Love.
And something else, something she’d said. His subconscious lingered on her words: Clean energy.
He broke the kiss. “Energy. That’s it! Your theater would be a threat to an oil company. They don’t want clean energy.”
“And they’d have the drilling equipment to…”
“Free the Titans.” He took her hand and hustled to the car. “We’re hoping the woman who sold the silver Honda Accord can identify an employee from Belkin Oil as the man who bought it from her. It won’t be enough to charge anyone yet, but we’ll have a man to watch and when he makes a mistake, we’ll be there to catch him.”
Mel buckled her seat belt. “Just don’t get so wrapped up that you miss Maggie’s barbeque this weekend.”
He shook his head with a smile. “No chance.”
Mel told him all the party details on the way home. It wasn’t miniature golf, but hopefully she’d like it. As he passed his street, Mel watched the sign pass by.
“You missed the turn.”
“We’re not going home yet.” He glanced her way.
“We’re not?”
He shook his head. When he got to the light, he turned her way. “Hope you like to dance.”
Mel grinned. “Love it. I didn’t know you were a dancer.”
“I can hold my own.”
She chuckled. “I would’ve dressed hotter today if I knew I’d be going to Donato’s and dancing after work.”
“I would’ve warned you, but I’m winging it tonight.”
She raised a brow. “Improvising looks good on you, Malone.”
He tipped his head back, laughing. She made loving her way too easy. Just thinking the word made his palms sweat.
In the parking lot, he took her hand, his fingers twining with hers. Everything about her fit him—her tall frame, her dark eyes, her voice, and her body.
But it was her heart that mesmerized him. They stepped into the shadowed light of the club, the bass roaring out of the speakers and pounding a steady beat. She grinned. “I love this song!”
He followed her onto the dance floor. It was early enough that there weren’t writhing bodies bumping them. Mel moved with the music, fluid and sensual, and already his blood was pumping below his belt. She came closer, her thigh between his so they could rock together, grinding slowly. She slid her arms around his waist, pulling him close to her.
Her lips brushed his ear. “Every girl on this dance floor wants you.”
He glanced around and back to her eyes. “Tough. I only want you.”
“Lucky me.” She looked up at him from under her lashes, and it was all he could do not to carry her to a dark corner and kiss her until she forgot her name.
He bent to rest his forehead against hers. “This was a mistake.” Her smile faltered, and he shook his head. “Too many people. We need someplace more private.”
Her grin returned. “Maybe your place?”
He nodded and scooped her up into his arms, enjoying the squeak of surprise as he carried her off the dance floor.
Chapter Seventeen
Back at Nate’s place, Mel started up her iPod in his bedroom. She turned to find Nate unbuttoning his shirt. Heat smoldered low in her belly. “We’re getting comfortable?”
The hunger and desire in his gaze was all the answer she needed. He let his shirt fall to the ground, and her heart thumped. He didn’t even hesitate to expose his scars. She smiled. He trusted her whether he realized it or not.
As soon as her top hit the floor, he wrapped her in his arms. His hot skin against her bare chest sent a shiver through her body. As the song ended, his hands slid up her back to unfasten her bra. She stepped back long enough to slip it free, and then he tugged her close to him again.
His lips brushed her shoulder. “Much better.”
She nodded, closing her eyes as they swayed together. The song faded out, and the next one kicked in with a vengeance. Nate froze for a second and raised his head to meet her eyes.
She laughed. She couldn’t help it. Bonnie Tyler’s “Holding Out for a Hero” blasted through the room.
“This is a little up-tempo.” She started to pull away to change it. “It’s on shuffle. I can find something slower.”
“Don’t.” Nate held her tighter. “I want to be that for you. Your Guardian, your hero.”
“You are.” She bit her lower lip to keep the three words in her heart from escaping. Sliding one hand from around his neck, she traced his jawline. “You make me very happy.”
“Good.” He grinned, grinding slowly with her.
His erection pressed against her, making her heart pound in answer. She loved knowing he wanted her. The song ended and he took her hand, walking toward the bed, when Etta James stopped them both in their tracks.
At last my love has come along.
Mel didn’t know where to look, but Nate bent to kiss her lips and took her hand. Next thing she knew, they were dancing slowly, their tongues twining together as the lyrics wrapped them in a magical embrace.
He broke the kiss, resting his forehead against hers, his eyes staring directly into her soul. As Etta belted out the last line, Nate’s gritty whisper stopped time.
“I don’t know how this happened…” He paused, searching her eyes. “I love you, Mel.”
Her knees turned to rubber, but he held her so tight she knew she’d never fall. She swallowed the lump of emotion choking her and whispered, “I love you, too.”
He chuckled and somehow managed to look happy, relieved, and terrified all at once. That honesty melted her heart. He had finally let her in, and she’d do all she could to protect that trust. To love him.
They collapsed on the bed and made quick work of their pants. He grabbed a condom from the drawer and hovered over her. Mel shook her head. “Not so fast.” She rolled him over and smiled down at him. “I get to be on top this time.”
He stared up at her, sliding his hands up from her waist to cup her breasts. “God, you’re beautiful.”
She closed her eyes, drinking in the way he teased her nipples. Leaning forward over him, she kissed his lips. “You make me feel beautiful.”
Slowly, she lowered herself, moaning as he slid inside her. Nate ran his hands down her body, gripping her thighs. He lifted his head, kissing her, hungry, greedy.
Breathless, he growled, “I want this to last all night, but I also want to flip you over and pound into you until we can’t speak.”
She smiled, lifting her hips, drawing him nearly out before slowly coming down again. His grip tightened, and he thrust up hard in answer. She trembled and worked into him faster. Gods, he was made for her.
Suddenly, Nate’s large hands moved up her back, holding her tightly, and he rolled them over. She laughed into his kiss.
He pulled back, smiling. “Sorry. I couldn’t take any more teasing.”
He slid his hand between them until his fingertips found the perfect spot. He rubbed in time with his thrusts, coaxing her closer to her peak. She gripped him tighter, her nails digging into his back as her body tightened. Nate growled, pushing up into her, his hips slamming against hers. Just as he shuddered, her inner muscles clenched around him.
For a moment, they were both still. Finally, she sucked in a breath. “I can’t move.”
He chuckled, shivering above her. “Good.”
Mel grinned. “That was way better than good.”
“Coming from an English teacher.”
Mel laughed. “Cut her a break, the English teacher just came.”
Nate kissed her and slowly slid himself free. “Be right back.”
She enjoyed the view of his naked backside and crawled up to the top of the bed. He returned and got into bed beside her, and she rolled onto her side, resting on his chest. “How are you doing?”
He smiled. “I’m in love with an incredible woman.” He shook his head, sobering a little. “I’m hanging in there.”
Honesty again. Such a gift.
She k
issed his chest. “Thanks for letting me into your heart.”
He tucked her hair behind her ear. “You walked in like you had a key.”
“The gods were kind to me when they made me your muse.”
Being without his robe and gold mask made it difficult to focus. Whenever Ben donned the hooded visage of the Order, he lost his human identity. He became the enforcer, bringing them closer to the Golden Age of Man. He could face the tasks required without being burdened by the laws of man and the morals of humanity.
So hanging around a busy park in the middle of the afternoon was tough for him. Though, while distancing himself from his duty would be a challenge, this would work.
Their leader had handicapped him by forbidding him from kidnapping the little girl, but he’d come up with a work-around. It had taken a few days, but now he had Melanie Jacoby’s cell phone number. Soon she would come to him willingly, alone. And he would do what must be done.
Nate pulled up to the park to find Mel and her sisters already had a Darth Vader piñata hanging from a tree branch and two tables decorated with tablecloths and balloons.
Maggie’s eyes widened as she removed her seat belt. “Wow! It’s not even my birthday.” She looked over at him, beaming. “You must’ve taken Mel to min-ature golf!”
He chuckled. “Didn’t have to, she likes you so much.”
“Another mom and dad came to see me,” Maggie told him, her smile faltering a little. “But I guess they didn’t like me as much as Mel does.”
His heart clenched. Mrs. Gaines had told him about the meeting. The potential family thought Maggie was too old for their daughter. They hadn’t “meshed.” But how did you explain that to a seven-year-old?
And how could anyone not “mesh” with Maggie? He couldn’t fathom it. “They didn’t deserve you, Maggie.”
“Why can’t I stay with you, Uncle Nate?”
Mel was coming toward the car. He willed her to move faster.
“We’ve talked about this.” He sighed. “I work too much, and besides, you need a mom, too.”
Mel opened the door, and they both stared at her.
She started to frown. “Did I interrupt an important meeting?”
Maggie looked back at Nate. She didn’t say anything. Yet.
Before he could get a word in, Maggie turned back to Mel and grinned. “We were just talking about how I could live with Uncle Nate, but he works too much, so I’d need a mom.”
On that note, she scrambled free of the car and ran to the tables.
Mel watched her go and chuckled. “She’s an evil supergenius.”
Nate sighed. “I’d adopt her myself if I could.” He shook his head. “She had another meeting with a couple yesterday. They passed.”
Mel frowned. “How could anyone pass up Maggie?”
“That’s what I always think.” He got out and came around to her side. “Anyway, she’s a little fixated on finding new parents at the moment.”
Mel nodded, but she didn’t say anything. Finally, she pointed to the barbeque. “We need you to fire up the grill. I have burgers and hot dogs over there.”
He scanned the park. Sunday afternoon was busy with two rented jumpy castles, plenty of families, and people walking their dogs. No signs of gold masks. He rubbed his shoulder. No pain.
Maybe they’d actually get to enjoy the day.
This week, his latest lead turned into another dead end. They’d shown the woman who sold the silver Honda the pictures of every employee of Belkin Oil. She didn’t recognize any of them. They were able to make a composite from her description, which was good, but so far, no hits.
His gut still told him Belkin was behind the C-4, and possibly involved in Nia’s death, and Mel’s brushes with the man in the Kronos mask. But without any hard evidence, he still couldn’t make any arrests. They must’ve hired out a hit man.
Either way, a day with Maggie and Mel in the park was a welcome respite from the frustration of the case. He checked his phone. John and the rest of the guests would be there in a half hour. Maggie was laughing with Mel while they filled more helium balloons. Trinity strummed her guitar, tuning it for a sing-along, and the others worked on setting up face painting and a spot where the kids could color.
With any luck, Maggie would make lots of new friends today.
Maggie laughed with her whole body, and Mel couldn’t get enough. It was impossible not to smile at her. When the kids started arriving, she greeted each one with a hug followed by pointing out all the activities they had planned.
Callie helped Polly with face painting, and Clio was manning the coloring station.
Mel kept watching Nate at the grill, turning hot dogs and talking to John. Yes, the danger was still out there somewhere, but for today, the sun was up, the kids were having fun, and she was in love.
She tried to focus on that and just enjoy it, but the damned muse inside of her wouldn’t leave her alone. Nothing could be this perfect. She scanned the area while she folded the bandana to blindfold the piñata smackers. Nothing seemed wrong, though. There were two other parties with inflatable jumpers, kids everywhere, moms with strollers, a few dog walkers, but no gold masks, no black robes.
Nate caught her eye and called over to her. “Everything okay?”
She nodded in answer but wished she felt more certain.
Maggie ran up, eyes wide, as Mel laid the blindfold on the table next to the bat. “Mel! Lexi and me are racing to the swings. Can you judge?”
“Sure.” She walked toward the finish line, the sun warming her back. The girls got ready and then sprinted toward her. They were neck and neck until Lexi took a tumble.
Maggie stopped and looked at the swings, then back at her fallen friend. Mel held her breath. Maggie turned and jogged over to Lexi, offering her a hand. She helped her sweep the grass off her clothes, and they giggled as they walked together the rest of the way.
Mel smiled, releasing her pent-up breath. Maggie was making friends.
After face painting and games, lunch was almost ready.
“Can we swing a little more?” Maggie asked.
Nate gave her the ten-minute signal from the grill. She turned back to Maggie. “Sure. We’ll call you when the food is ready.”
As the girls neared the swings, Mel’s cell phone chimed. She had a text from an unknown number. She opened it and her hands started to tremble as she scrolled through pictures of Maggie in the park followed by a single text.
She’s in the center of my rifle sight right now. Come to the library next door. Alone. Now. If the detective is with you…Maggie dies.
Chapter Eighteen
Mel squinted into the sun. Even with her hand shading her brow, she couldn’t see the library roof clearly enough. The photos came from that direction, though. Her heart hammered in her chest.
There must be something I can do. Think.
Her fingers shook on the screen as she typed.
I need a minute. If I don’t tell him I’m going, he’ll follow me.
She took two steps back toward the party area, and her cell rang.
“Keep this line open,” a cold, masculine voice commanded. “Hang up and I shoot.”
“I’m coming. Please leave her alone.” Her pulse fluttered as she passed the swings where Maggie and her new friend were playing.
“Mel, where are you going?” Maggie shouted.
“Just have to get a book at the library. I’ll be right back.” She didn’t look at them but kept her eyes on the building ahead. Like a lamb to the slaughter.
“That’s it,” he purred in her ear. “Keep walking and she’ll be just fine. You’re the one we want. They don’t need to be involved.”
Mel’s pulse raced, sweat coating her palms. She needed a plan. But there was no time. Every stride brought her closer to the person on the other end of the line—the man who killed Nia. Now she would be next unless she could come up with something fast.
So it was her or Maggie.
And M
aggie wasn’t an option.
At least this way, Nate and Maggie would be safe and off the crazed Kronos fanatics’ radar. Her heart ached. She’d never in her life wanted to live more than she did right now. The damned irony wasn’t lost on her.
“Mel?” Nate jogged up next to her. “Is everything okay? Where are you going?”
Oh shit. She kept her eyes on the library, praying the shooter would wait. She lowered the cell phone without disconnecting the call. “Just going to see what the library has handy that I can read to the party-goers after the piñata.”
“A book?” He frowned, trying to get into her line of vision. “You planned this whole day already. Story time wasn’t on the list.”
“Plans change. I’ll be right back.”
Nate followed her gaze to the library, assessing, then back to her. “Talk to me. What’s going on?”
She couldn’t look at him. He wasn’t going to let this be easy. She wanted to tell him a rifle was aimed at Maggie right now, to show him the photos on her phone, but anything she said would be heard by the gunman, and if she ended the call, Maggie would pay.
Her stomach twisted as the realization dawned. She needed him to leave and let her walk away alone. To save Maggie, she would have to hurt Nate.
Mel forced her eyes from the library roof, praying Nate would figure out what was really happening. They hadn’t been together long enough for little silent signals to develop. He’d only just let her into his heart, told her he loved her.
In the distance, Maggie giggled. Pure joy. Mel needed to protect her. And if she lived, she’d make it up to Nate.
Be strong.
She set her jaw and forced the words out. “I need a break, okay?” She rested her hand on her hip, heart pounding in her ears. “Why don’t you hang out with Maggie? I’ll meet up with you later.”
He frowned. “What am I supposed to tell her when she asks for you?”
My Paranormal Valentine: A Paranormal Romance Box Set Page 106
