HIS Choice (H.I.S. #2)

by Sheila Kell

  He pushed the shower curtain aside and sat on the side of the bathtub. “I don’t have a choice, Jess. You know as well as I do there are dirty agents in the FBI. Besides, she won’t go. And don’t think for a moment she’d sit still if you had her. I’d wager I’d see her on the street within a day.”

  Jesse chuckled. “Oh ye of little faith. Seriously, must you do this right now? Can’t you wait until the team is here? We’ll help you.”

  “Would you wait if the fucker tried to have you or Kate killed?”

  Silence reached him from the other end of the line.

  “That’s what I thought.”

  “Okay. Since you’ve made your choice, make sure to keep her safe. She’s innocent in all this.”

  AJ didn’t need to be reminded of that. It stood in the forefront of his mind. “I will.”

  “It’s your game, AJ, but don’t forget I’m here when you need me. Todd let me know he’s available to help protect you until the boys come home. I know you trust them. Do you want him to help?”

  AJ wiped his hand over his face. “Now that I’ll be a wanted man, I’d rather my friends not get involved. No one needs to go to jail helping me.”

  Jesse cleared his throat. “AJ, I don’t like this, but I understand why you think you must do it. I still encourage you to wait. Let us help you more than we are able to now. We love you.”

  A large lump formed in his throat. He hadn’t heard his brother say that in years. Sure he knew Jesse loved him, but to hear him actually say it made things too final. No, AJ would do this. When his brothers returned, he’d work with them. But he would not wait and let that fucker squirm out of this. “Thanks for understanding.” He couldn’t bring himself to say he loved them. What a pussy!

  “You’ll have whatever you need when you need it. Dev’s found an account. It’s only one but you know Dev, it won’t take long to find the rest and tie them back.”

  AJ smiled. “I’d best go. She’ll be finished writing soon.”

  “Don’t let her interfere and distract you. It could mean both of your deaths. Oh, and no cherries and whipped cream.”

  AJ laughed. “I can’t promise that.”

  His brother wouldn’t let him forget the night Jesse had walked in on him and Stephanie. He’d just opened the jar of cherries to top his whipped cream coated dessert sitting on his table when his brother walked into the house. AJ had lost track of time. For Christmas his brothers supplied him with cherries, whipped cream and a watch with an alarm.

  At least Jesse didn’t lecture him about getting involved with Megan while protecting her. Jesse could no longer push that rule since he’d broken it with his new wife Kate.

  AJ sighed. Again, things were different with Megan.

  She glided toward him as he exited the bathroom. “I’m finished. Did you want to read it before I send it?”

  Her excitement tugged at his heart strings. His little dove.

  “I’d love to read it.” He grinned back at her and smacked her on the ass as he strode to the desk.

  “Hey.” Megan’s rubbed a hand over her butt cheek but a smile grew on her face.

  She immediately drew the reader into her story and the desire to continue didn’t stop with that great opening paragraph. Pride streamed around his heart at her talent.

  With Alex and Trey exposed, they’d be out of the picture for a little while. Hopefully long enough to not meet them on the streets. And she hadn’t mentioned Jimmy. That had to be killing her.

  “It’s another good article.” AJ stood.

  “It’s not a front page story, but I’m happy with it.”

  “It should get good placement. Which photo are you sending?”

  She picked up the photo he’d suggested. “This one.”

  “Good. That’ll also take another dealer off the streets. A few more and Jimmy will have to step up. He won’t be hard to find then.”

  “This is going to work out. Let me send this so we can do laundry.”

  * * * * *

  Megan stepped out of the bathroom wearing flannel pajamas.

  “What the hell are you wearing?”

  She glanced down at her clothing, and then back to his lust-filled eyes. “PJs.”

  “Well get those things off and get over here.” He flipped opened the covers on the bed exposing his naked body.

  She tilted her head and raised her eyebrows. The fun AJ had stayed around. Time to play. “But I thought after what we did in the shower earlier you’d be done for the night,”she cooed.

  Him taking her from behind in the shower while she leaned against the wall, water spraying over her, may have been quick, but it had been explosive. How could he be ready for another round already?

  A growl reached her ears. “My little dove, don’t make me come get you.”

  “Just give me a moment, I’ll be there.” Displaying what she hoped was a sultry, seductive look, she reached for the bottom button of her shirt and ever-so-slowly unbuttoned it. She made a show out of slowly licking her lips. She reached for the next button on her top.

  Before she could unbutton it, he stood before her.

  She giggled. Actually giggled. “What’s the problem?”

  That turn-her-to-putty grin spread across his face. “Enough.” He ripped her shirt open, buttons dropped on the carpeted floor. “I hope it wasn’t a favorite.”

  Her lips parted in surprise, her sharp intake of breath bounced around the bedroom walls, setting her pulse rate into overdrive. AJ kept things interesting and fun, in and out of bed.

  She threw her arms around his neck and pulled herself close. “And what if it was? Will you buy me another?”

  His lips hovered over hers, his words whispered on her lips, “The hotel room has a sewing kit.”

  Before she could laugh, his lips crashed down on hers, frantic and hungry. She opened to him and their tongues fought for control. Their battle sent pleasure skipping across the nerves throughout her body, centering between her thighs, throbbing and wet.

  “You still have too many clothes on.”

  Within moments he’d stripped her.

  Dropping to his knees, his hands slid over the curve of her bottom, his lips kissing her stomach, leaving a trail of warm goose bumps in their wake.

  Threading her fingers through his hair, she opened her legs for him, her head falling back against the wall.

  The torturous strokes of his hot, wet, velvety tongue between her thighs pulled a soft cry of his name from her lips when she came. The room disappeared around her, leaving weightlessness and bliss in its wake. Her legs weakened, and she’d have fallen if AJ hadn’t picked her up and carried her to the bed.

  Still reveling in her climax, she hadn’t noticed him leave her for protection. She didn’t protest as he slid her to the edge of the bed, put a pillow beneath her backside, pulled her legs up his chest, her feet resting on his shoulders. She purred deep in her throat, anticipation pulsing through her. Ah. The Mermaid position.

  He guided himself against her throbbing heat and eased inside her. His deep reach set another cresting wave of excitement racing through her body.

  Each stroke, each kiss he placed on her ankles and calves, reached all of the way to her soul, breaking into the fence she’d built around her heart.

  “You are so fucking beautiful,” he managed to say between his erratic breaths.

  She slid her hands over a shimmer of sweat on her flushed skin, stopping to caress her breasts, her thumbs blindly circling the sensitive little buds before she pinched them between her fingers.

  His strangled groan told her she’d achieved the desired result. His eyes locked on her hands.

  “Ready for Sexy Scissors?” he asked with raised eyebrows.

  This man knew more positions than she’d thought possible. She smiled as he promised to buy her a
Kama Sutra book. That set up hope they’d continue to try positions after this was over.

  He slowly crossed her legs in front of him, and she involuntarily squeezed around him, so tight his groan sounded painful. Closing her thighs send erotic pleasure drifting through her.

  He uncrossed her legs and opened them wide, shoving in deeper. He generated delicious pleasure with the changes in each movement. Her hips moved of their own volition to take every inch until she felt his sack resting against her.

  He kept the movements steady, teasing her, leaving her ready for climax before he moved again. Something snapped in him, and he tossed her legs back on her shoulders and thrust faster, reaching between her thighs to rub her clit.

  She moaned, arched her back as ripples of red-hot bliss cascaded through her body, leaving her relaxed, limp and sated.

  He thrust deep and threw his head back, his body jerked with his own release. He pulled out from her and collapsed on the bed beside to her. A few second later he stood and walked into the bathroom.

  AJ returned with a cloth and slowly, sensually wiped her. “You are the most incredible woman, Megan Rogers.” He kissed her in a slow, languid kiss.

  She closed her eyes against the realization that in the middle of searching for the Magician and running for her life, she was falling in love with a man who was wholly unsuitable for her.

  CHAPTER TWENTY-ONE

  Megan woke with a wide smile, a sweet feeling of contentment curling inside, knowing AJ would have the newspaper and coffee waiting for her. She could start every morning like this for the rest of her life. She hadn’t fallen in love with him yet, but with the way her heart fluttered when he was near, it wouldn’t be much longer before those three words came to her. The same three words that had caused her hurt in the past.

  Could she risk it and trust him? In the last week, she’d come to know him, his likes and dislikes, his attitude in politics, stories of his childhood. However, learning why he’d become a man who worked for a crime lord had been impossible.

  That man had all but vanished. With her, he’d become someone to have fun with, someone to spend hours talking with, someone to build a life with. Her heart warmed at how much he’d relaxed around her.

  The man she’d come to know would remain faithful. If his behavior recently was any indicator, he’d be a good husband and father, showering them with his love and attention.

  A heavy sigh escaped her. But he wasn’t always that man. The dark side of him returned whenever they discussed Magic Shop, or whenever she asked the wrong question about him, such as why he didn’t join his brothers.

  Something had its nasty claws digging into his soul, dragging him deeper into a despair he wouldn’t fight. That man would laugh at monogamy.

  She came no closer to her answer on trusting him. Before she could open her heart fully, she had to know the true man, the real AJ. Would he always be two such different people or could she help him remain as he was?

  She reached her arms over her head, enjoying the slow stretch of her muscles and then reality crashed in. No matter the explosive attraction between them, they lived in different worlds. Worlds in the same city, but those worlds were too far apart to cross. Even for love.

  A vice-grip clutched her heart. Would the police find out AJ was a murderer? Heck, he planned to kill Damian and, as far as she knew, would also kill the Magician. She didn’t want him in prison. She wanted him by her side.

  Impossible.

  They had more time together. She wouldn’t ruin it with the craziness in her head. She wanted to continue to enjoy it while she had it. She could live off the memories for a long time after they saw the last of each other.

  She grinned. AJ liked her in his shirt and nothing else. She’d greet him in one when he exited the bathroom. Maybe she could convince him to spend the day in bed and deal with the rest of the world tomorrow.

  Enticement first. She hopped from the bed and unzipped his bag.

  Before she reached into it, the secure cell phone at their bedside rang. She hesitated and looked toward the bathroom, doubtful he’d heard it in the shower. He’d told her this phone was their lifeline, and after their last experience when called unexpectedly, she knew it had to be answered and quickly.

  Her fingers shook. What could it be? Had they been found again? With deep foreboding, she hesitantly said, “Hello.”

  Silence greeted her.

  Odd and unnerving. She moved to disconnect the call when a man cleared his throat on the other end of the line. “Ms. Rogers, this is FBI Deputy Director Arthur Hall.”

  Her heart stopped. They had found them. At least it wasn’t Magic Shop.

  Wait. Why would the FBI call AJ on his secure phone?

  If that man thought he could have his fun with me and then drop me off with this Arthur man while he hunted the Magician, he had another thing coming. A shift kick between his legs would be a good start.

  “Ms. Rogers, I don’t agree with AJ on this assignment. This isn’t how we keep witnesses safe.”

  The only thing she heard was assignment. What did he mean? Her blood pumped fast. What was happening? She swallowed the lump in her throat. Thankfully it pushed the bile rising back down. “Is…” She drew in a slow breath. “Is AJ working for you?” Her voice quivered.

  Another long pause. Did this man ever just speak or did he have to take time to put together every single word? She wanted the answer now!

  “I think you’d best talk with him about that. I’d like to send someone to pick you up and place you into protective custody. Where are you staying?”

  AJ working with the FBI? But he’d left the bureau. Why would he be talking with them now? Why would they have a criminal working for them?

  Questions flew through her mind. Was he undercover? Could it be? Who was he really? She wasn’t sure she wanted to know, but she had to find out. The possible answers cleaved her heart in two. If he was an agent then they had a chance at a relationship, but if he was, he’d lied to her all this time.

  The problem was that she was falling in love with AJ Sands, a man who might not exist, who might just be a façade for his cover.

  “Ms. Rogers?” Arthur asked, breaking into her thoughts.

  “No. I won’t go with you. I’ll let AJ know you called when he gets out of the shower.” What the hell did she just say? Stay with him now? Unless he spoke with this man to turn her over, he’d lied. How could she still trust him?

  “Ms. Rogers, please reconsider FBI protective custody.”

  “Goodbye, Mr. Hall.” She ended the call, frozen to the spot.

  Her blood heated and rushed through her veins at lightning speed. Anger raged within her.

  How could he?

  * * * * *

  AJ strode into the bedroom with a towel wrapped around his mid-section. His gaze landed on Megan, standing beside the bed, absolutely nude. His heart did a little flip and his manhood stirred.

  Smiling, he walked toward her. “Good morning, my little dove.” He brushed his lips lightly over hers. “We have another snow storm coming in today, but it’s not expected to be as bad and should pass quickly.”

  He knew how he wanted to pass the time and in their current state of undress it wouldn’t be hard to manage.

  “FBI Deputy Director Hall called for you.”

  The smile melted from his lips. A knot of dread materialized in his stomach.

  Fuck! Fuck! Fuck!

  “Megan.”

  Her angry glare had the knot tightened enough even a sailor couldn’t unravel it.

  “You son of a bitch! Look, you’ve set me to cursing. Did you think that pretending to be the bad boy would give you an advantage? Did you want me that badly? I gave you everything, and you’ve been lying to me. Who are you? Is your name even AJ Sands?”

  He hadn’t wanted her to find out this way.
Find out from someone else. He’d planned to tell her at some point but much later.

  He stepped back. In an anguished voice, he responded, “I’m FBI Special Agent AJ Hamilton. I’ve been working undercover in Magic Shop for the past few months.”

  She crossed her arms over her chest. “Who is Devon? Is he another agent?”

  “No. He’s my brother.”

  “Why did you need your cover with me? Why would you lie to me?” She poked her chest.

  The heat had turned to pain, emanating from her eyes, knifing through his heart with precision.

  “Megan, I didn’t want to lie to you, but I had to. I couldn’t afford for you to accidentally let it slip. We’re already risking your communicating with your boss. Could you imagine what would happen if she heard that? We finally have a chance to stop this criminal organization once and for all.”

  “So you don’t trust me after all. Is that what you mean?”

  He hesitated. What could he say? He hadn’t trusted her to keep the truth quiet, not purposefully anyway.

  She hurled the phone at him, grabbed her bag and stormed into the bathroom.

  Could he fuck up every good thing in his life?

  He ran a hand through his damp hair and dropped on the bed. Things had been good between them. He didn’t want to lose her. He’d just found her and wasn’t ready to give her up.

  The darkness agonizingly crept back in his soul. The light she’d provided that helped him be a better man had vanished.

  He had to tell her everything. It was the only way. He couldn’t afford for her to leave him and rush out on her own. She wouldn’t survive. And he cared too much for her to let her run to her death.

  Guilt and regret tugged at his heart as he prepared to face the inevitable.

  Great fucking timing, Arthur.

  * * * * *