Page 25 of More Than A Boss

“What was the knife for then?” she questioned.

“He more than likely used that to cut the twine when he tied it up and blood got transferred onto the knife.”

“I doubt they took the time to hunt and kill a possum. I believe that, if they wanted to hurt you, they could have very easily, it’s obviously for show,” Darcy continued to reassure Allie, who was as white as a sheet. She was trembling in fear and shock.

Casey sat next to Allie with one arm protectively across Allie’s shoulders and the other holding Clare close to her side. Everyone had naturally surrounded Allie like a protective posse circling in to ward off the enemy.

“Darcy’s right, Al,” Casey said soothingly.

“Yes, they are long gone now,” Sam chimed in reassuringly.

Charlie was rooting around in the cabinets, looking for something stronger than wine. Finding a bottle of bourbon, he poured a healthy shot for Allie and, convincing her it was medicinal, coaxed her to down it in one chug. She immediately felt the heat warming her like a wave from her head to her toes. It was a good call, as Allie felt her tremors begin to subside.

“But why me? What good will that do them? I’m not testifying against them,” she whispered, voice still shaking.

“It is an intimidation tactic to scare anyone involved with this case. They are trying to get to Will through any means available to them,” Darcy said calmly.

Zane was busy making calls. The police were on their way, and he was attempting to reach Will, but it was going straight to voicemail. He was very concerned and put in another call to the police to have them stop by Will’s house and do a wellness check.

Giving up on trying to reach Will, Zane returned to Allie and crouched down in front of her, taking her hands in his. “Allie, look at me. I want you to listen to me OK? You’re safe. The police are on their way. We are armed. I won’t leave you alone. Either I spend the night, or you are coming back with me to my house. Your choice. Darcy is right. If they wanted to hurt you, they could have easily done it. This was an attempt to scare you and, unfortunately, it worked.” His voice was soft and calm and low, conveying confidence and encouragement. “I told you before, I will not let anything happen to you.”

She lowered her head and cried softly, “I’m sorry I’m being such a wimp. I have never felt so frightened in my life, so vulnerable. I think I would prefer you stay here, Zane, and thank you for that. I just couldn’t bear to leave Kit Kat here alone for fear she would end up like that poor possum.” At that, Allie began crying harder.

“I’m sure that possum was long dead alongside the road Al. He didn’t lose his life over this threat. He was just a convenient prop for the sickos,” Casey said angrily. “Do you want us to stay tonight as well?” she offered. “We could leave Dugan with you.”

“No, I’ll be fine. You all have work tomorrow. Please don’t worry about me. I’m in good hands with Zane.” Roles reversed, she now reassuring her friend. “Please, after the police arrive, go home and get some sleep!”

Concern etched Casey’s face. She felt so helpless. Why did this have to be happening to her friend, who had already been through so much in the last several years. It just sucked. She was very afraid for her friend but knew she could not show it. Allie needed to feel her strength and courage, her confidence that everything was going to be alright. She just hoped that it was true.

—

Two hours later, the police left after taking their statements and looking around the perimeter of her property for any additional evidence they might have missed. They promised to patrol her road during the night. Allie was exhausted, and her nerves were fried. Zane had closed all the blinds and pulled the curtains across the French doors for privacy.

“Where do you want to sleep, Allie? Upstairs in your bed or here on the couch?” he asked.

“Zane, I can’t sleep alone tonight. Can you hold me?” she asked in a small scared voice, which made his heart ache for her and his blood boil with anger at the same time.

Approaching with arms outstretched, he reached for her and pulled her into an embrace. “Don’t worry, I’m not letting you out of my sight. Now, let’s go upstairs and get some sleep.” Giving her one last hug, he took ahold of her hand to lead her upstairs.

Like a zombie, she let him guide her up to the bedroom. “Sit here Allie.” Steering her to the edge of the bed, he had her sit. He squatted down and unzipped her boots, then pulled them off one at a time. He then unbuttoned her silk blouse; the small pearl buttons a challenge for his larger hands. He slipped off the silky garment, revealing her pale peach bra, which barely covered her full, rounded breasts. Her creamy skin was soft under his hands. He helped her stand so he could remove her skirt. It had a back zipper that followed the contours of her buttocks. He steeled himself to stay neutral as he pulled the zipper down over the swell of her rounded backside. Her back was lovely, he thought to himself. Long torso with slightly curving hips leading to toned and rounded buttocks covered by a very skimpy pair of pale peach panties. Her bare legs were long and shapely, he noticed, leaning over as she stepped out of her skirt using his shoulders to steady herself.

When she was stripped down to her bra and panties, he pulled back the covers for her and she collapsed beneath them. He pulled his own T-shirt off, followed by his jeans, leaving his boxer shorts on, he climbed into bed beside her. Spooning from behind, he wrapped his arms around Allie and pulled her in close. Breathing in her feminine scent, he felt a primal need to keep her safe. He smoothed her hair back from her forehead as he made soothing noises. “Go to sleep now, I’m here. I’m not going anywhere. You’re safe.” He kissed the back of her head, nuzzling her softly. Her gentle, steady breathing told him she was already fast asleep.

The following morning, Allie awoke to Zane’s steady breath gently stirring her hair. She snuggled into his warm body enveloping her from behind, which felt like a safe cocoon. Still half-asleep, she turned to face him, observing as he slept on undisturbed. She noticed his long, dark lashes fanning his sculpted cheeks, the tousled dark hair on his head, the soft down-like hair on his muscular chest, leading down like an apex over toned abs onto the edge of his boxer shorts. She couldn’t resist placing her palms against his chest, feeling the hard muscle and soft hair beneath her fingertips. She reached up to trace his cheek with her thumb. As she gently brushed his hair back from his brow, he slowly opened his eyes to find Allie’s intense gaze upon him. Her thick blonde hair was a wild frame around her delicate beauty. Her mane reached well below her breasts and was a tangled riot of loose curls. Her brown eyes were soft and luminous.

“Hi,” he said sleepily.

“Hi,” Allie said shyly. Languid, the terror of the night before was still tucked away beneath the surface of her consciousness.

Allie leaned in and touched her full generous lips to his. He groaned, and she immediately felt his erection hard against her pubic bone. She pulled back and traced her finger over his lips, causing him to inhale sharply.

“Allie are you sure this is what you want?” he asked seriously. “I’m not sure I can hold back this time.”

“Yes, Zane. I want you,” she said in equal seriousness.

He pulled her head toward him as he hungrily placed his lips against hers. He reveled in the taste of her as he explored. He coaxed her parted lips further open as his soft tongue thrust deeper. He plunged in and out with a slow, erotic pulse, sending Allie to the brink of delirium.

He reached behind her and unclasped her dainty bra, gently removing it, exposing Allie’s soft pink rosebud nipples and full, rounded breasts. He bowed his head to her and took her nipple into his mouth. He began suckling in an ancient rhythm as he cupped her other breast, gently squeezing and tugging on her areola while continuing his suckling. He expertly used his tongue to send shivers of sensation from her breast to her core sweet spot. He pulled and tugged with his lips, tongue drawing her in and out.

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