Keeping Her Close Read online

  “And then?”

  “And then . . .” He glanced over at me and winked. “And then we get you out of those clothes.”

  Chapter Three

  MAX

  It was much harder to get away from the crash site than I thought. The accident had generated a lot of gawkers, and all those people milling around made it difficult to escape unseen. Traffic had gone to almost a complete standstill. In the end, we ended up abandoning the car three blocks from where we picked it up and taking the subway.

  Neither one of us was happy with the arrangement. It was next to impossible to protect someone in such a crowded area, and with the entire motorcade compromised I didn’t know whom I could trust for help. I would have given anything for Vash’s steady presence and quick mind, but he was the only one in the department I trusted to get me more information on the accident. He had to stay behind and help clean up the scene.

  To make matters worse, Tess hadn’t given me a moment’s peace to think. She didn’t like leaving her cell phone, luggage, and friend behind. When she wasn’t complaining, she was questioning me as to why we had to leave the scene at all. She seemed completely ignorant of the type of danger she was in and confused about the type of men after her. To be honest, I didn’t know who was after her either. With her blog gathering so much international attention, the threat could either be domestic or international. One thing was for certain, however. Whoever was behind this was a professional. Everything was too clean, too quick. Both drivers died on impact and more than likely her friend would die, too. This person knew that shooting her would have been too suspicious. No one would question her death if she was involved in a car accident.

  She seemed to trust me enough to follow directions, and for that I was grateful. I tried to calm her fears while I thought about my next steps, and by the time the subway rolled up to our stop, a plan began to take shape in my mind. I’d pick up one of those disposable phones and check in with Tess at a modest hotel not far from here. We’d pose as a couple so as not to attract suspicion. In our room, I’d contact Vash and try to get information about the accident and who might be involved. We’d go through and clear the rest of our team and make sure we weren’t compromised from the inside. Then, we could plan our next steps.

  Yes, that was what we’d do. Catching my second wind, I grabbed Tess’s arm as the subway doors opened and hurried up the steps to the sidewalk.

  “Are you even listening to me?” Tess asked as we stepped out into the sunshine.

  “What?” I glanced both left and right, making sure that no one was watching us. Satisfied, I tightened my grip on her arm and moved in the direction of the nearest motel.

  “I said, can we stop for a moment?” She pulled her arm from mine and brushed the dirt off her skirt. “I look awful.”

  “You don’t look—” The words died on my lips as I dragged my gaze over her body. She had lost her scarf back at the scene, and her long, flowing dress was torn and bloodied. Not only did she look a mess, she looked suspicious. Her clothes were a giveaway that she had been in some sort of an accident.

  It was a stupid mistake on my part. We should have changed clothes before going onto the subway. Hopefully it won’t be a mistake I’d regret. Glancing around, I spotted a department store across the street. “Come on.”

  “Where are we going?” she asked as she stumbled after me.

  “To get you a change of clothes.”

  She picked out her clothes and went into the back to change while I chose a few toiletries. I finished in a few minutes, and found myself watching the clock on the wall as I waited for her to emerge from the back room.

  “Is this okay?” she asked as she stepped into view.

  Stunned, I pushed away from the wall. She had chosen jeans and a soft, earth-toned sweater that hugged her frame and complimented her skin. She had undone the bun in her hair, and her long, pale locks hung loose down her back. She was stunning, much like a fashion model, and I had all I could do not to gawk like a schoolboy caught peeking into the women’s locker room at school.

  “You look . . .”

  “Adequate?” she offered.

  I swallowed and nodded. “Perfect.”

  “You don’t think it will draw attention?”

  It was on the tip of my tongue to tell her that it didn’t matter what she wore, a woman as gorgeous as her would always draw attention, but I didn’t. I didn’t want her to feel uncomfortable, and we had already spent far too much time inside the store.

  I motioned to the cashier, and Tess quietly followed. She had wanted to pay for her change of clothes and toiletries, but I refused, saying that her credit cards might be compromised. She reluctantly let me pay, and I had a mild heart attack over the final bill. While a rich girl like her might be used to such expensive clothes, I certainly wasn’t. In fact, thanks to the high expense of living and working in New York City, I was eyeball-deep in debt. Steeling my jaw, I pulled out my older brother’s card, the one he gave me to use in case of an emergency, and handed it over.

  We were back out on the sidewalk and only a half block from the motel when she spoke once more.

  “Where are we going now?”

  “We need to get off the street and regroup.” I motioned to the motel in front of us.

  She glanced around, then pointed across the street. “We’re not staying there, are we?”

  I squinted at the building. “What’s wrong with this place?”

  “It doesn’t have Wi-Fi.”

  “We don’t need Wi-Fi.”

  “You might not need it, but I do.” She stopped and glanced around. “Over there.” She pointed across the street. “There’s a place.”

  I shook my head. “That’s way too expensive. Besides, you’re not going back on the internet until all of this is straightened out.”

  “Are you crazy? I have to go back online. I have to let people know that I’m all right.”

  “Vash can do that for us once we get things back under control.”

  “I also have a website to run.” She took several steps backward, away from me. “Those posts don’t write themselves.” She turned away from me and started across the street. Cars swerved out of the way and screeched to a halt as she strode with determination to the revolving door.

  I knew I should be mad—doing stuff like this made her vulnerable to her attackers—but there was something about the way she moved her hips, the proud way she lifted her chin, that made me smile. I wondered if she knew just how sexy she really was.

  “Hey, I know her,” a woman next to me said. “She’s that political blogger, isn’t she?”

  Blinking, I glanced around and noticed that I wasn’t the only person who had been staring.

  “Political blogger?” her companion asked.

  “Yeah, the one from London. What was her name? Teresa? Thea?” She shook her head. “I can’t remember, but I’d know that skin anywhere. It’s so beautiful and unique. I wish mine was smooth like that.”

  Fisting my hands, I returned my attention to Tess as she passed through the revolving door. I had forgotten about her skin. It was unusual to have someone with such light hair and skin pass by. Tess was both striking and beautiful, a combination people wouldn’t forget very easily. Hiding her was going to be harder than I thought.

  “Perhaps I should ask for her autograph,” the woman beside me asked.

  “I wouldn’t if I were you,” I said.

  The woman looked surprised. “Why not?”

  I forced myself to unclench my fists. “Because she wouldn’t give it to you.”

  “Really, why?”

  “Because I said so.” I hurried across the street, leaving the shocked couple behind. A surge of possessiveness welled up inside of me that was difficult to control. She was in my charge, damn it. How was I supposed to protect her if she kept walking off and drawing attention like that?

  I stormed into the hotel lobby and grabbed her shoulder with a little more force than I inte
nded.

  “Wait.” I pulled her away from the staff behind the counter and dragged her into a corner of the room.

  “What are you doing?”

  “Saving you from yourself.”

  She frowned. “I don’t understand.”

  “No, you wouldn’t.” I slid my fingers over a lock of hair and let it fall through my fingers. I was surprised at how smooth and soft she felt. My body immediately responded, and another wave of possessiveness swelled up inside.

  “My hair.” Her eyes widened, and I noticed that they appeared more violet now, more expressive. “I forgot about my hair.”

  “Yes, it’s very unique. Someone recognized you.”

  “I should have bought a scarf.”

  “A scarf wouldn’t have hidden those eyes, they’re quite unique as well.”

  “Damn.” She nibbled her lower lip and looked away, but not before a tear slid down her cheek. “Why do I have to be such a freak of nature?”

  “No, not a freak.” I hooked my finger under her chin and raised her head to meet my gaze. “I meant what I said back at the department store. You’re perfect just the way you are. People are drawn toward perfection, which makes you recognizable.”

  “I’m not perfect. I’m a freak.”

  “Why do you keep saying that?”

  “Because it’s true. I’m a genetic defect.”

  “Just because albinism is rare, doesn’t make it defective.” I inched closer. “I happen to think it’s quite beautiful.”

  She widened her eyes. “You do?”

  I nodded. “Believe me, I’d like nothing more than to let you wear whatever you want and go wherever you pleased, but there are people after you, Tess. Until we learn more, it might be better if we keep your beautiful face hidden.” Hidden in my bed. I blinked, surprised at the direction of my thoughts. Although, if I was honest, the idea of having this lovely creature in my bed was quite appealing.

  “I was just going to do just that.” Her voice sounded a little breathless, and I knew that our close proximity was affecting her as much as it was me.

  “And how were you going to accomplish that, by giving your name? Your credit card?” I shook my head. “They’ll track you down within seconds.”

  “Then what do we do?”

  She said “we,” not “I.” It was a small thing, but unmistakable. I took it as a sign that she was starting to trust me, and I was going to need that trust if I was going to keep us both safe.

  “First, you’re going to let me do the talking. Stay behind me, and try not to look anyone directly in the eye. I’ll order us a room under a fake name and one of my credit cards.”

  “Won’t they trace your card as well?”

  “Perhaps, but it will take them a while. It’s not under my name. It’s under my brother’s.”

  She furrowed her brow. “Why do you have your brother’s card?”

  “In case of an emergency.” I put a note of finality in my voice and hoped she’d stop this line of questioning. My older brother knew that he couldn’t always be there for us because of his undercover work, so he gave both my younger brother Sam and me a credit card to use in case of emergencies. That card had bailed me out of more problems over the years than I cared to admit. While I didn’t like giving my brother more debt, I knew that this was our only option. My cards were charged to the limit.

  “You’re fortunate to have such a good family.”

  “I know.” I could tell she was thinking about her own family and how she couldn’t see them right now. I wanted to offer some sort of comfort, but knew it was more important to get her to safety first. I laced my fingers with hers.

  “Remember, let me do the talking.” She nodded as I led her to the front desk. “I’d like to check in, please.”

  “Do you have a reservation?” The man asked in a bored-sounding voice as he tapped on the keyboard in front of him.

  “Not exactly.”

  The man behind the counter lifted his chin and looked down at me through his spectacles. “One room or two?”

  “One,” I said.

  At the same time, Tess said, “Two.”

  The man frowned, and I knew I had to act fast. Turning, I pulled Tess into my arms and grinned. “We don’t have the kids with us dear.” I gave her a quick kiss on the cheek and glanced at the counter. “It’s our first time away in a while.”

  “I see.” The man returned his attention back to the computer monitor and began to type.

  Tess looked as if she was about to say something, so I tightened my grip and pulled her close to nuzzle her ear. Big mistake. The fresh scent of her perfume filled my nose and blended well with the feminine smell of her hair. Momentarily distracted, I inhaled her sweet aroma, letting it permeate every inch of my body. I shifted my gaze down as everything tightened in my lower abdomen. This was unusual, this hold Tess seemed to have over my libido. As I stood there, mesmerized by her sweet scent and long, thin frame, I realized that I had been working long hours preparing for my new position on the SWAT team. As a result, I hadn’t had time for sex, let alone a relationship, something my body seemed to want to rectify immediately.

  “Play along,” I whispered. “We don’t want to create a scene.”

  She turned her body and smiled sweetly up at me. “Me create a scene? Never.” She slid her fingers over my biceps, and red flags went off in my head. This woman was up to something, I was sure of it.

  “Although,” she said. “It’s not me you should be worried about. Better hurry up with that room, sweetheart.” She glanced down between us and I knew instantly that she was aware of my erection.

  The man behind the counter cleared his throat. “We have one room available, sir,” he said. “I’ll just need a credit card.”

  A credit card. Right. Now where did I put Gabe’s credit card? I took out my wallet and tried not to think about how I was going to have to explain this all to my brother when he got back from his undercover assignment.

  “Allow me, dear.” Tess rummaged in her purse. “Here” She slapped a wad of bills on the counter. “That should cover us for a few days.”

  I widened my eyes. “You carried that in your purse?” There must have been a thousand dollars there. Hell, I didn’t have one thousand dollars in my checking account, let alone in cash.

  “Very good, ma’am.” The man swept the bills behind the counter before I could say anything. “And the name?”

  She hooked her arm with mine. “Collins. Eleanor and Hugh Collins.”

  I stared at her. Eleanor and Hugh, really? I had never heard of more stuffy, pretentious names in my entire life.

  “Here you go.” The man slid our room key toward us. “Room thirteen sixty-nine.”

  I reached for the card, but Tess scooped it up and slid it down into the canal between her breasts before I could reach it. “Thank you.”

  “Would you like a map?” The man asked.

  “No thanks,” Tess responded. She winked at me. “We won’t be doing much exploring. At least, not outside the room. Isn’t that right, sweetheart?”

  I shifted and realized I hadn’t felt this nervous since the first day of my police academy training. What was it about this woman that constantly made me feel off-balance?

  “Very good,” the staff employee said. “I can have someone bring your luggage up—”

  “Oh, that won’t be necessary. We didn’t bring any clothes.” She winked at me. “Isn’t that right, honey?” She pressed her body up against me until it was difficult to think beyond her breasts against my chest.

  “Yeah.” It wasn’t the most intelligent sound, but it was the best I could do under the circumstances.

  She smiled at the man behind the counter. “Thank you.”

  It was hard not to let my jaw drop as she led me away from the desk and toward the elevator. As we moved, she inched closer, and my cock felt as if it was going to explode from my slacks. She pushed the elevator button and stepped back, and I risked a glance ove
r my shoulder. That man behind the counter was watching us with interest. I suppose it had something to do with my sudden muteness.

  “Come here.” I grabbed Tess’s arm and tugged her into my embrace. I had to make up for my stumble and make this look convincing.

  As she tumbled into my arms, her lips parted in surprise. I took advantage, tilting my head and sweeping my tongue into her mouth as if we had been lovers for years. I worked slowly, methodically. My goal was to relax her to the point where we looked like two lovers getting away for a little afternoon delight. I knew from my police work that a couple kissing tended to make people look away, and I didn’t want anyone to remember her striking features.

  Tess stiffened at first, then slowly relaxed against me. The move was slight, but it sent my senses onto overdrive. My firm control slipped, making it difficult to concentrate. I inhaled her scent and moved my tongue against hers as the world around us faded away. She tasted so good, so feminine. I couldn’t get enough.

  Slowly, she slid her arms up around my shoulders, and I spread my fingers out over her back. The guy behind the counter was forgotten, as well as our mission. All that mattered was that I needed to get closer to this woman in every possible way.

  The buzz of the elevator jarred me from my thoughts. I jerked away from the kiss and took her hand. “Come on.”

  She gave a small, feminine yelp as she followed me into the elevator. The doors closed, and I focused on trying to get my emotions under control. Within five minutes Tess had me hard as a rock. All I could think about was getting her beneath me. That it was impossible. What we did out there was fake, a ruse for the hotel employee.

  Hell, if that kiss she just gave me was a fake, I couldn’t even imagine how good a real one would be.

  I pulled out my cell and tried to ignore how my cock pressed painfully against my zipper. Fuck, it was going to be a long night.

  Chapter Four

  Tess

  That kiss was good, too good. As Max pulled away, every muscle in my body screamed to drag him back for more. I didn’t touch him however. I knew what he was doing. That kiss was part of the job. I was part of the job. The affection was just a cover, and he didn’t mean anything by it.