On Borrowed Time (Men of Honor book 3)

by Rhonda Lott

  “OK,” he barked, Alana jumped. “You should get some rest. I want you to understand one thing though. I have questions that you will answer. For now, you can rest up. You’re safe here.”

  Alana almost laughed at that. Safe with Ace Jackson. Safe with a cocoa skinned God that made her insides liquefy with his every word. No, Alana was nowhere close to safe.

  CHAPTER TWO

  ACE

  He was a morning kinda guy. Ace enjoyed the breaking of a new day, bringing with it the promise of renewed life. He was stuck in a life that sucked on the best days. From his balcony, Ace watched the sun coming up, a pale yellow glow behind a patchwork of clouds. The cold bite of winter wind brushed across his exposed skin, reminding him of his dad. On mornings like this, he and his dad would climb Stone Mountain. Frigid winds, his dad would call, the bitch winds, motivating them to reach the summit as fast as possible. Once there, they talked about whatever was going on in Ace’s young life. The mountain was their place. The one spot that meant the most to the two of them. They had many long talks there. It’s where he released his dad’s ashes a year ago and where he went when shit hit the fan. To talk to the old man once more.

  This morning in particular, he needed some of his dad’s sage advice. Alana Ruiz was a problem in so many ways. She wasn’t talking and that chafed his ass. She was the one that called him. God only knows what she’s involved in. For the time being, he was still a cop. He couldn’t get involved in shady business and this woman was as shady as they came. She was beautiful alright, with those beguiling hazel eyes that held a certain innocence. Sadness shrouded her, weighed her down and marred her soul, he felt that and saw it in the lines of stress about her eyes. This woman held a mystery within her and Ace being the detective that he was, was compelled to unravel it. If he could slam the brakes on his growing desire for her first. The attraction for her was powerful, a gut punch, he hadn’t been expecting.

  When he picked her up in his arms last night it felt different. His heart reacting to her in a way that shocked him beyond words. He held women before, they seemed to make a habit of tripping, slipping, or falling into him on the regular, but this one caused him to take notice. What the hell was it about this one? She was only a female, devious and disloyal like all the rest. The instant attraction that tackled him was off the charts unusual. Ace didn’t care for the “love um and leave um” reputation he carried. He loved women, had respect for them. He absolutely did not trust the whole long-term relationship deal, so he went for women who wanted sex and no strings. It worked out better that way.

  Ace shook off thoughts of Alana and headed inside intent on making breakfast, when his cell blared. It was Kane, of course it was.

  “Why aren’t you banging your woman instead of bothering me?” Ace asked. Not attempting to be cordial.

  “I can multitask.” Kane informed him, then laughed that booming laugh of his.

  Ace groaned, “You disgust me.”

  “Did you meet the woman? What did she have to say?”

  “I met her and she didn’t have shit to say.” Ace admitted, knowing Kane wouldn’t be satisfied with that answer.

  “So, what the fuck, what happened?”

  “When I got there she was being chased out the club by some crazy, and I sort of…” Ace paused.

  “Sort of what?”

  “Um… hit her with my truck.”

  “Ha, no shit? Is she okay?” Kane inquired with a trace of a laugh in his voice.

  “Yeah, technically she accidentally flung her body into the truck while running from some guy chasing her.”

  Kane let his laugh out, loud and long through the line. “Flung her body? Holy shit, I call you lady killer, but bro, you don’t have to actually kill them.”

  “Crazy night bro. This female is going to be trouble.”

  “I take it you rode in on your white horse and saved her, but what’s up with the silent shit?”

  “Trying to figure out what’s up with her.” Ace ground his teeth.

  Kane snorted. “You’ve had her there all night and don’t know any more than you did yesterday. I can’t believe that, women eat you up like ice cream, blabbing their whole life stories within the first ten minutes of meeting your ass.”

  “She’s as closed mouthed as they come. I can tell she is scared. Whoever she was working for must have some serious shit over her head. That or she’s playing me for them. I can’t tell and I don’t trust her.” Ace paced in front of his sofa, his fingers gripping the cell phone hard.

  “Why don’t you lock her ass up till she talks?”

  Ace cringed at the idea of Alana behind bars. “I don’t know who is out to kill me, only suspicions. She claims to know who is behind it. I suspect her of being the female I saw running away from Esteban’s body. If she murdered him, I have to find out.”

  “If she killed Esteban. I say we throw her a party.” Kane went silent for a moment. “You’re an excellent cop and I know you want to do the right thing. But bro, sometimes things aren’t what they appear to be. You don’t know her or what circumstances led to her killing Esteban, or if she is really the one responsible. He had to be dealt with and deep down inside you know it. If not by her, it would have been me. I wasn’t about to let him get another shot at Dawn, period.”

  “Yeah, I know. Esteban’s desire for revenge drove him insane. He was a criminal of the worst kind, but murder is murder.” Ace stopped pacing. “I need to hear her story, then proceed from there.”

  “Bring her to the condo; David can get a stick to talk.”

  “I’m not getting you two any more involved than you already are.” Ace stated, clenching his jaw. He knew what was coming next.

  “Fuck that, bring her or I’m coming over there and kicking your ass. We’re family and that’s that.” Kane barked out, disconnecting the call abruptly.

  Ace stared at his phone for a minute. Damn Kane. If he didn’t bring Alana to the condo, Kane would make good on his promise. His best friend tended to go overboard when it came to family. Ace wasn’t getting anywhere with Alana yet, but getting his bros involved would mean exposing his family to an unknown threat. That was most definitely what Alana was, an unknown sexy ass threat.

  Ace stomped into the kitchen. He pulled the ingredients for breakfast from the fridge. Cooking brought him peace. In this space, Ace allowed all his worries to slip away and allowed himself to create. The world outside was, at times, a traumatic place that drew him down into the twisted minds of killers or rapist. In his clean kitchen with his familiar tools and ingredients around him, Ace was in the zone. Nothing nasty here, only him and his craft. Too soon that woman would be up, she was going to tell him the whole fucking truth this morning. His powers of persuasion were legendary. Ms. Ruiz didn’t stand a chance

  ALANA

  The smell of coffee dripped into her subconscious and snatched her from a deep sleep. Alana rolled over to her side and pushed her face into the pillow, it smelled of a rich sexy cologne and Ace. She inhaled deeply and held it in her lungs, snuggling deeper under the coverlet... Ace Jackson smelled divine. He’d slept on the couch and gave her his bed. Laying in his bed using one of his shirts as a nightgown, the intoxicating essence of the man surrounded her.

  The aroma of Colombian coffee and bacon was making her stomach dance. Even though she didn’t want to, Alana left the warmth of the bed and reluctantly pulled back on the long royal blue skirt and lavender peasant blouse from last night. The pounding in her head was gone thanks to the pain pills Ace had given her before she went to bed. She did a quick trip to the bathroom, using the toothbrush Ace had for guest. Extra toiletries for his overnight guest stood in neat rows in the cabinet under his sink. Alana imagined the steady stream of females that visited the too good-looking officer. The thought of other women had her temperature rising. She didn’t have any right to be upset. Ace was a ladies man and she was a nerd, there romantic paths shall never cross. Not in her lifetime. She wasn’t that lucky.

>   His apartment spoke of a solitary, lonely bachelor. He probably didn’t spend many evenings alone in this spot though, not with his handsome face and charm. Women must follow him in fucking droves. Alana wondered if it ever got old for him, woman after woman, no one special. She wished she was that woman, but she was plain old Alana, chunky, nerdy old Alana. The only reason she was there in the first place was for his help. She had to get a grip on her wild hormones and concentrate on the problems at hand.

  She allowed the delicious smells to guide her toward the kitchen. Ace had his back to her scooping eggs onto a plate. She took the moment to admire his wide back in his white wife beater. His jeans hung low on his hips. Her throat went dry at the sight of him. The perfection of his warm golden brown skin and bulging muscles caused Alana stumble to a stop, admiring the view. A gorgeous man cooking breakfast wasn’t something she saw every day. Alana remembered reading in his background, how his single father raised him and that the mom ran off when he was a boy. He must have learned to take care of himself at an early age. He was humming to himself as he moved around. His body loose and relaxed. Damn, but the man was sexy in the kitchen. Alana closed her eyes for a second imagining herself with him on a daily basis, him serving them breakfast after a night of hot, bed breaking sex.

  “You look better this morning. Come on over and have some.” Ace held up a cup of coffee. Alana jumped. His deep voice snapping her out of her inappropriate thoughts.

  “Thanks” Alana accepted the hot mug, and sat in one of the two chairs in the little dining area off the kitchen.

  “Hope you feel up to eating this morning, I cooked the basics, eggs, toast, and bacon.” He told her placing a plate piled high with food in front of her. Ace joined her. Before eating, he bowed his head. Alana smiled to herself as she did the same.

  “I didn’t think people said grace before a meal anymore.”

  Ace searched her face for a second, and then the corner of his mouth pulled upwards showing the cutest dimple. He shrugged his shoulders. “My dad was a traditional type of guy, we blessed the table at every meal growing up, and it stuck. Doesn’t hurts to be thankful, you know.” He gave her a wink before digging into his food.

  “Yeah, I know.” Alana murmured. Silence fell between them as they ate. Alana didn’t realize how hungry she actually was. The food was so delicious she shoveled it in with gusto. She might have been embarrassed about him watching her eat as if this was her last supper, but she was way too starved to muster up any shame.

  “So tell me why you believe someone is after me Alana?” Ace demanded as soon as she swallowed her last bite of eggs.

  Alana pulled her thick hair away from her face, breathing in a lung full of air. “I worked as an informant for Officer Bates. He is the brother of Timothy Bates. Tim was the officer you arrested for killing his wife.”

  “I knew Bates was the one. His brother was guilty. We found the murder weapon in his car and witnesses saw him leaving the scene.”

  “Bates claims that you rushed to judgment and that his brother would have never hurt his wife. Now Mason wants you dead.”

  “I’ve been in the same department for over six months. He had plenty of time to come at me. Why now?”

  “His brother Tim hung himself in prison a month ago. Ever since Tim’s suicide, Mason has been scheming to get rid of you. He can’t shoot you dead in the street.” Alana pushed her plate away. Every scrap of food gone. “Not only that, but he’s been working with Esteban for years and then his golden goose was cut off from the cartel and his income was fucked. He blames you for that as well.”

  Ace frowned. His elbows were on the table, one hand propped under his chin, one knee jerked up and down as he studied her.

  “What’s your part in this whole thing?” He questioned, clearly suspicious.

  “I can’t tell you.”

  “What?”

  “I will tell you, but not until I can talk to the McAdams.”

  “They don’t have anything to do with this, why do you have to talk to them?”

  Alana averted her eyes. He was pissed, but she had to stick to her guns.

  “Talk to me, Alana. Do you need protection? I can protect you.” He soothed.

  “You have to protect yourself. The McAdams… I want to talk to them, that’s all I’m going to say.” Alana crossed her arms, breathed deep and clamped her mouth shut.

  Ace’s chair screeched across the linoleum floor, he stalked to her, lifting her from her seat until their faces were even. The fire of distrust blazed in his eyes. Alana’s heart pounded loudly in her ears. Her limbs trembled and her breathing accelerated. Was she wrong about Ace? Would he hurt her the way Bates did? Out of the frying pan and into the fire. He towered over her, physically beautiful and intimidating. She wanted to run, but there was no escape.

  “I don’t know you. I don’t trust you. I suspect that you killed someone. Why would I expose my family to you?” Ace hissed, sitting her down hard on the sturdy table. Her ass smacked the wood and her legs gapped. He stepped into the v of her thighs. Eyes traveling up and down her body.

  Alana’s heart raced faster and faster, he was right there on top of her and she felt his breath warm and coffee scented on her face. She knew she was attracted to Ace but with him so close, she felt a sudden jolt of intense awareness. Her body vibrated and her mind’s sole focus was on him. No man had ever stirred her up so. She dated and had a few short-term relationships, but the thunderous heartbeat, the tingling girly bits and the uncontrollable desire she felt right at this moment was unique. His mesmerizing gaze glowed with a dangerous type of hunger. She felt a shiver run down her back and not from fear. Know what, fuck it, seize the day, seize it girl.

  Alana wrapped her arms around Aces shoulders, her hands around the back of his neck and kissed him hard. He went rigid in her embrace, his lips stiff and unmoving under her assault. Ace moaned into her mouth and his body relaxed by degrees until his lips opened and his arms gathered her up against his hard chest. A low growl left his throat as he took over the kiss, delving into her mouth swiping his tongue across hers and leaning her back on the table. His thick erection pressed firmly against her pussy. Alana let out a moan around his lips. Ace pulled back. His eyes staring into hers. He released her body and pulled her up from the table. A frown marred his face. Lifting one hand Ace ran a finger across her swollen lips, then a slight smile curved his lips upwards. He traced the diamond piercing in her dimple then stepped from between her legs and helped her to her feet.

  “I’m taking you to the condo to meet David. But this between us is not over.”

  “You mean the business with Bates?” she asked, her voice sounding breathless.

  “No, “Ace leaned in and kissed her lightly. “I mean this between you and me. You’ve started something this morning sweetheart that I don’t think either of us expected.” He turned her body towards the bedroom.

  Weak kneed, Alana hurried to the bedroom to grab her jacket and purse. Ok, he didn’t laugh at her for kissing him and she was on her way to see the McAdams. She ached down below and her legs trembled from their encounter. He seemed to have enjoyed kissing her. Would he even want to be near her once he found out the truth? Alana’s heart felt heavy as a weight settle over her. The intimate moment they shared dried up and blew away. Ace was an honorable man and a dedicated cop. He would find out how unworthy she was of his affection when the truth was revealed. What was she thinking; he’d probably slap the cuffs on her the second she told him.

  ACE

  David McAdams opened the door, his stony features emotionless, unreadable. Typical David. He assessed them in the span of a second. Without a word, David nodded for them to enter. Ace tossed their jackets on a chair by the door before ushering Alana into the living room. Alex and Dawn were on the floor playing with Jordan, when they noticed Ace enter the room, they both gave him a warm smile. Their eyes swung to Alana. These two women meant a lot to him and he wanted them to like Alana. If anyone asked him
why, he wouldn’t have an answer. A tiny voice inside whispered “She’s important”. She might be important, but she was also a stranger. He wasn’t about to let some whack job infiltrate his family. Dawn and Alex’s safety came before anything else. They had fought hard for too long from Mac and Esteban Blanco. No more hiding or running from criminals for them, Ace wouldn’t stand for it.

  “Everyone this is Alana Ruiz.” Ace placed his hand on the small of her back; she trembled slightly under his touch. He felt something shift in his chest. This woman was an unknown, why was he catching feelings for her. Ace dropped his hand; she cast a glance over her shoulders, eyes wide. She needed his touch, seemed to draw strength from it. Fuck. He placed his hand back on her body.

  “Hi Alana.” Alex greeted her with a wide smile. Alex, so warm and friendly, she loved everyone. D on the other hand eyed Alana with undisguised curiosity and suspicion.

  “Hey,” Dawn said at last. Waving Alana over to the sofa. “You told Ace where to find me?”

  “Yes.” Alana answered in a soft voice. Ace didn’t like the way this was headed. Dawn appeared more pissed than grateful. Alana wasn’t the bold woman he held in his arms this morning. Her head hung and she wasn’t making eye contact with anyone. Ace stepped over to the couch and placed his hand on her shoulder. Hold it together Alana.

  “You worked for Esteban, the drug dealer, the human trafficker, why? Did he force you into that shit?” Dawn was on her feet now hands on her hips, her dark slanted eyes mere slits in her beautiful face. Heat rolled off her so damn bad it was almost visible. Dawn didn’t give a shit about tact. When she didn’t trust you, she let you know it. Right now, she had her eyes glued to Alana with her bullshit radar on full blast. This woman was scary when she wanted to be. Pretty as a picture, but scary.

  “Back off hellion.” Kane told her, strolling in the room with a cup for Jordan. He handed the little boy the sippy cup, then picked Jordan up and carried him over to his little play area. “Don’t go all out on the woman. We don’t even know her story yet.”