Page 26

SITTING OUTSIDE HIS childhood home’s dim, familiar silhouette, Casper slid the Jeep into Park. He gazed at the darkened windows, each a reminder of years past, and contemplated how to broach the sensitive topic that weighed heavily on his heart—the conversation he desperately needed to have with his brother. The house loomed before him, silent and empty, amplifying his unease.

Realizing the gravity of his accusation—that his brother was involved in a plot to have ADA Nettie Broussard killed—he felt a heavy weight settle in his chest. When he uttered those words, he knew he would sever any semblance of familial love he shared with his brother and mother. She would rally around Aaron, unwavering in her support of his brother, regardless of how compelling the circumstantial evidence might seem. And therein lay the crux of his dilemma: they had no tangible proof, only a troubling coincidence that gnawed at his instincts.

What if he was mistaken? A part of him desperately wanted to be wrong, yet another part echoed a disquieting suspicion that his instincts were leading him to a sinister truth. His brother’s sudden urgency for bail raised alarm bells in his mind. It was unlikely he would have secured that freedom with Nettie serving as the prosecutor, a fierce adversary known for her relentless pursuit of justice. It made him question the peculiar accident involving ADA Baker. Was it a coincidence, or was something darker at play? The uncertainty wrapped around him like a thick, suffocating fog as he delved deeper into a web of intrigue and mistrust.

He resolved to gather his belongings, fully aware that he would no longer be welcomed back home after their heated discussion. As he climbed out of the Jeep, he felt his foot catch on an unseen object beneath him, and he nearly twisted his ankle. Steadying himself, he crouched down to investigate and discovered a bullet glinting in the waning light—likely dropped in haste. A wave of unease washed over him. Was Aaron now taking justice into his own hands? He had previously outsourced his dirty work, hiring others for the first two shootings, but now the thought of Aaron personally eliminating the first shooter sent a chill down his spine.

He leaped back into his Jeep, leaving his belongings behind in a whirlwind of urgency. They were just material possessions, easily replaceable. Panic coursed through him. He had to reach Nettie. His instincts screamed that she was in peril, and every fiber of his being echoed with the fear of what might be happening to her.

Casper gripped the steering wheel of his vehicle tightly as he directed his Bluetooth phone to call Doc. A wave of anxiety washed over him—was Nettie still at work? Outside, the deputies conducted thorough checks, ensuring no one could sneak in a weapon. That meant Aaron was stuck without a way to launch his attack. But did he even know where the safe house was? It loomed in Casper’s mind—where Nettie would be kept tonight and every night until Casper deemed it safe to let her go.

The phone crackled to life. “What’s up?” Doc asked quietly, as though the moment’s weight demanded silence.

“Where are you?” Casper replied, urgency creeping into his tone. He turned slightly too sharply, his Jeep tires protesting with a high-pitched squeal. He forced himself to ease up on the accelerator, reminding himself that reckless driving could lead to an accident. The men were with Nettie. She was safe for now, but the lingering threat gnawed at him.

“In court,” Doc responded. “She’s finishing up now. Then we’ll head back to her office before we go to the safe house.” His voice’s mix of relief and worry mirrored Casper’s tumultuous thoughts.

“Get her out of there as soon as you can,” Casper insisted, sharp and urgent while he tapped his fingers on the steering wheel, impatiently watching the red light flicker.

“Problem?” Doc inquired.

Was there a problem? Absolutely. The weight of the situation pressed heavily on Casper’s chest, a sense of dread curling in his stomach as he imagined what might be happening. His brother, consumed by desperation and fear of impending imprisonment for his crimes, was plotting to murder Nettie, believing that eliminating her would be his only escape from the clutches of the law.

“Yes. No. I can’t shake this feeling.”

“We’re all too familiar with your instincts. We’ll get her to the safe house as soon as she wraps up her paperwork after court,” Doc replied, before abruptly ending the call.

As the sun dipped lower in the sky, casting long shadows across the pavement, Casper took a sharp U-turn, steering his vehicle back toward the safe house. He was eager to coordinate with the rest of the team, ensuring Pup and Nemo were fully prepared for their impending shift on the protection detail. The weight of the situation pressed heavily on him. Safeguarding their charge was paramount, and he intended to be ready when the time came.

****

Nettie felt a shock wash over her as she witnessed the abrupt shift in Doc’s demeanor following the court proceedings. His urgent tone and swift movements left her no time to process what was happening. He hurried her to gather her files, practically ushering her away despite her boss’s protests echoing behind them. With a determined gait, Doc dismissed the District Attorney with a wave, as if their words held no weight, before leading her toward the waiting SUV.

As they drove toward the safe house, Nettie’s mind was a whirlwind of thoughts. She couldn’t shake the nagging guilt that being at the center of this chaotic situation was causing so much trouble for the agents tasked with her protection. The thought that their lives were being upended because of her made her stomach churn.

Yet, there was a flicker of hope on the horizon. Earlier that day, she had spoken with David. Though he had been injured, he revealed he had lost control of the car just before crashing into the tree. The veiled mention of any other vehicles or obstacles remained unspoken, leaving her to question what lay beneath the surface of his words. They sped toward an uncertain refuge, the gravity of the situation heavy on her heart.

As they drew nearer to the house, her gaze fell on the unmistakable silhouette of the Jeep parked in the driveway. A jolt of unexpected warmth fluttered in her chest, a sensation she wished she could suppress. Casper had always held a certain allure for her, but she knew it was merely physical attraction—a spark that had ignited within her but never fully blazed to life. She had experienced similar feelings for other men in the past, yet she had managed to keep those impulses at bay, and she could do so again. Now that he was no longer her adversary, she felt a strange mix of desire and resolve, ready to maintain her composure in the face of her unpredictable emotions.

Disappointment washed over her as she wandered through the common areas of the house, her eyes scanning for any sign of Casper. The absence of his familiar presence left a pang in her chest. She assumed he must be out inspecting the yard and the sprawling woods beyond. With a heavy sigh, she made her way up the staircase to the bedroom that had been assigned to her.

As she pushed the door open, her breath caught in her throat. A strong pair of arms instantly seized her, pulled her into a warm embrace, and captured by a sudden, passionate kiss. At first, she instinctively struggled against the unexpected intrusion, but the moment she recognized Casper’s scent and familiarity, her resolve melted away. Her lips began to respond to his urgency, and she felt herself surrendering to the moment.

The weight of her purse and briefcase slipped from her fingers as she wrapped her arms around him, drawing him closer. All rational thoughts of inhibitions faded into the background, so much for avoiding her growing desire. But, amidst the whirlwind of emotions, she told herself it was just a kiss—a moment she could contain. Just one kiss.

As Nettie stretched on her toes, she leaned closer to Casper, her heart racing in anticipation. Suddenly, he broke the kiss, pulling away just enough to lean his forehead against hers. The warmth of their skin and the rhythm of their heavy breaths filled the room, creating an intimate cocoon around them.

“I’m sorry,” he murmured, the tone of regret lacing his voice like a bittersweet melody.

But Nettie didn’t want to hear his apologies. They meant nothing in the whirlwind of emotions swirling inside her. All she craved was the taste of him, the connection they shared. With a determined spark in her eyes, she lifted her chin, bridging the gap between them once more. Their lips met again, igniting a flame of passion as she kissed him deeply. Their tongues intertwined in a sensual dance of desire that left them both breathless.

With his towering six-foot-two frame, Casper leaned down to meet Nettie, who stood a diminutive five-foot-one tall. He broke their passionate kiss and said, “Nettie, we need to stop, or we’ll do something we both regret.”

Nettie, fully aware of the truth in his words, decided to throw caution to the wind. Ignoring the warning, she kissed him once more, her resolve clear: she didn’t care if their lovemaking led to feelings of regret. The heat of the moment consumed her.

When Casper finally broke the kiss, a wave of confusion washed over Nettie, and she braced herself for rejection. She had never experienced the sting of a man telling her no, and the thought left her unsettled. Despite her twenty-five years of life, her romantic encounters had been limited to just a handful of men, none of whom had Casper’s maturity or presence. The age difference loomed large in her mind, casting a shadow of uncertainty.

But just when she thought he would pull away entirely, he surprised her most delightfully. With a gentle but firm grip, he lifted her effortlessly, cradling her against him as he carried her toward the grand King-sized bed that dominated the center of the room. As he lowered her onto the plush mattress, he did so with the utmost care, as if she were a delicate porcelain doll, ensuring she was perfectly situated and safe before stepping back to admire the moment.

“Are you absolutely certain, Nettie?” Casper inquired. He scanned her from head to toe, his gaze lingering on each curve and detail before locking onto her eyes. The intensity of his stare was palpable, brimming with an unmistakable desire that sent a shiver down her spine.

With a deep swallow that felt almost like a weight in her throat, Nettie nodded firmly, determination flickering in her eyes. After gathering her thoughts, she finally found her voice steady and clear. “Yes, I’m sure.”

Casper swiftly shed his shirt, revealing a well-defined physique that delighted her heart. The muscles in his arms and chest were sculpted, hinting at the hours he must spend keeping himself in peak condition for his demanding job. With a casual grace, he settled onto the edge of the bed, methodically removing his boots and socks. A warm smile spread across his face as he glanced over his shoulder at her, inviting her into the moment.

After shedding the last remnants of his clothing, Casper eased himself onto the bed next to her, the tension in the air thickening with unspoken desire. “I don’t think I’ve ever been more certain in my life,” he murmured, his tone husky with longing as he captured her lips in a kiss that felt as if it could ignite the world around them.

Nettie threaded her fingers through his short hair, feeling the warmth of his skin and the solid strength of his shoulders beneath her touch. As her fingers grazed over his broad back, she noticed a rough scar that told tales of battles fought—stories she would need to explore later. But at this moment, all that mattered was the explosive chemistry that had simmered between them, a heat they had both stifled while locked in their roles as adversaries. Perhaps their fierce animosity fueled the flames now roaring to life, urging them to abandon all caution and embrace the passion that surged between them.

A wave of warmth enveloped them as their lips met softly, and Casper took his time undressing Nettie. He caressed the fabric of her blouse, gently pulling it down her shoulders. “God, you’re beautiful,” he murmured. He traced the outline of her figure with his eyes.

She entwined her fingers around his neck, drawing his lips tantalizingly close to hers. Just before sealing their connection again, she murmured, “Don’t use the Lord’s name in vain.”