Defenseless (21 page)

“I see you finally decided to wake up.”

Laura turned at the hauntingly familiar voice. She knew it was neither Odell nor Samuel. When she faced her intruder, she let out a paralyzing scream.

S
onya and Dwayne arrived at the Sundial Motel, exhausted. Sonya waited alone in the lobby, while Dwayne walked to the front desk to get the rooms. She glanced around the tiny room and cringed at the sight of dirty wallpaper and ugly brown carpeting. The furniture looked worn while the black-and-white TV's picture rolled constantly.

Sonya contemplated whether to ask Dwayne to pick another motel, but she decided against it. This would be the perfect place for her to keep a low profile. She had to be cautious—however, at times she felt she had reached the point of paranoia. Around every corner was a potential threat. Someone wanted her dead, and that chilling fact terrified her.

Dwayne insisted on paying for the rooms, and Sonya had no choice but to let him. She didn't trust trying to get money from the bank or using her credit cards.

Dwayne returned to the lobby and handed her a set of keys. “You're in room 217, and I'm in room 218.”

Sonya nodded, then headed toward the elevators with Dwayne following close behind her. They stepped into the elevator and pressed the button for the second floor. Neither spoke as they rode up.

Sonya felt as if she were sleepwalking. She dreamed of the bed that awaited her in the room. The elevator bell chimed, and the doors opened.

Sonya again noticed the dirty wallpaper and old carpeting as they searched silently for their rooms. If she saw one bug she was out of there, she vowed. Sonya jingled her keys while she tried to unlock room 217. Sleep, her mind echoed. She needed sleep. By the weary look on Dwayne's face, she knew he felt the same way.

When she unlocked the door and stepped inside, she felt disappointed at finding the modest room in the same condition as the rest of the motel. Sonya relaxed the moment she saw the full-sized bed donned in fresh linen.

“Is everything all right?”

Sonya jumped from the sound of Dwayne's voice.

Dwayne's hand shot out to hold her upright. “I'm sorry. I didn't mean to startle you,” Dwayne apologized.

The electrical current from his touch did nothing to calm her racing heart.

As if touching her had caused the same effect in him, Dwayne dropped his hands. “Sonya, we need to talk. About Carmen—”

Sonya held up her hand to stop him. “Please, not now.”

Dwayne held a look of regret, and Sonya almost relented. He walked to the closet and set down her bags, then he headed toward the door without another word.

Sonya stopped him just before he could walk out. “Dwayne?”

He turned with a lifted brow. “Yes?”

“Did it mean anything to you?” she asked, holding his gaze.

“Did what mean…? Oh.” Dwayne gave a passionate look. “What happened between us meant everything.”

His sultry tone caused chills to dance along every inch of her being. Sonya swallowed the lump gathered in her throat. She felt her cheeks flush while a sensation tingled through her body. Unaware of walking toward him, Sonya closed the gap between them. Dwayne gave a mind-boggling kiss that melted the rest of her defenses.

She molded her body against his muscled frame. How long had it been since she'd tasted paradise? She couldn't remember. What mattered was that she'd found heaven in his arms again.

Dwayne ran his hands along the length of her back, causing her to shiver uncontrollably against him. All sense of reality fled her mind. She could only give in to the splendor of his kiss.

He removed Sonya's shirt and dropped it to the floor. In one fluid motion, he removed her bra.

Sonya pressed her body closer, trying to fill a deep hunger she knew only he could satisfy.

Sonya sighed. The sensation of his fingers combing through her short hair fueled her with a burst of energy. She clawed at his clothes. When the burden of his shirt slid to the floor, she was rewarded with the feel of his hard physique pressed against her.

The rest of their clothes fell to the floor. Sonya marveled at the sight before her. His long, powerful legs, his flat stomach and handsome face modeled perfection. Her eyes followed his dark chest, down past his hips to his swollen manhood. When her naked body came against his, she quivered as her flesh tingled. Dwayne scooped her into his arms and in two confident strides, he carried her to the bed.

His exploring hands moved slowly and sensuously down her throat and across her breasts, gently caressing the tanned tips.

She groaned with pleasure. When one hand moved down her stomach to lightly rest against her inner thigh, she couldn't breathe. His gentle touch felt as if he feared Sonya would break.

“You're so beautiful,” he said in a husky voice. “I ache for you. Do you ache inside, Sonya?”

She was incapable of answering when his head moved to sprinkle kisses over her stomach.
Yes, I ache inside,
she thought wildly. He had set her body on fire and he knew it. Drawing his face up to her lips, she spoke. “I ache, Dwayne,” she admitted at last.

Dwayne's breath caught in his throat the moment he tasted her sweet lips. He wanted to master her tonight, but in truth, she had become the master. His lips deserted hers to circle a firm breast. Her quick intake of breath heightened his arousal.

The sight of her smooth skin reminded him of delicious caramel, and his tongue treated it as such. He tasted every inch of her breast. Her body reacted in violent spasms. Gently he parted her legs and continued to let his tongue explore the valley between her thighs.

Sonya's cheeks flamed from the invasion of his magical tongue. She cried out his name in repetitive abandonment until she felt scorched by an inferno that blazed within.

Dwayne reclaimed her lips in fierce possession. The kiss sent him on a cloud of divine ecstasy. His body reacted from a single stroke of her hand descending his back. His mind tried to focus through the thick cloud of haze but couldn't. He felt a hot tide of passion rage through him.

Dwayne entered her slowly, stroking her budding desire into a turbulent whirlpool. Sonya tore her lips away from his to throw her head back, surrendering to his power. At his steady rhythm, Sonya entombed him with her legs, urging him on to a faster pace.

When his mouth returned to a taut nipple, Sonya automatically slid her arms around him in a lover's embrace. Her breathing became shallow as his hips pumped wildly, but her eager response matched his own.

“Dwayne…” she groaned. He seemed to be caressing her inner body, making her drift on an endless sea of pleasure. Soon a familiar sensation ebbed its way from the depths of her soul. Its eruption caused her to soar into a shuddering ecstasy as her body vibrated with liquid fire. She heard Dwayne groan as one shiver after another shook his body.

“My love,” he murmured against her ear.

Sonya's eyes flew open at his whispered confession. When his lips sprayed feathered kisses near her ear, she melted and gave in again to the magic her performed on her body.

 

Dwayne woke hours later, his body still entwined with Sonya's. A smile caressed his lips as he stared down at her. Somehow she had come to mean life to him. He wasn't sure when or how, but he knew he'd fallen in love with her. He tried to pull away to give her more room to breathe, but she moaned her displeasure, so he stayed put.

He gingerly stroked her face with a finger, teasing her until her eyes fluttered open.

The moment her eyes focused, she smiled. “What are you doing?” she asked in a sweet tone.

“I'm trying to wake you,” he said, then gave her a feathery kiss.

“I'm not sure I want to wake up,” she moaned as she stretched against him.

Dwayne's expression grew serious. “We have to talk, Sonya. I don't want any questions or doubt lingering between us.”

Sonya blinked. She knew what he wanted to talk about, but she wasn't sure she wanted to have this conversation. The thought of rejection scared her. She looked at him, unable to hide her heart that shone brightly in her eyes.

“First, I wish that you had given me the chance to tell you about me and Carmen.”

Sonya's body tensed. Dwayne stroked her face tenderly, forcing her to relax against him.

“There is nothing between us. She means nothing to me,” he said in a serious tone.

Sonya lowered her gaze to study his chin. Tears gathered in her eyes, but she willed them not to fall. “Has there ever been anything between you two?”

Dwayne waited a moment before answering. “There was one night over two years ago. I was lonely and feeling depressed about some things and…”

Sonya tried to pull away, but Dwayne refused to let her. “It was a long time ago, Sonya. It was before I met you.”

Sonya looked back into his eyes. This time her tears succeeded in escaping. “Please, let me go. I can't talk about this right now.”

“No. You're not going to run from me. We will talk about this now,” he said in a gentle tone.

Sonya wiped her tears with the back of her hand. “What do you want me to say? That it doesn't matter? That it doesn't hurt? Well, I can't say that. I'm not angry. I'm just confused about what's happening between us. I'm confused by my own thoughts and my own feelings. For a brief moment, I forgot that.”

“What can I do to help you with this?” he asked, his own insecurity reflected in his voice.

“Be patient,” she answered in a whisper.

Dwayne studied her for a long moment before climbing from the bed. He retrieved his clothes and dressed in silence. She watched helplessly as he tucked his shirt in his trousers.

Without a backward glance, he left the room, shutting the door quietly behind him. She had the strongest urge to run after him and beg him not to go. She hated herself for causing the hurt she had seen in his eyes.

Lying back in bed, Sonya pulled the covers over her. She cried tears of despair when she realized what she had done to Dwayne tonight. Why was she so determined to throw happiness away? And that was what Dwayne could offer her—her heart kept telling her this and now she was forced to listen. In the next moment, she had cried herself back to sleep.

 

Sonya sat in the corner near the exit door of Shoney's. She kept her head low and her eyes constantly wandered about to see if anyone was watching her.

When Dwayne returned to their table with a huge second helping from the breakfast bar, Sonya could only shake her head.

“What? I'm a growing boy.” He chuckled.

“Growing in which direction?”

Dwayne laughed as he shoved a strip of bacon into his mouth.

Then an uncomfortable silence grew between them. The events of last night were posed like a brick wall between the couple.

Sonya took another sip of her coffee, desperately wanting to say something or explain herself more clearly to Dwayne. She appreciated the fact that he hadn't brought up what happened, but she knew that she could no longer avoid it.

“Dwayne.”

“Sonya.” They said each other's name in unison.

Sonya blushed. “Go ahead.”

“No, you go.” Dwayne passed the buck.

Sonya took a deep breath and squared her shoulders. “I guess I want to talk to you about last night. I believe I owe you an apology.”

Dwayne picked up his napkin and dabbed at the corners of his mouth.

Sonya continued. “I mean, what I'm trying to say is, I know that Carmen is someone from your past. I'm not upset or angry about that. I'm more confused than anything about what I'm feeling.”

Dwayne reached out and touched her hand. The small gesture comforted Sonya somewhat.

“I've never felt this way, and I'm not pretending that the situation sits right with me. I mean…I never depended on anyone in my life. I never needed or wanted that burden. I've come from an abusive family. And I've seen only abusive relationships between men and women. Well, except for Sharon and James.”

Dwayne smiled but remained quiet.

“The strange part is, now I want to give us a chance.”

Dwayne squeezed her hand as their eyes began to glaze over.

“Dwayne, I'm scared.”

“I know. So am I.” Dwayne moved his plate aside and took both of her hands into his. “I never thought I could find anyone after Theresa. No one ever compared or came close in my heart, until I met you. Now all I do is think about you. I want to give us a try, too.”

“I need us to go slow, Dwayne. I want us to become friends first. Is that too much to ask?”

Dwayne gave her a handsome smile. “I'll give you all the time you need.”

Two days later…

D
wayne knocked on Sonya's door and waited.

“Who is it?” Sonya asked in a hushed voice.

“Dwayne.”

He heard the lock click, then turned to watch Sonya pull open the creaking door. He snickered at the vision of her short hair sprouted across her head and sleep-filled eyes that squinted to see him.

“Good morning, sleepyhead,” he greeted cheerfully.

Sonya rubbed her eyes, unsure if she was seeing him at the door. “Is it morning so soon?” she asked in a hoarse voice.

“Can I come in?”

Sonya stepped back and allowed him to enter. “Why didn't you call before you came over?”

“My room is just next door. I figured you wouldn't mind.”

“What time is it?” she asked, looking toward the small alarm clock beside her bed.

“It's 5:00 a.m.”

Sonya frowned. “You're kidding, right?”

“I'm afraid not. Get dressed. We're going to the hospital. Dr. Browning just called—Bridget's awake.”

Sonya combed her fingers through her hair, briefly forgetting the new short style. “Oh, great.” She perked up. Her mouth still felt like it had been stuffed with cotton. She headed toward her bags by the closet and pulled out a pastel baby-doll dress that she had bought with Bridget.

“You don't mind us going so early, do you? I can go alone.”

Sonya bumped into a wall, trying to find the bathroom.

Dwayne hid a smile.

“No, of course not. I'll be out in a moment.” She made it to the bathroom without another incident and closed the door behind her.

Once he heard the shower turn on, he took a seat in a vacant chair. After he'd received the news on Bridget's condition, he quickly showered and brushed his teeth before rushing to Sonya's room.

He was glad he chose to stay here near Grady Hospital. Sonya also wanted to stay so she could keep a low profile. She seemed obsessed with that idea lately. She constantly looked over her shoulder to make sure no one was watching her. Dwayne struggled with her paranoia as well as with his concerns for Bridget.

He understood Sonya's reasoning. It was obvious someone wanted her dead, but he had no idea why. Richard—or whatever his name was—recognized her when he didn't. He did know one thing and that was as long as Sonya's life was in danger, he was going to protect her. Every time he looked at her, he felt that familiar dance in the pit of his stomach. He found himself constantly staring at her, hanging on every word she spoke. And whenever she wasn't around, he would dream about her.

All finances came out of his pocket, as Sonya refused to use the bank. She also avoided credit cards. He had to admit all her precautions made sense. At least until they found out who was looking for her. Fortunately she felt safe at Grady. She believed no one would look for her there. Dwayne didn't agree with that reasoning, but promised to never leave her side just in case.

Sharon and James were arriving back in town today. When they told him they'd cut their trip short, he felt relieved. He needed Sharon's comforting ways now more than ever. His thoughts reflected on Sonya's strength. She'd been there for him the past few days, and he was grateful. He couldn't have asked for a better friend.

The shower stopped, and Dwayne anticipated her presence like a kid in a candy store. He strummed his fingers patiently on his knee and waited for her. The bathroom door cracked open, and Sonya dashed into the room as she brushed her damp hair.

Her short dress gave a beautiful view of her long legs, and Dwayne lifted an interested brow. She said nothing as she went through her bags and pulled out the blow-dryer that Dwayne had bought yesterday for her. She rushed silently back into the bathroom and closed the door.

Dwayne frowned as he stood and went toward the bathroom. At the sound of the blow-dryer's loud hum, Dwayne gently pushed open the door so he could see her primp in front of the mirror. She sang their song, “Killing Me Softly,” while she styled her hair.

Dwayne smiled as she struggled to get her hair to lie flat. It had a natural wave since she'd had it cut. She became frustrated as she couldn't do much about it snapping back into its curly position. Nevertheless, he found the short style bewitching. Her hazel eyes seemed wider, brighter than before: her face even appeared younger.

Sonya turned off the blow-dryer and reached for her makeup bag. She applied a small amount of mascara and a light coat of lip gloss, then she was ready.

Dwayne quickly raced back to his chair. He barely made it back before the bathroom door swung fully open. Sonya looked at him quizzically as if she suspected him of foul play, but Dwayne just smiled and gave her an innocent look.

“What are you doing?” she asked suspiciously.

“Nothing. I'm just waiting for you.” Dwayne felt like his hands were caught in a cookie jar.

Sonya shook her head and went to retrieve her purse. “I don't know about you, Dwayne.”

Dwayne grinned. “Are you ready?”

“All set. Are you sure we'll be able to see her this early?” Sonya asked, heading for the door.

Dwayne stood and followed her. “Dr. Browning assured me that we can see her.”

Sonya snapped her fingers as if she'd forgot something. When she turned suddenly, she bumped solidly into Dwayne's brawny chest.

Dwayne's nostrils picked up the fresh smell of her hair immediately. He looked down to stare into her beautiful eyes and felt a strong magnetic force pull him closer to her. By the look in her eyes, he knew that she was feeling the same blistering emotion that scorched him.

Dwayne cupped her small face in his hands, then kissed her tenderly. The kiss slowly turned into something more urgent. His hands slid to the back of her neck to press her head even closer.

Deliberately Sonya shifted her head, nestling her face in the naked hollow of his throat. “Dwayne, please…”

Dwayne knew what she was asking him, but the mere thought of stopping tore him up inside.

“Sonya,” he begged in an agonized voice.

Sonya waited, listening to the powerful beating of his heart. She felt the tensely coiled muscles of his body as he held her. It took everything she had to break from his passionate kiss, but there were too many problems she had to sort out. Still, his nearness caused her to shiver uncontrollably. She couldn't hide the feelings that ached in the pit of her stomach and the breathless tightness of her own throat.

She lifted her head again and saw he was fighting the same emotions.

“I miss you.” His voice had thickened, and without him being aware of it, he gripped her chin, then slowly let his fingers spread over the warm, silky texture of her cheek, stroking it soothingly.

His eyes and voice seduced Sonya as they caressed her gently, like only a lover could do.

Dwayne leaned in again but paused only inches away from her face. Her breath was warm and sweet against his face, while her fingers had curled into his shirt. Even that brief touch speared him with desire; need coursed through his body, making him feel hot.

Cautiously, hardly daring to breathe, she raised her hand to his face, letting her fingertips brush the hard edge of his throat. She couldn't help herself as she continued to touch his mouth, his beautiful, sensuous mouth.

Her touch drove him mad as his lips crashed hard on hers. He listened to her moan. Or was it him?

Reacting to Dwayne's unleashed passion, Sonya sighed and wrapped her arms around Dwayne's neck, losing herself in the dark magic of his lips. She returned his kiss almost desperately with all the frustrated yearning he had aroused in her body. She strained against him, the swollen tips of her breasts pressing against his hard chest.

By the time Dwayne broke off the kiss and drew away, her breath was coming in soft pants, and so was his. The pause was long enough for Sonya to come to her senses. With wobbly knees, Sonya stepped around him to retrieve her key from the nightstand. She also picked up a small pearl-drop necklace and slipped it around her neck.

“You're not wearing Bridget's favorite coin necklace?” Dwayne asked. It was apparent he wanted to lighten the mood between them.

“No, it wouldn't go with the outfit. You don't like this?” She tried to act as if nothing had passed between them.

“I think you're beautiful, no matter what you put on,” he commented seriously.

Sonya averted her eyes to avoid meeting his. She stepped around him and headed out the door. Once outside the small motel, they flagged down a cab.

They arrived at the hospital by six o'clock and hurried to see Bridget.

When they reached Bridget's room, Dwayne eased his head in first, then walked slowly into the room with Sonya following close behind him. Sonya didn't notice a difference in Bridget's appearance, not until Bridget slowly turned her head toward them. When she smiled, tears instantly sprang into Sonya's eyes.

Dwayne leaned down and kissed her forehead. Sonya saw pride shining in his eyes as he gazed down at his daughter.

“How's my little girl?” he asked as he lifted a loose curl from her face.

“I've been better,” Bridget joked.

Sonya felt like an intruder on their private moment, but Bridget soon turned to face her and smiled. “Hello,” Bridget greeted.

Sonya walked closer and clasped the young girl's hand into her own. “Welcome back.”

“It's great to be back.” With innocent eyes, she looked back toward her father. “Are you angry with me?”

Dwayne laughed at the absurd question. “How could I be mad at you?”

“Because I left the house while I was on restriction. I raced at eighty-five miles an hour to catch up with you, then foolishly jumped in the way of a bullet.” The twinkle in her eyes made Dwayne laugh, but Bridget only laughed briefly before pain flashed across her face.

“What's wrong, Bridget?” Dwayne asked, instantly concerned.

“It hurts when I laugh.”

“Then I forbid you to laugh,” Dwayne said seriously.

Bridget had to laugh at his ridiculous order.

“Don't you know by now that she doesn't do what she's told?” Sonya added.

“I'm not that bad,” Bridget answered.

Both Sonya and Dwayne gave each other comical looks.

“Okay, okay. I'm a little hardheaded,” Bridget agreed, smiling. She kept closing her eyes as if they were too heavy for her.

Dwayne stood and gave her another kiss. “You get some sleep, Bridget. We'll be here when you wake up.”

Bridget nodded weakly and quickly drifted off to sleep.

 

Hours later, Sonya and Dwayne sat in the cafeteria. Sonya hated to admit to herself that she was beginning to like hospital food. She was almost through with her meal when she looked up and saw Sergeant Freeman stroll into the room.

“I don't believe it,” she said, placing her fork back on her tray.

Dwayne followed her gaze and saw the sergeant headed toward them.

“Good evening,” Freeman greeted. He rudely took a seat next to Sonya.

“Please, have a seat,” Dwayne offered sarcastically.

Sergeant Freeman ignored Dwayne as he looked directly at Sonya. She noticed Freeman's odd expression as he stared at her. Her hands flew to the small opening of her cleavage as she gave him a disgusted look.

“Actually I came to deliver some disturbing news.” Freeman brought his eyes level with Sonya's.

Sonya lifted a curious brow. “How did you know where to find me?”

“I didn't. I was here on another case when I saw you sitting here. Lucky me, huh?”

Sonya gave Freeman a sour look. “So what's your disturbing news?”

“We've found the body of an Odell Hill.” He received no reaction from her. “He also had a fake ID with the name of Richard Durden on him.”

Sonya's eyes fluttered rapidly as she tried to understand what he was saying. “He's dead?”

Dwayne shifted in his chair. “Your men are sure that this is the same guy?”

Freeman reached into a folder he was carrying and pulled out a photocopy of the ID. Dwayne accepted the photocopy and looked at it. “That's him.”

Sonya reached for the paper. When she looked at it and recognized the man staring back at her, she was confused by what this all meant. “What about Laura?”

Freeman shook his head. “No trace of her. We found him with an unidentified body last night. Your sister is still at large.”

“At large?” Sonya asked and then remembered Freeman's theory. “You still believe that my sister has skipped town?”

“Do you want to offer a better explanation? You claimed that this man took her. So where is she?”

It took a great deal of Sonya's willpower not to leap across the table and wrap her hands around the sergeant's neck. Dwayne reached over and took her hand.