Jordan Summers (14 page)

D
AVID
R
ICO ARRIVED
at the dock at eleven thirty sharp in his black Escalade. Dressed casually in expensive black trousers and a light sweater, he looked more like a college student than an arms dealer. His blondish-brown hair was spiked in the latest style and appeared to match his designer sunglasses.

Although less than physically impressive, he walked with a confidence that came from possessing power. Behind him, two men in dark Armani suits and sunglasses followed at a respectable distance. Their gazes scanned the surrounding boats, taking in every detail down to the last squawking seagull. Delaney half expected them to reach into their jackets to rest their hands on the firearms their suits didn’t quite conceal.

Her lips thinned as she glanced at Jack, who met her eyes with calm reassurance. He stepped forward to greet David Rico, his hand extended.

“Mr. Rico, thank you for calling about the boat. I know how busy you are these days, so I won’t take up too much of your time.” Rico removed his sunglasses and looked at Jack’s hand, then at the two bruisers behind him. The men stepped forward and frisked Jack.

When the men finished, they turned as one to David Rico. “He’s clean,” the shorter of the two said, then moved on to Delaney.

“Hey, what’s the deal?” she asked, swatting the guy’s meaty hand away from the wraparound skirt she’d used to conceal her bathing suit. Delaney glowered at Jack and hoped Rico believed her performance. “Honey, why is this man touching me?”

Jack didn’t acknowledge her question.

“She’s clean, too,” the man said, smirking before stepping away.

“Now, sweetheart, I told you not to speak unless you were spoken to,” Jack admonished, sending her a warning glare.

“Sorry,” she apologized quickly.

He turned to David Rico. “Women,” he said as if that explained everything.

David Rico glanced between them and laughed. He extended his hand to Jack. “It’s nice to finally meet you, Jack Gordon. I’ve heard so much about you, including your recent escapades on the east coast.”

“I like to stay busy.”

“Is that so? I’ll have to keep that in mind.”

Jack grinned, his normal warmth replaced by cool calculation. “Please come aboard.”

Rico nodded at his men and they boarded the craft first to search the boat. A few minutes later, they gave the all-clear signal and he climbed aboard.

The shorter bodyguard kept sneaking covert glances at Delaney. She wasn’t sure if it was due to his suspicions, or the fact that he’d nearly felt her up during the weapons search. Sparky could keep his hands to himself or she’d break them.

Jack and Rico settled in at the front of the boat, while the two bodyguards and Delaney were relegated to the rear.

Delaney tried to hear what was being said, but it was useless against the
thub, thub
of the motors behind her. Jack pointed to various items near the steering column and appeared to be going over the boat’s selling points. She hoped he eventually got around to asking about the shipment. Although how he’d work it into the conversation she didn’t know.

Maybe David Rico was too low in the ranks like McMillan said and he didn’t have any useful information. Her heart sank. There was no sense guessing the next move, until they found out for sure. She’d hate to think they went to all this trouble for nothing. Delaney shivered as the boat backed out of the slip and headed out to sea.

They’d been going at a steady clip when Jack suddenly opened up the boat on the water. Wind whipped the occupants as the Scarab flew across the waves.

David Rico laughed at something Jack said, then tossed a glance back at them. His gaze lingered on Delaney longer than she’d have liked. It wasn’t hunger she saw in his gray depths, but the promise of death. His appraisal was cold and calculating—he was the exact opposite of Jack.

What if Jack did sell her out? The thought scared her almost as much as Rico’s gaze did. She scanned the shore, attempting to gauge her chances of surviving the long swim. They were dismal at best, since her strongest stroke was a dog paddle. Rico turned back to Jack and thumped him on the shoulder.

He leaned in and said something, which had Jack turning to look at her. He grinned, but the smile did not reach his lovely blue eyes. Delaney shuddered. She couldn’t help it. She didn’t like being kept out of the loop.

How well did she really know Jack, anyway? So they’d had sex and enjoyed a few meals. That didn’t mean anything. Delaney knew she was overreacting and that everything was happening as planned.

Jack and Rico switched places smoothly despite the boat’s bouncing as it hit the waves. He made his way back to where she sat and then leaned down to kiss her, his hand moving casually to her hip. David Rico leered at the exchange. This wasn’t anything like she’d imagined her assignment to be—it was worse.

Delaney wanted to arrest every last one of them, but McMillan was counting on her. For that reason alone, she allowed Jack to fondle her as if she were a piece of sky fluff. She supposed to men like Rico, who thought women were possessions, she was a toy. Much like the boat. Delaney nipped Jack’s lip and saw his eyes widen.

“I didn’t realize you liked it rough,” he said, releasing her long enough to pull her to her feet.

Delaney gasped, trying to keep her balance. “That’s not why I bit you.”

“I know.” Jack grinned, clearly enjoying their predicament way more than he should. “Be careful, you’re playing with fire,” he said, his mouth moving to her cheek. He kissed his way to her ear, nuzzling her neck. “I think we about have him.”

“He’s still watching us like he’s afraid to miss part of the show,” she whispered in his ear. “The guy is a deviant.”

Jack shrugged. “Rico likes to watch. Why do you think he has his goons follow potential business partners with video surveillance equipment? He tends to mix his paranoia with a little kink. Let’s not disappoint him.”

“Are you suggesting what I think you’re suggesting?” she asked under her breath.

“You’re supposed to be my girlfriend, remember?” He nibbled her flesh, his hand stroking her back, soothingly. “It won’t be much longer. Rico’s interested in the boat and has said if we can agree on a price, then there may be more business opportunities in the future. He hasn’t gone into details yet because that’s not his style. Just play along if he invites you to join us in the conversation, but remember not to speak. In fact, it would be best if you act like you don’t understand what we’re talking about.”

“Best or safest?” she asked.

“Both.” Jack winked.

Delaney cursed softly, so only Jack could hear. He pulled back from her. “I had no idea you knew those dirty words. What other secrets have you been keeping from me?” Desire sparked in his eyes for a moment, then he kissed her one last time, long enough to whirl her senses, before returning to the seat beside Rico.

J
ACK GLANCED AT
the man seated next to him. Rico looked like any other Californian: he was tanned, had bleached teeth and a trim body. It was only when you took a closer look that you noted the steel in his gray gaze, the almost imperceptible cold that seemed to emanate from him. It was as if Jack Frost had taken permanent refuge in his soul.

His interest in Delaney was clearly showing in his mercury eyes. Jack didn’t like the look he was giving her and had the sudden urge to punch the guy in the nose. That, of course, would get him killed, but it was almost worth seeing the expression on Rico’s smug face when it happened.

The bastard had a reputation for being ruthless and now Jack could see why. David Rico may wear the cloak of civility while he was in public, but the mask slipped often enough to glimpse the true man. Jack didn’t like what he witnessed. The sooner they found out whether or not Rico had the information they needed, and got away from him, the better.

“So, do you think there’s a chance I could spend some time with your lady friend?” Rico asked, shifting toward Jack with a sly grin.

Jack forced himself to remain expressionless. He didn’t want Rico knowing that he actually cared for Delaney, but at the same time, he didn’t want the guy thinking that he could have free reign with no repercussions.

“I’m grooming her to do a job for me,” Jack said casually. “Why else would I date her?”

Rico’s gaze stayed similarly neutral, but Jack noted his sudden interest. “What kind of job?” Rico asked, as he maneuvered the boat around, sending ocean spray over his bodyguards’ heads.

They glared at him, then quickly looked away as if remembering their place. They wiped the water off their sunglasses and suit jackets. Jack grinned, happy to see water dripping off the face of the man who’d patted Delaney down. Maybe that would cool his jets.

Jack turned back to Rico. He had his full attention. It was now or never. He had to take a chance and play his hand to see just how involved Rico was in the business. Otherwise, they’d never get the matter sorted and Delaney would continue to needlessly endanger herself.

“She’s a flight attendant for Moran South Air and has family connections on the ground in Phoenix that could get a shipment transported without anyone being the wiser,” he said, making it up as he went. He sure hoped that the ATF would be able to supply whatever he created, if the time came.

“You don’t say.” Rico stared at Delaney once more. His sexual interest seemed to intensify.

Despite the churning in his stomach, Jack knew in that moment that they’d hooked him. He decided to reel Rico in to ensure he’d truly taken the bait. “I was thinking about testing her with a dummy shipment. See if she’s as good a mule as I think.”

Rico appeared to consider his words. “So you don’t have anything specific set up yet?”

“No, I’ve had to lie low due to some unexpected heat from the ATF lately.”

Rico snorted. “Yeah, they can be a real pain in the ass sometimes.”

“Yeah, a pain.” Jack glanced at Delaney.

“Luckily, I’ve found a way around them,” Rico added.

Jack wanted to ask how, but he knew better. He looked straight ahead, watching the rise and fall of the bow of the boat as it skimmed across the water. “What do you think of the boat?” he asked.

“You know I love it. Are you going to sell it to me?”

Jack’s lips quirked. “I haven’t decided.”

“Well, maybe I can do something for you that will sweeten the pot.”

Jack’s brow arched. “I’m all ears.”

“I may know of a shipment coming in that needs to leave California quickly.”

Jack faced him. “Is that so? What does that have to do with me?”

Rico dropped the speed of the boat, so it was easier to handle. “Tony, come up here and take the wheel. Mr. Gordon and I need to talk somewhere more private.”

The beefy bodyguard rose and teetered toward the wheel. “I’m not sure how to drive a boat, boss.”

“You can drive a car, can’t you?” he asked, his voice becoming deadly.

“Yes, sir.”

“This is the same idea.” He let go of the wheel and stepped down into the cabin. “Make sure you don’t hit anything. I want my boat in pristine condition.”

“You got it, boss.”

“Come with me,” Rico said to Jack.

Delaney started to rise, but Jack stopped her with a quick jerk of his head.

He followed Rico into the cabin past the small wet bar and fridge to the bench seating. “Can I get you anything to drink?” Jack asked, opening the fridge and retrieving a beer.

“I’ll take one of those,” Rico said, making himself comfortable, as if he owned the place.

Jack handed him the drink, then sat across from him. “You said you wanted to talk, so talk,” he said, trying to balance impatience with interest.

He wondered what was happening on deck. Were the bodyguards hassling Delaney? Logically, Jack knew she could take care of herself, but that knowledge didn’t prevent the fear from seeping into his gut.

“I like you, Jack. You seem like the kind of guy who knows a good deal when he hears one,” Rico said carefully, watching for a reaction to his words.

“Get to the point, David. I have a warm and willing woman on deck waiting for me to give her the word to come down here for a little playtime.” He shifted, glancing at the door they’d just slipped through.

“Down, boy.” David Rico laughed. “Women are great, aren’t they? Especially once you show them who’s boss. I could see by the way you were handling…what did you say her name was?”

“I didn’t,” Jack said coolly.

“Fine, names aren’t important with chicks. I’m not interested in the end that speaks anyway. So tell me, is she as good as she looks? I picture her as a screamer. Am I right?” Rico asked, scooting to the edge of the cushioned bench and leaning in.

“She’s better,” Jack said, refusing to elaborate. He hated the feeling of betrayal that ripped through him. He didn’t talk about bed sport and he certainly didn’t discuss his lovers. Jack had more respect for the women he was with than to do that.

Then there was Delaney…

He wasn’t quite sure where she fit in to his life. All Jack knew was that she felt special, different. She wasn’t just another notch in his bed to be flaunted. He didn’t want Rico or any other man cheapening what they’d shared over the past couple of days, regardless of what had brought them together.

Rico raised his bottle in mock salute. “I knew it, man. You could just tell by the way she looked at you.”

“Looked at me? Looked at me how?” Jack frowned. What was Rico talking about?

“She looked like a woman in love.”

“Love?” he choked on the word a second before warmth blossomed inside him.

“Well, if not love, then something damn close to it. If I’m right, then you’ve got it made. Women that care will do anything for their man, even go to prison for you. Believe me, I know. There’s a chick I used to bang serving five to seven years as we speak.” Rico’s voice rose in excitement. “This could work out better than I imagined.”

Jack was stunned. He couldn’t seem to form a single thought. Was David Rico right? Was Delaney in love with him? Was that even possible given their short time together?