Before she could stick him, her arms were grabbed, twisted, and pinned behind her back. The ring fell to the dirty ground.
Good thing I came as an insurance policy, a gleeful voice said from behind her.
Still unable to move, Blue glared at the tall, muscular Arcadian spinning Evie and slamming her against the brickwork. It was like watching a horror movie in slow-mo. Every detail was in Technicolor. From the surprise on her face to the dust that sprayed from the building.
An indignant gasp left her.
Absolute, utter rage detonated inside of Blue. He drew all of his power into his core, letting it concentrate there, building layer upon layer.
Im giving you one chance to let me go, she gritted. And then things are going to get nasty.
I think they already are nasty. The Arcadian patted her body down, looking for weapons.
Yeah? Wait till you see this. She slammed the back of her skull into his nose.
Bellowing, the Arcadian released her and stumbled away. She whipped around and punched him in the throat. As he gasped for air, she kicked him between the legs. He collapsed face-first, a writhing puddle of agony.
Blue released his grip on the power, and as it exploded through him, life twitched into his muscles, allowing him to trip forward. He grabbed Evie by the arm and drew her behind him . . . then whaled the Arcadian.
He punched, and punched, and punched. You dont hurt her. Ever. Punched, and punched, and punched. Blood sprayed. Teeth flew and skidded across the ground.
Soon, there was nothing left of the guys face.
Uh, I think hes dead now, Evie said. You can stop and maybe we can go the hell home.
Blue jolted at the sound of her voice. He was panting, and he knew he had to look fearsome. Still, he straightened and jerked her into his arms, needing her close, if only to soothe the bestial rage inside him.
She offered no resistance. Even curled closer.
Im sorry, baby. Im so sorry I let him get to you. Hell never harm you again.
Hey, it wasnt your fault. I was so primed to get to you, I forgot to scour for a third hit man. Very gently, she began to pet his chest. And you killed him real good, Blue. Watching you work was a real pleasure. My review will be glowing. Hes not going to harm anyone ever again. Promise.
If anything had happened to her . . .
He wasnt sure what he would have done. Right now he was having trouble muting his emotions. Panic. Fear. Relief. Anger.
A long while passed before he felt calm enough to speak again. You have a lot of explaining to do, young lady! he snarled, pushing her away while maintaining his hold on her shoulders. Dude. Maybe you should have waited a bit longer. Why the hell did you leave the house?
She broke away with a single step back, and a rumble of irritation cut through his chest. Do you really want to do this here and now? Some of our audience is still alive.
He turned and shot both the Cortaz and the Bree Lian in the face. Yellow beams. Not azure. Death rather than stun. Not anymore.
Blue! she said, and stomped her foot. We could have interrogated them.
I got all the answers I needed from them. So. I ask again. Why did you crawl out the freaking window, Evie?
She threw her arms up in a what-did-I-do-to-deserve-this gesture.
Well?
Several reasons, she said, raising her chin.
Name one.
I saw the guys lurking in my yard.
And you didnt call for me? he shouted.
I didnt want to lose them, and, quite frankly, I needed a little time away from you. Time to think.
Inside him, the fury chilled, becoming far more dangerous. Is that so? Well, then, take all the time you need, princess. He stomped away, never looking back.
* * *
Evie knew shed made a mess of things.
Blue was in the guest room and she was in her room. They were like boxers in their respective corners. Sunrise would be the starting bell, and only one of them would be declared the winner.
I cant wait that long.
She had to make things right. Already she missed their easy banter. Their . . . friendship.
They really were friends, werent they?
Wearing a tank and shorts, she marched down the hall and into his room. For once he wasnt working. The lights were out, and she couldnt see jack, but she could feel the hum of his power.
You awake? she asked loudly.
I am now, he grumbled.
Good. You promised wed have snugs and then you dare not deliver? Dont be that guy. She climbed into the bed and stuffed herself under the covers. Divine body heat enveloped her, and she shivered, her lust level rising quickly.
Though she pressed into his side, he didnt tug her any closer. You arent the only one in need of time apart, Evie.
Ouch. Im not used to this relationship stuff, okay? Ive never even had a boyfriend. Ive had boys that took advantage of a young girl desperate for someones approval, guys that used me for a night and snuck awayand, yeah, okay, that always made me feel like crap and I suck for doing the same to you, and Im sorry. I was wrong. And I know you told me not to apologize anymore, but it really does bear repeating. I was also wrong to judge you and call you the very names I called myself for years. Minus the he- and -man, of course. Youre a great guy, Blue, and its throwing me off my game.
At first he gave no reaction. Then, with a sigh, he tucked his arm under her nape and rolled her into his side. She nearly wept with relief.
You are not a whore or a slut, he said. And I dont want to hear you talk like that ever again.
His vehemence thrilled her. Who was she kidding? Everything about him thrilled her. I want to be with you while were working this case, she admitted. You and no one else. Not just once or twice, but every day, every night. I want us to be exclusive.
A pause.
A pause that scared her.
Rejection? This one would hurt more than any other. But she was a fighter and wasnt going to give up easily. Not this time. You need space to think. I get it. Meanwhile, ask me anything, she said. Ill tell you straight up. Ill even kick things off. Do I think this relationship is going to be easy? No. Do I think itll be worth it? Yes.
No longer hesitating, he said, What happened to Claire?
She stiffened. Of course hed go there. But shed said she would spill, and so she would. Three years ago, Michael assigned me a job, told me to pick a couple of agents to help with recon before I made the kill. The more she spoke, the easier it was to get the words out. But I didnt want to pick a couple of agents. I wanted to do it on my own. I was so certain Id succeed, and then I could hog all the glory.
He didnt say anything, but his arms tightened around her.
Do you remember the Night-light Killer?
Yes.
It was her. I narrowed down my suspects to two, did more recon on both, and decided it was one over the other. I was rightand I was wrong. I made my kill, and while I was busy patting myself on the back for a job well done, the other woman was doing recon on me. The two were partners. Id taken her best friend, so she waited for the perfect moment to strike and take mine.
Blue kissed her temple. You dont have to tell me the rest.
Yeah, but the rest of the details poured out of her anyway, unstoppable. I came home and found Claire in pieces. Blood everywhere. And on the television screen was playing a loop of the murder. In it, Claire screamed. She screamed so much and even begged for me to save her. Until the woman ripped out her throat. Then she quieted, and I wanted so badly for the screams to start back up because it would mean she was alive. My sweet, gentle girl alive.
Oh, baby. Im sorry. Im so sorry.
Her chin trembled and tears trickled down her cheeks. After that, I told Michael I was done with the agency, and I meant it.
So youre not back on payroll once John is found?
No. Im going back to the hospital.
Do you like it there?
Yes.
But not love?
I . . . dont know anymore.
I think you love being an agent. Youre so good at it.
Thank you. But . . . Im not going to risk leading a criminal to an innocent ever again.
Youre wiser now. You know how to avoid
No.
He sighed. Okay, baby. Okay. Lets backtrack a little, then. You said you want to be with me as long as were working on the case. What happens after?
Afterward you go back to your house and your life.
And that means we cant see each other anymore?
Her brows drew together in genuine confusion. Doesnt it?
No, he said. Not to me. Never had he sounded more determined.
I know this isnt the deal with Tiffany, but one day the seduction of a target is going to be the only option open to you. And Im not dropping the hammer of judgment on you or anything like that. I just know the kind of cases youre given, and Im stating what I can and cannot accept from a boyfriend.
At first he gave no reaction. Then his grip tightened on her, almost bruising her, and she wondered what thoughts tumbled through his head.
So . . . I called Michael, he said, changing the subject, and told him to put a watch on Tyson Star if at all possible.
Disappointment hit her. Shed wanted assurances from him, she realized. Good thinking. Its odd that the guy wants me. I mean, he wouldnt even meet with me when I toured Star Light. Talk about setting myself up for the perfect snatch-and-kill.
Didnt want your disappearance linked with his business, I guess.
All right, Ill give you that, but why does he want me?
I can think of two reasons. Either to please his father and help the guy nail Michael, using you as bait, or hes taken over the empire, since Daddy is hiding in the country, and as Michaels daughter youre now a liability.
Blue always seemed to home in on motive, something Evie always struggled with. She was great with gadgets but horrible with other peoples reasoning. Well, Im sending Tyson a personal invite to the victory party. Hed better come.
I have a feeling he will, since theres no way his sister will stay awaywhich is why I want you to stay away. You shouldnt make it easy for Tyson to get to you.
Uh, that would be a big fat no. Besides, the party is at his hotel, and if youre right and he doesnt want to involve his business, he wont make a play for me while Im there. Its the safest place I could be.
Had a feeling youd say that, he grumbled. We need to get some sleepafter we have sex. Papa wants some loving. But Ill make it fast, because weve got a big day tomorrow.
So kind of you. Feeling suddenly shy, she said, Afterward are we going to have our snugs?
Try to get away. I dare you.
* * *
Intruder. Intruder.
Blue jolted upright, instantly alert. Evie did the same, the covers falling to her waist. Sunlight slanted through the curtains, highlighting her beauty. Her tank was bunched under her breasts, revealing the flat plane of her stomach. She was blinking rapidly, trying to focus.
Hed been having the most erotic dream, his hands all over her body, his mouth soon following, when all of a sudden
Intruder. Intruder.
That.
Someones trying to break in, she gasped. She jumped to her feet and raced out of the room before he could stop her.
Cursing, he grabbed the pyre-gun hed shoved under his pillow. He pulled on a pair of boxer briefs that did nothing to hide the stiff morning wood he would have liked to introduce to Evie.
Intruder was going to pay. Severely.
He stalked into the hallway. The sunlight was brighter there, streaming through uncovered windows, filling the confined space. No sign of Evie.
Gonna spank that girl so hard. Shed left him behind like a damsel in distress.
Then she raced out of her bedroom, still in her tank and shorts. Her expression was all Why are you just standing there?
Theyre in the kitchen, she whispered.
They?
Theres two of them.
How do you know?
I checked the data stream from my room.
Blue moved to the stairs, descended quietly. Evie stayed at his side. He wanted to lock her in a room, keeping her out of danger, but couldnt bring himself to do it. She was a good agentvery good.
Last night, she had rescued him.
And afterward, in the dark of his room, shed nearly broken his heart with her sorrow over Claire. Every day he fell a little deeper under her spell.
When they reached the bottom step, he motioned for her to branch to the right, go around back, and come in the kitchen through the yard entrance.
She nodded and took off.
He slunk around a corner, gaze scanning, ears listening. A womans voice registered.
please turn that thing off. Its upsetting the baby.
Baby?
Im trying, sweetheart, I swear I am, but Ive never encountered a system quite like this one.
A male voice.
One he recognized. Solo. Solo was here.
Running now, Blue burst into the kitchen. Solo had his back to him as he messed with the security box beside the yard entrance. The male immediately straightened, pulling a small blonde behind him with one hand and aiming a gun at Blue with the other. As soon as Blues identity registered, he lowered the gun.
Youre alive, Blue said. Hed known Solo was aliveof course he hadand had even known the male was in the area, but that was the equivalent of a starving man stumbling upon a banquetwith raw, uncooked food. Hed needed to see his friend with his own eyes.
Im alive, Solo agreed.
Dude. Blue strode forward, grinning from ear to ear.
The back door splintered open and Evie flew into the kitchen, pyre-gun raised and ready. Solo reacted just as he had before, protecting the blonde and lifting a weapon.
Solo? Evie demanded, arms falling to her side. Bloody hell, man. Do you know how close you came to losing your head?
As close as you came to losing yours? The male did not lower his weapon.
Having none of that, Blue used his power to force the gun out of Solos kung fu grip, letting it hover just out of reach.
Solo frowned at him. I wouldnt have shot her. I just wanted to make a point.
No ones losing their head today, Blue snapped, swiping the gun and slamming it on the counter. Especially Evie.
Especially Evie? Solo stared at him as though hed just sprouted horns and a tail.
The little blonde jammed her hands on her hips. If youre going to fight, lets make it interesting. Take off your clothes while I get the oil.
Evie slapped her gun beside Solos. Next time, come to the front door and knock, you bloodyargh! Glaring, she pointed at Blue. If he broke anything, its going on your bill. And Im charging double!
Knowing Evie better now, Blue saw her through a new pair of eyes. She wasnt angry with Solo about possible damage to her home. She was scared about what could have happenedharm to her, to Blue, even the harm she could have done to Solo and his womanand she was trying to purge the excess emotion the only way she knew how. Through her fiery temper.
He wanted to pull her into his arms so badly, he shook. And he would have done it, uncaring about their audience, if he thought she would let him. Right now she might just claw out his eyes and use the insides to spread on her toast.
Ill pay the charges, whatever they are, he said, and Solo gaped at him.
Good, because you owe me a new back door! A good one, too. Nothing mass-produced. She stomped to the security panel Solo had been screwing with and punched in a code, then rerouted some of the wires. The alarm finally shut off. That just cost you an extra thousand.
Why so much? Solo asked. That system is glitched to the max.
Glitched? Did you say glitched? Bombs exploded in Evies eyes. She grabbed her weapon and was about to aim at Solos chestand probably go trigger-happy.
Mr. Judah had just crossed her line.
It wouldnt shut off, Solo gritted.
For a reason, you idiot, she snapped.
Blue took the gun from her. Dont crap on her security system, he told his friend. Its the best youll ever come across. To Evie he said gently, Did you hear me, princess? The best. And you know I dont lie.
Gradually she calmed down. Youre right. The best. I cant blame a layman for not recognizing genius when he sees it.
Cant smile. Solo was far from a layman.
Blue gave the baffled Solo a hug and a slap on the back. His friend gave him a slap as well and almost drilled him into the ground. Guy didnt know his own strength.
Without the taint of kill-or-be-killed aggression, Blue looked the warrior over. Same shaggy black hair he liked to cut with a blade, same electric-blue eyesexcept they were no longer glazed with constant inner pain. They were almost . . . soft. Definitely happy.
Where have you been, my friend? Why havent you come to see me before now? Blue gave the blonde with plum-colored eyes a thorough once-over. And whos the babe?
Grinning, Solo tugged the curvy little female close to his side. Blue, Id like you to meet Vika, my wife. Vika, this is Blue, my partner.
Vika waved at him. So fantastic to meet you at last. Ive heard such wonderful things. She was Solos opposite in every way. Tiny, petite, soft, and pretty. And her disposition seemed to be sweeter than sugar.
The dark-haired tyrant is Evie, Blue said, motioning to her. Shes my What? He pondered the best word to use. friend. No matter what, that was still true. Although, he wanted more. More of what theyd had last night. Sex and sharing. Cuddling. Waking up with her in the morning. And he could have it. Shed offered.
But shed offered something with a definite expiration date.
He should be okay with that.
He wasnt.
Now that the introductions are over, why dont you go put on some clothes, Blue, Solo said, and Vika giggled. Then well talk.
Id be fine with you staying as is, the girl said.
He looked down at himself. Thinking about Evie had gotten him hard again. Wasnt that just freaking great.
He met Evies gaze and realized she was now trying not to laugh.
Worth the humiliation.
I dont know why you think this is funny, candy cane. Youre in the same half-naked boat.
She gave him a double-birded salute before walking away, calling over her shoulder, At least my flotation device isnt sticking out for everyone to see.
Nineteen
AFTER DRESSING IN A T-shirt and jeans, Evie called Michael to let him know what was going on. He couldnt wait to see Solo, and snuck over. Watching him jerk the agent into his arms filled her with happiness rather than the usual jealousy.
She was so happy, in fact, that she mixed up her favorite fruit smoothie and offered everyone a glass.
Blue brushed his fingers over hers as he claimed his portion, and tingles of heat and power nearly drew a moan out of her. She was hungry for him. More than hungry. Starving. Theyd had sex a third time during the night, and shed wanted a fourth in the morning.
Waiting, now that she knew just how perfectly he filled her, was . . . difficult.
Solo stared at his cup as if she might be trying to poison him, but Vika jumped up to give her a hug.
Thank you.
Oh, uh, were really going to do this? Evie said, uncomfortable. Even though were strangers?
The hug merely tightened. We are going to be the best of friends. I just know it.
Okay. Uh, sure. If thats what you want. But I have to warn you, you might change your mind after you get to know me.
She wont, Blue called.
Was he confident in Evies charm, or just determined to force a friendship if necessary?
Vika urged her to the couch. Once theyd settled, she placed Evies hand on the bulge in her belly. I shouldnt be this big, but Solo tells me his race has accelerated gestation. Do you feel my sweet baby boy?
No. A baby, she thought. A family. Something she hadnt ever wanted for herself. Had that changed?
She thought for a minute, shrugged. Maybe. Not with Blue, though. Shed told him that he wasnt a forever kind of guy, that a case would come along and hed have to do what he did best, and he hadnt denied it. But maybe later, one day in the future, she could start a family with a doctor at the hospital.
Yeah. Okay. The idea didnt exactly repel her.
Except . . . it was Blue her mind conjured when she thought of lying in bed with a man, his hand on her swollen belly, and little white-haired, lavender-eyed half Arcadians she saw toddling around her house.
Concentrating, she applied a little more pressure. But . . . nothing. No, she said again, disappointed. I think he went into hiding the moment he heard my voice.
Are you taking a nap, angel? Vika asked her belly. Mommy loves you, oh, yes she does.
Evie scanned the room, wondering what the guys thought about the girls baby talk. Michael and Solo were deep in conversation, though Solo, who sat on Vikas other side, had his arm draped around her to massage the back of her neck.
Blue was staring at Evie with a strange look on his face.
What? she mouthed.
He shook his head, refusing to answer.
Confusing man.
The motion caught Michaels attention. What was that, son?
Without missing a beat, Blue said, Solo, I believe you had some answers for me.
Right. The otherworlder never stopped ministering to his wife. By the time I reached New Chicago, I knew Michael was alive but playing dead. Hed paid a visit to Vika before I was able to find my way back to earth. What I didnt know was your location, Blue. I wanted you to be alive, but . . . He cleared his throat. That AIR agent, Dallas Gutierrez, had a friend trapped in the circus with me. I knew he was looking into Star, and I knew Star had been at the explosion site. I started following Dallas, hoping hed make an arrest and I could strike. Then I saw him at Evies, saw Evie drive to your house, and I began to suspect the two of you were working together. Then you went public, Blue, and I knew Id been right. Then I decided to let things ride because Id drawn AIRs notice, and they were coming in strong. I didnt want to put you on their radar.
He took care of that himself when he smashed Dallass nuts beneath his boot, Evie said. So is AIR no longer after you, Solo?
No. Last night Dallas tracked me down and gave me all the info hed been able to put together on Star. Apparently, Stars planning to host some big fashion exhibit for his daughters newest line. Golden Sunrise is what theyre calling it.
Golden. Like John.
When? Blue demanded, his fury evident in every bulging muscle.
Two weeks.
The color drained from his cheeks. Theyve already done it, then. Theyve already skinned him.
Grim, Solo said, Yeah. I figure shes making the clothes now.
Oh, John, no. According to Tiffany, two weeks was when hed been scheduled for skinning. Not the actual show. The Stars had moved up their timeline.
Blues power suddenly electrified the air, and furniture lifted off the floor and hovered. Vika gasped, scrambling closer to her husband.
Blue, Solo and Michael said in unison, both using soft, soothing tones.
Calm down, Michael added.
Words werent going to do the job. Last time shed used her body, and both she and Blue left the encounter satisfiedand alive. With an audience, that wasnt exactly an option. So Evie hopped to the floor, closed the distance, and slapped him. Hard.
Solo commanded her to back off.
Michael held out his hand to stop her from doing it again. Thats not how you handle him, sunbeam.
She crossed her arms over her middle. You got anything to say to me, blueberry?
He glared over at her as he rubbed his jawand, what do you know, the furniture settled back into place. What was that for?
Dont act like you dont know. Now do yourself a favor and focus, she said, cruel to be kind. For sure this time. I know youre angry, but break down on your own time. Your friend needs you to keep it together.
At first he gave no reaction. Then he nodded stiffly and said, No probs.
Before she could stop it, a huge smile spread across her face. Good. Thats, like, totes amazeballs.
Blue actually laughed out loud.
Whats so funny? Michael asked. And why are you talking like that?
Nothing, they muttered in unison.
And just because, she added.
She turned away before she made a (bigger) fool of herself and reclaimed her spot on the couch. Vika watched her with awe, Michael and Solo with suspicion.
Her heart drummed in her chest. Michael was going to be more ticked than shed assumed, she realized. And he was going to blame Blue.
Blimey. She was going to be the dumb hobag stuck between an old rock and a very sexy hard place, wasnt she? And one day Blue would hate her for itand hed have every right!
Should have resisted him.
But now that the damage is done . . . theres no reason not to forge full pleasure ahead.
Now, then. She cleared her throat. We know Tiffany works from home. We also know that home has guards stationed at her door 25-8. We assumed that was because Star was determined to protect his daughter, but what if the men are there to protect the pelt?
I can sneak in, Blue said. Steal it.
There might not be any need, Evie replied. If she attends the party, you can compel an invitation to her house. You wanted to leave with her anyway. And that way shell make the guards wait outside as well as turn off any alarm she has, giving you free rein and an entire night to search unimpeded.
Blue scrubbed a hand over his jaw, his gaze locked on her. Expecting her to balk at the thought of him alone with the girl? Evie hadnt lied. She trusted him. His honor wasnt readily apparent at first glance, but it was there.
All right, he finally said. But if she doesnt attend, Im going in after the party.
Where was his earlier confidence that Tiffany wouldnt miss out on a date with him? Deal. And meanwhile Evie would go after Tyson Star with everything she hadcharm, drugs, whatever was necessaryand try to get her own invitation. If he was holding John, he would suffer and beg for death before she finally ended him.
By the time this was over, all of the Stars would be dead.
No mercy.
Remember Tyrese Cooper? Michael said, switching gears. I finally got him to detox. Hes married, but he was keeping a mistress on the side. The mistress got pregnant and he served the wife with divorce papers. A few weeks later, the mistress came up missing. Then, a few days ago, pictures were sent to Mr. Cooper. In them, the mistress was in bed with different men. A lot of different men. To the untrained eye, she probably looked like she was enjoying herself, but there were signs she had been drugged and bound.
Possibly an abduction. Then . . . punishment? For her? Or Mr. Cooper? Or, hell, both?
Thats unconscionable, Vika said, her chin trembling.
The symbol of revenge . . . Had Mr. Coopers wife arranged for the mistress to be hurt and the husband to bear witness? She was the only one with motive. But if so, she must have paid Star to take care of the revenge for her. That was the only reason Evie could think of for the males involvement.