Heat Flash

by Taylor Anne

  “I promise, it’s not what she thinks. I can explain.” He raked his hands through his hair. His gut clenched. Kendall fled the party she worked so hard on because of him. She was out there driving for hours, upset and crying. How could he be so stupid, again.

  Mandy held out a hand, palm outward, stopping any words Mason was about to utter. “You don’t owe me an explanation, but you might want to talk to Kendall.”

  “How long ago did she leave the message?”

  Mandy scrolled through her phone. “About forty-five minutes ago.”

  He hugged her tightly. “Don’t worry. I’m going after her.” Five minutes later, he was in his Tahoe, interstate bound for New Orleans.

  “Dammit,” he muttered for the umpteenth time when Kendall’s phone went to voicemail. He slammed his hand against the steering wheel. Once. Twice. “Dammit all to hell!”

  ****

  This whole ordeal with Mason had Kendall torn in pieces. Twice, at the same hotel, once four years ago, and now tonight, she witnessed him kissing another woman. It didn’t make sense. They were getting along so well. The fire between them was so strong, it was almost certain they were headed to the next level in their relationship. Why had she trusted him? The pain in her heart grew with every mile she drove. Tears fell, and her stomach knotted. Finally, two hours after leaving the party, Kendall pulled into her driveway.

  The humid, balmy night was pitch black. Ominous clouds obscured what little moonlight tried to peek through. The New Orleans heat was almost unbearable. The second she stepped out of her Rogue, sweat trickled down her back. The crisp fall air couldn’t get here soon enough.

  The neighborhood was quiet tonight. Nothing stirred. The neighbor’s dog didn’t even bark at her. Surely he recognized her and her vehicle. Otherwise, he would have woken everyone around.

  Kendall dragged herself up to the front porch. She placed a foot on the second step, and the hair on her neck stood on end. Fear tightened her chest. Something wasn’t right. Before she could turn around, a sharp object struck her head from behind. The blow sent her stumbling. She tried, unsuccessfully, to catch her balance, while at the same time, trying to see what—or rather who—hit her.

  A small gasp escaped through her lips as a large hand covered her mouth, cutting off any more sound. Struggling, she tried to free herself. She raised her right leg and stomped as hard as she could. Pain shot through her heel as it slammed into a steel-toed boot. Her own shaking hands tried to pry the man’s from her mouth. That only caused him to increase the pressure. Twisting, she fought as hard as she could. The man’s grip tightened.

  “Stop fighting me, bitch.” His words slurred. A wave of alcohol-tainted breath washed over her, making her gag. He pulled her right arm behind her until she yelped in pain. “Tell me where the money is.”

  Tears streamed down her face. “In my purse. Take everything I have.”

  He flung the purse she offered. “No, bitch. All of the money.”

  What money? She shook her head, hoping he would understand that she didn’t know what he was talking about. Instead of backing off, he pulled her arm tighter. Agony seared through her body.

  “He told you where he was stashing the money. You know. Tell me or I swear I’ll kill you. Just like you killed my un—.”

  His what? Had he been about to say uncle? The realization hit Kendall, as fast and hard as the man’s fist pummeling into her side. Tom’s nephew. Her head hurt from the first blow, and now her side felt heavy. The only reason she hadn’t fallen to the ground was this maniac’s grimy hands holding her up by one arm.

  Anger boiled. With what little strength she had left, she turned her head to get a glimpse of her attacker. His clothing was dark, and he wore a black ski mask. She couldn’t even see his eyes. The hat he wore sat low on his head.

  She jerked and pushed at him at the same time. They both faltered on the steps. He grabbed her arm, pulled her up close to his face, and bit out, “Next time will be worse. You either tell me what I want to know, bitch, or I will be back.”

  Kendall’s gut tightened when his arm rose. God, he was going to hit her again. She wasn’t sure how much more her body could take. He paused a brief second, glaring at her with an eerie smile on the twisted lips visible through a hole in the mask. His raised hand closed into a tight fist. Then he swung it, forcefully. Pain seared through her body at the power of the blow. Her head jerked, bile rose in her throat. She had the sensation of falling seconds before everything went black.

  Chapter Twelve

  This time of the night, the roads were fairly deserted. Still, Mason drove furiously, swerving in and out of the vehicles on Interstate 10. He couldn’t have been more than thirty minutes behind Kendall. He called her phone several times, only to get no answer. Why wouldn’t she pick up?

  He should never have let her walk away from him on the dance floor. He needed to explain everything. He made up his mind. Once he got to her, he would put an end to their dancing around each other’s feelings. They couldn’t go on like this any longer. Cursing, he pushed harder on the accelerator. The closer he got to New Orleans, the faster his blood pumped, and the stronger his certainty grew that something was wrong.

  When he pulled up behind Mandy’s car in the driveway, the neighborhood looked normal. The dog next door growled until he realized Mason was not a stranger. All the houses, including Kendall’s were dark, except for the occasional night light flickering through curtains and the lamppost in Kendall’s front yard. She always said the soft yellow glow was just what the yard needed at night. He pocketed his keys as he quickly jumped out of his Tahoe.

  Halfway up the driveway, he noticed a bundle on the porch steps. Confusion rattled his brain until he stepped a little closer and realization dawned. A body. Kendall. His heart fell to his knees, his senses instantly on alert. Adrenaline coursed through his veins as he ran the last few feet. Oh, God. Kendall. Mason slouched down and gingerly took Ken’s small frame in his arms.

  “Kendall. Sweetie, can you hear me?” No response. Instinct took over from there. He placed trembling fingers over the pulse point in her neck. He couldn’t draw air into his lungs until he felt the strong beating against his fingers. Thank God, she was alive. Her breathing was slow and labored, but otherwise, she seemed okay.

  She mumbled something he couldn’t understand. “What is it?” She tried uttering words again, but nothing coherent came out. Her eyes fluttered, but didn’t open. Mason sat on the porch and wrapped her in his arms for a minute. He needed to feel her body alive against his. Seeing her beaten and bruised caused a tightening deep in his gut. He would find the person responsible for this. And they would pay. Dearly.

  While he sat holding her, he visually scanned the area and made a quick call to Marks, filling him in on what happened. It was little consolation now to know that he was sending a car to patrol the neighborhood. All was quiet and peaceful. No strange vehicles around. No unusual noises. Even the dog was quiet now. Everything looked familiar, and in its place.

  Mason eased Kendall’s body down on the porch while he fumbled around in the dark looking for her keys. Finally locating them under the rocking chair on the porch, he opened the front door. He bent to pick up Ken’s limp body to carry her inside. She fitfully tossed and turned in his arms. As he placed her on the sofa, she took a swing at him. He reacted quickly, blocking her arm from punching him in the nose. “That’s my girl, fight to the end.”

  Settling her, he examined her injuries. Rage raced through him as he noticed her face already beginning to swell. She must have taken several hits to the head and face. That was going to hurt like hell when she came to. When he lifted one of her arms to examine the bruising around her wrist, she let out a small moan. Son of a bitch. The assailant must have twisted her arm behind her back, a sure move to render a person helpless. Her legs and arms were scraped, probably from the fall on the steps. Although she looked like hell, and would be sore for several days, there didn’t appear to be any ma
jor injuries. Just wait, you bastard. When I get my hands on you...

  “Ken,” he whispered, his voice not yet steady. This was all his fault. If- no, when, he caught this creep, he planned to kill him. He would suffer a slow and painful death at Mason’s hands. “Kendall, it’s me, Mason.”

  She mumbled something incoherent. When she didn’t respond beyond that, he ran his hand through her hair and swore. “That’s it. I’m taking you to the hospital.”

  “No.” Her head thrashed back and forth several times before her eyelids finally fluttered open. “I don’t …want to go…hospital.”

  Mason was torn between getting her professional care and keeping her safe by his side. “Come on, sweetie. Wake up." Her eyes closed again, and she shook her head. “You need to see a doctor.”

  She stilled for a second before sitting bolt upright. “Mason.” Frantic eyes locked with his. “What are you doing here? What happened? Oh my God.” Moisture welled up and fell from those big brown eyes.

  A stone settled at the base of Mason’s throat. He had to fight back tears of his own. “Shh. It’s okay. You’re okay. We’ll get you checked out by a doctor then you can rest.”

  She gripped his arm. “No, I don’t want to go to a doctor. I’ll be fine.” Her bottom lip trembled. “Please, just hold me.”

  He wrapped her in his arms while she sobbed, stroking her back and arms until the tide swept through her. Finally, her body went completely limp, and he knew she had no fight left. He placed his hands on her face and gently turned her to meet his gaze. “Think you can tell me what happened, sweetie?”

  Her head bobbed up and down. “I need something to drink first. Water.”

  “Be right back.” Minutes later he returned with a glass of water and two Advil. If her head wasn’t pounding by now, it would be soon. “Here, take these.”

  She swallowed the pills and drank the entire glass of water before she began telling him what she could remember. “I left the party and drove straight here. I...had to get away.” Her eyes sought out his, but only briefly before her head bowed. Her voice dropped to a near whisper. “He came out of nowhere. Kept saying something about me knowing where the money was.” She stopped and stared up into space. Mason could only imagine what she must be remembering.

  “What is it?” he prodded.

  She looked him straight in the eye. “It’s Tom’s nephew.”

  “How do you know?”

  “He said he would kill me. He almost said ‘uncle.’ I know that’s what he meant to say, but he stopped himself. He kept asking about the money from Tom.” Her body shook.

  Damn, he cursed himself again. If he had been here with her, this would’ve never happened. If he had explained about the woman at the party, Kendall would have never left. It was his duty to protect her. He failed big-time on this one.

  “I hate to drag you through this again, but I need to know everything. Did you get a look at him? Anything look familiar?” Mason knelt on the floor in front of her, his hands rubbing her legs, back, arms. Anywhere, as long as he could touch her. Every time she winced when his fingers landed on a sore spot, he examined the area more closely to make sure it was superficial.

  “He...he was dressed all in black, even had on a hat and ski-mask. I swear, I couldn’t see any part of him. Nothing. Except those beady eyes.”

  “Did you see a vehicle?”

  “No. Everything was normal and quiet when I got here. He came out of nowhere when I walked up to the house.” She shivered.

  Mason got off the floor and sat next to her on the couch. He wrapped his arms around her shoulders, pulling her into his embrace. “Dammit. This is really starting to piss me off. I’ll find the bastard soon.”

  “I hope so.” Kendall tensed.

  “Aww, Ken.” He gently turned her chin so he could look at her face. “You sure you’re okay? I mean, besides being banged up.” Something flickered in her expression, and she stiffened.

  “What is it?” he asked, hoping she remembered something about the attacker. He looked deep into her eyes, and knew it was more than that. Distance and pain were visible. She remembered all right. The events from the party, what she thought she saw.

  She bristled next to him. “I need a bath.”

  “Hold on. Sit.” He put a hand up to halt her movements. “I’ll be right back.”

  ****

  Sit? How dare he tell her what to do. Where did he get off ordering her around? But did she make a move to get up off the couch? No. Instead, Kendall sat there, listening to the water run in her bathroom. She was thankful that Mason showed up when he had. She didn’t want to be alone, and his presence soothed her.

  Her head hurt, her arms were sore. Hell, her whole body ached. Damn. Why did Tom’s nephew think she knew anything about any money? Surely, now the police and FBI could track him down. How long could it take to find her old boss’s family members? Maybe this would all be over with soon.

  Minutes later, Mason came back into the living room. He was still dressed in the black slacks and white shirt he wore to the party, although the shirt was no longer white. And it was unbuttoned halfway down. Dirt and blood smears added to his ruggedly handsome looks.

  “Come on,” he said, holding out his hands.

  Reluctantly, Kendall took his hands and let him lead her into the bathroom. Candles burned around the rim of the tub, their sweet fragrance mixed with the steam of the bubble bath. Gardenias tickled her nose. Under any other conditions, this would’ve been the perfect setting for seduction. The sensual atmosphere made her feel desirable, cherished, excited. In the small space, she was instantly aware of the very male body standing next to her.

  Mason turned her so that she was facing away from him. He didn’t speak as he slowly lowered the zipper of her black dress. The silky material slid to the floor, pooling at her feet. The sharp intake of his breath sent a shiver down her spine. Calming hands settled on her shoulders, turning her around so that she was facing him. His dark hungry eyes roamed over her black lace bra and panties. His Adams apple bobbed as he swallowed hard. Kendall took a deep breath.

  Unsure of herself, and feeling a little vulnerable and exposed, Kendall started to pull away from him. The simple shake of his head halted her movements. Ever so slowly, he reached behind her and loosened the clasp of her bra. The cool lace slid down her arms, freeing her breasts and revealing nipples that hardened when Mason’s eyes landed on them. His knuckles trailed down her body, barely skimming over her breasts.

  Desperate blue eyes sought hers. She shivered at the intensity of the fire burning in them. His hands trailed down her arms, her stomach, all while holding her captive with his gaze. He knelt in front of her, palms coming to rest on the small black lace that barely covered her.

  “So beautiful,” he murmured as he lowered the remaining fragment of material covering her. Gently running his hands along her body, he stood. Her skin tingled and burned where he touched her.

  “Mason. I, um...” Kendall’s voice cracked. “Can’t.” Moisture welled in her eyes.

  “Shh.” His thumb gently wiped away the tears that trickled down her cheeks. His soft lips were next, kissing away the dampness. First his hands, then his lips, caressed every bump and scrape on her face.

  Kendall stood there, in all her nakedness, and let the tears slide down her face, while her body burned and fought for control. Tears, for what she had witnessed at the party earlier tonight, and for the knowledge that she could never have Mason the way she desired. More tears for the attack and the maniac that would not leave her alone. For the sheer luck that Mason showed up when he did. And finally, silent tears slid down her cheek for the loving way Mason kissed and caressed every scratch and bruise on her body. For the sweetness and tenderness he gave so unselfishly.

  For the feelings she always had for him, which she just now recognized for what it was. Love.

  He took her by the hand and turned her toward the tub. Did she imagine it or did his lips graze her neck? He
steadied her as she stepped into the heated water.

  Fully aware of his eyes, filled with desire, watching her, she sank into the bubbles, immersing herself up to her neck. She leaned her head back against the tub, and lay there for several minutes, soaking up the hot water, letting it soothe her aching muscles.

  When Kendall looked up, he was still there, washrag in hand. “Relax and let me wash away your pain.”

  ****

  Thirty minutes later, feeling refreshed and relaxed, Kendall strolled out of the bathroom. A smile tugged at her lips as she recalled the way Mason bathed her and washed her hair. No advances, no sexual touches, just tender-loving care when she needed it most.

  She entered the living room as Mason was hanging up the phone. He twisted to stare at her over the back of the sofa. His eyes deepened to a dark sapphire. She recognized her own desire reflected in his expression. Her pulse jumped. She swallowed hard before finding the ability to speak. “Who were you talking to? It’s late.”

  “I called Marks again to have him step up the night patrol of this neighborhood.” He patted the sofa cushion next to him. “Come sit for awhile. You look better. How do you feel?”

  Instead of sitting, Kendall stopped in front of him. Her head bobbed up and down. “I’m much better. Thanks. But I’m tired. Think I’ll turn in for the night.” She hesitated before turning to go, unsure if she should say more.

  Mason unfolded his tall frame from the couch. He was standing so close, his warm breath tickled her ear. Goose bumps raised on her arms, causing her to shiver. It would be so easy to turn to him. But there were so many questions that she didn’t have the energy to ask tonight.

  “Ken.” His words were barely a whisper. “I need to explain about earlier—“

  “No. Not now.” Defeated, she backed away, ignoring his pained expression. Forcing herself to put one foot in front of the other, to carry her aching body away from Mason’s, she escaped to the bedroom.

  Sleep would not come. Outside, an owl’s shriek filled the quiet night. She sank under the covers, only to get her legs all tangled in the sheets. Her mind wouldn’t block out the night’s events. Images of Mason hugging another woman turned into a masked man’s fist pummeling Kendall’s face.