“Nice digs. Right, babe?”
The last few days, knowing they'd be soon in their new roles, she and Jordan started speaking to each other as Maggie and Barry. She was glad they had, since his oil slick voice now seemed natural instead of the creepy feeling she got when he'd first tried it on her.
“Oh, Barry,” she gushed in a breathless, little girl voice, “it is nice. And that Mr. Mahoney said there was a pool here, too. Do you think I could take a swim a little later?”
“Sure, kitten.” He reached over and ruffled her hair as if she were five. “I can't wait to see you in that new suit I got you last week.”
Eden bit the inside of her cheek. The suit he referred to had been a major bone of contention between them. He'd brought it over to her apartment a few days before they left and told her to get used to wearing it. It was basically red dental floss sewn together, barely covering her nipples and pubic area.
The suit had provoked their first argument. Jordan insisted Barry would want to show off his trophy wife. Eden had countered with the argument that Barry would be the jealous type and resentful of anyone ogling what was his. Jordan refused to budge, saying he was more qualified to know what a man thought than Eden. She hadn't been able to come up with a better argument.
If he hadn't behaved as though she hardly existed other than a business partner over the last two weeks, she'd almost think he was looking forward to seeing her in it. However, what ever madness possessed him the first night they'd worked out together no longer seemed to plague him.
She told herself she was glad. At some point, she planned to start believing it.
Yesterday, she spent hours in a spa, getting an agonizing wax. Something she vowed never to do again. It was hard to believe women willingly put themselves through that kind of torture.
Now she faced another torture. Showing her body to him. She wasn't a modest person. Her experiences over the years called for various forms of nudity and she'd learned to ignore lust-filled eyes. Her job came before anything else. When necessary, she could strip off her clothes and think nothing of it.
But this was different and she couldn't deny it, though she wished she could. Being nude with a man you were wildly attracted to was different than being naked in front of someone you couldn't care less about. Would he find her attractive? She hated this new insecurity that only cropped up with Jordan.
Another worry hammered at her. Jordan had seen her naked before. Admittedly she'd been younger and much more rounded, but what if he recognized something?
The damned tattoo she'd kept as a badge of courage was another concern. What if he put two and two together and came up with the correct answer?
Before she left, in between preparing for their mission, Eden spent considerable time and her own money preparing and purchasing documents showing the last few weeks of Devon Winters's life. Police reports, eyewitness statements, newspaper clippings, and a coroner report all detailed how she died. On her return, everything should be ready to present to Jordan.
Eden no longer looked forward to giving the information to him, though in the beginning she had, just to be able to say it was over and done with. The last two weeks showed a side of Jordan she hadn't known existed. He wasn't a cold, heartless bastard only wanting to clear up loose ends. He actually cared about what happened to Devon.
That wouldn't stop her from giving him the file. It had to be done, no matter what. But she no longer anticipated seeing his reaction. Shamefully, she had envisioned turning the screw and giving him some vile facts … actual details of what had happened … and then the false information that Devon eventually died from her injuries. She wouldn't do that now. Devon's death would be much less dramatic … an unfortunate incident and nothing more.
“What'cha thinking, bunny rabbit.”
Eden barely refrained from rolling her eyes at some of the ridiculous names that he insisted Barry call Maggie.
She turned from the window she'd been sightlessly looking through. They agreed to keep up pretenses no matter where they were. The chances of a camera being in their rooms were high. Neither one of them planned to blow this mission by taking the risk they weren't on display at all times.
Her smile the innocent and pouty one she'd perfected over the last couple of days, she said, “I still don't understand why you won't let me give you a baby. You know I'd do anything for you.”
Eden braced herself, knowing Jordan was about to implement one of his tender touches he'd warned her about. They'd tried over the last few days to get her used to them, but she always stiffened up. She refused to do that again.
“Now, bunny.” Jordan's hand tenderly stroked her hair from her face. “We've talked about this over and over. We'll love Barry Jr., just like he was our very own and you won't have to go through any kind of pain. Just thinking about that beautiful body of yours swelling up and hurting … Well, I just won't put you through it.”
“Okay, if you're sure.”
He leaned down and gave her a soft, sweet kiss, something she hadn't expected. She gasped into his mouth and Jordan grabbed her shoulders to hold her still. He trailed his lips across her face and whispered into her ear. “Steady.”
Arousal, bigger than what the kiss should have evoked, shuddered through her. Eden made herself put her hands on Jordan's shoulders as he pressed kisses down her neck to the V of her dress.
Shivering, she stifled a groan as Jordan's mouth moved over her breast. Darts of fire shot through her when he tugged on a nipple with his lips. Without conscious thought, her hands cupped his head and held him to her breast.
Jordan released her slowly and stepped back. His eyes held the same shock she felt spiriting through her. This wasn't something they'd rehearsed. The last couple of minutes had been Jordan and Eden, not Barry and Maggie.
Jordan released a ragged sigh. “Let's change out of these clothes and walk around.”
Eden nodded dully, unable to give him a verbal reply.
She was startled to see a tender look enter his eyes as he swept his hand down her face again. “It'll be okay. Trust me.”
Trust him? As Jordan or Barry? She forced another nod.
Jordan turned away and went into the adjoining bathroom. Eden finally allowed herself to let out another shaky breath. How in the world were they going to pull this off if she got turned on that easily?
Jordan stared at the mirror. How the hell had he allowed that to happen? He'd known he'd have to kiss and fondle Eden while they were here. They'd both been prepared for that. What just happened had been unexpected and unwelcome.
He wished he could blame it on Eden. God knew she'd been provoking him to lose his control since they'd met. But he'd bet his last penny she'd never anticipated what just occurred. She'd been as shocked and turned on as he had. Her nipple had hardened sweetly in his mouth and the groan she uttered was full of arousal.
Unable to let loose the long string of curses surging inside, Jordan stripped off his clothes and stepped into the shower. Since he had to assume there were cameras in the bathroom, he maintained his slump and hurried through his shower. He didn't want to be nude any longer than necessary. Maggie Johnson was supposed to be in peak condition. Barry Johnson wasn't.
He towel-dried quickly, pulled on a robe, and returned to the bedroom. Eden had put on a short, silky robe and was sitting on the edge of the bed, apparently waiting for him.
“I thought … that is, if you don't mind … that I could shower, too.”
He felt a wave of gratitude at her return to the meek Maggie. She knew what was at stake and she was a professional. He was the one who'd lost his professionalism. He couldn't afford that to happen again.
“Absolutely, darling. I'll just put something out for you to wear.”
She flashed him a bright smile, but he saw the spark in her eyes. She didn't like being treated like a child. What woman would? Especially one as strong and in de pen dent as Eden? But Barry controlled every aspect of Maggie's life, including what s
he wore. It was only natural for him to dress her. After all, she was his doll.
He dressed quickly in chinos and a black silk shirt and then went to Eden's closet. He surveyed the clothes a maid had hung for them while they'd chatted with Lawson, selecting a light blue, sleeveless sweater and a short, multicolored skirt. The outfit was understated and sexy. It was also something a young woman would wear if she liked to show off her body, or something a man would want his lover to wear if he wanted to show her off.
Eden returned, wrapped once more in her robe, her hair covered with a white towel. He figured it would be hard enough for her to be naked with the knowledge that countless cameras probably surrounded them. He didn't intend to make it harder for her by staying and watching her, too. He could at least give her that.
“Darling, I'm going to go on downstairs. I'll meet you in the front room in, say, twenty minutes.”
She flashed him a look of such appreciation, Jordan felt that momentary tug again. Before he allowed it to become something else, he turned swiftly and stalked out of the room.
He heard a loud sigh of relief just before the door clicked shut.
Jordan knew he'd only be able to wander around a little before he was encouraged to go downstairs. But while he was here, he might as well take the opportunity to see if he could find anything interesting. He doubted he would. The children weren't kept in this facility. He and Eden would be taken to another location, probably blindfolded, to pick out their new bundle of joy.
Though his stomach twisted with the knowledge that even now, parents of infant boys were suffering because of the request made by Barry and Maggie Johnson, he planned for a good outcome. Not only would those children be returned, the scum responsible for taking them would be punished.
He heard a slight noise behind him and smiled inwardly. He'd been discovered.
“Sir, is there something I can help you with?”
Barry turned and gave a broad, practiced smile to the young man who'd caught him. “No, just looking around, waiting for my wife to get ready.” Standing on the second-floor landing, he gestured broadly with his hands. “My, this is a nice house.”
“Yes, Mr. Peter is quite fond of it. Why don't I take you to him now?”
“Why thank you, son. Let me go get the little woman and see if she's ready to come down, too.”
“I'm here, Barry.”
Jordan whirled around at the soft, little-girl voice and almost forgot his role. The self-assured, beautiful woman he'd come to admire had disappeared. In her place was a meek young sex kitten. Long, honey blond hair—she'd changed the color right before they left—pulled back with barrettes gave her a schoolgirl look. The sleeveless sweater and short skirt reminded him of a school uniform. However, it covered a body that in no way, shape, or form looked like a child's.
“Do I look okay?” Anxious eyes gazed up at him with adoration.
Returning to his role as husband and father figure, he replied with just the right amount of condescension. “You look good enough to eat, baby. Come over here and let me see you better.”
With a childlike giggle, Eden floated toward him, her soft blue eyes glowing with love. “Is this close enough?”
Jordan pulled her closer and smacked her bottom with a loving pat as he gave her a loud, obnoxious kiss on her mouth. He was aware of the young man waiting patiently for them to remember he was there, a sneer of disdain barely concealed.
Jordan drew his head back and winked at the man. “Can't resist temptation, boy.”
The man smiled coolly and then turned toward the stairway. “If you'll follow me, I believe Mr. Peter is waiting for you in the front parlor with some refreshments.”
Taking Eden's hand, Jordan gave it a light squeeze and held on as they followed their watchdog.
Peter Lawson met them at the bottom of the stairs. Eden barely controlled the shiver of revulsion as she watched the creep eye her up and down as if wondering how much she could go for on the market. The man dealt in human misery and suffering and the cold, mean look in his eyes told her he thoroughly enjoyed his occupation.
“I trust your accommodations are to your liking?”
Wrapping an arm around Maggie's shoulders, Barry Johnson nodded enthusiastically. “It's just fine.” He tightened his arm around Eden and asked, “I heard there's some snacks ready for us?”
Lawson flashed a slick, weasel-like smile. “We have refreshments set up for you in the parlor. If you'll follow me, we can sit down and chat awhile.”
With Jordan's arm wrapped around her as if afraid a tornado would come at any moment and spirit her away, Eden walked beside him as they followed Lawson into another beautifully decorated room.
As they snacked on finger sandwiches, cookies, and tea, an oddly incongruent meal considering their subject matter, Eden listened to Jordan answer questions related to why they didn't have children of their own and why purchasing a child seemed to be their best bet.
“I lost my first wife, Emma, in childbirth. The baby was born premature and died a few days later. My second wife, well, let's just say I didn't want her to be a mama to any of my offspring. When I met Maggie, I knew she was the one for me, but I didn't want to put her through the dangers of childbirth … besides ruining what no one can deny is a damn fine-looking body.”
Maggie giggled and blushed appropriately, silently seething as she watched Peter Lawson give her what she was sure was meant to be a complimentary once-over. Wouldn't he be surprised to learn that his look made her want to throw up the two sandwiches she'd managed to force down?
As Peter continued to make suitably interested and sympathetic sounds, Eden sat back and let Jordan Montgomery amaze her. He looked so different from the Jordan she'd come to know.
Aware they would be observed no matter where they went, including their bedroom and bathroom, Jordan had been limited in his ability to disguise himself. Still, what he'd managed with streaks of gray in his hair, a full beard with more streaks of gray, strategically placed age spots, and the somewhat slumped posture of an older man amazed her.
He looked twenty years older. Even though she'd seen him almost nude and knew he was in peak physical condition, the slump in his stance and the slight hesitation in his step made him appear out of shape and de cades older.
“I'm sure you and your lovely wife will make wonderful parents. And we'll do our very best to find you that perfect child.” Lawson leaned forward. Eden was sure he meant it to make him appear sincere, but it only made him look slimier. “I do have to ask you, though… You mentioned in our earlier conversation the reason you couldn't go through normal channels to obtain a child was some unfortunate legal problems. You must understand, of course, our concern regarding any investigation you're involved with. We must make sure our privacy and names are kept strictly confidential.”
Barry Johnson nodded in complete understanding. “You have my word no one will ever know how we obtained little Barry Jr. My little old business problems aren't really that bad … but if those damned social service people started investigating … well, they might just turn me down and my little Maggie just couldn't take that heartbreak.”
Lawson clucked in sympathy. “I totally understand, but I hope you'll understand that due to the larger risk we'd be taking, your fee might be a little higher than what we originally discussed.”
This had been something she and Jordan expected. They'd actually argued about how to play it out, but eventually agreed to wait and see how the interview went before making the decision on how to handle it.
She watched Jordan to see what his take was. She hoped he played it the way she thought it should be played.
Barry Johnson reared back into his seat and looked as though he would explode at the insult. A deliberate whimper of distress from Maggie drew Barry's attention. She watched as Barry completely deflated when he saw the distress on his wife's face.
Good. Jordan read the situation correctly. Lawson was completely taken in by Barry's overwhelm
ing need to please his young wife. Barry might balk at additional money, but he wanted to keep his wife happy, so he would pay what ever it cost … within reason.
“You got me stuck between a rock and hard place, son. I'll agree to an additional ten percent, but no more.” He glared at Lawson to make sure he knew he wasn't just dealing with a man who wanted to please his wife, but also a shrewd businessman.
Peter nodded as he held out a well-manicured hand. “You've got yourself a deal and soon you'll have a baby boy.”
Jordan's large, age-spotted hand engulfed Lawson's. Seeing Peter wince slightly, Eden figured Jordan was letting him know he wouldn't get any more concessions from him.
Eden mentally shook her head. Jordan Montgomery was as talented as she was when it came to being someone else. For a brief moment, she allowed herself the fantasy of keeping him as her partner. With his experience, there was an enormous amount of good he could do for LCR.
For the first time since seeing him again, Eden began to wonder if they perhaps could have a real relationship. He'd indicated that after this was over, he'd return to the States. But he had quit his job. What would he do? He was much too young to retire. Why shouldn't he become an LCR operative? Why couldn't Eden and Jordan have a real partnership?
She refused to listen to the small voice inside her that whispered she wasn't really Eden St. Claire. Jordan didn't know that. What was stopping them?
twelve
“Everything okay?”
Clutching the pillow she'd been abusing to her chest, Eden stared at the man lying in bed, waiting for her. “Of course. Why?”
A shrug of his broad shoulders called attention to a well-defined chest and taut, muscular biceps. The navy blue T-shirt he wore did little to hide his overt masculinity. If anything, the material stretched across his chest only enhanced it. Her mouth watered and her fingers literally tingled to touch him.
“You've fluffed that pillow at least ten times. I just wondered if something was wrong … with it?”
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