The street was blocked off by police cars. The bomb squad got there after her, being two hours away. They came flying around the corner in their black armored van on two wheels.

  It really had been a waiting game everyone gave the luggage a healthy distance that had been pulled out of the trash by a bag lady. She didn't know what it was, so she called the police. It was so suspicious looking, brand new luggage does not get thrown away and the weight of it was too much to assess that it was empty. She never opened it and from the moment the word bomb was spoken, everyone just panicked.

  First the reporting officer called in the rest of the team. The woman had suggested that it was a bomb, and the package definitely looked suspicious looking. A task force was deployed and the area was quickly contained. The minute the word bomb was mentioned, Lieutenant McCoy called in the dogs. When they refused the order to investigate and affirm it was a bomb, he was forced to call in the bomb squad. No one wanted to risk their dogs. Wasn't that what they were trained for? Denise could identify with the frustrated Lieutenant. It was smarter to risk an animal before a human life. It was the most logical choice. And yet if the trainers wouldn't cooperate, there was nothing he could do. His hands were tied.

  A crowd of curious onlookers were cautioned to stand off to the side, just behind the police line. Denise had to shake her head at that. What was it about a strobe light on the top of a police car that made people want to stop and stare? Ordinarily it wouldn't upset her, but today was different. They might as well be staring down a gunfight. It was just as dangerous. There was no telling how bad the explosion could be or how far shrapnel would be thrown and they were just staring like complete idiots.

  She didn't even want to be this close. Not that it was much protection, but she had taken shelter in her car, watching the events as they happened. She wasn't about to endanger herself unnecessarily. She didn't have bomb training. This was a job best left to the professionals.

  There was a wide empty area around the luggage, all the people standing just behind the protection of their cars. The bomb squad was now congregating around the van pointing and staring at the luggage. Denise had to laugh at the sight. It was one thing to train, but in real life, people either performed or froze.

  Suddenly the passenger car door opened and a man slid into the car with her. Denise frowned at the intruder, surprised anyone would have the nerve to get into her personal car.

  Agent Jeff Bryant smiled back at her. “Enjoying the show?"

  "Why not? The seats don't get any better than this.” She shot him a look that said there was going to be trouble. Her eyes narrowed to fiery slits as she stared at him. Over the weeks that had passed they had developed a friendship as well, but she still didn't want to be around him right now.

  Agent Bryant just ignored her look; a smile remained on his handsome face. “So what did I miss?"

  "Not much.” Her voice died away, just before she let out a long audible sigh. She tried to change tactics by ignoring him and staring off into space.

  "Not much? Hey, the bomb squad is here. I think we are going to get to watch them blow something up. How can that not be exciting?"

  "It's just not.” Ordinarily she might have been more amused, but today her thoughts were lost on Victor. What was going to happen tonight left her stomach tied up in knots. It felt terrible knowing that he was going to break it off with her tonight. Why wait? Why not have just said it was over at the office? Well he had done just that, didn't he? He did say, we have to stop doing this at work. How could he be doing this to her? “What is it about men and destroying things? You men always want to blow things up and smash things.” Her voice was sharp and caustic, lined with sarcasm. When she answered Jeff, she was still thinking of Victor not the bomb.

  Jeff's enthusiasm was boy-like and his intense joy bubbled up in his laughter. “Well, yeah—That's because blowing things up is so cool!"

  Denise couldn't help it as she burst out laughing. Yes, men definitely enjoyed blowing things up.

  His expression turned to concern as he sensed her withdrawn state. “Is something wrong, Denise?"

  "No. Why do you ask?"

  "Well, no reason. You just don't seem like your self today."

  "Sorry, I shouldn't let it affect my work. I just have been having issues with my personal life."

  "Do you want to talk about it?"

  "I don't know. I feel kind of stupid talking about it."

  "Sometimes it helps to just talk, you know?"

  "Yeah, you are right. Hey look, they are going to use the robot.” Denise pointed to a shiny silver metal robot that was being unloaded by the hydraulic lift off the back of the van. She had heard about the machines being used to take over the risky task of finding and defusing bombs but never seen one in action. This did look promising to be interesting. Denise thought about the expense that it probably cost the city, it had to be at least a half million dollar machine. It was as tall as she was. Two robotic arms were on each side. It had a combination of wheels and tread much like a tank, that moved it steadily closer to the solitary luggage.

  "Cool!” His smile was boyishly affectionate.

  Denise chuckled at his the charm he held in his expression. Maybe it would help to talk about it. “You know, I don't want to go into details, but I am having man trouble."

  "Ahhh.” He looked at her knowingly. A thoughtful smile curved his mouth. “There is nothing like relationship issues to make you feel like your entire life is falling apart. It's definitely distracting, enough."

  "Yep."

  "So who is the guy? Do you need a friend to beat some sense into him?” His smile was charming, causing her to burst out laughing. That was all she needed. She didn't need that kind of drama in her life. “Because you know I will do it."

  If he only knew that he just offered to beat up his boss. He would definitely be backpedaling if he only knew. “No thanks, but I will keep your offer in mind. You are a good friend, Jeff. I didn't think you would be when I first met you, but now I really like you."

  "Thanks. I feel the same way. So about this guy, are you going to dump the jerk and get rid of him?"

  "No—it looks like he is planning on dumping me first.” She felt a lump raise in her throat at the thought. She didn't want to believe it could end like this. So suddenly. Where had she gone wrong? Oh yeah, the first time she gave up her heart to him. Was that her problem? Did she love him?

  She realized she did love him. She had not admitted it even to herself until that moment, but she loved Victor. The thought didn't make her feel better; the hand on her chest only gripped her heart tighter.

  "Well, you are better off without him, if you ask me.” Jeff was happily married for seven years now. “You deserve someone that appreciates you."

  Denise avoided his eyes by watching the robot, which had just deposited a black box that became a shroud on the luggage and was now backing away from the luggage.

  "I thought everything was perfect. I really thought he did appreciate me, which is why this was such a shock to me.” Oh, that had better not be a tear threatening her eye; she fiercely wiped it away with the back of her hand. This was why she shouldn't be dating her boss. She should have listened to her instincts from the very beginning. Now she was destined to be living with a broken heart and have to learn how to live without the man she loved.

  Why did she have to love him? That made things so much harder.

  "Look, I am sorry about that, Denise. Have you told him how you feel? Honestly, if he doesn't care for your feelings you are better off without him."

  "Well, I guess I never told him exactly how I feel."

  "Maybe that is your problem. Have you thought about telling him what you are going through? Communication is one of those things that most couples struggle with."

  "Maybe you're right.” Maybe she should tell him exactly how she felt. Mentally, Denise made a decision that when he came over tonight she would tell him. He could break up with her if he had to, but he would do it knowing that he was breaking her heart.

  The box lifted up into the air slightly with the explosion, before it settled on the ground once more. A gray smoke billowed around the foreign object on the asphalt. Now that the object had been detonated, it was no threat. A single man from the bomb squad approached the unit. He was in uniform and wore a padded armor above his uniform to protect him from any further blast. He had a plastic face shield on him that would prevent him from receiving any deadly burns to his head. All of this was an unnecessary precaution since the item had already been detonated. Of course when you were dealing with explosives, nothing was too cautious. A mistake would never be worth your life, because that is exactly what a mistake would cost you.

  Your life.

  Denise watched in fascination as he lifted the box off of the luggage. Splintered pieces of material, or perhaps whatever had been inside were now in a pile under the box.

  "Do you smell that?"

  "No.” Jeff took in a deep breath, then rolled down his window to smell the air. “Yes—is that what I think it is?"

  Denise broke into a smile. “I think so."

  Jeff burst out into laughter. “We just blew up a case full of marijuana. Lieutenant McCoy is not going to live this one down very soon."

  "Hey, you can't blame him for doing his job. If I had a suspicious looking package like that turn up, I would have done the same thing."

  "Well, now that we blew it up, and had half of the Cincinnati police force show up and surround it, I don't think anyone is going to come back and claim it."

  "It's too bad we can't stake it out. It would have been interesting to see who it belonged to."

  Chapter Eleven

  Denise opened the door to see Victor just staring at her, his powerful body backed up against the column on her front porch. She took in his tempting attractive male physique, spending just as much time admiring his body as he spent on hers.

  She had worn a flowery dress for him that ended just above the knee. Her hair was pulled back in a French twist which accented her slender white neck. The bodice was cut deep, revealing just a touch of her curved breasts. His eyes admired her up-tilted breasts and slim hips. The belt around her waist accentuated its smallness. Her fingers fluttered nervously at her throat. “Please come in, Victor."

  He brushed against her body as he entered the house. Suddenly he stopped and leaned over to kiss her possessively. A thrill swept through her body, even as she fought for her composure.

  She furrowed her brows in confusion as he just as quickly turned his back and walked into her home. How could he do that to her and just walk away? He was cruel and heartless to do that to her heart. Was he just playing with her? He didn't even appear to be emotional in the slightest as he picked up and admired her family pictures on her oak entertainment center.

  She frowned as she wiped the kiss from her mouth. She shut the door quietly behind her and turned to address him. Behind her carefully untroubled expression, her mind was hard at work. It was circling, questioning everything tonight. Why was she feeling so confused? “I made lasagna for dinner. I hope you like Italian."

  "I love lasagna. Is this you?” He held up a picture of her on her grandparents’ farm. She was bent in her blue jeans feeding her grandparents’ cattle. Her grandpa was there at her side cutting the bale wire on the hay, as she spread it with the pitch fork.

  She reached out for the photo, brushing his fingers with hers as she did so. “Yes, that was me—probably from about ten years ago. That other man was my grandpa. I spent a lot of time on their farm in Georgia."

  "You were just as hot back then, huh?"

  "I guess—I was a lot younger then. My body was perkier, and yeah—probably even prettier back then."

  "I think you are more beautiful now. Did I mention that I like older women?” He snaked his arm around her waist, puling her body against his hard body.

  One smooth arched brow lifted in cynical mockery. Her insides melted with that one look. What was she allowing him to do to her? Turning her on hot and cold like that? He couldn't just turn her on and then say no more when he wanted it to end. It was giving her false hope that there could be something still, when in actuality, there was no hope. Not really. Not for any kind of relationship. It was obvious he didn't want her anymore; the sad fact was that she would settle for any part of him that she could get. Even if it was just physical. She just wanted him. What was wrong with her? Sacrificing everything she was for a man?

  She pushed out of his arms, crossing her arms over her chest. “Are you saying I am old?"

  "No, Denise. Not at all.” He looked at her speculatively. “Is something bothering you tonight?"

  She wanted to hit him. After he had said it was over today? That it couldn't possibly continue? Now he had the gall to ask her if something was wrong? “No. Nothing at all,” she gritted out.

  This wasn't going to turn into a fight where she broke into tears and became overly emotional. It would never come to that, she promised herself. She would be strong, and let him go with dignity. She could keep her pride that way. Her heart dropped in her chest. All she could ask herself was why? Why would he do this? They were good together.

  It would break her heart to do it, but she had to be strong.

  "I know better than to take that at face value. What is it? What's wrong?"

  "Nothing."

  "When a woman says nothing—it really means something and if you don't find out what, the conversation will usually end with her saying fine. Which doesn't mean things are fine at all. Just shut the hell up because I am finished talking with you. So I expect you to talk to me about this."

  All of her frustration was flummoxed by his reasoning. Denise couldn't help it, she burst out laughing. He smiled in answer, making her feel much more at ease.

  "Now, are you going to tell me what's wrong or am I going to have to torture it out of you?” His smile was smug as a ca that just got into the cream. They would both enjoy his torture, she was sure of it.

  "Well if you insist, you could torture it out of me..."

  "Now that is an attitude that I can live with.” He pulled her to him once again, locking her in his strong embrace, nuzzling his face in her hair. “But you and I should not have anything between us when we are in the bedroom. When I have you tied up and naked, is not the time to have a misunderstanding."

  "I just don't want to talk about it now—Okay?"

  "How can you be so strong all the time and yet you run from me the first time the discussion start to get serious?"

  "I am not running!” Suddenly she pulled out of his arms. She folded her arms and turned her back to him. Tears were clouding her vision. She fought to hold them back. She wouldn't cry if she could help it. “I just don't want to lose this. Okay? I feel like you are the best thing that ever happened to me Victor. I never felt so alive and so excited with a man before you."

  She sighed in resignation as the first tear fell down her cheeks. Unfortunately, once the first one fell, the tears came out in a torrent, streaming down her face. She couldn't wipe them away fast enough. “I just can't believe it is over."

  "Over? What are you talking about, Denise?"

  "Isn't that what this is all about? You said it was over. Isn't that why we are here?"

  "I thought we were here to have dinner."

  "But you said it can't continue. That it was over.” She was wide-eyed and distraught with the volcano of emotions that were tearing at her heart. Her blue eyes were bright with the tears that threatened to begin again.

  "Ah, I see now. You thought I had meant that our relationship could not continue at all?"

  "Well, isn't that what you had said? Because that is what I heard."

  "I said that we could not do this at work anymore. I didn't mean to end what we have."

  "You mean you were not telling me it was over?"

  "I find our relationship very special. I don't want to lose it any more than you do."

  "Really?"

  "Mmmm-hmmm. It was all a big misunderstanding."

  A sigh of relief escaped her chest. “Thank goodness, Victor! I can't believe how stupid I acted. I am sorry Victor. The thought of losing you—You don't know what it did to me. It was tearing me up inside."

  "Actually I was thinking of the exact opposite thing. Tonight, I had panned on giving this to you after dinner, but now seems to be a better time.” Victor pulled out a black strip of leather from his pocket. On closer inspection, Denise noted that it was a black leather collar, with tiny silver letters on the collar.

  "Is that for me?"

  "Yes, and I hope you like it.” He extended the collar for her to examine, and she reached out and took it.

  She studied the collar closer, and read the word Taken on the collar. It was nothing like she would have picked out for herself and yet it felt right coming from him. She wanted to be taken. “Thank you, Victor."

  "Wearing a collar shows you have made your choice, and you belong to one Master. Will you wear it for me?"

  "Absolutely, Master.” She held up her hair for him as he put the collar around her neck.

  "Not just here, but next week I am holding a private party. I want you to come and I want you to wear your collar. Will you?"

  "I—uh, but everyone will know."

  "Everyone will know that you belong to me."

  "I don't mind that. I am just wondering what will everyone think of me if they know how much I enjoy this?"

  "They would respect you more for it. You don't have to answer now, just think about it. Let's enjoy dinner while it is still hot."

  * * * *

  "You don't know how many times I dre,amed about this."

  "Kneel down” he said and she knelt down at his feet, a perfect model for feminine submission.

 

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