by Marie Harte
“I made a mistake,” he confessed.
“Mistake? What are you talking about?” She still felt a little panicked and shifted back from the bed.
“I thought that you might be attracted to Cade and not me.” He looked her straight in the eye. “So I thought I’d find out for sure.”
Eve felt her mouth drop open. She didn’t know how to react to that. Should she be angry that he had not only tricked but also scared the shit out of her, or should she be flattered that he was jealous enough to conduct the experiment in the first place? She stood in front of him. He reached out to her, but anger won out and she slapped him hard across the face.
“How dare you scare me like that.” She moved to slap him again, but he caught her arm and held her in place.
He moved his mouth to her arm and kissed her wrist. “I shouldn’t have done that to you.”
“Then why did you?” She tried to keep back the tears but they still found a way to the surface.
He pulled her closer and cupped her hips, leaving his face open for another hit. “Because the sudden idea of you wanting someone else, other than me, didn’t sit well.”
Eve shook her head. “I don’t understand. Did I say something or do something that led you to believe otherwise?”
“No,” he breathed out. “It was entirely me. Cade has a nice body, I suddenly got it in my head that you wanted the body and not the soul.”
“But I don’t know Cade.”
“I know.” He ran his hands over her thighs and stopped, looking to where the stitches had been in her leg. The cut, of course, had healed and she had taken the stitches out earlier in the day. He ran his fingers over the area.
She touched his cheek drawing his attention back to her. “I don’t see him.”
“What do you mean?”
She swallowed a sudden lump in her throat and her heart thumped hard. “When we are together talking or when we make love, it’s not Cade I see. It’s you. I only see you, Alex.” The grip on her thighs tightened as he pulled her closer. “I’m not sure why you’re so worried. You don’t want me, remember?” She didn’t know what possessed her to say that but it wasn’t well received, or maybe it was, because Eve suddenly found herself lying back on the bed with Alex looming above her. He was angry again, but the strong, dark feeling didn’t accompany it. This time it was different.
“I want you.” He lowered his lips to hers, brushing them back and forth. “But the things I do are so dangerous, if my job followed me home, it could get you killed.” He kissed her when she tried to speak. “Listen to me. The idea of something happening…” He squeezed his teeth together, his nostrils flared. “I won’t go through that again.”
“But I…”
He kissed her quiet a second time. She just wanted to tell him she would be there for him whenever he needed her. He didn’t have to live with them or spend all their time together like normal couples did. Hell, they were the farthest thing from normal you could get. Why should their relationship be any different? She would be happy with that, but it was either all or nothing for Alex. Which meant, when this was over, there would be nothing.
The fear of never seeing him again had her pulling desperately on his shoulders. She needed to get as much of Alex as she could before their time was over.
Over. She didn’t want it to be over. She wanted Alex in her life.
The comforting heat that his soul produced seeped into her skin, but even that couldn’t erase her fear. She felt her body shake, she couldn’t stop it.
Alex moved between her legs and, resting an elbow on either side of her head, he buried his fingers in her hair. “Okay?”
She jerked her head. “Yes.”
“You’re lying.”
She looked at his chin. “Yes.” There was a sickening piece of lead in her stomach that felt like it was going to drop to her feet and take her heart with it. She wanted to tell him how her body wanted his body. That her soul needed his soul, and how her heart ached longingly for his. But she didn’t.
“Why?”
“I don’t want to talk about it ‘cause I’ll start thinking about…and I don’t want—” She couldn’t say it. She hated that she sounded so desperate. She felt…like she had when her mum died. Small and sad and unbelievably heartbroken.
“Okay, okay,” he soothed, kissing the side of her mouth. “No talking.” He dragged his lips to her neck and kissed her lightly. “I still want you, Eve.” He rocked his hips, pressing the tip of his cock against her.
She rested the side of her face against his head, then truthfully confessed, “I want you too.” More than you will ever know. She kept that thought to herself.
His hand moved between their bodies as his mouth covered hers. His tongue stroked her tongue in the same rhythm as his hands stroked her body. In no time, Alex had made her fear of the future vanish—for now anyway—and made her focus on him and what he was doing to her.
She loved these incredible feelings he ignited when he touched her. The damp yearning that ached between her legs when he caught her nipple between his teeth and flicked it with the tip of his tongue. How her breasts became wonderfully full when he drew the pink pointed tip into his mouth and fed greedily. And the way her muscles clenched when he kissed a warm wet trail down her stomach and into her bellybutton.
He splayed his hands wide over her abdomen inflaming her skin, building the heat inside her core and melting her heart at the same time. Her thighs quivered as he licked the sensitive flesh, trembled as he tortured her with his slow wet kisses, until she couldn’t bear any more and arched her back begging for him without words. He gave in to her and closed his mouth over her slick aching centre. Her hips jerked from his deliberately slow licks over and around her clit and she gripped at the sheet in an attempt to keep still, but it didn’t work. Again and again he licked her, blood rushed in her ears, her belly tightened and the tops of her legs began to tingle as she finally drew in a shaky breath and exploded in mind-numbing ecstasy.
Eve barely had time to enjoy the moment when Alex was above her. Without any thought, she reached for him as he draped her leg over his shoulder, positioning himself but unexpectedly he paused. The scar on his brow puckered the skin around it when his eyebrows pressed together. Eve felt a sudden panic rise in her chest. She couldn’t wait. She wanted him now, who knew how long she would have with him before he left? Reaching up, she cupped his cheek. “Please Alex.”
Shaking his head he began pulling away.
“No.” She pulled him back.
“Easy,” he soothed running his thumb along her bottom lip. “I’m not going anywhere.”
He reached across her to the bedside and pulled a condom from the box.
Yet. Eve sighed. You’re not going anywhere yet.
He moved between her legs and, once again, lifted her leg over his shoulder.
She stroked the side of his face. “Please.” God, how pathetic and desperate she sounded, but she couldn’t help it. “I need you now.”
He lowered his head and stared hard into her eyes. She had no idea what he was looking at, but a warm smile claimed his mouth briefly before he thrust into her, pumping hard. She cried out when he drove hard into her, his thrusts were so deep that pleasure blended with pain and she reached for him needing him close. He lowered her leg and went to her holding her tight, his body still moving fast in hers. Her body was shaky, her arms were shaky, even her voice was shaky. She wrapped her arms around his wide shoulders, stroked the hard, smooth muscles of his back. “A-Alex,” she breathed his name against his mouth, not able to continue. He rested his face next to hers. “One more, Eve.” His heavy breaths heated her face and mingled with her own. “Give me one more.”
He lowered his hand between their damp bodies and rubbed her throbbing clit until she cried out again. He moved faster, increasing the pleasure, the pulsing—a blissful torment that never seemed to end. He rested his head on her shoulder breathing heavily. She nipped at the skin on his
neck then sucked it into her mouth, as he drove into her one final time.
Chapter Twenty-Six
Alex gave her a hard kiss before moving off her. She closed her eyes, listening to him move across the room. She heard the shower turn on and, suddenly, he was back, lifting her off the bed. He stepped under the warm spray and lowered her to her feet, then closed the clear glass door. He gently lathered her body, taking his time as he cleansed her. Each touch triggered a wave of need. It burned her from the inside out. It caused a hot craving to pool between her thighs and her nipples to tighten. He lifted her breasts, moulded them with his hands as he soaped them, then pulled on the nipples making them a dark rosy colour. When she was covered in a thick soapy lather he pushed her back under the water until she was rinsed clean. Then he handed her the soap and let his arms fall to his side.
She enjoyed soaping his body, even though she wished it was his body she was touching. When she closed her eyes, she could still see him lying in the hospital bed, the hard strength in his arms and shoulders. See the rippled muscles of his stomach and the dark hair covering his chest and face. She opened her eyes as she lathered his back. Cade had a nice body too, but it was not Alex.
She turned him around and began soaping his chest and shoulders. Covered his arms and hands, stroked his palm and pulled gently on each finger. Moved to his hips and knelt down, running her hands down the length of each leg. When she cupped him, she looked up and watched his face. His only indication that he liked what she was doing was the flaring of his nostrils. She stood and nudged him under the water and rubbed at his body to help remove the soap. She moved her hand to his now hard cock and stroked the length of him. God, he smelt so good, clean and manly. She pressed her mouth to his chest, swirled her tongue over his wet skin. Oh man, he tasted good too. She glanced back up to his face, slowly pumping his shaft. His eyes were glowing but the lids hung low as he stared back at her. She licked at her lips, her mouth starting to water at the idea of sucking him into her mouth. He shook his head. She nodded hers. Then dropped to her knees and took him into her mouth.
He tasted good, so good. She couldn’t get enough. The need he triggered deep in her soul was heating her body up. She sucked hard, sliding up and down and received a growl for her effort. Then, she was lifted by her arms and Alex was crushing her mouth with his. He clasped her head between his hands and pulled back panting. “You make me…I want to…I don’t know how…” He stopped and took a deep breath.
Eve placed her hands on his cheeks and, in an effort to calm him, adjusted her voice, “I know. It’s the same for me.”
He shook his head, still confused and pulled her forward, crushing her against him. His mouth was hard and demanding. She allowed him to take whatever he needed.
He surprised her when he turned her away from him and placed her hands on the wall. His hands were all over her, cupping and stroking, gliding down her waist to her hips, then behind. Then, slipping his fingers between her legs, he parted her creamy lips. She groaned and rocked her hips back pushing her backside against his thick cock. She felt him drop his head onto her back as he toyed with her entrance. She rocked her hips again, not able to help herself.
“Fuck.” He groaned and, grabbing her hips, plunged deep.
She moaned from the sudden heat of his invasion. His hands never ceased their carnal torment, moving over her body greedily, squeezing and caressing, setting her skin on fire. He fondled her breasts, pinched her nipples, kissed her shoulders. His arms wrapped around her and he pulled her back against his chest, his breath hot in her ear as he moved in long, so-slow strokes. He slid his fingers back into her slick folds and moved them in lazy circles. She came almost at once, grinding her hips back against him.
Alex grunted in frustration as he withdrew from her body. He grabbed her shoulders, turned her to face him and forced her hand to his cock. “Finish me, Eve.”
She understood immediately and gripped the slick length, pumping him hard and fast. He framed the sides of her head, kissing her. She tightened her grip and ran her finger over the sensitive tip with each hard stroke. He pulled his mouth away, but held her face next to his. She pumped a little harder, squeezed a little tighter as his hips bucked and he groaned into her mouth as he came.
After they cleansed each other again, they fell into bed. Alex pulled Eve next to him and kissed her forehead. “How do you feel old timer?” he teased.
Eve pinched at his arm. “Not funny.”
He grinned into the dark. “Sure it is. But seriously, you okay?”
“I feel…” She hugged him and sighed, “Mmmm.”
“I know what you mean.” He laughed. “I saw Dawn and Noelle again tonight.”
“You did?”
He smiled at her surprised tone. “They’re both good. There’s a very colourful picture downstairs from Noelle.”
“Really?” She tried to pull away but he held her in place.
“I’ll get it.”
He went downstairs, got himself a glass of water, and emptied it before reaching for Cade’s phone. He shouldn’t have brought it here, there was a tracking system built into this phone, which meant as soon as he called out or answered a call, Miles would have his location. It was a guarantee that Miles knew Trevor would give it to him, just like he knew Trevor had no idea that this particular phone was standard issue for all Project members and that it wasn’t Cade’s actual phone.
Holding it in his hand, Alex was tempted to turn it on just to see how long it would take to get a call. He had the urge to let Miles come to him, he wanted this over and done with, but Eve was here and this place was a sanctuary, he couldn’t risk having it discovered. He left it turned off, but it would certainly come in handy tomorrow when he turned it back on.
Refilling his glass, he grabbed Noelle’s picture and went back to Eve. He handed her the water and she drank half before giving it back. He turned on the bedside lamp and slid under the covers. He watched her, a slight smile pulled at her swollen mouth as she looked at the picture lovingly. His chest became tight as he watched her. She made him feel…loved. And she loved him, he was certain of it now. Her reaction when she had thought he was Cade was the outcome he had prayed for. He hadn’t meant to frighten her but he had got what he wanted and more. Much more. She hadn’t said she loved him but she certainly didn’t like the idea of him saying goodbye. His heart sank at the thought. Knowing what he did, that she loved him, how in the hell was he ever going to let her go?
“What’s wrong?”
He focused on her face and faked a smile. “Just trying to figure out what Noelle drew for you here.” He looked at the picture. “Are those flying turtles?”
Eve giggled. “I think so.”
“Okay. What do you plan on doing with that?”
“I’m going to give it to you.” Eve handed him the picture.
“No. Noelle made that for you.” He pushed it back at her.
“But your name is on it too.” She pointed to the top left corner.
He could just make out the printing in different size letters. For Mom and Alex LOVE Noelle Sinclair. He was touched, the unfamiliar feeling crushed down onto his chest. Shit. These women weren’t going to make it easy, were they?
“Why did she put her last name?” He asked, accepting the picture.
Eve rolled onto her side and giggled again.
“Because, if you can believe it, there is another Noelle in her class.” She pulled the covers around her. “She was so beautiful when she was born and it was Christmas, I wanted to give her a name that was unique.” She shrugged. “Guess someone else had the same idea.”
Alex carefully put the picture on his bedside and switched off the light. He pulled Eve up against his chest and kissed her neck. She had no idea that she had just described what Alex saw when he looked at her. Beautiful and unique.
* * * *
As Miles closed the door to his youngest daughter’s room, the cell in his pocket rang.
He chec
ked the caller ID before answering.
“Sir.”
“Detective Taylor’s partner has given him the phone. I assume everything else is already in place.”
“Roger.” Miles confirmed. He had spoken to Mike, made sure he understood that he was to be contacted first before all others.
His CO sighed into the phone, “I don’t like you going at this alone. And if I feel the situation is getting out of your control, I’ll send in another team to assist. Clear?”
“Roger.” Miles squeezed his fist. He had to get this mess sorted out and fast.
“Good.” The line went dead.
Miles clenched his jaw as he went back downstairs to his wife, silently cursing Taylor. Turn on that damn phone.
* * * *
“Eve,” the deep voice called. A hand touched her face and she slapped it away.
“Eve. It’s time to get up.” The covers flew off her and she suddenly felt cold. There was a slap to her behind.
“Ouch!” She opened her eyes to see Alex walking away. “What time is it?”
“Ten.” He kept walking as he called over his shoulder. “Breakfast is almost ready. You have ten minutes.”
Because she was starving, she washed her face, dressed, and was downstairs in record time.
“Hungry?” Alex asked, setting a knife and fork in front of her.
“Starved.” She took a sip of the coffee he sat in front of her and wrinkled her nose.
“Too strong? Here put milk and sugar in it.”
“Wow. This stuff tastes like lead,” she teased.
Raising his eyebrows, he pointed to the milk and sugar before turning back to the stove. Eve watched him flip what appeared to be an omelette and put two slices of bread into a toaster, then turn back to her. He didn’t say anything, just stared at her, a knowing look on Cade’s tanned face. After a while it became too much and her face began to heat up.
“What?” Why was he staring at her like that? What was he thinking? Alex wasn’t an easy person to read.
He turned back to the stove when the toast popped up. While he filled two plates Eve sat back holding her lead coffee. She really liked this place. It was cosy and stylish for a single guy. “This place wasn’t issued to you was it?”