Dangerous Delusion Read online

  “I wasn’t blaming him.” Clyde narrowed his eyes and glared at Nick.

  “It sounded like it to me.” Lora bent over the table. “Clyde, when my dad died you were there to help us through everything, and I appreciate it very much, but don’t you ever speak to Nick with such disrespect again.”

  Lora spun on her heels and stomped toward the kitchen. It was the sexiest damn thing he’d ever seen in his life. As he turned back to the table the expression on Clyde’s face was laughable. He seemed furious that Lora spoke to him with such anger, and that made the hair stand up on the back of his neck. He looked like a typical pencil pushing nerd sporting a Dr. Phil haircut.

  “I apologize, Mr. O’Connor.” Clyde almost seemed to choke on the words.

  “It’s okay Mr. Spencer, but just so you know, we're going to find this guy, and when we do he’ll pay for every one of those women’s deaths.” Nick meant what he said, but he also wanted to see if his statement got any reaction out of Clyde.

  “I hope you do.” His voice was almost a whisper.

  Nick stepped back as Jess appeared with the order for the table. He nodded to Sheila and made his way to the kitchen. As he stepped through the door, his mother nodded toward Alice’s office.

  “I can’t believe he was such an ass to you.” Lora stopped pacing when Nick entered the office.

  “Sweetheart, he lost a friend, and he’s probably hurting as much as you are.” She rested her head on his shoulder as soon as he pulled her into his arms.

  “Clyde doesn’t have feelings.” Lora snorted.

  “Why do you say that?” Nick rubbed his hand up and down her back feeling her relax as he did.

  “He treated all his staff as if they were idiots. My dad almost came to blows with him the first year Clyde became principal.” Lora pulled back and looked up at Nick.

  “Over what?” Nick was curious as to why a teacher would be so angry it would almost get physical.

  “Mom said it was something about the way he treated the female teachers, but Dad just said it was because Clyde had a stick up his ass.” Lora smiled.

  “Did he ever say anything to you?” Nick tucked a stray piece of hair behind her ear.

  “He knew better.” Lora scoffed.

  “Because of your dad?” Nick smiled.

  “You’ve never seen a picture of my father, have you?” Lora smirked.

  “No, but I’m guessing since he coached sports, and from the size of your brother, he wasn’t a very small man.” Nick laughed.

  “Dad was about your height. Not as muscular, but next to Clyde, my dad looked like Arnold Schwarzenegger.” Lora sighed.

  “Did Clyde ever say anything after your dad died?” Nick saw the light come on in her eyes.

  “You think Clyde could be the guy?” Lora stepped back and stared up at him.

  “He’s a little odd, and I get a strange vibe from him.” Nick shoved his hands into his front pockets.

  “He is odd, but I seriously doubt he would hurt anyone.” Lora seemed as if she was trying more to convince herself then him.

  “Was he on the list that you gave us?” Nick was going to have Cory check into the school principal.

  “I think so.” Lora leaned against the desk and gripped the edge with her hands. “You have to find Dulce’s little girl, Nick.”

  The tears in her eyes appeared again, and it broke his heart. It was obvious she felt guilt over the missing child, and if he thought about it, so did he. How could he not? They hadn’t found whoever was killing these women and leaving their children motherless.

  “We have every available officer searching for her as well as a lot of Keith’s guys.” Nick grasped her shoulders.

  “But will they find her in time.” Lora choked out the words and then threw herself into his arms. “I held that little girl in my arms when Dulce brought her to the school for a visit, Nick. I have pictures of her with me. Dulce was my friend, and she’s gone, and it’s all my …. fault.” Lora’s body tensed.

  “This isn’t your fault, baby.” Nick held her against him. “The only one at fault is the sick bastard doing this.”

  They needed to find out who was doing this, because until they did, Lora would keep blaming herself. Especially if anyone else was killed.

  What was he going to do?

  He knocked on the door to the small house and waited for the owner to answer. He grew more impatient as he rapped again. Someone was home since the television was loud enough he could hear it through the door.

  “Jesus H Christ, I’m coming, God damn it,” A raspy voice shouted from inside the house.

  He stepped back with the door opened and a man that looked to be in his seventies stood with a cane in one hand. The man was hunched over and tiny, and if the wind blew too hard, the old bastard would probably fall over.

  “What the hell do you want?” The man snapped.

  “Good afternoon, sir. I’ve been sent from the senior center to talk to you about…” He got cut off by the man.

  “I’m not interested in anything from that damn center. It’s nothing but a bunch of suck-ups trying to get a good reputation.” The man started to close the door.

  He couldn’t let this man stop him from his plan. He needed to stay in the house to keep on eye on his love until he could figure out how to rescue her.

  “But, sir…” The man cut him off again.

  “Are you deaf? I said I’m not interested.” The man started to close the door.

  He knew he could take the old man but didn’t want anyone to hear the man if he shouted for help. There was a fair bit of distance between where they kept her and this old bastard’s house, but he couldn’t take a chance.

  Before the man could close the door, he kicked the door, and the man fell to the floor. As luck should have it, he was able to get inside and close the door before the man got his wits about him. He stood over the man and pointed a knife at the man’s face.

  “If you keep your mouth shut, I won’t hurt you.” He growled at the elderly man.

  “Okay... Okay. Take what you want. I don’t got much.” The man stammered over his words.

  “I don’t want your crap. I need to stay here for a few days until I can get what I need.” He grabbed the man’s hand and pulled him to his feet.

  Thirty minutes later he had the man secured to an old recliner. He told the old fart that he’d gag him if he made a sound, and from what he saw the man wasn’t going to make a peep. The old man pissed himself when he saw the knife.

  The house was small, but it was perfect for him to be able to sneak back and forth to keep an eye on her. He thought about telling her he was close by, but that would only send her captors into a frenzy, and they’d spoil his rescue.

  No, he’d been patient for the most part. He couldn’t screw this up now that he was so close to saving her and spending his life making her happy.

  “Soon my love,” He whispered as he peeped through the window.

  Chapter 19

  Lora sank into the hot bath water and let the lilac scent invade her senses. The bubble bath always helped her relax after a long day, but the only thing she saw when she closed her eyes was Dulce and poor little Alexa.

  Their pictures had been plastered all over the papers and news programs all day long. She was pretty sure if she still had social media that it would be all over that as well. Nick told her the police tried to get in touch with Alexa’s dad, but he was currently out of town. He and Dulce had joint custody of the little girl.

  Her eyes were closed when there was a soft knock on the bathroom door. She opened her eyes as her mother stuck her head in through the door.

  “I don’t want to disturb your bath, but Nick’s sister-in-law is here, and wants to know if Molly could spend the night with Gracie.”

  Before Lora could respond, Molly burst into the bathroom. She jumped around and squealed about packing a bag and princess movies.

  “Oh, Mommy. My very first sleepover. I need pajamas, and I
got to take Gus. Mommy, I’m so happy.” Molly clapped her hands excitedly.

  “Honey, I don’t know if…” Lora started, but her mother interrupted.

  “Sandy said to tell you Molly will have a great time.” Her mother then mouthed the words ‘she’ll be safe’ when Molly turned away from her.

  “Please, Mommy. Please.” Molly knelt next to the bathtub with her hands folded as if she was praying.

  Lora sat up in the bathtub and cupped her daughter’s little face. She didn't want to be away from Molly, but the little girl was so excited about sleeping over to her friend’s house.

  “Okay, sweetie. Let me get out of the bath and pack your bag.” Lora started to stand, but her mother held up a bag.

  “Already done.” Her mom grinned. “I’m going to Daphne’s again tonight, and Ethan is coming with me.”

  Molly kissed Lora and ran out of the room shouting to someone in the living room. She assumed it was Sandy. It was strange for her mother to go to Daphne’s house when it wasn’t Thursday.

  “Mom, why do I get the feeling you’re up to something?” Lora pulled her knees up to her chest.

  “I’m just giving you some time to yourself. Do me a favor and forget everything for a while.” Her mother bent down to kiss her forehead.

  When her mother closed the bathroom door as she left, Lora sat back in the bath and stared at the door. This was the first time she’d be alone with Nick for more than a few minutes. Could she do what her mother asked and forget about everything, and just enjoy being with him?

  She certainly wanted to, because her body craved him. Ached for him. Lora wanted his touch, his kiss, his warm naked body against hers. She’d never wanted anyone as much as she did Nick.

  She lifted her leg out of the water and rested against the side of the tub. The sudden realization she needed to do some significant body maintenance hit her like a ton of bricks. She sat straight up in the tub and hoped Nick didn’t get tired of waiting for her to finish.

  In less than an hour, she was smooth, dry and dressed in a tank top and jean shorts. Before she walked out of her room, Lora took several deep breaths and glanced around to make sure it wasn’t a mess. Not that he hadn't seen her room already.

  Lora found Nick in the kitchen singing along to a Luke Bryan song playing on the local country station. He turned around, and his eyes traveled down her body and back up again.

  “I’m not a country girl. I’m a Newfie girl, and I’m not shaking anything.” Lora grinned as she walked toward him.

  “That’s fine with me.” Nick wrapped his arms around her waist and pulled her against him.

  “You look pleased with yourself.” Lora glanced around him to the stove.

  “I’ve got some good news, and I’ve made supper. Why wouldn’t I be pleased with myself?” Nick winked.

  “Supper smells amazing, but I could use some good news.” Lora slid her hands up over his chest and around his neck.

  “Alexa was found. She’s safe and sound. She was on vacation with her dad in Ontario.” Nick’s thumbs gently glided up and down her spine.

  “That’s great news. Although now the poor little thing has to deal with losing her mom.” Lora tried to keep her emotions under control.

  “At least she has her dad.” Nick kissed her forehead. “But for tonight, can we have a nice supper, and enjoy a night alone.”

  “I’ve wanted to be alone with you for a long time.” Lora stood up on her toes and pressed her lips against his.

  “If you keep kissing me, I think supper may have to wait.” Nick moaned when her tongue glided across his lower lip.

  “Nick, I want you.” Lora didn’t care about supper because the only thing she wanted was him.

  “I want you too, but you haven’t eaten all day.” Nick’s voice sounded strangled as she moved her mouth across his jaw to his earlobe.

  “I can eat later,” Lora whispered into his ear.

  “Fuck,” Nick shivered when she sucked his earlobe into her mouth.

  “That sounds good to me.” Lora purred against his neck.

  “Lora, you’re killing me.” Nick’s hands cupped her ass, and he squeezed as he pulled her against his hard body.

  She could feel his arousal against her stomach, and it only urged her on more. Lora nibbled her way down his neck and across his shoulder through his t-shirt. Nick’s face nuzzled the crook of her neck, and his mouth did amazing things to the skin on her shoulder.

  “Lock the door.” Lora groaned as she forced herself to pull away from him. “I’ll meet you in my room.”

  Before she turned and practically ran out of the kitchen, she glanced at his groin. If the bulge there was any indication of how big he was, she was about to become a very lucky woman.

  Lora sat at the foot of the bed and leaned back with her hands behind her. Her heart pounded in her chest, and her body felt as if it vibrated with anticipation. She wanted Nick so badly.

  Nick’s muffled voice floated in from the front door and disappointment poured over her. They were going to be interrupted, and if that was the case, it wasn’t going to be good news.

  Lora flopped back, laying flat on the bed. She was sure Nick was about to come in and say they had company. Her eyes closed when he entered the room, but when she heard the click of the door, Lora opened one eye and peeked at him.

  “Who were you talking to?” Lora turned onto her side and rested her chin on her hand when she saw he was alone.

  “I told Hulk we’re calling it a night.” Nick reached behind his head and yanked his t-shirt over his head in that sexy way that men do.

  Lora barely contained the gasp as she took in his hard chest and defined abdominal muscles. His body could be used on the cover of a romance novel or fitness magazine. Nick was hard muscle and tanned skin perfection. Her gaze went to the tattoo on the left side of his chest. It wasn’t English, and for a moment she wondered what it said. At least until he unbuckled his belt.

  “Are you just going to watch me undress?” Nick opened the button of his jeans.

  “It’s become my favorite thing.” Lora grinned.

  “Do you know what my favorite thing is?” Nick unzipped his jeans but stopped there as he stalked toward the bed.

  “From the look of your body, working out comes to mind.” Lora pushed up to her knees and kept her eyes locked with his.

  “Kissing you.” Nick cupped the back of her head and covered her mouth with his.

  His tongue plunged into her mouth, muffling the groan that escaped. Nick’s arms wrapped around her waist and pulled her body flush against his. Lora could feel the heat of his skin through her tank top, and she snaked her arms around him, trying to press her body even closer. All the months of wanting him, craving him, had her frantic to feel his skin against hers.

  “Fuck, Lora, baby.” Nick gasped when he pulled his mouth away from hers. “I can’t get close enough to you.”

  Nick lowered them both to the bed as one of his hands slipped under the waistband of her shorts and cupped her bare ass. She could feel the coldness of his zipper against her belly, but it didn’t do anything to tame the fire she felt inside.

  Lora tipped her head back so she could see his face. He met her gaze for a moment, but when she ran her tongue across her top lip and bit her lower lip his eyes flared with arousal.

  “As much as I don’t want to move away from you right now, I want your clothes gone. I need to feel your skin against mine.” Nick pulled away from her.

  Lora was out of her shorts and tank in ten seconds. Nick chuckled as she tossed them over her shoulder. When she removed her bra and knelt in front of him in just a lacey thong, he growled.

  “You’re so fucking beautiful.” Nick reached for her, but she straddled his legs and grabbed the waist of his jeans.

  “You’re pretty beautiful yourself, but if I’m down to my skivvies, I won’t be alone.” Lora scooted down his legs as she struggled to remove his jeans.

  The only thing between t
hem once she’d tossed his jeans aside, was the very sheer thong she wore, and his boxer briefs. Lora kept her gaze locked with his as her hands gently massaged the hard muscle of his thighs. Nick cursed as her hands glided up the length of his legs until her fingers reached the leg opening.

  “You’re killing me, baby.” Nick propped himself on his elbows making the muscles in his stomach flex.

  “I’m only getting started.” Lora smiled.

  She’d always been very open sexually, and was never shy about what she wanted, or what she was willing to do. She was self-conscious of her body since Molly was born, but with Nick, all that self-doubt disappeared.

  The way he looked at her made her feel beautiful and sexy. A way she hadn’t felt in a long time. The last couple of partners she had didn't do much to make her feel very beautiful. Especially when they pointed out her imperfections.

  “You do know it’s illegal to torture a police officer.” Nick grinned.

  “I haven’t even started the torture yet, Officer O'Connor.” Lora grabbed the waist of his boxers and slid them slowly down his muscular legs.

  She wasn’t wrong about Nick’s package, because he was gifted in that department. Hell, who was she kidding the man was gifted everywhere. His underwear flew over her head, and she forced his legs apart with her knee.

  Nick’s grin disappeared when her tongue glided up one inner thigh and then back down the other. She did it several times inching closer and closer to his sack.

  “You know what payback is right?” Nick gasped as her tongue flicked lightly against the side of his balls.

  “I guess I better make this good then.” Lora licked from the bottom of his sack to the tip of his throbbing erection.

  “Fuck,” Nick’s head dropped back, and the word came out strangled.

  “Not yet, but definitely later.” Lora licked around the head a couple of times and then sucked it into her mouth.

  “Lora, fuck…. baby. I … God…. I love this, but I need to be inside you.” Nick stammered over the words in between her licks and sucks.