Beyond the Edge (11 page)

But the luxury of not having to worry about anyone but herself was a selfish indulgence that she wanted to last for as long as Kane was able to stay. She didn’t want to miss a minute of their time together.

And when they boarded the plane and settled into the business class seats, she was sufficiently comfortable that she didn’t bother placing her scarf between her and the seat. The technology was protecting her from curious eyes as well as germs.

So she relaxed and grinned at Kane. “Could we take our time chasing down Nigel?”

He leaned over and snapped on her seat belt, taking an opportunity to skim his hand over her belly and play with her chain, shooting direct heat between her legs. “What did you have in mind?”

“I know you made hotel reservations, but I have a house in Las Vegas.”

He shook his head. “Sorry, I need to stay close to Nigel.” Kane must have seen the disappointment on her face. “Don’t worry. I’ll make it up to you.”

“How?”

He patted her hand. “You like surprises.”

“No, I don’t.”

“You like
my
surprises.”

She sighed and gave up. He wasn’t going to tell her a thing. And she had to admit, so far his surprises had been right on target. He knew her desires and she trusted him. Although she had no idea what wild thing he might propose next, she’d decided to be open-minded. How could she not when he was so adept at giving her pleasure?

W
HEN THEY FINALLY
reached their Las Vegas hotel, Fallon took a shower. Kane consulted the television set. She wondered how he was able to communicate with his time through the television. Knowing he wouldn’t answer her questions about the technology, she sank into a luxurious tub, turned on the jets and let the bubbling heat wash away the stress of traveling.

She felt a bit guilty for failing to check in with her family, but Janet had told them she was away on business, so they shouldn’t be worried about her. Not that they ever were. Her family called when they needed something from her: advice, money, a shoulder to cry on.

Kane had taken her away from all that and she felt marvelously light. She hadn’t realized how much caring for everyone had weighed her down until the load had been lifted. Janet would call if there was a true emergency, but otherwise Kane wouldn’t put through the messages—which gave Fallon time to think about herself.

And about Kane.

She found it ironic that the first man who’d interested her in a long time, a man she cared for, was the one man she couldn’t ever have. Leaning back her head on a rolled towel, she closed her eyes, appreciating the jets as they massaged away her aches. And she couldn’t help wondering if the only reason she’d allowed herself to care about Kane was that there was no possibility of failure: he’d be gone long before she could screw up another relationship, as she had her marriage.

But she had to be fair. She was falling for him for many reasons. First, although he was very good at spending her money, her wealth was simply a means to complete his mission. Kane didn’t desire the kind of life her money could buy—not only because he wasn’t staying in her time, but material things as she knew them weren’t important to him.

She’d never met a man more comfortable in his own skin. And while he was focused on his mission, he wasn’t driven like a lot of high-powered men that she met who would be terrible husbands because they were already married to their jobs. Kane made time to talk and eat and make love.

She was immediately aware of him entering the bathroom. The bubble always made her sensitive to his proximity and she didn’t have to open her eyes to know he was standing next to the tub, watching her, likely wondering if she’d fallen asleep. However, with the water tugging the delicate chain this way and that, sleep wasn’t an option.

“You going to watch me or join me?” She opened her eyes, but her tone remained husky and lethargic, low and seductive.

“I wish I could.” He fisted his hands on his hips. “You do look tempting.”

“But?” she prodded.

“Nigel has been busy.”

She sat up and frowned. “He’s gone?”

Kane’s eyes lowered and settled on her breasts. She told herself that her nipples hardened due to the cool air, but the truth was that his gaze alone could cause a physical reaction in her. Even worse, she’d gone all soft and fuzzy inside, making it difficult to follow the conversation.

Standing, she reached for a towel. But his hand closed on the thick terry cloth a second before hers. She glanced up to see his eyes bright with amusement and threaded with glittering blue heat. “I’ll dry you.”

“So what has Nigel done?”

“He’s set up an exhibit of the technology he’s offering for sale.”

Kane folded a towel around her head to prevent her hair from dripping on the rest of her. Taking a second towel, he patted dry her forehead, her cheeks, her mouth. Seemingly in no rush, he made certain each area was dry before descending to her neck.

Meanwhile water droplets trickled over her, catching on the delicate chain. Although she attempted to remain still, she shivered and the buffs began to vibrate. One began to shave her mons. The other began to circle her right breast. But instead of distributing golden sparkles, this time the device decorated her with bold royal purple and silver glitter, leaving a swirling pattern that was both feminine and erotic.

She fervently wished the buffs were grooming her to make love, but she could tell from the tension in Kane’s shoulders that they were going out. So she tried to ignore her disappointment, tried to ignore the body glitter, the towel skimming over her body and the delicious sensations that made her want to tackle him and make love.

Instead, she attempted to pretend she was unaffected. “An exhibit?”

“To sell his stolen gadgets, he must show potential buyers what they can do.”

“We’re going to try them out?” she guessed.

He shook his head. “We’re going to see what kind of security he’s set up. I wouldn’t ask you to come with me, but—”

“If you leave me behind I’ll be sick,” she finished his sentence.

“Exactly. And since Nigel knows that I’m coming after him, he’s going to be careful. He’ll have a security system that will go off the moment it detects any technology from the future.”

“What does that mean?”

“We can only bring items from your time with us. So we’ll have to go shopping. For starters, we both need clothing. I’ll need a weapon and if possible I’d like diagrams of the building.”

“Ah, you’re in my territory now.” She picked up the phone. “May I?” Kane’s eyes gleamed. He gave a sharp nod and she dialed the concierge. “This is Ms. Hanover. I’d like your shop to bring an assortment of men’s and ladies’ evening wear to my suite. Our luggage got lost so we’ll need everything. Bring a variety of sizes.” She hung up the phone pleased they wouldn’t have to waste time shopping.

“What?” Kane teased. “You aren’t going to purchase a weapon and plans over the phone?”

“That’s something I can’t do for you, but Logan Kincaid can.” She handed him the phone.

“The Shey Group is not at my beck and call.”

“So hire them. I can think of better things to do with our time.”

K
ANE HIRED
the Shey Group to get him detailed information on the building and the security specs he wanted. However, he couldn’t let Fallon delay his plans for the evening with a bout of lovemaking. As much as he would have enjoyed holding her once again, kissing her and getting to know more about her likes and dislikes, Kane had business on his mind and wasn’t about to allow her to distract him from his mission.

Fallon dressed in real clothes, with no buffs or chain attached to her body for the first time in days. She hadn’t realized how accustomed she’d become to the gadgets, but the lack of the objects reminded her of the days after her divorce. She’d removed her wedding band, but her finger had felt bare. Now when she walked, she felt as though something was missing. Her breasts felt almost too light and she missed the tugging on her flesh that reminded her of their lovemaking.

“Aren’t you worried that Nigel will recognize us?” she asked as they stepped into the empty elevator on the way down to the lobby.

Kane pushed the button to close the doors. “We have appointments in the salon. Will you like me as a blonde?”

She eyed him, her gaze narrowing. “Changing your hair or eye color isn’t going to do it. Even if we could bleach your skin, your shoulders are so distinctive that—”

“There’s a man downstairs who assured me that my own mother won’t recognize me when he gets through with me.”

“You’ve never mentioned your family before.”

“The less you know about the future the better.”

She frowned. “How can knowing about your relationship with your family alter anything?”

Kane sighed. “That’s always the problem. You aren’t even supposed to know that I’m here. Anything I say could—”

She rolled her eyes. “Oh—pul-lease. If you don’t want to tell me about yourself, don’t. But I’m not buying such ridiculous excuses.”

The elevator doors opened and the sounds and sights of the casino kept their conversation private. Buzzers chimed as the slots paid out. A roulette wheel spun, people betting as the big wheel rolled. A woman at the craps table screamed and pumped her fists at a big win.

But they headed away from the gambling, toward the shops that catered to the big winners. He escorted her past a jewelry store and an art gallery to the salon. “I have two brothers and two sisters. I’m the oldest.”

“And what do your parents think about your job?”

He shrugged. “Since Dad’s a time cop and his father ran the Shey Group, my folks are accustomed to their children risking their lives for good causes.”

“Your brothers and sisters—”

“It’s the family business. I believe in this time, The Shey Group was limited to men, however that will change soon.”

“Maybe I should join up?” She grinned at him. “After you leave, my life might seem rather dull. I could use—”

The intensity in his voice strengthened. “You can’t change your life because of meeting me.”

“So do you know what I do with the rest of my life?”

“I have no idea. If I’d known you were going to get caught in the time bubble, I would have thoroughly researched you before I left. But since our being together is a mistake—”

She lifted her eyebrow and allowed her pique to show. “Is that how you think of me? As a mistake?”

“You know what I mean. I will never regret our time together on a personal level. However, after I’m gone, you must continue as if I was never really here, as if I was a dream. If I could make you forget everything, I would.”

“So you don’t have a gadget to wipe memories clean?” she asked, keeping her voice low as they strolled past a boutique and a gift shop.

“We were working on it. But the brain is a strange organ and quite uncooperative when it comes to
manipulation of memories. I believe our scientists have given up.”

She sensed there was much more he wasn’t saying because disapproval and relief came through as clearly as his words. Had scientists in the future experimented on people and damaged their minds? She had no idea and knew better than to ask because the grim look on Kane’s face said he didn’t like the direction the conversation had taken.

To lighten the moment, she teased, “So what do you think about purple hair to match the glitter on my breasts?”

“That would attract too much attention.”

She pursed her lips. “So I’m going for the mousy librarian look?”

He bent and kissed her. “You could never be mousy. I was thinking you could get a wig, and then you wouldn’t have to ruin your hair.”

Pleased that he liked her the way she was, she nodded. “A wig and makeup won’t be enough for you.”

“The man on the phone told me he’s done hair and makeup for films and has all kinds of tricks up his sleeves. Let’s see what he can do.”

Less than thirty minutes later, Fallon was wearing glasses, an auburn wig and lots of makeup. She was certain her family wouldn’t recognize her, and when she saw Kane, she had to look twice, and then she stared. He was at least two inches taller and appeared to have gained fifty pounds. His shoulders no longer looked huge because of his padded belly.
Longish straggly hair fell around his shoulders. The pièce de resistance was the set of slightly buck teeth.

She chuckled. “My…aren’t you attractive.”

“Does the disguise work?” he asked, his tone worried. The teeth made him speak with a lisp.

“If I hadn’t known it was you, I wouldn’t have recognized you.”

“Good.” He didn’t sound pleased. He still sounded as though Nigel was going to figure out their real identities.

“What’s wrong?” she asked.

“I don’t like bringing you into danger.”

She shuddered at her memories of the nausea.

He threaded his arm through hers. “It’s just that I’m not supposed to be here and neither are you. Putting you into danger is a huge risk. If there’s trouble—”

“I am a trained CIA operative,” she reminded him, wishing she hadn’t had to leave behind her gun. But he’d feared that Nigel’s security would spot it in a heartbeat and prevent them from entering the exhibit.

“Nigel’s trained to fight and he’s stronger than you. In fact, he’s stronger than I am.”

“Really?”

She’d seen Nigel and his muscles hadn’t impressed her. He was shorter than Kane and must have weighed fifty pounds less. And since Kane was solid muscle behind all the padding of his disguise, she was having trouble believing what he’d just told her.

“Nigel’s strength has been…enhanced.”

“Through drugs?”

“It’s new technology that can open his arteries and veins to pump more blood, oxygenate his muscles and contract them artificially. The technology gives him superhuman strength. But if he activates it, he’ll pay afterward by suffering numbing fatigue.”

“So he won’t use it unless he must,” she concluded. Fallon didn’t like the fact that Nigel seemed to have everything in his favor. First, he had the home ground. They had to go to him and he obviously expected them to try something with all the security precautions he had in place. If she hadn’t had the clout with the concierge to wrangle an invitation to the exhibition, they wouldn’t have gotten inside. And they had to go in without their weapons, something that made her feel vulnerable. Then to learn Nigel had superhuman strength was a fact that Kane wouldn’t have revealed unless he was worried.

Yet, Kane had no choice but to follow where Nigel led and she would do her best to help him. So she studied her fake identification, memorizing her new name and identity while Kane looked over the specs that the Shey Group had sent.

“When we get there, be very careful what you say.” Kane tossed the specs onto the counter. “Nigel knows I’m coming after him. But he knows I always work alone and he may not be expecting a couple. I’m hoping he didn’t realize we were together at the auction.”

“How do you plan to catch him?”

“Tonight is simply our chance to check his oper
ation and security. Until I see his setup and what he’s selling, there is no plan.”

She relaxed a little and threaded her arm through Kane’s. They took the elevator to the penthouse suites where a man in a tuxedo and white gloves met them as the doors swished open. He gestured them forward, then held out his hand palm up. “Welcome. Invitation, identification and funds, please.”

The invitation had cost Fallon a hundred thousand dollars. Apparently, Nigel wanted to keep out anyone who wasn’t serious. And Fallon wasn’t exactly certain what a look at the exhibit entailed, but the concierge had told her that the seller promised they wouldn’t be disappointed.

“Everything is in order?” Kane asked Nigel’s man, who didn’t flinch at Kane’s authoritative tone.

He calmly continued to examine their documents and when he leaned forward, Fallon saw the outline of a weapon holstered beneath his shoulder. Finally, he handed the documents back and placed the cashier’s check in his front pocket. “If you will please follow me, I’ll explain the procedures.”

They walked down a hallway lined with an exquisite Oriental runner. Oil paintings hung on the wall and a jade fountain gurgled, the scent of floating white blossoms adding a cloying scent to the air.

“Your check buys you an evening to try the technology and ensure that it works as promised. If you desire, paid companions have been arranged to join you.”

Kane slung an arm over her shoulder. “I have all the companionship I need with me.”

“That’s your prerogative, sir.” The guard stopped in front of a set of double doors. “I will remain here for your protection.”

More likely to prevent them from stealing the technology, Fallon thought as she strove to keep a bland expression on her face. With only the one entrance and exit, there would be no sneaking in or out. She would have to purchase the technology, again. And she was certain that Kane would not allow her to keep it. Although the waste of capital bothered her, she understood the stakes and accepted that she could well afford the loss.

But perhaps more importantly, she trusted Kane to do the right thing with her money. If he spent some of her wealth, it wasn’t out of greed but for a higher purpose—one she admired as much as she admired him.

She’d loved before. Never easily, but she’d loved. Yet, oddly, she’d never trusted a man with her wealth—until now. And the idea was freeing. He was a man worthy of her love and her trust. And somehow just knowing that made her realize she’d finally gotten all that she’d ever wanted—even if she only had him for a while.

Nigel’s man spoke carefully, as if he’d been required to memorize his message. “Further instructions are on the dining table. Please understand that once you exit the premises, you won’t be allowed to return.”

They strode inside and Fallon ignored the pleasant fragrance of flowers in vases and the spicy scent
of cinnamon candles. She walked past a table covered with a delicate lace tablecloth and set with a tempting assortment of hors d’oeuvres and cheeses, a sterling ice bucket enticingly offering chilled Dom Perignon and chocolate-dipped strawberries. Instead, she let her gaze sweep around the room, noting the security cameras that seemed to cover every angle before making a beeline for the brochure on the dining room table.

She picked up the note and read aloud. “Welcome. Your check buys you the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to try out the newest in pleasure technology. While the security is tight throughout the suite, the master bedroom and bath are private.” She glanced at Kane, her curiosity engaged. What kind of device was he selling this time that it required the assurance of privacy in the master bedroom? “Do you think that’s true?”

Kane shrugged and popped the cork on the champagne. “Does it really matter?”

“I don’t want to end up on the Internet,” she muttered, remembering her cover in case they were being audio-monitored. “Mother wouldn’t like it.” Then she went back to reading aloud. “After your opportunity to try my little invention, I’m certain you’ll wish to submit a sealed bid. The winner will be notified the day after tomorrow and will be expected to transfer the funds immediately. At that time, all four prototypes, the patent pending and full legal documentation will be legally transferred. You are welcome to stay the night. Enjoy, and good luck with the bidding.”

She frowned at the brochure and turned it over. The other side was blank.

“What’s wrong?” Kane asked, smoothly pouring two flutes of champagne without wasting a drop.

“I still don’t know why you dragged me here.”

“Patience.” He handed her a flute and leaned forward.

To the cameras, he’d appear to be nuzzling her ear, but he whispered. “Walk around the room.”

She sipped her champagne, then ambled to the windows where she had a view of the Las Vegas strip. The numerous bright lights lit up the street like the sun and thousands of residents, tourists and convention-goers hurried down the huge sidewalks, seemingly eager to spend their money gambling.

“The view is lovely.”

She glanced to Kane and noted that while he appeared to be watching her, his gaze slid past her right shoulder. “I’m a lucky man.”

The surveillance equipment would simply show Kane complimenting her. Stalling to give Kane time to check the security, she played along. “If you play your cards right, you might get even luckier.”

“Unless you’re talking about strip poker, playing with cards isn’t what I had in mind.”

Although his banter was strictly for any listening devices, she couldn’t help but heat up at his tone. He might have been working but the intensity behind his words was very real and pleasure shimmied through her. Being with Kane excited her on several levels. Their work was important and the fact that he’d
shared information more than he should have with her meant that he trusted her. Also, she liked combining business and pleasure. And last but just as important, she liked the way he always tried to protect her, making her feel valuable and cherished.

Remembering his instructions to walk around, she strolled by the windows, detoured into the kitchen and opened and closed the fridge, then returned to the dining table and surveyed her choices. The decision between the chocolate-dipped strawberries and apricots was a tough one, but the strawberry called to her taste buds. Perhaps it was her nerves, perhaps because Kane was watching, but the fruity chocolate went down sweet and smooth.