Charade

by Lori Foster

  She understood his reasoning, but she couldn’t accept it. “This isn’t going to work, Judd. Not unless you’re willing to tell me everything.”

  He stared at her, hard, then muttered a curse and looked away. “No, you’re right. It won’t work. Which is why I’ve come up with an alternate plan. I decided I’d just find this guy for you, but on my own. You can stay in your little palace and play it safe.”

  “What?”

  “You heard me. From here on, you’re out of it.”

  Emily sputtered, then stiffened her spine. “You said I was ‘in,’ remember?”

  “I’ve changed my mind.”

  “Well, you can just unchange it, because I’m not going to be left out.”

  “I refuse to risk your getting hurt, and your reaction today was proof positive you aren’t ready to mingle with the meaner side of life. Let’s face it, Em, you’re just a baby.”

  “Oh, no, you don’t.” She propped her hands on her hips and glared at him. “You’re not going to pull me into an argument by slinging horrid insults at me. We had a deal and you’re the one who isn’t following the rules. Well, you can just stop it right now.”

  He blinked at her in amazement. “I wasn’t insulting you, dammit!”

  Emily could tell by his expression he hadn’t seen anything insulting in his attitude. But that only made the insult worse. She pursed her lips and tilted her head back so she could look down her nose at him. “I’m not entirely helpless, Judd. I can take care of myself.”

  There was a minute curving of his lips before he shook his head and spoke in a gentle, but firm, tone. “I’m sorry, Em. My mind’s made up.”

  He acted as if he hadn’t just dumped her, as if he hadn’t just let her down and destroyed all her plans. But it was even more than her plans now. It was Judd, and she cared about him. She took one step closer and poked him in the chest with her finger. “Okay, fine. You don’t want to help me, then I’ll find another way.”

  Startled, he grabbed her finger and held on. “You already have a way. Me. I can do this, you know. I’m more than capable, and I damn sure don’t need you looking after me. It’ll be easier without you.”

  That hurt, but she didn’t show it. She lifted her chin and met his intent gaze. “No. I won’t let you risk yourself for me, not while I sit around and do nothing.”

  Judd bit his upper lip and his eyes narrowed. He suddenly looked...dangerous, and Emily shivered in expectation of what he might say. She knew it would be something outrageous, but she was prepared for the worst.

  “So you’ll pay me a five-hundred-dollar bonus. No big deal.”

  He had a very credible sneer. Emily frowned. She couldn’t believe he’d just said that. And she couldn’t believe he was really doing this only for the money. She couldn’t have been that wrong.

  A deep breath didn’t help to relieve the sudden pain in her chest, or the tightness in her throat. She still sounded strained as she whispered, “Fine, if money’s the issue, I’ll pay you to forget you ever met me.” She waited for his reaction, and though Judd remained rigid, she noticed his hands were now curled into tight fists.

  There’s a reaction for you, Emily. He doesn’t seem at all pleased by being bought off. She decided to push him, just to see what it would take to force him to drop his charade. “Five thousand dollars, Judd. But I don’t want you risking yourself. Take it or leave it.” Then she opened the door and waited to see if he would actually leave.

  “Damn you, Emily.” The door slammed shut and she found herself pinned to the wall by his hard chest, his arms caging her in, his lips pressed to her hair. She could hear him panting, struggling for control of his temper.

  Relief washed over her—and hot excitement. “Judd?”

  He didn’t answer. He kissed her instead, and if the first kiss had been hungry, this one was ravenous. Emily moaned and wrapped her arms around him, holding him tight as his tongue pushed deep into her mouth. How she’d come to care so much about him so quickly, she didn’t know. Perhaps it was because she sensed the same emptiness in him that she’d often felt. When he’d told of his past, as different as it was from hers, she still saw a lot of similarities.

  Emily knew she was being fanciful, but she couldn’t deny the way she felt. It seemed to her sometimes there were no real heroes left in the world, people willing to do what was right—just because it was the right thing to do.

  But Judd was a hero, despite his chosen profession, despite his lack of manners and sometimes overbearing arrogance. A hero was a man who could do what needed to be done, when it was needed. And Judd was as capable as they came.

  “Oh, Em.” His mouth touched her throat, her chin, then her lips again. “I have to stop.”

  She tried to shake her head, since stopping was the last thing she wanted, but she couldn’t. His hands cupped her cheeks and he had her pressed flush against the wall, pinned from chest to knees, his erection hard and throbbing against her belly. It was glorious. She was well and truly trapped, and she loved it. “Judd...”

  “No, honey.” He was still breathing hard, his mouth touching soft and warm against her flesh, planting small biting kisses that tingled and tickled and stole her breath. “Neither one of us is ready for this. Hell, you’ve got me so crazy, I don’t know what I’m doing. I need time to think. And so do you.”

  Don’t beg, Emily. Don’t beg. “Judd...I—”

  He touched her lips with his thumb, then his eyes dropped to where she knew her nipples puckered tight against the front of her dress. His voice, when he spoke, was a low, raspy growl. “You’re killing me, Em. Please understand.”

  “I’ve never felt like this before, Judd.”

  He groaned, then kissed her again, this time so soft and sweet, she trembled. He pressed his hips hard against her once, then forcibly pulled away. When he touched her cheek, his hand shook. “I’ll call you later tonight, okay?”

  She swallowed hard, not wanting him to leave, but knowing he was right. It was too soon to make a commitment.

  It was difficult, but she managed to pull herself together. He was leaving; she knew that was for the best. But she had to recall what had started this whole argument and make certain he understood her position. “I was serious about what I said, Judd. I don’t want you doing anything on your own. I don’t want the...responsibility of your safety.”

  He pressed his forehead to hers and gave a loud sigh. “I know. I promise not to do anything until we’ve figured it all out.” Then he chuckled, and it sounded so nice to her ears, she laughed, too. “I must be crazy.” He gave her one more quick, hard kiss, then moved her away from the door. “I have to go before I forget my good intentions and ravish you right here. Any red-blooded male can only take so much provocation, you know. And honey, you’re damn provoking.”

  She smiled again, and as he stepped out, Judd said, “Emily? Thanks again for breakfast.”

  Emily contained herself until she saw Judd drive away. Then she whirled and laughed. Her emotions had been on a roller coaster all day. Whether it had been good or bad, it had definitely been exciting. In fact, her time spent with Judd was easily the most exciting time she’d ever known.

  He thought her provocative, and because of that, she felt provocative. That, too, was new, but decidedly delicious. She should feel guilty, since she hadn’t done anything to help her brother yet. But she couldn’t manage a single dollop of guilt. She simply felt too exhilarated.

  * * *

  Hours later, Emily stood looking out her kitchen window, impatiently waiting for Judd’s call. The house was dark and dim, just like her yard. She hadn’t bothered to turn on the lights as she’d watched the sunset. The kitchen was her favorite room in the house. The pine cabinets had a warm golden hue, and the antique Tiffany lamp that hung over her table provided a touch of bright color. She thought of Judd sitting at that table with her, of the kiss he’d given her against the wall, and she wondered what he was up to, if he was safe...if he was with Suze.r />
  That vagrant thought had her scowling, and she decided a soothing cup of chamomile tea was just what she needed. Without turning on the lights, she retrieved a cup from the cabinet and turned on the hot water. She knew her kitchen well and didn’t need the light intruding on her warm, intimate mood.

  It wasn’t until she heard a sound and looked up that she realized she’d never reset the alarm. Her heart lodged in her throat as she saw a large body looming outside her kitchen door. Frozen in fear, she stood there as the hot water grew hotter and steam wafted upward around her face. A soft click sounded, and then another. When the door swung silently open and a man entered, his body a shadowed silhouette, she finally reacted. Emily let out the loudest ear-piercing scream she could manage. And after a stunned second and a low curse, the man pounced on her.

  Emily didn’t have time to run.

  Chapter Six

  JUDD WHISTLED AS he kicked off his shoes and dropped back onto the lumpy couch. God, it felt good to get off his feet. And to finally get home. He wanted to talk to Emily. He needed to make certain she’d understood his motives this afternoon. He’d seen the shock on her face, then the determination when she’d thought he was dumping her.

  It had felt as if she’d snatched his heart right out of his chest. But what the hell else was he supposed to do? Watch her get involved? He hadn’t counted on every guy around, including Donner, wanting to cozy up to her. He supposed that elusive sensuality he’d noticed in her right away was as visible to every other guy around as it was to him.

  But he didn’t like it. He didn’t like other men looking at her and seeing tangled sheets and mussed hair and warm silky skin. He didn’t like other guys thinking the thoughts he had.

  He also couldn’t hurt her. He’d just have to find a way to keep her close, and himself detached. That was going to be the real trick, especially when she did crazy things like offering him money just to keep him safe. He sure wasn’t used to anyone trying to protect him, not since Max had been killed.

  But he could get used to it, if he let himself.

  His eyes narrowed at the thought. He couldn’t get distracted from his purpose now, not when he was so close. Emily was a danger, and she didn’t even realize it. She had the power to help him forget, and he didn’t want that. Donner had hurt her brother, but he’d taken the only family Judd had ever known. Whenever he remembered Max’s face, usually smiling, sometimes solemn, occasionally stern, his stomach tightened into a knot. Max was the finest, most honest person Judd had ever known, the only one who’d really cared about him.

  Except for Emily.

  Judd squeezed his eyes shut to block the thought. What Emily felt or didn’t feel for him couldn’t matter. Not now. Probably not ever. Judd wouldn’t give up until Donner was put away. And after that, he’d have no more reason to be with her.

  He was just reaching for the phone to call Emily, when the damn thing rang, causing him to jump. He snatched the receiver. “Yeah?”

  “Judd, I’m glad I could reach you. Are you sitting down?”

  Startled, it took Judd a second to answer. The lieutenant knew better than to call him at his apartment. It was a real breach of security. Something big must have happened. Trying to sound casual, he said, “As a matter of fact, I’d just propped my feet up. I’ve had a hell of a long—”

  Howell interrupted. “Well, your day’s about to get a whole lot longer.” He hesitated, then added, “You remember that little lady you mentioned to me the other day? The rich one. She still hanging around with you?”

  “Emily?” Judd didn’t say that he couldn’t forget her even if he tried. He cleared his throat. Even though he was as sure as he could be that no bugs existed in the apartment, he wouldn’t take any chances. “Sure. In fact, I was just thinking about her. I guess we’ve got a regular thing going, at least for a while.”

  “I see.” Judd could hear the restrained frustration in Howell’s tone. “That being the case and all, I thought you ought to know, I just heard the little lady had her house broken into.”

  Judd felt his stomach lurch. “What?”

  There was an expectant silence, then, “I recognize that tone, Judd. Just calm down and let me tell you what I know.”

  “Is Emily all right?”

  “She’s fine, just a little shaken up, I gather. It only happened a few minutes ago, but I thought... Judd?”

  Judd cursed and pushed his feet back into his shoes, “I’m on my way.”

  He vaguely heard Howell protesting, and knew he’d catch hell later for hanging up on the lieutenant, but the only thought that mattered was seeing Emily. He raced out the front door, only stopping long enough to grab his jacket and his Beretta.

  Ten minutes and three red lights later—which he ran—Judd decided he was too old to take this kind of stress. His palms were sweating and his head was pounding. He hadn’t felt this kind of nauseating fear since the call telling him Max had been shot in the line of duty. But Judd hadn’t made it then. He’d gotten to the hospital too late. Max had died only minutes before he arrived.

  He stepped more firmly on the accelerator, pushing the old truck and thanking the powers that be for the near-empty roads that lessened the danger of his recklessness. His hands tightened on the wheel as his urgency increased. He could literally taste his fear.

  When he sped into the curving driveway and saw the two black and whites parked there, he didn’t stop to think about an excuse for his timely arrival. He simply busted through the door, his eyes searching until he found Emily.

  She sat at the kitchen table holding an ice pack to her cheek. That alone was enough to make his blood freeze. She looked up, and the moment she saw him, her eyes widened, and then she smiled. “Judd.”

  He stalked toward her, sank to the floor beside her seat and took her hand in his. With his other hand, he lifted the ice pack so he could survey the damage. “Are you all right?”

  She blinked away tears then glanced nervously at the hovering officers. “I’m fine, Judd. But how—”

  Already her cheek was bruising and her eye was a bit puffy. Still holding her hand, Judd came to his feet and glared at the officers. “Who did this?”

  “We don’t know, Detective. We’re still trying to find out all the details.”

  “Did you check the house? Has anyone searched the yard?” He didn’t wait for an answer, but bent back to Emily. “Tell me what happened, honey.”

  She gave a nervous laugh, then quickly sobered. “Really, Judd, there’s no reason to yell at the nice officers. They came almost as soon as I called.”

  “Why didn’t you call me?”

  He realized what a ridiculous question that was almost as soon as he made the demand. Emily thought he was a male stripper. Why would she call him? That fact had his temper rising again.

  She leaned toward him and patted his shoulder. “Shh. It’s all right, Judd. Just calm down.”

  She was trying to soothe him? Judd gave her a blank stare, then shook his head. “Emily...”

  “I was waiting for your call. I guess after you left...I forgot to reset the alarm, because I was making tea when suddenly someone started opening the door.”

  “Oh, honey.” Judd wrapped her in his arms, lifting her from the seat at the same time. “You must have been scared half to death.”

  Emily had to speak against his chest, since he was still holding her tight. He couldn’t let her go just yet. He was still suffering from all the terrible thoughts that had raced through his head after Lieutenant Howell’s call.

  “I suppose I was scared at first,” she said. “I know I screamed loud enough to startle the ducks on the lake. Then the man sort of just jumped toward me. And without really thinking about it, I turned the faucet sprayer on him.” She leaned back to see Judd’s face. “Do you remember me telling you the water heater was in need of repair? Well, I had the water running hot for my tea, and when he came at me, I just grabbed the hose and aimed at his face. At least, I think I hit his fac
e. It was dark in here and everything happened so fast. I do know he yelled really loud, so I think the hot water must have hurt him.”

  Judd touched his fingers to her bruised cheek. “How did this happen?”

  Emily looked very sheepish now, and her cheeks turned a bright pink. “It’s really rather silly. You see, after the man yelled, I jerked away and ran for the library so I could use the phone. But, uh...” It was obvious to Judd she was embarrassed as her eyes again went to the two cops. “I tripped just inside the door. I hit my cheek on the leg of a chair.”

  Bemused, Judd asked, “The guy who broke in didn’t do this to you?”

  “No. I did it to myself. I think he left right after I shot him with the water. I locked the library door and called the police. When they got here, he was gone.”

  One of the cops cleared his throat. “We checked the water in her faucet. It’s scalding hot. It’s a wonder she hasn’t burned herself before.” Then he grinned. “You might want to get that checked.”

  Judd stared.

  Emily pulled on his sleeve, regaining his attention. “Do you remember me telling you about my father burning his hand on the faucet? It really does get hot, hot enough to make tea without boiling the water. I wouldn’t be at all surprised if the fellow has a serious burn on his face.”

  Feeling as though he’d walked into bedlam, Judd shook his head then turned his attention to the two officers. “Call Howell and tell him I’m spending the night here. And go check the area. With any luck, the bastard might still be out there if he’s burned all that bad.”

  Both men nodded and started away. Judd turned to Emily, ready to lecture her on the importance of keeping her alarm set, when he felt her stiffen. She looked paper-white and her bottom lip trembled. He grabbed her arm and gently forced her back into her chair.

  “Emily, I thought you said you were all right.”

  Her lips moved, but she didn’t make a sound.

  “Are you going to faint? Are you hurt somewhere?” He very carefully shook her. “Tell me what’s wrong.”