God dammit! I was made for this. I tried to force myself to get up, but my body didn’t respond. I was above myself looking down. Derek lay on my back exposed, unprotected. What the fuck was happening to me? I fought against this pansy-assed flake-out. I had to get back down there. I had to carry my brother to safety. I was stronger than this.
Somebody had to see us, but the whole place was in confusion. Another whistling rocket, another explosion. I struggled to open my mouth and yell for backup. Nothing came out. I saw a truck jolt and fly back. It was hit.
Then, like an old-fashioned television switching off, everything blinked to black. I didn’t see anything anymore.
Chapter 1: Homecoming
Nikki
The thread hanging from the hem of my blouse taunted me. I licked my thumb and first finger and twisted it back inside the wrap of my top. I’d tried to have everything perfect. My hair was freshly highlighted, my nails were done, I was waxed everywhere... and this one little thread wanted to ruin it all.
Sitting in the terminal, I stared down the long hallway he’d walk up after getting off the plane. I remembered a time when you could wait for friends and loved ones right at the gate, and to be honest, I was a little glad those days were over. I’d need a moment to catch my breath when I saw him again.
Derek and Patrick had both moved to Wilmington a year ago, and the Princeton office of Alexander-Knight¸ LLC, was set to close. Until now. After six years of steady employment, I was sending out resumes when Stuart asked if he still had a place here. I got the email from Derek to prep his old office right after I got the message asking if I’d be willing to stay on as Stuart’s secretary. I couldn’t say yes fast enough.
Meeting him at the airport was my idea.
Again my eyes strained down the long hallway leading to the concourse. It was eleven o’clock, and I was one of a small handful of people waiting in the lobby. A woman and a little boy appeared, walking toward me. The boy excitedly skipped and ran ahead. The tired woman tried to keep up with him. Behind them a businessman held a phone and texted as he walked. A break between them, and... No one.
My mind drifted to the last time I’d seen Stuart, three years ago, the night he’d left to go back to Saudi. We’d gone out for a farewell dinner. Derek as usual called it an early night, but the two of us stayed a little later.
Stuart was eager to leave, and it made him uncharacteristically open and chatty. We laughed and shared a few drinks. I could tell he felt good by the way his hazel eyes sparkled. I was in heaven. Three years of working in the same office, dressing up every day, and he’d never shown me this much attention. It washed over me like warm water.
I’d done my best not to look like I was slugging my drink before I asked if he might drive me home. My excuse was I’d drunk too much, and I didn’t like cabs. I never dreamed it would work.
That memory made my eyes slide closed as I sat alone on the bench. Stuart was amazing in bed, and his body was unbelievable, lean and lined. Strong—he carried me through the door all the way to the bedroom! His shirt was off in one swipe, and a little squeak escaped my throat at the sight of his lined torso. I couldn’t get my dress off fast enough. I sat on the bed in front of him in my underwear, trailing my fingers down the ridges of his stomach.
My bra was off with a flick, and large hands cupped my breasts. He tweaked my nipples into hard little pebbles, rolling them between his fingers... Oh, god! I’d quickly lowered his zipper and slid his jeans down.
Heat flared between my thighs when I thought of the lump straining inside his boxer briefs. Delicately, I’d traced the outline of it before lowering the fabric and taking the large, mushroom head into my mouth. He only let me taste him a moment before lifting me and sinking deep inside.
He fucked me hard, and I guess I always suspected Stuart would be rough. It matched his controlled persona. He didn’t take shit, and he expected his orders to be followed. I’d walked around feeling it for two days. It was the best fuck of my life.
Mr. Alexander, of course, had no idea I’d slept with Mr. Knight his last night in Jersey. If he had, I was pretty sure I’d have gotten my marching orders the next day. Derek didn’t tolerate in-office romances. Patrick, who took his older brother’s place at the private investigative firm nearly pushed him to his limit.
A little smile curled my lips. I loved having the younger Mr. Knight in the office. Patrick was flirty and fun, and he changed the mood of everything. When he said he was moving to Wilmington to be with his fiancée Elaine, I nearly cried. Derek was such a slave driver. Six months later, Derek was gone, too. He wanted to be with Melissa. Why those ladies couldn’t move to Princeton...
Then I saw him.
My stomach flew to my throat at the image striding in my direction. He still had that confidence, shoulders back, perfect posture. A pack was on his back, and he carried a faded brown-leather jacket across his arm. His jeans were loose on his slim hips, but the olive-drab tee he wore stretched tight over his broad shoulders. I could see the cut of his muscles through the fabric, and sheer lust pooled low in my pelvis. I wasn’t sure I could stand.
He was almost in front of me, close enough that I could make out the hazel of his eyes, when I pushed to my feet and cleared my throat. “Need a lift, soldier?”
I’d been scolded for calling them that when I’d first started working in the office. At first I was confused. Derek and Stuart called each other “soldier” all the time, but I later found out it was an inside joke. You never called a Marine “soldier.”
Tonight it made my new boss stop in his tracks. He saw me and at first he seemed confused. I guess he was surprised to see me, although I couldn’t tell if he was glad.
“Nikki?” His deep voice hit me like an avalanche. “Derek didn’t say you’d be here.”
“I figured you could use a friendly face after that long flight.” I caught him in a brief hug that filled the air around me with the scent of soap and cedar. Stuart’s scent. “I brought the keys and everything you need to get into the office and Derek’s old place. Let’s get your bags.”
“Thanks.” A brief smile appeared and disappeared from his face, but it was enough for that damn sexy dimple to pierce his cheek. “I wish I’d known. It’s late.”
“I don’t mind.” My voice was soft, and I couldn’t bring myself to say I’d help him get readjusted in every way if he wanted. I had to let him call the shots. It was how he liked it.
We waited in silence as the baggage claim cycled, as one after another rectangular black pilot-case slowly passed us. I knew we were looking for his standard-issue roll. He always used it.
“So how have you been?” he finally asked.