Moving Target by Cheyenne McCray Page B

Judge Moore had stood at her bench, prepared to step down. Daniel had turned to look behind him at two men who were arguing.
    He took his attention off his principal for just a brief moment.
    Then a movement had caught his eye. The moment Daniel spotted the gun, he'd shouted and dove to take the bullet—
    But the bullet got to Judge Moore first.
    Blood had splattered through her robe. She fell back, her eyes wide and sightless.
    Daniel pinched the bridge of his nose with his thumb and forefinger.
    If only he'd been more vigilant. If only he hadn't let the two men arguing behind the barrier distract him even for a second.
    If only he'd spotted that gun, the judge would still be alive.
    He glanced over at Ani, at the scratch on her face.

    No more mistakes .
    As they drove, Daniel had constantly stayed alert for anybody following them, but he was positive they weren't being tailed.
    He'd called his regional office and explained what they were doing. Jameson didn't sound pleased, but Daniel figured it was because Jameson hadn't thought of it first. The man liked to make the plans and have them followed to the letter.
    One of the administrative support staff was arranging a flight out of Fort Bliss for the following morning. They'd have one of the U.S. Marshals private jets fly in from Dallas, and then head straight for a hangar in New Jersey.
    Daniel and Ani would have to hole up in a hotel for another night. The assistant made reservations for them at a decent hotel—with room service as Daniel insisted. They didn't need to take the chance of being seen while going out to eat. The way Ani's picture had been plastered on the Internet, she might be recognized despite the fact she was thinner.
    It was dark by the time they reached the hotel in El Paso and he was starving. They'd made a stop for food and a couple of bathroom breaks along the way, but Daniel was ready for a good meal.
    The fact that he'd be sharing a room with Ani again set him on edge. He'd make sure they'd have double beds this time.
    After they checked in, they headed up to their room. They were standing in the elevator when Ani clapped her hand over her mouth.
    He raised an eyebrow. "What?"
    Ani dropped her hand away her mouth. "I left my underwear at the hotel."
    Daniel went hard in a hurry at the thought of Ani being naked beneath her slacks and body armor. He shifted his duffel bag to hide his erection, which made his jeans so tight he ground his teeth.
    Bad idea, Parker. Should have had another Inspector take her to New York .
    Was it just an excuse that he didn't trust her safety to anyone but himself?
    When they went into the hotel room, shut the door behind them, and flipped on the lights, both relief and disappointment flooded Daniel as he saw there were two beds this time, just like he'd requested.
    The way he'd felt waking up with her in his arms this morning—it had been heaven.
    Trying to get his mind off being in bed with Ani, he tossed his duffel and Stetson on one of the beds and searched for a room service menu.
    "I've got to get out of this thing." Ani pulled the T-shirt over her head, revealing the body armor.
    His muscles tensed as he looked at her. He remembered the silk shirt she wore under the armor—with no bra. His cock hardened even more but he tried to ignore the pressure against his jeans.
    "Let me help," he found himself saying and moving closer to her.
    Ani looked up at him and audibly caught her breath.
    Those lips . . . he wanted to kiss her more than anything.
    He forced himself to act impartial as he helped her take off the body armor. She stood so still, like she was afraid to move.
    "Is there something wrong?" he asked as he finished unfastening the Velcro on one side.
    She licked her lips and continued to look up at him. "Nothing," she whispered.
    As he removed her armor, he brushed one of her silk-covered nipples with his knuckles.
    Ani gasped. Her lips parted and her beautiful eyes widened. He tossed the armor aside and