Wicked Desire

Chapter 1

Maggie was on her way to answer the pounding at her front door when she hollered, Who is it?

Matt Dillon with the Bangor Police Department, ma’am.

The police? Maggie peered through the peephole before opening the door.

Is this your dog?

Her startled green eyes clashed briefly with the mirror-covered eyes of the police officer, before slowly traveling over his magnificent, uniformed length. Goodness, when did the police start wearing shoulder pads? It looked like his uniform was poured over him, revealing how powerful he was, how well built. She tried not to react to the prominent outline beneath his zipper, but she felt heat flood her face.

Then her gaze landed on the object of his unfriendly inquiry and she forgot all about him as an attractive man. What she saw caused her heart to plummet. She closed her eyes and groaned with

disbelief. There at his heel, teeth clamped in a death grip in the black leather of his boot, was her small toy poodle. Under normal circumstances the situation would have been funny. And had the

man not been a police officer. But he was, and one clearly not amused by the five-pound furball attached to him. Maggie couldn’t see his eyes, but his tone left no doubt that he was aggravated and found nothing amusing about his current situation.

She kept her gaze lowered and strived for composure. The sight of a two hundred-pound man dragging a tiny poodle behind him caused a smile to flicker on her mouth. However, when her

gaze moved up to his again she reined in the amusement threatening to spill over by promptly biting down on her bottom lip. He’d removed his dark sunglasses. And if the icy look he turned on her was any indication, she was in trouble.

Good idea, he said, as though knowing she’d been about to smile.

Dammit, let go! Maggie knew full well that yelling wouldn’t work, but she gave it a try anyway. Once her loyal protector sank her teeth into something, nothing short of her favorite treat would coax her into letting go of her prize. Maggie’s mind drifted back to the empty box of doggie biscuits in the trashcan. Dammit, please don’t get me into trouble, she said half under her breath.

You’re too late.

She wondered what that meant, probably a ticket. Ignoring the towering hunk of gorgeous man she bent to her faithful dog. She petted the small black head lovingly and glared into the brown

eyes looking up at her, but small canine teeth refused to release the chewy prize in her mouth. As if to back up her stubbornness, she growled.

Come on, baby, Maggie pleaded softly, praying that for once Dammit listened to her. You don’t want that nasty, old, policemen’s boot. She hoped he didn’t take offense. I…

I have a better idea, why don’t I just take my gun out and shoot him. His tone was full of sarcasm.

Maggie shot him a furious glare from her kneeling position, not about to call his bluff. She had to look up a long way to meet his hostile, impatient stare. The man had to be six foot five if he was an inch.

Six foot five of solid, sexy muscle.

Apparently, without a sense of humor.

She gave him her best damsel in distress look, even batting her eyelashes. He crossed his arms and raised a brow but she refused to be intimidated by him. Her, Maggie said with false sweetness, tightening her mouth with annoyance. Dammit is a girl.

He growled something low in his throat, clearly getting more impatient by the minute. If you’re going to take the time to coax her into letting go at least let’s do it inside your apartment.

Even as he spoke he slowly ushered Maggie backwards. With every step he took Dammit growled threateningly, giving his heel a vicious tug. The whole thing was ridiculous, and a chuckle escaped Maggie before she could stop it. She lost her balance.

Go ahead and laugh, lady, but I guarantee I’ll have the last one. His tone held a mild threat in it.

Really? Did he even know how to smile?

Maggie stared up at him from her undignified position on the floor, biting her bottom lip to keep from snapping something back. She ran her hand gently over Dammit again, speaking to her in a

tone she saved especially for her dog, when what she really wanted to do was ring her little neck for getting her into this predicament. The last thing she needed right now was more trouble.

Has she got pit bull in her or what? he demanded from above. I’ve never heard of a vicious toy poodle.

It’s your uniform, Maggie explained in a sugar-coated voice, deciding to ignore his insult about Dammit. Don’t feel honored because she treats the mailman and the meter reader the same way. She didn’t add that they were used to Dammit’s ways and usually came prepared with a treat for her.

In other words, you can’t control your dog, he growled, Dammit growled, and Maggie rolled her eyes.

Goodness, she’d think he was fighting off a Saint Bernard or something. She glared at Dammit, giving out her own looks that could kill. Finally, as if Dammit understood the building tension in

the air she dashed off in the direction of the bedroom.

Releasing a sigh, Maggie leaned back on her knees and thanked God while she was in the position. When she opened her eyes it was with some surprise to see his black boots were still in front of her. He hadn’t moved an inch. She raised her gaze to his silent scrutiny, feeling a rush of heat fill her cheeks when she realized his eyes were focused somewhere beneath her chin. Reaching up, she was mortified to find that her terry robe had parted.

Damn it! Her predicament with him was only getting worse. She clutched the material closed over her breasts with one hand and the other went for the arm of the overstuffed chair. She was halfway to her feet when a loud crash from the bedroom startled them both.

What the…

Dammit began barking wildly. They moved in unison, but Maggie had barely taken a step when she was grabbed from behind and pushed out of the way. Stay put. Her jaw dropped with surprise. She watched Officer Handsome’s hand slowly move to the weapon at his side, as he approached her bedroom cautiously.

Maybe it was a good thing he was there after all. She didn’t exactly live in a nice neighborhood. The police were called there on a regular basis. Yet Dammit had stopped barking, which prompted Maggie into ignoring the officer’s command. She followed him to her room, and paused in the threshold to take in the scene. Her stomach churned. She had a good idea what had happened and who had caused the mess in her usually tidy bedroom.

David…it had to be.

A rock had been thrown through her window. Dammit was sitting on the bed, staring through the torn fragments of what five minutes ago had been pretty lace sheers. Maggie crossed her arms,

realizing David’s childish behavior was beginning to get out of hand. His harassing phone calls had turned to stalking. Maybe it was time to inform his parole officer that he was up to his old tricks again.

You don’t look very concerned about this.

Maggie unwillingly met the officer’s eyes, wondering how long he’d been watching her. She was very concerned. David had a mean streak in him. And she’d ended up in the hospital more than

once from one of his drunken, drug-induced rages. The last one had ended up in divorce and had sent him to prison.

Movement caused her to snap back into reality. She watched him replace his gun back in the holster and move away from the window. Something on her bed caught his attention and he halted. She followed his gaze and cringed inwardly. There were two things in life Maggie spoiled herself on, good perfume and expensive lingerie. On the bed next to Dammit, laid out in a tiny bit of shinny black satin was her newest piece purchased the day before; something to make her feel sexy and pretty when she had no one to feel sexy and pretty for.

Some guard dog. He practically sneered. He pinched the bridge of his nose. An action that revealed he might be tired.

Maggie wondered why he sounded so angry. And she didn’t like the way his eyes were narrowing on her either. She fought the urge to back away. It’s someone I know. She could at least admit that much. Just thinking that David was in the area caused a knot of unease to form in her stomach, but she was determined not to expose her fears.

A good friend? He came to a halt in front of her. Maggie was forced to tilt her head in order to meet the storm simmering in his eyes. She felt ridiculously small next to him, even for her five foot eight inch stature.

She chose to ignore his question. David had never been a good anything as far as she was concerned. She was hardly going to admit that her ex-husband was the one she suspected had broken her window. Or tell him that he was a junked-up lunatic recently released from prison for good behavior. Good behavior, huh! It was only because she hadn’t reported him that he was still on the street in the first place.

Well? It was clear he wanted an answer. He crossed his arms. Who are you protecting?

Maggie met his level stare and shrugged. It’s probably just one of the neighborhood boys out for a good time. Trying to scare little old ladies…

Let’s hope breaking windows is the only good time he’s out for…lady. His eyes darkened with emotion. That kind of naive thinking can get you killed.

Maggie reminded herself that she was twenty-eight, not seventeen anymore. Don’t worry; I’ve lived in this neck of the woods for a long time. I can take care of myself. Eight years in a rotten

marriage had at least shown her that much. She’d survived and was a survivor and she supposed living in one of the roughest neighborhoods in town had taught her a lesson or two. Like how she

couldn’t wait to get out of there. In spite of the stand she was taking Maggie felt her chin quiver. She hated the show of weakness, but thinking about David had always had the power to shake her confidence.

It was an action that obviously didn’t go unnoticed by the officer’s sharp eyes. Is someone harassing you? His tone was suddenly all business.

Maggie realized with his training he probably didn’t miss much. She was scared, she was vulnerable and she was running. In spite of those things she was taking a stand in something she probably couldn’t win. Not alone anyway. And there was no way she was going to admit to anything.

Well? He raised a brow.

Maggie got the impression he’d stand there for as long as it took her to answer him. Eyes the color of warm chocolate carefully scrutinized her, momentarily drawing her into a seductive trap before she caught herself and pulled back. Wow…he certainly knew how to work those sexy eyes to his advantage.

Look, Officer, do I look frightened? Maggie knew the second the challenging words left her mouth it was a stupid thing to say. She’d made up her mind that she wasn’t going to back down to anyone again, no matter how frightened she was. Besides, why did he care anyway? It’s not as if she’d called him for help. If it hadn’t been for Dammit, she glared at her dog; they wouldn’t even be having this conversation. I can take care of my… She started to repeat.

He moved so fast Maggie didn’t have a chance to blink. His advance forced her to take several quick steps back until she was flush against the wall. She gasped and shrank away from him as he closed the distance between them with blinding speed, but she could only go so far. He continued forward, bracing his hands on the wall on either side of her head. His expression seemed savage, his nostrils flaring as he leaned in close. What had she done to get such a strong reaction out of him?

Lady, you put on a good show but I’m not buying it. I’ve been a cop long enough to sense something’s going on. I don’t believe the bull you’re feeding me. Your show of bravado can land you in a lot of hot water.

His warm breath slapped Maggie in the face and she lowered her arms, ignoring the impulse to push him away. He didn’t frighten her, not really. He’d just caught her unaware. David had taught her what physical abuse by a man’s hands was like. For a split second she’d felt unreasoning fear, until reminding herself this man was a cop. He was paid to protect people.

She let her guard down as a wave of relief washed over her. Is this the best intimidation tactic you have? Something warned Maggie she was playing with fire baiting him that way. But as usual she spoke before she thought. His eyes narrowed but Maggie held her ground. As the silence stretched between them she began to notice other things. Like how smooth and sensual his lips were, how sexy the five o’clock shadow made his firm jaw look.

Waves of heat rolled off his too close body, enveloping her, making her sweat beneath the heavy robe she was wearing. Maggie felt it run down her neck and between her breasts. He was so close she was afraid to take a deep breath. Unwanted desire uncoiled in her belly and her nipples tingled, catching her by surprise. His intimidation was working all right but in ways she was certain he hadn’t intended.

She couldn’t take the tension building between them any longer and blurted out the first thought that came to her mind. Are you going to frisk me? She smiled.

His brows rose at her remark, the slightest twitching on his lips indicated he was holding back his own smile. What if I tell you I’m not a cop?

Not a cop? Who is he trying to fool? Her eyes moved over him slowly. He was certainly attired in the appropriate uniform. And he appeared to have all the equipment that went with the profession.

Then a humorous thought struck Maggie. You’re not a male stripper, are you? She had the feeling he wasn’t pleased with her mild reaction to his admission.

Does anything get to you, or are you just a good actress? he asked softly.

Some things get to me, she admitted reluctantly. He was definitely getting to her. She’d never reacted so quickly to a man before. She’d had plenty of opportunities for sexual relationships,

too. Maggie wasn’t vain, she knew men found her attractive, but she was the one who always turned away from any entanglements.

So, why all of a sudden did she find herself reacting to this man, and on a purely sexual level? What a time for her body to awaken to long-suppressed yearnings, when she couldn’t pursue them. She’d be leaving for a new life in Summerfield in three days and she wasn’t coming back.

Maggie’s gaze remained locked on his, mesmerized by the glint of humor reflected there. Before she could respond, the phone rang. He stepped back, allowing her enough room to scoot past him. She headed for the kitchen and reached for the phone where it hung on the wall. By the time she turned back toward her bedroom he was walking toward the door. It was just as well. She swung around to shut out the sight of him leaving.

Hello?

Hey, baby.

Maggie’s heart skipped several beats before sinking to the pit of her stomach. David!

You there, baby?

What do you want, David? She didn’t bother hiding the contempt in her tone. It went against her nature to dislike anyone but she truly hated her ex-husband.

You have to ask? You know what I want. He paused as if to make sure his next words had the desired effect. He enjoyed goading her and always had. You, baby. I miss you.

Maggie rolled her eyes. That’s too bad, you can’t have me. She would have hung up if she thought it would do any good. How many times had she changed her number? And somehow David always managed to get the new one.

Two years is a long time, baby. I need you. He’d only recently been released from prison. I’m coming home. Have you been waiting for me?

He couldn’t come home; she had a restraining order against him. He was breaking it by even calling her. If she was certain he’d been the one who’d thrown the rock through her bedroom window she wouldn’t hesitate to have him picked up. David…I’m going to hang up.

I asked you a question. His tone was low and dangerous reminding Maggie of all the times he’d put his hands on her and hurt her. She hesitated from hanging up. Even over the phone when he used that hateful tone of voice it had the power to run shivers down her spine and frighten her into doing what he wanted. She swallowed hard, hating him more than she ever thought possible. And hating herself for revealing that weakness. She reminded herself that unless he could reach through the phone he couldn’t touch her now.

No, I didn’t wait for you, she hissed at him. Self-preservation made her hesitate from saying more until she finally gave into the need to hurt him anyway she could. I’ve had dozens of lovers. It was a lie. That he’d pushed her to admit such a thing made her sick. David was the only man she’d ever been intimate with, but she wouldn’t give him that satisfaction.

You lying bitch! His tone was hard and gritty, and Maggie could well imagine the ugly sneer on his expression. I’ve seen you since I got out. I’ve been watching our apartment. If I thought another man had touched you… He didn’t finish the threat, for which Maggie was thankful.

She stiffened and took a deep breath to steady her nerves, her heart picking up speed at his admission. No sooner had she slammed the receiver down when it rang again. She stood there listening to it until she couldn’t take anymore. David, please leave me alone!

You still need me; we were good together…

We were never good together! Her stomach started to hurt. Please…it’s over now. Why couldn’t he just leave her alone? Get on with your life like I’m going to do.

No one is going to have you but me, Maggie, till death do us part, remember? You can fix that window but nothing will keep me from you. You…

Oh God, David…you’re sick. Maggie never thought he’d actually admit to breaking the window. And that meant he was close by. She closed her eyes and shook her head slowly in disbelief. I’m going to call your parole officer tomorrow. I’m going to tell him everything you’ve been doing. You’re dangerous…

Damn right I’m dangerous! he screamed back at her. And you know what else? I’m going to have you. He paused. Maybe even tonight…

I wouldn’t advise it. She kept her voice steady, determined he wouldn’t hear the fear his words evoked. She felt compelled to issue her own threat. I have a gun and I’ll use it. Was that her

voice sounding so cool and in control? It was all a sham. She felt sick inside.

Threatening me, baby? Guess you never learned your lesson. I’ll be seeing you, sooner than you think!

David… But it was too late; he’d already hung up. Damn him. She threw her hands over her face and shuddered visibly. Oh God! she whispered sharply.

Another good…friend?

Maggie shrieked and spun around, her hand covering her heart. I thought you’d gone! She’d turned around so fast that the clip holding her hair came undone, releasing an abundance of long russet hair that fell halfway down her back. She heard the clip hit the floor but didn’t give it a second thought.

Their eyes locked, bright green to intense brown. He had paused in the doorway to her apartment, one hand on the doorknob, and it was obvious he’d heard the whole conversation and had drawn his own conclusions.

The same friend, Maggie replied, trying to recall what he might have overheard. Heat ran up her neck when she remembered telling David she’d had dozens of lovers.

Do you?

Do I what? Surely he wasn’t asking her if she’d had dozens of lovers. She sank her teeth into her bottom lip, pondering his question for a minute. She was well aware the unthinking words she’d

flung at David had been stupid, but as usual he’d managed to get a reaction out of her. Now she was faced with the grim expression on Matt’s handsome face, feeling at a disadvantage. Was he actually worried about her?

Do…you? he demanded softly, too softly, his eyes glittering.

Maggie