“If you’d been sleeping with her none of this would’ve happened. She would’ve poured her heart out to you and we could’ve caught our target free and clear.”
Their heated kiss flashed into Ryu’s mind. Any doubts he had over stopping that kiss were extinguished with Neil’s words.
Ryu rested the printouts on his knee to stop his hands from shaking. “She wanted to help him.”
“I don’t care if she wanted to blow him. We should have been there to catch him,” Neil said.
“It’s unfortunate we missed an opportunity to apprehend the suspect, but we need to consider our next steps.” Adrian broke in, the voice of reason as usual.
“Unfortunate, I’ll give you unfortunate…” The rest of Neil’s words were lost as he muttered to himself.
“We need to increase surveillance on Kait, she said she felt someone watching her—”
“It was probably our men doing their job,” Neil cut over Ryu.
“Or maybe it wasn’t—”
“Which reminds me, where were our men on Saturday? I thought you were increasing surveillance, Adrian,” Neil cut over Ryu again.
“If you recall, sir, when I discussed this with you on Friday night, you didn’t think anything would happen early Saturday and set the roster to start at lunch time. According to Kait, she met Johnny at nine.” Ryu admired the polite reproof in Adrian’s voice.
“You’ll have to do better next time, Adrian.” Neil appeared oblivious to his role in events.
“About additional surveillance, sir—” Ryu tried again.
“I hardly think it’s necessary. Johnny’s not going to risk contacting her again,” Neil interrupted, making Ryu grit his teeth in annoyance.
“We don’t know what Johnny will do, he thinks she has the original flash drive. Even if Johnny doesn’t contact her, his associates may regard her as a risk. I think we should take precautions,” Ryu continued.
“Waste of time,” said Neil.
“With all due respect, sir, I disagree. I think Kait is potentially more at risk than you believe.” His phone dug into the palm of his hand and Ryu forced his grip to relax. No way was he going to lose his temper again.
“I said, it’s a waste of time, I meant, it’s a waste of time,” Neil’s voice was razor sharp.
Adrian backed up Ryu, his voice calm. “In those emails Johnny suggests a threat to Kait, or he may contact her again. He is quite forceful in his desire to have the original disk. Additional surveillance wouldn’t be difficult to implement.”
“I believe I still have control over this mission, Adrian. Until such time as I am removed my decision stands.”
“What about me?” Ryu said.
“What about you?” Distain hung heavy in Neil voice.
“Can I stay with her as protection? I’m still assigned to Fantasia Alive.” Ryu kept his voice as polite as possible.
“Fine, do what you want.” Neil hung up.
“Is my staying with Kait going to be a problem, Adrian?” Ryu asked his team leader, who was still on the line.
“No, I don’t think so. I agree with you, we need to keep an eye on her or at least on what’s going on around her. That girl appears to be a catalyst.”
After he hung up, Ryu stared blankly at the shadows swimming across the hood of his car. He couldn’t believe Neil’s stubborn, short-sightedness. The man was worse than a fool. Ryu had no idea how he’d worked his way so far up the hierarchy. It was no wonder this case hadn’t been solved before now and Adrian’s team ended up being called in to assist. Not that they were accomplishing much, hamstrung as they were by the incompetent in change.
Flicking through the printouts again, he pushed thoughts of Neil aside for the moment. It wasn’t his job to worry about Neil, it was his job to worry about Kait. Letting the papers fall onto his lap, he thrummed his fingers on the steering wheel while he debated his options.
The only way he could truly be her protector was to be with her twenty-four/seven, and he couldn’t see her agreeing to that idea. He would have to find a way of making sure she understood she had little choice.
Wait, what about at night? He couldn’t take her back to his room at HQ, Neil was bound to object to her being so close to the centre of operations. He’d have to convince her to take him home with her. His stomach clenched at the thought of being in her home. This was getting more and more difficult by the minute. What exactly had he expected when he made the suggestion? That they were going to be at work the whole time. He hadn’t thought it through, that was the problem. He’d made the suggestion impulsively because he believed she needed protection.
The downside of such constant vigilance was she would undoubtedly assume she was in serious risk. She was worried enough already without adding fuel to her concerns. He’d simply have to reassure her it was only precautionary. His fingers tapped faster. Her concerns aside, he had his own issues.
Their chemistry for one. He was already more attracted to her than was comfortable, and after their kiss his attraction had ratcheted up another notch. Being together twenty-four/seven was only going to exacerbate the problem. Not only that, a great deal of their time together would be the two of them alone.
Alone, in her house, at night, in the dark. His imagination happily supplied him with images he forced himself to shutdown. With a groan, he leaned back against the seat and banged his head against the headrest. It wasn’t just that she was a redhead, or incredibly sexy, it was that she appealed to him on a deeper level. He felt a connection between them. Her loyalty, kindness, and vitality were hard to resist.
Knowing he couldn’t put it off, he sat up and folded the printouts, putting them and his phone on the seat next to him. He needed to go to HQ and grab his gear. If he was going to be a temporary houseguest he needed clean underwear—amongst other things. As he started the car, he caught a whiff of her scent clinging to his shirt. Damn, this wasn’t going to be easy.
Chapter 20
Rachael lounged elegantly on a chair in Kait’s office. “It’s been almost a week since your secret confab at the Fire and Ice do. Have you put your moves on Mac yet?”
Kait pushed away the marketing plan she was reading and stared across her desk at Rachael, wishing the other woman would quietly evaporate. “First of all, it wasn’t a secret confab. As I told you at the time, we simply stepped outside to talk about his performance. Secondly, I didn’t see him all weekend, and he wasn’t here yesterday. When exactly was I supposed to put my moves on him?”
“He’s here today, I saw him leave your office earlier.” Rachael leaned forward. “Whatever you said didn’t make him happy. He looked all cheerful and yummy when he arrived, but he left a sexy thundercloud. Still yummy, but the dangerous kind of yummy.”
“I don’t have time for this conversation, Rach, and anyway, it’s none of your business if I put moves on him—which I wouldn’t because he works for me.” She almost forgot to add the last piece, she was getting used to the idea she no longer had that particular restriction.
She frowned. Instead, she was faced with knowing he didn’t want her, not really. A pity kiss.
Her heart had filled with light when his lips touched hers, banishing her fear. Then he’d told her he hated to see women cry. Her throat tightened at the memory. The magic she’d felt, was for him nothing more than a pity kiss.
“Phooey to that. Make your moves and see what happens.” Rachael brushed off her concerns.
Except Kait had made her move. She’d kissed him back for all she was worth, and she’d been rejected. She wasn’t trying that again. She pushed aside her pain and focused on trying to get rid of Rachael.
“I thought you said he was gay. Anyway, why do you care if I make moves? Are you looking forward to seeing me fail?” She hadn’t meant to add that last question, but she’d been feeling particularly insecure around Rachael lately. If he’d kissed Rachael, she doubted he’d have walked away.
“Fail, oh no, Kait, I don’t want to see
you fail. I want to see you happy. If I bug you endlessly it’s because I want to energize you into taking action. As for the gay idea, I’m not sure about that anymore.”
The funny thing was Kait actually believed her. Rachael probably did want her to be happy. “Thanks, Rach, but maybe you could let me do things my own way.”
“No way, I’ve tried that and you are so desperately single it’s scary. I’ve decided Mac is perfect for you. Originally, I was going to try nabbing him myself because he’s delicious, but I’ve changed my mind. You’ve been crushing on him so long, you’ve got to get it out your system.”
“High school was a long time ago. I’ve changed, he’s changed…it doesn’t matter anymore.”
“If I thought it was only school I’d say, you’re right, put it behind you, move on. Let me have a go at him.” Rachael wiggled her brows. “But I’ve seen the way you look at him. You’re still interested.”
“I’m not, he’s a different man.” Kait kept her voice firm.
“Undoubtedly he’s different. For a start, no one exudes testosterone like that when they’re a kid. No, it’s the man you’re interested in. That you knew him at school is just an interesting ‘by the way’. I didn’t think he was your type, but you do, and that’s what matters.
“In fact, I was thinking about it this weekend, the reason none of your other relationships worked is because those men weren’t your type. However, the type of men you’ve chosen in the past mislead me as to what your true type really is…so masculine it hurts.”
Kait’s lips quirked at the description. It wasn’t how she’d have described Ryu if asked, but it was true. “Don’t forget his job, there is still the problem that I’m his boss. I can’t get around that, Rachael.”
His job really was a problem, if not for the reason she’d mentioned. Fascinating agents didn’t go out with mundane, average looking, event co-ordinators. He’d also made it clear he didn’t get involved with women he worked with. After his earlier rebuff she was left with nothing but her dreams.
She pushed the thought away. “I’d love to follow your suggestion, but the barriers appear insurmountable.”
“That’s cop-out thinking.” Rachael moved restlessly in her chair. “Uh, I casually talked to Victor about the problems inherent in dating people you work with. He agreed with you that’s it’s not a good idea, but I got the impression if you dated Mac then Victor would take control of the human resources issues surrounding his employment. In other words, you would no longer have the power to fire him. You’d be in the same situation as anyone else dating in the work place.”
Kait pushed back her chair, her knees shaking as she stood. “Rachael, I can’t believe you talked to Victor about this.” She knew the anguish was so clear in her voice even Rachael wouldn’t miss it.
Rachael stood, her face serious. “It wasn’t like that, I promise. I kept everything hypothetical and I mostly talked about myself, I only brought you in as a side example. There’s no way he could guess what I was trying to get at.”
“Victor is a smart, perceptive man, of course he’ll guess.” Her throat felt strained as she forced the words out.
“Even if he does guess, it doesn’t matter.” Rachael reached out to touch Kait’s arm but pulled back at the last moment. “I was the one talking, not you. If nothing happens he’ll think it’s just Rachael being Rachael, and if you do hook up with Mac then I’ve cleared the way.”
“Life is never that simple.” Kait grabbed her car keys. She needed to get out of here.
“Yes, Kait, sometimes it is.” Rachael followed her as she left her office. “Where are you going?”
“Out to my car. I need to get something.” Her stride lengthened.
Rachael kept pace. “I think you’re running away. I know you don’t have much experience with men, but running’s not in your nature, you’re a fighter. Fight for this chance.”
Kait spun and looked at Rachael. “You don’t know what you’re talking about.”
Rachael hurried after as she slammed through reception. “I’ve known you for a long time. I might not know you as well as I’d like, but I do know you—” Her voice faltered. “Jeeze, what happened to your car?”
Kait stood stock still, staring. Her car was a mess. Someone had brutalized it. The windows were smashed and the tires slashed. She walked closer on legs she could barely feel. The driver’s door hung open on a twisted hinge. Stuffing puffed out of the seats through jagged holes, the glove box’s disgorged contents lay scattered. Not even the panelling and carpets escaped the viciousness.
“This wasn’t for your stereo. Why would someone do this and in daylight?” Rachael’s voice whispered next to her.
“I don’t know.” Could this be the start of Johnny’s friends going after her? A warning?
She clutched the side of her head. What did they think she knew? They weren’t supposed to know about Johnny’s secret drive so they certainly shouldn’t know about her having a copy. The only person who knew was Johnny. She shut off the thought before it went any further.
“I…I should call the police.” Her mind felt numb as she tried to think of the appropriate response.
When she reached out to open the door wider Rachael caught her hand. “Don’t touch it, there might be fingerprints.”
Kait clenched her fist. “Good point.” She took a deep breath in, held it, let it out, took another. This mess was getting more and more real, more and more horrible.
“Kait, what are you doing out here?” Ryu’s voice broke into her thoughts and she turned slowly, watching him approach with a combination of relief and apprehension.
He came around the side of the building, his long legs eating up the distance.
****
Ryu felt annoyance bite hard, she better not be trying to leave without telling him. He’d specifically told her not to go anywhere until he got back. In point of fact, he’d told her not to leave the building. What was she thinking? She was the one who admitted to feeling watched.
As he got closer, his steps slowed. Something wasn’t right, both girls were white as sheets. “Kait, what’s the matter?”
Without answering, she stepped aside. For the first time he focused beyond her, and saw her car.
His eyes surveyed the damage, taking it all in, in one glance. “Someone’s not happy with you.” Which was the understatement of the year, but with Rachael here he didn’t want to say more.
“We should call the police.” Rachael moved closer to her friend as if to protect her, and for the first time Ryu felt some admiration for her.
He nodded. “I agree.” He looked at Rachael, trying to keep his expression blasé. “Would you mind making the call, Rach? Kait looks pretty shaken up.”
Rachael’s gaze darted to Kait. “Would you like me to call, Kait? I can stay here if you want.” Rachael’s eyes flickered in his direction.
Kait looked from one to the other, then nodded. “I’d appreciate that, Rach.” She patted Rachael’s hand where it rested on her arm. “Thanks.”
“Okay, but I’ll be just inside if you need me.” With a last look in his direction, Rachael walked back into Fantasia Alive.
He watched her leave, wondering what Rachael suddenly had against him, or if it was nothing more than her mother-hen instinct going into overdrive at all potential threats to her chick.
“I told you not to leave the building without me, Kait.” He kept the anger out of his voice, ending up sounding tired instead.
Not that his anger was directed at her, not really, but she was an easy target. The surging heat in his gut was for the people behind this petty act of scaremongering.
Wrapping her arms around herself, Kait turned to her ruined car, hiding her face. “I forgot. Rachael said something upsetting and I wanted a breath of fresh air.”
He stepped up behind her and pulled her against his chest. Holding her in his arms, he wished he could shelter her from everything nasty in the world. “I know it’s hard to
believe it’s real. Last week we were painting sets, laughing and joking, but it is real, and you are in danger.”
Seeing her car confirmed everything he’d feared. She was in danger. He’d been right, she did need a bodyguard. Wasn’t it fortunate that was his new official role in her life? Now, he had to tell her the good news and hope she thought it was as good as he did.
He looked at the damaged car and knew it was the ideal leverage. “This is getting more serious every day, I’m more concerned for you than I like to admit. From now on, I’m going to make sure no one can do to you what they did to your car.”
Her chest pulsed against his arms. He guessed she’d just imagined herself with the men who abused her car. He didn’t want to play on her emotions this way, but it was the quickest, easiest way to help her understand. His teeth clenched, he had to make her understand. If she kicked up a fuss about him staying with her, then he needed to be sure she understood the situation sufficiently to take precautions for her own protection.
“What are you going to do?” She tilted her head to one side so she could see his face.
“Say hello to your new bodyguard.”
“What?” For a moment she looked blank, then her eyes widened.
“Bodyguard.” He pushed all his worry, all his desire to protect her, into his eyes, and hoped she saw it, hoped it was enough.
She licked her lips and his eyes followed the movement.
“Don’t you have more important things to do?”
“Right now protecting you is the most important thing I can think of.” Even ahead of holding her in his arms like he was doing right now, with her sweet curves pressed against him, her scent in his nose. He wanted to hold her tighter. Instead, he loosened his grip, but he couldn’t quite bring himself to release her completely.
“That’s nice of you, Ryu, but what about Johnny?”
“He can look after his own damn self.” His voice was curt.
“That’s not what I meant. Don’t you have to find him?”
“I’m not working this case alone, Kait, I’ve got a whole team supporting me. They’ll work on locating Johnny.”
Embraced by Fire Page 16