Mia recalled the special moments with Ryker, cherishing the feeling of love and intimacy. She believed that he loved her. While her mind nagged at her to be careful, her heart guided her closer. He’d promised that he would be the best choice she’d made. Could Mia trust that vow was the truth?
*****
One day, Mia went shopping with Iris. The tech event coming up was a big deal, so required a new outfit. “I have to look sharp,” Mia said. “The cameras will be on me.”
“You can be sure that will be the case,” Iris said. “You are not only a business role model, you’ve become a fashion icon, too.”
“I think you’re exaggerating.”
“Only a little,” Iris said. “We have to shop anyway, because I need something to wear. My closet isn’t nearly as stuffed as yours.”
“Let’s go to Liberty Place,” Mia said. “We can start at Bloomingdale’s then work our way through.”
In the lobby, Caleb escorted them to the car. He and his team had the shift while Ryker was at headquarters. He’d had to devote a couple of days to setting up security for the upcoming event.
Finding the right outfit was no simple task. But after trying on endless possibilities in various stores, Mia selected tasteful business attire. She chose a pencil skirt in soft material with a black and white pattern, then paired it with a silky ivory blouse. A short, tailored black jacket with piping around the edges completed the look.
Iris wouldn’t be a speaker at the event, so could be more flexible in how she dressed. Suits and jackets tended to overwhelm her petite frame. After looking through the racks, she found a peach-colored dress that fit just right. It had a narrow belt and the hem fell below the knee.
“Before we look for shoes,” Mia said, “I need a break.” A coffee shop in the mall offered drinks and pastries, so they stopped there.
While sipping her latte, Iris chatted about what had been happening in her life. “I’m very involved in the company, since we are at a crucial point. But I have been on a date recently.”
“Really? Is he anyone I know?”
“No, he’s a guy in my building,” Iris said. “I met him in the lobby. I kept running into him, and we’d talk a bit. We went out last week, just to dinner.”
“And…is he worth a second date?”
“We’ll see,” Iris said. “I’ll take it slow. How about you? After the weekend, you came in all starry-eyed. We haven’t had a chance to catch up. What’s happening with Ryker?”
Mia couldn’t hide being in love. “We’ve been intimate.”
Iris smiled. “No more separate bedrooms?”
“He’s won my heart,” Mia said, then frowned. “Do you think I’m making a mistake? I mean, I’m still fending off the last man I hooked up with.”
Iris waved her hand. “That is completely different. Ryker is…well, he’s not James.”
“I know that, but I still worry.”
“You need to stop that,” Iris said. “I’ve been around Ryker enough to tell that he’s good for you. And he is gorgeous.”
Mia laughed. “You would point that out. He’s completely irresistible. And he’s a good man. I didn’t think that was possible to find.”
“You really are a cynic,” Iris said. “Get over it. James was a mistake, but it doesn’t have to ruin your life.”
“You make it sound so easy,” Mia said. “And James is still trying to ruin my life. It makes it difficult to move on.”
Iris shook her head. “The guy is a lunatic. I can’t believe the stunts he’s pulled.”
“You’re worried too, aren’t you?”
“I’m just glad you have protection,” Iris said. “Your ex is too unpredictable for my taste. And he’s out of line with those fake photos.”
“I only hope that’s the end of it.” Mia doubted that it would be, though.
“James doesn’t like losing control,” Iris said. “And your divorce will be final soon, which has to be driving him mad. I’d keep your eye on him if I were you.”
*****
Mia was in the hotseat. The tech event was rapidly approaching, and she hoped to calm investors with her presentation at the podium. Most of her company’s investors had stayed with her, but it was uncertain if that could continue.
Griffen was managing Mental Magic’s affairs. He’d met with their attorney then informed the team that actions were being taken. The attorney had responded to the lawsuit, which bought some time. And he’d dealt with the bank but was only granted a short extension. That week, he was attempting to secure better banking options for the company.
Midweek, Ryker picked Mia up after work, but had to drop by headquarters on the way to dinner. Black Swan occupied a long warehouse with an office complex at one end. On various occasions, Mia had been on the premises, but only in the gym facilities for self-defense lessons.
She hadn’t toured the inside, although it appeared to be an average business office—even if those who worked there were anything but average. The lobby had a few chairs and a table with magazines. An attractive woman in her thirties typed on a keyboard at reception.
Ryker motioned toward the woman as he walked by. “This is Maddie.” Then he nodded. “This is our client Mia Scott.”
Maddie had long brown hair that was tied back and wire-rimmed glasses. She was pretty, but all business. “It’s nice to meet you. I hope we’re doing a good job for you.”
“So far,” Mia said, then followed Ryker down the hallway. “She seems like a nice person.”
“Smart and efficient,” Ryker said. “That’s why we hired her. She takes care of intake forms and some of the client issues…takes some of the workload off the rest of us.”
Inside a large space were several desks, and there were stacks of paper and folders strewn around. It was late, and it appeared that some people had already left for the day. Or they were working in the field. From what Mia understood, a large part of protection was active and not desk work.
When Ryker got to his desk, he looked across the room. “Hawke…what are you still doing here?”
Mia turned to see a tall, muscular guy in jeans and a t-shirt. He was clearly SEAL material. He had the look of confidence, and his physical fitness wasn’t open to question. When he looked at her, Mia noticed how blue his eyes were.
Hawke strolled over, holding hands with a woman much shorter than he. She had dark blond hair and big brown eyes. Although she was pretty, she struck Mia as a studious type.
“I haven’t had the pleasure of meeting you,” Hawke said. “I run this operation with Ryker. You can call me Hawke.” He turned to look at the woman he was with. “And this is Emilia.”
It was obvious to Mia that the two were in love. The look that passed between them couldn’t be mistaken for anything else. She shook hands with each. “I’m Mia Scott, founder of Mental Magic,” she said for Emilia’s benefit.
“Hawke doesn’t talk much about clients,” Emilia said, “with confidentiality and all. But I would have recognized you anyway. I’ve seen your picture a lot lately.”
“That’s unfortunately true,” Mia said. “And the news hasn’t been favorable much of the time.” While Hawke and Ryker discussed business, Mia got to know Emilia. She learned that she was a scientist who developed medicines to cure rare diseases. From the start, she liked her and hoped that she’d be able to get to know her better.
Hawke took Emilia’s hand, his possessive side showing. “I’m off to socialize. Emilia and I are meeting her friend Tia and a guy she’s dating. But I’m glad to meet you.”
“I’ve heard so much about the team,” Mia said. “It’s good to put a face with a name.”
“You would have soon, anyway,” Hawke said. “The team will be covering your tech event. We won’t be obvious about it, but I’m sure we would have met then.”
Listening to Hawke gave Mia confidence. The way he spoke and his attitude made her feel like part of the team and gave her every reason to rely on their protection.
/>
“We’ll do whatever it takes to make sure you’re safe,” Hawke said. “Events bring unique challenges, but we’re up to the task.” As further reassurance, he told a story about protection. It seemed that another client was a celebrity.
At a performance, an avid fan who had been stalking the performer leapt onto the stage. The security guard in charge of close protection intercepted, sweeping the performer over his shoulder and carrying her offstage, while fans raged and threw items. “But the client was ushered to safety before any harm came to her,” Hawke said.
“I’m impressed,” Mia said.
“The point was to assure you that we have many alternatives and ways to protect you,” Hawke said. “We start with the most direct and the least likely to bring harm to anyone. But we’ll escalate the defense as required; you can be assured of that.”
Emilia leaned her head against Hawke’s arm. “Okay, hero…I’m sure Mia doesn’t doubt the team. But I’m starving, so…”
Hawke held up his hand. “I’ll see you again. Take care of her, Ryker.” Then he left with his sweetheart.
“That was quite a story,” Mia said.
Ryker laughed. “Yeah, Hawke likes to tell that one. I was the close protection agent who carted the client to safety. But he didn’t mention my name…wouldn’t want me to get a big head or anything.”
Mia laughed too. “It’s not funny, but I can’t help envisioning you throwing a client over your shoulder like a sack of potatoes.”
Ryker picked up the stuff he’d stopped by to get, then checked the computer. “We can go. Are you hungry?”
“Of course,” Mia said, “and I know you are.”
“I’m always hungry.”
Ryker’s statement made Mia think of more than food. Since the weekend, he had slept next to her—if what they did could be described as sleep. He stirred emotions within her that she hadn’t known were possible, and she couldn’t seem to get enough of him.
Ryker took her to an Italian place with white tablecloths, quaint wooden chairs, and fresco paintings on the plaster walls. It was a cozy setting and sparked romance. But then, any place Ryker took her would seem romantic.
Over garlic bread and lasagna, Mia talked about her situation. The tech event approached, yet there had been no communication from Sarah at the advisory council. That meant the Board of Education hadn’t made any decision.
“Something needs to happen,” Mia said. “The summer is important. It’s the time for remedial students to catch up, before the exams in the fall.”
Ryker seemed to understand. “I hope you get word soon. As far as the event goes, I can assure you of good security. I already have the team scoping out the building in advance, for planning purposes.”
“I feel better having your protection,” Mia said. “I should breathe a sigh of relief that James has quieted down. Those scandalous pictures were the last I’ve heard from him. Yet I’m afraid to hope, to allow myself to think that he will leave me alone.”
Ryker didn’t comment, as he was clearly too wise to assume danger had passed. Mia changed the subject, since there wasn’t anything she could do about her problems right then. She was with Ryker and wished to treasure the evening with him. And whatever she faced…at least she wouldn’t be alone.
Chapter 15
Mia ate and chatted, not overly focused on the tight spot she was in. But Ryker’s gut told him that James wasn’t about to go away quietly. That type had to have the last word. It wasn’t over yet, but he didn’t have the heart to tell Mia. She’d had a welcome break from the onslaught of harassment.
If only Ryker could put an end to the threats and torment, but he hadn’t been able to get his hands on James yet. He had a feeling that day would come, because James was pushing his luck. And it wasn’t the creep’s style to back off.
It was infuriating that Ryker couldn’t be with Mia. There was too much standing in the way, and his main rival was her crazy ex. He hadn’t vied for a woman before, but if he had, this isn’t the way he’d have imagined it.
Battling with some insane dude who didn’t have the guts to face him was unacceptable. James would make a mistake, and Ryker would be there to take him apart. Meanwhile, he had Jake and Amanda digging for more information.
There had to be something that Ryker had missed. James was too respectable and charming on the surface. Knowing about James’s abusive nature, and hearing sickening details from Mia, was like a neon sign.
A guy who was capable of such atrocities didn’t start yesterday. So that meant James had things in his past that he didn’t want known. Ryker would bet on it. He just had to discover what it was, and he needed to find out soon.
Ryker had stopped eating, so Mia looked at him. “Did I ruin your appetite?”
“I don’t know if that’s possible,” Ryker said. “I was just thinking…I have the social platforms, plus your email being monitored. There hasn’t been a report of anything new. Have you seen anything suspicious?”
“I stopped looking,” Mia said. “It was too upsetting. I asked Iris to tell me if there is anything I should know. Until after the event, I need to keep away from the noise. It really gets to be too much…James and everything else.”
“That’s smart.” Ryker liked any idea that kept her away from trouble. “You have others looking out for you, so you’re able to focus on more important things.”
He looked into Mia’s huge, dark eyes. She meant so much to him. Although he hadn’t asked for a commitment, Mia was his woman. A sense of possessiveness filled him. When the timing was better, he’d ask the right questions.
For now, Mia had enough on her mind, and it was Ryker’s business to keep her safe. Yet looking at her, drinking in her beauty like water in a desert, Ryker thought of other things besides danger. He stared at her perfect lips as she slipped a bite into her mouth.
Mia noticed and looked back. Desire flared in her eyes, and she reached under the table to rub his knee. Her gentle touch made him remember holding her naked, as he’d done many times in recent days. He couldn’t get enough, and she seemed just as willing.
Ryker put his arm around her then kissed her lips. “Enjoying yourself?”
“Mmm, yes I am,” Mia said. “The food here is really good.”
“Should I order dessert?” Ryker rubbed his fingertips over her arm and thrilled at the lust he saw in her expression.
“Dessert sounds good,” Mia said. “But I’m kind of full right now. Maybe by the time we get home, I’ll be ready.”
Ryker’s blood heated and his pants tightened. “I’m looking forward to that.” He couldn’t look to the future, because that was uncertain. But he had another precious night with her, and he certainly wasn’t going to waste it.
On the way home, Mia kept her hand on his thigh, spiking Ryker’s arousal higher. He kept his eyes on the road but was glad he didn’t have far to go. Sex in the car was tempting, but unwise. As exciting as that might be, it wasn’t safe.
As long as danger lurked, Ryker had to keep his wits about him. He wouldn’t be able to relax and focus until he had Mia securely inside her condo. He wouldn’t take a chance with her safety for the sake of momentary pleasure. Some other day, there would be an opportunity for that.
In protection mode, Ryker followed procedure to ensure that it was safe outside. Then he escorted Mia through the parking lot, keeping his eyes and ears open. Things were quiet, so he guided her inside her condo then locked the door.
With the deadbolt securely in place, Ryker turned to Mia. The lights of the city shimmered in the window. Her blond hair gleamed in the sparkle of night light, and her skin looked so soft and touchable. She stood very still, waiting.
In that moment, Ryker fell even more in love with her. She was his heart, his life. He stepped closer then pulled her into his arms. “You tempt me beyond all limits.”
“Who says you have to resist?” Mia whispered, then raked her fingers through his hair.
Ryker scooped he
r into his arms and carried her to the bedroom. She felt so good against his chest, so loving and feminine. He’d planned to take it nice and slow, as he had a few times before. But Mia wrapped her hands behind his neck and leaned into him.
The passion in her kiss unleashed Ryker’s need. He wanted her so bad it hurt. Like a teenager, he frantically stripped her clothes off, craving her nakedness. And Mia responded in kind by peeling off his shirt and yanking down his pants.
All the while, Ryker kissed her, separating only long enough to discard another garment. Then he lifted Mia up to his waist, and she wrapped her legs around him. He kissed her bare skin and flicked his tongue over her nipples until she whimpered.
Then Ryker placed her against the pillows. Mia fisted his cock until he nearly came unglued. She used both hands, using light pressure, then harder. Her ministrations became more intense. She sucked and licked, pushing his arousal to an uncontrollable level.
Taking charge, Ryker pushed her onto the mattress, holding her wrists. Then he kissed down her body until his face was between her legs. He tasted her sweet juices then licked and teased.
Mia squirmed and moaned. “Ryker…please…I need you.”
When Ryker spread her legs wider, Mia arched her back. As sexy as it was for her to beg, he couldn’t hold out much longer. Quickly, he reached in the side drawer for a condom. He kissed Mia deeply then dipped inside her.
Mia’s warmth surrounded him, making his swollen cock ache. He plunged deep, and Mia rocked up to meet him. He stroked into her, and she matched his rhythm. The pleasure took hold and he increased his pace.
Ryker couldn’t be close enough, or deep enough. He wanted Mia with his heart and soul. When she cried out and held on tight, he took joy from her climax. And while she was still at her peak, Ryker let go and released inside her.
She held on to Ryker, and he opened his heart. The ecstasy carried him to new heights; he was one with her. He rolled onto his back, pulling Mia on top of him. She sighed and kissed his neck. Satisfaction engulfed him and love possessed him.
Ryker Page 12