Rescuing Kaye: A Special Forces Protector Romantic Suspense Novel, page 16
“Lately, it’s been early. Scott gets up at four in the morning to work out. Sorry,” she replies with sadness and dips her head in shame. “I didn’t mean to…”
“It’s okay.” I place my finger under her chin and reassure her about my feelings. “Stop apologizing for what happened, but I will say one thing.”
“What’s that?” Hesitation fills her voice.
“For now, it may be in our best interests not to have any more sleepovers like last night.”
“It’s not like we did anything.” Her soft whisper sends desire coursing through my veins. She’s a delicious torture I endured last night, but I don’t plan on suffering through that again.
“The next time you’re in my arms, we won’t be kissing.”
“We won’t?”
“Well, we will, but there’ll be a whole lot more going on. If that’s what you want.” I’m not reading her wrong. I know where things are headed.
Self-control may be a strong suit for some, but my control slips around Kaye. I kiss her again. And once more for good measure. It’s the perfect reminder of why I can’t spend the night.
Her face turns the prettiest shade of pink which makes me grin, but her smile falters.
“Sorry. Couldn’t resist.”
“Well, you know one thing about me for certain.”
“What’s that?”
“I blush.” She shrugs, but a wicked smile dances across her face. “Which isn’t fair. I can’t control it.”
“Which is why I love it, but don’t worry. I won’t use it against you.”
“So, you won’t be staying with me tonight? What if I have nightmares? What if I can’t sleep?”
“Now you’re pushing it.” Thoughts of spending the night with her make my cock jump. Reason number one why I need to get her out of here and down to medical ASAP. If I stand here any longer, we won’t be leaving her room for a week.
“Well, I have orders and those say to bring you to medical for a meeting with Doc Summers, and then to the Tech building to discuss next steps.”
“What a bummer. Think about the fun we could have.”
“Tell me about it.” I make no effort to hide my arousal. I want her to know I find her attractive. I also want her to know I can control myself. With a grimace, these next few days are going to be challenging.
After a short walk, Kaye and I arrive at Medical, where Guardian HRS personnel receive all medical care. There’s no one at the front desk at this hour, but I know exactly where to go. I take Kaye down a sterile hallway until we reach Doc Summers’s office.
“We’re here.” I glance at Kaye, only now noticing how terrified she is. Her eyes are wide and unsure. Her hands shake, although she tries to hide it from me. “Hey, you’ve got this. It’s just an exam.”
“I know.” She wraps her arms around herself and stares at the polished floor.
When I knock on the door, we’re welcomed by a friendly voice.
“Come in,” Doc Summers calls out, her voice light and cheery. When we step inside her office, Doc Summers wears a white lab coat with her name embroidered on it. She smiles warmly at us both. “Kaye, it is very nice to meet you.” She turns to me and I already know what she’s going to say. “If you don’t mind waiting in the hall?”
“No problem, Doc.” I turn to Kaye. “I’ll be right outside. You’re in good hands.”
“Thanks, Zeb.” Kaye looks a little more relaxed. That’s Doc Summers’s doing. The woman has the best bedside manner, always putting her patients at ease.
With that, I excuse myself while Doc Summers takes Kaye through a range of medical tests checking for any physical trauma that could have resulted from Scott’s abuse.
It’s my hope she’ll check Kaye’s mental state as well, offering advice and tips on how to cope with her situation, plus keeping herself safe in the future.
Finally, the door to Doc Summers’s office opens.
“We’re all done here.” She escorts Kaye out into the hall. “No major injuries. Just the few contusions. I mentioned taking self-defense classes while she’s here. It’s a great way to work through some of the trauma.” She glances at Kaye. “And I told her you would be able to teach her.”
“Oh, definitely.” My voice rises with excitement. “I mean, if that’s what you want?” I look to Kaye.
Why didn’t I think of that sooner?
Carmen and Rosalie should get the same self-defense training as our rescues at The Facility. It would certainly help to pass the time. Barbi too.
I think that’s why Carmen and Rosalie decided to leave HQ. In many ways, we basically locked them up in what’s essentially a minimum-security prison without much to do. No wonder Rosalie and Carmen wanted to get out.
“Great.” Doc Summers claps her hands together, signaling an end to the visit. “The others are waiting in Mitzy’s office. Kaye, do you mind if I talk to Zeb alone for a minute?”
“Um…” Kaye looks between the two of us. Hesitant at first, but then nods.
“Thanks, it won’t take but a second.” Doc Summers gestures to me to join her in her office. The moment the door closes, I jump in.
“She’s going to be okay?”
“Yes, like I said, only contusions from the ligatures. You already know this, but I don’t like to assume. She’s emotionally scarred by Scott’s behavior, leaving her at high risk for PTSD. Precautions are necessary. Be on the watch for symptoms and let me know if anything concerns you. Physically, she’s fine. The self-defense will help as well.”
“It’s a great idea. I’m annoyed it didn’t occur to me sooner.”
“Don’t beat yourself up about that. I understand what happened is new?”
“Yes.”
“Well, then how would you have known?”
We head to the Tech building next, where I introduce Kaye to Mitzy, CJ, and Sam.
“Welcome to Guardian HRS.” Mitzy pulls Kaye in for a hug, even though it’s the first time they’ve met. “I’ll give you a brief overview of what we can do for your unique situation. CJ will explain how the Guardians fit in. Bottom line, we’ll not only protect you from Scott, but by the time you leave, he will never threaten you again.”
“Um, it’s nice to meet all of you.” Kaye glances around those assembled, her voice meek and unsure.
“Ah, don’t let the testosterone affect you,” Mitzy says. “They’re all over-protective to a fault, but good, down deep where it matters. Did you check into your lodging?”
“Yes. Rafe and Hayes put her things in her room.” I answer for Kaye, taking some of the burden off of her, considering she’s the center of attention, something Kaye doesn’t like.
“Good.” Mitzy runs her fingers through her psychedelic hair. “I promise we’ll get you back before midnight. We’re just starting to build out a package…”
“A what?” Kaye turns to me.
“It’s all the important tidbits.” Mitzy flaps her hand. “That’s my job. I lead the tech crew. We do intel and recon. This is CJ.”
“Good evening. It’s nice to meet you.” He extends a hand which Kaye takes.
“CJ leads the muscle. That’s Zeb and the others. We have four Guardian teams; Alpha, Bravo, Charlie, and Delta. Zeb and the others are Bravo team. This lug in the corner is Sam. He’s kind of like the CEO of Guardian HRS, meaning we all report to him. You came from Medical, so you met Skye, and you met Forest some time ago.”
“I did. He was intimidating.” Kaye clasps her hands in front of her.
“Intimidating, yes.” Mitzy shakes her head. “But stubborn as a mule. He and Skye created Guardian HRS.”
“Yes. Carmen and Rosalie told me. It’s beyond amazing, and I can’t thank you enough for helping me. Compared to human trafficking, I’m small potatoes.”
“No life is small potatoes.” The deep rumbling voice of Forest Summers sounds from the hall. Our illustrious leader pokes his head through the doorway. “Nice to see you again, Kaye.”
“Likewise,” she says.
“Hey, I can’t stay. Got things to do, but don’t think you’re not worth our help. You’re one of us now, and we take care of our own.” With that, Forest leaves us.
“Well, there you go.” Mitzy wrangles our attention back to the front of the room. “So, here’s what you can expect. My team is going to build out a package around Scott. While we’re doing that, Zeb and the rest of Bravo are going to work with you and your roomies on basic self-defense. We’ll provide basic personal safety tips every woman should know. Our job is to leverage what we discover regarding Scott to neutralize the threat he poses. Once that’s done, you and your besties will be cut loose. Any questions?” Like always, Mitzy speaks a mile a minute. It’s a wonder Kaye keeps up at all, but she nods with understanding.
“Well, I really appreciate it, and I’m kind of excited to poke around HQ.”
“Girl, there are so many cool places to poke around here. You come find me tomorrow and I’ll give you the backstage exclusive, one-of-a-kind tour.” Mitzy glances at me and winks. “We’re going to have a ton of fun.”
After introductions are done, we’re excused. I’m a bit confused, to be honest. I thought there would be a lot more about Scott discussed, but it seems as if Mitzy’s not ready, which is odd. Mitzy’s always got something to say. Maybe they found something they didn’t want Kaye to know?
I walk Kaye back to her lodging, holding her hand the entire way. We stop outside the building. If I go inside, I won’t have enough restraint to leave.
“I really appreciate everything you’re doing for me.” Kaye spins around to face me. She takes my hands in hers and gives a little squeeze.
“You’re worth it.”
“I’m incredibly lucky to have you.”
I offer her a small smile. “Well, I hope you sleep easy tonight. You’re safe. He can’t hurt you.”
“Thanks. That means the world to me.”
Scott’s been a problem for too long. I’m happy I have the resources to help her. Not many women have that.
“We’ll figure this out together. You don’t have to suffer alone anymore.”
She smiles back at me, then glances at the building. “Will you walk me to my door?”
“I thought I’d stop here.”
“Why?”
“Because, if I go inside, I may not have the strength to leave.”
“If I promise to keep my hands to myself, do you think you could stay a bit longer? I-I’m not ready to be alone, especially in a place I don’t know.”
“You’re not the one I’m worried about.”
“I’m sure you can keep your hands to yourself.” She gives a timid smile. “Let me put it like this, so we get it out in the open.”
“Sure?” I’m not really certain what she wants to say, but I’ll play along.
“You make me feel things I’ve never felt before.”
“Things?”
“I feel like I’ve known you my entire life. There’s chemistry between us. I never knew what that meant until I met you.”
“I feel it too.” I rock back on my heels and shove my hands deep into my pockets.
“It’s not a stretch to say things will progress.”
“Progress?”
“Don’t make me say it.”
“Why not? I love watching you blush.”
“You’re horrible. I’m trying to have a moment here.”
“Okay. Sorry.” I wipe the grin from my face and give her my full attention. “You were saying things will progress?”
“Yes.”
“To sex?” I can’t not go there.
“Yes.” Her eyes flare with annoyance, but it’s not real. Her smile tells me she’s having fun with me. “Are you saying you don’t want to spend the night with me because you don’t want…”
“Want, what?”
“To go there.”
“Go where?”
“Oh, you’re impossible.” She stamps her foot and flicks those long lashes of hers in irritation.
“I’m just trying to clarify. And who’s to say I’m the one who’s going to have problems keeping my hands to myself? I saw the way you were checking me out earlier. My eyes…” I point to my eyes with a dramatic flourish. “They are up here. Not here.” I point to my chest. “Or here.” I gesture below my belt. How do I know you won’t try to ravish me?”
“Ravish?”
“That’s what I said.” A grin fills my face.
“You would love it if I ravished you.” She shakes her head and laughs.
“True.”
“Okay, at some point, we’re going to have sex.”
“Hot damn. Best words ever.”
“But not tonight.” Her smile slips into a laugh.
“Buzz kill.”
“Stop it.” She can’t stop smiling.
“You’re the one talking about sex.”
“No, I’m talking about not having sex.”
“Potatoes, tomatoes.”
“Have nothing to do with it. Will you be serious for a minute?”
“I don’t think I can.” I scrub my face and plaster on a flat, expressionless mask. It lasts all of five seconds before her laughter fills the air.
“You’re hopeless.” She holds up her hands. “Will you…”
“Yes?”
“I haven’t asked the question yet.”
“Okay.” I put on my serious face and rock back on my heels. Her lips twitch into another smile.
“Will you please come inside and stay the night? Not for sex.” She holds up her pointer finger. “Not for sex, but for comfort, so I don’t have to sleep in an unfamiliar bed, in an unfamiliar building, in an unfamiliar place?”
“Yes, luv.”
“You will?”
“How can I say no? I would love to sleep in your bed, but don’t get handsy with me.”
“For the love of…”
“Hey, that’s my condition.” I hold up my hands in front of me.
“Fine. I won’t get handsy, but seriously, I really could use…”
“No need to explain. I’m just having fun.” I gesture toward the door. “Do you want to check in with Carmen or Rosalie?”
“I’m sure they’re busy.”
“Well, we could be busy too, but the no handsy rule is in effect.”
“You’re a total goofball.”
“I try.” I’m really trying whatever I can to help Kaye relax. It’s been a trying day on more than one level, and now that she’s here, Scott is on the hunt—out there looking for her. I’m sure that’s on her mind.
We head to her room and enjoy relative silence as she unpacks her things. After she changes into very unflattering PJs, I strip to my boxers, keep my shirt on, and we crawl into bed together. Me with a major boner and her with flannel PJs that cover up all the good bits.
I curl my body around hers and drape an arm over her hip. I avoid her erogenous zones because my restraint is only so strong, and wait for her to relax. After she settles down, I close my eyes and breathe in her light floral scent. It’s going to be one hell of a long night.
“Thank you,” she says softly.
“For what?”
“For being here. For helping.”
I find myself unable to find any words that suffice as an answer. Instead, I squeeze Kaye’s hip in reassurance. “How about we get some sleep?”
“And for staying. So I don’t have to sleep alone.”
“Whatever you need, luv, I’m here, and I’ll do whatever it takes.”
“I don’t deserve you.”
“Nonsense.” I give her a gentle kiss on her temple. With my arms wrapped protectively around her, I wait for her to drift off to sleep, before closing my eyes and allowing sleep to claim me. This feels good. It feels right.
NINETEEN
Kaye
Morning sunlight filters through the sheer curtains, casting a warm, yellow glow over the room. The soft light highlights the contours of Zeb’s face leaving me with butterflies fluttering in my stomach. I take a moment to gaze at him and try to keep those butterflies in check.
If I’m not careful that fluttering will grow into something bigger, something far more complicated and impossible to control.
Here I am, waking up in his arms, like this is my new normal, when nothing about my life right now is normal. I should be filled with apprehension, anxiety, and dread. Instead, I feel comforted, safe, and incredibly relaxed.
Not wanting to wake him, I extricate myself from his embrace and slip out of bed as carefully as I can manage. Tiptoeing softly to the bathroom, I open the door quietly, and close it behind me, hoping the click of the latch doesn’t wake him.
When I catch my reflection in the mirror, I give myself a little pep talk.
You can do this.
The words come, but I don’t feel them. I’ve never felt this out of control in my life.
Determined not to let my emotions get the better of me, I close my eyes and focus on my breathing. In for a count of one-two-three-four. Hold for seven. Push out my breath for a count of eight.
When I open my eyes, I feel better. Calmer. Ready to face the day. Or at least try.
I can do this. I’ve got this.
Most of all, I’m going to attempt the impossible.
It’s not healthy to jump from one man to another, but I’m going to try. Despite how fast I’ve fallen for Zeb, I resolve to take things slow and enjoy getting to know him. It’s too easy to jump into bed, and rush physical intimacy, without laying down a proper foundation.
I reach for my phone, then remember it’s in Mitzy’s possession. A wave of anxiety washes over me. Normally, I check my phone a half dozen times or more before my feet hit the floor. It’s become an automatic habit to check texts, email, social media, and more, before getting out of bed. Without my phone to distract me, and jumpstart my morning with a dopamine surge, I’m alone with my worry.
Take another breath.
Focus on the present.
It’s strange being without my phone; something essential is missing, but it’s necessary. Mitzy’s going to use it to deal with Scott.
Honestly, it’s best I don’t have the phone. I can only imagine the string of nasty texts from Scott, threats against me, threats against my friends. Just thinking about it gives me that queasy, shaky feeling.
