He looked intimidating even when he furrowed his eyebrows. “And who’s in charge here, exactly?”
She tilted her head. “You are, O master of war and strategy.”
The grin that broke out on his face wasn’t intimidating at all. “I like the sound of that. Can you say it again?”
She punched his arm. “Focus, Yarbrough.”
His grin didn’t waver. “You think I’m intimidating?”
She took the opportunity to let her gaze drift down over him. “If I were a geeky guy who weighed about a hundred and twenty pounds, yeah, totally. Just to be clear, you don’t intimidate me.” Tempted her, turned her on, but no intimidation there.
“Good, because that’s not my goal. But just because this guy is wimpy or geeky doesn’t mean he’s harmless. Hell, I faced down a hundred-pound teenager aiming an AK-47 at me. You can’t judge a person by his skinny exterior.”
“But Gil isn’t a suspect. It’s his boss I’m concerned about.”
“Gil isn’t a likely suspect. That’s all I’m willing to allow. The guy’s a perpetual student, hasn’t held down a job other than on campus.”
“You checked him out?”
“Of course. And I know you’re wondering, so I’ll tell you: He has no criminal past. On the surface he seems all right.” He tapped his temple. “It’s what’s going on in here that concerns me.”
“I wasn’t wondering. Three feet away.” She held up three fingers and then exited the van. Forcing him to get out and follow her. It was nice to have a little bit of power for a change.
She spotted Gil at one of the outdoor café tables and waved. He jumped up and dashed over. His skinny arms wrapped around her, and he nearly lifted her off the ground. “It’s so good to see you! I’ve missed you.”
She really couldn’t say the same, in all honesty. She liked him and admired his tenacity in helping her to expose the university lab. But he was too clingy. She patted his back and wrangled herself out of his hold. “It’s good to see you, too.”
He led her by the hand to the table, even pushing in her chair for her. “I ordered you a caramel macchiato, your favorite. Gosh, it’s just like old times, sitting here conspiring, heads together, whispering.” His hands were clamped over her arm, and she tried to free herself. Gil’s gaze zeroed in on something behind her, something that worried him. Something tall. Something Risk, no doubt.
She turned to see Risk standing right behind her and then, of all things, pulling out the chair next to hers and plopping down. He thrust his hand out to Gil. “Nice to meet you. I’m Risk.”
Gil’s hand was swallowed in Risk’s grip, and he winced, probably at the strength of it. “W-who are you?”
Addie wanted to do things to Risk under the table, but they wouldn’t make him smile or gasp. She shot him a look before returning her attention to Gil. “Risk is my b—boyfriend.” She didn’t want to identify him as her bodyguard.
Gil’s gaze bounced between her and Risk. His voice sounded petulant when he said, “You always told me that you were too busy and dedicated to your organization to have a boyfriend.”
She gave him a forced smile. “Yeah. I did. I can’t really explain how I ended up having one.” That was the truth. Clearly Risk was getting way too comfortable in the boyfriend role. She was going to have to set him straight.
Gil started to grab for her hand, flicked a glance at Risk, then let his fingers rest on the tabletop. “You haven’t said anything about a boyfriend on your Facebook page.”
She patted his hand. “Let’s move past the boyfriend issue, shall we? I’m not here to discuss my love life, I’m here to talk about a missing tiger cub. You saw suspicious activity in the defunct lab?”
“Yeah, but I figured we’d be investigating together, you know, just the two of us.”
“Let’s focus on the current situation,” she said. “What did you see?”
“Pretty much what I told you. There were lights on inside the lab, people whispering inside. I thought we could have dinner and figure out a plan. Alone.”
Addie had to fight from rolling her eyes. What was it about men, anyway? One wasn’t listening to her, and the other one was all about reminiscing, just the two of them. “You can see how that would be inappropriate, going off with you and leaving Risk all by himself.”
Risk leaned forward, his hands braced on his thighs. “We can go over the plan right here. So how’s Maynard been acting lately? Has he been secretive, cagey?”
Gil shifted his gaze to her. “You know how he is, always a little off. Walks around like he’s got a pencil up his butt.” He did a bang-up imitation that made Addie giggle, down to the way the man clutched his satchel to his chest as though someone might steal it. “Remember how we could hardly not laugh?”
Risk did not appear amused. Hah. Served him right.
She cleared her throat. “So nothing out of the norm?”
Gil noticed Risk’s expression, and all of his animation fled. “Not a thing.” He opened a leather briefcase and pulled out some sketches, which he laid on the table. “Here’s the layout of the lab, as you’ll recall. When we undertook our operation, we came in through the exterior door here.” He pointed to a door. “I checked. The doors were locked, even when the lights were on. So we’ll have to come in through the sciences building here. We’re not supposed to go in after hours, but I have a key card.” He whipped out a sketch showing the floor plan. “We’ll come in through the administration side, down the hallway here, and take this interior door to the lab.” Another glance at Risk. “But I can’t get him in.”
Risk leaned in closer. “She goes nowhere without me.”
Addie patted his arm. “He’s a bit insecure. Won’t let me out of his sight.”
Gil lowered his voice. “Addie, I’m already not supposed to be bringing you in. Especially after what you did. I could get into big trouble.”
“I know,” she said. “And I appreciate that, I do, but—”
“She goes nowhere without me,” Risk repeated. To punctuate that he was brooking no further argument, he crossed his arms over his chest, sat back in the chair, and widened his legs.
Addie could only roll her eyes. What a caveman. “So where do we meet?”
Risk studied the two sketches as she and Gil made plans to rendezvous behind the lab. Gil snatched the plans and hurried off to class.
Addie swung around to Risk. “What are you doing?”
“That guy’s squirrelly. Talk about out of the norm.”
“And you didn’t trust me to be three feet away with him? What did you think he was going to do, shove me into his coffee cup and run?”
“No, I expected him to try to ditch me so he could be alone with you, which he did. The guy’s so gone for you, it’s pitiful. Did you two bang each other when you were involved in the first investigation?”
Her mouth dropped open. “No! I wasn’t even thinking about him that way.”
“Mark my word, he’s thinking about you that way. He’s using your affiliation to bring you close. And you fell for it.”
Addie could only sputter. “So gone for me? Don’t be ridiculous. He’s just excited about the prospect of being involved in a conspiracy. He got a taste of adrenaline and wants more, that’s all.”
“The guy’s hot for you. He was majorly disappointed when you said I was your boyfriend. How can you not see it? You really don’t see it, do you? Remind me to make it very clear if I fall for you, because you don’t have a clue about men.”
“You being a player and all, I guess you’re an expert on these matters.” She planted her elbow on the table and rested her chin on her upturned palm. “So enlighten me. What does it mean when a guy diddles you under the table?”
“It means he could see how much you needed to be diddled.” He’d grimaced at the last word. “Keep your mind—and eyes—open on this guy. I don’t trust him.”
Chapter 11
They found a wings-and-beer restaurant a short drive fro
m the college. It was one of those places that should have been called a boobs-and-really-short-shorts restaurant, as far as Addie was concerned. Interestingly, Risk didn’t seem to notice, or if he did—of course he did—he was being very discreet about it.
“You have this boyfriend thing down pat,” she said, taking a sip of her iced tea.
“How’s that?” He settled back in his chair across from her, his full attention on her.
“You haven’t ogled the waitresses. Even the real boyfriends are visually straying.”
He glanced around as though just noticing all the hotties. Still, she saw no interest flare in his eyes. Then he turned back to her. “I used to go for that type, yeah. Now, not so much.”
“See, that’s what the perfect boyfriend would do and say. At least I think he would.”
“Knox was my role model for how a committed guy with self-respect acted. Never once did he come close to straying or even flirting. I have to admit, I like playing the part of the boyfriend. Damn, Addie, don’t look like I just proposed. I’m just saying I like the part.”
She checked her expression. Panic. Good thing he couldn’t know how her heart had jumped or the way her blood had heated up about ten degrees. Addie, get away from that subject. “Well, you have the overprotective, overbearing part down pat.”
“Good, since that’s my job.”
What she’d wanted was an apology, maybe a speck of contriteness. She should have known better.
They paid the bill and wandered down a set of wooden steps to a small observation deck that overlooked a river. Pop music poured out of the speakers, and a cool breeze fanned up from the water flowing over the rocks several feet below. She settled against the railing, all too aware of Risk beside her.
“Addie, I should let one of the other Justiss guys take over for me.”
She spun to face him, feeling panic of a different sort. “Why?”
“Don’t you think it’s a good idea? Considering?”
“You saved my life. You’re overpro—I mean protective and competent.”
“The problem is, I’m pretty sure it’s not right to want to do this with my client.” He drew his finger down below her chin and tilted it up. “Or this.” He covered her mouth with his, moving slowly back and forth. She automatically opened to his kiss, and it was the most natural thing for her tongue to touch his.
He let out a low groan, sliding his hands down her backside and cupping her behind. “Or this,” he murmured, pulling her flush against his pelvis. And his rock-hard erection. He buried his face in her neck, making her shiver. “I want to make you gasp and pant when you can enjoy yourself and not have to make conversation about vegetables.” His mouth found her ear, sucking on the lobe. “I want to taste you this time.” His tongue traced the edge of her ear, making her gasp as she imagined it on other parts of her body.
She felt a flutter at her diaphragm, in her heartbeat. “Risk, I—”
“Don’t want this, I know, don’t want a guy muddling your mind. And oh, do I want to muddle your mind. I can’t stop, Addie, so you have to say the word.”
Which was damned hard to do when he was sucking down the side of her neck. She pushed out, “You keep interrupting me.”
“See how rude I am. Obnoxious, even.” He reached the crook of her neck. “Here I am, ravishing you with probably a hundred college kids watching, and I don’t care.”
The sound of conversation, punctuated by laughter, drifted from the restaurant. She cracked an eye to see for herself, but the restaurant and decks filled with people were blocked by layers of lush green maple leaves. “They can’t see us. There’s a tree in the way.”
“That’s not what you’re supposed to be telling me, doll.”
She managed a soft laugh as his gentle nip on her shoulder sent chills right through her. “You’re worried about college kids watching after what you did to me during a formal dinner?”
He chuckled, low and husky. “Yeah, I guess you’re right. See, I have no sense of propriety. If I were you, I’d shove me back and tell me what a Neanderthal I am.”
“Since you like to put words in my mouth, I don’t need to.” She shivered as his lips moved up the front of her throat.
“I’d like to put more than words in your mouth.” His fingers squeezed her butt, hoisting her even closer. “See how crude I am? I’d smack me, tell me to bug off.”
She would have if her imagination hadn’t been supplying erotic images of that hard steel rod gripped in her hand, her thumb sliding over the slick tip, her mouth making him gasp and groan the same way he’d done to her. So in the end, all she did was make murmuring noises as his mouth found hers again.
His hands slid down to her wrists, and he anchored them at her sides. “Addie, why in the name of all that’s good and proper aren’t you stopping me?” With a heavy breath, he stepped back. “Or at least invoking the name of a phallic veggie?”
Her body tingled everywhere he’d touched and kissed and even places he hadn’t. It took some effort to pull her thoughts together. She was surprised he wasn’t telling her what she was thinking. “Wait a minute. You wanted me to stop you?”
“We both know we shouldn’t be doing the tongue tango. Since I obviously can’t control myself around you, I was counting on you to be the levelheaded one. Because whatever this is between us clearly distresses you. I saw the panic in your eyes when I mentioned liking the boyfriend role. And I get it. I’m the steak you shouldn’t want, and it’s tying you up in knots. I like you, Addie, and I hate that I’m stressing you out. I also like my job. I don’t want to mess it up.”
She managed to pull back, even when she wanted to lean forward and feel all of that hard, muscular body. “You make a good point. We both have a lot to lose. But I don’t want anyone else to protect me. Sure, there’s an … attraction between us.” Small understatement, but that sounded better than fiery lust combined with genuine affection. “Come on, we’re adults. With discipline. You of all people should have loads of that. So we just control ourselves.” She arched an eyebrow. “You’re not getting rid of me that easily.”
He rubbed his forehead. “That’s the problem, Addie. I don’t want to get rid of you at all.”
* * *
Discipline. Control. Risk grunted as he drove into the heart of the campus. Addie was right. He should have boo-coops of both. He’d spent hours holding one position in the dark while a group of terrorists passed within yards, waiting for the right opportunity and not taking the first one. He’d survived the grueling BUD/S training. So why was one woman making him lose his head?
Or your heart?
He blinked at those unbidden words. Yeah, it was more than lust or infatuation that he felt for Addie. He wasn’t sure how much more, though. Thinking about going further with her was like standing at the edge of a cliff. Would he feel the same as he did after a BASE jump, ready to move on to the next adventure? Which would really muddle her mind. Or would he get addicted to one slightly neurotic vegetarian animal rights activist?
Addie referred to her map as she pointed at one of the many large brick buildings. “It’s right after Mandella Hall.”
He passed the School of Medicine building as he got into the right lane. The campus was picture-perfect, with its planters of flowers, low stone walls, and precise landscaping. Students of all ages wandered down well-lit sidewalks or congregated under the shelter of bus stops.
He turned in to a near-empty parking lot of a one-story building identified as the Hallman Sciences Lab. Gil stepped out from around the corner and waved them toward a jog between that building and the next, where the van would be inconspicuous.
Especially since the security lights didn’t reach the area.
If they found the tiger in the lab, they’d call the police. Once the authorities cleared the scene, Risk and Addie would take the tiger to the refuge. Risk got out and walked around to the front, where Gil was telling Addie he’d already ascertained that the admin staff were all gon
e for the day. He conveyed his unhappiness at Risk’s presence with a combination sulk/sneer. More than displeasure, actually, which corroborated Risk’s suspicion that the guy had it for Addie.
They followed Gil wordlessly to the door he’d shown them on his floor plan. He pulled out a key card and tried to jam it in the slot. The guy was nervous, his hands shaking. He finally got it and, as with a hotel room lock, a green light lit up. Gil slid the card back into his pocket as he turned the doorknob. He gestured for Risk to precede him into the dimly lit hallway.
Risk assessed what he could see as he stepped up to the open doorway. Then a surge of electricity rocketed through him. He convulsed, every muscle clenching while black dots flashed in front of his eyes. What the—
Taser. Gil had Tasered him. And the son of a bitch was going to hit him again. He saw it coming, the black device clutched in Gil’s hand, but Risk couldn’t do a damned thing to stop it. Another jolt liquefied his knees and sent him to the ground. As his thoughts scattered and his body shook, he reached for his Glock.
Addie’s scream was cut short when Gil hit her with the Taser, too, and pushed her through the open doorway. Risk tried to lift the gun, but Gil stepped on his wrist with his black-and-white sneakers. Then he jammed his hand into Risk’s pocket and snagged his keys.
“Help!” Gil screamed. “Guy with a gun! Call campus security!”
Risk heard other people shoot into panic mode. Screams. Footsteps running away. He could see his hand on the gun but couldn’t move his finger on the trigger. Not that it mattered; he’d never get a good shot off while he was thrashing around like a fish out of water. Worse, he might hit an innocent person.
The door closed behind Gil. Where was Addie? She’d fallen inside the building. Oh, hell. His body was out of control, his mind barely able to string thoughts together. It did string together one thought: Two men in uniform were aiming guns at him.
He released his gun and pushed it away from him. It took everything in him to push out the words “K-kidnapped. Woo … wooman.” He pointed to the door where that freak had taken Addie.
Wild on You Page 13
