Simon Says

by Lori Foster

  “What if Simon is right about Marvin and Barnaby working together?”

  Dakota didn’t know what to think. “I talked with Barnaby earlier. I even accused him of sending Marvin here.”

  “You did what?”

  “He denied it, and I dunno, Barber. I think I believe him.”

  “I don’t fucking believe this.”

  Lifting her brows, Dakota said, “What?”

  Face furious, he leaned closer. “It’s like poking a bear with a stick. Do you want Barnaby to get pissed?”

  “Why should I care? Once the letters are gone, pissed or not, there’s not much else he can do to me.”

  In the middle of that debate, her phone rang. Glaring at Barber, she dug it out of her pocket and flipped it open. “Hello?”

  “Are you all right?”

  “Simon.” Her mood lightened, and warmth surged through her. “Hi. I’m fine.”

  “Are you sure? I heard about Dean’s car.”

  Dakota wanted to groan. “I feel so bad about that.”

  “I knew you would, but it’s not your fault. Dean doesn’t blame you. And we’re both just glad he was with you, since that bastard obviously followed you.”

  She, too, was glad Marvin hadn’t found her alone. “Same here.”

  With an added edge of frustration, Simon said, “I don’t like you being there alone.”

  “I’m not. Thanks to you, poor Dean stuck with me for hours. And some of the guys were at the bar, and they helped to pass the time.”

  “What guys?”

  “Fighters. From Dean’s gym. Don’t worry, Michael was there.”

  “Yeah, that reassures me.” He cleared his throat. “So how are you feeling? Not too sore?”

  “For what?”

  His sudden laugh sent a rush of heat through her body, and she knew Barber noticed. Half turning away, she said, “I’m fine, really.”

  “Fibber. But I admire your stoicism.”

  Changing the subject, Dakota asked, “How was your flight?”

  “Boring. And I have some bad news.” He let out a breath. “I have to stay in Vegas an extra day. Seems like everyone knew I’d be here, and they all want a piece of my time.”

  Visions of beautiful women lining up to see Simon added an edge to her tone. “Who’s everyone?”

  “Sponsors. Fighters. Friends. But I hope to be out of here day after tomorrow.”

  “Want me to pick you up at the airport?” She glanced across the booth at Barber. “I could get Barber to come with me.”

  Barber made a face, but didn’t refuse.

  “That’s all right. I left my car there. But I wouldn’t mind if you made some time for me when I get home.”

  “Guaranteed.” Dakota hedged a moment, but she wanted to share. “I have some good news, too.”

  “Let’s hear it.”

  A little apprehensive, she said, “I talked with Roger, and we came to an agreement.”

  “You’ll be staying in Harmony?”

  “For a while at least.” Dakota couldn’t be sure, but she thought Simon might have sounded pleased. “I’ll start after Barber finishes up with his contract.”

  “Good.” Before Dakota could relax, a new tension entered Simon’s voice and he said, “I’m starting to sound like a broken record, but I think we need to talk.”

  “Oh, really? Again?” As Simon laughed, Dakota looked up and saw Bonnie coming into the restaurant on the arm of yet another fighter. “Hang on a second, Simon.” She covered the phone.

  “Well, look at her, will ya?” Barber slanted Dakota a glance. “Seems you aren’t the only one who felt the need for a little shake-up to the image.”

  Dakota rolled her eyes. Her wardrobe update didn’t begin to compare to Bonnie’s alterations. The woman had sheared off her long hair into a tousled, and admittedly sexy, shoulder-length shag. Her makeup was brighter, her clothes more revealing. “She looks sexier.”

  “I’m sure that was the point. And what do you know? She’s sent the escort on ahead and she’s coming this way. In fact, it appears she was looking for you.”

  Dakota stiffened, then lifted the phone to her ear. “Um, Simon, I sort of need to go.”

  “Why? What’s wrong?”

  “Not a thing, except that Bonnie is fast approaching. I think she wants to…talk.” Nearly choking on that last word, Dakota said, “Will you let me know what time you’re getting in?”

  Simon ignored her question. “What the hell does Bonnie want?”

  “I have no idea.” Bonnie stopped in front of her, so Dakota said, “Should I ask her for you?”

  Bonnie looked at Barber and smiled. “Hello, Barber.”

  “Hey, darlin’. Lookin’ good.”

  “Thank you.”

  “The new ’do rocks.”

  Bonnie gently shook her head to ruffle her hair. “I like it, too.” Lazily, she turned to Dakota. “I don’t suppose that’s Simon on the line.”

  Dakota wanted to tell her to go to hell, but instead she said, “None other.”

  Holding out a hand, Bonnie asked, “May I?”

  Of all the nerve! Eyes burning, Dakota swallowed her ire and said sweetly, “Why not?” as she handed over the phone.

  Bonnie smiled, but didn’t thank her. “Simon, how auspicious.”

  Disregarding manners, Barber stayed seated while Bonnie continued to stand near their table. He even went back to eating.

  Dakota didn’t budge.

  “Now, Simon, don’t be surly. I have something important to tell you.” She laughed. “Well, if you’re certain you don’t want to hear, of course I won’t bother you. But since it’s about Dakota…yes, that’s what I thought.”

  Barber stopped eating to stare up at her.

  Dakota’s heart thumped against her ribs.

  “I received the oddest phone call from a man who refused to identify himself. He said if I wanted you back—which I no longer do—that he could arm me with enough information about your little songbird to make you dump her. And those were his exact words for her, not something I made up.”

  Dakota couldn’t move. Her legs felt frozen—like her heart.

  “If you raise your voice at me, Simon, I’ll not share the rest.” Bonnie looked at Dakota while speaking. “Naturally I told him I wasn’t interested in gossip. He called me a fool, and told me that if I cared for you, I’d save you from her. It’s because I do care that I’m sharing this. Honestly, he had a very odd way of speaking that didn’t feel right. After what happened in the parking lot, I thought it’d be best to let you know so that you can protect yourself.”

  Heartbeat slowing, Dakota went rigid. Her hands curled into fists on the tabletop.

  “You’re welcome,” Bonnie said. “I don’t expect to hear from him again, but yes, if I do, I’ll let you know.” She paused, and then smiled. “Actually, I’m doing quite well. I got a promotion at work, so I gave myself a makeover and I’m taking tonight to celebrate. Thank you.”

  Dakota began fuming again, especially when Bonnie gave an intimate laugh and made a kissing sound into the phone before handing it back to Dakota.

  She started to leave, but Barber took her hand. “Bonnie?”

  “Hmm?”

  “Thanks. It was real nice of you to share that info.”

  She glanced at Dakota with pure dislike. “She’s trouble, and she’s going to drag the lot of you into that trouble with her. Whoever called me was uncouth and crass, and apparently well acquainted with her.” She looked at Barber’s hand on hers. “I’ll play no part in any of it.”

  Barber released her and pulled back. “Loud and clear, sweetheart.”

  “Good.” With another fleeting smile, she sashayed away.

  Well done, Dakota thought, watching Bonnie make a strategic exit after shoving the knife in her back. The woman was an out-and-out pro at retaliation.

  Reluctantly, Dakota put the phone back to her ear. “You still there, Simon?”

  “Let me talk to
Barber.”

  She knew that tone too well. “Why? So you two can plan things around me? I don’t think so. I’m not stupid. I hear the warning bells the same as you.”

  “And you’ll be extra careful?”

  It was how she lived her life. “I repeat—I’m not stupid.”

  “I’ll take that as a yes, but I want to hear you say it. Tell me you won’t go anywhere alone. I don’t want you to leave your room for ice without letting someone know about it.”

  This day had not gone well. “Sure, I’ll say it. If you will, too.”

  “What?”

  “Bonnie didn’t parade over here for my benefit. She only shared that stuff because she was worried about you. So I want you to promise that you’ll be extra careful, too. Being the generous sort I am, I won’t forbid you to get ice. Just look up and down the hotel hallways first, to make sure the coast is clear.”

  Simon chuckled. “Okay, I get it. You’re pissed that I’m being overbearing.”

  “No, I’m annoyed that you think I’m too lame to look out for myself. I don’t plan to skulk around in dark alleys or go for midnight drives alone, and I won’t even play with sharp objects. So give me a little credit for common sense, okay?”

  “I’m sorry.”

  “You say that sincerely enough, but I can tell you’re grinning.”

  “I really do miss you, honey.”

  And that easily, he defused her temper. She sighed. “Same here.”

  “Now that we’ve got that settled…” He paused for emphasis. “Put Barber on the line.”

  Dakota handed over the phone. “This is getting ridiculous.”

  Barber grinned evilly. “Hey, Simon.”

  Rather than listen to them, Dakota put her thoughts to figuring out why Marvin would call Bonnie. What had he hoped to accomplish? Or was it Barnaby? Crass and uncouth sounded more like Marvin, but Barnaby had his moments. She knew what Marvin wanted—to annoy her, to frighten her. He got off on it, for some reason. But what could Barnaby possibly want? Maybe she should ask Bonnie a few questions about the call…the hell she would.

  Laughing, Barber handed her back the phone. “He wants to talk to you again.”

  “Right.” Dakota put the phone to her ear. “I hope you have a good long-distance phone plan!”

  “I’ll call again later tonight. And in the morning before my show.”

  “You don’t need to do that.”

  “I do if I want to hear your voice.”

  “Then…okay. I’ll keep my cell nearby.”

  “Dakota?”

  “Yeah?”

  “Tonight, after you get rid of Barber, think of me. And only me.” Simon hung up, and Dakota put the phone away.

  Eyeing her, Barber asked, “Any reason for that earsplitting grin?”

  She shrugged her shoulders. “Yeah. Simon says I should think of him tonight.”

  “Like there was any doubt?” He uncovered her food. “You understand that if you don’t tell Simon everything, and I mean everything, then Barnaby or Marvin probably will, right?”

  “It looks that way.”

  “Perfect. Now that we have that settled, don’t you think you should eat?”

  She didn’t argue the point. Simon did need to know it all. And then he’d understand that being honest with him meant more to her than possible letters from her mother. Surely he’d forgive her for her earlier omissions. “You know, I’m suddenly starving.”

  “That’s the Dakota I know and love.”

  She’d heard that “L” word more tonight than in all the years since she’d left home. It was growing on her. She liked it.

  She’d like it even more coming from Simon. But that could wait. He had a title belt to win back, and she had a past to put to rest. After that, they’d have plenty of time to work out the kinks in their growing relationship.

  CHAPTER 16

  THE spot on the talk show went great, and as Simon left the studio, he continued to grin. Who knew the hosts, camera crew, and everyone else on the set were such rabid fans? Things had veered off course, but in a fun way, and he felt it was a better show for it. The relaxed conversation, the honesty of the questions, and the opportunity to give detailed answers would prove great promo for the SBC.

  He couldn’t wait to hear what Dakota thought of the show.

  Because it was taped, he should be home in time to watch it with her. First he’d kiss her silly, then maybe take her to the hot tub to play a little more, and then…Simon didn’t want to rush her, but he hoped she’d be ready for lovemaking.

  He was more than ready. He couldn’t even think of her without his muscles tensing and his dick twitching, yet he thought of her at every quiet moment. Hell, sometimes she crowded his brain when it wasn’t quiet. In the middle of his interview today, he’d started wondering if she was at the gym, if she was grappling with Barber, if she was enjoying herself.

  He needed her.

  Soon.

  The dry Vegas heat blasted Simon in a smothering tide as he stepped out of the building. Slipping on reflective sunglasses, he glanced around the lot, looking for the car that’d take him back to his hotel.

  His gaze skimmed over a lone man leaning against a black sedan. Then shot back.

  Shielded by his sunglasses, he studied the man. He stood two inches taller than Simon and had a bulkier build, especially through the shoulders, neck, and chest. Thanks to the heat, sweat had darkened his shaggy blond hair. He wore his own sunglasses, hiding his eyes, but Simon knew they were dark, piercing blue—something often mentioned by the commentators during a stare-down at the start of a fight.

  Harley Handleman.

  No doubt about it, he was waiting on Simon. The man had nerve. Or he lacked common sense. Simon wasn’t sure which.

  Turning his back on Harley, Simon located his ride and started in that direction.

  Footsteps sounded behind him. Harley called out, “Sublime.”

  Simon said nothing. As he’d told Bonnie, what this man had done with her meant nothing to him now. But he wouldn’t have it thrown in his face.

  “I know you heard me, Evans.”

  Simon stopped, glanced over his shoulder. “Then you know I’m ignoring you.”

  “I only need a second.”

  He snorted. “You need more than that.”

  Harley stopped a good distance away and put his hands on his hips. Heat waves undulated off the blacktop between them. A bead of sweat slithered down his temple. “I just want to talk, that’s all. I’ll save the brawl for the cage.”

  Simon smiled and said, “Go to hell.”

  “It’s important, damn it.”

  What a laugh. “Are you a fucking idiot? No, don’t answer. That was a redundant question. Of course you are, or you wouldn’t be here.”

  Harley went taut. His iron jaw jutted out. “I already know you don’t care about me sleeping with Bonnie. I heard that from some of the other fighters.”

  “They should have also told you that it’d be best to stay out of my way.”

  “I’m not afraid of you, Sublime, if that’s what you’re thinking.”

  Simon shook his head and started walking toward his ride. If he stayed, he’d definitely put his fist through Harley’s mouth, and truthfully, he didn’t want to do that. As Harley said, he wanted to save it for the cage.

  “She came on to me, Sublime,” Harley called after him, uncaring of any passersby who might overhear. “I didn’t know she’d taken pictures.”

  Yeah, right. How the hell could a man not know?

  As if he’d heard Simon’s thoughts, Harley said, “I was a little distracted with other things at the time. She must’ve set the camera on a timer or something.” Disgust filled his tone when he added, “Do you really think I want naked photos of myself floating around?”

  Simon’s neck stiffened. That explained one thing, but he still couldn’t believe Harley had come here to talk about his bedroom activities with Bonnie.

  Harley strode
after him. “I didn’t know she was your woman, Sublime.” Then louder, “I met her in a damn bar, for God’s sake!”

  Simon flagged a one-finger salute and finally reached the car. The driver, a young man fascinated by the exchange, looked from Simon to beyond him at Harley. His eyes widened.

  Harley now stood right behind him. “This isn’t about Bonnie, you stubborn ass.”

  Grinding his teeth together, Simon paused, but he knew he wouldn’t get rid of Harley by ignoring him. He slewed his head around to glare. “I’m. Not. Interested.”

  “Fine. Fuck it.” Harley jerked off his sunglasses, showing Simon those eerie blue eyes of his. “Have it your way, then. But it’s about Dakota.”

  It was strange, Simon thought a few seconds later, how one short sentence could change everything.

  He went from being annoyed and insulted into a full-blown red-hot rage.

  As Simon came after Harley, Harley back-stepped, but he caught himself and stopped to brace for Simon’s attack. “God damn it, man, if you hit me I will hit you back and then I won’t be able to help you or her.”

  The words didn’t register. Barely restraining himself, Simon spoke mere inches from Harley’s face. “Understand this, Harley. Bonnie was one thing. Dakota is another. If you touch her, I’ll take you apart.”

  “I don’t want to touch her,” Harley said, exasperated. “If you would listen, you’d know that I want to help. That’s all.”

  “I don’t need your help.”

  “Hear me out, and then make that decision.”

  Simon clenched and unclenched and finally relented. “You’ve got five seconds.”

  Harley accepted the opportunity. “A reporter approached me about Bonnie, insinuating that our fight was a grudge match.”

  Simon eased back an inch. “Shit.” It needed only this.

  “I told him to get lost, so he asked me how Dakota was involved. I had never heard of her, so I walked away from the guy. He’s dogged me ever since, and I think it’s going to blow.”

  Surly and needing to take it out on Harley, Simon said, “Good press for you, huh?”

  “You’ve got it wrong, Sublime. I want the fight, but I want it as fair and straightforward as it can be. Me and you, matching up in the cage. Period. I don’t want it to be about anything other than the sport.”