Deadly Illusions (Hardy Brothers Security Book 3) (8 page)

Finn was conflicted. “Do you want me to stay in here with you? I promise I won’t try anything funny.”

This time, the sound coming from Emma’s throat was a mixture of laughter and tears. “Do you mind?”

Finn shook his head wordlessly, slipping under the covers and pulling her close. The strange thing was, he’d been dreaming about this moment since he laid eyes on her – about the time he would finally be in a bed with her. The reality was much different than the dream – but somehow, it was even better.

Emma woke slowly, stretching. She stilled when she felt a warm body beside her, and then the events of the previous evening hit her.

She was sharing a bed with Finn Hardy. Sure, they hadn’t done anything, but the simple act of letting him hold her was the most intimate thing she’d done in years. Finn’s rhythmic breathing told her he was still asleep, so Emma cuddled closer to him, basking in the heat and strength emanating from his body.

Finn shifted, tightening his arm around her. “Good morning,” he murmured into her hair.

“Good morning,” Emma said, embarrassment rushing in to replace the warmth she’d felt only seconds before.

Finn either didn’t care – or didn’t notice. He rubbed his chin against her shoulder, pulling her even closer – close enough so she could feel his morning erection poking into her back.

After a second, Finn must have realized what was happening, because he loosened his grip and shifted his hips back slightly. “I’m sorry,” he muttered.

She was uncomfortable, but his pitiable apology was enough to make Emma laugh out loud. She rolled on her side so she could face him, marveling how handsome and soft the hard planes of his face looked in the morning light. “I’m taking it as a compliment,” she said.

Finn’s cheeks were filling with color. “I … um … .”

“I really hope you don’t say anything to ruin the moment,” Emma said. “That would be a little sad after the gift you gave me last night.”

Finn arched an eyebrow, confused. “Gift?”

“Do you even know the last time I slept through an entire night?” Emma asked. “Because I don’t. I slept for eight straight hours last night. That might not seem like much to other people, but it feels like something extra special to me. So, do us both a favor, and don’t ruin it.”

Finn winked, the gesture charming. “You got it.”

Emma leaned her head back on the pillow, her stomach growling loudly. Finn snorted out a laugh.

“Are you hungry?” he asked.

“I guess so,” Emma said. “I haven’t eaten since dinner last night – and then I drank about a quart of something called a Skinny Girl margarita. Now, apparently, I’m starving.”

“I could eat,” Finn said, his stomach chiming in with a rumble. “Why don’t we get cleaned up and go pick up some breakfast. I was thinking we could take something over to James and Mandy.”

“That sounds good,” Emma said. “I really owe her after she risked herself for my photograph. She shouldn’t have done that. No photo is worth anyone’s life.”

“Yeah, well, that’s not the way Mandy thinks sometimes,” Finn said. “Actually, that’s the problem.”

“What’s the problem?”

“She doesn’t think.”

“She thinks,” Emma countered. “She just puts other people’s needs ahead of her own.”

“Well, last night, when she put your needs in front of her own, she forgot to take someone else’s needs into account,” Finn said, his tone grim.

“Your brother’s?”

“Mandy should have realized that her dying would have killed him, too,” Finn said.

“If it’s any consolation, I think she realizes that now.”

“Yeah, but how much damage did she do in the process?” Finn asked.

“What do you mean?”

“Did you see James? Did you see him fall apart? Because, let me tell you something, I’ve never seen him fall apart before,” Finn said. “It freaked me out.”

“I think it freaked her out, too,” Emma said.

Finn was quiet for a second. “Let’s get ready. Mandy loves a big breakfast. Those two probably had a rough night. Some good food can only help.”

“Do you think they’re fighting or something?”

“I think that James probably let her get some sleep, and then unloaded like a freight train this morning,” Finn said.

“Maybe we should leave them alone?” Emma suggested.

“Or we could go and interrupt them and keep my brother from saying something truly awful that he’s going to regret,” Finn countered.

Emma’s memory flashed to the sight of Mandy kneeling next to James after he crawled to her. “Yeah. Let’s go.”

EMMA
had never been to a security firm, so she was surprised when Finn parked in front of the building.

“What are we doing here? I thought we were bringing them breakfast?” Emma lifted the greasy bag on her lap, tapping it for emphasis.

“James’ apartment is on the second floor,” Finn replied, killing the engine. He jumped out of his Escalade and raced around to the passenger side door, opening it for Emma. He helped her down, offering to take the bag, but she held onto it tightly.

“I’ve got it.”

Finn used his key to open the main door, locking it behind them as they entered. He motioned to the steps, following Emma up to the second floor. Outside of the apartment, Finn paused to listen.

“Are you eavesdropping?”

“I’m seeing if I hear yelling,” Finn hissed. “I’m just being careful.”

“What do you hear?”

Finn shrugged. “Nothing.”

“Maybe they’re still in bed.”

“Or maybe they’re pouting in separate rooms,” Finn said. “Breakfast might bring them back together.”

He rapped on the door quickly, not waiting for – or expecting – an answer. He fit his key into the lock and pushed the door open, figuring it was better to just rip the Band-Aid off.

James, wearing nothing but a pair of red, satin boxer shorts, was standing behind the couch facing the bedroom when the door opened. He turned toward them when he heard them enter, scowling. “What are you doing here?”

“Checking on you,” Finn said, putting his hand to the small of Emma’s back and ushering her inside. “We brought breakfast. We figured Mandy would be hungry – and you might need a break.”

James’ furrowed his brow, confused. “A break from what?”

“Yelling at Mandy,” Finn said. “How hard did you give it to her this morning?”

James cocked an eyebrow, a small smile playing at the corner of his mouth. “What makes you think I gave it to her this morning?”

“Because you … you know … freaked out, man,” Finn said. “I figured you let her get a good night’s sleep, and then completely unloaded on her this morning.”

“Huh.”

“Huh?”

“I’m not sure what to say,” James said.

“Where is she?”

“Um, she’s in the bedroom.”

“Is she still alive?” Finn asked.

“Last time I checked.”

“What are you doing out here? Getting some space?”

“Kind of,” James said, glancing over at Emma. “You can put that bag down on the counter.”

Emma did as instructed, glancing around the apartment. It was small, but comfortable. She could totally see James and Mandy curling up on the couch and cuddling together – even if he was acting really odd right now.

The door to the bedroom swung open, and Emma’s eyebrows nearly shot off her forehead when Mandy flounced out. She didn’t look like she’d been crying – or been subjected to a particularly rough night. In fact, if her red push-up bra, matching panties, and crimson garter belt were any indication – Mandy and James hadn’t been fighting at all.

“I thought you were coming to rescue me,” Mandy said, pouting. She clearly hadn’t seen Emma and Finn yet.

“Nice hat,” Finn said.

Mandy stilled, tipping the plastic fireman’s hat back so she could see past the brim. “Ah, crap.”

She shuffled behind James, pressing the front of her body against his back so she could hide her current clothing situation. James moved his arms behind him, holding Mandy still so she was hidden.

“What are they doing here?”

“What are you doing?” Finn asked. “I thought for sure you two would be screaming at each other.”

“We had a talk this morning,” James said. “There was no screaming.”

“There was a little screaming,” Mandy said. “I might have deserved it.”

“Might?” James prodded.

“Okay, I definitely deserved it,” Mandy conceded.

“And now?” Finn pressed.

“Now we’re making up,” James said.

Mandy tilted her head, looking around James’ shoulder so she could see further into the room. “Is that breakfast I smell?”

“We thought you might be hungry,” Emma offered lamely.

James sighed. “You want the breakfast, don’t you?”

“Kind of,” Mandy admitted.

“Fine.” James turned to Emma. “Could you walk into the bathroom – it’s right over there – and grab the robe hanging on the back of the door for her?”

Emma nodded mutely, retrieving the robe and handing it to Mandy – a sheepish frown on her face. “I’m so sorry.”

“Don’t worry about it,” Mandy said, shrugging into the robe. “Your heart was in the right place.”

She cinched the robe around her waist and took a step away from James. “What did you bring me to eat?”

“Eggs, hash browns, bacon, and toast,” Emma said, still avoiding eye contact. “Finn insisted on buying you tomato juice, too.”

“Score.” Mandy moved around James, who reached out long enough to pluck the plastic hat from her head.

The smile James sent Emma was small and tight. “Thanks for the breakfast,” he said. “I really do appreciate it.”

“You don’t look like you appreciate it,” Finn said.

“I would have appreciated it better in an hour.”

Finn shrugged. “Live and learn.”

Emma’s eyes were focused on Mandy. “Does that robe have a fin on the back? Is that supposed to be a shark?”

James smiled widely. “She’s a geek. What can I say?”

“So, other than playing fireman, what were you two going to do today?” Finn asked. The four of them were sitting around the dining room table eating, conversation nearly non-existent.

James bit the end off of a piece of bacon. “I figured we’d play doctor later – and then maybe marine biologist.”

“You are so sick,” Finn grumbled.

James rolled his eyes. “It’s Sunday, and my girlfriend almost died last night. Forgive me if I’m perfectly happy staying here all day.”

Finn turned to Mandy. “What about you?”

“I was actually looking forward to playing marine biologist,” Mandy said. “I was going to surprise him by being a mermaid instead of a shark for a change.”

James’ eyes brightened.

“I even bought one of those coconut bras,” Mandy said, winking at him.

“Yeah, we’re busy,” James said.

Finn’s exasperation was obvious when he blew out a pronounced sigh. “Well, I was actually hoping the two of you would go to the mall with us.”

“You were not,” James scoffed. “You know I hate the mall.”

“Yes, but Mandy loves it.”

“I do,” Mandy said.

“You love me more, though, right?” James asked.

Mandy wrinkled her nose, leaning in for a kiss. “Yes.”

Finn found himself suddenly wishing they would start to fight. This cuteness was making him uncomfortable – which probably meant it was sending Emma toward the door. He risked a glance in her direction, but she was watching James and Mandy with an emotion that shocked him: Yearning.

Finn cleared his throat. “As loathe as I am to tear you two away from ... well … each other,” Finn said. “Emma needs some clothes, and toiletries, and, well, a little bit of everything.”

Mandy’s face sobered. “I didn’t think of that.”

“I figured, if we were all working together, we could get it done faster,” Finn said.

“Are you trying to ruin my day?” James challenged.

“What if I promise that I’ll have you back here in plenty of time to explore … Atlantis?”

James rubbed the back of his neck, shifting his gaze over to Mandy. “You want to go shopping now, don’t you?”

Mandy shrugged. “There are a pair of Converse I’ve had my eye on at Journeys.”

James sighed. “Fine. We’ll go shopping. We’re gone at six, though. Period.”

Finn smiled. “Deal.”
 

“CRIPES
, where are they?”

James and Finn were standing on the second floor of Laketown mall, staring down at the bustling activity a floor below, and taking a breather between stores.

“They haven’t been gone that long,” Finn said. “Mandy said something about taking Emma to The Body Shop.”

“That’s the store with the sprays and lotions, right?”

“I think they have makeup and stuff, too,” Finn said.

“Yeah, Mandy loves that place.”

James’ was holding two bags in each hand, and his day had gone from good to bad in a matter of a few hours.
A single pair of shoes, my ass.

Finn glanced at his older brother curiously. “How are you doing?”

“I hate shopping,” James said. “She’s got two pair of shoes here, a new hoodie, three sweaters, and whatever else she’s going to bring back from the lotion store.”

“That’s not what I was talking about.”

“I know.”

“So, how are you?”

“Better.”

“Do you want to expand on that?”

James cracked his neck, looking away from Finn’s concerned eyes. “I felt better after I got some sleep.”

“Did you dream about it?”

“No.”

“I’m surprised,” Finn said. “I would have thought that was all you could dream about.”

“I had her with me,” James said. “I had her so close she was practically inside of me. I’m okay.”

“And this morning? How ugly did that get?”

“It actually wasn’t that bad,” James said. “She was … apologetic, and she felt really bad.”

“So, you didn’t yell?”

“Oh, I yelled,” James said. “I just didn’t yell for very long. She was already kind of beaten down. I think she realized what she did. I just wish she’d think ahead occasionally, so she didn’t have to regret so many things after she did them.”

“Maybe she will now.”

“That would be nice.”

“You don’t think so, though?”

“She wouldn’t be the woman I fell in love with if she changed,” James said. “I just need her to … think occasionally. Just once. I don’t think I’m asking too much.”

“Neither do I.”

“What about Emma? How did she sleep last night?” James asked, changing the subject.

“She woke up from a nightmare,” Finn said. “I was on the couch and heard her crying. I went in and laid down with her and she slept the entire night after that.”

“You got into bed with her?” James asked, cocking an eyebrow.

“Nothing happened,” Finn said.

“I should hope not,” James replied. “Putting the moves on a woman who just lost everything in a fire wouldn’t be very … gallant.”

“No,” Finn agreed.

“She seems to be warming up to you,” James hedged. “That must make you happy.”

“I don’t know how to feel,” Finn said. “Every time she takes a step toward me, it’s almost like she takes two steps back to check herself before getting too close.”

“What are you going to do about it?”

“Be patient,” Finn said. “There’s nothing else I can do.”

“Yeah, you’re good with the patience thing,” James said. “Grady and I like to force the issue. Emma clearly needs someone to be patient.”

Finn kept his eyes trained on the floor below. “That’s why I’m going to be patient.”

MANDY
loved The Body Shop. The bag she was carrying as she left the store was a testament to that. James would probably freak when he saw the size of the tote – but if she used the lotion to give him a good rubdown later, she had a feeling those complaints would disappear.

Emma had enjoyed the shopping experience, too. Never having been in the store before, it was like Christmas in February. Her bag was smaller – much smaller – but she’d enjoyed sampling the plethora of offerings.

Emma glanced around as they left The Body Shop. “Where do you think James and Finn are?”

“Sitting on a bench pretending they hate the mall,” Mandy replied.

“I don’t think James is pretending.”

“He’ll live.”

“You two seem … better today.”

“It was a rough night for both of us,” Mandy said. “I should have thought about what I was doing before I did it – not that I’m not happy I grabbed the photograph for you. To be fair, it wouldn’t have been a big deal if the power hadn’t gone out just when I was trying to find my way back to the window. No offense, but getting the photo wasn’t worth doing what I did to him.”

“No offense taken,” Emma said. “I understand.”

“I need to take his feelings into consideration a little more often than I do,” Mandy said. “I wouldn’t hurt him for anything, and last night I almost crushed him.”

“You’ll do better next time,” Emma said. “Just tell him you love him, and dress up in that coconut bra. He seemed to like that idea.”

“He likes every idea that ends with me getting naked,” Mandy scoffed, jerking forward as someone bumped into her from behind. “Hey!”

Emma took a step back as the figure pushed Mandy out of his way and advanced on her. She couldn’t make out any features, he was wearing a hoodie. Emma was frozen in fear.

For her part, Mandy was enraged. “Really? You’ve got to be kidding me.”

Mandy slammed her foot down into the crook of the man’s knee, bringing him down to the ground. Hard. She then slammed her foot into his ass, knocking him flat, where she proceeded to grab his arm, twist it behind his back, and lodge herself on top of him with her knee in the small of his back.

Emma was stunned by her actions.

The Mandy did something really surprising. She opened her mouth and yelled.

“James!”

JAMES
heard her voice, but he couldn’t find her face. When he finally caught sight of her, his heart was hammering so hard he thought he might pass out. She was sitting on top of a man, his arm lodged at an odd angle behind his back, looking around for help.

James gripped the bags in his hands and rushed toward the escalator.
How did she always find trouble?
It’s like she was a magnet – and every deadbeat loser in the area was drawn to her.

When James hit the main floor of the mall, he pushed through the crowd congregating around his feisty blonde. He dropped the bags next to Emma’s feet and turned, hands on hips, so he could fix Mandy with an outraged look. “How does this keep happening?”

“Hey, I called for you right away,” Mandy said. “I did what I was supposed to do.”

“Did you call for me before or after you wrestled him to the ground?”

“He was going after Emma,” Mandy replied. “I just reacted. If it’s any consolation, I used the moves you taught me when I was in middle school in case any of my dates got fresh.”

James fought the urge to laugh.
This wasn’t funny.
He leaned over, pulling the hood off the struggling figure beneath his girlfriend. When he caught sight of the smooth face, he gave in and chuckled. “I think you can let him up.”

“What if he’s the guy who tried to throw acid on Emma?” Mandy countered.

James motioned to Finn. “Do you recognize him?”

Finn glanced at the man. On closer inspection, he was a teenager, not  man. “That’s not him.”

James smirked. “Get off of him, killer.”

“If he’s not that guy, then why was he going after Emma?”

“I was going to ask her for her autograph,” the teenager spat out. “You crazy, bitch!”

Mandy placed her tongue in her cheek. “Oh.”

James held out his hand. “Let him go.”

Mandy reluctantly climbed off the boy, brushing the back of her jeans down as she stood. “Maybe I overreacted.”

James nodded, pulling her over to him so he could kiss her temple. “I would rather see you overreact than not react at all.”

Finn reached down and helped the teenager up.

“I’m sorry,” Emma said. “You just took us by surprise.”

The teen scowled. “Well, if it’s okay with your bodyguard, can I get that autograph? I saw you at Detcon a few weeks ago, and I thought you were really cool. When I saw you here, I just wanted to see if I could talk to you and get you to sign a comic book or something. I would never hurt you.”

“An autograph is fine,” Emma said.

“How about a picture?” The boy was hopeful.

Emma smiled tightly. “A picture is fine, too.”

The teen smiled happily, handing his cellphone to Finn. “Make sure it’s a good picture, dude.”

Finn rolled his eyes, but lined up the camera.

James took the opportunity to pull Mandy away from the crowd. “Are you okay?”

Mandy frowned. “You mean other than feeling like the ugly stepsister whenever I’m in a room with Emma? Yeah, I’m great.”

James made a face. “Ugly? Are you saying you feel insecure?”

“Look at her,” Mandy said. “Who can compete against a woman who looks like that?”

“There is no competition, baby,” James said. “You’re the most beautiful woman I’ve ever seen.”

Mandy shook her blonde head. “You’re just saying that to make me feel better.”

James pulled her to him, wrapping his arms around her. “No, I’m not.”

“Really?”

“You’re the only mermaid I want,” James said. “Don’t you ever even think otherwise. I can only take so much drama in a twenty-four-hour period. I can’t take you suddenly being insecure on top of everything else.”

“You have been through it today,” Mandy said, brushing a strand of hair away from his face. “How about we call it a day and go home?”

“Will you wear the coconut bra?”

“For you? Anything.”

“Finn, we’re leaving,” James barked.