He stood in place a full two minutes. Just when he was about to dial Julia’s cell phone, the door opened. A petite woman with blonde hair stood before him, holding the cat he’d seen on the sofa. Her pretty brown eyes were narrow and suspicious. The striped creature in her arms glared at him as she thrust her hand forward. “Abigail Newberry. You’re late, Dr. Westwood.”
Colin’s mouth went dry. It took him several seconds before he regained his voice. “Ryan’s wife. It’s nice to finally put a name with a face.”
He did all he could to keep an amiable expression. Wife of one of his closest friends or otherwise, it was common knowledge that Abigail Newberry was one of the biggest gossips in town. Perhaps it wasn’t in his best interest to be spending time with Julia Dyson after all, considering the company she kept.
The young woman brushed past him, and an uncomfortable knot formed in Colin’s stomach. Something about the way she was acting didn’t sit right. It was as though she knew something he didn’t. It took him a moment to get his bearings before he realized that Julia had stepped into the doorframe, wearing a ghastly white T-shirt and a pair of jeans.
At the sight of her wardrobe selections, Colin’s eyes nearly popped out of their sockets. He blinked, wondering whether he’d fallen asleep in his car and started dreaming. “You can’t possibly wear those clothes. You’ll blow our cover in a millisecond.”
When Julia didn’t flinch, he scanned her figure more slowly, eyes resting upon her shapely, round breasts. Giving them a lengthy stare, he couldn’t help thinking that she looked pretty damn appealing in spite of her tacky wardrobe. The woman dressed like a farmer, yet he couldn’t seem to help picturing her wearing nothing but that gold pendant she had around her neck.
“No one had a problem with my clothing when I came to your shindig,” she said, adamant.
Broke into my home, you mean, Ms. Dyson. He drew a sharp breath. “You forget the terms of our agreement, mistress. It’s your job to be pleasing to the eye. Not that I don’t find you enticing in even the plainest attire. But I had something more feminine, with a little bit of style, in mind.”
“Why, you arrogant son of a—”
“There will be a lot of people where we’re headed tonight. In case you’re not aware, I have an image to uphold.”
She scoffed. “I’ll try not to put a smudge on it.”
“You’ll do more than try. Change. I’ll wait in the car.”
Julia’s porcelain face grew crimson. “Not happening.”
Colin clenched a fist. His patience was wearing thin. He hadn’t come there to argue. As it was, they were running a lot later than he was comfortable with. Whoever John Rizzo was working for, these weren’t the sort of men you kept waiting. He brushed past Julia, making his way through the doorframe.
“Hey!” she shouted, coming up behind him. “What do you think you’re doing?”
Ignoring her, Colin made his way through the living room, wedging his way between the couch and coffee table. To his right was an equally small space—the kitchen. Brightly colored dishes were stacked inside the cabinets surrounding the dinner table. To the left was a hallway.
Colin opened the door at the end of the hall and shook his head at the sight of the Julia’s unmade bed. There was clothing everywhere, on the quilt, and on the floor beside the mattress. Her dresser was covered in junk as well—accessories, laundry, shampoo bottles.
Moving in swift steps, he made his way to the closet and opened the door. “Either you put on something else, Ms. Dyson, or I’ll have no choice but to rescind my offer.”
“Rescind away,” Julia snapped. “I’m not some lap dog who’s going to jump and hand you your slippers.”
“You no longer care about what happens to your father?” Colin raised a skeptical brow.
“Of course I care,” she said after a moment. “But if you think I’m about to sell my soul to the devil, you’re sadly mistaken.”
“I suppose you think I’m the devil. That probably isn’t too far from the truth. But if you think that calling me names is going to entice me into changing my mind about our arrangement, then you, my dear, are the one who is mistaken.”
“Then leave,” Julia said, planting her hands on her hips. “Because there’s no way in hell I’m changing my clothes for you.”
Colin opened his mouth to reply, but quickly decided against it. Just a few short hours ago, she’d been so agreeable. Where was the woman who’d called him in a panic? Said it would be her pleasure to accompany him? Thanked him for his generous offer? Perhaps he’d been so eager to get her back into his bed that he’d misunderstood her.
Wanting very much to remind Julia Dyson just how deep her desires ran, he placed his hand on her shoulder. Bringing his mouth beside her ear, he whispered, “You didn’t seem so offended by my advances last time.”
Her auburn brows twitched. “I was barricaded and couldn’t breathe. I would have kissed a crocodile if I’d thought it would get me out from beneath that boulder you call a body.”
“It was that bad?” he probed, disbelieving.
She released a strained sigh. “Why does it even matter to you?”
Reassured somewhat by the hesitancy in her voice, Colin said, “Do you honestly think I would ask a woman to be my mistress who I didn’t believe was interested in holding down the position?”
Julia blushed. She took a step back and turned, facing the opposite direction.
Was she reddening because she was as intrigued by the idea of getting up close and personal again as he was? Or because she hated him so much, she was on the brink of explosion?
“If you don’t want to do this, I won’t hold you to your promise.” Colin bit his tongue. “Do you want out?”
Julia hesitated. She turned and opened her mouth then shut it again.
“I didn’t think so.” Not wanting to seem such the arrogant ass, he added, “If it were my father’s life on the line, I would be doing the same thing.”
She met his eyes with a vicious glare. “It’s the only reason I’m doing this. And I’m not changing my clothes for you.”
“Since we’re running short on time, I’ll let it go. But I’d be lying if I didn’t tell you I enjoy these outbursts of yours. I find your feistiness intriguing. Your locks match the color of your passion.”
“It isn’t passion I feel for you,” Julia said firmly. “It’s disgust.”
“Disgust?” He forged an exaggerated frown. “That’s harsh. We may have gotten off on the wrong foot, but I can hardly believe a woman as unyielding as you would decide she dislikes a man before at least giving him a chance.”
Desperate for one last shot at upholding his image, Colin scanned the contents of Julia’s closet. Eyes swiveling from ceiling to carpet, he searched without luck for something she could wear besides denim and flannel.
A metallic piece, something he prayed was a dress, was buried beneath a box on the top shelf. He tugged at it, finding it wouldn’t budge. He pulled it harder, and the box fell forward. He grabbed Julia, moving her out of the way just before it came crashing down.
“Are you all right?” he asked, checking her arms for visible bruises. He cupped her flushed cheek.
“I’m fine!” she said, tugging free.
“Sure about that?” He smirked. “You seem shaken up.”
“I—well—do you always make a habit of touching people against their will?”
“Not always,” he replied coolly. “I usually make my intentions rather clear. I was trying to help you, Julia, keep that box from crashing down on your pretty little head. But I suppose all I did was make you…nervous.”
Eyes wide with fury, Julia got to her feet. Expression taut, she took a gigantic step back. “I don’t know what your angle is, Westwood, but your little game stops right here, right now. I agreed to take this trip with you because you said you could help find my dad. Because you said you have connections. Make no mistake about it, that’s the only reason I’m doing this.”
“Of course. Why else would you be doing it, Julia?”
Without answering, Julia tossed her belongings—clothing, camping gear, duffel bags—into the box. Balancing on her tiptoes, she shoved it back onto the shelf.
“If I didn’t know any better,” Colin said, narrowing his gaze as she shut the closet door, “I’d say your tendency to be accident prone was a practiced skill. Being in the way of oncoming objects, stumbling into my bed.”
Her posture stiffened. “Sorry to chip at your ego. But I’m a klutz, simple as that. Ask your sister-in-law if you don’t believe me. It’s just a good thing Lena and I never worked in the same classroom. I’d have ruined one of those fancy blouses of hers for sure.”
“Fancy,” he repeated. “You sound almost…jealous.” Stroking his chin, he went on, “I don’t think you give yourself enough credit. You earn a living and own a house. That’s impressive for a woman your age.”
“I’m older than you think.”
He smiled. “I’m well aware of how old you are.”
“What did you do,” Julia said, paling, “conduct a background check on me?”
He laughed, following her as she stormed out of her bedroom. He was careful to avoid bumping his head against the ceiling fan as they entered the sitting area. “Why, is there something felonious in your past you don’t want me to know about? Relax, legs. I simply asked my brother Alec a few basic questions about you. Nothing extensive. Though I must say, I was intrigued by what I heard. Maybe I should have a background check done. Wouldn’t want to find out I’m spending time with a serial killer who has a fetish for blue ceramic dishware.”
“There’s nothing to know about me, you jughead! Except that I have an especially low tolerance level for egocentric maniacs.”
“Harsh words, coming from a woman who was awfully eager to accept my help.”
A degree of secretiveness showed in Julia’s smile. “Well, don’t let this go to your head or anything, Westwood. But you might actually be good to have around if I run into some trouble on the front line.”
“Careful, Julia. That almost sounded like a compliment.”
“Must have come out wrong,” she said, thrusting her enormous suitcase into his arms. She opened the front door, stunning him by not letting it smack him in the ass as he stepped onto the porch.
They walked to the end of the driveway. Stepping beside his Mercedes, Colin disarmed the alarm and popped the trunk. He laid Julia’s suitcase beside his.
Turning around, he realized he was alone. He blinked, scanning the pavement. “Julia? Dammit! Where the hell did you—”
“Sorry!” she called, charging down the path. Two wheeling suitcases clanked behind her. “Can’t forget these. Wouldn’t want to be driving all the way back here, would we?”
She picked up the larger of her bags, shoving it into his arms. She hopped into the passenger side of the car and slammed the door shut.
Almost grateful to have a break from her ranting, Colin took his time loading the bags. The time it took figuring out how to fit four pieces of luggage inside his trunk was far too long, considering they’d probably only be gone for one night.
He got into the car. Looking Julia’s way, he saw that her eyes were on the passenger window. Her face and body were turned away.
He shook his head, moving the car away from the curb. Realizing that Julia had no intention of talking to him, he put on a CD.
After a quick drive into town and a jet ride to New York City, he and his redheaded companion climbed into the car they would take to their evening’s destination, his CL-Class Coupe. He didn’t like the feel of the vehicle as much as his Mercedes, but he supposed he was going to have to rough it for a night.
The closer they got to West Fifty-Fifth Street, the heavier the traffic around them became. Their speed slowed, cars in all surrounding lanes coming to a standstill.
Colin gripped the steering wheel. Rizzo’s threat, that he would take his so-called evidence to the cops if he was late, replayed in his mind.
“So, where are we going?” Julia asked, turning to face him.
“To a party,” he answered shortly. Not that they would be doing much partying, per se.
“What exactly are we supposed to be looking for at a party in Timbuktu?” she demanded. “I thought you said you had this covered.”
“Don’t you trust me? I looked into this. There will be several men at this party who may be able to give us information about Tucker’s abduction.”
“As far as I know, we’re not even sure whether or not he’s alive,” Julia said with a note of suspicion. “And just why would anyone from Manhattan know where my father is? We haven’t lived here for years.”
Colin shrugged. “Your father acts as a courier for me.”
“He does travel a lot,” she agreed. “Guess I’m just going to have to take your word for it. But so help me if this is a trick—”
“What reason could I possibly have to trick you? I already have everything I want. A chance to prove to you that I’m not the monster you think. And you, willingly in my bed tonight.”
She set her eyes against the dashboard. “About that. I’ve changed my mind.”
Colin smiled to himself. Amazed by his incredible luck, he pulled into an empty parking space on the street. Clasping Julia’s kneecap, he whispered, “Too late. We’re already here.”
She flashed him a dirty look before prying free of his grasp. Getting out of the car, she shut the door in his face.
Several moments later, they stood in front of their destination—a tall, thin building with thirteen floors. A door, which blended in all too well with the structure’s side paneling, stood beneath the number twenty-two.
Noting the time, Colin walked quickly toward it, urging Julia to keep up. It wouldn’t pay to be late, not that he answered to blackmailers. He led his companion to the elevator then stepped in behind her. He held his breath as they ascended.
The doors opened, and Colin eyed the room at the end of the hall. It was dark, but lit well enough that he could see they were hardly the only attendees. The door had been left open, allowing every derelict in New York City to walk in. Without thinking, he took Julia’s hand. Making his way to the entrance, he held it in his.
The place had been set up to resemble a party. It had a couple of couches, a DJ, and a bar. The room was large, packed with people, and decked with an array of Christmas lights. In the dim lighting, it was difficult to tell who was an enemy, and who was a decoy.
Colin’s heart thudded in his chest. Slipping a hand into his pocket, he realized his phone was vibrating against his hip.
He turned it over and viewed the message he’d just been sent. Reading it over a second time, he soaked in its threatening tone and found himself fighting against the idea of leaving Julia alone. In spite of her bold persona, she had never been in a situation like this before. She had no idea where they really were, let alone how she should handle herself.
But she was going to have to manage whether he liked it or not because there was no way in hell he was bringing her into whatever sort of danger he was about to face. Moreover, he couldn’t stand the thought of her knowing that someone was trying to shake him down.
“Wait for me here,” he said, laying a hand on her shoulder.
“Why?” she asked. “Where are you going?”
He smiled reassuringly. “Don’t worry. You’ll be safe here. I’ll be back as soon as I can. Try to blend in.”
Julia nodded. She slipped from beneath his grip and started forward, shooting him a halfhearted smile before disappearing into the crowd. He watched her go, waiting several seconds before she came into his vision again. She took a seat on one of the barstools.
Colin hesitated. For just a moment, he watched her, looking so innocent in the middle of the insanity. She wasn’t just beautiful. With her cream-white skin, hourglass figure, and brilliant blue eyes she was positively stunning.
Staring at Julia, he began to los
e himself and almost forgot where he was. A man brushed past him, and he scowled, clenching a fist. Twenty or so sets of roving male eyes had fixed themselves on the leggy vixen with curly crimson locks. Each seemed to have his own idea about what he’d do with the girl, though Colin imagined they were all thinking much the same thing. It was as though they were a band of pirates, and they hadn’t seen a woman in years.
He squeezed the phone between his fingers. He would make the pickup as quickly as possible. Julia wasn’t staying there any longer than necessary.
Chapter 7
From her seat on the barstool, Julia did an appraisal of the room. The dark space was small, and it was jam-packed with people, laughter, and enough alcohol to last the lot of them a year.
Colin hadn’t been kidding when he’d referred to this thing as a party. Based on what he’d told her, she’d been expecting a small gathering, a group that consisted mostly of men. But there were women, too, many of whom were wearing clothing she would have considered too risqué to leave the bedroom.
The affair seemed innocent enough. But, Julia couldn’t help thinking that there was more going on than meets the eye. In fact, it wouldn’t surprise her one bit if this so-called gathering was nothing but a cover-up, a decoy for something a lot bigger than beer pong and sex games in the bedrooms.
Deciding on an apple martini, she scanned the area behind the bar, hoping to find the bartender. The drink would make an excellent prop while she tailed after Colin and figured out what he was really doing at that so-called party.
Her cocky companion had been exceptionally quiet on their drive into the City. Barely made a peep the entire ride there, except to glance at his cell phone, which had been vibrating like there was no tomorrow. Maybe the men who had her father had been trying to call him and let him know that their prisoner had escaped.
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