Serve & Protect Read online

  Serve & Protect

  By: Kayla Carson

  Acknowledgments

  Cover Photo: Canstock Photo Inc. / feedough

  Editor: Kimberly Reese

  Cover Design: Kayla Carson

  A special thank you to my mom, for always being my sounding board <3

  And to Roanna, for always encouraging me, and helping me keep the path of this story true.

  Copyright © 2019 by Kayla Carson

  All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed, or

  transmitted in any form or by any means, including photocopying, recording, or other

  electronic or mechanical methods, without the prior written permission of the publisher,

  except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical reviews and certain other

  noncommercial uses permitted by copyright law.

  Prologue

  “Will I see you later?” Noah asked, as I slipped from his bed, and back into my jeans and tee shirt.

  “This is it, Noah. This is all it can be.”

  He stood then, letting the sheet fall to the floor before making his way towards me. I bit my bottom lip, trying to keep my gaze on his eyes rather than on his still very erect penis. “Noah..”

  “I'm going to wear you down sooner, or later Sugar.” He whispered, his lips only inches away from mine.

  Every time he called me sugar with his slick southern accent, my knees literally went weak, and he knew it. He knew the effect he had on me, which is why I was here... again. Instead of in my dorm room where I should be. Where my detective dad, and Noah's partner thought that I was. Yeah, I was sleeping with my dad's partner who was five years older than me. I had managed to keep things between us purely sexual, but I'd be lying if I said I hadn't caught feelings.

  Noah was the definition of the perfect man. He had dirty blonde hair, which was swept to the side almost effortlessly, and deep blue eyes that you could drown in. He was tall, and I swear that his abs, had abs. But that wasn't what drew me to him. He was kind, and smart, and he could make me laugh at the drop of a hat. Being around him just made me feel like a different person. A happy person, and my new mantra in life was “chase your happy” no matter what, or where it leads.

  It had been my dad, and I for as long as I could remember, and growing up a cop's daughter had it's perks. I never got a speeding ticket, and I had more protective uncles than I knew what to do with, but it also had it's downfalls. My dating life was non existent, which explains Noah. He was always around, and my dad trusted him with his life. I didn't intend for it to happen, but six months ago during a scary movie marathon I reached for his hand. That small gesture led to a kiss, and then a make out session, and then... you can imagine the rest.

  “Call me when you get home, alright?” I asked giving him a quick peck on the lips.

  “Are you worried about me, Sugar?”

  “Shut up!” I said playfully swatting his chest, before turning on my heel and heading towards the door.

  I could still hear his laughter as I closed the door behind me, and I couldn't help but smile. Noah did that to me. I had to constantly force myself to keep a straight face around him when he was with my dad. I felt like a school girl, trying to hide her first crush, and in a way I was. Only I was in college, and hiding a sexual relationship from my father. When I got back to campus it was just in time for class, so I did the walk of shame. It was college, no one would notice if I wore the same thing two days in a row.

  I was in my final year at the University of Georgia. I decided to follow in my dad's footsteps, and was majoring in criminal justice. I was leaning towards forensic science, but being a police officer wasn't completely off the table. I'd learned how to shoot a gun when I was ten, and I still enjoyed going to the range with my dad whenever we got the chance. The fact that I knew every member of the police force, and the Chief of police was my godfather definitely played a part in my decision as well.

  I finally made it back to my dorm room a little after four, grateful that my room mate Erin wasn't home. She had a huge crush on Noah, and I wasn't in the mood to fend her off. She constantly made it a point to remind me that he, and I were only fuck buddies, and that one day she'd convince him that she was really what he was looking for. To be clear, we weren't friends, but we weren't enemies either. The only reason we were still room mates is because her dad was a cop too. We actually grew up together, but as we got older we grew apart. Mostly because I realized that she was a bitch.

  After gathering my things, I headed down the hall to use the shower leaving my phone behind on the charger. It was still fairly early, so the showers were empty, another reason to be grateful. When I got back to my room, Erin was sitting on my bed, my phone in her hands. “What are you doing?” I asked, setting my shower caddy down on my desk.

  “It was going off. You have like four missed calls.” She said, tossing it back down onto my bed.

  I rolled my eyes, before picking the phone up to check it. I didn't recognize the number, but it was the same every time. I played the first message, and then the next two. They were all from St. Mary's hospital in Athens. Something had happened to my dad. Yanking the charger from the wall, I tossed it, and my phone into my purse, slid my slippers on, and ran out the door. My hair was still wrapped in a towel, and I was dressed in a pair of sweats, and an over sized tee shirt but I didn't care. I could faintly hear Erin calling after me, but I kept running until I made it to my car.

  It took me a full minute before I was able to get the key into the ignition, and once the car started I jumped. I wasn't the kind of woman who easily showed fear, but right now, in this instant, I was terrified. My dad has been a cop my entire life, and he's always come home to me. I never worried about him, not once, because I believed him when he promised me that he'd never leave me. He was my dad, my hero, and he was invincible. But I knew better now.

  I found a parking space, and ran as fast as I could through the doors of the emergency room, only stopping when I reached the front desk. “My.. my name is Haylee James.” I breathed out, trying to catch my breath. “I got a phone call about my father. Officer Aaron James.”

  “Ms. James?” A female nurse asked, as she approached me. “My name's Caroline, I'm the one who called you. Your father is still in surgery.”

  “What happened? Was he on duty?” I asked.

  “It appears so, yes.”

  “What about his partner?” I asked, my heart suddenly dropping into the pit of my stomach. “Noah Steele.”

  “Mr. Steele has been admitted, but I'm afraid only immediate family is-”

  “I'm his girlfriend.” I said, stopping her mid sentence. “Please. Can I see him?”

  “Of course, right this way.”

  I don't know what I was thinking. In fact I wasn't thinking, I just knew that I had to see him. I had to make sure that he was OK. I followed Caroline down a long corridor, before taking the elevator up to the fourth floor. When she stopped in front of a closed door, she gave me a warm smile. “Is there anything else that I can do for you?”

  “If there's any news about my dad, please let his doctor know that I'll be here.”

  She nodded, and when I was sure she was far enough away, I took a deep breath and pushed the door open. The first bed was empty, and the curtain was closed so that I couldn't see him when I walked in. I slowly stepped around it, and brought my hands to my mouth in shock. His head was wrapped in a bandage, and his left arm was in a sling. There were more bandages on that same shoulder, and the machines beside him were beeping softly. “Noah?” I whispered, not wanting to wake him, but needing to know that he was alright.

  When he didn't answer, I felt the tears forming behind my eyes. I t
ook the seat beside his bed, and reached for his hand, rubbing my fingers over his before laying my head there. I let my tears fall silently, praying that he and my dad were going to be alright. A few minutes later, I felt his fingers move beneath my hand, and I sat abruptly looking into his eyes.

  “Miss me?” He asked, and my tears started anew again. “I'm sorry Sugar, come here.” He said patting the space beside him on the bed.

  Once again, I didn't think. I climbed into the bed with him, and I let him wrap his arm around me. He kissed the top of my head, and I sniffed, trying to ease my tears. “What happened Noah?” I whispered.

  “How's your dad?”

  “I.. I don't know. He's still in surgery.”

  “It's all my fault Hales.” He said, rubbing his hand up, and down my arm.

  “What do you mean?” I asked, my eyes searching his for answers.

  “It doesn't make any sense. He was supposed to wait. He broke procedure Haylee.”

  I could hear the strain, and confusion in Noah's voice, and all I wanted to know was what the hell happened, and why. “Tell me.” I said my voice steady, and insistent.

  “We were responding to a robbery in progress. Your dad went to the front door, and sent me around to the back. Every breach is supposed to be simultaneous, but before I even reached the back door I heard gunshots. I tried to radio your dad, and when he didn't answer I ran inside. I cleared the rooms as I went, and that's when I found him. He was laying on his back in the middle of the living room. I didn't think, I just reacted. I took my jacket off, and used it to put pressure on the wounds. I heard footsteps then, and I reached for my gun but before I could pull it from it's holster, he shot me in the shoulder. I tried to turn around to see his face, and that's when he hit me in the back of the head, probably with the butt of his gun. When I came to, I was here.”

  “I don't understand why he would go in without backup, but this was not your fault Noah.”

  “He's my partner. It's my job to have his back.”

  “And you did.” I said, leaning up to kiss his cheek. “I was worried about you.” I admitted, making him smile.

  “I knew you loved me.” He teased. “How did you get in here anyway?”

  “I may have told the nurse that I was your girlfriend.” I said just under my breath. “I also realized something on the way over here. I love you No-”

  He stopped me, by gently pressing his lips to mine. “I told you I'd wear you down, Sugar.”

  I smiled against his lips, causing him to do the same. We were lost in the moment with each other, until the sound of someone clearing their throat brought us back to reality. “Ms. James?” The doctor asked, and I sat up straighter in the bed nodding, my hand now clutching Noah's tightly.

  “My name is doctor Warren, and I treated your father.”

  “How is he? Can I see him?”

  “I'm sorry Ms. James, we did everything we could, but the bullets caused irreversible damage to your father's organs. A nurse will be by shortly to take you to him. Again, I'm very sorry for your loss.”

  Chapter One

  Two Years Later

  “I still don't understand why you can't wear your engagement ring to work.” Noah said, as he was lacing up his boots.

  “I told you. Everyone still sees me as Aaron James' little girl. I don't want them to start looking at me as Noah Steele's fiance too.”

  He stood walking towards me with purpose then, only stopping when I was in his arms. “But you are my fiance.” He said roughly, before pecking my lips. “I thought we were done with secrets, Sugar.”

  “You don't understand Noah. You're a man. Half of the department still sees me as the little girl that grew up eating doughnuts at her dad's desk, swinging her legs because they were too short to reach the floor. I feel like I have something to prove.”

  “The only person you have to prove yourself to, is you.” He said, pecking my lips again.

  “Why are you so damn perfect?” I asked, only half teasing.

  He laughed, brushing a strand of hair away from my face. “Can we at least ride in together?”

  “Did you forget that I'm going wedding dress shopping with your mom after work today? I have to pick her up.”

  “I'm sorry she roped you into this. I know you'd rather go alone.”

  “Honestly? I'm kind of excited. I don't really remember my mom, and yours is pretty amazing.”

  “I think she loves you more than me.” He said, sticking out his bottom lip. “You're the daughter she's always wanted.”

  “Is someone jealous?” I asked, standing on my tip toes to suck his protruding lip into my mouth.

  “I think I know what would make me feel better.” He whispered huskily, when I released him.

  “Oh no!” I said giving him a little shove, and taking a few steps back. I could tell by the gleam in his eyes that he wasn't going to give up that easily. I took another step back, and another, and another before he started towards me. I spun around then, running towards the kitchen. “Not today Satan!” I squealed as he chased me around the island, grabbing me around the waist from behind. He had me tossed over his shoulder seconds later, and I couldn't control my laughter. “Noah!” I begged, swatting him on his ass as he carried me into our bedroom.

  In one swift movement, he had me on the bed, and on my back, crawling up the length of my body. I couldn't control my laughter as his lips found mine before dipping down to my neck. “Noah..” I half moaned, half whined. “We can't be late for work.”

  “Is that why you aren't trying to stop me, Sugar?” He asked, nipping at my collar bone.

  “Fuck it.” I said in frustration, grabbing him by the shirt collar, and crashing my lips against his. I could feel his growing erection pressing against me, and I opened my legs wider to accommodate him.

  Noah's phone started to ring then, followed by mine. He reluctantly broke our kiss, rolling onto his back to retrieve his phone from his pocket. “Steele.” He answered breathlessly. “Yes sir. Of course sir. As soon as the traffic clears. Uh.. she's already left the house sir.”

  I jumped from the bed then, grabbing my boots from the floor on my way to the living room. I only sat down long enough to shove my feet into them, before dashing out the door, and into my car. Leave it to Noah to tell the chief of police that I was already half way to work. He was going to pay for his little stunt later.

  When I pulled into the station, I quickly tied my boots before heading inside, tossing my long blonde hair into a pony tail along the way. The instant Chief Craig caught my eye, he motioned for me to enter his office. Keeping my head held high, I marched towards him purposefully.

  “Shut the door.” He said, when I reached him. I did as he asked, and took the chair directly across from his. “I'm going to cut right to the chase. It's been two years since we lost your father, and the case has gone cold. I wanted to assign it to some new recruits, maybe fresh eyes will find something we missed. I don't want you, or Noah involved in any way, do you understand?”

  “No offense sir, but wouldn't I be the perfect person to over see things? Who knew my father better than me?”

  “No one is questioning your ability Haylee. In fact you remind me so much of your father it's uncanny at times. You have an attention to detail that most detectives don't, but you're too close. You know as well as I do any case you built could be destroyed due to conflict of interest.”

  “I understand.”

  “Good. Also, whatever plans you have for the evening.. cancel them.”

  “Do I get to ask why?”

  “The time line has been moved up on Garcia. The sting is happening tonight.”

  “Yes sir.” I said, before standing to leave. When I found my way back to my desk, I found Noah there waiting for me. “Well look who made it to work!” I said, in a mocking tone.

  “Me? Did you fly here, Sugar?” He teased reaching into his pocket, and pulling out my ring. “You forgot this.” He winked slipping it back onto my finger
, before kissing me on the forehead. “Don't forget it again.” He whispered, before going to find his own desk.

  I blushed. I couldn't help myself, the man did things to me. Clearing my head, I pulled my cell out to text Angie, Noah's mom to let her know that I wouldn't be able to go dress shopping today. We've been after a cocaine dealer for a while now, and apparently we were making the buy tonight. I kind of loved stings. Pretending to be someone else, befriending the bad guys, just to put them in bracelets at the end of the day. It was a rush. Pure adrenaline at it's finest, and one of the main reasons I got into intelligence.

  Luckily, Angie understood and said she'd reschedule our appointment for another day. We haven't set the wedding date yet anyway, but she insisted that dresses took time to make perfect. I could honestly care less what I wore, as long as it was Noah, who I was meeting at the end of the aisle.

  “You're with me James.” A shrill voice called from behind me. I laid my head down on my desk in defeat. Erin Jennings, my ex best friend, ex room mate, and all around bitch. I should have known she'd come to work here, after all her dad was close to mine, and just retired a few months ago.

  “Wasn't I tortured enough in my life?” I asked, when I met her at the door.

  “I don't like this anymore than you do, but Chief Craig seems to think we work well together.”

  “What's the call then?” I asked, getting behind the wheel.

  “Why do you always drive?” She whined, fastening her seat belt.

  “Because I don't want to die.. now what's the address?”

  “2385 Fisher St. 10-16”

  “Why do we always get the shit calls? The Martin's have been married for twenty five years! Every time there's a domestic disturbance it's because Mr. Martin's lost his hearing aid, and Mrs. Martin thinks he's ignoring her.”

  Erin laughed, and I couldn't help but join her. Even though I was on intelligence now, I still had to do my fair share of normal police work. Everyone has to pay their dues, but no one wants to write parking tickets. “I heard you've got a sting with Noah tonight.”