Surrendering to the Bodyguard

by Asha Daniels

  She shifted, wiggling, her eyes never leaving his. Her breath sounds became ragged, as if anticipating what he was going to do.

  Tipping the candle, he allowed the wax to trickle down, dotting beads along her chest.

  “Oh!” She swallowed, her mouth going slack.

  Chuckling, the sound laced with darkness, he repeated the move, dripping hot wax around her right nipple. The sizzle was slight, but he could tell she noticed, jumping from every drop hitting her porcelain skin.

  “That is… amazing.”

  Cutter dripped the wax around her other nipple then allowing the final drops to hit between her breasts. Taking two fingers, he smoothed the substance in lazy circles, enjoying the way the wax slipped around the tips.

  Moaning, she arched her back slightly and closed her eyes. So trusting. So giving. She was prepared for anything he asked of her.

  He sat back, admiring his artwork before sliding off the bed. Replacing the candle with both glasses of wine, he sat down on the edge, taking a sip before offering her a glass. “What are you thinking?”

  She eased onto her elbow, wrapping her hand around the crystal. “That I would do anything for you. No matter what you ask.”

  Exhaling, he tipped his glass against hers. “Anything. That could be dangerous.”

  She took a sip before flashing her eyes. “I know and that’s what I crave. Anything and everything dangerous. You still me.”

  She would never know how the words affected him or how his thoughts turned to such dominance. He was rattled by his insane needs, desires that left him awake at night, restless no matter the woman he was with. But this woman was different.

  She was worth dying for.

  Chapter 7

  Dangerous…

  The word continued to swirl in Jasmine’s mind, creating alternating images of kinky and very passionate moments. Stretching, she smiled as she pressed her face into the soft pillow. She was in a dream state, a delicious and very private Pandora’s box. She inhaled and was able to gather the slightest scent of his cologne covering her naked body. Curling her legs, she could easily fall deep asleep but her limited subconscious missed the hulking form who’d cradled her against his chest.

  Opening her eyes, she yawned and turned over, biting back a moan given the glorious sting remaining on her ass. Blinking, she concentrated on the flickering light only feet away. Candles. Yes, gorgeous candles. She purred and slid the tips of her fingers down her chest, twirling a single finger around her swollen nipple. Dots of wax remained, a gentle reminder that the sizzling event had occurred.

  When she was fully awake, she studied the flames, wondering why he’d left her bed. She’d known the moment he’d slipped away, closing the bedroom door with a soft click. He was a tortured man. She rolled all the way over, easing her legs straight and folding her hands. The idea of pushing him and drilling for any information about his past would no doubt prove to be futile.

  She was no fool. His words regarding a future were a pipe dream for the both of them. They lived in different worlds and he would never settle down. Work was his mistress, holding some kind of vendetta over his head. Well, they were here and could at least enjoy what they’d discovered.

  Easing out of bed, she eyed his clothes. He’d left them in the exact position where she’d peeled them away. Crouching down, she grabbed his shirt, pulling the material to her face. As she took a whiff, her pussy clenched. Even the all-male scent of him was provocative. As she stood, she held the shirt against her nose, every nuance filtering into her nostrils. He was complicated, dangerous, sensuous and wearing a mask made of steel.

  Much like her own.

  She slid into the sleeves, fastening the bottom few buttons. With every slide of the slender plastic buttons, she envisioned his naked body aloft over hers, his eyes penetrating, his face pensive. God. He was so damn beautiful. She glared at her reflection in the shadowed light, smiling as the flickering flames highlighted a slight shimmer on her skin. Everything about her appeared freshly fucked. She smoothed her hair before moving toward the bathroom and the pass-through door. At least the pain in her ankle had subsided. The fact he’d gone back to his own room was disconcerting, but he was a man who needed space, quiet to decipher angry whispers from the obvious demons inside his head.

  Very quietly she opened the adjoining door, peering into his bedroom. Even in the darkness, she had a sense that he wasn’t in the room. She padded closer to the bed, feeling the blankets, her hand skimming all the way to his pillow. He hadn’t even turned down the bed. He was standing watch.

  She sighed and walked back to the bathroom. Her hand gripping the doorjamb, she turned on the light over the sink then darted a look back into the room. She couldn’t even tell that anyone had ever been in the room. There was nothing on the dresser, the small nightstand or lying on the floor. It was as if he didn’t exist.

  Maybe this is exactly the way he was forced to live his life.

  Holding her arms, she walked to the end of the bed, just trying to gather a sense of him. Everything was cold, zero life. He never left a footprint of any kind or an indication that he had another life. This was just something she knew in her heart. What had caused so much pain that he wanted nothing more than to disappear?

  She was an intruder in his space, no matter that he spent no time in the room. Her heart aching, she walked back into her room, wringing her hands. They’d connected so deeply, the electricity recharged from a single touch, a mere glance. Now? She didn’t want to understand his need to shove her into a box, neat and tidy. After a few seconds, she opened the outer door, peering toward the balcony. There were no sounds at all. Nothing. Everything was too damn quiet.

  Approaching the railing, she peered down. She was forced to blink several times before she realized that he was standing in front of the window facing the driveway. As she stood and watched him, she started to shiver. There was nothing more volatile than being alone, perhaps frightened of the person hovering inside, ready to burst at the seams. This, she knew very well. Her hatred and animosity of her father had grown exponentially during the last few years. Grief had a way of cutting through the bullshit.

  She leaned over the railing, wanting nothing more than to call out, but her throat was closed off, perhaps from fear. Perhaps from understanding that she could burst the glowing bubble, something that would crush what was left of her heart. Swallowing, she managed to push away the bile and eased down the stairs. The wood creaked as she walked, but he didn’t react, didn’t mutter a word. He remained stoic, as if her presence wasn’t a concern in any regard.

  Her heart ached, her mind slithering into the various dark places she knew too well. Refusing to succumb to her own personal madness, she held her arms as she walked toward him, careful not to disturb.

  “You should be sleeping,” he murmured just as she entered the room.

  “I knew you weren’t there.”

  He darted a glance over his shoulder. “I couldn’t sleep.”

  Her eyes drifted to the now open blind. There was no moonlight streaming in, no stars peeking out, promising a better tomorrow. The stark darkness was only illuminated by a glow from what had to be his laptop in close proximity as well as the few remaining embers. “I might be able to help you with that.” Keeping her words soft and alluring, she closed the distance, placing her hands on his shoulder blades.

  Cutter tensed.

  Damn it. She refused to be discouraged. She rubbed her hands up and down his back, marveling at the muscles in his back. The scars on his back were prominent. When she encircled a round scar with her index finger, she heard what had to be a slight hiss or a gasp. “You’ve been hurt so many times.”

  “More times than I can count,” Cutter whispered.

  She caressed his lower back, startled to find three other deep wounds. His body was riddled with them. While they were healed, the scar tissue was ridged. “The stories you told me. Were they true?”

  He hesitated. “Yes. Gunsh
ots, knife wounds, an ax. They were all received in the line of duty.”

  “The war was dangerous. I don’t think anyone who’s never served truly understands.”

  “There is always a war going on but not necessarily on foreign soil. The ones I would consider the most dangerous live up close and personal.”

  The words were haunting, forcing her to shiver. He stood naked, watching, even waiting for the asshole to make a move. She wrapped her arms around his waist and rested the side of her face against him. God, he was cold, his body temperature low. “There are good people in this world.”

  “Some. I just happen to experience the worst kind of evil, premeditated and on point, monsters who enjoy destroying lives.”

  “Dear God. What have you endured in your life?” Jasmine wasn’t certain she’d asked the question out loud, let alone if he heard her.

  “Enough to realize what we’re dealing with.” He placed his hand on top of hers. “I’m not trying to frighten you.”

  “You aren’t, Cutter. I’m a big girl.” Pressing a row of kisses along his naked back, she massaged his shoulders, but he remained tense. “Come back to bed.”

  “I’ll only keep you awake.”

  She purred as she moved around his side. “Isn’t that the point?”

  A slight smile curled on his lip as he shook his head. “You’re insatiable. I’m certain you already know that.”

  “I don’t like much in my life, believe it or not. However,” she whispered as she ran the tip of her finger down his chest to his groin. “When I do find something or someone I enjoy, I make certain and take what I want.”

  His eyes narrowed as he studied her actions, his breath becoming ragged. He grabbed her hand, wrenching until she yelped then lowered his head. “You aren’t in charge here, little miss.”

  “Hmmm… Then you might have to remind me why.” As soon as she said the words, his entire demeanor seemed to change. “Don’t pull away. Don’t you dare pull away from me. We were so close.”

  “We still are. I’m just… I need to put this into perspective.” Dropping her hand, he resumed his look out stance.

  “Into perspective? As in put what happened between us in a box?” She waited for an answer. Any answer. Nothing. “As in you wished it had never happened.” The words were a statement.

  “That’s not what I said.”

  She bit her lip and took a step away. “But that’s what you meant. I understand. I don’t know what the hell I was thinking. I’m a fool.” Anger rushed into every cell, tensing her already sore muscles. “Damn it! And you stand there and say nothing. I’m so damn stupid.”

  “Wait.” Cutter’s tone was imploring.

  “For what? To be seduced again. Then what?” She turned away and walked around him. She was sick, sick to her stomach and sick at heart. Hearing nothing once again, she trudged toward the kitchen. She didn’t hear a sound until his hand was wrapped around her wrist, snapping her around until she was facing him.

  “You’re impetuous, impatient and unforgiving. You want everything now. I’m not that kind of man. I take what happens very seriously. Whether that is acceptable to you or not I can’t change. I care for you more than I should and certainly more than I have for anyone in a hell of a long time.” He cupped her face, holding her still, his entire arm shaking.

  “Cutter. I already told you, I want you for the man you are. Trust me. I know trust is difficult but trust me.”

  “I do trust you,” Cutter whispered as he kissed her forehead. “More than you could have any idea about.”

  How she wanted him to pull her into an intense embrace, kiss her with wild abandon and make love to her in every room in the cabin. He simply wasn’t that kind of man. She clung to him and exhaled. “I’m glad.” She could tell how badly he was shaking and she had no understanding of how she could help.

  “Why don’t you go back to bed? I’ll be up in a little while. I promise. I have a few things I want to check on the computer.” He nodded toward the table. “Don’t worry. Just a few thoughts I had.”

  He certainly didn’t like not being in control. “I don’t think I can sleep. A lot on my mind.” She leaned back.

  “Well, try. I may go into town tomorrow. From what I can tell, the storm is rolling in. Day after tomorrow.”

  Sighing, she accepted the fact they were simply back to business. Her protector. Not her lover. “Can I come with you?”

  “We’ll see.” Offering a slight smile, he shifted his gaze back toward the window.

  “What do you think you’re going to see out there?”

  He exhaled, a single fist clenching. “A reason.”

  His answer was fascinating but offered her absolutely nothing. The man had no compromising bone in his body. “Okay. I’ll let you work, but I’d like to take a bath. If I make certain the blinds are closed and only use candles in the bathroom, may I please take a bath?” She winked and grabbed a quick kiss.

  Cutter seemed to be weighing the option. He nodded and broke the hold. “Yes, but do exactly that and keep the bedroom and bathroom doors open. I’ll make certain you’re safe.”

  There were so many words she wanted to say, but what was the point? “Thank you.” She’d taken several steps before she stopped, without turning around she made her final offer. Even as gorgeous as he was, she wasn’t going to throw herself at him. The hurt of denial would be too significant. “You can always join me. If you want, I mean.”

  While she didn’t honestly anticipate that he’d consider joining her, she at least knew that he’d be close, no doubt hovering in the darkness like a well-trained bodyguard. She couldn’t help but roll her eyes as she dragged the candles into the bathroom and started the water, managing to find bubble bath in the linen closet. The jetted tub was unusual in design, similar to an old-fashioned vessel, complete with brass claw feet. As the tub was filling, she grabbed the wine. There would be no more sleep tonight.

  She sat on the edge, dragging her fingers through the sudsy water, her thoughts drifting to the two boyfriends she’d really had in her life. Johnny was entirely different than the pea headed prick she’d dated all through high school and the first year of college. And she’d thought she’d been in love. Right. She’d sworn off men after that. And now? Breaking up with Johnny had been a good idea, but he’d already known it was coming. Their arguments had been…

  Pressing her hand against her mouth, she hadn’t put two and two together until now. The threatening emails had started just about a week from the first time she’d exploded, refusing to take his bullshit any longer. On that very night, she’d told him in no uncertain terms that she didn’t want to date him any longer and there was no way he’d ever spank her again.

  Best laid plans.

  Huffing, she turned off the water and debated telling Cutter. She hadn’t even thought about the possibility that Johnny might have something to do with the threats. But trying to have her killed? Wait. He couldn’t be responsible. He was playing onstage during the attempted… Wow. Murder. Someone had actually tried to have her killed.

  She was shivering, her hands shaking. “Get a grip.” The words said out loud, she bristled. Johnny wasn’t the murdering type. He was a freaking asshole with a nasty temper, but he certainly wasn’t a killer.

  The anger remained as she began to think about every member of the band. She couldn’t get the shirt unbuttoned fast enough. Tossing it onto the floor, she studied her reflection and twisted, enabling her to see the welts. “Ouch.” She eased back her arm, touching the belt marks and shuddered. The man knew how to punish. In truth, she was happy to wear them, even though sitting would remain uncomfortable for at least a full day.

  She heard a creak coming from the floorboards. Cutter had come upstairs. As the hair stood on the back of her neck, she knew that he was close, perhaps even watching her. The thought created tingles rushing up her legs, straight into her pussy. She poured a hefty glass of wine before sliding into the water. The warmth and comfo
rt were soothing, the sting on her ass tasty and she took a sip of wine, hearing another creak. She’d purposely faced the glass blocks and pretended she had a bird’s eye view of the beautiful landscaping instead of a fuzzy glint.

  Murder. He wants you dead.

  The damning words rushed back and forth in her mind, jabbing at her like a piercing knife. No, she wasn’t going to go into the land of the damned. Not tonight. Not after… “You can come in.” He was there, waiting. Wanting.

  “How did you know I was here?” Cutter’s voice was closer.

  He’d come into the room. “I could hear you.”

  “I’ve lost my touch.”

  When the water jostled, she eased her wine glass onto the lip of the tub. He slipped behind her, his legs straddling hers. She didn’t lean back but the feel of his throbbing cock pushing against her tailbone gave her sinful thoughts. “You haven’t lost anything. You’re quite the master.”

  The statement brought a huffing sound and he drew his legs partially together, forcing hers to close. Slipping his arms into the water, he placed one hand on her stomach, easing her against his chest. “You have no idea what you do to me.”

  She smiled and rested her head on his chest. “I’ll take that in a good way.”

  “You know exactly what I mean, little girl.”

  “Ah, but I’m not a little girl. I’m a woman with needs, desires that only one man seems to have an understanding of.”

  “Oh yeah? Who the fuck is he? I’ll kick his ass.”

  His comment was so unexpected that she burst into laughter. “You do have a fun side.”

  “I’m not all about work,” Cutter breathed as he brushed his fingertips up and down her arm.

  “Tell me what you’re about. What do you enjoy?”

  He sighed and pressed his chin against her head. “Movies. Plays. Music. Bikes.”

  “As in cross country?”

  “As in Harleys. I own four.”

  Jasmine wiggled her ass against his groin. “I can see you in leather, dark shades, taking to the open road.”