“You want to talk about it?” he asked after punching his pillow into shape and tugging the blankets up. Olivia turned so she was facing him but didn’t say anything. “You have to talk about it sometime, Liv. You know you need to.” He reached over and brushed his fingers over her cheek. The touch was gentle like a soft tickle; such a difference from Ethan’s harshness.
She let out a shaky sigh. “All right, I guess I can tell you,” she said after a moment. He waited patiently for her to continue. She reached over and touched his hand; he immediately laced their fingers together. “This isn’t easy and I’m not even sure where to start.”
“Just start talking. It doesn’t have to make sense.”
She nodded and decided to start where the dream left off. “Dancing was my life but Ethan wouldn’t let me dance. He said it was evil and I was a temptress trying to prostitute myself to any man who would look at me. I always thought of ballet as a pure expression of emotion but he didn’t. He was jealous of my dancing. He was fascinated by it and despised it at the same time. In the end he tried to steal it from me. He caused my injury; he’s the reason I limp. He made my partner fall during a lift by tampering with his shoes. We both could have broken our necks that night.”
Paul’s eyes darkened with concern and his gaze was intent on her face. “Do you have proof of the tampering?”
Olivia shook her head against the pillow. “Only his confession to me. Bret tried to talk to the police about it but the shoes disappeared. Ethan handled those details so none of the evidence pointed back to him.”
“Ethan Moore, right?”
Olivia reluctantly nodded. “Don’t go after him, Paul. Don’t do anything foolish. There’s a reason I refused to give you his name. He’ll get wind of our relationship and come after you. He owns cops and government officials. Nobody is out of his reach. You can’t trust anyone.”
Despite his assurance he’d keep his hands to himself, Paul gathered her into his arms. “There’s still a few people I can trust; not everyone can be bought or threatened. There’s already an investigation underway. He’s been under scrutiny for a long time. My contact in the FBI told me the investigation is a tricky one. Someone keeps trying to delay it. Evidence has disappeared, just like in your partner’s case. But I promise, the right people will get to the bottom of this. He won’t get away with his crimes. You’re safe, okay?”
Olivia studied him in the dim light then finally nodded. “Okay.” When he moved to release her she stopped him. “Will you hold me a while longer? I don’t want you to let go – not yet.”
“My thoughts exactly,” he murmured against her hair as he pulled her even closer.
***
Paul knew he must be dreaming. His arms were full of a warm willing woman who pressed herself tight against his full length. Her curves filled his hands and he pulled her closer. He felt her lips touch his bare chest, leaving hesitant little kisses as her fingertips trailed down the hard wall of his abdomen. With every touch he grew hotter and his breath grew shallower. Liv. His arms tightened around her as he reached for the hem of her nightgown wrapped high around her thighs. His hand stilled as he heard the hitch in her breath. But she didn’t stop him. He let his fingers trail over her soft flesh, up her leg, over the curve of her hip to the heated skin of her back. She feels so good. He groaned as he came fully awake, feeling reluctant to let go of the dream. But then he realized it was no dream. And he’d made a promise to keep his hands to himself – no simple task under the circumstances.
He carefully pulled his hands away and tugged her nightgown back down. “Sorry,” he murmured huskily.
“Mm, morning,” Olivia whispered as she stretched. She brushed against him, making every nerve in his body grow taut.
“Did you sleep okay?” He forced himself to edge away from her and put his hands behind his head. It wasn’t easy when all he wanted was to pull her near and finish what they started. He wondered if he caught her mid-dream as well since she didn’t seem embarrassed or self-conscious like she usually did when things steamed up between them.
“I slept wonderfully, thank you.” She gave him an impish grin that made his own breath catch. Her face was scrubbed clean of makeup and her dark hair was tousled around her shoulders. He’d never seen anyone so beautiful. “I could really go for some pancakes,” she admitted with another grin.
“I don’t have any syrup.” But he’d run to the store barefoot if that would please her. He’d do any crazy thing she demanded if she’d keep smiling the way she was now. Sheesh, he was getting sappy over this woman. His sister would have a good laugh if she knew.
Olivia waved away his excuse. “Store-bought isn’t as good anyway. I’ll make my own. My mom is a chef and taught me a bunch of awesome tricks. I can whip together anything.” She threw back the covers and he caught sight of her long bare legs. She quickly dashed to the bathroom. “Let me get dressed and I’ll make us a fabulous breakfast!”
Paul threw his head back against the pillow with a groan. He knew how to keep her safe. But who would watch out for him? He’d only caught glimpses of this carefree side to Olivia’s personality. Once she was free of her troubles then she was liable to turn his world upside down with just a smile. He was good and hooked, and she probably had no clue the effect she had on him. But he’d gladly take his time showing her, even if it took years.
What makes you think she’ll stay? She doesn’t belong here and this is just a stopping off point until she can get back to her normal life. He scowled at the thought. Once she was free of the threat from Ethan Moore she would naturally return to California. Why would she want to stay here with him? His happy mood took a nosedive but it was good for him to keep the right perspective. Olivia was like a job, he had to keep her safe. And once the case was cracked open, she would return to her life; he would stick with his. No matter how hard he fell for her she had to be free, especially after all the abuse she’d suffered. He could never be responsible for making her feel trapped again.
He took his time dressing. Once he finally headed for the stairs he could hear her rummaging in the kitchen. He smelled bacon and something sweet along with the pancakes cooking. She turned and gave him a happy smile when he stepped into the room. Her hair was pulled back in a ponytail and she wore jeans and a white tee shirt. Her green eyes sparkled as she glanced at him. He wanted to grab ahold of her and never let her go.
“I found some bacon in the fridge; I hope you don’t mind that I cooked it up.”
Paul shrugged as he forced his mind back to the mundane things of life, like eating and everything else that wasn’t Olivia. “Bacon? Sure, sounds good.” He knew his words sounded husky and she threw him a questioning glance. He came up behind her, forcing himself to keep his hands to himself, and looked over her shoulder to see what she was stirring on the stovetop. Golden pancakes filled a skillet and there was a pot of bubbly liquid. “Syrup?” he guessed as she expertly flipped the pancakes onto a plate.
“Of course!” she handed him the plate then found a small glass carafe for the syrup. “Have a taste. I need to know if I still have the touch.”
He slabbed on some butter then drowned the pancakes with syrup. His mouth watered as he quickly shoveled in a bite. He gave a groan of ecstasy at the first taste. Olivia laughed in delight. “Enough said!” she declared. She filled another plate with pancakes and joined him at the table. She looked happy and carefree and she even teased him when syrup dripped down his chin. She wasn’t pensive and fear wasn’t shadowing her eyes. It was all Paul could do to keep from grabbing her and hauling her back upstairs despite his promise.
As he finished off his plate there was knock at the front door. Olivia stilled and gave him a worried look.
“It’s nothing I’m sure. Duck into my office and stay out of sight just to be safe.”
She nodded and he pressed a kiss to her forehead before striding to the door. He waited until she darted into the office before answering. He also took the time to chec
k his outer perimeter monitor. He didn’t recognize the guy standing on the step but he held a clipboard and looked like a salesman. With a breath of irritation Paul pulled the door open minimally.
He eyed the guy warily. “Yeah?”
“Hello, sir. I work for the U.S. Census Bureau. We need to collect additional data from select residents. Do you live alone or are there other members of your household?”
“You have credentials?”
The guy gave him an impatient look but pulled out a card. Paul took his time studying it. It looked official and the Census Bureau had canvased his neighborhood recently so he had no reason to be suspicious. But right now everything set him on edge.
“I live alone,” Paul frowned.
The man nodded and jotted a few notes. “Mm hm. And do you know your neighbor to the south of you? Is it a single woman, late twenties?” The man looked up and eyed Paul closely when he hesitated to respond. “Sir, do you know her?”
“That condo is empty,” Paul stated flatly. He didn’t like this line of questioning.
“I see. Our records state differently.”
“What records are those exactly? You sure you’re with the census? All this seems highly irregular.”
“I’m sure it does, Mr. Justice.”
Paul stiffened and gave the man a sharp look.
“Your name is Paul Justice?” the man continued. “We know a lot about you. You’re a former police officer; you had a bit of trouble with your last investigation. Someone was killed, right? But now you’re self-employed? How’s business, Paul?” Paul’s scowl deepened with every fact the man spoke; this was getting personal and he didn’t like it.
“I understand you have a sister, Janice Thorne, brother-in-law, David, and niece, Chloe. Is that right?”
“What do you want?” Paul growled angrily. He had a sinking feeling that Olivia was right and Ethan had tracked her down to his doorstep.
The man eyed him blandly. “I told you, I’m merely following up on additional data with the U.S. Census Bureau. You have my card.” He pointed to the business card in Paul’s hand as he attempted to peer inside the condo. Paul moved, blocking his view. A quick malevolent look entered the guy’s eyes but it disappeared just as quickly. “We’re interested in keeping America safe, one family at a time.”
“Safe,” Paul repeated the word but he wasn’t buying the guy’s line.
“If you have any questions or concerns, you’ll call the number on my card.”
Paul had the door shut and locked before the stranger left the porch. This was bad news – real bad. He didn’t know why Ethan Moore bothered with the Census Bureau ruse.
Olivia entered the room as he turned. Her face was pinched and pale with fear and her eyes were wide. Gone was the sunny laughter from earlier. “He’s found me, hasn’t he?”
Paul glowered. “It was no census, that’s for sure. He was using veiled threats against my family. Did you hear him speaking? Do you recognize his voice?”
Olivia shook her head. “No, I don’t know him but Ethan has more than a dozen men at his ready disposal. And this is exactly how he works. He’s already collecting data on you, Paul. He suspects I’m here but he doesn’t know for certain. Otherwise he would have already broken in and kidnapped me. If I leave the condo that man will follow me.” She crossed her arms around her waist and hugged herself. She looked ghostly pale and was starting to tremble.
Paul crossed to her immediately. He saw the look of fear and didn’t want her to panic or go into shock. He pulled her into his arms and held her tight. “We don’t know anything for certain. Don’t lose the firm rein on your emotions. He hasn’t beat us yet.”
“But what if I’m right?”
“I’m not saying you’re wrong. I know that guy wasn’t from the Census. He was giving me a sample of how much they already know about me. If I’m not involved, then I’ll think his visit was weird and forget about it. But if I am involved, then I’m supposed to see it as the threat it was.”
“How can you be so calm about this? Ethan knows about your family! He’ll hurt them because of me! You can’t really believe you’ll outsmart him.”
Paul shrugged. “Give me some credit, honey. I’ve dealt with bad guys before.”
“But he isn’t your typical thief or drug dealer!” she cried. “I’ve been on the move for eight months and each time I set up a new home he finds me. I change my identity and my appearance. I choose random locations. I avoid phones and computers, and still he finds me! I’m scared, Paul. And I feel off balance constantly because I never know when he’ll find me. I’ve put you at risk, along with your entire family. You should let me go, Paul. He’s going to hurt you because of me.”
“He hasn't found you and no one’s gotten hurt yet. Maybe he’s guessing and sending out feelers. He doesn’t know anything for certain,” Paul said softly as he watched her closely. “I know you’re worried. I'm not going to tell you to relax because I don't want you to let down your guard. But for now you're safe. I'll say it again and again just because I think you probably need the reassurance. He’s not getting in here. I've got cameras all over the property. I have my own power generator. There are more locks and gates on this place than Fort Knox.”
Olivia wasn't convinced. “And with a few keystrokes, he'll have it all disabled. He's a genius with a computer.”
“But he isn’t invincible. He’s got his weaknesses and he’s going to make mistakes. The good guys will bring him down, Liv, you’ve got to believe that.”
“I need to leave,” she whispered. Her chin trembled and she pressed her lips together in a tight line. He watched her bring herself back under control. She was stronger than she realized.
“No. You need to stay. He’s going down and I won’t allow you to get tangled in his fall. If that guy really is working for Ethan then he’s keeping an eye on my place. I don’t want you going anywhere. He’ll follow you and I won’t be able to protect you if you disappear. So your best bet is to stay, okay?” He tipped her chin up so her gaze met his. He had to get through to her. He knew her first instinct was to run again but his gut told him that was the wrong move.
Olivia took a deep breath as her emotions warred within her. Finally she nodded. “All right, Paul. I trust you.”
His heart swelled with satisfaction. He could keep her safe with her compliance. Keeping her in his sights was the first step in bringing down Moore. “You’ll stay? You’ll do whatever I tell you to keep you safe? No more talk or thoughts about running off alone?”
Olivia nodded again and he could see both fear and determination sparkling in her green eyes. “I want this over.”
NINE
Olivia was going crazy. She hadn’t left Paul’s condo for a full week. She couldn’t go near the windows or get a breath of fresh air. It felt like Ethan had created a new prison for her. She kept waiting for the next bad thing to happen, but all was quiet. No one came to Paul’s door again and no one tried to break in and snatch her. It seemed unnaturally still and that worried her even more. It’s was terrible living in this type of suspense. She felt edgy and irritable and unfortunately Paul took the brunt of her temper. Thankfully he understood her coiled emotions. He said he experienced the same feelings when working undercover and waiting for a case to break open. When she asked him to elaborate he wouldn’t. She knew there was a mystery there, a young girl who had died. Olivia wondered if Paul’s determination to protect her had something to do with that girl.
To burn off steam she danced for a few hours each day. Paul’s condo also had wood floors in the family room. He helped her push back the furniture so she had enough room. Sometimes he stayed and watched her. It was exhilarating dancing for him. Normally she could shut out her audience but she was always aware of him, like there was an invisible connection that couldn’t be severed. As she danced, she could feel her hip getting stronger with the continued movement. She pushed herself harder and had greater range of motion. Yet she knew she would never
be able to step back into her ballet career. A few weeks ago the realization would have grieved her but now she accepted the fact easily. The new attitude had everything to do with Paul. She didn’t want to go back to her rigorous lifestyle where there was no room for a normal relationship. Before Ethan and the accident, her life had consisted of practices and performances and nothing else. Now she wanted a normal life. Dance would always be a part of her world but maybe she could do something different, like teaching. She always enjoyed working with the younger students and she loved kids. Her secret longing was to teach her own children to dance.
In addition to dance drills, Paul filled her time with learning self-defense moves. He said it was important to be able to protect herself and would give her confidence. She hoped she would never have to use the moves but she had a feeling they would come in handy soon. If only she’d known a few techniques when Ethan’s early attention became violent. Maybe she could have stopped him. In the beginning she had fought back, but her ineffective struggles only stirred him more. She learned that being a ragdoll ended his tantrums faster than her fists. Maybe now, with a few precisely aimed strikes she would be able to deter his attacks altogether. It was wishful thinking on her part, she knew, but Paul was right. Knowing how to defend herself to some degree did boost her confidence. She would never be any easy target for Ethan’s “lessons” again.
Olivia slowed her steps and moved into her cooldown routine as she finished her daily practice session. After the last step, and a curtsey that was deeper and more graceful than she thought she would ever do again, she slipped off her worn ballet slippers and switched off the music. She was about to head upstairs when she heard Paul in his office. He was on the phone. She would have turned and given him his privacy until she heard her name. Curious and instinctively wary, she went to investigate.
Paul motioned her in when he spotted her in the doorway but he didn’t interrupt his call. “Yeah, I’ve got her here and she’s safe. No, I already told you everything I know. I gave you the number off the card. Yeah, no kidding he wasn’t with the Census Bureau. Huh, I’m not surprised it went to Ethan Moore’s private line, but now he knows I gave the number over to you. You better step it up. No, I’m not bringing her in.”
Keep Me Safe Page 9