Occasionally, his penetrating gaze made her antsy, but not today. Today butterflies fluttered wildly in her stomach at the sight of him. She hadn’t seen Laz in well over a week, and she’d be lying if she didn’t admit she was happy to see him now.
Wait. He shouldn’t be here.
Casey cleared her throat and Journey’s gaze shot to her assistant, whose raised brow was loaded with questions.
“It’s all right, Casey. I can take it from here.”
She hesitated, but eventually closed the door. Without diverting his attention from her, Laz backed up to the door and turned the lock.
“Laz, what are you doing here?” she asked quietly. Her office wasn’t soundproof, but it still offered somewhat of a buffer to those nearby. More than that, the DA’s office was the last place he should be.
“What’s with the attitude? Bad day?” He watched her. The intensity in his stare dug deep into her soul as if he was trying to read her.
Journey turned to the tall bookshelf that held volumes of her law books, framed certificates and awards. She had worked hard to get where she was today, but the items on display did nothing to soothe her frustration. “The day started out great. I won th—”
“The McNealy case,” Laz finished. She glanced over her shoulder and the corner of his lips lifted slightly before he said, “Congratulations. I had no doubt you could win.”
“You were there?”
“I was at the courthouse for another trial.”
“Oh.” She turned back to the bookshelf and rubbed her neck.
The argument with Gabe returned to the forefront of her mind. She knew going into law that she would have to overcome challenges. Dealing with a few arrogant male attorneys over the years who tried to make her feel inferior happened more often than not. Yet, the situation with Gabe had her stumped. What was his problem? Journey could speculate, but…
Laz touched her hand and she startled, jerking away from his touch. He had moved from across the room without her realizing it.
He narrowed his eyes at her before reaching for her hand again. His touch was gentle, but something was off about him today. Journey couldn’t quite put her finger on it, but he seemed edgier than usual. His face revealed nothing, though.
“Tell me what’s going on with you and that asshole Hall.”
Journey’s eyebrows lifted in shock. “You saw what happened?” she asked just above a whisper.
*
“Yeah,” Laz said absently, examining her arm.
He had almost lost his shit when he saw Gabe grab her. The pained expression on her face had been like a knife piercing his heart. The only thing that stopped him from going to her aid was that she had gotten the situation under control with a move that had surprised him. Besides that, he knew if he had approached them, he’d be in jail for assault.
Still looking at her arm, Laz froze. “That bastard grabbed you hard enough to leave a bruise?” He tried bridling the rage in his voice, but even he recognized the hardness in his tone. His anger spiked when he touched the darkened area and she flinched.
Gabriel Hall had just earned himself an ass-whoopin’.
“It’s fine, Laz.” Journey eased her arm out of his grasp. “I bruise easily, and I can handle Gabe.”
“You shouldn’t have to handle him, Journey. He shouldn’t have had his fucking hands on you!”
“Laz, I’m not helpless. I handled the situation and it’s done. So drop it. And why are you so upset?”
“Damn it, Journey! That fuc—” He stopped himself, trying to rein in the rage hurtling through his body. “I don’t want any man’s hands on you!”
Her mouth dropped open at his fierce revelation. The admission surprised even him, but he meant it.
“Do you have any idea how hard it was for me not to snatch him up and strangle his ass? It’s bad enough to know that men are putting their hands on women to inflict harm, but when that woman is you…” he choked out, emotion clogging his throat. Closing his eyes, he scrubbed his hands down his face.
He didn’t bother finishing. He had already said too much.
Laz didn’t want to admit that over the years she had somehow earned a spot in his heart. He didn’t know when it happened, but he could no longer deny his feelings; at least not to himself.
That didn’t mean he had any intention of acting on those feelings. Then again, he was powerless to stay away from her.
Chapter Seven
A part of Journey wanted Laz to finish what he was saying, but the other part of her was glad he hadn’t. They couldn’t pursue a relationship. Yet, when he spoke like that, with so much potency, that’s exactly what she wanted.
But the two of them together wouldn’t be a good idea. She knew it and he knew it. They didn’t fit. He was a rule-breaker, toeing the line of justice while her moral compass kept her on a straight and narrow path.
But knowing those things didn’t negate the fact that she wanted him more than she had ever wanted another man in her life.
Her heart rate amped up at the thought. Could she take a chance, ignore all common sense and lure this sexy, virile man into her bed? She had always enjoyed sex, especially when it was good. And she had a feeling that she and Laz would be better than just good together.
“Don’t look at me like that, Journey.”
“Like wh-what?” She wiped her sweaty palms down the sides of her dark skirt as Laz approached her, his steps measured.
She stood perfectly still while he zoned in on her mouth as if he wanted to kiss her. Or maybe that was wishful thinking on her part, since she would love to kiss him again. Instead, she’d had to rely on memories of their last one, as well as the steamy dreams she’d been having about him lately. The ones that had her waking up every morning sexually frustrated.
Laz stopped in front of her, staring in that way he did so often with those seductive eyes of his. Instead of kissing her like she wanted, he cupped her cheek, brushing his thumb lightly over her skin, sending goose bumps up her arm, and lust rushing through her body. He could be so sweet and gentle at times.
“I don’t like it when anyone hurts you.”
Again, the possessiveness in his tone, like moments ago, spoke volumes. But what was she supposed to say to that?
Seconds ticked by with them staring into each other’s eyes, but then his mouth covered hers, his kiss hungry and demanding. His strong arm went around her waist, drawing her closer to his muscular body and an electrical charge shot to the soles of her feet. Their tongues tangled and heat spread through her veins like a ferocious fire.
Journey had never felt so out of control, not even with Tony, but that’s how it was with Laz lately. The delicious assault of his mouth against hers made her feel so desired. Like he craved her as much as she longed for him.
And this kiss… This was more than a kiss. He was claiming her, but that couldn’t be right. He knew they couldn’t be together. Didn’t he?
How was she supposed to keep a level head when he kissed like he invented the act? And being wrapped in his arms had her body melting against him. It was a good thing he held her close because his kiss was siphoning all of her strength and she could barely stand.
Laz backed her to the wall, pulling the tail of her blouse out of her skirt. Without missing a beat, he quickly unbuttoned the garment and his warm hand slid up her torso. Journey whimpered when he ran his thumb over the lace of her bra. Her nipples pebbled from his scorching touch, and her breasts begged to be free.
“Laz,” she breathed, her eyes closed and the back of her head brushed back and forth against the wall when he buried his face against the crook of her neck. Kissing. Nipping. Licking her heated skin. His hands moved slowly down her body, and she tingled everywhere his lips and fingers touched.
He unfastened the front clasp of her bra with a flick of his wrist, and her breasts spilled out into his palms.
“Journey,” he murmured against her lips, his voice husky and filled with pent-up need as
he caressed her. He pulled back slightly and glanced down at her. “Damn, you’re even more beautiful than I imagined.”
Waves of pleasure rocked through Journey while he admired her body. Her panties were already wet and she was more than ready as he salivated at her breasts as if they were chocolate-covered strawberries. When his mouth returned to hers, she moaned at the way he palmed her mounds, squeezing and teasing her sensitive peaks.
Journey’s hands went to his hair, her fingers fisting the silky strands as she held on while she succumbed to the forceful domination of his lips. He moaned and ripped his mouth from hers, mumbling something in a language she didn’t recognize. Was that Greek? She wasn’t sure but before she could form her next thought, he took one of her nipples into his mouth.
Her skin prickled with the heat from his lips and her knees went weak. Laz slid an arm to her waist as he continued the sweet torture, cupping one of her breasts in his large hand. His tongue, teasing, licking, and swirling around her nipple. A moan of ecstasy slipped from her lips.
She couldn’t breathe.
She couldn’t think straight.
And she wanted him like a thirsty woman wanted a cold glass of water.
Laz went lower, trailing feathery kisses down the center of her breasts, and continued south, lingering around her navel.
This man… Lord, this man. She wanted this. She wanted him. But one of them had to be smart. One of them had to keep their relationship professional. When he cupped and squeezed her breasts again, she groaned and knew she couldn’t be the smart one.
As soon as the thought crossed her mind, his phone vibrated.
No! No! No!
Laz didn’t stop, but disappointment slammed into Journey when the device vibrated again. The humming filled the quietness of the office, effectively bringing them back to reality.
“Shit!” The word flew from his mouth in a hoarse whisper and then he growled. Now on his knees in front of her, he dropped his forehead against her belly.
Journey wasn’t sure if he was cursing because of the interruption or because they had gone further than they should. Had his phone not vibrated, there was no telling what they would’ve done in her office.
And knowing she had no intention of stopping him, Journey questioned her sanity.
She stared at the ceiling, her head against the wall while her breathing slowly returned to normal. Laz still had his head on her belly and her fingers sifted slowly through his thick hair, a calm settling over her. He didn’t bother checking his phone and they stayed that way for the longest time until he stood to his full height.
Eyes half-closed and his hands on her waist, his gaze took in her nudity. He didn’t speak as seconds ticked by, but his touch against her bare torso sent tingles racing across her skin. Maybe she should’ve been embarrassed, still standing before him with her clothes hanging off. She couldn’t explain it, but she felt totally comfortable in front of him.
Even so, she fastened her bra and started to pull her blouse closed before Laz stopped her with his hand on her wrist. He then surprised the heck out of her when he started rebuttoning her blouse. There was a certain intimacy that went along with the gesture that made her heart melt a little bit.
“I owe you an apology.” He cupped her face between his large hands and kissed her sweetly. Considering how gruff he usually was, his tenderness with her was palpable. “I—I lost control.”
“Maybe, but I’m glad you did.”
“Yeah, but this… Baby, you and I together, probably not a good move,” he rasped.
“I know,” Journey said reluctantly knowing he was right, but trying to fight the sweet thrill swirling in her stomach at the term of endearment he’d just used.
He eased away from her and she dropped down in her office chair while he adjusted his clothing and moved to the front of her desk.
She lifted the collar of her blouse and shook it, trying to cool herself off. Each look, each touch and each kiss from him made her crave him that much more.
Neither of them spoke for a long time, probably thinking the same thing and knowing if they kept this behavior up things could really get out of hand. They could ruin their professional relationship.
Laz cleared his throat and caught her attention. “Tell me what happened between you and Hall.”
Journey thought for a moment. “I’m not sure, Laz. Something is going on with him, and I think it’s more than just him being jealous of my promotion.”
Laz folded his thick arms across his chest, his muscles bunching under his light blue dress shirt. She liked when he wore a suit, though right now he didn’t have his suit jacket on. And he had probably loosened his paisley tie the moment he stepped out of the court room. He looked good in whatever he wore, but his normal attire was a T-shirt and jeans when on duty.
“What did he say to you in the hallway?”
Journey shook her head and pulled her attention from Laz’s enticing body. He could be seriously intense sometimes when discussing a case, but the vibe she was getting from him at the moment was more aggressive than usual.
“Gabe is under the impression that you and I are sleeping together.”
Laz’s brows drew into a frown. “What’s it to him if we were? Does he have a thing for you or something?”
“No, he hates me and this isn’t the first time he’s brought you up in conversation. He also mentioned that I’d better stay out of his way or else. On that I have no idea what he’s talking about.”
“That asshole threatened you?” Laz growled and when she didn’t respond right away, he placed his hands palms down on her desk. “Journey?”
She didn’t answer the question; instead she said, “He wants to be an assistant DA or who knows, maybe even DA. Gabe has been here longer than me and feels slighted that I received a promotion over him.”
Laz blew out a noisy breath, still looking a little tense. “I should have beat his ass when I had a chance.”
“I’m glad you didn’t. Assaulting a government official is a federal offense.” Besides, he’d been in enough trouble. He didn’t need anything else to spotlight his already shaky reputation.
“Does that mean you’re going to press charges against him?”
Stunned by the question, Journey said nothing, but he was right. She needed to do something.
“I’ll take your silence as a no.”
“I’ve got this, Laz, but thanks for caring.”
“I care more than you know,” he mumbled under his breath. “Has Hall ever put his hands on you before?”
“No.”
“Good. Stay away from him. And if he even acts like he wants to touch you again, let me know.”
“Laz,” she dragged out his name. “Stay out of this. Don’t do anything that’s going to draw more attention on you.”
“Hey, I’m not going to touch the guy as long as he doesn’t touch you.” He started for the door, but stopped suddenly as if just remembering something. Crossing the room, he walked around the desk and stood next to her chair. “Are you ready to tell me what’s going on around here that involves me?”
“Yes,” she said without hesitation. It was time she told him what she knew. “But not here.”
“Then where and when?”
“I’ll text you.”
“If I don’t hear from you soon, you’ll be hearing from me.” He moved toward the office door, and she hated to see him leave.
“Oh, Laz, wait. I forgot to ask. What’s this about you needing help getting a warrant?”
He smirked, smiling for the first time since arriving. That bad-boy grin always made her off-balance. “I just said that to get in here.”
He opened the door but turned back to her. “I’ll be in touch.”
Chapter Eight
An hour later, Laz found a parking spot around the corner from Club Masquerade, the hottest night club in Atlanta. He really wasn’t in the mood for large crowds, but had agreed to meet his best friend, Hamilton Crosby, for a dri
nk.
Laz laid his head against the headrest and stared out his front windshield at nothing in particular. He still couldn’t shake what he’d witnessed between Hall and Journey. Nor could he stop thinking about what happened in her office. He’d gone too far and the scary part was, she hadn’t stopped him. The instant his lips touched her body, he knew he had screwed up because he wanted more of her.
Much more.
Groaning, he sat up and patted his pockets for the pack of cigarettes as well as the burner phone he had picked up a short while ago. Knowing he had both, he climbed out of his old Chevy, cringing at how loud the creaky driver’s side door was when he opened it. One day soon he was going to have to break down and go car shopping.
Before heading around the corner to the club, he stopped and leaned his back against a building, his right foot propped on the brick. Tapping out a cigarette from the pack of smokes, he lit it and relaxed a little after the first puff. When he had quit smoking several years ago, he had no intention of picking up the bad habit again, but a five-day suspension a few months ago had changed that.
He didn’t smoke often. These days, a pack of cigarettes usually lasted a few weeks, but tonight he was horny as hell and walking around with a semi-erection. If he couldn’t have the woman he wanted, he’d have to settle for a smoke.
He took a long drag on the cigarette and released a thin cloud of smoke into the atmosphere, as he zoned in on three women who were approaching. One of them was pointing at something on her cell phone, while the other two peered over her shoulder at the screen. The woman closest to the street, a redhead who stood almost a foot taller than the other two, glanced at him and smiled. Laz gave her a head nod, but said nothing when they passed by.
He’d never had a problem attracting women, but after losing Gwenn years ago, he had changed, becoming a hit-it-and-quit-it kind of guy. He might’ve had a couple of fuck buddies, but nothing serious, especially in the last six months.
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