Passion's Law (6 page)

Her laughter faded the moment he touched her. She found herself holding her breath as she whis
pered, “The truth? Yes. I'd mind very much. Is there a wife or girlfriend?”

Her honesty was so unexpected, he was momentarily speechless. When he finally found his voice he said, “No.”

Her breath came out slowly in a sigh of relief.

His own smile was gone, replaced with that heart-stopping look that seemed to wipe every thought from her mind.

For several more seconds Thad waged a terrible battle within himself. He wanted, more than anything, to taste those lips. But he knew he was playing with fire.

Heather saw the way he stared at her mouth and knew, in that instant, that he wanted to kiss her, but was fighting the urge. She leaned forward slightly, inviting him to do the same. When he held back she leaned into him. It seemed the most natural thing in the world to come together in a kiss. But the moment they did, everything changed. The lighthearted banter was forgotten. The voices drifting from the courtyard disappeared.

For Thad, the world seemed to fall away. The only thing he saw was this gilded angel in his arms. The only thing he felt was this need. A hard, driving need that had him taking the kiss deeper and holding on to her as though clinging to life itself.

He breathed in her perfume until it filled his lungs
and had him reeling with need. A need as sharp as any arrow, piercing his heart.

Against her mouth he muttered, “I've been wanting to do this all evening.”

“I'm glad. It's what I wanted, too.” She wrapped her arms around his neck and gave herself up to the pleasure of his lips.

The kiss went on and on, draining her even as it filled her.

Oh, it felt so good to be held in those strong arms. To be crushed against that muscled chest. To feel these little splinters of fire and ice along her spine. If she could, she would stay just like this all through the night.

“Now I really have to go.” He didn't move, didn't release his hold on her.

“I understand.” She brushed her lips over his cheek before lifting her head to look into his eyes. “You have…obligations, whatever they are.”

He nodded. “I wish I didn't, but I really do have to go.” Still, he helped himself to one more bruising kiss that had his heartbeat thundering as though he'd been running up the side of a mountain.

Heather touched a hand to his chest. “Your heart's beating even harder than mine.”

“Then I'll just have to see what I can do about that.” He dragged her close once more, kissing her
so deeply, so thoroughly, her head was spinning. She came up gasping for breath.

He put a hand to her throat and could feel the wild flutter of her pulse. “Uh-huh. That's better.”

“Better than what?”

“Better than suffering alone.” He found the courage to lower his hands to his sides and take a step back. Then, before he could give in to temptation to touch her again, he turned and walked deliberately to his car.

After he climbed in and switched on the ignition, he turned and looked toward the front door. Heather was still standing there in a circle of light, watching him. She looked like some golden goddess, with the light spilling around her, holding back the darkness.

He lifted a hand in a salute, then drove off.

The taste of her was still on his lips. And the fragrance of crushed roses seemed to be all around him.

J
oe Colton looked up from the paperwork on his desk when he saw his wife's car coming up the drive. Without a word to Heather, who was working on the computer, he walked from his office and made his way to the master suite. He was waiting there when she entered.

At the steely look in his eyes Meredith stopped in midstride, seeming to prepare for the full force of his temper. Instead his voice was calm, controlled.

“I spoke with the director at LaBelle.”

She brought her hands to her hips. “What right do you have to check up on me?”

“In case you've forgotten, I'm the guy who pays your bills. And this time you've gone too far, Meredith.”

Her eyes narrowed to little slits. “What are you talking about?”

“About the amount you charged for this little trip to the spa.”

“Are you saying you won't pay it?”

He nodded his head. “Oh, I'll pay it. But it's the last time. I've decided that one of us has to be sensible. And since you can't, I've done what I should have done a long time ago. I've cancelled your credit cards, Meredith. All of them. From now on, when you want anything, you'll have to clear it with me first.”

Her voice became the familiar whine. “You can't treat me like this, Joe. I won't stand for it.”

He brushed past her and paused in the doorway. “You left me no choice. I can't do much about the way you behave, but I can control my own behavior. I've decided that I'm through playing the fool for you, Meredith. Now if you'll excuse me, I'll leave you alone to admire yourself. Though personally I can't see what you have to show for three days and ten grand spent at the spa.”

He closed the door quietly behind him, leaving her alone to brood over this latest event.

Patsy liked Joe Colton better when he was wildly
furious. Then she could push a few of his buttons and send him into a rant, which would cause him no end of remorse. Afterward, he would give her whatever she wanted in order to enjoy a little peace. But this cool, calculating mood was something new and different. She had the distinct impression that he meant to carry out this latest threat.

What would she do without money? She started to pace. She needed a plan. She had to be ready to run if she was found out. She couldn't just uproot two little boys and run from the law without a bank-roll.

Oh, if only that ransom money hadn't been marked and she could spend it. What she couldn't do with—

She stopped her pacing as a thought began to form.

There was someone right here at Prosperino with money. Someone who had always been terrified that she'd go to Joe with the truth about their son, Teddy.

She threw back her head and laughed. “Oh, Graham, what a lovely little surprise I have in store for you tonight. You're about to become my very own personal sugar daddy.”

She decided to wear her best dress to dinner. First she'd let him look. Maybe she'd even let him touch. But not without paying. And paying dearly.

 

Graham sauntered out to the pool and settled onto a lounge beside his son. In the water, Heather was roughhousing with Teddy and Joe, Jr. The two little boys had decided to come at her from either side, hoping to drag her under. Quick as a flash she caught Teddy and tossed him backward, then pinned his older brother's arms to his sides, threatening to do the same to him until he agreed to surrender.

The two boys were having a grand time. Their laughter filled the air as they splashed in the pool, as playful as a pair of young dolphins.

Graham lowered his sunglasses to peer over the top at his son. “That's one beautiful young woman.”

“Yeah.” Jackson grinned as Heather tossed Teddy again, sending the boy into shrieks of laughter when he surfaced. “She's just so good for those two. I don't know when I've seen them having more fun.”

“You could be having fun, too.”

Jackson turned to look at his father. “What's that supposed to mean?”

“A pretty young thing like that stuck way out here in the middle of nowhere. I bet she's feeling lonely.”

Jackson made a sound of annoyance. “Yeah. She looks lonely, doesn't she?”

The air was filled with more laughter as the two
boys finally managed to push her head under water. She came up sputtering, then, after tossing the hair from her eyes, began swimming after them.

“It's one thing for a woman like that to play with little boys. It's a whole other thing to play with the big boys. If you get my drift. You could do a lot worse than Joe Colton's favorite niece.” Graham paused to sip his Scotch, then added, “After all, it isn't as though she's related to you by blood. Why not have yourself a little fun?”

Jackson shrugged. “We get along fine. In fact, better than fine.” He watched as she cut cleanly through the water before pulling herself up on the side of the pool and reaching for a towel. “I've always liked Heather.”

“There, you see? And she likes you. Don't think I haven't noticed the way she always lights up whenever you're near.” Graham leaned back and closed his eyes, content that he'd planted a seed. Now if his son was half the man he thought, this little trip might reap an unexpected bonus.

 

In Joe Colton's office Detective Thad Law stood at the monitor throwing switches, activating cameras from one end of the ranch to the other. When he activated the camera directed on the pool, he paused, watching the play between Heather and the two little boys.

She looked so natural with them. More like a camp counselor than the smart, savvy, sophisticated woman he'd first met. As she pulled herself out of the water he studied the way she looked with water dripping, her head thrown back in laughter, and felt the quick sexual tug. At almost the same moment he saw Jackson Colton step into camera range and stand beside her, his hand resting lightly on her shoulder.

For the first time in his life Thad felt stirrings of jealousy. It was such an alien feeling he was rocked back on his heels. His first inclination was to deny it. How could he be jealous of someone who wasn't his, could never be his? But there was no denying the flash of unreasonable anger he felt at the sight of Heather and Jackson on the monitor.

He was relieved when Joe Colton entered and started to ask questions about the newest cameras and their positions. Anything was better than standing here watching two beautiful people who obviously belonged together, and wishing it could be otherwise.

Thad had never been a dreamer. There'd been no time for dreams in his demanding life. He was a man driven by a need for order and justice. So why was he punishing himself by wanting something so completely out of his reach?

“I've got news for you, Joe.”

Joe Colton paused, his hand on the monitor. “You've got a lead on the gunman?”

Thad shook his head. “No. But the department has put me in charge of this investigation, to the exclusion of all my other duties, except for emergencies.”

Seeing the smug look on Joe's face, Thad paused to speculate. “This change in procedure wouldn't be because someone with influence put a little pressure on the department, would it?”

Joe laughed easily. “It might be. But you'll never hear it from my lips.” He clapped Thad on the shoulder. “So, it looks like I'll be seeing a whole lot more of you around here.”

“Yeah.” Thad managed to keep a straight face, but the beginnings of a smile tugged at the corner of his mouth. “You play hardball, don't you, Joe?”

“Damned right.” Joe was grinning from ear to ear. “It's one of the perks of having money. I can afford to surround myself with only the best. And I have a feeling that if anybody can solve this mystery, it's you, Thad.”

The detective walked away shaking his head. He only hoped Joe's trust hadn't been misplaced.

Right now, every shred of evidence he had seemed to lead directly to Jackson Colton. He had the opportunity. He was at the scene of the crime alone, with no alibi. The only thing he didn't have
was a motive. At least not one that Thad could discover. But Thad was a patient man. And maybe now that he'd be able to spend all his time on the case, he'd come up with something conclusive.

 

“Oh, thanks.” Heather wrapped her towel around her hips, saronglike, and accepted a glass of lemonade from Jackson's hand. “Those two wear me out.”

“I couldn't figure out who was having more fun. You or the boys.”

“It's good to see them having fun. There's been little enough of that in their lives lately.”

“Yeah.” Jackson nodded. “It can't be easy for them to live with all this tension.” He touched a hand to her shoulder. “It can't be easy for you, either.”

She shook her head. “I'm fine. But when I heard the sound of that gunshot, I had a few really terrible moments. Not for myself as much as for them.” She shuddered. “I didn't know what I'd find upstairs. But whatever it was, I didn't want Teddy and Joe, Jr., to have to see it.”

Jackson squeezed her shoulder. “That had to be rough.”

“It was.” She looked up. Out of the corner of her eye she saw Thad walking toward them.

When he drew close, she could see the tight, an
gry set of his mouth. His eyes were hidden behind mirrored sunglasses.

“Something wrong, Detective?” Jackson turned toward Thad, keeping his hand on Heather's shoulder.

“Nothing.” Thad looked at Heather. “I just wanted to inform you that the department has assigned me to your uncle's case on a full-time basis until it's solved.”

“Oh, Thad. Uncle Joe will be so relieved.”

“I just gave him the news.”

They were interrupted by shouts from Teddy and Joe, Jr., who were clearly unhappy at having Heather's time monopolized by the men.

“Oh. You want more, do you?” With a laugh she handed her glass to Jackson and untied her towel, flinging it on a chaise. Then in a most unladylike manner she dove into the pool and began swimming, to the delighted squeals of two little boys.

“She's incredible, isn't she?” Jackson turned to watch the chase.

“Yeah. Incredible.” Thad was grateful for the sunglasses. He was able to watch her without fear of revealing what was going through his mind.

 

Patsy stood in front of the full-length mirror studying her reflection. She'd tried on four dresses before settling on this one. It was revealing enough
to pique Graham's interest, and modest enough to keep Joe from snarling. She liked the way the fabric hugged her body in the most suggestive way. And the honey tones played up her eyes. She slid her feet into honey-colored sandals with sexy stiletto heels before making her way to the dining room.

Joe and the boys were already there, along with Heather and Jackson. She barely gave them a nod before pouring herself a drink. But when Graham walked in, she saw the way he looked her over and her mood lifted considerably. She realized she was actually looking forward to tonight. There was nothing quite as satisfying as sparring with a man who was as transparent as glass.

She ate mechanically, allowing the others to carry the conversation throughout the tedious meal. She had a vague sense that Jackson was making a move on Heather, but she was too preoccupied to pay much attention. Besides, she could see by the look in Heather's eyes that she wasn't feeling anything toward the young man seated beside her. A woman always knew those things. There was no spark between them, no sizzle.

Now the detective was another story. There was something going on between him and Heather. Patsy hadn't yet figured out if he was annoyed or attracted. She tried to keep as much distance as possible be
tween herself and Thaddeus Law. He made her far too uncomfortable.

She was relieved when dinner was finally over, and even more relieved when Joe offered to go upstairs and read to the boys. Heather and Jackson drifted out to the courtyard, leaving Patsy alone with Graham.

She pushed away from the table and crossed to a sideboard. “Want another Scotch?”

“Sure. You having one?”

She nodded and filled two tumblers. When she handed one to him, she turned in such a way that his arm grazed her breast. She saw his eyes narrow a fraction and knew that he'd felt it. Oh, he was so easy.

“We need to talk, Graham.”

He huffed out a laugh. “Are you sure that's what you have in mind?”

“Yeah. Very sure. Once with you was enough.”

His smile faded. “You said we'd never mention that.”

“Did I?” She gave him a sly smile. “Maybe I lied.”

“What?” He set down his drink with a clatter.

Her smile grew. “I wonder what would happen to you if Joe found out our little secret.”

His face contorted into anger. “You wouldn't dare.”

“Oh, wouldn't I?” She stepped closer and ran one perfectly manicured fingernail down the front of his shirt. “Of course, there's a way to ensure my silence.”

“How? Slit your throat?”

She merely smiled. “You don't have the nerve for that, Graham, and you know it. But there's a much easier way to guarantee that it always remains our little secret.”

He glared at her. “I'm waiting.”

“Money. Three million dollars, to be exact.”

Graham swallowed back the rage that threatened to choke him. Fighting to keep his tone even, he said, “Three million is just a bit rich for my blood.”

“Really?” She looked him up and down. “That's pretty hard to believe coming from a man wearing a twenty-thousand-dollar watch, three-hundred-dollar loafers, and four-hundred-dollar custom-tailored slacks.”

Graham flushed. She was a lot more observant than he'd thought. Still, the fact that the gunman was on the loose was a hopeful sign. Joe could find himself in an assassin's sight at any time. And when it happened, as Joe's only brother, he stood to inherit a fortune. Three million would be pocket change.