Fearless: (McIntyre Security Bodyguard Series - Book 2) Read online

  When I look up, I see Shane standing at the end of the aisle, not four feet from us, his steely gaze locked on the back of Kevin’s head. His expression is tight, his jaws clenched. When his eyes meet mine, I see they’re hot with suppressed anger. But why is he just standing there? When the new guy, Sam, comes up beside him, Shane gives him a curt hand signal, and Sam falls back.

  “I just wanna talk, babe,” Kevin says in a cajoling voice, completely unaware of the rapt audience behind him.

  Knowing Shane is nearby gives me the courage I need to look Kevin in the eye. I take a steadying breath. “There’s nothing for us to talk about, Kevin.”

  As soon as I mention Kevin’s name, Shane’s expression darkens. He knows exactly who I’m talking to, and I recall the veiled threat Shane made in the car just this afternoon on our drive in to the city.

  Kevin reaches for my cheek, but I dodge his hand before he makes contact.

  He frowns. “I owe you an apology for the way things ended between us. I was young and stupid. I regret what happened, what I did.” He smiles and rubs his goatee. “I’ve thought about you a lot over the years. I shouldn’t have bailed on you like that. I totally fucked up, and I’m sorry. I’m sorry if I hurt you.”

  If he hurt me? Is he kidding?

  Seeing Kevin again brings it all back. The initial excitement, the trepidation I’d felt taking off my clothes for the first time in front of a guy. It had started off okay, as we’d snuggled naked under the covers of my twin bed in my dorm room. We’d lain together, facing each other, shivering as we kissed and worked up the courage to touch each other’s body.

  But then, in his eagerness, he’d lunged on top of me, his weight pushing me down into the mattress, and I panicked. I’d pushed at his skinny chest, trying to dislodge him, but he was lost in a hormonal rush, oblivious to my signals.

  So I’d started screaming. “Get off me! Get off!”

  Afterward, his face had been beet red, his breaths coming harsh and fast. “You’re such a fucking headcase!” And then he’d dashed out the door of my dorm room, slamming it behind him, leaving me alone with my shame.

  Afterwards, whenever we crossed paths on campus, he’d look the other way and pretend not to see me.

  I think back to the first time Shane and I actually managed to have sex and smile. He took my panic attacks – there’d been a couple – in stride. He taught me that I could have a healthy sexual relationship. He taught me how to cope.

  And that’s when I realize why Shane’s just standing there watching my exchange with Kevin. He’s doing it again – he’s helping me learn how to cope. He’s showing his support, and yet giving me the space to work it out on my own. My gaze flickers briefly to Shane’s, and he simply nods.

  “There’s no need to apologize, Kevin,” I say, managing to sound calm. I swallow past the lump in my throat and take a deep breath. I speak the words I know I should say, the mature, responsible words. “That was a long time ago. We were both young and inexperienced. Don’t worry about it.”

  Kevin smiles with obvious relief. “I’m so glad you don’t hate me.” He glances at his watch. “I don’t have to be at our gig tonight until nine o’clock. Let me buy you a coffee. We can catch up.”

  I smile politely. “Thanks for the offer, but I don’t think so.”

  “Come on, Beth.” Kevin reaches for my hand again, his grasp more gentle this time. His voice is low, seductively smooth and warm, as he puts on all his considerable charm. “I’d really like to see you again, babe.”

  Kevin suddenly lifts his gaze above my head, and a moment later I feel the solid weight of Shane’s hands on my shoulders, squeezing gently. I can’t help smiling. I guess he’d reached his limit.

  Shane draws me back against him and kisses the back of my head. “Who’s your friend, sweetheart?”

  The feel of him at my back is both soothing and seductive. “This is Kevin Murphy. We... um, we met in college.”

  “Actually, we dated in college,” Kevin clarifies, frowning as he watches Shane’s thumb stroke my shoulder.

  “Kevin.” Shane reaches around me and deftly removes Kevin’s hand from mine. Then he offers his hand for a handshake. “Shane McIntyre. I’m Beth’s boyfriend.”

  Shane turns me to face him, effectively dismissing Kevin. “Ready to go, sweetheart? It’s time for dinner.”

  I nod, only too happy to get away from Kevin, who’s now scowling at Shane. I have to bite my lip not to laugh. If Kevin’s smart, he’ll just walk away.

  Shane glances at Kevin. “If you’ll excuse us.”

  Shane takes my free hand, and we start to walk away until Kevin reaches out and catches my elbow, pulling me up short. I almost drop the books I’m holding.

  “Beth, wait! Can we meet up another time? We need to talk.”

  Shane’s eyes narrow on Kevin’s hand. “Let go of her.” His voice is deceptively quiet.

  Kevin releases my hand instantly, but he glares at Shane. “Back off, buddy. We’re old friends.”

  Shane tucks me under his arm, and I can feel the energy and heat radiating off him. His voice is so tightly leashed I almost don’t recognize it. “First of all, I’m not your buddy. And secondly, I never back off. If you lay a finger on her again, I’ll break it. Is that clear?”

  Out of my peripheral vision, I catch movement at the far end of the aisle. It’s Sam. He’s standing silently on alert, watching. His easy-going, energetic manner has suddenly morphed into something very different.

  Kevin shifts his gaze back to me, seeming determined not to take no for an answer. “Look, is there somewhere we can talk alone? Without your guard dog?”

  I smile and shake my head, thinking Kevin has absolutely no sense of self-preservation. “There’s nothing to talk about, Kevin.”

  * * *

  Despite my bravado, I’m shaking as we walk away. I’d never expected to see Kevin again, and running into him here at Clancy’s is surreal. As Shane leads me toward the exit, Sam joins us, falling into step on the other side of me, so that I’m sandwiched between the two men.

  Shane looks over my head at Sam. “I want that asshole removed from the premises immediately and banned from the store. If he steps one foot inside this place again, detain him and have him charged with criminal trespassing.”

  Sam nods. Then he looks at me and his expression softens. “Hey, I’ll see you next time you’re in, okay? I’ll get a copy of your work schedule.”

  I smile gratefully at him. “Thanks, Sam.”

  As we reach the main doors, I come to an abrupt stop as I realize I’m still holding two books in my arms. “Wait! I need to pay for these.”

  Shane shakes his head as he opens one of the large glass doors and ushers me outside into the August heat. “No, you don’t. It’s your store. They’re your books.”

  I feel like a shoplifter. “I doubt Vanessa would agree.”

  He chuckles. “That’s her problem.”

  Chapter 15

  As we head to the penthouse, Shane calls in an order for Chinese food – a little bit of everything – eggrolls and fried wontons, crab rangoon, fried rice, and several entrees. Shane can really pack away a lot of food. I don’t know how he manages to stay so trim – I guess it’s because of all the physical training he does. I’d better start getting more exercise, too, with all the food I’ve been eating lately. It’s all going to go straight to my belly.

  Speaking of training, that little maneuver Lia taught me for breaking free of a wrist-hold actually worked on Kevin. Granted, he wasn’t actually trying to hurt me, but still, it worked, and no one was more surprised by that than I was. I’m even more committed now to having self-defense training.

  As we ride up in the private elevator to the penthouse, I can’t help thinking that a girl could get spoiled living here. I’m sure Gabrielle’s loving it. She’s at work by this time, or I’d invite her to come up and have dinner with us. I’ll have to make plans to see her soon. It was great seeing her yesterday,
but that just made me realize how much I miss her and how much we have to catch up on. Now that we’ll be living in the same building, we’ll be able to see each other more often.

  I’m pleasantly surprised to find Cooper waiting for us as we step out of the elevator into the apartment foyer. He’s got a backpack slung over one shoulder, and he’s carrying a black duffle bag.

  He gives us a little salute and steps into the elevator. “Have a nice evening, kids. Don’t wait up.”

  “Where are you off to?” I say.

  “The shooting range.”

  As the elevator doors close, I can’t help suspecting that Cooper timed his departure to give us a little privacy in the apartment this evening.

  Shane opens the door to the apartment for me and I walk inside. “Did you see what I did at the bookstore? When Kevin grabbed my wrist?”

  He nods. “Yes, I did.”

  “Lia taught me that yesterday, right before you went all ballistic on her and Liam. This is why I want self-defense training.”

  “All in good time, sweetheart. Rome wasn’t built in a day.”

  “Hey! I did okay back there.” I’m actually kind of proud of myself. I managed to keep it together, and I didn’t go into panic mode.

  “You handled the situation very well, and I’m proud of you.”

  Shane leads me into the kitchen and shrugs off his jacket and drapes it over the back of a chair at the breakfast bar. He removes his gun holster as well and lays it on the countertop, along with my new books and purse.

  He lifts me up and sets me down on the counter. Pushing my dress up, he spreads my legs and steps between them so that he’s standing right in front of me.

  He doesn’t look happy.

  “What’s wrong?” I ask him, reaching up to run my fingers through his hair.

  “I wanted to beat the hell out of that little prick for touching you.”

  “Who? Kevin?”

  Shane nods as he skims his hands up my arms, past my shoulders, to cup my face. He looks pensive.

  “What is it?” I say.

  His expression turns tender, and he leans forward to place a gentle kiss on my lips. “If you see that guy again, I want you to call me. No matter what, no matter where, you call me. All right?”

  I nod. “Sure.”

  “Promise me,” he says.

  “I promise.”

  He kisses me again, just a quick, gentle meeting of our lips, and brushes my cheeks with this thumbs. “The idea of someone hurting you makes me go a little crazy.” He frowns at me. “You are so fucking vulnerable.”

  “I’m tougher than you think, Shane. I did okay with Kevin today. And once I’ve had self-defense training – ”

  Shane captures my wrists and pulls them swiftly behind my back, securing them with one hand. I try to pull free, but he holds my wrists fast. His expression is tight, and he’s angry, but I’m not sure why.

  My heart starts hammering in my chest at the sudden change in his demeanor. “What are you doing?” I try once more to pull my arms free, but I can’t budge them. “Shane, let go.”

  He’s not hurting me, but I don’t like this. I don’t like the look on his face. Suddenly my lungs feel like they’re being compressed, squeezed tight by an invisible force, and I can’t breathe. “Stop it, Shane!”

  “Let’s see you get free of that.” His voice is hard.

  I try again, getting pissed off, and of course I can’t break free. He’s far too strong for me, and we both know it. I force myself to relax, and he immediately releases my wrists.

  “Your little college boyfriend is a pansy, Beth. Just because you broke his hold doesn’t mean you can break the hold of someone who knows what he’s doing. Yes, I want you to have self-defense training, but never underestimate your opponent. Not if he’s someone who really wants to do you harm.”

  Shane pulls my hands around in front of me and gently examines my wrists. “Did I hurt you?”

  “No. But you scared me.”

  He sighs. “I’m sorry.” He cups my face. “It’s just that the thought of someone hurting you again – I can’t handle that.” He shakes his head. “If it were up to me, I’d keep you locked up safe twenty-four-seven, so no one could ever hurt you again.”

  I pull his face toward mine and kiss him, my lips soft and gentle on his as I coax him out of that dark place he’s gone to. I run the tip of my tongue along the seam of his lips, and his entire body shudders.

  “Come with me,” he says, sweeping me off the countertop and into his arms. “I want to hold you.”

  Shane lights a fire in the great room hearth, and we relax on the sofa while we wait for the food to arrive. We’re the only ones in the apartment right now, so it’s unusually quiet. I wonder if everyone’s keeping away intentionally this evening, because it’s rarely this empty.

  Shane turns down the lighting to a cozy level and turns on the sound system. We’re soon being serenaded by Adele’s newest album. He must have recently purchased it, because it only just came out. He knows how much I love Adele.

  “Can I get you a drink?” he says as he walks to the bar.

  “Yes, thanks. A Coke or Pepsi, please.”

  He pours my drink into a glass with ice. “You did well this evening, with Murphy. That must have been difficult.”

  “It was.”

  He pours himself whisky in a tumbler and carries our drinks to the sofa.

  “Can I have some of that?” I say, holding my glass out to his.

  He raises an eyebrow. “You hate whisky.”

  “I know, but I want some. Just a little of the fire water.”

  He tips his glass into mine, giving me about half of his whisky. Then he retrieves the bottle from the bar and brings it back to the couch to resupply his own. “I think I created a monster.”

  I take a sip of my drink, loving the icy sweetness but grimacing at the pungent aroma and burn of the whisky. But I like the warmth as it settles in my empty belly. “I kind of expected you to intervene with Kevin, but you didn’t. At least not at first.”

  He sips his whisky neat, savoring it. “I wanted to, believe me. It was difficult to stand there and watch, but I knew it was something you needed to do on your own. Security will keep him out of the store. You won’t have to worry about seeing him there again.”

  “Good. I’m going back to Clancy’s in the morning. I’ll e-mail my resume to Vanessa ahead of time, and then I’ll arrive at the store at ten. She can’t stop me from working there.”

  “She can’t stop you from doing a damn thing, Beth. Remember that.” He gazes down at me. “You’ll be running that place in no time.”

  “I wouldn’t go that far. But I’ll do whatever it takes to fit in there and prove to them that I’m not a liability.”

  He grins at me. “You’re hardly a liability.”

  Shane sets my glass on the coffee table, next to his empty one, and pulls me onto his lap. I kick off my sandals and tuck my bare feet up on the couch. His body radiates heat like a furnace, and I curl into him, soaking up his warmth. He smells delicious, and naturally my body responds.

  Shane caresses my bottom lip with the pad of his thumb. “You will never be a liability, sweetheart.”

  His lips are warm and gentle, and he tastes like whisky as he kisses me. The gentle suction of his mouth generates an aching heat between my legs, and my belly quivers in anticipation. I swear, he could make me come just from kissing me.

  His mouth molds itself to mine, his lips somehow both soft and firm at the same time. His breath is warm and spicy from the liquor, and soon I feel an answering tug deep in my core.

  I moan when his hand snakes up underneath my dress, his fingers slipping between my bare thighs and easing upward. When he reaches the apex of my thighs, he nudges my legs apart and skims his fingertips up and down the crotch of my panties. My face flushes, because I’m sure they’re damp.

  I’m trembling now, in anticipation of him touching me there. The lips of my sex are
tingling as if they have a mind of their own and they know what’s coming. His fingers brush aside the damp material, exposing my heated core to the cool air, and I shiver. I’m starving for him. Even though we made love earlier that day, we’ve had such a long dry spell I think it’ll take a while for my hunger to be sated.

  Right now I just can’t seem to get enough of him. I cup the back of his head, my fingers tunneling into his hair to massage his scalp. When I grasp a fistful of his hair and tug, he groans, releasing my mouth with an indrawn breath and pressing his forehead to the crook of my shoulder.

  It still amazes me that I have such an effect on this man.

  I feel his lips on the pulse point in my throat as he presses a gentle, open-mouthed kiss there. His tongue darts out to wet my skin, and then he starts sucking. I’m sure he’s going to leave a mark on me in a rather obvious place, but right now I don’t care. I want him to mark me. He inhales deeply, breathing me in, and then he makes a sound that’s awfully close to a growl.

  When his finger slips between the lips of my overheated sex, I moan and open my legs wider. He rims my opening with his finger, teasing me as he collects my silky arousal, and then he swipes his finger up to my clitoris, the movement slow and delicious. Just as he begins to torment my clitoris with lazy circles, his phone chimes, breaking the spell.

  I groan when his finger abandons me.

  Shane sucks my arousal off his finger as he checks his phone. “Our food’s here. Someone from the front desk will bring it up.” He punches a code into an app on his phone, sending the private elevator car down to the main lobby to pick up the guard.

  I press my hot face against his shoulder, lamenting the interruption and the loss of his touch. My body is primed for sex now, thanks to him, and all I can think about is having Shane inside me again. Who needs food? But instead, he’s lifting me off his lap and setting me down on the sofa cushions.

  “No!” I plead, as he rises to his feet, abandoning me.

  He checks his phone. He has this insanely useful app that tells him exactly where the elevator is on its way up, as well as multiple camera feeds that show him who’s in the elevator.