Wicked Rush

by Kym Grosso

  “What you are taking…it never belonged to him.” He blew out a breath and scrubbed his hand over his chin. “They could have already sold the information.”

  “I’m telling you that there is no way they’ve made enough progress to have it worth anything. It won’t make any sense.” What they need is in my head. Given how they’d treated her like a criminal, she refused to divulge all her cards.

  “Maybe you’re right. But we still needed that key. I want the partial files too…just in case. You need to get in the office and get it all this weekend.”

  “Garrett, I get this situation is serious but I’m telling you that I did not fucking steal from you. This was my baby. My discovery. I would never have done that. I don’t care if I don’t have an alibi. Or about the stupid video you won’t show me that supposedly shows I was there.” Braelynn plowed her fingers through her hair. “The only reason I’m even helping you is because there is a small part of me that knows you’re right. My uncle is an asshole of epic proportions. He’d sell his own flesh to get what he wanted. It’s all about the money.”

  “All true, but why are you here? Lars wasn’t supposed to see you.”

  “Well he did. And before you say anything, I told you from the very beginning that I didn’t think I could do this. You and Dean…insisting that I could play super spy. Well, guess what? I suck. I almost died the other night.”

  “What?” Garrett’s eyes widened at her statement.

  Braelynn noted the empathy in his tone, and hope blossomed. Garrett had always been nice, a leader everyone admired. The ugliness of the situation had clouded her view of him, but she wondered if he would ever see the truth. She took a cleansing breath, and continued.

  “Last night. I thought I could get it…it was stupid of me…”

  “What did you do?”

  “I parked my car and took the beach to his house. I was afraid.”

  “You walked on the beach alone in the dark? Along the rocks?” He shook his head, but quickly established pointed eye contact.

  “I had to get to the back door. The front of the house was lit up. He could have seen me if I went up his driveway. You said go in the back.”

  “Goddammit, Braelynn, you could have died. Do you have a death wish?”

  “No, I don’t have a death wish. A sleeper wave rolled up…I didn’t see it.” Tears sprang through her lashes, but she resisted crying, recalling her mistake. “I’m tired. The stress. I told you I didn’t do this. And working for my uncle? He’s impossible. I’m worried that he follows me. They already were upset with me for leaving the party. If they saw me going to Lars’ house….I couldn’t put Lars in danger. I just thought if I parked up the road…” Her words fell into the din of the night as she attempted to compose her thoughts. “Garrett, please. I know when the data was first stolen, all the evidence pointed toward me. I mean, seriously, even I would have thought I’d done it, but I swear to God I had nothing to do with it. Someone else…I don’t know who, but there has to be someone else who did it. And you know what? It doesn’t even matter. If you’d just come to me, and asked for help, I would have helped you. I’d do anything to help my country, including going through all of this hell again.”

  “Tell me why you are here.” His eyes narrowed in on her, but she didn’t let his examination shake her.

  “Lars found me at his house. He knew I was breaking in although, hell…I couldn’t do the lock. My fingers were frozen. I’d fallen in the ocean. I collapsed right there outside his house. Minor hypothermia. I’m fine.” She held up both hands and glanced over to the bar. Through the sea of bodies, she caught a glimpse of him lifting a silver shaker into the air. “I know you can’t possibly understand this. But Lars…I…” I’ve wanted him forever. She reconsidered her words. Garrett would never understand. “I like him…and, it’s more than that, but I know,” she averted her gaze, unable to look at him directly as she confessed her feelings, “I won’t be able to ever see him again once I hand over the data. I’ll never be free until I leave.”

  “How much have you told him?”

  “Not much.” Her eyes met his, and she forced the truth from her mouth. “He doesn’t know about you, if that’s what you’re asking. He has no idea that you’re involved. Or how I got myself into this situation.”

  “The data?”

  “He knows there’s something I’m trying to steal back from Bart-Aqua. He knows that Giordano came to see me at my house, but doesn’t know he is my uncle.”

  “What are you talking about, he came to see you?” His voice was edged with concern.

  “When I drove back to my house this morning, he and Shane…they were waiting for me.”

  “What happened?” Garrett’s eyes softened.

  “He…well, you probably can’t see my bruise. It’s dark in here. I tried covering it.” She licked her bottom lip, recalling the pain as he’d hit her. “He killed my cat.”

  “Jesus Christ,” Garrett growled. “I’m sorry, Braelynn. All I can tell you is that you’ve never been truly alone in this. I’d never put you in real danger. But you know the data…it could be given to our enemies. Our national security is at risk.”

  “No real danger? Are you kidding? I was shot!” she spat. “You can’t protect me. The police can’t protect me. No one can. And you know what? It doesn’t matter. It will all be worth it once that piece of shit can’t sell this information, even better when he rots in jail. But I’m right about this much; as long as he’s alive and out of jail, I’ll never be safe. Not here. Not on the east coast either.” She sighed, resigned to her future. “I need to leave the country. I figure his reach will be limited to the States.”

  “We’ll help you relocate,” he assured her.

  “Garrett, I’m here tonight because I couldn’t take going in the office today. And Lars wants me here. He’s, uh,” she took a deep breath and gave a ragged exhale, “he’s never going to forgive me.”

  “Lars is one of my best friends. If he trusts you enough to bring you here, that says something.” Garrett gave a wave to a group of girls calling his name, but immediately refocused on Braelynn. “I’ll admit. I’m starting to question your involvement in this whole thing.”

  “I didn’t do anything wrong,” she pleaded.

  “Just know this. You may feel alone, but you aren’t. Tomorrow, get the data and bring it to Emerson Industries.” Garrett rubbed his hand over the back of his neck, and continued. “As for Lars, what happens after tomorrow? It’s too soon to say.”

  “I’d love to fantasize about a happy ending but we both know that isn’t happening.” Braelynn sucked in the emotion overwhelming her ability to think. The loss of Lars and her home would crush her, yet she couldn’t fathom any other outcome. “Just please…after I do this. Please let me be the one to tell him.”

  “We’re in this together. He’s going to be pissed at me too. But neither of us can tell him. Top secret information comes before friendships. It isn’t even a consideration. But I’ve known Lars for a long time. He’d be in agreement. He’ll forgive you.”

  “I think you underestimate his reaction.” Braelynn smiled to Lars as he approached, noting that several women stopped to stare as he pressed through the crowd. The man was sex personified. A pang of jealousy was interrupted by the brush of Garrett’s hand to her forearm.

  “Braelynn. You’ve got this. And we’ve got your back.” Garrett nodded to a group of men calling to him through the curtain. “But tomorrow, let’s get this done. We’ll have an exit strategy planned. Just get the data to Emerson. If for some reason you can’t get to us, we’ll come to you, but you have to be off your uncle’s compound. That’s the one place I can’t go.”

  “Tomorrow,” Braelynn repeated, nausea rising in her throat.

  “Everything okay?” Lars asked, approaching from behind.

  His smooth voice wrapped around Braelynn, comforting her, and she instinctively reached for him. He embraced her small frame, brushing his hand o
ver her head. Braelynn clutched at Lars, but quickly released her hold, afraid he’d suspect something was wrong.

  “I’m fine,” she answered, pressing her lips together tightly.

  “You sure?” Lars pinned his attention on Garrett.

  “Yes, of course. It’s a beautiful party. I think maybe I just need to get some air.” She coughed. “This fog…I can’t breathe.”

  “We’ve got some food and blankets outside,” Garrett offered, ushering them toward the exit. “It’s set up for the show.”

  “Outside?” she asked. Confusion swept through Braelynn, and she glanced to the dance floor, noting the partygoers had cleared.

  “A special treat,” Lars promised, giving Garrett a broad grin.

  “He’s right. Go enjoy the evening.”

  Braelynn returned Garrett’s smile, unable to tell if he was serious.

  “Dr. Rollins.”

  “Braelynn,” she corrected.

  “It was nice talking with you.” Garrett nodded.

  “It’s going to be time soon.” Lars reached for Braelynn’s hand. “Come, let’s get some glow sticks.”

  “Against the wall.” Garrett pointed to several bins lined along the edge of the tent. “See ya out there.”

  Lars ushered Braelynn away from the corner. As they went to leave, she caught sight of the threesome she’d seen earlier on the dancefloor. Braelynn’s eyes widened at their heated interaction. Bent over a white sofa, a woman was being fucked by one man while she sucked the cock of another. Braelynn’s heart raced, heat flooding between her legs. As if on a seesaw, her emotions ran the gamut. From fear to anger to arousal, she didn’t know which end was up, had lost her bearings.

  “Enjoying the show?” Lars asked.

  “I just never…I never…I’m sorry.” She blushed, turning her head. “It’s private. I shouldn’t be looking.”

  “Watch them,” he told her.

  No, I can’t do this. It’s wrong. I’m so going to hell. Her inner thoughts were thwarted as strong hands wrapped around her waist, his hard cock pressing into her ass.

  “Watch, Brae. Don’t think. Just do it.”

  “It’s not right,” she protested, but did as he said. The woman screamed as the man slammed inside her. And while Braelynn couldn’t hear their words through the music, she imagined the sound of his pelvis slapping her flesh.

  “There’s nothing wrong with pleasure, sweetheart. Sebastion and Ryder. They like to be watched.”

  “Who’s the woman?”

  “Sloane. She doesn’t usually do open play like this.”

  Guttural moans from the threesome speared through the din. A fine sheen broke across Braelynn’s skin, her body igniting in response.

  “It’s okay to be turned on. I think it’s hot as fuck too. That is what’s special about Altura. It’s safe to explore.”

  “Everyone here has sex at parties?”

  “No, as I said, this is merely an open place. You can have everything or nothing at all. What we have in common is our love for skating the edge. Bending the rules if you will. For some, that means scaling a rock face hundreds of feet up in the air. Others like to add a sexual element to their experiences. What they’ve done right here is about the safest thing they’ll do all week. All three of them plan to make a trek to Everest next month.”

  “You do this?” she asked, accepting a long plastic tube from Lars. He broke and shook his, revealing its bright indigo glow.

  “Lift your hair,” he told her.

  She did as he’d asked, noting he didn’t answer, smiling as he placed the brightly colored coil around her neck.

  “There, you’re set.” He winked.

  Braelynn picked up a shorter segment, breaking and freeing its illumination. “Your arm, please.” Taking care, she fastened it onto his wrist. “Do you do…what we just saw?”

  “I heard you the first time. Let me ask you a question, little fox. Have you ever been with two men?”

  Braelynn opened her mouth but Lars never gave her a chance to respond as he ushered her out of the tent. They settled onto a blanket overlooking the cliff. Their quaint picnic sanctuary was surrounded by intricately carved iron luminaries. Although it gave the illusion of privacy, rumbles of conversations drifted across the cool sea breeze, and Braelynn spied the reflection of eyes across the dimly lit lawn. Lars handed her a flute of champagne, and she reached for its stem, her fingertips sliding over the smooth glass. Although it was a cool night, there was a slippery condensation along its sides.

  Braelynn sat silently, ruminating in her own thoughts. She glanced to Lars’ seductive smile, and wondered how she’d ever get over him. An overwhelming sense of melancholy was tempered by the arousal she’d failed to shake after watching the threesome. Braelynn had avoided further conversation about what they’d seen inside the tent. She’d never been with two men, and wondered why Lars encouraged her to watch, pressing her to confess her own fantasies.

  While she’d only been with him for a day, the intensity of the past twenty-four hours had brought them close, the intimacy between them increasing with each passing minute. However fragile their relationship, he’d promised to help her.

  Guilt ran through her, and she considered telling Lars everything about her relationship with Garrett. But there was no way she could divulge top secret information. She’d told herself a million times that it didn’t matter. After tomorrow, it’d be likely she’d never see him again. She reconciled that for one night, she’d be his. Tomorrow, however, the magic and her dreams would shatter, and she’d pick up the pieces in a country far away.

  “Hey,” he said, breaking her contemplation.

  “Hey, yourself.” She met his gaze, her voice leaving a trace of sadness she knew he’d detect.

  “I know you’re worried about…hell, there’s a lot to worry about. What’s happened, what’s to be done, but Brae,” Lars raised his glass into the air, “none of tomorrow’s problems will be solved tonight. So let’s focus on this moment. I want all of you.”

  “You have all of me,” she stated without hesitation.

  “How far do you want to go?”

  “What’s that supposed to mean?” She laughed, noting the lights of a boat anchored in the distance. Her eyes darted down into her cocktail, the golden effervescent mist teasing her lips. Sex. Limits. There was something about Lars; she couldn’t say no, didn’t want to deny herself the adventure of indulging in the forbidden.

  His fingers brushed over her thigh, reaching for her hand. She went quiet, her skin burning with passion as he held it in his. The sensual gesture was that of a lover; his forefinger brushed the inside of her palm, sending tendrils of electricity through her body. A streaming firework shot high into the sky, a boom echoing over the ocean. Her gaze followed his to an enormous arch of red twinkling sparkles that lit up the heavens.

  Ignoring the spectacular display, she closed her eyes, blocking everything but his touch. More intimate than a kiss, the caress of his calloused fingertips to her palm melted her heart. The energy intensified, her chest rising with every deep breath she took. Arousal flooded between her legs, and her hard tips painfully strained against the fabric.

  The warmth of his lips grazed over her cheek. Blind to the night, she gingerly set her glass on the ground. Engrossed in Lars’ presence, all her senses went on alert, and she took no notice as it spilled onto the grass. Her mouth parted, in anticipation of the kiss she couldn’t see.

  “Lars,” she breathed, her voice drowned out by the cracking explosions. She swore she heard her name in return as his lips met hers.

  “Brae.” His kiss brushed her lower lip. “I’m going to make love to you right here.”

  “I…” Braelynn knew what he was asking. Like the couple in the tent, she’d be exposed. Nearby party guests could see them, watch them, hear them as they made love. Her pulse sped, the fantasy sending a spike of desire to her pussy.

  She blinked, finding his eyes locked on hers. His penetrating
gaze reached inside her soul, and her stomach twisted as she nervously waited for him to make a move.

  “Are you ready for the rush?”

  She gave a nod. “Yes.”

  “Yes,” he repeated.

  Braelynn gasped as his mouth crushed onto hers, and he shoved her onto her back, pinning her arms above her head. She shivered in relief as the pressure of his hard cock rocked up between her spread legs. Their lips frantically sucking and kissing, they melded into each other.

  As he wrapped his hands around her wrists, she groaned in protest as his lips briefly left hers and moved to her neck. He shoved up her skirt, exposing her, and she sucked a breath. With one hand he tugged at the sides of her panties, dragging the fabric down her hips. She grunted as his fingers slipped through her slick folds, a thick finger entering her tight core.

  “Lars…” The heat of her body sizzled against the cool air.

  “You’re so fucking sexy.”

  “Please.” Braelynn arched her back as he plunged inside her. So close to coming, she lifted her hips, meeting his penetration.

  “Open your eyes,” he demanded, his gaze locked on hers. “This, you, me. This is being alive.”

  “Lars, yes.” Braelynn struggled to maintain friction to her clit, the heel of his hand applying pressure. Shivering, teetering on the precipice, she begged. “Please, I need you…this.”

  “Everyone can see you, Brae. Is this want you want?” His devious smile was amplified by the fire in his eyes.

  Braelynn’s eyes darted briefly to Seth who sat nearby on his blanket watching. It’s wrong. Dirty. No. Yet, as his heated gaze lingered, her arousal flourished. Braelynn gasped as Lars peeled her cami upward, exposing her breasts. Seth never lost focus, and she moaned as Lars sucked a pink nipple into his mouth. Unable to reconcile her feelings, she closed her eyes, submitting to her dark desires.

  “Ah,” she cried out loud as he teased the sensitive strip inside her pussy. With her orgasm shattering around her, she clutched his shoulders. Her eyes flew open to Lars, who gazed at her, his devilish tongue circling her aching pink tip.