Jordan Summers (16 page)

“That makes sense. It’s a very astute observation on your part.”

“Thank you.” He didn’t hide the sarcasm in his voice. “You seem surprised I’m capable of such deep thoughts.”

She canted her head. “I suppose I am, but probably not for the reasons you think.” Delaney gave him what she hoped was a considering expression. “I’ve just never met a man who’s ever given those types of things that much thought.”

He grinned, his dimples matching pinpoints in his cheeks. “Sounds like you’ve been hanging around the wrong men.”

“Isn’t that the truth,” Delaney muttered under her breath. She’d never met anyone like Jack Gordon. Prior to meeting him, she’d have sworn men like him didn’t really exist outside of the movies. Unrealistic expectations, had she had them? Hanging here with Jack made her realize she’d always aimed low.

They stood, staring out the window, enjoying the companionable silence for several minutes.

“Can I ask you something, Jack?”

“Sure.”

“Have you ever sold weapons to Somalia?”

He paused. “Why do you want to know?”

“Just curious,” she offered. Why couldn’t he just answer the question?

“I thought you wanted to take a shower,” he said finally.

“I did. I mean I do.”

Jack pointed down the hall. “There are two bedrooms that are en suite. You can use either bathroom. I’ll make a call to Monty’s and have them deliver a large pizza.”

“Thanks,” she said, then headed away.

“Delaney,” he called out as she reached the bedroom door.

She stopped and looked back. He was still watching her. “Yes.”

“I’ve never done any deals with that country.”

Delaney gave him a quick smile. “Thank you.”

“You’re welcome,” he replied, looking as if he wanted to say more.

Jack didn’t know why Delaney had asked about Somalia, but he knew damn well that it had nothing to do with curiosity. The question had meant something to her—and so had his answer. Maybe someday she’d trust him enough to tell him why.

He listened as the shower came on in the master bath. His shaft hardened instantly as he imagined Delaney naked beneath the wet spray, droplets of water gliding over her skin, clinging to her lashes.

He stared longingly down the hall. What would she do if he joined her? Kick him out? Shoot him? Or would she let him join her, knowing there were two people down the hill recording their every move for Rico.

The urge to take, to claim, roared through him. Jack stepped back as he acknowledged he wanted to show the scumbag just who Delaney belonged to. What would Rico do once he saw her spread beneath him on the floor, his body riding hers into oblivion? Would he back off and leave her alone or would he desire her more? Jack wasn’t sure, but he was willing to try anything in order to keep her safe.

Like making love to her would be such a hardship.

He picked up the phone and ordered dinner. Glancing at his watch he calculated he’d have just enough time to eat and enjoy the sunset before he had to go. There was no telling how long it would take him to reach Long Beach, California. Knowing the traffic on the 405 freeway, it could be two hours.

He wasn’t looking forward to this meet with David Rico, but what choice did he have? He couldn’t let the man get his hands on Delaney. As good an agent as she was, she was no match for Rico.

Jack didn’t want to think about what he may have to do for the scumbag in order to keep Delaney safe, or how many years of his life it was going to cost him if he got caught. All he could hope for was that in the end, Delaney understood why he’d chosen to keep her out of the loop. Even if she never did, Jack knew he was doing the right thing.

The spray from the shower continued to flow in the background. More than once Jack found himself walking down the hall, only to turn back at the last minute.

Varying impulses battled for dominance. The urge to protect was nearly as strong as the urge to take. Jack stood in the middle of the hall, body shaking. What in the hell had she done to him? He’d never been like this. Indecision gripped him. He stormed back into the kitchen.

As much as he wanted to join Delaney in the shower, there wasn’t time—at least not for what he wanted to do. It would have to wait until he returned. Unfortunately with Rico, there was a chance this would be a one-way trip.

D
ELANEY FOLLOWED
Jack down the 405 freeway, heading south. She had no idea where he was going, but doubted errands would take him this far from home. She was grateful that he’d driven the rental car and left the keys to his car hanging on a hook near the door.

She’d had to wait a few minutes before she could leave. Concern had quickly turned to fear that she wouldn’t be able to find him, but in the end, she’d somehow managed. Thank goodness for L.A. traffic.

It was challenging to keep an eye on his car, particularly while remaining three car lengths back and two over, but she’d done it. Delaney was positive Jack hadn’t spotted her. He continued south until he reached the 710 freeway, then followed it to the Queen Mary. Why was he going there?

Delaney stared at the giant ship. Once a luxury liner used for crossing the Atlantic before commercial air travel, the ship now housed a hotel, restaurants and an art gallery.

She watched Jack pull in to the nearly full lot and park near a familiar black Escalade. The pizza in her stomach curdled, when she spotted Rico. Why was Jack meeting him without her? She didn’t like the answer that popped in to her mind.

He got out of the vehicle at the same time David Rico exited. They moved to the back of the Escalade and began to talk. Delaney wished that she knew what they were saying, not that it mattered, since it was apparent that some other deal had been struck while they were on the boat.

She drove past the entrance, grateful for the cover of darkness, then circled back and pulled in far away from the two men. Several cars followed behind her, filling in the lot. She pocketed the keys then slipped out of the car, using the other parked vehicles around her for cover.

Delaney managed to get within two car lengths, then stopped, afraid Rico’s goons or Jack might spot her. She strained to hear their conversation. When she realized she still couldn’t, Delaney dropped to the ground and began to crawl forward on her stomach, inch by inch. Her hand landed in something wet and gooey. She cringed, but kept going.

“I knew you wouldn’t pass up the money,” Rico said.

“Hell, no, I’d be a fool to pass on that kind of cash,” Jack said. “But just so you know, I wouldn’t do it for a penny less than fifty thousand.”

Delaney frowned.

“A man after my own heart.” Rico snickered.

“When do I start?” Jack asked.

“Tonight was a test to see if you’d show up.” Rico glanced around the lot, then looked back at Jack. “Tomorrow night I have a shipment coming in that I need relocated. It’s smaller than the one we discussed today, but still substantial. If you manage to get the job done, I’ll allow you to move up.”

“I thought this was a one-time deal,” Jack said.

“Why would you think that?”

Jack didn’t answer.

Delaney’s stomach rebelled. Jack was playing both sides? How could she be so wrong about him? She’d given her word to McMillan that they could trust him, but now…

Pain that shouldn’t exist enveloped her. How could Jack do this to her? Anger trampled the hurt and pushed her into a standing position. She brushed the dirt and rocks from her hands and clothes.

She wouldn’t let Jack and whatever side deal he’d worked out with Rico blow her case. She stepped forward out of the darkness, fear beating at her breast until both men could see her.

Rico noticed her first. “Ah, my dear. To what do we owe the pleasure?”

Jack stiffened, but otherwise didn’t react.

“I was worried that my partner might try to cut me out of the deal. I see that my suspicions were well-founded,” she said. Her gaze hardened as it slid over Jack. “It’s my family who owns the vans, not Jack’s. I’m taking the most risks. I like money just as much as he does and don’t want to have to fly for the rest of my life.”

“Ignore her,” Jack insisted. “She’s a woman who’s never done business in this arena.” He turned to Delaney and his eyes narrowed in warning. “I told you to wait at home for me.”

“While you screw me out of my share. I don’t think so,” she hissed.

R
ICO STOOD BACK
,
watching the interaction between these two. This was better than he’d hoped. They obviously both loved each other, even though they tried to hide it. He laughed to himself. This was beyond perfect. Love made the most sane individuals behave foolishly. It was also volatile enough that he’d be able to use it to his advantage when the time came.

He turned to the woman. The anger and outrage she displayed was real. He’d use that to manipulate her into his bed. Might as well get the added enjoyment of her flesh, before he killed her.

“Well, now that we’ve established who’s really in charge, you might as well join us,” he said. She’d made it abundantly clear that he’d no longer need Jack Gordon. It would simply be a matter of finding the right time to dispose of him. “What’s your name, pretty flight attendant?”

“Delaney,” she answered.

“Delaney,” Rico repeated. “Nice. It suits you.” He reached out and touched her hair, then skimmed the side of her neck.

Jack’s fists clenched, but he didn’t move to stop him. Rico smiled to himself, enjoying this game more than most. He wondered how far he could go before Jack snapped, giving him all the reason he’d need to kill him now.

Jack took a step back and appeared to rein in his temper. Pity that. David was tempted to prod him again, but decided it was neither the time nor the place. There was work to do. He needed the main shipment moved out of Los Angeles. It was getting far too hot to stay. If the authorities found the merchandise before he could sell it at auction, he’d lose his chance to move up and, worse yet, David would have to answer to his investors. He shuddered at the thought.

“I was just telling Jack about a smaller job I want him to do for me, but it can wait until you deliver the vans. Jack tells me you’re flying out tomorrow evening to pick them up in Phoenix.”

“That’s right,” she said, ignoring Jack.

“Wonderful. I’ll expect them to be outside the Marina shipyard the following day. Don’t disappoint me.” Rico nodded to his bodyguards. One stepped forward and opened the door to the Escalade. David entered without a backward glance. It was going to be so easy to convince those two that they couldn’t trust each other. Their emotions made it child’s play. In the end, maybe they’d kill each other and save him the trouble.

J
ACK WAS SO MAD
he couldn’t see straight. He’d come here to save her, and instead she’d played right in to Rico’s hands.

“How did you get here?” he asked after Rico pulled away.

“I followed you. And it’s a good thing I did or I wouldn’t have found out you were playing both sides.” Her face mottled.

“Playing both sides? Is that what you think was going on here?” His jaw clenched and he could feel it begin to tic. She thought he was betraying her, when all he’d wanted to do was save her sweet ass. Jack shoved his hands into his pockets as the pain from her distrust ripped at his gut.

“I heard you. I heard every word.” Delaney’s voice cracked. “So don’t stand there and try to deny it.”

Jack wasn’t about to deny anything. He didn’t have to explain himself or his actions to her or anyone else. So why did he feel the need to? “Where is my car or did you take a cab here?”

“I parked it at the far end.”

“Give me the keys.”

Delaney took a step back. “Wh-what about the rental?”

She could’ve gotten them both killed and the only thing she could think about was the damn rental car. Jack cursed under his breath. “Delaney, don’t make me repeat myself.”

She dipped into her pocket and withdrew the keys, tossing them to him, instead of handing them over. Delaney was staying out of arm’s reach, which was probably good, until he got his temper in check—not that Jack would ever hurt her.

“I’ll phone the rental agency and tell them where they can pick up the car,” he said, walking in the direction she’d indicated.

He needed to put some distance between them. The fear he’d felt when he saw her pop up on the other side of the car had left an acute ache behind. For a second his mind had refused to believe what his eyes were telling him. Jack had wanted nothing more than to whisk her away and lock her somewhere safe until this job ended. The fear had affected him far more deeply than he cared to admit.

D
ELANEY STOOD
unable to move. Her emotions were in turmoil. On one hand, she knew what she’d heard. On the other, there was Jack’s misdirected anger. He had no right being angry with her. She hadn’t lied and gone behind his back to meet in secret with Rico. He’d done that and she wouldn’t allow him to turn this situation around and pin the blame on her.

This was her case, darn it. He had no right trying to work out a separate deal just because Rico offered him a lot of money. Jack had enough money already. Why did he need more at her expense?

“Are you coming?” he shouted, without looking at her.

Delaney straightened, then glanced around the dark parking lot. It wasn’t going to do her any good to stay here. She’d have to report these latest events to McMillan, who would probably never trust her word again.

She slipped out her cell phone and pressed a button. Special-Agent-in-Charge Anderson answered. “Uh, is Group Supervisor McMillan there?” she asked, her voice whisper quiet.

“I’ve taken charge of this mission. What do you need, Agent Carter?”

Delaney debated whether to tell Anderson about the meeting between Rico and Jack. She knew it was the correct thing to do, but it still didn’t feel right. “McMillan said you had a man ready to protect Jack Gordon,” she said instead.

“Yes.”

“We need them. Rico has made contact. I believe Jack’s life may be in danger.”

There was a pause on the other end of the line. “
May
be in danger, but you’re not sure?”

“That is correct, sir.” She tried and failed to keep the exasperation out of her voice.

“Jack’s a big boy. I’m sure he’ll be fine,” Anderson said.

“Sir, I wish you’d reconsider. Gordon has done everything he promised the Bureau that he’d do. It’s only fair that we do the same for him.”

“Do I need to repeat myself, Agent Carter?”

“No, sir.”

“I suggest rather than worrying about Jack Gordon that you worry about how you’re going to explain that videotape, when you put in for your promotion next month.”

Cold swept through Delaney. This was the second time in so many minutes that she felt the acid bite of betrayal. The last place she expected it to come from was the Bureau. “One more thing, sir. Did you ever intend to protect Jack Gordon?” she asked, before she could stop herself.

“You are a quick learner.” Anderson laughed. “Phone when you
really
need backup,” he said, then disconnected the call.

T
HE RIDE HAD BEEN TENSE
and beyond uncomfortable. Jack was grateful that Delaney had held her silence. He was afraid he’d stop and shake her for putting herself in such danger.

Hell, it was a miracle that Rico hadn’t cut his losses and walked away. He must really need those vans, Jack thought, admitting that they were the only reason that he and Delaney were still breathing.

He pulled in to the driveway and shut off the engine. Delaney jumped out before he’d even managed to remove the key from the ignition. He stepped out of the car and hit the alarm before walking to the house and opening the door. He stepped aside to allow Delaney entry, half expecting her to slam the door in his face.

She didn’t. In fact, she didn’t look at him at all. Instead, she remained deceptively calm as she crossed the threshold. Jack followed behind her and locked the door.

Delaney spun on him, the second he’d finished. “How dare you stab me in the back with Rico.”

“Me, stab you? If you ever do anything that stupid again, I’ll take you over my knee,” he said, stepping closer.

Delaney’s eyes widened at the threat, but otherwise didn’t back down. “Don’t you try to change the subject. I recognize a double-cross when I see one.”

Jack stalked toward her. He didn’t stop coming until his hands rested beside her head and caged her with his body. “Double-cross? It’s nice to know you think so little of me.” His lips thinned.

Delaney recoiled, but didn’t recant her words.

Jack leaned in until he could feel the heat of her anger radiating off her body. Her gaze dropped to his lips and the rage shifted to a wave of desire. His groin tightened. Why did he respond so brutally to a woman who refused to trust him? He slammed his palm against the wall in frustration.

“For your information,” he said, his voice becoming raspy under the effort to talk, “I went there to save you.”

“Save me?” She shook her head.

“Yes, save you. It was either work for him or hand you over.”

“What? I don’t understand.”

“Then let me spell it out for you. Rico wants you. Bad. Bad enough to kill, but he can’t have you.”

“Why?” she asked.

“Because I want you more,” he barked, a second before his lips crushed down upon hers.

D
ELANEY’S HANDS
moved to Jack’s chest to push him away. The second she encountered his heated flesh, her fingers curled, clutching the front of his shirt, while their tongues battled for supremacy. Warmth exploded in her stomach as Jack deepened the embrace, turning savage in his pursuit.

Anger and something far more powerful enveloped her. She wanted to hurt him, while at the same time pull him near. His mouth was making her crazy. She couldn’t think, couldn’t breathe, only feel.

Delaney groaned, pressing her body forward until her sensitive breasts scraped the hard, flat slab of his chest. His musky scent enveloped her. Her nails dug into his shoulders as she struggled to get closer.

Jack’s hands moved from the wall and Delaney heard a rip as he tore her shirt off her body, then moved to undo her pants. He fingers returned seconds later to tease her nipples through the lace of her bra. Jack pulled the straps from her shoulders and deftly unhooked the clasp, trapping her arms. His mouth replaced his fingers and Delaney was lost.