Page 4 of Stolen

“Well, who was it?” Everett heard his boss’s voice, but couldn’t quite speak yet. He glared straight ahead; his fists clenched. He’d been hired to do security for Chance Lore three years ago. He was introduced to the young woman Chance brought home and thought the woman was sweet and good for his boss. He thought nothing of their relationship and he had been actively protecting her as much as he protected Chance. So, what the hell did the police deputy want with her? And why did it sound as if there was something sinister going on that he wasn’t aware of?

“Everett,” Chance snapped. Everett finally turned and looked at Chance. He was sitting with his woman on his lap, holding her protectively.

“That was the police deputy,” Everett gritted.

“Wh—what?” Chance asked.

“He said we give him the girl, or he’s coming after us. Mainly me.”

“What does he want with my girl?” Chance questioned.

“You tell me, Mr. Lore. Because he’s very adamant. And I don’t know what the hell is going on, but I have a family too. I can’t be on the run from the damn police deputy. And he wouldn’t want her if the issue wasn’t serious. You should be lucky he’s giving us the option to just give him the woman and be on our way.”

“He can’t give options! He’s got no reason to want her. Not like we’re doing something we shouldn’t!” For the first time, Everett saw a flicker of something sinister in his boss’s eyes.

“I wonder how he knows about you,” Chance mumbled, looking at the sweet luscious woman in his lap.

“I swear. I didn’t say anything to anyone,” she panted, snapping her eyes shut.

“Hm, I suppose. You are too much of an obedient girl to do something against the rules,” he pondered.

“The deputy was at the bar tonight. Maybe he saw you,” the driver spoke up. Chance racked his memory. The only people in the town of Greyson he took note of was the rich folks, lawyers and law enforcement. How come he couldn’t seem to remember what the police deputy looked like?

“He’s been gone for two years. You probably were never introduced, or paid enough attention to see him,” the driver said.

“Chance, what in the hell is going on? What did you do?” Everett asked.

“What I had to do,” Chance shrugged. He looked at the beauty on his lap.

“You know the rules, right?” She nodded. “Don’t think that because we aren’t together that I won’t know when you break them. You know what I’m capable of darling. Don’t make me have to do dreadful things.” Everett couldn’t believe what he was hearing.

“Chance, if you—”

“Quiet. We will talk when we get home,” Chance snapped. He twirled his finger in his beauty’s hair, smelling it one last time.

“We’ll be a part for some time, but don’t worry. I’ll come back for you.” Even though Chance wanted to fight, he knew well that he couldn’t start a battle with an opponent he didn’t know. Whoever this deputy was, he wasn’t going to stop until he ruined the life that Chance so carefully built. For now, he would concede. But Chance knew that in the end, he would have checkmate.

SynTanner was getting restless as he leaned against his bike; waiting. Even though he’d told Everett he would let them go, SynTanner had already called the precinct. He explained the situation and a squad car was on its way. He made sure to advise that no sirens or lights be on while they approached. In all honesty, he should have called the precinct from the get go, but he didn’t understand the situation and he didn’t want to ensue panic. Panic forced mistakes. Mistakes could take lives. If the boss in that SUV was fearful enough and tried to get away, a chase would ensue and that could lead to vehicular accidents that could take lives. SynTanner wasn’t about to risk that. Plus, with the name of the security guard and the license plate etched firmly in his mind, there was no way he wouldn’t be able to find them again. All SynTanner wanted was for that woman to emerge safely. He needed her to be safe. Knowing Everett wasn’t a killer and seeing the confusion in his eyes let SynTanner know that Everett wouldn’t sit by and let that woman be hurt. As a matter of fact, he probably didn’t even realize she was there against her will. He wasn’t going to let his boss hurt the woman, and he wasn’t going to let them drive away either. SynTanner had spotted the wedding band Everett sported. He had a woman. He wasn’t going to jeopardize that. SynTanner felt safe with his plan because of that wedding band and the sincerity in Everett’s eyes.

Hearing the door of the SUV open again, SynTanner leaned off his bike. He stood firmly with his arms crossed, awaiting the next move. A flicker of red in the darkness of the night sent SynTanner sprinting into action. The female who he thought was only a lady of the night came rushing out of the SUV. She wasn’t even an inch out of the SUV before the door slammed shut and the vehicle peeled away, skidding away from the side of the road. SynTanner rushed towards the woman, who stood in the darkness of the street. She looked around as if she couldn’t believe what was happening to her.

“Hey—hey, you alright?” SynTanner rushed up to her. He reached out to touch her but stopped himself. What if she didn’t want to be touched? She’d just been kidnapped by a man. She was probably stunned and scared out of her mind. So there SynTanner stood with his arm partially reaching out, stuck in his spot.

Slowly, she brought misty eyes to lock with him. The same allure they held in the bar existed but this time it was different. She wasn’t a woman ready to seduce. SynTanner saw the serenity in her beautiful eyes. The peacefulness that wafted off her gaze. Despite the unshed tears and the terror, he could already tell that her soul was as pure as they would ever come.

“You—you came for me,” she whispered. She reached her hand out, completing the distance between their grasps. Her soft skin touched his hardened hands and his gut immediately melted. She gripped onto him tightly.

“You came for me,” she said again, her body shaking. Unable to hold herself up, she began to crumple to the ground. SynTanner went with her, keeping her in his grip. As his knees buckled, he crouched down as he continued to hold her. Naturally, he drew her into his body, pressing her against his chest. With ease, his unoccupied fingers were running through her thick tresses as if they were a couple that naturally ended their nights in each other’s arms. The shakes throughout her body began to ease away as he continued to press her against his chest.

“Thank you,” she whispered. SynTanner looked down at her. She was looking up at him with those incredibly peaceful eyes. He could understand why someone would kidnap her. Just her stare was enough to promise happiness and no doubt it was a drug that a man could resist. If he didn’t have it, he would go out of his way to get it. Is that what Mr. Lore did?

“It’s my job; miss—miss—what’s your name?” SynTanner asked, realizing he hadn’t even known that much about her. She smiled as she rested her head against his chest.

“Blossom,” she replied easily. “You know, like the power puff girls?” A tint of a smile etched on her lips. SynTanner felt his gut pitch. Her smile. Those eyes. How did a woman like this exist in a town he protected and he knew nothing of her?

“Yeah, I get it,” SynTanner chuckled. “It’s cute,” he smiled. She gazed at him warmly.

“Blossom, the cops are on their way. They’re gonna get you someplace safe,” he assured her. She tensed for a moment but soon relaxed back in his arms.