Lori Foster - Trace of Fever

J ACKSON STOOD QUIETLY as Alani came into the house. Unlike the other women, she didnt wear a swimsuit. Shame. Hed love to see her in one. Everyone had duly celebrated Traces engagement, and Alani seemed taken with Prissbut then, who wouldnt be? Priss was funny, smart, cute andluckily for Tracestacked.

Unaware of Jackson, Alani stopped to look out the patio doors. She lookedwistful. Like maybe she wanted to take part, but couldnt.

In so many ways, despite being kidnapped by flesh peddlers, or maybe because of that, she was still an innocent. At just-barely twenty-three, she acted much older.

Like a virgin spinster.

Every night, in his dreams, they burned up the sheets.

Here, in reality, she avoided him. She avoided involvement.

But hed get her over that. Somehow.

Suddenly Priss came in, wet hair sleek down her back, rivulets of water trailing between her breasts. She spotted Jackson right off and, after smiling at Alani, asked them both, Why arent you guys coming down to swim?

Alani jerked around to stare at Jackson with big eyes.

His crooked smile told her that he had her in his sights. I was just about to ask Alani that.

Priss laughed. Youre still dressed.

I can undress fast enough. He looked at Alani. What about you?

Her lips parted. No, Ididnt bring a suit.

Pity. Maybe we could move up to the cove and skinny-dip in private?

Pointing a finger at him, Priss said, Behave, you reprobate! And then to Alani, Beware of that one.

Still watching him, Alani nodded.

Priss put her hands on her hips and considered the situation. Molly might have a spare swimsuit. Id offer to let you borrow one from me, but this is the only one I have.

It looks great on you, too, Jackson told her.

Ha. Trace doesnt like it.

Because you look naked, Jackson told her.

Priss went three shades of red. Her eyes narrowed. Ever mention that again, and Ill throw you in the lake and drown you.

He pretended to button his lips, but he couldnt stop grinning at her.

Not being a dummy, Priss looked at them both, shook her head, and said, Well, Im heading back down. Ill tell the others that youll be joining us soon. With a careless wave, she ducked back out the door.

Jackson moved closer to Alani. She backed up.

So he stopped. Whats wrong?

Why did Priss blush? Her brows came down. Whats going on between you two?

Nothing. He didnt appreciate her subtle accusation. You think Id disrespect your brothers claim?

His claim?

Now, dont go getting all riled. You know what I mean. Jackson tried to dig himself out of a quickly yawning hole. He and Priss are together. I get that. I wouldnt do anything inappropriate with her. Not that shed be willing anyway

So you did try?

No!

Then why did she turn scarlet?

He rubbed the back of his neck. Shes still embarrassed because I saw herthere was this situation

Alani crossed her arms.

To hell with it. Jackson moved closer and if she didnt like it, too bad. But this time she didnt retreat. She just stared at him with something akin to challenge. Look, Priss still gets red-faced because I had to steal her out of the shower and hoist her out a narrow window.

Alanis mouth fell open.

She was buck-ass, and you can believe me, it was awkward for both of us. He thought about it, and couldnt help but grin. Probably more so for her, but it wasnt what I was expecting, either.

Alani continued to stare at him in surprise. Unbelievable.

Tell me about it. Trace still looked riled every time he spoke to Jackson. Its probably going to take your brother a little while to get over it. I mean, I saw things that he probably hasnt even seen yet. I mean, with Priss. You know, because they havent known each other that long. Im sure eventually

Her loosened jaw snapped shut. God, you are so crude!

How the hell did she figure that? I was trying to be honest with you!

Pushing him out of her way, Alani said, Well, from now on, dont bother.

Damn it. Jackson watched her slim backside as she disappeared out the door. Frustration galvanized him into action.

In only a few long strides he followed her out. Alani hadnt gone far yet, and he reached her easily. Hold up.

She froze in her tracks, then slowly turned to face him.

Trace, always aware of every damn thing that happened concerning his sister, looked up from the dock. Far as Jackson was concerned, Traces overbearing protectiveness wasnt helping Alani one iota.

What is it?

Damn, she was beautiful. A light breeze teased through her fair hair; her golden-brown eyes glittered in the sunshine, shaded only by long, curling eye lashes. She didnt have the same lush shape as Molly and Priss, but her willowy, delicate curves pushed all the right buttons with him.

Im heading out.

Her gaze searched his and, a little breathless, she asked, Leaving?

Yeah. He stepped closer. Any second now Trace would intrude. Thing is, Alani, I cant be around you without wanting you. Bad. Really bad.

Oh.

If thats crude, well, then, screw it, Im crude. I know wed have a great time in bed, but since you arent ready for that yet, wellI promised Trace I wouldnt pressure you.

Her neck went stiff. Dear God. You discussed this with my brother?

No! He cut a hand through the air and his voice lowered. When if I get you out of your panties, believe me, itll be a private thing between us. No way in hell would I discuss that with anyone else.

Her face went as red as Prisss had.

Trace and I talked about you maybe decorating my house, thats all.

Oh. Face still hot, she said, I

Yeah, forget it. Thats off. Like I said, Id just hanker for you, and you arent exactly reciprocating. So thats that.

She blinked fast.

But if you ever change your mind, all you have to do is let me know. He reached out and touched her cheek. Her skin was soft and warm and he wanted to feel her all over.

All over him. Naked. Hungry. Wet

Damn, he had it bad. I can promise you, if you do come to me, you wont regret it.

She swallowed, licked her lips and damned if her eyes didnt heat. She wanted him, too. He had to believe that. But Trace was starting up the hill, and the others were looking on, and the last thing he wanted was to make Alani uncomfortable.

Tell everyone I said goodbye. You make up any excuse you want. And with that, he left Alani standing there, watching after him as he walked away.

God willing, shed contact him soon.

He wasnt sure he could stand it if she didnt.

A RMS CROSSED AND HIS shoulder propped against the wall outside the elaborate, corner high-rise office, Trace Rivers considered his options. Having an inside source would shorten his job. As a pseudobodyguard, he hadnt been given the opportunity to uncover shit yet, and he was getting antsy. But if he could turn someone who was privy to the info he needed, then hed get somewhere.

Murray Coburn was dirty. Trace knew it. Hell, a lot of people knew it. But they couldnt or wouldnt touch the bastard without rock-solid evidence. The legal system had failed.

Trace would find the evidence eventually, though, and then hed mete out his own form of justice.

Until then he had to contend with the odd assortment of disreputable punks and bullies working for Murray.

He also had to contend with Helene Schumer, better known as Hella name that suited her well. She never missed an opportunity to grope him, to boss him, to make his job more trying than necessary. But as Murrays current paramour, Hell had privileges denied to others.