Fortunately, when she’s run off the road on her way into town, Dave Miller, who is working undercover on the task force for human trafficking, comes to her aid. She blows off the near fatal accident as just that—an accident—but she rethinks her position once events escalate.
Someone is trying to kill Tory. Failing that, she’s being set up as a suspect in four murders. As Dave falls more deeply for Tory, how will he tell her who he is and what he does? Will she ever trust him?
Trust becomes a moot point when Tory is abducted and everything points to the group of human traffickers Dave’s had under surveillance. He calls in the task force, but will they reach Tory before she’s used as a sex slave?
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EXCERPT
As
Dave walked around the car to the other side, he thought about how
beautiful she looked and her sweet scent. He remembered how she felt
when he kissed her earlier at the town house. He could feel the
beginning of an erection tightening, and he quickly adjusted himself
before he got into the car.
Once
settled in the vehicle and on the way to Hickory, Tory asked, “How was
the rest of your day today? Have you made a decision on which property
you like best?”
“No,
I’m torn between the one and two bedroom units. But I need something
pretty fast. Mom and Dad’s place is fine for a couple of days but not
for six months. I’m not sure how many more nights my back can take the
cruel and unusual punishment of the old pull-out sofa bed, if you know
what I mean. So I need a place now or sooner.”
“Let
me show you my town house. Maybe you’d like it better. It’s more
spacious than the other ones I’ve shown you. It’s a two-bedroom, two and
a half bath, multilevel unit. I love it. Completely furnished. All you
need is your toothbrush.”
“When
can I move in?” Dave asked, winking at her. “It’d be kind of a waste of
money for both of us to have the same place but separate, don’t you
think?”
She
felt her face blush, probably her chest as well. “I wasn’t suggesting
that you move into my place. You need a place of your own.”
“Oh, I get it now,” he said with a sour-faced grin.
“Tell me about your job,” Tory said to change the subject. “I’ve never heard of a specialized task force.”
“Well, it’s classified, but let’s say that I work with various law enforcement agencies throughout the region.”
“But what exactly do you do?”
“I arrest bad guys who abduct women and children.”
“But how are they abducted?”
“Some
are abducted right off the street on their way to their car after a day
of shopping or from a park or playground. You’d be amazed with the
stories I could tell. One strong person, man or woman, can easily
overpower a small woman or child.
“Others
are befriended for a certain period of time. Once they start trusting
their ‘new friend,’ they’re usually drugged and driven across state
lines. All the proof of who they are, their identity, is left behind.
One woman we were able to rescue was purposely targeted by an
ex-boyfriend to be abducted and sold to a gang boss for a large sum of
money. She escaped and ran into my partner, and we eventually arrested
the entire gang.”
“No
wonder you need to take a breather every now and then. Your work
appears very intense.” Tory listened carefully but continued to turn and
look behind her through the back window.
Dave finally asked, “Are you looking for someone?”
“No. Have you ever had the feeling you’re being watched?”
“It’s a small town. We’re probably being watched. Let’s plan on a nice, quiet dinner, okay?”
“I’m probably overreacting,” Tory replied as she made one more glance over her shoulder.
Dave
pulled up and parked at the restaurant in Hickory that Trevor
suggested. He got out of the car and rushed to Tory’s side before she
could open the door. He opened her door and helped her out, ushering her
into the restaurant, his hand at the small of her back sending shock
waves throughout her body.
The
restaurant was small with dim lighting, white linens, uniformed waiters
and waitresses, the ambiance of romance and intimacy. Candlelight
reflected off their wine glasses. The band played a soft melody in the
background.
Dave
held her chair for her. She sat down, putting her small clutch purse on
the table beside her. A waiter handed them menus, including a wine
list. Dave ordered a bottle of chardonnay, and they studied their menus
until the wine arrived. After agreeing to the sample taste, the waiter
poured wine in both their glasses and took their order. They sipped
their wine while studying each other.
“There’s
something about you. I don’t know what it is yet, can’t put my finger
on it, but I feel this energy between us,” Dave said with a smile after a
sip of wine.
“Tell me about it,” Tory replied.
“I don’t think I have the words. I can’t explain my attraction to you.”
“So what makes you think it’s an attraction? Maybe it’s just friendly companionship that draws you to me.”
“I’ve never been the kind of guy to talk about things like this. I guess you bring out the best in me.”
“Or possibly the worst.” Tory smiled as she swallowed the last of her wine.
After
dinner, Dave poured more wine for her. They ordered crème brûlée for
dessert. He wiped some whipped cream from her lip with his finger and
licked it clean. He imagined the taste of her lips when he kissed her
and then began a slow nibble along her ear and down her long neck,
settling between her breasts. He wanted to be closer to her than across
the table.
“Would you like to dance?” Dave asked. When she said yes and took his hand, he felt her heart racing in her pulse at her wrist.
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