Dark Diamonds Read online

  “May I look at your cane? It’s so beautiful.”

  “Sure. I’ve had it for years, got it in Italy one year. I thought it would serve me nicely.” He paid only half of his attention to what Lucy did as his hands ran over her bared shoulders. She could tell by his glazed expression in the fireplace screen. The glass reflected him perfectly. Lucy examined the tip of the cane with rapt attention.

  “Mmmm, Conner, that feels wonderful. Where did you learn to give a massage?” Lucy said in a husky voice, “You’ve got great hands.” She really enjoyed the massage; and it was easy to get the tracker in the cane, too easy. Men were gullible, but she found it hard to believe he didn’t notice.

  “Just picked it up here and there. I’m glad you like it.”

  His tone grated on her nerves, but she tried to ignore it.

  “I had a good time with you last night. I know we just met Valerie, but I feel as though I know you.” He stopped his hands. “If you went on a vacation soon, how would you like to go with me?”

  Lucy paused in her thought process and stilled. This wasn’t in the plan, but it might help them catch their main man. She turned and looked into Conner’s eyes. She couldn’t help but see a pair of deep silver orbs staring back at her. She blinked and Conner’s blue eyes came back into focus.

  “Conner, you surprised me. Of course, I’d love to go on a vacation with you, but I don’t think I would be able to arrange one for another several weeks.” She let the disappointment at the time-lapse show in her eyes.

  Conner smiled at her and leaned close. “I’m sure we can arrange something.” He placed a hand behind her head, pulled her to him, and kissed her.

  Lucy tried not to react with revulsion, shocked at her strong aversion to another man’s kiss. Evidently she did a pretty good job, because he seemed not to notice.

  Conner pulled back and smiled down at her. “You’d better get yourself home. Tomorrow will be a big day, and we don’t want to make you too tired tonight.”

  “I know what you mean. I’m not looking forward to getting up early at all. Hope my boss understands when I’m not in the best of moods.” Lucy laughed and Conner got up to help her off the floor. “Thanks for the back rub. I’m going to look forward to my next one.”

  “I can’t wait. Maybe next time you could give me a backrub. I would love your hands on me.” Lucy held back the comment she wanted to make and picked up her jacket and purse instead.

  “Well, I’ll see you tomorrow if I can.” She brushed a hand along his shoulder and he gave her a quick peck on the cheek. The cool touch caused a slight shiver of goosebumps on her skin.

  “Goodnight Val.”

  She moved quickly out the door, and waved goodnight before he said anything else. If she read into innuendos, and she did, Conner most definitely planned something for tomorrow.

  The elevator door closed and she leaned against the wall her stomach gave a little tingle at the gentle swoosh of decent. She shut her eyes away from the outside world for a moment. Was she going batty? The kiss from Conner shook her up. She’d felt nothing but revulsion when Conner had kissed her. How could two kisses be so completely different?

  Lucy remembered kissing Kevin and she felt her cheeks light up in flame. She couldn’t chance getting involved right now.

  So, what’re you doing getting involved with Mr. Ice cube? He wasn’t acting like an ice cube. Shaking her head Lucy berated herself for not being focused, and for being so selfish. Chase needed her. She needed to stay on target.

  As she stepped out of the elevator, she determined her priorities were straightened out. Lucy headed toward the exit. Things would all work out, and then she’d deal with her own life.

  CHAPTER 15

  Lucy reached her apartment without mishap and found Hawke waiting for her in the lobby. Her friend looked like she lacked a good nights sleep in some time and Lucy sympathized with her. The bags under her own eyes would be telling if she hadn’t used concealer to mask the dark circles.

  Hawke glanced up the second the door opened, kind of like an alert watchdog, and smiled as Lucy made her way across the room. She munched on a Snicker’s Bar. They met halfway down the hall.

  “Did you get the job done?”

  Hawke referred to the device and Lucy nodded as Hawke punched the button to the elevator.

  Lucy started to settle down as soon as she heard the reassuring “ding” as the machine acknowledged her command. She shrugged. “A piece of cake really. He gave me a back rub and I pretended to be interested in his cane as I placed the tracker.” She pointed her eyes up at the florescent lights of the elevator ceiling and her foot tapped on the tiled floor.

  After a few moments she looked back at Hawke, and noticed a speculative gleam in her friend’s eye.

  “Hawke, if I didn’t know better I’d think I got played. This whole scheme is a bit too easy for me to pull off.”

  “What do you mean?” Hawke lifted a brow in question.

  “Tonight Conner asked me if I would like to go on a vacation with him, soon.” Lucy pulled at a piece of loose hair wrapping it around her finger. “I’ve only met the man a few times. You’d think he would be more suspicious of me when I walk into his life one evening and, whamo, there is all the right criteria for his next hit. Maybe it’s me, but I don’t trust his motives.”

  “You’re right not to trust him, Lucy,” Hawke said as they stepped out onto Lucy’s floor. “That man’s the only lead to where your brother disappeared. If he could fool Chase, it wouldn’t be hard to fool anyone else in the Agency. You, Chase, and Kevin are our top agents. This guy knows his ins and outs.”

  “I can’t help but to think that Chase wasn’t being fooled, Hawke. I’ve got this gut feeling he was already aware of what went down. That’s why he came to me. He knew this would happen. And he knew I wouldn’t rest until he was found. No matter what the Agency says.” Lucy pulled the keys out of her purse and unlocked the door to her apartment. They entered and Hawke moved to sit on the ivory colored sofa.

  Lucy’s mind wasn’t really on what their conversation, and she wanted to avoid talking about what really bugged her. But Hawke wasn’t the kind of friend to just let something drop.

  “So what’s really going on Lucy? I can tell that you’re thinking of something else. Is it Garrett?”

  Damn, Hawke was too damn perceptive.

  Lucy looked up from the fridge where she pulled out a couple lime sodas. Her eyes went wide and she made a little choking sound. “What?”

  Hawke pointed a finger. “Ah, so that’s it. Always did read you like a book. Have no idea why everyone else seems to have a problem doing so.”

  “What makes you think it’s Kevin?”

  Hawke got up from her seat and walked over to Lucy. She took the ice cube tray from her hands and started to put ice into the two glasses waiting on the counter. Lucy watched a slow grin spread across Hawke’s face.

  “I know because of the way you acted at the meeting today. I could almost bite the air it’s so thick. Besides, you just called him by his first name. You never do that. So, fess up. What’s eating at you?”

  Lucy closed the fridge and leaned against the cool exterior. She shut her eyes and sighed. Hawke would never give up until she got filled in on the reason Lucy acted so out of character.

  “Okay, I give in. You’re right. When Garrett woke up this morning we fought. He blames himself for Chase’s disappearance. He wants me off the case because he feels it’s too personal to me and I’m going to do something foolish and he’s not going to be there to stop me from doing whatever that might be. That bothers him.”

  “That’s ridiculous. No one could’ve stopped Chase from being taken. If Garrett tried he would’ve just gotten himself killed.” Cindy handed a glass to Lucy and took a long drink herself.

  Lucy turned and looked at Cindy as her friend nimbly bound onto the countertop. “That’s exactly what I told him, but he wouldn’t back off.”

  “Okay, so let it
go for him.” Hawke set down her glass. Lucy couldn’t meet Hawke’s direct gaze.

  “I’m afraid it’s not quite that simple. He tried very hard to convince me.” Lucy blushed to the roots. It was like going to confession.

  “He didn’t…”

  “He did.” Hawke looked shocked for a moment, and Lucy backtracked, “No, he didn’t go that far, but close. I realized what happened and got so mad I could have killed him right there without remorse. Well, just a little remorse.” Lucy admitted as Hawke gave her a doubtful look. “Well, he’s a really good kisser.”

  They both started laughing.

  “What are you gong to do?” Hawke asked when their laughter subsided.

  “The only thing I can do. I’ll put it behind me until after the case is finished. Besides, you know the company policy on dating.”

  “Company policy be hanged. You’ve got the hots for Garrett.”

  “Hawke, I’m not the type to just jump into things. I don’t want to get distracted.”

  Hawke nodded, picked up her glass and took another sip.

  “You’ve got a point. Of course, with that man after me, I wouldn’t give it a second thought. Don’t torment yourself. If you like him, go for it.” Hawke downed her soda, the ice clinking in the bottom as she set it on the counter. “It won’t do your brother any good if all you’ve got filling up your head are reasons why you and Garrett shouldn’t be together.” She moved toward the door. “I need to go. Sleep well, it’s going to be a long day tomorrow.”

  Lucy shut the door behind her friend.

  She’d never sleep well as hyped up as she was. Lucy thought of her garden tub, and smiled as thoughts of warm water surrounding her skin and bubbles tickling her feet popped into her head.

  I could use another bath anyway.

  Lucy slipped out of her silver-grey business suit. She stood in the hallway to her bedroom and stared at the shiny metallic color of the material envisioning how it resembled Kevin’s eyes last night when they filled with passion.

  I don’t think I’m ever going to get used to being around him, she thought. Maybe Cindy is right, I should say to hell with it, and get it over with so I can concentrate on the case.

  Lucy scoffed at herself, the moment she’d felt his powerful hands on her bare skin she knew would never get enough. Just the small taste from this morning made her reel.

  With a sigh, Lucy stepped into her room and crossed to the master bath. She turned on the hot water and filled a cap full of bubble bath. Her mind swayed away from thoughts of Kevin to the water as it rushed into the large tub. Her body luxuriated and already began to relax at the thought of being able to sink into the depths of her old fashioned garden tub.

  Lucy started to take off her bra. The sound of the doorbell went off as it slipped to the floor. She grimaced. The bath would have to wait. Lucy threw on a robe, and headed for the door. She held the front flaps of her cover shut peeking through the eyehole.

  Kevin stood on the other side wearing a belligerent look. She caught her breath at the sight of him and felt the heat rise to her cheeks. Turning the knob, she opened the door.

  “I thought I’d drop by and see if you’re okay.” The look in his eyes changed to one of appreciation as he took in the soft way her long hair hung down her back and how her silk robe clung to her unbound breasts.

  Her gaze slid down his face landing on his lips.

  “So, are you going to let me in? Or do I get to stare at a half naked agent in the hallway all night? Not that I would mind, but my legs might get a bit tired.” His mouth turned up in a lazy grin.

  Somewhere in the background, she overheard her bath water running and had the passing thought that her bathtub would overflow. She didn’t care. He looked delicious.

  “Oh, yes, of course, please come in.” She flustered as she stepped aside. Without thinking she gestured him inside. The front of her robe gaped wide.

  CHAPTER 16

  Kevin’s eyes caught a creamy expanse of exposed skin.

  Lucy gasped and pulled her robe together.

  He smiled at her apparent shyness. He liked her flustered, but firmly reminded himself he was here to see how she faired and be done with her for the night. She just looked so damned good standing there.

  Kevin forced himself to glance around the room and tried to get his focus back on track when he heard the sound of rushing water.

  “Is that your bathtub?”

  Lucy’s eyes widened and she hurried off towards the bathroom.

  “Oh, just great.”

  A squeak sounded as the water faucet turned off. Curious, he followed the sound, and got a tantalizing view of Lucy’s rear end as she crouched over trying to mop up the water mess from her overflowing bath, bubbles everywhere.

  “Would you like some help?”

  Lucy looked up at him as he leaned against the door jam.

  “Sure, the towels are over there.” She pointed to a white hutch that contained massive amounts of fluffy bath towels. He took one out, and knelt down by Lucy to sop up the mess.

  “That’s all I needed. I’m telling you Kevin, this really hasn’t been my month.” She dabbed at the puddles on the floor viciously.

  Kevin sat back on his knees and started to laugh.

  “What’s so funny?” She demanded as she looked up from her self-inflicted task.

  “You. Do you realize that any other woman I know would’ve lost it a long time ago? Yet here you are ticked off about a little water on the floor.” He continued to chuckle.

  Lucy started to laugh with him. “You’re right. I’m fed up. Look at this mess, bubbles in every corner.”

  “Well,” his already baritone voice dropped an octave and Lucy shivered, “since it’s already everywhere...”

  She barely caught the mischievous look in his eyes when he took a hand full of soapsuds and tried to dump them on the top of her head. Both her arms came up to defend herself and she shrieked.

  Kevin paused in midair.

  Her robe, completely open in the front, revealed the most perfect breasts crowned with dusky tips. Kevin licked his lips, and forgot all about the suds as he stared at her luscious mounds. His taste buds longed to savor them as he suckled the tips.

  As realization dawned in Lucy’s eyes that he wasn’t going to dump suds in her hair she lowered her hands. Robe gaping open, her nipples tightened into tight little buds, and desire emanated from Kevin’s body. He instantly hardened.

  Kevin didn’t say a word as he grasped her wrist and pulled her to him crushing his mouth to hers.

  His possessive kiss struck like a thousand lightening bolts as their lips met, and electricity coursed through him setting off a million sensations. Kevin’s hands found their way under her robe and slipped it off her shoulders in one fluid movement. His fingers traveled all over her skin staking their claim.

  Kevin’s mind raced as the silky texture slid underneath his touch. Already hard, he knew that if she didn’t stop him soon, he wouldn’t be able to. He couldn’t bring himself to quit kissing her as their tongues warred in fiery abandon. Like an addiction he couldn’t get enough of, he didn’t want to stop. He couldn’t stop.

  He grasped her arms as he stood them both up. Their bodies came together. Kevin lifted her, and pressed her back against the tiled wall. Her hands moved to his sweater and pulled impatiently at the hemline.

  Her delicate fingers pushed their way upward along his muscled chest. They broke lip contact only for a second as she moved the obstacle out of her way.

  Kevin groaned as her moist lips contacted with the skin on his bare chest, their full velvet texture driving him wild.

  Her hands worked at the fastening on his belt.

  As Lucy got the top of his jeans unzipped Kevin didn’t know how much longer he could hold out. Sliding back down the wall onto the bubble filled floor, Kevin kissed her as though afraid she might not be there tomorrow. He stripped off the rest of his clothes and moved to cover her beautifully formed bod
y with his.

  Kevin reached down and her cream covered his fingers, already scorching hot.

  She moaned as he slipped a finger deep inside her and arched towards him. Lucy lost control as his strong hands stroked her just right, and she came unraveled. “Please Kevin, I need you, please.” Her hands tugged at his shoulders to pull his body to her.

  His throat let out a deep rumble. He moved over her and Kevin lowered himself into her tight sheath. She stretched to accommodate him as he entered her.

  God! So hot, so tight!

  Lucy pulled at his waist trying to urge him to go faster. Opening her eyes, they shone deep green with passion and Kevin struggled for self-control.

  “Kevin, please, now.” She ran her hands down his body and pulled him deep inside her as she wrapped her legs around him. Kevin drove himself into her again and again, each time deeper than the last. Tension built until he thought he couldn’t take it anymore.

  Her whole body contracted around him as she came.

  Kevin let out a moan, as he felt her release and unable to stop himself, he joined her in a pinochle of bliss.

  He collapsed on top of her and looked down at Lucy, her emerald gaze full of emotion. Kevin brushed the hair aside that fell in her face. He started to move to the side, and let out a hiss.

  “What’s the matter?” Lucy’s eyes flashed down to where he gripped.

  Blood ran down his thigh onto the tiled floor turning the leftover suds pink.

  She got up quickly, “Your leg, we need to stop the bleeding, hold on.” Some of the stitches came open during their activities. Lucy grabbed her washcloth and tossed it at him. “Hold that a moment.”

  After a few minutes, she repaired his leg again. When they fixed the damage they wrought, Lucy yawned. “Are you staying?”

  “Yes.”

  She took his hand, helped him off the tile floor of the bathroom, and led him to the bedroom. Laying down Kevin stretched out on the bed and Lucy curled up next to him.