by Aliyah Burke
She crossed her arms and kept her head down as they rode up. Detective Baldwin stepped out first then gave a jerk of his head, she followed and Declan brought up the rear. They entered a suite and Caro kept her stare down at the floor.
“I’ll be back to take you to the courthouse. You have five hours.” Baldwin looked at her, ran his gaze over her then left.
Declan locked the door behind Baldwin and leaned against it as he stared at her. “He brought you a suit—it’s hanging in the room. Go shower, sleep or whatever you want.” He shifted his stance. “No phone calls and no leaving the room.”
“Okay.”
She turned to the bedroom and walked in its direction before pausing. She chewed the inside of her cheek as she slowly faced him again. Declan McBride. Cop. He stood there, powerful and sure. He’d been through hell—so had she—and still looked ready to take on the world.
“Thank you. For keeping me safe.”
Indescribable emotions flashed across his face. “Doing my job.”
The words cut her deep. Guess we’re back to the part where we hate one another. “I know. I was just a job. I get it.” She forced a small smile. “Still, you didn’t let me die.” She walked away from him and into the bathroom, the door closing behind her with a definitive click.
Declan stared after her. Shit! He didn’t know what to do. He had to do his job and that didn’t entail fucking the woman he was supposed to protect. His sore body yelled at him. How was she feeling?
They’d been through hell this past day. She’d been burnt, taken, cut, in a car accident, shot at and more.
Nothing at all how I thought she would have responded to any adversity. I always thought she was selfish. The woman I spent time with was anything but.
He strode to the shut door before he had even thought twice about it and let himself in. The shower ran and he shucked his clothing before stepping into the bathroom. He moved the curtain back and joined the woman he couldn’t get enough of under the warm spray.
“What are you doing in here?” Her question was rife with tension and bite. “I know fucking me now isn’t part of your job.”
He turned her so they were face to face. “Nope, it isn’t. I’m here because I want you.”
Her response was to reach up and around his neck, drawing him in for a kiss. It wasn’t furious or dominating, no—tentative and gentle. His insides turned over and he ignored the soft feelings that grew for her by the second.
“Are you okay?” he asked against her lips.
“Sore. Hand hurts and the cut stings but yeah, I’m okay. You? How’s your head?”
Declan reached for a washcloth and soaped it up. “I’ll live.” He angled her so the spray hit her front while he washed her back. Swipe after slow swipe until he crouched and moved the cloth over the firm globes of her ass then down the backs of her thighs. He washed her feet then stood before rotating her so her back was in the water and rinsed clean.
He wrung out the white cloth and lathered it again. Declan started on her left arm, taking care to avoid the cut, then moved to her right. There, he was careful with the burn on her hand. She stood still, watching his face as he continued to wash her body. Her breasts, stomach, the fronts of her legs. Then he moved on to her pussy. Guiding her legs to widen a bit, he took his time there. The way her breathing changed and her pupils dilated told him she wanted him. As much as he did her.
Ignoring his desire for the moment, he rinsed off her front before starting on her hair. He’d never washed a woman’s hair before. The hotel had supplied a stress relief aromatherapy scent. Eucalyptus and spearmint. He lathered it into her hair noting the small mewls she made as he worked his fingers through her locks.
He washed it twice before doing the same thing with the conditioner. Each moan from her was like another layer of iron around his cock.
“You’re good at this.” She looked at him and wrung out some of the water from her hair. “My turn.”
Declan didn’t speak as she returned the favor. Her fingers trailed over his skin as she washed him, her touch gentle where needed and firm in other places. She also washed his hair and conditioned it.
“You need to get this looked at,” she said brushing along his head wound.
“Later.” He reached past her and shut off the water. Without a word, he lifted her, and she wrapped her legs around his waist, her pussy right against his cock. He strode from the bathroom, stopped to grab a condom from his wallet and carried her to the bed.
He covered her with his body and placed the head of his cock at the entrance to her slick pussy. She watched him with large eyes.
“One more time?” Caro’s voice was soft and almost unsure.
He nodded and pulled away to sheathe himself. Then he returned to her body and surged inside her with one stroke.
“Ohh, Declan.”
He had to hold still for a moment or he’d embarrass himself. Like the first time only better. He knew her body now. Knew how to make it sing. How to make her scream aloud with pleasure. Knew how she affected him and made him roar to the room when he came with a rush.
Staring at her, he continued to wait before moving. She held his gaze. In the depths of her eyes passion swirled. Declan began to move. Their eyes welded on one another as he thrust. He lost himself in the wealth of her silken chocolate irises.
She gripped him tight with her uninjured hand and undulated beneath him. He pressed his lips to hers as he moved. Her body, clean and perfect, rubbing against him was a siren’s call to lose control. With an iron will he didn’t know he possessed, Declan resisted.
“Faster.” Her word was mumbled by the pressure of his lips upon hers.
He shook his head and grabbed her hips, halting her attempt to pick up the pace. His final time with her would not be rushed. He ignored the fact that he was ready to come now and focused on drawing out their time together.
Short strokes to long. Slow thrusts to fast. Their breaths mingled as they moved in tandem. Caro held him tight. She bowed and came with a keening cry.
One. Two. Three. And one more stroke before he shot thick ropes of cum. Limbs weak, he lowered himself carefully to her. She didn’t release him or lessen her grip on him.
He kissed the side of her neck and withdrew from her heat. In the bathroom he cleaned himself up. Padding naked back to the bedroom, he paused by the doorframe.
Caro lay on her side, injured arm out and burned hand open by her chin. She slept—soundly from the small snores she emitted.
Declan allowed himself the chance to watch her. Memorize her features. He knew logically that they had no chance now that they were back here in Atlanta. He wasn’t a fan of that but there was no reason in thinking on something that couldn’t be.
He took a quick shower and dressed. Caro still slept as he closed the bedroom door behind him. He fixed himself some coffee and turned the television on low. The knock at the door had him holding his pistol as he went to check who it was.
Lance Baldwin stood there. Declan swung the door open and locked it again behind the man.
“Where is she?”
“She was sleeping in the bedroom. Not sure if she’s awake now.”
Lance merely grunted and took a seat. “What happened to your head?”
“Cut it when we went over the edge out there. The vehicle rolled.”
“Need a doctor?”
He sat. “Nope. I’ve been keeping it cleaned. Once I hand her over to the ADA I’ll go get checked out. I’m sure LT will holler at me about it.”
“What about her? I saw she was bruised as well.”
“Like I mentioned to you, it wasn’t an easy trip back.” He shifted in the seat. “What’d you find out about Jimmy Harstone?”
“He was your link for sure. We ran his name and came up with nothing. But when we ran his picture, the current one you sent, a lot more popped up.” He slid a folder across the small table toward Declan. “He’s been in Atlanta a lot. Drug problems and many mistresse
s. He was also a runner for the family.”
“So how’d he get into this?”
“Apparently, he wanted back in the good graces of the family. When he heard they were looking for Jasmine, he offered up his knowledge of her being there.” He arched an eyebrow. “That includes her using the name Caro.”
Declan shrugged. “Not sure why she picked that name. All I know is she answered it a lot better than I would have expected her too.”
“Why? Jasmine has numerous aliases.”
“I know but none of them were Caro.”
“Con artist is a con artist.”
He checked the time and noted how long they had. “I’ll be right back, gonna make sure she’s getting up.” Declan wanted to smack the smirk on Lance’s face but ignored it, walked to the bedroom door and knocked. “Jasmine. Time to wake up and get ready.” He cracked it open and peeked in.
She sat with the blankets captured around her breasts and stared at him through sleepy eyes. “I’ll be right there.”
Damn it, he wanted to go to her and hold her. Kiss her. “See you don’t keep us waiting.”
“Us?”
More irrational jealousy hit him. “Detective Baldwin is here as well.”
“How nice.”
Declan shut the door and went back to his seat. Lance watched him, amusement dancing in his gaze.
They sat in silence for a bit. “She gets to you.”
“Not much in the way of approving of her life choices.”
“Is that it or the fact she propositioned me?”
Anger churned. “Why would that bother me? My job is to keep her safe, not keep track of her bed partners.”
“That’s good to know.”
He turned at her words and saw her standing there. The hurt that had existed vanished behind a mask of indifference. The dark blue skirt suit molded to her body in ways he wanted to. Up close and personal.
“Ms Hoyer,” Baldwin said, standing. “Good to see you again.”
“Detective.” She turned cool eyes back to him. “Are we leaving or what?”
Cold all the way around. Yep, this was the Jasmine he recalled. His own attitude slipping, he shoved to his feet and rocked back on his heels. “Been waiting on you.”
“Didn’t know I was supposed to sleep in this outfit and roll out of bed ready to go. Sorry, wasn’t aware this was a soap opera.” She walked to the door and he had to hurry to beat her there.
He slammed his hand over the door when she went to open it. “You don’t need to go first.”
“So go and I’ll follow if you don’t get blown away.”
Baldwin chuckled and Declan flipped the man off as he exited the room first. The halls were empty as they made their way to the elevator. She stood silent between the both of them.
Was she closer to Baldwin? Why was he going down this road? I have got to get it together. What difference does it make if she’s closer to him or not? My job, my only job is to keep her alive to the courthouse.
He slanted his gaze to her and found she stared straight ahead, expressionless. Copying her, he focused on the steel gray doors and waited for them to open. When they did, both men were standing in front of her, blocking her just in case. The hotel was quiet and, after sharing a look with Lance, they headed for the back where he had a vehicle waiting.
Chapter Eleven
Caro blew out a breath as she sat in the back of the unmarked sedan. Both men were in the front so she could stare at them without anyone being the wiser. Although, she did have to be careful, for Detective Baldwin would occasionally check the rear-view and she made sure not to be staring like a lovelorn fool at Declan when that happened.
She flexed her hand and fought the wince. It still hurt where she had burned it on the kettle. Lord, that seems like such a long time ago instead of yesterday morning. All the shit I’ve gone through since then. Unbidden her gaze drifted back to the man in the passenger seat in front of her. Declan McBride.
He hadn’t shaved and she didn’t mind. Rugged. Handsome. Capable. He had some bruises on his face and the cut on his temple still made her heart hitch.
When I think we could have gone over that mountain and died… I don’t know how I’ll ever be able to repay him. That was the thing. Her repaying him was going to be informing him that she wasn’t Jasmine and hadn’t ever been. That he’d risked his life protecting someone else.
The big knot in her chest got larger and she rubbed the spot that rested beneath the white blouse. Baldwin was watching her again and she merely lifted an eyebrow and stared back at him. She didn’t miss the slight turn of his lips before he put his attention back on the road. The interior was silent except for the radio echoing with all the calls.
She flexed her fingers and hoped to God her sister would be there. Caro had called again this morning from the bedroom after Declan had told her to get ready. Jasmine had promised she’d be there but Caro wasn’t ready to be confident about that until she actually laid eyes upon her. She’d also told her to wear something nice.
Caro moved again and this time Declan looked back at her. His eyebrow cocked as if asking if she were okay. But he didn’t vocalize anything so she didn’t speak in return. Merely turned away from him. From her periphery she could see him shaking his head.
They pulled up in front of the courthouse and the men climbed out. She allowed herself one more ogle of Declan McBride. His jeans fitted him like a second skin and his shirt only highlighted his powerful muscles. As she sat there, he swung off his coat.
Detective Baldwin opened her door and offered her a hand. She took it and allowed him to assist her to the sidewalk.
“Thank you.”
“You’re welcome. Thank you for not running away and for testifying.”
Yeah, I’m not the one you want. She scanned the steps looking for her sister. Nothing.
“Let’s get her inside.” Declan’s tone was cold and sharp, much like the wind that blew around her.
“You got this, McBride, or do you need some help?”
“I’m fine, Baldwin. Thanks for the help.”
“No problem. Let me know when you’re ready to become a detective.”
Declan’s snort wasn’t pleasant, and she recalled what he’d told her about his ex. Not just a bitch of a woman but one she was about to go face. Sourness spread and she cleared her throat as they made their way up the steps.
“I need to tell you something,” she muttered.
“What now, Jasmine?”
His tone was unbending and irritated, enough that it spiked her own irritation. So much for trying to protect him from the revelation.
“Nothing,” she snapped.
The woman who stepped from behind a pillar was the ADA, Jacquelyn Ashcraft. Cold. Professional. Bitch. She wore a power suit and stared down her nose at both of them.
Caro’s indignation segued from Declan to his ex-wife. Who the fuck was this woman to look at the two of them like they were shit on the bottom of her shoe?
“You’re almost late,” she said. Her tone as chilly as her expression.
“Almost isn’t late, Jackie.” Declan reached out and beckoned Caro closer. “And good to see you again as well. You’re welcome for me not letting her die.”
The cold gaze found her. “You ready for this?”
“No.”
“No?” The woman stepped closer. “What do you mean no?”
“What’s hard to understand? Why would I be ready for this? Everyone else who was supposed to testify is dead. I should be looking forward to it with an excitement that rivals a party?” She narrowed her gaze. “Back off.”
“You’re just like your file. So long as you don’t fuck up on the stand.”
She peered past her and couldn’t even begin to explain the relief that coursed through her. “I hate to disappoint you but I’m not Jasmine.”
“Christ, not this again.” Declan’s words didn’t even bother her, she had expected them.
“What do yo
u mean?”
“I mean, my name is Caro. Jasmine is over there.” She beckoned to her twin who walked up and took off the large hat she’d been wearing. “She’s my twin.”
“Are you fucking kidding me?”
Oh, he was pissed off. Caro turned to look at him. Fury emanated from him in waves.
“I think we need to take this inside before it gets louder.” The ADA ushered them into a small room.
“Are you okay?” Jasmine asked her, handing over her bag.
“I will be. You?”
“Yes.”
Caro squeezed her hand. “You make sure you stay safe. I’m sorry I lost your bag.”
“You’re safe, that’s all I care about.”
“Someone want to explain to me what the fuck is going on here?” Jacquelyn dropped her attaché on the table and put her hands on her hips.
Declan grabbed Caro and spun her to him. “You lied? You played that you were Jasmine.”
She tugged free and matched him glower for glower. “Not true. I told you that first day I wasn’t Jasmine. You told me to shut up and not to even try the ‘I’m not Jasmine Hoyer’ business. So I did. But I told you I wasn’t her.”
He shoved his hand through his hair. “Christ, woman, do you have any idea what you did?”
“Allowed my twin to be in a place where she felt safe.”
“That was my job!” he hollered.
“Right. And look what happened. Shot at, kidnapped, shoved off the mountain road in an SUV. We both have cuts and bruises. She’s fine. What’s the big deal? She’s here. She’s going to testify and as you so aptly put it we’ll never have to see one another again!”
“How did we not know you had a twin?” Jacquelyn questioned Jasmine.
Her twin crossed her arms and sat on the edge of a table. “Not my fault. Every time one of you people come barging in my life something happens. Why would I tell you anything, especially when you already think you know everything about me?” Jasmine’s tone fell bitter and unforgiving.
Caro went to her side and both of them glared at the law in the room. She wouldn’t apologize for doing what she could to help her sister.
“I could arrest you,” Declan said.
