Deadly Match Read online

  “I’m not hungry.” Such a lie given how she eyed the food.

  “Humor me and pretend I’m not eating alone because, once again, you failed.”

  She shot him a dirty look. “I haven’t failed. You’re just inordinately picky.”

  “Not really. I know what I want.”

  “Really? Then why not make this easier for both of us and tell me what that is because I sure as hell can’t figure it out. You’ve rejected every woman I’ve tossed your way.”

  “It’s not that difficult, really. I want a woman who is closer to my age. One who is mature mentally. Who doesn’t chatter for the sake of wasting air. Who eats. Real food, not just stuff yanked out of a garden. A woman who doesn’t squeal and bounce. Ever. Who can be a lady in public but a sultry temptress in private. One with curves, not skin and bone. And reeks of confidence.” A woman just like the one sitting across from him—who’d given in to temptation and eaten one of the shrimp.

  Annie drummed her fingers on the table. “I’ve set you up with women just like that, but you’ve spurned them all.”

  He sawed at his steak more than necessary. “They weren’t right.” He couldn’t say how he knew it, other than he did. None of them made him want to invite them back to his place. None made him want to lean over the table and kiss lips glistening with butter.

  “You’re too cynical to believe in love at first sight.”

  Exactly what he thought, but then he’d met Annie and found himself intrigued. “That sounds rather ironic coming from a love specialist.”

  “I don’t guarantee love. I find compatibility.”

  “Sounds kind of boring. What about fire and excitement?”

  “Those fizzle out over time. Then what’s left? A couple should have common interests, hobbies they can do together. Things they can talk about. Secrets they can share.”

  Being able to talk about his work would probably never go over well. “You’re not inspiring much hope there, Annie.”

  “My name is Annique.”

  “But Annie suits you.”

  “Your familiarity is highly inappropriate.”

  “I like being inappropriate.” He might have winked.

  Winked.

  Fuck. Don’t tell me I’m that desperate.

  Annie’s chin tilted at a sexy, stubborn angle. “Just because you know my marriage is a sham doesn’t mean you get to behave like this with me.”

  “Like what?”

  “Flirting. And making innuendo. I am not on the menu.”

  “Why not?”

  “What do you mean, why not? I’m just not. It also wouldn’t be ethical.”

  “Ethics are overrated.”

  “You have to stop this.”

  “What if I don’t want to? What if I said I know what I want and she’s sitting across from me?” Bold, but then again, he wasn’t a man who liked to play games.

  Reaper also wasn’t a man used to losing.

  “I think you’re right.” She stood, and he recognized the signs of flight.

  “Right about what?”

  She buttoned her coat as she snared her purse from the table. “My service can’t help you. I can’t help you. Best of luck, Mr. Montgomery.”

  With that, she spun on her heel and began to walk away, her short jacket not hiding her sweet ass encased by a slim skirt. He wondered if the nylons she wore peeking between the top of her boots and the hem of her skirt were full panty or the stay-up kind. He rather hoped for the kind that hugged the thigh because he wanted to imagine those legs wrapped around…

  Fuck, those legs were leaving at a quick clip. Not a man to leave a paper trail, Reaper tossed a few bills on the table, more than enough for the meal and an excellent tip.

  Because a man never chased a woman, he walked. He might have walked a bit more quickly than usual. Damned woman had him acting out of character.

  And she wondered why he was interested. The fact that he even went after her was the best indicator.

  Exiting the restaurant into the brisk air, hinting of snow still to come, he almost missed her.

  He paused to listen.

  The clack of her heels gave him direction, and he followed, the coat he’d snagged from his seat quickly shrugged on before the brisk night air stole all the warmth from his body.

  She’d opted for street parking rather than the restaurant parking lot. It was a one-way side street with little traffic and many parked cars, too cheap to pay the fees in a protected lot.

  The light over the sidewalk by her car was dark.

  Coincidence probably.

  The one farther down from it also not lit? A pattern.

  Reaper heard more than saw Annie fumbling her keys. The bright flash of her lights as she unlocked the doors temporarily illuminated the night.

  As she pulled the driver side door open, the overhead dome provided a soft glow to highlight her frame and showcase the shadow that darted toward her.

  Oh, like fuck, asshole.

  Reaper didn’t think twice. He ran.

  Chapter Thirteen

  The darkness on the street registered immediately. On hyper-alert, Annique was ready when she heard the soft thud of footsteps. Whirling, the can of mace she’d wrapped her hand around rose and sprayed. A woman in the city never went around unprepared.

  Apparently, neither did this mugger. He wore sunglasses over his balaclava and didn’t flinch when the spray hit the lenses or the fabric coating his mouth and nose.

  As that fact registered, he grabbed for her, and she acted. Her knee rose, fast and hard as she’d been taught in self-defense.

  Unlike those classes where the fake mugger hit the ground groaning, she missed. Annique hit the side of his thigh as he twisted, and there went her two best moves.

  Rough fingers gripped her by the arms, and despite the shadows and the spray coating the lenses, she saw herself reflected in the tinted glasses.

  “Don’t hurt me.” She couldn’t help but plead.

  Someone answered. “Get your hands off her.”

  A body threw itself at her attacker. Montgomery had followed and now inserted himself between Annique and the thug. A thug who suddenly had a knife in hand.

  Knives cut!

  She should call someone. Her hand dug into her purse and closed on the phone, but she didn’t pull it out. Annique did nothing to help.

  Instead, she watched as the big men—Montgomery slightly larger than the assailant—swung at each other. They attacked with closed fists, only to be blocked. Over and over.

  Not much into sports, Annique didn’t often watch the UFC fights or boxing, yet that didn’t mean she didn’t recognize two skilled fighters when she saw them.

  Rapid-fire punches never landed because of the fluid movement of the men’s bodies. They dodged and darted with grace. The occasional blows that did manage to strike flesh barely drew a grunt.

  They might have fought into perpetuity if a car hadn’t turned down the street, the bright beams of its headlights blinding them all. Montgomery sprang to the edge of the road nearest her while her attacker chose the opposite side.

  Oblivious to the fighting, the car zoomed down the road, allowing her attacker to flee, his black-clad body hot-footing it to an alley.

  The street cleared, and she saw Montgomery take a step toward the backstreet, hesitate, then turn to look at her, concern etching his features.

  “I’m fine.” Said in a voice that quavered.

  His jaw tightened, and he moved toward her. “No, you’re not. Did he hurt you?”

  “No.” But she wouldn’t deny she was shaken. “Are you okay?” He’d borne the brunt of the attack.

  “Please.” He snorted. “I work out harder at the gym.”

  His intent stare had her dropping her gaze to stare at her knotted fingers. “Thank you.”

  “For what? Arriving too late to prevent that fuckhead from putting his hands on you?” The expletive had her glancing at him again in time to catch him shaking his head, hi
s expression twisted in disgust. “I am a douchebag. I never should have let you walk to your car alone.”

  “I’m a grown woman.”

  “Exactly. The city isn’t safe for you at night. I should have escorted you.”

  “Did you walk your previous date to her car?”

  “No. I didn’t give a damn about her.” The unexpected revelation in his words had her eyes widening.

  “You barely know me.”

  “I know enough, and I hope to find out more.”

  “That won’t be happening. After tonight, you and I will have no reason to see each other. I am letting you go as a client.”

  “What if I refuse?”

  “You can’t refuse.”

  “But I am. You said you’d find me a woman, and I expect you to keep your word by any means possible.”

  The rising ire did much to quell the last of her fear. “You can’t tell me what to do. I told you inside I can’t help you.”

  “I disagree. You, and you alone, are the solution to my problem.”

  “You can’t have me.”

  “Why not?”

  “Because I am, I mean, I was your matchmaker. Not a prospect.”

  “You’re single.”

  “That has nothing to do with anything. My relationship status is none of your business.”

  “I’m making it my business.”

  “You are the most frustrating man,” she growled, turning from him to wrench open her car door.

  “No, I’m a man who knows what he wants.” He put his hand on the metal and held it from opening.

  “Let go.”

  “We’re not done.”

  “Yes, we are. There’s nothing more to say, Mr. Montgomery.”

  “I think there’s plenty to say.”

  “Is this about a refund?” she spat. “Then you’ll get one. I’ll have Mitzy reimburse you in the morning.”

  “I don’t care about the money.”

  “Then what do you want from me?”

  He didn’t answer, just stared. Drew closer. Close enough that she knew what he intended.

  Oh my God, he’s going to kiss me. She ducked out of his reach. “Don’t you dare.”

  “Dare what?” A mocking smile pulled his lips.

  “Enough of the games. I’m going home.”

  “No, you’re not.”

  Did the man ever give up? “What’s that supposed to mean?” she said with a glare.

  He didn’t reply, merely inclined his head. It took him pointing for her to see the problem.

  Her rear tire was flat.

  “I’ve got a spare.” Somewhere in her trunk. She thought. Maybe. Never mind that she had no idea how to change it.

  “Do you have two?” he replied as he moved away toward the rear of her car. “Because both tires are slashed.”

  Seriously? Could this night get any worse? “Dammit. I’ll have to call a towing service.” She reached into her purse for her phone, only to have him put his hand over it before she could search for a company.

  “Don’t bother. I know someone who can fix it. But he might be a few hours.”

  “Hours?” She sighed and leaned against her car.

  “You don’t have to wait for him. And before you even say it, no, you’re not taking a cab. I’ll drive you home.”

  “I’d rather take a taxi.”

  “I’d rather you not argue because you’re not going to win.”

  “I don’t want you to drive me.”

  “Now you’re being stubborn.”

  She was, but only because the thought of being in a car with him, alone, did something to her that she couldn’t control.

  She was also being ridiculously obstinate. The man had saved her from being hurt by that mugger. Offered her a ride and dared to find her attractive.

  Would it kill her to be a little nice?

  A heavy sigh left her. “Where’s your car?”

  In short order, he had her ensconced in a luxury sedan with heated leather seats, softly playing music, and the subtle aroma of his cologne lingering. He stood outside the car, phone to his ear, she assumed talking to his buddy the mechanic.

  When he slid into the driver seat, a tingle spread through her body. When he was this close, he consumed the space around him, and the very air became sparse. What else to explain her shallow, quick breaths?

  She kept her hands primly tucked in her lap—instead of placing one on his thick thigh.

  “Why so nervous?” he asked as he pulled out onto the road.

  “I’m not.”

  “Says the woman wringing her hands.”

  She realized her fingers were twisted and placed them flat on her lap. “Turn left at the next light.”

  “I already know where you live.”

  Right. He’d shown up, out of the blue, claiming he’d found her via some special realtor methods.

  If it was that easy for him, then how easy would it be for someone else?

  He’s still dead. The incidents? Just incidents. Random acts of violence, even the attempted mugging.

  She’d just been unlucky. Nothing more would happen. Especially not with Montgomery. She could survive this car ride with him. It was only a few minutes to her place. A few minutes of her feeling aware of him. More than she’d ever felt before.

  “That thug seemed pretty well prepared,” he remarked casually.

  “We’re in the city. It happens.” No use mentioning that it might not be random. She had no proof it was anything other than it appeared.

  “You should get a gun.”

  “I don’t like guns.” Guns made holes that bled, which led to months of nightmares.

  “Then perhaps your boyfriend should pay more attention when you go out alone at night.”

  “I’m not dating.”

  “Are you sure? No special man expecting you to call or sending you flowers?”

  She might have flinched at the reminder of the previous afternoon’s package. “Would it stop you if I said I was seeing someone?

  “No. Some things are worth fighting for.”

  Words that caused a quiver between her legs. “I’m happy being single.”

  “Says the woman who likes to give others a happily ever after.”

  “When I meet the right man—”

  “Who says you haven’t?” Said with a sideways glance and a sexy purr.

  Rather than reply to his words, she changed the subject. “Pull in there.” She pointed to an empty spot in front of the building adjacent to hers.

  The car no sooner stopped than she popped out of the vehicle. She didn’t escape him so easily. He circled the car and kept pace by her side as she made her way to the apartment building she called home.

  Renting was her preference. She could pay cash, under an assumed name, and remain untraceable.

  No one can find me.

  Except for Montgomery, a man determined to not leave her side. She paused at the glass security door. “Thank you for escorting me. If you could message me the name and number of the towing service, I’ll be sure to contact them in the morning.”

  “I’m walking you to your door.” He didn’t make it a question.

  He took her by the elbow and escorted her in then followed her into the elevator, the cab even smaller than his car. She pressed against one side; he took the other. The door closed.

  They didn’t move.

  Neither did the elevator.

  She leaned forward and jabbed five before tucking away again.

  He chuckled. “Do I scare you, Annie?”

  “Yes.” She didn’t lie. Not when he could probably see the signs in her wide eyes, quick breaths, and fingers that tightly clenched her purse.

  “You don’t have to be afraid of me.”

  “Says you. I barely know you.” Yet she knew she was mightily attracted to him, wanted to kiss him, touch him…

  “True. But you know me better by now than most.”

  “I doubt that.” She got the impression
there was a heck of a lot more to Montgomery. The man had secrets.

  The elevator door opened, and she practically ran to her apartment door, fumbling her key into the lock. Before she could swing the door open, arms bracketed her body, and she turned a startled gaze on him.

  “I’m home, safe. You can go now.” The words emerged high-pitched, breathy.

  “Not going to invite me in?” he cajoled.

  Come in. Take off your clothes. Make yourself comfortable. Instead, what she said was, “Like hell.”

  He chuckled. “Then how about a good night kiss?”

  “This isn’t a—” She would have finished that sentence if he’d not plastered his mouth to hers.

  A sizzling kiss that stole her breath and wits. Made her knees go weak. Pulled forth a moan when he pulled away.

  She opened her eyes to see him staring intently at her.

  Ask me again. Ask me to come in and see what I say.

  “’Night, Annie.”

  Then he walked away, walked away from the most intense kiss of her life, and in that moment, she knew she could never, ever see him again.

  He’s too dangerous.

  Chapter Fourteen

  Don’t walk away.

  Look at her.

  He did look at her, her soft expression. Her wet lips. Almost asked her if she’d changed her mind about his coming in.

  But he didn’t.

  Reaper had his reasons, one of them being she wasn’t ready yet. Oh, she’d responded to his kiss, no doubt about it. The attraction was definitely there, yet she tried to hold herself back.

  She wasn’t ready, and quite honestly, despite what he thought he wanted, he potentially wasn’t prepared either.

  Kissing her caused an explosion in his senses. It ignited not only his passion but also something he’d never experienced before. Brought out a protective instinct.

  I have to keep her safe. An imperative need, which reminded him that someone had tried to hurt her.

  That would not be tolerated.

  Twice now, something had happened involving Annie. Once, a coincidence, twice…was she being targeted?

  Or, worse, was someone using her to get to him?