Guarding Midnight

by Kacey Hammell

  “Shree, don’t fall asleep on me. I want to hear about you and Gavin first.” She applied more pressure to the wound. Stars danced behind Shree’s eyelids. “You’re good for him.”

  She sucked in a deep breath. Gravity pulled her deep, making her lightheaded. “A good man,” she whispered. “Love him.”

  “Shree. Shree, stay with me,” Charlotte cried. “Shit.”

  Wanting to assure her friend she was okay, she opened her mouth, but words wouldn’t come. The sweet bliss of deep sleep wrapped around her. She heard her friend’s curses, but no longer felt any pain. It was such wonderful oblivion to be free of that awful burning.

  “Shree!”

  She tried to lift her head at hearing Gavin’s voice, but couldn’t.

  His arms wrapped around her body, encasing her in his warmth. Nothing would ever compare to the feel of him around her, holding her close. His words seemed so far away, as if he were in a different room, yet she was comforted.

  “Don’t you die on me, damn it. I need you!” he barked.

  Shree’s world faded to darkness.

  ****

  Gavin sat next to the hospital bed, his head resting on the side of the mattress and eyes closed.

  Almost twenty-four hours had gone by since the one sight to knock him on his ass did just that. He’d nearly cried in agony seeing the ashen face of the woman he loved, blood all over her and unconscious. Nothing he’d seen in Afghanistan or anywhere else in his years of service had ever wounded him so bad. And now, he felt helpless.

  After getting the bullet out, which had lodged terrifyingly close to her heart, the doctors said she was stable, but remained unconscious. Probably to protect herself from the pain and memories of what had happened—or so they believed.

  He could only hope they were right and that she’d come back to him. And without resentment for not protecting her like he’d promised. Guilt ate at him every moment of every hour he’d spent beside her. The tubes and hook-ups coming from all sides of her scared the hell out of him. She should never have been caught in the crossfire.

  The only solace he had was in Hagen finally getting what he deserved. And by Gavin’s own hand. It was never easy taking another person’s life, but Hagen wasn’t like most people. Evil made the man happy and torturing innocent women satisfied him. A narcissist and a monster…the world was better off without him in it.

  A moan caught his ears. His eyelids opened and he lifted his head.

  “Baby?” He squeezed Shree’s fingers and hoped she was awakening.

  Her gaze darted around the room, fear and confusion filling them, and her hand shook in his.

  “It’s okay. You’re safe. You’re in the hospital, but you’re fine.”

  “Gavin,” she whispered, her eyes finding his. She swallowed. “I’m so glad you’re here.”

  Tears choked him. Her beautiful gaze of trust and pleasure cut him off at the knees. He couldn’t have loved her more than in this moment. “Of course I’m here.” He cleared his throat. “I wouldn’t be anywhere else. I’m glad you’re awake. Let me call the doctors in to check you over.” He reached for the call button lying beside her.

  “No. Wait.” She grabbed both his hands. “Where’s everyone else? Are they okay?”

  “Yeah. Yeah, everyone’s fine. Marc is a little beat up. He and Carla squared off and she got him with a stiletto to the face. Scratched him up good. But everyone else is doing just fine. They’re anxious to see you.”

  Fear filled her once again. “And Hagen?”

  Gavin could have kicked himself for not starting with his demise first. “He’s dead. I shot him. He was about to take a shot at Jonas, but he did kill Carla unfortunately.”

  Tears filled her eyes. Her shoulders lowered, he guessed in relief, knowing Hagen wouldn’t harm her ever again. “How did Carla get mixed up with him?”

  He shrugged. “Like many other girls, she was one of his. I don’t remember everything Frank told me about her story since you’ve been in here, but he found her on the street and took her in. One of his goons was her boyfriend.”

  Shree shook her head. “And Frank’s cousin? Did you find her?”

  “Yeah. Victoria’s across the hall. Frank’s with her. She’s okay, but pretty beat up. Terrified of Frank and anyone that comes near her.”

  Her hand tightened in his. “My God. All the years she’s been missing, and at the hands of that vile man. I can’t even imagine what she’s gone through or what she’s feeling now. I didn’t suffer as long as she did. Oh, Gavin.” Tears rolled down her cheeks. “This is all so terrible. Horrible.”

  Standing, he leaned over her and wrapped his arms around her the best he could without causing her pain. “Shh, it’s okay. Let it out, baby, I’m here. I’ll always be here.”

  Sobs wracked her body as he held her close. He should have been there for her. She should never have been in danger to begin with, but he vowed that he would do whatever it took to help her heal and assure her no harm would come to her again.

  She turned her face toward him and rested against his neck. Having her against him, alive, filled him with joy. In his opinion, he had a lot to atone for, but he’d show her every day just how much she meant to him.

  “When can I get out of here?” she whispered.

  He chuckled. “Not so fast. Probably another day or two. We’ll know more if you let the doctors come in to take a look at you.”

  She pulled her head back and gazed up at him. “I’d rather just be with you right now.”

  He kissed her temple, wishing for the same thing. “I would too, love, but it’s best. In case there are any problems. You still have a lot of healing to do.”

  She shifted, wincing as she tried to turn on her side facing him.

  “Hey, no moving yet.” He adjusted her blankets and kept an eye on the blood pressure monitor.

  “I feel fine, Gavin, just sore. Stop fussing and look at me, please.”

  Pulling the stool closer, he sat and gave her his full attention. “I don’t want you hurting.”

  She laid her head back on the pillow. “I’m fine. Are you okay?”

  Shocked she’d worry about him when she was the one hurt, he scowled. “You’re here because of me and you ask if I’m all right? Jesus, Shree, don’t worry about me. Just heal so I can get you out of here.”

  Grabbing his wrist when he stood, she held him in place. “Why are you so angry?”

  He gaped at her. “Why? How can you ask that? You were shot because of me. You could have died! How can I not be angry about that? Not when I couldn’t protect you.”

  “Is that what this is all about? You’re angry because you think I’m here because of you? Hagen put me here. No one else, especially not you. I don’t blame you at all.”

  He pushed his fingers through his hair. Sitting again, he let out a sigh. “But if I’d been with you like I was supposed to be, before you were ever taken by them, none of this would have happened. I should have gotten you and Charlie out of town. I underestimated Hagen completely.”

  “You, sir, are a buffoon.”

  His head lifted, shocked by her words. “What did you just say?”

  “I called you a buffoon. Which is what you are.” She pointed a finger at him. “You and your great powers of protection think that you’re invincible and can save the day. Poor you. Your ego has taken a hit because I got hurt. Well, boo-hoo. You couldn’t have stopped him from shooting me at all. And Charlie sure as hell wouldn’t have left town.” Shree drew in a deep breath and held up a hand, stopping him when he opened his mouth. “Just shut it, Mister Macho. You couldn’t control anything that happened. Hagen was pure evil and intent on what he wanted. You sure as hell couldn’t have been glued to me every moment. That’s stupid and I still think you’re a buffoon. This isn’t all about you. You did the best you could. But right now, we should be there for Frank and Victoria. She’s the one who needs the most help.”

  She turned her head away from him. Gavin d
idn’t know what to say. Her words hit him deep in the gut. Hell, he’d been so caught up in his thoughts, worrying about her and what recovery she’d need, that he’d forgotten about the bigger picture.

  The two of them weren’t the only ones a part of this. Frank, Charlie, and especially Victoria, would all need time to regroup and heal.

  He was an ass.

  And an even bigger buffoon.

  “I’m sorry, Shree. I’ve been an idiot.” He put a finger on her chin. “Please, look at me.” She turned back toward him, tears in her eyes.

  “I’m sorry, I really am. I’ve just been so worried about you, baby. I couldn’t think about anything else.”

  “I’ll be fine, Gavin, but I’m not a wounded bird you need to watch over. I’ve told you that from the beginning, I’ve been alone a long time.”

  “This wasn’t any ordinary situation, babe.”

  She nodded. “True. But it’s over. Hagen’s dead and I’ll be fine once I get out of here.”

  “You know doctors make the worst patients. I have a feeling that applies to nurses, too. You were unconscious for nearly a full day, you know.”

  “I’ll do whatever the doctors tell me to, but I’d really like to see Charlie and Frank. If you can pry him from his cousin’s side, of course.”

  “I’ll call them in, but I want a few more minutes with you. Then I’ll say goodbye.”

  Her brows furrowed. “Where are you going?”

  He swallowed hard. “Well, my job at Vixen is done. Charlie no longer needs me now, and I have to get a few things in order. Then we’ll see.”

  “So just like that, you’re leaving?”

  Fire and heat poured from her gaze, singeing him to the bone. What was she so fired up about?

  “I never intended to stay forever. Just until Charlie didn’t have anyone breathing down her neck.”

  “Fine. Then go.”

  “Shree,” he began.

  “No. Don’t say anything more. I knew you weren’t sticking around long, but I thought with the aftermath, everyone who was affected, you might be around longer. No one is even out of the hospital and you’re in a sure-fire hurry to get out of town. Nice, Gavin. Don’t let any of us stop you.”

  “I’ll still be here. I’m thinking about opening a security firm with Frank and Marc. Seems like a great plan, and we’ve thought of things to protect the club a lot more. Keep all the girls safe.”

  She shrugged her good shoulder. “Great. I’m sure Charlie will be pleased.”

  “What do you want from me, Shree? Seriously, you’re pissed off and I don’t know why. I didn’t think you’d care if I left for good.”

  She stared at him, obviously stunned. “Not want you around? Of course I do. I care about you, probably more than I should. Sure, we never promised one another a damn thing, but why wouldn’t I want you around?”

  Realization dawned on Gavin like a ton of bricks. As much as he wanted to be with her, he didn’t consider that she’d reciprocate his feelings, considering she’d been shot because he hadn’t protected her better. But they’d just worked through his being an ass, and he still hadn’t learned. He couldn’t walk away. Ever.

  “Baby, I love you. I didn’t think you’d want me around considering where you are now.” Her mouth opened, but he continued. “I know, I know. I’m an ass. But seeing you lying here…” He sighed. “I couldn’t expect you to still want me around, reminding you every day that I didn’t protect you.”

  She lifted a hand and cupped his cheek. “I love you, Gavin. All six-plus feet of you, you buffoon. I’m not used to anyone being in my corner, that’ll take a bit of getting used to, but I do want you around.” Her thumb skimmed over his lips. “For as long as possible.”

  As careful as he could, he leaned over and captured her lips with his. He never thought he’d get to taste her sweet elixir ever again. His heart raced and he clenched the pillow behind her head. Easing back, he pecked her on the nose. “I love you, my tiny dancer.”

  She held his face and giggled. “That’s such a cliché endearment, but I’ll take it. I love you too, my big buffoon.” Hauling him close again, taking his lips with hers this time, her tongue explored his mouth and he moaned.

  Nothing was as good as his woman taking control. As she wrapped her good arm around his shoulder and hauled him closer, his heartbeat picked up speed.

  Once she got out of here, he planned to show her just how much he wanted her. And no matter how long it took, he’d prove to her that she would never be on her own again.

  Chapter Ten

  Shree finished pulling up her red stockings then sat on the bench to put on her stilettos.

  Tonight had been her last dancing at the Vixen. Four months had passed since she’d awakened in the hospital with Gavin by her side. Thankfully, they had all survived Hagen’s torment.

  So much had changed for her.

  She’d finally graduated nursing school and she aced her interview with the local hospital last week. Next week, she’d be working in the emergency room to start, which would open up some doors for her once she’d put in her dues. She believed she’d soon be on her way to fulfilling her dream.

  Gavin had encouraged her work toward her full doctor’s degree. His encouragement and the way he looked at her had her believing anything was possible. But she’d test nursing first. Having belief in herself and conquering the job for the next few years were two different things. She had a lot to prove to herself before she got too far ahead.

  Applying red lipstick, Victoria entered her thoughts. The two of them had become friends. The connection of being held captive by Hagen, though hers was much more short-lived, had bonded them. Shree would never attempt to say she understood Victoria’s pain and the brutality she’d endured. She was grateful that she had someone to hold onto, who she trusted to wrap her arms around. While Frank never left her side for too long after being discharged from the hospital, Victoria still seemed fearful of letting anyone close enough to touch her.

  Shree spent as much time with Victoria as she could, and tried to help her through many nightmares. Charlie had been kind enough to give Victoria the old place over the club when Shree moved into Gavin’s with him. Shree liked being close to her new friend, and it put Frank at ease knowing that his cousin was being cared for.

  Gavin, Frank, and Marc hadn’t wasted a lot of time in planning their security firm. They’d already found an available building, got permits and licenses, and were well on their way to obtaining clients. A lot of businesses in town had already approached Gavin for meetings, and Shree couldn’t be more proud of him.

  They’d both come to town with temporary plans of settling in, yet they were now excited at the prospect of laying down roots. She’d never had anywhere to call home, had always felt it best to keep moving so she wouldn’t miss anything she didn’t have. Now she had a family. Marc and Frank were like two big brothers and Charlotte was the big sister she’d always wanted. The two had shared a lot over the last few months and their bond was unbreakable.

  She had become very close with Victoria. As close as sisters, and Shree watched over her closely. Victoria was a broken and uncertain young woman who needed someone to watch over her and make sure she was okay. Little by little, Shree saw the uncertainty fall away from her and knew she’d be okay one day. Too much had happened to her, and she had so much more healing to do.

  Adjusting the sports bra she wore, Shree gazed at herself in the mirror. Her skin glistening from the body spray she’d coated herself with. Even she had to appreciate the way she looked tonight.

  Dressed in red from her lace bra to barely-there underwear, her red stockings, and stilettos, she planned to knock her man right off his feet. She paused, hearing the front door open and shut.

  “Babe, you still up?”

  Gavin and Frank had taken it upon themselves to remain downstairs until closing every night, locking up the place for Charlie until they had revamped her security system. She’d been glad fo
r it tonight so she’d have time to get ready.

  Turning, she strode to the bed and lay in the center of it. “I’m in here,” she called, and exhaled. Nerves skittered over her spine. She’d never planned a night like this for any man. They’d had many nights together over the last few months, but nothing as romantic as she’d planned.

  Scented candles lit every available surface of furniture. The room smelled of cinnamon and vanilla, along with the peppermint body mist she’d sprayed on herself. It filled her with a sexiness like none she’d ever felt.

  To be with her man, setting up this evening, made her feel empowered. Desire pulsed through her blood.

  “I’m glad today is over,” Gavin said as he came through the door, head down and unbuttoning his shirt. “There’s been so much paperwork to go over with contracts and building codes, my eyes are crossing. I’m beat.” Head lifting, he gazed around the room. When his eyes landed on her spread out on the bed, he shut the door behind him.

  “You were saying?” Shree asked, her fingers skimming along the bedsheet.

  “Huh?”

  She would have laughed out loud, but didn’t want to disrupt the quiet mood between them. “Too tired?”

  He shrugged out of his shirt and tossed it on the floor. Her mouth moistened at the sight of his hard muscles, flat belly, and the bulge behind his dress pants.

  “I’m suddenly wide awake.” He made quick work of the belt, button, and zipper, and pushed his pants and underwear to the floor.

  Shree shifted on the bed, planting the stilettos on the end, and smirked up at him. His gorgeous cognac eyes shone with desire and heat. As they ran over body, her skin burned and ached to be touched.

  “You are stunning,” he whispered as he lifted one leg and kissed the inside of her ankle.

  “Thank you.”

  “So fucking gorgeous you make it hard to breathe.” Another kiss alongside her knee. “And my dick is hard every time you’re around. He wants to fuck you all the time.”

  Shree’s heart leapt. Only he could talk to her like this and set her on fire. Electricity ran over her from head to toe, washing her pussy with pleasure.