“Ashley.” Josh strove for patience. He got it. He did, but couldn’t she see that the nuisance notes had increased in frequency? Someone had broken into her home. Hell, he hadn’t informed her of the dummy wearing her underwear yet.
Maybe he should. He hesitated, not wanting to spoil her day more than he had already when she was on such a high. Then, he remembered Frog—his demand to watch his sister. He had to keep Ashley apprised of what was happening. This was her life.
“When Louie installed the alarm, he had to leave for an hour. When he returned, someone had left a dummy by your mailbox. They’d dressed it in your missing lingerie, and the person who’d left it had cut off the dummy’s head. The severed head lay a few feet from the dummy.”
“That’s sick.” Ashley swallowed hard. “Why would someone do that to me? What could I have done to attract this attack?”
Josh reached over to grasp her hand. He squeezed it before returning his grip to the steering wheel. “Don’t worry. We’ll find whoever is doing this to you. Each time they do something, they’re leaving clues. All we need to do is put them together and see where they point.”
“You make it sound easy.”
“Don’t worry. You’re safe with me here.” He’d make sure of it, and tomorrow, he intended to demand she received protection from the cops. If he told them everything, they’d change from their previous stance, especially now that she’d be more prominent as the leader of the opposition.
Once Josh turned off the motorway, the streets were quieter with less traffic. Ten minutes later, he pulled into Ashley’s driveway. The extra security light he’d asked Louie to install along with the alarm bathed the side of Ashley’s house with brightness.
“Oh! That’s brilliant. I’ve meant to get a security light in that spot for ages. Matt told me I should have one there.”
“Now you do,” Josh said. “Wait here while I check out the house.”
“Don’t treat me like a child,” Ashley snapped. “I’ll stay behind you and keep my wits alert, but I will not quiver in a corner. I refuse to give this person power over me.”
Josh had seen her fear, and he mentally cheered her bravery. “Come on then. Let’s get our bags so we don’t need to make more than one trip. Then you can get on with your work while I cook something for dinner.”
“I can cook.”
“I’m sure you can, but why don’t I do it, so you don’t have to work late into the night? You have a heap of meetings and public speaking gigs scheduled. You need your rest, so take my offer and hit the ground running.”
“Thank you, Josh.” With that, she exited the car and grabbed her handbag, laptop bag, and one piece of luggage.
He followed her. “I’m only behaving like a fiancé.”
“Huh!” Ashley snorted. “Most of my past boyfriends expected me to wait on them. Another bad quality of brawny, grunting men.”
“Hey.” Josh prodded his broad chest and bulky biceps and narrowed his eyes at her. “I don’t grunt. I’ve known lazy intellects too.”
“You don’t grunt.” Ashley’s chin dipped, but not before he’d glimpsed her far-away, almost wistful expression. “Your admirable qualities far outweigh your cons. It’s a pity this engagement is fake because I’m starting to enjoy your company very much.”
Stupid. Stupid. Stupid. Ashley castigated herself as she followed Josh to the rear of her house. A second security light lit the yard, and no one lurked where they shouldn’t.
Josh unlocked the door and reached around to get the passage light.
Ashley held her breath until she saw everything was as she’d left it. Her breath eased out with relief. She hated the teetering-on-eggshells sensation that stalked her. That was the reason for her proposing to Josh earlier. Plus the euphoric remnants of joy from learning she was the one the party deemed suitable to lead them to victory at the election.
Yes, the two moods combined and had her mouth motoring out of control.
Matt had warned her Josh was a player who never settled with one lady. Matt had also told her he’d trust Josh with his life, and he presented the best solution to keeping her safe and on track to obtain her goals.
Her brother’s warning had slipped away in the wake of the kisses and sleeping in the same bed. Heck, a woman just had to look at Josh before she was aching to test those hard muscles beneath her fingertips. Being the recipient of his charming smiles and cheeky winks turned her to mush. She defied any red-blooded woman not to experience the same reaction. On top of that, he could hold an intelligent conversation, he was supportive of her work even if he didn’t agree with her party’s policies, and the man was plain nice. He was respectful, charming, and insightful.
And she was a drowning woman.
Her heart refused to listen to her practical head.
Snubbed. Rebuffed.
Rejected each and every warning.
Yep, no doubt about it. She was toast where Josh Williams was concerned. The man would break her heart when he left her. No need to cry pity tears when genuine ones awaited.
Work.
That was something she could count on to maintain her sanity, so that’s what she’d do.
“Josh, I’ll be in the dining room if you need me. The table is big enough for me to spread out.”
“Would you like a cup of tea?”
Charming and nice combined well with sexy. Ashley blinked at his genuine smile and held back her sigh. “I have a packet of ginger and quince green tea in the pantry. Could you make a pot for me?”
“Sure. Any requests for dinner?”
“Surprise me.” She shrugged from her jacket.
“I’ll put the bags in our rooms,” Josh said.
“Thanks,” she murmured as she pulled out her notebook and her laptop. Already, her practical mind had decided she should bury herself in work. Work was her safe zone, and a way to realize her aspiration to be prime minister.
Ashley scanned the list she’d made while waiting for their flight and started to complete her tasks.
In the distance, the phone rang, but since it wasn’t hers, Ashley ignored the summons. The ringing ceased, and soon her work consumed her. She let instinct guide her, taking what she knew of her colleagues and their strengths and remade her team. When she’d finished, she scrutinized her new chart. She gave a decisive nod.
Radical but refreshing. Perfect.
This might rock her team but in a good way.
Ashley continued with her next task.
“Ashley!”
She started and dropped her pen.
Josh retrieved it from the floor. “Sorry I frightened you. Dinner is ready. I’ve set everything up at the breakfast bar since I thought you’d prefer not to tidy away your books and papers. Did you get much done?”
“Yes.”
“Your tea has gone cold.”
“I didn’t even hear you bring it.”
“I spoke to you. You went hmm, so I figured you knew it was there. I’ll make another pot for you after dinner. Come on. The pasta will get cold.”
The scents wafting from the kitchen made her stomach rumble. “That smells delicious. Who taught you to cook?”
“My mother taught us the basic skills. She loves to cook and believes everyone, male or female, should learn. Once I joined the army, I found cooking relaxed me.” He grinned. “My girlfriends have always appreciated my skills in the kitchen.”
Ashley pushed out a laugh, although his casual remark and the implications burned her. A reminder to stay away from Josh. If she wished to progress, she couldn’t have a philandering boyfriend or fiancé.
But you’re not going to listen. Her heart sang with joy at the decision.
Josh seated her at the breakfast bar, his strong fingers flexing around her waist as he lifted her onto the bar stool. Although she was tall, he tossed her into place without a single grunt.
He grinned at his easy accomplishment and swiped a finger over her cheek. “You have ink on your face.”
She started to get up to clean it off, but he stayed her with a hand on her arm.
“Leave it. It makes you look cute and studious. Eat your dinner.”
“Yes, Dad,” she quipped.
“Ashley.” The strange note in his voice drew her attention from the pile of glistening spaghetti to him.
His blue eyes glowed, and a soft smile curved his lips. “The last emotion on my mind is fatherly. Frog warned me not to do my normal flirt and leave. With you, it’s hard.”
“Why, because I’m a nerd?”
“No, sweetheart. It’s because you’re sweet and sexy and intelligent. Every time I glimpse you, I get an urge to strip off your clothes and feast on you. I’m eager to see you in your new lingerie.”
Her eyes narrowed. “I hope you followed my list.”
“I did, but I added a couple of items for my viewing pleasure. Cheeky, I know, but a man needs hope.”
“You want me too?”
“Very much. You’re an unexpected package, Ashley Townsend. Any man is lucky to have you in their life.”
Ashley speared her spaghetti with a fork and twirled the pasta onto the tines. “I’m hearing a but in your words.”
“I promised Frog I’d keep my hands to myself. I’m a man of my word.”
“Hmm.” Ashley forked pasta into her mouth. She moaned at the hint of truffle oil, the spinach and corn and herbs, and the al dente spaghetti. It was sex in a mouthful. Ashley swallowed and twirled more pasta around her fork. “This is delicious. Thanks so much for cooking dinner, Josh.”
His phone rang again. “Sorry, I’d better get this. It’s my sister. Keep eating.” Josh stood and retreated, but Ashley could still hear his side of the conversation. “Fuck,” he said. “Send it through. They’re trending on social media? Yeah. All right. Thanks for letting me know.”
Josh hung up and returned to his seat.
Ashley took in his expression, and her stomach did a slow churn. Tension bled into her, and she clenched her fork until her knuckles whitened. “What is it? What’s happened?”
“Your friend has started a social media campaign. They’ve flooded the different channels with posts saying you’re unfit to lead the country and that voters are stupid if they vote for you or your party.”
Ashley scooped up her phone, and almost instantly, it rang. She frowned at the unknown number. Every instinct told her that whoever wished to talk to her meant her harm.
“Hello.”
“Ashley.” A husky voice. Masculine, but one she didn’t recognize.
“Who is this?”
“Put the call on speakerphone,” Josh whispered.
“Who’s there?” the man asked.
“My fiancé. We were eating dinner. How can I help you?”
“You ruined my life. Because of you, I lost everything.”
“Who is this?”
“Have you seen my social media posts? I will destroy you,” the man snarled. “Once I’m finished, you will lose everything.” Seconds later, he disconnected the call.
Ashley let Josh take possession of her phone. “I don’t give out my phone number to people. Not this one at any rate. How did he get it?”
He tapped several keys and studied the screen. “If he’s the one who broke into your house, he might have noticed a phone account or paperwork.”
“But I had my laptop with me. I receive electronic statements.” This man… She…
Numbly, she lifted her gaze to Josh. He wore what she privately labeled his warrior's face. Her brother possessed a similar one which always meant it was butt-kicking time.
A pain in her hands had her releasing her grip. She’d gouged crescent marks into her palms. The sense of violation, the spreading tingle of fear had tears burning her eyes. This was meant to be a day of celebration. A day of personal triumph. She’d taken a giant step toward obtaining her driving goal, and this man had spoiled the sweet taste of success for her.
She bunched her hands to fists. This time, she embraced the pain and let it center her mind, to beat back the terror. Did she want to be a sniveling coward? Give up and go away to cry in a corner?
She. Did. Not.
Maybe she should go public about her stalker. At the very least, it might swing the tide of votes her way. Her party deserved a turn in government, and she was determined to do good and help the New Zealanders who required their support. The children. Low-income families. Those who currently struggled to get ahead under the incumbent National Party.
“Ashley.”
Something in Josh’s tone slashed at her burst of confidence. He radiated pity, concern.
“What is it?”
“The guy has flooded social media with obnoxious posts concerning you. He’s attempting to smear your reputation.”
Ashley swallowed hard and steeled herself. “Let me see.” She retrieved her phone. Seconds later, she was scrolling through a social media feed. Dozens of posts, tagged with her name, filled the page. They called her a criminal. They accused her of wrecking homes. They stated she was unfit to run for parliament.
Each post insulted her integrity.
Anger was a fiery ball in the pit of her stomach. It pulsed and expanded with each lie she read. The comments… Well, some were plain disgusting. Ashley moved on to the next social media app. In this one, she was trending as #AshleyCriminal.
Ashley heaved out a harsh breath, fury pumping through her veins. “What happened to the business card the cop gave me?”
Josh rose and retrieved it from the stack of opened mail and flyers she’d tossed in a basket on the counter. “What will you do?”
She dialed the number and held up a hand for silence. “Detective Alexander? It’s Ashley Townsend here, the leader of the Labor party. Can I talk to the contact person for the Diplomatic Protection Service? Yes, I’ll wait.” Her gaze met Josh’s, and his bright blue eyes glittered with approval. “Yes, I’m here.” She reached for a pen and pad and noted the phone number he’d given her. “I received an anonymous phone call a few minutes ago. The man threatened to destroy me and told me to check the social media. He has flooded the internet with slanderous posts and graphics. No, I’ve no idea of his identity. Yes, I’ll speak to the DPS. No, my fiancé is here with me. Okay. Thank you.” She hung up and set her cell phone on the countertop with a firm click. There! Take that.
“Good girl,” Josh said with approval.
“I refuse to let this cowardly arsehole ruin everything I’ve worked for. I’ll fight to the end.” Her pulse raced, and in truth, dizziness had her clutching the counter for stability. But she also felt empowered and damn glad she had Josh at her side.
“What do you intend to do?”
“Well, I won’t post on social media. That would be fruitless and a waste of my time. I believe I’ll use my first public meeting tomorrow, which is a talk to university students, to speak out against bullying. It’s a huge issue worldwide, and kids growing up in New Zealand suffer as much as others. And I think it’s best to ask for help from the DPS. The leader of the opposition party is sometimes offered security under certain circumstances. Let’s see if this situation warrants their help.”
Ashley picked up her fork. “Might as well do it on a full stomach.”
Her phone rang again. Charles. Of course. She’d return his call later after she’d put her plan into motion.
8 – Extra Protection
Two DPS officers arrived at Ashley’s house at seven the next morning, which pleased Josh because he worried at the way this situation was heading. Ashley’s stalker had sounded angry yet controlled. The man had a plan and possessed the patience to follow it. Josh got the impression her stalker was toying with her at present.
The DPS officers, both men, were older than him but bore fit physiques and sharp gazes that never settled but constantly assessed for risk.
“Thank you for coming,” Ashley said. “Your boss told me you’d require nearby accommodation and one of you would drive my car since
it’s big enough for all of us.”
“Yes, ma’am.” The man stood at around Josh’s height of six-four and held himself with a military bearing. His tan skin suggested Maori ancestry as did his close-cut black hair and brown eyes.
“Call me, Ashley,” Ashley said. “Ma’am always makes me feel like my old school teacher. The one who used to rap us across the knuckles with a ruler if we misbehaved.” She paused to peer at them, her lips twitching. “You don’t come bearing rulers, do you?”
The other officer chuckled. “They’re not standard issue. I’m Gerry. That’s Nelson.”
Gerry was a fraction shorter, which made his shoulders appear even broader. He reminded Josh of a rugby player—one of the powerful and bulky forwards—because his gray suit struggled to contain his shoulders. He had a shaved head, blue eyes, and groomed, two-day stubble on his powerful jaw.
Josh held out his hand to Nelson. “Hi, I’m Josh Williams.” He shook Nelson’s hand and turned to Gerry to repeat the action.
“You’re ex-NZSAS,” Nelson said.
“I am. Only recently retired, and I’m helping Ashley with behind-the-scenes stuff while I decide on my next steps.”
“You’re not carrying.” Nelson’s expression indicated trouble if Josh supplied the wrong answer.
“No, that would be against the law. I do have a firearm license, and my rifle is locked up at my father’s farm in Eketahuna.” Josh didn’t doubt they’d checked him out because he’d have done the same.
Ashley glanced at her watch. “It’s time to hit my office and my first meeting at the university. Who wants to drive?”
“I will.” Gerry held out his hand for the car keys.
“I have two spare bedrooms. You want to stow your gear now?”
“It’s fine in the car,” Nelson said. “We’ll sort it out when we get back.”
Ashley collected her handbag, laptop, and briefcase and exited the house. Josh grabbed his phone and the notebook where he’d been scribbling his investigation details. He shoved them both into his inside pocket before setting the alarm and locking the door.
“You have a decent alarm system.” Nelson’s deep bass held approval.
Josh's Fake Fiancee (Military Men Book 5) Page 8
