Her heart still hammered and her pulse raced. Tiny beads of sweat popped up on her neck and chest.
“There was a man… It was his voice, Wyatt. It was King’s voice. I dreamed about him. He was trying to rape me.”
Wyatt pulled her onto his lap and held her close. “It wasn’t real, Paige. He’s not here.”
“It seemed real. I heard him.” She laid her head against his shoulder and closed her eyes. “I hate this. I hate that this person has the power to turn my life upside down.”
“I know.” He stroked her back. “But he won’t have that power forever. We’re going to catch him, Paige.”
She sighed as she put her hand against his cheek and caressed it. “I believe you.”
She felt him growing beneath her, his dick swelling and hardening. Arousal soaked her panties. She moved her hips, rubbing her bottom against that delicious hardness.
His eyes flashed with heat and longing. “Careful, sweetheart, or I’ll strip you naked and take you on this couch.”
“Don’t tease me, Wyatt. Just do it.”
She needed him to chase away the bad dreams, the terrible feelings. The sense of dread hanging over her.
He looked concerned. “You sure?”
“Yes. Please.”
“You got it, baby.”
He pulled her tank top off and unsnapped her bra. She shivered in delight as he stripped her, kissing the flesh he revealed.
She thought he might rush this time, but he didn’t. He took his time, stripping her slowly, stoking the flames within her. Driving away the bad dreams. By the time he thrust into her body, she was beyond ready.
“You feel so good,” he said as he hovered over her, his body deep within hers, anticipation a tangible thing between them.
“So do you.”
“I like being with you, Paige.”
“I like being with you too.”
He started to move and she closed her eyes, gave herself over to the feelings he evoked. He drove away the darkness, the fear, and replaced it with light and happiness. He made her feel things she’d never felt, but she didn’t know how real they were. She didn’t trust herself, didn’t trust what was happening inside her.
Because if she listened to that little voice inside her, it told her that Wyatt was the only one who would ever keep her heart safe. The only one she could trust. But she’d never been right before, so why listen now? Why believe?
“Where are you, Paige?” Wyatt whispered against the shell of her ear. “Stay here. With me.”
She wrapped her arms and legs tight around him as pleasure spiraled tighter.
“I’m here.”
He skimmed a hand down her side, slipped it beneath her bottom, and lifted her into him, changing the angle just enough that her breath caught—and then she flew.
Paige woke in the middle of the night, her body sore and spent. But she was sore in a good way. She stretched and reached for the man beside her—
The bed was empty, except for her and Fluffy, who grumbled in his sleep as she disturbed him.
She sat up, straining her ears against the quiet. Wyatt had carried her in here after they’d made love on the couch, and then he’d made love to her again. They’d fallen asleep in each other’s arms. But now he was gone.
Her heart skipped. Had he gone back to his own room? Why?
The thought that he might have left her bed hurt. She didn’t like it, and she didn’t like that it bothered her.
Already getting too close. Wanting too much. What was going to happen when it was time to return to Seattle? Would he come see her there?
She didn’t think so. She thought of Mary Beth, of Wyatt’s concern for her, and knew he wasn’t leaving. He’d left the Navy to return to Eagle’s Ridge. For his family, even if his family was one woman.
Except his family wasn’t one woman. Family for Wyatt was more than genetics. There were the friends he talked about—Ryder, Adam, Zane, Jack, Noah, and Ford—and the people over at No Man’s Land. Even Hildie Fontana, though Paige was certain he wouldn’t mind leaving Mrs. Fontana behind from time to time.
He was lucky to have such people in his life. She had family—Daddy and Mother, though Mother lived in Paris now and Daddy was married to Melanie, who monopolized his time. And she had Lily. There were others, but none of them loved her. They used her, just as she used them.
A noise caught her attention. Was that the television? She climbed from bed, utterly naked, and paused for a second before striding for the door. She didn’t cover herself. She just walked out into the living room where American Princess played on-screen.
Wyatt slouched on the couch, eyes intent on the television.
“Wyatt?”
He turned his head. And then he started when he realized she was naked. She tried not to laugh as he let his hot gaze roam her body.
“Paige—what the hell?”
She abruptly realized the air was chilly and wished she’d grabbed her robe. But, on the other hand, Wyatt’s reaction was worth it.
“I was wondering where you went.”
He took a blanket off the back of the couch and shook it out. “Come here.”
She went over and he pulled her into his lap, covering her. He was only wearing a pair of shorts, so it was easy to feel his burgeoning erection.
Oh, sex on the menu again—did it get any better?
Except he didn’t make a move. Instead, he tucked her tight against his chest and hit the button to start the episode again. It was the eighth episode. He’d been up for a while apparently.
Paige laid her cheek on his chest and closed her eyes again. She could sleep like this. Right here in his arms.
Until a voice made her jump out of her skin.
Chapter 20
“That’s him,” Paige said, bolting up off his lap and pointing at the television. “That’s him!”
Wyatt jumped up too, grabbing the remote to pause the show. The man on-screen was shadowed because he wasn’t the focus of the scene. Wyatt rewound the program to when he’d first appeared, but he was never in focus.
Paige trembled. She wrapped the blanket tighter over her body and stared at the television. Wyatt put an arm around her to reassure her.
“Who is he, Paige?”
“I… He was my bodyguard. He didn’t last very long. He was terrible at the job. The studio hired him for me, and he was on the set a few times. In the background, mostly. Could you play the scene? Please?”
Wyatt pressed Play. The scene continued and the man stayed blurred. But then Paige got up to leave the restaurant where she was lunching with her friend Lily and snapped her fingers at the man.
“Get the car, Joshua.”
“Yes, Miss Spencer.”
“Oh my God,” she said, one hand on her forehead while the other clutched the blanket. “How did I not recognize his voice before?”
“Probably because you were used to hearing it in person. And I’m going to guess you weren’t around him a lot.”
“No, just for the show. And a few appearances. He lasted about a month—and then at one appearance, a charity ball for cancer patients, a man walked up to me on the red carpet and picked me up in his arms. Joshua didn’t see it coming and didn’t prevent it. He was fired the next morning. I never saw him again. That was almost two months ago.”
“Joshua. Do you know his last name?”
“No. But I can find out.”
Wyatt took her by the shoulders and forced her to look at him. “Paige, if I impress nothing else upon you for the rest of your life, let it be this. Don’t allow anyone to hire a bodyguard for you. You do it. Interview them, make sure you’re comfortable. Know who they are before letting them be in charge of your safety, okay?”
She bit her lip and dropped her gaze. “You’re right.”
“I know I’m right.”
“I didn’t hire you though,” she pointed out.
“I know that—but you got lucky with me. I know what I’m doing. Besid
es, your father went to the best firm he could—Hunter Security. It’s fine to do that, but always have the final say in your protector, okay?”
“Yes.”
He hated the idea of her leaving here, of her having another bodyguard besides him, but that was the reality of their lives. He gathered her in his arms and squeezed her tight.
“You gonna be okay?”
“Yes.”
“I need to make some calls.”
She tilted her head back. “It’s the middle of the night.”
He skated a thumb over her cheek. “I know. But people in my business are used to being awakened with this kind of news. It’s important to get started on it now. We have to find him and get him in custody.”
“I have to call the producer for his last name—”
“No, you don’t. I’ve got it from here. Trust me.”
The look she gave him squeezed his heart.
“I do trust you, Wyatt.”
“You feel like going back to bed? Or do you want to stay with me while I make calls?”
“I want to stay with you.”
“Okay. Sit down and find something else to watch. Or turn the TV off if you want.” He handed her the remote. She switched it off without hesitation. He almost grinned. “You still cold?”
“A little.”
“Soon as I get my guys working on this, I’ll build a fire.”
“That would be great. Thanks.”
Wyatt grabbed his phone and dialed Hawk’s number. The man answered on the second ring.
“Wyatt,” he said, his voice scratchy with sleep.
“Hey, man. Sorry to wake you. But Paige has identified her stalker.”
“That’s great.” He could hear Hawk moving around. Getting out of bed maybe. “Give me the details,” he said after a few more moments.
“He’s a guy the studio hired to work as a bodyguard for her on set and at appearances. He was fired about two months ago. All she knows is his name is Joshua—but the studio should have complete information on him.”
“How did she remember all this?”
“I’ve been watching episodes of American Princess. She recognized his voice as the man who called her this morning.”
“Damn.” In the background, a kid’s voice suddenly sounded. Wyatt couldn’t tell what was said though. “No, it’s okay, buddy,” Hawk replied. “Daddy will get the monsters in a minute. Soon as he gets off the phone.”
Wyatt couldn’t help but grin. Smart kid, asking one of the best snipers HOT had ever had to clear the room of bogeymen.
“Sorry about that,” Hawk said a second later. “Monsters. Gotta get ’em.”
“Oh yeah, no doubt.”
“I’ll get this other monster too. Soon as I put the kid back to bed, I’m on the phone, waking the Seattle PD and the studio heads. We’ll get this guy.”
“Thanks, Hawk.”
“I’ll let you know when we have the all clear for Miss Spencer to return home.”
Something very like a giant stone sank into his belly and refused to move. “Yeah, good. I’m sure she’ll be happy to get back.”
Paige glanced up at him, eyebrows drawing low as she frowned.
“Thanks, Wyatt. I appreciate everything you’ve done. Taking this on at the last minute for me—think you might consider doing more jobs for Hunter Security in future?”
“I don’t know,” he said, as indecision chipped away at his resolve. He liked using his skills, even if all he’d done was set up a perimeter and protect a client. “I don’t really want to leave Eagle’s Ridge very often.”
“Let me know if you change your mind.”
“Yeah, I will. Thanks.”
“Be in touch.”
Paige wasn’t looking at him when he ended the call. Instead, she was sitting with her knees drawn up and her eyes downcast. Wyatt went over to the fireplace and began building the fire he’d promised. He thought Paige might say something eventually, but she didn’t.
After he lit the fire, he turned to her.
“What’s on your mind, honey?”
Her lashes lifted and her hot gaze bored into him. “Did he ask you to stay on as my bodyguard?”
“Why do you think that?”
“You said you didn’t want to leave Eagle’s Ridge very often.”
“He asked me if I wanted to work for his firm. You thought I was turning down a job working for you?”
She shrugged. “Maybe.”
“I wasn’t, Paige. But I still don’t want to leave Eagle’s Ridge.” Not when he’d given up so much to return in the first place. Not when he’d sworn to himself to take care of Gran. Not that she let him do much in that regard, but he was here and she saw him often. Plus he was near if she needed him.
“Oh.” Her voice was small. Her lashes dipped again. “When can I go home?”
It was funny how those words struck him. “Not quite yet. Hawk will let us know.”
“Will you take me to the airport and wave at me as I walk through the gate?”
She sounded bitter, but he wasn’t quite sure if he was hearing her right. It was late and they were both tired.
“I don’t know, Paige. I don’t know how any of this is going down yet.”
She blew out a breath and turned her face to the fire. “I’m sorry. I’m being grumpy. You don’t deserve that.”
“You’ve been through a lot.”
“Have I? Others go through worse. You went through worse. All that happened to me was some asshole sent me nasty, threatening messages. That’s not really a lot in the scheme of things, is it?”
Wyatt went to the kitchen and got a beer. Then he poured a glass of the white wine she liked and brought it back. He was very aware of her nakedness under that blanket, but he wasn’t going to take advantage of it.
Yet.
He handed her the glass and sat beside her, taking a swig from the bottle. The flames crackled and the scent of wood filled the air. The cabin glowed warmly. It was summer, but it was cool on the mountain at night.
He pictured this place in winter, with snow as far as the eye could see. There’d be a Christmas tree in the corner, lights blinking cozily, and he and Paige would sit in front of the fire and drink wine before making love on the bearskin rug.
Wyatt shook himself and took another drink. Joshua Whatshisname wasn’t caught yet, so he wouldn’t get drunk, but the beer sure tasted good.
“Honey, it’s not a contest,” he finally said.
She stirred beside him. She’d been staring at the fire too.
“Bad is bad. There aren’t degrees of bad. This guy upended your life with his threats. He may be a crank, or he may just be angry he lost his job. Either way, his actions affected you. You’re allowed to be grumpy.”
“Thank you.” She sipped her wine. “How did you do it, Wyatt?”
“Do what?”
“Be a SEAL. If everything that’s ever been written or filmed about SEALs is to be believed, it’s the most dangerous job in the military.”
“All special operations are dangerous, no matter the branch of service.” He sighed. “But it’s what I was trained to do, what I wanted to do. They don’t hand you a gun and ship you out on the first day. It takes months of training to be a sailor in the first place. And many months more to be a SEAL. I made it through the first time. Not everyone does that. But I did. I didn’t ring the bell.”
“Ring the bell?”
“When you can’t take it anymore. There’s a bell and you go and ring it. No questions asked, you’re done. But you aren’t coming back and you won’t be a SEAL. I didn’t ring the bell. I was determined not to.”
“Do you miss it?”
“The truth?”
She nodded.
“Every damned day.” Because there was something amazing about fighting for your country. About rescuing hostages and taking down terrorists before they could do more harm. The world was filled with bad guys. It was also filled with good people—and they neede
d people like him and his brothers- and sisters-in-arms.
There were still people like him out there, doing the job. That’s how he slept at night.
“I’m sorry you had to give it up.”
“It’s okay. I chose my path.”
“You sometimes seem like you wish you’d made a different choice.”
He almost couldn’t speak because she’d nailed him so perfectly. His friends hadn’t even guessed this much. How did she?
He decided to go for brutal honesty. “I couldn’t stay. I failed Danny. I won’t stay and fail someone else on another mission. And I won’t make Gran go through what Lisa and Emma went through. She’s never going to sit beside a casket and get a folded flag handed to her by an honor guard.”
“I’m sorry, Wyatt.” She squeezed his hand, and he squeezed hers back.
“I know, baby. I appreciate it.”
Paige looked thoughtful for a moment. “I want to tell you a story.”
“Okay.”
“When I was sixteen, there was a man who worked for my father. He was about thirty, I think. He was handsome, interesting. I probably flirted with him. It’s what I did, what I’d learned. One night, at my father’s house, there was a party. He asked me to come with him because he wanted to show me something. I followed him to a room on the second floor, thinking he had something interesting.” She fiddled with the edge of the blanket, running it between her fingers. Then she looked at him. “He exposed himself to me. Just shoved his pants down and stood there with his penis waving around and asked me to touch it. To put it in my mouth, in fact.”
Fury formed into an iron ball inside him. “Why are you telling me this?”
“Because I blamed myself. I ran, of course. Out of the room and down the stairs, back to the party where I was surrounded by people. I was so scared. I was sixteen. But he was older, and he worked for my father, and I somehow thought it was my fault. That I made it happen. And I was scared everyone would know how awful I was.”
“It wasn’t your fault,” Wyatt growled.
“I know that now. But I didn’t then. What I’m saying, Wyatt…” She swallowed and squeezed his hand again. “It’s not your fault what happened to your friend. And if you think it is, maybe you should talk to someone about it.”
Wyatt (7 Brides for 7 Soldiers #4) Page 13