Hearing voices, Creed turned to see Jace and Cody standing in the open doorway. “Boss,” Jace said as he squatted down to check out the scene. “Let’s see what we got here.” After donning some gloves, he proceeded to bag up the black rose before picking up the envelope.
Creed rose and walked over to where Jace stood as he opened the envelope. Several small, dark red hearts fell to the floor as Jace pulled out a small card. “Don’t touch them,” Creed warned Cody as he knelt down on the floor. “They’re evidence. There could be fingerprints on them.”
Jace froze as he read the card. Looking at Creed, he paused, before glancing in Sloane’s direction. “Tell me,” Sloane ordered. “What does it say?”
Jace kept quiet, waiting for Creed’s permission to share the information. “Tell her,” Creed finally said. He was figuring out just how stubborn Sloane could be. She might be worried she was still broken, but he wasn’t. The woman was a fighter. Even though she might be scared right now, terrified even, she would fight back.
Reluctantly, Jace read the card out loud. “You fucking whore. You are mine. Only mine. My heart bleeds right now because of your black soul. Set him free, or I will.”
Sloane gasped loudly. “What the hell is that supposed to mean?” she asked incredulously. “Does anyone understand what it means?”
“My guess would be the red hearts are for his bleeding heart,” Katy commented as she stood up and walked over to get a look at the note. “The black roses represent what he calls your black soul.” Meeting Creed’s eyes, Katy finished, “And somehow, some way, he has seen you with a man. My guess would be Creed. He’s warning you that if you continue with the relationship, he will stop it himself.”
“Stop it?” Sloane said in horror. “But I don’t even really know Creed. We just met a couple of days ago, and we have only gone out once. Where would he have even seen us together?”
Shrugging, Katy said, “You said you haven’t dated anyone else, right?” As Sloane shook her head in denial, Katy continued, “Then it has to be Creed.”
“It must have been last night at the steakhouse,” Creed said as he thought back. “Either that, or it could have been at the diner here in town. But last night was our first date.”
Wrapping her arms around herself, Sloane turned away and went to stand by the window, effectively closing herself off from everyone in the room. Creed removed his Stetson and raked a hand through his hair before replacing it. “Jace,” he said, “see what you can get here and then take the evidence down to the station to be tested. Cody, it’s a long shot, but go talk to the florist here in town and see if they have sold any black roses lately. Katy, help Sloane pack a bag. She’s coming home with me.”
“No,” Sloane stated lowly. “I’m not. I refuse to put you and Cassie in danger.”
Sighing in frustration, Creed turned to his deputies, “Cody, go check with the florist. Jace and Katy, I want you to start downstairs. Make sure we didn’t miss anything down there and then make your way back up here and question the neighbors.”
Raising her eyebrows at him, Katy just shook her head in exasperation and left the apartment, the other two men following closely behind.
“Be reasonable about this, Sloane,” Creed said, turning back in her direction. “There is some psychopath out there, pissed off because of our relationship. So far, all he’s done is leave you a note and the roses, but he escalated it enough to actually come into your home and leave one. Into your bedroom, Sloane. I don’t feel like you are safe here. Not only that, but I can tell you’re terrified. Come home with me. Let me protect you.”
Placing her hands on her hips, Sloane glared at him. “I won’t deny that I’m scared to death, Creed. But I let that bastard, Jake, run my life for a year. He talked down to me, treated me like a pile of shit and beat me for a full year before I found the courage to fight back and put his ass in jail where he belonged. I refuse to allow anyone to walk all over me again. This is my home. I’m not leaving.”
“Dammit, Sloane,” Creed growled roughly. “I don’t want anything to happen to you.”
“It won’t,” Sloane promised as she came to him and cupped his cheek in the palm of her hand. “I can take care of myself. I promise. I have taken several self-defense classes, and I have protection.”
“What do you mean you have protection?” he demanded.
“I bought a gun when Jake got out of prison. Don’t worry, it’s registered and I have a concealed weapons permit as well.” Moving her hand down to his chest she continued. “I have several hours in on a practice range and I’m a great shot.”
“Having a gun and actually shooting someone with it are two different things,” Creed retorted. “If some bastard breaks down that door and forces his way in here, can you honestly tell me you are going to be able to pull that trigger?”
Staring him straight in the eyes, Sloane responded, “Yes. Yes I can. Because I will never let someone hurt me again. I don’t care how terrified I am.”
Squeezing his eyes tightly shut, Creed removed his Stetson, once again raking his hand frustratingly through his hair. “Fuck,” he swore violently. “I don’t want to leave you alone, Sloane. I just found you. I don’t know what this is between us, but I care about you.”
Placing a finger lightly on his lips, Sloane whispered, “I promise you, Creed. I will be fine.”
Leaning forward, Creed rested his forehead against hers. Slipping an arm around her waist, he pulled her flush against his body. He swore again as he felt a slight tremble go through her. “At least let me spend the night tonight,” he said as he rubbed his cheek against hers. “Cassie can stay with my parents again. Let me protect you tonight.”
“No, Creed,” Sloane murmured. “I think for now we need to keep our distance from each other.”
Rearing his head back, Creed demanded, “What?”
“You heard me,” she said. “I think we need to back away from whatever this is between us until it’s safe.”
“You’re trying to protect me,” Creed said as he pulled her tighter against him. Running a finger lightly down her cheek, he pushed a stray strand of light brown hair behind her ear. “That’s not going to work, Sloane. I won’t let you push me away.”
Tears brimming in her eyes, she whispered, “You don’t have a choice. I don’t want to see you right now, Creed.”
Creed swore angrily. When she flinched, he slowly backed away and put his hat on his head. His hands on his hips he said, “Fine. We’ll do it your way for now. I’ll have a cruiser drive by periodically. If you need anything, call Katy, since you obviously don’t want anything to do with me right now.” Walking to the door, he turned back at the sound of her sniffles. “If you change your mind, you know where to find me.”
Walking out without a backward glance, Creed made his way down the stairs. Meeting Katy at the bottom of them, he ignored her questioning look. “You’re in charge here, Kat. I’m going to go get my daughter.” With a nod to the other two officers, Creed left the building.
Chapter 10
Two weeks later, Sloane still hadn’t heard from Creed. Of course, she huffed to herself, what did she expect? She was the one who sent him away. Looking around at her freshly painted store, instead of the joy and excitement she should have felt, she just felt empty and alone. She’d seen Katy on a daily basis, and both Ryder and Caiden dropped by occasionally, but it wasn’t the same. The one person she wanted to see had not stopped by once to check on her.
They were still no closer to finding out who left Sloane her surprise gifts. When the police tried to track down Jake for questioning, they found out he was back in jail for domestic violence. It seemed his new wife had no problem slapping assault charges on his ass and putting him back where he belonged after a week’s stay in the hospital. There were no fingerprints or fibers found on the roses or card, nor was anything found around the crime scene. The local florist didn’t have black roses for sale, so they hadn’t come from her shop. Right now, th
e case was at a standstill. Sloane slept with a gun in the drawer of her nightstand and her cell phone in her hand.
Sloane jumped as the bell jingled on the front door. Hearing the sound of Cassie’s giggles, she swung around with a grin, freezing when she saw Creed standing there with his daughter. “Daddy brought me to see your store, Sloane!” Cassie said excitedly as she ran over and into Sloane’s outstretched arms.
Sloane’s eyes met Creed’s. He seemed utterly exhausted. Her heart filling with concern, Sloane guided Cassie over to where the children’s section of the bookstore was. The area was painted a bright yellow with images of children flying kites in a park. It had taken Sloane hours to get it just right, but she was really proud of the way it turned out. “I haven’t put the books out just yet,” she said, smiling at Cassie, “but this box here will go on the bottom shelf if you would like to help?” Cassie’s eyes lit up in pleasure. She quickly opened the box and started taking out the brand new books, placing them on the shelves with care.
When she was sure Cassie was engrossed in the books, Sloane cautiously made her way back over to where Creed still stood by the front door. Stopping just a few feet away, she said quietly, “You look tired.”
Shrugging, he walked past her to the middle of the room. Hands resting on his hips, he surveyed the room. Moving to stand behind him, Sloane slowly reached out and placed a hand gently on his back. Feeling him stiffen, she sighed softly and closed her eyes. She’d done this. All she had wanted to do was protect Creed and his family, but in doing so, she was pushing away the best thing that had happened to her in years. She was tired of fighting it. She wanted to be near this man.
Moving closer, she let her head drop to rest in the middle of his shoulders. “I’m so sorry, Creed,” she whispered. “I just couldn’t stand it if something happened to you because of me.” Her breath hitching on a silent sob, she said, “I know we’ve only known each other a few days, but I felt like I have always known you. I’ve heard so much about you from Katy over the years. I’ve missed you so much since you left.”
Turning swiftly, Creed pulled her into his arms, burying his face in her neck. “You think I left?” he demanded. “Do you seriously think I left just because you told me to?” Threading his fingers through her hair, he tugged on it, pulling her head back. His furious gaze raked over her face. “I have been outside your apartment every fucking night for the past two weeks. Every night, Sloane.” Lowering his voice, he growled, “I protect what’s mine. And you, Sloane Murphy, are mine.” Capturing her mouth with his, Creed thrust his tongue past her lips, swiftly claiming her. Pulling back moments later, breathing heavily, he vowed, “I’m not leaving you.”
Tears filled her eyes as she stared at the man in front of her who had come to mean so much to her in the brief time they had spent together. “You’ve really been here every night?” she asked. Glancing around him, her gaze landed on Cassie where she was reading a chapter book she found in the box. Looking back at Creed, she murmured, “But what about Cassie? Where was she?”
“Caiden comes here after work to watch over you until I can get here. Once I get Cassie fed and into bed, Ryder stays the night with her and I come to relieve Caiden. Katy comes here in the early morning hours to take over for me so I can get some sleep before work.”
Sloane stared at him in shock. Even though she had turned him away, Creed was still taking care of her. He was still keeping her safe. Wiping away a tear that slipped free, she whispered softly, “Can you give me fifteen minutes before we leave?”
“Leave?” he questioned, eyebrows raised. “Where are we going?”
Gently stroking his chin with her thumb, Sloane said, “I would like to accept the offer to stay with you and Cassie, if it’s still open.” At the questioning look in his gaze, she shrugged. “It would be easier to protect me if I were near, right? And you need your rest. I’ll stay with you at night, and then come back here during the day to work on the store.” Her heart squeezing in fear, she continued, “But you have to promise me you will be careful, Creed. What if he comes after you? What if he tries to hurt Cassie?”
Shaking his head, Creed responded, “You let me worry about that, Sweetheart. He won’t get near Cassie, I promise. She’s at school during the day, at the ranch with my parents and Ryder in the afternoon, and at night she will be with us.”
Taking a deep breath, Sloane stepped away from Creed and glanced over at Cassie again. “Maybe I should stay with your parents? What will Cassie think about me staying in your house?”
“You’re staying with me,” Creed insisted. “I promise you, you will be safe with me. Cassie will be fine. We will put your things in the spare bedroom.”
Giving in, Sloane left Creed and Cassie in the store while she ran up to her apartment and packed a suitcase. She thought about bringing her gun, but decided against it. She was sure Creed wouldn’t leave her alone at his place, so there shouldn’t be any need for it. Slinging her purse over her shoulder, Sloane picked up her suitcase and left the apartment, making sure to lock both the bottom lock and the deadbolt on her way out. The locks had been replaced after the incident, and she was the only one with a key, so she felt safe.
Hearing Cami’s apartment door open, Sloane glanced over in surprise. She knew Carson was at school, and she thought Cami was at work. At the harried look on Cami’s face, she asked, “Are you okay, Cami?” The woman jumped, dropping her keys. When her eyes connected with Sloane’s, Sloane froze. She knew that look. Cami was terrified of something. Of someone. “It’s okay, Cami,” she said softly. “It’s just me.”
Slowly the fear left Cami’s gaze and it was replaced with bewilderment as her gaze landed on Sloane’s suitcase. “Are you going somewhere?” she asked softly.
Nodding, Sloane said, “I’m going to go stay with Creed for a few days. Just until they figure out who is threatening me.”
Cami’s eyes widened as she whispered, “Someone is threatening you? I thought someone just tried to break into your place to rob it?”
“No,” Sloane responded. “Someone actually left me a threatening note. I haven’t heard anything in a couple of weeks from him, but Creed is worried.”
Twisting her hands together in agitation, Cami asked, “Do they know who it is?”
“Not yet, but hopefully they will find something out soon.” Sloane glanced down the hall toward the stairs, knowing she’d been gone too long and Creed would come looking for her soon. “I need to go. Creed’s waiting. But you are safe, Cami. The man targeted me, not you.”
Sloane could tell she hadn’t managed to ease Cami’s fears at all as the woman’s gaze darkened. “Well, stay safe,” she said as she quickly ran down the stairs and out the back door.
That was really strange, Sloane thought as she made her way slowly down the stairs. After entering her store, she locked the door that separated her store from the back entrance. Going over to the door that led down to the basement, Sloane locked it as well. She wasn’t taking any unnecessary chances. At least if someone did manage to break in, she would know she did everything she could to prevent it.
Crossing the room to Creed and Cassie, Sloane smiled. Father and daughter were so much alike in their actions and mannerisms. Her heart jumped as she realized how deeply she cared for both of them already. If anything happened to either of them because of her, she would never forgive herself. It seemed crazy to have Creed’s whole family running all over hell to watch over her, though. He wanted to take care of Sloane, but he needed to be there for Cassie too. It only made sense for all of them to be under the same roof so Creed wasn’t run so ragged. He looked about ready to drop. If that happened, he wouldn’t be able to help anyone. She just prayed her stalker didn’t follow them out to the ranch.
“I’m ready,” Sloane said brightly as she stopped in front of them. “Should we get going? I can make dinner when we get home.” She stiffened when she realized what she had said. Home. It wasn’t her home, it was Creed’s. She hoped she di
dn’t offend him. But he just took the suitcase from her and walked to the door, Cassie on his heels.
“We need to get going,” he said as he held the door open, “but Mom’s making dinner tonight. I think she said something about chicken and dumplings.”
Locking the door behind them, Sloane followed Creed to his truck. After putting her luggage in the back, Creed helped both Cassie and Sloane in. Walking around to the driver’s side, he got in and started the vehicle. His hands tightening on the steering wheel, he said, “Thank you, Sloane.”
“For what?” she asked in surprise. Creed backed the truck out of the parking spot and headed toward the ranch before responding.
Lacing his fingers with hers, he brought her hand up to give it a soft kiss. “Thank you for coming home with me. For letting me take care of you.” Gently squeezing her fingers, he rested their clasped hands on his thigh.
Smiling softly at him, Sloane whispered, “Thank you for staying and watching over me even though I tried to push you away.”
Tempting His Heart Page 6
