OFF LIMITS

PROTECT AND SERVE SERIES

BOOK 1

BY: NADINE HUDSON

Copyright © 2020 Nadine Hudson

 This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents either are products of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously. Any similarity to actual events or locales or persons, living or dead, is entirely coincidental.

Description

Veronica

I have finally proven myself to everyone at the academy, but now there’s just one more person I needed to prove myself to. The chief of police...good old Dad. I came into this job with all the confidence in the world only to be weakened at the knees by my new partner.

The outrageously sexy and secretive Finn Carter. That’s a BIG no no V. Not only is he your partner, but he’s also one of your dad’s best friends. Eyes on the prize. You still have to prove yourself, but I suppose some harmless flirting wouldn’t hurt, right?

Finn

Is she flirting with me? I knew this partnership was going to be a problem the moment I’d laid eyes on her. There’s not even a trace of the younger girl I remember-but before me stands a full grown woman with curves everywhere a man likes to see them.

Snap out of it Finn!

This is Henry’s daughter I’m fantasizing about. I have to get a grip on myself! I can do this. At least until I grow tired of that smart mouth of hers. Then I might have to see how she handles it when I stop ignoring her advances and return fire instead.

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Table of Contents

Description

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Chapter One

Chapter Two

Chapter Three

Chapter Four

What Happens Next?

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Chapter One

Veronica

I couldn’t believe how good I looked. 

My uniform suited me perfectly and surprisingly emphasized my curves. I tapped a finger against the badge on my left breast before flicking a finger against the cuffs hanging from my waist. I’ve worked so hard for this day, and it’s finally here. 

I was finally a cop. 

I ran my hand down my red hair and even though not a hair was out of place, I fussed over my low bun anyway. I needed today to go well. I needed my fellow cops to look at me and not see a sweet, soft woman but a strong one, capable of doing her job. 

I’d had to deal with a lot of crap during my days at the police academy. Every day, someone pointed out how delicate I looked, saying that being a cop might not be the job for me. I’m completely aware that my baby face is hard to take seriously, but that might work to my advantage in the field. No one would expect me to have the strength that I do.

I had no doubt I'll encounter the same judgment on the job, but I'd prove it to them not to underestimate me. My classmates had eventually learned not to. 

I smiled as my car stopped at a red light. I inhaled deeply, my heart hammering inside my chest, growing louder and louder the closer I got to the precinct. I began tapping my finger against the steering wheel as I tried to relax.

What’s worse than a new job in a field that didn’t used to be open to women like me was that I’d be meeting my partner today. That could go one of two ways, really well or really bad, depending on the relationship they’d had with their previous partner and why that person isn’t their partner anymore. 

A car pulled up to my right, music echoing loudly from inside it. I looked over to see two boys, no more than eighteen years old, bobbing their heads to the music while chatting. The one in the passenger seat looked over and his brown eyes widened with panic as he saw me. 

I pointed downwards, signalling to him to turn his music down. He did so instantly, a nervous look on his face. I smiled and nodded to him as the light turned green for me and I pulled away.

I turned into the precinct's parking lot and sat there for two minutes before getting out of the car.  

This is it.

After calming myself a little, I made my way inside the already noisy building. I was completely overlooked as cops walked back and forth, everyone too busy to realize a new person was casually standing among them.

“Veronica, you’re early.” 

I turned around to find my father walking towards me, a huge smile on his face as his voice echoed through the precinct. That’s when some of the cops noticed me. My dad’s the captain at this precinct, so no doubt news had spread that his daughter had joined the force. 

“Hey Dad,” I said as I hugged him quickly then pulled away. “Oh sorry, I can’t call you that here.” 

He nodded but the smile on his face remained, his hazel eyes twinkling. “Right, I can’t have anyone thinking you’ll be getting special treatment or anything.” 

“She better not,” a woman said as she joined us. She held her hand out to me, a pleasant smile on her face. “So you’re Veronica. I’m Officer Elizabeth Marshal but you can call me Elizabeth.” 

“Oh, thank you, nice to meet you." I shook her hand firmly.

“Alright,” my dad interjected. “I need to give you a tour of the place and get you up to speed with how things work here.” 

An hour and a half passed before my tour was through and I had been introduced to everyone. As expected, a lot of focus went to the fact that I’m Captain Henry’s daughter. I didn’t mind that, I just hoped I wouldn’t be treated differently because of it. 

“So, how are you feeling?” my dad asked as he closed his office door behind him and I sat down. “Are you ready for this?”

“I am, and I feel great. I just can’t believe this is finally happening.” 

He nodded as he sat down as well. "This won't be easy. I can tell you that but I'm glad you're here. I'm proud of you."

"Thanks, Dad," I replied and the corners of his eyes crinkled as he smiled.

Considering that I never met my mother, my father has always been my rock. He’s done so much to provide for me, and making him proud was all I wanted. He’s supported all my decisions and helped me become the woman I am today. 

I smiled as I recalled the time I wanted to take a trip to the Caribbean alone at 18 years old to get over my social anxiety and he allowed it. Some might call that careless parenting but I wasn’t exactly a child. Don’t get me wrong, he has his moments of being overprotective, but no one knows what I’m capable of like he does. Because of him my social anxiety was no more and I learned to be confident. 

I remember being taught how to protect myself since I was old enough to go paintballing at 10, which had been great practice until I was old enough to go to the gun range with him. It had been the perfect way for him to teach me how to fire a gun while having fun.

There was someone else who used to mean everything to me, even if I can’t see him anymore…but I owe everything to my dad.

“Veronica?” 

I looked up to find him looking at me with concern. I smiled, not realizing I had zoned out for a minute there. “I’m okay,” I looked around his office. “I’m just processing you know. So anyway, when do I meet my partner?”

Loud clapping echoed from outside the office and I turned in my chair to stare at the door. I glanced back at my dad as he combed his salt and pepper hair back and stood up. We both walked to the door where four cops surrounded another one. They were all patting him on the shoulder and other people were shouting. I couldn’t make out what they were saying since it was all blended together, but it was clear they were complimenting him on a job well done.

Or maybe I was just in shock at the sight of him.  

Finn Carter, my father’s best friend, looked so different from the last time I’d seen him. I had met him during my final year in high school and the last time I saw him was before I left for college. The gorgeous man he’d been back then seemed to have tripled over time.

Yes, I was that girl, the one with an earth shattering crush on my dad’s best friend. 

It was wrong back then and it’s still wrong now. But I bit down on my lip and continued to stare. The way his lips slowly curved with a devilish smile made my stomach clench. 

How had I forgotten about this man?

I started frowning the longer I stared at him, confused about how the crush I’d had on him wasn’t gone. 

His piercing grey eyes suddenly found mine and for a moment I stopped breathing. I clenched my jaws as he walked away from the people surrounding him and made his way towards me. 

Is it normal for him to be this hot?

My heart was hammering so hard inside my body I feared someone would hear it. The smile on his face was long gone as he combed his hair backward, ruffling the black strands further. 

“Veronica?” 

I was speechless as his bass voice rolled over my body. “Ah, hi, Finn right?”

He nodded, his face still expressionless. “Congrats on becoming a cop. I don’t know how you convinced this one to be okay with it.” 

My dad turned to go back into his office and I followed behind him, needing a minute to collect myself. 

Why had my name rolled off his tongue like that?

“There was no stopping her,” my dad answered as he sat behind his desk. I took my seat and while I sat down before his desk Finn leaned against the wall. “Whatever Veronica sets her mind to, she doesn’t stop until she gets it.”

All I could do was chuckle a little, words still failing me. I was beyond thankful that Finn hadn’t sat down in the chair beside me. My reaction was ridiculous, but seeing those eyes, chiselled jaw and broad shoulders after all these years was a little too much for me.  

“Don’t worry, I’ll show you the ropes. There are things they don’t teach you guys at the academy,” Finn said, as he crossed his arms over his chest. He didn’t look as intimidating as before with the small smile that was curving his lips. 

I nodded. “Thank you, I appreciate that.” 

“I heard you graduated at the top of your class as well,” he added. “That’s impressive.”

I shrugged as I felt heat crawling up my cheeks. “Thanks, I wasn’t about to let my old man down."

I glanced at my dad, who grinned. "The deal was I had to graduate at the top of my class and join this precinct. But what was that I heard in the hallway just now?”

“This guy just pulled off a successful drug bust,” my dad said proudly. “The largest in a few years, he’s one of the best here.” Finn waved his hand dismissively and my dad continued. “And that’s why you’re his new partner.” 

My face dropped, as did my heart. 

No…

“I’m sorry?” I asked as I leaned forward. 

“Um, Henry, you know I work alone? I’ll look out for Veronica but…I work alone,” Finn said.

“You’re one of the best here,” my dad said as he interlocked his fingers under his chin and rested his elbows on the desk.

“I wouldn’t trust anyone else more to watch out for any of our rookies, not just my daughter. Being her partner will let you do that.

“Now, Veronica, don’t think I’m giving you a babysitter. I don’t doubt your abilities but you’re new and there’s a lot left to be learned. Finn is the perfect person to teach you.” 

Silence filled the small room and I tried not to look Finn’s way. This arrangement wasn’t to his liking either, and I didn’t want to see the look on his face. 

I looked Finn’s way, my fists clenched at my sides, but his face was expressionless. His eyes showed no trances of anger either. That was something I’d have a hard time dealing with.

“Well, all I can say is I have no intention of being trouble and I’m a fast learner.” I inhaled deeply and his brows knitted for a second. “But if you’re the best and I want to become the best, there’s no better partner.” 

“Good, because I won’t go easy on you.” He pushed himself off the wall as his arms fell away from his chest, then nodded to my father and left.

My dad chuckled after Finn closed the door behind him. “He’s an acquired taste. He’s a little rough around the edges but he’s a good man.” He grew serious. “Stay by his side, V, and learn what you can. The only reason I was okay with you becoming a cop was if you came to this precinct, you know that. And now you’re here.” 

“Yeah, I know,” I grumbled. “Besides, I need to stay close to my old man. You’re going to kick the bucket soon and I’m going to take over this precinct.” 

His face fell. “Get out of my office before I fire you.” 

“Alright then,” I stood up. “Let’s get this ball rolling.”

Chapter Two

Finn

This wasn’t what I wanted. I’d known Veronica would be working at the precinct, but being her partner wasn’t what I wanted. 

I don’t dislike her, it’s the opposite actually and that’s the problem. I’ve known this girl since she was a teen and back then she’d been nothing but a child to me.

Looking at her now, that child is long gone. 

I told her I’d buy us lunch but she insisted on coming here, a hotdog stand on the side of the road. The old man who owns it has three daughters in college, plus he always gives her an extra hotdog. 

I shook my head as she laughed and chatted with the old man casually and even pulled another customer into their conversation. People have always gravitated to her. Maybe that has to do with her soft eyes. Maybe it’s her smile. 

I gritted my teeth and looked away.

After Henry told me she’d be joining the force, I looked her up to see how well she’d done at the academy. Her results were staggering, but seeing her photo had been an unexpected blow to the gut. 

“Hey.” I looked up to see her walking slowly towards me, three hotdogs balanced in her hands. “Do you still eat like a beast? I got you an extra.” 

I paused as I walked around the car to open the door for her. “Excuse me? I’ll have you know I eat like any man my size. Keeping these muscles isn’t easy.” 

She rolled her eyes. “Sure, keep telling yourself that. I haven’t forgotten that Christmas you ate four plates of food.” 

I slammed her door shut and could hear her laughing as I rounded the car to the driver’s seat. “You really need to forget that,” I grumbled as I got in and she gave both hotdogs to me. 

“So, what are some of the things I need to know, Teacher?” she asked before biting into her hotdog, her bright eyes darting back and forth as she watched the people outside our car. 

“Don’t call me that. You’ll learn them over time. Telling you now would be the same as being taught things at the academy. There are some things you just have to experience.” 

She nodded and took another bite of her hotdog. “Sure Teacher, fair enough.” 

I narrowed my eyes at her. “I thought you said you weren’t going to be annoying?” 

She shrugged. “I changed my mind.” She inhaled deeply as she crumbled her hotdog wrapper. “A little laughter won’t hurt.” 

“This isn’t an easy job,” I grumbled. “More often than not we won’t have time for laughing.” 

She ate the last of her hot dog, her mouth moving slowly as she chewed and then swallowed. I watched as she started to look different, a hardness on her face that I didn’t think she was capable of. 

“I’m aware of that,” she answered, her voice low. “I know the risk of wearing this uniform.” She turned to look at me and I saw raw determination in her eyes. “But that won’t deter me. Thank you for your concern Finn, but I know what I’m getting into.” 

I nodded firmly as I took the last bite of my second hotdog. The soft girl I had once known was still there, but she was a woman now, a determined one. 

“I last saw you at your high school graduation, right?”

She nodded. “That’s right. It was nice of you to come, thank you. You had left before the end so I never got to say that.” 

“Sorry about that, duty called.” 

“Thinking back, it was pretty crazy that I had a crush on you,” she said lightly.

Luckily, I had swallowed my food before she said that, I’m certain I would have choked otherwise. I did my best not to react to the statement as I took a sip of my coffee. 

“Oh really?” I grumbled as I watched a mother and her daughter buy from the same vendor.  

“Mm hmm, really. But it was years ago.” 

I glanced her way and found her watching the woman and her daughter as well, but her cheeks were slowly turning from pink to red. I looked away. 

“I know saying that now is a little weird,” she added, and I nodded as I cleared my throat.

“It is, a little. Henry would lose his mind if he heard you say that.”  

She tilted her head to look at me as she chuckled. “He would have a stroke, I’m sure.” 

The radio in our car crackled to life, reporting a burglary five streets away. Someone quickly responded that they were close just as I was about to take it. I needed the distraction, sitting in this car with Veronica and nothing to do was taking a bad turn. Was she just flirting with me?

No, she was merely saying she had a crush on me back then.

She cleared her throat. “So, what happened with your first partner, if you don’t mind me asking?”

Yeah, this isn’t a conversation I want to have.

"I'll tell you some time or you'll hear about it, but not today, okay?"

I looked her way as she nodded sternly. I could tell that she’d crawled back into some kind of shell from trying to be chatty with me. I hadn’t meant to come off so grumpy. I’m not the easiest guy to talk to and she was just trying to be nice, but the past wasn’t something I wanted to revisit. 

She also doesn’t know what I’ve imagined doing to her since the moment I saw her. If I have to be short with her to keep our relationship professional, then so be it. 

The woman at the hotdog stand suddenly screamed as a man grabbed her handbag. I was out of the car in a flash but so was Veronica. I was speechless at her speed as she ran after the guy without hesitation.

“Veronica!” I called out but she didn’t stop. “Stay here!” I told the woman, who nodded as she pulled her daughter closer to her.

I started running but Veronica and the man had long since vanished as I pumped my legs to catch up to them. Judging by the frightened looks on people's faces as I ran by, I could easily figure out which way they had gone.

I wasn't prepared for what I saw when I finally caught up to them. The thief had run out into the traffic, the woman's black bag standing out against his redshirt. I skidded to a halt but Veronica didn't slow her pace, rushing out into traffic as well.

“Veronica!” I yelled, my heart lodging itself in my throat as a car screeched to avoid hitting her. She jumped onto the back of another car that stopped just before her. The thief looked behind him, slowing him for a moment. I saw the look and fear in his eyes as Veronica dove towards him from on top of the car. 

She tackled him to the ground, both of them rolling for a moment. I ran forward, holding my hand up to stop the rest of the traffic.

“Don’t move!” I heard her yell at the man beneath her, his left arm bent behind his back. “Hold still!” 

She looked my way, the fierceness in her eyes fading as she grinned at me. “Not bad, right Teacher?”

Veronica

I stripped and headed for the bathroom the moment I entered my apartment. My first day wasn’t at all what I had expected and that tumble I had taken with the thief had left some bruises. I had simply reacted the moment that woman screamed. I saw the fear in her daughter’s eyes and acted. Jumping on top of that car was reckless and my dad gave me an earful about it, but he also congratulated me for doing something like that on my first day. 

I turned the water on in my bathtub and recalled the conversation I’d had with Finn.

“Why did I tell him that I had a crush on him?” I muttered aloud.

I grimaced and shook my head at my reflection. I knew I’d made things awkward but honestly, I was so nervous I hadn’t known what to say, and out of everything that I could say, I chose that. I finally got into the tub and closed my eyes, the bruises on my body burning for a moment. 

This was what I’d signed up for and there were going to be so many more days like this in the future. Returning that woman's bag to her and seeing the relief on her face was worth it. All I’d done was catch a petty thief but still, I’d done something that had helped someone else.

Finn’s grey eyes flashed in my mind. I sighed as I lifted my leg out of the water and inspected a reddish-blue mark. Embarrassed doesn’t even start to explain how I’d felt after trying to flirt with him. 

I exhaled as I lowered my leg. I knew this job wouldn’t be without risk, so having him by my side and watching my back made me feel safe. If I’m ever going to be captain like my dad, I have to push past my limits. Finn is the perfect person to help me do it. 

I got out of the tub, dried myself, and threw on my robe. I noticed him looking at me today,  but his eyes gave nothing away. He was snappy from time to time, but I know he means well. He’s a man of few words, I remember that much from when I was younger but maybe that’ll change with me being his partner. 

I hope that’ll change. 

Throughout my time at the academy, I didn't date anyone because I wanted to remain focused. Relationships can be distracting for me because I give so much of myself. I’ve had my fair share of single, lonely nights, but I got used to it. Over time I learned to love my solitude. 

Everything about Finn screams maturity, a quality I’m drawn to, but he’s so off-limits. I know that. 

I sighed as I reached over and turned off my lamp. For the first time in a long time, I felt attracted to someone, but it just had to be a man I work with, a man who’ll never be interested in me. 

Just my luck.

Chapter Three

Finn

On slow days, cops usually lounge around the precinct or catch up on paperwork. Me? I hate this, I hate not being active. I prefer being out there driving around, keeping an eye out. Not all crime gets called in. I needed to find Veronica so we could leave, but I’d been looking for her for three minutes.

It’d been a week since she started and she’d been doing exceptionally well. She followed orders but still managed to take initiative when necessary. Unfortunately, Veronica has a reckless streak that I noticed on her first day when she chased after that thief. The rest of the week was pretty mellow and now it seemed like this week’s starting out to be that kind of week again. Don’t get me wrong, as a cop, I preferred when things were like this, but I’d rather stay active and in control of everything. I was itching to go out and weed out the bad guys. As quiet as things were now, I knew they were out there.

I finally spotted Veronica’s red hair as I walked by a window and sighed with relief. 

There she is.

She was sitting outside, eating her lunch. The way she was staring off into the distance, I couldn't help but wonder what she was thinking. My jaws clenched as I watched her stick her thumb in her mouth to clean it. Her teasing has been steadily getting worse, and while I knew she does it just to push my buttons, I couldn’t help wondering how much of it she really means.  

I wonder what she’d do if one day I pin her to her car seat and make her whimper beneath my hands.

I bit down on my lip, my palm suddenly burning to touch her. No, I couldn’t do that. I'm just her dad's best friend and her partner, nothing more, but god I want to hear her scream. I've been slipping lately and entertaining her jokes because who can honestly resist a woman like that, but I have to resist her. I don’t have a choice. In six months, when she’s no longer a brand-new rookie, I'd talk to her dad about giving her a new partner.

I was due for a vacation since I hadn’t taken any days off for two years. I’d use that to my advantage now. I’d survive just working alongside her here at the precinct, but I wasn’t sure I could do years of driving beside her night and day. 

“Hey Carter, is it true what your partner did on her first day?”

I turned around to see Marcel, a newbie like Veronica, walking towards me, grinning. I could almost see what the womanizing, obnoxious prick was thinking. I narrowed my eyes.

"Yeah, it's true. She's been taking martial arts classes for seven years now, ever since her brother passed away."

He joined me at the window. I thought that bit of news would wipe the smile off his face, but it grew wider as he watched her.

"I should have known the Captain's daughter would be a badass." He tilted his head to the side. “I think I’ll introduce myself.”

I was about to tell him to stay the hell away from her when the smile on his face fell. “Oh yeah, I heard what happened to her brother. That was rough, man.” 

So he does have a soul?

He walked around me then and I placed my hand on his shoulder. “Stay away from her, Marcel.”

His brows knitted for a moment as he stared at me. He finally nodded and I released him. I watched him walk away and felt a pang of anger at the overprotectiveness and jealousy that I’d just felt. Since I was her partner, I’m sure he didn’t take that any other way, just me looking out for her. Besides, everyone knew I’m the Captain’s best friend, it’s a given I’d want to protect her. 

Pinching the bridge of my nose, I closed my eyes and inhaled deeply before a familiar scent drifted up my nose. I opened my eyes to find Veronica standing in front of me.

I frowned, irritated that I hadn’t even heard her approach me. “Why are your footsteps silent, kid?”

She smiled. “Ninja skills. And I’m a woman, not a kid in case, you haven’t noticed,” she said as she patted my chest. “Teacher.”

“Don’t call me that,” I growled, but she grinned and walked away. 

I turned around and watched her for a moment before following. Oh, I’d certainly noticed that she was a woman, more than I should.  

"Sure, Teacher. So, are you going for a drive or what?" She spun around to face me. "Don't tell me you're tired on a Monday? Had a sleepover this weekend? Did you get laid?"

I narrowed my eyes as I advanced on her and my excitement spiked at the way she stood her ground. She comes across as soft, speaks softly, and has kind eyes, but behind all of that was a lioness, I knew it, and damn, it's hot.

She tilted her head back to gaze up at me and I lowered my face until it was inches away from hers. “I would have if you’d come over.” Her eyes widened for a split second, but it hadn’t gone unnoticed. Sexual tension erupted between us like a volcano and I stepped around her, needing space. “Come on. We have work to do.” 

“Tell me where you live and I’ll stop by this weekend,” she said behind me, but I decided for her own safety it’s best if she stays away from my apartment. 

It’s hard enough being in a car with her, let alone seconds away from my bedroom. 

Veronica

I curled my legs beneath me lotus style and listened as the phone rang. I laughed at the movie I was watching when finally I heard my best friend’s voice on the other line. 

“Sup babe, I miss you,” she said, and I could easily imagine the pout on her lips. 

“I miss you too. How’s your vacation going?”

She hummed a little before answering. “It’s going great, Paris is freaking gorgeous. You have to come here.” 

I sighed, knowing that wasn’t going to happen anytime soon. “Yeah, I will.” 

“Yeah right, I’d have to tie you up and drag you here. But how’s work been? We didn’t get to chat much last week since you had just started. I could tell you were exhausted.” 

"Yeah, I spent the week trying to get accustomed to everything, you know. It's like I have to erase things I learned at the academy now that I'm experiencing it all for myself."

Beth and I have been friends since high school and have been inseparable ever since. While I went on to become a cop, she went into fashion. She’d even had a collection that got quite a buzz during Fashion Week in New York last year.  

“So, can you please elaborate now on the fact that Finn is your partner?” she blurted out suddenly and I squeezed my eyes shut, forgetting that I had told her. 

“Oh, well, you know, he’s been really helpful. He’s one of the best, so I’m glad I was partnered up with him, you know?” 

“Jesus, can you cut the shit, do you want to fuck the man or not, Veronica?”

“Why do I have a feeling you just said that around people?” I groaned with annoyance. 

“Maybe but still, I remember him. He was gorgeous, so please, details. Is he still hot, but like in an older, mature way?”

I didn’t want to think about Finn right now. “Yes okay,” I admitted. “And he’s not old. Mature yes, definitely, but not old. He’s out of my league, Beth, you know that and I do too.” 

“Oh no,” she replied instantly. “I don’t know shit about that, babe. He’s not out of your league. God, I go away for a month and you forget what a goddess you are.” 

“That’s right, tell her!” I heard a man yell in the background and I arched a curious brow. 

I smiled. Beth has always reminded me of my worth. “You’re right.”

“Of course I’m right. Listen to me, V, you can get whomever you want, it's just that you don’t want anyone. But think about it, how hot would it be if you started sneaking around with Finn?” She giggled. “I can just picture it now.” 

“Beth, please stop imagining me having sex with someone.” 

“Oh please,” she grumbled. “You’re an adult and he's a man,” I shook my head with a smile at her emphasis on man. “Live a little, boo. You got your dream job now, finally, so lighten up. Nothing is wrong if you let him tap that even once.” 

I shook my head as I laughed. “I really don’t understand how we’re friends.” 

“I love you too, honey, and you know I’m telling the truth. All fun and jokes aside, I want you to be happy, happy getting di-” I laughed as someone yelled her name in the background, a different voice this time. “I wasn’t going to say it,” I heard her say. “Anyway, V, are you there?”

"Yeah, I'm here. That's all great, but I really don't think he's that into me. I tease him a lot, but most of the time it only seems to irritate him. That makes me tease him even more because I love that I get under his skin so easily, but he might not be interested in me.” 

Beth didn’t say anything for a moment, thinking of what I’d said. “Yeah, maybe he’s not into younger girls.” 

“I don’t think that’s the issue, but I think I’ll stop teasing him so much. His little frowns are so damn hot, though. He has this quiet, secret dom energy that’s just too enticing.”  

“I want to meet him.” 

My eyes widened at that, knowing that if Beth ever did meet him she was bound to say something she shouldn't. "Yeah sure, I'm going to get some sleep, all right? When are you coming back?"

“I’ll be back next Friday,” she answered as I listened to shuffling in the background. 

"All right, love you," I told her as I turned my television off and all my lights.

“Love you too, V, see you soon.” 

I crawled into bed with Finn’s grey eyes stuck in my mind. No, my age wasn’t an issue, I was sure about that, but looking back at how I'd been behaving so far was embarrassing. My thoughts went to the day I’d joked about him getting laid. At the time I’d been kidding, but his response had been a shock. 

Today when he’d gazed into my eyes, my stomach had clenched in knots. I couldn’t deny my attraction to him, but I’ve realized that if he returns my hints, it’ll be the end of me. 

***

"Of course, I'm happy to help," I spun in my chair as the woman on the other line continued to talk. "Yes, that's right. Mm hmm, yes and you're most welcome, Mrs. Jackson. Take care."

The call came to an end and I groaned as I stretched my arms wide apart over my head. I’d been stuck on desk duty while Finn left about a grocery store robbery. He’d insisted that he’d take care of it and be back shortly, but over an hour had passed. 

“Hey V, I’m going to get lunch. Bring you back something?”

I spun in my chair to find Elizabeth and Marcel heading out. “Yes, please. I’m starving.” 

“Sure hun,” Elizabeth replied with a wink. 

It's been three weeks since I’d just joined the precinct and I was slowly starting to feel like I was a part of things here. Of course, I wasn’t used to everyone, but so far it has been great. Everyone was helpful when needed.

I heard loud cursing and I looked towards the door. Finn was dragging two boys in by their collars, one with green hair and piercings was walking silently while the other, a short boy of no more than nineteen was yelling and fighting to get away from Finn. 

I watched as he easily pulled both boys along as if they weighed nothing. I couldn’t tell what he was saying to another officer before he handed them over and they were taken in the direction of the holding cells. He reached up to his forehead as his eyes scanned the sea of cops and then they finally landed on me. 

His hand fell away from his forehead and I saw the blood. Instead of coming towards me, though he walked towards the small room we store first aid kits and medicine.

I closed the door behind me gently and he glanced over his shoulder, then returned to rummaging through a first aid kit on the small table in front of him. 

“What happened?” I asked as he grabbed a bottle of alcohol and some cotton then sat down on a chair. 

“One of those kids took a swing at me with a bottle,” he answered, his words more like growls. 

“Here, let me help.” I reached out as I walked forward, but he shook his head and pressed the wet cotton to his wound. He grimaced but didn’t make a sound. 

Shaking my head, I took the cotton ball from him. “Let me help,” I said more firmly, and he finally released it. 

I dabbed at the cut slowly, cleaning around it before getting another cotton ball to clean the wound itself. He hissed the moment I touched it and grabbed my arm. His movement was so fast that I jumped with fright, my eyes widening a little.

“Sorry,” he whispered. I nodded as he released his grip but the loss of his hand on my skin felt odd. 

The air of awkwardness between us sparked by my sexual attraction to him had worsened lately. And here I was, standing between his legs, his body mere inches from mine. At any moment, I was going to forget how to breathe. The way he was seated we were at eye level, and he was staring at me. 

I was close enough to him to easily see the fine wrinkles beside his eyes. His skin was oddly perfect, minus the scar on the left of his cupid’s bow. I always caught myself staring at that scar because it gave his lips a somewhat puckered look. 

God, he looks like a good kisser.

“What?” I asked when I couldn’t stand his staring any longer.

“Why did you decide to become a cop, Veronica?”

"My brother," I answered, exhaling as I placed a band-aid over the cut. I remained standing between his legs, trapped by his eyes. 

"You should have joined for yourself," he said as he ran a finger across the band-aid before letting his hand fall to his lap.

I looked down as my brother's warm smile appeared in my mind and I smiled. "I joined for myself, but my brother was my inspiration. My dad, too but mostly Jacob. I want to help people like he did. I want to save someone from dying the way he did."

“Hey,” he said as he raised his hand as if to hold my chin, but he stopped when I looked up at him. “I’m sorry about what happened. I know you two were close.” 

“Thanks, we were.” My mouth twitched as tears began to burn behind my eyes. “He didn’t deserve to die the way he did.” 

My heart stopped when he held my chin. We gazed at each other for a moment, my heart hammering in my chest. I felt so much from a simple touch and from the way he was looking at me, more than his words could ever accomplish. 

“V?” he said.

My eyes quickly opened. That was the first time he’d called me by my nickname, a single letter that sounded so good on his lips. 

I nodded and he released my chin but still I couldn't move. It was as if the air was charged between us and if either of us made a sudden movement, everything around us would explode. My chin was tingling from his touch and the rest of my body grew warm with need.

“Well, I’m all done,” I said, changing the subject. “Do you want me to check you for more wounds? I can do that, you know, just take your shirt off and let me take a quick look.” 

I grinned, needing to change the subject. He stood up and my head slowly tilted back as he towered over me. 

“Remove yours and I’ll feel more comfortable doing the same,” he said as he tapped the handcuffs hanging at my waist. I swallowed hard, an image of me handcuffed to his bed flashing in my mind. 

My lips parted but I had nothing to say as I watched his eyes drift to my lips. 

Maybe I was wrong and he does like me.

He licked his lips and my core clenched but he stepped away, brushing past me as he headed for the door. “Come on, we’ve got work to do.”

I remained where I was as he closed the door behind him, my breathing slowly relaxing as I replayed the moment his eyes had drifted to my lips over and over again.

"Fuck," I mumbled to myself as I walked across the room, washed my hands, and then followed.

Chapter Four

Finn

After grabbing my phone and keys, I hopped in my car and went for a drive. I'd been tossing and turning all night, and since it was 1:00am on a Friday night, I might as well have a drink. 

It hasn't always been like this, just maybe over a year now and I have no idea why. On the other hand, there is something incredibly calming about being out at night while everyone is sleeping. The world seems so quiet and peaceful although I know it's anything but peaceful.

At my favourite bar, I ordered my only drink and proceeded to observe the couples around me. I’d lost interest in dating a long time ago. My last relationship had ended when my ex cheated with a man who turned out to be abusive. Online dating had never been my thing either, so I haven’t even gone that route. 

Miranda, a waitress I’ve gotten to know from my frequent visits, made her way over to me, her pink painted lips pulling upward into a smile. 

“Hey Finn,” she greeted me as she stopped at my table. She eyed my drink and crossed her arms over her chest. “How dare you order from someone else?”

Her deep blue eyes glistened as she laughed. “I was looking for you but I figured maybe you had the night off.” 

“Oh no, I’m always here on Fridays. I’ve never seen you on a Friday though, still having trouble sleeping huh?”

I nodded. “Bingo.” 

She seems like a nice woman but she's far from my type. First, she’s engaged to the owner of this club, a stunning dark-skinned woman with hazel eyes. Miranda isn't into men, but from the moment we met, we became friends immediately. 

She tried to set me up with her friends numerous times but none of the women I’ve met sparked any feelings. 

“Well, I’ll get you something that’ll have you feeling a buzz quicker. You didn’t drive, did you?” I nodded at her and she pouted. “It’s Friday night, Finn, the next time I see you please have a girl on your arm. I won’t be serving you water after just one drink anymore. Honestly, you’re a good man being wasted. I’ll be right back with your water.” 

I laughed and shook my head as she left. 

A few minutes later, we said our goodbyes and I was out the door. As I opened it, a woman with red waist-length hair stepped before me. My eyes roamed up and down Veronica’s body. She was wearing a black cocktail dress and heels and for a second, we just stood there staring at each other. 

A woman’s head popped out from behind her. “Hi, we’d like to get in.” 

“Oh, um, Beth, this is Finn,” Veronica said as she backed up and we all stood outside the bar. 

I looked at Beth, who was grinning from ear to ear. “Wow, you weren’t kidding. He does look different.” I narrowed my eyes at that and she stuck her hand out to me. “You might not remember me, but I’m Beth, Veronica’s best friend and wife. But it's okay, you can be her number two. I share.” 

Veronica stepped in front of Beth and my lips curved with a smirk. “What are you doing here?” she asked.

I looked her up and down as I buried my hands in my pockets. “I could ask you the same thing. Does Daddy know you’re out dressed like this?”

Her brows knitted and I had to hold back my laugh at how adorable she looked when angry. “Excuse me?”

“Are you daddy?” Beth suddenly asked from behind her. “I mean, you could be, you look like you’d fit the role. Are you single? She’s single.” 

And just like that, I remembered who Beth was. She was always at Veronica's house when they were younger, but back then she had been tall and chubby. Now she showed off her toned, long legs in a short pink dress.

“Beth, shut it,” Veronica grumbled through clenched teeth. “Ignore her, she doesn’t have a filter. And as for your question, I might not always act like it, but I’m a grown woman, Finn.” 

“Yeah,” I said as her brows pulled together. “I can see that. You look beautiful, Veronica.” 

Just like that, with only a few words, I made her react the way I love to see. Each time I say something that shocks her, her eyes widen for just a second as she loses her composure. Since it was the first time I’d seen her outside of work and with her hair down, it was hard to take my eyes off her. 

“Thank you, would you like to join us?” Veronica asked as she pointed towards the bar. “We were just going to have a drink before heading home.” 

"I've hit my max for the night." I combed my hair back as she nodded, and I watched the way her hair danced around her. "Another night, so you ladies have fun. Neither of you drove, correct?"

“Yeah, he’s definitely daddy material,” Beth grumbled and Veronica grabbed her arm. 

“Okay I’ll see you on Sunday,” Veronica began pulling her friend towards the bar and I waved as Beth tried to say goodbye over her shoulder. 

“Goodnight, Finn.” 

“Goodnight, Beth.”

I didn’t move as I watched them walk away. Of course, I’d noticed Veronica’s amazing body before, but seeing her now in a dress that emphasized her every curve, I was amazed.

I turned away after she pushed Beth into the bar and then glanced at me before vanishing inside. I exhaled through my mouth as I began walking slowly back to my car. It would have been great if I hadn’t seen her tonight or outside of work in general. At work I’m able to maintain control of myself, I know nothing of her life outside of work seeing her just now, I had been a little too close to agreeing to join them and I know that would have ended badly. 

As for her friend Beth, she pretty much confirmed that they’ve both been talking about me. 

I wonder what exactly Veronica has been telling her?

Veronica

Beth waited in the car while I ran into the gas station to grab a few things, mostly pain medicine. I had drunk way less than her last night. Instead, she’d thrown up three times this morning and looked as white as a piece of paper, repeating how she’s never going to drink again. 

That’s a lie, of course, one she’s been saying since we were in high school. 

I thanked the cashier and made my way out the door as I rummaged through the bag in my hand for the bottle of water and the pills I’d bought for her. Suddenly I was pushed, causing my bag to fall out of my hand. Behind me, someone was yelling. It was as if something clicked in my mind before I truly registered what was happening. Within seconds, my legs were moving.

The man was incredibly fast but thankfully I was wearing sneakers. My heart skipped a beat as he suddenly threw the bag over his shoulder and pulled out a gun.

For a split second, my brother's eyes flashed in my mind, then I heard the gunshot. A burning sensation began in my arm but still, my legs pushed me forward.

I gritted my teeth and the man’s eyes opened in shock. He turned to continue running but he tripped. I’m not sure what was driving me as I pumped all my strength into my legs. I fell on him the moment he tried to get up and quickly grabbed the arm that was holding the gun, bending both his wrists. I placed my knee in his back when he tried to grab for the gun he had dropped. 

"Don't make me break your arm!" I yelled. "Stay down!" I glanced at my shoulder and the blood that seeped through my grey sweatshirt. "You just shot a cop, moron!" Even with the side of his face pressed into the pavement, I could see the way his eyes widened with panic. "Yeah, you're screwed."

***

I walked out of my father’s office with my ears ringing. A few eyes were on me as I slammed the door shut and grabbed my upper arm. The bullet had only grazed my shoulder thankfully, but my dad insisted I go to the hospital. I didn't see the point. I ignored the curious eyes of my fellow cops, no doubt all of them having overheard my father cursing at the top of his lungs. I held my head up and walked proudly, knowing that yet again I'd done something good.

Was I supposed to stand by as a cop and watch that thief getaway?

Anyone else wouldn't have gotten an earful from the Captain about being reckless, but of course, I had to sit and listen to him complain about my actions both as my father and my Captain. Sure, I get where he's coming from, but what was I supposed to do?

If a male cop had stopped that thief, he’d be given a pat on the back. Meanwhile, I was told to be more careful. But I’m a cop, this is a part of the job and I’ll always do my job. 

“Was I supposed to do, huh? Nothing?” I asked no one in particular as I yanked the door to the storeroom open and slammed it behind me. 

I spun around as it opened again immediately. Finn entered the room and closed it even louder than I had. For a second, I was terrified as he stepped forward and then stopped himself, his eyes wide with rage. His eyes darted back and forth as he gazed into mine. 

“What the hell were you thinking?” he growled and I turned away and grabbed a first aid kit. 

“I was thinking a robbery had just happened and it’s my place as a cop to do something,” I answered, not hiding the irritation in my voice. 

“You could have been killed!” he yelled, and I spun on my heel to face him. 

“It’s a part of the job, right?! Every cop is at risk of being shot or worse, so what were you and my dad thinking? That because I'm his daughter I might never experience something like this? Get off my ass, Finn! Both of you!” 

I turned away, my chest rising and falling rapidly as I took deep breaths to calm myself. 

“Veronica?” I closed my eyes and tried to ignore him but my body went stiff as I felt his fingers wrap around my elbow. He turned me slowly, gently, his eyes on my bloody arm. “I didn’t mean to get you upset. Let me help you.” 

I sighed as I glanced at my shoulder. "It's fine, it's just a graze. I can take care of it."

All emotion drained from his face and the silence stretched between us as he stepped closer. “Sit on that chair, woman, now. I wasn’t asking for your permission to help you.” 

I shook my head and sat down, well aware that fighting him was pointless. For a moment I forgot about the pain in my arm as he held onto my sweatshirt and began pulling it over my head. 

He grew angry once more as he stared at the cut on my arm. 

“It looks worse than it feels,” I told him with a forced grin, and his jaws clenched in response. I’m not certain why I even said that, maybe to lessen his anger. While his presence was incredibly intimidating, right now his concern for me was beyond sweet. 

“I know this is a part of the job,” he suddenly said as he opened a first aid kit and I noticed that his right knuckles were bruised. “But I’d like to not have my partner die on me. Okay? And you need to stop trying so damn hard, you're taking the spotlight away from me."

He glanced my way, the corner of his mouth lifting with a smile. “Yeah well, you’ve had a long run, old man. It’s time to give up your title.” 

He poked my arm and I yelped in pain. “Not going to happen, princess.” 

The endearment made me forget how to speak. I sat quietly as he cleaned and bandaged my wound for me.

“There,” he said as he finally closed the first aid and then turned to face me. 

“Thanks,” I mumbled as I pointed to my sweater. “What happened to your knuckles?”

He looked down at his hand and shook his head. “Nothing, don’t worry about it. You’re not hurt, badly that is.”

“Okay,” I pointed to my sweatshirt. “Can I have that back now?"

Considering that I was only wearing a thin strap top and no bra, I felt naked as his eyes wandered down my chest for a moment. He blinked rapidly, no doubt noticing my nipple piercings. Instead of giving it to me, he threw it over his shoulder.

“I think I’ll hold onto this for you,” he said as his expression slowly began to morph into a grin. “You might want to cross your arms over your chest though and maybe exit through the back of the precinct.” 

“You’re a dick sometimes, you know that, right?”

“I know,” he said as he turned to leave. “But I have a feeling you like that.” 

***

I pulled my top on, being careful to not have it drag on the slowly healing wound on my shoulder. It had been three days since I’d been shot and the reality of what had almost happened hadn’t hit me until later. 

I had cried for a few minutes in the shower, but mostly because I had spent too much time remembering how I had felt the moment I had seen the gun. I wondered if that’s how my brother had felt before he had been shot, and I wasn’t able to stop my tears. He had been undercover in a drug ring when he was found out. He had tried to escape but was caught and killed, shot four times in the chest. 

I never got to say goodbye. Since he was undercover, I had barely seen him. That was something I deeply regretted. 

Shaking that thought from my head, I closed my locker and picked up my bag just as Finn walked through the door. 

“There you are,” he said as he walked over to me. “I’m going to grab a drink with some of the guys. Do you want to come?”

I shook my head. “Sorry, there’s something I have to do, maybe another time.” 

“Are you okay? You’ve been pretty quiet since the other day.” He walked over to me and touched my shoulder. “How’s your shoulder healing?”

I inhaled deeply because yes, ever since then my mood had been crap. I mean, we all have days or weeks like this where we just feel drained. It hadn’t gone unnoticed that Finn had been keeping an eye on me. In the absence of my usual chatty mood, he'd been trying to be more talkative with me. I appreciated that.  

“I’m okay, and my shoulder is healing just fine.” I looked down at my bag in my hand before placing it on the floor and letting my hair down. “I’m honestly just not in a drinking mood.” 

When I looked up at Finn, his eyes were glued to my hair. For a moment, my heart fluttered at his look of admiration. So far, he and Beth had been the only people capable of making me smile. He stepped forward and then stopped.

“I need you to be more careful,” he murmured as his eyes moved from my hair to my face. “I think your dad was honestly pretty shaken up, too.”

I inhaled deeply and sighed. “I know, I spoke to him the day after it happened. I’m sorry for scaring you both.” 

"I never said I was worried about you," he said as he rolled his eyes, and the action made me laugh. His lips curved with a smile as he took a step forward. "Just make sure nothing like that happens again okay, or I'm going to be really pissed."

“You’re always pissed,” I shot back and he shrugged. 

“I always appear pissed. You wouldn’t like to see me when I really am.” 

I arched a brow cheekily. “How are you so sure? Maybe I like that kind of thing. But don’t worry, I’ll be careful. I’m fully capable of taking care of myself, in case you haven’t noticed.”

He made a face as he sank his fingers into his already ruffled hair. "I know, but I said what I said, Veronica. I'm going to need you to start listening to me, okay?"

"Have you always been this controlling or do you just like being like this with me?" I whispered and he leaned forward.

“A bit of both,” he answered.

Suddenly the atmosphere around us changed and my palms started to sweat. I’m not imagining it, right? He’s flirting with me right now? Worse, he had yet to walk away like he usually did. For a moment, I could do nothing but stare at him. His eyes became hooded and he stepped forward again, closing the gap between us. 

My heart was hammering against my chest as his head slowly dipped and his lips pressed against mine. 

My eyes fluttered close instantly and feelings I haven’t experienced in a long time were ignited within me. My body melted as I felt his hand snake around my waist and my lips parted to give him entrance, allowing his tongue to slowly move back and forth against mine. My body was close to shaking at the fact that I was kissing Finn. 

A voice within my mind was telling me to stop but I couldn’t. His lips felt amazing. I truly relaxed for the first time in days.  

His hand suddenly gripped my waist as he crushed my body to his and the slight and sudden forcefulness made my knees grow weak. It’s been so long since I’ve felt this ache inside me but as if something clicked within him, he tore himself away from me. 

My body swayed forward as if being pulled by his. My eyes opened as I touched my lips, my heart beating rapidly. 

“I’m sorry,” he growled and I looked up at him to find him frowning, a deep crease between his brows. “I shouldn’t have done that, we can’t do that again.” 

I shook my head, my thoughts still a bit foggy. Our kiss had been brief but God had it felt amazing. “It’s okay, you didn’t do anything wrong.” 

He ran his hands down his face as he exhaled through his mouth and I could see him straining to stay in control. He moved so swiftly, pinning me to my locker as his lips found mine again, his hands sinking into my hair. He pulled away again, his breathing labored as he stared down at me, his eyes darting back and forth.

My body felt electrified and the last thing I wanted was for him to stop. He backed away, his jaws clenched tightly and I watched as he turned and left. Despite wanting to tell him not to leave, I couldn’t. I couldn’t speak or move, my body rooted where I stood. 

I sank to the floor, my finger buried in my hair. 

I’d just kissed my father’s best friend.

What Happens Next?

Don’t wait to find out what’s in store for Finn and Veronica! Get the next book in the series now!

Protect and Serve Series

Off Limits

In Good Hands

Guilty Pleasure

Line of Fire

Ten Four

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