Free Dangerous Proposition by Jessica Lauryn

be good to have around if I run into some trouble on the front line.”
    “Careful, Julia. That almost sounded like a compliment.”
    “Must have come out wrong,” she said, thrusting her enormous suitcase into his arms. She opened the front door, stunning him by not letting it smack him in the ass as he stepped onto the porch.
    They walked to the end of the driveway. Stepping beside his Mercedes, Colin disarmed the alarm and popped the trunk. He laid Julia’s suitcase beside his.
    Turning around, he realized he was alone. He blinked, scanning the pavement. “Julia? Dammit! Where the hell did you—”
    “Sorry!” she called, charging down the path. Two wheeling suitcases clanked behind her. “Can’t forget these. Wouldn’t want to be driving all the way back here, would we?”
    She picked up the larger of her bags, shoving it into his arms. She hopped into the passenger side of the car and slammed the door shut.
    Almost grateful to have a break from her ranting, Colin took his time loading the bags. The time it took figuring out how to fit four pieces of luggage inside his trunk was far too long, considering they’d probably only be gone for one night.
    He got into the car. Looking Julia’s way, he saw that her eyes were on the passenger window. Her face and body were turned away.
    He shook his head, moving the car away from the curb. Realizing that Julia had no intention of talking to him, he put on a CD.
    After a quick drive into town and a jet ride to New York City, he and his redheaded companion climbed into the car they would take to their evening’s destination, his CL-Class Coupe. He didn’t like the feel of the vehicle as much as his Mercedes, but he supposed he was going to have to rough it for a night.
    The closer they got to West Fifty-Fifth Street, the heavier the traffic around them became. Their speed slowed, cars in all surrounding lanes coming to a standstill.
    Colin gripped the steering wheel. Rizzo’s threat, that he would take his so-called evidence to the cops if he was late, replayed in his mind.
    “So, where are we going?” Julia asked, turning to face him.
    “To a party,” he answered shortly. Not that they would be doing much partying, per se.
    “What exactly are we supposed to be looking for at a party in Timbuktu?” she demanded. “I thought you said you had this covered.”
    “Don’t you trust me? I looked into this. There will be several men at this party who may be able to give us information about Tucker’s abduction.”
    “As far as I know, we’re not even sure whether or not he’s alive,” Julia said with a note of suspicion. “And just why would anyone from Manhattan know where my father is? We haven’t lived here for years.”
    Colin shrugged. “Your father acts as a courier for me.”
    “He does travel a lot,” she agreed. “Guess I’m just going to have to take your word for it. But so help me if this is a trick—”
    “What reason could I possibly have to trick you? I already have everything I want. A chance to prove to you that I’m not the monster you think. And you, willingly in my bed tonight.”
    She set her eyes against the dashboard. “About that. I’ve changed my mind.”
    Colin smiled to himself. Amazed by his incredible luck, he pulled into an empty parking space on the street. Clasping Julia’s kneecap, he whispered, “Too late. We’re already here.”
    She flashed him a dirty look before prying free of his grasp. Getting out of the car, she shut the door in his face.
    Several moments later, they stood in front of their destination—a tall, thin building with thirteen floors. A door, which blended in all too well with the structure’s side paneling, stood beneath the number twenty-two.
    Noting the time, Colin walked quickly toward it, urging Julia to keep up. It wouldn’t pay to be late, not that he answered to blackmailers. He led his companion to the elevator then stepped in behind her. He held his breath as they ascended.
    The