Lowering his sunglasses, Ethan followed her with his eyes, and she added a little more sway to her hips. The shoes he'd added to her ensemble made her feel like a million bucks—four-inch black stiletto sandals with laces that crisscrossed across each foot and up her calf. She knew he'd meant to get back at her for teasing him about the swimsuit, but she loved them. They hurt like hell, but they were the sexiest things she'd ever put on her feet. Sully was going to kill them for spending so much money on shoes and clothes. But when in Vegas, and all that…
"You certainly know how to make an entrance," he grumbled, acting as if he weren't in the least bit affected by her. But she knew better. She'd seen his eyes taking in her every movement, watched as his pupils dilated just before he'd covered them with his sunglasses again. Even now, she could see the muscle in his jaw twitching as he tried to keep himself under control.
And Ethan was always in control.
"I thought that was the point."
A growl was his only response. With a huge smile on her face, she sank down onto the bed inside the cabana. Ethan was quite the specimen himself. Dressed in board shorts that hung low on his hips, with an open button-down shirt, the cuffs rolled up to his elbows, he was drop-dead gorgeous. The kind of man that graced the front covers of magazines and modeled underwear.
"Have you seen him yet?" she asked, pulling her cover-up off over her head. The black bikini was racier than anything she'd ever worn before, but when she'd seen Ethan's eyes bug out of his head earlier, she'd known it was the right choice.
Isabel snuck a covert glance in his direction and saw that he was staring at her, even if she couldn't see his eyes.
"Ethan?"
He jerked his covered gaze her way. "Yeah, three o'clock. The one with all the broads."
Their cabana’s drapes had been pulled back on all four sides, giving them clear views of the entire pool area. Isabel watched the women draping themselves all over Tobias Winters. It was always appalling to her what some women would do to gain the attention of a rich man. And she was going to have to act that very part today. Playing a bimbo was her least favorite job.
"We'll stage a fight, and then you'll need to get his attention." Ethan looked less than thrilled with the idea. She knew it wasn't personal. Well, it was personal, but not because Ethan thought she was incapable of doing her job. He’d never liked putting her at risk, but it seemed that since those kisses last night, the idea had become even less attractive.
"Let's fight, then," she said, laying her hand on his thigh.
He sucked in a breath. "I swear, you're going to be the death of me."
Isabel giggled, then froze when Ethan covered her body with his on the sunbed.
Her breathing came hard and fast, her chest rising with every breath. "What are you doing?" she hissed, trying to calm her racing nerves.
"I’m starting the fight." His lips brushed her neck, his leg nestling between hers. His warm breath fanned across her face as he met her gaze. "You're going to get angry and try to push me off, ok?"
Isabel nodded. It was all she could do. The weight of his body pressing into hers, his lips so close to her skin. She could feel the liquid heat low in her belly. This thing with Ethan had become dangerous. She couldn't think when he was near. Couldn't concentrate on her job.
Ethan lowered his mouth to her neck and bit lightly. "Now."
With everything inside her, she scrambled to get free. "Get off me! Now!" she cried out, thrashing at him. He pinned her arms over her head, a look of glee in his eyes.
"Not a chance, babe," he said cruelly, but there was no anger in his eyes. There was, however, desire, and Isabel didn't think that that was an act.
"I said, let me go!" Hating what she was about to do, but knowing there was no other choice, she pulled her hand out of his grasp and smacked him across the face.
"You bitch!" he yelled, jumping off her as quickly as he could. She grabbed her cover-up and scooted off the bed.
"Leave me the hell alone!" she screamed, and marched towards the bar behind Mr. Winters. Summoning some tears, she let them fall down her cheeks, grateful that she'd thought to leave off the mascara for the day, opting for a fresh face, except for the light peach lip gloss she wore on her lips.
When she reached the bar, she ordered a rum punch, then pushed her sunglasses down over her eyes. Behind the shades, she was able to glance around, noticing that people were still watching her. Covertly, she snuck a glance at Mr. Winters and was glad to see that he was interested.
She turned quickly back around to the bar when she saw him removing himself from the multiple topless and scantily clad women on his sunbed. She sipped on her sugary sweet drink as she waited for him to approach.
"Is everything all right?" Tobias asked.
Isabel sniffed daintily. "Yes. I'm fine."
"Is there something I can help you with? I'd be happy to have that man escorted out if you'd like."
Isabel thought she'd like to see him try. Stifling a giggle at the thought of someone trying to escort Ethan anywhere he didn't wish to go, she shook her head. "I'm fine. Really."
Isabel laid a hand on his bare arm. "Do you think—I mean, I see that you're quite occupied. But I'd love a little company? Maybe make him realize what he's missing?"
She rubbed her hand across his chest and down between his pecs. Although he was older, maybe mid-forties to early fifties, he certainly kept himself in great shape. Tobias had an amazing body, with a full head of gray hair, long and thick, and a short-cropped beard. If she didn't know how despicable the man really was, it could be easy to be attracted to him.
"Of course. Let's get more comfortable." The leer in his eyes couldn't be missed. He took her hand in his and led her towards his sunbed. When they stopped in front of it, he released her and stuck out his hand. "Tobias Winters."
"Oh, hi. Um, Elizabeth, but my friends call me Liz." Isabel had learned long ago that using an undercover name close to her own made it easier for her to remember it.
The other women were smiling when they arrived.
"You brought another friend to play?" one of the girls asked. She was topless, with breasts that had clearly been surgically enhanced. No one's boobs stood at attention like that on their own.
"Sorry, ladies. I'm afraid we have serious things to discuss." He made a shooing motion with his hand, and the girl stuck her bottom lip out.
"But you promised us, Tobias!" she whined.
"I'll make it up to you, sweetheart," he replied, smacking her on the butt as she pulled her cover-up over her naked breasts.
The girl gasped, then leaned over and kissed him. Isabel tried not to feel uncomfortable, but with the amount of tongue the woman was using, it was like watching a porno in real life.
"That's just a little taste of what you'll be missing." She glared at Isabel. And with a sweet smile, Isabel gave her a little finger wave. It wasn't her typical m.o., but Isabel could do bitchy if she needed to.
Settling back on the sunbed, Isabel waited for the rest of the girls to leave, and for Tobias to give her his undivided attention. Finally, he sat next to her, placing his hand on her upper thigh. Much higher than she would normally be comfortable with.
"I'm guessing that man's an idiot?" he asked.
"Who?"
"The man you're here with. Is he your boyfriend?"
"Fiancé. We're supposed to get married here in Vegas in one of those cute little chapels with the Elvis impersonators. It's my dream." Isabel's voice took on an airhead quality as she gained enthusiasm talking about her fake wedding.
"Why were you fighting?"
Isabel tried to come up with a reason for why she'd storm away from Ethan while still making herself seem desirable. "Sex!" she blurted out, then rolled her eyes at herself. Sex? Really?
"Sex?"
"Yes. He only wants it when it's convenient for him. I beg and beg, but then when he wants it, I'm just supposed to give in. I’m a passionate woman. I have needs, you know? And
I should be treated with respect." She pushed her sunglasses up onto her head, blinking rapidly to bring on the tears. When Tobias saw her wet eyes, he stroked her thigh where his hand was slowly creeping up her leg.
"He's an idiot." Tobias moved closer to her, as if to show her he'd give her whatever she wanted, but Isabel patted his hand, taking it between hers to halt his progress.
"Thank you for saying that."
Tobias leaned his face close to hers. He removed his hand from her grasp, placing it on her hip, just above her bikini bottoms. "A passionate woman should be with a man who's equally passionate. Who can give her what she wants, when she wants it." The innuendo was heavy in his voice, and Isabel groaned inwardly. Why did she go with sex again? It seemed to be working a little too brilliantly.
"Mr. Winters?" a young man in black slacks and a crisp white shirt appeared above them.
"What?" Tobias bit out.
"I'm sorry to interrupt—"
"You better have a damn good reason."
"Yes, sir. There seems to be a problem with a shipment."
"I'll deal with it later—"
"I’m sorry, sir, but this can't wait. Mr. Lopez sent me. He said it was urgent." Something changed in Tobias's eyes at the mention of Bruno's name, and he sat up abruptly.
"Tell him I’m coming." He reached down for Isabel, taking her hand and helping her to her feet. "My apologies, Liz. Let me make this up to you. Dinner? Say, eight o'clock?"
"I'm so sorry. I have plans tonight at eight." Isabel turned to leave, but Tobias grabbed her arm. At first, his grip was firm, maybe a little too firm, but he relaxed it, stroking her skin where he'd held her.
"Perhaps earlier, then. Six?"
"That sounds lovely."
"What's your room number? I'll pick you up."
"Oh, that's not necessary. How about we meet in the lobby? I wouldn't want him"—she nodded in Ethan's direction, where he was fuming so intensely that Isabel could almost see the steam pouring out of his ears—"to interfere."
"Six o'clock in the lobby, then. We can eat at the restaurant here. I have a standing table."
Tobias leaned in, covering her mouth with his. His tongue swept in, exploring and tasting. Isabel tried not to gag. He tasted like strong liquor and cigarette smoke. Gross. His mouth lingered for just a moment, and he breathed in deeply as he inhaled her fragrance. "Till tonight," he said, then turned on his heel and followed the young man back into the hotel.
Isabel caught Ethan's eye and nodded towards the hotel. She couldn't deny that he was genuinely seething. A little thrill ran through her.
When Isabel entered their suite, Ethan was right behind her.
"What happened?" he asked, his fury boiling right below the surface.
"I have a date," she said coyly, turning to walk into her bedroom. Ethan's hand shot out, taking her arm and spinning her around to face him. Her front was flush with his own.
His eyes met hers, then lowered their gaze to her mouth. The air around them sizzled with electricity. Ethan leaned in just a fraction, when his phone's ringtone suddenly filled the room.
With a muttered curse, Ethan let her go, taking his phone out of his pocket.
"What's up, Sully?" he said into the phone, then turned guilty eyes on her.
Sully. Her brother. The reason that she and Ethan could never work, no matter how badly she wanted him.
Chapter 4
He'd almost kissed her. The sister of his best friend—his brother. She was off limits, and he'd almost kissed her. And not while they were playing a role, but as a man who wanted a woman—who wanted to explore the passion building between them.
When he'd watched Tobias kissing Isabel, rage had almost had him crossing the patio to beat the guy into a bloody pulp. Seeing his hands and lips on her had awakened a beast inside Ethan, and he wanted to mark her for himself. He wanted everyone to know that she was his.
But she wasn't his. And that was the damned circumstance that had him so worked up inside. He wanted her to be his, and she couldn't be.
Ethan propped himself up at the bar across the lobby from the restaurant where Isabel was meeting that creep. He had told her he'd give her a few minutes before finding a place in the restaurant from where he could watch and keep guard. He didn't trust that devil Tobias Winters.
He downed the two fingers of bourbon the bartender had poured for him, and then threw some cash down on the bar. Pushing away from his seat, he crossed the lobby to the restaurant, pleased to find the layout ideal for his covert spying.
He took up a position at the end of the restaurant's bar, from where he could overlook the dining room. It was dimly lit, so he slid against the back of the bar once he found Isabel and Tobias.
Isabel was dressed to kill again tonight—a tiny black skirt with a slinky green shirt that hugged her curves perfectly.
From where Ethan was sitting, he could see the predatory gleam in Tobias's eyes as he looked over the table at Isabel. Ethan fought for control, something he seemed to be doing more and more lately. He couldn't believe the change in himself. He had always been known for being so in control that he was almost emotionless, especially under duress. His Marine brothers had called him Stony, because he was unmoving, unwavering, and unyielding. It made him damn good at his job.
But this little woman suddenly had him wound up more tightly than a jack-in-the-box. He felt ready to spring at any moment.
The couple sat in a corner booth, with Tobias across the table from Isabel, and Ethan was grateful for the distance between them. Tobias bent closer to Isabel, and Ethan assumed he'd lowered his voice, as Isabel had to lean towards him to hear what he said, giving him a clear view down the top of her shirt. She pulled back abruptly, and Ethan could see the blush rising to her cheeks.
Damn him. What had he said to her?
She glanced around the room, her eyes landing on Ethan at the bar. Relief washed over her face, and Ethan stood. A slight shake of her head had him pausing. He returned to his stool and continued to watch, vowing not to take his eyes off her.
Just then, the server came to their table with drinks and appetizers, momentarily blocking Ethan's view of Isabel.
"You going to order something, or sit here and stare at that woman all night?" the bartender asked Ethan.
Ordering another bourbon, Ethan handed him a hundred dollar bill. "There will be one more of those if you keep your mouth shut from here on out and leave me alone. We good?"
The man nodded, already taking Ethan's advice, and left to get his bourbon. Ethan glanced back at the table, and anger and something that felt a lot like jealousy bubbled up inside him. Tobias had scooted around the table and was feeding Isabel. Ethan could clearly see that Isabel was uncomfortable with his nearness, but she seemed to be holding her own at the moment.
The bartender returned with his bourbon, and Ethan handed the man another hundred. Without a word, the guy left, clearing Ethan's line of sight.
Tobias had one hand under the table, his other tracing the neckline of Isabel's shirt, where it dipped low between her breasts. She was struggling to push him away, but either the man was drunk, or he thought she was enjoying his attentions.
Ethan stood and crossed the room in a few short strides.
"Get your hands off my fiancée!" He reached for Isabel's arm, trying to pull her away from Tobias. When Tobias turned his stare on him, Ethan could clearly see that the man had had too much to drink.
"Go away," he slurred. "She doesn't want you anymore."
"Well, she clearly doesn't want you, and until she tells me different, she's still my fiancée.”
Tobias stood up from the table and poked Ethan in the chest. "Maybe you should try satisfying her needs a little better." Ethan looked at Isabel with one eyebrow raised. What in the world was he talking about? Isabel's face went white, and she avoided making eye contact with him. She was in big trouble. "Or maybe it's just that you have a tiny—"
Ethan didn't let the man finish. He drew
his arm back and punched the guy in the face.
"Stay the hell away from my fiancée!" he shouted, grabbing Isabel's hand and pulling her from the booth.
Tobias stuttered as he tried to regain his equilibrium and stand back up. "Do you know who I am?" he screamed.
All the patrons in the restaurant had stopped what they were doing to watch the show. Ethan had no idea how they'd clean up the mess he'd just made, but he wasn't going to stand by and let the man grope Isabel, the way he'd been doing. The alcohol had made the man even more dangerous.
As they reached the exit of the restaurant, a tall, muscle-bound man blocked their path. Isabel squeezed Ethan's hand tightly.
"Where do you think you're going?" the man asked.
"Out of here, unless you want a lawsuit on your hands. That man tried to assault me"—Isabel nodded towards the table, where Tobias was still trying to regain his composure—"so unless you'd like to hear from my lawyer, I'd advise you to step aside."
The man seemed to think about her words, clearly not wanting to let them go, but also not knowing how to stop them with a potential assault charge on his hands. Finally, he stepped aside, and Ethan rushed them towards the elevators.
As soon as they rounded the corner, he pushed Isabel up against the wall and crushed her mouth with his. It was a punishing kiss—one that said he was angry that another man had put his hands on her—and angry that she wasn't his. Isabel responded, meeting him thrust for thrust, stroke for stroke. A fever burned inside him, and he tore his mouth away from hers.
"Let's go," he said, pulling her out towards the valet stand.
"What was that for?" she asked.
"In case he was watching," he answered like a coward. She lifted a brow, clearly not believing his lie. He shrugged. What else could he say? That he was mad with jealousy? That after watching her prance around half-naked all day, and then dressed like that tonight, all he could think about was getting his hands on her?
Nope. He'd take the chicken’s way out.
Chapter 5
Castle Investigations Box Set Page 52