Curt swallowed.
“But this guy won’t come after her now, surely,” Lacey said. “It’s been eight months. If he was going to do anything wouldn’t he have done it by now?”
“He guards his identity ferociously,” Travis told her. “If he thinks Jasons has any information that could lead to him, there’s no telling what he might do.”
“Like go after Jenna once again? To keep her dad quiet?” Curt stood abruptly. “I’m going to her.”
“Curt wait,” Gray said, standing as well.
Curt turned. “She needs me. She needs help. Protection. Whether this guy is a threat or not, there’s still going to be a backlash from her father’s arrest that could come back to her.” There would be a lot of angry people looking for someone to blame.
His heart hammered in his chest. He had to get to her. Now. Nothing else mattered. Not the fact she’d probably rather spit on him than let her help him. Not his job or the people in this room. Nothing was as important as getting to her.
And wasn’t that fucking ironic since he’d done all he could to push her away. But that had been for her own safety. Being with him wasn’t in her best interest.
But just because he’d pushed her away didn’t mean he would stand by while she was in danger.
“We need to think about this,” Gray cautioned. “About what our next steps are.”
His next step was to get to Jenna and stick so close to her she’d think he was her shadow. Impatience bit at him. “Look, I don’t care what jobs I have coming up. Give them to Tiny or Josh. I’ll quit if I have to, but I’m going to Jenna.”
“Nobody said anything about quitting,” Hunter told him. “But the fact is, no one has hired us. You might want to protect her, doesn’t mean she’s going to accept it.”
Who cared if she accepted it or not, he’d just . . . what? Barge his way into her life? The man who’d basically crushed her to keep her away from him.
She’d as likely take a pitchfork to him as she would welcome him into her life.
“I know you probably can’t spare many people at such short notice and, seeing as I’m already here, I’d be happy to speak to Jenna and convince her that she should accept Curt’s protection. Or offer my own.”
Curt glared at him, his hands clenching into fists. Travis just stared back at him calmly.
“Why? She didn’t see this guy. You don’t know it’s The Brit.”
“I know,” Travis replied calmly. “But if it is and he comes after her you’re going to need help.”
“That’s a small possibility,” Hunter said. “People angry over the Embassy bombing and other attacks on Americans overseas, they might turn their anger against her. The shareholders in her father’s company are going to be furious. Employees who might lose their jobs, too. They’re likely to be more of a threat than this guy.”
“I know. But it’s my time. I can waste it as I see fit.”
Curt?” Hunter asked. “Okay if Travis comes?”
“So long as your mind is focused on what’s important,” Curt told him. “Keeping Jenna safe. She comes first.”
Travis nodded. “Of course. I’m certain you’ll make certain nothing happens to her. I’ll just be back-up.”
Damn straight he was, because Curt was running the op this time. Curt started to breathe a little easier as a plan formed. And if she didn’t accept their help? What then?
Then he was perfectly okay with force. Because he wasn’t allowing anyone to hurt her. Never again.
Chapter Four
Jenna smiled as she walked down the streets of Haven. It was a pretty town. The buildings were quaint and old, but well-kept. Flowers bloomed in planter boxes along the street. The place was clean, comforting, and friendly.
“Hey Doctor J, how are you today?”
She smiled, waving over at Mrs. Childs as she shuffled along with Daisy walking beside her on a leash. Daisy was part Great Dane, and her head reached up to Mrs. Childs’s waist. She could have toppled the frail, elderly woman with one push, instead she walked patiently alongside her, stopping when Mrs. Childs had to rest, even letting the old woman lean on her. Jenna worried about what might happen to Daisy if Mrs. Childs had to go into a home.
“I’m good, thanks, Mrs. Childs. How are you?” She stopped to pat Daisy’s head.
“Oh, I’m fine, dear. Nothing for me to complain about.”
Jenna gave Daisy another pat and kept moving on. In a rush this morning, she’d skipped breakfast. She’d also walked out the door without her lunch, and her stomach was rumbling so she’d decided to pop into the diner. As she walked through the door, everyone turned to look, many of them smiling or waving hello before they turned back to what they’d been doing. It had taken a while for her to get used to that. She’d lived her whole life in Dallas, and small-town life was a totally different experience. Here, people didn’t mind their own business. If you were new to town, they wanted to know your life story. It wasn’t that they weren’t accepting of strangers, but they were treated differently. At least in the beginning, until they were tested and found to measure up.
It helped that she was working at the medical center. It meant she got to meet lots of locals and it had been the perfect way to escape Dallas, her parents, and Curt.
Not that she’d worried she’d bump into him; it wasn’t like they moved in the same circles. But she’d just needed some distance. Some time to regroup and get over her embarrassment.
Haven had given her the peace she’d needed to pull herself together. To build up some strength, both mentally and physically. She’d grown a lot these past few months, she’d healed and recuperated. She’d finally managed to feel safe again.
Haven was a special place where women were protected and cherished and basically coddled. Sure, it wasn’t everyone’s cup of tea. But for her, it was like being held in a blanket of safety without being smothered like her parents tended to do. She knew she was watched over, but it was from a distance. It wasn’t stifling or condescending like Curt had been.
She snorted as she remembered him telling her how she was too young for him. Too naïve. How she’d never cope with his dark desires. Unable to suppress her curiosity, she’d asked Cady what he’d meant.
She’d been kind of shocked to hear what he’d been talking about. But not horrified or scared. Bondage and submission weren’t things she’d ever explored but as she’d listened to Cady explain her experiences she’d grown curious—and aroused.
She ordered some lunch and sat at a booth. The lunch rush had been and gone, so it was quieter.
She could see herself tied down on a spanking bench, naked, while Curt did all sorts of delicious and decadent things to her. Yeah, that was something she could picture all too clearly. Too bad it was never going to happen.
When she’d learned there was a BDSM club right here in Haven, she’d decided to do some exploring. So far, she’d done little more than watch but she knew she’d have to take the next step soon, or Joel Saxon, the owner, might give her a nudge. She wasn’t prepared to hand over control to him; that man scared her shitless.
“Wow, that must have been an interesting thought. Everything okay?”
She looked up with a smile at the familiar voice. “Hey, Brye. All good. You stopping to eat?”
“Just ordering a cake for Melody’s birthday tomorrow.” Brye Hanson slipped into the seat across from her. He was the other reason her confidence was growing. Well, the classes he taught. Soon after she’d arrived in town, Jake, Haven’s sheriff had suggested she take the self-defense courses that Brye ran. She didn’t know if he suggested that to all the single women in town but as she’d been considering some sort of self-defense course she’d decided to look into it. She wasn’t exactly fit nor was she confident about having a man touch her, even if it was to show her some moves. However, Brye used his assistant, Melody, for most demonstrations, only touching her when he needed to adjust something. And then, he always asked her permission first.
Brye narrowed his gaze. “Heard about that. There’s a rodeo going on near Freestown this weekend, which means more strangers in town.”
“Won’t they all be staying in Freestown?”
He shook his head. “Not enough accommodation. Some of them like to stay here. Good for the hotel and campground, but it means our women need extra watching.”
She rolled her eyes but had to smile, used to the way the men around here thought. “We’ll be fine. If the bouncers and Darne can’t handle whatever comes up, then Mel is a well-oiled fighting machine, remember?” Darne was one of the bartenders and he was built like a champion boxer, all muscle. But there was a kind heart beneath that rather intimidating exterior.
“She likes to think she is. She’s still only five feet and a hundred pounds. Anyway, I heard Jake has put more deputies on the night shift over the weekend.”
“There you go. Jake is on top of things. Stop fretting.”
He scowled. “I’m a man. I don’t fret.”
Her food arrived, and he took off with a wave. She glanced around as she ate, staring over with a smile as she saw Logan Ferguson pull out a chair for his wife, Savannah, who smiled up at him. The tiny blonde had been through a lot in the last year, having been kidnapped and abused. Savannah’s other husband, Max, walked up then and leaned down to kiss his wife’s cheek. It had been a bit shocking to realize how many women around here had relationships with more than one man. Their marriage wasn’t legal, of course. Savannah wasn’t married to both men but she considered herself to be. Jenna had met Savannah a few times. They shared the same therapist, Molly, who was amazing. She’d helped Savannah through her fear of leaving her house. And she’d done wonders for Jenna, even though all their sessions were done via Skype.
“All good with your meal, honey?” Peggy, the owner of the diner, asked as she came and got her plate.
“Amazing, Peggy, as always.” Jenna smiled up at her.
Peggy looked over as Savannah laughed and slapped Logan on the chest. “Good to see Savannah out and about and looking so happy. And Logan and Max. Been too long since they all looked so relaxed.”
The older woman moved away, and Jenna watched the Fergusons for a bit longer, feeling a little sad as she saw how Logan and Max looked after their wife. She wanted that. Wanted to feel that close to someone. Wanted someone to love and take care of and have the same in return.
She thought of Curt. Recalled the cold look on his face, the slight sneer as he told her she wouldn’t be able to give him what he needed.
His loss.
If he wasn’t so damn closed-minded, he would’ve seen they could’ve had what the Fergusons did. Maybe she hadn’t known anything about BDSM, but if that’s what he needed she would have done whatever she could to give it to him. Instead, he seemed to have some picture of her being an innocent, naïve kid.
She supposed she couldn’t blame him. He probably looked at her and saw that three-year-old kid crying over spilled ice cream. Or maybe he saw a victim. She stiffened at the thought. Maybe he hadn’t been interested because she’d seemed too clingy, too needy. She hadn’t exactly projected confidence or strength. He’d probably thought she was after his protection; she’d always felt safe with Curt.
Now, she had to work on making herself feel safe. This town helped. Her self-defense lessons helped. But there was still a part of her that was scared. She couldn’t sleep without a light on, she still jumped at loud noises and she always made sure she parked as close as she could to buildings when she was out at night.
Maybe he just looked at her and saw Amelia. Not that they’d looked alike. Jenna was short and curvy, while Amelia had been tall and willowy. But perhaps she reminded him of his wife, and maybe he still wasn’t ready to let go.
Jenna sighed. She’d probably never have had the guts to do what she’d done if she hadn’t been so emotional that day. She blushed thinking about what a fool she’d made of herself.
The door to the diner opened and Lila Richards walk in with one of her men—she had three. Jenna wondered how the hell she managed that. Three men seemed extremely daunting to someone who’d never even had a long-term boyfriend. As she watched the way Trace looked after Lila, keeping a hand on the small of her back to guide her and pulling out a chair at the same table where Savannah sat with her two husbands, she felt that wistfulness grow.
She stood and left some cash on the table before making her way outside. Stopping for a moment, she closed her eyes and tilted her face up towards the sun. She’d never take being outside or being free for granted again.
Suddenly, she heard someone cry out. As she opened her eyes and turned, a person bounced into her, sending her flying back against the pavement. Her breath left her in a whoosh of air as she landed, scraping her elbows and butt painfully against the hard ground. A heavy body landed on top of her, winding her. Then the person scrambled up, stepping on her hip as they launched themselves forward. She lay there trying to catch her breath, heart racing, and body trembling. Then there was another loud yell, and she turned as tires screeched. A horn blasted as the man who’d banged into her ran in front of a car, causing it to come to a sudden stop. A man jumped from the car and raced after the guy.
“Jenna, you okay? Don’t get up, you might have injured something.”
She smiled up into Max Ferguson’s concerned face. His wife, Savannah appeared beside him.
“Are you okay, Jenna?” she asked.
“I thought I told you to remain in the diner.” Max glowered at his wife.
She just shrugged, looking unintimidated despite his firm voice. Jenna wasn’t attracted to the rancher, but that tone of voice made her insides stand up and take notice. Maybe because Max reminded her of Curt. Not in looks. Curt’s dirty-blond hair was always in need of a cut, and where Max was quite handsome, Curt had a harder, craggy appearance. But they both had a take-charge attitude, something that made you listen and take notice.
Max pressed his hand against her shoulder as she started to move again.
“I’m fine. I just scrapped my hands and elbow a bit.” She held them up, and his frown increased. Behind him, a crowd gathered, looking down at her in concern.
Damn this is embarrassing.
“What did that kid think he was doing?” Mr. Britely, who owned the general store, asked.
“He had a purse in his hand,” someone replied.
Max’s face darkened with anger.
She heard a dog bark but when she looked around all she could see were people gathered around her.
“Max, I’m fine. Let me up.”
“Wait for the doctor,” he told her.
“I am the doctor.”
He gave her a look. “Doc Harper is on his way.”
The barking started up again. “Where is the barking coming from?”
Savannah straightened and looked over. “It’s Daisy. She seems to be guarding Mrs. Childs.”
“Mrs. Childs?” she asked in alarm. “Is she okay? Did he knock her over as well?”
“It was her handbag he took.” This time it was Abby, the new hairdresser in town, who spoke up. “Mrs. Childs had just left the salon and was walking over to get Daisy, who was tied up beneath the oak outside the salon. This guy just bowled into her, snatched her bag, then took off.”
She frowned slightly wondering why Abby wasn’t helping Mrs. Childs.
The younger woman rubbed her hands together in agitation, her face pale. “I’m not good with big dogs, that’s why Mrs. Childs leaves Daisy outside.”
Savannah stepped back and wrapped her arm around Abby who trembled. “Don’t w
orry, Lila and Trace are with her. And anyone would be scared of Daisy right now.”
Other people nodded around her.
“Daisy is standing over Mrs. Childs, not letting anyone get close to check on her,” Savannah explained.
Jenna was surprised. The big dog was always so gentle and happy.
Abby nodded. “I don’t know how they’re going to get Daisy to stand down.”
“Let me up, Max.” He shook his head. Damn, stubborn male.
“I’m not injured and I need to check on Mrs. Childs.”
“No one is getting near her right now.”
“Daisy likes me. She’s used to me checking and touching Mrs. Childs. I need to make sure she’s okay. She could have broken a hip or something.”
Max didn’t look happy but he nodded. Before she could move, he picked her up under the arms and set her on her feet, holding onto her for a few moments as her legs trembled, the adrenaline rush dying down. Once she was steady she gave him a nod.
He hovered close by as she moved, probably prepared to catch her if she collapsed. The crowd parted as she made her way to where Mrs. Childs lay on the ground outside the hair salon.
Daisy was standing over her, guarding her owner. She raised her lip, baring her teeth. Jenna hesitated.
Max placed his hand on the small of her back. “You okay?”
Damn it, Jenna. You’ve faced down armed terrorists and a big dog is going to get the best of you? Keep moving.
“Fine,” she told him briskly, moving forward. She ignored the stinging pain in her arms and the ache in her butt. Jake stood next to Trace Richards, who knelt a few feet away, speaking to Daisy in a calm voice. Everyone else kept a wide circle away from where Mrs. Childs lay on the pavement. Lila was on the phone. She turned, looking tense as Jenna, Savannah and Max approached.
“Stand next to Lila, Savannah,” Max ordered.
Savannah sighed but walked over to Lila, who smiled at her.
The sheriff turned with a scowl as Jenna slowly approached with Max. He walked over to them, running his gaze over her. “You okay, Jenna? I was just coming over to check on you.”
To Save Sir (Doms of Decadence Book 7) Page 8
