by Brenda Trim
“Maybe. I’ll text you later when I’m done here. Now, with regards to Erika. I think it’s best if you two stay away from one another,” Bart explained.
“No argument here. Trust me. The farther away from her I am, the better. Patricia has plenty to keep me busy,” Kelly replied as she tugged Bart’s tie, bringing him closer to her body. Her lust-filled gaze told him exactly what was on her mind, and his body demanded Bart throw her on his desk and fuck her.
“So, when will you be done? If you want, I can wait upstairs in your bedroom. In fact, I was thinking I could keep a spare outfit here, for such occasions,” she smiled wryly.
“I don’t think so,” he replied, and didn’t miss the disappointment on her face. “You go on home, and I’ll hit you up when I’m done with work. Speaking of, any job leads yet?” he asked. The sooner Kelly found another job, the easier life would be for him. He didn’t mind the occasional hookup but seeing her every day was getting on his nerves. She hovered, and he hated clingy women.
“I’m working on it. Don’t worry. I’ll be out of your gorgeous hair soon enough,” she said with a wink and reached up, ruffling his blond locks.
Just then, Erika barged through his office door. “Mr. Smith, I need the day off. Lawson has––,” she stopped abruptly when she spotted Kelly. “Sorry, I didn’t realize you were busy,” she added, and her mouth hung open as her gaze lowered on Kelly.
Bart glanced over, and noted two buttons on Kelly’s blouse were undone. When the hell did that happen? He sure as fuck didn’t touch her top.
Kelly looked down, and quickly fastened the buttons. “Sorry. Guess we got carried away,” she quipped as her cheeks reddened. “I’ll see you later,” she purred to Bart then exited the room before he could address her comment.
At that moment, he knew it was over with Kelly. He didn’t love her. Hell, he didn’t even trust her after that bullshit display of whatever the fuck it was. He needed to end things with her. The sooner the better.
Bart quickly turned to Erika. “I apologize for that. Not sure what she was implying but I assure you we weren’t doing anything before you came in,” he explained. He didn’t owe her an explanation, but he was compelled to voice one. He needed…no, that wasn’t accurate. He wanted Erika’s respect. It mattered more to him than it should.
“Hey, it’s not my business. You can do whatever you want,” she snapped and crossed her arms over her chest.
Was Erika jealous? Certainly seemed that way, given her disposition. And, that had Bart smiling. Which only made Erika angrier. Her blue eyes blazed and her cheeks flushed pink. He enjoyed knowing the incident ruffled her feathers, even though nothing happened with Kelly.
“Okay, so tell me why you need a day off? You do realize it’s only your second day at work,” he teased as he leaned against the desk, and crossed his ankles.
“I know, and I’m very sorry, but this pertains to shifters. Lawson called and said he and Ryan are going to Rutledge. He received a tip on Elaine Jensen’s whereabouts, and I insisted he pick me up along the way. If there’s even the slightest chance she’s there, I want to be a part of capturing her,” Erika explained in a rush.
“What? They’ve found her? Then I’m coming, too. I want to see her ass brought to justice for what she did to you,” Bart admitted. He wanted Elaine Jensen to rot in jail for the rest of her life for abusing Erika and the other shifters.
He’d never forget when they barged into the Nashville facility and found wolves strapped to a table. At the time, he was certain the animals were dead. They were unnaturally still, with tubes protruding from their pitiful forms, draining their blood into large containers. Luckily, most of them, including Erika, survived. Elaine Jensen was responsible, and she needed to pay for what she’d done.
Erika paused and pondered his words. “You know, that’s not a bad idea. If we catch her, and shifters see you were a part of it, they’ll see you’re on our side. We might have to stay the night. Is that a problem for you?”
“I’ve got a few meetings this afternoon, but I can reschedule them. This takes precedence,” Bart explained, and Erika smiled.
“I like hearing that. I’m going to pack a few things, and I’ll text you when they get here,” she said and turned to leave.
Bart jumped up and rushed toward Erika, grabbing her hand. He spun her around, so they were facing each other. “I meant it when I said those responsible for harming shifters would be held accountable. I need you to believe me,” he implored as he stared deeply into her sky-blue eyes, wishing time would stand still so he could look at her forever.
“I believe you, Bart,” she murmured, making him sink deeper into her hypnotic trance. It was the first time she’d called him by name, and her silky voice glided across his skin like a lover’s caress.
It was vastly different than what he felt toward Kelly. With Kelly, it was sexual gratification, nothing more. But with Erika, he wanted to take his time and explore every inch of her body. He wanted to see her moan with pleasure from his touch. Arousal coursed through his veins like a raging river as he imagined making love to the shifter. It took every ounce of restraint not to pick her up and take her to his bed. He wanted her beyond reason, even though he knew it was wrong. She worked for him now, and he was an ethical man, if nothing else.
“Hey. You okay?” she asked with a smirk. Was Erika aware how much she affected him? Bart needed to get a grip on his libido before she ran as far away from him as possible.
“Yes, of course. Just thinking about the changes to my schedule. Meetings and appointments to shift around. I should make a few calls now before we drive into an area with bad reception,” he expressed, hoping she didn’t see through his ramblings.
Bart took a deep breath and willed away his aching erection. He had to stop his obsession. He couldn’t go there. Working with Erika meant more than a romp in the sack. A niggling in his mind told him it wasn’t about the job at all, but how much he needed the woman in his life.
“Okay. I’ll see you in a bit,” Erika said and turned to leave for the second time.
Bart watched Erika walk out of his office, her hips swaying ever so slightly. Was he a complete imbecile? He just agreed to go on a road trip, possibly overnight, with the most alluring woman he’d ever met. One he couldn’t stop touching at every turn. And, he had to remain professional? How in the hell would he survive the next twenty-four hours?
His cock jerked painfully, confirming his idiocy.
Erika watched Bart approach Lawson’s van. It was the first time she’d seen him wear something besides a suit, and she was surprised how well he dressed down. His gray flannel shirt hugged his arms and chest just right, and she noted he was far more muscular than she originally thought. His low-slung jeans were slightly baggy, the way they ought to be, and he was wearing cowboy boots. Apparently, Bart could do casual. And, do it well, she concluded as she perused him approvingly.
“Hope you haven’t been waiting long,” he announced and shook Lawson’s hand when he approached the van.
“Nope. Just pulled up,” Lawson replied as he slid open the side door of the vehicle then jumped into the passenger seat.
“After you, milady,” Bart said with a slight bow.
“Why, thank you,” Erika replied with a curtsey then crawled inside the van. She tossed her backpack toward the rear of the vehicle as she plopped onto the hard bench seat.
Lawson turned in his seat as Bart climbed into the vehicle. “Glad you could join us.”
“Wouldn’t miss it,” Bart answered, slinging his duffel bag atop hers. “Hey, Ryan. I’m surprised to see you here. Aren’t you still on your honeymoon?” he added with a chuckle then took a seat beside her.
The scent of sandalwood and musk filled her nostrils and Erika inhaled deeply. Her wolf howled, wanting to crawl in Bart’s lap and take a long nap. Damn traitor. When his muscular thigh rubbed against hers, Erika’s heart skipped a beat. She wished the male didn’t have her wound so tight. E
very time he stared her way, her stomach did little flips and her wolf panted like a bitch in heat.
Ryan looked at them and grinned. “I left Cassie in our bed, with a big ol’ smile on her face. And, as soon as I get back, I’m going to make her smile again,” the shifter chuckled and licked his lips. “That, my friends, is how to keep your female happy,” he boasted as he put the van into gear and pulled away from Bart’s large estate.
“I’ll try to remember that,” Bart retorted then looked at Erika. She rolled her eyes but couldn’t stop her snicker at Ryan’s comment.
“Like you need any advice, Mr. Governor? I’ve heard about you,” Ryan countered as he glanced into the rearview mirror, waggling his eyebrows. Erika didn’t miss Bart turning ten shades of red which made her laugh aloud. Busted, she thought.
“Don’t believe the rumors,” Bart quickly replied as he tugged at his collar. If she wasn’t mistaken, that was sweat beading his brow.
“You know what they say? Where there’s smoke, there’s usually fire,” Lawson commented with a shrug.
“Can we talk about something else?” Bart interjected before he glanced at her sideways. His tone told of his nervousness which was surprising to Erika.
She smiled broadly, enjoying the show. Bart- the calm, cool, and collected governor of Tennessee- was squirming in his seat. She’d bet her right arm that didn’t happen too often.
Bart leaned over and placed his lips to her ear, “Don’t buy into their nonsense,” he whispered.
She looked him straight in the eye and replied, “I’ve heard the stories, too, but I make my own decisions. I’ve been on the receiving end of lies, and it’s no picnic,” she muttered low.
Too many times, she was judged harshly within a pack. It was bad enough she was bullied because of her size, but some took it a step further and told awful tales about her promiscuity. That was one of the reasons the pack leader felt he could force her to share her life force with a male she didn’t love. He even had the audacity to tell her no other male would want to mate a whore like her. Truth was, she’d only been with two males her entire life, and neither was worth mentioning.
Erika felt an arm slip around her shoulder and looked over to see Bart’s warm brown eyes staring at her. “Remember the last time we were in this van?” he asked and smiled. It was a welcomed distraction from her thoughts, and she returned the sentiment.
“How could I forget? That was the day you wooed my wolf,” Erika answered coyly.
“I think you have it backwards. Pretty sure your wolf wooed me with her beautiful eyes,” he confessed with a sexy grin. Erika enjoyed their mild flirtation. It was easy and came without effort.
“So, I called ahead and booked the cabin next to where we think Elaine is staying,” interrupted Lawson.
“How long will it take to get there?” Erika asked. She was hyper-aware of Bart’s nearness, and she prayed the drive wasn’t a long one.
“A couple of hours,” Lawson informed them. That was too damn long, she thought as she blew out a breath.
Two hours was an eternity when sitting next to the sexiest male on the planet. What was she going to do to keep preoccupied? Count cars? Play the alphabet game? Anything to keep from thinking about Bart’s hand on her shoulder, or his thigh rubbing against hers.
“So, how are things going at the governor’s mansion?” Lawson asked and Erika gulped.
Would Bart rat her out and tell the pack leader that she lost control and shifted inside his home, not to mention, attacked a human female? That should make for great conversation over the next couple of hours. At least she momentarily forgot about Bart and his incredible scent. Well, almost.
“Going great,” Bart replied. “We got Erika settled into the guest house, and I showed her around. Her first assignment is to set up a few meetings with shifters that have called regarding their missing family members. As soon as we get back, hopefully we’ll get something on the books. I feel really good about this, Lawson. Thank you for recommending Erika for the position,” he relayed and squeezed her shoulder in reassurance.
“I knew she was the perfect choice. Liv misses you, though. Everybody at Safe Haven does,” Lawson added with a nod.
“I miss them, too,” Erika replied as relief swamped her.
Bart wasn’t throwing her under the bus. She acknowledged that attacking Kelly wasn’t the smartest decision she’d made. She needed to control her emotions. The outcome could’ve been much worse, and she was lucky there wasn’t a casualty. The awful female rubbed her, and her wolf, the wrong way. There were no redeeming qualities that Erika could see. Kelly deserved the bite in Erika’s opinion, but she should’ve handled the situation differently.
Erika looked to Bart and mouthed thank you. He nodded knowingly and pulled her closer. Erika knew she should move away but she wanted Bart to know she appreciated his confidentiality. She’d come away from the unfortunate incident with an unexpected gift. She and Bart shared a camaraderie she’d never experienced, and Erika felt close to him. Like she could tell Bart anything, and he wouldn’t judge.
They sat in silence for the remainder of the drive, listening to Lawson and Ryan plot the best way to approach Elaine. Hopefully, the ‘shock and awe’ plan worked in their favor because if Elaine thought for a second that they were onto her, she’d hightail it out of Rutledge before they made it out of Chattanooga.
When they finally arrived at the cabin, it was close to noon. The small wooden structure was a stark contrast to the white carpet of snow surrounding it. Despite the recent increase in temperature, the snow had yet to melt around the vacant cabin, and Erika wondered when it was used last. The only evidence of life was a trail of hoof prints leading away from the cabin and into the forest. Probably a deer searching for food, she surmised.
Erika noted there was plenty of distance between their cabin and the one Elaine supposedly rented, which was a blessing. They could unload and get inside undetected. Their crew quickly scrambled from the van, grabbed their bags, and scurried inside the small house in a matter of minutes.
As Erika stepped inside the log home, she was pleased to find the interior exactly as she expected. Comfy and quaint. The green and tan plaid sofas looked worn, and the wooden tables bore scratches and stains of memories made. The large fireplace took up an entire wall, and Erika envisioned families gathered in front of its flames after a day spent outdoors. She immediately felt at home.
“Well, I hate to cut out so soon, but Ryan and I need to scope out the cabin next door. Hopefully, my source was right,” Lawson announced after he dropped his bag by the front door.
“Do you want us to come with you? Four heads are better than one,” Erika suggested as she looked from Lawson to Ryan then to Bart.
“No, you two stay here. Get settled in because I have a hunch that we might need to take shifts watching Elaine’s place. Ashley packed plenty of food for us, so grab the cooler from the back of the van. Ryan and I will be back in a bit with an update,” Lawson instructed then he and his brother left the cabin.
As silence descended, it dawned on Erika that she and Bart were alone. In a romantic little hideaway out in the middle of nowhere. This wasn’t good given the way he affected her, and her palms broke out in a sweat from the thought.
Bart swung his arms wide, and clapped. “Well, I’ll grab the cooler then start a fire. From the looks of it, I’d say the fireplace is our only source of heat. As soon as the sun sets, this place will get cold fast,” he mumbled as his gaze darted in every direction but hers. Obviously, he felt the tension between them, as well.
She wiped her hands on her jeans, and walked past Bart. “Sounds good. I’ll check out the rest of the cabin and see how many bedrooms there are. Hopefully, you, Lawson and Ryan won’t have to bunk together,” she teased, and Bart chuckled. It seemed to take the edge off a little which eased Erika’s nerves.
Bart went to the van while she did a quick tour. The cabin was larger than she originally thought. There were f
ive bedrooms, and each had its own bathroom. Erika threw her backpack on a bed, claiming the only room that housed a tub. Surely, the others preferred showers, she deduced as she eyed the claw-footed basin approvingly. If there was time, she was going to soak in that baby before she went to sleep.
When she returned to the family room, Bart was building a fire. Her gaze roamed his firm backside and she imagined sinking her nails into his ass as he pounded her naked body.
Shaking her head, she berated herself for such suggestive thoughts. Where the hell did that come from, she wondered as she shook off the erotic fantasy. Was she nearing her heat cycle? She hoped not because that wouldn’t bode well for her, or Bart.
Erika made her way into the kitchen and unloaded the cooler. Ashley, the head chef at Safe Haven, had thought of everything. There were lunch meats, various cheeses, bread, cut vegetables, and several bags of chips along with water bottles, coffee grounds, beer, and wine. She even baked cookies for them. This wasn’t a typical packed lunch. It was a full-blown smorgasbord.
“No telling how long they’ll be gone,” Erika yelled from the kitchen. “Would you like a beer or a glass of wine?”
“Whatever you’re having is fine,” Bart shouted back from the family room.
Erika rummaged through drawers until she found a bottle opener and proceeded to uncork the wine. Next, she searched the cabinets and located the glassware then poured two goblets of Cabernet.
When she entered the family room, Bart was lounging on the sofa closest to the crackling fire. She joined him on the comfy cushions and handed him a glass. “Here’s to Elaine Jensen getting what she deserves,” Erika toasted and clinked her glass to his.
“I’ll drink to that,” Bart replied and took a deep drink. “Do you think they’ll be gone long? I’m anxious to hear what’s happening next door.”
“Lawson is the most persistent male I’ve ever met. He won’t quit until he’s explored every square foot of that property. So, yeah, it could be a while,” Erika informed as she sipped on her drink.