Thehardestthingisnottolovebuttobelovedinreturn…
What would you dare to do? Would you dare to do it again? Can you handle the
truth?Couldyoulivewiththeconsequences…?
THECHRONICLESOFKATRINA
THEDARE
Whatwouldyoudaretodo?
(Bookone,outnowafreeread!)
DOUBLEDARE
Wouldyoudaretodoitagain?
(Booktwo,outnow!)
THETRUTH
Canyouhandlethetruth?
(Bookthree,outnow!)
THECONSEQUENCE
Couldyoulivewiththeconsequences?
hankyouonceagaintomyamazingvillage:Virna,Tina,Janell,Victoriaandmyteamat
InScribe.Couldn’thavedoneitwithoutyou!
DearReaders,
Before you begin Kat and Simon’s final book, I want to thank all of you for your
patience and for reading along with me as I wrote this amazing love story. I fell in
lovewithSimonthemomenthehitthepage.Myloveaffairwithhimhasgrownas
epically deep as Kat’s. I know many of you feel the same way. I also hope you feel
I’vedonebothSimonandKatjusticewithTHECONSEQUENCE.
Thankyouallagainfortakingthisfunsexyridewithme!
Karin*
xo
imon’s ex-girlfriend, now widowed sister-in-law, glared at them from the kitchen. Katy
stood silent for a long drawn out minute, weighing what she had been told about Amanda
againstthefactthatshe’dobviouslyhadakeytogetinsideSimon’shouseandnowgazedat
him with undeniable possessiveness. Either Simon was the biggest liar on the planet and
Katythemostpatheticallygulliblewomanintheworld,or—
“Amanda,”SimonsaidquietlybehindKaty.“Whatareyoudoinghere?”
“What’sthatwomandoinghere?”Amandaaccused,sniffingbacktears.
Katyfeltlikeshehadjuststeppedintoareallybadsoapopera.
“Isshetheworkthat’skeptyouawaythesepastweeks?”
GivingKaty’shandaquickreassuringsqueeze,Simonwalkedpastherintothekitchen.He
wasstilldampfromhisshowerandthetowelwrappedaroundhiswaistclungtohissculpted
ass like a second skin. Possessive ire rose in her belly. That ass belonged to her, damn it!
Carefully, Simon took the tray from Amanda’s shaking hands. As he set it down on the
counterheaskedher,“Where’sLivy?”
Amandasniffed.“Mom’s.”
“Mymom’s?Oryours?”
“She’smymomtoo,orhaveyouforgottenthatinyourlustinducedfog?”
Curiousashelltofindoutwherethiscrazywascomingfrom,butnotwantingtowatchthis
woman have what was beginning to look a lot like a complete emotional melt down or be
insultedbyher,Katybackedaway.
“Stay,Kat,”Simonsaid.Hisgazeheldherswhenshelookedathim.“Please.”
Shewasn’trunning.Ohhellno,notwhenshehadcomethisfar.Shewasgoingtoseethis
totheend.Butshewasn’taslackinginmannerasAmanda.Shewasjustgivingthemprivacy.
Simon looked lost, helpless even, but there was nothing Katy could do about that. To
Amanda,shewastheenemyand,assuch,therewouldbenothinggained.AndtoKaty?She
wasn’t sure how she felt about Simon’s sister in-law. Irritated, absolutely. Pity maybe? The
womanobviouslyhaditbadforSimonbuttherewasmoregoingonherethananoldflame
stillcarryingatorch.
“IthinkitwouldbebetterifIsteppedawayandgavethetwoofyousomeprivacy,Simon,”
Katysaidasshebackedup.
“I’dlikeyoutoleavemyhouse,”Amandafirmlysaid.
Katypursedherlips,turnedonherheelandwalkedslowlyfromtheroom.Thelastthing
sheheardSimonsaywas,“Amanda,whenwasthelasttimeyousawDr.Crenshaw?”
Asshemadeherwayupthestaircase,Katyallowedheremotionstosurface.Angernotso
much directed at Simon—well, maybe a little directed toward him—but mostly at Amanda.
Thenshefeltbad.Thewomanhadlostherhusbandandobviouslyhadprojectedherfeelings
for him onto his brother. But she’d had a thing with Simon, too. How long ago, Katy didn’t
know and it didn’t matter because it was obvious Amanda West was in love with her dead
husband’s brother. And it was even more obvious Simon had no intention of severing ties
with her. How was Katy supposed to deal with the fact that Amanda had deep emotional
hooksinthemanKatywasinlovewith?
Her belly did several slow rolls. How could she compete with their history? Or even as
unhealthyasitwas,theirpresent?Insecuritiesfloodedher,butshewasnotgoingtorun.Not
thistime.Atleastnotyet.
Instead, she stripped, turned on the shower and stood contemplative beneath the hot
spray.Forcingherselfnottoreadtoomuchintowhatwashappeningdownstairs,shelether
heart and her gut guide her. Simon hadn’t lied to her about anything despite what she’d
thought.Yetbecauseofherowntrustissues,she’dprettymuchtalkedherselfintothinking
illofhimevenasshe’dknown,athiscore,hewasamanofintegrity.Itwasasmuchapartof
himashisgreeneyes.Hangingontothat,sheforcedawayherlingeringfearthathewould
pushherasideforhissister-in-law.
But when she stepped from the shower and heard angry voices coming from downstairs,
heranxietylevelspiked.Callhernosey,butshewrappedatowelaroundherdrippingbody,
hurriedtothebedroomdoor,andopeneditwider.
“Youbelongtome!”Amandashrilled.
Simon’s deep voice, though calm, held an edge of impatience. “You need to get a grip,
Amanda,ifnotforyourownsakethenforOlivia’s.”
“Ihaveagrip!”shespat.“It’syouwhoneedstofacerealityandtakeresponsibilityforyour
actions.”
“Ihave.”
“Thenwhydidyoubringawomanhere?”
“Thisismyhouse;IcanbringwhomeverIwanttohere.”
“Howlongwillthisonelast,Simon?Anotherweek?Amonth?Haveyoutoldherwhatyou
did?”
Katy’sheartthumpedhardinherchest.Whatwasshetalkingabout?
Amandalaughedmirthlessly.“Icanseebyyourexpressionyouhaven’t.ShallI?”
“StayawayfromKat,”hewarned.
“StayawayfromKat,” she mimicked. “Fine, Simon. I’ll wait this one out just like I have
the others, but after she finds out and runs, I’m not taking the scraps you throw my way
anymore.”
Findoutwhat?
“Gohome,Amanda,”hesaid,hisvoicesuddenlyweary.“We’lltalklater.”
Backing away from the door, Katy waited for Simon to come upstairs. When he finally
enteredthebedroom,sheheldbackthegaspthatroseinherchest.Helookedlikeamantorn
inhalf.
“Closethedoor,”shesoftysaid.
He did and leaned up against it. Resisting the urge to go to him and ease the hurt in his
heart,Katymadeherstand.
“Doyouloveher?”shequietlyquestioned.
“No.”
“Doyouwanttobewithherandplaydaddytoyourniece?”
“Noandyes.”
“Oneortheother,Simon.”
“No.Idon’twanttobewithher:yes,IwanttobeafatherfiguretoOlivia.”
Of course Simon wanted to step into his dead brother’s shoes as far as his niece was
concerned.Shecouldn’thatehimforthat.Butthewidowwasawholeothermatter.
“She’s using your guilt as a leash, Simon. As long as you allow her to hold it over your
head,you’llneverbefreeofher.”
“Iknowthat.”
Heknew?“Thenyou’veacceptedit?”
Jamminghisfingersthroughhisdamphair,heexhaledalongsigh.“It’snotlikethat.”
“FromwhereI’mstandingitis.”Shestartedtogetdressed.
Hiseyesnarrowed.“What’sthatsupposedtomean?”
“Itmeans,”shesaidasshehookedherbra,“ThatI’mnotgoingtobewithamanwhoisso
cloudedbyguiltit’sadverselyaffectingmyrelationshipwithhim.”
“You’retheoneputtingAmandabetweenus,Kat,notme.”
“Really?” She accused jerking on her shirt. “She calls, boom, you stop what you’re doing
and answer. She wants you for something, you go running. How would you feel if the
positionswerereversedandIjumpedeverytimeEvancalled?”
Darkbrowscrowdedtogetheroverangrygreeneyes.“Youknowyouwouldn’tputupwith
itforonesecond,whyshouldI?Forcryingoutloud,Icanstillhearherdownthereafteryou
told her to leave!” Katy shook her head, exasperated by the entire situation. “If she doesn’t
meananythingtoyou,thencutherloose.”
Shecouldn’tbelieveshe’djustsaidthat.Theminuteshedid,sheinwardlycringed.Simon
stoodstone-facedstaringather.Takingadeepbreath,sheslowlyexhaled.Ifhewasn’twilling
toputherfirst,thensheneededtodoitforherself.
“Youknowwhat,Simon?I’mgoingtogiveyousomethingI’venevergivenanymaninmy
life.”
Hecockedabrow.“What’sthat?”
“Anultimatum.”Shezippedupherskirt,andthenslidonherheels.“Achoice,meorher,
righthere,rightnow.”
“Youwantmetogodownthereandtellmybrother’swidowtohittheroad?”
“Iwantyoutotellheryoubelongtome.Iwantyoutotellhertobackupandbackout.”
Shegrabbedherpurse,tuckeditunderherarm,andstaredpointedlyathim.
“Amandaisnothreattoyou,Kat.”
“Aslongasshe’stryingtosabotageourrelationshipandwormherwaybackintoyourbed
viaguilttripsorflatoutseduction,she’sathreat.”Rakingherfingersthroughherhair,Katy
finished.“I’mnotaskingyoutochoose,I’maskingyoutodrawaline.”
Hepushedoffthedoorandstalkedtowardher.“Noonetellsmewhattodo,Kat.”
Shedidn’tbackdown.“Perhapsit’stimesomeonedid.”
“ThisthingwithAmandaiscomplicated.”
“Icanseethat,Simon.Onlyyoucanun-complicateit.”
Histightlipsquirkedatthecorner.“You’rereadingmoreintothisthanthereis.”
“I’m not reading anything into your side of this Simon, I believe you when you say you
havenointerestinher.It’sAmandawhoneedstobesetstraight.Andonlyyoucandothat.”
Theshatteringofglassfromthekitchencausedthembothamoment’spause.
Simonshookhishead.“IshouldhavestoppedthisalongtimeagobutIjustdidn’twantto
spurnAmandaandhaveheruseOliviaasapawntogetmeback.”Hetiltedherchinupwith
hisfingers.“You’rethelastpersononthisearthIwanttohurt.”
He moved past her to his dresser and yanked out a pair of flannel pajama bottoms. Katy
turned as he dropped the towel, not wanting to glimpse what she was afraid she may never
savoragain.ButwhenhestrodepastherdressedinthePJs,yankedthedooropenandexited
theroom,sherefusedtoforcebackthesmilethattwitchedonherlips.
Unable to help herself, Katy followed him out the door, but stopped short of going
downstairs,hoveringinsteadatthetopofthelanding.
“Amanda,” Simon said his voice resolute. “Since you refuse to leave, we’re going to have
thattalknow.”
“Idon’twanttotalkuntilthatwomanisgone.”
“She’snotleaving,Amanda,youare.”
“Howdareyousaythat?”
“Idareitbecauseit’sbeenalongtimecoming.”
“Idon’tbelieveyou.”
“Believeit.”
“ButIneedyou,Simon.”
“Noyoudon’t,youwantme,andthere’sabigdifference.”
“OfcourseIwantyou!Ineverstoppedlovingyou,Simon.Evenafteryoukickedmetothe
curblikeanemptycan.”
“Love?Weslepttogethertwice,yearsago.That’snotlove.”
“Itisforme!”
“DidyouloveMark?”
“Inmyway.”
“Inyourway?Isthatdifferentfromthewayyouloveme?”
“There’sinloveandjustloving,”shedefended.
Katywasn’tbuyingit.Amandadidn’tloveherhusband,shelovedhisbrother.
There was a long pregnant pause before Simon spoke. “We both know why you married
Mark.”
“Ilovedhim!”
“Ilovedhimtoo,damnit!Hewasmyfuckingbrothernotsomesloppysecondmeanstoan
end!”
Thesoundofahandslappingskinshotthroughtheair.“Howdareyousaythattome?”
“Becauseit’strueandyouknowit.ShameonmeforallowingmyguiltoverMark’sdeath
tolet you take advantageof me and mymother and use Olivia asyour leverage to makeus
jump.”
“Youmurderedmyhusband!Youowemedamnit!YouoweOlivia,too!”
Katyheldherbreathatthehorridaccusation.
“I am responsible for my brother’s death,” Simon quietly said. The pain in his voice
squeezed her heart. “I’ve never denied that, Mandy, and my guilt is my own to bear. I live
with it every God damn day. And when I do step away from the guilt for even one second,
you’realwaystheretoremindmewhatIdid.”
“Simon,Idon’tmeanto,Iloveyou,”shemewled.
“Idon’tloveyou,Amanda.Ineverdid,youneedtoletitgo.”
“Sothat’sit?You’reabandoningus?Yourownblood?”
“I’m not abandoning you, I’m no longer allowing you to guilt me into putting my life on
holdeverytimeyouwantmetojumpthroughhoops.”
“You’ll never see Livy again.” When Amanda spoke, Katy gasped. Simon called it. What a
bit—
“Don’tthreatenme,Amanda,myfriendsaremorepowerfulthanyours.”
“YouforgetwhatIhaveonyou,Simon,”shesneered.
“Stayoutofmybusiness,”hemenacinglysaid.
Amandalaughed,thesoundreminiscentoftheevilqueeninSnowWhite.“YourlittleKat
ispantingyoufornow,butdoyouthinkthat’sgoingtobethecaseoncesheandIhavealittle
chat?”
“Don’tgonearher.”
“Youcankisshergoodbye,andyoucankissOliviagoodbyetoo.”
Simon’svoicebecamedangerouslylow.“Donotkeepthatlittlegirlawayfromthepeople
shelovesjustbecauseyoucan’thaveyourway.”
“Ihateyou,”shespat.
“I’msorryyoufeelthatway.”
Hesoundedasifhewerewalkingawayfromher.
“Simon,please,Ineedyou!”shescreamed.“Ican’t—Ican’tdothisalone,”Amandasobbed.
Shewassoeffective,Katyactuallyfeltsorryforher,thenannoyedwithherselfbecauseshe
did.
“You’renotalone,”Simonsaidearnestly.“You’resurroundedbyalovingfamily.Justopen
your eyes and look around.” A long pause. “And Amanda? Stop waiting for me. I told you
yearsagoIwasnevercomingback.”
Katy cringed. If Simon ever said those words to her, it would crush her. She couldn’t
imaginehowAmandamustfeelatthatmoment.Shedidn’twanttofeelsorrierforher,but
shedid.LovingSimonwasheartbreakhotel.
“YoupromisedMarkyouwouldtakecareofme,”Amandacried.
“Ididn’tpromisehimI’dmarryyou.”
“Howcouldyoudothistohim?”
“Leavemybrotheroutofthis!”Simonroared,finallylosinghispatience.
“HowcanIwhenyoukilledhim!”
“Do you think he would have been here that day if you hadn’t told him his big brother
fuckedyoufirst?Didthatgiveyousomesicksenseofsatisfaction?”
“Ofcoursenot.”
“Why’dyoudoit,Amanda?Why,afterweagreedtoneverdoit,whydidyoutellhim?”
“Becausehewasn’tyou!Heneverwas!”
“You’reacold-heartedbitch,Amanda.”
KatycringedattheicycontemptinSimon’svoice.
“I’mthatwaybecauseyoumademethatway!”
“You’re right, I did. I allowed you come and go in my home, I allowed you to cry on my
shoulder any time, day or night. I even let you pretend we had a normal life even when we
bothknewitwasourwayofdealingwithMark’sdeath.Yeah,I’mresponsibleforpullingthe
rug out from beneath your fantasy world and my denial. My bad for thinking I was helping
bothofus.IseenowIwasn’t.”
The sound of the front door opening was music to Katy’s ears. “Just remember, Simon, I
knowthings.”TheslammingofthedoormadeKatyjumpinhertracks.
She stood silent for a long time, wanting to go to the hurting man downstairs, but
Amanda’swordshaltedher.WhatdidsheknowthatwassodamningtoSimon?Thathefelt
responsibleforhisbrother’sdeathwasoutintheopen.He’dtoldherthatinNapa.Notthe
details but that he ‘killed’ him. In her heart, Katy knew it wasn’t intended, and as much as
shewantedSimontoopenupandtrustherenoughtotellherwhathappened,sherefusedto
pushthattopicwithhim.Hewouldtellherwhenhewasready.
DidAmandathinkKatydidn’tknowthatSimonandshehadbeenlovers?Simonwasnota
criminal,sowhatelsewasthere?
HerneedtocomfortthemanshelovedhurriedKatydownthestairstohim.
ShestoppedshortwhenshesawSimonstandingwithhisfistsplantedontheisland.The
hardmusclesofhisbackworkedasheclenchedandunclenchedhishands.
Lightly, she touched his shoulder. Starting, he turned around and grabbed her hand in a
defensivemove.
“Simon!”shegasped.
Historturedeyesheldtheworld’ssorrowsinthem.
“Simon,”shebreathedwrappingherarmsaroundhiswaistandpressinghercheektohis
thumpingheart.
Hisbodystiffened.“Ifeellikeapieceofshitrightnow,Kat.”
“Idon’tknowwhathappenedtoyourbrother,Simon,butIdoknowyoulovedhim.”
“Ifuckthingsup,Kat.EvenwhenIthinkI’mdoingtherightthingfortherightreason,it
backfires.”
Shemovedaway,andspunhimaround.Okay,shedidn’tactuallyspinhim,butsheforced
himtoturnaroundandfaceher,thenshegotuponhertoesandinhisface.“‘Ifuckthings
up,Kat,’”sherepeated.“Yousoundlikeawhinylittlegirl.”Shepokedhiminthechestwith
herindexfinger.“WhereisthathotcaptainwhorelentlesslypursuedmeuntilIgavein?”
“He’swonderingifheshouldhaveleftyoualone.”
“Oh,noyoudon’t.Iknowyou’rehurting,Simon.Iknowyoufeellikeyouscrewedup,but
you didn’t. You forced me to talk about my issues, and stood by me when I did, now I’m
turning the tables. Let me do the same for you. Trust me like I trusted you. Tell me
everything,CaptainWest.TellmenowbeforeIbeatitoutofyou.”
Asparklithiseyes.“I’dliketoseeyoutry.”
Shepressedfullintohim.“Don’tunderestimateme.Itwillbeyourundoing.”
Heslidhisarmsaroundherandpulledherharderagainsthim.Hiserectionsaidaforceful
hello. But he didn’t kiss her or make any other sexual move. Instead, he rested his chin on
the top of her head, and said, “I do fuck things up, Kat. It’s why I’ve never been able to
maintainalong-termrelationshipinmyentirelife.”
Shedidn’tbelievehim.TheSimonsheknewmayfuckthingsup,butnotbecausehewas
anunrighteousbastard.Quitetheopposite.Pullingbacktolookupathimsheasked,“How
longhaveyoubeenacop?”
“Twelveyears.”
“Andbeforethat,whatdidyoudo?”
“FouryearsintheArmy.”
“That’stwolongtermrelationships.”
“Imeantemotionalones.”
“Youloveyournieceandshelovesyou.”
Hiseyessoftened.“Shedoesn’tknowanybetter.Yet.”
“That’sbull.Haveyoueverbeeninacommittedrelationship?”
“Like exclusive, you have a drawer at my place and I have one at yours, committed
relationship?”
“Yes.”
“Notuntilyou.”
“Howlonghasyourbrotherbeendead?”
Hestiffenedandtriedtopushheraway,butsheheldontight.“Iwon’tletyou,Simon.You
can’tpushmeaway.”
“Twoyears.”
“Howoldisyourniece?”
“Five.Hediedtwodaysafterthatpictureonmylaptopwastaken.”
“I’msosorry.”
Hetooktheopportunitytomoveoutofherimprisoningarms.Hewalkedovertothecoffee
potandpouredtwocupsofcoffee.Intooneofthecupshestirredahealthydoseofcreamer
andhandedittoher,theotherhekeptblack.
Hetookasip,thenlookedather,thenlookedpasthertowardthefrontdoor.“Ifyouknow
what’sgoodforyou,you’llwalkoutthatdoorrightnowandneverlookback.”
fewdaysago,Simon’swordswouldhavefrightenedher,butshe’dcomealongwaysince
thenandshewasnotabouttoletallthatnewfoundconfidencegotowaste.
“Doyouwantme,Simon?”
“Yes,damnit.”
“Thenfightforme.”
“I’veneverstoppedfightingforyou.”Hisgreeneyesmesmerized.Settinghiscupdownon
thecounter,hemovedintoher.Graspingheraroundthewaistheliftedherupandperched
herontheedgeoftheisland.“Whyisit,evenwhenI’mangryattheworldallIwanttodois
fuckyou?”
Lifting her legs slowly, she wrapped them around his naked waist, pulling him into her.
“BecauseI’msofuckable.”
Slidinghisbighandupherbackandalongherneck,hesunkhisfingersintoherthickhair
andcuppedthebackofherhead.Hesmiled,andloweredhishead,butinsteadofkissingher,
herubbednoseswithher.“IfIremembercorrectly,yourskirtsdon’tcomewithpanties.”
Katy smiled and nipped his bottom lip. Drawing it into her mouth, she licked it. Simon’s
manlygroansparkeddesirelowinherbelly.“Buttheydocome.”
“Mmm,yes,theydo.”Heslidhistonguealongherbottomlipthengentlysuckedit.
Katysighedasherbodyliquefied.Simon’sdeepraspofapprovalwarmedhertohertoes.
Hedidthattoher.
“Simon,”Katysighed.
“Shhh,”hesaidagainstherdewyskin.
“Ijustwantedtosay,thankyouforputtingmefirst.”
His fingers tightened around the back of her head, and from beneath lowered lids she
watchedhimclosehiseyesandsharplyinhale.Hisbodystilled.Exceptfortheerraticthudof
hisheartagainsthers.
Uneasespikedalongherspine.“Simon?”
When he opened his eyes, she gasped. His expression, a complicated mixture of fear and
regret,registeredonthesharpplanesofhisface.“Simon?”sherasped.“You’rescaringme.”
“You’rescaringme,Cinderella.”
“How?”
“You make me feel things, want things, fear things I’ve never faced before. It makes me
uncomfortable as hell.” He shook his head. “It’s a hell of a lot easier not to get tied up in
emotions.”
She grabbed his chin when he made to look away from her. “It is easier, but it’s also
lonely.”Shebroughthislipstohersandkissedhim.“Andsomuchmoreboring.”
When he didn’t respond with his earlier passion she pulled away from him, then pushed
himoutofherarms.“What’sgoingoninthatheadofyours,Simon?”
“Idon’twantyoutoenduphatingmeforthingsinmypast.”
“Whywouldyousaythat?”
“BecauseIdon’t.”
“Bespecific,Simon.Whathaveyoudoneorwillyoudotocausemetonotloveyou?”
Hevisiblyblanchedatthe“L”word.
“Doesthe“L”wordmakeyouuncomfortable?”
“All of this,” he made a hand gesture indicating the both of them. “Makes me
uncomfortable.”
Itmadeheruncomfortabletoo,butinanexcitedterrifiedway.“You’reabigbad,cop,deal
withit.”
“I’vekilledmenwithoutflinching.Ididn’tgivearat’sasshowtheyfelt.IknewIwasdoing
therightthing.Withyou,Cinderella,I’mnotsurewhatthehellI’mdoing.”Hebrushedher
bangsfromhereyes.“AndIdon’twanttomessthisup.”
“Ithinkyou’rebeingtoohardonyourself.”
“Youneedtobeharderonme.”
“I’dliketosaythatIcouldneverhateyou,butIknowthatisn’ttruebecauseyouhavethe
powertohurtmemorethananypersonalive.Ifyoudohurtme?I’llhateyouforcausingme
suchpain.”Sheshruggedandcontinued,“Butlikethatsayinggoes,nopainnogain.”
“Whatdoyouwanttogain?”
“I’magreedygirl,Simon,Iwanteverything.”
“WhatifIcan’tliveuptoyourexpectations?”
“ThenIdropyouforthenexthotguythatcomesalongandstrikesmyfancy,”sheteased.
Hewasnotamused.
Amanda’s threat as she exited Simon’s house, echoed in her brain. “What’s Amanda
holdingoveryou?”
Helaughedcaustically.“Hermisery.”
“She’sinchargeofherownhappiness,Simon,that’snotyourloadtobear.”
Thoughhisfeaturesstillremainedtight,hiseyessoftened.“Idon’twantyouhatemefor
otherreasons,Kat.ReasonsIcan’texplainrightnow.”
“Oh,thatsoundsdiabolic.MaybepartofyourgrandplanistotakemeforallI’mworth?”
Shelookedaroundatthewell-appointedhouse.“Hmm,maybenotbecauseitlookslikeeven
onacop’ssalaryyou’redoingok.SoI’mgoingtoguessyouaren’tusingmeformymoney?”
“Ihaveplentyofmoney.”
“Thenmaybeyou’reusingmeformyfriendsinhighplaces?”
“Rosieterrifiesme.”
“Ah,thenperhapsyou’reusingmeformyresearchsecrets?”
Hisfacetightenedforjustthebriefestofsecondsbeforeitpassed.
Shestiffened,wonderingifshehadhitanerve.“Ifyouwanttoknowsomethingaboutmy
research,Simon,justaskme.”
“I’mnotinterestedinyourresearch.”
“Thenwhat?”
“Iwanttoknowhowasexylittlelabbunnylikeyouhasmanagedtogetsofarundermy
skin,thatshe’smakingmesecondguesseverythingIsayandeverythingIdo?”
“Maybeyoudothesamethingtoher.”
He reached out and slid his fingertips along her cheekbone. “You make me want to be a
betterman,KatrinaWinslow.”
“Andyou,CaptainWest,makemewanttobeabad,badwoman.”
Sheslidoffthecountertop,andmovedintohim.Nottouchinghim,shereachedoutand
yankedthestringtietohisflannelbottomslooseandpulledthemdownhisthighs.Hissemi-
erectionthickenedbeforehereyes.
Shedroppedtoherknees,andhegroaned.
“Shameonme,Simon,”shewhispered.
“Forwhat?”heasked,hisvoicelowandthroaty.
“Allthistime,alltheseorgasmsbetweenus,andneveroncehaveItastedyou.”Sheslidher
fingertipsalongtheundersideofhisthickshaft.Thepowerfulpulseofhisheartbeatthumped
beneathherfingertip.Hishardheatthrilledher.“Ilovethatyougetsohardsofastforme.”
Grasping him at the base of his shaft, he groaned and, arms fully extended, he leaned
backward,grippingtheoppositecounteredge.“Yes,Simon,likethat,fullyexposedandatmy
mercy.”Shelookedboldlyupathim.“Theonlythingthatwouldmakethisbetterformeisif
youweretiedup.”
“Nevergoingtohappen,”heroughlysaid.
Gentlyshestrokedhim.“Hmm,I’mintriguedthatyouaresoadamantlyopposed.”
With her free hand she softly stroked his tight balls. “Jesus, Kat,” he ground. “I want to
slamyoudownonthefloorandfuckyouintonextweek.”
“Oh, that would be too easy for you,” she murmured as she slid the tip of her tongue
around the base of his cock. He hissed in a sharp breath. She licked him higher, leisurely
lapping him like a slowly melting ice cream cone. As she wrapped her tongue around the
sensitiveskinjustbelowthewidehead,shesuckedhimthere,flickinghertongue.
“Kat,”hesighed,hisvoicequaking.
Shelickedalongslowtrailaroundhisheadthenslowlysuckedhimintohermouth,sliding
her tongue in languid swirls around the plump warmth of him. His salty precum added
lubrication,andinchbyinchshesuckedhimuntilshetookhimallthewayin,theheadofhis
cockslidingdownherthroat.Hisballstightenedasshecontinuedtostrokethem.
Hismuscledthighsconstrictedashisfingersdugintoherhair.Hisloudgroansofpleasure
hadhersoakingwetandnearlycomingwhileonherknees.Shelovedthatsheexcitedhimso
thoroughly.Shelovedthatshecouldworkhimupsoquicklyandsopassionately.Sheloved
the power she wielded over him, not only sexually but emotionally. But it was a two way
street.Becausewhilehewasathermercy,shewasalsoathis.
“Kat,”hemoanedroughly.Hethrustintohermouth,hersalivaofferingmorethanenough
lubrication so that when he drove deep into her, she didn’t gag from his size. His hot, hard
heatfilledhermouth.“Thatfeelssodamngood.”
His hips drove relentlessly against her. To steady herself, she grabbed his thighs then
reachedaroundanddughernailsintohishardass.
“Jesus!”hecried.Shesuckedhardateachofhisthrusts,takingallhehadtogive,loving
that she drove him this crazy. Digging her nails deeper into him, she held on as his hips
rocked.Hisbreathwasloudandragged,herpussywasonfire,shewantedhiminsideofher,
shewanted—
His fingers tightened around her head, pulling her hair, holding her against him. His
dominanceoverhermadeherwetter.Shemoanedashiscockslidinandoutofhermouth.
“YoulikeitwhenIcontrolyou?”hebreathlesslyasked.
Caughtupinthemoment,shenoddedcarefulnottohurthim.
“Getonallfours,”heroughlysaid.
Whenshehesitated,hepulledherheadaway,reacheddownandscoopedherup.Inthree
longstepshesetherdownonthecarpetinthelivingroom.“Allfours,now.”
“Simon,”shegaspednotrelishingtheirdisconnect.Butevenassheprotested,shedropped
toallfours.
“Quiet, Cinderella,” he softly commanded, “Pull your skirt up and turn around. I want to
seeyourhoneyedcunt.”
“But—,”Unsurewherehewasgoingwithhiscommands,shegazedupathim.
Thepassioninhiseyesheldhers.“Doyoutrustme,Kat?”hesoftlyasked.
“Yes,”shebreathedflickingtheshortskirtupoverherbackside.
His eyes burned with passionate fire as she exposed herself. Despite being on all fours,
Katyfeltempowered.Hewantedwhatshehad,andhewoulddoalmostanythingtohaveit.
Morethanthat,shewoulddoanythingtogiveittohim.
He bent down and swatted her exposed bottom. “Then do as I say,” he dangerously
crooned,“OrI’lltakeyouovermyknee.”
Thethoughtscandalizedherasmuchasittitillatedher.Hemusthavecaughtthegleamin
hereye,becausehislipsturnedupintoawickedsmile.“Wouldyoulikethat,Kat?Youspread
outovermykneesasIspankthatsweetlittleassofyourssillywithonehandandfingeryou
withtheother?”
hecouldbarelyadmittoherself,muchlessSimon,thatthethoughtthrilledher.Whatwas
wrong with her that the thought of Simon’s big palm spanking her tender bottom while he
slid his finger in and out of her as she shamelessly begged him for more, made her nearly
comeonthespot?
Simondraggedthestringtiefromhisflannelbottomsandsmiledashemovedintoward
her.“Handsbehindyourback.”
“Si-”
“Now,”hegrowled,notwaiting,hestoodherupandpulledherarmsbehindherbackthen
tiedher hands at thewrists. Gently he pickedher up and moved acrossthe room to alarge
ottoman.Hesatdownandwithherproneonhislap,henudgedherheaddownandliftedher
assup,spreadingherkneessothatshewascompletelyexposed.
“You’resoakingwet,”heroughlysaid.
“Simon,”shebreathlesslybegged.
Gently he rubbed his big hand across her sensitive bottom. “Tell me what you want,
princess,andI’llgiveittoyou.”
“Iwant—,”Sheheldback.HowdidyoutellamanlikeSimonWestyouwantedallofhimto
yourself?
Hisfingerstightenedalongherskin.“Tellme.”
Shemoanedashisfingersdugindeeper,thenslidbetweenherasscheekstoherslickcleft.
“God,Simon,”shegasped.She’dneverbeenasengorgedasshewasatthatmoment.
Hespankedherbottomwithhisrighthandthenslidhisleftacrosstheafflictedflesh.“Tell
me,Katrina,whatdoyouwant?”
Herbodytightenedwhensherealizedshewasn’tbraveenoughtotellhim,somethingthat
disappointedherevenasshewantedwhatthepenaltyforhersilencewouldbe.Sherubbed
herbottomagainsthishand.
Hespankedheragain.“That’scheating.”
Hespankedheragain,thistimeharder.“Simon,”shegaspedonthevergeofexploding.His
thickerectiondugintoherbelly.Herjuicesseepeddowntheinsideofherthighstohis.
“Youaresofuckingwet.”Heslidathickfingeralongherseam,andshestruggledagainst
theties,archingherback,offeringhimherwantonpussy,tooshytodemandhehavehisway,
anywayhewantedwithher,solongasshecamehardandlong.“Yourcuntisbeggingmeto
fuckit,Kat.Butnotuntilyousaythewords…”
Hespankedheragain,andthistimehisfingertipscaughtherswollenlabia.
Shenearlycame.“Simon—,”shepleaded.“God,please,makemecome.”
“Why?”
“Because,”shegulpedforair.“Ilovethewayitfeels.”
Hespankedherswollenlips,andcuppedherfirmly.“Thisismine.”
Squeezinghereyesshut,Katyheldherbreath.
“Sayit,Kat.Sayyoursweetlittlecuntbelongstome.”
“M-mysweetcuntbelongstoyou,Simon.”
“This is mine.” He nipped her ass cheek. He slid a finger deep into her, and she nearly
jettisonedacrosstheroom.“Thisismine.”
“Yes,Simon,allofme,it’sallyours.”
“I’llnevershareyou.Youunderstandthat,don’tyou?”
“Yesss.”Godshewantedtocome.
“Don’tevergivemeanultimatumagain,Kat.”
Dangeredgedhiswords.Sheshiveredviolently,lovinghisboldness.
“Iwillalwayskeepyousafe,neverdoubtthat.”
Hiswordsevokedsuchastrongreactionfromherthatshecouldbarelybreathe.“Never,”
shebreathlesslysaid.
“Nowtell,meDr.Winslow,whatdoyouwantmetodotoyou?”
“Makemecome.”
“How?”
“Fingermeasyouspankme.”
“Spankwhat?”
“My sweet cunt.” God she’d said it, and she meant it. As the words expelled from her
mouth,sheneverfeltsodirty,soincontrolorsoturnedon.
“Jesus,”hegroanedanddidasshedemanded.
Hespankedherhotbottomwithonehand,catchingherswollenlipsashistalentedfingers
sweptslowlybackandforthalongherseaminperfectcadencetohisspanks.Aseachspank
intensified, his finger sunk deeper into her pussy while his thumb gently penetrated her
anus.
Unabletostandtheoverloadofsensation,wantingtogetawaybutwantingmoretostay,
Katygroundherchestintohisthighs.Thesteelhardnessofhiscockdugintoherbelly,and
justasshewasabouttocome,heliftedherfromhislap,turnedheraroundtofacehimand
broughtherdownonhisthrobbingcock.Sheexplodedaroundhimbeforeheburiedhimself
ballsdeepintoher.
Impaled, she screamed as the orgasm racked through her in one tumultuous wave after
another.Hegrabbedherbythebackofthehead,pulledherhairuntilshearchedintohim,
and then lowered his lips to hers. As he came in a frantic release, he consumed her with a
deathdefyingkiss.
Deepsobserupted,fillingherchestbeforeescapingherlips.Hot,sweaty,witheverynerve
ending in her body on fire, Katy hung helpless in the enigmatic Captain’s arms, knowing
therewouldneverbeanothermanontheplanetthatshetrustedenoughtodowhatshehad
justallowedSimontodo.
Astheirbreathsfinallyfellintoanormalrhythm,Simonsoftlyasked,“Areyouokay?”
“Ithinkso,”shemurmured.“Areyou?”
“Idon’tknow.”
Hisfingersdeftlyuntiedthestringbindingherwrists,andassheworkedthekinksoutof
hershouldershehelpedherbyrubbingthem.“I’msorryifIhurtyou.”
Shaking the hair from her face, she smiled sheepishly. “You didn’t do anything to me I
didn’twantyoutodo.”
“IwishyoucouldhaveseenthewayyourasspinkenedeachtimeIspankeditortheway
yourpussyswelledandglistenedwitheachstrokeofmyhand.”Hecaughtherlipsinaslow
kiss.“I’mgettinghardagainjustthinkingaboutit.”
“Nexttime,Igettotieyouup.”
“Notgoingtohappen,”headamantlysaid.
She sat back and cocked her head. “I trusted you not to hurt me, Simon, don’t you trust
me?”
“Itrustyou,Cinderella,it’sjustnotmything.”
“Haveyouevertriedit?”Sheprayedhehadnot.
“No.”
“Haveyoueverspankedawomanbefore?”
“You’remyfirst.”
Shesmiledsheepishly.“Andyoulikedit?”
“Ilovedhowexciteditgotyou.”Hesmiled.“Haveyou—”
“No,I’venevercomeclose.I’venevertrustedamanthewayItrustyou,Simon.”
heshrillringofthetelephoneonthekitchencounteryankedthembacktoreality.When
Simonmadenomovetoanswer,Katynudgedhim.
“Whoeveritiswillleaveamessageorcallback,”hehoarselysaid.
When Simon’s deep voice on his voicemail message instructed the caller to leave a
message, the frantic voice of a female did just that. “Simon, it’s Mom. Amanda is here and
she’sthreat—”
Simonwasupandansweringthephoneinaninstant.“What’sgoingon?”
Katycouldhearthefrantictoneofhismother’svoicebutnotthewords.“Ok,settledown,
letmetalktoher.”Simon’svoicewascalm,butmeasured.
Suddenly cold, Katy smoothed her skirt back into place and wrapped her arms around
herself.HergazecaughtandheldSimon’sworriedeyes.“Amanda?”hesaid.Stridingtoward
Kat,hepulledherintotheprotectiveembraceofhisleftarm.Thathekeptherclosetohim
despitewhatwasgoingonmadeherfeelwantedandsecure.
“Amanda,stop!”hecommanded.“StopnoworI’llhaveyou5150’dbeforeyoucantaketwo
stepsoutofthere.”
“Howdareyou!”Amandashrilled.
“Tryme.”
He tightened his grip on Kat. There was silence on the other end of the phone, then
Simon’smotherspokeagain.
“Simon,”shesaid.“Ineedyouhere.”
“Now?”
“Now.”
“Okay.GivemeafewminutesandI’llheadover.”
Katyfeltasiftheairhadbeenkickedoutofherlungs.Shedidn’twanthimtogo,butshe
didn’twanttobeselfisheither.
Simon nudged her chin up to look at him. “My mom is fifteen minutes from here. I’ll be
backbeforeyouknowit.”Hekissedhersoundlyonthelips,sprintedupthestairs,andcame
back down a few minutes later dressed in worn blue jeans, a white tee shirt and running
shoes.
“Don’tgoanywhere,princess!”hesaidoverhisshoulderasheleftthehouse.
Twohourslater,Simonhadnotreturnedandhehadnotcalled.Shefeltfoolish.Shecalled
acab,andastheyheadednorthon101towardthecity,herfoolishnessturnedtoanger.This
was not how she wanted her life with Simon to be. Always at Amanda’s beck and call. And
thiswasall Amanda’s doing. The wily sister-in-law knew Simon’s mom would call him and
he’dleaveKatyinordertocomerunning.Sowhohadhimnow?
AnotherhourlaterKatystoodinfrontofherbuilding.StillnocallfromSimon.Ithadbeen
threehourssincehe’dleft.Somuchforbeingrightback.
Overnight bag in hand, bypassing the elevator, Katy walked up the stairway to her
apartment. Just as she was about to open her door she remembered the mess the feds had
left her apartment in. Not what she wanted to come home to. Expelling a long breath she
unlockedherdoorandpreparedtorolluphersleevesandgettowork.Instead,shestopped
short. Everything in the foyer was in its place. As she walked through her apartment, she
smiled.Herentireapartmentwasspotless.Everythingexactlywhereitshouldbe.
Onlyonepersonhadaccesstoherapartmentandthatsamepersonknewherwayaroundit
almostaswellasshedid.Rosiewasthebest.Katyjumpedintheshower.Whenshestepped
out,drippingwet,shecheckedherphone;nocallfromSimon.Scowling,shedriedoff,threw
onapairofyogapantsandateeshirtthenheadeddownthehalltoherfriend’sapartment.
Rosie’shusbandElliotansweredwithasmile.“Hello,doll,”hebrightlysaid,reachingout
andgivingherabigheartyhug.Forsuchaslightman,Elliotgavehugsthatrivaledabear’s.
“Hi, Elliot,” she said. Smiling against his shoulder, she hugged him back. “Where is that
crazywomanyoumarried?”
Helaughedandsteppedback.“She’sdownattheCo-OpMarket,she’llbebacksoon.”He
usheredherinandclosedthedoor.“Iwasjustfixingmyselfachai,wouldyoulikeone?”
“No, thank you. I just popped in to thank Rosie for cleaning up my place. I was dreading
cominghometothatmess.”
“She was happy to do it. But she cursed your ex every minute she was in there.” He
chuckled.“Ican’teverremembermywifewantingtodosuchgrossbodilyharmtoaperson
before.”
Katy shivered wondering how she could have been so blind and foolish. “He deserves it.
Andhe’sgoingtogethisdue.DoyouknowwhereRosieputmylaptop?”
“It’sinthepotatoboxinthepantryunderthestackednewspaper.I’llgetitforyou.”
“Fixyourtea,Elliot,I’vegotit.”
After digging through the mountain of neatly stacked newspapers, Katy smiled as she
pulledheraluminumfoil,saranwrappedlaptopfromthebottomofthebox.
“Shethoughtifthefedscamebustinginherethey’dthinkitwassomethingotherthanthe
obvious,”Elliotexplained,rollinghiseyes.
“I should have never asked Rosie to take it. I wasn’t thinking how it could compromise
you.I’msorry.”
“Nottoworry,doll.You’relikeadaughtertous.Fedsmesswithyou,theymesswithus.”
Hesmiledandraisedhisteacup.“Nowtellmehowyoureallyare.”
Katyinhaleddeeply,andthenslowlyletitgo.“Angry,confused,inloveandfrustrated.”
“Whoa,gobacktotheinlovepart.”
“Oh,c’mon,Elliot,I’msureRosietoldyouallaboutmyhotcop.Hedrivesmecrazy!”
“Wantmetohaveatalkwithhim?”
“It’snothim;it’shiscrazy,widowedsister-in-law.She’sgotathingforhimandshe’susing
herdaughtertocontrolhimandit’sdrivingmeupthewall.”
“Agoodmanstandsbyhisfamily,Katrina.”
“Iknow,”shegroaned.“Iwanttobemadathim,Iammadathim,butI’mmadderather.”
“Tellhimhowyoufeelthengivehimsometimeandspacetocometohisownconclusion
onhowtohandleit.”
“I did, sort of. At least the telling him how I feel part. Not so much the giving him some
timeandspace,butthat’snotwhatheseemstowantfromme.”
Hisgreyeyessoftened.“Rosiesayshe’sasdominantandhighstrungasastallion.Aman
likethatneedshisheadandyourpatience.Pullhimbackandhe’llboltforsure.”
Katy giggled. Stallion? Leave it to Rosie. “He’s um, high strung for sure.” And dominant.
Warmthsluicedthroughherveins. Shemissedhim.Damn Amanda!MaybeKatyneededto
haveaheart-to-heartwiththewilywidow?
Tucking her laptop under her arm, Katy kissed Elliot’s cheek. “Thank you, Daddy, for the
advice.Andforkeepinganeyeonmylaptop.Andforyouramazingwife.”
“Anytime,doll,”hesaid.
Two minutes later as Katy walked into her apartment she heard the Hawaii Five-O ring
tone she assigned to Simon. Rushing for her phone, she tripped on the edge of the living
room carpet and nearly face planted into the wall. By the time she had recovered, the ring
stopped.
Shehadseveraltextsfromhim.
Thefirstonewastenminutesago.Whereareyou?
Twominutesafterthatone:Answerthequestion.
Aminuteafterthatone:You’repissingmeoffnow.
Fiveminuteslater:Isthisyourwayofpunishingme?
DamnitKat,pickup!
Hervoicemailchirped.
KatylistenedtothemessageSimonjustleft.“Katrina,Ihaveenoughbullshittodealwith
atthemoment,Idon’tneedyouplayingevasivegameswithmerightnow.WhenIcallyou,I
expectyoutoanswer.”Hehungup.
ForalongminuteKatystoodstaringindisbeliefatherphone.Thesimmeringangerfrom
his texts overflowed with his voicemail. Was she expected to be at his beck and call? She
wasn’tsometrainedbitchtodropwhatevershewasdoingwhenhesnappedhisfingers,damn
it!Hewastheonewholeft,saidhe’dberightbackandhereitwasnearlyfourhourslaterand
hewasjustnowcallingher?
Bull. Angrily, she texted him: For your information, Simon I was down the hall NOT
‘punishing’you.Excusemefornottakingmyelectronicleashwithme!
That was all the explanation he was going to get. She tossed her phone onto the sofa,
pickedupherlaptopandstrodeintothekitchenwhereshesetitdownonthetableandbegan
tounwrapit.
Sheignoredthechirpsofhercellphonealertinghertonumeroustexts.Grrr,finallyshegot
up,strodeintothelivingroom,pickedthecellupfromthesofawhereshehadtossedit,and
withoutlookingatwhathewroteshetexted:NOWI’mpunishingyou.Notforabandoning
me,butforyourbullyingtextsandvoicemail!
AminutelaterSimon’sringtonealertedher.“Hello,”shecurtlysaid,wishingshehadthe
willtocompletelyignorehim.
“Where are you?” his deep angry voice demanded. Just hearing him, despite her
frustration,sentshiversbouncingalongherskin.Sheenvisionedhimstandinginhiskitchen,
his tight ass wrapped in those snug jeans, barefoot and shirtless. Her body parts tingled. It
washardtostaymadatCaptainWest.
“Mykitchen.”
“Why did you leave?” he softly asked. His husky voice had changed from angry to
concernedandwithitshemeltedalittlemore.
“Whydidn’tyoucomeback?”Shethrewathim.
“Ihadalottostraightenout.”
Sodidshe.“IhavealottodotoprepareforVeronica.”
“Liar.”
Runningherfingersthroughherdamphair,Katysatdownonthesofa.“Simon,Idohavea
lottodo,andsodoyou.”
“What’sthatsupposedtomean?”
“Ithink—Iwantustotakeafewdaystocollectourselvesandregroup.”
“I’mcollected.”
“I’mnot.”
“Soyou’regoingtoturnintoHoudiniagain?”
Herspinestiffened.“What’sthatsupposedtomean?”
“Itmeanswhenthegoinggetstough,KatrinaWinslowdisappears.”
“Don’tevenpretendtoknowmethatwell,Simon!”
“Iknowyoubetterthanyouknowyourself.”
“You’rearroganttothinkso!”
“AmI?”
“KnowinghowIliketocomedoesn’tmeanyouknowtheessenceofwhoIam.”
“Oh, there you are very wrong, princess. Knowing how you like to come exposes your
essence.”Hisvoicedroppedseveraloctaves.“AndIloveyouressence.”
“It’sjustsex.”
“It’smuchmorethansex,don’ttrytopretenditisn’t.”
“Ok,it’sreallygoodsex.”
“IsthatallIamtoyouthen,agoodtime?”
Shewantedtobesomuchmoretohim.“Youknowyou’remorethanthat.”
“Thenletmeup.”
“Gohome,Simon.”
“Whereyouareishome.”
erheartlurchedagainstherchest.KatyclosedhereyesfortifyingherselfagainstSimon’s
potentpersuasion.“Don’t.”
“Don’twhat?”
“Don’tusewordslikethattogetundermyskin.”
“Imeanthem.NowbuzzmeuporI’llkickthisdamndoorin.”
Hewouldtoo.Shebuzzedhimup.
She couldn’t remember if she locked her front door or not. Just as she walked toward it,
Simonstrodeinwithagarmentbagoverhisshoulderandasmallleatherduffelinhisright
hand.HetossedbothontotheDantedivan,shutthedoorsoundlybehindhim,lockeditthen
turnedcageyeyesonher.“WhenItellyoutostayput,youstayput.”
“Youcan’ttellmewhattodo.”
Hestalkedcloser,likeapantherwatching,taunting,anticipatinghispreytoboltsothathe
couldchaseitdownandravishit.
“Ican.Youknowwhy?Youlikeit.”
“Notineverything.”
“No,justeverywherethatcounts.”
Warmth infused her nether parts. “Don’t touch me, Simon,” she cautioned as she backed
up.Sheneededtoknowshecouldcontrolhimandherself.
“I’mnotgoingtolayafingeronyou.”
Herchestroseandfellinshallowheaves.Sheswallowed.“You’renot?”
“No.”
Sheswallowedhardagain.“Good,becauseIhaveworktodo.”
Helookedpasthertothelaptop.“You’rebreakingthelawbyhavingthat.”
“Soarrestme,”shechallenged.
Hisgreeneyesblazed.“Ishould.”
Sheheldoutherarms,wriststogether.“Idareyou.”
“Doyouwantmetocuffyouandtakeyouin?”
“Cuffme,maybe...”ShehidhersmilewhenSimon’seyesdilatedatherwords.Shedidn’t
know why she taunted him except that she never had a real say in what happened between
them.Evensadder,shewasn’tsuresheevenwantedoneandthatcouldn’tbehealthy.
“TauntmewithoneandI’lldoboth.”
She shook her head and dropped her arms, disappointed that he didn’t turn her around,
hookherup,bendheroverthesofaandhavehiswaywithher.Theimagehermindconjured,
of him roughly taking her from behind as she dug her nails into the sofa fabric, shook her.
Breathlessshesaid,“Noyouwon’t.”Ifhedid,itwouldonlyprovethatwhenitcametosex
withSimonWest,Katywaspowerlesstoresisthim.Diditmatterthatshewasangryorhurt?
Apparentlynot.
“Whenitcomestoyou,Cinderella,IneverknowwhatI’mgoingtodountilIdoit.”
“Meeither.”Suckinginadeepbreathsheexhaledinaslowmeasuredbreath.
Hesmiledhiswickedestsmile.“Itseemslikewehavethesameproblemwhenitcomesto
keepingourhandsoffeachother.”
“I hate that even when I want to smack you, I want you to pin me up against the wall
and…”Hercheeksheated.
Hemovedinsoclosethewarmthofhisbodycocoonedher.Buthedidn’ttouchher.“And
what?”
Digging her fingers through her hair, Katy moved away from him. “Everything, damn it!”
shecried.Thensoftly,“Everything.”Feelingvulnerablebyheraddict-gradeattractiontohim,
she whirled around and heatedly said, “I don’t want to end up like Amanda!” Oh, my God,
she’dactuallysaidthat.
Hescowled.“Ifyoumeanawidow,I’mnotplanningondyinganytimesoon.”
“Oh,myGodSimon,that’snotwhatImeant!Idon’twantyoutodropmelikeyesterday’s
news.Ever!Idon’twanttogrovelorbecomeapatheticexcuseforawomanwhenyoudo.”
Hiseyesdarkenedtoastormyjade.“Ididn’tdropAmandabecausewewereneverathing
tostartwith.”
“Whatwereyouthen?”
“Shewasaonenightstandthatturnedintoatwonightstand.Inevermadeheronesingle
promise.SheknewfromthestartIwasn’tlookingforarelationship.”
“Justahookup?”
“Yes.”
“Youseemtohookupwithalotofwomenwhocan’tacceptthatyou’vemovedon,Simon.I
don’twanttobepartofthatclub.”
“Soyouthinkyou’regoingtocutmeloosebeforeIdoittoyou?”
Shecringedathisabruptwords.Butshemadeaspurofthemomentdecisionandnodded.
“Yes.” She did not want to become an Amanda clone. And she would, hell, she already was
one. Ha, and here she’d thought she had come so far in the self-respect department. She’d
regressed.
Hegrabbedherbythearmandyankedherhardagainsthischest.“Thehellyouare.We’re
going to ride this one out together, princess, and if that ride takes us around the world and
we’restillcrazyabouteachotherthenwe’llgoagainandagainuntilwebothwantoff.”
“WhatifIneverwantoff?”
Hestaredather.Whenhedidn’trespond,sheputitallontheline.
“Iwantafamily,Simon,notanEticketrideatDisneyland.”
Slowlyhegrinned.“Stickwithme,kid,andmaybeI’llgiveyouboth.”
Katy’sbellyplummeted.“Whatareyousaying?”
“I’msaying,IwantwhatyouwantandI’mwillingtogiveitashot,butIdon’twanttorush
things.”
“But what if someone better than me comes along?” Ugh, did she just say that? How
embarrassing.
“There’snoonebetterformethanyou.”Hisgriploosenedandhisbighandssliddownher
backtorestonherasscheeks.“Now,ifyoudon’tbackupandcrackopenthatlaptop,Iam
goingtopinyouagainstthatwallanddoeverythingtoyou.”
Shereturnedhissmile.“Maybethat’swhatIwantyoutodo.”
“Maybe I do, too, but right now, I want to help you put together the information you
promisedVeronica.”
“Won’tyougetintrouble?”
“LetmeseewhatyouhaveandthenIcananswerthat.”
Asshefinishedunwrappingherlaptop,hugelyrelievedtoseeherflashdrivestillinserted,
Simonsaid,“Icouldeatahorse,Kat,howaboutweordersomeofthatgreatpizza?”
“Mmm, that sounds good. The number’s on the menu in the drawer to the right of the
sink.”
Asheorderedenoughpizzatofeedanarmy,Katybootedupherlaptop.Asshewaitedforit
toload,shesaidtoSimon,“Ium,managedtogetacopyofEvan’stexts.”
“Idon’twanttoknowhow.”
“Icouldn’ttellyouanyway.”
Heraisedadarkbrowashesatdownbesideheratthekitchentable.“Kaaat?”
She shrugged and brought up the flash drive files with the copied texts and turned the
screentowardhim.“IfItoldyou,I’dhavetokillyou.”
Scootingherchairaroundbesidehis,shepointedtothecypher-text.“Ihaven’tfiguredout
whathe’sbasedhiscodeon,butonceIdoit’llbesimpleenoughtocrack.”
Simonexpandedthefirstline.“Whatwasthatdoucheinto?”
“Likeahobby?”
“Hobby,work,personal.”
“Evanwasatotalgeekwithexpensivetaste.”
“Whatdidhebringtothelab?”
“Chemistry.”
Simonsmiledather.“Aren’tallofyouscientistschemists?”
“Yes,butEvanwasamolecularchemist.”
“Whichmeans?”
“Heworkedongenotyping.It’stheprocessofdeterminingthevariationsinanindividual’s
DNAbycomparingittoaDNAreferencesequence.”
“Howdidthattieinwithwhatyouweredoing?”
“It plays an important part in the study of viruses and bacteria which can either improve
treatmentsordevelopbetterones.”
“Butyouwereworkingoncancergeneresearchnotvirusesorbacteria.”
“He was fascinated with my sequencing research and we were good sounding boards for
eachother.”
Simonscowled.“Yeahhewasfascinatedwithmorethanyoursequencing.”
Katywarmed.SheknewjealousywasanewemotionforSimon.Andwhilehedidn’tliketo
feelit,shewaskindofgladhedid.“Areyoujealous,Simon?”
Heclosedhiseyes,andwhenheopenedthemthegreenflared.“Doyouhaveanyideahow
harditwasformetoleaveyouwithhiminthathotelroomthatnight?”
Herheartjumpedhardagainstherchest.“Ididn’twantyoutoleave.”
“Istoodoutsideyourdoorforalmostahalfhourmakingsureyouwereokay.”
“Youdid?”Herheartfluttered.“Thatwassosweet.”
“I’mhardlysweet,Kat.Whenitgotquiet,Ileft.PissedIwasn’ttheoneintherewithyou.”
Smiling she stood up and moved behind him. Wrapping her arms around his rigid
shouldersshesnuggledupagainsthisback.“Trustme,youwerestillintherewithme.And
Evanknewit.Totallyinfuriatedhim.”
Simonpulledherarmsdownasheturnedinthechairbringingherontohislap.Clasping
thebackofherheadwithhisbighandhebroughtherlipstohis.“IfIeverseehimagain,I’m
goingtohurthim.”
“Oh,Simon,”shepurred,slidingherlipsacrosshis.“He’snotworththetrouble.”
Hislipsopenedpossessively,takingcontrolofhers.Hisarmstightenedaroundher,ashis
kissdeepened.Shelovedthissideofhim.Possessive.Strong.
His hand slid down her waist to her hips then beneath the little cammie top she was
wearing.Hersensitiveskinflushedwarmlybeneathhistouch.Softlyshemoaned,tightening
herarmsaroundhisneck.
As his fingers traced across her hard nipples, Katy moaned again and arched, giving him
greateraccess.Justasheslidhishandbeneathherbra,hiscellphonerang.Itwasanewring
tone, a caustic beep beep, and by the stiffening of his body, she knew it wasn’t a call he
wantedtotake.
Heignoredit.ButKatycouldn’t.
“Simon.”
“It’sAmanda.”
xhaling loudly, Katy pushed off Simon, grabbed the phone and answered, “Simon can’t
cometothephoneatthemoment.”
“Uncle?”alittlegirl’svoiceexcitedlysaid.
Katy’s belly dropped. How was she supposed to compete with an innocent five year old?
“Holdon,sweetie,I’llgethimforyou,”shecarefullysaidandhandedthephonetoabaffled
Simon.
“What?”hesaid,exasperated,expectingAmanda.“Oh,Livy!”heexcitedlysaid.Katy’sheart
meltedasshewatchedSimon’sfeaturesgofromhardtosoftandlovinginthespaceofone
heartbeat.Herwombdidafunnylittlehippityhop.
ThesuddenandunexpectedurgetomakeababywithSimoncaughtheroffguard.
She wanted a family, she had told Simon as much earlier, but she hadn’t meant anytime
soon…orhadshe?Kidshadalwaysbeenoneofthethingsshehadhopedtohavebutnever
with a specific man in mind. Until now. As she watched and listened to Simon speak so
animatedly to a little girl who loved him like she loved her daddy, Katy realized no matter
howlongshewaswithSimon,Amandawouldalwaysbeapartoftheirlives.Goodorbad,she
wasOlivia’smotherandtheywereapackagedeal.
“Iwanttoseeyoutoo,pumpkin,”hesoftlysaid.“HowaboutifIpickyouupfromschool
tomorrowandwehavelunchatCoCo’s?”
Delightedsquealseruptedfromthephone.SimongrinnedatKaty.Shegotallgooeyinside
whenhesaid,“IhaveafriendIwantyoumeet.You’lllikeherasmuchasIdo.”
A split second later, Amanda’s shrill voice blasted from his cell phone, “Absolutely not! I
forbidyoutobringthatwomananywherenear,Olivia!”
Gentle Simon morphed instantly into Don’t-Fuck-With-Me Man. “Go there with me,
Amanda,andI’llsicVeronicaonyou.”
“Youwouldn’tdare!”
“Try me.” Simon stood and walked into the living room. “I promised Livy I’d pick her up
from school tomorrow, and that is exactly what I’m going to do. I’ll bring her by HQ at 4
whenyougetoff.”
HQ?
She must have acquiesced because Simon said, “Thank you.” He hung up and tossed his
phoneontothesofa.Foralongmomenthestoodrigidlystill,staringoutthewindowatthe
settingsun.
“It’sMorsecode,”hesaid.
“What?”Katysaidstandingup.ShewantedtoknowwhatAmandahadsaidandwhatHQ
was.
Simonturnedaroundandstrodetowardher.“ThecypherisinMorsecode.”
“Slowdown,cowboy,firsttellmewhat’sgoingontomorrow.”
“I’m taking a half day off, and picking my niece up from school at one, taking her out to
lunchatherfavoriteplaceandthenprobablytakinghershoppingformoredolls.”
“Thatsoundslikealovelyday.”AndKatywouldlovetojointhem.
“I’dlikeyoutocomewithme,Kat,andmeettheotherwomaninmylife.”
Katysmiledsobighercheekshurt.“I’dloveto.”
“Good.Now,let’sseeaboutcrackingduffus’sMorsecodetexts.”
Astheysatbackdownatthekitchentable,Katyasked,“What’sHQ?”
“Headquarters.”
“Likeinyourpoliceheadquarters?”
Simon looked up from the laptop screen. “Yes, Amanda is the county’s task force liaison
betweenothercounty,stateandfederalagencies.”
Jealousydugitsnastyclawsintoher.SoAmandaknewtheinsandoutsofSimon’sjob,and
wasprobablyconsideredoneofthe‘guys,’whileshe,Katywasacompleteoutsider.
“Soshe’snotonlyyourex-loverandyoursister-in-law,butshe’salsoacoworker.”
Simon’sjawtightened.“Yes.”
“Whydidn’tyoutellme?”
“Becauseit’sirrelevanttohowIfeelaboutyou.”
“Butwhatif—”
“—things were reversed?” he abruptly interrupted. “Yeah, it would bug me. No, it would
pissmethehelloff,butthenI’dhavetogetoveritandtrustyouwhenyousaythatyou’re
overit.”Heleanedintoher.“BecauseifIkeptobsessingaboutyouworkingwithanoldflame
whowantedbackintoyourpanties,itwoulddrivemecrazyandfuckupwhatIhadwithyou
becauseyouwouldgettiredofreassuringmethatIhadnothingtoworryabout.”
Katy’s lips parted as she was about to throw a sarcastic rejoinder at him but she bit her
tongue.Hewasrightofcourse.Andshefeltfoolish.Insteadshelookedatthelaptopscreen
andsaid,“Morsecodeistooarchaic—toosimple.Evan’sself-absorbedbrainwouldhavemade
itmuchmorecomplicated.”
“Morsecodemaybearchaicbutit’snotdead.You’dbesurprisedhowmuchit’sstillused
today.”
“Doyouknowit?”
“Damnstraight.Mydadusedtotapoutourchoresforthedayincodeonthetablewitha
spoon to me and my brother every morning. We had to decipher what he told us before we
could leave for school. The Army taught it as well.” Simon looked around the kitchen. “Do
youhaveapenandpaper?”
Katy pulled out the drawer next to the sink and took out a pen and a legal pad handing
themtoSimon.
Quickly he went about writing the message. His brows furrowed. “It’s code but not
English.”
“I knew he wouldn’t make it so simple,” Katy said going back to the computer screen.
Thinkingoutloud,shesaid,“Evanwasachemist,soinsteadofanotherlanguagewhatifhe
usedcodingsequencestospelloutwordsthenconvertedthemtoMorsecode?”
“Whatsequencinghasanalphapattern?”
Katythoughtaboutit.Nothingspecificcametomind.
“Whataboutaperiodictable?”Simonsuggested.
Brilliant! “Yes, the elements!” she sat down and looked at the words Simon had written
down.“They’retooshort.”
“Maybeheabbreviated?”
“Weusedshorthandforallofourwrittennotes!Ibetthat’sit,Simon,heusedtheperiodic
tableforhisletters,butwrotethewordsinshorthandthenconvertedthemtoMorsecode!”
“Genius.”
Katysmiledsmuglyandtappedhertemplewithherindexfinger.“Thisisyourgeniusright
here,baby.Evan’sIQisfifteenpointsbelowmine.”
Simonsmiledandsoundlykissedher.“I’matotalsapiosexual.”
“Oh,Simon,”shesighed,battinghereyelashes.“Youknowjusttherightwordstomakea
girlswoon.”
Theylaughedthenstartedwhenthedownstairsdoorbuzzed.
“Pizza!” Simon said, pushing out of his chair and jogging to the front door to buzz the
deliveryguyup.
Twohourslater,stuffedfrompizza,andbraindrainedbutsmug,KatyandSimontoasted.
Evan’stextshadbeencrackedandohwhataplethoraofinformationtheyheld.
“I can’t believe this, Simon. Evan had us all fooled. I’ll bet this latest transaction of his,
sellingmyresearchpatent,isjustthetipoftheiceberg.”
Whenhisfacetightened,sheblinked.“What’swrong?”
“Youcannotdiscussthiswithanyone.”
“Iwon’t.Youcanhaveitall.”
“ProblemisIcan’tuseanyofthis.”
“Now’sahellofatimetotellmethat!Whynot?”
“BecauseIknowinglyabettedyou.”
“Noyoudidn’t!”
“Ididn’tconfiscateyoursubpoenaedlaptop,Kat.Ishouldhave.Insodoingornotdoing,
forthepurposeofusingthisevidenceinacourtoflaw,Ican’t.”
“ButIgaveittoyouofmyownfreewill.”
“Butyouusedanillegalapptoobtainit,anarrestableoffense,andthenyouknowinglyand
willfullyviolatedasubpoena.”
“So?Ididit,notyou,andI’lltakethehit.”
Simonstoodupandbeganpacingthekitchen.
“Absolutelynot.You’restayingoutofthis,”heresoundinglysaid.
“What?Areyoucrazy?Thisismyreputationontheline!I’mnotgoingtositbackandwait
forittogoaway.WhydoyouthinkIdidwhatIdidinthefirstplace?”
Simonshookhishead,andstoppedhispacingtolookhardather.“Youhavenoideathe
enormityofsomethinglikethis,Kat.”
Aharshchillrentherbody.“Wha-whatdoyoumean?”
“International espionage. Billions of dollars are at stake here. Not to mention national
security.”Heswipedhishandacrosshischin.“Andinnocentslikeyouwhoknowtoomuch
aredisposedof.”
“You’rescaringme,Simon.”
“Good, I want you scared, especially if it keeps you from doing something stupid like
spyingonEvan.”
“IfIhadn’tdonewhatIdid,youwouldn’tknowwhatyouknow.Nowyou’rethesmartass
copwho’sgoingtofindawaytousethisevidence,legallysoyoucanputEvanandhisfriends
awayandIcangobacktowork!”
“Iwantyoutopackupandstayatmyplaceforafewdays.”
Ignoring his request, Katy’s mind ran with ways Simon could legally use the information
shehadillegallyobtained.“WhatifIprintthesetextsoutanddropthemoffatHQ?Thenyou
cansayananonymoussourcetippedyouoff,makethearrests,badabingbadaboom,endof
case.”
“ThisistooincriminatingnottousebutIwon’ttakeachanceofanyofthisbeingtraced
backtoyou.NowthatIknowtheextentofEvan’sinvolvement,I’llneedasubpoena,whichis
going to take a few tricks and some smooth talking. I want this case to go to court and the
onlywaywecanuseanyofthisinformationisifweobtainitlegitimately.”
Katystiffened.“Iwasn’tawarethatyouwerethatinvolvedinthis.”
Simon’seyesnarrowed.“Ibecameinvolvedwhenyoubecameinvolved.”
Katysmiledfeelingthatlittlenagoftrepidationdisappear.“ThatfirsttimeIbumpedinto
you, Simon, I knew I wanted something with you. I never imagined it would involve you
standinginmykitchenhelpingmeproveI’mnotathief.”
Simongatheredherinhisarms.“ThefirsttimeIbumpedintoyouIwasn’tthinkingofthe
future,IwasthinkingoftheexpressionthatwouldbeonyourfacewhenIsunkintoyoufor
thefirsttime.”
Herheartthumpedassherecalledthatmomenthetookherfrombehindandshewatched
himinthemirror.“Irelivethatmomentdaily.”
ItwasSimon’sturntostiffen.“Youstillthinkabouthim?”heasked,anedgetohisvoice.
Katylookedup.“AboutEvan?”
Henoddedcurtly.
“TheonlythingIthinkaboutishowmuchIcan’twaittoseehimgotojail.”
“That’snotwhatImeant.”
“Iknowit’snotwhatyoumeant,butseriously,Simon,askingmeifIthinkofEvaninany
other context than wanting to see him pay is like me asking you if you think of Amanda or
Veronicaoralloftheotherhundredsofwomenyou’vesleptwith.”
Hisdarkbrowsshotuptohishairline.“Hundreds?”
Shenoddedandpokedhiminthechest.“Thousandsthen.”
“Neither,”hesaid,withatwinkleinhiseye.
“Howmanythen?Roughly.”
Hesmiledandshookhishead.“That’slikeaskingmetopourgasolineonafire.”
“Iwanttoknowhowmanywomenyou’vesleptwith.”
“Kat,c’mon.”
“Ballpark.”
Heexhaledloudly.“I’mnotthemanwhoreyouthinkIam.Idon’tjustfucktofuck.Okay,
Itakethatback,Ihaveinthepast,butIpickmypartnerswithcare.Icancountononehand
thewomenI’vepickedupinbars.”
Hercheekswarmed.“Ipickedyouupinabar.”
“AndIhaveneverbeensogladtobepickedup.”
“Haveyouever,um,doneitwithmorethanonewoman?”
Hisfulllipsquirked.Sherolledhereyesandtriedtogetoutofhisarms,buttheytightened
aroundher.“Don’taskthequestion,Cinderellaifyoucan’thandletheanswer.”
Shestoppedsquirming.“Didyoulikeit?”
Hiseyestwinkled.“Whatdoyouthink?”
“Thatyoulikedit.Alot.”
Hekissedhernose.“Itwasalotofwork.”
“Yeah,butsomeonehadtodoit.”
“KittyKat,whyareyousointerestedinmypast?”
Sheshrugged.“Becauseit’spartofwhoyouare.”
“Sowhatdoesmypastsayaboutme?”
“That you like women, like to fuck, like the chase, like the adrenaline rush and you like
varietyandnomossgrowsunderyourbed.”
“Isthatabadthing?”
“Notforyou,butfrommyperspectiveitmakesonealittlegunshy.Itshouldbeaforegone
conclusionthattherewillbeawomanbehindmeandoneafterherandsoon.”
“ButwhatyouhavefailedtorealizeisthatIneverfeltforanyofthosewomenwhatIfeel
foryou.”
“Doesthatmeanyoutrustme?”
Henodded.“Completely.”
“Then why haven’t you told me how your brother died and why you hold yourself
responsible?”
aty regretted the words the instant they left her mouth. The light faded from Simon’s
eyesandhisbigbodysagged.“BecauseIreliveiteverytimeItalkaboutit.”
Katyshookherheadandswipedbackthesuddenrushoftears.Hispainwaspalpable.She
hadcauseditbypushing.“I’msorry,Simon.Sometimesmystupidinsecuritiesgetintheway
ofmymanners.”
“Don’tbesorry,Kat.We’lltalkaboutitoneday,Ipromise,”hesoftlysaidthenwalkedover
to where he had tossed his cell earlier. “I need to jump on that subpoena.” He made a few
quicktexts,andthensaid,“Ineedtogoforafewhours.WhileI’mgoneIdon’twantyouto
leavethisapartment.PackyourbagsandwhenIreturn,you’regoinghomewithme.”
“Iappreciateyourconcern,Simon,butI’dratherstayheretonight.Ihaveameetingwith
Veronicafirstthinginthemorning,andafewerrandstorunifI’mgoingtomakelunchwith
youandOlivia.”
Hiseyesnarrowed.
“Iftheinvitationisstillopen.”
“Ofcourseitis.”
He moved back to the kitchen table and asked over his shoulder as he sat down at her
laptop.“OtherthantheUSBwhereelsedoyouhavethosetextfiles?”
“Mycell.”
“Nothinghereonyourlaptop?”
“Justmyresearchnotesandpersonalstuff.”
“Iwantyoutobackupeverythingonthislaptopthendestroytheharddriveandyourcell
too.”
“Why?”
“BecauseIdon’twantyourcyberfootprintanywherenearthosetexts.”
“But—”
Hisgreeneyesflashedfire.“Nobuts,justdoit.”
“Simon,you’rescaringme.”
Hestoodandgrabbedherbythearms.Thehardanglesofhisfacetightened.“Youshould
beafraid,thisinformationhasglobalimplications.Ifanyoneknewyouhadthisinformation,
you’dbedead.”
“Idon’tunderstand.It’sjustresearchtohelpsickpeoplethathe’sstealingandselling.”
“Andsomeofthatresearchcankillmillionswithasinglegerm.”
Shegasped.“Thebacteriumlabbreakin?”
Simonnodded.“There’smorebutIcan’tgetintothatrightnow,Kat.JusttrustmewhenI
tellyoutodestroytheharddriveandyourcell.”
“HowdoIdothat?”
“GetadrillfromRosie’shusbandanddrillthedriveafewtimes,youcanfryyourphoneor
shortitout.”
“Okay.”
He caught her up in his arms and kissed her soundly. “I won’t be gone long, but I’ll call
SFPD and have them send over a uniform to keep an eye on your building while I’m gone.
Don’topenthedoortoanyoneyoudon’tknow.”
“Iwon’t.”
Thenhewasgone.
An hour later, with her laptop backed up on several flash drives, Katy strode down the
hallwaywithitunderherarmandknockedonRosie’sdoor.Whentherewasnoanswer,she
frowned.Thatwasodd.Itwasteno’clockonaSundaynight.Usuallythetwoofthemwere
holedupintheirlivingroomwatchingLawandOrderreruns.
Asshewaswalkingbacktoherapartment,theelevatordingedasherfloornumberlitup.
Herheartrateaccelerated.Instinctivelysheknewitwasn’tRosieorElliotanditwastoosoon
for Simon who didn’t have key to the front door of the building. She ran to her apartment
doorandhurriedinjustastheelevatordoorsopened.Bodyshaking,shewatchedthroughthe
peepholeasEvansteppedout.Claspingherhandoverhermouthtokeephersurprisedgasp
quiet,sheshivered.
Helookedleaner.Meaner.Astranger.
Herhearthammeredagainstherribcage.Whatdidhewant?Didheknowshehadstolen
histexts?Howdidhegetuphere?
Ugh,hestillhadthekeytothedownstairsdoor.
Whenheknockedonherdoor,shejumped.
“Katy?” he called when she didn’t open it. “It’s Evan. You remember me, don’t you?” His
voice was rough, confident, and not very nice. It made her skin crawl to think of what she
allowedthismantodotoher.
He knocked again, louder. “I know you’re in there. Open up, it’s vital that I speak with
you.”Impatiently,heshiftedfromonefoottotheother.
Whywouldn’theleave?
Hugging the laptop to her chest, Katy choked back a gasp when she realized that Evan
knewwhereshelefthersparekeyintheplanterbytheelevator.
Herealizeditthemomentshethoughtitandmadehiswayovertoit.Shehurriedtoher
cellphone and quickly called Simon as she rushed back to the door. Grabbing an umbrella
from the closet, she slid it through the door handles, then shoved her face back to the
peepholeandwatchedasEvandugaroundtheplanterlookingforthekey.
“Hello,”Simon’sdeepvoicesaid.
Backingawayfromthedoor,Katywhispered.“He’shere,Simon,Evan’stryingtogetinmy
apartmentandheknowswhereIhidemykey!”
“Barricade the door then run to your bedroom. Lock the door then lock yourself in your
bathroom,I’msendingmenrightnow.Don’thangup,baby,staycalm.”
Hastilyshedraggedthekitchentableandchairsinandshovedthemagainstthedoorthen
hurriedtoherbedroom,lockedthedoor,thenlockedherselfinthebathroom.
“I’mlockedinmybathroom.”
“Goodgirl.DidyoutakecareofwhatItoldyoutotakecareof?”
“Elliotisn’thome.”
“Doyouhavetheitemswithyou?”
“Yes.”
“Fillthebathtubwithafewinchesofhotwater,turnthedevicesonanddumptheminthe
water.”
Katydidasshewastold.
Whenitwasdoneshegotbackonthephone.“Missionaccomplished.”
Loudbangingonherdoorstartledher.Shescreamed.
“Thosearemymen,princess,openthedoor,”Simoncalmlysaid.
“Areyousure?”
“Onehundredpercent.”
Katyhadneverbeensohappytoseecops.Notthatshedidn’tlikecops,shedid,especially
herhotcop,butsometimescopshadawayofbeingintrusive.
They moved her kitchen furniture from the foyer back to where it belonged then settled
herandreassuredhershewassafe.
Just as she was about to ask the Sergeant where Simon was, he strode in. Her heart
thumped wildly in her chest. His commanding presence shadowed those of the uniformed
officers.Sherantohim,throwingherselfintohisarmsandholdingonfordearlife.
His warm strength and low reassuring words were the soothing balm she needed, but it
alsomadeherrealizehowvulnerableshewas.WhatifEvanhadbrokenin?Ifheknewwhat
she’ddone,he’ddoanythingtoprotecthisownbutt.
According to Simon, he’d probably try to kill her, and she’d have no clue how to defend
herself.
“Didtheycatchhim?”sheasked.
Shaking his head, Simon answered, “He must have taken the stairs when he heard the
elevator bell. There was no trace of him when the officers arrived, with the exception that
yourdoorwasunlockedandslightlyajar.”
Katypulledbackandlookedupathim.Thestrongcolumnofhisthroattightened.
“Iputanumbrellathroughthedoorhandlesontheinside.”Sheturnedtowhereitlayon
thetilenearthefrontdoor.
“Hemusthaveusedthekey,andsliditout,”Simonsaid.“Therewasnosignthathetried
toforceentry.”
“Heknewwhereitwasintheplanter,”shesaid.“Ineedtogetmylockschangetonight.”
“Ihadoneoftheuniformscallalocksmith,he’sonhiswayovernow.Evanwon’tbeable
togetintoyourapartmentwithakey.Butthedownstairsdoorisanotherstory.”
“It’selectronic.Ishouldhavehadhiskeydeactivated.I’llhaveRosiedoittomorrow.”She
lookedshylyupathim.“Wouldyoulikeone?”
“Key?”
“Yes.”
Hisfeaturessoftened.“Ithoughtyou’dneverask”
“We’reallclear,Capt’n.”Oneoftheuniformedcopssaid.
“Thanksforgettingoverheresoquickly,Kinder.”
“Justdoingmyjob,Captain.”ThecopnoddedtoKatythenheadedout.
“Those are San Francisco cops. Why do you call them ‘your guys’ if you work for Santa
ClaraCounty?”
“We’reallonthesameteam,Kat.”
“IthoughtyouweregoingbacktoSantaClara.Wherewereyou?”
“Atthefederalbuilding,presentingmycaseforasubpoena.”
“Oh.”Shewasnodummy,but—“SothisthingwithEvan,you’repersonallyworkingonthe
case?”
“There’s been a task force in place for several years. Stone is one of several primary
personsofinterest.”
“Andyou’repartofit?”
“Ofthetaskforce,yes.”
“Oh.”Shewasn’tsurehowshewassupposedtofeelaboutthat.DidhesuspectEvanbefore
theyhadmet?
“WereyouinvestigatingEvanwhenwemet?”
“WewerewatchingBioGenandhadGenomtecontheradar.”
“Oh.”Exhalingloudly,KatywasoddlyrelievedhehadnotbeeninvestigatingEvanbefore
theymet.
“Whydidn’tyoutellmeallofthisearlier?”
“Aside from the fact that I’ve been working an undercover angle this past year, I didn’t
wantyouinvolved.Butthingschangedwhenyouinvolvedme,”heseriouslysaid.Andhewas
dead serious about his work. Gone was the teasing Simon she loved. In his place stood one
badassdudewithabadgeandgun.
Aknockonthedoorjarredthemfromtheirconversation.Itwasthelocksmith.Simongave
himquickinstructionsandsoontheelderlygentwaschangingthelocks.
“Excuse me,” Katy said to the grizzled grey haired man. “If it’s not too much trouble, I’d
liketwodeadboltsandaheavydutychainlockaswellasreplacingtheexistinglocks.”
Simonstoodbehindherandhonestlysaid,“NoneofitwouldkeepmeoutifIwantedyou
badenough.”
“Simon!You’resupposedtoreassureme,notscareme.”
“It’sthetruth.Idon’tknowwhyEvanwashere,butwhateverthereason,itwasnogood.
You’resaferatmyplacethanyouarehere.”
“Ican’tgotoyourplacetonight.IhavetobeatVeronica’satnine.Idon’twanttofightthe
101traffictomorrowmorningfromyourplacewhenallIhavetodoistakeacabdowntown
from here. Maybe tomorrow night?” She was dying to ask him to stay the night with her.
Insteadsheasked,“AreyougoingtoarrestEvan?”
“Ithinkit’sbetterifwedon’tshowourhandjustyet.”
She didn’t like that Evan had come to her home. He wanted something from her and
whatever it was, she was sure she didn’t want to give it to him. She shivered, rubbing her
handsupanddownherarms.
Simon pulled her into the warm cocoon of his embrace. “I don’t want you to worry,
princess.Nooneisgoingtohurtyou.I’lldiemakingsurethatdoesn’thappen.”
Herheartdidafunnythump-thumpandshegotallflushedathisgallantry,butthenthe
visionofSimon’scoldlifelessbodylyinginapoolofhisownbloodchilledhertothebone.
“Don’tsaythateveninjest!”
“I’mnotlaughing,Kat.”
Lookingupintohisfierceeyes,shebitbackacryofsurprise.Hisprimalaurascaredheras
muchasitexcitedher.Heatpooledlowinherbelly.“Simon,”shebreathed,“Staywithme.”
“I’mnotlettingyououtofmysight.”
Shehuggedhimtightlyandwishedthelocksmithwouldhurryup.
ust after eleven that evening, Katy left Simon with the locksmith and went to bed
emotionally exhausted. By the time Simon’s big warm body slid beneath the cool sheets
besideher,theclocknexttoherbedindicatedoveranhourhadpassed.
Whenhegatheredherintohisarms,sherolledoverandpressedherlipsintohisneck.His
pulsebeatstronglybeneathherlips.Andjustthateasily,warmthfloodedher.Therewasjust
somethingaboutSimon…
“Simon,”shewhisperedagainsthiswarmskin.
“Hmm,”heanswered.
“What’sgoingtohappen?”
“BeforeorafterIravishyou?”
Shesmiledagainsthisneck.“Youhaveaonetrackmind.”Butthen,sodidshe.
“Ican’thelpwheremymindgoes.”
“When you came striding in after the cops and took control, I just wanted to jump your
bones.”
“Ialwayswanttojumpyourbones.”
Sheroseuponanelbowandlookedathim,thesoftmoonlightwaftingthroughtheopen
curtainsgentlystrokedhisface.“Youlikebeingacop?”
He nodded without hesitation though a long release of breath came with it. “There are
partsIdon’tcarefor,butarenecessarytocloseacase.Thoughthegoodpartsfaroutweigh
thebad.Iloveit.It’swhoIam,whatIdo.”
“Ifyoucouldn’tdoit,whatwouldyoudo?”
“Pullthetrigger.”
“Simon!”
“I’mteasing,butI’dwantto.Beingacop,justlikebeingasoldier,fits.Thereisnothingelse
IwanttodoandnothingIdobetter.”
“Whydidn’tyougocareermilitary?”
Simon sighed then said, “Mark was getting in trouble. My dad died my first year in the
Armyandmotherworriedherselfintoseveralheartattacks,soIdidmyfour,gotmybrother
squaredaway,wenttocollegeandbecameacop.”
“Whataboutyou?Whenthisisallover,willyougobacktothelab?”
Letting out a long sigh, she laid back and stared at the shadows on the ceiling. “I’m not
sure. I mean I love research, but I think I need a break from it. And frankly, I doubt my
reputationwillcomethroughthisordealunscathedenoughformetoreturntowork.Inmy
profession,thefactthatI’mawomanwithadecadentpastmakesmealaughing-stock.”
Simon smiled and moved over her. “Oh you’re more than decadent. You’re a closet
submissive.”
Heatflushedhighinhercheeks.“Iamnot.”
“Would you like me to prove it to you again? Because that would be my pleasure. And
yours.”
Hishandssliddowntohersandbroughtthemaboveherhead.“Simon,”shebreathed.
“Don’tspeakagainuntilItellyoutospeak,”herasped.
She opened her mouth to object, but shut it. He slid his fingers beneath her panties and
pulled them down her thighs to her ankles before slipping them completely off. His teeth
glitteredinthemoonlightashesnappedherpantiesinhalfthenusedthemtotieherhands
toherheadboard.
Katysqueezedhereyesshut.
“Eyesopen,Kat,”Simoncommanded.
Instantly,sheobeyed.
A wicked smile twisted his handsome lips. “You know what I love most about tying you
up?”
Wide-eyed,dry-lipped,andhungryforSimon,Katyshookherhead.
“Ilovehowhardmycontrolmakesyoucome.”Heloweredhislipstoherneck,hiswarm
breathcaressinghersultryskin.“Becausewhenyoucome,princess,it’sabeautifulthing.”
“Simon—,”shepanted.
Henippedher.“Thenexttimeyouspeakoutofturn,I’mgoingtospankyou.”
Afunnysqueakysoundslidfromherthroat.
“Watching you come,” he continued as he slid his tongue between her quivering breasts,
“makesmesohardallIwanttodoissinkballsdeepintoyou.”Heflickedanipplewithhis
tonguethengentlysuckeditintohishungrymouth.
Katymoaned.Itfeltsogood.
“Ilovethesoundsyoumake.”Hereacheddownandgraspedhimself.“LookathowhardI
amforyou,princess.”
Hereyescaughthisfiercegazebeforetheylookeddown.Nerveendingscaughtfire.Hisbig
hand wrapped around his big cock turned her on as much as his touch. She opened her
mouthtoaskhimforitbutslammeditshut.Ifshespokeoutofturnafterhejustwarnedher
thenhewouldknowhowmuchsheenjoyedhisspankings.
“I’mgoingtomakeyoucomewithmytongue,Kat.Justmytongue.”
Herentirebodyshuddered.
“Doesthatexciteyou?”
“Yesss,”shehissed.
“Itexcitesmetoo.”
Helickedalongwideswathdownherbellytohersmoothmons.“You’resoakingwetand
I’vebarelytouchedyou.”Heflickedherclitoriswithhistonguethencaughtitinatightswirl
beforedraggingthatlascivioustongueofhisarounditagain.
Her body strained. Blazing sensation flooded her. She spread her legs wider for him. He
grabbedherthighs,digginghisfingersintoherskin.Shebitbackacryofpleasuredpain.
“Ididn’ttellyoutomove.”Hepushedherthighsbacktogether.“That’sbetter.”
Helickeddeeplybetweenhercleft.Katy’sfingersgraspedatairwhileherbodythrummed
formore.Moretouch.Moretongue.Morecock.Moreeverything.
Heworkedhistongueinandaroundherpussy,strokingandspankingherclit.Thewaves
builtandjustastheycrested,Simonmovedtotheinsideofherthighs.“Iforbidyoutocome
untilIsayyoucancome,Kat.”
Shebitbackalowgroanofbittersweetpain,buthiswordsmadeherhotterforhim.
“Doyouwanttocome,baby?”
“Yes,”shepanted.
“How?”
“Likeyouweredoing.”
“Tellmeexactlyhowyouwanttocome.”
“Simon,”shepleaded,“I-it’shardformetoaskforit.”
“Trustme,princess.Trustmewithyourwords.Trustmewithyourbody.”Heleanedover
herandswepthislipsacrosshers.“Trustmewithyourheart.”
Hot tears stung her eyes. She loved this rare side of Simon. The vulnerable lover who
neededhertrusttovalidatethathewasworthyofher.Andhewasmorethanworthy.
“Itrustyouwithmylife,Simon,”sheadmitted.
“Nowtrustmeandtellmehowyouwanttocome,”hewhisperedagainsthercheek.
“With your mouth on my pussy and clit. I want you to suck an orgasm out of me,” she
panted,andfeltnoshame.“Ineedyoutodoitnow.”
“Like I said before, it will be my pleasure. And yours too…eventually,” he rasped and
proceeded to ravage her. And once again, just as the wave built to a blinding crescendo, he
pulledaway.
She screamed her frustration as her body undulated, begging for that last vestige of
stimulation that would send her careening into oblivion. Simon leaned in and blew on her
hardswollenclitoris.Itwasthefinalstraw.Assheunraveled,hesatbackonhiskneesand
strokedhimselftoherorgasmingcadence.
As the waves slowly subsided, he moved between her legs again and tenderly kissed her
swollenlips.Ifitwerepossible,theyswelledfuller.Hesuckledherclitashistonguelapped
deeplybetweenherswollenfolds.
Shecameagain,andherodeitoutholdingontoher,gentlysuckingtheorgasmoutofher,
justassheasked.
Shepulledagainstthelaceties,herbodytwistingandwrithing,herhipspumpingtheair.
Hismouthgentledonher.Hot,sweatyandoutofbreath,Katylayspreadoutonherbedas
thewarmfissionoftheorgasmslowlyrecededbackintoherbody.
Blazinggreeneyesheldherstare,andsheknewfromhismotionhewasstrokinghimself.
“You’reagreedylittlekitten,Kat.I’venevermetawomanwhowantscockthewayyoudo.”
“Onlyyours,Simon,”shepanted,lickingherdrylips.
Risinguponhisknees,hemovedintoherandofferedherataste.Likeahungrybirdshe
openedherlipsravenouslytakingasmuchofhimintohermouthasshecould.
Simon’smanlygroansuperchargedherdesireforhim.Shewantedtopleasehimashehad
pleasedher.Holdingthethicklengthsteadyasshesuckedhim,lickingtheprecumfromhis
widehead,Simonswelledhotlyinhermouth.
Whenhewithdrew,shecriedout.“Iwantyou,Simon.”
“Youhaveme,”hewhispered.“ButnowIhavetopunishyouforspeaking.”
Katymoaned,tightening,anticipatinghisbighandonhertenderbottom,butwhathedid
nextsurprisedher.“I’mgoingtomakeyoubegforit,Kat.Screamforit.”
Slidingdownherbelly,hespreadherthighsandpressedhishandagainstherswollenlips.
Wanton, her body responded to him. He skimmed a thick finger along her cleft just barely
goinginsideofher.God,shewantedhiminsideofher.“AndjustwhenyouthinkI’mgoingto
giveittoyou,”slowly,heslidhisfingerintoher.
Arching,shebitbackadeepmoanofpleasure.Yes,Godthatfeltgood.
Hewithdrew.Shebitherbottomliptokeepfrombegginghimtotouchheragain.Onlythis
time,deeper,longer,harder.
“I’mgoingtotakeitaway.”
Tracinghishotlipsacrosshersmoothmound,helickedaroundherstiffclit.“Youareso
swollen,Kat,”heslidhisfingerintoheragain.Sublime.Hesuckedherclitinthesameslow
rhythm as his finger went in and out of her. Her body rushed up to meet his, the tension
buildingtoflashpoint.Hewithdrewtheinstantbeforeshewastocombust.
Panting,undulating,shelickedherdrylips,herneedforSimonintensifyingtounbearable.
Bitingbackaplea,shegulpedforair.Please,shesilentlybegged,takeme.
And he did. He pressed one finger gently into her anus, the sensation catching her off
guard.Shewassowet,soprimedandsolooseheslidrightin.
“Ilovehowyouclingtome,baby.”
Thenhedidthesamewithanotherfinger,thistimeslidingtothecoreofher.
“Yourpussyisjustbeggingforit,Kat,”hesaid,anedgeofamazementinhistone.
Shewantedtotellhimthatonlyhedidthistoher.She’dneverbeensowet,sopliableso
willingorsoinneedwithanyonebuthim.
Ashisfingersslowlybegantheircadence,hislipsdroppedtoherswollennetherlips.“You
areassucculentandsweetasaripepeach.”Hesuckedherclitandsurroundingareaintohis
mouth. Low groans of pleasure as he enjoyed the fruits of her flesh fueled her fire to new
heights.
“I love tasting you,” he rasped. “So good.” He caught her clitoris between his lips and
sucked,increasingthepressureofhisfingers,workingherintoafranticundulation.
Perspiration flashed across her skin, slickening it. Barely able to breathe, Katy closed her
eyes as a monster wave reared deep within her. It quickly built, cresting, and just as it was
abouttocrash,Simonpulledoutofherandoffofher.
“No!”shescreamed.“No,Simon,please,”shebegged.
Herolledherover,andliftedherasssothatshewasonherknees,armspulledtightand
extended over her head, and her face against the pillow. He swatted her. Katy cried out in
sexualbliss.Hisfingertipshadcaughtherswollenlabia,thefrictionscintillating.
Spreading her knees wider, telling him with her body and not with the words that would
earnheranotherspanking,Katymoanedloudlyintothepillowwhenhedippedafingerinto
her.
Hisbigbodyleanedoverhers.Thehardheatofhiscockpressedagainstherass.
“Simon!”shescreamedintothepillow.
Hespankedherhard,hispalmcuppingherpussyandhisfingertipstappingherclit.Itsent
hercareeningofftheedge.Asshecameapart,hespankedherpussy,nothardbutwithjust
enoughfrictiontokeepherorgasmjettisoninghigher,andhigher,until—shescreamedwhen
hefinallydeeplyintoher,givingherwhatshewantedmostofall.Theinsurgenceofhisthick
rod deep inside of her catapulted the already incredible orgasm into the stratosphere. He
thunderedinandoutofher,wildlyridingherasherbodycamecompletelyundone.
imon’sbigbodytightenedbehindher,tellingherhewasclosetorelease.Butshewantedto
lookintohiseyeswhenhecame.
“Simon,”shegaspedagainstthepillow.Herbodywasjellifiedfromthemultipleorgasms
he’dgivenher,andshebarelyhadthestrengthtosayhisname.Hesensedwhatsheneeded,
rolledheroverontoherbackandwhenhesunkintoheragainshebroughtherlegsupand
wrappedthemaroundhiships.
Hisstrongarmsreachedaboveherandsnappedthelacetiesapart.Herarmscamedown
aroundhisneckandshoulders.
Overcomewithemotion,shesobbedhisname.
Cupping her head in his big hands he slowed his manic pace, and pulled her hair so that
she was looking directly into his fierce gaze. Tears stung her eyes as his searched hers in
wonder.“Jesus,Kat,”herasped.“Youownme.”Hethrustdeep.Reverentlysheacceptedallof
him, knowing they had both crossed into uncharted territory. It scared the hell out of her.
She’dneverbeeninlovebefore.Itwaswildandeuphoric.Therewasnothingshewouldnot
doforSimon.
Hecamethen,inawild,wonderful,primalexpressionofemotionthattouchedhersoul.
It took them both a long time to come down from their high. Entwined in Simon’s arms
and legs, Katy was restless and contemplative. Simon was just…quiet. She wanted to talk
aboutwhatjusthappenedbutshewasn’tsurehowtoapproachit.Howabout,‘Hey,incase
you’rewonderingwhatmadethatthemostamazingandemotionalsexofmylife,it’sbecause
I’minlovewithyou.Wasitthesameforyou?’
Ugh,talkaboutcorneringaman.Granted,shewasmakinganassumptionabouthowhe’d
feel,butSimon,whilegoodwithwords,wasn’temowordguy.
Expellingalongbreath,sheresignedherselftothefactthatshewastoochickentotalkto
Simonabouthowshefeltbecauseone,shefeltfoolishandtwo,shewasafraidthatwhileshe
‘owned him’ (how cool was that?) he wasn’t really the kind of man who could be owned.
Mayberentedorleased?
“Spititout,Kat,”hesoftlybutfirmlysaid.
Exhaling again she rose up on an elbow and looked down at him. His dark hair was sex
mussed,hislidsheavyandhooded,hiseyessoftandsatisfiedandhislipskissswollen.“You
looklikeasatedcat.”
Hislipstwitched.“Iam.Forthemoment.”
Shekissedthecolumnofhisneckandsmiledwhenhispulseleaptagainstherlips.“Ilove
touchingyou,Simon.”Shekissedhimjustbelowhisearlobe.“Ilovebeingtouchedbyyou.”
His arm tightened around her waist. “The feeling is mutual but you’re avoiding my
question.”
“Fine,”shesaidshakingherlonghairoverhershoulders.Catchinghisstareshesaid,“Sex
isamazingwithyou.Iloveit.Icraveit.IfIcouldwalkaroundwithyouinsideofmealldayI
would,”sheconfessedandgiggledassheenvisionedthat.
“Againthefeelingismutual.”
“But tonight, it was different, it was—I don’t know, more emotional. I felt like we were
connected on every plane.” Her cheeks heated. “And even though we were kind of kinky,
becauseoftheemotion,Ijustfeellikeitwasbetter.Thebest.”
Henodded.Butdidn’tofferanyfollowup.Insteadherolledheroverandpinnedhertothe
mattress, his face only inches from hers. Smoothing her hair back from her face he slowly
said,“I’mnotawordsmith.I’mnotoneofthoseguyswhobringshisgirlrosesandchocolates
andrecitespoetry.I’mthekindofguywhobringshisgirlhisheart,hisbodyandhissoul.I’m
offeringyouthat,Kat;inreturnIwantyours.ButIalsowantyourthoughts,yourdreams.I
wantyoutoletmeinsideyou,wherenooneelsehasgone.”Hekissedherwildlypounding
jugular.“Iwantyourpulse.”Hegrazedhislipsacrossherbottomlip.“Iwanteverything.”
Katydidn’tknowwhattosay.Shewantedtopinchherselfbecauseshehadtobedreaming.
Never, not in a million lifetimes did she ever expect to hear those words from a man like
SimonWest.Hottearsblurredhervision.“Simon,”shesoftlysobbed,“Idon’tknowwhatto
saytothat.”
“Youdon’thavetosayanything.YouknowwhereIstand.”
Tighteningherarmsaroundhisneckshebroughtherlipsuptohis.“IthinkIfellinlove
withyouthemomentyouletmewipemysnottynoseonyoursleeve.”
Hegrinned.“Yeah,Iknowmywayaroundalady’sheart.”
He looked past her to the clock. It was nearly two in the morning. “I have an early call,
Cinderella,let’sgetsomesleep.”Hekissedheronthenoseandrolledover,bringingherwith
him.
Shefellasleeplikethat…withashit-eatinggrinplasteredacrossherface.
Katywoketoheralarmandanemptybed.Shehurriedtothebathroom,findingtheairstill
warmandhumidfromSimon’sshower.Shepeed,thengrabbedherrobeandpaddedtoher
kitchen.Empty.Thecoffeewasonwithanoteproppedupbesidehercoffeepot.
Didn’twanttowakeyou(asifIcould,youweresnoringlikeadrunkensailor).Headed
totheoffice.Livyissicksolunchisoff.I’llcallyouinafew.S
Hercellphonethatshehadleftonthekitchentablepingedthatshehadatext.
PSdon’ttalktostrangers
PPSSmissu
Shesmiled.No,Simondidnotwaxpoetic,buthisinfrequentwordsweremoremeaningful
thanabookfullofsonnets.
Shesimplytextedbackxo
Anhourlater,makingsureshewasnotbeingfollowed,shewasstandingintheanteoffice
to Veronica’s office. She’d been called away on an emergency but Veronica’s assistant gave
Katyanenvelope.
“Thereareseveralpapersshe’dlikeyoutoreview,thensign.”
“Doesshewantthembacktoday?”
“Shewantsyoutotakeyourtime,sotheendoftheweekisfine.”
As Katy made her way down to the lobby, she realized her cellphone she had left with
Veronica was in the envelope. Immediately she wondered if Evan had sent more texts.
Hurryingtotheladiesroomshelockedherselfinastallandquicklyturnedonthephoneand
waitedimpatientlyforittobootup.
Tappingtheappshesmiledasitalertedhertoseveralmorecyphertexts.LookslikeEvan
had been busy. She frowned, despite the possibility of having more dirt on him.
Unfortunately she didn’t know Morse code, but Simon did. Smiling, she slipped the phone
intoherpurse,calledhercarserviceandinnotimewasheadingsouth,destinationtheSanta
ClaraCountySherriff’sDepartmentHQ.
Simonhadsaidhe’dbeattheofficetoday;she’dsurprisehimbyshowingup.Eventhough
hesaidlunchwasoffwithLivy,Katytookthattomeanhewasstilltakingthathalfday,so
maybeshecouldsurprisehimbytakinghimoutforabiteandsharethenewsthattherewere
moretextstodecipher?That’swhattwopeopleinlovedidforeachother,right?
Whenthecarpulledupinfrontofthemulti-levelbrickandglassbuilding,Katystartedto
second guess her actions. Maybe he was really busy? Or maybe he wasn’t allowed to have
visitors?Nonsense,hewasacaptain.Hecalledtheshots,nottheotherwayaround.
“I’mnotsurehowlongI’llbe,John,sopleasewait.”
“Yesma’am.”
Asluckorbadluckwouldhaveit,justasKatyreachedforthefrontdoorofthebuildingit
opened and she nearly collided with, of all people, Amanda West. While she was aware
Simon’ssister-in-lawworkedinthesamebuilding,shedidn’texpecttobumpintoher.
They were both about to offer apologies when they realized who they had bumped into.
AndlikeanygoodMexicanstandoff,thetwowomen,eachinlovewiththesameman,stared
attheother,oneknowingshehadnochanceofwinninghimbackandtheotherterrifiedthe
other knew her lover better than most people and would somehow destroy what she and
Simonshared.
“Simonisn’there,ifthat’swhyyou’rehere.”
Katyswallowed,threwhershouldersbackandnotchedherchin.“Actually,I’mheretosee
you,Amanda.”
The blonde’s eyes widened. “Really?” she said like a cat about to dig its very long, very
sharpclawsintoyou.
“Yes,I’dliketodiscussafewmatterswithyou.”
Amanda wrinkled her nose like she’d smelled something bad. “We have nothing to
discuss,”shesaid,thenstartedtowalkpastKaty.
“I can cut him completely out of your life, Amanda, or we can work together for Olivia’s
sake.Youdecide.”
Amandawhirledaround,herredlipstwistedinanastysneer.
“DoyouactuallythinkyouhaveanycontroloverSimon?”
“Helovesme.”
Amandathrewherheadbackandlaughed,thesoundcold,maliciousandknowing.
ThehaironthebackofKaty’snecksprungstraightup.
“Helovesyou?Areyoukiddingme?”shespat.“Simonlovesnowoman.You’renothingbut
ameanstoanend,Dr.Winslow.”
Katy’sstomachbeganafreefall.“Whatareyoutalkingabout?”
“Youreallyhavenocluedoyou?”
“Aboutwhat?”
“Doyouthinkhepickedyouupatthatbarbyaccident?”
“Hedidn’t—”
“Hewasthereatthathotelbecauseyouwerethere.Hesetyouupfromthebeginning.”
“You’relying,”Katychoked,refusingtobelieveit.
“He’spartofastatewidestingoperation.Heneededyouinordertogettothepieceofcrap
youwerefucking.”Amanda’sglaresweptKatyasifshewasthemostunworthyopponenton
theearth.“Andyoumadeitsoeasyforhimdidn’tyou?”
Katycouldn’tspeak.Itwasn’ttrue!Simonwasnotthatperson!
“Hemustnothavepumpedalloftheinformationheneedsfromyou;otherwisehewould
havekickedyoutothecurbbynow.”
WhenKatydidn’trespondinanyway,Amandahoistedherbagoverhershoulder.“Don’t
believeme?AskSimon.Andifhedeniesit,comeseeme,I’llbehappytoshowyouyourfile.”
Withasmugsmileonherrottenlips,AmandaliterallyprancedpastastunnedKaty.
aty’sheartandheadwereanemotionalmeatgrinder.Ofcourseshewasindenial.Simon
was a man of extreme integrity. He’d told her last night he’d given her his heart, body and
soul. She’d believed him. She still believed him! Amanda was lying, trying to dig an
irreparablewedgebetweenherandSimon.
ButKatywasascientist.Shelookedatwhatwasreal,notemotionalreasoningorconjured
fantasies.Simonhadallbutouttedhimselflastnightwhenheadmittedhewasonthetask
force.Oh he had skillfullyskated on the edgeof the truth. Katy knewhe and his menwere
therebecauseofthesymposium.Asymposiumwhereshewasthekeynotespeaker!
And the entire time he’d been pretending? Making her fall in love with him to get
information out of her? She refused to believe it. But how could she not when the facts
screamedthetruth?
Angerflashed.DidhereallythinkshewasinvolvedwithEvan’sduplicity?
Inwardlyshecringed.SheshouldhaveknownSimonwastoogoodtobetrue.Asexystud
likethatinterestedinher?Anintrovertedlabrat?
Sheslumpedbackintotheseatofthetowncarandstaredaimlesslyoutthewindow.Her
heart was not broken it was shattered. Deep sadness consumed her. You could only beat a
goodwomandownsomanytimesbeforeshecouldnotgetbackup.Andrightnow,shewas
thatwoman.Defeated.Done.Destroyed.
By the time they pulled up to her apartment, she accepted that she was not even the
consolationprizethistime,butsimplyameanstoanend,apawninagameshehadnoidea
she’dbeenaplayerin.
Assheclosedherapartmentdoorbehindher,andrealizedwhatafoolshehadbeen,again,
shegotangryalloveragain.Sonofabitch!Hewasnotgoingtogetawaywiththiswithout
hiscomeuppance.“Damnyou,SimonWest!”
Insteadofseethinginherapartment,Katychangedintoherworkoutattireandheadedfor
thegym.
Sheranblindlyonthetreadmillforanhour.Stillunsettled,sheliftedweightsthenkilledit
on the Stairmaster, but she was loaded for bear. Confused, angry, and hurt, she racked her
brain for anything that might disprove what Amanda had said about Simon’s motives for
getting involved with her. After all, he’d never approached her. How fortuitous for him that
Evandaredhertotakehimbacktoherroomforathreesome.She’dhandedherselfoverto
himonaplatter.She’dbeensuchafool!
She stepped harder when she thought that she could deal with all of it despite him
targetingher.Himhavingsexwithher,andhimmakingherfallinlovewithhim.Ifhehad
justcomecleanaboutit!Wasitallafarce?Sherefusedtobelieveit.Simoncaredabouther.
Hehadto!Noonewasthatgoodofaliar.
JustasfuriouswithherselfasSimon,shepunchedtheair.Shewantedtohurtsomeone.
She took her hurt out on the heavy bag. So intently was she punching and kicking it, she
didn’tnoticeshehadanobserver.Notuntilshewasasweaty,gelatinousmess.
Wiping the sweat from her brow with her gloved hands, she caught her breath when her
eyesclashedwithEvan’s.Hewasstaringmoroselyather.
“IfIdidn’tknowanybetterKaty,I’dsayyouwerealittleangry.”
He unwound himself from the wall where he had been standing as he watched her and
stalkedtowardher.Lookingaround,shedidn’tpanic.Therewereplentyofmennearbyifshe
suddenlyfoundherselfunderattack.
“You lost the right to inquire about my business, Evan.” She yanked off her gloves and
tossedthemtoanearbybench.Grabbinghertowelfromtherackshehadsetiton,shewiped
her face, then wrapped it around her neck and moved past him. His arm shot out and he
graspedher,hisfingersbitingintoherarm.
Hepickedthewrongdaytogetphysicalwithher.Shejerkedaroundandbroughtherfree
armupthendownonhisforearmbreakingthecontact.“Touchmeagain,EvanandI’llgeld
you.”
“Forawomanwitheverythingtolose,you’reactinglikeabitch.”
She grabbed the ends of the towel around her neck because if she wasn’t holding
something, she was going to punch Evan. “I’ve lost more than you can imagine, Evan.
Becauseofyou.I’dsayI’veearnedthebitchtitle.”
“Icangiveyoubacksomeofwhatyou’velost,Katy,”hequietlysaid.
Shelaughedinhisface.“Evan,youhavenothingIwant.”
“Howaboutyourboyfriend’sjob?”
“Whatareyoutalkingabout?”
“Alittlebirdietoldmeyourcopischindeepinvestigatingmeforcorporateespionage.”
“Ifyou’rereferringtoCaptainWest,heneverwasnorcurrentlyismyboyfriend.”
“Soyou’rejustfuckbuddies?”
Hiswordscuthertothequick.
“Considering how we met, we were destined for nothing more than sex, Evan. Another
chapterinmylifeclosed.”
He shook his head tsk tsking. “Poor Katrina Winslow, always picking men who exploit
her.”
“Fuckyou.”
“I’d happily fuck you. That was one thing I never lied to you about, Katy. Even though I
couldn’tgetyouoff,youwereagoodlay.”
Katyturnedviciouseyesonhim.“Youwerenevermanenoughtogetmeoff,Evan.”
“Butthatcopwas?”
“Youwerethere,youtellme.”
“Oh,Iremembervividly.Infact,Ireplaythatmomentintimeoverandover.”Helaughed
low, the sound mirthless. “You do know your knight in shining armor wasn’t at the
symposiumhotelbyaccident?”
Shemovedintohisspace.Wasshetheonlypersononearthwhohadn’tknownSimonwas
usingher?“WhatdidIeverdotoyouthatwassohorribleyouinsistonhurtingme?”
His face tightened, his hazel eyes sharpened. “Do you have any idea how it felt taking a
backseattotherenownedDr.Winslow?I’veputintwicethelabtimethatyouhaveandhave
nothing to show for it. You waltz in and in less than four years revolutionize code
sequencing.”
“Soit’smyfaultyou’reafailure?”
“Hardly.You’retheonewho’salaughing-stockwithnolab.”
Katyshruggeditoff.Shewasaducknow.GivenSimon’sapparentbetrayal,nothingcould
hurthernow.Itwasalljustrunningoffherback.“GoawayEvan.”
“I’llgoawaywhenyoutellmewhatyourfuckbuddyhasonmeandGenomtec.”
“Evenifwewerestillfuckbuddies,he’sneverdiscussedhiscasewithmeandyouarethe
lastpersononearthI’ddoafavorfor.”
“You don’t need his permission. Find a way back into his bed and dig through his phone
andhiscomputer.”
“No.”
Evan pulled out his cell phone and moved to the nearest corner. “Remember our little
gameoftruthordare?Thatwasnoaccidenteither.Isawthewayyouandthatcopogledeach
otherinthebar.ItalsooccurredtomethatyourusefulnesswascomingtoanendbutI’ma
visionary, Katy, I looked ahead. I needed some insurance.” He tapped the screen. “My little
policy.”Hetappedthescreenasecondtimeandthereinlivingcolorwashergettingfucked
from behind by Simon in her hotel room, while Evan watched. Her skin chilled when she
heardSimon’sdeepvoicesay,“Sweetheart,you’resodamntightandwet,letmesetthepace
orI’mgoingtoexplode.”Jawagape;shecontinuedtowatchasshecamehard.
Evan tapped the screen shutting down the video. “It’s rather simple, Katy, get me the
information,otherwisethisisgoingviral,andwhenitdoes,Ipromiseyou,yourboyfriend’s
superiorswillbethefirsttoseeit,andwhatcomesafterthatwillbeentirelyyourfault.”
Simonwouldlosehisjob!Hisidentity.Whathelovedmorethanlifeitself.
Furious,humiliated,livid,shesnatchedthephonefromhishandandthrewitagainstthe
wall where it shattered into pieces. Evan grabbed her and shoved her hard into the corner.
“Youstupidlittlecunt.DoyouthinkIdidn’tbackitup?”
“Idespiseyou.”Sheblinkedbackhottearsofanger.Howdareheblackmailher?Howdid
shenotknowhewasrecordingthem?God,shehatedherselfforbeingsoblindlynaïve.
“Iseverythingokayhere?”oneofthetrainersasked,graspingEvan’sshoulder.
“Yes,Tony,”Katysoftlysaid,turningherheadawayfrombothmen.Asmuchasshe’dlike
toseeEvantossedoutonhisass,shedidn’twanttomakeascene.Notyet.Swipingherhand
acrosshereyesshelookedbackatTonyandnodded.“I’mgood.”
“I’mrighthere,Dr.Winslow,ifyouneedassistance.”
“Thankyou,”shebreathedasEvanreleasedherandbackedup.
“I’ll be at the Opera House fundraiser this Saturday night. I want the information on a
flashdrive.”
“Whatifhehasnothingonhisphoneorpersonalcomputer?”
“GetmewhathedoeshaveandI’llbethejudgeofwhatIcanuse.Ifyoufailtodeliver,the
videogoesliveatmidnight.”Hestrodepasther,leavingherstandingnumbandalone.
Ittookasupremeamountofefforttomove.
Inastupor,Katywalkedhome.Shewassuckeddry.Assheroundedthelastcornertoher
apartment,sheshiveredandhadthatuneasyfeelingagainthatshewasbeingfollowed.But
whensheturnedaround,thesidewalkwasclearexceptforthelittleoldladywhowalkedher
Scottyeverydayatthistime.
Sheturnedhercellonandassoonasitbooteditalertedhershehadtwomissedcallsand
severaltexts.OnlySimon,RosieandVeronicahadhernumber.
ThefirsttextwasfromSimontwohoursago.Don’tforgettopackyourbags.
ThesecondtextwasfromRosieaskinghowshewas.
ThethirdtextwasfromSimonanhourago.Dinner?
Thenthirtyminutesafterthat,86that.
Then,Answeryourphoneplz.
ThenKat,Icall,youanswer!
Godhewasacontrolfreak!ButthatsparkedaplaninKaty’shead.Itwasadoordieplan,
butifexecutedproperlyshewouldhavethewholetruthandnothingbutthetruth.Andalong
with the truth from Simon, whatever it was, she wanted Simon’s job protected because he
was good at what he did and people would benefit from him staying a cop. But just as
important,thetruthwouldsetherfree—freefromEvan,Genomtec,andyes,Simon.Thenshe
couldrebuildherlifecompletelyonherterms.
Shecalledhim.
Heansweredonthefirstring.“Wherethehellhaveyoubeen?”hegrufflydemanded.“I’ve
beenworriedsick.”
“Aw,that’ssosweetofyou,Simon,”shepurred.“I’vebeenatthegym.”
Heexhaledloudly.“Sorry,it’sjustwitheverythinggoingon,I’mworriedaboutyou.”
“Oh,Simon,youdon’tneedtoworryaboutme,I’mgoingtobejustfine.”
“You’realreadyfine”hehuskilysaid.
Katy’shearttightened.“Whendoyouthinkyou’llgetoutofthere?”
“Byseven,andI’mhungrynow.”
“Metoo.Famishedactually.”
“I’lltakeyoutoMilano’s.”
“Hmm,I’drathereatin.”
“ThenI’llcallanorderinandpickituponmywayhome.”
Home. Her heart constricted. He’d said home. A man who didn’t have an emotional
connectiontoherwouldnothaveusedthatword.
“Thatsoundsperfect,Simon,Ican’twaitforyoutogethome.”
“Meeither.”
WhenKatyhungupshesmiledbutdidn’tfeelparticularlyfunny.Butshesetheremotions
aside.ShewasgoingtogettothebottomofSimon’smotivesandatthesametimesavethem
bothaworldoffuturehurt.Thisprincesswasgoingtosaveherselfandherprincecharming
atthesametime.Evenifherprincemightturnouttobethevillainintheend.
nhourlater,Katywasshowered,dressed,andstandinginherbathroomapplyinglipliner
then gloss to her full lips. She was dressed in the exact outfit she’d been wearing that
infamousdayshebumpedintoSimoncomingoutoftheelevator.Evenherhairwaspinned
up the same way, same glasses, and beneath her basic beige uniform of sweater and pencil
skirt,sheworethesamepinkbraandpantiesshehadwornthatday.
There was only one thing that hinted at the tigress that smoldered beneath her bland
exterior.Herredhotlipstomatchthesolesofherfour-inch,black,peekabooLouboutins.
Checking her ass out in the mirror as she turned to one side then another, she smiled.
Despitetheboringcolorofherskirt,itwascoutureandclungtohercurves.Intheheels,she
prettymuchrockedit.
Flicking off the light switch, she strode to her kitchen, pulled one of the oak chairs from
thetable,anddraggedittothemiddleoftheroom.Humming,shepouredherselfaglassof
the merlot she had opened and allowed to breathe before she’d hopped in the shower. She
decidedsomemoodmusicwouldbegoodtogowithherwine.
Justassheselectedasmoothjazzstation,thefrontdoorbuzzed.Shesmiledandsauntered
tothefrontdoorandpressedthebutton,“Yes?”
“It’sme,Cinderella.”
Herheartthumpedandherbellydidaslownervousroll.“Frontdoor’sopen.”
She buzzed him in and cracked the front door to her apartment. Moving back to the
kitchen, she took out a bottle of room temperature Guinness, just the way he liked it, and
openeditwiththebottleopener.ShesetitdownonthetableforSimon.
The sound of the door closing then the deadbolts being turned alerted her to Simon’s
presence. Warmth skirted along her limbs. Inhaling deeply, she slowly exhaled. When she
turnedtoseehimenteringthekitchenshesmiledagreetingandwatchedhisbrowsriseas
hisgazesweptherattire.Hewasdressedinadashingblacksuit,crispwhiteshirtandblack
tie.
His lips cracked into a slow smile. He set down the delicious smelling brown bag he was
carrying on the counter, then loosened his tie. “You were wearing that the first time I met
you.”
Handinghimthebeer,shesmiledandreacheduptohistieandslowlyuntiedit.“Tonight
wecelebrate,Simon.Whoknewthatdaywebumpedintoeachotheroutsideofthatelevator
we’dbesuch—fastfriends.”
Hetookalongdraughtofhisbeer.Whenhepulledthebottlefromhislipshesmileddown
ather,wrappingastrongarmaroundherwaist.“Destiny.”
“You really think so?” she asked, backing out of his embrace. Reaching for her wine, she
tookathoughtfulsipandcockedherheadtothesideasshewatchedhimwatchher.
Hisbrowsdrewslightlytogether.“What’sgoingoninthatheadofyours,Kat?”
Takinganothersipofherwineshesetitdownonthecounter.“Doyoutrustme,Simon?”
“Ithinkyouknowtheanswertothat.”
“Asimpleyesorno,please.”
“Yes.”
“ThenI’dlikeyoutositdownhere,”shepattedtheseatofthechairsittinginthemiddleof
theroom.“Takeyourjacketofffirst,please.”
He tipped the beer back and drained it. Setting the empty bottle down on the counter he
shrugged off his jacket exposing his shoulder holster. “You can put that on the counter.”
Warilyhewatchedherasheunsnappeditthensliditoffandsetitontopofthejacket.
“Doyouhavehandcuffs?”shecasuallyasked.
He reached behind his back and unsnapped the small leather pouch on his belt then
handed them to her. A small smile twitched at the corner of his lips. If he thought she was
playing,hewasinforabigsurprise.ExtendingherhandtowardtheseatlikeVannadidwith
theletters,KatyinvitedSimontosit.
“Pleaseputyourhandsbehindyou,aroundthechairback,please.”
“Kat?”
Shecockedabrowandputahandonherhip.“Yousaidyoutrustme.Sotrustme.”
Exhaling,hedidassheasked.
When he did, she moved behind him and slid his loose tie from around his shirt collar.
“I’mgoingtotieyourhandstothechairback,Simon,andyou’regoingtoletme.”
“Baby, you do whatever you want to me,” he easily said, a laugh in his voice. Hmm, he
wouldn’tbesoamusedinaminute.
“Thankyou,Ihopeyoudon’tregretthatinvitation.”
Onceshehadthetiesnugglytiedaroundhishands,shetookhishandcuffsandasshehad
seen cops do on television she cracked them open around his wrists, then secured them
beforehe’dregisteredwhatshewasdoing.
“Nocuffs,Kat,”hefirmlysaid.
“I’msorry,CaptainWest,”shesaidleaningoverhisshoulderfrombehind,“Butthatoption
isoffthetable.”
“Idon’tlikethis.”
“Oh,I’msorry,sirbutsometimeswehavetoendurethingswedon’tlike.”
He twisted in the chair to look at her and raised a quizzical brow. “If I didn’t know any
better,I’dsayyou’repissedatmerightnow.”
ShesmiledliketheGrinchjustbeforehestoleCindyLouWho’sChristmas.“Youwouldbe
correctinthatassumption.”
Heexhaledandshookhishead.“WhatdidIdonow?”
She moved past him and picked up the black silk scarf she had put on the table earlier.
Gently she wrapped it around his head covering his eyes. But when she tied it she was less
considerate.
“AllIhavetodoisstandandcrackthischairinhalf,Kat,andyourlittlepartyisover.”
“Ifyoudo,youwillprovetomeyoudon’ttrustme.”Shetooktwomorescarvesandtied
onearoundeachofhisanklesthensecurelyaroundthechairlegs.
“Whyareyouangryatme?”
Standing,sheleaneddownandbegantounbuttonhisshirt.Hissharphissofbreathjolted
straight to her core. As she slid it back and over his shoulders exposing his very fine, very
muscular chest she resisted the urge to lick every exposed inch. “You are a magnificent
specimen, Simon,” she murmured half to herself. “I can see why women jump off bridges
whenyousay,goodbye.”
“Noonehasjumpedoffabridge.”
“Amandajumpedoffthementalbridge.Whoknowshowmanyothersfollowedher?”
“Amandahasnothingtodowithus,Kat.”
“DoyouknowthefirsttimeIbumpedintoyou,Ihadtogobacktomyroomandchange
mypanties?”
Hegrinned.“SodidI.”
“Didyoureally?”
“ThenIjerkedoff.”
“Oh,my.”Thevisionofhimstandingnakedinfrontofamirrorwithhisbighandwrapped
aroundhisbiggercock,strokingitmadlyashethoughtofhersentshockwavestohercore.
Resolutewithhermission,Katydidn’tlethiswordsorherimaginationblowheroffcourse.
Tracingherfingerdownhischesttohisbellybuttonsheundidhisbelt,unbuttonedthetop
buttonofhisslacks,andthenslowlypalmedhim.Hewasveryhard.
“Speakingofpeoplewedon’twanttotalkabout,IbumpedintoEvanatthegymtoday.”
Simon’sbigbodyjerkedhardagainstthecuffsmovingthechair.“Whatdidhewant?Did
hetouchyouorhurtyou?Whydidn’tyoucallme?Anddamnit,whydidyougotothegym?
YoushouldhavecomebackheredirectlyafteryourappointmentwithVeronica.”
“He did put his hands on me when I broke his cell phone, but Tony, one of the trainers
madesurehedidn’thurtme.”
Simon’sfaceturnedamurderousshadeofred.“I’mgoingtokillthatmotherfucker.”He
twisted,tryingtofreehimself.
“Heshowedmeavideo,Simon.Ofthethreeofus.”
He stilled. “Uncuff me,” he said, dangerously. She almost did given his tone was so
menacing.
“Givemeaminute.”
“Now,damnit!”
“Hearmeoutfirst.”
“Didhethreatenyouwiththatvideo?”
Katy nodded then realized he couldn’t see her expression because of the blindfold. “He’s
holding it over my head threatening to show it to the world if I don’t give him what he
wants.”
“Whichis?”
“You.”
“Fuckthat!”
“He wants me to find out what you have on him and Genomtec. He’s given me until
midnightSaturdaytogivehimthatinformationorhe’sgoingviralwiththevideo,firststop,
yoursuperiors.”
Simonlaughed.“He’sblackmailingyouwiththevideoandthethreatofmelosingmyjob?”
“Yes.”
“Whatdidyoutellhim?”
“Toshoveit.”
Simongrinned.“That’smygirl.”
“Nowthatwehavethatoutoftheway,IwanttoknowwhyyouwereinSanDiego?”
“What?”
“WhywereyouinSanDiegoandatthesamehotelasmethedaywemet?”
He swallowed hard when she traced a finger along his pulsing jugular. “I was there to be
briefedonanoperation.”
“Whatoperation?”
“ThestingoperationIwasworkingon.”
“Tellmeaboutit.”
“Thedetailsareclassified,Kat,butyouknowthegistofit.”
“Tellmethegistagain.”
She leaned across his shoulder rubbing her breast against his cheek. He turned, trying to
captureitwithhismouthjustasshemovedaway.
“Corporateespionage.”
“Andwhatwereyoutaskedwith?”
“HeadinguptheNorCaldivision.”
“Hmm,andwhatdidthatentail?”
“Beefingupourinvestigation.”
“Whichmeant?”
“Puttingmenontheprinciples,diggingharderforinformation.”
“Soundscloakanddagger.”
Sheslidafingeralongthestrainingzipper.Assheslowlypulleditdownsheasked,“What’s
aprinciple?”
Simon sucked in a breath when she slid his underwear down exposing his luscious cock.
Pushinghiskneesapart,sheblewonit.
“Christ,Kat,”hegroaned,juttinghishipsintotheair.
Sheflickedthetipofhisswollenheadwithhertongue.“Answerthequestion.”
“It’saprimarypersonofinterest.”
Shelickedalongswathfromhisbasetojustbelowthehead.“Wereanyofyourprinciples
inthehotelduringthetimeyouwerethere?”
Shewrappedherhandaroundhisthickrod.Hispulsevibratedthroughher.
“Yes,damnit,”hehoarselysaid.
Withhiscockinherhandsheleanedintohimandwhisperedinhisear.“AnyoneIknow?”
“Damnit,oneofthetaskforceguyswasassignedtogetupcloseandpersonalwithyou.”
“Notyou?”
“No,butafterwebumpedintoeachotherandIrealizedwhoyouwere,IknewIhadtobe
thatguy.”
“Ah,” she purred as she stroked him tightening her fingers around him. So tight he was
turningpurple.Simonsethisjaw,hisbodystrainingunderthetensionofinterrogationand
manipulation.
“TherewasevenafemalecopassignedtoengageEvantogleaninformationfromhimbut
hewasn’tbiting.”
“ButIdid,”Katysoftlysaid.
“It wasn’t like that, princess. I was there to shadow you, I had no intention of exploiting
yousexuallyoremotionally.”
“Youfuckedme!”
“Youinvitedmetoyourbed!”
“ButyouthoughtIwasacriminal.”
“Nobaby,youwereapersonofinterest.WeknewStonewasindeepandweknewthetwo
ofyouwereintimate.Wewerehopingtospringafewfactsonyoutogetyoutocomeoverto
thedarkside.”
“Oh,soyouweregoingtoaskmetofuckinformationoutofEvan?”
“No!”Heshookhishead,hisfrustrationbuilding.“Takethisdamnblindfoldoff.”
“No,” she said, hopeful that Simon would prove that he wasn’t the beast his sister-in-law
andEvanpaintedhimtobe.Butsettleonceandforallthathewasthemanshethoughthe
was,andtheoneshehadfalleninlovewith.
“I’magutman,Kat,youknowthat.AndmyguttoldmeEvanwasplayingyou.Iwasright.”
Shewasstillstuckonthesexpart.“ItwasathreesomeforGod’ssake,Simon.Wouldyou
havedoneitifitwasn’tme?”
“Ididitbecauseitwasyou.Iwantedtogetyouawayfromthatdouche.Idespisedhimon
contact.”Hestoppedstrugglingagainstthecuffsandties.“DoyouknowhowmuchIwanted
totearhimapartinthatroom?Howmuchitkilledmetowatchhimtouchyou?”Hemadea
lowgrowlingsound.“Please,taketheblindfoldoff.”
Shedid.
Hisgreeneyes,warriorfiercedrilledintoher.“I’veneverliedtoyouandI’mnotnow.”He
tookadeepbreaththenexhaled.“Cinderella,youmakemedothings,saythings,feelthings
I’veneverfeltorsaidforanotherwoman.I’mthirty-fouryearsold.I’vebeenlookingforyou
allmylife.NowthatI’vefoundyou,I’mnotlettingyougo.”
She pushed away from him, wrapping her arms around herself. She was suddenly very
cold. God she wanted to believe him. She turned back to face him. “Thank you for coming
clean,butevenwiththetruth,I—I’mlettingyougo.”
Hejerkedagainstthechair.“Thehellyouare.Webelongtogetherdamnit.Stopbeingso
stubbornandadmitit.”
“EverytimeIturnaround,Ifindoutsomethingelse.What’snext,Simon?”
“I can’t predict the future, Kat. I can only predict that I would never do anything to hurt
you.”
“Ibelieveyou,Simon.ReallyIdo,butyou’resooverpoweringsometimesandIfeelasifI
don’treallyhaveasayinanything.”
“I can be domineering, but I’m that way because I’m protective and,” he grinned.
“SometimesIknowwhatyouwantbeforeyoudo.”
“IwantapartinarrestingEvan.”
“That’smyjob,princess.”
“IhavetobeapartofitSimon.Hedestroyedmycareer,Iwantapartingettingitbackand
Iknowhowwecangethim.”
“SodoI,andit’slegal.”
“Soismyway.JustwiremeupsoIcangetEvantoconfesstoeverything.”
“Nofuckingway.”
Crossingherarmsoverherchestshesaid,“I’mnotbudgingonthisSimon.EitherIdoit
withyouorIhaveRosiecomeupwithacontraptionandI’lldoitmyself.”
“WhenIgetoutofthesecuffs,I’mgoingtospankyouwithinaninchofyourlife,Katrina,
andthenI’mgoingtolockyouupoutofharm’swayuntilIhavethatbastarddeadtorights.”
Katycouldn’tsuppressthesmilethattwitchedatthecornerofherlips.“Oh,I’dliketosee
youtry.”Herheartthumpedwildly.Shedidn’tknowwhoshewaskidding,therewasnoway
shewaslettingthismango.Eventhoughhehadtheabsurdideahecouldtellherwhattodo
allofthetime.Ohno,hehadcomecleanandintheendhereallydidn’tdoanythingwrong,
andsheonlyallowedhimhisbadbecausesheknewinherheartthateventhoughhehadn’t
saidityet,helovedher.
Likingthecontrol,shepickeduptheblackscarfandtieditaroundhisheadagain.
“I’m not going to warn you again, Kat,” he growled. “Uncuff me now or pay the
consequencelater.”
She knelt between his legs and pushed his knees apart. “I’m going to give you a few
minutestorethinkthat,hotshot.”Shestrokedhiscocktorockhard.“Andwhileyoudo,I’m
going to enjoy this rare moment of control.” To give herself greater access, she pulled his
pantsdown.Asshestoodup,sheliftedhersweaterandunsnappedherbra.Assheletitsink
tothefloor,sheslidherpantiesoffanddangledtheminfrontofhisnose.Hisnostrilsflared.
Herpowerthrilledher.
“Doyouknowwhatthatis,Simon?”
“Yourpussyscentisn’tgoingtochangemymind.”
“Oh,” she purred, “That’s too bad.” She rubbed a nipple against his cheek to his lips.
Steadfast,herefusedtotakeherbait.
Shelickedhisbottomlip,thenslidhertonguealongthetightseamofhislips.“Oh,Simon,
whyareyouplayinghardtoget?”
“I—,”thesecondheopenedhismouth,sheslidhertonguealonghislips.Hegroanedand
tensed,butturnedhisheadaway.
“Stubbornmancan’thavehisway,sohedoesn’twanttoplay,”shepurredandkissedher
waydownthehardcontouredplanesofhischestuntilshecametohishappycamper.When
shelickedthebeadofprecumfromhim,shesmiled.“HappyGilmoreherehasamindofhis
own.”
Pushinghisthighswiderapartshesettledherselfin-betweenthemandproceededtosuck
him until his hips thrust wildly at her. But she had to hand it to him he didn’t make one
singlesoundofpleasure.Shewasgoingtotakecareofthat.
Lifting her skirt, she straddled him and as she lowered her dripping wet pussy onto his
rockhardwaitingcock,shesaid,“Tellmeyoudon’twantme,Simon,andI’llstop.”
Hisjaw ground as hestrained toward her. Hewanted in, so she gavehim a taste, justan
inch.Hegroaned.“Thatfeelsgooddoesn’tit,baby?”
Shegavehimanotherinch.Heswallowedhard.“Sayyouwantme,SimonorIwalkaway.”
Hisbodystrainedagainstthecuffsandtiesathisankles.
“Youcan’tgetawayfromme,West,”shetauntedandnippedhisearlobe.“Youcan’teven
crawlaway.”
Diggingherfingersintohisthickhairsheturnedhisheadupwardtowardherandravished
hislips.Shehadnotgivenhimanymorethanthetwoinches.Straddlinghimwithjustthetip
of him inside of her as she controlled him was wildly thrilling. Captain Simon West, heart
throbladykillerwasathermercy.Itmadehersowetshewasdripping.
“I’msohotandwetforyou,Simon,allyouhavetodoissaythewords,‘fuckme,Kat,’andI
will.”
Hishipsjerkedagainsther.
“OhyoulikeitwhenItalkdirtytoyou?”
Shekissedhimlonganddeepand,althoughhedidn’tkissherback,hedidn’trefuseher.“I
love your cock, Simon, It’s so thick and full, and—,” she gave him another inch. “Willing to
fuckme.”
Hisslickbodytrembled.“You’reashelplesstodenymeasIamyou.YousaidIownedyou,
butSimon…,”shekissedhim.“YouownedmetheminuteIlookedupintoyourgreeneyes.”
Hisbodyshookwithtension.
“That’s it, baby, shake and shimmy for me. Hold yourself at bay.” She nuzzled the spot
behindhisear.“Becausewhenyoufinallysaythewords,fuckmeKat,andIslidealltheway
downonyou,you’regoingtocryoutmyname.”Shelickedtheshellofhisear.“Becausewe
both know there is nothing more sublime than the feel of that deep delicious first thrust.”
Shethrusthertongueintohisearandswirleditaround.
Hisbodycapitulatedatthesametimeherasped,“Fuckme,Kat.”
Sheansweredwithherbody.Andasshepredicted,themomentsheimpaledherselffully
onto him the first time, he cried out her name in a harsh primal gasp. He did the second,
thirdandfourthtimetoo.
imon’sbigbodywasdrawntaut,hismusclesshaking,hisskinslick,hisbreathinglabored
assheslowlyfuckedhim.Shegavehimnoquarter.Movingupanddown,grindingontohis
cock,shegavethentookthengavesomemore.Herhandsclaspedthebackofhisheadand
she savagely ravaged his lips. He was powerless to stop her. She took, undulating slowly
againsthiships,herbreastsslidingagainstthischest,herlipseatinghiswithafervorshehad
notknownbefore.
Throwing her head back, she arched, tightening her thighs around his as an orgasm tore
throughher.“Ah,Simon,”shecried.“Thatfeelssodamngood.”Fiercetremorsrockedherto
hercoreassherodehimandtheorgasmout.Shelovedthathecouldmakeherfeelthisway.
Breathless and slick she grasped his face and kissed him long and hard. He groaned
beneathherassault,andtrulythatiswhatitwas.Becauseshewasincontrolnow.Shehadto
be.NotonlydidsheneedtoknowthatSimontrustedherenoughtogiveherthiscontrol,but
sheneededtotrustherselfenoughtoknowthatherinstincts,thoughswayedbythosewho
wantedtohurther,alwayscametoroostastrue.AllalongsheknewinhergutSimonwould
notuseherandinsodoing,nothurther.Theysparkedattheirfirstmeeting,notbecauseof
his job but because of their natural chemical reaction to each other. And now they were on
fire.
As she felt his body prepare to release, she pulled off the blindfold. His eyes were a dark
thunderygreen.Shesmiledathisstormyexpression.Cuppinghisfacebetweenherhandsshe
said,“I’mgoingtomakeyoucomesohard,you’regoingtohowlatthemoon.”
Hegrowledashishipsthrustupintoher.Throwinghisheadback,hisjawtightened.He
bitbackadeepprimalmoan.Katygroundherhipsintohis.“Now,Simon,”shebreathlessly
commanded,“Comewithmenow!”
Wildly he thrust, animalistic sounds erupting from his tight lips as he came in a violent
explosioninsideofher.Hisbodyjerkedsohard,theforceofitnearlytoppledthem.“Kat,”he
hissed,“Ifuckingloveyou,baby.”
Her orgasm shattered into a beautiful bright light inside of her, the intensity so sublime,
tearsstunghereyes.WhenshelookeddownatSimoninwonder,helookedatherwiththe
same expression of amazement. Collapsing against him she caught his lips with hers and
togethertheyslowlycamedowntoearth,revelinginthewarmembersoftheirpassion.
With her clad only in her skirt and Simon half dressed, they clung to each other in her
kitchen.KatysmiledassheimaginedtakingapictureofSimoninhisdisheveledcondition.
“Ifthatsmilehasanythingtodowithkeepingmetiedup,forgetit,”heroughlysaid.
SlowlyKatyliftedherselfoffofSimon.Heslidoutofher,stillsemihard.“Doesthatthing
evergotosleep?”
“Notaroundyouitdoesn’t.”
Shesmootheddownherskirtandreachedforherbra.
“Iliketheview,”hesaid.
Shesmiledasheatflushedhercheeks.Hegrinned.“Afterthatyou’reblushing?”
“Gofigure.”Shekneltdownanduntiedhisankles,thenthetiefromaroundhishands.
“Thekeytothecuffsisinthecaseonmybelt.”
Shereachedaroundandopenedthelittleleathercaseandfoundthekey.
Grinningshewaggeditunderhisnose.“Howbaddoyouwanttogetloose?”
Hestoodandraisedthechairhighbehindhisback.
“No!No,don’tbreakthechair!I’lluncuffyou,turnaround.”
Oncehewasfreeofthechair,sheleanedintohimandhandedhimthecuffsandthekey.“I
likedthat.”
Heraisedabrowandbuttonedhistrousers.“Youlikedcontrollingme?”
“Yes,andallindicatorspointtothefactthatyoulikedittoo.”
Hekissedthetopofherheadandshruggedhisshirtbackon.“Ipleadthefifth.”Whenshe
movedtogetdressedheheldhertighter.“Kat,IswearIdidn’tsetouttouseyoubutdamnif
Icouldhelpmyselffromacceptingyouroffer.”
“Simon—”
“No,listen,IknowIshouldhavetoldyouI’dbeenassignedthecasewhenwemet,butI
didn’twanttoloseyou.”Hegrazedherlipswithhis.“Itjustcomesdowntomewantingyou
thatbadly.”
“AndyouwerewillingtoaccepttheconsequenceifIfoundout?”
Hegrinnedthatbadboygrinthatundidhereverytime.“Ifiguredbythenyou’dbesohung
uponmeitwouldn’tmatter.”
“Ohreally?”
“Yeah,butIwhatIdidn’tcountonwasbeingashunguponyouanditmatteringlikehell
that you trusted me not to hurt you even when I came clean, and I need to you believe me
whenIsayIwouldhave.”
“Simon, I never doubted you, I doubted my own judgment. I need to start believing in
myselfalittlemore.”
“You’redoinggreatsofar.”
“Thankyou.”
Whenshereachedforherbraagain,hefrowned.“I’llconcedethebrabutIneverwantto
seethatsweateronyouagain.”
“That’scashmere!”
“It’sugly.”
“Fine.”Shetosseditintothetrashcan.Simonnoddedhisapprovalthenpulledhisshirtoff
andsettleditaroundherbareshoulders.“Muchbetter,nowlet’seat,I’mstarved.Thenwe’re
goingtohavealongtalk.”
Sittingarmtoarmandthightothighonthesofa,theydugintodinner.
“Oh my God, Simon, this scaloppini is crazy good,” she said with her mouth full. As she
swallowedshepointedtothehalf-eatencontainerofgnocchiwithherfork.“Soarethose.”
He had ordered several entrees that they shared. She could never remember being so
hungry.
Hesmiledsoftly,“I’mgladyou’reenjoyingthem.”
Shereturnedthesmileashergazeswepthisbarechest.“I’menjoyingtheviewtoo.”
Heleanedintoherandkissedher.“Youtastegood.”
Whentherewasnothingleftinanyoneofthecontainers,Katysetheremptyplatedown
onthetable,thensatbackfeelinglikeastuffedbabyBuddha.She’dnevereatensomuchfood
inonesitting.
“Simon,Ican’tmove.”
After putting his plate down on the table beside hers, gathered her into his arms, resting
hischinonthetopofherhead.“That’sokay,becauseIjustwantyoutolisten.”
Sheswallowedhard,notcaringfortheseriousnessofhistone.
“AreyougoingtobreakupwithmebecauseIhandcuffedyou?”sheteased.
“Itwouldtakealotmorethanhandcuffingme,thenhavingyourwaywithmewhileIwas
cuffed,togetridofme.”
Smiling,shesaid,“Becauseyouloveme.”
Hiseyessoftened,thenbecameserious.“Beinglovedbymemaynotbetheeasiestthing
you’ve ever done in your life, princess. I predict lots of overprotective chest beating in your
future.”
“Icanhandleit.”
“Ihopeso.”
Cocooning her in his protective embrace, he settled back into the cushions and said, “My
brotherMarkwasayearyoungerthanme,buthealwaystriedtoactolder.”
Katy’sheartthuddedassherealizedhewasfinallygoingtoopenupandtellherabouthis
brother.Entwiningherfingersthroughhisshehuggedhisarmstighteraroundher.
“He mirrored everything I did. I tried to be a good big brother but like a lot of little
brothers,heannoyedthehelloutofme.Ihadmygroupoffriendsbuthewantedthemtoo.
Finally,Ijustthrewmyhandsupandlethimin.I’mgladIdid.Thatwasthebesttimeofmy
lifetothatpoint.ButI’dcommittedtotheArmybeforedadgotsick.Ifeltbadleavingmom
withMarkandanailinghusband,butIwantedtogo.Hadtogo.AndIlovedit,Kat.Iloved
thestructure,thecamaraderie,andmostofallmydeployments.Ilovedjumping.Ithrivedat
war, I was a damn good soldier, I would have gone career. But then dad died, and Mark
started causing problems. I told mom if things weren’t better when my four were up, I
wouldn’treenlist.”Heletoutalongsigh.“ThingswithMarkwereworse.Imanagedtotalk
himintojoiningtheArmy,butheonlylastedayear.BythenIhadbeenhiredbytheSanta
Clara Sheriff’s Office on top of taking a full college load. I tried my best keeping on top of
Mark, and making sure mom was okay, but it was hard. Then my little brother decided he
wantedtobeacop,too.”
HereachedtothebottleofGuinnessonthetableandtookalongswig.“ImetAmandain
college.Shewashelpingmestudyandhell,Itookwhatshewasoffering.Itwasoverinone
night.Afewmonthslaterwehookedupagain,andthatwasthelastIsawofheruntilMark
broughtherhomewitharingonherfinger.”Hetookanotherlongswig.
“I had every intention of telling Mark about Amanda if she wouldn’t. But she begged me
nottotellhim,shesaiditwouldnotonlydestroytheirrelationshipbutminewithMarkas
well.Marklookeduptome,trustedme,andhealwayscompetedwithme.Ialwayswon.Ifhe
knewI’dhadAmandafirst,he’dfeellikehelosttomeagain.SoIletthatsleepingbitchlie.
Weagreednevertotellhim.Andwedidn’tuntilthedayhedied.”
Simon’s heart thudded dully against her cheek. “It was supposed to be me who died that
day,Kat.Instead,”hisvoicechoked,“Mylittlebrothercaughtthebulletwithmynameonit.”
“Whathappened?”
“I’dbeenworkingabighumantraffickingcaseintheSouthBay.Ibustedtheringleader
JaeWonMoon,aKoreanbosswhowasimportinglittlegirlsandsellingthemtothehighest
bidder.Itwasacrazytrial.Idon’tknowifyourememberitbuttherewasjurytampering,one
oftheclerkswasassassinatedaswellasajurist’swife.Butdamnifthatjurydidn’tsuckitup
andconvictthatprick.Whentheverdictcamedown,Moonstood,turnedtomeandsworein
opencourtthathewoulddestroyme.
“Things with Amanda and Mark had hit a rocky patch. Hell, from the beginning it wasn’t
right.Buthelovedher.Thedayafterthetrial,AmandaandMarkgotintoit,andtohurthim,
shetoldhimIhadsleptwithher.Hewasfuriousanddroveouttomyhousetokickmyass.I
don’tknowifhewaspissedIdidn’ttellhimorpissedI’dsleptwithher.I’llneverknow.Ashe
came storming up the sidewalk to the front door, one of Moon’s henchmen drove onto my
fuckinglawnand,thinkingitwasme,gunnedhimdown.”
“Oh, Simon,” Katy softly said. How horrible! Hugging him close she pressed her cheek
tightlytohischest.“Itwasn’tyourfault!”
“IshouldhavegonewithmygutthedayhebroughtherhomeandcomecleanwithMark.
Hemayhavedisownedmebuthe’dstillbealivetodayifIhad.”
“Simon, you didn’t pull the trigger. You’re not responsible. It was a terrible, unfortunate
chainofevents.Youhadnocontroloveranyofit.Please,youhavetoletgooftheguilt.”
Hisarmstightenedaroundher.“It’sbeentwoyearsandI’velettheguilteatawayatme.
EverytimeIlookatLivy,IseeMarkandthedadshewillneverknow.”
“Andtocompensateforthat,you’veallowedAmandahaveherwaywiththingsbecauseit
easedyourguilt.”
“Yeah.Itdidn’tmattertome,heralwaysbeingaround.”
Hereacheddownandnudgedherchinup.“Untilyoustumbledintomylife.”Hegrinned.
“I’veneverbeensohappytobebumpedintoasthedayyoucameoutofthatelevator.”
m glad we bumped into each other too, Simon.” She smiled and snuggled into him
wanting to move away from the sad subject of his brother’s death. There was no reason to
pushhimformorebecausetherewasnothingelsetosay.Shewasthrilledthathehadfinally
opened up to her and laid his heart on the table. Now he needed to work through his guilt
issuesandshewouldbethereeverystepoftheway.
Thiswasthefirsthurdle,himtalkingtoherandsharinghowhefeltandwhy.Shewould
takespecialcareofhistrust.
Hisarmstightenedaroundher.
For a long time they sat quietly holding each other. But Katy’s brain was a whirlwind of
activity,ponderingwaystobringEvandownandsaveSimon’sjob.
“Iwantyoutowireme,”shesaid,turningoutofhisembraceandlookingupathishooded
eyes
“What?”heaskednotunderstandingwhatshewasreferringto.
“Wireme,”shedeterminedlysaid.“IgotothegalathisSaturdaywithaflashdrivethathas
his texts on it and say, ‘this is what the cops could have on you. If I choose to give it to
them.’”
“No.”Hescowled,pullingherbackintohisarms.
“Whynot?Whenhefreaksout,Idrawhimintoadmittingwhathedid,thentellhimIwant
halfofthemoneysinceitwasmyresearchhesold.”
“No.”Hejustasdeterminedlysaid.
“I’llalsogivehimaheadsupongettingoutofthecountryfastbecauseyouknowthathe’s
behindthebacteriumlabbreak-inandyou’rejustwaitingforasubpoenatoconfiscateallof
hisrecords.”
“No.”HistonewasadamantbutKatywasgoinginforthekill.
Shepushedoutofhisarmsandstood.Turningwithherhandsonherhipsshedemanded,
“Whynot?”
“BecauseyouhavenotrainingwhatsoeverandEvanStoneisadesperateman.Desperate
mendodesperatethings.Iwillnotputyouinharm’swayunderanycircumstances.”
“I’mnotweak!Besides,Evanisacowardatheart.Hewon’thurtme.”
“He may be a coward who I will remind you put his hands on you in the gym, but the
peopleheassociateswitharenot.”
“HewasangryIbrokehisphone,”shedefendedweakly.Hehadbeenscary.
“Whatdoyouthinkhe’sgoingtobewhenyoupulltherugoutfromunderneathhim?”
“Simon,please.Iwanttobeapartofthis.Ineedtobe!”
“Thisisnotdebatable,Kat.I’llfindanotherwayaroundthis.”
“Simon,thisistheonlywaytogethimforhiscrimes,andpreventthatvideofromgoing
viralsoyoukeepyourjob.”
“Icouldgivetwofucksaboutmyjob.Ifthat’swhyyou’resohellbentondoingthis,thank
youforworryingaboutme,butifIgetfiredforconductunbecominganofficer,whichIvery
wellcouldifthatvideogoesviral,I’lldealwithit.YougettinghurtIwon’tdealwith.”
Simon lifted her up into his arms and strode with her to her bedroom then into the
bathroom.Hereachedinandturnedtheshoweron,thenstrippedthembothandpulledher
inwithhim.
“Simon,I’mgoingtodoit,withorwithoutyou.”
Grabbingherhandshedrewthemoverherheadandpushedherflushagainsttheshower
wall.“Ihavenodoubtinmymindthatyoucouldgetthatturkeytosing.Butthat’snotyour
job, princess, that’s mine.” He dipped his head to her lips. “My other job is to protect you
frombadguys,andyouneedtoletmedothat.”
“ButSimonIcould—”
“Shutup,”heroughlysaid,thenkissedhersenseless.
MuchlaterwhenSimonwasnakedandsnoringinherbed,sheslippedouttoherkitchen.
Grabbing her cell phone and a yellow legal pad and pen, she began to decipher Evan’s texts
usingtheMorsecodecheatsheetSimonhadmadeforher.
An hour later, Katy blinked in stunned silence. Evan was expecting an info delivery from
her this Saturday. He was also going to be exchanging more biological information with a
certainMr.Sungwhowouldbegivinghimaccountcodestoanoffshoreaccount.Fiftymillion
dollarswouldbedepositedafterSungvalidatedtheinformationEvanwasgoingtogivehim.
ItwasmoreimportantthaneverthatshecatchEvanintheactbecausetheinfoEvanwas
selling was the process to grow a deadly bacterium that had the potential to kill millions if
inhaled.Sheshivered.IfSimonknew,he’dbethatmuchmoreadamantshedidnotbecome
involved…
Pacing the kitchen floor, Katy racked her brain trying to put together a plausible plan of
action that Simon would approve of. He was afraid she would get hurt. She knew he’d do
everythinghecouldtoprotecther,buthe’dhavetobefarenoughawaythatEvandidn’tget
suspicious.
Maybeanothercopcouldbeher“date”totheball?Someonefromhisteam?Someonehe
trusted.
“That’sit!”shesquealed.SheranbacktoherbedroomandpouncedonSimon.“Wakeup,
Simon,Iknowwhatwecando!”
Hegrumbled,notthemostpleasantmanwhenhewasabruptlywokenfromadeepsleep
byasquealingwoman.
When she told him her grand plan, he hooked her around the waist with his arm and
pulledherintothecurlofhisbody.“Onestepaheadofyou,Cinderella.I’mtakingyouinto
meettheboystomorrow.Nowgotosleep.”
Foranhourshelaidstillandsilentwithahugegrinplasteredagainstherface.Simonwas
bringingherdeeperintohisshadowedworld.Shecouldn’twaittomeetthe‘boys!’
They were not boys, not by any stretch of any definition. These were full-grown, big shot,
grown ass men. When Kat had walked into the testosterone-laden office, she quite literally
feltweakattheknees.Shewastheonlyfemaleamongstahalfadozenmen.
Simon introduced them as: Avi, who was quiet with dark enigmatic eyes, Jack, who was
onetalldrinkofwater,Rigowiththemilliondollarsmile,FlynnthegoldenAdonis,Cortthe
youngestandfromthewayhisblueeyessparkedwhenhesmiledather,thenaughtiest;and
theenigmaticMaddoxwhonoddedandquietlysaid,“Apleasure.”WiththeexceptionofJack,
whowasafederalagent,allofthemworkedforalocalBayAreadepartmentandhadcome
togetheraspartofthetaskforce.
SimonnoddedtoJack,whowinkedatKat.SheblushedathisaudacityandSimon’sscowl.
“Jack, should he survive this meeting, will be your date for the night, Kat. The rest of the
teamwillbecloseby,mullingaroundyouwiththeir‘dates’.”
“Where will you be?” she asked not wanting anyone but Simon beside her, although she
had to admit that Jack, who did not look like any FBI Agent she’d ever seen, intrigued her
with his dark shoulder length hair, clear green eyes and teasing smile was a good second
choice.
“I’llbeparkedoutfrontinalisteningvan.”
“We’realsoworkingonapieceofjewelrythatwillhaveasmallcamerainit,”Jacksaid.
“We’llbeabletohearwhatyou’rehearingandseewhatyou’reseeingforthemostpart.”
Simontouchedhershoulder.“Yougetintoanytrouble,thecavalryisrightthere.”
Sheswallowedhardandnodded,suddenlynotfeelingsobrave.
Hesensedthat.“Youcandothis,Kat.”
“Iknow.”
“Now,let’ssitdownandgothroughhowwe’regoingtodothis,step-by-step,overandover,
untilyoucantellmeinyoursleepwhatyou’regoingtosayanddo.”
Hourslater,herbrainjellified,KatleftthefederalbuildingwithSimon.Sittingamongsthis
team, listening and observing them as they methodically strategized the take down of Evan
Stone,shewasinawe.Butdespitetheirseriousness,shecouldseetheeasycamaraderieand
respecttheyhadforeachother.
Wow,justwow.Whatshewouldnotdotobeapartofateamlikethis.Shesmiled.Well,
technicallyshewas.ShebetAmandadidn’tgettoeverwearawiretobringdownacorporate
spy.
“Ilikeyourfriends,”Katsaidastheydrovebacktoherplace.
Simoncockedadarkbrow.“Solongasit’snottoomuch.”
“It’skindofhardnotfeelinaweofallthattestosterone.Holyhell,Ican’timagineallofthe
heartsthoseguyshavebroken.Areanyofthemmarried?”
“Notaone.”
“Dayum.”
“Ifyoudon’tstopit,I’mgoingtogetjealous.”
Katygiggledandsnuggledagainsthim.“Ikindoflikekeepingyoualittleoffbalance.”
“Idon’tlikeitatall.”
“Welcometoeveryoneelse’sworld,Simon.”
Theyparkedinherdesignatedspot,butinsteadofgoingstraightup,theypoppedinather
favoriteThaiplacearoundthecornerforaquickbite,thenwalkedbacktoherapartment.“I
stillwantyouatmyplaceuntilthisisover,Kat.”
“Icandothat,butfirstIwanttoformallyintroduceyoutoRosieandElliot.”
Simonshiveredasifafraid.
“Oh,stop!Shedoesn’tbite.Nothardanyway.”
When Rosie opened the door she was decked out in her Tae Bo get up with Billy Blanks
shoutingencouragementinthebackground.
Rosie’s smile faded when she caught and locked gazes with Simon. He put his hands up
andsaid,“Icomeinpeace.”
Rosieharrumphedbutstoodback,openingthedoorwider.
“Rosie,”Katysaid,“IthoughtitwouldbeagoodideaifIformallyintroducedyoutoSimon
andalsogaveyouproofoflife.”
“Iknewyouwerealive.Thesewallsarethick,Katy,butnotsoundproof,”Rosiesmirked.
HeatflushedKaty’scheeks.Simonchuckled.“Youdidn’thavetotellmethat!”
“Trust me, if I thought for one second those screams were in pain—I take that back, in
duress,Iwouldhavecomerunning.”ShewinkedatKatythengrinnedatSimon.“It’snotlike
youhaven’theardthesamecomingfromhere.”
“Idon’ttellyouaboutit,Rosie,IjustturnupmyTV!”
Rosie extended her hand past Katy to Simon, “I’m Rosie Lowenstein, my husband Elliot
andIthinkofKatyasourdaughter.Youmesswithmyfamily,wemessrightback.”
Simonsmiled,takingherhandinafirmgripandshookit.“Dulynoted.”
“WhereisElliot?”
“After your scare the other night, he’s back in his office reprograming the codes for the
frontdoorkeycards.WhichbringsmetoalittleincidentIwanttosharewithyou.”
With Billy Blanks quieted, and the three of them sitting on the sofa, Rosie explained, “I
caughtyourexpickingyourlockthisafternoon.”
KatygaspedandSimonscowled.
“Washealone?”Simonasked.
“Yes, but after I shooed him away, I took the stairway down and watched him get into a
blackLincolnwithtwoothermeninit.”
“Wereyouabletogetaplatenumber?”Simonasked.
Rosiemadean‘asif’face.“Ofcourse.”Sheretrievedapieceofpaperfromthekitchenand
handedittoSimon.“ElliotranitanditcameupregisteredtoaMitchRand.”
“He’stheheadofsecurityatGenomtec!”Katysaid.
“Whichexplainswhythebacteriumlabwassoeasilybreached,”Simonmusedoutloud.
“MyGodwasItheonlypersoninthatbuildingnotinvolved?”
“It’sbeginningtolookthatway.”SimonstoodandbroughtKatyupwithhim.“I’mtaking
Katyhomewithmeuntilthisallblowsover,Rosie,”Simonsaid.“Iassumethat’sokaywith
you.”
“Hah,evenifitweren’tyou’dtellmetohittheroad,butI’mincompleteagreement.Get
heroutofhere.Keephersafe.”RosiehuggedKatytightly.“I’llletElliotknowhecanputhis
damngunsaway.”
Katyhuggedherfriendbackhard.“Thankyouforeverything,Rosie.”
“Anytime,kiddo.NowgetoutofhereandlistentowhatSimonsays!”
AsKatypacked,sheasked,“Simon,whatdotheywantfromme?”
“Information.Informationtheythinkyouhave.Informationyouhavebutdon’tknowyou
have.”
“Idohavethepasscodestoseveraldatabanks.”
“Whoelsehasthecodes?”
“Noone,it’smyresearchdata,thereforemycodes.”
“DidEvanknowwhatyouwereworkingon?”
“Most of my tenure was spent sequencing, but there were a few byproducts of my left
turns.”
“Those left turns could be patented and whoever owns the patent would corner the
market?”
“Yes,buttheyweren’tfullyrealized.”
“Maybetheywererealizedenoughforsomeoneelsetofigureout?”
“Yes, that’s true. Most of it wouldn’t require any more than Evan’s level of capability to
fullyprove.”
Simonsmiledandshookhishead.“ItmusthavebuggedthehelloutofEvanthatyouhave
somuchmoregraymatterthanhedoes.”
“Ineverrealizedhisegowassodelicateuntilheshowedupatthegym.”
“Let’skeepthathotbuttonofhisinmindforourscript.”
“Whatifthebadguysknowwhereyoulive?”
“Myinformationisoffthegrids.Inevergohomethesameroutefromhere.Ineverdrive
thesameroutecominghere.Ialwayshaveaneyeonmyrearviewmirror.Despiteallofthat,
iftheydomanagetofindme,they’regoingtohavetogetpastmetogettoyou.OnceIhave
you safely tucked away at my place, for both our peace of mind, I’ll post round the clock
guardsoutsideanddispatchadeputytodoregulardrivebyes.”
Finallypacked,hegrabbedhersuitcase,andsaid,“Timeformycastle,Cinderella.”
twaslatewhentheyexitedherbuilding.Katywasanxiousandonedge.Tensionhardened
Simon’sfeatures.Heremindedherofahunteranxioustocapturehisprey,butwary.Shewas
scared,andbeginningtowishshehadn’tpushedtobewired.Men,dangerousmen,wereafter
informationtheythoughtshehad,whichtechnicallyshedid,andthensome,buttheydidn’t
knowaboutthe“andthensome”part.Thatpartwouldsurelygetherkilled.
Simonwrappedhisarmtightlyaroundhershouldersandbroughtherintothesecurefold
ofhisbody.“Igiveyoumyword,Iwillnotallowonehaironyourheadtobetouched.”
Nodding,hercouragesoared.SheknewaslongasSimonhadherback,shewouldbesafe.
Once he turned onto 280 instead of 101, Simon was a relentless soundtrack of do’s and
don’ts.
“Ifyouthink,foranyreason,Evansuspectswhatyou’redoing,usethekillword.”
Katy steeled herself against the shiver pushing to rush across her body. “What is the kill
wordagain?”sheinnocentlyasked.
“Areyoukiddingme?”hedemandedincredulously.
“Yes,Simon.Iknowthekillwordiscavalry.Iknownottogointoadarkcornerwithhim
wherenocanseeme.Iknownottotaunthim.Iknownottoleavethebuildingwithhim.I
knowifasecond,thirdorfourthpersonshowsuponhisbehalftocutandrun.Iknowwhat
todo!”
Abruptlyhepulledoverontotheshoulderofthehighway.Hepulledthebrakeandturned
angrily toward her. “Do you know how fucking nervous I am about this? Do you have any
ideahowmuchIdon’twantthis?”
“I—”
“No you don’t.” He jammed his fingers through his hair. “I lost my brother because of
something he had no hand in, and here I’m putting you smack dab in the middle of a shit
pile.”
“Simon,I’msorry,I—”
“Iknowputtingyouinlockdownwouldhaveyouhatingme,andIknowifIdidn’tyou’ddo
somethingonyourown.AtleastthiswayIcancontrolthesituation.ThatandIhavethebest
mother fucking team in the state. They’re highly trained. What’s important to me is
important to them. Every one of those guys would take a bullet for you because you’re
importanttome.”
Hottearsstunghereyes.“Isee.Youhaveconfidenceinthem,butnotme.”
“It’snotthat.You’renotatrainedpitbullwhocansnapaman’sneckwithonehandwhile
takingouthisbackupwiththeother.”
Hisjobterrifiedher.Shedidn’twanttothinkaboutthefuturenightsofworrying,ofpacing
as she waited for a word, a text, a call that he made it through yet another life and death
situation.“Thatmaybetrue,butIhavesomethingyourteamdoesn’thave.Apersonalstake
inthis.NotonlyformyselfbutforthemanIlove.AndwhileImaynotbetrainedtokill,I
havehalfabrainandIknowwhatdrivesEvan,nowmorethanever.Iknowwhatbuttonsto
push. So you’re going to have to put a little faith in this princess to do what you and your
fellowprincecharmingscan’tdo.”
Simon reached out and cupped her behind the head and drew her to him. “You’re damn
sexywhenyougetyourdanderup.”
Sheresistedhissexualpull.“Iwanttoyoutakemeseriously.”
“Ido,morethanyouknow.”
Shekissedhimchastelythenpulledoutofhisgripleavinghimwithaslightpoutonthose
fulllips.Shecockedabrow.“Areyoupouting,Simon?”
“Yeah.”
“Aww,that’ssocute.”Shesatbackinherseatandcrossedherarms.“Butit’snotworking.
I’mnotgoingtomakeoutwithyouontheshoulderof280.Let’sgo,home.I’mtiredandI’m
hungry.”Shegrinnedlookingstraightahead,“Andhorny.”
He released the brake and put the Jeep into gear then merged onto the freeway. “That
wouldn’thaveanythingtodowithmeetingmymenwouldit?”
“Onlyoneturnsmyhead.”
“Whichone?”hegroused.
“Thejealousone.”
Hegrinnedashegotit.“Good,Ilikethatguy.”
“Metoo.”
Though Simon was gone most of the day and part of the evenings, she felt at home in his
space.Shelikedthecasualcomfortofhissurroundingsandhispersonalaffects.Helikednice
things, and everything in his home from his luxurious leather furniture to his cloud soft
bamboocottonsheetstestifiedtothat.Hewasneat,butnotanal,structuredbutnotrigid.He
couldcookandhecleanedupafterhimself.Ascompatibilitywent,theyweresimpaticoonall
the important things, down to their love of fresh ground coffee and adventurous romps in
bed.
Nomatterhowtheirstoryended,shewouldalwayscherishthistimealonewithhim.
Andlikeclockwork,firstthingeachmorning,Simongaveherself-defenselessonsthatshe
practicedthroughouttheday.Shespenttimeinhishomegymandalotoftimestudyingthe
floorplanoftheOperaBuilding,memorizingeverynookandcrannyofthevast,complicated
building.Shefamiliarizedherselfwitheverydesignatedsafeplacesothatincasesomething
went south and for some crazy reason one of the team couldn’t get to her, she could safely
waitforthecavalry.
Finally, Friday, the day before the gala, Simon took her in with him for a final briefing.
Onceagainshewasoverwhelmedbythetestosteroneintheroom,butthistimetherewere
femalecops,whowouldnotonlypairwiththeguysasattendees,butalsoactasserversand
security. From the moment Simon stepped into the briefing room, he had control of the
room. There were several sly glances at him from more than a few of the women, a few
nudgesfromthemen,andwiththeexceptionofafewquestions,Simonsetthetone,laidout
thefinalplandowntothenthdetailandthenstoodbackaskingiftherewereanycomments
orquestions.
When there were none, he nodded, closed his folder, and said he’d see them back in the
briefingroomtomorrowatthree.
Astheyexitedtheconferenceroom,Katywasitchingtogethimnakedandinsideofher.
Astheypassedadoormarked“Utility”,KatygrabbedSimon’shandandyankedhimtoward
itassheopenedthedoor.Itwasclean,andlitupwhenthedooropened.
“What the hell?” Simon said as she slammed the door closed and locked it. She dimmed
thelightandsmiledasshepulledherformfittingshirtupandoverhershoulders.Shetossed
it onto the small desk then sauntered toward him. Grazing her fingers along his suddenly
rising trousers, she pushed him against the wall. Rising to her tip toes, she kissed him. It
quicklyignitedintoafirestormofdesire.
Simonslippedhisarmaroundherwaistandturnedher,pushingherbackagainstthewall
as he unzipped his pants with the other hand. When he was done, he slid that hand up
beneath her skirt along her bare thighs to her wet center. “Oh, Cinderella, you are so bad.”
Shewasn’twearingpanties.
“Simon,”shebreathedjustwantinghiminsideher.“Pleasehurry.”
“AllIcouldthinkaboutinthatbriefingroomasIwatchedmymenlustafteryouwashow
youweremineandhowmuchIwantedtoclimbinsideyou.”Hethrustintoher.“Goddamn
thatfeelsgood.”
Sheclungtohim.“Shutupandfuckme,”shebreathed.
Andhedid.Fuckherliketherewasnotomorrow.Justincasetomorrownevercame.
Saturdaymorning,Katywokewithanupsetstomach.
“It’snerves,baby,”Simonsaid.“Let’sgoforarunandgetridofsomeofthatanxiety.”
That sounded like a good idea and five miles later, sweaty but feeling better, she looked
overatSimonwhohadbarelybrokenasweat.“Ididn’thaveyoupeggedforarunner.”
“Irun,buttheringismyexerciseofchoice.”
“Thering?”
“Boxing.IgototheYinthecityandafightclubinSanJose.AndwhenIcan’tgettoeither,
Ibeatthehelloutoftheheavybaginmygarage.”
“You’reonetoughguyaren’tyou?”
He leaned down and soundly kissed her. “The toughest.” He swatted her on the ass and
challengedhertoaracehome.
Ofcoursehebeather.Shepretendedthatshelethim.Smilinghappily,theymadeitback
tothehousebymid-morning…theyhadalottodo.
“Ithink I’m going todo my makeup andhair here, but should Idress at the office?”The
teamwasmeetingatthreeatthetaskforcebriefingroom.They’dhookherupwiththewire,
andsheandJackwouldbepickedupinatowncar.Itwouldbemannedbyacopwho’ddrop
them off across the street at the opera house where they would go mingle and bring down
Evan’shouseofcards.
“Soundslikeagoodplan,”Simonsaidwithasmile.
He fixed her lunch, even though she said she was too nervous to eat. But as she ate the
yummygrilledcheese,shecaughthimstaringather.
“What?”
He didn’t answer at first. Instead he slowly chewed the bite he had just taken, then
swallowed.Hesethissandwichdownandwipedhismouthwithhisnapkinthensetitaside.
Helookedtobestrugglingforwords,butshepatientlywaitedforhimtofindthem.
“I told you not too long ago that I have a knack for screwing things up. I also told you I
wasn’toneofthosekindsofguyswhowaxedpoetic.Andthosewordsstillstand,butthere’s
anaddendumyouneedtoknowabout.”
He reached across the small table and took both of her hands into his big warm ones. “I
loveyou,DoctorWinslow.Itscarestheshitoutofme.Iwanttorun…farandfast,itscares
mesomuch.Butmyheartistellingmetostay.It’stellingmeyouaretheonlyoneforme.”
He turned over her hands and kissed each of her palms. “I promise I will never lie to you,
cheatonyouorintentionallyhurtyou,andinreturnIwantyourpromisethatyouwillcome
tomefirstandnotbelieveanythinganyonesays,becauseIwillalwaystellyouthetruth.”
Hottearswelledinhereyes.Shenodded.
“Once this case is in the can, I’m taking some time and we’re going to fuck ourselves
senselessonawarmbeachsomewhere.”
Katysmiledastearsspattereddownhercheeks.“I’dlovethat.”
Heleanedacrossthetableandkissedher.“Good.”Hestoodbringingherwithhim.“Now
let’sgetthisshowontheroad.”
A few hours later, dressed to kill in an electric blue empire gown of gossamer silk, Katy
stood still as Special Agent Jennifer Rigatti aka the “Ball and Chain” who she’d met at
yesterday’sbriefingattachedalovelycrystalflowerbroachtothefabricbetweenherbreasts.
“Thepieceinthecenterisacamera,”sheexplained.“Embeddedinthepetalsisthereceiver.”
Onceitwasattached,SpecialAgentRigattiscowledandlookeduptoSimon.“Noearpiecefor
her?”
“No,can’triskthetargetlookingforone.”
“And he will,” Katy said, her voice nervous. She shivered when she realized Evan would
touchherandshe’dhavetobefeltuptoproveshewasn’twired.“He’llpatmedown.”
Simon growled. Strangely, so did several others on his team. She’d hate to be on the bad
sideofthat.
Katy grinned despite knowing what lie ahead, and looked past Rigatti to the assembled
group.Mostofthemenwereinformalwear,theladiesdressedbeautifully.Supportofficers
were dressed as event security as well as servers and management. They were all armed,
dangerousandwiredforsound.
AsSimon,KatyandSpecialAgentJackThorntonexitedthebackofthevastbuildingtothe
waitinglimo,SimonpulledKatintohisarms.“I’llberightoutside,Cinderella.”Hekissedher
softly then handed her off to Special Agent Thornton who settled her into the back of the
towncarandslidinbesideher.
Hesqueezedherhandandsmiled.“It’llbeoverbeforeyouknowit.”
Katyexhaledloudly.“Ihopeso.”
Sheclutchedhersmallpursewiththeflashdriveandhernewburnercellinitlikeitwas
herlifeline.Oncetheywereinthebuilding,shegazedinappreciationatthearchitectureand
decorofthegrandstructure.She’dalwayswantedtogototheopera,butfeltfunnygoingit
alone.Evancouldneverbebotheredtotakeher.Ofcourse,sheknewnowthathehadbeena
lie, and lies didn’t care about other people’s feelings. Maybe Simon would like to go? But,
evenifhedidn’t,shedecidedshewould.Gonewerethedayssheneededsomeonetoholdher
hand.
Shesmiledtoherself.ButshewashappytohaveSimon’shandtohold.
Special Agent Thornton tucked her hand into his arm and steered her toward the bar.
“Wouldyoulikeadrink,Kat?”
“Nothankyou,SpecialA—”
“It’sJack.”
“—Jack,I’mafraidifIhaveadrinkImightnotstop.”
Hechuckled.“Simonjusttoldmenodrinksandtotakemyhandoffyou.”
Katysmiledandgiggled,touchingJack’sforearm.Withhisoutoftheboxcoplook,hewas
theperfectchoicetobeherdate.“Ohtellhimtostopbeingsosilly.Wehavetolooklikewe
knoweachotherandlikeeachother.”
Jack’seyessmiled.“That’swhatIsay.”
She was just about to agree to that drink offer when she saw Evan making a beeline for
her.
“Evan at my twelve o’clock and closing fast,” she whispered, digging her nails into Jack’s
forearm.“Nowkissmelikeyoumeanit.”
eslidhisarmaroundherwaist,pulledherpassionatelytohim,andlaidoneonher.She
could just hear Simon sputtering obscenities and threats in Jack’s ear piece, but she had to
handittoJack,hewasagoodkisser.Incharacter,shewoundherarmsaroundhisneckand
kissedhimback.
Itwasn’tachoreeither.JackThorntonexudedthesamesensualpowerasSimon.Hewas
damngoodlookingwithhissuntannedskin,darksoulpatchandeasysmile.
WhenenoughtimehadpassedtobesurethatEvanshouldhavewitnessedtheirkiss,Jack
brokefirst;hisdeepgreeneyes,somuchlikeSimon’syetsoindeliblydifferent,danced.
“West,you’realuckymotherfucker,”Jacksoftlysaid.
JackwinkedatKatwhoshookdespitethewarmthofthemanholdingher.“Easydoesit,
sweetheart.”
Protective and playing his part, Jack brought her in close. Katy locked stares with Evan.
Hatred ruined his handsome face. Her body shook more as she realized there was nothing
shecoulddoorsaytosoftenEvantowardhernow.Itwasjustaswellbecauseifheshowed
theslightestbitofremorseshemightfeelsorryforhimandstumble.
“Relax,”Jack’ssoothingvoicesoftlysaid.“We’vegotthis.”
Shenoddedandintotalcharacter,shelifteduponhertiptoesandwhisperedinJack’sear.
“He’scomingstraightforus,nowlaughanddosomethingsexy.”
Jack chuckled deeply, and spun her around dropping a kiss on the curve of her shoulder.
“Let’sgetadrink,babygirl,”hecheerfullysaid.
SmilingshelookedupatJackwhoscowledasEvanapproached.Evandroppedhismaskof
indifferenceeventhoughitwasobvioustoherhedidn’tlikethatshewaswithsomeoneanda
veryhotsomeoneatthat.Notbecausehehadanydesignsonher.No,shewasnotaloneand,
therefore,notasvulnerable.
“Katrina,”Evansaid,hisvoicelight,hissmilesoconnivingshewantedtoripitoffhisface.
“Evan,” she saccharinely said with an equally saccharine smile. “What a coincidence
bumpingintoyouhere,sinceyousaidyoudeploredopera.Areyouherewithyourwife?”
Evan looked up at Jack who didn’t have to say one word to alert Evan to the fact that he
wouldkickhisassifhemisspoke.
Evanactuallyblushedashelookeddownathisfeetinperceivedshame.“No,we—wesplit
up.”
“Ohthat’stoobad.”
Katy glanced up at Jack’s stalwart face. “This is my,” she smiled flirtatiously at her date,
prayingEvanbelievedherline.“MyverygoodfriendJack,Evan,he’smyKarateinstructor.”
Jackextendedhishand.
“Jack,thisisEvan,IdumpedhimwhenIfoundouthehadawife.”
KatyknewSimonwasprobablyblowingagasketortwobecauseshewastotallyoffscript
butdamnit,shewantedEvantosquirmasmuchashumanlypossible.
Jackdroppedhisextendedhand,refusingtoshakeEvan’s.Evan’scolorrose.Katysmiled
smuglyathim.“Wasthereareasonyoucameby,Evan?”
“Yes,”hepointedlysaid,glancingatherbroodingdate.
“Wouldyoulikeaglassofchampagne?”SpecialAgentRigatti,dressedasaserver,asked.
JacktooktwoflutesfromthetrayandhandedKatyone.Heraiseditandsmiledthensaid,
“Here’stokickingthischeater’sasstothecurb.”Theyclinkedglassesandturnedtolookat
Evanwhowasfightingtheurgetoputhishandsonher.
“Katrina,”Evancarefullysaid.“I’dlikeaprivatewordwithyou.”
“Nothappening,asswipe,”Jacksaid.
KatygiggledatEvan’sstunnedlook.Theywerenotmakingiteasyforhim.Hishazeleyes
narroweddangerously,butheturnedandstalkedaway.
Katyletoutahugesighofrelief.Evanwasn’tgoingfar.Heknewshehadthegoods,he’d
circleandcomeinagainforanothertry.Andwhenhedid,shewouldbeready.
An hour passed and they maneuvered themselves around to the quieter part of the floor.
“I’m going to the ladies room as planned,” Katy said. When she exited the restroom, it was
expectedEvanwouldbewaitingandlikelypullherasidetoaprivatealcoveanddemandthe
flashdrive.
As Katy broke away from Jack who had not left her side and who she found highly
intelligent and entertaining as he regaled her with tales of dumb criminals, she knew Evan
would follow her just as one of the female undercover officers would follow her into the
ladiesroom.
Shehadtogosobadshedidn’twaittoseeiftheofficerhadfollowedherin,butbreatheda
sigh of relief when she heard the restroom door open and shut just as she locked her stall
door.
Afewminuteslatersteppingoutofthestall,Katysmiledabouttothanktheofficerwhen
shestoppedshortcatchingherbreath.
Standingjustinsidetherestroomatthedoorwiththetrashcanwedgedbeneaththedoor
handle was not a female undercover cop, instead it was the man they were protecting her
from.Herheartrateaccelerated.Shecoulddothis.
“Hello,Katy,”Evanpurred,theglintinhishazeleyestriumphant.
“Evan,really,youfollowedmeintotheladiesroom?”Shesoundedirritated,notterrified.
“It’stheonlyplacethatgorillawon’tfollowyou.”
“He’snotagorilla.Jackisaveryniceman.Andhe’snotmarriednorisheusingme.”
“He’syourreboundguy?”
“Heserveshispurpose.”
“You’veturnedintoalittlewhore,Katy.”
Shesmiledandownedit.“Ineverthankedyoufordaringmetobringamanintomybed
whocoulddoitforme,Evan.Sothankyouforthat.AndafterhimIfoundanotherguywho
coulddoitformetoo.Whoknewtheworldisfullofrealmen?”Okaysothatwasalittleoff
script,butdamnifsheasgoingtoallowhimtocallhernamesandgetawaywithit.
Hisfacereddened.“Givemetheflashdrive.”
Katyshookherhead.“Notuntilwestrikeadeal.”
“Notimefordeals.”
“IsMr.Sungwaitingforyou?”
AtthementionofSung’sname,Evan’sfaceblanchedwhite.
Katychuckled.“Ithoughtthatmightgetyourattention.”
“Howdoyouknowthatname?”
“Mypropositionfirst,thenmaybe,ifyouaccept,I’lltellyou.”
Evancheckedhiswatchthensaid,“Makeitquick.”
“It’ssimple.Iwantmyhalfofwhatyousoldmypatentfor.”
Hiseyesnarrowed.“Whatareyoutalkingabout?”
“Thatwasmyworkyoustole,Evan.Yousoldmywork.Iwanthalfofthemoneyyougot
forit!”
Hestrodetowardherandgrabbedher,manhandlingherroughlyasheranhishandsabove
andbelowherdress.
“Jesus,Evan!”shegasped,twistingoutofhisgrasp.“Whatareyoudoing?”
Hepushedheraway.ThankGod.“DoIhavestupidstampedonmyforehead?”hespat.
“Whatdoesthathavetodowithfeelingmeup?”sheaskedknowingexactlywhyhedidit.
Accordingtoplan.
“Checkingforawire,baby.”
“Awire?”shedumblyasked.
“Wireasinthecopslisteningin.”
Katyshookherheadmakingadisgustingsound.“Ilearnedmylessonwithcops,Evan.”
Hesmilednastily.“Thatcaptainreallytookyouforaride.”
“Yeah,butItookhimforonelastrideandgotaholdofhiscasefiles.Dumbasskeptthem
onhislaptop.”
Heheldouthishand.“Theflashdrive.”
“Westrikeadealfirst.”
“Nodeal.”
As they expected. Greedy bastard. So Katy nodded, dug the drive out of her purse and
handedhimittohim.Evanpulledoutasmalltabletfromhistuxjacketandpluggeditin.She
watched his face go from gloating to furious to terrified in less than five seconds. His eyes
boredintoher.
“Howdidyougetthis?”hehissed.
“The how isn’t important, Evan; the fact that I have it is. And given that I do have it and
you’rebeingsouncooperative,I’vejustchangedmymind.NotonlydoIwanthalfofthefifty
million you were paid for my patent, but I want in on the deal you’re about to broker with
Sungforthebacterium.Half.”Notaccordingtoscriptbutthiswayshecouldshowhimshe
wasgreedytooandwiththathopefullybuyintowhatshewasselling.
Hethrewthedriveontothetilefloorandcrusheditwithhisheel.Katylaughedjustashe
hadlaughedatherwhenshedestroyedhiscellphone.
Whenhestareddaggersather,shetauntedhimfurther.“Imightbenaïvewhenitcomes
tomen,Evan,butmyIQshitsonyourswhenitcomestoinsurancepolicies.Now,dowehave
adealornot?”
“Yes,”heroughlysaid.
“Good,nowtellmewhoyou’replayingwith.”
“That’sinformationyoudon’tneed.”
“Oh, there you are very wrong.” She sauntered toward him. “See I don’t have a job any
more, and my reputation is ruined thanks to you. My income has been seriously
compromised.Ilikenicethings,reallynicethingsthatrequirealotofcash.Youfuckedme
once, Evan, you’re not going to fuck me again. I’m in one hundred percent on who, what,
whereandhow,andforhalfthetake.”Shesmiled.“I’mnotgoingtobeaselfishbitchabout
it,I’lldomyfairshareofwork,butIwantcompletedisclosurefromthismomentonoryou
cantakeyourlittlevideoandshareitwiththeworldbecausethecopandIarehistory,andI
havenothinglefttolose.”
She slipped her cell phone out of her purse and wagged it at him. “You think you’re so
smart?Icouldhavebeenrecordingyoutheentiretimeonmycellphone.”Shetappedafew
icons then extended it toward him like a microphone. “Names, companies, what you stole,
who you sold that information to and for how much.” When he hesitated, she sternly said,
“I’mnotgoingtomakemyoffertwice,Evan.NoworIwalkstraighttothenearestprecinct
withyourpoorlyencryptedtexts.”
Shewatchedasherinsultspenetrated.Hischeeksflushedangryred,andhiseyessparked
hatred.
When he was done rattling off the details of more than a dozen thefts as well as his
accomplices,shewasshockedatthedepthsofhisduplicityandgreed.
“Nooneeversuspectedyouofanyofthis?”sheaskeddumbfounded.
Hesmiledblithely,andshookhishead.
The restroom door jerked. Someone pushed from the outside, but the trash can held it.
“Hello?”awoman’svoicecalled.ItwasRigatti.“Cansomeonepleaseopenthedoor?Ihaveto
pee!”
Katy moved past Evan to let the cavalry in. He grabbed her arm, spun her around, and
squeezedherhandholdingthecellphoneuntilshedroppedit.Thenheproceededtostepon
it, crushing it to pieces. “What are you doing?” she gasped reaching down for the destroyed
phone.
Heyankedherhardagainsthimandsneered,“Ididn’tgiveyouallthosedetailsbecauseI
need a partner, I told you all of that so you could see that even though you might have a
biggerbrain,I’msmarter.”Heshovedherhardagainstthesink.“Itdoesn’tmatterwhatyour
cophasonme,Katrina,anditdoesn’tmatterwhatyouhaveonme.”Hegraspedheraround
the neck and squeezed. “Because I’m going to stuff you into that trash can and walk out of
here.”
Panic exploded in her brain. Evan was going to kill her! She choked trying to say the kill
word,buthisgripwastootight.
As the panic tore through her, Katy fought to maintain her composure. Simon had
preparedherforthis.Taughtherhowtodefendherself.Butintheheatofthemomentitall
wentoutthewindow.Shetriedtodroplikehetaughther,butEvan’sholdwastootight.She
triedbreakinghisholdandtwisting,buthewastoostrong.Shekickedandpushedathislegs
andchestashishandstightenedaroundherneck,cuttingoffherbreath.Shewassuffocating.
Couldn’tbreathe.
ItinfuriatedherthatitwasEvan’smurderouseyesandvindictivesmilethatwouldbethe
lastthingsshesawbeforeshemethermaker.
“Si-mon…”sheraspedastheroomdimmed.
Evan’smaniacallaughasshecontinuedtostruggleagainsthiminfuriatedher.Butshehad
barelyenoughstrengthto—
“Kat!”Simon’sdesperatevoiceyelledabovethepoundingonthedoor.“Dighiseyesout!”
Remembering how Simon showed her, with her last bit of strength, she closed her eyes,
anddughernailsintoEvan’seyes.Hescreamed.Shedugdeeper.Hescreamedagain,shoving
awayfromher,finallygivingherair.
The trash can was just about bent in half, hands grasped it from the other side trying to
completelydislodgeit.
“Hangon,baby!”Simoncalled.
Katy’sadrenalinespiked.
Evanlookedatthedoor,thentoher,frombehindbloodyeyes.
Katy moved toward the door. “The cavalry is coming, Evan,” she breathlessly said, “and
you’regoingdown.”
He lunged at her just as the door burst open and Simon, followed by his entire team,
pouredintotherestroom.SimonpunchedEvansohardintheface,heflewbackagainstthe
sink,hittinghisheadwithasickeningthudbeforefallingtothefloorasJackandtherestof
theboysswoopeddownonhimlikelocustsonfreecorn.
Simondroppedtohiskneesscoopingherupintohisarms.
“Kat,” he said, his voice shaking with emotion. “Baby,” he choked as his eyes ran up and
downherbody,checkingfordamage.
She choked back a sob as she wrapped her arms around his neck. He pulled her to him
holdinghersotightlyagainsthim,shecouldscarcelybreathe.
Withhersafelyinhisarms,hecarriedheroutofthebathroomtothevestibuledownthe
hall.“Areyouok?”Simonasked,hisvoicestillquaking.
“I’mfine.”Andshewas.“Wedidit,Simon!Wedidit!”Euphoricrelieffloodedhersystem.
Theydidit!HernamewouldbeclearedandEvanwasgoingtojailforaverylongtime!
But as happy and excited as she was, despite her near death experience, Simon was not
nearlyascelebratory.
“Sonofabitch,”hesaidshakinghishead.“Itwaskillingmenotrunninginthereuntilwe
hadhisconfession.Christ,Kat,Isawitinhiseyes,thesplitsecondhemadethedecision—I
knew he wasn’t going to let you out of there alive.” His voice shook, full of rage, fear and
relief.“JesusChrist,IthoughtIwasgoingtoloseyou.”Hehuggedherclose.“I’veneverbeen
soafraidinmylife.”Hesatdownonadivan,holdinghertightly,hisbodystillshaking.“I’m
toooldforthisshit.”
Shetappedhimontheshoulderandsaidagainsthischest,“Simon,Ican’tbreathe.”
He loosened his hold, and looked down at her, his eyes misty with emotion. “You were
greatinthere,Cinderella.Amazing,butdamnit,neveragain!Neverfuckingeveragain!”
She hugged him tight and wondered how he did what he did every day. “Don’t worry,
Simon,Idon’twanttoeverdothatkindofthingagain.”
Gently,hetouchedhertenderneck.“I’mgoingtokillhimforthat.”
Katyreachedupandtouchedhisfaceasgentlyashehadhers.“Noyou’renot.You’llgoto
jailandIdon’tdoconvicts.”
Despite her try at lightening the seriousness of what just happened, Simon’s brows drew
downintoafrown.“Kat,thisismylife.Ilivethisonaregularbasis.”
“Icanhandleit.IcanevenhandleAmanda.”Andshecouldshedecided.
Simon’sfrowndeepenedatthementionofhername.“Itookcareofthat.Sheunderstands
you’reofflimitsandsheistostaycompletelyoutofmybusiness.”
Katysmiled.“YouhavenoideahowrelievedIamtohearthat.”
He notched her chin up with his hand. His deep emerald eyes held hers, never more
seriousthantheywereatthatmoment.“Thedivorcerateisskyhighinmylineofwork,Kat.
Canyouhandleit?”
Herheartstutteredabeat.“Togetadivorceonehastobemarriedfirst.”
Hegrinned.“Yeah,aboutthat…”
Herheartslammedagainstherchest.“Whataboutthat?”
“IknowthischapelinNorthShore…”
“DotheyhavebeachesinTahoe?”
Hegrinned.“Nobuttheyhavefireplacesandbearskinrugs…”
Katy smiled and wrapped her arms around Simon’s neck, “Are you asking me to go to
Nevadaandmarryyou,SimonWest?”
Heshookhishead,loweringhislipstohers.“No,I’mtellingyou.”
“You’renotthebossofme.”
“Yeah,Iam.”
Theirlipsmetandshesighedagainsthis.“Yeah,Iguessyouare.”BecausewhateverSimon
said,wasalwaysinherbestinteresttodo.
THEEND!
Let’snotsaygood-byesoquicklytoSimonandKat,let’sjustwaveandsay,“Seeyou
later in the pages.” Because as Simon and Kat fulfill their happily ever after, they
also say hello to more adventures with the Bad Boys of The Bay. Yep, you
guessedit,mynewhotcopseriesiscomingsoonandwillkickoffwithoneverybad
boyofthebay,SpecialAgentJackThornton.
Jack teams up with high octane, ex-lover, Detective Stevie Cavanaugh. Theirs is an
emotionallyexplosive(she’spissed,he’sjusthot)reunionstorythatwillsingeyour
eyebrowsoff!
Some of you may remember Jack and Stevie from the previously published,
Stakeout, the lead novella in the THE HARD STUFF anthology that released many
moonsagoandisnowoutofprint.Iregainedtherightstomyveryfirstpublished
workandhavenotonlyresetandrewrittentheirlovestorybutI’veaddedlayersof
depthtothesetwocrazykids.Jackisamanonamission,andStevieistheoneand
onlythathe’ssethissightson.
BadBoysofTheBayiscomingsoon(asinacoupleofmonthssoon!)Checkme
outonfbforreleaseinformationandjusttohangout!
ational bestselling, award-winning author Karin Tabke isn’t just another author with
steamy stories to tell, but a cop’s wife who has “seen it all and heard it all.” Some of the
hotteststoriescomefrombehindthebluewalloflawenforcementratherthanfrominfront.
Married to a street cop, now retired, Karin is intimate with both and proves it with her
sizzlingtalesofhotcops.Notonlyarehercopshot,butsoarehersexyknightsandbadboy
werewolves.Karin’sBloodSwordLegacyseriesisamustreadforanyonewholovestalesof
yore when men were men and women were women, and love did conqueror all. Her dark,
erotic Blood Moon Rising paranormal trilogy is best described as “Sons of Anarchy meets
RiseofLycans”.HerL.O.S.T.series(w/aKarinHarlow)isparanormalromanticsuspenseat
its“chillingandsizzling”*best.Youdon’twanttomissanyofKarin’sdeliciouslyedgytalesof
dangerandpassion!
ALSOBYKARINTABKE:
BLOODMOONTRILOGY
BloodLaw
Bloodright
BloodVow
BLOODSWORDLEGACYTRILOGY
MasterofSurrender
MasterofTorment
MasterofCraving
AKnighttoRemember
*MasterofDeception
HOTCOPSSERIES
BadtotheBone
GoodGirlGoneBad
Skin
Jaded
HaveY ourselfaNaughtyLittleSanta
Wanted
ANTHOLOGIES
Y ou’veGotMurder,co-writtenwithEdieRamer
MenOutOfUniform
CONTEMPORARY
RebelRose,BookOneintheRebelY ellseries
TheDare,BookOneinTheChroniclesofKatrina
DoubleDare,BookTwoinTheChroniclesofKatrina
TheTruth,BookThreeinTheChroniclesofKatrina
TheConsequence,TheFinalBookinTheChroniclesofKatrina
PARANORMALROMANTICSUSPENSE
w/aKarinHarlow
L.O.S.T.SERIES
EnemyLover
EnemyMine
*EnemySworn
*ComingSoon
THECONSEQUENCE
Copyright©2014KarinTabkeLLC.
Allrightsreserved.
Editor:ChristinaTrevaskis
CopyEditor:JanellParque
CoverDesign&eBookProduction:VMCArt&Design,LLC
ThisbookisanoriginalpublicationofKarinTabkeLLC
This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents either are the product of the author’s imagination or are
used fictitiously, and any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, business establishments or locales is entirely
coincidental.
Allrightsreserved.Withoutlimitingtherightsundercopyrightreservedabove,nopartofthispublicationmaybereproduced,
stored in or introduced into a retrieval system, or transmitted, in any form, or by any means (electronic, mechanical,
photocopying,recordingorotherwise)withoutpriorwrittenpermissionfromthecopyrightowner.
ISBN978-0-9881879-4-8
Document Outline
- Author's Note
- For the Readers
- Chapter One
- Chapter Two
- Chapter Three
- Chapter Four
- Chapter Five
- Chapter Six
- Chapter Seven
- Chapter Eight
- Chapter Nine
- Chapter Ten
- Chapter Eleven
- Chapter Twelve
- Chapter Thirteen
- Chapter Fourteen
- Chapter Fifteen
- Coming Soon...
- About the Author
- Also by Karin Tabke
- Copyright
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