Hawke (Protective Hero: Noble Network #2)

Chapter 14

Chapter

Fourteen

K inley respected CJ, and it was great to have another woman around. Finally. She had mad respect for Cinder Johnson and what she represented.

“Certainly, let’s go have a seat upstairs on the deck.” Kinley directed CJ and led the way to the fire pit area. “May I offer you a beverage?”

“No thank you, I’m not thirsty.” CJ patted the seat next to her on the outdoor furniture.

“Thank you so much for your call, it meant the world to me. Your timing was perfect.”

“I needed it as much as you did. Trust me, the feeling is still fresh. I’m here to help. You are now my responsibility too. I’m not only your friend, but I’m part of Noble Network Security. None of us want to control you, we want to protect you. I read everything in your file.”

“You too?”

“Indeed. Noble Network takes their clients safety very seriously. You also played a huge part in my life with all the court stuff and trials. You often gave me sound advice. Which I’m thankful for and another reason I want to help you through this.”

“Thank you. I could use your take on this. I’m certainly in unfamiliar terrain and I’ve been a little… hmmm…,” she fingers quoted, “Extra these days.”

“Extra everything, right?”

“Yes, over the top bitchy toward Hawke in particular, and I shouldn’t. I know it, but this situation warrants a freak out. I’m not proud of my actions.”

“Cray cray, right?”

Kinley squeezed CJ’s hand “Exactly. I feel crazy, plus someone watching my every move makes me feel controlled. My father, uncle, and grandfather were very controlling. I guess they thought their money gave them that right. I spent most of my childhood protected, but I never felt that way. Judged and manipulated was how I perceived it. My mom and I left when I was a preteen and as soon as I graduated from high school, I made my own way. My grades were great, so I got into a good college and then law school, all without my father’s help. But he certainly tried. It appears I’m more like him than I care to admit. When I moved to Colorado, I was finally free of my family’s chokehold. My mom insisted on staying home—she said it was essential for me to experience my independence solo.” Kinley smiled and put her hand to her heart. “We talk as often as I can. I’m the only female in our Lincoln direct lineage, maybe the obvious reason I was smothered by them. I know my father loves me and my mother, but I never felt it, personally, though I’ve grown to understand his motives. My father didn’t have loving role models; money was their love language.” She bit at her thumb nail. “I’m angry because he should have fought harder for his wife and daughter. Instead, he was sucked into the family turmoil.”

“Sounds like this situation except for the money part. I know all about too many man sandwiches around and all their testosterone-fueled energy.”

“Did you say man sandwiches?” Kinley slapped her knee and chuckled. “Man sandwiches. That’s a great analogy. I love it and yes, the testosterone is on overdrive. There’s a ton of stomping around, messes, and manly noises.” She covered her mouth and looked around to see if any of the guards had heard her. “I plead the fifth on who’s guilty of what.”

“Don’t worry, they’re used to me saying things like that.” She shrugged. “It’s the truth. Sometimes they are a bit too manly, right?”

“It’s been a learning curve; I didn’t have siblings. I guess this situation has a lot of similarities to my upbringing. I didn’t connect it that way. Except for all the man candy, or was it sandwiches?” Kinley kicked her head back and laughed.

“Hawke is in the same position Gunner was in with me. He can be a little intense.”

“Really? You think?” Kinley spread her arms wide.

“It took time for Hawke to thaw but over the years he did. It’s not hard to when we were the only company we had. I had an advantage you don’t. I was with them for ten years. We functioned under aliases, and we still had to live. We had to function as a unit. You’re forced into hiding with the unknown. We were constantly shifting to outrun the Denver Devil’s Delinquents.”

“The bike club was relentless, but that was when their boss was roaming free and not behind bars. I’m so sorry you had such a long ordeal.”

“They were determined, but they had a lot to lose. I witnessed too much, and they didn’t want to lose their money,” she said with sarcasm and tapped her fingers on the arm of the patio furniture. “Anyhoo. There were long stretches of time when I’d hoped they’d given up, almost as long as a year and half stretch, another almost as long, but we still moved like they were right behind us. I could tell you stories. Still makes me laugh.”

“I can’t wait to hear about it one day.”

“It’s in the past. We made it and did what I needed to in court. Look how it paid off.”

“I guess they didn’t expect you.”

“Ha! True. It wasn’t always easy for Gunner and me, either.” CJ looked at her ring and smiled. “I was under the microscope. I’d made mistakes that got me in protective custody. I think it was well over a year before Gunner spoke a full sentence to me. He was good at barking orders like Hawke, it’s the military. Hawke isn’t warm and fuzzy until he gets to know you and it may take time. But it’s his story to tell. Not mine.”

“You mean his burns?”

CJ’s eyes widened. “He told you?”

“No, he didn’t need to. Part of my job is to read people, and I do it well. I learned from a professor to listen and observe actions. Solid advice for my career and jury selection. Sometimes it’s hard and I wish I didn’t. When someone is presumed innocent in the courtroom, and all the signs say they are guilty, and they get away with the crime.” Kinley’s stomach rolled. Cases I’d rather forget . “I also recognize scarring from burns. I had a client with them. I deep dived into my share of research. Most always the way someone carries themselves or acts is from something deeper. With Hawke, I’m enamored looking at him. In the courtroom, when he was present, I had trouble concentrating. No one has ever had that effect on me. He’s intoxicating.”

“He’s not hard on the peepers. Not my preference, but Hawke has presence.” CJ looked over her shoulder for a glimpse of Gunner, and blushed. She cleared her throat. “He doesn’t talk about the accident, or his upbringing, but Gunner knows. Hawke saved more soldiers in the military than he lost under his command. The Noble Network team fought side by side in the military. It’s been repeated often they wouldn’t be here without him. He left the service with top honors.” CJ dipped her head. “You’ll never hear him talk about it.”

“He doesn’t appear to be the kind who boasts about himself. That’s what makes him so intriguing.”

“He is at that.” CJ positioned her ring again as it sparkled in the sunlight. “My own personal experience is his quick thinking saved my Gunner. Hawke carried him on his back for blocks and yes, he barked orders and told me how to help. I was a mess. Hawke fought to save him. It was his fast-acting medical knowledge that made the difference. I love Hawke and will forever be in his debt.” CJ blotted her eyes. “Sorry. It’s still very fresh.”

Kinley leaned forward and took CJ’s hand, barely able to steady hers. “I didn’t know. I’m thankful he was there for you.” Kinley fought to swallow, and tears threatened her sight as emotions consumed her hearing CJ’s painful story. She bowed her head and tried to keep it together, squeezing her eyes and blinking rapidly. Words did not come, only sorrow. Silence engulfed them until CJ pulled her hand from her grip. “Sorry, I didn’t mean to squeeze too hard.”

“You didn’t.” CJ stammered and cleared her throat, swooshing at a wayward tear. “He taught me so much over the years about surviving. When it counts, you will always have his best.”

Kinley ran her hands along her legs. Her heart ached for Hawke, for all of them. She wanted to cry. “I can’t imagine how difficult that must have been for him, experiencing everything you’ve mentioned. He told me some things, but not to the extent you have. Must change a person.”

“Hawke will forever be family. Gunner said he gave him sound advice about our relationship.”

Kinley jolted. “Really? We’re talking about the same guy, right?”

“One and the same.” CJ responded.

“He seems like someone I’d like to know better.” Kinley felt her cheeks warm, remembering their passionate kiss.

“Who are you talking about?” Hawke’s deep baritone voice sent a shockwave of goosebumps over Kinley’s skin.

She jumped, and smiled. “You.”

“Don’t listen to any of it.” He crossed his arms over his massive chest.

“Hawke, you big prickly bear. You know I love ya,” CJ jested.

“Yeah, kiddo. I do.” He winked and the smallest of a smile lifted the corners of his mouth. Something tugged at Kinley’s heart. She wished for a relationship with Hawke like CJ and Gunner had. She’d noticed their bond immediately in the courtroom and more so now in front of her. There was a lot of respect between all of them, including the Noble Network team. I feel like an idiot for my behavior.

“I hate to break up the gal gab, but Richards just sent a fax with the details. He’s bringing more supplies for us with Luca and Ryker. The rest of the team and Sutton Bishop’s crew are setting up a perimeter at the site. Show time in a few days.” Hawke leaned back against the railing with one ankle crossed over the other.

Kinley faded in and out of the conversation and fixated forward. Hawke crossed his arms over his massive, rippling muscles. Kinley wiped her mouth. Focus. She savored the outline of his well-defined mid-section. His bicep muscles flexed. I said focus, fool . Kinley pulled at the neck of her shirt. She memorized everything about Hawke. She blew at her bangs away and licked her lower lip, heat rose to Kinley’s cheeks. Something stirred deep in her belly under his watchful eye. Something undeniable was happening. His low-slung jeans fit him perfectly. Her thoughts roamed back to the night they’d kissed. Her pulse quickened and she licked her lips. Kinley’s gaze darted again to that arms that had held her only once. His Adams apple bobbed on his thick corded neck. Hawke’s chiseled jaw caused her heart to flutter and increase its beat. She gasped for air.

Hawke shifted, his intense stare catching her off guard. Her cheeks were flaming hot, so she pressed her hands in hopes to cool them. Oh lord, is he reading my mind? Damn man had her wishing for a cold shower. She waved her hand, fanning it over her face. Not helping a bit. Need. Cold. Shower.

“Counselor, are you okay?” Hawke asked with a cocky smile.

“Uh—oh my.” She jumped, and a squeak came out of her mouth, “Excuse me, my thoughts were somewhere else. What did you ask?” Daydreaming? Really?

“I see that.” Hawke stepped aside and hitched a thumb. “Ready to go inside? Richards wants you to look at something he faxed us.”

CJ snickered, locking hands with Gunner. “We’ll see you inside.” She winked.

Kinley cleared her throat. “Oh yes. I’ll be right there. I need a minute.” Since when do you have a supercharged daydream? Get it together.

“I’ll wait. Not leaving you here alone.”

“I’m good.” She walked to the railing and bowed her head, running her hands through her hair. She blew out a series of breaths.

Hawke came up behind Kinley and whispered into her ear. “Kinley, you don’t seem fine.”

She spun around. Hawke was in her personal space. I don’t hate it. “You can wipe that smirk off your face.”

“What smirk?” He peered closer.

She pointed. “That one.”

“Hmmm…you’re a complicated woman.”

“How so?”

“You know.” He kicked his chin up and his eyes glistened.

“I don’t have a clue what you’re talking about.” She side-stepped but he blocked her, caging her in.

“I see you staring at me. You need to stop. It’s hard to focus when you do that.”

Kinley leaned closer. “You need to stop giving me a reason to look at you like that then.”

“So…you were.” Another smirk curled at his lips.

“What are you talking about?”

“Why were you looking at me?” His words were slow and silky.

She hid her face.

He lifted her chin. “Talk to me.”

“Hawke, I was thinking about our kiss.”

He bit his lower lip. “Hard to forget.” He tapped her nose. “This is what troubles me. We need to keep our head in the game. Full throttle.”

“Are you two coming in?” Gunner said, followed by a whistle.

“Be there in a second.” Hawke turned his attention back to Kinley. “Counselor, you are by far one of the most intriguing women I’ve ever met. Stop tempting me or I’ll have to go against my better judgement and kiss you again.”

“Promises, promises,” she said with her best snark and rolled her eyes. She ducked under his arm. “Come on, Hawke. We have a fax calling our name.” She yanked his hand and pulled him forward.

“Yes, ma’am.”

Hawke leaned across the table and fixated on the image. “This was time stamped earlier today. In Solemn Creed again. Same Escalade and driver.”

Kinley moved closer. “That’s him.” She looked at Hawke and pinched her bottom lip. “Where was this?”

“Two different locations. One is outside of the courthouse and the other is close to your apartment.” Hawke pressed a number, connecting a call. “Ryker, where are you?”

“Heading back. We should be there in a few.”

“This is a different vehicle outside both locations. We’ve solely focused on the white Escalade, but there’s more intel. I’m twenty miles out, give or take.”

“Could you do me a favor?” Ryker asked.

“Sure thing.”

“Since Miss Lincoln completed her firearm training this morning, I need you to work with her on self-defense and familiarize her with the other weapons.”

“I thought you did that?”

“Nope. But we have the room either downstairs or outside. I’m restocking the ammo and bringing extra equipment.”

“Yeah, but…”

“You handle this operation. She needs all of it, per your request.”

“Okay, smartass. Don’t worry. I’ll do whatever it takes.”

“Never concerned. She’s in capable hands.”

“Later.”

Hawke spotted Kinley inspecting the new fax. She squinted and shifted her glasses, lifting the paper. Then another file came through, another object as grainy as the previous. Hawke ambled closer and took a looksee. “What the hell is that blob?”

Craning her neck in his direction, she whispered. “I haven’t the slightest idea. Am I supposed to looked at this and figure out what it is?”

“Good luck.” Hawke didn’t move from his position, nor did she. The air around them crackled. His system buzzed, a yearning to his core. Something about her healed the deep ache that plagued him for years. He shook off the unfamiliar sensation and cleared his throat. He stepped aside. “We have work to do. Get your exercise clothes on—I’m giving you a one-on-one instruction on self-defense.”

“I told you I know some moves.”

A chuckle echoed in his throat. “I’ll show you advanced tricks of the trade, bringing everything to the next level. It’s imperative to have an arsenal in a vulnerable position.”

“Maybe I’ll show you a trick or two.”

“Doubtful. Get ready—we don’t have much time. The schedule is filling up and tomorrow is the day we get things rolling.”

Kinley slipped her glasses off and bit the bow. She raised a brow. Her voice was playful. “Just wait. You’ll see.”