Under Pressure [IAD Agency] (Siren Publishing Classic)

by Laurie Roma

  They knew Victor Dane had bought himself a new identity in Europe, but the trace they had done only got them as far as his entry back into the States. Since he had come back to America, he had been using a new name, and any chance of using his European alias to catch him had gone cold.

  Bella felt as if she was stuck in a dangerous game of cat and mouse and she didn’t know the rules. Jason and the other agents had been working tirelessly to end the threat against her, and she knew staying in the apartment would make everyone’s job easier. So she stayed put. The last thing she wanted to happen was to have someone else get hurt trying to protect her.

  Again.

  She felt horrible that Tara had gotten hurt, so she kept her complaints to herself. Tara had laughed off her concern, but Bella still felt responsible. To keep busy, she had started the plans for Bella Gio’s, surfing the web for ideas and jotting down what she liked so she could show it to Gio later.

  The other thing weighing heavily on her mind was the baby.

  She hadn’t told Jason yet, but she wanted to do it when they were on equal ground again, not while she was lying in bed recovering. She knew him well enough to at least wait for that much. The truth was that she was also nervous, not knowing how he would take the news.

  Even though it had only been a few days, she loved their baby already. Being given the dream of a child when she thought it would be hard for ever to have one was a gift beyond measure.

  Part of her was so happy she thought she would burst. The other part was terrified.

  After hearing what had happened to Jason’s family, she so wanted to give that back to him. She wanted for them to have a big family, one where he could learn to love and laugh again without restraint, without the shadow of his past haunting him. But they had never talked about children, and it was so soon that she was worried that he wouldn’t want the same vision of the future that she so desperately hoped for.

  Unable to stand it anymore, Bella flung back the covers to get out of bed. She had to do something, something besides thinking about the man somewhere out there who wanted to kill her. She needed to do something useful. And tonight, tonight she would tell Jason about the baby.

  Taking a quick shower, Bella wrapped herself in a gold cashmere robe Jason had left hanging for her on a rack in the bathroom.

  Playing with the large diamond pendant that Jason had gifted her with only yesterday, she strode into the closet to find something to wear. The diamond was beautiful and matched her ring perfectly. She had told Jason that she didn’t want him buying her such expensive gifts, but when he told her that he had gotten it so she could put her ring on the chain to wear it around her neck when she was cooking, she had accepted it gratefully. Not that he would have taken it back anyway.

  The closet was large enough to have its own zip code. Every time Bella walked into the room, she was amazed by the amount of clothing that she and Jason had. Jason had brought all of her clothing from her apartment, but she also found so many new items, all in her size. Her eyes narrowed as she realized there were more things on her side than there were last time she had been in there.

  The man liked to buy things for her and just stuck it in the closet like she wouldn’t notice. It amused her that the only arguments they seemed to have were about his penchants for spending money on her. Well, that and his stupid man moments.

  With a smile Bella reached for a pair of her favorite comfy pants that had a racy saying written across the bottom and the matching hoodie.

  As she strolled out into the living room, Tony’s head came up from where he was sitting at the dining table working on his laptop. Concern flashed across his face, but Bella raised her hand to stop him from saying anything.

  “Don’t even start with me. I’m so sick and tired of sitting around doing nothing. I’m fine, fine I tell you. Now I’m going to cook, and I need you to go get a few things for me. I won’t try and leave, but I need you to go shopping for me.”

  Bella sat at the table and grabbed his notepad from him and started to write a list of things she needed. Tapping the pen to her lips, she finally noticed that Tony was smiling at her. “What?”

  “I’m just glad you’re okay, hon.”

  “You’re just glad I’m going to be cooking for you again, you mean.”

  Laughing, he said, “Yeah, that, too.”

  Bella smiled and reached out to grab his hand.

  “What are you doing out of bed?”

  Bella jumped in her seat and sent Jason a fake frown. “Jeez, baby, do I have to put a bell on you?”

  Jason had heard their voices from his open office door and came out to see what she was doing. Bella knew that when the door was closed not to bother him, but he rarely locked his office door nowadays while she was there. He rarely kept any secrets from her, and Bella made an effort to give him the necessary space for him to conduct his business without being underfoot.

  Bella smiled at him, reaching out her hand. He crossed the room in that quick fluid stride of his and pulled her up out of the chair and sat down, placing her onto his lap. Bella nuzzled her face into his neck and leaned in to kiss him.

  Jason could feel himself grinning like a simpleton. Damn, did he have it bad.

  “Geez, you two…get a room.”

  Jason ignored Tony as he placed another soft kiss on Bella’s lips.

  Bella pulled back and had to shake off the dreamy haze that she always got after Jason kissed her like that.

  “I’m sick of sitting around doing nothing, so I have decided to use this time to try out a few potentials for the menu at the restaurant.” Bella placed a finger to Jason’s lips when he opened his mouth to speak. “I know I have to take it easy, but all this inactivity is killing me. Tony’s going shopping for me, so I’m not trying to leave. Please.”

  Jason sighed.

  He wanted her to continue to rest, but he was surprised he had been able to keep her down for three whole days already. “All right, but if you start to feel weak, I want you to take a break.”

  “Yeah, yeah.” Bella rolled her eyes and kissed him hard before she started working on her list again. Amusement, admiration, and frustration warred in Jason as she casually dismissed him.

  “Man, does she know how to work you.” Tony chuckled.

  “Shut it, Tony, or no tiramisu for you.”

  “Shutting it now, ma’am.”

  “It seems that she knows how to work both of us, doesn’t it.” Jason stated dryly. Bella tried to scoot off his lap, but his steel-roped arms wound tight around her, holding her in place. Feeling impish she wiggled as if trying to get comfortable on his lap just to tease him.

  Jason muffled his groan as he rubbed his face into her hair and placed a kiss on the top of her head to tell her that he had only been joking. Christ, it was torture feeling her tight little bottom rub against his growing erection. He had held himself back to ensure that she was completely recovered from her ordeal and every hour had been pure hell. He had always been a sexual man, but damn it, never like this. Three days had him feeling like he was coming off a ten-year celibacy stint and his dick throbbed like an open wound.

  Jason fought back the tides of lust crashing through his system as he thought back to why it was so important that he let Bella recover completely before making her deal with his attentions. He once again felt the rage build within him as the thought of how close he had come to losing her. Bella squeaked in protest as his arms tightened around her too tightly.

  “Sorry, love,” Jason murmured as he kissed the top of her head. He forced his grip loose, and her body relaxed against his and she continued working on her list. He watched her in comfortable silence as she scribbled vigorously. When she was done, she ripped out the page, handing it to Tony.

  Tony winced. “Jeez, Bella, I thought you just needed a few things. Are you planning on stocking your restaurant today?”

  “What are you complaining about?” Tara asked as she strolled out of the office. She leaned down t
o give Bella a hug and ended up including Jason by proxy.

  Bella felt Jason’s body tense slightly then relax at the gesture. The poor man knew so little about affection, Bella thought sadly, even more determined to change that.

  Tara moved around the table to mess with Tony’s hair before flinging herself into the chair next to him. Bella leaned back against Jason and grabbed his arms to wrap them tight around her middle once again. She felt him rub his jaw on her head as she stroked her hand over his arms, secretly thrilled as the muscles flexed under her fingertips.

  Bella explained to Tara what she wanted to do, and Tara slapped Tony on the arm and got up, grabbing the list. “I’m on it. Listen here, computer geek, Bella wants this shit, so we’re going shopping. Let’s ride.” Turning with a wink, Tara pocketed the list and smacked a kiss on the top of Bella’s head. Tony got up and quickly followed, grumbling under his breath.

  * * * *

  Bella loved creating things with her hands.

  Cooking was a job for some, a craft for others, but for her, it was pure art. Since Tony loved her tiramisu, that had been a priority on her to-do list for the day. Two very large trays of the completed tiramisu now sat chilling in the refrigerator.

  Jason had expanded the kitchen a while ago, wanting to suit Bella’s needs. He added another restaurant-grade refrigerator and freezer and also added another dishwasher so there was one near each of the two sinks. He had also bought an electric stove so they now had electric and gas units for her to use. Jason had never really thought about the functionality of his kitchen before Bella had moved in. Now, he wanted to give her everything she needed, everything she dreamed of.

  The corner of the living room now housed a wet bar since the bar and the wine refrigerator in the kitchen had been removed to make space for the new appliances. Bella had mentioned that it would be nice to have one since their apartment now seemed to be a hangout for all of their friends.

  Jason had gotten one the very next day.

  Bella had been touched that he had gone out of his way to give her everything she asked for and more. He was an amazingly loving man.

  Bella finely chopped onions and threw them into a sizzling combination of garlic and olive oil to sauté. Turning the light on in the oven, she checked her pans of lasagna to see if they were done. She had added layers of spinach and Italian sausage in between the four cheese and tomato sauces. It was one of her most famous recipes. She knew just the right coloring she wanted on the crust of the dish and turned down the heat to keep them warm.

  One of her favorite CDs played over the speakers, and Bella hummed along to the melody as she slid the thin, breaded veal cutlets into the large skillet to brown in the oil. The hauntingly beautiful voice trilled out an aria with a voice so pure it sounded like an angel was singing overhead. Bella added a splash of wine to the mix, punctuating a few more splashes in time to the music. When they were done, she placed them on a platter and repeated the process. Almost finished with the meal, Bella was satisfied at the sizzling sounds of the meat cooking,

  She turned to see that the smells had lured Jason, Tony, Sal, Tara, and Slade out of the office to hover on the other side of the counter, hunger gleaming on their faces. Smiling, she watched them head straight for the tray of antipasto she had left for them. Bella was pleased that they had all remembered to stay out of her kitchen while she was cooking, but what did surprise her was the expression on Slade’s face.

  Slade had halted halfway to the counter behind the others as if he had run into an invisible wall. He closed his eyes and rubbed a hand over his chest like his heart ached. Bella was about to speak out in concern until his eyes snapped open and froze her with their intensity as they stared off unfocused into the distance. Those pale eyes burned like blue flames. Bella loved this man like a friend, but, wow, she couldn’t help her own feminine reaction to such a blatantly passionate gaze. Wow, she thought again, if that gaze was ever directed at a woman Bella could see that woman didn’t stand a chance against him.

  “Beautiful.”

  “Huh?” Sal asked around a mouthful of food, not paying attention.

  “Who is this?” Slade asked again, his voice rough with emotion.

  “Do you like it?” Bella asked, pleased beyond measure at his reaction to the music soaring over the speakers.

  “I guess you could consider this classical crossover,” Tara explained, misunderstanding Slade’s question. “She sings opera and covers of other songs that appeal to her, all with a classical twist. She does have an awesome voice.” Turning to Bella, Tara asked, “Have you talked to her recently?”

  “I just got an e-mail from her a few days ago.”

  “You know her?” Slade asked nonchalantly as he now sidled up to Tara’s side. He asked it so casually that no one else noticed, but Bella had witnessed his initial reaction, so he didn’t fool her. Ah, Bella thought, holding back a smile. This could be very interesting.

  “Yep. This is Angel.”

  Sal’s head came up in surprise. “Jesus, this is little Angel? Gio’s Angel? Wow does she have some pipes.”

  Bella saw Slade’s eyes narrow at the mention of Giovanni’s name and struggled to hold back a giggle. Bella noticed Jason watching her and shot him a sparkling smile full of mischief that had his brow raising.

  Tony agreed, smiling. “We saw her a few months ago. When was that, Bells?”

  “Right before I moved back here. She was performing in New York.”

  Tara waved a fork in the air. “I saw her last month when I was stopped over in Paris. I just stopped in to say hi, and she insisted I come see her perform that night. Boy, is she something live. She almost had me in tears. We had dinner after. Gio was there, too. I’m surprised he didn’t mention it to you.”

  Jason had been watching the exchange silently, determined to understand what had put the sparkle of amusement in Bella’s eyes. It wasn’t until he put it together that had his eyes widening in shock. “This is Angelina Cossi? Gio’s sister is the Angelina Cossi?”

  Tony nodded. “You have to admit they do have some talent in that family.”

  Sal leaned on the counter and chuckled. “Man, I think it’s been like ten years since I’ve seen her. She was a pretty little thing, but I remember she was a brat.”

  Bella threw a towel at him. “She’s twenty-three now, and you thought all my friends were brats.”

  “That’s because they were, especially Tara and Liz,” Sal said, playfully pulling on Tara’s hair, earning him an elbow in the stomach. His breath whooshed out.

  Damn woman had put some weight behind it.

  Tony snickered. “You earned that. But trust me, you wouldn’t recognize her now. She sure has grown up and is a freakin’ knockout.”

  “Gio would kill you. You don’t mess with his baby sister. Plus she’s a sweetheart, too good for either of you,” Tara joked.

  “We all have to die sometime.”

  “You’ll get to see her again soon,” Bella said innocently. “After all, she’s singing at our wedding.”

  Slade’s slow smile had Bella turning around to hide her own. She was going to have to remember to introduce them at the wedding, but on the other hand Slade would probably take care of that himself. She cleared her throat. “Would someone set the table please?” And was pleased when they all jumped up to help.

  Getting back to business, she laid the large golden-brown cutlets onto the serving platter, drizzling a light wine sauce over the top, and added a garnish. She pulled the pans of lasagna out of the oven and placed them on the counter to cool. Moving to the side, she quickly poured thick, white, creamy, fragrant sauce over perfectly cooked pasta in another large bowl and mixed it with two large spoons. After cutting the fresh bread she had made earlier, she placed the pieces into a bowl, drizzled garlic-infused olive oil over the top, and stepped back to survey the spread.

  A knock sounded on the door. As if summoned by some silent dinner bell, in walked the twins, both of them trying to
look surprised but failing miserably as Jason frowned at them.

  “We’re sorry. We didn’t mean to interrupt dinner,” Adrian offered with a sheepish smile. Neither of them was sorry in the least.

  “Come in, come in. I made enough. Please join us.” Bella laughed at their wide grins. Tara had already warned her that the twins had called earlier trying to beg for an invitation. Bella had learned to cook in mass quantities already and wasn’t bothered at all by the addition to their dinner party.

  The men happily carried the platters of food over to the large wooden table that sat in the dining room. The table was a huge old piece, one of the only things that Jason had kept from his family’s home.

  Bella cracked her neck and stretched.

  Jason came up behind her and rubbed her shoulders after passing her a glass of wine. He knew she always liked to have a fresh glass after she completed whatever she was cooking.

  She took a sip and let the cool sweet liquid slide down her throat.

  “Darling, everything smells wonderful, but you smell even better,” Jason murmured to as he snuggled into her neck to breathe in that vanilla-spiced scent that was uniquely Bella. She chuckled and turned to face him.

  He stroked his thumb over her cheek as he stared down at the woman he loved. “What did I ever do to deserve you?” he whispered in a silken voice that wrapped her in its intimacy.

  “I don’t know, but we both got pretty lucky,” Bella responded before his lips brushed softly against hers.

  “I love you.”

  “I know, baby. I love you, too.”

  “Geez, give it a rest, please, I’m starving!” Tony cried.

  Jason and Bella joined the rest of the gang, and he sat at the head of the table with Bella to his right. She leaned into him to whisper, “I like your family, Jason.”

  He was startled for a second before he looked around, and a slow smile spread across his face. It was like a family dinner, Jason thought. Why did he not see it before? These people had become his family. Bella had not only made this a home, she had given him a family.