Chapter 10
CHAPTER 10
H unter
Why in the goddamn fuck was my phone ringing like a symphony was in town?
Oh, yeah. Shephard. He’d gotten ahold of my phone a couple of days ago after I hadn’t returned his call three times. He knew where I lived. He worked in an office down the hall from me, yet he’d decided to teach me a lesson.
All because I wasn’t coming to his beck and call for his wedding.
I jerked the phone into my hand, staring at the screen while taking several sips of my whiskey. It had been the only liquor that seemed as if it would calm the aches and pains. Entirely different ones than from being out splitting wood.
The number wasn’t in my system and it wasn’t local. The fucker who’d decided to ruin my day entered my mind. Why was I letting him win? And why was I one hundred percent certain the culprit wasn’t a woman? They were more intelligent and conniving than men.
“Hello?” I used my fiercest voice because I was in that kind of mood.
Cranky as fuck.
“Um. Hunter?” The female voice on the other end of the line sounded like I should recognize it, but from where?
“Yeah, so the fuck what?”
“Jesus. I’m so sorry to bother you, dragging you from your special sleep so you could be Mr. Grouchy Pants all over again tomorrow, but I was going to be nice. Now, I won’t.”
“Esme?”
“Who did you think it was?”
“How did you get…” Never mind. I was batting a thousand with her in the asshole department. “Look, I’m sorry. I didn’t recognize your number or your voice. Is something wrong?” I’d never heard her sound so small, so afraid. My manly hackles were immediately raised. Something was wrong.
“No. Why should there be?”
Something was very wrong. “Okay, then why are you calling?”
“I was just wondering if maybe you would like to come over for a drink.”
Her voice sounded hopeful, but she wasn’t using the sultry voice I’d heard the night before. I checked my watch and my gut told me her trust level was low, including with me. Something had scared her. “A little late. Can it wait until another night?”
Yep. Her scattered breathing was a clear indication my instincts were on the money. They were rarely wrong. Throughout my years and missions they’d kept me alive.
“Sure. Yes. I’m sorry. I know it’s late.”
“Wait. Happy to come over.” I wasn’t, but I refused to be labeled a Neanderthal jerk by someone so damn beautiful. I’d done that for myself many times.
“You sure?” Her lilt was entirely different.
“You bet. Tell me your address.” I already knew it. I wouldn’t be a man in lust if I hadn’t found out she lived in an area on the other side of town. The houses had several acres of land surrounding them, but most were rentals.
“I really appreciate you coming over. Um. It doesn’t mean anything, but it will be nice to spend some time away from work. See you in a few?”
“Yep. Be right there.”
I stared at the phone for a full five seconds before getting up. Whatever was going on, she was trying to prove that she was a tough girl. Even in small towns, shit happened.
Before grabbing my coat and keys, I headed to my office and my desk. When I opened the bottom drawer, I grabbed my favorite handgun. My other weapons were stored in a safe that no one could find, but this baby had been with me all throughout both careers. It would remain with me as I continued to endure this one.
I shoved it behind my back and shook my head.
This was a bad idea. A very bad idea.
But I wasn’t the kind of man to leave a damsel in distress.
When she opened the door, I wasn’t expecting her to be barefoot, a clip holding her hair in a haphazard bun and her jeans ripped at the knees. But damn, the woman looked hot. Especially wearing a bright red tee shirt that accentuated her voluptuous breasts.
She placed her hand on the doorjamb, looking me up and down. “You came.”
“You didn’t think I’d be a man of my word?”
At least she smiled instead of snarling. “I appreciate it.” She opened the door wider and as soon as I walked in, a huge smile swept across my face.
“What?” She noticed before closing the door behind me.
“It’s exactly like I thought it would be.”
“Weird? Bella calls my place weird.”
“Festive. Very much like you.”
“I have no clue if some of the things you say are a dig or a compliment.”
I turned to face her, unable to take my eyes off the way she pushed hair behind her ear twice in her attempt to coax the strand to behave. She was having a difficult time looking into my eyes. That wasn’t like her. “What’s wrong, Esme?”
“Nothing is wrong. Can’t a girl ask a boy over for a drink?”
“It’s the middle of the night.”
“Not to us.” Esme attempted a smile but failed. “I have whiskey, some scotch left by Jagger, red and white wine, and maybe vodka. What will it be?”
She was fidgety, also something unusual about her. She was always very calculating in her moves. “Whiskey. Neat.”
“Excellent. Go sit by the fire. I’ll be right back.”
Still no direct look into my eyes. As she walked away, I glanced around the perimeter of her small living room. She had a couch and a beanbag chair that appeared as if given steroids, it was so huge. I chuckled as I walked closer. The house itself was quaint but needed work, yet the bones of the place with its high ceiling, wooden beams, and an arched stone fireplace added to the character and it could be renovated into a sought-after home.
She only had a few pictures on the walls, a couple of boxes placed in the corner. The purple drapes on the large exterior door also suited her style.
Not just eclectic. She was a flower child that should have been born in the sixties. I knew that well since my mother had been a wild girl in her early years. The pictures told no lies. I couldn’t help but think my mother would adore her.
Great. Now I was thinking about taking Esme to meet my family.
Nah.
I wasn’t into all that family bullshit, including traditions.
I headed toward the couch, moving one of two flowery, frilly pillows out of my way before sitting down. At least the piece of furniture was comfortable, one you could sink into. I heard a ticktock sound from a clock coming from somewhere in the house, the ding, ding, ding a reminder it was the middle of the night.
What are you doing?
I’d asked myself that now twice on the way over. I’d contemplated calling the whole thing off, but that was something she’d likely never forgive me for. Why I was so concerned about her forgiveness was beyond me, but I was here, wasn’t I?
Her front two windows had no blinds, another box lined up just behind the front door. She’d been in town six weeks and had yet to take the time to make this a real home.
I didn’t hear her approach, but knew she was coming by the scent of her perfume. Like her, the flowery fragrance was feminine with a spicy kick.
“Here you go.”
As soon as she started to hand me the glass, my eyebrows shot up a full inch. “Mickey Mouse?”
“Yeah, well, about that.” She laughed nervously as she flopped down on the beanbag, folding her long legs under her. “The movers decided to use my boxes of china and crystal to play touch football. I had to improvise.”
How could I not chuckle? The plastic cup also suited her. I took a sip, marveling at her decent taste in booze. “Now, come clean. What’s going on?”
“You don’t appreciate my company?”
I gave her a long, hard look. “You don’t like me. Remember?”
“Oh, yeah. That.” She wrinkled her nose and as usual when spending any time around her, my cock came to life, stiff and pressing hard against my jeans.
Remaining silent was something I was damn good at.
She sighed after a full two minutes. “I thought I saw someone outside using a flashlight. Okay? I know, not my finest hour, but I didn’t want to bother Bella and I knew the new sheriff in town would laugh at me, so here I am. Sitting in a room. With you. The man I supposedly hate.”
When she was nervous, she jabbered on. Just another cute trait. “So you don’t hate me then?”
“The jury is still out. Anyway. You don’t have to stay.”
I’d be damned if she didn’t start to rise from the squooshy chair as if ready to kick me out.
“I ain’t going anywhere,” I told her.
“You’re so sure of yourself.”
I couldn’t help but notice that even with her slightly snarky comment, she sat back down with a look of relief on her face. She nursed her drink and finally lifted her gaze to look into my eyes. “I’m not usually such a scaredy cat. I just always lived in the city. You know, with noise. Traffic flew by my apartment until all hours of the night. Horns honking, tires squealing. You got used to hearing noise and seeing flashing lights coming through the window. The effects almost became comforting after a little while.” She finally sucked in her breath and laughed. “And I’m rambling again.”
For once, she appeared more vulnerable, the layers of armor she’d carefully crafted around herself falling away one by one. I’d built up my own over the years, so it was easy to recognize. I took another sip then placed the cup down carefully as if it was fragile. “Why don’t I take a quick look around outside. Would that make you feel better?”
“Um, yes. Maybe it’s stupid, but yes.” Her eyes were more imploring.
“What did you think you saw?”
“It was a flashlight. I’m certain of it.”
“Okay. I’ll be right back.” I’d left my jacket on and as I walked to the door, I reached for my weapon. You could never be too careful, even in the Shenandoah Mountains. With the number of hikers year round, the wildlife had grown more curious instead of fleeing into the mountains. We’d had our share of bear reports since I’d arrived, although attacks were uncommon.
Almost as soon as I was outside, the woman locked the door behind me. She was definitely scared of something, but I doubted it had anything to do with her life here. Crime was almost nonexistent, except for the occasional shoplifter and the horrific murders from months before.
I grabbed a flashlight from my truck, immediately flicking on the powerful beam. I wasn’t unlike my brothers in that we all carried survival kits in our vehicles. From short axes and hunting knifes to climbing rope with a harness, climbing cams and flares, the three of us were capable of handling almost any natural disaster.
And our expertise in weapons and explosives meant we could deal with just about any human created event, including deadly ones.
After sweeping the front of her house, I moved around the side, keeping as silent as possible so I could hear an intruder or animal with my keen hearing. Even with the wind blowing, limbs bending due to the increasing breeze, my concentration allowed me to block out ambient noise. The attribute had helped keep me alive.
I knew the area, had spent hours riding my Harley and more recently Sadie to learn every inch of the place I’d decided to call home for a few more months.
Once around the back, I headed for the woods framing a small area of grass. I headed deeper into the forest, constantly shifting the light from right to left. Other than scaring a couple of deer, there was nothing that would indicate anyone had walked onto her property.
A sudden dog bark caught my attention.
A man’s voice sounded off in the distance soon after. “Jake. What the fuck, dude? I’ve been looking for you for two hours. Come here to Daddy.” A light flashed as if the man was running toward his dog.
At least I knew what the hell she’d seen. She could rest easier tonight.
I was forced to knock on the door. Her face was still pensive as she allowed me in. “Anything?”
“Back neighbor walking his dog.”
“Oh.” She slapped herself in the forehead. “I’m so sorry and I feel so stupid.”
“Why? You were nervous. There are bad people in every location on earth. Trust me. I know.”
Esme narrowed her eyes. “I bet you were good at your job.” She didn’t wait for my reply, returning to her perch on the beanbag. She still seemed nervous, her hands clenched together.
“Why, because I’m so gruff and hate people?” I was telling her the truth, but as she’d done with various statements I’d made before, she rolled her eyes. Then her look grew serious. My God, the things I wanted to do to the little lady were filthy as sin.
My balls were tightening from the way her chest was rising and falling. She’d awakened something inside of me that I’d had a tough time grasping, yet didn’t want to let it go.
We studied each other, the electricity in the room heating up to a combustible point. I’d never felt this way around a woman and I’d enjoyed my share of good times with several. They’d all been in my former life, the one-night stands the only thing that made me feel human any longer.
Eventually, sharing any type of intimacy had no longer seemed enjoyable. I’d stopped bothering three years before.
Three years of hating myself, my life, and everyone else who dared bother me in any way. I’d fought so hard to stay alone that her touch had ignited a darkness I feared would never leave.
My mouth was dry, my thoughts scrambled because that’s what she did to me, but I knew one thing without second guessing myself.
I not only craved Esme’s touch and taste, I needed to be close to her.
I wanted to feel the jolt of heavy current as I thrust my cock so deep inside her sweet pussy that she screamed out my name.
“Because you’re so intelligent and good with everything you touch. That’s why.” Her tone had turned soft, still seductive, but with a hint of sadness that ripped at my heartstrings. After her kind statement, she shook her head, now muttering under her breath.
How many times did I need to tell her I was an asshole?
Yep. I’d plopped my foot into my mouth yet again. I moved toward the couch, unable to take my eyes off the shimmer dancing across her face from the fire. She grabbed one of the pillows I’d placed on the floor, hugging it tightly against her chest.
If I was a good man, I’d walk right out the door. But playing it safe and doing the right thing had long since been yanked from me.
Fuck.
What in the hell was I doing? Tempting fate? Pushing buttons? One day karma was going to bite me in the ass for the atrocities I’d committed and I had no plans of carting someone else to hell.
Especially when she deserved so much better.
“Yeah, well, you don’t know me,” I told her, which was accurate. If she did get to know me, including hearing anything about my past, she wouldn’t think the same way.
“I’m a pretty good judge of character. You’re hiding behind a mask, which is something I don’t understand, but underneath all that gruffness is a great guy. I’ve seen it.”
“We’re all hiding something, Esme. Aren’t we? And your observations of me are inaccurate.”
She smiled, leaning over and reaching for her drink. “Haven’t you figured out I’m never wrong?” Her smile faded as she turned her head to study the fire, yawning almost immediately. “I really am sorry for dragging you out for nothing.”
“It’s okay. Why don’t you try and get some sleep?” I had to drive myself away from her. If I didn’t, I’d not only step into some serious shit, I also wouldn’t be able to turn back.
“I don’t know if I can.”
“Do you want to talk about it? I know something happened. Did someone hurt you?” Goddamn it. What was I doing?
As soon as she rubbed one hand down her arm, I knew I was right. Some motherfucker had hurt her. Something tragic or horrific had occurred. My hackles were no longer raised. My rage was. The need to protect her was stronger than I’d felt in a long time.
Three years to be exact.
The cluttering of my mind continued, visions of her naked body consuming the part of my brain that should be pushing me to get the hell out of her life. I couldn’t. Maybe I just didn’t want to.
“I’m fine. It’s nothing. Just me being a scaredy cat. Maybe it’s being in a new town. You’re really a nice guy, Hunter. I’m sorry I doubted that.”
“You know what, Miss Butterfly? I’m pretty damn good at knowing when someone is lying to me. Whatever happened in the past still haunts you.” I had the distinct feeling she was going to lose her cool, but she shook her head as if I was a fool.
“What does it really matter? You’ve still got your coat on, so why don’t you go ahead and leave? I will never allow myself to become a burden to anyone. I’m a handful and a little weird, but I’m not that kind of girl.”
The girl had a light switch somewhere inside that difficult brain of hers. She’d managed to elevate herself to being the most difficult person I’d ever met. Given the strange, dominant personalities I’d worked with and for, that was saying something. She was also the single person who could bat her long eyelashes and have my cock twitching.
I stood abruptly and she did as well.
I’d had it with the dance we were playing. I was finished with pushing her buttons and I had the distinct feeling she was exhausted from finding ways to shove me aside.
“Thanks again,” she muttered and there was more than a hint of disappointment as she walked toward me in between the coffee table and the couch.
Her eyes opened wider than before when I took off my jacket, tossing it across the back of the couch. I took my time pushing up the sleeves on my Henley shirt, all the while remaining unblinking. “I’m not going anywhere, butterfly. And if you think you’re going to drive me away, you’re dead wrong.”
“Why is that?” she whispered.
When I cupped her face, I was certain she was going to try to get away.
She didn’t.
If she had, I had no problems grabbing the rope, keeping her secured as I did exactly what I wanted to her luscious body.
“Why? Because I can’t seem to get enough of you, Esme. And here are a couple other things you need to know about me. I make the rules and I never lose.”