“I feel safer when no one knows who I really am,” she murmured into his shirt. She sniffed the soothing scent of lemon on his skin. Roxie glanced up into his face for a reaction.
“You owe me.” His stance was as uncompromising as the muscles in his jaw.
“I thought we were even. You saved me in the alley, and I saved you in the diner. We didn’t get our heads shot off.”
He pulled himself taller. His arms wound around her tighter. “True, but I wasn’t thinking of the last few minutes.”
She gazed into his eyes and witnessed a glint of laughter in their depths. She was beginning to get the drift of his words. Escape from Charles Vernon wouldn’t be as easy as she’d believed.
“I owe you what?” she managed from a dry throat.
“A sixty-nine,” he said, as another police vehicle slammed to a halt at the curb.
Two officers jumped out and immediately dismissed them, quite possibly, Roxie decided, because Charlie and she appeared to be oblivious to what was going on in the diner. They appeared to be lovers who simply couldn’t keep their hands off each other.
“A what?” Her heart leaped in a dance of wicked desire.
He shook his head in obvious disapproval. “I want you, and you owe me a bike ride up into the mountains so we can make love under the stars.”
She waggled her eyebrows. “A sixty-nine and a bike ride to make love. I’d have thought you have other things on your mind.” Like how to deal with the cops that are all around us, how to explain this early morning’s happenings, then get back to what you do best. Practicing law.
“This morning has been hard on you”
Roxie interrupted, her perplexed gaze meeting his. “Won’t they want to question us?” she asked, nodding in the direction of the cop cars.
“Once they get the events all sorted out, they’ll come looking for us. But they can’t find you that easily, can they?”
The strength of his arms was like a protective shield around her, consoling, a haven from chaos. She shook her head. If Charlie hadn’t come upon her with his digital friend then he wouldn’t have known who she was. He would have eaten his burger, and left Woody’s without giving her a second thought. She was pretty much the one who’d thrown herself at him for the sex.
“You don’t need to worry about your father. I’ll spirit you away to somewhere safe, so he won’t know where you are. And,” he emphasized, tucking his chin against the top of her head, “if you’re in need of money to get on with your life afterward then I’ll front you the cash.”
Roxie bristled. That’s it? Everything boils down to such simplicity? Pay me off when you’re done with me? How much that sounds like my father. Money takes care of everything, including sticky problems.
Yet, his offer did sound rather enticing. Sixty-nine, a safe place away from her father’s prying eyes, and cash if she wished to make a quick getaway.
What would it be like to suck his cock while he nibbled her clit? Dared she risk finding out? If her father learned where she was, would Charlie give her up to him or would he squirrel her away? She had no doubt that if her rich and influential father discovered her whereabouts, he would haul her back to Maine, lock her up and throw away the key. Forever.
Charlie set a hot palm at the small of her back. “Listen. I have some questions to field from law enforcement, and I’ll turn in the gun to the investigators.”
“No,” she moaned, her heart thudding in her ears. He’d give her away, and she didn’t want to return home.
He must have seen her burgeoning discomfort. “I’ll give you some advice as a lawyer. Just answer their inquires, but don’t volunteer additional information. If they ask you about the pepper spray, tell them you carry it for protection.”
Roxie nodded and said, “Okay,” but the thought of being discovered niggled away at her.
* * * *
The questioning had left Roxie nervous and near tears, but in private and outside the diner, Charlie told her she’d done well, and not to worry. Everything would be all right. They walked her down the street and away from more approaching emergency vehicles. Mercilessly, the sun beat down on them. “You turn me on, Roxie, from the moment I saw you.”
Resistance dissolved in the face of such a heady and arousing invitation. Imagining his naked body, the curve of his ass, and the moisture at the tip of his glans, along with his wet tongue searing its way along her genital folds and into her channel, she almost melted into the sidewalk.
Stop fantasizing about him right this instant, Elizabeth! Charlie’s walking you to perdition, to prison, and to the flames of temptation. He walks with an air of authority and you’ve seen him nude. That’s enough to make any woman’s heart beat faster. Why not take the chance he’ll keep his word, that he won’t tell your father where you are? After the sex, you can run wherever you want, and neither Charlie nor your father will be any the wiser. After all, Charlie happened upon me by accident, didn’t he?
She halted in her tracks. “Kiss me,” she demanded, hungry for his touch. She had no alternative but to trust him.
An enchanting grin appeared on his lips, and the corners of his eyes wrinkled. “I thought you’d never ask.” Swiftly, in a very public place, he circled his arms around her waist and flattened her against him, his palms hard against each of her ass cheeks.
From the corner of her eye, she caught sight of a purple-haired teenager in a canary yellow, souped up car. He leaned out the passenger window and shouted, “Hey, guys! Get a room!”
She heard his wild laughter before he ducked back in and the car raced away.
“Teenagers!” Charlie muttered against her ear. “That’s one hell of an idea.” His breath was hot on the side of her neck. “Let’s celebrate the fact that Rowter is in police custody, go to my place, and indulge in sixty-nine.”
“That’s temptation of the best kind,” she whispered back, her hands encircling his neck.
She lifted her head and delicately caressed his lower lip with a questing tongue. His mated with hers, sending a thrill of excitement through her. Her knees quivered, and she wondered what would it be like to have a man like Charlie at her side, loving her, caring for her, creating a simple life, one she would be proud of.
“But answer my question. How did you know Rowter was coming?”
“A gut feeling. And I saw him in the truck’s cab just for a second.”
“Oh.”
Hastily, before she killed the momentary joy she’d found in his virile company, she shoved the thoughts aside. Today, they’d celebrate and quite probably end up in bed again. His lips were so soft and tasted of golden sunshine and mint. When he groaned from deep within his throat, her thighs strained against his, pressuring, urging, wanting more of him.
His cell phone began to ring softly, a harsh sound interrupting the kiss, pushing them apart as he said, “Sorry. I better get this.”
His expression held a world of regret, but within seconds, he was all business, listening intently to the caller.
Roxie’s arms fell to her sides, and she moved away to give him some privacy. The kiss they had shared had been exhilarating and left her body on fire for more of his touch. It was a promise of things to come, so why did she feel uneasiness weave through her?
Waiting for Charlie, she strolled to a wooden slat bench outside the bakery, surprised that he trailed behind her. His eyes darted every which way, and the nonchalance with which he’d kissed her was gone. Even before he terminated the call, she sensed something was very wrong. Her breath hitched in her throat. She clenched her fists into tight balls, ready for anything.
His lips set in a grimace. Charlie glanced away before his gaze returned to her face. “I don’t know how he did it,” he said slowly, each word spoken with precision. “Rowter escaped.”
“No,” was all Roxie managed. The big man had escaped even though he’d been screaming in pain when Charlie and she had left the diner? “How do you know?”
“Kyle, a f
riend of mine, has been helping me out here in L.A. I filled him in overnight about what’s been going on. He was listening to a police scanner, and that’s how he found out.”
Roxie nodded, but her world was fast crumbling.
“That means that you have no choice but to come with me. Eddie and Kyle know of several safe houses where they believe Rowter won’t find you. Kyle’s sending a car for us to take us to one.”
That meant being on the run again. Roxie pulled herself together. “I refuse to hide. I’m going back to work until this blows over.” What other option did she have? She rose and turned in the diner’s direction. That was if Gerry wanted her back. I’m clearly a danger to his employees.
Charlie raked a hand through his hair. “You can’t do that, Roxie. That’s the first place he’ll look.” He moistened his lower lip. “I’m not giving you any choice.”
“You sound just like my father. He gives orders, and I march,” she blurted out wildly. No way she would let Charlie or her father determine how she lived her life. She could handle herself. Hadn’t she done a good job so far?
Charlie’s shoulders straightened into rigid lines. “This isn’t open to discussion, Roxie. I promise that your father won’t find out where you are.” He stepped forward all strength and virility. “One thing I don’t want is to send you back to him in body bag because you were too stubborn to accept help.”
“I’m not afraid of anything,” Roxie protested. Except losing the freedom to choose.
A nondescript sedan slid to a smooth stop at the curb. “Do yourself a favor, Roxie.” Charlie’s smooth tone brooked no dissent, and he reached out and lightly grasped her forearm. “Stay alive. If you’re dead, you’re not free.”
Before she could resist, he had opened the car’s back door and pushed her inside. He did have a point. Death robbed her of freedom. Reluctantly, she slid across the seat to make room for Charlie. His door had barely closed with a sharp snap before the driver stepped on the gas and raced away from the diner.
* * * *
Charlie noted Roxie hadn’t fully slid across the seat. His heart hammered hard at the thought that Rowter was still after Roxie. He sighed with frustration. In the back seat, his jean clad thigh rubbed against her dress. They were in hot contact with each other, which left his body raging for more of her. However, he had to handle her carefully since he didn’t know her full story. Perhaps there was a reason freedom was such an issue with her, where it wouldn’t have been with someone else.
“How could Rowter be on the move so quickly?” she whispered, backhanding her forehead.
Charlie was happy to answer. “There’s a product, a wipe, on the market that will strip Pepper Spray from the skin and neutralize the burning in the eyes. I bet he was carrying that for an emergency.”
“I didn’t know that.” Roxie rubbed her throat delicately.
“You wouldn’t have to unless you were in law enforcement or a criminal.”
“Yesterday, when I was crossing the street, was the driver in the semi Rowter?” She swallowed hard, possibly remembering her close encounter with the eighteen-wheeler.
“No, I don’t believe so. He was driving far too quickly, and I think he was trying to miss you.” Changing the subject and hoping she’d reply, he asked tenderly, “Did you father hurt you?”
I certainly understand if you’re angry with me. I would be too if a guy came along, told me someone was trying to kill me and wouldn’t let me fight.
She faced away from him, watching downtown L.A. slip into the distance as the driver, Hector Torres, whom Kyle informed him could be trusted to the death, drove. In front of the vehicle, the roadway became a mirage in the deadly heat.
Roxie shook her head in response.
Charlie persisted. “What did he do to you that you’ve squirreled yourself away?”
She swept back a stray lock of hair from her ear before she faced him, her eyes shimmering with unshed tears. Sunlight caught her in its cruel glare as the car traveled in the shadow of an overpass. Her lips trembled.
Roxie appeared so forlorn. Did he dare take her in his arms and comfort her the best he could?
“You’re distraught,” he said softly, over the hum of the car’s engine. “It’s been quite a day already with all that’s gone on.” He didn’t want to remind her of the truck heading toward them and Rowter’s intent of killing them. The memory was enough to frighten anyone, let alone a sensitive woman like Roxie.
Despite himself, he took her into his arms and was surprised when she didn’t battle him but sank her head against his left shoulder.
“He didn’t hurt me physically, but I always felt restricted. There were always bodyguards around, watching my every move and reporting back to him. On my own, I can do anything I want.” She ended on a small laugh, then without raising her head, she whispered, “Where are we going? You owe me that much.”
He suppressed a sigh. “Oxnard, up the coast. Rowter won’t find you there, and the cops will have a chance to find him while I keep you safe.”
She laughed softly. “That’s the story of my life. Letting someone else do the work.”
Her small hand edged down the ridge of his spine with a feather caress, which sent a spark into his groin. It reignited the raging fire he’d tried to quell since he’d heard Rowter was on the loose again. Her fingers erotically reached down between his shirt and belt toward the crack of his ass. He shivered.
“Roxie,” he began, but she cut him off with her musical voice.
“Shh, Charlie. I just want to touch you. It makes me feel better.”
“Me, too,” he agreed, stroking the back of her head and her silky hair under the chignon. “Let your hair down for me?” he pleaded huskily. His penis was rock hard again, but then Roxie’s mere presence aroused him. What was it about her that fascinated him in a way no other woman had? Expectantly, his hands settled on her shoulders.
Intrigued, he watched her downcast eyes as she pulled the pins from the chignon, and her hair tumbled down over her shoulders and her bodice. She flashed him a smile filled with promise.
Then he remembered the dark angel who’d stolen his parking space the morning before. How she’d climbed on the bike in her leather outfit and her ass had done him in, leaving him wanting more and unable to think of anything else. Biker chicks were hot and L.A. was more than he’d bargained for, especially now that Roxie was with him.
The car raced in the diamond lane now. A few vehicles surrounded them, but the traffic wasn’t bumper to bumper as it so often was at rush hour.
“Like this?” Roxie asked coquettishly. Her gaze rested fully on his, inquiring, playing with his libido. Her hands stayed still in her lap.
“Like that,” he assented, taking her wrist and lifting her fingers to his mouth. One by one, he kissed the pads with delicate brushes of his lips. Roxie quivered.
Canting her head toward the driver, she asked in a soft whisper, “Can he hear us?”
Her trembling had increased remarkably. Did she want him so much she was willing to do him in a public place, much like his crazy fantasy?
“That’s one of the things that gave you away,” he told her with a short laugh. “You can’t hide your blue blood no matter what you do. It’s too ingrained in you.”
Her eyes smiled now too. The angel had mated with the devil and come out to tease him into his version of a pleasurable inferno.
Roxie didn’t notice the car moving forward. She had eyes for nothing but Charlie. Her whole body responded to his nearness, and now they were out of immediate danger, she felt relief wash over her along with yearning for the man who she’d eat up if given the chance.
“You mentioned sixty-nine,” she whispered with a naughty wink. “Will we still have the opportunity?”
Charlie moaned. His eyes flicked toward the driver and back to Roxie. “You’re hot,” he choked out, his eyes bulging, his Adam’s apple bobbing up and down.
“Why don’t you cool me down a little?�
�� she offered, her voice slick with meaning. His musky scent was heady and tempting. She raised her torso up a fraction of an inch and lifted her dress up her thighs.
He rasped out a breath. “I want to treat you like a princess,” he managed as his hand strayed to the top of her warm thigh.
She shrugged. “Treat me any way you want later. For now, give me what I want.” Grasping his fingers, she edged them up the hip of her cotton panties.
“Oh God, Roxie. I’m burning up,” he murmured close to her ear lobe. His breath was hot against her left cheek.
She’d never been so forward with a man before and immensely enjoyed Charlie’s reaction. She gave him a wicked smile and traced the outline of his bulging erection through his jeans with the pad of her index finger. He glanced away at the Pacific Ocean with half-closed eyes, puffing small breaths, perhaps to steady his nerves.
A bright green highway sign caught her eye. Thousand Oaks.
“Have you ever made out in a car before?” she asked, ramping up her smile to mega-watts.
His lips parted but no sound came. Instead, he shook his head.
Poor baby. He’s in for the ride of his life. As a matter of fact, I’ve never felt so raunchy, so inventive before. I want to give Charlie the best orgasm he’s ever had, just quietly, in the back seat of a car hurrying to safety. Perhaps the driver will get a hard-on, too.
“What do you feel?” she asked, as his eyes narrowed into slits and he lowered his mouth to her neck. His lips nuzzled a trail of heated passion to her throat.
“What do you want me to do with my fingers?” His voice was incredibly husky and sexy.
She snorted. “Pleasure me.”
“Do you mean fuck you?” He spoke softly, his head bent.
“Yes.” Was Charlie visually examining her breasts as she gasped tiny breaths of anticipation?
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