Packed into a room the size of a closet with his teammates, Chaos draped a pink silk tie around his neck and attempted to remember the last time he’d even worn a tie. Better yet, why had he been so agreeable when Liv corralled them into this holding cell and insisted they wear one?
He moved his gaze around the room onto each of his friends, tempted to suggest they make a run for it. Yet, reality tapped him on the shoulder and reminded him that if they even attempted such a maneuver, they’d never succeed. Women in every size, shape, and form crowded the dining room and blocked the nearest exit. Not only would escape be impossible, it would be detrimental to their safety.
“Whose idea was this, anyway?” Rebel mumbled from beside him.
“Your fiancé’s,” Chaos reminded him.
“Oh yeah. Well, we didn’t have much of a choice, did we?”
“We had choices.” Ace slipped a finger under the edge of his tie and pulled it away from his neck. “Damn, I feel like I’m squeezed in the coils of a boa constrictor.”
Thunder folded his arms across his chest. “Quit whining like a little girl. We’re all suffering here.”
“I did a little mingling before Liv stuffed us back here.” Rebel looped his piece of silk over one finger and glanced at him. “The gang’s all here, Abbott, Foster, and your guy, Hawthorne. And, I have to tell you, as packed as the place is, we’ve got our work cut out for us.”
Chaos wasn’t disgruntled by his teammate’s observation. They all knew the place was a security nightmare going in.
“Thing is,” Rebel continued, “the population is ninety–percent female, and the ten–percent male will be easy to monitor.”
Ace nodded. “I’m not totally confident about my conclusion yet, but I’m pretty sure we’re not looking for a female anyway.”
While he processed Ace’s admission, Chaos stepped into the doorway leading to the dining room, not surprised to see a whole crowd of men suffocated by tuxedo jackets with their necks squeezed by ties. He counted twenty round tables, each with ten chairs that held women of all shapes and sizes who waited patiently for a man to cater to an unvoiced need so they could then stuff his waistband full of cash. He shook his head. Kat hadn’t been kidding when she said women would pay high dollar for their undivided attention.
Movement from the far corner of the room captured his gaze and immediately, his interest changed gears. Dressed in a short, red dress that grazed the tops of her knees, Kat stood in conversation with Carley, Liv, and Sophie. Although each woman represented beauty in her own right, Kat was the one that caused both his body and his mind to take notice.
From his position he had a nice side view, away from the threat of her discovery. She wore red well; the color accented her sparkling green eyes and emphasized her well–defined curves. The low–cut neckline of her dress touched the tops of her breasts and her long, auburn curls graced the porcelain surface of her skin.
He also knew from experience that red was an appropriate color for her temperament. Once she put her mind to something it could not be changed without her full cooperation. More than once he’d been the object of her fiery attitude and ironically, he found himself severely aroused.
But even more stimulating was the woman beneath her sparkling, diamond–like exterior. Over the last few days, he’d learned that Kat devoted herself to others, either providing comfort to her customers, support to her friends, or time to her charity. Not to mention the strong tie that bound her to her father. She put everyone else’s needs before her own as if hers were simply a second thought. He smirked. Even her housekeeping skills were insignificant.
He inhaled a deep breath and then exhaled slowly. Yeah, Kat was a beautiful woman, both inside and out – one who was totally off limits to him.
He forced his gaze off Kat and looked past the free–flowing wine and greenbacks when suddenly sweat droplets danced on his forehead and doom climbed all thirty three vertebrae of his spine.
He turned back to face his teammates. “Uh, guys.”
No one answered, apparently oblivious to the panic he held at bay. In fact, all of them still struggled with the God–forsaken ties. He reached to grab Thunder’s tie from his hands.
“Guys!”
“What the hell, Chaos?” Thunder frowned. “Liv threatened me within an inch of my life if I don’t wear that thing.”
“Screw the tie.”
“Come again?”
He released a hard breath. “We don’t need the tie.”
“You’re not making a whole helluva lot of sense.”
He gestured at the dining area with his head. “Check out the action in there. Obviously, we missed the memo.”
Rebel frowned and stepped past him to look into the other room. “Oh, hell.” His teammate turned back to the other men. “They’re passing out flowers and candy.”
“Who?” Thunder snatched back his tie.
“The other waiters.” Rebel released a similar hard breath. “In fact, several of them included small, square, gift–wrapped boxes.”
“Jewelry?” Ace shook his head. “A freakin’ ambush – we are not prepared for this mission.”
Chaos refused to admit defeat. “Yes, we are.”
All three of the other men stood silent, obviously awaiting further explanation. Thunder broke the heated silence.
“Explain.”
“Look closer at those guys.” He yanked his own tie from around his neck and then began unbuttoning his shirt. “We have a secret weapon.”
***
Clustered with her friends in one corner of the dining room, Kat moved her gaze around the crowd of women who gathered in anticipation of the night’s activities. Although the event was an annual one, women didn’t hesitate to attend and lend monetary help to those in need. And the men who participated did their best to assure the contributions did not go without appreciation.
She caught a glimpse of her father, dressed in his black tuxedo, greeting each woman at his assigned table with a squeeze to her shoulder or a warm hug. Judge Abbott never failed to participate and it warmed her heart to see him so actively involved.
At a neighboring table, the judge had put his assistant to work, as well. Always the methodical and professional aide, James Foster practiced perfect gentlemanly politeness with his guests. Although she knew James to be somewhat of a hermit, his social skills were finely tuned for the night’s event.
“Tables four, five, six, and seven look lonely, Kat.”
At the sound of Sophie’s voice, Kat glanced at the tables assigned to Alpha Four and frowned. Chaos promised they’d be on time.
“Don’t worry, they’re here.” As usual, Liv managed to read her mind. “I had to threaten Thunder to wear his tie.”
“Maybe, they’re shy,” Carley drawled.
Kat rolled her eyes. “Hardly. I’ll go see if I can rally the troops.”
“Uh, Kat.” Carley’s eyes widened. “I don’t think that’s going to be necessary.”
“Why?”
Sophie grasped Kat’s shoulders and turned her to face the kitchen where Chaos, Ace, Rebel, and Thunder exited and walked toward their assigned tables.
“Oh. My. God,” she whispered.
Someone – Liv she thought – released an appreciative, schoolgirl sigh just before she confirmed what every one of them were thinking. “Amen, sister.”
With smooth, easy steps, eight black combat boots carried all four men into the room, with their white tuxedo shirts unbuttoned, cuffs rolled to elbow level, and their magnificently carved pectorals on display. Suddenly the silence was deafening. No one feminine eyelash blinked and oxygen seemed to leave the room. Finally, the whole room released one collective sigh – not for lack of oxygen, but in pure male appreciation, as they stopped in front of table seven.
Although the sight of four breathtakingly handsome men was extremely satisfying, one man in particular drew Kat’s gaze. Chaos stood between Rebel and Ace, his trademark cocky smirk firmly in place and his green eyes sparkling with what she interpreted as mischief. In fact, she was willing to bet he had orchestrated this whole maneuver.
Unable to stop herself, she moved her gaze down his staircase of abdominals to the sexy v–cut of his obliques just slightly noticeable at the top of his waistband, while her fingertips tingled with the urge to trace each defined, muscled indention. Yeah, she’d start with her fingers and then smash her body against the tempting flesh and rub until friction threatened to burn them both.
Still mesmerized, she forced her eyes even lower where the tailored dress pants hugged his hips and thighs just enough to emphasize the sheer masculinity of him. Before she could stop it, her gaze slid to the bulge between his legs. She ran her tongue across her bottom lip – that appreciation could not be public.
When she realized she stood staring shamelessly, she quickly lifted her gaze only to meet his head–on. He winked in the heated moment and instinct pushed her to move her gaze and ignore her attraction. Impossible. Held hostage by desire, she winked back and then nearly fainted when a slow, easy grin split his lips as he turned and headed back to the kitchen.
She released a long, slow breath and forced herself to turn to look at her friends. “Those tables are lucky, lucky tables.”
“Donations should be good.” Carley giggled and glanced at Liv. “And, they aren’t wearing ties.”
“I hadn’t noticed,” Liv mumbled. “Do you think they can pull this off?”
Sophie nodded. “Don’t kid yourself, they know exactly what they’re doing. Rebel uses the same tactic when he mows the lawn. Traffic nearly stops in front of the house.”
Kat glanced at Carley whose eyes remained glued on Ace. “Carley?”
“Hmmm?”
“Just do him already.”
Her friend simply grinned, her gaze still stuck to the handsome soldier. “I’m thinking about it.”
“Oh, geez.” Liv rolled her eyes. “Only you would have to think about it.”
“Well, while you both consider the reasoning behind Carley’s hesitation, let’s get this party started.”
Kat left her friends and walked to the back of the room and into the kitchen. She stopped short when she spotted Chaos cornered by the mayor’s wife who appeared to be intent on showing him her personal appreciation by stuffing cash into his waistband. She propped one hip against a nearby countertop and bit her tongue.
“Thank you for your donation, Ma’am.” Chaos grasped both of her wrists in his grip and lifted them from his groin.
“You’re welcome, Sergeant.” She blinked her eyelashes several times in succession. “I prefer to make my contributions personally.”
“Duly noted.”
Kat couldn’t stop the giggle that escaped when he took a step backward as the other woman stepped forward.
Immediately, his gaze met hers and she saw the desperation in the depths. She pushed herself off the counter and moved towards them.
“The ladies at your table are asking for you, Mrs. Peterson.” She loosened Chaos’ grip and turned the other woman toward the exit. “And the waiters refilled your wine glass.”
“Thank you, dear.” She winked at Chaos. “Don’t be too long now.”
Kat waited until the other woman left before releasing the giggle she held inside.
“Think that’s funny, do you?”
She nodded and stepped closer to him. “Serves you right for running around the dining room half naked.”
“Better than naked.”
“True.” She reached to pull several bills from his waistband. “The evening hasn’t even begun and you’ve been popular.”
“Just doing my job.”
She palmed the bills and then took a step back. “You’re a pro.”
“Are all the women this handsy?”
“No. That’s the mayor’s wife, Minnie Peterson. She likes to show her appreciation personally.”
“Do you know her well?”
“Yes. I’ve known her all my life and yes, she’s done the same thing year after year. Would you like me to tell her to back off?”
“Nah.” He smirked. “All in the name of charity.”
“I really appreciate you guys helping out.”
He reached down and caught her wrist with his fingers. “We’re glad to help.” Her skin tingled as his thumb caressed her pulse point. “You look like a million bucks.”
“Thank you. You clean up nicely yourself. I see you and your team have a distinct strategy.”
He shrugged. “All part of the game. Divide and conquer.”
“Well, I’ll admit it’s a brilliant plan. Four men such as yourself catering to not only one table but four seems to be a well–accepted maneuver.”
She practiced great discipline to keep her gaze severely locked on his, an extremely difficult task while her eyeballs cramped from the force. She should be ashamed for being such a voyeur, perusing his body like a piece of meat. But, she wasn’t – not one bit. And, as long as he couldn’t read her mind, she was safe.
Mentally, she rolled her eyes at that ridiculous excuse. Any fool could see what she thought from the hungry look she knew darn well crossed her face. Besides, he held her wrist; her pulse pounded under his touch.
She released a long sigh and removed her wrist from his grasp. “Back to work.”
“Yes, ma’am.” He gave her another tummy–fluttering smile. “Keep your eyes open and your guard up.”
She fought the urge to salute him, opting for the next best thing. She took a step forward and planted a soft kiss against his left cheek, leaving a faint lipstick print in the process.
“Yes, sir,” she said as she stepped back and then turned to leave. “Thanks again.”
***
Ace tucked himself into a corner away from the activity and settled in to analyze the surroundings. The place crawled with women, most of whom had now consumed a fair amount of alcohol. In fact, he’d spent the last half hour dodging numerous accidental caresses against his abdominals, several tugs at his waistband by wandering manicured fingernails, and so many suggestive winks by perfectly–curled eyelashes he’d lost count. It wasn’t that he didn’t appreciate the overage of female attention – what normal man wouldn’t? – but the attention made Recon difficult. He’d finally made a run for it and hid in the first empty corner he could find.
Kat’s conclusion that murder for these women would be messy was proving to be true. The general consensus of the participants in this room seemed to be focused on enjoying the night’s festivities. So far, he hadn’t noticed anything or anyone out of place. Kat had organized a classy event and everyone involved appeared happy to participate. No sense of murder here.
He moved his gaze off the group of women seated at a nearby table and onto the waiter. Hawthorne, he remembered by photograph, the accountant for the charity. Just like all the other men in the room, he worked overtime to please the ladies. He snickered under his breath. He had a long way to go to catch up to Alpha Four’s tables. He and his teammates had struck back at the ambush with one of their own. All four of them worked all four tables – donations by forty women went a helluva lot further than ten.
“Hello?”
Although he almost jumped out of his skin at the sound of a familiar female voice behind him, Ace didn’t so much as blink when a slender feminine hand moved the air in front of his face and attempted to capture his attention. Experience as a sniper had taught him to ignore even the slightest distraction but, hell, he hadn’t even seen her coming. And he knew for a fact, Carley Kensworth wouldn’t be ignored.
“Yeah?” he grunted as he moved his gaze to hers.
“What are you doing?”
“Watching.”
“Obviously, but why?”
“It’s what I do.”
“Not tonight. You’re supposed to be taking care of your table.”
“I haven’t heard any complaints.”
“You’re right.” The curls in the ends of her long black hair moved the air as she nodded in agreement, and the scent of something sweet and feminine went straight to his groin. “But you can’t earn tips sitting here.”
A threatened grin made his lips itch. He hadn’t earned a tip all night – his naked chest had done all the work. Besides, as long as the rest of the guys continued to give the ladies a show, none of the other waiters would come close to collecting as much money.
“Come on, Ace.”
The impatience in her voice caused him to glance down at his right biceps where her tiny, slender fingers attempted to squeeze the muscle. His lips itched again. The woman was tiny all over. Like her friends, she stood not much over five feet, but she had as much attitude as a giant. Funny how something so small could be so persuasive.
“In a minute.”
“What exactly are you looking for?”
“Anything suspicious.”
“Did you find something?”
“A whole truckload of somethings.”
“Really?” Her beautiful blue eyes widened and she lowered her voice as if she expected to hear top secret information. “Like what?”
This time his lips split into a wide grin, partly because he found her interest amusing but mostly because he could get lost in those eyes. “The waiter at table eight is feeding his own pocket.”
“What?”
He nodded. “He hasn’t made a tip since I’ve watched, but I’ve seen him pull bills from his pocket and hang them from the garter squeezing his arm.”
“Are you sure?”
“Absolutely positive.”
“What else?”
“The mayor’s wife out–drinks the women at her table, three to one.”
She released a bubbly giggle. “That’s old news. In fact, the mayor will make sure her glass is filled only with water any time now.”
He moved his gaze from the dining area and onto her, careful to control the hungry, wolf–like smirk that threatened to move his lips. The neckline of her black dress framed her breasts, lifting them perfectly to eye level. And with her arms currently crossed beneath them, she gave a whole new meaning to an eyeful. Without moving his gaze, he knew from previous observation that the remainder of the material hugged her small, curvy body before touching the tops of her thighs.
He swallowed hard and pushed the lustful appreciation from his mind, opting for a quick change of subject.
“Give me your cell.”
She looked at him as if he had two heads. “Excuse me?”
“Hand over your phone.”
She raised an eyebrow. “Why?”
“Oh, for the love of…… give me the damn phone, Carley!”
Her eyes widened and he thought she might actually smack him in the forehead with it. Instead, she handed it to him. He pushed several buttons, then returned the phone.
“I added myself as a contact.”
“That sure of yourself?”
“In case you need me, you have my number.”
“And you think I’m gonna need you because..?”
Ace snorted. “The four of you girls have a knack for trouble. Rebel and Chaos already have their hands full, so I’m the next logical choice.”
“Just as long as you don’t expect a booty call.”
That made him laugh out loud. “A booty call?”
“Yes. Why is that funny?”
“Have you ever had one?”
“Of course not. Why?”
He lifted one hand and moved his fingers down the side of her face. “A booty call is short and sweet. I can guarantee that if you call me in the middle of the night we will not have a booty call.”
“No?”
“No.” He gave her a long, slow smile. “If I visit you in the middle of the night, the experience will be long, drawn out, and very, very nasty.”
***
After several hours of dodging the mayor’s wife and numerous other not–so–subtle invitations, Chaos wiped a napkin across his cheek one last time, not surprised in the least to see the smudge of lipstick on the paper. The women in attendance tonight were certainly not shy about expressing their appreciation.
He smirked when he reached into his front pocket and pulled out a wadded piece of paper. He didn’t even need to unfold it to know there was a phone number written on it.
“Add it to the pile.”
He lifted his gaze to see Ace approaching, wearing a smirk he was sure matched his.
“There’s a pile?”
“Yeah, in the kitchen.”
He shook his head. Of course his friend had already discovered the stash of phone numbers. Question was, did he discover anything else?
“You see anything tonight?”
“Nothing other than a waiter cheating to feed the pot, but at least he was adding to the total. Kat’s analysis of these people was right on target.”
“I didn’t see anything unusual. What about Thunder and Rebel?”
“Same conclusion.” Ace pulled his shirt over his chest and began to fasten the buttons. “I’m convinced our guy’s not here.”
“Agreed.”
“You know how this works. It’s only a matter of time before he makes a move.”
“I’d rather just burn him to ash.”
“We have to identify him first.” Ace grinned. “Then you can obliterate him.”
He allowed himself a small, satisfied smirk as he moved his gaze to the opposite side of the room where Rebel and Thunder stood with all four girls. The captain’s slight nod told him the caravan was ready to leave.
“Looks like it’s time to call it a night,” he told Ace. “We’ll follow you.”
Once he and Kat sat in his truck behind tinted windows, Chaos allowed himself to relax a notch. Although they were a moving target, at least they had more of a chance to escape.
“Seatbelt.”
He glanced in his rearview mirror and gave a slight nod when Ace flashed the lights of his truck. He then turned to look in the driver’s side view mirror, satisfied when Rebel did the same. Thunder took position in front of the line.
“Here’s how this works,” he told her as he jammed the key into the ignition and started the engine. “Thunder leads the pack, Ace is directly in front of us, and Rebel brings up the rear. As we approach the house, they drop off one by one until we’re safely parked in the driveway. You don’t move from that seat until I tell you to exit the vehicle. Any questions?”
She tilted her head to one side and he waited patiently, expecting her to offer a change of tactic. And he was ready – with a big fat no way in hell. The mission would go as planned or they would sit in the hospital parking lot all night – all eight of them.
“Just one,” she said in the silence.
“One,” he repeated.
“Where are my friends?”
“Sophie is with Rebel; Carley, with Ace; and Liv, with Thunder.”
“Why?”
“That’s two questions.”
“Why?”
He flashed his headlights at Thunder and then glanced into the rearview mirror again as he shifted into drive. He had to admit he was grossly relieved that even though she questioned him, her concerns were not about the ride home.
“Safety in numbers.”
He heard her soft sigh as he followed Thunder and pulled out onto the otherwise empty street.
“Thank you.”
“For what?”
“Thanks to Alpha Four, I’m sure we raised more money tonight than we ever have.”
“You don’t know for sure?”
“Steven will take care of the numbers. He keeps the books for the organization.”
“Have you known him long?”
“Not really. Like I said, he’s only been on the board for the last two years.”
“Does he usually participate in the fundraiser?”
“No. Why do you ask?”
He shrugged. “He didn’t appear too comfortable in his bowtie.”
“You didn’t wear yours.”
“You noticed.”
“Kinda hard to miss,” she mumbled.
“And you liked what you saw.”
“Flirt.”
He chuckled as he stopped at a red light and moved his gaze from the signal long enough to glance at her and raise an eyebrow. “No one’s done that before?”
“No. In fact, the dinner is normally just a formality. Those donations are pretty well set in stone.”
“Doesn’t sound like much of a party.” He eased his foot off the brake and pressed the accelerator as Thunder led the way through the intersection. “Until now.”
Her soft laugh traveled the length of his body and settled in his groin. “You’re exactly right. We’ll never be able to top tonight’s festivities without hiring professionals.”
“Maybe we’ll make a repeat performance.”
“Really? You’d help out again?”
“Why not?”
“Show–off.”
He grinned. “If you’ve got it, flaunt it.”
“Oh, geez,” she murmured.
“Seriously though, it’s for a good cause. We’re glad to help.”
He flashed his headlights as Thunder stopped at a stop sign and then turned left, leaving Ace’s truck as the lead vehicle. Rebel remained behind.
“The judge seemed to enjoy himself,” he said as he followed Ace.
“My father loved my mother dearly, but I’ve heard he’s always been quite the charmer.”
“Do you suppose he’ll ever re–marry?”
“No. He loved my mother too much. He’s told me numerous times he’s content with her memory.”
“He’s got you.”
“Yes. We’re very close.”
He slowed as Ace’s right turn signal blinked just before he left the caravan. Several feet down the road, Rebel pulled around them.
“Foster’s girlfriend didn’t appear to appreciate his lack of attention.”
“Really? I didn’t notice.”
“If looks could kill, he’d be six feet under.”
“James and Mary Anne are both very serious people. I don’t think they get out much. James tends to do it out of duty to my father.”
“What’s his story?”
“Rather boring, really. He actually has a law degree. In fact, he started out as Judge Abbott’s law clerk until my mother passed away. He then stepped in as the personal assistant. And he’s very good at it – he knows the judge inside and out.”
“How well does he know you?”
Rebel’s brake lights flashed three times just as he drove past Kat’s driveway. Chaos drove up the paved slab and parked just outside the front door.
“I guess he knows a lot about me, but only what my father tells him.”
“Would he have a reason to be jealous?”
“I don’t see why. My father treats him like one of the family.”
He turned his gaze on her and raised an eyebrow in a silent question.
“James did not threaten me,” she insisted. “Did you notice anyone suspicious tonight?”
He squeezed the steering wheel with both hands. “Not for lack of effort. The four of us worked the whole room several times.”
He lifted his gaze to peer out the windshield and scanned the short distance to the front door. The path appeared free and clear and he began to mentally prepare their movement until he spotted something out of place. Attached to the front door, he spotted what appeared to be a large, square piece of paper.
He took a deep breath and then exhaled slowly, hoping that Kat hadn’t noticed it.
“What’s on the door?”
Hell. The woman was entirely too observant.
“Sit.” He unsnapped his seatbelt and reached for the door handle. “I’ll be right back.”
He paused only a second to ensure she would comply before he exited the vehicle. With long, sure steps he covered the distance to the door, his concentration interrupted by the sound of a slamming car door and the click–clack of shoes against the pavement. Against his better judgement, he allowed himself a quick look at the door. His blood ran cold through his veins as he stared directly into a photograph of Kat, a quarter–sized bullet hole right through her forehead.
He turned with his back to the door as she approached and crossed his arms over his chest. “We had a deal.”
“I was curious.”
“You really don’t need to see this.”
“Move.” He bit the side of his cheek when she attempted to push him to one side and then narrowed her eyes. “I mean it, Chaos, let me see.”
“On one condition.”
“What?”
“Don’t scream. We don’t need to alert the whole neighborhood.”
“Don’t you know me a little better than that?”
He had to give her credit, she was one of the strongest women he knew. Too strong, in some circumstances. Reluctantly, he stepped to one side so she could see the picture. As soon as her gaze landed on the photograph, he witnessed waves of panic cross her face and he wasn’t entirely sure she could keep up a façade of strength. Instead, she cleared her throat.
“Well, apparently I’ve had company.”
He reached for the doorknob and twisted, relieved to discover the house was still locked. He extended a hand, palm up, in a silent gesture for the key. As soon as he unlocked the knob, he was equally relieved to hear the security system ring.
Once inside the house, he punched her code into the keypad then grasped her elbow as he ripped off the picture from the front door, slammed the door closed, and then locked it.
“Come on.” He led her to the bar, helped her up on a barstool, and then tossed the photo in front of her. “Do you recognize this picture?”
“Yes. It was taken at my birthday party a few months ago.”
“Any idea how someone could’ve copied it?”
“I posted it online.”
With an iron will, he resisted another reprimand – the one about how posting personal pictures online was obviously not entirely smart. Instead, he unsnapped his phone from the holder on his belt while she continued to stare at the photo.
“I’ve got activity,” he said into the mouthpiece. “Kat’s house.”
He disconnected with a softball the size of Texas stuck in his throat. Gee–jus, his heart hurt. He squeezed closed his eyes while he tapped the phone against his forehead, willing the gawd–awful, unforgiving past to stay the hell away and knowing damn well it wouldn’t.
“Are you convinced now that this is real, Melaina?” With practiced self–control, he gently swabbed the cuts on her forehead with a cotton ball, pissed off at the blood that continued to seep from her wounds. “These men will not rest until you’re dead.”
“Don’t jump to conclusions, Jace. It was an accident.”
“An accident?” Extreme rage and fear pushed him to press the cotton hard against an open wound. “You honestly believe it was an accident that your car slid off a cliff? Dammittohell! If I hadn’t been there–“
“But you were.” She grasped his wrist and lessened his touch. “You kept me safe.”
“I kept you alive.” He didn’t bother to sugarcoat his words. “This was no accident and don’t you forget it.”
She lowered his hand and laced their fingers. “You are shaking.”
“Hell yes, I’m shaking!” He took a deep breath in an effort to keep from blowing a gasket and cursed his vulnerability the whole time. “I almost lost you.”
For several seconds, she simply stared and he stared back, encouraged that now, maybe, just maybe, she would understand the severity of the situation.
For both their sakes.
“You will never lose me,” she said finally.
And as badly as he wanted to believe the sincerely of her words, reality would never let him forget what a bitch it was.
“Chaos?”
Kat stood next to Chaos and shook his arm with all her strength, concerned that he hadn’t said anything since he spoke to whoever had been on the other end of the phone. And it seemed the harder she shook him, it had less and less effect on him.
Finally, he lifted his head and opened his eyes. “Yeah?”
“Yeah?” Concern and worry quickly became anger. “Is that all you have to say? I’ve been trying to get your attention for the last couple minutes.”
“I was thinking.”
“Thinking.” She gave a sarcastic half laugh and sat down on the stool next to him. “Do you care to share? Some of us are wondering what the heck we’re going to do now.”
As soon as his gaze met hers, she could have sworn she heard flames crackling from the depths. Although his face remained devoid of emotion, there was no mistaking what he felt. She didn’t need clarification to know the man was severely angry and that thought made her tremble with the force of an earthquake.
He ran a hand over the top of his head and released a deep breath. “The most logical thing to do is hide you.”
“No.”
“You’re not being entirely reasonable.”
“Neither are you. Why should I hide? Why should I put my life on hold simply because some maniac wants to kill me?”
“Are you listening to yourself? We’re talking murder, Kat. Cold–blooded, unadulterated death.”
She swallowed hard, partly because she didn’t have an argument for his rationale but mostly because the truth behind his words shook her to the core.
“Look.” He placed a hand on her upper arm. “You don’t necessarily have to hide. We could just leave Everglade Springs until the threat is eradicated.”
“We?”
“Yes, we. I won’t leave you alone until I know with absolute certainty that you’re safe.”
“I don’t want to leave my father. I couldn’t live with myself if something happened to him.”
“Your father is protected. Besides, if this prick wanted to take out the judge, he would’ve already attempted to. He knows it will hurt your father more if harm comes to you.”
For half a second, she wanted to cave – bury herself in the depths of his big, bulky arms and hide from the evil that threatened her. Who cared if she were weak? Who cared if this lunatic threatened her? She knew without a doubt that seclusion with Chaos would render her safe and sooner, rather than later, the maniac would be eliminated. Yet, as logical as the idea sounded, she refused to cower.
“You’re overreacting.”
“Oh, how I wish I was.”
“He’s desperate,” she insisted. “He left the photo because he couldn’t get to me.”
“Maybe.”
“I made you a promise, Chaos, and I intend to keep it.”
“The one about following instructions?”
“Yes.”
“That may not be enough.”
“It will.”
A shiver traveled up her spine and tickled the base of her neck in the deathly still silence that followed. Eyes very close to the same color as hers appeared to pin her in place, sending a subliminal warning not to press her luck. In another time, in another place, maybe she would consider issuing a warning of her own. But not now. Even her fiery tigress of a temper knew when to submit. Or negotiate.
“Chaos,” she said softly. “Please try to understand.”
“I understand, I really do, but it’s a helluva risk leaving you here after this. Your father will castrate me.”
“My father doesn’t have to know.”
“Thunder briefed him probably ninety seconds ago.”
“Oh, geez,” she groaned. “You guys don’t waste any time, do you?”
“No.”
His cell phone slid on the granite beside him as it rang and vibrated. Chaos lifted it to his ear, his gaze still locked firmly in hers until he finally spoke.
“We’ll meet you there.”
He pressed the button to disconnect the call and returned the phone to the case on his hip.
“The judge requests our presence.” He stood and gestured at the front door with one hand. “After you.”
Sitting next to Chaos in his truck once again, she took a deep breath and pushed apprehension to the side. She wasn’t too proud to admit that the picture had chilled her to the bone, but she had been deathly serious about refusing to give the lunatic power. She fully intended to live life as she knew it, albeit a little more carefully, and meet his threats head–on. If he were going to kill her, he’d just have to do it while looking her in the eye.
But he had to get around Chaos first.
She stole a glance at him in the darkened interior and suddenly an eerie calm fell over her. She knew without a doubt this man would do everything in his power to protect her; the warrior in him demanded success. Although he sat silent behind the steering wheel, she could almost bet his brain worked overtime in analysis.
She opened her mouth to break the silence and then closed it. Instinct told her now was not the time to open another discussion. Besides, her father was an expert mediator and a fair one. By the end of the night, they would all be on the same page.
She hoped.
She glanced out the front window, somewhat relieved to see that Chaos now negotiated the curves of the long driveway leading to her childhood home. She grinned. Home is where Dad is.
He stopped outside a tall, iron gate and lowered the driver’s window. The whirring noise that drifted inside told her that the electric eye was on duty.
After several seconds, the noise quieted and Chaos turned to her.
“Code?”
“061288.”
“Your birthday?”
She shrugged. “I’m a daddy’s girl.”
He punched in the code and then drove into the compound as soon as the gates opened. In mere seconds, he parked in front of the sprawling, colonial, two–story house. As usual, every light in the house shined though the slits in the blinds that covered the windows, a tell–tale sign that the judge was in residence and very much awake. Spotlights accented every inch of the rich, green lawn. A sense of utter calm and peacefulness wrapped her like a warm blanket as she continued to stare at the structure. No matter how old you were, there was no place like home and as badly as she wanted to break free and run for the front door, she knew better than to move until Chaos gave permission – no sense baiting a hungry lion. Luckily, he wasted no time in leaving the vehicle and opening her door.
As soon as she stepped from the truck, his hand pressed the small of her back and urged her to the house. Thunder stood just inside the door when they entered, his bulky arms folded across his chest. She had to admit that in the company of both men, she felt extremely safe – not to mention, extremely small.
“Did you pick up a tail?”
“Negative.” Chaos closed the door as he answered Thunder’s question. “Are we last?”
“Everyone else is in the judge’s study.”
Pressure again at the same point on her back hinted at the need to move and one tiny part of her wanted to rebel. The discussion was closed, in her opinion; she simply needed to advise all of them of her decision.
Yet, respect for her father and these courageous, sinfully–handsome men dictated she at least let them think they could sway her. She mentally shifted her armor into place and led the way to the study.
Immediately, her father folded her into the depths of his arms and squeezed. Although she found herself short of oxygen, she did her best to wait him out.
“Dad,” she wheezed finally, “I’m fine.”
Fresh air rushed her lungs as he set her back and narrowed his eyes. “Are you sure?”
“Positive.”
Chaos stepped forward and handed the dreaded photograph to her father. She almost groaned aloud. Leave it to him to prove her wrong.
“She’s doing well, Sir. All things considered.”
“No big deal,” she mumbled.
“Kate, this is serious!” The judge emphasized his point by waving the picture in front of her and she winced at his use of her given name, chalking it up to his anxiety.
“Yes, it is but Chaos is keeping me safe.”
Her father paced, his long legs covering distance in no time. “I don’t doubt Sgt. Taylor’s skill, but believe me, if somebody wants you dead, they will find a way around him. I’ve presided over many murder cases, and only a few attempted murder cases.”
She glanced at the other men in the room and finally settled her gaze onto Thunder, sending him a subliminal plea. Help me reason with him.
As if reading her mind, Thunder joined the conversation. “Sir, your daughter is never alone. We’re working diligently to figure out who’s behind the threat so that we can eliminate it.”
Judge Abbott finally stopped pacing and folded her into another tight bear hug. “I’m a father. I can’t help but worry about my only child.”
“I know Dad, but I’m in really good hands.”
“I still think a safe house is in order.”
“No.” She extricated herself from her father’s hold and fought the urge to stomp her foot like a belligerent two–year–old. Since Ace stood the closest to her line of vision, she turned her gaze to him this time.
Ace cleared his throat. “Sir, stashing her would be an effective solution only if she stays in one place – immobile, without visitors and secluded with Chaos.”
“I’d have to agree.” Rebel leaned forward in his chair. “And we all know that’s not going to happen.”
Kat threw her hands up in the air in frustration. “Of course it’s not. I have a business to run and a life to live. He’s not going to win.”
The room fell silent, all ten male gazes glued to hers, until Chaos stepped forward and laid a hand on her shoulder. Electricity traveled from her shoulders to her toes in the heated moment.
“As long as you do as I say, you’ll be safe.”
Although reassured both by his touch and his confession, Kat wasn’t completely sure her father was convinced. She dug her feet into the carpet, prepared to present her best argument.
Instead, the judge sighed. “Fine. No safe house. For now. But at least use James. He can handle your personal matters to alleviate some of the stress.”
“James Foster?” Rebel steepled his fingers and propped his chin on top.
“Yes, you probably met him this evening.”
Thunder nodded. “We did. Do you trust him with your daughter’s life, Sir?”
“Absolutely. He’s been with me a long time.”
Kat didn’t miss the abrupt change in Chaos as he dropped his hand and then folded both arms across his chest. Long gone was the dutiful bodyguard that loomed and hovered without fail. Enter the dangerously determined protector, intent on murdering anyone who threatened her. Obviously, he didn’t think too much of sharing the particulars of her life with someone else – and neither did she.
“I really don’t think that’s necessary, Dad. You keep him fairly busy yourself.”
“I insist. I’ll send him by the spa for instructions.”
She sighed, not too terribly bothered by her father’s insistence. James was harmless and although she knew Chaos may not be convinced, she knew it to be true.
“Okay Dad, send him by tomorrow. I’d really like to go home now. It’s been a very long evening.”
“You could stay here. I’ll have Maria make up the spare bedrooms.”
She gave her father a genuine smile, warmed by his invitation, but still determined to conquer the mind of a madman. Besides, if she didn’t return tonight, she might very well decide not to and she refused to succumb to weakness. She moved her gaze to Chaos.
“We’ll be fine, right?”
Chaos unfolded his arms and extended a hand toward her. Without a second thought, she slid her hand into his, desperate for his comforting touch.
“Without a doubt.”
Their gazes remained interwoven, solidifying her thought that he would support her decision even if he halfway disagreed. That he would stand beside her no matter what the outcome. Her heart pounded with deep admiration and trust, eternally grateful he was on her side. Then, as if he heard her silent gratitude he gave her hand a slight squeeze.
Someone cleared his throat, distracting her from the tender moment.
“You want a gate–keeper?”
She moved her gaze to Thunder who obviously still focused on the night’s events.
“No,” Chaos answered. “A guard will only make him cocky. He didn’t attempt entry which leads me to the conclusion that he isn’t quite as brave as he wants us to believe.”
“We’ll stand by and meet you at the spa in the morning to talk particulars. In the meantime, keep her close.”
Chaos glanced at their hands with their fingers now braided and then nodded. “I have every intention of doing so, Captain.”
***
He reached for the ringing phone, anxious for a report, but annoyed with the noise. He preferred dealing with people face to face so he could gauge their reactions, judge their loyalty, their fear. Unfortunately, that wasn’t possible in this case.
“Did you deliver the message?”
“Yeah, they got it alright.”
A smile split his lips and he sat back in his chair and propped up his feet on the desk while his associate’s confession boosted his confidence. “Tell me more.”
“Taylor practically dragged her from the house.”
“Did you follow?”
“Yes. I ended up behind an iron gate I couldn’t have penetrated if I’d tried.”
“That would be the one surrounding the judge’s estate.” He snickered, amused by his ability to manipulate them.
“Are you sure we’re not poking a grizzly bear?”
He didn’t need visual confirmation that his associate still wasn’t confident in the plan. “No man is invincible. Look for his weaknesses.”
“I’m not sure he has any. Hell, even if he does, they run in packs like a bunch of hungry wolves. Getting near him is impossible at this point.”
“I don’t want you to get too close. What about the woman?”
“She was obviously bothered. She never left his side.”
“Good. I don’t want her to get too comfortable. I want both her and the judge to squirm.”
“How much longer are we going to play with them? I’m ready for some action.”
His feet hit the floor and he sat forward. “Patience. These things take time to be done properly. Do I need to replace you?”
“No.”
“Then see that you follow instructions to the letter. The more they suffer, the sweeter my revenge.”
“His reinforcements are just as big and dangerous as he and they’re sticking close to her and the judge. Hell, they’re even cozying up to her friends.”
“Let them think they’re safe. In the end, they’ll be even more surprised.”
Bored with his associate’s sniveling, he disconnected and stood to look out the window at his well–manicured grounds. The upkeep of his estate was expensive but worth every last penny and his involvement in operations such as these guaranteed his wealth. For that reason, it was important for him to associate only with confident men. Those in his organization knew that he expected loyalty and determination from each and every one. And just as he had promised them, the man who assisted in elevating his status would share the same favor.
His current associate was proving to be difficult and he had no time for such nonsense. His plan had a timeline and it must be followed precisely for him to succeed. He sat back in his chair and tossed ideas around in his brain. The man had never given him reason to doubt his loyalty and the information he provided thus far did prove helpful. However, his resistance to authority could not be tolerated.
He leaned forward and reached for his phone. Perhaps it was time to call in reinforcements of his own.