“Gee, Sean, real subtle.”
“What?” He grinned at her, trying to appear innocent.
Malika wasn’t fooled in the least. “If I tell you about a boy, you would probably try to intimate him.”
“I need to make sure no one is taking advantage of you. Every time I see you, you grow more beautiful. I don’t trust these horny bastards around you.”
Yeah, well, too late for your concern. Especially since the person you need to be concerned about is you. Malika didn’t say any of that. Instead, she answered him simply. “I don’t have a boyfriend. I don’t have time.”
“Is it because there aren’t that many black guys at this school? Or would you give us white guys a chance?”
Malika wanted to be angry with him, angry at how oblivious he was. How can he not notice how much I love him, how much I want to be him? I couldn’t care less what color he is. “I hate to disappoint you, but there are some fine brothers at this school. So that’s not an issue. As for white guys, well, you know I’ve never been into white guys, especially blonds. They tend to be too shallow.”
“Is that so? I think I’m offended.”
“Why? You don’t date black women. I’ve never seen you with one.”
“I don’t date any woman. I enjoy activities with various women, but I don’t have time for a relationship with one. And yes, I’ve had encounters with several black women.”
Malika fought to contain her emotions, which were vying between hurt and jealousy, back to hurt again. She hid how she felt by giving him a teasing smile, trying to hide the more volatile emotions churning through her. “Sean, you’re such a hoe.”
“Ouch! I thought you loved me.”
“I do love you, but you blonds have to be the worst man-whores. After watching you in action over the past few years, I would have to be certifiable to be interested in getting involved with someone like you.”
The teasing grin he had been wearing disappeared, and his expression became unreadable. She was sorry to see that happen, but at least now she could perhaps prevent him from somehow uncovering that she had been pining over him for years.
“I guess it’s fortunate that we’re not likely to be love interests but, instead, are virtually siblings.”
Malika looked away from him, hoping that he couldn’t see the devastation she was feeling. “Yeah, we’re fortunate,” she said softly.
“What are you doing this afternoon? I have to go back to the house to pick up some gear, but I’m sure your mother would love to see you.”
Malika snorted. “Yeah, she’ll probably be the only one.”
“Why do you think that? I’m sure my parents would want to see you too. Everyone told me that they hardly ever see you.”
“I don’t think your parents approve of me. And I know your mother hates the fact that you call me Duchess.”
“That’s nonsense. I’m sure that’s not true. Besides, you’re going home to be with me, not my parents. They have no say in what I do in my life. My mother puts far too much importance on the Scottish dukedom that will pass to me on my grandfather’s death. She knows that I don’t give a damn about that. And my calling you Duchess has nothing to do with my impending inheritance.”
“Try telling her that.”
“I’ve told her. As a little girl, you always reminded me of those elegant ladies of the British peerage. If my mother has a problem with that, she’ll have to get over it.”
“That still doesn’t mean that she likes having me around.”
“Don’t worry about my parents. I’ll talk to them before I leave.”
“I wish you wouldn’t. I don’t want to come between you and your parents. Besides, it doesn’t matter anymore. I’m getting the hell out of here in a few weeks.”
Sean laughed. “That’s one thing you won’t ever have to worry about. My parents have their life, and I have mine. No one will ever come between us. I know what my duties and responsibilities are and know that there are thousands of employees who rely on me. I have both the estates in Scotland from my grandfather and my father’s empire under my control. My parents know I would do nothing to endanger my employees’ livelihoods. They are content with that. Stop worrying.”
“Yes, but—”Malika stopped herself from voicing what she really thought. It wasn’t as if there was a chance in hell of her ever being his wife anyway. The fact that his mother thought that there was a possibility was really laughable. His aristocratic mother did everything in her power to ensure that Malika knew that she wouldn’t ever accept a black woman from the Islands as her future daughter-in-law.
Sean grinned at her. “Ah, Duchess, ignore my parents. I do.
Later in the day she drove home with him and, upon arriving, immediately wished she hadn’t let him talk her into the visit. Sean had called ahead to let his parents know he was bringing her home. Not by a blink of an eye did his mother, Sophia, utter a word of disapproval toward Malika as she normally did. Instead, she was fawning all over her, commenting on her beautiful long hair, on her smooth mocha skin, and how incredibly smart Malika had turned out to be.
The other woman didn’t have to show her dislike. She just ensured that Amanda was seated at the table next to Sean when they sat down later that day for a late lunch. Sophia had been busy. Not only had she invited Amanda, but she’d ensure her other children, Rebecca and William, were there to taunt Malika as well. Her husband, Harold, barely spared any of them a glance as he quietly ate his meal.
Malika should have been happy that her brother, Malcolm, who was sitting to her left, had also been invited. However, her brother seemed distracted and was often looking around anxiously for most of the meal. That surprised her more than anything because Malcolm was always opinionated. Being gay, Malcolm would usually appreciate the male anatomy better than any of her girlfriends. However, he took one look at Sean and shuddered in distaste. “He’s too big, honey. I don’t like being crushed,” he had whispered to her.
Malika laughed, her first real laugh all day. “I think you would crush him, Malcolm.” Malcolm was the same height as she was, but that was where the similarities ended. While she ran and got additional exercise from her fight training, the only exercise Malcolm ever did was lifting a spoon to his mouth. The excess fat on his body was a testament to that.
“Keep that up and I won’t design your wedding gown,” Malcolm grumbled and went back to fidgeting.
“No worries. At this rate, I’ll never get married.” Malika stared at Sean’s smiling face as he spoke animatedly to Amanda to his left and to his sister on his right. He’s already forgotten all about me. Malika looked away, and her gaze collided with Sophia’s.
Sophia wore a triumphant, gleeful smirk on her lips. She didn’t try to hide her true feelings then.
Malika might have been able to endure anything the other woman dished out, but Amanda was constantly touching, whispering, and giggling with Sean.
Every time she touched him, Malika flinched, despite seeing Sean push Amanda’s hand away.
“Oh, Sean, my girlfriends are so envious of me.” Amanda giggled and tried to touch him again.
“You’re a beautiful and well-polished young lady,” Sophia cooed across the table at Amanda. “Of course others are jealous of your many talents.”
“Aunt Sophia, you are too kind to me. It’s not me who inspire their jealousy. It’s your gorgeous son and his well-endowed parts.” Amanda giggled, completely missing the shocked look on Sophia’s face.
The rest of the table went silent.
Sophia gazed at Amanda with an unblinking stare.
Is this girl crazy? I know that girls have always been after Sean because of his rumored asset, but obviously Amanda has no idea that that is the quickest way to get Sean pissed. He hates the way girls throw themselves at him because of it. Today was no different. The easy smile on Sean’s face disappeared and was replaced with an expression of cool distain. Malika wanted to laugh, but she didn’t dare.
Amanda was oblivious to Sean’s changed mood. Her breasts, which were almost popping out of the V-neck of her dress, were being pressed time and again against Sean’s forearm.
If she grabs his biceps and rubs her boobs on him one more time, I’m going to hurt that bitch!
Malika’s mother served the meal with utter silence and dignity. She had been happy to see her daughter, but her eyes were sad when she looked between Malika and Sean. Am I that transparent? My God, does everyone know how I feel about him?
“Amanda is everything you’re not,” William whispered close to her right ear. He had been making off-hand comments like that throughout the meal. “She’s well connected in our world, blonde and beautiful, and will make an excellent duchess.”
“Why don’t you go back under that rock you just crawled from under?” Malika muttered. “Go join your pet snake.”
William laughed wickedly. “She’s already fucking him, so who knows. He may propose to her soon.”
Malika felt the blood drain from her face and couldn’t have spoken if her life depended on it. She suddenly felt lightheaded. She wanted to return to the university in the worst way.
Sean must have seen her pallor because the next thing she knew he was standing beside her. “Hey, sweetheart, are you okay?”
She could only nod in response. Why does he have to be so damn sweet to me now?
“Thanks, everyone, for the company, but I have to get Duchess back to school, and I have a flight to catch.” He reached for Malika’s hand and pulled her from the chair. Once she was standing beside him, he turned and glared at his mother and brother. “Don’t think I didn’t notice what you just did to Duchess.”
“We did nothing to that child,” Sophia denied hotly. “And why do you insist on calling her that ridiculous name?”
“Don’t mess with me, Mother! Duchess will always be special to me. If you have a problem with that, tough. But don’t ever do this shit again. Otherwise, you will be down to two spoiled, sniveling children.”
“Hey!” both William and Rebecca protested.
“I didn’t do anything, Sean,” Amanda spoke up and started to move toward them.
“Don’t.” Sean scowled at his lover, making her stop in her tracks. “You and I will never happen again, so get over yourself and stay the fuck away from me.”
Amanda gasped in outrage.
“Sean, is that sort of language necessary?” Sophia admonished.
“Apparently it is because you didn’t get the message the first time. Duchess is in my life to stay. I’m not having this conversation with any of you again. Like my friend Neo would say, either get the fuck on board or bounce! I’m taking my girl back to the university now.”
“About damn time,” Malcolm muttered loud enough to be heard by their disgruntled audience.
Sophia gazed at him with promised retribution.
Malika wondered briefly what the hell that was about.
“We have a deal closing in two days in London. Are you going to attend the signing?” Harold asked. He seemed unconcerned with his son’s speech and his wife’s angry scowl.
“I have the details in my itinerary. We’ve moved the meeting to New York. I’ll take care of it,” Sean told his father. His grip tightened around her fingers, and he pulled her along behind him.
Malika should have been happy about his defense of her, but when she looked into Sophia’s green gaze, so much like her son’s, all she saw was pure hatred. The older woman wasn’t done with her yet.
Once Sean left her back at the flat with a brotherly kiss on her cheek, she remained closed in her room for hours trying to come to terms with what had happened. How am I going to survive seeing him with other women?
Chapter Eight
Six months later, her graduation had come and gone. Sean hadn’t made it to the ceremony and had yet to return to his office in London. After her graduation, she had dinner with her mother and Malcolm, who had attended the ceremony. Her mother had seemed close to tears most of the night. Malika couldn’t decide whether she was proud of her daughter or worried about Malcolm, who had failed his final exams and wouldn’t be going to uni.
She was more than happy to leave Melbourne a few days later and fully submerge herself in her new life and identity. Her employer didn’t care who she was, only that she gave results.
She remained in contact with her mother, but she made no effort to tell her mother where she was, nor did her mother ask.
Sean hadn’t sent her any emails other than the one he had sent two days after leaving to tell her he would be out of reach for at least six weeks. Malika knew that the mission he and the other SEALs had been on was extremely dangerous and that they had needed all of their focus to deal with the Colombian drug dealer they were after.
Although Sean hadn’t told her who and where, she had done her own research. It hadn’t been hard. The story of Damien and his family’s brutal murder was difficult to keep hidden, and some parts of the story had made it to the local media. Given her line of work, it was child’s play to find out that Sean and his SEAL mates had been working almost a year before her graduation with the United States DEA and had confiscated a shit-load of drugs and money from a group of Colombians. Malika shivered with fear when she uncovered whom the drugs and money belonged to; it was Carlos Mendoza. The terms that stood out in her research on him were “violent” and “sociopath.” He was the leader of a Colombian drug cartel. Now she understood the brutality behind Damien’s death. It was revenge for the raid the SEALs had successfully carried out against the Colombian. Mendoza had vowed to hunt down all of the SEALs and their families after they had interfered with his operation. As Sean had told her when he came to Melbourne to visit, after Damien’s death the SEALs would instead hunt down the Colombian.
Malika now realized that the men who had attacked her months ago probably hadn’t been so random. It had happened as she was approaching her car on campus at about nine p.m. The men didn’t anticipate that a five-foot-five woman could so easily disarm and kill them. Their mistake was in, first, underestimating her ability and, second, trying to get her into their car with a knife at her throat. Next to hand-to-hand combat, knives were Malika’s specialty. She confiscated the knife that one of the men brandished against her and buried it into his throat. When the other man came at her in outrage, she quickly pulled her laser-sharp dagger from the side pocket of her backpack and disemboweled him with one swift downward thrust. Ever since Sean had gifted it to her, she never left home without it!
Sometimes Malika didn’t get her information by just sitting behind a desk. Her martial arts training was essential in helping her physically impose her will on getting information that she couldn’t get electronically. She sometimes had to enter a few facilities that were supposed to be top secret and heavily guarded.
Malika did what she did best and finally located Sean. After being hospitalized following his mission in Colombia, he had sequestered himself in his London penthouse flat to recover. Unable to help it, Malika let herself into his flat in the early hours of the morning. She told herself that she just wanted to make sure he was okay, but when she entered his bedroom, he was thrashing around on the bed, the sheets tangled over his hips and long legs. The moonlight beaming through the window was the only light in the room. She crept closer cautiously, knowing that she was dealing with a well-trained SEAL who could easily kill her before he came fully awake. Discarding her jacket and sneakers, she eased onto the bed. Before she could completely recline, his massive arm circled her waist and pulled her hard against him.
“You came,” he said groggily.
“Hmm?” she murmured, afraid to speak for fear he would recognize her. She knew he probably thought she was one of his women and tried to remove his arm that imprisoned her against him.
He ignored her flimsy attempts to get away from him and rolled her beneath him before covering her lips with his. The taste of him immediately threw her senses into a tailspin. Overwhelmed by hi
s hard bulk and familiar scent surrounding her, she moaned in ecstasy as she sucked on his tongue.
His kiss deepened. He was ravenous as though he couldn’t get enough. He frantically roamed his hands over her body, palming her breasts, her stomach, her bottom, and her thighs, all through the lightweight material of her black tracksuit.
“You smell so good,” he groaned. Slipping his hand under her shirt, he impatiently stripped her clothes from her body.
Malika knew she should stop him, but she wasn’t sure where he was hurt and didn’t want to run the risk of hurting him further or, worse, waking him more fully. If the bandage over his chest and the sling on his arm were any indication, Sean had sustained some substantial injuries. He’d been back from the mission for more than three weeks now, and he was still bandaged. Malika wanted to go find the drug lord and kill him all over again. She could only imagine the pain Sean must have suffered to be hurt for so long. She held him tighter against her in response to his continued sacrifice to keeping the rest of them safe.
Malika had no idea what he would do if he found out who she was, and she would do nothing now to alert him of that fact.
Once he had her completely naked, he pulled her against his muscular frame and sighed with satisfaction at the feel of their heated flesh melding together. He felt like warm marble against her soft flesh. Desire crisscrossed through her body as if her nerves were being electrified. Her nipples beaded to the edge of pain, and butterflies ignited in her stomach like firecrackers.
He trailed his lips over her cheek, her ear, and her neck. “I sometimes think that I had imagined you,” he whispered. He touched her with a gentle reverence that stoked her love for him even further. “I kept dreaming of you, over and over again.”
Malika could only moan in response as his lips wrapped around her taut nipple and he palmed her ass to clutch her tighter against him. He turned his head and pulled the other nipple in his mouth while trailing his fingers between her legs and parting her damp folds.
Waiting For You (The Guardians: Book 3) Page 7