Killer Romances

by Dana Delamar, Talullah Grace, Sandy Loyd, Kristine Mason, Dale Mayer, Nina Pierce Chantel Rhondeau, K. T. Roberts, H. D. Thomson, Susan Vaughan

  “Nick, did I ever tell you why the S.A.T.O. board sent the orders to kill Agent Jason Steele after the assassination attempt against President Sharp last year?”

  It was something he’d often wondered about. Swallowing hard, Nick tried to keep his voice level. “No, sir.”

  “The reason Aamir Abdul and his group almost succeeded was because Jason thought he was in love with one of the women helping them, and he made a mistake. A mistake that nearly killed our goddamn President and showed Jason to be the traitor he was!”

  Nick’s first reaction was surprise that Aamir let women work with him. Then again, his hatred for Americans was so great, he’d probably do whatever he had to. When Nick last spoke with Jason before sending him on a flight out of the country, he never mentioned a woman. However, she’d obviously tricked him, so why would he bring it up?

  “Sir, with all due respect,” Nick said slowly, “this isn’t the same situation. I’ve been searching for the bracelet, even though everything I’ve seen tells me it doesn’t exist. I can’t find anything to implicate Carlie or Muhammad in terrorist activities. I’ve observed them together all week like you asked, been with them every second they spend together. Not once has anything slipped or have they seemed impatient to get rid of me.”

  “I would hate for you to go out the same way Jason did, Nick.” Paul sighed heavily. “Women will never tell the truth, even the ones who aren’t terrorists.”

  Though it sounded like he had personal knowledge on that front, Nick really didn’t want a life lesson from him. Paul knew nothing about Carlie or the type of woman she was.

  He sank onto the couch and tried to come up with a plan. S.A.T.O. seemed determined to place blame on Carlie, whether it was warranted or not. He didn’t know how much longer it would take Donovan to get the new identities, but he needed to put a call in and see if they could rush the order.

  “You still there, Nick?” Paul’s rough voice cut into his thoughts.

  “Yeah, just thinking where else I could search. Maybe the target has a safe hidden at her house I don’t know about. I haven’t searched it all.” He’d say anything to buy a little more time before they sent another agent to take care of the problem—which, at this point, most certainly meant killing both him and Carlie if Paul thought Nick was doing the same thing Jason had.

  “I suggest you do it, then,” Paul said. “Thanksgiving is next Thursday. The President is leaving Monday morning for Camp David to spend the holiday, so we’re on standby until he gets back to make decisions. That gives you a week, give or take, to wrap this case up.”

  “And if I can’t find what you’re looking for, then I’ve outlived my usefulness for the organization.” Nick said it flatly, with no hint of a question in his voice.

  “Can you handle this or not?” Paul asked, not denying Nick’s statement.

  Handle it...that would mean figuring out who Carlie really was, why she was lying, and convince her to leave the country with him. That was the only way he could see to handle it. Nick realized talking to Paul had only solidified his belief in Carlie. She was flawed and secretive, yes, but not looking to kill innocent people.

  “Yes, sir. I believe I can.”

  “Fine,” Paul said. “Anytime you think you might fail, just remember Jason Steele and what could happen.”

  The line went dead in Nick’s ear and he dropped the phone to the coffee table. He had less than a week to figure it all out and get them out of the country.

  First, he’d try to call Donovan and throw a little more money at that problem. After that, he had to make things up to Carlie.

  ***

  Carlie hung up the phone from Bradley, her business partner, not sure if she felt any calmer. She and Bradley had shared some good times, and she’d hoped he would be able to help with her current problem. He was one of the only people she’d trusted for a long time and a good friend. Though they satisfied their more primal needs with each other in the past while she worked in his restaurant, she’d never fooled herself into thinking they loved each other.

  His advice on Nick was not to give up if she thought their relationship was the real thing. But how could she know? Nick ran so hot and cold, and he kept secrets. After everything she’d shared with him, if he truly cared for her, wouldn’t he do her the courtesy of letting her into his private life too?

  Carlie carried her empty coffee mug into the kitchen and rinsed it out. It was past ten. If Nick came home tonight, he’d have to let himself in with his key.

  Home. His key. Who the heck am I trying to kid? Of course I think he’s the real thing. In six years, I’ve never trusted anyone that much.

  She walked back to the bedroom, turning out lights as she went. She left the porch light on, just in case Nick came back. A little extra electricity wasn’t too much to ask for the man she loved.

  Climbing into bed, Carlie curled up on her side and pulled the comforter over her head, willing sleep to take over before she started crying. She’d cried enough to last any number of lifetimes when she found out the truth about Ryan. Crying over Nick and their short relationship was pointless. Especially since she hadn’t made any decisions yet. If she ended things with him, then she’d allow herself a few tears.

  Without warning, hard arms encircled her from behind, pinning her to the mattress. The blanket blocked her vision and Carlie had no idea who attacked her. Though her heart pounded, she threw an elbow into his stomach, struggling to free herself so she could gouge his eyes out like Nick taught her.

  “Ouch. Shit, Carlie, it’s me.”

  She froze. “Nick? Where did you come from?”

  He pulled the blankets off her face, and Carlie was able to see him in the light coming through the windows.

  “I called your name several times, but you were sound asleep,” he explained. “I wanted to hold you.”

  Her initial reaction was to cuddle him and apologize for the elbow. Then again, if he wasn’t so secretive, she would have been with him tonight instead of struggling against crying herself to sleep.

  She sat up and smoothed her static-filled hair. A glance at the clock revealed it was past midnight. “Everything work out at the restaurant?”

  “Yes...” He drew the word out and then sighed. “I’m sorry you’re mad at me again, but I understand why. I want to fix this.”

  Carlie drew her knees to her chest and wrapped her arms around them. “How?”

  “You keep asking me to share my life and I haven’t. I’m sorry.”

  Carlie relaxed slightly, though vowed not to let him distract her again with sweet talk and mind-blowing sex. “And you’re ready to share?”

  His eyes caught hers in that gaze she couldn’t resist. “What would you say if I told you I’m not entirely what I appear to be?”

  A frisson of fear threaded her spine, but she kept eye contact. “What are you?”

  “I’m...I’m a man who has been hurt in the past, a lot, and doesn’t like talking about it.” He shrugged and looked away, reaching for the touch lamp on the nightstand and turning it to low. “My father only cared about my performance. My value was high if I won each karate competition or had better aim than the other people on the shooting range. Whenever I failed, it was a horrible disappointment to him. We never really got along, though it did make me what I am today in many ways.” He paused and shook his head. “The hardest thing from my past was when Mom was murdered. The only person who ever truly loved me, and some punk in the street stabbed her for a purse that only had a few bucks in it.”

  “Oh, Nick.” Despite her resolve, Carlie captured his hand and pressed it against her cheek. “I’m so sorry.”

  He ran his hand down her face and across her neck, squeezing her shoulder briefly. “I have a lot of trust issues, and it’s not my nature to let people in. It’s hard for me to open up.”

  “So, we’re a lot alike that way.” She propped pillows behind her and leaned against the headboard. “That had to be tough, though. I really am s
orry about your mom.”

  He nodded and looked away. “So am I. I miss her.”

  “Do you see your dad much?”

  “No. Never. I created a new life for myself, and so did he. He has a new wife and son, actually.” He sighed. “I guess he wanted to start over, since I was such a disappointment. Then again, I don’t believe he ever loved Mom, so why did I expect him to love me?”

  The bitterness in Nick’s tone wasn’t surprising. Carlie felt a deep sorrow for him, even though he sounded angry rather than sad.

  “I can understand why you don’t like to talk about it, but I appreciate you sharing.” She stroked his hand softly with her fingertips. “I think my parents gave me an unrealistic view of what love should be. Their marriage was nothing like your folks’.”

  “They live the fairytale you talked about, don’t they?”

  “Yes. In a lot of ways, they do.” She realized her next statement might make Nick decide to walk away, taking the decision from her as to whether she kept seeing him, but she plowed on. “The problem I have is that I want the fairytale too, even if it’s unrealistic.”

  “Every relationship I’ve ever had has failed.” He sat quietly, apparently deep in thought. Finally, he looked up again. The vulnerability in his eyes made Carlie’s heart thaw even more. “We don’t even know each other that well, Carlie, and I already want more with you.” He held his hands up. “And before you berate me for us not knowing each other better, I know that’s my fault, not yours. You’ve been completely open and honest with me. I’m the one holding us back.”

  “I’m glad you’re trying to change that tonight. It’s a step in the right direction.” At least she hoped it was.

  “The truth is, I want the fairytale too.”

  She was almost afraid to breathe. “You do?”

  “I feel more deeply for you than any other woman I’ve been with. If I let you in and then lose you, it will hurt so much. Maybe too much to handle.”

  “But if you block off happiness because you don’t want to risk possible pain, don’t you lose by default?”

  “Yes, and that’s why I made a decision tonight.” He stood and held his hand out to her. “Will you please come into the living room? I know I screwed up, again, but I want you to know I’m committed to trying harder. I bought you a present.”

  It had been a long time since anyone bought her anything. Carlie took his hand. “You didn’t have to do that. I don’t want gifts. All I want is you.”

  He pulled into his arms, kissing her softly. This time, Carlie didn’t fight it. He was trying, he was sharing. That’s all she ever wanted.

  He broke off the kiss, but pressed his forehead against hers. “All I want is you, too, but I think you’ll really like this.”

  “Well, since you already bought it...”

  Nick laughed and opened the door, leading her into the hallway. “This is our fairytale, my lady, and the gallant knight had to do something impressive to win the hand of his fair maiden.”

  He was a bit cheesy, but adorable when he said the ‘my lady’ stuff. Happiness fluttered in her chest. When they weren’t fighting, Carlie could almost believe their fairytale was meant to happen.

  Chapter Twenty-Two

  Nick flipped the light switch on as he led Carlie into the living room, and then turned to watch her reaction.

  She gasped and her hands flew to her mouth. “What is this for? I don’t understand.”

  “Your bruises are mostly healed and we need a fun night out. In all the craziness with Stephen and assassins and whatever, we skipped right past dating. You deserve to be treated like a lady.” Nick walked further into the room, and Carlie followed him. Before waking her up, he’d laid the teal evening gown he’d picked out across the back of the couch. “Do you like it?”

  “It’s beautiful.” She took another step forward and stroked the silk fabric.

  “Sorry I was so late, but I had to drive down to Seattle to find a shop that was open.” Well, he’d found a shop owner willing to indulge a man throwing around so much money, since the store wasn’t technically open. He walked behind Carlie and pulled her against his chest, brushing his lips across the back of her neck. “Can you forgive me?”

  She relaxed into him and hugged his arms tightly to her stomach. “I promised myself I wouldn’t be swayed by your sweet talk and how much I want you.”

  He mouthed her earlobe and Carlie’s head dropped back against his shoulder. She had to forgive him. Talking her into leaving the country with him had become the only option. “I’m really trying to do what you want,” he breathed.

  “Which I do appreciate.” She reached back and caressed his face. “Will you promise to tell me more about yourself? I know it cost you a lot to open up tonight and talk about your parents, but that’s what I need.”

  Even though he hadn’t told her about S.A.T.O., he tried to let her in. The relationship with his father was a flop, but Nick figured that was part of his issue with forming lasting relationships, and she deserved to know about it. The hardest part was talking about his mother’s murder. Nick owed it to Carlie to let her in on his past, but not anymore tonight.

  “Please, Nick. I want a man who wants me as much as I want him,” she whispered.

  He ran his tongue down her neck and caressed her breasts with his fingertips. “I want you, Carlie. Don’t worry about that.”

  “I mean more than physically.”

  Releasing her, Nick stepped back. He didn’t want her to think sex was all he wanted, because it wasn’t. “I meant more than physically too. My past is hard to discuss, but I want the entire package with you. That’s why I planned us a special day tomorrow.”

  She smiled. “That’s really sweet of you.”

  “I thought so, too.”

  “I better try the dress on.” She looked back at him with an arched eyebrow. “By the way, how did you decide what size to buy?”

  Talk about dangerous territory. Luckily, Nick hadn’t blindly guessed, knowing it would be a disaster to get it wrong, either direction. Women were picky like that. “I called Shelley and she told me.”

  “Oh? How’d you get her number?”

  Shit—still dangerous territory. He shrugged, trying to make her see it wasn’t a big deal. “She gave it to me after the fiasco with Stephen, just in case I ever needed her help.”

  “But you’re just as good at shooting as she is and a better fighter. Why would...?” Carlie waved her hand in front of her. “Never mind. I’ll make sure it fits.” She grabbed the dress, cradling it carefully in her arms as she disappeared down the hallway.

  Nick flopped onto the couch, feeling like he’d won a small victory. He hadn’t realized calling Shelley for help would upset Carlie, but he should have. Shelley was a huge flirt and wanted to date him in the past. Luckily, Carlie decided to let that issue go. He’d hate for it to start another fight.

  He had considered telling her the truth about S.A.T.O. tonight, but with Carlie’s fears about her enemies, it might ruin everything. Nick was so afraid she’d decide he’d played her, that he actually worked for the assassins. She was suspicious enough to think that.

  Maybe once he got her to safety, once she was out of danger, he could risk telling her the truth. Once he knew she was deeply in love with him and wouldn’t leave.

  He glanced at his watch. Past midnight now—already Sunday. The seconds ticked past too quickly. Paul’s deadline was too soon. Carlie had to start trusting him. They had to leave by Friday, before President Sharp returned from vacation. It was the only way Nick would feel safe.

  ***

  Carlie stepped into the exquisite dress, trying not to worry about the price when she noticed the label. The tag named a popular Italian designer. It probably cost enough to pay her living expenses for a month.

  The inner layer of charmeuse silk felt like heaven against her skin, and Carlie slipped the strapless top over her breasts, holding it tight against her. She could only zip it halfway, unab
le to contort her arm enough to close the zipper, but the fit was perfect.

  She looked into the full-length mirror on her bedroom wall and smiled. The empire waistline tapered down into elegant lines, showing off her hips in a sexy way she’d never before achieve. She looked hot and had no shame admitting it to herself. The teal color of the fabric turned her hazel eyes into a bright blue, and she couldn’t wait to do her hair and makeup. Nick thought she looked great when they went to dinner before. She’d impress him tomorrow for sure.

  Nick certainly treated her as if she were special. It wasn’t just the money he spent on the dress. It was the time and thought put into the gift.

  Funny to think she’d talked to Shelley about new dresses earlier that evening and longed for one. Now she had this and looked forward to whatever Nick had planned that required a dress of this magnitude. It was sure to be special. While money had never been important to her, what girl could resist being spoiled?

  She spun in a circle, loving the way the silk flared around her legs.

  A soft knock came on the door. “Carlie? You’ve been in there forever. Do I get to see?”

  “No way,” she called. “I want you to be surprised.”

  He chuckled. “At least tell me it fits.”

  “Perfectly.”

  “Then get yourself out of it and let me in there. I miss you already.”

  Carlie unzipped it and stepped out of the dress, using the silken straps sewn inside it to hang it in the closet. This was what she’d been waiting for her entire life. Romance and love and passion. Nick was the whole package. Now that he was being open and honest with her, they could truly start a relationship.

  She considered putting her pajamas back on, but decided against it. “I miss you, too.” Pulling open the bedroom door, she smiled. “So let’s say we have a little reunion?”

  Nick’s eyes lit with fire as he swept her into his arms.

  Chapter Twenty-Three