by Lori Foster
Luther gasped. “Please…”
Riley released him.
Slowly, holding his numb arm, Luther straightened. His face was pale with lingering agony.
Legs braced apart, hands on his hips, Riley said, “You have a lot more pressure points, Luther, places that when manipulated just right, can cause pain you can’t even imagine. How many do I need to demonstrate before you fully understand?”
“One’s enough. I swear.”
Riley said, “I don’t know…”
Luther rushed behind his desk, which gave him a false sense of safety. His arm hanging limp and useless, he managed to stand more or less upright. “You better get out of here,” he groused in a shaky voice. “You’re a policeman. You can’t do this to me. I’ll report you—”
Riley pulled open his desk drawer. “Yeah? Well, I can haul you in for smoking dope on the job.” He lifted out a joint, along with a small bag of marijuana. “What do you think your supervisors will say to that?”
Luther’s eyes went wide.
“I’ll only say this once, Luther, so pay attention. Stay away from Regina, keep your foul mouth shut, and what you do on the job is your business. I really couldn’t care less.”
Luther slumped, but then another voice intruded from the doorway. “I care.”
Riley looked up to see a slender woman in her mid-thirties, dressed much as Regina often did in business-casual wear, staring at Luther with hatred.
“You’re the receptionist?” Riley asked.
Her chin went up another notch. “And I was his fiancée.” She pulled off a minuscule diamond ring and pinged it off Luther’s forehead. “Not anymore.”
Luther groaned.
Riley went around the desk to the woman. “You overheard?”
“Yes. All of it. I came back to my desk a few minutes ago and I eavesdropped.”
Riley felt a little uncomfortable. “I should apologize…”
“No. He’s a pig and I’m sorry if he hurt your girlfriend at all.”
“He hasn’t. Regina is too smart to be hurt by him.” At least, Riley hoped that was true. He’d find out for sure tonight—after he got her naked and let her know in no uncertain terms that he thought her utterly beautiful. Anything she didn’t have, she didn’t need.
The receptionist’s shoulders went back. “What you did to him…the way you barely touched him yet he started whining in pain. How did that work?”
“Why?”
“I think it might be a useful thing to know.”
Grinning, Riley fished a business card out of his wallet and handed it to her. “If you ever get over to Chester, stop into my gym and I’ll teach you.”
“Thank you.”
As he left the insurance building, Riley admitted to himself that it probably wasn’t Luther bothering Regina now. He’d watched the man’s every expression and had seen only weakness, conceit and lewd innuendo. No real deception. Riley would keep an eye on him, but he doubted anything would turn up.
Once outside, he stopped on the sidewalk to stare at the newspaper building across the street.
One down, two to go.
REGINA GRINNED at the determined way Buck tried to make friends with Butch. Buck looked like a felled titan in his black T-shirt and worn jeans, stretched out on the floor on his stomach, his chin on his crossed hands, meeting the dog at eye level.
Butch didn’t cooperate.
No matter how softly Buck spoke to him or how he cajoled, the dog continued to give a low, vibrating growl of warning.
Buck glanced up at Regina, his green eyes alight with mischief. “You sure this damn dog isn’t part badger?”
“I don’t understand it. He’s always so sweet to me.”
Buck came to his feet, ruffled Regina’s hair fondly and said, “Well now, honey, you’re very easy to be sweet to.”
Half-embarrassed by that odd praise, Regina gave an uncertain smile. “Um, thank you. If you’d like to take a seat, I can get you something to drink.”
“No thanks. Let’s get right to it. You want the scoop on Riley, right?”
“Well, yes.” But she rushed to explain, “I’m doing an interview on him.”
“Uh-huh.” Buck stretched out his massive arms along the back of the sofa and grinned. “He’s hung up on you big-time. Never thought to see the mighty Riley with a weakness, but damn if he isn’t acting smitten. It’s downright fun to watch.”
Regina blinked, then blinked some more. “Oh, but I didn’t mean to—”
“What? Find out how he feels about you? Course you did.” Buck continued to grin. “I don’t mind. Riley’s tough, no way around that. But any man who guards his past that closely has a few serious wounds. I’d like to see him happy and I happen to think you can accomplish that. So whatever I can do to nudge things along, count me in.”
Such an awesome outpouring, from Buck no less, left Regina momentarily distracted and without a single coherent thought in her head. “Uh…”
“I think some woman did him wrong, don’t you?”
Regina stared. “Well, I…”
“That’d make sense, huh? If it was a guy, Riley would have just kicked his ass, not quit his job and moved away. And now here you are, putting him into a possessive lather, helping him to focus on better things. I’m glad you moved in with him. Ought to keep him occupied.” He winked.
Regina went hot to the roots of her red hair.
“So.” Buck slapped enormous hands on his thick thighs. “Is that all you wanted?”
She cleared her throat twice and attempted to get control of the situation. “I, uh, had hoped to learn more about Riley’s job, what he does, his training….”
Shaking his head, Buck came to his feet. “Sorry. I don’t know anything about that. He used to be SWAT, but left the city to come here. Since Chester has no need of a SWAT team, Riley fell back on his old training of CSI. That’s the beginning and end of what I know.” Then he frowned. “Well, one other thing.”
“Yes?”
He pushed up his T-shirt sleeve over a massive, bulging shoulder and flexed his arm to show off a seriously impressive biceps muscle. “See that?”
“Yes.” Regina knew she wouldn’t be able to circle that muscle even if she used both hands. “It’d be rather hard to miss.”
Buck nodded. “I’m strong. I do a lot of physical work, day in and day out at the lumberyard. Men walk a wide path around me if I’m annoyed. But I don’t have a single doubt in my mind that Riley, scrawny as he is, would make mincemeat out of me if he ever had a notion to.”
He smiled as he made that claim, especially the ridiculous part about Riley being scrawny. Compared to Buck, he was certainly leaner, but scrawny? Nope, not by anyone’s standards.
Buck tugged his sleeve back down and nodded. “That’s some serious training that goes beyond what you’re taught for a job, even if that job is SWAT. It’s a lifestyle, a personality, an inherent part of the man. Riley’s like a warrior born in the wrong century. He’d die to protect those people he cares about, and he’d expect loyalty in return.”
Was this Buck’s idea of a warning for his friend? Regina didn’t know for sure, but she touched the arm he’d just bared and offered a smile. “I would never do anything to hurt him.”
Buck patted her hand. “I know. That’s why I think you’re perfect for him.”
He started for the door, and both Regina and Butch followed. “You know, Buck, I’m a little surprised. You’re usually so quiet.”
“Naw. It’s just that with Harris around, who can get a word in edgewise?” He laughed, opened the door, and there stood Harris with his hand raised to knock. “Well, speak of the devil.”
RILEY EYED the tall, thin fellow with the wire-rimmed glasses and neatly combed blond hair. He wore a suit, complete with a tie and jacket. Everyone else in the room had removed their coats and rolled up their shirtsleeves, loosened their ties. Not Carl Edmond.
The outward attention to detail had probably appealed
to Regina, even if the man hadn’t.
Bent close to the keyboard, a slight frown on his brow, Carl typed industriously at the computer. Riley snagged a chair and pulled it up close. Carl was so absorbed in his task, he didn’t notice Riley until he sat down.
Shifting around, first startled, then polite, Carl asked, “May I help you?”
“Carl Edmond, right?”
“That’s correct.”
He didn’t look alarmed, only curious. He didn’t look like a predator either, but Riley had learned long ago that even the most innocent expression could hide deceit. It was a lesson he’d never forgotten. After discreetly flashing his badge, Riley said, “I’m here informally, just to ask a few questions if you’re willing.”
Looking around the crowded room with a slight blush, Carl said, “Perhaps we should go someplace more private?”
“Sure.”
Riley allowed himself to be led into an employee lounge. There was no one else present. Carl glanced at him. “Would you like some coffee?”
“Please.” He was so courteous, Riley wondered that Regina hadn’t been taken with him. He reminded Riley of a masculine version of Regina. Carl set a steaming cup of coffee in front of Riley, along with a small square napkin.
With those courtesies taken care of, Riley said, “You know Regina Foxworth.”
Carl had just started to sip his coffee, but he stopped, face alight with pleasure. “Yes, yes I do.” And then with sudden concern, he added, “She’s all right, isn’t she?”
“She’s fine. But someone has made her a target.” Riley explained the things that had happened, all the while watching Carl Edmond for the slightest flicker of guilt.
There was none.
“But this is terrible. Regina is…Well, she’s a gentle, beautiful person. I don’t mean her looks…well, her looks, too. But she’s one of the kindest women I know. I owe her a lot. If there’s any way I can help you to find this evil person…”
Riley leaned back in exasperation. Carl had a touch of melodrama. “Why do you say you owe her?”
The man actually blushed. “Well, it’s a long story, and I really hate to admit it, but I fancied myself in love with her. I’m afraid I made a real nuisance of myself, too, following her around like a lovesick pup.” Here he shook his head and chuckled. “But Regina remained kind. She sat me down, explained that she only cared about me as a friend, and then she suggested that I wise up and pay more notice to the bagel girl.”
“The bagel girl?”
“She delivers fresh bagels to this room twice a day. I didn’t understand at first, but I did as Regina suggested.” He held up a hand, showing off the gold wedding band. “Thanks to her, I’m now married to Carolyn. It was love at first sight, at least for me.”
Riley ran a hand through his hair. “Great. Congratulations.” And another dead end. If the new wedding hadn’t been enough, Carl’s obvious happiness would have swayed Riley. He pulled out a card and pushed it across the table toward Carl. “If you think of anyone who might want to hassle Regina, would you give me a call?”
“I’d be glad to.” When Riley stood, Carl reached out and caught his arm. “Mr. Moore? Please. Take good care of her, okay? She’s a very, very special person.”
Riley nodded. “You have my word.”
Chapter 9
HE HEARD THE RAUCOUS NOISE EVEN BEFORE HE finished unlocking the door. Music, laughter, playful barking.
Brows drawn, Riley turned the knob and silently pushed the door open. No one noticed him.
Regina sat cross-legged on the floor, her back to the sofa where Harris lounged on his side, his head propped up on a fist. Butch ran up Red’s body, over her shoulder, along Harris’s length, then back down over Regina.
Her shoulders were touching his stomach.
Harris’s nose was practically in her ear.
Riley closed the door with a resounding click that seemed more effective than a hard slam. Butch jerked up. His small furry face went blank with surprise, then lit up with blinding pleasure. Yapping with berserk glee, he tumbled off Harris, rolled over Regina and came charging toward Riley. Ears bouncing and little paws moving with lightning speed, he reached Riley and slid to a halt.
“Well, hello to you, too, squirt.” Riley lifted him up and got his face thoroughly bathed with a warm doggy tongue. All the while he stared at Harris.
Slowly, his mouth twisted as if to hide a grin, Harris straightened. “Hey, Riley.”
Riley continued to stare.
Regina scurried to the stereo and turned it off. Hands behind her back, she smiled shyly at Riley. Shyly? Now what was she up to?
She hesitated a second, then with only a bit less enthusiasm than Butch had shown, she came to him, went on tiptoe and kissed him. Not a polite welcome peck. Nope. She cupped his face and moved her soft sweet lips over his until Riley forgot that Harris was behind her. He snagged an arm around her waist, hauled her up against him, and pressed his tongue past her parted lips. When she went limp against him, Riley reluctantly ended the kiss.
“You’re home,” she said in a breathless whisper.
“Earlier than you expected?”
Harris chuckled. “Gee, Riley, is that a gun in your pocket or are you glad to see…Regina?”
Regina gasped, her thoughts plain on her face, but Riley relieved her mind by saying, “It’s a chew toy for the dog.”
Regina looked down at his lap and blinked at the ludicrously large bulge there. “Oh.”
Harris cleared his throat. “I think I’ll take this as my cue to get lost.”
He had the nerve to stop at Regina’s side, kiss her cheek, and then wink at Riley. When Riley narrowed his eyes, Harris laughed and held up both hands. “Don’t hurt me, Riley, okay?”
Riley rolled his eyes. “What are you doing here?”
“Ah, well, I’m just one in a long line of guys who’ve trooped through your door today.”
Regina elbowed him hard. Riley took her arm and pulled her to his side so she wouldn’t hurt herself poking at Harris. Regina was red in the face, Butch was squirming to be petted and Harris was trying to sidle out the door.
Riley opened it for him. “Later, Harris.”
“Right.” With a fast salute, Harris took off.
Riley closed and locked the door, then, ignoring Regina for the moment, headed to the couch with Butch. “So, my man, you missed me?” He seated himself and Butch immediately climbed up on his chest to sniff his face. He barked, bit Riley’s chin and then tried to dig underneath his shirt.
Laughing, Riley set him aside. “Anxious for your gift, huh?”
Regina inched over to the couch. She smiled. “You’re spoiling him, Riley.”
“I thought it might keep him occupied while I carried you off to bed.”
He heard her gasp, but didn’t comment on it. He was so wired, so damned…needy after talking to the other men, he knew if he didn’t have her soon, he’d explode. He pulled a large rawhide bone out of his pocket. Butch’s eyes widened and his ears came forward in an alert pose.
Setting the bone on the floor, Riley asked, “Think you can handle that?”
The dog ran down Riley’s leg and circled the bone, examining it from every angle, making both Regina and Riley laugh.
“It’s bigger than he is.”
Butch got one corner in his mouth and started backing up with the bone until he was completely hidden beneath a side table.
“That ought to keep him busy.” Riley stood and turned toward Regina. “Now for you.”
Regina chewed her lower lip. “Yes?”
“I missed you.”
Her smile quivered the tiniest bit. “I missed you, too.”
Riley slipped his arms around her waist. Staring down at her, he said, “I was going to go really slow, Red. I was going to start by teaching you a few self-defense moves, because that’s important. Then I was going to carry you to bed.”
“You’ve been teaching me self-defense moves for a while
now,” she reminded him.
“Not alone. Not in private where I can mix the lessons with kissing and touching.”
“You’ve changed your mind about teaching me?”
“No, I just don’t think I can wait. We’ll work on your lessons afterward.”
Her smile was sweet, sensual and teasing. “I’m glad. I’ve been thinking about you all day, too. I don’t want to wait.”
She caught her breath when Riley lifted her into his arms. He strode into his bedroom, pushed the door quietly shut with his foot, and sat on the edge of the mattress with her in his lap. “How could you have been thinking about me when you had Harris here entertaining you?”
She pushed his jacket off his shoulders. Riley helped, moving his arms until the coat fell to the bed. Next she began undoing his buttons. “We talked about you.”
“You did?” He didn’t like the sound of that, but with her small cool hands now on his chest, he found it hard to concentrate.
“Yes.” She bent and kissed his throat. “I wanted to start your interview by talking to your friends.”
Riley stiffened, but she caught his neck and quickly kissed him, scattering his thoughts.
“They respect you a lot, Riley.”
“They?”
“Ethan, Buck and Harris.”
His groan was due partly to dismay, partly to the way she removed his shirt and rained tiny kisses across his chest. “Hell, Red, you had all three of them here?”
“Mmm. They don’t know any more about you than I do.” She pushed him flat to the mattress, straddled his thighs and started on his belt buckle.
Riley settled his hands on her waist, charmed with her seduction, and so turned on he wanted her under him right this instant. “You know everything about me that you need to know.”
She glanced up to give him a chastising smile. “No, I don’t. But I can be patient. I’ve decided not to do the interview until you’re comfortable talking to me about your past.”
“Red…”
“Raise your hips.” She had his slacks undone, so Riley did as ordered. She quickly skimmed them, along with his boxers, down his legs. She paused to tug off his shoes and socks, and then he was naked.