Undercover Mistress

by Amethyst Ames

  “Aye. Yer the boss.”

  Before she could reply, an irate-looking woman bolted through the bathroom door and glared at them. “Can’t you people find somewhere else to have a conference?” She darted into a stall and slammed the door behind her.

  Angus appeared to be highly amused. “I think we better get out of here while we still can.”

  “Wait.” Crystal opened her purse. “Kate can’t go out there looking like that. I need to fix her makeup.”

  Marc headed for the door. “Angus and I will be outside.”

  Kate jerked away from her sister. “No, you won’t. Angus is going to stay right here where I can see him.”

  “If he’s staying, so am I.” The agent parked himself against a wall. Angus leaned casually on the counter, arms crossed over his chest as he watched Crystal repair her makeup.

  A toilet flushed and the woman reappeared. Without a word, she washed her hands, her gaze skimming Kate’s face. When she was done, she opened her purse and pulled out a tube. “Here. It’s waterproof mascara.” She gave Angus a heated glare then continued. “Keep it. You probably need it more than I do.”

  * * * * *

  “Yer goin’ tae have tae stop jumpin’ every time I touch ye, Katie. Yer startin’ tae look like popcorn on a hot grill.”

  “That’s easy enough to fix,” she snapped. “Stop touching me.”

  “Nay. I like the feel of ye tae much tae stop.”

  She rubbed her forehead in frustration. “Look, Angus. How can you expect me to concentrate on doing my job if you keep distracting me?”

  “In case yer forgettin’, ye have two jobs.”

  She only wished to God she could forget it. The fears his declaration had brought on tried to overwhelm her again, but she pushed them back. “I haven’t forgotten. But while we’re in public, I’m your bodyguard first and foremost.”

  “And in private?” His voice dropped to a soft caress.

  Kate swallowed hard. “Both. You didn’t leave me much choice. But don’t think you’re going to change my mind, Angus. It will only be sex. As soon as this job is over I’ll be gone.”

  The four of them were standing in a corner, the crowd swirling around them as more people arrived at the party. Marc and Crystal were whispering to each other in low voices. Angus took a step away from her, his gaze running over the tight white dress. “Do ye have a gun on ye?”

  “Yes.”

  He grinned. “Where? I want tae see it.”

  She ground her teeth together. “This isn’t a game.”

  “I dinna believe ye have one.”

  “I’d be happy to shoot you and prove it,” she growled.

  Her statement didn’t bother him in the least. “Will ye show me later?”

  With a snap, she opened her purse and thrust it under his nose. “Satisfied?”

  He stared down at the contents, his smile fading. “A nine millimeter Glock,” he murmured. His gaze lifted to hers. “Ye get serious about yer firepower, dinna ye, Kate?”

  “I told you. This isn’t a game. Whoever’s after you isn’t going to stop just because we ask nicely. They’re going to take a little more convincing, and a Glock can be real persuasive.”

  She closed the purse and slid the chain over her shoulder. “I think we’re about to have company.”

  The man approaching them had been staring in their direction since the moment he’d walked through the door, and she didn’t care for the look in his eyes. It was determined and cool. The woman with him didn’t look any happier. She was dressed rather plainly in a dark blue gown, her gray hair pulled back in bun.

  Angus glanced at the man and groaned.

  “You know him?”

  “It’s John Wesley, the mon who wants me tae do the tour.” He nudged Marc with his elbow. “Pay attention.”

  “Mr. McLeod.” Wesley managed to dredge up a smile as he reached them. “I was hoping to see you tonight.”

  Kate studied both people while he spoke. Wesley’s dark hair was short, shot with silver at the temples to give him a rather distinguished appearance. He was almost as tall as Angus, although slimmer, and she’d been around Crystal enough to know his clothes were very expensive. What puzzled her was that he looked familiar, even though she was sure they had never met. She moved a step closer to Angus as the man continued and quietly opened her purse.

  “I’d love to discuss a tour with you. Do you think we might talk privately?”

  Before Angus could reply, Kate interrupted. “I’m sorry. I can’t allow Mr. McLeod out of my sight. If you want to talk with him, it will have to be in my presence.”

  Wesley’s glance slid over her, his smile remaining in place. “I don’t believe I’ve had the pleasure. I’m John Wesley, owner of Pages, and this is Lois Trent.”

  She ignored the hand he held out. “Kate Carson. I’m Mr. McLeod’s bodyguard.”

  “Bodyguard?” One elegant eyebrow lifted in question. “Is there a problem?”

  “Nothing we can’t handle. Mr. McLeod has received some odd letters.” She watched him closely. There was no surprise, but she’d swear she saw a flicker of anger in his pale blue eyes. If it was anger, he recovered quickly.

  “Ah.” He tipped his head and turned back to Angus. “That explains why you’re so reluctant to discuss a tour. Completely understandable. Maybe with your next book?”

  “Ye’ll have tae speak with my agent, Mr. Wesley.” Angus gestured to Marc. “He handles all my business.”

  “With pleasure. If there’s anything I can do to help with your current problem, please let me know. Have you hired someone to investigate the situation?”

  “Yes, we have,” Marc told him. “I’m sure it will be under control soon.”

  “Well, I won’t continue to bother you. Mr. Jergen, please let me know when these circumstances are resolved and we can discuss business.” His hand closed tightly around Lois Trent’s arm as they turned away.

  They watched the couple make their way to the new author Linda was throwing the party for. Angus shook his head. “I dinna understand the mon. He did everything but kidnap me the last time I saw him, tryin’ tae get me alone. Now he seems happy tae wait and talk with Marc.”

  “When did he try to get you alone? Was it before or after you started getting the letters?”

  Angus thought about it for a second. “I think it was before. Maybe a few weeks or so. Why?”

  Kate was still watching Wesley. “Because he didn’t seem surprised when I mentioned the letters.”

  “You don’t think he sent them, do you? I thought they were from a woman?” Crystal was looking confused.

  “They are.” Marc hesitated. “Aren’t they? I mean, they sure sound like a woman.”

  “Maybe whoever wrote them only wants us to think it’s a woman.” The hair on the back of Kate’s neck lifted and excitement suddenly knotted her stomach. She almost stomped her foot in exasperation. “I need to see the originals, damn it. Maybe I can convince the police to let me look at them.”

  “Ye dinna have to. I have one at home.”

  Kate spun to stare at him. “Why didn’t you tell us?”

  He shrugged. “At the time, I thought it would only make Marc worry more, and he was already drivin’ me crazy about the damn things.”

  “When did you get it?”

  “The day before ye arrived. Truthfully, by the next morning I forgot I had it.” He gave her a meaningful look and she felt heat rising to her cheeks.

  “Marc, can you keep an eye on Crystal and make sure she gets home safely?”

  “Of course.” He put his arm around her sister in a rather possessive manner. “What are you going to do?”

  “We’re going back to Maine tonight instead of waiting until tomorrow. I want to see that letter.”

  * * * * *

  The flight back had seemed twice as long as usual. And the entire drive from the Bangor airport, Angus fired questions at her about how she’d gotten the Glock on the airplane. “
You saw me fill out the A.I. forms.”

  “A.I.?”

  “Armed individual. Surely you know all this. The guy in your books always carries a gun.”

  “Aye, but I’ve never had him fly anywhere before.”

  “Well, now you know.” She had put her shoulder holster on as soon as they left the plane. Now, as they stopped in front of his house, she drew the gun. “I’m going in first. Stay behind me.”

  “I never realized how sexy a woman could look wearing a gun,” he commented. “Do ye think ye might wear it when we make love sometime?”

  She shot him a withering glare and unlocked the door, moving immediately to reset the alarms. When he was inside, she locked the door and retrieved her .22 from the vase, sheathing it in the holster at her ankle. God, she felt better with her guns in place.

  Holding the Glock in one hand and steadying it with the other, she went from room to room, Angus following behind her calmly. When she was satisfied everything was in order, they returned to the study.

  “Between ye and Marc, ye’ve turned the place into a fortress. Do ye really think anyone could get in?” He poured a glass of his usual drink and reached down to adjust what looked like a painful erection. Apparently he’d been telling the truth about thinking she was sexy with a gun in her hand. And his reaction gave her a few ideas of her own. Maybe she’d even put them into practice when she got over being mad at him. She forced her mind back to the subject at hand and tried to ignore the ache between her legs.

  “If someone is determined enough, they can usually find a way. Tomorrow I want to check the rocks going down to the beach. I don’t like the idea that there might be a way up or down.”

  “There is. I’ve taken it myself many times. But it’s steep and no easy task.”

  Kate rubbed her forehead in frustration. “Is there anything else you haven’t told me?”

  “Nay.”

  “You’re sure?”

  “Aye.”

  She glared at him for a second. “Why do you sound so damn cheerful? Can’t you get it though your head someone is out to get you?”

  “Ye’ll protect me. Do ye want tae see the letter tonight, or wait until morning?”

  The clock on the study wall had just chimed one, but she wasn’t the least bit sleepy. “Tonight.”

  “‘Tis in my desk.”

  He led the way to the office and opened a drawer. Instantly the overpowering scent of roses filled the room and he grimaced before handing her the pink envelope.

  Arrested by his expression, Kate paused, thinking about something Maggie had said before lunch earlier today. “Why don’t you like roses?”

  One of his broad shoulders lifted in a shrug. “‘Tis not the flowers I dislike so much, only the odor. I’ve never liked it. It makes me feel like I’m drowning.”

  “How many people know you feel that way?”

  “‘Tis not something I’ve broadcast, if that’s what ye mean. The only time I think of it is when I smell the things.”

  “Did the other letters smell like this?” She didn’t believe in coincidences. Angus hated the smell of roses and this letter was drenched in the scent. There had to be a link between the two.

  “Aye.” He took a drink from his glass. “Are ye goin’ tae read it?”

  She examined the outside of the envelope. There were no unusual marks or writing of any type other than the address. “You said you got this the day before I arrived?”

  “It could have been a few days before. I’m not tae good at keeping up with time when I’m working.”

  Gingerly, she pulled the folded sheet of paper out and spread it on the desk. It wasn’t long and it took her only a second to scan it. “It’s the same as the others except for the last few lines.” She read them aloud.

  “Find me if you can, if you dare. Time is running out.”

  She looked up at him, her skin tingling. “They aren’t just trying to scare you, Angus. They want you to look for them. And it sounds like they’ve given you a time limit.”

  “What happens if I dinna look, if I canna find them?”

  Kate knew her expression was grim. “We don’t want to find out, and if I can help it, we won’t.”

  “Do ye still think it could be a mon?”

  “I don’t know. I’m not a handwriting expert, and the calligraphy makes it even harder to tell. I’ve got a friend in the bureau who owes me a favor. I’ll fax it to him tomorrow and see what he comes up with.”

  “Good.” He took the letter away from her and dropped it back into the drawer. “Let’s go tae bed.”

  Every muscle in Kate’s body tensed. As long as she was working, she hadn’t been forced to think about their other arrangement. Now it came back with a vengeance. Slowly, she licked her lips. “Angus, I don’t think…”

  He put his glass down on the desk and moved directly in front of her. “‘Twas part of the deal, Kate.” His fingers traced a gentle path down her cheek. “Ye dinna have tae worry. I’ll not be forcing ye tae make love if ye dinna want tae. But I want ye in my bed where ye belong, and I’ll not be takin’ no for an answer. If I canna love ye, at least let me hold ye.”

  It felt as though a yawing hole had opened in her chest where her heart used to be. She wanted what he offered. Wanted desperately to feel his arms around her. But she was so afraid of what would happen if she accepted. She couldn’t risk loving him, or allow him to love her. Only bad things happened in the name of love.

  Before she could make a decision, he scooped her up in his arms and started out of the room.

  “What are you doing?” The words came out a choked whisper.

  “I told ye. I’ll not be takin’ no for an answer.”

  Kate dropped her head onto his chest, a bit shocked at the relief pouring through her. He wasn’t going to give her a choice. She would have a few more nights with him, whether she wanted them or not. And she wanted them. God, how she wanted them.

  It didn’t mean she loved him, she argued with herself as he climbed the stairs. Never that. She’d die first. It only meant she’d gotten used to having him there. Gotten used to the fantastic sex.

  But he’d said there wouldn’t be any sex and she still wanted to sleep in his bed.

  Her eyes closed as her mind fought the bloody images trying to force their way through. Teeth grinding, she pushed them back. But this time it was harder than it had ever been before. The battle raged inside her until Angus gently lowered her feet to the floor.

  “I’ll get my gown.”

  “Nay. Ye dinna need one. I want tae feel all of ye beside me.”

  He removed her shoulder holster and put it on the nightstand before undressing her and sliding her between the sheets. When he joined her, he put his arms around her and curved his body to hers. “Go tae sleep, Katie love.”

  To her surprise, she was sleepy. She snuggled down with her head on his arm and drifted to sleep.

  CHAPTER FIFTEEN

  Angus lifted his head and listened intently before dropping his gaze back to the computer screen. If Kate discovered what he was doing she’d undoubtedly pack up and leave on the spot. That’s why he had no intention of letting her know.

  He typed rapidly then hit search, nearly groaning at the amount of hits his browser pulled up. And this was only one newspaper. True, it was the main one for the area she’d lived in, but it would take him days to go through all the archived stories. Carson was simply too common a name.

  Leaning back in his chair, he laced his fingers behind his head, thinking. Crystal had said she’d been too young to remember whatever had happened. How old did a child have to be before they remembered details of their lives? He’d been almost two when his father married Maggie and he couldn’t remember a thing about that. But he could remember things that had happened when he was three.

  Doing some mental calculations, he changed the time span on the screen to cover the four-year period when Crystal was a baby and searched again. Better. There were only a hundred
and fifty articles this round.

  Starting with the earliest year, he clicked on the first link. It was a story about a city councilman named Carson. He moved on to the next.

  He’d made it through twenty boring stories when he heard the sound of footsteps. Hurriedly, he minimized the browser, leaving only his manuscript in view before he glanced up.

  Kate was hesitating in the doorway. Yesterday, he’d wondered if he would ever get used to seeing her wearing a gun. Today, it was the least of his worries. He had hoped sleeping with her last night would help get things back to normal. Instead, she was still treating him like he had the plague, and it was killing him.

  Why was she so afraid to admit that she loved him? While she’d slept, her body had known. Instinctively, she’d sought him across the bed, her soft warm curves fitting themselves to his body perfectly.

  And when she’d whimpered low in her throat, sweat coating her face, it had been his voice that soothed her, calmed her. His hand that brushed the short damp hair away from her forehead. His arms that held her until the trembling stopped and her breathing deepened again. But he knew that if she’d ever roused into full awareness, she would have denied having the nightmares. The nightmares he had apparently triggered by telling her he loved her.

  “Ye dinna have to hover, Katie. I willna bite unless ye want me tae.”

  She took a step into the room. “I don’t want to disturb your writing.”

  “Ye won’t. Did ye get yer calls made?”

  Nervously, she perched on the edge of her desk chair. “Yes. I faxed Norm a copy of the last letter. He’s going to take it to the agency’s handwriting expert.”