Taken: An Everyday Heroes World Novel (The Everyday Heroes World)

by M. A. Lee

  It felt right holding her in my arms. She smelled like lavender and sunshine and if I could have bottled up her scent to keep forever, I would.

  As I found a movie on Netflix, we lay together enjoying one another. Never in my life had I felt secure and needed-- that was until Ally came into my life. This sassy and stubborn beauty was changing my life and I think I liked the path I was on.

  Chapter 14

  Ally

  The loud boom filled my ears.

  I almost jumped out of my skin as I turned and prepared to duck or roll or do whatever I should be doing when you heard a loud freaking sound that scared you.

  “Hey, it was just a car exhaust.” Ryan laughed as he placed a calming hand on my shoulder.

  Exhaling a deep breath, I closed my eyes and let out a laugh. “Damn, I need to get myself under control,” I said.

  “Have you talked with anyone?” Ryan asked.

  I glanced over at him and I understood the intention behind his words. He wanted to know if I had sat down with a psychologist. If I had seen someone to help me deal with my obvious PTSD.

  “I have been talking to Todd about everything,” I said.

  Ryan’s face flushed at the mention of Todd’s name.

  “He’s not a therapist though. He’s a cop, right?” Ryan asked, eyeing me carefully.

  Over the last few days, I had noticed that Ryan had been more flirtatious with me in class. While at first, I had enjoyed his presence and his attention, the more time I spent with Todd had me feeling conflicting emotions. Especially after spending last night wrapped in his arms as we watched a movie.

  My feelings for Todd were one-sided I thought, but now, I wasn’t sure. He had been so standoffish toward me and then he went and held me. I was confused, but at the same time, intrigued by what was happening between us. He was older than me. Established in his career and obviously a playboy. An orphaned college student who had some drug dealing criminal after her probably wasn’t on his list of traits he wanted in a girl.

  “Hey, you seem lost,” Ryan stated.

  And, I was.

  It didn’t matter where I was or what I was doing. Todd came to mind. Even when I was stressing over the status of our complicated relationship, my mind always went to him. Even if it was negative, it was like my mind needed to think of him.

  Realizing Ryan had asked me a question, I responded. “No, Todd’s not a therapist, but he works with this stuff every day. I guess it is helpful talking to him.” I shrugged.

  “I worry about you, Ally. Why don’t you let me take you out sometime?” Ryan asked.

  His eyes met mine and I noticed he was clenching his jaw.

  Before I could open my mouth and spew some nonsense, I heard the loud roar of Todd’s engine as he pulled into the student parking lot.

  My breath caught and I turned, a bright smile beaming across my face.

  “We will talk about this later,” I said as I began jogging toward Todd’s truck.

  I knew it is wrong to leave him there without a formal answer, but I couldn’t help it. My body, heart, and mind was drawn to Todd.

  As I jumped into the truck, he saw my smile and raised his eyebrows at me.

  “What made you so happy?” he asked as he turned to face me. His lopsided grin was adorable.

  “Ryan just asked me out,” I said, leaning back as I put on my seat belt.

  Gripping the steering wheel, Todd let out a low growl as he leaned forward and looked out his windshield. Spotting Ryan, I saw anger flash across his eyes.

  My heart skipped a little beat at this. I knew it was wrong and that I was playing with fire, but seeing his reaction to Ryan gave me hope that maybe there might be hope for us. Could his wall be crumbling down?

  “What did you say?” he asked as he quickly put the truck in reverse and backed out of the parking space.

  I swear, he was breaking every speed limit right now. It was like he couldn’t get us away from campus-- and Ryan, fast enough.

  “I told him we would talk about it later. What would you want me to say?” I asked coyly.

  Todd opened his mouth to say something, but then he shut it quickly. I saw his mind racing as his eyes glowed with frustration.

  This wasn’t the same guy I met a few days ago. The detective who only wanted to talk about facts and not get involved in my life. I was seeing another side of Todd and I liked it-- I think.

  “Cat got your tongue?” I asked, trying to hide my own smile.

  “You know, you aren’t who I thought you were,” Todd said, briefly glancing at me as he idled at a stoplight.

  Huffing, I almost felt offended. “What the hell does that mean?” I asked, crossing my arms across my chest.

  “Calm down.” He chuckled. “I just meant, when I first met you, you seemed like you were this scared girl who needed to become more comfortable in her skin.”

  “And now?” I asked, not sure if I wanted to know the answer.

  “Now, I see that you are more like a little vixen. You are stronger than people give you credit for. And, you're stubborn and sassy as hell,” he finished, winking at me.

  I thought over his theory on me and to be honest, I sort of liked it. Never did I want anyone to ever pity me or label me a victim because of my circumstances. I had an incredible life before my parents died. And, as much as it sucked and as bad as my heart ached to see my parents again, I also knew my life could be great again one day.

  When we arrived back at his apartment, Todd and I headed straight to the living room. We had stopped and picked up a pizza and some wine coolers for me and another pack of beer for him. It was becoming our nightly ritual to eat dinner in front of the television and then watch a movie while we took in a few drinks. It was pure bliss and I didn’t want to think about what life would be like once I had to return back to my apartment.

  As Todd took a bite of pizza, I decided to bring up my current dilemma. “So, what’s the news on Marcus?” I asked.

  I saw Todd tense and he waited a moment, chewing his food much longer than he needed to, before finally answering me. “Marcus is hiding out. His team is still producing and selling the narcotics. We have had our men outside of your apartment and they believe Marcus’s crew is still staking the place out. Until we bring him in, you aren’t safe,” he bit out.

  I knew he didn’t mean to be harsh, but he sounded rough.

  Maybe he was mad that I was still there. Had I misread our connection?

  “I’m sorry I still have to be here,” I said, lowering my head.

  Putting down his plate, Todd closed the distance between us as he kneeled in front of me. Grabbing my hands, he surprised me when he forced me to look up at him. “Hey, don’t apologize. I really like having you here.” He smiled.

  “Yeah, right. I eat your food and you have to be my chauffeur,” I said, rolling my eyes. “I go back to work tomorrow, so I can contribute,” I finished.

  Squeezing my hands, Todd shook his head. “You are not a burden, and I know that is what you are thinking. Just a little while ago, I was calling you brave and strong and now, you are falling back into that role neither one of us want to see you play,” he stated firmly.

  “Honestly, I don’t know what to think. Sometimes I feel like you enjoy me around and then other times, I get the vibe that I am nothing more than someone you have to babysit until your case is complete.”

  I wasn’t sure why I was being so honest. I hadn’t even had a drink of alcohol yet.

  Todd stuttered a laugh and I saw a glimmer of a spark in those beautiful eyes. He was about to melt my heart. “The truth is, you being here goes against every rule in the book. But, I can’t let you go. I have this undeniable urge to keep you safe. To know where you are every waking moment of the day. I need to see you asleep in my house, knowing that I am protecting you,” he breathed.

  Damn.

  The air shifted around us and suddenly, there were no murderous drug dealers. There weren’t dead parents, and class d
ifferences between us. We were just us. A boy and a girl. The heat growing between us was so strong, neither of us could fight the pull.

  Leaning forward, I watched as Todd’s plump, juicy lips came my way.

  I knew it was wrong.

  I knew he could probably get in trouble for this.

  But at the moment, neither of us cared of the consequences. His eyes showed the truth; he wanted me as much as I wanted him.

  I closed the distance between us and as our lips collided, I swear fireworks erupted around me.

  His mouth moved against mine parting as his tongue slipped inside my mouth. Gladly accepting, I moaned as our tongues began intertwining, moving together in a sensual dance.

  I couldn’t breathe and my body felt like I was hovering high above in the clouds. If this was what a kiss felt like, I just knew sex with Todd would be life altering.

  After a few minutes, we both pulled back, panting as we struggled to catch our breath.

  I fell back against the couch and watched as Todd moved back to his seat across the room. His eyes clouded over, flashes of emotion pouring out of them.

  “I’m…” I didn’t know what to say.

  Shaking his head, Todd stood and walked back over to me. Kissing me on top of the head, he whispered against my ear, “Don’t say anything. I’m going to bed, but that was the best fucking kiss of my life.”

  I died and went to heaven at that moment.

  Chapter 15

  Ally

  “10-4. I should be at the station around nine,” Todd said gruffly into his phone.

  I saddled in next to him as we made our morning route to the university.

  Todd had a strange smile on his face and it caused me to be intrigued.

  “What’s going on?” I asked.

  “That was Jamie. We got a tip of where Marcus is hiding out. As soon as I get to the station, I need to get more information,” he rushed out.

  Ever since I had been forced to move into Todd’s apartment, he had shifted his entire work schedule around. Normally, he worked nights but he was now working days. While I felt an underlying guilt for his change in hours, I couldn’t help but also feel glad that I got him at night, too.

  “So tell me, do you think you will catch the bastard?” I asked.

  I wanted the overwhelming worry that someone was watching and hunting me down to go away, but I didn’t want my time with Todd to be over either. It was a strange mix of emotions to want your life out of danger but to also want that need for someone in your life-- even if it meant the bad stays.

  Shaking his head, Todd gave a harsh laugh. His stone-cold face slowly shifted into a grin. “Well, sweetheart, that’s the plan. Hopefully, I catch him and get all the glory,” he said, his cocky attitude shining brighter than the early morning sun.

  I laughed as Todd pulled up to the familiar parking lot where he dropped me off every day. My phone rang and I saw it was Gus calling. I waved at Todd as I jumped out of his truck and began walking toward campus.

  I was not too far removed from the truck when I heard my name behind me.

  “Hey, Ally.”

  I turned and saw Todd had his window rolled down.

  “What?” I asked.

  “We still need to talk about that Ryan punk, remember.” He winked.

  Ugh, he could make my blood boil and my panties wet at the same time.

  “Sure, tonight,” I called before I answered my phone and continued heading toward my class.

  Answering my phone, I was happy to hear from Gus.

  “Hey, kiddo,” Gus greeted me.

  “Hi, Gus. How is the bar?” I asked.

  “It’s coming along. That’s what I am calling about. We will be back up and running on Friday. Can I count you in for a shift?” he asked.

  I hesitated for a moment, knowing I shouldn’t be impulsive, but I also knew I needed to pay bills and eat.

  “Yes, I will be there,” I said.

  Once we hung up, I felt a bomb in the pit of my stomach. Going back to the bar meant putting myself back on the frontlines of danger. It also meant I took one step closer to gaining my life back. But, was it a life I truly wanted to reclaim?

  ****

  By the time Todd arrived to pick me up, I was taken aback when it wasn’t Todd sitting in the parking spot.

  Instead of Todd, I saw his partner, Jamie.

  Carefully, I walked over to the car and peeked through the window. Jamie rolled down the window and offered a sympathetic look. He could surely see my trepidation and worry creasing my brow.

  “Hey, Todd is at the station interrogating a suspect from our case. He should be calling you right now. He said you wouldn’t get in my truck without him saying it was okay,” he said, rolling his eyes.

  I choked on a laugh just as my phone chimed with a text from Todd.

  Todd: Stuck at the precinct. Jamie is picking you up. Go to my apartment and stay!

  Me: Sure thing, Dad.

  Once I hit send, I giggled to myself. I would love to call him dad, daddy, big papa-- whatever he would want. I knew he could probably read through the sexual innuendo and I could just see him smirking and shaking his head right now.

  I opened the door to the vehicle and sat down. “He gave me strict orders to go straight home and not to leave,” I said in a playful stern voice.

  Jamie shook his head and waved his hand dismissively. “He sure is bossy.” He chuckled.

  “Tell me about it,” I replied.

  As he pushed the accelerator, the engine's roar filled my ears.

  We sat in awkward silence for a moment before I finally brought myself to say something.

  “So, how long have you and Todd been partners?” I asked.

  “About three years. When he moved to town, I thought he was just another pretty boy who wanted to play cop,” he said, stopping and looking over at me. “Don’t tell him I called him a pretty boy, old T-Dawg would kill me,” he added.

  “T-Dawg?” I asked, my laughter making tears fill my eyes.

  “Shit, he is definitely going to kill me now,” he added. “Anyway, he is one hell of a detective and puts all of himself into his work. I swear, I would have said he was married to his job-- that is, until you came around,” he said, giving me a sideways glance.

  “What does that mean?” I asked, narrowing my eyes toward him.

  “Look, Todd doesn’t let women into his home. But with you, he is different. He has changed his schedule, he doesn’t meet us for a drink at night anymore, and he cares about someone other than himself,” Jamie finished.

  I contemplated his words as I struggled to catch my breath. My body filled with heat and my heart was beating rapidly.

  When Jamie pulled up outside of Todd’s building, I spotted two police cars sitting by the curb. “Looks like my bodyguards are already here,” I smirked, pointing to the cars.

  “Oh, yeah, he wasn’t going to leave you here without gun-toting officers,” Jamie said, laughing.

  ****

  Safely tucked inside Todd’s apartment, I crashed on my bed in the guest room and grabbed my phone. Rolling to my side, I caught a glimpse of myself in the dresser mirror. I looked so out of place in the posh and modern room. The light gray walls housed expensive paintings that brought reds, yellows, and vibrant oranges into the room.

  The dark wood furniture gave the room a more elegant feel and look.

  I ran my hands over the white comforter and felt the smooth fabric underneath my touch.

  Dialing Brianna's number, I anxiously waited to hear from her.

  “Hey, Ally.” Her voice rang out.

  The familiar sound brought a smile to my face.

  “Hey, girl. I have so much to tell you,” I rushed out.

  “Get on with it. I feel like we haven’t talked in forever, even though it has only been a few days,” Brianna said, her voice eager.

  I proceeded to fill her in on everything that had been going on. Starting with Ryan asking me out, Todd kissin
g me, and then me getting to go back to work on Friday. When I was finished, I felt like I had given her a synopsis to an action movie, instead of my life.

  “Damn, girl. You are living it up,” Brianna mused.

  “Hardly,” I said. “Remember, there is still Marcus out there,” I said.

  I was reminded that Todd had gotten word today about a possible location for Marcus. I wanted to text him and find out what he knew, but I also knew I couldn’t do that right now.

  “That hot detective you are living with and hooking up with hasn’t caught him yet?” Brianna asked.

  “First, we aren’t hooking up. We kissed once,” I reminded her.

  I caught myself smiling like a giddy schoolgirl in my reflection of the dresser mirror. Who was I kidding? I wanted Todd to take me now.

  “Whatever, I can hear it in your voice that you want to.”

  “Maybe,” I said coyly.

  “Seriously though. Ally, if life has taught you anything, it should be that life can change at the blink of an eye. Don’t miss out on something great because you are scared. That loser drug dealer will get caught, just stay safe and remember to live,” she said.

  I felt tears brim the corners of my eyes. I had never heard Brianna be so serious before, but she was right. My parents died and I never expected that. When I moved here, I never would have imagined that me, a no one, would be caught in the middle of a human trafficking drug ring.

  “I know,” I agreed. It was hard to admit that, but we both knew she was right.

  Changing the topic, Brianna’s voice perked up a bit.

  “So, are you up for a guest?” she asked.

  “Really?” I asked, excitement ringing from me.

  “Yeah, I have fall break coming up and I thought I might come see you for the weekend,” she offered.

  “That sounds fantastic, let me check with Todd, but I don’t think he would mind,” I exclaimed.

  We ended our call shortly after and I fell asleep, dreaming of a hot detective.