Authors: Kris Norris
“Brooklyn!”
Gage’s voice echoed off the walls and down the hall. “Damn it, we’re not finished.”
Brooklyn
glanced back at him as she rounded the stairs and started climbing. “Oh, we’re finished, and in more ways than one.”
“Like hell we are.” He’d lowered his voice, but there was no mistaking the deep edge to it. He was ordering her, not asking.
Sam looked from her back to Gage, nervously stepping forward. “Everything okay, buddy?”
Gage clenched his jaw, twitching the muscle as he fought to restrain his anger. Anger Brooklyn knew was directed at her.
“Fine.”
One word.
That’s all he said as he stared up at her.
“Okay,” said Sam, talking another step towards them. “Then perhaps we can all go back in the study and talk about the situation at hand?”
Brooklyn
’s face heated at the thought. There was no way she could go back in the study without remembering how Gage had made her orgasm on the desk. Damn, she’d never be able to write at that desk again. “There’s nothing to talk about,” she said, grabbing the railing for balance as her strength started to wane.
Gage took a step forward. He’d obviously seen her sway and seemed determined to mount the stairs until he met her gaze. He stopped and turned back to Sam. “Brooklyn’s right. There’s nothing to discuss because she’s not being bait!”
Troy
stepped forward. “This is the only way to catch him. Even you know that. And she’ll be surrounded by cops!”
“Enough!” Everyone turned as Brooklyn’s voice filled the air. “Trevor.”
“Yes?” he replied calmly.
“Get your team ready. I’ll do whatever you want. Just make sure you catch the creep.”
“Forget it. You’re not doing this,” said Gage.
Brooklyn
met his heated gaze with one just as fierce. “The last time I checked, you’d given up the right to make decisions for me.” She skirted her attention back to Trevor. “Just let me know where and when.”
“We’ve got everything arranged for the twenty-first,” said Trevor. “If you think you’ll be strong enough?”
“Fine.”
“Very well.”
Trevor glanced quickly at Troy and Rebecca before grazing a look at Sam and Gage. “We’ll be back in two days to go over the security and to test out the wires. Then we’ll meet here the next morning and go to the store. Troy will make sure the event is broadcast, so our mystery man knows about your special appearance.”
“I’ll see you in two days then,” she huffed and started back up the stairs.
“Bloody hell you will!” shouted Gage, rounding the stairs and taking them two at a time until he was level with her. “You’re not thinking clearly. You just got out of the hospital. You’re not ready to go back to the bookstore, let alone sit through another signing wondering if the bastard who stabbed you in the back is watching you.” He reached for her arm, but stopped when she pulled it tight to her chest. He took a laboured breath. “Just give Sam and me some time to dig up more info on this guy.”
Brooklyn
ignored the hurt in his expression and the neediness in his voice. She would’ve given him anything he wanted if he hadn’t just broken her heart…again. A tear tracked down her cheek and she winced. “This isn’t a federal investigation. I know for a fact you and Sam are only observers here, through professional courtesy.”
“Jurisdiction has nothing to do with this. And I’ll be damned if I stand here and watch you throw your life away.”
“Then don’t bother coming to the store. I’m sure Trevor’s people can handle the situation without you.”
“And if the bastard gets you? Then what?” mocked Gage. “Think you’ll enjoy spending the next few years tied to his bed!”
“Gage.”
Sam’s voice penetrated the air, pulling Gage back. He glanced at Sam and then back at her. She could see his muscles tensing as he watched the steady flow of tears down her face. He cursed under his breath, clenching his fists so tight they turned white at the knuckles. He drew in a long rush of air.
“It’s a mistake.”
His voice had softened, but she was past reasoning with him.
Past staying in the same room as him.
She straightened her shoulders, gathering as much dignity as she could while still crying in front of him.
“Then it won’t be the first I made tonight.” With that she turned sharply on her heels and dashed up the stairs and into her room, slamming the door shut with a resounding thud. She stumbled her way over to the bed, collapsing on the duvet in a dishevelled mess. She felt angry, tired and completely alone, much the same as every night in the past six months. Every night except the ones Gage had stayed by her side, holding her hand, brushing her hair back from her face, and for the first time, she wished she’d stayed in the damn hospital.
Gage watched her leave, her shoulders stiff,
her
back rigid and straight. She was insane. There was no other way to describe her actions. Bait! She’d just agreed to be bait for the psycho who’d touched her back, slipped his fingers down the sensuous curve of her ass and caressed her tight, perfect little pucker.
“Shit!” He stomped down the stairs and out the door, not bothering to look at the
officers
still standing on her porch. He needed to get away. Escape the anger and guilt welling up inside him. He’d done it again.
Pushed past the boundaries of common sense.
Blurted out the first words that had popped into his head before realising how much they’d hurt her, scared her.
Sam called his name, but he kept moving, stalking to the driver’s side of his truck. He didn’t want to talk. He didn’t want to do anything other than break down Brooklyn’s door and shake some sense into her. Then he’d finish what they’d started in the study, only letting her pause long enough to suck in a gulp of air, before pounding into her all night. Damn, he never should’ve stopped. Never should’ve listened to the annoying voice in his head that kept insisting he was hurting her again.
Fucking her when he should be comforting her.
Reassuring her they’d catch the bastard.
Which one?
You or him?
He growled and threw open the door just as Sam grabbed his arm.
“What the hell do you think you’re doing?” demanded Sam.
Gage pulled free, glaring at the man.
“Leaving.”
“I can see that. I was talking about that little performance in there. Jesus. I’ve never seen you lose it like that before.” Sam shook his head, staring at his shoes. “I thought you and Brooklyn had made up?”
Gage snorted, jerking the door closed as he slid behind the wheel. “I think she made her feelings for me quite clear,” he replied. “And regardless of what everyone seems to think, this trap is a mistake. It’s not going to work.”
“Why’s that?”
“Because this bastard’s not your ordinary stalker.
He’s sophisticated and quick. He’ll be expecting this, and he’ll come prepared. Mark my words. It’ll turn ugly.”
“All the more reason to be there when it happens,” said Sam.
Gage turned the key and revved the engine. “Oh, I’ll be there. Much to Brooklyn’s annoyance, I’m sure.”
“I’m sorry I interrupted you two. If I’m the cause of this, I can talk to her.”
“You’re not the cause of anything. It’s me.” He sighed. “It’s always me.” He shoved the stick shift into reverse. “Tell the guards I’ll be back in a few hours. Once I’m certain she’s asleep.” Then he stomped on the pedal and tore down the driveway, spinning the truck around as he sped down the street. He needed to find the nearest bar, and drown his pain in whatever was on tap. He needed…Brooklyn.
Chapter Ten
March 21
st
Brooklyn
leaned against the counter, a mug of tea clutched between her hands. She could feel the heat seeping into her fingers, the rest of her body still chilled. Trevor sat at the table, surrounded by Sam, Troy and Rebecca. Three other officers were scattered around the room, dressed in jeans and sweaters. None of them had smiled during their introductions, and their hands had been cold and unforgiving when they’d touched hers. She was restless, or perhaps a better word was scared. Trevor had spent the better part of yesterday going over the details, showing her where every officer would be placed, and how the small device they’d slipped into an earring would guarantee her safety. She’d listened carefully, walked through every scenario until it seemed like she’d already lived through it. But just the same she was scared. She chanced a look at Gage. He stood pouting in the corner, his eyes dark, brooding. He hadn’t spoken a word to her since that first night, and he didn’t look like he was going to any time soon.
She sighed, wondering how it had all fallen apart so quickly. One moment he was touching her, holding her while she screamed out her release. The next, he was apologising for taking advantage of her, for making a mistake. She looked away, knowing the tears would pool if she stared at him. She was tired. She hadn’t slept or eaten much, and the uncertainty of the day’s events had kept her on edge. Would she recognise the creep? Would he try to touch her again? Would she finally be free?
“Hey.”
Brooklyn
looked up, forcing a smile. “Sam.”
“You okay? You look upset.”
“Fine.”
That’s all she could say without her voice cracking. She wasn’t okay.
Sam frowned. “You don’t look fine. Want to tell me what’s wrong?”
“No.” She pushed out a lung full of air and smiled again. “Don’t worry. I’m fine.
Really.”
“You don’t have to do this, you know. We can call it off if you’re not ready. No one will think any less of you if you’re not up to facing this guy yet.”
Brooklyn
shook her head. She couldn’t turn back now, not with the way she’d yelled at Gage in front of everyone, her determination to exert her independence clouding her judgement. “I’ll be fine. I can do this. Besides, I’m not even convinced he’ll show up.”
“He’ll show up,” rasped Gage.
Brooklyn
jumped at the sound of his voice. Somehow he’d managed to walk up beside her without her noticing. She clutched her hand to her chest in a feeble attempt to calm the pounding in her heart. She turned towards him, ready to curse him for scaring her, but couldn’t speak. He looked lethal.
“Let’s hope you’re right,” she finally replied, hoping he didn’t hear the resonance in her voice. “I want this over.”
“Let’s just hope it ends the way they’ve planned,” he said, stuffing his hands in his pockets.
He looked agitated. She glanced at his clothes. He was wearing faded jeans and a dark green shirt. She could see his muscles bunched through the fabric. He looked incredible.
“As long as it ends.”
She pulled at her shirt, smoothing the bottom over her pants. It was the first time she’d managed to pull one over her head, and the tightness of it felt awkward.
“How’s your back?” Gage asked, looking more through her than at her.
“Better. They had Dr. O’Brian stop by yesterday. He took out the stitches. He seemed pleased with the incision. He said it looked good.” She snorted, remembering how she’d made him hold up a mirror so she could see what the bastard had done to her. She’d nearly cried. “I can’t say I agree with him,” she added quietly.
“Don’t worry,” said Sam. “The scar will fade.”
Brooklyn
sighed and nodded her head, watching Gage clench his jaw. “I’m sure you’re right.”
“Brooklyn?”
Brooklyn
turned to look at Trevor. He was standing off to her left, slightly behind Sam.
“Everything okay?”
Trevor asked.
Damn, could everyone tell she was more than reluctant about today’s charade? “Sure.”
Trevor narrowed his gaze for a moment, watching her expression, before sighing loudly. “Good.” He glanced at his watch. “It’s almost time to go. Are you sure you remember everything?”
“My part’s pretty easy. I walk in, sit down, and wait for the guy to make a move.”
Trevor laughed. “I mean about your security.”
“You went over it pretty thoroughly. I think I’ve got it all memorised.”
“Just remember. Even though you can only hear me, everyone can hear you. We figured hearing all the guys check in every fifteen minutes would be distracting.”
She nodded, biting at her lower lip. “You’re sure he won’t know I’m wired?”
“Don’t worry,” said Trevor. “We’ll be all over this guy long before he gets close enough to wonder that.”
Brooklyn
nodded, wrapping her arms around her chest. “Sure,” she mumbled, less than convincingly.
Trevor sighed, looking around the room. “All right folks. Let’s get this show on the road.”
Obediently, the officers headed for the door. They were silent except for the soft swishing sound of fabric across metal, where their coats glided across their weapons. Trevor waited until they’d left before turning back to Brooklyn.