Hero Undercover: 25 Breathtaking Bad Boys

by Annabel Joseph

“Enough to get by when taking a lady out to dinner. Granted, that’s been a solid two years.”

  The comment surprised Shanna. She tipped her head in his direction. “Why? Don’t tell me you’re a closet gay guy.”

  “You don’t mince words, do you? And no, I’m not gay. Just…” He looked toward the pool, his brow furrowed.

  “Some lady did a real number on you.”

  “About as much as whatever guy made you hate all men.”

  Shanna snorted. “Let’s drink to remaining single.”

  “What’s so special about this wine anyway?” He took a sip of wine.

  “Well, it’s priced at almost a thousand dollars a bottle and difficult to find in small wine shops.”

  Cody choked, wine spewing past his lips. “Shit. I just lost a good fifty bucks or so. You bought two bottles of thousand dollar wine?”

  “A message was sent. Very few people know their wines. They may pretend, purchasing something a friend told them about or a trendy wine, but this one is a sleeper varietal. If Scotty is in the middle of the game of fraud, ears have been perked up all over town.” She’d noticed at least two customers who she knew they’d see again. After taking a sip she smiled. “This is one of the finest wines I’ve ever had. Very seductive in the aftertaste. Rich with a floral aroma that just tickles your nose.”

  “You do know your wines.” Cody polished off the remainder. “Let’s have another glass. Shall we?” He stood and grabbed the bottle from the table. When he sat back down he grinned. “Here’s to a one thousand dollar date. One of the best ones I’ve had in a hell of a long time.”

  She held out her glass as he poured the rest of the wine into their glasses. Enjoying the moment, she bit her lip and kicked her feet out in the water. The lights were soothing, crimson and electric blue, creating shimmers in the lapping waves. She couldn’t think this way. She had to stick to her guns. There was no going back. Why? Why? Her inner voice had been nagging her all day. No, she couldn’t cave in. Business. Get back to business. “I do know my wines.”

  “A resume builder?” He plopped back down and grinned, clinking his glass with hers. “Teasing. Can’t you take a joke? Lighten up.”

  “Christine and I have gone to many wine tastings. That’s how she knew I could pass for an expert.” She turned her head before rolling her eyes. After this case, she’d terminate her relationship with Taylor and King. She refused to have anything held over her head. Why did his lips look so kissable tonight? She swallowed hard and hid behind her glass, catching her breath. The wine. Her reaction had to be because of the wine.

  “Stoker is attracted to you. That’s for certain. Shit, I don’t blame him. The way you look in that dress. Whew.”

  “Why do you say that?” She could tell what Cody was thinking. While his lurid thoughts should make her uncomfortable, instead, she was wet with desire. This wasn’t good. Not at all.

  “He in as much told me that I need to control you and that he’d be happy to help. Are you certain he’s never seen you before?”

  Shanna laughed. “I kept in the shadows the entire week I was following him. Control? The man has no idea how to control a woman. He’s merely an abuser, just like the majority of men.” Yes, her words were laced with bitterness, her usual defense. “Don’t ask, Cody. Leave it alone.”

  Cody sighed and mumbled under his breath. “Wouldn’t dream of delving into your private life, but I’m sorry. You don’t deserve to be hurt in any way. I only hope you can chip away at that block on your shoulder before it’s too late. You also deserve happiness.”

  Happiness. She’d love to be happy, sharing life and love with a man, dreams coming true. “You don’t know me. You don’t want to know me.”

  “That’s where you’re wrong. I’d like to get to know you, if only you’d drop that suit of armor you’re wearing.” He reached out, brushing the back of his hand across her arm.

  “Cowboy detective, stick to what you do best,” she countered. Her mouth was dry. She took another sip of wine and was surprised she didn’t pull away, but she didn’t react either.

  Cody rose to his feet. “Fine. Have it your way, partner. What’s next on our agenda?”

  “A wine tasting tomorrow night. Little Scotty invited us both. Isn’t that a delight?”

  “Well, better than sitting around on our hands. I need to check in with the captain. Have a good night.” He walked away then stopped but didn’t turn around. “I did enjoy the wine. You do have excellent taste.”

  She noticed the hesitation, the stammer in his voice. There was something special about this man, enticing. She could allow her shields to fall, if not her heart. What could happen? Love. You could lose your heart. What could be so wrong? “Cody. Wait. Don’t go.”

  His shoulders slumped and he shifted until he could look at her. “Why?”

  “I enjoy your company, as crazy as that sounds.”

  He rubbed his jaw and looked down at his glass. “I want to. I really do.”

  “Then come here.” Shanna smiled. He wasn’t moving. Why should he after the treatment she’d been giving him since the moment they met? She set her wine glass down on the side of the pool and tugged her dress from underneath her. “Let’s go for a swim.” Trembling, she eased the dress up then over her head, dropping the slinky material onto the concrete. Wearing only a lacy thong, she stared him in the eyes then slipped into the warm water. This was risky and taking the chance with this man, a basic stranger, was insane, but he’d been right.

  She wanted nothing more than to live again, if only for a little while. Pushing through the water, she swam until she was near the waterfall before turning. He remained standing, watching her. In the moonlight, she could see he was debating, uncertain. “The water’s warm. Come join me.”

  Cody shifted back and forth from foot to foot. He took a gulp of wine and set the glass down on the table, keeping his hand around the stem for several seconds.

  “Cody.”

  He turned so his back was to her and peeled off his shirt. Every move methodical, he removed his boots, carefully positioning one beside the other.

  She held her breath as she watched him undress. He was muscular with broad shoulders and a narrow waistline. When he removed his jeans, she let out a single sigh. They were both playing with fire, but she wanted this man, hungered for his touch, his kiss.

  Cody stood and flexed before turning around. As he walked toward the edge of the pool, he cocked his head then dove in. When he surfaced, he was only a foot from her, his look solemn, intense.

  He wanted her to come to him. Shanna dunked her head under the waterfall, allowing the water to cascade down across her face and chest. She suddenly felt more alive than she had in years. Closing the distance, she breathed out, the sound strangled.

  Cody cupped the side of her face, rubbing his thumb back and forth. “You’re so beautiful.”

  “I’m not.”

  “Yes, you are.” He wrapped his arm around her waist, pulling her against his chest. “Gorgeous and sexy,” he whispered.

  Shivering, she swallowed hard and eased the flat of her hand up his forearm. She squeezed her hand around his arm and used her other to caress his chest. “Cody, I—”

  “Sshh…” he interrupted and leaned down, pressing his lips to hers. He kissed her, the move a soft whisper as he kneaded her back, allowing his fingers to dig into her skin.

  She thrust her arm around his neck, intertwining her fingers in his hair, and tilted her head back. Her entire body was on fire as he slid his tongue inside her mouth. The French kiss was passionate, full of desperate need.

  Cody gripped her buttocks and dragged her pelvis against his, grinding his hips as the intense kiss continued.

  Everything about this moment was so wrong, but the sensations were dazzling, hunger insatiable.

  He broke the embrace and bit down on her lower lip as he tugged on her hair, pulling back her head and exposing her neck.

  Moaning, she closed her eyes a
s his throbbing cock pressed against her groin. As he kissed and sucked on her neck, she became lost to the series of electric jolts coursing through every cell. Out of breath, she gripped his arm and arched her back, twisting her hips back and forth as she wrapped one leg around his.

  Cody lifted her out of the water and peppered kisses down her neck and shoulders to her breast. Taking her nipple into his mouth, he flicked his tongue in a zigzag as he grunted.

  “Oh God.” She managed to slide her hand between them, cupping and squeezing his shaft. “Cody.”

  He pushed his other hand under the water, slipping his finger under the thin material of her thong.

  The moment the tip of his finger touched her clit, she threw her head back and exclaimed. This was pure ecstasy. Her mask slipped away until she was raw with longing, her entire body ready to give him all of her. Then a series of cold sensations washed over her. She lifted her head when she could no longer feel his hands or his lips.

  Cody was several feet from her.

  “What’s wrong?” Narrowing her eyes, she reached out to him.

  He shook his head and moved further away. “I can’t do this. Not like this.”

  “Why?”

  “You’re a beautiful woman.”

  “Cody. I’m sorry but why?” He didn’t need to answer the question. Shanna understood completely.

  They were both far too damaged to be able to care again.

  Chapter 3

  “Mr. and Mrs. Torres. I’m so glad you could come. I believe you’ll enjoy the selected wines for the evening, especially given your exquisite tastes. If not, I can always suggest another qualified vendor.” Scott shook Cody’s hand and smiled at Shanna.

  Shanna smirked as her eyes swept the crowded room.

  Cody noted the look of disdain in the man’s face. Sarcasm was dripping from his tone as well. “Our pleasure. My wife and I thoroughly enjoyed the wine last night.” Leaning over, he whispered into Scott’s ear, “Her bark is worse than her bite. Then again, if she bites you, you’ll never be the same.”

  Taken aback, Scott opened his mouth as if to retort then looked down.

  “You’re very bad,” she whispered.

  “You have no idea.”

  Cody held a cheerful grin as he took Shanna’s hand, guiding them past several groups of patrons. They were noticed, even being watched by certain factions. Some expressions were ones of caution. Others were of clear dislike. However, Shanna’s instincts were paving the way. He only hoped not straight to Hell.

  “Your wife has impeccable tastes,” Scott moved alongside of them, huffing as he tried to keep up.

  “Scotty. Be a darling and fetch us a drink. Will you? Select something wicked for me,” Shanna purred as she blew him a kiss.

  “Of course.” Befuddled, Scott’s face reddened as he stopped and nodded, turning sharply and walking into the crowd.

  Cody exhaled and smiled as they passed by a gawking group of women. “Cut the crap,” he said under his breath.

  “What crap, sweetness?” Shanna snuggled next to him as they headed for the other side of the room. She tugged her phone from her purse, nonchalantly taking pictures. “And you’re one to talk, torturing poor Scotty that way.”

  “Uh-huh. Learning from you, however we’re here to blend in.” He wrapped his arm around her waist and kissed the top of her forehead. They hadn’t talked since the night before. There was little he could or wanted to say. She’d dropped her armor and he’d kicked her to the curb. He wasn’t entirely certain why except he refused to ever be used again. His eyes swept the room, taking in and noting characteristics of everyone close, including the piano player.

  “We’re here to catch a criminal and the quickest way to find your players is to get in the game. Pictures are worth a thousand words. You’ll have to send them to your captain for the recognition software.” Shoving the phone back into her clutch, Shanna laughed as if he’d told a joke and grabbed both of his hands, twisting around so she faced the opposite way. “There are three men and one woman here that were at the bistro yesterday. They seem very attentive as to our entrance.”

  “Have you seen Stoker?”

  “No, but if he keeps the same MO, he’ll arrive fashionably late.”

  Cody rubbed her cheek and lowered his head. “Check out Mr. Suave at your four o’ clock. He isn’t just watching your every move, he’s devouring you with his eyes.” The aristocratic looking gentleman had been at the wine shop. He was dressed impeccably, the suit European in design. Cody had the feeling he’d seen the man before arriving in town. But where?

  “Just the way I like my men.” Shanna stated, every word draped in cynicism. She tilted her head back, issuing another laugh. “I’ll snap his picture before we leave.”

  The nape of her neck was smooth, thin veins barely marring her porcelain skin. Cody inhaled. She’d changed her perfume, the scent an incredible blend of exotic spices. He brushed the tips of his fingers down her arm until shivers slithered around his spine. He’d managed to catch maybe two hours of sleep and even those were riddled with nightmares. Shanna was tempting but the consequences of tasting or touching had the inertia to drag him back to a Hell he struggled to crawl away from. “Careful darling, your inner bitch is showing.”

  This time her laugh was genuine and her eyes flashed amusement. “Well, Mr. Suave certainly knows our boy. Stoker just walked in and made eye contact.”

  “What are they doing?”

  “Nothing. Stoker is keeping his distance. Wait. Yes, Stoker has seen us. Kiss me.”

  “What?” Cody bristled.

  She opened her hand and rubbed the flat across his chest. “I said. Kiss me.”

  He slid his hand around her neck and yanked her toward him. He lowered his head and breathed across her face, then darted his tongue across the seam of her lips. “Be careful what you ask for.” He captured her mouth and heard the slight moan escaping from her lips. Current rushed into every cell, just as it had done the night before.

  Shanna responded and rose onto her tiptoes as her hand traveled down to his groin, cupping and squeezing.

  The kiss continued and he slid his tongue inside her mouth until their tongues entwined. The sound of his heart echoed in his ears, drowning out the jazz music. He was cognizant his cock was hard, throbbing against his tight jeans. There was no denying how much he wanted her. He could tell her nipples were hard, ready to be twisted and sucked.

  “Uh hem.” A male cleared his throat. “I have your wine.”

  Pushing Cody’s chest, Shanna broke the embrace and licked her lips. “Impeccable timing, Scotty.” She reached out, grabbing one of the glasses and cursed under her breath.

  The consummate actress. Cody rolled his neck before glaring at the man. “Thank you, Scott. I appreciate your hospitality. As you can imagine, we are trying to enjoy our vacation in every manner possible.” The spectacle had grabbed the attention he knew she was hoping for. Stoker was intrigued, even flushing from his own level of desire. The other man was nowhere to be seen.

  “Understood and I’ll leave you alone. Please enjoy. We begin the tasting in just a few minutes,” Scott said as he took a step back.

  “Scott. We would like to purchase several cases of wine while we’re here. As you’ve already determined, my wife has discerning needs. As you can imagine, satisfying her is my number one objective. Any suggestions?” Cody also noticed a late arrival, an exquisitely dressed younger man, either Chinese or Korean. He couldn’t be certain. However, the newcomer’s eyes remained on Shanna.

  “Why, yes, sir. I can provide you with a list of our products so that—”

  Cody held up his hand, stopping the conversation. He lifted his glass toward Stoker, making eye contact. “While I compliment you on your business savvy, we are thinking something more significant in volume as well as quality.”

  Shanna swaggered over, her hand on her hip. “What my husband is trying to say is that we know you are one of the sponsors of an upcoming
dinner for very special clients. I believe this festive event is followed by an auction on Sunday. Am I right?”

  Scott opened his eyes wide. “Mrs. Torres. I’m not certain what—”

  “Cut the bullshit, Scotty.” Shanna kept her voice low as she crowded his space. “I thought you could tell I know what I’m talking about. We are in the process of purchasing a home here. We are also planning on participating in every wine event with our friends and family. We travel the world in search of the finest wines and heard this is the only place to be. We spend a hell of a lot of money with the right people, but only those who can give us exactly what we desire. Do you understand what I’m saying?”

  The shift in Scott’s eyes was only a split second, but Cody noticed. He took a sip of his wine and placed his hand on Shanna’s back as he searched the crowd. The connection was made to player number three. The balding older man was holding court, watching over the entire floor. Currently, his gaze was directed at them. “Darling, Scott isn’t a stupid man, just misguided.”

  “Yes, I understand, Mrs. Torres. I’m certain I can secure an invitation to the events. However, there is a ten thousand dollar minimum for the auction. Are you game?” Scott’s tone was clipped, his smile returning.

  Shanna adjusted Scott’s tie and patted his cheek. “Of course, sweet man. I’m game for almost anything, no matter how dark, dangerous or delicious.”

  “I’ll have the invitation delivered to you personally.” Scott took a step back and swallowed.

  “Good man. I believe we’ve reached an understanding.” She held up her glass and winked, holding her smile until he left. “Cagey little minion.”

  “Down girl,” Cody said, “but well done. I certainly didn’t think we’d get an invitation in ten minutes.”

  She tilted her head. “I’m very good at what I do. Never forget that.”

  He didn’t stop her as she walked away. What he did do was clench the glass, wishing he’d been able to trust her enough the night before. He closed and rubbed his eyes.

  “Trouble in paradise, Mr. Torres?”