His Treasure: Chapter 8: Closer - After Dark Edition

The weekend between Ryan and Sudie will be fire. Look out for chapter 9.

What do you want?

"I'm at your door, actually."

Sudanie's eyes drifted to the front door. She had fallen asleep on the couch, dreaming about Ryan, when the phone woke her. She was hoping it was him, not Claude.

A pause.

"Sudz?"

"What do you want?" 

"Sudz..." A sigh. "I'm really sorry. Let me in, I want to talk to you."

"You can go home, Claude. I'll talk to you tomorrow."

"Why not tonight?"

"I'm not in the mood, and after what you did I don't want you near me."

Silence.

Claude cleared his throat. "Sudz, I only tried to kiss you to get you to remember. The kiss we had the last time was fire. I crave kissing you again." He exhaled sharply. "You know I'm not very good at being patient, but for you I'll wait."

"Claude, I—"

"Open the door, Sudz. I promise I won't try to kiss you."

Sudanie cleared her throat. "Claude, please go home. I'll see you tomorrow. I'll talk to you then."

Claude gave a short chuckle. "I don't think I can sleep unless I talk to you."

"Go home, Claude."

"No." His voice rose. "Sudz, I'm not leaving until we talk. Look, we can talk at the door if you don't feel comfortable letting me in, but I need to talk to you."

Bang! Bang!

Sudanie flinched. Claude was hitting the door.

"Claude, please, stop this!" Her throat went dry.

"Open the door, Sudz!"

Her hand tightened on the phone, moving it from her ear, she cut off the call then dialed Ryan's number.

Meanwhile, in the Armoury

"What do you think I should do?" Ryan asked. His eyes focused on Sergeant Crosby's grave expression.

"Legally, it's not your call. Sudie needs to file a complaint against him."

"But I was there," Ryan said in protest.

Shane nodded. "Yes, but did you actually see him try to hold her down?"

Ryan's shoulders slumped forward. Mark placed his hand on his friend's shoulder.

"No, I didn't," Ryan answered.

"There's the dilemma," Sergeant Shane Crosby said. "You have to be a witness to it."

Mark looked at him. "So what can he do?"

"I'm sleeping over there tonight, just in case," Ryan said.

Mark leaned back a little to look at him, then shook his head, a smile tugging at his lips.

Shane pulled absentmindedly on his mustache. He wondered if Dana was annoyed with him. When they were finished here, he would cook for her and explain everything.

He tried to refocus. "If he's called upon to confirm her account of what happened, he tells it honestly and in as much detail as possible. And that is if she files against Corporal Barracks."

"Why wouldn't she?" Mark asked, perplexed. "He tried to violate her."

Shane looked at him. "They've been friends for many years. Ryan, you told me that they've kissed and the first time she willingly reciprocated?"

Ryan nodded.

"He could say that their first kiss was her showing interest, and that maybe he had misinterpreted her body language because he was in her bedroom when the incident happened."

"It doesn't mean that was what she wanted," Ryan said, eyes blazing, shoulders rigid. "I told you she didn't know he locked the door."

"Yes, but she allowed him to enter her room."

Ryan stood up, moving towards Shane. "What are you saying?"

Mark rose to his feet, his hand on Ryan's shoulder squeezing even harder. Ryan looked back at him. Mark shook his head. "Don't be offended. He's only trying to help."

Shane stepped back two paces and leaned against the wall. "You wanna hit me too?" he asked, a sarcastic smile playing on his lips.

"IPROB will look at the evidence as is and rule in that regard. There will be no bias."

"You know Constable Walker," Ryan said.

"I do," Shane said, nodding.

"She's probably the only woman you haven't slept with," Ryan said, squaring his shoulders.

Shane chuckled softly.

Pushing himself off the wall, he came to stand before him. "What's your point?"

Ryan's hands curled into fists. "You know everyone loves her here. She's a conscientious officer. Very hardworking. No one has anything bad to say about her. Matter-of-fact, she has been a positive influence on this station and elsewhere through the outreach projects she's helped organize."

Shane nodded. "I know." He rubbed his short beard and flexed his arms. "I know..."

Ryan's phone began to vibrate loudly. He retrieved it from his pocket and saw that Sudie was calling.

"I'm sorry, baby. I'm coming—"

"Rhy..."

The tremor in her voice struck fear in his chest. "What is it, baby?"

"Rhy, he's here. He won't leave."

"Who's there, baby?"

"Claude. He won't leave. He's at my door, banging on the door!"

"I'm putting you on speaker, baby, hold on." He looked straight at Shane, whose brows were knitting together.

Ryan put her on speaker phone. "Baby, Sergeants Crosby and Reynolds are here with me. I told them about Claude. Just say what you just told me."

They heard her voice coming through angry and frightened. "Claude is here at my house, right outside my door. I told him that he should go home I will talk to him tomorrow, but he won't leave. I told him I don't want to talk to him. He's still here."

Ryan's eyes bored into Shane, a muscle ticking at his jaw. Shane listened, his head slightly bent.

"Is your door locked?"

"Yes, Sarge," Sudanie answered.

"I'm coming, baby. Stay where you are."

"I-I have my gun beside me," she said.

"I'm on my way."

"Okay."

Ryan hung up. He gave Shane a deadly stare.

Mark swore. "We need to move."

Shane gave a curt nod. "Okay, Sergeant Reynolds, you lead point. According to tenure you're the best person to take charge in this situation. Corporal Stewart and I will back you up."

Mark nodded. He was already moving, hand falling off Ryan's shoulder to unlock the door. He led them swiftly down the corridor, pushing open the door to reception where the night shift had already taken over.

Ryan gave a curt nod to Inspector Simpson and saluted him. He was about to open his mouth when Mark touched his shoulder. "The less people know about this the better for Sudie"

Ryan nodded. "You're right. Okay, let's go," he said quietly.

Mark dropped his voice. "Good."

Shane sucked his teeth. Both men looked behind them to see him checking his phone messages.

Ryan raised an eyebrow. Shane grunted, rubbing his hand over his face."Dana has gone over to Sudie's house."

"Stewie!" Constable Morrant called out.

Ryan whipped his head around to see Morrant and Sangster coming towards him. He bumped fists with them. "Guys, I have to run," he told them with a lopsided smile.

Morrant studied Ryan's demeanor. "Everything arite?"

Ryan nodded, face grim. "It will be." He slapped the younger man on his shoulder and tipped his head to acknowledge Sangster. "I'll see you guys, okay?"

The tension radiating off him was so thick Sangster could tell something was off. Sangster patted Morrant on the arm. "We'll catch Stewart another time."

Morrant looked back at his friend, then at Ryan. He sobered. "Later, Stewie."

Ryan gave him a faint smile. "Later."

He walked out the door with Mark and Shane close behind him.

Inspector Simpson scratched his head. "Strange," he said quietly. Morrant and Sangster looked over at him.

"Something wrong fi true, Chief," Morrant said.

Simpson grunted his agreement.

The men moved quickly towards the neat line of parked police vehicles.

"Let's take my squad car," Mark said.

"I'm sleeping over, remember? I have a bag in my car," Ryan said, slowing down.

Mark looked back and paused. "Yeah, he did mention that earlier," he said, turning to Shane.

Shane nodded. "Go get it."

Ryan jogged off to get it.

Shane and Mark moved with purpose towards Mark's service vehicle. Ryan came back with a small, black duffle bag. He opened the back door and slipped it in beside him. Mark started the car and they drove off quickly.

Wait out

"Come on, Sudz, answer your phone." The busy signal coming through the line, deepened the urgency Dana was feeling. She threw the phone on the seat beside her and hissed her teeth.

Her phone pinged a text message. She glanced at the road then picked up the phone to check.

It was Shane:

Woman, didn't I tell you to wait on me?
You're going to give me grey hairs.
Stop at the fast food restaurant just down the road from Sudanie's house.
Ryan, Mark and I are coming there now.
Dana, honey, please I am asking you to follow this request.
This may become an official matter.
As your squad leader I am ordering you to WAIT OUT.
Trust me for once.

Trust me for once.

That line cut her deep. She trusted him completely. Dana frowned, her eyes darting between the road and her phone. She had already driven past the fast food restaurant. Should she double back and wait for them or stop elsewhere and give Shane her location?

She took a breath and tried to calm herself. Official matter? Why was going to Sudie's house an 'official matter' all of a sudden?

She slowed down and noticed an old house with blue and white awnings. She parked in front of it and sent him a text describing the house.

She closed her eyes, her heart was playing staccato in her chest. Her phone began to vibrate then ring. She opened her eyes and reached for it.

"Hello?"

"Dee-dee..."

Dana sat up. "Sudz, where are you? I've been trying to call you."

"I know. I'm sorry I just saw the missed calls. It's..."

"What is it?" Dana felt her heart in her throat.

"It's Claude, he..."

Dana could hear police sirens behind her. She looked up to see Mark in the driver's seat with Shane in front and Ryan in the back.

Dana's voice dropped an octave. "Sudz, what did Claude do?"

She listened. Her hands scrambled to pull the seat belt. She pressed the power window button, winding up the glass, then locked and armed her car. Jumping in beside Ryan she nodded at him, he inclined his head, a grimace on his face. She noticed the bag beside him but didn't say anything.

Shane turned around, his eyes narrowing as he stared at her. "I will deal with you later," he said.

Dana averted her eyes, the frown on her face deepening.

"I have Sudie on the line," she said, to no one in particular.

"Okay, hun, we're on our way. We're just down the road. Don't say anything to him. We're coming!" She hung up. Her hands clenched into tight fists. "I have never hit a man, least of all an officer, but I may tonight."

"Get in line," Ryan quipped, the muscle at his jaw flaring.

As they sped off, Ryan checked his sidearm.

"That will not be necessary, Corporal Stewart," Shane said, dragging him back to the reality of his rank and duty.

Ryan released a rushed breath. "Received, Sergeant Crosby." I hope Corporal Barracks remembers that, he mused.

He can't love her like I can.

His hands were getting tired. "Sudz!" 

A few neighbours were passing by, curiously observing his frantic behaviour. An old woman walked through the gate and came up to the bottom of the steps. 

"Who yuh want?" she asked, eyes sharp.

Claude smiled awkwardly at her. "I'm actually trying to get in touch with a colleague of mine, Officer Sudanie Walker."

"Ohh..." The elderly woman said, eyeing him with a cautious smile. She climbed the steps slowly, eyes on him. "Yes, I know Miss Walker, nice young girl," she said. She looked at the locked door then stared at him. "It nuh look like she is there."

Claude chortled nervously. "I thought she was," he replied, staring at the closed door.

The old woman looked at him, a soft smile on her face. "Maybe you should check on her tomorrow. She isn't in any trouble?"

Claude stared at the woman, then shook his head. "No, no she isn't in any trouble."

"Then maybe you can call her tomorrow morning or check in on her tomorrow. It's night, she's either not there or is inside sleeping. All this shouting disturbing the neighbourhood." She made a point to look behind her. 

Claude looked back to see a few people standing outside watching what was going on. 

His jaw tensed. Nodding, an apologetic smile on his face, he said, "You are right. Yes. I'll see her tomorrow at work. I'll talk to her then." 

He was stepping away from the door, the older woman watching his descent, when the police car with Sergeants Reynolds and Crosby along with Corporal Stewart and Constable Campbell pulled up. As soon as the vehicle stopped, Corporal Ryan Stewart stepped out, not waiting for them to park. 

He was walking menacingly towards Claude, fingers curling into fists, when Sergeant Reynolds barked a command:  "Corporal Stewart, stop! Do not move!"

Ryan halted, but placed his right hand at his hip, on his holster. His eyes were murderous as he stared Claude down. 

Shane stepped out of the vehicle. Mark followed. Dana was about to exit when Shane turned on her. "Constable Campbell, remain in the vehicle."

She looked at him. She was about to open her mouth when he shook his head. His eyes were black, smoldering with anger. "Sit in the vehicle until we are done here." His eyes were unyielding. 

Dana flinched. Had she finally worn out his patience?

"Sarge, yes, sir!" she said, and sat in the car, slamming the door shut. 

Shane turned rigidly to the scene of Sergeant Mark Reynolds slowly walking up behind Corporal Stewart.

 "Corporal Stewart," Mark said quietly, "remember your duty."

Ryan grunted and stepped back. Shane came forward and rested a heavy hand on his shoulder. "Sergeant Reynolds and I will deal with him. Stand by the car."

Ryan looked at him. Shane patted his shoulder and smiled at him. "Trust me."

Ryan slowly nodded at him. "Sarge, I would like to check on Constable Walker. Please allow me to make contact." Shane's body shifted slightly away from him. He looked back at Dana who was staring out the window, a worried expression on her face. 

He turned to Ryan. "Okay, go," he said.

Ryan nodded. "Thank you, sir." 

Shane's eyes flickered with amusement. Now he calls me sir. He smiled. "Go."

Ryan opened the back passenger door and curled his right hand around the handle of the small duffle bag, squeezing it with unnecessary force. 

Dana looked at him. "Let me know how she is," she said. 

He tilted his head up to glance at her. "Will do." She stared past him at the house. 

Ryan closed the door. His eyes found Sergeant Crosby's, and he nodded in respect. Shane returned the gesture, a sobering look crossing his face. "Take care of her," he said.

Ryan nodded. "I will," he said, hoisting the bag over his shoulder. 

It was Wednesday night. On his way back to the Half Way Tree Police Station, he convinced his colleagues to do a quick run to his apartment,  which was only ten minutes away. It took him another ten minutes to pack the bag. He was staying with Sudie until the weekend. Then he would host her at his place.

Claude and Sergeant Reynolds were standing before Sudie's gate, still talking. As he came closer, he trained his eyes on Corporal Barracks, who lifted his head and turned to stare at him. Mark was saying something to Claude, but his focus was on Ryan. 

Ryan kept his eyes on him while walking slowly towards them. As he was about to pass, he gave Claude a faint smile, but his eyes said, 'I will destroy you if you come near her again'. Claude looked away quickly, and stared at the ground. 

Ryan ran up the steps and acknowledged the old woman, who was still standing by the door. "Mrs Shaw, good evening."

Mrs Shaw's face cracked into a warm smile. "Good night, Corpie, yuh good?"

Ryan smiled at her, his demeanor relaxing a little. "I'll be fine. Just checking on my girl."

Mrs Shaw gave him a knowing look. "As you should," she said, smiling, but her eyes trailed down the steps to observe both Sergeants Crosby and Reynolds speaking quietly with Claude.

Ryan followed her line of vision then touched her arm. "Everything is fine now, Mrs. Shaw."

She inclined her head. "I know." She walked down the steps carefully then stopped beside the men in the tight group. They paused what they were saying and gave her their attention. 

Mrs Shaw looked up at Claude. "Young man?" she said softly.

Claude's head turned in her direction, but he didn't meet her eyes. 

"You can't force someone to love you, and if you keep doing what you were doing, you will push everyone away who wants to try." She lightly squeezed his arm and walked away. 

"Come, come ladies and gentlemen, let's go back to our business. Mr Thomas, time to go to your bed," Mrs Shaw said cheerily. 

An old man with a snow white goatee rolled his eyes and walked to his door. Other folks who were watching the scene unfold mumbled to themselves, but went about their business.

Mrs Shaw also entered her home and locked her door.

Mark chuckled softly. "Reminds me of my grandma. Her soul rest in peace."

 

He looked up and saw Ryan watching them. He nodded at him. Ryan smiled and took out his phone. Claude heard the latch of the door opening. He lifted his head to see Sudanie smiling at Ryan. He knew he should look away, but he couldn't. Sudanie embraced Ryan, relief clearly showing on her face. He saw Ryan touch her face and step inside the house.  

Claude blinked. He had known Sudz for over twelve years. And now, he had blown the only chance of being with her. Sudanie's gaze landed on him, her eyes cold and resentful. Claude looked away. She closed the door.

Mark cleared his throat. Claude reluctantly stared at him. "Is it true you tried to kiss Constable Walker without her consent?"

"Are you asking me this as a friend or as my superior?" Claude asked, body tense.

"What do you think?" Shane asked, interjecting. "Did you attempt to hold her down to kiss her? That is assault."

"After Constable Walker heard what Corporal Stewart said about a work colleague of ours, Ms Dixon, now Mrs Marx, she was heartbroken. I went over to her house to comfort her." 

Claude took a breath and swallowed. "We kissed at that time, though she was still seeing Stewart. I may have misinterpreted what she wanted between us, but how does that show I assaulted her?"

"Corporal Stewart reported to us that you locked both you and Constable Walker in her bedroom when he came by to see her. And that she did not know the door was locked."

Claude sighed and shook his head. "She was on some heavy meds that the nurse gave her to calm her. It's possible she locked the door and did not remember."

Shane shifted his weight to his right leg. Mark glanced at him. Shane looked back at Mark. Understanding passed between them and Mark nodded.

"So you're saying she was not in her right mind?" Mark asked.

Claude nodded. "Exactly," he said. 

Mark chuckled darkly. "So if that was the case why didn't you unlock the door then? She wasn't in her right mind? Why not do the proper thing for her sake?"

Claude paused. His mouth dropped open then closed. "Well..."

"Well?" Shane asked.

"I wasn't thinking at the time. This is Sudanie. Sudz to me. My friend from high school days. I was the one who encouraged her to join the police force."

Mark nodded. "Yeah, I heard about that."

"So you know, I've always looked out for her. From the time her dad died from prostate cancer until now, and even before her dad passed, I have been her friend."

"You think she owes you something?" Shane asked, eyes narrowing.

Claude swallowed. "No! No, of course not!" He shook his head vehemently.

"What I meant is that I know Sudz..." He saw Shane's disapproval and cleared his throat. "I mean Constable Walker." He scratched the back of his neck. "I know what she wants, what she needs."

"Why do you think that?' Shane asked, crossing his hand over his chest, upper body bent slightly forward. 

Dana clocked that move all the way from the car and knew Shane was getting ready to give a lecture about the rules of conduct. She was itching to get out of the car to confront Claude for herself. Her hand moved to rest on the door handle.

Claude's eyes darted between Shane and Mark. His hand came up to scratch his collar bone. Mark and Shane's eyes met. They knew that was a nervous tell of Claude's.

Shane pressed further. "Well? How do you know? We're listening."

"We've been friends for a long time," Claude said, swallowing.  He was feeling thirsty. "The time really hot, bwoy."

A faint smile curved up Mark's lips. "Mhm, it is." he said. "You were saying?

Claude cleared his throat again. "Yeah, she is my friend. My very best friend. We've been through a lot together."

"Did you support her seeing Corporal Stewart?" Mark asked.

Claude nodded, though his face was grim. "I did. I always try to support her in her decisions. I didn't approve, but I told her it was fine."

Shane chuckled softly. "You told her it was fine? She doesn't need your permission." An eyebrow rose as he rocked back to his left leg. "Or does she?"

"No, I-I mean..." Claude saw the look on Shane's face, and sighed. "No, I didn't like her being with him."

"Why not?" Shane asked. 

With a grunt of frustration, Claude dragged his right hand over his face. "Because... He can't love her like I can."

 

Shane stepped back, hands dropping to his hips. He turned his head to Mark who was watching him. "Did you come here in your personal car?" Shane asked.

"Yes," Claude said, nodding. He was watching Sergeant Crosby very carefully. Something about his behavior was making him nervous.

"Where?" 

Claude pointed to it, a few meters down the road from where the squad car was parked.

"Let's go," Shane said.

Claude gawked at him, feeling confused. A cold sliver of fear was creeping into his chest.

"Sergeant Crosby, I--"

Shane smiled at him, but his eyes were dark, stormy looking. "We're just escorting you home, Claude. You're done here for the night."

Claude looked at Sergeant Reynolds, but he was also staring at Shane.

"Sergeant Reynolds?" he said, a slight quiver in his voice.

Sergeant Reynolds turned his head to face him. "Time to go home, Corporal Barracks."

Shane extended his hand out in the gesture of 'after you'. "Lead the way, Corporal. Sergeant Reynolds and Constable Campbell will follow in the squad car while I ride with you."

Claude's eyes tore open. "It's not nec—"

"Corporal Barracks!" Shane roared. He was losing his patience.

Claude snapped into action, walking briskly to his vehicle. Shane followed him, his own pace catching up to Barracks. Fingers fumbling with the car fob, Claude managed to unlock his car and open the passenger side for Shane, who sat down and swung his feet inside.

Mark hurried to the waiting squad car and jumped in to start the engine. 

"We're leaving Corporal Stewart here?" Dana asked, her heart starting to pound.

"Yeah, he was going to sleep over anyway." 

Dana's eyes drifted back to the house as they drove away from it. 

"Where are we going?"

"We're making sure Corporal Barracks doesn't do this again," Mark said, his eyes meeting Dana's through the rearview window.

Dana felt a shiver run down her spine. In the past, she had heard of Shane's temper when he was a young Corporal. She wondered if she was going to see it in action tonight. 

Stay away from her

"I knew someone once, bright mind," Shane said, adjusting the seat back so he could stretch his legs out.

Claude glanced at him, then kept his eyes on the road.

"He and I shared something in common, we love women. Thing is, my friend, Nick, had a reputation as a ladies man."

Claude found himself listening in spite of the tension in the car. He relaxed his shoulders while he drove.

Shane turned his head to look at him. "He told me he met someone, an older woman. Said she made him feel good, it was like she understood him. He told me that she was an orphan like him so she understood what he went through. Now that she was older and established, she said she could help him. She could open doors for him." He paused, letting that sink in.

Claude gave him a quick glance, more perturbed by Shane's silence than him talking. "Why are you telling me this?" he asked.

Shane's eyes squinted into thin slits as he stared at him. "A week from now will be the anniversary of him being murdered, gunned down on his way to work."

Claude's hands gripped the steering wheel. "What does that have to do with me?"

"My friend's name was Corporal Nicholas Holt."

Claude turned his head, his Adam's Apple bobbing.

"I see you've heard about the case," Shane said, smiling ruefully.

Claude forced his eyes to stare at the road. He looked at the rearview window and saw the squad car a few meters behind them.

He blinked and focused on the road. "Yeah, I heard," Claude said, clearing his throat.

"What do you know?" Shane asked, turning to him.

Claude's fingers scratched his collar bone. 

Shane watched and waited. 

"I've heard some stuff, but I don't know the details like you do." He turned his head slightly, not looking at Shane directly.

"He was your best friend?"

Shane nodded.

"That woman filed a complaint against him. Said he came to her house because of a domestic dispute call, but afterwards he didn't stop visiting, pestering her. It was the other way around. He did answer a domestic dispute call, got the husband to leave the premises, he and his partner, and she thanked him. She told him she was grateful. 

Shane released a quiet breath. 

"Somehow she got his number and started calling. At first, he was flattered, but told her no. But then she offered him what he didn't think he could have."

Claude glanced at him. "Wh-What was that?"

"Connections. Networks."

Shane leaned back and closed his eyes. "When he realized that he was making a deal with the devil so to speak, he stopped seeing her. She got angry and filed a complaint saying he sexually assaulted her."

Claude swallowed.

Shane opened his eyes and stared at him. 

"The case against him did not hold up, but rumour has it that it got her husband's attention. Two weeks after he was cleared of the allegations, he was at the bus stop in front of his community, waiting for his crew to pick him up, when a car drove by and gunmen lit him up." 

Shane closed his eyes, a tiny tremor ran through him. "Fifteen bullets."

Cluade flinched. His fingers curled around the wheel.

Shane opened his eyes and Claude could read the anguish in them. 

"Fifteen bullets. To this day I don't know who did it. I wish I had asked more questions. I warned him but maybe... I wished I tried harder." Shane's eyes narrowed. "You've heard how I handled his death?"

"Yes, you ruffled some uptown feathers," Claude said, his heart pounding.

"I never give up, Corporal Barracks. It's almost seven years now and I'm still searching for my friend's killer." He turned to him fully. "Constable Walker has grounds to file against you and you know it."

Claude coughed, then cleared his throat. "I misunderstood. I never meant any harm."

"That's good to hear. I'm glad to hear it. You know why?"

Claude shook his head.

"Because I have all this restless energy towards my friend's case. Even yesterday I was doing some digging pertaining to it. Claude, you don't want me transferring some of that energy towards you and Constable Walker's situation. You don't want me digging into your background. You don't want me looking for anything you may want hidden."

Claude laughed but it sounded more like a whimper. "I have nothing to hide," he said, eyebrows rising, a tentative smile on his face.

"You don't have to, but the appearance of something shady can be just as convincing," Shane said, a cold smile forming on his lips. 

"What are you trying to say?" Claude asked, glancing at Shane, then looking away quickly.

"I know how to dig for skeletons, Claude, and I'm also very good at summoning them. If you continue harassing Constable Walker I will make sure your reputation is murky enough to be called into question. A review here, some questionable information about you there. Then an investigation to strip that confident smirk off your face. You get where I am going?"

"You're threatening me? You can't—"

"And you shouldn't have locked that bedroom door."

Claude slowed down as he got to the bottom of his road. He turned the steering, his hands shaking. Shane reached out to steady the wheel. Claude's mouth dropped open as he stared at his superior's bulging knuckles.

Shane smiled at him. "Be careful now." He moved his hand, placed it in his lap and continued his perusal of his subordinate. Claude could not look at him.

"Are we clear? Do you understand me?" Shane's voice dropped to a deep, dark place.

Claude nodded. "Crystal clear," he said, his voice a croak.

"Stay away from her," Shane said softly, but it was laced with ice.

Claude flinched. "Will do."

Shane nodded. "Good. Not many people see that side I described to you. Trust me, you don't want to see it either."

Claude sped up and stopped at his gate. His shoulders were hunched over as he waited for Shane to leave his vehicle. "I'm home," he said.

Shane grunted.

Within a minute, Sergeant Reynolds pulled up behind them, engine throttling.

A thought crossed Claude's mind, he turned to his Sergeant. "Are you going to encourage her to report what happened?" Real fear showed in his eyes.

"I won't tell her what to do," Shane replied, "but if she does file a complaint I will support her. You were wrong."

Claude stared ahead of him.

Shane patted his shoulder. "I warned you not to push her, but you didn't listen. If you try harder it won't go well for you."

"She's my friend," Claude said aloud.

 

Shane chuckled. "Well, let's hope for your sake she still remembers those twelve years you spoke of fondly." He opened the car door, stepped out and slammed it shut. He leaned in. "Get some sleep, Corporal. Tomorrow is coming." 

"I..."

"Stay away from her."

Claude nodded, swallowing carefully.

Shane walked away.

Moving quickly to the service vehicle, he opened the front passenger door and slid inside. Mark looked over at him. "Think he got the message?" he asked.

Shane smiled. He watched as Claude came out of the car and armed it. Claude lifted his head and saw his colleagues watching him. He turned his head, opened his gate and went inside drawing it in after him.

"Let's go," Shane said. "We'll pick up Constable Campbell's car."

Dane shifted in the back seat. Shane stared at her through the rearview mirror. She looked out the passenger side glass, ignoring his penetrating gaze.

Mark cleared his throat and agreed. He backed away from the sidewalk, the vehicle dipping as the tires rolled off the curb. He pressed on the gas and the vehicle lurched forward, picking up speed. He had a miserable baby mother waiting at home for him.

I want to feel safe

Ryan swooped her up in his arms and carried her to the bedroom where he laid her down then cradled her in his arms. She sighed and turned her face to his chest. Carefully, he stroked her hair. She lifted her head to look at him.

"You okay, baby?" Ryan asked, staring intently into her eyes.

A tear slipped from her eyes. "I was scared," she whispered.

"I know," he said. "I'm here, not going anywhere." He kissed her brow and she lifted her chin. He bent his head forward and met her half way in a tender kiss that had them both breathless. Ryan tightened his arms around her.

"Hmm..." was all he could say.

Sudanie lifted her hand to his chest and pressed gently into it. She felt his rapid heart beat and smiled. 

"Rhy..." she said. The look in her eyes made him swallow hard.

"You want to?" he asked tentatively.

She moved her head up and down, her eyes not leaving his. He kissed her passionately, without inhibitions. His hands came up to cradle her neck, pulling her closer, as close as he could feel her. She broke away from the kiss. her lips parting in a moan that made his body tense with desire.

"Sweet baby, are you sure?" he asked, stroking her face. 

A look passed briefly over her face but he saw it. He kissed her brow. "You're not ready, baby."

She leaned forward and buried her face in his chest, inhaling the woodsy, cirtusy/bergamot concoction of his cologne. She groaned. She rubbed her face on his shirt, her hands going around him to squeeze him close to her.

"Let me feel you, please," she said, her voice catching.

Ryan went still. The brokenness in her voice struck a deep cord. Gently, he pulled her away from him to search her face. "Talk to me, sweetness."

She closed her eyes. "I lied to you," she said quietly.

Ryan moved his right hand down to her hip. "About what?" he asked, his intense gaze on her face.

Sudanie turned onto her back and stared at the ceiling. She wrapped her arms around her torso.

He waited.

"The time I told you about Claude and the kiss."

Ryan turned on his belly, supporting himself with his elbows. "What about it?"

"He kissed my cleavage." Her left hand absently brushed on her chest. 

"Anywhere else?" 

"My neck," she said, closing my eyes.

Ryan moved to sit up. Sudanie reached out and touched his arm. "Please don't be mad at me."

He looked at her face and saw her fear. 

He took a breath and stood to his feet. Walking to the wall opposite the bed he leaned against it.

"Did he touch you anywhere else? Kiss you anywhere else?"

Sudanie looked away from his hard gaze and turned on her side. "You hurt me with what you said about Lissa, or what you didn't say," she muttered. She took a breath. "His hands were on my waist. That is all that happened."

"You've told me everything?"

She nodded. "Yeah, everything."

"Do you want to be with him? I mean he probably scared you tonight, but if you want to—"

"I don't want him," she said abruptly.

A beat. 

"What do you want, Sudie?"

"I want to feel safe." She closed her eyes.

"Do you feel safe with me?"

She turned and looked at him. They stared at each other for almost a minute. She sighed and reached out her hand for him. He came to her and held it. She squeezed his hand. He squeezed back. 

"Yes, I trust you," she said. "I trust you."

His shoulders dropped and an audible breath escaped from him. He sat on the bed.

"I love you," he said.

"I love you," she said, covering her face, her lips curving into a bashful smile. 

Ryan pulled her into a warm hug and kissed her hair. "Is that the first time you've said that to anyone besides your family?"

"Mhm," she said, her smile broadening. He squeezed her tight. 

Pulling her down with him on the bed, he tenderly explored her with his mouth, from her lips tracing down to her cheeks, to her neck and chest. 

Sudanie arched up, her heart racing, eyes closed, lips parting to create the most beautiful sounds he'd ever heard. He groaned. His hands came up to cup and knead her ample bosom.

"Sudie," he whispered.

"Hmm... Rhy, please, let me feel you."

"We can't go all the way, Sue," he said, even as his hand moved down to caress her thighs, his breath warm on her neck. 

"Touch me. Kiss me places I've never felt before."

His hands paused. "What do you want me to do?" His lips were parted, breathing shallow as he took in her flushed beauty.

She placed her index finger on his lips then moved it slowly to brush on her mound. A sneaky smile crept up her lips. Ryan watched her, eyebrows lifting slowly.

"You want me to kiss you there?" he asked with a soft chuckle.

She gave him a lopsided grin. "I know what I said, but I have been thinking about it."

He squeezed her close to him, then released her. "I think I should freshen up first," he said, winking at her. He pressed his hand into her thigh. 

She leaned forward and kissed him. "Okay, my shower is open to you," she answered. She pushed the covers back and climbed out of the bed. He got to look at her firm backside in the boyshorts and bit his bottom lip.

"Let me check to make sure it's presentable," she said.

"What's presentable? From what I'm seeing everything looks good," She whirled around to see him eyeing her curves appreciatively. 

She took up a pillow and threw it at him. Catching it, he sprang up quickly and grabbed her, lifting her in his arms while she laughed and tried to wriggle away from him. 

"Ah! Rhy! Stop!"

"You don't want me to stop, Sudie," he murmured seductively. 

She stopped struggling and he put her down. She turned around and placed her hands on his chest.

"Get out of these work clothes," she said, biting her bottom lip.

"Let me take a shower first."

"Ready to freshen up now?"

He nodded, his gaze softening. 

She took his hand and led him to the bathroom. She flipped on the light switch and his eyes took in the soft pink color of the walls and the towel strewn over the top of the shower curtain. 

Sudanie giggled. "Sorry for being a little messy," she said, as she watched him.

"It's fine." His eyes scanned every corner. He inhaled the scent in the room and almost groaned. 

"You showered just before we came?" he asked, casting his gaze on her.

"Kind of, freshened up. I knew you were coming so I took a quick shower. I did bathe this evening, but I wanted to be fresh for you."

His eyes landed on a small cluster of panties hanging together in a corner of the shower enclosure.

"Cute," he said, chuckling, his voice dipping intimately.

Her eyes followed where he was looking and blushed. She was moving to take them down when he touched her hand and pulled her back.

"I like the way they are. Leave them." His thumb brushed on her knuckles. 

He looked at the room again. "I like this. This is very much how I imagined your bathroom would look."

"What does that mean?" She cocked her head to the left staring up at him.

"I'll tell you after I clean up." 

***

After she had properly fed him with stewed oxtail and brown rice, they washed dishes together. Sudanie told him she could get up early in the morning and get them done, but he insisted, saying he didn't mind helping her.

Now, as they curled up together on the couch, he kissed her forehead and she closed her eyes, her body relaxed on his chest. His arms were around her while his thumb stroked her wrist. 

She snuggled further into him. "I don't think you remember, but the first time you held me you did the same thing: your thumb rubbing on my wrist."

"Mhmm?" 

"Yeah," she said, looking up at him. "When we were waiting for that Midnight guy at the restaurant." 

"I remember." He lowered his head and captured her lips in the faintest kiss. When he pulled away, she placed a hand on his chest and her head on his shoulder.

"You like this?" Ryan asked. 

"Yeah, thank you." She turned her head to his neck and inhaled the fresh scent of soap and cologne.

"My bathroom. Why did you say it was like you imagined?"

Ryan squeezed her to his chest and kissed her hair. "You're organized at work, but outside of it you have this messy but cute aura about you. Your towel is thrown over the shower curtain, but at the same time you have your panties neatly pinned in a corner. You're a walking contradiction."

"What?" she said, hiding her face in his chest. A teasing smile materialized on his lips.

Ryan lifted her away from his chest and kissed her brow. "You're my beautiful contradiction. Mine only."

"I'm flattered, I  think."

Brushing his lips on her forehead, he gave a little laugh. "You should be. I don't just give out compliments to anyone." She slapped his arm and he grinned at her.

His smile stopped her cold. She stared into his eyes and he sobered as he looked back at her.

"I'm glad you're here," she said.

"Me too." His fingers brushed through her hair.

"I should tell you something," he said softly.

She eased back from him. "What?" she asked, brow furrowing.

"I packed my bag for three days, not one." 

Her eyes landed on the black duffle bag in the corner of her living room.

She touched his face. "I don't mind," she said, holding his gaze. "I want you here, but next time run stuff like that by me. Okay?"

He bent his head into her touch. "Okay, promise."

She gave a soft chuckle. "Where do you think you'll sleep tonight?"

He saw her cheeky smile and cupped her face. "Where do you want me to sleep?"

She bit her bottom lip as she stared at him. "I know where I want you to," she said. Then she burst out laughing. He held her close, feeling amused but also perplexed.

"What is it?" he asked.

"I want you with me tonight, in my bed," she said, staring into his eyes, "but I know we shouldn't. My couch is comfortable, you can sleep on it. I'll give you a nice comforter if you want."

He leaned forward and gently pressed his forehead on hers. "I'll sleep wherever makes you comfortable. I'm still waiting for you. No rush."

She released a sigh, then lowered her head. Her hand traveled down to rest on his left thigh. Something flickered in her gaze and Ryan had an idea what she was thinking. 

"I've never seen your legs or your feet," she said.

"I've never seen you brush your teeth," he countered, lips shaping into a charming smile

She giggled as she looked at him. He cupped her face, his thumb lightly brushing on her cheek. The way he was looking at her made her throat go dry, and her heart started to gallop in her chest.

"Do you still want me to kiss places?" he asked, his voice growing soft and husky.

Her eyes widened as it seemed his honey-brown eyes had gone darker. She licked her lips and nodded.

"We're staying on the couch, okay?" he told her. "If we take it to the bedroom I may be tempted to do more..." His voice trailed off as he stared intensely at her. "And I want to do more, Sudie. So much more to you."

He cleared his throat and blinked trying to compose himself. "So we don't..." He took a steadying breath. "Or I don't get carried away, tell me where you want me to kiss and how."

"I-I want you to kiss my lips, my neck and..."

"And?"

"Kiss me there but not naked." Her fingers came up to her mouth.

Ryan smiled at her, his hands moving down to rest on her lap. "So, no skin to skin contact there?"

She shook her head, though she had a shy smile on her lips. "No," she said.

Ryan's mouth twisted slightly as he watched her. "How do you want me to kiss you?" he asked, his voice gaining a hint of grit.

"Yeah, maybe on my panties," she said, chipping a fingernail away with her teeth.

He reached out, took her hand from her face and kissed it. "Are you sure? We don't have to. I know what I said, but I'm not pressuring you."

She closed her eyes and took a breath. When she opened them she didn't look away. "I trust you. Since you told me that you wanted to I've been curious."

"Okay," he said, staring at her. In the pale amber lighting of her living room, she looked even more tempting.

She had changed into a soft, flowy skirt and a t-shirt. He kind of missed the black shorts she wore earlier, but she was no less sexy. He looked at her brown thighs and got a glimpse of that birthmark he couldn't wait to adore.

"Do I get to kiss your birthmark?" he asked.

She tilted her head while she looked at him. "I don't think that is a good idea."

His shoulders went back. "Okay."

"It's... It's very sensitive, that area."

"Okay," he said, lifting his gaze to her face.

She took his hand. "Please, Rhy, just a little. I just want to feel different. Make me forget about what happened tonight."

He leaned back and looked at her, not speaking. Sudanie searched his face, wondering what he was thinking, but his expression was unreadable. When he finally spoke his voice was huskier. "Rules."

She nodded. "Okay?"

"We keep it very brief, no lingering. Hands at your sides at all times. If you touch me I may not be able to control myself."

She nodded, her throat going dry. "Okay," she said.

He smiled at her, his countenance softening. "Come here." He opened his arms to her and she leaned into him with a sigh.

"I love you," she whispered.

Her words and voice stirred something deep within him. His eyes fluttered shut "I love you too," he said.

His hands came up to cradle her head and he lifted it so he could kiss her lips. He stared at her, eyes filled with love, then he inclined his head, eager lips parting to taste her.

Sudanie groaned as she felt something different in the kiss. It wasn't rushed, it wasn't fervent. It was gentle, soft, but filled with all the emotions he was holding at that moment. His hand drifted down to her waist and pulled her even closer. As he intensified the kiss, she shivered in his embrace and curled her fingers in his shirt. 

He moved his head, trailing soft kisses from her right cheek down to her neck and collar bone. Lifting her gently, he scooted down the length of the couch while guiding her further up so he could have access. His hands touched her thighs while his lips continued to adore her neck and collar bone.

"Hmm..." he groaned.

Sudanie gasped as his lips brushed on her ear.

"Lay down," he said, his breathing a bit rushed.

Sudanie lay back and he looked at her from head to toe.

Her eyes drooped as pleasurable sensations flooded her body, her chest rose and fell faster, making the curves of her breasts even more tempting. Her parted lips were slightly swollen and rosy in color. She was gorgeous.

"You're beautiful," he said.

Bending forward, he kissed her chest and smiled against her skin when he felt her shiver.

Just a taste

Sinking himself down among the comfortable cushions, he angled his shoulders between her shapely thighs and bunched up her skirt. His eyes darkened the longer he stared at her.

His fingers traced along her inner thighs, slow, deliberate. Sudanie's reply was a soft sigh and hands that caressed his shoulders.

"Sudie, please," he mumbled. "Your hands, no."

"I-I'm sorry," she said, drawing her hands back to her sides.

"Rhy, I love you."

"I love you too, sweet baby," he replied gruffly.

He inched her T-shirt up just a little and kissed her belly. He got a whiff of lavender scent and something else.

"Mmh, baby, you smell so good," he murmured against her. His lips moved down in a gentle, unrushed way, and a whimper drifted to his ears. His mouth stayed there, at the warm curve of her hip, close to her groin. He breathed her in.

"Hmmm..." The sound rumbled from his chest.

Sudanie's breathing accelerated, eyes widening. The low sound made her body tense. She sat up abruptly, her hands curled into fists.

Ryan stopped and looked up.

"You okay, baby?"

"Am... Am I okay? You made a sound, I was wondering..."

"You're perfect, baby. You smell really good. You smell sexy. That's why." He placed a hand on her belly. "Did I scare you?" The warmth of his skin sent little thrills up her spine. She bit her bottom lip and lay back.

"No," she said, shaking her head, "just surprised." 

"You want me to continue?"

"Yes, please." She closed her eyes, her breathing still shallow.

"You trust me?"

She opened her eyes and looked at him. An affectionate smile was on his lips, but his eyes were guarded. She reached out her hands to him. He came up to her and she cupped his face. 

"Yes, Rhy, I trust you. No one else has ever done this to me. I've never let any other man touch me like this. I trust you."

Ryan blew a tender kiss at her. "I love you. I only want you to feel safe with me."

She nodded. "I do."

He released a pent up breath and nodded, his shoulders relaxing. "Okay," he said.

He moved between her thighs again, and she opened up for him. He sighed then sank down to kiss her belly in a line of soft, endearing kisses that had her arching up to him, her breath hitching. He lifted her skirt higher and took a breath.

"I won't go all the way," he whispered to himself.

His gaze lingered on the delicate fabric of her underwear. He was aware that he was getting aroused, but he pushed the thought aside and focused on her. His attention heightened as he adored her with delicate kisses and listened to what her body wanted. His lips grazed on the inner curve of her thigh, but he was careful not to kiss her birthmark. A breath escaped her mouth and she uttered a broken moan.

"Hmm... Rhy."

"You okay, sweetness?" His voice was soft but gruff.

"Yes, hmm..."

His mouth went lower and paused, hovering over her. "You sure?"

She looked at him and bobbed her head slowly in confirmation.

Ryan's lips pressed intimately against the fabric of her underwear. His kisses deepened, slow and passionate, lingering gently against warm skin. He closed his eyes savoring the feeling growing in his chest. He listened to the delicate sounds she was making and felt his loins tighten, but ignored it. It was about her and what she needed.

"Do you like how I kiss you here? How I kiss it for you?" he asked tenderly.

Her fingers lightly danced over his head as she moved to get closer to him. She remembered he said no touching but she couldn't help it. 

"Mhmm, yes..." 

He bent his head.

Her eyes fluttered shut, heart racing. She licked her lips, savoring every intimate contact and wishing they could go further. She bit her bottom lip, almost blurting out what was on her mind.

She moaned softly, her breathing uneven, her skin flushed and her body humming with desire. Never had she felt anything like this. Her loins ached deeply for him, but she wouldn't say. She opened her eyes and stared down at him. He was watching her with a question in his eyes. She smiled at him, and a faint smile formed on his lips.

Ryan let his beard graze against her skin, just enough to make her shiver, and paused.  

"I won't go further than what you want, baby, okay? I'm just doing this because you asked me to. I only want you to be happy." Ryan's heart sped up while he watched her, desire sharpening inside him. 

"Rhy, please, just a little more, please." 

"How far do you want us to go?" His voice dipped low and intimate.

"Not too far. Just a little more." 

Ryan bent his head and planted soft, insistent kisses on the thin fabric, pressing his lips gently into it. Sudanie arched up, biting her bottom lip.

"Rhy... mmh."

"Hmm...." He made a low sound in his throat that made something tighten in her chest. She lifted her legs, wrapping herself around him.

Ryan groaned. "You feel so good, baby. You have no idea what you're doing to me."

"Rhy..."

"Just a little taste, sweetness, that's all I need."

When he slipped the fabric aside to reveal just enough — a hint of her — she suddenly felt exposed. "Is it okay? I mean..."

It wasn't nearly enough of what he wanted to see, but his eyes couldn't look away at the smoothness of her skin. He lifted his gaze to hers and what she saw there made her heart race — his jaw clenched, eyes soft and locked on her.

"You’re more than okay, sweet baby," he murmured. "I wish I could show you how perfect you are." His eyes drifted down again, his thumb brushed on her and she shivered. "I wish I could see all of you."

Bending forward, he closed his eyes and teased her: pulling gently and pressing his lips on the sensitive skin. Sudanie arched up, a shuddering gasp escaping her lips.

"More," she said breathlessly.

He shifted his weight, leaning on his left arm, his right hand came up to cup her gently.

"There are so many things I want to do to you, sweet baby. Things I dream about, but tonight is not that night."

Sudanie lifted her head to stare at him. "I-I didn't know it would feel like this."

"What?" He smiled and one corner of his mouth curved higher.

She bit her bottom lip. "You down there. I didn't know it would feel this good."

Ryan chuckled softly. He bent his head and kissed her again and again through her panties. The dampness of her caused a growl to escape from him, and she whimpered, her thighs tightening around him.

"Ohh... Rhy." Her hands came down to caress his head. "Mhh, baby..." 

Her body was lost in a wave of pleasure that made her crave more. Her parted lips felt parched but she didn't care. She wanted him to go further. She wanted to feel his lips on her, not on her underwear, on her. Her hands pressed him closer.

Ryan knew he was trembling. He was trying hard to hold on to himself, to not let go. Her hands were in his hair: rubbing, caressing. He couldn't get enough of her touch. And now, if he didn't stop, he would lose control. He inhaled deeply, his breath catching in his throat.  

She smells so good. So intoxicating. I need to stop. 

His right hand dug into the cushions, squeezing tightly. He was so close. Close enough to have everything he'd only fantasized about, and that was why he had to stop. He groaned.

Sudanie released a ragged breath. The sound almost broke him, but he remembered the promise he made to himself five minutes earlier. He pushed back on the couch and sat up, stretching his legs out in front of him, feet flexing. Reminding himself that it was about what she wanted, he took a deep breath and released it very slowly.

She exhaled a strained breath.

"No more, baby."

"Hmph-hhh." Her hand covered her face.

"I'm sorry. I promise to make it up to you."

She moved her hand to look at him, eyes squinting. He winked at her and licked his lips. "Promise," he said.

Sudanie shook her head, but a tentative smile curved her mouth.

"Pretty baby."

She rolled her eyes and giggled softly.

"Come here," he said, reaching for her. Sudanie tugged her skirt down, reluctant to cover up, and scooted closer. Ryan circled his arms around her and kissed her brow.

"I'll taste your sweet cherry very soon, promise," he said, his voice husky, gravelly. "But tonight I just want you to feel safe with me."

"You make me feel safe," she replied, her face pressed into his chest.

"Good. That's all I need right now." He squeezed her to him and closed his eyes.

Surrender

They spoke no words as they stepped out of Dana's car and she armed the vehicle. She walked to the door of her house, turned the key in the lock and pushed it open. She stepped inside and flipped the light switch on. The LED bulb flickered but stayed on. Hearing the heavy footsteps behind her, she turned her head to right, her senses becoming aware of him before he walked fully into the room. 

Shane dropped his work bag by the door. A muffled sound escaped from his lips, and she bit her lip. She was feeling guilty about not waiting for him as he asked, but at the time she didn't see it as a command. It was more like a request. She placed the car keys on the coffee table, but avoided looking at him. That didn't help her though, spatially she could feel him. She could tell where he was. He was sitting on the dark grey loveseat, not the black couch.

Lately something new was happening to her. It was as if she could feel him, sense his moods before he spoke. Recently, while they were being intimate the way they usually were, he asked her if he could rub himself on her. She eagerly said yes. 

But in the moment, he went further than she expected. He didn't just tease her, but he didn't go all the way in. He stopped when she asked him to stop, but since then she felt different. 

In body and mind, she was more in tuned to him. She couldn't define what she felt as a sexual craving. It wasn't that. It was like he had claimed her, like he had put a mark on her that she couldn't fathom. He hadn't asked her to do it again since then, and she was confused about that too.

She dropped her work bag on the coffee table and walked into her kitchen. She looked at her watch. 10:30. It was too late to eat anything heavy but they were both hungry.

Footsteps came closer. Shane cleared his throat. She steeled herself to look up at him. His eyes no longer held the look of disappointment or anger from before. They seemed dark and placid like swamp water.

She tried a smile, hoping he would smile back but he didn't. Her heart sank.

"I'm going to take a shower," he said, his tone flat.

She nodded. "Sure," she said, "you know where everything is."

Shane grunted his answer and moved from the doorway down the hall. She heard the bathroom door open and close.

Forty minutes later, she had grilled cheese sandwiches in square plates and two bowls with hot chicken broth ready for them to devour. She was feeling really bad about what happened. She had never seen Shane this angry. 

Taking in an unsteady breath, she decided to apologize to him before he said anything. The silence was killing her. He hadn't said anything to her since Mark drove them back to get her car. Her heart was breaking.She couldn't take anymore. Biting her lower lip, she walked down the hall to the bathroom. She paused for just a few seconds thinking of what she was going to say to him. 

***

He stepped out of the shower, wrapping a fluffy blue towel snugly around his hips. He felt like air drying. He was dripping all over Dana's bathroom floor, but at the moment he didn't give a damn. Maybe she wasn't in any danger from Claude, and yes, he knew she could take care of herself, but he told her to stay. He told her to wait on him.

He sucked his teeth and groaned. She was a handful, not like Lissa who was a fire cracker in her own way, but more careful. No. Dana was the kind of person who would jump into danger because someone needed her. 

A lopsided smile edged up his lips. 'Seems I have a type,' he mused.

He walked over to the mirror and looked at himself. He had gained twelve pounds of pure muscle. He was proud of himself and he could tell that Dana was very pleased with the changes. His ideal weight was 240 pounds. That's what he wanted to regain. He was now at 225. 

Shane smiled briefly as he admired the hard work he had put in, but his eyes were still lifeless. He just needed to be more intentional with his meal plan and his goals in the gym. He would get there.

He left a spare toothbrush at her place. He picked it up and squeezed some toothpaste on it. He rinsed out his mouth and started brushing. As he looked at himself in the mirror, he remembered the conversation he had with Corporal Barracks. His arm muscles tensed. He flexed his arms and shoulders trying to relax. Moving his head from side to side, up and down, he closed his eyes and exhaled. He couldn't ignore her for the whole night.

I need to talk to her. 

He opened his eyes, looked at himself and spat out the toothpaste. Rinsing out his mouth, he stared at his reflection. He needed a trim and shave, just to line up a little. His eyes stared back at him. They looked tired. He bent forward, fixated on them. For several minutes he just stared. They looked empty. He was drained, tired and hungry. He didn't expect himself to look lively or happy. He put the toothbrush back in its place.

His mind wandered and he thought of someone daring to hurt Dana. His eyes flickered and he paid attention. Passion smoldered in their depths and something else. Something that bordered on rage. He closed his eyes. He heard the slightest sound behind him. He looked up and turned around to see Dana standing behind him, her brow furrowed, fingers curling on the door handle. 

Slowly, she walked into the room and shut the door behind her. Ordinarily, seeing him in just that blue towel would have made her feral for him, but it wasn't that mood or moment.

Threading her fingers together, Dana stared at him. She opened her mouth, licked her lips and tried to gather her thoughts.

Shane's shoulders dropped while he stared at her. He loved her, but he needed to be firm with her. She needed to understand the risk she took going off without him.

"I'm sorry," she said. "Sudie is not just my work colleague. She's also my best friend." She took a breath. "When you, Reynolds and Stewart locked away to talk, I had a feeling it was about her. I should have waited like you asked. You're my lover, but you're also my squad leader. I should have respected that balance."

His hands clenched at his sides. "The thought of someone hurting you, and I wasn't there to stop them would kill me," he said quietly.

"Shane—"

"No," he said, "let me get this off my chest."

She went quiet.

"We know Claude, maybe he wouldn't have done anything to you, but think of it as any regular situation when we are called to serve and protect. Dana, you know the rules. You don't go running off without back up. Also, you didn't know the full situation. Claude has been exhibiting possessive behavior towards Sudie. He held her down and tried to kiss her today after he took her home."

Dana's right hand squeezed the door handle. Her stomach began to churn with disgust and her legs felt weak. Her left hand came up to her chest as she tried to breathe. 

Shane noted her reaction, but gave no comfort. However, he moved closer to her. 

"I need to call her," she said.

"You can, but Ryan is there now. Wait until morning."

"Why would I wait until then?" Her arms folded across her chest.

Shane's eyebrow arched upwards. "He's sleeping over, Dana. What do you think could happen?"

Dana lifted her chin.

Shane stared at her.

She cleared her throat and looked away. "I will talk to her tomorrow."

Shane nodded. His right hand gestured between them. "Good. We have unfinished business to discuss."

Dana gave an exasperated sigh. "It wasn't really a command. It was more like a request. You kissed me. It was the end of our shift, we were about to go home."

"Do you trust me?"

She looked at him, feeling hurt. "Of course I trust you."

"Your actions don't show it," he said. "Do you even respect me anymore? When I was just your Sergeant you wouldn't dare do something like this." 

His piercing gaze made her heart rate spike. Her hands dropped to her sides.

"What if he had become unhinged? A crazy person? Ryan put Sudie on speaker. I heard her on the phone saying that Claude was beating down the door, trying to get into her house. 

"What if he had turned that anger on you? What do you expect me to do if he had hurt you? Hmm, Dana? If he had turned on you, what do you think I would have done?"

Dana's averted her gaze. She couldn't stand the way he was looking at her. 

"Once, I told Lissa that I would kill for her if anyone hurt her." He reached out and lifted her chin. What Dana saw made her flinch, her body started to shake. "I would kill for you, Dana. I would hurt anyone who hurt you."

"Shane, baby, please, don't say that." She tried to look away.

Pressing his thumb into her chin, he held her head in place. "Look at me."

She squeezed her eyes shut, a tear trickling down her cheek. 

"Dana, I need you to understand that when I give you a command, or if I ask you to do something, especially when it comes to your safety, it's important that you listen to me."

She was trembling, but he was still angry.

"Look at me," he said, his tone unyielding. 

Her eyes flew open, pupils blown wide. 

"I love you. If I lose you I don't know what I would do."

A soft sound like a sob came from her. "I'm sorry." 

He looked into her eyes and saw that she regretted what she did. He relaxed and released her chin. She stepped back, her body sagging against the wall. Shane passed his hand over this face, then scratched his head.

"The last time we, you know, were intimate. I asked you to let me feel you a little." He rubbed his stubbly beard as he continued to speak. "Something happened. I only thought I could experience the bond with Lissa. You and I didn't even do it fully."

"Explain?" Dana asked, her heart pounding.

"After Lissa and I made love I could tell when she needed me, when she was in danger. I can't feel that now. That bond was broken the day she slept with Ryan. The night I... the night I penetrated you a little. It didn't feel weird or strange. It was beautiful. I wanted more."

His eyes lingered on her face, then drifted over her curves. She was still in uniform. It didn't matter. Whatever she wore made his heart race, more so after that night.

"Since then I think of you constantly. Sometimes it takes mental effort not to think about you."

Dana shook her head. "I don't understand," she said.

"I think we've bonded, but with you it's different. I can tell when your mood shifts. I can feel when you're about to do something. When I was in the Armoury you ran across my mind and I couldn't shake the feeling that you were up to something." 

He shook his head as he stared at her. "Now I know what it was." His hands curled tightly.

"A bond?"

"Mhm, yes. That's how I knew Lissa cheated."

Her brow creased as she listened. She didn't understand such things, but what else could explain how she felt around him?

"I am different now too," she said, still trembling. 

Recognition flickered across his face. He took her hands and kissed them. "How?"

"I can feel you."

Shane's left eyebrow lifted slightly, and a tiny smile formed on his lips.

Dana was relieved. She smiled back at him. "What I mean is, I am aware of you. Like, I know when you enter a room. I can tell when you're nearby, and it's like you're in me. I feel you all over. I don't know how to explain it."

He pulled her to him, his hands cupped her face as his gaze softened. "You promise to listen to me from now on?"

She nodded. "I promise. I'm sorry."

"Good. I don't want to have to burn the world down for you." A sexy smile quirked up his lips. Dana searched his face, realized he was half teasing and chuckled softly.

"I would do the same for you," she said.

"I know."

He brushed his fingers on her cheek and took a breath. "About what you said." He exhaled. "What you said about feeling me near." 

He kissed her brow. Dana sighed and the tension between them melted away. He gave her a genuine smile filled with affection. "There's something you should know about me, about my family."

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