Turn On A Dime - Kade's Turn (Kathleen Turner Series Book 7) Page 2

  She’d done well in high school and even spent some time at college studying prelaw of all things, before her mother had taken ill. Then she’d left to go back home and care for her. Working as a bartender in the small town of Rushville, her time had been consumed with work and nursing her mother, friendships falling by the wayside. Not one of the popular kids in school, all accounts said she’d been quiet and reserved, though everyone had seemed to like her well enough. Kind and sweet were the adjectives most often used to describe her.

  Such an out of character thing for her to do, selling the home and moving away from everyone she knew. It puzzled Kade. Why had she done that?

  Kade had been intrigued by her, absurdly glad that she’d come across him holed up in the law office that night he’d been snooping around. Of course, she’d been on a date with James-the-douche, but God she’d felt good in his arms. He’d thought it was pure coincidence, a twist of fate, then she’d shown up again the day he’d been following Mark.

  Wincing a little at the memory of Kathleen cracking him over the head with a chair, Kade’s lips twisted at how she’d gotten away from him that day. She’d listened to that little voice inside her head warning her that Kade was dangerous, and had taken steps to escape. From time to time Kade had wondered which “guy on TV” he supposedly looked like because those teenage girls had swarmed like flies. He’d even had to scrawl a dozen or more illegible autographs—he’d drawn the line at posing for photographs—before he’d managed to extricate himself.

  Seeing her do the dead-on Britney impression on Halloween in an honest-to-fucking-god schoolgirl costume had just sealed Kade’s fascination and infatuation with her.

  He’d been betting that night, betting she was a do-gooder bleeding heart who’d do what had to be done to protect her friends rather than put them in danger by asking them for help. That bartender had looked like he might interfere, so Kade had showed her his gun. As he’d expected, she’d gone all martyr, waving away help. Not that Kade had complained. Do-gooders were the most easily manipulated, they were so predictable. She’d been half-crocked, too, which was probably why she hadn’t put up a fight when Kade had kissed her.

  The kiss.

  Kade had replayed it over and over inside his head. If it had been a photograph, the image would have been worn and faded from too much handling. Her taste, her scent, the feel of her body in his arms, the softness of her lips and warm slide of her tongue against his…

  His cock twitched at the memory and Kade cursed under his breath, shifting uncomfortably in his seat. He shouldn’t dwell on it, especially if he was going to be in close proximity to her. The last thing he needed was to be sporting a constant hard-on for his brother’s girlfriend.

  Which was what he concentrated on as he neared Kathleen’s apartment building.

  From what Blane had said, it looked like Kade might be pulling bodyguard duty for Kathleen, which really sucked. He’d had to do that a couple of times before and didn’t like it. Throwing himself in the path of a bullet meant for someone else just wasn’t Kade’s thing, even if that someone was five-foot-nothing, weighed half what Kade could bench press, and made Cinderella look like an ugly stepsister.

  Habit made Kade park a block away from Kathleen’s apartment building, the instinct for secrecy too ingrained to pull up to her door. Glancing at his watch, he saw dawn was still a ways away. Might as well case the joint ahead of time, get a look at the surrounding area and possible escape routes and hiding places. He automatically checked his gun and magazine before sliding it into the holster attached to his hip.

  Kade shrugged into his black leather jacket as he exited the Mercedes, locking it before pocketing the key. He never had more than one key if he could help it. Keys made noise, even inside a pocket.

  The neighborhood was a shitty one and Kade kept to the shadows as he walked, mentally mapping the streets and layout inside his head. It had snowed recently, but the pavement was clear. There were two flop houses within three blocks of where Kathleen lived and a stretch of corner run by a pimp with half a dozen whores. Not exactly the best place for a single woman to live alone.

  Kade was on his way back to her apartment when he heard someone coming, and coming fast. The running footsteps grew closer and he melted further into the shadows, waiting. A woman turned the corner and light from the streetlamp fell on her face.

  Kathleen.

  She was running, her arms tightly gripping a dog, and glanced behind her every few steps.

  Well, she certainly was never boring, that was for damn sure.

  Kade didn’t even think, just stepped out from where he’d been hidden and let Kathleen run full bore into him, grabbing her arms to keep her from stumbling back and falling. She screamed and he covered her mouth with his hand, stifling her. Struggling, she let go of the dog and started pushing against him.

  Kade jerked her closer, making her unable to fight him, and she finally looked up, her body stilling when her terrified eyes locked with his. It felt as though an electric shock went through Kade at the touch of her blue gaze, but he kept his reaction carefully hidden.

  “Nice to see you, too, princess.”

  Her knees buckled and Kade had to tighten his hold, bringing her body more fully against his, so she didn’t collapse altogether. The feel of her was like a hit of acid after being sober for too long, overwhelming and addicting. The object of his obsession was suddenly back in his arms, the scent of her hair teasing him with memories he’d tried to forget. She even had the same look in her eyes as she gazed at him.

  I trust you.

  “Someone’s chasing me,” she gasped, breathless from running.

  Kade scrutinized her. She was obviously terrified. Her eyes were so wide the whites were showing and her mouth was pinched with fear. Her body trembled against his and he didn’t think it was from the cold.

  Drawing his weapon, Kade pushed Kathleen behind him. “Stay close,” he ordered.

  She didn’t argue, just picked up the dog—when had she gotten a dog?—and did as he’d said, scurrying behind him. He felt her clutch a handful of his jacket as he headed back to her apartment. The gesture seemed to awaken a part of him he’d thought only Blane could touch—the protector rather than the killer.

  Kade’s eyes scanned the area for anything that wasn’t supposed to be there, even as another part of his mind processed the unbelievable fact that Kathleen implicitly trusted him to keep her safe. He wanted to reach back and take her hand, pull her up next to him so he could wrap an arm around her, but that would be unwise. If there was someone out here, he might need both hands free, so Kade resisted the urge to shield her body with his.

  But he saw no one and nothing on the way back. When they reached her apartment building, Kade holstered his gun. “There’s no one around,” he said.

  “I saw someone earlier,” she insisted, then pointed to a small knot of trees and bushes. “Over there.”

  Kade walked to where she’d indicated, crouching down to look at the ground. The snow was trampled here, the footprints large and heavy, pressing the tread of work boots into the ground. Someone had been here all right, and for a while. Kade glanced up and saw a direct line of sight into Kathleen’s front window. Cigarette butts littered the area and Kade reached for one.

  “What is it?” Kathleen asked, hovering over his shoulder.

  “Cigarette butts,” he replied, showing her one, then he stood. “Let’s get you inside.”

  This time, he didn’t hesitate to shield her body with his as they went up the stairs, though Kade would bet the guy was long gone by now.

  Kathleen tripped on the top step and Kade moved fast, snagging her around the waist and hauling her backward against him, which was a big mistake.

  Her scent clogged his throat as the silky strands of her hair brushed his neck. He had the insane urge to lean down and bury his face in the crook between her neck and shoulder and see if her skin there was as soft as he’d imagined. Kade tightened his hol
d ever so slightly. She was so small, seemed so fragile, her bones half the size of his, yet she was brave and strong. He admired that. She’d climbed out of the window of a burning house, fought and shot a man who would’ve killed her—and stood up to Kade when others would have quaked in fear. The bite of that stinging slap she’d given him in Blane’s study still made him grin with reluctant admiration.

  All these thoughts assailed Kade in the span of a second while Kathleen paused to catch her breath. She tried to move, but Kade’s grip was locked tight and she had to tug on his arm.

  “Thanks,” she said.

  Kade abruptly released her, startled that he’d been reluctant to do so.

  This was really becoming a problem.

  Following her inside, Kade locked the door behind him, then glanced around curiously. The last time he’d been here had been a quick in-and-out, just long enough to leave the envelope with the money on the table. He hadn’t lingered to look around so took the opportunity now.

  She had a Christmas tree in her living room, shining gaily with festive lights. There were a shit-ton of ornaments on it, family ones by the look of it, their dates stretching back to before Kathleen had been born.

  “Would you like some coffee?”

  Kade glanced at Kathleen, who was now standing in the kitchen, nervously shifting her weight from one foot to the other. She’d taken off her coat and now stood clad in a T-shirt and pajama pants, looking as pure and innocent as it was possible to look without clutching a teddy bear.

  Their eyes met and it seemed a thousand unsaid things passed between them. Her cheeks flushed and Kade wondered if she remembered the kiss they’d shared…the one he couldn’t seem to forget. And perhaps she did because after a moment, she began to fidget. Kade bit his tongue to keep from telling her to stop, instead saying, “Sure. Coffee.” Despite the tension between them, he could pretend everything was normal as well as she could.

  She started a pot of coffee and disappeared into what Kade assumed was the bathroom, from the sound of the running water.

  He had to get a grip. Kathleen belonged to Blane. Regardless if the relationship was just temporary—and which of Blane’s relationships weren’t?—they didn’t poach each other’s chicks. Frankly, the issue had never come up before. It wasn’t like he and Blane shared the same taste in women. Kade thought of Kandi and grimaced. He had no idea what Blane saw in her that kept him coming back for more. She was cold enough to freeze a man’s dick.

  Shoving Kandi aside, Kade’s thoughts shifted back to Kathleen. Part of the problem was she trusted him, thought he might be a nice guy. Kade could tell by how she’d softened toward him, the fear he’d initially seen in her eyes when they’d first met had faded. And the nicer she was to him, the harder it was going to be to keep a tight grip on his self-control. He needed her to hate him, to loathe the very sight of him. If she despised his very presence, it would certainly help keep some much needed distance.

  The last thing he wanted was to make another pass at Blane’s girlfriend, especially now that Kade actually knew she was his girlfriend.

  He shrugged off his jacket and tossed it over the back of a chair, then settled on the couch just as Kathleen emerged from the bathroom. She didn’t glance his way as she poured two cups of coffee, merely asking, “How do you take it?”

  “Black.”

  A moment later, she was handing him a steaming mug before curling up on the couch as well, though as far away from him as she could get. She’d brushed her hair and it gleamed golden in the soft light of the encroaching dawn. A whiff of mint said she’d brushed her teeth and her face had that fresh-scrubbed look. She was beautiful, a fairy princess come to life, though her face was paler than usual for even her fair complexion and dark shadows marred the fragile skin beneath her blue eyes.

  Whatever was going on was serious enough to make her hand tremble as she sipped her coffee.

  “Why are you here?” she asked.

  Ah, shit. Goddammit. Blane hadn’t told her. Nice. Kade reached for the condescension he was so talented at dishing out.

  “Wondered when you’d get around to that,” he replied. “What’s the matter? I can’t drop by for a friendly visit?”

  She gave a delicate snort. “The last time you were here, you were going to kill me, so no, a friendly visit never crossed my mind.”

  “That’s not precisely true.”

  Her eyes locked with his and Kade knew she was thinking about the money he’d left. The money she’d used to pay off fucking hospital bills instead of padding her bank account. He’d watched her credit card statement. She hadn’t even gone on a shopping spree, instead sending nearly every dime to the creditors.

  “Trust me, I wouldn’t be here if I didn’t have to be,” he added, which was one hundred percent truthful. Resisting temptation had never been his strength. He took a sip of the coffee, which she’d made just how he liked. Strong, but not bitterly so.

  “Then why?”

  Kade just looked at her over the rim of the mug. She was smart. She’d figure it out.

  “Blane asked you to come, didn’t he?”

  “Ding-ding-ding.” Give the lady what’s behind door number one.

  Kathleen’s face grew red at his mocking and Kade had a brief pang of regret before he shoved it aside. No kindness. No mercy. Or he’d do something they’d both regret and Blane would kick his ass, or at least try to.

  “Why?” she asked.

  Kade glanced away. “I’ll let Blane tell you that,” he said. The asshole. As if Kade was going to do his dirty work for him. “Where is he, by the way?”

  “Asleep.”

  So Blane was sleeping here. Fucking at her apartment, Kade could see, but actually spending the night… Blane never did that. Was he here because he cared about the girl? Or because of what he’d mentioned on the phone, that she was in danger? Kade chose to believe the latter.

  “It appears there’s no end to the trouble you cause my brother,” he said.

  Out of the corner of his eye, he saw her stiffen. Good.

  “He put his life on the line for you once before. Are you going to require he do it again?” Kade turned to look at her. Kathleen’s face had gone completely bloodless, her mouth falling open in shock as she stared at him. Time to seal the deal, he thought to himself.

  “Find another rich guy to screw.”

  The words were bitter on his tongue and he knew they were unfair, but it didn’t matter. In an instant, the softness in her eyes was gone, replaced by furious anger as her cheeks flooded with color.

  “What’s between Blane and me is none of your business,” she retorted. “I don’t care about his money, not that you’d believe me or that I even care what you think! I don’t even know why you’re here. Why don’t you just get out? Go on! Get out!”

  Tears were shining in her eyes and it was like a knife to Kade’s gut. He struggled for control, to keep his wits about him when all he wanted to do was pull her into his arms and press his lips to her eyes and soak up the tears he’d caused. But he couldn’t do that, so he unleashed his frustration in anger.

  Looming over her, he watched with grim satisfaction as she shrank back, fear in her eyes. “Don’t…push…me,” he gritted out.

  To her credit, she didn’t cower, though it was obvious she was afraid of him. His gut twisted, but Kade told himself it was better this way, better she be afraid of him. She didn’t have to know he’d sooner cut off his hand than hurt her. No one had to know that.

  The door to her bedroom flew open and Kade knew without looking that Blane was there. The relief in Kathleen was nearly palpable as she jumped up and hurried over to him. A twinge went through Kade, which he ignored.

  He could hear them talking and saw Blane wrap an arm around her. Jealousy spiked hard, taking Kade by surprise, and guilt followed close on its heels.

  “…I doubt you took a gun with you,” Blane was saying as Kade silently approached the couple.

  “I thought a
bout it,” Kathleen said, “after I left.”

  Kade rolled his eyes. Typical. “She was running,” he interrupted, leaning back against the counter. “Said someone was chasing her.”

  Kathleen started at his proximity, but Kade carefully avoided making eye contact with her. If he did, he was afraid Blane would be able to see everything he was hiding.

  “Did you find anyone?” Blane asked, curving his arm over Kathleen’s shoulders. She slid her arms around his waist and rested against him. Jealousy again bit deep.

  “No,” Kade said. “Just some cigarette butts. Looks like whoever it was had been there a while, with a good view of the apartment.” He couldn’t stop his gaze from flicking to where Kathleen’s arms encircled Blane’s bare chest. It was almost as though she wanted Blane to protect her from Kade, which was the perfect reaction that Kade had been going for, so why did it make him feel empty inside?

  “Why is Kade here?” Kathleen asked Blane, looking up at him. “He said you asked him to come.”

  And that was his cue. “I’ll step outside for this,” Kade said. “Take a better look around now that it’s getting light.”

  He felt Kathleen’s eyes burning a hole in his back as he walked out the door.

  Walking to his car gave him time to think. It had been a close thing, but he’d managed to pull it off. Kathleen hated and feared him. How well that boded for bodyguard duty, Kade didn’t particularly care. He’d keep her safe whether she liked it or not, whether she cooperated or not.

  Kade again saw the look in her eyes when he’d gotten in her personal space. The trust had been gone, replaced by fear…and hurt.

  Cursing under his breath, he slid into the driver’s seat of his car, then reached behind him to the seatback pocket and pulled out the packet of cigarettes and lighter he kept stashed there. A habit he picked up the first time he’d seen Blane smoking on a visit home from Afghanistan, Kade lit up a cigarette and took a deep draw.

  Blane had kicked the habit, mostly, and Kade didn’t often light up either. Some occasions just called for something to steady the nerves and carrying a bottle of vodka around in his car wasn’t a smart idea. The cops around here hated Kade and it wouldn’t take much in a traffic stop for them to haul him off to jail.