Guarding Midnight

by Kacey Hammell

  To have him inside her, this glorious beast of a man who she suspected would never hurt a fly unless he absolutely had to, was sneaking past walls she’d spent so many years building.

  His hold tightened at her waist as she rode him, giving her an anchor of balance. Her fingers played at his nipples. “Christ.” He growled low, his back arching off the floor.

  Faster and with need chasing her, the building tension pushed her to release. Her walls swelled, smothering his dick tighter, sparks of euphoric electricity igniting them hotter.

  His hips lifted, meeting hers on the down thrust. Shree gasped. “My God.” It was as if bolts of lightning had just circled lower from the sky and hit her pussy directly.

  “Yeah, babe, ride me.”

  His words spurred her on. Her hips rose and fell faster. Her juices gathered as urgent need crawled along her spine.

  Her gaze clung to his. Clawing his abs, Shree breathed deep, trying to draw in air as the need to come circled her. Fire and heat blazed in his eyes as he stared up at her, calling to her, asking her without words to trust him. To let go and be assured that he’d catch her.

  Heart racing, Shree’s fingers went to her tight nipples, pinching and pulling. Her head rolled back on her shoulders as adrenaline and power took over.

  “Goddamn,” Gavin moaned, holding her hips tight. “You’re so fucking hot. I could bang you every day and never get enough.”

  Her hands swept over her skin, loving his words, hearing him from a far distance. The breathtaking rush raced toward her, burning her from the inside out. Flames broke out along her skin. The full force of heat moved through her insides, demanding to be released.

  “Fuck, come for me. All over my cock.”

  Pushing down harder, holding onto his hips, giving her the leverage to move faster, wave after wave crashed over her. She shouted, her back bowing as she was pulled under, the release rushing from her and sweeping her away.

  Gavin’s ass lifted, pushing deeper into her. His dick jerked and throbbed as he found his own release.

  Breathing heavy, Shree opened her eyes. The room spun a little, but her head cleared and a shiver raced over her spine.

  The chill in the air surprised her considering sweat dampened her skin. Her whole body trembled from the adventure this man had just taken her on.

  She pulled her sports bra back over her breasts and eased off his lap. On her knees, she gathered the rest of her clothes and stepped into the sweats she’d brought with her. “I can officially say my workout is finished for today.” She grinned at him over her shoulder. “That was definitely better than planking or lifting weights.” Pushing her arms into the sleeves of her sweatshirt, she zipped it up, then took a long drink from her water bottle.

  He chuckled as he sat up. Bloody hell and Christ almighty. How was a girl to cool off when this golden god was built like he was?

  Her gaze ran over his back, in awe as she strode across the floor toward him. Her finger traced over his back, her gaze roaming the permanent ink.

  Beautiful. A bald eagle covered his entire back, its wings spread out across his shoulder blades. The eagle’s beak was open, eyes as angry as the spread of its wings. It reminded her of a hunter, warning off others from coming near. The only color was the red of the Canadian flag in the bird’s tail feathers. Spectacular. “This is magnificent.”

  He turned toward her. “Thanks. One of the guys in my unit does a great job. I forget it’s there sometimes.”

  She continued to trace the tat as her eyes met his. “I love it. What made you decide to get one?”

  Gavin shrugged. “The guys were always talking about how I was everyone’s keeper, how I constantly made sure they were taken care of. Some started calling me Guardian. The night I got this…” He lifted his shoulders. “We’d all had a long, hellish day. So much suffering over there, it seemed like it would never end. I’d pulled a guy out of a burning building, not fast enough, though, since he’d suffered third degree burns across his legs and arms by then.” He stopped. Fists clenched on his bare thighs, he closed his eyes in remembrance.

  Shree shifted closer, and laid a cheek on his shoulder.

  A breath shuddered through him. “But he survived, and is doing okay in Saskatchewan. The guys looked upon me like some hero out of a story. Rich, the guy who did the tat, convinced me to let him do it, to commemorate the time over there and how much they all trusted me.”

  “The eagle is a protector, a guardian. Rich chose well,” she murmured against his skin. She pulled back and ran her fingers over the white skull. “Masculine, dominant, and ruler.” Leaning in, she kissed his shoulder then sat back. “I have to agree, it suits you.”

  He smirked at her. “Have me figured out, do you?” Standing, he pulled the condom from his skin. He tied the latex then grabbed a Kleenex from the small table in the corner, wrapped it up, and tossed it in the waste basket.

  Pushing to her feet, she picked up her duffle bag and set it on the workout bench. “I don’t need to know that much about you to understand the symbolism of the tattoo. You’ve already tried your bodyguard dominance on me, remember?”

  He wrapped his arms around her waist, pulling her back into his chest. “I’d say you’re the true dominant one here.” His lips skimmed along her neck. She trembled from the overwhelming emotions he surrounded her with. “I hope there will be more times for you to show me some more of your dominant side,” he whispered into her ear.

  Not wanting to have a discussion about what had just happened, or what might from here on out, she laughed with little humor behind it and shoved his hands away. Turning in his arms, she brushed his cheek with her lips and lifted her bag. “You never know what could happen. But right now, I’m late for an appointment across town.”

  She gave his shoulder a brief shove, causing him to take a step back. Drawing in a deep breath, Shree did her best to ignore the humming in her chest and the throbbing in her pussy.

  Buck ass naked and glorious, his body sculpted so fine and beautifully, she wanted to jump him all over again. But now wasn’t the time. She wasn’t sure there ever could be another moment like this. It wouldn’t be good for her.

  Or her heart.

  Oh shut up. You get laid for the first time in years and you’re hearing sonnets.

  “Hey, hang on.” His voice broke through her thoughts.

  She turned, thankful while also saddened that he was pulling his jeans up over his hips. What a waste of clothing. This was one man that all women should get to see walk around as free as the day he was born.

  “I really have to get going.”

  “Okay, just let me tell you something. I explained, albeit briefly, about this ass that’s giving Charlie a hard time. I’d rather you not go anywhere alone.”

  She scowled. “I’ll be fine.” He wasn’t about to get all territorial on her, was he? She despised that.

  “Shree.” His hand clasped her wrist, holding her in place as she reached for the doorknob. “Look, what happened here…”

  “Don’t say it,” she warned through gritted teeth.

  “What?” he questioned, eyes wide.

  “Don’t say that what happened here gives you the right to tell me what to do and where to go. You don’t have that right.”

  He dropped her hand, stepped back, and ran his palms over his bare head. “I wasn’t going to say that.” Shree snorted. “Okay, not exactly like that, but listen, this guy is dangerous. I know he has people watching this place all the time.”

  “I’m only heading to the pharmacy, Gavin. It’s not like this guy is going to find that interesting enough.” She shifted her bag onto her shoulder. This thug had issues with Charlie, and apparently, now Gavin, not her. She was just a dancer.

  “He’ll use whatever leverage he can. And that means you. The star attraction.”

  “Forget it. I’m going.” She glared at him, unwilling to relent.

  A loud knock on the door startled her.

  Charlie
walked in, her long hair swinging behind her. Her gaze roamed over Gavin’s bare chest, then looked at Shree. Eyes dancing, her lips twitched. “Hey, guys. Shree, I was looking for you. I have to head across town to the drugstore. Thought I’d see if you wanted to come along.” She turned toward Gavin. “Gav, would you drive? Tommy has my truck since he’s picking up cases of booze that I found from another vendor. Do you mind?”

  Gavin nodded. “No problem at all, little one.” He grabbed his shirt and pulled the garment over his head. He winked at Shree.

  She rolled her eyes and leaned her forehead on the door. Son-of-a-mother…damn his happy mood to hell. She needed to get away from him, give herself the time to collect her thoughts again and frame some of those walls inside her back up. The last thing she needed was to spend time with him.

  “Shree? You okay?” Charlie asked, frowning.

  Standing tall, she nodded at her boss. “Never better. Just heading there myself.”

  Not bothering to show how put off she was by the turn of events, she pasted a smile on her face and led the way out of the gym.

  She didn’t have to like the way the day was shaping up, nor would she allow Gavin the satisfaction of knowing that she was shaken by the sex they’d had.

  The walls would be reconstructed and firmly in place quickly. She was nothing if not determined.

  It would take a stronger man than him to knock them apart completely.

  As the thought crossed her mind, Shree’s heart raced. She was positive she could hear the walls cracking inside her.

  Chapter Four

  Shree pushed a foot into the silver flats she’d wear on stage tonight. Today had been exhausting and emotional.

  Second-guessing herself most of the day about sex with Gavin, she was all over the place with turmoil, uncertainty, and conviction that it shouldn’t happen again.

  Ever.

  Her defenses were too weak against him. He was the type of man she’d always believed would be perfect for her.

  Protective, animalistic, and kind. Passionate and understanding. A man’s man who took care of what was his. But she didn’t think he believed in forever with one person. She couldn’t see him offering any commitment right now. He appeared to be on a new path of discovering what was next for him. Hardly a sit-behind-a-desk kind of man, a job like that wouldn’t be right for him. But his injuries would keep him from the field. Gavin was probably not in the right place in his life to make any long-term commitments.

  She sighed. As if she knew him well enough to support her opinions.

  Checking her reflection in the mirror, she nodded. Just right for her ring of fire routine. A see-through light red leotard covered her body. All mound and breasts were covered—barely—and the outfit gave the illusion on stage that she wasn’t wearing anything. The routine had been a hit in Toronto, and she hoped it would be here this evening as well.

  Grabbing her favorite chocolate lipstick, she pulled off the cap and scowled. What the hell?

  The wax was completely crushed and pressed deep into the cylinder. Snatching another tube, she found it suffered the same fate.

  Who would do this?

  A yellow color caught her eye. Slamming the tube on the table, she pulled an envelope from beneath the towel spread across the table. Breaking the seal, she reached in and extracted a slim sheet.

  Flipping it over, her eyes widened as she took in the image of herself in the gym, sitting astride a naked Gavin. Her heart skipped a beat as realization dawned that someone had watched them together. Dear God, such a private moment.

  She turned it over, blood running cold at the words in red ink.

  “Leave town, slut, if you know what’s good for you.”

  Tightening a fist on the table, Shree breathed deep. A pervert and a thug. Who would have the nerve to do something like this?

  Only the girls had access to the dressing rooms. Someone must have come in when she was with Charlie and Gavin at the drugstore. When they’d returned to the club, a quick staff meeting was called, but Shree had left a few minutes after it began. She’d snuck out and caught an hour of sleep in her apartment. She’d heard Gavin’s warnings and orders in the car, and didn’t care to hear them again. There were creeps everywhere, she knew that better than most, and knew how to take care of herself.

  But someone had come back here, invaded what should have been personal space, and there’d been plenty of time to do it, too. Gavin needed to know about this as soon as possible.

  “Midnight. There you are!”

  Startled, Shree turned. Carla, one of the club’s waitresses—and the craziest of the bunch in her opinion—rushed toward her, her eyes wild. Shree immediately saw the cut on her bottom lip. Her insides turned at seeing a clear reminder of her past.

  Rolling her shoulders, she pasted on a smile. “Carla, you okay?” Her hands shook a little as she returned the photo to the envelope, then shoved it into her bag.

  “Could you drive me home after shift tonight? I know this might seem strange, we don’t know each other that well.” Shree flinched as the woman’s high-pitched laugh made her ears ring. “But I need to get away from this guy, ya know? And I’m going to stay with another friend. My guy doesn’t know you, and wouldn’t be watching you tonight if he comes in. Do you mind?”

  Fuck. The last thing she wanted was to get involved in a domestic issue. Her heart clenched at the sight of a bruise coloring Carla’s right cheek. There was no way she could leave another woman to face a man alone.

  Not when her nights were plagued with nightmares.

  “Of course I can.” Gavin’s warning about going nowhere alone crept into her mind. Especially with a lunatic lurking so close. But she was only driving Carla a few blocks then coming right back. He probably wouldn’t even miss her. “Not a problem. Do you need some help with your makeup?”

  Carla threw herself into Shree’s arms. Shree nearly lost her footing and had no choice but to hang onto the other woman.

  Giggling, Carla pulled back. “Oh you’re a super pal. Thank you. I love this outfit, by the way. So hot and sexy. The guys will go nuts.”

  Shree watched wide-eyed as the other woman bounced around the room, gathering her jacket and bag from her locker, then dropped it all on a bench. How did this woman manage to be so upbeat and energetic every day? Since she’d started working here, she had yet to see Carla unhappy, or hear that shriek of a laugh not filling the room. Did all twenty-year-old women make sounds like that?

  There was no way she’d ever wish to live her early twenties again. Look what happened to people during most of those years. Only a cruel twist of fate would turn back the hands of time. Forget about it.

  As Carla continued to talk ten miles an hour, Shree pushed back the unpleasant thoughts and concentrated on the here and now.

  ****

  Shree climbed the steps to her apartment, exhaustion dragging at her heels.

  The day of adventure and crazy mental gymnastics was one she was glad to see end. She wanted a nice glass of white wine, a shower, and to slide into bed without any interruption—in that order.

  Putting the key in the lock, she turned the doorknob and reached in to click the small lamp on. A dim glow filled the room. Shutting the door behind her, she stepped out of her shoes, dropped her gym bag beside them, and made her way to the kitchen. Taking the bottle of wine from the fridge—a cheaper version that she’d picked up at a kiosk at the local mall, which tasted quite good—she poured a full flute, then made her way to the bedroom.

  Hot bath and bubbles, here I come.

  She flicked on the light inside the door and let out a yelp. Her wine glass fell from her hand, breaking and splashing her feet with wine.

  Jesus.

  Gavin sat in the La-Z-Boy chair in the corner. Heart racing, thinking the worst kinds of thoughts of being attacked, she glared at him.

  “What in the hell are you doing here?” Grabbing the towel off the chair of her vanity where she’d flung it after her
shower that morning, she kneeled and sponged up the liquid, scooping the glass into the towel. Damn him for ruining a decent glass of wine.

  She stood and moved further into the room. After setting the towel on the dresser, she faced him across the bed. Her gaze met his. Anger, harsh and formidable—this was a man whose temper was trying to get the best of him. His fists clenched on his knees. Grey shirt, black jeans, and black hiking boots gave her the idea he was gearing up for some kind of combat.

  Her eyes wanted to rake over him, give herself the thrill that admiring his physique gave her, but she knew what lay beneath those clothes. The ridges, valleys, roughened skin and sensitive nipples she’d explored earlier today...

  No, she needed to clear her mind of all of that. He didn’t look like he was here on a social call, and he was sure as hell invading her privacy and had scared the crap out of her. The last thing she needed to do was worship him in any way for bad behavior.

  “Well, are you going to tell me what you’re doing here? And who gave you permission to just waltz into my home anytime you please?”

  He glowered at her. “I got the key from Charlie. You weren’t here and I was concerned. Didn’t I just today tell all staff, especially the dancers, not to go anywhere alone?”

  She didn’t much care for his hard tone. He wasn’t her keeper—no matter that he was hired to look out for her. She didn’t need him. “I drove Carla home. That’s not a crime.”

  “Why didn’t you come find me instead?”

  Exasperated, Shree threw her arms up in the air. “The last thing Carla needed was another large dude around her. I took her to one of her friend’s houses since her boyfriend likes to smack her around. I wanted to get her away from him. Simple. She needed a woman around, not another guy.”

  Gavin leaned forward in his seat. She could see his nostrils flaring from across the bed. She unzipped her hoodie, leaving it open when he stood.

  “So you decided to put yourself in danger, dealing with a sick bastard who likes to hit women? That’s just great, Shree. I’m trying to keep you safe and you could have walked right into it.”