by Chris Taylor
He stepped forward, closing the distance between them. Reaching out, he tilted her chin up until she was forced to look at him.
“It wasn’t your fault, Chloe,” he said. “Don’t get me wrong, I’ve been mad as hell since it started, but not at you. Never at you. How could I? You were only doing your job.”
She stared back at him, wanting to believe him. Without thought, she stepped into his arms. He dragged her close against him and groaned into her hair. She slumped against him.
“I’m sorry, Declan; I’m so sorry.” Her voice was muffled against his shirt. His hand came up and stroked her hair. He whispered words of solace.
“It had nothing to do with you, Chloe. Like I said, you were just doing your job. A job you’re good at. You had no reason to suspect there was anything more to it.”
“But I was the one who recommended the charges.” Emotion tightened like a steel band around her chest and she gasped in an effort to contain it. Her eyes burned. She bit her lip to hold the sobs inside, but one escaped and then another and another. With them came a deluge of pain.
Declan’s arms tightened around her. “Shh, sweetheart. Please don’t cry. Never once during this nightmare have I blamed you—and my life’s far from ruined. Please believe me, Chloe. You have to believe me.”
His words penetrated the fog of her misery and she raised her face to his. Tears blurred his features. She reached up and touched his cheek, delighting in the contrasting textures of the soft warmth of his skin against the roughness of his stubble. Her gaze dropped to his mouth and she heard his intake of breath.
His heart thumped hard beneath her hand. Nerves tingled and warmed her to her core and she suddenly felt heady at the thought of kissing him. She met his searching gaze and basked in the desire that burned like fire in his eyes.
She yearned to feel his lips on hers.
A tiny warning voice in the back of her head reminded her she was the senior investigator in a case that had ended in criminal charges laid against him—a case that was still before the courts, at least for now. But her libido was having none of that.
When his lips lowered, her mouth parted in anticipation. His kiss was so light she thought she’d imagined it until heat ignited in her belly and quickly moved lower. Her arms came up around his neck and she pressed herself against him, desperate to get closer.
He increased the pressure of his mouth, seeking, taking, discovering. She groaned when his tongue sought the inside of her mouth.
Time ceased. There was nothing and no one but Declan. His chest was taut with muscle beneath her fingers. She squirmed against him, desperate to feel his skin against hers.
His erection pressed through her silk blouse and suit jacket into the softness of her stomach, turning her to liquid. He lifted his head, panting for breath and smiled down at her.
Her breathing was just as unsteady and she fought to regain control. She leaned heavily against him.
“Easy, sweetheart. We have all night.”
Her belly clenched with excitement and nervousness. The last time she’d slept with a man, she’d been in college. The encounter had been less than satisfactory, more a grope and a grunt in the darkness rather than any kind of meaningful encounter.
To say that it hadn’t exactly inspired her to continue an exploration of her sexuality, was putting it mildly. In fact, she’d often wondered what the authors of steamy romance books were going on about when they described in bold, black, descriptive prose the excitement and passion of sexual intercourse.
But as Declan’s body ground against hers and his mouth continued its onslaught, she gained an inkling of what might have inspired those heated scenes. His lips trailed fire everywhere they went. He nuzzled her ear and then her collarbone. His hand came up and cupped her breast. Through the silk of her blouse, his fingers sought the tautness of her nipple and she gasped from the unfamiliar contact.
Desire ricocheted through her from her head to her core. Her clit pulsed and tingled. She tightened her arms about him and dragged his head up for another kiss. She drank in the feel of him, the scent of him. Every inch of him was delicious…
She couldn’t get enough.
With impatient fingers, he made quick work of the buttons on her blouse and then brushed both her jacket and blouse off her shoulders. They fell to the floor in a silent pool of silk and gabardine. A whisper of cool night air sighed over her skin. She shivered.
“Are you cold?” he murmured.
Sudden shyness kept her head down. She crossed her arms over her breasts. “No.”
With tender fingers, he brushed a coil of hair off her face and then tilted her chin upward until her gaze met his. He stared at her with eyes that were dark with desire. Their tumultuous depths seared right through to her soul. Her heart stilled.
“Don’t be shy,” he whispered. His gaze dropped to her chest and his hands came up and gently moved her arms until they hung by her sides. “You’re so beautiful. Please, let me look at you.”
Even still clothed in her bra, Chloe fought the instinct to cover herself. Heat scorched her cheeks. “I-I’m sorry, Declan. I’m not used to…to getting naked with someone.” She shrugged self-consciously. “I…”
His eyes widened. “Are you a virgin?”
Despite his gentle tone, she tensed. “No, of course not. I’m thirty years old. It’s just that…I-I’ve only been with a couple of men and the last one was…quite some time ago.”
He smiled, his expression soft and tender. “It’s been awhile for me, too. But you know what? It’s like riding a bike. You don’t forget how.”
“I know, but I’m not exactly an expert. No one becomes a proficient rider after only two lessons.”
“Who said anything about wanting an expert? I’m more than happy to show you everything I know.”
His arms went around her and he drew her close. He pressed a kiss against her hair—his heartbeat, a reassuring thud under her ear. She relaxed into the warmth of his arms.
“Thank you for trusting me enough to tell me,” he murmured and then shook his head. “You’re such a delightful contradiction.”
She tensed. He pulled back to look at her, a slight frown marring his forehead.
“Please don’t take that the wrong way, sweetheart. I’m thrilled beyond words to know how particular you are with your bed partners.”
Embarrassment crept up her neck and into her cheeks. She tried to turn away, but he would have none of it. Gripping her chin lightly, he encouraged her to look at him.
“Why now? Why me, Chloe?”
There was no suspicion in his eyes, only a tender curiosity and Chloe’s defenses melted away. So what if she wasn’t as experienced as most single women her age? It wasn’t a crime not to sleep with every half presentable male that came by. She’d been busy building a career and she was choosy—that’s all it was.
She was here with the most beautiful man in the world, and he was kissing her, worshipping her body with his eyes and his mouth and telling her he couldn’t care less about her inexperience. She sighed and drew his face closer, pressing a soft kiss on his lips.
“Why not you? You’re gorgeous, smart, sexy, kind, caring. What’s not to like?”
Even in the pale glow of the lamplight, she could tell he was blushing and she loved him for it. His humility, though totally misplaced, was endearing. “You can’t honestly believe you’re not appealing to every woman with a heartbeat?”
His blush deepened and it was his turn to look away. “I might not look half-aboriginal, but to tell you the truth, growing up in a small country town and being of mixed race wasn’t the easiest thing to do. I’m lucky Mom and Dad instilled in me such a healthy self-esteem or I might never have had the confidence to aim so high. I think in some ways the prejudices I suffered as a child only urged me to greater heights. I was determined to achieve success far beyond that of my schoolmates. I was lucky my father provided so much inspiration.”
Chloe nodded. “The firs
t aboriginal appointed to the New South Wales District Court. I can see how that would have inspired you.”
Declan shrugged a little self-consciously. “I have a job I love and a family I couldn’t be more proud of. I have nothing to complain about.”
“Until now. Until you met me.”
He was shaking his head before she’d even finished. “No, Chloe. I won’t have you blaming yourself. The Minister for Home Affairs is the reason my life went to hell. It had nothing to do with you.”
“Thank you, it’s nice of you to say it, but nothing you say can change the fact that if I’d believed you during that very first interview, nothing would have come of it. Your life would have continued along on its merry journey, free from angst and blemish. It’s as simple as that.” Saying the words out loud felt like a confession and she stepped back.
Moving away from him, Chloe looked around for her clothes. Retrieving her blouse from the floor, she tugged it over her shoulders and hastily did up the buttons.
Declan reached out to her. “Chloe, listen—”
“I’m s-sorry,” she stuttered. “I-I should go.”
His hands closed gently around her upper arms. “Don’t be sorry, Chloe and please don’t go. Okay, so you recommended the charges and that decision set in motion a series of events I hope never to repeat, but if you hadn’t, we’d have never arrived at this—with you in my arms. This feels so right it scares me.”
His words warmed her heart, but it wasn’t enough. She tried for a smile, but didn’t quite manage to pull it off.
“Thank you, Declan. I appreciate what you’re saying, but I need to go. It’s getting kind of late and I have to work in the—”
“Then, come for a ride with me.”
She gaped at him in surprise. “Excuse me?”
“Come for a ride with me. Now. On my motorbike.”
Chloe’s eyebrows rose and she shook her head. “Oh no, I don’t do motorbikes.”
A smile tugged at his lips. “What do you mean, you don’t do motorbikes?”
She searched around in her mind for a suitable explanation and became a little panicked. She couldn’t imagine anything more terrifying than being perched on the back of a motorcycle at the mercy of a man she barely knew—and every other crazy motorist out there.
“I dare you.”
Oh, God, now what was she to do? It wasn’t so much a matter of bravery; it was more that she was terrified. She’d never trusted anyone with that much control over her life.
And yet she’d trusted him enough to sleep with him. Well, almost. If they hadn’t gotten off track, she’d more than likely be lying relaxed and replete in his bed after an amazing session of lovemaking. How she knew it would be amazing, she wasn’t quite sure, but instinctively, she was certain he would deliver.
“I’ve never been on a motorbike.”
His smile widened into a grin. “Then tonight, lady, you’re in for a treat. The 1199 Panigale Ducati isn’t just a motorbike. It’s a freaking legend.”
She grinned back at him. She couldn’t help it. And suddenly, the fear melted away. She looked down at her clothes. “I’m not exactly dressed for riding.”
He strode toward a hall she guessed led to the bedrooms. “No problem. My younger sister, Josie, leaves a few clothes here for when she visits.” His gaze ran over her. “She’s about your size.”
“What about a helmet?” she protested weakly.
“I have a spare one. Josie’s a speed fiend. She loves to ride pillion. Besides, it’s the only mode of transport I have. If she wants to go to the shops, she has to climb on the bike.”
He disappeared down the corridor and Chloe took a moment to catch her breath and regain control over the surge of excitement and anticipation that now threatened to overwhelm her. She could hardly believe it. She, sensible Chloe Sabattini was about to double on the back of a motorcycle and ride through the darkened streets of Canberra. All of a sudden, it seemed a perfect way to get away from all the disturbing revelations and the guilt. Why not give it a go?
Within minutes, Declan returned brandishing a pair of jeans and a T-shirt in one hand and a pair of boots in the other.
“I’m not sure what size shoe you take, but these should go pretty close. They’re probably a bit safer than those stilettos of yours.”
Chloe took the clothing with a murmur of thanks and slipped past him into the hall. A well-appointed bathroom with mismatched towels stood off to her right. A little further down, light spilled out of what she assumed was the second bedroom. She walked inside the room and closed the door.
Two single beds lay bare of bedding, a pillow and neatly folded bedspread lay on the end of each one. A large desk and chair took up half of the wall opposite. A laptop, telephone and fax machine were lined up on the desk in almost military precision. The spare room obviously doubled as Declan’s office.
Apart from a couple of generic prints on the wall and a framed photograph on the nightstand, the room was devoid of any other decoration.
Unable to help herself, Chloe picked up the photograph and stared at the people who smiled back at her. She recognized Declan’s parents and his brothers straight away. The two younger women who completed the picture were unfamiliar, but resembled the others closely enough that she presumed they were their sisters.
One of the girls stood beside Declan. He looked a little younger than he did now and his hair was worn slightly longer. His arm had been thrown around her shoulders in a casual pose. Chloe guessed her to be somewhere in her late twenties.
The other woman looked younger. Standing beside Declan’s father, her blond good looks were in stark contrast to her father’s black hair and swarthy skin. Her long, slim legs sported a pair of tiny denim shorts. They’d been teamed with a purple and green tank top. Her cheeky grin gave a hint of her personality and Chloe surmised she was a lovable handful.
Replacing the picture where she found it, Chloe removed her blouse and laid it carefully on one of the beds. Slipping the T-shirt over her head, she blushed at its snug fit. Her breasts pushed against the soft fabric, and would leave an observer no doubt as to her generous cup size.
Knowing there was nothing she could do about it and liking the feeling of being a little bit naughty, she slid out of her skirt and deposited it on the bed before stepping into the jeans. They were also a little tight. She’d barely be able to hoist her leg over the bike the way she was going.
A rap on the door drew her attention. “Is everything all right in there?”
Chloe tugged at the jeans in an effort to stretch them. “Um, yes. Everything’s fine. I’ll be out in a minute.”
“Okay. Don’t be too long.”
She took a seat on the bed and pulled on the borrowed boots. The smell of leather filled her nose. They slid easily over her stockinged feet.
When she emerged into the living room, Declan eyed her with appreciation. His gaze paused at her chest. Excitement fluttered deep in her belly.
Her gaze swept over him, taking into account his fresh attire. He now wore a pair of black jeans and a T-shirt that hugged him like a second skin, emphasizing the broad expanse of his toned chest. In each hand, he held a helmet.
He grinned and she felt it all the way down to her core.
“Ready?”
CHAPTER 21
The night sky, sprinkled with starlight, surrounded him when Declan wheeled the bike out of his garage and flicked down the stand. The glow from the streetlights nearby illuminated the paved driveway and glanced off the tall hedge of Murraya that bordered the edge of his apartment block. It was laden with sweet-smelling flowers. He breathed in deeply of the orange-scented air.
Chloe sidled closer, a mixture of anticipation and panic warring in her eyes. He swept another appreciative glance over her tight T-shirt and even tighter jeans.
Blood pulsed into his groin and his body hardened. Images of her bent naked over his bike flooded his mind and he squeezed his eyes shut against the tempting fantasy. H
e’d promised her a ride on his motorbike and a ride she would get.
Thrusting the erotic thoughts aside, he climbed onto the Ducati and adjusted his weight on the seat.
“Swing your leg over and hold onto me around the waist.”
She looked at the bike dubiously and hitched up her jeans. He swallowed a smile.
“You’ll need to come a bit closer. Those jeans don’t have a lot of give in them.”
Even in the dimness, he saw her blush, but she looked at the bike with determination and holding onto his arm, she hoisted herself onto the bike.
“That’a girl! I knew you could do it. Now, put your arms around my waist and enjoy the ride.”
Pressing the electric start button, he opened the throttle and enjoyed the familiar rumble of power that roared out of the engine. Kicking it down into first gear, he eased the machine out of the driveway and onto the road. The evening traffic was light and Declan made good time, zipping through the darkened streets of his neighborhood.
Within minutes, he was on the main road that became the freeway north to Sydney. He leaned forward and opened up the throttle, enjoying the familiar rush of exhilaration.
Chloe was silent behind him, but he took that as a good sign. Her death grip around his waist during the first few miles had eased to a comfortable embrace. Conversation over the noise of the bike was impossible and he hoped she was enjoying the intoxicating freedom of being almost one with the elements as much as he was.
They rode in comfortable seclusion, cocooned by the night. Declan tried to concentrate on keeping the bike riding smoothly along the highway, but the feel of her body pressed up against his kept distracting him. He cursed aloud when he hit another pothole.
Sighting a truck stop up ahead, he slowed the bike down and indicated to take the turn. A few minutes later, they cruised to a stop. Careful to keep the bike balanced, he held the machine upright while his passenger alighted.
Chloe fiddled with her chinstrap and tugged her helmet off. Declan removed his too and grinned at her.