For the count of two, she didn’t move, trying to decide if she should bite her tongue or ask him what his problem was. But it wouldn’t be fair to put Nate in the middle of an angry confrontation between Ty and her. It could wait. With a curt shrug, she forced a smile and perched on the edge of the chair he held for her.
She dove into the meal in front of her, surprised by her voracious appetite. “Oh . . . these fries are so good, and this cheeseburger is fantastic.”
“You must be feeling better. I’ve never seen anyone eat fast food with such enthusiasm.” Nate winked at her.
“She always eats like that.” Some of the gruffness was gone from Ty’s voice.
Rayna made a face at him, but what he said was true. She ate like any other member of Joe’s team. Back then, she worked out hard every day and ran several miles, so she needed all those calories. She’d had to watch it when all she did was walk between buildings on campus, but that was about to change.
She took a bite of her burger and studied Ty from beneath lowered lashes before she broached the subject that had been bothering her for a while now. “How do you plan to find this Bree Knight?”
What Rayna really wanted to know was what the relationship between Bree and Ty had been that made it necessary for him to protect her, even though it meant the end of his law enforcement career. In exasperation, she recognized the first stirrings of jealousy.
“That’s Joe’s job. He’s pulling some strings to find her, and I’m sure by now he knows exactly where she is. All I need is a phone number and I’m betting I can convince her to come to me.” Ty finished his burger, crumpled the paper, and tossed it into the garbage.
“Are you going to let Nate go with you?” Rayna braced for the hard glare she expected him to turn on her and was surprised when he didn’t.
“That depends . . .”
“On whether I come up with a plan to take Andre down that doesn’t involve capital punishment for Ty.” Nate addressed the reply to her while looking at his partner.
Ty nodded. “We’ve got twenty-four to forty-eight hours to come up with that plan.”
Nate appeared almost as surprised by his response as she was.
Ty leaned back in his chair. “What? I’ve still got a little bit of common sense.”
“I want to go too.” Rayna stopped, her cheeseburger halfway to her mouth.
“Hell, no.” The words echoed from both men in unison.
Angry and humiliated by their offhand dismissal, Rayna fumed and fell silent. She’d been on assignments with Ty before, and he knew she could handle herself. Why was he treating her like a delicate piece of china all of a sudden?
She choked down the rest of her cheeseburger and picked at the fries. Her appetite had disappeared along with the closeness she’d shared with Ty a few minutes ago. Both men ignored her as they discussed alternate routes from Redding to Portland.
Finally, she shoved her chair back and stood. “I’m going to lie down.” She didn’t wait for a response and closed the dividing door behind her. Pummeling her pillows into a wedge, she threw herself onto the bed and stabbed the power button on the TV remote. I Love Lucy filled the screen and blared its familiar theme song. She turned it down to a more reasonable level and thumbed through the channels until she found an old episode of Criminal Minds.
Why had Ty gone from hot to cold on her earlier? Shameful memories of their conversation the day she broke up with him crowded into her mind. A better question would be, why did he have anything to do with her at all? If you hurt someone bad enough, an apology couldn’t fix it. Come to think of it, he hadn’t responded when she’d asked if he’d give her another chance. Was he humoring her because he thought she was mentally impaired for the time being?
Maybe she was.
She whipped her pillow over and punched it twice, then plopped her head down. She would not cry . . . much.
An hour later, Ty knocked and opened her door. “Still want that shower?” He raised a quizzical brow as he headed for the bathroom.
Rayna tried to ignore the clanging noises that emanated from the tiny room. She curled into a ball, turned her back to the sounds, and concentrated on the television show . . . for all of thirty seconds. With a heavy sigh, she threw the covers back, swung her feet to the floor, and padded softly into the bathroom.
Ty stood with his back to her, his arms outstretched to position the curtain rod. The muscles across his back and shoulders flexed beneath his shirt. Suddenly, Rayna longed to have his strong arms around her again. His warm lips covering hers. Even if it was just for tonight. Just a few hours of comfort and companionship.
She’d already been down that road, and Ty had put her off. She took a step closer. “Can I help?”
“I’ll just be a second.” Ty twisted the right side of the rod and then stepped back, leaving the shower curtain firmly mounted on the wall once again. He dropped his arms and turned to her. The smile left his face and made it clear he’d noticed her red-rimmed eyes.
“I don’t want . . . I can’t do this.” She shook her head, not knowing what to do with her hands and finally folded them in front of her.
He started to reach for her but stopped. “Do what?”
“I need you, Ty. You . . . you can’t be mad at me right now.” Everything was wrong between them, and her heart ached with missing him.
Some emotion she couldn’t read darkened his eyes, and he covered the distance between them. His hands circled her waist, and he picked her up, pulling her against his body. “I’m not mad at you, Rayna . . . never mad.”
She wrapped her arms and legs around him, unable to get close enough. A tremulous breath left her as she molded herself against this man who meant everything to her. She laid her forehead against his and soaked in the contentment, the safety, the absolute knowledge she was where she was supposed to be.
This was what she’d been missing for the last six weeks. It didn’t matter what happened tomorrow or the next day. He was here with her now, and that was all she cared about. She needed him like she needed air to breathe, and she refused to believe he didn’t feel something for her too. It wasn’t in her nature to give up. She’d make him remember if it was the last thing she did.
His gaze burned into hers, holding hesitation, caution, and finally, resignation as he brushed a wayward curl off her lips. “You’ve got me, sweetheart, for as long as you need me.”
She’d need him for forever, but she understood his hesitation. He’d be there for her out of a sense of loyalty or guilt, based on a friendship that was dying because she’d made the wrong decision. Even so, his deer-in-the-headlights expression made it clear he didn’t intend to get attached again.
He didn’t know she was lost without him. She had to find a way to convince him, but he wouldn’t believe her now—not while there was a possibility of some residual drug flowing in her veins. Tomorrow or the next day, she’d make him understand.
She wouldn’t let him go again—not without a fight.
She curled her arms around his neck and raised her lips to meet his. Her tongue slipped through his open mouth and sparred with his as he returned her kiss, cautiously at first, and then with a growing urgency that kindled the small flame within her into a raging fire. A groan escaped him, and she clung to him, happiness flooding her at this power she somehow possessed to make him want her. The heat of his lips on hers and his hands stroking her back with quiet strength made her feel safe and protected. His familiar clean scent with a hint of clove surrounded her, and she breathed deeply of it, lulled by a comforting sense of home.
The chirp of a telephone startled her. Rayna jumped, but Ty didn’t let her go right away. His eyes, dark green and smoldering with intensity, opened slowly, and a wickedly appealing smile held her in place for one more kiss.
Chapter Seven
* * *
TO HELL WITH his conscience. Holding her like this soothed the loneliness he’d lived with for weeks. If Ty had his way, he’d never let h
er go again. He wanted her all to himself, some place where nobody could find them. Common sense and reason fled as a powerful rush of possessiveness tore through him.
Instead of letting Rayna go, he wound his hands in her hair and deepened the kiss. For precious seconds, he forgot about everything but his need and her softness. He lost himself in her pretty blue eyes, brimming with promise . . . until that damned phone rang. He ignored it . . . once . . . twice. Then a frustrated sigh escaped. As much as he wanted to forget the rest of the world existed, he had to answer the damn phone.
He swore softly as he set her on her feet and reached in his pocket for the device he’d forgotten he had—Mikhail’s cell phone. The caller ID said AK. Ty would be a fool not to take this call. The big man himself was calling. Rayna’s gaze was curiously watchful, and he stroked her arm soothingly as he pressed the button and raised the phone to his ear.
“Don’t tell me I forgot something, Andre.”
Rayna’s smile faded instantly, and her hand flew to her mouth. Ty shook his head, put his arm around her shoulders, and steered her toward the bed.
“Glad to see you still have your sense of humor.” Andre’s voice vibrated with anger. “It will not be so funny in the future—I promise you. I will have what I want. You will bring me Brianna Knight and her daughter.”
“Why would I do that? Last I checked, your bargaining chip sort of evaporated.”
“That is not entirely true. Let me tell you what I do have. My men are spread from LA to Portland with one purpose: find Rayna Dugan and kill her. Unless, of course, you deliver Bree Knight before we find your woman.”
Ty tensed and struggled to keep his temper. Andre was baiting him. He wanted Ty angry because angry people made mistakes. It was Ty’s responsibility not to let the man get under his skin. He took a deep breath and concentrated on Rayna’s sweet face. “If it’s war you want, I can assemble an army too.”
“Maybe, but will your soldiers do whatever it takes to win?” Andre broke the connection and the phone went dead.
“That bastard.” Ty tossed the phone on the nightstand and balled his hands into fists. His voice shook. “I should have killed him when I had the chance.”
“No. Look at me.” Rayna cupped his face with her hands. “You don’t hurt people unless there’s no other option. That’s not who you are. You work with Joe to save lives, not to spread carnage. Don’t let the likes of Andre Komarov turn you into something you’re not.”
The tenderness in her eyes drew him in, but she was only partly right. He hadn’t reached Andre’s level of cold-blooded ruthlessness, but he would kill without blinking an eye to protect his own. A cop’s blood still ran through his veins, but playing by the rules this time could get Rayna killed. He wasn’t about to let that happen, no matter the cost. He’d been a damn good cop once, but he also knew how to play the game Andre and his hoodlums excelled at. When the moment arrived, he’d do what had to be done.
She brushed a gentle kiss across his lips, pulling him back from the edge. He forced Andre out of his mind. There’d be another time to deal with that unpleasantness. Right now, he had Rayna, and that might not always be the case.
He grabbed her waist and rolled her onto the bed. Surprise turned to triumph in her expression when she ended up on top. He slid his hand behind her neck and pulled her toward him until his mouth covered hers. His tongue probed her lips gently, coaxing them open. He took his time, leisurely circling her tongue with his and moving over her lips.
She pulled away breathlessly. “What did he want?”
“He wants Bree, and if he doesn’t get her, he’ll let loose an army to hunt us down. If I find her and turn her over, he’ll call off the dogs.” No way would he tell Rayna the threat had been against her, personally. In forty-eight hours or less, with any luck, she’d be at Joe’s compound in Montana, surrounded by men who’d die keeping her safe. All he had to do was get her to Nate’s uncle’s. If she was stronger emotionally tomorrow, and he thought she could handle the truth, maybe he’d tell her. Not now.
“Sure, like you’d turn anybody over to that creep.”
He traced his finger across her lips. Should he tell her there was very little he wouldn’t do to keep her safe? Probably not, but the truth was, if handing Bree over to Andre became the only way to get Rayna out of it, he’d do it in a heartbeat.
Ty rolled her over on her back, landing comfortably between her legs. He muffled her surprised gasp with his mouth hard and slow on hers. She moaned and worked her hands beneath his shirt to stroke his skin and pull him closer. His body’s reaction to her was instantaneous, and his hard-on pressed against her lower abdomen. Every move she made beneath him pushed him closer to the line he’d drawn. In another minute, he wouldn’t care that she’d had the day from hell and was likely still suffering from the emotional trauma. Whereas he’d crawl across broken glass to hold her this close forever, she might not even realize she was in bed with him.
He groaned and pushed himself up on his elbows to search her face. She watched him, a question haunting her eyes. He nuzzled and kissed his way down her cheek to her ear and back to the bare skin above the neckline of her tank top, his blue shirt thankfully gone. She laughed and wiggled beneath him, and with his last ounce of self-control, he moved off her and gathered her close beside him.
This—whatever this was—would have to wait a few more hours. He didn’t want Rayna to make a choice she’d regret later. Continuing on the course they were currently traveling felt a little too much like taking advantage. He’d taken great pains not to do that in the past, and he wasn’t about to start now. At the very least, she’d be hurt. Worst-case scenario—she’d hate him.
Right now, what she needed was a good night’s sleep . . . and a friend. He’d make sure she had both. Tomorrow, though, all bets were off.
He unwrapped her arms from his neck and planted a kiss on her forehead. “I’ll go and let you get some sleep.”
Disappointment flashed in her eyes and she blinked. The contentment in her expression faded and bewilderment took its place. She turned away from him. “I was hoping you’d stay, but . . . whatever you think.”
Ty reached for her wrist as she swung her legs over the side of the bed. “Wait a minute. You have to know I want to stay.” His thumb stroked her wrist. He shook his head. “Never thought I’d ever say this, but . . . we should wait.” It sounded ridiculous, even to his own ears.
She laughed scornfully. “Right, because I haven’t made us wait long enough already!”
Ty gripped her wrist firmly when she tried to stand, and kept her there on the edge of the bed. “Just for the record, what is it you’re upset with me about?”
She shook her head, tossing her hair. “I’m not upset.” Anger smoldered in her eyes.
He scooted toward her and slid his arm around her waist. “You’re a lousy liar. You know that?”
She shrugged and stiffened.
He slid off the bed and knelt in front of her. With one finger, he tipped her chin up until she had to look at him. “I’m trying to protect you from making a mistake you might regret tomorrow. The last thing I intended to do was hurt your feelings.”
She shrugged, and a frown wrinkled her forehead. “That was awfully easy for you.”
“What was easy?”
She rolled her eyes. “You know.”
“Sure. Because I’m such a good mind reader.” What did she mean? The conversation had taken such a leap that Ty was more concerned about her than ever.
She raised an eyebrow and snorted a laugh. “It doesn’t take a mind reader. You kiss me until I’m . . . and then you . . . just turn it off like it means nothing to you. Oh, I get it. I deserve that for the way I left it between us when I went back to school. Are we even now? Because if we are, feel free to leave.”
Ty couldn’t help the satisfied grin, even though it was bound to get him deeper into trouble.
With a disgusted hmph, she jerked her chin free of his grasp and
pushed to her feet.
He grabbed her arm and tugged her gently back down on the bed.
She stared at his hand on her arm, and her icy smile radiated confidence. “Would you like to keep that?”
This was the Rayna he remembered. He smiled, removing his hand and holding it up in surrender. Then he leaned toward her, trapping her with his arms on both sides of her, and kissed the slope of her neck. “Do you have any idea how turned on I am right now?”
She trembled as he whispered the words close to her ear. When she met his gaze, her eyes were filled with distrust and confusion. “Don’t say that if you don’t mean it.”
Ty chuckled. “Silly woman. Don’t you know I’m worried about you?” He pushed her riotous curls behind her ears, one side at a time. “Any other day, sweetheart, we wouldn’t even be having this conversation. One inkling I might get lucky with you and no one would see or hear from us for a week.” He kissed her forehead again.
Her lips trembled. She still held herself aloof, but her spine lost some of its rigidity and her expression softened somewhat. “Yeah . . . well . . . too bad you blew your chance, Whitlock.”
Ty chortled. “Could be I’ll get another. If I do, it’s going to end differently. I promise you.” The last words were merely a breath before he leaned in slowly and took her lips. He covered her mouth tenderly, lovingly, and her breathing quickened in response. For the second time in ten minutes, he very nearly forgot everything but the taste of her sweet lips.
Apparently all the good intentions in the world weren’t enough. Aside from the health concerns, he hadn’t even gotten into the fact that she’d kicked him to the curb. She’d made her position perfectly clear when she broke it off with him, even if he’d had to fill in some of the blanks for himself—she didn’t want a man like her brother who could end up dead by sudden and violent means. Yet the way she kissed him and reacted to his touch had him thinking she wanted him as much as he needed her.
The events of the last few hours had thrown her. He was well aware of that. It was only natural she’d reach out for comfort and support in whatever form was available. She was vulnerable, and he knew how much she hated that. If he took advantage of her present condition to try to change her mind, she’d never forgive him.
If You Only Knew Page 8
