Gabriel (Guardian Defenders Book 1)

by Kris Michaels

  Ten minutes later, dressed in jeans, a nice top, and matching tennis shoes, she slung her purse over her shoulder as she left the Longline building. The sun was setting, but the humidity still lingered and glommed onto her when she left the air conditioning. She turned right and wandered down the sidewalk. She'd noticed several small restaurants nestled among the buildings when she’d walked to the pharmacy last week.

  Anna waited at the corner of the street for the light to change, her mind still chewing on the words McNair had bludgeoned her with. True, it had only been a week since she and Gabriel had started sleeping together. She narrowed her eyes, keeping them fixed on the crosswalk light. McNair was right. She had been playing house in her head. Well, not really, but she'd been sticking her head in the sand and not asking the 'hard' questions.

  The light changed, and she stepped off the sidewalk and crossed the street. Residual heat from the long day lifted off the asphalt, adding to the almost claustrophobic humidity. A bead of sweat trickled between her shoulder blades, but even the suffocating stillness of the night couldn’t distract her from her thoughts. What was Gabriel's name? Gabriel, obviously, but was that his first or last name? And what did McNair mean by saying she didn’t know what he really did for a living? He ran the security firm, Guardian. Hell, she'd seen how busy he was, working around the clock. What the hell had McNair meant? Did it actually matter where he was born or where he went to school? No. Decidedly not. She'd never been one to judge a person on anything other than their actions.

  Dark, furious thoughts swirled around her as she absolutely, one hundred percent, judged McNair. What kind of person pokes a hole in a condom? Seriously? Trapping a man? As if. She'd been lonely for a long time, but the thought of trapping a man with a child? No. Never going to happen. She'd seen too many horrible marriages. Check that, she'd seen the abuse from horrible marriages. It paraded through her ward in a sad, consistent stream. Women, children, and even men, being abused by people who were supposed to love them. No, a loveless union would only fester into an infection that would kill any relationship. Craig McNair had raised some legitimate concerns, but her trapping Gabriel? No, if she turned up pregnant tomorrow, she'd...

  Anna stopped and looked up from the sidewalk, suddenly realizing she'd been walking without registering where she was. She glanced back the way she'd come. Streetlights were starting to flicker on, and the iron lace balconies on the small shops faded into the darkening night. Damn it. She headed back the way she'd come. She didn't recognize the area, and she'd obviously missed her turn for the small Italian place she wanted to find again. As she retraced her steps, she made sure to notice street signs and storefronts. Finally, she saw a familiar sight. The coffee and candy shop was up ahead and on her left. Anna stopped and spun to her right. There, that was the direction of the restaurant.

  Entering the quaint little diner, Anna waited for the hostess. The woman hustled back up to her duty station. “Sorry for the wait. We are down a waitress tonight and have quite the crowd. Did you have a reservation?”

  Anna deflated. “Ah, no. I was hoping to get a table for one.”

  The woman blew out a lungful of air, fluffing her long dark brown bangs in the process. “I don't have any single tops or doubles for that matter, but if you'd like to sit at the bar, Bart could put in an order for you. To be honest, you'd probably get faster service that way. His tickets get put ahead of the table service. Keeps the regulars at the bar happy and the people in the dining room don't have a clue. The food's the same, and the regulars are a sociable lot.”

  Anna glanced over her shoulder at the old wooden bar. There were several seats available. “That's fine. Thank you.”

  “Go ahead on through. The guys on the left are harmless but chatty. If you are looking for a quiet evening, I'd head to the right and lodge yourself in the corner. Bart will take care of you.”

  “Thanks.” Anna smiled politely and veered right. She had too much on her mind to be chatty with strangers. Somehow, she needed to get a handle on exactly what she was doing with Gabriel.

  She sat down and draped her purse over the back of her chair.

  Behind the bar, a long, tall drink of water made his way over to her. He used a bar cloth to wipe the counter in front of her and dropped a coaster on the shining oak. “What can I get you?” His smoky rasp had a southern twang to it.

  Anna smiled at him. “A menu and a glass of red wine with a glass of ice water, please.”

  “Coming right up.” She watched him walk away. His jeans fit him very well, and the muscles under the black button-up were obvious. Coupled with the guy's blond hair and big hazel eyes, he was a looker. He poured her a goblet of wine and scooped a tall glass of ice, filling it with water. On the way back to her seat, he swiped a menu from behind the bar and had all three items set in front of her with an efficient flare.

  “I can recommend the ravioli. The manicotti is awesome, but the chicken parmesan will make you cry; it's so good.” The man leaned on his side of the bar, bracing himself with his hands.

  Anna pushed her menu back at him. “Chicken parmesan it is.”

  “Soup or salad? Soup is minestrone; house salad has homemade dressing. I recommend the ranch or the green goddess.”

  “Ranch, please. Where I come from everything gets coated in ranch dressing.”

  The bartender's eyebrows rose. “Yeah, and where are you from that things are dipped in vats of ranch dressing?”

  “Now, I didn't say that, but Colorado.”

  “No, kidding. What brings you down to the Big Easy?” Bart scribbled out her order on a pad.

  “Helping a friend out.” She wasn't going to offer anything more. Not after Gabriel had reminded her that the security wasn't about her, it was about keeping Jackie safe.

  “Awesome, well, welcome. My name's Bart. I'll get this put in.”

  “Thank you.” Anna waited until he turned away before she fished several ice cubes out of her water and plopped them into her wine. She'd become quite adept at not making it obvious that she liked iced red wine. Even though she didn't see anything wrong with it, most of the world seemed to disagree.

  Anna swirled her wine around the ice. McNair's words still banged around in her head. She wasn't that woman. She wasn't what he said, but he’d hit the nail on the head several times. She didn't know Gabriel, except in a very carnal way.

  Anna glanced around the bar to make sure no one saw the blush that heated her face. She knew the man, physically at least. On a personal level? She knew he had a wicked sense of humor. He was kind and giving, especially in bed. His dedication to his job bordered on obsessive. She felt comfortable enough around him to be herself, but she hadn't shared any deeply intimate details about her life either. So, what they had was... convenient. Just as McNair had said. But there was nothing wrong with that.

  Anna's eyes snapped up from her wine. Bart had come back from the kitchen carrying a tray of food. The men on the right-hand side of the bar looked thrilled to get the mounding plates of spaghetti. Bart laughed with them and then headed her way. “One salad, ranch dressing.”

  “Thank you.”

  “No problem.” Bart cocked his head at the wine glass. The liquid had fogged the bottom of the goblet. “Ice in your wine?”

  Anna nodded as she unwrapped her silverware from the napkin bundle he’d set beside the salad.

  “I thought I was the only one who liked cold red wine.” Bart laughed and tossed the tray he'd brought the food out on into the air catching it with one hand.

  Anna’s eyes snapped from the flying tray to the man in front of her. “No way.”

  “Way. I accidentally chilled a bottle of red and had a patron who pitched a fit. This was at another bar. I ended up having to pay for the 'ruined' wine. So, I drank it. I wasn't going to pay sixty dollars for a bottle of wine and not drink it. You know what I mean?”

  Anna laughed at the animation on the guy’s face. She didn't believe him for a second, but he was funny and c
ute and a much-needed distraction from her problems. “Please tell me this glass of wine is not sixty dollars.”

  Bart smiled and shook his head. “Nope, that one is two dollars and seventy-five cents.”

  Anna chuckled at his deadpan delivery. “Well, that, I can afford.”

  “Good to hear it. Otherwise, you'll be doing the dishes. I've got to get back to work. If you need anything, just let me know. Your meal will be out shortly.”

  Anna chuckled at Bart's antics. He was a showman, and the people at the bar all seemed to be happy and enjoying his exhibition as they ate and drank.

  Not five minutes later, Bart placed a platter of food in front of her and brought another glass of wine. This one came with three ice cubes. Anna thanked him and picked at the chicken and pasta. It was good, but as always, when she was upset, she lost her appetite.

  “Is the food here that bad?”

  Anna startled at the voice at her elbow. “Gary! Hi, ahh... no, actually it is very good. I'm just not that hungry.”

  “I was heading into the dining room with a couple of associates when I noticed you over here in the corner. I thought I'd stop by and say hello. Be social and all that.” He slid his hands into his pockets. The suit he wore looked nice, but it didn't fit the way Gabriel's tailored suits did.

  “I appreciate that. I had to get out of the building and breathe some different air, so I popped over tonight. Are you here for business?”

  “No, not really. Some of the people I work with have a standing reservation here every Friday evening. We come and drink and eat some appetizers. The fried ravioli is spectacular. Sometimes we grab dinner. It's hard to get a table if you don't have a reservation.”

  “I noticed.” Anna splayed her hands, indicating the bar.

  The man laughed and glanced back toward the hostess stand. Anna followed his line of sight, but there was no one she could see waiting for him. “May I buy you a drink?” Gary nodded to the wine glass that was once again empty. When had she finished that?

  “Won’t your friends miss you?”

  “It is a casual thing, so no. About that drink?”

  Anna shook her head. “No, I better not, but thank you.”

  Bart made his way to her and indicated the food left on her plate. “Can I bring you a to-go box? Another glass of wine?”

  “Yes, on the to-go box, no, on the wine, although I do thank you for serving it the way I like it.” Anna dropped enough cash to cover her meal, the wine, and a tip.

  Bart took the money and laughed as he spun away, calling back over his shoulder as he headed to the kitchen, “Hey, us oddballs need to stick together. Just a minute, I'll be right back with that to-go box and your change.”

  She turned back to Gary. A deep frown marred his otherwise pleasant face as he watched Bart retreat into the kitchen. “You seem pretty chummy with the bartender.”

  Anna swung her body toward Gary and lifted an eyebrow. “Say what, now?” She’d had enough of high handed, macho bullshit tonight.

  Gary slid his eyes to hers, clearly agitated. “Yeah, I guess it’s just me you don't want to get friendly with.”

  Anna opened her mouth and then snapped it shut. She stood and slid her purse strap over her shoulder. “Excuse me.” She elbowed past Gary. The jerk had no right to start a scene, and she wasn't going to be baited. She barely knew the guy.

  “Hey, look...” She felt him grab her. When she tried to pull away, he tightened his grasp on her arm. What was it with assholes grabbing her arm?

  “No!” She ground the words out as she snatched her arm back from him. “No. What you fail to realize is that I am friendly to everyone. That is the way I am. But you know what? I’m really not a happy person tonight, so let me put a stop to everything right here and now. I am not going to go out with you. No, I don't want to get a cup of coffee with you or have a drink with you, and it is not your business who I talk to, or who I’m friendly with or why. Have a nice life and stay out of mine.”

  She spun on her heel, catching Bart's surprised expression as he stood behind the bar with a Styrofoam container. She shook her head and strode out of the cafe, practically race walking down the sidewalk. The Longline building was in her sights when she heard Gary calling her name and running behind her. “Anna, wait. Damn it, wait a second.”

  She started to jog and then ran. She glanced over her shoulder and doubled her effort. If she could get close enough to the building, the security in the lobby would see her. God, she prayed McNair wasn’t on duty. She only had to make it a half block further and cross the street.

  “Shit, just stop, would you?” She felt him grab her arm again. Her forward momentum was stopped, and a lightning bolt of pain tore through her shoulder. She screamed and then was knocked flat on her ass.

  Instinct tucked her knees to her chest, and she became as small as she could. The scrape of shoes on the concrete and grunts above her added to her mounting fear and confusion as two men pushed and shoved over the top of her. Fractured sounds assaulted her ears, and then Gary hit the sidewalk face first. A man dropped onto Gary's back, placing a knee on his back, high up by his neck. Anna opened her eyes long enough to see Gary's contorted face as he spewed vile words at her, and spittle flew from his mouth. The man, a person Anna had never seen before, pulled out a set of handcuffs and forced Gary's arm behind his back, snapping the steel around his wrist. Anna cradled her arm and pushed away from the men, scooting across the concrete until her back pressed up against the building. Across the street, three men in dark suits flew out of the lobby of the Longline building. They dodged cars as they ran across the street.

  The man who'd handcuffed Gary squatted down in front of her. “You okay?”

  No, she wasn't okay. Nothing was okay, but she drew a shaky breath and nodded anyway.

  “Delacroix, what the fuck is going on?”

  Anna cringed at McNair's shout as he approached. She closed her eyes tightly. This night could not get any worse.

  The man held out a hand. “Whoa, there, hotshot. The lady was being assaulted, and I did my job. What the hell does it matter to you?” The man stood up, blocking McNair from coming closer.

  “Fucking son of a bitch. I just wanted to talk to her!” Gary shouted the words drawing everyone's attention.

  “Shut up, asshole.” The man identified as Delacroix crouched down again in front of her. “You need help to stand?”

  Gary growled, “I didn't do anything!”

  Delacroix spoke over his shoulder, “Bullshit. Two counts of assault. One against this lady and the other against a police officer. You are one stupid son of a bitch, you know that?”

  Anna watched as Delacroix's eyes fixed on Gary. He snapped his fingers up at McNair. “Yo, hotshot. This guy look familiar to you?”

  McNair glanced at Gary and did a double take. “Fuck, it could be. You thinking what I'm thinking?”

  Delacroix shook his head and laughed as he spoke. “Life ain't that easy, dude. Gifts like this don't just drop out of the heavens, but since he's going to go to the station anyway...”

  Anna glanced from Delacroix to McNair. Both men seemed to have forgotten about her. She pushed up, attempting to stand without using her arm until one of the other security agents from Longline helped her up. Delacroix and McNair glanced back as she sucked in a harsh breath. Damn, she was going to be a mass of bruises come morning.

  “Ma'am, I'm going to need a statement from you, then we can get you a ride home. You shouldn't be out alone this late at night so close to the Quarter. Drunks tend to wander.”

  “She's one of ours.” McNair nodded his head toward the Longline Building. “A pain in my ass, but one of ours.”

  “I'm not one of yours.” Anna found her voice, although it was shaking. “I want nothing to do with you.” She turned to Delacroix. “I'll give you a statement, but I don't want him anywhere around when I do it.” She glared daggers at McNair.

  McNair had the audacity to snort out a laugh. “Whatever.
” McNair nodded to the man who'd helped her stand. “Wall, you're babysitting her. The damn woman is nothing but trouble.” He glanced at Delacroix. “I'll let the boss know you have someone of interest in custody.”

  “Nah, man, don't get his hopes up. I'll call if this turns into anything. Like I said. Gifts like this don't just fall into a person's lap, and I refuse to jump to any conclusions here.” Delacroix motioned to a patrol car that rolled to a stop on the street. He waved the patrolman over and waited for the vehicle to park before he grabbed Gary by the arm and told him to stand.

  McNair grabbed one of Gary's arms and helped Delacroix pull the man from the sidewalk as he spoke, “All right. Your call. No skin off my nose either way, besides the boss is busy tonight.”

  “Hot date?” Delacroix passed off Gary to the patrolman as he spoke.

  “Let's just say he won't be bored.” McNair stuck out his hand, and Delacroix shook it. McNair sent another caustic glance her way before he and the remaining security person made their way across the street.

  Anna flinched when Gary lunged toward her. “Bitch, I just wanted to talk to you.” Delacroix spun the man and flattened him against the patrol car.

  “And I said, no.” Her voice didn't come out as strong as she would have liked, but she had said no. She'd left after telling him no, and he'd followed, then he'd grabbed her. Her shoulder still ached from the way he'd snatched her arm. She shook her head, and her eyes swung from Gary to Delacroix. “I'd be happy to give you a statement. Can you come over to the Longline building? I'd like to wash up.” Her hands and knees were scraped and bloody. The sting of the abrasions were minor background notes to the throbbing pain in her arm and shoulder, but she needed to get the embedded dirt and grime out and clean the scrapes.