by Sandra Cox
He kissed her until they were both moaning then drew back. In a hoarse voice, he asked, “Are you sure?”
Sure? Sure of what? Gabby wondered distantly. That she liked him? No. She certainly wasn’t sure of that. That she had to have him? Oh, yes. Every fiber of her being was on fire with an intensity she’d never known before. Not bothering to answer, she pulled him down on top of her.
Chapter Fifteen
Soft, sensuous fabric caressed her skin as Gabby leaned back against blue silk cushions, her eyes closed and her body aglow with the after-wash of pleasure.
God, she’d never known anything like that. The gratification had been so intense she’d screamed or nearly had ’til Christopher’s mouth closed over hers.
The warm hard arm across her breast shifted.
Still smiling, Gabby opened her eyes to emerald ones only inches away.
Reality came hurtling back as the aftermath of pleasure dissipated. She sat up abruptly, nearly knocking Christopher to the floor. “Oh, my God. What have I done?”
Christopher reached for his pants. “Nearly killed me, I’d say,” he drawled. “I’ve never been with a more demanding woman in my life, except perhaps…” he named an actress that Gabby had always admired.
Gabby reached out and slapped him hard. The sound cracked through the conservatory. A handprint stood out against Christopher’s skin. The mark went from red to white, then began to fade. He rubbed his cheek.
“You son of a bitch,” she said softly. She stood up and jerked on her clothes. Her spine stiff, Gabby strode away and didn’t look back.
“Damn,” Christopher swore softly to himself. He had been unforgivably rude. Part of it was an instinctive response to the look of sheer horror in her eyes when she had looked at him. But it was more than just that. The truth was Miss Gabriella Bell scared the sweet hell out of him. Never in his life had he experienced anything as intense as his body connecting with hers. And his release had been like a lightning bolt.
He’d had women from one end of the continent to the other. And he’d enjoyed them all. But this time it had been different. This woman had left her mark on him. The possession had not been just on his end. She had possessed him and in some indefinable way had taken a piece of his essence and claimed it for her own.
And he didn’t like it. Not one little bit. So he’d fought back the only way he knew. He’d hit below the belt when she was at her most vulnerable, humiliating her. Daring her to think it was anything but a casual encounter.
He’d apologize, of course. Someplace nice and public where they didn’t run any risk of him sweeping her up in his arms and repeating his mistake.
Good God and in Uncle Edward and Aunt Tamara’s conservatory! He’d never done that before. He respected Aunt Tam too much to carry on beneath her very nose, in her own home!
He sank back on the couch and put his head in his hands and groaned, his hair falling across his fingers. Gabriella Bell was going to be the death of him yet!
A thought hit him and he straightened as a chill coursed down his spine. He’d forgotten to use the condom he kept in his wallet. Damn it! He couldn’t believe it. He had never forgotten. He prided himself on being a responsible partner.
A ringing issued from his pants pocket. He slid out his cell phone and snapped open the lid still distracted. “Hello.”
“Hello, Christopher. It’s been a long time.” The voice was deceptively soft, seductive, masking the hard heart of a killer, not to mention one of the most notorious thieves in India.
“Not long enough,” Christopher said grimly. “What do you want, Lai?” Though he had a pretty good idea. His source had told him an oriental woman wanted the globe. Who else could it be?
“Why, darling, that’s simple enough. I want you.”
“You’ve had me, Lai,” he said flatly. “Surely, by now you’ve found fresh blood. Younger, even more corrupt than mine.”
A sigh could be heard on the other line. “I’ve never understood you, Christopher. Together we could have conquered the world. You are cold and ruthless but you’ve always had one major flaw.”
He laughed, harsh and brittle. “Because I draw the line at murder?”
“I prefer to think of it as eliminating the enemy.”
Christopher walked restlessly around the gazebo, his thoughts in a furious tangle. “So what about the necklace, Lai? Why did you take it and why did you give it back?” And what are you doing in the States?”
“It was a diversionary tactic that failed.”
Alert, Christopher stilled. “What do you mean?”
“If you don’t know, I have no intention of telling you.”
He frowned. There was a piece to the puzzle that he was missing. “About the necklace…”
“I want you, Christopher,” Lai said in a voice that at one time moved him profoundly.
He could feel his nostrils flare and his lips form a thin line. “I’m not for sale.”
Lai sighed into the phone. “If I can’t have you, I’ll settle for the globe.”
An edge crept into Christopher’s voice. “You can’t have that either. I found out quite recently you were behind the theft of the globe. Why? Why waste your time and talents on a trinket?” The woman had never seen it. She couldn’t possibly know its worth.
He waited but there was only silence on the other end of the phone. “I repeat. Why do you want the globe?”
“I have my reasons.”
“You dared send your minions into my home?” his voice soft with menace.
“Which time, darling?”
Christopher tensed. He’d wondered about the necklace, why Lai had bothered with it. Now, he knew. His aunt’s words at the breakfast table came floating back to him. “My dear, I don’t know a thing about that break-in.” Both women had been rather evasive this morning. Damn them, they had both known.
“I want the globe, darling.”
“Why?” he asked, though he thought he knew.
“Because of its power.”
The answer took Christopher by surprise. It wasn’t what he was expecting. “Come on Lai. You are an intelligent woman. Surely, you don’t believe in all that mumbo jumbo?”
“You’ve been away from India too long Christopher. Perhaps, it’s time you came home.”
“Perhaps, its time you went home. Why this sudden penchant for the States? You seldom venture out of India.”
“Why you, of course, darling. And now that I’m here, I’ve decided I like it. I might set up my small community here.” Christopher’s jaw clenched. Being on the same content with Lai was closer than he liked, but Lai in the States was unthinkable. If meeting her would get rid of her, so be it.
“Where and when do you want to meet?”
“Tomorrow morning.” She gave him an address close to Chicago’s Chinatown.
“You’ll bring the globe?”
“We’ll talk about the globe when I see you.”
“Christopher.”
“Yes?”
“Get rid of the elephantine blonde.”
His knuckles whitened as he gripped the phone. “You’re having my house watched?” His voice was silken.
“No, Christopher. I’m having her watched.” She laughed lightly and hung up.
His skin pricked as her laughter curled down his spine like a snake. Barely aware of the exotic heavy scents hanging in the air, he stared unseeing at the profusion of orchids outside the gazebo.
His lips drew back from his teeth and he felt the skin across his cheeks tighten. “Mess with me and I’ll take you down, Lai.”
With a jab of his index finger, he keyed a number on his phone.
* * * * *
Christopher strode to his room, threw clothes into a leather suitcase, tossed his toiletry bag into his carry-on and walked out, closing the door behind him.
Jericho tracked him down in the upstairs hall and wound in and out of his legs, hinting for treats. When none were forthcoming, he hissed and stalked awa
y, his dark brown tail straight in the air.
“Likewise, I’m sure,” Christopher muttered.
He ran lightly down the curved oak staircase and went in search of Tamara. He found her in the courtyard. Thank God not the solarium.
She was sitting on the black wrought iron bench in front of the fountain, a pair of gardening gloves in her hand.
He placed one foot on the bench and leaned his arms across his leg. “You didn’t tell me someone broke in last night.”
“Didn’t I, dear? It must have slipped my mind.”
His look told her exactly what he thought of that errant piece of nonsense. “I’m going to lock it in the safe.”
“No, dear, you are not. The globe is staying right where it is.”
He straightened, dropping his foot to the ground. “Aunt Tam, how can you be so bloody stubborn? That toy of yours isn’t worth anyone’s life.”
“My dear, we have an excellent alarm system. No one would try anything while you are in the house. And Ned is a very good watchdog, I might add.”
“If the intruder doesn’t bribe him with steak,” Christopher muttered under his breath.
“What was that, dear?”
Christopher felt it prudent not to repeat the bribe remark. “That’s just it. I’m not going to be at home. I’m going to be gone for a few days.”
Tamara raised a finely arched eyebrow.
He dropped a light kiss on her smooth forehead. “Business.”
She gave him a shrewd look. “This wouldn’t have anything to do with our guest would it?”
He gave a light laugh. “Hardly.”
Christopher turned serious. He came over to her and put his hands on her shoulders. “Aunt Tam, I want you to get Ms. Bell out of here. And I’d like you to go visit your cousin Esmerelda for a few days.”
“You think there will be another attempt made for the globe?”
“Yes.”
“Well, Christopher, I don’t intend to go anywhere. And if you want Ms. Bell to leave, I’m afraid you are going to have to tell her yourself.”
At Tamara’s look of amusement, Christopher felt a hot flush race up his neck and spread across his face. He ran his hand around his collar as if his shirt was suddenly too tight.
No problem, Christopher thought grimly. And if she didn’t think he was a bastard before, this would definitely seal his fate. Not that he really cared, he told himself hastily. So be it, it would be better than finding her in an alley with that lovely throat slit. Lai was very vindictive.
“Christopher,” Tamara said gently, “if we are in danger, it isn’t going to go away just because we change localities.”
“You may be right,” he said thoughtfully, “but nonetheless, we need some distance between you and the globe.” Christopher could feel his jaw tighten and his eyes narrow. “I can’t be in two places at once and this is one trip I must make.”
Gabby stormed upstairs and began to pack. She was in the middle of throwing her worn tennies on top of her peach evening gown, when Beatrice came in with a fresh vase of flowers, followed by Ned, his tongue hanging out.
The dog wagged his tail and walked over to his mistress. She patted his fuzzy head absently.
“What are you doing?” Beatrice asked suspiciously.
Gabby looked up, but didn’t answer. The maid was dressed in her starched black uniform with a gleaming white apron. Gabby suspected Tamara wouldn’t care if she ran around in jeans, but Beatrice had a strong sense of propriety. “Does Miz. James know you’re leaving?”
“I will tell her as soon as I’m done packing.”
Beatrice sniffed, walked over to the antique round table in front of the window, picked up the vase filled with drooping flowers and sat down the new one. Without turning around, she walked out.
Ned followed her, looking over his shoulder at his mistress as if inviting her to come. His mistress ignored him and kept packing. With a soft whine, he followed Beatrice out.
A knock sounded at the door.
“Come in,” Gabby called, throwing in a handful of white undies.
She looked up and saw Christopher standing in the doorway. Her eyes began to smolder, but before she could say anything, he took a quick look at the suitcase said, “Good you’re packing.”
Glancing wildly around, Gabby picked up a shoe to throw at him, but he was already gone.
Temper skittered down her nerve endings, as she snapped the locks of her worn suitcase. Bastard. Her chest heaved as she sucked in air. Tipping back her head she closed her eyes. How could he have lessened what passed between them? With a few cutting words he had turned something beautiful into something casual and sordid. She clenched her hands. And how could she have made love to a man she loathed and despised?
A knock sounded at the door and Tamara stuck her head in. “May I come in?”
Gabby tamped down her anger, though she could still feel color coming and going at a hectic pace in her cheeks.
Tamara walked in and sat on the yellow settee. “Going somewhere, dear?”
“Home.” Gabby heaved the suitcase onto the floor with a little more force than necessary.
Tamara reached into her pocket. “By the way, this came in the mail and I forgot to give it to you.”
Gabby stuck the envelope into her back pocket.
“Aren’t you going to open it?”
Gabby managed not to roll her eyes, a habit she had when she was annoyed and pulled the envelope out. The name of the local newspaper was typed in the left-hand corner. She drew out the check. It was for an amount that made her head spin.
“Really, dear, if you wish to remain anonymous from your readership, you should get a post office box.”
Gabby gave her an admiring look. “You have a very devious mind,” she said in complimentary tones.
“You know Mr. and Mrs. Murckle are having a party tomorrow night. I’m sure there will be lots of lovely tidbits floating around.”
Tamara was pouring it on a bit too thick.
Looking around, Gabby spied a pair of white socks and a pair of pink lacy bikinis on the floor. She grabbed them, opened the suitcase and threw them in. She shut it with a snap then looked directly at Tamara. “Why do you want me to stay?”
“Because I believe it’s your destiny.”
Gabby’s eyes widened and she realized her mouth was open. She probably looked like a trout waiting for a fly so she closed it with a snap.
“And if you were leaving because you’d had a tiff with my nephew, he has already left. So it’s really not necessary. Quite a coincidence don’t you think?” Tamara added.
Gabby stared at the vase of daffodils, still gripping the check. And just what was Christopher up to? Had she frightened him off, or was he off on another heist?
She made a lightning decision. She wasn’t going to be the one to leave with her tail between her legs. Besides if he wanted her to leave that was reason enough to stay!
She put the suitcase back on the bed and began to unpack. “I never turn down an invitation to a good party.”
Beatrice came in carrying two sprays of roses, one red, one yellow.
Gabby’s eyebrows rose. As if there aren’t enough flowers in the room already.
She handed the yellow spray to Tamara and the red to Gabby. Her name was scrawled across the attached card. Gabby looked at Beatrice questioningly.
“Master Christopher always sends his aunt roses when he leaves.”
“But to my knowledge, he’s never sent them to anyone else,” Tamara qualified, “at least not when he’s leaving on a trip.”
Gabby gave a brief thought to tossing the roses on the floor and stomping up and down on them. Then decided that would be in poor taste in front of Tamara…maybe after she left.
As if on cue, Tamara rose and walked across the room and stepped into the hall. “Well, dear, I’ll see you at dinner.” The door swung shut behind her.
Gabby stared at the closed portal. The woman was as subtle as smok
e, but she managed to get her way. And every day drew Gabby more, unwillingly, under her spell. How did one go about stealing from someone who had befriended you? Whom you admired and considered a friend?
Since her encounter in the solarium, she wasn’t even sure she wanted the blasted thing. The last thing Gabby had any desire to see was Christopher’s hateful face. She felt her chin tremble. It seemed a no win situation.
Sighing, she slowly began to unpack determined to forget that wild, ecstatic coupling. I will not cry. Unaware of the tears raining down her face until they plopped warm and wet on her hands.
She swiped at her face with her fingertips. “Damn you, Christopher Saint. Damn you.”
Chapter Sixteen
Wearing a faded pair of gym shorts and a tee shirt with the arms and bottoms cut off, Gabby paced the confines of her room. Her “Bruce Willis” look as Amy jokingly called it. Without Christopher’s disturbing presence, dinner and the ensuing evening had been rather uneventful.
Stretched out on the bed, all four paws in the air, Jericho snored. Ned lay on the floor, his head between his paws. Gabby heaved herself on the bed, punched up the pillows and lay down on her back.
She grabbed the remote and surfed until she found an old Richard Gere and Julia Roberts movie. About halfway through, her eyes began to close.
Gabby sat up and looked around. An unfamiliar movie was playing. What woke her? Then she heard the low whine that had penetrated her consciousness. She got up and whispered, “What is it, Neddy boy?”
He stood by the door, his fur on end. She reached out to touch him, but he ignored her, his attention on the door. She ran to her nightstand and grabbed her bottle of mace then went quietly back to the door. She hesitated a moment then with a jerk, threw it open.
She stood poised in the doorway, her finger on the cap. No one was there. Ned went running down the stairs barking.
Tamara opened her door. “What is it, dear?” she called from down the hall.
“I think someone’s in the house,” Gabby replied in a low voice. “Stay here. If I holler for help, call the police.” She ran nimbly down the spiral staircase after Ned.
