by Mimi Barbour
Less than a minute later, he returned, appearing out of the dark like a gliding shadow with no forewarning. “They set up two cop cars with only four officers. From what I could make out, a couple are down. Those two SUV assholes have assault weapons. Wait here. I’m going to get closer and see if I can help.”
Maya nodded and slumped against the tree. Her brain felt like putty and there was very little energy left in her overtaxed body. “Okay. Give me a minute. I’ll be there soon.”
“No, baby. You’re spent.” Nik caressed her cheek to get her attention. When she focused on him, he added, “I’ll take care of things. Just stay here.”
In seconds, Nik disappeared. Not even the surrounding brush stirred as he slipped away. Hearing the rattling of the firing arms in the distance, Maya knew she should investigate, but the slight incline to reach the road looked like Monkey Hill. It would take more energy than she could muster.
The gunfire stopped. She sagged. Then it started up again.
She moved…
Chapter 48
Nik, aware and gratified that his training had kicked in, shifted closer to the action. Flattened on the ridge of the bank, he saw yet another cop grab his chest and drop.
With nothing left to lose the killers were obviously willing to take as many lives as necessary to get away.
Palming his gun, Nik decided his best chance was to go around through the brush and trees to get closer to the SUV from the right. He’d get a clear shot at Butterball and the other turkey. That would leave just Bard, the same idiot hiding behind the open door of their vehicle, screeching, being bloody annoying. Just then, Nik saw a man’s bound hands reaching from the open window, wrap around the loser’s neck and hold on. Bard struggled but couldn’t break loose. Eventually, he slumped over.
Julian!Good man.
Swiftly moving into place, Nik made his way to where he’d get the best advantage for a clear shot and took it. Clutching at his stomach, Bubba hit the ground. The other gunman swung Nik’s way and a round of bullets decimated much of his camouflage.
Crab-crawling, Nik worked around to the next clump of trees. From there, he could see the gunman disappearing to the other side of the vehicle.
Assessing the situation came naturally to him. Distancing himself from his rioting emotions took more effort but it paid off. He was in complete control. It felt good. Taking a few seconds, he scanned the area. Near to where he’d left Maya, he saw a dark shadow moving toward the action.
Shit! Why didn’t that woman ever do as she was told? Immediately, his body’s responses invaded his composure. Sweat pooled all over his body and spurts of rampant adrenaline were spiking, leaving his breathing choppy and his head reeling.
Tires screeching caught his attention. When the gunman had been focused on Nik, the last cop had made it safely into a squad car and was backing it up, trying to get away. Except, then, the road would be open for the SUV to disappear.
No fucking way he’d get back in the big rig with Maya driving. And since the other cruiser had been shot up pretty badly, if they had to follow, it would be their only choice.
Uh-uh! This had to stop now. Thinking to keep the gunman’s attention on him and away from Maya, noisy on purpose, he kept zigzagging until he had the demolished cruiser for protection. Shots followed him all the way, ravaging the foliage in his wake; the panicky fool with the gun fired at anything that moved.
From the glow of the receding headlights, Nik knew exactly when the shooter realized there was someone sneaking around behind him. Breaking cover, Nik tried to draw the prick’s attention away from Maya.
He knew he was visible and stayed that way just as long as it took for the douchebag to turn on him. Then he rolled to the right and fired a couple of times, but not before the gunner got off another barrage of bullets… this time toward Maya.
Suddenly, the headlights from the retreating car advanced. Seemed like the cop wasn’t running away, just swinging the vehicle around to line it up and put the sniper on stage.
It worked like a hot damn. Seeing the approaching headlights baffled the prick. He ran toward the bush, trying to lose himself in the dark. Nik’s bullet in the thigh brought him to the ground. And Maya arrived just in time to kick the gun away, straddle and hold the sucker until the furious officer left his vehicle and came running, handcuffs swinging.
“I’ll take the bastard now, ma’am. Damn glad to see you two.” He smiled up at Nik as he approached and then punched the whiner, wiggling on the ground under him. “Shut up, asshole.” Another whack and the prisoner got the message and lay quiet. “I called for backup. They’re coming, I can hear the sirens. There’re three officers down back there who need medical attention.”
Chapter 49
Taking the hint, Maya ran to the closest cop and saw that he held his shoulder and was conscious. “You okay, man?”
“I’m fine, Agent. You might want to check on Doug over there. He took one in the belly.”
“Will do. Hang on. There’s help coming.” Maya ran in the direction he’d indicated and found a young patrolman unconscious with a gaping, bloody hole in his stomach. Quickly, she pulled off her T-shirt and rolled it up so she could put pressure on the wound to try and slow down the bleeding.
Nik soon joined her. He pointed at the other fallen officer and shook his head, sadness obvious in his expression.
Fury overrode her hope. “Dammit!”
“Bastards were determined to get away, no matter what.”
“Yeah! I’m really sorry. But now the charge will be murder one. Hopefully, that’ll make them talk. Maybe they’ll tell us where the container is.” Maya couldn’t wait to drill the losers when they got them in the interview room.
“That depends on what scares them the most. And, somehow, from what we heard earlier, I don’t think they’re as afraid of prison as they are of their boss.”
“I can take it from here, Agent Barnes.” The approaching medical team were all eyeballs and grins when they saw Maya’s lacy white bra. In the dim light, the pale mounds of her breasts were obvious attractions too.
Growling, Nik quickly removed his own shirt and threw it at the unselfconscious woman. “You want those men to get anything done tonight; you might want to cover up those gorgeous tits.”
Maya stood, smiled and pulled on the cover. “Thanks, partner.” She chuckled when one of the EMRs whispered, “Aw!” Nik smacked the younger man on the back of the head lightly in a chummy manner, and this time she laughed. His possessiveness kind of made her feel good. Heading over to the SUV, she was glad that Nik followed.
“Is Juli okay?”
“I don’t know. There hasn’t been time to see. Let’s go find out.”
They approached the other side of the vehicle only to find a young girl with a blanket wrapped around her shoulders and her face drenched in tears.
Maya went up to her and quickly hugged the teenager, who literally collapsed in her arms. Stroking her back, rocking her, Maya whispered sweet nothings with words that sufficed in any language.
Nik caught one of the officer’s attention. “Where’s Julian?”
“Who?”
“Julian Freed. He was one of the hostages they’d kidnapped.”
“Sorry, sir, I have no idea. We only found the girl in the car.”
Son-of-a-bitch!
Chapter 50
Pulling up to Maya’s house some time later, Nik hesitated to accept her invitation for coffee. He knew what would happen the minute they were alone, and he wasn’t sure he should be taking advantage of her after what she’d been through earlier.
“Really? You’re going to pull that shit again?”
“What shit?”
“Being all moody and rejecting my come-on.” She did look a little miffed at the thought that he was seriously contemplating not taking her up on her offer.
“Look, sweetheart. There’s nothing I want more than to wrap myself around… and inside that sweet body of yours. But you’ve
been through a hell of a night. First, you were in a car accident.”
“The safety bags protected us.”
“Then you had to handle that damn monster truck.”
“And listen to your whimpering.” A soft giggle followed that fact.
“And then… you were in a shoot-out. Baby, I just don’t want to act the mindless brute thinking only of myself.”
Leaning into him, she let him see her globby eyes suddenly full of tears. “You know what? No one’s ever been so nice to me before. I can’t tell you how much it means to me.”
Baffled, Nik stroked her cheek then kissed it. “What?”
“What you just said. You putting me first before your own needs.” Gently, she reached for the hard protrusion between his legs to show him how aware she was of his predicament. “No one’s ever done that before.”
“What?” His voice lowered, a husky note creeping in.
“Cared enough to put me first. Don’t you know any other word?”
“Wha—” This time she wiped his grin off with her lips.
“I want you inside. The house… and me.”
Moving as only he could, Nik swung open the door of their black issue and had her in his arms, carrying her up the steps. She found the key and they entered, lips already glued to each other’s.
“God, Nik. Were you really going to leave me tonight when I needed you so badly?”
“Believe me. Not because I wanted to. But you looked… I don’t know… wasted.” Her stiffening made him add. “I meant that in the nicest possible way. Baby, you’re really drained. I saw it on the way home when you kept rubbing your hands together and then the back of your neck.”
“Never too tired for you, for this…”
He kissed her hard and loved when her arms wrapped around him, pulling him closer. She was all but glued to his body, her leg encircled his hip. He adored her flexibility.
Letting her head fall back, she stared at him. He paused and looked at her. The world stopped.
They delved deep into each other’s eyes, searching, sharing—opening themselves. Their bodies melding, entwined, heart thundering against heart. It was a moment he knew was imprinted in his memory for all time, one he’d never forget. Because this was when he fell for her completely. In love, in lust—infatuated. This beautiful woman had usurped the only important thing so far in his life that he cared about—his army brothers and his career.
Nik’s heart flipped open, totally vulnerable. Fear hovered waiting to take over but he wouldn’t allow it access. He’d trust her.
Dear Lord, for the first time in his life, he’d believe.
His eyes filled.
Chapter 51
Maya sensed his vulnerability before she saw it. Being wrapped in his arms made her feel safe, protected… secure. Like he’d never hurt her or let anyone else do so either. The last time she’d known this feeling was when Charlie was still alive. After he’d left her alone to deal with her crazy family, she’d vowed no one would be able to get that close again. Little did she know, her heart had a will of its own.
Trust flared.
A sob broke loose.
Resisting walls, those she’d hidden behind for years, started crumbling, freeing her so she felt defenseless yet lighter, happier… in love.
He seemed to know when she’d answered his unspoken plea. Given him what he wanted from her, a promise, silent yet nevertheless binding. He groaned. It sounded like a cry of pain, yet joy gave it the lift so it made her weak with happiness.
She answered with her own weepy sigh of acceptance. Then she closed her eyes and got caught up in the sweet kiss that sealed their promise. It went on forever and drained all the negative emotions from inside, leaving only hunger for his body, passion and desire.
Her hands reached for his head, fingers skimming his face, hair, caressing his neck and keeping him in place. She never wanted this kiss to end.
Finally, breathless, their mouths slowly separated. His lips travelled to her neck and left a flurry of kisses from her hairline to her shoulders. His nuzzling aroused her to the point that her knees threatened to buckle. As if he sensed her difficulties, he swung her up into his arms and headed for the bedroom.
Once there, he laid her on the white comforter and reached over to turn on the floor lamp. While he removed his weapon and unselfconsciously stripped off his clothes, she enjoyed his performance. The man was all male, from the powerful muscles in his chest that worked their way right down his body, to the flaring hips and hard protrusion he seemed to be unaware of.
But she was. His extensive ah…asset would be the ultimate instrument to bring her great pleasure, again and again.
Leaning forward, affection overwhelming, she kissed it and he froze. Running her fingers along the length, she sucked on the tip just to let him know she liked him.
His hands in her hair, clutching then rubbing, allowed her this pleasure until he seemed overcome and gently drew her away.
“Not like this, little darlin’. My control is non-existent when it comes to you anyway, and what your lips were doing to me was pure criminal. I promise you can go back there all you want. But our first time, I’d like us both to be satisfied.”
She hugged his hips, leaving one last kiss of promise, and sagged back on the bed, an arm on either side of her head. “You sure know how to break a girl’s heart.” Joking, she pouted and then grinned. “I’ll take you up on that promise for later. But now, I feel like I need help to get undressed. You want to play lady’s maid?”
Nik grinned. “Nothing I’d like better. Come ‘ere, you.” He hauled her tenderly to her feet and slowly worked his way through each piece of clothing, leaving kisses on every bit of skin he could reach. His day-old beard scratched in places and she never said a word, just enjoyed the sensation until he reached her tender breasts.
“I’m hurting you.” Regret filled his rough voice.
“No. A little. I don’t care.” She angled her chest closer to his face. “Don’t stop!” He took the hint. Rather than nuzzling as he had been doing, he licked and sucked the nipple – the effect was powerful.
In the meantime, his hands caressed her naked backside, edging her closer, nestling her between his legs so he could feel her softness blanket him. Maybe he had intended to carry her to the bed, but when he lifted, she wrapped her legs around his hips, opening herself totally.
“Oh, God!”
“Please, Nik.”
And so it began.
Chapter 52
Refreshed from an early morning romp, a shared shower and yet more lovemaking, Nik stopped checking his e-mails and saw that Maya was now dressed in her usual attire. Slim-fitting black pants topped with her favored embroidered white cotton blouse, and braided sandals that were just a little girlie making her look professional yet feminine. Her shiny auburn hair, lightened with streaks by the sun, framed her face in a way that he loved. He sat fully up in the bed with the sheet slipping away from his naked hips. “Now where do you think you’re going, ma’am?”
Maya’s eyes lingered hungrily on his body. Then she shook herself and smiled at him. “I promise I’ll wait for you to come into the interview room with me when I face the shooter, but I want to hurry to the office so I can get that search warrant activated. I know you have to go to the hotel and get changed, so let’s meet back at the office.”
Seeing her suggestion as a sensible solution, he nodded in agreement. Accompanying her to the door, he took his time kissing her goodbye and chuckled when she started to back into the room, undoing the buttons on her blouse.
“None of that, sexy lady. There’s a lot of work to get through today. Those kidnapped girls are haunting me.”
She lowered her head, forehead against his chest. Leaving a soft kiss in farewell, she murmured, “I know what you mean. Okay. I’m off. Later, lover.” A cheeky grin and a kiss on his nose left him reeling with affection. Not wanting to delve into the fear those sentiments generated, he grabbed for his pa
nts.
Being alone, he took a few minutes to call Max and fill him in on what had gone down the night before.
“Bro, things are really heating up. I think it’s time I returned and took up my place.” Max sounded resigned.
“Can you walk very far on that leg yet?”
“It’s better, man.”
“Which means you can’t, and I’m pretty sure running is completely out of the question.”
“No matter. You’re in danger. If anything happens to your ass now that Nellie’s found you, I might as well shoot myself before she does it for me. You don’t know our mother, Nik, or what she’s capable of.”
Nik laughed at the image Max set into his head. “We won’t tell her.”
“Nik, you won’t have to. She’ll know. Look, I’m on some new painkillers and they’re working great. Come over later and fill me in. I’ll switch back with you in the next day or so.”
Nik knew bloody well that wouldn’t happen. First of all, he’d never leave Maya to deal with Smith & Sons without him. And second, somewhere along the way he’d discovered feelings for his brother that wouldn’t allow him to put Max in danger.
“Yeah! Fine. Gotta go. We’re going to question the pricks today, and Maya is working on a warrant to search Smith’s office building. We need to find their latest shipment. The semi was empty last night except for Julian and Mai, one of the teens who escaped the basement a while back with Julian’s help. But we know they’re out there.”
“What makes you so sure there are more hostages?”
“Why would they use a semi to transport two people? Plus we overheard them talking about a shipment they were sent to pick up. Said it would have to wait until today. We need to find out what they meant. We know they do most of their monkey business at night, so if more girls were arriving to be picked up at the terminal yesterday, we better find out. It’s fucking hot today and they won’t last long. Look, Maya’s waiting for me. I’ll call later.” Nik hung up and gathered the rest of his stuff.
