Fine Line (Crossing Lines Book 1)

by A. D. Justice

  “The good news is,” Tim begins, “I can’t tell you much about what we found. And that in itself should tell you enough about what we found.”

  “There’s a calling card?” I hold my slice of pizza in midair, waiting for the confirmation I’ve been dying to hear.

  “Definite calling card. Enough that I can guarantee Savannah can’t be held responsible under the constructive possession laws.” Tim beams, knowing the significance of his find.

  “I’m sorry—I have no idea what that means.” Savannah’s eyes dart back and forth between Tim and me, waiting for a better explanation.

  Tim takes pity on her. “What I’m saying is, I know without a shadow of a doubt you had no idea what was hidden in your car, so you can’t be held responsible for possession.”

  “Did you leave everything exactly as you found it?” Not that I doubt his ability to do his job, but I’m leaving no stone unturned in this maneuver.

  “I’m insulted you even thought it was necessary to ask me that, Tucker.”

  “Just making sure. Calm your tits, Tim. Now, Savannah, tell me every move you’d normally make in your car before you started taking the Metro to work. Where did you go? How long did you stay there? Where did you park? Don’t leave out any detail, no matter how small you may think it is. Do you think you can do that?”

  “Sure, I can do that. Then what happens?”

  “Then we wait.”

  Chapter 9

  Savannah

  “What’s a calling card?”

  Now that we’re alone, I feel more comfortable asking Nick all my questions that weren’t answered earlier. Not that the other men would’ve minded, but they were so involved in the logistics and planning of every detail of the upcoming operations, I didn’t want to delay their conversation by asking them to explain all their jargon to me.

  Besides, now I have even more to talk about with Nick. More reasons to stay right beside him. More reasons to stare at his handsome face and finely built physique. The way he looks at me when we talk has changed. When we first met, I saw mostly pity in his eyes. That bothered me more than I would admit.

  Now, I see admiration in those whiskey-colored eyes. I also see desire—and not only when I accidentally molest him in the bed. I caught him watching me several times when we were eating pizza earlier. When Tim tried a little too hard to get to know me, I was secretly thrilled Nick immediately shut him down. Not in a jealous, possessive way, but his reaction was enough to let me know he didn’t appreciate the intrusion.

  Maybe there’s hope after all.

  “A calling card is the signature way drug distributors package their shit for the street dealers to sell. The major players are arrogant, and they want everyone on the street to know who’s running the show. Butch is in over his head, so I’m going to help him drown.”

  “I feel guilty getting you involved in all this, you know? I’ve caused you so much trouble in the so little time you’ve known me. You must think I’m one big walking disaster.”

  He surprises me by kneeling in front me, gently cupping my face in his big hands, and holding my gaze with his intense stare. “No, Savannah. In fact, I’ve never thought that, and you’re not allowed to think that either. You don’t have a clue how amazing you are, do you?”

  This smoldering attraction I’ve been fighting just lit up in a fully involved five-alarm fire.

  Without thinking, without overanalyzing, without asking for permission, I lean toward him and press my lips to his. Gently at first, in case he doesn’t reciprocate, but he takes control after about a second. He slides his hands around my head, threading his fingers through my hair as they glide. I can tell he’s being so easy with me, treating me like a porcelain doll. But I can’t feel my injuries at the moment. I can only feel the sensation of every nerve ending firing at once and my body being set on fire, all from his tender touch and simple kiss.

  When his tongue swipes across my lips, my resulting gasp gives him full access to claim my mouth. I lean back on the couch cushions and wrap my hands around his neck, pulling him with me so that he’s partially lying on me. Though I’m sore and have bruises covering most of my body, the weight of his body on me feels like heaven. The warmth of his hands on my skin and the velvety smoothness of his tongue send chills over my body, fanning out like ripples in still water.

  He breaks the kiss first, ever so slowly, and presses his forehead against mine while we both try to slow our racing hearts. I can feel his pulse jumping in his neck, and it makes me want to kiss him all over again. With a look, a touch, a gesture, Nick Tucker makes me feel beautiful, desired, and needed.

  “That was the hottest fucking kiss.” His words are a strained whisper, full of longing and a thirst for me. I know, because I feel it all the way to my soul.

  “It definitely was. Now I need a cold shower before I combust.”

  He smiles, releases a small chuckle, and gently kisses my cheek. “Believe me when I say it kills me to stop this. But if you kiss me like that again, I’m afraid you’ll have a lot more broken bones after I throw you over my shoulder, haul you into the bedroom, and bend you in more ways than a pretzel.”

  “Oh my God. Why do I get the feeling all the extra broken bones would be so worth it?”

  “Savannah, you’re really not helping, darlin’. The situation is hard enough as it is.” He waggles his eyebrows at me, and the butterflies in my chest not only take flight but break out into an impromptu Riverdance production.

  “Just so you know, I feel it too.”

  “I don’t see how you couldn’t feel it since it’s lying on your leg right now.”

  We both break out laughing, and I immediately regret it. Grabbing my trusty pillow, I push it into my broken ribs for support and alternate between laughing and howling “ow” repeatedly.

  “Okay, so we both needed that laugh. And maybe we should let the current broken bones heal before we break new ones. I’m not sure I’m up to it today, after all.” I stroke his cheek, feeling the words but refusing to say them now. It’s too soon. No one feels—that—this soon.

  “It’s nice, being able to joke with you. But know this about me, Savannah. There’s only one part of you I’d ever break—and that’s any desire you may have for another man. I’ll make sure that’s completely obliterated, to the point that even looking doesn’t appeal to you.”

  “I believe you, Nick…because I’m already there.”

  “Darlin’, I’m so glad to hear that.” Then his smile falters, and a concerned expression takes its place. “But don’t feel pressured to say that. You don’t owe me anything in return for my help, and the last thing I want you to think is I expect any kind of payment.”

  “I’d never think that about you, Nick. And I hope you know I understand the difference between gratitude and what I actually feel for you.”

  “You have no idea how happy I am to know we’re on the same page. You get some rest while I get some work done. I’m running the logistics on this operation, so I’m going to make sure the plan is airtight before we make the first move. Yell if you need anything at all.”

  “Can you bring my laptop out of my bag? I have a few things I want to look into myself.”

  “You got it.”

  While Nick is at the kitchen table, eyeball-deep in maps, routes, and plans, I boot up my laptop and start researching how to volunteer in various positions with our local women’s shelter. After what I’ve been through and how much help I’ve been given because of nothing more than the kindness of strangers, volunteering to help others in similar situations is the least I can do.

  When I find the website, I fill out all the forms and consent to a background check. I’m looking forward to putting a different spin on my circumstances and crossing that fine line between fear and courage. Even though putting myself in front of others and sharing my story scares me, I feel I need to step into the spotlight and make myself more vulnerable before I can fully be strong again. Trial by fire. Actions spe
ak louder than words. Every cloud has a silver lining. All the inspirational sayings that are meant to encourage and inspire swirl in my head, but even without them, I know I’m making the right move.

  Just as I open my document to continue working on my book, with a new chapter inspired by recent revelations, my phone rings, and I realize I neglected to call my best friend first thing this morning.

  “Hello?” I know exactly who’s calling, but I’m still trying to figure out a way to defuse the situation.

  “Don’t act like you don’t know who this is or why I’m calling, Savannah Fields. How dare you let me find out from one of the day nurses that you showed up in the emergency room with broken ribs! If you weren’t already injured, I’d be over there kicking your ass right now.”

  “That’s actually the only part of me that doesn’t hurt.”

  “Spence said Nick is taking good care of you.” Her tone changes, letting me know she’s not actually mad at me for anything. Worried about my well-being, but not mad. “I’m glad someone is. You know you could’ve stayed with us if you needed a place to hide.”

  “Staying here with Nick is actually working out to my benefit. He knows how Butch operates, and he’s working on a plan to make sure Butch stays out of my life forever. When I first came here, it was because I was too terrified to go anywhere else, plus his brownstone was closer than your place. But I’m staying because he takes such good care of me, Karen. He keeps the nightmares at bay.” I describe what happened last night and this morning—sneaking into his bed and waking up in a compromising position.

  “After all that, he still had to help you out of bed?” Karen laughs heartily at my expense, but I don’t mind. My pillow is tight against my ribs, so my occasional outbursts don’t hurt as bad. “Well, if all that hasn’t scared him away, nothing will, my friend. Sounds like you have a keeper there. Spencer has even given his seal of approval, and you know that doesn’t come easily for him.”

  “We’re both taking things really slowly. I’ve brought a lot of shitty baggage with me. It’s a little hard to start something new on solid ground when it feels like quicksand will swallow you at any time.”

  “You know what your problem is, Savannah? You don’t give yourself nearly enough credit. Butch is shit, but he’s not your shitty baggage. You got away from him. What he continues to do is all on him—not you. Don’t take the blame for any of his bullshit anymore. Make him own what he’s done, and you own the brave things you’ve done.”

  “Thank you, Karen. You know I needed to hear that. I love you.”

  “I love you too. Now when do I get to meet Nick, hook him up to a lie detector, and play 150 Questions with cords that deliver electric shocks for every lie?”

  “Stop making me laugh! It hurts!” She laughs in my ear. “You can meet him, if you behave. Besides, he doesn’t lie. He’s brutally honest, so I don’t think you’ll need to use the electricity on him.”

  “He sounds too good to be true. I’ll be the judge of his honesty. But not tomorrow. You may not have considered this, but the third day after an injury is always the worst, so I’m afraid you’ll feel worse tomorrow. So, can we get this on the books for the day after tomorrow? I’m off, Spence is off, and you’re there. Perfect timing.” I’m almost positive Karen has our entire evening already planned out in her head.

  “That’s good with me. Let me check with Nick to make sure he’s okay with it, though.”

  “Check with Nick about what?” Speak of the tall, handsome, irresistible devil, and he appears out of nowhere. He sits on the couch beside me, fingering the long curls of my ponytail while he waits for my answer.

  “My best friend wants to meet you. She’s bringing her own lie-detector machine, complete with an electric chair to shock you when you lie.”

  “I have no reason to lie, but she’s welcome to use mine if she doesn’t want to lug hers across town.” One side of his mouth lifts in amusement as he winks at me. “The day after tomorrow is good with me. We can eat here if you’re not ready to go out to a restaurant by then. But if you want to go out, it’ll be our first official date. Your call, darlin’.”

  “Date, huh? You wouldn’t be embarrassed to take me out like this? All busted up with black, purple, and green bruises everywhere?”

  “Nope. Not at all. You’re still just as beautiful to me.”

  “Oh my God, Savannah! If you don’t marry him by tomorrow, I just might!” Karen yells into the phone loud enough for Nick to hear her.

  “You’re already taken, Karen,” Nick yells back with a chuckle. Then he looks dead into my eyes and adds, “And so am I.”

  Karen’s excited squeal nearly bursts my eardrum. At least she’s breathing, because I can’t right now.

  He leans over and presses his soft, plump lips against mine. He trails his fingertips along my cheek, barely touching me but leaving his invisible brand on my skin. Marking me…as his.

  Our eyes remain locked when he pulls back. A knowing smirk crosses his face while I fight to maintain my composure. When I’m finally able to speak again, I confirm our plans with Karen. “We’re definitely going out to a nice restaurant. Nick and I are having that first date.”

  After we eat dinner together, I’m so tired I can barely keep my eyes open. Nick helps me up, and we walk toward the bedrooms together. He smiles down at me when we reach the hallway. “Where are you sleeping tonight?”

  He knows the answer. He just wants to hear me say it.

  “Smartass.” I walk into his bedroom, his responding chuckle rumbling through his chest. I secretly love how relaxed and comfortable we are with each other. Now I can see—and feel—what was lacking in every other relationship I’ve ever attempted to have.

  If I feel this strongly about him after only a couple of weeks of spending time with him, getting to know him inside and out, I can’t imagine what a few more weeks will do. He helps me into bed then takes his spot beside me. He wraps his arm around me protectively when I lay my head in the crook of his shoulder. Warm, safe, and protected, I close my eyes and sleep soundly all night.

  The next day is, unfortunately, as Karen predicted and I expected. Everywhere I wasn’t sore yesterday hurts today. Everywhere I was sore yesterday is worse now. Nick looks down at me before we attempt to get out of bed. “Well, darlin’, how do you feel today?”

  “It hurts to blink. Can I just stay in bed all day?”

  “Afraid not. The doctor said you need to keep moving throughout the day, remember? No pneumonia allowed. Besides, that would just make your muscles hurt longer. Come on, I’ll help you out of bed. You can shower first. Maybe the hot water will help. Then we’ll go by your apartment and get more of your things to bring back here. Plus, I want to look around for myself.”

  “You’re sure we’ll be safe if he shows up while we’re there?”

  “You and I will be perfectly safe. I can only wish he’d show up while I’m there. Please, God, let him show up.”

  Chapter 10

  Nick

  Showered, dressed, and fed, Savannah says she feels a little better than she did first thing this morning. We’re on our way to her apartment now. How Butch got inside still bothers me. Time to bring up the touchy subject with her again.

  “Darlin’, I really don’t like the idea of your apartment not having more security than it does. I’m in no hurry for you to leave my place, but when you do move back in to your condo, I’d like to know it’s under the safest possible conditions.”

  “It sounds like you have a very complex system in mind. I spent my extra money on moving, buying a new laptop, and taking marketing classes for my book. Now I’m not able to work overtime for a month and a half, so it’ll be a while before I can do anything extra like that.” She looks out the window as she explains, not wanting to make eye contact with me.

  “You never know when a great opportunity will just fall into your lap.”

  “What have you done, Nick?”

  “Me? Nothing. Nothing at
all.”

  We arrive at her building, and I feel the anxiety rolling off her and crashing into me before we even exit my truck. She looks up at the building and inhales a haggard breath. Though the sudden expansion of her lungs and ribs causes a jolt of pain to cut through her, the fear of going inside overrides it.

  “Hey, look at me.” I speak softly to get her attention without startling her.

  Her gaze shifts to meet mine. All color has drained from her face. Her green eyes are huge, and her pupils are dilated. She looks at me, waiting for the strength and courage to leave the relative safety of my vehicle.

  “He will not touch you—not one hair on that beautiful head of yours. If he’s stupid enough to be here again, he’ll leave in a body bag before I let him lay one finger on you. I’ve got you, darlin’. You have nothing to worry about.”

  “I worry about you, too, Nick. I worry that Butch will find some way to take you away from me.”

  “Not even a remote possibility, darlin’. Can we go up and get your clothes now? I’m really looking forward to our date tomorrow night. But if you’d rather go naked, we can do that. We’ll be the talk of the town.”

  She rewards me with a small smile for that. “Okay, let’s go up there and get it over with.”

  Before we reach the outer door, another resident is leaving and holds the door open for us. He’s a younger guy, barely out of his teens, and obviously thinks he’s being helpful. He doesn’t have a clue how his politeness could cost someone their life.

  Strike one.

  Inside the elevator, she’s practically glued to my side as we watch the floors tick by on the lighted panel. Taking a second to glance around, I notice there are no security cameras in the elevators, and there were none in the entryway.