"Hi, Brielle. Sit here.” Danni patted the empty seat next to her.
"Hello,” she responded and headed for the teacher.
Matthew moved past Danni to hold out the chair. “Allow me, Brielle. You look wonderful tonight."
"Thank you, Matthew.” She smiled up at him as he pushed her in.
"My pleasure.” He resumed his seat, then looked to him. “Jack, are you going to join us or play bartender all night?"
He hid his scowl. “You mean I get a choice?” Forcing a laugh, he took the remaining chair at their table—right between Mandy and Brielle.
"Okay, now that we're all settled, I'd like to propose a toast.” Matthew lifted his glass of wine. “Here's to three of the most beautiful women I've ever met. May the next two nights be memorable."
Jack grunted. “I'd rather unmemorable.” From his right, he could've sworn he heard Brielle echo his sentiment, but when he glanced her way, she was facing Danni.
Hit with her intoxicating scent, his nose and other body parts tingled, recollecting her touch, her smell, her kiss.
The first course arrived, and for the next hour, Jack busied himself with eating and listened to the others, hoping someone would slip up and end his case tonight. Despite her questionable reasons for being here, Brielle would not be easy to ignore. He hoped he had enough endurance to rise to the challenge she presented. Again, he wished the Rangers had offered Brielle Bennett training.
"Okay, ladies.” Matthew pushed his dessert plate away and stood. “Now that dinner is over, why don't we retreat to the lounge? I'd like to play a little truth or dare."
Chapter Thirteen
"Truth or dare?” Brielle smiled at Matthew. Smart man! This could be a big help.
"Yep, should be fun.” He winked down at her as he pulled her chair out. “Shall we?"
Nodding, she took his arm and ignored his brother's glare. Jack had caused enough discomfort during dinner. The constant brushes of leg, hip and arm. She had no idea what she ate, having lost her ability to taste before the first course.
"Okay, we need a table,” Matthew said when they entered the lounge.
Brielle had been in here just before dinner, planting a bug as she had in the contestants’ rooms and all the other pertinent areas of the ship.
"This one looks good.” Mandy dragged the bachelor to a round table surrounded by chunky sofa-like chairs.
"Perfect.” Matthew smiled, waiting for the girls to take their seats.
Not wanting to be stuck next to his brother again, she hurried to sit between Danni and Matthew, leaving Jack to take the seat between Mandy and Danni.
Dang. That put him across from her. She drew in a breath. No matter, it was better than having his oceany scent tantalizing her senses all evening.
"Here's how it works.” Matthew placed a pile of index cards, face down, at the center of the table. “Going clockwise, we'll each take the top card, like this. We'll read it out loud, then do what it says. I'll go first.” He glanced at his card. “What was the most important decision you've ever made? That's an easy one.” He looked around and smiled. “Coming on this show."
Her gaze met Jack's, wondering how he'd answer the same question.
"Okay, Mandy, you're next,” Matthew exclaimed.
Brielle didn't bother to hide her sigh of relief. That put her last. She sat back and watched the blonde reach for a card.
"Tell us something we don't know about you.” Mandy frowned, then the creases in her brow disappeared, and her eyes lit up. “Oh, I know. I had a boob job."
Biting her tongue, Brielle forced herself to count to ten.
Danni didn't bother. She laughed out loud. “Mandy, you're supposed to tell us something we don't know."
"You knew?” Mandy frowned again. “But how? Do you know Dr. Rosencrantz? He does great work, really.” The blonde glanced at her rounded chest.
Danni shook her head. “Never mind."
"Remind me to send him a thank you,” Matthew said under his breath.
Brielle counted to ten, again. “You're next, Jack."
He leaned forward and drew a card. “Reveal one of your secrets to the group.” He sent his brother a look, then sat back. “Okay. I have a tattoo—"
"We know that,” Mandy cut him off.
"Ah, but what you don't know is why I have it.” His gaze traveled over the group, before it settled on Brielle.
She held her breath, interested despite her vow to remain aloof.
"I got it in the Middle East."
To her dismay, he stripped off his jacket and shirt, then pointed to his tattooed bicep. “The A represents Company A Airborne, and the two snakes twined around the sides represent the 2nd Battalion."
"Do the two swords through the broken heart represent men lost?” Brielle asked, afraid she already knew the answer.
Jack's hooded gaze met hers. “Yes."
"I'm sorry.” She swallowed. Uncle Franco had shared that painful part of war with her, many times. She knew the impact the loss of a comrade had on a person.
After staring at her for a few moments, Jack nodded, then slipped his shirt back on.
Dang. I was enjoying the view.
"It's my turn.” Danni reached for a card. “Name two things you like about someone in this room.” She set the card down and smiled. “Okay. I'm going to choose Matthew as my subject and say ... I like the way you treat everyone with kindness, and the way you make me feel.” Pink tinged her cheeks.
Matthew returned her smile. “Thank you, Danni. I like the way you make me feel, too."
"What about me? Don't I make you feel anything?” Mandy grabbed his arm, pouting up at him.
"Yes, you do. In fact, you all make me feel good.” He transferred his smile to Brielle, and she caught his silent plea for help.
"My turn.” She reached across the table and took a card. Please let me keep my dignity. Glancing at the card, alarm quickened her pulse. Eyes narrowed, she looked around.
"Well, come on. What does it say?” Danni elbowed her.
"Stay away from him, or you'll be sorry.” She dropped the card on the table, its red-markered words visible to all.
"Shit!” Jack jumped to his feet. “How the hell did that get in there?"
Matthew stood up. “I don't know. I didn't write it. I swear. You can see by the others I used a black ink pen."
Jack nodded, then looked at her. “Why am I not surprised you drew that card?"
She rose to her feet. “I guess it means somebody here doesn't like me.” The girls stood.
Danni frowned. “I like you and don't understand why things keep happening to you."
"I like you, too, Brielle,” Mandy hastened to reassure.
Brielle transferred her gaze to Jack. “Have you gotten the handwriting results back?"
"Yes and you were all cleared.” He pulled out a hand held radio. “Rodriguez, gather the men and get up to the lounge, now."
"Affirmative,” echoed through the room.
"Thank you kindly for informing us, Jack.” She scowled, tapping the table. “I think you'll find this is the same handwriting as the others."
"Ah, I see. You're a handwriting expert now.” He shook his head, stuffing the radio in his pocket.
Her eyes narrowed. “No. But I am concerned. You have an intruder on board. Have your men searched this yacht?"
"An intruder?"
"Oh, no."
Danni and Mandy dropped back into their chairs.
Matthew sent them a smile. “Now, we don't know that for sure. Let's allow Jack's men to do their job."
"Yeah, we don't need you girls jumping to conclusions.” Jack's gaze bore into hers.
She lifted her chin. “Forgive me for not wanting to wake up on the bottom of the Pacific!"
"Aren't you being a bit dramatic?"
"Am I?” She crossed her arms. “You're the expert ... you tell me."
"Maybe Brielle is right. Maybe she is in danger.” Matthew touched her arm.
She swiveled to the nearest camera. “I hope I am in danger! And I hope whoever's been causing these threats does try something. In fact. I dare you to!” She stepped closer to the lens. “Do you hear me? I dare you to!"
"That's enough!” Jack grabbed her arm and yanked her into the corner. “What the hell are you trying to do? Do you want to get killed?"
"I thought you said I was being dramatic?” She jerked her arm free.
He opened his mouth as if to yell, then clenched his jaw until it cracked. “You are the most...” He growled the rest of his sentence, concern breaking past the annoyance in his eyes. “Don't you see, Brielle? That card might not have been intended for you, but by daring the culprit into action ... you just put a big bull's-eye on that pretty head of yours.” Eyes blazing, nostrils flaring, he backed her up against the wall. “What am I going to do with you?"
Several responses sprang to mind, but she swallowed them past her racing heart. He is concerned about me after all. Touched by Jack's emotions, she had to remind herself he was still on the naughty list. “Put a guard on me. Maybe you'll get lucky, and someone will try something."
He blinked. “I ... ah hell, Brielle!” He blinked again.
"Look. I'm sorry if I've complicated things for you, Jack. I just wanted to help.” She touched his arm and her body awoke when a fizzle of connection snapped between them. “This has gone on too long."
"Yes, but next time, do me a favor.” He lowered his voice to add, “Leave it to the professionals."
Son-of-a ... Teeth clenched, she whipped her gaze across the room to Matthew. He shook his head. Damn that promise! Eyes squeezed shut, she exhaled. “I hate this!” If she didn't love her Uncle Franco...
"Welcome to my world.” Jack's words snapped her eyes open.
They stared at each other. Her heart lurched. He looked as sick to death of all this as she was.
"We're here, boss,” Rodriguez informed, rushing into the room with his men.
Jack straightened, then turned around and took charge. “Okay, everyone, have a seat at that corner table until further notice."
Itching to go to her room and listen to her recording of the lounge, Brielle held her tongue and did as she was told. It stunk not being able to do her job outright.
Two hours and a bottle of shared wine later, Jack approached. Brielle shot to her feet, unable to sit and behave any longer. She had questions.
"Okay. You can all go back to your rooms now. Sorry it took so long.” He poured himself a scotch at the nearby bar.
"That's okay. We continued our game but without the cards,” Matthew said good-naturedly.
Brielle reached for the scotch. A hundred and twenty minutes of playing teenage party games when she should've been working with Jack and his men had taken its toll. She needed a stiff drink.
"Hey, easy there, Brielle.” He chuckled when she swiped the glass from his hand. “That's not wine."
She tossed the drink back, slammed the glass on the bar and looked at him. “I know. Give me another."
His brows rose as he refilled the glass. “I hope you know what you're doing."
She took a sip, then handed him the drink. “Believe me, I needed that.” She tipped her head at the giggling threesome.
Dawning entered Jack's eyes, and he smiled—looking almost approvingly at her. Her mouth dried. Neutral. She needed neutral-Jack.
"Okay, so, I can go back to my room now?"
"Uh, yeah, but not alone. Rodriguez, come here.” He waved to his men.
"Oh, he gets to be my roomie?” She smiled at the approaching man.
"No, he doesn't get to be your roomie.” Jack scowled, mimicking her. “He's to be posted outside your door. This way he can keep an eye on the hall too."
"Ah, okay.” She slapped Rodriguez on the back. “Sorry buddy, I tried. I wouldn't have made you sleep on the floor."
Her smile broadened at the sound of Jack's muffled oath. He still had feelings for her. That revelation lessened her pain. “I noticed a real nice comfy couch in there.” She watched the mirrored wall until their eyes met. He shook his head and grinned. Brielle's chin lifted. Maybe there was still hope for them.
* * * *
Three laps into his mid morning run and Jack didn't feel any better. He'd slept fitfully. Between dreams of his brother getting hurt, interrupted by dreams of Brielle being sucked into a camera, he had some serious stress to relieve. He'd originally gone to the yacht's gym, but the dancer had been there, sparring with Rodriguez. Jack pulled in a breath and upped his pace.
The image of her in short shorts and tight tank top beating the crap out of his top man did nothing to relieve his stress. Only added to it and made him regret the things he'd said to her last Tuesday even more. Maybe he'd been wrong. Cursing, he broke into a sprint. He didn't need this right now.
"Jack! Jack, wait up,” Matthew called, causing him to slow his strides. “I wanted to go over today's activities with you."
He had all he could do not to groan. Please tell me it doesn't involve Brielle in a bikini.
"Well, since it's half past ten and Brielle's the only girl awake, I was thinking that after lunch we'll do some snorkeling and lazing around on deck all afternoon.” His brother fell into step.
Jack groaned.
"What? You don't like snorkeling?"
"Oh, no, snorkeling will be just peachy, Matthew.” He upped his pace.
Matthew laughed. “Peachy? Okay, Bro, what gives?"
"Nothing."
"Nothing? Then I'm sure you'll be happy with my evening plans.” Matthew slapped his back, but Jack continued to jog in silence. “After dinner, I thought we could dance under the stars."
Jack stumbled to a stop. “What?"
"You heard me.” Matthew grabbed the rail. “I thought since it's supposed to be a nice night, and I didn't get to dance with all the girls at the club, that it's only fair to make up for it here."
"Well, why not use the more than adequate discotheque on the second floor?"
"Because it's much more romantic out here. Where's your romantic side, Jack?"
"That'd be buried with my life, which has been put on hold the past two months.” He regretted the words the instant they left his mouth. “Look, I'm sorry, Matthew. That wasn't fair. I know none of this is your fault. But I'm doing the best I can."
"I know you are, Jack. That's why I think it'd be great to see you smiling again. And I know being in Brielle's arms is a sure way to make that happen."
Heart dipping to his knees, he turned and looked out at the ocean. “That's not going to happen, Matthew."
"Why not?"
"Look, Brielle and I decided ‘us’ was a mistake.” Saying the words out loud hurt more than he'd thought. Us wasn't the mistake. Damn it! Mistrusting her had been. Pain—swift and intense—crushed his heart. He gripped the railing. What had he done? Was it too late to try and fix?
"I've seen the way you two look at each other when you think the other isn't watching.” Matthew's words grabbed his attention.
"Oh?"
"I don't know what's going on between the two of you, but you're only fooling yourselves if you say it's nothing. The longing, the pain, the joy, it's all been evident to my artist ‘eye.’ Surely your security-trained ‘eye’ has picked up on it too?” Matthew pushed away from the rail to place a hand on Jack's shoulder. “If it hasn't, then maybe you're in the wrong business, Bro."
That conversation stuck with Jack all day. He obligingly romped in the water and lay on the deck, keeping an eye on things, including Brielle when she wasn't looking. She'd hovered near Matthew at the appropriate moments, but it looked less like she'd been coveting him and more like she'd been protecting him.
Jack refocused on the group now dancing on the deck with the moonlit sky as their bac
kdrop. Sitting near the railing, he sipped his drink and watched Matthew release Danni to take Brielle into his arms.
If he hadn't had that conversation with his brother earlier, he might've been jealous of the way they laughed and looked at each other. Hell. Jack sat up straighter, his gut tightening. Who was he kidding? He was jealous. His hands should be the ones circling Brielle's waist, sliding up her back...
Jack jumped to his feet. He needed air. So what if he was already outside. Turning his back on the dancing couple, he headed for the other side of the ship. Rodriguez stood guard by the door leading inside the yacht. He could keep an eye on things. Besides, they were going to call it a night soon, anyway.
Strolling to the stern, his heart forced him to confront the words Brielle had seared into his brain the other night.
It's more than bullets you're dodging, Jack.
Coming to a halt, he looked up at the moon. Was he dodging relationships? The fact that he hadn't had anything remotely serious since Caroline more than proved it. She was five years ago. Half a decade.
His fingers encircled the smooth rails and squeezed. He'd worked hard to build his company into the reputable business it now was, and he'd accomplished this by not allowing any woman to interfere with his job.
But Brielle wasn't just any woman. A slow smile formed on his lips. No. She felt more like the woman.
His smile faded. Just because she might be the woman, didn't mean she wouldn't break his heart and trash his name in the process.
But what if she didn't? Jack stood straighter. He'd already established mistrusting her had been a mistake. What if Brielle Bennett was the genuine article? The way he'd screwed things up the other night, he may never know. His gut clenched, nearly doubling him over. At the very least, he had to apologize for his inexcusable behavior and hope she'd give him another chance at the conclusion of this job.
Meet Your Mate Page 16
