by Lori Foster
Shock rippled through her.
He touched her everywhere, his arms circling her upper body, his feet caging hers in, his hard thighs snugged up to her backside.
Heat rushed along her nerve endings, closing her eyes, parting her lips, making her belly tingle. A damn jellyfish.
She tried to explode away, but he easily subdued her, saying, “Settle down, honey.”
She could hear his smile, and it enraged her all over again. “Don’t you dare laugh at me.”
“Wouldn’t think of it.”
“Jude…”
He nuzzled her ear and whispered, “We need to talk.”
If not for him holding her, her weak knees would have given out. “There’s nothing else to talk about.”
“I disagree. We need to talk about your idiot brother. And whoever told him to kill me.” His mouth touched her ear. “And most of all, the idea that you want me. Because, you know, thinking you didn’t is what made me so mean. Now that I know you do… Well, I promise to be Prince Charming.”
And finally, he gave her the hug she’d been craving.
Chapter 6
On the one hand, someone wanted him dead.
But on the other, he had May in his house, in his arms, and she’d made a most appealing admission.
A close to fair trade-off.
She started squirreling around again, and Jude sighed. “I’m not letting you go, May.” Not for a good long while. “You might as well quit fighting me.”
With a groan, her shoulders slumped and she went limp.
“That’s better.” He hugged her closer, appreciating the luxurious weight of her breasts on his forearms and the cushion of her behind against his thighs. “Is your hand okay?”
She flexed her fingers and winced. “I deserve the discomfort for hitting you.”
“Such a martyr.” He kissed her ear again, asking softly, “Out of curiosity, why’d you attack me if you didn’t want me hurt?”
Eyes closed, she dropped her head back against his shoulder, giving him better access to her. “I don’t know. I’ve never hit anyone before.”
“Really?” That shouldn’t have surprised him. May was strong, but also one of the gentlest people he knew. “Well, I have. As a sport, it can be fun.”
“Fun?” Judging by her tone, she disagreed.
“Yeah. Exciting, exhilarating. Extreme passion and desperate struggle all wrapped up together. Then you take a guy down, prove yourself superior, and adrenaline floods your system. It’s a rush.”
“If you say so.”
“The men who participate in the SBC respect each other. They learn from defeats, and they learn from wins.” He clasped his hands on her shoulders and turned her around to face him. “But in anger, it sucks.”
“I’m sure you’re right.” Sounding formal and stiff, she said again, “I really am sorry. It was out of line and unforgivable.”
He took great pleasure in saying, “I’ll forgive you.”
She frowned, then lifted her nose. “Thank you. Now… I’m leaving.”
“No,” he whispered, “you’re not.”
“Good-bye.” She made no move to walk away.
Jude shook his head. “I don’t think so, honey. For months now, I’ve wanted you, and you’ve turned me down flat. You’ve played coy, you’ve even played dumb. And no, don’t start flaring up again. You know it’s true.”
She had the good grace to look away.
“So tell me again why you kept saying no. I’m not sure I understand all that nonsense you spouted.”
Staring at her feet, she said, “It’s not nonsense.” Her hand settled on his chest, just over his heart. “We’re from different worlds.”
“Earth. Same world, May.”
“You know what I mean.”
“Sorry, no. You’re going to have to go into detail.” And while she explained, he’d have time to think about the situation with her brother and how best to deal with it to his advantage.
Her fingers traced an imaginary pattern over his pec muscle, driving him a little nuts. “You’re filthy rich.”
Why did it always have to come down to money? “So? I wasn’t born that way. Most of my life was spent in lower middle class.”
“Really?”
He could tell he’d surprised her. “Sure. I’m not the son of a movie producer or a famous leading lady. I grew up in a little three-bedroom ranch in a crowded subdivision. Public school. Packed lunches. Used cars and worn furniture. But we had clean clothes and lots of laughter. It wasn’t bad.”
“It sounds pretty nice.”
Nice. Jude smiled at her in wonder. Other women, snootier women, had labeled his upbringing novel, fascinating, even touching. But May hit the nail on the head. “Yeah. I remember when I was seven, my mom spent most of the spring cleaning houses for other people so she could buy us a jungle gym for the backyard. She’d work while my brother, sister, and I were all in school. Then Dad bought the lumber, and together, we all built the thing. Dad was no handyman, so it was a little crooked, but it was solid, and everyone in the neighborhood hung out in our yard.”
“You have a brother and a sister?”
“Incredible, huh?”
“I didn’t mean it that way. I’ve just never heard much about them.”
May had stopped straining away from him, so Jude had no problem talking about family. “Both older, both in the business.”
“They’re actors?”
“No. Neil’s a stuntman, Beth does sound design. My folks loved music and drama, and they loved us. If we showed an interest in something, they encouraged it every way they could. I spent as much time in plays and choir as I did in sports.”
Her mouth twitched. “Somehow I can’t imagine your mother encouraging you to fight in the SBC.”
“That’s because you haven’t met her.” But Jude realized that he’d like for her to.
Unlike the other women he’d dated in the past few years, May was someone he could take home. She wouldn’t call his dad boorish or his mother provincial. She wouldn’t turn up her nose at baby photos or sugar cookies hot from the oven. He could easily picture her at the kitchen table, where his family always congregated, sharing conversation and coffee and laughter. Or better yet, at the stove helping his mother with dinner.
May would like his folks—and they’d like her.
“No matter what I do, my mom gets behind me a hundred percent. “Jude felt himself smiling. “As long as I do my best, she’s happy.”
“It doesn’t bother her when you fight?”
“She worries, but she’s also my biggest cheerleader. From the time I was a pip-squeak in elementary, I was faster and stronger than most of the other kids. Mom said those were God-given talents that I shouldn’t take for granted. Since Dad knew I wanted to be an actor, it was his idea for me to start in the SBC and make a name for myself. But Mom had a few rules.”
“Like?”
Grinning, Jude said, “No tattoos. They’re popular with fighters, but she hates them. No shaving my head, either, and I have to be polite. She said just because I beat up someone, doesn’t mean I have to talk like an idiot.”
May laughed. “I think I like your mother already.”
“She also made me promise I’d always come back to the States to live. I did some training in Thailand and Tokyo, and I think she worried that I’d move there. She wanted me to call at least once a week, so I did.”
After soaking all that in, May shrugged. “I’ve never been out of the country. I’ve never been in the limelight, either. And regardless of your upbringing, you’re rich now. Like I said, we’re from different worlds.”
“In the scheme of things, money means little.”
She didn’t debate the point, which made Jude wonder if she already knew what it had taken him years to learn: Money could make things easier, and it could make things harder. But it couldn’t buy happiness.
“You’re also drop-dead gorgeous.”
The co
mpliment warmed him. “Thanks. You, too.”
She pinched the bridge of her nose. “Come on, Jude. I’m not in your league, and we both know it.”
Her plain speaking encouraged him to do the same. “If this is about your weight—”
Her head snapped up. She went rigid, then frowned. Her voice lowered to an ominous whisper. “What about my weight?”
Oh shit. He’d stepped in it there. Amazing how time spent in Hollywood could fool you into believing all women wanted to be rails. “You’re sexy as hell.” And when she still didn’t look convinced, he added with complete sincerity, “Great ass, great rack.”
For two seconds she looked insulted, then humor got the best of her. “Well, aren’t you the smooth one? I’m sure I’ve never been so flattered.”
The facetiousness of the remark damn near made him blush. “I just meant, you know.” Determined to make her understand, Jude ran his hands up and down her arms. “You said earlier how you thought skinny movie stars were my style.”
“That’s all you dated.”
“Because leading ladies come in one size.”
“Which is probably why they’re leading ladies. But I’m a corn-fed Midwestern girl.”
God, he loved how she put things. “Corn fed is good.”
“I grew up on meat and potatoes.”
Sliding his fingers beneath the warm weight of her hair, he cupped her nape. “You’re making me hungry.” In more ways than one.
“I refuse to pass up dessert.”
“Good. Love dessert.”
Her mouth twitched. “Jude, this is not just about food.”
No, it was about getting her to say yes, so he could end his sexual misery. “I’m waiting patiently for more explanations.”
“And in the meantime, my brother and best friend are back at my apartment, possibly in trouble, maybe being threatened. I need to go.”
He had to admit she had a point. But without the payment, leaving would do her no good. “So, slugger, you planning to duke it out with the villains? Maybe put yourself in the path to bodily protect your brother?” If it came to that, which it wouldn’t, he’d put his odds on May. She was much better equipped to handle herself than Tim was.
“My plans are none of your business.”
“Get real.” He wanted her, but she could be the most infuriating woman. “You came here and got me involved.”
“You were already involved.”
“Because someone else wants me dead and your brother is supposed to see the deed done. That makes it very much my business.”
She squeezed her eyes shut, nodded. “You’re right. I—”
“Swear to God, May, if you apologize again, it’s going to piss me off.”
She jerked away to realign her glasses. “Fine. Then I’m not sorry.” She flapped a hand at him. “But I still have to go.”
“Where?”
“The bank will open soon.” She inched toward the door. “I need to see how long it’ll take to get a loan against my gallery and gather up my savings—”
“No.”
The way she turned on him, Jude half expected her to pop him in the kisser again. He held up his hands, feigning fear, and she blushed bright red.
“Stop that!”
“All right.” Jude felt magnanimous. Generous. Like a white knight. May had come to him, and he’d solve her problems. “Don’t worry about anything. I’ll take care of it.”
Her jaw clenched. “No, you will not.”
“Hush, May.” And then to make sure she did, he bellowed, “Denny!”
And Denny, who’d been standing just outside the door eavesdropping, poked his head in. “What’s the plan?”
May jumped. Her gaze went from Denny to Jude and back again. “That door was locked.”
Holding up a long, thin metal tool, Denny grinned. “I’m good at pickin’ locks.”
Keeping hold of May’s hand so she couldn’t run off, Jude perched on the edge of the desk. “I take it you’ve heard every word?”
“Second nature.” Denny shrugged that off. “So, you want me to go get her brother?”
“Yeah, I suppose you should. I have serious doubts that his life is in real jeopardy, but until I know for sure, I’m not about to let May near him without protection.”
“No.” May glared at them both, tried to tug her hand free from Jude’s, and finally gave up. “You can’t just go get him.”
She looked so worried that Jude put his arm around her shoulders and pulled her into his side. “Yeah, he can.”
Denny said, “Course I can.”
“No, you can’t. Haven’t either of you listened to me? They’re watching Tim. If you try to walk out of there with him, you could get hurt.”
Denny shared a man-to-man look with Jude. By way of explanation, Jude said, “She’s scared.”
“Ah.” Full of understanding, Denny took her hand and patted it. “Now, don’t you worry about a thing. It’s under control.”
“How can it be under control when neither of you believe me?”
Denny started to answer, but Jude shook his head. The less May knew, the less she’d fret, and the less she’d argue. “You can trust Denny. He’s an ex-marine, among other things.”
“That’s right. Grabbing one scrawny brother won’t be a problem.” Then to Jude, “Should I get the other lady, too?”
Jude said, “Yeah.”
But May said, “No. She won’t come with you.”
“She’ll come,” Denny told her.
Wide-eyed, May looked at Jude. “What is he going to do?”
Jude honestly had no idea. But he could guess. “Listen up, Denny. Ashley is May’s friend. Be nice to her.”
Pretending a great affront, Denny said, “I’m always nice.”
“No, you’re not. You’re cantankerous and bossy and you scare women to death.”
“Haven’t scared any away from you.” He turned to May, and demanded, “Do I scare you?”
“Uh…” She inched closer to Jude and gave a nervous smile. “No.”
Knowing May, she probably didn’t want to hurt Denny’s feelings by admitting the truth. “May can call Ashley before you get there, but just try to temper your edge a little, okay?”
“I’m tempered.”
“Tell her that she needs to bring May something to wear, too. She can barely breathe in those pants.”
May stepped out of reach and glared at him. “You really don’t possess an ounce of tact, do you?”
Jude laughed. “Never mind, Denny. I’ll loan her something of mine to wear. Just get her brother and Ashley here as fast as you can.”
“Right.”
“Ashley’s not like me, Jude. You can’t push her around.”
He barked a laugh, realized she was serious, and growled, “When have I ever pushed you around?”
“You always do.”
“I do not.” Hell, she was the one always dictating to him. Telling him no, dismissing him…
“Oh, really. What about right now?”
She would have to start that with Denny standing there smirking, tickled pink at his predicament. “I’m trying to help you out.”
She leaned close to whisper. “You’ve been mean and insulting.”
“I told you why.” Celibacy could be hard on a man, but since meeting May, he hadn’t wanted any other women. He gave his attention back to Denny. “Take some backup with you. I don’t want anyone hurt, not even Tim.”
When Denny crossed his arms and puffed up his chest, he made a most impressive sight. “My backup will be loaded and ready.”
May clasped a hand to her throat. “A gun? You’re talking about taking a loaded gun?”
“Don’t worry,” Jude told her. “He won’t shoot your brother or your friend.”
Denny affected his favorite, most intimidating scowl, and said, “You know who’s behind this, don’t you?”
On alert, May asked, “Who?”
The very last person Jude wan
ted to talk about was Elton Pascal. “Forget it, Denny. He’s in Hollywood.”
“Who is?”
Denny snorted. “When was the last time you checked on him?”
“Checked on whom?”
Ignoring May’s questions, Jude tried to get Denny to shut up. “Why the hell would I want to?”
“Because the bastard is capable of something like this.”
“Who are we talking about?”
Since May looked ready to combust, Jude decided he’d have to give her a bare-bones explanation. “Denny sees ghosts everywhere we go. If it rains on me, he thinks Elton had something to do with it.”
“Elton hates him.”
“He’s part of a crowd,” Jude countered, while giving Denny a shut-the-hell-up look. “It’s no big deal.”
“Your life is threatened! I’d call that a big deal.”
Of course, Denny egged her on. “Jealousy can make a man do insane things.”
Like a dog with a meaty bone, May leapt on Denny’s theories. “This person hates Jude because of a woman?”
“The one who died, poor girl. Elton loved her, but she wanted nothing to do with him. She was crazy nuts for Jude.”
“That’s enough, Denny.”
“When the limo blew up, there wasn’t much left of her, and Elton’s never forgiven Jude. He’s the one who kept the case going for so long. He gave the most damning testimony—all of it lies. He makes sure that the tabloids never forget. And whenever he sees Jude, he—”
“That’s enough.” Jude knew his tone had been harsher than he’d intended when both May and Denny frowned at him with concern. But Christ, he thought about that awful day enough on his own without forced reminders. Guilt was a son of a bitch. And guilt riddled him.
“It’s old news.” Jude cleared his throat. “Even Elton would have accepted the jury’s decision by now. He might not like it, and he might still hate me, but he’s not stupid enough to come after me himself.”
In the simplest gesture of support, May put her hand in his—and it reminded him of Blair Kane. She’d been sweet, too, but way younger than May, and not nearly as independent. More than anything, he’d considered Blair a pain in the ass, an immature twenty-one-year-old whose body had made her an overnight success and easy prey for creeps like Elton.
