex-military? What if he or she is using the bombs as a smokescreen?”

“But why? What is he or she after?” Stoker raised his eyebrows.

“A particular target. Look at this a different way. With a task force set up in town, that would mean the target is significant. Maybe they have a suspect in mind already. Some bad dude.” Antonio had a grin on his face.

“That makes more sense.” Stoker held up his finger. “Perhaps the real reason behind whatever grudge this asshole has. That’s what we have to figure out.”

Antonio chuckled. “I think you just need to change careers, buddy. You like investigating crimes much more than you do fighting fires.”

Blushing, Stoker groaned. “I do love a good mystery.”

Riker kept his eyes pinned on the administrator building. “Stoker. Can that sergeant of yours find any information?”

“Well…” Stoker laughed.

“You were bluffing, you old dog, you.” Antonio slapped him on the back.

“Could be any branch of the military, Riker.” Stoker lifted his gaze. “But Cooper knows anybody who’s anybody in the upper echelon of the military. Worth asking him a question. That is, if we were actually investigating.”

Riker had to laugh. “A question couldn’t hurt, especially given I have a terrible feeling this thing is going to escalate.”

The other two men nodded. “Eyes and ears open, gentlemen. Now, why don’t we have a drink at Ziggy’s tonight? Been a long time since we’ve been together.”

“You guys go ahead. I have something I need to do.” Riker gave a half smile.

* * *

Trinity sat with her legs curled under her, the laptop sitting on her lap and a drink on the coffee table. She’d been surprised that two hours had gone by and the amount of words she’d written. They were easy, flowing and her fingers couldn’t keep up with her mind. Thoughts were spiraling, wild and wooly and in the two hours, she’d written over four thousand words. As she sat back, she eyed the computer screen and smiled.

The story had taken a dramatic turn, becoming a passionate romance of domination and submission and all because of one single reason. Riker. She rolled her eyes and leaned over, reaching for her wine. The rough and tumble man had a way about him, from his brash attitude to his almost surly demeanor, the character was easy to write. She only wished the man was just as easy to get to know. At least she could live her adventure vicariously through the pages of her amazing book.

Giggling, she held up the glass of wine, a silent toast to her inspiration. She could give up acting and become a famous and very illusive writer. And pigs would learn to fly. She had talent, she knew that, but giving up the illustrious career? Maybe. She glanced at her phone. Why she was bothering to keep it on the couch was beyond her. When she was on the deck, she had a single bar. Inside? Nothing. At least she could shut out the world for the remainder of the day.

After another sip, she eased the glass back on the table and took a deep breath. The words began to flow again, her mind reeling from intense desires, thought about utter submission, a powerful man and the kind of relationship so many women seemed to dream about.

The moment he looked into her eyes, she dropped to the ground at his feet, the sign of respect a requirement. But in her eyes, the action was everything she’d ever wanted, dark and almost painful cravings keeping her awake at night.

Crack!

When the end of his belt hit her back, she moaned, her pussy clenching.

Trinity inhaled and realized she was hot and bothered. How the hell did authors write smut all day long and not remain wet? Maybe none of them wore panties. Ever. She closed her eyes, envisioning Riker and the night before.

A strange sound drew her out of her revelry. What the hell had she heard? Easing the laptop onto the cushion, she got up slowly, walking toward the front of the house. A red car. A sports car. Fuck. Who the hell had found her? Chance? This was exactly the kind of car he would rent in his effort to reclaim her. Ana wouldn’t have said anything? Oh, she’d kill her cousin with her bare hands.

Bam! Bam!

She remained silent, hoping the asshole would go away. Maybe a traveling salesman? She bit back a laugh. She stood in a short cotton dress and bare feet and she had no way of protecting herself. My God. What was she thinking?

“Trinity. I know you’re in there.”

The male voice, husky and full of the sound of remorse sent a series of chills down the back of her legs. “Riker?” How in the hell had he found her? She fumbled with the lock, cursing then opened the door a mere crack. “You’re here.”

Riker had a stoic look on his face, a quiet yet humbled expression. “I wanted to apologize.”

Trinity could tell the words were difficult for him to admit. Opening the door wider, she inhaled, and her nipples became hard, sensitive against the thin material of her blouse. “You don’t have any reason to apologize.”

“I think I do. May I come in?”

“I…” She took a quick glance at her computer then bit her lower lip. “Yes. Of course.” She held her back against the door after closing it behind him and for those few seconds, she drank in the gorgeous man. The black, skin tight jeans and the cobalt blue Henley, stretched out over his carved frame took her breath away. He was so unassuming, no idea that he was mouth-watering. Even his scuffed cowboy boots were sexy. She brushed her hands through her hair, smoothing the drooping curls.

Turning to face her, he gave her a heated look. “I didn’t mean for you to leave like that. I was an ass.” He exhaled. “A huge ass. I’m not used to…”

“Having a woman stay over?” She walked closer.

He nodded, his entire body remaining tense. “I’m not that kind of guy.”

“Being an asshole or having a woman stay?”

“Both.” Chuckling, he shoved his hands into his pockets and glanced around the living room. “Nice place.”

“Adequate,” she whispered and moved toward him, knowing better than to crowd the man.

“I guess it would be for an award-winning actress.” He lifted a single eyebrow when she sighed. “I don’t care who Trinity Hargrove the actress is. I care about the woman.”

“You care about me?” She dared whisper the question.

“Yeah, I do, which is why last night was so tough. I know it doesn’t make any sense.”

“The picture.” As soon as she said the words, she could tell he was shutting down. She reached out, touching his arm and he flinched. “Please don’t pull away. I wasn’t trying to pry. I did notice the beautiful photograph, but I wasn’t going to ask you any questions.”

“You didn’t have to. I could see the look on your face. I knew what you were thinking.”

“What was that? What could I be thinking other than I knew the picture was special, is special to you?” When he didn’t say anything, she allowed her grip to become tighter. “We all have a past. I told you that last night. You don’t know me, and I have no idea what you’ve had to endure. What I do know is that we have chemistry. Something few people ever find.” She couldn’t believe she was saying or suggesting anything. There was no future for them, especially when he learned what a horrible person she was.

Riker moved his arm, pushing away her hold but grasped her hand, rubbing his thumb across her skin. He watched what he was doing, as if trying to figure out what to say. “The only thing I have left.”

“I’m so sorry. What happened?”

“I lost them. A terrible tragedy. They were my life.”

Trinity knew better than to push him. A few seconds passed. “How did you find me?”

Another grin crossed his face and he continued rubbing. “The deputy had your address for the report. I thought I’d come by and at least tell you how sorry I am for acting like such a jerk. You didn’t deserve that.”

“Well, okay. I’ll accept your apology.” A wave of tension fell between them. “How did you find out I’m an actress?”

“Landen. You know, the drunk guy asleep on my couch?” he teased, a clipped laugh followed by a snort. “He’s a good guy. Just having troubles with his girlfriend. She knew who you were from the other night. You were in Ziggy’s?”

“Yeah. I wanted to get away from the quiet here. Don’t get me wrong, the place is beautiful, but I’m used to noise, people, parties. All crap, I know.” She bit her lower lip and wanted to wrap her arms around him. “That’s when I saw you.”

“Saw me?”

“The report on the news? The little boy you saved?”

“Okay. I get it,” he whispered, his eyes misting, forcing him to look away. “A little boy and his dog. Lucky Moose and I came along when we did.”

“Moose?”

“Another smokejumper.”

“Oh. How many of you are there?” Trinity heard the lilt in her voice. Why couldn’t they move past a basic conversation? They’d been so intimate, so close for several hours.

“Ten, plus others on the team that help us do our jobs. Do you really care?” Riker pulled her closer.

She palmed his chest, her fingers kneading his shirt. “I do. I’d love to know everything about you.”

“Why? What does it matter? You’re going to be leaving in a couple of weeks and I’ll still be here, doing my job.”

“Being a hero.” When he bristled, she shook her head. “Don’t do that. Don’t pull away. It does matter. I’m not happy with my life.”

“So, chuck it all and move here?” The question sounded accusatory.

“Maybe. Is that so crazy? What’s wrong with wanting to do something different?”

“You can’t leave everything you’ve ever known and move because of me.”

“You mean you won’t let me in.” Jerking away from his hold, she walked around him and toward the back door, folding her arms as she glared out at the deck. Everything about this man was difficult. Damn it! She could see a hint of his reflection in the glass and she had no doubt he was going to storm out the front door, cursing at her in the process. “What are you so afraid of? Why can’t you let anyone in? Why? What’s so wrong with allowing a single person to get to know you?”

Riker remained quiet, stoic.

Huffing, she threw open the back door, storming outside. Gripping the railing, she clung to the worn wood like a lifeline. Nasty words remained on the tip of her tongue, but she refused to spout off, to break the only connection they seemed to have.

Then she heard his heavy footsteps before she felt his hand wrapping around her arm, turning and jerking her against his chest. “Oh!”

“Listen to me. I’m no one special. I’m nothing to anyone and you can’t give up your life for me. Not for me, but, lady, I can tell you this, I do want you. I can’t offer you a thing other than heartache, but what you do to me is driving me insane.” Crushing her lips with his, he thrust his arm around her as he plunged his tongue inside her mouth. Lifting her onto her toes, he squeezed until she moaned as the moment of passion continued.

Breathless, she tingled all over as he French kissed her, his tongue entwining with hers, his groin pushing against hers. She was electrified, her heart racing as he cupped the side of her face, his fingers digging into her cheek. She could no longer focus and closed her eyes as she wrapped a leg around his thigh. Friction created another set of sensations until her pussy was so wet, her nipples hungering for his tongue, his teeth.

When he broke the kiss, his eyes were narrowed, blackened pools of extreme lust. Using one hand, he yanked the dress up and off, growling when he saw her naked breasts. Cupping both, he lowered his head, taking her nipple into his mouth.

As the light breeze wafted across her naked skin, she eased back her head and gripped his arms, jutting her hips forward as he sucked and nipped, his actions savage, primal. He wasn’t going to take no for an answer. Panting, she winced as he bit down on her tender bud, sucking, the sounds exaggerated.

Riker moved his mouth to her other breast, taking more of her skin into his mouth. Reaching down, he tugged at her thong.

She struggled to lower her panties, kicking out of them. The realization she was standing naked outside was a delicious tease, letting go and feeling free. She yanked at his shirt, managing to tug the material from his jeans and slide her hand underneath, caressing his skin. He was hot, and she could feel his rapid heartbeat against her fingers.

Kicking her legs apart, he crawled one hand down her stomach to her crotch. Cupping her cunt, his fingers kneaded, the force of his hand pushing her onto her toes.

“Oh, God!” The moment his index finger swirled around her clit, she almost came. When he shoved two fingers inside her pussy, wiggling, flexing them open, she opened her mouth, issuing a silent scream. Everything about this man was all powerful, consuming and he would demand then take what he wanted.

And she would give it to him.

Riker eased back, licking his lips as he cocked his head, watching her reaction as two fingers became three, thrusting harder and faster.

She rocked back and forth, unable to keep her eyes open as her cunt muscles clenched around the invasion, drawing him in deeper.

“Do you want me to fuck you?”

“God, yes.”

“Do you want me to whip you?”

Her mouth sagged, and she blinked several times. “Yes, sir.”

He grunted, as if the words were nothing more than sheer fuel, opening up a padlocked box and allowing the savage beast out to play. A wry smile crept onto his face as he pumped deep inside. Pulling his hand free, he held his glistening fingers into the waning sunlight then licked across the tips. “Open your mouth.”

Obeying, she knew what he was going to do. When he shoved his fingers inside her mouth, she gripped his wrist, holding him tightly as she sucked, tasting her juice as her pussy continued to clench.

Riker issued a low and husky growl, his eyes sparkling as he watched her clean and lick every finger, one after the other. Taking a step back, he tweaked her nipple, pinching until she yelped then yanked off his shirt.

Sucking in her breath, she reached out, her fingers touching his belt.

“Fascinating,” he muttered and allowed her to unbuckle it.

“What?” she managed as she unzipped his jeans.

“Your love of my belt. A method of issuing needed punishment. Have you always craved a firm hand, a man who could help you with obedience?”

Trinity nodded, a nervous laugh slipping from her mouth. “Yes, sir.”

“Do you hunger to be kept in line, rules to follow?”

“Oh, yes, sir.” Her eyes never leaving his, she peeled back his jeans then pushed them down past his hipbones, allowing herself to fall slowly to her knees.

“Trinity, do you need a hard spanking?”

“I do. I need it so much.” The words seemed to slip out of her mouth, the admittance surprising yet she felt as if this was the right man, the right time to let go. When his jeans were just above his knees, she pressed her mouth against his thigh, kissing his skin then proceeded to remove his boots and socks, taking her time to rub his feet as she kissed along his inner thigh.

Riker exhaled, the sound strangled. “Then ask for what you want, what you need.”

She continued kissing, moving down his leg until she licked across the top of one foot then the other. As she licked back up from his calf to his knee, she breathed out, unsure if she’d actually asked the question. “Please spank me. Whip me so I understand my need to obey.”

Issuing a single, powerful roar, he fisted her hair, pulling her to her feet. His hand still wrapped around her long strands, he shook his head. “Don’t ask if you don’t understand what you’re asking for.”

Arching her back, she pushed her breasts against his chest, dug her fingers into his skin. “I want nothing more than to learn to obey, punished for my infractions.” The words so similar to the passage she’d just written, she was shaking all over, uncertain if he understood how important this was for her.

His breathing remained scattered, the sounds laced with a series of savage grunts, his eyes seemed to glaze over. “One day, beautiful lady, I will own you.” After giving her an intense stare, he pushed her over the deck railing, using his feet to push apart her legs.

She held onto the dense wood, her pulse skyrocketing, her desire so different than she’d ever experienced. He could see right through her, to the terrified and broken woman inside. He knew what she needed, every concept of making her whole again. Own. The idea was scintillating.

Crack! Pop!

His hand peppered against one ass cheek then the other. “You will learn to follow my directions.”

“Yes, sir.”

Whap! Crack!

“To obey me without hesitation.”

“Yes, sir. Oh, yes, sir.”

Smack! Whap! Crack!

“Never to question my decisions,” he whispered as he twisted her hair around his fingers and leaned in, blowing across the back of her neck.

“Never question them, sir.” She could no longer feel her legs.

Pop! Smack!

With every hard spank, every crack of his hand, she was more alive, adrenaline flowing. She never closed her eyes, accepting the punishment, knowing this was exactly what she needed.

Smack! Crack!

“Then so be it. This is just the beginning,” he huffed and rubbed her ass, moving his fingers up and down the crack of her ass.

Pop! Slap!

“Perfect, sir.” The spanking was euphoric, pain mixing with pleasure in a manner that melded together, creating spikes in her heartrate, her pulse. She leaned further over the railing, the offer one she’d longed to give for so long. Years of turmoil in relationships, wanting to be taken in hand, loved in a manner that she didn’t know existed.

Smack! Crack!

He hissed and peppered several additional strikes before yanking her back against his naked chest, his hands covering her breasts, squeezing. “I’m going to fuck you.”

“Yes. Yes!”

Riker turned her around and slid his hands down her back and under her ass. Hissing, he lifted her into the air, holding her aloft, his muscles tensing.

Panting, she wrapped her legs around his thighs and moaned as his thick and throbbing cock was slapped back and forth.

He yanked her down, driving the entire length of his shaft inside. “Yes!” The sound of his booming voice reverberated in the air, floating through the wind as he growled and tossed back his head.

She clung to him as he lifted her again, repeating the move. Stunned by his power, his strength, her entire body began to shake. She could feel his cock throbbing inside, filling her completely.

A smile crossing his face, he rubbed his hands up her back, one hand clutched around her neck. Then he walked, taking long strides into the house.

She hung her head, their lips just touching as he carried her through the house. There was no more need to talk, no questions that needed answers. They were simply consummating the beginning of a life changing moment.

Riker stormed into the bedroom and tilted his head, kissing her lips. “All mine.”

“Yes. Yours.”

He sat down on the bed, his hands never leaving her.

She began to ride him, moving forward and backward as her arms remained draped around his neck. Purring, she kissed the side of his face, dragging her tongue down his neck as she undulated, clenching her pussy muscles.

“Ride me. Take what you want.”

There was no need to tell her what to do. She moved in a perfect rhythm, going up and down, forward and backward, rocking as the electricity shot into overdrive. Every cell in her body was on fire, sweat beading across her upper lip. How she hungered for this man, this incredible man who was so intense.

Issuing a single chuckle, he rolled her over, planting his hands on either side of her and rose up, straightening out his arms. As he hovered over her, dropping his head to dart his tongue around her mouth, he blew out a swath of hot air. He pushed one arm over her head then the other, holding her wrists together with one hand.

Her legs remained wrapped around his waist and she wiggled as he pumped, lifting his hips so only the tip was inside. She watched his eyes, the change in his demeanor as he pumped into her, driving his cock as deep into her cunt as he could. She lifted her legs, shifting the angle and both moaned.

“Tight. Jesus.” Hanging his head, beads of sweat dripped off his face, cascading onto her face and neck.

She moaned as his actions became more manic, thrusting harder, faster and still he seemed to crave more. As he stared down into her eyes, a grin on his face, she could tell the orgasm was close. So close. “I’m going to…”

“Not until I tell you,” he commanded and picked up the pace, the force pushing her hard into the bed.

Struggling, she tossed her head back and forth as every muscle in her body tensed. There was no way to hold back the climax, the wave that was shooting up her legs. “Please.”

“Mmm…” Riker kissed her lips, darting his tongue just inside, pumping even more savagely. “Come!”

Opening her mouth, the scream was no longer silent, and she jerked up from the bed as her entire body began to shake. “Oh!”

Growling, the sound guttural, he exploded, his entire body jerking and shaking then tensing until he stopped moving altogether.

Covered in goose bumps, she exhaled and the moment he freed her wrists, she wrapped them around him, pulling him down until his body covered hers. This was perfect. This was amazing.

This was love.

* * *

Riker stood on Trinity’s back deck, a glass of wine in his hand. As he swirled the dark liquid, realizing he hadn’t had a glass of wine in years, he thought about the time he’d already spent with her. She was special, there was no doubt in his mind and the thought of her leaving was already pulling at his heart. Shit. This couldn’t be happening. He wasn’t equipped to feel the lump in his throat, the tug at his groin. Huffing, he took a sip and held the wine in his mouth before swallowing. She didn’t seem to care that he’d been married before. Then again, what did she actually know about him? Nothing.

He heard the sound of the door and was surprised he didn’t tense. The sex had been intense, the spanking amazing and she seemed to be the kind of woman he’d been looking for. Wait a minute. Looking for? He wasn’t searching for anything or anyone. But there she was, a beautiful flower ready to open up, expose herself to the elements.

Trinity eased next to him, her body just touching his, her face peering out at the twilight. “Am I interrupting?”

“No. I’m glad you’re here.” He allowed his body to sag, the move easing closer to her. Even the heat of her body against his felt right. “You’re a special lady, Trinity Hargrove.”

“Carrie.”

“What?”

“My real name is Carrie Simmons.” Her words were stilted.

He glanced in her direction, studying the way her face was pinched. “A beautiful name.”

“Not good enough for Hollywood. It took four people to decide what my name was going to be. I had no choice.” She laughed and swirled her wine. “I allowed a group of fat men to determine the new name I’m supposed to live with for the rest of my life. Can you believe that?”

“We all have to fake aspects of our life. Why did you allow it to happen?”

Exhaling, she took her time answering. “I don’t honestly know. I was happy doing some modeling. My cousin helped me get into the business but I’m not really high fashion model material. Still, I had fun and made good money for a few months. I did a bit part and was noticed. Then, an agent saw me at a fashion show and gave me his card. Marvin is a good guy. A pain in the ass at times but he does know his shit about Hollywood.”

“So, you were lured.”

“I was. I thought about the fact I could make some money, maybe buy a house and become something.” She brushed her hand through her hair and shivered.

“Are you cold?”

“It isn’t the Missoula weather. I’m disgusted with myself for falling into the trap. A fake boyfriend, a large house I’ll never be able to pay for and part after part in movies that mean nothing. I know. Entertainment.” She pushed her shoulder against his side. “Still, not fulfilling any longer.”

“What would you do if you didn’t act? Go back to modeling?” He could tell she was on the edge of opening up, perhaps something he needed to hear in order to… Trust. God. The word hung there, as if he wasn’t certain about the woman behind the mask.

She darted a cautious look in his direction. “Don’t laugh. I’d like to write books. I do write them, just not very well.”

“That’s amazing.”

“You really think so?”

Her voice was so small, as if asking if she was doing anything right in her life. “I honestly do.” Turning toward her, he leaned against the railing and gave her a comforting smile. “I don’t have the ability to do anything but fight fires. Never wanted to do anything else. You have so many talents.” The moment he pressed his fingers against her skin, the same desire crept in, pushing his cock against his jeans.

“Well, then you can help me push a book or two to a publisher.” Her laugh was light, easy. She gazed into his eyes and exhaled. “You are quite the man.”

“I’m just me.”

“A wonderful you.”

He looked down, still touching her, still needing the connection, but his heart remained heavy. The burden of his guilt and the past was too much to bear alone. “I was married for several years. Rose was an amazing woman. She was sweet and filled my world with laughter, something I didn’t experience much of as a kid. We fell in love hard and fast. When we married, we had nothing. I mean nothing to our names.”

Trinity rubbed her hand up and down his arm.

“She was very special, could make anything seem amazing and made certain we had what we needed. I started to make money with the fire department and while she wasn’t thrilled with my choice of profession, she knew what I wanted so she never pushed hard. When she became pregnant…” He swallowed hard as his chest tightened.

“Take your time. I’m right here.”

“I know you are.” Riker took another sip of wine, surprised how easily it was going down. “I was thrilled, although scared to death. Me, as a father. Me, of all people. I didn’t think I could do what was needed, but then Grace came. A little ball of wonder and joy. She was so happy from the minute she was born. She laughed, giggled all the time.”

“The light of her daddy’s eyes.”

“Yes,” he whispered, tears welling in his eyes. “She was so perfect. Rosy cheeks and ten little toes and fingers. I was the happiest man alive. So was Rose. She doted on me and Grace every minute of the day. I was given a promotion, which meant we could get a bigger place. Everything was going so well. We were so happy.”

Trinity rose onto her toes, kissing his cheek. “It’s okay, Riker.”

Sniffing, a single tear slipped down his cheek. “I’m sorry. Landen is the only person I’ve talked to about this. He’s the only one I knew I could—”

“Trust?” she interrupted.

“Yeah. I guess that’s it.” He could feel himself pulling away and refused to fall into the same trap he’d fallen into since leaving Baltimore.

“What happened?”

“Rose died. My baby died.” He heard her anguished sounds, the way her breath was ragged, just like the damn beating of his own heart.

Trinity eased against him, resting her head on his shoulder. “I’m so sorry. I’m so very sorry.”

Riker gripped the back of her head, keeping her in place, desperate to cling to the present instead of the horrors of the past. “They were my world.” As his voice broke, tears sliding down his face, he looked up at the sky and could see Grace’s face the last time he’d been home. The evening before she… “My fault.”

“What?” She lifted her head, her eyes never blinking. “What do you mean your fault?”

He held his breath for what seemed like an eternity before he could speak. “They died because of me. I killed them.”