Guarding Midnight

by Kacey Hammell

  Through much of the night she’d awakened to nightmares of being held somewhere dark with no way of getting out while crazed laughter rang out. Gavin was there each time, hauling her into his arms and murmuring words of comfort and warmth.

  When he suggested breakfast out this morning, though her eyes burned from tiredness¸ she wanted the time away with him. Driving the thirty minutes to a quaint diner, she’d had lots of time to appreciate the quiet moments with just him. Holding hands the whole way, it was as though they were young lovers running errands like any other couple their age. It wasn’t something she was used to, but would love more moments like it.

  “Thank you.” She lifted the mug to her lips and took a tiny sip. Still full from the glorious meal she’d just enjoyed, a soothing cup of tea made her morning. “I love looking at the trees here.” She nodded out the window to the vast growth of trees and bushes around the playground. “The leaves are just starting to change color. I love this time of year.”

  Gavin smiled. “A fall kind of girl, huh?”

  She shrugged. “Everything seems so peaceful at this time of year. The leaves embracing us in the vibrancy and beauty.”

  He claimed her hand. His thumb rubbed circles on the back. A thrill shot up her arm. How easy he affected her. A simple touch and her body came to life. It was becoming familiar with the warmth and rough but gentle skin. He seduced her with the desire and fire in his eyes, the strength in his body, and the sweet smile that seemed to be all for her.

  She shivered. Now wasn’t the time or place to think about how hot he was, or how much she wanted to be wrapped around him.

  “Do you think the worst of Hagen’s plans are over?”

  Gavin shook his head. “We’re not going to talk about him. Not now. We’ll finish our drinks, maybe enjoy a walk out around that playground, and worry about everything else later. For now, it’s just the two of us. Deal?”

  Her breath caught. No one ever put her first. Ever. Her heart skipped a beat. She couldn’t resist him. “Deal.”

  “Good. Now tell me. How’s school going?”

  She grinned. “Great. I have a few assignments due in a couple weeks so I’ll take a few nights off this week to get those done. Charlotte is great and so understanding. Once these assignments are done, exams will be next. I’m pretty confident in them, but I’ll still be studying like a mad woman.” She chuckled. “I love working on the maternity floor, and the ER. The ER is fast-paced and always chaotic, but it’s exciting. The practical and hands-on learning is what keeps things new and invigorating. I love it, but can’t wait to be done with it, too. To work at Simon Fraser will be a dream come true. Just a few months left.” Glancing across the table at him, she titled her head. “What are you smiling at?”

  “You,” he murmured.

  Shree’s heart warmed at seeing the pleasure and gentleness in his eyes. “What about me?”

  “You’re so full of energy for what’s to come. It’s fun listening to you, the excitement in your voice talking about what you love most. After everything you’ve been through, it’s amazing how focused and determined you are.”

  “I have to be.” That he saw so much within her nearly choked her up. “I won’t let the past dictate my future. And I want more than what my folks had. Whatever drove them away, I have no idea. They were there one day and gone the next. Just like that. Poof. Gone. I haven’t a clue why either.”

  Gavin’s fingers slid along hers. “I could ask Frank to find out where they are now. Maybe you could have some closure about why they left.”

  Her stomach dropped. She’d never considered the possibility of seeking her parents’ whereabouts now. Hadn’t even conceived of a place to start looking.

  “No pressure. Think about it. The offer is open anytime you want it.”

  She closed her hand over his, squeezing it once as she smiled. “Thank you. That’s amazing, but I don’t know. I never considered it.” She shrugged. “Maybe someday. I don’t think knowing would change anything right now, but perhaps one day.”

  He took a drink from his mug. “Just let me know whenever you want to learn more.” His cell phone chirped on the table beside him. He sighed and glanced at the screen.

  The tightening in his jaw worried her. “Everything okay?”

  He nodded once, his fingers flying over the keys. “Frank needs me back soon. Some new paperwork on some of you-know-who’s dealings. I’m just telling him we’re taking a quick walk before we head back.”

  “Oh, Gavin, don’t let me keep you. It’s nearly half an hour back. We can take a walk anytime.” Even as she said it, disappointment curled around her heart. She didn’t know how long they’d be in one another’s lives. Having this time with him was sacred, and moments like this would be too few until Hagen was long gone. If that ever happened.

  He tipped his mug back and devoured the last of his coffee. Tucking his phone into the chest pocket of his light jacket, he pushed her tea toward her. “Finish that up and come walk with me.”

  His charismatic smile captivated her. Though their time was limited, she didn’t plan to waste a moment of it.

  She drank the rest of her drink as he pulled cash from his pocket and laid it on the table. Gathering her jacket, she slid from the bench seat and stood. Shoving her arms into her jacket, she zipped it up, grabbed her bag, then took hold of his offered hand.

  Drawing in a deep breath of fresh air, she let him lead her across the parking lot to the grassy area across the street. They moved along the edge of the asphalt and further into the trees away from the playground.

  “Before coming here, I wondered what direction my life was going. So I envy you a bit.”

  Shree glanced at Gavin, surprised by his words. “What do you mean? You seem pretty put together to me.”

  He chuckled and squeezed her hand. “Oh, babe, I’ve fooled you there then.” He stopped then leaned against the large trunk of an oak tree. He clasped her other hand and pulled her close to stand in front of him, both their hands dangling between them.

  “Tell me what you mean, Gavin. Please,” she urged.

  Shrugging, he gazed at an area behind her. “This limp will never go away. The docs have done all they can with the shrapnel in my thigh, and the damage to my knee is too great. I won’t return to active duty. And I can’t even think about sitting behind a desk for years. That’s not the life I want.”

  She couldn’t imagine him cooped up behind a desk or in a corner office either, but remained silent, unwilling to break the moment.

  “I hate that I’ve been wounded, but deep down, I admit that I wear it with pride as well. Not that my ego is out of control, but I did my duty and served my country. And the three boys I’d gone in to save…they’re laughing and smiling today. I can’t regret any decision.”

  He gazed at her as if waiting for her to disagree. Her throat tightened as she held back tears. She’d never think it was his ego talking.

  “You saved people. You’re a hero, Gavin.”

  He laughed. “No. No, I’m not. I’m just a man.”

  She moved in close and lifted her hands to his shoulders. “Listen to me, serving your country or not, you’re a true hero. You did what needed to be done, with no care for your own safety. You’re a man who every parent and family would be proud of. Don’t discount what you did. Don’t tell yourself that you only did what duty has engrained in you to do.” She cupped his cheeks. “You’re my kind of hero.”

  His arms wrapped around her waist, pushing her flush against him. He relaxed his stance and she settled in the V of his legs. “Your kind of hero, huh? That sounds pretty great.” He brushed a kiss over her lips. “Is it okay to admit that coming from your lips, it makes me feel pretty awesome?”

  She shook her head. “Any woman with a brain would say the same thing.” She ran a fingertip down his chin. “Heroes are pretty sexy. And make women swoon.”

  Pleasure and mischief lit his eyes. “How are you feeling right now?”


  Enjoying the game, she grinned and cuddled closer. “Well, I certainly can’t admit that I like the idea of a true-blooded hero protecting me, you know. That would most definitely shoot your ego to the skies.”

  He lowered his head and claimed her mouth. His warmth wrapped around her as his soft lips slid back and forth lazily. The world slipped away. Shree curled her arms against his chest and leaned her head back, giving him full access to her mouth. She drew in a deep breath when he lifted his head then came back and captured her again.

  He tasted of strong coffee, butter, and a hint of strawberry from the jam he’d put on his toast. She’d never forget the exquisite and unique taste and hungered for more. Passion circled and spread through her. The care and pleasure of being in his arms and everything fading away curled around her, and she wished it would never end.

  This man, a hero, a protector, and a great friend, was doing a good job of worming his way into her heart and soul. He’d come out of nowhere and walked into her life, turning it upside down with a bit of danger and a whole lot more. He made her think of long walks like this, summer nights under the stars, rolling naked in bed, and starting every day together.

  Forever.

  She’d never have believed someone like him would enter her life, and while her heart fancied shriveling up and hiding, she desperately wanted to hope that she’d finally found true happiness.

  The thought was foreign to her, but she’d witnessed other people’s full lives. She knew it could happen, but never to her.

  Gavin lifted his head and smiled down at her. “I’m a pretty lucky guy.”

  “Why?” she whispered, caught up in the pleasure and heat in his eyes.

  “I have you in my arms. My life is quite awesome right now.”

  Tears choked her. As much as she wanted to surrender to the moment, this morning with him was proving a lot more potent than she imagined. The exciting but tumultuous emotions he stirred up in her scared her.

  She took a step back, and pasted on a smile. They still had things to do and now wasn’t the time to get caught up in new emotions and think about fairytales and rainbows. “As wonderful as this is.” She pressed a kiss to his chin in hopes of staving off the sting of withdrawing from him for a bit. “We do have to get back. I can’t stay here all day and sing your praises. Frank might shoot me.”

  Gavin laughed aloud, as she hoped he would, and slung an arm over her shoulder. They walked back the way they came. “I guess we do have to get back. Though Frank would never shoot you.”

  Holding his hand where it dangled over her shoulder, she grinned. “And how can you be so sure?”

  “Frank knows I’d have to kill him if he ever stole you from me.”

  Shree’s heart raced at his words. His honesty charmed her while it also terrified her.

  ****

  Shree made her way backstage, sweat dripping down her body. She grabbed a towel off the vanity and wiped her face, chest, and neck. Tonight had been electric. The crowd was wild and demanding, just as she liked it since it made the time pass quicker and gave her the thrill of seducing them all. Tonight especially, she’d worked them as if it were her first time. She let her body work double time and allowed them all to believe she’d be theirs for tonight. No other night on stage had been as empowering.

  For years, she’d hated her body, heard the echo of his voice in her head over and over. But on stage she could be whoever she wanted, and her body called to the crowd. Choosing this career path was a means to an end to put her through med school, but it also healed some of her wounds—in a twisted and dumbfounding way.

  Now thanks to Gavin, she felt like she could take on the world.

  “You were amazing tonight, honey. Fantastic.” Carla charged through the door and tried to hug Shree.

  “Thanks.” Shree side-stepped. She wasn’t a huggy kind of woman. “Sorry, sweaty.”

  Carla snorted. “No problem. Do you think you could give me a ride home again? I’m sorry to ask, but it’ll be the last time. I promise.”

  All Shree wanted to do was grab her stuff, head home, shower, then call Gavin and see if he was busy, but she couldn’t leave another person stranded. She’d just make sure she told Gavin where she was going this time. “Just give me a few minutes to change and I’ll take you.”

  Carla looked away, her hands shaking. Shree grimaced. What was going on with her? She grabbed her hand. “Carla, are you all right? You’re trembling.”

  Eyes wide, the girl stared at her. Shree was certain Carla was in a world of her own. Her pupils were dilated, cheeks flushed. She peered at Carla more closely. Disheveled, makeup long gone, pale, eyes wild. Shaky and fidgety. High on something for sure.

  “Carla, what are you on?”

  “Huh? Oh you mean on something druggy. Just a few uppers that keep me going some nights. Umm, it’s been hard the last few days.”

  “I’m sure it has been, but—”

  “Can we go? Don’t worry about it. I only take them every once in a while. Today was really bad is all.”

  Watching her jerky movements as she picked up her gym bag, Shree suspected it might be more than that. Perhaps the best thing for Carla would be a good night’s sleep. Shree would have to find her tomorrow before shift and they’d have a long talk. Nothing was worth abusing a body with drugs. She’d help the young girl the best she could.

  “Okay, let’s get you home.” She eased her yoga pants over the leotard and pushed her arms into the matching zip-up sweater. A shower would have to wait until she got home. Maybe a long soak in the tub would suffice—if she could stay awake that long. “Let’s head out the back and avoid the crowd.”

  Following Carla, Shree glanced back at the room. She’d only be a few minutes, and she’d probably be back before Gavin even noticed she was gone. The faster she got there and back, the quicker she could settle in for the night.

  Uneasiness snaked along her spine. She shut the door behind her. The nagging feeling of being watched pushed at her.

  “My friend just lives about six blocks over. You know I really owe you for this.” Carla looked over her shoulder and around the darkened alley as if searching for something. Her fists clenched. Shree wished the woman would relax. She made the hair on the back of Shree’s neck stand up.

  “My car is just over here.”

  Carla stopped suddenly. “Oh, shoot. I forgot the key to my friend’s place on the table. I’ll go back and grab it. Be right back.” She took off at a teetered run, her stilettos making it difficult.

  Shree sighed and crossed her arms, rubbing them. The night had a chill to it.

  A loud bang from behind her had her doing a three-sixty. Keys in hand, she walked the rest of the way to her small Mazda and put the key in the handle. The last thing she wanted was to be standing in the dark alone. At least she could lock herself into the car and turn on the headlights for Carla to find her.

  She pulled on the handle and she heard footsteps behind her. Mid-turn, a hand clasped over her mouth, and a body pushed her into the side of the car. Instinct kicked in. She struggled and tried to get a firm hold on her keys. If she could, she might be able to jab him.

  “Quit moving,” the hard voice demanded. “Look, Christ, stop it. I’m not going to hurt you.”

  She kicked his shin with her heel. He grunted. Damn it. The flats didn’t do much good.

  “Listen, bitch, enough.” His hold on her tightened and he pushed her harder into the car door. His hand over her mouth shifted and she prepared to scream, but he held fast and also plugged her nose.

  Breathe. Deep, in…out. There was a bit of leeway under his hand and breathing through her mouth was her only option.

  In. Out.

  Hearing the keys clang when they hit the pavement, her heart skipped a beat. She needed to think fast.

  “Fucking listen. You’re going to get in my car and not make a fucking sound. You got it? Your boyfriend messed with the wrong people this time. It’s time he pays.” His groin press
ed into her backside.

  Bile filled the back of her throat. Closing her eyes, she prayed. She couldn’t go through this again. Panic surged through her, making her lightheaded. Please God, no, not again.

  “If you scream,” He rubbed his hardness against her. “Make any sound, I’ll fuck you right here in the dirt. I’ll have a little fun before I slit your throat.” A cry escaped her throat as he rubbed against her. She nodded best she could. “I will fuck you. Soon. You can count on it, bitch.”

  Headlights flashed, startling her.

  When he dragged her through the alley, Shree tried to fight, her legs flailing to kick him, but it seemed impossible. Hoping for an advantage of surprise, she went limp in his arms. He snarled, then picked her off her feet, his arms around her waist. He held her brutally tight against him. Damn it. At the moment, there was nothing she could do. She was trapped.

  Gavin would find her. Carla would tell him what happened, he’d realize that she’d gone missing, and he’d find her. She had to hold on to that thought.

  “Get in there.” Her tormentor shoved her into the backseat of a car. Sitting up fast, she tried the door handle only to find it locked.

  “Help me!” She let out a long, hard yell.

  The man cuffed her across the face, sending her against the car door, then pulled her back by the hair to face him again. “What did I tell you?” He grabbed her jaw in one hand. “Shut the fuck up.” He smirked and licked her cheek. “Mmm, she tastes good. I get her first, buddy.”

  “We’ll let the boss decide.”

  Shree’s attention jerked to the front of the car. Dear God. She’d been captured by the big goons who constantly stirred trouble in the club—Hagen’s men. They were huge with boulders of muscle, and were to be feared.

  Tears filled her eyes.

  She was no match for them, not on her own. They were so much stronger than she was, and they planned to rape her...

  She’d die first. Reaching out, she screamed again and tried to gouge at his eyeballs. Her nails scratched his cheek. He cursed. Adrenaline filling her, she pounded on his shoulders and head, over and over until she was nearly out of breath, hoping she’d find an opening to escape.