Point of No Return (29 page)

Kade tore his mouth away, gasping for breath as he settled heavily on top of me. He tried to roll away, but I tightened my arms and legs, holding him in place.

“I’m too heavy,” he murmured in my ear.

“I like it,” I whispered back.

He buried his face between my shoulder and neck, kissing me there, his lips moving up to my jaw and cheek. Tightening his arms around my waist, he rolled us over, taking me with him so I lay on top of him. My legs settled between his as I rested on his chest, the feel of his heartbeat strong against the rhythm of mine. His lips brushed the top of my head.

“I don’t know how I thought I could live without you,” he whispered.

I squeezed my eyes shut, gripping him tightly. “You can’t,” I said before glancing up at him. “And don’t you forget it.”

His smile was crooked, and one hand brushed my hair back from my face and over my shoulder. “I won’t.”

I was cold, so Kade rearranged us underneath the covers, my bare bottom nestled against his hips as he cuddled me spoon style. His arm lay in the dip of my waist, his palm pressed to my stomach. That made me self-conscious, thinking of the new bump protruding from my abdomen, and I tried to unobtrusively move his hand higher.

“What’s the matter?” he asked, the low timbre of his voice in my ear sending a delicious shiver through me.

“Nothing,” I hedged, “just adjusting, that’s all.” I laced my fingers through his, drawing his hand upward.

“But I like it down here,” he said, slipping his hand free so it curved over my lower abdomen. “Please tell me you’re not going to get all weird and start thinking you’re fat just because you’re pregnant, are you?”

My cheeks flamed and I didn’t answer because, well, when he put it like that, yeah, it sounded pretty dumb.

Kade suddenly loomed over me. “You know Branna was just being a bitch,” he said. “Hey, look at me.” His fingers tipped my chin up so our eyes met. “You’re beautiful, and your body is gorgeous. You’re creating a whole new life inside you, and there isn’t a damn thing about it that doesn’t amaze me.”

Who would have thought Kade would know just the thing to say to ease all my worries and fears?

I reached up and pulled him down for a kiss, and this time when he pulled me back against his chest and his hand settled on the little bump we’d made, I didn’t move away.

I woke to the sound of the door closing and sat up with a start.

Kade had just walked in and I guess I must have missed his departure, because he was fully dressed and setting two steaming cups and a paper bag down on the wood laminate table in the corner.

“Rise and shine,” he said, hooking his sunglasses on his shirt. “I’ve got coffee.”

It smelled wonderful, but I made myself go into the bathroom first. After brushing my teeth and showering, I came back out.

With one of the thin motel towels wrapped around me, I scurried over to the table for a cup of coffee. Kade had dug out his laptop and was sitting in front of it, a cup at his elbow. He glanced up, eyeing me with a predatory look in his eye.

“You’d better get some clothes on,” he said. “Blane’s on his way over and it’d be real awkward for him to walk in on me eating you for breakfast.”

I think even my ears turned red at that, and I wasted no time grabbing my clothes and hustling back into the bathroom, Kade’s soft laugh following me.

When I emerged again, both Branna and Blane were there. I was about to say something when I was startled by the sound of two people arguing in the room on the other side of us. My eyebrows shot up at some of the expletives hurled back and forth.

“Yeah, walls are pretty thin,” Blane said, turning my attention back to him. “You can hear just about
. . .
everything.”

Oh God.

Kade ignored him, with his and Branna’s attention focused on the laptop, but I caught the message loud and clear. I swallowed hard, feeling the color leave my face. Blane’s eyes were on mine, but I couldn’t read his expression. While I knew he had come to grips with the fact that I was with Kade, I never intended to throw it in his face as blatantly as it seemed we’d done last night. I wasn’t quiet during sex, never had been. It used to be one of the things Blane had really liked about me. Somehow I doubted he liked it much anymore.

“So go buy some fucking earplugs,” Kade suddenly piped up, swinging around to look at Blane, a hint of challenge in his tone.

“Can we get back on task, please?” Branna broke in. “Lazaroff is definitely a regular member here, and judging by the people going in and out, I’d say he uses it as a base.”

“Then we need to get in there tonight and see what he’s got,” Kade said.

“I think the easiest way is to just walk in the front door,” Branna replied. “Pose as a player, flash some cash, we’re in.”

“Sounds good,” Kade said. “We need to run by the electronics store, pick up a few things—”

“Hold on, wait a second,” Blane interrupted. “You and Branna are just going to go after this guy and, what, leave me and Kathleen here to watch the walls? I don’t think so.”

I was surprised he’d included me, but hey, I wasn’t going to complain.

“Suddenly you want to put Kathleen in harm’s way?” Kade asked in mock disbelief. “That’s not like you.” His derision had Blane’s jaw tightening.

“If you’re implying that I wouldn’t want to keep her safe just because she’s with you now, then you can go to hell,” Blane bit out. “I just know her well enough to get that she’s not going to stay behind while the three of us go to this place.”

Damn straight.

Kade’s eyes narrowed. “Fine. We’ll
all
go. Happy?”

Of course, I hadn’t realized that apparently the role Branna and I would be filling was as arm candy for Blane and Kade. Well, she obviously had more to offer, given her training and technical skills. I was solely decoration, it seemed.

Blane and Kade had left, returning later with clothes for all of us. Suits for them, dresses for me and Branna. Of course, arm candy couldn’t wear normal dresses.

Branna and I wore identical skintight sheaths that left our shoulders bare and ended right above mid-thigh. Mine was gold, hers silver. The guys had even managed to find matching designer stilettos. I did my hair and makeup to match, then eyed myself critically in the mirror. I looked pretty good, I guess, for what the purpose was tonight. I felt like I was showing way too much skin, but if I pulled the dress up to try and cover more of my boobs, then it just showed more thigh. Another couple of tugs and my vagina would be showing.

I exited the bathroom and struck a playful pose. “How do I look?” I asked.

“It’s about time,” Kade said, tucking his gun into his holster before glancing up. I did a little twirl for him, gratified when his eyes widened slightly.

“Holy shit,” he breathed.

“I’ll take that as a compliment,” I teased, giving him a similar once-over. He’d opted for black on black, big surprise, and looked so good I wondered exactly how much time we had before we had to leave
. . .

Kade approached me, taking my hand and leading me to the table. “Let’s try and fit one more thing into that dress,” he said. “Put your foot on the chair.”

Wondering what exactly he could be doing, I obeyed, lifting my foot to the seat of the chair. Kade reached behind him, then inched my skirt even farther up my leg and fastened a thin knife sheath to the top of my thigh. His cologne drifted to me and I inhaled greedily.

“The knife isn’t big, but it’s sharp and it’ll do some damage,” he said, tightening the strap. I tried to focus on what he was saying and not on the feel of his hands touching me. His face was mere inches away and my eyes dropped to his mouth as he spoke. I must not have been that successful in concealing what I was really thinking, because he suddenly asked, “Are you even listening to me?”

I quickly nodded. “Of course,” I said. “Small but sharp. Got it.”

Kade’s lips twisted in a smirk as he gazed intently into my eyes. “Somehow I think your mind’s on
. . .
other things.” His fingers drifted farther up my thigh to lightly touch between my legs. I sucked in a breath, my nails digging into his biceps.

He leaned forward, putting his lips to my ear. “You look like you want to be fucked,” he murmured, sending my pulse into overdrive. He easily pushed aside the scrap of lace that covered me. I bit back a moan as a long finger pushed inside me.

“So wet,” he whispered against the skin of my neck. “Tell me you only get that way for me.”

But I couldn’t speak, my whole attention focused on the slow slide of his finger inside me.

“Tell me,” he repeated, withdrawing his finger. He brushed my clit, then circled the entrance to my body, teasing me. “Tell me you only want me.”

“Just you,” I managed to gasp. “I only want you.”

“Tell me no one gets you dripping wet like I do,” he said, his words a low growl in my ear. His finger slid inside me again and I clung to him, trying to stay on my feet.

I pried open my eyes to see Kade watching me. The expression on his face was fierce, his blue eyes blazing.

“No one makes me wet like you do,” I repeated, my voice breathless. “Only you can do this to me.” It felt freeing to say what he’d ordered me to say, as strange a dichotomy as that sounded. The words seemed to have an effect on Kade, too, because before I knew it, my panties were gone and he was unzipping his pants. A moment later, my dress was hiked to my waist and my back was pressed against the wall as Kade buried himself inside me.

It was hard and fast, and Kade’s tongue in my mouth kept my noises to a minimum. I came in a shuddering climax only seconds before Kade, then we were both panting for breath as he kissed his way down my neck. My legs were hooked around his waist and when I let my feet slip back to the ground, my knees trembled under my weight.

I heard the sound of Kade’s zipper as he put himself to rights and I tugged my dress back down.

“Gimme a minute,” I said against his mouth, his lingering kisses making me regret pulling away. I returned to the bathroom to clean up and put my underwear back on. My eyes were bright and my cheeks flushed, but I couldn’t make myself regret the immensely satisfying interlude with Kade. My body was humming with pleasure and I couldn’t help a satisfied smile as I reapplied my lipstick. It was good to know Kade was as susceptible to me as I was to him.

The plan seemed solid. Find this guy Lazaroff, figure out what he had on Keaston, confront Keaston, then Kade and I live happily ever after without having to look over our shoulders, and Blane is at last free from his uncle’s machinations and able to live his own life.

Of course, everyone knows what they say about the best-laid plans.

They always get shot to hell.

C
HAPTER
F
OURTEEN

T
he four of us checked out of the motel, then drove both cars to the location, what with Blane and Kade wanting to cover all the bases, and we met up on the sidewalk in front of the place.

Blane and Kade were dressed in suits that I knew cost thousands of dollars each. Kade wore entirely black—black slacks, black silk shirt, black jacket. Blane wore deep charcoal gray with an identical black shirt. Side by side, Kade with his inky-black hair and Blane with his dark blond, they looked mouthwatering, two sides of the same dangerous coin. The expensive fabric of their suits enhanced the hard edge of their collective presence, making them appear formidable and deadly.

Branna looked gorgeous in her silver dress and I noticed with more than a little envy that her waist was narrower than mine. She carried a small clutch bag and I wondered if she had a knife strapped to her thigh like I did.

Although the three of them had spent the afternoon planning, trying to think up all contingencies, the extent of my role seemed to be “stick close and don’t get hurt.” I hoped that would be as easy as it sounded.

“Ready or not,” Kade said in a little singsong voice, his lips twisting as he looked to Blane, who gave a curt nod, his expression much more grim than Kade’s.

The entrance was guarded by two huge guys, twins by the look of them. I ignored them as I hung on to Kade, his arm wrapped around my waist. Branna was similarly draped on Blane. Money changed hands and we were allowed to pass. We followed a third guy into an elevator with red fabric covering the walls. He didn’t speak and let us out on an indeterminate floor.

The hallway was shadowed, dark wood paneling the walls. Heavy, antique brass sconces glowed on the walls, lighting the way to a set of double doors with long, twisted wood handles. The carpet was thick and red, an oriental style that seemed vaguely out of place. It felt like we were going into a place run by vampires who took Hollywood stereotypes way too seriously.

Kade clasped my hand as he opened the door. I took a deep breath, trying to calm my racing heart, and sent up a prayer that we’d all be okay by the time tonight was said and done.

The room was full of people, the noise hitting us as we walked in. They surrounded what I could see were gaming tables. Not like in Vegas, with flashing lights and bells, but serious card tables that were for serious players. A few of the patrons looked our way when we entered, most taking a quick glimpse of Blane and Kade before returning their attention to whatever they’d been doing.

I could pick out the security guys immediately, especially since they didn’t seem to try and hide their presence. Big men, the guns attached to their hips visible, though all were dressed well, which seemed to be a theme. If I’d been worried we might be overdressed, that fear was immediately put to rest. The men were dressed in suits, and the women—a minority of probably one to ten among the men—were wearing dresses as slinky as mine or even more so.

I had a sneaking suspicion that most of those women were actually prostitutes. Nice.

Blane and Kade leisurely circled the room. I kept my eye out, counting the security guys and seeing if I could find any exits other than the doors through which we’d entered. A table with two empty seats sat in one corner and Kade headed toward it.

“Mind if we join you?” Kade asked those seated at the table in general, his smile thin, his eyes calculating. None of the men objected, so the dealer gestured for Blane and Kade to sit. Several pairs of eyes took in the cut of Blane’s and Kade’s suits, the Rolex on Blane’s wrist, the flash of metal at Kade’s side.

I took up a position mirroring Branna, who stood next to but slightly behind Blane. Kade drew my arm over his shoulder while the dealer dealt the cards.

I knew nothing about poker other than what could be gleaned from watching television and movies, and it became rapidly apparent that whatever game they were playing was far beyond my level of understanding.

A man came by to exchange the large wads of cash Blane and Kade gave him for chips. My eyes widened at the stacks in front of them, and as they began to grow with each successive hand.

I immediately realized they must have passed hours playing poker when they were younger, because each of them seemed to almost instinctively know if the other one held a winning or losing hand. Soon the only question at the table was who would win—Blane or Kade. The pile of chips grew taller and wider, and I could sense the growing disgruntlement and suspicion from the other players.

My feet grew tired as time passed and I shifted my weight, trying to ease the ache in my lower back. Branna caught my eye and frowned. I resisted the urge to stick my tongue out at her. I guess being uncomfortable wasn’t sexy.

Two of the men at the table began conversing in Russian, it sounded like, and it didn’t take a genius to realize they were discussing Blane and Kade. To my shock, Kade opened his mouth and spoke as well. In Russian.

Of course I couldn’t understand a word he said, save one.
Lazaroff.

The men eyed him, then one of them raised his hand and crooked a finger, signaling someone behind us. I turned just as whomever he must have called over stepped up behind us.

“If you’ll come with me,” the man said in heavily accented English.

Kade and Blane stood. “You’ll cash these in for us, right?” Kade asked the guy, gesturing to the pile of chips. I could tell by the sarcasm in his voice that we’d never see any of that money again and a little part of me sighed at the loss. Such a waste.

“The women stay,” the man said, gesturing for a security dude to block me and Branna from following. “Just you two.”

Alarm shot through me and I thought fast. “Back off,” I snapped at the security guy. “You may do your job just for fun, but I get paid to do mine and he’s my paycheck.”

“Find another john,” he said, dismissing me with a hard shove. I stumbled back and Branna caught me. I righted myself quickly.

Blane didn’t look like he was going to go, but Kade grabbed his arm, shooting Branna a look. A moment later, they were taken through a dark doorway and disappeared from view.

Branna grabbed my hand. “Let’s go,” she said, pulling me through the room.

Shocked, I stumbled after her and then managed to jerk back, stopping us. “What are you doing?” I hissed, trying to keep my voice down. “We can’t just leave them.”

“Kade was very clear on what I was to do if we got separated and that was to get
you
out of here,” she said. Branna didn’t look at me as she said this, her eyes scanning the room.

“What are you talking about?” I asked. “And since when do you give a shit about what happens to me?”

Her green eyes met mine. “Since Kade is in love with you and you’re carrying his child.” Her gaze flitted over me. “I suppose we can’t help who we fall in love with,” she muttered.

“I’m not just going to leave when God knows what could be happening back there,” I said. “And as much as you care about Kade, I’m surprised you’d want to, no matter what he told you to do.”

Branna huffed a frustrated breath. “Fine,” she said. “But just remember that you’re the liability here. Frankly, I’d have been happier if we’d left you behind.”

That’s the thing about Branna—it wasn’t exactly a mystery where you stood with her.

“Follow me,” she said.

We made our way through the crowded room, keeping close to the walls. I could see where she was heading, a dark door near where we had entered. We were almost there when I was brought up short by a hard grip on my arm.

“Where are you going?” One of the security guys had hold of me, his eyes narrowing in suspicion as he looked at me.

“I-I, um
. . .
” I stammered, completely at a loss as to what to say.

“Viktor told us he had a special client,” Branna suddenly piped up next to me. “We’re freshening up first.”

I held my breath as the guard seemed to consider that, then he nodded. “Hurry up then,” he growled, giving me a shove as he released me.

A moment later, we were through the door and I breathed a sigh of relief. “Who’s Viktor?” I asked.

Branna shrugged. “It was a guess. They’re Russians. Gotta be a Viktor here somewhere.”

I swallowed. Quick thinking, I supposed, but I shuddered at what might have happened if there hadn’t been a Viktor.

We were in a short hallway with two doors to the left.

“Which one?” I asked.

Branna didn’t say anything, but she hesitated before reaching for a handle and I figured she probably didn’t know any more than I did.

She pulled open the door, and my heart dropped to my feet.

There was an entire table of men playing cards, all guards by the look of them, and every one of them turned toward us.

“We were just looking for Viktor,” Branna said. “Sorry to interrupt.”

One of the men, bigger than the others, pushed himself back from the table and stood. “I’m Viktor,” he said. “Who are you?”

Oh shit.

Branna slammed the door shut without a word and I opened the second door without being asked. I could hear men shouting and the scrape of chairs as we burst through the second door into a long narrow hallway.

“Run!” Branna said, kicking off her shoes. I wasted no time in copying her, the Jimmy Choos another casualty of the evening as we both sprinted down the hall.

I heard the door slam against the wall as the men came through, yelling at us. We threw ourselves through a door at the other end, which happened to open to a stairwell.

“Up!” Branna said, which was the exact opposite direction I’d intended. I obeyed, though, hightailing it upstairs. We hit the top landing just as the stairwell filled with the sound of the men. Branna clapped her hand over my mouth and hers, stifling our breathing.

We waited as the men spoke tersely in Russian, then listened as they hurried down the stairs, disappearing into each floor. When I thought they were all gone, Branna carefully removed her hand from my mouth, then placed a finger over her lips. I nodded to show I understood.

Since we couldn’t go down, it looked like we were stuck with entering the top floor. The doorknob turned easily in my hand and I closed my eyes, sending up a quick prayer.

The hallway was empty, thank God. I let out a relieved breath.

“Now what?” I asked in a low voice.

“Now you come with me.”

I squeaked and spun around in alarm. Viktor stood there with a gun pointed at us, and now I saw the camera mounted in the ceiling, facing the stairwell door.

“Okay,” I managed, raising my hands in a gesture of surrender. Branna did the same.

Viktor made us walk in front of him into an opulent office. The carpet was the same thick and red oriental style, the furniture dark, heavy wood. A computer sat on a desk and the window overlooked the city lights.

“Over there,” he said.

I complied but Branna hesitated. He prodded her in the back with the gun. “Move.”

Branna suddenly turned and knocked the gun from his hand, then they were fighting. I watched in stunned amazement as Branna held her own, but it soon became obvious that she was tiring and unable to get the upper hand on the huge Russian.

I winced when he knocked her down, then Viktor had Branna by the throat and slammed her against the wall. She whimpered at the pain. He spoke in Russian and though I couldn’t understand what he was saying, I could tell by the way he said it that it wasn’t good.

Reaching under my dress, I pulled out the knife Kade had given me. My palms were slick with sweat and I wasn’t sure I’d be able to do what I had to do. I didn’t want to use his gun, afraid the noise would bring more of them. But knives were an up close and personal kind of weapon. Viktor was choking Branna, her feet dangling and not even touching the floor, and hesitating was no longer an option.

Moving stealthily forward, I gripped the knife tight, then lunged.

Viktor roared in pain and rage, releasing Branna to try and twist to grab the knife out of his back. When that didn’t work, he focused on me, a fist flying and catching me on the temple, the force of the blow knocking me aside.

A gunshot sounded and I flinched, but it was Viktor who staggered, then fell. I scrambled out of the way as his body toppled heavily to the floor.

Branna stood behind him, gun in her hand. That must’ve been what she’d been carrying in her purse. I guess she wasn’t worried about the noise.

My head throbbed from where he’d hit me and both of us were breathing hard. Branna had livid marks around her neck from where he’d choked her.

“Thanks,” she said, her voice too rough. “I didn’t expect that from you.”

I frowned. “I know I can’t do what you can, but I wasn’t going to let him kill you. Not if I could help it.”

Branna’s laugh was bitter and hoarse. “I’ve beat the shit out of you, said horrible things to you, made it very clear I hate you. I would’ve let me die.”

I swallowed. “No, you wouldn’t have,” I said.

Her gaze swung from Viktor’s body to meet mine. “You might’ve let me die if you knew I slept with Blane last night.”