Crash and Burn

by Maggie Nash

  In other words, he was letting her down easy. Wasn’t that the classic line—‘now’s not the right time’? Okay, so if that was the way he wanted to play it, fine. Beth pulled the sheet up around her body and stood, wrapping it around herself. She needed to get herself together, and she needed some sleep. Tomorrow promised to be another stressful day, trying to get off this wild goose chase and make some progress. Maybe he had a point about not getting distracted. All right then, she’d play it cool.

  “Fine. I agree. No more sex until we finish. I can handle that. Now excuse me while I go to the bathroom and get ready for bed—to sleep.”

  She waddled to the bathroom with as much dignity as she could muster and shut the door. When she emerged some time later dressed in her ‘granny’ pajamas and with her hair wrapped in a towel, Daniel had gone. A note on the dresser told her he was checking out a lead and for her to get some sleep. Great. Fat chance. Especially now she was worried about him being out there on his own. The noise from the street was pretty bad too. She didn’t really have a choice though, so she toweled off her hair, climbed between the sheets and rested her head on the pillow. Five minutes later, she slept.

  Chapter Ten

  Out in the crowded street again, Daniel blended with the tourists. He’d taken one of the baseball caps and pulled it down over his forehead to shield his eyes. He pulled the collar of his jacket up around his neck. Walking with his head bent, he kept his eyes straight, holding the crowd in view. He didn’t want any surprises, not when they’d remained undetected since leaving Canberra this morning. Shit, was it only this morning that we left Canberra? As days went, this must’ve gone down as one of the shittiest ones he’d ever experienced, except for Beth. Just thinking her name had his cock hardening all over again. He could still taste her. Getting out of that room and away from her was the only option he’d had. Things were getting too complicated for comfort and he needed the space to get his head together. So did Beth.

  Sure, the sex had been great. More than great. It had been so intense he’d nearly lost sight of the big picture. But sex wasn’t all that was happening here. He’d better focus solely on the job of protecting her, even if he had to make her hate him. And she might just do that by the time this was over, because he planned to keep her with him twenty-four-seven from now on. Once he got back to the hotel, they’d be joined at the hip. She would hate that but tough shit, she’d just have to live with it.

  A small park came into view where there were several benches filled with people sitting down drinking and laughing together. Even though what they were doing was illegal, it was better than having a bunch of druggies shooting up in full view, so Daniel ignored them. He walked past a group of teenagers all wearing the uniform of sports logo pants, black T-shirts and woollen caps. How they tolerated those caps in the December heat was beyond him, but fashion made people do strange things. He thought about those spiky heels Beth wore to the club and how they showed off her amazing legs. Oh yeah, not all fashion was bad.

  There was an empty bench at the rear of the park, facing the street. The light above the pathway that led there was out, although it was past four in the morning now and the sky was getting less dark. The glow from the shopfronts in the street made it fairly easy to see anyone who might approach him. He sat down, pulled out his mobile phone and punched in a speed dial number.

  “Wyatt, where the fuck have you been?”

  Interesting choice of words, considering what he’d just been doing. “Nice speaking to you too, Addison. You’re going to have to work on your greetings. You’ve said the same thing to me every day lately.”

  “Don’t get smart with me, you prick. Do you realize what time it is?”

  Late, too damn late. “Yeah, it’s about time I had some answers. You got any leads your end?”

  “Jesus, Daniel, your timing’s impeccable, as usual. Nothing concrete. Will was following up on something, but he’s been MIA since this morning…yesterday morning now.”

  He rubbed his brow with his free hand, dreading what he had to say next. “He’s dead.”

  “What? What the fuck happened?” Daniel moved the phone away from his ear as the decibels increased fifty times over and waited for silence.

  “He was getting me a car and we were supposed to meet, but someone got to him first.”

  “Judas bloody priest! I assume you have a good reason for not calling it in.”

  “I’ve been kind of busy making sure no one can track us. I’m calling it in now.”

  “Where are you?”

  There was only one answer he could give. “I can’t tell you that.”

  “Bloody hell, Daniel…you need some backup. At least give me an idea of what area you’re in so we have some people on standby should you need them.”

  And end up dead like Will? No way! “No deal, boss. We don’t know who the leak is yet, so it’s better if nobody knows. What happened to Will is proof of that. What was he onto, by the way?”

  Addison’s hesitation was brief, but noticeable. “I’m not sure. He didn’t say. He didn’t even tell me he was getting you a car. It must have been tracked somehow, otherwise how did someone know where to find him?”

  Daniel moved to the far edge of the bench and turned his face to the wall, pretending to inspect the graffiti. “So who had access to that info?”

  “No one but you and me officially, but he might have told someone else. Did he have any CIs?”

  “I know he had at least one confidential informant, but you know how it is. No one gives away their snitches.”

  “Yeah, you’re right. So that leaves us with zip then. Back to square one.”

  “Not necessarily. Beth contacted someone when we were in Canberra. No one was home and she didn’t leave a message, but it could be how we were made. I need to check it out.”

  A sharp intake of breath came over the line. “Who did she contact?”

  “A friend of her dead father. She calls him Uncle Jack.”

  Dead space met that announcement.

  It was probably a full minute before Addison replied, “Did she say anything else about him?”

  “Not much, but I’ll be questioning her more. I’m not sure if this is anything, but I’ll check it out anyway.”

  “It’s probably nothing. Are you sure you have time for this?”

  What was on his boss’ mind? Didn’t he agree this was a lead? “I don’t have much more to go on so I have to start somewhere.”

  “Okay, but keep me informed. You staying put now?”

  Not on your life! “Probably not. Moving around gives us an edge. Staying where we are increases our chances of being found.”

  “You’re still not going to tell me, are you? I could order you to, you know.”

  “And I’d just have to disregard that one, boss. I’ll be in touch.”

  He pressed the End button and leaned forward, staring at the phone. Something nagged him about that conversation, but he couldn’t put his finger on it. Maybe he was just exhausted. Hell, he needed to get some sleep soon or he’d be no use to anyone. Maybe he should go and wake Beth so they could get settled into a new place in plenty of time for him to catch a power nap before his excursion tonight. That phone call had left him jumpy. He probably had no chance of sleep until he nutted it out in his mind. He stood, scanning the area as he rose. The same kids were seated near him, still drinking from their vodka bottles and laughing raucously. One couple had moved to the back wall and were going at it, their hands roaming feverishly, the moans getting louder. How could they be still standing considering the amount of spirits they’d consumed? Shrugging, he walked past them, pulled his cap down further, hunched his shoulders and headed back in the direction of the hotel.

  * * * *

  There was someone following her. She had to move or they’d catch up. The train carriage was empty as she ran through to the connecting door. Damn, the handle was stuck. Her hands were shaking as she rattled it back and forth and tried again. Not
hing. Double damn. She kicked it near the bottom and slammed her fist onto the glass. She heard a click and tried it again. Thank God, it opened. She turned and saw the masked figure getting closer. She banged the door behind her and took off through the next carriage. With any luck the door would give him as much trouble as it had given her, allowing her more time to get away. The next door proved easier, but she wished she’d get to the guard’s section soon so she could get them to call the police. Her breathing was getting labored now as she continued to run without stopping. How many more carriages were there? She pushed her hair out of her face and stared along the train to see how far she had to run before she’d get to help. The heavy thud of her heartbeat moved from her chest to her head and back again when a hand reached out and touched her on the shoulder.

  Her shrieks woke her as she bolted upright in the bed, grabbing her chest in a vain attempt to calm her thudding heart. She recoiled as she remembered the hand on her shoulder and turned to see if it was there. Nothing. It wasn’t real this time.

  Shit, shit, shit!

  She jumped out of the bed and wrapped her arms around her middle, drawing the flannel tightly against her shivering body as she paced the room.

  I’m okay… It was just a dream.

  She scurried into the bathroom and turned on the basin tap, shivering as the freezing water touched her skin and droplets fell in a slow stream down from her face to her breasts, causing her nipples to tighten and pucker.

  Daniel. Just that one sensation brought back the memories of their explosive sex. Her skin burned with heat that expanded from her core to every sensitive cell in her body. Liquid pooled where she remembered the feel of him slamming inside her. Muscles weakened and she leaned forward to grab the edge of the sink. Throwing her head back, she drew in a deep, cleansing breath. Get it together, Beth!

  Just what did she want from this relationship? She was tired of the mixed signals. One minute he was colder than an iceberg and the next they were fire, dancing together, getting under each other’s skins. He said that getting involved distracted him from doing his job. Maybe that was true, but did he really mean it when he said he’d like to see what happened after it was all over? She wanted to believe that, but her past history with everyone she cared about had made her more gun-shy than most. Could she trust him to stick around? More to the point, did she want to take the chance of hoping for something more, only to be shattered and alone again when he walked away? Her brain said probably not, but a tiny slither of hope in her heart wanted it to be true.

  She was pathetic. She knew she should pull back, but in her current situation, she didn’t think she had the energy. She needed Daniel’s strength. If that meant taking whatever he had to give before it all ended, then so be it. She’d worry about the rest when the time came. She sat on the rickety chair, and remembered something her mother had said when she had been a little girl. ‘When the right one comes along, you don’t have to think about it. It just knocks you for six and you know nothing is ever going to be the same again.’

  Oh, Mum, why aren’t you here now when I need you most? Her eyes stung as she tried to hold back the hot tears filling her eyes as she heard a key turn in the lock.

  Daniel was back. She wiped her eyes with the sleeve of her pajama coat and turned away from the door.

  Daniel froze as he closed the door. Beth sat stiffly upright on the edge of a chair, her back to him. At least he didn’t have to wake her up to get packed. The early morning light reflected on her mass of red curls, giving her an ethereal appearance. He caught a whiff of her scent—spring flowers and woman. He took a tentative step toward her, stopping when he heard a muffled sound coming from her direction.

  “Beth?”

  She sniffed again and wiped her eyes with her hand. Fuck. Another piece of that wall he’d built around his heart began to crumble. Aw hell…he couldn’t stand the thought that he’d hurt her. She didn’t resist as he gently pulled her closer and guided her head to his shoulder, kissing her furrowed brow. She tightened her arms around his waist as her tears fell silently onto his shirt. Her hot breath teased him through the damp material.

  “I’m sorry. I’m getting your shirt all wet.”

  “You have nothing to be sorry about. I’m the one who’s sorry.”

  “No, you don’t understand. I was thinking of my mother and how much I miss her. I haven’t let myself think about her for ages, but you know, with all that’s been happening…I just wish she was here to talk to. She was always great at helping me sort out my problems.”

  “I’m sorry you’re mother isn’t here for you, Beth. I can’t make you any promises for down the track, but I’m here, in this room with you, right now. You can lean on me all you want.”

  She looked up at him with her beautiful face. There was gratitude there, but there was also need. She needed him right now and he couldn’t—wouldn’t—let her down. Damn all the promises he’d made to himself. Damn them all to hell. He could no longer fight the feelings he had for her and it frightened the bejesus out of him.

  They could move locations later. Another hour wouldn’t matter.

  He lowered his face to hers and brushed her soft lips with his. His erection was instantaneous and pressed painfully against his jeans. He wanted to keep control. He wanted to make this slow and tender, to give her pleasure so she could forget for a short time the crap they were going through. He shifted his body backward slightly so there was no contact other than his hands on her shoulders and his lips on hers, kissing her as if she was a fragile piece of porcelain.

  Beth shook from the sweetness of his kiss. Her body reacted in every pore as goosebumps appeared, sending tingling sensations from the outside in. Now she knew what people meant when they described a visceral reaction. Every cell in her body clenched with need as she anticipated the feel of Daniel’s graceful hands and his magic mouth. She sighed in contentment as he lifted her in his arms and carried her to the bed. He laid her gently down, not once breaking contact with her mouth. His kisses were intoxicating. The rush of endorphins so intense, the heat from her core spread to the top of her scalp. She would die if he didn’t touch her soon. Her breasts swelled and heaved as her nipples tightened painfully when she moved her legs together, rubbing against all of her sensitive areas. She arched her back, showing Daniel exactly what she wanted. She pulled away and placed her tongue in his ear, blowing her breath inside as she pleaded. “Please, Daniel… Please…”

  Daniel muffled a groan. “Beth, you’re not playing fair. Let’s do this slowly. I promise it will be good. I want to give you pleasure.”

  “You are giving me pleasure, but since you asked, I’ll wait…for now. You’re killing me, and when I can’t take any more, I intend to fight back.”

  Daniel lightly skimmed his finger down the line of buttons on her pajama top. “Don’t worry, sweetheart. I’ll be ready for you. If your bones don’t melt first.”

  At that gentle warning, Beth’s breathing hitched in an erratic frenzy. Anticipation grew as she waited for his next move. She didn’t have to wait long. He leaned forward once more and slid his fingers inside the elastic of her pajama pants. Before her next breath he’d removed the offending clothing with one swift movement and thrown them aside.

  “Close your eyes and just feel…” he whispered.

  “Daniel…” she pleaded.

  He placed a finger over her swollen and sensitized lips. “Shh…no talking, either.”

  She complied with a shudder as he removed his hand. She shivered when a rush of cool air from the overhead fan floated over her bare legs. She held her breath when he placed his mouth on her buttons, undoing them one by one with his teeth. The heat from his breath seared her skin, even though he kept his mouth inches away from her burning skin, driving her crazy with need. He tugged on the sides of her top, sliding them apart to bare her body to him. She arched her back once more and lifted her hips off the bed, sighing. He groaned.

  “So beautiful…”
/>   “Daniel…”

  “Tell me what you want.”

  “You told me not to talk.”

  “I’ve changed my mind. Don’t forget to keep your eyes closed, but tell me your fantasies—what you makes you wet, what makes you shout and scream and lose control. It’s all a part of the pleasure.”

  “Oh…I…”

  He blew softly on one nipple. She didn’t think it could get any more erect, but she was wrong.

  “Do you like that?”

  “Ah…”

  He blew on her other nipple and she sighed, aching with the need for him to be inside her.

  “I guess you do,” he murmured, continuing the southward exploration of her body. She parted her legs when the heat reached her labia. He blew once along the length of her folds and she nearly bucked off the bed.

  “Careful… I don’t want to tie you up…” He chuckled. “But then again, maybe that’s one of your fantasies?”

  She nearly came right there at the notion of her body restrained, unable to move and open to him—of being used as his personal sex slave. Oh God! When did I get so kinky?

  “I thought you wanted me to tell you?”

  “Mmm…go ahead,” he said as he nuzzled her clitoris with his nose, inhaling deeply before swiping across her folds with his clever tongue.

  “Daniel…” There was no breath left in her lungs.

  “Yes?”

  “I want…”

  His wet and warm tongue continued its journey, he kissed and licked her skin down one leg to a sensitive patch behind her knee. “Yes…?”

  She forced herself to breathe, amazed that she remembered how. “I want you!”

  He lifted his head and met her eyes as she opened her lids. He smiled. “Not so fast, my love. All in good time.”

  “Any more good time and I’ll explode.” She sat up and reached for him, searching for his mouth. “I’m sorry, Daniel, but I can’t wait.” She kissed him passionately.