Chapter 12

Rip trusted that Hunter would take care of matters and see that Ashlee was safe. He had Lela to focus on, and her situation was going to take all of his attention.

Lela stood beside him at the hospital entrance. “Suddenly, I’m exhausted.” She squinted into the sun. “We’ve been up all night.”

“You’ll get plenty of sleep once I get you back to the hotel,” Rip said. “I’ll feel a lot better once we’re secured in the room.”

Lela sighed. “I feel like nowhere is safe.”

Rip took her hand. “You’re safe with me.” He started walking away from the facility. “I’m going to skip calling a cab. It’s best not to be too predictable.”

“We’re walking back to the hotel?”

“No, of course not. We can catch transportation at the West Bellfort station, then change to the Metro Rail for the rest of the trip.” It was easier to blend in with the commuters. A cab could be traced, but a ride on the rail was anonymous.

It had been a rough night, and Lela looked tired. The metro stopped close to the hotel. Once inside the building, Rip didn’t waste time getting her up to the room. In the elevator, Lela looked down, remembering to avoid the cameras.

Rip put his arm around her, and she leaned against his chest. He wanted to hold her tighter…a lot tighter. But he resisted. If something happened between them, it would be after she’d had some rest. Although there was no chance of anything happening anyway.

When the elevator opened, Rip kept his arm around Lela to guide her to the room. The door clicked shut and Rip flipped the deadbolt. He was tired too, and supposed that even bodyguards had to sleep.

Lela used the bathroom first to get cleaned up. Her clothes were unsalvageable. That much blood didn’t wash out. So she returned to the room wearing a long shirt. Rip wondered what she had on underneath, but he looked away.

“I have to crash,” Lela said. “I can’t hold my eyes open.”

“Sleep as long as you need to. I’ll be on watch.”

Lela yawned. “Aren’t you going to sleep?”

“I can take some catnaps. Don’t worry about it.” Rip watched her crawl into the big bed and settle under the covers. He longed to snuggle in beside her, but it wasn’t going to happen.

Rip washed up, and when he came out, Lela was asleep. He sat on the sofa and listened to her steady breathing for a few minutes. It was a comfort that she was able to find peace for a few hours. She didn’t deserve what she’d been through.

He rummaged for a Coke, then poured it into a glass and mixed it with a tiny bottle of bourbon. While sipping, he contemplated Lela’s circumstances and racked his brain about where to go from here.

An hour later, Rip was still awake. He quietly pulled back the curtain and watched Lela sleep. She looked delectable in the middle of the bed, with her hair falling over the pillow.

His thoughts went to the sight of her in the long nightshirt. A vision of removing it, so he could see her bare skin underneath, haunted him. He craved running his hands over her curves, and ached to cup her luscious breasts in his hands.

Turned on, and with no satisfactory relief available, Rip folded out the sofa and went to bed. He would have given anything to hold Lela naked against him, just to have her close. But a pang of guilt riddled him. He didn’t deserve her.

He’d loved before, so long ago. But he’d failed to protect his love. Isabel had died. Now Lela’s life was in grave peril, and he had no right to indulge his personal needs. His sole aim was to protect her, but there was no guarantee that all would turn out well.

He fingered the cross around his neck and thought of Isabel. He scanned memories of her, of being together, and how he’d felt. But he couldn’t quite recall how she looked, couldn’t picture her face. It had been so long. But she would always hold a special place in his heart; that wouldn’t fade.

Then Rip’s thoughts went to Lela, and he listened to her turn over in the bed, hoping her dreams were peaceful. His heart ached, as he hated seeing her on the run, tired and afraid. He’d have to do something about that…soon.

As he drifted off, Lela’s lovely face was his last vision, and his body responded to his need for her. Yet he did nothing to relieve the agony. The discomfort was a reminder, and forced him to keep duty as his priority.

He’d had no justifiable reason for his past failure to save a woman he’d cared for—a fact he had to live with. But he swore that he wouldn’t need any excuse in the future. He would save Lela. He wasn’t sure how it would play out, but it wasn’t in his nature to quit.

*****

That afternoon, Rip was up first. He had showered and dressed before Lela stirred. “What time is it?”

“Just past two,” Rip said. “We slept the day away.” It had been dawn before Lela closed her eyes. The rest must have been good for her, because she looked refreshed.

Lela wadded the pillow and stuffed it under her cheek. “Mmm, it’s so comfortable in here. I don’t want to get up.” She smiled. “It’s weird, though, to sleep in the daytime.”

Despite her threat to stay in bed, Lela stretched then slipped out of the covers. She stood and rubbed her eyes. “I need a shower.”

Rip stared at her a bit too long, unable to take his eyes off her shapely legs and bare feet. She padded across the carpet. “I’ll go get presentable. Is there food?”

“I’ll take care of it.” While Lela was in the bathroom, Rip called room service and ordered the works. He wasn’t sure what she preferred, so he chose a little of everything.

While waiting, he checked messages and perused a few things online. Lela was in the bathroom for a long time. At one point, he heard the hairdryer humming. Room service delivered the food before she was out, so he poured coffee.

Rip was on his second cup when Lela emerged. “This is my last semi-clean set of clothes.”

“After you eat, I’ll take care of that.” Rip poured her some coffee, and she sat in a chair close to the food cart.

“Wow, you got a lot. It looks delicious.” Lela took in a slow breath. “And it smells great. I’m so hungry.”

After helping herself to eggs, bacon, toast, and yogurt, Lela settled back in her chair and started eating. Her delight over the food caused Rip to become aroused. He imagined the purring sounds she’d make in bed. The soft moans of satisfaction over the breakfast really had him going.

Rip looked at his food and took another bite of ham. He needed to eat too, and that was what he should pay attention to. But Lela was so close that he could smell her shampoo, and dreamed the warmth of her body was against his skin.

Being cooped up in the same hotel room was a challenge. Rip was losing his cool. He was a red-blooded male, bodyguard or not. Even he had his limits. He needed to get into action; a distraction would be welcomed.

Fortunately, Lela started talking, bringing Rip back to reality. “I’ve been thinking about my mother. And I’m worried.” She furrowed her brow. “It’s good that you have protection for her, but…”

Rip raised his brows, then stuffed a bit of waffle in his mouth.

“My mother must be frantic over what’s happened to me. It’s been so long since I disappeared. I have to get a message to her.”

The idea of another personal encounter was out of the question. Rip couldn’t allow her to go to see her mother—not now.

“I’ll tell you what,” Rip said. “I’ll have Stealth let her know that you are unharmed, and are just staying out of sight. Travis will handle it. He can deliver a message through one of the guys he has keeping eyes on your mom.”

Lela poured some orange juice and leaned back with her hand on her belly. “I’m stuffed.” She took a sip, and seemed to consider his offer.

Rip was relieved that she didn’t fight him on that. Once she got something into her head, it was hell convincing her otherwise.

“I think that will be best,” Lela said. “I don’t want to bring danger to my mother’s doorstep. A message will have to do for now.”

Rip called his boss before Lela had a chance to change her mind. He made the arrangements. Travis didn’t think it would be difficult.

“It’s all set,” Rip said. “Your mother doesn’t need to know any details. That will only put her in harm’s way. But she will be reassured.”

“I miss her so much. I hope it’s not too much longer until I can go home.”

Rip did too, but there was no way to predict when that would be. If he had his way, he’d have her back to her family very soon.

Lela agreed to stay in the room with the door locked, so Rip could go out on errands. “We’re low on cash, so I have to make a stop at the bank. You can’t make any withdrawals, because that could be traced.”

Rip looked at her. “Don’t forget, the feds are after you too. It’s your good luck that they haven’t found you so far.”

“Okay. I don’t want to be found any more than you want them to find me.” Lela walked over to him. “And get comfortable clothes for me, ones I can move in. I need to be able to fight. So no girl stuff.”

Rip grinned. “That’s probably all I’ll be able to pick out anyway.” Lela told him her sizes in pants and shirts, then he left on his supply run.

Rip was back quickly. The less he left Lela alone, the better. She approved of her new wardrobe, as limited as it was, then packed up to leave.

“It’s better for you to move around,” Rip said. “As safe as you’ve been here in this fancy hotel, it won’t last. I’m just glad it hasn’t been found out yet.”

Lela put the strap of her bag over her shoulder. “Where to now?”

Rip opened the door then bent into a little bow. With a sweep of his arm, he said, “You’ll see.”

*****

This time, Rip used a hired car as a way of varying the mode of transportation. The destination was Kemah, a city on Galveston Bay, some distance from Houston. The Kemah boardwalk overlooked the bay. It was a sprawling entertainment area on the waterfront that included dining, as well as exhibits and theme-park rides.

“This place wouldn’t have been my guess,” Lela said.

“Exactly, and that’s why I chose it. It’s certainly not a cartel hangout, and it’s not a location where the FBI would expect you to go.” Rip smiled. “And then there’s the being-a-couple thing—just one more way to throw them off.”

“What do you mean?”

Rip guided her along the boardwalk to the marina, where he paid cash for a night in a houseboat. “It’s a bed and breakfast,” he said.

Lela grinned “Of course it is.”

The boat was tied up near a fishing dock, close to the boardwalk. Rip stepped aboard then assisted Lela. The remodeled houseboat had both air conditioning and heating. There were two TVs, and the one in the bedroom was equipped for movie watching.

The kitchen was fully set up, but Lela doubted she would do any cooking there. On the front patio, a comfy swing had been provided. “Are we going to take the boat out, too?”

“Of course,” Rip said. “What’s the point of staying on a boat if you don’t go out on the water?”

Lela laughed. “I’m kind of liking this couple thing.” And she was. For a short while, she didn’t have to look over her shoulder.

“I figured this will give us a chance to regroup. A few theme-park rides should clear our heads,” Rip said. “And if that doesn’t work, a cruise out in the bay will give us a chance to come up with a plan.”

Lela linked her arm with Rip’s. “I’m sure.” She winked. “Then let’s go.”

The brochure listing the rides at the boardwalk claimed the fun never stopped. And so it seemed. The rides certainly didn’t stop. Rip’s favorite was the HypnoSpin, which was precisely what it sounded like. Lela’s pick was the sixty-five-foot Ferris wheel.

The thrills just kept on coming. Rip suggested Pharaoh’s Fury, but Lela observed the pendulum ride and opted to skip it. “Too much for me. My stomach couldn’t take it.”

Instead she urged Rip to the Boardwalk Tower. It was a place to kick back and take a break. From up high, Lela watched the activity on the boardwalk and the surrounding bay. She could see for miles.

Although Rip seemed to have a good time, he didn’t completely relax. He had a way of taking in the environment and staying alert. Lela was used to it, and glad that he did so. She felt safer that way.

The rest of the afternoon, Lela engaged in more tranquil activities. She did a little shopping, and bought a new t-shirt. Later, Rip suggested an early dinner, and she was all for it. He took her to a place along the water that served authentic Mexican dishes.

The restaurant had a variety of tequilas on hand, so Rip ordered some special margaritas. Lela scanned the menu for a few of the traditional dishes that she didn’t often find on menus.

“I’ll have the spicy tacos,” Lela said, then read to Rip, “Bacon-wrapped shrimp rolled in corn tortillas with tomatillo sauce, cabbage, jalapeño cheese, and cilantro.”

“That has to be good.”

“Probably not as good as my mother makes, but it will really hit the spot,” Lela said. “What looks good to you?”

Rip looked into her eyes, and warmth filled Lela’s body. She wondered what he was going to say.

“Uh, I think I’ll have the fajita steak. I’m a beef guy.” Rip took a gulp of his margarita, and the awkward moment passed.

But Lela’s mind drifted to subjects she’d be better off avoiding. After her disappointing marriage, she’d sworn off love and men—or love, anyway. It wasn’t that she hadn’t gone on dates, but she hadn’t intended to have a serious relationship.

She’d married young, and her husband’s betrayal had cut deep. The emotional wound had taken a while to heal. Although she’d swear she was over it, the thought of putting her heart on the line still made her cringe.

Trusting a man with her love was risky. But Rip wasn’t just any man. He was loyal and caring. His story of devotion to Isabel had touched her. He cared deeply.

That said a lot about his character. Yet Lela wanted to avoid intimacy. Sex would probably be fantastic with Rip. But she couldn’t envision a one-night stand. In other circumstances, she might go with a night of pleasure. But Rip deserved more.

“What are you thinking about?” Rip’s eyes burned into her.

Lela’s cheeks warmed. She could lie, but she had a feeling that he’d see right through her. “About you, actually.”

Rip’s expression was telling. The attraction was undeniable. “What about me?”

“I haven’t met a man like you before.”

“Is that a good thing?”

Lela took a sip of her drink, then another. “I haven’t decided yet.”

For the rest of the meal, Lela chatted with Rip about anything, except the electricity radiating between them. She wanted to say more, but hesitated. How far was she willing to go?

On the way to the boat, Lela enjoyed the view of the horizon and watched the sun dip lower in the sky. “I imagine watching the sunset from the boat’s deck would be amazing.”

“We’re going to find out.” Rip took her back to the houseboat, then cast off. He was as adept at handling the watercraft as he was at so much else.

The boat cruised far out into the harbor, then Rip cut the engine. On the deck, Lela sat beside him, awed by the sunset. The sky turned colors of orange and yellow, then shifted to purple. Darkness descended, but the moon lit the bay, shimmering over the still water.

Rip sat on the bench cushion next to her. He turned to look at her, with the moonlight as a backdrop, and her heart skipped a beat.

Lela shared what was on her mind. “So…if you don’t have a serious relationship, what does that mean for your sex life?” She couldn’t believe that she’d asked that. But she wanted to know, and jealousy reared its head. For no good reason, she didn’t like the thought of Rip with another woman.

“I haven’t lived like a monk, if that’s what you mean,” Rip answered. “I prefer sex within the confines of a committed relationship…not that I’ve had much chance for that.”

Lela gazed into his eyes, and her heart swelled. She cared about Rip, and that was dangerous.

“What about you?” Rip said. “Why aren’t you with someone?”

“I think you know why. I had my heart broken, and I decided once was enough.”

The disappointment in Rip’s expression tugged at her heart. What had he expected?

“Come here.” Rip opened his arms, and she went to him. He dug his hand in her hair and held her close. The tender gesture broke through her resistance. She had no defenses against gentleness, honesty, and caring.

Tears moistened Lela’s eyes, and she embraced Rip. Being close felt good, and seemed right. She squeezed tighter, relishing the closeness and needing to be in his arms.

Rip made no move to let her go. He pressed her to his chest and stroked his fingertips along her spine. Lela was filled with unexpected joy. With Rip holding her, the world was good. His warmth was what she desperately needed.

There seemed to be no rush; Rip gave her plenty of opportunity to move away…if she wanted to. He seemed content to be with her, and hold her close, without pressing for more. But Lela felt the heat of his body, and breathed in his scent. He wanted her, as she wanted him, and her passion escalated.

The boat rocked softly on the water, and the moonlight sparkled in the bay. Lela was so fortunate to be alive and to have this moment. Even if it went no further, she would cherish the intimacy, closeness she hadn’t experienced before—not like this.

Rip pulled back a little and put his fingers under Lela’s chin. He tipped her head up, and she looked into his eyes. His expression was filled with desire. He paused for a heartbeat, then pressed his lips to hers.

It was a soft touch at first, testing Lela’s willingness. She closed her eyes and parted her lips, so Rip deepened the kiss. He tasted of maleness, spices, and tequila, a combination that was a potent aphrodisiac.

Lela folded against Rip, moaning softly into the sensual kiss. Ravenously, he covered her mouth with his and devoured her, spiking her passion. She gasped when he pulled back. “Rip…” she whispered, igniting the flame.

Rip stood and scooped her into his arms, then carried her to the cabin. Starlight streamed through the windows, casting a soft glow over the room. Lela stood next to the bed and drank in the sight.

He was the embodiment of male sexuality, strong and broad-shouldered. His raw need was evident. Requiring no more encouragement, he moved toward her.

Rip pulled her to him and kissed her deeply, digging his hands into her hair. Then he wrapped his arms around her and lifted her off her feet, so he could nibble at the tender skin on her neck.

Delirious with sensation, Lela arched into him. When Rip lowered her to the ground, she began undoing his pants. But he interrupted the proceedings and took charge. First, he undressed her, one garment at a time, admiring her as he went.

“You’re so beautiful,” Rip said. “You’re a goddess.”

When she was naked, Rip dropped to his knees and held her hips. Then he kissed and licked over her until she was about to come unglued. He suckled at her breasts, alternately taking each nipple into his mouth. He sucked gently, then harder.

Lela’s core clenched tight. Heat flooded her low belly and she weakened under his ministrations. “Come for me, beautiful,” Rip said in a raspy voice. He held her waist with his mouth over her most tender spot. He flicked his tongue just so, spiking her sensation.

Orgasm washed through Lela, delivering unbearable pleasure. She cried out, shuddering in Rip’s grasp. When she was about to collapse, he stood and held her, allowing her a moment to come back into herself. Then he yanked back the covers of the bed and lifted her onto the mattress.

Quickly, Rip stripped off his clothes. First the shirt came off, revealing his muscled chest. His biceps flexed as he peeled off the pants, and then the briefs. Lela’s breath caught in her throat when his cock sprang free. He was magnificent.

Rip stepped closer, and she wrapped her hand around his hot erection. He was thick and hard as steel. Yet the skin was soft as velvet. She stroked his shaft, but Rip had no patience for waiting. He rifled through the side drawer and found what he sought, then rolled on a condom.

He straddled Lela and leaned down to kiss her hard. His tongue lashed against hers, making her moan. She dragged her palms over his wide back, then over his firm ass. Rip spread her thighs apart with his knees and angled the tip of his cock to her wet opening.

Lela rocked her hips up to meet him, and when his heat slipped inside, she groaned. “I need you.”

Rip was ready to fiercely satisfy her need. He plunged into Lela, and she wrapped her legs around him. His hands dug into the mattress as he stroked into her, gaining momentum, until it seemed that he couldn’t go fast enough.

Lela matched his rhythm. He felt so damn good inside her. Rip stretched and filled her, but she wanted more. She craved all he could give. It was impossible to get enough.

Then Rip stopped moving and kissed her with abandon, all over her neck and breasts, then her mouth. His cock swelled within her, and his heat scorched her from the inside. “I want you, darling,” he whispered in a deep voice. “I can’t wait…much longer.”

Rip looked into her eyes, and in that moment, she was one with him. “I want you to let go now,” he said. “When I explode inside you, scream as loud as you like. I want to hear your ecstasy and give you…”

But he didn’t finish. He throbbed inside her and thrust deeply. Then he stilled, before crashing into a powerful climax. Lela was right there with him. She clenched around him as he released inside her, and yelled his name as she peaked.

Rip stroked, more slowly now. Then he kissed her lips. “You are amazing.”

Lela put her palm on his cheek and stared at his perfect mouth. With him still inside, she squeezed. “I want more.”

Rip smiled, his eyes glowing. “You’ll have much more,” he said, and was true to his words. That night, he made love to her again and again, in different ways. He was slow and gentle, then powerful and consumed with unrelenting passion.

And each time Lela fell deeper under his spell. There would not be another man like Rip. And now that she’d had him, it would be impossible to accept less.