Uncut (Siren Publishing Classic)

by Uncut

  “You look fine.” They had moved a few steps away from the shop entrance when she stopped him. “That isn’t what you meant, was it?”

  “You’re too smart for me, Pearly.” He took a step. “I want to make a call before we party all night.”

  He didn’t have to tell her whom the call would be to. Something bothered him and that worried her. He always ran two steps ahead of every problem and had a reputation for taking chances. This must be huge.

  “All right, Sam.” She touched the shopping bag. “Anyway, I don’t think you want to carry that all evening.”

  The crowd had grown around the shop doors and overflowed from the party room. She changed her mind about dancing until she noticed the Cobra woman standing in the doorway. Antigua must be enjoying himself inside.

  “Sam,” she said as he tugged her forward to the elevator, “I have an idea.”

  “Me, too.” He winked at her. “Hold on to it until we’re alone.”

  He hadn’t said two words on the ride up to their suite. She hated to admit it, but she missed the little sexist comments he normally made. Right now, serious and quiet, he went into the bathroom to make a call. She didn’t eavesdrop, just accidently overheard parts of the conversation.

  His voice rose, and he threw a towel through the open door. “We’re going to act at the next port of call, damn it.” There was a lengthy pause. “No fucking way. Why weren’t we told about the army he has with him? My God, he can’t ever be alone. And we’re not dealing with an idiot.”

  Lana’s nerve ends bristled with tension. Sam yelled at the person on the line with him. She moved closer to the bathroom door to listen.

  Sam had turned on the faucet in the sink, probably trying to keep her from hearing his conversation but she caught most of what he said. “What went wrong down there? When we get back, I’m kicking some ass. And we’re handling this our way.”

  Lana scampered to the closet and pretended to hang up her silk scarf. “Something wrong, Sam?”

  He gazed at her for a second before saying anything. “I knew you were listening.”

  “Oh.”

  “Okay.” He stripped off his trunks as if she couldn’t see him. “Seems the extra gun power Antigua brought wasn’t in the plans. And no one is getting on this tub to watch our backs.”

  “I see.” Her heart hammered in her chest. She wasn’t thinking about the mob, but the man standing nude a few feet from her. She breathed deeply and grabbed the towel he’d thrown out the bathroom door. “Here, Sam. Couldn’t find your shorts?”

  He rubbed his jaw. “Hell with my shorts.” He absently wrapped the towel around his hips. “We have to get into his confidence and damn quick.”

  “He’s at the dance, Sam.” Lana went to the stack chest she shared with him. “A shower, lace underwear, and lots of perfume.” She headed for the bathroom. “I won’t be long. “

  “Need company?” He took underwear from the dresser. “I’m available.”

  “I’m sure you are, but this only requires one.” She shut the door and leaned against it.

  Hurry up and get him out of this comfy setting. He’s so confident he shows you what you’ve been missing. And he’s so willing to share. He looks better now than he had two years ago. And you want him twice as bad.

  She hurried her shower, finishing in record time, and toweled herself semi-dry before putting on her panties. No bra needed tonight. The dress had built in cups and she fit right into them.

  He knocked on the door before she got her hair combed. “What is it?”

  “Need any help, babe?”

  He did have a way about him. A con man without any qualms about spur of the moment sex. “No.”

  She opened the door, working her hair into a single braid. “It’s all yours.”

  “Hmm. You look good enough to eat.” He grinned and turned her back to him to zip her up. “I’ll be ready before you can get your shoes on.”

  She sat on the bed to slip on her sandals, not surprised he didn’t shut the door. “What did headquarters have to say?”

  He turned the shower on full blast, probably to avoid telling her everything. She wouldn’t give up. Night was coming and he’d sing like a canary if she had to seduce him to find out.

  She turned on the television and went to the bathroom door. “You may as well tell me. I’m in this, too.”

  He emerged from the shower just as she expected—naked and gorgeous. “Hand me that towel, Pearly.”

  “Here.” She didn’t look away while he dried off, met his teasing gaze without a flinch. “Would I be correct in thinking they didn’t prepare for extra guests at this party?”

  “You’d be correct.” He pulled on his shorts and rubbed the towel over his hair. “I think I know how we handle this. Are you into doing some snooping?”

  “That’s my specialty.” Would he ever get dressed? “When do I start?”

  “Tomorrow night, if Antigua cooperates.” Sam calmly walked passed her to pull slacks and a shirt from the closet. “If he’s as vain as I think he is, I can keep him busy most of the night.”

  “Oh, he’s vain enough if the bait is irresistible.” She busied herself putting on makeup. “We have to cement our plans tonight. This is all so messed up.”

  “Listen, Pearly,” Sam buttoned his shirt, stalling his answer, “we don’t make plans we can’t change.” He worked his shirttail into the waist of his black slacks. “We’ll handle anything Antigua throws our way.” He clipped a .38 to his waistband before putting on a light jacket. “Right?”

  Lana got the feeling Sam liked not knowing what to expect. That scared the hell out of her. “Right.”

  * * * *

  Sam had been in tougher spots, but he’d always been alone before. Pearly added another equation to the problem. Now, he had to move with caution. That wasn’t his way.

  She had brains and obviously the grit to take this man down. Right now, he had no clear idea how to do that. Except one. He couldn’t get over the reluctance to use Pearly to pull it off. That was ludicrous. She knew what to do and could use that Glock she carried.

  “Okay, pretty woman, let’s go charm the devil in a silk suit.”

  Lana looked so damn sweet, her dress showing off every soft curve of her slender body. He didn’t want to think about smacking some freak around when Pearly smiled at him. Sam knew it was dangerous to be blinded by the desirable woman walking beside him.

  They were in a tight spot, and the nagging thought Antigua was on to them kept running through his mind.

  He followed Lana out of their cabin and forced a happy-go-lucky expression on his face. Hell, here he was on a fancy cruise ship with a babe most men would die to spend time with. So far, he’d managed to be semi-decent with her.

  At the elevator, he pulled her aside from the other passengers. “Stick close, Pearly. We won’t stay too long.”

  She nodded, her braid bobbing as she moved her head. “I hope you won’t become involved with any contests. I don’t really like being cornered by Antigua.”

  “I don’t much like it either, babe.”

  Chapter Twelve

  Lana shivered in the warm breeze and curled her fingers around the small gold chain strap of her purse. She wished the weight in the bag was her trusted Glock, not a camera.

  They stopped while Sam bought her an orchid to pin in her hair. “Thank you, Sam.” She gently touched the pale pink blossom in her hair and checked the look in a shop window.

  He held her hand firmly in his, checking the time when they reached the door to the rowdy gathering. “Pearly, take a head count as soon as we get to the bar.”

  “While you buy me a fruity drink, I’ll do that.” She didn’t feel as flippant as she had sounded. “Make that scotch.”

  Sam kept her close to his side, greeting strangers as if he’d known them all his life. “Two shots of single malt scotch, partner.” He sounded friendly, ready to party and spend money. He paid for the drinks and nodded to the end
of the bar. “Let’s stand over there, honey. More privacy.”

  She walked in front of Sam, taking a quick look around the room. The noise of the band was deafening. She leaned against the bar and climbed up onto a padded seat. Sam remained standing, using the mirror behind the bar to scope out the crowd around them.

  “Shall we go say hello to Antigua or wait until he sniffs us out?” Lana applied fresh lipstick while Sam chuckled at her comment. “What’s so funny, Horn?”

  Sam leaned on his elbow to meet her gaze. “You’re beginning to sound more and more like a bad-ass agent.” He grinned, the twinkle in his eyes warming her soul. “I like it.”

  She looked over his shoulder. “Thank you, but don’t congratulate me just yet.”

  His touch to her earlobe created a tiny little buzz through her nerves. Lana wanted more of his touch, the longing getting harder to control each time he looked at her. What a world, finding the man of a lifetime only to never share that passion again.

  “Pearly, you look downright pensive.” His arm around her waist almost sent her over the wall of decency. “I think it’s time to move around.”

  “Okay.” She carried her drink, using it to avoid having drinks pushed into her hand. “Let’s start slow, maybe stroll past the Cobra.”

  He shuddered playfully. “Do we have to?”

  “She’ll be flattered.”

  “I didn’t say I’d dance with her.”

  Lana led him out into the crowd of dancers and held her arms up. “Dance with me, baby.”

  She almost moaned with desire when he pulled her close and moved to the beat of the soft calypso music. “Hmm, I had no idea you were so light on your feet, Sam.”

  He took her glass and set it on a table they moved past. “Remind me to show you all my moves later.”

  He was teasing, but her heart picked up a beat at the idea. For a few minutes, they were just like every other couple in the room, taking pleasure in the arms of a lover. Noticing Antigua across the room where he charmed a bevy of young women ruined the moment.

  “I don’t suppose there’s any way we can bypass Antigua?” She hadn’t meant to sound so disappointed.

  She looked into Sam’s eyes and knew he’d heard the desire in her voice. He held her close, kissing her cheek, then her lips.

  “Sorry, babe. I have to set this plan into action tonight.” He brushed a tendril of hair from her cheek. “I’d much rather spend all night with you.”

  You will be. And then what? Would it be cool detachment or splendor in passion?

  “Okay, Sam.” She followed his moves, watching the door behind him and counting heads. “I’m ready when you are.”

  She laughed with exaggerated glee when Sam lifted her off her feet and whirled her around several times. He certainly knew how to draw attention to himself. Dizzy with pleasure and pressure from trying to think straight, Lana held on to his shoulders as he steadied her on her feet.

  Sam made certain they had a drink in their hand as he walked her toward Antigua’s group. “Don’t drink this, babe. We don’t know where it’s been.”

  “I’m convinced.” She took her camera from her handbag. “Ready for your close-up, Mister Horn?”

  He patted her rear and winked at her. “We’ll just see what we can interest Antigua in.” His following comment was spoken gruffly. “As long as it’s not you.”

  To cover the disgraceful effect he’d had on her, Lana laughed. “I think he has all the women he needs. I count all six he brought on board with him.”

  Sam nodded and glanced around. “But where is the Cobra? She’s like a Doberman waiting to tear my throat out.”

  “Sam, honey.” Lana wasn’t trying to be amusing. “There’s something strange about that woman. Be careful around her.”

  There wasn’t time to tell him more. Antigua stood a few feet away, waving to them. As if he were a god, the giggling girls stepped aside to allow Antigua to speak with her and Sam. “My friends, come have a drink. Enjoy the party.” His narrowed gaze slithered over Lana with open appreciation. “I see you have been dancing. You are well matched.”

  Sam leaned his head to one side and nodded. “Yeah, we do make a good team. She’s kind of skittish about doing new things.” He chuckled playfully. “I’ll get her trained by the time we hitch up.”

  Lana tried to appear humble, ducking her chin. “He’s so mean sometimes. I’ll have to talk with him later.”

  Antigua shot Sam a murderous look of dislike. “Sam has a different way of saying things.” He sipped his Sangria, dabbing his lips with an elegant touch of a napkin.

  “Say, Antique.” Sam rammed ahead with his attempt at keeping Antigua away from his stateroom. “Say, Antique, you play cards? I’m a stud poker man myself.”

  Antigua’s eyes took on a glisten of interest. “Why, yes. I have to warn you, I always win.” His lips thinned in a tight smile. “And I always get paid.”

  Sam clapped Antigua on the back. “Hell yes, man. I have money to back my bets.” He squeezed Lana’s fingers. “My woman will probably be tickled pink to get rid of me for a few hours. Won’t you, hon?”

  Lana smiled sweetly at him, picking up the line of lunacy. “You’re so sweet, baby.” She hugged his waist, loving the warmth under her palm. “I need to tint my hair and do my nails. You go ahead and have fun.”

  “Yeah, I know you gals like to primp.” He took her in his arms and winked at Antigua. “Have to keep her happy. She’s wanting to dance again.”

  Lana breathed a sigh of relief. Now they could synchronize plans and she would find out exactly what Sam was up to. They moved out of earshot of Antigua’s group.

  “Okay, Sam. Spill it quick.” She hugged his neck and settled against his chest. “We have to hurry or it will look suspicious if I don’t leave soon.”

  “It’s simple, gorgeous.” He pressed his lips to her ear. “While I let Antigua win at cards, you pay a call on his cabin. Take pictures and get a quick look at what he’s got in there.”

  “I’m on it.” She shivered when a rush of adrenaline sped through her body. “Anything else?”

  “Yeah. Don’t get caught.”

  Chapter Thirteen

  How much longer would Sam keep chatting with Antigua? Lana stood quietly beside him and listened to the male banter going on between them. She yawned, covering it with her hand.

  Antigua took his time finishing his drink, even teasing one of his handmaidens. He must be getting high.

  Lana wanted to punch Sam to hurry him up. She didn’t like the way Antigua’s eyes had glassed over. She began to worry in earnest. Antigua had been taking drugs, and the effects were hitting him hard.

  “Sam.” He smiled at her but went on with his conversation. “Sam, listen to me.”

  He turned away from Antigua, a question in his eyes. “What’s the trouble, Pearly?”

  “In case you haven’t noticed, your pal is stoned and that makes him twice as dangerous.” She fiddled with the top button of his shirt. “Maybe tomorrow night would be better?”

  “No,” Sam patted her head, “now’s perfect. He thinks he’s invincible and won’t notice time getting away from him.”

  She inhaled deeply, anxious to get her part of the job done. “Of course, you’re right. But I still don’t like it.”

  “Want me to walk you back to our cabin?” He busied himself checking the cash in his wallet. “We go for it. Now.”

  He kissed her hard, and for a split second, she forgot what she had to do. When he broke the kiss, she touched his cheek. “I’ll be waiting for you.”

  “Make sure you are, Pearly” He didn’t smile but inclined his head toward the door. “I’ll see you in a couple of hours.”

  * * * *

  Before she left, Lana noted where the Cobra had taken up a position, glaring at anyone getting too close to Antigua. Her heart lurched when she noticed Sam in a spirited conversation with the aloof killer. The conversation took Antigua’s attention off her allowing her t
o escape unnoticed.

  Hurry. They won’t leave the stateroom for long. She used the stairs to reach the deck where Antigua had booked his accommodations.

  She broke out in a sweat at the top of the stairs and stopped to calm her breathing. Trying to hurry in her sandals was impossible. She took them off and ran to Antigua’s stateroom.

  She knocked on the door several times. Her blood chilled when the Cobra opened it. Lana thought the woman was like a snake, slithering away unnoticed to get here ahead of her.

  “Hi.” Lana giggled. “I’m afraid I can’t make it to our cabin.” She crossed her legs and attempted a pitiful expression. “Can I use your powder room? Please. I’m pregnant and can’t hold it any longer.”

  After a cold look, the icy faced woman stepped aside and pointed down the hall. “In there.”

  Lana bent over to show her urgency. “Thank you.” Sensing the woman trailed after her, she laughed. “I can find it. Thank you. I may be awhile. Bladder won’t empty as fast anymore.”

  Cobra woman turned and went back toward the sitting room. Lana took the camera from her purse and turned the water on in the sink. She flushed the toilet for extra effect.

  She started with the drawers and linen closet. Nothing. Flush again. To be sure she hadn’t missed anything, she took pictures of everything. Starting to leave, she noticed the door that had to open into the bedroom.

  After another flush, she opened the door and stepped into the cluttered room. Obviously, the housekeeping crew wasn’t allowed in the room. How long had she been in there? Too damn long.

  She snapped photos rapid fire, filmed the entire room before looking under the bed. Nothing but house slippers and several used condoms. She grimaced with disgust.

  She jumped, nearly falling on her face when something fell outside the bathroom door. Lana ran back to flush the toilet again. “I’ll be right out. Sorry.”

  Had the Cobra woman bought her story? It didn’t matter now. She had to find something or this mission would have to be scrubbed. Her desire to find proof Antigua was a man to fear had become personal. Screw the bureau.