“Thank you.” She dipped her head.
There was so much more I wanted to say, but I didn’t. Because in a few days, I’d go home, and her life would return to normal. Without me.
Chapter Thirteen
Olivia
I pulled a tray of cookies out of the oven and placed them on a rack to cool. Connor reached out to grab one, and I slapped his hand.
“No more cookies,” I chided, completely at ease with this mountain of a man after just a week together. In some ways, it felt as if he’d been here forever, as if this was where he belonged.
“But they’re so good,” he groaned. “Please.” He pouted, batting those beautiful gray eyes at me.
“Nuh-uh.” I shook my head, trying to ignore the way his gray T-shirt clung to the muscles of his chest. Muscles I had explored and licked, yet still couldn’t believe they were real. “You’ve already had two. If you keep eating them, there’ll be none left for the barbecue.”
“So?” He lifted a shoulder.
“So.” I glared at him, placing my hands on my hips. “I’m not going to your boss’s house empty-handed.”
“Technically, Jackson’s not my boss.” He smirked.
“Right,” I scoffed, spinning to move the cookies from the baking sheet to the cooling rack. “He’s just the founder and co-owner of Cole Security. No big deal.”
I wasn’t sure what I was more nervous about—being the outsider at a work event, or the fact that he’d invited me at all. Whether either of us realized it or admitted it, we were letting each other in. And the deeper I got, the harder it was going to be to extricate myself when it came time to say goodbye.
His arms slipped around my waist from behind, his body warm and secure. “It really isn’t a big deal, Olivia. You’ll see—it’s pretty low-key.”
He brushed my hair away from my neck, and I closed my eyes. He leaned in, pulling my back to his front as he pressed a kiss to the delicate skin of my neck. I shivered as he continued his assault, dotting kisses down my neck, my shoulder.
“Connor.” His name came out as more of a sigh.
“Yes, Goody?” He didn’t stop, just continued to leave a trail of kisses that electrified me.
“We have to…” I let out a breathy moan as he slid his hands up over my breasts.
“We have to…?” I could hear the smile in his voice, the amusement mingled with desire. But he was just as affected as I was, and I could feel the hard evidence digging into my backside.
“Just one more,” he said, and I wasn’t sure if he was referring to the cookie or another round of sex. But at this point, I was prepared to give him anything he wanted.
He swept my dress aside as he slid a hand up my leg. I closed my eyes, leaning my head back against his chest. I loved the feel of his hands on my skin, his rough calluses sliding over my smooth, bare legs. I loved the way he surrounded me, made me feel safe.
He toyed with me over my panties, the material already wet with my arousal. I was panting, needy, and I rocked into his hand, silently begging for more. His deep chuckle in my ear was the sexiest thing I’d ever heard, but the slow pace he’d set was infuriating.
“More,” I whispered, pleaded.
He pushed my panties aside, slipping his finger up and down before sliding it inside me. I gasped as he clutched me to him, power and control radiating from his body. I’d never been with someone so…so overwhelming in every sense of the word. He consumed me, body and soul. He made it impossible to think about anything or anyone but him.
“Give it to me, Goody,” he rasped, rocking into me. “Give me everything.”
My legs shook, body clenching as my release barreled toward me. I closed my eyes, powerless to stop it. But he was there, supporting me the entire time, catching me as I floated back down to earth.
He held me a moment then smoothed my dress back down. When I turned to face him, his eyes were hooded. He lifted his hand to his mouth, sucking on the finger that had just been inside me.
“Mm.” He moaned, licking it clean. “Tastes even better than your cookies.”
I shook my head with a laugh, surprised by the fact that his comment didn’t bother me. In fact, it was such a turn-on that I knelt to the floor, feeling emboldened and wanting to return the favor. Wanting to make him feel as good as he’d made me feel.
“What are you doing?” he asked as I unbuckled his belt.
“What do you think I’m doing?”
“You don’t have to…” But he couldn’t complete the thought because I took him in my mouth, swirling my tongue around the tip as I stared up at him.
He gripped the counter, his mouth forming an “o.” And despite my lack of experience, I felt like a queen. Even though I was the one on my knees, he was at my mercy. For all his powerful muscles—thighs, insane abs, and broad chest—I was the one in control. I’d never felt more powerful or sexier than I did in that moment.
I continued my ministrations, licking, sucking, teasing him as he hissed through his teeth, “Fuck, baby. Fuck. So good.”
But then a moment later, he pulled me off of him. He lifted me onto the counter, frantically pushing my dress aside. “I need to be inside you.”
I nodded, biting my lip as I watched this strong man struggle to maintain control. He sheathed himself, his movements precise despite his haste. A second later, he yanked my undies aside and thrust inside me. I leaned back on my elbows, feeling everything so deeply. His lips on mine. His hands in my hair. The warmth of his skin. He hadn’t just invaded my home and my life this week, he’d laid siege to my heart. And I wasn’t sure how I’d ever recover.
He tilted his head to mine, our foreheads kissing as our ragged breaths mingled in the air between us. “Olivia.”
It was so intense, too intense. And I shut my eyes to try to stem the onslaught of emotions. But it was too late. I’d already let him in.
He cupped the back of my neck—the touch both comforting and yet somehow commanding. “Look at me, Goody.”
I shook my head. I couldn’t. I couldn’t do it. It would break me. But I also couldn’t refuse.
His gray eyes were filled with just as much emotion, just as much love as my own. And seeing it reflected back at me, I knew… I would never be the same again. Connor owned me.
* * *
“Are you sure this is a good idea?” I stared up at the house, nestled in a large gated community in the Hills.
“Of course.” Connor rounded the car, reaching into to the back seat to remove the box with the chocolate crack cookies I’d baked. “Catherine said I was welcome to bring a guest.”
“Yeah, but…” I glanced at the cars lining the street. There were so many of them. “She probably meant a significant other, not—” I lowered my voice. “A fuck buddy.”
He frowned, and it was then I realized just how intimidating he could be as he loomed over me, glowering. “Is that what you think you are to me?”
I lifted a shoulder, unwilling to say more as a couple approached on the sidewalk. A pit formed in my gut, sadness threatening to overtake me. Had he ever indicated otherwise? Had we ever discussed what would happen after this week was over? No—because there was nothing to discuss. When he went home, this would end.
“Connor, hey,” the man said, stopping to shake his hand.
Like Connor, the man was tall. But it was his arms that really stood out—they were massive and covered with tattoos. Despite his intimidating appearance, he flashed me a warm smile, his green eyes sparkling with curiosity. And the woman standing at his side was…stunning. She had black hair and blue eyes that were shrewd, assessing. Together, they made a striking couple.
“Hey.” Connor placed his hand on my lower back. “Mark. This is Olivia. Olivia, Mark.”
“Nice to meet you,” Mark said as we shook hands. “This is my wife, Charlie.”
We chatted for a moment before following them up the path to Jackson’s home. Connor placed his hand on my lower back, but it did nothing to calm
my nerves. Especially not when he leaned in and said, “This conversation isn’t over.”
I stared ahead but nodded. Though, really, what else was there to say? This was fun, temporary. And wishing for something more was both unrealistic and foolish.
We entered the house, and Connor assessed the situation. He was fascinating to watch—always on alert, constantly scanning for potential threats. I knew he did it out of habit more than anything else, but I liked knowing he did it all the same. It made me feel safe, protected.
“Muffin,” Mark boomed.
I followed his gaze to the top of the stairs, where a man stood with his hands on the banisters like the captain of the ship. Scruff lined his angular jaw, and he seemed far too serious for a celebration.
He chortled. “Twilight. What the hell are you doing here?”
“Couldn’t miss my biffle’s forty-fifth birthday, now could I?”
Muffin? Twilight? I turned to Connor. “I assume those are call signs, but what the heck is a biffle?”
Connor laughed, dropping the cookies on a food table before looping his arm around my shoulder. “Best friend. It’s a word Ashton made up.”
“Who’s Ashton?” I asked, struggling to keep up. Between the real names, call signs, and made-up language, it was like a secret club.
“She’s probably around here somewhere. She’s Catherine’s best friend.”
“And Catherine is married to Liam?”
“No.” He chuckled. “Catherine is married to Jackson. Liam is married to Lee,” he added, perhaps sensing my confusion.
“Lee?” I frowned. “I think I’m going to need a chart.”
He chuckled, pressing a kiss to my forehead. “You’re too cute.”
We floated from one conversation to another before finally heading out to the backyard. Everyone I’d met so far was incredibly welcoming, not to mention, gorgeous. It was as if you had to be beautiful to be a member of their social circle. Even so, I saw myself easily fitting into the group. Which was strange because apart from Alyssa, I didn’t have many friends. I didn’t let many people in, and I often preferred the company of my books or Luna to others.
“Connor, good to see you,” Jackson said, clapping a hand on Connor’s shoulder. “Let’s go inside. Catch up.”
“Nope.” Catherine grabbed his arm, her long brown hair swaying from the movement. “No work tonight. You promised!”
“It’s not work.” He grinned, though I didn’t need SEAL training to know it was a lie. Still, I worried it had something to do with Connor’s last mission or the lawsuit. “Besides, I want to check on Kennedy.”
Catherine’s expression softened, and she smiled when he whispered something in her ear. They were so in love, it was almost painful to watch. And I had to look away.
“Boys,” she said, rolling her eyes.
“Thanks for letting me crash the party,” I said once we were alone.
“Absolutely.” She led me over to a table where drinks were being served. “It’s nice to have so many of Jackson’s friends here. Most of them live in Virginia, and I’m glad they could make it. And I’m thrilled that Connor brought you.”
“Thank you. It’s nice to put faces to the names.”
She was such a gracious host, and—at least from the outside—she appeared to have the perfect life. A devoted husband who doted on her and their two beautiful children. And both she and Jackson had their own businesses and loved their careers. Was it really possible to have it all? Because Catherine and Jackson made it seem effortless. And I hadn’t realized how much I wanted those things until that moment.
“You seem familiar,” she said, her eyes searching my face for clues. “Have we met before?”
I shook my head. “I don’t think so.”
“Are you sure?” She tapped a finger to her lips. “I swear I know you from somewhere. Do you take yoga at the Lotus Studio?”
I shook my head, figuring I already knew the answer. I might as well end her frustration. “My dad is Harrison Hayes. He played for the Hollywood Heatwaves.”
“Ah.” She tilted her head back, the pieces sliding into place. “That makes sense. I’ve done some work for Reggie Harrington.”
“Yes.” I laughed. “Reg is the best.” He was my father’s best friend and my honorary uncle.
“Your mom is an actress, right?” she asked.
I nodded. Despite the fact that my mom had always been more into stage productions, Catherine knew her stuff. My parents were celebrities, but they weren’t popular enough that the paparazzi followed them around.
“So…I know what your parents do,” she said. “What about you, Olivia?”
“I work in marketing for Igloo Books—a publishing company.”
“Oh yes.” She placed her hand on my forearm with a genuine smile. “We have been thrilled with the Spines for Soldiers program. When I heard about it, I knew we just had to get some of our guys enrolled. Please give my gratitude to whoever came up with that idea,” she gushed.
I tucked my hair behind my ear. “Thank you.” And while ordinarily I would’ve stopped there, I said, “It was actually my idea. So, I’m thrilled that you think it’s of benefit.”
“That’s wonderful! And absolutely.” She smiled. “These men—” She sounded exasperated, but all the while she was smiling. “They act so tough, but they aren’t invincible. Despite what they want us to believe.”
I nodded, knowing how true that was. I’d seen it with my grandfather, and I’d seen it with Connor.
“If you’re ever in the market for a new job, I have a friend who works at a boutique publishing house. She’s always looking for forward-thinkers like you.”
“Thanks,” I said. “I’ll keep that in mind.”
She took a sip of her drink, then asked, “So how long have you and Connor been together?”
“Oh, we’re not…” I glanced over to where Connor was standing with Jackson and some of the other guys by the pool, suddenly feeling warm. “Together. Not like that.”
“Really?” Catherine arched an eyebrow. “You could’ve fooled me.”
The problem was, she wasn’t the only one fooled. Whether I liked it or not, admitted it or not, I was falling for Connor. And that was a problem.
Chapter Fourteen
Connor
I followed Jackson over to the pool, where a few of the guys were already assembled. Catherine had chided him for working, but we all knew it was impossible for him not to. Jackson was the founder and co-owner of Cole Security, and he took personal responsibility for everything that happened. It was a quality I both admired and understood. Any mistakes, any casualties, and I was always trying to determine what I’d done wrong.
“Did you tell them, Charlie?” Jackson asked.
Charlie shook her head, Mark’s arm wrapped around her waist. “I was waiting for you. The ambassador decided to drop the lawsuit.”
I breathed out a sigh of relief. “Thank fuck.”
“No,” Mark said with a stern expression. “Thank Charlie. She’s the one who provided the intel that persuaded him.”
She lifted a shoulder, a smile playing at her lips. “It was clearly in his best interest to drop it.”
I wondered just what kind of information she’d acquired. Even in the time I’d been assigned to protect him and his family, it was clear he was into some shady stuff. I was just grateful she’d gotten the proof we needed.
“What about the daughter-in-law?” I asked, concerned about what had happened to her. “And the granddaughter?”
“They’ve been extracted,” Jackson said.
I closed my eyes, sending up a silent prayer. It could’ve been so much worse. And it was a lot worse than it should’ve been, thanks to my actions.
“They’re at a safe house. I’m working with some friends to get them new identities,” Charlie said, filling in the rest of the details.
“Thank you, Charlie. Sincerely,” I said. Her blue eyes flashed with emotion.
&
nbsp; I turned to Jackson. “I’m sorry—for everything.”
I’d endangered his men’s lives. I’d fucked up the mission. And my actions had nearly resulted in a lawsuit.
He clapped a hand on my shoulder. “We all understand why you did what you did. Next time, ask for help or take a step back.”
I nodded. “I will.”
Jackson and Charlie joined nearby conversations, leaving me alone with Mark. His eyes were constantly tracking his wife, just as I was continuously keeping an eye on Olivia.
“So…Olivia?” Mark nudged me with his elbow, beer in hand.
“What about her?” I took a sip of my water.
“Gotta love a hot vacation fling.” He arched an eyebrow, as if challenging me to disagree.
Charlie elbowed him hard in the side, even though she’d been talking to someone else. “I heard that.”
He rolled his eyes, dragging her into his arms. “What? We started as a vacation fling.”
“We did not, you ass.” She pressed against his chest. “You seduced me on a work trip.”
“You sure that’s how it happened?” He grinned, pressing his lips to hers before she could protest.
When he pulled away, she looked both turned on and pissed off. But that’s how it was with them—passionate, argumentative. She sauntered off, and I could’ve sworn his tongue lolled out of his mouth.
“God, I love messing with her.” He grinned.
She flipped him off over her shoulder, and he merely chuckled. No wonder she’d made a good CIA operative. It was like she had eyes in the back of her head and supersonic hearing. She was scary as fuck, despite her small stature. I knew better than to mess with her, and not just because she was married to my boss.
“Why does the name Olivia sound familiar?” Mark tapped a finger to his lips. “Olivia. Livia. Livie.” He snapped. “Oh shit. She’s your little reading buddy.”
“She’s… Yes.” I blew out a breath, knowing there was no use denying it. “We met through the Spines for Soldiers program.”
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