Steal My Heart

by Lisa Eugene

  “I think I have a right to know.”

  One eyebrow quirked high on his forehead and he cocked his head to the side. “Did you talk to anyone at the hospital the day you encountered me on the train?”

  Maggie frowned. God, that seemed like ages ago. “Yeah, the police.” She shrugged nonchalantly. She’d given them her name and address when they’d questioned her. At his continued silence her frown deepened. “It was just the police. Surely you don’t think…”

  He smirked at her statement, causing her to feel foolish and naive.

  “I truly don’t know what to think,” he admitted at length. “But, I have some ideas.”

  “The people who you stole the data from? Is Cryostar after you?”

  “Maybe.”

  She blew out a breath, frustrated. “Couldn’t you just give the flash drive back? Then they’ll stop hunting you.”

  She watched a rare full smile spread across his face and the effect was dizzying. He took a step towards her, crowding her in the small room.

  “Perhaps, with a note of apology?”

  She huffed, balking at his sarcastic teasing. She found herself inundated by his sudden closeness, his masculine scent rousing her senses, making them come alive like the music of a waking morning.

  “Well, looks like you’ve gotten yourself—and me—into quite a mess, and I don’t hear you offering any solutions!”

  His finger reached out and slowly twirled around a lock of blonde hair. He brought it to his nose and inhaled, his soft breath brushing against her skin, warming her entire body.

  “Well?” she asked, hating the breathiness in her voice. She couldn’t see past his wide shoulders, couldn’t focus on anything but the expanse of tanned skin above the neckline of his tee shirt. God, even his neck was sexy. The skin looked smooth and inviting and a pulse throbbed slowly in tandem with her heart. She was surprised at her sudden impulse to lick it and suck on his flesh.

  “Well, what?”

  She fumed, mostly at herself for allowing his nearness to affect her so profoundly. She deepened her voice, anger now percolating.

  “What are you planning to do?”

  “Kiss your adorably inquisitive mouth.”

  She drew in a shocked breath, parting her lips to deliver a scathing reply. Instead, she experienced the softest touch of flesh against hers. His lips were excruciating slow and gentle, coaxing a needy groan from her throat. This kiss was much different from the hot kisses of urgent passion that had awoken her during the night. His tongue slid languidly into her mouth, sampling her taste and drawing from the heat within. It pulled at her soul and demanded she respond to him. His lips skated along her jaw line and she closed her eyes, her breath shuddering out in wispy streams.

  “No more questions, Maggie. I’ll take care of this.” He stepped back.

  Her eyes popped open, and the full account of her reality slipped into her consciousness as her vision filled with the artillery in the room.

  “Go, get something to eat,” he advised, and she found pleasure at the gravel in his voice.

  Still shaking, she made a turn to leave. She hated the thought of being alone in the rambling apartment, but being cloistered with him in the small room was the more daunting alternative.

  “Here.” He reached into his back pocket and handed her a small rectangular card.

  Her eyes widened as she stared down at her missing driver’s license.

  “You stole my wallet?” she exclaimed, appalled.

  “The rest of it is at your apartment.”

  She snatched the card from his fingers, tossing him an infuriated glance.

  “It was that easy for me to track you down, and without any real resources. So there’s little wonder that you were found.” At that he turned back to stocking his bag, leaving her with even more to ponder.

  He’d given her exactly five minutes to shower. If she wasn’t out in five minutes he’d promised to barge in and drag her from the bathroom. He had loved the sight of her sassy mouth turning up when he’d issued the conditions, ready to upbraid him. The only way he had stifled her vehemence was to threaten another kiss. But, he wasn’t sure he’d be able to stop at just a kiss this time. Being with her last night had only made him crave more. To his disappointment, the threat of a kiss had silenced her, though she’d spoken eloquently with her expressive blue eyes. He was sure she’d been wishing him to perdition.

  He paced the area just outside the bathroom, surprised that she’d been in so long. He checked his watch. She had exactly five seconds. And he was a man of his word. Excitement thrummed along his nerves as visions of that soft voluptuous body popped into his head. His fingers itched as he remembered the weight of her large breasts in his palms and the jut of her hard nipples. Four…three…two…one…

  “Don’t even think about it!” she warned as the bathroom door swung open quickly.

  Gabe had to struggle hard to suppress a chuckle at the opprobrium in her heated eyes. She sauntered past him, pulling on her sneakers. She was wearing the sweatpants and tank top she’d hastily left the apartment in, and although she hadn’t complained, he could see the large water marks where she’d tried unsuccessfully to wash away the dirt stains from the fabric.

  His gaze lingered. The wet fabric molded to her butt, emphasizing her generous curves. He loved her derriere. J-Lo had nothing on her. Dazed, he realized he could stare at it all day.

  “Well?” She’d turned to glare at him.

  Guiltily his head shot up. “Huh?”

  “You’re the one that keeps hurrying me along.”

  He swallowed the cotton in his mouth and pushed aside the lurid fantasy that had invaded his thoughts. He was surprised at his constant need for her and the steady arousal of his body. Here he was, fighting for his life, and all he could think about was pounding into this minx.

  “Right.” He selected a set of keys from his weapons room, adjusting his boner while he was in there. Walking out, he picked up his duffel bag and backpack and motioned for her to follow.

  He ignored the stream of questions regarding their destination, promising some answers in the car. He stashed the Glock in its holster, happy to have a friend at his side.

  “Can’t you just drop me off somewhere?” she asked as soon as they were strapped into the bucket seats of his sports car.

  “No.”

  “Why?”

  “I’ve already explained, it’s for your own safety.”

  “Then why couldn’t we stay there, at the apartment if it was a safehouse?”

  “I’m worried it might become compromised.”

  From the corner of his eye he saw a frown pucker her face. She nodded sharply, then sat silent for a while—a short while.

  “Who were you talking to while I was in the bathroom?”

  He wasn’t surprised she’d heard him talking to Harry. She had an inquisitive nature.

  He busied himself touching screens on the dashboard, his eyes never leaving the road as they zig-zagged their way out of the city. The warm day was overcast, and despite the heavy tinting of the windows, he squinted from the abrasive glare. He reached into the glove compartment and grabbed his Kufannaws then adjusted them on his face.

  “A friend.”

  “Can he help us?”

  Gabe issued a weighty sigh. “I don’t know. I hope so.”

  They’d driven a few more miles when he abruptly pulled off the road and drove behind an old fashioned road-side diner. Turning the car engine off, he shifted in his seat to stare at her. Her large eyes seemed to occupy most of her face, the long fanning lashes sweeping low each time she blinked nervously, and the slate blue reflected the vast unknown of the skies. He wondered if she’d truly absorbed anything he’d said earlier. She’d now be hunted almost as much as he was. Whoever was after him would not hesitate to use her to get to him.

  He had to utilize whatever means he had to keep her safe. She was an encumbrance he hadn’t predicted, but since he was the one who
’d gotten her involved in this mess in the first place, he felt a responsibility to protect her until he could devise a long term solution. Unfortunately, until he could figure out what was going on, and whom he could trust, he wanted no one but himself looking after her wellbeing. He blew a slow breath through his lips.

  Since when had he become so damn chivalrous? He was a loner. No ties. Few connections. Hell, he hadn’t even seen his family in almost two years. The PO box that his mother and brother sent letters to was probably stuffed by now. He watched her eyes dart about and knew that behind that placid exterior she was plotting her escape. Did he really need this? She was a real pain in the ass! Okay…a cute pain in the ass, he responded to the annoying voice that told him he liked being around her.

  “Maggie, I don’t know what’s going on in that brain of yours, but forget about it. I wasn’t kidding when I said we’re dealing with some dangerous characters. If you want to live, you need to do exactly as I say.”

  He hesitated, searching her face for signs of understanding and acceptance. He watched her swallow nervously and continued. “I need to meet with someone inside. I’m going to take you in with me.” He raised a palm, silencing her as she was about to speak. He narrowed his eyes and skewered her with his gaze. “If you try anything stupid, you won’t have to worry about the people who’re after us. You’ll have to deal with me.”

  Her face paled slightly, but she nodded. He grunted, pulling the key from the ignition. He wished he didn’t have to take her inside with him, but he had to keep an eye on her. He was familiar with the layout of the diner, and knew it only had two obvious ways in and out. A few years back, he’d discovered a secret third exit in the basement. The small dirty windows were surrounded by wrought iron, and barely opened enough for someone to fit through. It was well past the afternoon rush, which consisted of mostly truckers, so he expected it to be relatively empty. He was glad to see there were no trucks parked in the expansive yard.

  “Remember what I said,” he cautioned her as they exited the car. He patted his side with the holstered gun beneath to emphasize his point.

  He kept a hand at her elbow as they entered the one-room diner. Nodding to the waitress, he walked to the booths at the back. From there he had a view of the interior and an unobstructed path to the door. A few scattered diners occupied tables closer to the entrance. He selected a booth for Maggie, then slid into one adjacent to hers just as the waitress approached.

  “Hi, handsome!” Kim beamed down at him, passing him a large laminated menu. “Where you been hidin’?”

  He looked up at the sandy-haired waitress he’d known for years. She was smart and pretty, and always a good source of information.

  “Miss me, Kim?” He offered her a wide, good-natured grin.

  “Always, sugar. You know you always brighten up my day!” She stuck a hand in her hip and wiggled at him.

  “Anyone else miss me?”

  He watched her lids lower and her glowing smile become brittle. She took a quick survey of the room before answering quietly.

  “Just Harry. Came in a few days back wantin’ to know if I seen ya.”

  Gabe nodded thoughtfully. He darted a sidelong glance to Maggie. She sat as still as a statue, but he could tell by her pulled-tight lips that she’d been listening to the exchange. He ordered for both of them, watching dispassionately as Kim shot Maggie an appraising gaze. He finished ordering and checked his watch as Kim sashayed away.

  “Sugar, you know you always brighten my day…” He heard Maggie’s sing-song voice and turned his head just in time to see her roll her eyes in disgust. He had to bite the inside of his cheek to keep from laughing.

  “Jealous?”

  “Puleeeeze…” She crossed her arms across her breasts and twisted away from him, pursing her bottom lip. He groaned, instantly craving a taste.

  Just then, the door to the diner swung open and he saw Harry amble through. His thoughts were abruptly diverted. It had only been a few weeks since he’d seen him, but his limp seemed more pronounced.

  “Not a word, Maggie. You don’t know me,” he warned beneath his breath as his friend spotted him.

  “I wish.”

  He ignored the mumbled comment as Harry approached and he released the holstered gun to keep at his side.

  “Christ, Dutch! What the fuck is going on?” Harry started without preamble as he slid onto the vinyl bench across from him.

  Gabe let his gaze peruse his longtime friend. Harry was only a few years older than he, but time and bad habits had piled an extra decade onto his face and body. Gabe remembered a short stocky man who was packed with muscle and aggression. Now, not only did his body appear soft and lax, but his usually astute eyes were miry and ill-focused.

  “I’m trying to figure that out myself, Harry.”

  “What went wrong?”

  Gabe never took his eyes away from Harry’s face.

  “They knew I was coming. I was set up.”

  “Shit!”

  “It was a trap. Now I’m being hunted.”

  Harry blew out a long breath, his brows knitting pensively.

  “Cryostar? But how?”

  Gabe shrugged noncommittally. He leaned back as Kim returned with his order and the other items he’d requested. He sent a surreptitious gaze over to Maggie. She was sitting quietly, hands neatly folded on the table. Good girl.

  “What information did you get?” he asked when Kim left. He nodded towards the manila envelope on the table that Harry had brought with him. He narrowed his eyes at the fine tremor in his friend’s fingers as he withdrew the contents.

  “Cane is going nuts! He’s been up my ass about this deal.”

  “You let me worry about Cane,” Gabe stated calmly. “Did you get anything additional on Cryostar?”

  Harry nodded, sliding the papers across the table.

  Gabe looked through the stack. Most of the information he knew. Dr. Paul Rollins and his wife Dr. Victoria Rollins were the owners and chief researchers at Cryostar. Victoria was an oncologic surgeon who’d left her position as Chief of Surgery at a major hospital to head this research starter company, Cryostar. Her husband had joined later. The company had been doing well, but didn’t get much attention until it produced its research data on the revolutionary surgical device, the Sonic Scalpel, a few years back, beating out competing companies like ARSA. Gabe had uncovered some interesting facts about Paul Rollins when he was considering this project. The man was a pig. The papers in his hands just did more to confirm that, but didn’t tell him anything he didn’t already know.

  “I can’t imagine they were tipped off,” Harry intoned, disbelief still flaring his eyes.

  Gabe stared quietly. Something was amiss with his friend. His gaze was snapping all over the room and beads of sweat sprouted like dew drops on his top lip. Gabe felt his heart wrench and he expelled a soft breath. Harry was the closest thing he had to a friend, but he didn’t like the vibes he were getting from across the table.

  “Are the Rollins back yet?” he asked. Last he’d heard, they were out of the country.

  “No, but that wouldn’t stop Paul Rollins. The doc’s slime! Gambling debts, prostitutes, mob ties, and that just touches the surface. I’m sure he’d do anything to get back whatever is on that drive.”

  Gabe shifted in his seat, listening to Harry’s ramblings with half an ear. He was trying to catch the exchange between Maggie and Kim taking place at the next table. She was asking for plastic utensils and saying something about a stain on the silverware. He listened to her request a fresh glass of ice water and saw Kim try very hard not to get annoyed. What was she up to? Was she trying to cause a scene or was she just being her usual fastidious self?

  “Maybe…” he responded to Harry. Paul Rollins and his wife had spent almost a decade working on this research and no doubt would utilize every resource to retrieve it.

  “What’s on the drive?” Harry asked too casually.

  “Don’t know.” Why wa
s Harry so interested?

  “When are you meeting with Cane?”

  Gabe shrugged smoothly and started sifting through the data Harry had brought him about Cane Howard. He scanned through financial records, hedge funds, disclosures from his holding company, The Edge Corp, personal history and charitable contributions. There were pictures of him smiling and accepting one award after another for his good deeds and an article about ARSA, his research company. He scrubbed his chin. This was nothing new either.

  “Is this all?”

  Harry looked up. He’d been plucking French fries from Gabe’s plate. He met Gabe’s gaze and rolled his sloping shoulders.

  “The guy is filthy rich. Squeaky clean on paper. No mistress, no addictions, no bad habits. Doesn’t drink. Doesn’t smoke. Hell, not even his piss stinks.”

  Gabe lowered the files to the table and leveled his gaze at his friend, searching his glassy eyes. He felt bile rise up in his throat along with his disappointment. Gabe’s angry gaze seared a hole through Harry.

  “How much did they pay you?”

  “What?”

  “How much, Harry?” Gabe’s tone was deadly.

  He watched Harry swipe at the sweat now rolling down his lip and his ruddy forehead, his demeanor confirming some perfidious behavior.

  “Christ, you think I did this?” Harry asked angrily.

  “How fucking much?” Gabe reiterated steadily, sharply biting each word.

  Harry’s gaze pitched around, then defeated, he mumbled, “Twenty-five grand. From Cane. I really needed the money. But, that was just to find you, to get you to do the job.”

  “And now?”

  Harry brought a shaky hand to his temple. “He just wants to complete the transaction. He wants me to confirm that you have the drive. To see if you know what’s on it. I’m sure he wants to get it before Cryostar retrieves it. He wants ARSA to have the research. He’s been threatening me, Dutch. He’s desperate to find you.”

  “Is he the one who’s trying to kill me?”

  “No. Why would he do that when he needs the drive?”

  Gabe clenched his jaw, and he looked deep into Harry’s eyes.

  “Did you tell him who I am? Mention my name?”