“Better now?”
She heard a hint of amusement, closed her eyes, and decided to ignore it. Let him enjoy the moment since she was. “Yes.”
He set Kerri back in her seat and pulled onto the road. “Where is home?”
Kerri rattled off her address and stared out the windshield. This had been the strangest night of her life, and she was struggling to determine how she felt about it. There was just too much information to deal with right now. Maybe after some sleep—if she could close her eyes and not picture the scenes that had played out in front of her tonight.
And how could she have lived in this city for twenty-five years and never known clubs like Velvet Glove existed? A chill raced down her spine, and she flinched one last time as Merritt parked in front of her townhouse.
He was solicitous, walking her to the door but not touching her. As if he hadn’t been touching her all night. It was bizarre that his hands weren’t still on her skin, reminding her that she was still alive and sane.
“You’ll feel better in the morning,” he told her as she pulled her house key from the tiny pocket inside her boot. She’d feel better in the morning.
Kerri’s head jerked around to stare at him. In the morning, she’d have to face him at work. “Oh, good grief,” she whispered.
One corner of his mouth curled up, as if he knew exactly what she was thinking. “Don’t worry. No one at work will know where we’ve been. You can tell your friends whatever story you want. They’ll never know the difference.”
“But—”
“No buts, no recriminations. Sleep well.” That said, he turned and strode to his car, leaving her to figure out what to do next. The living room was quiet, dark except for the small lamp on the sofa table. A sticky note on the lamp base asked her to wake Jase when she got home. Not an option, since the questions would be endless, forcing Kerri to relive every minute of the night from beginning to end. Jase would want details she couldn’t bring herself to describe. When she pulled off the note, Mr. Merritt’s driver’s license was under it. She turned off the light and tiptoed to her bedroom, making sure the door locked behind her. Sleep was a major priority, so Kerri poured herself into bed and set her alarm. No reason to be late for work and have questions to answer.
Chapter 2
Hunter closed his cell phone with a groan. Sheila was officially off the case. The special agent he reported to had been succinct. No one else was available. Hunter would have to go solo or continue to use the little girl he’d pulled into his cover last night.
Kerri.
Damn it, she was young. Innocent. Strikingly beautiful. And strong. Hell, he’d been amazed at her self-control last night. Even as she’d trembled in his arms, Kerri had projected a calm, assured front.
The driver’s license he’d given her had been dead center on his desk when Merritt arrived this morning, but he hadn’t seen or heard from her all day.
Hunter flipped through the employee index on his desktop and found her name, punching her extension number into the office phone before he could think. She would be a risk to his cover and to herself. He could teach her a few things, but nothing compared to formal training.
“Miss Leonard, please come to my office,” he told her. Minutes later, she walked through his door. He stifled a laugh, coughing into his palm to hide a smile.
She was covered from chin to toe. A long gray skirt that touched the tops of her shoes was paired with a long-sleeved navy blouse that buttoned from her neck to her waist. He wondered if she’d actually thought about what to wear today or was subconsciously reacting to last night.
“Please close the door, Kerri,” he directed.
“Yes, sir,” she replied, a pretty pink color infusing her face. “I mean, um . . .”
Hunter smiled and waved his hand in the direction of the two chairs in front of his desk, moving around to sit next to her. This meeting had nothing to do with the boss and clerk relationship. He didn’t want a desk between them given what he had to ask of her.
“I wanted to thank you for your help last night.”
Kerri nodded, watching him. She was a law student on an internship, suggesting she had some training in observation. He walked a fine line in sharing information with her about his investigation.
“I’d like you to continue helping me.” He gave her a moment to digest his words.
The flash of interest in her eyes was quickly covered by dark lashes. When she looked at him again, her expression was calm, enigmatic. She had a perfect game face for his line of work. Hunter wondered if she’d ever think about changing careers. He could hook her up with his boss in short order and probably earn a bonus for the referral.
“It’s not something I want to talk about in the office. Have dinner with me tonight. Give me a chance to convince you.” She was still, focused, and he could see the wheels turning. She wanted to agree, but something was holding her back.
“What exactly do you want me to help you with?” Shoulders tight, fingers splayed in her lap like she was waiting for a server to bring her a plate of food, she could be anywhere, but he could see her tense anticipation.
“Dinner tonight. You pick the place and meet me there. I’ll give you the details, and you can make your own decision.”
Merritt stood and picked up a file he’d been working on earlier, effectively dismissing her. Pretty girl could take her time, think about his offer, and let him know where to meet him. She’d succumb. She was too curious to let this go. He’d seen her excitement, controlled but definitely present, last night. A little training and a dose of confidence in her ability to work undercover would do wonders.
Kerri walked to the door but didn’t leave. Her back to him, she said, “Henry’s on Fifteenth at seven.”
She was out the door, probably halfway down the hall before he could reply. Now he just needed to get his story straight. Telling her the truth would put her in harm’s way, but leaving her without information would be just as dangerous. And the boss had been adamant about not sharing intel with a complete novice.
By seven, he’d worked out the details and was waiting when she arrived. At least she’d changed out of her miss prim and proper garb and looked like a woman again. She was one hell of a looker, even though she was way too young.
Damn, he didn’t want to let his thoughts wander in that direction. She was part of a job, and as sure as his hands would be all over her, he couldn’t let himself get too far gone.
Henry’s was a little Italian place nestled in the corner of a strip mall, easily unnoticed but remarkable once inside. It had the feel of an elegant upscale restaurant, subtle lighting, cloistered, intimate tables, soft music muted to just the right level for fine dining, with the added benefit of private tables. Merritt reminded himself to keep a hands-off policy where Kerri was concerned, wanting more than anything to keep her relaxed and feeling safe with him. He wanted her to believe him, help him with the case. Even with her earlier apparent interest, it would be a hard sell. The urge to rest his hand just above her delectable little ass was tough to fight as they followed the hostess.
He let the waiter pull out her chair before taking the seat next to instead of across from her. What he had to say didn’t need to be broadcast any farther than a few inches. They spent a few minutes perusing the menu, avoiding eye contact while scoping out each other. She was waiting for him to pounce, he could see it in the way she held herself apart, closed off.
Once the waiter left them alone, she placed one hand on the table and finally let her eyes meet his. “Tell me.”
Damn, there was just something about a direct woman. Merritt couldn’t help but respect her moxie.
“I work for a government agency that is investigating the man we met with last night. I’m hoping you can help me maintain the relationship I’ve been cultivating—at least until I gather enough information to put him behind bars.”
To her credit, she didn’t look surprised. “Can I assume this isn’t something I w
ould come across in my position as an intern?”
He honored her with a short laugh. She definitely had spunk. “No, not hardly. And it’s something you can’t discuss with anyone. And I mean not a soul. To do so could be extremely dangerous for both of us.”
Kerri didn’t comment for the longest time, turning the words he’d shared over in her mind. She didn’t move, didn’t do anything more than watch him. Their food arrived, and she didn’t ask her first question until he had a mouth full of food.
“Do you have any kind of proof as to who you work for and what you’re asking me to do, Mr. Merritt?”
Nodding, Merritt swallowed his bite of pasta and slid a slim wallet from his coat pocket. He laid it next to her plate, allowing her to examine it at her leisure. He’d known she would have questions, would need proof. It was ingrained in her from law school and a handy habit to maintain. Constant questioning of the status quo would keep her safe.
The badge was his, State Department issued, a little worn around the edges from being in his pocket or locked in his home safe for the last five years. He’d retrieved it last night, but it would go back into his safe as soon as he left the restaurant. No one at Hudson, Handleman, and Meers knew about his job with the State Department—except Kerri. Trusting her to keep his secret was a risk he’d take if it meant she’d stay in character for a few more nights.
“I’ll admit I’m interested. A little scared, but willing to listen to what you have planned, what you want me to do.”
“Basically, more of what we did last night.”
Kerri’s brows rose, and her lashes fluttered to cover her eyes. He recognized the evasion. Some part of her had enjoyed last night’s foray into the club scene. Was it the adrenaline rush or the sex play that had excited her? A burning question in his mind. And from the look of her, a burning question in hers as well.
She picked at the lasagna in front of her, finally chose a bite, and chewed thoughtfully. Merritt scrupulously worked on his own dinner, giving her time to think while he watched the process. He saw the moment she made her decision, not in her expression but in the subtle shift in her posture, the slight relaxation of her fingers as they gripped her fork. She’d decided, and in his favor, he knew because her brow had relaxed from a tense concern to reflective planning.
Relaxing himself, Merritt allowed a quirk of a smile to work across his features. He could wait for her to verbalize her reply, since he was sure of the outcome. Now all he had to do was keep her safe from the realities of the game they were playing and safe from his attentions. He had no desire to corrupt her more than necessary. He’d vowed long ago to avoid entanglement and the subsequent disaster. Not something he wanted to repeat.
* * * *
Could she really do this? The question tumbled around in her head, moving to the front of the queue every time she shoved it back, pushing for an answer. One voice cautioned, questioned, ruminated on all the situations that could prove to be disastrous while the deeper, yearning voice of her subconscious self panted a hearty yes that urged her to jump into the fray with gusto. That all too frequently ignored voice longed to break free of the social norms Kerri had been raised to respect. It longed for adventure. It longed for danger. It longed for what Merritt offered.
Kerri chewed, waited for him to speak, to ask for her answer. She could see him eating next to her, quietly absorbing his surroundings, exuding a distinct vibration of the strong, silent alpha male. He was so exquisitely masculine. When he’d first put his hands on her last night, she’d clenched every muscle she had to keep from melting onto the floor and embarrassing herself. Once they’d walked into the private room, though, her brain had been wiped clean of every sensation except the sounds of the other inhabitants. Their actions had shocked and surprisingly aroused her. And his hands had stayed on her all night. Figuring it would be a one-time-only event heightened the experience. The fact that she’d completely lost it as soon as they were out the door convinced her she’d never need to deal with those feelings again.
Now he wanted her to continue the role of submissive.
Could she submit to him, let him do whatever he wanted with her? Her brain kept up a rousing litany of no while her body hummed with the possibilities. But it would only be a game, playacting to get him in the door of the club. He wouldn’t actually use her body in public, would he?
“Exactly how far would this…game go?” she asked without looking at him. His hands had roamed her body, yet she couldn’t discuss this and look him in the eye. How absurd was that?
“I can’t give you that answer. Only you can.”
“This is your show, your plan. The least you can do is tell me what you expect of me if I agree to participate.”
He blew out a gust of air, and Kerri could feel his eyes hot on her face.
“If you participate, I would try to shield you from the more extreme acts while we were in the club.” As his fingers drummed on the tabletop, Kerri swore she could hear the wheels grinding in his head. The thumping stopped and warm callused fingers traced the bones of her wrist. “The situations in the club scene are fluid, unpredictable. I can’t tell you now what will happen tomorrow. You would need to be flexible.”
“Would we…have sex in the club?” Kerri could barely get the words out of her mouth, but she had to ask the question.
“Look at me.” His fingers wrapped around her wrist and squeezed, not too hard but enough to get her eyes out of her plate. “Damn it, Kerri. I can’t answer that. I wish I could. I’ll spare you as much as I can, but truthfully, it might happen.”
Deep breaths, in and out, while she argued with herself. Could she be intimate with this man in a well-lit room, strangers watching, perhaps touching? It would be the complete opposite of her past sex life, what little there had been. A darkened bedroom, rumpled sheets covering both of them as they touched each other.
“Okay.”
Mr. Merritt leaned back in his chair, one corner of his mouth lifting. She’d given this incredibly sensual man the power to control her in ways she’d only imagined before meeting him. A little adventure couldn’t hurt, could it?
Chapter 3
“Tomorrow, after work, we’ll go shopping. I’m assuming that you don’t have any other clothes to wear at the club, other than the outfit you wore last night?”
“No. Jase talked me into wearing that getup.” Kerri let herself check him out, surprised he’d accepted her answer as if it was a given she’d help him. Had she been so easy to read? Did he think she’d fall at his feet and do whatever he said? Could this be some elaborate charade to get her into bed?
The purposeful voice of her subconscious raced to the fore, reminding her of all the reasons she should ignore the warning signs her logical self posed. This would most likely be the only adventure she’d have before her life as a corporate attorney took over her every waking moment.
“I can pick out my own clothes, thank you very much, Mr. Merritt.”
He didn’t smile, didn’t even blink. “I’m sure you can. But tomorrow after work, I will take you shopping for appropriate clothing for this assignment. And please, call me Hunter.”
“Yes, Sir.”
“Good, you remember your first lesson. Tomorrow, after shopping, we’ll work on a few more lessons you’ll need to master before Friday.” Hunter Merritt was smooth, self-assured, and dangerous, and for a minute Kerri wondered what their relationship might be if they’d met under different circumstances. Would he be interested in a relationship with her if he didn’t need her for this job?
What was she thinking? A man like Hunter Merritt would want someone outgoing, adventurous on a daily basis, not someone who only wanted to be adventurous and needed to psych herself up to pretend to be adventurous.
The waiter stepped to their table, inquiring about their needs, and Hunter turned the subject of their conversation to more mundane matters. The level of intensity dropped while they discussed movies she’d seen and classes she was taking when
her internship ended. By the time the check was paid, Kerri could almost believe they hadn’t been talking about shopping for clothes to wear to a bondage club during the main course.
Hunter made no attempt to touch her as they left the restaurant, keeping a respectful six inches between them as he walked her to her car. He pulled a business card from his pocket and slipped it into her hand.
“Meet me at this address at six thirty tomorrow night. We’ll get what’s needed and grab a bite to eat on the way home.”
He turned and strode across the lot, leaving Kerri staring after him. He did that a lot, walking away without giving her a chance to say her piece. It was a little irritating, watching him leave her so blithely considering their discussion. But watching his lithe body and powerful shoulders exude macho attitude while eating up the concrete wasn’t a bad way to end the evening. Hunter did look delectable walking away, and he wouldn’t know she was watching.
The drive home flashed past her like a movie trailer, over before she realized it began. Her mind was filled with images of Hunter Merritt and the world she was stepping into with him.
Kerri let herself into the townhouse and pushed the door closed behind her with a sigh. Peace and quiet surrounded her at last, giving her perhaps a few minutes to think about Hunter Merritt and everything he’d said at dinner. She dropped her keys in the basket on the foyer table, set her purse on the coffee table, and was on her way to her favorite chair, praying she was the only one home. Before Kerri could sink into the overstuffed blue recliner and put her feet up, Jase walked out of the kitchen, arms folded across her chest, chin high, brow arched as only Jase could do. So much for peace and quiet.
“What the hell is going on?” Jase gave her the evil eye, the look she reserved for irritating children at the mall and boyfriends about to be dumped. “You left with that man last night, wouldn’t talk when you got home, and disappeared before any of us got out of bed this morning.”
Daye, Lavender - Bound By Trust (Siren Publishing Allure) Page 3
