Still caged in her chair by two very large arms attached to biceps the size of rump roasts, Kat took a deep breath. Although offering her body to Sgt. Taylor was a fascinating gesture that caused several waves of goosebumps to invade her skin, he didn’t need to demand it.
“I don’t think so.”
“Oh no?”
“No.” She lifted her chin and managed to fold her arms across her chest while she locked her gaze on his. “I need specifics.”
“In due time.”
“Now.”
For several seconds, he simply stared, his face free of emotion while his delightful five o’clock shadow tested her resolve. He continued to indent the leather of her chair’s arms with his fingers as if he needed to prevent her escape.
“Someone wants to kill you,” he said finally.
“I already know that. How do you know it?”
“Your father told me.”
“My father receives quite a few threats.”
“This one is directed at you.”
“The judge called you?”
He nodded.
She tilted her head to one side, analyzing the severity of the situation. Like she, Judge Abbott did not panic. Since he summoned Alpha Four, there must be cause for concern.
“And now you’re my shadow.”
“Yes. Until I figure out what the hell’s going on, we’re stuck like glue.”
“I see.” She cleared her throat. “And how do you plan to do that?”
“Simple. I lead, you follow.”
“Hardly,” she answered without hesitation. “I lead, you follow. After all, you’re the shadow.”
“Logistics.” He shrugged. “Long story short, I promised to keep you safe and I intend to do just that.”
“On my terms.”
“Depends.”
“On what?”
“On how well you cooperate.”
“I’m very cooperative.”
Her admission earned her a full–on, heart–pounding, knee–weakening smile.
“See now,” he said while he shook his head, “that’s something I find very hard to believe.”
“I am,” she insisted. “I just need a good explanation of how you expect me to cooperate.”
“No,” he said while he stood. “You are the least cooperative person I know.”
“You really don’t know much about me.”
“True, but what I do know may save my life.”
As badly as she hated to admit it, Chaos knew more about her than she expected. Well then, if he had done his homework, he expected her next statement.
“Good luck holding me hostage.”
“Not my intention.”
“You’ll have to spend quite a bit of time here.”
“I’m fully aware.”
His Adam’s apple bobbed with the force of a swallow and she couldn’t resist another jab. “Pink’s not your color?”
“I don’t mind the color.”
“I think you do.”
“No, it’s just that this place is pink from top to bottom.”
“Does that threaten your masculinity?”
“Hell, no. I have two younger sisters. Believe me, I am not intimidated by anything pink.”
“Then I don’t understand your resistance.”
He released a hard breath. “All I’m saying is that I’m not the spa type. This place is the opposite of masculine.”
“Relax Rambo, my clientele is entirely female.”
“I’m not female.”
Thank God. “No, you’re not.”
“You gave me a massage.”
“I did.”
“On your pink table.”
She gave her brain several seconds to process one remarkable flashback. Previously when he’d arrived to interrogate her about Sophie’s art thief, she’d retaliated with an interrogation of her own; she spread him out like a five–course meal and then welcomed the opportunity to run her hands over every inch of his strong, chiseled, bare back. She enjoyed that massage as much as he.
Finally, she gave him her best I–knew–exactly–what–I–was–doing smile, but refused to explain further.
“Half naked,” he continued.
“Right again.”
“Why?”
She looked him straight in the eyes and hoped to God he wouldn’t take her seriously. It was way too early in the game to let him see her hand.
“I couldn’t wait to get my hands on you.”
“Yeah, that’s it,” he drawled.
“You don’t believe me?”
“Maybe.”
“We’ll save that discussion for another time.” She opted for a safe change of subject. “What kind of threat did my father get this time?”
“Verbal, over the phone. The perp told him to keep you close or you were as good as dead.”
“Have you checked the phone records?”
“We will as soon as I brief my team.”
“You haven’t notified them?”
“Your father placed the call.” He lifted his wrist and lowered his gaze to the watch buckled there. “ETA, most likely three minutes ago.”
“I haven’t heard the bell over the door.”
“Ace probably disabled it.” He glanced at the closed office door. “And from the muffled voices on the other side, he has company.”
She paused a moment to listen and then a grin split her lips. “Carley.”
“Kensworth?”
She nodded. “She was on her way over about the same time you stormed in and hustled me back here.”
“I followed directions – your father suggested an ambush.”
His admission didn’t surprise her, but still she refused to surrender. “I have clients booked solid for the next two weeks.”
“Duly noted.”
“You plan to stand guard the whole time?”
“Absolutely.”
She moved her gaze first up his body, then down, and then up again, taking great care to appreciate the scenery along the way. “You just might be good for business.”
“Oh yeah?”
She rolled her eyes at the obvious ego boost she’d inadvertently provided him. “Don’t you need to brief?”
“I do.” He nodded at the door. “As soon as my back–up gets here.”
***
The minute Carley Kensworth pushed opened the front door of Relax and Renu, she knew something wasn’t right. Not only did the bell hung over the door fail to announce her entry, but the appointment desk stood empty. Granted, it was five o’clock p.m. but Kat never left the station unattended – if she wasn’t there, an employee monitored the area.
“Kat?”
When her friend did not answer, she frowned and walked through the reception area into a hallway that lead to the back of the spa. Ten steps later, the dark–haired Adonis standing with his arms crossed in front of Kat’s office door confirmed her suspicion. Something was definitely not right.
Although the man was familiar to her, familiarity did little to settle her nerves. Sgt. Gage Moore, or Ace as he was known to the civilian world, was a member of Alpha Four – if the elite team of investigators was here, there was a problem.
“What’s wrong?” she asked by way of introduction.
“Hello to you too, Miss Kensworth.”
“Sorry,” she mumbled. “Hi, Ace. Where’s Kat?”
“In the office.”
She nodded and reached for the doorknob, except his mountain of a body blocked her movement. When he made no effort to move, she raised an eyebrow.
“I only need a few inches.”
He simply smirked. “Only?”
“To reach the knob.” As soon as the explanation left her lips, heat burnt her cheeks. “The doorknob. Scooch to the left.”
“Can’t do that.”
“Oh, really? You’re physically challenged?”
“No.”
“There’s glue on your boots?”
“No.”
“Then, move.”
She bumped his hip with her own but only succeeded in bouncing right off and the minute she realized she would most likely kiss the tile, she found herself smashed against his incredibly hard chest with her head tucked beneath his chin. His warm, strong hands rested on both of her hips, as if he exerted little effort in keeping her upright while his fingers pressed several newfound pleasure points. Her heart pounded while her breasts tightened and her thighs began a nice, warm hum.
She took a deep breath and inhaled the clean, masculine scent of musky soap from the base of his neck. Her hormones gave him a standing ovation while her tongue left her mouth and threatened to lick the surface of his skin. In fact, if she stood on her tiptoes, she could unbutton the first two buttons of his shirt, press her lips against the surface of his chest, drag her tongue up his neck, over his right cheek, and then close her lips around one earlobe.
And then she realized she was irritated.
She swept her wayward tongue across her bottom lip, laid her palms against his pectorals, and pushed herself off of him. Much to her annoyed delight, his hands remained in place.
“Was that necessary?”
“What?”
“Using brute force to keep me from entering.”
“You’re the one who attacked me sweetheart, and I think you liked the consequences.”
Oh, yes I did. She bit her tongue to keep the admission buried deep, a feat nearly impossible since his thumbs now caressed the tops of her hips.
“I did not accost you, I just want to see Kat.”
“They’re busy.”
“They?”
“Chaos is with her.”
“Doing what?”
He arched one eyebrow in response.
“They aren’t doing that.”
“What exactly do you think is going on in there?”
“Stop teasing me, Ace. Please move away from the door.”
He gave her another of his panty–dampening smirks as he lifted one hand from her hip, reached for the knob, twisted it, and then pushed open the door.
Very carefully, she regarded him with narrowed eyes. “What’s the catch?”
“No catch.”
“Oh, there has to be a catch.”
“No catch,” he repeated. “You’re just in time to relieve him.”
“Relieve him from what, exactly?”
At least three seconds of silence followed while his green, hypnotizing gaze locked on hers. Both mischief and amusement sparkled in the depths and she locked her knees to keep from swooning. Good grief, did women even swoon anymore?
“You ask a lot of questions,” he said finally.
She shrugged, not bothered in the least by his accusation. “You’re very secretive.”
He simply nodded in that same smooth, suave manner while her patience thinned.
“Never mind.” She stepped past him and grasped the doorknob. “I’ll find out myself.”
The same nagging feeling of worry climbed her spine as she entered the room and saw Kat more or less trapped in her chair. This time, she remembered her manners.
“Hi, Chaos,” she said as she scurried past him and perched herself on the edge of the desk. “Super Spy is waiting outside.”
Chaos released a low chuckle while his gaze remained locked on Kat. “Don’t leave the building.”
“And if I do?”
“If you do, the consequences won’t be pretty. Challenging me is dangerous, Kat.”
Carley’s mouth fell open. Obviously, Kat was in the middle of something serious. Yet, she found the ultimatum that Chaos issued to be somewhat, well, interesting. And from the sparks that flew from Kat’s gaze, there was no doubt about her feelings.
“She won’t,” Carley answered for her.
Chaos gave them both a nod and then left the office, closing the door behind him.
“It’s awfully warm in here.” Carley swung both legs back and forth over the side of the desk.
“We’re in Florida,” Kat drawled.
“Nuh–huh. I think the sparks between the two of you could start a fire.”
Her friend gave her a mischievous grin. “I know, right? There’s just one teeny–tiny problem.”
“I don’t think there’s anything tiny about that man, Kat. Or any of Alpha Four, for that matter.”
And she spoke the absolute truth. Besides the fact that they all stood six feet tall or more, the masculinity and confidence that oozed from each and every one made them gigantic.
Kat narrowed her eyes. “Did you run into Ace on the way in?”
“Literally,” she mumbled. “You could bounce quarters off his abs.”
“Did you?”
“Yes. I mean, no!” She waved a dismissive hand in the air. “I ran into him but I didn’t get near his abs.”
Liar, liar, her conscience taunted. She sighed hard. Okay, she was near them but she didn’t have any change on her at the time, so the point was moot. She quickly turned the conversation back to the original subject.
“What’s the problem with Chaos?”
“The man is a wild tyrant. All do this, Kat, or else.”
“So, tame him. Sounds like a challenge to me.”
“It is. In fact, I’ve given him a few ultimatums of my own.”
Although she understood her friend’s plight, Carley couldn’t help but feel there was cause for him to invade her space.
“I realize he cramps your style, but obviously there’s a reason.”
“Oh yeah, that. Someone wants to kill me.”
Carley’s eyes widened to the extent her eyeballs cramped. “Oh, Kat! Who?”
“We have no idea. My father received the threat this afternoon.”
She wasn’t surprised to see the other woman poised; Kat rarely came unglued. What surprised her was that she dismissed murder as if it was just a pesky ant in her picnic basket.
“How can you be so calm?”
“The judge receives threats all the time. It’s probably nothing.”
“This sounds serious. Please tell me you’ve agreed to let him hang around until he figures out if you’re safe.”
“I have.”
Now much more relieved, Carley studied her nails. “Might be fun.”
“A real blast.”
She giggled at her friend’s feigned enthusiasm. “You don’t sound convinced.”
“It won’t be all bad,” Kat admitted, “but I don’t intend to hide.”
“Are you sure about that?” She raised her gaze and turned it back on her friend. “Something tells me hiding with Chaos might be insanely gratifying.”
“Stop.” Kat giggled and rolled her eyes. “I’ll cooperate enough to stay safe, I promise.”
“Good.” She pushed off the desk to stand. “Let’s go find out what they know.”
“Don’t get too excited. They probably won’t tell us much.”
“Yes, they will. I called the cavalry – Sophie and Liv should be here too.”
***
Squeezed into a chair with a pink cushion – of course – at a conference table with an equally pink top – big surprise – Chaos listened while Captain Beck Raines, known as Thunder to everyone else, spouted details.
“Phone records indicate our perp placed the call to Judge Abbott’s chambers at four o’clock p.m. Coincidence or not, the judge’s secretary is on vacation so Abbott answered the call personally.”
“My money’s on the fact it’s no coincidence.”
Chaos fully expected Lt. Dagan Caldwell, or Rebel, to jump in with analysis. The tracker’s uncanny ability to ready people by action alone proved to be a secret weapon in the team’s arsenal.
“The judge will provide a list of frequent fliers through his courtroom,” Thunder continued. “In the meantime, I’ve got sources tracking the call and monitoring the phone line.”
“He needs an escort.” Ace folded his arms across his chest. “With Chaos on Kat, our guy may pull a 360 and turn on him.”
Thunder nodded. “He’s taken care of that.”
“Is there a Mrs. Abbott?”
“No. The judge has been widowed for the last fifteen years.”
Thunder’s admission grabbed his attention and Chaos suddenly understood Judge Abbott’s urgency. No wonder he insisted Alpha Four work around Kat’s resistance. However, there was more than Kat’s resistance to work around.
“What about her entourage?”
Thunder didn’t hesitate to issue the solution. “Four of us, four of them. Any more questions?”
“Just one.” Ace ran a hand over the top of his head. “Am I correct in assuming I need to keep an eye on Carley?”
The captain nodded. “I’ll do the same for Liv.” Thunder glanced back at him. “Make absolutely sure you have Kat covered. If the perp realizes the relationship between the four of them, I have a feeling he can make our lives a living hell.”
“I’m on it.”
“You need back–up?”
He shook his head. “Piece of cake.”
“That’s what you think,” Rebel mumbled under his breath.
He took a moment to analyze Rebel’s comment. True, Sophie gave Rebel a run for his money when an art thief targeted her, but Kat seemed cooperative – for the most part.
“Maybe Sophie can talk to her.”
Rebel just shook his head.
“Carley?”
“Don’t count on it.” Ace lowered his head and squeezed the bridge of his nose.
“I wouldn’t hold my breath over Liv’s assistance either,” Thunder added. “Face it, Chaos, those women are joined at the hip. Whatever Kat says, goes.”
“There won’t be a problem,” he insisted. “I’m protecting her life so I’m calling the shots and that’s reason enough to keep her in line.”
“Sure of yourself aren’t you, soldier?”
Something close to doom turned his stomach as he heard the feminine voice. Very slowly, he moved his gaze around the table and over his teammates first, buying time for a half–assed explanation.
“Aw, hell,” Ace muttered.
Rebel gave him a look that he read very plainly as idiot.
Thunder smirked, obviously not willing to take pity on him.
Finally, he moved his gaze onto Kat, prepared to face the firing squad. She stood in the open doorway, arms crossed over her very tight, enticing breasts, with Carley next to her on one side and Liv and Sophie on the other. Although he knew she wasn’t happy about what she overheard, he couldn’t help but be aroused. Even pursed, her lips beckoned his kiss. His cock picked that exact moment to stretch.
“Yes,” he answered honestly. “We’ve had this discussion.”
“I agreed to cooperate,” she reminded him. “It had nothing to do with your ultimatum.”
Rebel wiped a hand across his brow. “We just want to keep you alive, Kat.”
Sophie cleared her throat and glared at her fiancé.
“I don’t think we should dwell on the alive factor,” Liv suggested. “Safe is sufficient.”
“Doesn’t matter what we call it – alive or safe or whatever – just follow directions.” Thunder laid down the law in his usual no nonsense manner and three people in the room didn’t argue.
Four, however, had something to say.
“Thunder,” Liv chided, “you really need to work on your delivery.”
Chaos just about fell out of his chair when Thunder opened his mouth to speak and then snapped it shut.
“Holy shit,” Rebel mumbled.
“We want Kat to be safe too,” Carley added, “but you can’t disrupt her life to do it.”
“Murder is disruptive,” he drawled.
“Chaos,” Ace hissed through gritted teeth.
“What? It’s the truth.”
Kat unfolded her arms and approached his chair. “You and I have an agreement and you better hold up your end of the deal.”
“I’m a man of my word.”
“Good, because I can be difficult if you make me.”
“Now that we’ve assured everyone’s cooperation,” Sophie interrupted, “there’s one more think we need to talk about. The fundraiser.”
Chaos frowned. “What fundraiser?”
“Kat is the chairwoman for Hope for the Hungry,” Sophie explained. “The organization raises money for the food pantries in Everglade Springs.”
He glanced at Kat. “You didn’t mention it.”
“Slipped my mind.” She shrugged. “We’re hosting Girls’ Night Out on Friday.”
“Friday?”
“Yes, three days from now.”
“No.”
“Yes. In three days, on Friday night, I will attend Girls’ Night Out, with or without you.”
“With him,” Sophie interrupted. “In fact, with all of them.”
Carley’s lips split into a smile that Chaos couldn’t immediately interpret. “Great idea, Sophie!”
He shifted his weight to one hip and glanced at Sophie. “What exactly is Girls’ Night Out?”
“Women in the community buy tickets to attend a catered dinner with live entertainment.”
“What kind of entertainment?”
“Men.”
Suddenly, Girls’ Night Out sounded like a code name for Girls Gone Wild. “Come again?”
“Men from the community volunteer to act as waiters for the dinner.”
“How is that entertainment?”
“That depends. Each waiter works to make his table happy so that he earns large tips for the charity. The waiter who earns the most money gets the title of head waiter until next year’s event.”
“Talk about a security nightmare,” Thunder mumbled.
Sophie gave him a wide smile identical to Carley’s. “Not if you participate.”
“Hell, no.”
“Wait a minute.” Chaos swallowed hard as the captain glared. “She may have a good idea. Recon may be a whole lot easier if we’re in the mix.”
Thunder narrowed his eyes, a move that Chaos knew meant the captain was still very skeptical of the whole mission. “All we have to do is serve food?”
Sophie nodded in the affirmative.
“Doesn’t sound difficult.”
“In a tuxedo,” Liv added.
“No.” Thunder repeated his earlier denial.
Liv rolled her eyes and steamrolled right over the other man’s refusal. “Stop being difficult. It’s for a good cause and Chaos is right. Mingling with these women may give you some insight.” Chaos grinned at Liv’s expert use of her eyelashes as she continued. “Besides, I have the feeling you don’t get out much.”
“The judge said the caller was male,” Thunder pointed out.
“Nice try, Captain,” Ace muttered, “but we all know that doesn’t mean anything. We have basically no information and for all we know, a woman could very well be involved. This shindig might give us some Intel.”
“I doubt that any of the women who attend this function would dirty their hands with murder,” Kat drawled. “I would think it would be way too messy.”
Ace shook his head. “When you watch people as long as I have, you wouldn’t be surprised at the things they do.”
Chaos silently agreed. Even though Ace was the one who spent hours watching targets through the crosshairs of his sniper’s rifle, Chaos had witnessed the same thing. Nobody was above suspicion in his book.
“I’ll call Dan,” Liv added. “He’ll expect you tomorrow for a fitting.”
Thunder lifted an eyebrow. “Who the hell is Dan?”
“A tailor,” Liv explained patiently. “You’ll need to be measured so that the correct cut can be ordered.”
“You can arrange that in less than twenty–four hours?”
“Lucky for you, yes,” Liv answered as she pulled her cellphone from the bag on her shoulder and pressed buttons. “Dan will fit you for a tuxedo and I’ll deliver your ties before dinner begins.”
Thunder glanced at him and winced. “Lucky for us.”
Although a little unnerved about cramming himself into a tuxedo, he pushed that annoyance to the side. “Where is this event going to be held?”
“At the hospital in the cafeteria.”
“So, I hate to steer the conversation back to murder,” Rebel said as he glanced at Sophie and shrugged. “But we need strategy.”
Thankfully, Thunder took the cue. “We’ve already established that Chaos will work from the inside. Ace will comb the spa to ensure safety here. I’ll get with Judge Abbott to identify suspects.”
“I’ll check out the hospital,” Rebel added.
“What about Kat’s customers?”
He wasn’t surprised when Kat answered Thunder immediately. “What about them?”
“We’ll need a list of regulars.”
“Why?”
“Everyone’s a suspect until we know differently.”
He watched a variety of emotions cross her beautiful face – everything from relief to amusement – until he saw the one he knew best take charge. Defiance.
“We’ll be discreet, Kat,” he said quietly, hoping to hell he could defuse the ticking time bomb of her temper. “We don’t want anyone to be aware of the threat on your life.”
“Fine,” she mumbled. “As long as you don’t harass them.”
Grossly relieved, he found himself again on guard when Ace asked the next question. “Solitary?”
“No,” he answered immediately. “No need for that yet. We’ll stay at her house.”
“It’s all settled then.” Liv tossed her phone back into her bag. “You’ve outlined your strategy and I’ve arranged for all of you to be measured tomorrow.” Thunder’s grunt beneath his breath did little to dissuade her. “I’ll send Dan to your office.”
Carley pulled Kat into a deep hug. “Promise me you’ll do as he says.”
“Of course.” She gave him a cheeky grin over Carley’s shoulder.
Sophie giggled and enveloped her next. “I’m only a phone call away.”
“Me too,” Liv told her. “And if you need anything else for the party, please let me know.”
Kat gave Liv’s hand a squeeze as soon as Sophie released her. “Thanks, but I think you’ve got your hands full.”
“Nonsense.” Liv dismissed Kat with a wave of her hand. “I’ll have the four of them dressed to the nines in no time.”
Carley turned and gave him a smile. “Take care of her, Chaos.”
Chaos nodded, knowing full well there was an or else in there somewhere and that he would deeply regret the consequences if he didn’t follow through. Observation told him that the fierce loyalty between the four women was just as strong as the force between Alpha Four members.
He waited until everyone else left the room before he finally spoke. “Are you ready to call it a night?”
“Definitely.”
“Show me how you secure the building and then I need to run by my house for my gear.”
After taking him through the maze of rooms and switching off lights, she led him into her office and pointed at a control panel on one wall. “All the lights are green so that means all doors are shut and the system is ready to be armed. I just punch in the code and go.”
“Cameras?”
“Yes, in each room except the massage rooms.”
“Do they record for twenty four hours?”
She nodded and lifted a hand, poised to set the alarm.
“How often do you change the disc?”
“Every morning when I open.”
“You change it yourself?”
“Yes.”
“Do you archive the discs?”
She lowered her hand and smirked. “Good grief 007, yes I archive them. And the security company picks them up on Friday afternoon.”
“Where are the monitors?”
“There are two behind the partition that circles the front desk and two in my office.”
“How many people have access to the alarm code?”
“Seven or eight.” She shrugged. “Can I enter the code now?”
He nodded. “Change it, and don’t tell anyone else other than me.”
Impressed that he didn’t get an argument, he watched her punch a series of numbers into the keypad and then turn to him. “What’s your birthdate?”
“050983.”
Several more keystrokes later, a series of staccato beeps filled the silence.
“We have one minute to exit,” she told him.
Once they stood outside the front door in the dark of the night, the hair stood on the back of his neck as Kat poked her key into the lock and snapped it into place. He knew from experience that dark and murder went hand–in–hand. He quickly grasped her elbow and urged her toward his truck.
“I’m parked at the curb.”
He quickly pressed the button on his remote, somewhat relieved when the headlights flashed twice. He moved his gaze around the truck one last time before he opened the passenger door and motioned her inside with one hand. Once she sat safely behind tinted glass, he rounded the vehicle and entered the driver’s door, his anxiety still in high gear.
“Do you need directions?”
He smirked and lifted an eyebrow as he plugged the key into the ignition and brought the engine to life. “Your father didn’t tell you much about me, did he?”
She shook her head. “Obviously he left the details to you.”
As soon as her words crossed his eardrums, a warm rush of heat traveled the length of his body, threatening to break him out in a full sweat. Yes, Judge Abbott depended on him to convince his daughter of the impending danger; however, she hadn’t hesitated to trust him and for that, she had his utmost respect.
“I know where you live.”
“Google Earth,” she mumbled.
“It won’t take long to grab my gear.” He checked the rearview mirror and then steered into the traffic–free street. “It’s packed and ready to go.”
“Are you sure this is necessary?”
“Absolutely,” he answered without hesitation. “You’re not?”
“It’s not that I don’t think it’s necessary, I’ve just been through this a few times.”
He gave her a quick glance and frowned before he turned his attention back out the windshield. “You’ve been threatened before?”
“Not me personally, but like I mentioned earlier, Judge Abbott doesn’t always make the most popular decision.”
“Yet, you live alone.”
“I do.” She released a long sigh. “My father and I agree on the importance of independence.”
“Understood.”
He slowed to make a right turn and then followed a winding two–lane road to an out–of–the–way cul–de–sac lined by a canopy of palm trees.
“I didn’t realize this neighborhood was back here.”
“Not many people do.” Bright, white light from spotlights over his driveway invaded the darkness as he parked, showcasing the modest, gray–stone, two–story home in front of them. “I enjoy the peace and quiet.”
“The house is beautiful from the outside.”
“Thank you.” He grasped the keys and then glanced into the side view mirror to assure they were alone and then turned to gesture at her door with his head. “Once I come around, we walk quickly to the front door.” He unsnapped his phone case at his hip, pulled out his cell and then punched several numbers to disable the security alarm and unlock the house. “We have thirty seconds to enter.”
***
As she walked next to Chaos in the murky darkness, Kat waited for the cold fingers of fear to grip the tops of her shoulders. As badly as she hated to admit it, she had become a target for a madman – no sense of independence could change that. Yet, warmth from the hot–blooded male beside her invaded her skin and dared her to be scared. The night was warm in itself, but it had nothing on her body temperature.
“You do live alone, don’t you?”
His hearty chuckle only made the night warmer. “You just now thought to ask?”
“Like you said, I don’t know much about you.”
His hand at the small of her back urged her closer to the door. “Yes, I live alone.”
She snuck a peek at him from the corner of her eyes, his long, slender legs still covering the distance to the front door in long steps with a definite purpose. And his thighs, muscled as well, stretched the denim of his jeans with his every move. But another area of his body had her full attention; the treasure between his legs left little to the imagination as it tested the strength of his zipper.
Why in the name of everything holy did this strong, virile man live alone? Better yet, what woman in her right mind would allow it?
“You haven’t asked about my personal life,” she said as they stood outside the front door.
That arrogant, but oh–so–sexy smile separated his lips once again as their gazes met. “I already know things about you that you probably wish I didn’t.”
“You could still ask,” she mumbled.
He turned the doorknob and pushed open the door. “You have a beautiful pout.”
“I don’t pout.”
“Yes, you do.” He gestured her inside with one hand.
Just to spite him, she pursed her lips and gave him her best sultry stare as she stepped into the house. Except, the feigned pout fell from her face when she raised her gaze and took in the unexpected sight before her.
Tall, cathedral ceilings took her breath away as her eyes moved over the tall, open space and then down the pristine white walls into what she interpreted to be the formal living area. Several frames made of dark, rich wood showcased abstract art while hung on the walls. Two large sofas, both deep, emerald green in color, sat across from each other with large, oversized pillows positioned along each sofa’s back. Two wingback chairs, both covered in tan fabric with a green strip completed the seating area. Beneath her feet, soft, tan carpet covered the floor.
She turned to him and raised an eyebrow. “Should I take off my shoes?”
“No.” He frowned. “Why would you do that?”
She returned his frown, confused by his question. “Seriously? This is obviously a no–touching zone.”
Still, he stood silent with the frown firmly in place. Obviously, he expected an explanation.
“The place shines like a shiny new penny, Chaos. I’m afraid to step on the carpet for fear of leaving footprints.”
He gave her a smirk while he shook his head, reached to close the door behind them, and then punch a series of numbers into the pad next to the door. “If you make a break, the siren will give you away.”
“Are you holding me hostage?”
“Hardly.” He pointed at one sofa and then handed her his cell phone. “Make yourself comfortable and check in with the judge. I’ll only be a few minutes.”
She raised an eyebrow and frowned at the phone. “I have my phone.”
“Mine will disguise our location.”
As badly as she wanted to, she couldn’t argue his logic and graciously accepted the device as she watched him ascend the stairs two at a time, a seemingly effortless task for his long legs.
She wasted no time in sitting on the vacant cushions and relaxing back against the welcoming pillows. Nestled against them, she melted in to the comfort while a sense of security enveloped her. She rolled her head to one side and gazed around the room. Although the epitome of class, the area was remarkably comfortable.
And clean.
Not one pillow was out of place. The tables next to each sofa were spotless and the room’s corners were clear of cobwebs. The carpet looked like it had been rolled right off the bolt with not one fiber squished by foot traffic. She gave a mental snort. She shouldn’t be surprised. Chaos probably moved through the house in his usual smooth, jaguar–like manner, sneaking from room to room without a sound. His feet most likely barely even touched the floor.
From her vantage point, the kitchen occupied the next room and like the living room, everything she could see appeared in place. Shiny pots and pans hung above a large island situated in the middle of the room, the countertops sparkled and the tile on the floor practically glistened in the dim light cast upon it by the table lamps. She got the distinct feeling he must not spend much time at home. That, or someone picked up after him. Suddenly she wasn’t so sure how he defined alone.
She released a heavy sigh and directed her thoughts back to her father as she dialed the phone.
“Hi, Dad,” she said as he answered.
“Kat?”
“Yes, Chaos insisted I use his phone.”
“I’m glad to see you’re following Sergeant Taylor’s instructions.”
“I am.”
“He’s one of the best. Where are you?”
“At his home. He’s packing a bag and then we’re headed to mine.”
“I see.”
She heard the judge’s hidden skepticism and braced herself for an argument. “I won’t let a threat keep me from my home, Dad.”
He released a long breath and she knew from experience he was gathering patience. Even when Judge Abbott disagreed, he managed to keep a cool head. Lucky for her.
“You’re a strong woman, daughter, but you mustn’t let your independence cloud good judgment.”
“I won’t, I promise. Have you received another call?”
“No. Alpha Four tapped the lines earlier but nothing has come across yet.”
“And you’re safe?”
Her anxiety eased as her father’s hearty chuckle crossed the line. “Captain Raines has assigned a security detail to both the house and my office.”
“Captain Raines?”
“His men call him Thunder.” Another chuckle. “I forget to use the codenames.”
She grinned. “I don’t think I’ve ever heard him called by name.”
“You probably won’t. He tells me the codenames provide a high level of security.” He released a long breath. “What about going to a safe house?”
“Dad–“
“Listen to reason, Kat.” He barreled right on over her and she knew it wouldn’t do any good to speak until he was finished. “You could take a nice, long vacation and let Sergeant Taylor whisk you away to a secluded island.”
“Chaos.”
“What?”
“Chaos. Sergeant Taylor’s name is Chaos, Dad.”
“Chaos, then. Thunder tells me they have houses in a variety of locations. Chaos wouldn’t hesitate to secure one.”
“You trust him alone with me?”
“Without hesitation.”
She smirked, restraining herself from asking the question on the tip of her tongue. Do you trust me alone with him?
“I understand your concern,” she told her father instead, “but I’d rather stay here. Besides, you’ve only received one threat.”
Her father’s silence during the following few seconds made sixteen–year–old Kat tremble and experience told her to prepare for the ear–splitting sound of the gavel. Judge Abbott was a fair and honest man when it came to a lawful decision, but when it was rendered, it was rendered finally. She took a breath and held it, mentally counting until he spoke.
One one thousand, two one thousand, three one thousand, four one thousand.
“There have been several threats, Kat.”
She sat forward on the sofa, not entirely sure she’d heard him correctly. “Several?”
“Yes. I received two written ones before the phone call.”
“I see. Does Chaos know about them?”
“Not yet. I only discovered them myself about three hours ago. I’m lost without Delores.”
Her disbelief wavered. Delores had worked for her father since she could remember. Of course, he was lost without her.
“They came in the mail?”
“Yes. Now you can understand why I’m insistent on keeping you safe.”
“I do understand.” She released a sigh. “I would still like to stay close to home.”
She heard the squeak of her father’s chair as he answered. “You are your father’s daughter. Just promise me you’ll let Chaos call the shots.”
“As long as you promise not to work too late. Deal?”
“Deal.”
“Good. I’ll call you in the morning.”
She disconnected and tossed the phone to the sofa beside her, wondering what to do with the new information. No doubt, Chaos would be furious if she didn’t enlighten him. Besides, if she didn’t, Thunder or one of his other teammates would. For all she knew, he had some sort of secret agent device hidden in his boot and they’d already called him.
“Comfortable?”
Her heart turned a somersault at the soft, deep voice that invaded her thoughts and sent a spark of electricity through her nerves.
“Extremely,” she answered without changing position.
“I have a spare bedroom.”
His comment caused both of her eyebrows to raise of their own accord. “You’re willing to let me invade your space?”
“Yes.”
She turned to face him and gave him a genuine smile. “Then why are we going to my house?”
He shrugged and his broad shoulders begged for her to drape her arms across. “I figured you’d put up a fight.”
“You’re right. I refuse to let this maniac run me out of my own home.”
“Even if it kills you?”
Despite her best effort to remain unbothered by his question, she felt the blood leave her cheeks. Leave it to Chaos to state the obvious.
She swallowed hard. “Hopefully you can prevent that unfortunate event.”
“I can.”
“Okay, then.” She stood and rounded the sofa, offering him the cell phone. “I’m ready to go.”
***
Confidence enveloped his body as he sat at his oak conference table and thumbed through pictures of the past. Pictures of those who refused to follow protocol and made his life a living hell. He released a long sigh as he paused, allowing a mental stroll down memory lane.
Once he had been very successful in life, enjoying the finer things, rubbing elbows with men who appreciated his talent and rewarded him for a job well done. He was royalty in his organization, untouchable to anyone outside.
And then it all changed in the blink of an eye when everything literally went up in smoke.
He wadded the photograph he held in his fist. Revenge was first and foremost on his mind. He would make those responsible for his fall pay dearly.
Just as rage climbed his spine, his cell phone buzzed beside him. He took a deep breath and lifted it to his ear.
“Report.”
“They’re on the move.”
“What have you discovered?”
“We left the business and headed east. Several left turns later, I parked down the street from a house where they spent approximately 30 minutes. I’m enroute now, headed what is west from her business.”
“Did you get a visual on the guard?”
“No. Traffic prevented me from getting too close. From my current position, I only have a rearview.”
“Follow them,” he demanded as anxiety knotted his nerves. If the muscle was who he thought, finding her would be impossible if they lost sight of her.
“I’m several cars back now.”
He nodded to reassure himself as he mentally followed his associate’s route. “West would be toward her home. Once he pulls into the driveway, verify the house number.”
“Turning left on Ocean Drive.”
“Hers is the last house on the left before the road curves to the right. The beach is her backyard.”
“I’m stopped at the mouth of the street. They’re exiting the vehicle now.”
“Can you identify the driver?”
“Not without binoculars. All I can tell you is that he’s tall and ripped with muscle.”
“Give them some time and then drive past. Call me with confirmation.”
He disconnected the call and leaned forward to brace his elbows on the table. The wheels were now in motion. Nothing would stop him now.