“What?” Mandy gaped at her. “Kidnapping who?”
“Me,” Alexandra said. “He’s crazy and dangerous.”
“Ben has talked about you nonstop,” said Mandy. “I’m so sorry.”
“Mandy, you might want to change your locks and get yourself a new boyfriend,” said Crockett. “Alex, let’s finish packing.”
Mandy stared at him, her face ghost-white. “Yeah, wow. I…I don’t know what to say.” In silence, she followed Alexandra and Crockett inside and upstairs.
With his cell phone pressed to his ear, Danny asked, “How long until back up arrives?” He listened, then said, “Got it. Thanks.” After hanging up, he addressed Ben. “Mr. Jenkins, you have an outstanding warrant for conspiracy to distribute narcotics across state lines. My buddies at the DEA will be paying you a visit in your jail cell.”
“If you need additional evidence, I snapped these the last time I was here.” Crockett showed Danny the pictures on his phone. “We interrupted quite a party.”
“I can see that.” Danny eyed the photos. “Forward those to me.”
Alexandra handed Mandy her house key.
“The cage car is here.” Danny unholstered his gun. “Please get up, Mr. Jenkins. We’re going downstairs.”
Once Ben had been loaded into the back of the car, Danny said goodbye to Crockett and Alexandra.
“I’m so sorry,” Alexandra said.
“Are you okay?” Danny asked.
“Yes,” she said, but Crockett wasn’t convinced.
Crockett hugged his cousin. “Thanks for doing this. Jesus, I owe you. I would have killed that son of a bitch.”
With hands on his hips, Danny turned his full attention on Alexandra. “You.” He pointed. “Stay out of trouble.” Danny climbed into his SUV and drove away.
“I’m beginning to think that’s an impossible task,” Crockett said to her. “Follow me home. Are you capable of that?”
She swallowed. “Yes.”
“I have a second assigned parking spot. Park to my right.”
“Thank you, Crockett.” She hugged him. Though still angry, he hugged her hard. Goddammit, she scared the living hell out of me.
She stepped away and he shot her a stern stare. “On the way home, you might want to figure out a proper way to thank me.”
17
Home
An explosion of clothes, shoes and masks covered the floor of Crockett’s guest room, which now looked like a ladies boutique. How can one woman wear all this? The space had been empty, but then, so had his life.
Enter Alexandra. Chaos everywhere.
He hated leaving her, especially after her traumatic run-in with Ben, but he wouldn’t break his commitment to his kids. Plus, he needed to take out his aggression on a punching bag. Kneeling next to her, he peered into her eyes. “You sure you’re okay?”
“Positive.” She glanced at his black gi, her gaze hovering over the V exposing his chest. Her sharp inhale landed in his groin. “Club later?”
“Absolutely.” Breaking their steamy connection, he tapped the Incognito app on his phone. “There’s a suite available at ten.”
“Book it.” Determination replaced the lingering fear banking in her eyes. “If you stand in the hallway, outside the lounge, you’ll be able to see Jase and Francois escorting men into the suite.”
“Which room is it?”
“Left out of the greeting room. Last one on the right before turning the corner. It’s the only one that’s unmarked.”
“Got it. Where will you be?”
“I’ll meet you in the lounge. If you see Dracule hanging around, don’t scare him away. He might prove himself useful. He’s king of rejuvenation.”
“I don’t trust that weasel.” He offered her a spare house key and underground parking garage door opener.
“Thank you.” As she hooked the key onto her keychain, the atmosphere turned electric. Just like that, his home had become theirs.
Before he could check himself, he stroked her back. The pull to touch her too powerful to ignore. If she were his, he’d kiss her senseless.
Fuck it.
His mouth was on hers, his pent-up energy impossible to contain. Her throaty moan spurred him forward. Her lips parted. When his tongue slipped inside, she fisted his hair and pulled. But leaving her wanting more would send a stronger message, so he stopped. Abruptly. Like kissing her hadn’t fazed him. Everything about Alex, including her wild eyes and rapid breathing, had turned him hard. But he had to leave. Now.
He stood, grateful the gi jacket hid his boner. “I’ll be at Rodele Martial Arts if you need to reach me.”
A tiny whimper floated from her lips, her gaze still fixed on his. Then, she broke eye contact and blinked, several times. “Oh, my phone is missing. I left it at work or with the mechanic.”
He sighed. That explained why she hadn’t responded to his earlier texts. “Alexandra, what am I going to do with you?”
Her raised eyebrow answered that question.
Alexandra had forced herself to keep it together, but Ben had terrified her. With a glass of Chianti in hand, she soaked in the Jacuzzi. The scalding water temperature relaxed her knotted muscles, while her thoughts drifted to Crockett. When left with a moment to daydream, that’s where her mind strayed. Though devastated over her mom, and frustrated about her job, Crockett had been her lighthouse in a stormy sea. Being in his home, surrounded by his things and knowing that he would return here, day in and day out, planted a seedling of hope in her heart. Maybe I could let down my guard and give this a second chance.
Fear slammed her chest. Her eyes flew open. So much for my moment of Zen. She stopped the jets and exited the tub. Being in a relationship with Crockett wasn’t going to work. Especially for the short run. History had proven that.
The doorbell chimed. Alexandra wrapped herself in Crockett’s bathrobe and hurried down the hall. After spying an attractive woman through the peephole, her heart dropped. She’d assumed he didn’t have anyone special in his life. Had she assumed wrong? She opened the door.
The woman’s megawatt smile fizzled. “I’m here to see Crockett Wilde.” She eyed the oversized man’s robe.
“He’s not home. Can I help you?”
Her jaw ticked. “I’m Tammy, his realtor.”
Seemed late for a pop-in. “Do you have copies of anything you need to leave with me?”
“No, my visit is personal.”
Alexandra had no idea what this woman was up to, or whether Crockett was screwing his realtor, but she didn’t have the time or the patience to deal with her. “I’ll tell him you dropped by.”
Tammy’s eyes narrowed. “And you are?”
“With Crockett.” Her heart bloomed at the thought. “So, if he never thanked you, let me. You found us a fantastic place to live.”
“You can’t be that important. He never even mentioned you.” As the agent tightened her raincoat sash, Alexandra spotted a diamond wedding band.
“Would your husband appreciate this late night personal call?”
“Why, you little bitch.”
Arching her eyebrow, Alexandra said, “I call it like I see it. Please, no more surprise visits.” She closed the door, flipped the deadbolt, and marched into the kitchen. I might have overstepped. Nah. She wasn’t right for him anyway.
She didn’t know if Crockett would grab something to eat before Incognito, but when she was done with him, he’d be famished. She pulled up “Mayhem” by artist Imelda May and as she sliced mushrooms, peppers, and onions, her spirits lifted for the first time since she’d returned. She couldn’t remember the last time she’d cooked dinner for a man. After sautéing the chicken with the vegetables, she added rice to the steamer and set the timer.
With him in mind, she dressed in a lacy push-up bra, low-cut cashmere sweater, and black leather skirt that brushed against her thigh-high boots. On went the blonde wig, then a heavy dose of eye makeup. Lastly, she tied on a black and pink masquerade mask
. Eager to sleuth and play, she headed to the club.
On her way, she wondered how she’d get Sage to open up about her bruises. Anticipating she’d have one hell of a time even locating her, Alexandra refused to get discouraged. Somehow she’d find that timid employee. She parked and headed upstairs.
Cozy club members lined the red sofa, so, as they agreed, she moseyed into the lounge. Wall-to-wall people made it impossible for her to slink over to the bar. Instead, she snagged a booth tucked in the corner.
Seconds later, the familiar server with purple-streaked hair appeared. “Hey, good to see you.”
“Wendy, right?”
“Yup. I’m good with faces, or in this case, masks, but can’t remember names. No offense. I’ve got over thirty cousins and I still get them confused.”
“I’m Electra.”
“Yes, you are. We’ve got a great new red wine. How ‘bout a glass or maybe a spritzer?”
“I’ll take a top-shelf manhattan with an extra cherry.”
“I’m impressed. Being a southern belle, I figured you’d want something sweet with a cutesy pink umbrella sticking out of it.”
Alexandra laughed. “Even us southern gals like the burn of bourbon now and again.”
“Sorry. My big mouth gets me into more trouble. Some guy I waited on the other night said something to Francois about a comment I made.” She glanced over her shoulder. “Now I’ve got a target on my back.” Wendy zoomed off and returned with her drink but said nothing more.
Fifteen minutes later, Crockett walked in. Her heart leapt. The quarter zip black sweater stretched against his bulging pecs. Black pants showed off his strong, muscular thighs. And a black mask framed those piercing blue eyes. Simple, elegant and smokin’ hot.
When his eyes met hers, heat shot through her belly, settling between her thighs. With a cool smile, she slipped out of the booth to greet him. As he approached, he studied her like she was a priceless work of art. Inches away, his clean scent wafted in her direction.
“Evening, Electra.” Brushing his mouth against her ear, he whispered, “Chicken was delicious. Can’t wait for dessert.”
His husky voice rumbled through her sex-starved body. Desperate to touch him, she curled her hand around his hard bicep. “Good to see you, Huntah.”
“May I join you?”
“Please.” She slipped back onto the bench. Instead of sitting across, he slid next to her. Close enough that their legs touched. Her body came alive. She’d craved him all day. Before she could check herself, she caressed his thigh.
A raspy groan shot out of him.
“Good workout?” she asked.
“Not as good as the one I’m going to have.”
Her nipples tightened and she glanced at his mouth. “Naughty, naughty, Huntah.” But a whisper of a smile danced on her lips. I can’t wait, either.
Wendy approached the table. “Good evening, sir. Can I bring you a beverage?”
“Vodka martini, dry.”
“Right away.” She left.
“I don’t need a drink,” he murmured. “I need you.”
“Patience.” She stroked his forearm. “Did you see management escort a man to the suite?”
“No and I watched from the hallway. How long do we have the room?”
“An hour.”
“Then you owe me an hour. At home.”
“Huntah, that seems a little forward. I hardly know you.”
The waitress returned with his martini. “Wendy, do you think you could find Sage?” Alexandra asked.
Crockett pulled out two Ben Franklins. “One for you. Keep the change from the second. Electra is anxious to see her friend.”
After quickly stashing one of the bills, Wendy flicked her gaze toward the kitchen. Her grateful smile dropped and she cleared her throat. “Thank you, sir. I’ll see what I can do.”
Jase sidled over. “See what you can do about what?”
“Um…I…” mumbled Wendy.
“Book us more time in our suite,” Crockett said.
While fidgeting under Jase’s scrutiny, Wendy refused to look at him. She’s intimidated, too.
“Good,” said Jase before addressing Wendy. “If it’s booked, let me know. I’ll see what I can do.”
“Yes, sir.” Wendy peeked at Alexandra before ducking into the crowd.
“Electra, Hunter. How are you enjoying your evening?” Jase asked.
Crockett’s expression hardened. “Jase.”
“Electra, may I have a word?”
“Could you excuse me, Huntah?”
Crockett pushed out of the booth so Alexandra could slide out. Then he sat back down and sipped his drink.
Jase stepped close and she whiffed his liquor breath. “I come bearing good news. Your five-thousand dollar debt has been paid.”
Had she heard him correctly? “Pardon me?”
“You don’t owe Incognito anything. You’re free and clear.”
“Paid by whom?”
“Anonymous.” When he drew back his lips, his grin resembled a snarl. “Congratulations.”
Her stomach dropped. This grand gesture didn’t feel like a random act of kindness.
One of the wait staff approached Jase. After speaking with the employee, the GM excused himself and hurried off. Alexandra slipped back into the booth. Pressing the cocktail glass to her lip, she took a hearty sip. And another. Anxiety pressed in on her.
“What did he want?” Crockett asked.
“An anonymous member paid my five thousand dollar debt.”
Crockett’s upper lip twisted in a snarl. “I don’t need three guesses to know who did that. That horny old man will want something in return.”
A sudden chill from within made her shiver. Yes, he will.
18
Hello, Detective
Crockett eyed the police officer’s uniform hanging on a hook in the “Frisk Me” suite. “Good thing I’m an undercover detective.”
She sashayed close. “Not into the costume?”
He cupped her chin, kissed her soft lips. “If you need it, I’ll wear it.”
“I need you.”
Time to indulge his woman in the ultimate escape. “You’ll have to work for it, baby.” He shot her a cool smile.
A soft moan escaped her lips. “Don’t I get a phone call?”
“No, you don’t. You’re in my interrogation room and you’ll do as I say.”
“Mmm, yes, sir,” she purred.
Compared to the other suites with their cozy beds, fluffed pillows and quality linens, this room was bare-bones. Half the room was set up for a police interrogation. A metal table was secured to the floor with steel supports surrounded by four aluminum chairs. A lone bulb in a metal shade dangled from the ceiling over the center of the table. The other half of the room resembled a jail cell with a full size cot, on a metal frame, stark white linens, and two plain pillows.
“Sit.” He spun a chair around.
As soon as she did, he swung another chair around, straddled the hard seat and eased down.
Her gaze swept over his face and down his chest. “Why’d you bring me here, officer?” she asked, batting her lashes.
“It’s Detective. And I ask the questions.” He leaned close. Her eyes turned black with passion. “You were seen leaving the jewelry store at the time of the robbery, Ms. Electra.”
“Yeah, so? That doesn’t mean anything.”
He interrogated her about the missing bag of loose diamonds. As the story unfolded, she came alive. Her voice dropped. Her erect nipples pressed against the low-cut sweater. She sat tall, crossed her legs. The mini skirt rode up her beautiful thighs and he resisted the urge to stroke her silky skin.
Every subtle action—the way she ran her tongue over her lower lip, a lingering glance, her sharp intake of breath—churned his growing need.
“If you’ve hidden the diamonds, I’ll find them. I need to perform a cavity search.” Her breath caught and her deep, throaty groan made his ba
lls tighten. “Remove your boots.”
She slowly unzipped one and removed it, held it upside down and shook it. “No jewels hidden here.” She repeated the action for the other boot. “Satisfied?” She smirked at him.
“Hardly.” Unable to resist, he stroked her beautiful thigh. Up and down. Twice. Then he pushed out of the chair and kicked it aside. “Stand up. You probably stored the diamonds in your bra.”
With a gleam in her eyes, she rose.
He stepped close and grazed her nipples with the back of his hand. Her gritty groan sent desire pounding through him. With care not to disrupt her mask or her wig, he helped her remove the cashmere top.
She arched toward him, letting her head fall back, revealing her swan-like neck. Despite her body language, her jagged breath, and how her sultry gaze stayed locked on his, he’d make her wait. He’d continue the fantasy to a frenzying state so that when he finally took her, she would shatter beneath him.
“Take off your bra.” His gaze stayed locked on hers until she dangled the frilly undergarment. “No diamonds here, either.”
He lowered his head to taste her pert nibs. Heat infused him as he sucked and bit one, and then the other. Her sexy sounds pounded a trail straight to his cock.
“Turn around,” he ordered. When she did, he stroked her beautiful bottom before unzipping her butt-molding skirt. It, too, dropped to the floor. “Remove your thong.”
Rather than pulling the undergarment down, she slipped her thumbs inside the lace, bent over at the waist, and slowly dragged them over her beautiful ass. With a hungry glint in her eyes, she glanced over her shoulder. He smacked her ass and she yelped.
“Turn back towards me and open your mouth.”
“Yes, sir.”
Instead of waiting for him, she lifted his hand and slid his index finger into her mouth. With her sultry gaze cemented on his, she sucked and licked. Shock waves traveled up his arm. After withdrawing his finger, she murmured, “I can’t wait to suck you for real.”
Need thrummed through him. “You’re a sneaky one, but I’ll find them,” he said, staying in character. He pulled out a latex glove from the box on the wall, snapped it on and coated his fingers in lubrication. “Bend over. Do you understand what I’m about to do?”
THE WILDE TOUCH: Book Two of The Touch Series Page 18
