Ian's Ultimate Gamble - Brenda Jackson [50]
"Oh, Ian," she said, reaching up and smoothing a fingertip over his bearded chin. "I do love you. I never stopped loving you, either."
He smiled and pulled her into his arms. "Then as far as I'm concerned, that says it all."
And then he leaned down and save her a kiss that made everything and every thought flee from her mind.
Brooke awoke the next morning in Ian's bed to find it empty. They had made love under the stars in the conservatory and then they had caught the elevator to his penthouse and made love again in his bed.
She threw the covers off her knowing she had to find him immediately and tell him what was going on. The sooner he knew the better. Half an hour later she ran into Vance, literally, in the lobby.
"Whoa." He grinned, reaching out his arms to steady her. "Where's the fire?" "Where's Ian, Vance?"
"He's somewhere on the grounds with .Jared and Dare. The two of them arrived with their wives this morning." Vance studied her. Saw her anxious look. "Is something wrong, Brooke?"
She sighed deeply. "I hope not but I think we should take every precaution." "Okay. Do you want to tell me what it is?" "Yes, but we have to find Ian first."
Vance nodded. "That's not going to be a problem." he said, taking his mobile phone out of his jacket. He punched in one number and said, "Ian? You're needed. Brooke and I are on our way to your office. Meet us there."
Vance then clicked off the phone, placed it back in his jacket, smiled and gently took hold of Brooke's arm. "Come on. He's on his way."
Ian arrived a few minutes after they did. He walked in with Dare. Dare Westmoreland was tall and extremely handsome just like all the Westmoreland men. At any other time Brooke would have been glad to see her mentor, but at the moment she preferred not having an audience when she told Ian everything; including why she's been there for the past week and a half. She quickly concluded that now would not be the best time to tell him that particular part of it. She would tell him that later. But she needed to tell him about her conversation with Malcolm.
She gladly accepted the huge hug Dare gave her. The Westmorelands were big on hugs, and she always accepted any they gave her with pleasure. As soon as Dare released her, Ian moved in and circled his arms around her. He had a worried look on his face. "Brooke, what's wrong? Are you all right?"
She smiled. "Yes, I'm fine, but I found out something yesterday that you should know. I tried telling you last night but..." She lowered her head, studying the ceramic tile floor, knowing he knew why she'd stopped talking in mid sentence and also felt that Dare and Vance had a strong idea, as well.
"Okay, you want to tell me now? Or is it private between the two of us?" he asked in an incredibly low and sexy voice.
She raised her head and met his gaze. "No, in fact Vance needs to hear it and Dare might be able to lend some of his experience and expertise."
Ian frowned. "This sounds serious."
"It might be," she replied.
"Then how about you tell us what's going on."
For the next twenty minutes she repeated her conversation with Malcolm. Most of it, anyway. It would have taken less time if Dare and Vance hadn't interrupted with questions. Both Dare and Vance had heard of the Waterloo Gang.
Ian turned to Vance. "What do you think?"
Vance's face was serious. "I think we should do as Brooke suggested and take additional precautions."
Ian nodded. "I agree." He then turned to Brooke. "According to what you've said, it's this gang's usual mode of operation to set up shop within their targeted site, right?"
"Yes."
"That means they're probably already here then," he said, and she could hear the anger in his voice.
Brooke nodded. "More than likely. But keep in mind nothing has been confirmed yet. The Bureau is still checking out this informer's claim."
"In that case." Dare said, "who gave you the authority to share this information with Ian?"
Brooke met Dare's gaze. She knew what he was asking her and why. "No one gave me the authority. Dare.