"He will be. As soon as I get him to a hospital," Kade said. "You coming?" I shook my head.

"No. I have to be at the airport by seven." Blane's eyes flew open and his gaze narrowed on me.

"Why?" he asked.

"They're going to Chicago tonight," I quickly explained. "I'm working for one of the vice-presidents, Stephen Avery. I'm hoping I'll be able to find the right server on site." Blane and Kade exchanged a meaningful look.

"What?" I asked, watching them communicate silently.

"Grab her," Blane said, and before I could even react, Kade had wrapped an arm around me, pinning my arms to my sides. Pulling me toward the car, he opened the back door.

"What the h.e.l.l are you doing?" I cried out, furious. "Let me go! Blane! Why are you doing this?" I felt humiliated and betrayed. Kade pulled me in such a way that I couldn't regain my footing and my shoes scrabbled uselessly against the concrete.

"Knock it off, Kathleen," Kade ordered, "I've got to get Blane to the hospital and I don't have time to deal with your tantrum."

"Then go!" I said. "Just leave me alone!"

"Forget it," he said, manhandling me into the back seat. "You have no business going to Chicago. You'll only get yourself killed. And, for some reason that's utterly beyond me, Blane wants you alive."

"Please, Kade," I begged, "I've come this far. They murdered my friend. I can't let them get away with doing that. I have to finish this." Something I said or in the way I said it must have penetrated. He paused in shoving me in the car and I stopped fighting too. Our eyes caught and held.

"Please," I whispered. His lips pressed together.

"What can you do, Kathleen?" he asked. "You're one woman. You can't take them down alone."

I knew it was the truth even as he said it and yet, "I have to try," I said simply. There was a pregnant pause while I held my breath, waiting to see what he'd do. Finally, he slid his eyes to Blane in the front seat. I looked as well and saw Blane had pa.s.sed out.

"Get him to the hospital, Kade," I said urgently, "forget about me."

"That's probably the smartest thing I've heard you say yet," he muttered grimly, and to my relief, he released me. Kade wasted no time climbing into the driver's seat and driving away. He didn't look back.

Reaching my car in TecSol's lot, I drove home as quickly as I dared. I grabbed a small suitcase and started throwing things in it. It was nearly six and I knew it would take me forty-five minutes or more to get to the airport. My stomach was complaining about the fact that I hadn't really eaten anything since breakfast, but I didn't have time.

Running into the bathroom to grab my curling iron and makeup, I glanced in the mirror. My blouse was stained with Blane's blood. I froze, staring at the reflection. I was having a hard time processing what he had done. Guilt weighed heavily on me. I could only be grateful he hadn't been fatally injured.

Forcing myself into motion again, I took off my blouse and skirt, opting instead for a pair of warm wool slacks and a matching ivory cowl-necked sweater that was soft to the touch. I wasn't a big fan of white since it tended to wash me out, but the ivory shade of this outfit was flattering on me. With no time to redo my hair, I just brushed it out and let it fall over my shoulders. I'd learned my lesson with the heels and found a pair of flats in my closet that matched. I shrugged into the black coat Blane had given me and grabbed my purse and suitcase.

Fifteen minutes after I arrived home, I was back in the car. I had wanted to knock on CJ's door but had resisted the urge. She might try to talk me out of going, and given how afraid I was, it wouldn't take much urging. Pointing my car towards the airport, I tried to breathe and be calm even though it felt like I was jumping from the frying pan into the fire. Kade's words echoed in my head and I tried not to let the overwhelming fear and despair drown me. I would do what I could and the rest was in the hands of Fate, the fickle b.i.t.c.h.

I arrived at the airport with only a few minutes to spare, hurriedly parking my car in the lot for the hangar and wheeling my luggage inside. Remembering my fake name at the last second, I gave it to the man waiting inside, who checked a list and took my luggage.

"Right this way," he said, and I followed him over to the small waiting jet. The steps were lowered and we walked toward them. He handed my luggage to someone else who was loading bags into the bowels of the plane.

"Have a nice flight," he said, nodding at me. I plastered a smile on my face, and taking a deep breath, climbed the steps.

When I stepped inside the plane, I was momentarily stunned speechless. I had never been inside a private jet before and it was as different from a commercial plane as water is from wine. The tiny seats squeezed together to fit as many people as possible weren't to be found here. Instead, several leather armchairs hugged the walls. There was even an actual couch that curved from the wall in an L-shape. Throw pillows in various shades decorated the chairs and couches. Small wooden tables were placed within reach of the seats. The floor was carpeted with a long rug that matched the throw pillows. All in all, it was more luxurious than I had imagined.

Three men were already seated in a group, talking earnestly with one another. Unsure what to do, I stood indecisively right inside the doorway. A voice from behind me made me jump.

"Lucy, so glad you made it," Stephen said. "I was wondering if you were having a hard time finding us. Please, have a seat." We walked down the center of the aisle and Stephen acknowledged the men we pa.s.sed. I noticed one of them was the Brian that I'd met earlier today. I kept going until I got to the couch where I sank down into the b.u.t.tery soft leather. I know it was completely idiotic but I was absurdly pleased to be able to sit on a couch while flying.

Stephen followed, sitting next to me on the couch. I noticed his eyes took in my clothing and there was frank appreciation in his eyes. He'd removed his jacket and loosened his tie. He sat back against the leather with a sigh, resting his arm behind me across the back of the couch. This put his body in close proximity to mine and I had to resist the urge to scoot further away. My eyes caught on the security badge that was clipped to his belt.

Someone else came through the door and I looked up, distracted. My eyes widened and my jaw dropped when I saw who it was.

Kade had stepped onto the plane.

Stephen saw where I was looking and glanced over too. He hurriedly got to his feet. Kade's eyes landed on me briefly before he looked at Stephen. He showed no signs of acknowledging me so I quickly tore my gaze away. In a moment, he stood in front of Stephen.

"Dennon," Stephen said quietly by way of greeting. "I didn't know you were traveling with us tonight." His unspoken question hung in the air and I tried to pretend I wasn't avidly listening.

"Good evening, Stephen," Kade replied. "My...employers...thought it would be a good idea if I came along. To protect their investment, you understand." While his words were friendly, it was impossible to miss the implied threat underneath them.

"Of course," Stephen said agreeably, seemingly unfazed by Kade's words. "Please make yourself comfortable." He gestured to a chair behind us but Kade ignored him, choosing instead to sit in one that was directly across from me.

"And who do we have here?" he asked lightly, his eyes on me. I swallowed heavily, unsure of what game he was playing. Stephen's jaw clenched at this and I was sure he wouldn't have introduced me if he could've helped it.

"This is my new a.s.sistant, Lucy," he said, resuming his seat next to me. "Lucy, this is Kade Dennon."

"Nice to meet you, Lucy," Kade said, one corner of his lips quirking up in a smirk.

"Likewise," I replied.

A woman came out from the front of the plane, the stewardess I supposed, and told us we were readying for departure. She asked Stephen if he wanted something to drink and he asked for a gla.s.s of wine.

"Would you care for a gla.s.s as well?" he asked me solicitously and I nodded. Kade, I noticed, declined anything to drink. A few moments later, the stewardess handed Stephen and I each a cold gla.s.s of chardonnay.

We were airborne shortly after that and Stephen informed me it would be only about a ninety minute flight. I sipped my wine and tried to be un.o.btrusive though I could feel Kade's eyes on me. This seemed to irritate Stephen and he leaned toward me and twisted so his back was to Kade, effectively blocking me from view.

Stephen talked quietly to me, asking me questions and chatting. I tried to stick to the truth as much as possible. Too many lies are hard to keep straight. As we talked, he put his hand on my knee, his palm lightly brushing up and down my thigh. It made me tense but I tried to ignore it. It seemed nothing which had transpired this afternoon while helping Blane escape had been traced back to me, thank G.o.d.

"That color is lovely on you, Lucy," Stephen said, his knuckles touching the draped neck of my sweater. Perhaps accidentally, perhaps on purpose, his hand brushed against my breast. I plastered a smile on my face as I thanked him.

"Stephen," Brian called from the front of the plane. "Do you have a minute?" Stephen's eyes tightened in irritation, but he voice was placid when he said, "I'll be right back." I nodded, relieved to be given a respite from his attentions. He got up and walked away and my eyes slid closed. My nerves were stretched tight as bands of rubber and I felt like I might snap at any moment. A headache was starting to pound in my skull and I thought maybe it hadn't been a good idea to have a gla.s.s of wine on an empty stomach.

"How you holding up, princess?" Kade had slid into the now vacant seat next to me and my eyes popped open.

"I'm fine," I said in a low voice, brushing aside his inquiry. "How's Blane? Why are you here? Is he going to be all right?" My questions came out in a rush.

"Blane's fine," he said. "I left him in good hands. Thought you needed me more tonight."

"Who are your employers?" I asked, remembering what he'd told Stephen.

"Ah that," he said with a sigh. "A little white lie." He shrugged.

"You lied?" I hissed, anxiety gnawing at me. "What if he checks?"

"Relax," he said dismissively. "He won't." He paused for a moment. "So what's your plan?" he asked. I glanced at Stephen out of the corner of my eye. He was still deeply in conversation with the other men.

"I was going to try to lift his badge," I said under my breath. "Thought it might get me where I need to go."

"And how are you going to lift his badge without him knowing?" Kade said sarcastically. I just turned and looked at him, waiting for him to get to the obvious conclusion. I could tell when he did for the amus.e.m.e.nt vanished from his eyes and his lips thinned.

"You're going to f.u.c.k him," he said matter-of-factly. I winced at his crudity.

"It won't get that far," I hissed. "Just far enough for me to get his badge."

"Your plan sucks," Kade said, his own anger coming to the surface now.

"Do you have a better one?" I demanded, narrowing my eyes at him.

"We could just kill him," Kade suggested, smirking when he saw me blanch. When I didn't respond, he sighed and said, "Fine. Have it your way."

Stephen returned then, his eyebrows lifting when he saw Kade sitting beside me. Kade stood, saying, "Just getting to know your a.s.sistant better, Stephen." Stephen smiled was a bit forced as he resumed his place next to me. Kade drifted toward the back of the plane. I saw him pour himself a drink from a nearby decanter. It looked like scotch or bourbon.

"We'll be landing in a few minutes," Stephen said, his finger tracing lightly from my jaw down my neck to the edge of the top of my sweater. I noticed he wore a wedding ring and my revulsion grew. I tried to disguise it with a smile. "Would you have dinner with me?" he asked.

"I'd love to," I said. "Maybe a private dinner with just us?" I suggested, placing my hand on his thigh. I was rewarded with an answering gleam in his eyes.

"That can be arranged," he said softly. Leaning forward, he kissed me. I responded, trying to block out the thought that he most likely had been involved with keeping Blane a hostage today. Opening my eyes, I saw Kade watching us, his eyes unreadable. Tipping his gla.s.s back, he downed the rest of the contents and I watched the movement of his throat as he swallowed.

We landed and rode in waiting limousines to a downtown hotel. It was right off Lake Sh.o.r.e Drive and overlooked Lake Michigan. The city lights were beautiful, but it was a relief that I wasn't the one driving in the traffic.

I waited in the hotel lobby while Stephen checked us in, the concierge hastening to get someone to carry our luggage as Stephen pa.s.sed out room keys to the men in our group. We rode the elevator up but all the men got out on a lower floor. Kade caught my eye briefly as he stepped out of the elevator and then the doors slid shut again and it was just Stephen and me.

When we reached the third floor from the top, Stephen got out and I followed. Handing me a key, he said, "Our rooms are next to each other."

"That's...convenient," I said with a small smile. Leading me to my door, Stephen pulled me toward him and kissed me again before I could get the keycard in the slot.

"Maybe we could have dinner...later," he breathed in my ear. I thought frantically. I wasn't ready to do this yet. I needed more time.

"I'd really like to freshen up," I said breathlessly. "Change into something else. Give me an hour?" I stretched upward to kiss him. "I promise I'll make it worth the wait." That seemed to do the trick.

"All right," he agreed. "One hour and I'll be back." I smiled and watched him as he retreated to his room across the hall. Sliding my key into the slot, I gratefully opened my door and hurried inside, letting it click shut behind me.

Stepping into my room, I was amazed at how large it was. It wasn't like I was some hick who hadn't ever stayed in a hotel before, but I had never been able to afford a place like this. It had a separate living room area with a sofa and flat screen television on the wall. A small table with two dining chairs were in an alcove next to windows that stretched from the floor to the ceiling. Beyond them, I could see the lights of the city and Lake Sh.o.r.e Drive below.

My suitcase was in the bedroom, which was separated from the living area by a set of French doors. The bed was a king size four-poster that stood high off the floor. I thought with chagrin that I'd probably need a step stool to get into it.

The bathroom had ceramic tile and a marble tub. The sight of it made me long to turn on the water and relax. My head was throbbing from tension. I had an hour or so until Stephen would be back. Giving in to my impulse, I started filling the tub, delighted to find some complimentary bath oils that I added to the water. The room filled with a lovely floral scent.

I hurriedly stripped off my clothes, being sure to fold them carefully and put them back in the suitcase. My mouth felt gross after kissing Stephen so I brushed my teeth before pinning up my hair and lowering myself into the steaming water. I felt my muscles relax and let out a long sigh, the tension easing from me. My eyes slid shut in bliss and I enjoyed the small respite to my tumultuous day.

"Well, this is a nice surprise."

My eyes flew open. Stephen was standing in the bathroom watching me. I must not have heard the door open over the water running.

"Stephen," I said, blushing furiously and grabbing for a towel. "What are you doing in here?"

"I just had an interesting phone call from our head of security back in Indy," he said, and now I noticed the hardness in his eyes and the cruel twist to his lips. "It seems they were able to pull some prints off that access point that was planted this morning." I abruptly stopped struggling with the towel, my eyes flying to his, and I knew the jig was up.

"d.a.m.n it," he said, his hand closing on my upper arm as he hauled me dripping out of the water, "you lying b.i.t.c.h. I was willing to overlook helping Kirk escape, but not compromising our network." He shook me roughly and I clenched my teeth together to keep them from biting my tongue. "What the h.e.l.l did you do?" The floor was wet and I slipped, falling against the door. In an instant he had me pressed against it, his hand at my throat. He squeezed and I couldn't breathe.

"You probably thought I didn't know about Kirk, didn't you," he spat furiously at me. "I've got news for you, Kathleen," he hissed my name, "we let him escape. Do you think we'd have let him go so easily if we hadn't wanted him to? You stupid c.u.n.t." I was starting to see spots now as I pulled uselessly at his arm.

"Speaking of which," he said, and his voice had changed from furious to menacing, "I guess there is something you're good for before I kill you." The pressure on my throat suddenly eased and I gasped, sucking in a lungful of air. Snagging me around the waist, Stephen yanked me up, hauling me out of the bathroom and tossing me onto the bed. The cold air hit my wet skin. Rolling quickly away, I tried to cross the bed away from him but he caught my leg, pulling me backward.

"Good idea," he said. "I didn't want to see your ugly face anyway." I could hear the jingling of his belt as he undid it and panic clawed at me. Grabbing hold of the one of the posters on the bed, I tried to use it pull myself away, and since I was still wet, he did lose his grip. But my freedom was short-lived. With a growl of fury, he grabbed my hips, his fingers bruising my flesh.

"No!" I cried out. "Let me go!" I struggled but was no match for him as he pulled me back onto my knees.

"Shut the f.u.c.k up," he commanded, shoving my face down into the comforter and holding me there, his hand gripping the back of my neck tightly. He straddled me, holding my legs in place. I struggled to breathe and knew I was about to be raped and die, not necessarily in that order. The hard crack of his leather belt hitting me made me scream in pain. He hit me twice more and my skin felt on fire.

Suddenly, he released me. I fell to the side, struggling to breathe and crying at the same time. I knew I had to move, had to get away before he grabbed me again, and I tried to crawl across the bed.

Hands again touched my waist and I screamed, adrenaline surging through me. I struck out blindly as I was flipped onto my back. My wrists were caught and I sobbed in helpless fury.

"Kathleen, stop, it's all right. You're safe now." The words didn't immediately penetrate my fear, but when they did I cautiously stopped fighting and opened my eyes.

Kade was leaning over me, gently but firmly holding my wrists so I wouldn't hit him. The usual mocking gleam in his eyes was gone. In its place was rage and an emotion I couldn't name. My relief was so profound, I could do nothing more than sob. He released my arms and I turned on my side, pulling my knees up and curling into myself.

Sliding his arms underneath me, Kade lifted me in his arms and carried me out of the bedroom. I clung to him, my face buried in his shoulder as I tried to regain control. He sat on the couch with me in his lap, pulling a blanket over me. My hair was half up and half down and he methodically began removing the remaining pins as my tears drenched his shirt.

I finally made myself stop crying and took deep, cleansing breaths. It felt so good to breathe. The pins were out of my hair now and Kade was gently stroking my head.

Clearing my throat, I asked hoa.r.s.ely, "What happened to him?"

"Dead," Kade said shortly, his hand not ceasing its motion. I wasn't surprised and I couldn't bring myself to be sorry that Stephen was dead. I shuddered, thinking if Kade hadn't come, it would have been me.

"Thank you," I said roughly. "I don't know what I would've done..." I couldn't continue, the tears clogging my throat again. It was quiet for a few moments as Kade let me regain control.

"Are you all right?" he asked quietly. "He didn't-" I cut him off before he could finish that question.

"No." Another shudder ran through me and Kade pressed me closer. His hands were warm against my skin under the blanket and I curled further into him, savoring the feeling of safety after believing I was going to die. I shifted so I could see his face and the blanket slipped down over my shoulder. Kade's eyes dropped to my chest. I felt the surge of his response underneath me.

"Sorry, princess," he murmured after a moment, dragging his eyes back up to mine. "I'm just a man with a very beautiful, and very naked, woman on his lap." Our eyes met and held and my breath caught in my throat.

"You should move now," he commanded me, his voice rough, and I felt his hands curl into fists.

Abruptly I sat up, moving off his lap and taking the blanket with me. I didn't meet his eyes as I wrapped myself up and moved to the other end of the couch.

"He said they let Blane escape today," I said, and merely speaking Blane's name made it feel like he was a presence in the room with us. "And they know it was me."

"That's unfortunate," he said, "but not unexpected." The look in his eyes was gone as if it had never been, his usual smirk in its place. "We have his key card now, though I think it would have gone better if we'd just done things my way." The slight mockery in his tone made me wince but I couldn't argue with him.

"I'm going to take him back to his room, make it look like an accident," he said, getting up from the couch. "Get dressed. We need to do what we came for and get out of here." I nodded, standing as well. I must have stood too quickly, though, for the room swam in my vision and my knees buckled.

"f.u.c.k!" Kade moved fast, catching me before I could hit the floor. My hands shook slightly as I clung to him, waiting for the room to stop spinning.