Stronger Than You Know--A Novel

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Stronger Than You Know--A Novel Page 10

by Lori Foster


  Often while at the gym, after a few hours of instruction from him, Kennedy would retreat to his office to write her book. He’d read most of the one already published, and that made it even more difficult for him to be apart from her.

  He was most at ease when he had eyes on the woman.

  “Glad to hear it.”

  Once they were on the main road to his house, Kennedy retrieved her phone from her purse and checked her messages. That was a pattern for her. While doing drills, or writing, she kept the phone in her bag so it wouldn’t distract her.

  Now, as she flipped through texts, he immediately sensed that something was wrong.

  The urge to pull over, to give her his undivided attention, warred with the need to secure her in his home. He wasn’t Cade, all even-tempered and shit. Hell, he was the opposite of Cade. “What is it?”

  “You’re not going to like it.”

  Probably not. Anything that put that worried expression onto Kennedy’s face automatically irked him. “Tell me anyway.”

  She nodded, looked at the phone again, and said, “I just got a text from Jodi.”

  Well, that wasn’t horrible. At least he hoped it wasn’t. “Took her long enough. What does she have to say?”

  Kennedy chewed her bottom lip. “She, um, is warning me that you’re dangerous.”

  “She’s right.” He gave her another quick glance. “But remember, I’m not dangerous to you.”

  “She said you wreak destruction wherever you go.”

  He snorted. How the hell would Jodi know? “A little dramatic, but whatever.”

  “None of that bothers me, Reyes. I’m glad you can be ruthless.”

  “So what’s the problem?”

  “Jodi wants to meet me tonight.”

  “No.”

  “She said I can stay with her—”

  “No fucking way.”

  Frowning, Kennedy said, “You realize that your vocabulary deteriorates whenever you get annoyed or when you’re taken by surprise.”

  “I’m not taken by surprise.” He scowled, letting her know what he thought of that notion. “But I don’t want you going anywhere. Your friend might be unbalanced.”

  Kennedy didn’t deny that.

  What would he do if she decided to bail on him? It wasn’t yet safe. Hell, they still hadn’t discovered anything pertinent, and until they did, he couldn’t resolve jack shit, which meant she was still in danger. “You remember she was at the fire, right?”

  “It’s not like I’d forget.”

  That was something, at least. He gave the situation quick thought, trying to gauge what his family would say about it, then he shrugged. They weren’t here, and he had to make a decision. Once they got home, Kennedy would barricade herself in the guest room again and he’d lose his chance to persuade her to his way of thinking. “Now might be a good time to ask her why she was there, to see her reaction.”

  Kennedy considered that for a moment. “If I do, she’s going to ask me how I know.”

  “Or she’ll deny it.”

  “No, I don’t think she’d lie to me. As far as I know, she never has.”

  “So you’ll tell her the truth that a security camera off another business picked up her image. You don’t need to mention Madison, though.”

  “I’m not sure I’m good with half-truths.”

  “Sorry, honey, but it’s necessary. Until we know how Jodi is involved, you can’t trust her.”

  She stared at the phone, her troubled thoughts showing in her frown. “All right. Should I call or text?”

  “Call. And put her on speaker.”

  Her chest expanded on a deep breath. “God, this feels like such a betrayal.”

  “I’m sorry.” He meant it. “Your safety comes first, okay?”

  Nodding, she let her thumb hover over the screen...and finally pressed the phone icon.

  It rang only once before a frantic voice answered. “Kennedy, thank God. Tell me you’re all right.”

  “Yes, I’m fine.”

  “People deliberately burned down your apartment building.”

  She shot Reyes a look as if to say, See? She’s transparent. “I know. I’d just gotten home from a trip. It spooked me.”

  “That’s why you’re with the big guy?”

  “I met him at the gym where I work out.” She cradled the phone closer. “Jodi, what were you doing at my building that night?”

  “Trying to watch out for you. Jesus, Kennedy, I didn’t know you were still out of town and when I saw the whole thing burning, I panicked. I thought you were inside.”

  “But how did you know to be there?” she pressed.

  “So here’s the thing. You can’t tell that hulk, okay? I don’t trust him. He’s incredibly shifty.”

  “He’s not, actually,” Kennedy replied. “He’s one of the good guys, Jodi.”

  “There are no good guys. They’re all creeps, as you should know by now!”

  Reyes reached over to touch Kennedy’s knee, letting her know he wasn’t insulted, that in fact he got Jodi’s anger.

  She nodded, then said gently, “You trust me, Jodi. So trust me to know a monster from a protector. Reyes won’t hurt me, I promise.”

  “Maybe not physically,” Jodi sneered. “Some just use women as conveniences. He’s that type of man, Kennedy. Do you know he’s banging several women already? While he’s with you?”

  Kennedy’s brows shot up. “While I’ve been with him, he hasn’t gone anywhere, and what he does in his free time is his own business. We’re not together that way.”

  For some reason, it irked Reyes to hear Kennedy say that. It was true, but still...

  Sharp with disbelief, Jodi hissed, “You don’t care that he’s using them?”

  It bothered Reyes that the woman’s voice had risen. She teetered on the brink of rage, and it wouldn’t take much to push her over the edge.

  “You don’t know him, Jodi, but I do. If he’s sexually involved with anyone, it’s consensual. I don’t think he’d lie to them, either. Odds are they’re as satisfied with an open-ended agreement as he is.”

  He noticed that Kennedy avoided his gaze.

  New concerns intruded. There were only three women he’d seen lately, and if Jodi knew about them, then it meant she’d been spying on him for a while.

  Which likely meant she’d been spying on Kennedy, too, and had seen her with him at the gym.

  Kennedy must have figured the same thing, because she said, “Listen to me, Jodi. I need you to explain a few things, all right? First, why were you at my apartment?”

  All the heat evaporated from her voice. “You’re like family to me. The only family I have. I’ve watched over you for a while.”

  Pressing back into her seat, Kennedy paled. “By hanging outside my apartment? By following me?”

  “Sometimes, yeah. You remember that jerk that was hassling you, right? I want to make sure no one else bothers you. You’re not like me. You don’t fight.”

  Briefly closing her eyes, Kennedy nodded. “That’s true. I’ve tried to get better, and I’m more in shape. I’m just not much of a fighter.”

  Now wait a minute! Reyes hated the hint of shame he heard in her voice. Of course she was a damn fighter. Anyone could see that.

  “I knew you’d been out of town,” Jodi continued. “I try to keep up with your schedule.”

  Kennedy’s gaze met his.

  Disturbed, Reyes turned down the drive to his house. The fine hairs on the back of his neck stood on end, and he used extra caution surveying the area.

  “All right,” Kennedy said, trying to soothe her. “You were there and you saw something?”

  “I thought you were already back. You were supposed to be back.”

  “I had delays.” Kennedy rubbed at her forehead
.

  “I’m glad, because if you hadn’t, you’d...” The words trailed off, then renewed with a vengeance. “I saw those assholes dicking around your apartment! I knew they were up to something, and I was right.”

  “When I saw the fire,” Kennedy said, “I called Reyes. He picked me up. You didn’t see that?”

  “No, I left once everyone was out of the building. That’s when I figured you weren’t in there.”

  If she’d already left, then who killed the two men?

  Kennedy asked her exactly that, being more direct than Reyes expected. “Those two men were found with bullets in their heads.”

  “I know,” Jodi said. “Good riddance.”

  Kennedy stiffened. “Did you...?”

  “No, but I would have.” Her voice lowered with grave determination. “The world is better off without their kind. I didn’t have a chance to get to them, so I’m glad someone else did.”

  “But who?”

  “I figured it was your boyfriend.”

  “He is not my boyfriend, Jodi. I already explained this to you.”

  “Okay, okay. Don’t get your panties in a bunch. I’m just saying. He seems like he’s capable, right? Who’s to say he didn’t off them?”

  “I say he didn’t. Remember, he was with me.”

  “Yeah, okay. So someone else did us a favor.”

  By the second, Kennedy got more frazzled. “You’ve been following Reyes, too?”

  “Sometimes. I mean, I’m not going to trust him with my girl, am I?” Her attempt at levity fell flat. “He’s a creep.”

  Dark with suspicion, Kennedy asked, “Do you know the women he’s been with?”

  “No. Want me to check into them more?”

  “No! Absolutely not.”

  Reyes squeezed her knee, then pressed the garage door opener so he could pull inside. Immediately, he shut it again.

  Already he felt better, knowing Kennedy wasn’t exposed to her lunatic friend. He hadn’t seen anyone following them, but there was a chance Jodi was good enough to be somewhere on the property and not get spotted.

  After a steadying breath, Kennedy reclaimed her calm. “I don’t want you to do anything else, Jodi, okay? I mean it. I’m an adult and I can take care of myself.”

  “Yeah, right,” she said with caustic sarcasm.

  In contrast, Kennedy softly chided, “That’s not kind, Jodi.”

  Seconds ticked by, then Jodi said, “Sorry. I just don’t want to see you hurt again.”

  “Then don’t assume the worst about Reyes, don’t spy on his girlfriends and, please, trust in my instincts and intelligence.”

  “I guess this means you’re going to stay with him.”

  “Do you know where he lives?” Kennedy whispered, her spine going rigid. “Have you followed him home?”

  “No, but I’ve seen him at the gym, and I’ve seen him visit women.” She paused. “He’s cagey, you know? Not easy to tail.” Jodi huffed out a breath. “When can I see you?”

  Reyes shook his head, not wanting her to commit.

  She accepted that without question. “I don’t know. Right now I’m working on my book and trying to get my life reorganized after the fire and everything.”

  “Plus, it’s not really safe for you to be out alone.”

  “No, it’s not.”

  “Okay, so stay with the hulk. But promise me, if he does anything he shouldn’t, if he hurts you in any way, you’ll let me know. I swear to you, I’ll end him.”

  Jesus, the girl was unhinged. Reyes met Kennedy’s horrified gaze. Again he shook his head. He wasn’t worried, so Kennedy shouldn’t worry, either.

  Keeping her gaze locked with his, Kennedy stated, “If you attempt to hurt him in any way, I won’t forgive you, Jodi. Do you understand?”

  “No sweat. I’ve got my hands full with another jerk anyway.”

  “Wait. What?”

  “I’ll be in touch, okay? And remember. You need me, all you gotta do is call.”

  Kennedy sat forward. “Jodi, don’t—”

  The call ended with all the subtlety of a thunderclap. Kennedy redialed immediately, but this time Jodi didn’t answer.

  “It’s okay,” Reyes said, hating that the girl had upset her. “Take a breath, babe.”

  Gulping in air, Kennedy visibly struggled with everything she’d just heard. Reyes gave her plenty of time, until the automatic overhead light flicked off, filling the garage with shadows.

  Galvanized, he opened the truck door and got out. The look on Kennedy’s face bothered him. She had enough worries without adding Jodi to the list.

  With a long, purposeful stride, he circled the hood. For once, Kennedy was still sitting there. Not waiting for him to do the gentlemanly thing, but rather in a fog of dread.

  He unhooked her seat belt. “Come on, hon, it’s going to be okay.” He took her purse and gym bag, and when he closed his fingers around her arm, she finally reacted.

  Looking at him, Kennedy whispered, “She’s irrational.”

  “Sounds like.” He eased her out of the truck, more cognizant than ever of her small frame. With his arm around her waist, he led her inside. “It’s not your problem.”

  “She’s my friend.”

  “She’s obsessed with you.” Someone had to state the obvious. “That’s not healthy.”

  “You heard her.” Kennedy halted in the mudroom to kick off her sneakers, then she took the gym bag from him, and her purse. “She doesn’t have anyone else.”

  Reyes smoothed her hair, left unruly from her activity at the gym. Her blue eyes were big and soft, her lips trembling.

  And he wanted her like he’d never wanted another woman.

  “We’ll figure it out, okay? First things first, though. We need to let Madison know Jodi has been following me, that she knows about...” Shit. He rubbed the back of his neck.

  “Your women?” Kennedy asked, her tone just a tad too detached to sound authentic. “Yes, you should let Madison know about that.” She pivoted away. “I need that shower, now more than ever.”

  He let her go, mostly because he wasn’t sure what to say.

  She’d staunchly defended him to Jodi, stating unequivocally that he wouldn’t misuse women. Hell, she’d even defended Annette, Cathy and Lili, correctly assuming that they were strong women who made their own decisions.

  He’d never lied to a woman to get her into bed.

  He never would.

  If anyone wanted more than just sex, he walked away.

  Yet here he was with Kennedy, who wanted nothing at all except his protection.

  At the moment, that didn’t seem to matter. She knew him, better than any other woman. In some ways, better than his family.

  On top of that, there was a lot to unravel with everything Jodi had admitted.

  Keeping Kennedy safe remained his top priority. Getting closer to her felt vital.

  As he went through the house, he thought about everything he had to juggle, including his own confusion, but for the moment, he felt uncommonly...content.

  It was because of Kennedy, and damn, he wasn’t sure what to do about it. He was still a die-hard bachelor. Cade had made the whole relationship thing work, but as he often reminded himself, he wasn’t Cade. A woman didn’t fit into his life, the life groomed for him by his father.

  But then, he didn’t think Kennedy wanted to be a part of his life. So why was he tormenting himself about it?

  Because he wanted her. Bad.

  And that, he could have...if only she wanted it, too.

  CHAPTER SEVEN

  “YOU SURE YOU know what you’re doing?” Del asked. He was damned tired of hanging around this run-down excuse for a cabin with nothing to do but smoke and think. He wanted to get back on the street, get his connections going and start acqui
ring girls he could rent out. Until then, he was bleeding what little cash he’d saved.

  “You need to learn patience,” Golly said, probably for the hundredth time. “With patience comes great rewards.”

  Hearing that nonsense, Del was fairly certain he and Golly had little in common. To him, selling women was a business. Not so for his cohort in this miserable scheme. Golly was obsessed with a scrawny girl and had some sick, twisted plans for when he captured her.

  He was also completely repulsive. Throughout his life, Del had met some real disgusting characters, but none were as unbalanced as this one. It was bad enough that many of his teeth had rotted out, that his bald head was perpetually sweaty and that his shirts seldom covered his gut. Did he have to continually smile as if his brain had malfunctioned?

  Sick prick.

  Making a decision, Del stubbed out his cigarette and stood glaring at the man. “I’ll wait a little longer, then I need to move on.” Yes, he wanted Kennedy. He wanted to make her sorry for having crossed him. Mostly he wanted to remove her as a threat. The rest of the world had forgotten about him, but Kennedy?

  She would never forget; he was fairly certain of that. It had taken him a while, but he’d finally located her here in Colorado. He was that close to ending her for good, but he had to move with caution, which was why he’d agreed to team up with the sick fuck now rocking in a wooden chair and humming.

  What bothered him even more than the unnatural manner of the guy? That face. Del would bet the man had always been butt ugly, but an unhealthy fixation gave him the appearance of a demon from hell.

  And that goddamned smile made it all the worse.

  Yeah, if they didn’t find Kennedy soon, Del would cut his losses and move on. He lit another cigarette.

  No bitch was worth this much trouble.

  * * *

  THAT NIGHT, AFTER debating with herself for far too long, Kennedy reluctantly returned to the living room instead of staying in the guest room, as was her norm. She’d tried to stick to her plan of giving Reyes as much space as she could so her time spent at his home wouldn’t feel so invasive.

  Already he’d reordered his life to accommodate her. She’d never known anyone like him. Who did that for a mere acquaintance?

 

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