Page 48 of Protected
Back on the bed next to her, he nuzzled the sensitive spot where her neck and shoulder met, causing her to sigh. “So, what’s it going to be, love? Are you going to banish me to the couch, or can I stay here curled up next to you?”
She mumbled her consent, and he smiled as he pulled the blankets up over them. “Goodnight, sweet girl.”
“G’night, Sir.”
17
BRADLEY grinned in the dark at the sound of her calling himSir. She was so beautiful. Worry plagued him, though. What if they couldn’t catch this bastard? What if something awful happened? The thought of anything happening to the beautiful woman lying beside him sent a shudder through his entire being.
He vowed to do everything in his power to keep her safe. Tomorrow, he was going to arrange a private security detail for her. It would piss her off, but at least she would be safe. She shifted in her sleep, and he stroked her hair. She felt so right next to him. He closed his eyes, knowing that for now at least she was safe in his arms.
A few hours later, a noise jerked him awake.Is that the door?He jumped up and grabbed pants. Darci shifted but didn’t wake. When he opened the door, the building’s doorman was there. “Sorry to wake you, Mr. Givens, but somebody slashed your tires. We need to call the police.”
“Shit. Did you catch whoever did it?”
“No, sir, Security thinks they scared the guy off.”
“Bradley.” A soft voice from the bedroom startled them both. “What’s wrong?”
He stared at her for a moment, taken by her beauty. Darci was wrapped in his blanket, and her curly red hair was everywhere. “Somebody slashed my tires, baby.”
“I’ll call Michael,” she said, suddenly looking wide awake.
“We’ve already called the police. Seriously, you can go back to bed.”
“No!” she cried emphatically. “I’m calling Michael. What if it’s related to me?” The thought had already crossed his mind, but he was trying not to dwell on it. If that were the case, then this fucker was stalking her.
“You’re right, call him,” he agreed.
“I’m going back down to the door, Mr. Givens. Security is with your car until the police arrive.”
“Thanks, Aaron. We’ll be down in a few minutes.” When he got back to the bedroom, Darci was pulling on a pair of jeans and had her phone pressed between her shoulder and ear.
“Wake up, Michael. Somebody slashed Bradley’s tires. The police are coming, but I would like it if you came too. Fine. Yes, I’ll owe you coffee. I always owe you coffee. Just hurry, please.” She hadn’t noticed him come in, so he propped himself against the door frame and watched as she fastened her jeans.
When she ended her call, she dropped the phone onto the bed and looked up at him. “What are you grinning at? Somebody just slashed your tires.”
“I just think you’re cute, that’s all.” She rolled her eyes as she put on her bra and reached for a t-shirt. Before she could get it over her head, he crossed the room to her and pulled her into his arms.
“I’m glad you’re here,” he whispered. And he was. Even if this was the killer, he was glad she had been safe in his bed and not at home alone. He would rather see his tires slashed than her throat. He didn’t voice that as he tightened his hold on her, resting his chin on her head.
“I’m glad I’m here too,” she said after a long moment of silence. They finished dressing and headed downstairs.
Three of his tires were slashed. The police had arrived and were talking to security. They had a few questions for Bradley, but were more interested in seeing the footage from the parking lot surveillance cameras.
Michael arrived a few minutes later. After a brief exchange of greetings, he walked around the car with his flashlight. Bradley gripped Darci’s hand tightly as they watched him examine the vehicle. At the rear passenger tire, he bent down. Darci pulled her hand from his and rushed over to Michael before he could stop her.
“What is it? Did you find something?”
“Back up, nosy. You’re blocking my light,” Michael said.
She huffed but backed away. After snapping on a pair of latex gloves, the tall detective reached into the gash in the tire and pulled out a piece of paper.
“What is it?” If Bradley wasn’t mistaken, there was a hint of panic in Darci’s voice.
“Jesus, Darci, give me a minute.”
“Darci come here baby. Let the man do his job,” Bradley said, holding out his hand.
