“Well, this is a small town, but yes, I’ve been sent to watch you when I can. We all take turns.”
“Thank you.”
His mood did a sudden shift, and his jaw flexed as if he was pissed. “I’m just doing my job.”
Chapter 11
Tate
The thought of her thanking me gutted me. She shouldn’t be thanking me since I failed her. I failed the one person who meant the most to me. I fell in love with her from our second encounter. Hell, it could have been our bristly first encounter.
Fuck, for the past month, Strickland had been out of jail and clearly hadn’t learned his lesson. I did my best to protect her rather than tracking him down myself. His parole office claimed he checked in on time. I slipped up and put her in danger. He fucking showed up, got inches from her, and I nearly missed it.
Being in love with her left me clumsy. I couldn’t watch the surroundings when I was focused on her beauty, stealing every smile for my own, aching to hold her and make her mine. My soul belonged to her, but my cock fucked with my head and left me stupid and her unprotected.
Shit. I had to get rid of this bastard, but he needed to give me a chance for a clean shot. That piece of shit wanted my woman, and I couldn’t let him get to her, but I also couldn’t end up behind bars for it either.
“I’m not going to let anything happen to you,” I declared, stepping back under the UV light to test for substances on the paper.
She slapped her hands down on the metal table, catching my attention. I lifted my gaze up to her to see the pleading look in her eyes. “I don’t want him to hurt you, Tate. He’s not above coming between me and any of my coworkers.”
“Oh, you’re talking about your boyfriend in Ohio,” I muttered, the strangling emotion of jealousy hitting me. Taking a deep breath, I returned to examining the paper. There were no other traces of chemicals on it, so I read the contents and felt my body shake with rage.
She pressed her hand over mine, and I redirected my focus to her perfect face. “I didn’t have a boyfriend. He only thought my coworker was my boyfriend, but then again, Rick claimed I was more than that to him. Rick is fucking nuts.”
I took her hand, turning it over and holding it as I made a promise. “The bastard will pay. I promise you.”
“Tate, you can’t be sure. He’ll just get away with it again.”
I brushed a strand of hair out of her face and tucked it behind her ear. “Baby, you’re in the right state. In Texas, we don’t play.” Damn it, I slipped. She looked up at me, and my heart reacted the way I craved. There was longing in her eyes, and my body took the chance it had been begging since we met. I dragged her into my arms and wrapped my hands around her ponytail, bringing her face up to mine. With a growl, I lowered my head and crushed her lips to mine. She didn’t hesitate, kissing me with equal force and need. I pressed her up against the wall and lifted her leg, wrapping it around my hip, grinding my hard cock against her warmth.
“Tate,” she moaned against my lips. I fucking pulled up her skirt and drop to my knees. Quickly sliding her panties off, I pressed my face into her pussy like I’d wanted to for months. Sloppily I ate her, pumping a finger into her heat and sucking on her nub. Damn, she tasted so damn good I couldn’t stop myself. I pulled out my cock and took myself in hand, stroking my shaft, sucking all her juices down.
I let go, coming on my hand and her panties as she rode my face, coming hard for me.
It was over before I lifted her onto my cock and made our baby.
Shame hit me for taking advantage of a vulnerable moment. I looked up at her flushed cheeks, and she refused to meet my gaze. Standing up, I cupped her face, getting her to look at me. “I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have done that.”
“No, we shouldn’t have. I need a moment. Where are my panties?”
“Sorry, I need to wash them first,” I confessed, tucking my cock back into my pants along with her panties into my pocket. I wasn’t giving them back.
“Go ahead.” I pointed to the lab bathroom without looking at her, feeling my shame.
“I’ll go into the hallway.”
“No, go there. It’s the safest room. I promise to behave. Let me evaluate the note.” Pushing her away was the best thing to do. Sean told me that she’d be vulnerable, and I immediately got carried away with my emotions and took complete fucking advantage of it. She wanted me and I knew it, but we couldn’t be together until she was safe. I fucked up double time by not making sure Strickland never got close to her.
She came back into the room and said, “Let me see the note.”
“No.”
“You’re not going to let me see it?” She huffed, slamming her balled up fists down at her sides.
“I don’t know if that’s a good idea.”
“I’m not fragile, Mr. Masters. I want to know what the latest threat was.” She was pissed that I kissed her, but probably more pissed at herself for responding.
“I know you’re not fragile. You’re a feisty, ballsy, and sexy woman.” That I am madly in love with.
I sealed the letter in an evidence bag, then handed it to her. She read the line, mouthing each word.
You can run, but you can’t hide.
“I think it’s best I go to the police,” she said, staring at the letter again.
Grabbing for the letter, I took it away from her so that she didn’t let it fester. “We’re going to notify local law enforcement as well as the officials from your state on why they dropped the ball when it came to alerting you of his release. Let me take you home. Someone can inspect your car and pick you up for work in the morning. Although, once he learns that we’re onto him, he may take a step back.”
Taking her hand, I set her down onto the chair while I called in the sheriff. “What’s going on, Masters?”
“Ms. Avery has a stalker who received early release from prison, and he’s back to stalking her. I have him on camera with a note he left for her. It’s bagged for evidence.”
“Where is Ms. Avery?” he asked me.
“She’s right here. We’re still at Cavanaugh’s waiting for you.”
“I’m on my way.” I ended the call and turned to Blake. I fucking failed her. I should have been watching around her, not just her long hair, beautiful eyes, and pouty lips. My bodyguard skills were shit where she was concerned.
“He’ll be here soon.”
I rubbed her biceps, and she dropped her head onto my chest. “Okay. I just want to snuggle into my bed and lock myself away for the night.”
“Soon.” I kissed the crown of her head and wrapped my arms around her. “Don’t worry. We won’t let him get to you.”
There was a rap on the glass. “Let me check. You stay right there.” I stepped into the hallway to see it was the sheriff. She came up right behind me, not listening to what I said. “Damn it, woman. You don’t like to listen.”
“Whatever.”
“Do you want to open the door for me?” the sheriff grumbled.
I strolled over to the door with her stubborn ass falling in behind me. “Hold your horses.” I let him in and then locked it back up.
“Hello, I’m Sheriff Colton Jones. You must be Ms. Avery.”
“Nice to meet you, Sheriff. My name is Blake, though.”
“So give me the rundown of what happened.” Blake went over the details while I filled in bits and pieces in between. It was an hour later when we finished, and I escorted the sheriff out.
As we shook hands, he said, “She’s beautiful. I can see why she’s got a nut after her, and I’m not talking about this Strickland character. Does she know you’re crazy about her?”
“I don’t know, but now isn’t the time for it. She doesn’t need someone pressing her while she deals with that sick fucker.”
“I’ll be working on it throughout the night. If you want, I can call you when I have something.”
“Of course. I need to actually contact Sean so we can double her protection.”
“Smart move. I’ll be in touch. And on a side note, I wouldn’t wait too long. A woman that beautiful and vulnerable will be attractive to other men.”
“Don’t remind me.” I hated that I had to step back from my personal security on her because I’d been doing a shit job of it. I locked up behind him and then returned to Blake who sat in her office, biting down on her bottom lip.
“Are you ready for me to take you home?”
The stress on her face nearly broke me. I had to remain strong, be her protector and nothing more. She needed that more than anything. “Thank you. I’m so tired.”
“Do you have everything?” She slung her purse strap over her shoulder and then turned off her office light.
“Now I do.”
I stopped in front just before unlocking the door. “Stay at my left side. I’m right handed and if I need to shoot, I have to be quick. If I give you an order, please follow it. It’s for your safety.”
“I will. You’re a good friend, Tate.” I felt the burn in my chest at that one. A friend? It was stupid because even though we both wanted to fuck each other, that was what we were. Nothing more, nothing permanent.
We exited, and my eyes roamed around. The street was quiet as we made it to my truck. I opened her door and let her enter, buckling her in. “I’m capable of it. You don’t have to be that protective.” I ignored her comment because she had no idea how much she meant to me. I’d do whatever I had to when it came to her safety and happiness, including holding back my feelings for her.
“Rest.” I closed the door, made my way to my side, started the engine, and then pulled out of the lot while focusing on the area more intently. We didn’t have anyone following us, but that didn’t mean he wouldn’t be waiting for us at her place.
When we pulled up, she waved me off. “I’ll be fine.”
“Let me check your place first.” I checked my surveillance and didn’t see him before I left the office, but that didn’t mean he couldn’t have snuck inside. Pulling out my gun, I got out first and then helped her out. She unlocked the front door and then we headed up to her apartment with me taking the lead.
After going in, I scanned the entire place. He wasn’t there. I should have put cameras inside here, but I thought she’d be furious when she found out. There was no way I wanted to be in the same category as this Strickland fuck. Holding back grew harder and harder.
“I’ll sleep on the sofa. Go get some sleep.”
“You don’t have to do that.”
“I do, actually.”
“I would prefer that you left now. I don’t want company, especially you. I’m safe. The building is secure, and my uncle taught me how to shoot. If I’d known he was out there, maybe I would have started carrying. Either way, thank you for the ride and staying with me to deal with the police report. Goodnight, Tate.” Fuck, she was pissed. Blake opened the door, waved her hand, and waited for me to go. What the hell had I missed? She had gone from wanting me around to pushing me out.
I planned to leave, but only to my truck outside. It would be a long night, but I’d get more security as soon as I could. It was only nine, so I called Sean as soon as I got in my truck.
“He came for her,” I said when he answered.
“Fuck. Is she okay?”
“Yes, but she needs more protection and I’m not good at it right now.”
“What’s wrong?”
“He got close to her and I had no idea. I failed. I’m too close to her. I have to step back. She needs someone who’s going to focus on nothing but her.”
I drove off, then turned around and parked across the street from her apartment—that way I had a much better vantage point. “I got it. I’ll call Denver. He’s perfect for it. Relax. I’ll call you after I talk to him.”
“I’m camping outside her apartment for the night, so call whenever.” He ended the call and I leaned back, scoping out every car that passed by.
Twenty minutes later, Denver called me. “What’s up?”
“I’m about to hit the hay. I’ll be there at four and we can switch.”
“Great. Thanks.”
“Just doing my job.” I ended the call and continued to focus on the apartment. Thoughts of her ran through my mind, taking me off my objective. Shit. Strickland had a death wish. From everything I’d learned, he came from a wealthy family and his father had managed to get him out of most problems. That was probably how he’d gotten to her so fast. He wouldn’t catch me snoozing again.
Chapter 12
Blake
The sun woke me up from my sleep, so I rolled off my bed and sleepily stumbled to the bathroom. My eyes burned from the tears I’d shed last night. There were so many I thought I’d dehydrate. I rubbed them and then turned on the faucet to rinse my face. Once it was ready, I practically dunked my head under it. My tears weren’t for Strickland or more specifically that he found me, but that I’d pushed Tate away.
Peering into the mirror, I looked like shit. Just then my phone went off, so I rushed to get it in case it was Tate. I doubted he’d call me after the way I kicked him out last night. If Strickland was watching, Tate staying the night made him a target. I couldn’t tell him that, or he would have laughed off my concern and stayed. I loved Tate too much to risk his life even if everything in my soul ached for him to lie with me.
It was seven in the morning when I received a text.
Blake, it’s Denver. I’ll be taking you to work today. Take your time and let me know when you come down.
We never spoke privately so I didn’t have his number programmed in my phone, so this could be Rick trying to trick me. I called the number back just to make sure it was Denver for real.
“I just didn’t want to wake you up, Blake. I’ll be in the car, waiting.”
Damn, I was going to be another thirty minutes before I’d be down. “You don’t want to come up for a cup? I’m not ready yet.”
“No, I want to scope the area for any signs of the bastard or anyone else lurking in the neighborhood.” The town was small enough for people to know each other, but in this day and age, most people are anti-social.
“Understood. I’ll try to hurry.”
“No, take your time,” he insisted.
“Okay.” I hung up and rushed anyway. I managed to get downstairs and outside within twenty minutes.
Denver stood by the door, nearly giving me a heart attack. “Just so you know that from now on, be prepared for me to be waiting by the front door.” We didn’t know each other outside of the professional capacity, but I knew he was a punctual and silent man. A giant statue.
“Thanks for the heads up. I’ll do that.”
“Come on.” He led me to the passenger side of his SUV. Once inside, he locked me in and then went to the other side. Every movement was made with the idea that someone could be plotting to get at me. How he managed to be quick and agile took me by surprise. He’d been a lot larger than the other employees at the office. It was probably why they hired him to do personal security.
I didn’t know what to say, but by the time we were a few minutes away, I asked, “Any news on my car?”
“It hasn’t been tampered with. You will be able to drive it tonight, and I will follow behind.”
“How long do you think I’ll need you around?”
“For as long as it takes.” His eyes stayed trained to the road even though his jaw ticked in annoyance.
“Not much for speaking?”
“Not particularly. It makes it hard to do my job.” A giant statue.
For the rest of the ride, I avoided all questions. We pulled up to the office, and he parked in front instead of the lot. “I’ll help you out. Stay inside.” I wanted to tell him to fuck off, but I waited because I knew it was serious.
I didn’t make it to the reception desk before Sean called me into his office. “I just need a minute of your time, Blake.” I sighed because I didn’t see Tate anywhere as I made my way over to Sean’s office.
Everyone else eyed me, and I wondered if they all were briefed before I came in. They all arrived an hour before me every morning for a quick staff meeting. My meetings were budget ones that required me to meet with Sean and Macy once a month. Since I worked alongside Macy in the same office, we discussed any issues beforehand. I dusted off the imaginary lint before knocking on his open door.
“Come in, Blake. Close the door.” All of our meetings were closed-door. It was standard procedure because of my position’s private nature, which made me a little nervous that he emphasized the rule.
“Relax, Blake. I’m not firing you or anything. I wanted to talk to you about the whole Strickland issue.”
Damn, they all knew. “Did Tate tell you the whole thing?”
“Of course he did. That’s especially important information. We don’t take any of our employees’ safety for granted. You’re not exempt to it.” He tilted his head, letting me know he was deadly serious about it.
“When were you going to tell me about Strickland?” I questioned. Obviously, he didn’t call me in here to go over what I already learned yesterday.
“Honestly, that’s on me. I was talked out of telling you. We didn’t want you to freak out and panic before we believed him to be a threat.”
“Who talked you out of it?” I’d bet it was Tate. He thought he knew it all and what was best for me. I knew he wanted me, but he pushed me away even after kissing me so passionately. It was for the best, but still, it hurt like hell.
“Macy.”
“Wow, for some reason, I thought it would be Tate.”
“No. Tate was torn between telling you and not, but he didn’t like the idea of you being scared when he wasn’t around to be on patrol.”
Patrol? Had he used our friendship as an excuse to protect me? No. He kissed me like he meant it, he ate me like a man starved, and he came like a man who loved his meal. “Really. Hmm…so what do you want to talk about?”
“You’re not upset about all of this?”
“I should be, but yesterday as if I sensed his presence, I lost myself in the memory of what happened with Rick while I was working. The thought of him nearly unnerved me. I finally let go of the shitty memory at the end of the day only to be stalked all over again. For whatever your reasons, it made sense to keep that from me.”
Securing Blake: Cavanaugh Security Series Page 7
