CHAPTER 1
Lars
South Jax Beach has always been on the quieter side of life in a beach-centric city like Jacksonville. It should come as no surprise as I walk up the cobblestone path to the single-story beach cottage that there isn’t much noise in the middle of a late sunny afternoon. Everyone’s gone to the beach, the boardwalk, or out for the evening on this gorgeous Saturday.
All is well around the neighborhood.
That’s what the residents think, of course. And we want to keep it that way. Thus, why I approach the place alone.
Pushing the doorbell, the identical chime to my own home spreads through the house. A minute later, as I’m about to knock, I hear a feminine voice call out that they’re on their way. With one hand on my hip, weapon at the ready, the other clasps the radio on my shoulder, anticipating calling in my team.
“Hi!” A breathless voice, attached to a beautiful young woman, opens the door before quickly closing it enough so I can only see her face. “You are not Jaime.”
“No, ma’am, I’m not.” Maintaining a neutral tone when all I want to do is growl like a man possessed is hard as fuck.
“Uh, wha-who are you?” Her voice grows fainter as she slowly opens the door a little more. After taking me in and noticing the badge around my neck and the Kevlar vest on my chest, she gasps. “What do you want?”
Her light blonde hair is damp, and the robe covering her body tells me she might have been in the shower when I interrupted her. The stark fear in her golden eyes is an indicator that she has an idea of why I’m here.
“What’s your name, sweetheart?” I avoid her question.
“E-e-ellie Dawson.”
Offering her a hand, mostly because I want to feel if her skin is as velvety smooth as it looks, I wait until she takes it before introducing myself. “I’m Captain Lars Wolfe with the JPD, and I’m looking for Kevin Dawson. Is he home?” Her head shakes in the negative, wide eyes staring up at me as tears gather. “Do you know where he is?” Another shake. “Ellie?” She blinks up at me. “I have a warrant to search your house. I’m going to need to come inside. All right?”
She swallows audibly as her eyes move behind me, likely noticing the dozen cops now approaching to help search and secure the property.
“C-can I get dressed first?” she asks timidly, followed by trembling in the hand I still hold between us.
“I’m sorry, sweetheart; you’ve gotta stick with me now.” She bites her lip, likely to halt its quivering. “I can come with you, but I must keep an eye on you.” She pales, and the fear increases, amping up my concern for what this girl has gone through at the hands of her father.
“Okay,” she finally agrees once she sees my men getting closer, some moving around to the back of the property.
“How about we go up to your room while my men go to work.”
She nods and begins walking away, only to be stopped by her hand in mine. I don’t let go when she gives a tiny tug. After doling out instructions to my officers, I allow her to lead the way.
Only a few minutes in her presence, and I’m fucking hooked. I’ve never had that reaction before, but this girl makes me want to chase away all her demons.
My mouth waters at the sway of her hips as we walk up the stairs, and I recognize that I’m entering dangerous territory here. I should have sent a female officer up with her. She likely would have been more comfortable with that, to begin with.
Entering her bedroom, I realize just what I’m doing as I take in her pink walls, pink gauze canopying her bed with a string of lights, and the stark white vanity set on one side next to a floor-length mirror. I know of Ellie, of course; she’s in her father’s file, but I hadn’t anticipated being attracted to her.
“Ellie?” I say softly, still unable to let go of her hand. “Would you prefer a female officer present?” I’ve got to offer, at least.
Her lip trembles and her hand squeezes mine as she steps in closer to me. “I don’t understand what’s happening?” I believe her.
“Your Dad is in some trouble.” There’s a wealth of fear and knowledge in her eyes as she stares around the room. “Sit.” Guiding her back to her bed, I release her hand and kneel before her. Gripping her knees, I attempt to hold her steady. “I’m going to help you through this.” It’s all the reassurance I can offer because her father is a truly despicable man, and I don’t imagine she has any idea just how bad he is.
“Okay.” She barely breathes as one fat tear drops onto her cheek.
Nodding, I get back to my feet when she suddenly wraps her arms around my hips, hugging me close to her face. My dick immediately pulses to stand up. Even so, I hold the back of her head with my hand, reciting the entire roster of the Florida Panthers backwards by number, then alphabetically so my dick will stay down. It’s a true test of my will about how far gone I am for this girl. This too-fucking-young-for-me girl.
Christ, I think she’s still in high school, to make matters worse.
Grasping her shoulders gently, I push her back so I can step away. A man can only handle so much before he goes off the deep end, and I’m pushing the line on that.
Ellie sniffles as I walk over to her dresser, retrieving a long-sleeved shirt and pair of shorts from her drawers, and it kills me I can’t comfort her the way I want to.