Tia grinned. “You stayed over? Please don’t tell me that nothing happened.”
“I took the master bedroom, and he slept in the other room.”
“Whatever for?”
“You know there’s nothing between us, not like that,” Emilia said. Doubts about the relationship swamped her. “It’s awkward. Hawke is so desirable. I mean, I can’t envision a more ideal man.”
Tia raised her brows. “I don’t see the problem.”
“We’re friends, that’s what,” Emilia said. “If anything, we should have been high school sweethearts. But we weren’t. And do you want to know why?”
“I can hardly wait to hear.”
“Hawke was surrounded by gorgeous women. He could have his pick,” Emilia said. “And he didn’t pick me. That speaks volumes right there.”
“No, you’ve got it wrong,” Tia said. “Give the man a break. He was in high school. Whoever gets it right then? Come on, no one has it sorted out what they want or don’t. I didn’t—I still don’t.”
Emilia’s stomach knotted up, and it wasn’t because of the danger she was in—or not the obvious danger, anyway. “I’m in over my head. The more I’m around Hawke, the more I want more from the relationship. Yet I don’t want to blow it. I have his friendship; shouldn’t that be enough?”
“I think you just answered your own question,” Tia said.
Emilia groaned. Her friend was no help; Tia was only encouraging her.
“Let’s get some food,” Tia said. “I can’t discuss love on an empty stomach. And then I’m going back to your condo with you to help you get things in order.”
“I appreciate that. I don’t think I could face it alone.”
*****
After dinner, Emilia drove home with Tia following right behind. She dreaded the sight of what awaited her, but she had to make the place livable. At the door to her condo, she hesitated. “Get ready,” she said.
Tia nodded. “Let’s see it.”
The door opened, and Tia walked into the living room. She paced a few steps, taking in the damage. “Someone really doesn’t like you.”
“Apparently.” Emilia began picking stuff up. She went for the undamaged items first, clearing the way.
Tia rose to the task and got to work. She helped clean up, placing anything broken in one corner to deal with later. She retrieved the vacuum from the closet and sucked up the smaller debris, while Emilia put items back where they belonged.
When they took a break, Tia said, “You are involved in something really crazy.”
“Crazy and scary. I hate to think about what’s next.”
“I’ll tell you one thing, I’m not leaving you here,” Tia said. “Even if you can get to the bed now, over all the stuff, it’s not safe.”
“Don’t you have a boyfriend or someone you have to tend to?”
“Nope, no one that I won’t bump for you,” Tia said. “I have a spare room, so it’s no imposition. It’ll be fun, you’ll see—like a slumber party.”
Emilia laughed. “Now who’s back in high school?”
“I wouldn’t be able to sleep thinking of you here,” Tia said. “Some maniac knows your address…enough said.”
Emilia was relieved. She hadn’t planned to stay there either, but Tia’s apartment sounded so much more inviting than a hotel. “You’re a true friend.”
Tia waved toward the door. “And don’t you forget it. Now…let’s get out of this dump.”
Emilia drove her own car to make it easy to get to work the next day. She stayed up late, gabbing with Tia about all kinds of girl stuff. It was a welcome distraction, even though she knew she’d be tired the next morning.
And Emilia was tired, although she still got up before sunrise. After getting ready, she met Tia in the hall on her way out. “Going in early.” She gave her friend a quick hug. “I’ll get in touch later today.”
On the way to the lab, Emilia went to her usual morning stop for coffee and a Danish. The coffee at the lab was pretty awful, making it second choice. While she waited at a table for her order to come up, her phone vibrated.
“Good morning, Hawke. How are you? What’s up?”
Before he answered, he asked about her evening to be sure that she’d been with Tia and was safe.
“Not to worry. I wasn’t alone. Right now, I’m picking up some coffee. Are you at your office?”
“I’m here, and some of the guys arrived before me.”
Emilia waited for the punch line.
“I don’t have any good news,” Hawke said. “The source of all those posts is unknown. Jake leaned on Amanda to uncover who it was. I’m telling you, that woman can find out anything.”
“Except who’s attacking me?”
Hawke sighed. “It really sucks. If Amanda couldn’t get a bead on the perpetrator, then that means…whoever instigated it was no lightweight.”
Emilia’s chest tightened. “Can you be more specific?”
“What I’m telling you is that you aren’t up against some amateur. This isn’t the work of Ray or his girlfriend or—”
“Who, then?”
“A professional,” Hawke said. “That’s all I can tell you right now. The perpetrator is good at what they do, and…they have money. That’s the only way to launch such a viral attack without leaving a trace.”
Emilia let that sink in. “I’m not sure what I’m supposed to do with that information.”
“I said that Amanda hadn’t discovered who was behind this,” Hawke said. “I didn’t mean that she wouldn’t. Given enough time, anything can be found out—or almost anything.”
“That’s the thing, though,” Emilia said. “We don’t have time. The clock has nearly run out for Asha. I’m going to push ahead as planned; I can’t let anyone terrorize me.”
“What’s the next step?”
“I talked to Mac, and he’s dealing with any attacks as best he can. He’s answering any funding queries and government interrogatories,” Emilia said. “I have to prepare for the upcoming trial with Asha, and to hold up my end, I’m attending that event on Friday. I have every intention of countering all this bad media attention.”
“I’m going with you.”
“What…to the event? But you don’t know anything about biotech.”
“It doesn’t matter,” Hawke said. “I’ll be the boyfriend. No one will give me a second look.”
That was doubtful.
“No argument. I’m going,” Hawke said. “You need me by your side.”
Emilia closed her eyes, and her heart squeezed tight. Her feelings for Hawke had ramped up. She had no idea how she was going to make it through an event with him beside her all afternoon.
Chapter 9
Hawke had to dress for the afternoon event. Emilia had said it was business casual, which could mean a variety of things. It all depended on the company, the environment, and the acceptable standards. Jeans were out, but she’d said to wear something respectable yet not too stiff.
It was good that he didn’t need to rent a suit. Instead, he chose a gray/navy check sport coat that was stretchy and comfortable. He had it on hand for meetings he attended with Ryker. It didn’t come up much anymore, but initially seeing investors had required looking the part.
Dark gray slacks and a pale blue shirt, open at the collar, went well with the jacket, and he opted for suede Oxfords—shoes he could maneuver in. Dress shoes were out of the question, as the slick soles were downright dangerous in any kind of encounter.
He finished getting ready, satisfied that he’d dressed to impress while still being able to move quickly, if needed. It was a habit to dress for action—and although the business world wasn’t prone to physical dangers, he couldn’t be too careful.
Emilia’s safety was important, which was the reason he’d decided to go along with her. Hawke cared about her and wrestled with conflicted feelings. She’d spent the night at his place in his bed, although without him next to her. Even after those brie
f hours, his bedroom felt empty without her.
Hawke hadn’t gone to her that night, although it had taken all his inner strength not to. Comforting her was one thing, yet looking at her had made him want to do more. Emilia had been in his kitchen, eating at his table, making jokes, and being alluring without even trying.
It had felt right, so normal—like she belonged there. Hawke was sure that if his heart belonged to any woman it was Emilia. He couldn’t imagine any other he’d desire as much. He’d cruised past friendship a while ago, but he dared not act on emotion.
While on the roof deck that night, Hawke had listened to her talk and shared in her torment. When he hugged her, he’d wanted to pull her closer. If things had been different, he would have carried her off to the bedroom to show her how much he cared.
Hawke had come within a breath of kissing her, had longed to feel the touch of her lips. He’d pressed a kiss to the top of her head, breathing in her scent and holding her in a strong embrace. But that was where he stopped; he had to. Emilia was special, and he wasn’t the man for her.
If only he was it would be so much easier. Since he’d been out of the military, it had been hard to adjust to civilian life. The protection business gave him a purpose, a way to continue to use his skills. Plus, he had his teammates, which made him feel connected.
Much of the time in the beginning, he’d felt on edge and disconnected. But he didn’t have it as bad as some guys. He had buddies diagnosed with PTSD who were emotionally numb and often close to panicking or exploding. He was one of the lucky ones, as he didn’t have it that bad. He hadn’t experienced uncontrollable shaking or panic attacks.
Hawke had endured feelings of isolation, which he’d handled to a large degree. Founding Black Swan with Ryker had been therapeutic and continued to be a source of satisfaction. Standing between a civilian and danger came naturally. Plus, he had the training and experience to put that talent to good use.
Nightmares and flashbacks tormented him, but much of the anxiety had dissipated. Hawke could live with what was in his head, but he had no intention of getting into a serious relationship. He could toss and turn in his sleep, then wake up sweating by himself. A woman had no place beside him then, which was why he didn’t make a habit of spending the night after intimacy.
The lifestyle Hawke had adopted helped him regain a sense of control, yet that was limited. Some things were permanent, damage that couldn’t be undone. He didn’t regret it, as he was proud of his service. He’d live with the personal changes, but he certainly wouldn’t ask Emilia to join him.
*****
Emilia had texted that she’d left the lab and gone to Tia’s apartment to change clothes. She was staying there for a couple of days, which was a safer option than her condo. Hawke drove to Tia’s to pick her up. He was prepared for the event, but not so much for emotions he hadn’t expected.
When Emilia opened the door, she stepped out wearing a flowing green skirt with a white satin blouse under a short tweed jacket. She had on strappy sandals that were sexy as hell. The scent of roses enveloped him, and she smiled up at him coyly, making him melt.
Her thick blond hair was twisted up on top of her head in a seductive manner, with a few tendrils grazing her neck. She looked sweet yet sinful, a combo that shook him to his core. “You are…beautiful.”
Emilia glanced down and smoothed a ruffle of her skirt. “Oh, thank you. This is my power suit.”
“I can tell you it works. I was under your spell from the moment you opened the door.”
Her soft giggle sent sensation straight to Hawke’s belly. “I mean I want to appear emotionally strong, considering where we’re going. A power suit doesn’t have to be a black pantsuit these days.”
“I must have missed that era,” Hawke said. “But I approve of your choice of outfit.” He put his hand at her back to guide her to the Jeep. She was a bit overdressed to hop up in there, so he lifted her like a gentleman handing her into a carriage.
Hawke headed to the Wyndham in downtown, right in the historic section of the city. Without telling Emilia, he’d scoped it out ahead of time. He wanted to check on security and the layout, just in case. The biotech event was scheduled in the grand ballroom, so a large attendance was expected.
“I appreciate you picking me up,” Emilia said. “I’ll be staying at Tia’s for a couple more days. She’s fine with that. But I’ll have to move back to my condo soon. I don’t want to impose.”
Hawke wanted to tell her there was no way that she was staying alone at the condo. Yet he bit his tongue; that wouldn’t have been good timing. The afternoon ahead was enough to think about; she didn’t need to argue about sleeping arrangements. “I’ve met Tia a couple of times,” he said. “She made a good impression.”
“Yes, she’s been a close friend for a while. I value her support during this tough period.”
The reminder of Emilia’s distress wrenched his heart. He would have preferred to take her away where no one could get to her. He wanted to do other things with her too, especially after today. She looked utterly delectable, her beauty begging him to forgo his vow to keep his hands off.
Hawke’s resistance to her charms was weakening. He needed to refocus on the business at hand. “I have a bit more insight for you about Ray.”
“Really?”
“It’s as I thought—he came into money,” Hawke said. “His bank balance surged about the time he bought that expensive home for his girlfriend. Yet there have been no large deposits since then.”
“That’s interesting. Do you think firing him had an effect on his other source of income? Did I cut off his money supply and anger him?”
“Smart girl,” Hawke said. “I had the same thought. It’s too coincidental for my liking. Ray is in this deeper than I imagined at first. I don’t know what links him yet, but I’ll find out.”
“My boss will be at this event, so I’ll introduce you,” Emilia said. “I’ve told him about your team and the help you’ve been. He’s not convinced that he should have faith in you, so I think meeting you will put his mind at ease.”
“Fill me in on what to expect at a biotech conference?
Emilia shared details about who would attend, what type of investors were likely to show up, and other biotech firms that would be there. It was a unique convention, designed to bring new technology in the field to the attention of those willing to invest big dollars in its development.
Hawke hoped to pick up some intel. Hanging out with the scientific crowd for an afternoon would be enlightening. It was new territory for him, so understanding the players would assist him in handling Emilia’s situation.
At the hotel, Hawke parked in the lot to walk over. He preferred to keep his keys; using the valet would be too slow if he needed a fast exit. At the lobby, he went into boyfriend mode and slipped his arm through Emilia’s.
Acting as the date wasn’t too much of a stretch. The way Hawke was feeling about her, he was sure the vibes were right. It was appropriate, so he didn’t make an effort to pretend otherwise.
Hawke was glad to see that this wasn’t a seminar type of thing. He preferred moving about to sitting and listening to a speaker. There were various tables and displays that offered insight into cutting-edge solutions. Most of the information went by him, as science wasn’t his thing.
It was the people he was interested in, anyway. His heightened awareness of the situation gave him an advantage over anyone else there. He observed the attendees, their tone and body language. It was professional, but there were subtle clues revealing nervousness, defensiveness, and other human reactions.
Hawke didn’t pick up on anything alarming. He was pleased to see Emilia in her element, conversing within her circle. A nervous laugh gave away her anxiety, but she did well to cover it up. He was sure that no one else noticed. She walked with confidence that she probably didn’t possess.
This was where Emilia belonged. She conversed with other biotechnicians she recognized and
mingled with a few investors. There was finger food and drinks to make it all more social. Hawke had to hand it to her, because in the wake of an onslaught of derogatory media, she had to feel intimidated.
Yet Emilia didn’t act that way. She answered questions and spoke with authority. In such a public venue, no one broached any topics that were too confidential. That was just as well, so she wasn’t cornered. Her appearance at the event would do much to allay concern about her project.
Hawke could see that was the point: show up, exhibit strength, and remain unshakeable. Any key personnel would observe her, talk with her, and go away with fewer doubts caused by media pressure. It was all good, yet it wasn’t wise to be inattentive.
With so many attendees, it was better to keep his eyes open. Hawke took note of one guy in a navy blazer who seemed tense. He didn’t smile while engaged in conversation. In contrast with the general atmosphere, he wasn’t as relaxed.
Hawke followed Emilia to a snack area for a break. He stuck to club soda, and she got a glass of iced tea. Both passed on food. “You seem to be doing okay out there.”
“So far,” Emilia said. “Ah, here comes Mac. The few times I spotted him, he was deep in conversation. I didn’t want to interrupt.”
The man who approached was mid-forties, medium height and build. He had brown hair in a conservative cut. His expression was serious, although he smiled at Emilia as he drew closer. “I’ve been trying to get over to you,” he said. “I kept getting peppered with questions.”
“Nothing you couldn’t handle, I hope,” Emilia said, then put her arm around Hawke. “Let me introduce my friend who has been giving us backup. This is Jonathan Hawkins Turner, co-owner of Black Swan Protection.”
Hawke appreciated the added touch of his firm’s name. He knew Emilia was trying to elevate his status. “The name is Hawke,” he said. “No need to be formal.” He hoped to make an ally of her boss if he could.
“And this is Donovan MacKenna, the manager of Edmundson…known to his staff as Mac.”
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