Guarded from Sabotage (Blade and Arrow Security Bravo Team #2)

Chapter 16

CHAPTER SIXTEEN

DANTE

It’s almost anti-climactic.

Just a week ago, Sarah and I were hurtling down the highway in my out-of-control car, one wrong move away from a terrible catastrophe.

One week ago, I came much too close to losing the woman who’s captured my heart.

Every night since then, Sarah’s had nightmares. Crying, shaking, making these awful sounds like she’s in pain. And the worst is when she starts to sob, her voice breaking as she pleads for me to be okay. Begging me not to leave her.

Two nights ago, after a particularly bad one, Sarah confessed what she was dreaming about. As I held her in my arms, stroking her hair and kissing away her tears, she whispered, “I dreamed he killed you, Dante. In my dream, the car crashed, and Ivan appeared out of nowhere and shot you. Then he said it was all my fault.”

It breaks my heart.

I hate watching her go through this. Even though the asshole behind everything has been caught, it doesn’t take away the memories of what he did. And it’s horrible knowing no matter how hard I try, I’m never going to be able to take them away from her.

It’s a lesson I learned from experience—some hurts are deep enough to leave a scar that lasts. A scar that gradually fades but never disappears.

But I can be there for her. Hold her when she’s upset. Reassure her when the guilt resurges. Watch movies and cook together and take her on special dates and trips, so we can create new memories to place over the bad ones.

Most of the time, I can focus on taking care of Sarah and ignore the anger still simmering inside me. Anger—no, fury—at that piece of garbage who targeted Sarah, who decided to tear her life apart, tried to kill her, all because of some sick obsession.

That’s what we learned after the police seized his computers, that he’d been obsessed with Sarah since she started working there. In hidden folders, he had meticulously recorded every part of her life, down to school photos and college papers and worst of all, images taken using her laptop webcam without her knowing.

When I think about him taking pictures of her, collecting hundreds of them, that’s when my rage gets close to boiling over. That’s when I fantasize about getting him in a room alone and making him really regret hurting my girlfriend.

But the reality is, Petrovic is in jail, the San Antonio police and FBI are using the evidence we gave them to build their case, and that’s going to have to be enough.

Unless I want to end up in jail for assault, which I’d really rather not. Especially given the surprise I have for Sarah after I finish with our meeting. It’s just a short one, mainly to discuss the most recent findings with her case, and afterwards, I’m taking her on a weekend trip to a mystery destination.

Well, a mystery to her, that is. Of course, I know where we’re going. And I can’t wait to see Sarah’s face when we get there.

But first, the meeting.

“Okay.” Pushing thoughts of vacations and Sarah in a hot tub to the side, I glance around the conference table, briefly meeting the gaze of each of my teammates. “This shouldn’t take too long. I just want to review everything we have on Sarah’s case before she and I leave for the weekend.”

Everyone gives an answering chin lift or nod, so I continue, “I spoke with Quint, and he said they’re working closely with the FBI. Since most of the offenses are federal crimes—aggravated identity theft, credit card fraud, cybercrime, just to name a few—the FBI is actively investigating.”

“I turned over everything I have,” Matt says. “And I talked to Cruz, with the FBI. He said that they found enough on Petrovic’s computer to charge him with cyber stalking, as well.”

My jaw clenches at the reminder of that sick asshole filming my girlfriend, and I grit out, “Good. The more charges, the better. I want that asshole behind bars as long as possible.”

“Is there anything to Petrovic’s claims of innocence?” Erik asks, frowning. “Not that I believe it. But I’d hate to see it complicate the case against him.”

Shaking my head, I reply, “Quint doesn’t think so. The evidence is too strong. Files on Petrovic’s computers at work and home, all password protected. He doesn’t have a roommate to blame, and according to the San Antonio police investigators, there’s no one in Petrovic’s life who has close to the computer skills he does.”

“Has anyone found evidence linking Petrovic to your car?” Rhiannon asks. “I still can’t believe he was able to do that.”

“Nothing yet,” Matt answers. “Unfortunately, given the kind of computer the car uses, it’s really difficult to trace where the hacking attack came from. But Leo and I are still working on it.”

Niall leans forward, resting his elbows on the glossy wood table. “And what about bail? Is it going to be granted? If Petrovic gets out, has access to a computer…”

If Petrovic gets out, I might have to make a call to one of my old Army buddies, a Green Beret turned bounty hunter who has looser morals than me. But I don’t say that. “He’s not getting bail. Not with the charges against him. And he won’t have access to any computers, either.”

“So he can’t fuck with our Sarah again.” Xavier glances at me and lifts his chin. A smile lifts his lips. “I’m really glad, man. She deserves a break. If I could get my hands on that fucker…”

“I know.” I meet his gaze. “Trust me. I’ve thought about what I’d do if I—” Pain flares in my molars, and I forcibly relax my jaw. “Anyway. He’s in jail, the evidence looks good, and we have every reason to believe it’s over.”

Rhiannon reaches over and pats my arm. “I hate what Sarah went through, but I’m so glad it’s over.”

“Me too.” Closing my tablet, I lean back in my chair, signaling the end of the official part of our meeting. “I’m really looking forward to getting her away from here for a few days. I think the change of scenery will be good for her.”

“Is she doing okay?” Erik asks, concern darkening his gaze. “PTSD can be a nasty thing.”

“She’s holding up. I think once we get back, she’s going to look for a counselor. Along with finding a new job—she’s not too crazy about going back to the old one. With the attack, and being put on leave, and Petrovic…”

“I can start looking,” Matt offers. “While you guys are gone, I’ll check out places looking for social workers.” He gives me a meaningful look. “Maybe in Seguin? Someplace a little closer to B and A? If you think it’s a good idea, that is.”

Do I think it’s a good idea? Having Sarah working closer to Blade and Arrow? Definitely .

“Check out Seguin and San Antonio. I want her to have options.” Pausing, I flash Matt a quick smile. “But if you happen to find more jobs near here, I wouldn’t complain about it.”

“Got it.” My teammate nods in understanding. “I’ll see what I can do.”

“Alright.” Casting another look around the table, I continue. “We can wrap this meeting up, unless anyone else has something to add?”

A chorus of nos and I’m goods follows. Niall says, “Get out of here, Dante. Enjoy a well-deserved weekend with Sarah.”

Xavier flashes me a quick grin. “Hope you guys have a great time. I’ve been thinking of taking Lucy on a trip soon. Let me know if it’s a good place.”

“Will do.” Emotion swells in my chest, and my throat gets thick for a second. “Thanks, guys. For helping Sarah… it means a lot.”

“Of course.” Matt flicks his pen at me, and I snatch it from the air inches from my face. “Now, go. Have fun. Actually relax, for a change.”

An entire weekend with Sarah to relax, with no obligations or looming threats? Just days of uninterrupted bliss with the woman I’m falling in love with?

Sounds perfect.

As I leave the conference room, Rhiannon is ribbing Xavier about his new girlfriend, Lucy, laughing as she says, “I thought you didn’t do relationships, Xav. What’s this about taking her on a trip?”

And then Xavier, defensively, “Well. I didn’t. But I hadn’t met Lucy yet. Now, I do.”

I know exactly what he means. Before Sarah, the idea of love and a committed relationship and marriage sounded nice, but I wasn’t sure it was in my future.

But now? The way I feel about Sarah? I can see everything with her.

“ This is where we’re staying?”

Sarah turns to me, the breeze off the water ruffling her hair, her eyes sparkling with excitement. Her smile is the biggest I’ve seen in days. “When you said a surprise, I couldn’t have imagined this .”

I loop my arm around her waist, tucking her into my side. “So it’s a good surprise?”

Her gaze sweeps along the stretch of beach and to the expanse of shimmering blue beyond it. White-tipped waves lick the shore, the soft crash of them a soothing sound in the background. A seagull makes a graceful swoop to the surface of the water and back into the sky, letting out its signature laughing call as it moves.

“It’s an amazing surprise,” she answers, beaming up at me. “You know how much I love being near the water. It’s so peaceful.”

“I thought about going to one of those fancy hotels,” I reply, “but then I saw this place, and it just seemed like a better fit. More private.”

It was a lucky find after hours of scouring rental websites. The newly-constructed rental house is located in a small development near Matagorda Beach, surrounded by over an acre of dunes and sand, with the closest neighbor still a good distance away. We can come out to the large deck and relax—watch the sunset, drink wine, cuddle together—without worrying about anyone seeing us.

“I can’t wait to sit out here and watch the sun go down,” Sarah says, echoing my own thoughts. “And if it’s chilly, we can get a blanket and snuggle on the couch, maybe turn on the little fire pit…”

“And after, we can go downstairs to use the hot tub,” I suggest, waggling my eyebrows at her. “Naked, hopefully.”

“Oh, definitely naked.” Her gaze heats. “I didn’t miss that giant hot tub. Or the sauna. I think we should check both of those out.” Turning, she glances through the glass doors to the large bedroom behind them. “And the enormous bed. Is it bigger than a king? It looks like a giant could sleep there.”

Thinking back to the listing, I say, “I think it’s something called an Alaskan King? It is big, isn’t it?” My mind fills with all the ways I can pleasure Sarah on it, and my voice goes rough. “There’s plenty of room to do sexy things.”

“Mmm. I like the sound of that.” Sarah puts her hands on my shoulders, using them for leverage as she stretches up to kiss me. Her lips are soft and still taste faintly of the chocolate she ate in the car, after insisting that all road trips must have plenty of candy and snacks.

I cup her nape with one hand, tunneling my fingers through her hair. With the other, I pull her against me, feeling her nipples go taut and her breath quicken. She makes a humming sound in the back of her throat as I tease her lips open and plunge inside, my tongue moving in a sensual rhythm with hers.

When we finally pull apart, I gaze down at her, feeling a wave of emotion so intense it steals my breath.

She’s so beautiful.

Sarah’s lips are rosy and kiss-swollen, and a flush of pink touches her cheeks. Her hair is molten bronze and gold and copper as the sun hits it, the most stunning color I’ve ever seen. In this light, her eyes are more gold than green, like liquid honey with flecks of sapphire in it.

But it’s not just her beauty that’s captured me. It’s everything about her.

I love everything about Sarah.

Forget falling. I’m way beyond that.

I love her.

And at this perfect moment, with the woman I love in my arms, I know I can’t wait any longer to tell her.

So I take Sarah’s hand and lead her over to the couch, wrapping my arm around her shoulders once she’s seated beside me. She shivers, so I busy myself taking the throw draped across the back of the couch and tucking it across her lap while I try to figure out the right words to say.

Do I keep it simple? Just say the three words without pretense or explanation?

But that’s not romantic or memorable. I want Sarah to know how deeply I care about her. How important she is to me. How I can’t see a life without her in it. How she’s made me happier than I’ve ever been.

Always intuitive, her brows wing up as she gives me a questioning look. “Are you okay, Dante? You look… nervous.”

Nervous? Me? The man who’s faced off against dozens of insurgents without panicking, ejected from a helo after it was hit by an RPG, and gave medical aid to soldiers on the brink of death, knowing it was my hands and skill that could save them?

Yes. Of all those things, handing Sarah my heart is by far the most frightening.

It’s the most vulnerable I’ve ever let myself be.

But it’s Sarah. I trust her. I love her.

“Nothing’s wrong.” Did my voice crack? It hasn’t done that since I was a teenager. “I just… want to tell you something.”

“Okay?” She turns towards me, concern darkening her gaze. “You can tell me anything, you know. If something is bothering you, or if you’re worried… I want to be there for you, just like you’ve been for me.”

I open my mouth, but the words get stuck.

It’s not that hard. Just three words. Words I mean with all my heart.

“I don’t want you to leave B and A.”

Shit. That’s not what I meant to say.

Sarah blinks. “What do you mean?”

Covering her hands with mine, I take a deep breath and let it out slowly. “That’s not what I meant to say.”

Hurt flickers across her face. “So you do want me to leave?”

What is wrong with me? I should have practiced this or something. “No. I don’t want you to. I’m just… messing this up.”

“Messing what up?”

I take another breath, count to four, and exhale for another four count. And again. Then I say, “I don’t want you to leave B and A. Now that things are getting back to normal, and your accounts are fixed, you could go back to your apartment if you want.” As Sarah opens her mouth to respond, I hurry to continue. “But I don’t want you to. I want you to stay at B and A. With me. At my apartment. Maybe it’s too soon, or you’re not ready, but I just wanted to tell you.”

Her voice lilts up hopefully. “You want me to move in with you?”

“Yes. But I wasn’t going to say that first.”

“What were you going to say first, then?”

My heart rolls over. Squeezes. Hot prickles sweep over my body. “I love you. I’ve never felt this way about anyone before. Not even close. I love you so much, it feels like my heart can’t hold all of it. I just… I love you, Sarah. And I really hope you feel the same.”

Sarah stares at me with an unreadable expression. “You love me?”

Oh please, let this not be a mistake. “So much. I never knew that I could feel like this. I’ve seen my friends fall in love, but I didn’t know how incredible it could be. How incredible I feel when I’m with you.”

Her lips press into a trembling line. Tears well up in her eyes.

My heart sinks.

And then.

“Dante.” Sarah starts crying, but she’s smiling at the same time. “I love you, too. I’ve been wanting to tell you, but I kept chickening out. I kept worrying it was too soon. But it’s not. I’ve never felt like this, either. Like you’re my other half. My soulmate.”

I brush away a tear trickling down her cheek. “I wanted to make it more romantic instead of fumbling around for the right words. But I love you so much.”

“This is romantic.” She gestures out at the water. “You brought me here. We’re sitting on the deck of this incredible house, where we’re going to spend the entire weekend together. I don’t need poems or flowery words. Knowing you love me is all that matters.”

“I do.” Cupping her damp cheek, I press my lips to hers. “With all my heart.”

Sarah gives me a watery smile. “And you really want me to move in with you?”

“Yes. If you want to. But if you’re not ready, I understand. If you want to go back to your old place, it’s all fixed. Or I can help you find a new apartment. Whatever makes you happy.”

“ You make me happy.” Her gaze is steady on mine. “And I would love to move in with you.”

Oh.

I didn’t know it was possible to feel this much joy.

“I love you, Sarah.” Peppering kisses across her face, I repeat, “I love you. And I can’t wait for you to move in with me.”