For All to See (Bureau Series Book 1) (14 page)

T
he tough-as
-titanium woman placed her hand in his as though she were as fragile as fine China. A primal need to shield her from harm thrashed its way to life, annihilating every reserve he’d clung to over the past few days. Some things weren’t worth fighting. Fighting the need to possess Madelyn was like wrestling a hurricane. He battened down and dug in the best he could. When that didn’t work he ran like hell. But one gust knocked him flat on his ass. One wave swept away the world he’d known. And he was done fighting the one woman who could rearrange his priorities.

Hand on the grip of his gun and the other wrapped around something far more dangerous, Nathan led the way to her Jeep. They rode in silence for a while. The echoes of their argument rang in his ears. He’d pushed her, but no further than she could handle. But now her head sagged against the leather rest. “I’m—”

“Don’t you dare say you’re sorry,” she interrupted.

Still tough.

“I was going to say, I’m thinking steak for dinner.”

“I guess it’s a good thing you’re a terrible liar.”

“It’s no lie that having a whole cow spit roasted and served on a platter has crossed my mind a time or fifty in the last few days.”

“Gross.”

“Delicious.”

“You can eat whatever you want, in my house or out. I want a shower and bed.”

“Good luck getting rid of me.”

“The craving will get you sooner or later.”

“A different craving takes precedence.” Nathan caught her gaze for the first time since he’d released her hand and closed the car door.

“You’re on the job. Isn’t there a policy against
that
?”

“There’s a whole handbook against it. Not to mention my own policies, which have held firm all the way up until you bullied your way into my life.” He gave her a sideways grin and turned back to the road.

“Bullied?”

“Yep. You refused to leave. You refused a protection detail and a free vacation in Miami. You got me.”

“Can I renegotiate my terms? Miami sounds nice.”

“If you really want to, yes. I’ll have you on a plane tonight.” He didn’t want her to go, but he wanted her safe more.

“What was it you said? Good luck getting rid of me?” She looped her tote over her shoulder and prepared to exit the Jeep.

“How about you wait and let me go in first this time?”

“If you insist.”

“I do.” He killed the engine and waited for her to join him. “Stay behind me.”

“I thought your people were watching this place 24/7.”

“They are.”

“But you don’t trust them?”

“People make mistakes.”

“Some bigger than others,” she said wistfully.

He grabbed her hand and pulled her into the house. Shock of shocks, she didn’t jerk away. Deacon greeted him with a muzzle to the crotch.

“Should I leave you two alone?” Madelyn whispered.

Nathan poked her gently in the ribs and addressed the dog. “Buddy, we’re going to need to set up some personal boundaries. But if a bad guy shows up, that’s the perfect spot to bite. Now come on, let’s go find a bad guy.” They walked room to room, clearing the space. Deacon gave up in the living room and flounced onto his bed.

“It’s just you and me.” Madelyn’s quiet voice bounced off the tiles and smacked him in the nuts.

Yes, it was just the two of them in the bathroom with nothing but time to pass until they caught the serial killer. His hand slid from the gun and he turned. Her hand hid her sweet mouth from view.

“I didn’t mean…it’s just you and me. I meant…there’s no boogie man lying in wait.” Her cheeks flushed that unmistakable shade of pink that set off the lightly toasted tan of her skin.

“Mmm-hmm.” He took the hand from her mouth and glided his up her naked arm.

Her breath hitched. Long, dark lashes veiled her gaze, which followed the trail of his fingers. He’d happily chance a shot to the balls to kiss her, but she wasn’t ready yet. He lifted the bag from her shoulder.

“You have a nice bath.” Mounting every bit of strength he possessed, he turned and walked out the door.

He fixed a couple of wraps with enough vegetables to make a hundred kids weep, choked one down, and then checked with Dick. The, ‘No progress’ text worked a growl from his throat and called Deacon into the kitchen. “Hey, big guy. You need to use it?”

The dog chuffed.

“All right, don’t run away, ‘cause I’m in no shape to catch you.” Fucking great. If he was in no shape to catch a dog, how the hell did he expect to catch a goddamned serial killer? “Run if you want, I’ll catch your ass…eventually.” He’d taken off the suit coat in the middle of the brush to help him breathe. It hadn’t worked one bit. And he’d forgotten it there in all the hoopla. So, he rolled the grass-stained sleeves to just below his elbows and nodded at the dog, who scooted out the door before him.

Deacon trotted from the base of the mountain to the rolling surf, cataloging smells and looking for the perfect place to handle his business. A text vibrated Nathan’s phone. He snatched it from his back pocket and glared at the readout.

Miss me yet?

If it hadn’t been for the area code of the unfamiliar number, he’d have required a trace. Instead he smiled and called the number. The line picked up and before the person on the other end said a word he answered the question. “Hell yes. When can you get here?”

His partner’s laugh boomed through the speaker. “He’s that bad, huh?”

“I’ve contemplated feeding him to the sharks once or twice.”

“Why didn’t you?”

It was his turn to laugh, for a second. That shit hurt. He stifled a groan. “The woman—”

“The Dresser’s next victim?”

“Next target,” Nathan corrected. “Yeah, she put Dick in his spot—which is under a rock at least fifty yards away from her—day one, minute one.”

“I think I’m in love,” Hunt chuckled.

“You’re always in love.”

“It’s lust. Always in lust, and it’s fun. You should try it sometime.”

“So, whose number is this?”

“Tammy’s.”

“Who the hell is Tammy, and are you even out of the hospital yet?”

“She’s my evening nurse. And they’re talking about releasing me into the wild in three long days. But…I’ve found sufficient entertainment until then.”

“Some things never change.”

“Yeah, like you working yourself into the ground,” he shot back. “You know, if you took a vacation or didn’t work until the janitors kick you out every night, when you came back there’d still be plenty of jackasses to put in jail.”

“Sure, but what about the families they torment in the meantime?”

“I get it man, but if you work yourself into the dirt you won’t do anyone any good.”

Finished exploring, Deacon ambled to him. “I gotta go.”

“Get this asshole and don’t get dead,” Hunt ordered.

“You get some rest and don’t screw yourself into an early grave.”

“What a way to go though.”

Nathan ended the call and stared at the house, pictured Madelyn stripped and waiting on the bed. “What a way to go.” Ignoring his aching ribs, he jogged to the front door with Deacon on his heels. He locked up and eased through the kitchen. Her bedroom door stood open, as did the bathroom door.

Well, he found her on the bed. Only not in the manner he’d fantasized about. Long airy breaths that leaned toward the territory of snores breezed through her open lips. Her hair was heaped in a damp, tangled mass on the pillow he’d used the night before. She lay atop the comforter, curled on her side in a tight ball.

He stood there staring at her for far too long, wondering what she’d feel like cuddled up to him. As much grief as he’d given her this morning about snuggling, he’d stayed on his side of the bed and she’d stayed on hers. Because if he touched her, really touched her, he wouldn’t be able to stop.

Nathan ducked into the bathroom, scrubbed off his failed chase under a heavy spray, and dressed in boxers. He moved her from the edge of the bed to the wall side as he’d done the night before, neglecting every soft curve he came in contact with and every heady scent that wafted off her. His screaming side helped him redirect his thoughts. That, and the fact that the killer still lurked in the shadows.

Sleep came quickly, but the distant rumbling of thunder woke him before the sun. He looked at the clock. It read 2 a.m. He let the storm lull him, but wouldn’t sleep until it passed.

T
he slap
and vibrating rumble of thunder jarred Madelyn from sleep. At least she guessed it was thunder. Large droplets of rain pelted the metal roof. It created a symphony of tinny clatter that usually soothed her straight to sleep. Given the current situation though, it quickened her pulse and jittered her nerves.

She sat and rubbed the sleep from her eyes. It didn’t help the dark room come into focus. Her hand slicked over a slimy hint of drool at the corner of her mouth. Wonderful. A sexy man occupied half—over half—of her bed and she drooled like a dog. The association made her think about Deacon. Little by little, she eased over Nathan’s heavy legs and slipped from the bed.

Thunder cracked and shook the ground under her feet. She tiptoed to the window and peeked out the curtain into the intermittent blackness. Water poured off the roof’s edge in a constant stream. Sheets of sideways rain battered the villa. Lightning bolts crawled across the sky like demon fingers searching for souls.

One soul down. Nearly two. One to go.

Madelyn turned to Deacon’s bed nestled on the floor between the bureau and the bathroom door. His pattered fur gleamed in a gentle flash of lightning. She walked over to him and eased down to the floor. “Hey, bud.” Her words barely rippled the quiet, but he nuzzled her hand. She stroked a hand down his side. He settled deeper into the fluffy bed while the torment of what happened to Deacon nestled further into her brain, joining forces with the misery of Nichole’s horrible death.

Anger. Regret. Fear. Frustration. The distorted emotions coalesced. They compiled with the past. Madelyn’s chest tightened. The weight of it all pressed against her ribs, threatening to crack them under the tension. Her muscles strained against the urge to break apart. She buried her head in her hands and grappled for breath.

She wasn’t strong enough. A sob broke free.

Before Madelyn could smother the daunting sound he was there. Not Deacon, but Nathan. His firm grip pulled her against the hard heat of his chest. His arms encompassed her shaking shoulders.

Her will to fight vanished and she sank into his comfort, borrowing his strength just for a minute. The hurt and remorse, the sorrow and loss escaped in fat tears and jagged cries. Her stomach muscles cramped from the violence of her lament. Wetness matted her hair to her face.

When her tears ran dry he held her still. Their chests rose and fell. Their breaths mingled. His heart thudded in her ear. Stubble grazed her forehead. His lips followed in a heartbreakingly gentle kiss.

She lifted up from the brace of his chest. Without a word he grabbed her hand and led her back to the bed. He paused at the side and lifted the hem of her tear soaked shirt. As he pulled it over her head the cool night air chilled her damp skin. Her nipples beaded in plain view because of the electric sky.

Nathan’s gaze remained on her face. He used the edge of her shirt and wiped away the tear stains on her face and chest. After tossing the tank top toward the hamper, his hot touch turned her to the bed and gave a nudge. She climbed onto the mattress and he followed close behind. His arm coiled around her waist. Her exposed back met his naked front. He entwined their hands and nestled them in the valley just above her breasts.

With his body bracing hers, sleep welcomed her back.

Madelyn woke first. Or probably more accurately, he feigned sleep and let her get up first. She dashed to the dresser, grabbed a shirt, and ran for the bathroom. After taking care of the essentials, like combing her tangled mess of hair, brushing her teeth, and rubbing some moisturizer on her puffy eyes, she hurried to the kitchen to make breakfast, not even pausing long enough to see if his eyes were open.

She yanked out the blender, grabbed an assortment of fruits, veggies, nuts, and seeds, and spread everything out on the island.

“You’re energetic this morning.” Nathan rubbed a hand over his bruised abdomen and slid her a calculating smile.

She jerked her gaze away and considered a bag of raw almonds. “Are you allergic to anything?”

“Avoidance. Interesting.” He dragged out both words.

“Not avoidance,” she insisted, avoiding a glance at his side of the room. “I need to know for breakfast.”

“I’m allergic to murderers, rapists, and thieves. Irritation settles in my trigger finger and it doesn’t let up until I’ve cuffed them or shot them.”

She looked at him. “Wouldn’t that make you a murderer?”

“I said shoot. I didn’t say kill. I prefer them alive and in pain, so they can serve their time stripped of their freedoms.”

Madelyn filled the blender, covered it, and hit the button.

“Oh, I think I’ll catch a burger in town or something.” Nathan hollered over the noise. His nose scrunched and his head swung back and forth.

When the mix was smooth she turned off the machine and flashed him a grin as devious as the one he’d given her. “I’m making this special. Just for you.”

“You really shouldn’t have.”

“Don’t puss out on me now. I have a maniac after me. I can’t go to the gym. And school is out for two weeks. I need you in tip-top shape and this is just the thing to get you there. It’s packed with chlorophyll, anti-oxidants, and natural vitamins.”

“What activity do you have in mind?” His thick brows waggled.

“Running’s probably not a good idea today. Kayaking and snorkeling are probably out too. How about sailing?”

He pursed his lips and shrugged. “I was thinking sex, but I guess sailing would be okay.”

“
Y
ou have your own yacht
?”

Deacon blew past them and hopped onto the boat, showing the first sign of spunk she’d seen since the incident.

“She was a gift.”

“From who, the Sultan of Brunei?”

Madelyn nudged him with her hip and pointed to the gold scrawl on the back of the navy ship.

Nathan’s dark gaze followed her finger. “Lady Catherine.” He read the ship’s name aloud. “Lady Catherine?”

“My grandmother.”

“Y’all were close. I can see it in your smile.”

“She raised me…until I was eleven. She died when I was nineteen.”

He watched her intently, maybe waiting for her to elaborate. She strained to hold onto the falling arch of her mouth. “Have you ever sailed before?”

“A fifteen-foot Vanguard off the coast of Georgia with my cousins, but nothing like this.”

The bubbling anxiety fizzled out and she stepped onto the teak deck. Her hand ran over the smooth composite of the boom. “I’ll show you the rigging, but it’s not much different than that. How long ago was it?”

She suddenly realized she didn’t know anything about him except that he worked for the FBI and lived in Miami, and he liked steak.

“Twelve years.” He stepped onboard, adjusted the bag he carried for her, and then bracketed his hands on the boom. She was trapped by his intense stare more than his body. “It’s just like riding a bicycle, right?”

“Sex?” she gasped.

“Sailing.” He grinned and stepped into the cockpit.

Madelyn shook off the embarrassment and uncovered the mainsail. “Do you have any siblings?”

“Nope. But I’m pretty close with my cousins, even though we grew up in different states.”

“How many cousins?”

“Just two. Ava and Ford.”

“Older? Younger?”

“Yes, counselor. Ava’s older by a few years and Ford is younger by a few months.”

Madelyn tossed the cover at him. He dodged the damn thing easily. She stepped into the cockpit, but stayed on the bench seat, making her a couple of inches taller than Nathan. “You’re staying in my house, sleeping in my bed, and I don’t know anything about you.”

“You know about as much about me as I know about you.” His finger slid under the hem of her top and danced along the edge of her shorts, tickling the skin of her belly. Her eyes closed at the exquisite pleasure the pad of his finger persuaded. “I figure we can get to know each other a little better today.” His touch fell away and her eyes popped open. He winked. “You know by…talking.”

She planted both hands on his shoulders and pressed him out of her way. “Tease.”

“Not teasing. I want you to talk to me. I want to know you more than I’ve wanted to know pretty much anything. And I’m a curious guy.”

Deacon stood at the front of the ship and barked once, twice, three times. Nathan went rigid until she laughed. “That’s dog speak for get a move on it. He likes to chase dolphins.” The coded padlock clicked under her fingers and then released. One at a time she slid out the teak guards and stored them. “Why don’t you go put our stuff below deck. I’ll get us sailing and we’ll see about the rest.”

The cobalt sky hung above them, expansive, yet crowded by cotton candy clouds. Wind billowed the sail. They clipped through the teal water for the better part of two hours. Their faces arched to the sun. Sea-spray stifled the worst of the heat.

A small steady gust keeled the ship, pulling the cable railing toward the surf. Absolute euphoria lightened Madelyn’s frame. She gripped the wheel and whooped. Deacon yowled.

“Two little daredevils.” Nathan’s strong legs braced against the opposites side of the bench seating.

“It’s the freedom,” she hollered. “Nothing compares.”

“You mean, nothing yet,” he corrected.

All of the sudden her damp hair and the cool breeze did nothing to stifle the heat that washed over her. “Nothing yet,” she mouthed. Deacon barked in rapid-fire succession, making her jump. Her gaze swung opposite Nathan to where her dog bounced on his front feet in the crook of the cockpit and stretched toward the cresting water. “Dolphins.” She nodded at the rolling backs of the bow of the ship.

Nathan’s pearly whites flashed wide and the dimple at his chin deepened. A pod of three kept alternating time with them for a quarter mile, and then set out on the blue. “That was awesome.”

Seeing him so relaxed and excited, and knowing she’d given that to him, made her agree. “It was. Are you hungry?”

“Always. What’s on the menu?”

“There’s a tiny island not far from here. It’s not more than a pile of sand and some shrubs. We’ll drop sail in a minute and the current will carry us in. Have you dropped an anchor before?”

“Is that a euphemism?” He smirked, and then held up a hand. “I have. Just holler when you’re ready.”

Boy, her bathing suit bottoms were soaked through and she’d never been so ready. But having sex with Nathan would mean something she wasn’t ready for.

“You weren’t kidding about small. Is it on a map?”

“Yep, but it’s only a spec.”

“Do you come here a lot?”

“All the time. Deacon likes to chase the fish. I read or just sit and contemplate the big questions in life.”

“Which questions are those?”

“What is the purpose of life? What do I want to be when I grow up? Why do men leave the toilet seat up?”

A deep chuckle left Nathan’s throat. He dolled her an unapologetic smirk. “It’s in our genetic code.”

She lowered the sails in preparation. Given the word, Nathan released the hunk of metal from the bow. Madelyn moved to the stern letting the ladder down into the water and unlatched the safety cords above it.

Hopping down through the hatch she retrieved the watertight bag she had prepared at home. She checked the anchor line and then launched the bright yellow bag out into the blue. Then she wiggled out of her strapless cover, revealing a simple yet lethal black string-bikini as she dove in to meet the bag.