Page 63 of Midnight’s Captive (Stroke of Midnight #2)

Taryn arched her neck, giving Ash access to the sensitive spot behind her ear. She sat on his lap in her chair in her office. “This is way better than spreadsheets,” she said breathlessly.

Ash’s laughter rumbled through her. “That’s a pretty low bar.”

“True.” She wiggled closer. “Work harder.”

His lips captured hers and his hand slid under her shirt, caressing her stomach. She dug her fingers into his hair, deepening their kiss. Office sex had become one of her favorite things.

A cough sounded in the background. “Um, boss. We need you out there. There’s a... There’s a problem?”

Taryn broke the kiss with a groan. “Dani, this is why I promoted you. So you could handle problems for me.”

It had been a long week since she’d rescued Ash from Portia Tremaine. For Taryn, the sadness of Rhonda’s passing from Vyne-inflicted injuries had been tempered by Ash’s presence. Having a man live with her—live with all of them—had been an adjustment. There were still kinks to work out, but all in all, it had been a positive change.

Ash swiveled the chair so they both faced the door. Dani definitely looked concerned.

“What’s wrong?” she asked, slipping into the Jack role.

Dani’s mouth opened and closed like a fish. Finally, she said, “You need to see it. Both of you.”

Taryn exchanged a concerned look with Ash. “The Jack’s work is never done,” he said wryly.

“Fine. But you better not be messing with me, Dani.” Taryn stood. “We’ll be right behind you.”

Dani closed the door with a nod. “Good. And hurry.”

Ash stood and she watched hungrily as he adjusted himself. “She better have a good reason for interrupting us,” she said. “I had plans for you.”

A wicked grin crossed his face. “Hold that thought. We can pick this up later.”

They were at the bar a minute later. “Okay, what’s the problem?”

Dani looked at her then pointed toward a table tucked into the corner.

Taryn’s gaze panned over the table. What was the— She looked at the table again, recognizing the woman.

“I think it’s Portia Tremaine,” Dani whispered.

Ohmygod. What was she doing here? And why was she dressed like that? Taryn shared a look with Ash before they moved as one toward the shadowed corner.

“What a surprise,” Taryn said when she reached the table. She didn’t say Portia’s name. “I never expected to see you here.”

“I was told the bar had good drinks. A dozen beers on tap, more by the bottle, and a decent selection of booze and wine?”

Hearing her words parroted back at her, Taryn smiled. “You heard right. What can I get you?”

Panic crossed Portia’s face. “Surprise me,” she said finally.

“Get her the house special,” Ash said. It was the first time he’d spoken since Dani had pointed Portia out.

“Sure, one house special coming up. Will you be okay here?” Taryn asked him quietly.

“I’ll be fine,” he said.

Taryn walked back to the bar and quickly mixed up three of the drinks. When she returned, Ash was sitting at the table with Portia.

Taryn studied the two of them as she approached. Portia’s signature fair hair was pulled into a severe braid that she’d tucked under her shirt. Her cargo pants had so many pockets they would have done a street rat proud. They were worn, too. Worn enough that even if her outfit had started life as designer clothes, there was no way to tell now.

Despite the camouflage, Taryn never forgot how dangerous the other woman was.

“Flashin’ Jacks all around.” Taryn set the drinks on the table and grabbed an open seat. “Welcome to Razor Jack’s.” She raised her glass. The others echoed the toast and clinked glasses.

Portia looked at the bright yellow drink and took a tiny sip. Then she looked around the bar. “Tommy and I used to come to a place like this. Not here. Never in Seattle.” She stared into the distance while she spoke. “We were both too recognizable around the city. We’d dress down, take an inconspicuous car, and drive for hours just to get a beer.”

Taryn reached over to squeeze Ash’s hand. He looked as pensive as Portia and she knew it was the mention of the other woman’s husband. “That sounds like fun,” she said to fill the growing silence.

Portia looked up. When she caught Ash staring at her, she smiled. “What, you think I don’t know how to have fun?”

Ash opened and closed his mouth a few times before words came out. “Well, yeah. No one thinks you know how to have fun,” he blurted.

She frowned. “Because I’m the Ice Queen?”

Ash nodded. “That’s one reason.”

Taryn coughed to cover up her laugh.

“So, what can we do for you?” Taryn asked. “Are you here about a job for Ash? Should I expect a pack of newsies to follow you in?”

“No job. No newsies. I just came to get a drink.” Portia took another sip of her drink. “Do you know how long it’s been since I’ve been out in a bar just for a drink?”

“How long?” Taryn watched the other woman.

“More than a year. The last time Tommy suggested we slip out of town, I put him off. Said I was too busy.” Portia raised her glass to her lips, hiding her expression. That didn’t hide the tears that welled in her eyes.

Until Ash, Taryn hadn’t fully understood the impact of something like the attack that had killed Portia’s husband. Intellectually, sure. Emotionally? Not even close.

Ash had only been in her life a few weeks, but Taryn would be devastated if she lost him. She’d survive—it would suck, but she’d get through it with work and friends like Dani—but it would leave an empty space in her heart.

She couldn’t imagine what it must be like for Portia.

“We’ll leave you alone,” she said quietly.

“Thank you.” Portia’s sharp tone was back. Good. Drinking and grieving didn’t mix well. Taryn would keep an eye on her, though, just in case.

Rising from the table, Taryn said, “Let Dani know if you need anything. She can always find me.”

“I’m sure I’ll be fine,” Portia said.

“I’m sure you will,” Taryn said quietly. “But we’re here if you need us.”

As they made their way back to the bar, Ash asked, “Why do you think she came here?”

“Here? It’s a safe place. You and Hope have proven that. And no one would think to look for her here.” Taryn glanced over her shoulder. “I feel bad for her.”

When they reached the shadows near the bar, Ash pulled her to his side. “Why?”

She leaned forward and pressed her lips against his frowning mouth.

“Portia Tremaine is not a woman who loves easily. Neither am I.” Taryn raised her other hand to the back of his neck. “Losing you would devastate me.”

He growled a protest. His arms wrapped around her and pulled her closer.

Taryn leaned back to look him in the eye. “It would destroy me. I’d go on. I’d have to because people depend on me. Just like people depend on her. I’d carry on, because that’s what I do, but I’d be broken inside. And I’d want someplace I could lick my wounds in private.” She kissed him again. “I think that’s what Portia’s looking for. And why she’ll be welcome here unless she tries to harm me and mine.”

Ash cupped her face. Tears shone in his eyes. “I...” He shook his head. “I love you. I don’t know what else to say. I love you and I never want to leave you.”

What on earth had driven her to visit a bar? Any bar, let alone this one?

Portia was already regretting her decision.

Almost.

No one had recognized her. Except the bartender and she’d gone to fetch the Jack and Ash. Portia didn’t blame her. She’d want someone to tell her when an enemy entered her territory.

But the Jack didn’t feel like an enemy. If not for her choice of partners, Portia thought they could be friends.

What a ridiculous thought. The head of the Tremaine Corporation friends with the owner of a seedy bar?

It would never happen.

THE END