by Lori Foster
Sahara had pampered Becky, when she wasn’t the type to do that. She’d gotten Becky to smile, when Brand thought his mother didn’t know how.
Sahara was fucking friendly with her, even though the woman had abandoned him.
Screwed up as it might be, that somehow felt like a betrayal.
He wanted to unleash his frustrated anger, but he was at a disadvantage. Despite the brave front she put on, Sahara was hurt and he didn’t want to exacerbate her discomfort.
“Since you think this is your brother, I assume you’ll follow his instructions and show more caution?”
She chewed her lip. “Scott could be in trouble. He might need me.”
“Un-fucking-believable.”
She scowled. “You know I don’t like that word.”
“I don’t like you intruding into my private business, but that didn’t stop you, did it?”
The careless insult made her wince, but a second later she squared off with him. Pointing at the phone, she snapped, “Then maybe you should remember that this is my private business.”
Huh. She’d certainly turned that one around on him. “You’re determined to get yourself killed, aren’t you?”
Sahara snorted. “You keep thinking I’m an idiot when I’m not. I know how to make good decisions, and I will, but I don’t need you or my brother dictating to me about when and where I go or what I can do.”
So it wasn’t just him she’d defy, but Scott, too?
A little floored, Brand stared at her. That wasn’t at all what he’d expected. Sure, he knew Sahara defined independence, but he’d somehow gotten the impression she worshiped her brother and fell into line over his every request. “I would’ve bet money you did whatever big brother told you to.”
She sent him a mocking smile. “Be glad that I don’t, because if you read the text again, you’ll see that he also ordered me to trust no one.” She swept out a hand. “But I trust everyone here today, you most of all.”
Her statement proved a balm, helping him to calm his anger. Suddenly he felt like an ass for his reaction over Becky. “If you mean that, then—”
She interrupted to say, “In return, you have to trust me to know what I’m doing.” Caution crept into her expression. “That is, unless you’re so mad about that business with your mother that our relationship is ready to crash and burn.”
Oh no, he wouldn’t leave her safety to anyone else. “You’re stuck with me for now.”
She scowled. “How long is ‘for now’?”
Did she have to challenge him at every turn? Running a hand over his face, Brand knew he needed reinforcements, so he turned to the group.
“No,” Sahara hissed, already guessing what he’d do.
As if he hadn’t heard her protest, he called out, “Sahara got another text.”
Heads lifted, frowns fell into place and as one, the small group started toward them.
Sahara shot him an accusing frown. “That was a dirty trick.”
Brand cocked a brow. “You want to complain to me when you’ve been sneaking behind my back with my mother?”
“Well...” She relented. “Not if you put it like that.”
“There’s no other way to put it.” She briefly closed her eyes, and Brand didn’t know if it was from remorse or pain in her head. He’d feel a lot better about things if she would have agreed to go to the hospital. “We’ll talk about it later.”
“Thanks for nothing.”
Now she was pissed? Well, misery loved company, Brand told himself. Eventually, they’d work it all out.
When Leese and the others reached them, Brand stepped back and watched the confusion, fury and insistence unfold.
Odds were, the guys wouldn’t be able to curb her recklessness—but the women might.
He was counting on it.
* * *
HOURS LATER, A little sunburned but in better control of his temper, Brand let them into the suite. They’d gotten home without incident, but then, they’d formed a small caravan, with Justice and Fallon in the lead, Sahara and him in the middle, and Leese and Catalina in the rear. Everyone had been alert, wary of another attack, especially on the country roads.
Once they’d reached the highway, they’d all relaxed a bit while still remaining vigilant.
The others had followed them right up to the parking lot of the Body Armor agency, then waited until he and Sahara got in the door.
For her part, Sahara was subdued, which in itself was alarming since subdued wasn’t a word normally used to describe her. He couldn’t tell if she was angry, worried or if maybe her head hurt.
She’d been through so much in such a short time, and still didn’t crumble. Under the circumstances, losing some of her sparkle was understandable.
“I’m going to take a shower,” she said on her way past him.
Brand gently caught her elbow. She paused, but didn’t face him.
“Hey. Are you okay?” He drew her around, and with two fingers lifted her chin so she had no choice but to meet his gaze. “Does your head hurt?”
She gave a brief, restrained smile. “Not really.”
He coasted his fingertips along her delicate jaw. “Is there anything I can get you?”
For a second, she looked devastated, then she stepped against him, her arms around him and her head on his chest. Voice muffled against him, she asked, “Are you still mad at me?”
Never would Brand believe that it was his anger alone that had her so submissive. In most instances, Sahara would just fight back, not retreat. “My relationship with my mother is complicated.”
“That’s a nonanswer.” She leaned back to see him again. “And like I already told you, my relationship with Scott is also complicated. Lately it seems my entire life is complicated. What if I wanted you to stay out of it?”
It struck him that her feelings were hurt. “You feel like I’ve cut you out?”
Disgusted, she shoved away and gave him her back, her arms hugged around her. “How can you cut me out when you’ve never let me in?”
“Now wait a minute.” She was twisting everything around. “We’re talking about you, not me.”
“Always, I know.” She looked over her shoulder. “I had to twist your arm to take me along to meet your parents and Becky.”
He wanted to say he’d hesitated because he’d known she would interfere. But as she turned, the look on her face stopped him. “We’ve been a little busy, if you’ll recall. I couldn’t see confusing things even more.”
As if she’d hoped for something different, she briefly closed her eyes, then opened them again and forced a small smile. “Yes, it has been chaotic.”
“Exactly.” He started to close the space between them. Suddenly it felt like more than just a few feet.
Sahara stepped back, and that stopped him—just as she’d intended. After a deep breath, she said, “I’m not sure I can change.”
He didn’t understand her or this uncertain mood, but he knew one thing for sure. “You don’t need to change.”
“But we’ll keep butting heads if I don’t.” She bit her bottom lip. “I don’t know what to do.”
For Brand, it felt like he was fighting for something very important, so he hoped he got the words right. And fuck the distance. He took two big steps to reach her and drew her against him. Hugging her, he whispered, “You don’t need to do anything, babe. We’re in a relationship, and sometimes that requires adjustment.”
Her hands fisted in his shirt. “I’m not sure I like the idea of constantly having to adjust.”
“Why not?” Her hair and skin smelled of the sunshine and fresh outdoors. They’d gone from him being annoyed to her being distant—and yet he felt lust stirring. He couldn’t be near Sahara without wanting her. With a grin, he said, “I’ve sure as hell had to adjust.”
“You? Why would you have to?” Again she pushed back to see him. “You’re perfect as you are.”
A rueful laugh took him by surprise. “Perfect? God, Sahara, I’m so far from perfect, half the time I don’t even know what I’m doing.”
“You always know what you’re doing.”
He shook his head.
“And I used to, until lately.”
“Until me?” Damn, he hated that idea. Brand cupped her face and bent his knees to look right into her eyes. “Let’s agree that we’ve both blundered a little, okay? I know it’s an uncomfortable feeling, but I’m not giving you up.”
“You’re not?”
“Hell, no.” Set on convincing her, he took her mouth in a firm kiss. Sahara sank against him, returning the kiss with urgency. As he eased up, he whispered, “It’s been a long day, so how about we draw some guidelines and going forward, we’ll both do our best to stick to them.”
Her eyes searched his. “And if we don’t?”
She meant if she didn’t, so Brand kissed her again. “Then we’ll each try harder to understand.”
Very slowly, a smile curled her mouth. “In that case, would you like to shower with me?”
CHAPTER FOURTEEN
SAHARA AWOKE BEFORE BRAND. She sighed as she nuzzled against the side of his broad, warm chest. Her right hand rested over a hair-dusted pec and, careful not to wake him, she let her fingers tease through the crisp hair.
He smelled incredible, a scent unique to Brand.
Even in sleep he held her close, his strong arm around her. Brand slept on his back, the covers down around his waist. She was on her side, tucked against him, one leg over his, the inside of her knee against his groin.
They were both naked.
Last night had been beyond amazing. Sahara didn’t know if it was the excitement of the day or their personal conflict, but Brand had been especially attentive, leaving no part of her untouched. He’d been in a take-charge mood, a little dominant, and she’d loved every second of it. He had a way of issuing sensual orders that stole her breath and heightened her anticipation. Even before he’d thrust into her, she’d been on the verge of release, but he’d held back, content to watch her climax...then he’d made that happen two more times before he finally let himself go.
It was no wonder she’d awakened with a smile in place.
Even more important than the incredible sex was that Brand hadn’t let her ruin things. He’d taken her doubts and somehow reassured her without letting her off the hook for meddling in his private business. Now, after a good night’s sleep and a new perspective, Sahara was so glad.
They’d still have to talk about Becky, but at least she felt he’d listen to her explanations and maybe give her ideas a chance to work.
She also thought about his denial at being perfect. Without the glum attitude of yesterday, she could think about that more realistically.
Brand was right; he wasn’t perfect.
Suddenly he stirred, his arm tightening around her in a brief hug before he even opened his eyes.
Sounding sexy and sleepy, he rumbled, “Good morning, gorgeous.”
“Morning.” She half crawled over him, her elbows on his chest. “Sleep well?”
“After the way you wore me out? Yeah.”
“Me?” She gave him a laughing kiss. “I’m the one who was tortured with orgasms.”
“Tortured, huh?” His lashes lifted and his dark, smoky eyes met hers. “I love watching you come, Sahara.”
“In that case, feel free to do a repeat whenever you want.”
His hands slid down her back to her bottom, and she quickly found herself completely over him, her legs trapped between his. “I don’t suppose we have time this morning?”
She glanced at the clock, then let out a sigh of disappointment. “Lucky I’m the boss, because I’m already running late.”
He lightly touched the bandage on her head. “I’m sure everyone will understand under the circumstances.”
Sahara frowned. “I thought about what you said, and came to the conclusion that you’re right.”
Wariness entered his eyes. “About what?”
“You not being perfect.” She gave him a quick kiss so he wouldn’t be insulted. “Case in point is your insistence that a little bump on the head is a big deal. You know if it had been Justice, you wouldn’t have given it a thought.”
His gaze drifted down to her exposed cleavage, exaggerated by the way her breasts squashed against his chest. “Justice was a fighter. He’s had plenty of head wounds and knows how to judge if it’s serious or not.”
“You think Justice has more sense than me?”
“Justice might act goofy, but he’s not. Besides, this is about experience, not intelligence.”
She gave that some thought, and decided to let it go. “You also accused me of being bossy, but I think you’re even bossier.”
He smiled. “When it comes to keeping you safe, you bet.” He had both hands back on her rear, gently kneading. “And for the record, I like your bossiness. Your strength and independence are both sexy as hell.”
Sahara reared up more to give him a look of incredulity. “You definitely made it sound like a complaint.”
“For me to work for you, yeah. But not for this.” He pressed a growing erection to her belly. “Not for a relationship.”
“Oh.” It was hard to concentrate when she felt him full and hard, throbbing beneath her. “Well, I think you’re a little too autocratic.”
“You would, since you like doing things your own way without answering to anyone. But that’s what relationships are, honey. Give and take.”
“What are you going to give?”
He smiled. “How about we have this discussion over coffee?”
So what he’d give would require a whole discussion? “Count me in.” She couldn’t wait to hear it. “I’ll get the coffee started and then meet you in the kitchen in fifteen minutes.” She scrambled off the bed and headed for the bathroom without waiting for a reply.
When she emerged a few minutes later, her face washed and her teeth brushed, Brand was no longer in the bed. She pulled on his discarded shirt from yesterday and went to the kitchen to make the coffee.
Back in her bedroom, she chose an outfit to wear and quickly dressed, stepped into her shoes and contained her hair in a long, sleek ponytail fastened at the nape of her neck.
She applied her usual makeup in under five minutes, then headed to the kitchen. With smug satisfaction, she saw that she’d beat Brand in getting ready.
Yes, she was competitive, and whenever possible she tried to prove that she wasn’t the stereotypical female who needed hours to prepare for her day.
She’d just filled her coffee cup when her cell phone rang. For a heartbeat she stared at it, then at the doorway to see if Brand would come charging in. He’d gotten decidedly protective about the anonymous messages she’d received.
He didn’t appear, so she assumed he hadn’t heard the ring.
Finally ungluing her feet from the floor, Sahara lunged forward and glanced at the screen. It was Enoch.
Anxious, she snatched up the phone and swiped her thumb across the screen. “Enoch, good morning. Everything okay?”
“Good morning, Sahara.”
Recognizing something in his tone, she asked breathlessly, “What’s the matter?”
He paused, then gave a short laugh. “I never could keep anything from you.”
“Why would you want to?” Again, she looked to ensure Brand hadn’t approached without her notice. She lowered her voice to keep from drawing his attention, in case he could hear her. “You’re my bestie, Enoch. You can tell me anything.”
“It’s just that I’d prefer you not get your hopes up...or do anything crazy.”
“It’s about Scott,
isn’t it?” Her brother was the only topic that could get her hopes up, or make her do crazy things.
She hadn’t yet had a chance to update Enoch on her weekend. She would have done that first thing this morning.
After doing a happy twirl across the kitchen floor, she said, “Tell me!”
“It might be Scott. I would have explained when you reached the office, but Brand usually escorts you down and then you have a meeting right after, so I figured I’d call...”
“You’re killing me, Enoch.” She felt like she might jump out of her skin in anticipation. “What is it?”
“Your PI called me. I didn’t understand why at first, but he had a message to pass along and he was instructed that no one else should know.”
“Meaning he didn’t want to chance calling me directly?”
“Supposedly an order that came from Scott. But since the PI has never spoken with Scott, he can’t say for sure, and that means you have to be extra, extra cautious. Promise me, Sahara.”
“A message?” From the day her brother had gone missing, she’d had a PI looking for him. Every day she hoped for a clue, any clue, that proved Scott was still around. “What message?”
He spilled everything in a rush. “Someone claiming to be Scott called and said he’d been aware of the investigation for a while, and apparently had been dodging detection, but now he feels he has to reach out to you. He wants you to meet him tonight.”
Already planning on how she’d make it happen, she demanded, “Where?”
“Promise me, first, or I won’t tell you anything else. I need your word that you’ll be careful.”
“Of course. ‘Careful’ is my middle name.”
“No,” he corrected with exaggerated patience. “‘Insanely reckless and impetuous’ is your middle name. Especially where Scott is concerned.”
Sahara squeezed the phone and frowned. “What is the message?”
Enoch groaned. “The person claiming to be Scott wants to meet with you privately. Just you and no one else. He said he doesn’t know these new bodyguards you’ve brought on board, and you’ve all but retired the established guards.”
Sahara went on defense without thinking about it. “The men I hired are better in every single way. It figures that Scott would second-guess me! Usually I concede to his judgment, but not this time.”