Phantom Pearl

by Monica McCabe

  She didn’t have near enough wine in her to combat the mental images beginning to form in her brain. She grabbed the bottle and refilled her glass.

  “Don’t forget mine,” Dallas said from the desk.

  He’d hit the keyboard and connected to the resort’s wi-fi before Oscar was out the door. She filled his glass and handed it over, glancing at the e-mail account coming up on the screen.

  “I need to warn the other field agent that Cho is headed for Singapore. She’s close enough to the operation she can keep an eye on things until we arrive.”

  She? His partner in the operation was a woman. Why didn’t she know that? And why did it bother her? That was all sorts of foolish. So what if she’d fantasized about him for two years. Who cares if the reality exceeded anything she could dream up. Except the man knew how to make a woman feel kissed, and she’d fallen for his skill like a love-starved waif.

  He might be tempting, but Dallas Landry had wrong written all over him. There were at least a hundred reasons she shouldn’t think about that bed behind her, or let her pulse get away from her over the memory of a mind-melting kiss in the rain.

  Contemplating anything beyond a work relationship was sheer lunacy. They were reluctant collaborators stuck in a temporary arrangement. That was it. One that wouldn’t end well either, not as long as they had opposite views on the fate of the Pearl.

  They needed solutions, not distractions.

  She understood that Dallas had a job to do. So did she, but there was nothing she could offer Homeland Security, and once she had the Pearl back, their truce would end. He’d return to field work with other agents, and she’d go back to California. In other words, life as usual. The thought was strangely discouraging.

  Right now, though, Dallas controlled the next step. Not something she was used to, but he was the one with the access, which meant he had the lead. She could do patience. It wasn’t easy, but sometimes the long game required it.

  He was still e-mailing, so she broke off a tiny chunk of damper bread and nibbled. “Did you know over the last seventy years, Phantom Pearl has brought bad luck to anyone who came in contact with it? I wonder if it’s like the Hope Diamond.”

  He glanced sideways at her. “You’re not claiming the thing is cursed, are you?”

  She shrugged. “Ever since it was stolen by Yamashita, it’s been surrounded by tragedy. Executions. Plane crashes. Now Craig.”

  “Yakuza killed Craig.” He went back to typing. “Not an ancient artifact. And not a curse.”

  “True,” she agreed. “But the reality surrounding it shouldn’t be taken lightly.”

  “Curses aren’t real.”

  Pragmatic was his middle name. It also meant predictable. “Life isn’t all black and white, you know. There are endless shades of possibility.” Something she needed to keep in mind regarding Kai. The evidence against him grew by the hour, but for betrayal to run that deep, there must be a powerful catalyst.

  “While I agree to the principal,” Dallas stated absently, “real answers are found in fact, not conjecture.”

  That characteristic made him a good agent, but it could be used against him. “Is there ever a scenario where you’d accept what you can’t see?”

  He turned to face her. “It happens all the time. In my experience, taking anything at face value is a mistake. So is giving up too soon. The unknown is part of my job. Possibility is what drives the investigation, but it’s logic that solves it.”

  She took another tiny bite of the bread as she considered that complexity. He had a foot in both worlds. As an agent, the analytical side dominated. He was the one that fired her competitive instincts. The other side, the one that chose to study art and history, was the more dangerous one. That guy intrigued her. And he knew how to kiss. Talk about distractions.

  “You are a complicated man, Dallas Landry.”

  “Everyone is,” he replied, then sipped his wine. “It’s what makes life interesting.”

  When a notification ping sounded, he returned his attention to the laptop. For lack of anything better to do, she went to work piling the dishes onto the food cart, then wheeled it outside the door for the waiter to take away. It took all of ten minutes. Dallas never looked up once. He was so absorbed in his e-mail he’d apparently forgotten she existed.

  The waiting made her feel out of place. Awkward. Like she shouldn’t be there. Dinner had been easy. They were three friends who survived a life-threatening ordeal, glad to be back on solid ground and enjoying a fine meal.

  Now it was two. Her and Dallas. Alone. And she’d given him a rain check.

  That hadn’t been smart. What happened between them in the rainforest was just something that manifested when two people were riding an adrenaline high. Why on earth did she give him a free pass to go there again?

  “You almost done?” she asked.

  “Five more minutes.”

  The man was certainly focused. She strolled up behind him and blatantly stared at the computer screen. “Who is Jane Lassiter?”

  “The person who approves my expense reports. Our dinner tonight will probably give her heartburn.”

  “I’m guessing the request for Oscar’s hazard pay will probably do her in?”

  Dallas laughed. “No doubt.”

  She’d learned long ago he was dedicated to his job. She admired his strong work ethic, but right now it was inconvenient. Out in the wilderness it hadn’t mattered that he was a die-hard federal agent and she an acquisitions expert that skirted the edge of legal. Survival had meant working together. Now they were back in the real world. Back to being at odds.

  Nothing had changed except for a new and disturbing level of sensual awareness that being alone with him inspired.

  It was entirely his fault. Maybe he thought he could seduce her into giving up the Pearl. It wouldn’t be the first time an agent used special skills to win the day. Would Dallas go that far? Was he devious enough that he’d intentionally kiss her, banking on submission? She’d certainly been a willing participant. The thought was infuriating.

  She paced to the window and blankly stared out at the growing darkness. She shouldn’t be here, waiting for who knew what. She should be working on Plan B in case that black-market connection of his didn’t come through. She also needed an exit strategy for when the Pearl was recovered because he wouldn’t let her walk away with it.

  Solar lighting outlined the landscaping, and she longed for the peaceful tranquility of the gardens to help sort out her thoughts. This was a job like any other, but deep down she harbored a reluctance to leave again, to let Dallas take another fall. He deserved better. That fundamental change in her way of thinking probably required therapy to understand. While she was at it, maybe she’d figure out why she ran hot and cold when he was near, and why she wanted to believe him over Kai, whom she’d known for years.

  She glanced back to see him still hard at work. Well, that called it. She was done standing around waiting. She needed space to get her head on straight, and it wasn’t going to happen with him in such close proximity. She lifted the glass of wine she was holding and downed near half, then set it on the table.

  The click of the door lock made him glance up.

  “Where do you think you’re going?” he asked.

  “I’m headed to my room,” she replied.

  “No, you aren’t.” He didn’t even have the decency to be nice when he said it.

  She straightened her spine against the autocratic tone. “It’s not up to you. I need sleep, and I’m going to my room to get it.”

  He studied her, then narrowed his eyes. “We aren’t done yet. You’ll sleep here.”

  “I most certainly will not sleep here.” She wasn’t his minion that he could order around. “Whatever it is, we can do it tomorrow. I’m tired, and I’m not your prisoner.”

  “Not yet, but
the time is coming.”

  “What’s that supposed to mean?”

  He hit a few more keys, clicked send, and closed the laptop. He took a long, deep breath, then turned in his chair to face her. “You aren’t going anywhere, especially not to your room where you can plot an escape the minute my back is turned.”

  “That’s uncalled for. I thought we were partners.”

  “Really?” He lifted a brow in disbelief. “Tell me you aren’t considering ways to disappear with the Pearl once we have it back.”

  When did she get so easy to read? “Aren’t you doing the same? And newsflash… I can plot your demise in your room or mine. I’m smart like that.”

  “You won’t kill me. You like kissing me too much.”

  She did not hear him right. “Of all the—you’re—” No one had that much audacity. “What an ego!”

  “Admit it. You liked it.” He stood up. “I liked it. I’m willing to do it again.”

  “Go find somebody else to lip lock. I’m not interested.” It was a lie. But she’d turn blue before letting him know that.

  “You’re in denial. I know the signs.”

  “Oh my God.” With a glare of pure aggravation, she marched over to the table and snatched her wineglass, then emptied it in one shot. The alcohol wouldn’t help the situation, but she was beyond caring. A warm glow trailed the sauvignon, and she breathed deeply to find her calm. She was in control. She refused to allow him to get to her.

  “I’m leaving,” she said. “I’m going to my room where I will brush my teeth, put on my jammies, and not give you a second thought.”

  “You can tell yourself that, but you know it’s a lie.” He stood and slowly started moving her way. “You’re not making sound decisions. You make promises on chocolate chip cookies and break them just as fast. You think you owe Menita loyalty, even though you’ve been deceived. Someone in your frame of mind can’t be trusted. That’s why you can’t be alone.”

  He was certifiably crazy. “You think by locking me up in here with you I’ll suddenly change? I’m not someone who switches paths in the wind.”

  Dallas stopped in front of her, and she took a step back, coming up against the table.

  “I admire that about you,” he said as he pulled the loose band from her ponytail and tossed it aside. “But don’t confuse loyalty with stubbornness.”

  No reason she couldn’t do both. It was his motivation that concerned her. “What about using seduction as a means to get what you’re after? What do you call that?”

  His brow lifted in interest. “I never thought you’d go that far, but if you want to give it a try…”

  She rolled her eyes. “I’m talking about you.”

  That made him hesitate. “Me? You’re kidding, right?”

  “Nope,” she declared and warmed up to the topic. “You stage a run-in, eat my fish and chips, handcuff us together, play kissy face, then follow me into the woods. That sounds like a stalker to me.”

  His expression was one of complete shock. She was surprised herself. Where had that come from?

  “Your mind is a scary place,” he finally said. “The truth is—I enforce the law. You break it. That makes the whole nature of our relationship one of stalking. You torment me by making me the joke of my department, and I watch your every move in hopes of catching you at something illegal.”

  “We’re quite the dysfunctional pair, aren’t we?”

  “Doesn’t have to be that way.”

  She wished he was right. But the list of obstacles between them built a wall too big to overcome. Their conflicting jobs, her father’s murder, Kai’s betrayal. That was only the beginning. They both knew this was impossible, and yet he still hadn’t moved away from her.

  If they started this, one of them would end up being collateral damage. The thought made her chest tighten.

  “We shouldn’t do this,” she whispered.

  “I know.” He still didn’t move.

  Her heart rate jumped. Will power and common sense were fading fast. She let it go. Because, despite valid reasons why she shouldn’t, she wanted him. For once she wanted to give into temptation and do something indulgent. No vendettas, no hidden agendas, no calculated moves. Just close her eyes and fall into Dallas Landry. Let him weave his magic.

  “There will be consequences,” she warned.

  “I don’t care.” He lifted her chin with one finger and lightly kissed her.

  The soft pressure of his lips wiped away the last of her resistance. Or maybe it was the wine. Either way, it didn’t matter. She was in.

  Without another thought, she closed the gap between them. He didn’t hesitate and wrapped his arms around her, pulling her tightly against his body. She melded to every part of him, arms circling his neck. His warmth and strength surrounded her protectively, and she reveled in the rare pleasure. When his lips captured hers, all coherent thought fled. There was only Dallas and his silent demand for compliance, something she willingly gave.

  Her blood raced when he shifted them toward the bed and nudged her backward. She didn’t want to move, breathe, do anything to break the spell being cast. Anticipation soared as her legs touched the edge of the bed. When she smiled, it broke their kiss.

  “Why are you smiling?” he asked as he nibbled the skin at her neck.

  “True confession,” she said on a sigh. “I’ve thought about this day for a long while. Never dreamed it would actually happen.”

  “I did. Constantly.” His hands massaged her back, sliding lower, meshing her hips against a part of him that clearly said where this was headed. “I’ve fantasized all the things I want to do to you. All the places I want to taste.”

  Her insides contracted, and her breathing went shallow. She had no idea how to respond to that. Show me was the first thing to pop into her head. Yes! Yes, please. Instead, she opted for lame. “Just so you know, this fulfills the rain check.”

  He laughed and gave her a little shove, sending her toppling onto the bed. He followed her down, straddled her hips, and began unbuttoning her shirt.

  He started at the bottom, going frustratingly slow, each button he released accompanied with running commentary that only fueled a rising desire. “The first time we met, you were wearing a long black dress, daring, and split to your thigh. It accentuated your enticing curves. Every man in that room couldn’t keep his eyes off you. Including me.”

  She still had that dress. It was beautiful, a sensual blend of sheer and lace that had cost her a fortune. Well worth the outrageous fortune she had paid.

  Another button gave way and his fingers brushed bare skin. “Second time I saw you was in the Tokyo airport. You were obviously in a hurry but stopped long enough to buy a bottle of water. You appeared hot and out of breath, and strangely, even sexier than in that bombshell dress. You downed half the water in one drink before disappearing into the first-class lounge.”

  She’d battled a Yakuza lieutenant, knocked him out cold, and dragged him into a stairwell before lifting the small gold Buddha from his possession. The effort had made her thirsty.

  The third button came loose. How many were on this blouse? Too many.

  He leaned down and kissed her stomach, then brushed his lips across her exposed skin. “I saw a photograph of you brushing a solid white horse. You were smiling and dressed for riding. It’s the happiest I’ve ever seen you.”

  Her Andalusian mare, Sunni. She boarded her at a friend’s ranch in northern Arizona, near Zion.

  Number four. “The way you move is fascinating. Sleek and confident, comfortable in your own skin.” He emphasized that point by smoothing his palms across her stomach, releasing the fastener on her khaki shorts, and sliding the zipper down inch by agonizing inch. “It makes me want to explore your body, find what makes you moan and lose control.”

  She was nearly there now. “Dallas,�
�� she whispered and tried to prop herself up on her elbows, but he pushed her back down. He kept her there with another soul-stealing kiss that made her forget what she’d intended to say.

  He released her lips long enough to rip his T-shirt over his head and toss it aside. She tried to gather her scattered wits, but the visual display of contoured muscle made the attempt useless. Instead, she lifted a hand to his chest and enjoyed the catch in his breath as her fingers trailed downward to tug at his waistband. He eagerly gave an assist by unclasping his jeans and lowering the zipper.

  But there was still one final button on her shirt.

  “Number five.” The timbre of his voice had deepened as he reached to release the final barrier. “You are matchless. Infuriating and fascinating. Light and dark.” He brushed the fabric aside. “And incredibly beautiful.”

  Her skin warmed under the intensity of his gaze, and her breathing grew shallow. His words were seductive, his body promised heaven, and she shamelessly craved what he offered. When his fingers traced the edges of her bra, she instinctively arched her back, offering him free rein. He took advantage and circled his arm beneath her, deftly released the catch, and freed her breasts for his touch.

  The offending bra was in the way, but it didn’t stop him. He cupped her with his hand, captured her in his mouth, and swirled his tongue in a way that made her toes curl. She closed her eyes with a moan of delight.

  “Tell me you want me,” he whispered against her breast. “I want to hear you say it.”

  It made no sense to deny what every cell in her body craved. Her fingers drifted across his shoulders, and she squirmed her hips beneath him. “Are you always this chatty during lovemaking?”

  He answered with a kiss, and she eagerly complied. He worked to rid her of the blouse, then the bra, never once releasing her lips. With her top half bare, his hand glided down her skin and slid into her shorts. She moved her hips beneath his touch, wanting more, needing to rid herself of the last obstacle preventing his complete possession.