Nothing but Trouble

by Tory Richards

  Yet he couldn’t help wondering what it would be like spending his life with her, loving her every day, and every night. It dawned on him that he’d let his guard down, allowing her to crawl under his skin and dig her way to his heart. He was getting tired of all the lies. His friendship and loyalty to the senator prevented him from breaking a confidence. He hoped in another day or two he could release her and get on with his life, but for now they had to remain one step ahead of Lord.

  The wind was picking up; he could feel it against his truck. He checked out the rain clouds building in the sky again. Why hadn’t he noticed how much darker it had turned? The answer came all too easily, because he was enamored with a bewitching redhead with blue eyes. In spite of her disheveled appearance and the trouble she caused, he found Sophie refreshing. She was a strange mix; her haughty sometimes innocent demeanor amused and challenged him, while the she-cat in her during their heated confrontations satisfied the male animal in him.

  Including satisfying me in bed.

  His thoughts drifted back to the boat, and their intense lovemaking. He’d taken her twice, in rapid succession, after the first time. And Sophie had matched him every step of the way. In fact, she’d initiated the third time, nearly driving him mad with her skillful hands and mouth. He’ll never forget the shock of her mouth on him, loving him to completion. She’d proven that even a sophisticated lady could let down her hair in the bedroom.

  And enjoy it.

  He gave his head a vigorous shake. He could daydream about her all he wanted, but some other time. Right now they needed to get as far away from there as possible.

  * * * *

  “What makes a man like you turn to kidnapping?” Sophie asked out of the blue about an hour after they’d left the marina. “You appear to be well-educated and intelligent; you carry yourself as though you’re used to the good things in life.”

  “What makes a beautiful, well-educated woman like you turn to the likes of Jonathan Lord?” he tossed right back, watching her eyes flare with surprise. Before giving her the chance, he answered for both of them. “Money, princess. Plain and simple.”

  She didn’t bother denying it. “What will you do after you get it? Where will you go?”

  “I have plans,” he replied, thinking about taking his boat to the other side of the world. Will that be far enough away to forget her? “A criminal on the run can’t afford to divulge his escape plans. What about you?”

  She sighed heavily, as though resigned to circumstances beyond her control. “I suppose we’ll marry as soon as possible.”

  “And live happily ever after?” She hesitated for so long he demanded, “Tell me the truth, Sophie, it’s plain to see you’re not exactly thrilled over marrying him. Whatever it is, get it off your chest. Talking helps and might make you feel a hell of a lot better.” For a moment she looked startled, like wondering why he was saying such things.

  “The truth? So, you’re a counselor now?” The vulnerability in her eyes tore at Brent’s heart. “A jack-of-all-trades?” she continued softly.

  He couldn’t control the smile in his voice, doing everything in his power to keep his gaze on the road and not look into her beguiling eyes again. “When I need to be. My sister has given me plenty of practice over the years.”

  “Your sister lives here?” she questioned with genuine interest.

  “Yes, and don’t change the subject,” he growled, angry with himself for telling her the truth.

  He glanced at her long enough to see the timid smile brush across her mouth. “Why does it matter so much to you why I’m marrying Jonathan? I should think the only thing on your mind would be getting the ransom and rid of me.”

  “It just does,” he returned without thinking. He could hardly tell her the truth. That he’d broken a hard fast rule about getting involved and had fallen for her. “Tell me,” he insisted, sensing she was close to opening up.

  “Sacrifices.” She sighed finally, so softly that Brent thought he might have imagined it. “Have you ever loved someone so much that you’d do absolutely anything to protect them?”

  Brent knew his answer would matter. “Yes.”

  “My father is the only family I have left, Brent.”

  Straightening his back against the seat, he was careful not to show too much eagerness. The last thing he wanted was to frighten her off. “Are you saying you’re marrying

  Lord because your father wants you to?”

  A sarcastic sound escaped her. “Not at all, my father hates Jonathan.”

  “I don’t understand, what does he have to do with you marrying Lord? Has Lord got something on him?” He sensed he was close to finding something out. “Or has he got something on you? Is he blackmailing you with something?” He knew there was more to it than that, unless the senator had lied to him, which he seriously doubted.

  “Or is it all about money?”

  Sophie shook her head, turning her gaze back to the passing scenery. “I don’t need Jonathan’s money,” she stated softly. “My grandmother left me a trust fund when she died six years ago.”

  Brent looked at her long and hard before a bump in the road pulled his attention back to the slick pavement. “In that case I guess we’re even, princess. Because I don’t need you for the money, either.”

  His statement obviously caught her off-guard. “Then why?” she gasped. “Do you have a personal vendetta against Jonathan?”

  “Never met the man, but I know of him. And let’s just say I don’t like what I know.” His gaze bore into her until she glanced away. Her reaction and the soft color flooding her cheeks caused his mouth to turn up in a grin. Is she thinking about us naked and entwined? Because, I am. “If it’s not his money, then what?”

  Sophie lowered her face. Brent couldn’t help wondering if it was done in an effort to conceal the truth from him. “Why does it matter what my reasons are? I’m just a means to an end, aren’t I?”

  He shrugged. “Let’s just say I’m curious.”

  She lifted her shoulders in return. “Let’s just say it’s a good business arrangement, then.”

  Brent’s gut told him he was getting close to the truth. Her admittance revealed she wasn’t in love with Lord, which gave him immense pleasure. It also proved there might be some validity to the senator’s fears.

  He snorted. “A business arrangement? That won’t satisfy you in bed, princess. You’re too passionate for a cold union.” She makes me think of a little tornado, twisting and hungry.

  “I’m not going to dignify that with a response,” she said. She laid her head back and closed her eyes.

  “Why? Because you know I’m right?” Brent slowed the truck down to pull into a convenience store. They needed gas. “Or, are you going to be one of those rich, society types who have the rich husband and a lover on the side?”

  “If that’s what you want to believe,” she snapped. “If you’re determined to stereotype me because of my status in life, then far be it from me to disappoint you.”

  Her comment rubbed Brent the wrong way. “So, you were just getting in a little practice with me?” If I could let go of the steering wheel without causing an accident I’d grab her and shake her. “Any time you’re up for another round,” he grated in a low voice. Parking the truck in front of a gas pump, he cut the engine. “You’re a pretty good piece of…”

  The next thing Brent knew, he was getting clipped on the jaw. Caught unaware, the blow caused his head to snap around, but almost immediately he swung back to look at Sophie with amusement. He raised his hand to rub the side of his face, taking in the regret swimming in her startled eyes.

  She covered her mouth with a horrified gasp. “I’m sorry!” Her words came out in a broken sob. “I, I have married friends who’ve taken lovers on the side and should never have implied I’m like that.” Her teeth chomped down on her bottom lip before she continued. “I was raised better than that, Brent. I’ve never hit anyone before and I’ve hit you twice.”

&n
bsp; Brent gripped her wrist and pulled her across the seat.

  “Why? Because you reacted naturally, proving that you have more than ice water running in your veins?” His harsh whisper caused her eyes to widen. “Maybe you should lose control more often.”

  “No.” She shook her head firmly. “It makes you weak.”

  “Not weak, princess. Human.” He placed her palm against his cheek so she could feel the heat left behind from her blow. “Feel that?”

  “How can I not?” Tears sprang in her eyes. “That’s not the only thing I feel,” she said huskily.

  The breath hissed from Brent; he couldn’t take his eyes off her quivering mouth. He felt a blow straight to his heart. What is she doing to me? “Damn you!”

  Something was happening between them, drawing them ever closer. I don’t know how much longer I can go on pretending I’m not attracted to her. For the first time in my life I know what I want. And I want her.

  “You’re my protector, aren’t you?” she continued in a soft voice, surprising him. “Nothing will convince me that you’re anything less. Maybe some day I’ll learn the truth.”

  Her words registered, only Brent didn’t care about anything except pressing his mouth against her soft lips and tasting her. The palm cupping his cheek turned into a caress, soothing away the pain she’d inflicted. Their stares clung for a moment, her eyes clouding with desire. He watched her lips part, then her tongue run over them in an unwitting invitation.

  Brent’s hand came up and cupped her jaw. His thumb gently smoothed over her bottom lip, dipping inside slightly to run along the inside where she was moist. She caught her breath, closing her eyes and swaying closer. Fire licked at his senses, and before he knew it, he kissed Sophie with everything he had.

  Her sound of surrender excited him. She melted into him like sweet frosting on a hot cinnamon bun. Forgetting where they were, Brent’s fingers tangled in the soft cloud of her hair and his mouth moved over hers with growing hunger. Little whimpers of pleasure erupted from her throat when his tongue glided across hers. When his other hand dropped to her breast in a lingering sweep, it didn’t take long for the passion to fully ignite between them. She thrust her breast against his hand, and Brent nearly had heart failure when he felt her hand drop to his lap.

  Hell! He turned hard in an instant. His tongue began to mimic what his body wanted to do. There wasn’t a shy bone in Sophie’s body when she’s hungry. Before the situation between them had a chance to get out of control, the blast of a car horn tore them apart like guilty teenagers.

  “Damn!” he swore, his eyes quickly searching the area around them, before narrowing on Sophie again. “I want you,” he admitted gruffly. “Right here, on this seat.” The truth was in Sophie’s eyes; she wanted it too.

  He shook his head to clear it and turned to exit the vehicle. He wasn’t worried she’d try and escape. Too much had passed between them. After slipping a credit card through he began filling the truck. What was he doing, losing control like that, and in a public place? The answer was simple; Sophie made him feel alive every time she got close, every time she touched him, even in the smallest way. And every time he looked deeply into her eyes, into her soul, he lost a little more of his heart to her.

  I’ve fallen in love with her.

  For whatever reason, she was going to marry Jonathan Lord. It was just a matter of time before he found them, especially with the resources he had at his disposal. Brent glanced around, looking for signs of him. His gaze landed on the late model Lincoln with its black-tinted windows immediately. He’d been looking for them ever since they’d left the marina, recognizing the bad boys when he saw them. Some things never changed. They were obviously on their way to the boat landing and hadn’t quite reached the gas station yet. Maybe with a little luck they wouldn’t recognize his truck and continue past.

  He quickly replaced the nozzle, staring at the vehicle as he rounded the truck in unhurried strides. Opening the door, he hesitated before sliding in, watching as the Lincoln came to a stop at a light directly across from them. The only thing working in their favor was they were going in the opposite direction, boxed in by other vehicles.

  His gaze briefly fell to Sophie. She was watching him with worry in her eyes; not the look of a woman about to be rescued. “It’s Jonathan,” she said simply.

  He gave a slight nod. “I know.” He knew because he’d done his homework. On top of that he recognized the custom-made license plate on the front of the car, Lord’s Law. To date no one had been able to figure out the significance of that, but Brent had his own ideas.

  All at once Sophie leaned across the seat toward him. “Let me go, Brent; it’s the only thing you can do. Jonathan won’t let up until he gets me back. And we both know what he’ll do to you.”

  “Worried about me, princess?” he teased, a crooked smile spreading across his chiseled lips. “Don’t be. I’ve been up against tougher men.”

  “I’ll give you the money myself!” she rushed out desperately, fear for what Jonathan would do to him in her eyes.

  “It’s not that easy.”

  “But…”

  “Damn!” Brent slid in, forcing Sophie back to her side of the truck. The light had changed but instead of continuing the way they were, he watched the Lincoln cut across traffic and make an illegal turn. It was obvious they’d been spotted. He started the engine and threw the truck in gear.

  “They’ve turned around,” Sophie stated the obvious, twisting in her seat to watch them approach. “Brent, please, let me go.”

  He ignored her. “Hold on.” Seeing a break in traffic he floored the accelerator, sending her flying against the door before she could brace herself. His gaze shot back and forth between the road in front of them and rearview mirror, watching to make certain he kept as much distance between them and the Lincoln as possible.

  “They’re driving like crazy men,” she commented, watching as the Lincoln began to zigzag through traffic in an effort to move closer. Drivers were honking their horns in anger, swerving to avoid being hit.

  “So are we,” Brent responded, cutting off a semi and getting a not so polite hand gesture for it. His goal was to keep enough traffic between them. Who am I kidding? Once we leave the congested part of town and are back on the coastal two-lane highway we won’t be hard to catch.

  He didn’t relish the thought of placing Sophie in any kind of danger. He’d put her through enough. He glanced over to see her clutching the dashboard for dear life as he wove in and around vehicles in their way. Checking his rearview mirror again brought relief when he saw the Lincoln temporarily forced to stop at a red light. The windshield was too dark to see who was driving; instinct telling Brent it wasn’t Lord. Nevertheless he didn’t doubt Lord was giving the orders.

  “Things might get hairy,” he remarked, shooting Sophie a warning look. “If I tell you to get down on the floor, you do it without question.”

  “Why would I need to get down on the floor?”

  The look of innocence on her face caused his gut to clench. “There might be shooting.”

  Her face turned a shade lighter. “If you would just stop this truck and let me out, we can end it here and now,” she said with growing panic. “I don’t want anyone getting shot over me.”

  “Not even the man who kidnapped and terrorized you? I’d think you’d want to see me brought down.”

  She ignored his misplaced sense of humor, turning to glance out the window as the scenery raced by. Brent felt like a bastard when he saw her bottom lip quiver. “How can you be so flippant at a time like this? I don’t want you getting hurt or going to prison.”

  Interesting. Brent remained quiet. Later I can explore the meaning behind it. Right now I’m concerned with Lord and his goons.

  A look in his side view mirror showed the Lincoln was about twelve car lengths behind, forced to travel at a slower speed behind a cement truck. There was no way to go around the truck until there was a break in the oncoming tra
ffic. Thank God there’s a steady stream of vehicles preventing him from doing just that. In spite of that, Brent didn’t see any way of losing him. They were speeding down the coastal road only as fast as the traffic in front of them allowed. Stoplights were nonexistent.

  He glanced at Sophie, noticing the stubborn set of her chin as she stared straight ahead. Her expression said she was miles away. What is she thinking? Turning his attention back to traffic, Brent shifted his foot to the break pedal. The van ahead of them was slowing as it prepared to make a left-hand turn across traffic, forcing them to come to a dead stop.

  “Damn!” he muttered beneath his breath.

  “Brent.”

  “What?” His gaze remained on what was happening behind them. He shifted his hips and reached behind him, withdrawing the gun he kept tucked in his belt. He was vaguely aware of Sophie spinning around, as though to see if he had reason to need his weapon. A sigh of obvious relief followed. So far no one had exited the Lincoln. Nonetheless, Brent wasn’t taking any chances.

  “Brent.” This time he turned, something in her tone causing him to narrow his gaze on her. “I’m sorry, but…please don’t come after me.” Her hand fumbled for the door handle as she spoke.

  He took in what she was doing. “Sophie, damn it!” He guessed her intentions too late. She opened the door, evading his outstretched hand, and jumped down. She slammed the door behind her and turned to run.

  Swearing, Brent opened his door and jumped to the ground. “Sophie!” He watched her slip on loose gravel on the shoulder in her haste to get away. If she heard his angry shout, she ignored it. He hurried after her, the gravel crunching beneath his feet. At the same time he saw the doors to the Lincoln open, and three men quickly exit. Instincts warned him that one of them was Lord. Sophie came to a halt and swung around; a look of terror in her eyes.