by Cullen, Ciar
The memories of the previous night poured back in a flood and she couldn’t think of anything but the site of him, pleasuring himself, rubbing his hand up and down his cock, face turned towards the ceiling in ecstasy. And there he was, right next to her, writing in a notebook as he had done at breakfast, glasses pushed down on his nose, taking occasional breaks to take a swig of beer or dig into the plate of nachos. Was this the same guy? Oh yes, it certainly was, she thought, seeing his smooth tan chest through his open shirt, his large arm muscles barely hidden by the worn fabric. He peered briefly at her over his glasses and smirked. Well, at least he couldn’t read minds. She wondered what her next move should be.
“Tamara?” He took off his glasses. “Tell me about the glyphs you studied today.”
“Oh my God, I almost forgot, because of the vandalism! Well, never mind that.” SinJin listened to her analysis and grew visibly more excited with each word as they meticulously examined her drawings.
“Dear God, it really is him. You agree?”
“Congratulations, Professor. You’ve done it.”
Tam watched in glee as a wonderful, excited smile crossed his face. He ran his hand through his hair in a gesture she was starting to adore and sat back with a big sigh.
“I always thought…but I worried that I might be wrong, you know? After four years alone, four years without a real colleague, you wonder about that line between your own hopes and dreams and reality. Rasmussen was skeptical when he visited, thought the site might be a bit too modest, and at times I agreed. Thought I might be kidding myself, seeing clues that weren’t real. Until you came.”
“Me?”
“When I saw you in the work shed, saw your restoration of the cacao cup, heard you reading the glyphs, I felt more than…”
“What?”
“Hope, I guess. For the first time in a long time, I felt optimistic. Like things might work out finally.”
SinJin closed his eyes for a second, pinching the bridge of his nose. Tam longed to kiss him, beg him to let her in more, to keep talking. He hid so much longing, so much desire. What did he really hope for? No, don’t ask. Don’t even think in those terms. But she couldn’t help herself.
“Do you ever hope for more?”
“More? More than the tomb of Shield Jaguar? What the hell else could I need?” She’d hit a nerve, she was sure of it. His voice took on the sharp edge she’d heard often enough in the last few days.
Quickly downing a long swig of beer, he turned back to her notebook, running his hand across the page that held the drawing of the King’s name.
“I’m sorry to hear that, Professor.”
“That I’m satisfied with my career? With where and how I live? I’ve dreamed of the day when I’d be sure, dead sure it was Shield Jaguar. It doesn’t get any better than this.”
“Sure it does.”
They locked eyes for a moment and Tam’s heart turned in her chest. I could kill you, SinJin Twaine, I really could. You should be kissing me right now, telling me how much you like me, how much you want me to stay.
“Stifle, Doctor. Don’t ruin this day for me.”
“How could I do that?”
“By going off on some female tirade about my lonely existence, my reclusive nature, my need for someone to share my triumph with. I can feel it coming…”
“Nonsense. I meant it would be even better if Spear Jaguar were buried at the site as well.”
“Oh. Yeah, that would be something.”
Tam winked and toasted her beer against his, cheerfully covering up a growing ache in her chest and a string of curses to make a sailor blush.
Congratulations, Martin. You’re in love with the Ivy League Beast. And it’s the last thing in the world he’s interested in.
* * *
SinJin clutched the small replica statue, turning it over repeatedly in his hand as he sat on the porch, struggling to concentrate on his notes.
She’s avoiding you, asshole.
Maybe he’d ruined it for good. Because he had no doubt at all that Tam had been digging for more than artifacts. She wanted to know, and she had a right to know—but he couldn’t answer her question, because he didn’t know himself. He hadn’t let himself consider it. A girlfriend? Was she actually asking if he wanted a girlfriend? Could she have really meant herself?
Shit. Yes, he wanted more, of course he wanted more! He wanted her to stay. To stay the season. To stay next season. And in between seasons. Because it all made so much more sense with her around, somehow. But she had said she only wanted one night. Maybe a summer fling? No doubt he’d be one in a long series of flings. The girl was the hottest thing in the world, and she knew it, had to. He’d look like a fool if he pushed her, asked for more than a couple nights of quick sex.
He was nervous when, hours later, he asked her if she’d like to go to dinner. He had found her in the work hut reviewing her sketches and poring through his books on Mayan mythology and hieroglyphs. She looked up and took off her glasses.
“What, like a date?” Her disdainful tone made him cringe.
“No, Tam. Like food. Like I don’t cook and it’s Rosa’s night off.”
“Oh, okay, then. Because I know you don’t date.”
“What?”
“Never mind. Give me a chance to shower and change. See you on the porch in a half hour, Professor.”
SinJin took his time getting ready, pulling on clothes he rarely wore—expensive slacks and a pressed white linen shirt. He even took the time to shave carefully and rummaged through his drawer for his cologne. Yes, like a date, damn it.
When Tam stepped onto the porch, he thought his heart would stop. She wore a white halter dress that showed off her voluptuous figure. He wanted to push her against the wall and take her hard and fast with that dress still on her, and thought of telling her so, just to shock her, but she beat him to it.
“Well, Professor, I have to admit something.”
He arched a brow in question and sipped coffee.
“If this were a date, you’d be the most magnificent date I’ve ever had. Actually, you’re probably the most magnificent man I’ve ever known. But I guess you know that. In any case, I’m sure you don’t need compliments from your assistant.”
It felt too good, the stroking and flirtation. He scowled.
“That really wasn’t an insult, in case you didn’t notice. This would be a good time to tell me I look nice, even if it’s not a date.”
“You look fucking amazing, and you know it. Are you ready to tell me why you’re in such a snit over this date business?”
“A snit? You got it wrong, mate. I don’t go into snits. I just get really pissed off.”
“You know what, Tamara? You talk too much and say too little.”
“Asshole. Oops, now I’m fired again. Where are we going for dinner?”
“Just shut up and admire me. Silently.”
SinJin drove down the main road towards Akumal, and they stopped at a small, quaint beachside restaurant. He greeted the owner and introduced him to Tam as the brother of their crew chief, Orlando. They were escorted to a private corner of the terrace overlooking a magnificent view of the sea.
Tam sighed as SinJin ordered for them both.
“Now what?”
“You ordered for me again. It’s annoying.”
“Deal with it.”
They sipped wine in awkward silence, both gazing out at the fiery sunset.
He cursed himself for not being able to handle it, for speaking first. “So, is Pacal’s curse going to scare you off, Doctor?”
“No, I don’t think so. I think you’re more likely to do that.”
It felt like she hammered a nail into his chest. So, she would leave. He’d blown it.
“Perhaps we can start over? I’m sorry about…wait a minute! You started it, didn’t you? I was ready for an assistant, and you hit on me.”
“Yep, I started it, Professor. Can’t blame a girl for trying.” She shrugg
ed and smiled a little sadly. “I guess you’re the perfect combination of centerfold, prick, and genius. Plus that accent. Couldn’t resist. Jack tried to warn me.”
“I’m not sure I understand.”
“Sure you do. It’s okay, I’ll get over it. Unrequited sexual crushes haven’t killed me yet, and I’ve had a few, trust me. It won’t affect my work, on that you may rely.”
She smiled again and tapped her hand on his. He clutched it quickly, heart beating wildly.
No! Oh my God, no. I’m in love with her. He had to stop himself from catching his breath at the sight of her. Not in years had he felt it. Shit. He’d simply needed an assistant, then wanted a lover, and perhaps a friend. He looked away to regroup. Why, the last time he felt something like this he had been, God, he ran his hand through his hair, he had been a kid, twenty or so.
“Come on, Professor, lighten up. I’m sorry if I was pissy.”
“It’s not that.”
She tilted her head and examined him closely. “This should be a happy day. What is it? The vandalism? Don’t worry, it won’t stop us.”
“I’m fine, just a little tired, a little anxious to excavate the tomb. Drink up.” He pointed to her untouched glass. She picked up her glass and clanked it against his.
“A toast to the Master of Pacal. You’ve done it, SinJin. You’ve cemented your reputation for life. Into the history books.”
“I have done it, haven’t I? It’s simply taken four years to find it.” He shook his head. To be sharing it with her. It hurt to look at her now. Why was falling in love painful? He thought he’d go insane if he didn’t tell her how he felt. How had he let this happen so quickly? It was last night; holding her, kissing her, having her lips all over him. She had responded so perfectly. And having her by his side at the site, sharing his greatest hopes and fears with her, a woman who understood. How could he not fall in love with her? The Ivy League Beast had fallen for the beauty. He’d laugh if it didn’t hurt so much. They fell back into a painful silence.
“SinJin, about last night…”
“What about it?”
“I can understand you aren’t interested in what men disdainfully refer to as a ‘relationship,’ but a little messing around wouldn’t kill us, would it? I really hate you for making me beg like this.”
Oh, if you only knew, Tam. I want it all. “I don’t get you. You just want to screw around?”
“I’ve been over last night in my mind a hundred times. Do you remember saying that you’re a hopeless tease? It worked. What do you think? It’s not like there are dozens of single women hanging out at Cozmano. You said it’s been a while, that you get…lonely?”
“I’ll take it under advisement.”
He was throbbing instantly. His heart was aching, his cock was throbbing, and she was making everything much, much worse. She wanted a meaningless fling. Fine. Well, then, he’d let her have one night. He’d make sure she’d never forget the Beast. And after they made love, he’d tell her how he felt, so she’d leave. Give him back his peace. A girl like that needed to live, he thought, really live. She’s young and ambitious and would never isolate herself in his dark, odd world. So he’d lose an assistant. Because she’d know before the night was over that he wanted her more than any woman in the world. He was born wanting her. She’d see right into his heart, he knew it.
Chapter Eight
“Aren’t we going home?” Tam tapped her foot nervously as he drove South, instead of towards Cozmano. The silent treatment had lasted through dinner and for the last ten minutes on the road. She wanted to throttle him.
“Come on, Sinj, where are you taking me?” His behavior excited, intrigued, and frightened her. She had seen him flip his cell closed at the restaurant as she returned from the restroom and had assumed he was only checking messages. Had he arranged something? Her heart fluttered. His silence was torture.
Tam tried to concentrate on the scenery, the turquoise water below them, but she couldn’t stop herself from sneaking glances at him as he concentrated on the winding road. Just looking at his tanned hands on the steering wheel was pleasurable. He had the most beautiful hands. Why do you notice things like that when you’re falling in love?
“Dinner was wonderful, thank you very much.”
No reaction.
She’d try a new tactic. “Screw you, Professor. Screw you, and your weird moods, and secret agendas.” For this, he at least gave her a smirk.
By this point, they were halfway down the coast, close to Pacal. Surely, he wasn’t taking her to the site? He finally pulled up a long unmarked drive that opened onto the grounds of an impossibly beautiful resort. “Vista del Mar,” Tam read. “Oh, I’ve heard about this place. Isn’t this where the rich and famous stay or something?”
As they left the Land Rover, SinJin threw the keys at a smiling young man.
“Hey SinJin.”
“Hey yourself, Tony. How’s Marcia?” They chatted for a minute as Tam took in the huge white main house, glistening in the evening light. Fountains and waterfalls graced the elegantly landscaped grounds. It was very peaceful, and Tam could hear the jungle sounds she loved so much.
SinJin didn’t speak to her but pushed her abruptly towards the lobby. He grabbed her hand and she felt a rush from the contact. He only slowed briefly to catch a key card in midair, thrown to him by the concierge.
“Someone’s a regular. Thought you didn’t get out much?”
“You’re talking too much again, Doctor.”
Tam sniffed in annoyance, wondering about his story of being alone for years. Maybe he had brought many women here. He certainly was acting rather smoothly now. His expensive shoes clicked on the tiles as he pulled her quickly along. Suddenly he seemed more James Bond than Indiana Jones.
They reached the far side of the resort, where a spectacular bungalow nestled amongst the palms and tiny waterfalls. Two floors of marble and glass that peered over the hillside to the gardens and pools below.
“Well, I guess it beats the Holiday Inn. What do they get for this? A couple grand a night?”
“I’m not sure.”
“You’re not sure?”
He opened the door quickly and ushered her inside. Then he kicked the door behind him and pushed her roughly against the wall, pinning her arms above her head with his strong hands. He stared into her shocked eyes.
“Tonight you’re mine. No childish protests or pleading. It’s too late to change your mind. It’s time to put up and shut up, Dr. Martin. Is that understood?” His eyes burned as he rubbed his thumb along her bottom lip and unceremoniously caressed one breast through the thin fabric of her dress. Fire danced through her body at his touch, at the smell of his expensive cologne, at the harsh tone of his voice.
“Answer me!”
“What? What am I supposed to say? I’ve forgotten the question.” She heard her own faint whimper as he pinched her nipple and cursed inwardly at how quickly he’d reduced her to jelly.
He simply laughed and turned to pick up the room phone as he kicked his shoes off and unbuttoned his shirt. Placing a rapid-fire room service order in Spanish, he walked to the balcony and threw open the wide doors to reveal a hot tub and plunge pool.
“I suppose we’ll be wet soon?” Tam tried to sound nonchalant, but realized with chagrin that she hadn’t.
“You’re not wet yet?” He winked, taking a chair on the balcony, mostly ignoring her, running his hand through his hair. Finally a rap on the door broke the silence, and SinJin let in a young waiter who was out of breath, obviously having run from the kitchen at full speed to deliver the order. Two bottles of champagne, two glasses, strawberries and whipped cream, chocolates, cakes, and a dozen perfect red roses. SinJin pointed to the balcony and the young man artfully arranged the spread on a table. There were at least a dozen candles on ledges and stands, and the waiter lit each of them. After giving him several bills, SinJin shut the door and walked back onto the balcony.
“Here goes nothing,”
she muttered.
“What?”
She kicked off her shoes and pulled the pins from her hair, letting it fall to her shoulders. He popped the champagne cork and she stood close as he poured for them both.
“To the beautiful Mistress of Pacal.”
“This is rather romantic for you, isn’t it? A little out of character?”
“I’m a little rusty, Doctor, but I remember. Or perhaps I’m remembering Cary Grant movies.”
“So you fancy yourself suave, debonair?”
“Guardedly optimistic I can at least give that impression.”
“You’re doing a damned good job.”
He placed his glass on the table and peeled his shirt off. Tam’s lips were dry and she wanted it to begin. She moved to touch him, and he backed away. Strands of gold-tipped brown hair hung over his brows and she wanted desperately to brush them out of his eyes, hold his face, and kiss him deeply.
“What do you want, Tam?”
“You know what I want, Professor. I want it all. What do you want?”
“Honestly? I want you to take over.” He winced and looked a bit uncertain. “So much for suave and debonair, eh?”
“Oh, this is much too nice to be real.” She unbuckled his belt and unbuttoned his pants while he sipped champagne and ate a chocolate, watching her breathlessly. Tam turned him to lean on the balcony railing as she pulled his pants to the ground. He stepped out of them and kept his back turned to her.
SinJin groaned as she ran her tongue across his ass, her teeth nipping at him. She worked her way up his back and stood on tiptoes to bite his neck and earlobe, licking his ear.
“I want to you touch yourself, Sinj,” she whispered hotly in his ear. He took in a quick breath. “I have to see it again. I’m begging you. And I want you in my mouth.”
“What else? Anything.”
“I want you to touch me, eat me, lick me, kiss me, everywhere, all night. I want you to fuck the living daylights out of me and never stop. I’ve never felt like this. I’m afraid I never will again.”