Читать книгу The Naughty List Bundle with The Night Before Christmas & Yule Be Mine - Fern Michaels - Страница 26

Her house hadn’t been trashed. As far as she’d been able to tell in those brief moments before she fled, nothing had been taken, just like nothing had been taken from her office. But Christie knew someone had been inside her place. She always turned the kitchen light off when she left. Always.

Someone had been there and turned it back on.

She could tell by the way the uniforms on the scene were eyeing her that they didn’t necessarily believe her story.

When Jonas came back to her side, she straightened away from her car, hugging the coat tightly to her. “Do you think it’s Charles? Is he really trying to—”

“Charles is in Cincinnati.”

“Since when?”

“Nine a.m. I got a trooper who owes me a favor up there to check in on your ex. I didn’t think you wanted me to mention it at the party with all those people there, but”—Jonas shook his head—“Crenshaw’s not our guy.”

Someone else out there wanted to scare her? Why?

“I want you to come home with me tonight,” Jonas told her. “Let the uniforms keep searching here.”

“Do you think they’ll find anything?” Someone had broken into my house. The goose bumps on her arms weren’t just from the cold. Fear had lodged inside her.

His lips thinned. “Doubt it.”

“Someone was here, Jonas.” She wasn’t crazy. She was more than a little obsessive compulsive, and she always turned out that kitchen light when she left.

“I believe you, that’s why I want you with me. Until I find out what’s happening here, I want to make absolutely certain you’re safe.”

She could be safe at her parents’. At Daniel’s. If she went with Jonas, she’d be getting a lot more than just safety.

That was exactly what she wanted. “Okay, but can I get some clothes first?”

His gaze raked her, hot in the cold air. “I’ll take care of that for you.”

She licked wind-dry lips. “What’s happening, Jonas?” She didn’t mean between them. The situation between them was way out of control. “Why is someone doing this to me?”

He opened the car door and ushered her inside. “I’m gonna find out, baby.”

“This isn’t your case.” No dead bodies—thank God—no need for him to be here. “Daniel might have called you in before, but you don’t have to work this.”

“You’ve involved.” His eyes glittered. “That means I’m involved, and I’m not backing off until I find out what’s happening.”

Her hands tightened around the steering wheel. “I didn’t mean for any of this to happen.” Things had spiraled out of control. “It’s all gotten so complicated,” she whispered and caught the narrowing of his eyes.

“Baby, sex is complicated.”

With him, it was. Complicated and hot and wild and what she needed right then to banish the cold that snaked through her. In my house. Why?

“Keep the vehicle running and stay warm. Harris over there”—he nodded to a cop standing near a patrol car—“will keep an eye on you until I get back.”

She grabbed his hand. “You really think I need someone to watch me every minute?”

His stare bored into her. “I need him there.” The faint lines around his eyes seemed deeper. “It takes someone damn ballsy to walk right into your house. Whoever this dick is, he’s not getting close to you again.”

This wasn’t the way her Christmas should have turned out. When she’d made her wish, she’d just wanted—

He kissed her. She expected a hard, fierce kiss. Instead, it was the gentlest whisper of lips. “I’m the only one getting close to you.”

Then he was gone.

And she wanted him back. Close again. As close as she could get him.

She’d never been to his apartment before. Christie wasn’t sure what she’d expected, but the relaxed feel of the place suited Jonas.

She liked the overstuffed couch—the couch that faced the flat-screen TV. The overflowing bookshelf wasn’t a surprise. She’d known Jonas loved to read.

But she didn’t expect the tree.

A small Christmas tree, wilting a bit, stood in the corner of his den. Some gold garland—like the garland she’d seen at the station—had been tossed around the tree. No presents were under the tree. No tree skirt. No, um, water that she could tell. It wasn’t an artificial tree, so it really needed some water.

Jonas came up behind her. “It’s a piece of shit, isn’t it?”

Despite the tension that had been riding her, Christie found herself laughing. “No, I think it’s gorgeous.” She’d always been a Charlie Brown tree fan. “But, Jonas,” she turned in his arms, “you might want to consider watering it. If you want the tree to live until Christmas.”

His cheeks stained a bit. “Figured I forgot something.” He shook his head. “I knew if I didn’t get a tree, you’d—”

Whoa. Wait a minute. “When did you get the tree?”

“Today.” He bent his head and his lips pressed against her neck.

Her weak spot. She held onto his shoulders, aware that her knees trembled. “Wh-why?”

“Because”—his breath blew over her flesh—“You love Christmas.”

Well, yes. Didn’t everyone?

He caught her hands and pulled back. “There wasn’t much for me to celebrate in the years after my parents died.”

No, there probably hadn’t been.

“I bounced around in foster care until I hit eighteen. And then…hell, your brother invited me home every holiday, but I didn’t go with him.”

“Why not?”

“Because seeing other families hurt too much.” He dropped her hands and glanced toward the tree. “There were only a few trees left on the lot. It really didn’t look that bad earlier.”

Seeing other families hurt too much. “I-it just needs some water. The tree’s gorgeous.”

She saw his mouth tighten. “It’s not like yours.”

“That’s because I spent two days decorating mine, and I forced Daniel to help me.” Next year you can help. She bit the words back. There wouldn’t be a next year. The wish she’d made had time limits.

She wrapped her arms around his waist.

“When I worked undercover, I didn’t have days off for the holidays. I didn’t want my Christmas to be free.”

But this year was different. “Jonas, why’d you transfer out?”

Silence. Then, “Because I realized there were things I did want. Things I wanted more than the job.”

What do you want? The question trembled on her lips. The bolder, braver Christie would ask. But that woman wasn’t there at the moment. Too much had happened tonight. Doubts surrounded her. Fears.

“I hope you get everything you want,” she said instead and meant it. Jonas deserved to be happy.

“So do I,” he muttered and his mouth took hers. The kiss was harder, deeper. “Because I’m damn well realizing how much I need you.”

Wait—what had he said? “Jonas—”

His tongue thrust into her mouth. His hands pushed the coat off her shoulders, and it hit the floor.

“Did you wear this to drive me crazy?” The words were growled against her lips.

She managed a nod.

“It worked.”

He lifted her up, carried her, and placed her on the table near the wall. “I wanted you from the second I saw you tonight. You were nervous, scared, and I wanted to keep you safe—and I just wanted you.” His hand pushed under her skirt. “Oh, hell, garters?”

They’d been so sexy in the store, and she’d never worn them before. They’d looked great on the mannequin. Sexy and fun.

“We’re not making it to the bedroom, not for the first time.” His blazing eyes held hers. “I’m fucking starving for you.”

When had a man ever told her that? When had a man ever looked at her with such need?

No other man. Just Jonas.

“I don’t need the bedroom.” She let her hands trail down his chest. Thanks to the table, she was at the perfect height to touch and tease. And, really, it was her turn to play. She caught the buckle of his belt and unhooked the leather. He’d already ditched his jacket and gloves. Time for the rest to go.

He sucked in a sharp breath when she unsnapped the pants and eased down the zipper.

“Wait.”

He was telling her to stop? Her jaw almost dropped.

But he yanked a condom out of his wallet and slapped the foil packet on the table. Ah, that was her man. Always prepared.

She reached for his cock. Already up, thick, bobbing toward her. She hadn’t gotten the chance to touch that flesh before. Hadn’t been able to explore him as he’d learned her.

Now she did. She squeezed his length, stroked from root to tip and enjoyed the way he hissed out her name. He was warm, strong, and she knew he’d feel so good inside.

“Told you”—he caught her wrist. Held tight—“Can’t wait.”

Ah, but she was having so much fun. “You haven’t seen my underwear yet.” She kissed the hard line of his jaw even as her hands pumped his cock. “Do you think I’m wearing your gift?”

She felt the shudder that worked through him, then he was shoving up her dress, hiking it all the way to her waist. Revealing the silk of her emerald panties.

His hands climbed up, the callused fingertips sliding under the garters, caressing her skin. Goose bumps rose on her flesh. “Jonas!”

His finger edged under the panties. Found her core.

“Wet and tight.” He grabbed the condom with his left hand, then used his teeth to rip open the packet. “So fucking good.”

She put the condom on him. Rolled it down his length and enjoyed the way his flesh jerked toward her.

He positioned his cock against her. Christie’s hands flew out and pressed behind her, slapping down against the wood as she fought to brace herself when he pushed deep, so deep inside.

Better than good.

Her breath panted out.

He started to thrust. Fast. Faster. The table shook beneath them. Trembled. No, was that her? The table? Oh, crap, they were going to break—

Jonas pulled her up against him, lifting her off the table. Christie wrapped her legs around him and held on for the roughest ride of her life.

His mouth was on hers. His cock in her. She squirmed against Jonas, taking him even deeper. He held her tight with a steely grip at her waist. He took a few rough steps to the right, and her back rammed into the wall.

They didn’t stop. Couldn’t.

Deeper. Harder. Faster.

The pleasure hit her, sweeping through her body as her sex clenched around him, and Jonas was right there with her. His cock jerked inside her as he came, and his mouth tore from hers. Their eyes met, held, and she watched the green seem to go blind with pleasure. Pleasure that vibrated through her body.

When she could breathe, when the drumming of her heart wasn’t the only sound she heard anymore, Christie realized she was still up against the wall, pinned by her cop. Held so tight. Over his shoulder, she could see the tree. Slumping a little more now, but…for me.

She smiled and pressed a kiss to his shoulder.

Jonas eased back and stared down at her. Not glazed with lust and pleasure anymore, his gaze saw her. Maybe too much of her.

She tried to put on her confident front. “I don’t think you ripped the panties that time.”

One black brow rose. “Yeah, baby, I did.”

Oh. She wanted to smile. After everything that had happened, he still made her feel happy. “Guess that means you own me another present.”

His hands tightened around her hips. He stepped away from the wall, but still held her close. The man was strong. His muscles rippled beneath her touch as he carried her down the hallway.

“Guess it means I do.”

They turned and entered his bedroom. Big bed. Dark blue comforter. Lots of room to stretch and play.

He lowered her onto the bed. Her fingers caught his jaw, felt the rasp of the stubble there. “Make me forget again,” she whispered, knowing she was revealing a weakness, but with him, she didn’t care. “The only thing I want to think about tonight is you.”

What would happen when the holiday ended? Would he go back to his cases? She’d go back to—what? Not another lover. Not after him. Who’d compare?

Not another accountant. Not another guy who fumbled in the dark.

She only wanted him.

“Baby, for tonight, I’m all yours.”

That was the problem. She didn’t just want tonight. So how did she go about asking Santa for forever?

Especially when forever was against the rules.

“I heard about the trouble your lady had at Tate Toys,” Scotty said when he saw Jonas at the station the next day. “Hell of a time for something like that to happen.”

It sure was. Jonas yanked out his chair. He didn’t want to be in the precinct today. He wanted to be with Christie. She’d headed back to Tate to rifle through the mess in her office with Daniel. He’d asked her if she was okay…

And that chin had jumped two inches into the air. I can handle this.

Sure she could, but he still wanted to be there with her. “Looks like someone was in her house last night, too.”

“What?” A line furrowed Scotty’s brow. “A vandal at work and a visitor at home? Man, that’s not good.”

“Tell me something I don’t know.” That’s why I should be with her.

“Any leads?”

“Only one that was a dead end.” But Crenshaw could have been the one to trash her office. He’d been in the area that night. Hell, Crenshaw and that redhead had been the only two he’d seen in that wing.

But even if Crenshaw had trashed her office on Friday, there was no way the guy could have pulled that break-in at her house. Not unless the accountant was freaking Superman.

“She seems like a real classy lady, despite the fact that she’s taken up with you.” Scotty crossed his arms over his chest. “You need any help on this, you let me know.”

“Thanks, I will.” He had to give a report to the captain, but after that, he was free and clear for the afternoon. He planned to spend that time focusing on Christie and the jerk who was screwing with her.

“I didn’t realize she was the one to create Ricky Rocketshooter.” Scotty sounded impressed. “That thing’s sold out of all the stores this year. Bet that next robot—what’d she call it—Rover? Bet he’s gonna make a killing for Tate Toys, too.”

Jonas paused. “Just how successful is Ricky?” There were no small kids in his world, so it wasn’t like he spent a lot of time studying toy trends.

“I read an article the other day that said Ricky’s number three on the list of top ten toys for the year.”

Number three equaled a crap load of profits for Tate Toys, and with Rover waiting in the wings…

Money. Greed. Always perfect motivators for crimes. “Sonofabitch.” He grabbed his file. “Call Tate. Make sure a security guard is on the floor with Daniel and Christie at all times.” He’d tell the captain he had to go, the briefing could wait.

“All right, man, but wait—what are you thinking? You know who trashed her place?”

“I know that at this time of the year, people get desperate.” He shook his head. “And money can make folks crazy.” Folks you’d never suspect could cross the line if they thought the payoff was strong enough.

With Tate, the payoff seemed to be too tempting.

Her house key was missing. Christie flipped through the keys on the key ring once more. She always kept backup keys in her filing cabinet. Last night, she’d checked through them fast, and it had seemed like they were all there. No, six keys had been there. But two of the keys were wrong. Just extra keys that she’d never seen before. Substitute keys someone had placed on the ring.

Her house key and her lab key were missing.

Her gaze darted around the office. She’d spent an hour with Daniel, organizing all those files. No data seemed to be missing. Just her keys. Keys that had been carefully substituted so she wouldn’t even realize they’d been taken.

“I know how he got into my house,” she said, and Daniel’s head whipped toward her. She held up the keys. “My backup is gone.”

His eyes narrowed.

“And what else is gone?” Jonas asked, appearing in the doorway.

Daniel and the security guard, Sam, both turned to face him.

Her heart give a little kick when she saw him. Hell, what else was new?

He filled the doorway, looking tall, strong, and dangerous. He had his badge clipped to his belt, and she could see the bulge of his weapon.

“I thought you were working at the station.” Not that she wasn’t glad to see him.

“I told the captain something important had come up.” His gaze dropped to the ring. “The lab key isn’t on there, is it?”

Her fingers curled around the ring. “No.”

“This”—he waved his hand to the room—“is all flash. A distraction. You aren’t the target.”

“They why’d the jerk go to her place last night?” Daniel wanted to know.

“Because he’s looking for something.” Jonas eased out of her office and glanced down the hallway. “Something that would either be in the lab or in Christie’s house.”

Her breath rushed out.

“If I’m right,” Jonas said, “this isn’t personal, it’s—”

“Business.” Daniel shot to his feet. “Sonofabitch. The lab. Someone’s trying to steal our models!”

Jonas gave a grim nod. “You been working on any designs at home?”

“I-I took a prototype home for a few days.”

“Let me guess.” Jonas rolled his shoulders and the butt of the weapon peeked at her. “Rover, right?”

“Yes.” The robot hadn’t been working just right, and she’d wanted a chance to tinker with him over the holidays.

“Where’s he now?”

“I brought him back last night. He was in my car and when you called about the break-in, I brought him back”—she pointed behind him—“and Daniel put him in the lab.”

Jonas turned his attention to Daniel. “Anyone else here today?”

“Ah…just Vicki from accounting. There was some kind of glitch with the payroll checks. She came in to—”

“All about the money,” Jonas muttered. “I’m gonna need to get in that lab, now.”

Daniel shoved his hand into his jacket pocket. “I’ve got a key.” He was already heading for the door, nearly racing with the security guard.

Christie was right on their heels.

They marched down the hallway, the faint melody of Christmas music filling the air as it drifted through the speakers.

“Let me go in first,” Jonas murmured. “Then, Christie, I want you to do a sweep and see if all the Rover material is still there.”

He reached for the door, but didn’t have to use the key. The lab was unlocked.

Well, hell.

He swung open the door.

The Rover prototype was still there—clutched in Vicki Jasper’s hands.

“Vicki?” Daniel called out, shock and anger mixing in his voice.

Vicki spun toward them, her dark red hair swirling over her shoulders. A wide, laughing smile spread her lips. “You caught me, Dan!” She gave a light, twinkling laugh as she sat Rover back down. “I just had to sneak in and get a peek at old Rover.” She dusted off her hands. “I was taking a break, stretching my legs a bit, and I—”

“How’d you get inside, Vicki?” Christie asked her, aware that Jonas and Sam had both tensed at the sight of the other woman.

Vicki blinked her warm brown eyes. “The door was open. I walked in.” A shrug. “Why? Is-is there a problem?” Another laugh eased past her lips, but this one sounded a bit nervous. “You left the door open. I just walked in to look around.”

“We didn’t leave the door open,” Christie said with certainty. “We haven’t been in here today.”

“The room was locked tight last night,” Jonas added, his voice cold and clipped. “I checked before I left.”

Vicki’s gaze flashed from Christie to Jonas. “Okay, um, I’m sorry I came in here.” She began to edge away from the table. “Numbers can get a little boring sometimes. You know what I mean, Dan. You’re a numbers guy, too. I wanted a little break.” Her smile flashed again. “A chance to see how the other half lived.”

Christie stared at her and felt sad. “You shouldn’t be here, Vicki.”

“No,” Daniel said, the word heavy. “You shouldn’t.”

“What? You’re going to fire me for walking in the playroom?” Vicki’s eyes hardened a bit. “Come on, what’s this really about? Is it about me and Charles? Christie, we didn’t mean for anything to happen, okay? We never meant to hurt you. We didn’t plan it, we—”

“I don’t care about you and Charles.” But, wait…when had Vicki first hooked up with Charles?

Right after I announced plans for Rover at the company meeting in November.

“You’re lying,” Vicki snapped. “I know you’re angry, but let’s all calm down, okay?”

“We are calm, ma’am,” Jonas said, stepping closer to Vicki. “Now I’m gonna need you to do me a favor.”

Vicki’s gaze jumped to him. She must have seen the badge, because her eyes widened. Or maybe she’d seen the butt of his weapon.

“I need you to empty your pockets, real nice and real slow,” Jonas ordered her.

“What? I don’t have to—”

“Vicki.” Daniel’s voice snapped like a whip. “What’s in your pocket?”

And she crumpled. Her lips trembled and teardrops slid down her cheeks even as she shoved her right hand into her pocket—and the hand came back up, holding two keys.

Christie was too far away to tell for certain, but her gut knew those were her keys. “Why?”

But it was Daniel who answered. “Because if there’s one thing Vicki knows well, it’s money. You ran the numbers for the project. You knew what we had coming, didn’t you?”

Jonas took the keys from Vicki. She wasn’t looking at any of them, just the floor.

“Probably planning to sell the prototype to a competitor.” Daniel yanked a hand through his hair. “Vicki, this goes without saying but…your ass—”

“Is fired,” Christie finished because even her Christmas goodwill had its limits. Vicki had passed those holiday limits. Actually, she’d blown right through them.