Darkness Read online

  Some of his anger dissipated. “Why would you take that risk? Just tell me that, Kat.”

  “I don’t agree with some things, okay? I feel protective of the NSO.”

  “Were you supposed to look for this male?”

  She should have seen that question coming. “I just plan to teach some classes. That’s all.”

  “But you were asked to do more?”

  She barely nodded. “Not that I’d do it.”

  “A human? Just look into my eyes.”

  She stared into his dark gaze and shrugged. “I don’t know why he’d be here but I got the impression he wouldn’t hang around if he had a choice. That’s all I can say.”

  “A prisoner?” He studied her eyes. “A prisoner. Your eyes widened and you sucked in a sharp breath.”

  She closed her eyes. “That’s my assumption. It’s not as if the NSO lets anyone else know what is going on or why they’d keep someone here. I’m done now. I can’t say anything else.”

  Darkness leaned forward and ran his nose along her throat, growling softly. “Don’t shut down on me.”

  “Don’t push me so far there’s no way back. I did you a solid today, Darkness. Can’t that be enough?”

  His lips brushed her ear. “No.”

  She wiggled beneath him and opened her hands on his chest. His firm, warm skin felt wonderful. She loved his body and all the memories that came with the last time he’d had her naked under him.

  “Damn you, Darkness.”

  “The same to you, my little pretend-cat.”

  She smiled. “You’re such a dick.”

  He adjusted his legs and shoved hers open, pressing the solid, thick length of his cock against her thigh. “What about it?”

  “I took a risk today. Can’t you just say thank you for the heads-up? That was even after you made me angry in the climbing room. As if I’d go to bed with Jinx. I could punch you for that. I just happen to like you for some reason that escapes me at this moment.”

  “Look at me.”

  She refused to open her eyes. “Why? So you can hit me up with more questions and guess the answers because my guard is down when you’re this close? It’s not fair.”

  “I never said I would be.”

  “I never said I’d be easy.”

  He chuckled. “Look at me, Kat.”

  She opened her eyes when he lifted his head away from her face, betting she would regret it. All the anger was gone from his features and he actually smiled.

  “Thank you.”

  That surprised her. “You’re welcome.”

  “How much trouble would you really be in if anyone found out about that phone call?”

  That killed the moment. “Shitloads.”

  “Why take the risk then?”

  “You wanted trust. I gave it to you. I hope it works both ways.”

  He peered deeply into her eyes. “What can you tell me? It stays here.”

  “You won’t have to repeat it to anyone?”

  “No.”

  She hesitated. She wanted to trust Darkness so much that her chest ached from the longing but her career was at stake. “Theoretically, there might be someone here that my boss wants pretty bad. It’s personal to him.”

  “Why?”

  “I don’t know. It’s driving me nuts. How does he know this person and why would he go to all this trouble to um, ask someone to help him leave?”

  Darkness’ expression hardened. “You were asked to help someone escape?”

  “I just plan to teach classes. How many times do I have to say it?”

  “Blink twice if you were asked though.”

  She hesitated and then blinked twice.

  He cursed and rolled off her to lie on his back next to her. She turned onto her side to watch him. He glared up at the ceiling and his hands were fisted above his head. That had killed the mood. He didn’t look interested in sex anymore.

  “You have to give me the name.”

  “I can’t outright cross the line. My future is pure shit if I do that. Don’t you understand? There’s no way for you to link this guy to my boss otherwise.”

  He turned his head. “This is important.”

  “They can’t get to whoever it is here, if he’s here. I don’t know that for sure. Nor does my boss. He suspects.”

  Darkness sat up and left the bed. Kat watched him with a heavy heart. He was angry again and she knew whatever relationship they had would probably end the moment he walked out the door. He might even have her tossed out of Homeland. She’d risked her career by telling him about those agents. He’d hang her out to dry with the NSO. They’d open a full investigation and eventually it would lead back to Mason. Her boss would know where to pin the blame.

  He bent to get his pants. “I’m sorry.”

  It was just as she suspected. He was calling it quits between them. “Me too.”

  He straightened, plastic zip-tie cuffs in his hands. He glanced at them then her. “Just tell me the male’s name, Kat. Don’t make me do this.”

  He wasn’t getting dressed. “Do what? Are you going to arrest me?”

  “Worse.” He bent and grabbed her ankle, jerking her down the bed.

  “What are you doing?”

  He flipped her and she struggled, too late though. He was faster and stronger, pinning her with his knee on her ass. She gasped as he pressed her against the bed, securing her wrists behind her back. He let go the second she was cuffed. She rolled onto her side, staring up at him.

  “Darkness? You’re arresting me?”

  He put on his pants.

  “At least let me get dressed.” She struggled to sit upright.

  He shook his head.

  “You’re going to take me in naked? This better just be a threat.”

  He fastened his pants and then reached out, knocking her back onto her side. He grabbed the corner of the bedding and wrapped it around her.

  “Let me get dressed first. This is beyond fucked-up, Darkness.”

  He lifted her and she ended over his shoulder again. The blanket fell over her face, blinding her.

  “Goddamn you!” She was furious. “Do you think I’ll run? Give me a break. I’ve seen your security measures. I’d never make it off Homeland unless someone allows me out the gates. Put me down and let me get dressed.”

  “Shut up, Kat. I’m not taking you to a holding cell.”

  “Then where are we going?”

  “My house.”

  That didn’t bode well but it beat being arrested. “Why?”

  “I have my tools there.”

  A chill ran down her spine. “What does that mean?”

  “You’re going to talk to me, one way or another.”

  He paused and the glass door slid open. Her bare feet felt the breeze though she couldn’t see anything.

  “Don’t do this.”

  “You’re leaving me no choice.”

  “Take me back.”

  “No.” His strong arm across the back of her thighs kept her in place when he stepped over the short divider wall between their houses. Seconds later he entered his house and closed the slider.

  Chapter Eleven

  “Darkness, what are you going to do?” Kat hated the way her voice quivered.

  “Make you talk.”

  “You’re going to hurt me?” It was shocking. They didn’t exactly have a solid relationship but there were feelings. Could he torture her? Maim her? Her mind instantly went to Darwin Havings and what he and his thugs had done to Darkness. He’d learned from the worst of humanity but he wasn’t a monster. She’d seen that. Darkness was tormented by his past. A man without remorse wouldn’t have regrets. Darkness was a good man with plenty of them.

  He dropped her on something soft but rolled her before she could try to evaluate where she was. She tossed her head, freeing it of the blanket, to find herself on a bed. She twisted enough to stare up at Darkness. He grimly regarded her.

  “Tell me the human’s name. Let�