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MARK STRETCHED OUT on his sofa Sunday evening, feeling restless. He’d gone for a run down on the beach even though he’d already worked out earlier. Now he was showered, changed, and still brimming with energy. He was itching to text Everly again, which was damn stupid. He’d texted her once last night, just to make sure she was okay, then forced himself to let it go. Trigger would take care of her. She was his sister, after all. That didn’t stop Mark from wondering if she’d gotten any more awful texts. Or if she was on the verge of any more panic attacks. He had half a mind to call her right now, but she was staying at her brother’s apartment. She didn’t need him. Besides, Mark would see her in a few days.
That was it.
He’d text her and ask what time the photoshoot started. No biggie. He’d told her he’d stop by to make sure she was okay and the situation looked safe, free from whoever had been following her. Mark hadn’t cleared it with his commander yet, but he didn’t anticipate taking a few hours off to be an issue. He never took personal time, and something in his gut was telling him not to ignore the connection he’d felt with this girl.
He thumbed a quick message to Everly and then flipped through the channels, settling on a baseball game. He was more of a football guy, but he’d have to wait until the fall for that. His phone buzzed a few minutes later, and Mark was shocked to see that Everly was calling him.
“Hey, sweetheart,” he said, silently cursing himself for calling her that.
What the hell had gotten into him?
“Hey, yourself,” she said, sounding amused. “I just saw your text. I’ve got an email with the dates and times I’ll be working this week. Text me your email address later on, and I’ll forward it to you. Then you’ll have everything in case you’re able to stop by.”
“I’ll be there,” he said in a low voice, turning down the volume on his TV. He’d much rather listen to Everly. “I’ll talk to my CO tomorrow and see if I can at least take a few hours leave. It shouldn’t be a problem. I’ll feel better checking things out myself and making sure the guy texting you isn’t hanging around somewhere.”
“Yeah, me too,” she said softly.
Fuck. Mark felt his chest tightening. He hated that she sounded frightened. Getting texts from a creepy man you didn’t know would scare any woman. If anything, he hoped the unsettling texts would force Everly to be a little more careful. Just because she posted photos online didn’t mean she had to do it in real time, letting the world know exactly where she was. There was no need to make it easier for someone to stalk her.
“How are you feeling?” he asked. It felt intimate hearing Everly’s voice in his ear. She was no doubt busy with Trigger though and probably couldn’t say much. That made him wonder even more why she’d called rather than just shooting him a quick text back.
“I’m still a little exhausted, but I’m also dealing with jet lag. I’m just hanging out at Rachel’s apartment tonight.”
“Oh yeah?” he asked, surprised. “Is Trigger there?”
“No. He and Rachel went out to dinner. They basically never get alone time or an actual date night, so I offered to babysit. Her little girl is already sleeping, and I’m trying to stay awake here by myself. I’m fine,” she added, and Mark chuckled.
“What made you think I was going to ask that?”
“Because you’re exactly like Tyler,” she said. “Overprotective. And you don’t need to worry. I can take care of myself.”
“Is that so?” he asked softly. Shit. He shouldn’t be flirting with her—or imagining all the ways he’d like to take care of her. Everly was seven years younger than him and just out of college. Maybe the age difference wouldn’t mean much in a few years, but she was still young and naïve in many ways. Had she ever been with a man? He assumed yes, but what the hell did he know? She could be a virgin, saving herself for Mr. Right.
That didn’t mean he didn’t want to kiss her thoroughly, exploring all those pretty curves. Seeing her cheeks flush. The red bikini had left little to his imagination and was enough to fuel his fantasies for weeks. Not that he had any right to think of her in that way.
“Mark.”
His breathing hitched. He shouldn’t like the breathy way she said his name. Everly wasn’t trying to be sexual, but hell. He was imagining her saying his name just like that while he kissed his way down her body, settling at that sweet spot between her thighs. Would she cry out his name if he made her come? Sweetly surrender while he took what he wanted?
He cleared his throat. “What sweetheart? I’m worried. I know for a fact you didn’t tell Trigger yet that someone was following you, because he would’ve called me in a heartbeat. Did you get any more texts today?” he asked.
“What are you up to?” she asked, clearly avoiding his question.
“Everly.”
She sighed. “Yeah. I posted one of my pictures earlier—a selfie you saw me taking on the pier. My friend Chloe thought I should be mysterious and not post for a few days, but anyway. I posted a picture, and I got some more texts after that. It was a different number than yesterday, so I blocked it, too.”
“Shit,” he murmured.
“I just need to get through this week, and then I’ll deal with it. I told Tyler I was hoping to collaborate on a collection with the designer. He didn’t totally get it, but Rachel was excited. When I get back home, I’ll figure this out. I’ll change my cell number and go to the police if this creep keeps bothering me. I’m not sure what exactly they could do to help, but....”
Mark frowned. “He’s not just bothering you. He’s stalking you. That’s concerning in more ways than I can express at the moment. This could just be the beginning, Ev. Changing your number isn’t going to stop someone intent on harassing you or causing you harm. What did he say in the new texts?”
“I’d rather not say.”
Mark’s fist clenched. “Were they worse than before?” he asked tightly.
“Um. Yeah. A little. Don’t get mad,” she said hurriedly.
“Mad? I’m pissed as hell at whoever is bothering you. Stalking you. Shit, sweetheart, those comments about you in a bikini made my blood boil. I don’t like that you’re at Rachel’s apartment alone. Tyler wouldn’t either if you told him what’s been going on.”
“I’m fine,” she said, her voice wobbling. “This is a safe apartment complex, and I’m sure Tyler and Rachel won’t be out late. You guys train really early in the morning, and Rachel has work tomorrow. Keira’s sleeping, so I’m just on the sofa watching TV. I’m fine,” she repeated.
“How about I stop by for a little while?” he found himself asking. That was very much unlike him, because Mark was a man who took charge and didn’t question his actions. He could tell she was upset though, and he didn’t want to demand that he come over. He had no right to barge in on her life, but hell. It took everything in him to wait for an answer. Of course, if she was in imminent danger, he’d be there immediately, whether she agreed to it or not.
No doubt Trigger would be confused as hell when he came home to find Mark there, but he’d just have to deal. Mark would go hang out with Everly and make sure she was okay. If he enjoyed being around her, then so be it. It’s not like they’d be ripping each other’s clothes off or something. Just because he’d love to take her to bed didn’t mean he actually would.
“You’ll come over right now,” she repeated in disbelief.
“You’re upset,” he said, trying to gentle his voice. “My apartment is only ten minutes from Trigger’s. I’m just hanging out watching a ball game. It’s no trouble.”
“Well, okay,” she said, letting out a relieved breath.
Hell. She was scared, whether she wanted to admit it or not. That just made Mark wonder even further what the hell the newest texts said. He ended the call and then quickly grabbed his wallet and keys.
Ten minutes later, Mark was jogging up the stairs to Trigger’s apartment. He realized he didn’t know if Rachel’s apartment was to the right or left of Trigger’s, and he didn’t want to wake up Keira. Picking the apartment with a colorful doormat, he texted Everly to say that he was outside. He’d guessed right, and a moment later, Everly opened the front door, her blonde hair piled up in a messy bun. She had on a flowy kimono type of top, a snug white tank, and denim shorts. The tank top hugged her gorgeous breasts, and Mark resisted the urge to look down at her cleavage. Or to slowly admire her entire body.
Hell, she was pretty. But it was her light blue eyes gazing up at him that made his heart stutter.
Shit. He was in trouble. There was no denying it. Even now, he could feel the electricity arcing between them. Her lips parted, but she hesitated a beat before saying anything.
Everly was nervous. He could see it now. She swallowed, and Mark wished he could pull her into his arms, reassuring her. He had no business touching her though. He’d make sure she was safe until Trigger got back, and that would be that. He’d just met her yesterday. It’s not like anything would ever happen between them. He wouldn’t take advantage of her—or any woman for that matter—and he could ignore whatever attraction was simmering between them.
They were both adults.
“Hey,” he said in a low voice. “I didn’t want to knock and wake up Rachel’s daughter. You look nice.” Unable to resist, he briefly let his gaze roam over her. Her cheeks pinkened slightly, but she smiled, seeming to relax.
“Thanks. And good call on not knocking, although apparently Keira’s a heavy sleeper. You got here sooner than I expected. Come in,” she said, stepping to the side.
Mark strode into the apartment, briefly wishing he was in Everly’s own space. Rachel’s apartment was nice, but the possessive side of him wanted more. To see Everly’s decorations and belongings. To see her in her own home. Would it smell like her? That sexy floral scent he couldn’t seem to get enough of?
Everly locked the door as his gaze swept the room. Being aware of his surroundings was a habit he’d never break. They were all trained to be alert, and he felt even more so now than usual. When Everly was with him, he actually had someone to protect.
The TV was on but turned down low, and he doubted she was actually watching it. There was a bottle of water and protein bar on the coffee table, sitting next to her cell phone. “Did you eat dinner yet?” he asked, realizing belatedly that he should have offered to bring something over.
“No. The time change is messing with me. It’s weird because my body is still on East Coast time, so I should’ve been hungry earlier. Tyler offered to bring me back something, but I told him not to worry about it.”
Mark watched her for a beat. “Let me know if you want me to order some food.”
“Did you eat yet?” she asked. “I’d offer you something, but this is Rachel’s apartment. I can run next door to Tyler’s place and see what he has in the fridge.”
She was rambling a little, and Mark wondered if she was still nervous. His gaze softened. He’d basically barged in here, inviting himself over, but damn. It felt good to be near her. Mark couldn’t even explain it if he wanted to. He liked knowing she was safe, but it was more. He felt protective of her, but he also just wanted to be near Everly. He’d been feeling restless at his own apartment, and now that he was here, it was like something settled inside him. He was exactly where he should be.
“Not yet. I hadn’t figured out what I was doing for dinner tonight.”
“I guess we could order something,” she said, crossing the living room toward him.
His lips quirked. Hell. He’d buy her dinner—whatever she wanted. The silky kimono she had on swayed as she moved, swirling around those toned legs. For a flash, he imagined her wearing the kimono and nothing else. It was sheer enough that he’d be able to see her breasts and pussy through the material. His dick twitched, and he tried to rein himself in. Nothing was going to happen between them. He couldn’t help that he found her unbelievably sexy though.
Mark was a tall guy, and Everly only came up to his shoulder. She’d been lying down on the hospital bed when he’d last seen her yesterday. This was probably the first time she’d been standing right in front of him. It just made him realize how much damn smaller than him she was. And it made him livid that some asshole was harassing her. He’d made the right move in coming tonight.
“So, what do you want to order?” she asked.
He searched her gaze for a beat. Mark wasn’t sure if she was agreeing to food for his benefit or if she’d changed her mind and was actually hungry. It didn’t matter. He’d get some food in her, they’d relax for an hour or so, and then Trigger would be back. End of story. “There’s a great Mexican place nearby,” he suggested.
“It is good. I think Tyler picked it up for lunch because we had Mexican earlier. Want to just get pizza or something?”
“Sure thing, sweetheart. Pizza works for me.”
They decided on toppings, and Mark ordered using the app on his phone, paying for it himself. She’d probably try to offer to pay when the delivery guy showed up, but there was no way Mark was letting a woman buy him a meal. Especially not his buddy’s younger sister.
Everly’s phone buzzed with a text, and she glanced down at it, rolling her eyes. “It’s just my brother checking up on me.” She thumbed a response as Mark sank down onto the sofa, stretching out his legs.
“Did you tell him I was here?”
“No. Then he’d really worry.” Mark chuckled, raising his eyebrows. “Tyler might have mentioned you texted him a few times asking about me,” Everly explained as she sank down beside him.
“Let me see those other texts while we’re waiting.”
“Oh. Right,” she said, biting her lip. “I already blocked the number, but these are the ones that came through. I probably should’ve deleted them.” Everly shifted, her faint floral scent making his blood heat.
Clearing his throat, he took the phone from Everly. He was curious why she hadn’t wanted to tell him what they said earlier. Mark’s pulse pounded as he read the most recent texts, anger churning through him.
I bet your tits feel amazing. They look so soft and full.
They’d look good in my mouth.
Or with my cock between them.
Would you suck me off if I pinned you beneath me?
“What the fuck?” he growled. His gaze quickly flashed to the hallway, where Rachel’s daughter was no doubt sleeping behind one of the closed doors. Mark lowered his voice as Everly snatched her phone back. “Everly, this jackass is threatening you.”
“Don’t tell my brother,” she hastily said.
“Babe—”
“Mark, I’m serious,” she said, her small hand landing on his muscled thigh. He was too keyed up to even appreciate her touch. “I swear I’ll change my phone number when I get back home. I just need to do this big photoshoot first, without Tyler on my case about it. I know you don’t really get it, but it’s huge for me. I’m hoping to collaborate with them. My clothing could be sold in stores—not just sketches I’ve drawn in notebooks. It would take me years to do a business venture like this on my own. I’ve got a portfolio I want to show them. A big clothing brand partnering with me is everything. I don’t want to cause problems for them.”
“Your safety isn’t a problem, Everly. It should be a priority. And if the photoshoot is as big a deal as you say, then you should be even more cautious. I didn’t even ask this before, but are your phone number and address unlisted?”
“Well, my cell number isn’t listed, but—”
“Hell no. Are you telling me your home address is online for anyone to look up?”
“I guess. I mean, isn’t everything online nowadays?”
Mark scrubbed a hand through his short-cropped hair, groaning. “Everly. You need to take your safety more seriously. Especially if you’re trying to expand your social media influencer stuff—whatever you call it. Don’t post photos that show where you are. Don’t post anything about where you live. If you have to share your life, do it a few days later when you’re no longer at that location. No one needs to see a live play-by-play of your entire day. Don’t make it easy for someone to find you.”
“I’m careful—as careful as I can be,” she amended.
Mark raised his eyebrows.
“Okay, well, I’ll be more careful. It’s not that big of a deal. The texts were gross, but some men are pigs. I don’t need to tell you this.” She was waving her hands around, growing flustered, and Mark reached out and grabbed one, taking it between his own to soothe her. Her skin was soft and smooth, and he shouldn’t have imagined how it would feel to have that small hand wrapped around his cock.
He turned her hand over in his own, his thumb running across her delicate wrist. She looked up at him, her lips parting.
“I want you to be safe, sweetheart.”
She stilled, the air between them electric, and finally let out a breath. “Mark, you’re sending me all kinds of mixed signals. First, you’re too old for me—which you absolutely implied yesterday. Then you showed up tonight, out of the blue. You’re holding my hand.”
“I like you.”
She tried to pull her hand back, but he held on, keeping her close. His thumb ran over her wrist again. “I want to see you again.”
“I’ll see you at the photoshoot.”
“I want to spend time getting to know you. Yes, I told myself you were too young, but fuck it. If you tell me to back off, I will, but you can’t deny there’s something between us, Everly.”
“There isn’t. I mean there is, but—”
He gently palmed the back of her head with his free hand and ducked down, kissing her softly before she could ramble on any more. Shocked, she clutched onto his bicep, her other hand still held between his own. Mark kissed her again, gently, letting her get used to him. Everly’s body relaxed, and his pulse pounded as his dick twitched. She tasted sweet, like strawberries and rain. And she smelled so good—like flowers. It was both sensual and sweet. Mark was an assertive, rough type of man, but hell. Something about her just did it for him. Maybe he was all sorts of wrong for her, but he didn’t care. He’d keep her safe.
His lips moved over hers, and he felt her sway slightly closer to him. Giving in. Yielding.
Hell yes. She wanted him, too.
Mark could hardly rush her into anything though. Maybe he’d enjoyed one-night-stands a decade ago, but he’d moved on from that stage of his life. Besides, he’d never do that to her. This girl was someone special. Mark gentled his kiss, finally pulling away and looking down at Everly. Her lips were pink and swollen, and he wanted to ravish her fully. Make her come apart in his arms while he did wicked things to her. She was reserved in some ways, and he wanted to see her lose control. To spend hours pleasuring her thoroughly.
He wasn’t about to do anything here in Rachel’s apartment though. He probably shouldn’t even have kissed Everly, but he didn’t care. She was still clinging to him, that small hand on his bicep, trying to catch her breath. It took all his willpower not to lean closer and taste her lips once more.
“What was that for?” she asked softly, her light blue eyes searching his.
“Just proving my point,” he said, the corner of his mouth tugging up.
“Which is?”
“There’s something happening between us. I felt it yesterday, and I feel it right now. I don’t usually connect like that with a woman I just met—not like we did. We’ve got crazy chemistry, sweetheart, but it’s more. You feel it, too.”
She swallowed and nodded, briefly looking away before meeting his gaze once more. Hell. She was cute when she was nervous, but he didn’t want her to be uncomfortable. “I’m sorry,” he said, not actually sorry in the least. “I probably shouldn’t have kissed you yet.”
“You surprised me.”
“You surprised me, too.”
She rolled her eyes, a smile playing about her lips as he finally released her hand. “I’m not the one who kissed you first.”
“No. But I can tell you enjoyed it, too.” She flushed, and he searched her eyes for a moment. “I can be a strong personality, and I go after what I want, but I will tell you this. I’ll never take anything you don’t want to give, Everly. You can trust me on that.”
She nodded, still looking slightly uncertain. “You’re kind of intense,” she finally said.
“I can be. I’ve got my faults. And your brother will probably kill me for sitting here right now kissing you like I have that right.”
“I’m only here for a week, Mark. I’m not into vacation flings or one-night-stands or whatever. I’m not really sure what you expect to happen.”
“I know,” he said, unable to resist lightly caressing her cheek with the back of his knuckles. “I’d still like to see you while you’re in California. I’ll stop by when you’re working, of course—the photoshoot. I want to see who’s hanging around there and get a list of names. But I want to take you out one night, too. Show you San Diego and have you all to myself for a couple of hours.”
Her lips parted.
“What are you thinking?” he asked when she didn’t answer.
Everly’s phone buzzed, ending the moment, and she looked down at it and frowned.
“Is that Trigger?”
She shook her head. Her phone continued to buzz with new messages, and he noticed her hands beginning to shake. Everly paled slightly, and Mark snatched the phone from her.
Who’s the guy that showed up?
His hands better stay off your tits.
No one should be fucking you but me.
You’re mine, princess.
You just don’t know it yet.
Shock coursed through him, followed instantly by a flash of anger. Mark jumped up and was moving toward the apartment door before he thought about it. “Stay here,” he ordered, his voice steel. “I’m checking the parking lot. That asshole knows you’re here and saw me come inside. If anyone knocks on the door while I’m gone, call 911. After I search the area, I’m calling Trigger.”
“Wait—”
“No buts, Ev. Some asshole is stalking you. He knows where you are. He had to have followed you from the hospital to find Tyler’s place. He’s threatening you.”
She swallowed but nodded, tearfully watching him. Mark wanted to rush back over and comfort her, but he also wanted to search the area outside the apartment and rip the balls off whoever was sending her nasty texts. He had no idea what kind of comments she got online, but he’d be looking into those, too. Immediately. Just because Everly wasn’t his didn’t mean he’d allow another man to threaten her.
“Lock the door behind me,” he ordered, and then Everly finally stood and hurried toward him. He met her eyes for a beat but then disappeared into the hallway, his gaze sweeping the area as his pulse pounded. He heard the door lock behind him, and then he was jogging down toward the parking lot. He didn’t see anyone standing around, but that meant nothing. The guy could’ve been in his vehicle, hiding in the bushes, or long gone.
How the hell had he known Everly was here though?
Had this creep realized she was in the hospital and followed her to Trigger’s? Was he tracking her some other way?
Pulling his cell phone from his pocket, Mark called Tyler as he looked around. His buddy would be pissed as hell, but he needed to be in the loop on this. Mark didn’t like that he’d left Everly and Rachel’s daughter alone for the moment, even though he was only in the parking lot.
“Trigger,” his teammate answered after two rings.
“We’ve got a problem,” Mark said before launching into a brief explanation of what was going on.
Tyler let out a string of curse words before responding. “Shit. You’re kidding me. Everly never mentioned a thing about this. How long has she been getting these texts and messages online? Wait until I get back there—”
“Trigger,” Mark warned, his voice steel. His friend was upset about the situation, but Mark sure as hell wasn’t going to stand around watching him give Everly shit about it. Yeah, she was Tyler’s younger sister, but Mark had felt responsible for her since the moment he’d pulled her from the ocean. It made no damn sense, but he wouldn’t let anyone—including her own brother—hurt or upset her. Tyler might never lay a hand on a woman in anger, but despite his easygoing personality, Mark sensed he wanted to chew his sister out for hiding this.
Tyler let out a breath. “I’m worried. I can’t believe I didn’t know a thing about this. Rach and I will head home right now. You’re sure no one is around?”
“Not that I can see, but hell. I’m standing in the parking lot. He could be in a vehicle or hiding somewhere watching the apartment. Hopefully knowing I was here scared him off, but shit. He sent her those messages, He seemed pissed that Everly had a man over.”
Tyler muttered another curse. “What the hell were you doing there anyway? She was supposed to be babysitting and hanging out at Rachel’s. Alone.”
“Keeping her company. Hell. There’s the pizza delivery guy. We ordered some food.”
“Ev said she wasn’t hungry.”
“She changed her mind. It’s not a big deal. I’m going to look around, but we can search the area more thoroughly when you get here. I don’t want to let the apartment out of my sight in case this guy is still here somewhere. We also need to look at all her social media accounts and try to figure out who this jackass is.”
“I’ll text Ace and see if he can get a jump on it. I’ve always told Everly to be careful about the stuff she posts online, but damn. It’s like she’s got a whole life I know nothing about.”
“She’s an adult,” Mark said. “You can’t expect her to tell you everything.”
“Roger. It’s hard to see her as anything but my kid sister though. Anyway—that doesn’t matter. We’ll be there in fifteen minutes, tops. Keep her safe, Mayhem.”
“Will do.” He ended the call and frowned as he crossed toward the delivery driver, taking the pizza box and looking around once more. The entire situation had just gone from bad to worse. He didn’t like that the guy had been at the pier watching Everly yesterday, but this was different. Trying to catch her on location taking photos for social media felt different than learning where she was staying. Watching her.
What if she’d been here alone all night? Would this jackass have gone to the door? Would Everly have answered it?
Mark clenched his fist, carrying the pizza box in one hand toward the stairs. Now that her stalker knew where Everly was, Mark wasn’t sure she should stay here. He had no business wanting to take her to his own place, but at the moment, it was all he could do not to rush in there and whisk her off to safety.
