AllFreeNovel
Share Us
“True, but I thought a lady in distress was more important than some clothes.”
“And the lady in question is thankful.”
Parting at the front desk, Ryker spoke. “Don’t forget to ask the front desk to ring my room if you need anything.” His voice took on that deeper rumble when he wanted his words to be heeded. He enjoyed a taste of dominance and submission in the bedroom when he could find a willing partner. It tended to spill over into his everyday life, but if he had a woman who enjoyed that play behind closed doors, then she wouldn’t mind a little daytime tease. It had been a while since he’d indulged, but the natural instincts were still honed sharp.
“I don’t want to bother you, but if I need to, I’ll remember to do that.”
“I’ll expect it.”
Oakley paused at his response. Would he also take exception if she didn’t? Likely. And why did that give her a little thrill? “Thanks again for coming to my rescue. I’m grateful you came along. Have a nice night and a good conference.” Oakley walked to the elevator.
“Good night Oakley.”
Ryker didn’t feel good about leaving Oakley alone. He’d overheard the officer ask her name. Oakley Addison. It verified what she’d told him. Being an attorney for some fairly high-profile cases over the years, he learned to check the validity of all important information. Deep in his gut, he had a feeling that knowing her actual name was going to be important to him. He entered the room, dropped his clothing case on the floor next to the bed, and gently placed his computer bag on the little desk. He locked his door, plugged in his phone, and headed for the shower.
He had a presentation to give on day two and had plans to meet up with several colleagues tomorrow for brunch. After ordering a sandwich and soup that he asked to be left at the door, he threw on a pair of lounge shorts and waited for the light meal as he flipped through the channels on the TV and wondered about Oakley. She gave the impression that she was well composed, but her hands had shaken, telling him it was as much an act as anything else. He was very observant when it came to the opposite sex, and his protective instincts kicked into gear when he saw what he had today.
He hoped she was okay and had friends at the conference. He would try to check on her if he saw her this week. It would help him to put the incident behind him, and then maybe he could quit worrying about her. Right now, he couldn’t stop wondering why she was attending the conference. Did she have someone to take care of her? Would she take more precautions for her safety?
The knock at the door alerted him to his meal’s arrival, and after wolfing down the food, he was again wondering about Oakley, her blue eyes and fearfully determined but furious face when he came up to her and her attacker. Ryker admitted his best friend made a living in protection, and sometimes his cases bordered on mercenary. Their group of friends was militant about taking care of their own, which must be why he was so concerned about Oakley. He would check up on her tomorrow. It was his last thought before oblivion overtook him.
Chapter 1
The room was packed. The expectant energy was vibrant. Ryker straightened his tie and confidently glanced at the sea of expectant faces filling the temporarily converted ballroom. Dozens of attorneys, civilian law enforcement, mental health professionals, and military personnel had gathered for the annual Military Law Conference. However, his hands still trembled with nerves to be standing before them as the day’s keynote speaker.
He’d not seen Oakley on Sunday and had assumed she’d been with friends or had stuck close to her room. He hated that he had not connected, but tried to push off his concern. And he definitely was not going to allow the thought that something might have happened to her to blossom. He dealt in facts, and the fact was, there was no evidence she hadn’t decided to sleep in or do a final bit of work before the conference started.
Yesterday, he’d gotten a glimpse of her from across the room, and she had seemed recovered. Not kidnapped, or worse, then, and not missing the conference. All these things should have settled his mind and his gut, but they didn’t completely. Mentally shaking off the feeling that something was off, he looked away and cleared his mind of everything except his presentation. Mostly.
Ryker reviewed his note cards for what felt like the fiftieth time, resisting the urge to tweak another point before scanning the assembled crowd with enigmatic gray eyes. He straightened his suit jacket and took a deep breath, letting it out slowly, as he had learned years ago, to calm his nerves. The weight of expectation was palatable.
A firm hand slapped him on the back. “On in five. You ready, mate?”
Ryker shook his English buddy’s hand. “I don’t know why you always seem to rope me into these things, Chris, but I’m ready. When this is all over, you owe me a drink, at least.”
“You know you wanted to share. And I get you to do things because you’re such a soft touch. I’ll buy you two drinks. Time for me to do my bit and introduce you.”
