Nix stood. “I think I should be there.”
Carson smiled. “And that’s exactly why you shouldn’t be. Feelings can get in the way and make us do stupid things. You’re my best guy to find clues that are buried. Find this bastard, Nix.”
After a lengthy hesitation, Nix nodded. “That I’ll do. You don’t have to worry.”
Although it seemed like he was answering Carson, Nix’s eyes were on Melly. Her knees weakened and she wanted to crawl into his embrace and ask him to never let go, but she needed to remain strong.
Chapter 18
DIPPING THE CLEAN cloth into the polish, Melly then applied it to the saddle, rubbing the leather in circular motions until it shone like new. The work was relaxing and did ease some of the tension, but not all. She was expected to go about business as usual and although she understood, she could barely concentrate.
She was still waiting for the call from “Andy”. He was late, which she was warned that was to be expected for the element of surprise. Still, she couldn’t get beyond how the man knew everything. If he did know “everything” would he know she told Nix and her father the truth? She nibbled her bottom lip with worry.
She couldn’t bear the thought of anything happening to either one of them, yet she had to have faith that she did the right thing by divulging the truth. Melly knew she couldn’t have gone through this with without help. The Hawks were skilled in bringing down criminals, and the Cade brothers were celebrated for putting criminals behind bars.
Looking up from her work and through the open door of the barn she saw Kace Cade brushing a horse. She smiled. He was about as large as a horse himself. Nix asked his brother to stay at Shy Brooke under the pretense that he was a new hand. Cullen was somewhere else on the land. Although the Cades weren’t supposed to draw attention to themselves Melly realized that was impossible and Nix must have realized they stood out without even trying, but he’d told Melly her that he wanted his brothers close to her.
Kace had large, thick hands, but worked gently with the horse, much like Nix would. In fact, they looked a lot alike. Handsome in a rugged way. Thick, wavy hair. Beautiful eyes and charming smile. Cullen was a few inches shorter, but he was as toned and intimidating.
On occasion, Kace would check on her to make sure she was alright. Although she didn’t know for sure, she had a feeling Nix had told his brothers about the baby. She felt safe knowing they were around although she missed Nix.The good news in all this, the secret was out.
Her father knew about the baby and Shy Brooke would be officially hers in a few weeks. Excitement bubbled up only to reach a glass ceiling when her thoughts wandered to Nix. What was she going to do? Truly, they had a chemistry between them. Something amazing. He’d become a part of her life and she looked forward to seeing him each day…his smile, his compassion. There were hurdles though. Big, neon ones. Nix was a man who was a lot like her father, married to his job. He bled blue. She’d witnessed firsthand how emotionally and physically distant a lawman could be. How could she trust that Nix wouldn’t slowly sink further into his cases and forget the most important things in life? Would she be enough for him?
And yet…could she imagine life without him?
She’d managed for thirty years to be alone, so why did her life suddenly seem lonely? She hadn’t known such loneliness until she met Nix and wanted him so much. Wanted to kiss him, make love with him. She wanted to have him every day. Melly questioned if her erratic hormones were making her feel so out of whack or was it the four-letter word. Love. Carrying his child connected them and made her sensitive. In his arms was where she belonged, and it didn’t take a genius to realize she’d fallen in love with him and it scared her. Beyond scared.
Melly dropped the cloth and placed the saddle on the hook, then moved on to mucking the stalls.
Lifting a shovel load, she dumped it and repeated the action several times until a hand snaked around and covered her mouth followed by a muscular arm wrapping around her waist dragging her back into the empty stall. She elbowed a beefy chest, twisted, ready to scream for help, but all fight left her as she came face to face with the man she’d been thinking about. “Nix? What are you doing here?”
He rubbed his chest, winked then pressed his finger against his lips. He took the shovel and leaned it against the stall and motioned for her to follow him deeper into the dimly lit space. She did without question, relishing in how good he looked in a blue button down and faded jeans. His gun was in his holster and his star was hooked to his belt. He removed his hat and hooked it on a peg and turned to offer her a beguiling smile. The feeling swarmed her body, especially her inner thighs. “How did you sneak in here?”
“Sunshine, sneaking is my job.” He winked. “Although, I asked Kace to keep a lookout.”
Standing so close to him in the small area instantly warmed her. She caught a whiff of his scent and it tickled her senses. “I didn’t think you were supposed to be here in case that bastard showed up or there’s someone working from the inside.”
“I couldn’t resist seeing you.”
She smiled, feeling excited all the way down into her boots. “Have you found the man yet?”
Some of his smile left his expression. “No. If he was recently released, which I feel that he was, he should be in the database, but no one who meets the description you gave us was found. It’s possible he was lying to you—”
“I don’t think he was.”
“Because a man like him isn’t capable?” Nix lifted a brow.
“Because he has a lot of animosity toward you. I think he is seething with anger.”
“If that’s the case,” Nix swept the backs of his knuckles along her cheek, “angry people make mistakes. He’ll call and we’ll catch him. It’s possible someone could have deleted him from the database.”
“Who could do something like that?”
“Someone who has access or can hack the system. There are ways, sunshine.” He lifted a tendril of her hair and brought it to his nose then dropped it back onto her cheek.
“Do you still think this guy isn’t the one who broke into your desk and sent the email?”
“Carson and I have been thinking about it. My desk and computer were checked for prints, but there were none from anyone outside of the office. I don’t think he did the deed but I’m certain he was behind it.”
“He could have worn gloves.”
“True. I do have a theory though.” He leaned in so close she caught his leather and musk and her nipples tightened.
“Please do tell,” she whispered.
“I think Claire was involved, whether she was forced or willing.”
“Hmm, didn’t someone mention her before?”
He tapped her nose gently. “Yes, a very smart and intuitive woman. Unfortunately, we can’t ask her.”
“Why not?”
“She’s been out of the office because her aunt passed away. We’ve made several phone calls, but she hasn’t answered.” He moved slightly, brushing his nose against her hair.
“Send someone to speak to her.”
“It would be a wild goose chase. If she were truly where she said she was then she’d answer her phone. She’s the least of our worries right now.”
“You don’t think something has happened to her, do you?”
He shrugged. “Anything’s possible, but we did ping her phone off a cell tower yesterday in South Carolina, which makes no sense.”
“That’s suspicious.” There was a quiver to her voice that she couldn’t hide. The quake happened all the way down her legs. She took a step back and bumped the wall.
He took a step too, not touching her, but so close he might as well have been touching her.
“Carson doesn’t believe she’s guilty. He thinks she was forced into helping the bastard. But someone had to know my passcode and have the key to my desk.”
“Claire wouldn’t have those things, right?”
“I can’t figure out how she would,
but she’s been working around lawmen for a long time that she could have picked up on pointers, or maybe the son-of-a-bitch calling himself Andy trained her. Either way, she’s not innocent.”
“Did she have the code to the gate?”
“Carson has it. He had it written down. She has access to his office.”
Melly nodded. “If you can find her I’d bet she could shed some light on all this.”
“Riddle and Jamison are on it, but as I said, it’s not the most important thing right now.”
“I don’t want to have to see this guy again,” she admitted.
“Don’t worry. That won’t happen. I promise.”
Her knees wobbled and she leaned into him. He rewarded her by wrapping his arms around her waist and pressing his chest against her tingling breasts. She couldn’t resist him even when they should be enveloped in the case and not the chemistry that swirled around them. He planted a kiss on her temple, her cheek, her jawline, and then on her lips. She sank deeper into his embrace, bringing her arms up around his neck. Here was where she wanted to be—needed to be. “I trust you,” she whispered.
He lowered his mouth to hers and swept his tongue beyond her lips and she opened to him fully. He tasted so good and his large hands felt so right on her. She found the hem of his T-shirt and slid her hand inside, scrolling her palm over his tight abs, his broad chest and flat nipples. He sucked in a breath and she swallowed his moan. He drew back, pressing his forehead against her. “I’m so fucking turned on. But we should stop.”
“I don’t think a cold shower could stop this.” She threaded her fingers in his hair, loving how the soft, thick strands had grown so fast. Most women would envy how fast. His scruffy jaw brushed her chin and she loved the feeling, wanting to feel it on other parts of her body. She pulled her hand from under his shirt and she took his hand and gave a jerk of her chin. “I know a place…” She smiled.
“You do realize Kace is right outside?”
“Don’t worry. We’ll be very quiet.”
“Please tell me you haven’t taken other horny men up there.” His eyes dazzled.
“No.” She teasingly pinched his arm. “I used to go up and read when I was a kid.” She took the first rung to the loft ladder, then the second and third, looking down at him. He was still watching her. “Are you coming or are you afraid of heights?”
“I’m just admiring the view.”
His smile kicked up her heart. “Then hurry and admire it without clothes on.”
That got him started. He was up the ladder and chasing her. She dropped onto the bed of straw, giggling when he plopped down beside her, tickling her stomach. Laughter faded when they kissed and passion took shape. Before she knew it, he had her shirt off and was caressing a nipple through the lace fabric of her bra, bringing the nub to life.
“Have I ever told you how lovely your breasts are?” His husky voice vibrated her thighs.
“Once or twice, but it never gets old.”
He looked up, his gaze twinkling. “You’re beautiful. You drive me wild.” He undid the button and zipper of her jeans and pushed his hand into the opening, sliding his fingers along her slit. “And so wet.”
~~~**~~~
He sunk his finger into her and she lifted her lips, gyrating against his palm and her moans echoed off the walls of the empty space in the barn. He covered her mouth, drinking in her whimpers as he pushed her jeans and panties down her hips, lifting himself only long enough to pull off her boots and discard her clothing next to the pile of straw. Ridding his T-shirt from his torso, he quickly toed off his boots and climbed from his jeans and hurried to hover above her. She lifted her knees and spread her thighs wide. He situated himself between her legs, his erection pressing into her hot, wet mons.
He started to reach for the foil packet, but she touched his arm. He looked at her and she smiled. “We don’t have to worry about that, cowboy.” She winked.
Excitement poured through him with the strength of aged whiskey. He was drunk on her and he didn’t want to ever be sober. She had become his world and he was caught up in a snare that he couldn’t get out of. Not that he wanted to get out of anything when it came to her. He swore he’d protect her, and his baby, and while he should be out hunting the bastard who threatened her and his child, he needed to be right here too.
Grasping his cock in his hand, he pressed into her, filling her tight body. She cried out and arched her back and Nix could hear the horses in the stalls below whinny and claw at the dirt. Not wanting to announce where they were and what they were doing, Nix kissed her, relishing in her taste and swallowing the whimpers of passion. Her fingers dug into his back and she became wetter as her muscles clenched him tightly. He knew she was close and he’d been there for what felt like days. When she brought her bottom up, taking in his every inch and rolled her hips, he lost the last thread of resistance. Together they climaxed and together their souls united.
Chapter 19
“HELL NO. THAT ain’t going to happen,” Nix snapped and looked from each of the Hawks before settling his gaze on Carson who sat at the head of the table, his fingers steepled. “You’re not going to agree to this are you, sir?” Nix worked hard to keep his voice level down when all he wanted to do was slam his fist into the table. How dare the men suggest that Melly meet Andy while wearing a wire
“Look, Cade, I get that this is shitty, but we don’t have a lot on the asshole except that he showed up at Shy Brooke,” Jamison said. “If we had more time, but he’s made the call and if we stall, he could disappear or make a move. Neither one of those options are good.”
“Bullshit! He threatened Melly and extorted money from her,” Nix shifted uncomfortably in his chair. “I promised her this wouldn’t happen.”
“He hasn’t extorted anything from her…yet,” Jamison added.
“And she didn’t call the police to make a report,” Riddle said. “Hell, Cade. You know the law as good as anyone. What do you think the chances are that this scumbag will get by with this and be out by sundown tomorrow?”
“I’m betting my life that it’s Lionel Scarborough. He goes by Spider and I put him away. Even as I was placing the cuffs on his wrists he was threatening me. Claire is involved. I spoke to Spider’s cell-mate and he said he was seeing a woman, someone he was using to seek revenge. It falls into place.”
“We know it’s him. Sure. But having him admit to this will nail his coffin,” Reese said.
“Come on, Carson. She’s you’re daughter. You can’t tell me you’re going to let this happen.” Nix clenched his hands into fists as he felt his control unravel.
“I know she’s my daughter.” Carson narrowed his gaze on Nix. “What did I say about emotions, Nix? These men are trained. Hell man, you’re trained too. What would you suggest if this was another case?”
“When are you men going to stop talking about me as if I’m not in the room? I think I should have a say in what I do here.” Melly tapped her fingers on the table, drawing every man’s eye. “I’m partly at fault here because I didn’t go straight to the police and file a report, or come to you men, and I also realize he could get by with this and be back out on the street and how long will it take him to come after us again? A month, a year, or even ten years from now? I can’t imagine watching over my shoulder. If wearing a wire and getting his confession will put him away, I need to do this.” She brought her gaze directly upon Nix when she said, “I’ll be safe because your team will make sure that I am.”
He shifted again. the chair seemed to have shrunk. “There has to be another way. Use me as bait. If Melly doesn’t give him the money, he’ll come after me. It’s a guarantee.”
“No. That’s ridiculous. Who knows when he’ll decide to find you.” Melly shook her head.
“A rat bastard like this is amping to fuck up,” Crow said. “Yet, Melly’s right. We don’t have a set timeline for freaks to act. He’s far more dangerous out on the street than with us surrounding him.”
Nix dropped back into the chair. The only argument he had left was his feelings for Melly and he couldn’t use those here at the table. If th tables were turned, he’d be saying the same thing, that this was a sure deal to nab the son-of-a-bitch. The best-case scenario was that Melly could get the confession within minutes and Nix and the team would move in fast. There was always the chance though that he could hurt her.
No matter what they decided, Nix wanted to strangle the asshole with his bare hands. He’d threatened Melly and their baby and it would take all that Nix had not to follow through with killing the man.
Looking across the table at her, he could still see the telltale signs of what they’d shared that morning in the hay loft. The straw was gone from her hair, but the wild curls blossomed about her rosy cheeks and her plump lips were still swollen from his kisses. Melly had gotten the call from Andy, or rather Spider, minutes after Nix had zipped his jeans. Melly had handled the call like a pro and then the Hawks grouped to figure out the best solution. They were all concerned for her safety.
~~~**~~~
Melly looked up. Nix stood so close she could touch him, but she didn’t. He hadn’t said more than two words to her since she’d agreed to wear the wire and meet Andy “Are you upset?”
Seized by the Lawman Page 17