Taken Outback (The Dusty Rider Series Book 1)

by Stella Knights

  I’ve been taught to think once a criminal always a criminal, right? Maybe this is just his game to make his life easier. Come in, make me lust after him and lure me into submission, so I then treat him well and ignore any breaches of his parole.

  Clearing my throat, I tap my pen against the desk, ready to write in the appointment book. “How about we start tomorrow? Two o’clock okay?”

  “Tomorrow works fine for me.” He gives me a million-dollar smile, sending a wave of butterflies through my stomach. I try to focus as I write out the reminder slip for his next appointment. I stand up to walk him out the door, but realise Aiden is not moving from his chair. Turning around, I look at him puzzled.

  “Ummm, aren’t you supposed to read me my rights or something?” He stares at me with those striking eyes.

  A red-hot flush crosses my cheeks again. “Oh gosh, I’m so sorry. I completely forgot.” I am so captivated by this man that I’m now being forgetful.

  What is going on with me? How could I completely forget protocol when I have done this so many times before?

  I clear my throat and try to sound witty as I speak. “Sorry, I’m not sure where my head is. Thank you for reminding me.”

  Holly, you know where your head is. It’s focused on his body and how you would like to touch those rippling muscles bulging through his shirt.

  I somehow muster up enough concentration to go through the rules and rights of parole, trying to focus on the induction paperwork rather than his smile and his oh-so-fit body. Though I’m not looking into his eyes, I sense the heat of his gaze on me as I speak. I want to look up, but I can’t because I’ll never get through the paperwork. There is something about him that tells me if I look right now, I will melt and dissolve into a hot mess.

  I review some of the details of his parole and explain, “You are approved to live at the address you nominated before your release. If you decide to move, you have to give us advance notice, so we can approve your new address.” I glance up and see he nods his head before I look back down. “I know you said you have already secured employment with your family business, so we don’t need to worry about setting you up with appointments with any employment agencies. I don’t see any requests or conditions relating to drug dependency issues…”

  “I only sold them. I never took them,” Aiden interrupts speaking in a definitive, sober tone. “I know that sounds odd, but it’s the truth.”

  I look up, curling my lips. “That’s good. I have to go through these things to ensure you have the best chance at making it through without any setbacks.” Every time I glimpse at Aiden, I start to overheat.

  Is the air conditioner broken? What is going on with me?

  I need to get this man out of my office because I’ve never been attracted to a parolee before. I’ve got to get my head back on straight. I wonder what this man thinks of me as I must look ridiculous, acting all absent-minded and distracted.

  Wait a second, why do I care what he thinks? He’s a criminal. Not my forte whatsoever.

  As for Lisa, she does enjoy bad boys, whereas I have always been happy to stick with the boring, straight-laced corporate geeks of the world.

  So, what is going on with me today?

  Thank goodness, I finally finish the paperwork. Tapping the sheets against the desk to ensure they are stacked together neatly, “Well that’s it for now. Since you have everything sorted with where you are staying there’s nothing else we need to do today. So, I’ll see you tomorrow?” I walk Aiden to the door for the second time.

  As we are walking towards the door, my foot hits the table leg causing me to lose my balance. I start to trip but Aiden grabs me, stopping me from stumbling any further. When my mind catches up with the action, I realise my hand is on his chest and his arm is wrapped around mine, keeping me from falling. My stomach flutters at the feeling of his hard muscles and those big, strong hands on me. I look up, hot with embarrassment, and jump back away from him. I’ve never had physical contact with a parolee before, and I’m keenly aware this may be the first time Aiden has touched a woman in a long time.

  “You okay?” he asks, half smiling, but in a way that shows concern, making me feel even more pathetic.

  “Yeah, I’m so sorry. I can’t believe I just did that.” I must get him out of this office before I die from humiliation.

  He must think I’m such an idiot.

  “I’m looking forward to tomorrow, Holly.”

  I love hearing his sexy, husky voice say my name.

  He stands tall, lifting his chin slightly to look towards me as though he’s sizing me up from head to toe. He walks out the door and out of my office.

  As soon as he’s gone, I check that we have no one in the waiting room. I grab Lisa and take her to our outdoor break room to have a cigarette.

  Looking at me oddly, Lisa asks, “Why are you so flustered?”

  As I take my first drag I say, “Lisa, I have never acted so stupid in my life.”

  “What happened?”

  “I don’t know. I was caught off guard by how good looking he was. What is wrong with me? I’m married. I shouldn’t be attracted to some stranger that happens to have done hard time.”

  She shakes her head and laughs. “Oh honey, it’s happened to me more times than I care to admit. It’s totally normal. I mean, look at what we’re confronted with on a daily basis here. Men come out of prison usually ripped to the hilt because what else are they going to do with their time in there? Too bad most lose it once they’re back out.” She takes a drag on her cigarette. “Besides, just because you are married doesn’t mean you can’t check out what else is for sale from time to time, right? How do you think I keep my sex life going strong? It’s all the fantasies and illusions I get from seeing muscled up guys here that I use to spice things up at home.”

  I laugh at what she’s saying but at the same time I am intrigued.

  Hmm, maybe this is what I need to get some heat in the bedroom at home? Once Tom and I are talking again that is.

  I would love to have more than the occasional unsatisfying five-minute quickie because Tom needs to get sleep for his next big meeting or whatever. Lately, he’s all about himself and his own satisfaction. I fear my needs have been forgotten in his climb up the corporate ladder. With that thought, I hear the buzzer and realise the next round of appointments are coming in.

  I look at Lisa and roll my eyes. “Back to the grind.”

  CHAPTER SIX

  I AM AT my desk the next morning, futilely trying to catch up on paperwork before taking a break to read over Aiden’s file. I want to be ready for him today so that I don’t make a fool of myself like last time.

  Assessment interviews are never fun, but for some reason I’m looking forward to this one. These interviews give a Parole Officer insight into why a person has committed an offence and what we can change to stop it from happening again. It will give me a chance to get to know Aiden by his own accord, versus the clinical approach we get from police records, court documents and prison assessments.

  I pick up his file and am surprised to find it’s quite thin compared to the ones I’m used to reading. Its pages confirm that Aiden comes from a wealthy family that owns several successful cattle properties across Australia. Other than this, there was not much of a past personal history or criminal record. It was as if no one took the time to understand what could possibly cause him to turn to something illegal when he was financially set. Like they labelled it as greed and moved on to the next inmate.

  I know there’s a possibility that Aiden didn’t have anything in his past to warrant more paperwork. But I also knew that it was rare for someone to have a major offence without a prior run-in with the law. Or maybe he just got away with whatever else he has done?

  I continue reading and find some documents explaining his charges and the exact events of his arrest. Aiden was found to be running a lucrative drug operation that was focused on selling pills, speed and cocaine in nightclubs and festivals.
After his arrest, he was offered a deal to give up the names of the people he was working with, but he didn’t take it. He did his time and remained loyal to the others that were involved, never ratting them out.

  Wonder if they had something on him or if he just cared enough to keep quiet. To protect those he loved from being put in harm’s way.

  I didn’t see any intelligence tags on the files to show that there may be any protection orders or hidden information. There weren’t any reports of him causing trouble in jail, so it seems he just kept to himself while serving his time.

  I ordered the court transcripts and past police records to confirm what was in this file. However, it will be a few weeks before I will find out anything official, if there is anything. Between now and then the only other information I can get is what he tells me himself.

  IT IS TIME for my appointment with Aiden and I can’t help but stare at the security monitor as he walks into the office.

  Lisa notices me gazing at the screen. “Are you ready for this one?”

  I raise my eyebrows and wink at her as I stand to get Aiden from the waiting area.

  “Hello, Holly,” Aiden says in a mellow tone while his sultry blue eyes watch mine.

  My knees are wobbling before I hear his voice.

  Get a grip, Holly!

  “Hi, Aiden. How are you today?” I motion with my hand for him to follow me into the interview room.

  “I’m all right. It was nice sleeping in a comfortable bed again.” He says as he sits down across from me.

  Aiden lying in bed, what a thought.

  Holly, stay focused!

  I must remember, I’m dealing with a felon most likely trying to sweet talk me to avoid any problems with his parole.

  Maybe he isn’t doing this though. Surely, they aren’t all bad.

  I clear my throat to get focused. “It will take a little while before everything feels normal. How are things going with your family?”

  “That stuff’s okay. I guess there will be some awkwardness for a little while until I prove my worth. I know I lost their respect and I want to get it back.”

  “Makes sense. It might take a little time, but I think you can do it.”

  Stay on task, Holly.

  “Well let’s get started, okay?”

  “All right.” Aiden leans forward, putting his elbows on the table and his chin into one of his hands.

  “We have to go through some questions in for me to understand your past and help you get on track for your future. If you are getting overwhelmed by anything, let me know.” I notice the size of his flexed bicep, almost ripping through the short sleeve of his shirt.

  I wonder if my hand can fit around that. What would it feel like to touch that muscle. Oh, why am I thinking this? Focus, Holly!

  I again clear my throat. “We’ll start with your schooling. What was the highest grade you completed?”

  “I graduated high school with top marks. I decided to take a gap year before I went to university. I completed about two years of a dual degree before I got, ahh, sidetracked into the business venture that got me here.” Aiden says, trying to make a joke.

  Why must he be so likable?

  His manner is causing the balance of power between us to shift as I grow increasingly intrigued by who Aiden really is.

  How can I possibly manage this offender if I lose the upper hand deemed to me by the courts?

  “Why do you think you got sidetracked?” I ask, trying to retain my professional approach.

  “It was quite simple. I saw a way to make my own money. It was a business opportunity, and I wanted to see where it would go. I hate to say it, but I was good at it.” He pauses for a moment before adding, “It brought in a lot of money, quickly, but I guess we both know it didn’t last.” Again, Aiden has a grin on his face as he speaks.

  Is he trying to be sarcastic?

  I try to remain focused on my job as I make a suggestion to him. “What do you think about going back to finish your studies now that you’re out?”

  “I haven’t given it any thought.” He leans back into his chair and strokes his chin with his hand. I notice a small bit of stubble underneath his fingertip and his full lips as they curl into another smile.

  “Finishing your degree would be good. This way you can put your good business sense to use in a legal way.”

  He laughs at my statement. “I didn’t do it for the money. You see, my family has a lot, and I mean a lot, of money. But you’re right, I should get my degree.”

  “Yes, you should. Umm, you say you didn’t do it for the money, but earlier you said you saw this as a chance to make money, so, which one is it?” I lean in towards Aiden with my arms resting on the table, trying to look like I care about what he has to say regardless of what it might be. I prefer that all of my offenders feel as though they can speak freely so I can work out the best way to help them move forward in life.

  Yeah, right, as if this is one of your normal offenders, Holly!

  “I did it because I thought I needed to prove to my father that I could make it, without the family money. I wanted to show him I was smart enough to make it in my own business.” Aiden says seriously, taking a moment to observe my reaction.

  “But why drugs?”

  “Like I said, I saw an opportunity. I think I felt infallible because of my family’s money. I was seduced by the power and the rush I got from it. People who depended on me, respected me. In a way, I owned them. But I realise now, this was totally misguided.” His look changes to one of concern.

  Is he concerned with whether I believe him or not?

  “I understand, but I’m not here to judge you or punish you. The courts have already done that. I’m just here to help you get through your time on parole.”

  Aiden nods his head in understanding.

  “You said you wanted to prove to your father you’re smart, but you also said your grades were good? Why would you need to prove you’re smart if you had the marks?”

  He recoils at my question, but only briefly. I can tell he doesn’t want to show me any signs of weakness. Maybe he is hiding something, or maybe he’s used to being closed off due to being in prison. Weakness is not a good thing to show while on the inside and often gets a prisoner in serious trouble with the other inmates.

  “I don’t know. I just remember not wanting to be like him. After having time to think through everything, I now see things differently. He tried to be a good man and a good father and luckily, he’s giving me another chance to help him in the family business. He says he wants me to take over part of it soon. He’s almost apologetic about it all, though I tell him none of what happened is his fault.”

  “Is the family business what you want to do?”

  Leaning back in his chair, Aiden hesitates with a sigh. “I do now. There was a time I wouldn’t even consider it. I wanted to live in the city and get away from the fickle, rural lifestyle. It’s not easy when you rely on weather and livestock. But after what I have been through these last few years, I realise city life is not for me.” Aiden stares straight at me. “I realised I do want just the simple pleasures in life. All the time in the world to do what you want to without any distractions.” His eyes travel down and back up my body.

  Is he trying to be salacious eyeing me up and down like that? And that remark about all the time in the world?

  The ability to have time to do anything I want seems like such a foreign concept to me. I’m not sure I’ve ever had that in my life.

  What would I even do with all that time if I had it?

  I put my hand up on my chin, letting my fingers curl around hiding my lips. “It’s good you have this goal. It helps to stay focused on something positive because it will keep you from being lured into anything that could affect your parole.” I pause for a moment before continuing, “Let’s move on to the next part of the assessment. Do you drink alcohol or take any drugs?”

  “I don’t do any drugs. I’ll occasionally drink beer
or enjoy a nice Aussie red wine with dinner, but not often.”

  “Have you ever taken any illegal drugs on a regular basis?”

  “I experimented once with ecstasy, but nothing else and never again.” He pauses for a moment, “It may surprise you that I say this, considering I got caught selling drugs, but in all honesty, I don’t like drugs. I just sold them and that’s it. Taking drugs meant giving up control of myself and I never could do that. I like being in control.”

  My pulse quickens as he emphasises the words ‘being in control’.

  What is he trying to say, or more importantly do, to me?

  Aiden leans against the table again. He’s close enough that I can smell his scent. The musky mix of cologne, sweat and him sends my pulse racing. Usually, when an offender leans in close like this, I recoil because the scent is hardly ever alluring. In fact, most often it can be downright putrid making me want to hold my breath. But not this time. This time I want to lean closer towards him and lose myself in that scent. This is territory I have never been before.

  Focus, Holly!

  Trying to keep on task, I ask, “Do you have any health issues now or have you had any in the past?”

  “Nothing now and nothing in the past. I try to stay as fit as possible.”

  “Have you ever been treated for any psychological conditions or mental illness, including anxiety or depression?”

  Aiden sits up straight and answers, “No.”

  “You didn’t have any difficulties when you went into jail?”

  Looking down at his R.M. Williams boots, he scuffles his feet for a moment. “It wasn’t easy when I was first in. I was used to acres of space and an endless horizon. Imagine going from that to being confined to a dark, dingy cell. It was nothing short of soul destroying.”

  “Did you ask for any help to deal with this?”

  “They tend to give us all some sort of mood elevator pills in there. I took one for a few weeks, but then decided I had to just accept things. I got off the meds. Instead, I put my energy into reading and working out.”