Before the Dawn(38)

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"He's taking Dawn to a secure location for the night."

If possible, his face hardened even more. "The PD has plenty of safe houses that she can use. I can guarantee her around-the-clock protection."

Julia laughed. "You know Dawn isn't going to be locked away. That isn't her style."

"For her safety-"

"Tucker is taking care of her tonight." Macey kept her voice firm. "The rest of our team will be here before daylight and we can reevaluate then." She didn't want a pissing match between their departments. To catch the perp, they needed cooperation, not competition.

Anthony gave a quick nod and backed away. He exited the doors, his steps fast. Angry.

Julia pulled on a pair of gloves. "He needs to let that go."

Curious, Macey lifted her brows.

"He and Dawn are not happening. He might want that to be the case, he may want to play her knight in shining armor, but..." Julia sighed. "Dawn doesn't want someone to save her. That is the last thing she wants. She shuts down guys like him faster than you can blink."

"You know her well."

"As well as anyone can know her. Dawn doesn't exactly let a lot of people come in close. I just found her weakness, so I was able to worm my way closer."

"What's her weakness?"

"Po'boys." She pulled on her exam coat. "And, if I had to guess...I'd say your partner."

Macey didn't let her expression change.

Julia checked her instruments. The scalpel gleamed on the nearby tray. "If you think she hasn't told me about him, you'd be wrong. He's the man who's haunted her for seven years. He's the guy she's never been able to let go."

* * *

"THERE ARE TWO rooms in the suite." Tucker pointed to the room on the right. "You can take that one, and I'll be in here." He moved his hand to indicate the door on the left. They were on the top floor of the hotel, the club level. The only way to access that level was via a special key card. Added security that he'd wanted for the night.

"Where will Macey be staying?"

"She has a room across the hall." And two more rooms were reserved for the other team members who'd be coming into town. His gaze swept over Dawn. She was too pale. Her eyes were too dark. And her body looked far too fragile. "You should get some sleep." 

"I'd rather get a drink."

He blinked, surprised by her response, but...hell, yeah, they could both use a drink. He made his way over to the bar and checked the selection. "Looks like we've got wine, beer and some Jack." He didn't remember her liking whiskey, but...

"Wine." She'd come toward him, moving silently on the lush carpet.

He poured her a glass of the deep red liquid. Wine for her, Jack for him. He gave her the glass and watched as she drank it. God, but he'd missed her. Sometimes he'd find himself reaching out for her at night.

Sometimes...he'd found himself searching for her.

Sometimes I just had to see you. How fucked up is that?

He downed the Jack in moments and set the glass back down with a bit too much force.

She watched him, her gaze shadowed. He needed to step away. She was hurting, her friend was dead, and the woman was being hunted. She didn't want him-

"I missed you, Tucker."

Fuck.

Every muscle in his body tensed. "Be careful." The warning slipped out of him.

Be careful, baby. Don't push me too far. My control only works with other people. Not with you. I've wanted you too long. I might not be able to hold back, not now that we're finally alone.

I can't walk away from you again.

"I have been careful. I've always been the careful one. I was the good girl in college, and that got me a swift trip to hell. I've been careful in New Orleans, and now my friend is dead. I've come to the conclusion that careful sucks."

He hated her pain. "Dawn-"

But she shook her head. She put her glass down next to his. "Good night." Then she turned on her heel, starting to walk away-

Can't let her go.

He snagged her wrist, curling his fingers around her delicate bones. "Do you still see him?"

She looked up at him. Her eyes were even bigger. So big he could get lost staring in them.

"When you look at me..." His voice was gravel-rough. "Will you always see him?"

Her lips trembled and he knew the answer. How could he not know? He let her go. "You'll be safe here tonight. Just...if you need anything, I'm here."

Like she needed him.

We look too much alike. Every time she sees my face, she will always see him.