Dangerous Attraction

by Sidney Bristol

  “Why?”

  “Because your job involves a lot more protecting people than mine. I just find the killers after the act. Come with me.”

  Travis glanced at Bliss one last time before following the agent into the foyer.

  “We were able to disable the cameras, thanks to Lali. He should be blind as far as inside goes.”

  “Is that still on?” He nodded at the security system panel.

  “Yeah.”

  “Good.” Travis pulled out his cell phone and texted the agent.

  Could be hacked.

  Connor glanced at his phone and flashed him a thumbs up.

  I’ll put Lali on it. Meet me in the office.

  “I think it’s time I headed out,” Connor said. “See you in the morning.”

  “Later.”

  Travis watched Connor open and close the door, then flip the locks. There was no way to be sure if they were being observed, but at least they’d laid the foundation for making Daniel think otherwise.

  “Need to tell everyone to stay away from the panels,” Travis said once they were in the safety of the office, behind closed doors.

  “Texting Ryan now. He’ll talk to the officers and let the girls know. All right, so we’ve got a lot of people out there.” He turned to the office wall they’d procured to organize the sting. “There are five guys in the gates, roving around the community. We’ve got two guys in the pool house with eyes on us, and cops stationed near every point of entry, most of them within sight of another cop. What do you see?”

  “Too many cops.”

  “If we went with less, Grayson would be out.”

  “Daniel’s going to catch sight of them and we’ll be stuck here twiddling our thumbs while he gets on the road. If he’s smart.”

  “He is smart, but his obsession rules him.”

  “That’s what I don’t get about these guys. They can’t kill if they’re dead or caught.”

  “A lot of them don’t think they’ll get caught or they don’t care. They can’t control it.”

  “Which do you think Daniel is?”

  “Neither. He thinks he’s a god. He thinks he’s above all this. His obsession will make him slip up. He can’t leave Wendy behind, not after he abandoned his kids.”

  Travis shook his head. It made no sense to him, but it didn’t have to. So long as he kept Bliss safe, everything else would work itself out.

  “Hey guys.” Grayson opened the office door and leaned in. “We’re turning in.”

  “Good night,” Connor said. “You should hit the hay. I’m going to find a couch somewhere and cat nap.”

  Travis nodded. He wasn’t planning on sleeping anytime soon, but no one else needed to know that. The first floor was quiet, everyone out of sight and the lights turned down low. He did a circuit of the second floor and wound up outside the double doors leading into a guest room.

  The light was still on inside, and he could hear the TV.

  He still didn’t know where he stood with Bliss, if she wanted him here or not. If she kicked him out, he’d stand watch in the hall outside her room all night long. Until Daniel was caught, or better yet, dead, he wasn’t going anywhere. That thought gave him pause. Was it true? His gut said yes. That kind of conviction was hard to ignore.

  Bliss meant something to him. And her safety was more important than anything else.

  Travis knocked on the door and waited.

  No one answered, but he heard the soft padding of feet across carpet.

  “It’s Travis,” he said.

  A few seconds later the lock on the door released and it opened. Bliss stepped back, leaning her head on the wood.

  “Can I come in?” he asked.

  “Please.” She waved him in and closed the door behind him again.

  At some point she’d showered and changed again into pajama pants and a long-sleeved shirt.

  “How’s everything looking?” She gestured at the house and sat down on the bed, curling her legs under her.

  “Good. If he shows up, we’ll catch him.” He did a slow walk around the room. If he had his way, she’d be away from all the windows, but that wasn’t how Grayson’s house was built.

  “Will you sit down and stop prowling around?”

  “Just checking things out.”

  Did he sit on the bed, or give her space?

  Bliss hugged a pillow to her chest and stared at the muted TV. Some holiday re-run was on, so at least she wasn’t watching the news.

  Screw it.

  Travis crossed to the bed, toed off his boots, and stretched his legs out. She’d let him in, so it was something.

  “You still mad at me?” he asked. Might as well get right to the point.

  “What?” She scrunched up her eyebrows and glanced at him. “No.”

  “Then what’s up?” She’d practically avoided him since they’d crashed the Hortons’ CIA house.

  “Did you see Wendy?”

  “Yeah.”

  “Not like—see her, see her, with your eyes. I mean—did you look at her?”

  “She seems different.”

  “Yeah. You know, I’ve been scared what all this would do to her, if she’d just give up and wither away, or live petrified of what would happen next, but...it’s like she’s woken up. She’s awake and fighting back. Grayson said she’s her old self again. But not, because she was never this...determined. It’s crazy that something so bad has done her so much good.”

  “You’re—what? Scared that’s going to change?”

  “A little. I think...mostly I’m at a loss for what to do with myself. I’ve always been Wendy’s keeper. She doesn’t need me right now. It’s kind of sad. But I guess family always needs each other, just the way she’ll need me is different now.”

  Travis had no clue what he could offer to the conversation. His sister was more like a guy in a lot of ways. There wasn’t a problem a blow torch or a tire iron couldn’t fix. The rest of his family had communicated through fists and thrown objects. How a healthy family interacted was a mystery to him.

  “I’m just...unsure of myself. I’ve always been needed, and now no one needs me.”

  “What about me?”

  “You don’t need me.”

  She pushed his shoulder. He grabbed her hand before she could pull it away and tugged her closer. Need was a funny thing. He needed air to breathe, food to eat, and he needed her to fill the emptiness inside he’d always attributed to his inner demons.

  He tucked her against his side and kissed the top of her head. She lifted her chin until she looked up at him, her dark brown gaze pulling him in, looking into those hidden parts of himself he didn’t like to think about.

  “I think I do need you. I didn’t realize how much until I walked away. I thought I was doing you a favor, that it was the right thing to do, but it wasn’t. I was stupid.”

  “I’m not going to argue with you there.” She poked his chest and smiled.

  Warmth unfurled in his chest. It was strange, and not quite uncomfortable, just different.

  “You think we can try this again? And I mean more than wait and see how things turn out.” He’d never wanted something so bad before. If she said no, he didn’t know if he could let her go.

  5.

  Travis held his breath, waiting for Bliss’ answer. Sweat dampened his palms, along his hairline and down his spine.

  “This?” she asked.

  “Us.”

  She spread her hand out against his chest, over his heart, but didn’t speak.

  “You said I’d broken your trust.” He ran a finger through her silky hair. He’d never touched anything so soft or sleek before.

  “You did, but you came back. I shouldn’t have put you on the spot like that. That was unfair. I mean, everything you’ve told me about yourself...”

  “That I’m a fuck up?”

  “No.” This time she slapped his thigh. “You’re being difficult.”

  He caught her hand and brought it
to his lips. She made him smile. He liked himself when he was around her.

  “I know what I am. I know what my strengths and weaknesses are. I’m not a good man, Bliss. A good man would let you make up your own mind, but I can’t. I need you. It’s not something I’m used to. If you need time I’ll try to be patient, but I’m not good at it.”

  “How exactly do you plan on making up my mind for me?”

  “I have a couple ideas.” He smiled through the nerves. Bliss could tell him to fuck off, and he’d go. Not far, but enough to give her space.

  “What is it we’re trying to decide?”

  There it was, that inner spark, the bit of mischief twinkling in her eyes again.

  “That I’m your boyfriend.” It was silly and maybe juvenile, but part of him needed more from her.

  “Then you’d better get to work because I just don’t know yet...”

  She was playing with him. Whatever breach of trust he’d made wasn’t so big that she wasn’t willing to give him another chance. He had to make the most of it. Show her he could be different, that they were right for each other.

  Travis scooted off the bed.

  He didn’t have a plan. Hell, he didn’t really know what he was doing. He’d never wanted to have a girl stay part of his life before, but she was different. This whole situation with her was new.

  The bags were an option. She had quite the collection, and he was warming up to her brand of fun in bed. There were a couple more items he’d glimpsed they hadn’t used yet, but he didn’t want a gimmick or anything between them. She had to want him. Just him. When it came down to it, that was all he had to offer her.

  He circled the bed and held out his hand. She glanced from it to his face and back before placing her hand in his. He pulled her to her feet next to the bed.

  No one had ever looked at him the way she did. There was lust there, but also more. Things he didn’t have names for and had never allowed himself to feel for another human being.

  He cupped the back of her head, relishing the way her hair felt between his fingers. So soft and smooth. She lifted her hands and grasped his forearms, her gaze never leaving his. It was all out there in the open. He didn’t need to hear the words to know the depth of her feelings for him. Or that he’d hurt her. He could see it in her eyes. How much she trusted him, how he’d hurt her, the desire, and love. It wasn’t a secret.

  He pressed his lips to hers and her body softened against him. She tasted like Christmas morning. Everything good and happy he’d only seen on TV. He pulled her closer, their knees bumping and bodies brushing. She smiled against his mouth and slid her hands up to his shoulders.

  Travis leaned back and tugged her thermal top up and off, tossing it onto the floor. Bliss lowered her arms and tried to cover herself in a playful, coy act he wasn’t buying. He pushed her hands aside and cupped her full breasts, squeezing them just a bit. She arched her back, thrusting her chest forward. Her nipples were stiff points prodding his palms. Bliss tipped her chin back, offering her mouth for a kiss he couldn’t give her.

  Not yet, at least.

  He hooked his thumbs into her pajama pants and drew them over her hips. This time her panties were a string and scrap of fabric over her mound. He eased those down her legs, leaving her in nothing at all.

  His hands shook with a need so intense, so foreign, he thought he might burn up before they’d begun. Was this how it was for her, too? Was this what love did to people, drove them fuck-all crazy?

  The need for her was all-consuming, to the point he had to wonder if he was safe to be around.

  “Travis?” She slid her hands up his chest, worry etched into her features.

  “I’m fine.” He blew out a breath.

  He’d never hurt her, but neither did he have to be careful about his desire. She wasn’t a fragile doll.

  Travis pushed her shoulders and she slowly fell back onto the mattress, her legs hanging off the side. He enjoyed the way her breasts jiggled, how she chuckled and acted without abandon. She might not know it, but she didn’t need him. Not for anything. He, on the other hand, couldn’t survive without her. Not after he’d seen what life could be like. What it was supposed to be like.

  He knelt over her, letting his hands rove across her body, her curves. She twined her arms around his neck and kissed him, pulling him down on top of her until she got a handful of his shirt and pulled it up. He let her rob him of his shirt. His shoulder didn’t even ache anymore. That, or he was too distracted to care.

  Travis slid off the bed and onto his knees, a plan for seduction forming in his head. He pushed her legs apart and slid his hands under her ass, dragging her to the very edge of the bed. She yelped and kicked her leg out. He pushed her knee over his shoulder, which had the added bonus of opening her wider for him. Moisture glinted off her damp skin.

  She was wet for him.

  He spread her open and licked the length of her slit. The taste of her hit the back of his mouth, and his dick throbbed. Bliss’ back arched, and she groaned. He slid a finger deep inside her and felt her grow even wetter. Just for him.

  “Travis.” She moaned. “Travis, I need you inside me now.”

  “In a minute.”

  “No, now.” She pulled on his hand, her other hand in his hair.

  He considered shaking her off, but why deny her what they both wanted?

  Travis let Bliss guide him up her body until they were both on the bed. She shoved her hands inside his jeans. His hips bucked and his vision blurred when her hot little hands wrapped around his cock.

  “God damn,” he muttered.

  She pumped him, root to tip, her thumb swiping over the head, slicking the moisture over his flesh. He flexed into her hold, driving deeper into her grasp, loving the feel of her on him. His jeans slid down his hips, getting caught at the top of his thighs.

  Bliss hooked her leg over his hip and the head of his cock met her wet folds.

  Christ, yes, this was what he wanted, to pump into her slick, wet heat until she screamed. She lifted her hips, pressing against him. Her body yielded to his, as nature intended. He pulled back, though every fiber of his body said to thrust into her.

  “Condom,” he got out from between clenched teeth.

  She groaned and released her hold on him, falling back on the bed.

  Travis stood and shed the rest of his clothing. He flipped open his wallet...and froze.

  Fuck.

  “I...don’t have any.”

  “My bag.” She scampered off the bed before he could get there.

  God love a prepared woman. He followed her across the room to the dresser, watching her in the mirror.

  Bliss fished a foil packet out of the side compartment and ripped it open. He made a grab for it, but she retreated, clutching it to her chest.

  “Let me,” she said.

  “Do it.” He leaned against the dresser, gripping the edges with both hands.

  She grinned at him and wrapped her hands around his cock. Her fingers fumbled with the latex at first, but she rolled it on him with ease.

  The small, shy smile was all for him.

  He’d meant to be gentle, to focus on what she wanted, but other ideas were taking root, and he needed her now. Right now.

  He grasped a handful of her ass with one hand and kissed her. She fell forward against his chest, clutching at his arms. He turned, breaking the kiss and pushing her up against the dresser. The artful mirror hanging on the wall gave him an excellent view of her swaying breasts, her swollen lips, and what lust did to her face.

  Bliss’ reflection watched him, her face flushed and eyes dilated with lust. She braced her hands against the heavy piece of furniture, as if daring him to do every wicked thing to her. He gripped her hips and pushed a knee between her legs, making room for himself.

  He’d intended to be gentler, but she seemed determined to drive him crazy.

  She thrust her hips back, grinding against him. Her face was flushed now, her cheeks pink
, and her bottom lip caught between her teeth.

  So damn sexy.

  Travis grasped his cock and passed it through her folds, coating himself with her arousal. Her heat soaked into him until he felt it in his toes. Something knocked around in his chest, big and important, but now wasn’t the time for that.

  He thrust, burying himself inside of her. Bliss dropped to her elbows, pushing back on him, and moaned. He sucked in a breath as he sank a few inches deeper. Her body quivered around him, stretching, adjusting to his girth and this moment. It was an intense sensation, not just because it was sex and he wanted her, but because he loved her.

  The knowledge didn’t bring on the same kind of panic it had that morning. He loved her, and that changed everything. No matter what, he would always love her.

  Travis smoothed his hands up her thighs to her hips. Her muscles tensed under his palms and she rocked back against him.

  She wanted him to move?

  He grinned and thrust again, driving into her so hard she went up on her tiptoes. Her mouth opened on a silent shout, and her pussy constricted around him.

  She liked it.

  He pulled her hips, grinding their bodies together. Her breathing hitched and her eyes closed.

  “Oh, yes,” she whispered.

  He rocked into her. The drawers rattled and something fell onto the carpet, but it didn’t matter. Bliss opened her eyes and their gazes locked. She rolled her hips, and this time, when he pulled most of the way out, she moved with him. Their bodies met in a wet slap of flesh.

  “Yes,” she said louder.

  He pushed her pelvis up against the dresser to keep her right where he wanted her and thrust, again and again. Bliss moaned and dropped her head forward. He was vaguely aware of other things falling off the dresser, the way it bumped against the wall, but the only thing that mattered was the feel of Bliss around him. The joining of their bodies.

  This was the woman he loved.

  He wasn’t good enough for her, but damn it, she was in every fiber of his being.

  A tingling sensation started at the base of his spine. He was going to come so hard, but she had to orgasm first.

  Travis covered her left hand with his, leaning over her. He flexed his hips, driving into her with short, powerful strokes. Her fingers twined with his, squeezing tight.