Simply Sinful

CHAPTER NINE

HER TOES WERE PAINTED PINK. Ridiculous he would notice considering she sat deciphering books that put her life in danger. With all quiet for the moment, Kane leaned back in his seat enjoying the view.

She chewed on the eraser head of a pencil, her shimmering lips pursed in thought. Maybe he could take just a quick taste. He shook his head, knowing it wouldn’t be enough to lessen the constant ache of arousal, nor would it ease the pressure in his chest that had been present since their earlier conversation.

When was the last time he’d thought of his mother, let alone discussed his past aloud? It had been a long time and he planned for it to be never again. But if soul-baring had given Kayla an explanation for his reluctance to take things further, dredging up the pain had been worthwhile. She’d spent too many years believing herself unworthy of more than an admiring glance or a groping hand. Better she believed he had the problem, not her.

Better he walked away from her knowing he’d given something in return.

“Sullivan, John.” Her voice brought him back to the present.

“Another big player,” Kane said. “He owns real estate all over the city.” They’d been at the books over two hours. Rather she’d been at them.

He’d been watching. The shifting of her legs, drawing his attention to the warm place in between. The animation then the scowl of frustration crossing her face, resulting in a pout of her lips that made him desire more than a simple kiss. All in the name of the case, he reminded himself more than once, trying to push aside the things she made him feel.

The first book contained a list of female names that neither he nor Kayla recognized. The women, Kane assumed, who worked for Charmed!’s side business. The last few books produced a list of male names as impressive as it was extensive. Where before they only had an informant’s tip, they now had probable clients and their call girls. Thanks to Kayla’s intelligence and persistence.

As much as he’d fought against letting her handle things, he had to admire the results. He sure as hell admired the woman.

Kane was certain these highly placed, mostly married, men would talk. The more puzzle questions she answered, the longer the list of names had become. They covered all upper-crust walks of life. And none of these men would want the scandal sure to be caused if their private lives were made public.

“I need a break.” She stretched her legs out in front of her. Bare feet peeked from beneath narrowed blue jeans and she wiggled her toes in a long stretch.

“Put it away for the night. You’ve still got the end of a concussion and need rest.” Something he wouldn’t be getting much of tonight. After spending the evening watching her work, that much he knew for sure.

“Don’t I know it. Besides, except for one last run-through, I think I’m near finished.” Her eyelids fluttered closed, shades of exhaustion evident. “But I have to finish tonight.” She grabbed for the first book in their pile, the one that began the list of names, and fanned through. “We have a growing list, but we’re no closer to…Kane?” Her voice rose in excitement.

He sat forward in his seat. “What is it?”

“Major change here. I don’t know why I didn’t notice it before. Look. All the earlier books were done in pencil, right?”

He nodded. Not that he’d have noticed if she hadn’t pointed her family’s quirk out earlier. Experts at crosswords did them in pen with no fear of mistakes.

“But here-there’s a mix of pencil and pen.” She studied the book for a second and grabbed another, glancing through it. “This one, too. Look.”

He was beside her in an instant.

“Here. Black ink instead of pencil. I don’t know why I didn’t notice it first time around.”

“I missed the change, too.” He skimmed the pages of the remaining books. “Same with these.”

“This is it, Kane. It’s what I was looking for. It’s my aunt’s clue.”

“What?”

“It was her way of letting us know she wasn’t doing this willingly, Kane. I’d bet my life on it.”

He closed his eyes at the thought. He was getting damn tired of her life being on the line. She didn’t need to remind him. “Okay, let’s say you’re right.”

“I know I’m right. When the guy grabbed me the other day, he mentioned money and when he called he mentioned the books. These books.” She drew a deep breath. “Not only do they have the names, which is incriminating enough, but maybe he knew Aunt Charlene was dropping clues.”

“Possible,” Kane muttered.

“So tell me why we can’t find a trace of the money,” she said with frustration.

“There’re plenty of places to hide cash without the accountant knowing,” he said. “Offshore accounts, for one. Without a number they’re untraceable.”

“But this guy seems to believe I know where the money is. Why?”

He shrugged. “Impossible to know what they’re thinking. But they do want their take. Any clue in those books where the money could be hidden?”

She shook her head. “Just the names. No phone numbers, either, since these are all letter puzzles.”

He shrugged. “The money is something we might never find. Unless things unravel well at the end. My guess is the men in those books contacted someone at Charmed!, not vice versa. Too risky the other way. Your uncle probably took the calls.”

“My uncle?” A grin edged the corners of her luscious mouth. “That means you believe me-Aunt Charlene was being used or threatened.”

“Like I said, anything is possible, sweetheart. But the lists are extensive. At the very least, she knew what was going on.” He hated like hell to remind her, but he didn’t want her hurt more in the end because she hadn’t considered the possibility.

She folded her arms across her chest. “That doesn’t mean she was a willing participant. I believe she had no choice.”

Kane didn’t know what to believe other than the fact that Kayla believed in her aunt. Hell, he didn’t blame her. If he’d had even one person to rely on in his life, he wouldn’t want to give up hope, either.

He glanced at Kayla. He wanted to believe in her. But his job required proof. They didn’t know what the change from pencil to pen meant. Maybe they never would.

She wasn’t ready to count the older woman out yet. Kane groaned, wishing for her benefit she wasn’t so naive. And yet that was what he loved about her…

Kane coughed.

“Are you okay?”

He forced a nod and mentally changed topics. “Whoever these clients contacted, they probably paid cash, your uncle supplied the women, took his share and cut his partner in on the rest.”

“The man we want.”

“Or woman,” Kane reminded her. “Remember the Mayflower Madam, for starters.”

She nodded. “They also want the books, which means these books.” She lifted one in her hand.

“Your uncle’s leverage,” Kane said. “With these in his possession, your uncle was guaranteed his take.”

She glanced at her watch. “It’s been hours since the last call.”

“It’s a waiting game. The more time that goes by, the more nervous you’ll get. They hope.”

“Well, they’re right. I’m more than nervous. Just the thought of what could have happened, terrifies me.”

“You’ve realized how dangerous it would be to get even more involved.” Fear released its hold. He exhaled a rush of air, the first easy breath since she’d announced her plans in the captain’s office hours earlier. “Don’t worry. Reid won’t mind,” he went on. “We can work around it, use a decoy. Just remember, when he calls, keep him talking. Maybe we can trace it. Agree to a drop, not a face-to-face meeting and-”

“I haven’t changed my mind.” She interrupted his instructions in a soft but determined voice.

“But you just said…”

“I admitted I’m afraid. I’m human. So sue me. But I haven’t changed my mind.”

“If you’re shaky, it’ll show. Things could get messy. Go with your gut.”

“I am and my gut tells me I have to do this.”

“Dammit, why?” He slammed his hand against the end table beside his chair until it rocked on unsteady legs. He’d roared. She didn’t flinch. Not a sign he was even close to convincing her to opt out.

“Look.” He braced his hands on his legs and leaned forward in his seat. “There are experienced people to do this for you. No risk. Why not take advantage?”

She ran a hand through her hair. The soft strands fell back around her face, creating a vulnerability he knew was part real, part illusion. This woman was tougher than the softness on the outside revealed. It was just a part of why he was drawn to her.

“It’s my life that’s been turned upside down and I want to be the one to get it back.” She met his gaze. “Like you, I’ve been taking care of myself longer than I can remember. It’s not in me to give up the job to someone else, even when it gets tough.”

“Dangerous,” he countered.

“Whatever.”

“You’d be relinquishing the job to professionals. There’s a difference.”

“Not to me. I gave up a decent job, with a decent salary and dreams of finishing school to run this family business. Because, despite it all, I love my family. Now I find out it might be a front for an escort service. Am I the only one who doesn’t miss the irony here? I have to see this through to the end. And I have to clear my aunt’s name.”

In her voice, Kane heard the same determination he felt on every case. In her eyes, he saw the same need to accomplish a goal. He respected it enough to want to know more. “Just what irony are you talking about?” he asked quietly.

She rose from the couch and crossed the room until she stood beside him. Her scent worked against his restraint, tantalizing his senses, seducing his soul.

“It’s proof,” she whispered. Meeting his gaze, she lifted her hand, then let it drift downward, boldly outlining the rounded swell of her breast and the generous curve of her hips. Her nipples pressed taut and rigid beneath the cream-colored T-shirt she’d changed into before dinner.

His mouth grew dry, his palms damp. Wanting Kayla wasn’t new. It was as much a part of him as breathing. But right now, it was damned inappropriate. His brain registered the fact his pulsing body seemed determined to ignore.

With great difficulty, and even breathing, will-power won out. “Proof of what?” he asked in a hoarse voice.

“This.” Her hand traced her curves once more. “This is an illusion.”

“A beautiful one.” One that tormented him on a minute by minute basis.

Thinking back to their first meeting gave him a clue as to what she meant now. He recalled her inability to accept a compliment and her immediate withdrawal whenever he stared too long, or got too close. He’d gotten past those barriers, but not without effort.

He glanced at the body made for sin. “But it’s not what counts,” he said.

“You’re the first person to recognize that.” Appreciation lit her gaze and a warm smile lifted her lips. The knowledge that he could touch her on such a fundamental level pleased him.

“You’re the first person to see beyond the bimbo.”

He winced at her coarse put-down of herself.

“It’s one thing for me to run a charm school. Another for someone like me to take over what turns out to be an escort service or worse. I mean, look at me. The girl from the wrong side of the tracks, the girl they couldn’t vote most likely to do anything, because they believed she already had. Of course, she and her family are behind a prostitution ring,” she said with a brittle laugh.

Kane would like to go back in time. To beat the living daylights out of anyone who had even looked at her sideways. And if they had the nerve to put a finger on her body, or let her name pass through their lips…then he’d like to…

She reached upward. Her fingertips traced what had to be a scowl creasing his forehead, then she smiled. “Don’t look so fierce.” Her voice was lighter now. “I grew up hearing it. Words can’t hurt me anymore.”

Her steady green gaze zeroed in on his. She pinned him in place with a searing look. “But lack of faith in me, in my abilities, can. You can.”

He didn’t need an interpreter to understand. He’d just been suckered by the intelligent woman beneath the well-rounded curves. He’d been taken in by the best.

Kane shook his head. He had to admit, he was impressed. He’d never run into someone who could hold their own with him, let alone best him without much effort. He hated and respected her involvement with the case, all at the same time. Should he continue to fight her determination by opposing her plan, he’d be no better than the scum who came before him. Men who’d looked at the body and assumed Kayla was easy.

Kane knew better. She challenged him. She intrigued him. And though she’d not only enticed him but seduced him on many levels, Kayla Luck was far from easy. Caught in a trap of his own making, he had no choice but to support her, back her and make damn sure he did his job.

No mistakes. No distractions allowed.

HER SHOWER FINISHED, Kayla puttered around the bedroom. The sun had set and only the small light of a lamp illuminated the room. She fluffed her pillows, then sat down on the edge of the mattress. Alone.

Just outside the closed door, she heard Kane prowling around the kitchen. Though she lived with her sister and was used to the sounds of another person in the house, Kane’s presence lent a different feel. Anticipatory. Intimate.

She glanced at her nightwear choices laid out on the bed. On the one hand, the washed football jersey Kane had picked out for her the other day. On the other, a frilly negligee stolen from Catherine’s drawer.

Choices. How many times since she’d met Kane had fundamental decisions come down to two drastically different choices? To seduce or not to seduce. To…

The jarring ring of the doorbell startled her. She clipped her damp hair off her forehead, yanked on the lapels of her robe and started for the door.

She didn’t get far before Catherine’s voice sounded loud inside the house. “No lectures, Detective. I have a right to clean clothes.”

“Ever hear of a washing machine?” Kane asked.

“I’ll be out of your hair in less than five minutes.” Footsteps sounded in the hall and drew closer. “Make it ten. I want a visit with the prisoner.”

Kayla laughed aloud. A talk with her outspoken sister was exactly what she needed, too. Enforced confinement with Kane was getting to her, making her lose perspective. She only hoped a dialogue with a biased third party didn’t complicate things even more.

She opened the door at the same time Catherine pushed from the other side. Her sister stumbled in. “Well.” She paused in the doorway. “At least he doesn’t keep you locked in.”

The sarcasm was for Kane’s benefit, Kayla knew. Catherine had already given Kane the Luck seal of approval. Her sister just didn’t want the man to get overconfident and cocky. No chance of that, Kayla thought. Cat didn’t realize Mr. McDermott didn’t want or need to be a part of their little family.

“He couldn’t keep me locked in even if he wanted to.” She slid the bobby pin out of her hair. “Contingency.” Kayla grinned.

“See?” Catherine tilted her head and glanced over her shoulder. “I taught her well, McDermott. If you want her, you’ll have to work for it.”

Kayla grabbed her sister’s wrist and yanked her inside, slamming the door before Kane could reply. “Are you insane?”

“Just keeping him on his toes,” Catherine muttered. “Something you should be doing. I come here figuring I’m going to interrupt some hot sexual encounter and instead I find you in your bedroom, dressed in a ratty robe, and him on the other side of the house, slamming cabinets and muttering to himself.”

“So that’s why you rang the bell.”

“I can be discreet if I have to.” Cat flopped down on the bed. “Now tell me why I didn’t have to.” She laid her hand down on the mattress.

Kayla cringed as her sister’s fingers curled around the silk and lace garment she’d borrowed. “Hmm. Now things get interesting. I guess I jumped to conclusions. You don’t need my advice after all.”

“Wrong,” Kayla said. “Get up.”

Cat frowned. “Why? I’m comfortable.”

“Get up.”

Catherine rose and glanced down, then picked up the large shirt she’d sat on seconds before. Her eyes opened wide and she groaned. “Honey, you’ve owned this rag since we were teenagers. It’s fine for hanging around with your sister, but won’t do jack to seduce a man.”

A vision flooded Kayla’s mind…of wearing that same shirt when Kane kissed her, moved over her, then came as close to burying himself inside her as possible considering the physical barrier their clothing provided. Slick warmth trickled between her thighs at the memory. Then came another vision. That of Kane easing himself off her when he remembered she’d been injured and wasn’t ready, of him holding her throughout the night in comfort. This was a man who could make her both writhe in pleasure, and relax in contentment, in his arms. A potent combination.

“Earth to Kayla.” Catherine waved a hand in front of her eyes. “I don’t know where you were, but it’s obvious you’ve made the right choice.” She picked up the leopard print and black lace garment, dangling it from her fingertips.

Cat’s style, Kayla thought. Not hers. A smile formed on her lips. She felt it. She welcomed it. Things between herself and Kane were sensual, hot…and honest. She didn’t need sexy clothes to attract his attention. If she’d learned nothing else over the past few days, she’d learned to accept herself-her heart, her mind and her body.

She had Kane to thank for opening her eyes, for empowering her in ways she’d never been before. If she wanted to, she was perfectly capable of enticing him on her own-without the teddy. If she wanted to.

The issue in question wasn’t what she should wear to bed…but whether or not she ought to invite Kane to join her. By virtue of his silence, he’d conceded his end of the power struggle where the case was concerned. He would support her decision to participate in wrapping up the case on Charmed! Agreed against his better judgment because he believed in her. But he didn’t like it and was concerned about protecting her, about keeping the edge that made him effective as a cop.

She loved him too much to jeopardize his career…their future. She loved him. Heaven help her.

Despite all the planning and effort to remain in control where Kane was concerned, she’d failed miserably. She’d fallen in love with the loner detective, which meant she was without a safety net now.

Her entire future hinged on Kane’s past. And if things didn’t go well when she met with the man who’d attacked her, Kane would hold himself responsible, just as he did with his mother. In that case, she had no doubt he’d walk away without looking back.

She didn’t delude herself. She might lose him either way. But she believed in odds, and she intended to stack the deck in her favor. To regain control in whatever way she could. She grabbed the lingerie from her sister.

Cat smiled wide. “Whew. I feel better.” She glanced at her watch. “Five minutes are up. The warden’s going to come knocking any minute.” Leaning over, she gave Kayla a quick hug. “I’ll just grab a change of clothes and get out of your way.”

“Take care of yourself, Cat. This mess isn’t over yet.”

“I will. You know that. And you do the same.” She walked to the door, pausing to glance over her shoulder. “Let the seduction begin,” she said with a grin.

“Bye,” Kayla murmured. The door shut behind her sister. Kayla glanced at the garment in her hand, fingering the luxurious silk before burying it in the back of her dresser drawer.

She didn’t need clothes to seduce the man, but she intended to do everything in her power to make him realize what he’d be giving up should he decide to walk away.

HE COULDN’T HANG OUT in the kitchen for the rest of the night. Besides, it wasn’t doing him any good. Kane had sat through Kayla’s shower. Listened to the pulsing, pounding rhythm of the water while his body throbbed to the same beat.

He’d envisioned the stream of water sluicing over her curves, the beads of water clinging to her skin. He braced his hands on the counter and exhaled a groan.

“Something wrong?”

His insides twisted even more at the sound of her husky voice. He turned. Kane didn’t know what he expected. A sexy siren, a vixen to match the arousing voice? He could have handled her and in an absurd way she would have been preferable to the down-to-earth woman facing him now. The old football jersey wasn’t sexy, but the garment had its own share of memories. The faded sweats were far from revealing, but the effect on him was the same.

She looked warm and welcoming.

He felt warm and welcomed. Two sensations he’d never experienced before, at least not in conjunction with a woman. “What are you doing here?” he asked.

“I live here,” she said wryly. “And I was cold after my shower. I figured something hot to drink would take care of that.”

She joined him by the counter. The lemony scent of her shampoo clung to her hair, bringing temptation to life. “Coffee?” he asked. “I saw some instant in the cabinet.”

She shook her head. Damp strands of blond hair clung to her cheek. God, he wanted her. “Tea?” he managed to say.

Her smile caused a tightening in his gut.

“Not what I had in mind,” she said.

“What then?”

Without answering, she reached for the handle on the cabinet behind him. Her arm brushed his shoulder. The heat struck hard and hot, where it counted most. Her touch was electric. He inhaled and counted to five until a semblance of control returned.

“Hot chocolate always seems to do the trick…when I’m cold.” Her voice had dropped an octave. The husky sound turned the knot in his stomach even tighter.

She met his gaze. In her eyes he saw a deadly combination of uncertainty and longing. Kane had been around long enough to know when he was being set up, that she was grasping to regain control. But Kayla’s seduction, or attempted seduction, wasn’t like any other. It was an endearing mixture of innocence and sensuality. One he couldn’t withstand no matter how much he needed to.

He’d already drawn the line and Kayla knew it. He was certain she’d respect his decision to keep his distance, if only because he’d accepted hers to participate with Reid on closing the case on her business. But she was playing a dangerous game with him now, tempting him, hoping he’d give in…wondering how far he’d let her go before backing off.

He wasn’t sure himself. Around Kayla, his self-control was minimal. His only choice was to turn the tables and hope she chose to retreat first, instead of advance.

He stepped toward the refrigerator to her left. “Would you like some whipped cream on top? I seem to remember you enjoy it.” Reaching for the handle, he brushed his forearm across her breasts. The barrier of her clothing might as well have been nonexistent as the hardened peaks of her nipples rasped across his bare skin.

She exhaled a slow moan. He gritted his teeth against the arousing sound and the pleasurable feel of her breasts against his arm. His jeans, already too snug, were now damned uncomfortable. He turned toward her, trapping her between the counter and the length of his body. Her body heat called to his, her scent beckoned to him. Kane wondered when he’d begun to enjoy torturing himself without mercy.

He glanced down. She gripped the sides of the cardboard box of instant cocoa mix, denting the box with her grip. At least she was affected, too.

He leaned forward. “Whipped cream, Kayla?” Her eyes darkened, remembrance and desire flickering in the depths.

“I…” She swallowed hard. “I don’t keep any around. It’s fattening, and I have to draw the line somewhere, I mean there’s only so much indulgence a person can take and…”

“Tell me about it,” he muttered. Kane reached out and eased the box from her hands. Her breathing now came in shallow, uneven gasps. He wasn’t doing too well himself, but damned if he’d let desire rule his head.

Time to end this game before it got out of control, Kane thought. “Relax, sweetheart.” He touched her reddened cheek with his palm. She tipped her head into the cradle of his hand. Such an innocent gesture. One that nearly sent him soaring out of control.

He inhaled hard and fast. “You look flushed. Is your head okay? Maybe your blood sugar dropped. Have a seat and I’ll make you something to drink.” He wrapped an arm around her waist and led her to the nearest chair. It had been too long since she’d taken any kind of break.

Having changed the subject, he exhaled. His breathing came easier, but not much, considering her soft curves now molded against him…and he was strung tighter than ever.

The next move was hers. Kane was counting on it. She had no choice but to take his cue and move on…unless she wanted to end up tangled between the sheets. And though they both wanted, they each had their own agenda as well. She’d let it go, he told himself again.

She stopped short of sitting down. “I’m not thirsty anymore. I think I’ll just go to bed, instead.” He released his next breath in a whoosh of air. She’d accepted his boundaries. He wouldn’t be getting any sleep tonight, but at least he was back in control.

She stepped backward, tilting her head until she looked him in the eye. “Ready?”

“For?” he asked warily.

“Bed. Aren’t you going to join me?”

He muttered a curse. Where this woman was concerned, control was a goddamn illusion. What made him think he had any power or control over a situation where Kayla Luck was involved?

Just one more reason he had to put this case, and her, behind him as fast as possible. But he had to get through the night first. “I’ll take the couch.” He crossed his arms and waited for her next shot.

Kayla shot him an amused glance, aware that Kane was edgy and uncomfortable. And it was thanks to her…and the idea of sleeping with her. Amazing.

When in her life had she had the ability to put a man like Kane on the spot? When had she ever made any man feel awkward? Maybe it was an ability she’d always had but never had the courage to explore before. With Kane, she felt secure enough. Comfortable enough. She liked that feeling.

Almost as much as she liked him. A smile formed on her lips. “Go ahead, sleep on the couch. But I should tell you, it’s lumpy and uncomfortable. You won’t get much sleep out there.”

“What makes you think I’ll get any sleep in there, with you?” He gestured toward the hallway and her bedroom.

“Because I’m tired, still injured, like you said.” She slicked her hair behind her ear. “And besides, I don’t recall inviting you to do anything else besides sleep.”

His eyes darkened under lowered lids. “You invite a man into your bed, sweetheart, you better be prepared for anything.” Need echoed in his voice.

Her knees went weak and her insides turned to jelly. Another second and her mind would follow. Then lust would take over and she’d lose everything. Reaching out, Kayla grasped his hand, intertwining their fingers together. His skin felt rough and warm against her palm, his hand felt right in hers.

She’d grown up feeling as if she had to fight for everything that mattered, from her mother’s attention to accepting the adult she’d become. Even a business she’d legitimately inherited had turned into a struggle she might not win. Nothing had come easily, some things not at all.

But Kane, her love for this man, mattered more than anything else ever had. She’d fight for it, so that when the end came, she’d have no regrets. None she’d have any control over, anyway. She tugged lightly on his hand.

“Don’t do this.” His voice held a ragged warning.

She refused to listen. “I’ve got used to sleeping in your arms, Kane. Is that so much to ask?”