Protecting The Billionaire (22 page)

“Didn’t find too many extra batteries. But we’ve got two big Maglites and this.” She held up the headlamp designed for running outside.

Rock let the dog out into the backyard, if you could even call it a yard. It was more like a fenced in square patch of grass barely large enough for the small patio table and chairs placed out there. However, it gave Baxter a place to take care of his business, so Rock didn’t have to leave Allison alone while he walked him.

“And I’ve got one upstairs.” He always kept at least one compact-sized, lithium-powered flashlight around. The things were powerful despite their size. He’d even bought his mother one for Christmas a year or two ago to keep in her purse.

A scratching at the back door let them know Baxter wanted back inside, and Allison dropped everything on the table. “I got it.”

Rock moved before she finished her sentence. “Don’t think so.”

“People don’t scratch at doors, Rock. It’s the dog ready to come in.” Her voice projected annoyance and frustration.

Neither changed his mind. “It sucks, I know. But for now, I’ll do whatever it takes to keep
you
safe.” He let Baxter inside, and the dog went straight for the cupboard where they’d stashed his food and treats.

“He knows what he wants.” Allison grabbed the dog’s dish from the floor and filled it with food.

Before she moved away, Rock stepped behind her and grabbed her around the waist. “He’s not the only one.” He pushed her hair away from her neck and kissed the skin just below her ear.

“I once read husbands and wives take on each others personality traits after being together for a long time. I guess it applies to men and their dogs too. Just promise you won’t start howling to get my attention like Baxter.”

He kissed the same spot again before he slipped a hand under her blouse. “There are better ways of getting your attention.” Her stomach muscles contracted as he ran his finger across her skin and up toward her bra. When his hand covered her breast, her head fell back against his shoulder.

“What do ya think? Do I have your attention?”

“Mission accomplished.”

“Good.” He’d discovered weeks ago how much she enjoyed it when he teased her nipples. He dipped his fingers into her bra, intent on touching them now. Baxter’s jump into the air stopped him as the dog’s head bumped into the bowl, sending pieces of food everywhere.

“Another personality trait you both share, impatience.”

With the moment ruined, he moved his hand and grabbed the now half full dog bowl. “Thanks a lot, buddy. I owe you one,” he said to the dog, who at the moment was too busy inhaling the food scattered around the floor to even look in his direction.

“At least he’s cleaning up the mess.”

Rock gave the dog a dirty look before moving and putting the dish down. “How thoughtful of him.” The tap the metal dish made when it hit the floor caught Baxter’s attention, and he looked up then trotted over to it. “Let’s see if the alarm system will activate.”

Allison beat him to the control panel near the back door. When she punched in her code and it beeped, she threw him a thumbs up, closed the panel, and sauntered back over to him. “Nice and safe for the night.” Her fingertips skimmed up his torso. With slow movements, she unknotted his tie and pulled it off. “I think we should go upstairs and find a way to amuse ourselves.”

He watched her undo each shirt button. When she finished, she pushed the fabric away and kissed his chest. The heat from her lips seeped though his undershirt, branding his skin. “Unless you have a better idea?”

Better idea?
He had one.

Picking her up, Rock sat her on the edge of the barstool near the counter, shoving her skirt higher in the process. Going down to his knees, he kissed her knee and worked his way up her inner thigh. When he reached his destination, he pushed her damp panties aside but didn’t touch her. Instead, he stared, drinking in the sight before him, committing it to memory for those months ahead when half a world separated them.

On the stool, Allison wiggled closer to the edge. She grabbed his hand, and he allowed her to guide it. He touched the slick, wet skin and his penis pressed against the front of his pants, demanding to join the fun. “Damn, you’re so ready.” He let one finger dip inside.

In response, Allison closed her eyes as her head fell back and she moaned.

Damn
, he wanted her. First, he’d make her come with his mouth. He’d fantasized about pleasuring her like that for a long time. Afterward, he’d take her upstairs and bury himself in her and make her come again.

Rock moved his finger back and forth, enjoying the feel of her muscles contracting around him. Before he lost all control, he stopped.

On the stool, Allison moved and opened her eyes. “What’s wrong?” she panted, her chest rising and falling quickly.

Not a damn thing
. Rather than answer, he replaced his finger with his tongue.

***

Warm lips brushed against her forehead. The memory of where those oh-so talented lips had been earlier tonight rushed forward, setting her face on fire. She’d never been on the receiving end of oral sex. Her ex had loved when she pleasured him that way. In fact, he’d encouraged it so much, she’d gotten the impression he preferred oral sex. Despite all the times she’d fulfilled his desires, he’d never reciprocated. Until tonight, she’d not known what she was missing.

“You’re quiet.” Rock’s voice rumbled in her ear, distracting her from her current thoughts. “Something wrong?”

“Nope. Just thinking.” Wrong? If she could freeze time, she would. Right now everything felt perfect.

“About?” He played with her hair. Before they went out, she’d tied it back in a twist, but Rock had pulled out all the pins holding it up.

Her face burned hotter at the mere thought of admitting she’d been thinking about what transpired in the kitchen and hoping he’d do it again. They’d both enjoyed themselves.
There’s no reason to be embarrassed.
“Earlier in the kitchen.” Allison considered the temporary blackout a plus. She suspected her face resembled a bright red raspberry.

Rock leaned over her, his face mere inches away from hers. “Me too,” he whispered the words and she caught the briefest of scent of cherries. The man loved to suck on those hard cherry candies. She noticed he kept a whole bag stashed in his truck and he’d added several bags to the kitchen panty.

Despite the darkness, she closed her eyes in anticipation for his kiss. She sensed his movements as he came closer. Ready for him, she parted her lips.

He stopped, his whole body tense under her hands. “Did you hear something?” His voice remained low and the humor she’d heard in it disappeared.

She shook her head before remembering he couldn’t see her in the dark. “No. Maybe it’s the trucks down the street.” The last time she’d looked outside, two utility trucks and a police cruiser remained working on the downed pole. Since the power hadn’t returned, she assumed they still worked out there.

“I don’t think so. It sounded like it came from inside.” The mattress shifted as he moved away from her. “Stay here. I’m going to check the house. Lock the bedroom door behind me.”

Allison grabbed the flashlight from the nightstand. Pointing it down so she didn’t blind Rock with the bright light, she switched it on. “If someone broke in, the alarm would’ve gone off. Baxter probably needed some water or there’s another mouse in the attic. I had one in February right after I moved in.” When they’d gone downstairs for a bottle of wine, they’d checked the user’s manual. According to it, the battery in the system would last for twelve hours. The power hadn’t been out that long.

“Stay here, Ally.” He yanked on some jeans and an undershirt then grabbed the pistol on the nightstand. “And lock the door.”

Finally.
He put the lock picking set back into his pocket. He’d hoped the key would work, but he’d known it was a long shot. The new locks installed were a definite upgrade. They’d managed to slow him down but not stop him. Nothing could stop him. He was smarter than all of them.

He pushed the door open and entered the pitch-black kitchen. Before moving any further, he switched on the recon LED flashlight he’d purchased. He’d tested it out at home, and it performed as promised. It provided him with light and preserved his night vision. Not that he needed much light. He’d visited the house enough. The back stairway up to the second floor was on his right. By using it, he avoided walking past the laundry room. On his last visit, he’d spotted a dog bed near the pet crate. He assumed it meant at night the dog slept in there. The last thing he wanted was to alert the dog. From his past visits, he knew as long as the dog didn’t see him, he remained quiet.

Taking a step up, he paused and savored the giddiness making his heart pump faster. His skin itched for the feel of Allison against him. His ears longed for her screams when he punished her for choosing Raimono instead of him.

He pushed away the tantalizing vision.
Go time
.

She paced from the bed to the windows. On her second pass, she stopped and peeked outside. Both utility trucks remained parked down the street, along with a police cruiser.
Power’s probably still out, darn.
Allison let the curtain fall and tried the lamp closest to her anyway. Nothing. She hoped she was right and whatever sound Rock heard had been the workers outside. She didn’t want any more mice in the attic or anywhere else in the house.

The doorknob rattled and Allison moved to open it.
He told me to lock it. Why would he try opening it?
The thought brought her to a standstill. Rock would call out and ask her to open the door. He wouldn’t forget his instructions to lock it and try opening the door.

Allison stepped back until her legs hit the bed’s footboard. She swept her flashlight around the room and looked for anything she could use for a weapon. The door lock would only slow a person down, not stop them. It wasn’t that kind of lock. She needed some kind of weapon until Rock got to her.

Rock. Oh God
. If the intruder made it to the bedroom door, did that mean Rock was hurt? Was he dead downstairs? A hand gripped her heart and squeezed as a scream fought its way up her throat.
Don’t make a sound. Rock’s fine. He’ll be here.

She searched around again for a weapon. Rock had taken his pistol with him. She didn’t see the knife he often had clipped to his belt.
Hide in the closet.
Again, not a solution, but just a way to buy Rock some time.

Pop
. The simple lock in the doorknob released. In silence, the door swung open. A large male form filled the doorway.

She prepared to scream. Then she got a look at the intruder’s face. Her voice failed her as her mind swirled with questions.

“Hunter?” No, it couldn’t be. She was dreaming. This was some terrible nightmare again. Why would Hunter Perkins be breaking into her bedroom? They were, well, maybe not friends, but at least friendly acquaintances. They’d talked this afternoon in her office. He’d asked for recommendations for places to live in the city. He couldn’t be standing in her doorway.

She made eye contact with him before he looked toward the bed behind her. When he glanced back, she saw the surprise reflected in his eyes. She saw something else too. Coldness like she’d never seen in anyone.
He expected me to be asleep in bed.

Fear gripped her. Her knees shook. She looked away from his face. Her flashlight reflected light off the large blade in his right hand and she glimpsed the pistol on his hip.
He’s going to kill me.

“Allison.” The same voice she’d heard in her office whispered her name, and Hunter’s lips curled into a wicked smile. “My sweet Allison.”

Ice enveloped her body and she trembled.

***

Rock cleared the library. He’d checked almost all rooms on the first floor and nothing. Maybe there was a mouse in the attic. Old homes were notorious for critters getting in. He closed the door behind him. Regardless, he’d check the kitchen and laundry room while down here.

Creak
. The noise stopped him dead, and he listened.
Creak
. No mouse made sounds like that.

Rock bolted into kitchen and up the backstairs, his bare feet silent on the thick runner. A tall athletically built figure stepped into Allison’s bedroom. Red filled his vision and he raised his pistol. One shot through the back and the SOB would be down.

He lined up the sights and went for the trigger.
Stop.
Enough rage cleared his mind and his dad’s words echoed in his head.
Know what’s on the other side of what you’re shooting
. He couldn’t see Allison. He didn’t know where in the room she stood. What if the bullet went through the bastard and into her? No, he couldn’t fire until he knew he had a clean shot.

“Hunter?” Allison’s voice reached him down the hall. She told him about her unexpected visit from Hunter Perkins at the office.

Moving his finger from the trigger, he considered his next move. So far the jerk didn’t know he was mere feet away.

“Allison,” Hunter’s voice barely reached Rock. “My sweet Allison. It’s time.”

Everything around him stopped. He charged down the hall, prepared to tackle the jerk to the floor and put a bullet between his damn eyes.

Hunter turned and raised his knife. He’d lost the element of surprise, but it didn’t matter. Only protecting Allison did.

Rock moved and Hunter’s blade made contact with air.

He caught sight of Allison directly behind the SOB. He couldn’t fire now. Not with her so close.

Before he could swipe at him again, he grabbed Hunter’s forearm and dug his fingers into the pressure points. He’d sent men to their knees with this move. Hunter’s blade hit the hard wood floor, but he remained upright.

Pain radiated through Rock’s cheek and blood filled his mouth.

***

He dropped the knife
. She heard it hit the floor and shined the flashlight toward the men. She’d never seen anything like it. Both men were about the same size, and it was obvious they’d both learned some hand-to-hand fighting techniques. While Rock appeared the more skilled of the two, Hunter looked to be holding his own.