Pagan had to be foaming-at-the-mouth worried. Not because of the women but because of his absence. On all of his football trips and all of his out-of-country missions, hed always kept in touch with her.
Just . . . shut it, Evie. He swiped his hand over the text until the screen went blank. Not another word out of you.
Word.
He rolled his eyes. Real mature.
Thank you.
He threw a file at her.
Are you on your period or something? she said, her tone snippy. First you looked ready to laugh, and now you look ready to commit murder. Your mood swings are a wee bit out of control, yeah.
He was not the one with a freaking emotional disorder! Theres nothing wrong with sleeping around, he gritted. Hed just never wanted to do it, had always craved monogamy. He knew how precious it was.
There is something horribly wrong when youve got a partner.
I know that. Cheating isnt what I meant.
Besides, she continued, no one likes a himbo.
Actually, everyone does.
Yeah, for the whole five minutes they have of his attention.
I promise you, I grant my women more than five minutes of my time.
She opened her mouth to comment and he decided hed had enough.
Instead of obsessing about my sex life, princess, he said, why dont you get one of your own?
She backed a step away from him. First, I am not obsessing about your sex life. Second, who says I dont have one?
Do you? He tensed all over again as he waited for her response.
She never offered one, and he could only wonder what that meant. That she didnt have a man and was embarrassed, or that she didas the sweatpants and boxers suggestedand wanted him kept out of agency business . . . kept safe.
The thought ticked Blue off, and it had nothing to do with wanting her for himself. Hed been sleeping in her bed. He simply didnt like the thought of sharing sheets with some lame asshole who was going to end up with a broken face the next time he put his skeevy hands on Evie Black!
You want to fight the guy now? Seriously?
He forced himself to get back to work, and searched for articles about Solomon Judah and John No Last Name. There wasnt a single mention of either male. But then, neither had ever led a public life. When Solo wasnt working, he spent his time at some hick backwater farm without any kind of modern convenience (shudder). And John . . . well, Blue wasnt sure what John did in his off time. The warrior had secrets, and Blue and Solo never pressed.
I have to find them.
When a friends life was at stake, he had to question everything and everyone. Nothing could be overlooked. Every piece of information had to be verified.
Blue leaned back in the chair and ran a hand through his hair, swiveling to face Evie. Beautiful, irritating Evie.
John and Solo are out there. They need me.
Her expression softened, and she nodded. Believe me, I know how you feel. My father is out there, too.
He was struck by the most insane urge to pull her into his lap and hug her close. To offer comfort . . . and to take it. I wont stop until all three are safe. You have my word.
Good, she said. Because I wont stop, either. Im officially on the case.
Uh, what now? Counteroffer. You go back to the hospital and let the big boy do all the heavy lifting. Ill report in at least once a day. Youll never have to wonder whats going on.
She shook her head, ponytail dancing. My counter to your counter. Go screw yourself.
I have. Its not actually half-bad.
Her eyes narrowed. Pig.
Prude.
A name Ill wear with pride. But take a moment to think this through. As Michaels daughter, Im your superior. What I say goes.
Please. Give me an order. Lets see what happens.
Looking ready to spit nails, she said, Im helping, Blue. Got it?
No. Youre not an agent anymore. Youll only get in my way. And possibly get one or both of them killed.
Anger sparked in those chocolate eyes. News flash. Youre either going to work with me, or against me. One way or another, Im investigating. But before you decide, maybe think back and remember what happened to the people who got in my way during my agenting days.
Theyd ended up in the hospital, either physically ill or physically broken. Coincidence.
Wow. Way to stand up for what you dont believe in, Blue.
Her grin was cold and certain. Step one of my solo mission. Proving you wrong. I hope you enjoy raging diarrhea.
Fine. Why should he care if she got hurt?
Michael, thats why. Right. Not Blues ongoing . . . attraction to her. There. Hed admitted it. It wasnt just arousal. Wasnt something he could tuck away and easily forget. Horror of horrors, some part of him found the moody woman appealing. And sexy. And sensual. And thrilling.
Arguing with her turned him on.
Who are you trying to fool? Youve been turned on since the moment you woke up.
Maybe it was the forbidden aspect of their relationship. Yeah. That had to be it. He couldnt have her, so of course he craved her. Like the sugar he loved but couldnt eat, because it screwed the hell out of his heartbeat.
What about your real job? he asked, trying one last time to get rid of her.
She grinned again, but it was smug this time. My father owns St. Anthony. Bought it just for me, in fact. So I can take off as many days as I want.
My review of you as an employee? He gave her a thumbs-down.
Im torn up inside. Really.
Was he ever going to win one of their disagreements?
Give me a day to figure things out and make a plan. Plus I need to sneak home, check out my house, make sure no one broke in or took anything, and gather a few supplies. Tomorrow Ill know whether I should stay dead or miraculously come back to life, and well go to the explosion site together. Its the only place I know to start.
She thought for a moment, then gave another nod. All right. Okay. But know this. If youre lying to me, trying to ditch me, Im going to hunt you down and make you wish youd actually burned to death.
If anyone could do it, he thought, it would be her.
Great. Something else to like about her. Follow-through.
He needed to get back to hating her. Like now. Otherwise, resisting her would be more difficult than it already was, and he didnt need difficult right now.
He needed answers.
Six
THE WINDOWS IN EVIES car were tinted so dark, Blue didnt have to hide in back during the drive home. He sat up front, marveling that the world had continued on without him. It was morning, so people strode along the sidewalks, rushing off to work. Lines formed in front of the coffee shops. A team of pickpockets swept through the crowds, liberating wallets and jewelry.
For the first ten minutes, neither Blue nor Evie said a word, and he was glad. Theyd argued all the way into the garage.
Be on the lookout for tails, hed said. Before and after you drop me off.
Duh. I do know what Im doing, bluebonnet.
And make sure you do a visual sweep of your entire property line when you return, just in case someone
Dude! I know.
Now he was too busy battling his body to spar with her. Her honey-almond scent saturated the entire vehicle. He kept imagining easing her to her back and pinning her with his weight. Sliding his hands under her shirt . . . then her jeans. Touching every inch of her. Kissing and tasting every inch of her.
He cursed. He needed to buy her a new body lotion. Maybe one called Dog Crap and Old Sneakers. Or Locker Room Man-Sweat.
At the fifteen-minute mark, Evie broke the silence. Hey, Sir Sexalot. Were almost there.
Thank God. Escape. Notice I dont threaten you when you call me ridiculous names.
Brilliant. Let me give you a medal.
He scowled at her. Going to win one day.
But the difference is, she added, the names I give you are steeped in truth.
Well, then, why dont I just call you Judgmental Bitch from now on? Thats about as truthful as I can get.
No response from her.
Finally. Victory.
But it felt kind of hollow.
He gave her the code to his security gate. Park in the garage and close the door, sugar tush, he said in an attempt to lighten the mood. Any spying neighbors . . . or hiding paparazzi . . . or lurking bad guys . . . would just assume she came looking for him or even her father, the owner of the Invaders.
She obeyed without protestor another smart remark. A true miracle.
Problem was, he was actually . . . disappointed.
Tomorrow, he said, exiting the vehicle.
Tomorrow, she confirmed.
Was that anticipation in her tone?
By the way, she called. Your new nickname for me? I like it. Because youre right. It fits. But I think I prefer JB.
And this round goes to Honey Badger as well.
He waited until she pulled out of the garagewhy did it feel like he was losing an appendage?before he slipped into the backyard, remaining in the shadows as he checked for tracks. He found none. His heart rate jacked up and his muscles tensed when he unlocked the back door and turned the knob.
Hinges creaked, but nothing exploded.
Still he didnt relax. He inspected the inside of the house for any signs of tampering. Hed always liked the place. It was three times as large as Eviesstop obsessing about her, moronand decorated with dark browns, like Evies eyes, and pure whites, like her skin, and deep reds, like her lips, and if he didnt wipe that girl from his mind, his temper would get the better of him and he would start ripping the brick from the walls.
At least there was nothing out of the ordinary; the house was exactly as hed left it.
He took a heated enzyme shower, the mist cleaning him more thoroughly than water, and studied his reflection in the full-length mirror. His skin had grown back, but he was now without any of his tattoos. Hed liked those tattoos. More importantly, women had liked those tattoos. For some reason, theyd enjoyed tracing the edges with their tongues.
To do: Get new tattoos.
What would Evie like? he wondered, then promptly cursed. What did he care what she liked? Wasnt like hed ever give her a peep show. Or a taste.
Yeah. He wanted her to taste.
Enough!
After he dressed in a black tee and slacks, he sat at the desk in his office to watch the security feed. Pagan had come to the door about a thousand times and had even tossed a rock at the (unbreakable) window during her final visit, but the alarm had scared her off. No one else had so much as approached the property line.
So, again, the person responsible for the explosion either thought he was dead or never really had a beef with him.
He thought back. While lying broken and bleeding in the rubble of Michaels home, he overheard bits and pieces of a conversation. He hadnt recognized the speakers.
with this one?
fetch a decent price.
Hell fetch a decent price. Where, though? On the black market? As a sex slave?
this one?
ashing him.
Finish ashing him. That was Blue, no question. For sure, he was thought to be dead.
last one?
keeping him.
Im keeping him. Or maybe: Were keeping. Or even: Theyre keeping him.
That meant one of Blues friends had been sold and one had been kept.
Solo was unnaturally tall and cut with the kind of muscle earned only on the bloodiest of battlefields. When he was angry, his skin reddened and his bones thickened. He became the monster of grim fairy tales.
John was Rakan, like a priceless work of art come to dazzling life. He was just as tall as Blue, just as muscled, but exquisitely golden from head to foot. And, truth be told, he was the only man in this world or any other capable of making Blue look hideous in comparison.
Ego much?
Why yes. Thank you. Blue was certain his ego was as lovely as the rest of him.
Anyway. The culprit might have hoped to tame the gruesome Solo, perhaps use him as hired muscle. He definitely would have considered John the better sex slave.
John, who hated being touched.
Rakans were so rare, they were always top sellers.
Blue closed his eyes against the horrors his friends might even now be enduring. He had to find the pair. Soon. Then he had to punish the man responsible.
What did he know for sure?
AIR thought Star was involved. But was he?
There werent many men with enough connections or cunning to bypass the security Solo had set up at Michaels. There werent many men rich enough to pay someone to set a bomb in such a high-ranking commanders house, either, without fearing the consequences. Blue still figured that someone had to have used someone elsesomeone like Michaels former assistant, because that was the only way such a plan could have worked.
Star fit each instance. But then, so did a handful of others. But then, only Star had been a target for potential elimination.
What exactly did AIR have on the man?
Only one way to find out. Blue hacked into the AIR data system for information about Star, the explosion, Michael, the assistants death, any recent black-market auctions for a Rakan male, as well as a male matching Solos description. To his fury, he discovered a whole lot of nothing. Agent Gutierrez hadnt even logged his interview with Evie.
It was suspicious.
What was the best way to handle this?
If Blue returned from the dead to confront him, he could be placing a target on his back and giving up a very clear advantage. Although . . . the bomber might not even know Blue was involved. Michael had most likely been the main target, maybe even the only target. Then, when those two men had stepped into the sceneprobably to ensure Michael was actually deceasedBlue was already unrecognizable.
But could he put his hopes in, well, hope?
No. So, for now, Blue would stay dead. There would be no confrontation with the AIR agent. Evie, though . . .
Yeah. Having a partner might actually come in handy.
One last task before he worked on a disguise. He deposited a million dollars in the account of the charity he secretly spearheaded, Safe Haven for Otherworlders, using one of his aliases. SHOW was a place where children living on the street could go for long-term food and shelter. The money should last until he returned to the land of the living, and could continue his weekly support.
Blue strode to his private bathroom, and dug through his hidden stash of emergency supplies. Hair dye made specifically for his race. Colored contacts. A voice modifier chip. Studs for facial piercings. A serrated blade that would cause temporary scarring in an Arcadian.
Why deal with makeup that could wash away? Blue preferred authenticity. Also, he thought he remembered Evie telling him that he needed a scar.
Hed never had one, and hed never imagined a woman would desire oneor that hed want to cater to her.
Tomorrow, he would test his new look on herthe only person he currently trusted. If she failed to recognize him, hed know he was good to go.
This could actually be fun.
* * *
The next morning Evie made her rounds at the hospital as usual. Then she talked to the chief of staff about taking an open-ended vacation. As expected, there were no arguments. Her coworkers would think she was taking terrible advantage of her status, as Blue had said, and she would have to agree. She totally was. But this was life and death for the only man she had ever loved, and she wasnt going to feel guilty about it.
At home, she strode straight into the kitchen, slammed her purse on the counter, and poured herself a much-needed glass of wine. When would Blue get here?
And he had better get here. If hed tricked her just to get rid of her . . .
She drained the glass, barely tasting the hints of plum and fig, and poured another. The air was still charged with electric power, she realized, from when hed been here before, the fine hairs on the back of her neck risingliquid heat rushing through her.
When would it freaking end? She was tired, so very tired, of the rush of sensations he caused, whether he was there or not. The tension in her lower belly. The heat in her veins. The ache . . . oh, criminy, the ache.
Do you always drink like a sidewalk bum when you get home from work? The deep, gravelly voice caused every nerve in her body to come alive. The reaction was familiar, though the voice was not. Not really.
In a lightning-fast move, she whisked the pyre-gun from her purse, turned, and aimed. A second later the gun was ripped from her grip, only to hover in the air just out of her reach. But it was never aimed at her. Either the guy was a suckwad criminal, or he meant her no harm.
Hed bypassed her security. He wasnt suckwad.
Mr. B and E stepped from the shadows, and she stiffened.
He was tallBlues height. He was muscledBlues build. He even smelled like Blue, champagne and fresh-plucked strawberries. Odd for a man, but no less addictive. And yet, he had short, spiked black hair, and eyes to match. Thick kohl rimmed his eyelids, altering the shape. A jagged scar ran from his hairline to his chin. Both of his eyebrows were pierced, and so was his lip. Could be him. But could also not be him.
Let me see your hands, she demanded.
For a moment he gave no reaction. He was too busy peering at her as if he actually saw her, rather than through her. Blue always peered through her. This mans stare was intense. Steady. Almost . . . magnetic. She couldnt even bring herself to blink.
Finally, he lifted his arms, palms out.
She knew those hands. Shed cleaned and bandaged one, then watched the other growand shed enjoyed having both on her body, cupping her breasts.
Had secretly prayed they would move lower.
Leaning against the counter, relaxing, she said, So. You kept your word, bluebird. Im impressed.
He blinked in surprise. You recognize me. How? As he spoke, the pyre-gun floated back to her purse.
His affront amused her. Hello. Trained agent. I notice details the average Joe misses.
No, its more than that. He studied his hands in the light. You didnt know for sure until you looked at these. But why would His gaze jolted up, landing on her, heating with black fire. Because you liked when they were on you. A woman never forgets pleasure.
She straightened as though yanked by a cord. Dont be ridiculous. I forget all the time. Gah! I mean, Ive never experienced pleasure from you.
Wheres your brutal honesty now, girl?
Silent amendment: Except when he was grinding on me.
Trying again. Maybe you have distinctive sunspots.
That wasnt a lie. Shed said maybe.
I dont. He watched her for a long while, whatever thoughts danced through his head hidden from her. His expression gave nothing away. No, that wasnt true. His features had softened, oh so slightly.
If he tried to prove his theory, she might not have the strength to resist.
She gulped.
What do you think of my scar? he asked, rubbing the raised tissue.
It gave him a savage edge, as if he couldnt decide whether to hack you to pieces or give you the hardest sexual ride of your lifeand only time would reveal the answer. He was the bad boy every woman yearned to taste, but only the bravest ever dared approach.
Must regroup.
Nothing to say? You disappoint me, princess. He walked toward her, placed his handsthose big, strong handson the counter, caging her in, thrilling her. Or, maybe your silence speaks for you.
Red alert! What the bloody hell do you think youre doing, blue balls? she demanded, hating how breathless she sounded.
His gaze dipped to her lipsand stayed. What would you like me to do, princess?
Kiss me. Hard.
No!
Id like you to move. Now, she said. Unfortunately, her voice was still raspy with longing.
Someones forgotten her own rules, I think. Just like she claims to have forgotten her pleasure. He nuzzled her nose, the contact innocent and yet somehow all the more erotic for it. You sure thats what you want?
No, she wasnt sure. He affected her in a way no one else ever had. He made all her naughty bits tingle, and she liked it. Her breasts felt heavier, ready for his hands . . . his mouth. Her nipples hardened and throbbed. Her legs trembled, and at the apex of her thighs she was warm and wet. Her knees threatened to buckle under her slight weight, a reaction guaranteed to land her in the strength of his arms. And probably on her back, on the receiving end of a good snogging. Or more . . .
Yes, please.
She hadnt had sex in three years, since shed spiraled after Claires death. And before that, her last sexual encounter had happened at the ripe old age of seventeen. Back then, shed given herself to too many, desperate for male approval and attention.
The curse of those bloody daddy issues.
But she wasnt a needy little girl anymore, and she wasnt going to be some guys bang and bail ever again.
You might be a cheater, Professor Hit It and Quit It, but I am not. She shoved him, and though he could have resisted and remained in place, he moved backward. A scowl marred the rugged beauty of his new face. A scowl . . . and maybe a little hurt.
I am a judgmental bitch.
Look. Im sorry I was mean, she muttered. Lets just forget the last five minutes. She reached into her purse and grabbed the paper shed stuffed there. Here. This is your bill for your stay at Chez Black.
She expected him to comment on her apology. He didnt. He acted as if he hadnt heard it, and she wasnt sure what to think.
As he read over her notes, she moved to his side to make sure she hadnt left anything out.
Security system, parts and repairs: $8,000.
New window: $2,000.
New sheets: $1,000.
Water: $10,000.
Time and mental anguish: $3,000,000.
No. Nothing left out.
He eyed her with a strange mix of amusement and exasperation. Do you accept orgasm? Because thats my preferred method of payment.
She puckered her lips, knew she looked like shed just sucked on a lemon and didnt care. Im sure. And no. I do not accept orgasms. But Id like to. Lucky you, I can get you started on a stellar payment plan. Meaning you have one month to pay or Ill break both of your kneecaps. Now, are we going to search the explosion site or what?
Seven
EVIE APOLOGIZED TO HIM, and she liked having his hands on her soft, sweet body. Blue was having trouble getting past those two little facts.
He gave himself a mental slap. First, she apologized for being mean. Not for what shed said. Because she thought it was true. Thought he liked screwing anything in a skirt. Or breathing.
Can you blame her? Youve been acting like Dr. Happy with a life-and-death vitamin Dick injection to impart.
True. Deep down, he knew he deserved her rancor. Hed done horrible things to his women. Things he could have said no to.
And so what that shed enjoyed his hands on her. He wasnt going to do anything about it.
He lived his life by one simple rule: Never mess around unless its job related.
After his breakup with Noelle, hed added a second: Always let the girlfriend know there will be others.
Hed kept those rules. Until Evie.
Not that theyd done anything. But the intent was there, and that was just as bad. He was just as guilty.
Michael would kill him.
If you find him.
He would. Soon.
Blue waited in the living room as Evie changed out of her purple scrubs. Did she have any idea how adorable she looked in them? Probably not. The girl seemed utterly unconcerned about her appearance. But then, she didnt need to be. She was a natural beauty.
Seriously. How had he ever gotten away with telling himself she wasnt pretty?
Five minutes later she stood in front of him, this time wearing a shirt that read Dear Math, Im Not Your Therapist. Solve Your Own Problems. A pair of tight, hip-hugging jeans encased her lower half. Old tennis shoes covered her feet. Her hair was now anchored in a high ponytail, her face scrubbed clean of makeup. She looked young and freshstill so freaking gorgeous his chest hurt.
Jaw clenched, he forced himself to look away from her. I put my stuff in one of your guest rooms. The one closest to her room, but whatever. Details werent important right now. Since Im supposedly dead, I cant stay at my place. I need to stay here.
Thats fine. No change in her demeanor. You ready to go?
He nodded, taken aback by the ease of her acceptance. We have to use one of your cars. He had a few vehicles the public hadnt seen, but for what they were about to do, they needed hers. No one would think it strange for Michael Blacks daughter and her grungy friend to dig through the rubble of his home.
She offered no protest as Blue hustled her into the garage. I know youre a sports car junkie, but I think we should go with the sedan, she said.
Sure. The sedan had two major wins: it would blend in with all the other cars on the highway, and the windows were smoked glass. With Evie, he never knew what he would do or how he would react to something. Privacy was best.
She let him drive, but as he eased into the driveway she barked an insistent Stop!
He did, palming a weapon, and she hopped out. A little boy playing in the front yard of her neighbors house spotted her and bounded over.
The sun was a bright little bastard, reaching out with fiery fingers to stroke over Evie, giving her pale skin the same pearlescent glow that had struck him dumb at their first meeting.
Youre staring at her. Dont be that guy. Look away!
Dr. Evie!
Hey, Drew, she said, giving him a hug. Did you handle that wee problem we discussed?
Blue returned his weapon to the sheath at his waist.
I sure did. I waited for you earlier but Momma told me I had to come in and eat and then I cleaned my plate so fast she said her head was spinning and then I rushed back out cause I wanted to tell you I popped Bobby so good. I think I broke his nose. There was blood.
Oh, thats wonderful. Im so proud of you!
Condoning schoolyard violence? Interesting. And kind of hot.
You think everything about her is hot.
Not everything. When that vipers tongue called him a whore, he wanted to cut it out.
Drews gaze slid past her open door, catching on Blue, and widened.
Blue tensed. Had he just been made by a prepubescent?
Are you gonna kill me? the kid asked.
Kid definitely didnt know who he was. There would be fawning.
Wait. He looked that scary?
Grinning, Evie said, Nah. Youve got nothing to worry about, squirt. Mr. Brothario is a lover, not a fighter.
Blue glared at her.
Drew flipped him off before rushing inside his house, probably to hide.
Aw, how sweet, Evie said, settling in her seat. I think he was trying to warn you against unleashing your dreadful wrath on sweet, innocent me.
If the poor kid thinks youre sweet, I have to fear his home life.
Ha-ha. You are hilarious.
Thank you.
Like Drew, she flipped him off.
Grinning, Blue programmed the car to head to Michaels, sat back, and tried to relax as the sensors did the driving for him. Problem was, Evies honey-almond scent saturated this vehicle as well. His shaftwhich hadnt shrunk since the counter incidentthrobbed, and the hum of his power cranked up the volume, screaming for release.