Eyes (19 page)

“Spread your legs and close your eyes. I'm going to give you a big surprise.”

“You mean . . . now?” Connie raised her eyebrows. They'd just finished making love twice. “I thought you had to go to work.”

“I called in and told them my car wouldn't start. The afternoon guy's taking half my shift.”

Connie started to grin. As she glanced at his athletic body, her eyes widened in appreciation. Mark had the stamina of a teenager, and recalling the wild things they'd done gave her a new burst of energy. “How long do we have?”

“Another three hours. And I know just how to spend it.”

“You do?” Connie started to grin. Mark was insatiable, and that was just fine with her. Each time they made love was a chance for her to get pregnant.

“You're a beautiful woman, you know? And you're very, very sexy.”

“Thank you, Mark.” Connie managed to hide her grin. He was doing his best to sound sincere. It was obvious that his other girlfriends expected compliments and reassurances in bed. Connie didn't need that sort of thing, but she couldn't tell him that. It might turn him off if he knew the reason she'd become his newest sexual partner.

As he rolled over to hug her, Connie let her fingertips touch the scar from his operation. It wasn't a large scar, and it was fading, but just being this close to a part of Alan made her shiver in delight.

“I'm ready, Mark,” Connie whispered in his ear. “Let's do it again, any way you want.”

“Any way?”

Connie almost changed her mind when she saw the interest on Mark's face, but she reminded herself of why she was here in his bed. “Any way, just as long as it doesn't involve pain. I'm not into pain.”

“Okay. No pain.” Mark grinned at her. “Close your eyes, babe. You're gonna love this.”

Connie shut her eyes, but she opened them again when she felt something slip around her ankle. “What are you doing?”

“It's silk.” Mark reached out to thumb her nipple. “Don't worry, babe. It'll be fun.”

“You're sure?” Connie shivered, but it wasn't from pleasure. Mrs. Henley had seemed to think Mark was a decent guy, but how much did the apartment manager know about his personal life?

“Hey . . . relax, babe. I guarantee you're gonna love this.”

“I'm going to love what?” Connie kept her voice light and teasing, but she was beginning to be a bit nervous. She wanted to know what Mark had in mind.

“A little light bondage, that's all. Silk scarves around your ankles. I'll leave your arms free. Come on, babe . . . If you don't like it, I'll stop.”

Connie thought about it for a moment, and then she nodded. If her arms were free, how dangerous could it be?

“Pretty lady.” Mark's voice was trembling with excitement as he tied one scarf to something under the bed. “Give me your other leg, babe. This is going to be fantastic.”

“Connie let him tie the scarf around her other ankle and secure it to the bed, but she didn't like this one bit.

CHAPTER 22

Usually a hot shower helped, but this morning it had no effect. Connie groaned as she toweled off and put on a pair of warm-up pants and a matching sweatshirt. She was too sore to wear a bra. Mark had been in one of his rough moods last night, so it was only a matter of time before the bruises would start to appear.

Was it worth it? She frowned as she considered the wisdom of her involvement with Mark. Two months ago, when she'd first gone to his apartment, he'd been kinky but not violent. Lately, the violence had been escalating and so had the bondage. With Connie as his willing partner, Mark had graduated from silk scarves to whips and leather restraints. Connie knew his appetites could lead to something dangerous, particularly since he'd admitted to using several types of recreational drugs. How long would she have to risk her safety?

Alan's picture seemed to be frowning, and Connie walked over to pat the glass. “Don't worry, honey. I won't have to do it much longer, just until I get pregnant with our baby. And I'll be very careful, I promise.”

But how could she be? Mark had been holding back on her lately, not giving her what she needed until she'd submitted to his kinky demands. There was no way to protect herself when she was strapped to the bed, no way she could stop him if he decided to strangle her—or smother her or cut her open with a knife.

“What was that, honey?” Connie picked up Alan's picture and held it close to her ear. His voice had once been very clear, but now it was growing fainter with each passing day. “Say it again, Alan. I didn't quite hear you.”

Connie listened for a moment, and then she began to smile. “You're right, Alan! It's been over a month since I checked. I'd better look at the calendar.”

There was a small calendar by the bed, and she counted off the days. Alan was right. She was three days late and her breasts were tender, the way they'd been the last time she'd been pregnant. Her clothes seemed a bit tighter, too. She'd assumed that the waistband on her jeans had shrunk when she'd washed them, but perhaps there was another reason shy she'd had difficulty zipping them up.

“It's possible, Alan!” Connie's voice quivered with excitement. “And if I'm pregnant, I'll never have to sleep with that bastard again!”

She said a little prayer as she hurried to the bathroom medicine cabinet to get the pregnancy tests she'd bought. She hadn't been sure which one was best, so she'd purchased three different types. If she got a positive reading from one of them, they'd move out of the complex tonight. It would be a relief to get away from Mark Turner and his preoccupation with kinky and dangerous sex.

* * *

Jill glanced at the clock. It was ten minutes past one. No wonder her stomach was growling. Unfortunately, she was working through lunch, and she hadn't had time to pack a sandwich this morning. She'd been too busy, questioning Neil.

Bonnie had given notice that morning. She'd lasted much longer than Jill had anticipated, over two full months. A record. She'd told Jill that her husband didn't want her to work, but Jill had known that was just an excuse.

When she'd spoken to Neil, he'd sworn that he hadn't touched Bonnie. Jill wanted to believe him, but she had her suspicions. Bonnie hadn't been able to meet Jill's eyes; she'd been the very picture of guilt. Perhaps she hadn't actually slept with Neil, but something had happened to upset her enough to cause her to give notice.

Jill sighed. There was no use speculating about what had happened. Bonnie wouldn't tell her, and Neil wasn't about to admit to any wrongdoing. Even if he had slipped and made a pass at Bonnie, Jill had to admit that her marriage was still a lot better than it had been. Neil was doing his best to be considerate. He tried to help her around the house, and he kept his temper firmly in check. Jill hadn't been the target of his sarcasm since she'd told him about the baby, and best of all, his excitement about becoming a father hadn't faded since the day she'd told him she was pregnant.

On the drive to work that morning, Jill had faced facts. Her marriage wasn't perfect, but it was working and she was determined to stick with it. She'd also accepted the truth about her husband. Neil loved her, she was convinced of that, but he'd always have problems with being faithful. It was often said that marriage was a series of compromises, and Jill was doing her best to compromise on the issue that meant the most to her, fidelity.

“Hey, Jill. You're looking good. And I really like that dress.”

Jill looked up and smiled as Doug poked his head in her office doorway. Although she was only four months pregnant, her waistline had expanded to the point where only a few outfits from her regular wardrobe fit her properly. Today she was wearing a royal blue maternity suit that Neil had picked out at the mall. “Thanks. What are you doing down here?”

“Just dropping off some paperwork. Did you eat lunch yet?”

Jill shook her head. “I've got a doctor's appointment at three so I'm working though lunch. I'll pick up a sandwich on the way there.”

“That's exactly what I was afraid of. You said your doctor told you to eat regular meals. How about this morning? I'll bet you didn't have breakfast, either.”

Jill winced. “You're right, but I didn't have time. I got a late start this morning.”

“So all you've had is coffee?”

“Guilty as charged.” Jill sighed. “But the coffee was decaffeinated. That should count for something.”

Doug began to frown. “It's a good thing you have me. Somebody's got to make sure you eat right. Clear off your desk and prepare to chow down.”

“Chow down on what?” Jill smiled as Doug held up a large white bag, and she hurried to shove her papers to one side.

“It's a chicken and broccoli pasta salad.” He plunked the bag on the center of her desk top. “If I know you, you're probably not eating your vegetables.”

Jill nodded. “You're right. Thank you, Doug. It was sweet of you to bring me lunch.”

“I brought enough for me, too.” He took two Tupperware bowls out of the bag and popped off the tops. Then he handed Jill a fork and sat down on the chair in front of her desk. “I'm joining you. It's the only way I can make sure you eat some of that broccoli.”

“Yes, Officer.” Jill's eyes widened as she saw the huge portion of salad. She would have been intimidated by the sheer volume of food if it hadn't looked so delicious.

“Go ahead. Start eating.” Doug waited until she had taken her first bite. “Do you like it?”

“It's great! Honey-Dijon dressing is my favorite.”

“I know. You ordered it on your salad the last time we went out to lunch. How about the broccoli?”

Jill speared a piece and popped it into her mouth. “It's tender, but it's not overcooked.”

“The pasta?”

Jill ate a piece and a wedge of chicken. “Very good! The pasta still has some texture. It's cooked just right. And the chicken really tastes fresh.”

Doug nodded. “I'm glad you like it. It's got something from every food group. That's supposed to make it nutritious.”

“It's not only good, it's good for you, too?” Jill grinned as Doug nodded. “I could eat this for lunch every day. Where did you buy it?”

“I didn't. I made it.”

“You made it?” Jill raised her eyebrows. “I had no idea you were such a good cook. But you took a real chance, Doug. What if I'd gone out for lunch?”

“I checked with your secretary, and she said you were working through lunch. That's not right, Jill. It's not good for the baby if you skip meals.”

“You're right. I won't do it again.” Jill nodded solemnly. Then she said the first thing that came to her mine. “You're taking such good care of me, you'd think
you
were the father of my baby!”

“I wish! I really love kids, Jill.” Doug grinned, and she dropped her eyes. She was glad he didn't know what she was thinking. If she were married to Doug, life would be a lot different. He'd be a good husband and father, and she was willing to bet she wouldn't have to compromise to make their marriage work.

* * *

There was no plus sign! Connie stared down at the test strip in disbelief, but the minus didn't change to a plus. She'd been so sure. Still, this was the third home pregnancy test she'd tried, and all three had come out negative.

“Damn!” Connie was frowning as she dropped the package into the bathroom wastebasket to join the circle that hadn't changed to pink and the liquid that had refused to turn blue. There was no baby, not this month. And God knew it wasn't for lack of trying!

She scowled as she picked up the trash bag and carried it to the door. She'd throw it down the incinerator. That would make her feel better. It was just a pity she couldn't throw Mark Turner down there, too. He deserved it, but she still needed him to give her Alan's baby.

“What was that, Alan?” Connie dropped the trash bag and hurried to Alan's picture. He was frowning, and that meant something was wrong. She leaned close, listened to what he had to say, then shook her head. “No. Mark doesn't use any kind of birth control.”

Alan was still talking as Connie carried his picture to the couch, where they could sit down. “I know he doesn't, honey. I watch him.”

Connie leaned back against the couch cushions, wishing she could remember how Alan's arms had felt around her shoulders. She held his picture up to her ear again, concentrated on making out the words he was saying.

“That's true. I know about the shot and the implant. But I don't think he's the type to . . .”

Alan was talking again and Connie listened carefully. “That's a good idea. I'll think of a way to ask him. And you're right. We don't want to waste our time on him if he can't give us our baby.”

When the doorbell rang, Connie placed Alan's picture on the coffee table. A change of scene would be good for him. She usually kept him on the mantel during the day, and he spent all night on her bed table.

“Hi, Mark!” she forced a smile as she opened the door. “What's up?”

“I just got the word. There's a party tonight!”

“What kind of party?” Connie's smile turned genuine. If they went to a party, she wouldn't have to spend all night in Mark's bed. When they got back to his apartment, he might be too tired to do anything except make love to her the normal way.

“It's that group I was telling you about. It'll be wild, babe, and I think you're ready to party with them. You'll have the experience of a lifetime.”

“Oh
, that
kind of party.” Connie began to frown. Mark had been telling her about the crazy parties his friends threw, and she really didn't want to go. “I don't know. I'm not really sure . . .”

“Come on, babe. You've got to learn to live a little! It'll be fun.”

“I'd love to go.” Connie did her best to sound enthusiastic. This was a perfect chance to ask him about birth control. “But the timing's all wrong for me. I forgot to take my birth-control pill yesterday morning, and I wouldn't want to get pregnant.”

He laughed. “You don't have to worry about that. All the guys in my group take precautions. No one wants a kid to slow him down.”

“But you don't, do you?” Connie held her breath as she asked the question. “I mean . . . you've never used anything with me.”

“I don't have to. I've got built-in birth control. I had a vasectomy three years ago.”

“You . . . had a vasectomy?” Connie clenched her hands tightly at her sides. “Why didn't you tell me?!”

“Because you never asked. Come on, babe. It's perfectly safe. What do you say I pick you up at eight?”

Connie's mind spun in circles. She wanted to kill the kinky bastard for leading her on, but she couldn't let him know how she felt. She had to stall him so she could talk to Alan. He'd know what to do.

“I made some plans, but I could cancel.” Connie gave him an eager smile. “Let me make a few calls, and I'll let you know in less than an hour.”

Mark grinned at her, then tipped her face up for a kiss. “Okay, babe. Come down to my place the minute you know. And try real hard to cancel your plans. This party's going to be the best one yet!”

“Yes. I'm sure it will be.” Connie's smile disappeared the moment she'd closed the door behind him. He was a bastard, and now that she knew he couldn't give her Alan's baby, she had no further use for him.

She sat down on the couch and picked up Alan's picture again. “You heard him. He doesn't deserve to have your kidney. What do you want me to do?”

This time Alan's voice was much clearer. He was every bit as angry as she was. They discussed it for a moment, but it didn't take long to make their plans. Connie would go to the party but she'd arrive late, after everyone was too stoned to remember her. The party was the perfect place to steal Alan's gift of life from Mark Turner.