Dangerous Times

by Moira Callahan

  “Yeah well, we were…” he cut himself off with a choking noise.

  “We were what?” she frowned. And then it hit her. They’d been naked at the time. Closing her eyes, she put a hand over her suddenly hot face. “Right, that. Uh, yeah.” She laughed softly.

  “Yeah, that,” he chuckled. Then he sighed. “I tried to find you. Your note pretty much drove me insane for months. But...”

  Tamara peeked through her fingers and saw him shrug.

  “I’d disappeared for all intents and purposes,” she supplied. “Having a cop for a friend definitely has its benefits. She helped me to vanish so that he and his friends couldn’t come after me. Hell, she had a ring of cops around me each time I had to be in court.”

  “I’m glad she kept you safe,” he told her, his tone gentle. “And even though I’m extremely glad to have found you, or you found me, I really wish it was under better circumstances.”

  “Ditto,” she said. Sighing, she turned on the sofa and looked at him. “This is probably the worst time ever to mention this but...” She scrunched up her nose. “I missed you, Shawn. I really did have plans to track you down again after our night together if, well, if things had gone better in my life than they did.”

  He shifted around to face her, their knees bumping lightly. “I should have looked harder. I didn’t, because I didn’t want Robyn, my partner, to give me any grief over using resources to track down a woman. She likely would have understood though, especially given the lengths she’d gone to for her man before they hooked up officially. But still...” he shrugged.

  “Didn’t want to admit you couldn’t handle a little slip of girl without pulling out the big guns?” she asked, a smile tugging on her lips.

  “Listen here, smarty pants.” Rolling his eyes, Shawn nodded. “But, yeah, more or less.”

  Giving into the urge, Tamara reached out to touch his hand, getting her fingers instantly caught by his larger and rougher ones. “I wish you had,” she admitted quietly. “I probably shouldn’t say that. It’s selfish, but I thought of you so much. Hell.” She laughed. “I have no idea what I’m trying to say.”

  “Just say it,” he encouraged. “No judgements here. Spit it out. It’s the past, Tamara, but I’d still like to know.”

  Taking a deep breath, she nodded. Might as well admit it. “I wanted you there after the surgery, holding my hand and stroking my hair like you had that night. I felt safe with you, even though we’d only just met, and I needed to feel that again. Especially with my entire life being torn apart and reshaped, because the ex couldn’t understand that he wasn’t in control of my life and never would be.”

  Stopping to pull in a deep breath, she nearly whimpered when he changed the hold he had on her hand. She found herself leaning closer to him as he laced their fingers and gave them a squeeze. It did give her the strength to admit her many wishes from back then.

  “I needed someone to hold me in the dark as I relieved his attack, over and over. Someone to reassure me by being there, even if nothing was said. But what I really wanted was to have you there when the nightmares started,” she whispered.

  “I’m here now, Tamara,” he whispered, his voice rough with emotion.

  “I know and I’m glad,” she said, lifting her head to look at him. Shaking her head, she smiled. “I’m sorry. I shouldn’t just dump this stuff on you.”

  He tugged on her hand and pulled her in closer, sliding his arm around her. “I don’t mind. And I did ask, mainly because I want to know everything about you, Tamara. Your life, what’s in your head and what your dreams are.”

  Wiggling in closer, she pressed her cheek to his chest. He was just as warm and solid as she remembered. And, because it felt right, she slid her arms around him. Pressing her hands to the length of his back she let out a shudder and relaxed.

  His arms tightened around her and held her close, one hand stroking her hair.

  Closing her eyes, Tamara enjoyed the feeling. She’d missed having Shawn holding her as he was now. One night had ruined her for other men for the rest of her life.

  Turning her face slightly, she rubbed her nose to his shirt and inhaled. Sandalwood and man. God, she’d missed his scent. She could literally stay right here forever. Not exactly feasible of course, but that didn’t mean her heart was willing to listen to logic.

  “Tamara, you okay?” She loved the slight rumble in his voice that she could hear when she was close to his chest. She could feel the vibrations through his body into hers.

  Nodding, she inhaled once more and lifted her head. “Yeah, I’m good. Just thinking,” she said.

  “What about?” he asked his expression curious.

  “You,” she admitted easily. She thought about him a lot, more now that he was back in her life, even if it was only temporary.

  His lips curled into a grin and one of his eyebrows lifted. “Oh? What about me?” he asked.

  Rolling her eyes, she put her cheek back on his chest and sighed, everything feeling absolutely right in that moment. “Just how much I’ve missed having you holding me.” Not the whole truth of course. But the man had a big enough ego already, no need for her to help it get into an even larger state.

  “Well, I have to admit something too, then.”

  Squeezing him closer she smiled. “All right, what is it?”

  “I’ve missed having you in my arms. I’ve wanted to have you back in my arms for the last three years. So, if you don’t mind, I’m just going to hang onto you for a little longer.”

  Shaking her head, Tamara looked up at him again. “I definitely do not mind, not at all.”

  “Good,” he said.

  Then he let go. Just when she was going to ask what he was doing, he moved her into his lap. Oh, much better, she thought with a grin. Nuzzling his throat, she relaxed into him again as his arms wound around her once more.

  His heat, and the feel of his thumb rubbing her arm, soon lulled her to sleep.

  Chapter Six

  One month later…

  Putting a hand on her lower back, Shawn escorted Tamara toward the front doors of the little, out of the way and yet “very chic” gallery. She had a show there, all her own works, and she was nervous. He could feel the little vibrations coming off her spine where his hand rested.

  Opening the door, he smiled down at her. She looked fucking amazing. Her hair was up in a twist, with little chunks in lazy curls around her face and at the nape of her neck. Her dress was dark blue, the same color of her eyes, and was a tight sheath that covered her from her neck to mid-thigh. Tall silver heels, a grouping of silver bracelets, and her little clutch in silver gave her a bedazzled look.

  All he wanted to do was strip that dress off her and fuck her hard and fast.

  But he’d wanted to do that, fuck her that was, since they’d reconnected.

  He’d spent every extra hour he could with her, often staying at her house until the wee hours before heading home. He wasn’t pressuring her into a relationship, not with all that was on her plate. But he also needed to be around her.

  Not just because of her psycho ex, but because he wanted to be with her. She made everything so much...better.

  Following her into the main room of the gallery, Shawn stopped and looked around. The lighting was soft, with more direct spot lights highlighting each of her photos on the wall.

  There was already quite a grouping of people inside, including several of the C&M employees. They were all dressed as civilians and mingling with everyone else. Only two, Trent and Pauline looked like security. Ear buds, obvious bulges under their arms, and just their demeanor screamed undercover.

  Shaking his head slightly, he followed Tamara over to the gallery’s owner. She spoke to the man for a while, chatting and complimenting him on how everything looked. When she was done, they went to the bar.

  “White wine, please,” she requested of the bartender.

  “Glass of sprite with a lime twist and a mint leaf,” he said.

 
; That earned him a look from Tamara.

  “I’m technically on duty.”

  “Right, sorry,” she said, her cheeks taking on a pretty pink glow.

  Smiling, he shrugged and wrapped his arm around her waist. “Don’t worry about it.” Winking, he nodded his thanks to the bartender as he handed over their drinks.

  Once they’d each taken a sip, Shawn nudged her back out into the room. “So, tell me all about your photos.”

  She shot him a look, but she took him at his word. One by one, she led him along, telling him about each of the photos. He found that, while the photos were amazing and stunning, listening to her was what held him riveted. She had such passion in her voice about each picture that he looked at her more than the images she’d captured.

  “Why are you staring at me?” she asked when they were about halfway done.

  “I’m not staring,” he said, grinning.

  “You are definitely staring and it’s a little disconcerting.”

  “I’m admiring you, way different from staring.”

  “You’re staring.” Lifting her wine glass, she took a small sip, her eyes laughing at him over the rim.

  “Admiring,” he countered, taking a sip of his pop as his gaze roamed the room. He got the all-clear signals from the team, so he looked back to her.

  “Everything okay?” she asked quietly.

  Nodding, he brushed a finger down her cheek. “Perfect,” he said.

  She smiled and leaned into his touch, her eyes on his. Smiling back at her he brushed a kiss to her forehead.

  ****

  Staring at the screen, he fisted his hands on the arms of his chair. “Who is he?”

  “Unknown at this time,” his friend’s voice said through the phone’s speaker.

  “Get closer, so I can get a better look at him.”

  “Got it,” his friend said. The scene on the screen changed as the camera moved closer to his target. “Do you recognize him?”

  Staring at the close-up of the man touching his woman, he tightened his hold on the arms of the chair. “No, I don’t, but we’ll find out who he is soon enough. Follow them when they leave.”

  “Marty might be better,” Jason said. “There’s a massive security presence here and they’ve all logged me. If I follow, they’ll know something’s up.” The view changed to a slow pan of the room.

  Jason was right. There was a lot of security there. Too much for the event happening. She’d called in reinforcements, obviously. That wouldn’t help her, but it was something else she’d be paying for when they finally got together again.

  “I’ll call Marty and give him the heads up. You are right. They are paying a little too much attention to those that get close to her.” They were protecting her. From him, the idiots. Like they could really keep him from getting her. And this time...this time they would finish their business.

  ****

  Standing back, Shawn watched as Tamara spoke to a couple who had just purchased one of her photos. The men were raving about the photo, and she looked like a mix of embarrassed and pleased. A shake of hands and she headed toward him.

  Pushing off the wall, he met her partway. “I think they like their choice.”

  “I think so, as well. They were raving about it,” Tamara said, shaking her head.

  “As well they should.” Catching her hand, he led her over to the buffet. She hadn’t eaten yet and needed to. “The piece is stunning and they have excellent taste.”

  “Stop.” She put a hand to her cheek and shook her head. “I cannot believe they were that excited about the picture. I mean, yes it’s great and the color-to-shadow ratio is perfectly balanced, giving it just enough mystery to make it intriguing, but really?”

  Laughing, Shawn collected a plate and began to fill it. Grabbing a napkin when he was done, he handed it to her. “You really don’t see it, do you?” he asked. Picking up a second plate, this one for himself, he stacked it a little higher.

  “See what?” Popping a little tart into her mouth, she hummed and moaned happily as she chewed.

  Shaking his head, he guided her over to a pair of chairs. “Sit and eat, I’ll grab us some drinks.” He got her settled and put his plate on the empty chair next to her. “As to your question,” he smiled at her. “You are fucking good at what you do.”

  Winking, he left her sitting there, checking as he went to the bar to ensure that there were at least two of the C&M crew who could see her.

  His gut was telling him something was up and he always listened. Especially when it came to Tamara. No way in hell was he letting anyone hurt her.

  With that in mind, he walked back over to her and handed her a glass of wine. She wasn’t driving, so he knew she wouldn’t worry that it was her second one of the night. Lifting his plate he sat down and set his glass of pop on the floor.

  Shawn resisted the urge to watch her as he ate, instead watching those at the event. They were an interesting bunch, to say the least. Some clearly flaunting their wealth and others much more subdued. They all had one thing in common though, their love of his girl’s skills with a camera.

  His girl. He smiled slightly. She was his girl, and he planned on being in her life a good long time. Reminding her that she was his daily, hourly and, if he could manage it, by the minute. But he was pretty sure she’d kill him if he tried that. He’d have to stick to daily.

  Chuckling, he popped a spicy shrimp into his mouth. As he wiped his fingers, he caught sight of someone a little too close. Checking him out from his peripheral, he recognized him. He’d been staying close to Tamara all night and yet hadn’t once spoken to her. Had even avoided her earlier as he recalled.

  Licking his lips, he bent to pick up his drink, staying in a partial hunch as he sipped from the straw, his eyes now on the guy. Setting the glass down, Shawn straightened up and leaned into her slightly. “Keep looking at the photo for now. But in a couple of minutes, glance to your left slowly. You’re looking for a gentleman in a dark gray suit and glasses, with a blue-tooth in his ear. He’s holding a plate and a short glass of something dark. Tell me if you recognize him.”

  Tamara, smart woman that she was, smiled and nodded, ducking her chin slightly.

  Sitting back, he let her take her time doing as she asked, and she did. Finally ,she met his gaze with a big fat “no” in her eyes.

  Smiling, he bumped his shoulder to hers. “It’s okay, I was just curious.”

  Thankfully, his crew was taking photos of everyone at the event. All the doors had cameras wired to them to take photos anytime there was movement in or out. There would be a lot of blurry images, he knew, but with the other shots from inside the gallery, they’d be able to check out everyone that had attended.

  “I think he’s a fan of that piece over there,” he tipped his head. The right thing to say, since she relaxed. “But I think he might be a little resistant to making the purchase.”

  “Not everyone is ready to take the big step.”

  “Very true.” He nodded. “Eat up, darling. I think your gallery owner is trying to regain your attention.”

  “Oh dear,” she muttered and huffed out a breath.

  Chapter Seven

  Pushing open her door, Tamara stepped inside and threw him a look. But Shawn was right on her heels, following her inside. Good.

  Normally, she had to ask him to come in, except for the rare occasion. That he wasn’t going to make her ask for more time was really, really good. She needed him there, needed to hold onto him and just have some down time with him.

  Licking her lips, she kicked off her heels and looked up at him. “There’s a bottle of wine on the counter if you want to open it. I’m going to get out of this thing and into something that doesn’t make me feel like a dress-up doll.”

  He smiled as he threw the locks on her door. “I happen to think you look stunning. But go ahead, no need to keep up appearances with it being just us here. I want to check in with the crew and make sure they all got home okay.�
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  “Thank them for me. They went above and beyond, all coming out like that.”

  “They like your photos, too, darling. Trust me, free food and booze with great pictures, what’s not to like? Did you want a snack?” he called after her as she headed for the stairs.

  Pausing on a tread, she nodded to him. “There should be some cheese and meats in the fridge. Crackers are to the left of the sink,” she said with a smile.

  “Don’t worry about it,” he said, waving her off. “I’m sure I can find something to fill the void. Go. And don’t be too long, otherwise I’m just going to start eating and you’ll have to fend for yourself.”

  Laughing at that, she dashed up the stairs to her room, smiling as she went. Hitting the lights, she stopped dead at the mess. Putting a hand to her throat, she backed up slowly. “Shawn,” she whispered, her voice sounding horribly soft. Clearing her throat, she screamed his name.

  A loud crash, followed by heavy footfalls, told her he was coming. Backing up more, she spun and threw herself into his arms as he reached her.

  “Shh, I’ve got you,” he whispered.

  She knew he was looking at her room. Her decimated room. The bed was in pieces, the furniture shattered, everything she owned either broken, torn or beaten to a pulp. Rage, pure and unfiltered rage had done this. Even she knew that.

  “Come on, we’re getting you out of here. I’m going to call the cops and have a team over here to do a sweep and find any and all evidence.”

  “There won’t be anything from him. He’s too smart, too careful,” she whispered, shivering now. Reaction set in, debilitating and horrifying reaction.

  “Doesn’t matter. If it’s here, even a spot of saliva, we’re fucking going to find it and use it to nail his balls to the wall, permanently.” He was practically snarling, but his hand on her hair and body was so very gentle, protective.

  Tugging his shirt from his pants, she pressed her palms to the bare skin of his back. Instantly, she felt relief. He was warm, solid and so very real.