Chaos Read online

  An Ellora’s Cave Romantica Publication

  www.ellorascave.com

  Chaos

  ISBN 9781419922275

  ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

  Chaos Copyright © 2009 Barbara Huffert

  Edited by Helen Woodall

  Cover art by Syneca

  Electronic book Publication September 2009

  The terms Romantica® and Quickies® are registered trademarks of Ellora’s Cave Publishing.

  With the exception of quotes used in reviews, this book may not be reproduced or used in whole or in part by any means existing without written permission from the publisher, Ellora’s Cave Publishing, Inc.® 1056 Home Avenue, Akron OH 44310-3502.

  Warning: The unauthorized reproduction or distribution of this copyrighted work is illegal. No part of this book may be scanned, uploaded or distributed via the Internet or any other means, electronic or print, without the publisher’s permission. Criminal copyright infringement, including infringement without monetary gain, is investigated by the FBI and is punishable by up to 5 years in federal prison and a fine of $250,000. (http://www.fbi.gov/ipr/). Please purchase only authorized electronic or print editions and do not participate in or encourage the electronic piracy of copyrighted material. Your support of the author’s rights is appreciated.

  This book is a work of fiction and any resemblance to persons, living or dead, or places, events or locales is purely coincidental. The characters are productions of the authors’ imagination and used fictitiously.

  Chaos

  Barbara Huffert

  Dedication

  For Courtney, the daughter I meant to have.

  Trademarks Acknowledgement

  The author acknowledges the trademarked status and trademark owners of the following wordmarks mentioned in this work of fiction:

  Chuck E. Cheese’s: Showbiz Merchandising, Inc.

  National Guard: Army National Guard

  Secret Squirrel: Hanna-Barbera Productions, Inc.

  Superman: Detective Comics, Inc.

  Victoria’s Secret: Victoria’s Secret Stores Brand Management, Inc.

  Chapter One

  The clanking of metal against metal shattered the early morning silence. Shane McKade felt the stiffness in his shoulder and the pressure on his wrist as he tried, unsuccessfully, to lower his arm.

  A feminine groan, followed by an extremely unfeminine string of obscenities, came from beneath the covers next to him. “What the fuck are you trying to do, McKade, pull my arm off?”

  Shane’s brown eyes locked with luminescent green. He muttered his own set of obscenities. “Campini? What the hell are you doing here?”

  “I was sleeping until you so rudely woke me.”

  “This isn’t happening. I must be dreaming. Yeah, that’s it. I’m dreaming.”

  “Why?” Alyssa Campini glared at him. “Is finding me in your bed so repulsive? That’s not what you implied last night.”

  “Yes. No. Damn! I don’t fucking believe this.” Shane managed to sit up, relieving some of the tension on his shoulder.

  Alyssa squirmed upward to face him. “What exactly don’t you believe? The fact that we ended up here at all or the fact that I didn’t slink off during the night, as I assume, from your reaction, your other partners do? In case you haven’t noticed, that was impossible but if me being here annoys you so much, uncuff me and I’ll go.”

  “Uncuff you?” he said with disbelief.

  “What?” she demanded, scowling.

  “Me. Uncuff you. As in, you didn’t grab the key last night with the cuffs.”

  His words sank in. “Where is it?”

  “Over there, on the dresser with my badge and cell phone.” He pointed to the other side of the room. “And, for reasons I’ll never understand, you weren’t happy to hook us to just the bed. No, that we could have managed. You just had to be thorough and loop the cuffs around the pipe too.”

  “Why is that pipe there anyway?”

  “It’s an old building, who knows?”

  “Well? What are you going to do?”

  “What am I going to do?”

  “Yes, you. You’re the cop. Do something!”

  “I’m the cop?”

  “You know, McKade, this habit you’ve developed of repeating everything I say is getting old. It’s not helping. Can’t you pick the lock somehow?”

  “I could if I had a paperclip maybe. We’re in bed, Campini.”

  “I know where we are. Don’t you have something in your nightstand you can use?”

  “I doubt it but shift your arm this way as far as you can and I’ll look.” Alyssa pushed her hand behind the pipe in order to give him as much leverage as she could. “Nothing.”

  “Where’s your gun? I thought all cops slept with their guns under their pillows.”

  “You watch too much TV. My gun is locked in my gun safe where it belongs. What good would it do us anyway?”

  “You could shoot off the link between the cuffs.” Shane stared in disbelief. “Come on, McKade. Do something! You’re the cop.”

  “You keep saying that like its significant. Yes, Campini, I am a cop. That doesn’t make me Houdini. You’re a photographer. Why don’t you come up with something?”

  “Argh,” she growled in frustration. “This is all your fault!”

  “My fault! You’re the one who snapped on the cuffs.”

  “Well, you sure as hell didn’t stop me! In fact, you didn’t seem to think any of this was such a bad idea last night.”

  “Yeah, well, it was different last night.”

  “Why?” she demanded hotly.

  “I don’t know. Maybe it was the romantic feel of the entire day or the moonlight on the patio while we were dancing or that you looked so soft and feminine in that dress.”

  “Oh so that’s why you started kissing me.”

  “No, I kissed you to stop you from biting my head off every other minute.”

  “What’s your excuse for bringing me here?”

  “Lust? Why did you come with me?”

  “Your kisses had me hot. I wanted you. When I want someone and he’s willing and unattached, I see no need to be shy.”

  “You, shy.” He snorted. “Now that’s a laugh. You carry your medical records in your car for Christ’s sake.”

  “Ooh,” she scowled. “You were just as quick to produce yours so why don’t you just shut up!”

  Shane caught her hand as she took a swing at him. “Lighten up, Campini. Can’t a guy tease you even when we’re in a predicament like this?”

  Alyssa stared at him silently, frowning at his lame attempt at humor. Finally, she asked, “How are we going to get out of this?”

  “I don’t know yet. The phone’s nowhere near where it usually is this morning. We must have bumped it at some point.”

  “What about my purse? I half remember dropping it in here since we had it so tangled around my wrist.” She tried to scan the floor on his side of the room.

  “It’s over here,” he said, surprised when she leaned across him to see exactly where it was. “Careful there.”

  Alyssa’s face showed that she realized the position they were in. They were naked, in his bed and she was sprawled across him. Her free hand was on the other side of him, putting her arm precariously close to his groin. Her naked breasts were pressed against his hard stomach. “Damn it, McKade. Would you concentrate?”

  “I am concentrating.” He caught her chin and forced her to look at him. “Just probably not on what you want at the moment.”

  Alyssa couldn’t resist. “How do you know what I want?”

  “I was under the impression that you find my company a lot less desirable this morning and are ready to get out of here. Am I wrong?”

  “I never said you we
re undesirable.”

  “So you still want me?” He had her pinned tightly against his chest.

  “Maybe.” She grinned. “And apparently you aren’t all that disinterested in me this morning after all.” She stared at him until he knew that she had noticed his erection.

  “I’m a guy. What do you expect to happen when there’s a naked woman crawling all over me?” He grinned in return.

  “Meaning last night was just another night for you and it would have been the same no matter who you were with?”

  “Hey, you’re the one who said all it takes for you is a willing body.”

  “You forgot the part about me wanting you, you ignorant bastard!” They glared at each other for a long moment. “See if you can reach my purse.”

  Dragging his eyes from hers, he muttered, “Whatever.”

  Shane shifted to dangle his foot over the edge to attempt to snare the purse. “Can you give me any more slack?” Alyssa wedged her arm even tighter behind the pipe. “Give me your other hand. I think I can reach it but you’re going to have to hold onto me to keep me from falling off the bed. If you don’t, I might break both our arms.” Stretching as far as he could and using Alyssa for balance, he finally hooked the strap with his toe. “Got it!”

  Shane’s attempts caused the sheet to slip off him. Alyssa waited, trying unsuccessfully to keep her eyes averted until he covered himself again before she yanked her cell phone from her purse. “Okay, now who do we call? How about one of your cop buddies? Does one of them have a key to your apartment? Or the fire department? They can break in.”

  “No keys other than my family’s. Besides, if I called one of the guys I work with this would turn into a dirty joke and be all over the station by the time I get to work Monday. Same with calling the fire department.”

  “What is it with you, McKade? You afraid they’ll laugh at you? Are you embarrassed to be found like this? Or is it that you’re with me?” Her voice dripped with venom.

  “Give me a little credit here, Campini. I’m sure this whole thing will be humorous eventually. Not now, of course but I imagine we’ll both laugh about it someday. I don’t want it to get around because I’m being discreet for your sake. They all know my brother married the camera babe’s cousin and I’ve already heard comments.”

  “Camera babe?”

  “Yeah, that’s what you’ve been called ever since you started working on the book with the gang members. Depending on who says it though, the name can take on a wide variety of meanings.”

  “What does it mean when you say it?” She was curious.

  “It depends on how recently you’ve pissed me off. But from now on, I’m sure I won’t be able to refrain from grinning a little when you come up in a conversation. Why?”

  “Just wondered.” She wouldn’t look at him. “Who can we call?”

  “As I see it, we only have two choices that will preserve your reputation. Either my parents, since they aren’t going home until later, or Brett. He has a key to Jordan’s so he could go get the one for here.”

  “Your parents? I’ll chew off your hand first. Or Brett? You can’t be serious! I thought you just said you were worried about my reputation. Not that I really care much what people think of me but frankly, I’d rather take my chances with the guys you work with than with him.”

  “Well, I care! My personal life is private. You’re part of that now, whether you intended to be or not, so that means what we did last night and may or may not do again is no one’s business but ours. You are also a member of my sister-in-law’s family so I prefer not to inspire speculation about your performance. What do you have against Brett anyway? Surely you can’t still be annoyed by the way he spouted his opinion of both of us back on your birthday. He only did that to keep us from barging in on Jordan and Kiley.” Shane waited but she remained silent. “He’s okay, Campini. He’ll tease the hell out of us when he catches either of us alone but he really won’t bring it up in front of anyone else. Is that it or is there something else going on in that offbeat mind of yours?”

  “Offbeat mind! What the hell does that mean?” She was back to glaring.

  “Calm down. Jeez, you are the touchiest female I’ve ever met. I meant that in the most complimentary way.”

  “Yeah, right, offbeat is complimentary.” She rolled her eyes. “Fine, do it your way. Call Brett. Just get on with it.”

  “In a hurry to go somewhere?” Shane wasn’t sure where the roller coaster of her thoughts would head next.

  “Not particularly but my arm is going numb and I can barely feel my fingers.”

  “I’m still not exactly sure why you handcuffed us,” he commented as he called Brett. “Morning, sunshine. Did I wake you?”

  “Shane? What time is it? What’s wrong?” Brett Hudson answered, fighting to overcome the sleep-induced grogginess.

  “It’s just after five and I need a tremendous favor.”

  “At five a.m.? Man, this better be good,” Brett grumbled to his self-appointed older brother.

  “Oh, I’m sure you’ll get so much amusement out of this that you’ll find it worth waking up for.”

  “Really? What’s the favor?”

  “I need you to go to Jordan’s for my spare key and bring it over here.”

  “Here meaning your apartment? Why?”

  “I’m in a bit of a jam and I could use a little assistance getting out of it.”

  “What kind of jam?”

  “Why don’t you go get the key and come see for yourself? Just make sure you yell when you come in so I’m not surprised, okay?”

  “Yeah, sure, give me about twenty minutes and I’ll be there.”

  “Thanks, Brett.” Shane dropped the phone into Alyssa’s purse and tucked it in the nightstand out of sight. “He’s on the way. Can I suggest you hide under the covers when he gets here? Maybe we can get away with hiding your identity.”

  Alyssa looked skeptical. “How long before he gets here?”

  “He said twenty minutes.”

  “So what do you want to do while we wait?” She linked their fingers of their bound wrists.

  Shane raised an eyebrow. “Why don’t you tell me what’s on your mind?”

  “Well, McKade, you did make that certain claim while we were dancing last night and you are still a guy in bed with a naked woman. See if you can figure it out.”

  “Gonna hold me to that twenty-four in twenty-four thing, huh?” He used his free hand to fondle her breast. “You know, when I said I could accomplish that with one hand tied behind my back, I didn’t expect you to take me literally.” His mouth followed his hand. “You’ve only managed to deprive yourself of combined sensations.”

  She arched against him. “Mm, I don’t know. These sensations are quite adequate.”

  Shane raised his head to kiss her. “Perhaps, but think of how it’d feel if I had unlimited access.”

  Alyssa urged him over her. “As I recall, you’re nowhere near the twenty-four you promised yet. Unless you’re admitting you’re not up to it. I’ll just head home once we’re free.”

  “No way, Campini. I seem to remember it as a challenge, not a promise.” Their breathing was becoming ragged as he pumped his cock slowly in and out of her wet pussy.

  “You’re not going to forget that even after I’m so kindly doing you this favor?”

  “This is a favor?” Shane felt her begin to tremble.

  “Sure, unless you wanted Brett to see the state you’re in.” She pulled him deeper by wrapping her legs around his waist.

  “If you think he’s not going to figure out exactly what I’ve been up to when he sees the handcuffs, you are severely underestimating his powers of observation.” He was frustrated with the limited access he had. For a woman who aggravated him at every opportunity she certainly was equally capable of exciting him.

  Alyssa’s gyrations became insistent as she neared her climax. “Harder,” she gasped.

  Shane complied, feeling her grip tighten
around their joined fingers. After she reached her peak, he let himself follow. When Alyssa’s body finally relaxed enough for him to stop crushing her beneath him, he said, “Okay so how many is that, ten?”

  Chapter Two

  “Yo! Shane! Where are you?” Brett yelled as he opened the door to Shane’s apartment. Driving there, he wondered why his oldest friend’s brother had called for help at five in the morning. Why, since he was already inside his apartment, did he need Brett to bring the key?

  “I’m in here,” Shane called from the bedroom.

  As Brett crossed the living room, he spied a woman’s high heel along with most of the tuxedo that Shane had worn for Jordan and Kiley’s wedding. Maybe this was actually worth getting up so early for.

  “Morning,” Brett said, leaning on the doorjamb. “What’s up?”

  “I’m a little stuck.” Shane lifted his hand so Brett could see the handcuff on his wrist.

  “I see.” Brett fought to keep a straight face. “And you need me to?”

  “Hand me the key from over there on the dresser so I can get up.”

  “Not so fast.” Brett lost his battle. “Who’s on the other end?”

  “Brett, I do appreciate your coming over here at the crack of dawn but I’d rather not discuss that.”

  “Doesn’t look like you’re in any position to make that decision,” Brett chuckled at the scowl on Shane’s face. “Maybe I’ll just go get some breakfast and let you rethink it.”

  The covers rustled and Shane grimaced when his concealed companion obviously kicked him. “Ow! Come on, Brett, cut me some slack here.”

  Brett took a step into the room and scooped up Alyssa’s dress. “I wondered where the two of you got to last night. Can I make a suggestion? If you want your liaisons to remain private, it would be wise to keep the key to your handcuffs within reach. And, if you don’t want the identity of your companion to be easily guessed, you may not want to leave her very recognizable dress in the middle of the floor. Then again, I’d be as shocked as hell to find someone other than Alyssa here with the way you two were all over each other last night when you were dancing.” Brett paused for effect. “You may as well come out of there before you suffocate, Alyssa. This may take a little while.”