"Jack?” Brielle's voice brought his head around.
"Brielle? What are you doing here?” He looked past her. She was alone. Fear accelerated his heartbeats. “Where's Rodriguez?"
"He went back to the others once he saw you here.” She leaned against the rail next to him. “Jack, is everything all right?"
"Yeah, well ... actually, no it isn't.” He turned to face her, shoving his hands deep in his pockets to keep from reaching out.
"What's wrong?” Concern glowed in her moonlit eyes.
"I owe you a big apology,” he said, his chest not as tight. “I'm sorry I was such a jerk the other night. I was out of line."
His words brought the most amazing smile to her face and softened her chocolate gaze. For the first time in days, his heart didn't tighten with fear or pain. It swelled with longing.
"Thank you, Jack. I know how hard that was for you."
He smiled. “How is it you know me better than I know myself?” Shaking his head, he gazed out at the ocean. “Maybe I have been dodging relationships. I don't know, but it's something I need to figure out once this job is done."
"I agree.” She patted his shoulder, then dropped her hand when he turned toward her.
His breath disappeared. There was so much he wanted to say, but was this the time? Maybe he should wait until after he closed this case. He searched her face. Uncertainty swam in her eyes, and when she opened her mouth, his gaze locked onto her lips like a missile to its target. Arousal ripped through his groin, demanding action. It took all his restraint to stand down. He didn't want to blow things with her again.
"Well, I'd better get to my room before Rodriguez comes looking for me.” With a smile, she turned and walked away.
Jack closed his eyes and exhaled. Discounting his unfulfilled desire, he felt better. Much better. She hadn't thrown his apology in his face, despite having every right. Opening his eyes, he rubbed his chin.
She was unlike any woman he'd ever known. Brielle was no mouse. She didn't cling. Hell, she all but called this culprit a coward, daring him or her to act.
His heart hit the deck. What if her dare caused an attempt, and he couldn't prevent it? He straightened his shoulders. That was not an option.
Retracing his steps, he found the lido deck empty. Relief washed the rigidity from his shoulders. The others should be safely tucked in their rooms. He grabbed the drink he'd left at the outside bar and held it up to the night sky. “Here's to making it through another day.” Now, he only had the morning to worry about. After lunch, they were sailing back to port.
Smile on his lips, drink in hand, he headed downstairs to check in with his men before retiring for the night. He stepped onto the cabin level and paused. Music—faint and enticing—hit his ears. Frowning, he detoured to the discotheque and stopped dead. His glass hit the carpeted floor and went unnoticed as the lone occupant continued her bare-footed dance.
Brielle.
Heart hammering, Jack looked around the empty room and swallowed. What the hell was she doing on her own? She'd said she was heading to her room. Where was Rodriguez? Where was her cameraman?
Observing from the doorway, knowing he should send her to the safety of her stateroom, he hesitated. The soft love song washed over him, and as he watched Brielle, he experienced the music anew in her movements. Her dance held no gyrations or sliding on poles, but his arousal was decidedly more intense. Eyes closed, feet bare, she moved across the floor with a grace that stole his breath. She was ethereal, incredible, awe-inspiring.
Jack saw—Jack felt—Brielle's heart.
It was sweet, pure and strong and where he ached to belong. The dance was an open book to her soul and he connected to it like stars to the night sky. Unable to stop himself, he crossed the room and reached the edge of the dance floor.
Her eyes opened, and when she stumbled to a stop, he nearly cried out in protest. He wanted the connection to go on forever. “Please ... Brielle, don't stop."
She swayed to him. “Dance with me, Jack.” Taking his hands, she walked backwards, her gaze riveted to his as she led him to the center of the floor.
Turning, she positioned her back against his chest and melted into him. Heat fused them together. Jack closed his eyes, locked hands with her and began to sway, letting the rhythm of their hearts—their bodies—control their movements as he embarked on an emotional journey more powerful than anything physical he'd ever known.
When the song ended, he opened his eyes and she twisted around. Her brown gaze reflected the fierce feelings that shook within him.
"Jack.” His name sounded like a plea on her parted lips. She trembled under his hands and stepped closer.
That was his undoing.
Crushing her to him, he brought his mouth down on hers, needing to continue the unspoken connection flowing between them. He took her lips in a long drugging kiss that opened a path to his soul.
Standing on tiptoe, she answered his demanding mouth, sliding her tongue over his while her fingers dug into his scalp. He wanted her, had to have her ... had to be with her. Now.
But now wasn't good.
His eyes opened and he reluctantly pulled away. “Brielle, if we don't stop—"
She pressed her finger to his mouth. “I don't want to stop, Jack."
His pulse misfired. “Brielle, do you know what you're saying?"
"Yes, I do.” Her smile grew wickedly delicious.
Already fully aroused, his erection jumped. God, he wanted her. His gaze made swift appraisal of the room. Too public. Anyone could walk in, including those damn cameramen. Frowning, he refocused on Brielle.
"Where's your cameraman?"
She gave him another wicked smile, and a claymore went off in his gut. “He retired for the night. I went in my room and waited for him to leave the hall, then snuck down here."
Jack cupped her face and kissed her smiling lips. She needed no encouragement, pressing into him, while her hands ran up his chest and heated his spine.
He reluctantly drew back. “Brielle, I want you, but not in public.” He caressed her cheek. “The things I want to do to you don't belong on television."
Her eyes darkened. “Then let's find somewhere private.” She grabbed his hand and pulled him off the dance floor.
"Wait, Brielle.” He stopped her at the door. “Rodriguez is out there by our rooms."
She brought his palm to her lips. “Get rid of him."
The man was going overboard if need be. Pulling in a breath, he formed a plan. “Go to your room. I'll be there shortly. I've a few ... things to take care of."
Chapter Fourteen
Brielle paced her room, glancing at the clock on the nightstand. Where was he? It'd been ten minutes since she'd left Jack. What was taking so long?
She stopped and hugged herself. Maybe he changed his mind. No. No, she'd seen the emotions, felt the desire in his kiss, his touch. No. He would be here.
Her gaze collided with her reflection in the mirror. Excitement pulsed through her veins. It wasn't Ariel that stared back, flushed, eager. It was Brielle Chapman—whose eyes showed her heart, whose swollen lips hungered for more, whose body jumped in anticipation at the slightest noise in the hall.
Never had she felt such strong feelings like this before. Not even for Brent. She snorted. That hadn't even come close. Memories of the other reality show flooded her mind.
Five teams had competed for an expensive diamond by traveling the globe and solving riddles. Brielle had been in charge of the guards and was the only one with the combination to unlock the safe housing the jewel.
A security guard had accompanied each team as they traveled. Brielle had been assigned to a three-man team of entrepreneurs. Since each contestant had undergone extensive background checks and come up clean, she'd broken her no-involvement rule and had given into her attraction to Brent. But that had been a mistake, one that had robbed her heart when the combination had disappeared from her room.
Humiliated by her unwi
tting role, she set him up and took him down, keeping the theft off-camera. The realization Brent never loved her and only used her attraction for him to get into her room had kept her from compromising herself ever since.
Until now.
The door clicked open, and Jack stepped inside. Her heart tripped at his warm expression.
"I was worried you'd changed your mind."
"Not a chance.” He crossed the floor in two strides. “Nothing was keeping me from you tonight."
He cupped her face and devoured her mouth, nibbling and teasing until she trembled with need. His tongue grazed her lip, sending a jolt to her pulse, before darting inside. He tasted hot and delicious with traces of scotch mixed with a searing passion she met with fervor.
Jack was different. He had nothing to gain by doing this. He had to truly want her as much as she wanted him. Her heart swelled, then knocked into her ribs. She was treading new ground here.
She was in love with Jack Anderson.
Breathing ceased as she pulled back. How had that happened? They barely knew each other, and yet, she understood his soul. A good man with a good heart, Jack matched her on every level. Her profession wouldn't intimidate him.
She touched his cheek and drew a troubled breath. It was time to break another rule. She had to tell him about her involvement in the show. He deserved to know.
"Jack ... I have to tell you something."
He put his finger to her lips. “I know. This feeling is a bit intense.” He brushed her hair off her cheek, then cupped her face again. “And I'm not dodging anymore."
Her ability to speak disappeared when his mouth found hers and he opened his heart in a kiss both sweet and demanding. She leaned against him, taking the precious gift he gave and shared a part of herself she'd kept hidden—a part where her heart and soul met, waiting for the man she'd given up hope of ever finding. She admired his ability to handle what life threw his way, the Ranger in him and how he'd stared death in the face and led his troops against the odds in the Persian Gulf. His wonderful wit made her smile, but right now, his kisses drove her mad.
Without breaking contact with his lips, she pulled the shirt from his pants, working the buttons loose and freeing his muscled torso to her eager hands. Hard and smooth, his body heated under her touch and as she slipped the shirt over his shoulders, his finger drew a line of fire down her back while he unzipped her dress.
They stepped apart long enough to allow their clothes to fall to the floor. Jack sucked in a breath and gazed at her standing braless with only a patch of lace for underwear. A thrill raced down her spine at the hunger her nakedness brought to his eyes.
"Beautiful,” his hoarse whisper filled her heart, echoing her sentiment as her gaze roved over him. His muscles and ridges made her mouth water. He couldn't have been more perfect if he'd been cut from her fantasies. She swallowed. The need to touch him spearheaded her passion, and she recognized the same burning ache in his eyes.
He reached for her, his hands warm on her sensitized skin, and she called out softly when his incredible chest finally met hers. Warm and smooth, the friction created a heat that shot to her core, momentarily robbing the strength from her legs.
Hands splayed across his back, she grazed her teeth over his shoulder and collarbone. His oceany scent filled her senses, taking her to a warm and sensual place.
"You're driving me crazy."
She didn't know which of them had spoken, but it didn't matter as he nibbled her neck, then puffed a breath over her wet flesh before kissing a path to her ear. Sensations of his velvety tongue teasing her skin and his five-o'clock shadow scuffing her shoulder, shot rapturous shivers down her body.
"Jack."
He answered by running his hands down her back to cup her bottom and grind into her. “You're perfect, Brielle. Perfect.” Her trembling continued and so did his investigation all the way up to her waist. He stopped nibbling and drew back to look at her. The blazing arousal in his gaze sucked the air from the room. “I need to see all of you; to taste all of you.” His words made her wet as he backed her to the bed.
"Me too.” Hands on his belt, she unhooked the leather standing between her and a night of ecstasy.
He pulled a packet from his pocket and tossed it on the bed before he took off the rest of his clothes. The sight of his magnificent, naked body tripped her heart. Chiseled from rock, he was hard from head to toe. Powerful, capable, sexy, all man and all mine. Her fingers skimmed over his smooth, stiff length, wanting to linger when he pulsed in her hand, but need pulled at her core and she lay back on the bed. She had to get to the next level.
His eyes devoured her form. “You have no idea how long I've wanted to do this.” He dipped to kiss and caress each leg.
She groaned. Uncontrolled yearning flicked through her as he slowly made his way over her hips, stomach, and finally, her breast.
"You're perfect,” he whispered, tasting and teasing with his tongue. She closed her eyes and breathed in sharply. His hands got in on the sweet torture. Touching and tweaking, his delicious exploration caused her to grab the back of his head and arch into him, completely on fire.
He kissed his way to her mouth, keeping the flames alive, while his hand moved down her stomach to finger the lace band of her thong. Her heart stopped.
"You're too covered up.” His breath warmed her skin as he trailed kisses to her hip and slid her panties off.
Liquefied, she gripped the sheet against the pleasure trembling through her, crying out at the expertise of his mouth and fingers when they found her wetness.
"Jack ... please.” She writhed beneath him, a jolt of hot delight shooting straight to her middle, hitting her bull's-eye.
He lifted his head and smiled, then dipped to kiss his way back up her body, whispering her name along with delicious promises she prayed he'd make good. Unable to wait, she pulled his lips to hers in a frantic kiss, her tongue delivering her own brand of expertise.
Jack groaned into her mouth, his hips rocking against hers in unrestrained passion. “Keep that up, and I won't be holding on much longer."
"Good.” She rolled him onto his back and straddled his incredible body.
His erection jumped and her core contracted, longing to have him inside. But, first, she wanted to do some exploring of her own.
"I barely held on the last time you were on top of me.” He looked up at her like she was the most incredible woman in the world. A warm buzz washed over her already heated body.
Empowered, she smiled down at him, her thoughts growing wicked. “I'm not asking you to."
Running her hands over his chest and abs, she savored the feel of his hard strength and bent down to tease a trail with her tongue, deliberately staying away from his long length. Her breasts brushed over his flesh, and her nipples hardened further as she made her way up to kiss the tattoo on his bicep. His indrawn breath rippled through her before she returned to her straddling position.
He swallowed and ran his hands down her waist, over the curve of her hip to cup her bottom. “You're driving me crazy."
"Good.” She kissed him deeply, meeting his tongue, while her fingers found his hard shaft.
He groaned deep in his throat and thrust into her hand. She trembled, burning with the need to have him inside her. Sitting up, she reached for the condom he'd tossed on the bed and ripped the packet open.
"I can't wait any longer,” she said her voice breathless to her ears.
Jack grunted. “Neither can I.” He grabbed the condom from her and slipped it on.
Holding his aroused gaze, she palmed his shaft and guided him inside, gasping as he filled her void. He clenched his teeth and stared at her through desire-laden eyes.
Relishing the feel of him, she rocked slowly, concentrating on the heat building within her core as she drew him in further and further with each thrust.
"Brielle,” he whispered, gripping her hips to help her keep the rhythm their bodies demanded.
Breathing r
agged, she placed her hands on his chest. Heat spread like an inferno through her body. With a growl, he sat up and pushed her back onto the foot of the bed, keeping his length inside her. She moaned at the incredible sensation. Oh, they definitely had to do that again—later.
His mouth ravaged hers as he thrust into her raised hips, sliding in with an urgency that stole her breath. Their tongues met in a frenzy and the combined plunging sent Brielle over the edge of passion's precipice. Moaning, she gave into her long awaited release in a series of spasms that drew her name from Jack's lips as his climax rocked them into a new realm of satisfaction.
* * * *
"What are you smiling about?” Matthew asked when Jack entered the dining room the next morning. “Or should I ask, who?"
He glanced around. They were the only occupants, except for Matthew's ever-present cameraman. “I'll give you three guesses, and the first two don't count.” He headed for the coffee pot in the corner, his smile broadening.
"Ah, I see.” Laughing, Matthew grabbed his cup and rose from the table.
Jack sipped his brew while his brother poured himself a refill.
"So I take it you've straightened things out?"
Hot liquid hit the back of Jack's throat as he choked on his brother's choice of words.
Matthew chuckled, slapping Jack's back. “I guess that's an affirmative."
"Yes.” He and Brielle had straightened things out several times during the night. The last time nearly shattered him. Making love to her in the Jacuzzi had robbed him of his strength. His body heated just thinking about it. He smiled, taking another sip, savoring the liquid as he savored the memory. Afterward, they'd practically crawled to the bed where he'd fallen into the most contented sleep of his life with her curled in his arms. Somewhere between The Limelight and last night, he'd fallen in love with Brielle Bennett.
Jack paused, cup in midair, as that revelation ricocheted through him.
"Are you all right, Jack? What's wrong?” Matthew frowned.
Meet Your Mate Page 17