Servicing the Target (Masters of the Shadowlands #10)(114)

He nodded his understanding.

Anne looked at her friend. “Kim, I’m so sorry.”

“For what?” Kim asked.

“It was my activities with the shelter that endangered you.” Although she couldn’t figure out how the bastards had found her home.

Raoul shook his head. “We all volunteer there, Anne. We know the dangers.”

“It’s not your fault,” Kim said. “And I’m really, really glad we were here.”

Anne felt a chill at that thought. She truly would have been in trouble if she’d been alone. After a second, she smiled. “In that case, I very much appreciate the visit, the advice, the help with the…trash”—she glanced at the men being handcuffed by the officers—“and the cleaning up after.”

Kim pulled free of her Master and gave Anne a gentle squeeze. Jessica and Uzuri both came to claim hugs as well.

My posse. “Thank you all,” she whispered as tears prickled her eyes.

After another set of hugs, the women headed out. Hands waving in the air, Kim and Jessica were comparing their fighting techniques and teasing Uzuri about how she’d have to catch up.

Raoul still stood in the center of the room.

Anne frowned. “How did you get here so quickly?”

“I was already on the island. I asked to be their designated driver so I could speak with you afterward.”

“Raoul…”

“My friend, please forgive me for last Saturday,” he said softly. “My worries caused me—”

“I know,” she broke in. “You were right to worry. I wasn’t paying enough attention.” She remembered how Raoul’s ex-wife had blindsided him. How he’d blamed himself for not seeing what was in front of his face. “You realized that, didn’t you?”

“I had told him to talk with you.” His mouth flattened into a line. “That night at the club—”

“You did nothing wrong. And it’s done,” she said. “Thank you for being there for Ben.”

“Is it done?” His lips twitched. “You realize if I don’t inform Z that you’re returning, you’ll have him on your doorstep within an hour…if not sooner.”

She raised her eyes to the ceiling, asking the universe for patience.

Ben appeared and drew her against his side, so solid and warm that she wrapped her arms around his waist to pull him closer.

Raoul’s gaze went soft.

Ben kissed the top of her head and said to Raoul, “You tell Z if he interrupts my time with Anne, I’ll teach Uzuri how to booby-trap every piece of equipment in the Shadowlands.”

“Now that is a very effective threat.” Raoul gave him a respectful nod. “I’ll let him know.”

“Ms. Desmarais? If I could get some information from you?” More police as well as paramedics had arrived.

“Of course.” With Ben at her side, she gave Raoul a kiss on the cheek and turned to give her report.





Chapter Twenty-Nine



An hour later, the house was quiet, thank f*ck. Raoul had left with the women, promising the Mistress that Uzuri would spend the night at his house.

The cops had left.

Travis had left.

Ben was alone with Anne. About damn time.

After grabbing drinks from the fridge, he entered the living room and looked around. Despite being upset, Anne’s friends had done a fine job of cleaning.

Anne was finally still. At the end, she’d been exhausted, running on nerves, and hadn’t sat until he’d brought Bronx in. Then she’d dropped down onto the couch to hug the ecstatic dog.

The woman had so much love to share.

Bronx was still sprawled over her lap as if he couldn’t stand to let her out of touching range.

Ben knew the feeling. Good thing there was enough room for another person on the couch. After handing over the sparkling water, he sat down and pulled her close.

At one time, he’d have taken the liberty of lifting her onto his lap.

Times changed. The sense of loss filled him again. Damn but he’d missed holding her. She felt like a part of him, like the sun in his sky. “Ready to talk?”

Her shoulders curved inward slightly, as if she wasn’t sure she could bear what he might say.

He felt the same. She could break him far too easily.

Stalling, he took a drink of his cold lager for reassurance. She hadn’t thrown out his beer. And she’d said she loved him. His voice came out hoarse. “Where should we start?”

She met his gaze with her level, honest eyes. “I’m sorry, Ben.”

She wasn’t going to give them a chance, was she? She didn’t think love was enough to overcome the differences? Heart sinking, he bit back his protest.

After a moment, he managed to clear his throat. “I am, too. I’d hoped you’d give us a chance.”

Her brows drew together and then she shook her head and half laughed. “We’re good at miscommunication, aren’t we?” Her shoulder rubbed against his chest as she took his hand, her grip firm and warm. “What I meant is that I’m sorry you misunderstood that business with Joey. Uzuri said you thought I was taking Joey back because I was staring at him.”

“I…yeah.”