I yanked open the locker door and rummaged in my gym bag for some Tylenol. My hand bumped my phone and the screen lit up, showing that I had two missed calls and voicemails from Dani. My brows knitted together. She knew how important training was and never would've tried to reach me unless it was important. The only thing that kept me from panicking was the thought that if it had been a true emergency, she would've called the gym directly or come down in person.

I scooped up my phone and pressed down harder than needed, anxious to open the voicemail. The first message was just her asking to call me after assuring me that nothing serious had happened but the second was the one that shot adrenaline through my veins. It was Dani telling me she had to go back to Summerville. What the hell? Why did she need to go back to Summerville? As I listened further, she explained that Emma had called last night and told 'Hanna' that the cops were looking for her since Brian's trial was coming up. She knew it was dangerous, but Emma needed her if they were going to protect Michelle from Brian. My jaw tightened with the thought of her even being in the same county as that fucker, Brian. She didn't have to say it. I knew this was what Dani had to do, whatever it would take to make sure the kid was okay. I couldn't fault her for that. She had a good heart and I loved her for that. I knew I had to let her go without saying anything that would add to her worries I hung up the phone, tapping on the button more gently this time, trying not to let the disappointment make me do something foolish like saying I'd go with her. I was going to miss the hell out of her, though. More than I'd thought possible. But, I had to admit that it was a blessing in disguise. If Dani were in Summerville, that would be one less distraction for me. Okay, Coach, you winthis time. I tossed my phone back in my bag.

Unless, of course, I spent all of my time worrying about her getting in trouble down there without me.

Chapter Seven.

Dani I didn't really want to go back to Summerville. I missed Emma and Michelle, but that wasn't enough to eliminate all of the negatives that came from going back. Aside from the fact that I didn't want to leave Luke, the reason I was going back was enough to make me feel like throwing up if I thought about it too much.

Luke may have been working with the FBI to get Bruno, but that didn't mean I was in the clear when it came to the things I'd done. Going back to Summerville was like walking into the proverbial lion's den. It wasn't that I didn't want to offer moral support for Emma when she went to court against her ex, but if it did go to trial, I would have to testify against Brian. I wasn't scared of him, but the knowledge that I might have to take the stand, put my hand on the Bible and swear to tell the truth terrified me. All Brian's attorney would have to do would be to ask me to state my name and I'd be fucked. Not only did Emma and Michelle know me as Hanna, but that had been the name I'd given on my original police statement after the incident at the cabin.

On the other hand, if I didn't go back to Summerville, the likelihood of them being able to track me down was slim, because the police had my name as Hanna, and especially if I changed my phone number. But then Emma couldn't call me again. That wasn't even a real option. There was no way I'd do that to Emma. I had to take the chance that this could either get pled down or hope that the defense attorney wouldn't ask anything I would need to lie about. My choices were between perjury and screwing up the case by being a non-credible witness and I didn't like either.

I shook my head, trying to clear my thoughts. I'd have an entire plane ride back to Summerville to obsess over all the what-ifs. Right now, I wanted to make the last night with Luke before I left something special. I hated the fact that he'd have to go through all this with Lacey, hunting for Bruno and re-starting his professional career, without me. I knew he'd have support from his coach, but while Joe was a good guy under that gruff exterior, I wanted it to be me who had Luke's back.

"Stop it," I muttered to myself as I put the sushi I'd ordered from the place around the corner on the table. "Focus on tonight and worry about the rest of it later."

I looked at the table to see if I was missing anything. Sushi, check. Sparkling cider in champagne glasses, check. Fresh veggies without Ranch dip, check. The meal was ready and I still had a few minutes to freshen up.

I was keeping clothing simple tonight, mostly because I hadn't gotten my one nice dress dry-cleaned and everything else was either dirty or packed. My options were limited so I went with a worn, but still nice, pair of jeans and a cute top. At least it gave off the relaxed vibe I wanted for tonight. With everything the two of us had been through and had ahead of us, a night without drama was very much needed.

Luke came through the apartment door just as I stepped out of the hallway. He smiled when he saw the table.

"I figured we needed a quiet night in," I said as I walked over to him.

He dropped his bag and took me in his arms, pulling me against him as he lowered his mouth to mine. The kiss was firm, the pressure of his lips sending a jolt of desire through me. He'd showered at the gym and the clean smell of his soap and shampoo mingled with his own unique scent. A heady combination. My fingers teased the still-damp hair at the base of his neck and his hands flexed against my back. I broke away first, reluctantly, but knowing we needed to stop now or we'd never make it to dinner.

"One rule for tonight," I said as I stepped back. My heart was racing. "No talking about anything serious. We can compare notes tomorrow morning before we both leave, but tonight is all about giving us a free night, a night to enjoy each other and not think about that stuff."

Luke nodded in agreement. "That sounds great."

I wasn't sure we could actually do it, make it through an entire meal without talking about the crazy things going on, but we did it. Granted, we mostly ate in silence to avoid strained conversation, but that wasn't a bad thing. The quiet of a meal accompanied by softly playing background music was a welcome diversion.

After dinner, as we cleared the table, Luke spoke, "I've been thinking."

I gave him a terse look. "That's against the rules for tonight."

He grinned at me, his eyes sparkling. "It doesn't have to be." He dumped the plates into the sink. "I was just wondering if you remembered those self-defense moves I taught you."

I knew why he was asking. The idea of me being in Summerville without him made him nervous. Technically, that was against the rules, but I figured I'd humor him and keep it light. I smiled at him. "I've been practicing."

"Really?" He arched an eyebrow. "Show me."

We crossed from the kitchen into the living room and he pushed the coffee table out of the way. I'd backed in, not wanting to take my eyes off of him. I could tell he was half-joking, but there was something else in his expression and I couldn't decide what it was. He took two steps towards me.

"Show me," he repeated.

I was still far enough away that I didn't have to worry about accidentally making contact, so I went through the quick moves he'd shown me to fend off a front attack. Eye gouge, throat jab and, of course, a kick to the crotch.

"Now from behind." He closed the last of the distance, grabbed my arm and turned me so that my back was to him. The heat radiating off of his body made me flush.

"Instep." I put my foot on his. "Solar plexus." My elbow jabbed his chest.

"Good. Now flip me." He put his arm across my shoulders.

I wrapped my hands around his forearm and put my weight into trying to flip his massive bulk over me. I was really glad now that I'd worn pants. This would've been awkward in a skirt or dress.

"Use your hips." He put his free hand on my hip, running it over the curve. "Don't try to use the muscles in your back. Remember, it's not about size. It's about leverage. Bend your knees a little and get your body under mine."

I tried again, but it was difficult to concentrate with his mouth against my ear and his body pressed against mine.

"Again," he said. "If you have to do this for real, adrenaline's going to be flooding your system and you're going to have to be able to get your body to respond. Let your muscle memory do most of the work."

He had a point. Instead of trying to fight against the distractions, I had to imagine that he was someone else and instead of Luke behind me, I pictured a stranger. It was his arm around me, his body flush against my back, his mouth at my ear. I shifted my weight and pivoted my hips, using what he'd taught me against him and Luke rolled over my shoulder and onto the ground.

He looked up at me, a wide smile on his face. "That was great! You're a natural."

I laughed as Luke pushed himself up off the floor. "I wouldn't think your girlfriend flipping you to the ground would be something to get excited about."

He pushed a strand of hair back from my face, letting his fingers linger on my cheek for a moment. "I like knowing that you're able to defend yourself if I'm not there." He held my gaze a few seconds longer, then stepped behind me again. "There are a couple other moves you can use here."

I nodded, and took a practice stance again, with him behind me, ready for instructions. But when he slid his hand around my waist to my stomach, it became even more difficult to focus.

"If an attacker's face is directly behind you, slam your head back," he instructed. "It'll hurt like hell for a minute, and you might see stars, but if you catch his nose, there's a good chance you'll break it. Any of these moves are going to throw his balance off, which will make flipping him easier." He took my hand as he shifted behind me. "And there's always one other defensive move that works, but you can't hesitate."

"Okay." I nodded, curious. He'd told me before how I should rely on muscle memory and instinct, so I wondered what it was about this move that made him think I'd hesitate.

He pulled my arm behind me and the moment my hand brushed against his crotch, I understood. His fingers bent mine so that I was cupping the bulge in his jeans.

"Don't hesitate. Reach back, grab, squeeze and twist. Your life may depend on it. Don't be embarrassed, just grab his balls." He released my hand but I didn't move it. I flexed my fingers and when I heard the catch in his breath, I smiled. "That's one move I prefer you didn't practice on me."

I turned in his arms so that we were facing each other. I pressed my palm harder against him and he groaned. "Oh, I have better things in mind for this," I teased.

In a move so fast I barely registered it, Luke hooked his leg around mine and I started to fall backwards. He caught me before I hit the floor, lowering us both at the same time so that his body covered mine. He laced his fingers between mine as he captured my mouth. His kiss was hungry. His tongue pushed past my lips, exploring my mouth as I pushed against his hands, wanting to touch him. He held me in place easily, grinding his hips down against me, making me moan at the friction between our jeans.

When he pulled away, I made a sound of protest, but it was lost as I gasped for air. He did a push-up, raising himself off of me and then moving to the side. The muscles in his arms rippled as he moved and a jolt of desire went straight through me. Then he yanked his shirt over his head and heat inside me ratcheted up a notch. I sat up and pulled off my own shirt, loving the way his eyes darkened at the sight of me. Neither one of us spoke as we shed the rest of our clothes.

An urgency filled the air and I was suddenly and painfully aware that tonight would be our last time together for who knew how long. My exact sentiments were reflected on his face and I held out my hand as I leaned back. We had all night for slow, languorous love-making. Now was about easing the ache inside me, and for that, I needed him.

Luke took my hand and let me guide him until he was kneeling between my legs. He bent over me as I stretched out on the carpet, his hands cupping my face. His lips brushed against mine, a gentle kiss, the kind that would have been chaste if I hadn't felt his cock hot and hard against my stomach.

"Do you have any idea how much I fucking need you?" he murmured against my mouth, his forehead resting on mine.

I ran my hand down his chest and over those rock hard abs that the MMA groupies drooled over. When my fingers touched his cock, his eyes closed and he shivered. "Show me." My hands drifted up over his hips to grab his ass and squeeze the firm muscles there.

He raised his body enough that he could reach between us and position himself at my entrance. His eyes locked with mine as he entered me. He moved slowly, letting my body adjust to the penetration as he pushed in deeper. My eyelids fluttered and I fought the urge to close them. The sensation was overwhelming, riding that line between pain and pleasure but I didn't want him to stop.

I moved my hands over his back, fingers dancing across the solid muscle I found there, up to the point where I knew his tattoo covered his skin. I gripped him tightly, using him to lift myself so that the last couple inches drove deep. I cried out, a full-body shudder running through me and causing him to moan.

"You feel so amazing." His teeth grazed my earlobe.

"Fuck me, Luke," I begged. "We can take our time later."

He answered by covering my body with his. It felt amazing to have this god of a man lying on top of me, massive muscles flexing with each maneuver. His lips found mine as he began to thrust, each stroke rubbing the base of his shaft against my clit until I was writhing beneath him, all my little sounds of pleasure disappearing into his mouth. My nipples were hard against his chest and I hooked my ankles around his calves, giving him extra leverage. I could feel the burn of the carpet against my back and ass, but I didn't care. The pleasure of his body moving with mine drowned out any pain I was feeling at the moment.

Luke stiffened above me, his body going rigid as he came, but he continued and ground his pelvis against me, bringing me to completion. Only when he heard me cry out did he stop, holding me as I rode the wave of my climax. It wasn't until I came down enough to know that he was cradling me against his chest that I realized he was speaking. His voice was so low that I wasn't sure if he was talking to me or himself.

"I love you, Dani. So much."

I pressed my face against his chest and kissed the spot over his heart. "I love you, too." I breathed out the words and in that moment, I believed we would get through all the challenges we were about face in Summerville and in everything. There was nothing in the world we couldn't overcome as long as we did it together.

Chapter Eight.

Dani The next afternoon on the plane, my optimism had faded. The flight to Summerville was uneventful, which should have made me more relaxed, but it didn't. I was haunted by the feeling that things were just waiting for the other shoe to drop. The knot in my stomach that had appeared the moment I'd said good-bye to Luke had just been getting bigger and tighter until it was one big lump of dread sitting in my stomach. By the time my plane landed, I was convinced something would go wrong.

The cops would be waiting for me at the airport because they'd figured out who I was and what I'd done.

Brian had gotten wind of me coming and was going to drag me off somewhere.

I was so distracted by all the possibilities of disaster that I'd yanked on my roller bag twice before I realized it was stuck.

"Dammit!" I said through gritted teeth. I glanced around, wondering if I should climb on the seat. That appeared to be the only solution, but then I had the sudden image of standing on the seat and pulling the bag free with enough force to send me falling backwards.

"Here, let me help with that."

I looked in the direction of the male voice and was greeted by a dazzling smile. Teeth flashed against tan skin and then I took in the handsome face, dark hair and hazel eyes that went with the smile.

"These things can be tricky," he said as he reached up over my head. He was well over six feet and lean, though he had the kind of build that said he was strong, even if he wasn't bulky.

I watched as he fiddled with something and then pulled my bag free. The way he effortlessly lowered it down with one hand indicated that my assessment of his strength had been accurate.

"I'm Matthew," he said as he handed me my bag.

"D-Hanna." I stumbled over my name as I remembered I was under an alias here. I smiled, hoping to distract him from my slip.

"It's nice to meet you, Hanna." He held out his hand.

I shook it, trying not to notice that his fingers lingered a bit longer than necessary. "Thank you for the help, Matthew," I said politely. I started down the aisle towards the flight attendant standing at the exit.

"Anytime," he said from behind me. "Are you staying in Summerville or is this only a lay-over?"

"Visiting friends," I said as I started down the corridor. I didn't want to appear ungrateful for his help but I was being purposefully short with my remarks. Matthew seemed like a nice guy, but I really wasn't in the mood to deal with an overly friendly man at the moment.

Fortunately, I spotted Emma and Michelle waving at me and was spared any further conversation as I hurried towards them.

"Hanna!" Michelle ran the last few feet and threw her arms around my waist.

"Hey, sweetie." I hugged her back. "I swear you've grown." It was strange how quickly I'd become attached to this family, and they didn't even know my real name. I pushed aside my guilt as Emma came forward for a hug.

"We missed you," Emma said.

"You didn't say good-bye." Michelle looked up at me.

"Michelle," Emma scolded.

"It's okay," I said with a smile. "I know I didn't, and I'm sorry. I just had some important things to do."

"So you're back?" Michelle asked.

I couldn't bring myself to lie to her, but I couldn't promise her that I'd stay, either, so I simply said, "I came back to help your mom."

The tightening around Emma's mouth told me that she understood what I meant, even if Michelle didn't.

"Let's not stand around here gabbing." Emma put her arm around Michelle's shoulders and started walking. I fell in step beside her. "Hanna, I'm so glad you're back. And I have exciting news... the Bed and Breakfast is doing exceptionally well."

All the way to the car, Emma kept up a steady stream of conversation about the work that had gotten done while I was gone and the customers she'd had. She hadn't been exaggerating when she'd said things had been going well. As a matter of fact, it had been so busy that she hadn't had time to fix up the remaining two bedrooms.

"And right now, the other two rooms are booked," she said as we got into the car. "If I'd known you were coming, I would've reserved your old room."

"That's okay..." I started to say.

"As it is, you can have Michelle's room and she can stay with me."

I shook my head. "No way. I'm not kicking the child out of her own room."

"It's okay, Hanna," Michelle said, leaning forward from the back as far as her seat belt would allow. "I don't mind."

I felt like a bit of an inconvenience to them, but honestly, I wouldn't feel safe at another bed and breakfast or a hotel. Although Emma and Michelle didn't know my true identity, they knew me and I could count on the fact that they wouldn't snoop or ask questions I didn't want to answer. Besides, I liked them and if I had to be away from Luke, at least I could be with friends. I turned around and leaned into Michelle's beaming face. I could see she wanted to do this. "Okay," I agreed and she bounced back against her seat, happy to have pleased me. "So, who's in my old room?"

"It's a nice family," Emma answered. "The little girl, Pearl, is Michelle's age which has been good for her."

"Pearl's nice," Michelle announced. "She turned nine before me, so that means she's older, but she doesn't boss me around."

"That's the best kind of friend to have even if it's just a vacation friend," I said with a smile.

Emma glanced in the rearview mirror and then continued our conversation in a lowered voice. "About the trial," she said.