Her Man Flint (3 page)

Chapter Four

Flint sat at a table in a small downtown café, sipping his coffee. Billy was supposed to meet him. He needed to find out how Adriana was getting along.

Following his visit to the hospital, he thought it best to stay away. An unfamiliar emotion nagged at him, one he’d never experienced before. Jealousy. The damned sensation had reared its ugly head and stood at attention as he watched Adriana weave her magic on the good Doctor Strangelove.

“Wench.” He shook his head at the memory. She’d done that same thing to him, batted her bewitching green eyes and had thrust that gorgeous body in his face and he’d fallen—hard. For a year and a half she’d kept him enthralled. He’d even thought maybe—

No, stop it. You’re not the marrying kind.
Even if she was the most intriguing piece of work he’d ever had the misfortune of falling into bed with.
Witch cast a spell over me.

“Hey boss, if you frown like that much longer, your face’ll stick.” Billy pulled a chair out and sat across from him.

“Funny. You should be a comedian.” Flint picked up his cup and waved it at the waitress.

“What’s wrong with you? Where’s the Morgan Wit I’ve come to appreciate. Having a slow spell in the sex department.”

The waitress filled Flint’s cup and turned her attention to Billy. “Coffee, black, thanks.”

Flint waited until she left to answer. “No. You know I never have trouble finding an available lady to warm my bed. But now that we’re on the subject of trouble, how are Adriana and her Doctor Killjoy?”

Billy frowned at his reference. “I believe his name is Mike Terrell, and they’re fine.”

“Are they dating?” Flint glanced around, hoping to appear uninterested, though inside, he was on the edge of his seat to learn what Adriana had been up to.

“I think they’ve been out. Not sure how far it’s gone.” Billy picked up the cup the waitress brought and took a sip. “You know Adriana. She’s picky about who she allows in her bed. You were the exception, of course.”

Flint rolled his eyes. “Of course.”

“Geez, where’s the banter I’ve come to expect from you, Flint. You sick, or something?”

“No, I’m fine. How’s Adriana’s head?”

Billy cocked a brow. “She’s better. No more headaches, but why ask me. Why not ask her yourself?”

“I think it’s best if I stay away. Besides, she’s busy with her Doctor Doolittle. I wouldn’t want to get in the way of that.”

“Dr. Terrell,” Billy corrected.

“Yeah, whatever.”

Flint took a sip of his coffee and watched a young couple out the window crossing the street. They were holding hands and smiling at each other.
How sickeningly sweet.

“What’s wrong, Flint?”

“Did you hear about Dean?” Flint tamped down the emotional turmoil brewing inside him. What he wouldn't give for five minutes alone with Hartford.

Billy nodded. “Yeah, Bob told Adriana. She sent Teresa flowers and her condolences. Has he heard anything about who was involved yet?”

“No, but I’m thinking about doing a little investigating of my own. Hartford had something to do with it. I just know it. If anyone else at DNS gets hurt, I’ll strangle him.”

Billy’s amber eyes narrowed. “You know you can’t just go into his compound, guns blazing, and get him. You almost got yourself killed the last time you tried that. Lucky for you Adriana came along when she did. So if you’re thinking about pulling another stupid stunt, don’t. This time she won’t be there to save your ass. I’ll make sure of it.”

“What’s this? You worried about her?” Flint studied his friend closely. “Adriana’s a big girl. She can take care of herself.”

Billy’s eyes darkened, his anger with him more than apparent. “Right, I knew you’d say that. Did you ever really love her?”

“Why should you care? Oh, wait a minute.” Flint shook his head in amazement. “Man. You love her, don’t you?”

“Of course, I love Adriana. She’s like a sister to me.”

“Sister, my ass! She did it to you, too. That woman’s lethal to a man’s heart.”

“Apparently not to yours.”

“Oh, don’t underestimate Dray’s abilities, Billy. She got me, too. I just refused to let it show.”

Billy looked skeptical. “But what about Lindsey?”

“I don’t even remember what happened that night. If I slept with her I don’t have any memories of it. I just woke up in bed with her, and Lindsey said we did. But if you tell Dray any of what I just told you, I’ll deny it.”

“Adriana loved you, Flint.”

Flint laughed. “No. Adriana loves only one person, and that’s Adriana.”

* * *

Adriana lay across her queen-sized sleigh bed on her stomach, swinging her legs as she talked to Mike Terrell on the phone. She’d been seeing him for a few weeks now, but they hadn’t even shared a kiss yet.

“Can I ask what you do, Adriana?”

“Do? What do you mean?” She knew what he was asking, but needed time to think of how to answer.

“How do you support yourself?” Mike clarified.

“Oh, that. Well, it’s top secret. You see, I’m a Super-model,” she lied.

“Yeah, I thought as much. You certainly have the face and figure for the job.”

Adriana shook her head in disgust. Like she’d ever be a fashion model. You’d have to extract her brain, and then it would be a hard sell.

She’d always hated that whole dumb blonde thing. She’d gotten it all her life—the how many blondes does it take… crap. But even with that as an obstacle, she’d managed to excel in her field, although she’d had to fight every step of the way. The job she’d chosen had been a man’s domain until she came along, but she’d managed to squeeze her way in with lots of hard work and a good pair of earplugs.

Three years into working at DNS, she’d met Flint. She remembered how arrogant he was, still was for that matter, but she couldn’t help but notice him. He was the best-looking man she’d ever seen, with his pitch-black hair and gray, smoldering eyes that had set her heart aflutter and her libido on full alert. Danger…danger, had echoed over and over in her head, but that hadn’t stopped her from hopping into the sack with him when given the opportunity. She’d literally trained under one of the best agents the DNS had, and in turn, lost her heart—one he’d crushed under his size thirteen Tony Lama’s.

“Adriana, are you still there?” Mike’s question brought her back to the present.

Adriana cleared her throat. “Yes, of course.”

“Are we on for tonight?”

She sighed. “Mike, can I take a rain check on that? I’m so tired. I think I’ll stay in and go to bed early.” Yet another lie. They got easier by the second, but her mind was on Flint and what they’d once shared as a couple and she couldn’t shake the sense of melancholy it brought on.

“Sure, okay. I’ll talk to you tomorrow then.”

“Bye, Mike.”

Adriana inwardly chided herself as she hung up the phone, then rubbed at her tired eyes. Why hadn’t she said yes? Maybe an evening with Mike would have helped.

“Flint Morgan, I hate you.”

She rolled to the far side of the bed and pulled open the drawer of her nightstand. She immediately found what she was looking for. The picture she had of Flint, taken while he was asleep. One, he never knew existed. He looked so different. No arrogance etched his features in the photo as it did when he was awake. He looked almost like a little boy. He had the longest, sootiest lashes she’d ever seen on a man. Adriana cherished the snapshot.

A tear slipped onto her cheek, and she angrily brushed it away.

“I hate you. I love you… oh, Flint. Why did you have to ruin everything?”

Her phone rang, sending her heart thumping. She picked it up. “Did you forget something?” Adriana assumed it was Mike again.

“Yeah, you wouldn’t happen to have found that pair of trick handcuffs we experimented with, would you?” Adriana’s heart sped up at the sound of Flint’s deep, sexy voice. “And who is this?” she asked. “Jared? Frank?” Let him think she’d used them on more than one occasion, with someone other than him.

He growled. “You know darn well who this is.”

Adriana smiled. Was that jealousy she heard in his tone? “Is that you, Flint?”

“Yes. So, do you have them or not. I have a date tonight and they might come in handy.”

She snorted. “I think I left them at Mike’s last night. Let me call him and see.” She sounded cool and collected, but on the inside her heart wrenched at the thought of him in yet another woman’s arms.

“Forget it. I’ll think of something else creative. Of course you know that about me, don’t you? Remember the night of the blackout and the flashlight?”

Adriana felt a rush of heat wash over her body at the memory.

“Yes, I remember. Do you remember the morning I found you in bed with Lindsey?” She tried to sound matter-of-fact.

“Yeah. What a night I had.”

Adriana’s chest tightened to almost painful proportions. “What do you want, Flint?”

“Can’t a guy call his partner?” he asked innocently.

“I have a date. I have to go.” Adriana held back the emotion clogging her throat. She didn’t need this.

“I’m sorry, Adriana.” The phone went dead.

Great. Now he says he’s sorry. What did he mean? Sorry for what? Sorry he broke my heart? Sorry for what he said, or just sorry that I’d caught him in the act?

What did it really matter? Sorry or not, their relationship would never be the same—she’d never be the same.

Chapter Five

Flint watched the Hartford compound through a pair of infrared goggles. Vehicles had been coming and going since he’d arrived. Something strange was going on down there? Hartford had to be up to no good. The man couldn’t be having a cocktail party. He wasn’t civilized enough for that. Damn neanderthal had little or no social skills as far as Flint was concerned. He doubted if the man knew how to use a fork. What Lindsey saw in Hartford was a mystery.

A twig snapped behind him instantly putting him on alert. He pulled the gun from his side holster and scanned the darkness. A click next to his ear stopped his heart. He slowly turned.

“I should shoot you for your stupidity.” Adriana cocked the hammer.

“How’d you know I’d be here? Did Billy tell you?” How’d she managed to sneak up on him anyway? She’d completely taken him by surprise.

“No, but I know you. I assumed you’d try to get into the compound again. I just didn’t know when. I came out to do a little surveillance of my own and spotted your car. If I could find it, Flint, what’s to prevent one of Hartford’s men from doing the same? He’s not stupid. You know he wants you dead.” Adriana’s voice was hushed but held a hint of concern. She looked down into the compound. “Why make it easy for him?”

“I’m sick of waiting for Hartford to do something that could get another of our colleagues killed. If I can pin something on him now, maybe I can prevent more bloodshed.” Flint didn’t understand why he was the only one concerned with Hartford’s activities. He damn sure needed to be watched?

“I know why you’re here, Flint, but coming alone is irresponsible and you know it. We’re partners, why didn’t you call me?” Her green eyes flashed like a beveled-cut emerald as she waited for his answer.

“You’ve been busy with your doctor on call. Didn’t want to cut into your social calendar.” Flint cocked a questioning brow at her. “Besides, you came out by yourself, didn’t you?”

“Hartford doesn’t want me dead. Anyway, you know my job comes first. So the next time you think I’ll be too busy, think again.”

“Deal.” Flint was in no mood to argue with her. He’d learned from prior experience she’d always win their tiffs anyway.

“What’s going on down there? Looks to me like he’s having a little party.” She glanced at him. “You tell me who’d want to spend an evening with a man like Hartford? Besides Lindsey, of course,” she added, throwing him a wink.

Flint growled. “Hey, so I made a big mistake with Lindsey. You don’t have to keep rubbing it in my face.”

She laughed. “Yes I do. You’re losing your edge, Flint. A few years ago you’d have never allowed a woman to cloud your judgment, but you let Lindsey lure you out here to get killed. You’re just lucky I came along to save your sorry ass.”

He gave her a lopsided grin. “I thought you liked my ass?”

Her eyes narrowed. “I did, until you bared it to someone else.”

“Women,” he uttered under his breath, shaking his head with annoyance. He’d never understand any of them. “Jealousy doesn’t become you, Dray.”

She snorted. “I’m not jealous. I should have let them kill you, you arrogant, egotistical cheat.”

He smiled, showing her all his pearly white teeth. Why would she call him a cheat if she didn’t feel something for him?

The woman protests too much.

“And you’re any better, right? Who’s the one cavorting with the good Doctor Welby? By the way, I’ve been meaning to ask. How’s his bedside manner? Does he warm up his stethoscope before he uses it?” Flint paused, testing her reaction, then continued. “Does he carry around tongue depressors, or does he just give tongue.”

“Oh... that’s awful, Flint. Did I say one thing about Lindsey to you?”

“Damn straight. What about the silicone insinuation?”

“Well, she has implants, doesn’t she?”

He wished he knew. “What’s the difference? All women can’t be endowed with perfect breasts like you, Adriana.”

Her eyes lit up at his words. “You think my breasts are perfect?”

Flint shrugged. “They’re okay.” To Flint, Adriana had a big enough ego. He didn’t need to add to it.

“Now they’re just okay?” She shook her head and turned her attention back to the compound.

“So what do you think is really going on down there?” She didn’t bother to look back at him, but watched the compound with interest.

“I wish I knew. I’d like to get a look inside the house. You wouldn’t want to create a diversion for me, would you?” Flint cocked a brow, excited at the prospect of a little danger.

She glanced at him and shook her head. “I don’t think we should do that without backup.”

“I see. So you’re afraid?” he accused. “I never would have thought the illustrious Adriana Kent was chicken. I guess I don’t know you as well as I thought I did.” Flint did know her, knew she couldn’t resist a challenge. Goading her worked every time.

“All right! I’ll do it.” Her gaze swept the perimeter of the complex. “I’ll meet you back at the clearing in thirty minutes.”

Adriana crawled down the steep incline, then darted off toward the compounds gate.

Flint watched her throw a large rock into the woods, then run in the opposite direction. The guards at the gate took off into the trees and gave Flint the opportunity to sneak by.

His hope was to get lucky and learn what Ryan Hartford and his men were up to.

Staying low, he made his way to the nearest window and eased himself up slowly to take a look.

Inside, there were a number of men mulling around, some watching a huge screen TV in the back. Others stood around a long table studying something that looked like a map.

Flint squinted, trying to make out a landmark when a large explosion appeared on the TV screen, causing an outburst of laughter from the men watching.

“What the hell?”

A tall man with a jagged scar running the length of his cheek came in, said something Flint couldn’t make out, and they all rushed from the room.

Flint flattened himself against the wall of the stone structure as voices echoed around him.

“Someone’s right outside the gate, Mr. Hartford. I tried to find them, but they slipped into the woods.”

“Everybody pan out and start looking,” Hartford’s gruff voice ordered.

Flint knew he had to get to Adriana and get the hell out of there.

Dropping back to the ground, he crawled slowly to the edge of the yard. If luck was with him, he’d get by undetected.

He’d managed to make it to the gate when a gunshot rang out from somewhere. Men scattered, giving Flint the chance he needed to slip out.

His heart raced, wondering if the shot he heard involved Dray.

He ran through the wooded encampment to the clearing where he’d left his car.

“Over here,” a deep, male voice echoed in the distance.

Flint’s heart jumped to his throat. Did they have Adriana? Why the hell had he talked her into this? He’d put her life in danger—again. If anything happened to her, he’d never forgive himself.

As he hit the clearing, he saw Adriana’s Porsche parked next to his, but she was nowhere in sight.

“Shit,” Flint cursed.

“Later. After we get the hell out of here,” Adriana bellowed from behind him, running for her car.

Flint grinned as he jumped into his Cobra and waited for her to back up, then turned his car around, almost running over a man holding a rifle.

Petal to the floor, Flint dodged him as he sped down the dirt road, thankful Adriana was safely in front of him.

A bullet hit his side mirror, shattering the glass. He punched the pedal again and headed for the main road, hoping no one was in pursuit.

His cell phone rang. He picked it up and pushed the receive button. “Talk to me.”

“You horse’s ass. Next time you try to talk me into something so stupid, I’m going to shoot you myself,” Adriana spat. Then the phone hummed.

“Yeah, I love you, too,” Flint said to dead airspace.