by Lori Foster
“Oh, they’ll believe.” Then he kissed her. Emily heard the bartender hoot, and she heard a few of the women close by whistle. One particularly brazen woman offered to be next.
Judd practically lifted her from the bar stool, one hand anchored in her hair, the other wrapped around her waist. The kiss was long and thorough, and couldn’t have left any doubts about their supposed relationship.
Pulling back by slow degrees, Judd said, “Damn, but I want to be home with you. Alone. Naked.”
Emily hastily covered his mouth. “Hush. You’ll have me so rattled, I won’t remember what I’m doing here.”
He kissed her fingers, then straightened again. “Stay out of trouble. And stay where I can see you.”
“But don’t watch?”
“You’ve got it.” Then he flicked a finger over her cheek and walked away to his “dressing room.” Emily couldn’t hold back a smile. He wasn’t as indifferent as you thought, was he, Emily? Who knows, this may all work out yet. Maybe, if enough time passes without Donner showing, Judd will finally give up and let someone more objective handle the case.
Emily was daydreaming about having a future with Judd, when Clayton Donner strolled in the front door, along with his bully boys. Emily sank back on her stool to avoid being noticed. Not that she was all that noticeable, with so many women in the room.
Donner stopped inside the door and spoke with one of his men. He checked his watch, smoothed a hand over his hair, then opened a door leading to a set of stairs. Mick, one of the men from the pool hall, stayed at the bottom. Minutes later, another man entered and spoke quietly with Mick. Emily sucked in a sharp breath as she realized he was the man from the photograph. Fear hit her first, knowing this man had deliberately sent someone to break into her home. But anger quickly followed.
Whoever he was, he could be no better than Donner. And Emily wanted to see them both put away—preferably without involving Judd.
Their heads were bent together in a conspiratorial way, and Emily wished she could hear what they were saying. When Mick led the other man upstairs, she decided she would follow. She felt a certain foreboding, not for herself, but for Judd. She had to protect him.
Her heart pounded with her decision.
Judd was probably the most capable man she’d ever met, but his love for Max would make him vulnerable in ways that could endanger his life. If there was some way, any way, to help predict Donner’s actions, she could use the information to help Judd.
With that thought in mind, she waited until Judd had been cued by his music and walked onto the dance floor, then she slipped away. Judd didn’t notice since he seemed to be making every effort not to look her way. Women screamed in the background and the music blared. But above it all, Emily heard the rush of blood in her ears and her thundering heart. She tried to look inconspicuous as she made her way to the door.
It opened easily when she turned the knob, and she held her breath, waiting to see if anyone would be standing on the other side. She could always claim to be looking for the ladies’ room. But once the door was open, she was faced with a narrow flight of stairs, with another door at the top.
Oh, Lord, Emily, don’t lose your nerve now. And stop breathing so hard or they’ll hear you. Each step seemed to echo as her weight caused the stairs to squeak. As she neared the top, she could make out faint voices and she strained to listen. Donner’s tone was the most prominent, and not easy to miss. He had a distinctive sound of authority that grated on her ears.
Trying to draw a deep, calming breath, Emily leaned against the wall and concentrated on picking up the discussion, hoping she’d hear if anyone moved to open the door. Gradually, she calmed enough to hear complete sentences, and minutes later, she started back down the stairs.
Her hands shook horribly and she thought she might throw up. When she opened the door and stepped back into the loud atmosphere of the bar, her vision clouded over and she had to shake her head to clear it.
Nothing had ever scared her like eavesdropping on Clayton Donner. But she now had what she needed to protect Judd. She knew when, and where, the next shipment would be bought. A plan was forming, and she’d have a little more than a week to perfect it. She’d make it work, and best of all, it wouldn’t include Judd.
* * *
Judd finished up his act just as Emily slid back onto her stool. She was stark white and her face seemed pinched in fear. He felt an immediate surge of anger. Something had upset her, and he wanted to know what.
Ignoring grasping hands as he left the floor, he strode to Emily and stopped in front of her. She met his gaze with wide brown eyes and a forced smile. A crush of women began to close in behind him and he took Emily’s arm without a word, then started toward the room where he changed. As he walked, he glanced around, hoping to catch sight of Donner or one of his men. He saw only grinning women.
When he closed the door behind them, she began to chatter. “The crowd seemed especially enthusiastic tonight. It’s a shame you’re not really a performer. You’re obviously very good at it.”
Judd didn’t offer a comment on that inane remark. He studied her face, saw her fear and wondered what had happened. “Where did you go, Em?”
“Where did I go?”
“That’s what I asked.” He tossed his props aside and picked up a towel to rub over his body. Emily watched his hands, as she always did, with feminine fascination. “You were gone the entire time I danced.”
“Oh.” She pulled her gaze up to peer into his face, then shrugged. “I went to the ladies’ room.”
“Uh-uh. Try again.”
She tried to look appalled. “You don’t believe me?”
“Not a bit.” Maybe she had seen Donner. Maybe the bastard had even spoken to her. Judd felt his shoulders tense. “Where did you go, Em?”
She gave a long sigh, then looked down at her feet. “All right, if you must know, I was jealous.”
That set him back. “Come again?”
She waved her hand airily. “All those women were ogling you as if they had the right. I couldn’t bear to watch. I suppose I’m just a...a possessive woman.”
Judd narrowed his eyes, mulling over what she’d said. She sounded convincing enough, but somehow, her explanation didn’t ring true.
Emily gave him a defiant glare when he continued to study her. “How would you feel if the situation were reversed? What if that was me dancing, and other men...were ogling me?”
She blushed fire-red as she made that outrageous suggestion, and Judd felt a smile tug at his mouth, despite his belief she was keeping something from him. He pulled on his jeans and then said to her, “I suppose I’d have to take you home and tie you to the bed. I sure as hell wouldn’t sit around while other men enjoyed the sight of you. I’m a little possessive, too.”
“There! You see what I... You are?”
Shrugging into his shirt, Judd said, “Yes, I am. And because I’m so possessive, I’d like to know what you’re up to.”
She immediately tucked in her chin and frowned. Judd was just about ready to shake her, when a knock sounded on the door. He went still, his adrenaline beginning to flow, then he moved Emily out of the way and opened the door.
Mick stood there, an insolent look on his face.
“Yeah?” Judd forced himself not to show any interest.
Mick frowned. “Clay wants to talk to you.”
“Tell Clay I’m busy.” As he said it, he reached back and wrapped an arm around Emily. She seemed startled that he’d done so.
Mick’s gaze slid over Emily, then came back to Judd. “He said to tell you he’d like to discuss a little venture with you.”
“Ah. I suppose I can spare a few minutes, then. Where is he?”
“Upstairs. I’ll take you there.”
“I can take myself. Tell him I’ll be there when I finish dressing.” He shut the door in Mick’s face.
Emily immediately started wringing her hands. “Don’t go.”
“W
hat? Of course I’m going.” He leaned down and jerked on his socks and shoes. His hands shook, the anticipation making simple tasks more difficult. He looked up at Emily. “This is what we’ve been waiting for. Don’t go panicking on me now.”
As he was trying to button his shirt, Emily threw herself against him. “It’s too dangerous. You could get hurt.”
“Em, honey.” He didn’t want to waste any time, but he couldn’t walk out with her so upset. He drew a deep breath to try to collect himself. “Em, listen to me.” When he lifted her chin, she reluctantly met his gaze with her own. “It’ll be all right. Nothing’s going to happen here in the bar. I’m only going to talk to him. I promise.”
Her bottom lip quivered and she sank her teeth into it to stop the nervous reaction. Judd bent to kiss her, helping her to forget her worry. “I want you to wait at the bar for me. Stay by Freddie until I come back out. Promise me.”
“I’ll stay by Freddie.”
“Good.” He opened the door and urged her out. “Now, go. I won’t be long.”
Judd leaned out the doorway and watched until Emily had taken a stool in the center of the long Formica bar. He signaled Freddie, waited for his wave, then went back into the room, stuffed his props into his leather bag and hoisted it over his shoulder. He took the steps upstairs two at a time. He rapped sharply on the door. His jaw felt tight and there was a pounding in his temples.
Mick opened it, peeked out, then pulled it wide for him to enter.
Donner stood and came to greet him. “Well, if it isn’t our friend, the stripper. Tell me, do the ladies ever follow you home?”
Judd forced his muscles to relax. “They try sometimes. But my calendar is full.”
“Ah, yes. I almost forgot. The little bird from the pool hall.”
Judd didn’t reply. He wanted to smash his fist against Donner’s smug, grinning face. Instead, he forced a negligent smile.
“Do you enjoy dancing...Sanders, isn’t it?”
“That’s right. And no, not particularly.” Then he pulled a wad of money from his pocket, all of it bills that had been stuffed into his briefs. “But it pays well.”
“I can see that it does. There are easier ways to make money, though.”
Judd settled back against the wall and folded his arms across his chest. He was so anxious, his mouth was dry. But he kept his pose, and his tone, almost bored. He gave a slow, relaxed smile, then said, “Why don’t you tell me about it?”
* * *
Judd was still trying to figure out how he was going to keep Emily out of the picture. He couldn’t risk her by taking her along, but if she was told the truth, she’d insist on coming with him. They’d argue, and she’d end up with hurt feelings.
He couldn’t bear the thought of that. Her feelings were fragile, and she was such a gentle woman, the thought of upsetting her made him feel like an ogre. But dammit all, he had to keep her safe. Max was dead, but Emily was very much alive. He had to make certain she would be okay.
Eight days. Not long enough, but then, no amount of time would be enough with Emily. The way he felt about her scared him silly, and it had been a long time since he’d felt fear. Growing up in the wrong part of town, with his father so drunk and angry and unpredictable, he’d gotten used to thinking fast and moving faster. Which was maybe why he’d never settled down with any one woman.
He wouldn’t settle down now, either.
He couldn’t. Not with Emily. She deserved so much more than he could ever give her, more than he’d ever imagined possessing. Not material things—she had those already, and he wasn’t exactly a pauper. He could provide for her. But emotional things? Family and background and happy memories? He couldn’t give her that. But he wanted to. So damn much.
She reached over and touched his shoulder as he drove through the dark, quiet streets of Springfield. “What happened, Judd? You’ve been so quiet since talking with Donner.”
He couldn’t tell her the truth, so he lied. And hated himself for it. “Nothing happened. He questioned me a little. Tried to feel me out. But he didn’t give me a single concrete thing to go on.”
“So...” She swallowed, looking wary and relieved. “So you don’t know yet what his plans are?”
“No.” He flicked her a look. The streetlights flashing by sent a steady rhythm of golden color over her features. She was so beautiful. “I guess we’ll have to keep up the cover a little longer. I, ah, suppose I can let you out of it if you think it’ll pose a problem. I mean, with John being home now and all.”
“No!” She gripped his arm, then suddenly relaxed. “No. I don’t mind continuing...as we have been.”
A little of his tension eased. He desperately needed a few more days with her. Once it was over, he’d have no further hold on her, and he wouldn’t be able to put off doing the right thing. But for now... He tugged on her hand. “Come here, babe.”
Emily slid over on the seat until their thighs touched and her seat belt pinched her side. She laid her head on his shoulder. Judd felt a lump of emotion that nearly choked him, and he swallowed hard. For so long, he’d been driven to get Donner and to avenge Max’s death. He’d thought doing so would give him peace and allow him to get on with his life. But he realized now, after claiming Emily as his own for such a short time, there would be no peace. His life would be just as empty after Donner was convicted as it had been before. Maybe even more so, because now, he knew what he was missing.
* * *
Emily felt like a thief. She was getting rather good at sneaking around. It still made her uneasy, but with Judd always watching her so closely, the subterfuge was necessary.
In order to “protect” her, he’d sort of moved in. It was a temporary situation, prompted by Judd’s concern over the break-in. He’d never once made mention of any emotional involvement, but his concern for her was obvious. And though it made her plans that much more difficult to follow, she was glad to have him in her home.
During the day he teased her and talked with her; he made her feel special. And at night...the nights were endless and hot and carnal. Judd touched her in ways she’d never imagined, but now craved. The shocking suggestions he whispered in her ear, the things he did to her, and the greedy, anxious way she accepted it all, could only be described as wicked—deliciously wicked. She loved his touch, his scent, the taste of him. She loved him, more with every day.
They had to be discreet, with John in the house, slipping into bed together after he was asleep, and making certain to be up before him. But John seemed to take great pleasure in having Judd around, even trying to emulate him in several ways. The two men had become very close.
Emily had thought long and hard about her situation with Judd, and her main priority was to take every moment she could with him. She suspected John might be aware of their intimate relationship, but since she would never ask either man to leave, there was no help for it. And she simply couldn’t feel any shame in loving Judd.
Now, as she slipped from the bedroom an hour before the sun was up, Emily thought of her plan. She knew Donner would be making his deal tomorrow at the abandoned produce warehouse on Fourth Street. She had her camera loaded and ready. If she could get a really good, incriminating picture, there would be no reason for Judd to continue his investigation. He would be safe.
Giving Judd the evidence he needed would be her gift to him, to help him put the past to rest. Then maybe he’d want her to be a part of his future.
She was at the kitchen table studying a map when she heard Judd start down the steps. Seconds later, when he entered the kitchen, she tried not to look guilty. The map, now a wadded, smashed ball of paper, was stuffed safely in a cabinet drawer.
“What are you doing up so early, babe?”
Emily drank in the sight of him, standing there with his hair on end and his eyes blurry. There was so little time left. After tomorrow, his case would be over, the threat would be gone and Judd would leave her. She rushed across the floor in her bare feet a
nd hugged him.
Judd seemed startled for a moment, and then his arms came around her, squeezing tight. “What’s wrong, Em?”
“Nothing. I just couldn’t sleep.”
He set her away from him. “Take a seat and I’ll start some coffee.”
She sat, and fiddled with the edge of a napkin. “Judd?”
“Hmm?”
“I have some stuff I have to do tomorrow. Around two.”
His hand, searching for a coffee mug, stopped in midreach. When he turned around, he wore a cautious expression and his posture seemed too stiff. “Oh? What kind of stuff?”
“Nothing really important. I have a load of clothes to drop off at the shelter, and some packages to send to an aunt for her birthday.” She held his gaze, striving for a look of innocence. “And I think I’ll do a little grocery shopping, too.”
All at once he seemed to relax and his breath escaped in a sigh, as if he’d been holding it. He gifted her with a small smile. “Well, don’t worry about me. I’m sure I can find something to occupy my time. In fact, I should go check on my mail and maybe pay a few bills.”
Emily congratulated herself on her performance. She’d been brilliant and he’d believed every word. Now, if she could only get him to leave before her so she wouldn’t have to try to sneak out. He’d surely notice her clothes, dark slacks and a sweater, since he’d never seen her wear anything like them before. She liked the outfit. It made her feel like 007.
An hour later, all three of them were finishing breakfast. It was a relaxing atmosphere, casual and close, like that of a real family. Emily smiled, thinking how perfect it seemed.
That’s when her parents arrived.
* * *
The introductions were strained and painful. Judd remembered now why he’d never done this. Meeting a mother, especially when you were barefoot and hadn’t shaven yet could make the occasion doubly awkward. He thought about bowing out, letting Emily and John have time alone with their parents, but one look at their faces and he knew he wasn’t going to budge.
“What is he doing here, Emily?”