If You Only Knew

Chapter Seven



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TO HELL WITH his conscience. Holding her like this soothed the loneliness he’d lived with for weeks. If Ty had his way, he’d never let her go again. He wanted her all to himself, some place where nobody could find them. Common sense and reason fled as a powerful rush of possessiveness tore through him.

Instead of letting Rayna go, he wound his hands in her hair and deepened the kiss. For precious seconds, he forgot about everything but his need and her softness. He lost himself in her pretty blue eyes, brimming with promise… until that damned phone rang. He ignored it… once… twice. Then a frustrated sigh escaped. As much as he wanted to forget the rest of the world existed, he had to answer the damn phone.

He swore softly as he set her on her feet and reached in his pocket for the device he’d forgotten he had—Mikhail’s cell phone. The caller ID said AK. Ty would be a fool not to take this call. The big man himself was calling. Rayna’s gaze was curiously watchful, and he stroked her arm soothingly as he pressed the button and raised the phone to his ear.

“Don’t tell me I forgot something, Andre.”

Rayna’s smile faded instantly, and her hand flew to her mouth. Ty shook his head, put his arm around her shoulders, and steered her toward the bed.

“Glad to see you still have your sense of humor.” Andre’s voice vibrated with anger. “It will not be so funny in the future—I promise you. I will have what I want. You will bring me Brianna Knight and her daughter.”


“Why would I do that? Last I checked, your bargaining chip sort of evaporated.”

“That is not entirely true. Let me tell you what I do have. My men are spread from LA to Portland with one purpose: find Rayna Dugan and kill her. Unless, of course, you deliver Bree Knight before we find your woman.”

Ty tensed and struggled to keep his temper. Andre was baiting him. He wanted Ty angry because angry people made mistakes. It was Ty’s responsibility not to let the man get under his skin. He took a deep breath and concentrated on Rayna’s sweet face. “If it’s war you want, I can assemble an army too.”

“Maybe, but will your soldiers do whatever it takes to win?” Andre broke the connection and the phone went dead.

“That bastard.” Ty tossed the phone on the nightstand and balled his hands into fists. His voice shook. “I should have killed him when I had the chance.”

“No. Look at me.” Rayna cupped his face with her hands. “You don’t hurt people unless there’s no other option. That’s not who you are. You work with Joe to save lives, not to spread carnage. Don’t let the likes of Andre Komarov turn you into something you’re not.”

The tenderness in her eyes drew him in, but she was only partly right. He hadn’t reached Andre’s level of cold-blooded ruthlessness, but he would kill without blinking an eye to protect his own. A cop’s blood still ran through his veins, but playing by the rules this time could get Rayna killed. He wasn’t about to let that happen, no matter the cost. He’d been a damn good cop once, but he also knew how to play the game Andre and his hoodlums excelled at. When the moment arrived, he’d do what had to be done.

She brushed a gentle kiss across his lips, pulling him back from the edge. He forced Andre out of his mind. There’d be another time to deal with that unpleasantness. Right now, he had Rayna, and that might not always be the case.

He grabbed her waist and rolled her onto the bed. Surprise turned to triumph in her expression when she ended up on top. He slid his hand behind her neck and pulled her toward him until his mouth covered hers. His tongue probed her lips gently, coaxing them open. He took his time, leisurely circling her tongue with his and moving over her lips.

She pulled away breathlessly. “What did he want?”

“He wants Bree, and if he doesn’t get her, he’ll let loose an army to hunt us down. If I find her and turn her over, he’ll call off the dogs.” No way would he tell Rayna the threat had been against her, personally. In forty-eight hours or less, with any luck, she’d be at Joe’s compound in Montana, surrounded by men who’d die keeping her safe. All he had to do was get her to Nate’s uncle’s. If she was stronger emotionally tomorrow, and he thought she could handle the truth, maybe he’d tell her. Not now.

“Sure, like you’d turn anybody over to that creep.”

He traced his finger across her lips. Should he tell her there was very little he wouldn’t do to keep her safe? Probably not, but the truth was, if handing Bree over to Andre became the only way to get Rayna out of it, he’d do it in a heartbeat.

Ty rolled her over on her back, landing comfortably between her legs. He muffled her surprised gasp with his mouth hard and slow on hers. She moaned and worked her hands beneath his shirt to stroke his skin and pull him closer. His body’s reaction to her was instantaneous, and his hard-on pressed against her lower abdomen. Every move she made beneath him pushed him closer to the line he’d drawn. In another minute, he wouldn’t care that she’d had the day from hell and was likely still suffering from the emotional trauma. Whereas he’d crawl across broken glass to hold her this close forever, she might not even realize she was in bed with him.

He groaned and pushed himself up on his elbows to search her face. She watched him, a question haunting her eyes. He nuzzled and kissed his way down her cheek to her ear and back to the bare skin above the neckline of her tank top, his blue shirt thankfully gone. She laughed and wiggled beneath him, and with his last ounce of self-control, he moved off her and gathered her close beside him.

This—whatever this was—would have to wait a few more hours. He didn’t want Rayna to make a choice she’d regret later. Continuing on the course they were currently traveling felt a little too much like taking advantage. He’d taken great pains not to do that in the past, and he wasn’t about to start now. At the very least, she’d be hurt. Worst-case scenario—she’d hate him.

Right now, what she needed was a good night’s sleep… and a friend. He’d make sure she had both. Tomorrow, though, all bets were off.

He unwrapped her arms from his neck and planted a kiss on her forehead. “I’ll go and let you get some sleep.”

Disappointment flashed in her eyes and she blinked. The contentment in her expression faded and bewilderment took its place. She turned away from him. “I was hoping you’d stay, but… whatever you think.”

Ty reached for her wrist as she swung her legs over the side of the bed. “Wait a minute. You have to know I want to stay.” His thumb stroked her wrist. He shook his head. “Never thought I’d ever say this, but… we should wait.” It sounded ridiculous, even to his own ears.

She laughed scornfully. “Right, because I haven’t made us wait long enough already!”

Ty gripped her wrist firmly when she tried to stand, and kept her there on the edge of the bed. “Just for the record, what is it you’re upset with me about?”

She shook her head, tossing her hair. “I’m not upset.” Anger smoldered in her eyes.

He scooted toward her and slid his arm around her waist. “You’re a lousy liar. You know that?”

She shrugged and stiffened.

He slid off the bed and knelt in front of her. With one finger, he tipped her chin up until she had to look at him. “I’m trying to protect you from making a mistake you might regret tomorrow. The last thing I intended to do was hurt your feelings.”

She shrugged, and a frown wrinkled her forehead. “That was awfully easy for you.”

“What was easy?”

She rolled her eyes. “You know.”

“Sure. Because I’m such a good mind reader.” What did she mean? The conversation had taken such a leap that Ty was more concerned about her than ever.

She raised an eyebrow and snorted a laugh. “It doesn’t take a mind reader. You kiss me until I’m… and then you… just turn it off like it means nothing to you. Oh, I get it. I deserve that for the way I left it between us when I went back to school. Are we even now? Because if we are, feel free to leave.”

Ty couldn’t help the satisfied grin, even though it was bound to get him deeper into trouble.

With a disgusted hmph, she jerked her chin free of his grasp and pushed to her feet.

He grabbed her arm and tugged her gently back down on the bed.

She stared at his hand on her arm, and her icy smile radiated confidence. “Would you like to keep that?”

This was the Rayna he remembered. He smiled, removing his hand and holding it up in surrender. Then he leaned toward her, trapping her with his arms on both sides of her, and kissed the slope of her neck. “Do you have any idea how turned on I am right now?”

She trembled as he whispered the words close to her ear. When she met his gaze, her eyes were filled with distrust and confusion. “Don’t say that if you don’t mean it.”


Ty chuckled. “Silly woman. Don’t you know I’m worried about you?” He pushed her riotous curls behind her ears, one side at a time. “Any other day, sweetheart, we wouldn’t even be having this conversation. One inkling I might get lucky with you and no one would see or hear from us for a week.” He kissed her forehead again.

Her lips trembled. She still held herself aloof, but her spine lost some of its rigidity and her expression softened somewhat. “Yeah… well… too bad you blew your chance, Whitlock.”

Ty chortled. “Could be I’ll get another. If I do, it’s going to end differently. I promise you.” The last words were merely a breath before he leaned in slowly and took her lips. He covered her mouth tenderly, lovingly, and her breathing quickened in response. For the second time in ten minutes, he very nearly forgot everything but the taste of her sweet lips.

Apparently all the good intentions in the world weren’t enough. Aside from the health concerns, he hadn’t even gotten into the fact that she’d kicked him to the curb. She’d made her position perfectly clear when she broke it off with him, even if he’d had to fill in some of the blanks for himself—she didn’t want a man like her brother who could end up dead by sudden and violent means. Yet the way she kissed him and reacted to his touch had him thinking she wanted him as much as he needed her.

The events of the last few hours had thrown her. He was well aware of that. It was only natural she’d reach out for comfort and support in whatever form was available. She was vulnerable, and he knew how much she hated that. If he took advantage of her present condition to try to change her mind, she’d never forgive him.

Slowly, he pulled back. “I better get out of here before this gets out of control… again.”

She placed a hand on his shoulder. “Wait. Don’t go. Please? Stay and talk to me.”

He caught her hand and pressed it to his lips. “I’d like that.” He lay on the bed, fluffing the pillows under his head, and pulled her down beside him. Hell yes, he wanted to stay. There was nothing he wanted more, but as much as he desired this time with her, he already dreaded what the morning would bring. If she no longer wanted him around, would he have the good grace to simply say good-bye?

Rayna cuddled close to his side. “Can I ask you something?”

“Shoot.”

“Were you and Bree involved back then?”

“Would you be jealous if I said we were?” He trailed his fingers down her cheek, then lifted her chin so she looked in his eyes. “No, it wasn’t like that. We worked together, and there was a time when I thought we were friends.” Frowning, he looked away from her and picked up the remote from the bed beside him. “What are you watching?”

“Nothing, really.”

“You won’t care if we watch a little football then.”

She poked him in the ribs. He grabbed her hand and pinned it to her side, causing her soft, carefree laughter to flow over him.

“How about a chick flick?” She twisted out of his grasp and made a grab for the remote.

He held it out of her reach. “How about a guy movie?”

She snorted but settled back down beside him. “Okay.”

“What? You never give up that easy.” He flipped through the channels until the familiar scenes of You’ve Got Mail filled the screen. “Here you go. One of your favorites. This is a gift, sweetheart.”

Rayna sighed contentedly, and Ty longed to hear that sound every day. One arm around her shoulders, he settled her comfortably beside him, her head resting on his chest. Each exhale sent a warm tingle across his skin beneath his shirt. He held her even after her deep, regular breathing told him she slept. The scent of roses and mint toothpaste surrounded her, and he inhaled her aroma. He pressed the soft warmth of her body tighter against his. Finally, he pulled the covers over them, turned off the TV, and closed his eyes.



WHEN HE WOKE, the faint light of dawn seeped through the thin motel curtains. Rayna still slept, one leg thrown over his, and an arm circled his waist. Her hair was a mess and looked as cute as hell. He liked it framing her face and curling in riotous disorder. Damned if he didn’t like everything about her. Just looking at her strong, toned arms and muscled legs started a fire in his blood.

Movement sounded in the other room. Nate must be up. Ty gently moved Rayna’s arm and leg so he could slide out from under her. He’d let her sleep for a few more minutes while he and Nate talked.

Crossing the room, he knocked lightly on the door, opened it, and stepped through. Nate nodded and pointed to the coffeepot, and Ty poured himself a cup before he took a seat at the table across from his partner.

Nate leaned back in his chair. “How’s she doing?”

“She slept well. I think she’ll be okay.”

Nate eyed him carefully. “What aren’t you telling me, buddy?”

Ty set his cup down. “Andre called. He’s got his entire organization looking for us… or rather, for Rayna.”

“What’s he got against that poor kid?”

“She’s all he has left to trade for Bree. We both know it’s not an empty threat. He’ll do what he says.” Ty stood and paced in a tight circle.

Nate pushed himself up, grabbed his hat off the table, and shoved it on his head before he started throwing clothes into his bag. “Well, what are we waiting for? Let’s get going. We’ll stick to the back roads. When we cross into Oregon, I’ll see about getting us some backup.”

Ty stopped and ran a hand through his hair. “Thanks, Nate. I owe you one.”

“Don’t you mean one more?” Nate cocked an eyebrow, and one corner of his mouth hitched upward.

“Good morning.”

Ty swung around. Rayna stood in the doorway of the other room. Her blond curls framed her pixie face and fell over her eyes. She still wore the PJs Nate had picked up for her. The shirt Ty had insisted she cover herself with was nowhere in sight, and the knit tank top again showcased her full breasts and tight nipples.

“Mornin’, Rayna.” Nate’s gaze ran over her appreciatively.

Ty scowled at Nate, who merely grinned broadly, then turned his frown on Rayna. Her sleepy smile wavered. He hated the cloying jealousy that twisted his gut and turned his thoughts dark and distrustful. That wasn’t who he was, but even if he was the jealous type—she’s not yours to be jealous of. Let it go.

Good advice, but it was too late. Ty couldn’t help the growl that came from deep in his chest, so he turned and walked toward her. “Get dressed. We need to get on the road.” He took her arm and propelled her into the other room. “And don’t go strutting around in front of Nate dressed like that.”

“Excuse me?” She jerked her arm from his grasp and skewered him with a glare.

“You heard me.”

“Okay. Now you hear me. Don’t tell me how to dress in front of Nate or anyone else.”

“Apparently, somebody needs to.”

“You didn’t seem to mind how I looked.” Her gaze dropped slowly to the bulge in his jeans.

“I guess you’d love to give Nate a hard-on too. Wouldn’t you?” Had he lost his mind? She didn’t deserve that.

She gasped, and her face burned as rage flashed in her eyes.

“Aw, shit. I didn’t mean that, Rayna. I’m sorry.”

“Get out, you self-righteous cretin! Go do whatever it is you have to do. I can find my own way home.” She crossed her arms in front of her, apparently waiting for him to leave.


He’d seen that look in her eyes before, and he knew too well that the stubbornness in the set of her jaw was only the tip of the iceberg. Whether or not his big mouth had ended their relationship permanently, he still had to deliver her to the prearranged pickup point by tomorrow. The good news was, he probably couldn’t make it any worse.

Ty picked up her bundle of new clothes from the chair beside the bed and held it out to her. “Don’t even go there. You’re going to get dressed and be in the car with me and Nate in ten minutes or I’ll carry you down there half-dressed, since that seems to be what you prefer.”

She made no move to take the clothes. An I-dare-you expression raised one of her eyebrows.

He took a leisurely step toward her, the bundle still outstretched in his hand. “If you don’t take these clothes and get dressed, I’m going to do it for you.” He took another step and was close enough to bend and whisper in her ear. “Don’t make the mistake of thinking you can stop me.”

Rayna grabbed the clothes and walked away from him, anger emanating from her in waves. “I’ll get dressed… after you get out.”

Ty followed her with his eyes, wanting to reach for her and pull her against him, to somehow regain the openness they’d shared last night, but that would only compound the mistake he’d already made. Frustrated and angry with himself, he swore under his breath as he pivoted and stalked from the room.