Accidental Bounty (Inter-Galactic Bounty Hunter Book 4) Read online

  He went to the vending machine to grab a snack, and selected the small bag of jelly beans. After opening it up Drake sorted the colors in two sections, one that resembled the color of Jinx’s hair and the other looking for the exact blue of her eyes. Frustrated, he stood up and went downstairs. Maybe going to the shooting range would help him use up his excess energy.

  No matter what he did, Drake couldn’t get his mind off of her. Finally, he decided the best thing to do would be to go home and confront her about what was happening between them. He needed to know that she had ended things with the other male. He wasn’t about to share his female with anyone.

  His female? When had she become his female? Maybe he had known the moment that he saw her that she would be special. Or maybe the first time he touched her, he couldn’t get enough of her sweet flesh. After making love to her, he wanted only her. It was insane that he could feel so strongly for someone he just met days ago. It might be crazy, but he didn’t care. Drake had to find out where this might lead.

  Half an hour later, he opened the door to his apartment and knew immediately that she wasn’t there. He couldn’t help but feel disappointed that she had left. She must have gone back to Shy’s apartment. He could seek her out, but what would he say? Walking to his bedroom, the blend of their scents and sex almost overwhelmed him, turning him on.

  He couldn’t stay there. He would be in hell scenting her and not being able to touch her. He needed to go somewhere that would help kill his arousal. Drake grabbed his keys off the table where he had tossed them and left once more, hoping he could find a way to get away from Jinx for a little while. He needed to have a clear head about things.

  Chapter 17

  Later that afternoon

  Jinx held the silver and white gift box in one hand, knocking on the door of the two-story home with the other. The door opened, and she smiled up into Jagger’s welcoming face.

  “Thanks for coming,” Jagger smiled.

  Jinx handed him the box and stepped inside. Jagger led her through the hallway. It led to an open layout; the kitchen and dining area were to the right, the living room to the left. A beautiful woman was sitting in a rocking chair holding a baby. A dog was kept guard at her feet. She looked up and smiled at Jinx.

  “Hi, I’m Daniela, you must be Jinx. Jagger and Vic told me all about you.”

  “Good things I hope.” She gave Jagger a smile and a narrowed look.

  Jagger kissed Daniela on the forehead, “I’m going to check on the chicken in the oven.”

  Daniela laughed, “The stories they’ve told me about you have to be made up.”

  Jinx sat down on the sofa. “If they involve cars spontaneously exploding or neon signs crashing down at a local diner, then the stories are probably true.”

  Laughing harder, Daniela shook her head. “So how is the training going?”

  “Good. I got to help on one of Drake’s cases. I think I did pretty well.” She leaned over to peer at the bundle in Daniela’s arms. “You have a beautiful baby.”

  “Leila is the most amazing baby. I feel blessed to have her and Jagger.” Sounds from the kitchen distracted them.

  “Damn oven!” Jagger growled out.

  “I need to help before Jagger burns the place down. Would you watch Leila while I help Jagger with dinner?”

  “Absolutely.”

  Daniela stood up and walked over to place the sleeping baby into Jinx’s arms. She always loved kids. It was why she volunteered at a children’s hospital back home. Often Jinx went to the nursery and spent time with those babies who didn’t have anyone to hold them. It broke her heart. She knew she couldn’t do that kind of work on a full time basis or she would be in a perpetual state of emotion. Jinx couldn’t stand to see anyone in pain.

  Glancing down at the tiny infant in her arms, Jinx smiled and cooed at her. “You’re just the happiest and prettiest little thing. You have parents that love each other and love you. You will always be cared for.” The baby tried to open her eyes and give Jinx a smile. It was probably just gas, but Jinx didn’t care. The sight melted her heart.

  There was a knock at the door, and Jagger went to answer it. Daniela was loading plates with food, and Jinx was sitting there making funny faces at the baby, totally entranced with little Leila. “You are so pretty. Your daddy is going to have to fight the boys away.”

  “Don’t worry, your daddy’s got a gun and knows how to use it,” a deep and familiar voice spoke directly behind her. She felt a shiver go up her spine.

  She didn’t bother to turn and look at him. “Hi Drake.”

  “Jinx. How are you feeling?”

  “Good. Even better since I’m holding this little one.”

  Drake leaned down over her shoulder and touched the baby’s cheek gently with his long finger. “Thank God she inherited her mother’s good looks.”

  Jagger growled. “I heard that.”

  Daniela giggled. “I think she is beautiful, just like her father.”

  Jagger whispered something in his wife’s ear, making Daniela giggle. Jinx couldn’t turn to look; if she moved her face her lips would brush against Drake’s cheek. That was how close he was to her.

  Drake sniffed. “I think someone needs a diaper change.”

  Daniela called out. “Jinx, could you do that for me?”

  “Yes.” She would agree to just about anything to get away from Drake and his intoxicating scent.

  “Great. The baby’s room is upstairs, second door on the right. The changing table has everything you need. When you’re done, just put the baby in the crib. I have a baby monitor here; it’s time for her to sleep.”

  Jinx carefully stood up with the baby in her arms. “No problem.” She went down the hall and took the stairs. When she got to the top of the landing, she felt someone behind her. Turning she frowned.

  “Drake, what are you doing?”

  “Helping you change the diaper.”

  “Right. What do you know about changing diapers?” She entered the baby’s room and the lights came on automatically with a dim glow. After placing the baby on the changing table, she glanced around for a clean diaper.

  “I’ll have you know I have helped delivered three babies,” Drake said, “And my cousins have multiplied like bunnies. I am always on diaper duty when I go home to visit.”

  Jinx shook her head, not sure if she believed him She could usually tell when someone was lying to her but when her own emotions were involved, it clouded her ability. Finding the diaper and the wipes, she quickly undid the dirty diaper and put it in the waste bin. Drake was by the baby’s head, distracting Leila by talking to her. Jinx couldn’t help but admire his ease with Leila. There was something about a big strapping man who became goo when faced with a baby.

  “You’re a sweetheart. Don’t let your daddy boss you around—you tell him what you want or else. Don’t date until you’re in your thirties though. I don’t think any of us could take that.”

  Jinx snorted. “Men are so silly.” She whispered to the baby. “You’re going to date when you’re in your teens, but hold out on your first kiss until you’re sure the guy is really worth it.”

  “No guy will be good enough for Leila.” Drake said, planting a kiss on the baby’s forehead.

  Jinx lifted the baby up and carried her over to the crib. By the time she laid her down and wrapped a blanket over her, Leila was asleep. “She’s so sweet, just perfect.”

  “What were you like as a baby?”

  Jinx turned and looked up at him, not realizing he had moved closer to her. They were just inches from each other. Drake caressed her cheek with the back of his fingers. She licked her suddenly dry lips and his eyes tracked the movement.

  “My mother said that I was a handful. She was a teen mom and tried to take care of me all on her own. My grandparents begged her to let them help, and eventually, she realized she needed it. I was curious, always getting into things I shouldn’t. I asked a lot of questions. I just wanted to know
things.”

  His thumb rubbed across her bottom lip and Jinx couldn’t help it, she opened her mouth and licked him. Drake’s eyes darkened with desire, and he leaned closer as if to kiss her. “We need to talk about the other night.”

  “What’s there to talk about? We had fun and now it’s over.”

  He pulled her into his arms. “I don’t want it to be over.”

  That surprised her. “You don’t?”

  “Give me a chance. Give us a chance. Let’s see where this leads us?”

  Her trick of being able to tell when some was lying didn’t go off, which meant that Drake was telling her the truth. She was so tempted, she wanted to say yes more than anything, but she was scared. “What if it doesn’t work out?”

  “What if it does? I’m willing to take the chance if you are.”

  “I...I’ll think about it.”

  Drake leaned forward to softly kiss her lips. “I’m going to do everything I can to convince you.”

  Jinx smiled and leaned her head back for him to nibble her chin. “Looking forward to it.”

  A throat cleared at the door, breaking them apart. Jinx turned to find Jagger looking at them curiously.

  “Dinner is ready.”

  “Oh, I’m starving,” she said, walking past Drake and letting her body brush his.

  She heard him whisper, “So am I.”

  Heat rose to her cheeks. She passed Jagger and headed down the stairs. She needed to put distance between them so that she could think straight. Everything was happening so quickly. Did he mean it? Was he really interested in a relationship with her?

  *****

  Jagger motioned for Drake to come out into the hall. He kept his voice low so as not to wake the baby. “What’s going on between the two of you?”

  Drake shrugged, “That’s not any of your business, Jagger.”

  “It is if you’re playing with her feelings. Jinx is like a little sister to me and Vic. She’s had a rough time and a troubled youth, I would hate to see all the hard work she has put in be blown to bits by someone who only wanted a quick fuck.”

  Drake growled low, “I appreciate your concern, but I have no intention of hurting her.”

  “Good, then I won’t have to tell Vic there’s a problem, will I?”

  “No.”

  “Come on down before the food gets cold.” Jagger checked on his daughter once more before going down with him.

  Drake sat across from Jinx at the dining room table. He inhaled, “This smells delicious.”

  Daniela smiled proudly. “Thank you, it’s one of my favorite recipes. I’m incorporating it in the restaurant.”

  Jinx perked up. “What restaurant?”

  “I own the restaurant Destiny’s Place, next door to the Lexi’s nightclub.”

  Oh, someone had told her about that. “I’ve had some of the food; it was amazing.”

  Jagger picked up Daniela’s hand and kissed her knuckles. “My wife is an amazing chef.”

  Daniela’s face beamed at her husband. Drake couldn’t help but be affected by the happy couple. He longed to have someone in his life that he loved beyond anything. Glancing at Jinx, her cheeks were still pink as she glanced at him. Their eyes locked and there was an instant heat between them. Drake wasn’t sure why this happened only with her, but he was finding it harder and harder to turn away from it.

  Daniela continued to ask questions of Jinx. “So, are you dating anyone?”

  Jinx’s face turned red. “No. I broke up with someone before coming here.”

  “What happened, if you don’t mind me asking?”

  “He didn’t support my dream. I’ve always wanted to become a bounty hunter.”

  Jagger chuckled, “That’s right, ever since you were just a kid. You used to ask me and Vic all kinds of questions about our job.”

  Jinx nodded. “I got in trouble and ended up being taken in by Vic and Jagger. They would call my mom to pick me up, which always freaked her out. Those were some of my favorite times. I loved the excitement. I was impressed with how Vic and Jagger handled their perps.”

  “It’s dangerous,” Daniela commented.

  “I know, but the job is more than a job. It’s like a calling.”

  “Are you a danger junkie?” Drake asked.

  “No. I mean, the danger aspect does lend to the appeal. It’s more than that. I want a chance to help get the bad guys off the streets, but at the same time I want the opportunity to help someone take a different path in life. Just like Vic and Jagger did for me.”

  They sat and ate comfortably, laughing at Drake’s and Jagger’s accounts of some of their ridiculous cases. Drake moved his foot under the table and rubbed her leg. Jinx looked at him in surprise. Desire flashed in those beautiful eyes of hers. Damn she was so lovely. Her hair was more purple than pink at the tips. Images of spreading her colorful hair out on his pillow while he plunged his cock deep inside of her had his palms sweating a little. Perhaps he would offer to take her home and instead, show her a few sights that were meant for lovers to enjoy. Drake wanted to give them time to get to know each other better. He wanted to know everything about her.

  His plans were interrupted when his cellphone beeped. After taking his phone out of his pocket, Drake looked at the text message. “It’s from Vic. He needs a team to come in right away.”

  Jinx stood up. “I got the same text.”

  “I’ll drive you to the office.” Drake insisted.

  “Let me get my purse. Daniela, it was lovely meeting you.”

  “I enjoyed it, and hope we can do it again.”

  Jagger stood up and went to call Vic. While he talked to him. Jinx walked past him and came up to Drake. “I’m ready to go when you are.”

  “Let’s go.”

  Chapter 18

  Jinx and Drake had driven to the bail enforcement agency and met up with Vic and four other bounty hunters; Isaac, Shy, Kalen and Asia. Vic filled them in on the case as Isaac set everyone up with equipment.

  “We have two brothers who have skipped out. The authorities have called us to help search for them. One of the brothers is suspected to have shot one of their officers while fleeing. Our perps have a two hour lead, but the authorities have put a freeze on all transportation coming on and off the planet.”

  A half hour later, Jinx and Drake sat outside an apartment building. Jinx felt a mixture of excitement and fear as she sat in the back of the van. She was supposed to remain there with Isaac as he monitored the building and the other bounty hunters. Jinx had an earpiece in, so she could hear what was going on as they watched the video relay. Surveillance was an important part of their job. Since there were two perps, they needed to be twice as careful. Isaac would need all the help he could get to watch everything.

  “Why this apartment building?” she asked Isaac.

  “One of the brother’s had listed this address on his bond agreement paperwork. We’re not sure if it’s a family residence or a girlfriend.” He pressed his communicator, “Vic, there are two people coming toward the entrance of the apartment building. It’s too dark for me to identify them.”

  Vic’s voice came through in response, “I’ll move closer in to get a better view.”

  Jinx was nervous. Bad things happened when she was too nervous. Taking a deep breath, she let the air out slowly. She kept at it, breathing and out over and over until her pulse resumed a normal rhythm. Vic’s voice came back over the communications, “It’s not them. Repeat, the perps have not been spotted and identified yet. Everyone keep their eyes open.”

  “How bad are these guys?” she asked Isaac softly.

  “Bad. Well, the oldest is the worse, and the youngest was the reason a bail had been set to begin with. The younger brother always followed what the older brother wanted. The younger brother has history of auto theft, fights in public places. The older brother’s history is assault with a weapon and starting fires.”

  She shook her head. There were some people that should not
be bailed out. “How did he get past Vic’s requirements?”

  “The brother, he had someone willing to post bail for both of them. Regina was a part time person; she didn’t follow the criteria. She assumed since there was a lot of money involved that she would be getting recognition for it.”

  Jinx cringed, “I guess the recognition she will get is being fired?”

  “Yeah, Vic is pretty pissed about it.”

  They were quiet as they listened to the team enter the apartment building at different entrance points. She couldn’t help but watch Drake’s dark figure as he leapt up to a second story window. Jinx had no idea he could do that. He was so strong.

  Drake entered the open window and started moving through the apartment. There was a sleeping woman on the bed. Her blanket was tossed to the side showing that she slept in the nude. To Drake’s credit, he didn’t spend any time checking her out, but continued out the door of her apartment. He spoke into the communication link. “I’m on the second level and will work my way up.”

  Vic responded, “I’m staying out by the front entrance.”

  “I’ve secured the back entrance,” Asia said.

  Kalen spoke next, “I’m on the rooftop of the building.”

  She could see Shy as she strolled into the front door in her leather corset and tight skinny jeans. “I’m going in.”

  “Be careful,” Vic warned her.

  Jinx had great admiration for Shy. She looked like a sexy blonde stripper, but she was one of the deadliest people Jinx had ever met.

  “Isaac, keep a check on Shy,” Vic ordered.

  “I’m doing my best, but that damn building is darker than an alley.”

  Vic tried to say something but the communications cracked. Isaac leaned forward trying to clear it up. “Shit!”

  “What’s wrong?”

  “I’m getting some kind of interference,” Isaac growled out. The cameras were blinking in and out.

  “What kind of interference?” Jinx asked.

  Suddenly, they were overwhelmed by sound of construction workers and jackhammering. Isaac gave her a look, “Go to the construction site and look for any equipment that might interfere, and shut it down.”