Deadly Secrets (Hardy Brothers Security Book 11) (3 page)

“What’s in the bag?” Jake asked, glancing over from the driver’s seat of Ally’s car and focusing on the plastic Detcon tote in the backseat. After the convention ended for the day, Ally and Mandy split up so they could go home with their respective loves. Since Jake traveled to the venue with James, things worked out.

Now the group was stopping in Greektown for a nice dinner before separating for the evening. Jake and Ally were the first to arrive and were waiting in the parking lot.

“It’s a surprise,” Ally said, pulling the sunshade down so she could check her face in the mirror.

“For me?”

“For both of us,” Ally said.

Jake watched her for a moment. “Stop fussing. You’re perfect.”

“Oh, you’re just trying to get lucky tonight,” Ally teased, pressing her thumb to his chin.

Jake snagged her finger. “I’m definitely getting lucky tonight. To be fair, though, I got lucky the second I met you.”

“Oh, you’re getting lucky twice.” Ally’s eyes were sparkling, and Jake loved the mischief flitting through them.

“At least,” Jake agreed. “Now, tell me what’s in the bag.”

“Can’t you just wait until we get home to see for yourself?”

“No.”

Ally made a face. “Why?”

“Because it’s going to drive me nuts,” Jake admitted. “Mandy bought a ton of stuff, which fits her personality. I almost fell over I was laughing so hard when she insisted on that
Jaws
model and James had to figure out a way to get it home without breaking it.”

“I took video,” Ally said.

“Did you upload it to Facebook?”

“I will after I edit it and put it to music.”

“Well, that will be fun,” Jake said. “I can’t wait to hear how your brother handles that.”

“Let’s go,” Ally said. “I’m starving. We can get a table. The rest of them will be here in a few minutes.”

Jake shook his head. “Tell me what’s in the bag.”

Ally bit her bottom lip. “I’m afraid to.”

“Why?”

“Because … well … it seemed like a good idea when I bought it,” she said. “Now I’m not so sure.”

Jake ran his tongue over his teeth. Ally wasn’t known for pop culture interests – especially in comparison to someone like Mandy, who couldn’t get enough of the schlock – but she did have one weakness.

“Is there something from
Star Trek
in that bag, my little Trekkie?”

“I am not a Trekkie.”

“You’re close enough,” Jake said.

“How do you figure?”

“You know all the names of the episodes,” Jake pointed out.

“That’s just because I have a good memory.”

“Angel, you forgot where you put your keys yesterday afternoon two minutes after you got out of your car.”

“I … .”

“And you know all the episode names for The Next Generation, too.”

Ally made a face. “Fine. If you laugh … .”

“Oh, I’m going to laugh,” Jake said. “Just show me.”

Ally let loose with a dramatic sigh and then reached behind her seat. She pulled the bag onto her lap and then glanced at Jake one more time, hopeful he would change his mind about forcing her hand.

“Show me,” Jake prodded.

Ally opened the bag and pulled the blue
Star Trek
nurse’s dress out.

Jake snorted. “Are you going to wear that for me? Are we going to play doctor?”

“Maybe.”

The dress was short, and the vee in the front plunged deep. He couldn’t wait to see her in it. “I can’t wait for you to diagnose me.”

“Really?” Ally’s eyes flashed with hope, tugging at Jake’s heart.

“Really,” Jake said. “If we hadn’t agreed to meet your family for dinner, I’d already have you in it.”

“I’m so relieved.”

“You don’t ever have to be afraid to share your enthusiasm with me, angel,” Jake said. “I may laugh at you, but I love to laugh with you, too. I hope you don’t keep stuff like this from me because you’re embarrassed.”

“Oh, I’m not embarrassed,” Ally said. “I just didn’t want to show you the outfit I bought for you.”

Jake stilled. “What?”

Ally’s smile was bright – and manipulative. “You’re going to be the captain.” She dropped the bag on the floor of the car before opening the door and climbing out. “Now, come on. I’m starving.”

Captain? Oh, hell.
“Ally!”

“YOU
have got to be kidding me.”

James, Mandy, Finn, and Emma weren’t the only ones sitting at the table when Jake gave up arguing about the outfit with Ally in the parking lot. There was another person at the table, and it was someone Ally hoped to never see again.

“Cara,” Jake muttered. “What is she doing here?”

“I don’t know,” Ally said. “I want her gone.”

“Ally, don’t make a scene,” Jake chided. “Just … sit next to me and be good.”

“You be good.”

Jake sighed. “I’m wearing the outfit, Ally,” he said. “I think you owe me.”

Ally crossed her arms over her chest, pouty. “Fine. If she touches you one time, though … .”

“I’ll punch her myself,” Jake finished. Ally slipped her hand into his when he reached for it. “Just remember I’m with you,” he said. “That’s the way I like it. There’s no reason to be jealous.”

“I am not jealous.”

“Great,” Jake said, tugging her toward the table. “Since you’re not jealous, there’s no reason to be belligerent either. Do you think you can at least pretend to be pleasant?”

“Probably not.”

“Fine,” Jake said, giving in. “I’ll just get you drunk.”

“SO,
thank you so much for the invitation, Finn,” Cara said, smiling at him from across the table. “I haven’t had Greek food in … I don’t know how long.”

“Yes,
thank you
, Finn.”

Finn smiled at Cara before turning to his sister, a worried expression on his face. “You sound … funny.”

“I’m just practicing for my standup routine,” Ally deadpanned.

Jake leaned forward and topped off her glass of wine. “She’s fine.”

“She doesn’t look fine,” Finn said.

“She’s fine,” Jake repeated.

James leaned back and slung an arm over the back of Mandy’s chair. “So, Cara, tell us what Jake was like when you guys served together.”

“Quiet,” Cara said. “He was one of those guys who kept to himself.”

“He still does that,” Finn said. “I guess he’s pretty much the same, huh?”

“Oh, I don’t know,” Cara said, focusing on Jake’s hand as he rubbed the back of Ally’s neck in a soothing circular pattern. “He’s the same … and yet different.”

“I guess that’s the way most people are as they age,” Finn said.

“Tell me how all of you met,” Cara said.

“That’s a long story,” Jake said.

“We have time,” Cara said, brushing off his concerns. “How did you meet?”

“Jake was volunteering his time with a group of homeless veterans in Mount Clemens,” James said. “Our other brother, Grady, went out there when we were looking for a lead on a case. That’s how we met Jake.”

“And you just asked him to work for you?”

“We struck up a friendship and he helped us save Mandy and Ally when someone was trying to hurt them,” James replied, refusing to delve into the bigger issues of the story. “He’s been part of the family ever since.”

“What kind of trouble did you two get into?” Cara asked, her gaze bouncing between Mandy and Ally. “Did a clearance sale at the mall get out of hand?”

Ally growled in the back of her throat, causing Jake to tighten his grip on her neck.

“It was more serious than that,” James said.

“How?”

“Let’s just say I almost lost the two most important women in my life in the same moment and leave it at that,” James said.

“I’m sorry,” Cara said. “I was just joking.”

“It wasn’t funny,” James said.

Finn shot Cara an apologetic look. “It’s not your fault,” he said. “James doesn’t have a sense of humor about that time in his life, not that I blame him. Things were … rough.”

“And that was before the two of you got married?” Cara asked.

“Yes,” James said, rubbing his finger over Mandy’s shoulder idly. For her part, Mandy was focused on her own glass of wine as she steadfastly tried to ignore Cara.

“Did you get married because she almost died?”

“No,” James said. “We got married because we love each other.”

“I know that,” Cara said. “I’ve just read that people are more likely to propose after a life-altering event. Is that what happened with you?”

“No,” James said, cracking his neck. “I had the ring for months before I proposed.”

“Let’s change the subject,” Jake suggested.

“I’m sorry if I’m intruding,” Cara said. “I’ve just been trying to figure out how you two ended up together. You don’t exactly seem like a natural fit.”

Mandy slammed her hand down on the table, and James quickly covered it. He leaned over to whisper something to her, and even though Jake had no idea what it was, he had a feeling James was making a few promises of his own. He couldn’t help but feel guilty. It was his fault Cara was even introduced to the Hardy family.

James straightened back up. “I’ve known Mandy for as long as I can remember,” he said. “We all grew up together in a small town up north. She and Ally were best friends.”

“Did you get together then?” Cara asked, continuing her relentless verbal assault.

“No,” James said. “I was too old for her. I joined the military right after I got out of high school. We didn’t reconnect until about a year and a half ago.”

“Was it love at first sight?”

Jake pinched the bridge of his nose to ward off the oncoming headache as Ally shifted uncomfortably next to him. This was a nightmare.

“It was love at first sight,” James said.

“It was not.” Mandy finally spoke. “You wanted to run from me when you first saw me.”

James relaxed, if only marginally, and graced his wife with a small smile. “And why do you think that is?”

“Because you didn’t want to spend time with me.”

“No, it was because I didn’t want to
want
to spend time with you,” James countered. “I saw you coming a mile away and it scared the crap out of me.”

“Yeah, he got all macho and manly,” Finn agreed, smiling. “We were trying to mess with him. Grady even volunteered to be the one to check out your apartment. Do you remember that?”

Mandy nodded.

“I thought he was going to rip Grady’s hair right out of his head,” Finn said.

“So, did you hook up right away?” Cara asked.

“Nope,” James said. “I fought it for a week and then I gave in.”

“And then you ran,” Mandy said.

“Thank you for that, baby,” James said. “I almost forgot about that.”

Mandy rolled her eyes.

“I briefly ran away and then I quickly ran back to her,” James said. “Once I spent a few days with her, I knew I was done. I could never want anyone but her, and I haven’t looked back.”

Cara snorted. “You could never want anyone but her? Isn’t that just a little … schmaltzy?”

“I guess so,” James said. “I don’t really care, though. She’s the only thing in this world that makes me happy. I can admit it.”

“So, you’re just a slave for love. Is that what you’re saying?” Cara wasn’t letting it go.

“That’s exactly what I’m saying,” James said, his voice firm. “I love my wife more than I’ve ever loved anything in this world. I cannot imagine my life without her. When you love someone, you just know they’re right for you. When you find what makes you happy, you don’t want to look anywhere else.”

James lifted Mandy’s hand and kissed her palm, causing her to blush.

“I don’t ever want to look anywhere else,” James said. “I don’t want anything else. I never will. If you’re trying to shame me, that’s impossible. I believe in being happy, and she’s my happiness.”

Cara had the grace to look abashed. “Well … that’s great.”

Jake slid a sidelong look at Ally, James’ words washing over him. He knew exactly what his friend meant, and that was a sobering thought. He was done looking, too. Now he just had to find the courage to tell Ally and hope she felt the same way.

“That woman is unbelievable!”

Jake rubbed his forehead and leaned back on Ally’s couch, watching her pace. She’d been out of control since they left the restaurant, and the more she ranted, the more revved up she got. “I’m sorry.”

“How could you ever have dated her?”

“It was the Army,” Jake said. “I was overseas. I didn’t have a lot of options.”

“Oh, nice answer,” Ally spat.

“I never cared about her,” Jake said. “Well, that’s not exactly fair. She was a fellow soldier. I didn’t want anything bad to happen to her. I didn’t care about her, though. That’s why I ended it before it even got off the ground.”

Ally stilled her pacing. “You ended it?”

“I ended it,” Jake said. “I knew we could never mean anything to each other, so I ended it. I’m not one for sticking around if I don’t care about someone.”

The words were meant to bolster Ally as well as tear down Cara, but Jake was unsure if he’d accomplished his goal when Ally’s face twisted.

“Did you hear her try to shame my brother for marrying Mandy?” Ally was pacing again.

“I heard her,” Jake said. “I also heard your brother put her in her place. Did you see her face when he was done with his little speech? Not only was she embarrassed by her words, but she was also in awe of your brother and the love he has for Mandy.

“She wasn’t feeling dismissive when he was done,” he continued. “She was feeling … envious.”

“Of course she was,” Ally said. “Everyone is envious of Mandy and James.”

Jake arched an eyebrow. “Are you?”

“They have a great hot tub.”

Jake snickered. “I remember a very nice week not so long ago in that hot tub,” he said.

“That was a great week,” Ally said, her face softening. “Maybe we should rent a hotel room with one of those big tubs one weekend.”

“I think that’s a great idea,” Jake said, hoping the storm had passed.

“And then we’ll take a photo of ourselves in the tub and send it to Cara,” Ally sniped.

Jake groaned. “Angel, I don’t suppose you could wrap this up, could you?”

“Wrap what up?”

“This tirade,” Jake said. “Not that I don’t love listening to you … do whatever it is you’re doing … but I kind of had other plans for you tonight.”

Ally narrowed her eyes. “What plans?”

Jake gestured toward the bag. “I thought you were going to dress up for me.” Jake wasn’t keen on putting on a captain’s uniform, but anything was better than watching Ally freak out. He was willing to do just about anything to get her out of her mood.

“We can’t put those on tonight,” Ally said.

“Why not? I thought that’s why you bought them.”

“It is,” Ally said. “They should only be used for good, though. I happen to be feeling extremely evil.”

“You should’ve gotten Klingon outfits.” Ally barked out a laugh, the sound taking Jake by surprise. “What?”

“You’ve been watching episodes, haven’t you?”

“Of course not.”

“You know what a Klingon is.”

“That’s because I watch
The Big Bang Theory
,” Jake said. “They taught me what a Klingon is.”

Ally wasn’t sure she believed him. “I have another game if you’re interested.”

Jake perked up. “And what would that be?”

“Why don’t you come into the bedroom and find out.”

“I DON’T
like Jake’s friend,” Mandy said, studying her reflection in the closet mirror as she twirled around in the Wonder Woman Underoos. She did look kind of cute. She could only hope James felt the same way.

“I don’t think Jake likes her,” James said. He was in the bathroom changing into his own outfit. “There’s not much there to like.”

“She likes Jake,” Mandy said. “That much is certain.”

“How can you know that?”

“Haven’t you seen the way she looks at him? Her little attack on us wasn’t for our benefit, even though she said you were the best-looking Hardy brother.”

“I am the best-looking Hardy brother,” James said. “That’s not in dispute.”

“Fine,” Mandy said. “Still, she’s obviously interested in Jake. She was trying to make him see this wasn’t the life he wanted, and she was trying to do it in front of Ally.”

“Jake isn’t living our life,” James replied. “We’re living our life.”

“You know what I mean,” Mandy said, rummaging through the bag until she found the magic lasso. “Cara was going out of her way to try and make us look bad because she wants Jake to think he wouldn’t be happy if he settled down with Ally.”

“How can you possibly know that?”

“I’m a woman.”

“I’ve noticed.”

“I know how women think,” Mandy said. “I think she’s been carrying a torch for Jake for years. Running into him was a stroke of luck. Finding out about Ally was a crushing blow.”

“Jake and Ally haven’t been together that long,” James said. “They’re not considering getting married.”

“Oh, please,” Mandy scoffed. “Jake and Ally are it for each other. You have to know that.”

James was silent in the bathroom.

“James?”

“I’m just thinking,” he said after a moment. “Do you really think they’re going to get married?”

“Oh, don’t start this again,” Mandy said. “You know very well that Jake and Ally are in love. I know it makes you uncomfortable, but you’re going to have to get over it.”

“Has Ally told you she’s in love with Jake?”

“No.”

“Then how do you know?”

“The same way I knew when I was in love with you,” Mandy said.

“It’s too soon,” James said. “They haven’t been together long enough.”

“I told you I loved you after a week and a half. I meant it. You told me after two weeks. Are you saying you didn’t mean it?”

James opened the door and stepped into the bedroom. Mandy had to stop herself from laughing when she saw him in the Batman outfit. She knew he’d only bought it because he wanted to make her happy, and that knowledge was enough to warm her – in more places than one.

“I meant it when I said it,” James said. “I meant it before I said it. I just … we’re different.”

“Why?” Mandy challenged, an eyebrow raised.

“Because you’re my … everything.”

“Maybe Ally is Jake’s everything,” Mandy suggested. “Would that be such a bad thing? You like Jake. He’s already a part of our family. He’s the key to Ally’s happiness. You do want her to be happy, don’t you?”

“Of course I want her to be happy,” James said. “I just … I’m not sure I’m ready for this.”

“Well, you’d better get ready,” Mandy said, snapping the lasso for emphasis. “It’s coming.”

James smirked. “You look really cute.”

“You look cute, too. Now come over here and save Gotham.”

“Snap the whip again.”

Mandy did as she was told.

“God, I love you, wife.” James raced toward her, causing her to squeal and jump up on the bed. It seemed superheroes were joining in a common mission tonight.

“WHAT
are you doing in there?” Jake asked. He was relaxing on Ally’s bed, naked, and he was starting to get impatient. Ally had been in the bathroom for what felt like forever.

“I’m getting ready.”

“For what? I’m already ready.”

“I just want to make sure I look good.”

Jake sighed. He didn’t like this side of Ally. She always looked good. She usually had enough self-esteem to share with five other women and still make herself feel like a queen. Cara’s presence – and harsh words – had done something to her. “Ally, you’re perfect. You’re always perfect. Now get your cute little ass out here.”

The bathroom door opened, and Jake shifted his head so he could get a better look. When she finally stepped into the bedroom, she took his breath away. She was wearing a silky, red negligee, and her hair was hanging down past her shoulders as she moved toward him.

“You look amazing.”

“I bought this last week,” Ally said. “I was saving it for a special occasion. It made me think of being a little … devilish.”

Jake grinned. “You look sinful.”

“Do you want to sin with me?”

“Always.” Jake patted the bed. “Come to me, angel.”

Ally shuffled along the floor and climbed onto the bed with him, leaning over his nude body and pressing her lips to his. Jake tangled his fingers in her hair, tilting her chin up so he could deepen the kiss.

Their tongues touched, and Jake pulled Ally on top of him, tightening his arms as he held her. The silk sheath was cool on his skin, and he loved the way it felt as she shifted on top of him.

Ally’s lips were hot when they moved from his mouth and shifted to his neck. Jake tilted his head to the side, giving her easier access as she kissed her way down his neck to his chest. She extended her tongue and flicked it against his nipple, causing him to squirm. He was desperate to take control of the situation, but he had a feeling Ally needed it more.

After licking his other nipple, Ally trailed a series of hot kisses down his abdomen, not stopping until she reached his hard length. She exhaled heavily, running her hands over his hips and holding him steadily as she took him into her mouth.

“Ally,” Jake groaned, shifting as her delicious warmth engulfed him. “Angel.”

Ally sucked him in greedily, loving the way he whimpered as she tended to him. After a few minutes, he tried to buck her off so he could see to her needs, too, but she fought him and held on tightly.

“Angel,” Jake moaned. “I … oh … .”

Jake exploded, his orgasm washing over him. When he was done, Ally crawled back up his body and rested her head on his chest, listening to his heart as it pounded for her.

Jake rubbed her shoulders for a few seconds, giving her the moment she wanted, and then flipped her over onto her back. Ally’s eyes widened when he rolled on top of her. “What are you doing?”

“Shh,” Jake said, kissing her deeply. After a few moments, he repeated Ally’s trail and kissed his way down her neck, pulling the spaghetti straps down so he could free her breasts as he did. He cupped them reverently, pushing them together so he could switch between them with his warm mouth.

“Jake,” Ally sighed, her hand resting in his hair.

“Angel,” Jake murmured, pulling the negligee from her body and spreading her thighs. “Shh.” He lowered his mouth to her warm center and extended his tongue, licking her softly.

Ally made high-pitched mewling sounds in the back of her throat as he teased her with his tongue. He gripped her thighs tightly and slipped his tongue deeper, causing Ally to cry out. Jake held her steady, alternating between light licks and hard tongue thrusts as he brought her over the edge.

Ally bucked up when the orgasm claimed her, and Jake didn’t cease his ministrations until he was sure she was done. He slid up her body after that, keeping her thighs spread as he entered her in one, fluid motion. His mouth was back on hers, and they were gasping as they joined.

Ally ran her fingers up and down Jake’s muscled back, digging them in when he brushed against her sensitive spot. “Jake.”

“Angel,” Jake whispered, slipping his hands beneath her rounded rear so he could tip her up slightly, allowing his pelvis to brush against her clitoris as he languidly moved in and out of her. “My angel.”

The moved in unison, and when they both tipped over the edge again, Jake pulled her tight as they convulsed in each other’s arms. When it was over, Jake collapsed on top of her and rested his head above her heart.

Ally’s fingers wandered through his hair as they recovered. Finally, Jake rolled off of her and tugged her back to his chest. When she was settled, he reached over and switched off the bedside lamp.

“Was that sinful enough for you?” Ally murmured, her face nuzzled in the hollow between his neck and chest.

“Just sinful enough,” Jake said, kissing her forehead. “You’re always enough, angel.”

“That’s sweet,” Ally said.

“You’re sweet,” Jake said. “Now go to sleep. I plan to wake you up for a repeat in a few hours.”

“Not if I wake you up first.”

“It’s a date then.”