Blood Storm Read online

  He liked the way Kate felt in his arms. Liked it too much. He should pull away now before it was too late. Her lips beckoned to him like the song of a siren. She tilted her head and stared through half closed eyes, as if waiting for him to make a move. This was crazy. He needed to put distance between them. Fast. Sam cursed his legs for refusing to cooperate.

  Suddenly she was wrapping her arms around him, stroking his cheek.

  Sam froze, afraid if he moved an inch his willpower would be consumed by the flames of desire. His bulging erection pressed against the confines of tight denim, reminding him of how long it had been since he held a woman.

  Without warning, Kate’s lips pressed against his neck. Her warm breath was like a blowtorch sending white hot flames licking across his flesh, short circuiting his ability to think.

  Shit.

  A hunger beyond anything he had ever known exploded through him. It annihilated the last bit self restraint. His hands locked behind her back as his head dipped, parting her pliant lips with one deft stab of his tongue. He took her mouth with a savage intensity, exploring the warm recesses with painstaking thoroughness.

  Her eager response was immediate as she suckled his tongue, pulling it deeper into her mouth. A frenzy of desire swept through him like a raging wildfire. Sam eased her back onto the cushions. His throbbing shaft pressed against her belly, communicating his need. He imagined how good it would feel to penetrate her wet folds as his hand searched for an opening under Kate’s shirt. Finding it, his fingers quickly moved upward until they reached her breast. Cupping the velvety sphere in his palm, he teased her taut nipple, massaging it between his thumb and finger until she arched her back and moaned.

  His lips trailed down her neck and across her shoulder with mounting urgency. The buttons at the top of her shirt gave way to his forceful tug, allowing his mouth to feast on the tender flesh. Such sweet, enticing flesh. His tongue stroked her hard nub, scraping it with his teeth and then nuzzling it with his lips until her body shivered uncontrollably.

  One hand moved to her waist, then further down, deftly parting her thighs before stroking the mass of wet, dark curls.

  “Sam . . ."

  Hearing his name whispered on the cusp of burning passion heightened his senses like an aphrodisiac. And alerted him to what he was about to do.

  He lifted his head, gasping for air as he fought to control his ragged breathing. A dark obsession resonated between them like a fire breathing entity. He rested his forehead against her brow, and closed his eyes.

  “Kate.” His voice sounded more like a raspy croak. “I’m sorry. That was completely out of line.”

  She nuzzled his cheek. “But I...”

  With an abruptness intended to quell his desire, Sam stripped her arms from his neck and staggered to his feet. He hastened to the kitchen and away from Kate’s prying eyes.

  “I need to check on supper.”

  His hands were still shaking as he lifted the lid on the saucepot. That was close. Too close. He released a pent up breath. Damn, he wanted her. And he could have had her. But a woman like Kate Merrill deserved a lot more than a one night stand. Unfortunately, that was all he could give her.

  Chapter Eight

  Kate hobbled from the bedroom, following the scent of bacon as it wafted through the open door.

  “Look,” she smiled, “I can walk.”

  Sam glance up, an angry scowl darkening his craggy features. Marching to her side, he scooped her into his arms and deposited her roughly on the sofa.

  “You shouldn’t be using your leg yet.”

  Kate watched him stride purposefully to the kitchen. She smoothed the throw across her legs and stared at his back. “Gee, guess somebody didn’t sleep well.”

  Her attempt at humor evoked a dark silence. Crossing her arms, she focused on the flickering flames in the fireplace. If anyone had reason to be out of sorts this morning, it was her. The heat from last night’s encounter still radiated through her body. No one had ever kissed her like that or made her body come alive with a will of its own. Sam lured her to the brink of ecstasy - and then stopped.

  What kind of a man would do such a thing? She didn’t know whether to appreciate his old fashioned chivalry or curse it.

  At least he’d put on a pleasant front during dinner. Kate found him well versed on a variety of subjects. He even spiced up the conversation with a rare display of humor, much to her delight.

  Perhaps he was having a bad morning. Talking about painful experiences sometimes lingered in a person’s mind.

  “Sorry. I didn’t mean to snap.”

  Kate glanced up when he spoke, relieved to see a tentative smile playing at the edges of his mouth. Oh, that magical mouth.

  He looked handsome in the morning light. His freshly shaven face paired perfectly with the damp golden hair, slicked back and glistening from a recent shower. He caught her staring and tilted his head. The intensity that flashed from cobalt pools brought a slight flush to her face.

  “The blizzard seems to be losing some of its strength.”

  Her bright observation only deepened the frown creasing his brow. “The worse should be over by afternoon.”

  Kate tugged the plaid shirt closer to her neck, clearing her throat to get his attention. “I don’t suppose you have any sweat pants I could borrow? I feel a little silly in your shirt and socks.”

  “I might have a pair with an adjustable drawstring,” he replied. “Anything of mine is going to swallow you.” He busied himself over the stove without looking up. “If the storm lets up by early afternoon, I’ll make a trip to the plane and look for your knapsack.”

  Kate felt a surge of relief. “I left it beside the tree.”

  A grin began to creep across his lips before being doused by a sip of coffee.

  “Something smells delicious,” she said, hobbling to the counter and easing onto a barstool.

  Sam placed a mug and plate in front of her. “Hope you like your eggs scrambled.”

  She nodded, waiting until he sat his own plate next to her before stuffing a forkful of egg into her mouth. “Yum! It’s delicious. You’re an excellent cook, Sam.”

  “You’re just hungry,” he mumbled, topping off her mug with hot coffee. “But that’s good. It means you won’t be too critical of my culinary skills.”

  “How could I complain? I would be dead if you hadn’t found me.”

  “Let’s not think about that,” he ordered brusquely. Sam pushed the food around on his plate as if lost in thought. “I’ll repair the antenna on the radio before I go. Hopefully we’ll have reception so I can arrange an airlift. Base can pick you up before the next storm rolls in.”

  Kate smiled as she leaned forward to touch his hand. “That would be wonderful. I’ll buy you dinner as soon as we’re back in civilization.”

  Sam pulled away without looking up. “I won’t be going. My job is here on the mountain. The rangers are prepared to take care of your injuries. I’ll make sure they book a flight for you to Atlanta.”

  “I can’t leave without my Dad’s package,” she protested weakly.

  “If all goes well, you’ll have it this afternoon.”

  Kate stirred uneasily in her seat. “Why can’t you take me to Atlanta? I’ll pay for your protection.”

  His eyes narrowed. “I’m not a bodyguard, Kate. I’m a retired cop who wants to stay retired. Thanks for the offer but no thanks.”

  He shrugged and resumed pushing his food around on his plate.

  Kate swallowed her disappointment. He might think the discussion was over but it wasn’t. “I mean it, Sam. I didn’t realize I was in trouble until my plane was attacked. I could use your assistance.” She thought of the money her father had left her. It was a sizeable sum. “I can compensate you well for your time.”

  “I don’t work personal security. If you like, I can write down a couple of names who hire out as bodyguards.”

  The hard tone in his voice surprised her but not as much as
the fact that he was refusing to help her.

  Kate took a deep breath and rose to her feet. “Don’t worry about it. I’m capable of taking care of myself. A bodyguard is the last thing I need. I simply wanted to show appreciation for your rescue efforts and thought you could use the extra money. I was wrong.” As their gazes locked, she caught a flicker of uncertainty in his dark eyes. “I’m going to freshen up a bit.” She threw up a hand when he rose to offer assistance.

  “Kate. . .”

  “I’m healing quite nicely, Sam. I don’t need your help. You’ve done more than enough.”

  With a frosty glare that rivaled the freezing temperatures outside, she limped toward the bathroom and closed the door.

  Seconds later, the sting of hot tears threatened to spill from her eyes.

  “Stupid, stupid, stupid!” Sam was a loner. He’d made that clear. And yet she’d succumbed to a dangerous attraction and let it compromise her actions. He set her senses on fire last night and she wanted more. His touch had ignited a long neglected need that refused to be ignored.

  Kate slumped against the bathroom sink. She conceded her disappointment had more to do with their imminent separation than his refusal to be her bodyguard.

  After splashing cold water on her face and dabbing it dry with a hand towel, Kate followed the sound of static to the kitchen. Sam sat in front of a short wave radio adjusting knobs. He acknowledged her appearance with a quick glance over his shoulder.

  “I fixed the antenna. I think I can get a signal if the wind will lay for a bit.” A series of high pitched whines and pops seemed to please him as he pulled the microphone closer. “Base One, this is Mountain King. Can you read me?”

  “Mountain King?”

  Sam shrugged at her derisive tone. “That’s my handle. It was their idea, not mine.”

  A voice broke through the static. “Mountain King. Base One, here. How’s the blizzard on Mount Olympus?”

  “It’s beginning to subside. You should come up for a few months. I could use help shoveling snow off my roof.”

  Kate was intrigued by the warmth in their banter. So Sam Holden had a friend, after all.

  “No, thanks. One crazy person living up there is enough.”

  “How about a weather report?” Sam’s voice was edged with concern.

  “It’s still blowing a gale force at lower elevations. We’re expecting a break but another front is on its way from the Northwest. Looks like your antenna won’t be up for long.”

  A deep, throaty chuckle followed the announcement. “Story of my life! I’ve gotten a lot of practice putting it back up this year.” He glanced over his shoulder as Kate stepped forward. “Listen, Drake, I’ve got a winter visitor up here with some injuries. How long before you can send the whirlybird for an airlift?”

  “Damn, Holden, what the hell was someone doing on the mountain during a blizzard? How bad is he?”

  “Not a he. A she. And nothing life threatening. Her plane went down during the storm. I’ve got her hypothermia and external injuries stabilized.”

  “She?” A snicker followed. “You sure know how to attract ‘em. Now you’ve got women falling out of the sky to get to you.”

  Kate stiffened. Sam was a player? No wonder he was such a great kisser.

  “Not funny, buddy.” Sam’s voice cut through the static but Drake continued to tease. “There was a fatality.”

  Drake’s voice instantly took on a serious tone. “Sorry. I didn’t realize there was more than one occupant in the aircraft.”

  “The pilot died on impact. She was the only passenger. Can you get a ‘copter up this afternoon?”

  “Negative, Holden. We’re experiencing the tail end of the blizzard. I can’t authorize my men to take off in these winds. It’s too dangerous. I’ll see what I can do about getting an airlift scheduled for tomorrow or the next day.”

  “Tomorrow would be great. She’s . . . anxious to be on her way.”

  “No doubt. What’s the N-number on the plane? I’ll run an I.D. check and notify the pilot’s family.”

  Sam read off the registration number he had jotted down at the wreckage. A forceful nudge sent him whirling around.

  “Aren’t you going to tell him about my attack? I want a police investigation into Pete’s death.”

  Before Sam could answer, the radio crackled with the ranger’s voice.

  “Hey, Holden, just a minute. Robert checked the list of flight plans filed from last week. I don’t see a posting for a small craft in your area. Are you sure you gave me the correct registration number?”

  “Ten four, pardner.”

  “What the hell was the pilot thinking? If your survivor had crashed on any other mountain, she would have frozen to death before help arrived. You’re the only fool I know who wants to live at nine thousand feet in the dead of winter.”

  “I don’t think the pilot filed a flight plan. It was supposed to be a quick hop over the mountain to Reno. He was doing a special charter for a gambling junket. You can get the rest of the info from the girl when you pick her up.”

  Kate took a step back. He was covering up the attack. Why?

  The radio crackled. “Do we need a body bag for the pilot?”

  Kate pressed her lips together until they were little more than a thin line. “Tell him about the attack.” Her voice had risen to an angry demand, causing Sam to jump to his feet and tower menacingly over her.

  “Let me handle this.”

  “You’re not telling them the truth. What’s the matter? Are you afraid your precious mountain will be overrun by detectives if they find out what really happened?”

  She could see the fury building in Sam’s face. The muscles in his jaw twitched erratically as his eyes narrowed with a dangerous glint. Kate braced herself for a physical reaction.

  “Holden? You still copy?”

  He shot her a warning glance before turning back to the radio. “Yeah, I’m here,” he snapped tersely. “The pilot’s body is at the crash site. The plane is wedged fifteen feet off the ground so it’s protected from predators. I’ll bring the corpse here for pickup in a few days. The freezing temperatures will keep it intact til you can recover it.”

  “What about the woman? Do we need to notify family members of her situation?”

  Kate attempted to yank the mike from his hand but he ripped it from her fingers. “Jeff! Tell him to contact Jeff.”

  Sam ignored her outburst, shielding the microphone with his hand. “She has no family. There’s no one to notify.”

  Kate’s eyes grew wide with disbelief. “I can’t believe you just said that.” Shock and anger raced across her face. “What the hell is wrong with you?”

  The ranger’s voice sputtered through the speaker. “Ok, Holden. I’ll be in touch tomorrow. Over and out.”

  “Answer me!” She was so furious she could barely speak. “Why did you deliberately mislead him?”

  Sam turned around, his teeth bared with controlled fury. Refusing to show weakness, Kate lifted her chin and met his gaze evenly. They waged a silent battle, each defiant in the challenge.

  “A shortwave radio has open air waves. We don’t know who is listening to our conversation.” His mouth curled with a cruel smile. “Your friends with the big guns are probably monitoring all radio frequencies to see if your plane has been discovered.”

  She felt the blood drain from her face. “Then. . .why did you use the radio?”

  “Because you need to get out of here. Once you reach Reno, the police can put you in protective custody. By playing dumb about how your plane crashed and where you were going, your assailants won’t feel a sense of urgency to come charging up the mountain. Hopefully, they’ll wait until you get back to civilization before making another attempt on your life.”

  “Oh, I see,” she fumed sarcastically. “You’re concerned about your own safety and your precious solitude. Why didn’t you just leave me out in the blizzard to die?” She whirled around, flinging a stinging retort
over her shoulder. “You can rot on this damn mountain for all I care.”

  Sam flew to his feet, snaring her wrist with his hand. His fingers bit into her flesh as he spun her around.

  “It’s not about me,” he snarled. “I’m only one man. You’re going to need a damn army if these guys decide to come after you again.” His grip slowly relaxed as he struggled to control his anger. “I don’t know what kind of trade secrets your father was sending to this woman in Atlanta, but someone out there wants to stop the delivery and they’re going to kill anyone who gets in their way. I’m just trying to keep you alive.”

  Kate’s stomach knotted as she withered under his glare. He was right. She had misread his actions.

  “I’m sorry, Sam. I shouldn’t have jumped to conclusions.”

  She watched the rise and fall of his chest as he struggled to control his breathing. His eyes seemed melt into her.

  “And I should have told you why I was being evasive. Friends?”

  Kate felt a familiar tug at her insides. “Friends. I suppose I have no other choice than to relax and enjoy my stay at Hotel Holden.”

  This time his smile was genuine, widening across his face. “Best damn lodge in the west.”

  Folding her hand in his large palm, his thumb rotated across her wrist in slow, caressing circles. Kate felt a stirring in her lower limbs as her breathing quickened to the rhythm of his touch.

  “I promise I’ll get you safely off the mountain. Don’t worry. Those guys are not coming back.”

  She believed him. Or at least, she believed that Sam believed it. And there was a big difference between the two.

  “Now if you’ll excuse me, I’m going to prepare the Polaris for a run.”

  Kate limped to the sofa as Sam extracted a black quilted snow suit from the closet. She admired the way corded muscles rippled across his back as he pulled the leg over his jeans. Sam was a strange mixture of heroic valor and vulnerable little boy, and she was completely fascinated by both.

  A half hour later, Kate watched from the window as he disappeared in a roaring cloud of white dust. For the first time since she awoke confused and naked in Sam’s bed, she was awed by the complete silence of the cabin. The only sounds came from the crackling wood in the fireplace.