Death Isn't Enough, page 3
As he approached the table, the dark-haired woman turned in his direction, her eyes focused on his. There was a familiarity to her face which struck him, but he couldn’t recall ever meeting her.
Matthew shifted out of the booth and grabbed Luke by the shoulders. “It’s so good to see you.” Matthew pulled his oldest friend in for a bro hug.
“Owning a gym is good for you. You finally filled out.”
“I filled out years ago. As much as I want to discuss why you haven’t been home in over a decade, tonight isn’t the time. I’d like to introduce you to my girlfriend, Kim. And the best personal trainer in the country, Noa, who happens to work for me. Perhaps she can give you a few pointers on how not to look like you’re on the juice.”
Luke shook his head at Matthew’s reference to steroids. If only Matthew knew the real reason Luke had spent countless hours in the gym over the preceding months.
Kim rose as much as the table in front of her allowed and reached out to shake Luke’s hand. “It’s a pleasure to meet you, Luke. I’ve heard so many good things about you.” She turned to Matthew. “Your girlfriend?”
“Yes. What did you think you are?”
Kim reached for him and, as he settled next to her, she kissed him.
Luke and Noa looked at each other, rather than the two people whose PDA could rival that of hormone-fuelled teenagers.
“Do you mind if I sit?” he asked.
“No.” Noa butt-shuffled to move further into the booth.
“So, you’re to thank for his transformation?” he asked, taking a seat next to her.
Noa took a sip of her virgin margarita. “Matthew did the hard work. I was just there to give him support.”
“You’re being modest. Getting people to do what you tell them isn’t an easy job. When did you move to River Valley?” Luke waited for Noa to swallow another sip of her drink, taking the time to admire her delicate features. I know her face.
“Two years ago. You?”
“This week, but I grew up here. Went to university in Shadow Bay; I’ve spent the greater part of my life in Wine Country. Where did you study?”
“Luke!”
He jerked around. Luke’s youngest sister stood next to him. Not for the first time that day did it strike him how much Madison had grown in the years since he’d left town. “What’s wrong, Maddie?”
Luke shifted further into the booth to make room for Madison to sit, and then put his right arm around her. As much as Luke was aware of his sister next to him, he couldn’t ignore the warmth of the body pressed against his other side.
“I’m screwed.” Madison lowered her head onto her arms, sending her blonde curls cascading onto the table.
“What happened?”
“Our drummer hasn’t pitched and I can’t get hold of him. We’re supposed to go on stage in thirty minutes. Dammit.”
“Hey, Noa, didn’t you tell me you used to be a drummer in a band?” Kim asked.
“No.” Noa shook her head, avoiding the interested stares of the people around the table.
“Yes, you did. Remember our margarita night? We got pretty tipsy, and you mentioned playing in a band.”
Madison lifted her head and reached past Luke to grab Noa’s hand, her eyes pleading. “Please, I will forever be in your debt. We’re doing a cover of Slay. Are you familiar with their songs?”
Noa nodded. “I haven’t played in years. I doubt I’ll be any good.”
Luke smiled, knowing Noa would end up on stage. His youngest sister never took no for an answer.
“But you know Slay?” Madison asked.
“Yes; that’s not the point. I haven’t played in years, don’t want to make you look bad.”
“Worse than we will without a drummer? Please, Noa. I never beg, but this is me begging you. Please.” Madison placed both hands on Noa’s arm.
“Okay, but I’m not dressed for this. I need a tank top or something that allows better range of motion than this jersey.”
“I’m on it! Thank you.” Madison focused on Luke. “She’s a keeper. Leave it to you to have the hottest woman in town next to on your first night out.”
Luke’s gaze followed Madison as she pushed through the crowd towards the stage, wishing she hadn’t grown up without him. For her to get to know him and not from the stories she had been told.
A hand rubbed his thigh; Luke glanced at the owner. Noa yanked her hand back and pressed it against her darkening cheek.
“You don’t have to do this,” he said next to Noa’s ear, noticing her faint scent. Why do I know your face?
“I do.”
Friday, 18 June, 9:12 p.m.
With unsteady legs, Noa returned to the booth. To be on stage was a high she had long forgotten. The drumsticks had once again become extensions of her own body as the beat pulsed through her veins.
As she walked closer to where the others sat, they rose to applaud her. Noa’s cheeks heated; the smile came without effort.
“What the hell was that?” Kim grabbed Noa’s hands.
“Nothing, just making music.” Noa pushed past Kim and asked Luke if she could retake her seat next to the wall.
“You were amazing. Marc Barclay can learn a thing from you,” Luke said, sitting down.
Noa pushed herself back into the seat, keeping her eyes on the table. Luke shifted, using his body to block her view of the crowd.
Noa’s shoulders sagged; she glanced at him with a smile. “Thank you, but I’m no Marc. I just like to beat on stuff.”
“Is that why you love kickboxing?” Luke watched her over the rim of the beer glass.
Noa turned to Kim and Matthew. “What did you guys talk about while I was backstage?”
“You, among other things.” Luke lowered the glass back to the coaster.
Noa found his honesty refreshing and the rest of the night she made a point of keeping the conversation to topics that wouldn’t lead him to ask any more questions. Something about Luke made her feel uneasy. Being this aware of another person’s presence, his smile, and the faint lines at the corners of his eyes when he laughed.
As Noa watched the other three in their group talk and laugh, she remembered how confident Emily had been socially. Not until that moment had she realised how much she had missed being on stage. Or how much fun it was being surrounded by people, laughing and listening to good music.
Friday, 18 June, 10:30 p.m.
Kim and Matthew excused themselves and headed home. Whose home they were heading for neither Luke nor Noa knew, neither did they care – too engrossed in their own conversation. Luke told her he’d been a detective, but decided to get out after his partner died.
“Why did you move back?”
“I’ve only told my parents, but I couldn’t take it anymore. Seeing the bodies of victims who could’ve protected themselves, if only they’d known how. I’m going to offer free self-defence classes at Matthew’s gym and I’m busy talking to other venues in and around the area to hold similar classes. I’m also opening a shooting range. Being comfortable with a weapon is key to self-defence. Too many people lock their guns in a safe and don’t have it when they need it most. If people are comfortable with their weapon, they’ll carry it twenty-four-seven.”
“It’s a brilliant idea. You need to contact the University of Shadow Bay and arrange classes for the students, and at the high schools. Bullying is becoming a major problem, not only in our area. I don’t condone violence, but if people are confident in their own physical capabilities, they benefit psychologically. My opinion.” Noa didn’t mention, that sometimes, no matter how well you’re prepared for an attack, a stranger can walk up behind you and incapacitate you with a stun gun.
Luke’s fingers tapped against the empty beer glass. “Why do you have so much knowledge on the subject?”
“I read a lot, and I hear what’s going on when I’m at work. People talk to me, their personal trainer, as if I’m also their therapist.” Noa glanced at her mobile phone. “I need to leave and get some sleep. Tomorrow is an early day.”
As they exited the bar, Noa reached for the keys inside her purse, wrapping her fingers around the can of pepper spray which served as a key chain.
Luke insisted on walking with to her Jeep; his presence a welcome relief. “Did I hear you correct in there? Did you say Pilates is the best workout?”
“Don’t shoot it down until you’ve tried one of my classes, Taylor.”
“I’m game. When is your next class? If it isn’t the best workout, you owe me dinner.”
Noa’s heart raced at the idea of seeing Luke again. She swallowed hard. “Tomorrow morning, at eight.”
“I’ll be there. Here is an even better idea for you. After class, you and I are having breakfast at Kim’s coffee shop. If, and I say this with great doubt, it is the best workout, I’ll pay for breakfast. If not, then you need to pay. Deal?” Luke stopped walking and held his hand out towards her.
The ringing in Noa’s ears eased, and she realised how quiet the nights were in this picturesque town. In the distance people laughed as they stumbled out of Rapids and onto the street.
Say yes. “Deal. Wear comfortable clothes because I’m going to have you in some very difficult positions.”
Noa placed her hand in his; Luke bit the corner of his bottom lip. “I can’t tell you how much I’m counting on you doing just that.”
Noa turned on her heels and headed for her Jeep, Luke’s grip still firm on her hand. “This is my ride.”
“Not what I expected you to drive.”
“Sorry to disappoint you.” Curiosity got the better of her. “What did you expect?”
“A small three-door hatch back or something more girly. And, for the record, I doubt you will ever disappoint me.”
Noa let out a deep breath. “Do you ever not say the first thing that enters your mind?”
Luke reached for her face and pushed a strand of hair behind her ear. “I used to, but life is too short. I enjoyed getting to know the tiny parts of yourself you shared with me. And I look forward to seeing you tomorrow morning.”
As he stepped closer, Noa’s grip tightened on the can. Luke glanced at her hand, but didn’t remove his from her face.
It had been years since someone last touched her, except for the occasional hug from a friend. Noa fought the urge to lean into Luke’s palm, instead reminding herself she had no right to savour a moment with a man she didn’t know.
“I’m not trying to kiss you on the mouth. I was aiming for your cheek.”
“Oh ... uhm ... sorry, I thought ... I should’ve known, seeing as you kissed Kim goodnight.” Noa stared at the kerb.
“Noa, I’ll never force you to do anything you don’t want to do. I assume you’re not as gracious with your clients? Considering Matthew’s transformation.” Luke smiled. “When you decide to kiss me, I’m right here. Just because I won’t kiss you doesn’t mean I didn’t think about it more than once tonight. Just so there aren’t any misunderstandings, I don’t see you as a potential friend. I’m attracted to you and find you too intriguing to put you in the friend zone.” Luke closed the remaining distance between them.
Noa’s eyes lifted to his; adrenaline pumping through her. An ear-splitting sound tore through the quiet of the night. She lost her footing and fell forward.
Luke closed his arms around her. One hand on her lower back, the other in Noa’s hair. Over her head, Luke scanned the street.
The squeal of tyres deafening. A black sedan made a U-turn, speeding off in the opposite direction.
“It’s okay, I’ve got you. Just some stupid kids with an air horn.” Noa’s body trembled against his, her breathing faint yet frantic. “Sit down.”
Luke pulled Noa down onto the pavement, keeping his arms around her. Noa pressed her face into his chest as he stroked her back and kept offering her comfort. Protection. Despite the frigid weather, they sat until Noa’s breathing calmed.
“I’m sorry, Luke. So much for not wanting to friend zone me. Women having panic attacks are such an aphrodisiac.”
“I’ve had one or two myself, and I’ve seen my fair share of people getting them over the years. It’s nothing to be ashamed of. Let me follow you home and ensure you get home safe. I don’t want you to walk into an empty house this late at night.”
“No, thank you, I’m fine. My boy is waiting, probably wondering where I am this late.”
“You have a son?”
“King is my dog. Prettiest damn pit bull in the world and the best.”
Luke eased away from her, cupping Noa’s face in his palms. “You do kickboxing. Carry pepper spray on your key chain. Own a pit bull. And you have a gun holstered in your bra. I felt it when you fell against me, occupational hazard, not a pervert.” He held his hands up. “Who are you, Noa Morgan, other than being my idea of the perfect woman?”
“Once a detective, always a detective? Goodnight, Luke, I’ll see you tomorrow.”
Chapter 4
Friday, 18 June
Emily,
You disappoint me. Your first night out on the town and you’re already falling into a man’s arms. Literally. You’re still the same whore you always were. Being onstage must have reminded you of how easy you are. You used to love the way men watched you and how they threw themselves at you.
Tonight, I saw them staring at you, but none of them lusted after you as he did. I will ensure he never even thinks about you again. The next time his skin touches yours will be his last. You don’t know what I’m capable of. The things I did to make you mine.
No, the first man who smiles at you, the first to make you laugh so hard you spit your drink out, he is the one you allow to walk you to your Jeep. This might be on me. I can’t fault you for not leaving a bar on your own. You experienced first-hand what happens to pretty little sluts like you when you do. But no, I don’t think for one second you didn’t consider that he might kiss you. You wanted him to. WHORE. Just like you opened your legs for countless men before I claimed you. I ensured that you won’t do it again. No other man will get to taste you. EVER.
The air horn was a tad dramatic, my most sincere apologies for the flashback I know you experienced. I couldn’t sit back and let him kiss you. You’re not his to kiss. I didn’t allow you to reclaim so much of your life for you to fall for the first man who comes along. No. YOU’RE MINE!
Soon you will say the words I’ve been waiting for. This time you will say them.
Chapter 5
Saturday, 19 June, 9:10 a.m.
Luke rolled up the pink yoga mat, waiting for Noa to finish talking to a group of women he remembered from high school. He wondered if Noa had intended for him to end up with the pink mat. Not that he cared if it meant he had to buy his own pink mat to see Noa bend like that again. Without clothes.
The previous night he had lain awake thinking about Noa and tried to place her face. She avoided personal questions, much like career criminals did during interrogation. Noa Morgan was a puzzle Luke intended to solve.
As she walked towards him, he stared in wonder. Never before did muscle definition look so good on a woman without taking away her femininity.
“And?” Noa asked, positioning a blue yoga mat over her shoulder.
“Was that supposed to be ‘the best workout’?”
“Okay, come to my ninety-minute class on Wednesday morning. Our breakfast bet can carry over. See you Wednesday.”
“Not so fast. You said this was going to be the best. A deal is a deal. However, being the gentleman I am, breakfast is on me.”
Noa bit her bottom lip and Luke wondered how it would feel to have that very lip between his teeth. “Head out of the gutter, Noa. You know what I mean.”
She shook her head. “I thought nothing close to what you’re insinuating.”
“If not, then why were you biting your lip?”
“My lips are dry.” Noa bit her lip again for effect.
“No, they’re not. Perfect, in my opinion. Good job trying to dodge the obvious.”
“Listen, Taylor, I’m hungry. If you don’t want it to turn in to full-blown hangry, you better get food in me right now.”
As they made their way through the gym to Kim’s adjoining coffee shop, Koffee, Luke had a gut feeling they were being watched. He scanned around and noticed a few people looking their way. Some even waved or called out to Noa. Yet, Luke still had a sinking feeling in the pit of his stomach. Behind a pair of staring eyes, a predator lurked. Occupational hazard.
Saturday, 19 June, 9:15 a.m.
He watched Emily walk through the gym with the same muscle monkey from the night before. How could she spend more time with him? Why did she want to?
He’d given Emily too much freedom; she forgot his teachings. Time she remembered the truth he had told her the moment she opened her eyes in the cabin. You will always be mine.
The muscle monkey’s watchful gaze bothered him. He needed to know who this stranger was and how big a threat he posed. The gym junkie strode with the same confidence he had seen police officers walk with. The very detectives who visited Emily while she had been in hospital. The men who asked her about him, and the wonderful time they had spent together.
The muscle monkey needed to go. He would see to it, just as he had to everyone else who stood between him and Emily.
It’s time. Emily needs to know.
Saturday, 19 June, 9:25 a.m.
Noa handed the menu to the newest waiter on Kim’s staff and waited for their food while sipping her free latte. Across the table, Luke alternated between looking at her and behind her. Noa wondered if Luke was waiting for someone or found her company boring.
“We don’t have to do breakfast today, not if you’re waiting for someone or need to be somewhere else.” She drained the last of the latte, burning her tongue and throat.
