Savor the Danger

by Lori Foster

  Temper shooting up another notch, Jackson accepted the truth and ground out the obvious. “This might be our best chance to trap the bastards.”

  Dare nodded. “Whoever is following Arizona won’t hurt her, because they need her to lead them to you, and to Alani.”

  Trace picked up on the explanations. “Unfortunately, if they know Alani isn’t with you—”

  “Then Arizona could become collateral damage.” Shit, shit, shit.

  “But thanks to her call, we’re on to them,” Trace said, “and that gives us the upper hand. We’d all three be watching over her, but from different vantage points.”

  “Which means we can keep both women safe.” Dare clasped Jackson’s shoulder. “But Alani can’t know.”

  “And neither can Arizona.” Trace reined in his anger. “They’ll be easier to control if they don’t suspect danger.”

  “Women tend to get protective.” Dare blew out a slow breath. “Complicates the shit out of things.”

  That was a mighty big secret to keep from Alani. She wouldn’t like it. And he wasn’t convinced it was necessary. A history of treating her like a kid blinded Trace and Dare, but Alani was a smart, responsible woman with good instincts. At the hospital, she’d put her own nerves aside to handle the situation with intelligence, savvy and dignity.

  “I don’t know.” He’d prefer to carry Alani off to his home and keep her there until he’d unraveled the mystery of who’d drugged him and who was after them.

  Trace snapped, “And I don’t like it that some whack-job wants to get to my sister. I want this shit resolved, and if we see him coming after her, we can resolve it.”

  “In a controlled environment,” Dare reasoned. “This is our best-case scenario and you know it.”

  “Don’t worry,” Trace said, prodding his anger. “She’s my sister. I’ll make sure she doesn’t get hurt.”

  Dare groaned at that well-placed dig.

  But Jackson didn’t take the bait; he was too busy sorting out all the scenarios in his mind. “You know I won’t let anything happen to her.”

  “Is that right?”

  “It is.” If it was anyone but Alani, he wouldn’t have to think about it, but with her, everything was different. Knowing he really had no choice, that in the end this would be in Alani’s best interest, Jackson agreed with one short nod. “All right, I’ll do it.”

  Dare made a rude sound. “Was there any question about that?”

  “No.” He frowned. “So what’s the plan?”

  Together, they sorted out all the possible circumstances, how they could change, how the men could be affected and what to do in case they were.

  It seemed like a sound plan to Jackson, but he knew Alani would be pissed. Trust was important to her—and she’d earned his trust.

  “Soon as Arizona calls you,” Trace said, “let us know. In the meantime, you might want to make sure my sister is on board for another trip, but unsuspecting of—” Trace’s cell rang, cutting off the rest of what he would have said.

  After glancing at the caller ID he opened it without concern. “Got it done?”

  Jackson and Dare both listened in, saw Trace’s satisfaction and relaxed.

  “Great. Keep an eye on him. If he thinks of anything else, let me know, but otherwise, I don’t want him contacting anyone for any reason. Right. Hell, lock him in a closet if he gives you any problems.” Trace grinned. “Yeah, I’ll deal with it later if it comes to that. Thanks.”

  After he disconnected the call, Trace stowed the phone. “Marc Tobin is relocated. I left two men to babysit him.”

  “Is he making things difficult?” Dare asked.

  “Actually…no. They said he’s mostly limping around the room, unsettled, antsy.” Trace gave a grudging shrug. “He wants to be clearheaded in case he thinks of anything that might help, so he’s refusing pain meds.”

  “He’s still a prick, but at least that takes care of one problem.” Making up his mind, Jackson snagged up one more sandwich and devoured half in a single bite. “Guess I might as well get on with tackling the other.”

  Trace folded his arms over his chest. “You’re saying my sister is a problem?”

  “Biggest one I’ve ever faced.” He slapped Trace on the shoulder before leaving the room. “But don’t worry about it. It’s nothing I can’t handle.”

  SITTING UNDER A TREE OUT FRONT, Alani allowed Grim to do his business while keeping a close eye on him. The vet had done a few cursory tests, and overall had given the cat a clean bill of health. But he needed to be brushed—something Alani had just been working on—and he’d need to be brought in for more vaccines once the tests were finished. Chris had promised to see to it, since no one wanted her going out.

  Danger lurked.

  It seemed so surreal. Prior to being kidnapped, her life had been so secure, so happy and so…surface-level. Sure, she’d loved—her brother, Dare, the parents she still missed.

  And she’d enjoyed—her studies, her work, her friends.

  But everything she felt now was enhanced by the knowledge of how easily it could be taken away. Fear honed her senses. Simple joys, like planning the decorating of Jackson’s house, meant so much more to her.

  Loving him meant everything.

  She wanted to tell him how she felt, but he had so much going on right now, how could she add to his burden? What if he didn’t feel the same? Jackson thought himself invincible, but she knew the truth.

  In a heartbeat, everything could change. She didn’t want to waste a single second of her time with him.

  But neither did she want to be a distraction.

  Grim came back to her, gave one long rusty meow, butted her hand with his head and started purring. In her maudlin frame of mind, such a simple gesture of trust left her ready to weep. “You like being pampered, huh?” She drew him into her lap and began brushing again.

  Already, giant fur balls rolled over the lawn like tumbleweeds. Many of the tangles had had to be cut out, so he had a few patchy places, but otherwise, he looked beautiful.

  Cross, but oh so precious.

  She cuddled him up to her face and hugged him.

  A shadow fell over her.

  Thinking Chris had returned with a bag for the cleanup, she tipped her head back, but instead it was Jackson. He stared down at her, expression enigmatic except for his eyes. Burning bright with sensual need, they left her scorched.

  Caught up in her own disturbing analogy, Alani whispered, “Hi.”

  “Hey.” He knelt down beside her. “What’d the vet say?”

  “So far, so good. Tomorrow, Chris will take him to her office to get the results of some blood tests, and if everything is as good as she suspects, he’ll get a few shots. But he’s parasite free, ears clean, eyes clear. All he needs is lots of love.”

  “Looks like you’re giving him that.”

  The cat abandoned her to high-step, back arched, tail lifted, over to Jackson. He wove in and around Jackson’s legs, purring loudly in that raspy voice of his.

  Grinning, Jackson scooped him up. “My man, you’re looking real slick.” He ran a hand along the cat’s back, found a knot of fur and reached for the scissors.

  So gentle, he cut out the tangle without a single complaint from Grim.

  The setting sun shone on Jackson’s face, in his bright green eyes, gilding his blond hair and emphasizing the clarity of his astounding good looks. Jackson was a man who could make women melt by appearance alone. Coupled with his protective streak and generous nature, he devastated her senses.

  Cupping the side of his face, Alani drew him toward her for a kiss. She thought of everything he’d done to her, how he made her body burn, and she badly wanted to reciprocate.

  “Mmm.” Noses touching, he asked, “What was that for?”

  “I want you.” She sighed. “I’ve wanted you since that aborted seduction in the car.” The words left her mouth, and she laughed. “That’s a lie. I wanted you long before that. In fact,
it’s getting harder and harder to remember when I didn’t want you.”

  Arrested, he gazed into her eyes a moment, then looked around, probably trying to figure out how they could work it.

  She smiled. “Sorry. Chris will be back in a minute. He’s going to help me clean up the fur mess.”

  “Here.” Jackson set the cat in her lap and started gathering up the fur.

  Knowing he shared the physical need with her left Alani’s mood lightened. “In a rush?”

  “After what you said? That kiss?” He chased down a rolling ball of fluffy fur. “Damn right.”

  Seconds later, Chris showed up. Jackson took the bag from him and shoved everything inside.

  Watching him, Chris said, “Let me guess—you’re in a hurry?”

  “Something like that.”

  “Jackson.” With him being so blatant about things, Alani couldn’t keep the heat out of her cheeks. “I was going to help Chris get the cat settled—”

  “He can do it.” Expression imploring, Jackson appealed to Chris. “You can do it, right?”

  Rolling his eyes, Chris said, “Yeah, sure. Who am I to stand in the way of true love?”

  Both Jackson and Alani froze. Jackson cracked first. “You’re the man, Chris. Thanks.”

  “I’ve pretty much already got everything ready, anyway. The vet suggested keeping him separated from the others, but the girls are dying to say hi, so maybe I can take him down to my place now.”

  Alani looked to the front door and saw Tai and Sargie looking out, big brown eyes hopeful, their noses pressed to the screen.

  She laughed. “They are such big, sweet muffins.”

  “Liger is more undecided.” Chris smiled back at the dogs. “But then that fat cat doesn’t stir himself for too many people, so why would he bother with another animal?”

  “If Priss hears you call him fat, she’ll skin you.”

  Chris laughed. “Actually, Trace is more defensive of him now than she is.”

  “Yeah, that’s great. Good for Liger.” Impatient, Jackson scooped up the cat, stroked him a few times, whispered in his ear, then handed him over to Chris. “Thanks.”

  Pretending great distress, Chris put a hand to his head. “First you want me, now you’re giving me the brush-off.”

  Jackson gave him a light shove. “I said I needed someone like you.” He reached for Alani. “Besides, Dare would never give you up.”

  “Course he wouldn’t. I’m too valuable.”

  Alani hesitated. “You’ll let me know if Grim has any problems?”

  “I will, but don’t worry. He’ll be fine.” He gave Jackson a level man-to-man stare. “Don’t do anything I wouldn’t do.” And with that, he walked off.

  Jackson stood there a second. “What wouldn’t he do?”

  Tugging him toward the house, Alani said, “Knowing Chris, it’s all fair game. And right now, that works just fine for me.”

  “Much more talk like that,” Jackson murmured behind her, “and I won’t last.”

  “We have the rest of the night.” The dogs had left the front door to follow Chris, so as she led Jackson through the house, they ran into no one. She propelled him into the room they’d use. “I’m interested to learn more about this quickie you mentioned, but—”

  His mouth landed on hers. She found herself backed up to the closed door, his hips pressed to hers, his hands on her breasts.

  Oh, my. He really was impatient.

  Alani ran her hands over his wide, hard back, down his spine and onto his sexy muscled backside.

  He jumped as if pinched. Rearing back to see her, gaze hot, he whispered, “You little tease.”

  Did her touch really cause so much reaction? Infused with confidence, Alani smiled. “I’d like a turn.”

  Still with his hands on her breasts, his thumbs teasing her nipples, he asked, “At what?”

  “Being the…aggressor.”

  As they stared at each other, she felt the rise of his erection and his body heat.

  When he said nothing, she gently pushed away from the door. “Let’s switch positions.”

  “Yeah, okay.” But for once he seemed clumsy. Eyes narrowed with sensual intent, he watched her. “Woman, what are you planning to do?”

  “Nothing you haven’t done to me.”

  He sucked in a ragged breath. “Yeah.”

  “Nothing I haven’t already done—except that you don’t remember.” She gazed up at him. “And you didn’t let me finish.”

  Another breath. “Okay. Sure. If that’s what you want.”

  “I want you, Jackson.” She opened his belt buckle.

  In a rush, he shifted, reaching back for his holster as she slid the belt free.

  Alani held out a hand, and he surprised her by placing the holstered gun in her palm. It was heavy but warm from his body. She set it, with the belt, on a chair beside the bed.

  Avoiding Jackson’s gaze, knowing he had the power to throw off her plans with but a look, she concentrated on his jeans. The snap opened easily.

  “Careful now,” he told her.

  And he held his breath as she eased the zipper down over a solid erection. Slipping her hand inside the open jeans, she stroked him. The feel of him through the cotton boxers excited her.

  She wanted more.

  She dropped down to her knees.

  Jackson rasped, “God, woman.” His big hand settled in her hair. “Gotta say, you look good down there.”

  “That’s what you said the first time.” She smiled. “Let’s get off your boots so I can get you naked.”

  He didn’t reply, and when she looked up, his long fingers worked through her hair. His chest labored, and color rose on his high cheekbones.

  “You gonna blow me, darlin’?”

  That was the plan, but she hadn’t expected him to outright ask. “Let’s play it by ear.”

  He massaged her scalp. “Let’s play it by tongue.”

  So suggestive. And since when could a hand on her head make her insane with need?

  Since Jackson, obviously.

  She turned her attention back to his boots, unlacing them and, when he lifted a foot, removing them. She peeled off his socks.

  Even his big feet were sexy, she thought, especially with the way he braced them apart in anticipation of what would come.

  Alani looked up the length of his tall body and came back to her feet.

  “You’re killing me here.”

  “A big, strong guy like you can take it.” Catching the hem of his shirt, she drew it up his torso. His skin was hot, and other than a sprinkling of body hair, smooth and sleek over iron muscles and long bones. Leaning forward, Alani kissed his chest, lightly bit a pectoral muscle, teased her tongue over a flat nipple.

  His head went back. “If I come in my pants, it’ll be your fault.”

  She stalled. “Is that a possibility?”

  Eyes closed, face flushed, he grinned. “Nah. Least, I hope not.”

  “Good.” She got the shirt up more, and then let him strip it off over his head. Spreading both hands on his chest, she said, “Because I want to taste you this time.”

  While he sucked in air, she went back to her knees and tugged down the jeans. When the denim bunched at the bottom of his thighs, she leaned forward and kissed him through his boxers. “You smell really good, Jackson.” Hands on his hips, she opened her mouth over him, teased along his length with her teeth. She nuzzled lower, where his scent was stronger, and her stomach did a somersault.

  “Know what, babe?” He shifted uneasily. “That’d feel even better if we both got naked.”

  Knowing he’d rob her of her chance if she disrobed, Alani shook her head. “Just you.” She tugged the jeans down the rest of the way, and as he stepped free, she pushed them aside. “Now the boxers.”

  “Hell, yeah.” Without a modest bone in his body, Jackson stripped them off. He stroked her head. “You wanna come up here and kiss me?”

  “No, I think I’ll do my k
issing from down here.” He pulsed with life when she wrapped her fist around him. “Jackson?”

  Tense from his toes to his eyebrows, he said, “Hmm?”

  “Tell me if I do anything wrong.” And with that, she leaned forward to lick away a salty drop of fluid from the head.

  “Yeah, su—” Cut short on a gasp, his reply ended with a groan.

  Liking that reaction, Alani licked him again, all around and down the shaft to the base.

  Breathing hard, he cupped her head in both hands and urged her closer. “Open up, Alani. Let me feel your mouth.”

  Even now, when she hoped to wrest away the control, he managed to easily seduce her using no more than his honest need.

  “Like this?” She parted her lips around him, drew him in.

  “Ah…fuck. Yeah.”

  Kneading her hair, he held her still while easing farther into her mouth. It excited her unbearably, to hear his breathless groans, feel the growing tension in his muscles, breathe in his heat and the scent that was purely Jackson.

  He put one hand over hers where she held him and, in a gravelly rasp, instructed, “Squeeze me. Like this.” He showed her how to move her hand in counterpoint to her mouth. His thumb slid over her face. “Suck on me. Let me feel your cheeks hollow out—”

  And when she did, he praised her with, “Good. Too good.” He groaned. “Damn, I can’t wait.”

  She slid him free, licked again, drew him back in.

  His knees locked. “That’s enough, Alani. Enough.”

  He tried to tug her away, but she didn’t want to stop. This time, she wanted everything from him.

  “Alani…baby, it’s now or never.” Another groan, raw, broken, and: “Too late.” Cupping his hands around her neck, he drew her close and growled out a strong release that shook his big body.

  Alani stayed with him as he continued to groan and tremble, and then he eased her away with a broken, breathless laugh.

  “Yeah,” he murmured, “that helped.”

  On her knees looking up at him, Alani asked, “Helped with what?”

  “All that ails me.” He put his head back against the door, drew in several laboring breaths and blew them out slowly. “Now.”

  Her whole body throbbed with a sweet, expanding ache. “Now what?”