by Kristen Echo
Deceptive People
A Romantic Suspense Short Story
Kristen Echo
Deceptive People – A Romantic Suspense Short Story
Copyright © 2016 by Kristen Echo and Kristen Publishing
All rights reserved.
No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system without the prior written permission of the above copyright owner of this book or publisher.
This book is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents are the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual events, locales, or persons, living or dead, is coincidental.
This book is intended for mature adults only.
ISBN 978-0-9952712-0-3
Table of Contents
Chapter One
Chapter Two
Chapter Three
Chapter Four
Chapter Five
Chapter Six
Chapter Seven
Chapter Eight
Chapter Nine
Chapter Ten
About the Author
Chapter One
A BULLET WHIZZED by so close I could hear it cut through the air next to my head. The second shot fired sent a stinging sensation through my right ear where the bullet reached its intended target. I'd been hit. The flash of pain wasn’t something I allowed to slow me down. My feet kept moving because I wasn't going down like this, in a back alley running away from a problem. Backing down from a fight didn’t sit well with me, neither did being shot in the back. Death was not an option.
I raced to the end of the alley, turned the corner and ran as fast as my legs would take me. A block down, I looked back for the first time, and spotted no one... yet. Loose ends wouldn’t be permissible; I was detrimental to his plans. Around another corner, I hurried down the street, my heels clacking against the concrete announcing my every move. My car held vital information I had to circle back to obtain. He wouldn't expect that. I needed my wheels regardless of the risk. Another two steps towards the next intersection, someone tugged on my left arm and pulled me into an alcove. A large hand covered my mouth, silencing my scream while another wrapped around my waist preventing my escape. I struggled to no avail until a whispered shushing sounded against my neck.
Breathing in, I recognized the woodsy scent and the ruggedness of the hard body pressing against me. Hidden in the darkness, I should have been afraid, terrified by the events unfolding around me, but a sense of relief washed over me. I relaxed against the male figure behind me and exhaled through my nose. I was far from safe, however the old familiar fragrance filled me with a calmness it shouldn't have. My attempt to remove his hand failed, he held it against my mouth, ensuring I wouldn't make a sound. We stood like that for several minutes. Too close for my comfort. So close, I could feel his chest expand and contract along my back, feel the heat of his breath caress my cheek, although he remained quiet as a church mouse. He held me until the coast was clear, and we were safe to move.
“Don't say a word and follow me,” Detective Brian Rigshaw whispered.
I wanted to protest and tell him where to go, but I nodded instead. There was no point arguing with a bull. He took my hand, threading our fingers together, and directed me towards a parked black SUV less than a block away. He opened the passenger door, I climbed into the vehicle and sunk down low on the plush leather seat. Brian hopped into the car and cranked the ignition.
Tinted windows provided the anonymity I desired as I sat speechless, watching a myriad of office buildings pass by. What should I say to a man I hadn't, by choice, seen in years? I glanced around the interior of the car. It was immaculate, unlike the man which led me to believe the vehicle didn’t belong to him. So many questions swirled around in my mind, but words evaded me as he drove the car, navigating the downtown streets like a pro.
“June Temple, I don't think you've been this quiet a day in your life.” Brian let out a soft chuckle. The sound reverberated through my entire system.
“I need you to turn around and take me to my car. It's only a few blocks down, parked at my office.” I kept my head facing away from him. I couldn't look at him, too afraid of what I might do or say. It had been years since my ex-fiancé and I had seen one another. The night we broke up, to be exact. Smelling him and hearing his husky drawl awoke something in my core that needed to stay away. “Now,” I barked.
“Are you insane?” I could feel his eyes on me, from memory, I knew they were green like fresh cut grass. “I heard shots fired. You're not safe.”
“Start talking Brian. Why are you here? What the hell do you know? And why are you helping me?”
“There's my June. I knew the questions would come.” A hint of humor threaded within his tone, and I didn't like it one bit.
I turned to face him. “For starters, I am not your anything. Secondly, you have some explaining to do. Now!” I had reached my limit with Brian a long time ago. Like no other person on earth, he discerned long ago how to goad me. Back when I knew him, he worked as a cop who thought he would save the world. He had a big heart, but he was too cocky. Some things never changed, like his too handsome face and that sarcastic smile. I wanted to slap the five o'clock shadow right off his jaw, hoping that would take away that smug look. It was hard to see in the darkness of the car, but I was glad he couldn't see how red with anger I was, or maybe he knew.
“Relax June. Don't get your panties in a twist.” Little did he realize, I wasn't wearing any. From the bottom of my bare legs to top of my head, his eyes roamed my body, and then he winked. The prick actually winked. I was about to tear into him, but he cut me off. “We've been tracking Barroni for a while. I saw him enter your office building minutes before you came out running like a bat out of hell. If you're running from him, he's bound to have his goons all over your life, work, home, no place will be safe. We've had our eyes on him for months, and he's bad news. Why don't you fill me in on your relationship with Mr. Barroni?” He arched a brow but kept his eyes on the road.
So he knew some of the men in my life. My professional life that is. What else did he know?
“It's not Max Barroni who shot at me. It was Luis.” My voice was shaky. This whole nightmare hadn't felt real until I said it out loud. Senator Luis Persia had shot me. I reached my hand towards my sore ear, blood continued to flow, and the wetness matted my hair. The adrenaline of the chase and seeing Brian had pushed the pain aside, but now the ache crept up.
“Why the hell would your boss try and kill you?” His fist struck the steering wheel. “What the hell have you got yourself mixed up in June?”
I wanted to lay it all out there. It would be a relief to share with someone, but should I trust Brian? Time had a way of changing people, and it had been a long time apart for us. The only person I told about my research had pulled a gun on me, and I was still losing blood from that encounter.
“I can't tell you. There are so many people involved. I don't know who I should trust.” The facts caused some remorse on my end, but didn’t alter my perception. “I don't even know you anymore.”
“Bullshit. You know me better than anyone. I'm still a cop, and I'm on your side. Talk to me. Let me protect you.” He tried hard to reign in his anger. His teeth were grinding, and I sensed I struck a nerve.
He wasn't going to like what I had to say next. “I can't trust anyone.” That knowledge grated me even more. I huffed out a weak breath, pulled my hand away from my hurt ear and noticed it was covered in blood. The way my blouse stuck to my shoulder told me it was soaked as well. The pain seemed more like a dull ache, but I may have been in shock. “Br
ian I need you to take me to my car. There's evidence I need to get. Proof that Max and Luis will kill to destroy. Then I need to see a doctor.”
“A doctor, why?” Brian navigated through traffic with ease, nevertheless, he still headed in the wrong direction.
“Because I've been shot, and I'm bleeding pretty badly I think. I mean I'm not a doctor, but feels like a lot.” My head pounded like a jackhammer drilled beside it. My stomach roiled at the metallic aroma of my blood. Light headed, I put my head between my knees.
“Jesus. June, stay with me.” His words sounded muffled and far away. Words I would have loved to hear so many years ago. I tried to say something, but everything went black.
Chapter Two
I OPENED MY eyes to see an off-white popcorn ceiling overhead. Definitely not a hospital ceiling. Nothing moved around me, but I sensed Brian's presence in the dimly lit room. Rather than attempt to sit upright, I let my eyes wander my surroundings. I was in some cheap hotel room by the looks of the dated decor and the rough texture of the overly washed flower print comforter underneath me. A strong odor of disinfectant made me wiggle my nose. At least the place was clean, but I didn't understand why Brian would bring me to a hotel when I specifically said hospital. More questions came to mind, but the bed dip beside me.
“I'm glad you're awake. You scared the shit out of me.” Brian smoothed hairs off my forehead. His touch seemed intimate, a zing of familiarity raced through me. I closed my eyes, not wanting to remember how good it felt to be touched by this man. How much my body still craved and missed it.
“Where am I? Why am I not in a hospital?” I asked, my voice a little groggy from the unexpected nap.
“I assessed the situation and brought you here. The wound was superficial, but you muttered about corruption and how you were a dead woman. I figured this was a safe option.”
“If I recall correctly, you're not a doctor, just a cop.” I didn't like Brian making medical decisions for me. Any decisions for me. He smiled big, showing off a mouth full of straight white teeth. Arrogance rolled off him in waves, I couldn't help but roll my eyes.
“I've been around gun shots plenty. The bullet nicked your ear. Lots of blood but not much damage. You were lucky.” He tucked some loose hairs behind my uninjured ear. His fingers rested against my cheek. “I cleaned and bandaged you up. You've been out for over an hour. How are you feeling?”
I wanted to nestle into the heat of his palm, instead I fought the urge. The connection sent my pulse racing, or maybe it was the crazy situation I found myself in. It took a long moment to register what he had said. How was I feeling? Confused and groggy. How could I have slept for an hour? Valuable time had been wasted. I tried to sit upright, but Brian pushed me back down. His big hands on my shoulders and his face only inches from mine. Minty breath washed over my skin. I wanted to taste him, run my tongue along his, and sample him. Dirty and dangerous thoughts raced to mind, however bad, it was hard to dismiss a man like Brian Rigshaw, especially when he had you pinned down to a bed. The way my body reacted to him bothered me, moreover, I hated that I was still attracted to him.
My eyes devoured every square inch of him, and I allowed myself to look. He was older, and the years had been kind. His hair sported some greys at the sides, but it looked hot as hell on him. His light green eyes focused on mine, and I lost myself for a moment. I wanted him to kiss me so bad, and I believed he might do it. My lips were starved for him, and I licked them in anticipation for something I shouldn't want. My cheeks flushed. His lips kicked up on one side, he smiled knowingly at me, although he didn't kiss me.
“Quit looking at me like that and answer my question June.”
I blinked away the fog of lust and tried to focus. This was all erroneous; being with Brian was wrong, being shot at was wrong. My life had taken a serious wrong turn. The hour-long rest had done little to soothe my anxiety. I was still a bundle of nerves and who could blame me. My boss had tried to kill me and failed. I was knee deep in a conspiracy that ran deeper than I had ever imagined.
The events that brought me face to face with my past had to be dealt with and that meant getting to my car. I hadn't expected my boss to be involved, nevertheless I should have. He acted like a nice guy, charismatic, and charming. He was easy to work for, and I enjoyed working with such a prominent figure. I wasn't naive, I knew people in power positions could be bought. I just thought the man had more integrity. Perhaps, my ability to read men was lacking, the one staring at me included.
Panic seeped from my pores, and my fight-or-flight response kicked in. “Get off me. I need to get out of here.” A fighter, I wasn’t, so every cell in my being said run.
“I'm not letting you out of my sight. Get used to having me around again, Sweetness.” Brian's big body loomed over me. His expression still smug, but concern etched into the lines on his forehead. His old term of endearment for me frosted my skin. How dare he call me that. Anger replaced the fear.
“Don't start with me, Brian. I don't want you around me. Now, kindly remove your hands and get out of my way.”
His arrogant smile lit up his face. I hadn't seen him in years, and it was like no time had passed. We were fighting already. The man was as assertive as they come and bullheaded. Known to be on the stubborn side myself, I knew when to back down and walk away, Brian did not. Memories of arguing and tearing into each other flashed across my mind. Then ripping off clothes to get to the makeup sex as fast as possible. We were explosive together. My core clenched, and moisture pooled between my legs at the recollections. My entire body blushed, consequently Brian knew exactly where my thoughts had gone.
“June. June. June. What am I going to do with you?” The glint in his eyes hinted at the dirtiness his imagination could conjure. He pressed his body on top of mine. The weight of him was a welcomed reminder of good times. Countless times when he would press me into our mattress, and thrust into me until we were both comatose from multiple orgasms.
My eyes closed. Of all the people to rescue me, it had to be the one man I couldn't think straight around. I shook the cobwebs of memories away, as much as I had wanted him a moment ago, that fleeting sensation passed. Brian with his dirty mind, wasn’t someone I wanted to be anywhere near.
“Absolutely nothing except letting me go.” I pushed against the hardness of his chest but was unable to move the over two hundred pounds of solid muscle. Brian was in excellent shape, and could overpower me in an instant as he proved by holding me prisoner under him with little effort. “Brain, I need to get up and use the restroom.” We needed some distance between us. Plus, I wanted to clean up and check out my ear.
“Fine, but when you're done, you and I are going to have a nice long chat where you fill me in on everything.” He moved his face closer to mine, and he smelled so good. Unwillingly, I breathed him in. “Are we clear?” He asked.
I nodded. Brian removed his bulk from me, and I missed the pressure. How ridiculous was that? The man broke my heart, shattered it beyond repair, and here I once again succumbed to him. I needed to get a grip. Still woozy, and lightheaded, I sat up slowly.
“You look as white as a ghost. Are you feeling okay?” Brian's concern would have been touching if I didn't hate him so much.
“I've been better.” I cupped my hand over my bandaged ear.
“Be specific,” he demanded.
“I'm a little dizzy. Probably from the loss of blood. I'm thirsty, and I haven't eaten all day either,” I responded, in a cheeky defiant tone.
“Damn it. You need to take better care of yourself.” He raised to his feet and crossed the room in two long strides. He was wearing blue jeans and a dark grey wool sweater that clung nicely to his fit body. There were several water bottles lined up in rows on a small circular table, he picked one up and opened a pill bottle. Stepping over to my side of the bed, he handed me the water along with two pills. “It's ibuprofen for the pain, and drink the whole bottle of water. I bet you're dehydrated. I'm ordering food. Don't
argue, we're going to be here for a while.”
It was pointless to protest. He settled into one of two faux black leather club chairs and browsed through some take-out menus. I popped the pills into my mouth and took a sip to wash them down. The room temperature liquid soothed my parched throat. I followed instructions and chugged back the entire bottle, before getting off the queen sized bed, and heading for the restroom. My legs wobbled, and my nerves were still rattled. I needed a few minutes away from Brian, so I could think things through and formulate a plan.
Chapter Three
THE BATHROOM WAS compact with light beige walls, slightly darker tiles, and a white counter top. Again, the prominent odor of cleaning products and bleach burned my nostrils. I splashed water on my face, grabbed a bleached white towel from the rack, and blotted my skin dry. A hot mess didn’t do my current appearance justice, I looked like death warmed over, and that was being kind. Dark matted chunks of my hair combined with dried blood fanned across dull blue eyes. My stained light pink blouse clung awkwardly to my shoulder, in addition, several blood drops found their way onto my black pencil skirt. I removed the bandage from my ear, the bullet hole scabbed over, leaving a tiny reminder across the outer shell.
A few years had passed since I’d seen my ex, and he looked better than ever. I, on the other hand, looked like a used rag doll. I shrugged my shoulders. No wonder he didn't kiss me. Disbelief plagued me, I actually wanted him to kiss me. Damn it, this man infuriated me. Thoughts of Brian's full lips came at an inopportune time when out there, beyond these walls, people wanted me dead. I had to forget about Brian and concentrate on getting myself out of hot water.
First, I needed to clean up. I locked the door and stripped down. The water blasted from the showerhead and I stepped right under the spray. Cold drops were welcomed against my overheated flesh. My ear smarted when it made contact with the water. The pills did the trick and made the pain manageable. The water pressure relaxed my muscles, and I used the small samples sized shampoos and conditioners provided to clean myself. I made quick work of washing my hair, body and clothes until all remnants of my encounter with Luis's bullet were cleaned away.