When You Dare (36 page)

“If you have a strong constitution, you should be fine.” Dare noticed that Jett hugged Natalie a little closer.

“That bad?” he asked.

“Stop trying to scare him off,” Molly said to Dare. “You’ve only met my father once.”

Once was enough, but Dare kept that thought to himself. Hedging the question he knew Natalie was about to ask, he brought up a new subject. “We can’t stay here.”

Slumping, Molly nodded. “I know.”

Damn, but he hated seeing her life disturbed this way. She deserved her old life of naiveté, where bogeymen didn’t exist. “Even if you didn’t have creeps hanging around outside, this place isn’t secure.”

She didn’t argue with him about it. “Where will we stay?”

“I have a guest room,” Natalie offered.

Jett gave immediate objection to that idea. “Having her at your place would just put you both in the line of fire.”

Cutting off Natalie’s objection, Dare said, “He’s right.”

Molly touched her sister’s hand. “The last thing I want is to put you in danger, too. This is all bad enough as it is.”

Dare nudged the pizza toward Molly again. She needed to keep up her strength to get through the emotional shit-storm ahead.

He waited for her to take a bite before saying to Natalie, “When would be a good time to catch your father and stepmother both at home?”

Around her mouthful of food, Molly asked, “Why?”

“Because it’s time that we paid them a visit. The sooner the better.”

CHAPTER TWENTY

D
ARE WATCHED AS
Molly all but deflated.

It couldn’t have been more plain how she dreaded seeing her father. And no wonder. She was the smartest woman he’d ever met, so she probably already suspected her father’s involvement.

Under the table, he clasped her thigh. When he got her alone, he’d comfort her in a hundred different ways. He only hoped that part of the comforting could be done in the nude, preferably on a soft bed.

Thinking that stirred him, so he had to push the erotic image aside. “I’d like to see both of them at the same time, if possible.”

Oblivious to the undercurrent, Natalie shrugged. “Only time to catch them both at home is pretty early. Right after breakfast, Dad takes off to the gym, and Kathi takes off for one of her many scheduled things.”

“Bishop goes to the gym every day?”

Molly smirked. “His personal appearance is real important to him.”

“Kathi encourages him. She likes it that he stays in shape.” Natalie wrinkled her nose. “The two of them are really big on image.”

Molly slumped back in her chair. “Kathi means well, but she’s forever telling us that we need to exercise more.”

That insulted Jett. “The hell you say?”

Natalie added, “According to Kathi, we’re too soft.”

“We should tone up,” Molly chimed in, saying, “because we jiggle.”

Dare shared an incredulous look with Jett, before ruling out such nonsense. “I think it’s safe to say that men enjoy women who are soft.”

Getting a handful of Natalie’s soft hip, Jett agreed. “Hell, yeah.”

Laughing, Natalie moved his hand to her waist. “Don’t worry. Molly and I don’t take it to heart. We both learned long ago to just let the criticisms roll right off.”

“Good.” Jett cupped her neck and drew her face to his. “Because you can take my word for it—you’re beautiful.”

Molly watched them share a kiss, and she smiled at Dare. He could almost read her thoughts and see the wistfulness in her expression. She was happy for her sister, but did she want the same for herself?

When he didn’t return her smile, she sighed and shook her head at him, as if he were a lost cause.

Was that how she saw him?

Rubbing the back of his neck didn’t really ease his sudden tension. “What about your stepmother? You said she takes off in the morning, too? To do what?”

Molly picked a piece of pepperoni off her pizza. “Kathi stays involved in a lot of stuff. Tennis, swimming, aerobics and a whole slew of fundraisers and public projects. She stays busy, but she always sets things up around Dad’s schedule.”

Nodding, Natalie added, “Because God knows he doesn’t try to accommodate her.”

“Most times,” Molly said, “he barely acknowledges her. I don’t know why she puts up with him, if you want the truth.”

“I wouldn’t,” Natalie said. “But for Kathi, I guess it’s a trade-off. She likes the prestige of Dad’s wealth. The fancy parties with the upper crust of society. The respect and…” She searched for the right word.

“Power,” Molly supplied. “Dad has a certain level of authority, and they both know it.”

Dare twisted to look at the clock on the kitchen wall. “How early are you talking?”

Following his gaze, Natalie, too, checked the clock. “You’ve probably got three and a half hours. They’re always up by six and out of the house by seven-thirty. You can call on them anytime in between that and catch them at home. After that it’s a guessing game. They both stay überbusy with stuff.”

“Thanks.” That would give him some time. He watched Molly take her pizza apart, eating the pepperoni ahead of the rest. She had feminine hands, despite the short nails. She licked pizza sauce off the tip of one finger, and everything in him clenched in need.

He wanted her again, bad. Soon as he got her sister and Jett out the door, he’d work that out.

With that end goal in mind, he sent a pointed look at Jett. “If you’re done eating…”

“Dare.” Sounding stern, Molly admonished him. “Don’t be so rude.”

“Not a problem.” Jett stood, bringing Natalie to her feet with him. “We should get going anyway. And I’m sure you two have plans to make.”

Natalie wavered. “I don’t understand why you want to visit Dad and Kathi.”

“You said it yourself.” Jett put an arm around her. “Your dad has influence, so he probably has connections that’ll assist their inquiries.” Over Natalie’s head, he gave one small negative shake at Dare.

Both Dare and Molly understood: Natalie didn’t need to know that her father might be complicit in Molly’s kidnapping. She was in love, looking toward a bright future. No reason to drop a black reality on her right now.

“I guess.” The strain of exhaustion and worry showed on Natalie’s face. “But I really hate to let you out of my sight. I’m so afraid you’ll disappear on me again.”

“I promise that I won’t.” Molly hugged her sister tight. “Go home and try to get some sleep now. I’m safe, and I’m going to stay safe.”

As if she sensed how things would soon be changing, Natalie lingered in the hug. “We have so much to talk about.”

“I know.” Showing that inner strength that Dare admired so much, Molly smiled when Natalie finally released her. “I’ll call you later, when I can.” In a stage whisper meant to tease, she added, “I’m dying to hear all the details about your and Jett’s whirlwind romance.”

“Ditto,” Natalie told her. She gave a pointed look at Dare. “I think your story is going to be far more riveting.”

“Makes sense,” Jett said. “She is a writer, after all.”

Jett had the nonchalant air of a man who knew his ability, so wasn’t threatened by much. Dare only hoped the attitude was warranted. “All joking aside, you two need to be careful. I don’t think there’s any direct threat to Natalie, but we know that the apartment was being watched, so someone could be keeping tabs on her, too. We can’t assume otherwise.”

“Never would.” Jett kept Natalie close to his side and pulled out his wallet. He fished out a business card and handed it to Dare. “If anything happens, give me a call. I’ll keep my phone on me.” He met his gaze. “You want to share a number so I can return the favor?”

“Oh, yeah,” Natalie said. “I want to be able to call Molly.”

Molly shook her head. “My purse is missing, and my phone was in it.”

“Not a problem. We’ll get her another phone today, but until then…” Dare got a pen and paper from the table that had held the note. He jotted down his number and gave it to Jett. Depending on what happened tomorrow with Molly’s father, they might be leaving straight from there to return to his home, and Molly wouldn’t get a chance to see her sister again for a while.

The only way he’d be staying is if he busted her father right off and could call in the authorities to put an end to the threat.

Jett looked around the apartment. “You have this place locked down?”

“I rigged a few things. No one is going to get in without me knowing it.”

Molly turned to him with surprise. “When did you do that?”

Not touching her was getting damned difficult. “While you were sleeping.”

She tucked in her chin. “I’m usually a light sleeper, but I didn’t hear you.”

Which only showed how safe she felt with him, and how sated she’d been after her climax. “You were…really out.” He couldn’t hold back a sense of satisfaction.

“Oh.” Color tinged her cheeks.

“That reminds me, I also stacked your mail over on the table. You have some stuff that looks important. I think from your publisher and maybe your agent.”

Immediately she put down her napkin and went to the table to check it out. Natalie followed her.

Dare motioned for Jett to join him around the corner into the kitchen.

“Nice work. You knew she wouldn’t ignore business.”

“We needed a minute.” Dare kept his voice low to keep from alerting the women. “Do you still have friends in the FBI?”

“’Course. How can I help?”

“For starters, keep Natalie pinned down. I didn’t want to rattle Molly any more than she already is, but neither of them should be out and about on her own.”

“Already made that decision.” Jett ran a hand through his hair. “It’s not going to be easy, though, especially when she gets back to teaching.”

“Figure it out.” Molly was his priority, but as her sister, Natalie got his concern through association.

“Yeah, I will.” He considered things, but only for a moment. Then, with a shrug of resignation, he stated, “I’ll either drive her or follow her. Don’t worry about it.”

With that settled, Dare said, “Molly’s car.”

“What about it?”

“It’s been sitting out there in the lot the whole time she was gone, easy prey for tampering. No way in hell am I letting her in it until it’s been checked. But it’s not safe to leave it there, either.”

Comprehension lifted Jett’s chin. “Ah. You want me to get someone to check it over?”

“Off the grid.” Dare made sure Jett understood the stipulations. “I don’t want the FBI up my ass about this, getting in my way. So unless you know someone who owes you a favor—”

“I have a friend from ATF. Don’t worry about it. I’ll get it done right away, then let you know.”

Perfect. “If it’s clean, have it towed somewhere safe, will you?”

“To ensure it stays that way.” He nodded. “Sure, no problem.”

“Thanks.” Dare clapped him on the shoulder. “I appreciate the help.”

Molly stepped back into the kitchen, landed a look of suspicion on each man but chose to let it go. “I need to deposit some checks at the bank, and I have a contract to mail back at the post office.”

“All right.” Dare couldn’t expect her to put her livelihood on hold. With him by her side, a few stops should be safe enough. “We can take care of that after we leave your father’s.”

She nodded but continued to study both men. “Everything okay?”

“I need your car keys.” He didn’t give her a chance to question that. “Jett will move it someplace safe until you’re back here.”

Dare could tell that she didn’t buy that simplified version, but she went to a drawer in the kitchen and withdrew a spare key.

“Thanks.” Jett took it from her and stuffed it into his pocket.

Natalie had followed Molly in. She put her hands together, stared up at Dare and the tearful smile came. She opened her arms and embraced him tight. “Thank you, Dare. I’m so glad to know that she’s safe with you.”

Relieved that Molly at least had her sister’s support, Dare returned the hug with genuine affection. As Natalie stepped away from him, she turned her face and mouthed again to Molly, with even more exaggeration,
Oh, my God.

Dare had no idea what her theatrics were about this time, but Molly nodded in dramatic agreement.

Shaking his head at the women, Jett said, “If there’s any news, let us know.”

“I will. Thanks.”

Jett kissed Molly on the cheek and, finally, escorted Natalie out of the apartment.

The second they were alone, Dare’s sexual desire sharpened. He went to the door and fastened the lock, then moved the chair to wedge it under the knob.

Seeing that, Molly’s face tightened with dread. “You’re sure those guys in the van are gone?”

“I watched them leave.” Dare came over to her. “But either way, I’m not going to let anyone touch you. You have my word.”

A sad smile flickered. “If anyone can make that promise, I believe you can.”

He needed to change the subject to lighten her mood. “What was all that
oh-my-God
business from your sister?”

Genuine humor brightened her smile a touch more. Molly poked him in the side. “Your hard body impressed her, that’s all.”

How ridiculous. “Meaning Jett is a slouch, huh?”

Now she laughed. “No, of course not. You saw him.”

Refusing to compliment another man’s physicality, Dare just grunted.

Molly wasn’t fooled. “You know he’s a prime specimen, Dare Macintosh. Don’t pretend otherwise.” She turned to look out the window, watching her sister and Jett leave the lot. “It’s just that you’re so far beyond average buffness, not many guys could ever compare.” She put a hand to the glass. “You’re beyond anything, I think.”

He knew his own ability, had always accepted it, but her excessive praise made his ears hot. “You’re being silly, Molly. I’m just a man.”

“No.” She shook her head, and Dare saw her shoulders slump a little. “You’re exceptional in so many ways. Natalie was just acknowledging it to me.”

Dare stood behind her, not touching her, but close enough to feel her heat and breathe in her scent. Keeping his hands off her challenged him. Even after her sister and Jett pulled out of the lot, she stood there.

“You okay, honey?”