by Day, Vella
“Figures.”
“We’re here because we’re worried those men who assaulted you might come after you again. Just so you know, they probably were the ones who tried to break into your sister’s house last night.”
He reeled in his line, set the pole on the ground, and then faced them. “You okay?” he asked her.
“Yes. They left a note. That’s all.”
He lifted one shoulder. “Well, they’ll never find me here.”
“Seems we were able to,” Cord said.
Brody pursed his lips and shook his head. “Whatever. Say your peace then leave.”
“Appreciate it if you would tell me the names of the men who mugged you. I know they were looking for money that you owed them, but since they assaulted you, I can arrest them—assuming I can find them.”
Brody winced. “Don’t know who they are.”
“Don’t know or won’t tell me?”
He looked over at Piper then back at Cord. “Only caught their first names. Got drunk one night and ended up in a card game.”
“If you lost money, I’m sure the men told you how to find them. Otherwise, how did they expect to be paid back?” he asked.
Brody glanced around and inhaled, looking as if he had the weight of the world on his shoulders. “Owen, Randy, and some guy named Flinch. They called him that because every time he had a good hand, he’d get this facial tic.”
Piper was pretty good at knowing when Brody was telling the truth, and this time he seemed to be.
“From what I overheard,” Cord said, “they expected you to deliver the money to them. Did they say where?”
“They might have but I was too busy getting the shit beat out of me to listen. Doesn’t matter since I can’t pay them anyway.”
“Why didn’t you come to me?” Piper asked, pain digging deep into her.
“You got ten thousand to spare?”
Her stomach tumbled. Holy shit, no wonder the men had gone after Brody. “No, but we could have figured something out.” Tightness pressed on her chest making it hard to breathe.
Cord let go of her hand and hooked his thumbs in his jeans. “If you had this money, where would you deliver it?”
A flash of hope crossed Brody’s eyes before it evaporated. He must have recognized it was a hypothetical question. “Probably at the same place where I lost the money.”
Piper was disappointed that her brother wasn’t being more cooperative. “Where’s that, Brody?” Nagging him wouldn’t do any good, but she couldn’t help it.
“In the back room of the bowling alley.”
Really? “That place is nasty.” She’d been there once.
Brody shrugged.
“Thanks. I’ll run down their names,” Cord said.
Brody picked up his pole. “Can I get back to fishing now?”
Piper huffed out a breath. If she didn’t think he’d be in danger at work, she’d have suggested he head to the garage. “Don’t be like that. Cord’s only trying to help.”
“He can help by staying away from us.”
Piper didn’t know how to respond. Having a brother who was so prejudiced embarrassed her. Hopefully, Cord understood that it stemmed from Denny’s sister leaving him.
Cord placed a hand on her shoulder as if to give her comfort. “It’s okay. I’m going to give Dram a call. I’ll ask him to stop by and make sure the men don’t bother Brody. That way, your brother can fish in peace.”
Brody puffed out his chest. “Fuck you, man. I can take care of myself.”
Wanting to shake some sense into him, she stepped over to her brother. “Brody, you can’t fight off three men. You’re in the middle of nowhere. If they find you, they might kill you this time.”
At least he had the decency to wince. “Do what you want. I’m fishing.”
Brody always shut down when he was scared. Cord move close, cupped a hand around her waist, and drew her near. “Let’s go. I’ll call Dram from the car.”
Piper faced her brother. “If you go anywhere, can you let me know?” She softened her voice the best she could.
Brody shoulders sagged. “Sure, though my cell’s dead, remember?”
She meant when he returned home. “I know.”
When she and Cord returned to his truck, he contacted his fellow officer, who she recalled was a bear shifter, too. Cord filled Dram in on the case, asking if he could stake out the area to keep an eye out for the assailants. He then disconnected. “Dram said he can be here in an hour and fifteen.”
She leaned over and kissed his cheek. “Thank you. Once more I don’t know what I would’ve done without you.”
“I just wanted to help.”
“So now what?” she asked.
“Your brother should be safe for now, assuming he doesn’t do something stupid, though I wouldn’t be surprised if these men try to find him—or you. Is there someone you can stay with while I check things out at the station?”
“Me? I don’t owe them money.” Only then did she remember the note. “Never mind. The note could mean that if Brody didn’t pay, they’d come after me.”
“Precisely. Besides, your window hasn’t been fixed yet, and I’d feel better knowing you’re safe.”
She had an idea. “You said you found his wallet, but I’m guessing there were no fingerprints on it, right?” If so, his department would’ve found the three men already.
“No. What were there were too smudged. I’ll have the department check the note, too, but I’m not hopeful.” He headed back down the road to the main drag. “I’m serious about not wanting you to be alone. Is there a friend you can stay with?”
She got along well with everyone she worked with, but she didn’t socialize with many of them. “I feel a little odd asking if I can stay with any of my coworkers. Many have families. How about I stay at your place? No one would find me there.”
A small smile lifted his lips. It was almost as if he’d been waiting for her to ask. “My place is half the size of yours. I doubt you’ll be comfortable there.”
“You’d be surprised what I’m good at.” Her pulse skipped a beat at where her thoughts were headed.
Now he smiled. “Okay, but under one condition.”
“What’s that?”
“You’ll have to wear oversized sweats and a bag over your head.”
She laughed for the first time since she’d learned her brother hadn’t gone to work. “Afraid I’ll seduce you?”
“No, I’m afraid of what I’ll do to you.”
She couldn’t wait.
Chapter Eight
Because Cord didn’t want her to stay by herself until the men were apprehended, he asked her to pack a bag. Piper needed her car to drive to and from work, so she followed him to his place. To be thorough, Cord asked another officer to keep watch on her house, not only to make sure the workers installing the window didn’t take anything, but also to make sure the note-writer didn’t return.
“Make yourself at home,” Cord said as he unlocked the door. “I shouldn’t be long. I just need to check our department’s criminal database for the names your brother gave me.”
“Don’t worry about me. I brought my e-reader and will lose myself in some erotic fantasy.”
He shook his head, and huffed out a laugh, acting as if reading didn’t interest him. “I’ll pick up us some lunch on my way home.”
“I’ll be waiting.” Cord turned halfway, and was about to go back down the stairs, when she stopped him. “How about a good bye kiss so I don’t perish?”
He laughed. “You are trouble, Piper Capshaw.”
She didn’t think he’d oblige, but at the last second, he cupped her face and kissed her. This was no ordinary peck either. She couldn’t mistake the groan or how his fingers tightened on her face. Yes! She was getting to him.
“Don’t answer the door for anyone but me.”
“I won’t.” She wasn’t stupid.
He nodded and traipsed down the steps. She waited
until he’d driven away before stepping inside then locking the door. Now that the whole issue of repairing her window had been taken care of, and her brother was safe, it was time to work on breaking down Cord Triggert.
It was already after ten thirty, which meant she had less than two hours to prepare before his return. She loved the fact that he’d suggested she wear unflattering clothes and a bag over her head. To her, that meant he was having trouble keeping his hands off her. Piper carried her suitcase into the only bedroom and sorted through her things. While he seemed to enjoy her bra and undies, she saw no reason to wear them. If she had her way, he’d be taking them off right after lunch.
She debated what to put on, but in the end, she honored his joking request of a sweatshirt and baggy sweatpants. Wouldn’t he be in for a surprise when he lifted her top and found her naked underneath?
If it had been evening, she might have searched for some candles, but she seriously doubted he would have any. She could have driven into town and bought some, but if he came home and found his place empty, he’d have gone ballistic. The best she could do was turn on a romantic music station.
Shortly after twelve, the key turned in the lock. Cord was back! Instead of jumping up, Piper stretched out on the sofa, not wanting to appear too eager.
He stepped inside, carrying a bag from the Hidden Hills Café and set the food on the kitchen counter as he passed through. “Hey,” he said.
“Everything go okay at the station?”
“If you’re asking whether I found the names of the scum who attacked your brother, the answer is no. I did a scan of the first names but nothing came up. It would have been a lot more helpful if I’d known the last names, but most likely they’d have been made up.”
Darn. She was hoping those three would be in a cell by tonight. On the other hand, spending another night with hot Cord Triggert held a lot of appeal. She eased off the sofa. “Need help with the food?”
He ran a gaze up and down her body and actually smiled. “Nothing to do.”
She’d already set the table, knowing they’d be eating lunch. “How about I make some coffee then?” She would have been satisfied with water, but since Cord had stepped into the kitchen, probably for some silverware and plates, she wanted to be near him.
“Only have instant.”
Really? That was a bit of a surprise but then again, he had said he pretty much only came here to sleep. He located the utensils while she boiled the water for their coffee.
“Spoke with Dram and everything is calm in the fishing world.”
“I’m glad, though I believe Brody. No one is going to find him out by the lake.”
“Can’t be too cautious.”
Once the water heated, she took the two cups of coffee over to the table and sat down. Something about having lunch with him excited her. She didn’t know if it was because they were doing something ordinary together or because he seemed more relaxed around her now. He’d looked a little haggard when he walked through the door, but as soon as he saw her, his face had lit up.
“So what’s next?” she asked. He could take her comment to mean the case or their relationship.
“Not sure what we can do until they make their move.”
Apparently, his mind was still focused on his job. After lunch, she hoped to alter the direction of those thoughts. Because he hadn’t been able to find their names, her anxiety increased with the knowledge her brother was still in danger. It didn’t matter that Brody had been in the wrong. He never should’ve gambled in the first place, especially when he didn’t have the money, but such was the life of a desperate man.
Piper felt that her brother had been constantly searching for approval ever since Dad and Mom split. Brody always claimed that if he were ever rich, people would respect him. She wished he’d understand that people respected those who were honorable—like Cord.
Not wanting to dwell on all those negative thoughts, she turned her attention to what was going to happen once they finished their meal. She’d loved it when Cord had taken her against the wall. It had been so primal and hot. This time, however, she wanted to spend her time exploring and savoring every delicious inch of his body.
The question was whether he had the patience to let her. She’d heard that shifters had stronger urges than humans, and that their need to possess created a desire so strong that they could barely control themselves. Piper wanted to push him past that point. Having a man desperate for her would be such a turn on.
She quickly ate so she could begin her seduction. Cord seemed to sense something was going on, and he, too, wolfed down his meal. Once they finished, Piper pushed back her chair, picked up both plates, and carried the dishes into the kitchen. Cord followed. She didn’t miss the spark in his eyes and hoped that meant he was interested in another sexual foray.
But their intense lovemaking wasn’t just about the sex. The more she was around him, the more she wanted him. Cord Triggert was a good man—a noble one, in fact. He liked helping people, and he was someone she trusted. It had been a long time since she’d experienced that level of confidence with anyone.
“It’s really hot in here, don’t you think?” she asked fanning her face, hoping he’d understand her not so subtle hint.
“It is indeed.” When his gaze dropped to her chest, his eyes turned a smoldering black, and her nipples hardened under his intense perusal. “Perhaps you ought to take off your sweatshirt,” he suggested.
Her pussy moistened. “I could use a little help.” She wanted to make certain he understood her intense desire.
“I thought I made myself clear about what would happen if you tried to seduce me.” He kept his face unreadable for a few seconds before his lips lifted.
Piper stepped closer and planted her palms on his chest. “Who said anything about seducing you? I was merely making a statement about the temperature in here.”
He tapped her nose. “There are a lot of things you don’t know about me, Miss Capshaw.”
She undid the top button of his shirt. “Like what?”
“I can tell what you’re feeling and what you want.”
She looked up at him and smiled. He was fishing. “That so? I’m thinking of a number from one to ten. What is it?”
He slid his hands under her sweatshirt but didn’t move them above her waist. Even so, his warm fingers made her skin sizzle. “There’s a difference between knowing what you’re feeling and what you’re thinking. I can’t read minds, but from the moment I walked in the door, I could sense you had sex on your mind. Was I wrong?”
She didn’t lie. “No. What gave it away?”
He raised his hands and cupped her naked breasts. “The fact that you didn’t wear a bra was the first clue.”
She looked down, but realized she couldn’t tell if her nipples were poking out or not because his hands were covering her tits. “I didn’t think the material was that thin.”
“It isn’t, and before you ask, I don’t have X-ray vision.”
“How did you know?”
Dimples creased his cheeks “I didn’t until I touched you, though I suspected it when you walked toward me and your tits bounced.”
She laughed. “What are you going to do about it?”
“This.”
He pressed her against the kitchen counter, and the moment their lips touched, a flood of hormones surged through her veins. It was as if he’d pushed some hidden On button that she’d never known existed. Everything Cord did excited her. Her need escalated with each passing second, but if she let him take control again, they’d be naked in a heartbeat and fucking hard before she had a chance to taste and enjoy him.
Piper leaned back, her breath ragged. “I have an idea.”
He lifted a lock of her hair, brought it to his nose, and inhaled. That one action had her engine revving.
“Does it involve us getting naked?” he asked, his lids half closed.
“Kind of. I thought it would be nice if I could take off your
clothes and enjoy you first.”
His groan came out loud. “You do realize that if I become too excited, I might shift in front of you.”
She hadn’t really thought this through, but if he did change form, it would be proof he really wanted her, or so Chey and Tasha always claimed. “Then what would happen?”
His brows rose as if he couldn’t believe she’d asked. “It might take me a few seconds to compose myself before I shifted back to human.”
“That doesn’t seem so bad.”
He chuckled. “You wouldn’t freak?”
She might have a few days ago, but she was becoming used to the idea. She dragged a finger down his lapel, taking her time as she reached each button. “I don’t think so.”
She thought he’d be happy, but he looked away. “Here’s the thing. Your brother was right. I am a freak.”
“Don’t listen to him.”
He clasped both of her hands in his. “I’m not. When my mother was young, she wanted to have another child, but she couldn’t conceive.”
Piper slipped out of his grasp and placed a finger on his lips. She wouldn’t last if she had to sit through his life story right now. “Can your true confession wait? I want you so badly I’m about to die.”
He grinned. “Me, too. It’s why I was talking—to gain some control before you wedge your way under my skin.”
Piper grabbed his dick and squeezed, but the thick material of his jeans didn’t afford her the feel she was looking for. “Too bad. It’s where I want to be.”
She stepped back, lifted off her top, and stepped out of her pants. In a flash, Cord turned into a hulking bear and growled, causing adrenaline to slam into her. Piper freaked and fled to the living room, not even thinking.
He was beside her in a heartbeat. “It’s okay. I’m back. See? I’m sorry.” Cord gathered her in his arms and kissed her, more gently this time.
Her heart slowed. “I’m good. I wasn’t sure if when you’re in your animal form, if you’re the same person.”