After about an hour, officers had confiscated his personal laptop and filing cabinets. We’d have our guys go through these in a matter of days. There was no telling what we’d find on there. People who didn’t understand computers don’t realize how easy it was to retrieve deleted emails and pictures. And something told me he was one of these people. In the short time I’d known him, I could tell he was arrogant.
And arrogance led to stupidity.
My cell vibrated in my pocket. When I looked at the screen, I saw Aaron’s number. I clicked accept. “Tell me you have something.”
“We’ve got him,” he replied, with excitement in his tone. “We found a lock box filled with stained panties. What do you bet we find our victims’ DNA on one of them?”
I wanted to fist pump the air, but I kept my composure. “Anything else?”
“A USB flash drive, about five thousand dollars in cash, and some pictures of a woman in restraints,” he said the details like he was reading from a list. “Looks like the suspect is into some kinky shit.”
It was done. There was no chance he’d walk away from any of this a free man. And once his arrest was made public, we’d likely see some of the other women come forward. That was how most cases like this went. I was so happy, I could’ve hugged every officer in the room. But I kept it cool. “Thanks, Aaron.”
“Are you heading back to the precinct?” he asked.
And miss the best part of the night? The moment he was handcuffed and formally arrested? I’d pay every dollar I had to see that. “No, it looks like I’ll be attending the Oscars after all.”
“Whatever you do, make sure it’s legal,” he warned. “We both know this is personal.”
It didn’t get more personal than this. In reality, I should’ve been removed from the case the moment it became known that I was dating Sloane. But Aaron had let me stay on without word getting back to the captain. He knew how much this meant to me, and put himself on the line once more. “I’ll take a few guys with me,” I assured him. “I won’t do anything that will endanger our case.”
“I knew that already,” he replied. “But I had to say it.”
He was a true friend. He’d been there for me more times than I can name. From our weeks in training and through the years, I couldn’t have asked for a better partner. “I understand,” I replied. “I’m just glad you have my back.”
“Always.”
☬
This had turned out to be an even bigger circus than I’d anticipated. Traffic was a nightmare. Luckily we drove over with our sirens flashing, forcing our way through. Once we parked the vehicles, we headed toward the Dolby Theatre front entrance. We strode over the red carpets surrounding the building, passing by a massive gold Oscar statue that stood right by the double doors. We were taken to management department. Once security read the warrant, we were escorted to the main floor. As soon as the live event went to commercial, the seating coordinator walked us down to Sloane’s table.
As I stepped down the staircase, I got nervous. I hadn’t seen or talked to her since she broke up with me. How was she going to handle seeing me, especially under these circumstances? We were about to arrest him in front of the biggest names in Hollywood. All eyes were on us and I had no doubt this would be the headline story of every newscast around the country. I didn’t want to draw unneeded attention to her, but I also didn’t want her to have to spend another minute with that asshole.
But she wasn’t here.
Three actresses sat at the table with one actor and two empty seats. The tuxedoed actor I didn’t recognize was the first to speak. “What’s going on, officers?”
Since I didn’t wear a standard police uniform, I flashed my badge.
“We’re looking for Julian Harkness.” I announced, crossing my arms. “We were told he’d be here.”
“He left a few minutes ago.” He turned to the actresses, then continued. “He seemed like he was chasing after Sloane.”
My chest tightened. This award show had been such a big deal to her. It didn’t make sense that she’d want to leave before it was over. “What happened to Ms. Ardent?”
He shrugged. “She left shortly after her category was announced.”
I considered asking if she’d won, but I didn’t want any of them to know that we had a personal connection. She’d prefer us to keep this about Julian. I scanned the enormous room. “Which way did they go?”
He pointed to a side entrance. “They’re probably waiting for their limo.”
I signaled for the other officers to follow me. We headed down a tunnel that led outside. The parking lot was littered with stretch, Hummer, and SUV limousines. A few drivers leaned on their vehicle. They must’ve been waiting until they were told their passengers were ready to leave. With all these limos scattered around, how was I supposed to find Sloane? I didn’t know her driver. I didn’t even know the type of limo she preferred.
“Let’s split up,” I instructed to the other officers. “We’ll talk to these drivers. There has to be someone that saw one of them come out. Call me if you find them.”
They each nodded, heading in different directions. I asked a few of the drivers if they’d seen anyone, but each of them said no. Growing impatient, I just started flashing my badge at them and opening the doors myself. Each one had been empty. After searching through twenty or so, I stopped moving and rubbed the back of my neck. There was music coming from the inside of the building, otherwise it was pretty quiet out here.
I heard something. The sound was so quiet, I wondered if I’d imagined it. I swore, it sounded like a muffled cry. I turned around, and lowered down to my knees. It was coming from somewhere close. My entire body stiffened when an unmistakable voice cried out, “Help me!”
Chapter Twenty-One – Sloane Ardent
I was getting out of here.
After everything I’d been through, I wasn’t going to let him do this to me. I wiggled my body as he continued to tear at the back of my dress. I managed a few times to swat him away, but that wasn’t going to be enough. I twisted and turned until I got on my back. He tried to pull down the front of my dress, but I surprised him with a punch to the throat. It wasn’t my best, but it was enough to knock him back.
I sat up.
“You bitch,” he screamed, slapping me across the cheek. The force was hard enough to make my lip bleed.
Ignoring the pain, I crawled forward. I tried to make it to the door, but my dress tangled my feet and I couldn’t move.
When he realized what was happening, he lunged at me. I fell to floor, hitting the back of my head hard. He put his hands around my throat and squeezed. “You thought you had me but look at you now,” he said, tightening his grip. “You’re nothing. You hear me, whore? Nothing.”
I dug my fingernails into his hands so deep I drew blood. The panic set in. I wasn’t getting any air and I knew I had to do something fast. But the longer this went on, the weaker I became. Starbursts lined my vision as the blackness tried to take me.
A door opened.
I heard another voice, then several more. Julian was pulled off of me. I leaned to the side as I took in gobs of air. My tender neck swelled where his hands had been. There’d definitely be bruising tomorrow. But I survived. When I tried to sit up, I heard a voice I’d know anywhere.
“Jesus, Sloane,” Matthew said, in a worried tone. “Are you hurt?”
I glanced down, seeing for the first time what he’d done to my dress. It was hanging off on my shoulder, torn in multiple places, and a bit dirty. I was sure the rest of me looked similar. “I’m okay,” I croaked, barely able to use my voice.
He reached for me, helping me out of the limo. As soon as we were both outside, he scooped me into his arms. I wrapped my arm around his shoulder, leaning my head against his chest. The move seemed a bit overboard, but I wasn’t going to stop him. My muscles ached in every part of my body, and I needed a moment to collect myself.
Before long, emergency vehicles arrived at the scene.
The police had blocked the paparazzi from entering the area. I got checked out by an EMT inside the ambulance. Based on the soreness in my side, he thought I might have a broken rib or two. I told him I’d see a doctor. Matthew stayed by my side the entire time. It made me sad, considering what I had done to him the last time we spoke. He’d told me that he loved me and I broke up with him.
All the more reason I didn’t deserve him.
When I tried to exit the ambulance Matthew held out his hand. “Where do you think you’re going?”
The Oscars would be over soon. Once the people inside found out what happened, this place would turn into a circus. They’d be everywhere and we would be trapped. My hair and makeup was ruined, along with my dress. And bruises were already forming around my neck and shoulders. I didn’t want this to be my image in every paper and on television show around the country. Pictures last forever.
“I have to get out of here.” I edged off the back of the truck. “The longer we stay, the less likely we’ll get out. The national news crews haven’t arrived yet, but it’s only a matter of time.”
“You need to go to the hospital,” he insisted.
I pointed at the EMT. “I told him I would.”
“You could have internal bleeding,” he said, in a concerned tone. “You’ll go now.”
I couldn’t go like this. I had to go home and change first. “I’ll go when I say I’ll go.”
“You’ll go right now or I’ll throw you over my shoulder and carry you.” He crossed his arms over his massive chest. “Your choice.”
The stern look in his eyes said he wasn’t backing down. I huffed but nodded in agreement. He held out his hand, helping me back into the ambulance. Once he got inside, the EMT shut the door. He sat next to me, taking my hand. “I was scared out of my mind.”
Tears welled in my eyes. “I’m sorry I didn’t tell you. I didn’t want you to get caught up in this.”
He ran his thumb over my cheek, careful to avoid my swollen lip. “From now on, I need you to trust me. Okay?”
Trust wasn’t something I gave easily, but he’d certainly earned it. I’d never met anyone as amazing as him. He was my hero in every possible way. I leaned my head against his chest and closed my eyes. “Thanks for saving my life.”
He kissed the top of my head. “I’d do anything for the woman I love.”
☬
We’d gotten home late from the hospital. I was lucky. The tests came back negative. No broken bones. Although the report was positive, Matthew remained a nervous wreck. We took a cab to my house. He carried me inside and up to the bathroom. He insisted on bathing me so I wouldn’t have to use my sore muscles. It was all very sweet. He had that whole knight-in-shining-armor thing going strong.
I tried to hide my hisses as the soap seeped into my cuts. I didn’t want Matthew to worry any more than he already had. Once we were done and he dried me off, he helped me into a loose night shirt and I curled into bed. He wasn’t far behind, but instead of cuddling together, he kept his distance from me. He was afraid he might hurt me, but I insisted on it anyway. I’d never felt safer than when I was in his arms. Never wanted to be anywhere more.
It was such a relief to have him by my side once more. But there was still guilt lingering. After all that had happened, I wasn’t sure he’d be happy in this life. I worried he’d give up too much just to stay by my side. And as much as I loved and wanted him, I had to think of him first. “What does all this mean?” I asked.
“Huh?” he asked, seemingly surprised by my question.
I shifted around so we were facing each other. “Last time I saw you, I ended things. I hurt you.”
“I understand why you did it,” he assured me. “You were trying to protect me. I could never be angry about that.”
He was so easy on me. There were no grudges or hurt feelings. He was willing to push all that happened aside and get right back to the way things were. It was so incredible that he seemed almost impossible. How could anyone be this understanding? “Are you sure this is what you want?” I asked, whispering to ease my swollen throat. “My life is never going to be normal.”
“I knew this wouldn’t be a typical relationship. When we met, I knew you were an actress. And I’ve lived in this town long enough to know what that means. But none of that matters.” He ran his thumb over my cheek. “I’m in love with you, and as long as I have you, I’ll be happy.”
“I love you too.” I wrapped my arms around his neck. “I love you so much it scares me.”
“You don’t ever have to be afraid again.” He brushed his lips softly against mine. “I’ll be here as long as you want me. Forever if you’ll have me.”
I wasn’t sure if he knew what he was insinuating, but it sure sounded a lot like a proposal. I pulled back so I could stare into his eyes. “Are you asking me to marry you?”
“I am,” he showed me his hand. “But I don’t have a ring.”
We’d only known each other for two weeks, which made this whole thing seem crazy. But I knew my own heart. I’d never been myself with any other man. Matthew accepted me as I was, which gave me the courage to trust him. Every second we were together just felt right, like I was exactly where I was meant to be. There was nothing to consider. No doubts in my mind. I put my hand in his, and said, “I don’t need a ring. I only need you.”
“Does that mean you accept?” he asked.
With tears streaming down my cheeks, I replied, “Yes, I’ll marry you.”
He kissed me tenderly, making every effort not to hurt me. His touch was so soft, I barely felt his fingertips as he grazed my bare skin. I wanted him in the worst way, but I doubted he’d make a move on me. With that in mind, I hoisted myself on top of him and lifted the night shirt over my head. I put my hands on his chest. “I want you inside me.”
His jaw clenched. “I don’t want to hurt you.”
“I promise to tell you if I feel any pain.” I put his hands on my breasts, and my nipples peaked. “Please, Matthew. I need this so bad.”
He shimmied his boxer briefs down, and his rock hard cock sprung out. I took him in my hand and stroked up and down. His face was strained as he let a small moan escape his throat. But I couldn’t take much more of this tease. I was desperate to get him inside of me. I leaned forward, positioning his tip at my entrance. Slowly, I sunk into him. He let out a growl when he filled me to the hilt.
He rolled my hardened tips between his fingers as I rode his cock. I kept my eyes on him. He was beautiful, moaning through every thrust. Just watching the pleasure on his face made me want to cum. I was so slick inside, my cream seemed to be pouring out of me. I let out heavy, panting breath as I approached my first orgasm. It didn’t take long before I erupted, jolting through every delicious wave of my climax.
His hands moved to my hips as he drove himself even deeper inside. I squeezed my breasts as I bounced on top of him. He took over, rubbing my clit as he pounded into me. The sensation was incredible. I never wanted it to end. Every nerve ending in my body was sizzling. My heart pounded in my chest, while my core pulsated. Another orgasm rippled through me, stronger than the last. I screamed out as loud as my voice would allow. My legs shook, and I collapsed on top of him.
Wrapping his arms around me, he said, “You are so beautiful, angel.”
I snuggled my head into the crook of his neck, still panting. He rolled us over, holding his weight on his forearms. I saw that he was waiting for a response from me. Like he needed to know I was okay. I smiled at him, running my fingers through his dark hair. He leaned down, letting his lips softly connect with mine. Every movement he made was so tender, so caring it made me tear up. He kept his momentum slow and steady, never taking his eyes off of me even for a second.
Something was different this time around. There was a stronger connection between us. This wasn’t about two people fucking. It was like we were joining together. Like we were one. It was unlike anything I’d felt before. All of a sudden I wanted to cry.
Not because I was sad, but because I was totally and completely in love. I wanted us to stay in the moment forever. He was more than I’d ever thought possible. This was what it felt like to be made love to. I always imagined it would be different, but I never thought it would be this intense.
I was consumed.
He lowered down until he was between my legs, spreading my legs wider. I felt his stubble on my thighs as he kissed my damp folds. My core tightened, aching to be touched. He took his time, licking and sucking my pussy lips. But when he ran his tongue down my slit I let out a groaning moan. He spread me open with his fingers, and tickled my clit with the tip of his tongue. My back arched, and he wrapped his arms around my hips to hold me in place.
I reached out, digging my fingers into his hair. He made little circles around my clit, driving me nearly out of my mind with need. And the second he sucked my swollen nub into his mouth, I came for the third time. Cream poured out of me, coating his lips. But he didn’t stop. Instead, he explored every inch of me with his tongue. The more I moaned, the slower he went. He’d licked every drop of my cream.
By the time he’d crawled back up, I was ready to pass out. I laid there like a limp noodle while he drove his big cock back into me. His moans were delicious, making me want to cum again. His jaw clenched as he picked up speed. He was close. “Cum inside of me,” I urged. “I want it so bad.”
“I don’t have a condom on,” he replied, with a bit of panic in his tone. “Everything happened so fast, I completely forgot.”
I should’ve stopped him knowing I wasn’t on birth control. But the thought of being pregnant with his child excited me in a way nothing else ever had before. I imagined him kissing my pregnant belly. Holding my hand in the delivery room. And then I saw a beautiful house with a white picket fence, kids running around the front yard, and the two of us sitting on the porch in matching chairs. The whole thing was so clear it seemed as if I was actually looking at the future.
“I want to have your baby.” I gushed.
“Are you serious?” he asked, seeming genuinely surprised by my response.
Desperate Measures (Men in Uniform #1) Page 12
