Caught!: Taken! / Say Yes
Lori Foster
Things are heating up between security expert Dillon Jones and the notorious Virginia Johnson! They're trying to find out who framed Dillon's brother for embezzlement. As they search for the truth, Dillon can't help but draw closer to feisty Virginia. His code of honor is barely keeping him in check…but leave it to a take-charge woman to take what she wants!After finding her–now former–fiancé in bed with another woman, Sara Simmons decides that love and marriage just aren't for her. What she needs is a hot fling. Enter hunky next-door neighbor Gavin Blake. But Gavin is playing for keeps, and he's vowed to hold out for more than sex. Begging isn't Sara's style…but she will if he won't!
Praise forNew York Timesbestselling author LORI FOSTER
“Lori Foster delivers the goods.”
—Publishers Weekly
“This fantasy plays out with sexy innuendos and steamy love scenes throughout the book.”
—Romantic Times BOOKreviews on Jude’s Law
“Filled with Foster’s trademark wit, humor, and sensuality.”
—Booklist on Jamie
“Foster supplies good sex and great humor along the way in a thoroughly enjoyable romance reminiscent of Susan Elizabeth Phillips’ novels.”
—Booklist on Causing Havoc
“Foster executes with skill…convincing, heartfelt family drama.”
—Publishers Weekly on Causing Havoc
“Suspenseful, sexy, and humorous.”
—Booklist on Just a Hint—Clint
“Fans of Foster’s sexy romantic comedies…will find much to like here.”
—Booklist on The Secret Life of Bryan
Lori Foster
Caught!
CONTENTS
TAKEN!
Chapter 1
Chapter 2
Chapter 3
Chapter 4
Chapter 5
Chapter 6
Chapter 7
Chapter 8
Chapter 9
Chapter 10
Chapter 11
Chapter 12
SAY YES
Chapter 1
Chapter 2
Chapter 3
Chapter 4
Chapter 5
Chapter 6
Chapter 7
Chapter 8
Chapter 9
Epilogue
TAKEN!
chapter 1
THE HEAT SWELLED within him until he thought he’d explode with lust. This wasn’t what he’d expected, wasn’t what he’d planned on. Her nipple stiffened under the gentle abrasion of his rough fingertips and Virginia groaned, thrilling him, turning him inside out with need. She twined her fingers in his hair and said with a touch of desperation, “Please.”
Dillon felt the silky smooth, pliant flesh of her breast, heard her choppy breathing and soft plea, and he forgot his purpose. He forgot that he had ulterior motives, that he wasn’t actually attracted to this woman.
“Dillon…”
“Shh. It’s all right, honey.” And it was, better than all right. It was incredible.
He pushed her coat farther out of his way and shoved her blouse higher. Her breast, full and firm and heavy, nestled against his palm, and more than anything, he wanted her naked. He wanted to see the color of her nipples by the scant moonlight coming through the windshield, to see the pleasure in her exotic hazel eyes, eyes that were usually hard with determination and arrogance but now were soft with pleasure and desire. For him.
He pressed open-mouth kisses to the smooth skin of her throat and breathed in her unique scent. He’d never noticed before that she had a unique scent. He’d never noticed how sexy she was, or imagined how hotly she would respond to his touch. She gasped and he whispered to her, soothing her as his fingers plucked at her nipple, rolling and teasing. As her entire body trembled with need, she moaned and he wanted to moan, too. This wasn’t right, but it felt too damned right.
What had started out as necessary seduction now seemed amazingly like blind sexual need. There was no way he could deny his enjoyment of this little rendezvous, or the way his blood surged through his body to settle into an insistent throb in his groin. He was as hard as a stone, hurting with it, and Virginia was far too astute not to notice.
The car was cramped, but it didn’t matter, and even though it was a miserably cold night, they were cozy, sharing the warmth of the heater and their combined sexual heat as the wind whistled around them. He knew that inside the mansion, the party was still going full blast. Lights shone from every window, sparkling across the snow-covered lawn, and the rumble of music drifted on the air. What he was doing, and where he was doing it, was dangerous, but he finally had her alone and he wasn’t about to lose ground. He needed to push forward; too much time had been lost already.
For thirty-six years he’d been a mean, determined bastard—traits his father had instilled in him, insisted upon. He never forgot his purpose, never wavered from his course. Tonight, though, right this minute, he couldn’t seem to force the plan to remain uppermost in his mind.
He wanted Virginia lying naked on the narrow seat, wanted to fit himself between her soft plump thighs and slide deep, deep inside her. He wanted to ride her hard until she made those sweet little sounds again, until she begged him to give her what she needed.
“Dillon, wait.”
Her tone wasn’t authoritative now. It didn’t carry the sharp cut of command it normally did. Instead, her voice was low, overcome with need, and purely feminine. As a man, he relished the thought of proper balance with this particular woman who didn’t act the way he expected a woman to act, the way he needed her to act.
She whispered his name again, and when he ignored her, she tightened her strong fingers in his hair. Taking her reaction as one of encouragement, he worked her bra aside, nuzzling with his lips. Her breasts were extremely sensitive, and he liked that. He imagined how it would be to make love to her, to find all her sensitive places with his hands, his mouth, his tongue and teeth. He wanted to taste her, to draw her deep into the heat of his mouth, to suck her gently and then, not so gently, devour her.
He smoothed a hand over her soft, slightly rounded belly and heard her sharp groan. He needed to touch her, all of her. His fingers pressed lower, slipping between her thighs, seeking, probing, feeling the throbbing heat.
Suddenly, she jerked away. “Dillon, no.”
He heard her gasping, heard the trembling in her tone. She pressed her head back against the seat and closed her eyes.
“I’m sorry. I can’t do this.”
Reality started to nudge his lust-fogged brain. She couldn’t do this? He was the one who’d been forcing himself for the sake of his plan—at first. His sole purpose in coming to Delaport City, Ohio, had been to seduce her, and in the process gain answers. Reluctance was in no way the proper response from her to his lovemaking. In fact, it was so far out of line with his original intention that he scowled. “Virginia…”
“No,” she said, shaking her head. “No, this isn’t right. Hiding out here with you as if I’m ashamed. I shouldn’t treat you so shabbily. Just because you work for the company and I have the authority to fire you doesn’t give me the right to treat you with less than full respect.”
As she spoke, her voice gathered strength and she straightened her silk blouse, pulling it down over her breasts. He tried his damnedest to catch a glimpse of that taunting nipple he’d wanted so badly to taste.
Then it sank in. She thought she was treating him badly because they were sneaking? They had to sneak, or his plan would never work.
He cupped her cheek. Long curls of titian hair had escaped their pins and now hung over her rounded shoulders. Those curls surprised him. Usually her hair was pulled up and tidy and he’d had no idea how long it was. Loose, it made her look almost vulnerable—not that anyone would ever think of Virginia Johnson in such human terms. It also made her seem very feminine. He toyed with a loose strand and it was incredibly soft against his fingertips. He wondered what she’d look like with it completely undone. That red hair of hers would frame her white body perfectly, maybe curl around her lush breasts, giving her an earthy, pagan appearance.
He shook his head at his meandering thoughts. He must have been too long without a woman, but then, he’d had other priorities lately. Namely, saving his brother’s ass. He had to get a grip, had to remember the purpose of this little seduction.
He summoned up his most bland tone, the one he knew she wanted and expected from subordinates. “It’s all right, Virginia. You can’t be seen with me and we both know it. Cliff would be outraged and your reputation might be ruined.”
She shook that stubborn head of hers. In the two weeks he’d spent cautiously wooing her, he’d learned Virginia Johnson had stubbornness down to a fine, irritating art, along with arrogance and a complete lack of business modesty. She knew she was good at making corporate decisions and she wanted everyone else to know it, too, even if she had to shove the fact down people’s throats.
“I don’t care what my brother thinks. He’s a snob and we seldom get along anyway. He doesn’t own me and he has no say over how I live my life.”
“That’s not the impression he gives.” Dillon knew he had to speak carefully so he didn’t give himself away. Deferring to anyone wasn’t customary for him. He led his life in a unique fashion, following rules of his own making. He lived by a code of honor that was independent of the strictures of society. Except for his father and his brother, Dillon owed nothing to anyone. But Virginia was a bossy, powerful woman, damn her, and as used to calling the shots as he. He cleared his throat. “Your brother is very protective.”
“Ha! He’s a bully and I’m the only one with the guts to stand up to him, because I control the majority of the money. Cliff knows that without me, he’d destroy the company in a matter of weeks.”
Even in the darkness he could see the ire on her face. She wasn’t exactly pretty—at least, he’d never thought so before—and she was entirely too headstrong and self-contained. She enjoyed giving orders to everyone in her realm. She was also a bit too plump. Only, she hadn’t felt too plump against him a minute ago. She’d felt soft and warm and comfortably rounded. He frowned at himself. “Virginia, I can’t let you—”
“Can’t let me?” she interrupted, one thin auburn brow climbing high as she met his gaze. “You can’t stop me, Dillon. I always do as I please—you know that.” With efficient movements, she rebuttoned her coat and started to open the door.
He caught her arm. From the minute he’d first forced an introduction, he’d damn near bitten holes in his tongue to keep from revealing his true nature. Sometimes the urge to put her in her place, wherever that might be, almost overwhelmed him.
She glared down at where his hand circled her arm, then slowly raised those incredible eyes to his in a look that plainly said, You dare?
The little witch might have the hots for him, but she didn’t want anyone telling her what to do, which probably accounted as much for her matronly status as did her excess weight and unremarkable features. Most of the men who worked for her steered clear because she frightened them half to death and they weren’t willing to put their careers on the line. The rest simply weren’t interested.
Dillon wasn’t worried about his career. Working for the company was only a temporary sham, his way of getting close to her so that he could ultimately ruin her brother’s destructive plans. But even if that hadn’t been true, he would never have let a woman, any woman, dictate to him. There were easier ways to make a living than bowing under to the tyrannical rule of an iron maiden.
“Sweetheart, listen to me.” He turned his secure hold into a caress to pacify her, and to some degree it worked. The only way he’d been able to get close to her had been to seduce her into wanting him. And seducing an iron maiden was no easy feat. He’d nearly depleted his store of ploys with her and he wasn’t used to that. Women usually came to him easily enough, but Virginia had been so damn elusive his ego had taken a beating. Now the plan was more than a necessity; it was a personal challenge.
He’d finally been making headway, and then this. “Virginia, if you won’t think of your own reputation, think of mine. If Cliff finds out about us, he’ll fire me in a heartbeat. Is that what you want?” He had to keep their relationship secret so that later no one would suspect him.
She patted his hand in her condescending fashion. “Don’t worry. I won’t let him fire you. I hold controlling interest in the company. I have ultimate say over who goes and who stays.”
He sighed, deliberately appearing put-upon. “I’m sorry, honey, but I won’t have it. I’d look like a fool if I let a woman, any woman, defend me. People would start saying I was only after your money and—”
She waved a hand. “Nonsense. Everyone knows I’m never marrying, and that’s the only way you could possibly get your hands on my money. We’d just be having an affair.”
“Which is nobody’s business but our own.”
She frowned and he quickly retrenched, pulling together his frayed temper and gathering the remnants of his control. Why did she have to be so damn argumentative?
“I’m sorry,” he said through gritted teeth, then managed to summon a calmer tone. “I didn’t mean to yell at you. But what’s between us is private. I want to keep it that way.”
She still looked skeptical and he silently cursed her, while on the outside he did his best to appear hopeful. The damn shrew. What was it with this woman that she thought she had to control everyone and everything? Of course, he felt the same way, but it was different for him. He’d been raised to be cautious, to take control and guide the events in his life. His father’s renegade life-style had carried over into parenting, and every survival value had been passed on. Dillon accepted his right to control as a means to protect those around him. It was what he was used to, the way he understood life.
Virginia had led a pampered existence, so she had no excuse.
Finally, she nodded. “Oh, all right, if you’re going to be that sensitive about it, I’ll keep our…association private. But I’m not going to make love in a car. It’s ridiculous.”
“Of course not.” This was the opening he’d been waiting for, a culmination of two weeks’ work and endless, nerve-stretching patience. “But we could take a day off, go somewhere private and indulge ourselves.” He swallowed, then forced himself to say, “I want you so bad, honey.”
Now that he wasn’t kissing and touching her, only listening to the grating, overbearing tone of her voice, all lust had died and he was once again filled with cold deliberation. She would be a pawn in the scheme of things, used and deceived so he could accomplish his goals, but he had no intention of making Virginia a victim. Though she might end up slightly humiliated, he wouldn’t hurt her. He would go only as far as necessary to stop her brother and save his own.
True to her nature, she was already shaking her head no. “I can’t take any time off right now. Too much to do. Just come to my home tonight. We’ll leave separately so no one will know, seeing as how your reputation is so important to you.”
He wanted to smack her for using that sneering tone. Obviously, she wanted just an hour or two with him, a quick toss in the hay, not the commitment of an entire evening. Although it was foolish, he felt very insulted; she might as well have labeled him a stud for hire. His male dignity was sorely tried.
He needed enough time to gain her trust and find the clues to the deception that threatened to destroy his brother. But he couldn’t do that if Virginia’s brother found out they were seeing each other. He answered her honestly. “No. It’s too risky. Someone might see me at your place.”
She heaved a dramatic sigh and glared at him, her hazel eyes appearing gold in the dark night. “Are you sure you really want to do this? I mean, for a man who only a few moments ago was in the throes of lust, you’re setting up an awful lot of obstacles. I’ve never known anyone so ridiculously sensitive or so overly cautious.”
Through narrowed eyes he searched her face, not quite sure how to answer her and keep the peace at the same time. Though her brother stood as a figurehead, it was Virginia who actually ran things. She was the only hope his brother had out of this damn mess.
She sighed again and said, “I’m sorry. That was uncalled for. To be honest, I’m not quite used to this.”
He could believe that. What man would pursue a dragon lady? When he’d been kissing her and she’d been soft and pliant and feminine, he’d forgotten how cold and domineering she really was. But what he’d learned of her other side had been accidental. Not many men had ever tried to get past the brambles to see what lay beneath. If it hadn’t been for Wade, he certainly wouldn’t have tried. That thought bothered him and he shied away from it.
“Virginia, I know this is complicated, but I don’t see any other way….”
“Maybe we should just forget the whole thing. I’m not exactly cut out for affairs and it’s getting entirely too awkward.”
“No!” Damn it, he couldn’t waste time backtracking now. Getting her this far had taken longer than he’d expected. But here she was, lifting that damn supercilious eyebrow at his tone. He cleared his throat and had to clench his hands to keep from shaking her.
“What I meant,” he said, painfully cajoling, “is that you can’t change your mind on me. I need you too much.” For good measure he kissed her again—then immediately forgot it was just for good measure and started enjoying himself. Her lips parted. Her tongue touched his.
Damn, but for a dragon lady she tasted fine—hot and sweet and sexy. Without making a conscious decision, he lifted his hand to that heavy breast again. Even through her sweater and coat, he could feel the softness of her as he kneaded her flesh. She moaned, and when he lifted his mouth from hers she whispered shakily, “Let me see what I can work out. I’ll get in touch with you later in the week.”
She had the door open before he could stop her, but it was just as well. The driveway was packed with cars and they could have been caught by anyone coming or going. He’d gotten so wrapped up in the job at hand he’d been careless.
No one knew who he really was and he had to keep it that way, because once he gained Virginia’s confidence and ruined her brother’s plans, Dillon would disappear. If anyone suspected him of having a relationship with Virginia, he’d fail. And his brother, Wade, would be the one to suffer.
chapter 2
WHEN VIRGINIA STEPPED back into the mansion, entering through the kitchen door, she ran smack into her brother, Cliff. He looked at her suspiciously.
“What were you doing outside?”
She pushed him out of her way and pulled off her coat. All that kissing and touching had her overheated. She’d rebuttoned the coat only as a sort of barrier, a way to shield herself from the overwhelming attraction and confusing emotions Dillon made her feel. Being so strongly drawn to a man wasn’t something she was used to. And especially not a man like Dillon. She shivered in memory. “I was indulging in a secret liaison, of course.”
“Ha, ha. Very funny.” With his tone as bland as an angry brother could manage, Cliff glared at her. “Like any man would be foolish enough to tangle with you.”
Virginia just shook her head. In one respect, Cliff was right. Men rarely pursued her—at least, not men who only wanted to have a heated affair. The term sex symbol had never been used to describe her, not with her excess weight and incisive personality. Men who wanted to try to marry her for her company connections showed up by the dozen each year, but their intentions were far from honorable or complimentary, which partially accounted for her ruthlessness. She’d decided to stay single because she couldn’t find a man who suited her—they were all either immoral money grubbers or complete wimps.
She’d had high hopes for Dillon when she first met him. Unlike the other fools Cliff invariably hired, Dillon stood apart. His body was long and hard and honed, not the type of physique achieved in a gym, but rather the kind that came from hard work day in and day out, over a lifetime. With broad shoulders and thick thighs, he looked more than capable of taking on any physical task. And he wore a certain confidence, as if he possessed an alertness unknown to most men.
He had the kind of intensity that made a woman feel surrounded and closed in. It didn’t threaten her—nothing did. She’d grown up a chubby, unattractive middle child who’d had to learn to fight for everything she wanted, including affection. She’d forced her way into the business and into her father’s trust. After living through her parents’ deaths and the battles for power that followed, she knew that very little in life had the ability to alarm her, including Dillon’s pursuit.
Unhappily, Dillon was proving to be something of a pushover, just like the others. One little word from her, and he tripped all over himself trying not to anger her. Why couldn’t she find a man who could deal with her head-on?
She was disappointed by his lack of backbone, but not enough to call a halt to the affair. With any luck, Dillon might surprise her once he learned her bark was worse than her bite.
“Yoo-hoo, Virigina. Anyone home?” Cliff peered at her critically. “What are you up to that has you so distracted?”
Virginia sighed. “I’m not exactly in the mood right now for your prying or your sarcasm, Cliff. Shouldn’t you be entertaining guests or something?”
“That’s my line to you. We have important associates here tonight.”
“Is that right? Such as your personal assistant? I saw Laura dutifully following you around earlier. In fact, she’s probably looking for you right now.”
Cliff stiffened. “Ms. Neil is no concern of yours.”
In all honesty, Virginia really didn’t care what Cliff did with his free time or his secretary, although she suspected he’d promoted Laura to personal assistant only as a way to get her in bed. In spite of her disapproval, it wasn’t her business, so she just shrugged. “True enough. Now, what do you want, Cliff?”
“I want to know what you were doing outside that was so important you neglected your duties.”
“We’ve been through this before, Brother.” She kept her tone level, hoping to avoid a prolonged fight. She wanted to be alone so she could contemplate how to proceed with Dillon. “What I do with my life is none of your business. Stop pushing me or you won’t like the consequences.”
Just as she expected, Cliff fumed in impotent silence and then stalked away. It was a shame he’d been born first. It was a bigger shame her father had believed the company needed to be represented by a man, regardless of the fact that Cliff was spineless and shallow and lacked the necessary business sense. Just because they dealt in sporting equipment, her father felt a man would be a more traditional head for the company.
Virginia would have done a much better job of it. She’d learned the business from the sales floor up, working part-time at their three mall locations while taking business courses and acting as an apprentice at the main offices. She’d absorbed every nuance of the business, and she thrived there, but regardless of all she was capable of, she wasn’t male and that mattered most to her father. At least he’d had the foresight to leave her a controlling interest. No, she wasn’t the president, and she didn’t interfere overly in the daily running of the business, but no major decisions could be made without her. And that one small stipulation in her father’s will had garnered her near hate from Cliff.
Her brother had always been a petty child, and he’d grown into a petty man. Still, they used to be able to get along, to find a middle ground. Now she hardly knew him—or her younger sister, Kelsey.
Kelsey also held a share of the company, but she hated to get caught in the cross fire between Virginia and Cliff, and usually gave her proxy to one of the other voting board members. She threw herself, instead, into her college studies and her computers, taking great pains to separate herself from the family business.
There were times, like tonight, when Virginia wished she had the same options. It would have been nice to be just an ordinary woman for once. Any woman. Then she wouldn’t have to question Dillon’s motives in pursuing her.
He wanted her; she knew that. He couldn’t have faked his reactions in the car. She’d been more than a little aware of his erection, heavy and full, pressing into her hip. But there was more to it than that, she was certain. And if it wasn’t a part of the company he wanted, then what?
She’d read his file when Cliff had first hired him to oversee their security department, mostly because he didn’t seem to be the typical Johnson’s Sporting Goods employee. He didn’t look as if he’d ever played a recreational sport in his life and every time he donned a tie, it seemed to choke him. No, with eyes so dark they almost appeared black, he looked more like a mercenary. Or a renegade. And his file had revealed that he’d never held a steady job for long. The man skipped around the country, and sometimes out of the country. It was for certain he’d been somewhere warm recently, because his skin was darkly tanned, contrasting sharply with the sandy brown hair that hung beyond his collar.
His qualifications and references had been excellent, plus he’d had some military training, so Cliff had hired him regardless of the way he looked.
Dillon knew his business. In the first few days he’d instigated additional safeguards on several levels, approved by Virginia, that would save the company substantial funds in the long run. Ruthless in many ways, he’d already fired two night guards, claiming that the men had been leaving their posts, playing poker and not paying attention to their jobs. Dillon wouldn’t allow any dereliction of duty. He now did a personal background check on everyone hired under his jurisdiction, which encompassed all the company offices and the store locations, as well. He took his responsibilities seriously and expected the same of everyone else.
The intelligence in his dark eyes was easy to read, as visible as his strength and every bit as appealing. Even his disdain for her family’s business seemed sexy to Virginia. But still, he was an enigma.
She’d give him one night, she decided. Even if he did prove later to be a swindler with ulterior motives, it wouldn’t matter. She’d never get drawn in by a wimp, so there was no risk of a bruised heart. She wanted a man who could stand toe-to-toe with her, a man to be her partner in life, who was her equal in every way.
But Dillon, with his incredible body and incredible kisses, would work nicely for now to fill a terrible void. Her aching loneliness had lingered too long, and she needed a little attention, the kind only a man could give a woman.
No, she could never get serious about a man like him. But every woman had the right to a fantasy on occasion. And Dillon Oaks was six feet two inches of hard, throbbing fantasy material. He’d do just fine.
THE MINUTE DILLON opened his door, Wade pounced.
“What happened? How did it go?”
Damn, this was just what he needed. The entire night had been irritating enough; he didn’t need to be accosted by his brother right now.
He shrugged out of his battered leather coat and kicked off his low boots. “What the hell are you doing here? Are you trying to screw things up?” If anyone found out they were related…
“I was careful,” Wade protested, looking wounded. “I took a bus to the corner and then walked the rest of the way. Besides, it’s dark. No one could have seen me. Now, tell me what happened!”
His little brother, the personification of espionage excellence. What a joke. They’d been raised by different parents, and their upbringing and their outlooks on life couldn’t have been more different. “Calm down, Wade,” he said. “Nothing’s happening yet. Hopefully, this coming week sometime.”
“Damn it!” Wade began to pace, his turmoil the complete opposite of his usual, carefree lightheartedness. “What is the matter with that woman! No woman has ever treated you like this. Usually you’re the one forced to turn them away.”
Even though Wade’s words echoed his own earlier sentiments, Dillon shook his head. “Don’t be ridiculous. I’m no Romeo.” Then he added with a frown, “And Virginia is no fool.” A virago, but not stupid.
“Ha! She’s a stuck-up bit—”
“Shut up, Wade.” His defense of Virginia took him by surprise. He was automatically protective of women, the trait inborn, but of all the women he’d ever known, Virginia was least in need of his chivalry. Still, he didn’t like the idea of using her this way, even if there wasn’t any choice. Virginia had the answers he needed, and there was only one way to get them.
Fuming, Wade finally dropped into an overstuffed chair. “It has to be soon, Dillon. We’re running out of time and I can’t take much more of this. I keep having visions of being locked away in prison.”
“I told you it won’t come to that. I won’t let it. If nothing else, I’ll get you out of the country before that happens. You could come home with me to Mexico until I get things straightened out.” Then he added, just to distract Wade, “How’s Kelsey holding up?”
“She’s got morning sickness.” Wade looked ready to sink into the depths of depression. “She’s sick and that damn brother of hers isn’t helping matters by doing his best to separate us. He thinks that since I’m without a job and accused of a crime Kelsey won’t want me. She’s afraid to see me, in case he has me locked up right now. I have to settle for the occasional phone call and it’s intolerable. At this rate, she’ll be giving birth before we have a chance to get married!”
Dillon went into the kitchen and opened a can of cola, then began stripping off his shirt. For the sake of the party at the mansion and his scheme, he’d donned a dress shirt and tie. He hated ties. Wearing them to the office during the week was torture.
The lengths he went to for his brother.
Half brother, he corrected himself. They hadn’t shared the same father, but Wade was still his brother in every sense of the word. Blood was blood, as his father had been fond of preaching. You didn’t turn your back on a blood relative.
When their mother had died, leaving Wade alone, he’d made the effort to find Dillon, wanting him at the funeral, wanting to become a part of his life.
At the time, Dillon had just finished a stint in the military. He’d been living the life of a loner, independent of everyone, even his father, with no clue as to where his mother had gone or what she’d been doing, and not particularly interested in knowing. He certainly hadn’t heard that she’d remarried and birthed another son. All his father had ever told him was that she hadn’t wanted either of them, and that as soon as she could, she’d abandoned Dillon. She’d turned her back on both of them, and that said it all. They’d never talked about her; given the circumstances, it hadn’t seemed necessary.
Women had come and gone in their lives while Dillon was growing up, but none of them had been all that important. His father’s relationships never lasted; women were just a necessary convenience for him.
Though he and his father were close, Dillon had never really understood his attitudes on some things.
Discovering he had a brother had taken him by surprise, but he liked the feeling of having someone around who would depend on him, who wanted to be close to him. He’d never felt the need to bother his mother with his presence, but she’d given him a brother and for that he was grateful.
Dillon took over the chore of helping Wade financially through college. He’d given him advice and concern in addition to loans. After eight years of keeping in touch and visiting whenever possible, they’d developed the kind of blood bond his father had always lectured about. They were brothers, and that counted for a lot.
Dillon stripped off his shirt, then dropped onto the couch, propped his feet on the edge of the battered coffee table and downed his cola in one long gulp.
Wade shook his head. “Look at you! What the hell is wrong with that woman? Why doesn’t she want you? I’d give my right ear to have a body like yours.”
Dillon choked. “For Christ’s sake, Wade, get a grip, will you?” He was well used to Wade’s misplaced worship. He’d been putting up with it since the day they’d met, but he still wasn’t comfortable with such open adoration.
“It’s true,” Wade persisted. “All the women at the company want you. The secretaries, the managers, every one of them! As long as I worked there, I never saw anything like it. The female corporate employees are usually so reserved, all buttoned-up businesswomen. Kelsey was the only one who ever paid me any mind. The rest pretty much ignored me. But they all gawk at you, and whisper behind their hands. Even Laura Neil, which is nothing short of a miracle.”
“Why do you say that?” Dillon was aware of Laura’s attention, but it had never felt particularly complimentary. More like wary curiosity.
“Since Cliff took notice of her, she hasn’t left his side. She acts like a lapdog.”
Dillon scowled at his brother’s insulting reference to a lady. “Maybe she’s just dedicated.”
Wade snorted. “We used to have a thing going, you know. Before I met Kelsey. After we broke up, Cliff promoted Laura to personal assistant. I know he’s not really interested. For him, her new position is just a convenience, keeping her close at hand.” Wade said it with a sneer, emphasizing his dislike of Cliff Johnson. “Laura hopes he’ll marry her, but it’ll never happen. Maybe she’s realized it, and that’s why she’s looking at you now. But then, as I said, all the women look at you that way. Kelsey told me some of the women even made bets about who would get you first.”
Dillon could only stare. “I don’t know about any bets.”
“Trust me, the women know.” Wade frowned in thought. “It’s strange that Virginia is totally immune.”
“She’s not immune.”
“Maybe Virginia’s just not…you know.” He bobbed his eyebrows suggestively. “Maybe she doesn’t prefer men.”
Anger surged through him, but he managed to restrain it. The explosive reaction didn’t make sense, and he buried it deep, along with all the other confusing emotions he’d experienced tonight, thanks to one Virginia Johnson. “She likes men. There’s nothing wrong with Virginia except that she’s been given free rein too long. That and too many men wanting her money and not her.”
“Not exactly a tough one to figure out.” Wade’s tone dripped with sarcasm. “Her money is the only appealing thing about her. My position in accounting only put me in direct contact with her a few times, thank God. She scared the hell out of me. With that razor-sharp tongue of hers, she could shred a man to pieces. Besides, she behaves like a dictator.”
Actually, Dillon thought, fighting the urge to strangle his brother, Virginia’s tongue was soft and tentative and inquisitive. At least when a man took the time to kiss her properly. He had the impression not many men had, and that caused him to feel a certain degree of possessiveness toward her, when he had no right to feel anything at all.
“So what are you going to do now, Dillon?”
“I’m going to wait. She said she’d make a decision this week sometime.”
“Kelsey is going to be so disappointed if I don’t get this settled soon. She’s anxious to move out of the house, to get away from Cliff. She’s been biding her time with school and volunteer organizations, but she’s miserable.”
Dillon shook his head. He’d met Kelsey several times at the company and because of Wade’s infatuation he’d paid attention. In Dillon’s opinion the woman was a spoiled brat. From what he’d learned of her through subtle queries, both Virginia and Cliff doted on her and tried to protect her from the world. Being the youngest, she’d taken the deaths of her parents the hardest. She was the type of woman Dillon avoided, the type who expected to be coddled and catered to. She knew nothing about coping with real life.
But then, Wade wasn’t exactly a model of maturity himself. “You sure this is what you want, Wade? We could still try to fight this in court.”
Wade shook his head, frustration apparent in his every feature. “There’s no way to get Cliff to drop the embezzlement charges. He’s set me up for a reason, and he’ll have no qualms about putting me away for good. I don’t know what evidence he’ll come up with, so there’s no way I can fight it, but Kelsey said he’s really confident, bragging about nailing me red-handed. So whatever it is, it’ll be solid. He’ll be sure of that.”
Many times, Dillon had considered just beating the hell out of Cliff. It would give him no end of pleasure, yet it wouldn’t solve the problem in the long run. Dillon needed to find out what trumped-up evidence Cliff planned to use against Wade. Short of that, he had to find a way to force Cliff to drop the supposed “investigation.” If it hadn’t been for Kelsey, Wade wouldn’t have known of the setup until it was too late. Thankfully, Kelsey had learned of her brother’s plan and told Wade.
As yet, no legal charges had been filed, but Wade had been discharged from his position without pay or benefits while Cliff gathered together his evidence. Once the officials got involved, it would be too late. Time was running out.
Cliff was a powerful man and diffusing this situation wouldn’t be easy. Dillon had to pull off a tricky unauthorized private investigation. He had to go through files he had no right to see, search records that weren’t his to search and still find a way to keep his own butt out of jail. To do it, he needed Virginia. He didn’t want her hurt, but she’d have to be the sacrificial lamb; it couldn’t be helped. There was no way to switch course now.
He’d ridden some tricky fences in his day, but this was turning out to be the worst.
Though he already knew the answer, Dillon couldn’t stop himself from asking, “Are you sure Cliff wouldn’t change his mind if he knew Kelsey was pregnant?”
“Ha! Are you kidding? He’d probably forget handling things ‘legally’ and just take out a contract on me. He thinks she’s way too young to get married.”
Dillon hesitated, then leaned forward, propping his elbows on his knees. “You know, Wade, he wouldn’t be entirely wrong. Kelsey is only twenty-two, and you’re not much older. Marriage isn’t something to be rushed into.”
Wade stiffened and his hands fisted. “She’s pregnant, Dillon. Am I supposed to abandon her now? I know from experience that a woman raising a child alone doesn’t have an easy time of it. The baby deserves a father, and Kelsey deserves a husband.”
“There is that, I suppose.” Actually, Dillon wished they’d both shown a little more responsibility and not gotten into the situation in the first place, but rehashing that issue wouldn’t help now.
Wade began to pace. “It’s not like Kelsey is a child. It’s just that she’s the only family Cliff has. He’s very protective of her, and you know my background isn’t something to excite a prospective brother-in-law. No man is good enough for Kelsey, but I want a chance to try.”
Dillon made a sound of disgust. He hated hearing Wade harp on his unfortunate childhood. So he and their mother hadn’t been rich. Dillon and his dad hadn’t exactly lived a life of luxury, either. If anything, they’d lived a life of stealth.
None of that came out of his mouth, though. Instead, he heard himself say, “Cliff has Virginia, too.”
Wade shook his head in dismissal. “They’re not at all close. Virginia is too damn difficult. You know how she always bosses Cliff around. After their parents died, Virginia just took over. He despises her for it.”
Dillon suspected that Virginia had taken charge because no one else could. Cliff certainly wouldn’t have had the smarts to keep things together. And Kelsey had been a mere teenager. Gritting his teeth, Dillon snarled, “If Virginia means so little to him, then why does he worry so much about who she sees?”
Wade shrugged. “I should think he’d be glad to be rid of her. Most men would be. I suppose Cliff worries about someone marrying Virginia for her money—and her shares in the company. From what I’ve heard, a few men have tried that tactic, but Cliff doesn’t want to take any chances on losing the little control he has.”
Dillon surged to his feet. This night wasn’t improving with conversation and he needed time alone to put things in perspective. He couldn’t allow himself to feel protective of Virginia; he needed the ruthlessness his father had taught him. He needed to be able to do the job, without emotional involvement. “Go home, Wade. I want to get some sleep, and it isn’t safe for you to hang around here for long. If anyone finds out we’re related, the whole plan is ruined.”
“I know. And I’m sorry. But I just couldn’t wait.”
“You’re going to have to wait from now on.” He spoke sternly in the way he knew commanded attention. “Don’t come here again. Do you understand?” He waited until Wade nodded, then he added, “I’ll get in touch with you when I find out something.”
Reluctantly, Wade turned away. “All right.” He walked to the door and then paused. “You know how much I appreciate all this, don’t you, Dillon? I didn’t have anyone else to turn to. The one lawyer I spoke with was useless. He said the company probably wouldn’t press charges because they’d most likely want to avoid the scandal and the possibility of being discredited in front of their shareholders. If it was anyone but Cliff, I’d agree. But he won’t be happy just firing me. He wants to ruin me completely. Kelsey and I didn’t know what to do. Against Cliff’s money, I didn’t stand a chance. He’ll be sure to have the best lawyers around and they’ll make mincemeat out of me. I’d already be in jail and Kelsey would have to raise our baby alone. Cliff would have given her a hard time over the scandal—”
“Enough already, Wade.” Damn, but the rambling melodramatics were enough to make him sick. Wade had missed his calling. Instead of becoming an accountant, he should have joined the theater. Still, Wade was his brother, so Dillon forgave him his shortcomings, just as he hoped to be forgiven for his own. “I told you I’d take care of things and I will.”
Wade nodded once more, sent his brother a shaky, endearingly familial smile, then left.
Dillon locked up the apartment and turned out the lights.
When he was finally alone with his thoughts, he wondered if he was doing the right thing. Maybe he should have tried to raise enough money to get good legal representation for Wade. Not the low-rate lawyer Wade had spoken with, but a sharpshooter who could match Cliff’s. Dillon had property in Mexico he could have sold. That would have meant starting over, but then, he’d started over many times. He liked his home, but there were higher priorities to consider; he had to think about his father, too.
His dad lived with him now, and Dillon didn’t want to uproot him. His father wasn’t a young man anymore, and he had a few health problems thanks to the hard life he’d led.
Besides, if Virginia had been a typical female, this whole thing would have been simple. But no, she had to be difficult and unique and a pain in the backside. He’d never known a woman like her.
Naked, he slid between the sheets and stacked his hands behind his head. It was dark and cold and snowflakes patterned his window, making the moonlight look like lace against the far wall. He wondered how Virginia would react when she realized his sole interest in her was her personal files. He wondered how she’d react to the news that her twenty-two-year-old pampered baby sister was pregnant and wanted to marry Wade, a man accused of embezzlement, a man with a less than sterling background. A man related to him.
Most of all, he wondered how Virginia would react when she found out he wasn’t the wimp she assumed him to be. Would she cry with hurt? He closed his eyes at the vision and shuddered with reaction.
Whatever she did, it wouldn’t be the expected. There wasn’t another woman like her anywhere, and she had the knack of keeping him on his toes. She wouldn’t make his job easy.
But he’d bet his last breath she’d make it interesting.
chapter 3
DILLON WAS IN Cliff’s office when Virginia rushed in two days later. Lounged back on his spine in a casual sprawl, his legs wide, he made her forget why she’d wanted to see Cliff in the first place. Virginia noticed how the soft, worn material of his dark jeans cupped his heavy sex. His hands rested over a taut flat belly and his shoulders stretched the pressed material of his dress shirt. His hair hung to his shoulders, his collar was unbuttoned and his sleeves were rolled up. Her gaze traveled over him until she met his eyes. She shivered.
He looked totally relaxed, but his brown eyes were alert. She loved it when he acted so defiantly arrogant for her brother’s sake. It made him look sexy and sinful and her heart immediately picked up rhythm.
She forced her gaze to where her brother sat behind a massive desk. One concern was replaced with another.
“What’s he doing here, Cliff? Has there been some kind of trouble?” In the normal course of his job, Dillon didn’t have much call to hang around Cliff’s office.
Cliff glared at her—a look to which she was well accustomed to. “He’s my head of security. Why shouldn’t he be here?”
She strolled across the floor, trying not to react to the almost tactile sensation of Dillon’s eyes on her as he tracked her every step. Propping her hip on the edge of Cliff’s desk, she asked, “Are we considering making some kind of adjustment or improvement? Is that why he’s here?”
Cliff slammed down the pen he’d been doodling with. “Damn it, Virginia, don’t you have a diet class or something to go to?”
That hurt. Her weight had always been a problem, but it wasn’t something she wanted to discuss in front of Dillon. Usually the clothes she wore were loose enough so as not to accent the more obvious trouble spots. Today, her simple wool tunic over matching slacks worked wonders—or so she’d thought. Now she was uncomfortably aware of the width of her hips, the weight of her breasts, the roundness of her belly and thighs. She wanted to escape both men’s scrutiny.
She lifted her chin. Low blows were a specialty of Cliff’s. She should have become immune to them by now.
She didn’t dare glance at Dillon. She didn’t want to know what he thought of her brother’s comment or, at the moment, what he thought of her. “I’m a busy woman, Brother, but I think I can spare some time to see what you’re screwing up now.”
Cliff snarled, almost ready to explode. At the last second he pulled himself together and sent Dillon an exasperated look of shared male insight, as if to say, Women. Virginia stiffened. Fighting Cliff had become a way of life, both in business and in her personal pride. “You do remember, don’t you, Cliff, that any decisions have to go through me first?”
“How could I forget with you forever shoving it in my face?”
“So?” She waited, and finally he turned a sheath of papers toward her.
She studied the new property sheets for a moment before commenting. “The Eastland project.” She ignored Cliff’s surprise. He should know by now that there was no facet of the business she wasn’t fully aware of. The company was her life, the only thing she was truly good at. She wouldn’t let anything slip by her.
She approved the idea of expansion by purchasing the retail property in Eastland. Once the new expressway was built, the mall would flourish. Time and invested money were all they needed, and Johnson’s Sporting Goods had both. Their expansion would add new life to the floundering area, drawing in other retailers.
“Actually, it looks good. Send some copies to my office today and I’ll let you know later exactly what I think.”
Through gritted teeth, Cliff told her, “Everything has been worked out. The security upgrades have even been tested and approved. I planned to work out a deal today.”
“No. Not until I’ve had more time to study the cost sheets. There’s no rush. It takes time to—”
Cliff shoved back his chair and stood. Startled, Virginia glanced up. He was practically seething, his hands curled into fists at his sides.
“There’ll come a point, Virginia, when you push me too far!” He turned to Dillon and barked, “Be upstairs in the conference room in ten minutes.”
He stormed out and Virginia was left there with her mouth hanging open and an uncomfortable silence disturbing the air. It wasn’t like Cliff to put on such a display in front of employees.
Without really wanting to, she looked over at Dillon. He hadn’t moved. He seemed unperturbed by Cliff’s overreaction, but his dark eyes were cryptic. She tried a shaky smile. For some stupid reason she felt defensive. Having the world know her own brother reviled her had the same effect as being nicknamed “Chubby” in grade school.
“Well, I certainly pushed the wrong buttons this morning, didn’t I?” she said, relying on flippancy to save her pride.
Dillon narrowed his eyes. “Or the right ones.”
“What does that mean?”
“Why do you deliberately provoke him, Virginia?”
She pushed away from the desk and started for the door. Discussing family business with employees—regardless of how gorgeous they might be—wasn’t done. Still, she couldn’t resist one righteous parting shot. “I have as much right to know what’s going on in this company as he does. Or more so!” When she turned, Dillon was right behind her. She gasped, took a step back and hit the door. She hadn’t even heard him move.
He took another step closer, looming over her. His fingers touched her chin; his dark gaze touched everywhere else. In a rumble, he whispered, “There are gentler ways for a woman to get what she wants. Especially from her own brother.”
For one instant she felt frozen by his touch. Her stomach curled and her nipples tightened into sensitive peaks. Then she shook her head. “So I should play meek and mild just to placate Cliff? I don’t have a meek or mild bone in my body. I thought you understood that, Dillon.”
He didn’t smile. “Are you going to make time for me this weekend, Virginia?”
“Are you being pushy?” she asked automatically, still stinging from her brother’s remarks.
To her disappointment, he backed down, both physically and mentally. For a single heartbeat, he looked frustrated, almost angry, but he took a safe step away from her and shook his head. “No, of course not. I’m just…anxious.”
If he was really anxious, he’d insist she make a decision, she thought. But then, it wasn’t fair of her to try to force her own dominant spirit on him. She went on tiptoe to kiss his chin. “I need to be here Friday for a meeting, but I can take off Thursday.”
His gaze heated. “What time?”
“Whenever you like. You tell me.”
Without hesitation, he said, “Early. We could spend the entire day together. The waiting is just about killing me.”
After her brother’s crack about her weight, Dillon’s obvious desire was a welcome balm. She pressed closer to him for a kiss and felt his large hand cup her backside, gently squeezing. With her brother’s comment still lingering fresh in her mind, she was uncomfortable with the touch and stepped away. His gaze searched her face, questioning, and she tried not to blush.
Other men who had come on to her had been discreet with their touches, never venturing so boldly in broad daylight as Dillon seemed prepared to do. In thirty years, she’d had two lovers, and they’d both made it a practice to have sex in the dark and under the covers, which suited her just fine. The entire experience had always been rather nice. Safe and predictable and uncomplicated. The sex itself hadn’t been spectacular, but the sharing, the holding and touching had comforted her in a way nothing else could.
She hoped Dillon wouldn’t prove too difficult about the arrangement. Surely he’d be satisfied with proper bedroom convention.
“This isn’t exactly the best place, is it, Dillon?”
At first he didn’t answer and her heart raced in both dread and anticipation. He shook his head. “No, it isn’t. I’m sorry.”
Virginia sighed. “Since I know you’re worried about appearances, we’ll meet in the mall parking lot by my home. That way no one will see us leaving.”
“Can you be ready at six?”
“That early?”
His tone dropped to a husky rumble. “It’ll give us more time together.”
“All right, then.” She smiled. “Where did you want to go?”
Dillon hesitated, then touched her cheek again. “Why don’t you let me take care of that. It’ll be a surprise.”
“Hmm. A secret?”
He nodded. “What did you need to see Cliff about?”
She stared into his eyes, amazed by the mixed messages there. Hunger, but also…regret?
“Virginia?”
“What?”
He laughed, a low, rough sound that made her belly tingle. “You rushed in here to see Cliff, but got sidetracked. Was it important?”
“Oh.” She paused. “Oh! Damn it, I needed to talk to him. Something’s wrong with my car. I wanted to use his.”
“That’s not a problem.” He dug in his pocket and pulled out a large key ring, then unhooked one gold key. “Here. You can use the company car. I left it in the garage, lower level, personnel entrance. But what’s wrong with yours? Maybe I can help you with it.”
“I’m not sure.” Virginia accepted the key, feeling awkward with Dillon’s concern. She wasn’t used to anyone asking after her in such a solicitous way. For as long as she could remember, she’d taken care of herself. “Something’s wrong with the brakes. I started out of the parking lot, then remembered some papers I needed on my desk. When I went to put on the brakes, they felt sluggish at first, not really catching, and when I pumped them, the pedal went all the way to the floor. I ran into a guardrail.” She scowled, thinking of the damage that had been done to her bumper. “It’s lucky I found out they weren’t working before I tried to leave the garage. You know how the exit ramp slopes down right into the main road.”
“And into heavy traffic,” he added in an ominous whisper. Dillon’s brows were lowered and a muscle ticked in his jaw. Suddenly, his arms surrounded her and he gave her a tight squeeze. With his mouth against her neck, he murmured, “You could have been killed.”
Pushing herself away from his hard chest, Virginia laughed, trying to make light of his reaction. “Nonsense! It wasn’t all that dramatic or life threatening, I promise. I’d barely gone three feet before I found out they weren’t working. But I do intend to give my serviceman a piece of my mind. I had my oil changed not two weeks ago and he told me he’d topped off all the fluids.”
Dillon bent to press his forehead to hers. “I’ll take a look at it. You…might have had some damage to the brake lines.”
Virginia shook her head. “Dillon, looking after my car isn’t part of your job and not at all a necessary part of our relationship. Besides, I already called the tow truck. I can take care of myself, you know.”
He looked as if he wanted to argue, but held his tongue. In this instance, Virginia appreciated his restraint. She liked her independence and wanted no infringements on it. She smiled her approval. “You know, it’s too bad I have to check in here Friday morning.” She smoothed her open palm over his wide chest and sighed. “I think I’d like a lot more time with you, truth be told.”
His slight frown and the darkening of his eyes were confusing. He reached around her and opened the door, suddenly in a hurry to leave. On his way out, he muttered gruffly, “Save your wishes for something important, honey. You never know when you might need them.”
She wondered what he meant, or if he’d meant anything at all. Dillon was an elusive man and most times she wasn’t at all sure how to take him. But she did feel certain about one thing. She would definitely enjoy her fling with him.
“DON’T EVER SPEAK to me like a lackey again.”
Cliff whirled around and stared. Dillon closed the door quietly behind him and stalked forward. He knew he wasn’t precisely angry at Cliff, at least not over anything new. But he made a fine target. And right now, Dillon needed an outlet.
He hadn’t reached Virginia’s car before it was taken away, but he’d still had his suspicions confirmed. Someone had cut her brake lines. Reddish brake fluid made a large puddle where her car had been parked. This was no mere leak.
Cliff backed up two steps before he caught himself. “What are you talking about?”
Dillon flattened his palms on the highly polished table and leaned toward Cliff. “Don’t give me orders. If you want to meet with me, say so, but don’t get pissed off at your sister and then bark at me.”
Cliff tried a show of umbrage. “Now, see here…”
“I’m a damn good employee, Cliff. I’ve upgraded your entire security system and saved you a bundle in the process. I’ve found glitches most men would never have noticed. That’s my job and I do it well. But I don’t need this job and I don’t need to be talked down to. Understand?”
Dillon was pushing it, but Cliff seemed to gain more respect for him every time he asserted himself. Unlike Virginia. It made sense to Dillon. He’d be damned if he’d want some marshmallow in charge of protecting the interests of his company. Not only was Dillon in charge of securing the actual property against theft, both at the offices where Cliff and Virginia worked and at the retail outlets, but he evaluated the security potential and estimated costs of future retail sites. He also oversaw the personal security for employees, including the boss. Johnson’s Sporting Goods wasn’t a nickle and dime operation.
Dillon recognized his value to the Johnsons. He’d learned his trade from the best. His father had taught him how to secure, and how to breach, the legal and the illegal, which made him unique, and one of the best in the business.
Cliff needed him, especially with Virginia constantly breathing down his neck.
Besides, now that he believed Virginia was being threatened, he wasn’t quite up to maintaining his pretense with Cliff. Virginia had finally agreed to some intimate time alone with him, and it was entirely possible he’d be able to settle things just by getting a few good leads from her. Surely Virginia would know what trumped-up evidence Cliff had manufactured. If she would talk.
God, he hoped it would work out that simply. He hated playing the dutiful employee. He preferred working for himself, hiring himself out on short-term jobs, spending his free time in Mexico with his father and his horses and his land.
Dillon figured that once he established a relationship with Virginia, he could quit the company. Virginia would undoubtedly find him more appealing as a free agent; there would be no reason for her to think she was being used.
Dillon shook his head. He didn’t like the warmth that swelled over him when he considered pleasing her. It didn’t matter what Virginia thought or would think. If her bright golden eyes were angry or aroused. None of it mattered. None of it could matter.
A heartfelt sigh from Cliff broke into Dillon’s thoughts.
“You’re right,” Cliff said. “I do value you as an employee. It’s just that Virginia can be so damn arrogant, and I’ve got enough on my mind right now without her harassment.”
Very slowly, Dillon straightened. “Oh? Anything I can help with?” Little by little, Cliff opened up to him, making him a confidant, wanting him for a cohort in his grievances against his sister.
Cliff waved dismissively. “It’s a matter that came up before you were hired. I have people already on the problem.”
“What exactly is the problem?”
“A little matter of internal embezzlement. A former employee used his position to siphon funds from the company. The theft occurred mostly in insubstantial amounts, so it was hard to notice. I knew it was him, and I fired him on the spot, but of course I can’t accuse him officially without solid evidence. Finding proof is taking some doing. You know how difficult it can be to trace numbers. However, I believe we finally have him nailed. We should be able to wrap things up any day now.”
“What kind of evidence do you have?” Keeping his tone so mild, so bland, was more than difficult when he wanted to grab Cliff and slam his fist in his mouth. He wanted to force him to admit it was all a scam. Wade couldn’t be guilty.
Except…Cliff didn’t look as though he was scamming. He looked smugly confident. It shook Dillon.
“My lawyers have advised me not to discuss the case.
Suffice it to say, when we go to court, we won’t lose.” He pushed a button on the intercom, then requested that Laura bring in coffee. Cliff stacked some files and turned to face Dillon. “The others will be joining me soon, but I wanted to talk with you for a minute or two first. Virginia interrupted us downstairs. But now is as good a time as any.”
This was curious. Dillon considered telling Cliff why Virginia had interrupted, about the cut brake lines, but decided against it. Cliff could be the very one who had tampered with Virginia’s car. At the moment, he wasn’t willing to put family loyalty to the test, especially not in Cliff’s case.
Dillon hid his thoughts well as he gave Cliff his attention. “I didn’t realize we were having a meeting. Is your sister invited to this one?”
“Hell no.” Cliff chuckled. “I try to keep her as much out of the way as possible. You’ve seen firsthand how offensive she can be. No, the meeting is about expanding the downtown operation.”
Not again, Dillon thought, tired of that tune and trying to explain to an idiot that opening an outlet downtown was a waste of funds. Unless the entire area was revamped, Cliff would be better off withdrawing and investing his money on renovations elsewhere. Though Virginia had told Cliff that countless times, it didn’t take someone with her business sense to see it. Dillon had backed up her reasoning, on a security level. Cliff wasn’t listening.
“You know how I feel about that, Cliff. I can upgrade all the systems there, hire good people to work in shifts, but it won’t do you any good. Even without the petty theft, which is rampant and you know it, that store is a money hog. There’s not enough business to warrant the effort.”
Cliff gestured with his hand, looking distracted and annoyed. “That’s not what I want to speak to you about. No, I want to talk to you about my sister.”
Dillon turned his back to look out the third-story windows. Below him was human congestion, smog and noise. The sides of the street were piled high with blackened snow and sludge. Traffic flowed, the same traffic Virginia had almost encountered, without brakes. He shuddered.
He hated being here in Delaport City on this ridiculous ruse. He wanted to be home again, listening to his father grumbling and recounting all his old adventures. This didn’t feel like an adventure. This felt like one huge mistake. “You want to talk about your sister? What about her?”
“I, ah, know from your file that your expertise includes surveillance.”
“My expertise covers a lot of activities that aren’t exactly part of a legitimate job résumé, especially not for the position you hired me for. I only gave you a few facts because I figured you’d need something to recommend me.” The information was accurate, just in case Cliff had the sense to look, which Dillon wasn’t certain of. But Virginia would have checked, of that he had no doubt. So he’d supplied the names of the few companies he’d ever worked for. Like his father, he could ferret out trouble—or cause it. With equal success, according to who was paying the most. It wasn’t a trait he felt any particular pride over. Just a way of survival.
“Virginia insisted on checking into your employment background. She was impressed, which says a lot, even though your lack of consistency with any one job concerned her. Has she ever spoken to you about it?”
Dillon still faced the window. He was afraid if he looked at Cliff, all his anger would show. “No. Other than a few casual exchanges, we’ve never spoken.”
“Excellent! Then she’ll never suspect you.”
“Suspect me of what?” He did turn to Cliff now. “What is it you want me to do?”
“I want you to spy on her, of course. She’s up to something, seeing someone. God only knows what that woman’s capable of.”
Dillon grunted. He knew she was capable of making grown men cower, of scaring off any advances, of isolating herself completely with her sharp tongue and smothering arrogance. She was also capable of making him burn red-hot.
Was she capable of making an enemy who would wish her harm?
Dillon shook his head, feeling his tension simmer once again. “What do you mean, she’s seeing someone?”
“The other night at the party, I caught her sneaking back into the kitchen.”
With a dry look, Dillon said, “I can’t imagine Virginia sneaking anywhere. It’s not in her nature.”
“No, you’re right. She strutted back into the house, bold as you please, when she’d been out there conspiring with someone against me.”
Dillon pulled out a chair and straddled it. Cliff’s stupidity never ceased to amaze him. “Conspiring? How do you know she wasn’t with a lover?”
He grinned. “That’s exactly what she said! How about that—you two share a similar sense of humor.”
Dillon heard a noise and looked up. Laura Neil stood in the doorway, holding a tray with fresh coffee and two mugs. Dillon wondered how long she’d been standing there, but then decided it didn’t matter. He was more interested in the way the woman watched Cliff, sheer adoration clouding her eyes.
Cliff nodded to her and she entered. She leaned close to him while she poured the coffee, and asked if they needed anything else. Every so often, her gaze darted to Dillon. He almost felt sorry for her. It was obvious she was infatuated with Cliff, and just as obvious that Cliff had used his position to take advantage of her. To Dillon’s mind, it was one more reason to despise Virginia’s brother.
Cliff dismissed Laura. Dillon sipped from his cup, waiting. He knew his silence would annoy Cliff, so therefore his patience was its own reward.
After only a few seconds, Cliff exploded. “Well? What do you say?”
Dillon glanced at him over his mug. “To what? You haven’t asked me anything yet.”
“Oh, for…Will you check into it? Find out what Virginia is up to and who she’s involved with?”
“What’s in it for me?”
“A five-hundred-dollar bonus. Twice that if you come up with something concrete.”
The irony of it amused Dillon—that Cliff would be paying Dillon to spy on himself. But the little bastard was also spying on his sister, and Dillon’s suspicions were growing. He didn’t trust Cliff, not at all.
Dillon let Cliff wait while he pretended to think things over. Of course he’d agree to do it. It made perfect sense. If he was checking into things, Cliff wouldn’t be hiring someone else who would get in his way.
Dragging out the inevitable, and hoping for any tidbit of information that might help him, Dillon asked, “Any clues at all who it might be? Any leads?”
“Just the obvious. The guy must be someone who could benefit Virginia in some way, someone in the company who might be able to sway votes.”
From what he’d heard, Virginia always won every vote, so that theory didn’t make sense. He refrained from pointing that out to Cliff. “Anything else?”
Cliff shrugged. “The guy’s most likely passive, ineffectual, a spineless sort. You know how Virginia is. She’d never be able to get a man like you to put up with her carping and demands for some scheme of hers. And Virginia insists on complete obedience. She wouldn’t accept any defiance.”
Dillon couldn’t help himself; he grinned. “So I’m looking for a wimp?” The description was apt.
“Yes, but a wimp with connections. Someone who could do her some good.”
“But you’re a hundred percent positive she’s not involved in a personal relationship she just doesn’t want you to know about?”
Cliff was already shaking his head. “Not Virginia. Men are interested in her for one reason—to use her. And I’d want to know about that, too. Even though she’s sworn she’ll never marry, I have to protect her from those sorts. She’s too abrasive and too overweight to attract anyone with genuine feelings. She’d only end up hurt, or hurting the company.”
Abruptly, Dillon came to his feet. One more second with the loving brother and he’d throw him out the damn window. “I’ll check into things.” He crossed to the door, then turned back. “By the way, Virginia had some brake trouble today.” He watched Cliff closely, waiting.
“Oh?”
“She’s all right, but her car’s out of commission for a while. I gave her the company car to use.”
Cliff waved a hand, already distracted, as he gathered together the notes for his meeting. “That’s fine.”
Dillon clenched his jaw. He hadn’t been asking for permission, but rather watching for a reaction. He didn’t get one.
He jerked the door open and started out, saying over his shoulder, “I’m taking the rest of the day off. I’ll be in touch later.”
Cliff didn’t argue. He couldn’t have anyway. Dillon had already slammed the door.
chapter 4
VIRGINIA HAD JUST hung up the phone when the rap sounded on her office door. She glanced up, frustrated by the way her day had gone. First the problems with her car, then her run-in with Cliff. And her meeting hadn’t gone at all well. Today was not her day, and she was tired. A hot bath and a long night’s sleep seemed just the cure.
“Come in.”
Dillon stuck his head in the door. “You about ready to head home?”
As always, one glance into those sinfully dark eyes turned her insides warm and jittery. With every minute that passed, she anticipated her day alone with him more. “Mmm. I was just about to call a cab. What’s up?”
She didn’t particularly relish the idea of doing any more business tonight, but for Dillon, she’d make an exception. Spending time with him was seldom a hardship.
He stepped into her office and closed the door behind him. His features were etched in a frown. Virginia sighed, knowing why he’d come by. “If you’re here to tell me about Cliff’s plans to rework the downtown office, I’ve heard all about it.”
Dillon stiffened. “It’s not my job to tattle on your damn brother.”
She lifted a brow at his tone as well as his words. “No? Your loyalty to a prospective lover doesn’t go quite that far?” Virginia knew she was taunting him, but damn it, her day had been rotten, and just once, she wanted to see Dillon lose his temper, cut loose and prove to her what a powerful man he could be. But instead, he merely narrowed his eyes and waited.
Virginia took pity on him. “I’m sorry. I was just about to head home and I’m a little out of sorts. It hasn’t been the best of days.”
“That’s why I’m here,” he said. “To offer you a ride.”
“Chauffeuring is part of your job description?”
“Why not?” He stepped closer, his expression inscrutable. “I’m in charge of security. It’s my responsibility to see that you make it home safely.”
She couldn’t help but smile. “That’s stretching it, Dillon.”
“Not so.” He looked at her intently, his gaze unwavering. “I think your brake lines might have been tampered with.”
She waited for the punch line, and when it didn’t come she got to her feet and crossed to the closet to retrieve her coat. Before she could slip it on, Dillon was behind her, holding her shoulders. “I’m serious, Virginia.”
“That’s ridiculous.” She turned to face him. “So some vandal picked our parking lot to play around in. We’ll just increase security.”
“That’s just it.” He raised his hand to her cheek and stroked it. “Maybe it wasn’t a vandal. Maybe whoever did it targeted your car.”
“So now I have an enemy?” She could see he was serious, but she couldn’t feel the same way. It was entirely too farfetched. “You’ve been working too hard, Dillon. I think you need a day off more than I do.”
His jaw tightened and his hands slipped to her shoulders again. After a deep calming breath, he said, “All right, then just humor me, okay? Let me drive you home tonight.”
“I’m a big girl, Dillon, all grown-up. I don’t need a caretaker.”
He smiled, a beautiful smile that made her toes curl. He kissed her and she forgot they were standing in the middle of her office and someone could walk in at any moment.
He pulled back only far enough to speak, but his breath was warm on her lips, his tone husky. “You don’t have to convince me of that, honey. I know it all too well.” He kissed her again, a quick, hard kiss, then stepped back. “What did your mechanic say?”
Virginia had trouble bringing herself back under control. Lord love him, the man was a temptation, and she was quickly growing tired of resisting him. She stared up at him and tried to find her aplomb.
“I haven’t talked with my mechanic yet. He won’t have a chance to look at the car until tomorrow.”
“Then will you please—for my sake—be extra cautious until then?”
She thought about denying him, if for no other reason than reasserting her independence. She’d always had to fight so hard to prove herself, she sometimes didn’t know when to quit fighting. But truth be told, she loved the idea of him taking her home. Maybe he’d come inside, maybe he’d stop being so skittish about appearances and make love to her this very night. The mere thought caused her body to heat. “All right.”
Dillon stared down at her a moment longer before he nodded. He held her coat while she slipped into it, then led her out the door.
DILLON DIDN’T WANT to explore his satisfaction too deeply. Having Virginia accede to his wishes made him feel like a conqueror. It hadn’t happened often, and he had a feeling it wouldn’t happen again any time soon. Virginia wasn’t a woman to let a man call the shots. Right now, she was quiet. Too quiet. And he wondered if maybe she was regretting her small show of weakness. He didn’t consider caution a weakness, but he knew she would.
“Turn left up here.”
Startled out of his thoughts, Dillon reminded himself that he wasn’t supposed to know where she lived. He had to keep his mind on what he was doing, rather than trying to dissect Virginia’s psyche. He’d already discovered many times over what a futile and frustrating effort that could be. He just couldn’t seem to help himself; she fascinated him.
For the rest of the ride, he waited for her directions, even though he knew the way. Before getting hired on at Johnson’s Sporting Goods, he’d done a complete check on her.
When they pulled into her driveway, Virginia started to open her door. Dillon ignored that and walked around to her side of the car. She stood there, embraced by selective moonlight, on this dark, cloudy night. Her head was tilted back as she stared up at him, her eyes wide, and he wanted her.
He hated himself for it, but he wanted her. The iron control he’d always depended on seemed to evaporate where this woman was concerned, and it didn’t make sense. He didn’t even like her.
“Do you want to come in for a while?”
He hesitated. It didn’t take a genius to see the direction of her thoughts and, seeing that, he become instantly, painfully, hard. But making love to Virginia, especially now, wasn’t a wise thing to contemplate. He racked his brain for any excuse that would be believable, but before he could speak, a shadow caught his eye and he jerked toward the house. He could have sworn he saw a curtain move.
He shoved Virginia behind him as he stepped deeper into the shadows. “Do you have any pets, honey?”
“No. Dillon what are you—”
“Shh. Someone’s in your house.” His senses rioted, telling him all he needed to know.
“What?”
“Give me your key.”
Thankfully, Virginia complied, but when he told her to get into his car and lock the doors, she refused. As he inched closer to the house, she followed, leaving him no choice but to stop. “Damn it, Virginia.” His whispered voice was guttural, his temper on the edge. He grasped her shoulders. “You can’t—”
“It’s my house. I know my way around a lot better than you do.”
He shook her. He hadn’t meant to, but she was so obstinate, so annoying, he couldn’t help himself. “This isn’t a game, damn it! For once, will you—”
They both heard the back door slam, the sound carried easily on the cold, quiet night. Dillon squeezed her shoulders hard. “Stay put!”
He took off at a run. Even before he reached the backyard, he knew the chase was useless. Woods bordered her property on two sides, and he had no doubt the intruder would have long vanished into the black shadows. He cursed, then cursed again when Virginia touched his arm and he almost threw her to the ground in reaction. In the split second before he touched her, he realized who she was.
Without a word, knowing she wouldn’t follow an order even if her life depended on it, he dragged her up the back steps and into the house, keeping to the side so he wouldn’t destroy any footprints that might have been left behind. His temper was on the ragged edge, the ruthless aspects of his personality ruling him.
He found two light switches just inside the door. One illuminated the kitchen with blinding fluorescent light and the other flooded the backyard. Dillon scanned the yard, but there wasn’t a single movement caught in the glare.
“Call the police,” he whispered.
She answered in kind. “Why? Whoever it was is long gone now.”
“Unless there was more than one guy. Just do it.”
She bristled, but he didn’t have time to cajole her. He waited only until he saw her lift the receiver, then cautiously made his way down the hall, turning on lights as he went. Quickly, methodically, he went through the downstairs rooms, then trotted silently up the carpeted stairway to the upper level. He had explored all the rooms before Virginia finished making the call.
“Dillon?”
“It’s okay.” He answered from her bedroom, the last room he’d found. Virginia joined him there.
She glanced around, looking uncomfortable. “The police are on their way. They said to stay in the kitchen, not to try to be a hero.”
He grunted. “This is what I’m trained to do, Virginia.”
“To be a hero?”
He knew she was teasing. He could see it her golden eyes, shining now from the excitement. He shook his head. “Your bedroom is a surprise.”
That small observation removed the smile from her lips. She stiffened and drew her auburn brows together. “What’s that supposed to mean?”
He left the room, Virginia hot on his heels. With a deliberate shrug, he said, “It’s a little more feminine than I had expected, that’s all. I mean, I hadn’t pictured you having ruffled pillow shams or lace curtains.”
She apparently didn’t know what to say to that, so Dillon changed the subject. “How about some coffee?” He approached the back door, examining it closely. “I’m sure the cops would appreciate it on a cold night like this.”
He’d no sooner said the words than the sirens could be heard. Sure enough, the police were more than willing to swill coffee as they gave the house another examination. To everyone’s surprise except maybe Dillon’s, nothing seemed to be missing.
Still, the police wrote up the incident as a simple break and enter.
One young officer held his hat in one hand while cradling his coffee in the other. “With a house like yours, in this neighborhood, a burglar would be in heaven.”
Another policeman confirmed what Dillon already knew. “They came in through the kitchen door.”
“But how?” Virginia didn’t seem unsettled by the whole affair—she seemed furious. “My doors are always locked.”
“They picked the lock somehow.” The cop shrugged. “Leave your floodlights on tonight. In fact, you should get a timer to turn them on as soon as it gets dark. And put in an alarm system, as well. A woman living here alone—”
Disgusted, Dillon interrupted. “I’ll see to it tomorrow.”
Virginia frowned at him, but kept her peace. Dillon’s position, his reason for being with her, had already been explained. Since then the cops had been giving him a wide berth.
The policeman nodded. “Yeah, well, we’ll patrol through the neighborhood the rest of the night, ma’am. You should be safe enough. Very seldom does a perpetrator return once he knows he’s been discovered.”
Dillon didn’t agree, and he told Virginia so as soon as the officers had left. “You shouldn’t stay here.”
“Now, don’t start, Dillon. I’m tired and I want to go to bed. I’m not about to start uprooting myself tonight.”
He paced, trying to think while she glared at him, looking her most imperious. “What is the matter with you? You’ve been entirely too high-handed this evening and I’ve about had enough!”
He should have known she’d get her back up and make this more difficult than it had to be. “Virginia, has it escaped your notice that you’ve been threatened twice in the same day?”
She rolled her eyes. “I’ve had car trouble and a simple break-in. That’s doesn’t exactly add up to a life-or-death situation.”
He clenched his fists tight, fighting for control. It seemed he fought that particular battle more since meeting Virginia than he ever had in his entire life. “How do you think the guy got inside?”
She shrugged. “He picked the lock.”
“There’s no evidence of a forced entry. What if he had a key?”
Her eyes widened and she took a step back. “What exactly are you saying, Dillon? You think someone I know is trying to hurt me? Who?”
He should probably have admitted his suspicions that he thought Cliff might very well be the one harassing her. But something held him back. Despite all her bravado, all her indignation and affronted pride, she was still a woman, soft and vulnerable. From what he knew of her, Virginia had never had an easy life, and she’d never had anyone to love her. To find out now just how big a scoundrel her brother could be might well devastate her. He couldn’t bear that.
To his shame, though, he had another reason for hesitating. The possibility that if he forced the issue, she might blame Wade for threatening her. To Virginia, Wade would be a much more likely suspect. Her brother had accused him of embezzlement, and he’d been fired. Didn’t that give Wade motive enough, in her mind, to want revenge? If he convinced her the threats were real, would it backfire on Wade?
Wade could end up being accused not only as an embezzler, but an assailant as well. And then, if Virginia thought Wade was guilty, she would let her guard down. The real assailant would have a clear field. It was too risky. And if Virginia got hurt because he was preoccupied with his brother…
Impulsively, he put his arms around her and pulled her close in a careful hug. She resisted, holding herself stiff in his arms until he said, “I’m sorry. I know I’ve been on edge tonight. But Virginia, at least give me the right to worry about you a little, okay?”
She smiled up at him. “If you insist. But it isn’t necessary. I’ll be careful. I’m not an idiot.”
“I know.” He kissed her and didn’t want to stop kissing her. Her lips were warm and soft and she tempted him. He opened his mouth over hers, gently moving, savoring her taste. She made a small sound deep in her throat when his tongue licked over her bottom lip.
Cursing inwardly, Dillon set her away from him and reached for his coat. “Will you be all right tonight?”
He could tell by her expression that she wanted to ask him to stay; pride would keep her from it, though. And this time, he was glad. In less than twenty-four hours, everything had changed. His plans thrown into turmoil, he had to adapt. False accusations of embezzlement were no longer the only issue, and took a back seat to Virginia’s safety. This new threat was much more tangible, much more immediate.
He felt responsible for Virginia, whether she liked it or not, and he’d do his best to protect her, even while helping his brother. If he had to be ruthless to accomplish both goals, so be it. In all fairness, he gave her one last chance to do things the easy way. “Why don’t you take a vacation? Disappear for a while until things calm down?”
“What things? You really are overreacting.”
His hands fisted at his sides. “This wasn’t a simple break-in, Virginia.”
“Of course it was—”
“Nothing was taken, damn it! How do you explain that?”
She shrugged. “It’s like the police said. We probably interrupted the burglar.”
He grabbed her arms, his patience at an end. “What if you’d walked in here alone? What if I hadn’t been with you? Do you think whoever it was would have run?”
She stared at him blankly, her lips parted in surprise at his vehemence. With an effort, he eased his tone.
“This is what I do, honey. I know what I’m talking about. To be safe, you should get out of here for a while. Go to a motel. I’ll join you Thursday, just as we planned.”
She rubbed his shoulder as if to soothe him. “I have responsibilities here, Dillon. And the police really don’t seem to think there’s anything to be alarmed about.”
Dillon drew a deep breath and released her. “Surely the company can survive without you for a few days.” Without having to worry about her being threatened and with free run of her office, he could not only get the information he needed to absolve Wade, but most likely nail the bastard who was harassing her as well. All he needed was a little time.
She began loading empty coffee cups into the dishwasher, and when she glanced at him, a gentleness had entered her eyes. “I like you, Dillon, and I want to spend time with you. But one long afternoon will have to be enough for now. Don’t ask for more. My first priority will always be running the company—you know that.”
Only, it wasn’t her company, it was Cliff’s. And Dillon had a feeling Cliff had gotten tired of sharing it with her.
Her stubbornness knew no bounds; she wouldn’t relent. He closed his eyes a moment, accepting the inevitable, knowing what had to be done, knowing his options had just become severely limited. From the moment he’d involved himself in this mess, he’d felt equal parts protective and possessive of her. He wouldn’t let anyone hurt her. He’d protect her despite herself. Never mind that she’d probably despise him for it. Her hate had been guaranteed from the first.
He had one more day, Wednesday, to watch over her, while at the same time rearranging his plans and making new ones. He had a lot to accomplish in the time left to him, including the installation of an alarm system at her house that would put a stop to intruders.
He sighed as the ramifications of his new plan sank in. Virginia would miss her meeting on Friday after all. But at least she’d be safe.
chapter 5
DILLON HEARD the ringing as if from far away. It pierced his subconsciousness, but wasn’t enough to get him out of the dream. And he knew he was dreaming, knew it wasn’t real, but he couldn’t force himself awake.
The cell was dark and cold, and in his dream he accepted that he would spend many years there, yet strangely enough, that wasn’t what bothered him most. No, it was Virginia, standing outside his cell, round with a late pregnancy. His child. He broke out in a sweat. Cliff was pointing and laughing from the background, and Virginia’s eyes looked wounded—and accusing.
The ringing became more insistent, sounding like a small scream, and he jerked awake. His heart thundered and all his muscles felt too tight, straining. He had an erection.
Unbelievable. He ran a hand over his face, drew several deep breaths. His stomach slowly began to unknot.
The covers were tangled about his legs and he felt like he’d been in a furnace he was so hot. The dream, and his reaction to it, made no sense, and even if in some twisted way it did, he shied away from probing the reasons. He didn’t want to know what it meant, didn’t want to dwell on the strange things Virginia made him feel. Kelsey was the one who was pregnant, and Dillon planned to do only what he had to do. He would save his brother, protect Virginia, but he wouldn’t touch her. So there was no chance of the dream coming true.
Still, he felt a drip of sweat slide down his brow.
The bedside alarm continued its shrill call, and feeling drugged, Dillon reached for it. He glanced at the face of the clock. It wasn’t quite five a.m. and he had to meet Virginia at six. Today was the day.
His heart still thundered from the dream—which hadn’t been a dream at all but rather a damned nightmare. Dillon ran a hand through his hair, shoving it away from his face.
Peddling his legs, he kicked the blankets to the end of the bed and let the cold winter morning air wash over his naked body. The sweat dried quickly and he chilled as he considered what was on his agenda.
He was going to kidnap Virginia Johnson.
Ever since the break-in he’d tried to think of another way to do things, another way to protect her and his brother. But he’d come up blank, without a single alternative. She refused to take the time away from the office, refused to listen to reason or take extra precautions. He’d come up with only one solution.
And his stomach had been in knots ever since.
Anyone who’d met Virginia for more than two minutes would know how she’d react to being held prisoner.
Everything in her would rebel. Hell, he’d had to fight her tooth and nail just to get the alarm installed at her home yesterday. He’d hired the very best agency, interviewed them himself, selected the alarm. Virginia had been outraged, only grudgingly giving over to his greater experience. Dillon had made sure the system was installed that very day, in case she changed her mind.
Virginia, on the best of days, was hard-nosed and contrary and independent to a fault. She wouldn’t be an easy victim, and in the normal scheme of things, with a real kidnapping, her sarcasm and sharp tongue could get her hurt. Not that he would ever hurt her. He didn’t hurt women, and the very idea of harming Virginia made him ache. She’d been hurt more than enough over her lifetime.
Poor Virginia. A brother who ridiculed her to employees and a spoiled little sister who thought only of herself. No wonder she’d become such a tough woman. She’d had to to survive the jackals, the people who would use her without regret.
And now he would be no better.
All his life he’d thought there were only two kinds of families. The type he and his father had, that existed on guts and strength and commitment. Their lives centered on survival, and they watched each other’s backs, because they only had each other. Their bonds ran deep with the bare bones of necessity.
Then there was the other kind, the one filled with love and tenderness. Children playing, dogs barking, barbecues in the backyard and family outings to the amusement park.
Now he realized there were many kinds, because Virginia didn’t fit into either group. She was as strong as an iron spike, but she didn’t have the respect and dedication from her family that same trait would have earned for a man.
Neither did she have the love or tenderness. Maybe none of that even existed. Maybe it was just something he’d conjured in his brain when things had been hard and he’d foolishly tried to imagine the life he would have had with a mother. He was damn lucky his father had stuck by him, lucky the man had seen fit to teach him how to get by in the world.
Dillon glanced at the clock again. In one hour he’d be picking up Virginia. She would be expecting a day full of intimacy. He was going to give her the fright of her life. More than anything, he’d like to simply walk away, to forget Virginia and her damn dysfunctional family. The ridiculous dream that couldn’t mean anything, no matter how it made his guts churn, was just that, a dream. He didn’t, wouldn’t, care for her, but for some damn reason, he wanted her. And he wanted to protect her. Chemistry, unaccountable and indisputable.
It wouldn’t be easy, not with the complications growing every day, but he’d manage. Once Virginia was safely stowed away, he could concentrate on Wade.
He wondered if Cliff was using Virginia’s distraction with the embezzlement to try to hurt her, to drive her away from the company. He hadn’t heard Virginia mention the embezzlement, so she might not even be aware of Cliff’s treachery. Or maybe she had gotten too close to discovering her brother’s underhanded tactics. Virginia took her obligations to the company very seriously; she wouldn’t put up with falsifying evidence. Was Cliff afraid of her finding out?
Either way, Dillon knew in his guts that Virginia was threatened. And he knew Cliff would be closing in on Wade very soon now. They couldn’t have much time left. He had to get into the files and find the real embezzler before it was too late. Taking Virginia was the only option open to him, the only way to settle both problems at one time.
Virginia wouldn’t like it, wouldn’t understand his motives. But Wade would. He knew it had to be now or never. He had no choice. Just as his father had watched out for him, he now watched out for Wade, regardless of personal feelings or conflicts. That much, at least, he understood about family.
With cold resolution he climbed from the bed and headed for the shower.
VIRGINIA COULDN’T HELP but be excited. She’d arrived at the parking lot fifteen minutes early. It was dark and cold and everything was covered in ice. The world sparkled beneath street lamps and moonlight, looking new and clean and magical.
Headlights curved into the lot and then blinded her as they slowly crept her way. Her heartbeat picked up rhythm, and she closed her eyes, trying to calm herself. Somehow, she knew Dillon wouldn’t be like the other men. He wouldn’t be satisfied with half measures and fumbling in the dark. The thought shook her, but in a small part of herself that she’d kept hidden for so very long, she was excited by the notion. She felt sexy.
Absurd, a woman her age, with her weight problems and practical outlook on life, but she couldn’t help it. She’d even worn sexy underclothes. A silk teddy, garters and silk hose. Instead of twisting her hair into a tight knot, she’d left it looser, more like the romantic Gibson-girl style. Little curls fell around her ears. She’d felt silly when she looked in the mirror, but she didn’t redo it.
She wore a long winter-white cashmere tunic and skirt, with ankle boots of the same creamy color. Even her thick cape was a matching off-white. Her red hair was the only color. And the blush on her cheeks.
The vehicle that pulled alongside her, facing the opposite direction, wasn’t the same car Dillon had kissed her in the other night. No, this was a big, mean, ugly truck. She squinted through the driver’s-side window and saw Dillon step out, holding on to the truck door because of the ice. He’d parked so close only a few feet separated them. He reached out and opened her door.
“Be careful. It’s like a frozen pond out here. Nothing but ice.”
She put her gloved hand in his and carefully stepped out. He held her securely, protectively. For a moment she allowed it, and then she realized what she was doing, how she was being treated, and she pulled back.
All day yesterday Dillon had hovered over her. He’d fretted, much like a mother hen, and she knew it was because he was worried. The break-in, though no big deal to Virginia, had upset him. Despite his capabilities, he was a mild-mannered man in most instances, and she supposed the circumstances might be unsettling to someone without her constitution.
In a way she thought it was sweet that he’d been so concerned for her welfare. But being independent had become second nature to her. It was her greatest protective instinct. “I’m fine. Just let me open my trunk and get my bag.”
“Your bag?”
Flustered, she fiddled with her car door. “You can’t expect me to spend the entire day with you and not have…other stuff with me. I didn’t know if we’d go out for dinner, or if you’d just want to…stay in the room.” Her voice trailed off. She’d packed things to refix her hair, anticipating that it might get rather mussed, and she’d brought something sexy to wear for him when they went to bed, as well as a cocktail dress. She’d never before planned a rendezvous and wasn’t certain of the protocol. But she had no intention of explaining all that to him.
“It’s not important, Dillon. Just let me—”
“No. I’ve got it.” He took her arm and, still holding on to his own door, pulled her toward his truck. “Just slide in on this side. I wouldn’t want you to fall and bruise anything.”
“I might fall, but you wouldn’t? Does being male give you better coordination?”
In the dim light, she saw him close his eyes, saw his breath puff out in a sigh. “Virginia, if I fall, I don’t care. And I can guarantee I’d be landing on a lot more solid muscle than you would.”
She didn’t know if that was a slur or not, but she didn’t ask him to clarify because she didn’t really want to know. Handing him the keys, she looked away and mumbled, “Fine. Suit yourself.”
He tugged her close as she tried to slide past him. His forehead dropped to hers. “Virginia.”
This close, she could see the dark sweep of his lashes, feel the warmth of his breath. He smiled. “You have an incredibly sexy ass. You know that, don’t you?”
Her heart tripped with the rough compliment. He sounded sincere, and she peeked up at him. He looked sincere—and as if he was waiting for her acknowledgment of the fact. “You have a wonderful way with words.”
His beautiful mouth tipped in a crooked grin, and once again his lashes swept his cheeks. “Sorry. Was my language too…colorful? I hope you won’t mind. I don’t know a lot of pretty words. But I do know a pretty bottom when I see one.” His firm palm went to that area and gently squeezed.
She was eternally grateful for the darkness hiding her blush. As it was, he probably felt the heat from her that seemed to pulse beneath her skin. Sex talk was new to her. And the raw, spontaneous way in which Dillon spoke was far from the practiced lines she usually heard.
She tightened her lips and tried not to laugh. “Thank you.”
His gaze lingered over a curl trailing past her cheek. “I like your new hairdo, too. Did you wear it this way for me?” His hand moved back to her waist.
Ironically, he didn’t look at all pleased by the notion. A more sophisticated man wouldn’t have asked. He would have assumed, and maybe been flattered, but he wouldn’t have embarrassed the woman by mentioning it. Virginia started to reply, but Dillon interrupted her.
His eyes were narrowed, and he looked reluctant to speak, but the words emerged anyway, low and raw. “Do you let it loose when you make love?” His gloved fingertips slid over her cheek, then over the upsweep of her hair. His gaze followed the path of his hand. “How long is it?”
Oh my. How could she possibly regain control if his every word made her mute with anticipation? Dillon lowered his head and kissed her. His fingers tightened on her skull and the kiss gradually grew more intimate until his mouth ate at hers, voracious and invading. Her fingers wrapped over his wrists, not to pull him away, but to hang on. His passion made her almost dizzy. It wasn’t what she was used to. He was too unrestrained, too natural, too much man. The thought made her heart jump.
He drew back slowly, in small degrees, his tongue licking her lips, his teeth nipping. Finally, his forehead rested against hers and she felt the cool, soft sweep of his long hair over her cheek. His sigh fogged the air between them. “Get in the car. I’ll throw your bag in the back and we can get out of here.”
Virginia glanced into the back of the battered truck and saw that the bed was covered by a tarp. “Whose truck is this?”
“Mine. It gets better traction in the snow.” He opened the trunk of her car, pulled out a small overnight case and cautiously picked his way back across the ice. He stowed the bag beneath the tarp while Virginia watched, then he carefully checked to see that her car was locked up tight. She held out her hand for her keys, but he’d already shoved them deep into his jeans pocket.
“Dillon…”
“In you go, honey.” Not giving her a chance to comment on his high-handedness, he lifted her off her feet, then unceremoniously dropped her into the truck.
He slid in beside her and locked the door.
Virginia fumed. “Don’t you ever do anything like that again!”
He didn’t answer, disconcerting her with his silence. In fact, he seemed different; the very air seemed different. Somehow charged. He put the truck in gear and began pulling away. She heard ice and snow crunching beneath the tires, even over the sound of the blowing heater.
She shifted in her seat, nervousness creeping in on her by slow degrees. Speaking her mind always helped her overcome her fears, helped her to reassert herself, to regain control of any situation. She’d learned that trick while still in high school, throwing student bullies who would pick on her about her weight into a stupor with her blunt honesty and virulent daring. She’d employed her skill throughout college and in the family business after her parents’ deaths. So hitting people broadside with arrogant bravado earned their dislike? It also earned their grudging obedience. And that had been good enough for her, because through most of her life, she’d needed every advantage she could gain. Cliff was the oldest and the heir; Kelsey was the baby—the sweet, pretty one.
Virginia filled the distressing spot of chubby middle child.
She huffed to herself and tightened her cape around her, regretting the brief stroll down memory’s bumpy lane. Such thoughts always brought up her defensive feelings and the feeling of loneliness. Only, she wasn’t alone now, and what always worked for her would work at this moment.
She turned in her seat to face Dillon and prepared to blast him with a few facts of life, namely that she was still the boss and as such, due all courtesies.
“Put on your seat belt.”
Of all the nerve! Her spine went rigid and her nostrils flared. “If you don’t stop ordering me around, we can just forget this little escapade altogether!”
Jaw clenched, he reached for the center floorboards of the truck, where a small thermos sat in a molded plastic car caddy so it wouldn’t tip and spill. Two lidded cups, already filled, were beside it.
“Here.” He handed her a cup. “I thought you might like something hot to keep you comfortable on the trip. I got you out of bed so early I wasn’t sure if you’d have time for coffee at home.”
He glanced at her, and she knew he was judging her mood, trying to decide if he’d managed to placate her. She still felt affronted, but accepted that he was trying. And in a small way, his take-charge attitude stimulated her. In a very small way.
“Thank you.”
He smiled, looking dramatically relieved, then he made a teasing face. “If I ask nice, will you also put on your seat belt? These roads are like a skating rink, and I don’t want to take any chances with you.”
She rather liked his teasing, and his concern. She smiled as she buckled her belt. “There. Happy?”
“Yes.” He reached over and, fingers spread wide, put his large hand on her thigh, gripping her in a familiar way. She held her breath and her stomach flipped sweetly. She waited to see what he would do next, but he seemed preoccupied by the deserted road, almost distracted. An occasional street lamp or passing car lit the interior of the truck cab and she saw his gloved hand looking wickedly dark and sinful against the pale material of her skirt. He didn’t move, didn’t speak. But that heavy hand remained on her leg, and she was incredibly aware of it, of him. She wondered if that hadn’t been his intention all along.
She sipped her coffee, then cleared her throat. “Would you like your cup?”
“In a little while.”
“Where exactly are we going?”
He flashed her a look she couldn’t read, then his gaze dropped to the cup she held. “It’s a surprise.” He returned his attention to the road.
She didn’t want to spoil the adventure, but his strange mood put her on edge. She’d survived a long time by trusting her hunches, and right now, it felt as if things weren’t aligned quite properly. She never felt like this about men, and they never acted like this around her. Always, Dillon had gone out of his way to speak with her, to turn on the charm. But now he seemed so distant, sitting there in a manner that felt very expectant.
Did he want something of her? Was she supposed to be doing something? If so, she didn’t know what. Dillon didn’t behave like other men, which was both exciting and a bit unsettling.
She continued to sip her coffee, trying to push the mingled uneasiness and anticipation away.
After a moment, they turned onto a deserted southbound expressway, heading for Kentucky. Virginia hadn’t gotten enough sleep, so the silence, combined with the easy driving and the early-morning darkness made her eyelids heavy. She closed her eyes and rested her head against the seat. “Where are we going, Dillon?”
His hand left her thigh to rub softly over her cheek, then around her ear. “You look like a snow bunny, you know that?”
His words were so soft. They drifted over her like his lazily moving fingers. With considerable effort, she forced her eyes open and turned her head in his direction. “I wanted to look nice for you,” she whispered, then closed her eyes again, wondering where in hell that bit of confession had come from. She held tightly to her coffee and sipped. The mug was almost empty, but that was okay; she didn’t want any more. She wanted to sleep.
She heard Dillon sigh. “I’m so sorry, Virginia. Remember that, okay?”
Something wasn’t making sense. He sounded pained, but somehow determined. She frowned and forced her eyes open again. Everything was blurred and it took her precious seconds to focus again. Dillon kept glancing at her curiously, his brow furrowed, his gaze intent and diamond hard.
Suddenly, she knew. Her chest tightened in panic and she stared at him. Her breath came fast. “You bastard. You poisoned me.”
“Not poison,” he said, but his voice was strained and there was a ringing in her ears. None of it made sense, at least, in no way she wanted to contemplate. She wouldn’t let the fear take her, wouldn’t let him take her. Hadn’t he warned her himself that someone was threatening her? But he’d been with her when the intruder had been in her house. Unless they were working together…
She narrowed her eyes on him and saw his worried frown. They were moving quickly down the expressway, too quickly. Farther and farther from home. The roads were empty, the day still dark and cold. She felt weaker by the second, and she fought it. She’d have to use her wits before they deserted her. Later, when she was safe, she’d let the hurt consume her. But not until she was safe—and alone once again.
DILLON WISHED SHE’D say something, anything, rather than stare at him in that accusing way. It reminded him of the dream and his stomach cramped. She had to be frightened, and he hated doing this to her. Nevertheless, his body was tense, prepared for whatever she might try.
“What have you done to me?”
He felt cold inside. “I drugged you, just as you assumed. It’s a sleeping drug. It won’t hurt you. Even now, you’re getting drowsy. You might as well stop fighting it, Virginia.” More than anything, he wanted her to sleep so he wouldn’t have to see the disgust and mistrust in her eyes.
She shook her head as if to clear it. “Where are we?”
“Nowhere yet.” He pulled off the main highway and onto a less-traveled rural route, slowing the truck accordingly. It would take longer this way, but there wasn’t likely to be any traffic at all. “We’ve got a while to go.”
Her head lolled on the back of the seat, and she looked out the windows at the scrubby trees, the endless snow. Dillon knew what she saw; no one had cleared this area, and the road was almost invisible between the trees lining it.
It had turned bitterly cold, and the wind whistled around the truck. He saw Virginia shiver and rub her eyes and a strange tenderness welled up in his chest. “Honey, don’t be afraid, okay?”
“Ha! I’m fine,” she managed to snap in slurred tones. She held her shoulders stiff and her hands clenched in her lap. He knew she was fighting the drug and her fear with everything she had. But it was useless.
“As soon as we get to the cabin and you’re awake, I’ll explain what’s going on. I don’t want you to worry.”
“I’m thirsty,” she whispered, ignoring his speech. He supposed, given the circumstances, his assurances were bizarre.
“Sure. Here, there’s a little coffee left.” She glared at him and he added, “Mine. This isn’t drugged. See?” He lifted the mug to this mouth to demonstrate, and that’s when she hit him.
He should have seen it coming, but he hadn’t realized she still had that much strength. Her doubled fists smacked into the cup, jamming it into his mouth, cutting his lip and clipping his nose. He cursed, dropping the cup and doing his best to steer the truck safely to the side of the road. He hit the brakes and shifted gears. They spun to a rocky stop after sliding several feet.
Already, Virginia was working on her door. He’d locked it, of course, and she fumbled, crying in frustration as she tried to find the way to unlock it. He’d put a large piece of electrical tape over the lock switch, just in case.
His hands closed on her shoulders and she turned on him, twisting in the seat and kicking wildly with her small boots. She hit him in the thigh and he grunted.
Subduing her without hurting her proved damn difficult. He finally just gave up and threw his entire weight on top of her. She gasped and cried and cursed as he captured both her hands and held them over her head. His chest pressed against her breasts, his thighs pinned hers.
“Virginia, shh. Baby, it’s all right.”
She looked up, and stark fear darkened her blurry eyes, cutting him deeply.
“Aw, damn.” He closed his eyes, trying to gather his wits. “Honey, I swear, I’m not going to hurt you. Please believe me.”
“Then why?” She began to struggle again, but she was weaker now, her eyelids only half-open. He lowered his chest, forcing her to gasp for air, to go completely still.
“I promise I’ll explain everything at the cabin.”
“What cabin?” she cried, the words slurred and raw.
“The cabin where I’m going to keep you for just a few days, until I’m sure it’s safe. Now, can I let you go?”
She stared up at him, blinking slowly, still fighting. “Your lip is bleeding. And your nose is turning blue.”
“I think you might have broken it.” He tried a small grin, but with his lip numb, it might not have been too effective. “You pack a hell of a punch, especially for a drugged lady.”
“I don’t understand you. You’re not the man I thought I knew.”
“No, I don’t suppose I am. But I won’t hurt you. And in a few days, I’ll take you home. Okay?”
Slowly, she nodded, and when he cautiously released her, she dropped her head back on the seat and took several deep breaths. After a moment, she pulled herself upright. It seemed to take a great deal of effort, but he didn’t touch her. He didn’t want her to slug him again, or possibly hurt herself jerking away.
Her gaze went to the door and the electrical tape. “I should have noticed.”
“It was dark.” He dabbed at his split lip with a hankie. Thankfully, his nose felt more bruised than broken, but it still hurt like hell.
“I have to use the bathroom.”
That stymied him for just a moment. He lifted his hands. “There’s nothing for miles, no gas station, no restaurants…”
“I need to go now. I can’t wait.”
He measured the wisdom of letting her out, but then he looked at her face. He wanted more than anything for her to trust him just a bit. He frowned at his own weakness. “All right. But stay right beside the truck. I’ll turn my back.”
She swallowed and her face flamed. To Dillon, she looked remarkably appealing and feminine. Her hair was half-undone, long strands tumbling around her shoulders, waving around her face. Her strange topaz eyes were slumberous, filled with a mixture of muted anger and anxiety. She breathed heavily, slowly, her lush breasts rising and falling. He hated her fear, hated being the cause of it. But he hadn’t had a choice.
Icy wind and wet snow assaulted him as he opened the door and stepped out. He turned and reached in for Virginia. She swayed, then offered him her hand to allow him to help her out on the driver’s side. That was his first clue. Virginia never admitted to needing help with anything or from anyone. She especially wouldn’t do so now, while she felt so angry and betrayed.
The realization hit just before she did. This time her aim was for his groin, and her aim was true, though thankfully not as solid as it might have been, given her lethargic state.
Air left his lungs in a whoosh and he bent double, then dropped to his knees in the icy snow. He ground his teeth against the pain and cursed her—the stubborn, deceiving little cat. This time when he got his hands on her…
Virginia tried to run, but her legs weren’t working right. She was clumsy, stumbling and falling again and again. She headed for the scraggly trees, even though they wouldn’t offer a speck of concealment. Dillon forced himself to his feet, leaning on the truck as he watched her. She moved awkwardly, hampered by her fear, the drug and the thick snow. He took one more deep breath, which didn’t do a damn thing for the lingering pain and nausea, and started off in a lope after her.
She must have heard his pursuit because she turned to stare wildly at him—and tripped. Dillon saw her go down, saw her land heavily on the ground and not get back up. His heart stopped, then began to thud against his ribs. Oh God.
“Virginia!” He forgot his own pain and charged to her. She lay limp, her face in the snow, and he fell to his knees beside her. She didn’t move. He gently lifted her head and felt for a lump of any kind. There was nothing; the snow had cushioned her fall.
She opened her eyes the tiniest bit and glared at him. In a mere whisper, she said, “You’re a miserable jerk, Dillon.”
“I know, baby. I know.” He smoothed the silky red hair away from her face while cradling her in his arms. “Easy, now. It’s all right. How do you feel?”
“You’ve drugged me.” Her head lolled, her words almost incoherent.
“It’ll be all right, Virginia. I promise. I would never hurt you.”
He heard a low, weak cry, and knew the sound came from Virginia. “Shh. It’s all right. I swear it’s all right.” He listened to his ridiculous litany and wanted to curse himself. Nothing was all right, and he had the feeling it might never be again.
He cuddled her close to his chest, rocked her. “Just relax and go to sleep, sweetheart. I’ll take care of everything. I’ll take care of you. That’s all I’m trying to do, you know.”
Her eyes shut and her body went limp. But just before she gave in, before she let him have his way, she whispered, “You never really wanted me at all.” She sighed. “You never wanted me. Damn you, Dillon…damn you, you never wanted…”
He listened to her breathing. She was asleep. Deeply asleep. Quickly, the cold slicing through him, he hefted her into his arms and started back for the truck. His groin ached and his nose throbbed, but that was nothing compared with how his heart hurt.
For Virginia’s own safety, he wouldn’t take any more chances. She had proven to be a creative captive, and he knew she’d fight him tooth and nail if he gave her the opportunity. That meant taking certain precautions that she wasn’t going to like.
For the second time that day, he lifted her into his truck. But as he strapped her in, as he looked around to make certain there were no witnesses, his brain played her words over and over again. You never wanted me.
SHE WAS SO WRONG, so damn wrong. He wanted her more than he’d ever wanted any woman. And it made no sense. He didn’t like her family or her problems or the confusion she made him feel.
She’d passed out cursing him. Typical of Virginia to fade out while raising hell.
He smoothed his hand over her head, which lay in his lap, her cheek against his expanding fly. He knew it was only his imagination, but he thought he could feel the soft warmth of her breath there.
He was a sick bastard, kidnapping a woman and then getting aroused over her sleeping body. But he couldn’t help himself. Everything about her excited him, and he was helpless against her. He wouldn’t violate her, never that. But he had taken advantage. He was the one who’d pulled her so close. And even as he drove, trying his damnedest to distance himself from what he’d done, he was pulling the pins from her hair and smoothing it with his fingers. He’d told himself he only meant to make her more comfortable, but he knew it was a lie.
Her flaming hair now lay thick and full and shiny over his lap and his belly and his thighs. He shuddered, feeling in his mind and body how it would be if he and Virginia were naked. He tangled a fist in the sinfully sexy mass and pulled it carefully away from her face.
Thick brown lashes lay over her pale cheeks, her lips slightly parted, all arrogance and dominance washed away. She didn’t look like a virago or a witch. She was simply an incredibly enticing woman. But he knew better, and he could only imagine how she’d react when she awoke. It would be a while yet. She’d been sleeping for only an hour. Still, he hadn’t given her that much of the drug, just enough to make certain she couldn’t figure out where they’d gone. He hadn’t wanted her to know where they’d be staying.
The sun was trying to show itself on this hazy winter morning and they’d almost reached their destination when he felt her fingers move, clasping weakly at his thigh. She made a small moaning sound and he stilled. He wanted her to sleep just a little longer. There was one more thing he had to do—one more precaution to take—once they reached the cabin, and it would be easier for both of them if Virginia slept through it.
Because he knew without a single doubt, Virginia would never willingly give up her clothes.
He didn’t plan to give her a choice.
chapter 6
VIRGINIA OPENED her eyes and accepted the feeling of dread that swirled around her. Cautiously, not sure what was wrong or why she felt so disoriented, she lay perfectly still and peered at her surroundings. Her head pounded as she took in the rough plank walls and bare floor. She was in a narrow bed piled high with quilts, cozy and warm, but the air on her face was cool. The cabin, or more like a shack, didn’t appear to have modern conveniences, but the fireplace across the room blazed brightly, the flames licking high and casting an orange glow over the otherwise dark room.
Memories returned in bits and pieces, and with them came a deep ache in her heart. She closed her eyes and bit her lips as the emotional pain swelled.
That rotten, deceiving conniver. That miserable creep. He’d kidnapped her! He’d played her for a fool, pretending to want her, when in truth it had all been a game. She opened her eyes and willed away the tears that threatened. Virginia Johnson did not cry.
After taking several uncertain breaths, she worked up the nerve to turn her head and look for Dillon. She didn’t see him anywhere. The minuscule cabin had only one separate room, not much bigger than a closet. Through its open door she could see it was a bathroom, butting up next to the kitchen area. There was one narrow counter, a stove, small freezer and refrigerator situated around a metal sink. The cabin’s one and only window, mostly blocked by snow on the outside, was situated over the sink.
There were two chairs, one a wooden rocker, the other a threadbare armchair, facing the fireplace. The bed she was lying in—a cot, really—hugged the back wall. Beside the cot was a small dresser that served as a nightstand, holding a clock and a tiny lamp with no shade. In the middle of the room was a badly scarred pine table and two matching chairs.
There was no sound other than the snapping and hissing of the fire. She swallowed, wondering if she might have a chance to escape.
Damn the cold and the snow and whatever distance they’d covered. She would not accept being a victim without choices. It didn’t matter to her if she had to run all the way home.
But as she cautiously sat up in the bed and the quilts fell to her lap, she realized something that had escaped her notice thus far.
Dillon had taken all her clothes.
She stared, appalled, at her barely covered breasts. She had on her teddy, thank God, but other than that, she was as bare as the day she’d been born. Her nipples, stiff now with the washing of cold air, could be plainly seen through the material. Her nylons were even gone, but it didn’t matter.
Mortification hit her first. He’d removed her clothes! He’d viewed her imperfect body, no doubt in minute detail. He’d looked at her at his leisure and found the evidence of her extra pounds—her rounded hips and thighs, the softness of her belly, the fullness of her breasts. She wondered if he’d chuckled as he stripped off her clothes; had he been amused by her attempt at seductiveness?
She felt queasy, sick with embarrassment. Her face flamed and her vision blurred. It was more than a woman could accept, more than she could bear.
Thankfully, outrage hit next, bringing with it a bloodcurdling scream of rage that erupted from her throat and resounded through the tiny cabin again and again.
The door crashed open and Dillon came charging in, his body strangely balanced as if for battle, his gaze alert as he made a quick, thorough survey of the room. He held himself in a fighter’s stance, his black gaze steely and bright. Virginia could only stare.
Oh my. Closing her mouth slowly, she looked him over. He’d shed his civilized demeanor and hadn’t left behind a single trace. His long hair, held off his face by a red bandanna rolled and tied around his forehead, gave him a pagan appearance. The bruise shadowing his nose and the corner of his mouth, discolored even through his sun-browned skin, added to the impression of savagery. His jeans were faded and torn, displaying a part of one muscular thigh and two bare knees. The material over his fly was soft and white with age and cupped him lovingly. His heavy coat was gone, and his flannel shirt lay open at the throat, the sleeves rolled high over a gray thermal shirt. Incredibly, he seemed to be sweating.
His black eyes lit on her, then perused her body, lingering on her throbbing breasts and the shadowed juncture of her legs. Belatedly, Virginia grabbed the quilt and snatched it to her throat. Her insides seemed to curl up tight.
“What’s wrong?” he demanded.
Virginia stared at him. His chest heaved from whatever activity had made him sweat, and possibly the fright she’d given him. She realized that he must have come charging in prepared to rescue her from some unknown threat. She wanted to laugh—after all, he was her only threat—but she couldn’t manage it.
When she remained mute, he firmed his mouth into a grim line and headed back to close the door he’d left hanging open. “Stupid question, right? Do you always screech like a wet cat when you wake up?”
She was taken aback by his uncharacteristic sarcasm, and it took her a moment to gather the wit to speak. “Where the hell are my clothes?”
“Gone.”
That flat answer caused her heart to skip in dread. “What do you mean, gone? Damn it, Dillon, what’s going on here?”
He walked over and sat on the edge of the cot, prompting her to scurry back as far as she could. The wall felt cold against her shoulder blades, but the alternative would have been to touch him, and that was out of the question. She could already smell him—a cold, fresh-air scent mixed with raw masculinity and clean sweat. His dark eyes had never looked more intense as he took his time gazing at her features.
In a low, awe-filled voice, he asked, “How the hell did you manage to hide so much hair in that tight little knot you usually wear?” His gaze followed the length of one long curl as it rippled over her shoulder, almost to her lap. Words beyond her, Virginia squirmed under his scrutiny.
He reached out and twined a thick strand around his finger. “I’ve never seen hair like yours.”
Virginia jerked, then winced at the tug on her hair. Dillon released her.
He chewed the side of his mouth, all the while studying her. “I was outside chopping wood. I meant to be in here when you woke up so you wouldn’t be frightened. But as you can see, the only heat we’re going to have here is from the fireplace and stove.”
“Let me go.”
“No.” He pulled the bandanna off and used it to wipe his face. His long hair fell free and she caught another whiff of that enticing scent unique to him. “After I finish splitting the wood, I’ll put on some soup or something and you can eat. I’ll have you comfortable soon enough.”
No longer was he the man she knew. He didn’t act or move or speak like the old Dillon. There was no feigned deference, no show of politeness. He told her what he would do, and seemed to think she’d simply accept it.
But her mind shied away from that, from the ramifications of being stolen away by a man she didn’t know—this man. So she skipped the questions clamoring uppermost in her mind and concentrated on another, more immediate one. “Where are my clothes, you bastard?”
He made a tsking sound, amusement bright in his eyes. “Such language, and from a lady of your standing.”
Without thought, she swung at him, her burst of anger overshadowing her better judgment. When he caught her fist, he was grinning with genuine humor. “I can’t tell you how relieved I am you’re not wailing and crying and shivering in fear.” He moved, flipping her down on the bed and catching her other fist, too, as she swung it. He leaned over her, his big body hot and hard, covering her own. In a whisper, he said, “Don’t fight me, Virginia. You can’t win.”
His gaze bore into hers, and he was so close she felt his every breath. Then, suddenly, he sat up and moved away. The racing of her heart and the jumping of her stomach refused to subside. She didn’t move, too intent on trying to calm herself from what felt like a tussle with a large male animal. Which wasn’t far from the truth.
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