Flirting with Fate (11 page)

“You can’t sit across the table from the bastard after he tried to kill you. Hell, I’m not sure I can. Not without snapping his neck.”

“No one but the doctor, Liam, and Alana know about the attempt to kill me, and they agreed to keep our secret.”

“You think you can bluff two scam artists? It’s too dangerous.”

“They think you and I are almost strangers. There’s no reason for them to believe you’re involved with me hacking his computer.”

“Damn it, Elle.” Frustration boiled over. “You were almost killed.”

“You think I don’t know that?”

“I think you’re in shock. Realization is going to hit like a tsunami. What if we’re in the restaurant when it happens?”

Elle cupped his cheek, stood up on her tiptoes, and kissed him. A nice, easy, slow touch of the lips. Her tongue sought out the inside of his mouth, sweeping in and out. Jesus, she’d already figured out how to bend him to her will?

“What’s the plan for dinner?” she asked.

Eight

E
lle took Logan’s arm as they crossed the lobby to the restaurant. She glanced up at him and smiled, remembering his expression when she’d walked into the common room wearing her ruby-red, body-hugging dress. He’d protested her plan until she’d kissed him into silence.

He stopped just short of the restaurant’s entrance. “What could you possibly find funny?”

“The look on your face when you saw my dress.”

“You look beautiful in it, very Christmassy. I’d like it better in a pile at your feet.” His compliment was nice, but the nerves in his jaws twitched. “You’re positive you want to do this?”

“Yes. It’s my turn to ask if you can pull this off.”

“I don’t like putting you through this.”

“I want to see the expression on Brandon’s face when he realizes I’m alive.”

Logan escorted her into the dining room. The realization that she was about to face her attacker hit her with the force of a truck. Her hands were cold as ice cubes and hung heavy at the ends of her arms. Her fight-or-flight reflexes kicked in. Her feet begged to turn toward the exit and run, but her brain demanded she pick up a wine bottle and smash Brandon in the head.

Logan’s fingers found hers, sending a message of safety and support. Warmth flooded her hand, up her arm, giving Elle instant strength. She could face anybody or anything with him at her side.

Elle’s gaze locked on Brandon as she and Logan arrived at the table. Brandon stood and greeted them as if they were the dearest of friends. His calm demeanor as he waited for Elle to sit shook her to the core. How much evil had to consume you before you attempted to murder a person and then pretend it had never happened?

Logan spoke first. “There’s something we want to tell you, but it comes with a request that it not leave this table.”

“I love intrigue,” Nicki said. “I can keep a secret.”

“As can I,” Brandon agreed.

“Our room was broken into this afternoon. Elle was attacked.” Logan’s tone was flat but not confrontational. “We’ve asked management to keep it quiet until the pass opens and the police can be notified.”

“I’m sorry to hear that. You’re uninjured?” Brandon’s phony look of concern sickened Elle.

She gripped Logan’s knee for strength. “I’m fine.” She couldn’t resist turning her gaze on Brandon. She hoped he got the message that she knew what he’d done.

Logan took over and provided the couple with a brief overview, skipping the method. “It was unfortunate that Elle was in the suite when the burglary occurred,” he lied.

Elle’s chest swelled with pride. Logan’s ability to pretend he believed that the attack on her was a burglary gone wrong was impressive.

“I should move my jewelry to the resort safe.” Nicki twirled the diamond bracelet on her arm, stopped, and covered her mouth with her fingers. “I’m sorry. That sounded selfish. I’m glad you’re okay.”

Elle forced herself to place her hand in Nicki’s. A nod was all Elle could muster. Her mind jumped around, shooting off in different directions. Neither Brandon nor Nicki displayed guilt. In fact, they both appeared to be shocked.

“Let’s drop the subject,” Logan said. “The only thing taken was a laptop. In a few days, we’ll all go separate ways. Let’s enjoy our vacation.”

Elle kept a fake smile plastered on her face. At Brandon’s insistence, she tried to eat, but her stomach rebelled after the first bite. Nicki asked if Elle wanted to move to the bar while the men talked business, but she declined.

Brandon handed Logan a folder filled with pictures, spreadsheets, and recommendations from people who supposedly had reaped great benefits from investing with him. Brandon went into detail about how Logan could easily double his money. The investment required a substantial buy-in, but by linking hotels, resorts, and Logan’s bed-and-breakfasts under one name, the payback would be enormous and fast.

To Logan’s credit, he never lost his persona of interested investor. He studied each page and asked questions. Had Elle been able to speak with him, she’d have pointed out that the entire presentation seemed strained and rushed.

After what seemed to be hours, Logan closed the folder. “It certainly appears to be a no-loss investment. But I need some time to think it over.”

“I understand completely. Noble Pass should reopen soon. Nicki and I have an important client to meet in Chicago, so we’ll be leaving then.”

The corners of Logan’s mouth lifted in a slow smile. “You wouldn’t try to pressure me, would you?”

Brandon’s eyes widened and he laughed. The sound reminded Elle of an old donkey her grandmother used to own. “Not at all. You can call me with your decision. Funds and contracts can be exchanged electronically.”

“Sounds like a plan,” Logan said, turning to her. “I have a few hours of work to do, so if you’re ready.”

“Of course.” She dropped her napkin next to her plate.

“I’m glad you’re okay.” Brandon stood.

“Thank you.” She swallowed the bile building in the back of her throat. “You two should join us on the slopes in the morning. We’re taking it easy. I’m sticking to the beginner’s course.”

“I’m afraid we have to beg off,” Nicki said. “I made massage appointments at the spa.”

Logan’s hand rested on Elle’s lower back as they left the restaurant. The entire experience had wrecked her nerves. She slumped against him once the elevator doors swished closed.

“You didn’t really want them to join us tomorrow.”

“Oh, hell no. I wanted Brandon to believe we didn’t suspect him of attacking me.”

Logan had never seen this side of Elle. Her strength and bravery made his chest hurt with pride. “I’ve never been as proud of anyone as I am of you. You faced that bastard like the best undercover I know.” He kissed the top of her head. “You didn’t eat. I’ll bet you’ll be starving soon.”

Elle turned into his arms and looked up into his dark brown eyes. How little she’d known about the man who’d captured her heart so long ago. He was strong in so many ways. Tonight he’d proven the lengths he’d go to for her.

“I’m starving.” She pulled his head down and kissed him with her heart and soul. His strong arms wrapped around her, lifting her off the floor. The elevator stopped. The ding as the doors opened ended their kiss.

Logan opened the door to the suite, and she pulled him through. Her hands made quick work of his jacket and shirt. Her lips traced the muscles of his bare chest and arms.

Cool air hit her back as the zipper on her dress slid down.

“Remember what I said about that dress?”

Elle stepped back. “Hmm. Let me see.” She wiggled out of the dress. It fell silently to the floor, leaving her wearing a lacy bra-and-thong combo along with her heels. “Something about liking it better off me.” Her skin sizzled as his gaze swept across her body.

“Holy shit,” he hissed, scooping her up in his arms.

Elle couldn’t resist chuckling. “You carry me a lot.”

“Get used to it.” He started to her room.

“I don’t want to ever get near that bed again.”

“I know just the place.” He turned and headed toward his side of the suite.

She nibbled the tip of his earlobe during the few short steps. He put her down, slid his hands behind her back, and unhooked her bra.

“Jesus Christ, woman, I lose track of reality when you get this close.”

His words sent fire streaking through her veins. She kissed him. Hard and demanding. Her tongue surged inside, searching, teasing. His wonderful mouth chased the worries and fear of the day away. He left her lips and worked his way to the base of her jaw.

Without speaking, she slipped off her panties, took his hand, and then pulled him down onto the bed next to her. Elle traced the lines of his hard chest muscles with her tongue, placing small nips as she went. She marveled that he trembled when her fingers kneaded his flesh. Soft and hard. Smooth and strong. Her fingers crossed the ridges of his belly to the waistband of his pants. She slid the zipper down, slipped her hand inside, and found him, silky, huge, and rock hard. He thrust his hips upward, pushing his erection into her grip. His sharp intake of air was exhilarating, stoking her bravado.

“You really need to be naked.”

He didn’t hesitate. He made quick work of his belt and zipper, and in seconds, he lay naked next to her. He took her head in his hands and then dropped kisses across her face and neck. “You are so beautiful,” he whispered into the soft spot at the base of her neck, moving down to her breasts. He pulled a nipple between his teeth, stopped, and smiled at her.

His hand pushed against her thigh, and she spread her legs, a silent plea for more. Dropping his head to her belly, he rained kisses on her trembling flesh. Working lower, he inched down her body, nipping at her flesh, before gently placing a kiss between her legs.

“Oh, God.” She gasped for air. Sensations took possession of her body and mind as his tongue, warm and probing, slipped inside.

He varied his pace, sped up, slowed down, increased and decreased pressure until she thought her entire body would ignite in flames. As she tumbled over the edge, shockwaves rocketed throughout her body. She clasped her hands behind his head, holding him in place while she writhed beneath him, relishing every second of her orgasm.

He kissed his way to her stomach and then held her close until her heart slowed. Elle wanted more. “Turn over.”

Logan lifted himself off her. In one swift move, they had swapped positions.
She rose and straddled his hips. The desire in his eyes said all she needed to know.

“Condom.” She grabbed his arm for leverage, leaned sideways to wrestle his wallet from his pants, and handed it to him.

He handed the packet to her. Heat poured from his eyes as she rolled the latex down. Elle lifted up on her knees. She took him in her hand and sank slowly down. Inch by inch, she moved until she’d impaled herself on his erection. Elle sat very still as her body adjusted to accommodate him. Desire spread through her body and begged for more. She’d jumped on a runaway train, screaming downhill, out of control.

His gaze locked on hers. “Just let go.”

Logan grasped her hips, sliding her backward, then forward, up and then down. His hips rose as he thrust deep into her body. Again and again until her eyes closed, her head fell back, and she surrendered to the explosion rocketing through her body. He groaned and pulsed inside her.

Elle’s heart was full as she collapsed on his chest. The words
I love you
rested on the tip of her tongue, but she held them there for only her to know. Relaxed and complete, she closed her eyes, listened as his rapid heartbeat slowed, and drifted off to sleep.

* * * *

Nicki opened the closet door. “Get dressed. Today is a big day.”

Brandon crawled out, stood up, and blinked against the light. She petted his cheek, and he felt the tension drain from his shoulders. Her bad mood had passed, and the love of his life was back. Their session after dinner last night had been particularly violent. The welts on his ass would make sitting uncomfortable, but he didn’t mind. He’d gotten scared and had failed to make sure Elle Reagan was dead. He had deserved the discipline.