Sheena took one end of the couch and settled in for a little evening television. Mindless watching was just what she needed. Thank God for a large living room. Even with Rick outside somewhere on watch, the space was a little tight. Terry was draped over one oversized chair, and Steve was in its twin across the room. Bast had chosen the opposite end of her couch. The good Lord saw to it that these boys grew up big and brawny.

The minute dinner was over and cleared, Terry had rushed to the living room and commandeered the remote. She was dizzy from the rapidly changing channels. Before she could focus on one, it changed to the next.

“Terry!” Bast barked.

The screen abruptly settled on the evening news. “Sorry, boss.”

Steve picked up a magazine and started paging through it. She doubted he was actually paying attention. He wasn’t looking directly at the picture window, but she sensed his focus was there. What would these guys say if she told them she was psychic? Would they scoff like most people or ask her for a free reading? Bast’s voice pulled her attention from her thoughts and back to the television.

“Leave it there and pull up the guide in the sidebar until we decide on what to watch.”

She smirked when Terry slowly rolled the guide with a pained expression. Before they were able to choose a show, a breaking story flashed on the news. The image of a house engulfed in flames filled the screen.

Sheena gasped and erupted from her reposed position to fully upright and standing. “My house!”

Angry colorful language began to fly.

Bast leaned forward. “Damn it!”

Terry jumped to his feet, pointing the remote at the screen like a weapon. “Bastards!”

Steve slapped his magazine on the end table. “God damn fuckers.”

“I have to go,” she whispered in an agonized voice.

Terry grabbed her arm as she tried to run from the room. “I’m sorry, Sheena. There’s nothing you can do. The fire department is on the scene. They’ll do the best they can to save your place. But you have to stay here.”

Then Steve shocked her by gently taking her hand in his. “He’s right. They did this to draw you out. If you go there, you’re playing into their hand. I’m truly sorry for your loss and pray they can salvage your home.”

Large hands gently gripped her shoulders and turned her to face away from the front door. “I’m so sorry, cher. I wish there was something I could do.”

She leaned into him and snuggled closer when he wrapped his arms around her. She blinked rapidly as tears stung the back of her eyes and threatened to fall. “My grandmother raised me in that house. She left it to me when she passed.”

From the shelter of Bast’s arms, she heard Steve and Terry cussing up a storm again.

“Maybe you will be able to recover some things to remember her by? Do you want me to send a team there once the fire is out?”

She raised her head and gazed into his eyes. “Thank you, but no. I had Rick collect the things I would have wanted when he got my clothes. I had a feeling time was of the essence and took steps.”

Steve stopping grumbling profanities at the television and stared at her. “What do you mean? Did you suspect they would do something like this?”

Sheena shook her head again and moved to retake her seat on the couch. “I’m psychic. My intuition told me I needed to take whatever I could as quickly as possible. I didn’t know why I needed to do it, but experience has taught me to listen to my intuition.”

Bast returned to the couch but this time sat much closer to her. “Terry, I would appreciate it if you changed the station.”

Terry aimed the remote at the screen and mumbled. “Shit. I should’ve thought of that.”

 

*****

 

Sheena yawned and stretched as she rose from the couch. When Terry chose the movie, Princess Bride and Steve lent his support to the choice she figured they were trying to make her feel better. She was so wrong. All three of them, Bast included spouted lines through the entire movie. They seemed to really like Fezzik and Inigo Montoya. And every time Inigo said “Hello. My name is Inigo Montoya. You killed my father. Prepare to die.” They all three stood, pretended they had swords and yelled it out.

She smiled to herself. Regardless of their reasons for choosing the movie, she was thankful. They’d succeeded in distracting her from her troubles. For a little while anyway. “Thanks, guys. That was fun. If you don’t mind, it’s been a long day, and I think I’ll go to bed.”

Steve and Terry smiled. “Goodnight, Sheena.”

Bast walked her to the bottom of the staircase. “I’ll check on you once I’ve walked the perimeter. I need to show you the safe room before you go to bed.”

“Why? Did Rick see someone out there?”

“No. We would have been alerted. There are alarms at the end of the driveway that will go off if anyone tries to come in that way. We also have a system of lights and audio alarms around the border of the property that warn us if someone comes in that way. Perimeter checks add the human factor to your protection. Don’t worry. We have everything covered, and you’re safe here.”

“Okay. I’ll see you in a few minutes.”

 

*****

 

Bast put one foot in front of the other, his head hanging. He couldn’t remember the last time he’d been so tired. Damn, he was getting old. That one flight of stairs felt like twelve. Trudging to a stop, he leaned heavily against her doorjamb and lifted his head. The air rushed from his lungs, and his mind jumped to full alert along with other parts of his body.

Only her bedside table lamp offered light to the room. The single bulb turned her white nightgown transparent. She stood with her back to him, stroking Salem as the feline walked back and forth under her hand. Every dip and curve of her incredible body was on display. Her hair was brushed until it looked like a satin curtain falling to the middle of her back, and her skin begged to be stroked. He wanted to slip those spaghetti straps from her shoulders and let the fabric fall. She was a Goddess.

Steve was on watch until four a.m., but Rick and Terry were somewhere around. He glanced up and down the hallway to make sure they were nowhere in sight and entered her room. He cleared his throat to alert her of his presence and closed the door behind him.

She turned slightly, still scratching the cat’s neck. “Hey. Did everything check out?”

Son of a… Now he could see the shape of her breast and a shadow of a nipple.

“I’m sorry it’s been such a difficult day for you. If it weren’t for me, I’m sure you would have been in bed hours ago. Why don’t you show me the safe room so you can get some rest?”

One of the most powerful mob bosses was out to kill her, and she was worried about him? The woman was incredible. He’d only met her hours before, and he already knew she always put others first. She was perfect.

“I appreciate your concern, but I’m fine. Stand with me over here and look at the wall.” He pointed to the solid wall between her room and the next.

She stood close enough for him to feel the heat of her body. If she knew the war waging between his mind and body, she’d put a few feet between them.

She looked at the wall and then up at him. “What am I looking at?”

“Look harder. Do you see the razor-thin line?”

Sheena walked closer to the wall and ran her hand over several feet until she saw the line. “This?”

“Yep. Push on the wall just left of the line.”

She pressed where he indicated, and the wall opened to a tiny room. It was as wide as her bedroom but only six feet deep. “Holy moly.”

“If we’re attacked, you need to get in and push the door shut behind you. A light will come on, and you need to push this red button. It’ll lock the room down. No one will be able to get in until you push this green button and unlock the room. The room is designed so you could stay in here for up to a week without coming out. There’s food, drinks, a bed, and a toilet.”

She walked further into the space and ran a finger over the single bed. “What about all of you?”

“We’ll be dealing with the intruders. Once it’s safe, I’ll come to the door and tell you it’s clear. See this here?” He pointed to a little blank flat screen that was about the size of a computer monitor. “If you push this button, a camera hidden in a picture beside the door will activate, and you can see who is on the other side of the door. Don’t open the door for anyone but one of my team.”

Sheena turned and threw her arms around his neck and hugged him.

Bast froze. He didn’t dare move. His body was untrustworthy. The warmth of her breath tested his resolve and brought goosebumps to his skin. Her softness molded against him, and her heat surrounded him. Drawing on his years of discipline in the Marines, he gently hugged her back without getting fresh. A heartbeat later, she broke the embrace and stepped back.

“Thank you for protecting me. You and the guys are risking your lives, and you don’t even know me. I just want you to know that I appreciate it.”

He gave her a tight smile and stepped back so she could exit the safe room. “You’re very welcome. Okay, let’s close this up and get some shut eye.” Walking toward the hallway, he glanced at Salem lounging on the bed. Dang it, he just had to look. The last thing he needed was the image of Sheena stretched out, waiting for him.

She pulled back the covers and sat on the edge of the bed. “Good night, Bast. Sleep well.”

“Good night, Sheena.” His gaze lingered on her before he closed the door.

 

*****

 

Sheena’s scream was muffled behind the dirty rag Moretti had shoved in her mouth.

He’d snuck into her room, unseen and taken her. There was no one to rescue her. Bast wouldn’t know where she was being held.

Moretti smiled evilly and pressed a gun into the flesh of her cheek. “You saw things you shouldn’t have, Sheena. I can’t have you talking.”

She tried to wriggle free, but he had her pinned down. His knees dug into her arms, and his weight on her chest made it impossible to breathe.

“Did you really think a worthless piece of shit like you could take me down?”

He pulled the gun away to cock it and then shoved it between her eyes.

She tried to scream for help again, but it was useless. There was no one to hear her.

The pistol drew back and smashed against her cheek. “I told you to be quiet.”

She cried out in pain, and he hit her again.

Sheena awoke to the sound of her own screams ringing in her ears. She exploded from her tangled bedding, soaked in sweat.

“Sheena! Are you okay?” Bast’s voice yelled through the closed door. The wood shuddered under his insistent pounding. “Sheena, damn it, if you don’t unlock this door, I’m kicking it in.”

“Hold your horses. I’m coming. Don’t you dare break my door.” She opened the door to a heaving, very bare chest and flashing eyes. She’d never seen so many muscles. Then she noticed Terry and Steve behind him, equally naked from the waist up, with guns drawn.

Bast pushed past her, followed by the other two, and they began searching her room.

Hands on hips, she watched as they pushed her clothes aside in the closet and pulled her bedding up to search underneath. “What in the world are you doing?”

“Checking for intruders. Was someone in here with you?”

She threw her hands in the air. “Of course not.” Then she sat on the edge of her bed and glanced at each of them and quietly admitted. “I had a nightmare. I’m sorry if I woke you all.”

“You didn’t wake us,” Steve said with a worried expression.

“Yeah, I was reading when I heard you. It sounded like someone was killing you. Are you sure you’re okay?” Terry asked.

“Yes. Thank you for your concern. Again, I apologize for disturbing you.”

Bast waved Steve and Terry from the room and joined her. “No need, cher. Watching over you is our job.”

They said goodnight and filed out, leaving him alone with her. He took her hand and searched her face. “Would you like to talk about it?”

She laid her head against his shoulder and whispered, “It felt so real. Moretti took me away to a place you couldn’t find me. He…he held a gun to my head, and if I made a sound, he hit me with it. He was going to kill me so I couldn’t testify.”

He put his arm around her, needing to offer comfort and assure her that she was safe. Sheena made him feel things he shouldn’t for a witness. Emotions made a person take chances and do things that could get someone killed. Namely, Sheena. He should inform his superior and excuse himself from her detail. Should and would were two entirely different things. He would never trust her life to anyone else.

Her whispered confession and trembling body broke his heart. Her fear was like an arrow piercing his chest.

He tilted her chin until she looked him in the eyes. “I would never let him get to you. Even if I have to sleep on the floor next to your bed. You know that, right?”

“I do.” Then she sighed. “I don’t think I’ll be able to sleep again. At least, not tonight.”

“I meant what I said. I can bring in a single mattress, so you’ll feel safe enough to sleep.”

“I would feel terrible if you slept on the floor. If you’re going to stay in here, you need to use the bed. It’s king size. There’s plenty of room for both of us.”

Bast’s body hummed with interest. There’s no way she meant it the way he heard it. “As much as I would love to take you up on the offer, I would never put you in a compromising position, cher.”

Her neck and face flushed pink. “I only meant that we could share. I’m sure we can each stay to our side of this monstrous bed.” He must have stared at her too long because she looked away and mumbled, “It’s okay. I’m sure I’ll be fine in here by myself.”

He leaned down and placed a chaste kiss on the top of her head. “I know what you meant. How about this, I’ll put on a T-shirt and sleep fully clothed on top of the covers?” he asked her quietly.

She smiled up at him and nodded. “Make sure you grab a blanket while you’re at it. I don’t want you to be cold.”

“Deal. I’ll be right back.”

A few minutes later he eased her door shut and flipped the lock. When she scooted over to make room so he could settle on his side and arrange his blanket, he couldn’t help but grin. Dang, she was sweet. He’d barely laid his head on the pillow when he heard steady deep breaths from her side of the bed. He’d scarcely fallen to sleep when her whimpers woke him. To hell with separate sides. He pulled her closer until her head was on his shoulder. Sheena instantly snuggled against him and quieted. A smile tugged at his lips as he fell back to sleep with her wrapped in his arms.

 

*****

 

Sheena awoke to sunshine filling her room and an empty bed. She’d fallen asleep with the curtains open, looking at the moon before her nightmare woke the entire house. Bast must have snuck out before the others were up and about so they wouldn’t see him exiting her room. That man was always protecting her and her reputation. Maybe too well, she thought as Salem rubbed his face along her cheek, purring like a motorboat. She smiled at the normalcy of it all.

She stretched and looked around the room in the light of day. The walls were a nice shade of pale blue, and the nightstand matched the headboard. But the energy felt like a hotel room. This wasn’t a room a person lived in for any length of time. It was more of a layover. She’d take care of that. Once she smudged the room, she would burn a candle and meditate over her crystals to see which she should place here and there. The Goddess would direct her selections, so she would have a serene space to retreat to.

It had been dark when they arrived, and she wasn’t able to see what the yard and acreage looked like. Walking to the window her fingers went to her lips, and she smiled. It was heavenly. She hadn’t expected gardens and landscaping. She was somewhere in the Bayou surrounded by a little piece of paradise.

Salem washed his paws while she pulled her hair into a messy bun and dressed. If she’d been at home, it would be like any other day.

She was about to open her door when she noticed a slip of paper on the floor.

 

Good morning Sheena,

I hope you slept well.

Please, join us in the kitchen.

Bast

 

That’s sweet.

“Ma’am.” Steve nodded from his post at the front window as she walked through the living room, headed to the kitchen.

Steve was the sort of man that blended into a crowd and was easily dismissed. She gave him a quick once over, and it hit her, he was average height, had mediocre looks, nothing to write home about body type, even run-of-the-mill clothing. Just…average. Maybe that’s why he was so good at his job. She realized last night the man wasn’t so much unfriendly as extremely reserved. Plus, he seemed to like her in his Steve sort of way. He was okay in her book.

“Good morning, Steve.” Sheena smiled and followed the aroma of coffee.

As she walked toward the coffeemaker, Terry saluted her with his coffee cup. Bastien was at the table reading the paper and sipping coffee. He looked up and took a double take. So did she. His gun was belted to his hip over a pair of tight jeans and an equally tight T-shirt.

She leaned a hip against the counter, stirring milk and sugar into her brew. “Good morning, gentlemen,” she said with a smile.

Terry grinned back. “Good morning, sunshine.”

Bast scowled at Terry. She grinned and took a sip. It was fun to watch the men interact. Terry liked to walk a thin line and poke the bear. Bast reacted as expected every time. It was quite entertaining.

“What? I behaved.”

He rolled his eyes and stood. “Good morning, Sheena.” He gestured to the table. “Have a seat. I’ll fix you whatever you’d like.”

“Wow, nice service. I’ll take two eggs, over easy, and toast. So, you can cook. What other domestic talents do you have?” she asked as he toasted the bread and fried her eggs.

He gave her a grin over his shoulder. “My grandmother made sure I knew how to take care of myself.”

“She sounds like quite a lady. I’d like to meet her sometime.”

She swore she heard him mumble, “Maybe you will.”

A few minutes later, he laid a plate and silverware before her.

“Thanks, it smells wonderful.”

“You’re welcome.” He took his seat and grabbed his paper again,

“So, am I allowed to know where we are? I know we’re somewhere in the bayou, but that’s the extent of it.”

Bast flipped to the sports section as he answered, “We’re about eighty miles outside of New Orleans near Pierre Part.”

“Really? That’s where Troy from Swamp People lives. Do you know him?”

He frowned and put his paper aside. “Who? You know someone around here?”

Terry laughed so hard coffee shot out of his nose. “I never believed the rumors, but now I think they’re true. You do live under a rock. Troy Landry, the star from Swamp People.”

Bast crossed his arms “What the hell is that?”

Sheena giggled. “A television show. And no. I don’t know him.”

“Thank God. I didn’t want to have to relocate.”

She stopped buttering her toast. “Why would we do that?”

“Because if you knew people in the area, someone might spot you.” Then he went back to reading.

“Oh. That makes sense.” She paused before taking a bite of toast. “So, what do we do now?”

Terry pointed at her plate. “You enjoy your breakfast.”

“Thank you, Captain Obvious, but what about the rest of the day? Can we go for a walk and see the property?”

From behind the wall of newspaper, she heard Bast say, “No. You have to stay inside and out of sight until I’m sure we’re safe here. Besides, we have to go over the witness protection paperwork.”

“Is that why you made me breakfast? To butter me up so I won’t fuss about being stuck in the house?”

“Back up the bus. The boss man made breakfast for someone other than himself?” Rick asked as he came into the kitchen.

Sheena grinned. “He sure did. It tastes great, too.” Rick’s grin was infectious even if he was kind of a sleazebag.

“Quick, someone get a calendar. We need to mark this day down and celebrate it every year. As far as I know, Bast has never made breakfast for anyone before.”

Sheena shook her head still grinning. “Naw. I’m sure this is just him making brownie points because he won’t let me go outside.”

Rick looked at Bast. “Why not?”

Sheena answered for him, “He doesn’t want anyone seeing me. He thinks there are bad guys lurking in the bushes.”

Rick placed his hands on the table and leaned toward Sheena. “I was out there for hours. I guarantee there isn’t anything but birds and maybe a pig or two out there.”

She glanced at Bast and back at Rick. “Pigs?”

He rocked back on his heels and erupted in laughter. “You’re in the bayou, sweetheart. There are wild pigs everywhere. But you have to be careful, they’re mean bastards and can tear you up.”

“Didn’t you just get off your watch? Why aren’t you in bed?” Bast growled.

“I wanted to say goodnight to our pretty guest.” He chuckled when Bast gave him a dirty look.

Rick extended his hand to Sheena. She frowned at his odd behavior but took it. She should have known better. He brought it to his lips and laid a wet kiss on her knuckles.

Bast glared and growled, “Unless you want to try talking without lips, that’s the last time they touch any part of her body. I won’t warn you again.”

Rick grinned and raised his hands

Bast smacked his newspaper on the table and leaned forward. “If you know what’s good for you, you’ll go to bed.”

“Keep your panties on. I’m going.” He turned on his heel and headed for the stairs, laughing all the way.

Sheena took a sip of coffee and eyed Bast over the rim. “He sure has a large personality.”

To her surprise, he leaned forward again, and whispered, “Don’t encourage him and never believe a word that comes out of his mouth. That man is incorrigible.”

She leaned forward and whispered back, “Okay.”

Terry checked the time and left the table to rinse his cup. “Looks like I’m up. Do you have any instructions I should relay to Steve when I relieve him?”

Bast shrugged. “No. Just the norm. He should grab some food and rest while he can.”

Terry paused at the doorway to the living room and pressed something into his ear. “Are you expecting trouble boss?”

He shook his head “I haven’t heard of any headed our way, but you know how it goes the first few days. Moretti will have the entire state looking for Sheena, and we could get company at any time.”

“Gotcha. I’ll double check the perimeter and check all the sensors before I settle in.”

“Oh, and remind him to turn his earpiece off. I don’t need to listen to him mumbling to himself all day.”

“Copy that. For such a smart man he is surprisingly forgetful.”

“Thanks, Terry. I’ll relieve you at noon,” he called as Terry headed for the front door.

Bast nodded at Sheena’s plate, sat back, and folded his paper. “If you’re finished, I have some things to go over with you.”

Sheena took up her plate and rinsed it in the sink. Then she grabbed the coffee pot and refilled her cup. She glanced at Bast and held it over his. “Would you like another cup before you give me the low down?”

“Yes, thank you.”

Once she was seated, he took the pad of paper and pen from a briefcase he had near his feet and got down to business. “First and foremost, if I tell you to do something, you need to do it. No questions asked. Until I’m sure we’re off Moretti’s radar, don’t go outside for any reason. If a car comes, one of my crew will check it out. If someone makes it as far as the door, what do you do?”

Sheena rolled her eyes. “I stay out of sight and let one of you guys answer it.”

“Exactly. We have WiFi, and I’ll give you the password. You can go online as long as you don’t log onto any of your online sites. No social media. No email. No contact with anyone outside of this house. Don’t ever forget. You can be tracked. Lastly, do you have family I should contact for you?”

Sheena played with her coffee cup and shook her head. “No.”

He held his pen and pad at the ready. “What about your mother or father?”

Sheena stilled and took a breath. “Well…”

Bast paused his pen suspended above the paper. “So, there is someone?”

“There’s only my mother, but if she knew what was going on, your life would be a nightmare.”

“We’re used to dealing with distraught family. Here, jot down her address, and I’ll have someone pay her a visit.” He waited until she was finished. Then he gestured around them. “This is just temporary. Once you’re accepted into witness protection, I’ll take you to your final destination. I started your paperwork…”

Sheena scowled and held up her hands in a T. “Time out. That’s the second time you’ve mentioned witness protection. I never agreed to that.”

He looked her in the eye and let out a fatigued breath. “I hate to be blunt, but you only have two choices. Go into witness protection or die. Which do you prefer?”

“Geez, Bast. Sugar coat it, why don’t you. I guess I don’t have a choice but to accept witness protection. But for the record, I don’t like it.”

“Once you’re in the program, you can’t go back to where people will recognize you. It would not only be dangerous for you but everyone you came into contact with.”

“Why? Moretti will be in jail.”

“Yes, but the rest of his mob family will still be out for your blood.”

She gaped at him and blinked. “What about my house? I have insurance. I wanted to rebuild it.”

His eyes shifted away from hers. “I’m sorry, cher. You can’t go back. But you’ll like where you’re going. I promise.”

Sheena sank into a chair before her legs gave out. “Well, shit.” Sheena stared at the table unseeing. Her mind just couldn’t wrap itself around never seeing her beloved New Orleans ever again.

“Sheena?”

Slowly she raised her eyes, still too dazed to respond.

“I’m so sorry, baby.”

She nodded and looked away. Suddenly her eyes grew wide. “So, what are my options? Where can I choose to live? What about my job?”

“I’ll help you find a new job. I promise. Baby, I’ll make sure this is as pleasant for you as it can be.”

“I’m holding you to that.”

He tapped his pen on the pad. It looked like he was avoiding her eyes.

“I made a call last night. And made arrangements with some friends of mine who live in Texas.”

Sheena gaped at him and slapped her hands on the tabletop. “Are you kidding me? Texas?”

He glanced at her and placed his hand over hers. Then his brows pinched. “Tell me you like horses.”

“Horses? What does that have to do with it?”

“You’re going to the Tebow Ranch. My friends, the McCoy’s own it. They have agreed to let you live there and will even help you find a job. Like I said we’ll help you find new employment.”

“Cowboys? I get to live with hot cowboys? I’m in.”

Bast scowled at her. “Stay away from the cowboys.”

Sheena looked at him like he had two heads. “Why would I do that?”

“Because I want you to.”

“Well, I hate to break it to you, Bast, but that’s not your call to make. I’m not one of your team.”

“Then do it for me because I asked you to.”

“You’re going to have to give me a better reason than that.”

“Fine. How about this?” Bastien rounded the table and pulled Sheena into his arms. She sucked in a surprised breath right before his lips came down on hers.