Chapter Twenty-Three
Hillary knew the instant she plowed into Reed, she wouldn’t have the strength to push him away again. She’d tried keeping him at arm’s length physically but all that managed to do was connect them mentally. She truly liked him. He was honest and outgoing, smart and sexy. And he was so easy to talk to. They’d established a friendship based on mutual respect and shared interests. Bringing sex into the picture would only muddy the waters. Wouldn’t it?
When his head lowered and his lips touched hers, she forgot about her stipulations and her reasons for keeping away. Her knees buckled from the passion and before she realized it, he’d swept her into his strong arms. The cast dug into her back, but it wasn’t painful…at least for her.
“Reed, your arm—” He silenced her with another mind-drugging kiss, his tongue curling around hers in a sensual dance. He’d finished his shower before she did and he smelled like soap and clean male with a hint of spicy aftershave. It was an intoxicating mixture she wanted to bottle up and keep under her pillow for all the lonely nights she’d face when the assignment ended.
One thing the shooting in Greece had taught her was that life was short. Hers almost ended on the streets of a foreign country. She’d have left the earth without accomplishing most of the goals she’d set for herself. Suddenly she couldn’t remember why pushing Reed away was a smart idea.
He carried her into a bedroom—hers, his, it didn’t matter—and lowered her to the mattress without breaking the kiss. She refused to let go, bringing his weight down on top of her. He aligned their bodies and they both groaned. It was exquisite. It was perfect. It wasn’t enough. She needed skin on skin.
“Reed—”
“Just give me a minute,” he gritted out, his breath sawing out against her neck. His tongue darted out to lick a sensitive spot beneath her ear and her body bowed.
“Hold still. Please,” he groaned. “I’m stopping.”
He started to lift away but she wrapped her feet around his hips, locking him in place. His eyes sought hers. She nodded at the unspoken question. He asked anyway.
“You sure?”
Her head rocked up and down.
Reed groaned and it was like he’d unleashed all control on his pent-up passion. Hillary was drowning in a tidal wave of sensation. The broken radius didn’t hinder him at all. He removed her top and when his eyes found her scar, she moved to cover it. He was the first man she’d been with since the shooting.
He grabbed her wrists and pinned her hands beside her head. Then his head bent and kissed the puckered red line where doctors had cut her open to save her life. Tears shimmered in her eyes at the gentleness. She yanked her hands free to bury them in his hair.
When his lips closed over her nipple, she let out a cry as he laved it with attention before moving to the other one. She couldn’t catch her breath. He kissed his way down her belly and slid his hands beneath the band of her yoga pants, tugging them down gently. Then he planted himself between her legs, his broad shoulders opening her wide, and proceeded to drive her wild with his fingers and teeth and tongue. She came twice before he licked his way back up to feast on her lips.
She wanted to rip his clothes off but she was too exhausted from the mind-blowing orgasms. He leaned back to strip off his shirt and she sighed. There were those amazing abs. She helped with his jeans and when he sprang free, she stroked his impressive length, murmuring her approval. He was magnificent.
“Hillary,” he groaned through gritted teeth His eyes were closed, his head thrown back in pleasure. “Stop or I won’t last.”
She eased her grip but didn’t release him. She waited for him to look down at her through half-lidded eyes. She’d never felt this sexy, this feminine. She had total control over this strong, virile man. With her job, she needed to be taken seriously in a man’s world and had to continually prove her ability. That often meant downplaying her sexuality. Here, with Reed, she could release her inner vixen. She smiled wickedly.
“Hillary—”
The word was gritted out, either a plea or a warning, she wasn’t sure. She closed her lips over him and he groaned long and loud. His hands sifted through her hair to grip her head. She feasted on him as he had her earlier, taking pleasure in the sounds coming from his throat.
“That’s it.”
The hoarse words were all the warning she had before he pulled out and tumbled her to the bed. He came down on top of her and finally, they were skin to skin. The contact was indescribable. When he slowly pushed inside, it set her off again. Nothing had ever felt so good. So right. She’d been afraid it would hurt because of his impressive size, but he fit perfectly. When she clinched around him, his control shattered and he pounded into her, finding his own release.
#
After disposing of the condom, Reed padded back to the bed on rubbery legs. His world had just been rocked down to the core. Hillary’s golden hair, usually tamed in a ponytail, fanned out across the pillow. He remembered feeling the strands glide through his fingers like the finest silk. He lifted the sheet and slid beneath, gathering her in his arms so that her back was to his front. He didn’t want her to see his face. He was sure everything he was feeling was clearly reflected. He’d had sex with many women over the years, most of whom he didn’t even remember their names, if he’d even bothered to learn them. But nothing compared to what they’d just shared. She snuggled in closer and damn if his body didn’t respond. He’d come so hard, he didn’t think he’d recover for hours. Apparently, Hillary was his own personal Viagra. Just being around her and he was primed and ready to go.
He’d been a little rough at the end, but feeling her pulse around him had set him off. He wanted to be gentle but he couldn’t stop. It was primal. Earthy. She didn’t seem to mind, her nails scoring his back while her feet locked behind his legs, urging him on. He was used to women being delicate and he’d reined in his baser urges. When he and Daniella had sex, he always held a part of himself back. He was afraid he’d hurt her if he let go. Hell, she never ate. A strong wind would blow her over. Hillary was also delicate, but she was muscular and strong at the same time. She was the first woman he’d met who could take all of him. It was a revelation. He wrapped his arm over her, his hand automatically finding the scar on her chest. His finger traced the raised flesh.
“I was on assignment in Greece.”
Reed held perfectly still, afraid if he moved, she would quit talking. He knew this was difficult for her. He wanted to know what had happened to cause the mark, but he didn’t want her to relive it if it brought her pain. Her soft voice started again.
“One of my coworkers was working on a case in Chicago, his hometown. The situation quickly escalated and he feared for the safety of his mother and fifteen-year-old sister Daphne. His mom was originally from Greece and he thought that by sending them out of the country until the threat was over, they’d be safe. We all thought that. I went along as a precaution, but none of us counted on the enemy following.”
Reed swallowed hard, knowing he wasn’t going to like what came next. He realized her job was dangerous but he didn’t think he was strong enough to hear this story.
“We were out sightseeing. Mama Demarchis—my coworker’s mom—had a sister still living in the country and she was showing us around. Daphne had never been to Greece, nor had I, so we were soaking up all the sights, the culture. It’s an amazing place, so picturesque and filled with history. Daphne’s an avid photographer and she had just positioned her mom, aunt and I for a shot. Everything that happened next is a blur. Some I remember, most I don’t. Two men approached and zeroed in on Daphne as a car screeched to a stop. They grabbed her and tried to force her into the car. They started shooting, I started shooting and that’s where my memory ends. I managed to take two out.”
God. Reed swallowed. She’d been forced to kill two men? This story was a bucket of cold water on his libido. He gathered her in tighter, wanting to absorb her distress, erase the painful memor
ies.
“Their bullets rained on me. My Kevlar vest caught most of them. One hit my bicep, a through-and-through. And one entered under my arm where the vest didn’t cover. The bullet bounced around inside my chest. The doctors worked to save my life, but it was touch and go. I don’t remember anything about the days that followed.”
Reed tried to control his breathing. He didn’t want to do anything to stop her from telling the story but damn, he wasn’t sure his heart could take any more of this. She’d almost died? The thought of this vibrant, capable, fascinating woman no longer existing was more than he could bear. What if he’d never gotten the opportunity to know her?
“The injuries, the multiple surgeries, the months of physical therapy, it pales in comparison to the only thing that mattered.”
Oh, God, no. “Daphne?” The word came out as a croak.
“She’s fine.”
Reed sighed in relief. Thank God. He didn’t want her to have to live with that on her conscience.
“The men kidnapped her and took her back to Chicago. They held her hostage in an old warehouse intending to use her to lure out her brother. But they underestimated her. She outsmarted her captors and escaped without harm.”
That had to mean… “Mama Demarchis? Her sister?”
“I was able to shove them inside a nearby building when I saw the men approach. They were shaken, but fine.”
If Daphne was okay, and the mother and sister were as well, what could she have meant? “What was the only thing that mattered?”
“I failed my job.”
Reed jackknifed up, startling her. She rolled to her back, her arm anchoring the blanket over her chest, her eyes wide. He didn’t mean to frighten her, but the overwhelming need to protect her was beating through his veins. “Hillary, you almost died. You got two women to safety. Daphne was unharmed. You took bullets for her. How is that failing your job?”
She scooted up until her back rested against the padded white headboard, the sheet still clutched firmly against her breasts. “Because she was kidnapped on my watch, Reed. That’s all on me. It never should’ve happened.”
“The coworker who sent you to Greece, what’s his name?”
“Dorian.”
“Does Dorian blame you?” Because if he did, Reed would have to pay him a little visit and set him straight.
Hillary smiled. “That would be fun to see. He’s a former Navy SEAL.”
Shit, had he said that out loud? And what the hell was it about him that these people didn’t think he could take on a SEAL? Did he look like a wimp? Yes, they were the ultimate warriors, but he was tough, too, a former professional athlete. They underestimated the strength and determination of a man protecting his woman. He’d take on the whole damn Navy on her behalf.
Her smile slipped at his intense glare. Her lips parted and she blew out a breath, looking away. “No, Dorian doesn’t blame me. If anything, he blames himself for not sending another agent.”
Reed nodded, his fingers unclenching. Okay, Dorian sounded like a stand-up guy. He didn’t have to break his other arm trying to beat up a badass SEAL. “Hillary, look at me.” He grasped her chin and turned her to face him. “Why are you blaming yourself?” Recognition dawned. “That’s why you almost didn’t accept Connie’s offer, isn’t it?”
She looked down, breaking eye contact. “Yes. My job was to keep them safe and I failed. Failure is unacceptable.”
“How were you supposed to protect three women?” She flinched at his tone. He hadn’t meant to sound so harsh, so he dialed it down. “If you’d have stopped Daphne from getting kidnapped, what about her mom? Her aunt? Would you have felt better if one of them had been taken instead?”
She jerked her gaze to him. “No, absolutely not!”
“Then why are you beating yourself up? You risked your life and almost made the ultimate sacrifice.” His fingers reached out to trace the scar. He shuddered just thinking about it. “There was nothing else you could’ve done.”
“Now you sound like Luke,” she muttered.
His eyes narrowed. It was a little late to be bringing a boyfriend into the picture, since he’d been buried deep inside her not ten minutes ago. He forced a casual tone. “Who’s Luke?”
“My boss. He flew to Greece after the shooting. He handled all the medical decisions and made all the arrangements to transport me home when I was able to travel.”
“Just a boss?” He tried, he really, did, but if it sounded like he growled the question, he couldn’t help it.
Her lips curved in an amused smile. “Yes, just a boss. An engaged boss. A very happily engaged boss to pop star Layla Brooks.”
Reed’s eyes widened. “Layla Brooks? Really? Her return from the dead was major news.”
“Yeah, Luke helped bring her stepfather down and they fell in love.”
Okay, Luke got a pass, too. He didn’t know what it meant that he was willing to slay any dragons that crossed her path. But he would. Without hesitation.
#
If her heart hadn’t already been a goner, she would’ve fallen in love the moment Reed threatened to beat up Dorian if he blamed her for the kidnapping. Love didn’t come easy to her. She’d grown up in a house with two males who didn’t wear their emotions on their sleeves. She knew they loved her, but they weren’t demonstrative about it. She’d been so young when her mother passed away, she didn’t remember much about her. Her dad hadn’t remarried before he died, so she didn’t have a female influence in her life.
She didn’t sleep around, so she didn’t have to worry about her heart becoming involved. She dated and even had a serious relationship, but even her feelings for the professor she was with for over a year paled in comparison to what she felt for Reed after just a few days. Her heart expanded until she feared it would burst. She wanted to hold him tight and never let go. She wanted to smooth his brow, ease the tension that tightened his features. His anger, his fury was all for her.
Surprisingly, she felt lighter than she had in months—since before the shooting. She’d tried to convince herself that there was nothing else she could’ve done to prevent what happened. Yes, Daphne was kidnapped and could’ve been hurt…or worse. Thankfully she wasn’t. Mama Demarchis and her sister were unharmed. Hillary hadn’t hesitated to put her life on the line to protect them, so in that sense, she’d done her job.
The lightness in her heart made her want to shove open the sliding glass door and run to the ocean with her arms wide, laughing and twirling in circles. She wanted to splash in the water and laugh and dance. She felt…free.
And she had Reed to thank.
Dropping the sheet, she lunged at him. The look of surprise on his face was priceless. He “oofed” as she tackled him, catching him off-guard. He fell backwards and she pounced on top. He’d been the aggressor before. It was her turn now.
Chapter Twenty-Four
Thick gray clouds crowded the early morning sky as a stiff breeze blew across the surface of the ocean, adding a biting nip to the air. The forecast called for thunderstorms on and off throughout the day.
Hillary and Reed held hands, their fingers intertwined, as they walked along the shore, just out of reach of the rolling whitecaps that churned and broke before rolling back to the sea. Kota kept pace beside her, his steps seemingly lighter, as were hers. Her dog was so keyed into her moods, she thought he knew that her soul had been lifted by telling the story to Reed and having his unwavering support. Her coworkers had tried for months to break through to her, but it was Reed’s approval that did the trick.
“My foreman and crew are scheduled to arrive today.”
She glanced up to find him staring straight ahead. “Connie told me. Are you excited to get started on the house?”
He looked down at her, one side of his mouth curving in a smile. “Yeah. This is the fun part.” They walked silently for a few minutes and then Reed casually mentioned, “I’m supposed to move into the production house later today.”
She
nodded slowly. She’d known that, too, thanks to Connie. Reed hadn’t mentioned it. Hillary hadn’t given thought to where he’d stay once filming began, but she hoped it would be in her house…in her bed. Here goes nothing, she decided. “You’re welcome to stay at the cottage. It’s closer so you can keep an eye on the house.” And me.
Reed stopped and pulled her around to face him, one hand reaching up to cup her face. “What about you, Hill? What do you want?” He brushed a tendril of hair that had come loose from her ponytail behind her ear. The back of his fingers caressed her cheek. She closed her eyes, savoring the touch.
“I want you to stay.”
When he didn’t answer right away, she opened her eyes. “I want that, too,” he revealed before his head bent down and captured her lips. Even prepared for the jolt, it still sent tingles down her spine when their lips touched. Would it always be like this with him?
A booming clap of thunder reverberated and for the first time in months, the loud sound didn’t grip her with panic. The lightning streaking across the sky did.
They took off running for the cottage, their laughter mingling with the crashing waves and rolling thunder. Kota led the way, unerringly guiding them to the house. They just made it inside when the skies opened and rain poured down. They stood and watched as the sea turned gray and choppy.
“There’s something hypnotizing about a storm over the ocean.” When Reed didn’t respond, she turned to him. He was staring at her intently.
“There’s something hypnotizing about you.”
#
After a shared shower that ended up with him making love to Hillary under the cascading water, Reed changed and checked his messages. Neil and the crew had arrived. They were scheduled to meet at the reno house in an hour.
He glanced outside. The rain had stopped for the moment. Hopefully it would hold out until he could do a walk-through with his team. The film crew was scheduled to arrive today and set up tomorrow. He wanted to have a plan of action down and the tasks assigned before production started. The team he’d assembled was professional and competent, so they wouldn’t be a problem. They were part of his regular crew. The difficult part was meshing with the local workers who didn’t know his style or his team’s work ethic.
Tough as Nails (COBRA Securities Book 10) Page 15