“Sarah.” Her choked sob sent tears down my face. “Do you think he did this?”
She couldn’t even say his name. Nor should she have to.
“I don’t know. She was supposed to testify, so that’s pretty damn coincidental,” I replied hoarsely.
“We’re so worried about you, sweetie,” she sniffled.
“I’m the safest I could possibly be,” I assured her. “Talon is the absolute best in the business and I trust every man on the team with my life. Travis is here right now with Ryan. I’m not alone. I’m protected.” I hated the idea of her worrying. “Can I talk to Declan? Is he there?”
“He’s right here,” she replied, and handed the phone over.
A moment later his voice came through the line. “Sarah.”
I stood up to pace, shoving my fingers through my hair in agitation and stress. “Listen, Declan, I know you have some weird hang-up about my sister. I don’t know what that’s about. Right now, I don’t care. Jessica was murdered one ranch down from ours,” I choked out. “I need you to look out for them. I need you to protect them,” I demanded through tears. “Please.”
“With my life, Sarah. Always.” The conviction in his voice made me feel much better. “I’ve moved all my stuff from the cabin and I’m staying in the guest room. I’ll be under the same roof and I’m taking extra precautions. I’ve got things under control here.”
“Good.” I sighed with relief.
“My biggest challenge will be getting your dad to stop walking around with a rifle at all hours,” he muttered.
I had to smile at that. I could picture it easily.
“I worry about weapons around Owen. Not that your dad isn’t responsible,” he added.
My heart warmed at his concern for my nephew. “Thank you for protecting them, Declan. I can’t thank you enough.”
“No thanks needed.” He grunted, clearly uncomfortable. “I’ll try to get everyone here calmed down, and we’ll check back in with you later.”
“That sounds good,” I agreed, feeling slightly better. “Get my mom baking—it always seems to help.”
“On it,” he replied before the line disconnected.
I set my phone down and sat staring into space for a little while, trying to make sense of a nonsensical situation. I couldn’t believe she was just—gone. She’d been one of the most energetic people I’d ever known. So full of life. The fact that it had been snuffed out made me something beyond sad. She’d made some questionable decisions of late, but I knew it had more to do with being naive rather than any real malice. It was a tragedy she was gone.
Travis was pounding away on his laptop on the couch while Ryan sat at the bar looking at his phone when I walked in a little while later. “Talk to your folks?” Ryan asked.
I nodded. “They’re upset but safe. Declan has things handled.”
Both men nodded.
“I’m sure you two have things to do. I can come to headquarters if you need me to,” I offered, despite it being the last thing I wanted to do at the moment. I knew they wouldn’t be leaving me here alone.
Travis looked up, giving me his full attention. “That’s not necessary. I’m sure you want to be in your own space. I’m gonna head out, but Greer will stay until Theo gets back.”
My eyes popped. “That’s not until tomorrow.”
“We’re aware of that,” Travis replied calmly. “Sarah, this is what we do, and typically in far less comfortable situations. Don’t worry about it.”
That was easier said than done, but I nodded dutifully. “Okay, thanks,” I managed as Travis started gathering his things.
“I’ll check back with you in a few hours,” he told Ryan, before his gaze turned to mine. “We’re going to get this bastard, Sarah,” he promised. “I’m going to enjoy the hell out of it, too.”
With that final declaration, he opened the door, closing it behind him as I reset the alarm.
The condo suddenly felt too quiet. Ryan seemed nice enough, but I barely knew him. I didn’t think I’d be much good at small talk, considering the circumstances.
“Um, do you want some dinner?” I asked quietly. “I was going to prep a few things for when Theo gets home.”
His gaze softened as he watched my nervous movements in the kitchen. “Don’t go to any trouble on my account,” he was quick to say. “And don’t feel like you have to make me comfortable. I can take care of anything I need.”
I really studied him then. Ryan was younger than the other guys, but it was clear he could handle himself. He was also handsome, with his unusual light green eyes, brown hair shorn close to his chiseled features, and fit physique.
“It’ll make me feel better to be doing something,” I decided. “Feel free to put something on,” I added, gesturing toward the massive TV mounted to the wall.
“I don’t know if I can see it,” he deadpanned.
I managed a small smile at that. “A comedian, huh? Theo might have to fight you for that title.”
He held up his hands in mock surrender. “I don’t have anything on Armstrong. Wouldn’t want to step on his toes.”
We fell into a surprisingly comfortable silence while he worked and I baked and cooked until I ran out of ingredients.
I was my mother’s daughter, after all.
“This is fucking delicious,” Ryan complimented through a mouthful of lasagna. “You’re not having any?” he asked from his seat at the bar.
I shook my head. “Not much of an appetite. But I’m glad you like it. Just don’t tell Theo I shared any.” I was only partially kidding.
He made an X over his heart and kept eating.
“How are you liking LA so far?” I asked as I cleaned up the kitchen.
He shrugged. “I like it. I’m grateful to have come out of the Corps with such a great job and a solid group of guys having my back. Talon has been a great fit for me. I think I would have been a bit lost otherwise.”
His candor was refreshing, and I turned to give him my full attention. “I could see that. You certainly seem to fit right in.”
“I’m learning a lot.” He shrugged as he finished his dinner. “Thanks again, that was so good. Armstrong is a lucky son of a bitch. The guys have solid taste in women.”
I let out a short laugh. “Thanks.”
We settled on the couch, agreeing on a mindless action movie. I’d thought I would want to hide out in my room, but it was surprisingly comfortable to have the company. Plus, Ryan was easy to be around.
“Do you want me to make up the couch in the office?” I asked once the movie was over and I was ready for bed.
He shook his head. “Nah. I’m good here.” He gestured to the couch, stretching his big body out on the leather.
“You sure?” I pressed.
He grinned. “It wasn’t that long ago I was sleeping on the ground. Trust me, I’m good,” he assured me.
“All right.” I nodded. “Thank you for being here,” I added sincerely.
“No worries,” he replied easily. “Get some sleep.”
I fought a grimace, given the thoughts swirling in my head. I clung to the fact that Theo would be home the next afternoon. One more sleep before my man was home and back with me, where he belonged.
****
I awoke, startled, when the bed depressed several hours later. I wasn’t sure how long I’d been sleeping, but it had taken me a long time to finally drift off.
“Hmm?” I stammered, a moment before a familiar scent enveloped me. “Theo?” I whispered disbelievingly.
“Yeah, babe,” he murmured back as he crawled up over me.
“You’re here,” I breathed, looking up at him through the dim light in awe. “You weren’t supposed to get here until tomorrow.”
“Took an earlier flight,” he replied, dipping to kiss my neck. “Ryan just took off.”
“Did you hear?” I managed to ask.
“Yeah, sweetheart. I’m sorry. I got back as soon as I could.”
“
You didn’t have to rush back for me,” I protested. “Not that I’m not happy to see you, but I’m okay. Or, I will be,” I amended.
He leaned over, flicking on the bedside light before resituating himself over me. “I need to see you,” he explained. “And, you will be okay,” he stated without hesitation as I drank in the sight of him. “I’ll make sure of it. And babe, I didn’t mind the excuse to get back to you sooner. I missed you like hell.”
“Me too.” I sighed. “The girls and the team took great care of me, but I have to admit I didn’t sleep very well.”
His eyes searched my face, taking in the dark circles. “Well I’m here now, and I’m not leaving again until this is dealt with. Even then, it’s gonna be a hell of a lot harder leaving now that I have you waiting for me at home. I know what Trav and Sid have been saying all this time. I didn’t really get it until now.”
“Theo, I—”
My words were cut off as he swept down for a kiss, his lips covering mine in a slow caress.
I pulled back to study him. “Are you okay?” I demanded. “You didn’t get hurt?”
He smiled as though I was cute for asking. “No, babe. I’m good.”
“That’s good, because I decided something while you were gone,” I shared.
He quirked a brow. “Oh yeah? What’s that?”
“I need you,” I murmured, squirming under him to demonstrate my point.
His eyes widened in surprise before growing hooded. “Are you sure?”
I licked at his neck, tasting the salt mixed with a flavor that was all Theo. “I’m sure.”
“I should shower,” he replied regretfully. “I was in such a hurry to get back I didn’t take the time.”
“Don’t care.” I shook my head, breathing him in. “You smell good to me. You earned that sweat. I want it all over me.”
“Christ, baby. You keep saying shit like that, I’m going to lose all of my self-restraint.”
I gazed up at him. “Good. I need you to take me. Make me yours,” I whispered.
His eyes darkened as he dipped his head to take my mouth, his tongue seeking mine with a forceful desperation I fought blissfully to keep up with.
He lay in between my spread legs, pressing his hardness into my core. My hands roamed his toned back, finding the hem of his T-shirt and pulling it up as far as I could. He reached back and pulled it off one-handed, his lips immediately returning to mine.
My fingers moved to his fly, but he stopped me. “Soon. Not yet.” His voice was rough with lust. “First, I need to take care of you. Get you ready for me.”
I bit my lip and nodded as he slipped my nightshirt and sleep shorts off, leaving me in only panties. His gaze traced my body hungrily. “Christ, you’re perfect,” he muttered reverently.
His mouth found my breasts, worshiping them equally before he continued his journey south. His warm mouth took me over my cotton panties, making me moan loudly. It was a delicious tease. He was so close to where I wanted him, but not close enough.
Finally, he pulled the material down my legs and returned to devouring me. His hands wandered up to my breasts, tweaking my nipples as he feasted on me.
I was a writhing, panting bundle of lust as he brought me closer and closer to the most intense orgasm I’d ever experienced. When it hit, my entire body locked tight; my skin was so hot it nearly burned as I shouted his name.
I lay boneless, catching my breath as he crawled back up my body. I was deliciously spent. He reached into the bedside table, and a fresh wave of nearly frantic energy coursed through me. The need I felt for him was unlike anything I’d experienced before.
“Now can I?” I murmured, quirking a brow as my fingers drifted toward his jeans.
“God, yes,” he agreed wholeheartedly.
My fingers were remarkably steady as I unbuttoned his pants and slid them past his delicious backside. His boxers soon followed. He stood up briefly to pull them all the way off, and all I could do was stare as his gorgeous body was revealed.
“You’re the perfect one,” I stated, my gaze sweeping over his muscular frame and impressive length.
He sheathed himself and climbed back up over my body, pressing in between my legs. “Are you ready, baby? Once we do this, there’s no going back. This is forever—it always has been.”
“I’m sure.” I sighed, opening myself further as he slid carefully inside.
I winced at the burning sensation as he pressed gently yet fluidly through to the hilt, where he stilled. “Okay?” he asked in concern, looking down into my eyes.
“Yeah,” I replied, biting my lower lip. It hurt, but it was a delicious sort of pain. “You can move.”
“Always dreamed of being right here.” He groaned as he increased his movements, still careful not to hurt me.
I gripped his backside, pulling him closer as I got the hang of the movement and the burning subsided.
His lips found mine, taking my mouth as he took my body.
I was completely lost to him, to his body and mine. It was beautiful.
“I’m getting close. Need you with me,” he groaned as his fingers dipped low, joining in on the onslaught of pleasure he was giving my body.
I moaned in agreement as he brought me with him, close to yet another all-consuming release. His hips picked up speed, his skin hot under my fingers as his tempo increased.
“I’m… I’m….” I didn’t get the words out as I hurtled over the edge, taking him with me.
He made the most deliciously primal sound as he found his release. He lay on top of me, careful with his weight as his smell and heat enveloped me all the more.
I wrapped my legs around his waist, holding him inside of me, never wanting him to leave.
“You okay?” he rumbled in my ear, nuzzling my neck.
“I’m amazing,” I assured him, grinning up at the ceiling.
He pulled back to look down into my eyes. “Good. Because now that I’ve had you, now that I know I’m not supposed to be anywhere else but here, you might be in trouble.”
I laughed. Good thing that was the kind of trouble I’d sign up for all day long.
Eventually, I lost his weight when he went to clean up, and came back to clean me up, too. He pulled me to his side after he’d shut off the light, as close to his body as I could be.
As I was drifting off, nestled in his arms, his head turned toward me, his lips at my ear. “I decided something while I was gone, too,” he whispered.
“What?” I asked sleepily.
“I’m going to marry you, sweetheart.”
Chapter 18
I woke up to strong familiar arms around me and raw masculine heat pressed to my back.
I was sore, I realized, deliciously so, and pressed my thighs together, welcoming the ache. Theo’s words from last night about marrying me played in my mind, and I wondered if he’d meant them—maybe he’d been talking in his sleep.
One thing was for sure, I wasn’t going to bring it up.
He nuzzled my neck from behind, sensing I was awake. “Okay?” his raspy voice murmured.
“Yeah.” I sighed contentedly, rolling in his arms to nuzzle into his chest. “What’s the plan for today?”
“Since I know you must be sore, we should probably get out of bed soon,” he noted. “I don’t know how much longer I can control myself.” He palmed my backside for emphasis.
I squirmed under his touch, wanting the same thing but knowing I was, in fact, sore. I dropped a kiss to his bare chest. “I’ll make breakfast.” I sat up, forcing myself away from his warmth. I turned to smile at him over my shoulder. “Something involving carbs and sugar.”
He groaned in elation. “I can’t fucking wait.”
I laughed, standing up to stretch. “In the meantime, you really should shower, babe.” I wrinkled my nose slightly.
He chuckled, not put off in the least by my comment. “You like it.”
“I do,” I agreed wholeheartedly. “But if you plan on leaving the
house anytime soon, I think it’s a must.”
With that parting comment, I headed out to the kitchen, intent on whipping up a breakfast of June Scott proportions. When he joined me a little while later, his hair still wet from the shower and dressed in a formfitting tee and sweats, I was plating the eggs, bacon, and pancakes I’d whipped up.
“That smells amazing,” he said appreciatively as I sat next to him at the bar with my much smaller portion. “I wish we could stay here all day,” he shared after he’d eaten half his plate. “But the guys and I need to meet on the latest developments with Declan. He’s been in touch with local law enforcement in Munro, and I want to know the latest. Glad we filed that restraining order when we did. Helps build a case,” he added.
I nodded, though I wasn’t as optimistic. Evan wasn’t stupid. If he’d done this, he’d have an alibi. I shared as much with Theo.
“There’s always a trail, babe,” he grunted as he finished off the last of his breakfast. “We’re going to find it.”
****
When we arrived at Talon an hour later, Travis, Sid, and Ryan were already there, along with a man I didn’t recognize. Jenna was shockingly at her desk, looking bored as she stared at her phone.
“Harris, good to see you,” Theo greeted the unfamiliar man, before turning to me. “Sarah, this is Will Harris. He’s with the LAPD, but we still manage to put up with him,” he added with a grin.
Harris grunted, clearly used to the barb, and shook my hand. “Somehow I put up with the abuse.”
“It’s a rare talent,” I agreed, earning an easy smile that lit up his handsome face.
“I’m sorry about your friend,” he added, his expression turning somber. “The murder investigation was obviously opened in your home state, but I’ll help how I can.”
“I really appreciate that,” I replied sincerely.
The network of support I’d received since moving back to LA continued to astound me.
“Dec’s on the line,” Travis announced gesturing toward the conference room. Theo clasped my hand and we followed him in, sitting around the large table as Declan’s face appeared on the monitor at the front of the room. It looked as though he was in the guest room of my parents’ house.
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