Blood Kiss (Savage Security Series Book 1) Read online

  Then he saw her. Pacey’s heart calmed as she slipped into the booth by the window. He wiped his sweaty hands on his thighs and focused on his breathing. He inhaled slowly through his nose and out through his mouth, just like the psychiatrist instructed. The shrink was an idiot, but every once in a while he had a good idea. The breathing trick was the one golden nugget in a bucket of shitty shale the shrink considered good advice.

  As Pacey sat watching her, he knew his view was about to be ruined. Sure enough, the big oaf managed to squeeze his massive body between the booth seat and the table. It was impossible to look at her beauty without seeing the dumb oaf in the periphery. At least they weren’t sitting side-by-side with their bodies touching. Pacey didn’t think he would be able to passively sit in his car while that man soiled her creamy skin.

  He wished he could be a fly on the wall and listen to their conversation. For some reason she kept smiling. Was this brute actually interesting? Pacey couldn’t imagine what she could see in the mangy, dumb oaf that sat across from her.

  Pacey rubbed his temples and started planning in his mind. Things certainly had to be moved up. He couldn’t risk her falling for the man that sat across from her. Pacey would need to rearrange some things in order to free himself for her. He didn’t want there to be any reasons why she would feel guilty for being with him. Soon they would be able to freely express their feelings for each other.

  Had she sensed his presence? She kept looking out the window and into his soul. Perhaps she felt guilty for betraying him? He could forgive her that. She still hadn’t grasped the effect she had him.

  When Alisha and the dumb oaf got up from the table, Pacey’s nerves collected in his stomach and roiled with tension. What were they going to do now? He watched as they exited the shooting range and walked to their cars. Thankfully they didn’t hold hands. Pacey wasn’t sure what he’d do if he saw that. He didn’t want to have to harm the man, but he would if he needed to. He’d do anything to protect her honor.

  Pacey sat in stunned silence as the oaf placed his hands on her hips and brushed her perfect lips with his. Pacey gasped for breath, but there was none to be found inside the vacuum of the car. When their kiss ended, the air rushed back into the car and he could breathe again. He panted in the new-found air and returned to his stupid breathing trick as she pulled out and left the shooting range.

  Relief flooded Pacey when the dumb oaf didn’t follow her. He knew she wasn’t the kind of girl to invite a man back to her house on the first date. She was special. She was intended for him, and he didn’t want anyone spoiling her for him.

  Pacey hated that he wouldn’t be able to watch over her tonight. He would truly miss that. Sometimes he’d catch a glimpse of her through a window. He treasured those moments, but those precious moments would not be allowed tonight. Tonight he had responsibilities that he couldn’t escape.

  5

  Mike watched Alisha turn onto highway 55 and studied the parking lot for any suspicious vehicles that looked to be tailing her. He hated that he wasn’t following her home. It went against his gut instinct, but she hadn’t asked him to follow her, and he didn’t want to scare her off by being too pushy.

  He pulled out his cell and texted Scott that he was on his way to meet the guys. Mike didn’t plan on staying long. He’d put in his time with his buddies and then check out her house. He was sure there were lots of hiding places for crazies. He’d locate them and see if the pervert left any evidence behind.

  Mike pulled into the crowded bar parking lot. He scanned the area and noted the guys’ vehicles. He sighed, frustrated that he was the last one to show. He hated being late. It went against his training. Arriving on time was borderline late, but showing up fifteen minutes late was unacceptable. He knew he couldn’t walk in late and not get a grilling. He shut the door of his truck and clicked the fob. The truck beeped as it locked.

  Cecilia had her eyes on Mike as soon as he entered the bar. She’d seen his friends and the empty chair at their table. She knew he’d eventually show. She’d been eyeing him for weeks, ever since he helped her when her car wouldn’t start. When he’d jumped the car battery, he’d jump-started her heart as well. They shared a beer the following night when their paths crossed again at the bar, and she was hooked. He’d gone from being a Good Samaritan to her target. He was the strong, silent type, which she normally didn’t bother with. She typically liked her men a little more animated, flashy. But she’d make an exception for him, especially since he was smart and sexy as hell.

  Mike internally rolled his eyes as Cecilia strode towards him, making good time with those long legs of hers. He regretted their drink together. They’d talked about mundane things, but she just didn’t do it for him. She was nice enough, but not his type. He wasn’t looking for a fling. He’d had enough of those in his younger years, and Cecilia would never be more than a fling. She just didn’t have the depth that he craved. He wanted a real relationship. The kind his parents had. The kind of relationship that lasts a lifetime.

  Even the way Cecilia dressed turned him off. Her skirt barely covered her ass. He was confident she’d expose herself if she sat in that scrap of material. Her enormous, fake boobs jiggled as she teetered on those stilts she called shoes. She was beautiful, but was clearly trying way too hard. Cecilia had thrown herself at him repeatedly. Apparently she was unable to take the hint that he wasn’t interested.

  Mike dodged her by cutting through a group of tables and zeroed in on his friends. He didn’t bother looking over his shoulder at her. He wasn’t interested in seeing her pout.

  Mike pulled the empty chair away from the table, and Scott sat straighter in his chair so his long legs didn’t get in Mike’s space. Mike avoided their stares and looked at the menu. He didn’t need the menu. He knew that, and so did they. He hoped, rather than believed, that his delay tactic would work, or that they’d take the hint and not rib him about being late.

  Scott couldn’t help himself. Damsels in distress did not wander into his store every day, and of course this one would show up when Mike was there. Scott had filled the others in on her story and Mike’s reaction to her. “You’re late,” Scott said, a sly smile on his lips. He lifted his beer and took a sip, never taking his eyes off of Mike.

  “That’s no surprise,” Mike stated, facing Scott directly. “I texted you.” Mike looked around for a waitress and got Julia’s attention with a wave. She gave him a nod and headed towards him.

  Cole set his beer on the table and rubbed his hand over the scruff on his chin. He’d been letting it grow out. He got used to it when he was in the service. Now he felt naked with a bare face. Besides, it was much easier to disguise his thoughts when his face was hidden, made him harder to read. “Thanks for the heads up,” Cole said. He leaned back in his chair and crossed his arms over his chest. “Now we need the deets.”

  “Deets?” Mike huffed. If they thought he was filling them on the tiny details of his life, they were wrong. “I had something to do. It made me a little late.” He shrugged dismissively.

  Mike’s cell sat heavy on his hip while he waited for Alisha’s text. He needed to know she was all right. With each passing minute the burn in his chest intensified. He wasn’t sure how long it would take her to get home, but he figured that she should be home soon.

  Julia stopped beside Mike, placed a hand on his shoulder and said, “You eating or just drinking tonight?” She tucked her brown hair behind her ear.

  “Just drinking,” Mike said with a smile. He’d practically grown up with Julia, but he couldn’t look at her without thinking of his sister. She’d been Amy’s best friend for so long, but that was over now. Now the only time he saw Julia was at the bar. And he couldn’t decide if he liked seeing her or not. It was bittersweet. “I’ll take a Newcastle,” he said with a nod of appreciation.

  “Coming your way,” Julia said as her eyes flit around the faces of the men at the table. Then she turned and cut her way through the maze of tables and chai
rs towards the bar.

  “I thought we were eating dinner?” Tyson said, holding out his hands in confusion. “I ordered a burger.” He pointed to the guys and said, “They ordered food. What’s up? You bailing on us?”

  Mike’s cell chirped as a text came in. He pulled it from his belt clip and read the screen.

  Inside. Safe and sound. Thanks for your help tonight. ☺

  The burn in his chest subsided now that he knew she was safe. He was not surprised by her use of the smiley face emoji. She seemed like the kind of girl that sprinkled happy emojis everywhere she went.

  He sent her a short text and returned the cell phone to the belt clip. He didn’t mention his plans for tonight. No need to freak her out.

  “What?” Tyson leaned forward and gripped the handle on his beer mug. “I ask you a question and you ignore me. No reply?” He smiled as if he saw into Mike’s head and knew that Mike was already in too deep.

  Mike glared at him. “I have things to do tonight.”

  Logan let out a low rumble of a laugh. “I bet you do. And she’s not here.” He looked around at the women in the bar. He’d watched women stare at Mike too long in this bar without him responding. It didn’t seem natural for a man to be so oblivious to hot women trying to pick him up. Hell, he loved it when the ladies showered him with attention.

  Cole shot Mike a cocky smile and said, “That her?”

  “Who?” Mike asked. He shot a glare at Scott. Scott was worse than a bunch of church ladies in a prayer chain when it came to gossip. He couldn’t keep his mouth shut.

  “You know who,” Scott said, leaning forward and resting his arms on the table.

  “You playing innocent?” Tyson chuckled, his white teeth in stark contrast with his dark skin. “The girl from the store. What’s her name?” he paused for effect, a smart-ass smile on his face. “Alisha, right?” he looked to Scott for confirmation.

  Mike wanted to smack the smile off of Scott’s face as he sat there chuckling along with the others. He should have known that Scott would share this tidbit of information. “Yeah, Alisha.”

  “I hope you know what you’re doing,” Cole said. He lifted his beer and took another drink. He was all for Mike having a good time, but this certain girl may be crossing a few lines for him. Cole wasn’t sure Mike would be able to handle it, and there wasn’t much Mike couldn’t handle.

  Julia stopped beside Mike and set down his beer. “Your foods coming soon,” she said to the others. “Good to see you, Mike,” she added.

  “Hey, Julia,” Mike started, “would you add a cheeseburger and fries to my order?” He had a long night ahead of him. No need to listen to the rumble of his stomach all night.

  “Of course,” Julia replied. She patted his shoulder and walked away.

  Cole watched her leave, his eyes glancing to her backside. Heaven help him, he liked the sway of Julia’s hips. He hadn’t asked her out because of Mike and his stupid request that none of them date her. Cole knew Mike cared about Julia, but he knew it wasn’t in a romantic way. Mike just watched out for her, maybe a little too possessively. He may need to talk about switching roles with him. He wouldn’t mind watching out for Julia. He was certain he would enjoy watching all of her when he got the chance.

  Mike noticed Cole’s lingering stare on Julia. “Put your eyes back in your head,” he warned. “She’s not for you.”

  Cole turned and faced Mike, narrowing his eyes. Then he leaned forward and rested his big arms on the table. “Is she for you?” He already knew the answer to that.

  “You know it’s not like that,” Mike replied. “She’s a good person. She’s been through a lot.”

  Cole barked a laugh and sat back in his seat. “I don’t deserve a good person?” He held his hands out in fake astonishment. “I haven’t been through a lot?”

  “You haven’t been through a lot. You’ve done a lot,” Mike snorted. “There’s a difference, and you know what I mean. You’re too much for her.” Mike knew Julia wasn’t his to control or obsess over, and he knew he shouldn’t discourage a good man from liking her, but he didn’t want to see Julia get her heart broken or be stuck at work with Cole if it didn’t work out.

  Cole snorted. “I’m flattered that you think I’m too much man for her, but shouldn’t she be the one to decide that?”

  Tyson was sick of this played out scene. He’d heard both of them go at each other before, and he’d grown tired of their endless merry-go-round concerning Julia. He found it ludicrous that Mike interfered and pathetic that Cole let him, but he stayed out of it. He grew up in a house full of women and learned at an early age to keep his opinions to himself. Silence was the golden ticket to avoid the shrill wrath of his sisters.

  Tyson rapped his knuckles on the table. “Hey, Julia’s not the woman we’re talking about right now. I want to know about Alisha. What’s her story?” From what he’d heard so far, this woman had the power to bring Mike to his knees.

  Mike peeled his eyes off of Cole and looked at Tyson. He tossed his hand in a casual movement as he spoke. “She needs help. I’m helping her.”

  Scott cleared his throat and slowly spun his beer in a circle as it sat on the table. His face went from jovial to serious. “You know why we’re concerned,” he stated. “I hope you know what you’re doing.”

  Mike breathed deeply and scrubbed his hand down his face. He knew Alisha’s situation was a minefield for him. His emotions were already at stake in this situation and he’d only spent a few hours with her. Alisha wasn’t just another job to him. “I’m helping someone out. She’s in danger.

  “Yeah, we figured that part out,” Tyson said. “When you’re ready to deal with reality, let us know.”

  Mike drummed his fingers on the table. “You know I can’t walk away.”

  The guys slowly nodded. They understood that. They wouldn’t have been able to either.

  Julia stepped up to their table balancing plates on a large, round tray. “Here you go, guys.” She set the food on the table as the men sat in silence with their arms crossed. She was used to them sitting quietly as she set the food on the table. They weren’t big talkers. She liked that actually. Usually a table of guys would say stupid stuff to her, and she’d have to flirt and banter back in order to get a good tip. She didn’t have to play that game with these guys. And they were still excellent tippers. “Enjoy and let me know if you need anything.” The guys all silently nodded, and she walked away.

  Mike hadn’t recovered from the loss of his sister, and he knew Julia still carried the scars. He just didn’t know how to help her, so he tried to protect her heart. He needed to feel like he was doing something useful.

  “This situation with Alisha is a minefield for you,” Logan said. He picked up the ketchup bottle and squeezed some onto his burger. He didn’t really have any advice. He learned a long time ago that giving advice was meaningless. People were going to do what they were going to do whether it made sense or not. He had no idea what was going on in Mike’s head, and he certainly didn’t understand Mike’s motivations. He doubted that Mike fully grasped his own motivations for helping Alisha.

  Tyson grabbed a fry, “Just be careful.” He popped the fry into his mouth, biting through the crispy outside and burning his tongue on the soft inside. “Hot,” he said pointing at his fries, “but good.”

  “The guy’s been at her house,” Mike said. He wasn’t sure how much to tell them, but he would probably need their help at some point, so he figured it wouldn’t hurt to give them a little information. “He’s leaving things for her. From what she said, it’s progressing.”

  Cole shook his head. They’d all seen the aftermath of a psycho’s unhinged behavior. Crazies always left a wide path of destruction. “I understand, man. You do what you have to do.” His burger looked tiny in his big hands. “Let me know if you need any help.”

  Mike took another swig of his beer and then started on his burger. He thought about how he would play this with Alisha. He didn’t wa
nt to scare her more, but she needed to understand how dangerous the situation was and that she needed his help in more ways than learning how to fire a gun. He hoped she’d never have to use the gun. Killing someone changes you, even if it’s justified. He knew how to carry that weight. He didn’t want her to have to live with that burden too.

  The guys chatted while they ate. Mike wanted to text Alisha, tell her that he was coming over, but their relationship hadn’t progressed to that stage yet. He didn’t want to impose on her. He’d have to settle for seeing her tomorrow, but some things wouldn’t wait until the light of day. Tonight he was going to look through the eyes of her stalker.

  6

  Alisha felt great when she was with Mike. He was so strong and confident that she couldn’t help but absorb some of that positive energy, but as she drove away from him, the positive energy was replaced with fear and negativity. She hated that she felt that way. She’d tried to hide her fear and concern from her friends and coworkers, but as the situation progressed, she couldn’t hide it.

  She tried singing along to the music as she drove. She loved belting out the tunes, but as she pulled into her neighborhood, she couldn’t form the words or follow the beat of the music. All she could focus on was the fact that someone was after her and she’d be alone in her house. She knew Mike was waiting for her text, and she appreciated his concern. But she also knew that if her stalker showed up, Mike would never get to her in time.