Stolen Heart

chapter 8




Annika had just finished her shower and was getting dressed. She had slept most of the day as she was exhausted after last night’s activities. Oh, the stealing of Candace Weinburg’s jewels didn’t tire her out. That was actually quite thrilling and she couldn’t wait to put the money they fetched to good use. But the trip she’d made out of the First Dimension had been stressful, and that in turn had exhausted the crap out of her.

She had indeed sought the counsel of an old friend but rather than getting the advice she’d needed, she spent most of the time comforting said friend who was having some issues of her own. It was an emotionally tiring evening and by the time she had returned to New York, it was close to 4:00am. Annika had fallen face first onto her bed and slipped into a deep sleep.

Now she was rushing around, getting ready. Tonight she was going to help Sheila Williams escape her abusive home. Annika already had a room set up for her at Saving Grace. And if anyone ever needed saving, it was Sheila.

Most women were referred to Saving Grace through a network of social workers and police officers that Annika had met through the years. Saving Grace’s location was held in absolute secrecy so the a*shole abusers couldn’t find the women who had finally wisened up and gotten the courage to leave. Thus, if a woman was in danger, Annika would be approached by a social worker or cop, who would arrange for a meeting with the woman.

These moves to safety were never done quickly. Most of the time, the woman was just not ready to make the move. Usually burdened with immense fear and shame, they were too afraid to break away from their abusers. Annika would often spend weeks, meeting with and counseling the women. Building up their courage to make a run for it.

And tonight…Sheila Williams was ready. She had been with her boyfriend, Monty Shepard, for ten years. She had dropped out of high school at fifteen and moved in with him. He was a mid-level drug dealer who liked to frequently sample his own merchandise. The cocaine high made him mean, and Sheila was his favorite punching bag.

After spending over a year secretly earning her GED and meeting with Annika for support, she was ready to leave the bastard. Sheila needed the secrecy of Saving Grace. Monty was possessive and would probably stop at nothing to get her back if he found her. And if he couldn’t have her, he’d kill her.

Annika’s plan was for Sheila to stay at Saving Grace, until they could raise enough money for Sheila to leave New York and start a new life.

Annika’s cell phone beeped. She looked down and saw a text from Sheila: He’s gone.

That meant Monty was out for the night. He usually went out every night with his thug gang of drug dealers and didn’t return until the early morning hours. Still, Annika didn’t want to waste any time. She slipped on a light jacket, tucking her taser gun into the pocket, and walked out of her apartment. It was show time.

***

Patience paid off for Kieran. Rather than go into Itch to look for Annika, he decided to wait outside the back entrance to her apartment. He wanted to follow her again tonight. And there she was, looking just as adorable as she had the night before. She was dressed all in black and took off down the street on foot.

Kieran had experienced a rush of relief upon seeing her. He wasn’t so sure she would return to the First Dimension after she mysteriously disappeared last night. After the relief over seeing her settled in, he also felt an intense attraction settle into him as he watched her walk. She was sure and determined…a woman with purpose. That confidence was sexy as hell. And there was no sense in denying it. He wanted her again.

He had to admit that he was beyond fascinated by her. What type of lady, who led a posh lifestyle as a Royal, gave it all up to live in squalor and help women escape their abusers? Oh, she was tough on the outside but she clearly had some softness on the inside. Not that any of it was reserved for Kieran. Nope. He had her wrath, that was for sure and he had to figure a way to bust past it if they were going to be able to work together.

Which gave him an idea. Rather than just follow her tonight, he’d help her with whatever she had to do. And he wouldn’t give her a choice about it. He smiled internally to himself. Brilliant!

Stepping his pace up to a light jog, Kieran quickly caught up to Annika and fell into step beside her. She glanced to the left when she felt his presence, probably intent on just giving whatever person dared to encroach on her space an irritated glare. When she realized it was Kieran beside her, her eyebrows shot up in surprise and she actually stumbled. He reached out, grabbing her arm until she was steady on her feet. He shot her a blazing smile. She didn’t return it but put her hands on her hips and glared at him.

“What the hell are you doing here, Kieran?”

“Oh, out for a stroll. Fancy meeting you out here.”

Annika rolled her eyes at him. “I don’t believe for a minute you just happened upon me. You were following me,” she accused.

Kieran held up his hands. “Guilty as charged. But I’m not just following you. I want to help you with whatever you have to do tonight. So I can prove my trustworthiness to you.”

Annika snorted. “What makes you think I even want to trust you?”

“Well, you probably don’t, but I want you to trust me. I know I screwed up by threatening Saving Grace. I was hoping I could make it up to you.”

Annika looked at him for a moment, as if she was considering his offer. Then she shook her head. “No. Go back to your hotel, Kieran. I’ll come there after I finish this.” She took off walking again.

With just a few paces, Kieran caught up to her again and fell in step beside her. She glanced at him but kept walking. Neither of them said a word.

After two more blocks, Annika stopped and turned to him, glaring. She blew out a frustrated breath. “Get lost, Kieran. I don’t want or need your help.”

“Too bad. You’ll have it. I’ll be right by your side tonight. So you might as well tell me what we’re doing.”

“Are you always this much of a pain in the ass?”

Kieran grinned. “Not always.”

Annika looked up and down the street, as if she was trying to come to a decision as to what to do with him. Finally, she sighed. “Fine. You can help. It can’t hurt to have some muscle.” She took off walking again and Kieran followed.

“So what are we doing tonight?”

“We’re rescuing someone.”

“A damsel in distress?”

“As a matter of fact, yes. We’re going to help a very special woman start a new life of peace.” The look on Annika’s face was priceless when she said that. It was a mixture of hope and joy. Her passion for helping women is what made her happy.

“You make me a bit jealous, you know,” Kieran said.

Annika gave him a startled look. “Why?”

“Because you have such passion for what you do. You’re a very lucky woman. Most people just slog through their days, counting the hours until it’s over so they can start the same thing over again. They work, only to work. With no fulfillment. What you have here is special, Annika.”

As the sounds of their footsteps echoed off the sidewalk, Kieran could see Annika considering his words. She pulled her lower lip in between her teeth and her brows were scrunched in consternation.

Suddenly, she stopped walking and turned to look at Kieran. Her lavender eyes were wide and luminescent. “Thank you for pointing that out to me. I thought I did this type of work because…well, because I had to. But I think you’re right. I do this because I want to… and I love it.” She gave him a full smile then and his breath caught. Had he ever seen a more beautiful woman? He didn’t think so.

Kieran couldn’t help himself. His hand reached out and cupped Annika’s face. His thumb gently traced her cheekbone. He watched as her eyes widened in surprise, then closed as if relishing his touch. It was the perfect opportunity for him to lean in for a kiss, but before he got the opportunity, her eyes flew open and she batted his hand away from her face.

“Hey. Watch the hands buster. This isn’t a date night, you know.” Annika was scowling at him and it caused Kieran to burst into laughter. “And stop laughing. It’s not funny.”

Kieran’s laugh turned into chuckles. “I’m sorry. But you’re such an enigma, Annika. It keeps me on my toes. But don’t tell me you didn’t enjoy my touch.” His last words were seductive yet taunting. He expected her to blush and look away.

Instead, she actually took a step in closer to him, placing her hands lightly on his chest. She leaned up on her tip toes, placing her lips by his ear. “I’ll tell you a secret,” she whispered softly. Goosebumps broke out on his arms. “I do enjoy your touch. But I’ll tell you when and where you can touch me.”

Stepping back from Kieran, she reiterated. “Now is not the time.” Then she winked at him and took off walking again.