Chasing Joshua

Chasing Joshua by Cara North
Tease Publishing LLC www.teasepublishingllc.com
Copyright 2008 by Cara North First published in 2008, 2008

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Chasing Joshua Cara North ****
**** TEASE PUBLISHING

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www.teasepublishingllc.com This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents are products of the author's imagination or are used fictitiously and are not to be construed as real. Any resemblance to actual events, locales, organizations, or persons, living or dead, is entirely coincidental. Chasing Joshua The Beaufort Series A Tease Publishing Book/E book Copyright 2008 Cara North ISBN: 987-1-934678-06-0 Cover Artist: Stella Price Interior text design: Stacee Sierra All rights reserved. No part of this book may be used or reproduced electronically or in print without written permission, except in the case of brief quotations embodied in reviews. Tease Publishing LLC www.teasepublishingllc.com PO BOX 234 Swansboro, North Carolina 28584-0234 Tease and the T logo is Tease Publishing LLC. All rights reserved. Other Titles By Cara North The Country Music Collection:
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Tequila Makes Her Clothes Fall Off She Thinks My Tractor's Sexy One Hot Momma Save A Horse Ride A Cowboy The Beaufort Series: The Art of Ethan Chasing Joshua Ayden's Secret
CONTENTS Chapter 1 Chapter 2 Chapter 3 Chapter 4 Chapter 5 Chapter 6 Chapter 7 Chapter 8 Chapter 9 Chapter 10 Chapter 11 Chapter 12 Chapter 13 Chapter 14 Chapter 15 About Cara North ****
Chapter 1 Beaufort North Carolina It was three o'clock in the morning, but she had no choice. The drive was painful enough, she felt as if at any moment she could have passed out. Evelyn Blade knocked loudly on the door to Grace McPherson's home. She tried the knob, and luckily the door was open. Sweet trusting Grace. God bless her. Exhausted and in pain Evelyn could hardly stand. The footsteps coming down the hall toward the stairs were hard and loud. A man's voice was shouting, "Who's there?" like thunder. Or was it the thunder? She was drenched from the rain though now it barely drizzled, covered in mud, and God only knows what else, from the storm that seemed to follow her all the way here. Joshua Young heard the knocking. His eyes opened and he realized the time. Quickly he grabbed his nine millimeter from the nightstand, racked the bullet to the chamber, and headed for the stairs. He heard the door open and footsteps uneven and sluggish crossing the floor. He took the stairs quickly but cautiously. How did I forget to lock the door? Two years in this town had softened him. "Grace?" A voice cried out, loud yet strained. "Answer me. Damn it! I'm armed! Identify Yourself!" Joshua rounded the corner aimed at the ready and could barely believe his eyes. It looked like a woman in the shadow. She was slumped against the wall, holding something out to
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him. He hit the light with his elbow not lowering his weapon. And good thing he didn't. "Where's Grace? If you've hurt her, I swear I will kill you." Evelyn had her own weapon drawn. The nine millimeter pointed at Joshua's head. If Grace was in this house alive, surely she would have heard her calling out and responded. He must have hurt her. Her dear old friend, it had been years. "DROP THE WEAPON!" His voice was deep and demanding. His eyes looked over the mess of a woman pointing a gun at him. He could shoot herit would be justifiedbut looking at her he wasn't sure she hadn't already been shot. "YOU DROP IT! WHERE IS GRACE?" Evelyn demanded. She was leaning against the wall. She knew this day would come, but never imagined it like this. A man had the drop on her, or so he thought. A man, that was in his underwear, and nothing else. Huh, it looked more like he just woke up, than ... No, not possible, Grace would never leave this house. Joshua's mind cleared for a moment. He didn't drop the weapon, but he did realize she was asking for Grace, his cousin Ethan's wife. This was her house. When Grace moved to New York, Joshua moved in. That was two years ago. Before he came to live in this house, Ethan had been stalked and Grace almost hurt, by a woman. "How do you know Grace?" His voice was calmer now. He could focus on the woman. She was hurt, exhausted; her every word was labored. This woman was dangerous. At any minute she could collapse and pull the trigger as a reflex. She was built. Damn, it has been a long time since a woman got
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his attention. Shit. Keep your head in the game, man. She's pointing a gun at you! He had to remind himself. "Grace is a friend of mine. We go way back. Tell her I'm here." Evelyn could feel the sweat dripping off her forehead. She knew she needed to lie down, knew she could pass out at any moment, but she knew she couldn't relax until she heard Grace tell her it was okay. The man across from her was impressive tactically, but physically alarming. His black hair in disarray only gave more fire to his green eyes, and Evelyn felt faint form staring. Impossible. Men are scum. "I can't." Joshua stepped slowly toward her. Never lowering his weapon, he was close to the island in the center of the kitchen. He could duck and use it for cover if this turned ugly. And when he heard her cock the hammer he thought it just might. "Why not?" Evelyn stood straight. Every part of her body screamed out in pain. But if this man had hurt Grace, she would kill him, instantly. "She doesn't live here anymore." Joshua was in awe of this woman, never had he seen fury and pure balls like she had. Her lip was busted, her eye swollen and yet she was going to kill him, over Grace? "Bullshit, Grace would never leave this house. Everyone knows that." Evelyn stepped forward closing the gap. If he ducked behind that counter, she would be over it in a flash. "Let me call her, okay. You know Grace. I know Grace. We can both be in this house. Alive." Joshua was suspicious, but he didn't get a feeling this woman was a threat to Grace. At any rate he had to clear this in order to keep from killing her
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or getting shot himself. That would go over well amongst his second graders. He could see the headlines now. In the woman's current condition they'd likely attribute that damage to him also. "Pick up the phone and dial. You call the cops, you're dead. Are we clear?" Evelyn was breathless. She focused on the man too intently. His green eyes dazzled in the light; her knees felt a little weaker. The pain must be making me delirious, she thought. Exhaustion, that's it. Stay in the game E. Joshua dialed the number to Ethan's loft in New York. He hoped his cousin would answer. His life, and hers depended on it. "What the hell do you want?" Ethan asked in a surprised tone. He was awake with Gray, his son, who had decided that now was a great time to play. "Ethan, listen I have to talk to Grace." "What the hell is going on Josh?" Ethan's tone went serious. "It's three in the morning and I need to talk to your wife, now! Trust me!" Joshua's voice roughened and he could feel the sweat drip from his temple. It really was a matter of life and death. He held the phone in one hand and his nine millimeter in the other, never taking his eyes off the threat. She inched closer, quietly, never taking her eyes off his. "Hello?" Grace's sleepy voice came through. "Grace, hi, Josh here. I have a friend of yours in my kitchen right now." Joshua looked at the woman who held her gun steady, despite the agony on her face, pointed directly at
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his head. His arm was starting to feel a trickle of burn from the exchange, yet she seemed determined. "Oh God!" Grace knew of only one person that might show up at three in the morning. "Evelyn!" "Evelyn?" Joshua said the name aloud. He then watched the woman lower her weapon. "Joshua! Let me talk to her. Are you okay? Did she hurt you?" Grace's voice came through. "I'm okay, Grace. Here, I'll let you talk to her." Joshua offered the phone as he set his weapon on the counter next to hers. The woman reached for it but collapsed. Luckily he was in reach to grab her. The phone fell to the floor, and Grace's scream came through the receiver. "I'm okay. She's okay," Joshua shouted. He had to drop the phone to catch this little vixen. He lowered them both to the floor so that he could reach the phone. She was soaked to the bone, covered in mud and stunk to high heaven. Good God, what has happened to her? Her face was beaten; under the mud he couldn't tell just how bad, but blood streaked from her lip, and her eye seemed swollen. He grabbed the phone. "WHAT THE FUCK IS GOING ON THERE?" Ethan shouted into the phone. A two-year-old began crying in the background. No doubt he had never heard his daddy like this. "Evelyn." Joshua had just put the phone to his ear when Ethan shouted. Ethan's voice caused a ringing sensation. "Just tell Grace she's okay. She passed out. Who is she anyways?"
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Joshua could hear Ethan soothing Grace and asking her questions. Grace came back to the phone. Joshua listened and visually inspected the mess he held in his arms. He had a weak stomach when it came to abused women, and the thought of why someone would hurt such a small creature burned in it now. "Josh, Evelyn Blade is a friend of mine from college. She's a little eccentric and a lot dangerous. She has only shown up like this once before, when she needed a break. I hope she didn't hurt you. I could never contact her to tell her I was here now." Grace took a deep breath. "Why did she faint?" "She's beat up, that's why." Joshua continued to visually examine the woman in his arms. Hurt me? Without that gun, she couldn't hurt a fly. "I need to call an ambulance." "No. You can't call an ambulance." Grace couldn't imagine Evelyn beat up too badly, some scrapes maybe, but an ambulance would give her position away, and that's why she was at her house. It was a safe house. Or at least it used to be. Joshua had a soft spot for women, so any damage would be severe damage to him. When his sister sprained her ankle, he insisted on carrying her around everywhere. He was a great big mother bear. "She..." "What Grace? Because I need a damn good reason right now I tell you that." Joshua couldn't believe his ears. Grace didn't want him to take her to the hospital? This whole situation keeps getting worse. "My house was her safe house. No one knows where she is. It's her job. You can't. Just take care of her. I will be there
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tomorrow," Grace said into the phone. "Look, Ethan is pacing. I need to explain this to him. I'll call you back." Joshua set the phone down and wondered why Grace had to explain it to Ethan when he was the one here with a woman in his lap. But no matter, he had to deal with her now. She was breathing, shallow but breathing. Joshua gathered the woman back in his arms and pushed up on his knees. He stepped his left foot out in front and pushed up on both feet while holding her. "I'm getting too old for this shit. "Well, I guess it's just you and me, unless I discover you need a doctor in which case you'll get one." He carried the woman to the door, locked it, and headed to the stairs. Joshua stood awkward at the top of the stairs trying to figure out what he was going to do with her. The plan he had formulated in his head was to get her in dry clothes and check her for injuries more serious than he could attend to. The problem remained that she was unconscious, and he didn't want to lay her down, soaking wet on any of the beds. "Shit!" Then it occurred to him, the art room. Joshua had pretty much left the house the way Grace had made it. Just the master bedroom had changed though he made sure to tell Ethan how much he enjoyed the king size bed they left behind. The art room had a huge canvas on the floor specifically for spills. Opening the door he could smell the paint. It reminded him of home. The woman in his arms also reminded him of home, but not for the same reason. She reminded him of police work. He growled at the thoughts.
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Thankfully the six years he spent as a New York police officer had trained him to be calm, and of course he knew first aid. But the reason he was in North Carolina was to get away from that life. He was a teacher now, a second grade teacher in fact. When Grace asked how badly he wanted a teaching job, he said he would take whatever was open. He envisioned coaching the football team and teaching history or math. Her connection, however, was the principal of the Beaufort Elementary School. Two years later, he was having the time of his life. In fact they had a field trip lined up today. It was Friday, and he hated the thought of a substitute taking his kids anywhere. Joshua laid Evelyn on the canvas and headed to the guest room. Grace kept clothes and other female necessities on the shelving system neatly labeled. Evelyn looked about Grace's size, so he grabbed the box labeled Grace's clothes, pulled a few towels out of the closet along with the first aid kit and headed back to the woman on the canvas. She was still out cold. The smell hit Evelyn and her eyes opened. As soon as they did, she wanted to close them. Her body ached from the hair on her head to the tip of her toes. But the smell kept fanning under her nose, scorching the back of her throat. "Get that shit out of my face." Evelyn smacked the packet out of Joshua's hand. "Had to wake you up, sleeping beauty." Joshua did think she was pretty, or at least she should be once some of the swelling went down. His stomach turned at the thought of
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what had happened to her. "You need to change clothes, and we have to do a damage assessment here." "I'm fine," Evelyn snarled. She tried to push up, but her ribs hurt causing her to wince in pain. "I'll help you." He reached for her. "The hell you will." Evelyn pushed herself up and swallowed what would only have been a scream. A tear tried to escape, but she sucked it back as well. No way was this guy touching her. And then she realized she wasn't in the kitchen anymore. "Look, you have one of two options. I can help you, or I can call the ambulance, and they can help you." Joshua stood and looked down on her. His green eyes were dark and piercing. He crossed his huge arms, and she felt small for the first time in her adult life. Evelyn had been around many men of all shapes and sizes, but somehow he seemed larger than all of them. Larger than life. She couldn't have him calling the ambulance. Grace trusted him to live in her home. She would have to let him help her, but that didn't mean she would trust him. And she didn't have to like it. "All right, but hands off the merchandise. You grope me..." "I'm dead. I'm aware." How many times had she threatened to kill him already, Joshua wondered? Feisty little thing, must come from the red hair, hoping it was red hair and not blood soaked. "I need to take a shower actually." Evelyn looked down at herself. She was muddy, wet, and bloody. God, her face, what did her face look like? She already had one scar in her
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brow. Too many more she would start to look like ... No, she zapped that thought before it finished. "I'm filthy and I stink." "Okay." Joshua extended his hands, and she gripped them. He pulled her quickly knowing slow would be agonizing. She weighed less than he thought, and she shot up like a spring into his arms. "Owe." Evelyn gripped his arms hard as they fell around her back. At five foot six she was petite compared to this man. He had to be six foot something and weigh over two hundred in muscle alone. And for some reason, even through the pain, she was aware of his muscles. How they felt. She could also smell his scent, soap, and a little sweat, probably because of her. And something not so pleasant, oh, that was her. "My bad, I thought you'd be heavier, I mean you seemed heaver up the stairs." Joshua knew that regardless the circumstances he had just made a mistake. Indicating a woman heavier is never a good idea. Now she had the right to kill him. "I mean, you're all muscle. It weighs more than fat, you know." "Whatever." Evelyn wanted to kick him in the shin, but she needed his support to stand right now. The fact that he seemed uncomfortable and barely blushing was the only thing that saved his ass. "Shower." "Okay." Joshua had never met a one word woman, but apparently that was because he had never met Evelyn before. She commanded; she didn't ask or request. "Hold on." Joshua lifted her in his arms quickly before she could protest. He knew this woman was in pain, but he couldn't tell
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the extent until he could clean her up. If she wanted to muscle her way through the whole thing, she could try. But there was no way he could let a woman, even one who threatens his life every ten minutes, suffer like this. "I can walk." Evelyn breathed short choppy breaths because her chest ached so much. Or because being in his arms alarmed her. Who was this man? Obviously he was stupid because if he knew her at all, he would fear touching her like this. No man touched her, not in years. Sure, she had used the suggestion of her body to get information now and then, but she never followed through. And the suggestion was verbal, not physical. Men were scum, abusers and losers in her opinion. It was a man who hit her with a two by four. Luckily, it caught her bulletproof vest or her ribs may have broken. She had taken the vest and her jacket off in the car, the weight was too much for the long drive. "You need to save your strength for standing." Joshua knew there was no way she would allow him to help her bathe. He wouldn't if the roles were reversed. Joshua sat Evelyn on the commode seat and kneeled in front of her. He looked at her swollen lip and black eye and swallowed the fury that was growing inside him. Her big brown eyes were soft and innocent. Who would do such a thing to a woman? "Okay, I'll help you get undressed. Turn my back, you can take off your underwear and use my back for leverage till you get in the shower." He spoke gently. In his mind he started to worry that maybe she had been raped. He had seen rape
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victims. It made him sick, literally, he threw up. That's when they moved him to handle narcotics instead. "No one has touched you, right?" "Touched me?" her words were like venom. "No. I did this to my own fucking face. Yeah someone touched me, but I touched them, too. Don't worry" "No, I mean." He took a breath. She was a hellion all right. Angry, confused. Maybe even a battered wife? "Touched you touched you." Her laugh hurt. It was a relief though. This oversized bear was a big ole pussycat. He was worried about her virtue, like she had any. "No. No one has touched me." Evelyn tried not to snort but really. This was part of the job. Granted, she had never been beat up this bad on the job before, but she had when she was a child, worse. And then, yes, someone had touched her, or rather had her touch them. Where was prince charming when she was eleven? The buried memory took her by surprise, and she needed to get in the shower before she could fight the tears no longer. She was tough, but after a fight, when she was safe, she cried. "Pull." Joshua grabbed the sleeves on the long black shirt she wore. Evelyn drew her arms back, and he could tell she was hiding her pain. "I'm Joshua, by the way," he said as he lifted the shirt over her head. "My personal angel. I'm Evelyn. But you already know that. How long was I out? Did you touch me?" Evelyn
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snickered. Her sense of humor was crude, but that comes with the job as well. "Hell No!" Joshua's voice was low and serious. She must be nuts. He didn't look a thing like an angel. A devil, yeah, he had been called that a time or two. "I'm no angel. Stand up. But no man should put his hands on a woman like this." Evelyn pressed her hands on his shoulders and pushed up to her feet. She had made a mistake insulting him, but she always insulted men. It was a habit. Her ankle started to burn under the weight, and her fingers started to warm. "I was just fucking with you, lighten up." Evelyn realized something right then, as her hands touched smooth flesh. Joshua was almost naked himself. She looked down and watched him gently unfasten her black jeans which were covered in mud and realized he was muddy now, too. He had carried her upstairs. He had carried her into the bathroom. Shit. His black hair had mud in it. It was all she could do to keep from touching it. "Your ribs look pretty red. You get hit with something?" Joshua knew she had been in one hell of a fight. He kept trying to force that out of his mind, but the longer he looked at her, the more he turned back into a cop. "A two by four," Evelyn said in a whisper. Then her eyes opened wide again. Why was she whispering? She was awfully comfortable to be getting naked in front of a strange man, but the heat from his shoulders was pressing through the palm of her hands. Up her arms. Around her shoulders. Through her abdomen. And down to her toes.
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"Who did this?" Joshua pulled the wet jeans tugging one side and then the other. They were stuck to her hips, and that was distracting enough. Evelyn was lean. Her abs defined. She wasn't muscular like a body builder, but she had definite muscle tone all over. What kind of job does this woman do? "Some jerk in a bar." Evelyn thought back to the hours before she ended up here. She was set up, and she knew it now. Of course hindsight was twenty-twenty. She couldn't go home. There was no home to go to, so she set out for safety. This was her safe house. Grace was more trusting than she was. But Grace had grown up with a loving mother. Evelyn's mother was murdered when she was eleven. She witnessed it. Joshua had worked the wet pants down to her ankles. His mind was focused as much as he could keep it on the task at hand. This woman needed his attention and not the kind that kept flickering into his thoughts. Alone for over two years now, it had been a while since he'd been with a woman. Damned if she wasn't perfect, with a figure like an hourglass. He wanted to kick his own ass for thinking about it, but her body was too much to ignore completely. "Three men actually." Evelyn snickered at the memory. Three fucking men, and yet she still escaped. No wonder Nikolai hated her; he was always two steps behind in the chase. But never had she expected him to retaliate like this. And never the other two, she had helped them before. Something was wrong with the whole thing. Nothing made sense.
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Joshua swallowed her words hard. A man had done this to her; men had done this. Hit her with a two by four and she seemed to take it on the chin like it happened every day. That seemed crazy. He looked up and realized she was watching him. Her eyes were lighter now, more relaxed but no less intent on him. She still didn't trust him. He couldn't blame her after that last disclosure. "Do you know who they are?" Joshua held his tone low and gentle. He didn't want to scare her. He wanted to know because he wanted to go scare them. He had pulled her shoes off and set them aside. "Lift your foot." "Nah, like I said. I was at a bar." Evelyn lifted her left foot and then her right as he freed her from the wet jeans. His focus went to her feet as she moved, and suddenly she wanted his eyes on hers again. His eyes were mesmerizing, sincere. She saw something in them. Compassion maybe? She was now in her bra and panties. She couldn't remember the last time she was alone with a man. It had to of been at least three years. "Where?" Joshua stood as promised. Evelyn still held his shoulders, and her hands slid to his bare chest as he stood. She didn't move them. "Where were you? Were you drinking?" "No, I wasn't drinking, and my whereabouts are not your business." Evelyn couldn't believe how many questions he asked. Sure she was a stranger, beat up and in his house, but damn. Then she realized something; there was no way her arms would reach back and unfasten her bra without disclosing how bad she really felt. And there was no way she
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was going to look that weak in front of a man. "Can you unfasten me?" "What?" Joshua was processing her belligerence when he realized what she was asking. Maybe she needed a shower and some rest; she could answer questions later. He would try to hold back. "Uh." "What you never saw breasts before?" Evelyn had no choice. It was take a shower with it on or have him take it off. She wanted to be free of the strap and the pressure it was putting on her ribs, damn underwire bras. "Only on T.V." Of course he had seen breasts before, lots of them, multiple pairs at once. He was a dog in his youth. Joshua flipped the strap loose effortlessly with two fingers. His eyes were up to the ceiling, and all she could see was his long neck and the bottom of his chin. The material went loose. "I'm turning around now." "Learn that from T.V. too?" Evelyn couldn't believe he had a shot at looking at her bare breasts, even permission, yet he didn't. She also couldn't believe he popped that strap with two fingers. She can't get the damn thing undone without both hands. It was an unexpected jolt that hit her right in the groin. How could she possibly think of sex at a time like this? Her hands slid around his chest to his back as he turned. His warm skin was like silk beneath them. The feel of his body was like nothing she had ever felt before. Warm, soft, the silky hair that spread over his chest, well, that's how. She answered her own question. How could she not think about sex? He was gorgeous, tall, dark hair, green eyes, a body that went on for days.
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"Tell me when to move." Joshua hung his head low now and Evelyn's soft hands were on his back. He could see his own body dirty with mud and blood, and who knew what else was on her. He should have used gloves. Her hands seemed to press harder and then softer. It almost felt like she was trying to rub his shoulder blades rather than lean on him for stability. He could use a good back rub. He bit hard clenching his jaw, swallowing his thoughts. His boxer briefs would betray any wayward thoughts. Think of your mother, think of your sister, think of any woman you would hate to see naked. "Okay, I'm ready." Evelyn had pushed her panties down as far as she could and loosened her legs so they would fall to the floor. She stepped out of them as she leaned heavily on his back and felt her ankle give under the pressure. She had forgotten about that till now. No doubt it was swelling now her shoes were off. "Shit. Shit. Shit." "Ankle?" Joshua knew as soon as he took the boot off it would begin to swell. At this point he had two areas to bandage, one busted lip to disinfect, and an eye to ice. Hell, she reminded him of himself once upon a time. That was a scary thought. No woman would be out there fighting like that. He was a trained professional. She was, well, he didn't know who she was. But the women he knew on the force who really ran with the big dogs, well, they didn't look like Evelyn. That's for sure. "Fuck. Fuck. Fuck." She stepped into the shower and braced herself on the wall. Joshua lowered himself with his back still to her and turned the water on. Sitting at the side of the tub he knew that ankle
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was killing her to balance on. He would have her put the towel around herself, and he would lift her out instead when she's done. He pulled the shower knob, and the water burst through. "I'll get you some dry clothes and bandages." Joshua left to Evelyn's cursing words, carrying her muddy shoes and clothes in his hands. "Damn. Damn. Owe. Damn." Evelyn cursed at every little pain. Now the water hit the busted lip and all the little scrapes and scratches she wasn't aware of until just now. She wanted to look in the bathroom mirror but thought better of it. Nikolai was a big name for such a little man. That's why he needed the two by four. He won this battle, yes, but not the war. **** Joshua opened the laundry and dumped her clothes in. The phone rang. "Hello?" It was about five a.m. now and Joshua was tired. Evelyn was in the shower, and Grace was on the phone. "Josh, I'm sorry you have to deal with this." Grace was sincere. "I never imagined she would show back up. For all I knew she could have been dead." "Well, in all fairness I almost shot her. Then when I saw her, I just couldn't." Joshua thought back to the moment he realized it was a woman in his kitchen. When he turned on the light, he was both startled by the gun pointing back at him and amazed that she was still standing. The woman looked like she had just walked through hell to be there, and he couldn't take the shot.
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"What about you?" Grace asked with a knowing smirk. "Not many men would survive a surprise drop from Evelyn Blade." "She's beat up, remember. Besides, I'm one of a kind." Joshua wanted to know what this woman did for a living and why Grace knew she would have the drop on him. She didn't have the drop on me. It was weird. And he didn't like it. If Evelyn Blade was on the wrong side of the law, she would be out his door in a minute. "How bad?" Grace sounded concerned. "Still waiting, she's in the shower." Joshua started the laundry and shut the door. He set the only thing in her pocketa key, presumably a car keyon the washer. He would figure out what car later. "She does some secret job that keeps her in danger. Tracks people down or something. She was a Marine, you know, military police. I receive postcards now and then letting me know she's alive, but..." "Is that right?" Joshua understood a lot of things more clearly now. Her movements, her discipline. He wanted to know more. "Is she still in? How do you know her? I've received several blank postcards. No name just the address here. I thought it was an advertisement." "No, that's Evelyn. She's been out of the military for a while, I think. I met her in college. We both hated art appreciation and were both redheads. Us redheads gotta stick together." Grace made a weary laugh. Joshua could hear his cousin remark about that last statement. Ethan was an artist, a well-known, well paid artist,
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and his wife just confessed to hating art appreciation in college. "Well look I have to help her get out of the shower. I'll have her call later. I'm sure she's going to need sleep." Joshua took a breath. "Don't come right now, Grace. Wait until she asks for you." "She's letting you help her?" Grace sounded very skeptical. "She has no choice." Joshua grimaced at the way Grace asked that. "No, I mean, that's good. I never thought I would see the day, but hey, if you say so." Grace really needed to talk to Evelyn because apparently a lot had changed for them both in the past few years. "Grace, if she's committed a crime, I can't keep her here." Joshua felt awkward. It was still Grace's house, but he lived in it. "It's your home, Joshua. You're my family. She's my friend. But she hasn't committed a crime. I wouldn't think." Grace lifted a brow at that thought. "That makes me all warm and fuzzy inside, Grace, thanks." Joshua smirked. "I'll have her call you." [Back to Table of Contents]
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Chapter 2 Joshua knocked on the door announcing his presence. He carried in the first aid kit and a pair of pink pajamas. Silk, pink pajamas. It was all that was in the box. No undergarments though her clothes were in the washer downstairs and would be ready when she needed them. "Here." He handed her the towel over his shoulder as he turned off the water. He started to wonder where she came from. "Let me know when you have it on." "Ready." Evelyn was tired, and the shower relaxed her once it stopped hurting. Joshua stood looking at her. At least she smelled better. Of course he smelled worse now. She looked better, too. Once all the mud and gunk was off she really wasn't in as bad of shape as he thought. But being beat up at all was still worse shape than she should have ever been in. "Hang on." He reached into the shower and picked her up. She wasn't expecting it and flinched like she was going to swing on him. "It's all right. I'm not going to hurt you." "Like you could." She wanted to sound mean and tough, but her eyebrow pulled at the black eye she was sure she had and it backfired. "Tssssss," she hissed. "Uh, huh. See, be nice." Joshua shook his head. It was like he was talking to a child or a stray dog. Evelyn seemed feral, untouched by man. Like at any minute she would turn on him and bite. He should be running, fast and hard, in the opposite
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direction of this woman. But here he was playing nursemaid and growing more drawn to her by the minute. "That's not my strong suit," Evelyn confessed. Meanness was in her nature. She was tough; she had to be. It wasn't because of her job; actually it made her job easier. "Well give this suit a try." Joshua handed her the pink pajamas and enjoyed the look of disgust on her face. "You're fucking kidding me, right?" Evelyn had a mouth like a sailor, but he didn't seem phased by it at all. As a matter-of-fact, he didn't seem rattled by any of this. Who the hell is this guy? "Have you heard another woman around here? It's what I found. It's what I got, unless you want some of my boxers and a T-shirt..." His patience was beginning to wear thin as the morning drew long. The sun would be rising and, awe hell, who was he kidding? He couldn't go to work today. "That would be great." Evelyn set the pink pajamas in the sink. She wasn't about to tell him her car was just outside and in it her clothes. At this point he may toss her out, and she needed the place to stay. To recover. To plan. "Fine." Joshua rolled his eyes and huffed down the hall. He returned with a pair of boxer briefs and a T-shirt. "Anything else before we get started?" "Started with what?" Evelyn again winced. That eye was going to be a pain until it healed. She needed to consciously stop narrowing her brow. It seemed impossible to do. Her natural face was a state of scorn. "Bandages, disinfectant, you know first aid. Or didn't they teach you that in the Corps?" Joshua wanted the upper hand,
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so he took it. She wouldn't be expecting him to know anything about her. Maybe if he rattled her cage a bit, he could get her to talk. "I don't know what you're talking about." Evelyn looked at him with suspicious eyes. How could he know that? Grace. He had to have talked to Grace while she was in the shower. "How's Grace?" "Concerned. How does this feel?" He pushed two fingers along her ankle. She winced. "I thought so." Joshua went about bandaging the ankle. Her foot seemed small in his large hands. Soft, no nail polish on her toes, he hadn't met a woman in years that didn't paint her toes. He didn't want to think of that. He didn't want to start measuring her up to his list. She was here to get help and once she was well enough he would boot her out the door. "She told you I was in the Corps?" Evelyn surrendered that factoid. She didn't like people knowing too much about her, especially a man. It was enough to know she was lethal and got the job done. "Look I know what this must look like, but I'm not in any trouble." "Really? Because when a woman breaks into your house at three a.m. covered in mud, blood, and God only knows what else, points a gun at you and threatens your life, a man starts to think she REAKS of trouble." Joshua shook his head and laughed a little laugh. "I'm going to go call out from work, pull the boxers up, and I'll be right back." He finished the bandage, secured it in place, pushed the boxer briefs over both her feet and pulled them up over her knees. Standing, he pulled the T-shirt over her head and
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shoulders. Her mouth was agape. Apparently she wasn't used to being talked to like that. Despite himself he smiled. He knew it would hurt to wiggle into them both, but he had to bandage those ribs, and she needed to have clothes on before he would even attempt it. "Where do you work? Are you a cop?" Evelyn knew he had to be a cop. They could smell their own. He moved too quickly and efficiently in that kitchen. "I'm a second grade school teacher, and my kids will be devastated someone else has to take them on their field trip today." With that Joshua shut the door. Evelyn sat motionless processing the words. No way did a man of his size teach kids that young. It reminded her of that movie, Kindergarten Cop. Hell he probably looked like a giant to them. Finally she pulled the boxers on and pushed her arms through the sleeves. Strangely she found the feel of his clothes comforting. They smelled like fabric softener, both cotton and soft. Thanks to her bubble butt the boxers fit just fine. The T-shirt was huge, but her breasts filled out the front of it. She hated her body. It was way too much woman for her job. It was too much for how she feltashamed of it. Joshua knocked on the door again. This time when he entered Evelyn was dressed, and apparently she had decided to stand when she pulled on the boxers. Her gaze was locked on herself in the mirror. "Probably looks worse than it feels." Joshua slid past her and reached for the large bandage. "Let me wrap your ribs. We'll put a steak on that eye and some frozen broccoli on that lip."
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"I'd kill for a steak right now." Evelyn watched a tear shoot like a star unstoppable down her cheek. Her right eye was swollen. It would be a good shiner. At least it wouldn't scar. Her lip might. It wasn't a big gash, wouldn't need stitches, but she had to keep it from getting dry, or it would split open and bleed again. "Is there anything you wouldn't kill for?" Joshua meant it as a joke, but when he looked at her in the mirror, he regretted his words. She had that tear streaking. "A man. And may I remind you, I didn't kill you." Evelyn tried to lift the shirt, but as soon as she winced, he grabbed and pulled the back up hooking it on her shoulders. She was afraid he would see it, both of them, but he let go of the shirt as she grabbed it and started wrapping. "I didn't kill you either." Joshua began wrapping the lower ribs. He saw the scar. It looked like she was branded. No, must be something else. His mind couldn't wrap around that right now. Her ribs would be bruised, but they would heal in a couple days. Another scar on her back was raised and long, thin like a, no ... Now that he could see her clean face and the tears that abandoned her eyes he felt a sorrowful sad feeling deep in his core. Evelyn stood there in silence. Seeing her reflection had been the final straw on an exhausting evening. She needed to rest. Food would have to wait. Joshua made no comment on her tears, and for that she was grateful. For a second grade school teacher, he seemed to know a lot about body damage.
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"Are you gay?" Evelyn finally whispered. She had to stop thinking of him this way. No straight man was this gentle. Not with her. "Excuse me?" Joshua pulled the shirt back down and realized she was now steadily crying though her voice was calm. "You're an elementary school teacher. The only elementary school teachers I have ever known are women and gay men." Evelyn knew deep down he wasn't gay. She could feel it. That made her want him to say yes, he was, even more. She didn't want to feel anything, especially not for a man. And even if she did, her face was busted up. No one could find her attractive now. "No, are you?" Joshua wanted to spank her. He wanted to hug her. This woman was crying from pain and yet steadily trying to insult him. Maybe he should hug her then spank her. "Fuck, no. What gave you that impression?" Evelyn took the comment more to heart. Somehow she was offended by her own question. "Well, you thought I was gay because I teach elementary school. You were a Marine, right?" He didn't have a good comeback, so he threw the Corps at her. He knew plenty of women Marines by now. They came on to him regularly. This area was home to two major Marine Corps bases, Camp Lejeune in Jacksonville, and Cherry Point, up the road in Havelock. He now wondered which she was stationed at. "All right, I judged." Evelyn wasn't going to apologize to a man. That was the best he was getting. The closest she ever
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came to offering one up to a man. "I need to sleep if that's okay? I'm a real bitch right now." "So, you aren't always like this?" Joshua's eyes slowly trailed over her from head to toe. This was one fine woman. He could tell she was beautiful. Even with the swelling, her features were soft and sensual. Her breasts filled his T-shirt, and a lush ass filled his briefs. It was strange seeing a woman in his clothes, especially his underwear. What she was doing in a high risk job, whatever it was, just seemed unnatural. But he could wait to ask. She wasn't going anywhere. "Beat up, no. Bitchy, yes, unfortunately I am always like this." Evelyn grabbed the ibuprofen tablets from the first aid kit and swallowed four of them dry. "Ewww, that's gross." Joshua grew more curious about her rough brazen nature by the second. "It would hurt worse to put my hand under and grab water." Evelyn started to hobble out of the bathroom. "I could have gotten you a glass." Joshua lifted her up and carried her down the hall. He wasn't giving up his bed for her. No way, he had too much personal information in there, and she could not be trusted. He put her gently on the guest bed across from his room. He would be able to hear her if she got up. Evelyn Blade was a hard ass woman, and whatever her job was, he wasn't about to open his life to it. "Asking a man for a favor would have hurt more than this lip." Evelyn tried to sound tough, but he was carrying her again, and damned if she didn't let him. It was weird. "There you go." He situated her ankle on a pillow propping it up, stuffed another pillow behind her head to keep her
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chest elevated and finally grabbed the two ice packs he had brought up from the freezer when he called out of work. "Get some rest, Wonder Woman." He tapped her gently on the nose, knowing she would feel it but not hurt from it. "I'm across the hall if you need me." Evelyn watched with one eye as the man walked out of the bedroom and closed the door. Her head was swimming. Her mind was playing tricks on her. She had a tugging feeling in her chest, something new to her. And when he tapped her on the nose that flicker went off in her groin again. When did her vagina get a mind of its own? And why did it want to talk to this man? Of course she knew why. He was the most stunning man she had ever seen, and she had seen a lot of men. When he showed up at the bottom of the stairs and hit the light, she should have shot him. She would have shot him, but he caught her breath and hasn't returned it yet. **** Joshua stood in the much needed shower and tried to analyze the events so far. He was sleeping, Evelyn broke into his house, tried to kill him, and now he had doctored her up, and then called out of work. "I must be losing my mind," he said to himself. The water helped ease the stress away, another one of Ethan's luxuries that he now enjoyed. Ethan was a millionaire. His grandfather had left him the art gallery that ensured his success. His father and Joshua's father were brothers. When Ethan met Grace, he thought he would move here, and so he made some modifications. Grace surprised everyone by moving to
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New York. Now Joshua lived here. The cost of rent was the annual tax payment and upkeep. Otherwise the house came free. Oh, and the family could come visit any time they wanted, which was why the guest room had an assortment of clothes and baby toys on the wire shelving system that otherwise rendered the closet useless. Joshua shook his head thinking about his last case. It was for Ethan, a stalker. Crazy bitch almost killed him. Now here he was, in his quiet little town away from the city, away from the stress, away from the crime, until this morning. He had put the past behind him, mostly. His partner's death no longer haunted his dreams. His partner's widow no longer haunted his waking life. It had been a while since any woman haunted his life. There were plenty of opportunities. He had mothers at the school, single and unfortunately otherwise. The women in the military flocked to him. So far he had met Marines, Sailors, Coast Guard women, and also the women at the beach. But he wasn't interested. Candice did a number all right. Candice, he went back to school to become a teacher because she didn't want to be married to another cop. Of course, Joshua didn't love her, not like a man should love a wife, but she was pregnant, and her husband was dead, and it was his fault. At least he thought so at the time. He wanted to do what was right. He would take care of her. At first she agreed. It made both of them feel better. But, as a graduation present she set him free. Somewhere between his hours on the beat and his hours in school she met someone and didn't tell him the whole year she was sleeping around
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behind his back. It was a good thing they didn't do a lot of sleeping together. Instead of a graduation card it was a wedding invitation. His life's plan went down the drain. He had already arranged to quit. Then he met Grace. And now, he lived a quiet life as a school teacher. The mothers all brought him food and desserts; the kids all loved him. It was quiet unexpected, but flattering. It made him realize what he wanted, and he couldn't settle for less again. **** Evelyn looked around the room. It was bare for a guest room. Stacked plastic boxes with kids' toys were in one corner. Labeled, organized. A desk and chair, this was Grace's mother's room, she remembered that now. It looked different, but everything looked different downstairs. Joshua may not be gay, but he had a good sense of decorating. She laughed at that while sleep was pulling at her eyes. "Just a minute, I'll close them for just a minute," Evelyn told herself. **** Joshua wanted to sleep, but he was up for the day. He got dressed and headed downstairs to make breakfast. He wasn't shaving. He walked the sidewalk in front of his house trying to figure out how she got here. Finally he gave up. It was about two hours later when he heard her scream. Like lightning he moved up the stairs. The door swung open and she was asleep. Like a baby. His breath was fast and heavy.
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He slowly moved toward her. As he moved closer, she began to mumble. "Let go of her. I'll be good, I promise. Don't touch her. Please." Evelyn was talking in her sleep. In her dreams she was talking to her father. "Don't, look, I'll do it. I'll do it, Blade. I swear if you let her go I'll do it." "Do what?" Joshua couldn't tell if she was asleep or awake, but she was in terror either way. Sweat poured off her, and tears streamed down her cheeks. He said softly, "Evelyn." "I'll call you daddy. Let her go. I'll do it." Evelyn's voice was childlike and innocent. Joshua fell into a million pieces right then. He couldn't hear another word. His stomach lurched, and he thought he would throw up. He wouldn't tell her about this; he didn't know how. "Evelyn!" he shouted, "Wake up, you're dreaming!" He didn't touch her. He couldn't. He didn't want his hands associated with that dark memory on any level. "Mommy!" Evelyn shouted as her eyes opened. She burst into tears afterward, heavy sobs that hurt her ribs, but she couldn't stop them. As she looked around getting her bearings, she realized Joshua was in her room. Fright turned to anger, as it easily did, squelching the tears almost immediately. She was dreaming. "What the fuck are you doing in here?" "You were screaming. I thought you were hurt." Joshua locked his knees and elbows. He wanted to grab her and hold her and tell her it was safe now, but he didn't know if that were true. That memory could have been from childhood, or
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it could have been from last night. If he found out that man was still alive, he would pay, either way. "I was?" Evelyn wiped the tears and bit down. She was afraid to ask the next question but had to know. If the nightmares were back, she was in more trouble than she thought. "What did I say?" "Well, this last scream you yelled mommy. Before that I don't know. I was downstairs and just heard the wail." Joshua was matter-of-fact. If he showed too much concern, she would know he heard more, and he didn't want to scare her, too. "Did you just call me a whale?" Evelyn wasn't sure what that meant. Her head was processing, and she thought he just called her a whale. He thinks I'm fat, thinks I sound like a beached, moaning whale. "No, not w-h-a-l-e, wail as in sound w-a-i-l." He spelled it out to her. And here he thought he would miss class today. For a tough chick, she had some serious insecurity. That made him want to reach out and hold her even more. He stayed locked. "Anyways I yelled your name so you would wake up; you did. You seem fine now." Joshua grabbed the fallen ice bags and headed for the door. "I'll get some more ice." "Wait." Evelyn's voice was calm and rational again. Why did she say that? When did she become so insecure? Like she gives a shit what he thinks of her. But deep down in a dark place a candle had been lit, and she did care. Now what? "I'm hungry."
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"You wanna eat in bed or in the kitchen?" He breathed a heavy exhale. Joshua's shoulder had been healed for a long time, but when it rains, like it did this morning, it hurt. But he knew it was nowhere near the level of hurt Evelyn felt, inside or out apparently. So he would carry her around all weekend if necessary. Luckily she broke in on a Friday. "Kitchen if possible, I can't stand being in bed for too long." Evelyn had to keep going, keep moving, stay focused. If she stopped too long to focus on herself, she would have to face herself. There were no plans in her immediate future to do that. But in the kitchen, she could focus on Joshua. His thick black hair and stunning green eyes, the way his chest felt in her hands, the soft black hair that lightly covered him, tickling her fingertips and curling her toes. Yes, this she could focus on. Joshua sighed and turned. At the bedside he picked her up and carried her down the hall, and down the stairs. When they passed the kitchen, she thought he might set her out the door in his underwear, but then realized he was heading for the recliner. "Hang on. Let me put these under there," he said reaching for some throw pillows and put them on the footrest as Evelyn reclined back. Joshua stood and looked down at her. The ice had reduced a lot of the swelling, but it was still pretty bad. Any damage at all was bad. "You need fresh ice for that eye. Your lip has gone down a lot."
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"I know I look like hell, but I have looked worse." Evelyn wanted him to think she was okay. She was okay, a little banged up but nothing broken, no worse for the wear. Her cheek had scrapped his as he maneuvered the stairs. The rough whiskers jolted her breasts to attention and at the same time turned up the heat inside her. "When?" Joshua held her gaze with his own. Maybe she was a boxer? But she seemed too small for that, and boxing wasn't secret. "You know, before." Evelyn could feel the heat from those eyes burning into her, warming her to the core, but she knew with her eye black and her lip busted, he wasn't looking at her the same. Maybe when she healed he would. Hell, it had been a while since she watched a man squirm. Maybe she needed a little release. On her terms it always worked out fine. "No, I don't know. We just met this morning, remember? You broke in. You wanted to shoot me." Joshua could bring that up over and over, and it still sounded surreal to his own ears. "I did not break in. The door was unlocked. And I didn't want to shoot you. I thought you had hurt Grace." Evelyn suddenly felt the need to get things a little more clear. "Why would I hurt Grace? Why would anyone?" Well besides Ethan's stalker but she was behind bars now and on to someone new. Thanks to him. "No one would. I just saw a man here and that threw me okay." Evelyn shrugged and wished she hadn't. It hurt, and that made her grimace. Of course then she scrunched her
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eyebrows and that hurt, too. "The way she described Mitchell, he sounded like a little weasel." "He is. But he's long gone now. Huge scandal, the Patterson's moved to Florida after it all." Joshua wanted to know how much she knew about Grace, how long, that could narrow her age down. He had already put in a few calls to find out who Evelyn Blade was. He should know by nightfall, but that wasn't soon enough. "How long have you known Gracie?" "Gracie, you call her that, too? Huh, a lot sure has changed in the past few years." Evelyn wanted to know about the scandal, wanted to know about Grace. Who this guy was she's married to, check him out, see if he makes the cut. Run some background checks to be certain he would never hurt her. "She wanted to come down from New York today, but I told her to wait." Joshua wanted a reaction to that, and he got one. "Why the fuck would she listen to you? I'm one of her oldest dearest friends. Why can't she come see me?" Evelyn's eyes searched him from head to toe. She wanted to be furious but kept getting distracted by his looks. He was smiling at her, shaking his head. He kept doing that, dismissing her like she wasn't a ruthless tyrant. When she knew damn good and well she could be. "Because I don't think she wants to explain to a two-yearold what happened to your face." Joshua headed for the kitchen on that note. Maybe if he fed her she would calm down. Be less evil. This woman hated men, and with good reason from what he heard, but he was not the average man,
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and even the average man didn't deserve her wrath. But there was a man out there who did. And he intended to find out who he was, and deal with it. "The hell you say!" Evelyn was shocked. Grace was like her, damaged. Not as severe, but they both ... as soon as she started to think it she realized Grace never hated men. She did. And she helped her friend become less nave. Then when her mother died, Grace went numb. Like Evelyn had been forever. God, it had been too long since she visited Grace. "Yes, he has a birthday coming up soon." Joshua didn't know why, but hell, why not. If she wanted to act like a child, he'd treat her like a child. "If you're a good girl, maybe I'll take you to his party." Evelyn glared at him with a murderous look. If he hadn't hid her gun, it would have been summoned to her by sheer will. Who does he think he is? Obviously he doesn't know who he is talking toa woman who could kill him in his sleep. Hell, a woman who could kill him right now. Evelyn pushed the recliner handle and sat up. Slowly, quietly. With both feet on the floor she stood. As soon as she stepped on the left foot, it almost collapsed sending her into a half jumping start. Pushing past the pain, she headed to the kitchen. She would set Joshuawhatever the hell his last name wasstraight, right now. Joshua had pulled two skillets and set them on the stove. That's probably why he didn't hear her until she was in the kitchen. At least that's what he told himself. He turned to face her.
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"Where is my piece?" Evelyn stood with her hands on her hips at the counter. She wanted to reach for it, to support her weight, but she'd be damned if he would see her weak right now. "Safe." Joshua turned back to the task at hand. "You want pancakes, eggs and bacon, what?" "I don't think you understand me." Evelyn's voice went low. She wanted it to sound serious, but he bent over in the refrigerator, and instead it sounded lustful. Shit. Don't look at his ass. "You can say that again." Joshua felt the heat from that tone. He was sure he didn't understand her. He knew she was mad. He had riled her by the comment, but that voice was low and sensual, not angry. It sent a thought straight to his cock, and he needed to block that immediately. "I don't think you understand me." Evelyn said it with anger this time, her eyes closed to avoid bodily distractions. He watched her close her eyes, and as soon as she did, he stepped close to her, silently in his bare feet. She thinks she's stealthy. I was one of the best. "Then tell me what you mean," he whispered and his breath brushed past her ear. "Shit." Evelyn pushed back off his chest hard almost falling backwards thanks to her ankle, and his massive arms caught her. "Son of a bitch!" When did she get sloppy? "Whoa there. I got you." He wrestled with her arms knowing she had to be in pain. Finally he gave up and just picked her up. Joshua carried her back to the recliner and
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loomed over her as he pushed it back. She was laid out beneath him except his legs were off to one side. "You're hurt. Stop it." "Do not talk to me like I'm a child." Evelyn was embarrassed. None of her training kicked in. For the first time since she was a child, she was overpowered by a man, her arms pushed and flailed like a normal woman. He took over so easily. Too damn easily. "Stop acting like one." Joshua was right in her face. Any closer he could kiss her. Not that he would since her lip was busted, but he could. "I'm not." Evelyn huffed and crossed her arms, just like a child would. Damn if he didn't irritate her. And now, those green eyes burned through her and made her feel childish; hell, she was being childish. "What do you want to eat, Wonder Woman? And please, don't ask for your weapon again. You can have it when you leave, or when I trust you. Whichever comes first." Joshua lifted up and crossed his own arms. Looking down at Evelyn he knew that her life had been hard. That she somehow intimidated men who knew her. And probably shocked the hell out of men who didn't, but he was more intrigued. Curiosity came with being a cop. She had a lot of secrets. He wanted to know them all. "I'll leave then." It was more of a pout than a statement, shocking to her ears. Not getting her way was new. She didn't like it. "Not in my underwear you're not." Joshua went back to the kitchen and waited.
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"I'll have whatever you're having." Evelyn still sat cross armed in the recliner, steadily losing control. "I don't want to leave hungry." Joshua knew damn good and well she wasn't going anywhere. Grace said this was her safe house. Evelyn never put a return address on the postcards, never put Grace's name as a recipient. She was careful that no one knew about this place. Good thing he liked some of them, always quirky, or a picture of a place he may want to visit. He saved a few. That would be useful now. He wished he had saved them all. Maybe he could track her by the location and postage dates. He scrambled eggs and fried bacon in silence. Evelyn stewed in her temper tantrum. Think. Damn it. Evelyn had no place else to go. Her pride was strong, and her ego was bigger than Joshua, but both had been shut down or at least set down in this recliner. Men who knew her knew she was lethal. Men who didn't know her learned that quickly. But Joshua seemed unfazed, and unafraid. This was new. After a life of hating men, she never had to live with one, not like this. The Marines were easy. Once she proved she could handle her own, she was one of the guys, and that was that. Her stomach growled. "God, that smells good." Evelyn wasn't aware of how hungry she was until the aroma filled the air. She hadn't eaten in two days, aside from energy bars. Tracking down her sister had taken years. They told her Noel was dead, but something inside her said otherwise. When she arrived at the dive they called a bar, no one was there to meet her. The rain was heavy, and instead of a contact she found Nikolai. How
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he knew she'd be there was a mystery. Why he turned on her, she didn't know that yet either. "Do you want to eat in here or out there?" Joshua was satisfied she was talking. He didn't want to keep thinking of all the things that could go wrong with her here. Like touching her, she looked him over constantly, he was aware. It was unnerving. It had been over two years. He just stopped after Candace. He had trusted her. She betrayed him. Now he wanted to find a nice woman and make a family. The problem was he wasn't interested in any woman he had met so far. Evelyn, she was all wrong, but had his attention. "Do you mind if I eat in here?" She knew he would carry her to the kitchen and didn't want him to carry her anymore. "Oh and can I get some more ice?" "Anything else?" Joshua said it with a sarcastic tone. "Coke if you have any." Evelyn thought about it for a second. He didn't know her, and she was asking for coke. They called it soda around here last she knew. "As in soda, not drugs." "Well since you put it that way. I mean I'm stocked with narcotics; the kids love em." Joshua set the plate of breakfast on a tray and took it to her. His mind was twisting with the insult. Did he look like a drug man? Well, he did when he worked narcotics, but the thought that he looked like a criminal in plain clothes was ridiculous. He made another trip to the freezer and put ice in a big plastic ziplock baggie for her ankle and a smaller one for her eye. "You want a glass of ice for that? And I mean ice as in frozen water, not diamonds."
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"I didn't mean that. I didn't want you to think ... Nevermind." Evelyn wasn't sure why it was important, but she didn't want him to think less of her. If she was going to be here, and she had to be here, she would have to let him know who she was, and what she did for a living, a good living. Joshua set the large bag on her ankle. "This for your eye." He set the small one on her tray then went back to the kitchen for his own plate. Of course he had eaten cereal this morning, but he was hungry again. When he sat down, he looked at Evelyn. She was looking at him; she wanted something. "What?" "You just sat down." He lifted his brow at her and so she shrugged. "Bread." "Aggggh." Joshua made no attempt to hide his frustration. For a warrior she suddenly reminded him of a diva. "You're lucky you're injured." Dropping the bread on her plate he realized she had eaten half already. She must be starving. "When was the last time you ate?" "Couple days ago." Evelyn shrugged and took a bite of the bread. Her ribs felt much better, just bruised. Thank God for that vest, and Nikolai's weak ass hit. "I had energy bars so..." "Damn it." Joshua scraped his brunch off and onto her plate. "You should have told me that." "Wait, this is your food. I can't..." "I'm going to make more. I had no idea and didn't want to insult you by giving you too much." Joshua remembered Grace's tale of Ethan making a huge stack of pancakes and
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putting cookies on it before giving it to her. She said it made her feel fat, and that he thought she was fat. Evelyn had made the whale comment and damn! What did he care about that? "Why didn't you tell me you hadn't eaten?" "Why would I?" Evelyn asked a genuine question. No one else cared if she had a meal in two weeks much less two days. So why should he? "Evelyn, what is your job? I mean what do you do?" Joshua turned the stove back on and broke more eggs in the skillet. "I mean what job has a woman like you beat up, starving, and toting a gun?' "I'm not a criminal if that's what you think. My job's legit. Mostly." Evelyn thought about his comment, a woman like you. What kind of woman did he think she was? The scrambled eggs and bacon were filling her belly and loosening her lips, she felt like talking. Besides, she hadn't had casual conversation in, well, years. "Mostly? That's reassuring." Joshua laughed and shook his head. She was an enigma. A hot little piece of fire that was bound to burn any man who tried to hold her. Including him, yet like a moth to the flame. "I'm a bounty hunter, sometimes a mercenary." Evelyn shrugged again as Joshua laughed; he didn't believe her. The phone rang, so she couldn't offer any proof. "Young here." Her head lifted in attention. She answered her cell that way; it set a little alarm off. He's a school teacher, she reminded herself. [Back to Table of Contents]
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Chapter 3 "Evelyn Blade, damn boy, you know when to call one in." Stevens whistled through the phone. "Yeah? So." He didn't want to let her out of his sight, especially not after the way his old friend said that. He turned off the burners and pushed the skillets to the back. "Bounty Hunter by trade. Lethal, girl's bagged and tagged a few, all on the up and up of course. Prior service, Marine Corps, applied to the FBI but couldn't get in. Her old man's a real piece of work. Should I go on?" Stevens had spent all morning tracking this information down, and the places he was led made his blood curl. "Please do." Joshua felt a new sense of danger, and yet there was no way that little fawn with doe eyes sitting in his recliner could actually kill a man. He couldn't believe it, though his old friend said she had. "Social Services received her when she was eleven. There's a sister, but no history of her after nine years old. No death certificate, records, it's like she vanished into thin air. Their old man, Martin Blade, was a cop in Kentucky, prior Navy. He left the force when he was tried for his wife's murder. He got off on some botched evidence. Evelyn's file is straight out of a horror movie. The case worker moved her through three homes and then took her in herself, says she has problems with males. From there she seemed to straighten up, no juvenile records. Your girl's one of the best bounty hunters in
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the Mid-west by reputation. She is a sniper, trained with crossbow, black belt and some other martial arts shit." "That's enough." Joshua's head was overflowing with the information. That sweetness wasn't her; it was her cover. His need for a female companion had made him blind. Well, that was all blown now. He wanted to know what happened to her, and he was going to find out. "Thanks man." "No problem, oh hey, Josh." Stevens pulled at the collar on his shirt, tucking the file away. "Yeah?" "Sleep with your door locked and your weapon ready." With that the phone line disconnected. "Who was that?" Evelyn felt his eyes all over her. At first they were light and concerned. Now, they were full of fury, pure heat. "What the fuck do you think you're doing?" Joshua didn't yell, but he suspected she misinterpreted his rage at the situation as rage toward her the way she grabbed the fork. "Eating." Evelyn assessed the silverware on her plate. Fork, check, spoon, no knife, oh well, fork will do in a pinch. She didn't know what happened, but Dr. Jekyll just turned into Mr. Hyde "Do not lie to me." Joshua's voice was more of a growl. Each word rumbled in turn. "You see me eating. How is that lying?" Evelyn was on full alert. "Who was that on the phone?" For the first time since she saw him she felt threatened. And though he wasn't charging at her, his energy belted her in waves. It was confusing, just like this morning.
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"Evelyn Blade, you have one more chance to tell me. What are you doing here?" Joshua knew she was trouble the minute he laid eyes on her. And that trouble kept getting worse. Instead of turning away from this, putting her out on the street, he did the honorable thing, took care of her. And now he would have to step back into a life he wanted to leave behind. It pissed him off in a major way. "I don't understand." Evelyn really didn't know. She searched his face. His expression was pure business, his jaw set and locked. It was no second grade school teacher standing there; that was pure menace, rage, and unyielding primal instinct. She knew that look well. He lied to her. He's no school teacher. What was he hiding? Her only chance was the truth. "I came here because this is my safe house. I got my ass kicked, and I need to recover." Joshua watched her fingers grip the fork. Somehow he didn't feel threatened by it. She seemed more on the defense as if he would attack her for no reason. He should feel threatened, but his gut couldn't agree with his head right now. Joshua barely moved his lips, and the words dripped with menace. "You're holding that fork like you're going to stab me with it. Are you?" "I don't want to, but you're scaring me, Joshua." Evelyn was now the calm one. Internally she breathed and set the fork down. The worst thing was she was being honest. She was afraid. For the first time in her adult life she was afraid of a man. "Who was that? What's changed? I told you my job, you laughed. Now you look like you're ready to attack me. I
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may be injured, and you may win, but by God I will leave a mark, I promise you that." Joshua took a deep breath. His gaze dropped to the tray in front of her. Really what was she going to do? He didn't want to scare her, and he definitely had. For all the training his partner said she had, she didn't seem to have much fight when it came to him. He had arrested women but never had to use much force. His size alone humbled most men, and Evelyn was ready to fight him. He felt dirty, like he committed a crime. He scared her, shit. "Okay, let's start over." Joshua took a deep breath. She was in his care, and she didn't deserve to be on the receiving end of his anger. Stevens was concerned, that freaked him out for a moment. Another breath and he walked back to the stove and turned the burners back on. Calmly he started again. "You're a bounty hunter." Evelyn sat back but didn't relax. Her nerves were frayed like split electric wires. "Who was that on the phone, Joshua?" "A friend." Joshua wasn't hungry anymore. "Do you want this?" "I lost my appetite." Evelyn took another breath. "What did your friend say about me?" "That you were a killer." Joshua calmly walked over and took the tray, fork and all, from her lap. Standing there he watched her face. She frowned, and for a moment he thought she might cry. "I'm no killer," Evelyn clarified the truth. "I have killed in defense, yes. Defense of others, never myself."
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She needed to make that clear. "Three, three lives lay on my conscious by my hand. My mother and my sister, those are on my conscious, but I didn't kill them. I couldn't stop the bastard who did." Evelyn straightened the chair and pushed to her feet. Fuck it, she could recover in the car on the road. She had money for a hotel. Without wincing, without tears, without struggle, at least on the outside, Evelyn Blade walked past Joshua through the kitchen and up the stairs. "Shit!" Joshua set the tray on the counter and went after her. He didn't have to go far. She was only three steps up and sitting with her head in her hands, sobbing in silence. Joshua replayed the conversation in his head. Her father killed her mother, when she was eleven. He had abused her, probably her sister. Maybe they were split up in foster care, maybe her father. No, this was a horror movie. And she lived it. "Come here, baby." Joshua pulled the lethal woman into his arms and carried her up the stairs. "I'm not a baby." Evelyn sobbed and pushed a weak defiant hand at his chest. "I didn't mean it that way. Has no man ever called you baby?" Joshua pressed his lips to her forehead, and his rough whiskers scratched her face. "Not without a kick to the nose, no." Evelyn had never been referred to with many terms of endearment. Stella called her sugar. Sanahasan called her ga-ka, an artist. Her mother was the last person to call her baby, and that was the night she died.
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The childhood memory flooded in, and there was no stopping it. Maya Blade worked like most mothers did. She came home early to find her husband branding her little girl with a knife blade on her shoulder. The woman reacted like any mother would. She lurched onto her husband and fought; he stabbed her to death. Evelyn watched in horror. Her little sister Noel was in the closet, where she hid when her father came home. Evelyn curled into a tiny ball, waiting for Blade to turn on her as well. She curled into that same ball now in Joshua's arms. "Why is this happening to me?" Evelyn asked out loud. Twenty years next week, twenty years. She carried the truth of that night. She was asked by lawyers, police, priests, and psychiatrists. But she couldn't tell any of them the truth. He would kill her; he would kill Noel. She thought he had. "Talk to me." Joshua sat her on his bed. It was more comfortable, and he knew that. Besides, the bathroom was right there. If she needed to go, it would be less painful than walking down the hall. "I can't. He will kill me and Noel. He will kill us both." Evelyn still clung to her knees. Her ribs be damned she had bigger problems right now. She might just confess. Tell the secret. "No one will touch you ever again, Evelyn, I promise. Tell me." Joshua couldn't believe he was making promises to defend her. She could probably do some real damage to a man because they wouldn't expect it. Just like he didn't expect this.
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Evelyn wrestled with the memories, the loss of control. She had buried her past deep. She made up for her crime as an adult by hunting rapists and murderers and men who abused women and brought them in for justice. Aside from returning a spoiled teenager to a wealthy family, she didn't take sugar coated jobs. They were specific. She had saved a lot of money, living meager along the way. Her weapons and gear were the most valuable things she owned. Her car, a black Honda Civic, was common, non-descript, six years old. Hadn't God forgiven her? When would she find peace? "Say it, honey. I'm right here, tell me. I promise I'll keep you safe." Joshua made that commitment too easily even for himself, but he meant it. He wanted to touch her bruised eye but didn't. It made him sick to see a woman with a black eye. It made him furious that he couldn't do anything about it. Not until she let him in. "My father." Evelyn was looking into his eyes. His warm hands held her face up forcing her to do so. Gently though, he was holding her gently. He nodded. Waited. "When I was eleven, he stabbed my mother. She caught him branding me with his knife. I was naked. He used to ... do stuff, you know. He never raped me exactly, but he made me do stuff." Her eyes looked down at his chin. His hands slipped free, and she watched his throat swallow hard. Joshua locked his jaw. This was tearing him up, piece by piece. He didn't want to hear it, but he had to. Someone had to listen to her.
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"My mother attacked him. She tried to save me." Evelyn went to another place in her head, a stronger place. "He stabbed her; we watched." "We." Joshua's voice was in a whisper. His hands were over her hands pulling them both into one of his and covering them with the other. "My sister Noel was in the closet. We hid her there, so he couldn't touch her. He tried, but I told him I would do it." Evelyn felt like the world was lifting off her shoulders. Somehow she needed to give this burden to someone else. Joshua was strong. She felt that in his hands; he seemed to want to carry it, like he had been carrying her. "Go on." Joshua didn't know which horror story he wanted to hear least, her mother's murder or her impending abuse. "He never wanted us to call him daddy. We called him Blade, except, when he wanted to touch us." Evelyn drew a deep breath. "So I did it, and I hid Noel in the closet. He never touched her again, at least not while I was there." "You left?" Joshua's voice cracked, and he choked back tears. He wanted to be strong for her, but damn, she was killing him. He understood her plight in life; it all made sense. She shook her head. "No, he got rid of me. He had to." "Why?" Joshua had to know. "He made me hold the knife. He made me wipe it on my body. He told me that's what happens to bad girls. Girls who don't listen to Blade. Then he told me if I said a word to anyone, that's what would happen to Noel; that's what would happen to me." Evelyn was no longer crying. Her secret was out. "He told me to hide the knife. The cops came, and there I
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was in the backyard, trying to bury a knife, eleven years old, covered in my mother's blood and naked." Joshua's teeth were grinding. He couldn't take much more of this. She needed therapy. Hell he might need therapy again after this. Post traumatic stress disorder. He didn't need a license to diagnose it. He had experienced it firsthand, but nowhere near this level. Christ, it was amazing she wasn't a criminal or insane. Instead she survived, dedicated her life to justice. Evelyn Blade was an honorable woman, not a killer. Damn, he felt like an ass. No wonder that good girl comment ripped her. He wanted to take a shot at lightening her mood, not throw her into a tailspin. Joshua didn't know what to say. What do you say when someone bares their soul and exposes their demons? He lifted his hands, opened them, and kissed the back of the hand on top. Evelyn didn't know what to do. It was probably the most tender moment in her entire life. She didn't let her foster mother, Stella, get this close to her. She tried, but Evelyn was afraid if she told her, Blade would kill them both. He was still out there, alive. She could feel it. She could feel him hunting her, had felt it all her life. She slid her hands from Joshua's and wrapped her arms around him. Never in her life had she felt like this toward a man. She told him the secret. His huge chest was like a solid wall. Pressing the left side of her face into his chest, she practically crawled into his lap. "He's going to kill me," she whispered.
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"No, honey, no one will ever hurt you like that again. I promise." Joshua was determined now more than ever to get to the bottom of this. There was one week left of school before Easter break, and he would spend that week figuring this out. He had to keep her here, keep her safe. "You can't keep that promise. You don't know who you're dealing with," she pleaded. "Shhhh, breathe ... Just breathe," he whispered. Joshua pulled her into his lap and pushed back onto the bed. His back stretched down to the large pillows allowing him to rest at an incline. Evelyn's hands slid from his back to his chest, and her face remained pressed into him tightly. Her eyes closed, and her breathing slowed. His chin was barely touching the top of her head. With each inhale she breathed him. He smelled like soap, and Joshua, like peace. Joshua's eyes began to feel heavy. It had been one hell of a morning and afternoon. Evelyn was warm in his arms. Her hair smelled like jasmine; that was Grace's shampoo. He knew her ribs had to hurt though she didn't grimace once. Of course the pain in her mind was probably greater than any body damage she suffered right now. He stroked her shoulder length hair and closed his eyes. She was safe now. He had to make plans to ensure her safety forever. Evelyn drifted into sleep, hearing his heartbeat, inhaling his scent. She had searched for peace all her life, studied the art of war, and fought for women who couldn't fight for themselves. She didn't allow herself to feel like a victim. She wouldn't accept that at eleven, she couldn't defend her mother, her sister. She could have tried. She carried his
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name, carried the scars he placed on her body. Blade taught her to never trust men. He taught her that her body was sinful and forced him to do things. And now, she broke every rule she had ever established for herself. She was trusting a man. She was in his arms. He was touching her, and she felt at peace. It seemed impossible. **** "I tried. She escaped!" Nikolai hit the ground with a thump. He didn't get up. "What do you have for me?" The man's voice cracked. "We have reason to believe she's in New York." The voice was soft and uncertain. "Good girl." He kicked the dead body of Nikolai Strong and looked back at the woman. "Clean this up." She moved quickly to grab Nikolai's feet and struggled to pull the body. Once he left, the other men in the room helped her. "Don't tell him I helped you, okay?" the tall one whispered. "Grab his arms." The short one grabbed his arms. "How is she?" the woman asked. "Free," the tall one answered. "Hurt, but free." "You weren't supposed to hurt her." The woman still whispered and kept an eye on the door. "What happened?" "Nikolai said we should follow Blade's orders. He wanted the money," the tall one said. "She got her shots in on us. Look at my nose."
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"He'll find more hunters now." The short one pushed the rest of Nikolai's body into the barrel. "No one legit will take it, but the money is getting too good. The worst kind of people will be after her." "You have to find her first." The woman was pleading with the tall man. "My family will pay double what he's paying, but she has to be safe, unharmed. Alive!" "So do you." The short one shrugged. "The worst kind of person is after her, him. And you know it. You're her friends, help her." The woman sucked back the tears. "We'll try, but playing both sides of the fence is dangerous." The tall one touched his nose, and they left the room. They were right and she knew it. She had to stay alive, so did Evelyn. Her husband and two kids were safe at home in Tennessee. They thought she was away on business. They had to think that. He would kill them otherwise. He needed her. He needed her connections, and whatever sick game he had in his head. He needed her there to play. **** At eight o'clock the doorbell rang. Joshua opened his eyes and realized Evelyn was laying on him. She had stretched the length of him as far as her legs would reach. Her hands gripped his T-shirt tightly. He thought about not answering the door, but the bell chimed again. He gripped her back and gently rolled her to the bed. Pulling her hands free he got up and headed for the door. If the circumstances were different,
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he would have loved the way he woke up. But Evelyn was only here for protection, not for him to keep. Shelby Banks stood at his door with a pie in her hands. The fact that no lights were on hadn't stopped her in the least. In two years he had never missed a day at work. Shane, her son, loved him. Shelby, at every opportunity, tried to bed him. Joshua opened the door and regretted leaving the bed. "Shelby." Joshua didn't open the screen door, and he made a fake cough. All barriers were good barriers where this woman was concerned. "I made this pie for you." Shelby came alone, dressed in clothes that were more fitting for a high school girl than a thirty-six-year-old woman. "I have the flu, can't come in. Sorry." Joshua began to shut the door bowing graciously the whole time. Shelby's smile faded, and she pointed to the pie and sat it on the rocking chair. "Well, okay, maybe when you feel better. Here's your pie anyways." Shelby waved, and he waved back through the crack he held in the door. She wiggled her way down the stairs and into her car. Once she was gone, Joshua opened the door and took the pie. Bringing it back inside he faced Evelyn and felt as though he had been caught red-handed. "Who was that?" Evelyn limped toward him. She looked a lot better, but her eye was discolored and her jaw, too. "Student's mom." Joshua walked to the counter and set the fresh apple pie on it.
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"Would you have let her in if I wasn't here?" Evelyn searched the floor with her eyes. Jealous? Come on E, you don't know this guy. "No. Of course, she wouldn't have stopped by in the first place if you weren't here." Joshua stared at the top of her head. He loved her red hair. It was straight but soft and wavy from sleep. He loved the way it smelled. If he knew that shampoo was in there, he would have been huffing it, or worse using it. "What do you mean?" Evelyn looked up at him directly. "I missed school today. I never call out of work." Joshua shrugged. "I imagine more people may try to stop by. But no worries, I'll put a sign out." "A sign, like beware of the dog?" Evelyn wanted to be close to him again. She hadn't had sleep like that in ... well she may have never had sleep like that. "No, like I have the flu, see you Monday." Joshua was drawn to her. He moved closer and she did, too. "Did you sleep good?" "You know I did." Evelyn blushed. Shit, she was blushing. She was the master of the dirty joke and poker face, but Joshua was different. He was unlike any man she ever knew. She felt different, like she was a completely different woman here. Her guard was down. He refused to acknowledge her as a threat, kept calling her Wonder Woman and baby. Evelyn really felt uncontrollably drawn to him. "Let's put a banana peel on that eye." Joshua peeled a banana and handed her the peel as he took a bite of the banana.
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"Are you nuts?" Evelyn held the peel at a distance. "It works, I swear. My Nana used to do it when I got a shiner." He took another bite and realized she was probably hungry, too. He held the rest of it out to her. Instead of taking it from him she stepped closer and bit it. That gave him images and thoughts he didn't want to see. She was a fragile little Bounty Hunter, not an object for lust. But damn when that lip was better, he might try to kiss it. Evelyn knew it was a bold move, but she felt better. She could see completely out of both eyes with no haze. Her ankle was stiff but no worse for the wear. After a couple of days, she would be training again. Right now, she wanted Joshua. Even if she couldn't convince him to let her seduce him, she wanted to be near him. "My, my, what big teeth you have." Joshua had to break the silence. Her second bite almost hit his fingers, and that would be a little too much right now. "The better to bite you with." Evelyn didn't give him a chance to withdraw his hand. She grabbed it and felt his fingers letting go of the last bite of banana as she consumed it. "Damn, woman." Joshua took a step back. Ethan had warned him, the house did something to a man. He didn't believe it, but he did now. His senses were on full alert. His manhood was vying to get out of his shorts, and the man hater had turned into a man hunter. She looked at him with predatory eyes. He was known as the Big Dog, yet Evelyn looked like a wolf.
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"Did I nip you?" Evelyn licked her lips. They were still swollen but not by much. It wasn't a hard punch Nicolai threw and most of the bruising was on her chin and cheek. Her eye wasn't too bad either. With steady ice packs it had reduced a lot. She put the banana peel on her eye and said, "Argh." "Pirate, cute." Joshua stepped back again. "Are you hungry?" "Yep." Evelyn nodded and the banana peel slipped. Giving up on his Nana's old wives' tale she tossed it in the trash. "Pizza?" "Good choice." Joshua headed to the phone. Anything was good that could get him moving and away from her. "You have a preference?" "I don't eat anchovies." Evelyn limped to the recliner and sat down. Pushing the handle she laid back. A huge sigh escaped her. She was relaxed. "I really like what you've done with the place." "Yes, I need a large pizza, extra anchovies." "Joshua!" Evelyn shouted. "Hello, yes, I'd like to order two large pizzas for delivery." He smiled. It could be fun to have a woman around for a while. He could make some calls, get the mess straightened out. In the meantime he could enjoy some company. "Pepperoni and Pineapple. Hang on." To Evelyn he said, "What do you want on yours?" "That's fine. I have never had pineapple on a pizza." Evelyn shrugged. God, if anyone could see her now, they would just die. Never had she been so agreeable.
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"Two of those." Joshua hung up after getting the total. "So, woman, what do you want to do while we wait for pizza?" "What do you want to do?" Evelyn's voice was thick with suggestion. She wanted to tie him up, tease him and let him tease her. No, she couldn't possibly want him to touch her. He had done enough of that already. "How about a movie?" Joshua squatted to see what DVDs he had. Some were his; some belonged to Grace. He talked while he looked through them, too many chick flicks. "Grace decorated before she moved. I moved in a few months later but didn't change anything. Huh." "What?" "Nothing, this one's blank. I wonder what's on it." Curious by nature, he began flipping it in his hand. "Let's see." Evelyn was curious, too. "It could be an old movie. Grace had tons of those when I was here before." Dragging out this last part she said, "Come on." Joshua patted the case several times against his hand and then stood. "What the hell, it can't be anything too bad." "Probably an old movie, let's see." Joshua put the DVD in and went to sit down. There was no sound, so he couldn't see what was playing behind him. "Well hello." Evelyn's voice perked up and she blushed. "Wait, is that ... Grace?" Joshua turned to witness in horror, his cousin Ethan and Grace making out. They weren't naked, at least not yet, but they were on the way to it quickly.
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"Shit!" Joshua jumped over the coffee table catching his shin in the process. "Fuck!" "Looks like that's where it's headed." Evelyn fanned herself. "That's Ethan?" "Yeah." Joshua shook his head. "They bought that camera to film Gray, damn. Is that my bed? Oh, you wait till I get a hold of him." "He's hot. I see why she married him." Evelyn saw this as a perfect time to get a reaction out of him. If he cared less, she knew it was a waste of efforts. She had bared her soul, told the secret that would no doubt lead to her doom, and she wanted to touch this man. Her life had taken an odd twist in the last forty-eight hours. The rollercoaster had begun. "You say we're going to visit them?" Joshua could barely contain himself. He wanted to snap the disc in two but knew Ethan would definitely want it back. Kinky bastard, he'd get four kids, six if he didn't watch it. "No. I said I was invited. Grace can come here if she wants to see you." "Are you going to break that thing in half?" Damn, he tried to be cool. This isn't the girl to get tangled up with. She is emotionally unavailable, even to herself. His face flushed. "Joshua, are you ... jealous?" Evelyn saw a light at the end of the tunnel. She just hoped it wasn't a train on its way to run her over. She had never opened up to a man, never said please or thank you. Men were scum, except Joshua. God, what am I thinking? Now he's an exception?
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"Humph. What of?" Joshua set the case on top of the DVD player and bent over to grab a chick flick. Evelyn should like that. Let's see, something with Ben Affleck or Matt Damon. Ah ha! Good Will Hunting. It had them both. She should be able to relate to Will. "Oh my," Evelyn couldn't help her reaction. Ethan was pretty, but he was no Joshua. And seeing him bent over in front of her, totally at ease, something had stirred inside her. "What now? You have a crush on these guys, too?" Standing he didn't bother to face her. Hollywood hunks he could deal with, didn't like it, but he could deal with it. Ethan, no, he couldn't deal with a woman ogling Ethan. They competed over women frivolously when they were younger. Ethan was older and taller, by an inch. He was like his big brother, and he escaped to New York every summer to be with them and joined the pack when he moved there. They were hounds when they were young, three big dogs. "No. And I don't have a crush on your cousin. I don't get crushes." Except you. And for good measure, she added, "I hate men, just on principal." "Well, if you hate men, why did you say he was hot?" Joshua sat on the couch and rubbed his shin. He respected Ethan, but he really respected Grace. No way did he want to have her naked image in his mind. Hot, it burned him to know she thought Ethan was hot. Jealous. Shit. When did this happen? Jealous of Ethan? He had a beautiful wife, a baby. Maybe, of that, but nothing else. "To get a reaction from you." Evelyn was honest. Joshua was like a confessional. He asked; she answered. It must be
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the vagina talking. Evelyn barely felt like herself since she had been here. From that first instance when she saw him, something changed in her. Damn, now she felt bad about holding a gun on him earlier. Joshua was about to respond to that, but the doorbell rang. Pizza, he was saved by the pizza man. Evelyn was noticeably put out. She folded her arms over her chest and huffed. So much like a man at times, those reactions didn't suit her at all, but they amused the hell out of him. "Hold on, Rocky, let me pay the pizza man, and we can get back to the fight." Joshua smiled a triumphant smile. She wanted a reaction, so he gave her one. But she was reacting to him, too. The difference was he knew she was just emotionally charged and he was the release. Her feelings weren't real. It reminded him of Candace; they grieved together. Then when she stopped grieving, she realized she didn't want him after all. Evelyn would be no different. She needed a friend. She had confessed an enormous secret; she had been beat up and almost shot. Her emotions had to be on full throttle. A friend, he thought again. He would be that for her, nothing more. "We're not fighting." Evelyn narrowed her eyes on him. "No?" He laughed. "You don't feel my foot in your ass, do you?" Joshua laughed loud and opened the door. He exchanged the bills in his hand for the pizzas. Stepping back inside, he closed the door, locked it, and headed for the kitchen. "How many?"
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"Two, three, no two." Evelyn wanted four but didn't want to seem like a pig. Breakfast was cut short by the mental breakdown, and she was still making up for lost eats. "I'll give you four, so you don't have my ass running back and forth all night." Joshua shook his head. "And to drink, my lady?" "Coke, water, no, coke." Evelyn had never been so indecisive. She was turning into a woman. Not that she wanted to be a man, but she thrived on her masculine qualities, her ability to think without emotion, act without fear, make a decision and stick to it. "Okay, coke and water for the lady." Joshua set her plate on her lap and the drinks on the end table close to the chair. "Anything else while I'm up?" He grabbed his own pizza and a beer and settled in on the couch. Of course as soon as he took the first bite she spoke. "Napkins?" Evelyn said it softly. The pizza was dripping all over her. "Woman." Joshua bit his tongue and stood. He was worried that he would miss his daily exercise because he had told everyone he had the flu. He couldn't very well go jogging around the neighborhood. Not a chance, Evelyn had him hopping. If she wasn't injured, well ... she was, so he got the napkins. [Back to Table of Contents]
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Chapter 4 Evelyn accepted the napkins, but he didn't let go. She tugged again. Still he held. Her brown eyes moved up his arm and across his throat and, oh, past his lips to his green eyes. His brow was lifted in a gaze of expectation. "Thank you." Evelyn blushed, and she felt it warm her cheeks. He let go. "I had food in my mouth." "You have bad manners." Joshua sat down, took another bite, and got it down. He eyeballed her. "What?" she said innocently. As soon as he lifted the beer, the phone rang. His head started shaking. He did that a lot. She could see him towering over children, his stance wide and his hands on his hips, shaking that head back and forth. It was a natural expression for him. She liked it, made him softer, more accessible. "What?" Joshua answered the phone on the third ring. "What? You were supposed to have Evelyn call me, that's what." Grace looked at the phone in her hands with disbelief. What's going on down there? "My bad, I thought you were Ethan." Joshua let out a long breath. "She's a real pain in the ass you know." "Who is that? Is that Grace?" Evelyn was all but climbing out of the chair. "As soon as she heals I'm taking back my underwear and kicking her out." Joshua talked as he walked. "Here the diva is."
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Grace really was shocked at what Joshua just said. Maybe it wasn't Evelyn in her house after all. That made her nervous and anxious to talk to the woman. Evelyn was a tough chick not a diva by any means. They met by chance in art class. Evelyn sat next to her and said, "You're a real redhead, and us redheads gotta stick together." Grace laughed, and from then on she was delighted, intrigued, and horrified by the woman's life. One thing she knew for certain. Evelyn hated men, all men. She expected Joshua to have put her out by now, but he seemed playful, and that seemed strange. Grace had witnessed Evelyn interact with men; it wasn't playful. She also witnessed Evelyn break a guy's nose in a bar one night because Grace had told him to go away and he didn't. Evelyn just popped him. It was amazing. "Gracie." Evelyn was relieved. "I'm so sorry I have put you out like this." Joshua spit the beer from his mouth as the rest went through his nose. Put Grace out, Grace was in New York. He was the one put out. This woman is outrageous! Evelyn looked at him. "Are you okay, Joshua?" she asked covering the receiver. The look he gave her was unpleasant, so she crooked her face into a false grimace and went back to Grace on the phone. "Well, I feel a lot better now. I mean I got my ass kicked. Thankfully I had my vest on, so when Nikolai hit me, it just knocked the wind out of me. Stix and Stones came out of nowhere. I landed a roundhouse on Stones, the short
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fucker, and he went down. Stix was yelling at me to calm down, so I did." Joshua sat there in utter amazement. She told Grace everythingnames, how it happened blow by blow. Stix and Stones, he had to find people named Stix and Stones? Gets better by the minute. He took mental notes and pretended to watch the movie all the while listening in. She laughed now, a high feminine laugh. Now she's laughing? "Well, he's over six foot tall, so of course he thought he could outmaneuver me, but I brought him down to size. Of course by then Nikolai had got up and landed a cheap shot busting my lip. Little fucker, I returned the favor in kind then swept his knee. Stones landed a good one right in the eye. I blocked, so it wasn't as powerful as it could have been. One quick throat jab and I was out of there." Evelyn listened now, nodding, smiling. He felt her gaze on him. He tried to look without looking. It was successful since her eyes had dropped to his lap. He looked down himself to be sure his fly was up. Never had he felt like such a piece of meat. Her eyes were wandering all over him. She kept smiling and nodding making little agreements to Grace. Finally she wandered to his eyes. She started blushing instantly, and that gave him a bit of satisfaction. For a woman who hated men she seemed to like to look at them a lot. "You ogling me?" "No." She feigned offense. How long had he been watching her peruse him? "Sorry, that was Joshua," she said into the phone. "Yes, he is." "Now you're talking about me?" He pointed to himself.
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"I'm on the phone." Evelyn shook her head and waved a hand at him in dismissal. "He's something else, yes." Then after a moment she said, "I will. At least I will try how about that?" She hung up the phone with a laugh. "She likes you." "Grace?" Joshua was agitated. "Yes, what's wrong with you?" Evelyn was still full of happiness. Her friend was fine and assured her she was in capable hands. Of course she knew that by now. The most capable hands she had ever felt. "Me?" Joshua stood in disgust. Evelyn had apologized to Grace, told the whole bloody story to Grace, names and all. "Joshua, you look mad?" Evelyn didn't know how he looked. He wasn't furious; she knew that look, had seen it a few times now. "Mad? No. Frustrated, confused. Maybe." His voice was low, almost sad. "About what?" Evelyn gave him her full attention. She didn't want him to be mad at her. Slowly she was beginning to accept the fact that she may even like this Joshua character. And not just to look at him. "You. Shit woman, you're in my house, mine. I live here. I'm the one trying to help you. When I asked you what happened, you told me it was none of my business. Grace calls and you give her the play by play." It was both educational and frightening listening to her recount the fight. She knew the men who did this, wasn't expecting it. They turned on her, and she fended them off. Where was this gear, her vest? Hell, he still didn't know where her car was!
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"You asked me that when I knew you for five seconds, before, you know." Evelyn frowned now. He was the one put out by her being here. She wasn't used to being treated this good. It was disarming, made her weak. "I told her right in front of you. If I wanted to hide, I would have walked in the other room. You want to know something, ask." Her confidence was amazing. She was direct and practical, a stark contrast to the woman he carried up the stairs this afternoon. Rough and tough one minute, confessing horrible secrets and clinging to him the next. He didn't need this. Why was this the woman he was dealt? Where was his simple loving lady he asked for? "How'd you get here?" Joshua was going to give her another chance to tell him what happened that night, all of it. "I drove. My car's out there on the street." Evelyn smiled. "A black Honda Civic, older model ... My stuff is in it." The way she said that, he knew what she wanted. Incredible, he had always been the one catered to. Women threw themselves at him, and he reaped the rewards. This woman hated him on principal, and he's playing butler for her. "Where are the keys?" "One key, should have been in my pants pocket." Evelyn smiled. Her bruised face lit up, and he felt his chest sinking. He hoped the bruises were the reason he had turned into Chase, his other cousin who catered to his wife Megan's every annoying whim. "Fine." "Oh and Joshua." He growled. It was an audible growl.
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"I just wanted to tell you not to be alarmed if you open the trunk." "Stix or Stones in there?" His voice rich with sarcasm, Joshua grabbed the car key off the washer. If he knew which car it had gone to, he would have searched it this morning. He looked down the street twice already, nothing out of the ordinary. "That hurts." Evelyn frowned. But she knew he was just tired. She had asked a lot from a man who knew her less than twenty-four hours. More than she had asked any man in her lifetime. And he was there, each time, and he did it. Unlike any man she ever knew in her lifetime. "Joshua" "God help me." He looked to the ceiling, raised his hands and shook his head. "Thank you." Evelyn had a real frown on her face now. "I'll be right back." Joshua unlocked the door and headed out. Almost a block away he found the damned car. Evelyn apparently did everything the hard way. It had Tennessee tags on it. That helped, at least until he opened the trunk. It was like a small spy center. A stack of license plates from several mid-west states were close at hand. A few mag-light flashlights of various sizes, various handcuffs, keys to cuffs, flexi-cuffs, night vision equipment, bb-gun, stun gun, shit! His eyes couldn't believe the equipment in there. And that was just what he could see in the first box. No suitcase. He closed the trunk before he scared himself. Of course the crossbow caught his attention as he pulled the hatch shut. In the backseat was a small suitcase on wheels. Under it was her
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jacket, a bulletproof vest, a cell phone and a purse. Huh, a purse. He grabbed all of it since the jacket and vest were stinking up the car; it was covered in the same mud she was this morning. Walking back to his house he realized how much it must have hurt to stage everything. The car was definitely nondescript. It wasn't tourist season, so parking along the road made sense. If she parked in the parking lot across the street, he would have noticed the car right away. She was good. Damn good. A new respect welled inside him, along with a new fear. "Honey, I'm home," Joshua called expecting to see her in the chair. She was gone. He waited a minute before stepping inside. His eyes surveyed the room though he didn't feel a threat. "Evelyn?" The backdoor was open. He passed through the kitchen, dropped the stuff off in a chair and on the counter, opened the laundry door and tossed the heavy vest and jacket on the washer. Closing the door he realized the light was on out back. Cautiously he slid to the door. Looking out he was surprised to see her in the hammock, a fresh bag of ice on her eye. Damn if that didn't make him want to find those bastards. He wondered if her story was true, had she really hurt them? He just couldn't see it. Her little toes wiggled, and she tried to make the thing swing. She was cute, too cute to be running around kicking people's asses. Joshua loomed over her, and she smiled. "Lay down with me." She patted the hammock.
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"It might break." He didn't move. "It won't." She patted the hammock again. "Pu ... come on you big baby." He was sure she was going to say please, and then she changed her mind. All right, it's a start. He sat on the hammock, and it dipped and began to swing as he laid back. He crossed both arms behind his head. Evelyn pushed and squirmed and then settled. Gravity pulled them both to the middle, and her body ran the length of his armpit to his ankles. Her warmth pushed through his cotton T-shirt and boxers. She hadn't changed out of them; of course she had nothing to change into either. "You're getting mighty comfortable in my underwear, woman." Joshua gazed at the night sky. He loved that he could see the stars clearly. It was a crisp night, and a chill was settling on the air. He tried not to think of her in a sexual way, but that was difficult, especially when she touched him. And as if she read his mind, she did. "You can borrow a pair of mine if that would settle us up." Evelyn felt brazen, like a madwoman driven by a force bigger than herself. She crossed her left arm over and placed her hand on his abdomen. She had to touch him. His body warmed her side and reminded her of his chest. She weighed a hundred and forty pounds last time she stepped on a scale. That was lean for her five-five frame, but heavy as dead weight. Yet he didn't seem phased the least as she slept right on top of him this afternoon. She had let her guard down in a big way, yet he didn't take advantage of it.
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"I'm not a thong kind of guy." He smiled. Her hand spread, and his stomach fueled the fire throughout him. Stop talking about underwear, stupid. "Yeah, like I'd wear a thong." Evelyn opened and closed her fingers slowly. It just felt nice to be here. She had never shared a moment like this with a man. Sure she stargazed in the field atop Hummers with other Marines. It was great in Okinawa. She spent the years mastering different fighting styles, and the night sky held different constellations. The men there were more like brothers. If they ever saw her sexually, they were smart enough not to say it. Joshua let out a guttural growl. He didn't mean to, but the thought of her ass in a thong was a little more than he wanted to envision right now. Friends don't picture friends naked. Even hot, deadly, redheads that could kill you in your sleep. Somehow that last thought was meant to settle him but kinda turned him on instead. A lady, I need a lady in my life, not a killer. "Okay." Joshua sat up. "I need to get to bed. You've worn me out." "Funny I was thinking the same thing." Evelyn's voice was silky, sexual. He cleared his throat. "You're tired too, huh?" Evelyn pushed up and laid a hot hand on his back burning right through his T-shirt. "No. I thought about taking you to bed and wearing you out."
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"All right-y then. See you in the morning." Joshua sprang up straight and walked quickly into the house. He felt like a scatterbrained teenager. Driven by a sense of duty, and derailed by a sense of lust. She was toying with him, and he didn't like it. "You can't run forever. I'm a hunter, and I always get my man," she whispered aloud to herself. She had never really wanted a man, but the more Joshua treated her kindly and respected her as a lady, the more she wanted him. She didn't consider herself a lady, but liked the way it felt to wear that disguise. Of course it would have to go down her way, but she could convince him of that, too. She had time, unless he kicked her out. Joshua set about straightening the living room. He cut the lights, checked the locks, and headed up the stairs with her gear in tow. He put the suitcase in the chair in the guest bedroom. After that comment, she needed to be separated and put back as a proper guest. He would not take advantage of her, even if she wanted him to. He couldn't anyways, not with her bruises still fresh. He'd hurt her. Setting the cell phone on the nightstand he crossed the hall. Evelyn was at the top of the stairs now facing him. Damn, he forgot about the ankle, the only noticeable injury still bothering her. She was tough; he gave her that credit. "I dropped your gear in the guestroom." He cleared his throat again. "See you in the morning. Just knock if you need me."
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Evelyn knocked on the wall next to her with a wolfish smile. "Cute." Joshua shook his head as he entered his bedroom. His groin leapt at that knock, and she didn't need any more encouragement. That woman was a killer all right, and he was her primary target. Apparently she was using a new approach, her body, her best weapon. **** Evelyn couldn't sleep. She spent the last two hours meditating, pushing the pain out, and calming her mind. A warm feeling crept over her, and Joshua entered her mind. She believed that happened for a reason; maybe he was thinking about her, too. Joshua wasn't asleep when he heard the bedroom door across the hall squeak open then a gentle tap on his own door as it opened. "Joshua," she whispered. He was awake, but he didn't answer her. He wanted to see what she was up to. The door closed, and he thought she may have gone back to her room, but he felt her presence still, and the jasmine smell wafted over him. The bed dipped slightly with her bodyweight. His back was toward her, and his eyes were open. He waited. He started thinking maybe he should have slept with his gun, but that was ridiculous. Evelyn was quiet and as gentle as she could be; he was sleeping. All she wanted was to sleep, too. The king size bed was big; she could have kept her distance. Instead, she nuzzled into his back, inhaled his scent and closed her eyes.
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Soap and Joshua, the man was clean, pure. She would lay here for a minute and then go back to her room, to bed. Within moments her breathing was slow and heavy. She was asleep. Her nose and lips touched his back and set his body on fire. Joshua wasn't sure he would sleep at all tonight, but he had to try. He needed all his energy to combat this little minx in the morning. Besides, he had calls to make. There were four men to find so far, the four men who had hurt her. He closed his eyes and said a silent prayer. **** Joshua awoke with a heavy feeling on his back. He was on his stomach and Evelyn was practically sleeping on him. She made him into her own personal mattress. Her red locks tickled his nose, and he could feel her breath on his neck. The smell of jasmine filled his senses and set his mind on carnal drive. How did this happen? Evelyn was still asleep. Her bare breasts pressed into his back, and her left hand extended down his left arm. She practically claimed him in her sleep. She wore panties, thank God. He could feel the cotton on his lower back. She pushed all normal boundaries and wanted control. No way in hell was that happening. Slowly he lifted up rolling, trying to free himself and turn her to her side. Unfortunately that must have startled her, and she began grabbing at him. Everywhere.
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Evelyn felt like she was falling. Her eyes snapped open, and she didn't know where she was. She gripped onto something. Focused. Joshua. She smiled, inhaled his scent, then realized she had been sleeping with him, and he wasn't tied up. "Easy now." His morning voice was low and gruff. Evelyn's hand held his lower abdomen and the tip of his morning wood a little too tight for comfort. He didn't move, afraid she may close the death grip and not let go. "Sorry." She eased her grip and relaxed onto her back on the bed. It wasn't until now that she realized what she had grabbed on to. Damn. That's a big boy. Joshua took a cleansing breath and rolled to face her. She had pulled the sheet over her breasts, but her shoulders were bare. Her hands lay at her sides, and she was smiling, her cheeks blushed. Her hair was in disarray all over the pillows. She looked well rested. If it wasn't for the bruises that seemed to heal in record time, she would have looked good enough to eat. "I thought I was falling." She giggled. In her mind she had to stay cool, play it off, be in charge. In her body she was losing control. How did she fall asleep with him? She wanted to be near him for a moment, yes. He was asleep. That was safe, but then she fell asleep; that was dangerous. "Giggles, huh?" It was strange how for a woman throwing herself at him earlier, she covered herself now. She must be confused, like he thought. He enjoyed a good romp after a good fight back in the day. Evelyn acted like a man half the
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time and a woman the rest. "Sneak into a man's bed and you giggle?" "I hope you don't mind. I couldn't sleep, and you said to let you know..." her voice trailed off as her eyes drifted away from his brilliant green gaze down his nose and onto his lips. His whiskers were longer today, making him look more rugged. Less innocent, less angelic. She made a face at that. "What?" He saw that face, disappointment maybe? "Are you going to shave today?" Evelyn's eyes drifted farther down his neck and over his naked chest. The soft black hair trailed lightly over his chest, down his abs and got thicker as it flowed into the sheet. She made another face. Damn sheet. "I'm not shaving there if that's what you're asking." He reached over and lifted her chin causing her to look him in the eyes again. She perused his body visually, at will, and made no attempt at discretion. It boggled his mind. "No, of course not." Evelyn lifted her hand and pulled her fingers along his jaw, along the rough whiskers. Stay in control, she told herself. "Here." "Mmmm. Yeah, I will shave that today. I would have yesterday but, well, you were there." His hand was now back at the front of his waist. Evelyn was beautiful, even with her bruises, even with her scars, but she needed a friend, a safe place. Sex wasn't safe. She was an emotional wreck, and he knew that. Her tough image and all her skills didn't hide that from him. Evelyn's hand spread over his jawline. Her thumb lingered close to his lips. She drew in her own bottom lip and softly
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stroked her thumb across his. Joshua's eyes closed, and a deep carnal groan escaped him. "Evelyn," Joshua's voice was rich with desire. "I won't do it." "Do what?" Her vision was getting hazy. Watching his face flinch at her touch, his eyes closed, his soft lips beneath her fingers, it was awakening something unexpected, deep and wrought with desire. She wanted desperately to kiss him. "This." He let out a deep breath and then pulled his head back, out of her reach. "You don't think I'm attractive do you? It's because of the bruises right?" She crossed her arms and frowned. "You don't like redheads." "No." Joshua hated to see her frown. He didn't want to be the reason for it, but he knew she wasn't ready. And God knows he loved redheads. The minute he saw Grace he got wood, but then Ethan claimed her and he wanted to kick himself for not saying yes when Chase had invited him to North Carolina. Though, he was still getting over Candace at the time. "Don't spare my feelings." Evelyn closed her eyes and frowned. "No, I mean, it's not because of the bruises. And, yes, I do think you're attractive." He steadied himself, fighting the urge to touch her. "Then why can't I touch you?" Evelyn looked at him with hope in her eyes. "Because I don't want to hurt you." Joshua clenched his teeth and focused on her big brown eyes. They were soft,
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dark, and innocent. How did she get those eyes? Foul temptress that she was. "Ummm, so he's a big boy, huh?" Evelyn licked her lips. That was unusual because she knew there was no way she would bring them near his cock. "I think I should judge for myself." "No. Yes, damn it, woman, that's not what I'm talking about." Joshua laid back and stared at the ceiling. Frustration singed the air in waves. "Just touching you would hurt. You're bruised all over. How can you think about sex? Hell, you don't even know me. What's my last name?" "I know a few things. And touch me, please. No one touches me. Your last name, Young, you're Ethan's cousin. Grace told me. Ha." Evelyn turned to her side and was glad it was the good side of her ribcage. Though they felt much better, too much pressure would hurt. She stroked a finger down his chest, the soft hair tickling the tip of it. His morning wood tented the sheet, and her eyes widened. "I said I would touch you." "What? You know, I don't want to know what you're talking about." Joshua pushed up and stalked toward the bathroom. He turned to say something else, but she didn't even look at him. She looked right at his cock. Thank God he wore boxers to bed. "You! Look up here." His voice was damn demanding, and she obeyed. He covered himself with one hand and pointed to his eyes with the other.
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"I don't know what kind of men you're used to, but I ain't them. My days of fucking women for the hell of it are over, so if you want someone to play with, find someone else. And don't bring them back here." Joshua wasn't sure what her game was, but he didn't like it and he wasn't playing. He was over just having sex to appease the one-eyed monster. Chase was married; Ethan was married. They had kids now. He was the last of them, and he always thought Ethan would have been. Joshua didn't like being last. But it was more than that. They were both happy, and he was miserable. Lonely. Sure he could have bedded several women since being here, but he didn't want to bed them. He wanted a woman to love. This was a new life, and he was a new man. "You say that like I'm some harlot. I'll have you know it's been years." Evelyn didn't want to admit that, but the thought of him thinking she was a tramp was mortifying. She didn't want to play with him; she wanted to touch him, and that was a huge step. Hell, she might not even tie him up to do it. She couldn't express how much trust she had for him in such a short time. To sleep with him, and not be able to sleep without him was all new ground, very frightening, new territory. "And I don't let men touch me. I can't trust them." "I'm not them. I'm me. And I'll tell you right now, you don't have to worry cause I'm not touching you. Period!" Joshua stalked to the dresser, slipped on shorts, and stalked out of the room. ****
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Evelyn lay there and collected her thoughts. This had to be the worst few days of her adult life. First, she gets a lead on her sister, Noel. When she got to the bar in Eastern Kentucky, she found no informant, but instead she ended up jumped by other bounty hunters, in the afternoon no less. After driving almost twelve hours to North Carolina, she found a man at her safe house, almost got killed by him, and then had a mental breakdown in front of him telling him the biggest secret of her life. After years of celibacy, she decided that this guy, she could trust herself to touch; he might not hurt her. And he rejects her flat out. Her eyes shut tightly. The room felt like it was spinning. Breathe, Evelyn, just breathe. **** "Don't let men touch me she says. Touch you, I'll touch you all right, shake some sense into you," Joshua mumbled out loud as he started the lawnmower. "Years, years my ass. I know what years feel like. Women!" Joshua mowed the lawn in record time. His frustration was starting to diminish. He felt good; the physical release felt good. He needed to run, hit the gym. He could not let her back in his bed. Even now the feel of her breasts on his back made him think how soft she could be, how feminine, how fragile. But then she woke up, and her mouth and actions contradicted that lush female body; her job contradicted that body. She should be chasing kids not felons. He knew women cops. They could be strong but also ladylike. Evelyn, she had moments but too few and far between. His mother would die,
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but he could bring home a saint and she would hate her, too. "Women!" **** Evelyn stood at the bedroom window and watched him mow the lawn. He pushed the mower fast around the yard, fought with the hammock and that made her laugh. He was definitely not like other men. Unfortunately, she was not like other women. Other women were capable of trust, of intimacy, of love. She felt those emotions in moderate amounts except when it came to Noel. Her sister she loved with every ounce of breath in her body and wouldn't stop hunting for her until she found her, or the breath gave out. Her little sister had always been her world, and she knew that if she was still alive, she would have to protect her. Blade was out there; more information had been trickled down lately, and he was beginning to resurface. If he found her, he would kill her, and since his tracks ended in Tennessee, she knew he was looking for her, too. Evelyn called the voice message center and was disappointed, no news. Her contact had vanished. Maybe she didn't exist. Only a few job offers but they would have to wait, or go on to someone else. Her reputation had grown over the past three years. Work consumed her. The hunt, the fight, the justice but it was a way to stay safe and keep others safe at the same time. She had money, enough to leave this life. But not without Noel, not without knowing if she was dead or alive. She tracked her to Tennessee at age nine, and then the trail went
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dead. No records, nothing. Evelyn went in the military to go to the FBI. Access like that could prove handy, but when they did a background check, her father's name alone stopped her from getting anywhere. They interviewed her and had a psych profile done up just because of her military record. Apparently, she was following in her old man's footsteps too closely. The FBI was still searching for him. Once they deemed her as unfit, and not in cahoots with Blade, they let her go. Joshua pushed to the front yard, and that would only take a short while to run over the small patch of lawn. Evelyn decided to make him breakfast. He had been kind to her, and if she wanted to stay here, she would have to learn to be kind to him and try to stop staring so much. She told Grace she would try to be nice, and she never lied to a friend. Except about the way her mother died. Now Joshua was the only soul not in that room that night, who knew the truth. Evelyn set out to make something good. Maybe pancakes, or more eggs and bacon. Maybe both, she was hungry, and he's a big man. Yes, both. **** Thirty minutes later Joshua entered the kitchen soaked with sweat, no shirt, and he left his shoes at the door like he typically did. He had kicked them off on the back porch. The kitchen smelled like, like it was burnt. Burned toast, burned eggs. He watched Evelyn crack another egg in the skillet. She was furious, picked the skillet up and shook it, cursing words so fast he could barely understand them. She set the skillet
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down on the burner and put her hands in fists to both sides of her head. "Scream." Joshua smiled. The woman had a temper that was for sure. Evelyn jumped. How did he keep sneaking up on her? Turning to face him she knew she looked a mess. Embarrassment flooded her while his eyes smiled, and that infuriated her. "Oh wow, maybe I should scream." Joshua looked at her. She was covered in flour like a paste, mixed with eggs and who knows what else. "What are you doing?" "Fixing you breakfast!" Evelyn shouted it. Flustered and embarrassed she ran upstairs despite her ankle. "Jerk!" "Well I'll be damned." Joshua turned the burner off and looked at the stove and the counter. The trash was close at hand, and apparently she had attempted to cook several things. It was a mess. Just like her. Evelyn stood in the shower and cursed herself for trying. She hadn't cooked anything since she was a teenager living with Stella. The woman did her best to teach Evelyn to be a lady, but Evelyn was sixteen by the time she got her and set in her tomboy ways. She did learn to cook though, and she tried to use manners, but she hadn't cooked in a long time, no need to. Stella was so good to her, pulled her out of foster home after foster home trying to find her a good place to live. Finally she just took Evelyn home with her one day, and that's where she stayed until joining the Corps. It wasn't easy being a white girl in a black neighborhood, but Evelyn gained
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a reputation as a fighter and made friends fast. Stella let everyone know that she was her child. Stella died two years ago. She was sixty-five years old. They said she had a heart attack from too much weight and bad eating habits combined with too much stress from her job. Evelyn thought it was because she was a big woman with a big heart. It eventually just gave out. The tears came, and Evelyn tried to tune them out. She tried to think of something else. Think about Joshua. She smiled at that. Stella would have liked him. Yes, he looked amazing in the kitchen, hot, sweaty, like a real man. His broad shoulders pink from the sun, his face and chest flushed from the work. Her arms wrapped around herself and hugged. A long slow breath exhaled. For the first time ever she wondered how a man's arms would feel around her. Not in that brotherly congratulatory way she hugged the few male Marines she worked with, but in the sensual compassionate way she watched them hug their wives. Evelyn sat on the guest bed with the door open and waited for Joshua to finish his shower. Looking around the bedroom she noticed the pictures. That got her snooping, and snooping came natural, so it calmed her. In the nightstand were some pictures. Grace looked beautiful, and the little boy with chocolate brown hair and hazel eyes was adorable. The man next to her, Ethan, smiled from ear to ear, happiness, a happy little family. With that thought something panged deep inside her. Evelyn shook it
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off and picked up the paperback book that was underneath the photos, a romance novel. Joshua was surprised to see her sitting on the bed reading. He tilted his head trying to make out what it was, but she jumped and stuffed it under the pillow. Landing quickly on her feet she winced. "You're very jumpy today. Are you all right?" Joshua narrowed his brow as he looked at her. "Look, I'm sorry about the kitchen. I'll clean it up." Jumpy? I'm not jumpy. And I'm sure not getting caught reading a girly book. Evelyn was aggravated that she could appear anything other than calm and in control. Of course he had already seen her lose control, and that made her want to regain ground even more. "I haven't really cooked anything in a long time." "Already took care of it. You're my guest. You shouldn't be cooking anyways." Joshua waved his hand in the air as if dismissing the whole incident. "Come on, let's get something to eat." "See the thing is I messed up a lot of stuff this morning." Evelyn looked at the floor. She wasted a lot of food was more accurate, but failing wasn't something she was used to. One burned pancake led to another, and the more determined she was to cook something, the worse it got. "I have cereal." Joshua held out his arm, and she wanted to run right under it and hug him, but he was clear this morning he wasn't going to touch her. Evelyn needed help. She had never really been in this position before, and nice wasn't her forte. She
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needed Grace. The nicest person she ever knew besides Stella. She passed him and walked ahead of him down the hall. It felt like he was checking her out, but her instincts were so off kilter right now, she probably just wanted to believe he would. [Back to Table of Contents]
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Chapter 5 Joshua was checking her out. Evelyn was in some kind of fitness outfit, work out pants that hugged every curve and a shirt that looked like a tank top but fitted and had very good support. Her cleavage barely skimmed out over the top. Her wet hair was pulled back in a ponytail making her brown eyes look bigger and brighter, balanced only by those incredibly full lips. When she stepped down the hall, he took in her hourglass figure, the muscles in her back, and a lush ass that made him stiff in the worst way. No. No. No. Then he noticed the scar, and it reminded him that he needed to protect her. What father could burn his child with a knife? It seemed inconceivable, but the man was evil, pure evil. He had to be. There was no other explanation for it. At the kitchen table Evelyn tried to focus on being a lady, but it was hard. She had lived amongst rough grumbling mannerless men for so long. She wore her gym clothes because she was out of everything else. Her black outfit was in the dryer. With all the commotion yesterday drying clothes wasn't a priority. Evelyn hadn't planned on being here this time and didn't carry more clothes than necessary. It was supposed to be an overnight trip. "I need to call Grace." Evelyn was quiet and barely ate her cereal. It grew soggy and discolored the milk.
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"Now?" Joshua wasn't sure, but he thought she looked ... sad. "I would like to." Evelyn nodded. "Okay." Joshua got up and dialed the number in New York. If Evelyn was on the phone to Grace, he could use his cell to call Stevens and get some business of his own done. "I'll go upstairs. I have to check my e-mail anyways. That will give you some privacy." "You don't have to ... Grace? Hey, it's me." Evelyn looked at Joshua, and he pointed up and headed off. She didn't want him to feel like she was forcing him out of his own kitchen, but she was relieved that he had something else to do. "Look, I need help." Evelyn sighed. "Help? Are you okay? You sound ... depressed." Grace had never heard Evelyn sound anything other than sarcastic or occasionally humorous. The woman was never happy in the contented sort of way. She laughed at jokes, laughed at movies, and laughed at men, but a smile was rarely seen as a natural expression. Her job was fascinating, but her life was sad. "Fabulous." Evelyn rolled her eyes. "Grace, you know me, have known me for years. I have told you things that I have never told another living soul. You're the only one I can tell this." Evelyn gulped a hard lump down her throat. "God Evelyn, what is it?" Grace held her breath in anticipation. "I think I like Joshua." Her voice was a whisper, a shameful whisper. "Oh." Grace was silent. Shit. What could she say?
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After being in New York for two years, Grace knew two things about her new family. Everyone was open, except Amelia Young. Joshua's mother was about the most demanding woman she had ever met. Both Joshua and Stephanie graduated early despite moving around. Unless you were society, Amelia didn't have time for anyone, even her own family. Apparently it was something she changed into, but it's who the woman was today. "What? Is he spoken for or something?" Evelyn thought that would make sense. Joshua exhibited way too much respect and self-control to be a single man. He must have a girlfriend back home, explained the pink pajamas. "No, he's single. It's just he went through a rough time here a couple years ago. His mother gave him hell. That woman is wicked." Grace felt sorry for Joshua. "He is a really good guy, and Candace messed him over pretty bad." Evelyn was right. Grace knew her, and now she was worried about them both. Evelyn had never liked a man, any man, and her idea of sex was a little, well ... Grace just couldn't see Joshua agreeing to it. "When you say you like him what exactly do you mean, E?" "Hell, I don't know. I mean that's why I called you. Since I've been here, I haven't felt like myself. He carries me around. I cried in front of him. Grace, I am losing it here." Evelyn twisted her ponytail nervously. "Whoa." Grace could have dropped the phone with all that. Joshua really wasn't like any other man. He had apparently sent a cool icy breeze to freeze hell over because that's what
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Evelyn always said. I'll let a man touch me when hell freezes over. "Um, ... so..." "I know. When hell freezes over, right? Yeah. Maybe I should leave." Evelyn twisted harder on the ponytail. Her only true friend didn't think she was good enough. Grace didn't have to say it. Evelyn could hear it. And why would she? Evelyn was a bounty hunter. Her life was dangerous, and her idea of men was well-known. "What did he say?" Grace knew Joshua was an honest man who had a huge capacity to love. He was honorable, and that's what got him into trouble last time. He wanted to fix a mistake he wasn't really responsible for, and Candace used him and then ditched him. It was awful. Evelyn was an old friend, but Joshua was now family. It was his house, his rules. "About what?" "About you leaving?" Grace asked. "He said I was his guest, and that I shouldn't try to cook anymore." Evelyn let out an exasperated sigh that was almost a growl. "Huh." Grace paused for a moment, perplexed by the entire situation. "What?" Evelyn sat up straight and felt the tension in her gut. "Well, he obviously wants you to be there, or he would have put you out. He was a cop, you know, a detective. A damn good one, he's not afraid of you, Evelyn. He helped catch Ethan's stalker, probably saved our lives." Grace remembered how Joshua put it together before anyone. He wouldn't let people get hurt, and he would take care of
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someone who was hurt, like Evelyn. He wouldn't judge her or mistreat her, probably why she had a crush on him. It made sense. "He, he said he's a school teacher. He lied to me?" Evelyn's voice became rich with hurt and anger. "No, he is, now. I can attest to that. I got him the job. He was sick of the force, the crime, wanted a change." Grace giggled at that. "What?" Evelyn tried to get her head around it. Why didn't he tell her? Unless he was getting involved. She couldn't let him get involved, no way. "Well, he had hoped to teach high school, coach football, something more his size, but the only thing open was at the elementary school. God, it was funny the first year." Grace continued to laugh. "Oh, E, I gotta go. Gray is waking up. I'll call you back, okay?" "Okay." Evelyn set down the phone and stared blankly at the television. He was a cop. A detective. Saved lives. Not afraid of her. That strange conversation yesterday made sense to her now. **** Joshua hung up the cell phone and in perfect time. He heard her footsteps in the hall. Stevens would run the searches on the men and get back to him when he could. Joshua was in no rush. Evelyn wasn't going anywhere. She couldn't, not after what he just found out.
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"I'm leaving." Evelyn was dressed in her black outfit, the one she wore when she first arrived. "I have to get back to..." She cleared her throat. "Work." "I thought you needed to recover. You're still pretty banged up, and that ankle isn't healed." Joshua was stunned. This morning she was throwing herself at him, and this afternoon she's out the door. That wouldn't do. He needed her to stay at least until he sorted this out. "I'm fine." Evelyn was direct and cold again. "Where will you go?" Joshua stood and moved closer to her but cautiously. Her body language was defensive. Her big doe eyes were intense, sad, and angry. Had he done something? "Home." "And that's in..." He dragged that out hoping she would tell him but knowing better. "Why don't you call one of your friends back on the force and see if they can track that down for you? I'll bet a thousand dollars they can't." "Mmmm, Grace told you I was a cop." Joshua shook his head up and down this time instead of side to side. "Yes, I checked you out. Do you blame me?" "No. I would have done the same thing. And for all you know I have." She hadn't, and that's what burned her the most. Since she had been here, she had slipped. He could sneak up on her; he could touch her. He was more dangerous than she was because he kept his head while she lost her senses. "So." He shrugged but he really never thought about it. She was well-known and had to have connections on both
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sides of the law to do her job as well as she did. He had dealt with his demons. Evelyn hadn't faced any of hers. "So, I have work to do." Evelyn realized he was closer, and her breath began to chop. Her senses faded. It was him. He did affect her. She had absolute control until this moment. "Joshua, you're getting too close to me." "Not nearly close enough." Joshua took another step and reached out placing his hand on her cheek. His palm almost covered the whole side of her face. Her eyes went soft again, and he knew she didn't want to leave. He didn't want her to go, not until she was safe. "Don't touch me." Inside she screamed it, loud and forceful, but it came out as a whisper. She wanted to pull his hand off her face, but the heat from it made her dizzy. She reached up and grabbed his forearm, but her strength was gone. She just held it, clung to it for life. "Evelyn, I won't hurt you." His eyes narrowed on hers as he bent toward her placing his lips on her forehead. She whimpered. "You, don't ... can't." Evelyn felt like she would faint. His lips were soft, and as they placed baby kisses on her forehead, she felt weak and incoherent. She felt his right arm slide around her waist. Was he hugging her? God, he was holding her, and not because she had stumbled or fallen, but because he wanted to. "Evelyn, I promised to keep you safe. Until you're safe, I can't let you go." Joshua had both his arms around her; He wasn't coming on to her. He was hugging her, and it felt good. He rested his chin on her head, and slowly her arms
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slid around him. Her face pressed into his chest, and she began to sob. For a big bad bounty hunter, she sure cried a lot. He needed to talk to Grace next week at the birthday party. "Besides, you haven't seen Grace yet. Gray's party is next weekend. Don't you want to go?" Evelyn nodded with her face against him. Her arms were around him and his around her. He didn't do any of the things she thought a man would do. He didn't touch her ass, didn't squeeze her hard and grind against her. No, Joshua held her with his chin on her head, his arms around her back, and his hands, she didn't feel his hands at all, but she desperately wanted to. "It's okay, Evelyn. You're safe here. No one will hurt you, especially not me." Joshua had wrapped his arms around her and placed his hands on his arms instead of on her body. He wanted to touch her but not like this and not now. "Stevens would die before giving me up. He's very careful, but no one knows you're here. I told him you left this morning. When we go to New York next weekend, you'll have to go by Eve, and not Blade." "Why?" Evelyn wasn't sure what was going on, but Joshua's heart was beating fast. He had made plans for her to be here, to go to New York even. He was hiding her. Just as she feared, he was getting involved. She couldn't risk hurting him, no way. "Stevens said one of the people got back to him and asked if he had located you. There's a bounty on your head." Joshua was speaking softly, but inside he was scared for her. He was hoping he hadn't made a promise he couldn't keep.
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"WHAT!" Evelyn pushed back and almost fell. He reached for her and caught her. She stumbled again and hit the wall. Joshua was right against her his hand behind her head. "Don't panic. It's okay." Joshua's fingers hurt but not as much as her head would have if it hit the wall. "Take a breath, Evelyn." "This is ridiculous. I haven't committed a crime." She was weary. Maybe he would turn her in. Maybe he was going to turn her in. But to who and for what? "You believe me, don't you?" Her breathing was frantic. "Joshua, you believe me. I haven't committed any crimes, I swear it." "They say you killed Nikolai. His body was found in a barrel not far from a bar in Eastern Kentucky." Joshua searched her face. He knew she wouldn't have been able to lie to Grace, and that the tale she told was true. She didn't kill the man. She had no reason to, and in the physical condition she was in when she got here, she couldn't have stuffed a man in a barrel. No way. He searched her reaction to the news. "Oh God, I didn't ... he was alive I swear." Evelyn slid down the wall. Joshua kneeled in front of her. If he believed she killed Nikolai, she would burst. She had night terrors over the men she had killed though she had no choice at the time. "I knew him, and now he's dead." "Tell me what happened." Joshua hated this for her. Her life kept getting worse, and he kept getting more involved. In fact, he knew there was no turning back. He would see this through to the end. "Joshua, I tried to find my sister. I was supposed to meet a contact. It was afternoon but dark from the storm. The bar
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was closed of course. Nikolai was there, said he had to talk to me. I went out back. Sure, I caught a couple people he was unable to track. He hated me for that, but when he reached in the car and swung the two by four, I wasn't expecting it. I defended myself, but he was alive when I left. All three of them were alive." "I believe you." Joshua put his hand on her face, and she jumped like she thought he was going to smack her. "Evelyn, look at me." Her big doe eyes looked up into his clear green eyes and saw the concern he couldn't hide. She jumped; it was a natural reaction. Men didn't raise their hands to comfort her, so she wasn't used to it. "Evelyn, you have to trust me, implicitly. You have to tell me everything. I won't hurt you. And I'm not turning you in. I told Stevens you were headed to West Virginia. That was for his safety and yours. You have to stay here with me, and I have to trust that you will." "I'll try." Evelyn really wanted to stay, but he was putting himself at risk. She didn't want that. "No, woman, you'll do, or I'll tie your ass up everyday before I go." Joshua meant it. He had the key to her car, and she had enough gear in there he could contain her if he had to. Evelyn laughed. It was a stressful laugh, the kind you would hear at a funeral or another inappropriate place. The thought of him tying her up should have made her furious. She could easily be out the door right now. He was vulnerable. His body language showed how much he trusted
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her because she could knee him in the groin just by lifting her leg, and without any real tactical effort. But the thought of being tied up by a man just seemed so far fetched and unreal she could only laugh. "Evelyn, are you all right?" His gaze grew wary, and his brows drew together. "I'm fine." She collected her senses. "I'll stay, but I'll have to go shopping." Joshua shook his head, stood, and held a hand out. When she took it, he pulled her from the floor. The woman boggled his mind. She went through her moods so fast no man could possibly keep up. He thanked God for the psychology classes he filled his electives with. He thought about his therapist Bob who had helped him deal with his partner's death and understand Candace's actions. He might give him a call, get some advice on this. "There are shops on the waterfront, and a few places in Morehead. I can go get you what you need." Joshua exhaled. He hated shopping, except for groceries, and he needed to do that, too. "I can take care of that myself." Evelyn straightened herself and pushed her hair back undoing the ponytail and then refastening it. "You're not going into town with bruises on your face, Evelyn." Joshua wasn't about to have a battered woman on his arm. No fucking way. "I'll hide them." Evelyn knew he was concerned. She didn't want to walk around town looking like she just got beat up
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either, but she had makeup and knew how to use it. "One trick of the trade, disguise." "With what? Sunglasses? I don't think so." Joshua crossed his arms and huffed. "I'm a woman, hard to believe sometimes I know, but I am. Trust me." Evelyn patted his crossed arms and headed into her bedroom. "Can you pull my car up closer and change the plates to North Carolina? I need stuff out of the trunk." "Sure. Why the hell not?" Joshua threw up his arms in exasperation and went to do the woman's bidding. The phone rang as he entered the kitchen. "Young." "How's it going, Big Dog?" Ethan was teasing and in far too good a mood for Joshua's taste right now. Ethan was always in a good mood. "I'm in a living hell. How about you?" Joshua replied with impatience. "Whoa, shit. What's going on there?" Ethan was genuinely concerned. "You haven't told anyone she's here, have you?" Joshua was direct, all business. "No, Grace told me a little about her. Megan and Chase know, but Megan knows her, too. Everything's on the down low. It's weird. Are you all right? You need me to come down there?" "No. Just, I don't know. I have to figure out some things. You did a portrait for the FBI director last year, right?" Joshua's mind was already turning with ideas. "Y-e-a-h." Ethan drew that out slow and cautious.
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"Do you think you could arrange a meeting next weekend? When we come up. An art thing?" Joshua needed to talk to someone big, find Evelyn's father and figure out his part in this. He had a hunch he had something to do with it. He needed to figure out if her sister was dead or alive. He needed someone on the inside, way on the inside but couldn't take the chance of tipping anyone off. "Well, that sounds a little ... Joshua." Ethan turned it over in his head a second. "Yeah?" "What the fuck is going on?" Ethan wasn't angry just unsure. "I need to talk to him, but if I make the call and ask for business reasons, it could leak, and right now one leak could sink the whole damn ship. I wouldn't ask if I didn't have to. You know that." Joshua was serious. His voice made no bones about it. "I'll see what I can do." Ethan took a moment. "So how is Evelyn anyways?" "Eve. We have to call her Eve from now on. Eve..." Joshua drummed his fingers on the counter now. "Eve Alexander, you can pass her off as a cousin from my mother's side." Ethan wanted to help. After all Joshua had saved his life once. "Good idea. Let me know when you get a solid on that meeting. I have to unload her car now before she kills me." Joshua knew that was a poor choice of words. "Josh?"
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"I didn't mean that, like that. She keeps me hopping around here though. I'll tell you that off the record." Joshua let a slight laugh escape. "Ah, I see. Okay, Big Dog, I'll see what I can do." Ethan went to hang up. "Joshua." "Yeah?" "Be careful," Ethan said. "I'm always careful." Joshua hung up the phone and headed out to Evelyn's car. So careful a woman got the drop on me at three in the morning. Ethan knew how much he loved it here. He felt safe. No one knew anything about him other than he was related to Grace and Megan and now he lived here. That was good enough. He was accepted. With everything unloaded and in the guest bedroom, Joshua saw no point in keeping her weapon anymore. If she wanted to hurt him, she had more than enough tools to do it with now. He played with the crossbow, inspecting it, held it up and aimed with an imaginary arrow. Evelyn stepped in the room. "Wow." He let the imaginary arrow go and dropped the bow to his side. She had covered the bruises. Her face was made up. Her lashes were now long and black accenting her big brown eyes, her lips shiny and kissable. "You like?" Evelyn noticed how much he enjoyed the crossbow. "Yeah, you look great." Joshua quickly ran his eyes over her. "I might just take you out for dinner tonight." Evelyn blushed. He was talking about her. Damn, he was talking about her. He noticed her not the bow. A sharp pain
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hit her chest almost knocking her down. She swallowed, gripped at her heart. "Eve, you okay?" Joshua set the bow down and touched her in two steps. His hand pressed gently on her cheek pulling her face up and her eyes to look at him. "Yeah, fine, just felt a pain or something." She rolled back her shoulders and placed her hand on his. Somehow she didn't want to move. She liked his touch. He was gentle, yet his hands were large and masculine. She could get used to Joshua's hands on her. Maybe he would be just as gentle in the ... no. They never were. That's why she tied them up. "You ready?" **** Evelyn was satisfied to go to the only department store around for her sneakers and some other clothes. The rest of her stuff she could pick up at Wal-Mart. Joshua sat at the front of the store with other men. Patiently, he carried on conversations about the weather and sports. "I'm ready." Evelyn smiled and Joshua stood. He shook the hand of the man that had sat next to him. "Good luck." Joshua waved and the man let out a long sigh. "Good luck with what?" Evelyn asked as they left. "His wife's been in there three hours already." Joshua realized at that moment Evelyn had taken about forty-five minutes. "Did you get everything you needed? I have money if you need more."
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Incredible, he was offering her his money. My, what a big heart you have. Evelyn smiled. She could get used to being thought of so considerately. "I have money. I know what I want and I get it. I'm not much for high fashion, so it's easy." Evelyn licked her glossy lips. She did know what she wanted, Joshua. With impending doom looming over her, she couldn't bare the thought of never kissing him. But aggression wasn't going to get her anywhere. Apparently Stella was right. If you want a good man, you gotta be a good woman. And Evelyn didn't scare him. She couldn't bully him, and he definitely wouldn't let her tie him up. She wasn't sure she would want to now anyways. "I think you're beautiful, so it wouldn't matter what you wore." Joshua opened the door for her, and she slid into his truck with a little help. Evelyn fought back a tear threatening to escape. He said she was beautiful. Blade had told her from the time she could remember that she was an ugly child. Her red hair and freckles made her an ugly little child. She didn't put much stock in her appearance, and in her job, she didn't have to. "Okay, Wal-Mart is a little crazy, but if we split up and meet back at the vegetables, we should be in and out." Joshua smiled. He liked having someone around. Here in this town they were safe. It didn't erase the fact she was in danger, but it eased him to know she was safe. Evelyn's smile was uncontainable. For the first time ever she understood what her foster mom Stella was talking
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about. One day the right man would come along and change her life. That day felt like today. "Okay." Evelyn chewed on her bottom lip. "I thought we were going out for dinner though?" "We are, back home though, in Beaufort." Joshua felt like teasing her a bit. "Unless you want to eat at Hooters. They have great wings." "Joshua." Evelyn feigned offense. Looking over at him, with his black hair, green eyes, and full lips, Evelyn felt the heat building inside her. She knew plenty of women at Hooters. She had tracked down an obsessed fan before he hurt one of the girls back home. She ate there for free now. "They have better grilled cheese sandwiches." Joshua cocked a brow and looked at her. He wanted a jealous reaction, but she shrugged it off. Evelyn was one of the guys, too often, and that made her immune to petty jealousy. Evelyn unloaded her bags in the guest bedroom and checked her answering service. As she listened she heard a few warnings from friends, a few invitations from enemies, and a real creep. They were trying to flush her out. She needed a plan, but it would have to wait. Right now she needed to unload groceries. **** Joshua realized she was putting things away in the wrong places but didn't stop her. He brought in the last of the bags and tried to organize the best he could without redoing what she had already done.
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"I'm messing up your system, huh?" Evelyn placed her hand on his back and tiptoed on her good foot using him for leverage to place a box of cereal on the top shelf in the pantry. "No, don't be silly. It's a closet." He rearranged the canned vegetables putting liked ones together. The heat of her hand almost took his knees out. The night was growing long, and after dinner they would have to go to bed. He didn't want her to sleep in the guest bed. He wanted her to sleep next to him, on him, like she had the night before. If he could feel her, he would know she was safe. "Then why are you rearranging it?" She lowered herself flat on her feet again but didn't move her hand. Instead she gently stroked him, from shoulder to waist. Her head cocked, and she studied his body, the texture of the shirt beneath her hand, the heat he omitted beneath the shirt. Every muscle that now clenched and released as she covered it. "That was the last of it." Joshua just stood there, his hands holding a can of peas for dear life. He tried to focus, concentrate. It was no use. He turned into her and pulled her into his arms holding her. "If I can't touch you like that, then you have to stop touching me like that, honey." His voice was in a low breathy whisper, and his lips were near her ear. Evelyn's heart pounded, raced out of control. Instinct kicked in, instincts she didn't know she had until now. Her arms stretched up his back, and she pulled him closer, tighter. Great, she thought, now she would be the grinding one.
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"I have to tell you something first." Evelyn held him. His breath was on her throat, and her senses were leaving her quickly. "I have this thing see. I have issues." Joshua made a small laugh on her throat, pulled his head up and smiled down at her. "Really, I hadn't noticed." "I'm being serious." Evelyn looked at his chest. The pantry was small, and Joshua took up most of it. "I've never, you know." "Hummm, no, I don't know." Joshua pulled her face up gently his finger under her chin. "Tell me." "Maybe we should talk in there." Evelyn was getting nervous and feeling boxed in. "Okay." Joshua let her step out of the closet and followed her to the couch. He sat near her but not intrusive, like he wanted to. He wanted to pull her in his lap and kiss her, but that wasn't going to happen right now. Pushing it from his mind he waited. "Evelyn?" "I, well, I have never really, you know ... the birds and the bees." She was quiet and looked at her hands that opened and closed into fists over and over. "I thought you said you had, but it was years ago." Joshua wasn't sure what she was saying. It didn't make sense. She was a grown woman with a knockout body. She hated men, but the way she touched him set him on fire. She knew how to do this surely. "I mean I have done it, twice, but I have this thing see." Evelyn rolled her shoulders back and decided to be firm and stick with her convictions. That's what other women did, told a lie and stuck to it.
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"You're gonna have to tell me, honey." Joshua lifted a brow. Actually he was dying to hear this one. "I usually tie the man up ... so he can't touch me." Evelyn took a big gulping swallow and looked at him. Joshua was silent. Processing the fact that men had let her tie them up, touch them, and leave without touching her. Where did she find these freaks? Unfortunately that's what stood out the most. "Where did you find guys that would let you do that?" His eyes were big and peered right at her. He didn't mean to shame her, but damn, that was weird. And he thought Ethan was kinky. "I don't know. I mean it's only happened a couple times. The first time I just told him the ground rules. He was excited and said it sounded kinky. As long as he got his release he didn't care. All a man cares about is his needs. They would have let me do anything as long as they got off." Evelyn dismissed it so easily. "Where did you get that idea from?" Joshua's chest was aching. He had thought Blade molested her as a child, but now he realized he tortured her, sexually. Inside he knew that he couldn't meet the man face to face because he would kill him. "Loose men are dangerous, like my father. He always tried to touch us; then he would pull back and beat us because he felt bad about it. That's what this is from." Evelyn lifted her blouse in the front, pulled at her bra exposing most of her left breast. A thin scar slashed across it. "And I have burns here and here. You've seen my back." She pulled up her sleeves,
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and small round scars so faint no one would really notice speckled her flesh. Cigarette burns. "Excuse me." Joshua stood and tried not to run to the bathroom, but closing in on it he barely reached the commode before he was sick. He had seen a lot of things in his work, but nothing and no one like Evelyn. It was one thing to know you rescued a child from an abusive home. It was another to see the results firsthand. "Joshua, are you all right all right?" Evelyn stood behind him now, and he felt what was left in his stomach roll up and out his throat. She grabbed a washcloth and ran cold water on it, pressed it to the back of his neck and rubbed his back. "You're not sick because of me, are you?" [Back to Table of Contents]
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Chapter 6 Joshua took a deep breath as he flushed the commode. He wasn't sick because of her; he was sick because of what had happened to her. Thinking of his little sister Stephanie and the way he had beat up her boyfriends just for kissing her or breaking her heart, he wished someone had cared enough for Evelyn to fight for her. And he realized her mother did and died for her efforts. "No, honey, I'm not sick because of you. I ... It was just hard to hear." He searched for words, but that was the best he had. "Why?" Evelyn really didn't understand why he was sick. He had her information on file somewhere. Didn't he know? She told him because she wanted him to hear it from her, know it was true, to understand that she trusted him, more than anyone, ever in her life, and she wanted him. "Honey, do you understand what you just told me?" Joshua sat up and took a deep breath. "You were abused and you tie men up. That's not normal, Evelyn. You should see someone." "A shrink? Yeah, I have. Why do you think I can tell you about it? The only thing she said was that eventually I would have to deal with the fear of intimacy or spend my life alone. She saw no problem with me tying them up. It didn't hurt the guys, and it wasn't against their will. It gave me control. That's all." Evelyn shrugged as if it were no big deal. "You had me checked out, so I assumed you knew. The only nightmare
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I have from that now is the night my mother died. And well, again, I told you." Shit, no wonder Stevens was freaked out. He had that information. But the fact that she had dealt with it so to speak, seemed a little off kilter since she still tied men up. But the more he thought about it, the less strange it seemed. People do freaky shit all the time on HBO. Evelyn was a grown woman, a highly trained bounty hunter. She was a Marine, yet her only fears were of her father and intimacy. "I didn't know, and I want to kill him for doing it. That's why I'm sick. That's why I'm afraid to touch you." Joshua was afraid to touch her, especially now that she clung to him like a lifeline. If he broke that barrier, there would be no turning back. He would keep her, and she wanted to go. "And that's why I want you to." Evelyn pulled at his hair gently. It was so soft and silky between her fingers. Yes, he was the one. Her angel, her savior, and the one she had secretly prayed for when Stella died. Joshua stood and faced her. He touched a lock of her hair and stared into her big brown eyes. "We'll see." Joshua stepped past her and went upstairs. He brushed his teeth and ran over all of his plans and thoughts. The thoughts took longer to sort out than the plans. By morning he would have information on the other two bounty hunters and hopefully information on her father. Ethan was setting up a meeting that would find the truth behind her sister and possibly help get her cleared of murder. Stevens knew it was a set-up because no charges were filed in Kentucky. It was a head hunt. They were coming for her. He had to be ready.
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When he came back downstairs, Evelyn was sitting on the couch, hands in her lap with a sad look on her face. "What's wrong?" Joshua stretched. He felt better, had sorted things out in his head. He could take it slow, make her realize he wasn't going to let her use him because he was safe. Thoughts of his mother crept in and the outrage she would have just knowing Evelyn was here. He made her crazy as a teenager and furious as a young adult. She hated Ethan and Chase and thought they influenced him too much. The woman was a control freak, and she wanted her children to be doctors and lawyers and follow her rigid society rules. "I don't know ... I had my hopes up for a nice evening." Evelyn wiggled her fingers and fisted them. "Oh, honey, we'll still have a nice evening. Come on." Joshua walked over and stood in front of her, held his hand down, and pulled her up when she took it. Throwing up wasn't a habit, but some things, like child abuse, made him sick. "Where are we going?" Evelyn followed sluggishly. "To eat." Joshua shook his head. "I have a lot of room in here now." "That's gross." Evelyn was smiling at her own girly statement. They ate at one of the local restaurants. It was in walking distance as most things were. Over dinner they talked about her time in the military, how she had stayed in Okinawa for three years instead of one. The command didn't mind since she was good at her job, and they didn't fear her getting pregnant. She watched lots of young women fall to the mass
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of available young men. When they were outnumbered thousands to one, even an ugly girl could be a princess. Evelyn didn't have time for men, even then. When she wasn't on duty, she was studying martial arts. Joshua told her about his time on the force, his partner Rick who died on a bust gone bad. He injured his shoulder breaking the door down, but it was too late. Rick didn't wait for him to get there, and he found him dead. He didn't tell her about Candace. After dinner they walked along the waterfront. The April air was crisp, and Evelyn felt chilly. She didn't want to complain because she didn't want the night to end. Going back to the house meant going back to bed, and she would no doubt be in bed alone. She had been alone her entire adult life, slept in vehicles and seedy motels, and now, in a cozy guest bedroom she couldn't sleep at all. "Joshua, who's Candace?" Evelyn remembered talking to Grace, and the woman's name burned into her mind. What fool would leave Joshua? "How did you ... nevermind. She was my partner's wife. When he died, I felt responsible. Candace was pregnant and freaked out. We grieved together, and I told her I would take care of her. She agreed." Joshua groaned. It was years ago, but time hadn't made the way she dumped him any easier to take. "She didn't want me to be a cop anymore, so I started taking classes again. I always liked the idea of teaching, but I saw it in retirement not now." "What happened?" Evelyn stopped and leaned into the rail on the boardwalk. Her hair blew in the wind. She shivered.
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She wished she brought a jacket, but she could suck it up. She wanted to keep talking to him. Joshua stepped behind her and wrapped her in his arms shielding most of the wind and giving her his heat. The smell of her jasmine ponytail consumed his senses. "She dumped me. For my graduation present she gave me a wedding invitation. I looked down at her little boy who was a year old by then and realized I just lost him. I had loved him like a son, but he wasn't my son. And he wasn't her fianc's son either, but now he would grow to know him as his father. It killed me." "What about Candace?" Evelyn relished his heat, leaned into his chest and closed her eyes. "I don't understand. I told you she dumped me." Joshua shrugged. "Did you love her?" Evelyn's heart began to race with fear. "You mean like love her love her?" "Yes." Evelyn smiled. The way he said it assured her he didn't love her, not romantically. "No." With that he sat his chin on her head. "We should get home before you catch a cold. You shouldn't be walking on that ankle like this anyway. You're very resilient. Sometimes I forget you're hurt." "So carry me." Evelyn jumped on his back as he turned, pulled herself up, and wrapped her legs around him. "Be my guardian angel. Carry me home." "You sure you're a big bad bounty hunter?" Joshua adjusted his hands around her thighs and carried her the
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block and a half home. It felt nice, fun. She was playful. He liked her like this; he liked her a lot. "Yes, want me to bring you to your knees to prove it?" Her breath was close to his ear and her thighs around him. He didn't need her to prove it. He could barely stand as it was. "I believe you." "Good. Cause since you're carrying me, I would hate to fall." She pecked his cheek with a kiss. A bold move, it got her a smile. When he didn't set her down at the door or inside, she hoped he would just carry her right up to bed and make love to her. But he didn't. Instead he backed up to the island in the center of the kitchen and sat her on it. He didn't walk away; instead he turned around. His hands were on the counter thumbs next to her thighs, his hips, between her knees. Their eyes locked on each other. And for one brief moment she thought he was going to kiss her. She closed her eyes and tilted her head back farther in anticipation. "I've worked out a cover for you." Joshua wanted to lean in and kiss her lips. She was tempting him, but this was business. He couldn't keep her safe if he couldn't think clearly. And from the moment he laid eyes on her, he'd been in a daze. Sex would muddle that, make it worse. Or maybe not having sex would kill him. He wasn't sure which. "What?" Evelyn's lip pouted against her will, and her head dropped. "A cover, why do I need a cover?" "Eve Alexander, you can say you're Ethan's cousin from his mother's side. More like a distant cousin, but it will work. No one keeps track of those things." Joshua studied her face,
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that pouting lip. She had wanted him to kiss her, and he wanted to. "I'll type up the details tomorrow, and you can study them." "What about you?" Evelyn couldn't help it; she had to touch him. "I am Ethan's cousin. I don't need a cover," Joshua teased. "Joshua!" Evelyn slid from the counter too quickly. "Whoa." Joshua held her against his chest tightly. "Easy on that ankle, Wonder Woman." "I wish I had a lasso right now." Of course she was referring to Wonder Woman's lasso of truth, but since she had confessed to a little deviant behavior in her adult life, he of course took it the wrong way. "No one is tying me up. You got that?" Joshua gave her a look that would have made most men cower in fear, but Evelyn wasn't most men, and Joshua scared her both least and the most out of all the men she had ever known. "I meant to get the truth out of you, jerk. Didn't you watch Saturday morning cartoons?" Evelyn squirmed to try and get her feet to the ground. "Oh." Joshua let her go gently easing her to the ground. "I just thought." "I know what you thought." Evelyn walked toward the stairs. She paused and turned back to face him. "I do want you, Joshua, and I'm not going to lie and say I understand what that entails because I don't know. I've never considered it before."
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"I have to protect you. I can't do that if I get involved with you like that." Joshua was trying to convince himself as much as her right now. "I'm a big girl, Joshua. I have brought men your size to their knees more times than I can count. You have to trust me, not protect me. And if Blade is the one after me, I may not live to want another man. You can believe that." Evelyn started up the stairs and knew what she said was true. This was Blade's doing, somehow someway, she just knew. The legitimate calls on her voicemail that morning were enlightening. The last message rocked her to the core. "Dead or alive, preferably alive, but would still pay half, dead." Joshua stood there befuddled a few moments and then set about the house locking things, checking the windows and the doors. Satisfied that everything was in place and locked, he started up the stairs. Evelyn was in the shower. He wouldn't get a chance to say goodnight. The thought of her not living made him worry, but he knew she was right. It was a possibility. No. He would see to it that wouldn't happen. Joshua stripped down to his boxers and pushed under the cool sheets. The weather was fabulous, warm in the daytime, cool at night. Summer was just around the corner, and the sweltering heat would be rolling in. But for now, it was nice. His bedroom window was cracked, and the breeze chilled the air. He lay on his side, back to the door and listened. The shower down the hall turned off. Footsteps pattered and the guest bedroom door closed. His eyes closed with a sigh. She was sleeping in her room. Funny, how quickly he missed having the warm body next to his.
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**** Evelyn sat meditation style and breathed, calming her senses, trying to center herself. Sanahasan had always lectured her on maintaining focus, control in the eye of the storm. Tactically that worked. She was being hunted, and she was calmt. She trusted her training, and the three years in Japan had given her more than enough time to hone martial art skills known only to the great. She learned quickly and studied hard. Sanahasan adored her. The small man taught her why size didn't matter. He wasn't her height and weighed even less. He was old then, but he had fought great warriors and toppled them. It was right when she got her focus, when she was calm, that it happened again. Joshua, scattering her senses to the four winds. **** He barely heard the door open this time, and she didn't speak his name, but the smell of jasmine drifted on the air, and he knew Evelyn was there. The bed dipped and he smiled. The sheets tugged, and her nose pressed into his back. It was cold, and his shoulders tightened. "Your nose is cold," he grumbled in a low sleepy voice. Evelyn gasped. She thought he was asleep. Shit. "It's okay." He pushed his arm back and patted her thigh. "Go to sleep." Evelyn wanted to bolt right out of there, but her body betrayed her alarm and pushed closer to him instead. This
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was the most reckless she had been in her life. Her eyes closed, and with several slow deep breaths she settled against him. His hand was holding her thigh, and the heat was warming her through and through. Her lips pressed into his back, and she felt the muscles flinch and his large shoulders expand with a great inhale and slowly settle with a slow painful exhale. He wanted her. She just knew it. Now what? With each press of her lips into his back, Joshua lost more and more resolve. Her breaths pushed her bare breasts against his skin and that of course tightened her nipples which raised and lowered with each inhale and exhale. It was turning him into a wild lustful madman. He wanted to forget she was in his care, forget she had been abused, and forget he was not settling for a woman that didn't love him. Evelyn could feel his temperature rising and his thumb stirred on her thigh. His breaths became heavy and labored, like her own. Inside she felt like fire; a surge of energy and lust had consumed her. Her hand pressed into his back. Her lips pushed against his flesh. Once, twice. She felt reckless and out of control. She was consumed by the thought of his touches. Where no man had ever been allowed to touch her, she couldn't wait another minute to have Joshua's hands all over her. He was gaining control of himself again, resolved to just sleep, nothing more, when he felt it. The soft wet lick of her tongue on his back. It was over. In an instant his cock had taken over control, and it was hard enough to hammer nails. The groan escaped him and just enticed her more, and the
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small hand slid up his shoulder and down his arm covering the hand that lay on her thigh. "Joshua, I need you." Evelyn's voice was barely above a whisper and rich with desire. "Touch me." Good God, the woman wanted him to touch her. It was the kiss of death to anyone who dared, and now she asked for it. From him. A tug pulled at his heart, and he realized she trusted him, implicitly. If he didn't do this, if he rejected her, she would leave. So he would touch her. A little bit, for her safety, and his sanity. His arm pulled back to his side, and he tried to turn, but Evelyn was so close to him now he would have steamrolled her. "E, you have to give me a chance to turn over here, honey." He laughed a breathless laugh. "Oh." Evelyn scooted back an inch, and his massive body turned over and faced her. The moon lit the room with a soft glow, and she could see him, his green eyes dancing with fire. The slight breeze carried his scent to her. His black hair disheveled his full lips begging to be kissed. She pulled her bottom lip in and bit. Unable to stop her own hands, she touched his lips with her fingers. They were warm and smooth. Joshua had to maintain some control here. He was supposed to be touching her, not the other way around. His lips parted and he drew in a finger. Nipping the tip of it gently she gasped and pulled her hand back. "I'm supposed to be touching you, remember?" He smiled playfully and decided that given the circumstances he had a
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lot to live up to. This was almost like her first time since he wasn't tied up and, well, he was worried he might not be up to the task. "So then touch me, Joshua." Her voice was trembling with desire, and he realized he was definitely up to the task. He would make sure she was satisfied. He leaned over and placed a gentle kiss on her forehead. He slid his nose along hers feeling the cool sensation of it, nuzzled his nose in a circle around the tip of hers and then slid back up to her forehead. Evelyn fought the lustful hound inside her. She wanted to grab him and do things she only saw on television, and here he was like a gentle angel tormenting her with baby kisses and sensual nuzzles. Her legs began to flex, and her body began to move. "Kiss me, Joshua." The words escaped in a desperate plea. His lips answered but not where she expected. The skin on her throat was pulled between those soft lips as his thick tongue swept down to tease. Evelyn moaned, and her hands reached out to grab him. She pulled at his back, wanting him closer. He let her feel him as she pleased. For now. Her body was wrought with desire, and every touch caused it to rise and fall at his command. He understood why she liked being in control now. The power was intoxicating. His large hand slid from her throat to her breast and pulled the already taut nipple between his thumb and index finger. Evelyn felt her back press up and thought she might just levitate into him. His fingers gently rolled, and her sex
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became alive with fire. She hadn't realized till now that all his touches ended inside her. Deep inside her. "Mmmmm, relax babe, trust me." Joshua could barely trust himself right now. If this had been any other woman, he would have been pounding into her at full force, but it wasn't. It was Evelyn, and she needed to be treated gently. She needed to understand that she could be cherished. That despite his size and previous work experience he could be gentle. "That's easy for you to..." Evelyn was cut off by one imposing finger that slid across her lips and dipped into her mouth. Craving any chance to kiss him she sucked and licked and pulled at it. She felt the rumble in the air and a vibration on her breast and then realized he was growling. She felt something strong inside and thought she may have climaxed, but she had never really climaxed, so she wasn't sure. She was sure that it reverberated throughout her abdomen and deep within her womb. Joshua had meant to shut her up, but the little minx turned that around quickly. It was getting tough to see straight, so he pulled his fingers reluctantly away from her lips. His lips caught and suckled her other breast while his free hand now slid slowly down her hips. Her thighs parted though he hadn't reach between them. She was anxious. "Patience," Joshua whispered and suckled the opposite breast. "Now." Evelyn was demanding even to her own ears, but she wanted to do this. She wanted him, and she wanted him now.
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Her hips lifted and writhed. Joshua smiled. Even in her submission, she wanted control. He wouldn't give it to her. He knew she expected him to have no control, to just plow between her and find his release. He wasn't selfish in the bedroom before her, so he wasn't about to start now. His lips tracked down her stomach to her navel. His tongue dipped in and out. Her legs slammed shut like a jail cell. "What are you doing?" Breathless she asked. He should be between her legs now, not trailing down her with kisses. The thought of him putting his face that close, was alarming. Why would he want to do that? They don't do that in the movies. "Open," Joshua demanded. Surely if she had a man tied up in a bed, she had sat on a face. She acted as if this were new. "Nuh-uh." Evelyn closed her eyes and gripped the sheets. It took all she had to keep her legs closed. It was embarrassing to think he was going to look at her there. "Then I'm done." Joshua sat up with a deep breath. It must be her game. She wants control, he thought. "Sleep tight." He patted her on the knee and lay back facing the ceiling his head on the pillow; he waited. "Done, done? Like hell you are. You, you ... you can't do this. You have to..." Evelyn sat up in desperation. She reached for him. He blocked her attempts to grab at him while she spoke. "Stop it." "Stop trying to grab me." Joshua feigned offense. "I'm not a piece of meat, woman." Evelyn gasped. The nerve. "You can't do that." Evelyn ached inside. Her body was hurting with need, and he lay
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here like it was no big thing though his cock was pitching a tent so big she could sleep under it. "I can. See you asked me to touch you. That means I touch you, my way or not at all." Joshua blinked a few times and sighed. "Too bad, you would have enjoyed it." She growled. "Okay, okay." Evelyn sat on her heels and still looked down at him. "Tell me what to do. I'll do it." "I don't know that I feel up to it now. I mean it's late and all." Joshua crossed his toes because God knew he wanted to. No cold shower would release this ache, not now. "Pu..." Evelyn swallowed hard. She was about to say please, to a man, beg a man for sex. The world had come to an end, and if she wasn't looking at the devil himself right now, she would have thought hell had indeed frozen over. No man had this kind of self-control. "Please, Joshua, Please ... I'm begging you." It wasn't the words or the way she said them. It was the single tear that fell down her cheek that humbled him and made him realize this wasn't a game for her. She wasn't toying with him. He was unintentionally toying with her. That made him feel like a real ass. He sat up quickly taking her lips with his own. A gentle kiss that softened his heart and made him think of her as nothing else but a woman, a soft, beautiful woman. A woman who was begging him to have sex with her, how could he refuse? His kiss deepened, and Evelyn realized what she had been missing all the years of her life. Him. She wanted to climb right on top of him or under his skin, but he had already
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pushed her toward her back as he covered her. Her legs opened and settled to either side of his hips, and she gasped when she felt the press of his erection against her cotton panties. She thought then maybe she should let him do what he wanted to do. He was the one with more experience here. "Joshua." She gasped for air. "Mmmm," he growled. "Do what you want with me, I trust you." It was a monumental statement. Joshua kissed her lips a moment longer and set about kissing down her abs stopping at her navel once more his shoulders between her legs this time. He had a moment of hesitation. She seemed nervous. "You're sure?" "You're the teacher." Evelyn pushed a hand through his hair and looked at him through long brown lashes and half open eyes. "I'm trying to learn." "Then consider this your first lesson." Indeed, she was a fireball, talking dirty. Joshua slipped his fingers between the cotton panties that were damp already and pulled them down. They wouldn't give too far, so he just ripped them and tossed them to the side of the bed. Evelyn jerked at the sound. He certainly didn't mean to startle her. Maybe this was new to her after all. "Easy, baby, it's okay. I just got carried away for a second." She relaxed back onto the pillows and took deep breaths, waiting, anticipating what he planned to do. It seemed like minutes, but it was more like seconds when she realized he
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hadn't touched her at all. She lifted her head to look at him, and he just stared at her with a smile. "You ready?" He was waiting for her to calm down. The panty thing startled her, and that was no good. She needed to be relaxed. She needed to enjoy herself. Blushing Evelyn nodded. Her angel had returned. Gently stroking the dark red curls on her mound, Joshua watched Evelyn's head fall back and her back arch. Her feet started walking, lifting up and down on the mattress. He kissed the insides of her thighs, and they trembled and jerked with each kiss. With great care he parted her lips with his fingers. Her clitoris was swollen but not enough, and her lips were engorged with desire. Damn, if she wasn't almost ready, he didn't know what ready was. The feel of his thick fingers slipping along her was making her a little crazy. The heat that moved closer was like fire, warm and tickling. With a lick she jumped, gasped for air and then settled. It was his tongue, soft and thick, sliding up and down her folds. Her feet moved faster. Joshua closed his mouth over her and twirled his tongue around the distended clitoris. It hid, like Evelyn, and he had to work to coax it out. Once it fully extended and she relaxed pressing into him, it was much easier. Her body pushed against him; her hands gripped his arms and her nails stung. Slowly sliding one finger inside he was amazed at how tight she felt. It occurred to him then that he may be too big for her. Not that he was a giant but he knew he was bigger than most. Evelyn began moaning, and her legs began to shake. Determined to loosen her up a little more, he pressed
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two fingers in and suckled her clit. Once they disappeared she howled out a climax he was sure everyone in the neighborhood could hear. His name followed as she gripped and pulsed around his fingers. "Joshua, Joshua, Joshua," Evelyn called for him in labored breaths. No, she had apparently never had an orgasm before because that she would have remembered feeling. And now, God, now she wanted to feel it again. A lust had taken over. If he could do that with two fingers and a tongue, she was anxious to see what else he could teach her. Joshua slowly pulled his fingers from her and inhaled her scent. She tasted amazing and felt even better. Hearing her pant his name was pushing him over the edge. He knew he could give a woman pleasure, sure, but no woman had driven him like this. He kissed her thighs and her belly then licked a line up to her throat. Evelyn kissed his lips and tasted herself. It was strange yet sensual. His tongue was thick and heavy. She sucked on it, and her mind thought of sucking him. Something she swore to never do. Yet it seemed natural to want to taste him everywhere as he had tasted her. "Let me taste you like that, Joshua." Evelyn licked his neck, and he groaned. "Can't," he rasped. "I won't last." "Sure you will." Evelyn thought he could do anything, especially, after what he just did. "No, honey, I won't. I'm dying to be inside you right now." Joshua pulled at her neck with his lips. He had his hips lifted off her because if his cock hit that wetness, he wouldn't be
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able to stop. He needed a condom. He needed to know she was prepared for it. "But, I don't want to hurt you." Evelyn shocked him by wrapping her legs around him and pulling herself up to meet him. Her weight wasn't heavy but more than he could stand once the slick hot mound hit the middle of his erection through the cotton boxer briefs. Slowly he lowered but remained still. Her wetness slid over him, and he wished he could take her right then, push his briefs down and enter her, flesh on flesh. "I need a condom." Joshua stretched for the drawer in the nightstand. Nothing. In exasperation he laughed. He hadn't needed any in a while and remembering the video, he had an idea where the ones he had went. "I'm going to kill Ethan." Forgetting she was underneath him for a moment, he let his entire bodyweight settle. "Can't breathe, ... Joshua." "Oh, I'm sorry." Lifting himself again he looked into her eyes, losing himself in them. "Evelyn, I don't have any condoms." "Oh." Her brow drew together. "So I guess we can't." "No, we can't" "Can we?" Evelyn wanted to, needed to feel that rush again. "Do anything else?" Lifting a brow at the saucy little minx, Joshua smiled. He had fought his release because he wanted to be inside her. That wasn't an option now, and neither was holding it back. He took her mouth hungrily and pushed his erection against the moist wet folds. The cotton soaked her up and
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spread around him. He had to move or he would slip in. It was too tempting, and his manhood strained over the top of the elastic waistband. Sliding down he let his erection run the length through the wetness and that almost tipped the scale on its own. He could release this time. When she came, he would let it go. "Evelyn, watch me, you'll get more out of it." Joshua licked his lips and tilted his head still holding her gaze. His mouth locked onto her, and her hands twined in his hair. It wouldn't take much effort this time, and that was good because he was ready. His release was throbbing to get out. Pushing the two fingers past her lips and into the wetness, she rocked against him. His name was on her lips, her hands in his hair, holding him close to her mound, her eyes intent on his. Her thighs tightened on his shoulders, her tight vagina gripped his fingers, and he struggled to pull them back, the thought of that force on his cock was enough. He felt the warm liquid on his abdomen and the sheet beneath him. His cock throbbed and strained. He moaned into her, and the vibration sent her over the edge. Her head fell back, and her chest lifted. Again she cried out his name. It was like a howl, started at the beginning Josh, held the u for a long second, and then a low ah. He stilled, caught his own breath, and felt every little aftershock with his fingers. He slid another lick over her clit, her legs jumped and her breath caught. She was limp and
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lifeless. Joshua pulled his fingers out slowly and then took her mouth again settling next to her, so he didn't drip on her. "I can't wait till my next lesson." Evelyn closed her eyes sleepily and slid a soft warm palm across his face. She wanted to tell him everything she felt, but Grace was right. She wasn't good enough for him. For the first time in her life, she thought a man was actually better than herself. He was kind, and he treated her like a delicate flower when she was really just an old weed. "Thank you." "No, thank you." Joshua shook his head. No one had ever thanked him before. He kissed her again and pulled his briefs off, wiped up his mess. The bed was wet and he knew it, but she was already drifting off to sleep. He pulled the sheet up over her and turned to his side. Her nose pressed into his back and then her lips followed. He knew he always ended up on his stomach, and he knew in the morning Evelyn would be on his back. For the first time in a very long time, Joshua felt like his life was good. Evelyn snuggled onto his back, holding him. Breathing him, he smelled a little musky from sweat, tasted a little more salty. She felt calm inside all the way to the core. A balance, a peace she searched for every night. Her eyes closed as she began thinking she would never let anything happen to him. She would get him out of this mess. After the birthday party, she would leave and come back when it was safe, when he would be safe. [Back to Table of Contents]
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Chapter 7 "Apparently she's headed to West Virginia." The woman seemed shaken by the thought. "You have to get to her first." "She's not stupid. By now she knows the score. She'll stay low," the tall one said. "Unless you have information on the girl." The short one crossed his arms and lit up a cigarette. "But that could bring her out to everyone." The woman paced in the confined little space. "Shh, he's coming," the tall one said. "We'll figure out something. I got a wife and kids myself, honey," the short one whispered, and both men crossed the room away from the door. **** Sunday morning. Joshua awoke to the scent of jasmine tickling his nose. Evelyn was indeed across his back, snoring. He couldn't help but laugh. She must have been exhausted. The jerking of his shoulders with the quiet chuckle stirred her, but she didn't wake up. She just crawled an inch higher on his back. He never pictured himself with such a rough and tumble chick. All the girls he knew were ladies, almost divas. They put a lot of time and effort into themselves and none into him. Joshua tried to slide out from under her to avoid startling her, but she grabbed him.
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"Where are you going?" Evelyn tightened her grip. "Stay here with me." "I didn't want to wake you." His voice was husky with sleep. "I'm awake now." Evelyn nuzzled her nose in his neck. He let out a low grumble. She loved when he growled. She lifted as he began to roll underneath her. When he settled on his back, Evelyn lifted and was moving away. He grabbed her gently pulling her down to him. Her face settled on his chest, and her fingers twisted in his hair. "You were snoring, you know that." "Loud?" Evelyn wasn't going to get all girly on him. She knew when she slept hard, she snored. The Marines in the field said she could keep the bears away. "Not louder than me." He kissed her forehead. "Joshua?" Evelyn lifted her eyes to look at him. His eyes were closed, his breath was heavy, and a sleepy smile tugged at his lips. "Mmm," he grunted. His left hand started playing with a lock of her hair. "Can I sleep with you in New York?" Evelyn had a week to prepare. Thoughts of her own danger seemed crowded by the thoughts of meeting his mother and father and the rest of his family. Hopefully she could get to Grace first and get some pointers. After last night, she needed a lot of pointers. "Depends." Joshua didn't want to think about it. Not if they stayed with his parents, no. His mother would have a fit. If they stayed with Chase or Ethan, absolutely, they could sleep together, but his mother would really have a fit if he visited
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New York and didn't stay at home. And how could he bring Ethan's cousin home? They had to act like they just met in New York. There was no other way. "Joshua." She bit her lower lip. "Mmm?" He grunted and smiled. "I don't think I can sleep without you," Evelyn whispered. "Then sleep." Joshua felt satisfied. He had a beautiful woman in his arms, and even if she was a little unstable, and a lot trouble, she was his. And no one was going to take her from him. "Joshua." Evelyn closed one eye and waited for the dog to growl but felt his chest rumble with a quiet laugh instead. "Yes, woman?" Both eyes were closed, but he knew there was no sleeping in this morning. "I'm hungry." Evelyn knew he wanted to sleep, but now that she was awake, she was awake. And after last night she was starving. "I can cook breakfast if you want." "I'm up. I'm up. No need to threaten me." Joshua sat up forcing her off his chest. "I need a shower first." "Me too." Evelyn enjoyed his back. It was ripped with muscle but long and lean. She loved to press her nose between his shoulders and breathe him in. Evelyn pressed one cool hand on his hot back and gently squeezed. He growled. "You growl a lot." "I'm a dog what can I say." Joshua felt like a dog, ready to turn over and take her. "I think you're more like a bear." Evelyn studied his back as she slid her hand over it. "A big ole grizzly bear."
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"Great Dane, I'm the Great Dane, Ethan's the Doberman, and Chase is the..." Joshua began laughing at the thought. "Chase is the Poodle." "You call a man a poodle, and he lets you?" "You'll see when you meet Chase. He's married to Megan." Joshua was relaxing at her touch. She wasn't massaging, but whatever it was she was doing it felt magnificent. He hadn't had a woman touch him like that in a long time. "Say no more, I know the princess." Evelyn remembered meeting Megan when she was in college. "How is she?" "Dethroned, thoroughly." "How, Chase the poodle?" "No, Chase the toy poodle, her son. He's the second birthday boy. They throw one party for both of them right now. When they get bigger, they'll actually hold it on their birthdays, but for now it doesn't make much sense." Joshua thought about the upcoming event. He missed the boys, both sets, Chase and Ethan, and Gray and Chase Jr. Being away sometimes made it easier to deal with the fact that he was out of the loop in some ways. He couldn't relate to married life or fatherhood. "Megan has a baby, too?" Evelyn frowned at the thought. She would never be a mother. It was a fantasy, a deep dark fantasy. No man who knew her would trust that she could mother a child. She was too rough, too dangerous. And abused children grow up to be abusers. Bullshit. She would never hurt a child. "Yep, and Grace is on her way to the second installment." Joshua couldn't force himself from that spot. His feet and legs
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just wouldn't agree. Her fingers dug deeper into his muscles, and he sensed something was wrong. "What is it, baby? "You said it." Evelyn smirked. She never thought she would be the kind of woman that would let a man call her baby, honey, or babe, yet Joshua had been using those terms since she arrived, and they felt good. Like a term of endearment not a chauvinistic statement. "Grace? Are you afraid too much has changed over the years? You know you shouldn't worry about that, not with Grace. If the woman loves you, she loves you no matter what." Joshua rolled his shoulders back. He wanted her to grab them and knead them. She knows all sorts of martial arts moves. He wondered if maybe she knew some eastern healing as well. "You're right." Evelyn couldn't help but smile. He really had her best interest at heart. Maybe she could wiggle the rest of her in there as well. **** Sunday seemed like a slow day, and then night fell too quickly upon them. Joshua busied himself with her new identity, and of course she made pencil changes every time. He looked ready to bust when she finally accepted everything on the last draft. "I could dye my hair you know?" Evelyn set the paper on the counter, put both hands on the ledge, and pushed herself up to sit on it. He was looking at it, and now he looked at her.
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"Don't you dare." Joshua looked at her directly. He knew he had no say in the matter, but he loved her hair. "I mean, that seems a little extreme." "It is extreme but so is hiding out. I know you have a preference. What is it? Blondes? You look like a blonde kind of guy." She owned wigs and colored contacts but was curious if he had any preference. She wanted to know more about his thoughts on the ideal woman. "I do have a preference." Joshua tapped her nose. "I prefer you just the way you are." "I'm serious." "So am I." With that, he headed up the stairs to make her final changes and print a new and final copy. She didn't like learning about art, but if she was an Alexander, she had to. Evelyn sat on the counter, swung her feet a little, and then gave up and jumped back down. Joshua seemed distant today. He was all business, and she was all about being close to him. She wasn't going to tail him like a puppy dog, but she felt the urge to. When he came back downstairs, Evelyn was searching the refrigerator. "Hungry?" The sight of her bent over made him think very naughty things. "What do you want for dinner?" She looked over her shoulder and could have sworn he was drooling. "Hmm?" Joshua was looking way too hard at her, and he knew it. Then she looked over her shoulder and took his
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knees right out. To have her in that position naked would be a delight. "Are you drooling?" Evelyn stood, closing the refrigerator and walked to him. He seemed dazed. "What? No. I just lost my train of thought for a second." He wiped his mouth though just in case he was drooling. "I have to work tomorrow you know." "I know." Evelyn stepped closer to him, took the paper from his hand, and set it on the counter next to them. "Joshua." "Mmm?" He looked down at her. Those big brown eyes said it all. She knew. She knew he wanted her. He had exposed a weakness, and she was like a wolf, about to sink her teeth into him. "What do you want for dinner?" Evelyn knew she could take the upper hand at this moment, but she didn't want it. She didn't want him to think of her as an aggressive woman out to control him though she wanted to touch him in the worst way. His eyes were lit with fire, and his body was emitting heat. "Dinner?" Joshua was taken off guard by the question. He laughed. God, she could have taken the upper hand then but maybe her lack of experience would save him. She didn't know it was sex he was thinking about, or she would have taken it. Shaking it off, he took a deep breath. "What do you want?" "Pasta?" Evelyn shrugged innocently. He seemed to relax. That was good. ****
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Joshua sat on the couch and flipped on the television. To his surprise and delight Evelyn sat next to him curling right up into his side. He laid one heavy arm around her and kissed her on top of her head. It was the most uneventful day they had shared together, and it was nice to be ordinary, except, ordinarily he wouldn't have to fight with his groin to behave. Everything about Evelyn seemed to turn him on today. The way she curled the pasta on her tongue trying to get the last bite almost made him explode. "What time do you have to be up in the morning?" Evelyn sank into him and realized how much safer she felt next to him. He was warm. She was dying to kiss him again. Watching him eat made her crazy. Every bite made her wish his lips were biting her. But now on the couch she just felt safe. Something about Joshua humbled her. It wasn't his size. She had an appreciation for that, but she had fought men near his size before. It was more his disarming ability to care and coddle her. No one ever took care of her, played with her hair, carried her around on their back, brought ice packs and cooked meals. God, what planet did this guy come from? And could she live there when this was all over? "Six." Joshua always got to work at seven, and the kids started rolling in between seven-thirty and eight. "When do you come home?" "Usually by four, I wait till all my kids are on the bus, and I straighten the room, spray Lysol all over. It helps cut back on
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colds." Joshua suddenly went on the alert. His muscles flinched at the thought. "Why?" "So I know how long I have to be here alone. Relax, I'm not going anywhere. I told you I wouldn't. I don't lie to friends." Evelyn stroked a tense muscle. "You're very tense. Are you always like that?" "I don't know, probably." Joshua shrugged. Friend, yep, just friends. Evelyn had an exciting life full of adventure to get back to. Her exploration was over once she got her release. What could a second grade school teacher possibly have to offer her? "Hum." Evelyn had never massaged anyone. The thought would have made her laugh long and hard before she met Joshua. But making him feel better, that wasn't funny. It was somehow essential. She needed to study up on being a lady. "Is there a library around here?" "Up the street, in walking distance really." Joshua drew his brows together. "What are you up to Eve?" "Don't call me Eve till we get to New York, and I have to study art, remember? They have this amazing concept that in a library, you can find a book on many topics." Her tone was playful and sarcastic. "Are you getting smart with me, woman?" He turned to face her with a wicked smile. "What if I am? You think you can take me, Big Dog?" Evelyn prepared to show him that she was small but wiry. She wouldn't hurt him, but he needed to know she could handle herself.
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"I think so, yes." His green eyes flickered, and he licked his lips. That knocked her senses a bit, so when he launched his fingers to tickling her ribs, it took a moment to regain her senses. She squealed and laughed. It was no fair using sexual suggestion. It didn't take long to get a thumb lock on him. With a little pressure he was following her directions. "Up, up, up. Sit. Stay. Good dog." Evelyn released his thumb and patted his head. Joshua was amazed at how much that thumb lock could have hurt. The slight pressure was enough. He didn't want to feel more, so he indeed moved as she directed. Of course it wasn't hard to follow directions, and though he could have sucked up a moment of discomfort to break free, he would have been a fool to do so. Evelyn was now on his lap straddling him, chewing her bottom lip with a look that screamed at him to take her to bed and ravish her. Of course he didn't go to the store today, caught up in the domestic haze filling his senses with sharing a lazy Sunday with this woman, so there was no way to do anything about it. "Evelyn, I would enjoy nothing more than carrying you up those stairs and letting you take advantage of me, but the fact is ... we can't." His hands slid around her, and despite his words, his lips pressed into her neck. "Condoms." Evelyn heaved a long loud sigh. "All my life I've been safe, watching my back, wearing my vest even in the heat of summer. And now, that safety is killing me."
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"Well, you won't die alone." Joshua now took her lips. Hungry and heavy, he kissed her, nipping at her top lip when he withdrew. "Okay, we have to stop this." "I agree." Evelyn pressed forward and took his lips, nipping at his lower lip causing him to growl. "I like when you do that." "What?" He was growing breathless by the moment, and rational, reasonable thoughts were jumping ship. "Growl like that. It's so primal." Evelyn pressed her breasts into him pushing him back into the couch. She was on fire. She knew there was nothing she could do about it, but she couldn't stop kissing him. "Mmmm. It's a growl of frustration, honey. We have to stop this." Joshua pulled her back holding her face in his hands and looked her in those big brown eyes. "It's getting late." "I like kissing you," Evelyn pouted. "Really, because I kinda got the impression you hated it," he teased. "I mean I'm just a man, so on principal alone you should hate my kisses." "Joshua, you-are-not-just-a man." Evelyn put her hands on both sides of his face as he let go of hers. She kissed his lips sweetly and got up. "Come on, you need to get some sleep." "You'll have to wear clothes if you're going to sleep with me tonight." Joshua stretched, and Evelyn eyed his reasoning fully strained in his shorts.
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"A T-shirt, that's it. Clothing cuts off your circulation and slows healing." Evelyn began straightening things up, turned off the television, and checked the lock on the door. "So you didn't sleep naked to seduce me?" Joshua crossed his arms and gave her a skeptical once over. "Well, the first night I hadn't planned on sleeping with you at all. I was meditating and ... well, I slept so good that afternoon, I thought if I just got close to you a minute I could relax. I woke up falling off your back." Evelyn shrugged. "You're quite comfortable to sleep on, you know." "Maybe I should rent myself out." Joshua followed behind her double checking locks. He ran into her as she spun on her heel to confront him with one hand on her hip and a finger pointed in his face. "No other woman better find her body on yours while I'm here, or she'll find herself in a fix." Evelyn felt stupid. Why did she do that? As the words were coming out, she wanted to suck them back in. What was she saying? She didn't own him. She would like to claim him, but they had only known each other a couple days, a couple mind boggling emotionally driven days. "Easy killer, I've been untouched about as long if not longer than you have. I'm not a casual sex kind of guy." He nipped her accusing finger with his lips and teeth. "But since you're laying ground rules, I suppose the same holds true for you." "As if. No one touches me. Well, no one else that's for damn sure. I still hate men, Joshua. I just don't hate you." Evelyn turned quickly because if she didn't hate him that
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meant she loved him and not the same way she loved her little oriental mentor Sanahasan. No, she loved him the way Grace must love Ethan. That was a lot to swallow. She had never been in love before. Maybe she wasn't really in love now. It was too much to think about. "Well, I don't hate you either." Joshua was flattered by her statements. And thanks to it, he knew that whatever this was it was theirs alone, at least while it lasted. **** Evelyn set her mental clock for five-thirty. She had to get up before him and cook breakfast. She could do it. She knew she could, and tomorrow she would go to the library and figure out how to be more ladylike, womanly, and she'd find a book on art. She could easily ask to use the computer, but she hated sitting in front of one for hours. Especially if it involved art. Art, good grief, she mastered the art of war. What other art was there? Joshua settled into bed, and Evelyn snuggled right into him. "You know if you sleep on this side, I could hold you for a change." "And then roll over and smother me, no, I like it where I am." Evelyn pressed a kiss on his back and felt a rumble. "Sorry." "Goodnight, honey." Joshua patted her thigh and closed his eyes. Evelyn inhaled him several times and finally relaxed, drifting off to sleep. ****
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The alarm went off at six a.m. and Joshua awoke to a strange feeling. He shrugged his shoulders. Evelyn was gone. He jumped right out of the bed, landing on both feet looking around and realized he smelled something. Something like coffee? As he opened the bedroom door, he caught more aromasbacon, eggs. Huh. He headed downstairs slowly and quietly. Surely Evelyn didn't run out and get breakfast this morning. [Back to Table of Contents]
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Chapter 8 "You're up," she said as he stepped on the third stair from the bottom. "How'd you know I was here?" He tromped down the last couple stairs and entered the kitchen. It wasn't a disaster, and neither was she. Her silky red hair was in a high ponytail, and she was dressed. She slid the eggs on a plate next to the bacon, and Joshua wondered where Evelyn was. The woman in his kitchen could indeed cook, and resembled the woman who had destroyed it in looks alone. "Better yet, what have you done with Evelyn?" "Stop. You'll hurt my feelings," she whined. Great, now she was whining. She felt a need to prove herself. It ripped her in half. Part of her wanted to say to hell with that, she had nothing to prove to anyone, and another part said, she wanted Joshua and needed to prove to him she could be anything he wanted her to be. "Since when did big bad bounty hunters get feelings?" He stepped behind her and kissed her neck. Evelyn should have been pissed at that remark, but he was teasing her and not with his words. "It's more pride than feeling really. I couldn't let you think you were a better cook than me." "Oh I see. You think you're better than me." Joshua kissed the other side of her neck. He knew he should have been creating distance between them, but he just couldn't help
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himself. Evelyn smelled good; she tasted good. He wanted to claim her. "Well, not at everything, at least not yet." Evelyn slid her hand back and cupped it over his groin. His rumbling growl reverberated in her ears and sent vibrations all down her body. "But I've only had one lesson." "You sure know how to wake a man up in the morning." Joshua pressed into her hand and closed his eyes. Damn if he didn't want her all the time, but he wouldn't risk it. And he would definitely be late coming home today because he couldn't go another day without condoms just in case she was serious. "Well, you know how to put a woman to sleep at night." Evelyn squeezed just enough to get another growl. His anatomy absolutely fascinated her. The reactions she could get from him. She definitely wanted to know if he could possibly feel a release like she did. "I have to work today ... I absolutely have to go to work today." Joshua tried to step back, but his big feet were stuck to the floor in rebellion. "All right, if you insist." Evelyn released him and stepped away. He wanted her. Any time she wanted him, he wanted her. That was a good feeling, especially since she wanted him all the time. **** It felt good to have a woman at the door to straighten his tie and kiss him goodbye. It felt too good. The softer Evelyn
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became toward him the more he liked her and the more he wanted to keep her. She seemed to take to the role of a homemaker a little too easily, which made him think she was trying. He didn't want her to be someone she wasn't, but he didn't want her to keep being a bounty hunter either. No way could he sit home at night while his wife was out in the thick of danger. "Wife? Wife? Get a grip, Big Dog!" he shouted at himself in the rearview mirror. He thought for sure once he got to school he would be able to keep his mind off Evelyn, but then one of the kids wanted to read Little Red Riding Hood for story time. My, what big teeth you have. All he thought about was Evelyn and the banana. He lied and said a page was torn out. He would remove that book today. **** Evelyn paced outside the library doors waiting for them to open. Finally a woman in casual clothes let her in. "You must be really anxious to find something," the older woman said with a warm smile. "You've been pacing for twenty minutes. Can I help you find it?" "Well, I need a few things really. I have a lot of work to do and in a really short timeframe." Evelyn decided it wasn't asking for help. It was letting the woman do her job. Joshua was not going to make her soft everywhere. She was strong and independent and didn't need help. "This, child, is an impressive selection of books." The woman eyed the stack and nodded. "Eclectic reader, I like that."
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"Thank you." Evelyn smiled. "Thank you, Miss Perkins," the librarian replied. The woman waved as Evelyn toted the four books out the door. It was past time to be home, but Joshua said he had to run a few errands anyways. Still she wanted to have dinner on the table when he got home. As she turned the corner, she realized that wasn't going to happen. He was already home. **** "Honey, I'm home," Evelyn called and went to the kitchen table to set down the books. She heard him coming down the stairs, but then he stopped abruptly. She could feel tension. Oh yeah, she forgot. "It's me, Joshua." Evelyn turned around to face the man who was on full alert. "Here." She pulled the short blonde wig off. "You need me to take the contacts out, too?" "Shit, woman, it's like living with Sybil." He relaxed and moved toward her. He hadn't been home long, just long enough to worry. All her things were still in the guest bedroom and her car was in front of the house, but still. "How many disguises do you have?" "Enough to get your neighbors talking." Evelyn winked her now blue eye at him, reached for his tie, and pulled him down to her lips. She had been at the library all day. She was hungry, but food could wait. "I should start dinner. You shouldn't have to wait to eat." "You lock the door?" Joshua pulled her in tight. "Yes." Evelyn smiled.
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"Good." Joshua pushed her up to the table, lifted her, and sat in a chair in front of her. "'Cause I don't wanna wait to eat." Joshua teased his fingers between her legs, and Evelyn gasped for air. She was sitting up in front of him holding herself up. He propped her legs on his thighs removing her shoes in turn. Joshua had just gotten the top button undone when the loud knock hit the door. Evelyn jumped. He didn't move. He pulled at the zipper. "They'll leave." The lock began to turn, and Joshua rose to his feet quickly. Evelyn didn't have time to do anything but fasten her pants when the door swung open. "Surprise," Ethan shouted. Ethan raised a brow at his cousin, who was flushed, looked at Evelyn scrambling to get off the table, and then looked back at his wife, Grace, waddling up the stairs behind their two-year-old, Gray. "Gracie, I think you surprised them all right." "Ethan." Joshua reached behind him pulling Evelyn to his side with one hand and making a not so discrete adjustment with the other. "It's just Ethan." "Gracie!" Evelyn shouted as the pregnant woman entered passing the toddler off to his father's hands. Evelyn was flushed and nervous, but she was so happy to see Grace she left Joshua immediately and hugged her. Ethan lifted the tike and moved closer to Joshua before setting the headstrong child back down to walk on his own. "Counter's a lot easier to work with, Big Dog."
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"Ethan." The look Joshua gave him would have made a normal man cower, but Ethan was family, and Joshua didn't scare him, except when he was really pissed. "Grace made me come. What can I say?" Ethan winked. Joshua looked at Evelyn who now fawned over Grace and realized that his plans to seduce her had been put on hold. He was now second fiddle, and that made him jealous. At least he had Ethan and Gray to occupy his time. "How long are you here for?" "Two days max, I wanted to tell you in person I got your meeting set up. Grace doesn't know anything other than Evelyn's lying low for a bit, so the whole other name thing has her and Megan in a frenzy of excitement. Apparently Miss Blade has a reputation among women, like a damn superhero or something." Ethan smiled at his son who now pulled a blonde wig on. "Gray, come her with that. Bring that to daddy." "Oh, it's okay." Evelyn smiled. He was a handsome little tike. He looked just like his father except for his eyes. Joshua held up the little rascal and walked toward Grace and Evelyn. "What do you think Grace? He look good as a blonde?" "He looks like his uncle as a blonde." Grace pulled the wig over his eyes and said peek-a-boo. Gray laughed and began playing. "You guys drive here?" Joshua asked and gave Grace a kiss hello on the cheek. He kept his distance from Evelyn unsure how she wanted to look in front of others. Ethan had seen the suggestive pose she was in but only for a flash. It
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could have been misinterpreted. Though his counter suggestion let Joshua know otherwise. "Yes." Ethan grumbled, "It took forever, like fourteen hours, with all the stops." "You must be exhausted." Evelyn looked at Grace. "No, not too bad, we left yesterday, got a hotel room," Ethan answered just to feel the woman out. She hadn't said a word to him, and that seemed strange. Now she looked at Joshua. He just smiled at her, damn him. How rude. "He's not used to women ignoring him." Joshua spoke to her like Ethan wasn't even in the room. "I'm not ignoring him." Evelyn now looked to Grace, who smiled from ear to ear. "Do you feel left out, baby? Come here." Grace held her arms out to Ethan. She knew Evelyn and was flabbergasted that she interacted so easily with Joshua, but even if she thought Ethan was attractive, she wouldn't make any attempts to acknowledge him. And for Ethan, that was a shock. Women still drooled all over him, and she knew in many ways he had grown to expect it. Grace moved toward her husband and hugged him. She pushed her hand through his chocolate brown hair and tiptoed to kiss his lips. Evelyn's chest hurt. She visibly winced and grabbed it. "You okay ba ... Evelyn?" Joshua caught himself. Maybe it was a good thing they had shown up. Surely no one would believe they just met if he called her baby. "Fine." Evelyn felt a little hurt he didn't call her baby. She wondered if he was ashamed of her. Maybe he didn't want
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them to know. The fussy toddler reached out and grabbed her nose. Funny, how she felt it in her heart. Joshua seemed right at home holding him, playing. That set off a longing she definitely wasn't expecting to feel. "Look at you, little man." Evelyn reached for the child, and Joshua handed him over. He trusted her to hold a child? Gray put the wig on Evelyn's head crooked. Her natural hair was straight down her back. She had only tucked it under the wig this morning since she was just going to the library. "You're a handsome little devil, you know that?" Watching her play with Gray made Joshua's heart full. He had never been a sappy guy, but time had changed him. He wanted what he thought he was going to have with Candace, a family, but now he wanted more. He wanted a real family, a woman that loved him, and a child of his own. Evelyn seemed comfortable, and why wouldn't she? She was a woman. It made him think about a future he was sure wasn't in her plans, and that saddened him. Gray leaned in to give Evelyn a kiss. She puckered up and made a big sound for him. The child giggled and kissed again making his own big sounds. "Quit kissing my woman, Gray." Joshua made a very telling joke, and there was no going back from there. His face blushed, and Evelyn looked at him with big blue eyes. He liked her brown eyes better. "Joshua?" three adult voices said in unison. Only one came with an uncertain look, Evelyn's. "I'm just playing, damn." Joshua kissed her on the cheek as he took Gray holding him up at arms length. "You're stiff
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competition, buddy. She's kissing you within minutes. She's been in this house for days now and I'm still working on getting one." The child stuck his tongue out and giggled some more. "Damn." "Evelyn, look at what you taught him." Joshua handed him back to Evelyn fast. "Shame on you, woman." "No, actually his mother taught him that." Ethan rubbed Grace's shoulders. Evelyn looked toward them, and it appeared Grace was in shock. Her mouth was open, and she just blinked. Evelyn held Gray on one hip and walked to her old friend. "Let's go out back and talk." And over her shoulder, she said, "Joshua, can you start dinner?" "Yeah, Joshua you have guests for crying out loud." Ethan winked at Joshua and Evelyn lifted a brow at him. "I am allowed to speak to him." "Ethan, if she hurts you, I'm not going to rescue you." Joshua started about the kitchen, and Ethan opened the refrigerator. "Like she could." Ethan just reached for the margarine when Evelyn poked him in the side with her finger. He never heard her set Gray down, and he never heard her walk across the floor next to him. He jumped dropping the margarine. It was both a poke, and unfortunately, he was very ticklish, so it was a double shock. "Oh, I can, but I won't. After all, I'd hate to miss the sequel to your video debut." Evelyn winked at him and walked off.
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"Ethan, you said you had that at home!" Grace was blushing. The two of them had a history of mishaps, but now even friends were catching them. Grace wished she could be embarrassed, but by now she was used to being sexual. And since she wanted Ethan everywhere, they usually got caught. "Come on, Gracie. Joshua wouldn't let me watch it." Evelyn turned back to Ethan and whispered, "But he was at work all day." Ethan's mouth dropped. His face was full flush red. "Joshua." Grace and Evelyn laughed as they headed out the backdoor to the yard. Grace picked up the toy bucket and scattered some things for Gray to play with. In the kitchen Ethan finally picked his jaw up and started about dinner. **** "Well, at least she didn't point a gun at you." Joshua loved it. Evelyn had put Ethan in his place in a big way. Kinky bastard deserved it. "The DVD's up there. What I don't get is how you used all my condoms in one day." "Three hours actually." Ethan picked up the bowl of margarine and tried to be cool. "And by what I saw when I walked in here, you know exactly how." "No, actually I don't because I didn't have any condoms." Joshua nudged his cousin out of the way with his shoulder. They were both large men, and though the country kitchen was big, the two masculine bodies made it seem small.
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"Oh, well, if it makes you feel any better, one broke, so I think you should thank me instead of being mad. I saved you from fatherhood." Ethan popped him with a dishtowel. "Who says I want to be saved?" Joshua's tone was too serious for the moment. He didn't mean it to be, but he hadn't meant to force their relationship out in the open earlier either. He wouldn't make another move on her in front of anyone. Evelyn made it clear she was a man hater. He didn't want to get pushed back in that category. "Shit man. I told you, this house makes you crazy." Ethan thought back to his own experience here. He met Grace when he had banned all women from his life. She came up with a plan to shake things up a bit and shook him right to the core with love. "What does she think?" "Hell, I don't know. One minute she's threatening my life, the next she's crawling into my bed." Joshua shrugged. "She's in trouble Ethan, and I have to protect her. Once that's done, she'll realize I'm just a school teacher. Not a cop, not a hero. She'll leave and go back to a life of high adventure." Ethan grabbed his cousin's shoulder and then let go. He understood why she was important to Joshua now. He was in love. God help him. "You'll always be my hero, man." Ethan feigned a tear. "I need to change clothes ... Ass." Joshua slugged him in the shoulder and headed upstairs. ****
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Grace settled into the hammock, and Evelyn climbed in next to her. Gray was occupied running around the yard playing with the wig. "I miss this hammock." Grace held Evelyn's hand. "And I missed you." "Don't get all mushy on me, Gracie." Evelyn squeezed her hand. "I have a rep to protect." "And a fine job you're doing by the way." Grace laughed. "Did you really watch that video?" "Hell no." Evelyn laughed now, too. "But I can't say I wasn't tempted. I haven't really experienced a lot, and with my impending death I have become a little curious to say the least." "What?" Grace turned to look at Evelyn. "Joshua, God, he is amazing. His lips are like..." "Evelyn, forget Joshua, what are you talking about?" Grace was worried. No wonder Joshua had been acting weird. She thought for sure maybe Evelyn was trying to push him because she had admitted that she liked him. But no, something bigger was going on. "Oh, I have a bounty on my head. They accused me of killing a man. I didn't do it of course. Something's going on, and I have a feeling deep inside that it has to do with my father and my sister." Evelyn shrugged it off. She watched Gray go around the yard shaking the wig and finally shake it at the Great Dane statue in the middle of the garden. She smiled, knowing Joshua had put that there. The thing was taller than Gray, but like his mother he was fearless. It was because she was so
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lost in thoughts of happiness for a change she didn't realize Grace's mouth was wide in shock. "Do you love Ethan?" "Evelyn!" Grace was amazed at how unconcerned she was with her life being threatened and how concerned she was with her life, and suddenly it dawned on Grace. Evelyn didn't have a crush, a little hero worship for the guy who nursed her back to health. No, she was in love with Joshua. The man hater was in love. It all made sense now. "I mean how did you know you loved Ethan?" Evelyn was still oblivious to Grace's reactions. "Hum?" Grace made her thinking, planning noise and started twisting a wild curl on her head. Evelyn's head turned to see Grace watching her with that left brow up and her hair twisting. She knew something was up. "What?" "You're in love with Joshua, aren't you?" Grace searched her eyes and hated those blue contacts because they hid her. "Don't be ridiculous." Evelyn felt like she had just got caught with her hands in the cookie jar. What a pointed question. She had to get away from Grace. She pulled out of the hammock and sat in the yard. Gray came running up to her like he'd known her all his life. "I can't fall in love. I mean, Grace, this is me. I don't know about men, not like that." "Evelyn." Grace nodded her head. Yep, Evelyn had it bad. "You do know about love. You love your sister. You loved Stella. You love your friends. Romantic love is a category all its own but only in the intimacy department. Love is love, E."
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Grace smiled and shook her head. "Have you two ... you know?" "No, but I sleep with him." Evelyn shrugged and then smiled at the child. Thank God Grace never judged her. She knew her current position regarding Joshua was a stretch of the imagination to those who knew her well. "He let you tie him up?" Grace was struggling with her sixmonth pregnant belly in the hammock. She felt like one of Gray's toys that rolled and never got anywhere. "No, of course not. Here, hang on. I'll help you." Evelyn laughed at the sight of her old friend, so flustered wiggling in that hammock. She handed the wig back to the toddler and went to help Grace out of the hammock. "I can't explain it, Grace. I haven't been myself here lately." "Do you want to stay here?" Grace was serious now, breathless from trying to get out of the hammock. "It depends." Evelyn looked down. "On what?" Grace was more than curious now, about all of it. "Noel. I can't stop till I find out what happened to my sister." Evelyn helped the woman stand. **** Joshua and Ethan made dinner, and about six o'clock it was time to eat. "Ready when you are, ladies." Ethan headed out to get Gray. "I got him." Evelyn swooped him up under her arm like a duffle bag, and the child laughed.
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"You smiling at me, Evelyn?" Ethan drew his brows together, trying to look mean and dark. "Well, that face makes me laugh." Evelyn handed him Gray and heard Grace laughing behind her. "What? I am a tough looking guy, Gracie, rough." Ethan knew he was as physically imposing as Joshua was. Why didn't this chick realize they were big brawny men, tough, strong guys? Evelyn was Grace's size for crying out loud. She couldn't hurt a fly. "She's not afraid of anyone, Ethan. I know you like to look tough. You are, honey. Very scary." Grace put a hand on her husband's cheek and shook her head. Poor guy spent most of his life being thought of as a brute, and now a woman smaller than his wife thinks he's a joke. Men never understood Evelyn. They were either scared of her abilities or repulsed by them. Maybe Joshua was the one for her. He had seen enough women in law enforcement to know a woman can hold her own, but he treated them all with respect and like ladies because that's just how he was. **** Dinner was quiet, awkward. Evelyn had taken her contacts out and pulled her hair in a ponytail when she went to wash up. She sat next to Joshua, and the tension was so thick she'd need a sword to cut it. Ethan held Gray as he ate alternating between his bites and his son's bites though Gray wanted what his daddy had most. The sight of Ethan holding his son so Grace could eat in peace made Evelyn reevaluate him. Maybe good men ran in
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Joshua's family. She resolved to be nicer to Chase when she met him next week. It was only fair to give him a chance, and that poor man was married to Megan. Hell hath no fury like Megan's wrath. Evelyn knew she was a bitch, but Megan was worse than a bitch, she was a diva with a capital D. "This is really good." Grace had to break the tension. Ethan and Gray were the only ones talking, and that was to each other. She was at a table having dinner with an old friend, her husband, and his cousin, and no one was talking. She could see Joshua's face, and he seemed so melancholy. It wasn't like him. "Yes, very." Evelyn was relieved at the chance to speak. She really didn't know what to say. Grace and Ethan changed the dynamic in the house. Maybe he didn't want his family to really know about them. She wanted to talk to him, to touch him. "Thank you," both men answered at the same time. They gave each other looks. "Now, boys, I'm sure you both contributed to dinner." Grace smiled a knowing smile. Joshua was just like Ethan. They may not have been born brothers, but they acted like brothers. "Yes, and it's all delicious." Evelyn looked at Joshua, but he looked back at his plate. Her chest felt heavy. She wanted desperately to connect with him. She felt more alone right now than she had ever felt. "Joshua, I can make a cake for dessert." "If you want to." Joshua nodded.
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"Will you help me?" Evelyn laid her hand on his arm. It was a desperate plea, and she knew it, but she also didn't care. She wasn't ashamed of him, and she desperately wanted his attention again. She didn't want him to be ashamed of her. "Of course." Joshua shifted his gaze to hers and smiled. Maybe she didn't want to hide after all. He felt like an ass for revealing their relationship, and she bolted out the backdoor with Grace all afternoon. He felt distance sliding between them, reality crashing in on him. And fear of losing her had washed over him. "Don't tell me you can't cook?" Ethan laughed. "She can cook," Joshua said at the same time Evelyn said, "I can cook." "Whoa Big Dog, I'm not accusing. You know Grace caught the stove on fire." Ethan pushed her red curls behind her ear and kissed her cheek. "I love this woman, I do, but she can't cook." Evelyn tried not to laugh. "She can cook some things." "Yes, that's true," Ethan agreed. "Not that I care, she makes up for it in other ways." Grace, unlike Evelyn, was a lady. A real lady, she didn't swear, she used manners, and so when she cursed, Evelyn realized a whole lot had changed. Not just men and babies. Grace was stronger, more confident. Free. "Damn Ethan, they have it on DVD. They don't need the live show. I'm good but really." Grace blushed as she said it, but Ethan brought out the naughty side of her. It didn't matter at this point. Everyone in the family had caught them
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in the act or on the verge of it, as evident by Joshua's squirming. "Grace!" Evelyn was just flabbergasted. "Oh, she's worse than he is, but let me remind you there is a child present." Joshua pointed at Gray. "Oh, he got me, too. Let me tell you. That's the day you start being more careful." Ethan shook his head. "Thank God he's too young to understand what he saw." "He doesn't even remember it." Grace waved her fork in the air. "It's all those romance novels she reads. I tried to tell her she could write one by now. Woman tries to act out every scene she reads." Ethan stood with Gray who was now getting fussy. "Almost broke my back once." "Oh, um, the bedroom." Evelyn remembered all the gear she had in there. Joshua knowing she had all that stuff was one thing, but Ethan and Grace, she wasn't ready to let everyone in. Grace had seen her train, well, show off, but she had no real idea how dangerous her job was. Evelyn always made it sound easy, and that she was always in control. A lot of times she felt like it was easy, but when it was personal, like Noel, she always made mistakes. "They don't use that room, no worries." Joshua stood and started clearing the table. "Hold on, Ethan, I'll take him. You go get the stuff out of the car." Grace smiled and kissed her husband. Evelyn watched and wanted. Grace and Ethan didn't hide their feelings or their sex life apparently. She wanted that, too. "God, they make me sick."
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"Yeah, I know." Joshua frowned at that statement. What he envied most about Ethan as an adult was his relationship with Grace. "No, I mean sick like why can't I have that, sick." Evelyn didn't want him to think anything other than the truth. Though having that kind of relationship seemed impossible for her to ever achieve. "You can." Joshua stepped behind her as Ethan walked out the door and Grace headed up the stairs. With no one else in sight he kissed her neck. Evelyn leaned into him, and his arms moved around her. "God, I wish they weren't here." "Why, you don't like them?" Evelyn's eyes were closed, and she was falling quickly into lust again. "I like having you alone. They interrupted my dinner, interrupted my plans," Joshua whispered as his hand slid farther down her stomach toward her sex. Thankfully Ethan cleared his throat before his hand got there. "Sorry to interrupt, Josh, think you could give me a hand here?" Ethan's smile was devilish. Joshua shook his head. "See." Joshua kissed her on the shoulder and stepped away. Evelyn cleared her throat and straightened herself out. It was embarrassing to get caught twice. Joshua seemed comfortable in front of Ethan, but what about Grace? Was that her move? Joshua and Ethan came in with the portable baby pen and other bags. Joshua set the pen down in the living room and followed Ethan up the stairs. Grace returned with a sleepy Gray, dressed in his truck pajamas.
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"E, you think you can pop that open for me?" Grace rocked the little boy slowly back and forth. "He'll sleep for a while, get up around two a.m. and go back to sleep around four." Evelyn had put together a lot of things in her life, but somehow popping up a playpen seemed harder than putting up a shelter half in the field. It only took a minute, and it just seemed too fast and flimsy to hold him. "Are you sure that's right? I've locked everything in place?" "Yes." "No, let me check again. It seems too unstable for a baby. He could tip it over." Evelyn didn't want to seem crass, but hell, this was a child. "E, I swear you did it right. It will hold him. He's not Hercules." Grace laid the child in the playpen while Evelyn circled it several times. Grace smiled at her friend. Evelyn was always very protective of those she cared for. "But his daddy is, right, babe?" Ethan stepped behind Grace and held her belly. "If you say so, honey." Grace patted his hands and rolled her eyes. Before coming on this trip, Ethan and his brother Chase were on full testosterone overload. Apparently a woman bounty hunter packs quite a kick to the male ego. They had devised plans as to how they could escape if a woman ever tracked them down. As if either of them could commit a crime. And since a woman had set Ethan's stairs on fire once before, Grace really enjoyed their delusions. Joshua was a hero, a real fighting hero. Ethan and Chase played sports. They were pretty, not heroes. Not in the sense they wanted to be.
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"So, Evelyn, what's the status on that cake?" Ethan swayed Grace back and forth in his arms. "I love chocolate, especially icing." Grace pinched him causing him to wince. "What? You act like I said whipped topping." Ethan got another pinch "Woman, stop pinching me, I'm a fragile man." "I thought you were Hercules," Grace retorted. Evelyn listened as Ethan took her pinches and then called himself fragile. He was an inch taller than Joshua and just as big, yet Grace at her size was bullying him. Yes, Evelyn thought. Good men do run in his family. Maybe there were more good men than she had ever imagined, but she still only wanted one, Joshua. And no way would Joshua let anyone bully him. "Honey, did you mean by help you make a cake you wanted me to make a cake?" Joshua had set up all the ingredients and already turned the oven on. Her gaze lifted from the sleeping toddler toward her angel. She couldn't help wonder if their son would look like his daddy, or maybe even a little girl, with her red hair and his green eyes. Evelyn shook it off. Those thoughts were getting her nowhere. [Back to Table of Contents]
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Chapter 9 "No. Sorry. I was distracted." Evelyn walked to the kitchen. Ethan and Grace settled on the couch and turned on the television. "With Ethan?" Joshua's face went flat. His voice was quiet. She had called Ethan hot before, seemed to avoid him, and those were signs of a crush. "No, with Gray. That playpen makes me nervous." Evelyn smiled up at him, noticed the look on his face, and frowned. "You thought?" "You said he was hot," Joshua whispered as he shrugged and turned to mix the ingredients. "You look at me, Joshua Young." Evelyn grabbed his face and pulled him close to hers, so she could see him eye to eye. She wasn't as quiet. "He has nothing on you, nothing." Ethan's voice interrupted from the living room. "I have an inch on him, thank you very much." "In height, but that's the only place. You forget I've seen the video." Evelyn didn't take her eyes off Joshua. His face blushed and his smile widened. "Grace?" Ethan feigned offense. "Say something." "I lived the video, baby. She's right." Grace squealed as Ethan launched a tickle attack on her. "Megan told me! Megan told me!" Evelyn looked at Joshua confused. He licked his lips. "You're right about that, babe."
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"About what?" she whispered. In the background Grace threatened to pee her pants if Ethan didn't let her go. He did and then acted like his feelings were hurt. Grace playfully soothed his ego. Evelyn had inadvertently stepped into a long standing family joke. "I told you, we were like a pack of wild dogs." Joshua didn't whisper. "You told her, Joshua!" Ethan shouted playfully, and Gray started to wake up. "Damn it, now look." He stopped playing and went to pat Gray on the back to help him back to sleep. "I can't believe Chase told Megan. He's due for an ass kickin'" "No, I didn't tell her, but I will now." Joshua shrugged. "We were measured. Chase turned twenty-one that year, and we celebrated. The three big dogs. We were walking to the next bar, and a lady of the night overheard us talking about who the lead dog was. Ethan's the oldest, so he thought it should be him." Joshua mixed all the ingredients while Evelyn stared at him with her arms crossed. "She called out to us and said for twenty bucks she'd tell us who the lead dog was." "You had sex with a hooker?" Evelyn's face twisted, and her hands went to her hips. "Hell no," both Ethan and Joshua replied the same. Grace began to laugh. "We let her measure us. Right there on the street. In front of everyone who walked by. It was humiliating the next day, but it seemed like a fine thing to do at the time." Joshua bowed. "I'm the Great Dane, Ethan's a Doberman, and Chase is a big Poodle."
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"That is about the most absurd thing I have ever heard." Evelyn shook her head. "I was twenty-three, drunk off my ass. I can't lie about it. It wasn't my finest hour, but we've laughed ever since." Joshua poured the batter into the pan, placed it in the oven, and turned to look at Evelyn. She still stood there, hands on her hips. "And you think I have problems." Evelyn shook her head and looked at him, head to toe. In the back of her mind, she reminded herself that she tied men up and teased them, but the thought of another woman touching him there just made her mad. "Oh, don't be mad at me." Joshua hugged her, pulled her into his arms, and kissed her forehead. They would definitely have to rework her identity because no way in hell could he act like he didn't know her. It took all his might not to touch her every five seconds. "Yeah, don't get mad, Evelyn, get even," Grace called from the living room. "Thanks for your support, Gracie." Joshua shook his head. "She's evil when she's pregnant." "That's not all she is." Ethan winked at her. "Do they do anything else?" Evelyn asked loud enough for them to hear, but she was more excited by the fact that he was giving her his full attention in front of them. "Eat, sleep, and procreate. It's a good life, Evelyn. You should try it." Ethan wasn't embarrassed. He didn't embarrass easily, and neither did Evelyn. He knew women, and one thing he knew about Evelyn, regardless of what Grace had
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said, she could handle Amelia Young. Joshua may have found himself a keeper. That was if she would stay. "You know Stephanie is still with Malcolm." "Stephanie?" Evelyn searched Joshua's face for a telling look. "My sister. She works for Ethan." Joshua smiled. She was jealous. That had to mean something. "Who's Malcolm?" Evelyn relaxed. He had told her about a sister, but Grace had warned her about the mother. The idea of meeting either of them was nerve-racking. "Malcolm is a very nice, respectable man, who is also a firefighter, he's Irish and African American and my mother hates him." Joshua drew out the whole picture because he really liked Malcolm. He knew he loved his sister. At twentyfive Joshua would have never met with a father to ask a daughter out, but Malcolm sought his dad out last year when they started dating to be sure it was okay. He was mature and responsible. Stephanie adored him. "Why does your mother hate him?" Evelyn couldn't figure it out. There were many reasons to hate a man, on principal alone was the best, but Joshua dragged that description out. Was it his race? His job? "Because she hates anyone we date. She liked him when they did the fundraiser for the fire department, raved about him and a few other guys. As soon as he started dating Stephanie, she hated him. She thinks Stephanie should marry a doctor or lawyer. Not a fireman." Joshua wanted to choke Ethan for bringing it up. He had all week to go over this stuff, but now Ethan forced issues.
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"So she'll hate me." Evelyn got it. It wasn't about Malcolm; it was about her. The cake timer went off saving her from anymore discussion on the matter. She quickly changed topics as soon as he bent to pull the cake out. Evelyn was feeling like maybe she was getting in over her head with the whole relationship thing. Wanting Joshua was one thing. Accepting an entire family was another. **** An hour later the four adults sat at the table eating chocolate cake. Cake that Joshua had made. Evelyn was talking with Grace when he iced it. Ethan apparently couldn't help himself. "This is great cake, Evelyn." Ethan winked. "What can I say? I'm good. Made a cake without touching it once." Evelyn slid her hand over Joshua's thigh as she said it. "Okay, time for bed. See you in the morning. I have to work." Joshua stood, grabbed Evelyn's hand, and pulled her up. "Ethan, will you lock up?" "Sure thing." Ethan nodded, pulled up from his seat, and cleared the table. Joshua followed Evelyn up stairs and down the hall. "Joshua, I should make sure everything is locked up in there" "Okay. I'll grab a quick shower." He kissed her forehead and rubbed up and down both of her arms with his hands. "Doesn't have to be quick." Evelyn bit her bottom lip.
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"Shit." He smacked himself in the forehead. "The condoms are on top of the refrigerator." "I didn't see them." "In the brown paper bag, I'll go get 'em." Joshua started to turn but felt Evelyn grab his arm. "I'll get them. They won't keep me downstairs talking. You go get in the shower." Evelyn tiptoed up, and Joshua bent down to kiss her. The instant his lips touched hers he was ready. Growling. "Down boy," Evelyn rasped. "I'll be back in a minute." **** Evelyn stepped into the guest room and made sure everything dangerous was secured and then closed the door behind her. Quietly she headed downstairs for the condoms. The television was on, so hopefully she could sneak in and out with no problems. Of course when she turned the corner at the stairs she realized, there was a problem. Ethan had Grace laid out like a feast on the kitchen table. Grace couldn't see him or Evelyn thanks to that belly. And thankfully she wasn't completely naked, yet. Ethan, however, was buck naked and ready to take his seat. Evelyn ran quietly back upstairs. "Joshua." Evelyn stood in the bathroom, her face as red as her hair. Joshua peeked from behind the shower curtain. "Why are you dressed?" "I saw them." Evelyn practically walked in place in the bathroom. "Grace and Ethan."
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"Let me guess, kitchen table?" Joshua shook his head. "Thieving bastard." That made her giggle. "Hot water's gonna run out, last chance." Joshua wiggled his eyebrows suggestively. "You know it was easier in the hall. Now I'm kinda..." Evelyn looked at the floor. She was nervous. Two big feet stepped out in front of her as water pooled around them. As soon as she looked up, Joshua kissed her. He had forgotten all this was new to her. He should have waited for her. His soaking wet hands pulled her shirt over her head and tossed it on the sink. Evelyn almost protested, but he caught her neck in his mouth and flipped the bra strap loose with no effort. That must have hit the switch because her hands started roaming his soaking wet back. Damn he was good at popping that bra so easily. Evelyn couldn't take it anymore. She wanted to climb him like a tree and stay there forever. His fingers unfastened her jeans and pushed both the jeans and panties to the floor. He knelt before her as she lifted one foot and the other. The bathroom floor was soaked from the water rolling off of him. He tossed her clothes up to the sink. With him bent down before her it was difficult to stand. He could have stayed there on his knees and enjoyed himself, but this was about Evelyn and a new experience for her. So he stood. His sex pressed into her belly, and she moaned. Of course he had to growl at that. Lifting her off the floor, he stepped back into the shower then set her down.
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"What are we going to do in here?" Evelyn tipped her head as he gently pulled, wetting her hair. "Shower, what else?" Joshua teased and then really teased by rubbing soap over her taut nipples. "Joshua?" Her breath caught. Her hands were trembling in a mix of desire and uncertainty. She wasn't sure how good she was at this, but she knew he was amazing. "Relax, I'll lead." Joshua hugged her tightly then squeezed shampoo in his hands. He lathered her hair and massaged her scalp. "This time." The water fell between them and seemed hotter after it touched Evelyn. Joshua lathered the soap on a washcloth and stroked it gently over her collarbone. He circled her breasts, over her shoulders, down her arms, and pulled each finger one at a time between the cloth. He turned her around and treated her back to the same care, massaging the muscles in her neck and shoulders along the way. Evelyn placed her hands on the wall to keep from falling. She hung her head low as Joshua's capable hands rubbed all the stress and tension right out of her. It wasn't until he nipped her butt cheek with his teeth that she realized he was trying to get her to turn. She obeyed. He smiled up at her taking one leg at a time, propping it on his thigh and washing her. Each little toe got his full attention. She had no idea how sensitive her feet were until then. How good it felt to be cherished by a man. This wasn't the time to cry, but a tear escaped anyway. "You ready?" Joshua asked hugging her close again. "The water's getting cold."
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Evelyn nodded. She didn't want him to know she was crying, afraid he may stop, and she definitely didn't want him to stop. He turned off the shower and reached for a towel. He dried her off a little faster but with the same care. He patted himself dry with a much less tender approach, and Evelyn laughed. "What?" He looked at her with a smile as big as Texas. "You treat me so delicate and then you just pound on yourself." Evelyn took the towel from him and attempted to dry him delicately. "You're a woman." Joshua dropped the towel and more hungrily said, "I'm a man." "Yes, you are." Evelyn smiled and looked him over from head to toe and back again. "A fine specimen indeed." Joshua burned from the inside as her gaze carried the flame over him. He took her in his arms and carried her to the bedroom. Gently he lowered Evelyn on the clean bedding. He decided then he needed more sheets. Three sets wouldn't be enough, not anymore. "Where are you going?" Evelyn grabbed for him as he stood to the side of the bed. "Right here." He knelt down on both knees and pulled her to the edge of the bed. Her legs slid over both his shoulders, and she could feel his breath on her sex. She desperately wanted him to touch her, do what he had done twice the night before, and it didn't seem like he would disappoint when two rough fingers slid between her. "You're already wet, Evelyn."
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"We just got out of the shower." "But I dried you here, remember?" Joshua slid one finger in just a bit. "Ohhh." Evelyn moaned. "You forgot, baby?" He dipped it a little farther. "Mmmm." Evelyn moaned again and tried to wiggle down farther on him. "Stay there. You'll fall off the bed." Joshua pushed his index finger all the way in. "You'll catch me." Evelyn gasped and arched against him. He laughed a satisfied laugh then slid his thick tongue all over her. Licking teasing. Her hips lifted and pressed into him. Sliding a hand underneath her, he held her bottom steady, pushed two fingers inside, and suckled hard on her clit. Her tight little vagina closed down around him, and her hips bucked. But it was her muffled groans that made him smile. "You like that?" Joshua licked lazily milking the aftershocks. Her legs flinched each time he tickled her clit. "Joshua." Evelyn reached for him. He pulled his fingers out, so she could sit up. "Yes, baby?" He licked and sucked her left nipple and then her right. "I need you." She was breathless. "Tell me what you want." Joshua kissed her neck. "You, all of you, now." Evelyn lifted his face and kissed his lips. Her lips were shaking, and so were her fingers. "Please." "Did you get them?" Joshua sucked at her neck, not hard enough to mark her but enough she would feel it. "What?" Evelyn had forgotten about the condoms.
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"The bag, baby, the condoms." Joshua looked at her eye to eye. It only took a second to realize she had forgotten them. He growled a ferocious growl. "I'm sorry. They were naked. I just ran back upstairs." Evelyn felt horrible. This poor man had given her plenty of sexual pleasure, and she had left him out in the cold again. No, she resolved right then, she would handle this. She didn't need a condom to handle this. Joshua stood to his feet. He'd march downstairs buck naked if he had to. There was no way he could go to bed without touching Evelyn. Before he could protest, he felt her hands on him. He looked down and realized Evelyn had a look of interest on her moonlit face. For a woman who tied men up, she seemed awfully fascinated by his penis. "I can go get them." Joshua fought to keep his eyes open as she gently traced her fingers along his length. "No. You don't need one." Evelyn was really fascinated by the silky texture of it, yet underneath that smooth skin the muscles were rigid. It seemed to flex and move on its own. "You teasing me?" Joshua desperately wanted her to grip him. The light touches were maddening. "Nuh-uh." Evelyn shifted herself around a bit. Her hands were a little shaky. She wasn't about to tell him, but she had never done this before. "Feels like you're teasing me." Joshua decided to help her out. She may like to torture a man tied up, but his hands were free. Sliding his hand around hers, he gripped hard. Pulling her hand down and pushing it back up to the head, he groaned.
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"Oh." Evelyn always considered herself a fast learner. He treated her gently; she was a woman. He was a man, and he needed it a little rough. "What about here?" Her hand slid to cup his balls which were already growing tight. "Gentle there. Harder here." It seemed strange to give her directions, but maybe that's what she liked. Besides, he didn't mind talking, not to Evelyn. "Got it." Evelyn focused on stroking him and found herself getting closer and closer to him. Her lips touched the tip, and his cock jumped. She liked that reaction and kissed him. A salty drop escaped. Evelyn pushed her tongue on the smooth surface of the head and looked up. He was watching her. His black hair hung off his forehead, and his green eyes were so bright they almost glowed in the dark. "Open." Joshua realized he was going to have to direct this whole thing. It must have been torture to be tied up by her. Thank God he didn't tell her he considered it. Finally her lips parted, and he dipped in, growling deep. "That's it, baby. Let me in." Evelyn realized that all he wanted her to do was suck on him. Well hell, why didn't he say so? She knew how to do this, heard about it from friends. All she had to do was take him deep, or as much as she could, lick the head and hum. Joshua was overwhelmingly surprised when Evelyn switched gears and took over. Her hand held the grip he had shown her, and her mouth now sucked and licked and, uh-oh, hummed.
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"Evelyn, Evelyn, Evelyn." Joshua had to pull back hard to get out of her mouth. He leaned over breathless. "Woman, I'm about to come." "So then get back here." Evelyn reached for him, and he stepped back. Why did he do that? Wasn't he supposed to just ... 0f course; Joshua wouldn't take advantage of her, even for his own personal gratification. Yes, she loved this man. He really was an angel even in the most devilish situation. "You're sure about that?" Joshua almost lost it at the thought of getting to come in her mouth. He didn't want to disrespect her. If it was another woman and he was still in his twenties, he wouldn't have cared. But this was Evelyn, and he never wanted to take advantage of her. "Come here, Big Dog. I know what I'm doing." Evelyn knew what would happen. Hold your breath and swallow, that's what Megan had said. She remembered thinking that little wench was crazy for getting her face anywhere near one of these, but Joshua had tasted her. She wanted to taste him. Joshua hurried back a little too eagerly, and she laughed. Before he could get embarrassed by it, she had him weak in the knees again. It only took a few strokes to get him ready, and when she started humming, the vibration rocked his world. It was his turn to scream, but it was more like a loud guttural moan. He felt her swallowing, swallowing, and then she took a breath. Evelyn tried not to make a face, but regardless of how much she had mentally prepared, it was unexpected. The sheer force was amazing. Hearing him growl and feeling his
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release was intoxicating. She really could have dominated a man in the bedroom; it was easy. But more than that, it felt good. It felt great to make him feel good. She wanted to make him feel it again, like he had done for her. "Whoa, whoa, whoa. Evelyn." Joshua slid his hands to her face and pulled back. His hands were trembling, and his legs were weak. "Need a minute, sweetheart." "You didn't give me a minute." Evelyn slid back as he collapsed in the bed. "It's not the same." Joshua laughed. He knew exactly how to explain this to her in terms she would not only understand but also appreciate. "Women are stronger than men. You can orgasm over and over with just seconds to recover. Men need a minute, maybe ten." "That's a shame." Evelyn snuggled into his chest since his arms were urging her to do so. She twisted his damp chest hair and realized he was soaked. He was sweating all over, and all he had done was stand there. "Why's that?" Joshua smiled. God, she was amazing. That had to have been the most ground shaking release of his life. He was drenched from holding back; every muscle had tightened and didn't release until he did. "I was hoping to do it again, like you did." Evelyn let out a disappointed sigh. "Huh." Joshua realized in an instant, she could. Somehow he was ready. "That's what I thought." Evelyn slid her hand over him, and he flexed at her touch.
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"I have an idea." Joshua tilted her chin and took her lips. "We can both do this." **** It was two in the morning, and Joshua was exhausted. Evelyn had thoroughly worn him out. They hadn't had actual sex, but they had licked, kissed, sucked, and hummed themselves into a haze. Evelyn came at least three more times, and he found a second release. She was sleeping on her back, her body open and exhausted, her legs twitching involuntarily. Joshua was starving. He remembered the cake, pulled on boxers, and headed downstairs. Ethan sat at the table eating a slice of cake and drinking milk while Gray played with his toy cars, and watched a Bob the Builder CD. The kid had a schedule, and two a.m. playtime was a part of it. "Big Dog." Ethan looked up at Joshua. He looked sated. "Playtime?" Joshua washed his hands in the sink, took a glass down, poured some milk, and opened the cake tray. He thought about it and decided to just bring the whole thing over to the table. "Every morning, just like clockwork. You just run a marathon?" Ethan lifted a knowing brow. Joshua's hair was wet and his body flushed. He smelled like sex, but so did Ethan, so who was he to judge? "You clean this table off?" Joshua stood looking at his cousin. Ethan looked like he just ran a marathon himself. "Of course." Ethan then realized he knew. "Wait a sec..."
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"Evelyn came back for the box of condoms." Joshua sat down, satisfied Ethan was embarrassed. "She didn't." Ethan sighed and shook his head. "It wasn't my idea." "No, it was mine, but I don't want to talk about it. Where's Grace?" Joshua expected her to be up with the baby and would definitely retreat if she was on her way back to the kitchen. "Sleep." Ethan snorted. "It's so unfair. We do all the work. They get all the sleep." "We get all the cake." Joshua nodded. "That's right." Ethan dug into the tray. "You know, I think she's the one." "Grace, I'd hope so since you got her knocked up again." Joshua snorted. "No, ass wipe, Evelyn." Ethan really liked her. She was tough, and she had eyes only for Joshua. Unlike Candace, who had eyes for everyone except Joshua. "You want them both?" Joshua wasn't getting into this conversation, not now. He was way too happy. Way too content. He could deal with reality tomorrow. "You know what I mean." Ethan glanced at Gray and then back to Joshua. "She's rough, tough, and don't take shit off anyone. That would include your mother." "Not now, Ethan, I'm trying to bask in the glow here." Joshua drank half the milk in the glass before setting it down. "Joshua." A soft whisper floated in the kitchen. Evelyn peeked around the bottom of the stairs. She was sleepy, but once she turned to get in her nook, she realized he was gone.
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"It's okay, baby. Come on in here." Looking at her, she was sleepy, her eyes were heavy, hair was a mess, her lips swollen from his kisses. He wanted to get up, take her back to bed, and have her all over again. His T-shirt hung mid thigh, and she was in a pair of his boxers again. That's when he realized, he had exactly what Ethan had with Grace, passion. "Grab a fork," Ethan advised. Evelyn made a face and shook her head no. Joshua scooted the chair back and held an arm out. Evelyn started to walk past him, but he grabbed her and pulled her to his lap instead. "What's wrong?" Joshua asked and took another bite of cake. "I'm tired." Evelyn laid her head on his shoulder and closed her eyes. It was official, she couldn't sleep without him. How ridiculous, she thought. "You're tired? I have to go to work in a few hours." Joshua laughed. Ethan winced at the thought. "You're gonna be hurtin' for certain." "What about you? Grace said you get up with Gray every night," Evelyn asked sleepily as she nuzzled Joshua's shoulder. "I set my own hours, besides, you get used to sleep deprivation when they're infants and need to eat every five minutes. I couldn't do much till he got on the bottle, but I can now." Ethan pushed what was left of the cake to Joshua.
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"Besides, Grace keeps up with him all day. It's the least I can do." "She doesn't work?" Evelyn lifted her head and gave him a concerned look. "She writes and she takes care of Gray. He's a full-time job alone. Ask Megan, kids change you. Make you better." Ethan stood and walked to the living room to play with his son. "I know he's made me a better man." "Come on, let's get some sleep." Joshua situated Evelyn in his arms and carried her through the kitchen. "Come back in an hour, Big Dog. You can carry me upstairs, too," Ethan called. Evelyn flipped Ethan off behind Joshua's back. He laughed hard. He really liked her. She was tough, except when it came to Joshua, and even as he carried her like a princess, she kept her edge and flipped him the bird. He hoped that the meeting he set up would help get her out of trouble and quick. His cousin needed a good woman in his life. **** The alarm clock went off, and Joshua didn't want to get up. Evelyn was on his back snoring hard. He thought about what Ethan said. Sleep deprivation. Surely Evelyn had experienced it in the military and in her job. He knew he sure had as a cop. Yet somehow it took all his might to get out of that bed. "It's too early." Evelyn groaned. "Have to work." Joshua smiled and lifted a little more. "I hate work." Evelyn climbed more onto his back.
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"I love my work. Not as much as I like being in this bed with you, but I have to go to school. You can sleep in." Joshua pushed harder and turned anticipating her grabbing him. "Oh all right." Evelyn was cranky, really cranky. She wanted to sleep longer, maybe forever, just lay in bed with him and shut out the world. Forget her problems, forget her past, and forget about the future. She wanted to live in the moment, as long as it included Joshua. "Whoa, Miss Cranky Pants. You can still sleep in. I have to go face twenty-five seven-year-olds. They'll wear me out today." Joshua kissed her on her wrinkled brow and it softened. She was tired, so was he. But he had to go to work. "I'm not cranky. I'm just." Evelyn pouted. Full lip puckered, arms crossed pouted. "You're so cute when you're angry." Joshua smiled and kissed her pouting lip. Evelyn had to smile. She wasn't angry, and when she was, cute would not be a term to describe it. She was frustrated and confused. She had to check her voicemail, see what was going on. See what she could do to get this mess over with. Figure out what she would do if Noel wasn't found. Would she search forever? Give up her chance to be with someone she loved? It was going to be a long day. At least she had company. **** Joshua was all business in the shower erasing last night quickly from his body. He even shaved in there this morning.
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He didn't want to be late for school. It was tough having to leave Evelyn, even for a workday. He hadn't laid out his clothes because of the delightful distraction and had to ignore the fact he wanted her again this morning. Pouting. No one would believe she pouted, even if he took a picture, and that reminded him of the postcards. He had them in his desk at school, built lessons around them. It was cool to the kids to see different states and landmarks. He could sort them on lunch. When he turned off the water, Evelyn opened the door. She walked in with a pair of black slacks and a yellow button down shirt. Two ties hung on the neck already tied, just needed to be slipped on. His heart swelled. "You don't like it?" Evelyn lowered the outfit. "Yes, I do. I just ... wasn't expecting it." Joshua grabbed the towel and dried off. "Oh, well, I just thought..." Evelyn looked at his feet. They were big compared to hers. Everything on the man was long and thick, even his toes. She smiled, thinking she should treat him to the same type of shower he had given her or maybe a bath. She enjoyed a hot bath. His feet got closer now. "Thank you." Joshua lifted her chin, planted a soft kiss on her lips, and took the outfit out of her hand. Evelyn blushed. Such a girl, she thought. But she felt like a girl. No, she felt like a woman. Soft and gentle, the same way he treated her. God, it felt good. The residual crankiness melted away.
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She took her clothes off and hopped in the shower. If she moved quickly, she could be done by the time he was ready to leave. Once she was showered and dressed, she headed downstairs and was just in time to see him off. On the front porch she straightened his tie and kissed him, waved to the neighbors who were out at this time every other day for their walk, and went back inside. Everyone else was still sleeping, so Evelyn decided to get some work done in the meantime. The voicemail was full. People from all over were calling her trying to figure out what the hell was going on. Then she heard her. The woman. She said that the rain had caused her car to get stuck, and by the time she got to the bar, Evelyn was gone. "Blade, I can meet you again, two weeks from today, same place, at ten p.m. If I miss you this time, I'm out. Word's out about you. I'm scared. I won't risk Noel." The woman's voice was direct and to the point. It was weird how she knew about the bounty. It gave Evelyn a dark feeling. It may be a trap, may have been all along. She would be there all right. She had no choice. It was the link to Noel, the only one she had. The next message she found even more suspicious. It was Stones' wife, wondering if she had seen him. Yeah, she thought, last Thursday when they fought. He wasn't a bright man, and to use his wife to bait her was proof of that. Gray started crying when she hung up the phone. She remembered Ethan up all night and poor Grace pregnant again. She knocked on the bedroom door then opened it. They were sleeping snuggled together on top of the blankets. Ethan was behind Grace. Grace had some type of pillow
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between her legs, probably to take the pressure off her belly and she was waking up. "Gracie," Evelyn whispered. Grace opened her eyes and looked up to see Evelyn's head just inside the door. "I can get him. I'm up." Evelyn smiled. "Oh, E, you don't have to do that." Grace started to move, and Ethan held her firmly. "Are you crazy? Let her take him. We haven't slept in for over a year now." Ethan pushed his face closer to the back of Grace's head. "Okay, if you want. Diaper bags next to the playpen; he likes Cheerios. Wake me if you need me, E. I'm serious." Grace laid her head back down. Evelyn opened the door and watched as Ethan spread his large hand over Grace's belly. The pangs hit her inside again. Ethan really was a good man, but she enjoyed taking him down a couple pegs. It was fun. It meant a lot that he trusted her with Gray. It meant a whole lot. Downstairs, Gray got a new pull-up and a change of clothes. He wanted his cereal and juice. He was calling her E in no time. He had a lot of energy to burn, so Evelyn took him out back. She did her morning yoga then practiced some real moves. Gray tried to copy her every move. It was cute. He was cute. He learned fast, too. **** "You teaching him how to kick my ass, Evelyn?" Ethan stepped outside and into the yard.
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"E, daddy watch. E, do it." The little man pointed at her. "Well, come on, E, do it." Ethan followed Gray back to Evelyn. "All right, go to the step, take your daddy. Remember to stay there." Evelyn loosened her shoulders. She had already scanned the yard, knew where everything was. She took a cleansing breath and jumped. Three back-flips later she landed, did a forward roll, stood, did another handspring forward, and then a full forward flip landing on her feet in a fighting stance. Ethan sat in silence, his mouth agape. Grace put a hand on his shoulder, patted it. Gray ran to the yard and hugged her. Then he did his own cautious forward roll that got rave reviews from his new heroine. "I told you. You should see her actually use weapons. It's like one of those martial arts movies. This was more like a gymnastics routine." Grace pinched her stunned husband. "Help me sit before I get jealous." "Of what? She just scared the shit out of me." Ethan helped Grace sit on the step next to him. "Look at that kid. He thinks he's a ninja now." "Good, maybe she'll wear his little ninja ass out." Grace laughed. "Evelyn, you should start a business, teaching kids yoga and gymnastics and stuff. Wear them out." "You mean scare their parents? I didn't teach him anything lethal, Ethan, don't worry." Evelyn helped Gray do a handstand. He was an energetic child. That was for sure.
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"No, I was kidding. But seriously, where did you learn all that? Does Joshua know you ... do all that?" Ethan tried not to sound too impressed, but he was. In New York he had joked with Chase, thought she was a joke. But then seeing her with Joshua, he felt like she was a nice woman, good for Joshua. Now, he realized she was everything Grace and Megan said she was, amazing. She could kick a man's ass all right. She was too fast. And weapons, he didn't want to think about the weapons. "Of course he knows. I learned most of it in Okinawa, the martial arts part. Karate, Kung Fu, Jujitsu, Aikido, Sho-DaKan, you know, stuff. Then the Marine Corps taught me about law enforcement maneuvers, weapons in that field. I worked with special teams in Okinawa, not a lot of women get to do that. I got trained with the crossbow and some sniper rifles. You know, stuff." Evelyn shrugged as Gray was eager for his next flip. She pulled his legs up again and helped him roll. "Well, I'm sorry I asked." Ethan shook his head in disbelief, but he had to let her know he was okay with it. She would face enough trials from Amelia Young. Joshua loved the woman, and from what he saw last night, Evelyn loved Joshua, too. That's all he needed to know. "I won't be able to sleep tonight." Evelyn laughed. "I could always knock you out, you know?" "I got my eye on you, Evelyn. You're suspect." Ethan pointed at her with his face drawn into a mean expression. As mean as he could fake it anyways.
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"You make that face you may get the best of me. I'm no good when I laugh." Evelyn shook her head. Ethan realized Gray couldn't see it, so he flipped her the bird as he walked inside. Yep, he liked her. He would call Chase and get everyone ready to welcome her with open arms. "E, E, E." Gray demanded her attention. Looking down he was indeed ready to stand on his hands again. "Gray, leave Aunt Evelyn alone, show Mamma your moves." Grace always had faith in Evelyn. And since the noise creeping out of Joshua's bedroom last night was the sound of passion, she knew she was here to stay. Whether or not Evelyn knew it was still to be seen. Evelyn couldn't help but tear up. Grace referred to her as the child's aunt, and they were of no relation. She tried to hide it as she sat on the step next to her, but Grace noticed. "Don't get all girly on me now." Grace rocked into Evelyn's shoulder. "You might as well by my sister. Megan's my cousin and I refer to her as my sister. You know what; we could say you are my sister. We're both redheads, about the same height, yeah. You could be my long lost sister." "Thanks, Gracie. I see why you like him. He has a sense of humor." Evelyn brushed the tears away and took a deep breath. She wanted to tell her about the calls, but she couldn't. She wasn't sure if she was going to tell Joshua. He would want to be there, and that wouldn't be safe. She wouldn't risk him. "Yeah, but I love him because he sets my world on fire, E. I was dead. You know that. When my mother died, I died, too. You were there. I didn't cry, for years. Then Ethan came
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along. He saved me, E. Saved my life." Grace took Evelyn by the hand. "He didn't fight any bad guys or pull me out of a burning building. He forced me to face myself and realize that I had to move on. Truth is a hell of a thing to face when you don't want to hear it." "So what's my truth, Gracie?" Evelyn searched her hazel eyes. "You tell me. Or at least tell Joshua." Grace let go of her hand. "Now help me up." **** At Beaufort Elementary School... Joshua sat at his desk during lunch instead of eating with the kids, or in the teacher's lounge. He arranged the postcards by dates. Kentucky, Ohio, Tennessee, Kentucky, West Virginia, Missouri, Kentucky, Tennessee, Illinois, Kentucky. She lives in Kentucky. He pulled the Kentucky cards separate and looked to see where they were mailed from. All of them came from LaGrange, Kentucky. He pulled out his cell phone and placed a call with one question on his mind. What's in LaGrange, Kentucky? [Back to Table of Contents]
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Chapter 10 In West Virginia... "You get on the phone and find out who said she was headed to West Virginia." Blade smacked the woman across the face. "Don't make me kill you." "You're going to anyways, aren't you?" the woman yelled. Tears streaked her dirty face. "No, of course not. I'm going to kill Evelyn, not you. Not unless you don't cooperate. Then I might kill one of your kids or that husband of yours." Blade blew cigarette smoke in her face. "But before I kill 'em I'll be sure and let 'em know that their mamma had a chance to save their lives but wouldn't make a phone call to do it." "You Bastard!" The woman's yell was faint, her sobs low and sorrowful. "I hate you." "Make the call." Blade threw the cell phone in her lap. The pink business suit was all but black now. She had been in this basement for over a week. He gave her enough food and water to keep her alive. He kept her locked in the closet the rest of the time. Noel would be here soon. She knew that. He found her. Evelyn would follow. It was just a matter of time. "Yes, this is Agent McKinna." The woman spoke professionally into the phone. He hovered over her. If she made one false move, he would kill her. She knew that. "I'm still on the Blade file. Yes. Where did you get that information?"
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She disconnected the call. Another cell phone, he used a different phone each time to keep the trace nearly impossible to locate. They would track the number to the owner, question them, rule them out, and then try to pinpoint the call's location. It would be too late. They wouldn't be there; instead they would be back at the house. She would be back in the closet. She hoped Evelyn did come now and hoped she killed him. "Ayden Wolf." The woman dropped her head. If she could have thought of a lie, she would have, but the Wolf was on the case now. He could save Evelyn or the mention of his name might just get them all killed. Wolf had been watching Evelyn's back most of his career. "And Noel?" "You get a closet buddy tomorrow." Blade flicked the cigarette at her and motioned for Stix and Stones to get her. "Wolf, huh? Big ole family reunion I'm planning here." The bounty hunters were just as much prisoner as she was, but he thought otherwise. They were all cops together, and he thought of them as loyal to him. They were at one point when he was on the right side of the law, but then he became deranged and twisted. Blade thought he was the law. He laid low for years, and then by chance in a run down bar, he ran into a lowlife that said he was on the run from Blade. When he told him he was running from Blade, Martin Blade flipped out. He was the law, not Evelyn. She was using his name. He knew where she was. She followed in her father's footsteps, went in the Marine Corps instead of the Navy. She learned all the arts. Blade beat him almost to death and pinned it on another guy. That was all he needed,
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an excuse to find them, to finish what he started, to kill those ugly brats. **** Evelyn waited in the rocking chair on the front porch. When she saw Joshua pull up, she stood with a huge smile. Only problem was, he wasn't smiling. He headed up the stairs and looked down at her. His face flat, unreadable. Something was definitely wrong. "What? Are you okay? What happened?" Evelyn looked him over. He looked fine. "LaGrange, Kentucky. Do you live there or just frequent the prison a lot?" Joshua wasn't mad. He just wanted to know. The conversation with Stevens reminded him that she was in trouble, and he still didn't know enough to fix it. "Prison. I have a contact there. I busted him; he reformed, became a born again Christian. He contacted his old parole officer and said he wanted to help me since I was the one to set him on the straight and narrow." Evelyn flipped her hand in the air as she said it. "Whatever, but he does give good information. And if he thinks that will help him into heaven and it's bringing more criminals off the street, well, who am I to judge?' "So you don't live in Kentucky?" Joshua wanted to rip the postcards in half. "I don't live in LaGrange." Evelyn smiled. Joshua was smarter than the average bear to track her like that. Of course she thought she was sending the cards to Grace but still. He was doing good detective work.
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"Fuck it. I can't deal with this right now." Joshua walked past her and into the house. Evelyn got her bearings for a moment and then marched in behind him. Ethan and Grace were in the backyard with Gray. Dinner was almost done, and here she was, waiting for him. And when he got home, he was pissed. "Joshua!" Evelyn shouted. "Don't you walk away from me. You're pissed. You say it. You want to know something, ask!" "Where do you live, Evelyn?" Joshua shouted it. "Kentucky," she answered "Where in Kentucky?" He crumbled the cards as he tightened his fists. The woman was making everything harder than it had to be. "Nowhere, everywhere. I don't have a place of residence. I have a self-storage I rent for eighty bucks a month. I sleep in my car or in hotels. Why would I pay rent and give up my location? Or better yet pay for a place I'd hardly ever see." Evelyn's brows were drawn tightly, and she was getting madder by the second. She didn't have to tell him anything. "Christ, woman." Joshua was shaking his head in disbelief. She was raw. His sweet little Evelyn, living out of a storage shed? It made him ache. "Do you know what's going on now? Have you called your answering service?" "This morning, yes." Evelyn stepped closer. "What?" "The bounty is a million dollars. Stevens said the Wolf is asking for you. Do you have any idea who that is?" Joshua wanted to tear something up. She seemed so unfazed by it all.
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"Ayden? That's ridiculous." Evelyn laughed a nervous laugh. Ayden Wolf claimed to be just another bounty hunter, but Evelyn didn't buy it. Something about him was just unsettling. He was too familiar with her, like he knew her in another life or something. He gave her the creeps, and the one time she was in a real mess, it was the Wolf who helped her out. "You're serious?" "You know him?" Joshua felt a pang of jealousy. He really wanted to rip the counter off now. Ayden Wolf, yeah, she probably tied his ass up. Joshua knew Ayden. He had helped him get the information on Ethan's stalker. He was the best. His exact job, he wasn't sure, but he had a badge. "Yes. He was a Navy Seal, says he's a bounty hunter, but I suspect he works for some government agency. He's too efficient. Knows too much, has access only top people have." Evelyn shrugged. She didn't want to sound fearful, but if Ayden was after her, he would find her. "He'll find me, or I'll find him first. If he's looking for me, then I have to leave. You're in danger, and I won't have it." "I'm in danger? I'm in danger?" No matter how many times he said it, she didn't flinch. She was stone cold, all business. He moved toward her, looked down at her with his flushed angry face and clenched fists. A finger lifted to point at her. "You-are-not-going-anywhere. You're the one in danger, Evelyn. The Wolf may find you, but you won't be alone!" Evelyn looked up at him, felt the heat from his body belting her in waves. That big finger was pointing in her face. He labored to bark each word at her in turn. His face was
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flushed, like it was last night, but for a different reason now. No man in his right mind would dare come this close to her angry, but he wasn't going to hurt her. No, he wanted to protect her, but she had to protect him. "You-are-not-my-boss." Evelyn pointed her finger at him now. She poked him in the chest with each word. He stepped back with each poke. "Do you understand me? I won't let you risk yourself for me. I'm not worth it." Joshua stopped stepping back. She wasn't going to bully him into letting her go. He wasn't her boss, but she wasn't his boss either. Her last attempt to poke him he pulled her finger in the uncomfortable thumb lock she so generously taught him. How could she possibly think she wasn't worth it? She meant everything to him. "Do not poke me again." He released her, and her big doe eyes blinked up at him. He felt like an ass, that easy. "Shit!" he barked. "Did that hurt? I didn't mean to hurt you. I just wanted you to stop poking me." He didn't hurt her. It just caught her off guard that he was fast enough to catch her finger. His eyes softened going from anger to concern. He wouldn't let her go. He would probably follow her if she left, putting his job and life at risk. She'd have to let him think he was helping her. Maybe he could a little bit. He seemed to get information a lot faster than she did. "Dinner's ready," Evelyn said as the timer on the stove went off. "Evelyn." He reached for her, pulled her hand to his lips, and kissed the assaulted finger. He felt desperate. That kind
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of money could dredge up the worst kind of people. Who wanted her that badly besides him? "Please don't shut me out." "Couldn't if I wanted to." Evelyn tiptoed up to kiss him lightly on the lips. "Let me get that roast out before it burns. Go change clothes. Let Ethan and Grace know dinner's ready." She winked. Joshua wanted to burst. Evelyn kept him scattered to the four winds. One minute he's angry, the next he's happy. One minute she's leaving, the next she's getting dinner set up. He felt torn, shredded. He had to get all this mess straightened out and tell her how he felt. He had to figure out how he felt. Maybe he was in over his head. Evelyn had become a Siren, luring him out to sea. He'd follow her and pray he didn't drown. **** "We're heading back tomorrow morning. Have to get things ready for the birthday bash." Grace pointed at Gray. "He's not two for months, but there are six birthday babies, and since they are all three and under, we make it easy on all of us and do it once." "Six?" Joshua knew about Chase and Gray but six babies? "Yeah, all of Ethan and Chase's cousins have babies, too, on his mother's side anyway. Evelyn, did you know that Ethan and Chase have fourteen female cousins? We named Gray after Ethan's grandfather. Gray Alexander Young. Hopefully he will pass the Alexander part on to his own kids. There are no Alexander men left, and all the women have married and
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keep having more girls." Grace waved her fork as she talked. Her curls bounced and her eyes sparkled. She was glowing, that glow pregnant women have. It makes them more beautiful. "Ethan, Chase, and Joshua are the only Young men left to carry it on, well now Gray and Chase Jr." "Do you want another boy to carry on the name?" Evelyn asked. "I'll have to have more boys unless Joshua makes a contribution. Megan said she is d-o-n-e. Chase is hyper; his son is a hellion." Grace smiled. "She's different now, can't wait to see you again." The women were dominating the conversation with baby talk. Grace laid out all the details about the birthday party, and Evelyn listened with interest. Joshua was skeptical if she was actually going to be there for the party though she had confirmed to Grace she would. When Ethan and Grace showed up, he wanted them to leave, so he could have Evelyn to himself. Now they were leaving he wanted them to stay. She could easily leave when he went to work tomorrow. After her comments today, he thought she just might. The phone rang. "Young here," Joshua answered. "Big Dog, the Wolf wants to know where I got my information from, why I was looking her up to begin with. What do you want me to say?" Stevens was nervous. "Hand him the phone." Joshua could tell the Wolf was there. Stevens wouldn't have called otherwise. Hopefully he hadn't hurt the man.
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"Little pig, little pig, let me come in," the Wolf answered. "Not by the hair on my chinny, chin, chin." Joshua's words dripped with menace. "Joshua?" Evelyn called. He raised a finger and headed upstairs. "Big Dog, how did you get acquainted with the likes of Evelyn Blade?" the Wolf asked directly. In Stevens' living room he made himself at home, taking a seat on the arm of the couch. Stevens sat in the chair in front of him. He hadn't hurt the man, but he did scare him quite a bit. He had to; lives depended on him now, and not just Evelyn's. "She did a job here, ran into her at a bar," Joshua lied. He wasn't about to give her up, especially not to the Wolf. "I have to tell you, Big Dog. I think you're lying to me, but I know you. So I'll take your word for now. She's in danger, so is a friend of mine. I've been after her pops for over ten years now. That little girl is the key to my retirement." The Wolf lit a cigarette, blew the smoke in the air. Stevens coughed. "The million dollars?" Joshua couldn't believe how money could twist a man so easily. "No. That's her money. Her father's money, her real dad anyways." The Wolf blew the next puff off to the side. Stevens still coughed and fanned the air. Joshua growled. An audible growl. This was going to be harder than he thought. And since he half thought he may not live to see the end of it, this just turned into a life defining moment.
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"Ayden, I'll be in New York this weekend, meet with me then." Joshua's tone was flat, business. "Starbucks, you know which one, actually no ... You're good, Young, but I'm better. I'll catch up with you." The Wolf hung up the phone. Joshua clenched his teeth together so tightly he thought his jaw might break. What did that mean? He thought about all possible scenarios. Maybe he would come to North Carolina. Maybe he would watch for them in New York. Saturday morning he ... He had an appointment. Well, Ethan had an appointment with the FBI director. "You're going to meet with him?" Evelyn stood in the doorway. She had been there most of the conversation, but Joshua was so tense and drawn by the conversation he didn't hear her. Plus, she was barefoot. It was easier to sneak around on a hardwood floor with no shoes on. Joshua rarely wore shoes in the house. She learned his tricks fast. "I have to." Joshua heaved a long hard breath. "We have to make plans, Evelyn, real plans, not social ones." "They leave tomorrow. We'll sort it out tomorrow night." Evelyn's tone was soft, sincere. "No need to get Grace and Ethan upset. You know she doesn't need stress right now." Joshua nodded. He didn't turn around to look at her. Her mouth went flat, and her brows drew together. "Joshua?" "Hmm?" He growled as another heaving breath left him. Steam almost poured off him. He didn't like waiting another minute. He was mad at Stevens for giving him up. Why would he do that? He was mad at Ayden for giving in to the money, and he wondered if Evelyn knew Blade wasn't her real father.
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He took another breath, felt her hand on his back, and let it out slowly. All the anger flowed from him out into the air. He did love when she touched him. "Don't shut me out." Evelyn used his own tactic against him. "Couldn't if I wanted to. But I don't want to." Joshua turned toward her as she hugged him tightly. "Will you stay here, let me help you? Make plans with me? I have to trust that you will be here when I get home." "I'm not going anywhere." Evelyn realized that all of his stress and anger were in defense of her. Whatever the Wolf was up to, Joshua was going to be there and so was she. "Grace baked an apple pie. I can't resist a homemade apple pie." He smiled. Evelyn was resilient. No matter what happened to her she would land on her feet. It was who she was, how she lived. He hated that she had to be her own savior so often. No one should have to go through life alone, but it made her who she was, and he admired her for it. **** "Evelyn, I ... I admire you, your courage, and your strength. You're an amazing woman, beautiful and deadly. I know that you don't need me to rescue you, but I'm a grown man. I don't need you to rescue me either." Joshua decided she needed to know he thought she was capable of taking care of herself though deep down he really wanted to rescue her. He believed that she needed him. He could feel it.
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Evelyn's eyes filled with tears. He had just told her all sorts of wonderful things that overflowed her heart and filled her head. He believed in her. That meant a lot, but deep down she knew she was going to have to rescue him. He needed her; she just knew it. Joshua kissed her tears away. "Why are you crying, baby?" That caused her to breakdown more. "You're just ... I just..." Evelyn sniffed, took a breath, and collected her senses. No, she wouldn't tell him she loved him. He would just want to protect her more. "I believe in you, too." "Well, before you know it, you might not hate me at all anymore, on principal alone that is." He smiled and kissed her nose then circled it with his own. She let out a laugh. He patted her gently on her butt. "Let's go. Grace will eat the whole pie. I've seen her do it before." "Joshua?" Evelyn straightened herself out, pushed her hair back, and then pointed to the nightstand. "Look in the drawer." Joshua went to the drawer and pulled it open. The box was there, open and ready for use. He turned to say something, but she was gone. Now that her ankle was healed she really was stealthy. Now that the condoms were in the bedroom, he really wished Evelyn was too. **** Downstairs Joshua set the phone back on the wall and instead of taking his own seat he sat on Evelyn. She could barely see around him, and he weighed a ton. Gray went on full alert.
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"NO, Josh. My E!" The little man came to defend his woman. "My E." Joshua put his hands on his hips and leaned closer to the little rascal. "No, my E!" Gray put his hands on his hips, spread his feet apart, and pointed his left finger at Joshua's nose. "You wanna fight for her?" Joshua smiled, but the toddler took a solid punch. "Gray!" Ethan stepped behind the little slugger. "Don't hit." Evelyn swatted Joshua on the thigh. "You got him in trouble." "I asked for it, Ethan. I wasn't prepared for him to punch me in the lip though." Joshua laughed then fell off Evelyn's lap to the floor. "Oh, you got me, oh, no." "My E!" Gray ran to Evelyn and crawled in her lap. "No sit my E." "Gray, you're going to leave your Uncle Joshua here in the floor?" Joshua feigned offense. "Yes, my E." He pointed his finger at Joshua again. Evelyn laughed and kissed the little devil on the cheek. He was indeed fighting for her. Ethan threw up his hands and headed out to the backyard where Grace was. "My E." Joshua knelt before them. "No, mine." Gray drew his brow together. "Fine. You take E. I'll go get mommy." Joshua started to stand, and Gray scurried out of her lap and headed for the back door. "That was dirty, Joshua." Evelyn shook her head.
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"All's fair in love and war, babe." Joshua looked up at her. There he was on his knees. If it were any other moment, he could easily propose to her. But it wasn't the right time. Too much still hung in the balance. He stood and pulled her up. "Now, let's go boot them out of my hammock." "You're such a tyrant." Evelyn surprised him by jumping on his back. He started for the backdoor, but he took a detour up the stairs instead. "Uh, where are you going?" "It's almost eight. If we don't get to work, I won't get to sleep again." Joshua took the stairs two at a time. "Joshua!" Evelyn started to feel nervous. They were going to do all of it this time. After last night she had a real appreciation for his size now. Women had definitely said it could hurt sometimes. She waved it off. She had dealt with more pain as a child than most women would ever see in their life. A little perspective was all she needed. This would be fine. Joshua shut the door behind them, pressed Evelyn into it, and told her to hold on. He shifted around to face her. She still had her legs wrapped around him. He settled his hands on both her butt cheeks, held her against the door, and stared at her for a long time. "What?" Evelyn was waiting for him to kiss her. "I was waiting for you to kiss me." He licked his lips. "Oh." Evelyn smiled. "I was waiting for you." Joshua smiled and closed the distance between them. His lips kissed hers gently, licking, teasing, then more hungrily as she pulled him in.
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Taking his tongue and giving him hers, Evelyn felt him between her thighs. His sex pressed to hers. Separated by too many clothes, she thought. She loved the smooth texture of him. She wanted to explore his body slowly, but she always lost control and dove right in for the pleasure points. Joshua had more discipline. She would have to work on it. "Joshua," Evelyn rasped. "Get these clothes off." The Big Dog growled and pulled her from the door and carried her to the bed. He sat with her on his lap, facing him. He hooked her T-shirt and pulled it over her head, flipped the bra strap open and slid it off. Evelyn was still pulling at his Tshirt. He reached back and pulled his own shirt off. Her hands searched him, sliding through the silky black hair that peppered his chest. It wasn't thick, but it wasn't thin. It was perfect. Just like Joshua. Her fingers slid over his nipples, and she wondered if he would enjoy her mouth there as much as she enjoyed his. Evelyn was feeling very frisky this evening, he decided. Her lips had clamped down on his nipple, and her other hand thumbed its mate. She repeated everything he did to her, on him. That made him smile as his fingers pulled the button on her jeans free and pushed down the zipper. "Stand up, baby." Joshua patted her behind. "Gotta get these off." Evelyn stood and pulled both her panties and jeans off at the same time. Joshua quickly unfastened his shorts and pulled his boxers off with them. Evelyn stared at him, looked him over from head to toe. Joshua watched her visually
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explore him, with a wide eyed curiosity like she hadn't seen him naked several times already. "Now what?" Evelyn asked and licked her lips. "Well, now we have to get you ready." Joshua pushed back on the bed and motioned for her to get in with him. "I'm ready." Evelyn nodded as she got into the bed. Joshua slid a finger along her side slowly, crossed her apex, and slid between the lips of her vagina. She was right; she was wet. She was ready, but he wasn't sure how long he could last on this first run. He had been shut down twice, and he ached to be inside her. So of course, he had to make sure she was satisfied first. "Almost." Joshua pulled his finger back and then covered her with himself completely. He started by kissing her deeply then moved down across her throat, took time to suckle each breast, and as she lifted into him, he knew she was aching for more. She began urging him downward with her hands. "And to think I had to talk you into this before." "You don't have to talk me into it now." Evelyn slid a hand through his hair and rubbed the softness with her thumb and index finger while at the same time pushing him down between her legs. She knew when he got there she would come. And after that, he would take her, and that she couldn't wait another day for. Hell, she may not have another day. "I love the way you taste." Joshua peered up at her as he licked and kissed her sex. She pulled her bottom lip in and closed her left eye. She was trying hard to watch him, but the pressure was building inside. He could feel it. He pushed two
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fingers in deep, watched her head fall back, and heard her low moans. Her sweet smell filled his senses. Her taste filled his lips. He pushed his tongue in circles around her clit. Her breaths became more rapid. Her thighs gripped at his shoulders. His name escaped her lips. A low moan rolled on the air as she climaxed. She held his face firmly against her. Joshua pulled his slick fingers out and teased another lick before kissing his way to her lips. She was already wiggling against him, tempting him to forget his manners and slide right in. But he knew better, and he didn't wait three days for a box of condoms to make them null and void now. "Hang on. Let me get a condom." Joshua loved her urgency. He felt it, too. He grabbed a pack and sat up between her legs to put it on. Evelyn's eyes were wide in amazement as he slid the rubber down the length of him. He took her lips again. Her lean legs wrapped around him pulling him down to her. Evelyn knew one thing for sure right now. She loved Joshua, and there was no turning back. "Easy, baby," he whispered. "Let me get situated. You're tight, Evelyn. I don't want to hurt you." "You will anyways," Evelyn whispered. "What?" That could stop a man right in his tracks, and it did. What did she mean? Sexually, emotionally? "I lied to you." Evelyn felt the tears coming. "About what, Evelyn? Are you okay?" Joshua brushed her hair away and wiped at her tears. Maybe he would indeed be
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waiting a while longer. Maybe she wasn't ready, or maybe she didn't want him. "Tell me." "I've never done this before." Evelyn sobbed quietly. She hated that she was sobbing, but it was true. She had tied men up before and played with them safely. She watched them have a release then let them go. It was weird; she knew it, but her therapist was right. She would have to face this someday. Today was that day. "I thought you said." Joshua relaxed. It wasn't what he was expecting, but a lie he could deal with. She probably had to, another defense. "I didn't want people to think I was weird, inexperienced. I'm thirty for crying out loud." Evelyn was disgusted with herself. She could have told him. She should have told him, but she was afraid he'd say no. "You don't want me now, do you?" "Evelyn, of course I do." Joshua kissed her tears and rubbed his nose against hers. "But only if you want me to." "I do." She kissed his lips. Surrendering herself to him seemed like the easiest thing in the world to do. "Relax, baby, I'll go slow." Joshua kissed her lips with great care. Her legs relaxed around him. He didn't want to hurt her, hoped that after the initial entry she would enjoy it. He had to make sure she enjoyed it. Giving him her virginity said a hell of a lot about how much she trusted him. It also explained how a woman who tied men up seemed so timid and awestruck in the bedroom. Slowly he worked his hand between them, opened her tender flesh, and stroked her clit. She started moaning and wiggling
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against him again. He slid himself up and down between her. He let out his own moaning growl. She liked it. He could tell because a surge of wetness spread over his fingers. "You like when I growl?" Joshua was all but shaking with desire, but he had to go slow. "Yes." Evelyn bit her lower lip and pressed into his hand. "I love it when you growl." Joshua felt his knees getting weak under that statement. He settled the tip at her opening. She circled him on her own. He decided to let her do it. Let her push him in. She lifted, pressed the tip in with a gasp. "It's okay. You're in control, Evelyn. Take it as you please." Joshua just hoped he could hold out under the pressure. She felt tight, hot, and too wet to last long. Evelyn lifted her hips hard against him driving him in. She thought about when she pulled off a band-aid, only hurt for a moment and if you pull it slow, it hurts a lot more. Joshua gave her control. He would never intentionally hurt her, not even now. Her guardian angel, the man she loved. It hurt, but just a moment; then she realized, he wasn't all the way in. Determined she dug her nails in his back as she held on and lifted hard against him. He growled a low primal growl that vibrated the room. "You okay, baby?" his voice was low; his breath was fast. Evelyn nodded. Compared to the beating she had taken in her life, that didn't hurt much at all. But she loved that he was afraid for her, concerned that he would ever cause her pain. He considered her a delicate woman. After a moment she realized he was waiting again. He wouldn't move until she
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moved. This whole thing probably hurt him more than it hurt her. He was a big man squeezing into a tight spot. "You okay?" she whispered catching her breath. He growled a response in her ear. The feel of her hips moving against him and the feel of her lips on his neck let Joshua know she was okay, and he could move. Though he wasn't sure what good he would be to her now, he was almost ready to bust. With a deep breath and a lot of concentration, he began to pull back and push in. When she moaned a low sensual moan, he realized she was more than okay. She liked it. Slowly and with great care he began taking her over. It was amazing how good it felt once he started moving. The room smelled like them, a combination of them both. Her senses were overwhelmed. He filled her up and hit something deep within that drove her over the edge with ease. "Joshua, Joshua, Joshua," she called as her nails bit into his skin. "God, you feel good." He groaned into her neck. He knew when she started calling his name she was getting close, but as that heat pressed tighter around him, he thought he would die. She yelled his name so loud it rang in his ears. Her body convulsed around him and milked his own release. It was no surprise when Ethan slammed the door open ready to attack. That howl probably had neighbors calling the police right now. "Ethan, shut my door." Joshua still covered her with his body, and Ethan had seen his ass before, so he wasn't embarrassed.
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"I thought." Ethan shook his head and turned away. He closed the door and headed back down the hall. **** Evelyn screamed so loud Grace insisted he find out what happened. It sounded like she just saw a dead body. He couldn't help smile. It wasn't an "a" as in aaaaaaaaaa; no, it was the last letter in the name Joshua. Now he was catching other people. Great. Maybe the curse had been passed to Joshua, and he and Grace could finally explore in peace. **** Evelyn started to giggle. He wasn't sure what she was going to do. If she would be mad that Ethan busted in, but she hit that a sound so hard it was like a howl from a scary movie rather than a session of sex. "What's so funny, you?" Joshua returned his attention to the woman beneath him. He pulled the hair from her face and kissed her full lips. She had cried, she had screamed, and now she laughed. "I didn't mean to scream like that." Evelyn giggled again. "I can't hear you in that ear. Hang on." He turned his head to the other side. Evelyn squeezed her legs on him. "Mmmm, you might not want to do that." Joshua licked her bottom lip. "Why?" She looked at him with big innocent brown eyes then smiled lustfully. "Can you do that again?"
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The real surprise was that, yes, he felt like he could do it again. And again and again. "Let's find out." Joshua pulled out of her slowly. She wiggled against him trying to keep him inside. That only made him more ready to go again. "One use, sweetheart. Have to change the wrapper." Joshua pulled up and removed the condom. He caught a glimpse of the clock and knew he would be tired in the morning, again. Ethan had been sleeping. He was in long pajama bottoms when he opened the door. Gray would be up soon if Evelyn didn't wake him already. He hadn't realized how long everything had taken. It seemed like it happened so fast. "You know, we may not wake the neighborhood in the shower." "But I can't be on top in the shower." Evelyn watched him toss the used condom in the wastebasket close to the bed. He almost missed at her suggestion. "Joshua." "Yes, baby?" He settled back on the pillows, and Evelyn crawled on top of him. "How many times can we do this?" Evelyn circled her fingers in his chest hair. She loved the way he felt, the way he smelled, the way he tasted. "Mmmm, only once more tonight, I have to work tomorrow, but we can test it another night." He shook his head. Vixen, he knew she was going to be a firecracker. "Okay." Evelyn pulled the condom out of the wrapper, slid it over him. To her delight he growled at the touch. She settled her hips above him; his head already touched her. "So show me how to do this?"
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"I think you got it under control." Joshua lifted his hips and slid into her a bit. "Let me know if you get tired." "As if." Evelyn pushed down on him, watched his head fall back and his eyes close. His hands held her thighs in a shaky grip. "Joshua, you should watch me. You'll get more out of it." [Back to Table of Contents]
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Chapter 11 "Listen, Noel, just calm down." The girl was shaken from head to toe. She wore silk pajamas, and her feet were bare. Obviously she had been snatched in her sleep. "Calm down? I'm sorry. I'm new to the rules of kidnapping victims," Noel snapped at the woman across from her. "Noel, look you have to be ready." Page McKinna had realized her worst fear. Blade had gotten to Noel, and that meant her partner was dead. "Ready for what?" Noel's short red hair stuck out in wild disarray; her brown eyes were big and fearful. She had been pulled from her bed, pulled from the man she loved, witnessed his murder as a rag covered her face. She woke up here, in a closet with some other woman. She didn't know how this happened or why. It brought back memories of childhood. A life she didn't even recognize anymore. "Blade." Page reached for her, and she began to rock chanting, no. "Noel, listen to me." "Stop it, stop calling me that. I'm Shelby, Shelby Blythe." Noel rocked. This couldn't be happening. It must be a bad dream, at any minute she would wake up and Tom would be there. She had grown up in witness protection, with another family, her family, her real father's ex-wife. Tom was in the FBI. It was impossible. "No, you're Noel. I know. I'm Page McKinna, Tom's partner." Page hung her head. "Tom's?"
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"Shit, shit, shit. This is real? This is real, isn't it?" Noel began rocking again. "What's going on?" "Blade," Page whispered a mournful word. Noel cried aloud a long scream of agony and pain. It wasn't a dream. She was living her worst nightmare. "Shhhh." Stix patted the closet door. "You'll get him started, stop it." Noel jumped at the sound and the man's voice. "Don't worry, they won't hurt you. At least the tall skinny one and the short fat one won't." Page frowned. With the slits of light through the closet slats, she couldn't see as well as she used to. After a week of being mostly in the dark, her vision was getting tricky. "I don't know who the men were who brought you here." "If they won't hurt me, why are they here?" Noel sucked down her pain. She had to. She knew if she had one tear in her eye when he saw her, he would beat the tears from her face. She wiped the tears. "They know Evelyn. They're loyal to her. Playing both sides trying to save her." Page sat back against the wall. "He may just kill us all. I personally hope that she comes. I think she will kill him." "Evelyn?" Noel gasped. "She's alive? You know where she is?" "No. But I hope she gets here soon." Page closed her eyes. She was becoming numb. She knew better, but how could she really know what would happen in a situation like this? She had started her day like any other. She forgot to lock her car door. At the stop sign, she was pulled out. She thought it
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was a carjacking. She was willing to let the rental go to keep her cover, but it was Blade. "Shhh. He's coming." Stix tapped on the door. **** Joshua helped Ethan load the car. Evelyn passed him Gray, and he buckled him in the car seat. He kissed Grace on her cheek, waved good bye to his cousin, and watched them leave. Evelyn stood on the sidewalk with her arm around Joshua. He turned taking her in his arms for a long kiss. He had to go to work. "I won't go anywhere today, okay." Evelyn knew he was worried about her. "I'll try to come home early, explain to Mrs. Jane, the principal; I have a family matter to tend to." He kissed her nose. "Okay." Evelyn smiled. She wished that were true in a way. She wanted to be family. She felt like she had a family again. That was both wonderful and frightening given the circumstances. Joshua waited for her to go inside. She waved from the window. He got in his truck and headed to work. He had a lot of things to do, and he may have to call a sub and cash in some vacation time for the rest of the week. Surely they would understand. **** Inside the old home Evelyn was alone. She felt safe though. Odd, but she did. There was work to be done, plans
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to be made. If she had a good solid plan when he got home, then she could minimize his role. She headed up the stairs and checked her voicemail. It was around noon when the lock began to jumble on the door. Evelyn was so engrossed in the romance novel she pulled from the pillow where she had stuffed it earlier she didn't notice. It was a good scene. A hot, passionate scene that had her breathing fire and wishing Joshua were home. Since being around him she felt more comfortable in her skin as a woman. He loved her body and took his time caressing and kissing her. Her hands began to wander on their own. "Honey, I'm home." Joshua opened the door and got an eyeful. "Joshua." Evelyn was startled by him. Pulling her hand from her shirt quickly, she stood up. "You okay, baby?" Joshua looked her up and down. She was flushed, breathing heavy. If he didn't know better, he would have sworn she was ... touching herself? God, the thought almost dropped him to the floor with arousal. "Yes." Breathless and wanton, Evelyn held the book behind her back. Joshua looked at her up and down, and damn if it didn't make her wish it was his tongue, not his eyes covering her. Joshua shut the door behind him, locked it, and stepped into the house. He felt like she may just attack him the way she was looking at him now. There was no mistaking it, she had been touching herself. His entire body sprang to attention.
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"What's behind your back, E?" Joshua's lips curled into a half smile. She looked ravenous, wanton. Like she could eat him alive. "Nothing." Evelyn knew she looked like a wolf about to jump on a poor little sheep, but damn she was on fire and ready for him to put the flame out. She tried not to be the aggressor. She tried to be a lady, but all she really wanted right now was to jump on him and have wild ... not ladylike and delicate, but wild ... passionate sex. "You look like you're ready to bite me, baby?" Joshua stepped toward her. "I feel like it." Evelyn backed up. "Why are you moving away from me?" He pulled his lower lip in and bit down. His pants were straining as his erection pressed against them. He was really glad he had come home early today. They had a lot of plans to make, but nothing could stop what they were about to make now. The air was thick with sexual tension. Heat pulsed off them both colliding as energy waves between them. Evelyn was close enough to deposit the book on a shelf without notice. Or so she thought. It slipped and hit the floor behind her. She smiled a wolfish grin. Busted. "A-ha," Joshua said in a smooth knowing voice. Those little books got his cousins in some wild predicaments. He couldn't wait to see what Evelyn had in store for him now. "Joshua." Evelyn moved closer. "I really want you right now." "You don't say?" He dropped his voice a notch. "How?"
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"I have to tell you something." Evelyn twisted her lips a bit. "I didn't think about it before because, well, I didn't get it for that reason..." "Tell me." Joshua stepped closer. He was intrigued "I'm on a birth control shot. I use it to stop my cycle, so unless you really want to run upstairs..." Joshua started shaking his head. All this time she was on birth control. He could have had her a hundred times by now. It amused him. All they had done, but he was glad. She wouldn't have told him that first night, and he would have missed out on all the rest. Then he realized he could take her there, in the living room without a condom, and not worry about the risk of pregnancy. God, life just got good. "Come here," he growled. She almost lunged at him. He caught her, and she pulled up and around him, climbing him. Standing there he held her. He kissed her gently, but she was wild, wanton, and turning him inside out with lust. "Joshua," Evelyn rasped. "I don't want you to make love to me ... I want you to..." He gripped her harder and swallowed her words. They were way too raw. He could barely contain himself at the thought. He cherished her. He wanted to make her feel good. She did, and now she was comfortable with him. He could really show her some tricks. He moved to sit on the couch, and as soon as he did he pulled her shirt off. Evelyn pulled his tie off and started with the buttons. They were taking too long. She ripped the shirt off. It surprised them both as the sound of plastic buttons hit the wood floor rolling and spinning.
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"Damn, woman!" Joshua hurried. Evelyn would tear him up at this rate. Her lips were on his neck, and she marked him, hard. Her hands were working his slacks off, and he was fighting to keep up with her. "How do you want me, Joshua?" Evelyn stood and stepped back. She slid the jeans and panties down as he pulled his own clothes free. "Honestly?" "Yes." Evelyn knew that look. It was the same he had in the kitchen. Again he almost drooled. "Put your knees on the cushions and your arms on the back of the couch." He could have come just from giving the directions. The thought of taking Evelyn from behind, like the dog he knew he truly was, made him violent with need. He watched as she promptly did just that. He would go slow and be gentle. He had enough control left he could do that. Joshua looked at her, offered up to him. Her sweet ass was in the air, and her sex was pink and glistening. Evelyn may just be the death of him after all. He ran his hands along her thighs and then slicked a finger over her sex. She pressed into him and moaned. She was ready, no two ways about it. "Stop teasing me, Joshua." Evelyn looked over her shoulder at him; he was gone. His green eyes were flamed, and his body was steaming with desire. "You have to tell me if I hurt you." Joshua knew it was deeper like this, and Evelyn was still adjusting to sex. She pressed back on his fingers driving them inside. Her breath caught, and she pulled forward. If he wasn't going to help her, she would just help herself.
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"Fuck me, Joshua." He swallowed hard and pulled his fingers out. Surely she didn't know what she was asking for, but she was lost in a haze, and he was following close behind. He held her lips open with one hand and pressed the tip of his erection to her swollen sheath with the other. The naked flesh was amazing. She was wet and hot. Evelyn pushed back on him, and his knees almost buckled as he entered the inferno. God, she is sweet. Evelyn pushed against him hard. It was deep and powerful, and she loved it. His hands held her hips, and her bottom smacked against him. She met him with equal pressure driving him deeper, harder, and faster. He pulled at her thighs and opened them wider. Evelyn knew now why he wanted her to tell him if it hurt. It did, but not in a bad way. Joshua reached around to stroke her nub. Evelyn was killing him. She pushed hard against him, and he fought for control. He wanted her to come, but he was losing ground quickly. She writhed against him pulling every ounce of strength with her. He opened her up more, and she slowed her pace. He knew it was deeper, but he had to reach her. Once he did, it wasn't long before she was calling his name. The feel of her tightening on him forced his release. Thankfully she found hers at the same time, milking him, writhing against him. He shook from the sheer force of it all. Evelyn pressed back into him as he kissed her back. She had never felt so connected to anyone. She could feel him inside her, pulsing. His legs trembled against her, and his breath fast. She wished she could remain connected to him
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like this. He made her feel like a lady, yet he made her feel like an animal. She wondered how she made him feel. Joshua felt like he was in love. Evelyn really drove him to the brink and back. He felt more like a man when he treated her tenderly, and this afternoon, he felt like an animal, but apparently so did she. He didn't do any of the work. From that position he should have been in total control, but Evelyn was the one in control. He just held on and tried to remain standing as she pushed against him. He wouldn't dare drive as deep or as hard as she pushed him. His delicate little sweetheart was as much a hound dog as he was. "You're better than me at everything now. Are you happy?" Joshua patted her thigh and slowly pulled out. Breathless he thought he would pass out. "No." Evelyn turned to face him. He was flushed from head to toe. Sweat poured from his body. He must have really needed that. She sure did, but now the teacher needed to learn a lesson. That just because he was a huge man, didn't mean he couldn't be cherished and treated gently. "No?" He looked at her unsure of what she meant. "Uh-uh. See, you got what you wanted, and now I can get what I wanted." Evelyn stood and grabbed his hand. "Follow me." "Will I seem like less of a man if I say I'm scared?" Joshua laughed. Evelyn was in rare form today indeed. "Well, you'll have to tell me if I hurt you." Evelyn led the way up the stairs. Joshua again was intrigued. She had him inside out. Maybe she would tie him up. He wouldn't protest. She wouldn't hurt
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him. Make him crazy with lust, yes, but he trusted Evelyn. He told the principal that he would work another half day tomorrow but needed Friday off for sure. He explained that he had serious family issues, and Mary Beth Jane, the principal, didn't question him at all. She said his record was impeccable, so if he needed a day off, he could have it. To his delight Evelyn headed for the shower. The warm water buzzed over them, and Evelyn really surprised him by snatching the washcloth and lathering it up. She treated him to the same care he had treated her. He had to bend to accommodate her since she insisted on washing his hair and massaging his head. She nipped his hip when he didn't turn around fast enough, but damn he was lost. No woman ever took this kind of care with him. His muscles relaxed under her touch, and she was gentle, delicately paying attention to each rough finger and each individual toe. He was overwhelmed. "Well, I can't carry you to the bed." Evelyn licked her lips. He was relaxed in a way she never thought possible. He looked happy. A very content smile was on his face. He looked how she felt, and she felt that way because of how he looked. "But I can take care of my mission right here." "Honey, you have taken so much care of me I might just combust if you do any more." Joshua was thoroughly sated. His heart was so full of Evelyn he couldn't bear the thought of her leaving him. His life would never be the same. She had saved himfrom himself. It wasn't until this moment he realized he couldn't find a good woman because he was looking in all the wrong places. Evelyn could easily kick a man's ass. She was trained, and she was deadly. So much
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trouble he couldn't see straight from it. But when they were alone and it was just the two of them, she was soft and gentle and had a capacity to love that he finally understood. He would die before letting her go. "Exactly." Evelyn tiptoed up to him for a sweet and tender kiss. She slid her hands slowly over him and down. She wanted him to know that this was about him. All of it was about him. Joshua taught her that she was all woman and sensitive and sexy, and she didn't have to be ashamed of her body or her softer side. He treated her with care, and he respected her abilities. She moved to her knees, and his eyes opened in surprise as she consumed him. **** Joshua lay in the bed with Evelyn on top of him. It was six at night, and they had been making love all afternoon passionately, slowly, and deeply like it was the last time they would ever get to touch one another again. She was asleep. He was worn out and starving. It had been two hours since they stopped for sleep. Evelyn slept while he held her, savoring every moment of peace with her. He knew that they had business to tend to, tonight. "Evelyn." He kissed her forehead. She moaned. "Come on, baby. We have to eat and take care of plans." Joshua nudged her and kissed her again. "I have it all sorted out already." Evelyn groaned and shifted just a bit.
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"Well, then we have to eat. I'm starving." Joshua stroked her hair still damp from the shower. "I guess if we have to." Evelyn sighed heavily. She never wanted to leave the bed again. What they had done was too powerful. They connected, deeply, spiritually. She could never leave him, and she would never let him risk himself for her. She would protect him. She loved him more than Noel, and that she never thought possible. **** Something felt off this morning. He scanned the street looking for anything out of the ordinary. Nothing. He walked back into the house and closed the door. He didn't want to worry Evelyn, but he could tell she sensed it, too. She was nervous this morning. They had plans. They would meet with Ayden and then find a way to turn her in without turning her over. Ayden still held a badge, so he could arrange things. "Don't go anywhere today. Stay inside, lock the doors. Don't open them for anyone." Joshua heaved a long breath. "I'm okay. Nothing's going to happen today. I'll stay inside. Maybe read some more." Evelyn smiled but inside she was nervous. Something was weird; the air was different. Even the birds were quiet this morning. "If you need me, you call. You call 911, and then you call me." Joshua kissed her lips. "I'll be home right after work. I'm leaving early. I should just call in." Joshua headed for the phone. Evelyn grabbed his arm. "No, you should go to work." Where you'll be safe. Evelyn smiled. "Go, you'll be late."
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"I'll check in every hour." Joshua hugged her tightly. "I don't want to let you go." "I know," Evelyn whispered. "But you have to go to work." She pushed out of his arms and pointed toward the door. "Lock it, don't forget." Joshua kissed her lips. "I'll call in an hour." "Okay." Evelyn looked him over. He wore jeans and a black shirt since the kids were doing art projects today. She smiled. Somehow it felt like the last time she would get to do it. That sent a cold feeling down her spine. **** Joshua waited until he heard the lock tumble then he got in his truck. Looked around the street one more time and started off to work. He made it halfway there before the hair on the back of his neck stood straight on end. The cold that blew over him chilled him to the core. Joshua called the house, third ring. No answer. He slammed on the brakes and did a U-turn. Evelyn. **** The knock was so soon after him getting in the car Evelyn knew it had to be Joshua at the door. Instead, it was the big bad Wolf. "Evelyn." The Wolf huffed and blew cigarette smoke to the side. "Never thought I'd see the day." "The day I kicked your ass? I've been looking forward to it." Evelyn nodded and moved to a defensive position.
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"No, the day you sucked face with someone. Young's a good guy. I hope you live through this. He could be good for you." Wolf entered the house and took a good look around. "Nice place. Let's not wreck it, darlin'" "What do you want?" Evelyn studied his every move. He wasn't there to attack her, but he was sneaky, like a wolf in sheep's clothing. Like her. "Blade, what else?" Wolf walked further into the house, down the walkway toward the backdoor. "He has Noel. He also has an FBI agent, Page McKinna. As in Page LandrethMcKinna." Evelyn didn't have a chance to speak. Hell, she never even saw it coming. It was like a roar of thunder when the two men hit the ground. The Wolf and the Big Dog were fighting. Wolf heard the screen door creak but barely had time to flick his cigarette and prepare for Joshua's attack. They hit the ground rolling. And for two big men to go down, shit started to break. The drywall buckled and popped on the wall. Joshua landed a strong right. Wolf countered with a left. "Get off me, Dog!" Wolf rolled and stood. Joshua was standing at the ready. "I will fucking kill you for touching her." Joshua's words dripped with menace. His body oozed murderous rage. His lip dripped blood. "I never laid a hand on her, Big Dog." Wolf had his hands up. He didn't want to do this. He knew Joshua wouldn't trust him, not with a woman. Joshua didn't know him other than as an informant though they had been friends for years. If he
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got to Evelyn first, she would convince him to work together. She always suspected his cover anyhow. Joshua never took his eyes off the Wolf. "Evelyn?" Pain dripped in that word. Already he thought she was hurt. It ripped her apart. She was in shock. He came back, and he attacked the Wolf without warning. She only had time to pick up the cigarette butt before it caught something on fire. She stood there in awe of the damage they had done. The wall leading to the backdoor was all but falling down. "I'm okay." Evelyn fought back tears. Joshua was bleeding. That was killing her. She looked at Ayden and realized his eye was laid open, too. "It's okay. He's not here to hurt me." "Then why did you wait till I left?" Joshua's voice was back to growling. "Under the circumstances I figured I would have a better chance with Evelyn. I was right." The Wolf reached in his pocket. Joshua remained at the ready. He pulled out a smashed pack of cigarettes then gestured to Joshua, who didn't move a muscle or drop his gaze of fire for one second. "Got a light? Mine's in the car, along with my weapons. I'm not stupid, Big Dog. She would kill me in a heartbeat." "Joshua?" Evelyn picked her heavy feet up one at a time and stepped toward him. It felt like she was wearing lead shoes. "Please look at me." Joshua sniffed and snarled, then slowly lowered his gaze to Evelyn. She was crying. But why? Because he hit Ayden?
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"You're bleeding." She reached up to touch him but lowered her hand when he shook his head. "She crying?" Wolf cocked a brow. "I need a seat." "Shut the door, Ayden. Tell him what you were telling me." Evelyn glanced at him and then focused all her attention on Joshua. "Top drawer is a towel for your eye. No smoking in here." Ayden Wolf put the cigarette back in the smashed pack with no dispute. He walked to the front door and closed it. He went back to the counter, opened a drawer, pulled out the towel, and headed for the kitchen table. He had a feeling something was weird, but Evelyn threw him off. He had never seen her react to a man like this, and he had been watching her for years. Evelyn could tell Joshua needed stitches. They both did, but neither of them was going to accept that right now. Joshua stared at her in silence. She worried that he might feel betrayed by her actions. "I thought it was you at the door. It was stupid I know, but he knocked like right after you left. I thought you forgot something." Joshua was so relieved she was safe he didn't care about his lip, his old friend's eye, or the fact that she opened the door, but he was still processing the threat. It still loomed over him. "Something is off, Evelyn." "I don't understand." Evelyn searched his expression. "He's right." Ayden stood, his eyes darted around. "I thought it was you, but you came in the front..." [Back to Table of Contents]
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Chapter 12 "Someone else is here." Joshua no sooner got the words from his mouth when the backdoor smashed open and the dart hit her. She collapsed within seconds, and then he felt his own sting. He watched through blurring eyes as the Wolf escaped out the front door. "Run Ayden." His voice faded. **** Ayden knew that Stevens had passed Evelyn's file on to the men from West Virginia claiming to be bounty hunters. He was a good cop, but the money they offered was more than the man could refuse. Of course they killed him and took the money back. Blade really fucked up when he snatched Noel from Tom. He had no idea what he was getting into. Ayden would kill Blade this time, like Blade killed his father, and Evelyn and Noel's mother, and countless others. He had to get to her first, and he had, but Joshua messed everything up. He couldn't see the real threat because he was ready to kill anything that looked at Evelyn much less threatened her. His only hope now was that John Stix and John Stones, two quirky old cops that decided to become the Stix and Stones Agency for Bail Bond Enforcement, were still on the right side of the law. Stones had somehow sent a wire to the agency, and it took forever for them to authenticate the damn thing. By then they had Noel, and thanks to Stevens, they now had Evelyn.
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Ayden Wolf got to his car and spun out. He furiously barked orders into his cell phone and got the director. He explained that Stones was carrying a cell phone secretly, and they were tracking it. As long as the damn thing held out, they could track them. It wasn't ideal. They wanted to walk into the complex not have to break in, but his sisters' lives depended on him. The director's daughter's life depended on him. Hell now even Joshua's life depended on him. Yes, Ayden thought, retirement. If he lived through this case, he would retire. **** West Virginia... Joshua blinked and felt like he had just been run over by a Mack truck. The blood on his lip had dried. He was parched, dehydrated. He tried to move as his vision came in focus. His eyes burned, and he had a weird taste in his mouth, like metal. "'Bout time you woke up," the crackling voice said. His arms were tied behind his back, his feet bound to the chair he sat in. "Took four men to lift your big ass." Blade blew smoke in his face. "I need to ask you a few things." Joshua looked at the man. He was tall but not big like Joshua, probably six foot even. Scrawny, his hair was salt and pepper, his voice low and crackly from smoking. He wore a white T-shirt and old jeans, dingy and tattered. He had a beard, long and scraggly. His arms were covered in tattoos
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and scars. His face held several scars of its own. He knew in an instant this was Martin Blade. "Bring my girl in." Blade motioned to Stix. The tall man stepped outside the room. Joshua waited in sheer horror for what would come back through the door. Stix returned with a limp Evelyn in his arms. Joshua's eyes lit with fire at the sight. He would kill him, all of them. He would spend the rest of his life in prison for murder if he lived through the night. "You had another hunter with you. The men saw you fightin' over her and you ready to hit her when they darted the both of ya. Other one got away." Blade surveyed the man. "You after the reward?" Joshua realized then that he wasn't dressed like a school teacher. Blade thought he was a bounty hunter. The question now was how to answer. The tall man stood in his view with Evelyn in his arms. He could have sworn he motioned his head yes. He looked him over again. Stix was one of the bounty hunters that had jumped her the day before she showed up at his house. His gut twisted. "Yes," Joshua answered and realized his voice was strained. His throat was dry. "Good, then I'll let you watch the show. You'll feel better spending that money once you see what it paid for." Blade turned to Stix. "Lay her on the floor." The way the tall man situated Evelyn on the floor said a lot about him. He could have dumped her lifeless body, but he eased her down, protected her head. He didn't want to hurt her.
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"Don't get any ideas." Blade pulled a butterfly knife from his pocket. "No, boss." The man held his hands up and headed for the door. He glanced sorrowfully at the closet. Joshua tried to focus on the closet. The more he concentrated the more he thought he could hear movement inside, see shadows and maybe a fingernail through the slats. God, this was Evelyn's nightmare, and he had woken up in the middle of it. "Get up, Evelyn. Daddy wants to play." Blade stood over her, tipped the knife in little pokes along her right bicep, causing just a little blood to surge like a needle prick. Evelyn sat up quickly. She was fully aware of what was going on. She knew what she had to do, but then she saw Joshua and the look in her eyes betrayed them both. "You know him?" Blade croaked. He stood and stepped back. He held the knife at the ready, ready to throw it. "Fuck you." Evelyn jumped to her feet. She had to get his attention back on her. "Well, you got a mouth on you, girl." Blade put his attention back on her. "I hear you track down men. You tracking him? Or was he tracking you?" Blade looked down with drawn brows. He flicked his cigarette butt at her, and she caught it. Evelyn rolled the burning cigarette in her hand. She didn't feel the pain. She didn't have time for pain. She had been training all her life for this moment. "Where's Noel?" "Evelyn." The voice came from the closet, and a scuffle was heard.
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"Nice touch, Blade. You fuck up." Evelyn took slow breaths. She needed all her focus. Her mind began to move. Her body prepared to follow. "Come in boys!" Blade called over his shoulder. "My little girl wants to play." "You won't live to see morning." Evelyn was calm and even-toned. Stix had only moments alone to explain things. She hoped it worked. The six men entered the room. Big, fat, dirty. They weren't legitimate peacekeepers or bounty hunters. No, they were Blade's henchmen. Not nearly as skilled as Blade himself, he didn't allow them weapons, unlike himself. This was her slaughter. He wanted to watch them die. "They will. They'll hate the pain, but I'm not going to kill anyone ... but you." "Ha! You filthy, little girl, you know what I told you about bad girls. You saw what I did to your mother, and you've been bad, Evelyn, very bad." Blade scowled and lit another cigarette. "I ran into one of your so called jobs in a bar. Said he was running from Blade. Imagine my surprise." "I'll see it soon enough." Evelyn moved like liquid, soft and fluid motions, so subtle no one could really see her loosening her body, gathering her center. "Let's see. You have about four knives on you, at least one gun. The lighter, cigarettes, too bad you won't die of cancer. I hear it's slow and painful, not nearly as slow and painful as I'll make your death." "You little cunt. When I get through with you, you're gonna wish you were dead." Blade narrowed his black eyes. The men moved around her. Laughing, of course they thought she was a joke. Thought Martin Blade was going to
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let them have a little fun with the girl. They had no idea he was feeding them to the wolf. The tall skinny one and the short fat one flanked her. Joshua was bursting with rage. He felt the ropes burning as he twisted and pulled to get them free. He knew this was going to be ugly. Evelyn seemed calm. She was preparing to fight slowly like an animal shifting, setting herself. He knew at that moment, by the look in her eye that she meant every word. And the men, though they surrounded her, were just a warm-up. "Move the Bounty Hunter. Get him a good view. Let him loose." Blade motioned. "You stay there. You move, I'll kill you." Joshua caught her eye. He winked at her letting her know he was all right, and as soon as he could get out of this chair he would take care of this for her. She blinked, a strange expression, and then went back to her blank stare toward Blade. Surely she didn't think he would just sit there and watch. Evelyn saw him wink. She was grateful he was tied up. He was safe, unless Blade knew who he was. For that reason alone she couldn't look at him anymore. Joshua had no idea who Blade was, how much training he had, or how many lives he had taken ruthlessly. He didn't seem like much to contend with, old and ragged. Evelyn knew better. He was scarred from head to toe. He had tried to scar her the same way, inside and out. Two large men came over, and Stones followed. They pulled him into a corner with a lot of labored effort.
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"Can't untie you, hero. I know that look in your eye," the fat one whispered in his ear. It was then he felt something drop in his hand. It was small, thin, metal, and sharp. It sliced his finger, a razorblade. It would take forever, he thought, but it was better than nothing. The men returned to their positions. Why wouldn't he untie him and let him save Evelyn? Joshua watched in horror as Evelyn closed her eyes. She took a deep breath, let it out, and opened her eyes as the first man took a running start. Evelyn clothes-lined the first man. She was fast, like lightning. Blade watched from a safe distance. He stood just a few feet ahead of Joshua, flipping his knife open and closed. His forty-five stuck out of his pants in the back. Joshua thought if he could just reach the gun, he could get it all over with. Stix and Stones seemed to hold back, like they were waiting their turn. The tall one inched toward the closet. Evelyn left carnage in her wake. Men dropped as she touched them. Had it been a movie it would have been an awesome sight. But it was real, and she was his world. The fear of her getting hurt consumed him, and he forced the ropes against the razorblade. Stix reached for the closet door. Blade threw the switchblade so fast he couldn't have seen it coming. His hand was speared to the door. Blade moved calmly to the door and removed the knife. The short one attacked. He wasn't as lucky; the knife landed in his throat. He gurgled to the floor. The man just lost his life, defending Evelyn. He understood why he didn't untie him now. Evelyn was in full fight mode, unaware.
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Joshua pulled his hands free and worked on his legs. Blade hadn't noticed, not yet. Evelyn had one more man to fight. He landed a solid punch. The closet door screamed and shook with fury. It gave Joshua the distraction he needed, or so he thought. The blade stuck out of his leg. Martin had thrown it faster than the eye could see. Blade's foot followed with a roundhouse to the face. He blocked some of it but hit the ground hard. He was fast for an old fucker. His foot stomped over and over. Joshua felt the ribs cave. He hadn't realized how weak he was from whatever they had used to drug him. Hell, he didn't know how long he'd been out or where they were. He just knew he had to save Evelyn. Evelyn didn't want to kill anyone but Blade. She took out the last man's knee. It was only fair, she thought. He had reopened her lip with that punch, but it was Joshua she saw fall, and the fury inside her broke into a murdering rage. Her feet landed in Blade's back knocking him to the floor. She stood, looked at Joshua, and froze. She felt the blade sink in her calve. That's three knives, she thought, coming back to the moment. Hopefully he only had three more. Evelyn watched the women bust from the closet as Stix finally opened the door. The knife blade snapped. He must have pulled it out. Yes, she thought as a blade landed in Stix's left shoulder. He cried out in pain. She was moving forward but saw Noel. That stopped her dead in her tracks. She was alive. The relief didn't have time to wash over her. She felt his feet punch her in the back knocking her forward onto Joshua who was getting up until she slammed into his back. She rolled off him and quickly stood. Pain was a
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secondary force. He was injured worse than she was. He hadn't had anything to drink since that morning at breakfast. The drive to West Virginia was at least nine hours. They sedated him at least once more on the way. Evelyn was bound and gagged, and Stix pretended to cover her mouth with the rag, but he didn't. Blade had stomped into Joshua's chest, and his shoe prints stood out against the black shirt. She was losing it. She had to keep her center, had to stay focused. Between Joshua and Noel, she lost the balance. To save them she had to get it back. She hovered over Joshua, and Blade stood. He smiled at Noel grabbing Evelyn's leg pressing over the wound. Noel saw her sister, her protector, and she was hurt. Her leg was bleeding. Blade had stabbed her, like their mother. She wouldn't let Evelyn suffer the same fate. The blade was embedded, not deep, but if it slipped deeper, she could be in trouble. Evelyn was running on adrenaline, feeling no pain. That was to her benefit right now. The man at her feet was hurt. She watched him try to save her. He was as big as a grizzly bear, but he had sat in that chair knocked out for two hours she knew. "I'll do it!" Noel screamed. "Let her be, and I'll do it!" Blade rolled his shoulders one at a time. "Well now, that Daddy wasn't expecting." Noel pulled the silk pajama top off and tied it on Evelyn's leg. She heard the tall man in the background yelling, "No! Don't do it, child." Page was over him assessing the damage or something. Noel pulled the silk pants off. She was trying to
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get to Joshua's leg, but Evelyn wouldn't move. Blade stepped forward. She stood and faced him bravely in just panties. "I said I'll do it!" she screamed pushing the tears from her face. "You're not touching them. You sick son of a bitch!" Joshua pushed against the pain, stood in front of them both. There was no way in hell he would let them sacrifice themselves. Not while he had air in his lungs. His arms pushed back closing them both in behind him. Like angel wings expanding he wrapped the women together behind his back. Evelyn knew he was going to sacrifice himself, and she wasn't about to let it happen. She couldn't live without him. Her sister, Noel sandwiched her. She was fighting both Joshua and Noel to get free, so she could save them. Noel was begging her to be still. She gripped her so tightly Evelyn could barely breathe. Joshua's hands cupped toward them without holding them. Her back was pressed into his. Evelyn felt the labored breaths through his back. He was hurt. She felt the world closing in on her and then heard the snap then a pop. She held her breath, waiting for what seemed an eternity. Joshua dropped to his knees, hard. Noel screamed, a loud glass shattering scream, reaching for Joshua over Evelyn's shoulder. As Noel dropped to the floor reaching for Joshua, Evelyn saw Page McKinna. The nickel plated gun in her hand was small. It was aimed toward them, her gaze beyond them. She heard the body hit the ground, and slowly she turned. The room spun around her in slow motion. On the floor was Blade.
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Blood seeped from the single shot between his eyes. Joshua fell to the side, and she lunged for him. It was then Evelyn saw what Noel was reaching for. Joshua watched Blade pull the gun and then the trigger. He couldn't move. It would risk the girls. Then the snap of the bullet passed his ear and landed between Blade's eyes, throwing the shot aimed at Joshua off center. He felt it rip through his shoulder with a pop. Blade was dead. Evelyn was safe. He was dehydrated, too weak to move, felt the room spin, darkness closing in around him. He fell to his knees. He heard the scream, must be Noel. He closed his eyes as he fell. Hands moved around his head. Evelyn, he could smell the jasmine. Wetness fell to his cheeks. He heard the door bust open and the sound of the Wolf howling orders as feet thundered around them, and everything went dark. Silent. Evelyn held his head in her hands, rocking, crying. Noel hovered, naked, over him pushing on the wound. The Wolf dropped beside her, pulled his jacket off, and covered her. Gently he pushed her aside. He had to block Evelyn's attempts to fight him as he pulled Joshua from her arms. Page was safe. She sat next to Stix and covered his wound. "This is a big fucking dog," Ayden Wolf said as he lifted Joshua onto his shoulders in a fireman's carry and headed quickly out the door. The ambulance was pulling up, and as the paramedics opened the backdoor to get out, Wolf was coming in. "Stay here. Fix him." The man's blue eyes fixed on the pair in the ambulance, and with only a second of caution they
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moved back into the ambulance and began work. Wolf yelled up to the driver. "We need at least two more. Take him to the hospital, NOW!" Ayden stepped out of the ambulance and headed back inside, barking orders as the rest of the teams arrived. Blade was dead. He only regretted that it wasn't his kill. He had tracked him for years, but the old man was slippery up here in the woods, and he was pulled from his case years ago when they thought he was dead. Wolf knew better. Evelyn, she had no idea they were related. That he had spent as much time watching her back as he had spent tracking her stepfather. He scrubbed his face with his massive hands and set back for the house. It would be one hell of a night yet. Noel hugged Evelyn tightly, now tending to her leg. "I can't believe it's you. They told me you were dead." "They told me the same thing, but I knew better." Evelyn hugged her sister, pulling her away from the leg wound. She looked into her big brown eyes and smoothed her wild red hair. She should have been relieved; she should have felt complete. She was happy to see Noel, happy that Blade was dead and her life was no longer in danger, but she only felt pain and fear. "I know I should stay here with you, but he may die." "No, he won't. He can't. We can't both lose a husband." Noel stood grabbing Evelyn's hands. She fastened the last buttons on Ayden's coat and turned. "Let's go. Ayden, we need to get to him."
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Evelyn's brows drew together. How did her little sister know Ayden? What the hell was going on? Why did she say they can't both lose husbands? She assumed Joshua was her husband, but where was Noel's? "Wait. How do you know him?" Noel gave her a confused expression. "He's our brother. Our father was married once before he married our mom. His mom took me in. I lived with them in Tennessee, where I live now. Only they called me Shelby Noel Blythe and said I was his mother's husband's daughter from a previous marriage. It's all very complicated, but no one ever keeps track of those things." "You're my brother?" Evelyn looked at him with a skeptical glance. "You both look like your mother, except her eyes. I look like our father, except my mother's eyes. Noel talked about you all the time when we were kids. When I got out of the Navy, I went in the FBI. I looked you up." Ayden smiled. "You were always a Wolf, Evelyn, both of you. If my mother had known you were alive, you would have been with us, too. I didn't know until I started snooping. When I found you, well, you didn't give me a chance to explain anything. You hated men, even me." He pointed a finger toward Stones, dead on the ground, and Stix, with Page over him again. "Even them, they were there trying to protect you. Only Nikolai was against you." Evelyn's world was falling in on her. It was too much, too much to process right now. Her only concern bubbled to her lips. "Joshua."
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"Come on, we'll get you to the hospital." Ayden didn't try to put his arm around Evelyn. He was afraid to. He did comfort Noel though. "The Big Dog should be fine. It's not like he hasn't been in situations like this before. Well, he was never shot before, but he's been beat up." "They drugged him. He's dehydrated. He's not fine, Wolf. If he dies..." Evelyn looked to the ground. Noel had lost her husband. God, what would she do? A slight tug of resentment struck her. Noel had been her life, looking for her, trying to find her, but all along she was fine. She had a family, a house, a husband. "Tom's not dead, Noel. Joshua's not going to die either." Ayden shook his head. "Tom's in the hospital now. I can get you back to Tennessee in the morning. You need to be checked out. How's your stomach?" "He's alive? Ayden, you saw him?" Noel was lit anew with life. "No, Mom called. The hospital called her." Evelyn rode in the backseat on the way to the hospital. Noel, now satisfied that her husband was alive, turned on the Wolf, questioning him over and over why he never told her about Evelyn being alive, about Blade, why he let them both remain at risk for years. Ayden tried to be diplomatic. Now wasn't the time, but Noel was right. He had answers to those questions. Evelyn intended to find those answers out and more. But right now she needed to see Joshua "I need to call..." Evelyn thought about North Carolina, Joshua, his class, his house, Grace. God, no one knew what was going on.
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"Taken care of." Ayden nodded. "The hell it is." Evelyn pulled up to peer at him in the rearview mirror. "Give me your phone." "Who are you going to call, Evelyn? I called his parents, the Beaufort police. His family knows he was taken." Wolf took a breath. "Let's get to the hospital first. Get his stats and then call them back." "I'll call them." Evelyn growled. "Funny, they don't know you. I'll call them." Ayden learned all too quickly that Evelyn was possibly using Joshua. Maybe as a cover, he wasn't sure. When he saw them on the porch, he thought they were a couple. Joshua definitely thought they were a couple after attacking him like that, but his parents had no idea who she was. No idea that a woman was in his house. Amelia was insane, labeling Joshua a fool. Evelyn had a reputation. She hated men. Would she use a man for cover? He didn't want to believe that. He hoped she had found peace, but he didn't know if it was possible. He had read her file, cover to cover. It was a miracle she was alive, but Wolf knew Joshua. He was a good man. He had a soft spot for women. Ayden only hoped Evelyn wasn't going to break his heart after he risked his life. Evelyn crossed her arms and sat back in silence. He was right. No one knew her. Everything happened so fast. She never got to meet his family. Only Grace knew. She prayed silently that Grace would drop her loyalty for one moment and tell them all, tell them she loved Joshua, but Evelyn hadn't told Joshua and that caused her heart to break. He may die not knowing how she felt about him.
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"You're not married to him?" Noel twisted to look back at her. When she saw Evelyn's tears, she climbed to the backseat to hold her. Evelyn was resistant at first, but she gave in quickly. "I love him." She lost it. Her body shook with the outpouring of tears. "But no, we're not married." "Shhhh. It's okay, E. It'll be okay now." Noel stroked her hair. "He loves you, too. You couldn't see it while you were kicking everyone's ass, but he never took his eyes off you. Blade was about to throw the knife at you when, what's his name?" Noel rocked her slowly. "Joshua." "Joshua, well, Joshua lunged toward him. He saved your life." Noel let out a long breath. "I hope I don't lose this baby, Evelyn." "What?" Evelyn looked at her little sister with new eyes. She was buttoned up in Ayden's coat which covered her almost to the knee. Her short hair pointed every direction, and she seemed to be satisfied that all would be good again. Evelyn had forgotten that about Noel. She always found the good through the darkness. She saw a light. Evelyn never did. She internalized her pain and beat herself up as much as anyone ever tried to. "I'm two months pregnant. We just got married three months ago, but I couldn't wait. I'm a nurse at the hospital back home. I work in labor and delivery. Talk about starting that internal clock." Noel made a slight laugh. Evelyn still hadn't come off the shock, and she herself was shaken, but
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that blade was still in her leg. As long as she didn't notice, maybe it would be okay. "God, Noel." Evelyn hugged her sister. All resentments left her. Noel didn't have to know what hell she had been through to find her. She was there now and a part of her. Tennessee. North Carolina. Noel. Joshua. It was all too much too fast. "I'm sorry," Ayden grumbled from the front seat. "For what?" Noel asked pointedly. "Evelyn, I'm sorry. I should have told you years ago. I wanted to, but I had to be sure you were safe. I had to find Blade. He killed our father, over your mother. He wanted her. He didn't want the two of you. I have pictures of you, with our dad and your mom." Ayden drove a little faster. He had been mistaken. She wasn't using him. Maybe they hadn't had time. He had no idea how long she had known him. Evelyn kept private, locked away from the world. "No pictures of me though." Noel frowned. "Well, pictures of me in mom's belly, but not as a baby." "Blade made your mother get rid off all signs of our father. Changed your names, altered your birth certificate. He wanted no reminders of Nathan Wolf." The hospital was pulling into view. "You can call his family." "No. I can only call Grace. I've only been there a week." Evelyn hung her head low. "So then you'll call Grace." Ayden smiled at Noel in the rearview mirror. "He loves you Evelyn. I've known him a long time." "How do you know that he loves me? How can anyone love me? I'm a monster. Just like Blade." Evelyn shook her head.
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Ayden Wolf was a big man and lived up to that name. His eyes were like pure blue flame when he pulled the car to a screeching halt and turned on his sister. "You listen to me. You're nothing like that psychotic son of a bitch. You've lived through hell, Evelyn. I know. I have your files. You have plenty of people trying to love you. You have to let them. And not just Noel. Me, I love you. You're my little sister. Joshua loves you. He was ready to die for you. Grace loves you. You know that. It's time to live, Evelyn. It's your toughest challenge yet." Evelyn was awestruck. The big bad Wolf just told her he loved her, claimed her as a sister, and threw down a challenge. He was right. He spoke her language. She needed someone to shake some sense into her. Ayden did it. She had always respected him. He was always there in the shadows. After she applied to the FBI, she met him. It was a year later. She never gave him a chance to speak. He alarmed her. She didn't know why then. It made more sense now. "Now get your ass out of this car and tell the man." Ayden held a hand back. She took it. Of course he knew that Joshua was probably being hooked up to IV's if not in surgery by now, and that when Evelyn walked in, they would want to take her back as well. But would she cooperate for the xrays? He knew better. "Okay." Evelyn smiled. There was so much still to process, so much to learn. But first things first, she had to tell Joshua. Her leg was burning, but she could walk. It couldn't be too bad.
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As soon as she got inside the emergency room, they merged on her. She had forgotten about her leg as she approached the desk, but apparently the nurses noticed. She was pulled into a room before she could say hi, and people were buzzing around her. She yelled for Ayden. She yelled for Noel. She had to see Joshua. Ayden stepped in the room. "It's okay. He's okay. He's okay. Let them fix you up." And then to the nurse he said, "You have to sedate her. She'll tear this place apart." "Evelyn, let them help you," Ayden shouted. She was too much. She was in shock, so he sat on her while the nurse injected her. Ayden stilled and patted her back as she fell into darkness. [Back to Table of Contents]
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Chapter 13 Evelyn opened her eyes. She was in a hospital bed. An IV was in her arm. Her calf hurt. Her leg was propped up in a sling of some sort keeping it from touching the bed. Noel was there. Her head was next to Evelyn's hand. She was sleeping. "Noel." Evelyn reached for her. "Hey. I wanted to stay until you woke up." Noel smiled a big smile. "The baby? Your husband?" Evelyn looked at her sister, fresh and innocent like nothing had happened the night before. She was dressed in a turtleneck and jeans. "Fine and fine, I'm heading out in an hour. Joshua's fine, too. The bullet just skimmed his arm, and the blade only went an inch in his leg muscle. It will take a while to heal. He has a couple broken ribs, but he is alive." Noel smiled. "Yours was deep and embedded. They flushed it and removed the blade. You have to stay a couple days. They want to make sure there's no infection, so they will flush it again before stitching you up with sutures." "I have to see him." Evelyn started to push up and noticed the look on Noel's face. "They took him. His parents had him moved to New York." Noel frowned. "His mother is a real bitch." "What?" Evelyn felt the tears flow. "Oh, I gave her a piece of my mind. But Ayden." Noel made a sucking sound with her teeth. "I know he would never
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hit a woman, but I thought for a moment he just might. He has a lot of respect for you." "She hates me?" Evelyn knew. She laid back and closed her eyes. She had lost him, lost her angel. "Well, you should be out of here in a day or two. Ayden is staying here, with you." Noel smiled. "He doesn't care what that old wind bag thinks. Joshua loves you. If you love him, fight for him." "You mean kick her ass?" Evelyn snorted. "No. I mean go get your man, and don't let anyone stop you." Noel shrugged. "I wouldn't. I would die for the ones I love. You taught me that when we were kids when you hid me and took beatings for me. I never forgot about you. I prayed every night to see you again, even if it wasn't till heaven. Now you're alive, here in my life. Don't even try to let me down now." "What if he doesn't want to see me after this?" "He does. He asked for you, wanted to know you were safe." Noel patted her hand. "Safe?" Evelyn laughed an uncomfortable laugh. That was Joshua, wanting to protect her, to keep her safe, but the only place she ever felt truly safe was with him. **** Evelyn thought about his pledge. He would keep her safe. He promised no one would touch her again. He made sure of it, almost died for it. But now she was safe, and no one would touch her again. Would he want her now? He had seen her in
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action. Would he still think of her as a lady after watching her plow through men and breaking them? Evelyn waited until Noel left. She closed her eyes. Sleep, just the thought of falling asleep reminded her of Joshua. It reminded her of crawling into his bed that first night. Her nook, right there between his shoulder blades. The way he smelled. How could she sleep without feeling him next to her? **** New York, New York Joshua finally woke up for more than a brief flash. Damn he felt like shit. His eyes focused, and everyone was standing around his bed talking to each other like they were at a funeral or something. Shit, he thought, am I dead? The thought was frightening. His mouth opened but felt parched. Nothing came out. "Joshua?" Megan gave him a serious look of concern. "Where am I? What's going on?" It took his brain a few seconds to process how he got here. As the memories flooded in he answered his own question. Of course everyone in the room was a buzz. "Do you know who I am?" Megan leaned in to look at him. He could hear his sister say she was going for the doctor. He looked around the room and realized only the women were there. Grace was now at his other side. His Aunt Katherine stood at the foot of the bed and his mother next to her. Women were all around him, except the one he wanted to see the most. "Where's Evelyn?" Joshua asked.
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"She's safe, Joshua. Ayden took her home." Grace pushed Joshua's hair back and kept stroking his hair, like a mom would a little boy. Joshua's face flattened. His heart broke. Ayden, the Wolf, took her home. He should have known something was there between them. She had let him in the house. Now, Ayden took her home. Ayden would keep her safe. That was his job, not Ayden's. "Oh." Joshua looked at the women at the foot of the bed. "When can I go home? Has anyone called the school?" "I called." Amelia Young gripped the foot of the bed hard. "I told them you'd be home next week. The kids want to see you, and I said we would set it up." Joshua took a weary look around the room at the women smiling down on him. Maybe he was dead. The Wolf had his woman, and his mother was being nice. "I'll go with you until you heal up enough to get back to work." Amelia cleared her throat. "I love you, Joshua. I know I don't always tell you and I haven't done a good job of showing it. That was pointed out to me by Evelyn's sister and your buddy Wolf. But I do. They were right. You're an honorable man, and I'm proud of you." Yes, he thought, he had to be dead. He closed his eyes and didn't want to open them again until he was home. Home in his bed. But as soon as he thought about sleeping in that bed, he thought about Evelyn. The way her hair smelled. Grace helped. She bent down and kissed his forehead. Her hair smelled the same. It was too much, all of it, too much to take right now.
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"Damn, Gracie, why don't you just marry him," Ethan teased his wife. Joshua smiled. Ethan always had a sense of humor about things. "Big Dog! How's the shoulder?" Ethan kissed Grace who scowled at him for the joke. "Good. I guess. How long have I been here?" Joshua went to sit up and realized his ribs were wrapped. His leg was sore. Even his lip, his lip reminded him of Wolf. Again his chest ached for Evelyn. "Two days. You spent a day in West Virginia. They patched you up, and then we moved you here. Doctors there weren't happy, said you stood a chance to get one or more of those wounds infected. We reminded them you were going to another hospital, not the local strip club. They let you go." Ethan wiggled his brows. "So you ready to go home yet?" "I guess." Joshua closed his eyes again. "I need to talk to Ethan." "Joshua, he's right there." Megan pointed. "I think he may have a concussion." "Megan, where's Chase?" Joshua smiled. "Watching the boys at home, I'll go switch out. He was here earlier. I came with Grace." Megan looked at Grace. "He needs the guys, Big Dog that he is." Katherine Young kissed Joshua's forehead and gave Ethan a look that meant only one thing. Take care of him. Katherine always thought of Joshua as a son. He was in her home every summer. She watched him suffer through losing his partner, comforted him through Candace, and would have gone to
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North Carolina herself if Amelia hadn't finally woken up. Amelia wasn't always like she had been the past fifteen years, but a little taste of society life had led her astray. She forgot where she came from and took it out on her kids. Amelia pushed Joshua's black hair off his forehead, snuggled her nose to his like she did when he was a child. Tears fell from her eyes and onto his cheek. Every woman in the room sobbed. Stephanie pulled her mother away and squeezed her big brother's nose. He was starting to tear up. She couldn't watch her hero crumble. Joshua knew his mother loved him. His father told him so, but it had been a very long time since she showed him it was true. Ethan sucked in a stiff breath of his own. The women left the room. "Evelyn." Joshua sniffed, regained composure. "How is she?" "Safe. Ayden is no longer with the FBI, so I can only assume he will get back to us with news." Ethan looked down on Joshua and realized he had no way of contacting Evelyn. Maybe there was a number in all her gear at the house. "The number he used to call is no longer in service, must have been a company phone." "She doesn't want me." Joshua heaved a painful breath. "I don't know why I thought she would." "Huh. Well, time will tell, Big Dog. Women are complicated." Ethan smiled. "Evelyn's a little more complicated than most. She's tough." Joshua snorted. It hurt to snort.
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"Did you tell her you loved her?" Ethan raised a brow. "I told Grace right away." "What makes you think I love her?" Joshua was trying to stop loving her beginning the moment he knew she left with Ayden Wolf. "Big Dog, lie to yourself, but don't lie to me." Ethan crossed his arms and looked down at Joshua. "I thought you were smarter than that. Why didn't you tell her?" Joshua remained silent. "You slept with her. You haven't had nookie in years. Even I knew you were in love. You telling me you hadn't figured it out?" "She's gone back to her life. She doesn't love me." Joshua wanted to go back in time. He should have told her. If he ever got the chance again, he would. But no one knew where she was. She had no address. He didn't have her voice message number and neither did Grace. "Rest, Joshua, I'll take care of it." Ethan left the room shaking his head. He would indeed take care of this. Joshua was like his second little brother. He was in pain and not from his body wounds. He didn't know Evelyn loved him, and Ethan wasn't the one to tell him. Evelyn had to if it was going to mean anything. Joshua had heard secondhand his mother loved him for too many years. The love of your life should hear it from your own lips. Ethan flipped his phone and placed a call. ****
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Two weeks later, Joshua was home. Amelia Young babied him to sickening degrees. It was nice to have his mother there, but he needed to get on with life. It was around three in the afternoon. The crisp breeze filled the air. He wasn't sleeping. He was hardly ever sleeping anymore. He had to try though. His body needed sleep to heal. "Joshua, do you need anything else?" Amelia walked into her son's bedroom and placed a glass of water on his nightstand. It was killing her to see him like this. Joshua was always full of life and happiness even though she had made his life hell for years trying to make him into something he wasn't. He always sent her flowers for her birthday and never forgot to take her out on Mother's Day. "No, mom. I'm fine thanks." He sighed. "You know it's only been a month, honey. She had a few injuries herself, remember? I know Stevens' death was hard to take, but Ethan is still trying to track down Ayden." Amelia knew what a stupid woman she had been. She wanted to control their lives, Joshua and Stephanie's. She wanted to ensure they were successful and would never have to suffer pain, but it did no good. Here he was hurting, and she had no control over it, and nothing in her power could stop it. Not one resource, not one member of any association or club. "Mom." Joshua closed his eyes. He didn't want to talk about it, any of it, anymore. "Okay." Amelia Young swallowed hard and fought back tears. She left his bedroom closing the door. God, she hoped this Evelyn would get here soon. She expected her any day
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now, any second to come walking up to the door. How could she leave Joshua? **** It was three in the morning, and Amelia Young was watching television on the couch in the living room. Something she never did. But somehow she couldn't sleep. So after tossing and turning for hours she checked on Joshua, who was finally asleep with the help of a sleeping aid, and headed downstairs for some tea. The door knob turned, and her heart jumped. Amelia stood facing the door. She didn't have to ask who the woman was. She looked just like the little girl who had given her the what for back in West Virginia. "You must be Evelyn." Amelia smiled. Evelyn nodded. A little shocked that someone was there, waiting. Joshua had his mother's nose, her smile. "I..." "Come in, dear, I've been expecting you." Amelia reached for the bag Evelyn had. "I'd love to chat your ear off, but I know you want to see Joshua." "I..." Evelyn couldn't believe his mother was being kind to her. Grace told her to come, not to worry about anything. Just get her ass to North Carolina as soon as possible. It took a while to recover. She had her leg to deal with and then accounts to close, identities to dissolve, and a name to change. Evelyn Wolf had learned a lot in the past weeks. Something she already knew; she had to be with Joshua.
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"Go on, honey, he's sleeping. I know he won't mind if you wake him." Amelia was so thrilled to see her, she couldn't resist. She hugged her. "Don't make my mistake, honey, tell him, tell him everyday." Evelyn smiled as a tear threatened to fall from her eyes. She slid her shoes off, walked past the wall. It had been repaired and repainted like nothing had ever happened there. She climbed the stairs. Her heart was pounding, and her hands shook with anticipation. At his door she took a deep breath. Joshua heard the door open and smelled the jasmine. He smiled. This would be a good dream. Maybe he could actually sleep tonight. He felt the bed dip just a little, and then he felt it. A cold nose, then lips. His eyes snapped open. "I thought you were sleeping," Evelyn whispered. "Evelyn?" Joshua felt his chest ache. "What are you doing here?" "I came to see you." She wanted to touch him. "I told you, I can't sleep without you." "What about Wolf?" Joshua swallowed. "I am a Wolf." Evelyn didn't understand. What did her brother have to do with this? [Back to Table of Contents]
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Chapter 14 "You married Ayden?" His voice was a low painful growl, and he rolled almost crushing her. He should have known better. Wolf was in her league. He was dangerous, full of adventure. That bastard! "I'm from Kentucky, yes, but marry my brother? No." Evelyn moved to look him in the eye. God, she wanted to hug him, but she didn't want to hurt him. She had no idea what was or was not still damaged. "Your brother?" Joshua drew his brows together. That was interesting news. "Yes. What else...? Oh God, Joshua, you thought?" Evelyn hurt for him. She didn't realize no one had told him she was coming. No one told him anything. "Fair assumption." Joshua was relieved but still a little miffed. Evelyn hadn't called or written. When Ethan lost contact with Ayden, it was like she disappeared. "You're mad." She smiled. "No. I was worried about you. You didn't call. You didn't write, nothing." Joshua inhaled. He was a man. He wouldn't cry. Not from a broken heart. And Evelyn had broken his heart. "Ayden never called to say anything." "They had to debrief him. They took all his gear, and that included the phone, the phone with the phone numbers in it. He just got home last week. I've been in Tennessee with Noel. This number is unlisted, and my cell phone is here, with all my contacts in it."
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Joshua realized that by not going in that room, the room she had left all of her things in, he had caused them both a lot of pain. They were snatched out of the house. All of her stuff was here. Everything except what she had in storage. "I'm sorry, Joshua. I finally got to my storage locker and all my back-up gear. I called and got the number to the gallery today. Ethan called me, and they said you were fine, to get my shit together and get down here. I had to clear my accounts, my identities. I didn't want to have to leave you again." Evelyn searched his green eyes for something, anything that would forgive her. She was on the verge of tears, and he was still fighting to hold on. He had to know she would be here forever. He couldn't bear to lose her again. "Ayden snatched you out of my arms to get you to the hospital. When I got there, he sat on me so they could X-ray my leg and get the knife out. When I woke up, you were gone. Ayden took me home, to his mother's house in Tennessee. If I knew no one had told you, I would have been here before now. I swear it, Joshua, I thought you knew I was coming." Evelyn didn't bother to hold back her tears any longer. "I love you. God, I love you, please Joshua." Joshua realized that Ethan knew she was coming, and he didn't tell him. He wanted to choke him right now, but he understood why. Saying I love you isn't something you do over the phone. It's something you say face to face, and Evelyn said it. How could he say no to a woman begging him to love her? Especially since she was the very air he breathed. "You love me?"
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"Yes." Evelyn sniffed, wiped at her tears. "I'd die for you." "So on principle alone you no longer hate me?" Joshua smiled. His green eyes lit anew with a fire. The world was right again. He felt better already. The ache in his chest finally left him. The scars were healing, so were his ribs. Aside from the bruises, and she couldn't see those, he was good as new. Evelyn was home. "Joshua." Evelyn pouted. He was toying with her. Like nothing had ever happened. Like it was a long nightmare that they both had just woken up from. "You're beautiful, Evelyn, inside and out. I've loved you since the moment I hit that light switch and you threatened to kill me." Joshua pulled her to his chest. "I'm alive, but without you, I felt like I was dying." "I don't want to hurt you." Evelyn tried to balance over him as his arms pulled her in. She knew it still had to hurt, but she really wanted to be under his skin right then, a part of him. "You will anyways." Joshua couldn't help himself. "I've never done this before." "What are you...?" Evelyn was silenced by his lips. For an injured man he sure felt good to her. His hips lifted against her. He wanted her. It was not going to happen. "We have to stop this right now." Evelyn ran her thumb over the scar on his bottom lip. "Why? I feel better now." Joshua pulled her back for more. Sure it hurt, but it also felt good. Evelyn was in his arms where she belonged. She loved him, and he loved her.
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"Because your mother is almost at the door." Evelyn heard the woman walking, her shoes against the wood floors. The knock on the door came right after. "See." Joshua smiled a devilish smile. Evelyn moved to his side. The knock sounded again. "You can open it, Mom. I'm awake." Joshua adjusted himself quickly as he spoke. Last thing he needed was his mother walking in on him and Evelyn like Katherine had caught Ethan and Grace. Evelyn went to push away, but he locked her into his side. "Don't you dare move away from me, woman. You've been away far too long." "I just wanted to tell you I love you, Joshua, and good night." Amelia smiled a knowing and blushing smile at her son. He was happy. He smiled. His face was flushed and so was Evelyn's. She looked like such a sweet girl. Amelia decided then that all the stories must have been exaggerated. There was no way that child had killed anyone. "I love you, too, Mom." "Good night, Evelyn." "Good night, Mrs. Young." "I have earplugs. They help me sleep." Amelia Young closed the door and walked back to her bedroom satisfied. Joshua was alive again. Thank God for Evelyn. Joshua's jaw dropped. His mother had really come full circle in her views. As long as she didn't tell Stephanie, he wouldn't have to kill Malcolm. His little sister was still at home, still a virgin, and until her wedding she better stay that way. Then Joshua realized he was a lot like his mother. He
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wanted control. He wanted to keep the people he loved safe, and he hadn't told Evelyn he loved her because he was afraid it would put her at risk. "I should have told you." He collected his jaw and looked at Evelyn in the moonlight. "Me too. But I promise I will tell you every day from now on." Joshua pulled her back on top of him. He stared into her eyes with new appreciation; she was his. But would she be safe? "I don't want you to keep your job, Evelyn." "I told you I dissolved all my accounts and identities. I'm here, and I don't need a job. My real father was a smart businessman. He left each of us a nice nest egg." "Really? Because I made a good investment in a little art gallery once and have it on good authority that I could afford to take care of you." Evelyn laughed. Again they were trying to save each other. "You have taken such good care of me I may just combust from it." Evelyn licked her lips. The Big Dog growled, pulling her down to him. Yeah, it hurt, but not nearly as bad as not holding her hurt. **** It was around ten a.m. when Amelia Young knocked on the bedroom door. She poked her head in to find them sleeping. Joshua was on his stomach, and Evelyn was on his back. "Joshua," she whispered. "Mmmm?" He growled.
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"Joshua, there is a woman at the door insisting to see you." Amelia was put out by the woman and wished she knew who the hell she thought she was. "A woman?" Evelyn opened her eyes. She didn't move because Amelia would definitely get an eyeful if she did. "Shelby Banks." Amelia almost laughed. Evelyn practically claimed Joshua in her sleep. Maybe she should just send the woman up. "You want me to get rid of her?" "Yes, please. You can tell her I'm married now, too. That should really get her." Amelia smiled with delight, closed the door, and walked much quicker back to the stairs. "Don't you think she's going to find out you're not married?" Evelyn laughed at the thought. "You don't want to marry me?" Joshua asked. "You want to marry me?" Evelyn asked surprised. She didn't expect this so soon. "I thought you'd never ask. Yes, I'll marry you." Joshua bit his lower lip. "You devil. That was sneaky." Evelyn moved as he rolled to face her. She settled in twisting the hair on his chest. "My sister is pregnant." "We can work on that, too, woman. Damn, you move fast." Joshua knew she wanted to get him, but he could get away with a lot right now, and he planned to take full advantage of it. Evelyn pulled herself over him and straddled his hips. In the daylight she could see the bruising he still wore and wished she had known that last night. "No, I like to move slow, real slow."
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"My what big teeth you have." Joshua looked at the Wolf. Yes, she was always a Wolf. "The better to bite you with." Evelyn leaned down and nipped his top lip. He growled. "I love when you growl." "Then let's work on building a pack. I'll growl, you'll howl, we'll eat, sleep, and procreate. It's a good life." Joshua kissed her neck. "Yes, I think I should try it," Evelyn agreed. [Back to Table of Contents]
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Chapter 15 July 7th "You tied it too tight." He scowled at her. "You keep bitchin' I'll hang you with it." Evelyn looked up at him. Ayden's blue eyes pierced hers. He didn't like being in a tie, much less a bow tie. "I know where you live," he threatened with his meanest look. "Yeah, right down the street from you." Evelyn brushed off his shoulder. "Behave." "I'll do my best." Ayden smiled. The doors opened, and Evelyn walked next to her brother down the aisle. Joshua stood at the end waiting for her. God, he was beautiful. Ethan was his best man, and Chase and Malcolm stood next to Ethan. Her sister Noel stood five months pregnant as the maid of honor, and Grace stood ready to pop at any time next to Megan and Joshua's sister Stephanie. She had never seen herself as a princess before, but today she felt like one. She was getting married. They had the wedding at the same church Megan and Chase were married in. It was a family tradition that only Ethan and Grace had broken. Megan planned the whole thing, and it was beautiful. Evelyn Wolf would now become Evelyn Wolf-Young. Joshua insisted since Ayden was the only man to carry on their father's name.
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Ayden had retired early. Well, he quit and used his part of his father's legacy to buy the old Patterson house. There were plenty of renovations to be done, and he planned to open it as a bed and breakfast again next year. He said he had grown up knowing Noel. He now wanted to be near Evelyn. The ceremony was over, and the reception was in full swing. Gray insisted on dancing with the bride, still not giving her over to Joshua without a fight. He was a really cute kid. Joshua held him up, and they all slow danced together. It made Evelyn long for a family of her own. It was about the fourth dance and the DJ played something for the younger crowd. The base hit and Grace's water broke. "Joshua!" Ethan yelled as the three made their way back toward the head table. "Give Gray to Grandma. I gotta go. Grace is in labor!" "Kid sure knows how to make an entrance." Joshua smiled and waved. "Do you think we'll have boys or girls?" Evelyn asked him once he had passed Gray off to Katherine Young. "Both. I want both." "Me too." Ayden Wolf watched as Evelyn and Joshua took their seat at the head table, lost in each other. It gave him hope. If Evelyn could let down her wall enough to let a man in, maybe it was time for him to let down a fence or two and see what was out there. He was eighteen when he joined the Navy, became a SEAL. Not much time for women with that job. Tom had practically recruited him for the FBI, and then he found
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out about Blade. There wasn't a lot of time for women then either. He spent most of his time alone or in the underbelly of society. He only knew a few good women. He only missed one, but she was too young for him. At thirty-eight he was becoming an old man. Noel laid her hand on Ayden's shoulder. "We miss you." She gave him a knowing look. "I know." Ayden smiled. "I miss you guys, too." "We should plan to spend a week together, no matter what. Every year." Noel always found the light at the end of the tunnel. "Next year, Fourth of July week. I should be just about ready to open the house then." Ayden took his sisters' belly in his big hands and spoke to it directly. "And you will be big enough to watch fireworks. I think?" "By then, yes." Noel pulled him up. "I don't dance." "You do now." Noel pulled him to the dance floor. "Tom can't, and I want to. You're my big brother. Now dance with me." A Sneak Peek at Ayden's Secret Coming September2008 It was a hot July day in North Carolina. July first. Two months to the day that he had forgotten the anniversary. Alone in a coffee shop in Las Vegas she had waited, and waited, and waited. When he didn't show it set her on fire with both fear and anger. She knew how dangerous his job
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could be. It wretched at her gut constantly, she worried for him everyday. She had to find him, had to know he was alright, and after she knew he was okay, she'd either kiss him or kick his ass for leaving her in suspense like that. The moment she met him she felt connected. His baby blue eyes looked too soft to be a part of such a hard man. Everything about him was etched in stone, except his eyes. Year after year they would meet for one day, at least one cup of coffee. Year after year she prayed that it would lead to more. This year she was going to make it happen. But he never showed up. She stepped out of the cab and grabbed her bags. Thankfully, the cab driver helped her unload the two large suitcases on wheels, placed two duffle bags on top of those and then handed her a smaller bag that she slung over her shoulder. The red sundress was sticking to her body. She pulled it away but the fabric went right back in place as she took a step forward, pulling the heavy luggage behind her. The humidity was a far cry from the dry desert heat of Las Vegas. It felt like even her waterproof makeup was beginning to slide. It seemed as though she would never make it to this house. She took great pains to cover her trail. Even greater pains to face a few fears and get on a bus filled with strangers. No one really understood how she could perform on stage night after night, yet have a panic attack at the supermarket. The anxiety was real. She used medication for it at first, but then she stopped. The pills she had saved, she used on the long route here.
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Looking at the large two-story house on Ann Street in Beaufort, North Carolina, she shook her head. Never in a million years did she see Ayden in a small town like this. He belonged in Memphis, close to Graceland, close to the King. It seemed like a nice enough place, she just didn't understand why he would be here. Resigned to her fate, she took the first steps toward the rest of her life, with or without him. Either way, this was it. Inside the old Patterson house, a group of very hot men were finishing up the final touches on the place. The windows were open due to the paint fumes. And everyone was down to shorts and shoes. All of them singing, well crooning along with the King. No wonder they didn't hear the knock on the door. Charlie opened the door. Elvis blared through the open windows, along with some very off key back up singers. This had to be Ayden's house. If she thought it was hot outside, she had just stepped into hell. Half-naked men were all over the place, painting, hanging things. And here she thought Vegas had the best show around. This one could sell out. A tall tan man with chocolate brown hair rolled paint on the wall. The motion displayed a very impressive back. A shorter blonde in starched Tommy Hilfiger shorts with a tight little behind was standing high on a ladder hanging some kind of candle holder on the wall. The guy holding the candle holder balanced on tiptoes. The position flexed lean brown leg muscles.
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"Excuse me?" Charlie spoke but no one heard her. Determined she sat the bag she had on her shoulder down and headed for the counter with the radio on it. She turned it off. Everyone turned and looked at her. Chase was aiming for the nail but he hit his thumb. Malcolm stepped too quickly, lost his balance and landed on his ass. Ethan hit the ceiling with the paint roller leaving a big green spot on the white ceiling. Joshua came down the hall and saw the woman standing there with a look of ... lust maybe? Hell this day was turning out better every minute. Nothing made him happier than catching his brother in law off guard, and damn if this woman hadn't caught every man in the room off guard. He couldn't wait to see Ayden's reaction. "I'm looking for Ayden Wolf." She said and tried not to laugh at the fumbling men. "Are you little red riding hood?" Joshua couldn't help himself. The woman was stunning. A short red dress with spaghetti straps left just enough to the imagination. It clung to her more tightly than it normally would have and she seemed a little wet? Hell, she almost looked him eye to eye. Like a supermodel. And she was looking for Ayden, the Wolf. A woman in a red dress was looking for the Wolf? He looked around the room. Chase had his thumb to his lips. Malcolm was pulling to his feet again and Ethan just smiled from ear to ear. "No. I'm Charlie, Charlie Mann. Is he here?" Charlie extended a hand. This one was tall with black hair and
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amazing green eyes. His chest was peppered with black hair. They were all sweaty and the room was intoxicating with the smell of raw man, and paint. Where was Ayden? "Let me go get him." Joshua tried to be cool considering everyone else had faltered but he slipped on the rag that had fallen from his back pocket when he came in. Steadying himself he picked up the rag and headed out back for Ayden. His reaction would be priceless. Charlie stood in the room and looked around at the three men. They all tried to act cool and looked anywhere but at her. She was used to it. She wasn't used to having so many impressive men in one room though. It was usually the other way around in her world. All the women were beautiful. All the men were in the audience. Ayden came running through the back door and stopped when he saw her, sliding a bit on the newly waxed wood floors. "Charlie?" Charlie's heart jumped from her chest into her throat. She had forgotten how impressive he was without a shirt on. She could feel her face getting hot, but in this weather and all these men around her what red blooded woman wouldn't be blushing. God he looked good. But then again, he always looked good to Charlie. "Ayden!" she smiled as her heart fluttered. He seemed happy to see her. "Darlin' what are you doin' here?" Ayden had to get a grip. Everyone was watching them. At least they were all watching Charlie. And he wasn't blind he knew why. But for some reason today he was more aware of her.
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"Tom told me I would find you here. The question is what are you doing here?" Charlie sent him a hurtful glare. He was safe, really safe. That meant he just didn't show, and that hurt. "You didn't show up, I was worried to death about you." "Shit!" Ayden moved slowly toward her. He had no excuse, the renovations had consumed him and by the time he realized what day it was, it was too late to get there. "I'm so sorry. I have been tied up with this house. I..." "Forgot about me?" Charlie lowered her head. "No, Darlin' I didn't forget about you, or the day. But it was too late for me to get out there." Ayden took her hands. He knew her feelings were hurt. Ten years he had never missed a meeting till now. He hadn't forgotten about her. He thought about calling, he could get the number if he really wanted it. But she hadn't called him either. "Look at me Charlie." Charlie lifted her head. At six foot tall plus three inch heels she only had to glance upward to look him eye to eye. Her platinum blonde hair was loosely curled and disheveled. The wispy bangs almost hiding her right eye. Charlie was enough to take a man's breath away. Her green eyes were big and sad looking at him. Her lips stilled in a natural pout. They were perfect, with a little space between them that made her look ready for kissing all the time. "I'm sorry. I should have..." "Oh Ayden!" Charlie threw herself into his arms and tears streamed. She didn't care that he was dirty and sweaty. She didn't care that four other men were watching. She sure as hell didn't care about crying. She had gone through hell to be
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there. The relief of seeing him, knowing he was all right just took her over. Ayden wasn't sure what to do. He pulled her away from his chest, practically peeling her off of him. He had hugged her before. Once a year actually, but this time was different. This time she really affected him. He could feel her on his bare chest. He could smell her scent against the paint fumes and his own sweat. She smelled good. Too damn good. Maybe it was because he was no longer on the job that she penetrated his senses. He wasn't sure. But he didn't like it. Or maybe he liked it too much. "Darlin' you're ruinin' your clothes now. Tell me, what's wrong?" Ayden looked at her. She brushed her tears and straightened her dress. Not a streak of mascara, of course not. She had a waterproof face on. "I can't." Charlie smiled a weak smile back trying to pull her self together. Ayden was her hero. She loved him since the day she met him. She was nineteen, and he had captured her twin sisters' killer. They met each year to celebrate. Each year in May, each year, but this one, and this year she needed him most. "Not in front of everyone." It was then Ayden was aware that they had everyone's undivided attention. "Guys, do you mind?" The four men collectively went about acting like they hadn't been watching with jaws dropped. But really, this was the Wolf, and this woman named Charlie, Charlie Mann no less had thrown herself on him. Everything about her name was masculine. But one look at Charlie told you she was all feminine curves and wonder. She had indicated a relationship
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and she was jaw dropping hot. The real shocker was that Ayden had never mentioned her before, ever. "Gentlemen, your wives are a few doors down. Please. Go to them." Ayden shot Joshua an evil glare. Joshua married Ayden's sister Evelyn last year. Ethan and Chase were his cousins, married to Grace and Megan, also cousins. Poor Malcolm was dating Joshua's sister Stephanie. This was the first of an annual tradition they were trying to establish. Everyone together for the Fourth of July, Ayden's other sister Noel and her husband Tom would be arriving later that evening. "All right, all right. No need to bite me on the ass, Wolf." Joshua winked at Ayden. Indeed the Wolf was marking his territory though every other man in the room was unavailable. He also called her Darlin', he only called his sisters Darlin'. None of the women would believe this. Charlie looked like an angel, impossible for any man to ignore completely. They filed out the door. Ethan stopped, hauled the luggage into the house without a word, and then headed back out to join the guys. Ayden could hear them whisper and laugh all the way down the porch. Evelyn no doubt would be on her way back up the street in minutes. "Okay Charlie, what's going on?" Ayden looked her over head to toe. With those heels she practically looked him eye to eye. Her long legs disappeared into the short red dress and her breasts filled out the top. He had to remind himself that she was a case, not touchable.
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"I'm ... Well. I'm looking for a new start. I quit my job, gathered everything I thought was important and came here." Charlie didn't want to tell him the whole truth. Not yet. She spoke very light but matter of fact about it all. The best way to avoid Ayden's interrogation would be to head it off in short quick bursts. "What do you mean Charlie?" "I called the FBI, not the brightest idea by the way, because they sent agents out to question me. They got all freaked out because I knew anything about you. I gave them my information and then a couple days later Tom called me." Charlie swallowed. "He said you moved to North Carolina. I went on line and here you are. I found you." There's a lot to be said about the security of a man's personal business when a showgirl from Las Vegas tracks a former FBI agent down on the internet. Ayden immediately began reevaluating his plan to open the bed and breakfast. Most likely it was the business license that gave him away. Oh well, he wasn't ready to let people into his life anyway. He kept finding something in the house to change, prolonging the plan. He needed an excuse to be near Evelyn, to establish a relationship with his sister. The house was a bed and breakfast before, it sounded like a plan at the time. "Ayden, I ... I missed you. I look forward to seeing you every year." Charlie took a breath. "Charlie we have been over this. You're too young for me Darlin'. You were a child when I met you." Ayden thought of her as a child but she had been working as a showgirl for
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three years by then, she and her twin sister both. Michael was the reason they met. Her murder brought them together. She sure didn't seem too young for him now. "Where were you when you were nineteen?" She snapped at him. "That's not the point. The point is I have almost six years on you." Ayden knew she had a major case of hero worship. He had brought her sisters murderer to justice. It was his first case and he caught the bad guy. "Fine." Charlie waved a well manicured hand in the air. Her eyes dropped to the floor, looking at his big feet in steel-toe work boots. She was tired and felt defeated. She could fight this fight another day. "Call me a cab. I'll go. Find somewhere else to stay. It's been a long day." "Go? Ayden she just got here." Evelyn stepped into the house and looked the woman up and down. Maybe she should go. The woman was stunning, like a model, perfect proportions everywhere. And with the red dress clinging to her like a second skin, anyone could see that. "She's not going anywhere." Ayden looked at Evelyn and laughed a defeated laugh. "The whole area is booked solid. There's no where else for her to go." "And she is..." Evelyn smiled. "Charlie, Charlie Mann." Charlie extended a hand toward the woman. "Evelyn, Evelyn Young. I'm Ayden's sister." Evelyn shook her head. Now she understood what all the fuss was about. The men had came through the door like a bunch of wild dogs hooting and howling talking about little red riding hood. She
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came to see for herself. And sure enough, a woman was here for Ayden. "The Bounty Hunter?" Charlie lit up. He had finally told her they were family. God a lot had happened in the last year. Charlie knew all about his family. Apparently they had no idea who she was. "Yeah, how did you..." "Darlin'..." Ayden wanted to stop this conversation right away. Charlie had a way of talking, or rather getting him to talk. She knew more about him than anyone, he realized in that moment. "Yes?" They answered in unison then looked at each other. "Are we related too?" Evelyn looked her over closer now. She didn't look like either of them, but she answered to Darlin'. And Ayden only called women he cared for Darlin'. "No." Charlie said blushing, and Ayden said distinctly at the same time. This was exactly what he didn't need in his life. Confusion and reminders of the past. He wasn't in the Navy anymore, he wasn't in the FBI anymore. He was a regular guy trying to lead a regular life. Charlie was complicating that just by being there. She knew things that other people didn't know about him. He knew the same things about her. But they didn't really know each other. "Oh. Well, anyways, you met my husband Joshua earlier." "Actually I didn't meet anyone. They left moments after I got here. Someone asked if I was red riding hood, but that was it." Charlie shrugged.
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"Black or brown hair?" Evelyn smiled though she already knew who it was. "Black." "That was Joshua. The one with brown hair is Ethan, the blonde is Chase, and the guy who looks like Warrick from CSI, that's Malcolm." Evelyn shook her head. Ayden was practically blushing. That threw her for a loop. He loved his family, that he was open about. But when it came to outsiders, Ayden was withdrawn and cautious. Charlie had him almost flustered. No one would believe it. "They have been working, and I use that term loosely, all afternoon." "We have been playing video games most of the afternoon, only working for a few hours when Charlie showed up." Ayden smiled and nodded to Evelyn. Oh, Joshua would get it good now. Nothing made him happier than getting Joshua in trouble, he didn't have a brother and he and Joshua were so much alike they could have been. Besides, he needed to get her attention off Charlie, at least until he could figure out what to say. Of course Evelyn didn't wait to take charge. "How long have you known him?" Evelyn could have sworn Ayden was now smiling. The big bad Wolf, a man even she once feared seemed nervous in this woman's presence. But who was this woman and why had he never spoken of her before? "Almost eleven years." Evelyn choked though there was nothing in her throat. "The hell you say?"
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"Evelyn, Charlie is a very old friend of mine. Please. We'll be down in a bit but I need to catch up with her first." Ayden needed to get Evelyn out of there. He needed to talk to Charlie. He needed to sit down and plan. He hated surprises. "I bet you do." Evelyn looked at Ayden with a very suspicious eye. This didn't seem right at all. Ayden had been trying to date unsuccessfully over the past year, now this bombshell drops in and says she has known him eleven years? Evelyn felt an itch, an old itch. She didn't like it. She closed the door behind her and planned to make a call if Charlie was still there come Monday. Ayden walked over to Charlie's bags and picked them up, two large suitcases on wheels and two duffle bags. "Follow me." "You don't have to do this. I mean I can find somewhere else to stay." Charlie followed him. Thankful she was staying. She had no place else to go. She was running. Hopefully she ran far enough. **** Ayden sat the duffle bags on the guest bed. The house had five bedrooms, set up almost the same as Joshua and Evelyn's house but bigger. He had stocked them with furniture, good solid wood beds and dressers. He turned one into an office where his secrets remained safely locked. "You carried all this?" "I set the duffle bags on the suitcases and rolled all that." Charlie pointed at the wheels.
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"You pack everything you own?" Ayden looked around the room, anywhere but at her. Each bedroom had a different theme, thanks to Evelyn. This one was serenity. It was earthy and comfortable, he liked it. The main reason he put Charlie there though was because it was right across from his bedroom. He needed to keep tabs on her, something wasn't right. Charlie had come a long way to see him. He didn't know why. She told him years ago that she loved him. But Ayden knew that was just her grief talking. She had a lot of living to do then and he was a green FBI agent eager to get promoted. No time for a woman. It was the same when he was in the Navy, he was a part of the SEAL team, always on an operation. No time for a woman then either. Actually Ayden hadn't made time for a woman since high school. He had been with only a few women in the last fifteen years. He gulped hard at the realization. He was always on the move, always on a case. He was so busy he never realized the time had passed him by so quickly. "Yes." Charlie looked around the room. The queen size bed looked like an antique. The dresser and bed were made of cherry wood and aged. A nice sitting chair next to the window gave a welcome and peaceful feel to it. She knew he was opening a bed and breakfast. That's what the business license was for. As far as she could tell he should be open already. He had the license for six months. Charlie thought it was a stretch for him to let so many strangers into his life. Maybe he was still debating it. Or maybe he had met someone.
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**** Ayden had been dating a year now, and it wasn't going well. He considered himself a nice guy. But he didn't like the dating scene. Women seemed too fast. Ready to jump into bed on the first date. That just wasn't his way. He had to know a woman before he could sleep with her. His past could catch up to him any day now. Apparently today, since Charlie was in his house. He wasn't afraid to let Charlie stay here. It seemed almost natural for her to be in his home. An old memory from hiding her surfaced. A serial killer had murdered her sister and other girls. They thought the killer was after Charlie next. Ayden broke several rules to keep her safe. He kept her at his apartment. Charlie knew him all right, she had nothing else to do but sift through his stuff and watch television. He never touched her sexually though he was rarely home to indulge the thought. When it was all over she made him promise to come see her. "You wearin' that to dinner Darlin'?" Ayden looked her over again. Damn he had to stop looking at her like this. He knew she was beautiful by any standard. The twins had just accepted a contract for a well known lingerie company when their lives got turned upside down. Of course the contract was cancelled when Michael was murdered. It wouldn't have been smart to put Charlie in the public eye. It was a shame though. She could have been living a good life, her and Michael both. Instead she was stuck in Vegas, on the stage, night after night performing.
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"What are you wearing?" "Different pair of shorts, t-shirt, some flip-flops." Ayden was sure she wasn't expecting that. But it was July and the coast was hot and humid this time of year. He had long hung up his suits and ties. Now he only wore them when he taught classes at the college for their Basic Law Enforcement Training known as BLET classes, or when the FBI called for him to give a class for them. "Those kids will be all over you." "Kids?" Charlie gulped. She was a showgirl. She was single, not many people she knew had kids. They were all young single women like herself. A couple may have been married or dating, but many were too caught up in the career to have a life much less children. "Three of em." Ayden nodded. "Are you taking a shower?" Charlie let her eyes wander over him freely now. His feet were in the work boots, big socks pushed down above them, a pair of green cargo shorts and no shirt. Ayden had one impressive chest, smooth, tan, a light sprinkling of hair around his nipples and across the upper part of his chest. She could still remember cuddling up to it though it was never bare like it was now, sun kissed and sweaty. He had a new scar on his eye. That must have happened this year she thought. His brown hair now cut in a military fashion, going from nothing at the neck up to two inches of hair on top. His eyes were such a baby blue they made her heart thump hard in her chest just looking into them. Charlie looked him over slowly, and it felt like she stroked him with her fingers everywhere her eyes traveled. Ayden
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was grateful she was at his chest by the time his shorts had tented. He had to get out of there and fast. What was happening to him? Charlie needed his friendship and his protection, he was sure of it. Not his wandering eyes, definitely not his wandering hands. "Yeah. I'll meet you downstairs in a few." Ayden hurried out of the room. **** Fifteen minutes later he had talked himself down from the ledge of lust he had been standing on. Cold water poured over him and he scrubbed his hands over his face. After another five minutes he was ready. He had showered and was now prepared to take Charlie down the street to meet the family. He would never hear the end of it. No amount of planning would be good enough, and now there wasn't time. **** Charlie sat on the couch in a pair of cut off jean shorts and a t-shirt. She owned flip-flops too. Looking at the men earlier they were all tall, at least her height. But Evelyn was shorter. Tall for a girl but not tall like Charlie and that had always been a problem in her youth. She didn't want to draw too much attention but she always did. "You ready?" Ayden asked. When she stood he wanted to just die. The shorts weren't real short but Charlie had legs so long that anything looked short on her. The t-shirt clung to her like a second skin showing generous breasts and a flat stomach. This was going to be one hell of a family dinner.
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"Yes." She walked to him. "I'm a little nervous. I didn't plan on meeting so many people." "It'll be fine." Ayden pressed his hand in the small of her back to lead her out the door. Charlie stumbled and then caught her self. "You okay?" "Fine, just caught my shoe." Just caught her breath was more like it. Having him touch her always threw her off balance. They walked side by side to the house a block down. Charlie felt more nervous by the step. "So, why did you choose to live here?" "Evelyn." "So how long have you been here?" "Almost a year now." "Your house is beautiful." Charlie was really running out of things to say. Yet she had so much she wanted to tell him. "Charlie." Ayden stood outside the front door. "I'll follow whatever you tell them about how we know each other. If you don't want to tell them..." "No, I'm fine about that. It's just ... women tend not to like me." "What's not to like?" Ayden smiled. He knew she was afraid of crowds, he knew this would be a challenge for her. So he would stay next to her, protect her. Even though, she wouldn't need protection from his family. "You'll do fine." He opened the front door and walked in. Charlie stepped in behind him and he could have sworn time stopped. Everyone froze and looked at them. Everyone, even the kids.
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"Holy cow, you're as tall as my daddy!" Chase Jr. ran right up to meet her. "My name's Chase, what's your name?" "Charlie." "Charlie? That's a boys' name lady." Gray was now at his cousins' side. "Yes, it is. My dad named us, he thought me and my twin sister were boys because he showed up to the hospital late and saw twin boys in the nursery." Charlie smiled down at the little monsters. Leave it to kids to tell the truth. "What's your sisters' name?" Chase asked. "Michael." "Is she here too?" Gray looked around to see if anyone else was coming. "No." Charlie swallowed hard. "What is this? You guys with the census bureau?" Ayden looked down at the boys. "No." They answered in unison. "You're very pretty." Gray informed her. "Gray Alexander Young, are you flirting with another woman in front of me?" Evelyn teased the toddler who up until Charlie walked in was in love with Evelyn. "She is." He shrugged and went about his business. "He is his fathers' child." Grace walked to the door to meet the woman. "I'm Grace. It's a pleasure to meet you. Come on in." "Thanks. I'm a little nervous." Charlie admitted. Grace was about the same size as Evelyn. Both had red hair but Grace's was bright and curly, wild. Evelyn had dark red hair, pulled into a ponytail. "I'm not used to being in large crowds."
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"We're harmless." Grace smiled then looked at the three year old boys who now followed behind Charlie. "Most of us anyways." To the boys, "You guys go play out back with your dads and uncles." "Are you coming Ayden?" Chase Jr. Looked up at him. "No. I'll be out in a while." Ayden stood by Charlie. Evelyn circled around him. "Ayden, go play out back with the boys, you'll be the only man in here." Evelyn came around and pushed him with both hands toward the back door. "Scoot." "I'll be just outside if you need me..." "For what?" Evelyn cut him off and shook her head. "Get!" "Men!" Evelyn turned back to Charlie. The poor woman looked like a deer trapped in headlights watching Ayden go. "Are you okay Charlie?" Evelyn looked at her with a concerned eye. "I uh, yeah, I'm just not used to crowds." Charlie felt like she would hyperventilate. Being on stage in front of hundreds of people was one thing. Actually talking to people, that was another matter entirely. She never went out. The world was a dangerous place. She learned that the hard way. She did all her shopping on line. Getting to Ayden had been one of the most challenging events of her life. But now she had to be in a crowd and talk to people. "Honey, this isn't a crowd." Grace added with a warm smile. "We're all family." "Oh." Charlie swallowed. It sure seemed like a crowd to her.
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"Hi, I'm Stephanie, Joshua's sister." Stephanie Young entered the room and Charlie felt her whole body relax. Stephanie was almost as tall as she was, blonde and beautiful. "Megan's on her way in to meet you too. We're all excited to meet Ayden's woman." "Oh, well you may be disappointed then." Charlie looked away. "He's not interested in me. Not like that." "That's absurd." Megan bounced in the room. Her brown curls were pulled back in a loose ponytail. "Chase couldn't stop talking about you. Now that I see you, I know why. I'm Megan, Grace's cousin and Chase's wife. There are a lot of us I know." "Uh." Charlie was feeling cornered. The four women were all looking at her. And apparently they thought she and Ayden were an item, she wished it. But it was far from true. They were friendly and expectant. "No." "Well why not?" Evelyn took a seat at the kitchen table and motioned for everyone else to do the same. They followed, with all eyes on Charlie as she sat down. "You'd have to ask Ayden." Charlie shrugged. "I love the man. I do. But he's never indicated we could be anything more than friends." "Have you told him this?" Grace asked. "Yes. Years ago." A collective gasp followed. "What did he say?" Megan looked scandalized. "That I was too young for him." Charlie didn't care. It was the truth and she didn't hide her feelings for Ayden. He
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rejected them flat out. Besides, they would know now that she had eyes for Ayden only and none of their men. "How old are you?" Stephanie asked. "Thirty." "You don't look a day over twenty-one." Megan looked at the woman with a new appreciation. Charlie was thirty with a face like an angel and a body of a supermodel. "Guess that doesn't help my case." "How old is Ayden, Evelyn?" Grace asked. "Thirty-six" Charlie and Evelyn both answered. "He looks younger than that." Stephanie nodded. **** The women continued the question and answer inside and the men circled Ayden outside. "Who is she?" Joshua asked. "Charlie is an old friend." Ayden answered. "No shit, spill it Wolf. A woman like that doesn't just fall from the sky on your doorstep without wings attached." Joshua challenged him now. "She is really hot." Chase agreed. "I second that notion." Malcolm nodded. "She looks like she stepped out of a Victoria Secret catalogue. I know, Grace has lots of them. And I have painted several of the women in them." Ethan looked up at the back door to make sure they weren't going to get caught talking about this woman or they would all be on the porch tonight. "She's a Vegas showgirl. Her sister was my first real case. Killed by a serial killer, I kept her safe, found the man who
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did it and Charlie has hero worship. A bad case of it." Ayden huffed. They were still looking at him for more information. "Yes she is amazingly beautiful. But she is also smart, and quirky and afraid of crowds. Don't hover over her, don't stare at her and I'll break you in half if any of you touch her." "Malcolm is the only one not married here Wolf, calm down." Ethan laughed. Oh Charlie was more than just a friend all right. Ayden all but howled at them. If he was this defensive among friends and family he would be lethal to the general population of men in the area. "I'm not on the make though, I have Stephanie. She's more than enough for me." Malcolm held his hands up. "What the hell does that mean?" Joshua growled at Malcolm. "It means she is the love of my life, and I plan to marry her." Malcolm wasn't as big as Joshua and he didn't want to fight with him. But Stephanie's big brother needed to realize that she was a grown woman, not a child. "Congratulations man." Chase put a solid hand on Malcolm's shoulder. "She better be wearing white down that aisle." Joshua growled. "Look who's talking." Ayden now growled at Joshua. "You thoroughly debauched my little sister." "Oh contraire, your little sister thoroughly debauched me." Joshua smiled. He and Ayden were on the ground wrestling in a heartbeat.
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"Gray go get your momma." Ethan pointed his son to the door. Chase Jr. and Gray headed for the house, full of excitement. Ethan tried to break them up but got elbowed and started wrestling himself. Chase tried to get Ethan and before they knew it everyone had a hold of everyone and it looked like a football pile up. By that time Ayden was on the bottom, followed by Ethan, Joshua, Malcolm then Chase. The women headed out side and Grace headed right for the pile. "Up." She grabbed Chase and Malcolm by the ear. They moved. "Next two?" Ethan and Joshua scrambled before she could get a hold of them. But the Wolf was catching his breath. Grace bent down and stared him right in the eye. "Ayden Wolf." "Grace?" Ayden smiled as he pushed up to face her. Grace wasn't mean like Evelyn but she was known for pinching and grabbing an earlobe at an angle that no man liked. Evelyn had taught her well. "You should be ashamed of yourself." Grace lifted her eyebrow and pinched him on the arm. "Ashamed." Ayden sat there confused for a long second. How did she know he started it? Or did she assume that because he was on the bottom of the pile? He took one look around the yard. All of the men were being scolded, hugged or pampered by their women, except him. Then he looked to the porch. There was Charlie, and damned if the sun hadn't cast a halo around her pale blonde head.
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Charlie was really confused. She stepped outside and saw a pile up of pinching biting and twisting grown men acting like children. On the bottom of the pile, Ayden. She had never really seen him playful before. They all had marks from each other or from Grace. Charlie looked around and then looked at Ayden. She wasn't sure if she should go to him. Or just wait and see if he came to her. The women of the house seemed to have faith that if she gave it time and a concentrated effort she could indeed lure Ayden out of his den and capture her Wolf. Charlie hoped they were right. Ayden pushed to his feet, dusted himself off and headed toward the porch. Charlie started walking toward him. She met him half way in the yard. "What are you guys doing out here?" Charlie searched his eyes. They seemed more playful and free than she had ever remembered seeing them. She liked him this way. "Just screwing around. Happens a lot when we get together. Too much testosterone in one small yard." Ayden winked. "What were you gals doin' in there?" "Talking about you." Charlie smiled. "That can't be good." Ayden huffed. "Depends on how you look at it. I thought it was very good." Charlie reached up and touched the scar on his eye. "How did this happen?" "Joshua." Ayden was surprised that she noticed. "I gave him that scar on his lip though. Don't worry." "I'm not worried. I know if you wanted to you could kick all their asses." Charlie dropped her hand. She realized that he was the only man there without a woman. What if he had a
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girlfriend? Maybe that's what kept him from showing up this year. "Are you always the odd man out at these things or is there another woman in your life? I don't want to mess up your plans for this week." "I'm usually the odd man out. I'm used to it." Ayden was used to it. And he didn't like it anymore. But Charlie was still too young. She could find plenty of men her age that would have more in common with her. Hell he didn't know what they had in common other than her sisters' death. "Well, you're not alone tonight." Charlie took a deep breath and turned to walk back inside following the rest of the women. Ayden swallowed that comment hard, digesting the meanings. He wasn't alone tonight. Charlie was here. And it had been so long, too long since he had the attention of a woman. All the men were in agreement that he was nuts for not snatching her up. Maybe he was. But the life he had lived was dangerous. His father died because of a dangerous job. He wouldn't put a wife and kids through all that. But now he had nothing but time. Maybe he would spend some of it getting to know her. Give her a chance. Maybe, but first he had to figure out why she was here in the first place. "You missed a perfect chance to kiss her." Malcolm put a hand on Ayden's shoulder. "I know Stephanie wants me to kiss her if she puts her hands on my face. Unless I have food on my face, that happened once."
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"Thanks for the advice." Ayden snickered. Great now the kid was giving the old man advice. Malcolm was all of twentyfive years old. "I'd keep that out of Joshua's ear shot." "I'm not afraid of the Big Dog. I know he can whip my ass. But I'm not backing down when it comes to Stephanie." Malcolm shrugged. "She's waiting on his seal of approval. I know she is." "You need to talk to Evelyn." Ayden turned to the young man. "She's your only hope on that." "She hates men." Malcolm reminded him. "No. She hates most men. She has softened a lot in the last year. Joshua can whip your ass, but Evelyn can whip us all." Ayden nodded and headed inside. Charlie was spending too much time with the women. Not enough time with him. [Back to Table of Contents]
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About Cara North Cara North began writing short stories as a child. Her first full length novel was written by hand in approximately seven different hard bound journals. Of course today she uses the computer. She is published in several different genres of romantic fiction, sweet romance, science fiction/fantasy, contemporary, and erotic romance. Both of her novel series' will be released at Tease Publishing LLC. Cara's goal is to continue winning readers over one by one and eventually make the NY Times Bestseller list. In a perfect world The Beaufort Series would be made into a movie. Ethan would be played by Josh Hartnett, Joshua by Jake Gyllenhaal, and Ayden by Ryan Reynolds. The heroines could be played by several talented actresses. Did you hear that Hollywood? I'm waiting... In the meantime she lives with her own personal hero and husband, Chris. They share their home with two dogs, Brittany and Jonah, and two cats, Han-Solo and Shiva. Learn more about Cara at www.sirensandmuses.com or check out her MySpace at www.myspace.com/caranorthwriter Yes, she blogs too, carolinanorth.blogspot.com
If you are connected to the Internet, take a moment to rate this eBook by going back to your bookshelf at www.fictionwise.com.
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Chasing Joshua by Cara North

Tease Publishing LLC www.teasepublishingllc.com

Copyright 2008 by Cara North First published in 2008, 2008

Chasing Joshua by Cara North

Chasing Joshua Cara North ****

**** TEASE PUBLISHING

Chasing Joshua by Cara North

Chasing Joshua by Cara North

Chasing Joshua by Cara North

Chasing Joshua by Cara North

Chasing Joshua by Cara North

Chasing Joshua by Cara North

Chasing Joshua by Cara North

Chasing Joshua by Cara North

Chasing Joshua by Cara North

Chasing Joshua by Cara North

Chasing Joshua by Cara North

Chasing Joshua by Cara North

Chasing Joshua by Cara North

Chasing Joshua by Cara North

Chasing Joshua by Cara North

Chasing Joshua by Cara North

Chasing Joshua by Cara North

Chasing Joshua by Cara North

Chasing Joshua by Cara North

Chasing Joshua by Cara North

Chasing Joshua by Cara North

Chasing Joshua by Cara North

Chasing Joshua by Cara North

Chasing Joshua by Cara North

Chasing Joshua by Cara North

Chasing Joshua by Cara North

Chasing Joshua by Cara North

Chasing Joshua by Cara North

Chasing Joshua by Cara North

Chasing Joshua by Cara North

Chasing Joshua by Cara North

Chasing Joshua by Cara North

Chasing Joshua by Cara North

Chasing Joshua by Cara North

Chasing Joshua by Cara North

Chasing Joshua by Cara North

Chasing Joshua by Cara North

Chasing Joshua by Cara North

Chasing Joshua by Cara North

Chasing Joshua by Cara North

Chasing Joshua by Cara North

Chasing Joshua by Cara North

Chasing Joshua by Cara North

Chasing Joshua by Cara North

Chasing Joshua by Cara North

Chasing Joshua by Cara North

Chasing Joshua by Cara North

Chasing Joshua by Cara North

Chasing Joshua by Cara North

Chasing Joshua by Cara North

Chasing Joshua by Cara North

Chasing Joshua by Cara North

Chasing Joshua by Cara North

Chasing Joshua by Cara North

Chasing Joshua by Cara North

Chasing Joshua by Cara North

Chasing Joshua by Cara North

Chasing Joshua by Cara North