Classified (11 page)

Warm silk settled on her shoulders and hugged her body. Her breath caught more from the scent of Stark suddenly cloaking her in his jacket than his chivalrous move.

“I thought you might be cold.”

“Thanks.” She blocked the unwelcome sensation of inner warmth that awakened deep inside her. This was a mission. He was her sort-of partner—more a pawn in her strategy. She wasn’t supposed to be impressed by him or his actions. Guilt pinged her.

Just stop, Casey. You don’t know this man. He’s the competition, not a friend or…whatever.

“Isn’t our suite on the top floor?”

Casey snapped to attention, glad to put the disturbing thoughts aside. “There are two presidential suites on the sixth floor.” Then she saw what had made him question the floor plan of their hotel.

It wasn’t quite a full balcony like the one extending the living space of their suite or the one alongside it. The small half-moon shaped protrusion above their balcony appeared more like an architectural feature. Yet, there was a window or door. Something she couldn’t quite make out that could very well provide access to another floor. A floor that didn’t exist in the hotel’s brochures or have a button in the public elevators.

“There has to be a private elevator.”

“If there’s a room up there, that would be my guess,” he agreed. “Even if we’re right, that doesn’t mean the room is hers.”

“We can’t be sure of anything.” They were speculating. That was half the game when gathering intelligence. If you didn’t know, you fleshed out possible scenarios until you hit the right one.

“Could be for VIPs.”

“Could be.”

“Depending on how the meet goes,” he offered, “it’s certainly a lead we might want to follow.”

“Certainly.” Casey checked the time on her cell. “We should head back.”

The walk across the white sand beneath the moonlight was quiet and strangely calming. The party crowd apparently preferred the dazzling lights and music along the streets to the soothing roar of the sea and the quiet glow of the moon and stars on the sand. Or maybe those who preferred the latter were making their own kind of quiet music in the shadows. The thought made her yearn for that kind of sweet escape.

Casey rarely experienced calm during a mission. And the only kind of escapes she generally took were from the bad guys. This sudden yearning was categorically out of character for her. She stole a glimpse at Stark. She banished the idea that he made her feel this way. The yearning had nothing to do with him. It was the place, she supposed. And the relief of being back in the field, even if while on vacation, after months of being in a cramped, artificially lit office.

“You have sisters and brothers back in L.A.?” The deep resonance of his voice washed over her, layering more of the serene insulation somehow generated by this place and this night.

“No. I’m an only.” It annoyed the heck out of Casey that the word
lonely
echoed in her skull. She wasn’t lonely, she was busy. She had no time for complications.

“Me, too.” He chuckled. “My mother reminds me regularly that I’m all she has.”

“No father?” Casey resisted the impulse to bite her tongue. She didn’t want to encourage his questioning.

“He died six years ago.”

His father’s death still made him feel sad. She knew because the pain echoed in his words. She would not ask anything else about his family. No. No. No. Except… “Your mother never remarried?” Good grief! What was she doing?

“She swears she never will.” He released a big breath that drew her attention straight to his mouth. “I wish she would. I’d feel better. But she says when you love someone like that, there’s no such thing as an encore.”

Wow. His mom sounded like Lucas. “You think she’s lonely?” Seriously, she wasn’t saying anything else. Not another word.

“How could she not be?” Stark looked at her as if she should be smart enough to know without asking. “She’s fifty-five. Her companion of twenty-seven years is gone. That’s gotta be tough.”

Don’t say anything, she told herself.

They were almost to the street. The noise would preclude the need for conversation then. Prepping for the meet should be her focus.

“You ever been married or engaged?”

Where was he going with that question? “No.”
You?
banged at her skull. She would not ask! They’d had a similar conversation already.

“Me either.” He slid his hands into his pockets. “Too busy, I think.”

Forty yards to safety. She had to keep slogging toward the street and the insulating noise of the crowd.

“Most of my cousins are married. House and kids to boot.” He laughed softly. “My mother calls whenever someone announces their engagement. I can actually hear the wistfulness in her voice when she tells me.”

Dear God. They had the same mom. Like hers, his mom should butt out. Casey knew from experience that wasn’t going to happen. She’d been telling her mom to do exactly that for years.

“She’s convinced I changed careers to avoid commitment.”

“Did you?” Casey’s eyes widened. She didn’t just ask that! If asking the question wasn’t perverse enough, she stared at him in anticipation of his answer.

“I was bored.” He glanced at her, caught her staring, making her even angrier with herself. “I needed to be more involved with people. To help ensure the right thing happened more often.”

Like not dropping a stranger into a bottomless pit and saving himself. Or insisting she wear his jacket when his thin shirt wasn’t much more protection than her dress. “Bored is the excuse adrenaline junkies use for running into burning buildings and going into hostage situations.” She felt him looking at her so she met his gaze. “Making sure the right thing happens is just another way of saying you like to win. Am I right?”

He stopped. Held her gaze for long enough to make her wish she had kept her mouth shut. “Is that your model for doing what you do, Casey? Like the risk you took back there on that deserted stretch of road? Or all the little things—like that dress—that you do to keep me off balance? Winning is all that matters to you, isn’t it?” He shook his head. “If that’s true, I feel sorry for you.”

Casey was almost twenty-nine, and only once in her entire life had anyone ever said anything to her that actually got to her. Until tonight. Irritation immediately replaced the other foolishness. “If you don’t win, what’s the point?”

Walk away.

She put one foot in front of the other. When people got all emotional that was the best way to handle it. Just walk away. Nothing that got said would be right or would really change the other person’s stand on the matter.

Motorized traffic had obviously been diverted since the street between the hotel and the club was filled with pedestrians as if they had decided to bring the celebration to the streets and no one minded. It was well past midnight and the party was still wild and loud inside the club. When they stepped in, she could see Alayna and her dancers swaying and grinding on the stage in an erotic performance that had couples unabashedly devouring each other on the dance floor.

Cloying, perfumed sweat comingled with the essence of liquor, creating a sensual fragrance that ignited the senses. The perfect combination of visual and auditory ambience bound the carnal spell so completely that Casey wondered how it could possibly be broken without inspiring a riot.

Alayna had created a masterpiece of enthralling entertainment. Casey watched her lean body move to the notes. Every move, every step was choreographed in mesmerizing rhythm. She would be a challenging mark.

Casey would need Stark to distract her…if she was distractible.

H
E DIDN’T LIKE
C
ASEY
very much right now. Her responses were contradictory to his protected view of people and life. She had to do something to alleviate that disillusionment or risk losing his cooperation.

At the bar he ordered a sparkling water and turned to Casey to see if she wanted a drink. She swept his jacket from her shoulders, dropped it on the counter and moved in close to him. “Dance with me, Stark.”

He didn’t immediately say no but he stared at her as if he were contemplating going in that direction.

She took his hand in hers and pulled him close. “We need to look like a couple if we’re going to pull this off. You wouldn’t be a movie producer if you weren’t taking advantage of your young, naive assistant.”

Reluctance in his movements, he allowed her to guide him deep into the throng of couples lost to their own stimulating interludes. Before she could put her arms around him, he pulled her close, pressed her intimately to his body and started to move.

The rush of heat and a frightening burst of desire stole her breath, made her tremble. As if he sensed that weakness, he held her tighter, leaned in closer until she couldn’t breathe without inhaling the scent of him. Her cheek brushed the roughness of his unshaven jaw, spawning a desperate ache between her thighs.

Casey closed her eyes and fought the dizzying sensations. A few more minutes and they would be in position to start the next phase of this mission. She could deal with these unexpected feelings Stark evoked for a few minutes more.

It didn’t matter anyway.

This wasn’t real.

He couldn’t be real.

October 13, 1:08 a.m.

Andrew and Michael’s was an Italian restaurant. The rustic décor didn’t quite suit the elegant menu but Levi wasn’t complaining. Amazing smells emanated from the rear kitchen. More importantly Jazz had announced that Alayna would arrive at any moment.

The door to the private dining room was flanked by members of Alayna’s security team, two inside, two out. Jazz sat at one end of the long dining table. Levi and Casey had taken seats opposite each other near the end reserved for Alayna. Four male companions, more security, Levi suspected, had joined them at the table. The men had lots of muscle and familiar bulges beneath their jackets. Weapons, obviously. Levi and Casey’s guns had been taken at the door, as had their cell phones. Levi didn’t know about Casey, but he’d initiated the lock on his. If anyone attempted to break the pass code to his phone, the stored information would be deleted. The phone Levi could do without; the weapon was another story. He didn’t like that naked feeling. Particularly when surrounded by an armed detail.

Jazz was enthralled with Casey. He directed the occasional question at Levi, but for the most part Levi’s partner carried the conversation. Levi used the time to assess their surroundings and the security. That the two of them seemed to anticipate so easily their proper parts in this partnership continued to surprise him.

In all probability, that was something he shouldn’t get used to. If nothing else, he had learned how unpredictable she could be. He’d learned something else as well. Casey Manning had been wronged. Badly. She trusted no one and believed in nothing but the work.

That truth bothered him far more than it should. He wanted her to believe and to trust…in him.

Jazz withdrew his cell from his pocket and checked the screen. “Ah.” He smiled widely. “She is here.”

Following the reactions of the others around the table to this announcement, Levi rose from his chair.

Jazz hurried to pull out the reserved chair at the head of the table. The belle of the ball waltzed into the room, her steps as graceful as her moves on stage.

“Alayna, may I introduce Levi Stark and his assistant, Casey Manning.” Jazz gestured to each in turn.

“Mr. Stark.” Her voice was rich, almost deep.

Levi nodded an acknowledgment since she did not offer her hand. Alayna spared Casey a brief, measured glance but said nothing. Casey smiled humbly, ever in character.

When Alayna had taken her seat, the rest settled once more. Three waiters rushed into the room, carefully placing salad plates arranged with fresh greens and topped with brightly colored accompaniments. Then the three stepped back and waited to serve the needs of their hostess.

Alayna’s attention came to rest on Levi. “Your presence tonight surprises me, Mr. Stark.”

“How so?” He would put the ball back in her court. If she led he was far less likely to make a misstep.

“I usually receive notice when a man of your professional status schedules a visit to my club.”

He didn’t doubt it a bit after the photos he’d seen in her dressing room. “I doubt you were any more surprised than I. This visit was not on my agenda.”

Alayna’s gaze narrowed as if she were endeavoring to discern if she had just been insulted. Silence congealed in the room. Casey telegraphed him a sharp warning with her eyes. He, too, had a part to play and bubbling with enthusiasm was not in the profile. This was her gig. She should appreciate the intricacies of his part.

When he had stretched Alayna’s patience far enough, he said, “My assistant insisted I catch your show while scouting locations.” He acknowledged his partner with a subtle dip of his head. “I rarely scout for talent these days. It usually comes to me.” He mentally ticked off the trauma-filled seconds that followed, allowing the silence to swell once more.

“Since you’re here,” Alayna said finally, “I presume you enjoyed the show.”

“I did.” He forced the instinctive tension in his muscles to unwind. He had to take it slow, not appear too eager.

“Then you are interested in my show?”

“I’m intrigued by
you.
”

Alayna relaxed in her chair for the first time since arriving. “As I am intrigued by
you.
”

“Perhaps we should speak privately.”

No one had touched their food or drink during the stilted exchange. Levi predicted that everyone at the table was less than pleased by his suggestion. Everyone except Casey. She would be livid. All the more reason not to make eye contact with her.

Alayna turned to Jazz and he immediately stood. Without a word he left the room, the others filing out after him, including Casey. She shot Levi a withering look on her way out. She would have to trust him the way she expected him to trust her.

Now that the room was cleared, Levi rested his full attention on the lady who Fernandez had claimed was the sister of Slade Keaton.

“You have questions.” Her expression provided no clue as to what she might be thinking. “I do.”

“Perhaps I have answers.” One corner of her mouth tilted upward just the slightest bit, fracturing the ice that seemed to encase her.

“Assuming we were to reach an agreement,” Levi broached, “can you be available to devote the time required to the project?” What sorts of ties did she have, if any? There had been some mention of a mother. He needed to learn as much as possible without deviating from his profile. Now that they were alone, it was the time to push harder.

“Perhaps.”

Nice hedge. “You don’t have commitments that would divide your attention?” He clasped his hands in front of him. “I find it very frustrating when family obligations get in the way.”

“You have no family, Mr. Stark?”

The way she watched him, prepared to pounce on the slightest deviation from character, would have been a bit unnerving except that he’d spent the past twenty-four hours with Casey Manning. He had full confidence that he possessed nerves of steel.

“Let’s just say I have no obligations that pose a threat to the needs of my work.” He could hedge with the best of them.

“I can see how that would be fortunate for a man in your position.”

She had either taken the bait without reservation or she was playing him to buy time for her own agenda. “Why don’t we put our dance cards away, Alayna?” He matched her poker face. “There are many personal questions you’ll need to answer. I don’t like surprises and those who bankroll my projects don’t either. Is Alayna a stage name?”

A smile widened the tiny fissure in her perfectly composed features. “Yes. But my name is irrelevant. My family obligations are as well. My commitment at Delicia is at my leisure. Does that answer your question?”

“I see.”

“So there is no misunderstanding, I have no previous film experience. I have only what you saw tonight to offer. Either it is what you’re looking for or it is not. The money is irrelevant.”

That gave him a whole lot of nothing. “No criminal record?”

“Of course not.”

“You’re American?” He was nearly certain she was. Either that or she had at least one Anglo parent.

“By birthright I am, but this country is my home.”

She was warming to him, one degree at a time. “Although much of the project would be filmed here,” he explained, trying another avenue to ask the same questions, “we’ll be spending a great deal of time in the States. Is that a problem?”

“I never leave this country.”

Why, he wondered. “That will be an issue.”

“In my experience,” she countered, “we do what we must to obtain what we want.”

Touché. Now was the time to take it up another notch. Throw her a curveball. “Sadly, I must answer to my investors. One of them in particular insists that part of every project be filmed in his beloved city of Chicago. Perhaps you’ve heard of him. Slade Keaton?” Levi leaned forward and blatantly studied her. “I’m certain he would be very disappointed if I failed to communicate that requirement. I’m also certain he will be very interested in you.”

Her eyes glazed with cold fury. “Who are you?”

“You do know him.” No question there.

She stood, her chair rocking precariously behind her. “We have nothing further to discuss.”

Levi blocked her path when she would have moved toward the door. He couldn’t let her get away just yet. “I have questions about Keaton.” She started around him and he placed his hand on her arm, prompting an icy stare that warned her tolerance threshold had been reached. “The matter is urgent. I was told that you’re his sister. If that’s true, you may be able to help.”

“You have made a mistake, Mr. Stark.”

“I don’t think so. I think you do know him and I’m not going to stop until I find the answers I need.” He was pushing it here and she still hadn’t called in her security. Some part of her was curious.

She inclined her head and studied him. “You have no idea who you’re dealing with, do you?”

Not exactly the reaction he’d hoped for. “Right now I’m dealing with you.”

“No, Mr. Stark. You have far greater problems than me.” She searched his eyes. “I regret to inform you that as of this moment you are living on borrowed time, as they say.”

“Is that a threat, Alayna?”

She squared her shoulders, signaling that she was done here. “It is merely a statement of fact, Mr. Stark. Now, if you will step out of my way, there will be no need to involve security.”

Not just yet. “Who is Keaton?”

For five thundering beats of his heart he was certain she wouldn’t answer, then she said, “He is a man trained to kill anyone who gets in the way of what he seeks. If it is you he seeks, he will find you no matter how long it takes and then he will lie in wait until the perfect moment to act. You will not escape.”

“How do you know this?” Was she his sister or a former lover? Levi needed answers. “Who are you?”

“That is irrelevant. I will give you one final advisement, Mr. Stark. Please hear me well. You and your friend should run. Now. Your actions have awakened a sleeping dragon and you will be devoured by her.”

Alayna walked around him. He didn’t try to stop her.

Levi stood alone in the room, the walls suddenly closing in around him. His instincts screamed at him. He had to call Victoria. He had to warn her.

“What the hell happened?” Casey stormed his position. “What did you do, Stark?”

“We have to get out of here.” He glanced around, felt the urgency building for reasons he couldn’t fully understand. They had to move quickly.

“Tell me what went down in here, Stark.”

He grabbed her hand. “As soon as we’re out of here.”

She started to argue but he shut her up with a look.

Levi wasn’t sure if she fully got it but whether she did or not, she didn’t resist.

To his amazement their cell phones and weapons had been left at the front entrance with the restaurant’s security guard. And both weapons were still loaded. Who was this woman? Levi shoved his weapon into his waistband. Casey’s went into her bag. As much as he’d prefer they keep them palmed, they couldn’t go out into the street like that. Not even in Mexico.

He held tightly to Casey’s hand as he weaved through the clutches of partiers on the sidewalk. Going back to the room was not a good idea. They needed some place safe to lay low until he figured this out and touched base with Victoria.

The absolute certainty of Alayna’s warning, more so than her words, had him worried. She could have called in her security at any point during the exchange. He and Casey had been unarmed. But Alayna had not done that. She wasn’t worried about what he or Casey might do to her. No, her concern lay elsewhere. With Keaton? Maybe. That was the part he needed to know.

Alayna suggested someone else would be coming. She was so certain, she’d even left their weapons. That was the part that worried Levi the most.

Casey yanked hard on his hand and he kept moving. They needed more distance from Delicia and whoever Alayna feared might be watching. A dozen yards later, Casey balked, dragging him to a stop. He had no choice but to turn around.

“Not here,” he warned. He knew she had questions, but there were too many people here. Too much noise. He needed to make a call and get a safe house address for regrouping.

Victoria had warned that his safety was to come before all else. But he wasn’t worried about himself at the moment. It was his boss and this unpredictable blonde he wanted to protect. He wasn’t sure how Casey would react to this turn of events.

“We need to get off the street,” he told her.

The urgency he felt must have finally penetrated. “Okay. I get it. We need dark and quiet.”

With her in the lead, they covered two blocks in record time. She navigated him into a cantina that looked less than reputable. The place was jam-packed but somehow she effortlessly threaded through the bodies and found a table in the darkest corner of the joint. Too bad it was occupied.

Casey reached into her bag and pulled out a wad of cash and thrust it at the couple.
“La mesa, por favor.”

The man looked to the woman who smiled and reached for the cash. They grabbed their drinks and cleared out.

Casey sat down before he could pull out a chair for her. He collapsed into the remaining one.

“How bad did you blow it, Stark?” she demanded.

He sincerely appreciated her confidence in him but this was not the time to challenge her trust issues. As soon as he gave her the dirty details he had to call Victoria. Didn’t matter what time it was. That unrelenting sense of doom kept hammering at him.

“According to Alayna, Keaton is dangerous,” he explained to Casey. “We need to contact our clients and see how they want us to proceed. He has to be stopped.” Somehow. Having gotten that out, he caught his first real breath as he scrubbed a hand over his mouth. This was way wrong. Every atom in his being vibrated with urgency.

“That’s all you got? That he’s dangerous? Damn it, Stark.”

“Did you hear me? This is—” A bump against his shoulder startled Levi. He shot to his feet, his hand instinctively going for his weapon.