Nothing But Trouble
Chapter 16

Sophie hesitated; mesmerized by the patient sound of Brent’s voice in spite of the fact rain was beating down on him. Why should I trust him? The answer was as clear as the unexpected tenderness she saw in his eagle sharp eyes. He was protecting her from something. Why didn’t I see him for what he was from the start? Intuition warned her she had nothing to fear from Brent and never had.

“I trust you,” she breathed softly, still not taking the first step that would bring her topside.

Featherlike laugh lines crinkled around his eyes, and his face broke into an encouraging grin as he held his hand down to her, blinking back the rain. “Keep looking at me and take it one step at a time.”

Taking a deep breath to steady her nerves, she took the first step, doing as he instructed and keeping her stare glued to his. With each step she took closer to the top, she could feel the spray of rain and smell the ocean air. By the time she placed her hand in his, she half expected him to haul her the rest of the way out. Surprised when he didn’t. He let her make the journey at her own speed. Within seconds she became as drenched as he was.

“Ready?”

No! Still, she nodded anyway. Before she knew it she was standing on deck and in his arms. She buried her face against him, refusing to look at her surroundings, trembling uncontrollably.

“I’ve got you. I won’t let you go; I promise.” His arms closed tightly around her, crushing her against the length of him.

She released a weak, nervous laugh. “You’ve got me this far but how are you going to get me off this pier and to the truck?”

“Got it covered,” he said confidently, scanning the area. Other than an old man standing in the threshold of the bait shop watching them, all was quiet.

Before she realized what he was thinking, she was caught up in his strong arms, and he was striding down the unsteady wharf as if she weighed no more than a child. Keeping her eyes tightly shut, she turned her face against his chest, holding her breath until she heard the sound of gravel crunching beneath his feet. She peered up at him with gratitude, glancing at his strong jawbone, mesmerized by his strength, and caring.

He glanced down, catching her looking at him. “You can put me down now.”

Without comment he released her, allowing her to glide down the front of him, the tips of her breasts grazing his hard chest until her feet were planted firmly on the ground. She gasped when his hands settled on her h**s, holding her against him. What did he think he was doing? She raised her face to his, blinking back the falling rain; her tongue darted out to catch the warm moisture. The way he was watching her caused her breath to catch. She was woman enough to recognize the brief flare of desire in his eyes before he banked the fire.

“Thank you,” she murmured, feeling unaccustomedly shy.

“Any time, princess. Now we need to get out of here.” Just as he opened the truck door, his cell phone began to ring. “What the hell is it now?” He mumbled beneath his breath. He snatched it from his pocket and flipped it open.

“Yeah?” His expression tightened and a hand fell upon Sophie’s shoulder, keeping her close to him. “Hello, Lord.”

Jonathan! Sophie’s heart sank when she realized he was on the phone. Her gaze searched the area with worry, expecting to see him materialize from a location nearby.

“How did you track us down? I’m usually pretty good about covering my trail.”

Sophie was close enough to hear Jonathan’s end of the conversation.

“That’s not important. It’s just a matter of time before we catch up with you. I suggest you release my fiancée and disappear, because your life’s over.”

Sophie’s gaze met Brent’s. The threat in Jonathan’s tone caused a ripple of fear to travel down her spine. He winked at her, but it did nothing to dissolve the alarm churning in her belly.

“What, no trial by my peers?”

Jonathan snorted disdainfully. “You won’t live long enough for the cops, or anyone else to bring you in,” he threatened in a deadly tone. “I’ll become a hero overnight, killing you and

rescuing Sophie. I imagine after that the senator will grant me whatever I want.”

“I’ve noticed you haven’t asked how Sophie is holding up. You certainly have your priorities straight.”

“Don’t let my lack of concern disturb you, Howard. If you’ve touched her, I’ll take great pleasure in seeing you suffer before my men finish with you.”

“Really? I’m surprised you’re threatening me while I still have Sophie as my guest.”

Sophie wondered if Brent realized his hand had smoothed down her back, as though to comfort her. It came to rest on the curve of her bottom, caressing her lightly. She couldn’t help it. His touch made her yearn for more.

“You’re not going to kill her,” Jonathan said confidently.

“You’re right, killing women is for cowards.” Sophie stepped closer to Brent’s hard length, seeking the protection she sensed she’d replace in his arms. “Your beautiful lady is worth the forfeit of ten million dollars,” he continued, surprising Sophie. Her gaze sought his, only he was scanning the area again. Didn’t he realize he was taunting Jonathan? “Of course, she might be a little used up by the time I get around to releasing her.” He seemed to take perverse pleasure in baiting Jonathan.

Her mind drifted back to the bed. It wouldn’t take a rocket scientist to figure out why it was rumpled and torn apart.

“You’re a dead man,” Sophie heard Jonathan grate in a low, savage tone. She shivered wildly at his tone, fully believing he meant what he said.

Brent snorted, obviously not worried. “So you’ve said.” He snapped the phone shut without another word.

“Jonathan knows who you are, now. You can expect your picture and name to be plastered on the evening news,” Sophie commented, blinking against the rain, which had turned into a light drizzle.

“You don’t know your fiancé, if you think he’s interested in letting the police do their job. A man like him takes it very personal when someone kidnaps his woman. Sleeping with you signed my death warrant.”

“You don’t look very concerned, and why did you insinuate something like that?”

His sharp laughter caught her by surprise. “You don’t understand how a man’s mind works. Once he’s on the boat, lover boy will know soon enough that I’ve had you. A blind man would be able to pick up the scent of the s****l encounter we shared on that bed.”

Sophie knew the heat crawling up her neck was a sign of embarrassment. She started to pull away to slide into the truck. “I’m glad you’re not worried about it, but have you thought what it could mean for me?”

“What do you mean?” Brent’s hand prevented her from getting into the truck. “Lord won’t hurt you.” His eyes bore deeply into hers, as though searching for reassurance.

“Jonathan doesn’t have to touch me to hurt me,” she confessed softly, before realizing her mistake. She lowered her gaze.

I can’t hide the truth from Brent much longer. He’s too smart for that. Sooner or later he’s going to figure out how much I hate Jonathan.

And how much I love him.