Gilded Cage (Harbour Bay Book 6)

by Camille Taylor

  She smiled despite herself. “But you’re going to be there with me every step of the way. You can be my lifeline, my sanity tonight. Please don’t let me go.”

  Bethany took a deep breath and stepped out of the closet, her gaze finding Declan. “So how do I look?”

  Her long blonde hair flowed down past her shoulders in soft curls, her make-up was artfully done. Her mascara-coated eyelashes drawing attention to the beautiful blue of her eyes and their look of fresh innocence.

  Declan’s mouth dropped open as he stared at her. He snapped out of his daze long enough to give her body a long perusal that heated her blood and made her femininity clench and unclench preparing itself for the act usually following such blatant appreciation. The look in his eyes robbed her of her breath and she quivered with desire.

  This wasn’t the first time she had seen any sexual interest in him and yet he still had the power to knock her on her arse. How was it she was still on her feet? Her knees were weakened and she was dangerously close to being a puddle on the floor.

  She had been the object of several men’s advances and had been subjected to more than a few invitations to join their beds, but none had ever affected her this way, no man had ever looked at her the way Declan was now—as if he wanted to devour her.

  She swallowed hard and wondered if he was going to kiss her.

  Please kiss me. Why did he have to be so difficult? Why could he not see how good they could be together? Age meant nothing. At least not to her.

  Declan blinked, breaking the sensual bond between them and cleared his throat. The heat disappearing from his eyes as if someone flicked a switch. She wasn’t sure why but she felt as if she had been robbed of something wonderfully special.

  “Okay.”

  Well, that was a slap in the face, feeling as though a verbal bucket of cold water rained down on her. Just moments ago, she had been ready to do anything he said, hell even now she still was and all he could give her was a smouldering look that had been the most intimately acquainted she had ever been with any person. Her skin felt like it was on fire, her breasts were swollen and the bra rubbed harshly against her taut nipples and made her want to cry out.

  She wanted to strangle Declan for making her feel this way. With just one look he had brought her body to life like she could never do herself. A need so basic yet so demanding ate at her until all she could think about was rubbing herself up against his hard, toned, well-muscled body like a cat to dull this ache inside her.

  How could he just blink and be in control again? She was a mess of emotion and unfulfilled desire. Even now she was having trouble breaking away from the sensual promises she had seen his eyes. A horrible thought flittered through her head, giving her back her senses. Had she just imagined that? Was she only seeing what she wanted to?

  She wanted to cry. Don’t do this to me. Don’t place heaven in my grasp and then take it away from me. She clenched her hands into fists in order to remain in control of her emotions. She was afraid she was losing that battle.

  “Just okay?” She tried for a teasing tone, but it fell short of the desired effect.

  Declan shrugged his broad his shoulders. “It’ll do.”

  Her lower lip quivered and she sucked it into her mouth. She didn’t want Declan to see the little tell-tale sign. “We can leave soon as you zip me up.”

  She made her way across the small space frowning when he looked at her wearily. What did he think she was going to do?

  She turned around as she neared him and presented her back. After what felt like a million years she felt Declan’s finger take hold of the zipper and pull it up. She shivered as one of his fingers grazed her bare skin on the ride up, leaving a blaze of burning flesh in its wake.

  Abruptly Declan turned and left her bedroom. “We better get going.”

  It was going to be a long night.

  ***

  Quinn pulled the Toyota Aurion to a stop outside a club called Velocity. According to Ashley, it was the hottest club in town and by the line up outside she appeared to be right.

  Declan glanced at the crowd through the tinted windows. His focus completely on assessing the dangers around them. Bethany sat in silence and waited for him to give the all clear. Nodding to himself, he exited the passenger side and moved to open the back door, not bothering to look at her or help her out of the car. She would’ve been pissed but she knew and understood that he was working and every second he was looking at her or being distracted with assisting her in some mundane task was a second his eyes weren’t watching for hazards and it was hers and possibly his life should he make such a grand mistake.

  “Beth!” Ashley screamed and ran towards her. Declan tensed beside her. Jesse appeared at Ashley’s side and suddenly she found herself in a Copeland sandwich.

  “How are you?” Ashley pulled back, looking stunning in a low—low—cut dress that displayed more cleavage than there was material, the hem line just stopping beneath her buttocks. Ashley had always been one for being on display. The black sparkly dress looked painted on—not the best decision when going braless. But then she’d always been somewhat shy and not at all as confident as Ashley—the skirt billowing out at the hips much like a tutu.

  Please let her at least be wearing panties, Beth prayed. But knowing Ashley it was probably a thong.

  “I’m fine.” Jealousy burned as Ashley’s eyes rounded and she licked her lips seductively to the figure hovering over Beth’s shoulder. She’d wondered how long it would take before she finally noticed Declan and she had to admit to herself she was more than just a little curious to see his reaction to the beyond gorgeous, multi-talented babe that was Ashley Copeland.

  “And who is this tall, blond and handsome man?”

  Beth turned so that she faced both Ashley and Declan. “Ashley Copeland, Declan O’Neill—he’s my security for tonight.”

  Declan gave her friend a once over. She frowned and a sharp pain pierced in her heart. Well, she had wanted to know, but then again, no man could resist Ashley. She was sex on two legs and Beth was just Beth. Somehow, she had been born without a sexy bone in her body. She couldn’t flirt a damn and even on her good day—today—couldn’t incite a man to a ravenous lust that common sense and duty were thrown out the window. If it had been Ashley in her bedroom this afternoon or even the media the night before, she and Declan would not be standing here right now while her insecurities mounted until she was struggling under their combined weight.

  “Well, aren’t you the lucky one?”

  Beth rolled her eyes.

  Lucky. Sure.

  Hurt and a need to draw blood even if it was her own had Beth draping an arm around Ash’s shoulders, drawing more attention to the brunette bombshell as she stared Declan in the eyes. “Ash is one of my best friends and the most beautiful. I must say you look absolutely delectable.” She turned her attention to Declan once again. “Doesn’t she look gorgeous, O’Neill? Don’t be shy I’m sure there’s no bodyguard ‘rule’ against giving a woman a compliment. Especially after the one you gave me. He certainly knows how to flatter a woman.”

  “Really?”

  Declan’s eyes flashed, obviously realising her game and Jesse stepped forward. “Ah, Beth?”

  “Yes?”

  After cutting a look at Declan, Jesse spoke, “It’s getting cold out here how about we go in now?”

  “Good idea. I am feeling a little cold.”

  Chapter 27

  Bethany moved ahead of him. He really wanted to turn her over his knee. She had deliberately put him on the spot and he had seen the malicious glee in her eyes as she had set him up, the little spitfire.

  One of these days he must punish her for the hell she had put him through starting from the very moment he had entered the Bennett mansion. She would pay for every second of his discomfort, every time he had gotten hard just thinking about her and there was going to be a world of pain for what he had endured tonight because of her.

  He should n
ever have walked into her bedroom. He had known it would be a mistake the minute he had done so. He had planned to leave right after asking what time she wanted to leave but the uncertainly in her voice had compelled him to stay and that had been a fucking colossal error in judgement.

  The moment she had emerged from the closet like a butterfly does a cocoon he had been spellbound. His dick had hardened painfully as all his blood had headed south as he took in her fine curves beneath the clinging fabric which draped across her body like a lover. He had seen her in her swimsuit but there was something about the ankle length skirt that was more enticing than anything he had ever seen her wear before and he knew there was nothing in the world that would rival the dress except bare skin—Bethany’s naked flesh.

  An uncomfortable swelling reminded him to shift focus. He silently cursed himself. He had been in a state of semi-erectness from the moment he had left the bedroom. He had been too close to losing it tonight, had almost taken Bethany in a raw, extremely carnal and purely erotic surge of need.

  He had wanted nothing more than to strip her naked and thrust into her over and over until they were both sated and completely and utterly exhausted. He wanted her in a way he had never wanted any woman before. He wanted to leave the imprint of his body on hers and drive her wild with want and pleasure that she’ll forget her own name.

  And he had almost had her. Part of him screamed at his stupidity at walking away, another part commended him for having the courage to do so.

  It was just lust. The enviable culmination when a man and woman both unattached spent too much time together without other options. He was experienced enough in life and sex to know this and deal with it. But he sensed Bethany was neither. She probably believed she was half-way in love with him and it was for the best that he discourage her. She was in no way adept at dealing with such attraction and if they were to come together, however wonderful, in the harsh light of day she would realise what a mistake it was to sleep with him and she would hate him for taking advantage.

  But boy did he want her.

  Beth’s friend, Ashley slid up beside him and leaned in. “So about that compliment.”

  Declan groaned silently. Damn her.

  “You look very nice.” He tried not to choke on the words. She was trouble waiting to happen. He knew of people who wore more clothes to bed. Did she not know the kind of advertisement she was making? But then again maybe she did, she’d have to be stupid not to realise. And who was he to judge?

  Ashley laughed throatily and both Jesse and Beth turned. Beth stared at him stonily and Jesse glared at him.

  He ran a hand over his face, his light stubble grazing harshly on his palm.

  This was going to be a long night.

  ***

  He’d been right about it being a long night. Worse, it was still going. They had only been at the club for two hours but he was more than ready to leave. He was thirty-four not some hip-hopping STD swapping twenty-something. His head was pounding to the repetitive beat, the throb of sound jack-hammering into his head as his ears fought to protect themselves from what he deemed illegal decibel level.

  From the moment they had arrived they had seated themselves at a reserved table in an alcove. Relief settled inside him when he saw the location of the table. He could easily watch all incoming traffic and quickly scanned for an escape route should he and Beth need one.

  Once plan B had been devised, he relaxed a little but didn’t allow his guard down completely. There were too many variables and a hit man could easily blend in with the crowd. Not that he expected an attack. Out in the open would be a brazen move. Still, he couldn’t rule it out entirely. He’d certainly work for his money tonight.

  Icicle lights lit the club with a blue tinge. Puffs of smoke escaped from vents on the floor giving Velocity the impression the dancers were floating about in another world. The bar was packed but it was clear that they catered to a higher-end clientele of clubbers rather than the clubs he had toured during his wild years. No doubt a drink here would cost more than his hourly wage.

  Waitresses moved about the tables, taking orders and while the club was packed it hadn’t been filled to capacity, allowing some breathable room. Within two minutes of sitting down, one of the women had taken their drink order and had returned promptly with a tray full of alcoholic beverages.

  He had been relegated to sitting next to Jesse. Bethany taking a seat beside Ashley before he could say anything much to his displeasure. It made it all the more difficult to protect her with her all the way across the table but he hadn’t wanted to make a big deal about it. She was still close and he wanted her to enjoy her night out.

  So far, it appeared she wasn’t enjoying it. From the moment of their arrival she had been poking him. It was almost as if she was searching out his weaknesses, looking for a place to strike where it would hurt him the most. He couldn’t blame her if he were right in his assessment. He had been an arse earlier.

  Nearby, a slew of writhing bodies that would look more at home in a bedroom than out in public covered the dance floor. In darkened corners, couples indulged in over the clothes seduction that would no doubt lead to something that required no clothes at all and Declan realised he hadn’t missed much by foregoing the club scene.

  He had never been one to play to field and clubs were nothing but a place to meet available singles looking for a good night out where last names weren’t a necessity. Declan couldn’t imagine Beth being any more comfortable in a place like this. Although one wouldn’t think that by the look of her but as always looks could be deceiving and Declan had a vision of the future where he would be protecting Beth just not from a killer but from a horny male.

  “Come on, let’s dance.” Ashley’s suggestion brought the possibility of Declan’s vision much closer to reality. “Don’t worry, Bodyguard. I’ll take good care of her.”

  Declan doubted her statement but didn’t voice his objection. Ashley Copeland could hardly take care of herself let alone another person. Already three sheets to the wind, she tried to shove drinks down Beth’s throat. With her teasing and cajoling he’d wanted to reach over and strangle the bitch.

  It was Jesse who’d saved his sister by intercepting the drinks meant for Beth and downing the beverages.

  Bethany’s gaze cut to him as Ashley tugged on her hand. He saw the questions in her eyes. Thankfully she was being practical. She might be pissed with him but she wasn’t about to go do something stupid that could get her killed. That was his Beth.

  He closed his eyes briefly as he realised where his chain of thoughts had led him. His Beth. He couldn’t allow himself to think of her that way. She was a job nothing more damn it. But he knew she was and would always be his Beth, no matter what happened in the future. His sweet Beth.

  He gave her a slight nod. “I’ll be close at hand.” He stood, allowing Jesse to exit the booth.

  Jesse patted his shoulder in camaraderie as he moved past. Declan decided then that Jesse Copeland wasn’t a bad guy. In fact, he was a half decent man who Declan had unfairly judged.

  Like he had Bethany.

  Jesse led Beth onto the dance floor, keeping her close by while sending subtle looks at any man who got too close. Declan had to admit Jesse was a good friend to Beth, unlike his sister who was currently dancing with at least five men simultaneously. Her aggressive moves left little to the imagination as to what was on her mind and how she hoped the night would finish.

  Declan kept an eye on everyone within the club. A somewhat difficult attempt since no one stood still. Women broke away from their men to go to the restrooms. Waitresses moved in and out of the crowd filling drink orders and clearing away empty bottles. The worst was the gyrating tangle of people on the dance floor.

  A combination of sweat and beer permeated the club. His nose twitched at the unpleasant scent, heady and dank.

  Ashley had moved closer to Bethany, obviously trying to bring her into her harem. Men surrounded the small group, making
him uneasy as he briefly lost sight of Bethany. He started forward, not willing to chance it.

  Up ahead, Bethany’s eyes bulged as a man gripped her hips. She jerked away from him giving him the evil eye and crashed into Jesse. She turned to Jesse and said something he couldn’t decipher over the roar of music. Sweat began to trickle down his spine.

  Nearby, another man moved close to Bethany, trying to get her attention. The man frowned when she blatantly ignored him. Declan shoved partygoers out of the way as he moved towards Bethany. It was time they left. Things were going from sugar to shit in a New York Minute. If he didn’t get Bethany out soon, someone was going to wind up hurt and it wouldn’t be him.

  At first, he thought he had imagined the glint in the horde but he would’ve recognised that round metal barrel anywhere. He cursed as he realised he’d never get to Bethany in time. He pulled out his weapon. This was going to end badly. There was no way he could fire a gun inside the club without someone getting hurt but he had to do something. Bethany’s life was very much in danger.

  Declan did the only thing he could think of when the man moved closer to his target, his weapon ready to take her down, he squeezed the trigger on his Glock. The bang of the bullet exiting the chamber reverberated throughout the room, the pop loud and clear over the music and imbedded itself in the ceiling.

  Plaster rained down like snowflakes in the mountains.

  Around him, people panicked. The man glanced over at him in surprise before quickly turning to complete his objective. Declan charged through the mass of people as they tried to escape. It was like swimming against the current and the fact he had a gun didn’t faze them as their fight or flight instincts kicked in. Apparently, they were all for flight.

  Chapter 28

  A gun exploded as it discharged, piercing her eardrums. Fear crippled Bethany momentarily before all hell broke loose around her. People pushed her out of the way as they fled the club. The DJ stopped playing his tunes, the sudden lack of music deafening in the stampede of frightened clubbers. She was scared. Questions flittered around her frozen brain. Where the hell was Declan? Why was he not here with her? What the hell was she supposed to do?