Page 21 of Night Moves

In Memory of Those We’ve Lost.

Stay Safe Stay Drug Free Stay Sober

Beneath the sign are nine photos. The middle one is of Vicky. The one below is Willow. She’s blonde in the photo and the date in the corner is months ago, but I’d know her anywhere.

I follow Ryr up the stairs to the back of the stage. The pulsing strains of my signature song comes on. I feel the beat but I’m having a hard time regrouping.

Rolling my neck, I stretch my shoulders from side to side. Focus.

I love to dance. The pulse and drive of the music are inside me. But dancing for a group of grasping hands that don’t see me, know me, or care about me, lost its appeal years ago. Even then it was only about the money.

Now I only want to dance for one woman. She’s hiding something and in danger, but I’m going to save her. Closing my eyes I take a couple deep breaths visualizing my Willow.

“Ladies, ladies, ladies, have we got a surprise for you tonight. Let’s welcome back one of the original Fanta-Sensual Dancers. He’s been gone for a few years but trust me, he’s bigger and badder than ever.

“Welcome back D-Man.”

I swagger out onto the stage.I’m coming Willow and I’m gonna make you mine.

CHAPTER12

Willow

Shifting deeper into the blankets, I clasp the hand holding mine to my chest and sigh. I haven’t’ fell this warm or secure in… I try to bolt up.

“Willow, it’s me. Diesel. You’re safe. I’ve got you.”

“Wh-what are you doing in my bed?”

He chuckles and leans back so I can roll onto my back and look up at him where he hovers along my side. “You were in my bed when I got home. I didn’t want to wake you.”

“Oh.” I remember being almost frantic with worry, pacing the apartment. I came into his room to be close to him and his scent on his pillow was comforting.

“Did you get what you needed?”

“Hmm. Some answers. More questions.”

“Tell me.”

“I want to kiss you, Willow. I’ve wanted to since I first saw you. May I?”

I’ve wanted that too. But I didn’t dare. Because this good man is going to ruin me. And once we talk, he’ll never want me again.

Take it. Take it now. It’s your last chance.

I cup the back of his head. “Please.”

Soft and gentle like a summer breeze his lips brush over mine again and again. The third time he suckles my lower lip before gently sliding his tongue along the seam and seeking entry. Lovingly, almost reverent. Back and forth, tender yet demanding. Taking yet giving.

I want more. So much more.

He slides his hand up and over my hip as he deepens the kiss. To late I realize he’s run his palm under my night shirt and over my bare belly. He jerks his head back and glances down to where his fingers stroke the scars on my flesh.

I grab his wrist as tears fill my eyes. “Please stop.”

The muscles in his recently shaven cheeks clench and unclench. He shakes his head. “Tell me how you got these. Tell me everything you really know. Trust me and my team to stop this.

“Willow, I’ve seen you with my niece. How you saved her. I know you tried to help my sister. I know you’re trying to do the right thing, but you’re scared. I can help.”

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