Holding Fast, page 6
She covered her mouth with her hand and winced above it, tears resurfacing in her blue eyes.
His phone buzzed, startling her so badly she let out a small cry and stood too quickly. Her chair crashed to the floor and she would have fallen if he hadn’t caught her around the waist.
“Hey now, slow down.” She pulled free because he let her. It was that or hurt her and he wasn’t about to do that. “I have to get this, but I swear to you, it’s going to be okay.”
She watched him mutely, not looking reassured.
He clicked the phone on and answered, “Bryson.”
“I think the scare tactic might be a bit too harsh.”
He wanted to tell Troy to fuck himself but narrowed his eyes and accessed her frightened posture. “Agreed.”
“One week here isn’t a bad idea. At least a day, possibly two. Her sense of security is paramount at this point. Get her to trust you, then move on our plan.”
“Agreed. No more interruptions.” He hung up and set the phone down. She stared at him then his phone and back again to him.
“Who was—?”
“The men check in often.” He straightened her chair and settled his hands on the back of it to lean forward. “Look, this is the way we will play this. It’s the only way. Potter won’t believe we aren’t dating now.”
“If he’s not here—”
“Then in a week, if he’s not here—”
“I thought I had to leave today!”
He smiled at the indignant huff. “I changed my mind. If we stay here, we stay here a few days, possibly all week. If he doesn’t surface by Friday, though, I think we should leave.”
By her concerned expression, he wasn’t sure what she had more of a problem with him staying here, or her leaving her house.
“That sounds insane. I mean, well, you can’t stay here.”
“Why not?” He tried his best to hide a smile that kept trying to break free. She clearly didn’t want him here, which should upset him, not make him want to smile. But he got the feeling that her not wanting him here was a good sign, a real good sign. He couldn’t stop himself from teasing her a little. “I don’t snore. I can take out the trash, even clean up the dishes.”
That got her twisting her sweatshirt sleeves. She stared around her house, then at him, then the house again almost desperately. “I’m painting.”
“You’re finished.”
“I am busy. I have things I planned to do. I bought supplies. I have a list a mile long. I mean, I’ll be busy and, well, you can’t be here. What will you do? Where will you sleep?”
He saw the death trap of suggesting her bed, so he wisely waved down the hallway. “You’ve got a spare room.”
“How do you know that?” she asked sounding suspicious.
“I checked out the deed to the house. Floor plans are included.”
She exhaled and threw her arms out. “Isn’t anything private? Besides, come on. I… You can’t show up and…”
“Try to keep you safe?”
That stopped her dead in her tracks. She glanced at him then winced and sighed. “I’m sorry… I only now started to get my life back.”
Her confession nailed it for him. Only now started to get her life back? She’s been so scared last night she’d cried in her car. She wasn’t living. She was surviving.
“From this moment until this is done, I’m with you. We eat our meals together, we paint the house together, we grocery shop together, and we go out on the town together. We do everything together. Then, when you see how safe you feel, then you can tell me you’re getting your life back together. Now? You’re scared. I can see it. I can make you feel safe because you will be as long as you stay with me. Once we have Potter, then you’ll be safe with or without me. But until then, we do all of it. Together.”
She raised her eyebrows and watched him as if she couldn’t believe such drivel. Heat warmed his face, growing worse as she stood there. He’d pretty much outlined what he wanted, not because of this mission, but because…he wanted to spend all his time with her. He’d never wanted that from another woman, not even Stephanie. That’s because I never wanted or needed Stephanie safe, like I want and need Sara to be.
“And this will goad him into coming for me?”
“We hope so, but he won’t lay a hand on you. That’s what I’m saying. With me here, no one will.”
She sat back in her chair, looking so tired he crouched in front of her and took her hands again.
“Why don’t you go get some rest? This has got to be a lot.”
She covered her forehead with her hand, then stared at him in surprise. “I think I’m going to be sick.”
With that, she stood and rushed down the hall and into the bedroom at the end. The lock snicked into place a second after the door shut.
Not quite the reaction he was going for, but with her, he wasn’t on his toes—probably because she had him off-balance. Still, she hadn’t told him to hit the road. He’d even gotten a few smiles before things had gotten serious. That had to mean something.
His phone buzzed again and he picked up. “Suave, Bryson.” Carson snapped the two words as soon as he answered.
“I’m in, aren’t I?”
“Put your com back in. We want contact at all times.”
“Yes, sir.” He hung up before something came out of his mouth that shouldn’t. He pulled the com out and facing where he knew a camera was installed in the central heating and cooling system, he plugged it in and clicked it on. “I’m going to get my stuff and set up. Any sign of him?”
“Not a damn thing. Try to be easy on her. There’s no rush to move her. Let’s see what happens. If nothing after a couple of days, then we can all break out in a sweat over where the hell the bastard is hiding. But until then, let’s go slow. I’ll send you the location for a meet. I think it’s time she knew a bit more about us, maybe that will help her trust we have her safety foremost in our minds.”
“Agreed.” He glanced at the closed bedroom door. She would probably stay in there all night, but that was okay. He’d frightened her. She needed the rest.
He’d give her time. He had a package to deliver to the guys. They’d have to check it out, but he felt sure if Potter was going to strike, he wouldn’t be using the USPS.
And if Sara stayed in her room for too long, then he’d check on her.
Chapter Nine
Sara tried to pull herself together but it wasn’t fear stopping her. It was that, but more, much more. It was…excitement.
Over William Bryson coming to my rescue?
If so, he had a funny way of doing it. Why last night? Why the act, and why today the special forces tough guy come to save her from…a sick, serial killer?
Fear swamped her, making her break out in a sweat and a chill at the same time. The confusing jumble had her dashing for the toilet and dry heaving over the spotless porcelain. Self-hatred pulsed along her flesh, keeping time with the erratic racing of her heart. How can I be such a coward? He’s offering to help me!
More dry heaves followed until she weakly went to her knees. After far too long, she rose to her feet and caught her reflection in the mirror. Her face was pale, ghostly white, her lips chalky. Her eyes looked freakishly big. She wasn’t even wearing makeup.
God, I’m a mess.
She ducked her head and washed her hands as she gathered herself. He might’ve only be there to check on her and was now staying to play her boyfriend to try to catch Potter. But…her instincts warned there was more.
She washed her face, squeezing her eyes shut as she lathered her face with soap, then quickly rinsed off. If he was here to protect her, why stare at her the way he did? Why seem sincerely worried?
After drying, she faced herself in the mirror. There was more color now from the quick clean up. She even recognized the girl staring back at her. Can I do this? Let him stay here? I can tell him to leave. I can run away again.
Not really. All your money is in the house now. All the savings, the extra cash, gone. In a week, she got paid, but right now, she had maybe a thousand dollars to her name. Not enough to start over.
And what would that solve?
She blinked and refocused on her face. Be strong. You are beautiful and strong.
She considered calling Paris, but held off. She had a man in her living room. Instead of joining him, she sat on her bed and watched the door. Maybe it was best to try to forget that he was out there, apparently ready to stay with her until the frightening Ashton Potter was caught. And how rude is that? Just leave him standing in a strange house…
Almost deciding to go back out there, she realized what a mess she was and sat back down, laughing quietly. Why on earth would a man want someone who had paint in her hair, all over her arms and on her clothes? He probably dated sexy women who didn’t even do their own manicures, let alone who painted and enjoyed cooking.
The smile he’d given her, when he’d tasted the ginger off that spoon… That hadn’t been from someone who didn’t appreciate what others could do. He’d really wanted a jar of the syrup. He’d also checked out her breasts again.
She didn’t have a big chest, but she had breasts. A guy who’d fooled her into believing he was ‘the one’ had told her it wasn’t that they were big, it was that they were high and tight. He’d been a jerk, but he’d held that men noticed her chest because it was so damn there, right there, cute and curvy for the world to see. It had pissed her off at the time, since she didn’t have much control over how her body looked. Now, though, she wondered if William liked what he saw, and if so, if that was all he liked, and worse, wanted.
“Does it matter? He’s here for a mission. A mission that sounds like it might get me killed.” Or worse.
She exhaled shakily and studied her reflection in the mirror across from her bed. There was more there than her looks. She was there. Hair a mess, paint on her clothes, and big, frightened eyes, but still, her. Sara Stevens.
* * * *
The computer monitors in front of Ash revealed the exact moment William Henry Bryson, former-Navy SEAL, former Delta operative and former Sentinel solider touched Sara Marie Stevens. It had occurred at ten-forty-six a.m. at exactly the time Ash was showering after a bout with his latest prize.
He stopped the video feed.
Ash clenched his fist, watching the way William Bryson appeared to tenderly hold her small, slim fingers. As if she were something precious that might break at the merest touch.
Revulsion rose in his throat, but Ash swallowed it down. She was a whore like all the others.
Obviously, she was in love with the man. In no time, she’d be flat on her back, legs spread with him between them proving what a slut she was. She needed to be punished. She needed to be taught that women had a place and it was to serve a man—in all ways. Considering the training he wanted to put her through, Ash had to resist the rise in his heart rate. He took deep breaths until the rush of adrenaline passed. She was going to be a wonderful experience. He was going to take his time, learning every single thing that caused her pain.
Ash focused on the man, sensing through him, was the key to gaining what he wanted. Sara would have continued to hide if Bryson hadn’t shown up. He was a tall, well-built specimen of a man, a man used to gaining what he wanted merely by existing. He wore a sidearm. No doubt he was trained in a hundred different ways to harm a human being. But he was a hero, while Ashton’s own work made him a monster. Perhaps because he enjoyed it too much, but a man should love his work, and finding new ways to prove that women were biologically inferior to men was his specialty. Was it terrible that he also tried to help them understand this place? To some it was, he knew, but critics were everywhere.
Look at the military. Many thought it was useless, but where would they be without the men who protected them?
His work was much the same. If not for him showing men and women that a woman’s reason for existence was to ensure the stability of the human race, by accepting the dominance of men, where would people be? They had only to read the newspapers to know he was correct.
Now, instead of being able to see if she could be shown the correct path, he had to deal with her slutting herself to this man who hoped to protect her from him. Could he?
The chances of success were slim.
Ashton restarted the video. He settled back in his chair and watched how the two of them answered the door together. The body language was still stiff. Perhaps she was upset with him. Perhaps they would fight and he would leave. It didn’t matter. None of that did now. He had been grooming her for months, and now all that patient waiting was wasted.
Or was it?
She was his. He’d found her alone. She’d stayed alone all this time. Now this man had come in, right when he’d chosen the perfect time to take her. He’d given her these past few months to feel relaxed, safe, until he could prove that she never truly was.
Perhaps now, it would be even sweeter to take her.
She thinks her knight in shining armor can protect her.
Ashton studied the angles, looking for any flaw he could use.
The longer her hero is here, the less cautious she will become. When I do claim her, she’ll suffer even more.
But first Bryson must die. Then, when she is suffering the most, I will force her to come to me.
Smiling, Ashton glanced at the door to his bedroom, where he had his latest trophy still alive and prepared for more punishment for her sins. Students would be arriving any moment. He would continue with their education while he waited and watched Stevens.
The hero, the slut, even the team of highly trained operatives, would pay. All of them would realize when it came to the abilities of a genius, no one could compete with him.
Chapter Ten
Sara stayed in her room throughout the night. Will paced. He’d gone for a walk and wondered if she’d hide the next day, too. He heard her early, but only because he was listening for any sound of her.
Still, he was a little shocked when she walked quietly out of her room, hair up in a high ponytail, dressed in a pair of cut-offs and a light pink long-sleeved shirt. She looked sleepy still. For a girl from Canada, she didn’t seem affected by the humidity of Florida. Or else she liked to worry the long sleeves whenever she was upset. Like now.
“Hi.”
“Hey, good morning.” He surged to his feet. He’d been reading his emails from work on his laptop and drinking coffee. He’d slept a fitful night thinking he heard her walking around, but every time he’d gotten up, there’d been no sound from her room. “I made coffee. I hope that’s all right.”
“Of course.” She twisted her fingers. “I’m sorry I slept through the—”
“Don’t apologize. You needed the rest.” He poured her a cup of coffee and got the vanilla creamer from the fridge. “I got to know your place pretty well. I hope you don’t mind.”
“No, that’s okay. I’m sorry I ran off. It’s a bit…unreal.”
“Right.”
She sat, tucked her foot under her, and stirred the coffee then sipped it slowly, not meeting his eyes. “I’m still sorry, it wasn’t very polite of—”
“Look, no more ‘I’m sorry,’ and I’ll do the same. I know you don’t want us here, but—”
“It’s not that. I appreciate it, really, I’m…”
“Scared?”
She glanced up at him, but immediately stared at her coffee again.
“I set up my kit in your spare room. The bed in there is nice.”
“You can use anything you want. I hope you feel at home, you know.” She took a deep breath. “As long as you stay here.”
“Thank you. I hope I wasn’t too hard on you yesterday.”
She shook her head. “I should get you some towels.” She got up and went down the hall, calling back to him, “Do you need more blankets?”
He got up and followed her, stepping up behind her carefully. “I wanted you to know you’re protected.”
She faced him, letting the search for blankets and towels go.
“There’s a team here. Good, solid men that want to catch this guy. We think me acting as your boyfriend will do that. When it does, we’re going to take care of him so he can never threaten you again.”
She didn’t appear reassured.
“A good man, one of the commanders I was under back in the day, is heading this. Together we can all bring him down. We need you to stay strong. Can you do that for me? Stay strong?”
She furrowed her smooth brow as if what he was saying was the strangest thing she’d ever heard. He got how scared she was, but the innocent confusion on her face did a number on his gut. A tight, hard knot built there, working its way up to his throat. If I’d only asked her what the hell was wrong back in Wyoming.
“I can try.”
He reached out and squeezed her cold hand. “Good, real good. I’d like to take you out to meet them, okay? Maybe once you do, you’ll be more at ease.”
She licked her lips and slowly shrugged. “You make me feel safe, I mean, you scared me, but.” She shrugged again. “You make me feel safer.”
For some insane reason his chest got tight over that. He swore his spine stiffened like he’d been called to attention. Damn crazy shit.
“I’m trying, so I’m glad to see it’s working, although, with that wince, I wonder.”
“No, no, I mean, well, you are a bit…direct.”
“Right.” He had been direct with her. Maybe too direct. “Well, the men I want you to meet, they’re keeping a close watch on your house. Inside and out to ensure Potter or someone else he sends doesn’t get near it. They’re here to keep you safe—”
“Wait. Did you say inside my house?” She scanned the spare room as if he’d told her spiders were going to drop down from the ceiling.
He grimaced, immediately getting the deeper blush that stole over her cheeks. Maybe she didn’t always walk around dressed.
