Hitman's Captive: A Bad Boy Romance (16 page)

I glanced over at Alessa,
but she barely looked up at the place as we stepped out and started walking
towards reception. I shifted close to her, not sure myself whether I was trying
to protect her from anything else that might happen, or prevent disaster if she
did
try to make a scene. It didn’t seem likely after everything that had
happened, but I didn’t want to take any chances.

It was late, and the
harried receptionist - Mike, from his name badge - clearly didn’t appreciate us
checking in at this time, but a combination of pointed looks and a couple of
notes slipped across the desk got me everything I wanted.

After taking the elevator
up to the third floor, I led Alessa along the corridor and into the plush room,
settling our bag down with a long exhale. I had no idea what the time was, but
it had been late when we arrived at the motel and my exhaustion was catching up
to me.

At least there were two
double-sized beds in the room, and it looked like it would be a comfortable
night’s sleep. There was still part of me that wanted nothing more than to
gather her up in my arms for the night, feel her pressed safe to me and relax
knowing nothing had - or would - happen to her. But I wasn’t about to force her
to confront the idea of sharing a bed - not now.

“I’m going to shower.”
The words cut into my thoughts, and I nodded at her as I started stripping down
to my boxers for bed. She never had showered at the motel, and the desire to
wash the away what had happened made sense.

My fatigue was starting
to weigh me down, but I grabbed my laptop anyway as I slipped into bed and
waited for her. I didn’t want her to come out into the dark alone. I didn’t
know what she needed right now, but…I’d be here for it anyway.

When she came out, it was
in the over-sized shirt of mine she was still using as a nightshirt, and I
tried to ignore how much that heightened the tender, protective instinct that
was already undoing me.

She glanced at me
uncertainly for a moment, before moving towards the bed I’d left her. Then she
hesitated, glancing between it and me before turning back towards me. Her arms
rose around herself again, and I had to fight not to grind my teeth at the
vulnerable gesture. I wanted to leap up and hold her, but I had no idea whether
that would be welcome.

I’d kissed her…when she
was too stunned to do anything but let me. But that didn’t mean she wanted me
near her right now.

And that was a hell of a
lot more important than my own fucked up primal, horny needs.

“Can I…will you…” She
trailed off, biting her lip and making me long to see some of the fire I’d
started to expect from her.

“What, princess? What
would you like?” My voice was soft and gentle, taking even me by surprise. I
never sounded like that.

She looked away again,
and swallowed, but she got it out. “Can I…sleep with you tonight? Like before?
I…I don’t mean—just…just hold me? Please?”

My body seized in shock
for a moment, and I was caught somewhere between my cock jumping up and my
heart breaking as I looked at her.

Then I pulled the covers
back with one arm and scooted over, leaving a space for her without saying a word.
There were so many things I could say, but I didn’t know what I was doing - I’d
probably just make it worse.

She let out a long breath
and slipped into the space I’d made. I twisted to flick off the lights and then
moved slowly closer, my arms surrounding her and pulling her into me. Her back
settled against my chest and I felt us both relax subtly.

My cock hardened as my
blood heated, but I ignored it and let my arms tighten protectively around her,
feeling the delicate softness there and willing my presence to drive the fear
and shock away. I was struggling to deal with how much I wanted this girl, but
tonight it was easier than usual to put that thought out of my mind.

“I meant it, earlier.” I
murmured softly, one finger tracing a stray hair back behind her ear. “I’ll
keep you safe.”

She sighed softly, then
wriggled back against me, making me bite off a groan as blood flowed to my cock
again. She didn’t say anything in response and I left it there, just holding
her in my arms and hoping that somehow, it would make the ugliness of the night
fade.

Chapter Twelve

Alessa

I woke up slowly,
cushioned in warmth and feeling safer than I could ever remember.

My eyes blinked hazily at
the light coming through the edges of the curtains, and I was surprised to see
I’d slept the whole night through. No nightmares. Who would’ve thought.

Brief reminders of what
had happened flickered in my mind, but the horror and fear I’d felt last night
seemed unable to touch me now, in this languid bubble.

I shuffled backwards,
further into it, and then my eyes flew open as I realized just
what
I
was pressing against.
Or, who.

I knew I should probably
jerk away - be alarmed, embarrassed…
something
other than simply lying
here and enjoying it. But a deep, contented sigh rattled out of me and I
couldn’t make myself. I felt safe here, protected and cared for and I wanted to
hang onto that. Even if I was getting it from the entirely wrong person.

I shifted around slowly
to face him, and his arms readjusted to let me, still holding tight. Like he’d
never let me go.

Stop being silly, Alessa.

But after everything that
had happened…maybe I wanted to be silly. Maybe I wanted to play make-believe
and pretend the world was a better place.

I smiled up at him,
feeling shy for the first time. “Thanks, Leo.”

His blue eyes sparkled in
a way I hadn’t noticed they could do before, warmth and contentment radiating
out of them and reflecting how I felt. This close, I followed the strong lines
of his face, admiring the light stubble that had grown over his jaw until my
eyes hovered on that tempting mouth. It moved as he spoke, doing crazy things
to my libido and making me remember the
better
part of last night.

“That’s alright, princess.”
His hand came down to run through my hair, tucking it behind my ear and leaning
forward, that soft mouth coming closer and making my breath hitch.

My eyes darted up to his,
and for once I didn’t see the familiar, provocative arrogance that usually
glinted there. Instead, it felt like I was seeing some of what lay underneath -
the care and protectiveness that resonated deep within me. And an undeniable
heat and desire - making my toes curl at the promise of everything I’d ever
wanted. All my fantasies come true.

He came impossibly
closer, the line of his mouth ridiculously distracting, but I didn’t draw my
gaze away from his eyes. Anticipating. Wanting. Feeling the space narrow and
the hot, tense moment before our mouths met in the explosion of passion I
needed
.

Then he stopped, drawing
back a little and clearly thinking better of it. I bit down on the traitorous
disappointment that flared within me as his soft voice caressed my senses
again.

“You okay now, Alessa?”
His gaze showed how serious he was, the concern mixing with the heat there to
make my heart jump.

Suddenly needing space
from that intensity, I pushed back as well, nodding. “Yeah, thanks. I’m okay.”

I realized with some
surprise that it was true. Apart from the raging desire and confused emotions,
I was fine. What should have been traumatizing and horrific had barely even
registered. Any fear or terror had gone. Drowned out by this arrogant, cocky
asshole who’d come and stolen all of my thoughts and feelings for himself.

Alessa…

I heard the inner
warning, but the more time I spent around him, the less I wanted to block out
the truth. As dangerous as admitting it would be.

“Good.” He murmured,
caressing my cheek lightly before slipping out of bed.

My eyes followed the hard,
rippling muscles of his back and the shadowed lines of ink that traced across
it. I didn’t try to hide how much I enjoyed the sight, not after everything I’d
just felt…everything we’d been so close to.

Why did he stop?

I tried to ignore the
question, telling myself it was a good thing that he had, and as he left I let
myself slip from the warm, pleasant haze I’d been in. The reality of being a
hostage on the run with a murderer-slash-kidnapper was far less enjoyable than
the dream scape I’d been in, but I doubted I was going to get a choice.

By the time he came out
of the bathroom and I swapped in, I’d almost managed to shake off the lingering
feelings from spending the past couple of nights in his arms. Except that,
every time I thought about it, a shiver ran down my spine and I swore I could
feel his heat pressing against me again.

So just stop thinking
about it. He did you a favor. No nightmares. Done.

Which was made a lot
easier as he grunted at me to be quick and I dressed with disgust in my too-large,
day-old clothes. That had my irritation flaring back to life and I let myself
remember what an infuriating asshole he was. I still hated this. And clearly,
this morning hadn’t changed anything about
his
attitude.

Grumbling, I wandered
over to the window, lifting the curtains to glance outside as he finished
packing up the bag he’d brought with us - then the sight there made me gasp.

“Leo!” I spun, irritation
forgotten in sudden hope. “There’s a Wal-Mart out there!”

He looked up at me, eyes
narrowing, but I continued on before he could refuse. “C’mon, please, I just
need to get some real clothes—”

“No.” His face had closed
off, the stern expression forbidding argument.

I stepped up to him as he
stood, catching his eyes and knowing exactly what he was thinking. I didn’t
blame him, but - damn it - I was doing this.

“I’m not trying to get
away! I promise. I just want some clothes that fit me and aren’t—”

“I said no, Alessa.” His
voice was soft and dangerous. “You really think I’d let you after last night?”

A flush was working its
way up my neck, but I couldn’t tell whether it was passion or embarrassment
that was driving it. I swallowed, but clenched my hands and met his gaze, fire
for fire.

“Yes, after last night!
You said…you said you weren’t going to hurt me. That you’d let me go. After
everything that happened last night, I’m not going to run away again. I won’t
try to escape. I’ll wait until you let me go, okay? Just please, let me get
some clothes?”

My breath was coming in a
rush, and part of me wondered why this was so damn important to me - but it
was.

I held his eyes, letting
him judge my words. I couldn’t tell myself whether or not I meant it - I wasn’t
trying to escape this time, hell no, but…had I really given up for good? I
wasn’t sure what that said about me, but I wasn’t going to worry about it now.

Hopefully my uncertainty
would be enough to convince Leo that I wasn’t lying. He hesitated, and I
pressed on as I saw him wavering.

“You can watch me like a
hawk the whole time, I promise. I’ll do whatever you want - hell, hold a gun to
me, just—”

“Okay, okay.” His hands
rested on my shoulders, cutting me off from an image I really didn’t want to
think about. He looked down with amused exasperation and gave a slight shrug.
“We’ll go. But you better behave, princess.”

I nodded quickly, unable
to stop my grin in response. I hadn’t realized how much it had been bothering
me, but despite everything else he’d forced on me, the awkward, mismatched
clothes had been too much. It was more than just my self-consciousness in them
- they made me feel helpless, unable to prevent anything he insisted on,
however much I hated it. And now, I’d finally get something of my own choosing.

Plus, this had been the
first concession I’d won with him. Maybe it wasn’t much, but I’d take it.

I was still grinning as
Leo checked out and we headed across the large parking lot to the Wal-Mart on
the other side. My hat and glasses were firmly in place, Leo’s security
consciousness heightened by the fact we were in a nice place, with large TVs
and newsreels. I’d been a little disconcerted
not
to see myself on them,
and my gut churned at whatever that meant. Maybe my father thought it best to
try and find me through his own methods, without dealing with any interference
from the police? I’d certainly disappeared in…difficult circumstances.

My nerves twisted, but I
tried to shake it off. For some reason, I did believe Leo - at least at the
moment. When he’d sorted it all out, he’d let me go, and I could worry about
the consequences of all this then. With the sun shining down on us, walking
beside Leo into Wal-Mart, I could almost forget about it and pretend this was
some every-day affair.

Except for the way that
his eyes didn’t stop moving between me and all the other people around us, and
how his body pressed insistently close to mine as we made our way through the
shop.

Watch me like a hawk, I’d
said…

But I wasn’t going to
complain. I actually felt good, and I saw no reason to break that mood, even if
it was with a dose of reality.

Then we reached the
clothes racks, and any other thoughts disappeared as my grin reappeared and I
started sifting through them. Leo stopped his attached-at-the-hip routine and
stood off to one side while I took different items out and started lining them up
against me, considering.

I glanced up at him with
a sudden thought, but he was already shaking his head. “No. You’re not trying
anything on.”

“Okay.” My mouth curved
into a wry smile as I went back to what I was doing, registering the slight surprise
on his face at my easy acceptance. But I’d already pushed this far - I hadn’t
really expected him to agree to letting me disappear into  dressing rooms.
I was willing to give him a slight concession.

Then I grinned, looking
at him with a different light in my eyes. “You’ll have to help me, then.”

For the first time since
I’d met him, Leo seemed completely flustered. He raised his arms and stepped
away, protesting, but I wasn’t letting him go that easily. I grabbed him back
and started holding up different items over my body, my eyes darting between
the mirror and Leo to the side as I tried to select a few outfits.

He wasn’t very helpful -
firmly refusing to comment on anything - but a couple of times I caught his eyes
lighting with that familiar heat, and that was enough for me. As it became
obvious that this wasn’t going to be a quick fifteen-minute trip, he eventually
started to relax a little too - looking around the different stalls near us
with a little more interest and letting his gaze stray from me every so often.

Some small part of me
told me that this might be a good time to dart away, or yell kidnap into the
people moving around the shop, but I knew I wasn’t going to do it. Maybe it was
the best opportunity I’d had, but if anything went wrong…he’d never trust me
again. I didn’t have any hang-ups about breaking my word - especially not when
I’d been kidnapped - but if I did something here, it would be the last chance I
had.

Besides, after how last
night had gone, I didn’t want to run away again. I wanted something easy, and
light, and without drama. Like shopping.

I was having a surprising
amount of fun. So I ignored all the passersby who might be my lifeline and way
out of here. I didn’t think about potential escape routes, or weapons, or
plans. I thought about which colors suited me, and whether these jeans were too
small for me, and if this top went better with jeans or skirts.

It was very different
from any shopping experience I’d ever had before. My father didn’t like or care
about shopping, which should have meant my sisters and I had free reign…except
he cared very much about making sure we were presentable and that we
represented his family well. Which meant buying just the right designer items
at just the right time, and everything was artfully contrived. There was no
casually slinging a couple of items in my wardrobe together on any given day -
outfits were designed just so. And apart from the few times he wanted to draw
attention to me, everything was relatively modest.

Not that I
wanted
to show off a lot of skin. But now, looking around at all these dollar-bucket
choices my father would cringe over, the fact that I
could
was a little
overwhelming. It took me a while to work out what sort of style I wanted to go
for now that I wasn’t buying clothes for
Alessa Santini, Antonio Santini’s
daughter.

These were for Alessa.

The thought made me happy
on some strange level, and I’m sure it was only the way I kept grinning over at
him that made Leo patient for as long as he waited.

When the basket was
approaching capacity, he finally interrupted. “I think you’ve got enough, hmm?”

I looked down at the
piles of clothes, my face heating slightly, but I didn’t feel the slightest bit
ashamed. Instead I just nodded and let out a breath.

“I was wondering when you
were going to stop me.” I picked up the basket and walked over to his side
easily.

He stared at me
incredulously. “You were waiting for that?!”

I could only laugh at the
dismay on his face and I gave him a seductive swing of my hips as I walked past
him and headed straight for the check-out line. Just in case my antics changed
his mind. These clothes were going to be
mine.