Dark Diamonds (The Jewel Series) Read online

  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 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 goose bumps 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.

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

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

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

  After she stepped out of the elevator, she headed toward the exit. Things would all work out, and then she’d deal with her own life.

  CHAPTER FIFTEEN

  Lucy reached her apartment without mishap and found Cindy waiting for her in the lobby. Her friend looked as though she lacked a good night’s sleep in some time and Lucy sympathized with her. The bags under her own eyes would show if she hadn’t used concealer to mask the dark circles.

  Cindy glanced up the second the door opened, 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?”

  Cindy referred to the device and Lucy nodded as Cindy 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 tile floor.

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

  “Cindy, 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?” Cindy 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,” Cindy said as they stepped out onto Lucy’s floor. “That man’s the only lead to where your brother is. 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 think that Chase wasn’t fooled, Cindy. 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 Cindy moved to sit on the ivory colored sofa.

  Lucy’s mind wasn’t really on their conversation, and she wanted to avoid talking about what really bugged her. But Cindy 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, Cindy 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?”

  Cindy pointed a finger. “Ah, so that’s it. I’ve always read you like a book. I don’t know why everyone else can’t.”

  “What makes you think it’s Kevin?”

  Cindy 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 Cindy’s face.

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

  Lucy closed the fridge and leaned against the cool exterior. She shut her eyes and sighed. Cindy would never give up until Lucy filled her 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 for me and I’ll do something foolish and he won’t 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.

  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.” Cindy set down her glass. Lucy couldn’t meet her direct gaze.

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

  “He didn’t…”

  “He did.” Cindy 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 Cindy gave her a doubtful look. “Well, he’s a really good kisser.”

  They both laughed.

  “What are you going to do?” Cindy 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.”

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

  Cindy 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.” Cindy 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 ano
ther bath anyway.

  Lucy slipped out of her silver-gray 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. She 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 wrap shut as she peeked through the eyehole.

  Kevin stood on the other side with a belligerent look on his face. 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 felt flustered as she stepped aside. Without thinking she gestured for him to step inside, and the front of her robe gaped wide open.

  CHAPTER SIXTEEN

  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 there 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 she turned the tub’s water facet off. Curious, he followed the sound, and got a tantalizing view of Lucy’s rear end as she bent 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 jamb.

  “Sure, the towels are over there.” She pointed to a white hutch that held 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 laughed.

  “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 laughed too. “You’re right. I’m fed up. Look at this mess ; bubbles in every corner.”

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

  Kevin fought to keep a mischievous look from 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.

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

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

  His possessive kiss struck like a thousand lightning 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 beneath 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 velvety 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 on. 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 body 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! He thought.

  Lucy pulled at his waist trying to urge him to go faster. Her eyes 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 wro
ught, 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.

  CHAPTER SEVENTEEN

  Lucy woke to the aroma of fresh coffee and waffles. Her tummy grumbled. Once again, she realized, she hadn’t eaten dinner the night before.

  As she was about to get up from the bed, Kevin came through the door. He carried a tray laden with freshly baked waffles, orange juice, and a cup of coffee. He placed a fresh red rose on her lap, and set the tray on the bed next to her.

  “Good morning.”

  Lucy stretched like a satisfied cat. “Morning, what do you have there?” She leaned over the tray taking in the pleasing aromas. “Mmmm. Thank you.” Waffles stacked on the plate dripped with butter and syrup, and he’d placed creamer in her coffee.

  “No problem, I like to cook.”

  “I never knew that about you.” Lucy glanced down at the breakfast tray and blushed. “I guess there are a lot of things about you that I didn’t know.”

  He picked up the fork and knife, cut off a slice and dipped it in the syrup. Thoroughly coated, he brought the fork to her lips. She opened and the warm, sweet taste of maple syrup hit her tongue. Lucy moaned. She brought a hand to her mouth to catch a drop of syrup from falling onto her blanket.

  “Well, I wasn’t exactly forthcoming with information for the first few months we were on mission together.” Kevin brushed a strand of her hair behind her ear. “Eat your breakfast,” he said and handed her the fork, “its 3:45 a.m. We’re due at the museum by 4:30.”

  Lucy glanced over at the clock and realized he’d gotten got up much earlier to make her breakfast. She felt a little embarrassed. It wasn’t often that she slept in.

  Since they took Chase, she hadn’t been able to rest. Kevin made her feel safe, which caused a small knot of guilt to form in her stomach. Chase was out there still. She shifted, suddenly uncomfortable. “I’m sorry you didn’t get much sleep.”