“And he had nothing better to do than hang around while I had a three-hour lunch?”
“Wyatt just got back from his honeymoon,” Gunner said. “He hadn’t been assigned to a case yet, so he didn’t mind giving me a hand.”
Lori sighed. “I guess I can’t accept that I’m in this much danger.”
Gunner didn’t respond.
“I’m done here,” Lori said. “Let me tell Sarah that I’m out for the weekend.”
“I’ll stick close, if you don’t mind,” Gunner said, then followed her out.
At the nurses’ station, Matt was talking to Sarah. When he noticed Lori, he moved toward her. Gunner was a step ahead of her. There was no way Matt could get any closer.
“Where have you been?” Matt said.
“Not your business,” Lori said, then motioned for Sarah to come with her.
Matt glared at her but didn’t follow.
In Sarah’s office, Lori asked how things had been going in her absence.
“Don’t let him give you a hard time,” Sarah said. “Adam handled patients with my assistance. Matt is just peeved because we wouldn’t tell him where you were.”
Gunner gave her a look of approval.
Lori made sure that all was in order, then took Gunner’s arm. She was looking forward to a weekend away, glad that she wasn’t going to be alone.
Chapter 17
Gunner had known that he shouldn’t let Lori go off alone. He could tell that she was shaken by the incident, but it could have been much worse. Once Lori was in the car, Gunner headed for her house—only getting her there safely posed a challenge.
On Santa Monica Boulevard, the black Mustang appeared in Gunner’s lane, two cars back. It had to be the same guy. Gunner wasn’t going to let him get closer and find out.
Gunner’s Charger could stand up to the Mustang any day, especially with the Hemi engine purring under the hood. But with Lori sitting next to him, a long high-speed pursuit was too risky. As much as Gunner would get a kick out of leaving the muscle car in the dust, he’d have to forgo that pleasure and end this quickly.
“What are you looking at?” Lori said, then turned to glance back. “Oh no, that black car is behind us.”
“Don’t panic,” Gunner said. “He doesn’t know who he’s fooling around with.”
Gunner turned the corner and changed lanes. The Mustang followed, only he had called in reinforcements. There was a silver Camaro that traded positions with the Mustang. It appeared the two were teaming up to stay with Gunner’s car. And neither car made an effort to blend in with traffic.
Somebody was trying to make a point and didn’t have a problem with Gunner knowing he was being followed. But there was no way that they would get close enough to be a threat—whatever they had in mind.
Gunner glanced in the rearview mirror then said, “Close your eyes and sit tight while I lose these guys.”
Lori leaned back and gripped the seat. Gunner hit the gas, then whipped around a car in front of him. In a spilt second, Gunner flew into the intersection and the light turned red. He yanked the wheel so the car whipped around, facing the opposite direction.
Gunner sped by his pursuers stopped at the red light, facing the other direction. The Mustang edged into the other lane to turn and follow, but the oncoming traffic cut him off. Without another glance, Gunner made a right at the next corner, raced three blocks, then turned left.
The Charger hummed with power, tempting Gunner to play cat and mouse with the Mustang and Camaro, but he was on a mission. He headed for a secure destination, taking a route that he had memorized. Spotting a landmark, Gunner made a left down a long alley, then turned right onto a side street.
“Are they behind us?” Lori said.
“No, honey, they’ve just been outmaneuvered.” The abandoned chase had told Gunner that his tails were the hired help, not professional drivers.
Gunner headed for Bel Air, taking an indirect route—although he doubted the pursuers would pick up his trail.
“Where are we going?” Lori said.
“You’ve attracted enough attention for one day,” Gunner said. “I’m taking you to a place where we can catch our breath and figure out a strategy.”
In the foothills of the Santa Monica Mountains, secluded among the mansions of Bel Air, was a special property. The house was a gated estate on an acre of land, with a main villa and a guest house. At about twenty thousand square feet, it struck Gunner as more of a hotel than a home.
Gunner put in the passcode, and the iron gates opened. The house was hidden deep in a grove of tall trees. He wound up the long private drive to the landscaped grounds, then turned to the garages.
“What is this place?” Lori said.
“It’s a safe house.”
“I didn’t know you had those.”
“Yes,” Gunner said, “some of our clients need this level of protection.”
Gunner pulled up to the massive stone structure, then got out and entered the garage code. He pulled the Charger inside then cut the engine. “I need your phone.”
“What for?”
“I need to take the battery out,” Gunner said. “I wouldn’t want our friends finding this place.” Gunner removed the battery and put the phone in his pocket. “I can use mine. The transmissions are encrypted.”
Lori didn’t reply, as she was too busy looking at the estate grounds outside the garage.
“Let me show you around.” Gunner took her to the main house instead of the guest house. Since the property was unoccupied, he opted for the larger space.
Lori stepped into the two-story foyer and looked up. “This place is huge.”
Gunner gave her a tour, showing her the formal living room with a stone fireplace, a wood-paneled library, the dining room with wrought-iron arched windows, and a chef’s kitchen with a barrel-vaulted ceiling. There was a marble island and a separate breakfast room with a gas fireplace.
“There’s a gym and a sauna in the guesthouse,” Gunner said. “And a swimming pool with a spa.”
Lori walked to the back of the house and looked out the windows at the courtyard and landscaped gardens.
“A custom security system protects the place,” Gunner said. “In case being buried deep in a private forest isn’t enough of a deterrent.”
“Stealth owns this mansion?” Lori said.
“It’s on loan,” Gunner said. “It belongs to Foster International.”
“The shipping company?”
“Yes, Wyatt married Elizabeth Foster, the shipping magnate’s daughter.”
Lori pondered that. “Elizabeth Foster…she’s the cartoonist.”
“She worked for the Gazette creating animated cartoons.”
“She has her own company now,” Lori says. “I’ve seen her stuff, and I love her logo. It’s a drawing of her riding the Cyclone on Coney Island, screaming her head off. It’s really funny.”
“The guy riding with her in the drawing was Wyatt.”
“It was terribly generous of her to let Stealth use this mansion.”
“Let’s just say that when Wyatt met her, she had enemies,” Gunner said. “She understands what Stealth does, and I suppose she wanted to support the effort.”
“How long are we staying here?”
“I haven’t thought that far ahead,” Gunner said.
“I don’t have clothes or anything.”
“Whatever you need is here,” Gunner said. “The closets are filled with clothing in a variety of sizes, and the pantry is stocked with enough food for weeks.”
“I can’t just disappear.”
“I’ll have Wyatt create a cover story for you,” Gunner said. “You went away for the weekend, needed a break.”
“You think of everything.”
“Before we get too comfortable, I’ll give Wyatt a call,” Gunner said. “He should know something by now.”
Lori took a seat on the living room sofa as Gunner paced the carpet.
“I h
ave Lori here with me,” Gunner said, putting the phone on speaker. “What did you find out?”
“That plate on the Mustang was stolen.”
“That doesn’t help us much,” Gunner said.
“Any guesses on who was chasing Lori?”
“Not yet,” Gunner said, then filled Wyatt in on what had happened after leaving the clinic.
“Do you suspect that the mob was involved?”
“That amateur car chase wasn’t their style,” Gunner said.
“You’re right,” Wyatt said. “If the mob wanted to take Lori out, they would have already done it.”
“Plus, there’s a murder investigation going on,” Gunner said. “It would be foolhardy for them to get mixed up in criminal proceedings.”
“The mob is ruthless, but they are businessmen,” Wyatt said.
“But someone intended to scare Lori—or worse.”
“I’ll keep an eye on her place,” Wyatt said. “I’ll let you know if anyone turns up there.”
When the call ended, Lori said, “If the mob wasn’t after me, then who was?”
“I can’t say for sure, honey. But we’ll find out. As long as we’re living the lifestyle of the rich and famous for a couple of days…let’s go check out the pool.”
Chapter 18
It was chilly outside, so Gunner turned on the patio heaters. The lap pool was surrounded by tall hedges and had an attached Jacuzzi. There were padded lounge chairs and curtained cabana alcoves. The outdoor kitchen was near the spa building.
“I’ll see if I can find drinks,” Gunner said. “Caretakers keep this place functional even when it’s not occupied.”
Gunner came back with two craft beers and handed one to Lori.
“Will the caretakers be around?”
“Not while we’re here,” Gunner said. “Travis will make sure we are alone—unless we want a cook or a maid.”
“I think we can manage,” Lori said, smiling.
Gunner stretched out on the chair next to her and took a gulp of beer. He was confident that Lori was safe—for now.
“I feel like a movie star, surrounded by all this luxury.”
To Gunner, she looked like one. Lori’s blond hair shone in the late afternoon sun, and she was too lovely for words. He wanted to tell her, but he wasn’t a smooth talker. Whatever he said would come out wrong, so he just watched her relaxing on the padded chair.
“You were great back there.”
Lori laughed. “I just had a good driver.” She drank and talked, mostly about the mansion and all the things they could do.
Gunner hung on every word, noting her beautiful blue eyes and tempting lips. He imagined kissing her, then taking her clothes off, craving the sight of her naked body. Then he would make love to her, while he leaned back in the lounge with her straddling him.
“Gunner, are you listening?”
“Sure…you mentioned the spa facility,” Gunner said.
Lori came over and sat on the end of his chair. “That was minutes ago. Where is your mind?”
Gunner looked into her eyes and nearly lost it. “The pool is heated. We can go for a swim.”
Lori looked at him with big eyes.
“There is swimwear in the cabanas,” Gunner said. “Check in the lockers.” Although he wouldn’t argue if she wanted to skip wearing a swimsuit.
Lori took the first cabana and drew the curtain closed. Gunner went to the next one and found a pair of trunks that fit. He came out to find Lori standing in the water on the first step. The bikini hugged her slender curves.
Gunner walked to the edge. “You’re going to drive me crazy wearing that thing.”
Lori grinned. “It was your idea.” Then she navigated the steps, going lower into the water. “Last one in is a rotten egg.”
By the time Lori dipped below the surface, Gunner had slid into the water from the side. He swam over but couldn’t get close to her. With both hands, she splashed his face, then he splashed back. Lori’s giggle was delightful. Gunner grabbed her around the waist and lifted her high before letting her fall into the water.
When Lori came up for air, she smoothed wet hair out of her eyes. “No fair. You’re bigger than I am.” Then she started swimming. “I’ll race you to the other end.”
When they’d raced so many laps that Lori was exhausted, Gunner suggested a warm soak. He turned on the jets, and Lori moved to the hot tub. She lowered into the water until it was up to her chin.
Gunner sat across from her with his arms stretched along the concrete ledge. He looked into Lori’s eyes and every bit of resistance he’d clung to dissolved. He reached out. “Come here.”
Lori floated over and Gunner pulled her close. She touched his shoulder, hesitating. Gunner put his hand in her wet hair and kissed her. Her mouth was hot, and when she deepened the kiss, Gunner wrapped his arms around her. Lori was everything he wanted—and more.
*****
In Gunner’s embrace, Lori blocked out the world. His strong arms protected her, and his hot kisses captivated her. If there were any reasons not to be with Gunner, she couldn’t remember them. She was going to live this wonderful dream for as long as it lasted.
Lori rested her cheek on Gunner’s hard chest, and he rubbed his thumb over her lips. The passionate kisses had made her weak. With desire raging, she closed her eyes and pressed against him. When Gunner lifted Lori’s chin and looked into her eyes, she melted.
“I’m going to take you inside.”
Lori didn’t know what to make of that, but whatever Gunner meant, it would be unforgettable. There were terrycloth robes in the cabanas, so Lori removed the wet suit and wrapped the soft robe around her. Gunner wore a similar robe, and Lori was tempted to rip it open to see if he had anything under it.
Inside, Gunner led her to a narrow door that opened onto a short staircase. The steps went down to a wine cellar. It was paneled in blond wood and lined with shelves of wine bottles.
“What’s your pleasure?” Gunner said.
Lori perused the rows of bottles then settled on a Chardonnay. It was a familiar brand, and she guessed it cost a fortune. “Are you sure about this?”
Gunner took the bottle. “I’ll treat you.”
In the gourmet kitchen, Gunner opened the wine and poured it into crystal glasses. He handed one to Lori. “To you.” He clinked his glass against hers.
“What for?”
“You’re brave.” Gunner put a finger under her chin. “And you are amazingly beautiful.”
Lori’s body heated and her skin tingled. She looked at Gunner and how he filled out the robe, craving to see beneath it. She sipped the delicious wine then went to the living room. Gunner turned on the music system and an instrumental played softly from wall speakers.
Gunner sat on the other end of the sofa, and Lori put her feet in his lap. While sipping wine, he rubbed her toes and wrapped his hand around her ankle. His touch stirred sensations she couldn’t ignore.
Wrapped in the romantic interlude, Lori lost track of time. After her second glass of wine, she was a bit lightheaded. The music shifted to jazz, and Gunner got up. “Care to join me for dinner?”
In the kitchen was a refrigerator/freezer unit that took up most of a wall. The freezer held a variety of items including precooked gourmet meals. Lori chose herb-crusted sea bass, and Gunner picked sirloin with scalloped potatoes.
The formal dining room was large enough for a party. Instead, they ate in the more intimate breakfast room. Lori was hungrier than she thought and ate every bite. Gunner cleaned his plate then went in search of dessert.
The chocolate mousse was light and sumptuous. Lori hopped onto the marble countertop and put the bowl in her lap; that way she was eye level with Gunner. She slipped a bite into her mouth, and Gunner’s gaze lingered on her lips. She scooped another tiny bite and slowly sucked it off the spoon. Then Gunner swiped two fingers in his mousse and offered it to Lori.
When she opened her mouth, Gunner dipped his finge
rs inside, and she sucked the creamy chocolate off. He fed her another bite, then another. Putting the bowl aside, Gunner dug his hands in Lori’s hair and kissed her deeply.
“Mmm, you taste good.”
“It’s the chocolate,” Lori said, in her most sensual voice.
Gunner put his hand inside the collar of her robe, resting it at the base of her neck, and kissed her again. Lori breathed in his masculine scent and leaned into him. The kiss was long, slow, and passionate, making her tremble.
When Gunner lifted Lori off the counter, she followed him to the courtyard. The arches of the covered walkway were softly lit, giving it an amber glow. Holding hands, they looked up at the olive trees towering above the wall, the branches outlined against the dark sky.
Gunner stood in front of Lori, and her heart skipped a beat. He was so close that his heat radiated through her. Without a word, Gunner untied her robe and let it slip to the ground. Lori’s nipples were hard from the feel of his gaze on her. She wanted him to touch her, kiss her, hold her—and not stop.
Gunner locked eyes with her as he shed his robe. Lori ogled his naked body in the pale light. He was tall and broad-shouldered, with muscular arms and a hard chest. His torso veed to a narrow waist, and his thighs were strong and lean.
Lori’s eyes fell to the trail of hair below his belly button and his hard cock. It was gorgeous, making her itch to touch it. She reached out, but Gunner scooped her into his arms. She wrapped her legs around his waist, then he kissed her, plunging his tongue into her mouth. She whimpered, slashing her tongue against his.
Gunner carried her inside and went down the long hallway to a master suite. The curtains were drawn, and pale light illuminated the room. He shoved the pillows off the bed then peeled off the satin comforter. After lowering Lori to the mattress, he kneeled beside the bed.
Lori sat with her legs dangling over the side, her toes not touching the floor. Gunner spread her thighs and leaned close to kiss her belly. Then he licked her nipples, making them as hard as tiny pebbles. Lori moaned and shoved her breasts toward him, aching for more.
She was wet for Gunner and wanted him so badly, but he held her legs apart, giving her no choice but to submit to him. He kissed her neck and nibbled her earlobes, pushing her arousal higher. Then he raked his tongue across her breasts, down her belly, and between her legs.
Savage Peril: Military Romantic Suspense (Stealth Security Book 6) Page 14