Dangerous Love (2 page)

Ken realized he was rubbing his stomach, his finger tracing the memento from that terrible day three years ago. He smothered a curse, focused on his present surroundings and grimaced. His freedom did have some downsides, like the occasional dingy room and day-old pizza. Empty Starbucks coffee mugs overflowed from the garbage can at a corner. The only light in the room came from the neon blue monitors. If it weren’t for the air conditioner, no one would believe he was on a floor above the offices of a lucrative brokerage firm in the business district of Los Angeles.

His gaze swept the monitors and the montage of smaller windows showing the insides of Braun Brokerage Firm. Which one of the sharks milling around, smooth-talking clients, or hugging their monitors was guilty of insider trading? A hungry newbie? A seasoned broker losing his edge? Or an old geezer with too many ex-wives and alimony issues? He had an idea, but needed proof.

One of the windows on the screen showed an assistant leave her office, a cute blonde with long legs and a sexy walk. She stopped by her boss’s office. Ken listened to their brief conversation—she was off to lunch and wanted to know what to get him. Nothing unusual there. They went through the same ritual every day. After the blonde left and entered the elevator, her bespectacled boss pulled a pair of binoculars from a drawer, walked to the window and trained them on something outside the building.

Ken frowned. That was a first. What the hell was the man looking at? Ken scooted closer to the bank of computers and monitors. Too bad he hadn’t tapped into the video surveillance system outside the building too.

His cell phone started to vibrate. He knocked the pizza box off the desk as he fished under it for the phone. His gaze still on the monitor, he flipped the phone open and slapped it on his ear. “What?”

“It’s me, boss,” a high-pitched voice said.

“How’s the leg, Sly?” Ken’s quarry moved from the window just as the motion-activated cameras in the assistant’s office automatically turned themselves off.

“Okay…great,” Sly mumbled. “No, not great. I need to come in.”

“There’s no hurry. Give your leg time to heal. Did you notice anything peculiar about Room-six?” When they’d bugged the brokerage firm, they’d assigned the occupant of each office, cubicle, and desk a number, which was easier to remember than names. Room-six had been nothing but a model employee until now. Ken leaned forward, his eyes narrowing as he followed the man’s movements to the door connecting his office to his assistant’s. Automatically, the cameras in her office snapped back on when he entered.

“Isn’t that the old guy with glasses? I thought there was something fishy about him. He doesn’t spend much time on the phone like the others. Why don’t I come in so we compare notes?”

Sly sounded frustrated, which was nothing new. He was fresh from college with a degree in computers and eager to please. He was also the sixth employee to join LASEC team. Ever since Ken expanded his investigative services to include corporate litigation and acquisition, workers’ compensation claims, and fraud, he’d become too busy to break in new rookies, except in Sly’s case. The kid reminded him too much of himself at that age, unsure of what he wanted to do with his future, angry with his parents for trying to plan his life.

“If you must leave the house for a few hours, go to the office.” Ken’s attention shifted to the monitors. Room-six sat behind his assistant’s desk and reached for the power button on the desk top computer. “Son of a….”

“What’s going on?” Sly cursed softly but loud enough for Ken to hear. “My mother’s driving me nuts. Tell her you need me there or, uh, broke something and need it fixed,” he whispered. “Ma, put the phone down. I’m talking to my boss.”

Ken grinned, not because Mrs. Cooper was driving her son crazy. She reminded Ken of his mother, overprotective and well-meaning but nevertheless smothering. The woman came into town two weeks ago to take care of Sly after he broke his leg hiking. Maybe he should let the kid join him so he didn’t have to pull double duty. It wasn’t like this gig involved legwork. All he had to do was nab the culprit, drop off the memory chip with the incriminating evidence at the Securities and Exchange Commission, and head on home to San Diego. His parents’ anniversary was coming up and his sister would have his hide if he didn’t help with the surprise she was planning.

“I’ll ask your mother to drive you to the office,” he told Sly. “Lucy has another job lined up, something you could do in your sleep.”

“Great!
 
Thanks, boss.”

Ken slid his chair over to the second cache of computers to activate the spy program. He opened the log file storing all computer activity information and within seconds had the e-mail Room-six just sent displayed on his screen. Busted. The old geezer was toast.

Smiling, he finished with Mrs. Cooper, then got up to stretch. They had all the proof they needed to lock up the insider trader for a very long time.

His cell phone vibrated, again. He sat back in the chair he’d vacated and leaned back before bringing it to his ear. “Yes?”

“Ken?”

Pure heat shot through him and he barely stopped the chair from tipping backwards. That sexy husky voice was unmistakable. Unforgettable. Exquisite face framed with luxurious auburn hair, brilliant blue eyes, and lush lips flashed in his head. His empty hand fisted, but that didn’t stop the haunting images of her from mocking him.

Faith astride his body, flickering candlelight reflected on her glistening skin, perfect tits that fit his hands, eyes half-closed in ecstasy as she rode him hard. Under him, whispering erotic words in his ear, driving him insane.

Christ, how could the snapshots of her still be in his head? A night of wild, mind-blowing sex and he’d been completely whipped. Ken swiped a hand over his face and tried to think of something else, anything to cool his heated blood before he could speak.

She’d walked out on him, damn it. Refused to return his phone calls and reduced what they had to a fling when he stopped by her store. But he’d bounced back, hadn’t he?

“Yeah, who’s this?” He knew it was immature to pretend he couldn’t recognize her voice, but over twelve months of reliving that one night and comparing her to every woman he slept with was a real libido killer.

“It’s Faith. I’m sorry if I caught you at a bad time. I can call later.”

“Hang on a second,” he interrupted, panic spiraling through him at the thought of her hanging up. He rested the hand holding the cell phone on the desk and smothered a curse under his breath. Where the hell was his control? She was no longer important.
Remember your motto.
No emotional entanglement with women, especially this one.

Ken brought the phone back to his ear. “Faith…Fitzgerald, right?” He strived to keep his voice neutral.

“Yes. I’m at your agency and no one will tell me where you are.”

“I’m at a job.”

There was brief silence. “I need to talk to you, Ken.”

“Why?” That didn’t come out right. “About what?”

This time the silence lasted longer. “I need your help with something but I’d rather explain the details in person.”

His help? After she screwed with his head. She must take him for a patsy. He punched a button on the keyboard to save the incriminating footage and e-mail on a memory stick. “Sorry, can’t help you. I’m swamped.”

“Please, Ken. I wouldn’t come to you if it weren’t important.”

He checked at his watch and sighed. It was half past eleven. He was tired from staring at the screen for hours on end and needed to eat something other than cold pizza. “Fine.”

“Thank you.”

Oh, sweetheart, you don’t want to thank me yet.
“Have you had lunch?”

“No, but I’ve a rather busy schedule this afternoon.”

“I’m sure you can make time to eat. Wait for me outside my office. I should be there in fifteen minutes. Twenty tops.” He hung up before she could protest again.

He ground his teeth, hating himself for giving in to the plea in her voice. His day had just gotten worse, or better, if he played this right. The woman who’d haunted his dreams was in desperate need of his help. Whatever she wanted from him, she wasn’t getting it unless she played according to his rules.

CHAPTER 2

Faith watched Ken’s SUV roll toward her. She held her breath as he pulled up at the curb, got out, and rounded the hood. Dressed in black jeans, a matching tee, and boots, he looked like a panther strolling through the jungle, stalking his prey, green eyes alert. Faith shivered. Wrong metaphor.

She frowned. He looked harder than she remembered. The stubble on his chin enhanced his tanned skin. His high cheekbones were more chiseled, and the slanted eyes he’d inherited from his Japanese mother narrowed. Had he grown leaner too?
 

She smiled. “Hi, Ken.”

“Faith.” He closed the gap between them and enveloped her in a hug. “It’s nice to see you again.”

His whispered breath brushed her sensitive ear. What was he doing? He was supposed to be impersonal and business-like. Not wrap her in his masculine scent and warmth, and screw with her thought process. It took all her self-control not to melt in his embrace. She’d forgotten how wonderful it was to be held by him, how fragile she felt. She didn’t return the embrace, her body stiffer than a plywood plank.
  

If Ken noticed her lack of response, it didn’t seem to bother him. He stepped back and flashed his signature half-smile that caused a lone dimple to flash. “How long has it been?”

“One year and, uh,” Faith caught herself before saying “five days” and covered the gaffe with a laugh. “Counting. You’re looking well.”

“Life’s been good.” He leaned forward to open the passenger door, drawing her attention to the muscles shifting under his T-shirt. Biceps tensed then relaxed as he grasped the handle and released. He glanced at her, a sardonic smile on his lips as though he knew she’d been ogling him. “Shall we?”

Faith didn’t move. “Where are we going?”

“To lunch. Don’t worry. You’ll like the food.”

Funny she’d forgotten this annoying side of his character, the side that got a kick out of keeping her off balance. First the invitation to lunch despite her objection, and now he was refusing to tell her where they were going. “How do you know I’ll like it?”

“Trust me. Shall we?” He indicated the inside of the SUV again, a gleam in his eyes.

She trusted him enough. The problem was she didn’t trust herself. Her emotions got the better of her whenever he was around. But fighting him on where they were going to eat when lunch was the last thing on her mind was pointless. She needed his help and must play nice.

Faith nodded, walked passed him and slid onto the passenger seat. The scent of leather mixed with his familiar musky aftershave enveloped her. She closed her eyes and sighed, soaking it in. She’d been fooling herself about the effect this man had on her. The attraction was still there, stronger. Though she prided herself on being intuitive, she couldn’t read him yet.

“How have you been?” he asked when he joined her and started the engine.

Faith opened her eyes and glanced at him. “Good, just keeping busy.”

“I heard you’ll be heading to New York City in a few months.”

“Where did you hear that?”

“Here and there.”

In other words, Ashley and Ron had discussed her upcoming Fashion Week show in his presence. What else had they divulged? Ken and Ron were tight.

“Yes. I plan to have a show during Market Week, but it overlaps with Fashion Week here in L.A., so I’m heading to New York.”

He eased into traffic. “Still planning on conquering the fashion world?”

The slight mockery in his tone didn’t escape her. Her commitment to her career was the excuse she’d used to refuse a relationship with him.

“Something like that,” she answered without rancor or apology. “Are you still enjoying the freedom to do as you please?”

“I try.” He chuckled.

They headed east then took a left at South Robertson Boulevard as though going toward her place, and kept up the back and forth banter until Faith relaxed. That changed when he pulled into the parking lot of The Haven, a trendy restaurant on Melrose Strip frequented by the young professionals and Hollywood celebrities.

“Is this where we’re having lunch?” She eyed the sprawling two-story building and the flow of people going in and coming out.

“I hope it’s not a problem.” Ken jumped down, handed the valet his key, then came around to her side and opened the SUV door.

“You know that this is my cousin’s place.”

“Yep.”

What was Ken up to? Making her pay for what happened a year ago? The Haven was the one place where being seen with him would spread like a wildfire.

“If you have a problem with it, we can eat elsewhere. I thought you wanted to talk, and no place offers privacy like The Haven.”

She hadn’t thought of it that way. No one needed to know why they were together. If it became an issue, she could always fib that she’d run into him and they decided to have lunch together.

“It’s not a problem. I was surprised, that’s all.” Faith stepped down and allowed him to steer her toward the entrance.

Her cousin, Chase, had done an amazing job with the building. Before he took it over, it was a Chinese restaurant. He not only changed the name, he had remodeled and redecorated. Good advertisement drew customers, but the exceptional services and wonderful food, private dining rooms for parties, VIP lounges, and cabanas for romantic dinners made them come back again and again. The multiple entrances and exits for celebrities and dignitaries to slip in and out unnoticed didn’t hurt either. The Haven was one of the hottest spots in L.A.

Faith smothered a groan when she saw her cousin, Liz, at the entrance, ushering guests inside. The Haven was like the Fitzgerald’s work farm. Most young relatives in college worked there part-time and gossiped about the stars they saw. Liz was at the top of the gossip-chain, which meant that the Fitzgerald clan would know she was out with Ken in a matter of days.

“Hey, Faith,” Liz said. Then her eyes popped and she squealed, “Ken! What a surprise to see you.” She hugged him, holding him a little longer and tighter than necessary, Faith noted. Ken shot her a bewildered look, indicating he didn’t recognize Liz but Faith just shrugged. Liz let him go long enough to add, “We haven’t seen you since Ashley’s wedding.”

Realization dawned on Ken’s face. “I’ve been keeping busy.”

“Obviously not too busy for Faith,” Liz teased, pouting.

“We bumped into each other and decided to have lunch, Liz,” Faith lied in a tone that didn’t invite more questions. Ken shot her a mocking glance, which she ignored. “Could you lead us to a table?”

“One of the cabanas,” Ken corrected, moved closer to Faith, and resting his hand on her waist.

Liz’s eyes rounded, obviously misunderstanding his gesture. “I’ll see what I can do.”

She raised her hand to her ear and spoke softly on the microphone hidden on her wrist, but her eyes stayed on them.

“We’ll need a few minutes,” Liz told them. “Why don’t you wait in the lounge? I’ll come and get you as soon as a cabana becomes available”

Faith allowed Ken to lead her to the lounge’s burgundy leather couches and chairs. The bar next to it was closed until four o’clock, but a waiter brought them water, which Faith sipped while she stewed. Ken was being impossible. It was one thing to bring her here, but quite another to act like there was more going on between them. She didn’t know how long she could take it before she snapped. Ken seemed content studying her as if she was a puzzle he planned to solve. Faith fidgeted, wishing he could say something to break the tension.

It seemed like forever before Liz approached them clutching two menus. “A cabana just became available.”

They followed her past the crowded main floor to the patio and the open-air eating areas with umbrellas and cabanas.

“Do you want me to tell Chase you’re here?” Liz asked as soon as they sat.

Faith shook her head. “No, that won’t be necessary.”

Liz winked. “Okay. Enjoy your lunch.”

A waiter appeared to take their orders. Faith decided on salmon salad and caramel iced coffee. She didn’t think she could eat much in her present nervous state. Ken went for sirloin steak frites, potato wedges, and a side order of crab cakes. He added a large cola. Within seconds, their drinks were placed in front of them.

“So what can I do for you, Faith?” Ken asked, taking a long sip of his pop.

Faith removed her sunglasses, folded them, and slipped them inside her bag, her movements slow and deliberate. Liz had given them the corner cabana with a brick wall behind Faith and another beside them, but the entrance flaps were tied back, giving them a view of the outside eating area. She glanced at the other customers to make sure they were concentrating on their own food and conversation.

“I want to hire you to steal some designs from my competitor’s offices,” she said.

Ken choked on his drink and started to cough. “What?”

“I want to hire you—”

“Jeez, don’t repeat it. I got it the first time.” He looked toward the nearest tables to make sure his voice hadn’t drawn attention. A few people were looking their way. He got up, undid the knot holding the flaps of the cabana entrance, so the white material fell into place, giving them total privacy. He pinned Faith with a hard gaze as he sat.

“Why would you want me to do something like that?” he asked, not masking his shock.

“Because he stole my designs, and I want proof so I can plan my next move.”

The relief that raced through Ken left him light-headed. He gulped his drink, wishing it was something stronger. He glowered at the maddening woman in front of him. Why did she always throw him a curve ball when he least expected it?

“Why didn’t you just say so in the first place?”

She shrugged. “I needed to get your attention. This is not a joke or a game for me. I need your help.”

Blunt as always. He’d been basking in the knowledge that she needed him for something, that he had her exactly where he wanted her. He just hadn’t expected this. Breaking and entering to getting back stolen properties was one of the services his staff offered to clients, but so did their competitors along the West Coast.

“Why me?”

“You’re good at what you do and I want the best.”

Ken laughed.

Silence followed. Then she leaned toward him again, the movement distracting him because it drew his attention to her cleavage. “Ken, when I decided I didn’t want a relationship—”

“With me,” he supplied, recalling her exact words. His gaze reluctantly returned to her exquisite face framed by rich auburn hair.

“With anyone,” she corrected, speaking through her teeth. “My decision had nothing to do with you personally. I was at a stage in my career where I didn’t need the distraction. I still don’t.”

Now he was reduced to a distraction. When it came to their relationship, or lack thereof, everything she said pissed him off. “That makes two of us.”

“Then it’s a good thing we got that out of the way.”

“Good. About your request, you do know breaking and entering alone is a felony?” he asked, raising a questioning brow.

“Yet you do it all the time for clients looking for solutions without caring how you achieve them.”

Funny how selective her memory was. She remembered what he’d said about his company, but not what she’d told him about their relationship. “Sure, when I agree to take a case. I haven’t agreed to take yours.”

He stopped talking when the waiter brought their food. He knew he was being a hard ass, but she shouldn’t assume he’d jump through hoops to accommodate her just because she implored him with those mysterious blue eyes and flashed a sexy smile. Ken sliced his steak and placed a piece in his mouth. He needed to be at his best when dealing with this woman, and he always focused better on a full stomach.

After several bites, he noticed she was playing with her salad instead of eating. The confidence she wore like one of her designer outfits was missing. When she lifted her drink to her lips, her hand shook slightly. She wasn’t as calm as she projected, and he was a world class jackass for punishing her now.

“Okay. Tell me what’s going on.”

She put her drink down. “Five years ago, after I finished studying at Parson School of Design, Sean O’Neal hired me as an intern. After a year, he made me one of his assistant designers. I thought I’d get a chance to show my talent, use my own designs, but you either did things his way or you were out. He was the master, and we, his pupils. I was stifled. I started sketching on the side. I had no idea he knew what I was doing until I discovered he’d used my designs to procure a loan to expand his clothing line. I confronted him and things turned ugly between us.”

His appetite disappeared. He hated people in power, who abused their position and stepped on the underdogs. Or those who covered their incompetence by shifting blame when things went wrong. People like that was the very reason he quit the Bureau.

Faith’s voice rose and fell, at times shaking with anger, but her gaze didn’t waver from his. She finished with, “After Mrs. Riggins left, I realized he might have my entire fall collection, which means I won’t be able to have a show this spring. Or if I went ahead, everyone will assume I copied his designs.”