by Ivy Nelson
“I... Bradley... I don't know what to say.” She put her hands on his shoulders. “I want to play the game with you, but it's not a good idea.”
“I've told you before, you need to let me be the judge of that,” he said with a stern expression. For a moment, it looked like she might argue with him, but he continued to stare at her with a steady gaze that he hoped impressed upon her just how serious he was.
Finally, she said, “I can't stop you from trying, but I won't make it easy. I refuse to be the reason your career goes south.”
“Darci, please stop talking about that. You're not going to ruin my career. If you have some other reason for me not to pursue you, I’ll listen, but if my career is your only excuse, it’s weak.”
She closed her eyes and said nothing for a minute. Finally, she took a deep breath and said “Alright Bradley. I'll agree to let you chase me, but I'm not going to date you.” He sucked in a breath and blew it out again, at least it wasn’t a flat-out no. If it's a chase she was after, that he could do.
“I’ll be honest. This is new to me, Darci. I rarely have to chase my submissives. I don't want to cross boundaries or push limits.” He paused for a moment to look her in the eye then added, “At least not until you're mine.” She blushed when he said the word mine again, but then she smiled. It was one of her shy smiles.
“I have no doubt that you will be a perfect gentleman.”
“Don't be so sure. Now finish your drink. I'm taking you home.”
She gasped dramatically as she picked up her glass. “So bossy.”
“Why yes, yes, I am.” He winked and she stuck her tongue out at him. He narrowed his eyes considering growling at her. Instead, he said, “Oh Darci, what am I going to do with you girl?”
“Apparently, you're going to take me home,” she said as she raised her glass to her lips. They finished their drinks, and he paid the tab. Standing, he offered her his arm and together they walked out of the restaurant and climbed into a taxi. As they got closer to her apartment, he asked her about her plans for tomorrow.
“I have some research to do, but otherwise I'm going to sleep in and be lazy.”
“Sounds like a perfect Sunday. May I come up to your apartment with you? We could put on another movie.” He was not ready to say goodbye to her yet.
“Not tonight, Bradley. Some other time.” She sounded tired, and he frowned.
“I hope I'm not overwhelming you,” he murmured.
“Maybe a little. I need to think. Can we have lunch tomorrow?” She offered him a smile, and he relaxed.
He trailed a finger down her cheek. “Lunch sounds wonderful.”
“I’m going to pick the most touristy lunch spot I can find.”
He grinned, happy he hadn’t scared her away.
They arrived at her building a few minutes later. He asked the driver to wait and jumped out of the car.
“Stay there,” he ordered as he was leaving the vehicle. He rounded the car and opened her door, offering her his hand. “I'm going to walk you inside, and then I'm going to kiss you goodnight.” He gave her a look that said don't argue. She rolled her eyes but took his hand.
At the door, he turned to face her and placed both hands on the sides of her face. “Do you know how beautiful you are?” he asked. She blushed again, and he leaned in and planted a light kiss on her lips. “Goodnight, Darci. I'll call you in the morning.”
She said nothing for a moment, then whispered, “goodnight,” as she rushed past the doorman and disappeared into the building.
He walked back to the waiting cab with a satisfied grin on his face.
15
♥♥♥
Darci made her way to the elevator. Why did I let him kiss me? She asked herself the question for the dozenth time since watching him walk back to the waiting cab. He was not easy to resist. Her promise to make this a chase might prove difficult. Pressing the button for the fifth floor, she leaned against the elevator wall. The memory of his hands on her face and his lips brushing hers caused her to sigh. A repeat of that experience would be nice. She shook off the moment as the elevator doors slid open on her floor.
At her apartment at the end of the long corridor, she pulled out her keys and unlocked the door. As she pushed it open, light filtered out of her home office into the living room. Odd, she was a stickler about shutting off the lights. Flipping the switch in the entry, she stepped farther into the apartment. She froze mid-step and her keys and purse crashed to the floor. Someone had ransacked the living room.
Glass from broken picture frames was everywhere. They tore apart the couch, and a bookshelf lay on its side. Fear paralyzed her for a moment as she surveyed the damage. Was the intruder still here? The thought jerked her into motion. She picked up her keys and purse and backed out of the apartment. Not wanting to wait for the elevator she bolted toward the stairs. She pulled out her phone as she reached the stairwell door and dialed a number.
“I told you I would call you in the morning.” Bradley’s voice was full of humor when he answered.
“Someone has been in my apartment,” Darci blurted into the phone.
“What? Are you still inside? Darci, get out of there!” he shouted. There was no humor in his voice now. She heard him tell the cab driver to turn around.
“Bradley, no. You don’t have to come back. I'm heading downstairs now.”
“Call the police.” His voice was clipped.
“I will. I don't know why I dialed you first without thinking.”
“I'm on my way. Darci, hang up and call the police now.” He ended the call without saying another word. She called 9-1-1 and reported the break-in. Next, she dialed Michael's number. It was nice to have a friend on the police force. She was treated to a string of expletives when she told him what happened.
“Wait downstairs for the uniforms to arrive. I’ll be there as soon as I can, but I’m on the opposite side of town.” He ended their call with a warning not to go back into the apartment without an escort.
By the time she finished her phone calls, she had reached the ground floor.
“Miss Sanders are you alright?” the doorman asked. “You're as white as a ghost.”
“Some... someone was in my apartment.” The adrenaline was wearing off, and her voice shook as it sank in what had happened.
“Have you called the police?”
“Yes, they are on their way.” Darci was pacing, and the doorman looked nervous, unsure of what he should do next. This wasn’t the sort of apartment complex that got broken into. He excused himself to call the property manager.
That moment, a cab pulled up to the curb. Bradley jumped out and tossed cash at the driver. He rushed into the building and pulled her into his arms. “Are you OK?” His voice was full of concern.
“Bradley, I'm all right,” she said, resting her head on his shoulder. She couldn’t ignore the sense of calm that washed over her as he tightened his hold.
The police arrived a few moments later and asked for her key. “I’m not sure if I locked it,” she said as she handed them her keyring.
They asked her to wait downstairs while they went to check and make sure the apartment was empty. Bradley led her to a couch in the lobby. “Darci you're shaking. Please sit down.”
She did as he asked, not realizing until then that her whole body was trembling.
“I don't understand how anyone got in here,” she whispered after several minutes.
“You're not staying here tonight.” It wasn’t a question.
“Bradley don't. I'm sure whoever it was won't come back.”
“Don't argue with me on this, Darci.” He sounded like he had more to say but a police officer returned, cutting him off.
“It's all clear, Miss Sanders. We need you to come take a look at the place and answer a few questions if you would.”
“You're sure it's clear?” Bradley asked.
“Yes, Sir, you can come with her if you would like.”
She stood and
looked down at him. “You don't have to go with me.”
“Don't even think about it,” he warned as he rose to accompany her. She shook her head but didn’t argue. It would be a comfort to have him near.
“It looks like the intruder only went into your living room and office, ma'am,” the officer said as they made their way upstairs. “We'll need you to see if you can tell us if anything is missing.”
Darci took a deep breath as they stepped into the apartment. The officer stayed close while she studied the living room. “As far as I can tell, nothing was taken.”
She entered her office and looked around. The drawers of her desk and filing cabinet were empty, and the contents were now scattered on the floor. The intruder must have broken the locks. “I'll need time to go through my files to determine if anything is missing, but nothing seems to be.” She bent to rifle through the files scattered on the floor, but it was impossible to tell if everything was there in the chaos.
As she straightened, she glanced at her laptop and noticed that the screen was on. She had it set to go to sleep after an hour of no activity, and she hadn’t been home all day. “Did either of you touch the computer?” she asked as she moved closer to inspect the machine.
“No, ma'am,” the officer replied. When she saw what was on the screen, she felt the blood drain from her face.
“Darci, what is It?” Bradley asked. He was at her side in an instant. On the screen her word processor was open. Pasted into it was a photo of her speaking during the munch this afternoon. Underneath in big red letters it read,
NOTHING CAN KEEP YOU SAFE
Detective Michael Silas came bursting into the apartment. “Darci! Are you OK?” he asked when he saw her.
“I'm fine, I promise.” She paused a moment and looked at him anxiously. “It might be connected to the murders, Michael.” He looked at the screen and then turned to glare at her.
“I told you to be more careful about the information you put online damn it.” She could tell he was fighting to keep the growl out of his voice.
“Calm down, Detective.” She glared right back. “I've been doing this munch for two years, it's common knowledge.”
He shook his head. “I'll need to ask you more questions, but you look exhausted. Why don't we finish your statement tomorrow? There’s a Crime Scene Response team on its way to gather evidence.”
“Fine, we'll wait downstairs for you. Let me know when I can come back up.”
“You're not staying here tonight,” Bradley and Michael said in unison.
“Just great. Now I have two overprotective men in my life.”
Bradley gripped her arm and scowled at her. “Don't be a fucking idiot, Darci. It's not safe here.” She cringed at his harsh tone.
“He's right, Darci. Stay with a friend tonight. I’m declaring your apartment a crime scene until further notice. Legally you can’t stay here,” Michael said smugly. “And for the love of God, don't talk about this on your blog.”
“I won't, Michael. Jesus, I’m not that stupid.” Now they were just insulting her and Darci didn’t appreciate it.
“I know you’re not stupid, sweetheart. I'm just trying to watch out for you. I'm sorry. Just let me know where you're staying.” Michael’s tone was kinder this time, and she offered him a small smile. It didn’t last long though.
“She's staying with me,” Bradley declared. Michael frowned. Darci huffed but decided not to argue with him when Bradley threw her another glare.
“Wait downstairs, and I'll come talk to you soon,” Michael said. Bradley steered her out of the apartment and toward the elevator with a hand on her elbow.
“Don't fucking speak for me like that,” she hissed as they stepped onto the elevator.
“Darci, calm down, I'm just trying to look out for you.”
Calm down? She thought. Like that will happen. “I'm not sleeping in your bed so don't get your hopes up.” The glare on her face lasted all of five seconds as the energy in the elevator shifted, and she instantly regretted her harsh words. Bradley was angry.
“Do you really think that little of me?” he asked in a low voice. She could tell that the anger was bubbling just beneath the surface. He stepped closer to her until their noses almost touched and placed his hands on the elevator wall on either side of her head. She stared up at him as her heart rate increased. “A man breaks into your apartment and threatens your life, and you think I'm just trying to fuck you?” He didn't bother hiding his anger now. Fury filled his dark eyes as he waited for her to answer his question.
“I'm sorry,” she whispered, and in that instant, the dam broke, and tears streamed down her cheeks. His expression softened, and all traces of fury left his face. He pulled her into his arms. “Shhh, I'm sorry baby.” He whispered running his hand through her hair.
The elevator doors slid open, and he walked her to the couch in the lobby, keeping her pulled tightly to him. “You scared me so bad when you called me.” He pulled a handkerchief out of his pocket and pressed it into her hand. As she dabbed at her eyes and nose, she struggled to regain her composure.
“I'm sorry I got mad at you,” she whispered again.
“Shhh, it's OK. I was being pushy.” He pulled her into a hug. “Oh Darci, I just want to keep you safe, sweet girl.” She nodded into his neck and closed her eyes. His scent was wonderful and calming. She could have stayed there forever.
“I'm glad you were close,” she murmured into his chest. Sitting back, she smiled shyly at him. He gave her a small smile of his own but worry clouded his deep blue eyes. He brushed a wayward strand of hair out of her face.
“Me too,” he said, his hand lingering on her cheek.
A moment later Detective Silas stepped out of the elevator.
“Hey, you OK?” he asked as she brushed the last of the tears from her eyes.
“I'm fine, just overwhelmed.” She offered him a shaky smile. “Are you all done up there?”
“Not yet. Crime Scene Response is on their way. My officers are taking pictures and closing off the scene though.”
“Can I get some clothes and my laptop?”
“You can get clothes, but we will need to take your computer,” he said apologetically.
“It's fine, Michael. I've got copies of everything important at work. When can I go through my files? I need to make sure nothing is missing. There are private pieces of information I keep in that filing cabinet.”
“Get some rest and let the investigators do their thing. I'll call you when it's OK to come back. I'd prefer you didn't stay here until we catch this guy, Darci. I’ll keep it designated an active crime scene if I have to,” he added when she protested. She sagged back against Bradley, too tired to argue anymore tonight.
“Fine, I guess you can take me back upstairs to pack a bag,” she said to Michael.
“Wait here,” she said to Bradley. He looked as if he might protest but agreed and settled onto the couch. “I'll hurry,” she promised.
She packed several days’ worth of clothing, toiletries and a few other things she might need. At least tomorrow was Sunday, so she didn’t have to worry about work right away. Oh no, with no work in the way, Bradley would want to spend the entire day by her side in an effort to keep her safe. She sighed, zipped up her suitcase, and slung her backpack onto her shoulder. Michael leaned against her bedroom doorway watching her. “You sure you’ll be OK staying with Bradley? You can stay with me if you want.” He held out his hand for her bag.
As he took it, she said, “That’s sweet, Michael. But I’ll be fine I promise. I trust Bradley.” He eyed her a moment longer before nodding his agreement.
“I need to speak to your doorman and your neighbors. I just wanted to give you a heads up,” he said as they headed back downstairs.
Bradley stood when they arrived back in the lobby.
“All set?”
“Let's go. I'm exhausted all of a sudden.”
Bradley smiled. “I can’t imagine why.” He asked the
doorman to get a cab for them.
Darci hugged Michael tightly and she couldn’t help but chuckle to herself when Bradley frowned. “Thanks for coming, Michael.”
“Anytime Darci. You know that.” He ruffled her hair and kissed her forehead. “Be safe kid. I don’t want to lose you.” She smiled and turned her attention to Bradley as Michael headed to meet the CSR team. The cab arrived a moment later, and Bradley directed the driver to take them to his apartment.
For a moment, Darci set aside her misgivings about a relationship with Bradley Givens and settled her head on his shoulder, thankful to have him here. He shifted to wrap his arm around her.
“Thank you for not being too stubborn about coming home with me,” he said, breaking the silence.
“I wanted to be, but honestly, I'm terrified to stay there alone. Who is this guy, Bradley? Why is he taunting me? Did he taunt the others before he killed them?” She shuddered at the thought. His fingers pressed into her shoulder in a firm squeeze as he pulled her tighter against him.
“Shhh don't go there. You're safe, and I'm going to make sure you stay that way.”
“Just promise you won't be overbearing.”
“I'll promise no such thing.” His voice was hard, and Darci could hear anger bubbling just beneath the surface again.
It was better not to argue tonight, so she didn’t respond. She could deal with it tomorrow.
“You're important to me, Darci.”
“You barely know me,” she muttered.
“But I want to know everything about you.” He whispered it, but his tone spoke volumes.
Oh, Bradley, she thought to herself, when are you going to realize this is a terrible idea?
“I can hear you thinking, Darci.”
She sighed and closed her eyes thankful that it was dark so he couldn’t see her blush.
“I don't care how bad of an idea you think this is. Until you tell me you want nothing to do with me, I'll chase you to the ends of the earth.” The cab arrived in front of his apartment and once again he ordered her to stay until he opened her door. She chuckled, amused at how easily she found herself doing what he told her. She had to work harder at making this a chase.
