Lethal Peril_Military Romantic Suspense

by Emily Jane Trent

  *****

  The reception was held in a ballroom with a dance floor. Bouquets of white roses adorned the tables; food and drink were abundant. Beth had several glasses of champagne, and thoroughly enjoyed the toasts to a happy marriage, followed by the cake cutting.

  The newlyweds danced their special dance, then the guests crowded onto the floor. Travis and Melanie danced tirelessly, as did Tessa, who had no problem finding dance partners. The twins Abigail and Brianna paired up with Cooper and Rip and giggled their way through a few songs.

  For a while, Marlene stuck close to Garrett, then circulated to hug family and friends. Beth grinned at her. “You look gorgeous; the ceremony was perfect. And you have to keep that dress…forever.” Marlene laughed with her. “Are you off on your honeymoon after this?”

  Marlene beamed. “We are…Garrett is taking me to Madrid. Imagine weeks of tapas, Spanish wines, and live flamenco dancing. Not to mention the luxury hotel suite…where I plan to spend plenty of time.” She gave Beth a quick hug, before heading to the next table.

  Beth accepted Wyatt’s offer to dance, even though it was a slow number. In a partying mood, she didn’t want to miss out. She let him guide her, with one strong arm around her waist. She draped one arm around his firm shoulder and took his hand.

  Wyatt had removed his jacket and tie, then rolled up his sleeves. His dress shirt was a little crumpled now, all the more touchable. His broad shoulders and well-developed pecs strained under the thin fabric, and Beth imagined what he would look like bare-chested.

  Beth shouldn’t let her mind go there, but it was happening anyway. The faint scent of Wyatt’s cologne, mingled with his own male scent, was a potent aphrodisiac. She closed her eyes, and glided over the floor in his powerful embrace.

  There was something primal about the encounter. To all appearances, Wyatt danced her around the polished floor, but sparks of electricity radiated between them, making her tremble. Beth had danced many times before, but not with a man who had such an effect on her.

  She wished…for more than she should wish for, for more than was possible. This day was special, a brief respite from harsh reality, and the fantasy had captivated her. Wyatt pulled her closer, and she pressed against his chest. The nearness of his body took her breath away.

  Given the opportunity, Beth wouldn’t be able to resist his allure. Wyatt was handsome, charming, and all male; he was a temptation that she couldn’t turn away from. She didn’t want him to let her go, and she rested her cheek against his chest, her head under his chin.

  One song flowed into another, and Beth wasn’t inclined to pull away. It seemed that Wyatt wasn’t either. Dance after dance, he held her close, until it felt as though they were one. The noise of conversation and laughing was a din in the background, leaving Beth with Wyatt, in a world of her own.

  The dance floor was crowded, and Wyatt bumped into one couple, then another. No apology was given, since no one cared. The dancers were enthralled with the music and with their respective partners, paying little attention to anyone around them.

  It was as though Beth was alone with Wyatt in the midst of a crowd. Her heart throbbed to the rhythm of Wyatt’s movements, responding to the beat of the music. When he hugged her tighter, Beth nestled against him, wanting his touch.

  Wyatt slowed his step; the music and the crowd still swirled about. With one arm around Beth’s waist, he held her tightly against him. Then he lifted her chin, until she looked into his soft brown eyes. All seemed to still, except the drumming of Beth’s heart.

  Then Wyatt leaned down and touched his lips to hers. Beth made a tiny sound in the back of her throat. The feel of his mouth on hers was better than she’d imagined, more intense than she’d experienced before. The unspoken attraction strengthened, pulling her to him.

  Wyatt dug his hand in her hair and covered her mouth with his. He took her, drinking her in, kissing her hard. Beth kissed back, needing more, craving his taste. Then he slowed, kissing her long, sweetly yet fiercely. She had no thought of resisting, only fear it would end—that Wyatt’s warmth and earth-shatteringly sensual kiss would vanish forevermore.

  Chapter 12

  Wyatt wasn’t sure when he’d crossed the line, when fantasy had become reality. The wedding had transported Beth, and he’d sensed her falling under the spell of romance. It had touched him, and where before he hadn’t dared hope she’d respond to his advances, he felt her open up to him.

  Meeting with friends, being part of a storybook wedding, drinking and dancing at the reception—events had cascaded forward, bringing Beth closer. Wyatt had danced with her, felt her heart beating next to his, her warmth in his arms, and he hadn’t wanted to let her go.

  He hadn’t let her go at all. He’d kissed her.

  He doubted anyone had noticed, with all the drinking, dancing, laughing. But Wyatt had tasted Beth’s sweet lips, pressed her luscious body to his, and was unable to put aside the feeling. He couldn’t forget it, couldn’t ignore it. And the worst part was that he wanted her, more than ever.

  After the dance, Wyatt had escorted her back to the table. He hadn’t spoken of the intimacy, and Beth hadn’t either. The rest of the reception had been uncomfortable, until the bridal bouquet had been thrown and the radiant couple escaped to be alone.

  Wyatt had taken Beth home. Last night had been awkward and each had retired to bed alone. Wyatt had agonized, wanting to go to her, fighting the urge to wrap her in his arms, to have her for his own.

  But it was not to be.

  Wyatt had been hired to do a job, and he’d crossed the line, violated boundaries. How was he supposed to keep her safe if he’d failed to protect Beth from him? He’d taken advantage of the moment, of her emotional state, and her trust of him.

  A killer was after her, Beth’s very life on a precipice, and all Wyatt had thought of was his own need. How far would he have taken it if she’d let him? It wouldn’t work anyway. Beth would know that too, once she thought about it.

  Wyatt’s life was with Stealth. Beth’s was in New York. And she was an heiress, part of a world that he’d long since relinquished. It was one thing to share a kiss, as deliriously sexy as it had been. It was another to share his life with a woman. He had to get it together, and focus on what was best for Beth.

  *****

  After a night of agonizing, Wyatt was the first one up, drinking black coffee at the breakfast table and planning the next move. It was time to thwart the attacks on Beth’s life, and put her enemies out of action for good.

  Beth came out with her hair tousled from sleep, wearing jeans and a fitted sweater. Wyatt wanted to sweep her up and take her back to bed, only this time he’d be with her. But he kept his mouth shut. It was best to feel things out.

  “Good morning.” Beth went straight for the coffee pot and poured a cup. Wyatt couldn’t read anything in her expression. Maybe she wasn’t awake yet.

  Wyatt went to refill his cup and stood right next to her. The aroma of perfumed soap and a warm feminine scent made his blood heat and his pants tighten. It didn’t matter that it was early; his body responded to Beth’s nearness.

  He backed off and sat down in his chair. Beth sat across from him and sipped her coffee without looking up. This wasn’t good. Was she mad that he didn’t make a move last night? Didn’t she know how much he’d wanted to—and still did?

  Wyatt wasn’t good with words; he wasn’t sure what to say. There was no way to broach the subject, so he’d have to be patient. Beth had to look up sooner or later. Then he could gaze into her eyes, and know.

  He was halfway through his second cup before Beth set hers down and looked at him. Her brown eyes telegraphed a multitude of emotions, and he couldn’t decipher what she felt. He dared not ask. His gaze locked with hers.

  Electricity sparked across the table, as if he still held Beth in the sensual embrace of a slow dance. Wyatt’s lips burned to kiss her, and his body was on fire. What this woman did to him was…hot. And all he’d done was
kiss her. Taking it further would ignite a flame in his heart that he might not be able to put out.

  In a sexy voice, Beth said, “You really know how to kiss.”

  That was it? His body was amped up like it might explode, and Beth talked about a kiss. Hell, he’d show her kissing. Next time…

  There wasn’t going to be a next time.

  “So do you,” Wyatt said. How lame was that? But he was unable to think of any clever response. He just stared at Beth in that sexy sweater, craving to reach underneath and cup her soft breasts in his hands.

  The spell was broken when Beth pulled her phone from her pocket. She glanced at Wyatt. “It’s my Aunt Leila. I better take it.”

  She hit speaker so Wyatt could hear the conversation. “Hi, Aunty, it’s good to hear from you.”

  “I’m glad I reached you, Elizabeth. It’s been too long. I haven’t been to New York in a while. If I make it there, we’ll have lunch.”

  “That would be wonderful. Is everything okay?”

  “I was going to ask you that,” Leila said. “I saw the news. Your picture was there, and that woman was wearing your jacket.”

  “It’s a long story.”

  “I’m sure it is, honey. I’d rather hear it in person anyway. But I’m worried.”

  “The media thrives on controversy; they blow everything out of proportion.”

  “I don’t mean that,” Leila said. “But I am concerned for you, Beth, especially with your father away, because there’s no one to keep Martin under control. And I don’t trust him.”

  “You did divorce him, so I’m not surprised.”

  “I had good reason for that divorce, and from what I can tell, the man hasn’t changed.”

  Beth looked over at Wyatt. “In what way?”

  “His gambling, that’s what. I know he told the family that he’d given it up. I’m sure he wanted Stephen to believe that,” Leila said. “I knew it was a lie, but it wasn’t for me to say. I was out of it and I’ve moved on. I don’t want anything to do with him. But…”

  “But what?”

  “As part of the divorce, we divided the assets, but there was one mutual account that remained. It didn’t matter that much to me, so I just left it,” Leila said. “But a few days ago, Martin cleaned it out, without a word.”

  Beth widened her eyes.

  “He needed money, or he wouldn’t have bothered. That tells me that he’s at it again. And if I know Martin, he will be looking for more.”

  “I understand,” Beth said. “I appreciate you telling me. Kyle’s running the company now that Father is unable to. I’ll be sure to warn him.”

  “You do that, honey. I worry about both of you. I wish… If only Stephen was in good health. He’s the only man who had influence on your uncle,” Leila said. “How is your father?”

  “There’s not much change.”

  “I’m so sorry. Well, take care of yourself. I’m here if you need me.”

  Beth ended the call. “That backs up what we already know. Martin liquidated stocks and stole the funds. Not long after, he cleaned out my aunt’s account.”

  “He can’t seem to get his hands on money fast enough.”

  Beth stood up. “I have to finish getting ready. Didn’t you say we’re meeting the guys before they fly back to LA?”

  “That’s the plan.”

  *****

  Wyatt and Beth arrived at the Starbucks close to the hotel. The guys had shoved two tables together that were loaded up with coffee, sandwiches, and pastries. Travis waved them over. “Help yourself if you’re hungry. I bought extra.”

  Beth sat next to Coop, and Wyatt sat across from her, then unwrapped a sausage and egg muffin. After a couple of big bites, he said, “Any updates?”

  Rip slid a black pen across the table to him. “Consider it a gift.”

  Wyatt smiled. It was a classy pen, complete with a laser beam that activated when the button was pressed. He didn’t need to test it, as he’d used one just like it before. It wasn’t powerful enough to cut a man in half, like in a James Bond movie, but it wasn’t a classroom pointer either. It could do some damage, and at least temporarily blind the enemy.

  “In case you need to slow someone down,” Rip said. “By the way, I looked into that subway accident. The perp was a hired killer—not a very bright one, at that.”

  “He didn’t earn his fee, did he?” Wyatt said.

  Rip chuckled. “Looks like he didn’t, since Beth is still very much alive.”

  Coop slid a large brown envelope over to Beth. “Here are the documents you asked for.” Then he leaned onto the table. “Also, I did some digging into your uncle’s affairs. It seems his gambling problem is serious. He has a reputation for huge losses, and rumor has it the guy can’t pay his debts.”

  “That could be dangerous,” Wyatt said.

  “Yep, it can be hazardous to the health,” Coop said. “I’m following the money trail. The dude has to come up with more cash soon…a lot of it.”

  Beth frowned. “He’s drained a few sources we know about, but it’s not nearly enough if what you say is true.”

  “He’ll need to get his hands on a sizable sum with the way his debts are mounting,” Coop said. It impressed Wyatt how much Cooper could find out about a person. It was amazing what could be accessed via computers, especially if hacking wasn’t an issue.

  Travis swigged his coffee and leaned back. “The question is how Martin will make good on what he owes. Where will he get that kind of money?”

  “That’s what we intend to answer. It could explain a lot,” Wyatt said.

  “Well, we’re heading back, but keep me updated,” Travis said. “I can pull in backup for you…just say the word.”

  Wyatt held up his hand. “I’m good for now, but I’ll let you know if that changes.”

  “Where’s Tessa this morning?” Beth asked.

  “She’s staying in the city an extra day,” Travis said. “I guess she has friends here.”

  The team left to catch the airport limo, and Wyatt stayed to finish eating. He slipped the gadget Rip had gifted him into his pocket and watched Beth sip orange juice.

  “Something has to break loose soon,” Beth said. “Jessica has put out some feelers too; criminals are her field. She might come up with some information for us.”

  “We could use it.”

  Beth glanced at her phone, then picked it up. “It’s a text from Susan. My brother got home last night, and will be in the office tomorrow.”

  “Speaking of information…”

  “Yes, I’m not waiting any longer.” Beth stood up. “It’s time to pay him a visit. At home is fine with me.”

  Wyatt called a cab and slipped into the back seat with Beth. He was worried about her. Whoever had tried to kill her would try again, and all he had to go on was a few gambling debts, however sizable they were. Gamblers racked up debts every day without killing anyone.

  A piece of the puzzle was missing, and Wyatt hoped that Kyle could shed light on it. Desperate men did desperate things, and time was running out. Beth had to find out the truth behind all of this, and she needed to find out now.

  Wyatt fingered the laser pen in his pocket, glad he’d come with Beth to confront her brother with what she knew. Kyle hadn’t struck him as the violent type, but this was a volatile situation. A man could be pushed into actions he wouldn’t conceive of under normal circumstances. Wyatt had seen it on deployment, witnessed how a man could react under pressure—and it wasn’t always predictable.

  *****

  The cab dropped them in front, and Wyatt told the driver not to wait. He wasn’t sure how long they’d be. The brick building was in a good area, but the place wasn’t as pricey as his uncle’s mansion. But no doubt Kyle had a good income as Foster’s acting CEO.

  Beth hadn’t bothered to call, as she didn’t want to warn her brother about the visit. The large envelope was under her arm. Wyatt rang the bell, unsure what to expect. He’d scanned the environme
nt, but all appeared quiet—just a sleepy morning in an upscale Manhattan neighborhood.

  Wyatt glanced over. “Nervous?”

  Beth took a breath, then shook her head. “Not really, just anxious to get this over with.”

  When there was no answer, Wyatt rang the bell again. After a short delay, Kyle opened the door. His longish hair was messy, and he wore sweats. “Beth…Wyatt…I wasn’t expecting anyone.”

  Beth stepped forward. “Can we come in?”

  “Sure, come on in,” Kyle said, and brushed his hair from his face. “I was out jogging. Just got back. I’d have showered and dressed if I’d known to expect company.”

  “We’re not company,” Beth said, walking ahead. “I need to talk to you about something.”

  Taking his role of good guy, Wyatt shrugged. “It’s important.”

  The living room walls were brick; the floors were hardwood. Out the windows was a view of the Manhattan Bridge. To the left was a sliding door leading out to the patio. Beth took a seat by the fireplace and Wyatt sat on the sofa, adjacent to her.

  Kyle kicked off his running shoes and plopped on the other end of the sofa. “So, what’s up?”

  Wyatt sized him up. Beth’s brother was a good-looking guy, late twenties. He had an honest face, and a trustworthy demeanor. Yet looks could be deceiving.

  Beth put the envelope beside her, then clasped her hands in her lap. She looked directly at Kyle. “Why do you want me dead?”

  Her brother turned ashen. “What in the world are you talking about? Who wants you dead?” He dug his hand in his hair. “Are you crazy?”

  Beth glared at him. “I don’t think so, Kyle. Somebody is trying to kill me, and I think you know who.”

  Her brother didn’t say a word, but he slumped into the chair. “Will you please tell me what’s going on?”

  Wyatt leaned closer. “Beth is hoping you can tell us.”

  When Kyle didn’t offer any immediate answers, Beth tossed the envelope at him. It slid across the coffee table and he picked it up. “Take a look at that. It’s evidence. I copied it straight from accounting records.”

  While her brother studied the documents, Beth remained silent.