Chapter Eleven
T he figure approached Orion and Triton’s stalls, quickly and expertly putting halters on both horses. Then, with a practiced motion, the intruder slid the stall doors open, leaving them ajar. The horses shifted nervously but didn’t bolt. The person then walked to the barn doors on the driveway side, opened them wide before walking backward, using the shadows until he stopped in the middle of the barn. And it was definitely a guy. Dale could tell by his stride, broad shoulders, and the way he moved, as well as his hands.
He observed the trespasser reach into his pockets, and a moment later, the guy threw something near the bench. Tiny flashes of light lit the shadows and loud cracks echoed through the barn as firecrackers went off.
Sadie gasped but continued to watch the scene play out.
The horses spooked instantly, rearing up and galloping out of the barn in a frenzy, their hooves thundering across the ground as they bolted into the driveway.
“Son of a…” he muttered under his breath, his fists clenching at his sides. “That was deliberate and calculated.”
Gabe nodded, his voice grim. “This wasn’t some random prank by adolescents.”
“We need to get ahead of this.” Mac’s jaw was tight. “Whoever’s behind this isn’t done. We have to assume this person, or persons are watching and waiting for another opportunity.”
Dale glanced at woman still staring at the screen, concern tightening his chest. “They’re not going to get another one with Sadie.”
“I’m okay,” she said, lifting her gaze to his, sending him a sweet smile before sipping her coffee.
Well, he wasn’t okay, and he would do everything in his power to keep her safe and out of harm’s way from now on. “You need a security system, too.”
“He’s right,” Gabe said.
RJ and Dean nodded.
“No question about it,” Cooper agreed.
Sadie stiffened and her eyes widened. “Wait, what? Here? In my house?”
“And your garage and apartment above,” Gabe added. “My wife would box my ears if anything happened to your work area.”
“Mine, too.”
“Same here.”
RJ and Dean spoke at the same time.
Mac straightened and turned to face Sadie. “Look, we can’t take any chances. Whoever this is clearly has no problem escalating things. We need to make sure you’re protected.”
Dale was grateful his buddies were backing him up on this issue and hoped some of what they were saying was getting through to her.
She crossed her arms, her expression a mix of frustration and resignation. “I don’t like the idea of turning my house into Fort Knox. It’s just me here.”
“What about Harper?” Dean asked, causing Sadie’s brows to crash together. “According to Loni, it sounds like your cousin might move down here.”
Again, RJ nodded. “That’s what Lori said, too.”
“You need one regardless,” Dale said, stepping closer to her. “Like it or not, you have a target on your back now. Whoever did this might not stop at the barn or a fender bender. I’m not about to let anything happen to you.”
“ Belly rub…Love you .” The words from the cat buttons echoed down the hall, breaking the tension, causing everyone to laugh.
He cocked his head as a thought occurred. “If not for your or your cousin’s safety, do it to keep Tesla safe. Let them put in that security system.”
Emotions flickered across her face. Dale held his breath, waiting for her answer.
“You don’t play fair.” Sadie sighed, her shoulders slumping slightly.
“I’m not playing,” he countered.
She sighed again. “Fine. I don’t like it, but I get it. Just make sure it doesn’t mess with the vibe of the house, okay?”
Carter gave her a reassuring nod. “We’ll keep it discreet. I promise. You won’t even notice it’s there—until you need it.”
“ If I need it,” she corrected.
Gabe momentarily set a hand on her shoulder. “Better to be safe than sorry.”
That seemed to be the motto lately.
“And to keep our wives off our backs,” RJ added.
She laughed, and Dale expelled a breath, relieved to have resolved at least one issue. She frowned. “What’s wrong?”
“Just need to figure out how to watch my dad’s house and ranch at the same time, as well as help him out when he’s released.”
Mac sipped his coffee then set it down. “When is he being released?”
“Haven’t gotten specifics yet.” Dale shrugged. “But it could be as soon as tomorrow. I hope to find out when I go visit him later.”
“I have an obvious solution,” Carter said before biting into a cookie.
RJ shook his head. “Well? What is it, idjit?”
Carter shrugged. “We have a perfectly good, state-of-the-art secured and currently vacant safe house apartment at ESI. Why not take him there after he’s discharged? Since I live across the hall, I’ll make sure he’s safe.”
Cooper slapped Carter’s back. “Great suggestion. You do come up with them occasionally.”
“That would free me up to move out to the ranch, since nothing’s happened at the house,” he said.
Mac shook his head. “No need. Sinjin and Hunter are scheduled to bivouac on the property, starting tonight. They’ll also take care of the horses.”
“But I promised Sam I’d do that,” Sadie said, straightening her shoulders.
Dale set a hand on her stiff shoulder and lightly squeezed. “He’d understand and absolutely agree with Mac.”
Both Sinjin and Hunter were highly capable and lethal, with the ability to blend into the shadows. Just knowing they were out at the ranch took a lot of weight off Dale’s shoulders.
“Well, shit.” Carter snickered. “Anyone stupid enough to set foot on that property now is going to go missing permanently.”
The sheriff cleared his throat. “I’ll pretend I didn’t hear that. And I think that’s my cue to leave.” He turned to Dale. “I’ll get an APB out on that SUV and check out those traffic cams. I’ll also make sure we have extra patrols in this area. Whoever’s behind this is going to slip up, and when they do, we’ll be ready.”
With a final nod to the group, Gabe turned to leave, but not before grabbing the last cookie off the plate. Smiling, the sheriff headed for the door amidst a bunch of grumbling.
“Well, I think that’s our cue,” Mac said, rising to his feet. “We have some spare equipment next door. Let’s use it to get started here, and we’ll come back in the morning with the rest.”
He watched the ESI guys all straighten and nod.
“Carter, you, me, and Coop will map out this place,” Mac said. “And RJ and Dean can get started on the garage and apartment.”
“Roger that,” the group said in unison before collectively carrying their empty cups and glasses to the sink.
As the group dispersed, Dale turned to Sadie. He reached out, gently brushing a strand of hair behind her ear. “I have to leave to go visit my dad, but I’ll be back later with some pizza.”
“Sounds good.” She smiled.
“Listen, I know this security system isn’t what you want, but it’s what we need to do,” he said, searching her gaze, hoping she understood his reasoning. “You’re important to me, Sadie. I can’t let anything happen to you.”
Her gaze softened as she nodded, setting a hand on his chest. “You’re important to me too. And I trust you.”
With the kitchen abandoned except for them, Dale dipped down to gently brush her lips with his, but that crazy current and strong pull turned the chaste kiss into one hell of a hot embrace. She moaned and opened up for him, and he immediately slipped his tongue inside, loving how her hands roamed his body, sliding under his shirt to stroke his skin.
He did the same, exploring the softness of her belly and just under her bra…
“ No…No…No .”
The sound of the cat button registered in his brain and no doubt hers, because they broke apart at the same time. Dale put the island between them, while working to get his dumb ass under control.
What was his problem? He wasn’t some inexperienced teenager. He was a seasoned SEAL with impeccable control.
His gaze wandered to Sadie. Damn, she was beautiful. Her ragged breaths, the flush in her cheeks, and the bewilderment in her eyes tripped his unsteady pulse. It was good to know he wasn’t the only one dazed and confused. She straightened her shirt, which emphasized her pert nipples beneath.
Arousal twitched through his groin.
Not good.
Control wasn’t possible around this woman.
He was in trouble.
“Why is Tesla saying no?” Mac asked, walking into the kitchen. “Is he okay?” The guy lifted a brow, splitting his gaze between him and Sadie. “Ah. I see. Carry on,” he said, smiling as he returned to the other room. “It’s okay, Tesla,” Mac said. “Mommy still loves you.”
She laughed. “I’d better go reassure him.”
Dale nodded, watching her walk to her cat.
Mac and Carter strolled into the kitchen, grinning.
“Boy, you don’t waste any time, do you?” Carter snickered, tapping his tablet. “Your call sign should’ve been Casanova, not Delta.”
He rolled his eyes. “Just take your measurements and make your calculations.” A gleam entered the guy’s eyes. Dale held up a hand, palm out. “Not on my love life. I meant for the security system.”
“Damn,” Carter grumbled. “That’s not as fun.”
He folded his arms across his chest and shrugged. “Sorry to disappoint you.”
“What are you going to do about tonight?” Mac asked. “You want any help securing the place?”
“Yeah,” Carter said, still looking at his tablet screen. “The system won’t be live until tomorrow, so she’s going to need guarding.”
He nodded. “I know. If I can’t convince her to stay at my dad’s place next door, then I’ll be crashing on her couch.”
Mac smiled, while Carter laughed outright.
“That’s cute,” the guy said when he managed to sober.
Dale frowned. “What is?”
“You,” Carter replied. “ You thinking you’ll be sleeping anywhere other than her bed tonight.”
Swift anger prickled his shoulder blades. Dale straightened and clenched his fists. “Watch it.”
“Calm down. I’m not saying anything against Sadie’s character. It’s just, I remember the out-of-control, wild era of my beginning with Mel,” Carter explained. “Our desire to protect starts off with good intentions but quickly escalates until, before you know it, you’re naked under the sheets. Or on them.”
Mac nodded. “Happened to all of us.”
Dale shook his head. “We’re just starting to get to know each other. It’s not going to happen with me. Sadie’s safety is more important than my damn libido.”
“We thought the same thing.” Mac slapped his shoulder. “Don’t beat yourself up about it. Just put safeguards in place.”
With that, the pair moved off to examine another room, leaving Dale alone with his thoughts. He knew the guys meant well, but they’d completely mistaken his situation with Sadie. Yes, he was extremely attracted to her and knew she felt the same. But he intended to put a halt on their fast-moving train until it was safe to ride it out.
He glanced down the hall, watching the sweet woman sit on the floor and snuggle her cat. Since hearing about that damn SUV, Dale’s protective instincts toward her were on high alert. He wasn’t about to let anything—or anyone—hurt Sadie. Not on his watch.