One to Protect

by Tia Louise

  She pivots slightly and pulls back to make another blow, but Patrick catches her leg. “Not the head. It might fly off.”

  Her eyes cut to me, and my brow is creased as I nod. I guess we’re more alike than I’d care to admit. I understand her primal need. I know the satisfaction she feels kicking him. She’d probably enjoy punting his head across the room.

  Rubbing my eyes, I force these macabre thoughts to stop. I come back out of the rabbit hole, and continue out the door. Patrick’s right. We’ve got to go.

  I silently make my way down the hedge-lined alley along the back of the hotel. We have a long stretch of conference-room windows to get past before we’re out of range, and I’m hoping Star’s recovered enough to walk normally by the time they make it to the end of our leafy covering.

  Dark window after dark window, I’m moving fast, thankful it’s way after hours. Patrick and I are both trained for stealth, but our injured colleague isn’t. I hold up at the edge of the building, where the tall shrub ends and listen.

  It seems I’ve made it, and I yank the black gloves off my hands, shoving them into my pockets. Looking back, Star’s leaning on Patrick’s arm as he basically carries her down the hidden path. He stops when he reaches me, and leans her against the wall. She watches as he pulls off his gloves and puts them in his pockets.

  His voice is low. “We need to act as inconspicuous as possible. The Four Seasons is only a few blocks. Can you make it?”

  She nods barely, and it does nothing to ease the adrenaline surging through my veins.

  I don’t know how to place what I’ve done, where to put it in my mind or how to wrap my head around it. I’ve had to kill before, but in this case… What I’ve done is something outside the law. It’s vigilante justice, and it’s a cold fact that I’m not sorry.

  How can I ever explain this to Mel? What will she think? She says I’m a hero, but I don’t know if she can love this side of me. The side that won’t back down, that will kill without hesitation.

  I can’t worry about that now—it has to wait, and we have to move. I step out from behind the hedge, walking straight, hands in pockets. I don’t slow or look around.

  Bodies pass me, but nobody appears to pay attention to another random person heading to his hotel. No one knows what I’ve done. I keep going straight. Patrick will wait several minutes before following me out, and we’ll rendezvous at the bar and decide what to do next.

  Years seem to pass before we’ve got our drinks and are secreted away at the small back table.

  Patrick takes a long hit of vodka before cutting the tension with his usual levity. “I think it’s safe to say that did not go as expected.” He pauses, studying our shell-shocked expressions. “And shit, I will never fucking get used to that sound.”

  My eyes cut to him, but I can’t answer. Breaking bones is a sickening sound. Only this time, for me it was a sick satisfaction.

  “We’re lucky that prick’s parents are dead,” he continues. “He ran Melissa off, and apparently he killed the only remaining person who loved him. I need another drink.” He turns to Star. “You okay?”

  She nods, and we’re both silent as he leaves us alone again. My eyes are on the amber liquid in my glass, and I feel her eyes on me. No telling what’s going through her mind right now. We don’t even try to address it. We’re both in that place of trying to sort out what just happened, how we feel about it, and what to do with it.

  It seems quick when Patrick’s back, dropping into his chair, slapping me hard on the shoulder. “You are one strong-assed motherfucker, you know that? At one point, I was sure I couldn’t hold you any more. I should’ve known I wouldn’t be able to stop what was coming.”

  I shake my head and actually laugh. It’s kind of a loose laugh, but Patrick is such the fucking little brother I never had.

  At last, Star speaks, and she’s back to her normal low, smoky contralto. “What happens now?”

  Her question snaps me to attention. It’s time for me to shake it off. Man up, and be the leader I am. Scooting forward in my chair, I reach for her hand. Our next steps have been circling in my mind since we left the Bridgestreet.

  “The best thing would be for you to go to the police. Tell them you were hooking up with some guy you just met, robbers broke in and attacked you both. You ran away scared—don’t even mention you know what happened to him.”

  “If I don’t know what happened to him, why would I go to the police?” She’s not challenging me, just curious.

  “She’s right.” Patrick leans forward on the table. “I think we should lay low and see what happens. If she thinks he’s alive, why would she involve the police? She could get herself in needless trouble, and I wiped everything I could find.”

  For a moment, I press my lips together and think like a cop. I replay the whole scene in my mind again. “I ran my gloves over all the door handles. Unless he’s got her DNA on him somehow.”

  “He hit me, but he didn’t scratch me.”

  “He had his hands all in your snatch, in your ass…”

  She chews her lips, and her eyes drop to her glass.

  “That’s okay,” Patrick cuts in. “He’s in a place he shouldn’t be with his fucking pants around his ankles and his dick out. Nobody at his company’s going to want that publicity. They’ll cover that shit up, you watch.”

  I glance around the small bar, and for now, we’re the only ones in it. Is it possible we could get away with this? I’m still calming my thoughts, but it seems like we might actually walk.

  “The best way for a crime to be discovered is to have more than one witness.” My gaze travels from Patrick to Toni, a.k.a., Star. “Patrick and I have done things; we have experience keeping things to ourselves…”

  Toni’s eyebrows shoot up. “Are you saying you don’t trust me?”

  I work to even my tone. “There’s nothing stopping you from one day using this—”

  “Other than the fact I’d be incriminated as well. I can’t fucking believe you.” She pushes her drink away and sits back in her chair. “Look, I’ve had to sit on crap. Shit, I’ve probably got more garbage locked in the vault than you with all your battle scars. You don’t have to worry about me. I told you I was in this for Tiffany. As far as I’m concerned, you’re the Angel of Justice.”

  I exhale and polish off my scotch. “There’s no such thing.”

  Toni shakes her head and stands. “I’m taking off. You don’t have to worry about me. I think you did the right thing. The only thing.”

  Patrick calls after her. “I’ll check in with you in a few days.”

  She keeps walking, and we sit for a moment in silence then I look up at my partner. “We’re finished here.”

  He tips his glass and kills his vodka. “Fuckin A. I don’t think I’ve ever wanted to see Elaine this bad since I’ve known her.”

  Remembering my tension all those weeks ago and how good it felt to find Melissa waiting for me in my condo, I know he’s right. The best thing to soothe this pain away are her sweet arms, the reason I’m here.

  My love.

  Chapter 14: What Needs to Be Done

  Melissa

  Warmth surges all around my body, and that fresh, faintly woodsy scent I love touches my nose. Pressing my cheek into my pillow, I’m so in love with this dream, I don’t want to wake up. It’s so vivid, and I miss him so much.

  At last, after hours of tossing and turning all night, being restless and worried, tension gripping my shoulders, not knowing if I’ll sleep again… my whole body is relaxed. I’m so cozy, I want to stay here all day in this lovely fantasy of having him in my bed.

  If only the morning light weren’t pressing against my eyelids. If only I didn’t have to work…

  Stretching my arms wide, my eyes fly open when my fist makes contact with a warm, hot body. It’s not a dream!

  “That’s some left hook you’ve got there.” Derek’s low voice ignites a burst of heat through my chest, down to my toes, and
I dive into his arms. I love the sound of his laughter as he kisses my head

  “You’re back! When did you get in?” My stomach is on his chest, and I’m holding his face as I kiss his nose, his cheeks, his eyes, his eyebrows.

  He rolls us so that I’m on my back beneath him, and he’s propped above me, his forearms on each side of my head. “Early this morning.” Another (thrilling) little kiss. “Patrick and I agreed—no more hotel beds. We wanted to be with our ladies.”

  Nodding, I slide my fingers into his dark waves as he peppers my ears, eyes, nose with kisses. “That six-hour drive is a little better than starting in Princeton.”

  “A lot better. Especially now.” He dips his head and covers my mouth with his. The scuff of his beard against my skin is so sexy, it makes me laugh. I turn my cheek and wrap my arms around his neck, holding him close. Soft lips move up to my jaw then to my ear, where he whispers. “I can only think of one thing I like more.”

  “Hmm…” I play coy. “I wonder what that might be.”

  His head pops up, and sparkling blue eyes meet mine. “Applewood smoked bacon.”

  “What!”

  He laughs and claims my mouth again, tongues twining, heat flaring between my thighs. I want him so much. My chin pushes up, and I break our kiss. “Seven days is over my limit.”

  “I agree.” His mouth is moving down, following the line of my neck. I’m in a sleep shirt and PJ pants, but that doesn’t stop him. Catching my breast through the thin material with his lips, he pulls my nipple, and the effect is excruciating.

  “Derek!” I gasp, and in one swift movement, my top is off and his mouth is back on my now-bare breast. He pulls hard again, causing the tip to lengthen, and I’m so wet already. He’s got me right on the edge with only his kisses.

  “Yes, seven days.” My voice is a shaky gasp. “Too long.”

  Large hands span my belly, and he pulls up, inspecting the size. “Look at you!” He leans down to kiss the swell of our little baby. “How is your luscious mom treating you?” He speaks into my navel, and then he turns and presses his ear against it as if listening.

  I can’t help a laugh, threading my fingers into his hair again. He looks up at me and smiles, the corners of his eyes lining in the most handsome way.

  “You look very happy,” I whisper, holding him as his head rests on baby. “More than you have in a while.”

  He rises back up beside me, resting his cheek on his hand and smoothing my hair off my face. “I feel like a weight’s been lifted.”

  “Is it over?”

  My question changes his expression to serious. “We handled the problem. You’re safe. It’s the only thing I’ve wanted since that day in October.”

  I know what day he means—the day I went to his office so angry with him. I’d forced him to look at the evidence against Sloan.

  It was an emotional act I’ve often wished I hadn’t committed. I’d filed away what happened to me in my heart, and I hadn’t considered how deeply that photo of my battered face would affect him.

  “What happened?”

  For a moment he doesn’t answer me. His eyes travel from mine up to the little scar and back again. “Will you accept for now that we fixed it so he can never hurt you again?”

  My lips press together as I think about it. He’s here, safe in my arms. My fears over what might happen did not come true. Most of all, he wouldn’t tell me things were fixed if they weren’t.

  I consider all of it and make my decision. “I’ll accept that for now.” Reaching up, I smooth my hands on his cheeks. “I love you so much.”

  He leans forward and kisses me, gently at first, growing more forceful. He lifts up slightly and catches my lip between his, giving it a little pull. It sparks the desire that had only paused, and I’m pulling him to me, consuming him in a kiss so desperately hungry, it’s never satisfied.

  He lets out a low noise and circles his arm around me, lifting and turning me so that my back is to his chest, my ass pressed into his pelvis. I barely have time to note his erection before he catches my thigh, moving it up and to the back slightly, allowing him to fill me with his enormous length from behind.

  “Aaah!” My head drops back, and he grasps my clit, massaging as he thrusts into me.

  “Oh, god!” I can’t stop another cry as his lips touch my neck, his beard scratching across the tops of my shoulders. I shiver at the intense eroticism.

  He pushes into me hard as his fingers move nonstop over my sensitive bud. His mouth follows a line down the back of my neck, and sizzling waves of fire shoot down my inner thighs. I’m on the verge of screaming the pleasure is so strong. He doesn’t slow, and I’m hurtling toward the edge, eyes closed, only waves of pleasure shimmering through me.

  “Come now.” His lips are a low vibration at my ear, and I moan. “Come.” And with his next thrust, my legs erupt into orgasmic shaking. I cry out, overcome by the powerful wave of ecstasy flashing through me.

  My body tries to fold together with the pull of it, but he holds me up, still thrusting as my inner muscles tense and pull. I’m arching back against him moaning, unable to endure much more. He’s not far behind, and with a loud groan, he shoots off deep inside me.

  Strong arms move from my shoulders around my ribcage, just above the swell of my stomach, and he’s holding me tight against him, hips gently rocking. My eyes are still closed as we move together, riding it out, gently slowing as we ease down from the stratosphere. A few more deep breaths, and we both curl forward like two hands closing together in a perfect embrace.

  “Seven days.” His voice is low beside my ear, and a delicious wave of contentment moves in my torso.

  My arms go on top of his, and soft lips touch the side of my neck behind my ear. Another wave moves across me. “I never want us to be apart again.”

  “I meant it when I said we’d be together permanently after Baltimore.”

  I scoot forward and roll onto my back to face him. “What will that look like? Will you be here?”

  His soft lips press together, and I touch them with my fingertip. I know this is a difficult decision. “What if we split the time for now? We can each stay a week in both locations.”

  “Will that work for you in Princeton?”

  “If we start the week on a Wednesday. It’ll work in the short-term, and it’ll give Nikki a chance to find another job.”

  My lips twist then. “I hadn’t thought of that. I hate for her to lose a good job.”

  He exhales a laugh. “Working for me is a good job now?”

  “You’re a very generous employer. Even if you are a hard-ass.”

  He laughs, and I snuggle back into his arms smiling. We hold each other a few moments, savoring the afterglow. My entire body is completely relaxed and quiet. I’m in heaven in his embrace with notes of happiness pulsing through me on every heartbeat.

  That’s when it happens.

  I feel the faintest stirring below my navel like a little fish. Or it’s more like gas moving in my stomach, which should be embarrassing, but this is different. A second passes, and I feel it again. It’s unmistakable this time.

  “Derek!” I pull back and grab his hand, pressing it hard against my lower abdomen.

  “What?” Concern is etched on his face, and he props up on an elbow watching me.

  “Just wait…” I whisper.

  We’re both quiet, heads tilted as if we’ll hear a noise. Then I feel it again, the faintest little nudge.

  “Did you feel it?!” I’m practically bouncing in the bed, I’m so happy.

  His brow crinkles. “No?”

  It doesn’t matter. I know it’s too small for him to feel anything yet, but I lunge forward, hugging my arms tight around his neck. “I felt him move! I can feel him moving! It’s just the faintest flutter, but I know you’ll be able to feel it soon.”

  He hugs me back, pulling me tight against his torso. “I can’t wait.” I can hear the love in his voice, but when I look again, there’s a s
hadow over his eyes.

  “What’s wrong?”

  I ask, but I already know. I agreed we’d wait to discuss Baltimore, but I can sense what went down had to be pretty major. I’m sure it’s on his mind, and I confess, I want to know so badly. At the same time, I kind of don’t.

  He blinks and whatever it was is gone, hidden behind the shield I know he’s learned to cultivate. We’ve only been together a few months, but already I’ve learned to hate that barrier that keeps me at a distance, away from what’s hurting him.

  “Not a thing, darling, I’m excited.” Whatever just happened might bother me, but when he smiles at me that way, I melt. “I’m sorry I can’t feel him yet. When’s your next appointment?”

  “Today, actually.” I push the side of his hair away from his cheek. “Dr. Mel works around my schedule. Want to tag along?”

  “I wouldn’t miss it.”

  The doctor’s exam room is warm, and I’m lying on the hard, leather table with my knees bent, turned so I can face Derek. He’s sitting at my head, elbow bent on the back of the table, smoothing my hair back.

  “Seventeen weeks isn’t a particularly exciting visit.” I smile up at him, not wanting him to be disappointed.

  “You forget. I haven’t been to as many of these as you have.” His touch is so comforting, I feel like I should’ve insisted on having him with me every time.

  “I’ve only been coming once a month. You haven’t missed much.”

  Just then Dr. Mel enters the room. She’s a bit older than me, with black hair and olive skin, and a personable disposition. We laughed at having the same nickname, even though her first name is Linda. Her last is Melendez, or Mel for short.

  “I see you brought Daddy along this time.” She smiles, her dark eyes dancing as she shakes his hand. “Nice to see you again.”

  “I was just saying it’s not such an exciting visit.” My voice is apologetic, and she snaps to business.

  “We can move things up if you’d like. It’s early, but we can do the ultrasound, and I need to test for Down’s and other abnormalities.”