"Between my sister getting married today and you basically telling him you want people to shoot at you, he just aged ten years. He thinks of you as one of his children. Since your parents passed, he has told my sister and me how important you are and how much he regrets their deaths. I don't know why but I think he blames himself," Duncan states as he looks at his scotch.
"Do you know how my parents died?"
"Only that all of you were in Tel Aviv. I can imagine though."
"My parents were having dinner at a restaurant, just minding their own business, when a suicide bomber walked into the bus station across the street. Collateral damage is what they were called. If I can prevent just one suicide bomber or an idiot from taking a parent from a child, I will. I'm excellent atwhat I do. I shoot better than most of the men in the current ERT unit. You know about that shot I took. It was the furthest any sniper on the DC ERT has ever shot. I don't like to brag, but if I'm that good, it should be used for good." I rise to leave, feeling emotional all of a sudden. I won't cry and I won't let him see me break down. I crumple the napkin and drop it into my glass so the words will smear.
I love James, and the fact that I hurt him hurts me, but I'll not lose him and Ana too. I hurry out of the ballroom and reach the elevator. I'm pushing the button repeatedly when I feel Duncan stand directly behind me. The door opens and I try to rush in to close it on him. Of course, that doesn’t work. He pushes in as the doors close. Duncan presses the button for our floor and crowds me against the back of the elevator. I turn my back on him, hoping he'll get the clue. He pushes into me, putting his hands on the railing in front of me. I'm pressed into his chest, trapped between his body and the wall. I normally only do one-night stands, if that at all, but he’s all I want. Why is he still in my system?
"Maya, I know loss. Loss of a parent, loss of a lifelong mate, and loss of men I led. I get it. However, I don't like the thought of you in danger, no matter how hot it is. How did you get into my blood so deeply?"
"Please, Duncan, I told you no."
"Maya, I'll see you again. We'll figure this out. I want you and I know you want me. Your pulse is racing right now because I'm so close." He points at my neck.
"No! I can't do this!" The elevator dings at our floor. I push past him and run to my room. I'm pretty fast, but I don't have his legs and I'm wearing heels
"Maya, wait." He grabs me and pulls me back into his chest. I want to go on the defense and attack him, but my mind short circuits. His big body surrounds me, his masculine scent engulfs me, and those damn tingles when he touches me sends my heart racing, blood heating, and my body readying for him.
"Please, Duncan, no." I feel him resign himself. I want him so bad, but right now, I'm too raw. Seeing Ana leave and James hurting is messing with me.
"Okay, I'll see you in the morning." Groaning, he lets me go and I walk to my door.
I enter my room, take off my heels, and remember I forgot to talk to the wedding coordinator. I slip my heels back on and peek out the door to see the hall is clear. Deciding to take the stairs just in case, the burn of energy will help my senses. As I'm almost to the bottom, the door opens and a couple falls into the stairwell. They're heavily kissing and groping each other. I ignore them until I notice the best man… Fucktard.
"Hey, Mia, see what you're missing. Why don't you come join us? I like threesomes, bet you will too," he slurs.
I walk right up to them. His companion is the server who was checking out Duncan. I get right in his face and bring my knee up.
"My name is Maya, you fucktard." I push past them and into the hall, leaving him groaning and crying like a girl.
Yep, a fucktard.
After arranging everything, I decide to go back to my room and relax for the night. Maybe a bath in the huge tub and some whiskey will calm my nerves. As I enter my room, I look to the nightstand and see another arrangement of flowers. This time,they're gardenias. Taking out my cell phone, I snap a picture and send it with a message to Derek and Greg.
Me
Got these, my annual flowers, and a single red rose delivered to me in the last two days. What do they mean other than I have a stalker?
Derek
I'm moving in again. No ifs, ands, or buts about it, sexy. I'll make sure Dad keeps it on the DL. I'll research the meanings and let you know. Having fun? Tell James I said hi!
Me
Not really. Miss you.
Derek
Me too. I'll pick you up at the airport. Be careful.
Me
Love you.
Derek
Me too.
