by Lisa Kessler
“So can I read it?”
Brian’s dad had left him and his mom a couple of years prior, and he’d responded by clamming up. Being the tough guy. Getting him to write a poem was a miracle, having him ready to share it, and slam it with the class was a gift that wouldn’t come around again if she shut him down now.
Besides, she was in a cursing kind of mood.
She lifted her gaze. “Lose the F-Bomb and you can keep the others, but warn everyone first so they have the option to leave if they find it offensive.”
He caught himself before he let a smile slip through. “Thanks, Ms. Jacoby.”
She called roll and stepped to the front. The desks were moved back a few feet, giving the poets space to work the room. They’d watched some slam poets on YouTube this week to prepare, and today would be volunteers only. No mandatory readings, but she was pleased to see more than half the class had signed up, including Brian.
“Remember our rules. Respect for the poet at all times. You can clap, cheer, cry—all emotions are welcome. Be open and support your classmates. Slamming isn’t easy. Got it?”
Lots of nods and the first student got up. Some nervous giggles, but overall, she nailed it. As more went up and shared their scars, their passions, and their heartbreaks, her eyes welled with tears of pride.
Finally, Brian took center stage. “Yo, I got some language in here so you got a problem, you better step out.”
He waited. None of them left.
Brian found his rhythm, and the room fell silent. He shouted and cursed, but it was the soft lines when his voice trembled that ripped her heart out. The quiet moments when he admitted his pain and wished he could see his dad one last time, aching for closure he would probably never get.
When he finished, all the air sucked from the room. He froze. And one set of hands clapped, followed by another, until all the students in the room were on their feet cheering.
And Brian smiled.
Mel wiped a tear from her cheek, cheering right along with the rest of the class. Kids hugged and high-fived him as he made his way back to his spot.
A poem on its own might not change a life, but a moment like this could.
The bell rang, and she turned to find Nate at her door. Her heart stuttered. He moved out of the doorway so the steady stream of students could rush out, but his gaze never left her face, not for a second. How long had he been there?
Once the room was empty, he crossed to her desk. “You’re amazing.”
She shook her head, heat flushing her cheeks, and she stacked the papers on her desk. “I didn’t expect you to be so prompt.”
She wasn’t ready for this talk yet. If it was going to be the one she expected—the one where he told her it’s safe to go back to Callie’s—she didn’t want to hear it. His finger caught her chin, drawing her attention up to him.
“Why wouldn’t I be?”
She shrugged, wishing she didn’t love staring up into his eyes. “I don’t know. You have a lead so I thought you’d be chasing it, lose track of time, call to cancel—”
He stopped her rambling with a tender kiss. When he pulled back, a smile tugged at his lips. “What’s wrong? Your glass half-empty is running away with you.”
She took a step back. “It’s silly.” She grabbed her bag and hooked it on her shoulder. “Let’s get going before we have to get a dinner reservation.”
His expression sobered. “Mel, talk to me.”
She leaned against the edge of her desk and crossed her arms. “I’m freaked out because you wanted to take me someplace fancy.”
He puzzled over that for a second and finally chuckled. “I thought you’d be excited. I wanted to celebrate, that’s all.”
“But what are we celebrating?”
Now he looked as uncomfortable as some of her students when she made them read aloud. Shit. She was right. She balled her hands into fists behind her back, trying to hold herself together.
Nate blew out a slow breath and lifted his gaze to her face. “I wanted to celebrate the lead, and then I hoped I’d be celebrating that when this is over, you would stay. With me.”
Surprise didn’t begin to describe her sudden relief. She rushed toward him, and he took her in his arms, holding her as if he’d never let her go.
He kissed her hair and whispered, “Is that a yes?”
She nodded and pulled back to see his face. “Yes. I thought you were going to tell me I’d have to move soon.”
“I was worried you’d be relieved to get back to Callie’s place.”
She shook her head slowly. “In spite of the fear for my life, I’ve never been happier.”
Something in his eyes, in the way he looked at her like she was all that mattered, made her knees weak. “Me neither.”
“Now that that’s settled, how about we celebrate with Italian?” She grinned.
He chuckled and kissed her again. “You read my mind.”
Nate lifted his champagne glass, clinking it against Mel’s. “Here’s to hoping this lead pans out.”
The restaurant was dimly lit with a candle on every table. And although it was just after three in the afternoon, the candlelight sparkled in her dark eyes. She made him smile, and he loved hearing her laugh. Even the silence was comfortable.
Knowing she wanted to stay after the case was over had lifted a weight off his shoulders. It also opened a door inside his heart. A door he’d been terrified to open his entire adult life.
After their meal at Donato’s, he walked her out to the car. The shadows lengthened, the sun dipping low on the horizon. “Can I ask you something?”
Mel nodded. “Sure.”
“This theater you’re all trying to restore… Why would it be such a threat to followers of Kronos?”
She stopped walking. He turned to look down into her eyes. Her smile stole his breath.
“You saw Brian in my class today. That kind of inspiration can change the world, Nate. Our theater isn’t just going to show Oklahoma. It’s going to be a meeting place for inspiration. We’ll have poets, musicians, dancers, and communities that are trying to make the world better; they’ll all come together in our theater. We’ll hang art to inspire, too. The human race will find new clean energy, cures for cancer, and hope. It’s all about inspiration.”
He cupped her cheek, memorizing every curve of her face. “You’re…I…” He kissed her before words fell from his mouth that he wasn’t ready to share yet. Her soft lips caressed his as his pulse raced. He almost… It bubbled up unconsciously.
Love.
And something else, something she’d said. His subconscious lingered on her words: Clean energy.
He broke the kiss. “Energy. That’s it! Your theater would be a threat to an oil company. They don’t want clean energy.”
“And they’d have the drilling equipment to…”
“Free the Titans.” He took her hand and hustled to the car. “We’re hoping the woman who sold the silver Honda Accord can identify an employee from Belkin Oil as the man who bought it from her. It won’t be enough to charge anyone yet, but we’ll have a man to watch and when he makes a mistake, we’ll be there to catch him.”
Mel buckled her seat belt. “Just don’t get so wrapped up that you miss Maggie’s barbeque this weekend.”
He shook his head with a smile. “No chance.”
Mel told him all the party details on the way home. It wasn’t miniature golf, but hopefully she’d like it. As he passed his street, Mel watched the sign pass by.
“You missed the turn.”
“We’re not going home yet.” He glanced her way.
“We’re not?”
He shook his head. When he got to the light, he turned her way. “Hope you like to dance.”
Mel grinned. “Love it. I didn’t know you were a dancer.”
“I can hold my own.”
She chuckled. “I would’ve dressed hotter today if I knew I’d be going to Donato’s and dancing after work.”
“I would’ve warned you, but I’m winging it tonight.”
She raised a brow. “Improvising looks good on you, Malone.”
He tipped his head back, laughing. She made loving her way too easy. Just thinking the word made his palms sweat.
In the parking lot, he took her hand, his fingers twining with hers. Everything about her fit him—her tall frame, her dark eyes, her voice, and her body.
But it was her heart that mesmerized him. They stepped into the shadowed light of the club, the bass roaring out of the speakers and pounding a steady beat. She grinned. “I love this song!”
He followed her onto the dance floor. It was early enough that there weren’t writhing bodies bumping them. Mel moved with the music, fluid and sensual, and already his blood was pumping below his belt. She came closer, her thigh between his so they could rock together, grinding slowly. She slid her arms around his waist, pulling him close to her.
Her lips brushed his ear. “Every girl on this dance floor wants you.”
He glanced around and back to her eyes. “Tough. I only want you.”
“Lucky me.” She looked up at him from under her lashes, and it was all he could do not to carry her to a dark corner and kiss her until she forgot her name.
He bent to rest his forehead against hers. “This was a mistake.” Her smile faltered, and he shook his head. “Too many people. We need someplace more private.”
Her grin returned. “Maybe your place?”
He nodded and scooped her up into his arms, enjoying the squeak of surprise as he carried her off the dance floor.
CHAPTER 17
Back at Nate’s place, Mel started up her iPod in his bedroom. She turned to find Nate unbuttoning his shirt. Heat smoldered low in her belly. “We’re getting comfortable?”
The hunger and desire in his gaze was all the answer she needed. He let his shirt fall to the ground, and her heart thumped. He didn’t even hesitate to expose his scars. She smiled. He trusted her whether he realized it or not.
As soon as her top hit the floor, he wrapped her in his arms. His hot skin against her bare chest sent a shiver through her body. As the song ended, his hands slid up her back to unfasten her bra. She stepped back long enough to slip it free, and then he tugged her close to him again.
His lips brushed her shoulder. “Much better.”
She nodded, closing her eyes as they swayed together. The song faded out, and the next one kicked in with a vengeance. Nate froze for a second and raised his head to meet her eyes.
She laughed. She couldn’t help it. Bonnie Tyler’s “Holding Out for a Hero” blasted through the room.
“This is a little up-tempo.” She started to pull away to change it. “It’s on shuffle. I can find something slower.”
“Don’t.” Nate held her tighter. “I want to be that for you. Your Guardian, your hero.”
“You are.” She bit her lower lip to keep the three words in her heart from escaping. Sliding one hand from around his neck, she traced his jawline. “You make me very happy.”
“Good.” He grinned, grinding slowly with her.
His erection pressed against her, making her heart pound in answer. She loved knowing he wanted her. The song ended and he took her hand, walking toward the bed, when Etta James stopped them both in their tracks.
At last my love has come along.
Mel didn’t know where to look, but Nate bent to kiss her lips and took her hand. Next thing she knew, they were dancing slowly, their tongues twining together as the lyrics wrapped them in a magical embrace.
He broke the kiss, resting his forehead against hers, his eyes staring directly into her soul. As Etta belted out the last line, Nate’s gritty whisper stopped time.
“I don’t know how this happened…” He paused, searching her eyes. “I love you, Mel.”
Her knees turned to rubber, but he held her so tight she knew she’d never fall. She swallowed the lump of emotion choking her and whispered, “I love you, too.”
He chuckled and somehow managed to look happy, relieved, and terrified all at once. That honesty melted her heart. He had finally let her in, and she’d do all she could to protect that trust. To love him.
They collapsed on the bed and made quick work of their pants. He grabbed a condom from the drawer and hovered over her. Mel shook her head. “Not so fast.” She rolled him over and smiled down at him. “I get to be on top this time.”
He stared up at her, sliding his hands up from her waist to cup her breasts. “God, you’re beautiful.”
She closed her eyes, drinking in the way he teased her nipples. Leaning forward over him, she kissed his lips. “You make me feel beautiful.”
Slowly, she lowered herself, moaning as he slid inside her. Nate ran his hands down her body, gripping her thighs. He lifted his head, kissing her, hungry, greedy.
Breathless, he growled, “I want this to last all night, but I also want to flip you over and pound into you until we can’t speak.”
She smiled, lifting her hips, drawing him nearly out before slowly coming down again. His grip tightened, and he thrust up hard in answer. She trembled and worked into him faster. Gods, he was made for her.
Suddenly, Nate’s large hands moved up her back, holding her tightly, and he rolled them over. She laughed into his kiss.
He pulled back, smiling. “Sorry. I couldn’t take any more teasing.”
He slid his hand between them until his fingertips found the perfect spot. He rubbed in time with his thrusts, coaxing her closer to her peak. She gripped him tighter, her nails digging into his back as her body tightened. Nate growled, pushing up into her, his hips slamming against hers. Just as he shuddered, her inner muscles clenched around him.
For a moment, they were both still. Finally, she sucked in a breath. “I can’t move.”
He chuckled, shivering above her. “Good.”
Mel grinned. “That was way better than good.”
“Coming from an English teacher.”
Mel laughed. “Cut her a break, the English teacher just came.”
Nate kissed her and slowly slid himself free. “Be right back.”
She enjoyed the view of his naked backside and crawled up to the top of the bed. He returned and got into bed beside her, and she rolled onto her side, resting on his chest. “How are you doing?”
He smiled. “I’m in love with an incredible woman.” He shook his head, sobering a little. “I’m hanging in there.”
Honesty again. Such a gift.
She kissed his chest. “Thanks for letting me into your heart.”
He tucked her hair behind her ear. “You walked in like you had a key.”
“The gods were kind to me when they made me your muse.”
Being without his robe and gold mask made it difficult to focus. Whenever Ben donned the hooded visage of the Order, he lost his human identity. He became the enforcer, bringing them closer to the Golden Age of Man. He could face the tasks required without being burdened by the laws of man and the morals of humanity.
So hanging around a busy park in the middle of the afternoon was tough for him. Though, while distancing himself from his duty would be a challenge, this would work.
Their leader had handicapped him by forbidding him from kidnapping the little girl, but he’d come up with a work-around. It had taken a few days, but now he had Melanie Jacoby’s cell phone number. Soon she would come to him willingly, alone. And he would do what must be done.
Nate pulled up to the park to find Mel and her sisters already had a Darth Vader piñata hanging from a tree branch and two tables decorated with tablecloths and balloons.
Maggie’s eyes widened as she removed her seat belt. “Wow! It’s not even my birthday.” She looked over at him, beaming. “You must’ve taken Mel to min-ature golf!”
He chuckled. “Didn’t have to, she likes you so much.”
“Another mom and dad came to see me,” Maggie told him, her smile faltering a little. “But I guess they did
n’t like me as much as Mel does.”
His heart clenched. Mrs. Gaines had told him about the meeting. The potential family thought Maggie was too old for their daughter. They hadn’t “meshed.” But how did you explain that to a seven-year-old?
And how could anyone not “mesh” with Maggie? He couldn’t fathom it. “They didn’t deserve you, Maggie.”
“Why can’t I stay with you, Uncle Nate?”
Mel was coming toward the car. He willed her to move faster.
“We’ve talked about this.” He sighed. “I work too much, and besides, you need a mom, too.”
Mel opened the door, and they both stared at her.
She started to frown. “Did I interrupt an important meeting?”
Maggie looked back at Nate. She didn’t say anything. Yet.
Before he could get a word in, Maggie turned back to Mel and grinned. “We were just talking about how I could live with Uncle Nate, but he works too much, so I’d need a mom.”
On that note, she scrambled free of the car and ran to the tables.
Mel watched her go and chuckled. “She’s an evil supergenius.”
Nate sighed. “I’d adopt her myself if I could.” He shook his head. “She had another meeting with a couple yesterday. They passed.”
Mel frowned. “How could anyone pass up Maggie?”
“That’s what I always think.” He got out and came around to her side. “Anyway, she’s a little fixated on finding new parents at the moment.”
Mel nodded, but she didn’t say anything. Finally, she pointed to the barbeque. “We need you to fire up the grill. I have burgers and hot dogs over there.”
He scanned the park. Sunday afternoon was busy with two rented jumpy castles, plenty of families, and people walking their dogs. No signs of gold masks. He rubbed his shoulder. No pain.
Maybe they’d actually get to enjoy the day.
This week, his latest lead turned into another dead end. They’d shown the woman who sold the silver Honda the pictures of every employee of Belkin Oil. She didn’t recognize any of them. They were able to make a composite from her description, which was good, but so far, no hits.
His gut still told him Belkin was behind the C-4, and possibly involved in Nia’s death, and Mel’s brushes with the man in the Kronos mask. But without any hard evidence, he still couldn’t make any arrests. They must’ve hired out a hit man.
