Cowboy Bodyguard (Alpha Agency Protectors Book 5) Read online

  “I know you’re out here somewhere, Lizzie!” I hear him shout. “You might as well stop running. Even if I miss your ass tonight, you can’t hide forever. Amy will pay the price until you give yourself to me. I’ll make sure she’s in hell.”

  I whimper, but not loud enough for him to hear. He means what he says. I’m certain he will torture Amy unless I can warn her to leave. I slide into a filthy dumpster, and drop my phone on a pile of banana peels. It lights up, and I see Amy’s smiling face staring at me through messenger. She’s worried because neither of us is in the house.

  With fear of her being tortured or killed on my mind, I gain strength to message back. ‘You’re in danger. Get out! Run! Believe me for once.’ Then, I say a prayer that she obeys.

  I hear sirens, and they’re getting close. How? I didn’t complete the call. My brain begins to function, and it reminds me that there’s a building on fire. Of course, the firetrucks and the cops are coming. I peek out of the dumpster. No one is there.

  I climb out, using the trash to help me gain leverage to get over the dumpster’s rim. I start running again. This time I’m running toward the sirens, and the lights. Help awaits me on the street just feet in front of me.

  I hear screaming, and realize it’s me. I wave my arms at a passing police car, and come close to falling in front of it. Thank goodness, it stops. I feel arms wrap around me, and a kind voice asks, “Were you in the fire? Are you hurt?”

  I keep repeating, “He killed him. He burned him. He killed him,” over and over.

  “Who killed him? Help us understand,” they say as I’m put in the squad car.

  Over the cop’s shoulder, I see a shadow in the alley. Flashing lights briefly brush across the darkness, and I can see Joey standing there, his eyes glowing with hatred. I scream right in the cop’s face, and point.

  “HIM! Joey! He burned that man to death!”

  They turn, but he’s already gone.

  “Amy. He’s going after Amy. You have to help her, or he’ll kill her. Please!” I beg.

  “We’ll straighten this out at the station. We’ll get you a cup of strong coffee, and you’ll start making sense,” the heavyset male cop replies.

  I look to the female, with the bright blue eyes, and see she knows I’m making perfect sense. “Please,” I repeat. “Amy Butler, my roommate, needs help. Joey’s her boyfriend, and she doesn’t know how evil he is. He’ll go after her since I’m out of his reach. Help her.”

  “We will. Give me an address, and I’ll send someone while we take you back to the station. I have a feeling you know what happened at the warehouse,” she answers calmly.

  At the station, they give me clean clothes, coffee, and pastries. I can’t eat a bite, because I can’t get the smell of burning flesh out of my nose, but the coffee gives me what I need to tell my story. I explain about the phone conversation I overheard, and the distrust I’d had for Joey since the day we had met.

  I’m given a lecture over my foolish choice to follow Joey. They’re right, it was a stupid thing to do. When I get to the part about the gasoline, and the man’s screams, I break down all over again. I’m hysterical for quite a while. The police allow me to get it out of my system, and offer sympathy.

  I rest alone for an hour, then the sergeant comes in with news. “Your friend isn’t at your apartment. From the looks of it, she packed a bag, and ran. I assume she received your message, and believed you. Although, it’s also possible she ran away with Joey. Evidence shows he was there after the fire.”

  “You have to find her, and make sure she’s alright. She fell in love with a fake. She is too naïve to realize what he truly is,” I explain.

  “What about you, Lizzie? Do you know what he is?” the sergeant asks.

  “He’s a liar, a manipulator, and a murderer as of tonight,” I reply.

  “He’s more than that. He’s eluded us, and the FBI, for a long time. He’s a serial killer, who enjoys using fire. Tonight, wasn’t Joey’s first murder, or execution if you prefer the word. You’ve got yourself in the middle of a huge mess. You’re a witness that he can’t allow to live. Sure, the video is great, but we’ll also need you to testify once he’s caught. So, you’re in great danger, and not just from him. He has a boss, as I’m sure you guessed from his phone call,” the sergeant alerts me.

  “What happens now? How do I stay safe? And what about Amy?” I ask, shaking so hard I can almost hear my bones rattling.

  “That part is good news. Amy’s safe. It seems she got your message about the same time as she discovered a burner phone behind the toilet tank. It rang, and when she answered she got quite an earful from Joey’s boss. She’s at another precinct, and being put into protective custody. As for you, well…, we’ve got bigger plans. We’ve enlisted the help of the U.S. Marshalls, and your going to a ranch in Wyoming for your protection.”

  Chapter 5~Jack

  He’s still out there murdering people, and they won’t let me go after him. Instead, they want me to babysit a stewardess. What do they think I am? A has been? I’m not old, or broken. They need to let me in on this case. It’s my partner that the piece of shit killed.

  I pace the floor, and grow angrier by the minute. “Damnit! I can’t just sit here while he runs free. How many more have to die before he’s caught? This is fucking ridiculous!”

  I focus on the picture on the mantel; the one of me in uniform with Max at my side. Slowly, I come to grips with the situation. The Marshalls only ask me for help when it’s really important, or someone’s in grave danger. They don’t use me if it’s simple babysitting. There’s reasoning behind the orders. Someone with a cooler head than me is making the plans, and I should be happy about it. Going off halfcocked won’t stop this mess. It appears Joey isn’t the head of the snake, and that’s what we have to find.

  Calmer now, I hear the vehicle coming up the gravel road. It’s coming in the back way to the ranch, instead of from the highway. It’s either trouble, or the Marshalls. I suppose you could say the Marshalls are trouble, since they are bringing me a witness to protect.

  My booted feet hit the porch as the SUV settles in the dust. An old friend, Dave, steps out to greet me. “Hey, Jack! It’s good to see you, man. I just wish it were under different circumstances. This case is huge, and we need your expertise to keep this woman safe. She’s seen the worst of Joey’s actions, and he knows it. He, and his boss will hunt her until they’re all in prison, or dead. They may find her here, so this isn’t an easy job for you.”

  “Nothing, and no one will get by me. I’ll keep the woman safe. Just promise me I’ll get to look into that asshole’s face once he’s caught, and tell him what I’d like to do to him. I want him pissing his pants in fear,” I reply, and I mean every word.

  “Get out, and bring in the woman. You all could probably use a drink, and a bite to eat before you take off again. Are any of you staying here to help?” I ask.

  “We can’t spare the manpower. As I said, this case is huge. Everybody’s in on it, and I still don’t think it’s enough. We’ve got about an hour, then we have to hit the road. Something cold to drink sounds good, and I wouldn’t mind a sandwich,” Dave answers.

  My attention is drawn to the backseat as the SUV’s doors open. Another Marshall emerges, one I don’t recognize. Then, my eyes widen in shock when a woman steps out. She’s tiny, yet curvy. She’s young; her red mane of hair blows in the breeze, and her green eyes sparkle in the morning light. She’s a gorgeous, pint-sized, sexpot, and I get hard instantly. My heart pounds, and I think it’s found it’s match. I’ve never really believed in love at first sight, but now I know it exists.

  Dave waves her forward, and introduces her to me. “This is Lizzie. She’s our prize, and she’s a brave one. Not only did she dare to follow Joey into an abandoned warehouse in the middle of the night, but she caught the execution by fire on her phone’s video, and lived to tell about it. I’d say she’s earned your protection.”

  “Welcome,
Lizzie,” I manage to say with a tangled tongue. “You’ll be safe here, and I applaud your courage. I have a personal vendetta against Joey, so you also have my thanks.”

  She smiles, and I lose a little more of my heart. Joey will never touch a hair on her head. I swear that on my own life.

  “Can I go inside?” she asks sweetly. “I’m so thirsty, it hurts. And, I’m exhausted. I couldn’t sleep on the plane. It was too much like being on the job, so between the mess with Joey, and the plane ride, I haven’t slept in two days.”

  “That’s right. They told me you’re a stewardess, but you’re not like the ones I’ve seen. You’re not much more than a child,” I hear myself say, and wish I could take it back.

  Lizzie laughs, and replies, “I assure you, cowboy, I’m not a child in any way, shape, or form. If it’s necessary, I’ll prove it to you. Do you need help here on the ranch? I’m a fast learner, and the open spaces are just what I need. What animals do you have? I adore all kinds of creatures.”

  Yep, she’s definitely the girl for me. This is going to be fun, and confusing. I’m not supposed to mix pleasure with business, but I may have to make an exception in this case. My body is reacting to her presence in a way it’s never reacted to any other woman, and I do love women. It’s not like I’m celibate; far from it. Over the years, I’ve had real relationships that didn’t end well, but this feeling is new to me. Instant attraction, and a feeling that I’ve been waiting for her all my life have me in a tailspin.

  “Well, sugar, we’ve got cattle, horses, dogs, chickens, and a whole variety of wild creatures hanging out on the property; me included. If you can learn to ride a horse, then I’ll be thrilled to introduce you to all the creatures who live here. You’d best be careful around the human ones. They can get a little over excited when they see a woman with curves like yours; again, me included,” I have to say.

  Chapter 6~Lizzie

  His steely gray eyes are what caught my attention at first. His gaze says he’s a predator, and is ready to take me down. That should scare me, yet I’m actually quite turned on by it. It’s weird because he’s a lot older than I am. I have been giving Amy a hard time about being attracted to older men for a long time, and here I am wanting to climb this one’s bones before I’ve learned his name.

  When we’re introduced, I allow my eyes to roam the rest of him, and discover there’s a great deal to desire. His jaw is chiseled, his muscles bulge in the perfect places, and between his legs is a rod standing at attention proclaiming that he likes what he sees in me.

  Then, he speaks, and I’m a goner. The sexual tension we share crackles through the warm air. I ask to go inside, saying I’m tired, but it’s really to break this impasse. I’m embarrassed by my instant reaction to this man named Jack, and I want it to stop.

  Before we head inside, he makes sure I know exactly how he’s feeling about me by mentioning himself as a human animal that’s excited over my curves. As he struts ahead of me, I can see that his ass is curved nicely, too. This isolation is going to be more interesting than I imagined.

  After some coffee, and the men eating everything in sight, my escorts leave. Now, I’m alone with the most gorgeous bodyguard ever born. I’m not sure what to do, so I wander around the living space, and stare at the pictures on the wall.

  “These are beautiful,” I say to end the silence. “Where were they taken? Who was the photographer?”

  “Those are all places on this ranch, and my mom was behind the camera,” he drawls.

  “Really? She’s great at it. Will I get to see some of these places for myself? I write, and these would fit into my next project easily; that is if you don’t mind me using the ranch as a setting,” I hastily reply.

  “As long as I’m not in the story, and you leave out the name of the ranch, it’s no problem. But, I thought you were a stewardess, not a writer,” he retorts as if I’m a spy, or lying.

  “I’m both right now. Being a stewardess pays the rent, but writing is my passion. I’ve been published a couple of times. I eventually want to write all the time. Making a living at it is difficult, though.”

  He nods like he understands, then says, “Yep, I know what you mean. I’ve had several jobs at once in order to pay my way. I still take assignments to keep this place in the black. However, the day will come when that ends. At least, I hope it does.”

  “When can you take me to these places?” I ask because I want to spend time with him.

  “You need rest, so tomorrow we can explore close to the house. You’ll need to learn to ride a horse before we go too far,” he announces with a smug smile.

  “I can ride a damn horse,” I angrily spout, although I’ve never been on one. “And, I’m past the point of exhaustion and into my second wind, so let’s start today.”

  “If you say so, pretty lady. I was going to check the fences in the nearest pasture for broken places anyway. I suppose you can come along. Just don’t blame me if that sexy ass hurts after being in the saddle, unless you want me to rub it, and take the pain away.” He says with a laugh.

  I imagine his big hands on my ass, and I heat up inside. Moisture fills my thong. Dear lord, this is getting heavy fast. I glance at Jack’s crotch, and he’s still as hard a steel rod beneath those skintight jeans.

  ***

  I’m terrified of the big horse. It snorts, and shakes it’s big head up and down. I start to back away, and want to say I’ve changed my mind. Then, a dog runs between the horse’s feet. I’m shocked to see it doesn’t upset the huge beast at all. The dog stops at the horse’s head, and their noses meet in greeting.

  My fear evaporates. If the horse is that gentle with a dog, then he won’t hurt me either. I rub his head, and say, “Hey, big fellow. You’ll play nice for me, right?”

  Jack snorts, and admonishes, “That’s a mare. You know, a girl. Blaze is the gentlest horse I’ve got. She knows how to take care of the rider, so you’ll be fine. All you have to do is hang on to the saddle horn, and she’ll follow my horse. The dog’s name is Remmy.”

  “I told you, I know how to ride.”

  “You said it, but I know it’s a lie. I’m an ex-military man, a decorated ranger, and a U.S Marshall. I can see lies a mile away, so stop trying to fool me. Just stay sexy, and forget the bravado. We’ll get along fine,” Jack declares.

  Ignoring my protests, he places his hands on my waist, and lifts me into the saddle. My chest brushes his as I rise into the air, and flames seem to cover my body. When I look down at Jack, his eyes are no longer gray. They are almost black, and burning with desire. He abruptly removes his hands, and jumps onto his horse without using the stirrups.

  I decide not to argue, or address his sarcastic remarks. He’s right, Blaze follows him without me doing a thing. Remmy runs ahead of us, sniffing the ground. Once I get used to the horse’s gait, I relax and look around me. Wide open spaces, blue skies, mountains in the distance, and the sound of a stream that I can see bring me joy. I love it here. Maybe, too much.

  We stop at a fence, and even I can see that it requires some repairs. Jack gets off his horse, which is far larger than my own, and is all black except for a white streak down its face. I vaguely remember him calling it Thunder. It fits.

  Jack reaches up for me, but I pull back. “I’ll wait up here,” I mumble.

  “I have to get the post back in the ground deep enough to hold until it can be replaced. It’ll get done before nightfall, but I don’t want to chance a cow running off. I could use your help. You’ve got the spare set of hands to hold the post up while I bury the bottom of it.”

  What he says sounds reasonable, so I let him take me to the ground. I slide down his chest, and our thighs are still touching when I let out a scream. He hears the rattle, too. He smoothly whips a gun out of his waistband, and shoots the snake that’s only a foot away, and ready to strike.

  I must still be screaming, because Jack wraps me in his arms, and holds me close to his strong, warm body. He soothes me, “It
’s okay, baby. It’s dead. It can’t hurt you anymore. I swear, you’re safe with me. I’ll protect you with my own life.”

  Snakes are one of my worst fears, yet I feel secure in Jack’s arms. In fact, I melt against him, and forget the snake ever threatened me.

  Chapter 7~Jack

  A week is gone, and I’m in a tailspin over Lizzie. Ever since she melted against me because of the snake, I can’t think of anything I want more than to have her naked body under mine. I’m like a horny teenager these days.

  Lizzie is learning quickly. She rides Blaze all the time now. She’s made friends with Remmy. In fact, he appears more attached to her than me, the little traitor. Lizzie helps me out on the ranch, too. She brushes the horses, and cooks us supper. She even feeds the chickens, though I laughed so hard the first time a rooster chased her she didn’t talk to me for hours. I like having her around. Maybe, too much.

  At breakfast, I tell her, “We’re going on a long ride today. Wear your softest jeans so your legs don’t get rubbed raw, and long sleeves to keep from getting sunburned. Are mom’s old boots working okay for you?”

  “They’re a perfect fit, and worn in just right. I feel much better knowing they’re between me and a snake bite. Where are we going?” she asks, sipping her morning coffee. She eats little, but has to have her coffee, I’ve learned.

  “We’re herding cows, sweet thing. We’re going on a small version of a trail ride. There are a few cows in a meadow where they don’t belong, and I need to bring them back. Normally, I’d send some of the ranch hands, but I figured that you’d enjoy it, and with Remmy’s help we can get it done without interrupting the men’s duties. Are you up for it?” I tease.

  “I can’t wait!” She excitedly replies.

  ***

  So far, Lizzie’s keeping up with me. She’s laughing as she races her horse over the field, and uses her hat to urge the calf back to the group of cows we’ve herded to the gate. Damn, she’s adorable, and so hot I stay hard all the time.