Donovan pulled Madeline to her feet as Billy took over the pressure against Brutus’ side. Madeline held her bloody hands in front of her, seeming dazed. Donovan gathered her against his side and led her through the doors.
He grabbed a towel off the styling station and handed it to her. “Brutus is going to be okay. Try not to worry.”
Madeline sniffled and nodded her head, wiping the blood off her hands. “I sure hope so.”
The bell above the door made a tinkling sound and Madeline gasped, huddling against Donovan’s side. Three people walked in, their hands full of boxes and medical supplies.
Donovan nodded toward the back door. “Billy’s through there.”
He steered Madeline to the front of the store. Her body trembled against his, and he gently helped her into a chair.
“Tell me what happened?”
Madeline let out a low sigh. “The alarm wasn’t set. I used the pepper spray you gave me, thinking someone waited in the aisle, but no one was there. I thought I was just scared because of what you and Lindsey said. Then I found Brutus.” She scrubbed her hands harder against the towel. “He’s going to die, isn’t he?”
Donovan crouched in front of her, patting her knee in an attempt to reassure her. “Billy’s a good doctor. He’ll take care of Brutus, don’t worry.”
Madeline nodded. “I heard the bell above the door and I thought someone came in, but I think whoever did this hid in the coat closet and waited until I went to the back room before leaving.” She shuddered. “Good thing I didn’t open the closet before checking on Brutus.”
Donovan closed his eyes. What would the killer have done, had she found him? He couldn’t think about that. It hadn’t happened.
“You did a good job, Maddie. Many women would have fallen apart, but you kept a calm head and probably saved Brutus’ life.”
“I have to call Lindsey,” she said, seeming not to hear him. “She’ll be so upset. She was going to Eureka today.”
Donovan stood up. “Why don’t you call her, and I’ll call the station to get more officers down here.”
Madeline nodded and pulled her phone from her pocket. “You’re not leaving me, are you?” she asked before dialing the number.
“No, Maddie. I’ll get someone else here to process the scene. I’ll take your statement and then follow you home. We can inspect your apartment and make sure...” Donovan broke off. He wanted to make sure the killer didn’t wait for her there, but he didn’t want to panic her further by saying that.
“I have to go to the police station at nine-thirty to meet with a sketch artist.” She reached out to grab his hand, the residual blood slightly tacky beneath Donovan’s fingers. “Will you stay with me?” She bit her lip. “Look, I hate admitting this, but I’m scared.”
He squeezed her hand. “I don’t actually work until tonight. I’ll stay with you until then, and we’ll make sure your apartment is as secure as we can make it before I leave.”
“Thank you.” She pressed on the screen of her phone before holding it against her ear.
Donovan made his way to the store phone next to the cash register. He threw the towel on the counter and then called Chief Stone’s direct line, quickly explaining the situation. “So, I’m going to take Miss Scott home and let her get cleaned up before meeting with your sketch artist. Since she’s already coming down, I figured we can get her formal statement at the police station.”
“I’ll send someone else over to run her around. I got a hold of Eric Sanders a few minutes ago. He can take care of her. You process the scene.”
He couldn’t help the spark of jealous that erupted within him when he thought about Eric being alone with Maddie. The man was closer to her in age, and he had expressed an attraction to her that night on the beach. “With all due respect, sir, I’m not on duty yet. Besides, Miss Scott asked me to stay with her.”
“Don’t think I don’t know what you’re up to,” Stone said sharply. “I told you she was off limits until this case is over.”
Donovan balled his hand into a fist. “I’m not leaving her while she’s so afraid.”
“You’re always thinking with your dick.”
Donovan clenched his teeth together and swallowed back an angry retort. He didn’t need this job. With his record of arrests and convictions, he’d be welcome anywhere in the state.
Then again, after what happened in Los Angeles, he didn’t want to go back there. He didn’t want to go anywhere with a high crime rate, and those would be the places needing additional cops right now. He’d have to play nice with Stone.
“Look, Chief, I understand what you’re saying. I know my reputation.” Donovan kept his voice as level as possible. “Miss Scott has made it painfully clear she isn’t interested in me as a man. She has, however, asked for my protection, and I promised it to her.”
“Finally found one you couldn’t fool, huh, Andrews?” Stone laughed. “I’ll send Sanders to deal with collecting evidence and let you take care of Miss Scott if that’s what she wants. I know you’re not on duty, but take her statement and make sure she isn’t late for the sketch artist.”
Donovan let out a relieved sigh. “I can handle that. Thanks.”
“One more thing, Andrews.”
“Yes, sir?”
“Don’t make me regret this, or I’ll make your life hell.”
The phone clicked in his ear and Donovan hung up, glad Stone had relented. He would have had to risk disobeying his superior officer otherwise. Something about this scenario didn’t sit well with him. Donovan didn’t think Stephanie Johnson would trouble herself to kill a dog and scare Madeline, even if she did kill Frank—she was only thinking about her kids now.
Someone else was behind this, and Donovan didn’t trust anyone with Maddie until he knew who it was.
***
Madeline put on lip gloss before slicking her hair into a ponytail. She felt more in control of herself now that she had showered. She grabbed her dirty clothes off the floor and filled the tub with cold water. Brutus’ blood probably wouldn’t come clean from her clothing, but at least she could try soaking it.
Tears misted her eyes and Madeline blinked them back. Poor Brutus! Donovan would know the name of the vet so she could check on the dog’s progress.
“Donovan?” she called, stepping out of the bathroom into her bedroom.
Surprisingly enough, he wasn’t in the room sniffing her panties or some other equally disturbing activity. Donovan didn’t seem to realize so much of what he did was improper. Then again, most women probably didn’t question him, afraid of being dumped if they raised any protest about his actions.
She’d half expected him to claim he needed to stay in the same room with her while she showered—to offer proper protection, of course. Almost before they left the parking lot at Woofy Cuts, Madeline questioned her intelligence level at begging him to stay with her.
However, when they arrived at the apartment, he surprised her by asking for a measuring tape and telling her to enjoy the shower. The fact that Donovan hadn’t made any inappropriate remarks was nothing short of astonishing.
Maybe, buried deep inside and strongly suppressed, a gentleman actually dwells inside him.
Madeline walked into the living room, closing the bedroom door behind her. “Where are you hiding, Donovan?”
“I’m in the kitchen,” he called. “Have a seat. You’re just in time.”
“For what?”
Donovan appeared in the doorway to the kitchen, carrying the tea service on a tray. “I figured you could use a cup of chamomile to calm you before we head to the station.”
As he set the tray on the coffee table, Madeline took a seat on the couch. She schooled her face into a neutral position, trying not to let Donovan see the shock she felt. Apparently the gentleman lurked closer to the surface than his prior actions lead her to believe.
“I hope you don’t mind me rummaging through your kitchen.” He poured two mugs and handed her one.
“The kitchen is definitely a better place than my bedroom.” She took a small sip and smiled. “Thanks. It was thoughtful of you.”
Donovan sat next to her and his thigh brushed against hers. Madeline tried to ignore the heat of him, the way he seemed to fill the entire room. She wanted to snuggle against his side and let his arms soothe away her fear.
She took another swallow of tea, wondering where those feelings came from. Sure, she found Donovan attractive physically, but he changed women more often than he changed underwear.
I don’t want him, she reminded herself. It’s just some sort of instinct. He acts like the strong alpha male and my hormones are urging me to breed with him. Damn...we’re little better than animals.
“Are you okay?” he asked, pulling her from her thoughts. “You haven’t had the best week.”
“That’s the understatement of the year, but I’m fine.” Madeline decided to ignore the intriguing flecks of green mixed with the blue of his irises. “I want to call and check on Brutus.”
“Billy called while you were getting ready. Brutus is stable. If he makes it through the night, Billy says he’ll be okay.” Donovan took her free hand in his.
Madeline’s stomach somersaulted at his touch. Her brain tried to reason with her body, but his hand was reassuringly firm and strong, and she didn’t pull away.
“It seemed to take forever before you got there,” she admitted. “It was the longest and scariest five minutes of my life.”
“When I think how close you came today...that he was in the same room as you.” He squeezed her hand tighter, and she felt a tremor go through his arm and hand. “I won’t let anything happen to you. I’ll drive you to the station to give your statement. That’s the safest place for you. While you’re there, I’ll go to the hardware store.”
Madeline set her cup on the table and curled her legs beneath her. “What are you getting there?”
“Better door locks for one. I also measured your windows so I can put wooden poles inside the frames. Then, no one can open them from the outside. I’ll also find a huge can of pepper spray to place near the door.”
“Sounds like I’ll be secure here tonight.” She tipped her head to the side, studying Donovan’s profile. “I think we need to clarify something though.”
Donovan finished his tea and set the mug on the table. “What’s that?”
Madeline took a deep breath, wondering if she was about to drive her protector away. Then again, if he had made the assumption she’d wind up on her back for him just because he did a little home improvement, it would be best to end that line of thinking now. “I hope you realize I’m grateful for everything you’re doing...”
“I sense a ‘but’ in that statement.”
She nodded. “I’m not going to sleep with you as payment.”
Donovan shifted on the couch and lifted his work-roughened hand to her face. The tips of his fingers danced softly across her jaw. He leaned forward, his body pressing against hers.
Madeline’s breath quickened as she inhaled the scent of fresh air and ocean—Donovan’s unique flavor. He smelled of everything she loved, everything she came to the coast to find.
His lips softly brushed her cheek. His warm breath puffed against her ear, weakening her resolve to keep things on a friendship basis. Really, would it hurt her to have a one-night stand with this man? Maybe it was what she needed.
The sex would be fantastic. It had to be. Why else would all those women want to be with Donovan? From everything Brandon said, the entire town knew of Donovan’s inability to commit. Remarkable bedroom prowess was the only thing that made sense.
Donovan pulled away, stroking her head and tugging gently on her ponytail. “I know what you’ve heard about me. Most of the gossip is warranted, but not all.”
Madeline wondered if he could hear the pounding of her heart. “Tell me what they got wrong,” she said, pleased she didn’t sound too breathless.
“Enough sharing.” He stood and pulled her to her feet. “It’s time to go to the station.”
“I assume you want my house keys so you can get back in here while I’m at the station. Give me a reason to trust you with them.”
“Hardball, huh?” He grinned and Madeline felt herself grinning in return. “I’m a jerk, a womanizer, and I occasionally have a bad temper.”
Madeline rolled her eyes. “I thought you were telling me something I didn’t already know.”
He led her to the doorway, grabbing her keys off the hook on the wall. “I’m looking for something more than mind-blowing sex.”
“So what are you saying? You’re a sensitive guy searching for his soul mate?” Madeline snorted and shook her head. “I don’t buy it. You’ve slept with all the women in town, and probably a ton more here on vacation.”
“Is that really what you think?”
“Donovan, be serious. You told me you wanted to date me, and the next night you were out with someone else. Face it. You’re player of the year. MVP sort of stuff.” She folded her arms in front of her. “I just got out of a relationship with a man like that, only he wasn’t as honest about it as you are.”
“Ahhh.” He lifted his eyebrows. “That explains a lot.”
“What do you mean by that?”
“Oh, nothing.” He opened the door and they stepped into the hallway. “Just so you know, I planned that date before I met you. But I broke things off with Christy last night.”
“You did?” Madeline didn’t know how to feel about that. Even though she’d been jealous and spiteful, calling Donovan’s date a child, Christy really was a beautiful young woman. “What happened? Was she horrible in bed?”
He shrugged. “I wouldn’t know.”
She shook her head, not sure she could believe him. “Everyone in town agrees on one thing—if you stand next to a woman for five minutes, her next position will be on her back. You’re saying that didn’t happen with Christy?”
His jaw clenched and he stared at her for a moment without answering. “Why do we have to talk about this?” he finally asked.
Madeline looked away from him, wondering why she felt compelled to tell him the truth. “I’ve dealt with men who sleep around,” she said softly. “I want a reason to trust you.”
Donovan caught her under the chin and forced her to look at him. “Christy begged me to have sex with her. I said no.”
After a breathless minute of staring into his eyes, Madeline dropped her gaze and handed him her house keys. Donovan closed the door to the apartment, and she watched him lock it.
“Why would you do that?” she finally asked when he didn’t say anything further. “Christy’s young, pretty, probably a lot of fun.”
Donovan reclaimed her hand and walked to the elevator. “I want something more than fun. Besides, I’m too old to chase college-aged women.”
“You’re not that old,” Madeline said quickly.
He gave her a lopsided grin as the elevator doors opened. “I’m glad to hear you say that, but I am getting too old for the dating game.”
Chapter Six
Madeline sat in the office at the police station, waiting for Kenneth Stone to return and finish questioning her. Working with the sketch artist had been a waste of time. Chief Stone didn’t seem happy when Madeline couldn’t give him more information, but she tried to put herself in his shoes. If what Donovan said was true, the police force didn’t have any leads. After this attack, the public would panic, and Stone needed some way to reassure them.
She described the dark outfit and the baton in the person’s hand in as much detail as she could. Chief Stone questioned her extensively about the bat, seeming surprised by the information. Madeline wondered why Donovan hadn’t already told him.
After questioning her, Chief Stone left her in his office while he took a phone call. No matter how she fought it, Madeline’s mind kept wandering back to what happened with Donovan. She wished she could trust what he said, but his reputation was hard t
o ignore. She couldn’t risk getting caught up with another man who pretended to be faithful, only to break her heart later.
If Donovan wanted another conquest and only said those things about getting out of the dating game to lure Madeline into bed, she wished he’d be honest instead. She couldn’t believe she was actually considering a one-night stand, but something about it was almost appealing.
She’d never considered the simplicity of short-term affairs before. No commitment, no expectations. Best of all, no reason to stuff herself with chocolate cake when it ended.
Chief Stone entered the office, holding a folder in his hand. He shifted his bulk around the desk and sat in the chair. “Sorry to keep you waiting.”
Madeline met his blue eyes and nodded. “I wish I could be more help. I’d really like you to nail the bastard responsible for all this.”
He raised a gray eyebrow. “You might still have something of use to offer.”
“I’ll answer any questions you have.”
Stone pushed the folder across the desk, placing it in front of her. “Take a look at that picture and tell me if anything jumps out at you.”
Madeline looked at the picture—the blood-smeared message left on the wall at Woofy Cuts. She shrugged. “I’m not sure what you expect me to see.”
He placed his elbows on the desk and rested his chin against his hands. “Lindsey Butters made an interesting comment to Officer Sanders while he collected evidence this morning.”
He looked intently at her, apparently waiting for her response, and the silence stretched between them. Was that supposed to offer her a clue? She wasn’t a mind reader.
“I don’t follow you, sir. After Lindsey arrived, I left. I never discussed anything with her.”
“The message says ‘Maddie.’ Lindsey says no one calls you that.”
She nodded. “I don’t like it.”
“So all I need to know is who thinks they’re an exception to that rule. Who calls you Maddie?”
She shrugged. “My dad, but I highly doubt he’s running around town terrorizing people.”
“Your dad?” Stone’s bushy eyebrows furrowed. “No. I meant who here calls you that. Lindsey said you complained about Donovan using that name.”
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