Protecting the Single Mother: Aegis Security, #1

By Leslie North

Former Navy SEAL Michael Rinaldi has one rule: no second chances…

 

So when Nicole Zito, his beautiful ex, hires his security firm to keep her safe after witnessing a murder, Michael convinces himself he'll be fine. Single mom Nicole may have been the love of his life, but he's confident he can protect her, along with his own broken heart. 

 

Then Nicole receives a disturbing email, threatening both her and her young son. And Michael's protective instincts kick into overdrive. But protecting Nicole means spending time with her, and ignoring his heart is turning out to be a lot tougher than he thought…

 

Nicole still has feelings for Michael, but she knows he's the best man for the job. Still, she never expected how perfect it would feel to be with him again. Tucked away in a quiet cabin with Michael and her son…It almost feels like they're a real family. 

 

It's everything she ever wanted, but she's afraid their fragile bond will soon come to an end. She's falling hard for this sexy SEAL. Can she convince him their love is worth a second chance?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Relay Publishing
• Release date: Feb 23, 2022
• ISBN: 9798201145293

Book preview

1

Nicole linked her arm through her friend’s and hugged her close. You can do this.

I can do this, Holly repeated, then gave Nicole one of her bright, I’ve-got-it-all-handled Holly smiles. Still, there were faint tired circles under her eyes, and her expression was strained. Not surprising, but still it made Nicole hug her closer.

Of course you can, Charlotte, the third member of their trio, said. Charlotte had, unsurprisingly, been the one to remember to bring an umbrella. And, in typical Charlotte fashion, it was enormous and sturdy and would probably last for years, which is why it didn’t matter—Charlotte had assured them—that it was also completely hideous. But at least it was big enough for the three of them to huddle underneath.

It was mid-afternoon—a slow time for their salon, fortunately. But even if it had been their busiest time of day in their busiest time of year—even if they had celebrities three deep waiting to get ready for the Met Gala—Nicole would’ve shut down the salon that the three women ran together so they could go with Holly. Their friend needed support, and Nicole and Charlotte would face down any obstacle to make sure that she got it. Even if that meant slogging through the rain to visit a man that none of them were particularly interested in seeing ever again.

At this time of day, and with the weather, the meatpacking district was practically empty. It was raining, one of those shimmering, relentless summer showers, that turned several patches of the pavement treacherously slick. Nicole decided that that was the reason why they were moving so slowly—because they were afraid of slipping. Not because they were stalling. Nicole was not one to stall. On the contrary, she prided herself on facing every challenge with strength and assurance. But Zak wasn’t a challenge—he was just a nuisance.

Nicole shook several tendrils of her dark, curly hair out of her face, tamping down on her frustration. There were any number of things Nicole would rather be doing this afternoon than trudging out to face down Holly’s all-too-recent ex. And if Nicole was honest, a good part of the reason she agreed to come along was to make sure he stayed that way. But she’d promised Holly she’d play nice.

Holly gave Nicole a rueful look, her dark eyes slightly amused. You still think this is a bad idea.

Of course she does, Charlotte said in exactly the same tone, which made Holly laugh.

Nicole let herself relax enough to smile. Okay, so she hadn’t exactly been subtle about what she thought of Zak, or this little expedition. Holly hadn’t been dating Zak all that long before she ended things, admitting to Nicole and Charlotte that while he was cute, and not that bad in bed, her heart wasn’t really in it. Besides, Holly had told them at the time, there’s something not quite right about whatever it is he’s doing at that bar. Something about it just feels shady.

Then Holly had found out she was pregnant. Zak’s reaction, when Holly told him, was to say that he needed time to process the news. Then he stopped responding to her calls for more than a week. They’d been pretty sure he’d decided to ghost her when Zak had finally texted back, asking Holly to come by the bar he worked at before opening hours so they could talk about the baby.

I think it’s your choice—and I support you no matter what you decide, Nicole replied as diplomatically as she could. She didn’t say that she’d be surprised if Zak actually stepped up and wanted to be involved with the baby. She’d seen enough of him to know that he wasn’t exactly Father of the Year material.

Thank you. Holly rested her head on Nicole’s shoulder for a brief moment. I need to do this. I owe it to Zak to at least hear him out. He and I weren’t meant to be, but he is the little bean’s dad, after all. And if he’s not interested in being a part of our lives…well, then at least I still have you guys. She squeezed Nicole tight and threw her free arm around Charlotte to pull her into the hug.

Charlotte gave her a soft smile as she hugged Holly back. Always.

Exactly, Nicole agreed firmly. We are going to be here for you, just like you two have always been there for me and Grant.

Holly grinned and nodded as they approached McKinley’s, the hole in the wall where Zak tended bar. It looked like most of the lights were off inside, but when Holly knocked on the front door, there was a blur of movement before it swung open. Zak stuck his head out, all blonde, easy-going charm and a gleaming white smile. To be fair, it was a pretty great smile, all half-crooked and dimples winking. Maybe she could understand why Holly had tumbled into bed with him. He was cute—not the kind to make you weak at the knees, but he definitely had an older-brother’s-best-friend vibe that he was working to maximum effect. That smile probably tipped a lot of people over the edge. Wicked and playful, it was the kind of smile that said not to worry about anything, you could figure it out tomorrow. His grin dropped away, however, when he saw Nicole and Charlotte.

I was hoping we could talk. Alone. Just the two of us, Zak said to Holly, a smile slipping easily back across his face. If you don’t mind, he added pointedly to Nicole. This is kind of personal.

Nicole grinned back at him. Oh, I absolutely mind.

Holly asked us to come, Charlotte said, her voice quiet but firm.

Holly nodded. Whatever you have to say to me, you can say in front of them. We’re a package deal, Zak.

That’s not what you said when we were dating. Joking, he said quickly, holding his hands up before Nicole could say anything. He didn’t look happy about it, but he stepped back and held the door open. Come on in—all of you—and grab a seat. I just gotta finish cleaning up before we open.

The bar was empty, and almost dark except for a few spare lights. The tables and bar gleamed wetly under the dim lights, as if they’d recently been wiped down, and there was a mop and bucket resting by the door. Several large black trash bags were piled up by a door at the back of the bar, with a sign that read STAFF ONLY.

Zak ran a hand through his artfully tousled hair. You ladies want something to drink?

A quick looked passed between the women, including some heavy-duty eye rolls. Holly pointed at her stomach. Pregnant.

I know that. I meant like a soda or something. Can you have soda? he asked Holly, a slightly worried look crossing his face.

The strain in Holly’s face softened for a moment. Soda’s fine. Maybe a ginger ale?

Coming right up. Zak poured one for Holly, then gave Charlotte a grateful look as she gently requested a club soda. Nicole simply stared him down. Zak shifted awkwardly, then headed towards the back door. The rusty hinges screeched as he heaved it open, propping it with his hip as he grabbed the trash bags. I’ll be right back. I just gotta take out the trash. Hey, uh, Nicole? You mind giving me a hand?

Nicole blinked in surprise. Me?

When Zak and Holly had been dating, Zak had never wanted to be within ten feet of her, as if he expected her to flip out at any moment and go for his throat. It had been pretty funny, actually, the way he seemed so terrified of her. She figured a lot of it was the mom look that she had perfected—as her ten-year-old son could attest. The mom look was a great weapon against anyone with a guilty conscience.

And if some of it was the brass knuckles she had innocently shown Zak, mentioning that she always kept them in her purse, well…that was their little secret. Nicole was from New Jersey. She knew how to take care of herself, along with everyone else that she kept under her wing. And while Holly was strong and tough and fierce in her own right, she also had a big heart that left her vulnerable to getting hurt. Nicole wasn’t going to let that happen on her watch.

Yeah. He nodded toward the trash bags. You mind?

She glanced over at her friends. Holly gave her an exaggerated shrug, but it was Charlotte’s soft nod that convinced her. She was curious—and the Mom in her couldn’t stand to have trash bags just standing around. She strode over, balancing a bit precariously on her high, skinny heels as she dragged one of the full, heavy trash bags into the alley. As a mother and a business-owner, Nicole’s wardrobe tended towards both practical and professional, but her one indulgence was her shoe collection. The bright red power heels she had on today were one of her favorite pairs, a celebration gift to herself after the salon had exceeded their sales goals last year. They probably hadn’t been the best choice of footwear considering the weather—or the fact that she was now hauling out trash bags—but they always made her feel like Wonder Woman. And besides, if she had to give Zak a couple of good hard kicks, she’d wanted to wear something that would leave a mark.

Zak followed, the back door screeching shut behind him. Look, I get it, okay?

Nicole stood and dusted off her hands. Get what?

Why you don’t want me and Holly to get back together. I get it. I’m a screw up. But I can do better. Zak crossed over to her. I’m serious about this, Nicole. I’m going to get my shit together, be a good dad, a good man for Holly. But she loves you, and she trusts you and Charlotte more than anybody. I’m not going to get anywhere if you’ve already made up your mind about me. Zak met her gaze, all smiles gone. All I’m asking for is a second chance.

Nicole swallowed back the bitter taste in her mouth. She knew someone once who didn’t believe in giving people second chances. Not that she ever tried for one, but still. Never thought I’d end up like him. Okay. It’s up to her, Nicole said quickly when his expression brightened. "You two need to talk this out, together. And you’ve got a lot of proving yourself to do before I’ll believe you’re anywhere close to being ready to be a father. But I won’t stand in the way."

Zak flashed her that playful grin again, something relieved and excited in his expression. Thanks, Nic.

She forced herself not to smile back, jabbing a finger at him. Do not call me that. I hate that nickname.

Zak laughed. I know. Holly told me.

Nicole shook her head, shoving at the rusty, squeaking back door as she went back into the bar. Holly and Charlotte were waiting just inside, Holly grabbing the door to help hold it open as Nicole entered. Holly started to say, Is everything okay—

There was the sound of a car door closing, and Nicole heard Zak call out, Hey, man. This is a surprise. What are you doing here? Something in his voice had alarm bells ringing in the back of her head. She heard fear in it.

The blasting sound of the gunshot was sharp and fierce, and unmistakable. Nicole spun around, heart hammering in her chest. She saw the alley, gray and shimmering in the rain. The dumpster, lid open, and the trash bags scattered on the ground in front of it. And Zak, sprawled across one of the bags—blood seeping from his chest, turning his faded gray T-shirt a deep, ugly crimson. She saw the man standing over him, holding a gun.

For a second, she thought Zak might still be alive, but the man with the gun fired again, twice, and Zak’s head jerked back. Something in his body just seemed to go still. Nicole had never seen anyone die before—but she just knew he was gone.

Behind her, Holly cried out, wordless and horrified, as Nicole teetered back. She leaned too hard against the door, and it creaked open, hinges screeching. The man with the gun turned wildly. He was thin, wiry, small. Dark eyes were sunken deep in a rat-like face, half hidden behind stringy dark hair. He looked like anyone she might pass on the street—nondescript and normal, in jeans and a battered leather jacket. She wouldn’t have guessed she should be afraid of him. Wouldn’t have guessed he was a murderer. For a moment he looked shocked. She thought she heard him mutter, Shit. And then he aimed.

For a second, all she could see was the gun, the dark barrel aimed at her. Her heart thudded in her chest, too loud.

Michael. It was immediate and instinctive, the need for him. He’d protect her, he’d keep her safe. All these years, and in that moment, with the gun pointed at her, her ex-boyfriend was the only one she thought of when she needed someone to protect her.

Then Nicole threw herself back as there was another echoing gunshot, the sharp thud of a bullet landing in the doorframe right where she had been. She felt Holly and Charlotte right beside her as the three of them shoved the door closed with all their strength.

Holly was breathing hard, on the verge of hyperventilating, her eyes glassy and huge. Nicole wondered how much of this she was even taking in, or if she’d gone into a state of shock. Obviously reaching the same conclusion, Charlotte wrapped around Holly like a protective blanket, hugging her tight and murmuring words of comfort in her ear, tucking her head against Charlotte’s shoulder to make sure she didn’t look out the window again.

Nicole, meanwhile, swung into action, looking around desperately for something to shove in front of the door. Another shot, and another, as the window next to her shattered.

Stay down! Nicole ordered Charlotte, who immediately pulled Holly down to the floor. Nicole dug in her pocket for her phone. She had to force herself to dial 911. Not Michael. McKinley’s Bar, she said, when the 911 operator picked up. Washington and West 12th Street. A man just shot someone and he’s still shooting at us.

I’m alerting the police. We have a patrol car in the area. The operator’s voice was calm and steady. Please stay on the line.

Nicole nodded, looking to her friends. She hated to pull Charlotte away when it was clear Holly needed the comfort—but their safety had to come first. Give me a hand, Charlotte. We need to barricade this door.

Right. Charlotte’s face was deathly pale, her eyes huge behind her pink-rimmed glasses. But she nodded and scrambled over to one of the heavy wooden tables,