“Very single,” he murmured. What he wouldn’t give to experience Stephanie Vasquez. She’d be his prize.
Dom pointed at the building just ahead. The event spotlights reflected off the glass dealership, making the building appear shades of blue. Although they were currently experiencing a heat wave, he had to remember it was mid fall, and the sun set early. The sky already grew dark, making the crowd outside appear endless. They’d have their work cut out for them keeping so many people under control. They may not be rowdy teens, but he knew firsthand how difficult revelers could become after they got a few drinks in them. And tonight was an open bar.
“Go around back,” said Dom.
He navigated the car through the throngs of people gathered in groups along the private drive. The guests didn’t hurry to make a path for their marked cruiser, even when he signaled their presence with his siren.
“It’s gonna be a long night,” he said. “It’s a good thing we rented that cabin. I need to get away for a while.”
Dom checked the magazine on his 9 mm. “Three days of fishing and miles of nothingness. I can deal with that.”
They’d booked a remote cabin for three days of roughing it and mind-numbing relaxation. He just had to get through another seven days, starting with tonight.
After parking the car, they entered through the rear entrance. Grayson did a visual scan of the room as they walked through. He sized up the crowd, the exits, and any potential threats. It was loud, a multitude of conversations and laughter creating an annoying static inside his head. Although it was filled to capacity, there didn’t appear to be any issues. Their presence usually prevented any wayward partygoers from acting up in most cases.
A microphone screeching brought the crowd to a standstill. Everyone turned at once to the main stage where a silky green tarp lay over a vehicle yet to be uncovered. He only knew the basics about the event. Some fancy new environmentally friendly car was about to be unleashed. It was big news because it threatened traditional car manufacturing. Whenever anyone’s bottom line was affected, it created a stir in the media. The dealership had its own private security force to keep tabs on the car. Whatever was under that tarp was extremely valuable to a lot of people.
Two other officers from their unit were assigned on perimeter duty, and several unmarked cars patrolled the area. There weren’t any known threats, but the company was paying the department top dollar for the private security, so the event was given priority.
“I think I’m gonna fall asleep,” said Dom as they walked through the crowd. The announcer was busy giving a history lesson on the development of the car, from concept to manufacturing. The older audience was docile and humorless. It was going to be a very long night.
“It’s only another three hours. You’ll survive,” said Grayson. He wasn’t sure he would himself.
He glanced around the room. The ceilings were high, the walls made completely of glass panes. It was a modern marvel in the heart of the city. The announcer’s voice continued to drone on and on. He wished they’d just unveil the fucking car already. Then at least there would be a shred of excitement in the place.
“Look,” his partner whispered, jabbing him in the ribs with an elbow. He looked in the same direction, searching for whatever seemed so fascinating to Dom all of a sudden. Then he saw her. Stephanie Vasquez. She was a vision in her fitted suit, her long, dark hair smoothed luxuriously down her back. There was no way she saw them with the multitude of people between them. Besides, she was busy taking pictures of the stage and the unveiled car.
“So this was where she was going. Must be something for the Heartland Tribute.”
He watched her, the gentle grace of her movements, the way she’d flick her hair back with a feminine twist of her neck. She was taller than many of the other women in attendance, but she did wear some killer heels. He’d envisioned plenty of wicked scenarios for her and those shoes ever since she stepped out of her car when he pulled her over. He’d make her wear them to bed, have her crawl on her hands and knees while he—
“Grayson!”
He refocused his attention on Dominic, feeling like he’d been awoken from a dream. How long had he zoned out?
“Pay attention. They’re about to do the reveal.”
When he glanced back to where Ms. Vasquez had been standing, she was gone. Like a phantom drifting in and out of his thoughts, she’d disappeared on him. He looked around, trying to spy the brunette over the crowd, but it was impossible with all the commotion. Everyone wanted to get closer to see the much-anticipated vehicle. Cameras were at the ready on the periphery, like predators awaiting their prey.
By the time the green sheet was lifted off the car, he barely got an eyeful before he had to begin patrolling the guests, reminding them to stay back from the stage. The announcer began promoting, the speakers on high. He got the crowd riled with his promise of a better future, no more pollution, no more emissions. They absorbed what he said as if he quoted the Bible. Their blind acceptance made them dangerous, in Grayson’s opinion. A small pyrotechnics display launched near the rear of the stage, adding to the excitement.
“Do you believe that? A car that runs on water?” Dom was more interested in the speech than in helping Grayson calm a potential riot. Apparently, the guests weren’t the only ones sucked in by the lure of a greener future.
“Dom, they’re closing in on the far end of the stage. Clear them out. I’ll take the other end.” The media were the main culprits, and he suspected Ms. Vasquez was one of them. He split away from his partner, clearing the five-foot walkway around the stage.
Nearly an hour of presentation passed as they constantly maintained the perimeter. Grayson was exhausted. That’s when he saw her.
The lights dimmed and the prototype car was driven off stage and out of sight. The mix of shadows and lighting over her pale skin haunted him. For a fraction of a second he swore he saw a ghost, then mentally scolded himself. He made his way to the beauty now looking through her digital photos. She had no clue he was approaching, lost in her own little world.
“I assume you weren’t fired from your job after all.”
She looked up at him. It took a moment before the recognition settled in. “Are you following me?” she teased. “I promise I kept to the speed limit all the way here. I was such a good girl, you’d be proud of me.” Stephanie was different when not wound up tighter than a spinning top. That sense of urgency and bitterness had fizzled away, leaving just the woman. She was calm, an air of flirtation surrounding her. This was how he remembered her from the firefighter’s ball—confident yet approachable. Only he’d done nothing that fateful night, leaving him regretting his inaction a month later.
“We like to follow up. To make sure we didn’t make a bad decision on letting you off the hook.”
She nodded slowly. “I see.” The barely visible start of a smile peeked out. “And where is your other half? Arresting some schoolgirls, maybe? Or raiding the bingo hall?”
“You should be nicer. It was Dom who let you walk. If it were up to me I would have had you strip searched and booked.” He knew he was crossing the line, but he couldn’t help himself. Her lips were full and cherry red. He recalled how they looked wrapped around his breathalyzer. And imagined them around his cock.
“You’d like that, wouldn’t you?”
His body began to respond to her playfulness. Fuck, he wanted her. In the past eight years, he’d never wanted a woman more. Before he could reply, a scream captured his attention. A small crowd gathered by the other end of the stage front as if pulled in by a black hole. More screams and raised voices rang around the large room. His thoughts instantly went to his best friend. He was alone over there. Without a good-bye, he rushed away from Stephanie, pushing through the crowd to reach the source of the problem.
“What happened?” he asked Dom once he reached the epicenter. A small bubble of space had been created around a downed man, and his partner was on his knees beside him.<
br />
“I don’t know. Maybe a heart attack? Exhaustion? I’ve radioed for the paramedics already.”
“Does he have a pulse?” The victim was an older man with white hair. He looked to be in his seventies, so he wasn’t overly concerned about foul play.
“Yeah, just keep these vultures back,” said Dom, loosening the man’s collar.
He was tempted to send a shot in the air, but it would likely be disastrous in an all-glass building, not to mention the twenty-page report he’d have to write for discharging his firearm. When he saw the other two officers on duty squeezing their way through the spectators, his nerves settled. The private guards were also inside the doors now, trying to monitor the current situation rather than the prototype car. Within minutes, he could hear the wail of the ambulance.
“What’s happening?” asked Jeremy once he reached them.
“Medical issue. You can help by clearing a path for the paramedics. They’ll need to get through in a minute.”
The place was chaos. The announcer returned to the stage, asking everyone to remain calm, which had the opposite effect. By the time Brent and his partner showed up with the portable gurney, Grayson was relieved to see them, a heavy weight lifted from his shoulders. Every minute counted in a medical emergency. They’d shown up within minutes, a tribute to their well-run city services.
Brent bent down, setting his black bag to his left. He went right to work, only focused on the elderly man on the ground. “Pulse is steady but weak. Did anyone see what happened?”
“He just passed out. Hasn’t regained consciousness yet,” said Dom.
“Okay. Cory, help me get him on the stretcher.” The two paramedics lifted the man onto their gurney and headed out without a word.
Grayson took a cleansing breath once they were gone and the regular murmur of conversation resumed at the event. Two more hours.
Chapter Two
Stephanie couldn’t believe her dream cops were working the same event as her. Now she wished she’d been more civil with them earlier. Just when she thought she was starting to make a connection with Officer Myers, he had to rush off. She was certain a man was not in the cards for her.
With all the attention diverted to the other end of the room, she thought it would be the perfect chance to get some candid shots of the new vehicle. With the mob-like crowd trying to get pics during the unveiling, her photos were blurry and distant. They’d taken the car off stage, so she went around the back of the building, hoping to find it. If she could get some rare, close-up shots of the car, her boss would be thrilled with her. She needed a break in her life, and a step up in her career would be a great start.
It was dark around back, long shadows making eerie images on the asphalt. The cops who were patrolling outside earlier were now helping out with the crisis inside. They’d stopped her from getting close to the car when she first arrived, saying it was off limits. Since the prototype was supposed to save mankind from all its fossil fuel problems, it was heavily guarded. Now it was all alone, eagerly waiting her personal attention. She was nearly giddy with excitement as she powered on her camera. Her heart raced and her fingers were shaky as she focused the image. The guards could return at any second, so she had to be fast. This must be the thrill of journalism Tammy spoke of.
When she heard faint footsteps and whispered male voices, she flattened her body against the brick building, hiding herself in the darkness. She’d already gotten a couple of photos but wanted more. Without a chance to check the ones she’d already taken, she had to assume they were too dark without the flash.
When one of the men got inside the car, her heart sank. If they took it away, her chance to get the perfect picture would be over. The sound of the engine purred to life. Hopefully, they’d be distracted with the car, and the bright headlights would give her added illumination while keeping her more hidden. Before they could drive away, she stepped out a foot and started taking photo after photo, like her life depended on it—just as her career probably did.
The driver hit the brakes abruptly as she continued to snap shots. She could easily slip away into the crowded building now and doubted they’d find her, so she grew bold, moving in closer. What would they do if they caught her anyway, lock her up and throw away the key? It was just a picture.
The passenger stepped out. He was dressed in a black suit just like half the guests. For a long moment, they looked eye to eye. Neither of them moved. Then he reached under his jacket and pulled out a gun, aiming it at her.
Time seemed to stand still, fantasy meshing with reality. She gasped, stumbling back. Luckily, her camera was hanging around her neck or she would have dropped it. Stephanie finally turned to run, the man’s heavy footsteps in pursuit. It wasn’t easy running in five-inch heels, but she made it look like a piece of cake. Another man stepped out of the shadows before she could reach the entrance, grabbing her around the torso. He was so much stronger than her, his arms like iron bars. When she tried to scream for help, a heavy hand came down on her mouth, nearly choking out all her air. There was a distinct half-moon tattoo on the web of his hand. It made her think of all the things she’d never see again if this man took her life. She struggled like a mad woman, twisting and fighting with her arms and legs.
Her lucky break came when she slammed one of her precious Christian Louboutin heels onto the man’s foot. He roared, dropping her long enough for her to make her escape.
She burst through the glass doors at the side of the building, her breathing ragged and pulse racing. She needed to bury herself in the crowd, and she had to find a cop. The lights were bright after being in the darkness outside. Stephanie didn’t know where to turn but knew she couldn’t stop moving. Everyone around her was oblivious to the panic she was experiencing.
Then she saw him. It was Dom, the officer from earlier. He towered over the other guests, his dirty-blond hair a beacon in a sea of white and gray.
“Officer, officer!” She was absolutely breathless, barely able to say the word. When she reached him, she grabbed hold of his navy-blue sleeve as an anchor. A rush of relief cascaded through her, nearly making her dizzy. She was safe.
“What’s wrong?” he asked, securing her shoulders. She looked up into his blue eyes. Stephanie wanted to tell him the whole truth, that she’d been threatened by some madman with a gun. But then she thought better. Maybe she’d been in the wrong. It was probably a team of security guards out back just doing their duty, protecting a valuable prototype from a potential thief. If she told an officer what happened, she’d just incriminate herself.
She kept silent.
“Stephanie, right? Tell me, what’s the matter?” His tone was authoritative yet reassuring. Her nerves were so on edge that she wanted to fold herself into his capable arms. The only people she had in the world were her mother and best friend, Tammy. Right now she needed somebody to talk to, someone to talk her in off the ledge.
“I–I can’t. I mean, it was just a stray dog. It spooked me, that’s all.”
He frowned, clearly not falling for her fly-by-pants story, yet he didn’t challenge her. “Are you sure that’s all it was?”
She nodded, willing her heart to calm. She clashed with all the calm guests mingling around her, suddenly noticing the numerous unimpressed eyes on her. “Yes. I’m sorry to have bothered you.” It was time for her to make an exit. She’d listened to the speeches, collected all the available documentation and pamphlets, and gotten some prize pictures. Now she needed to get home to her apartment and put an article together before midnight.
Stephanie turned and pushed through the crowd, making her way to the front entrance. Maybe journalism wasn’t for her after all. There was no way she could handle that much thrill more than once in a lifetime. When she finally reached her car and locked the doors behind her, she exhaled a shaky breath. She’d never had a gun pointed at her before. It was the scariest thing she’d ever experienced, the event replaying over and over in her head. The barrel of the gun,
the man’s arms squeezing out her breath. Her life had flashed before her eyes in that endless minute. She saw a life she regretted. It was so empty, so lonely. Get it together, Stephanie.
She drove home, half in a trance. Unlike at rush hour, the streets were quiet now, the street lamps reflecting off the black asphalt road at regular intervals. She didn’t feel like herself. Every loud sound made her jump. Every car driving behind her made her suspicious. Was the gunman a guard or a real criminal like on the CSI dramas? Surely the dealership wouldn’t leave their trophy car unprotected in a dark alley for long. She was just being paranoid.
“Home sweet home,” she muttered after pulling into her underground parking space. She was mentally and physically beat.
Stephanie trudged up the last flight of stairs to her unit on the third floor. Normally, she enjoyed living alone, only abiding by her own rules. Tonight she’d sleep with a light on. Once in her apartment, she locked the door behind her and attached the additional chain lock before crashing on her sofa. Her feet were killing her and she needed to unwind, big time. Too bad she didn’t drink.
She stared at the ceiling for the longest time before lifting one knee at a time to remove her stilettos. They each dropped to the floor with a clunk. Her apartment was only a bachelorette, so she could see her stove clock from her sofa. She had less than a few hours before she had to email Mr. Templeton the file for tomorrow’s newspaper edition. There would be plenty of time to feel sorry for herself tomorrow on her day off.
* * * *
“Are you sure that’s all she said?” asked Grayson.
“Yeah. Something about a dog, but it was bullshit. She was scared.” Dominic still remembered the raw fear in her dark eyes when she looked up at him. There were even beads of sweat forming on her brow. He’d only seen her a few times, but she’d always been cool and in control to a fault. When she grabbed hold of his sleeve, she was clearly terrified. He knew how to gauge human emotion. It was drilled into them at the academy and in their biannual psych courses. She’d displayed every sign of fear right down to the slight stutter. All he’d wanted to do was protect her.
Lawful Domination [Uniform Fetish 2] (Siren Publishing Ménage Amour) Page 2