BLURB
Love always aims for the heart…
Former NavySEALClint Backwater just wants to keep his head downand mind his business So whena beautiful, young motherarrivesathisgunrangedesperatetobuyaweapon,heknowshehasaproblem.Nowayhecansellaguntosomeoneas franticasLeilaOrtiz.Buthefeelsdriventoprotecttheterrifiedwomanandherchild,atallcosts.
Withherabusiveex-husbandreleasedfromprison,Leilawilldowhateverittakestokeepherbabysafe.Shewantsagun,not aprotector ButwhatLeilawantsandwhatsheneedsaretwodifferentthings Anditisn’tlongbeforeshefindsherselffalling forthehonorableformerSEAL…Andfallinghard.
Clinthardenedhisheartlongago.ButhefindshimselfdrawntoLeila,awomanwhotoucheshimasnoother.UntilLeila’spast threatenstheirnewlove,andClintisforcedtowonder Cantheyreallytrusteachother? Andcantheirheartstakeitifthingsgowrong?
Thankyouforreading“Hunted” (SEAL Endgame Book 1)
ReadFIVEfull-lengthromancesbyUSATodaybest-sellingauthorLeslieNorthforFREE!Over600+pagesofbestsellingromancewithhundredsofFIVESTARREVIEWS!
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CONTENTS
Chapter1
Chapter2
Chapter3
Chapter4
Chapter5
Chapter6
Chapter7
Chapter8
Chapter9
Chapter10
Chapter11
Chapter12
Chapter13
Chapter14
Chapter15
Chapter16
Chapter17
EndofHunted Freebookoffer
Thankyou!
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AboutLeslie
SneakPeek:Exposed
SneakPeek:SEALChampions
AlsobyLeslie
Aquietdayonthegunrangewasagooddayonthegunrange
AtleastthatwasusuallyClintBackwater’sphilosophy Today,though,ashewanderedaroundthesmallshowroomofhis business,AskQuestionsLaterFirearmsandTraining,hecouldn’tseemtoshaketherestlessnessinsidehim.
Ifhe was truthful withhimself, he’d have to admitthathis skittishness had nothingto do withthe slow dayatthe range and everythingtodowiththeapproachoftheone-yearanniversaryofhisretirementfromthemilitary SincejoiningtheNavyright outofhighschoolandundergoingtrainingtobecomeaSEAL,he’dalwaysbeenabusyguy.Busy,butsolitary.Relationships weren’treallyhisthing,platonicorotherwise Lovedones,inClint’sexperience,hadatendencytodisappear Whenhe’dbeen inthemilitary,surroundedbyhisteamandothercolleagueseverydaywithprivacyataminimum,he’dthoughthe’dappreciate thequietpeaceofbeingalone.
Now,though,he was luckyifhe talkedtosixpeople a day,andsometimes things were a bittoo…silent.Notthathe was a recluseoranything ItwasjustlivingbyhimselfoutintheNevadadesert,albeitonlyafewmilesoutsideLasVegas,meanthis penchantforself-sufficiencycameinhandy,evenifitwaslonelyattimes.
Today,hisbuddy,Devin,wastheretotalktoashecheckedtheinventoryofammunitionandfirearmsandaccessoriesforthe umpteenthtime AskQuestionsLater providedhimwithalivableincomebetweenthesalesofstockandthefeeshecharged localsforusingthegunrangeandforshootinglessons,buthewouldn’tbemakingtheForbes500listanytimesoon.Clintwas finewithmakingenoughtogetby Hedidn’tneedtoberich Hedidn’tneedmuchofanything andhelikeditthatway Clintmovedfromdisplaycasetodisplaycase,notingthestockineach,whiledoinghisbesttoignoreDevinchattingloudlyon hiscellphone.Tocalltheothermana“buddy”wouldbetoogenerous.DevinwasmorelikeaguywhoClinttalkedtowhenhe cameintoshoot.TheysometimessharedamealatRitzi’sDinerintown.Thatwasaboutit.Still,itwasmoreinteractionthan Clinthadwithmostfolksthesedays
He finishedmarkingdownthe sixteenboxes of.45caliber bullets infrontofhim,thenmovedtothe nextglass-toppedcase, givingDevinsomeseriousside-eyeashedidso.
“Whatdoyoumeanshewon’tgooutwithme?”Devinwhinedintohisphone.Theguywasprettytypicalofthesortwhocame intothegunrange AwannabecowboywithaStetsononhisheadandaholsterstrappedaroundhiswaist Nevadatendedtobe a havenfor Mavericks and outlaws, due to the wide-openspaces and the mind-your-own-business attitude ofthe local law enforcementandresidents ItwaswhatledtothingslikeLasVegasandtheMustangRanchanddudeslikeDevinwhofancied themselvesBillytheKidreborn.“I’meverythingshesaidshewantedinheronlinedatingprofile.”
Clintgave a snortand shookhis head. Devinwas harmless enough. Clinthad runinto lots ofguys like himinthe military. Gung-hotopreservelife,liberty,andtheAmericanway aslongasitdidn’tpushthemtoofaroutoftheircomfortzone.But everyonehadtheirowncomfortzone,Clintsupposed.AsaSEAL,he’dbeenaccustomedtofacingdangerthelikesofwhich
mostpeoplecouldn’timagine.Butinternetdating,likeDevin?Notachance.Thatwasariskhewasn’twillingtotake.
He shuddered at the thought of connectingwitha total stranger and tryingto make small talkover dinner and drinks. He’d decidedlongagothathewasbetteronhisown.
Thesoundofacardoorslammingechoedinthestore’squietinterior.Clintpeeredpastwherethesunlightstreamedthroughthe glassfrontdoor.Outside,adust-coveredblackSUVhadpulledup.Orbackedup,wouldbemoreaccurate.Throughthehazy glasshesawa“BabyonBoard”stickerintherearwindow.
Notthatunusual.Probablyanotherlocaldadwantingsomeawaytimefromhiswifeandkids. Clintturnedtoheadbackbehindthecounter.He’djustaboutmadeittherewhenheheardDevinbehindhimsaying,“Uh,Ithink mydreamgirljustpulledintomylife”
Cringing,Clintgavehisbuddyadisgustedlookoverthecornylineandwasjustabouttoribhimaboutitwhenthebellsabove thedoorjingledandinwalkedsaiddreamgirl.
Orwoman,tobemoreaccurate.Awomanwithababy.
Huh. Okay. Thatwasn’t typical. Clint narrowed his gaze a bit, focusingonher as she stepped closer and moved out ofthe streamoflightthatsilhouetted her frombehind Mid-twenties, he’d guess, makingher abouttenyears younger thanhe was Wavydarkhair,goldenbronzedskin.Clintdidn’thaveadreamgirlimageinmind,neverhad.Ifhedid,though,she’dbewell onherwaytomatchingthat Exceptshewasscared Herlargedarkeyesscannedtheshopnervously Yeah,definitelyscared
Clintcouldn’tshakethatthought He’dneverseenherbeforeinhislife,buthe’dbethisbusinessandeverythingheownedthat hewasrightabouther.Hisinstinctshadbeenhonedonthebattlefield,andthepastyearofretirementhadn’tdulledthem.After all,youcouldn’taffordtogetcarelesswhenyouownedagunshop
Hisconclusionswereonlyconfirmedasshemovedclosertothefrontcounterandmethisgaze Therewereshadowsinthose prettybrowneyesofhers,deepanddarkanddangerous.Thentherewasthefactthathernailslookedchewedtothequickand herhandsshookslightlyassheheldacutekidinonearm.Aboydressedinbluejeansandabaseballhat.Maybeayear,yearand-a-halfold,Clintguessed
“WelcometoAskQuestionsLaterFirearmsandTraining,”hesaid,hiswordsemergingabitrougherthanusualbecauseofthe oddconstrictioninthisthroat.Notnervousness.Notadrenaline.Attraction.Clintswallowedhardandcrossedhisarms.“How canIhelpyoutoday?”
Hecouldguess her answer beforesheresponded Everythingabouther spokeoffear fromthewaysheclutchedher sonto how her eyes darted around the room. Aninstinctdeep inside himrose to the surface. He had to help her. It was almost a compulsionthathealreadyknewhewasn’tgoingtobeabletotampdownordeny
Thewomantookadeepbreathandcheckedbehindheroncemorebeforesayingquietly,“Ineedtobuyagun”
Sure,thatmightbewhatshe’dconvincedherselfof Butheknewonething gunsandfeardidn’tmix
Oh God
The last place Leila Ortiz ever thought she’d find herself was in a gun store She wasn’t an aggressive or confrontational personbynature.Justtheopposite,infact.Butcircumstances andthefactthattheFederalBureauofPrisonshadscrewedup hercontactinformation meantthatsheandhersonneededprotectioninamajorway,andtheyneededitASAP Sheeyedthemanbehindthecounteranddidherbesttolookasconfidentaspossible,mimickingthatblank,closed-offstarehe wasgivingher.“I’veheardthatGlocksaregoodforwomentouse.I’dliketoseeoneofthose,please.”
“AGlock,huh?”Theguynarrowedhisgazeonherthenmovedforward.Leilasteppedbackautomaticallybeforeshestopped herself.Yearsofabusehadtaughtheritwaseasiertoretreatthantostandherground,butthathadallchangedthedayThomas had beenborn. Now she had more thanherselfto thinkabout. Now she had her sonto protect. The manlooked her up and down.Notinasexual way,moreinawhat-the-heck-are-you-doing-in-here way.She checkedhimouttoo,againoutofhabit
bornfromexperience negativeexperience.
Ifattacked,itwasbesttohaveagooddescriptionforthecops.Theydidn’ttakeyouseriouslywithoutit.Shenotedhisshort, lightbrownhairwiththemilitarycut.Blueeyes.Maybefive-ten,five-elevenmax,butwithamuscularbuild.Goodlooking seriouslygoodlooking.AhintofatattooonhisleftbiceppeekedoutfrombeneaththesleeveofhisdarkblueT-shirt asnake perhaps,wrappedaroundaknife?Weirdbutanidentifier,ifsheneededit.
You won’t need it,sheassuredherself.Thegunshopandrangehadbeenrecommendedtoherbyafriendofafriend.She’dbe finehere She’dgetwhatshe’dcomefor,andthenshe’dleave
Frankly,shedidn’tcareifthisdudehadDaffyDuckandWilyCoyoteinkedalloverhimself Sheneededagunandfast Herex wasbeingreleasedfromprisonandcomingbacktotown.Shehadnodelusionsabouthim.He’dcomeforher,anditwouldn’t bepretty NowaywouldsheallowMikeanywherenearherortheirson He’dlosthisparentalprivilegesthedayhe’dbeather up so badlyshe’d ended up inthe ER withtwo brokenribs and a bruised collarbone. That had beenthe same night she’d discoveredshewaspregnantwithThomas.Talkaboutthegoodwiththebad.
“That’sright”Shetriedtoprojectmoreconfidencethanshefeltasshesteppeduptothecounter oncemoreandsetThomas atoptheglassdisplaycase.Hersonwaseighteen-monthsoldandweighednearlytwenty-fivepounds.GoodforThomas,notso goodforherwhenshehadtoholdhimforextendedlengthsoftime.Leilawasstrong,butherusualworkoutshadnotprepared herforholdingasquirmingkidinherarmsforhoursatatime
“Unlessyouthinkthere’sanotherfirearmthatmightworkbetterforme,”shecontinued,doingherbesttofocusontheimportant conversationathandandnotthefactthatherbabywascurrentlygrinningatthemanbehindthecounter.“Idon’treallycareas longasitworks”
“Hi!”Thomassaid,hisattentionfocusedonthegunstoreowner “Hey,kid What’syourname?”theguyaskedwithagenuinesmilefortheboy “T ta”Hersonturnedtoherinconfusionsincehe’dbeenstrugglingwiththe“th”sound “Thomas,”shesaidquickly “ThisisThomas”
“Nicetomeetyou,Thomas Givemefive?”Themanheldouthishand,palmup,andThomassmackeditwithhisown “Nice job,littleguy.Now,let’sseewhatwecandoforyourmama.”
Hisgazecamebacktoherasheplacedtheheelsofhishandsagainsttheglasstoppedcaseandrestedhisweightonthem.His movement caused his muscles to ripple beneath his T-shirt Not that she was noticing Nope After a lifetime of bad experienceswithmen,Leilawasdonewiththem.Thisguyhadbeennicetoherson,whichwasapointinhisfavor,butthere weren’tenoughpointsintheworldtomakehertrustamanwithhersafetyorherson’sagain
SheandThomaswouldbejustfineontheirown andshe’draisehimtobethekindofmanawomantrulycouldtrust She’d makesurehe’drespectwomenandnotyellatthemorhitthem.She’dhadenoughofthatfromherfathergrowingupandlater fromherex.Allherregretsandmistakescamebacktoher.Thosemistakeswerewhatledhertothisgunshop.
Ifonlyshe’d knownMike was involved witha gang runningdrugs and worse she’d never have married him. But she’d beenyoungandstupid,andshe’dgivenhimher heartandher virginityattwenty-twothinkinghe’dtake her awaytoa better life.He’dtakenherawayallright.Straighttohell.Now,threeyearslater,shewasaloneandraisinghersonasbestshecould. NowaywouldMikeevergetnearthemagain.No.Way.
“Youeverusedagunbefore?”theguyasked,histonewary.
“No.”Leilaraisedherchin.“Butitcan’tbethathard,right?Pointandshoot.”
“Notexactly.”Theguyglancedoverhershoulderandthehaironthebackofherneckprickled.Shit.Someoneelsewasinthe store She’d vaguelyregistered another personwhenshe’d entered buthad beenso focused ongettinga weaponshe hadn’t paidmuchattention. Stupid, Leila. So stupid. Thefirstthingtheinstructorstaughtherinthoseself-defenseclassesshe’dtaken lastyearhadbeentobeawareofhersurroundingsatalltimes
She turned fast, one hand on Thomas on the counter, the other clutching her keys between her fingers, ready to lash out at anyonewhotriedtohurther.
“Whoathere,littlelady,”askinnyguyinacowboyhatsaid,holdinguphishandsinsurrender.“Didn’tmeantostartleyou.I
wasjustgoingtoaskyouifyouwantedtogetacupofcoffee.”
“Shedoesn’twantcoffee,Dev,”theguybehindthecounteransweredforher.
“HowdoyouknowwhatIwant?”Leilafrownedathimandsquintedatthenameembroideredontheman’sT-shirt.“Clint.”
“Do youwantcoffee?”Heraisedabrowather.
No,shedidn’t.Butitwasnoneofhisbusiness,andshedidn’tneedhimtalkingoverherandansweringquestionsaddressedat her “WhatIwantisagun Yougoingtosellmeoneornot?”
“Afterabackgroundcheckandproofyou’vehadthepropertraining yeah,I’llsellyouaweapon”
Damn It wasn’t that she couldn’t pass the check, but she had no training Leila grimaced She hadn’t really thought things throughbefore racingdownhere. She’d always beena bitimpulsive thatway, as her mother would attest. Itwas whathad gottenherintroublewithherfathergrowingup,alwaysactingwithoutconsideringtheconsequences.Itwashowshe’dended upmarriedtoanabusiveassholelikeherex.Itwasthemainthingthatkeptherupatnightwonderinghowintheworldshe’d everbeafitmotherforpoorThomas.Ifshecouldn’tmakegoodchoicesforherself,howwouldsheeverbeabletodothatfor herchild?
“Dev, go away,” Clintsaid frombehind the counter, his voice authoritative “Go find yourselfanother online girlfriend and leavethisladyalone.”Surprisingly,theothermandidashewastold,thebellsoverthedoorjanglingmerrilyathisdeparture. Thatlefther alone withMr Intense,Hot,andBrooding He focusedthose brightblue eyes ofhis onher againandsquinted “Perhapsifyoutellmewhatyouneedthegunfor,Icanfigureoutwhatwouldworkbestforyou.Thenwecantalkaboutwhat kindoftrainingyouneed.”
“Oh.”ShetuckedherhairbehindherearandpulledaleatherkeychainfromanearbydisplayawayfromThomas.Hewasat theagewherehewasgrabbingateverything.“Justtheusual.”Shetriedtosoundcasual.“Can’tbetoocarefulthesedays.” “Uh-huh.Hereyougo,buddy.”HehandedThomasabrightorangekooziewiththestore’slogoonittoplaywith.“Look,lady,I cantellyou’renervousaboutsomething.Idon’tmeantopry,butifyou’reintroubleinsomeway,maybeIcanhelp.Iusedto beinthemilitaryand ”
ThetensioninsideLeilaexplodedintofull-blownpanic No,no,no Shedidn’tneedthatkindofhelp Thefewerpeoplewho knewaboutherpastandherex,thebetter.She’dcomeinhereexpectingquickserviceandnoquestions.Wasn’tthatwhatthe business’snameseemedtopromise?Thiscrossexaminationwasn’twhatshewanted Itwasbadenoughshewaseveninhere, tryingto buya gun. Blood poundinginher head and pulse racing, Leila picked up Thomas and stepped back. “Ineed to go. Sorry”
“Wait,”Clintsaid “I’llhelpyou,buttherearemorestepstothisthanyoumightrealize Youhavetoshootagunbeforebuying it,andlittleonesdon’tusuallylikethenoise.”HegesturedtoThomas. “Right.I’llcomebackanothertime.”Sheturnedandhurriedtothedoorwithonenervousglanceoverhershoulder.Herhopes foraquicktransactionhadfaded,andshedidn’twanttostickaroundanddealwithmorequestions,moreprobing.Shesureas hellwasn’tgoingtoconfideinhimjustbecausehewasnicetoThomasandwasn’tadicktoherinthefiveminutessinceshe’d walkedinthedoor.Sheneededtoretreatandre-thinkthis.
Shehustledoutside,strappedThomasintohiscarseatquickly,andslidbehindthewheeltodriveaway.AssheputherSUVin drive, she glanced inthe rearview mirror Clintwas standinginthe door to his shop, leaningone muscular armagainstthe frame.Hehadn’tchasedafterher.Instead,itfeltlikehewaswatchingoverher.
Shedidn’ttrustmen,andshehadgoodreasonforthat.Buttherewassomethingaboutthisonethatmadeherpause.He might beokay Butshewasn’tstickingaroundtofindout
The next day Clint worked in the shop, unpacking a new shipment of Sig Sauers and thinking about that woman from yesterdayagain.Tobehonest,he’dbeenthinkingabouthersinceshe’dwalkedoutofhisstorethepreviousafternoon. Itwasn’tjustbecause she was attractive, thoughshe was. No. Itwas thathaunted, hunted lookshe’d had thatbothered him most He’dseenthatlookbeforeonmenincombat Specifically,menwho’dbeenheldprisonerbytheenemy Butwhyinthe worldwouldsuchayoungwomanlooksoscared?Themostlikelyanswermadehisgutchurn.He’dseensomeshitinhisdays bothintheSEALsandbeforethatgrowingupinthefostersystem.Asaresult,he’dlearnedtotakecareofhimself.He’dalso developedastrongprotectiveinstinctforthoseweakerthanhimself.ItwaspartofwhathadmadehimsuchagreatSEAL,that needtokeephismenandanynoncombatantsunderhiscaresafe.Butitwasn’talwayssuchanassetincivilianlife.Forallthat Clinttriedtokeeptohimself,hehadatendencytostickhisnoseinwhereitdidn’tbelong
Hesighedandclosedthedisplaycasehe’dbeenarranging,tryingtopushthewomanoutofhisthoughts Hell,chanceswere he’dneverseeherandherkidagainanyway,notwiththewayshe’dtornoutofherelikeherbuttwasonfirethedaybefore.
Stupid, Clint. So stupid.
He’djusthadtogoandaskabouther situation.Itwasnoneofhisbusiness.Legally,anyonecouldownafirearm,aslongas theymetthenecessaryrequirements Still,she’dseemedsonervous,he’dfeltcompelledtoaskifshewasintrouble Sohehad andhe’dfrightenedheroffintheprocess.Puttingaguninherhandsthatshedidn’tknowhowtousewouldhaveonlymade hersituationmoredangerous,buthestilldidn’tliketheideaofherouttherewithnoprotectionatall
Withashakeofhishead,hewentinhisofficetoputtheboxholdingtheadditional inventoryinthegunsafe Whenthebells over the front entrance rang, he called out, “Welcome to AskQuestions Later Firearms and Training. How mayI help you today?”
“It’sme,again.IfIgetthetraining,fromyou,willyousellmeagun?”anow-familiarfemalevoicesaid.
Clint’sheartstumbledlikeadrunkensailorashereturnedtotheshopfloorandfacedthewomanfromthedaybefore.Shewas back,thatcutekidofhersonceagaininherarms.Today,theboywasdeckedoutinapairofdenimshortsandaT-shirtbearing thelogooftheLasVegasRaiders.Goodtasteinsports.ThekidstretchedoutahandtowardClintandgrinned.Atfirst,Clint panicked, thinkingmaybe the little guymistookhimfor his father, but thenhe realized the boywas staringpast himat the colorfulposteroftheNevadadesertbehindhimonthewall.
Clintcouldn’thelpgrinningbackatthelittleboy.Hereallywasadorable,all bigdarkeyesandcurlydarkhair,justlikehis momma Beforehecouldstophimself,Clintleanedforwardonhiselbowsonthecounterandstartedtalkingtothekid “You likethatpicture,huh?Lotsofprettycolors,right?Ilikethemtoo.RemindsmeofthedesertsbackinKandahar.”
Thewomanclearedherthroatandgavehimapointedstare.“Willyoutrainmeornot?”
Hestraightenedandblinkedather asecond.Her cheekswereslightlyflushed,andshekepttappingonefootonthecarpeted floorasifshewereinahurry.Givenhernervousnessthedaybeforeandthewayshecontinuedtoperiodicallycheckoverher shoulder, he knew somethingwasn’t right Normally, the gunrange was opento everyone duringnormal business hours, no appointmentnecessary.Firstcome,firstserved.Butshedidn’tknowthat,andClintwasn’tinclinedtotellhereither.Notyet, anyway Notuntilhefoundoutexactlywhatshewassoscaredof
Hegesturedforhertofollowhimintohisoffice Itwasaparticularlyslowday,andhecouldmonitorthefrontdoorthroughthe camerafeedsonthecomputerinhisoffice.Ifanyonecamein,he’dhelpthem.
Onceinsidethesmallroom,heclosedthedoorbehindthemandtookaseatbehindhisdeskwhileshesatinoneofthechairsin frontofit He’dnotreallychangedanythinginheresincetakingoverfromthepreviousowner Thewallswerestillthesame plainbeigeandthecarpetthesamebasicbrownasinthestore.Theoneadditionhe’dmadewasalargepictureofhisteam, takenonthe lastdayoftheir final missiontogether inQatar. Theywere ona white sandybeachnear Doha, all smiles after completinganothersuccessfulassignment.Hemissedthemalleveryday,buthavingtheirpictureinhisofficehelpedabit.
Thekidseemedenrapturedbythephoto.Clintpointedtohimselfintheimage.
“That’sme,andthosearemybuddies,”heexplainedforThomas’sbenefit. “Jeep!”thekidyelledandclappedhishands.
“Yeah,that’saJeep,”Clintsaid.Theboyseemedasbrightandcheerful ashismotherwasnervous.Clinelookedather.She was watchinghimwithanodd expression a mixof shock, suspicion, and softness. It was the softness that did himin. A strangetugpulledathisheart Clintcoughedtocleartheweirdconstrictionfromhisthroatbeforeseatinghimselfbehindhis deskandpullingoutablankregistrationform.“Okay.Let’sgetstartedthen,shallwe?Haveaseat.”Hegesturedtothechair acrossfromhim “ThisformisrequiredbythestateofNevadapriortothesaleofafirearm”ShesatwithThomasonherlap “Sinceyourhandsarefull,I’llaskyouthequestionsandwritedownyouranswers.” “Thanks,”shesaid.“Thatwouldbeeasier.”
“Firstandlastname?”heasked. “LeilaOrtiz.”
Clintjotteditdown.“Age?”
“Twenty-five.”Sheadjustedthekidonherlap.Hewassquirmingtogetdown.“WillIbeabletotakethegunhometoday?”
“Youhavetopassthebackgroundcheckandcompletetherequisitetenhoursoftrainingonthegunrangefirst.Assoonasyou dothat,theweapon’syours”Heexhaledslowandnarrowedhisgazeonher “Reasonforpurchaseoffirearm?”
Shehesitated,soslightlythathewould’vemisseditifhehadn’tbeenwatchinghersoclosely “Safety” “Right”Clintnoddedandfrowneddownattheform Itwasnoneofhisbusiness,buthewasgoingtosayitanyway “Look, therearelotsofwaystosecureyourhomewithoutbullets.”
“It’snotmyhomeI’mworriedabout,”shesaid,underherbreath.Shegaveupstrugglingtokeephersononherlapandputhim onhisfeetinfrontofher “Whydoyoucare?”
“Noreason,”hesaid,shruggingwhilehelookedupagain,makingeyecontact “Justcurious”
Herchinjuttedout Shelookedaboutastoughasawomancouldwhohadatoddlerdancingaroundinfrontofher “Icantake careofmyself.”
“Ibelieveyou.”Clintfeltasmileformingonhislipsbutsuppressedit.Hedidadmireastrongwoman,thoughhedidn’tthink she’dappreciatehimvoicingthatopinionatthemoment “I’mnottryingtobenosy It’sjustthatmyknowingwhatyourgoals are for owning a firearmwill help me ensure that you receive the proper training to use it. Someone who wants to shoot recreationallyhasdifferentneedsthansomeonewho’s,say,tryingtofendoffastalker.”Hetookastabatalikelyscenario.“In thecaseofthesecond,you’dprobablywanttoalsogetapermittocarryconcealed.”
Itwasashotinthedark,butonehehopedmightgethertoopenupabitmore.
“Nostalker.Justsafety,”shesaidbeforelookingdownathersonwithasigh.Clintletamomentofsilencefall,waiting.With another sigh, she added, “the permit might not be a bad idea, though. Are there anymore questions onthat formI need to
answer,orcanwegettothenextstep?”
Theywentthroughher social securitynumber, address, and phone number, thenClintfaxed the formofffor her background checkwhiletheyfilledoutherconcealed-carrypermitinformationthenwentbackoutintotheshowroomtopickoutafirearm. “Youneverdidanswermeyesterday,”shesaid,perusingtheselectionsinoneofthecaseswhileholdingontoThomas’shand. “Whichoneisbestforsomeonemysize?Myhandsaresmaller,soI’dneedtotakethatintoconsideration,right?”
“Sure.”Hemovedaroundherinthesmallshop,carefulnottobrushagainsther,thoughhedidcatchherscent freshandfloral with a hint of soap. Awareness prickled his skin before he shoved it aside and pulled out a gun from the display. “You mentioned Glocks, whichare good, buthonestly, for youI’d recommend the Luger LC9 It’s 9mm, has a seven-round, single stackmagazine,andiswell-suitedforsmallerframedshootersandthosewishingtocarrytheirweaponconcealed.”Heplaced itatoptheglassdisplaycasealongwithafreshmagazineofbullets “Shouldwegotryitoutontherange?”Hecheckedhis watch.“Probablyanotherhalfhourorsobeforethebackgroundcheck’scomplete.”
Shestareddownatthefirearmlikeitmightexplodeinherfaceandthenlookedatherson.Sheswallowedasthoughgathering hercourage “Iwanttotryshootingit,butI’mnotsurewhattodowithhim”
Clint had suggested yesterday that she come without her son, but maybe that wasn’t an option for her She didn’t wear a weddingring,soshemightbeasinglemom.Hisneedtohelpherjustkeptgrowing.
“Hmm. Hangona minute.” Clint walked to the front door and looked over at the small souvenir shop downthe way. The NativeAmericanwomanwhoownedithadbeenintheareaforlongerthanthegunrangehadbeeninbusiness.Suziewasin hersixtiesandagrandmother Herplacelookedasemptyasthegunrangerightnow Maybeshewouldwatchthekidforabit Oneshortphonecallandafewminuteslater,anolderwomanwithglassesandalongblackponytailwalkedin.“Hey,Suzie.” Clintwavedher towardthebackofthestorewhereheandLeilawerewaiting “Letmeintroduceyoutomycustomer,Leila Ortiz.AndthisisThomas.”
“Areyousureyoudon’tmindwatchinghim?”Leilaasked.She’dbeenreluctanttoacceptthehelpwhenhe’dcalledSuzie,but seeingtheotherwomanseemedtohaveputheratease
“Not at all,” Suzie said, grinning and presenting Thomas with a handmade buffalo toy from her shop “I’ve got two granddaughtersabouthisagewhoIdon’tseenearlyenough.I’mhappytodoit.Ishetwo?”
“Eighteenmonths,”Leilasaid,passingthelittleboyofftoher.Hesnatchedthebuffaloandsquealedindelight,gigglingashe madethetoydance.
“Well,that’sjustfine”Suzielaughed “We’llhangoutinherewhileyoutwogoandtakecareofbusiness Don’tworryabouta thing.He’ssafewithme.”
Leilastillseemedtowaverabit,butClintdidhisbesttoreassureher.“She’strustworthy,Ipromise.Andwewon’tbegone long.Justneedtoshowyouhowtoloadthegunandfireitandmakesureit’scomfortableforyoutouse.C’mon.”
Reluctantly,Leilahandedoverabagwithsnacksandtoys,thenfollowedClintintothesoundproofedgunrange.Theirfootsteps echoedoffthelongconcreteroomandthelingeringscentofgunpowderhungintheair Clinttalkedherthroughthemechanics ofthegunandexplainedhowtochamberaroundandchangethemagazine.Thenheshowedherthesafetyandhowtoturniton andoff Thenheunloadedthegunandhadhergothroughallthestepsherself Hehadherrepeatitallbacktohim Finally,they werereadytoshoot.
“Okay.Rulestoremember.One,alwaystreateveryfirearmasifit’sloadedatalltimes.Two,alwayskeepthefirearmpointed inasafedirection,adirectionwhereanaccidentaldischargewouldcauseminimalpropertydamageandzerophysicalinjury Three,alwayskeepyourfingeroffthetriggerandoutsidethetriggerguarduntilyou’vemadetheconsciousdecisiontoshoot. Andfour,alwaysbesureofyourtarget,backstopandbeyond.Thatmeansyoushouldalwaysknowwhat’sinyourlineoffire, evenbeyondthethingyou’reaimingat Understand?”
Leilanodded,seemingtotakeitallin.
“Good.”Clintmovedinbesideher,hisownSigSauerinhishandtodemonstrate.“Youwanttoholdthegunhighontheback ofthegripwithyourdominanthand.Thiswillgiveyoumoreleverageagainsttheweaponandhelpyoucontroltherecoilwhen youfire”Shetriedtodoasheasked,andhemovedinclosertoshiftherhandposition “Great Okay Next,placeyoursupport hand the non-dominant one firmly around the exposed part of the grip. All four fingers of your support hand should be belowthetriggerguardwithyourindexfingerpressedhardunderneathit”Headjustedherhandaccordingly,doinghisbestto
concentrateonthetaskathandandnotthewarmcurvespressedagainsthim.Nowwasn’tthetime,ortheplace,ortheperson. He couldn’tdenythe pull he felttoward her, butitwould be totallyinappropriate to hitona customer. “Like withyour gun hand,”helectured,strugglingtostayprofessional,“youwantyoursupporthandashighupaspossiblewiththethumbpointing forward,roughlywheretheslidemeetstheframe.Yourtwohandsshouldfittogether,likeapuzzle.”
“Wow.ThisisalotmorecomplicatedthanIexpected,”Leilasaid,givingalowchucklethatClintfeltcleartohistoes.“Way morethanpointandshoot”
“Toldyou”Hegrinnedoverather,hisheartsqueezingwithwarmthatherreturnsmile Itwasthefirsttimehe’dseenherlook happy,anditwaslikethesuncomingoutonacloudyday.Heinhaledsharplyandforcedhismindbacktobusiness.“Right. Okay We’rereadytoassumetheextendedshootingposition Youwanttostandwithyourfeetandhipsshoulder-widthapart Thiswillallowyoutofiretheweaponwithstabilityandmobility.Thenraiseyourweapontowardyourtarget.”
Hepointedtowardthepapertargetattheendofherlane,andshedidasClinthadasked.
“Youreallyknow a lot about this stuff,” Leila said as he moved behind her to adjust her stance. “Is that frombeinginthe military?”
“Yep NavySEALforaroundfifteenyears”
“Oh Impressive”
“Ihearthatalot,”hejoked,leaningintomakeanothersmalladjustmenttoherarmposition Hisfrontpressedtoherback,and sheturnedslightly,puttingtheirmouthsmereinchesapart.Hisgazedroppedtohersoftpinklipsandtimeseemedtoslow. If they’d met under different circumstances, he’d let the attraction he was feeling gain momentum. If they knew each other better,hemightevenhavekissedher.
As it was, he stepped backand exhaled slowly, gatheringhis scattered thoughts together “All right Backto business” He didn’tmissthepinktingetohercheeks.Seemedhewasn’ttheonlyonefeelingthisunusualconnectionbetweenthem.“Aiming yourgun.”Hetalkedherthroughthesteps,waitingforhernodofunderstandingeachtime.
“Now,wegetreadytofire.”
“Pullthetrigger?”sheasked.
“Notyet.Andyoudon’tactuallypullit.It’smoreofasqueezeorpress.Applyconstant,increasingpressureonthetriggeruntil the weaponfires.” She glanced backathimover her shoulder, and he nodded, puttingona pair ofprotective ear muffs and slidingasetontoheraswell.Hemouthed,“Goforit.”
Sheresumedherstance,squinted,andfired,joltingslightlythengrinningasthereverberationofthedischargeechoedthrough thegunrange Leilapulledoffherearmuffsandsquealedwithjoy,justlikehersonhadearlier “Ididit!”
“Youhitthetarget Goodjob Notcentermass,butfleshwoundscanhurtlikehell”Clintcouldn’thelplaughingalongwithher Herenthusiasmwascontagious.“Okay.Let’stryitagain.Seeifthatgun’stherightfitfor ”
Thebuttonhe’dsetupintheshopforcustomerstogethisattentionwhenhewasontherangebuzzedloudly,cuttinghimoff. Suzie’sfacepeekedthroughthewindow
Clintrushedovertoanswerit “Yeah?Everythingokay?”
“Yes Everything’s fine with us” Suzie bounced the happy boy in her arms “There’s something wrong with your vehicle though,”shesaidtoLeila.“Wewentoutsideforaminute,anditlookslikeyourtire’sflat.”
“Damn.” Leila clicked on the safely on her weapon and handed it to Clint. All the excitement he’d seen on her face disappeared,replacedbyfearagain Shebitherlipbutsquaredhershoulderslikeshewasfacingsomekindoftrial Whatwas up withthat? Tires wentflatall the time anybitofdebris onthe road could getwedged inside themand cause damage. And yet, some instinct told himmore was happeninghere. Her reactionsuggested that she didn’t thinkthis was a normalflat.Shethoughtsomeonehadtamperedwithhercar.Hehadafeelingthetireproblemwassomehowconnectedtoher desperateneedforagun,herskittishnessabouttellinghimthetruth.
Theflattirewasprobablynothing…butifitturnedouttobe something,hewasn’tgoingtoletherfaceitalone.Hesecuredher weaponinalockboxbutkeptholdofhisfirearm.“Letmetakealookforyouandseewhat’sgoingon.”
Dread boiled inside Leila as she watched Clint leave the store and take a slow walkaround her SUV He was onalert, everything about his body tense and ready. She was glad to see he was taking this seriously. She certainly was. This sabotageofhercarfeltdeliberate,andthatscaredtheshitoutofher Herhandsstartedtoshake,sosheshovedthemintheback pocketsofherjeans.
She glanced over at Thomas. He and Suzie were sitting on a small loveseat in the corner of the gun shop. He was eating goldfishandlisteningtoSuziereadabook,gigglinglikehehadn’tacareintheworld.Shewantedtokeepitthatway.Would doanything,makeanysacrificetomakesureThomasgrewupsafeandhappy.
Clintgesturedfor her tojoinhimoutside.He’dstuckhis weaponinthe backofhis waistbandandwas crouchedbeside the rightfronttire.
“Thiswasdeliberatelyslashed,”hesaid.Histonewasquestioning,waitingforhertoexplainwhowoulddosuchathing and why Butifhewaswaitingforanswers,he’dbewaitingalongtime Shehadnointentionofsharing
Shewasn’treadytotakethatnextstepwithhimyet Maybesheneverwouldbe She’dlearnedthehardwaytokeephersecrets well-hidden.Eventhoughhavinghelpwouldbeaburdenoffhershoulders,thetrustitwouldrequirejustwasn’tsomethingshe wasreadytogive Clintwasavirtualstranger,evenifhehadbeenkindandhelpfulsofar Leilashookherheadandfocused onhermangledtire.Damnhervindictiveextohellandbackagain.
“What’shappeningisIneedtofigureouthow togetthisfixedpronto,”shesaid.“IhavetogetThomastodaycareandgoto worklater”
Clintfrowned,hisexpressionclearlystatingthathesaw rightthroughher bullshitanswer Heshiftedhisweightandcrossed hisarms,hismusclesworkingbeneathhistannedskin.Hewasn’tbuiltlikesomeonewhospenthoursinthegym,toningtheir bodiesandguzzlingproteinshakestowithinaninchoftheirlives.No.Clintwasbuiltlikeamanwhousedhisbodyforgood, hard, honestworkand he had the tanned, slightlyweathered skinto go withit. He’d mentioned beinga former SEAL. That wouldcertainlyaccountforhisappearanceandfitnesslevel.Andprotectiveness.
“Wheredoyouwork?Icantakeyou,”heoffered.“Shop’sslowtodayanyway,soit’snotlikeI’dbelosinganybusiness.We cancallatowtrucktotakeyourvehicletothenearesttireshop”
He was a problemsolver She hadn’t known many men like that Most of the ones in her life had done nothing but cause problemsthatshehadtofix.ButnotClint.He’djumpinifshelethim,soshewavedoffhisquestionwithavague,“Iworkat thedentalclinicintown Andyoudon’tneedtoworryaboutthis I’vegotaspareinthetrunk Ifyoucanhelpmegetthaton, I’llbefine.Thanksthough,”sheadded,notwantingtoappearungrateful.
“Thecutonthattireisprettydeep,”hepressed.“Looksliketheyusedaknife.Maybeweshouldcallthepoliceandreportit.
It’svandalism,ifnothingelse,”hesaid,watchingherclosely.ToocloselyforLeila’scomfort.Thoseblueeyesofhiswerefar tooperceptive.
Shedidherbestnottofidgetasheatprickledhercheeksthathadnothingtodowiththebrightsunabove.“No.Nopolice.I’m surewhoeverdidthisislonggonebynow.” Liar “Seriously,you’vegonethroughenoughtroubleonmybehalftoday,withthe shootinglessonandall.LikeIsaid,ifyoucanjusthelpmegetthespareon,thatwouldbegreat.I’vegotitfromthere.I’lltake thecarintothetireshoponceI’vegottenpaidnextweek”
Clintwassilentforalongmoment,longenoughtomakeherthinkthatperhapshewasn’tgoingtodropthis Butthenhesighed andcursedunderhisbreath.“Fine.I’llgetthistirechangedforyouandthenwe’lldiscussyournextlesson.”
Herhearttrippedwithgratefulnessandanticipation.Sheclickedthebuttononherkeyfobtoopenthetrunkwithshakyfingers. “Nextlesson?”
“Yeah,”hesaid “You’realongwayfromtherequiredtenhours”Herummagedaroundtofindthejackandherspare,along with a tire iron beneath the panel in the floor. He pulled themout then got to work. Leila did her best not to stare at his perfectlyformedbuttorthehintofsmoothtannedskinonhislowerbackpeekingoutfrombeneaththehemofhisT-shirt This wascrazy.Shehadherexstalkingherandheryoungsontoconsider,butshefeltsuchastrongattractiontothisman.
Shebitbackasigh.Clintwasthekindofmansheshouldhavebeenlookingforwhenshewasyounger.Someonedependable anddecent,kindtochildren.Heeventookherseriously,gaveherlessonsonhowtoprotectherself,whichwassoincredibly appealing ShewasapetiteLatina,andpeopletendedtoseeherassomeonetheycouldpusharound Theothermeninherlife hadneverbeeninterestedinempoweringher.NotlikeClint.
Shewishedshe’dknowntherewereguyslikeClintintheworldbeforeshe’dgottenmixedupwithherex butshecouldn’t changethepast AllshecoulddowastrytoliveabetterlifeforherandThomasfromthispointon Focusingonthattookall hertime therewasnoroominherlifeforaromance,evenwithsomeonelikeClint.Shegaveherselfpermissiontoadmire him,toappreciatehishotbodyandhelpfulattitude Forjustaminute Andthen,whentheminutewasover,she’dwalkaway Clintglancedbackatheroverhisshoulderandthatweirdconnectionsizzledbetweenthemoncemore,thesameonethathad madeherkneestingleandherbreathhitch.Okay,soshe’dusethisminutetoappreciatehimandmaybealsofeellikeawoman andnotatired,scaredmommaforabeat.Butthatwasit.
“Doestoday’slessoncounttowardmyhours?”Sheforcedherselftogetbacktobusiness.
“Itdoes,buttodaywasjustabasicintroduction.Ifyouwanttobecomecompetentwithhandlingafirearm,you’llneedpractice andadditionaltraining.Safetyfirst.Always.”
Shewasonboardwiththat.
“Yes. Absolutely,” she said, noddinga tad too vigorouslydue to her guiltover checkingoutthe waythe denimofhis jeans stretchedoverhisbutt.“I’mallaboutsafetythesedays.”
“Mama!”Thomasshouted.Sheturned.Suziewascarryinghimfromthestore,andhestretchedouthispudgylittlearmstoward her Shesmiledatherson,rememberingherresponsibilitiesandtuckingawayherdesires Heheldoutthebuffalostuffedtoyto her,andshesmiledatSuzie,takinghersonfromtheotherwoman.
“Thankyouforwatchinghim,”LeilasaidtoSuzie.“I’vegothimnow.”
“Mypleasure,”Suziesaid,startingoffbacktowardhertinyshop.“He’sasweetheart.Letmeknowifyoueverneedmyhelp again”
“Willdo”Shewavedtotheolderwomanthentookadeepbreathtogetherselfbackontrack “So,whencanweschedulethe nextlesson?I’dliketogetthisdoneassoonaspossible.”
“Tomorrow workfor you?”Clintasked,poppingoffher hubcapandsettingitasidethengrabbingthetireirontoremovethe lugnuts “Icanmaketimeforyouwhenever”
Therehewasbeingsogoodtoher Shecouldn’tletitgotoherhead ShebrushedthehairfromThomas’seyeswithherfingers, asilentremindertoherselfofwhatwasimportant.Handsome,helpfulformerSEALsweren’tonthelist.Unfortunately.
“Ihave to workinthe morning,” she said, “butIcould come inthe afternoonbefore Ihave to pickThomas up atdaycare. Wouldthatbeokay?”
“We’llmakeitwork.”Clintpulledofftheslashedtireandsetitaside,thenslidthespareintoplace.
Shestudiedhimashetightenedthebolts.Despiteherself,shewascuriousabouthim.She’dnotedthelackofaweddingband, andtherewerenopicturesofwomenorkidsinhisoffice.Justhisbuddies.Washelonely?Shewantedtoaskbutsheknewshe shouldn’t.Itwasbestshenotgetclosetohim.
“That’lldoit,”hesaid,risingandputtingthetoolsbackinhervehicle.Heturnedtoher,hiseyesassessing.“Don’tdrivetoo longonthespare.”
“Iwon’t,”shesaid,evenasshetriedtofigureouthowlongshecouldstretchitbeforeshellingoutforanewtire.Therepair wouldhave towaitatleasta few days She wouldn’thave anymoneytospare until her nextpaycheck,especiallysince she was spendingsomuchonthe gun. That expense was non-negotiable. Justthinkingaboutthatmade her square her shoulders. Takinganofferedkindnessfromanearstrangerwasokayfornow,butshewasinthismesswithherex-husbandalone She’d takeClint’slessonsandlearnwhatsheneededto andthen,shewouldleavehimbehind.“I’llseeyoutomorrow.” “Leila,ifyouneedsomethingelse…”Somethingaboutthewayhesaiditmadeherthinkshecouldaskhimforanything.Again, shefoughtdownthetemptationtotellhimmore
“I’mgood Thanks”SheputThomasinhisseatandgotontheroadforthefive-miledrive Shecheckedhermirrorsconstantly TheslashedtiremeantthatMikeorsomeoneinhisganghadfoundher.
Andsheknewfromexperiencethattheywouldn’tbackoff.
Thenextmorningwasnotturningouttobeanylesshecticfor Leilathanthepreviousone Shewascurrentlyfiddlingwith Thomas’scarseatinthebackofthecarwhiletalkingtohermomonthephone,thankingGodforthemillionthtimethather phoneplanincludedunlimitedcallstoPuertoRico
“Don’tworryaboutus,Mama,”shesaid,straighteningupthemessoftoysandsnacksleftoveraftershe’ddroppedhersonoff atdaycareonherwaytoherjobasadentalhygienist.Thesparetirewasholdingout,thankfully,butsheknewsheneededto takeitin.Shecouldhavereallydonewithoutthatextraexpensethismonth,whichwasprobablyexactlywhyMikehadchosen toslashherbrand-newtire,thebastard.“Seriously.We’llbefine.Icantakecareofmyself.”
Shedidherbesttosoundmoreconfidentthanshefelt.
Still,her mother saw rightthroughthecharade.“Don’tpull thatwithme,chica.Thatcriminal ofanexofyoursisnothingto messaroundwith.Formypeaceofmind,IwishyouandThomaswouldmovedownherewithme.There’sroomatthecondo andwecouldwatchoveryou Protectyou”
“Idon’tneedprotection,Mama”Okay,she did needprotection,buttherewasnothinghermiddle-agedmotherandthesetof elderlygrandparents Mama cared for backhome could do to help withthat. Ifshe moved home, Leila would have to worry aboutkeeping all ofthemsafe,notjustherandThomas No StayinginNevadawasthebestcourseofactionforallofthem Eventhoughhermotherbroughtuptheideaofhercominghomeduringeveryconversationtheyhad.“Look,I’mgoingtogeta gunandI’mlearninghowtoshoot Iwon’tletanythinghappentomyson We’llbefine,Ipromise”Shefinishedfussingwith thecarseat,thenstraightenedtoclosethecardoorandlockthevehicle.“Ineedtogonow,Mama,orI’llbelateforwork.Talk toyoulater.Loveyou.”
“Loveyoutoo,chica,”hermothersaid,herwordstearful.“Pleasebecareful.”
“Always.”Leilaendedthecallandgrabbedherbagfromthefrontseat.Shehadabusydayaheadofher.Herschedulewasfull withpatients,thenlater,withherlessonwithClint.
“Leila,”avoicesaidbehindher,makingherjump.
Her blood froze andher pulse stumbled.Mike. Her exwas here. Amillionthoughts whirledthroughher mindatonce. Run. Hide. Fight. Flee. Noneofthoseoptions seemedfeasibleintheparkinglotwhenhehadher blockedinbetweenher SUV,a vanparkednexttoher,andhim He’dcaughtheratavulnerablemoment Damnhim
Mikewasalotofthings,butstupidwasn’toneofthem
Swallowing hard, Leila swiveled to face him He looked harder than ever after his stint in prison for drug and weapons trafficking.Sameangrygreeneyes,samegangtattooscoveringhisarmsandcreepinguphisneckfrombeneathhisarmy-green T-shirt There was a tightness around his mouth, a hintofthe tensionthatalways skimmed rightbelow his surface His fists
wereclenchedathissidesandamuscletickednearhistightjaw.Hewasbeyondpissed.Leilaknewallthesigns.Hecouldgo offonherrightthere,riskingherlifeandthelivesofanyonewhohappenedby.Mikewasamanwhodidn’tgiveashitabout consequencesanymore,forhimselforothers Thatmadehimallthemoredangerous
Leilainhaledslowlyandrepeatedthemantrathey’dtaughtherinself-defense
staycool,staycalm,defusethesituationifyou can.Shedidn’thavemuchhopethatshe’dbeabletotalkhimdown,butshehadtotry.“Whatdoyouwant,Mike?”
Hetookastepcloser.“WhatIwanttoknowiswhyyouwaiteduntilIwaslockedupbeforeyoufiledfordivorceandtookmy sonawayfromme,youbitch!”
Shemaintainedeyecontactwithhimalthoughittookeverythinginhertodoso “Youknewthingsweren’tworkingoutbetween us.ItoldyouIwantedtoleave.Therewasnosurpriseaboutthat.”
“Youbelongtome,Leila.YouandThomas.”
“We aren’tproperty,” she said, strugglingto keep her voice frombetrayingthe shakingofher insides. “ButthenIguess you neverunderstoodthat Maybethinkingofmeassomekindofpetorpossessionmadeiteasierforyoutobeatme”
“Youmademedothat Youdisobeyedme”Heloomedevencloser “Doyouhaveanyideahowembarrassingitwasformeto haveyouleavemelikethat?HowmuchshitIhadtoputupwithfromtheotherinmates?Itwashumiliating.Noonedoesthatto me,Leila Noone”
“Yeah, I can see how dealing with the consequences of being abusive might be hard for you to deal with,” she said, then instantlyregretteditwhenshe saw his scowl deepenevenmore.Justlike itusedtobefore he hither. Defuse, she reminded herself.“Look,thisismyworkplace
“Idon’tgiveashitifit’stheTajMahal,”Mikeyelled.“Icametogetbackwhat’smine.”
Whywasn’tsomeonedrivingby?Butthepositionshewasinwasterrible Shewastrappedwhereacasualpasserbywouldn’t noticethem,andneitherofthemwerespeakingloudlyenoughtodrawattention.Whyhadsheparkedatthebackofthelottoday hemmedinbybigvehicles?Shewasusuallybetteraboutthat,butshe’dbeendistractedandonthephonewithhermotherand hadjustpulledintothefirstspaceshesaw Sostupid
“Youthinkyou’resosmart,don’tyou?”Mikesaidputtingahandonhercarandclosingherinevenmore “Youaren’t You’re justadumbbitchwhodoesn’tknowhowgoodyougotit.NeverdidappreciatemeandallthethingsIdidforyou.Younever deservedme Never”
She feltthe bile rise inher throat Her mindwentblank,none ofher self-defense traininghelpingher She felthopeless and terrified.Shedidn’tevenhaveherkeyfobinherhand.Notthatthepanicbuttonswouldattractmuchattention.Talkingwasher onlychoice Shehadtostaycalmandfirm
“Letitgo,Mike Let us go,”shepleaded “You’reoutnow You’refree Youhaveasecondchancetomakeanewlife,anew start.IfI’masworthlessasyousayIam,don’twasteyourtimeonme.”
“WhataboutThomas?”hesaid,glaringathousanddaggersather.
“What about him?” Leila felt some of her backbone returning. No waywould this asshole get his hands onher son. Nope. She’dratherdiethanlethimgettoherchild.Shepulledsomebraveryfromdeepinsideher.“Leavehimalone.”
“Orwhat?”Mikegotrightinherface,hisbreathstinkingofalcoholeventhisearlyintheday “Whatareyougoingtodotome, Leila?”
Shedidn’tmiss themockinginhis toneor themurderous glintinhis eye.He’dkill her this time.Therewas nodoubtinher mind.He’dgobacktoprison,andshe’dgointoagrave.Endoftheirsad,sordidstory.ButThomas…oh,god.
“Tellmewheremysonisnow!”Mikesaid,grabbingLeila’sarminabruisinggrip.“Tellme!”
Theechoofacardoorslammingvaguelyregisteredthroughthepoundingofbloodinherears.Footstepsdrewcloser.Shewas tornbetweencryingoutforhelpandwantingtowarnwhoeveritwastostayaway,staysafe.Allwordsstuckinherthroat.
“IfIwereyou,I’dlettheladygo,”adeepmalevoicesaid.Averyfamiliarvoice.Clint.
He had no idea who the bastard was gettinginLeila’s face, and he didn’tcare. His number one priorityatthe momentwas keepinghersafe.Clintsteppedabitcloserandstaredtheguydown.“Isthereaproblemhere?”
Theman,aboutthesameheightasClintatfive-tenandcoveredwithgangtattoos,glaredoverathimwithangrygreeneyes,his brutishfacetwistedintoamenacingsnarl.“Whothefuckareyou?Mindyourownbusiness.”
Itwas meantto be intimidating. Might’ve beentoo, ifClinthadn’talreadyfaced downsome ofthe worstbadassess onthe planetduringhisstintasaSEAL.Thisdudewasaweakwannabecomparedtosomeofthescumhe’dencounteredthen.He took a step closer and met his opponent’s gaze directly “I’mthe guy who doesn’t like when assholes like you don’t treat womenwithrespect.”
“Yeah?”TheguyswiveledawayfromLeilaandcrackedhisknuckles.“Whatthefuckyougonnadoaboutit?”
“Mike,don’t ”Leilastartedbeforethejerkshotheramurderousglance.
“Don’ttellmewhattodo,bitch.Youlostthatrightwhenyouservedmewithdivorcepapers.”
Right. Clintputtwo and two together. This asshole mustbe her ex-husband. Fromthe looks ofhim roughand on-edge, his musclestautandtonedfromhoursinthegym,andwhatlookedlikearaw,freshtatofablacktear dropunder hislefteye Clint would guess he’d been recently released fromprison. That certainly would explain Leila’s nervousness and sudden, desperateneedforaweapon
Hetookanotherstep,onethatfirmlyputhimbetweenLeilaandherbehemothofanex-husband “Howaboutyoutonedownthe threatsandwediscussthislikerationaladults?”
“How aboutyougetthefuckoutofhereandkeepyour noseoutofwhereitdon’tbelongbeforeIsmashit?”Mikegrowled. “Yousleepingwithherorwhat?”
“Why?Afraidshe’llseewhatarealmanislike?”Clintcouldn’thelpbaitinghim AfterseeinghowfrightenedLeilawasand picturinghercutekid,hesuddenlyfelttheurgetopummelthisguy’sfaceintothedirt.Clintwasn’taviolentguybynature,but thethoughtofthissonofabitchhurtingLeilaorThomasbroughtitoutinhim.
“Iwillkillyou,”MikebaredhisteethandgotnosetonosewithClint.“Nobodyinsultsmeandgetsawaywithit.”
“Yeah?”Clintdidn’tbackdownaninch.Outofthe corner ofhis eye,he saw Leila slide away.Smartmove onher part.He didn’twanthertotakeahitiffistsstartedflying “Wanttotakemeon?Let’sgo I’vetakendownpeoplewayworsethanyou beforebreakfast,bud.It’llbeapleasuretoknockyoutoyourknees.”
He’dwantedtosaymore,buta police car drove by,givinga quickbeepofthe sirens inwarning.Apparently,someone had reportedthem MuchasClintwantedtotakethisassholedownapeg,hedidn’tfancyatriptothelocaljailforbrawling,either Thesquadcarpulledupnearthemandtheofficer’stintedwindowlowered “Problemhere,ma’am?”
Leila’s gaze flickered betweenClintand her exbefore meetingthe cop’s “No officer Thankyou Myex-husband was just leaving.”
Mike all but bristled with testosterone and rage and the cop stared himdown a moment before the infuriated man finally steppedback “Fine I’mouttahere Butitain’tover,Leila Notbyalongshot”
ClintmaintainedhispositionuntilMikepeeledoutoftheparkinglotinausedrust-bucketofacar,thenheturnedbacktoLeila “Youokay?”
Shenodded,visiblystillshaken,thoughsomeofthecolorwasreturningtohercheeks.
“Thanks,Rodney,”Clintsaidtothecop.Theofficerwasafrequentvisitortohisgunrange.SomeoneClintknewandtrusted. “Ioweyouone”
“Noproblem,”Rodneysaid “Watchyourselfwiththatguy Helookslikehe’sgotachiponhisshoulderamilewide”
ClinttookaglanceatLeila Didshewantthepolicetogetinvolved?Itdidn’tseemso “Willdo,”Clintsaid
After atipofhishat,thesquadcar pulledaway,leavinghimandLeilaalone Hewantedtopull her infor ahug Hewasn’t usuallythehuggingkind,butitseemedlikesheneededthat.Still,hegotthesensethatanythingphysicalmightfrightenher,so heheldback
“So,youweremarriedtothatguy?”Clintfinallyaskedafter several longseconds.Leilawas avoidinghis gaze,her shaking handstwistingthehemofher pinkpastel scrubshirt.Hewantedtosither downsomewherebeforeshecollapsed.Hegazed aroundtheparkinglotbutdidn’tseeanybenchesnearby “I’massumingthisisthedental clinicwhereyouwork Wanttogo insideandtalkaboutit?”
“No.”Sheshookherhead,staringintothedistancetowardthedirectionMikehadtaken.“I’mgood.”
“Youdon’tlookit.”
“Lookscanbedeceiving.”Shesighedandfinallymethisgaze.“Thanksforhelpingmeoutwithhim,butI…Icanmanage.”
Clintcrossedhis arms andgaveher anassessingstare.Sheclearlydid not havethis situationincontrol atall,buthedidn’t wanttoforceherintoacceptinghishelpeither Honestly,hewasn’tsurehisgettinginvolvedinallthiswasawisemoveonhis parteither.He’dlearnedlongagonottoformattachmentstopeopleincrisismode.Theycouldhurtyouinsomanyways by leavingatamoment’snotice,bypushingyouaway orworstofall,byclingingtightwhilethedangerlastedandthenletting gojustassoonasitpassed.Hedidn’tblamethemfordoingwhateverittooktoprotectthemselves.Hejustdidn’twanttoget caughtinthefallout Still,sheclearlyneededprotection,evenifshewastoostubbornorscaredtoadmitit Hishonorwouldn’t lethimwalkaway.NotuntilheknewsheandThomaswouldbesafe.
“Maybeyoushouldtalktothepoliceaboutgettingarestrainingorder,”hesuggested.IfClintdidn’tmisshisguess,herexwas onprobation.Anincidentliketheonethathadjusthappenedcouldlandhimbackinjail.Thatmightbethebestthing forthe timebeing,anyway
Buthe’dgetoutandherproblemswouldstartagain “Won’tstophim,”shemuttered.“Seriously,I’llbeokay.You’rehelpingmealreadybyteachingmetoshoot.Therest…”She rubbedherhandsdownherarms,seemingchilleddespitetheheatoftheday.
He could notletthis go, buthow could he convince her to take his help? Aslow, non-threateningapproachseemed the best option “Giventhetimeofmorning,”hesaid,“I’mguessingyouwereonyourwayintowork Youstillfeelokaytodothat?”
“Yes,andIreallydon’thaveachoice Ineedthemoney”
“Okay Fairenough Yoursonatdaycare?”Shenoddedbutdidn’tofferupalocation “Ishesomewheresecure?”
Leilanoddedagain,lookingoverattheentrancetothedentalclinic,wherethereceptionistwasstandingnearthedoor Maybe she’d seensomethingand beenthe one to call the police. “Believe me, Ichecked themoutthoroughly. Theyknow notto let anyoneintoseeThomasexceptmeandtocallmeifanyoneelseshowup He’ssafethere”
“Good”Clintsteppedbackandforcedasmilehedidn’tquitefeel Hehadonemorequestionforher Nowaywasheletting herjustwalkoutsideafterworkbyherselfsinceMikeknewwhereshe’dbe.“Whattimeareyoudonetoday?” Shehesitated,thensaid,“Five.Why?”
“Ifyoudon’thaveanyobjections,I’llcomebackthenandescortyoutotherangeforyourlessonthisevening,justtomakesure Mikedoesn’tshowupagainandcausetrouble”
“No,it’s ”
“AndI’llgowithyouwhenyoupickupThomas Icancheckouttheplaceandfollowyouhome”
Hegaugedherreactiontohisoffer,watchingassheseemedtocometosomedecisionwithinherself Shetookadeepbreath andexhaledslowlybeforemeetinghiseyes.“Thankyou.I’dappreciatethat.”
Reliefwentthroughhim.Thatwasprogress,butitalsoprovedhowshakenupshewasbywhathadhappened.Shewasscared forherself,butshewasmorefrightenedforherson Forhim,she’daccepthelp
Atfour forty-five thatafternoon, Clintpulled his pick-up into the lotofSpectacular Smiles Dental Clinic, parkingbehind Leila’sSUV.He’dspentthedayathisshop,workingoffsomeofhisadrenalineandfrustrationsonthegunrange,before headingbackhere He’dbroughthisfirearmwithhim,intheglovecompartment,justincase
Clint cut the engine and got out, locking the door of his truck then walking up to Leila’s car to make sure it hadn’t been tamperedwith.Hisheartstutteredwhenhesawthedamage.Hertireswerestillintact,thankgoodness.Butitlookedlikeher vindictiveexhadreturnedatsomepointduringthedaytosmashherheadlightsandscratchthewords“Youcan’thidefromme foreverbitch”intothesidedoorwitheitherakeyoraknifeblade.Thepassengersidewindowwassmashedinaswellandthe gloveboxhungopen,empty.
Shit.
Bloodpoundinginhisears,hecroucheddowntosnapafewpicturesofthedamagewithhisphone,thinkinghe’dtextthemto Rodneyandhavehimlookintoit Shouldprobablygetthecopsinvolvedofficially,evenifall they’ddowaswriteareport Sinceitwasn’thisvehiclethough,he’dleavethatuptoLeilatodecide.He’djustsentthepicsofftoRodneywhenshearrived.
“Hey,thanksagain ”Shestoppedsuddenlyandcursedunderherbreathatthesightofthedamagetohercar.“Crap.IknewI should’vepulleditbehindthebuildingduringmylunchhour Mikelashesoutwhenhe’spissed”
Clint didn’t like the sound of that He straightened slowly and proceeded with caution “Did he ever lash out at you? Or Thomas?”HehadtosuspectthatMikehad.
Herchincameup,andsheswallowedhard.Heexpectedaquickdenial,soheranswersurprisedhim.“Sometimes.Alwaysat me though Thomas was bornafter Mike wentto prison, so he’s always been safe ” Leila gave a sad little shrug “Itwas nothingtooawful,”shetriedtoreassurehim,buthecouldsensethatshewaslying.“Asplitliponetime.Somebruises.Fora longtime,IthoughtIdeservedit.”
“Nowomandeservestobehit.Ever.”
Hercasualtonesliceddeepintohisheart Apparently,theabusehadhappenedoftenenoughthatitbecamejustanotherfactof lifetoher.Clintwishedhe’dmetheryearsearlier,beforethehittinghadstarted,sohecouldhavetoldherthatshedeservedso muchbetterthanassholeMikeinherlife.
Therealizationbroughthimupshortforamoment.Healreadycaredaboutthiswomanandherchildmorethanwasprobably wise,giventhathe’djustmetthemtwodaysbefore Also,hewasn’tsuregettingmoredeeplyinvolvedinhertroubleswasa good idea, butinfor a penny, infor a pound. Besides, he knew whatto expect, ifMike gotoutofhand. Leila and Thomas neededhimandthatcalledtothedeepestrecessesofhiswarriorheart
Decisionmade,Clinttuckedhisphonebackintohispocketthenhikedhisthumbtowardhistruck “It’sgoingtogetdarksoon
andwithnoheadlights,yourcar’snotdrivable.HowaboutIgiveyouaridetothegunrangeandwehaveyourshootinglesson thenItake youto get Thomas?” He looked backat her car and frowned. “Youshould call the cops and have themwrite a report,evenifyoucan’tproveitwasMike Wheredoyoukeepthevehicleregistration?”
“Intheglovecompartment.Why?”Shefollowedhisgazethencursedagain.“He’sgotmyregistration.Thatmeans…thatmeans heknowswhereIlivenow.Damn,damn,damn.”Pureterrorshowedonherfaceassherealizedherhomewasnolongersafe. Shebegantopace,mumblingtoherselfunderherbreath.
“Doyouhavefamilytostaywith?”heasked.Sheshookherhead.“Friends?”
“Iwouldn’twanttobringthemtrouble.Thatwouldn’tbefairtothem,”shesaid.“I’lljustbereallycautious.Icandothat.” Beingcautiouswasn’tgoingtocutit,andhecouldn’tstandthethoughtofherorThomasindanger.Whathewasabouttosay wasabadidea Heknewthat A stupid, godawful idea but I’m going to do it anyway “I’vegotanextraroomatmyplace YouandThomascanstaywithmeifyouwantuntilthiseitherblowsoveroryoufindotheraccommodations.”
“Oh,Icouldn’t.”Leilasteppedback,holdingherhandsoutinfrontofher.“That’sgoingabitfar.I’mgrateful forall you’ve doneforus,butIdon’twantyoutofeelobligatedtocontinuehelpingus Andstayingatyourplace,well ” “Iwanttohelp,”hesaidquickly,maybetooquicklybasedonhersurprisedlook
“Why?”Leila shookher head “Yousaw whatMike’s like earlier Whywouldyouwanttogetinvolvedina mess like that? Youbarelyknowme.”
Clintlookedaroundthelotandchuckled.“True.ButwhatcanIsay?I’mstillaSEALatheart.Ilikehelpingpeople.Andyou andThomasneedhelp Yourexisn’tgoingtojustgoawayonhisown I’vedealtwithalotofpeoplelikehim Icanhandle him, make himleave youalone, ifthat’s whatyouwant. Icanteachyouhow to protectyourselfand your sonbetter too. If you’llletme Iwon’tevenchargeyouforthelessons”
Shestaredathimforalongmoment,andClintlivedanddiedinthatshorteternity Ifshesaidno,he’dobeyherwishes,evenif itwouldkillhimtowalkaway.Hedidn’twantherandThomastobecomeanothersetofstatisticsontheeveningnews.Then shegaveadrychuckleandstareddownatthemessofglassintheparkinglot.“Thisiscrazy,but…okay,I’ll takeyouupon youroffer Idon’tknowwhyItrustyou,butIdo”Sheliftedherheadandgavehimthetiniestofsmiles,remindinghimthather smileswereworththeirweightingold.“Don’tmakemeregretthat.”Hervoicewashalfserious,halfteasing.
Overwhelmingreliefswampedhim,andClintcouldn’tstophisgrin.Heheldouthishandtoher.“Gotit.”
Leilashookhishand.Herskinfeltsoftandwarmagainsthis,hergripstrongandsure.Heignoredthejoltofawarenesszinging upfromtheirpointofcontact Heatflickeredinherdarkeyesbeforeitvanished,lettinghimknowhewasn’ttheonlyonewho feltthisstrangeconnectionbetweenthem.
“Good.”Clintsaid.“Callthepolice.Aftertheygethereanddotheirthing,we’llgetThomas’scarseatoutofthebackofyour vehicleandputitinmytruck Thenwecanswingbyyourplace I’mguessingyou’llneedsomethingsfromtherebeforewego tomine andweshouldtakecareofthatbeforewehaveThomaswithus,justincase.”
As she pulled outher phone, he had a momentofsecond guessingthe decisionhe’d justmade. Itwas too late to change it, though andhewouldn’tevenifhecould.Hefeltaneedtoprotecther.Itwasjustthathe’dneverlivedwithawomanbefore, letaloneakid.He’dkepthisdistancefromthatworld.Intentionally.Sowhatwasitaboutherthathadhimchanginghistune? Asshetalkedwiththedispatcher,shepulledtheponytailholderfromherhairandshookherdarklocksout.Thebreezecaught them,blowingthemaroundhershoulders Hehadthealmostoverwhelmingurgetotouchher Partofthatwastheneedtogive comfort,butyeah,hewasattractedtoherphysically,too.
Andtherewassomethingelse.Somethinghecouldn’tquiteidentifythatdrewhimtoher.Somethinghewasjustgoingtohave tokeepahandleonwhilehefocusedonkeepinghersafe
Astheydrovetowardthedaycarecenter,anawkwardsilencefell Leilafelttheneedtosaysomething,anything,tofillupthe spacebetweenthem.Shedidn’tknowhowtothankClintforwhathewasdoingforherandThomas.Itseemedtoomuch,andit should be sendingoffalarmbells inher head Butfor some reason, it wasn’t Admittedly, she hadn’t always beenthe best
judgeofmen’scharacters.Andyet,Clintseemeddifferentfromanyoneshe’deverknown. Itbotheredher,though,thatheprobablythoughtshewasanidiotforhavingallowedadangerouscriminal likeMikeintoher life.AndconsideringthatClintwasopeninghishometoher,sheowedhimanexplanationofhowshe’dgotteninthisspot.So shewasgoingtogivehimtheuglytruth.
“Mike wasn’t always that bad,” she blurted, staringout the passenger side window at the scenerypassingby. “Not at first anyway.WhenIfirstmethim,hewasnice.Heusedtotakemeouttodinnerandbuymeniceclothesandgifts.Atthetime,he wasworkingataconveniencestore Ineverquestionedwherethemoneycamefrom hesaidhemadegoodovertimethere” She gave a snort. “Itwasn’tuntil we we’re engaged thatIfirstlearned abouthis ganginvolvement. Mike told me thatthose guyswerelikehisfamilyandthatthey’dbemyfamily,too,ifIdidrightbythem MeaningifIlookedtheotherwaywhilethey committedtheircrimes.”LeilaglancedoveratClintandgavehimasadsmile.
“Butyoudidn’t,”hesaid.
Shehadforatime,andshewasn’tproudofthat.“Ibeggedhimtoleaveitbehind.Hesaidhecouldn’tcuttieswithhisfriends, butthathe’dstopcommittingcrimes Iwasnaiveenoughtobelievehim,sowegotmarried Itdidn’ttakelongbeforethings startedtogosouthformeandMike.Hisgangwasalwayshangingaround.Ididn’tbotherhidingthatIdidn’tlikethem,which madeMikeangry.Iguesstheymadefunofhimfornotbeingabletokeepmeinline.Hegotreallycontrollingandaggressive. Startedmonitoringmymovements HewouldgetsoangrywhenIdidsomethinghedidn’tlike”Shesighed,upsetwithherself forhavinggonealongwithitforsolong.“Evenafterhegotabusive,Istilllovedhimandwantedtotryandmakethingswork. Thenight thenighthebeatmeupenoughtosendmetothehospitalwasthenightIfoundoutIwaspregnantwithThomas I madethedecisiontogetoutofthemarriagerightthen.Icouldn’triskbringingmychildintoanabusivehome.”
“Whatabouthimhurtingyou?”Clintasked.Helookedather whentheystoppedatatrafficlight,concerndarkeninghisblue eyes
“Ididn’tmatter AllIcaredaboutwasmybaby”Leilashookherhead,pullinghergazefromhimandgoingbacktostaringout thewindshieldatthehorizonwherethesunwassettinginthewest.“BeforeIran,IgatheredupasmuchinformationasIcould aboutMike’scriminalactivitiesandturneditovertothepoliceontheconditionthatIwouldn’thavetotestify.Afterthat,Igot asfarasIcouldasfastasIcould,thenIhiduntilIthoughtIwassafe”
“Waswhatyougavethepolicewasenoughtohavehimarrested?”
“Yeah.Mikewasconvictedonmultipledrugchargesalongwithgrandtheftauto,soImistakenlythoughtIwasintheclear.I filedfordivorcewhilehewasinprison,whichreallypissedhimoff.I’dplannedtosaveupmymoneyandmovetoadifferent town maybeadifferentstate beforehewasreleased Butthenhegotoutearlyongoodbehavior”Shescoffed,notableto imaginethemanshe’dknownbeingamodelinmate.
“Youshouldhavebeennotifiedofthat.”
“Ithinkthelettermusthavegonetomyoldaddress.IhadnoideahewasonthestreetsagainuntilIcaughtsightofhimafew daysago That’swhenIdecidedIneededagun TokeepmeandThomassafe Icouldtryforarestrainingorder,Iguess,but likeIsaid,Idon’tthinkitwouldhelp.It’sjustapieceofpaper.It’snotgoingtostandupagainstMike’sviolenttendencies.”
Hermotherhadpetitionedthecourtsforarestrainingorderagainstherfatherwhenshewaslittle.Ithadn’tstoppedhimfrom kickingtheir house door downand shovingher mother’s head througha wall She shuddered atthe memoryofthathorrible night.Thecopshadcomeandtakenherfatheraway,butthelessonshe’dlearnedwasthatthey’dbeenunabletostoptheattack. Shefearedthesamesituationhappeningtoher.Itwaswhysheneededthatgun.She’djusthavetobetoughenoughtopullthe triggerifneeded
“You’vebeenthroughalot,Leila”Clintexhaledslowly “I’msorry”Clintslowedforaredlightandlookedoverather “I’ve gottoask.Whereisyourfamilyinallthis?”
“MyparentssplitupwhenIwaseight.Ihavenoideawhereheisanymore,andIdon’twantto.Ihaveabrother,buthelivesin New YorkCity Andmymother was here inVegas until recently,butnow she’s backinPuertoRiconow totake care ofmy grandmother. She’s beenaskingme to move downthere too, butIthoughtThomas would have a better life here. Imayhave beenwrongaboutthat Idon’tknow”Thereweresomanythingsshedidn’tknowandsomanymistakesshe’dmade Shefelt theburdenofhavingtofixthosenowsohersoncouldhavethefuturehedeserved.“I’llunderstandifyoudon’twantanything todowiththismessnowthatyouknowthenastydetails.Youcanjustdropmeoffatthedaycarecenter,andI’llgetanUber fromthere”
“And then what, Leila? Keep looking over your shoulder until Mike comes after you? Until he hurts you again or hurts Thomas.?”Heshookhishead.“No,I’mnotlettingyoufacethisalone.”Thelightturnedgreen,andheacceleratedthroughthe intersection Allshecouldthinkaboutwashowgratefulshewastohishelpandhowcomfortingitwastohavesomeone have him inhercorner.
“GuyslikeMikedidn’tgiveupeasily,”shesaidquietly.She’dnoticedthatClintkeptglancingintherearviewmirror.Shewas doingthe same inthe side mirror ofhis truck, paranoid she’d find Mike or one ofhis friends followingthem Itwas onlya matteroftimebeforeherexmadeanotherappearance.
“Understood.”Clintsignaledandswitchedlanestoturnontothedaycare’sstreet.Heturnedintothelotandpulleduptothe curb by the front door, shifting the transmission into Park before looking at her “I’m glad you walked into my gun shop yesterday.Ihopeyou’reabletotrustmebecauseIpromiseyouthatI’llkeepyouandyoursonsafe.”
Sheonlynodded,toooverwhelmedtosayanythingelse.She’dfindawaytorepayClintforwhathewasdoing.Shewasn’ta takerbynature.Shethoughtofherselfasmoreofadoer,asurvivor.Butinthissituation,shewasinoverherheadandhadto admitthat.Andwhileshemayhavehadmadesoterriblechoicesinhertwenty-fiveyears,shedidn’tthinkputtingherfaithin Clintwasoneofthem.Duringherlunch,she’ddonealittlediggingonlineabouthim.Hedidn’tseemtocaremuchaboutsocial media but there had beena news article after he’d takenover the shop, talkingabout his sterlingmilitaryrecord and the commendationshe’dreceivedforcourageandvalor.He’driskedhisownlifetoprotectothersinthedirestofcircumstances..
“I’llbebackinaminute.”Shesmiledathim.
“I’llbewaiting,”hesaid,returninghergrinwithoneofhisown.Sheignoredthetingleinherkneesthatitcaused.Clinthiked his chintowardthe entrance ofthe daycare “Now getinside andgetthatadorable kidsowe cangetbacktomyplace and settleinforthenight.”
Sheslippedoutofhistruckandwentupthesidewalktothecenter’sdoor.Whensheglancedbackasshereachedit,Clint’s eyeswereonher,watchingoutforher Hisgazewasprotective,butshesawsomethingmoreinit Interestinherasawoman Shecouldn’tletthatfigureintotheirrelationship.She’dkeepherheadinthegameandherheartoutoftheequation nomatter howattractiveshefoundClint andwhenthiswasover,she’dwalkawayfromhimwithgratitudeandabetterfuturetolook forwardto,onceMikewasoutofthepicture
“H
ereweare,”Clintsaidafewhourslaterasheflippedonthelightsinhismodestthree-bedroom,one-storyranchhome HelivedinSunriseManorontheoutskirtsofVegas asafe,quiet,blue-collarneighborhoodlocatedclosetohisfiring range He wasn’tsure whatkindofaccommodations Leila was usedto Whenhe’dtakenher toher apartmentsoshe could grab somethings for herself and Thomas, he’d been too busy guarding the hallway to take much notice of her living quarters,sohefeltabitnervous.Hedidn’thavepeoplebacktohishouseoften.“Sorry,Ididn’treallyhaveachancetoclean beforehand,so…”
Shewalkedpasthimintothegreatroomandlookedaroundthebeigeandwhitespace,herexpressionunreadable.Heputdown the boxwiththe portable crib they’d boughtatthe superstore up the road. He wentbackoutside to grab more bags and kid stuff
“Thisisreallynice,”shesaid,glancingsidewaysathimwhenhereturned “Verymodernandspacious”
“Thanks” He kept his place organized and neat, another remnant from his military days And while some people would consideritplain,withoutalotofmementosorknickknackssittingaround,thatwasthewayClintpreferredit.Hedidn’tneed stuff He’d learned earlyoninfoster care thatitwas easier to keep his belongings to a minimum Itlessened the chance of something getting left behind when he had to leave a placement without much if any warning. He’d kept a few things, though,fromthosedays
“Um whereshouldIputourthingsat?”sheaskedandherealizedshewasstillstandingthere,holdingThomasandstaringat him.Somehow,shelookedrightinhislivingroom.Theneutralbackgroundshowcasedthevibrancyofhercoloring.
Heclearedhis throat,uncomfortableheatpricklingupfrombeneaththecollar ofhis T-shirt.Havingthis womanandher kid underhisroof,underhisprotection,wasdoingfunnythingstohim.Hetriedtodismissitasjusttheresponsibilityhe’dtaken on,butifhewashonestwithhimself,hecaredaboutherandherboy
Itwasalltooquickandmadenosensewhatsoever.ItwentagainsteverythinginhislonerMO.
Yet,hecouldn’tstophowhefelt.
Clintshookoffthetensionknottingthemusclesbetweenhisshoulderbladesandturnedtoheaddownthehalltohisright.“The guestroomsarethisway,thoughIuseoneasanoffice.YoucansetThomasupinthereifyoulikeorkeephimintheroomwith you”
“Hecanstaywithmefornow,sincewewon’tbeherelong,”Leilasaid,followinghimintothelargerguestroomontheleft It wassparselyfurnished adresserhe’drefinished,aqueen-sizedbedcoveredwithanavy-bluespread,andasmallnightstand. Nothingfancy “Thisisgreat Thanksagainfortakingusin”
“Noproblem”Hesetthebagsonthefloor,thensteppedbacktowardthedoorway “I’ll,uh,letyougetsettledwhileIstart
dinner.Aresteaksonthegrillokay?”
“Perfect.Ihaven’thadagoodhome-cookedsteaksincemymomleft.Mediumwellforme.”ShesmiledandsetThomasonhis feet.Heimmediatelystartedexploringtheroom.“Ifyouwouldn’tmindopeningthatbagontheleft,there’sagrocerysackof foodandsnacksforThomasIbroughtfromhome.Sinceyou’reheadedtothekitchen,couldyousticktheminyourfridgefor me?”
“Sure thing.” He did as she asked him, unzipping the black duffle bag on the floor, doing his best not to notice the lacy underthingsthatbrushedagainsthisfingertipswhenhereachedinsidethebag Hepulledouttheplasticsackthensteppedback again,wonderinghow ithadgottensohotinthere.He’dcaughtawhiffofherperfumewaftingoffthethingsshe’dpacked cinnamonandsweetsoap andhispulsequickenedwithouthisconsent Perhapsinvitinghertostaywithhimhadn’tbeensuch awiseidea,consideringhiscrazyreactionstoher.Toolatenowthough,ashewatchedhertalkingandlaughingwithThomas as she put her things away. “Uh, I’ll go get dinner readynow. After dinner, we can…um…put that crib together, eh? Good times.”
Shit. He sounded like an idiot.
“Okay.”ShetookhereyesoffwhatThomaswasdoingforasecondandgrinnedathim.Hesuddenlyfeltlikehe’dbeenstruck over the head with a happy stick. Ridiculous, really, since he knew relationships weren’t for him. They didn’t last. He’d learnedthatlessonearlyon,courtesyofhisparents’deathswhenhewassix Peoplecameandwent Itwasafact
AndLeilawasdefinitelyatemporaryfeatureinhislife
Tobetruthful,though,nowomanhadevergrabbedhisattentionquitelikeshehad Hestillcouldn’texplainit
Cursinghimselfinwardly,hewalkedbackdownthehalltothegreatroom,thenintotheattachedopenkitchen.Thisattraction betweenthemcouldn’thavehappenedataworsetime,withherindangerandhimpromisingtoprotecther.Wantinghermight makehimweak,vulnerable Hemightmakestupiddecisions,andClintwasn’tusuallyastupidguy
Since retiring, he’d been focused on living a quiet, solitary life, running his gun range and minding his own business He couldn’tevenrememberthelasttimehe’ddatedanyoneortakenawomantobed.Itjusthadn’tbeenapriorityforhim.Hislife wassimplerandlesscomplicatedwhenhekepttohimself
ButinvolvinghimselfwithLeilaandThomas andtheir situationhadjustplungedhimheadfirstintoawhole,deepoceanof issues,includingtheinstant,undeniableconnectiontheyshared.
Sighing, he scrubbed a hand over his face, then gathered the supplies he’d need before carrying themoutside to the grill. Stayingbusyhelpedclearhisheadandkeephimontrack Now,ifhecouldjustgethislibidoon-boardwiththeplan,he’dbe allset.
“Thatwasdelicious,”Leilasaid,pushingbackfromthediningroomtabletwohourslater.“Ifyoudon’tmindkeepinganeye onThomas,I’llcleanup.Hegetsalittlesquirmyintheboosterseat.”She’dbroughtthekidchairfromherapartmentbecause therewasnootherwaytokeepaneighteen-month-oldsafeandundercontrolatthetable “Happyto,”ClintsaidandscootedhischairclosertoThomas.
Theywerekindofcutetogether thebigmanandthelittleboy.Shebitbackasigh.Toobadhersondidn’thaveafatherworth a damn. She shook that thought away as she gathered the dirty dishes together and carried them all to the kitchen sink. “Seriously,that’sthebestmealI’vehadinawhile,”shesaidassheopenedthedishwasher
“Youdon’tcook?”Clintasked
“Oh, Ido Ienjoyit, too, butwithjustmyselfand Thomas to feed, makinga bigmeal justdoesn’tseemworthit Well, you know how itis,beingsingle.” The minute the words were outofher mouth, she flinched. Honestly, she didn’tknow enough abouthimtosaywhether hehadagirlfriendor not Likeinhis shop,therewerenohappycouplepictures sittingaroundthe house, and he didn’t have a ringonhis finger, but that didn’t meansquat these days. Leila was shocked byhow muchshe wantedhimtoagree,toconfirmthattherewasnoonespecialinhislife Notthatitwasanyofherbusiness,butman,ohman Shehopedtherewasn’t.
Whichwassilly.Thelastthingsheneededrightnowwastogetinvolvedwithanewman.Notwithhercrazyexoutofprison andonhertail.SheneededtobefocusedonThomasandkeepingthembothsafe,notthetinglethatraceddownherspinewhen Clintwasnearher
Whenhedidn’tanswerrightaway,shehazardedaglanceathimoverhershoulderasshestuckthedishesinthedishwasher. He was laughingwithThomas, tellinghima storyabout the toycar Clint ranacross the table. Her sonwas makingvroom noises Warmthsqueezedherhearttightatthesweetnessofit Clintwasgoodwithkids,andThomaswasclearlyeatingupthe attention.Herpoorsonhadn’tknownanythinglikeafather-figure.Rightnow,hewastooyoungtonoticemuch,butthatwould changebeforelong
Soon,Leila’sinfluencealonewouldn’tbeenough,nomatterhowhardshetired
Sheturnedbacktothesinkandblinkedhardagainstthetearsnowstinginghereyes “Yeah,”Clintsaid,suddenlybehindher “Idon’treallycookmucheither,unlessyouconsidergrillinghighcuisine”
Startled,Leilaturnedfasttofindhimnottwofeetaway He’dmovedtothekitchenwithThomasonhishipwithouthereven realizing. Her son’s eyes were gettingdroopy. She’d beenso wrapped up inher thoughts aboutClintand her future thatshe hadn’tnoticed Notgoodforawomanwhoneededtoonguardatalltimes
Leilaleanedbackagainsttheedgeofthesinkandcrossedherarms,puttingabitmoredistancebetweenthem Itwasn’tenough to stop her fromfeelingthe heatofhimthroughher scrub shirt, nor did itstop her frominhalinghis scent soap and fabric softenerandwarm,cleanmale.Feelingoddlynervous,sheshuffledherfeet,therubbersolesofherwhitesneakerssqueaking againsthishardwoodfloor Shehadn’tchangedafterworkandimaginedsheprobablylookedamessafterthelong,stressful day.Shedidherbestnottofidget.Sheshouldn’tcareabouthowshelooked,aboutwhetherClintfoundherattractive.Andyet, shedid
“Well,whateveryoucallit,dinnerwasgreat”Couldshesoundanylamer?“I,uh,shouldprobablygetthatcribtogether It’s almosttimetoputThomasdownforthenight.”Shetookherson,carefulnottotouchClint,andsidledoutofthedangerzone thatwasathreefeetradiusaroundClint Shetookofffortheguestbedroom,exhalingherpent-upbreathasshewent Hewas sostrongandmasculineandhandsomeand… Nope. Totally off-limits.
Ithadbeensolong,toolong,sinceshe’dbeenwithaman.Mikehadbeenheroneandonly. Thathadtoexplainherstrongreactionstothisguy,right?
Lustandstress.Notawinningcombination.
WhileClintfinishedcleaningthekitchen,shecarriedThomasintotheguestroomandputhimdownonthebed.Hewassleepy enoughto staystill thankgoodness witha bookto flip through While he was occupied, she opened the boxthat leaned againstthewall,layingoutallthepiecesofthecribonthefloor,thengrabbingthedirectionstoputittogether.
Clintjoinedherafewmomentslaterandchuckled.“Youdon’tneedthose.Icanfigureitout.We’llneedtoolsthough.Letme grabsomefromthegarage.Berightback.”
He disappeared through a door down the hall and returned a moment later with a toolbox. Men. She always followed the directions.Aby-the-bookkindofgal.Thenagain,lookwhereithadgottenhersofarinlife.PerhapsClinthadtherightidea, followinghisgutandinstincts.Ifonlyherowninstinctsweresafeforhertotrust. Clintcarefullylaidoutscrewdriversandwrenchesandevenahammer.HeglancedoveratThomasandthenbacktoher.“Will wewakehim?”
“Huh?Oh”ShesawthatThomas’seyeswereshut,andhehadhisthumbinhimmouth “Idoubtit,”Leilasaid “He’salways beenasoundsleeperoncehe’sout.Forasinglemom,that’sablessing.”Satisfiedthattheywouldn’tdisturbhim,shepickedup thedirectionsheetagain,noticingClint’sraisedbrow “I’msureyouthinkit’ssilly,butIlikeknowingwhattoexpect”
“Igetthat”Clintshruggedandbeganpickinguppiecesandtryingtofitthemtogether Whenonedidn’twork,hewentwiththe nextoneuntilhefoundonethatdid.“I’mthatwayaboutneatness.”
“Yeah?FromyourSEALdays?”sheglancedaroundatthemesscurrentlyonhisfloor.Itmustbedrivinghimupthewall.As the mother ofa toddler,she’dbecome usedtothe chaos a childbroughttoher life ona regular basis,butClintwas usedto
living alone. Or at least she thought he was. He’d never answered her question fromearlier, she realized, so she tried a differenttack.“Well,whoevercleansyourplacekeepsitsupernice.”
“Thanks.It’sjustme,soit’seasy.”
Aswellofjoycrestedinsideherbeforeshetampeditdown. Don’t care Don’t care You have no right to care
Exceptshe did care,morethanshewantedtoadmit
Withthe help ofthe directions, Leila grouped the assorted pieces and parts into piles while Clintassembled itall together Theyworkedwellasateam,shenoted,despitetheirdifferentstyles.Beforelong,thecribwasreadytogo.
Clintstoodandheldouthishandtohelpherupfromwhereshewaskneelingonthefloor.Shetookhisofferedhand,andfor justasecond,sheallowedherselftoenjoythefrissonofawarenessthatsizzledupherarmfromtheirpointofcontact.Hemet hergazeandshe’dswearshesawanansweringheatinhiseyesbeforehehiditawayagain Itwasthesameheatshe’dsensed backinthe parkinglotwhenthey’dshakenhands the firsttime,the same heatshe’dfeltatthe shootingrange the daybefore whenshe’dturnedandfoundhimclose soclose,thatthey’dnearlykissed
Oh,Lord Shewasinmajortroublehere
Clearingherthroat,shebusiedherselfbywalkingaroundthecribandcheckingitallforsafety “Thanksforhelpingmegetthis together,” she said at last, her voice gruffer than usual due to the constriction in her throat. “Would’ve taken me hours by myself”Shetuckedherhairbehindherearandhelpedhimmaneuverthecriboveragainstthewall “That’sperfect We’lltry andstayoutofyourwaynow.”
Clintstoppedfussingwiththecribplacement.“You’renotinmyway.”Hewatchedher,thelengthofthecribbetweenthem. “It’snicehavingsomeoneelseherebesidesmeforachange.”
Didhemeanthat?Orwashejustbeingagoodhost?Shestudiedhim,andapangofsympathystabbedthroughheratthehintof lonelinessinhisexpression.Sheknewthatfeeling.Mostnightsshewassobusywithhersonorsoexhaustedfromworkthat there wasn’t the time or energy for socializing or dating. Didn’t mean she still didn’t stare at the ceiling late at night, rememberingwhatitwasliketohaveanotherwarmbodybesideherinbed
Time seemed to slow, and her breathhitched as he leaned in, closer, closer, so close she could see his pupils blownwide, nearlyobscuringtheblueofhisirises,couldfeelhiswarmbreathstirthehairnearhertemples.Hewasgoingtokissher.She wasgoingtolethim Thiswasgoingtohappen “Mama!”
Thomas’s plaintive crycame fromthe bed and snapped Leila fromher sensual haze ina second She switched fromwanton womantodevotedmotherinstantly.“Oh,Thomas.Baby.What’sthematter?”
Sheleaneddowntopickupherson,awareofClintwalkingoutoftheroom.Leilaexhaledslowly,thetensioninsidehereasing assheheldhersonclose,feelinglikeshe’ddodgedabulletofforbiddentemptationoncemore
