He trusted her.
Which was something very, very few people in her life had ever done.
Whats the primary objective? she asked quietly.
To keep Gabriel alive.
That made pretty boy jump. His eyes rounded and he tossed the file on the desk as he shook his head.
What? he protested. Hey now, nobody said anything about risks. I think Ill take my chances with the solicitation entrapment, thank you.
Danita waited for Hunter to shut him down. But her boss only smiled.
Danitas good. Youll be safe.
I realize you think you have me over a barrel here, but lets keep it real for a second, Black insisted. After all, its apparently my life on the line. You have enough to force my hand. But if I play the game, I demand a partner who can handle the job and keep my ass safe.
He gave Danita a long, sexy look. The kind of look that made her breath catch in her throat, her nipples pucker and her mind see red. She hated that look. Hated even more that she was reacting to it. To him. A criminal.
No offense to the pretty doll here, but other than making one hell of a fake whore, I dont see how shed be of any help.
The ringing in Danitas ears sounded like a freight train with bells. Her eyes narrowed, her fists clenched. Then she saw that hint of humor in his hypnotic gaze.
He was enjoying this.
The entire process. The arrest, the challenge, the idea of putting his life at risk. It was all a game to him.
And she was playing right into his hands.
All it took was one deep breath to clear the red haze from her eyes, gather her wits and reclaim her poise.
After a quick glance at Hunter for permission, Danita tilted her head to one side and offered Black a chilly smile. Im a government agent, Mr. Black.
So?
On his face was the same lack of respect Danita usually got from men. Pretty little girls were good for one thing, or for faking one thing. Even here, after four years as an FBI agent, she still saw that look daily.
Frustration was now a bitter, biting ball of fury in her belly. But Danita didnt let him see it. Instead she let her smile slip into condescending.
So, Mr. Black, not only am I perfectly capable of, how did you put it? Keeping your ass safe? But Im also the best person for this job. Especially because of my talents as a fake whore, as you so charmingly put it.
Whether she wanted to keep his ass safe was another thing altogether. Danita had to give him credit. From the look on his face, Gabriel Black knew it, too. Maybe he was right to have doubts. She certainly did.
As if sensing her doubts, Hunter handed her a third file. Gabriel frowned, obviously wanting to know what it contained just as much as she did.
Danita flipped it open.
Names of some of the biggest crime bosses in California. A list of the illegal activities suspected of being run from Black Oak. An outline of the extensive criminal web theyd be dealing with. There were notes, not only from Hunter, but from his father. An agent, who, even five years retired, still commanded massive respect. This was a career-making case.
You in? Hunter murmured.
She lifted her gaze to his, then shifted her eyes to Gabriel. The man was guaranteed to be a pain in her butt. But the reward if she kept him alive and broke the case?
Incredible. A promotion, yes. But more, a bust that would guarantee her respect among her peers.
The risk?
She was walking into the lions den without backup. As Hunters pet project and a favor to his father, this case was off the FBI grid.
Its your call, Hunter said.
Hers? Black protested. I thought you were in charge of this little game.
Not any more, Gabriel darling, she purred, Youre going to be taking orders from me now.
IT WAS A WONDER he could breathe, what with the noose looped around his throat. The closer they got to Black Oak, the tighter the ball of anger in his belly got. Gabriel clenched his fists to rein in the frustration.
Im the one who knows the area, he snapped to Danita, who was driving a sleek black Corvette like a woman used to commanding powerful beasts. Why are you the one driving?
Because its my car, she said with a dismissive shrug of one shoulder. Dont worry. The bad guys wont think youre a wimp for having your girlfriend drive. All you have to do is make a show of playing with your cell phone and claim you were doing some business.
This is total bullshit, he snapped. Bullshit hed be ignoring if it wasnt for that damned file. Hunter had a tidy compilation of charges he was ready and willing to level against Gabriels father in that file. Charges that would humiliate the family, ruin his brothers wedding and break his sisters heart.
Hunter might believe you can handle this, the blonde said. The quick glance she shot him said she believed nothing of the sort. But to use your own charming terminology, its my ass on the front line here. If you cant man up and play the gameand play to winplease, let me know now. Id rather take a slap on the wrist and a write-up in my file than a bullet over you.
Gabriel rolled his eyes.
I seriously doubt this situation will involve bullets. And people called him a liar? He was sure this entire thing was a big scam, blown all out of proportion to get him to go along with their little FBI game.
He barely paid attention as she pulled off the highway and motored down a quiet, boringly peaceful road toward the Black Oak Manor. His eyes were locked on Danita, trying to read her.
We should be safe enough. Were simply gathering information, not pushing any real buttons. Our sources indicate the meeting is being held here at the manor, Danita said as she parked, then killed the engine.
She gave him a veiled glance. Still, be careful. Word is the stakes are high. Five key crime bosses are here, all with the goal of grabbing the reins of this little alliance. Arrangements have been made to get your name on the guest list, but youre going to have to convince them that you actually have something to bring to the table. Or these guys are likely to toss you out. Or worse.
Bored, Gabriel stared out the window at the manor. A little run-down these days, but mostly it hadnt changed. Given that Black Oak was about two miles up the road, hed seen the quaint Victorian plenty of times before.
Are you paying attention? Danita prodded sharply.
Babe, the tune is getting old. Your buddy Hunter sang it earlier, now youre humming the same refrain. Big scary criminals are taking over Black Oak. Guns and drugs and the suspicion of money laundering. Theyre all gathering to hobnob and plan their futures and youre here to crash the party.
And you still think its an exaggeration? she asked, turning in her seat to give him a long look out of those big eyes. Like the night before, those blue eyes were once again smudged and shadowed to make them sultry and huge. Her lips were shiny red this time. And her outfit? Gabriel had damn near swallowed his tongue when shed let him out of his temporary holding cell that morningas hed taken to calling the cheap hotel room Hunter had locked him in.
That glorious body was poured into jeans that showed every dimple, every curve. A tight red cashmere sweater molded over the breasts hed spent a restless night fantasizing about. Toss in more big curls and a sexy pair of stiletto heels and she was the epitome of a good-time girl with a taste for the expensive.
Actually, I think its all bullshit, he said again, trying to focus on the conversation instead of which part of her body he wanted to taste first. But youve got me by the short hairs so Ive got no choice but to play along. So lets go in there, use my connections to get you a room so you can spy on these guys, and clear my debt.
Just like that? You think youll just waltz in there, use that charming smile of yours to get a room and then call it done? Like this is nothing?
Babe, Im sure this is nothing. If there was an actual problem, Id have heard. Youre claiming my father is being set up to take the fall for some attempted murder, possession of illegal weapons and dealing drugs. Im saying hes not.
His grin was more wicked than charming as he leaned across the console to rub his thumb over that temptingly plump bottom lip of hers. Even without the shiny gloss, it still looked tasty.
Who knew uptight could be so cute?
Before he could do anything stupidor stupider, since that mouth was what had got him into this mess in the first placeGabriel pulled back.
Lets get this over with, he snapped, losing patience with himself, and with her. He wanted done. If possible, before he had to see anyone in his family.
Hed left this town eight years ago, determined to prove himself. After years of trying to prove himself a worthy partner for his old man, Tobias had chosen someone else. Thatd been the last straw for Gabriel. In the ugly, accusation-filled fight on the night of his departure hed vowed not to have anything to do with his father until hed proved he was better than the old man by outearning and outconning him. Caleb had called him a stubborn ass. Maya had told him to get over himself. Which had cemented his determination to prove himself.
And now he was back. As a failure. How freaking fabulous. Hed have to find a special way to thank Danita, he mused, giving her a hard look before storming up the walkway.
He didnt know how she kept up with him given that she was wearing those do-me heels, but Danita was around the car and had her hand curled over his before he was halfway up the cobblestone walk toward the manor.
They didnt make it two feet through those wide doors before a goon stopped them. Dressed in an ill-fitting suit, ugly shoes and an uglier expression, the guy hulked inches over Gabriels six foot two.
The manors closed, the guy grunted.
Wheres Ham? he asked, ignoring him. Instead he addressed the other guy, this one just as ugly but with a better suit. Im an old friend with an open invitation to stay here anytime. So why dont one of you boys run out and find him. He owns this place, and hell vouch for my welcome.
Theres no vacancy right now. Private event this weekend, the taller guy said. With a jerk of his chin, he indicated they get the hell out.
Even though a foot separated them, he could feel Danita tense. She glanced at her fingernails as if inspecting her manicure, then gave him a bored look. But her hand edged toward her purse.
Hams an old buddy, Gabriel said, irritated at having to repeat himself. Im sure he can squeeze us in.
Before he could blink, the guy by the door shifted. He took two giant steps forward, grabbed Gabriel by the bicep and shifted, pulling his cheap jacket aside. At his waist was a gun. A big, ugly one that looked like itd make an equally big, ugly hole in someone.
You were told the manor is closed, the man growled.
Shit.
Every nerve in his body screaming run, Gabriel forced himself to grin as if being threatened with a gun was an everyday occurrence.
That, and a quick glance at Danita assured him that this was some serious shit.
His mind raced, perceptions adjusting at the speed of light. Suddenly this bullshit situation was a high stakes game.
And his father really was in trouble.
Gabriel was a lot of things. A con, a thief and a liar topped the list. But despite the disappointments and problems over the years, he was also a son with an unshakeable love for his father. And hed be damned if he was going to let a gang of thugs drag his dad down.
Gentlemen, is this necessary? he asked with a charming smile that hid his fury. Despite his hatred of all things violent, he reached up and with two fingers, lifted the goons hand off his own arm.
Im Gabriel Black. Im here for the meeting. He waited a heartbeat, watched the goon and his keeper exchange looks. Then, with a quick, painful thump of his heart, Gabriel committed to the game. Reaching out, he curled his fingers around Danitas wrist and pulled her tight against him.
My understanding is that were welcome to bring our own entertainment. Gabriel didnt take his eyes off the taller guy in charge. Ignoring the gun, and Danitas tension, he lifted her hand to his lips. Shes my entertainment.
The guys eyes slid over Danita with a look so oily, Gabriel was surprised it didnt leave a grease slick.
She available to entertain anyone else? the guy asked with a smirk.
A possessive sort of anger that he refused to call jealousy surged. It was all Gabriel could do to keep from punching the goon in the face.
For the moment, shes exclusive.
And later?
Son, I dont think you can afford her, Gabriel said with a shrug. Now if you dont mind, check the guest list or confirm it with Ham, and give me my room key. Ive got a few things to do before we get started.
You got some attitude on you, the goon said, obviously not appreciating being told what to do. The guy was clearly loyal to whoever was in charge.
And just who was that?
Time to get the game going so he could find out.
Watch it, son Gabriel warned. Before this weekends over, Im gonna be your boss.
3
DANITA DIDNT BREATHE easy until the hotel room door closed, leaving the goon who Gabriel had charmed into carrying their bags locked on the other side. Shed been in shoot-outs and hostage situations before, and hadnt broken a sweat.
But getting through the front door of a quaint small town manor, past two gun-toting goons with a cocky guy like Gabriel? Between the cold February air and the sweat soaking through her sweater, shed be surprised if she didnt catch a darned cold.
As soon as this case was closed, she was telling Hunter that she never, ever wanted to work with a civilian again. Especially not a cocky, criminal one who made her palms sweat and her knees weak.
Although maybe shed keep that last little bit to herself.
She gave the room a quick glance as Gabriel set their bags next to the dresser. One bed. She knew it was a necessary part of their cover. But, she mentally fanned herself, oh man, this was going to be tricky.
Well, isnt this the prettiest room Ive ever seen? And so expensive, Gabriel. I like expensive, Danita said in a husky tone. She gave him a bland look before adding, I cant wait to show you just how much I like it.
Youre kidding, right?
The look he shot her was a combination of irritation and confusion. She held up a finger to silence him before he could put either into words, though. Without much hope, she tapped one finger to her ear to indicate listeners.
Brows drawn together, he gave the room a sweeping glance. He grimaced, then leaned one shoulder against the wall next to the door, rolled his eyes, then said in a natural tone, Blondie, you prove to me you like it enough and Ill buy you a flashy piece of glitter before the weekends over.