I admit, the sight of that towel hanging precariously from Sasha’s body got to me, but I need to focus. Pierce folded his arms across his chest and tried his best to think about their current situation and not how Sasha’s wet, half-naked body felt in his arms. He was a man, not a saint.
He didn’t know what he’d expected when he decided to drop everything, fly to London and confront Sasha Lambert, but it sure hadn’t been finding her neck deep in mysterious incidents. Nothing about his trip thus far had gone according to plan. He had re-worked the scenario in his head a few times while on the plane: He’d show up, confront Sasha about jeopardizing his career, give her a piece of his mind, demand retribution, then get it. Well, that wasn’t entirely true, he admitted to himself. It was unlikely she would just hand over three quarters of a million dollars. Still, at the very least, he figured she would own up to what she had done and beg his forgiveness, but no such luck.
Not only did she deny any wrongdoing, Sasha had been emphatic about it. And now someone was trying to spook her and cause her harm. His jaw clenched just recalling how scared she was, even though she tried not to show it. Granted, he may have started out extremely angry at Sasha, but his annoyance had ebbed when he saw the fear in her eyes. Each time, it was real. This wasn’t a game she was playing, and he believed her when she’d confessed to having no clue who was behind it.
How to handle the situation was unclear, but Pierce refused to just turn his back on her and catch the next flight back to North Carolina. That course of action was not an option. He wouldn’t leave her to sort things out on her own or hope the police could catch the culprit. No, he would stay and help Sasha figure this out.
Unexpectedly, a noise snapped him out of his inner musings. Tilting his head, Pierce listened intently. Seconds later, he heard it again. Sasha was a few feet away, but the telltale noises were unmistakable. Though she was trying to stifle it, she was crying.
You should say something to comfort her, his conscience needled, but at this point, what would help? Should he call out to her? Assure her that she’d be all right? Pierce frowned. This wasn’t exactly his comfort zone. The last time he tried to be a woman’s knight in shining armor, it had ended with disastrous results. Though that time in his life was long past, it was still a nightmare that haunted him.
Just thinking about it caused a sharp pain of despair to settle in the pit of his stomach. The one time a woman desperately needed his help, he hadn’t been there. It took considerable effort for Pierce to push the memory aside. The sour taste in his mouth lingered. He sat up and tried to focus his energy on the present. On Sasha.
Even now, with the room quiet and plunged into darkness, he could sense her anxiety. It was almost tangible. It tugged at him to see a woman so distraught—even one who had made him so angry that he’d flown thousands of miles to call her out.
But this was different. She was different. This wasn’t some random person he’d met in passing. She was Sienna’s sister and related to him by marriage. She was family. He’d never turned his back on family, and he wasn’t about to start now—regardless of how much he wanted to wring her neck.
That thought made him smile, but the whimpering noise drew his attention again. With a resigned sigh, Pierce tossed the covers aside, got up, and headed across the room. Moonlight filtered in through the curtains and lit his path. He knelt beside the bed.
“Sasha?” he murmured. When she didn’t answer, he tried again. She was asleep now, but obviously still troubled. He didn’t want to shake her out of her slumber. That might frighten or embarrass her. With a sigh, Pierce rubbed his left thumb across her cheek. Tears made her skin slick to the touch. The wetness had an almost iridescent glow. Moonlit tears, he mused.
Not sure what else to do, Pierce leaned in close. “Shhh,” he whispered against her ear. “You’re okay.” Soon, his hand replaced his thumb. Pierce let his fingers linger on her face before lightly touching her hair. His voice remained low and soothing. “I’m right here, Sasha. You’re safe.”
She murmured in her sleep, then rolled toward him. A breath wafted through her lips in an exaggerated sigh. It drifted across Pierce’s face like a caress. Continuing to stroke her hair, he lost track of how long he was crouched by her bed, but eventually Sasha stilled, her breathing evened out, and the tears dried.
Gently retrieving his hand, Pierce waited to see if she’d wake up. When she didn’t, he rose to his full height. Soundlessly, he moved across the carpeted floor to return to his makeshift bed. Covering himself with the blanket he’d discarded earlier, he tried to get comfortable. He drew circles onto his now dry thumb, which moments ago was saturated with Sasha’s tears. He rubbed his hand over his face and stared into the darkness. What the heck was he going to do now?
The last few days were more of an emotional rollercoaster than he’d experienced in quite some time. It had taken considerable effort, but his life was finally calm, regimented and drama-free, and that was just the way he liked it. But now what lurked around the corner was a guessing game. It reminded him of the chaos that his life used to be. It wasn’t a secret that he’d enjoyed women, drinking, partying and every other perk that came along with his athletic lifestyle, but that was then, and this was now. He’d grown up.
Though he was no longer playing the game, his football career was important to him. It mattered. Now, he cared about how he was perceived, who he hung around. The choices he made. When he’d come to that realization, Pierce slowly and methodically affected changes to his life. He had rid himself of the straphangers that had attached themselves to him like barnacles on a boat. Attracted to the limelight and his celebrity, his so-called friends weren’t interested in what was best for him or his career. It was all about the partying. In fact, once the rubber had met the road and his wild and carefree lifestyle almost cost him his career, he could count on one hand how many people had stuck by him afterward. As though coming out of a dream, Pierce had finally gotten it. The fog lifted, and in its wake dawned a fierce desire to protect his good name and his brand…at all costs. Realizing it was time to let most of his buddies go was a hard pill to swallow, but it was a choice he’d made without looking back. He had no regrets. Except one. Diane.
Now, through no fault of his own, another situation had cropped up that was beyond his control. Just contemplating the latest events caused his temper to flare. Whoever was playing with Sasha’s head didn’t appear to be tiring of the dangerous games.
Pierce placed his arms behind his head. Suddenly, the couch felt too restrictive for his large frame. He rolled over on to his side to try and get comfortable. Though his eyes drifted shut, he was still wide awake. Thoughts of Sasha and her predicament caused his mind to race like a hamster in a plastic wheel.
The weird things happening would eventually stop, and the person responsible would be caught. But for now, Sasha needed someone in her corner, and it looked like he’d been tapped for the job. His issues with her would have to wait until this other mess was cleared up.
Pierce could’ve laughed at the irony if he weren’t so wiped out. He was the closest thing she had to a champion. You, of all people. The image of him riding up on a white horse, sword drawn, and ready to battle for a fair maiden’s safety was comical. He couldn’t help but grin.
Not a horse, he corrected. A lot of horses…an exotic car came to mind. With lots of horsepower and an obscene price tag. Yeah, that would fit the bill. If Pierce Deveraux was coming to a woman’s rescue, he would unquestionably be arriving in style. He’d dazzle her.
He couldn’t repress a smile as that image took shape in his mind. Sasha had always rolled her eyes whenever he said dazzle, but it was a name someone had used to describe him during a football game years ago, and it had stuck. When deciding on a name for his fragrance line, it just seemed like the perfect fit because it always made him smile, especially when Sienna or Sasha were around. They’d always roll their eyes and shake their heads. It made him chuckle just thinking about what Sasha’s reaction would be if she were awake.
His thoughts turned back to being a knight in shining armor and what clothes he’d outfit himself with when Sasha’s whimpers echoed again through the room. That doused his frivolous planning and playfulness like taking a polar bear plunge in the dead of winter. He sighed softly. It was going to be a long, long night.
The next morning, Sasha was awakened by a deep rumbling sound. She shut her eyes tighter, then winced at the pain it caused. A few moments later, she cautiously opened them again. She stared up at the ceiling, but not without difficulty. Her hand ventured to each eye and tenderly poked the swollen flesh around them. Her head ached just as much. Crying yourself to sleep may not have been the best idea, she chided herself.
The rumbling started again. Baffled, Sasha raised herself up on her elbows and took a good look around. That’s when she noticed Pierce lying on his makeshift bed with his feet propped on the arm of the couch. He was on the telephone and from the looks of it, deep in conversation. From the timbre of his voice, she wagered it was a female on the other end. This wasn’t a dream. She had spent the night in Pierce’s room because someone had broken into her suite and scared the daylights out of her. As soundlessly as she could, Sasha flicked the covers back and slid out of the bed. Despite her efforts at quiet, his head popped up at the motion. Their gazes locked from across the room. Pierce nodded toward her. Sasha waved and made a beeline for the bathroom.
Once she was on the other side, she closed the door and leaned heavily against it. The events of the night before crept up, making her distraught all over again. Hurrying to the sink, Sasha splashed cold water on her face. The frigid liquid soothed her swollen eyes. After drying her face with a thick hand towel, Sasha was about turn away from the mirror, but stopped suddenly. She glanced cautiously at it as though words were going to materialize from thin air. She shook her head at her own paranoia, but still exhaled with relief that the mirror was clear.
A knock on the door caused Sasha to almost jump out of her skin. She placed a shaky hand to her throat. She’d forgotten she wasn’t alone.
“Hey,” Pierce called through the barrier. “Are you okay in there?”
“Yes,” she called loudly. “Sorry. I forgot you were out there.”
“Oh. I was going to ask if you felt up to breakfast downstairs, but it sounds like that may not be such a good idea. Room service might be better. I’m sure they can—”
“No,” she interrupted. You’re not cowering in your room. You’re going to face this head-on. Decision made, Sasha opened the door.
Pierce was standing a few inches away. “Good morning.” He smiled cordially.
“Hi.” Sasha shifted on her feet. “I felt silly continuing our conversation through the door.”
He leaned his hand against the doorjamb. “How are you feeling?”
A blush suffused her face. “I don’t normally cry myself to sleep.”
“Granted, I don’t know much about you, but I’m sure that’s true.”
With a groan, she glanced down at her feet. “Did I…keep you awake? Pierce, I—”
“No,” he assured her. “I slept like the dead.”
Something in his tone caused her to gaze up. She searched his face. “I’m glad. I’m starved. Breakfast downstairs would be fine.”
“Sure. The Manhattan Grill looks good. They’ve got an American breakfast.” He winked.
She perked up. “Yum.”
Since you’re already in the bathroom, you can get ready first—I still have a few calls to make, but I’ll get your bag for you.”
“Thanks.”
Seconds later, Pierce returned with her case. When he handed it to her, their fingers touched. Her gaze connected with his. He smiled reassuringly.
“Don’t worry. I’ll be right out here guarding the place.” He flexed his muscles for effect. “Nothing is getting past me.”
A chuckle slipped between her lips. “Thanks. I appreciate that.”
An hour later, they were heading down in the elevator. It was a warm, sunny morning, so Sasha wanted to take advantage of the accommodating weather and asked Pierce if he’d like to take a walk outside after breakfast.
“Sure, I’m up for that,” he agreed.
After they were seated, it only took her a few seconds to glance over the proffered menu. She opted for Eggs Florentine. Satisfied, she handed the waiter her menu when he returned and rattled off her order. When she’d finished, they both turned their attention to Pierce.
“Are you ready to order, sir?”
Pierce scanned one side of the menu, then the other, frowned and repeated the action.
“You know it will be lunchtime soon,” she teased.
“Good to know,” he replied as if he had all the time in the world.
Seconds ticked past. Sasha leaned forward. “Pierce, it’s a menu not a game plan. It’s not that serious.”
“Would you like a few more minutes, sir?” the man hovering over them politely inquired.
“Yes,” Sasha told him.
“That won’t be necessary,” Pierce countered. “I’ll have the three-egg omelet with all the veggies you have, a double order of bacon and pancakes.”
“Very good, sir.” The man retrieved the menu.
“And a bowl of the fresh fruit and coffee…black.”
The waiter nodded in approval and disappeared.
“So, now that you’ve ordered the whole left side of the menu…”
“Hey, it’s hard work maintaining this physique.” Pierce pounded his rock-hard abdomen for effect.
Sasha pondered her own frame. Tall by most standards, she and Sienna had towered over all the other women in the room. “Glamazons,” they had dubbed themselves when they were teenagers. Sasha was fit and happy with her body. Nowhere near waif-like proportions, she was healthy, curvy, and proud of it. But while Sienna’s appetite could probably rival Pierce’s, she tried to keep her portions smaller. Though, she now wished she’d ordered the bacon.
She returned her attention to their conversation. “Hard work, huh? I can see you take good care of yourself.”
He scanned her body with appreciation. “I could say the same for you.”
“I don’t live in the gym.” Her eyes held a hint of amusement. “I merely visit on occasion.”
“It takes a lot of discipline and commitment,” he said, “but sometimes, I feel the need to stray off my regimen and just relax…though I don’t think that’s happened since I arrived.”
She rolled her eyes. “I’m glad my near-death experiences are causing you to burn some calories.”
He stroked his jaw in contemplation. “Hmm…I think I’ll add bodyguard to my résumé.”
When her smile faded, Pierce reached over and rubbed his fingers lightly over her hand. “Sash, I’m just kidding.”
“I know, but…it’s still true. The whole thing has me reeling, Pierce. Why me, you know? Why now?”
He returned his hand to the table. “Beats me. Maybe your being in the limelight has given some whack job someone else to focus on.”
“Gee thanks.” She played with her napkin for a while before she blurted out, “Who was the woman on the phone?”
Pierce set his water glass down. “Segue much?”
“Sorry. I was just curious. It was obvious the caller was a female.”
One side of his mouth rose. “Really. How so?”
“The tone you used when you were speaking. So, is she local?”
“I work fast,” Pierce said, laughing, “but not that fast. She’s in Raleigh, since you need the Associated Press release—and she’s just a friend.”
“You make a lot of international calls?”
“About as often as you don’t ask questions.”
“She must be really important for you to call her so early. It was almost five in the morning there.”
He shrugged. “It’s not that big of an inconvenience. She hadn’t gone to bed yet.”
She smiled wryly. “I guess they all miss you a lot.”
Their food arrived, and the waiter lowered their plates onto the table. When he left, Pierce refocused his attention on Sasha. “They?”
“Don’t sound so insulted. When we first met, you made sure I knew what a sought-after man you were. If memory serves, you’d developed a fragrance as homage to the opposite sex—with pheromones and everything.”
Pierce threw his head back and laughed. His rich baritone caused several diners to turn their way. “You remembered.”
“How could I not? Your fragrance was all you talked about, and considering how much you talked about yourself…that’s saying something.”
“It’s fragrances,” he stressed, ignoring her last barb. “I have two now. Dazzled and Bedazzled.”
“Oh, that’s right. How could I forget?” She laughed. “If I remember correctly, the latter of the two needed a lot more research and development.” She wrinkled her nose at the memory. “It was atrocious.”
“So you mentioned,” he said dryly before sliding a forkful of pancakes into his mouth. “As it turns out, I did take your advice. My team went back to the drawing board.” His expression warmed. “By the way, I thank you for sharing your knowledge of fragrances and that keen sense of smell. You’re quite the chemist. The final version is spectacular—because of you.”
She took a bite of her food, chewing thoroughly before she spoke. “I don’t suppose my amazing nose is worth seven hundred and fifty thousand dollars?”
Snorting, Pierce took a healthy bite of his food. “That remains to be seen.”
She stuck her tongue out at him playfully before returning to her meal. They ate in companionable silence for a while before Sasha glanced up.
“So what happened?”
He stopped chewing. “With what?”
“You used to be a lot more obnoxious than you are now.”
“Gee, thanks,” he replied sardonically.
“No, I’m serious. You were so full of yourself when I first met you. Honestly, I wondered how your family put up with you. I mean Vaughn’s your brother, so I guess he’s in it for the long haul, and Sienna’s a psychologist, which means she’s just chalked it up to an acute case of narcissism or some other type of complex—”
Pierce sat back and crossed his arms across his chest. “Are you done?”
Unable to help herself, Sasha burst out laughing. His scowl made her laugh that much harder. Finally, she got it down to a low chuckle. “Yes. Yes, I’m done.”
Shaking his head, Pierce’s voice held a touch of humor when he spoke. “It’s nice to know I made such a great impression.”
She studied him for a moment. The playful seconds drifted away, being replaced by a subdued tension. The air crackled with it.
“You make an impression no matter what you’re doing, Pierce.”
Before he could reply to Sasha’s comment, a woman cautiously approached their table.
“Excuse me. I’m sorry to disturb, but are you…are you Pierce Deveraux?”
Reluctantly, he broke eye contact with Sasha. As he turned to the woman, his smile and charm were instantaneous. “Yes, I am.”