Hard to Hold

by Karen Foley

  Christ.

  He couldn’t get the image of her standing naked and defiant in the motel room out of his head. Her breasts were perfect, round and firm and tipped with the sweetest pink nipples he’d ever seen. Even in his anger, he hadn’t been immune to her. He could still feel her lips moving against his, feel her body, soft and pliant, sprawled over him. She might have had an ulterior motive in kissing him back at the cabin, but even in his drug-induced haze, he’d recognized her desire. She hadn’t faked that.

  Beside him, she was silent and miserable. She stared out the window, chewing her lower lip. They drove in silence until they reached one of the larger chain hotels in downtown Reno. Colton opted to pay the valet to park his truck in a guarded lot. He still intended to go to his cabin, and couldn’t afford to have anyone steal the supplies from the back.

  Throwing Maddie’s backpack over one shoulder, he took her elbow in one hand and grabbed his duffel bag with the other, then led her into the lobby. As he secured a room, he was acutely aware of her standing at his side, tense and unhappy. When they reached the room, Colton locked the door and switched on the table lamps. He’d chosen a suite with a small living room and dining area, and now he dumped their gear on the nearby sofa.

  “Go take a shower,” he said gruffly. “I’ll order room service.”

  Without looking at him, she walked into the bedroom and closed the door decisively behind her. Colton waited until he heard the water running in the bathroom, and then ordered dinner for each of them. He peeled his jacket off and draped it over the back of the sofa. As he did so, his eyes fell on Maddie’s backpack. Without hesitation, he unzipped it and searched through the contents until he found his revolver. Checking the magazine, he was reassured to see all seven bullets still in the chamber. He placed the weapon in his duffel bag and returned his attention to the backpack.

  He rummaged once more through the contents, pushing aside the shoes and clothing until he found a small pocketbook at the bottom. Snooping through Maddie’s personal belongings wasn’t something he enjoyed doing, but he hoped he might find a clue as to her actions.

  Opening her pocketbook, he withdrew her wallet. A lipstick and a hairbrush lay at the bottom of the bag, along with a slim silver holder for business cards. Extracting one, Colton read the words Certified Public Accountant beneath her name. She was an accountant? He found the idea both astonishing and amusing. The role of tomboy and femme fatale suited her better than a bean counter.

  He replaced the card and tipped the pocketbook toward the light, seeing a slip of folded paper at the bottom of the bag. Pulling it out, he quickly scanned the message written there: “Bring the money or bury your brother.”

  Colton didn’t feel surprised or shocked. Instead, he felt relief. Replacing the contents of her purse, he carefully rearranged her backpack the way she had left it, and moved toward the windows to stare unseeingly at the strip below. At least now he knew what Madeleine’s motives were.

  Someone was using her brother to extort money from her.

  That, he could handle. He didn’t know how he would have felt if he’d discovered she was into drugs, or if she was some kind of career criminal. Bad enough that she’d drugged him and stolen his truck and service pistol.

  While he didn’t know precisely who was threatening her, he knew what kind of people they were. He knew there was an ongoing investigation, in both Reno and Las Vegas, into a rackets ring that involved gambling, loan-sharking and extortion.

  Pulling out his cell phone, he punched in the number for Jason Cooper. His boss answered on the first ring.

  “Tell me you have her, Black.”

  “I have her.”

  “Good,” Cooper replied. “Take her over to the Reno sheriff’s office. They’ll handle it from there.”

  Colton was silent, and after a long moment, he heard Cooper make a sound of irritation. “Is there a problem, Deputy Black?”

  “There’s something bigger going on here, sir. I found evidence that her brother is being held for ransom.” He glanced toward the bedroom door. “What if the Canterinos are behind this?”

  The Canterino family ran a crime ring that extended all the way to New York City, with several factions in Las Vegas, Reno and even Costa Rica. The ring was suspected of issuing usurious loans at prearranged rates of interest, amounting to 175 percent. Collection of the unlawful debts was sometimes accomplished by removing a body part, usually a finger or an ear. Unfortunately, the victims were unwilling to talk to law enforcement, knowing that they might lose their lives if the Canterino henchmen found out.

  “My instincts tell me this girl is into something bad, and we need to let it play out. This could be our opportunity to get some solid evidence on the Canterino family and their factions,” Colton continued.

  “I ran a check on Ms. Howe,” Cooper replied, “and while she came up clean, the same can’t be said about her family. She comes from a long line of career gamblers and scam artists. It wouldn’t surprise me if her brother did borrow money from the Canterinos. He has a rap sheet for underage and illegal gambling. Bring her in, and I promise you she’ll talk.”

  The underlying threat was unmistakable, but Colton knew better. Cooper might come across as a hard-ass, but Colton had known the other man for a long time, and knew he’d never harm Madeleine.

  “If I bring her in to the sheriff’s office now, she’s going to close up tighter than a minister’s daughter,” he said, keeping his voice low. “I think we need to let this play out and find out who the extortionists are. My bet is she’ll lead us right to the Canterinos. Her brother stands a better chance of escaping with all his body parts intact if we intervene. But if we don’t take this opportunity, there are going to be more victims.”

  “Send me everything you have. I’ll contact Deputy Burns in the Reno district and get something set up. I’ll be in touch.”

  After clicking off, Colton glanced toward the bedroom. The water was no longer running in the bathroom. Thinking about Madeleine alone with any of the Canterino gang made his blood run cold. If her brother had made the mistake of borrowing money from them, his life was in danger. And Madeleine likely had no idea just how ruthless those men could be.

  He could help her, keep her safe. Was he still seriously pissed off over the way she’d used him? Oh, yeah. But the thought of what had driven her to such desperate measures pissed him off even more.

  He turned at the sound of the bedroom door opening. With her wet hair combed slickly back from her face, Madeleine stood there wearing a white terry cloth bathrobe that was several sizes too big for her. She had a fresh, just-scrubbed look that made her look young and innocent, although Colton knew better. She gave him a wary glance as she advanced into the room.

  “So what now?” she asked.

  Colton didn’t miss how she kept the sofa between them. His frustration rose a notch, but he was prevented from responding by a knock on the door.

  “That’ll be room service,” he said grimly. “Which means now we eat.”

  He opened the door to the hotel waiter and paused long enough to sign the tab before pulling the rolling cart into the room and closing the door. Maddie sat down and watched as Colton uncovered the dishes and placed them on the table. Not knowing what she would like, he’d ordered them each a large steak with a baked potato and salad.

  “Eat up,” he said, sitting across from her.

  She dug into her meal with unconcealed energy, and for a moment Colton just watched her. She glanced up at him, and as if realizing her lack of manners, put her fork down with a self-conscious grimace.

  “I’m sorry,” she said. “I guess I was hungrier than I realized.”

  “Don’t apologize.” Colton picked up his own fork and knife and sliced off a tender bite of steak. “I like to see a woman who isn’t afraid to enjoy a meal. Go on, eat.”
/>   Maddie watched him for a moment, and then picked up her utensils. They ate in silence after that, although Colton knew she was aware of him. It was there in the way her gaze would flit across the table to him, but never reach his face. For his part, he was uncomfortably aware of her. Several times, she adjusted the front of her robe when it threatened to gape open, allowing him brief glimpses of the smooth skin beneath. Knowing that she was likely naked under the terry cloth made it almost impossible for him to concentrate on his meal, never mind enjoy it.

  Finally, when she had finished, she pushed her plate away and sat back in contentment, oblivious to how the robe slid open over her legs, revealing the slender length of her thighs.

  “Delicious,” she declared with a smile.

  Colton pushed abruptly back from the table and gathered up their plates, depositing them unceremoniously onto the cart. When he turned back, Madeleine was eyeing him warily. Her hair had begun to dry, curling in soft, honeyed waves around her face. More than anything, Colton wanted to unfasten the sash that held the bathrobe closed, push aside the terry fabric and slide his hands over her satiny skin. He wanted to feel her beneath his palms, hear her breathing change as he aroused her, watch her eyes darken with desire. Disturbed by his own lustful thoughts and needing to do something—anything—to distract himself, he abruptly confronted her.

  “Who’s extorting money from you?”

  Her hazel eyes widened in alarm, before she quickly schooled her features and assumed an air of confusion. “What are you talking about?”

  “It’s a simple question, Madeleine. Who is threatening to hurt your brother unless you bring them money?”

  With a gasp, she sprang to her feet. Her eyes flicked to her backpack, still on the table near the door. “You went through my things.” Her voice shook with disbelief and anger. “How dare you.”

  “Did your brother take money from a loan shark, Madeleine?”

  Her eyes snapped back to his, flashing with anger and indignation. “You had no right to search my stuff.”

  “I asked you a question. Who has your brother?”

  “That’s none of your business. I can take care of it if you would just let me.”

  Her stance was defensive, every muscle poised to either fight him or flee. Colton had never felt such frustration in his life. He wanted to help her, but there was a part of him that also wanted to hurt her, just a little, for the hell she’d put him through. For making him want her so much.

  Her breathing was coming faster, and her breasts rose and fell in agitation beneath the terry cloth. The sash had loosened, and he could see the sweet fullness of one breast, almost completely exposed where the fabric had slipped to the side.

  “Really?” he asked, his voice full of derision. “You can take care of it? How much do they want, Madeleine, and how are you going to pay them? We both know you have very little money.” Knowing he was a crude bastard for even insinuating it, he gestured toward her bare breast. “Or maybe you’re planning on providing some other means of payment?”

  Eyes flashing, Maddie took a swing at him, intent on slapping his face, but Colton easily caught her wrist in one hand.

  For an instant, they stood staring at each other. The air between them crackled with energy. Her cheeks were flushed and her eyes stormy as she glared at him. Her robe still gaped open, her breasts rising and falling swiftly with her agitation. Colton was barely holding his frustration in check, but when her gaze shifted to his mouth, something inside him finally snapped. He recalled again the feel of her on top of him, kissing him, and with a low growl of defeat, he hauled her against his chest and crushed his mouth over hers.

  She stiffened for a fraction of a second, and then was kissing him back with an urgency that shocked him, even as it released the pent-up lust and frustration he’d been feeling since the incident in the cabin. Maddie’s hands were everywhere, smoothing over his shoulders and his back, cupping the nape of his neck as she angled her face for a better fit. The sensation of her tongue against his only ratcheted up his need for her. With the last vestiges of his control, he pulled back long enough to bracket her face in his hands and search her eyes.

  “Madeleine—”

  “Please.” She placed her fingers over his mouth. “Don’t talk. Just kiss me. I know you want this.”

  He did. More than he’d wanted anything in a long time. Even knowing he was taking advantage of the situation—of her—he couldn’t prevent himself from lowering his head and claiming her mouth again. But he was unprepared when she made a soft sound of approval and her fingers moved to the buttons of his shirt, tearing at them in her urgency.

  “Maddie, sweetheart,” he said against her lips, “we don’t need to rush this.”

  “I do,” she said, her breath coming in warm pants as she pressed moist kisses against his face and neck. “You’re so hot. I don’t want to wait.”

  She’d unbuttoned his shirt and dragged the tails from his waistband, pushing the fabric aside to slide her hands over his heated skin.

  Colton groaned and thrust his fingers into her damp hair, deepening the kiss. Her fingers moved to the fastening of his pants, and the brush of her knuckles against his bare stomach made him catch his breath.

  “Darlin’—”

  “Please,” she whispered against his lips, her voice urgent. “I want you now.”

  Colton was a goner. “You can have me,” he promised between kisses. “I just want you to trust me.”

  “I do, I do,” she assured him breathlessly, drawing down his zipper and skimming her hand over the waistband of his boxers.

  Colton dragged his mouth along the side of her neck, lingering on the soft spot at the base of her throat where her pulse beat frantically. “You don’t ever need to run from me,” he said in a low, fierce voice. “I’ll never hurt you.”

  Maddie made an inarticulate sound of agreement and slid her hand inside his pants. She cupped him through the thin fabric of his briefs, and Colton groaned at the sensation. He pushed her robe off one shoulder and pressed fevered kisses against her smooth skin, inhaling her scent. She smelled fragrant and sweet.

  “You’re so beautiful,” he muttered between kisses. “Let me help you.”

  “It’s okay.” She angled her head to give him better access, even as she curled her fingers around his length. Her voice sounded husky in his ear. “I’ll pay my pound of flesh, to you or the blackmailers, if it means getting my brother back.”

  Colton recoiled.

  Her words were like a dousing of frigid water on his rising lust. Slowly, he reached down and wrapped his fingers around her wrist, pulling her hand away from where he was still hard for her. Grasping her by both forearms, he leaned back and searched her eyes. Maddie tossed her hair and glared back at him, defiant. She made no move to cover herself where the bathrobe had slid from her shoulder, fully exposing one perfect breast. Her lips were slightly parted, and her breathing came unevenly as she watched him.

  Colton stared at her in disbelief. He couldn’t believe she thought he was using her; couldn’t believe that she’d try to use him in such a crude way.

  “Jesus,” he finally said, and thrust her away from him. “You think I’m using you? If that’s what you believe, then you don’t know the first thing about me.”

  “Well, you don’t know the first thing about me,” she retorted, “and I want to keep it that way!”

  Colton grabbed her by one arm and dragged the terry cloth robe over her exposed body. “Lady,” he growled, “with just one phone call, I can find out every detail of your life, from the grades you got in middle school to when you first got laid.”

  Maddie flushed, but tipped her chin up. Her voice trembled just the tiniest bit. “Maybe that’s true, but you still won’t know me.”

  With sudden clarity, Colton realized he wanted to know
her. He wanted to know how she had gotten herself into such a desperate situation. He wanted to know everything about her, from her greatest fear to her wildest fantasy. But most of all, he wanted her to trust him. There was something about her that drew him; something that went beyond her curvy figure and smoking-hot kisses. He liked her courage and her determination to help her brother. This was a woman who would do anything to protect her loved ones. Her loyalty and resourcefulness was something he admired, especially considering her upbringing. She’d overcome so much adversity and had so much promise. He didn’t want anyone to destroy that.

  He blew out a breath, feeling suddenly weary, and swiped a hand across his eyes. “Look, it’s getting late and we should both get some sleep.”

  “Fine.” She bit the word out before she spun on her heel and stomped toward the bedroom. She was through the door before Colton realized her intent, but as she furiously tried to slam the door in his face, his booted foot was already there.

  “Oh, no, sweetheart,” he said, smiling into her outraged eyes. “There is no freaking way I’m letting you out of my sight. In fact, just to be sure you don’t pull another disappearing act...” He held up his hand, where a pair of handcuffs dangled from the end of one finger—the same handcuffs she’d used on him the previous night.

  Maddie gasped. “You wouldn’t.”

  “Oh, I most definitely would,” he said in a silken voice.

  With his foot still wedged in the door, he peeled the black shirt from his body and dropped it onto the floor. When he pushed the door open and kicked his shoes off, she tried to retreat, but Colton caught her again by the arm. Only when he’d snapped one end of the handcuffs around her wrist and the other end around his own did she understand.

  “Oh, no!” she protested, trying unsuccessfully to jerk her arm away. “What if I need to use the bathroom during the night?”

  “I’m a light sleeper, and I don’t mind keeping you company,” he said smoothly. “I’ll even promise not to watch.”