Текст книги "Protecting Her"

Автор книги: Alexis Noelle

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Текущая страница: 6 (всего у книги 10 страниц)

Chapter Sixteen

Hunter

When she takes off her dress, all I want to do is take her inside and slap a poncho over her. I reach out to grab her but she dodges me and makes a run for the pool.  I hate that damn bikini. When she emerges from the water she smiles at me, her arms resting against the side of the pool. I see. She wants to play. What she doesn’t know is that I will always win.

“Yeah, Sam!” Jules yells before her and Lacey jump into the pool.

“She’s got you all twisted, brother.” Ryan comes up next to me. He doesn’t pose it as a question.

“I don’t know what you’re talking about.”

“I’m talking about the fact that you look like you’re about to kill any of us for even looking at her.” He laughs. “It’s okay to not be an asshole, dude.” As he walks toward the pool, he starts to talk to Sam and even though we have been friends for years, the protective instinct in me spikes. Ryan crouches down closer to Sam and then looks back at me and winks. Motherfucker is gonna get it.

I walk up behind my so-called friend, intending to give him a nudge into the water. I should have known better though, because Ryan was always the one who would be our ace in the hole at the capture the flag games we used to play. He has supersonic hearing or some shit. It was like he could hear people or sense them from a mile away. As I’m almost at him, he quickly turns and pulls me past his side, landing me in the water.

As I surface, everyone is laughing, including Sam. I swim up behind her. “That funny, cupcake?” I grind myself into her barely covered ass and cease all laughs.

Ryan walks away shaking his head. Sam and I are the only ones in the pool right now, since the girls went to make more drinks, and she is still holding onto to the wall in front of her. My hand moves around to the front, cupping her. “You want to tease me?” my fingers slip under the flimsy material, stroking her center. “This is mine. I can have it whenever and wherever I want. I think maybe you forgot that.”

I insert two of my fingers into her. “Hunter.” It comes out as a moan and only urges me on. “You can’t do this here.”

“See, that’s where you’re wrong baby. I told you whenever and wherever I want.” Her body relaxes against mine except for her hands, which are still gripping the wall. “Now, no one is watching so you need to be quiet. If you let them see your face when you come then I’ll have to punish you later.” I pinch her ass with my other hand.

I work my fingers in and out of her pussy slowly, running them up to her clit each time until I feel her squeeze me, her hands clutching the wall, and a strangled moan coming from her mouth. She slowly turns to face me, her arms wrapping around my neck.

“I can’t believe you just did that here,” she whispers. Her face is still red and she looks completely sated.

I can’t lie and say it doesn’t make me feel good that I can make her fall apart like this. I give her a quick kiss before getting out of the pool leaving her there to collect herself. The rest of the afternoon goes by without any more incidents. I love how well she fits in with my friends, especially since we are so close they may as well be family. She looks beautiful on stage and at every photo shoot I take her to, but I have never seen her look more gorgeous then she does when she thinks no one is watching.

Sam is standing in the yard talking to Jules and Lacey, her hair thrown up into a messy bun and her sundress clinging to her still wet body. I can’t take my eyes off of her.

“You too?” Mason walks up next to me. He has always been the most closed off out of all of us. I barely even see him with one night stands. “Between you and Brian, I am losing brothers left and right.”

I shake my head at him. “You aren’t losing anyone, Mase. Sometimes when you least expect it you run into someone who turns your whole life upside down.”

I look over at him. “Fuck that shit.” He takes a swig of his beer before walking over to where Ryan and Jake are.

Sam walks up to me, leaning her head against my arm. “You tired?” She nods her head and I can’t help but laugh. We say goodbye to everyone before walking around the front to the car. Sam stops abruptly, causing me to crash into her. “Hey, what’s up?” I look up and that’s when I see it on the hood of the car. A black rose. I walk past Sam toward the car as her hands grasp my arm tightly, begging me to stay close to her.

“Stay right here, babe.”

“No, just call the police, Hunter.” She is pleading with me but I can also see a note and I have to know what it says.

I hand her my phone. “Call the detective. His number is saved in there.” She nods her head and I walk toward the car. It’s a piece of white paper, the same as before with black writing on it.

He can’t protect you.

My blood runs cold as the message sinks in. He was here? How did he find us here? He’s wrong I can protect her, and I will.

“Oh my God!” Sam yells from behind me. I hadn’t even heard her walking toward me.

I turn to her, grasping her face in my hands. “Listen to me. No one will touch you. I promise you that. You’re safe. I’ll make sure of it.”

She collapses against my chest and cries. After a few minutes, a car pulls up and the detective walks up. “Mr. Stone, we meet again. Isn’t it funny how these things keep happening when you’re around?”

“I’m her security. I’m always around.” I am trying to keep calm but I can’t stand that all this asshole wants to do is point fingers at me.

“I didn’t know she was working today. Seems like an odd place for a job, don’t you think?” He is assessing the flower now, taking a picture and then placing it in a clear Ziploc bag.

“How about you just do your fucking job and stop worrying about me and mine.”

The detective comes closer, his face only inches from mine as I angle Sam away from him. “I have a feeling that those two things are intertwining and I’m going to prove it.”

I want to smash his fucking face in but I hold onto the little restraint I have left. He begins to ask us questions about why we are here, what we were doing, and how we found the rose. Sam is visibly shaken and detective dickhead isn’t making this shit any easier.

“I think that’s enough for now.” I grab Sam’s hand and lead her toward my car. I can hear the asshole objecting but I just don’t give a shit. Sam is quiet the entire ride back to my house. It’s the first time she is coming here and I hate that it’s tainted by the psycho who is obsessed with her. I try to pretend like it doesn’t affect me when this shit happens but I’m scared.

Scared something will happen to her.

Scared I won’t be able to save her.

Scared that I’ll lose her.

I turn the car off once we are in my driveway. When I walk around to get Sam, she looks up at me. She looks broken. I slip my arm under her legs and the other around her back, lifting her out of the car. As I slowly walk up the steps, I place a kiss on her forehead. Once inside, I carry her upstairs to the bedroom. I can tell she is exhausted from everything and I think what she needs right now more than anything is some rest. I lay her down on the bed and she pulls the blankets up to her face. I sit there with her, providing the support and comfort I know she needs.

After a few minutes, she falls asleep and I walk over to the bathroom. I need a shower to wash this day and the memory of that damn rose away. That damn detective is probably too focused on me to even look at anyone else. The guy could be hiding right under our noses and he wouldn’t give a shit. I don’t get what the hell I did to land on his radar but its bullshit.

I step into the glass shower, letting the hot water run over me. My hands are pressed against the wall in front of me. I can’t believe this girl has crawled under my skin in such a short amount of time. I never imagined when I chose her that night that we would be where we are now. She consumes my every thought, my every decision. Love was not something I ever considered. It was nothing that I wanted. I still don’t know if it is.

When I open my eyes I jump; Sam is standing right in front of me, naked. Her arms wrap around my middle like she is holding on for her life.

“I woke up and you were gone.”

I take a deep breath and hold her close to me. “I’m here.” We stand there like that for the longest time before I loosen my grip, grabbing the soap and slowly  rubbing circles of it on her back. Once I’m done, I pull away from her and continue my path. I wash every single inch of her; the entire time she doesn’t let go of me.

When I’m done, I look into her eyes. “I will take care of you, Samantha Baker. I will protect you with my life. You are mine and no one will come near you.”

She leans up and kisses me, pouring her need into me. Letting me know what she wants from me. I pull away from her, not wanting to push her. Not knowing if she can handle this right now.

“Make love to me, Hunter.”

I still. Make love to her.

Every instinct in me wants to run.

The weight of her words seems to be crushing me.

Love.

Chapter Seventeen

Samantha

I need him right now. I need him to calm all the fears running through me. I need him to tell me that it will be okay. I need him to love me the way that I love him.

I can see the fight or flight instinct all over him. He is deciding on whether or not to run, to leave me here. I don’t know what I would do if he did. I’m sure my mother has heard by now; do you think she would call? Nope.

Hunter reaches around me, turning off the water.  I want to question him but I don’t. I’m hesitant to say anything. I feel like I might have scared him off with my request. He steps out of the shower and returns with a towel. He runs it over my body, drying all of the excess water without a sound. He throws the towel on the floor before turning back toward me.

I search his eyes for some clue to what he is feeling, what his plans are. But I find nothing. I want to run out of the room and hide from embarrassment. Hunter wraps his arms around me, lifting me up and I instinctively wrap my legs around him. We walk silently out of the bathroom until we are standing in front of the bed. I run my hand through his hair, trying to provide reassurance for him that I’m not going anywhere. That he won’t lose me. His mouth presses against mine as he lowers me to the bed.

“Samantha Baker, the way you make me feel scares the shit out of me. It makes me want to run. I have told myself for years that I wouldn’t let anyone in, that no one was worth the pain of possibly losing someone I loved again. You proved me wrong. You are worth it.” He pauses and I feel like he wants to say it.

“I love you, Hunter Stone.”

His eyes widen at my admission and his body once again stills. I hope my confession wasn’t a mistake, that I won’t regret what I just said to him. I break our eye contact, hoping to mask the hurt that is lingering beneath the surface. He lowers himself to me, kissing me with such intensity that it takes my breath away. When he pushes inside of me, I gasp. He moves slowly in and out of me. His eyes focus on mine and seem to say everything that he can’t. I can see the love in his eyes. I can feel it in the way that he is with me right now.

Hunter may not be ready to tell me he loves me.

Right now, he is showing me.

***

I wake up in the morning and for a minute, panic at my unfamiliar surroundings. When I remember coming to Hunter’s house I relax. He isn’t next to me anymore. After we made love last night, he held me in his arms until I fell asleep. He hadn’t said a word after I told him I loved him. I would be lying if I said it didn’t hurt, and that I wasn’t disappointed. His actions showed me how he felt but I wanted to hear it. Sometimes I think that maybe we just have a physical connection, maybe there is nothing more to it. That’s when I remember all the times he has been there for me without the promise of sex. The way he has comforted my fears and insecurities.

I grab one of his shirts from his drawer and slip it on, then go in search of him. I find him in the kitchen making a fresh cup of coffee and doing something on the computer. “Hey.” That’s all I could come up with. I don’t know how his demeanor will be. If last night changed things.

He looks up at me and smiles before walking around the counter. His arms wrap around me and I lean against him, enjoying this simple moment in my chaotic life. Then the doorbell rings. It was nice while it lasted.

“I’ll go get it,” he says before walking out of the kitchen. “Sam, it was Joe and he said you have a meeting in an hour.” I groan, not wanting to deal with life today. The meeting is with my entire team and I’m sure the stalker and Hunter will be the main topics of discussion.

“Okay. I’ll go get ready.”

We make our way to the meeting and I’m nervous. I really don’t feel like defending my relationship or rehashing the craziness that my life has turned into. Hunter’s hand is in mine and I feel like he can sense my uneasiness. We pull up to the building and take the elevator up to my label’s floor. Sitting around the meeting table are my mother, my publicist, my producers, and my record label rep. Every eye is trained on Hunter and me as we sit down. I feel like a damn zoo exhibit.

The meeting starts off with the normal plan of action for the next few months, highlighting big appearances and commitments. I have an award show to attend, which should be fun. I requested a week off when my tour ends to wind down, but hearing the rep rattle off places to be, it doesn’t seem like that is in the plans. This is ridiculous. I work hard and if I want a few days to myself, then that shouldn’t be a damn problem.

“Excuse me, can I interrupt for a moment? After the last show, I am taking a few days off. I see that there are a couple of things scheduled but I won’t be able to fulfill those obligations.”

Everyone’s heads snap up. “Samantha, don’t be silly.” My mother would be the first to chime in. “The best thing for you right now is to stay in the media. You need to have people writing about you, talking about you. If you take time off, they will likely forget you even mattered.” Ouch. Thanks for the vote of confidence, Mom.

“I don’t want a month or anything long. Just a few days. I’m sure my image would survive that.” I say it with a tone that lets them know I am not discussing it any further. I would have never had the nerve to do this before Hunter came along. I always just did what I was told and didn’t resist in the least. He has shown me that it’s okay to have a say in my own life.

“Okay, let’s move on.” My publicist Erin looks over at me. “I have been fielding questions about the two of you since you did Morgan’s talk show. I need to start answering some of those questions or people will just start making answers up. It’s been a month and I have avoided asking you, but now is the time.”

I knew this was coming. What do I say? Everyone is staring at me, waiting for an answer. Hunter’s hand rests on my thigh in support. “We are together. I don’t know what more you need.”

“I need to know if there are any skeletons I have to worry about popping up.” Her eyes narrow at Hunter in question.

“I have a bunch of skeletons, honestly. Some wear hats, others you can pose whatever way you want. The trick-or-treaters love them.” No one laughs. The entire room is silent.

Awkward. I don’t even know what to say to break the deafening silence.

“Okay, Jesus. I don’t have anything to hide.” I hear him exhale loudly and I know that he hates dealing with this stuff. I do too but it comes with the territory.

“Okay, moving on again. Samantha, the press knows someone is leaving you notes and such. I have a few different offers for exclusives. Do you have a preference for who we go with?”

“What do you mean exclusives? What do they want?”

She sighs as if I am bothering her. “They want an exclusive interview with you. No limits. You and a reporter talking about the terror you are living.” Well, that just sounds delightful.

“I don’t want to do that. Obviously they know and they can write about it, but it isn’t even over yet. I don’t want to share with the world that I am terrified of this monster.” This is a complete invasion of privacy by the people who are supposed to be looking out for my best interest. People that I am supposed to be able to trust. More and more lately I feel like the only person I can rely on is Hunter, which is crazy because he has known me the least amount of time.

“Samantha, you should really reconsider. I mean, at least look at the offers. People is offering two million for the story and a tour of your house with the two of you.” Two million dollars? That is insane.

“Erin, she will do it. I think maybe she is just a bit cranky today.” My mother gives one of her fake caring smiles.

Cranky? What am I a toddler? “No. This is not up for discussion. I am not willing to do an interview about this right now. Maybe once it’s over, but not while it is still going on.” I cross my arms across my chest, trying to make it clear that I have taken a stand and do not intend to back down.

“Samantha, by the time it’s over people may not care anymore. You need as much exposure as you can get.” Her eyes bore into me and I search them for a shred of the mother I had before she became a manager. I can still remember the second I saw the change start.

“Good luck baby. I’m sure you will do great. I love you.” My mom gives me a quick kiss on the forehead before I walk into the audition room. It’s my first audition since I finished all of my classes that Mom paid for and I’m super nervous.

“My name is Samantha Baker and I’m nine years old.” I run through my monologue, stumbling a few times out of nervousness. I just want to do well. I want to be able to get a job to help Mom with the bills. I know my classes were expensive but she worked extra hours to pay for them because she loves me.

I exit the room and they call my mom in. She is my manager because she loves me and knows I can make it. I always wanted to sing but acting is a good way to get your foot in the door. When I see her come out of the room, she looks upset. I didn’t get it. She sits next to me in the chair.

“We need to start taking things more seriously, Samantha. No more running around outside with those animals you call friends. We need to practice, practice, practice. I am also going to get you a gym membership and we will be dieting.” She stands up and walks toward the door. I follow her, upset that I didn’t get it.

Upset that I disappointed her.

Things were never the same after that day.

I lost my mom that day.

Chapter Eighteen

Samantha

I slam the car door to let out some of the frustration.

“You okay, Hulk?” I look over at Hunter, who is fighting the laughter but losing.

“Ugh, I hate doing that shit. I hate sitting there with all of them, listening to them dictate my life for the next few months. God forbid I have an opinion of my own, or want to do something that isn’t scheduled. It isn’t right and I’m so over it.” I cross my arms over my chest and try to calm myself down.

“Hey, just calm down. You did good, cupcake.” He smiles at me and I scoot over, closer to him.

“You know your rationale for that nickname really doesn’t fit anymore.”

He places a kiss on my lips before pulling me onto his lap. “Sure it does. You are so sweet that once I’ve had you I already want more.” I laugh, thinking of his explanation the first time he called me it. God I hated him.

“Okay, Casanova. So…when the tour ends would you want to take that vacation with me? Not on the clock?” I wring my hands in my lap, waiting for his answer.

“I don’t know. I’m not sure I can.” I work to hide the disappointment I feel. “My boss can be really cranky and I don’t think I can get the time off.” I look up at him and hit him in the chest. “In fact, I don’t even think I should be talking to you right now, she has started to get abusive.” He is rubbing the spot where I struck him, pretending to be hurt.

He has this way of cheering me up and making me forget any of the stressors in my life. “She sounds like a real hassle.”

“She is, but she has her good points too.” His arms tighten around me.

“Oh really?”

“Yeah, she’s great in bed.” My mouth drops open and I move to abuse him some more when I realize he has my arms pinned to my side. Sneaky bastard.

Two can play at this game. “At least she’s good in bed. My guy is mediocre at best.”

His eyes catch fire and I immediately regret what I said. “Mediocre?”

“I mean, that is a word that is totally up for interpretation.” I laugh as he pins me underneath him.

“Well, I hope mediocre means fucking incredible to you.” He grinds into me and I arch my hips. A smile plays across his lips as he raises himself off of me. “That’s sad to hear about your guy’s…skills. My girl is in for it tonight.” My body ignites at his promise. No one has ever affected me the way that he does. He can whip any calm situation into a frenzy with just one word.

We pull up to my next interview for one of the beauty magazines. They want tips for the everyday girl. Little do they know that if I am doing my own hair, it’s a messy bun and makeup is basically non-existent. I asked my hair and make-up people what I should say because I honestly have no idea.

I walk into the building, hand in hand with Hunter as the paparazzi go on a feeding frenzy. A loud bang sounds and Hunter pulls me to the ground beneath him. People are screaming and scattering everywhere.

Was that a gunshot?

Oh my God.

My stalker.

Fear runs through me as the weight of Hunter’s body and my impending danger crush me. “Sam, I’m going to get up fast and we run into the building together. Okay?”

I don’t answer him. I can’t right now. All I can think of is the fact that someone wants to kill me. That they just tried to. Hunter jumps up, his arms wrapped around my body, bringing me with him. He picks me up and starts running for the building and doesn’t stop until we are safely inside. He sets me down and pulls out his phone. I can hear him placing a call to the detective.

Arms wrap around me and I let out a scream. “Sam, it’s just me.”

I turn to face Hunter, burying my head in his chest. “Why are they doing this? What do they want?” the words come out strangled by the tears streaming down my face.

“I don’t know, baby.” It’s all he says, making it clear to me that this is getting to him as much as it is getting to me. He holds me wordlessly until I hear footsteps approaching us. When I look up, it’s Detective Marks.

“Hey detective! Let me guess, I took a shot at myself?” I hear the disdain in Hunter’s voice. He turns toward the detective and they are toe to toe.

“Mr. Stone, I suggest you back down.” His voice is monotone and weirdly calm.

“Maybe if you would have backed off of me and actually looked for this asshole, it wouldn’t have gotten this far.” Hunter towers over Detective Marks by almost a foot, and he is completely in his face right now.

“Mr. Stone, if you do not calm down I will have you arrested for obstruction of justice. I need to question Miss Baker and you are in the way.” Hearing this, I move into action. The last thing I need right now is for Hunter to get arrested. I squeeze in front of Hunter, moving him back a few steps and turn toward the detective. My body relaxes against Hunter’s, begging him to calm down. I need his support to get through this questioning.

“Miss Baker, can you tell me what happened?” His question is addressed to me but his eyes are still on Hunter.

“We were walking into the building. I had an interview here. When we were about halfway, I heard a loud bang. Hunter pulled me on the ground beneath him to protect me, then he picked me up and ran into the building.”

His hands reach out and grabs my wrist. “These bruises, where did they come from?” His thumb is rubbing circles on my wrist where there is a large purple bruise.

“I didn’t have that before. It must have happened when I fell to the ground.”

“Hmm and this one too?” His other hand grabs my free wrist. He is now holding both of them, his thumbs still circling my skin, his eyes still on Hunter.

“You know if something else is going on, you can tell me.” His eyes narrow at Hunter and I realize what he is implying and before I can say anything Hunter moves me behind him.

It all happens so fast that I can’t stop it. Hunter raises his fist, burying it in the detective’s face. Officers run over, forcing him to the ground and fastening handcuffs around his wrists.

“Hunter!” I yell for him. I don’t know what else to do. They are leading him toward the police car outside and he doesn’t look back, doesn’t acknowledge that I have called him. I don’t even care that I’m out in the open, that I’m a target. I need to see him. Does he want me to call someone? I just want him to know I’m here for him. I run to the car, yelling his name but his eyes won’t meet mine. His stare is cold and unwavering. Why is he ignoring me? “Hunter!” I plead for him to look my way. As the car drives away, I’m left confused and hurt by his actions.

What do I do? That’s when I remember him saying his friend Ryan was a cop. Not that I have any of their numbers. I do know where Brian’s house is. I head toward my car and Joe, who is being questioned by police. “Joe, we need to leave.” I move to get into the car when someone grabs my wrist. I turn to see Detective Marks.

“Miss Baker, I’m not through with you.” His eyes scan my body and I want nothing more than to slap him. He deliberately provoked Hunter.

I rip my wrist from his hand. “I am most certainly done with you, detective. You will have to ask me any other questions at a later time. If you touch me one more time without my consent, I’ll sue you for everything you’re worth.” I climb into the car and slam the door in his face.

As I guide Joe to Brian’s house, I pray that someone is home. I also analyze everything that happened, trying to figure out what was up with Hunter. When we pull up to the house, I see a car in the driveway and breathe a sigh of relief.

Jules answers my knock with a surprised expression. “Hey girl, what’s up? Where’s your not so better half?”

“In jail…” I trail off.

“Good Lord. Come in.” I follow her inside, explaining everything that happened, trying not to break down as I relive it. “I came here because I remember Hunter saying one of the boys was a cop. I thought he might be able to help.”

“Ryan, I’ll call him now and let him know what’s going on.” Jules walks out of the room and returns a few minutes later. “Luckily, Ryan is at the station and not out on call. He is going to try to get him out. Brian is out of town scoping out some new projects, so you know what that means…”

I laugh. “Margaritas?”

She frantically nods her head before practically skipping out of the room. I try to let the fear and stress of the day melt away. I can be scared tomorrow. I can worry about my relationship tomorrow. Tonight I just want to have a few drinks and try not to think about Hunter or the fact that someone is out there trying to kill me. Some girl time might be just what I need. It’s been so long since I had a friend, I swear I have forgotten what it feels like.

Jules helps me forget. We talk, laugh, and she tells me embarrassing stories about Hunter. I really like her. As I look at the time, I dread finding a hotel right now. I was supposed to stay at Hunter’s house but I refuse to go there alone. My house is a good three hours away and after all the tequila, I think that’s a bad idea.

“Alright chica, I’m getting tired. You ready for bed?” I look at her, confused by her question. “We have a guest room. I assumed you would stay here.”

“I’d like that.” I can’t help but smile.

“As long as you don’t try to sneak into my bed. I’m all about you girl, but I don’t get down like that.” She winks at me, before walking upstairs. I follow her as she shows me the guest room. “I’ll grab you a shirt to sleep in if you want one.”

“That would be great. Thanks so much for everything tonight, Jules.”

She smiles at me. “No problem babe. While you were in the bathroom earlier, I programmed all of the boys’, mine, and Laceys’s numbers into your phone. You’re part of the family now. Don’t ever hesitate to ask for anything.”

I walk over to her and give her a hug. I can’t help it. The kindness and caring she has shown me tonight is more than I have felt in a long time

I lay down, happy that I finally have a family, even if they aren’t blood. They are more than I have had, ever.

Before I fall asleep, my thoughts go to Hunter.

Is he okay?

Was Ryan able to help him?

Why was he so mad at me?