Karen looked at Ally and shook her head.

"As much as I hate to say it, we could use a third person to patrol the perimeter of Raven Hill. This Russell person is dangerous."

"We were in the Secret Service, Karen. What makes you think that we can't handle one mentally challenged sociopath?"

"Do you really want to take any chances that he gets anywhere near Dr. Johnson? He attacked Julian's assistant, heaven only knows what he would do to Dr. Johnson, since he's apparently after her."

Ally rolled her eyes.

"I suppose you have someone in mind."

" I do. Tammy Chandler."

"Wasn't she the one who was a bounty hunter?"

"Exactly."

"She has a hairtrigger finger with lowlifes like Russell. Are you sure you want to bring her in?" Ally's eyes widened.

Karen nodded, determination in her face.

"That may be just what we need."

TC closed his eyes; the thrill of breaking Eve brought a sickening grin to his face. What he wouldn't do to her. Maybe he would even rape Eve in front of Crane, before he killed him.

"Yeah, that's what that tramp deserves, for lying to me all of those years--me having my way with her in front of her lover, over and over again! Eve always did like it when I was inside of her--better than any Ivy League jackass."

A humming sound interrupted his delusional thoughts. TC reached into his pocket and brought out his cell phone. He groaned, seeing Ivy's number flash at him.

Opening his phone, he slammed it to his ear. "What the hell do you want?"

"Is it too much to ask that you keep me abreast of what you are up to, Mr. Russell? "

"Damn it, I know what I'm doing, Miss Crane. You don't have to keep checking on me; I'm no one's kid!"

"I'm aware of that," Ivy said, exasperation in her tone. "We have to be careful, because Julian could fly Eve and Whitney out of town without anyone being the wiser."

A sneer curled TC's lips. "Not if he's dead, he wouldn't."

Good Lord, Ivy thought. Julian's no use to me dead, I won't get my alimony! How can I reign him in?

"Um, CT dear, I mean TC, we wouldn't want to resort to murder, would we? I mean, we have to plan within reason here. I don't want to be sitting in a cell the rest of my life, without any of the modern conveniences I have come to depend on, and I am sure you wouldn't want a noose around your neck."

"There's no hanging anymore, Ivy," TC said, rolling his eyes. "It's lethal injection, not that I am much of an advocate for that either. OK, I get your point. We can go about this your way, but I am still going to get my punches in. That bastard WILL pay, one way or another." TC smacked his palm with his fist.

"My, you do have it in for Julian, don't you?"

"He's a bastard! I'm going to enjoy killing him, and having Eve watch."

"Whoa, whoa, whoa! You can't kill Julian--at least, not yet. He has to do right by me first."

"What is so damned important to you?"

"If I wanted you to know that, you would already know. You just do what...you just do what you want to Eve, later. I'll take care of Julian."

"I know exactly what I want to do to Eve. She'll regret making a fool out of me all these years! " TC closed his eyes for a moment. "She lied about Whitney. My beautiful Whitney. She wasn't my daughter," he finished, his voice breaking.

"Yes, TC, she lied to you. Feel free to make her pay, but not just yet."

"Whatever," TC reluctantly agreed, then hung up before Ivy could say another word. Wiping his eyes with his hand, he tried to forget the pain of Whitney cutting him out of her life. He would sit tight for a while longer, but soon Eve would know what it meant to make a fool out of him. Very soon.

Julian entered the bedroom, a smile still on his face. He had had a very enjoyable talk with Whitney, and he was grateful for the chance to try to get to know her better.

"Where's Eve?" he wondered, viewing the empty bed before him. Julian's brow furrowed as he looked about, until he heard the sounds of the shower coming from the bathroom.

"So there you are, my pet," he said with a grin. "As tempting as it is to join you..."

Eve tied the belt of her robe around her waist. Upon awakening from her nap, she thought to seek Julian and Whitney out, but the lure of a hot shower won out. Entering the bedroom, she stopped in surprise.

A very naked Julian winked at her from the bed, grinning from ear to ear.

"All fresh and clean, darling?"

She couldn't help but smile at the picture he presented. Julian always did know how to get right to the point.

"Yes, I am. May I ask why you are undressed?"

"It's warm in here."

"That would be because you built a fire, Julian. It does tend to raise the temperature in the room," Eve pointed out.

"Perhaps something else could be raised, my darling. Can you help me with it?" Julian's eyes sparkled mischievously.

"Direct, aren't you? Then again, you are sitting there, naked as the day you were born, so your intentions are obvious." Eve couldn't help but laugh at the injured look Julian assumed.

"I was referring to a glass of champagne, Eve. I think you are the one with naughty thoughts." Julian arose from the bed, amused at Eve's quick glance downward at his arousal. "Do you see something you like, my dear?"

"Of course I do."

"Well, we'll see if something can be done about that, won't we?" Julian circled her like a panther. "I wouldn't want you to be deprived of anything you desire."

Sweeping Eve into his arms, Julian captured her mouth gently at first, then more demanding as her full lips became pliant under his. His fingers deftly unfastened the belt to her robe, and removed it from her body, without breaking the kiss they shared.

Eve's eyes widened as she felt Julian's body against her now unclothed one. Opening her mouth to protest the loss of her robe, she realized too late that she had given Julian exactly what he wanted, for his tongue invaded her mouth, dueling with hers, sensually breaking down her defenses.

Giving up any chance of deterring Julian, not that she really wanted to, Eve lowered her hand to grasp his steely member, evoking a groan of delight from him.

Julian growled into her ear. "You do not play fair, my dear."

"You taught me well." Eve grinned, moving her fingers slowly upon him. "All's fair in love and war, Mr. Crane." Julian rewarded Eve by nuzzling her neck. His fingers teased her ample breasts, causing her to shudder in response.

"I think it is time you showed me more of what I taught you, my darling," he whispered, cupping her breasts, then suckling on them until Eve thought she would explode from his sensual onslaught.

"Whenever you wish," Eve sighed, as Julian carried her over to the bed, intent on fulfilling their passion for one another once more.