by Dawn Brower
“Tempted to drink it now too?”
He spun around and his mouth dropped open. There were a lot of things he’d assumed she’d gone to do, but once again, she managed to surprise him. She hadn’t gone to bed, and she didn’t appear to have any plans on going there alone either. She’d slipped out of her dress and into something sheer enough to leave little to the imagination. The lingerie consisted of scarlet chiffon mixed with ribbons and lace that wrapped around her gorgeous body. The romper had a deep V-cut that plunged almost to her navel and barely covered her breasts.
He clenched his fist at his side and prayed for control over the lust raging through him. His other hand tightened around the neck of the bottle as he fought the urges. He needed a cold shower and a lot of distance between them. Even in his wildest dreams he never imagined this. Sure, he’d wanted her and hoped one day she’d desire him too—but not like this—never like this. A drunk Reese wouldn’t make sound decisions. He’d prefer a sober and fully aware woman preparing to slide all over him enticingly. He loved her, damn it, and he would not use her or let her use him in return. They both deserved better than a quick fuck no matter how much it tempted either one of them to give in to that desire.
“I’m going to empty the contents in the sink.”
“A waste,” she said as she moved closer. “We might want it later. Give it to me, and I’ll put it away.”
He didn’t move. If he took even a step toward her he’d lose whatever semblance of power he had over himself. He was a man, and she was his one weakness. God help him, he wanted to pull her into his arms and kiss her until they forgot who they were and why they were there. “I think I’ll keep it here.”
“I thought you wanted to get rid of it,” she teased.
He wanted to keep his sanity more. “I can take care of it myself.” Dane cleared his throat. “Don’t you have a robe or something?”
“You don’t like this?” She trailed her fingers down the valley between her breasts. He followed her progress and swallowed the lump forming in his throat. She was a temptress, and before long he’d gladly be her willing love slave. “It’s quite comfortable. What do you think of the back?” She spun around and showed him that she looked as delectable from behind. Her hair tumbled down her back in bouncy golden waves. Reese’s lingerie had a similar design as the front with the plunging cut tied loosely with a ribbon at her neck. The lace cupped her ass and emphasized her curves. “Isn’t it simply fabulous?”
“Sinful, yes...”
“No.” She glanced over her shoulder. The corner of her lips tilted upward. “Simple, silly.”
He glanced at her mouth, but he didn’t linger there long. Dane couldn’t stop himself from looking at her ass. “Right. That’s what I said.”
She’d scrambled his brain. Who needed scotch when Reese strolled around in next to nothing? She’s accomplished the impossible and destroyed him from the inside out. If anyone stormed into her condo at that moment, he couldn’t be sure he’d be able to protect her. He was that close to losing his mind entirely.
REESE HADN’T BEEN THINKING clearly when she’d gone to her room. She’d been a little hurt and a whole lot of frustrated when she’d left him in her living room. A huge part of her wanted to make him fall to his knees and beg her to make love to him. He had rejected her, and she’d wanted to have some kind of power over him.
Now, she saw the mistake for what it was. She kept making rash decisions without any thought to the consequences. Dane was there to protect her, and she’d been hell-bent on seducing him. For what? To make herself feel better about her situation? What had he done to deserve her disregard? The answer, of course, was not a damn thing. But she’d be lying if his sudden interest in her didn’t make her feel a little bit better about herself. He clearly desired her, and was almost stupid with it. Maybe he had before too but had more control over his emotions.
He moved closer to her, still clutching the scotch in one of his hands as if it was a life preserver and if he let go he’d sink, then drown. “The only thing that would be better than that scrap of cloth you’re wearing is if you lost it altogether.” His voice grew huskier with each word, and his eyelids drooped low, heavy, and seductive.
“Don’t you think I merit a kiss first?”
“We already did that.” He took another step. “Do you want to rewind and repeat?”
“Mmm,” she said then licked her lips. “I did like it. I wouldn’t be averse to tasting you again.”
“Sweetheart,” he said in a slow drawl, “I’d like nothing more.” His eyes glazed over with a mix of heat, desire, and purpose. “God, I’ve wanted you for so long.” His groan echoed through the room. “But this might not be the right time to explore all those possibilities.”
Her heart beat hard inside her chest. She’d desired him, or maybe she’d just wanted to feel something other than fear. Reese had never considered he might feel something real for her. A part of her wanted to explore the possibility of a relationship—to see if she was worthy of another’s love; however, it also terrified her. What if she didn’t measure up to what the person he thought she was? Dane had wanted her? Not just earlier, but much longer than that? Why hadn’t he ever asked her out or led her to believe he did? There were so many questions floating through her mind, but only one mattered at the moment. “When would be the right time? After were both dead and don’t have the choice anymore?”
That had the equivalent of dosing a flame with a bucket of water. The heat that had been brewing between them died a fast death. Why had she opened her mouth and killed the opportunity of having what she wanted, and oh, did she want him. She hadn’t realized it before—hadn’t really considered him in any capacity. Her mother’s influence had been too strong for her to look at anyone she hadn’t suggested. Reese wished she hadn’t allowed that to guide her actions, but she couldn’t go back to change it.
She couldn’t believe he’d always been there, yet she never really saw him until this moment. He was sexy and gorgeous, but that was only the exterior. Dane had always been kind and almost gentle with her. He’d chosen a career that showed he was brave and that he wanted to help people. Not once since she’d known him had he given her any indication he’d turn into an evil sociopath like Nolan. Though she probably shouldn’t use that to measure any man’s potential as a lover or life mate.
He ran his fingers through his dark hair. Then he took the cap off the bottle and took a long swing of it. He replaced the top back and then threw the bottle against the wall. It shattered, spilling the amber liquid down the wall and dripped down into a puddle on the floor. She’d jerked back, surprised by his actions.
“You’re always—always—on my mind.” He turned to meet her gaze. “Nothing I do will make you go away. You’re the one person I’ve always wanted and never thought I could have. But you don’t want me, and you never have. This is all a game to you. For a moment, I let myself forget that, and I thought maybe, just maybe, you actually saw me.”
“I do...”
“No,” he interrupted her. “You don’t see anyone but yourself, and I’m starting to wonder what I ever saw in you. You’re beautiful, intelligent, and once upon a time, you were kind to me. Now though, you’ve turned into a selfish bitch. I’m here and convenient, so why not use me?”
She had been thinking that at first. Reese felt like a first-rate ass... “I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have done that.” What else could she say? She’d made a mistake, and she always owned up to her stupidity.
“It doesn’t matter.” He swore under his breath. “This is as much my fault as it is yours. It won’t happen again.”
The sad thing was now that she’d fumbled through the mess she realized she did want him for more than one night. She wanted to know him—the real him. What was he like when he wasn’t the brooding detective? Did he love as hard as he worked, and would he ever look at her like he had a few moments ago ever again? She wished she could take back the last few minutes and redo
it. Why did she keep screwing everything up?
“I...” She swallowed hard. “I don’t know what to say.”
“There is nothing to say. I think perhaps we’re past the talking part anyway. Go to bed, and we’ll forget this ever happened.”
“Do you think that’s possible?” She wanted to, but she’d never be able to erase the look of dejection on his face. “I’d like us to be friends.” She wanted more, but she’d settle on that to start with.
“Friends,” he said sardonically and shook his head. “Yeah, I guess we can be that. Probably all we should ever be anyway.” Dane gestured toward the broken glass. “I’ll clean that up. I’m sorry I lost my temper it won’t happen again. I will keep my mind where it belongs—protecting you and nothing more.”
She nodded. “I’m going to bed as you suggested.” Reese didn’t know what else to say. The night had taken a turn for the worse, and it was all her fault. She was a world-class jerk, and maybe in the morning she’d be able to make it up to him. The rawness of it all was still too fresh for them to get past it at the moment. Some scars couldn’t be erased, and Reese’s were buried deep. She hoped Dane’s weren’t equally profound; otherwise, there would be no repairing the damage...
CHAPTER SEVEN
The afternoon sun streamed down, nearly blinding Carter as he pulled into the hospital parking lot. Dane texted him before he’d left Reese’s condo to drive her to work. Everything seemed fine, but he wanted to check on his baby sister himself. There was still no word on Nolan’s whereabouts, and every second he was missing was one more that Carter stressed about. He wanted both of his sisters to be safe, and well, any potential victim Nolan might find. He’d showed in the past that he didn’t discriminate and would hurt anyone he wanted to.
Carter slid his car into park and killed the engine, then opened his door, pocketing his keys as he headed to the front entrance. If he was lucky, Reese would be easy to find. He had no clue what her schedule consisted of; however, he did have an idea where she might be. Most of her work was in the new pediatric wing of the hospital since she worked with kids. If she wasn’t there, he would track down one of the nurses to ask. Maybe they could page her or something...
As he entered the hospital, he had to blink a few times to see clearly. Going inside after the bright light of the sun was an adjustment. He stopped until his eyes adjusted to his surroundings. Once he was acclimated, he headed to the elevators. The pediatric ward was on the third floor of the hospital. He clicked the button to go up and the doors swung open immediately. Dane was inside, lounging against the side. His black hair was disheveled, and he had dark spots under his eyes. Carter stepped inside, and the doors closed behind him. Dane lifted a brow and nodded at the buttons. Carter reached over and clicked on the third floor. “You look like hell.”
“Thanks,” Dane said acerbically. “You’re all kindness.” He rubbed his hands over his face. “I feel like shit.”
“Did you sleep at all last night?” Carter lifted a brow. “She does have a security system, doesn’t she?” He hadn’t thought to ask his sister what security measures she had in place. It should have been one of the first questions he asked her. Damn... If Dane looked this bad, he must have stayed up all night to ensure Reese was safe. Now he felt like a complete ass.
“I don’t know if she does or not,” Dane said. “She was a handful last night, and she was asleep before I thought to bring the subject up. I don’t think she does though. I searched her condo and didn’t find a control panel for one, so I decided it would be best if I stayed awake.”
“I’ll call someone to install something.” He shook his head. “How could she be so careless? Especially after Nolan was arrested. I should have insisted she put something in then.”
“Don’t beat yourself so hard about it. Reese is a big girl and capable of taking care of herself. She doesn’t need you to hold her hand for her.”
That may be true, but Carter felt responsible nonetheless. Their father wasn’t exactly around, and their mother was a supreme bitch. If he didn’t look after his sister, who would? She clearly had horrible taste in men and showed no signs of figuring her life out. Her career was the one thing she seemed to have on track. At least she had that to rely on, and it would probably keep her busy for the time being. The work would help her forget, at least for a little while, that a serial killer was on the loose.
“Did she seem a little—I don’t know...?” Carter took a deep breath. “Off last night? She’s not usually that quiet, and I don’t think my mother’s constant criticism helped the situation.”
“I don’t know what’s going on with her. You know your sister better than I do. We’re barely acquaintances.” He sounded almost—irritated. What had Reese done to him?
“I get that, but you’ve met her and have seen how she is usually. That wasn’t her last night.”
Dane shoved his hands in his pockets and didn’t meet Carter’s gaze. His blue eyes almost darkened at Carter’s words. What did his partner see that he didn’t? What exactly had happened last night? Dane had mentioned her being a handful. “Reese doesn’t seem to be handling Nolan’s escape well. She stole a bottle of scotch from your mother and proceeded to drink it straight.”
“Mother would have been appalled.” Carter sighed and considered the situation. “Drinking’s going to make things worse.”
“Something I already mentioned to her. I am not so sure it sank into her thick skull though.”
Carter nodded as the elevator dinged and the doors swung open. He stepped out, but Dane stayed inside. He put his hands on the door to stop it from closing. “Aren’t you coming?”
“I’m not so sure I want to see your sister right now. I’m not her favorite person.”
“Come on,” Carter insisted. “I might need you as back up.” If Reese was drinking and not acting like herself, he would need all the help he could get. Dane might not know her well, but he was a good guy. She might listen to someone not related to her. Truth be told, she was more likely to dig in her heels if he insisted, but Dane she might listen to. Though from the sounds of it that hadn’t worked well and all of it might be wishful thinking.
Dane stepped off the elevator reluctantly as Carter headed to the office Reese shared with another resident. His partner kept a slow leisurely pace trailing behind him. “I hope I don’t regret this.”
“It’ll be fine,” Carter replied. “Reese is a reasonable person.”
Dane snorted. “I’m starting to wonder if we’re talking about the same woman here. Your sister is the least reasonable person I’ve met. She’s likely lost her damn mind.” Carter begged to differ—he could name one other female who rivaled his sister in the illogical department. Olivia certainly did her best to drive him crazy whenever they crossed paths.
They stopped at the office door, and Carter rapped on it before he pushed it open. “Am I interrupting?”
Reese sat at the desk, staring down at an open file. Her blonde hair was pulled back into a messy ponytail and she had her hands resting on either side of her face. “Hmm?” She didn’t look up. “No, come in.”
“We need to talk about your security.”
She still didn’t glance up at him. That paper must have some pertinent information on it to have her attention so thoroughly. Carter placed both his hands on the desk and leaned over. “Earth to Reese.”
“What?” She glanced up. “Oh, it’s you.”
“Good to see you too, little sister.” She didn’t look any better than Dane did. She had dark spots under her eyes and seemed really tired. “Did you not sleep well last night either?” He was starting to wonder how much Dane hadn’t told him. Carter glanced at Reese and then over his shoulder at his partner. Neither one of them looked at each other, but then again, Reese appeared to be in her own little world. He didn’t really like that she didn’t seem to want to be a part of the discussion. She wanted to forget her time with Nolan, and he couldn’t blame her for that much. However, she h
ad to get on board with the planning. He couldn’t take the time to let her adjust to her new reality. She’d listen to him and Dane, and like it, regardless of what she wanted. He focused his attention on his sister and made sure she was fully alert. “About your security.”
“Don’t worry. Your watch dog kept a good eye on me and made sure I was safe the entire night.” She waved her hand. “Now go away so I can work.”
Carter silently prayed for patience. He loved his sister, he truly did, but at the moment he wanted to strangle her. How could she be so blasé about her safety? “That’s great—I’m glad Dane was able to take care of you, but that’s not what this is about.”
“Oh?” She lifted a brow. “Did he complain about me?” She glanced around him and glared at Dane. “I told him I wouldn’t do any of that again.”
Fuck. What exactly had she done? Dane’s gaze darkened even further. “As fun as this is,” Dane drawled. “I need to go home—to shower and sleep.”
He didn’t have a chance to leave. As he turned to make his exit he found it blocked by Olivia West. “Going somewhere, handsome?”
What the hell was she doing there? So far, nothing about this visit was going well. Dane was surly, Reese mimicked their mother’s best bitch mode, and now Olivia had dropped in too. The trifecta of shit landed, and he had to wade through it all. What would it take to have something go right? No matter how hard he tried, everything was falling apart around him. At least Claire would be safe out of town. All he had to do was keep Reese safe and locate that bastard Nolan. It shouldn’t be that hard...
Dane smiled at Olivia and she returned a welcoming one. It grated on his nerves that she lit up so easily for his partner and turned into a raving bitch at anything Carter said or did. Why didn’t she bite Dane’s head off instead? Did she have a thing for his friend? “There’s nothing left for me to do here. I was going to head home. That is, if you’ll let me pass.”