SWAT Chronicles: Wicked

By Dahlia Rose

Sade Padgett crooned at the Silver Note nightclub in New York when she wasn’t working on her doctorate in Physics. She loved her double life. By day, she spent her time in a lab. By night, she let her hair down and became sexy, sultry, and every man’s fantasy. Who knew a crazed fan would jeopardize her life and the job she loved? She soon found herself under the protection of Dahy McGwire and Liam Roarke, two of New York’s finest and part of the SWAT team. Her life was now in their hands, and with the sparks that flew between her and the best friends, they soon wanted to do a bit more than just protective detail. Presented with the opportunity to be with the two sexy cops, Sade chose to be frisked from head to toe and maybe even resist a few times so their strong arms could restrain her. She would enjoy every ounce of pleasure they had to offer. It seemed escaping a madman was going to be the easy part, but when danger comes calling, losing Dahy and Liam may be the one thing her heart can’t endure.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Dahlia Rose
• Release date: Sep 7, 2013
• ISBN: 9781939151926

Dahlia Rose

Dahlia Rose is the best-selling author of contemporary, military and paranormal romance with a hint of Caribbean spice. She was born and raised on a Caribbean island and now currently lives in Charlotte, North Carolina, with her five kids, who she affectionately nicknamed “The Children of the Corn,” and her biggest supporter and longtime love. She has a love of erotica, dark fantasy, sci-fi, and the things that go bump in the night. With over six dozen books published Dahlia has become a reader favorite. Not only because of her writing but her vivacious attitude in talking to her fans online and at various events. Books and writing are her biggest passions, and she hopes to open your imagination to the unknown between the pages of her books. http://hearttoheartwithdahliarose.blogspot.com www.facebook.com/author.dahliarose www.twitter.com/dahliarose1029

Book preview

Wicked

SWAT Chronicles

Published by Dahlia Rose at Smashwords

www.authordahliarose.com

Copyright © September 2013 Dahlia Rose

Cover Art by For The Muse Design

ISBN 978-1-939151-92-6

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Chapter One

She was afraid. Sade didn’t usually feel fear because in her head the world was a logical place and everything could be explained rationally. Since she started getting letters, flowers, and incessant late night phone calls with declarations of love, she figured out quickly that a madman could not be rationalized. A stranger was trying to insert himself into every facet of her life and that made her angry. Silver Note was her sanctuary away from the lab, away from her doctorate. Yet this unknown person managed to make her uncomfortable at every performance, causing her to search the crowd. She no longer saw a captive audience who loved her voice but a potential enemy, one who wanted to claim her. Yes, for the first time in her life, Sade Padgett was afraid.

Hey, you’re up.

The voice of the Silver Note nightclub’s owner jarred her at the mirror and she spilled the contents of her concealer bottle.

Shit, she cursed and pulled napkins out of the holder to soak up the chocolate-colored mess.

Christ, Sade, you’re jumpier than a cat in a room full of rocking chairs. Loraine Valmont owned the nightclub in the middle of Manhattan. From the time Sade met her and they became friends, she loved the older woman’s Southern twang and the fact that the harsh city didn’t change her sweet-natured attitude.

The bastard sent flowers to the lab today, painted black roses. Sade’s hands shook as she threw away the napkins. How did he find out my real name?

I don’t know. Loraine sat down and wrapped a comforting arm around Sade’s shoulders. You need to come stay with me and my twelve gauge.

Sade laughed. I think it’s illegal to have that kind of weapon in your apartment in the city.

Well, what they don’t know won’t hurt them, and, shoot, in Oklahoma I had three of those puppies in my bedroom alone, Loraine said. We gotta protect you, honey, and sure as white is on rice, he ain’t taking my baby girl.

Sade smiled. Loraine had no children of her own and decided in her stubborn way that she was now Sade’s mama bear.

I love you for it, Loraine, but if I come to your place then I essentially put you in danger too, Sade explained. The methodology behind a madman is that he has me in his comfort zone—my home. If I move, his anger may escalate and then we’re all in more danger.

Loraine shook her head. You are dissecting this guy’s brain, and he wants to wear your head as a hat.

More than likely stuff me and position me on his bed to live out his sick fantasies, Sade replied.

Now that’s even worse, Loraine said.

Sade sighed and pinched the bridge of her nose before looking at her friend. Don’t think I’m not terrified, because I am. It’s only my stubbornness to not let him ruin my life that has me going out on that stage tonight.

I know, sweetie, I know, Loraine said. Anyway, I got a call in the office about fifteen minutes earlier. It seems the police have finally got it into their head that this guy is coo-coo for cocoa puffs. They are sending two of their best as your protection.

How did you pull that off? Sade asked amazed. They’ve been telling me that unless he directly attacks me they can’t do anything.

This old bird has some strings she can still pull. Loraine grinned. Okay, my nephew is deputy commissioner. You’ve seen him in here a few times. He has two friends who are on the SWAT team who are on leave for a few weeks. They’ll be your bodyguards.

Sade frowned. These guys work long hours. I don’t want to take their vacation—

It’s already done. They’ll be in the audience tonight looking around for shady bastards. Loraine slapped her on the shoulder and Sade winced. You’re a New Yorker. I’m sure you can pick out two stiff guys in jackets from the crowd.

Well, thank you, Loraine. I really mean it, Sade said gratefully.

You’re welcome. Now get out there and sing, my nightingale.

Sade checked her makeup one more time and fixed the ruby red lipstick—her favorite shade. She looked at her reflection in the mirror. In her almond-brown eyes she saw a weariness that wasn’t there a few weeks ago. Even with her workload, writing her doctorate, plus the club, she never had any problems before. But now her lack of sleep was due to her stalker. Every noise in the night made her jump, thinking it was him. Sleeping with the lights on so she could see if he was coming broke her restful pattern. She liked complete darkness and peace. How could she have that with someone threatening her every step?

Pushing it all aside, she stepped out from the dressing room and headed towards the stage. The patrons of the club began their applause as the saxophone began to wail. She loved to sing with the live band and practiced with them three times a week after work. She put a smile on her face, walked out on the stage, and let the music fill her as she crooned the first notes of No Ordinary Love. She fell in love with Sade’s music when she found out she was named after the iconic star. Her mother told her she named her for greatness. It still made her mist up when she recalled her mother’s last words to her—I’m proud of you—and each day she strived to live up to that expectation.

She heard a whistle from the crowd and opened her eyes. She met each glance as if she was singing for just them. Looking