“Did she say anything?”
“Something about being too scared to sleep. Looks like you’re right. She’s in some kind of trouble. But whether she’ll tell me about it remains to be seen.”
“Use your charm. She won’t be able to resist.”
“Yeah, sure,” Alex retorted sarcastically. “A boyish grin, maybe a little foot shuffling coupled with a humble apology, and she’ll be putty in my hands, won’t she?”
“I wish,” Devlin replied, his tone implying he was as aware as Alex that Kari could give new meaning to the word recalcitrant when she put her mind to it. “So, what do you plan to do?”
“Let her sleep off the drug, then try, as kindly as I can, to convince her to talk to me.”
“Well, good luck.”
“Thanks a lot.”
“You’ll let me know how it goes?”
“Will daily reports do, sir?”
“Daily reports will do just fine,” Devlin assured him with a hint of laughter.
“You know, I’m supposed to be on vacation,” Alex stated, making no effort to hide his annoyance. “A long-overdue, well-deserved vacation.”
Just over a year ago, Alex had taken Devlin’s place in Mexico. On McConnell’s orders, he’d moved Uncle Sam’s listening post from San Pedro to a small town farther south. Over the past few months, he had made innumerable forays into Central America, keeping tabs on the social and political climates of various countries, both friendly and unfriendly toward the United States.
But that part of the world wasn’t Alex’s forte—his experience had been mainly in the Middle East—and McConnell had finally found a permanent replacement for him. Alex had been given four weeks’ leave, after which he would be reassigned to the field. If that was what he wanted.
More and more lately, he’d been thinking about leaving the agency. Since he’d come close to dying eighteen months ago, he’d realized that risking his life would never be as easy for him as it had been. Sometime during the past twenty-five years, he’d done what he’d never believed he could do: he’d begun to enjoy being alive. Yet he had no desire to follow in Devlin’s footsteps and end up sitting behind a desk.
Nor was he sure that he would be able to maintain his sanity living alone in the quiet of the Texas Hill Country. At least working for McConnell he rarely had time to dwell on the horrors of his past or contemplate the long hours of loneliness that would comprise his future.
“Hey, there’s no reason you can’t enjoy yourself,” Devlin teased, drawing Alex’s attention back to their conversation.
“Fat chance,” Alex growled.
“But you two used to get along so well,” Devlin insisted.
“Yeah, well, that was a long time ago.”
“You never did tell me exactly what happened between the two of —”
“And I never will,” Alex cut in. Then, refusing to go where Devlin was so obviously leading, he added hastily, “Tell your lovely wife hello for me.”
“You know, Alex —”
“Talk to you tomorrow,” he interrupted again, and cradled the receiver.
Still sitting at the counter, Alex finished his sandwich and drank the last of his juice as he noted the homey touches Estella had added to the cozy kitchen in his year-long absence. There were pots of herbs on the windowsill above the sink and new curtains in a simple blue-and-white-striped fabric framing the window itself. Matching place mats and napkins graced the old oak table along with a basket of blue, rose and white silk flowers and an odd assortment of brass candlesticks topped with blue candles.
Though she and Felipe had a home of their own in the small town of Mason ten miles away, and Alex was rarely there himself, Estella had been adamant about making his house look like a real home. Otherwise, she’d advised him, coming there to clean would make her too sad. Valuing her services as he did, Alex had told her to do what she wanted with the place, within reason, and charge any purchases to the household account. And she had.
He had no doubt he would find additional evidence of her decorating throughout the rest of the house. But that could wait until tomorrow. Right now, what he had in mind was that soak in the hot tub he’d promised himself earlier.
Although he had been awake for almost twenty hours, Alex knew it would be a while yet before he would be able to sleep. And, he acknowledged as he crossed to the sink to rinse his plate and glass, his leg had begun to ache, a sure sign he’d pushed himself far enough for one day.
Telling himself he needed a pair of swim trunks, he returned to the master bedroom, dug them out of a dresser drawer, allowed himself all of ten seconds at Kari’s bedside to make sure she was still resting comfortably, then retreated to the hall bathroom to change.
Out on the deck, the wood smooth and warm beneath his feet and the night air cool against his bare skin, Alex paused and took a deep breath, giving his eyes time to adjust to the darkness. Around him the silence was broken by nothing more than a whisper of wind through the branches of the tall oak trees, the croak of a frog in the pond in the pasture, the chirrup of a cricket in the grass and, occasionally, the hoot of an owl in the distance.
Here was peace, he thought as he slid into the steaming water, settled onto one of the bench seats and gazed up at the starlit sky. Real peace.
Maybe spending the rest of his life here wouldn’t be that bad after all. He had fought one kind of war or another all his life. Surely he had earned the right to some serenity.
But for him that would also mean solitude.
There was only one person he wanted with him here. Not just for a few days, but forever. And that was just as impossible now as it had ever been.
Yet sitting there alone in the black of night, with the heat of the bubbling water seeping into his bones as he stared up at the stars, Alex couldn’t help but wish all kinds of wishes. Even knowing, as he did, that they would never come true.
Chapter 3
With a sigh of utter contentment, Kari nuzzled against the downy pillow, savoring the feel of the crisp, sun-scented linen against her cheek. Lying on her tummy, she stretched luxuriantly, then shifted slightly onto her left side.
She couldn’t remember the last time she had awakened feeling so rested. But then, lately she had spent most nights tossing and turning. And when she had fallen asleep, she’d been plagued by horrible nightmares.
To have slept so deeply, so dreamlessly, she must have been even more exhausted than she’d thought. She could only hope she had remembered to set her alarm. There would be hell to pay if she arrived at the stable late. Although she doubted Brandon would wait more than fifteen minutes before stalking down to her cottage to rouse her himself.
The realization that she’d have to face her employer sooner rather than later was enough to make her want to pull her pillow over her head. Unfortunately, hiding out wouldn’t help her in the long run. Eventually, she was going to have to deal with Brandon Selby...one way or another.
Reluctantly, Kari opened her eyes at last, started to push up on one elbow, then froze, her breath catching in her throat. Where in the world was she?
Her mind still muzzy, she surveyed what she could of the room with growing bewilderment. She was facing what must be the far wall. An antique oak armoire stood between two lace-curtained windows open just enough to let in a cool breeze that smelled of summer flowers and trilled with bird song. She seemed to be somewhere in the country. And it was daytime, she mused, eyeing the smattering of sunlight that slipped beneath the partially drawn shades to play across the hardwood floor.
Shifting her gaze to the connecting wall, she spotted an open doorway that led into what appeared to be a bathroom. Next to the doorway was an oak dresser topped by an oval mirror. Both pieces of furniture seemed to match the old armoire, as did the footboard and—she tipped her head up slightly—the headboard of the bed. But there was nothing atop the dresser except a small brass lamp. Nothing personal at all.
The bed itself had been made up with white cotto
n sheets, a lightweight white woven blanket and an old-fashioned patchwork quilt that lay neatly folded at the foot.
All in all, the room was quite nice, she thought, easing onto her back and staring up at the slowly spinning ceiling fan. But totally, completely, unfamiliar. Definitely not her bedroom, or the bedroom she’d slept in at her brother’s house in Virginia. Or Brandon’s bedroom, for that matter. Though she’d never actually spent any time there.
Vaguely, Kari realized she should be concerned, deeply concerned. She’d awakened in a strange bedroom, lying in a strange bed, dressed only in underpants and a camisole, with absolutely no idea how she’d gotten there.
But as she watched the ceiling fan whirl and listened to the chirp and chatter of the birds just outside, she felt oddly safe and incredibly...secure. As if she had finally come to the place she’d been searching for all her life.
But how had she made the journey from Devlin’s house to here? She remembered Laura and Devlin taking her to the airport and waiting, despite her protests, until it was time for her to board the plane. And she remembered her arrival in San Antonio, as well as her long, weary walk to the baggage-claim area. But after that...
Frowning, she conjured up a picture of herself waiting for her bag to tumble onto the carousel. She’d been standing patiently and—
With startling clarity, Kari recalled the unsettling encounter she’d had there. A weird man with stringy black hair, thick black glasses and a scraggly black beard had bumped into her and—
Increasingly aware of the ache in her left hip, she closed her eyes and willed her head to clear.
He’d bumped into her and she’d felt a sharp stab in her hip. By the time she’d collected her bags and walked out to her car she’d been literally asleep on her feet. And suddenly he’d been there, holding her in his arms, soothing her in a voice she’d recognized. Alex’s voice.
Alex —
Had her mind been playing tricks on her? Had the stranger who’d caught her as she’d collapsed really been Alexander Payton? Or had she only imagined he’d come to her rescue?
Frightened and confused, Kari slowly shifted to her right side and saw him slouched in an easy chair in the corner nearest the nightstand, sound asleep. With a momentary sense of relief, she gazed at him silently, taking in his familiar features. His face was clean-shaven, his shaggy blond curls falling over his forehead. And, as he had done one day at Devlin’s house, he wore khaki shorts and a navy blue knit shirt.
Thank God, she thought, her panic subsiding. She hadn’t been drugged and kidnapped by some pervert after all. Rather, she’d been drugged and kidnapped by her brother’s best friend.
But why?
He’d spent two days acting as if she were invisible. Surely, if he’d had something to say to her, he could have done so at Devlin’s house. Why knock her out and carry her off to what she assumed was his lair?
He had made it known six years ago that she meant nothing to him. And he certainly hadn’t given any indication he’d had a change of heart over the weekend. He’d barely even looked at her, as if the very sight of her made him sick. So why waylay her halfway across the country? And why do it in such a drastic manner?
Had he gone over some mental edge as, according to Devlin, government agents sometimes did? Alex had seemed sane enough in Virginia. But this was the same man who had turned himself into the embodiment of every woman’s worst nightmare, drugged her and dragged her off God only knows where.
If she had any sense at all, she’d be scared to death. But as she lay there, watching him sleep, she was more furious than frightened. What in the world was he up to?
She didn’t honestly think he meant her any physical harm. Of course, she could be wrong. Especially if he’d had some sort of emotional breakdown.
However, as she thought back to those last moments before she’d passed out in the airport parking lot, she remembered his promising to keep her safe. And somewhere deep in her heart she couldn’t help but believe that he would.
Still, after the way he’d treated her six years ago, he just happened to be the last man on earth she wanted to have looking after her. She’d had no choice but to learn to take care of herself, and she preferred to continue that way.
Granted, dealing with Brandon on her own could prove dangerous. But she’d much rather take her chances with him than end up having her heart broken again.
She’d never gotten over Alexander Payton, and she probably never would. For some reason unknown to her, he’d hurt her badly. She should hate him. Really she should. But along with the anger welling inside her was a longing so intense she literally ached with it.
What a fool she was. What a sad, sad fool, she thought, blinking back the tears stinging her eyes. The man had made it clear he wanted nothing to do with her. Yet here she was, hoping against hope that maybe he’d changed his mind.
She had to get away from him. Had to get away now. She had no idea what kind of game he was playing, but she simply couldn’t afford to stay around long enough to find out. He’d hurt her once, and unfortunately, he had the power to hurt her again. But only as long as they were in close proximity. Once she was back at Selby Stables, she would have other things to occupy her mind. A lot of other things. Eventually, Alex would be no more than a distant memory.
As she pushed herself into a sitting position, Kari wished she could slip away without disturbing him. But she knew better than to count on that happening. He had always been a light sleeper, and though he hadn’t awakened yet, she had no doubt he would any minute now.
At least if she was out of bed she’d have some chance of standing up to him. She’d really like to have her clothes on, too. However, the pants and shirt she’d been wearing when he’d abducted her were nowhere to be seen. She was also going to have to use the bathroom. And then there was the small matter of transportation back to San Antonio.
Yes, making a fast getaway was definitely out of the question. But she had to at least try to put some distance between them. She would find her clothes, dress quickly and, ignoring any protest he might make, leave.
Just as soon as she used the bathroom.
Her need growing more urgent, Kari shoved the top sheet and blanket out of the way and swung her legs over the side of the bed, then paused a moment to glance at the clock on the nightstand.
Almost ten. She’d been out for about twelve hours. That, along with the remnants of whatever drug Alex had pumped into her, probably accounted for the grogginess she couldn’t seem to shake.
Although she felt more rested than she had for a while, she was having an awfully hard time getting herself moving. Sitting up had been an effort. Standing was something she found herself contemplating with hesitation. Had she not been desperate to get away from Alex, she could have been easily tempted to curl up under the covers for what remained of the day.
Realizing he had yet to stir, she glanced at him and wished, once again, that she was wearing more than underpants and a cotton camisole.
Maybe her things were in the bathroom. If she could make it there without waking him, she could take care of her needs, dress, then face him, at least somewhat fortified.
Kari stood slowly, her head bent, her eyes on the polished hardwood floor beneath her feet. So far, so good, she thought, then made the mistake of turning too quickly toward the bathroom.
A wave of dizziness washed over her and she swayed precariously. She reached out to steady herself on the bed, but her hand met only air. She felt herself start to fall and moaned as the room spun around her.
As if from a great distance, she heard Alex swear. An instant later, he caught her in his arms and lifted her gently, holding her close. Shutting her eyes, she sagged against him gratefully. But then, as her head began to clear, she stiffened angrily.
She refused to thank him for coming to her rescue. Absolutely refused. Had he not drugged her, she wouldn’t have had to be saved from falling on her face.
“Put me down,” she snapp
ed.
Arms folded primly over her chest, she stared across the room, determined not to look at him. She was all too aware that he had her at his mercy. But she wasn’t about to let him know how impotent she felt as a result.
“Whatever you say,” he murmured, his voice laced with laughter.
He set her on the bed, took a cautious step back and, propping his hands on his hips, waited for her next move. As if she were a loaded gun about to go off. The rat. He was the one who’d drugged her, then carried her off wherever.
Furious, Kari stood up again. Another, milder, wave of dizziness assailed her. But this time she managed to catch herself, bracing a hand on the mattress until her head stopped spinning.
“Maybe you ought to get back into bed,” Alex suggested solicitously. “You look like you’re still feeling kind of woozy.”
“I’m fine. Just fine,” she rasped, shrugging away from him when he reached out to take her arm.
“I don’t think so,” he retorted, sliding an arm around her waist as she stumbled against the side of the bed. “Now, get back into —”
“No.” She tried, unsuccessfully, to pull away, then glared at him miserably, her face burning with embarrassment as she admitted heatedly, “I have to...have to use the bathroom.”
“Well, why didn’t you just say so?” Alex asked.
That hint of amusement in his voice again as he helped her across the room infuriated her.
She hated him. Hated him with all her heart and soul. He was a no-good, dirty, rotten son of a bitch, and he had no right, no right at all, to laugh at her.
“Can you manage on your own or would you like some help?”
“I can manage on my own.”
Freeing herself from him at last, Kari slipped into the bathroom and slammed the door in his face. She would have shot the lock, as well, but not at all to her surprise, there wasn’t one.
“Well, just holler if you need me.”
The Lady And Alex Payton Page 4