Crossing Double (A Heartbreaker Novel Book 3) Page 16

  A bad feeling? Seriously? Did she really expect him to believe that? Sara had been warned; she’d told him that right after the wedding. That was why she thought he was a bodyguard. “You need to come clean. For Sara’s sake. Otherwise, it could look to a jury like you were both involved with the money laundering too.”

  Annalisa huffed out a breath. “I suspect at some point, I’ll have no choice. But first, I have a few things I need to share with you. Mario asked a relative who shall remain nameless if he’d heard anything about Miller and his crew. Mario’s family isn’t afraid to make a quick and dirty buck, but never again with Miller.”

  Brent sat down again. “Why not?”

  “Because Miller burned members of Mario’s family before. Lives were lost, and relatives went to jail. Miller came off looking like a hero. He wants the same results this time with you and Sara.”

  “Yeah. But it won’t be enough for Sara and me to be arrested. We’d have to be dead to be sure his scam stays operational. He knows I know how they’re getting away with cleaning up millions in dirty money.”

  Annalisa nodded. “I’m glad you understand the severity of the situation. This group has connections in high places. You and Sara won’t be safe until Miller and his inner circle are all dead. Mario’s family has an ax to grind and might be your best solution to making the problem go away.”

  Brent shook his head. “I’ll find a legal way to solve this. I just need a little time to figure out who I can trust.”

  “Time is something we don’t have.” Annalisa drained her wineglass and then walked back to the bar to refill it. “Miller and his men will figure out where you two are if you stay here. Mario’s plane can be traced, and Miller has the full cooperation of the police and FBI. I have a place I can take you both to ensure your safety.”

  He’d love to let Annalisa take Sara away to keep her safe, but he couldn’t let that happen. She was a witness who was under his protection. He knew how to keep her safe, albeit not in as swanky conditions as her mother would probably provide. Besides, he’d lose his job if he let her disappear, and Miller and company might get away with attempted murder, and that wasn’t going to happen. Couldn’t happen. “Sara and I will be fine. And as soon as I hear back from a friend, we’ll be sure Miller and his people are all arrested. We have to do it by the book so that they stay in jail forever.”

  “You’re so determined to follow rules that you’d endanger my daughter’s life?”

  “I care deeply for your daughter. I’d never let anything happen to her.”

  “Yes, I know you believe that.” Annalisa closed her eyes and pinched the bridge of her nose. “Trust your gift, Brent. Use it for the good of others, and you’ll find the happiness that’s eluded you. But only after you prove it by taking that leap of faith. Trust me, I know. I hate the path you’ll choose to figure it all out, though.”

  What the hell was she talking about? And how could she know about his gift? Was his identity as an agent known in Mario’s circle? Would he ever get an undercover assignment again?

  Didn’t matter. He needed to keep Sara safe. He’d deal with the rest later.

  Chapter 15

  Sara walked into Mario’s den and smiled. Her situation must’ve made her grandmother, Eva, decide to leave her home in Taos. She rarely did but had a few times recently when Dani had found herself in a mess. Not as big a mess as Sara was currently in, but close.

  Her beautiful grandmother had a fantastic figure, fit still at seventy, with sexy curves that her mom and Dani had inherited. Dani and Grams had the same light brown curls that Sara formerly had until Brent had turned her blonde, and both were her favorite women in the entire world.

  Sara leaned over the back of the leather couch and slid her arms around Dani and Grams’ shoulders. “Hey, guys! Merry almost Christmas.”

  Dani and Grams stopped their hushed conversation and hugged Sara back. Grams said, “There’s my favorite smarty-pants. And blonde now, no less. I love it, Sara!”

  Dani frowned. “I thought I was your favorite.”

  Grams shook her head and patted the couch beside her, inviting Sara to sit. “You’re my favorite smartass. Sara’s still the sweeter version of you.”

  “True.” Dani shrugged. “Hey, kid. Dying to meet Brent.”

  Before Sara could reply, Grams said, “He’s one hot kidnapper. Have you nailed him yet?”

  Geez. Leave it to her grandmother to cut to the chase. “Not yet. How’s your love life?”

  “Much better than yours.” Her grandmother chuckled and patted Sara’s leg. “Mario says you’re safe here, so let’s talk about the happy parts of your life.”

  Dani’s voice was overly bright and happy when she said, “Yes, let’s hear all about your sexy kidnapper.” She rose and grabbed a bottle of wine and a tray of snacks. Hummus, cheese, crackers and Sara’s favorite thing in the world, chocolate dipped strawberries. Dani laid the goods on the coffee table. “Feel free to ruin your dinner.”

  “Don’t mind if I do.” Sara bit into a strawberry and moaned. “God, this is good. But it’s still not enough to distract me. What are you two up to? Spill.”

  Dani poured out the wine. “Nothing. Have another strawberry.”

  She finished off her strawberry and then reached for another. “Please don’t make plans behind my back like I’m a child. Besides, you know you can’t change the future. It’s against the rules, right?” She glanced at her grandmother for confirmation.

  Grams took a long drink from her wineglass before she said, “That’s true. But sometimes it’s tempting.”

  Sara’s stomach tightened. “Did you see something bad in a dream?”

  Grams shrugged. “I saw many things last night. But the best thing I saw was you and your sister, blue ocean in the background, and a minister asking—”

  “Grams!” Dani laid her glass down with a thump. “I’d like to talk to Sara about that myself, if you don’t mind.” Her sister turned to her and smiled. “But first, tell us all about Brent.”

  Sara forced a smile. A sharp pang pierced her heart at a memory. When she’d been younger, her sister had laughed when Sara had declared that Dani was the only person in the world she’d ever ask to be her maid of honor. Dani had explained that job went to a person’s best friend. Sara had always thought they were each other’s best friends until that day. Dani would choose her friend Zoe to be her MOH, and if Sara were lucky, she’d be a bridesmaid at best. “Why don’t you tell me about your wedding first? I’m excited to hear the details.”

  Grams said, “And we’re both dying to hear about Brent. Did he make you want to rip his clothes off when he kissed you?”

  They probably both knew more about how she felt about Brent than she did. It was so annoying living with a bunch of people whose dreams kept nothing of hers secret.

  But she’d push her embarrassment aside and play along to make the most of it. “Kissing Brent doesn’t only make me want to rip his clothes off, he makes me forget my name, Grams. And his abs? Drool-worthy. I dream of tracing them with my tongue. And don’t get me started on his fine ass. Rock hard, baby. He puts that Mr. Universe you dated before Grandpa to shame! It’s been difficult to keep my hands off him.”

  Dani laughed, while Grams rubbed her hands together with glee. “Now we’re talking. Why have you kept your hands off him?”

  Sara glanced at her sister. “He’s an FBI agent, and I’m involved in his case. Cut to the chase. I can see by the gleam in your eyes you’re both just dying to give me some advice. Unsolicited, I might add. What are you guys trying to tell me about Brent?”

  Dani stood then sat on the other side of Sara, making her the middle of the family sandwich. “You and I aren’t like Grams and Mom. We don’t sleep with people for sport.”

  Grams grunted. “Maybe you both should. Sex relieves stress, you know. And there’s nothing wrong with fulfilling natural urges.”

  “Seriously?” Sara threw her hands over her face and moaned. “Pl
ease don’t talk about urges. Ever again.”

  “My little prude.” Grams patted Sara’s leg again. “Go on, Dani. But only if you’re going to tell Sara to jump Brent’s bones. Otherwise, I’ll take it from here.”

  The elevator dinged, and her mom stepped out. Saved by the bell.

  Annalisa glided across the room and settled in the big leather chair Mario always sat in. “Ladies. What are we talking about?”

  “Nothing,” Sara answered. “Is Brent still alive? Or did you gobble him up?”

  Her mom laughed. “He’s speaking with Mario about something. They’ll both be down for dinner in a few minutes.” Her mom leaned over and snagged Sara’s full wineglass. “He’s nice, honey. I like him. And he cares deeply for you.”

  Dani stood to get another glass. “I was just about to point out that Sara has a history of picking idiot men who she thankfully never fully commits to. Like she expects them to disappoint her, so why bother?”

  Sara took offense to that. “No, I don’t. Scott and I had lots in common. And we were both committed. Even friends before we dated.” But every guy she’d been with had disappointed her. They were all like her father. Cheaters.

  Her mom lifted a finger. “But was the sex with any of them mind-blowing? Or just okay?”

  Please, just shoot me now.

  “The sex was fine. Thanks for asking. Can we change the subject, please? Like, Dani’s wedding? That’d be a fun topic.”

  All three Botellis smirked as they exchanged smug glances.

  Dani handed over a full replacement wineglass. None too soon. Then her sister said, “Sex that’s just fine is far from it. Be honest, have you had any better than just fine?”

  Sara took a long drink of the excellent wine as she formulated her response. Maybe it was better to concede and get it over with. “I might’ve had it. Define mind-blowing?”

  “Sweet, sweet Sara.” Grams chuckled. “You’d know if you’d had it. Frankly, it doesn’t happen as often as it should. I’ve never let that stop me from searching for it, though.”

  “Clearly,” her mom mumbled into her wineglass. “Honey, what they’re trying to tell you is that Brent isn’t like the other men you’ve dated. He’s the kind worth truly committing to.”

  Zoila had said the same thing. “So I’ll have better sex if I fully commit?” That made no sense.

  Dani bundled Sara up in a hug. “Sex is better when you’re in love. Mario told us you look at Brent like he looks at Mom. Mario did some boneheaded things, and his family didn’t make it any easier, but in the end, he never stopped loving Mom.”

  She was NOT asking her mom if she and Mario had mind-blowing sex.

  But the smirk on her mom’s face told it was true. TMI.

  They all knew something they weren’t saying. Because nothing changes what’s to come. But sometimes it helps to hear that things will be okay in the end. “So all I have to do is sleep with Brent, and I’ll finally have mind-blowing sex? Is that a guarantee from the Botelli woo-woo department?”

  Grams nodded. “Those rock-hard abs and his butt don’t hurt either.” Everyone laughed, including Sara. They knew she hated talking about sex and were giving her a hard time. The genuine joy on their faces showed they were enjoying every minute of their torture too.

  Dani, with her arms still wrapped around Sara, whispered, “I promise, you won’t regret sleeping with him. But I have a question I’d like to ask you. As much as I don’t want a full-blown wedding, Michael does, so I’m going to give in this time. Will you be my maid of honor?”

  Sara’s heart started to leap for joy until reality hit. Dani would rather have her best friend. She was just being polite. “I’m sure you’d rather have Zoe do it. You’ve been planning that since you were in high school and I was in middle school, remember? That’s why you eloped last time, right? So you wouldn’t hurt my feelings?”

  “No! I eloped because I didn’t want all the fuss.” Dani hugged her tighter. “Since high school, I’ve learned that friends can come and go. And while Zoe is still an amazing pal, I’ll always have my best friend, and that’ll always be you. Please say you’ll do it.”

  Tears blurred her vision as she hugged her sister back. “Yes. I’d love to be your MOH. Thank you.”

  “No. Thank you. You’re the one who has an eye for flowers and design and all that’s pretty. And this way, we can gang up on Mom when she’s being unreasonable.”

  “Deal!” Sara smiled, feeling like a true Botelli for the first time in a long time. And it felt great.

  Maybe her family didn’t know anything specific about her future or what would happen with Brent in the long run. Maybe Mario had merely said that she looked at Brent a certain way and they were trying to take her mind off her worries. Well, it’d worked. And she loved them for it.

  Now her thoughts were about how fun it’d be to help with her sister’s wedding, but more immediately, how she’d get Brent to agree to sleep with her so she could see what she’d been missing out on.

  After a fun and amazing dinner with Sara’s family, Brent lay in bed with his hands behind his head, reviewing Mario’s advice. He’d also offered to “take care” of things while he and Sara were sent away to a safe place. It tempted. For Sara’s sake. But it’d be wrong. The right thing to do was to let the justice system fairly “take care” of Miller and his cohorts.

  Brent believed in the system, or what would the point be of what he did to keep people safe? Not to mention if it came out that he had anything to do with ordering hits on people like Mario’s family wanted to do, Brent’s job would be toast. He could even go to jail. Not going to happen.

  Zach was on the case now, so it’d be fine. His mentor had finally texted back and said he’d go all the way to the top in DC. To wait for instructions before making any more moves. Zach understood the need to move quickly and would find a safe place for Sara. Then Brent could go back to his job and help take Miller down. It was a good, solid plan where no one would die. Hopefully. And it made the most sense.

  But without his missing data, it could take some time to clear Sara’s name. Zach had mentioned that Miller had put all the blame on her. Which meant Brent was Miller’s number one kill target while he sent Sara to jail. Sara needed to be as far away from him as soon as possible.

  It made him long for the quiet days at Holden’s house when just a glimpse of Sara made him smile inside. When she’d remembered his name, then sat at his desk looking so pretty and solved that Rubik’s cube with ease might have been the day he’d officially fallen for her. And realized she was genuinely kind, smart, and more than just a pretty face, even though he hadn’t wanted to believe it or acknowledge his feelings for her. Mostly because Sara ran with a different crowd. When the case was closed, would she give him the time of day?

  Thinking of that day in his office, he was struck by a thought. Sara had seen the computer screen with all the deposit and withdrawal transactions when she’d asked how much money was in her account. Could she possibly recreate what she’d seen the way she’d memorized the small towns on the map? It’d speed things up considerably. Help them trace all the involved parties faster. Arrest all the players, even the ones at the top. Then Sara would truly be safe.

  He threw the covers back and stepped into a borrowed pair of Mario’s silk pajamas. Not bothering to button the shirt in his haste, he opened his bedroom door and stepped into the hall. He nodded to the guard seated outside their rooms and then knocked on the room across the hall. “Sara? It’s Brent.”

  Her voice called out, “Come in.”

  He opened the door and then pulled up short. Sara was slipping into a robe, but not fast enough for him to miss the lacy black number she had on underneath. “Wow. That’s… You look… Amazing.”

  “Thanks.” She grinned as she tied her robe. “My sister, who wears football shirts and shorts to bed, brought this for me to wear. It’s a little much.”

  Thank you, Dani! “I think it’s great.” What a dumb th
ing to say. He should’ve told her how beautiful she looked, but his resolve not to sleep with her teetered as it was.

  What had he come across the hall for again?

  Evidence. Right.

  “Hey, so do you remember in my office that day? When you looked at the computer and saw the details of your account?”

  Her gaze had drifted from his face to his midsection. “I’m sorry, what?” Her eyes lifted and locked with his again. “You should probably button your shirt.” She splayed her hand and moved it in a circle in front of his belly. “All that is way too distracting.”

  “Sorry.” He slowly buttoned up his shirt, loving the way she bit her lower lip as she watched his every movement. Sara had the sexiest mouth.

  Please let her remember my name after the trial.

  Finished buttoning, he said, “Can you recreate what you saw on my computer that day?”

  “Yes.” Sara’s grin turned mischievous. “But it’ll cost you, Agent Keiser.”

  Why was Sara playing games at a time like this? “It’s evidence that’ll crack the case quicker. So you’ll be safe.”

  Sara circled her arms around his neck. “Sounds vitally important that you get this evidence out of me, then. But I won’t give it to you unless you sleep with me.”

  He blinked at her while his mind caught up. “What are you doing? You know we can’t sleep together until the case is closed. Even then it could be frowned on.”

  “I know.” She stood on her tiptoes and kissed him. Sweetly, teasingly, temptingly.

  Then she added a little nip to his bottom lip that sent a zap of desire to his groin. Hard to resist her. But he had to.

  Pushing her gently away before he hauled her to the bed and made love to her, he said, “Sara. Please. I’m barely hanging on here.”

  “I just googled it. You’re allowed to sleep with a suspect if you think not doing so will blow your cover or impede the investigation. I’m not going to give you what you want unless you sleep with me. I’ll testify to that.”