by Aliyah Burke
“I can call a taxi.”
“And I can cuff you. However, the doc did say that we couldn’t have any extracurricular activities tonight.” He allowed himself the indulgence of another brush of his hand over her hair. He didn’t understand how she got it so soft and that violet streak that was in it was hell on his libido. “You wait right here with me and we’ll go together.”
The fact that she didn’t put up that much of an argument told him that she was still in shock. He’d take it—her a bit more amiable to everything. She didn’t need to be arguing every step of the way right now.
When the unit pulled up, he laced their fingers and tugged her with him to climb into the back of the patrol car. With a nod to the young officer, he provided the directions on where he wanted them to go. Back to the school and his vehicle.
Within an hour, he had her loaded up into his crimson red Acadia Denali and was driving to her parents’ house.
“Will your sisters be there? Or should we call them?”
She lay a bit reclined in the passenger seat and still had a warm blanket covering her. However, in his periphery he could see her eyes open as she watched him.
“Everyone should still be there. Tonight was a family dinner.”
“And you missed it?”
“It was a cooking class and since this is the only night it was on this week, I was excused.”
She burrowed down under the blanket a little more and his heart tripped. He wanted to keep her warm and protected.
“Why did you sign up for this class?”
He posed a question to keep her awake because he didn’t want her to fall asleep just yet. But not only that, he was one-hundred percent curious as to what possessed her to embark on this class as opposed to a different cooking class.
“I’ve had a love affair with Middle Eastern food for a good number of years. Any food really.” She gave a self-indulgent chuckle. “Just want to know how to make all these amazing dishes that I get at restaurants. More than that, I love learning about the culture.”
“So then, with such a strong drive and love of cooking, can you explain to me how you got into teaching topology?”
“Easy answer. Numbers fascinate me.”
He nodded and began to change lanes. “And the not so easy answer?”
“That would take a lot longer than we have for me to explain it.”
Keeping his comment to himself, he nodded once more and dropped it. Not much later, soft snores came from the passenger seat. While he debated waking her, he knew they were about five minutes out from her parents’ and would allow her this short break.
He parked in the driveway and unhooked his belt. Reaching across to the passenger seat, he settled his hand upon her shoulder and shook her in a gentle motion.
“Wake up, Shai. We’re here.”
She didn’t jolt awake. No, of course not. However, it was sudden. One second she was out and the next her eyes were wide and locked onto his. The air thickened between them, crackling with energy and passion as well as the promise of what was to come. He leaned closer, desperate almost to feel her lips upon his.
Shai moved back, sitting up all the way and unbuckling her own belt even as she folded up the blanket.
“I should go tell them. Thank you for bringing me home.”
His chuckle was harsh. “Oh no, baby. You’re not getting rid of me that easily. I’m coming in with you, we’re telling your family together, then you and I need to discuss what can happen from there.” Her full lips parted before she inhaled sharply and climbed out of the vehicle. He followed after her to the porch while she knocked then pushed open the door.
“Anyone home?” She stepped in and he trailed right behind her.
“In the living room.” Her dad’s voice rang out. “We didn’t think you’d make it. We’re just about to start playing Pictionary. Come on in and join us. We have hot drinks and snacks.”
“I actually brought someone with me.” Shai shot him a nervous look before leading the way to the living room entrance. “And we have something to tell you.”
The four people in the room fell silent, all eyes on them. Searching. Assessing. Judging.
He’d been under scrutiny before, but there was something different this time.
Her mother, Adalyn, got up right away and crossed over to her daughter. “What happened? You were injured. How did this happen?”
That statement alone set off a slew of inquiries being shot at them rapid-fire.
He held up his hands and thankfully they listened, falling silent. “There was a bit of an accident tonight.”
He hesitated, unsure how much she wanted to share with her family, and how much he should do for her. He opened his mouth to start once more and she shook her head so he took a slight step back, allowing her to be the center of attention.
The roar from her family, after she explained what happened, bordered on deafening. Derek stood there, quite positive she didn’t know she backed right up into him, using him as support. Not that he was going to tell her because he sure as hell didn’t mind. However, he was pretty sure that her father and two sisters had picked up on it even if her mother hadn’t.
“So what happens now?” her father asked as he stood, fingers clenched around the white porcelain mug in his hand.
“Well, we have two options at this point. One, we can put her in a safe house. Or two”—he angled around to ensure that she could see his face—“I move in with her.”
The house at one moment had been loud and cacophonous—now it was quiet enough that you could have heard a mouse fart.
Surely I misheard him? Is he actually standing here, in my parents’ house, in front of them and my sisters, talking about moving in with me as if it’s nothing?
The moment she realized she had backed herself against him, she stepped forward, breaking the connection they had. She didn’t need to go getting all comfortable and familiar with this man’s body. Even if—and that was a big if—she went to a safe house or something like that, he wasn’t to be trifled with, nor was he one to be starting a dalliance. She needed to get her game face on and figure this shit out before she made a fool of herself.
Her ears began to ring once more, and she shook her head a few times, trying to alleviate the slight pain. It didn’t work.
He grasped her hand and took her with him into the kitchen away from the noise and the chaos. Once it was just the two of them, he faced her.
“I can’t believe you just said that.”
“I’m not about to lie to your father. He asked me what happened, now those are two options. I wasn’t kidding. I’m giving you a choice—you have protective custody at a safe house or you have custody at your house with me.”
Dammit, the determination and set of his face did something to her insides. Made her think about something other than the danger she was in.
“And who do I get for protection at a safe house?”
“Still me.”
“I don’t think that’s necessary.”
He shrugged. “I don’t give a damn what you think. Obviously it’s not working having officers tail you. They went after your car and as they probably know where you live, they’ll go after your house next. Is this really something you want to argue with me about?”
“No she will not.” Both of them turned toward the new voice that entered the conversation. It was her mother. Tears of concern lingered in her eyes but there was that “mom” stubbornness look on her face. “You will let this man do what he has to to keep you safe, Shai, or so help me God…”
“I don’t have a choice so I want to pick my house. At least this way I can surround myself with what I know and what comforts me.”
Her mother heaved a sigh and hurried over to enfold her into a hug. Shai felt the same burn of tears in her eyes as she returned the embrace. She loved her family and despite being hardheaded, stubborn and a whole bunch of other things, all it would take was some tears from her mother and she would cav
e. She’d always been that way, not having any recourse against them.
It wasn’t fair. For now she was stuck in her house but it wasn’t alone since she was with the man she’d dreamed about each night and quite often called his name out as she plunged one of her vibrators between her thighs.
“I need to go. My ears still hurt and I’m dizzy.”
“Maybe you should stay here for the night,” her mother offered.
Cutting her gaze over to Derek, she watched him give a slight shake of his head and followed his directive. “I don’t think so. I think it best I go home. This way he can get settled and we’ll go from there.”
Another hard embrace from her mother followed by one from her father and she found herself facing her sisters while Derek was out with their parents.
They held hands without a word, sharing strength with each other as they always had growing up.
“Are you sure you’re okay?” Eva questioned.
“My head hurts and my body is sore from him taking me to the ground, but considering the alternative, I think I’m okay.”
“Well, with him living with you, perhaps your body can get sore in a much better way.”
“I’m all for it. However, the doctor mentioned we weren’t allowed to do that tonight.”
She closed her eyes and groaned in embarrassment as Derek stepped up behind her, his comment reverberating around in her mind.
“I think I could like you, Detective.”
His hard body brushed up against hers and she bit back a whimper. This just wasn’t fair. She was weakened as it was and he wasn’t playing fair.
“Please, my friends call me Sav.”
“Sav it is then,” Tara chimed in. “Take care of my sister. I know where you work.”
He slipped an arm around her waist. “We should get going. I need to swing by home and pick up some things.”
Another brief round of hugs and she found herself being led back out through the rain and into his vehicle. Shai kept her thoughts to herself as he drove them through the rainy streets. He pulled up in front of a row of smaller houses and she sat up.
“Did you want to stay out here? I can leave the car running if you did. Or you can come inside while I toss a few things in a bag. Honestly, I prefer you come in. That way I can keep an eye on you and make sure you don’t fall back asleep.”
She didn’t have it in her to be argumentative. So without a word, she unbuckled her seat belt and climbed out. As he unlocked the door, she wondered what type of place he had and what she was walking into.
She was surprised, and it came as a pleasant one. She was woman enough to admit that. It wasn’t cluttered, wasn’t messy. What it was was simple. He wasn’t a man who dealt with a lot of knickknacks, at least not out here. The kitchen was spotless and that she approved of wholeheartedly.
“Make yourself at home. I’ll be back in a few minutes. Anything you want in the kitchen, help yourself.”
He vanished down the hall only to stick his head back into view a few seconds later.
“Unless you’d like to come help me in the bedroom?”
She gave him a sweet smile. “I have every bit of faith that you can find that three inches you’re looking for.”
“Ouch,” he commented. “And here I thought I was going to be safe from the claws.”
Shai didn’t respond, just walked into the kitchen and sat at his small kitchen table. Food didn’t appeal to her, nor did anything to drink, but she would have felt a bit uncomfortable sitting on his couch. For whatever reason, a kitchen setting had always been more comforting to her than any other place in the house, so she remained at the table.
Flicking her attention to the fridge, she noticed a few pictures on there, as well as a hand-drawn one that looked to be the artwork of maybe a four- or five-year-old.
Does he have kids? Am I seriously contemplating fucking a married man?
None of that would do. There were some lines she refused to cross, and that was one of them. In fact, that was more than a line. That was one huge fucking crater that in no way was she going to be going over. Ever.
A stab of disappointment sliced through her. There was no denying she found this man highly attractive. But it didn’t matter—married with children made him off-limits.
“That picture is from my niece. I’m not married and I don’t have any children.” He raked his gaze over her, branding every inch that he touched. “Yet.”
To say this man affected her in a sexual manner would be like saying the obvious—water is wet, the sky is blue and ice is cold. It was a good thing the chair was wooden because she was certain to be leaving a wet spot behind when she stood up.
“Are we leaving?” The smile he gave her wasn’t even close to being professional and she didn’t care at all. The man was just too fine for his own good. Or was that her own good?
“I’m ready when you are.”
Back in his vehicle, she draped the blanket over her once more and tipped the seat back. She couldn’t keep her eyes open and all she wanted to do was sleep. Regardless of that fact, she was aware she needed to stay awake. At least for a little bit longer.
“I don’t have a garage door opener anymore or I’d let you park in the garage. I can get out and go into the house and open it for you, but I have a feeling you don’t want me to enter without you going first.”
“You’re absolutely right about that. I don’t want you going in before me. In fact, I’d like you to stay in this car behind the wheel with the motor running while I check it and clear it. But I have a hunch that’s not going to work.”
“No, it’s not.”
“You do realize this is going to get dangerous.”
She sighed and rubbed her temples as she thought this through. “Are you saying it would be better all the way around if we were at a safe house?”
“Without a doubt.”
Shai didn’t want to be away from her comfort, the things that made her feel better and alive. She also didn’t want to have to put her family through burying her. So with another deep breath, she undid her seat belt.
“So go clear the house. I can pack a bag too. And then you can take me to the safe house.”
He held her gaze for a few moments before nodding and hopping out. Exhaling, she followed him, her exhaustion mounting with each step she took.
An hour later she was once again in his vehicle, her three bags in the back beside his. This time when she covered up with the blanket she didn’t even fight to try to stay awake. Everything right then was too much, and right now she just needed an escape. And for her, at the moment that meant sleep.
Chapter Four
“I don’t know what to tell you, Lieutenant. I have a serious problem with whoever was supposed to be watching her at that time. Had they been doing their job, nobody would’ve been able to sneak up to her car and put a bomb underneath it in a parking lot.”
“So where are you now?”
“We’re at the Rhodes safe house. She’s sleeping right now. I’m sure all of this was a bit much for her. Most people don’t almost get blown up by their own car.”
“Do what you need to do. I want you to check in every four hours, and yes that includes throughout the night. Keep me updated and apprised of the situation and let me know if there’s anything you need.”
“Right now, I just need to know who was supposed to be watching her during that time.”
“I’ll find out and let you know. You sure this can work?”
“In what sense? Why wouldn’t keeping her at a safe house work? It’s done for everybody else.”
“I’m only thinking in terms of her family. When it was her sister who was in the spotlight we were worried they would start going after family members if she disappeared. And when it was that one we at least had some inkling of who we were dealing with. Unless she’s given you something else that you haven’t passed on yet.”
He pinched the bridge of his nose, frustrated. “No, she has no idea w
ho would be doing this. I did speak with Michelle and she mentioned it might’ve been somebody upset about her getting tenure. I did put in a call to the dean and asked him for names of everyone who are up for tenure when she got it. Still waiting for the list.”
“I’ll follow up for you with the dean. He should have sent that over already. If he’s as worried as he’s claiming to be, it should have been sent immediately. Keep her safe, and if you feel it best, go back to her house. I would hate for anything to happen to her family because they are trying to flush her out.”
Meeks ended the call and Sav scrubbed a hand over his face. Back to her place. The idea had merit. There was something about her that made him want to stick with her and be in her place with her.
Speaking of her, he wasn’t sure where she was and he pushed to his feet to go find her. It was a single-story two-bedroom ranch house. When they’d arrived, he’d told her to go pick whichever room she wanted.
And I haven’t seen her since.
Leaving his cell phone on the table, he made his way down the short hall to the first bedroom. It was empty. Not even his bag was in there, although that shouldn’t have surprised him given he’d passed it in the living room. So he moved down to the next and rapped on the doorframe before peeking his head in.
Nothing.
He growled low in his throat. “Shai?”
He didn’t hear anything. The bathroom was closed and so he went to the door and knocked.
“Shai?”
“Coming.”
Fuck, that voice. It was a deep, reach-down-his-pants-and-grip-his-balls kind of voice.
He’d just stepped back when the door opened. Steam rolled out from the room and she stood there, staring up at him, her skin flushed and scrubbed clean. Her hair was damp and yet was still just as sexy as ever. She watched him, lips parted, full and plump, enticing him to take a sample, indulging himself in those soft pillows.
“Excuse me,” she muttered.
God help him, he didn’t want to move out of her way. “When you’re ready, we need to talk about a few things.”