Men of Honour: Ready, Set, Jett / When You Dare / Trace of Fever / Savor the Danger / A Perfect Storm / What Chris Wants / Bare It All. Lori Foster
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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