Flashback (Kendra Michaels #11)

She could see Lynch’s shadow on the other side of the shower door and instinctively tensed. It had been more than five minutes and he was probably making judgments and trying to decide what she was doing.

“Stop dithering. It should all be fairly clear to you, Lynch,” she said with sudden impatience. “The last time you invited me to step into your shower, I told you that I might change my mind about it later. Well, I’ve changed it. Pauley got in the way the last time. But that wasn’t my fault.”

“No, it wasn’t your fault.” He was laughing, and she could see his movements as she tore off her clothes and tossed them aside. “Though there might be a slight disagreement there. But I yield to your vision. And I certainly approve of your actions.”

Then the shower door was opening, and she was in his arms.

Lord, he felt good. His muscles taut, his lips against her throat, his hands on her breasts… She held him close while the warm water sprayed over them. “I missed you,” she whispered. “I hated to leave you and I wanted to tell you that but I couldn’t do it. It wouldn’t have been fair to either of us. It would have interfered… We both have careers and it might get in the way. I knew you wouldn’t understand.”

“You’d be surprised how much I understand.” His mouth was on her breast as he pushed her back against the tiles. She gasped as she felt his tongue. “Ah, that’s what I wanted. And one of the things I understand is that sometimes you have lousy timing and it has to be corrected. So will you please shut up and let me do what we both want without arguing?” She was on the floor of the shower, her nails digging into the tiles and she groaned as he dove inside her. “That’s better… so good… You’re always so good to me. Now let me be good to you, Kendra… Let me go deep and deeper…”

She didn’t know how many times she screamed as he held her there. She only knew she was limp and shaking with reaction when he finally released her and carried her from the shower to her bed and gently covered her with her blanket. He carefully started to dry her off.

“Something’s wrong…” she managed to say as her hand touched the damp blanket. “Shouldn’t be this…”

“Wet? You’re absolutely right.” He started to laugh. “My fault entirely. I admit to being distracted when you joined me in the shower. So distracted I completely ignored the fact that Harley followed you from the terrace. Somehow he stepped into the shower and sat on the other side without either of us noticing him.” He gave her a quick kiss and pointed to Harley, who was lying at the foot of bed sopping wet and staring cheerfully back at them and definitely smelling of wet dog. “Not my best romantic moment,” he said ruefully. “Maybe he was trying to protect you. Olivia would definitely approve. But then so do I. Don’t move a muscle.” He was off the bed and heading for the bathroom. “I’ll be right back after I dry him off and clean up this bed.”

Kendra watched him for a few moments and then got on her knees and started to help him. “I believe you’re wrong. This may be one of your better moments.” Then she cuddled closer to him. “And Harley is sure that it is. He recognizes kindness. That’s why he’s so fond of you.” She pressed her lips in the hollow of his shoulder. “And though tonight reminded me of the time we spent in Spain, life can’t always be like that. So just hold me and we’ll worry about tomorrow, tomorrow. I didn’t expect forever when I seduced you. I just wanted to touch and hold you. No strings. Okay?”

“Very much okay.” He brushed his lips on her cheek as he drew her closer. “And your seduction was amazing. But we’ll discuss strings at some later time when we don’t have to worry about wet dogs and Todd Williams hiding out when I promised you I’d find him for you. I’ll keep my word, Kendra.”

“I know you will. Now hush. You were quite splendid and the only thing you have to do is hold me. That shouldn’t be a bother for you.”

“Not at all.” He cleared his throat. “If you want anything else, feel free to call on me.”

“I will.” She was drifting off to sleep. “Because I always know I can trust you…”

Rod Wallace wasn’t sure why he’d come here to Old Town San Diego. It was never a place that held much fascination for him, though it was popular with tourists and young barhoppers with its western-themed buildings, wooden sidewalks, and numerous bars and restaurants. Maybe it was because he’d missed being here all the years he’d been hiding out in Europe and he’d remembered how exciting and different he’d found those Saturday nights here when the entire town was crowded with people and noise and sometimes provided the blood sport Wallace liked most in the world.

He was driving an ancient Ford pickup truck he’d stolen from a farmer earlier in the day, and as he rolled past the packed bars, he realized that most of these people had no idea who he was and what he’d done. It was as if his mark on the city had entirely faded.

Don’t you realize how important I am?

Don’t you remember pretty young Greta Waters and how the entire town mourned her?

Ah, Greta Waters. She put up a good fight.

He parked the truck and walked down the crowded sidewalk.

Because of me, everyone was so horrified and afraid. They knew then how important I was.

It’s not right that you all just tossed me aside because I was forced to leave here. But I’m back now. You won’t forget me again. I’ll make sure that you won’t make that mistake…

His gaze was searching the crowds pouring out of the bars.

But I should be careful to pick someone who reminds me of Greta and will also show you where your duty lies…

Ah. He smiled as he caught a glimpse of a tall blond girl by the door. A little drunk, but that would only make her more compliant.

Because now, Wallace knew exactly why he had come here tonight. That death in the park had only been a dress rehearsal for all the ones still to come. He’d been right to pay no attention to Krebb and his whining. This was what he was meant to do with Kendra and whomever else he chose. One might even call it… destiny.

The excitement was growing as he started striding across the bar toward this delicate-looking blonde who was to be his next adventure…

CHAPTER

14

Kendra wriggled her toes. “Stop it. That tickles.”