Page 123 of Bound By Fire
I get out.
Brutus jumps out of the driver’s side and heads for the front of the building. Smoke comes around the back of the SUV and follows me, trailing a little behind.
I turn to look at him. He’s taller than Brutus by half a head.
“Surely you guys should be done for the day?”
He looks at his watch. “I still have just over an hour left of my shift.”
“And have you had any word as to who is replacing you?”
“No, ma’am. I will wait for orders.”
“Okay, then.”
I push the elevator call button, and we go up to my floor.
I walk down the hallway, and Smoke follows me. I unlock my door and turn to face him.
“Thank you. I’ve got it from here.”
“I’ll be right here, if you need me, Dr. Keller.” He smiles at me.
“Good night.” I nod, and I push the door open and step inside.
I drop my bag on the side table and kick off my shoes, leaving them where they fall in the entryway. I walk through the apartment, turning on lamps as I go.
In the bedroom, I take off my work clothes, put my hair into a bun on the top of my head, and jump into the shower. I get out, towel off, then I pull on a pair of soft pajama shorts and a thin cotton tank, leaving my hair up.
I’ve just seasoned a few chicken pieces and stuck them in the oven when my doorbell rings.
I look at the clock on the wall. It’s more than likely Smoke’s replacement, and he wants to introduce himself to me. Or maybe he wants to use the bathroom or something.
I wipe my hands and walk to the door.
I take a step back when I see Ridge filling my doorway. He’s in his suit sans a tie. He has this shadow of stubble on his face. His jaw is set, and his eyes are smoldering.
He looks angry. His whole body is tense.
For a second, I forget how to speak.
“Hi,” he says. “Are you going to let me in?”
Shit!
“Um…of course. It’s just that I’d almost given up on you,” I tell him. “I’m a little shocked to see you.” I try to look outside. “Is Smoke still here?”
“I sent them home. I’m on duty.” He glances back. “I thought we had an arrangement.” His voice is rough. “One I plan to make good on.”
I lick my lips and step back.
He steps forward and kicks the door closed behind him without taking his eyes off mine. Then his hands are on me, one at my waist and one at my jaw, and his mouth is on mine, hard and hot.
I groan, grabbing onto his shoulders and then sliding my fingers into his hair. He grabs my ass in both his hands and pulls me against him.
His fingers find the hem of my tank, and he tugs. I lift my arms so that he can pull it over my head.
He goes still for a second. I watch his eyes drop to my chest, and his whole face changes. A growl rolls out of him, low and short, and it does something to me at the back of my knees.
