Centerfold

by Kris Norris

  Aiden glanced at the lieutenant over his shoulder then back at her. “About that…”

  The soft press of boots whispered across the room a moment before a voice sounded off to her right. “Hello, Scarlet.”

  She turned, her breath lodged tight, eyes locked on his. Her heart kicked twice as she pushed past the other men and stalked toward him, slapping the sexy smile off his face. “You fucking bastard!”

  Roman took a step back, his hands braced for another attack. “Now, darling, I can…”

  “Don’t ’darling’ me. Three months, Roman. Three months! The last thing I remember is you carrying me out of that warehouse. Then I woke up two weeks later with a couple of bullets for souvenirs and a letter saying you’d joined the Feds. No call, no email…not so much as a fucking text since then.” She shook out her hand, clenching her jaw to keep the sudden rush of tears at bay. “After two years as partners, you owed me more than that. And god knows we were much more than partners.”

  Roman shuffled his feet, brushing his fingers along his jaw as he shot the other men a desperate glance. “You’re right. It was a dick move and I deserve far more than a slap in the face. Now, if you’d just stop being mad for one minute, I can explain—”

  “Save it. Any explanation is three months overdue.”

  A throat cleared behind her and she spun, crossing her arms on her chest as Roman’s scent drifted over to her. She cursed under her breath as her nipples tightened and her pussy wept simply from breathing in the spicy aroma. Hell, just seeing him had made her treacherous heart leap for joy, resurrecting the broken pieces she’d buried inside.

  Lieutenant Powell made his way over, nodding at her hand. “Feel any better?”

  “He deserved it.”

  “No argument here. And seeing as he’s a Fed…” The man smiled. “I realize this is a lot to take in. And if there were other options, I’d tell these boys to fuck off, myself. But…”

  “But your hands are tied, and the Feds are breathing down the commissioner’s neck. So he’s passing his concern on to you.” She nodded. “I get it. And if you want me to reincarnate Ms. December, I will.”

  The tension eased from the man’s shoulders. “I knew you’d do us proud. Now I suggest you head home, pack some stuff. I’ve already had your clothes and items from the previous mission pulled from inventory. I’ll have Roman and Aiden bring them when they come to pick you up in an hour—”

  “Whoa. Back the bunny wagon up a second. What do you mean Roman and Aiden?”

  Powell glanced at the two men. “After what happened last time, and with a serial killer likely stalking you, personally, we can’t send just two of you in there.” He snorted. “Not that three is that much better but…I’m not risking your life.”

  Her jaw hinged open, and all she could do was stand there, staring at the two men.

  Powell sighed. “Scarlet. It’s for your own safety. And Roman assured me you trusted Aiden—”

  “You suggested this?” She turned to face Roman, hands on her hips. “Why the hell didn’t anyone ask me? I’m the one parading around in tit tassels and a bloody thong. The one who’s going to have to convince everyone that you’re both my lovers. Why…”

  She gasped when Roman lunged at her, backing her into the wall. He pressed his body tight to hers, the sheer size of him stealing her breath. She could feel every twitch of his muscles as he palmed the wall behind her, one hand beside her head, the other grazing her hip. But it was the hard ridge against her stomach that dipped the room as he leaned in, his breath mixing with hers.

  He tilted his head, not allowing her to break eye contact. “Damn it, Scarlet, are you seriously going to stand there and tell me you don’t trust Aiden with your life? Because despite everything, you’ve never lied to me before. Hell of a time to start now.”

  She shifted her focus to Aiden as he moved in behind Roman’s shoulder, obscuring what was left of the room. His gaze locked on hers as if daring her to deny Roman’s claim. She let her head connect with the wall, nothing more than a muted whisper of air passing her lips.

  Roman drew a deep breath, his expression softening slightly. “I know you’re mad—and hurt. But I’m not putting your life at risk because of that. I let you down once. Not going to happen again.”

  His words echoed in her head as he eased back, taking two long strides away. Aiden moved with him, standing next to Powell. Did Roman really blame himself for the shooting? Was that why he’d stayed away?

  The lieutenant scanned the group, shaking his head as he returned to his desk, placing his hip on the edge. “We good?”

  Scarlet inhaled, doing her best to gather even a modicum of composure. Shit, what was it about those two men that unraveled her? Reduced her to nothing more than fiery need? She looked away, wishing she’d stayed in bed this morning. “I’d like all the files on the murders put onto a tablet for me. The old case, too. It’ll give me a chance to go over it on the ride there, seeing as Glade has a strict policy on no cellular devices at his mansion. God forbid someone steals his thunder and releases the next cover spread early. Roman can bring it with him when he and Aiden pick me up.”

  Powell nodded. “Consider it done. Anything else?”

  “Just this.” She swung her gaze over to Roman again. “I’m doing this because I don’t want those women’s blood on my hands. Don’t assume it means you’re forgiven. I might have to work with you two, but I don’t have to like it.” She bit her lip to keep it from quivering as she spun on her heels and marched down the hall. She’d play their game, but they were in for one hell of a surprise if they thought she’d let them back inside her heart.

  Chapter Four

  Special Agent Aiden Cross watched Scarlet storm out of the office, head held high, mouth pursed to keep those tears in her eyes from spilling over, and he knew they’d more than fucked up. While he’d suspected Scarlet would be angry, hurt—he hadn’t expected her to look at them as if they’d betrayed her.

  He glanced at Roman, reading the man’s thoughts by the press of his lips. He knew Roman blamed himself. After Scarlet had confessed her love—Roman had pulled away. Distanced himself from everything. Everyone. He couldn’t seem to get past the fact he’d allowed her to be shot. That he hadn’t protected her when she’d needed him most. It didn’t matter that Aiden had tried to justify her sacrifice—that it was a partner’s right to make that choice. All Roman could see was her blood on his hands. Her life slowly slipping away in his arms.

  They’d spent the first two weeks glued to her side until the moment she’d fluttered her eyelids open, and Roman had bolted. He’d accepted the job Aiden had offered months previous and cut himself off from his old life. They’d spent the next few weeks just talking as friends before they’d found their way back as lovers, reigniting a passion that never failed to take Aiden’s breath away. But the harder they fell, the more they both realized something was missing. Someone. Hell, he’d finally convinced Roman to grow some balls and just knock on Scarlet’s door when the calendar murders had been dumped on their desk. And they’d been rocked to the core.

  It hadn’t taken much to picture their girl posed in some alleyway, stripped bare, her body tortured. Broken. They’d lobbied for two days to take lead, finally convincing Langley when Scarlet’s name had appeared on the fourth murder investigation as the head detective. And once they’d confirmed her alter ego had remained intact, they’d moved forward with their operation. One that would either bind them together in a way they’d only dreamed of, or destroy them.

  Lieutenant Powell whistled, chuckling when both men turned to look at him. He shook his head, giving them both a knowing grin. “Damn, but she’s mad. I don’t envy you boys the next couple of days. Going to be mighty cold in that oversized king bed with her like that. You’d best play nice until she forgives you or you might spend the entire mission taking turns sleeping in the bathtub.” He chuckled again. “Of course, the fact she’s in love with at least one of you, if not bot
h, certainly puts the odds in your favor.”

  Aiden snapped his head toward Roman, unable to talk around the lump in his chest.

  Roman took a step closer, his expression fixed. “Excuse me?”

  Powell tsked. “Now who’s lying? Please, give me some credit. I’ve known you for a dozen years. Scarlet nearly as long. And I’ve spent the past two years watching you two through that glass. You were smitten with the girl the moment I made her your partner. And you’ve been falling in love with each other every day since.” He glanced at Aiden. “And she wouldn’t be sparring with you that way if she didn’t care. I’m guessing your friendship has…progressed without either of you actually acknowledging it.”

  Roman released an audible breath. “Well…this is awkward.”

  Powell waved Roman’s words away. “You’re not the first partners to fall in love. Hell, all do, it’s always just a tossup as to whether it’s the kind where you punch each other in the shoulder and help get them laid or if you’re the one taking your partner to bed.” He raised an eyebrow. “I’m guessing that playing the role of lovers at the mansion pushed you two over the edge?” He merely nodded. “Explains why you left like you did, no offense to the Feds.”

  Aiden held up his hands. “None taken. But I can’t say I’m upset that he decided to make the switch.”

  “I imagine not.” Powell crossed his arms on his chest. “So level with me. You boys honestly think you can both pose as her lovers and not have it blow up in your faces? Knowing the lifestyle you’ll be submersed in? What the three of you might have to do to maintain your cover? Roman? You don’t strike me as the kind of guy who shares. Aiden, either.”

  Roman glanced at Aiden, silently asking him how much he wanted revealed. Aiden smiled. Fuck. He hadn’t thought Roman would feel comfortable acknowledging the intimate side of their relationship. Not here. Not yet.

  Powell groaned. “Ah, fuck. I’m an idiot. Does Scarlet know?”

  Roman matched the man’s stance. “That Aiden and I are lovers? She has a pretty damn good idea. Does she know I’m not the only man in love with her? That might take her by surprise. Though she’d be lying to herself if she thinks she doesn’t have feelings for Aiden, as you’ve already pointed out.”

  Powell nodded. “Don’t take this the wrong way, but…while I realize these are unique circumstances, what with the type of undercover work you might be required to perform… Are you sure this is wise? You boys seem a bit too close to be…objective.”

  “Generally, I’d agree. But in this instance…” Aiden ran a hand through his hair. “The very basis of this assignment is convincing everyone there we’re involved. Intimately. The fact we have feelings for each other… It’s Scarlet’s life on the line if we don’t pull this off. And she has to trust us. Regardless of what occurs inside those walls. Know that we won’t let anyone hurt her, make her feel anything less than safe, no matter what’s happening or who’s watching.”

  “Sounds like you have your work cut out for you after reading hers and Roman’s reports.” Powell moved behind his desk. “I’ll have that tablet and Ms. December’s belongings ready within the hour. I’ve been informed that the Feds will be dealing with any correspondence, since we won’t be able to simply call or text you. They’ve assured me they’ll use appropriate measures to ensure your covers remain intact. With any luck, you three will catch this sick bastard before he strikes again.”

  “We’ll do our best.” Aiden turned then glanced back at the lieutenant. “We know how important this operation is, and I promise we won’t do anything to put Scarlet’s life at risk.”

  “See that you don’t. Just watch your backs. You’re pretty much on your own in there.”

  “There’s always the chance this guy won’t be able to get inside.”

  “Right. And we all believe that.” Powell leaned back in his chair. “Oh, and, gentlemen… Tread lightly where Scarlet’s concerned. She’s still dealing with the fallout from that original case. And it’d be a shame for her to permanently damage anything…important…before you even get there.”

  Roman smiled. “We’ll keep that in mind. We’ll be in touch.”

  Aiden followed his lover out, hating the silence that stretched between them as they headed for their truck. He could tell by the stiff line of Roman’s back and the way he clenched and released his hands at his sides that the man wasn’t happy with Scarlet’s reaction.

  He waited until Roman slipped into the driver’s side before turning and placing his hand over Roman’s as he slid the keys into the ignition. Roman sighed, glancing at him before collapsing against the seat, staring at the ceiling as if it held some kind of magical answer.

  He shook his head. “Did you see the look on her eyes? Fuck, that wasn’t anger. That was pain. Betrayal.”

  Aiden twisted so he could better face the man. “Can’t say I’m that surprised. She’s right. She deserved better.”

  “Not helping.”

  “Would you rather I lie to you?”

  Roman spared him a quick glance. “You could cushion the truth a bit.”

  “Sorry, buddy, not my style. Not when I’d be as pissed as she is if I were in her place. She lost both of us without so much as a satisfactory explanation. We knew the road back into her heart wouldn’t be easy.”

  “What if there isn’t a way? What if I just fucked up the one chance we had at being happy, all because I couldn’t fucking think past my own fears? Shit, I should have just told her that day she woke up.”

  “We both know why you didn’t. And despite everything, she’s still in love with you. It’s written across her face. Why do you think she’s so upset? She cares.”

  “The girl has a hell of a memory—and temper. Neither is going to help us win her back.”

  “Nothing worth fighting for is ever simple.”

  Roman exhaled, allowing his head to bow toward his chest. The man looked as broken as Aiden knew he felt.

  Aiden gave his thigh a squeeze. “We’ll work this out. Promise.”

  “She’s on that list, Aiden. If we don’t catch his sorry ass, he’ll kill her. And it’ll be on us.”

  “Not going to let that happen. Period. Besides, she’s not an easy target. She’s trained, fights like a damn badger and is one hell of a good shot.”

  “Hard to hide a gun in the clothes she’ll have to wear.” He scrubbed a hand down his face. “She can’t be left alone. Ever. Not even for a minute.”

  “Not my first rodeo. Yours or hers, either. We’ll get this creep. Now start the damn truck. We only have an hour to get everything ready before we pick up her stuff then her. And it’d be rude to keep the lady waiting.”

  Roman revved the engine, heading out of the empty lot. They went through the motions, gathering supplies before heading back to the precinct. Powell met them with a suitcase of Ms. December’s belongings and a tablet, not so subtly reminding them this was a joint endeavor and to keep him informed. Then they’d headed to Scarlet’s, parking in front of the small bungalow she owned. Roman sat in the seat, staring at the front door for five minutes before Aiden punched him on the shoulder.

  “You’ve been here a thousand times. She probably already knows we’re out here. Now, we just look like fucking stalkers. Just man the hell up, already.”

  Roman glared at him. “Fuck you.”

  “Anytime. Anywhere, buddy. But it’s not me you have to convince.” He pointed at the door. “She’ll understand, Roman. She might be angry for a while, standoffish. Hell, I’ll considerate it lucky if we only have to grovel at her feet—but she’ll forgive you. Us. That’s what love’s about. Now, go. I’m right behind you.”

  Roman huffed, slamming the door before striding up the walkway. He pounded on the door, palming the wall as he waited, muttering under his breath. Aiden smiled. Roman always was an extreme kind of guy. But that was part of his charm.

  Scarlet yanked open the door, glaring at them as she crossed her arms on her chest. She wore a form-fit
ting red dress with a matching velvet shawl and thigh-high boots. The outfit hugged every damn curve of her body, highlighting her firm breasts and sexy ass. Aiden forced himself to swallow. Shit, he’d thought she looked hot in jeans and a tee. Dressed like this—the girl would turn more than a few heads.

  She scowled at both of them, tapping her leather-booted foot on the floor. “You don’t have to break the damn thing down, especially since you’ve been sitting out there just staring at the house.” She grabbed a purse off a side table to her right and a small bag from the floor as she pushed past Roman.

  Aiden snagged her arm, careful not to grip too tightly. “I thought you were going to pack?”

  Scarlet looked at him, glancing at where he held her arm, but she didn’t try to pull away. “I did.” She held up the bag. “This is it.”

  “One bag? I thought women took everything they owned with them?”

  She smiled sweetly at him. “I’m going to Glade Manor. That means I’ll basically be naked for the foreseeable future. This dress is the least revealing outfit I’ll wear until we close this case. I didn’t need much.”

  Her words hit his gut. Shit. In all the planning, he hadn’t stopped to really consider what she’d have to endure. How being on display might affect her. Not really.

  He shifted in front of her, brushing his thumb along her cheek, keeping his other hand gently holding her arm. “I’m sorry. If there was any other way to get inside…”

  Scarlet’s expression softened, uncertainty creasing her forehead. She looked over at Roman, the lines deepening. “I…” She shrugged. “I know what’s on the line. I’ll deal.”

  Aiden nodded, unsure what else to say as she moved past them, climbing into the back of the truck. He glanced at Roman, but the man merely motioned him forward. Aiden walked to the vehicle, debating whether to ride with Roman in the front or sit with Scarlet in the back. Roman shook his head, pointing to the front. Aiden sighed. They needed to bridge the gap, and soon, or no one would believe they were friends, let alone lovers.