by Linda Price
The Crime of Love
by Linda Price
and
A.E. Hall
All rights reserved. This book may not be reproduced in any manner without express written permission of the author.
CONTENTS
Chapter One
Chapter Two
Chapter Three
Chapter Four
Chapter Five
Chapter Six
Chapter Seven
Chapter Eight
Chapter Nine
Chapter One
I was nearly asleep on the lounge chair by the pool when I heard the click.
“Don’t move.”
I froze, heart pounding, too frightened to open my eyes. This was something my dad had warned me about since forever; it’s a dangerous world, even right here in our famed Dallas high-security mansion.
The unmistakable weight of a gun pressed into my temple, and I flinched. “I said don’t move or I’ll shoot.”
A whimper of fear escaped from my throat—I couldn’t help it. But in the next second, the gun was gone, and the intruder was chuckling. “Gotcha.”
My eyes snapped open to find one of the security guards who was supposed to be posted at the front gate standing over me, blocking the sun. My heart was still pounding as I sat up.
“Derek? What the fuck do you think you’re doing?”
“You fell for it. The real gun, you see, is right here. This, Paige, is my new favorite lighter.”
He frowned, looking like a sulky kid. True, I had played a few pranks on him but something like this? I was furious, and still a little shaky. Derek had a reputation for poor judgment. If not for me, he probably would have been gone a long time ago. But this time his antics were really starting to cross the line.
“So that’s what you get for being nasty to me for so long,” he said.
“You’re a goner once Dad finds out. How do you like that?”
“Heard that one before.”
He was right. No matter how many times he’d screw up, I’d still beg for him not to get fired. I felt for him. I didn’t want him to lose his job even though he was a goofball with a penchant for trouble. Why? I wasn’t sure. Regardless, he added some much needed fun to our otherwise by the book routine. I squared my shoulders and stood up straight, grabbing my phone off the end table next to my chair.
He backed up, but before he could say anything else, my phone buzzed. I stared at him until he took off through the side gate, and then checked the phone’s screen: Dad.
“Let me guess. You’re not home for dinner.”
“Sorry, sweetie,” he said. In the background I could hear the busy hum of his office. “I will actually be late tonight. Tell Pablo I want the usual but don’t wait for me.”
I sighed. Pablo was our Spanish chef who Dad considered a culinary genius, but lately, I’d rather munch on something from Inwood Pizza. I’ve been home for a month and yet I have barely seen my dad; our enormous house was lonely with only me rattling around in it, especially after spending two years in my crowded dorm in Austin.
“So much for spending more time together,” I reminded him, and this time he sighed.
“I know but, honey, you know I’m doing my best. Just stay home and study, all right? Don’t go out again.”
His voice was teasing, but I knew he was concerned. “The more we talk the more I think I should just move out and go back to the dorm. I got 92 on my last sociology paper, remember? You’ve got your work that you love so much, but guess what, I’m looking for something I love, too.”
“I know, but surely there’s a better place to look for it than bars and clubs with all the bad publicity they might get us, which you know I worry about.”
“Oh, stop it, will you? I haven’t been to a club in weeks. And sometimes you need to get it wrong before you really get it right.”
“Paige, you know that being a Thompson has many privileges but don’t forget that it also comes with a slew of responsibilities.”
“Don’t even start this again, Dad. I’m moving out whether you like it or not.”
“What? Look, you need to think things through before doing them, Paige. Haven’t we talked this over before?”
“We’ll talk when you get home.”
I shook my head as I hung up.
I glanced at the side gate again. I hadn’t wanted to tell him about Derek over the phone, but I didn’t want to forget about it, either. I had to think of a way to get the jerk back somehow. Decisions, decisions.
I was still shaky enough that the buzz of a text message startled me a moment later. It was my mom, asking if I wanted to come over later in the weekend.
Teddy misses U. I sighed. With my parents in the midst of a divorce, I didn’t see my five-year-old brother, Teddy, nearly enough lately.
I was about to text back when the security intercom buzzed; there was one inside the front door, one upstairs, and one out here by the pool. “What now?” I said to myself as I got up to answer it.
“Paige, someone from InterTech is on his way over to upgrade the security system,” the guard told me. It was Ralph, the sweet, older man who usually worked afternoons.
I thanked him and had just enough time to look at myself in the reflection of the sliding patio door before the doorbell rang. Great. I was sweaty and barely dressed in a bikini top and an old pair of shorts, but it was too late to change now.
I was smoothing back my hair as I opened the door, and blinked in surprise when I saw my visitor. He was tall, dark, and absolutely delicious, with a mischievous gleam in his bright blue eyes that spelled trouble—the good kind. He didn’t look like a video network security specialist. His perfect teeth complemented his slight tan; his bold gaze and the cocky tilt of his hips oozed confidence, and the kind of challenge that usually spelled danger.
“You must be Miss Thompson,” he said, and I felt my body break out in a light sweat at the sound of his deep voice.
“Uh, hi,” I managed, cringing at how awkward I sounded.
His smile spread slow and sexy as he leaned in the doorjamb, waiting for me to invite him in and very obviously admiring my outfit. His black InterTech shirt outlined his broad chest.
“A pleasure,” I whispered, watching the muscles in his well-shaped arm flex as he reached out to take my hand. His grip was sure and so strong; I was suddenly warm all over. And why was I being so formal all of a sudden?
“No, no, no, Miss Thompson. The pleasure is all mine.” His voice was husky, unmistakably masculine, and a sensation of pleasure raced down my spine.
There was something unique about this guy, something that didn’t seem like it would originate from your typical camera network service man, but one thing could not be denied: the man had charisma. I couldn’t stop staring at him, even though I could feel the hot proof of a blush in my cheeks. He seemed content to wait while I looked my fill. He had that knowing smile, tilting his mouth, and I realized I was supposed to say something, do something. But what?
“May I come in?” he asked.
“Um, yeah.” I stepped back and gestured for him to come in, swallowing hard as he passed me. He smelled good, crisp, and clean—all male, and the hair curling on his nape was just slightly damp with sweat. I closed the door and leaned against it, very aware of how little I was wearing and how much he seemed to like it.
He was the kind of guy your mother warned you about, which meant he was the kind of guy it was almost impossible to resist. He glanced over his shoulder, and I had a moment to admire the sharp cut of his jaw. “Miss Thompson, could you show me…” He paused, that sly smirk gracing his lips again.
“What?” I asked.
“The security system monitor. Unles
s, of course, there’s something else you’d rather show me?” he rasped as he winked, obviously admiring my bikini. The bastard had no shame!
“Right this way.” I led the way into the office beside the kitchen where the house’s security system computers were set up, and my bare arm brushed his as I passed him, sending a racing chill down my arm. He was so solid, and incredibly warm, the day’s heat still clung to his skin.
“I’m sorry for interrupting, Miss Thompson,” he said as he sat down at the desk. I was hovering in the doorway, and I glanced down at my chest when I realized where he was looking.
“Paige,” I said softly, as I slid the bare toes of one foot up the opposite calf, watching as he followed the movement. My toenails were bright purple. “You don’t need to be so formal.”
One corner of his mouth curved up in a wicked smirk. “Paige.”
I knew I was blushing again, but I couldn’t help it. He was the hottest guy I’d ever met, and I was pleased at his clear appreciation of my body. My last boyfriend had been more interested in his frat buddies and YouTube videos of the world’s most shocking car crashes than our relationship.
This guy looked like he’d take you apart piece by piece, slowly and carefully, until you were out of your mind with pleasure. Pure lust blazed through me and I hadn’t even been in the same room as him for more than five minutes.
“I should let you work,” I finally said, tilting my head and throwing my hair back over one shoulder. I hadn’t flirted in ages, and it felt too good to stop now. “Will it take a long time to fix?”
“No,” he chuckled. “Even though there are times when I do like to last a long time.”
I looked at him from under my lashes. “Wow. Just wow. Do you usually pick up girls at work like this?”
He caught my eye and held my gaze, as he said, “No. But I make rare exceptions in special cases.” I swallowed hard, tingling all over.
He stopped tapping at the keyboard for a moment and added, “You know, I’m going to be done here in just a few minutes. I’d love to eat you out when I’m finished.”
No. He did not just say that.
“Excuse me? What did you just say?”
“I said I’d love to take you out to eat when I’m finished.” Did he really say what I thought I heard or was I hearing things? He paused and winced for a second as if trying to replay our conversation in his head.
“What did you think I said, Paige?”
“Never mind.”
My pulse raced at the idea, but I must not have answered quickly enough because he suddenly stood up and walked over to me, holding out his hand. “I’m sorry,” he said after a pause, milking the moment.
“I haven’t even introduced myself. I’m Mac.”
His hand enveloped mine, his thumb sweeping gently over the fine bones in the back of my hand, and I hoped he couldn’t feel me trembling. “I’m Paige. I’d go but my parents taught me to never go out with strangers,” I teased with a smirk.
“You always listen to your parents, Paige?” he said, slowly enunciating each syllable as I watched his gorgeous mouth form those vowels.
“Rarely. But in this case they have a point. After all, I don’t know you. You could be…”
“A serial killer or a rapist?”
I nodded.
He smirked. “Let’s hit the Inwood Pizza Parlor, just a couple of blocks from here. Luigi can get us a nice booth.”
“You know Luigi?” He was the owner, a sweet man with a round belly and friendly demeanor.
“Sure.”
“All right, I trust you.”
“Fabulous,” Mac said, letting go of my hand slowly, as if reluctant to let go. That satisfied smile spread across his face again. I bet he always got what he wanted. “I’ll just be another couple of minutes.”
“Great. I’ll, um, run upstairs and change.” One eyebrow arched as he grinned at me, and I realized I had just told him I’d be undressing. My chest was pounding with nerves and I tried to be casual as I walked into the hall, but once I got to the stairs I bounded up them two at a time. What the hell was I going to wear?
There wasn’t much time, so I washed my face and pulled my cutest casual dress out of the closet; a bright blue, halter neck with a swingy skirt.. There wasn’t time to think too hard, and I liked it—I was rarely this impulsive, always playing by the rules instead. But when it came to a night out with a hot guy instead of a boring evening at home alone in front of the TV, there was no contest.
Especially when the hot guy was Mac. There was something about him, an invisible pull that had me saying yes to a date with a perfect stranger. A delectable stranger at that.
I stashed my ID and my debit card into a little bag and put on my new sandals and some earrings, and at the last minute, brushed my hair and scooped it up off my neck into a ponytail. A dab of lip gloss and I was ready. I was buzzing with nerves.
When I got to the bottom of the stairs, he was in the front foyer, his tech bag slung over one shoulder and his muscled arms crossed over his chest, waiting. I felt the heat of his gaze as his eyes traveled up my body, taking in my legs and flirty skirt, my bare shoulders, and my glossy lips.
“So sweet of you to say yes,” he said, and I grabbed my keys off the table as we walked outside. Shutting the door behind me, he rested his hand on the small of my back as we walked down the driveway to the black SUV he’d parked there. Mac’s charm had just that little bit of rough edge that made him seem dangerous, and that was just what I wanted.
“You drive an unmarked vehicle? No InterTech sign?” I asked as I opened the door.
“I have a company van but I usually take my own car for minor upgrades.”
“So you go there a lot?” I asked as we buckled in. He turned on the radio as he backed out of the driveway—a dreamy Blake Shelton song poured out of the speakers.
“Go where?”
“The Inwood Pizza Parlor. Isn’t that where we’re going?”
“Oh, yeah. Every weekend.”
When Mac reached over to take my hand, I cringed. The guy was so forward and yet there was something fishy about him. To get to the restaurant, he should have turned left, but I thought he was going to go around Lovers Lane to get there. I was willing to pretend it didn’t really matter though—the sun was low and golden in the sky, and Mac’s hand was warm and strong around mine. I sat back, relaxing as the A/C kicked in, cooling off the inside of the car. Mac was humming along to the music.
After another right turn, though, he was heading directly for the on-ramp to the tollway, and I stiffened. I hadn’t even told anyone where I was going, and I hadn’t imagined heading out of town on a first date.
“Um, to get to Inwood you need to turn on Lovers,” I said.
Mac was silent for a minute, and then he let go of my hand to turn off the radio. When he looked sideling at me, blue eyes shadowed, I could have sworn his expression expressed regret. “I know,” he said.
“Then why did you get on the tollway?” His face went blank.
“Because I never intended to take you to the restaurant in the first place.”
Chapter Two
I froze in my seat, my hands clenched in my lap. My heart was racing. “What? What the hell is going on?”
Jaw clenched, Mac stared straight ahead, gunning the SUV onto the highway. The sun was setting, hues of pink and orange in the distance yet I could barely absorb its beauty in my state of shock.
“Answer me,” I said, trying to keep my voice from shaking. “Who are you? What the hell is going on?”
He sighed, frowning before he turned to look at me. He looked disappointed as if he wanted to tell me something, but knew he couldn’t. “Can’t tell you everything right now, but you need to do as I say.”
“I need to do as you say?” I asked, shaking my head. Of course, I wasn’t going anywhere—Mac was driving over 70 mph already, and I was pretty sure he wasn’t about to stop and let me out. Instinctively I reached for my cell phone but a
las, it looked like I left it at home again, a habit that could really cost me this time around.
“You do know I’m crazy enough to jump, right? Unless you tell me right this second what the fuck is going on.”
“Short answer is that your father’s in danger and he wants you somewhere safe,” Mac said. “I’m taking you to Los Angeles for now, and when the time comes, you can come home safely.”
“In danger?” I gasped. If I’d been confused a moment ago, my mind was reeling now. “My dad put you up to this? Is that how you knew about the pizza parlor?”
He nodded. I’d just talked to my dad minutes before Mac showed up. Unless he was calling to make sure that I was at home…I had no idea what to believe. If dad was in danger, what about Mom and Teddy? Dad did have plenty of enemies, too—you couldn’t build a media company, especially a conservative one, without a few—and I knew he’d received death threats before.
“But he would have said something to me,” I protested aloud, as if I’d been conducting the current conversation in my head out loud with Mac instead. “I know my dad.” I stared at Mac’s chiseled profile, willing him to tell me something that made sense. If what he was saying was true, he was essentially kidnapping me to keep me safe, but it seemed too wild to be true.
“Look, there will be a time when I can tell you more,” Mac said. “But not now. All I can say is your father sent me and as long as you cooperate, everything is going to be okay. In a way, you should be happy.”
“I should be happy I was kidnapped by a stranger?”
“Happy your father cares about you. Some people never have that, you know.”
“Like who?”
“Well, me being one example.”
“Why? What happened to your parents?”
“Don’t know,” Mac said tightly. “Never knew them.”
“You’re still dodging the issue.”
Before I could formulate a response, Mac said with the same charm he’d demonstrated earlier, “Look, I’m not going to hurt you. Don’t get me wrong. The first question on my mind was what you’d sound like screaming my name the first time I gave it to you. Unfortunately, I’m on the job. So try to sit back and relax. We’ve got a few days on the road. Once we’re out in L.A., you can reunite with your dad and everything will go back to normal.”