by Mia Zachary
“There’s one more thing I need to tell you.”
His cold, ruthless tone unnerved her. It was the same voice she’d heard during his nightmare. “I don’t think I want to know anything else.”
“The ‘Frankie’ Vivian referred to, the one she’s meeting for dinner, is Francisco Ramos.” He dipped his chin to indicate there was someone behind her. “That’s Frankie. And he’s headed this way.”
“What? He’s coming over right now?”
Meghan stared in horror, praying he’d made a mistake. She drew a shallow, unhappy breath when he remained silent. Cautiously angling her head to one side, she peered out of the corner of her eyes.
An attractive Latino man walked purposefully toward them. He had the lean, compact build of a prize-fighter under his pastel blue T-shirt and linen blazer. Ramos had the look of someone who demanded instant obedience—and got it.
Icy panic swept over her, draining the blood from her face. Turning back around, she spoke in a quavering whisper. “What are we going to do?”
“Calm down and listen to me. Listen, Meghan. If we simply play it cool, we’ll get through this.”
His voice was low and soothing but the mask he still wore did nothing to reassure her. Reaching across the table, he took her trembling fingers in his. She couldn’t tell which of their palms was sweating and yet he looked amazingly relaxed and confident.
She wondered if he was always this good an actor. Each and every moment of their time together was now questionable. She pushed the doubts aside to be dealt with later. Right now her heart was pounding in her chest and she felt light-headed. “I think we should leave—”
“History is not going to repeat itself tonight, for either of us. Just trust me and I’ll get you out of here as quickly as possible.”
“This is hardly the time to talk about trust.”
“Good, you’ve got your spirit back.” He squeezed her fingers gently, then released her hand and sat back in his chair. “Now smile, Trouble, but stay quiet. Remember, my name is Nicholas Alexander and I’m an investment broker.”
He shifted his gaze behind her and rose to his feet in one smooth motion. Meghan could only stare as he changed yet again. Now his expression was eager, his attitude obsequious as Ramos approached their table.
“Señor Ramos. Thank you for inviting me to Cayo Sueño.”
Ramos ignored “Nick’s” outstretched hand, his mouth drawn into a semblance of greeting. “Rogelio made those arrangements, not I.”
“Nevertheless, I look forward to discussing your financial needs. I have several ideas—”
“I have some ideas of my own. Most of them revolve around the last time we met.”
Nick dropped his arm to his side and held Ramos’s gaze. “That was a very unfortunate incident.”
His tone was still courteous but somehow insolent as well. Ramos’s lips thinned and his smile grew brittle. Meghan wasn’t the only one who noticed the undertone. Was this animosity supposed to be the broker’s or did it come from the agent? Her pulse fluttered as a wave of apprehension swept over her.
“The wound on your forehead seems to have healed nicely. It makes an interesting souvenir, does it not?”
“That night was more fortunate for some than for others. You were able to avoid any mementos.”
“I’ve often thought of you since then. It has occurred to me that perhaps you were responsible, either by stupidity or by intent.” Ramos obviously suspected “Nick Alexander” wasn’t who he appeared to be.
“Why would I jeopardize what I hope will be a profitable relationship for both of us?” Nick sat down and reached for the wine bottle. He took his time refilling the glasses. “Vivian tells me Señor Braga is…unavailable. Either by stupidity or by intent.”
“What do you mean?”
“Just the other day, he and I were discussing some possible changes in your organization.” He casually draped one arm along the back of his chair. “In fact he said, and I quote, that he would ‘take care of it personally.’”
Ramos’s black eyes went flat and lifeless in response to the taunt. “I should have taken better aim.”
He was the one who shot Nick? Meghan’s gaze flew to his face and she watched him master his reaction. He didn’t move a muscle and the very stillness gave him away. His expression didn’t change as, using his middle finger, he stroked the scar over his eyebrow.
“Accidents happen.”
While the two men continued their verbal sparring, she twisted the napkin around her fingers. Everything would be fine. “Nick” could look after himself. In fact, the more she considered it, the more she realized that he could handle any situation that came up. Look how well he’d handled her.
But what if she was wrong?
What if Ramos discovered his organization had been infiltrated? What would happen then? Could anyone identify Nick or find out where he lived? Omigod, what if they hurt or even killed him? Meghan shivered and glanced over at Ramos, upset by the direction her thoughts had taken.
His smile was as fake as Vivian’s cleavage. “It seems I may have misjudged you, Nick. Why don’t you join me for a drink? We can discuss your ideas for my investments.”
“I’d like that very much. I definitely have some plans for you. But, as you can see, I have a prior commitment.”
Ramos suddenly turned his head, as if noticing her for the first time. He ogled her like an entree on the menu. Inwardly, Meghan shrank from the unwanted attention.
“And who is your lovely companion?”
“She’s a friend.” Nick spoke sharply, too sharply, drawing Ramos’s attention. “I’d be happy to meet with you any time tomorrow. When would it be convenient?”
Ramos just stared while he rattled off some possible times. Displeasure showed in his expression.
Meghan made a decision. I can do this. I know I can. As soon as the thought entered her mind, a sense of calm washed over her. The last time she’d been in a dangerous situation, her panic had made it worse. She couldn’t face that kind of guilt and remorse again. This time she’d make sure the circumstances turned in her favor. The only way to protect Nick’s identity was to maintain his cover.
She was about to step in way over her head, but echoes from the past were calling her to action. So were visions of the future, one she wanted to share with the man who’d shown her how to be the woman in her fantasies. She thought about her diary. On those pages, she was bold, daring, sexy and in control. Well, here was an opportunity to live the adventure. Excitement accelerated her pulse.
One really bad girl, coming up.
Ramos was ogling her again. “I am still waiting for you to introduce your friend.”
“She’s nobody.”
“Nobody?” She plastered on an arrogant smile. Arching one brow, she tilted her head. “You’re a naughty boy, Nicky. I’ll have to punish you later.”
Confusion darted across his face. She held his gaze, silently begging him to go along with her charade. His pupils dilated and his mouth tightened in disapproval when he realized what she was doing.
She turned to Ramos, her gaze sliding over him insolently. Trying for a jaded expression, she regally extended one hand toward him. She was confident, she was daring and she had attitude to spare.
Ramos leaned over her hand as if to kiss it. “And what is your name, my dear?”
“Elise Foster. I’m his mistress.”
13
For so long, too long, I’ve been living a lie. I want to be someone else….
ALEX HAD NO IDEA what the hell kind of fantasy Meghan was acting out, but she’d chosen the wrong audience. He inhaled slowly, forcing air past the pressure in his chest.
Ramos was obviously intrigued—her hand was still caught in his grasp and his black eyes took on a reptilian quality. “His mistress, eh? How very bold of you to admit it.”
“In my business, I have to be bold.” “Elise” slipped her fingers away, regarding him with the look of a woman who’d
long ago set a price on her appeal.
Alex clenched the muscles along his torso to keep himself from shaking. She was trying to take part in a world even he had difficulty handling right now. And he couldn’t stop her.
Ramos continued to assess her. “Which business is that, Miss—?”
“Mistress. With a capital M. I’m helping Nicky with a…discipline problem.” Her sly look left no question what kind of discipline was being meted out. Ramos laughed.
Caught off guard, Alex’s mind instantly produced an image of “Elise” wearing the studded leather outfit they’d seen earlier. Judging by the expression on Ramos’s face, his thoughts had gone in the same direction.
Wait until I get you alone, Trouble. After this little stunt, she’d be the one with the discipline problem. Meantime, he had to get back in the game. “So, about your capital investments, Señor Ramos…”
Ramos ignored him. His gaze wandered over Meghan’s body in a way that made Alex want to tear him apart, piece by slimy piece. “I am staying in one of the suites upstairs, Elise. Perhaps we can—”
“No.” He spit the word out in a cold, uncompromising tone. The scar on his temple throbbed viciously. No way would he let her go anywhere with that crazy bastard.
“Elise” shook her head emphatically. “I don’t do threesomes. Not without forty-eight hours notice and payment up front.”
Alex coughed to hide a surprised chuckle. Lord, what a woman. He was actually impressed by her bored expression and been-there-done-him attitude. If he wasn’t so damned mad, he might have admired the skill with which she pulled off the con.
Ramos flicked a dismissive glance in his direction. “My offer did not include Mr. Alexander. Surely his little problem will not require much of your time.”
Alex snickered at the veiled insult to his manhood. Meghan kicked his shin under the table before he could retort, then spoke in a dismissive tone.
“I’ll check my schedule and give you a call, Frankie.”
Ramos leaned down to whisper something in her ear. Alex was too far away to hear what he said and too close not to notice Frankie’s gaze drop down to her cleavage.
With a condescending look, her lips twisted into an amused smirk. “I get that request a lot, though not usually from men of your reputation.”
Ramos’s eyes narrowed and he straightened abruptly. “What has Mr. Alexander told you about me?”
“We’ve been way too busy to talk about you, Frankie.” She took a sip of her wine, then licked the residue from her mouth. “Besides, I’m sure everything I’ve heard is true.”
This time, Alex tapped her shin under the table, silently warning her to back off.
Ramos inclined his head, acknowledging the barb. Then he indicated the corner table where he’d left Vivian. “I seem to be neglecting my dinner companion. Won’t you join us for dessert?”
Meghan looked across the table, her whiskey-colored eyes gleaming with excitement. She reached up, index finger extended, to stroke her lower lip suggestively. “We already made plans for dessert, didn’t we, lover?”
The intimate gesture had an immediate effect on Alex. His pulse was racing for a different reason now. But, her plans had to wait until after a long lecture about the danger she’d put herself in. “We’ll have to pass this time, Señor Ramos. But I’d still like to meet tomorrow.”
Ramos kept his gaze focused on Meghan. “I have arranged a gathering in the resort casino for Friday night. It would please me to have you there, Elise.”
“I’m sure it will be quite entertaining.” She dipped her head imperiously, as if the invitation was expected and no less than she deserved. “We’ll be there, won’t we, Nicky.”
It was more of a statement than a question. Alex hid his amusement behind a bland expression. “Your command is my wish, Mistress.”
Ramos sneered at him with contempt. “A real man wouldn’t reveal his weakness so.”
“Elise” laughed, a husky peal of genuine delight. “Nicky is a real man. He’s definitely held my interest these past few days. And I’m not even charging him.”
Now she was starting to play it over the top. He needed to take control of the situation, but he had to admit he was fascinated. Ramos wasn’t paying him a damned bit of attention anyway—
Alex narrowed his eyes as Ramos trailed his fingers covetously along Meghan’s arm. Then he laid his hand on her bare shoulder. “You have not been with a real man until you’ve been with me.”
Her gaze pierced him like shards of jagged glass. Her tone was equally cutting. “I didn’t give you permission to touch me. If we make a business arrangement, you had better be able to follow instructions.”
Holy shit.
Alex felt the air around him begin to sizzle. The expression on Ramos’s face had him flexing his fists. Given the drug kingpin’s reputation for erratic behavior, he wasn’t sure what to expect. Fear twisted itself around his heart, stabbing vicious fingers into his belly. “Elise” was going to get them both killed with that mouth of hers.
Just then Meghan looked over at him and very subtly winked. Alex stared at her in amazement before hiding his reaction. She was actually enjoying this! Part of him wanted to kiss her senseless, while the other part wanted to shake some common sense into her.
Ramos removed his hand and flushed, but his eyes gleamed with sexual excitement. “I’ll look forward to Friday, then.”
Alex waited until they were alone, until his heart rate slowed and his temper faded. It would take a lot longer to get his conflicting emotions under control. Finally he spoke from between clenched teeth. “Have you lost your mind?”
Meghan tossed her head and grinned triumphantly. “I did a good job and you know it.”
“You weren’t supposed to do anything but sit there and you know it.” He gulped the last of his wine then set the glass down with a thump. “Let’s go, Trouble.”
MEGHAN KICKED OFF HER SHOES and began pacing the living room, too agitated to even write in her diary. She had no idea what had possessed her, but it felt good! She was flying high with no intention of coming down.
The adrenaline rushing through her system had to be better than any drug. It also made her horny. Nick had told her to wait while he checked in with his office. She couldn’t wait much longer. He was going to get pounced the second he stepped over the threshold.
Where is he, where is he, where is he?
When she strode back over to the picture window, she caught sight of herself in the dark glass. The color on her cheeks was high, her pupils were dilated and her nipples had beaded against the material of her dress. Omigod. I’m burning up. Where is he?
At the sharp knock, she dashed across the suite and swung the door wide. Nick barely glanced at her before he swept past and headed for the living room. Still, she was able to gauge his mood from her brief look at his expression. His face was alive with emotions ranging from irritation to lust.
She’d just concentrate on the lust part.
Meghan stalked toward him, growling deep in her throat. He turned at the sound and she leaped into his embrace. Wrapping her arms about his neck, she kissed him with a hunger both demanding and desperate. She arched her body against his, aflame with primal need.
“We need to talk.”
“Later.”
“Now. That was some performance you gave tonight. You had me half believing you really are a dominatrix.”
She laughed, tilting her head invitingly. “Get out your handcuffs and I’ll make you believe it completely.”
Meghan ravaged his mouth while her hands slid over his back and down to fumble with his belt buckle. He kissed her back and she felt the hard evidence of his passion against her belly. Then he set her back on her feet with an audible sigh.
She wiggled her hips against his zipper. “Let’s get crazy naked, baby. I need you bad.”
For a second, desire flared in his green eyes but then he shook his head. Releasing her, Nick took a step back and frowned. �
��We really have to talk.”
“Urrgh! Now?”
“You took one hell of a chance tonight, Trouble. I could have sworn I told you to stay quiet.”
Okay. Lust would have to wait a few minutes. Too restless to stand still, she started pacing the room again. She was breathless with exhilaration over the memory. “I was going to, I swear. But then I just sort of got into the role. And it worked! Ramos bought it. He bought every single word.”
“Well, he won’t be buying you, ‘Mistress Elise.’ Your days of undercover work are over.” His voice was heavy with sarcasm.
“But, Nick, I got us invited to the casino Friday night. You’re closer to Ramos now than you would have been without me!”
He abruptly caught her elbow when she flitted past him. “Look, I’ll admit your persona complemented my cover. And don’t think I’m not grateful for your help. But you put both of us at risk. You gambled—”
“And I won! That’s what it’s all about, isn’t it? Matching wits with an adversary and coming out on top.” She grinned up at him, delighted by her accomplishment. “That’s the appeal, that’s the fun. Because you can’t be sure, really sure, you pulled it off. This is such a rush!”
“This is adrenaline talking, not the woman who said cops were as bad as gigolos and perverts.” Nick dropped her arm and took off his sports jacket, then tossed it at the armchair.
Her smile faded, her mood plummeting as his words sank in. Kyle. How could she have forgotten? She’d sworn she wanted nothing to do with law enforcement, and yet she’d gotten off on playing Secret Agent Girl. What had she been thinking? She could have ruined everything for his case against Ramos and Braga.
“Believe me, honey, I know what you’re feeling. There’s nothing like the combination of fear and thrill pumping through your veins. I’ve been addicted to it for years…until now.” He collapsed onto the sofa, resting one ankle over the opposite knee.
