Witness Pursuit

by Wadsworth, Joanne

  “Exactly.”

  She loosened her shoulders with a little roll. “It’s not that she’s on edge because I’m away. She’s experiencing birthday jitters. I should have told you, but she gets them every year. You’ve got to keep her busy the day before her birthday.”

  “Birthday jitters? Shoot. Why does she get them?”

  Yeah, she’d pinky-fingered with Saria on their seventh birthday to never speak a word of why. “It’s a sister-til-death thing. If I tell you what she did which caused the jitters, she’ll kill me, and the whole point of our relationship, is for you to protect me against death.”

  “Right,” he huffed. “So I just wait this craziness out, and she’ll be all good come her birthday tomorrow.”

  “Uh-huh, or at least about halfway into the day. By lunch time she’ll be like her old self.”

  “Great.” He sounded anything but great. “Tell me how the trip’s going?”

  She eased further into the darkest area where the walkway light barely reached. “Dylan’s very observant, but then so is Tyler.”

  “Yeah, I forgot to warn you how intuitive they all are, but you’ll handle them. Tell me how Tyler’s doing?”

  “I told Tyler we’d had a meal together, a date before he left for his assignment in Wellington. I had to lie. He sensed some kind of connection between us.”

  “Elaborate on this connection.”

  She rolled her eyes. “Do you really want to know?”

  He let out a low hmm. “I get it. Tricky stuff.”

  “Lydia.”

  She turned as her name echoed up the stairwell. “Oh no. Tyler’s here.”

  He pounded up the stairs and into the moonlight. “Dylan said you wanted to speak to Ben. To check in with him. Why the check in if you’re not a client?”

  “Because…ah.”

  “Let me speak to Ben.” He snatched the sat phone from her. “Ben, you need to be honest with me. If Lydia’s a client, I need to know.”

  Nooo. Why had she told Dylan she had to check in with Ben? Checking in was the wrong phrase. She strained to hear Ben’s answer, almost toppling into Tyler.

  Would Ben tell him she was a client?

  He better not.

  She caught Ben’s answer. “There’s no danger to her in the middle of the Pacific Ocean.”

  Crap.

  Tyler’s gaze darkened as he turned it on her. “So, she is a client?”

  “I can’t lie to you. Yes.”

  She dropped her head into her palms. Of course Ben couldn’t lie to him, and she should never have allowed the two of them to talk.

  “I want the full story.”

  “I can’t speak of it, but consider my placement of Lydia into your hands as my favored choice. No one on my staff will care for her the way you can. Take from that what you will.”

  “Hell.” He snagged her wrist. “How bad is it?”

  “Her case has top level authorization,” Ben stated frankly, dumping her in so deep she’d never talk her way out of it. “Tell her I’m sorry. I simply can’t withhold from you. If you wish, give her a kiss from me.” Ben hung up without another word. The traitor.

  Tyler pocketed the sat phone, his stare drilling her to the spot. “You lied to me. I can’t get physical with a client, and with you being here via Ben, it makes you mine by default.”

  “We’ve already gotten physical, and I’m not your client.” She spun around and left. Humph, stupid bodyguards. She couldn’t live with them, and she couldn’t live without them.

  * * * *

  Every fiber of Tyler’s being revolted at Lydia leaving, and even though he should let her go, he followed her to their rooms.

  She raced, glaring over her shoulder at him. “Ben also said if you wish to give me a kiss, then to do so.”

  “He didn’t mean it that way.” He chased her along the lit passageway and heaved her to a stop outside his room. Then he lifted her off her feet and swung her inside. “We both know this can’t go any further.”

  She let out a squeak. “What are you doing? You know I lied.”

  He shut the door behind him. “Take a seat. We need to talk.”

  “About…” She eyed him.

  “Foremost I’d like to think we can be friends.” It physically grated on him to say that. “Which means there are issues we need to bring into the light between us. Please, I want you to sit.”

  She stalked past him and plunked onto the couch. “I’m not sorry I lied, Tyler, just that I got caught. That’s still a nice bed, by the way. A shame I won’t be using it.”

  He tapped his legs. “We need to discuss why Ben placed you with me. He may not be willing to give me the details since it’s top level, but you can.”

  “No, I can’t. It’ll never happen. Nooo.”

  “Ben’s placed you with me, so who am I protecting you from?”

  “I don’t need any protection on board this ship. Didn’t you catch that from what Ben said?” She shoved to her feet, hands on her hips. “You said what happens here, stays here. You’re going back on your word. I want you, and you’re being an old stick-in-the-mud. So what if I’m Ben’s client? I don’t need guarding from you, not in the middle of the Pacific Ocean.”

  “Sit. We’re still talking.” He had to lay out his position, and she was not getting away from him until he knew it all.

  “No.”

  He snagged her hand and dragged her onto his lap. “Right, take a moment if it’s necessary, and when you’re ready, start loosening those lips and report to me exactly what I need to hear.” He gritted his teeth. “And I’m not an old stick-in-the-mud.”

  “Trust me. You are a huge Mr. Stick-in-the-mud.” She jutted out her chin, which looked far too cute for his liking.

  “I want an answer.”

  “You’re never getting one.”

  “Then you’re not leaving.” He stood then carried her to his bed and dropped her on it. “I don’t care how long this night is, you’re going to speak before the end of it.”

  “I thought the bed was out of bounds. What are you doing?”

  He kicked off his shoes. “Getting comfortable.”

  A mischievous glint lit her eyes and she tipped off her heels and scurried under the covers. “That was a bad move dropping me here after I said how much I wanted in.” She pummeled the thick white pillows at the headboard and laid back. “Get undressed if you like.”

  “Are you trying to turn the tables on me?”

  “There’s no trying about it.”

  She wasn’t supposed to get in. This was about him taking charge and nothing more. Why hadn’t he seen this coming? “You can’t sleep in my bed.”

  “Then let me leave without answering your stupid questions.”

  “You’re not leaving. I have to know what I’m up against.” And he could deal with her in his bed for the night, and still get her to talk.

  He’d show her.

  * * * *

  Lydia’s chest tightened. Just when she and Tyler were getting somewhere, this had to happen. Still, Tyler looked dangerously gorgeous.

  “Mr. Muddie-stickie,” she whispered. “You gonna hop into bed? Or should I call you Mr. I-don’t-want-to-stick-it.” Yeah, that should hit a nerve.

  “You’ll want to take that back.”

  Lazing on her side, she played her fingers over the blue spread. Oh yeah, his gaze narrowed and his hands flexed against his thighs. She liked. “Why? Because you’re hoping I don’t get comfortable and this isn’t a long night? Oooh, I’m shaking. You better not sleep naked, because oh boy, that might really scare me into squealing all my secrets.”

  “That’s it.” He let out a fierce growl, which sent a shiver of approval through her. “Close your eyes if you’re the sensitive sort.”

  “Not a chance. This is your room after all. Do what you’d like.”

  He yanked the silver buckle release on his belt then dropped his pants in one swift move. Next, he jerked his shirt over his head, and yee-ha,
she was left with the sight of smooth black briefs covering a bulky package she was certain was on the rise.

  “Last chance.” He slid his fingers under the band of his underwear.

  “I’m still good.” When he dropped his underwear and kicked them away, her lips went numb and she tried to rub some life into them. Talk about hot, not to mention that rise was now a full salute. Of a very grand fashion.

  “So I have to get naked for you to pay attention?” He shoved the covers back then slid in and hooked an arm around her waist. He tumbled her into him. “Now what were you saying about Mr. I-don’t-want-to-stick-it?”

  Remembering to inhale, she said, “I was wrong. Totally wrong.” Because he had one very powerful erection and it lay velvety stiff against her belly. “Quite clearly you want to stick it. Could I ask if that would be in me?”

  He stroked a finger down the center of her neck and between the valley of her breasts where her dress dipped. A seriously hungry look came her way. “You’re wearing too many clothes.”

  “I thought we were–”

  He kissed her, moving his mouth over hers like a man on a mission. Oh yes. He was larger than life and completely intoxicating. What a temptation. This was exactly what she wanted, had always wanted since the day they’d met.

  Holding her close, he broke for air, his breathing fast. “Okay, I can’t keep fighting this. If you agree then I agree.”

  “I do. I’m tired of living the dullest life in the world. I totally agree.” She was in. Absolutely. One-hundred percent.

  “Ben told me to kiss you. This is his fault I’m taking it literally.” Then he laid claim to her lips, sending every one of her last thoughts flying. “I’m going to take your dress off, Lee. Say yes.”

  She stroked the heavy muscle of his chest, his golden skin holding a smattering of dark hair. “Yes.”

  He smiled, his gaze heating her body wherever he looked. “I feel like I’ve wanted you forever. I know that makes no sense, but neither does the fact I’m willing to sleep with a client.”

  “I’m not your client.”

  “I’ll agree the lines are blurred.” He slipped his hands around the hem of her dress and raised it to her waist. “It’s been a year for me. Just thought I should warn you.” He wriggled the fabric higher, his breath stuttering a little as he drew it over her head and tossed it aside.

  “I want this, Tyler. With all my heart, I truly do.”

  He devoured every inch of her body with his gaze alone. “I have a feeling I’d break all the rules for you. When you’re ready to give me the truth, I’ll be waiting.”

  “You won’t push?”

  “I’d like to, but I doubt this stubborn side of you is going anywhere soon.” He spread his hands over her bare skin, skin hot and needy for his touch.

  It was a gift he offered, not demanding more from her but acknowledging she had secrets she couldn’t share.

  “Skin-to-skin. I want to feel all of you.” She pushed her fingers deep into his thick hair and drew his luscious mouth back to hers.

  * * * *

  Tyler was desperate for the same, and if skin-to-skin was what she wanted then he’d deliver. “Lee.” He murmured the name he’d given her as she slid her sensuous body against his.

  Hell, she was right there with him, her actions cementing in his mind they would be lovers, for as long as he could hold her in his bed on this ship. And the way she looked at him, with such trust and longing. He swept his hands over her ribcage, his sight fastened on two beautiful lush breasts which were all his. Brushing a finger over one rosy pink nipple, he bent his head and licked. Nice and slow. Real slow. So good. She tasted delicious.

  Rising into his touch, she searched for more, pressing her breasts even deeper into his mouth. Ahh, perfect. He wanted more. All of her. He razzed his teeth over the sensitive tip, taking a second before drawing the aureole deep inside his mouth. He sucked. Hard.

  His efforts won a soft purr from her, one that tingled his toes and delivered an equal amount of pleasure his way.

  “You like that, Lee?” He released her breasts then rose and nuzzled her neck. He drew the soft skin of her flesh into his mouth, creating a nice red mark, to ensure when he looked at her tomorrow, he’d recall exactly what he’d done to her now.

  “You’re very good at that. The whole kissing thing. Are you giving me a hickey?” Her breath came in short gasps.

  “Uh-huh. I don’t have a lot of control right now, and you may end up with more than one by the time I’m through.” Actually he had next to no control, his cock hammering at him to take her. So, he kept his word, devouring her to his heart’s content.

  “Tyler.” She twisted her head and seized a breath. “I feel like I’m burning up. Is this supposed to happen?”

  He pushed the covers off them and nudged his knees between hers. Moonlight through the windows played over her flushed skin. “Yes, but if I’m taking things too fast, tell me to slow down. Although I can’t promise I will, only that we’ll be doing this far more than once. I’ll get it right at some point.”

  Smoothing a hand over her hip, he caught her white satin panties. He dragged the silky fabric down.

  She jackknifed against him. “Oh. It seems I like fast.” Her hand came around his wrist, and then slid over the back of his hand, not halting him, but staying with him. “What do I do?”

  Her husky words had him reclaiming her lips. “What you do is not hold back. Let me touch you, deep inside where I want to join the two of us together. He moved his hand higher, her hand remaining on his.

  Gazing down her body, he spread her folds and licked his lips. Damn, she was perfect, pressing her mound into his palm, her hand threading partially through his fingers. Beautiful.

  “Don’t stop,” she murmured as she arched her back, her breasts bobbing so close to his mouth, he couldn’t deny returning to them.

  He lavished them with attention, those morsels like sweet nectar he couldn’t get enough of. A year was too long.

  “Tyler, please, I feel too much.” He stroked a finger through her heat and then plunged in deeper to rub a hot spot, which had her gasping, the hand she had joined to his now shaking.

  He growled, his balls tightening and his cock twitching at her side.

  Hell, she wasn’t ready yet, but she was slick and close.

  He pushed a second finger in as he ravished her breasts, her soft cries sounding of sheer pleasure.

  “Hold on, Lee.” He lifted up and seized her mouth as she moaned and thrashed underneath him.

  “Hurry,” she whispered as she clasped his head and held on.

  Gripping her hips, he positioned with care as she dropped her hands to his shoulders, her nails digging in. He stopped. A barrier? Only he couldn’t sort his mind to function why. Lee was with him, his mind consumed by her. He pushed through and buried himself deep to the hilt.

  Lydia’s gasp muffled against his neck as she held on piercingly tight.

  “Hell, you were a virgin?” He raised his head. Surely that couldn’t be right. She would have said. She should have said.

  She loosened her grip and stroked his back. “I’m sorry, but you said what happens here, stays here. I wanted this. I still do.”

  With one hand on her hip, he eased up slowly, and then stopped. For the life of him, he couldn’t fully leave her body. “We’ll go slow. Does this feel uncomfortable?” He gently pushed back in, and her lashes fluttered down as she sighed.

  “More like…very full.” She opened her eyes, a brightness flickering within. “That’s good though, right?”

  Right now, everything felt good. “You’re tight.” With care, he moved in and out, stroking into her slow and easy. She mewled in the back of her throat as her pleasure rebuilt. He took in every sound she made. A virgin. He’d never been any woman’s first. The fact she trusted him this deeply made his chest tighten painfully.

  “Oh, I really like that.” She rocked underneath him, moving them as one. “Go faster.�
��

  “Are you sure?”

  She slapped his butt, grinned and wrapped her legs around him. “Stick it. Now.”

  He was lost, pounding into her deep and hard, her cries for more sending him over the edge.

  “Yes. So good.” She screamed his name, her inner muscles tightening to squeeze and lock him firmly in place.

  His tenuous hold on his restraint broke, and he drove in, her orgasm taking him too, until he was wrung dry, with no strength remaining.

  He collapsed on top of her.

  His mind was slush.

  5

  Lydia lay still, not that she could move with Tyler a dead weight on top, but she wasn’t complaining. No way. Boy, what that man could do with his hands and mouth was completely insane.

  She gripped his shoulders. A light sheen of sweat dampened his hot skin, and she blew gently to wake him.

  He stirred. “Am I too heavy?”

  “No, you’re too sleepy. I want more.” She wrapped her legs around him in case he thought to move.

  “You were a virgin. You don’t withhold that kind of information from the man you’re about to make love with. I could’ve hurt you.”

  She stretched and smiled, all while clinging. “Ah, but you didn’t, and you never would.”

  “You’ll be sore in the morning.” He wrapped an arm around her and rolled them until she came up on top. “You’ve made things more difficult, Lee.”

  “Because…”

  She didn’t see how, not when she was so sated and content and…oh yeah, he was still buried deep inside her and coming back to life. And she thought men went soft down there afterwards.

  “I can feel you. I like it. A lot.” With her elbows on his chest, she palmed her chin.

  “So do I, and too much. How about a shower? That’ll help in case you’re sore.”

  “I’m not sore, although I won’t object to a shower. You made me all sticky.”

  He swept her to her feet so fast, her head spun. “Let’s go.”

  They fit snugly inside his shower as he flicked on the water. “I’ve never done this before. Had a shower with a man.”

  “Well, you’re going to let this man wash you.”

  “Okay. Sounds like a plan to me. Wash away, and don’t miss a spot.”