“My schedule’s packed. Thanks for stopping by.”
“You’ve got spinach in your teeth,” Emerson said to the woman.
Pursing her lips, the gal hurried off.
“You could’ve hooked up with her, after you got me situated in the depths of hell,” Emerson said.
“She would’ve had to floss, first.”
As they shared a laugh, he caressed her bare back, her silky skin warming his fingers. His thoughts jumped to kissing her, stripping her out of her sexy dress, and losing himself in her all night long.
“I’m not interested in her.” His voice was filled with need.I want you.
Desire flashed in her eyes while her tongue rolled over her lower lip. His cock twitched and he sucked down a slow, controlled breath.
His message had been sent…and received.
During coffee and dessert, a sergeant stood at the podium and shared the legacy of each fallen officer while a slide show flashed pictures on a giant screen. Once those had been read, the officer called out the names of other officers and staff who had passed away in the last twelve months. When he called out “Doug Easton”, Emerson lowered her head. His aunt whispered something to her. As she lifted her face, she swiped a tear.
Day in and day out, revenge and loss fueled Stryker. Anger was his closest friend. He and Emerson had more in common than he’d expected. Grief is a club that no one wants to be in, but some become members sooner than others.
Captain Perry returned to the podium. “I want to end our evening on an uplifting note because I believe that hope and love carry us, especially when we are grieving. This year, our guest of honor is someone I’ve respected for years. He is generous, both financially and with his time—and he’s one of the busiest people I know. He has donated so much money to so many local organizations I’ve lost track. He’s kept our area shelters stocked with food and helped ensure our after-school programs are never without. He is a luminary, and someone I’m proud to call a friend. Please help me welcome our Civilian of Honor, Stryker Truman.
At the podium, he accepted Tiana’s hug, but his heart felt heavy. He was not worthy of this honor. If they knew therealStryker Truman, they would despise him, regardless of how much money he donated to help those in need. Detective Easton would have plenty of reasons to arrest him for crimes hehadcommitted—and would continue committing—until he found his mother’s killer.
Stryker gazed into the sea of faces while the applause continued. When the guests rose to their feet, he had to stop them.
“I don’t deserve your kindness,” Stryker said over the hoots and hollers. “This is a somber event and I don’t want us to lose sight of that.”
The attendees quieted down. Most of them sat, but some remained standing.
“Captain Perry is right,” Stryker said after scanning the crowd. “I have never refused to help her out, because I’m not stupid. Who wants to get on the wrong side of the police captain?” He paused for laughter. “I’m not a man of many words, so let me get to the point. Thank you to the brave men and women in blue who protect us every day. Chasing justice is never easy and I applaud your bravery. Losing someone who died trying to make the world a better place is tough. But we have to carry on and honor their memory. Thank you for inviting me to share in their lives tonight.” He stepped aside so Tiana could speak into the mic.
“Thank you, Stryker.” She peered out at the crowd. “Ladies and gentlemen, thank you for spending your evening with us and for your generous donations. Safe travels home.” She turned off the mic and stepped away from the podium.
After the applause ended, guests began moving about the ballroom. Some were chatting in small groups while others plodded toward the exits.
“Are you playing nice with my detective?” Tiana asked.
“I’m doing my best,” he replied.
A handful of guests surrounded the captain, so Stryker set off toward his table. He spent a few minutes chatting with his execs from Truman Cybersecurity before continuing onward, scanning the crowd until he found his target.
Emerson.
She stood in a group, talking with several officers.
Their eyes met and his chest heated. His physical reaction to her was off the charts and annoying as hell. More so, he found himself mesmerized by her beauty.
“Nice speech,” she said.
“Short and sweet,” he replied. “I’m going to say goodbye to Heather and Gordon before we take off. Come with me.”
As they meandered around attendees, Stryker placed his hand on the small of Emerson’s back. Had she been his, he would have snaked his arm around her waist, pulled her close, and dropped a soft kiss on her lips.
Tiana’s words rattled around his head.Play nice with my detective.The things he wanted to do to Emerson were anything but nice. They were hot and dirty, and so damn gratifying. Things that would quiet his tortured mind and temporarily silence his demons. Making Emerson scream his name in ecstasy would be the perfect way to play nice.
Back at their dinner table, Heather hugged him. “We’re so proud of you. Are you coming over for Sunday Funday?”
