by Karen Kelley
“Why did you put Ethan at the top of your list?”
Just like that he switched gears. They’d been talking about sex; now they were back to the bank robbers. Sure, she knew what was at stake. They had to catch them so she could clear the McCandless name. But it took her a minute longer to stop thinking about Dillon and sex and concentrate on bank robbers.
“Because I don’t like him,” she grated out.
“That’s not a good enough reason.”
She knew that, but she was pissed. Deep breath. Inhale.
Exhale. She really had to get her emotions under control.
“He was the first one on the scene,” she finally said when she could think more clearly. “Him and Leo. They’re tight. I don’t trust either one of them.”
“Still not good enough.”
The man was infuriating. Worse than a detective. “My gut tells me there’s more going on than either one is letting on.”
“Do you think they might have robbed the bank?”
She sat on the edge of the windowsill, planting the palms of her hands on either side. Her anger evaporated. “I honestly can’t say,” she finally admitted. “I definitely feel like there’s more going on than meets the eye.”
“What do you know about them?”
“Not a lot. Ethan’s from the Galveston area. He’s thirty-three.
I don’t think he’s ever been married. He’s never mentioned an ex wife or kids, so he probably isn’t strapped paying child support.”
She was thoughtful for a moment. He did have one passion. “He’s into old cars. From what I’ve heard, he’s restoring several.”
“A hefty investment.”
He and Leo had been putting their heads together a lot recently. Things she’d forgotten began to take on new meaning.
“Darla mentioned something once, that Ethan was trying to buy the old Chevy showroom and garage. It’s been vacant for a couple of years, but she said he didn’t have enough money yet.”
“Maybe he decided to borrow from the bank and make it a no interest loan. Leo could’ve helped.”
She shook her head. “They’re still cops. They wouldn’t rob a bank.” As much as she would like to point the finger in their direction, she didn’t think Ethan and Leo would turn to crime to finance their business.
“Are you positive?”
Again, she wasn’t sure. She wasn’t sure about anything. “There were three bank robbers, though. Who was the third man?”
“It could be anyone they brought in.”
“Ethan and his gang.” It sounded more insane when she said the words out loud. “No, I don’t think so.”
“Why did he take so long to get to the bank? Wasn’t he on call that night? He might have been stashing the money.”
She thought back to something Ethan said. “When I was at the sheriff’s office for questioning, he said that he had been picking up some papers.”
But where? She closed her eyes and thought back. Sheriff Barnes and the Ranger had just entered his office. She’d blurted “this is the man who was shot”. No one had been able to see
Dillon and she’d had to cover her blunder. She practically accused Ethan of being the guilty one. He’d hurried to defend himself by saying he was picking up papers from…
Her eyes flew open. “Joe,” she said as though she just answered the million dollar question. “He was picking up papers from Joe.” She breathed a sigh of relief. The bump on her head and not being able to remember everything had scared her. The doctor said her memory would gradually return, but she wasn’t good at being patient.
“Easy enough to check out if he’s lying. Or maybe this is the third man. He would make a convenient alibi, and they would know that.”
Her elation fizzled. Now she was even more confused, because Dillon might be right. Ethan, Leo, and this guy called Joe might have robbed the bank. Ethan would know exactly where she would be that night. He even wanted her to go to the other side of town. His plan backfired when she saw the light flash inside the bank. But would he rob the bank?
“What about Leo?” Dillon asked.
“He’s an idiot.”
“Do you have anything more to go on?”
She knew her observation wasn’t what she would call being a good detective, but it was the truth. “He’s married. His wife is sweet but she doesn’t have a clue he flirts with every female in town.”
“Affairs?”
She was thoughtful, then shook her head. “No, I think he likes the chase. It makes him feel more important than he is.
“He buys the women presents,” she continued, thinking aloud. “He would need money. I know he’s invested in a few wild schemes in the past that fell through and cost him. He’s not much of a salesman.”
“Anything else?”
No, she couldn’t think of anything. But Leo? Nothing he ever did turned out well. He was gullible, too. Ethan might have talked him into robbing the bank with him. “Maybe,” she said.
“We’ll keep them on top of the list.”
Her head was starting to throb. She reached up and massaged her temples as Dillon scribbled something on the paper.
“Whose name did you write?”
“Your grandfather’s. You forgot to write his name down.” He scribbled something else. “And Tilly’s.”
Chapter 14
“That’s not funny,” Raine said.
“I didn’t mean for it to be.” Dillon knew she would be angry at him for putting her grandfather on the list, but he couldn’t rule out Sock or Tilly.
“That’s totally ridiculous. Tilly and my grandfather did not rob the bank. Think about what you’re saying. There’s no way they could pull it off without me knowing.”
“You know that for a fact?”
“Yes,” she said without hesitation.
Always the protector, even though it might clear her name.
If her grandfather was guilty, Raine would do whatever it took to keep him out of trouble, even go so far as taking the blame herself.
“Sock would do anything to save the ranch,” he said to explain his way of thinking. “You’re exhausted from trying to keep everything together. You work the graveyard shift, then come home and do the chores. He knows you were close to the breaking point. Being financially stable would fix everything. No more long hours for you. He could hire someone to do repairs. All his problems would be gone.”
She was shaking her head, still not seeing the big picture, so he continued. “You gave up everything for him. A job you loved, an apartment in the city. You even traded in your car to help pay bills. The least he could do is rob a bank for you.”
She strode toward him, fire shooting from her eyes. “My grandfather would never rob a bank. Not for me or anyone else.”
She stopped in front of him, fists doubled. “He would rather lose everything than break the law.”
“Yet he steals animals.”
Her eyes grew round. “That’s a lie.”
“Isn’t that one of the reasons you came home? He was accused of stealing a horse?”
“He didn’t steal the horse. The owners were letting the poor animal starve to death because they couldn’t afford the feed. He rescued the mare.”
“And they filed a complaint.”
“Which was dropped.”
“He stole a horse.”
“Rescued!”
“Stole.”
Her cheeks turned red and her mouth puckered. “Rescued!”
She drew back her arm. Before she connected with his chin, his hand closed over her fist and he pulled her forward. She was so intent on throwing a punch that she lost her balance and fell into him.
Her gaze collided with his. “I hate you,” she said between gritted teeth.
He drew in a breath as the warmth of her body surrounded him. Yeah, he pushed her. He wanted her to lose her temper because he couldn’t stand not holding her one second longer.
“Liar,” he said.
Raine attempted t
o squirm away, but she only managed to ignite the fire inside him, and apparently inside herself, too, because her arms suddenly went around his neck and she pulled him closer, her body melting against his. He’d been an idiot to think he could go much longer without taking her into his arms, without making love to her.
“I do hate you.” But her words were soft and lacked conviction. “Grandpa and Tilly didn’t rob the bank.”
“Shh, it’ll be okay.”
“Say it.” She pulled away enough to look into his eyes.
“They didn’t rob the bank.” In his heart, Dillon knew Sock
wouldn’t commit a felony. Not even to save his ranch.
She raised her lips to his. He leaned down, tasted her. The
kiss deepened. He wanted her so damn bad it made his knees
weak. He tugged her shirt out of her pants, then pulled the sides apart, ignoring the sound of ripping material. She pushed his T-shirt up. A sigh shuddered through her body as naked flesh pressed against naked flesh.
He broke the kiss long enough to toss his hat to the side. He grabbed the hem of the cotton material and yanked it over his head before he pulled her back into his arms. When he looked into her eyes he saw victory shining in hers.
“You think you’ve won.”
Her smile was slow and oozed confidence. “I know I’ve won.”
She rubbed her breasts against his chest.
He gritted his teeth as pleasure filled him. Her nipples scraped back and forth. Before he could recover, she slipped her hands under his waistband. The first button was undone before he could think of anything to say. Her knuckles scraped across his erection.
Fire shot through him. He wanted more.
“Let me stop the ache,” she said.
He barely heard her words right before she shoved his jeans down. His briefs went with them. The scraping of material across his already swollen member had him grasping her shoulders so he wouldn’t fall over.
“Nice,” she murmured as her gaze dropped. She caressed the tip of his erection.
He jerked.
“I’m going to make love to you and you’ll enjoy every minute,” she said.
Dillon fought to regain control of his emotions. There would be new rules to the game. He wasn’t about to let her win this time.
“That feels good,” he said.
Her laugh was light. “I knew you were hurting. We both want the same thing. Why deny it?” She had the look of a woman already picking up her first place trophy.
“Take off your pants,” he told her.
Her forehead furrowed as though she questioned if that was a good idea or not. He could see the wheels turning inside her head as she wondered how vulnerable that would make her. Dillon didn’t want her to think too long or too hard about what she should do.
“Please,” he pretended to beg. “I can’t stand another minute not seeing you naked.”
She relaxed, thinking she still had control. “I’ll please you in ways you’ve never thought about.” She unfastened her jeans and pushed them over her hips.
“Better?” she teased as she lightly rested her hands on her hips. “Or would you like me to take off more?” She snapped the waistband of her silky blue panties.
His dick jerked. “More,” he barely managed to say. Okay, so this wasn’t going to be easy. But did he really want it easy?
“Then you take them off.” She turned and walked a short distance away. When she faced him again, she stood with her feet slightly apart. “Come over here and remove them,” she demanded.
Always the dominatrix. His eyes swept over her. He wouldn’t mind playing the game her way, but he wanted her to experience more. To do that, she had to give up control.
He strolled toward her but didn’t stop in front. He continued until he stood behind her. When she would have turned, he put his hands on her shoulders. “Not this time, lady. We’re going to play the game by my rules.” He lightly rested his hands on her shoulders.
She stiffened. “I refuse to…”
He slid his hands down until they covered her breasts, then lightly squeezed.
“This isn’t…”
“Isn’t what?” He spoke close to her ear.
“I won’t let any man dominate me.”
“I don’t want to dominate you.”
“But you said…”
“It’s only a game. Let me take you somewhere you’ve never been. What are you afraid of?”
“Losing control,” she finally whispered.
“Don’t be.” He would have to prove to her that losing control would make her stronger, not weaker. “Close your eyes.”
A tremble swept over her.
“I’m only going to take you somewhere.”
“What about my clothes?”
“You won’t need them. Now close your eyes.”
Dillon hoped she was ready for this. He closed his eyes. The ground beneath their feet disappeared. She gasped and clung to his arm. Her backside pressed against his front, creating a sweet ache inside him.
“What’s happening?” she cried.
“Shh, I’ll keep you safe.”
Over the centuries Dillon had gotten used to traveling through space. The air rushing past, the whirring sounds, and flashing lights didn’t bother him. He supposed anyone could get used to anything over time.
He opened his eyes and watched the lights swirl around them.
They never ceased to amaze him. Shades of brilliant blue, red, and green, flashing and turning as though he was on the inside of a kaleidoscope. Then the lights faded and the sounds ebbed to a whisper. Raine’s nail-biting grip loosened when their feet settled on solid ground once again.
“Where are we?” she asked without releasing his arm.
“The House of Ecstasy.”
“It’s dark.”
“Would you like to see?”
“I’m not sure. Why did you bring me here?”
“The house is a place where all sexual inhibitions are left at the door. It’s a place where you can experience incredible delights.”
He lightly brushed his fingers back and forth across her nipples.
“I can make it lighter so you can see. If you’re not scared, that is.”
She stiffened. “Did you think I would be?”
“Are you?”
“Of course I’m not frightened. But I still won’t let you dominate me.”
He smiled, knowing she was curious. He sensed from the very beginning she had a strong sexual appetite but was afraid to let go.
To her, that would be a sign of weakness. She had to be strong for everyone around her. To do less was unthinkable. He planned to show her that losing control wouldn’t destroy who she was.
“I doubt anyone will ever dominate you completely. Are you ready to explore?”
“Why not? Okay, show me the house. I’ll let you know if
I’m impressed.”
He waved his arm and the dim light began to grow brighter.
The room was large with fine silk in pale blue covering the walls.
A multi-tiered chandelier hung from the ceiling, dripping with royal blue teardrop crystals with diamonds looped between them.
The white carpet was thick and plush beneath his bare feet. There was no furniture. Fountains poured into a small pool at the end of the room.
“It’s beautiful,” she whispered.
He slid his hand down her arm and grasped her hand. “Come with me. There’s more to show you.”
“What is this room used for?” she asked as he led her toward the door on the far side.
“It’s called the orgy room.”
She stumbled to a stop. “Say what?” Her eyes grew large and her mouth dropped open.
Her reaction didn’t surprise him. Dillon remembered the first time he came here, but the room wasn’t empty then. There were quite a few people. Men and women in various stages of undress.
Some were making love, others were talking and laugh
ing. It didn’t seem to matter if they were the same sex or the opposite as long as the main goal was to experience pleasure in all its forms.
He’d been shocked and aroused at the same time.
“You mean like naked people having sex?”
“Exactly.”
“How does someone like you come across a place like this?”
“Stereotyping?”
She raised her eyebrows.
He laughed. “I dated a fairy once.”
Now Dillon could see he’d shocked her. “Fairies are very sensual creatures. She was no exception.”
“She?”
“Yes, a female. What did you think I meant?” She didn’t have to answer. He enjoyed teasing her. “Love comes in all forms,” he said, turning serious. “Don’t let preconceived notions cloud your mind.”
“I didn’t say anything,” she said defensively. “Is this all you were going to show me?”
She was getting testy again. He enjoyed arguing with her because he knew she couldn’t win. He took her hand again and they moved toward the door. “Fairies have houses similar to this one all over the universe. The fairies’ powers fade if they don’t feed their sexual appetites. These are safe houses, you might say.”
He tapped on the door. A window opened and a scanner swept over their bodies. The blue light warmed his skin like a caress. Raine gasped. This was just the beginning of her tour.
“I assumed the house was empty. I only have on my panties, and you’re naked!” she whispered. But when she looked at him, desire rose in her eyes before she could tamp it down.
Dillon almost pulled her into his arms and said to hell with the rest of the tour. The only thing going through his mind was making love to Raine. Before he could act on his impulse, the window closed and the door swung open.
He told himself what Raine experienced would make the wait worthwhile. He stepped over the threshold, then held out his hand. There was only the briefest hesitation before she took it and stepped into the other room.
Dillon loved the fact that Raine was up for any challenge.
This was only the first one.
Chapter 15
The room was dark. Raine wondered what exactly she’d gotten herself into by telling Dillon she wasn’t scared. House of Ecstasy?
Sex? Orgies? Besides the fact that she was naked except for her panties. Of course she was scared! She was terrified.
