Stronger Than You Know--A Novel

by Lori Foster

Thanks to her he’d lost everything, including his life savings. Wasn’t it enough that he’d had to start over, that for weeks while hiding out he’d gone with little to eat?

  By God, it should have been enough.

  Yet every time she opened her damn mouth at a high school or college campus, she risked exposing him again.

  “We’ll find her,” Golly said, despite all evidence to the contrary. “If it hadn’t been for that damned ape who came after her, we’d have her right now.”

  Del liked the sound of that even more than her dying in her sleep. He’d get some payback on the bitch...and then she could die. He rubbed the snake tattoo on his neck and wondered why it felt like a tightening noose.

  Twice, Kennedy had done this to him.

  “Relax,” Golly ordered, his twisted smile full of anticipation. “I have a few street informants watching for her to pop up. She can’t lie low forever. Even if she tries that, eventually she’ll have another speaking gig and we’ll be able to grab her then. That, or else Jodi will lead us to her. She’s as good as yours.” He prodded his tongue through a hole where two teeth should be, repulsing Del. “And the other one will be mine.”

  * * *

  DRIVEN BY PRIDE—stupid, foolish pride—Kennedy continued stuffing her few belongings back into the suitcase.

  She had to leave. Of course she did.

  Reyes had made it clear that he didn’t want her here. She had no right to further disrupt his life. Not only that, but his sister made her uneasy. Madison was tall, slim, incredibly beautiful—just like her blasted brothers—and she was every bit as cocky, too. Maybe not with physical ability, but the woman understood her skill. A skill she had used without apology to invade Kennedy’s life.

  Did the whole damn family have to be overachievers? Were they all lethal, even Madison?

  She’d met Cade a few times at the gym, and it took no more than a single glance to know he owned any situation he was in. The man was even taller than Reyes, so he had to be six-five. His sweeping gaze missed nothing, and calm confidence could be his middle name.

  Whereas Reyes was brash, Cade was quietly in control.

  And Madison was cheerfully certain.

  Who were they anyway?

  The tap at the door made her stiffen. There’d been several times in her life when she’d been horribly lost. Very alone. Frantic and uncertain what to do.

  This was quickly turning into another one.

  Girding herself, she walked to the door and opened it with what she considered admirable nonchalance. “I’m almost done.”

  His frowning gaze went over her and then to the bed, where her suitcase lay open. “Almost done with what?”

  “Getting ready to leave.” The nervousness sounded in her tone, though not overly. “Would you like to drive me somewhere, or should I call...someone?” She had no idea who she could call.

  A muscle ticked in his jaw. Stepping in, he filled the spare bedroom with his size, his presence, the sheer magnetism of him. “Let’s talk.”

  “I don’t think so, Reyes. Truly, I appreciate all you’ve done. You’ve gone above and beyond, and it’s time I quit cowering and instead acted like an adult.”

  Folding his arms, he leaned against the door frame. “Pretty sure you always act the adult. I’ve never seen otherwise. At least, not until shit went sideways, and you’re not equipped to deal with it, honey.”

  “Yes, I know.” He was equipped, but also unwilling. “I’ll work it out.”

  Not moving, he asked, “How?”

  Why did he have to press her? Going back to her suitcase, she jammed in the overflowing clothes and started to zip it shut. “I’ll hire someone.”

  “No.”

  “No?” Temper spiking, she turned on him. “What do you mean, no? It’s not up to you.”

  “Sure it is.” He pushed away from the door frame.

  Oh, hell. Kennedy backed up, which effectively froze him in his tracks, at least for a few seconds.

  Quickly recovering, he strode forward. “I would never hurt you, so don’t do that.”

  “Then quit crowding me.” A dumb thing to say, since he was still a few feet away.

  “This,” he bit out, leaning into her space until their noses almost touched, “is crowding you.”

  His hazel eyes glittered gold, fascinating her. She put one hand flat to his chest and said succinctly, “Back off.”

  To her surprise, he did, jerking around and running a hand over his hair. “You’re not going anywhere, all right? That’s just dumb.”

  “You arrogant dick.”

  He turned again, this time presenting a slow grin. “What did you call me?”

  “You heard me well enough.” Where had she left her laptop? Her phone? “I know this is all a joke to you, and I’m aware I come off as less than savvy in dealing with the scum of the earth, but I’ve survived the horrors of trafficking, and I’ll figure this out, too. The almighty Reyes McKenzie can tell me goodbye with a clear conscience.”

  Back to being the arrogant dick, he stared at her. “That’s even dumber than talking about leaving.”

  For the love of... Taking a stance, she asked, “Which part?”

  “All of it, but especially the part where I think you’re not savvy. Saying something dumb and being dumb are two very different things. Trust me, I have no illusions about your intelligence.”

  Well, that was something at least. “Good. So you know I can deal with—”

  “Nope.”

  His attitude infuriated her, and she stayed chill only by an act of sheer willpower. She even got her stiff lips to smile. “Again, it’s not up to you.”

  “We agree you’re smart, right? So,” he continued before she could say a single word, “a smart woman wouldn’t budge from where it’s safe.”

  “Maybe not, but a proud woman wouldn’t stay where she’s not wanted.” She lifted her chin. Let him deal with that. “I clearly heard you say you could stick me somewhere safe. Let’s go with that.” She unfolded her arms to hold them out in concession. “I promise I will stay put. You won’t even have to twist my arm.”

  Reyes worked his jaw. “Here’s the thing. You don’t really know what I want, since I didn’t know until just this second. All that bullshit earlier with my sister was just me blustering.” He moved in again, this time taking her shoulders.

  Why did he have to be so big? Damn near a foot taller than her. And solid. Good God, the man was like chiseled stone, only warm.

  “I want you here, Kennedy. In fact, the only problem is that I want you a little too much.”

  Her eyes flared. “What’s that supposed to mean?”

  “I’m a dude. You’re a woman. I’m sure you’ll figure it out.”

  She shook her head. “A big fat no on that.”

  “Yeah, I already ruled it out, too, you being dependent on me and all.”

  “I am not...” No, she wouldn’t lie. At the moment, she was dependent...somewhat, damn it.

  “It wouldn’t be ethical. And then, of course, there’s your background.” He eyed her. “You still struggle with that? I’m guessing you do. Who wouldn’t, right? But you have to know the last thing I’d want to do is make you uncomfortable, or put you on the spot. And never, not under any circumstances, would I pressure you.”

  “You’re pressuring me now.”

  “To stay.” His hands kneaded her shoulders. “I meant sexually. To keep you safe, I’ll definitely pressure you if I need to.” He bent his knees a little to look more directly into her eyes.

  Damn him, he was potent. In fact, she found herself leaning into him a bit.

  “I’ll do whatever it takes then. I want you to know that, okay? Sometimes that might mean me giving orders.”

  “I don’t think so.”

  “And sometimes you’ll have to foll
ow those orders.”

  “Like hell.”

  “But I’ll always have a good reason, and hey, if necessary, I’ll apologize once we’re safe again.” He tried one of his charming smiles on her. It was more effective than not. “Deal?”

  Unable to help herself, Kennedy slumped forward until her forehead came into contact with his firm chest. Holy smokes, he smelled good. “I had just resigned myself to leaving.”

  Carefully his arms closed around her. “I know. Have I convinced you to stay?”

  Still inhaling his delicious scent, she asked, “So now you’re giving me a choice?”

  “I’m not into kidnapping, so maybe.”

  The “maybe” made her laugh. He was so outrageous. She lifted a hand to rest against his shoulder. “I’m scared and, as you said, I’m smart enough to know I’m out of my depth. So, yes, I’d like to stay.” For now. “I haven’t yet locked down any new engagements, so my schedule is open.”

  “You were taking time off? A vacation?”

  “Actually, I was only going to work on my next book. I can set up in here so I’m out of your way, okay? You won’t even know I’m here.”

  He snorted. “Trust me, I’ll know.” His palm moved up and down her spine, both soothing her and making her far too aware of him as a man. “You’re writing another book?”

  “With all the digging your sister did, you surely know that already.”

  He tried to lever her back so he could see her face, but when she resisted, he hugged her instead. “Yeah, I knew you’d published one book. Didn’t know you were starting another.”

  “The results of trafficking go on and on.” She still wasn’t over it. She didn’t think she’d ever be over it. “For anyone recovering, it might be helpful to know the resources that are available, the things I’ve done to help me feel more in control of my life, and to know that difficulty sleeping isn’t uncommon.”

  He pressed his mouth to her temple. “You slept all right last night.”

  Because she’d been with him. Likely the difference was in not being alone, but telling him that might obligate him to keep her close each night, and she wouldn’t intrude on him more than she had to. “Usually I hear every little sound, and once I do, I can’t just assume it’s the house settling or the wind stirring branches. I can’t assume it’s anything less than an intruder.”

  “Even though it never is?”

  She went still. Knowing she had to tell him soon didn’t mean she was ready to do it now. Of course, an astute guy like Reyes didn’t miss much.

  This time his hold on her shoulders was too firm, and she couldn’t stop him from pressing her back the length of those long arms. His probing stare dissected her. Grim, he demanded, “When?”

  CHAPTER FIVE

  GOING OVER THE details made her nerves jangle, adding a quiver to her voice that she hated. “A month ago, I heard someone on the balcony off my apartment.” That struck her with new awareness, and she gave a humorless laugh. “Or rather, what used to be my balcony. I got up to look, as I always do.” Unable to hold his gaze, she stared down at his chest and whispered, “There was a man there. He’d just climbed over the railing.”

  “Damn.” Gathering her against him once more, Reyes gently rocked her. “He didn’t get in?”

  Kennedy shook her head. Retelling this was so much easier while Reyes held her. “I had my gun in my hand—”

  Back she went again so he could do another long stare. “You have a gun?”

  She gave him a “duh” look. “That night all I had was a small .38 with a laser pointer, but now I also have a Glock.” She blew out a breath. “Stupidly, I’d left my phone on the bedside table. All I could do was stand there staring at him, the gun aimed, the red dot on his chest until he smiled at me and vaulted back over the rail.”

  Again he hugged her. “You called the cops?”

  “Yes. They came right away, took a description and looked around. In the end, they wrote it off as a likely burglar and promised to drive by often for the rest of the night, but I couldn’t stay there. I went to a hotel, and the next morning I bought additional security stuff for all around the apartment. Alarms for everything. Bars for the balcony door and windows.” She cleared her throat. “I also bought a screamer—one of those little handheld things where you press a button and it makes a loud, piercing noise? Plus, I got a stun gun.”

  His mouth firmed in disapproval, but what did she care? She’d needed protection, and she couldn’t rely on anyone else.

  “The cops didn’t know your history or they’d have—”

  “What? Protected me from the boogeyman? We both know it isn’t that easy.”

  He smoothed a hand over her hair. “Yeah, we do.” Glancing at her suitcase, he asked, “You have the weapons on you?”

  “Yes.” She never went anywhere without them, not even when she traveled. It was why she always checked her bags.

  Moving to the suitcase, she opened it again, lifted aside a sweater and a pair of jeans, and removed the heavy firearm case that held her guns. Gingerly she set them out.

  Not so gingerly, Reyes lifted them with an expert touch, looking them over. “Plenty of ammo?”

  “Yes.” She lifted away the egg crate foam to show the bullets beneath.

  “Where’s the stun gun?”

  “In my purse now. I got it out of my luggage once I left the airport, before I got my ride.” Exiting the room, she went up the spiral staircase on light feet to reach his bedroom. Her heart beat a little faster, now for entirely different reasons.

  Reyes came in behind her. He must have returned her weapons to the case, because he was empty-handed. It didn’t surprise her that he hadn’t made a single sound on his approach. The man moved with stealth even when there was no reason. It seemed to be an intrinsic part of his psyche.

  Being in a bedroom with him again caused her to babble. “Here it is.” She put her hand in the grip to show him how she’d use it. Much like brass knuckles, it allowed her a firm grip. “I like the way this one is made. Instead of having to poke someone with a long stick, I just squeeze the handle and it works, plus it has a really bright flashlight. See the spikes? Those can be removed, but why would I?”

  “Never know when you might need to gouge someone.”

  The deadpan way he said that put her on edge.

  Carefully, he closed his hand over hers and relieved her of the weapon. “Tell me what else is going on, okay?”

  She probably should, but first she needed out of the bedroom. Hurrying past him, she trotted back down the stairs and...wasn’t sure where to go. Her gaze bounced around, taking in her options. The kitchen, then.

  Her butt had just settled in a chair when Reyes appeared in the doorway. “So.” Lifting one brow, he asked, “Are we done racing around the house?”

  Feeling like a fool, Kennedy nodded.

  He gestured at the chair opposite. “If I grab a seat, you won’t bolt out of the room?”

  “No.” At least, she hoped she wouldn’t.

  With his hands raised to look less threatening—the ass—he came forward and eased into a chair. “I didn’t mean to spook you.”

  Kennedy snorted. “You didn’t.” The memories did. The harsh reality of the threat did. The insidious fear did. Best to get it all said. “A few weeks after the prowler on my balcony, there was another incident in the grocery parking lot. Middle of the day, other people around.” Her mouth went dry, remembering the brazenness of the attack. “I was loading my groceries into the back seat and a guy asked for my cart. I said sure, took the last bag, and while my hands were full he started shoving me into the back seat. Another guy was already getting behind the wheel. My car is keyless and the fob was in my purse over my shoulder, so he started the engine with no problem.”

  Something violent glittered in Reyes’s hazel eyes. “Clearly you got
away.”

  “I tried to scream.” Her throat grew tight, so tight she couldn’t seem to get enough air. “But he put his hand over my mouth and I thought he would crush my jaw. I dropped the bag I was holding. A can of peas fell onto my lap.”

  Quietly, calmly, Reyes listened, his gaze locked with hers as if to offer silent support.

  “I used that can to bash in his face.”

  “Yes!” When she startled at his exclamation, he moderated his tone. “Good for you, honey.”

  For some reason, his praise made her feel better. “Blood went everywhere. It looked like I’d fractured his eye socket. His nose was crushed.” She swallowed heavily. “I hit him again.”

  Slowly Reyes smiled. “Good girl.”

  At any other time, that patronizing phrase might have offended her. Now? It just felt nice to know he approved of her actions.

  She took pleasure in saying, “He screamed, loudly enough to draw plenty of attention. I quickly joined him, and soon people were swarming around us. A black car screeched up next to mine, the two of them jumped in, and then they were gone. The whole thing probably lasted less than three minutes, but God, Reyes, it felt like a lifetime. I knew what would happen, what they would do, and that made it worse.”

  “I’m so damn proud of you,” he said with gruff sincerity. Slowly, he slid his hand, palm up, across the table. Offering her his touch. A connection.

  How could she resist? Clearly she couldn’t, so she placed her much smaller hand in his and was immediately engulfed in his comforting strength.

  “You know how hard it is to keep your head when being attacked, but you did it, Kennedy. You fought hard, and sometimes that can make all the difference.”

  Nodding, she squeezed his hand. “Or no difference at all.”

  The truth of that hung between them.

  Watching her, he lifted her hand to his mouth and kissed her knuckles. “All those workout sessions at my gym are starting to make sense.”

  No reason to fudge the truth any longer; Reyes now knew it all. “I know I’m small, and not all that strong, but there are ways to slow a man down, right? That’s what I was trying to learn. I can’t best a man, but if I can thwart him, then I’d at least have a chance to get away.”