by Lori Foster
Precisely ten minutes later, her body still humming, Brand carried her into the bathroom and set her on her trembling legs.
Leaning against the door frame, he asked, “Anything I can do to help?”
“You’ve done enough,” she promised him.
He smiled. “I’ll warm your coffee.”
“Thank you.” She took a two-minute shower, brushed her teeth and was rushing through eye makeup when someone rang the doorbell.
She stalled.
At the same time that she realized it had to be Leese, Miles or Justice, it hit her that she and Brand had left their clothes thrown all over the entry.
Oh crap.
Dashing out of the bathroom, she shouted, “Wait...” then slipped to a halt on the polished floor when she saw all three of the men standing inside the door.
Looking around.
Brand followed their gazes, and an “oh” expression hit his face. He shrugged an apology to Sahara and, pretending it didn’t matter, said, “Come on in. Sahara is scrambling to get ready for work. We’re running a little late today.”
Brand had pulled on fresh jeans and a casual black button-up...that he hadn’t yet buttoned. He hadn’t yet shaved either, but his hair was damp, so she assumed he’d caught a shower as well.
When the silence penetrated, she tore her gaze away from Brand and found the other three staring at her. “What?”
Justice cleared his throat. “You look nice with your hair down.”
“That’s what I told her,” Brand said. Then bold as you please, he walked over and gave her a kiss. “I’ll put on more coffee. Why don’t you guys come into the kitchen so Sahara can finish up?”
“Wait,” Sahara said. “They’re here for a reason, right?”
“I don’t know.” Brand looked at them. “Something up?”
Leese shook off the stupor. “Yeah, actually. We have something to share.”
“Should have waited until she made it to the office, though,” Miles said. “I told them that, but did they listen?”
“Apparently not.” Sahara strode around the living room snatching up articles of clothing—including her bra and panties, which, thankfully, were with her dress over the back of a chair rather than on the floor. She planned to wear the same shoes, so she stepped into them. “Give me thirty seconds before anyone says anything. And, Justice, would you let Enoch know I’m going to be a few minutes late?”
“Sure thing.”
“You’re the best.” She hustled down the hall to the bedroom, dumping the clothes inside. Going into the bathroom and bending at the waist, she flipped her hair forward, secured it with a band, and then twisted it around to form a casual chignon. She slipped in earrings, gave her makeup one last look and joined the men.
Brand was looking at something on Leese’s laptop and she gasped. “You started without me!”
Brand pulled out a chair for her and handed her coffee. “It’s photos from the security cam at your house.”
“It dawned on me,” Justice said, “that I might find some footage of those landscapers.”
“Did you?” She hurriedly gazed at the laptop. All she saw was the back of a head.
“That’s the thing.” Leese crowded in next to Brand and rolled several photos past the screen.
Sahara frowned. The back of a head, back of a head, arm up blocking the face, head down and turned away and another back of the head. “It’s almost as if they knew where the cameras were and avoided them.”
“Exactly.” Miles helped himself to coffee. “Every shot’s like that.”
“The big question, then, is do you know them?”
She shook her head at Justice. “It’s hard to judge body size, but I don’t think it’s the men who took me. None of them are big enough to be the main guy, and the others just seem wrong.”
Brand said, “You transferred those photos to her?”
“Yeah. They’ll be in her files, waiting for her.” Leese closed the laptop. “I sent them to you, too, Brand. The two of you can maybe enhance them, blow them up a little, whatever.”
Justice finished his coffee. “You coming to the office now?”
She glanced at Brand. “I’m ready.” But what would he be doing for the day? “What about you?”
“I have some errands to run. I’ll be back in time for lunch if you’re free.”
Just that easily, he brightened her morning. Amazing that the idea of lunch with a man—a man she’d slept with last night and again this morning—could make her so happy. “Come with me to the office and we’ll ask Enoch.”
At the office, the other men splintered off, Miles and Leese with assignments, Justice with time to hit the range and work out. After Enoch told her she had time for lunch at noon, Brand still followed her into her office, waiting until Enoch finished going over the day’s appointments for her.
Once they were alone, Brand said, “About that party this Saturday.”
“You’ve changed your mind? You don’t want to go now?”
“You leap to the oddest assumptions.”
It didn’t seem all that odd to her. Brand had been furious about her making arrangements with Becky—and he didn’t even know the whole of it. “Sorry. What about it?”
“How fancy will it be?”
A new thought occurred to her. “If you need me to buy you a suit—”
His finger pressed to her lips. “One, I own several suits. Two, even if I didn’t, I sure as hell wouldn’t let you buy one for me. Three, I just need to know if we’re talking dress casual, a suit or a tux.”
Sahara stared up at him, waiting for him to remove his finger so she could reply.
Instead, he traced her lips, then bent to kiss her. It was a brief, gentle touch, and it stole her breath away.
“What’s it to be?” he asked.
“Do you own a tux?”
He grinned. “No, but I know how to rent one.”
She smoothed her hands over his shirt. He looked very handsome in the black shirt, a brown cargo jacket over it. He still hadn’t shaved, but she liked the rugged look on him. “I’ll certainly dress up, as I suspect most of the women will.” She loved dressing in her finest clothes. “But you’ll be fine in either dress casual or a suit. Up to you. Douglas Grant wears suits every day as the DA, so for parties he’s usually pretty casual. When it comes to the men, I wouldn’t be surprised to see some of them in jeans.”
“I’ll find some middle ground, then.” He brushed his thumb over her cheek. “You’re going to be here all day?”
“Yes. But eventually I’ll need to get back to my house to pick out my clothes and shoes and jewelry.”
“I’ll go with you for that.”
“It should be fine now—”
He cupped her face. “I’ll go with you.”
“All right. I’d like that.”
After one more touch of his mouth to hers, Brand stepped away. “See you for lunch.”
Oh, how she loved the progress with her relationship.
She watched Brand leave, then moved to her desk and called for Enoch. He’d be able to locate a stylist willing to do a house call for Becky.
After she got that done, she’d fit in some online shopping. If she couldn’t take Becky to the stores, she’d have to bring the stores to Becky.
One way or another, she was determined to help Brand.
And to do that, she had to help his mother to get on with her life.
* * *
THE LAST FEW days of the week went by in a happy blur. Brand had lunch with her twice, and each night they enjoyed dinner together. Between them they came up with meal plans that were both delicious and semihealthy. Brand hadn’t yet committed to a fight, but neither had he committed to Body Armor.
She was a little afraid to press him, which was totall
y unlike her. Her true nature was full-steam ahead, but for the first time in her life, she felt...tentative.
Her time with Brand was so good she didn’t want to rock the boat.
Of course, when he saw his mother, the boat might not only rock, it could capsize.
The stylist had visited Becky and done an amazing job. Her hair had stunning highlights and a new cut that better suited the shape of her face. Her new makeup showcased all her best features, features she shared with her son, like her dark eyes, long lashes and high cheekbones.
In the middle of an important meeting Sahara had gotten first one text, then another and another, all of them selfies from a very pleased Becky. The clothes had arrived, too. Becky was disappointed that they couldn’t go out to shop, but still overjoyed with what Sahara had chosen for her. In one of the photos, Sahara could see that Becky wore a new outfit.
Sahara knew she had good taste, and she was a decent judge of character, so she’d pegged Becky as someone who would react positively to gifts that showed off her figure and made her feel more like a desirable woman.
Not that she’d discuss it with Brand. No, a son wouldn’t want to think that way about his mother—especially a mostly estranged mother.
She was determined that she’d visit with Becky again, but first she wanted to enjoy her hectic weekend.
She’d just closed out her computer when Brand stuck his head in the door.
“Enoch said you were done for the day.”
“Enoch is always correct,” she replied, already coming out from behind her desk. She paused to stretch her aching shoulders. “I’ve finally gone through every contact I could find associated with my brother.”
“And?” Brand turned her and began gently kneading the tensed muscles in her neck and shoulders.
Sahara tipped her head back, eyes closed. “Nothing. I couldn’t find a single man who even resembled my kidnapper.”
“I’m not sure I like you referring to him as yours.” Brand kissed the side of her throat.
“I didn’t mean it affectionately, but I’m very invested in this. Territorial, maybe. I want to find him. I want revenge.”
“And you want to know what he knows about your brother.”
“Exactly.” She needed to know. It was always there, chewing on her peace of mind. How could Scott have any association with a vile kidnapper?
“You’re getting tense again.” His fingers carefully pressed deep, working her, almost forcing her to relax.
“You’re good at that.” She twisted to see him, eyeing the trim beard he had now. She liked it. “You’re good at everything, aren’t you?”
He smiled. “If we take this upstairs, I can show you just how good I am—with a proper massage.”
“Proper, huh?” She groaned and collapsed back against him. “Tempting as that is, I have to go to my house tonight. I need to get my party clothes for tomorrow.”
“All right. I can take you there now.”
She beamed at him. “It’s like having my very own hot chauffeur, who’s also a sexy roommate and a kickass bodyguard.”
“I’m a jack-of-all-trades.” As she went to get her coat and purse, he added, “It’s starting to rain and the temps have dropped. Want me to warm up the car?”
“Thank you, but it’s not necessary.” She turned up the collar. “We’ll go from the parking garage to the garage at my house. It’ll be fine.”
On the way out, Brand called Leese to let him know their plans. “Just to be on the safe side,” he said. Brand still wasn’t convinced that it was just a bystander who’d locked eyes with him a few days ago, or that it hadn’t been the kidnappers at the house pretending to be landscapers.
Sahara didn’t think it was, not after studying the security cam photos and seeing no resemblance to the body types. Still, she appreciated Brand’s caution. In so many ways, he’d make an ideal bodyguard, his instincts already perfectly aligned for the job.
As usual since the kidnapping, Brand stayed alert to their surroundings, even on the drive to the house. All looked quiet as they drove in, but then, the guys had taken turns randomly stopping by to check on things. Anyone watching the house would have realized that Sahara wasn’t there, and it was well scrutinized for intruders.
When they stepped inside, Sahara glanced around in surprise. Somehow the house felt even bigger...and emptier.
Brand peeled off his jacket, laying it over the volute at the bottom of the handrail. “I still can’t believe you live alone in this place.”
“I know.” Her heart beat a little faster when she looked up the long stairs and at the dim landing at the top. “I used to feel completely safe here, but after being in the suite, this place feels... I don’t know.” She shivered and said, “Vacant.”
Brand slipped his arm around her. “You were attacked in this house. It makes sense for you to feel differently here now. You won’t be here alone. Not for a very long time.” He got her moving. “Not until you’re ready.”
Was Brand already looking for an end date to their relationship? She hoped not, but even if he was, she wouldn’t return here. She’d stay in the suite...which would also feel empty without Brand in it.
How had she gotten so attached to him, so quickly?
She leaned against his side. “Don’t ever tell anyone, but I’m a little spooked.”
“I’ll be right here with you.” He kissed her temple. “And honey, you know it’s okay to be human, right? No one expects otherwise.”
“I do,” she admitted. “I expect a lot of myself. And usually I can deliver.” If Brand weren’t with her, would she make herself go through the house alone? Maybe. But she was glad she didn’t have to.
It didn’t take her long to choose a dress, find shoes and a wrap to match, then locate complementary jewelry.
When she opened the jewelry case disguised as a mirror on the wall, Brand whistled.
“That’s a lot of bling.”
She grinned. “Scott gave me most of it. Birthdays and Christmas and stuff like that. Some of it is older, handed down through the family. And a few pieces I bought myself.”
“That’s a handy place to hide it all.”
She gestured at the standing jewelry case, as tall as her dresser. “I have a lot of other pieces there, but the expensive stuff is better kept out of sight.” She picked out a ruby-and-diamond choker with matching drop earrings. After she’d placed everything in a small carrying case, she said, “I’m ready if you are.” More than ready. With the oddest feeling of being watched, she was anxious to be on her way.
Brand took the case from her, holding it in one hand and taking her hand with the other.
* * *
RAKING A HAND through his hair in frustration, he turned away from the small camera. “I don’t like it.” An understatement: he fucking well hated it. “She’s entirely too close to him.”
His cohort shrugged. “What do you have against him?”
“For starters, I don’t know him, and that’s unacceptable. I want every detail you can dig up on him. Everything from his friends and family to his favorite candy bar. Start with a criminal background check, his job and his bank account. How much money does he have, where does he spend it, how does he spend his leisure time.”
“I’ll get started on it tomorrow.”
“Tonight. I need to know something about him before she goes to the party.” He rubbed his chin and turned back to the camera, watching as she and the big man left the foyer. “I need to know what I’m up against—and how best to get rid of him.”
CHAPTER ELEVEN
SEEING SAHARA’S DRESS on a hanger did not prepare him for seeing it on her. The long red dress hugged every curve and hollow of her body in a way that made his blood thicken.
The slinky material dipped low between her breasts, showing off a lot of cleavage, then
fed into a cinched knot that emphasized her narrow waist. A split on the left side cut up to midthigh. Silver heels made her legs even longer.
She’d worn her thick brown hair down, but tucked back on one side, which showed off the jewels in her choker and earrings.
As he pulled her Mercedes into the designated parking area for the party, he made note of the area, of other people heading in and of the impressive house.
Not as impressive as Sahara’s, but still, a mansion.
These were her people, her peer group, and she’d fit in while he didn’t even want to.
Brand glanced at her again. She sat serenely, legs crossed, looking out the window.
Every man in the place is going to want her.
How could they not? No woman could be as impressive as Sahara Silver. He wasn’t a man who suffered jealousy, but if he could—without looking like an ass—he’d steal her away so no other man could ogle her.
A valet appeared in front of the car, intent on parking for him. Brand refused. When Sahara gave him an incredulous look, he explained, “I need to know where the car is, and I need the keys on me so we can leave if necessary.”
She puzzled over that. “You honestly think something will happen at a party? At the DA’s house?”
“Let’s just say I’m not sure it won’t.” He had a bad feeling about it, and when it came to Sahara’s safety, he wasn’t willing to discount any concern.
Brand found a spot at the end of a line of cars that would leave an opening for a hasty exit. It meant they had to walk a little farther to the house, but the rain had stopped before morning and there were plenty of stone paths to use.
Two attendants, who remained in the lot with flashlights, watched in confusion as they left the car. Brand asked the closest man, “You’ll be here for the duration?”
“Yes, sir.”
“Can I count on you to ensure no one comes near her car until we return?”
He looked even more confused. “Uh...yeah. I’ll watch it.”
Brand handed him a hundred and said, “Make sure it doesn’t get blocked in, too.”
Eyes a little wider, he said, “Yes, sir.”
Sahara smiled at the second guy, who clearly didn’t appreciate being left out. “There’s another hundred in it for you when we return.”