Bryce: The Project (Indie Rebels Book 3)

by Miranda P. Charles

  Or was he even thinking of sex? For all she knew, he was only interested in the dessert she was going to make.

  Surreptitiously, she looked down at his crotch. Hmm, was that a bulge? Maybe. She couldn’t wait to check if she was right.

  She snickered, shaking her head at her impatience.

  “What’s so funny?” Bryce asked.

  “Um, nothing,” she said with a laugh. Bryce would probably enjoy being in her head right now.

  “Tell me,” he coaxed.

  “I can’t.”

  “Why not?”

  She bit her lip. How frank and forward could she allow herself to be?

  “Come on. You can tell me,” Bryce said teasingly.

  “I’ll tell you later, when we get to my place. It’s…inappropriate to talk about it out here.”

  Bryce’s steps faltered. “Why is it inappropriate?” he asked in a decidedly lower tone.

  She hid a smile. Had he been thinking naughty things too? Well, there was one way to find out.

  She stopped walking and curved her arms around his neck. Then she kissed him while she pressed her body flush against him.

  Something hard poked her belly. Yes!

  Bryce moaned, tightening his arms around her. “I see we’re thinking the same thing,” he said against her mouth.

  “We better hurry home then.”

  Bryce instantly let her go. Then he took her hand and pulled her to a brisk walk.

  She chuckled, thrilled that he was just as eager.

  When they had to stop at the red walk sign, Bryce exhaled an impatient breath. “I was imagining undressing you the second we get to your apartment,” he whispered in her ear.

  She smiled coyly. “I was remembering how you used to make me come.”

  Bryce grinned—a hot, hungry, promising grin. “I remember each and every one of the four times you came.”

  “Um. Five, actually.” Heat started rising up her cheeks.

  “Five?” Bryce furrowed his brows, pursing his lips in thought. “I can recall that night and the next morning very clearly, and I can’t think of when the fifth one happened.”

  She didn’t answer, simply walking casually when the lights turned green.

  “So did you come twice in the shower the morning after?” Bryce prodded.

  “No, just once.”

  They were quiet for a minute or two.

  “But you didn’t come in the shower before we went to bed, right?”

  She shook her head.

  A couple more minutes later, they finally arrived at her building. They got into the elevator and Bryce faced her, still frowning.

  “Did you have two orgasms back-to-back that I thought it was only one?” he queried.

  Emma burst out laughing. “You’re not gonna let this go unanswered, are you?”

  Bryce brushed hair off her forehead, his features softening. “No. I want to keep remembering that night as accurately as I can.”

  Her eyes instantly moistened. Damn it!

  This man moved her—physically and emotionally—like no other man had or could hope to. That was why she knew he could also hurt her deeply, like her father had. Her fear, though, big as it was, was overshadowed by her desire to be with him. Her heart and body simply refused to say no, even if her brain asked for caution.

  “Hey,” Bryce murmured, cupping her face.

  She gave him a serene smile. “I’m just glad you’re with me tonight.”

  The lift pinged and the door opened. Arm-in-arm, they walked to her door.

  “You know that fifth orgasm?” she murmured.

  Bryce glanced at her excitedly. “Yes?”

  She looked around to make sure that the corridor was empty. “You didn’t know about it because…”

  Bryce stared at her expectantly.

  “Um, remember when you went down on me after our first little nap?”

  Bryce nodded.

  “Remember I begged you to stop because I was close and I wanted you inside me?”

  Bryce kept bobbing his head up and down, curving his lips up.

  “Well.” She gulped. “When you stopped licking to put the condom on, I came anyway. I was kind of embarrassed so I didn’t tell you.”

  Bryce’s grin now stretched across his face. “Why were you embarrassed? That was hot.”

  “Because it’s embarrassing to have come again so soon when we started to…you know…”

  Bryce walked the few steps to her door in long strides, then he held out his hand. “Your card, please,” he ordered in a sinfully sexy voice.

  Emma hurriedly fished her keycard from her bag and handed it to Bryce.

  Bryce opened the door. He flicked the light switch in the living room before turning to her, his gaze scorching as if he was already undressing her.

  She sashayed inside, giving him a come-hither look as she passed, and headed for the bedroom. She heard the door click then let out a yelp as she found herself lifted by Bryce.

  “You’re walking too slow.”

  She giggled, burying her head in his neck. “I miss being in your arms.”

  Bryce kissed her temple. “Me too.”

  Her chest heaved, feeling all sorts of tender and hot. And horny. She nuzzled his jaw, and poked out her tongue to taste it.

  Bryce let out a moan and captured her lips.

  They kissed passionately, and suddenly they were on her bed.

  Somehow they managed to undress each other whilst lying down. Each piece of clothing and shoes came off one by one, their mouths only leaving one another’s when absolutely required.

  Soon, Emma was naked, and she clung to Bryce, wrapping her arms and legs around him as she continued to kiss him mindlessly.

  “Missed you so much,” Bryce murmured, his hand restless against her body. “So much.”

  A lump formed in Emma’s throat at Bryce’s words, and she blinked repeatedly to ward off the sudden tears in her eyes.

  Oh, no. It was too early to let him find out how deeply she felt for him.

  She tightened her arms around his neck to prevent him from rearing up and looking at her face. For all she knew, Bryce simply wanted a repeat of their incredible one-night stand. His words could simply be a product of his lust, and nothing else.

  And that was all she wanted right now—his body. She couldn’t ask for anything else at this time. She didn’t dare ask for more, much less expect it.

  Bryce’s lips traced a path down her neck. Then he looked up without warning.

  Emma almost jumped from surprise. Damn it. She wasn’t done getting her emotions under control.

  Bryce stilled, tenderness etching on his face as he caressed her cheek with his thumb. “Hey.”

  “Hey,” she responded, giving him a bright smile.

  “What’s wrong?”

  She shook her head, but her eyes kept on misting. What on earth was wrong with her? This wasn’t the time for this.

  A frown appeared on Bryce’s face. “Tell me.”

  “Seriously, it’s nothing,” she said with a laugh.

  Bryce clearly wasn’t convinced. He continued to stare at her with a worried expression.

  Oh, great. Now she’d killed the mood.

  “Are you scared?” Bryce asked.

  “Of what? The Indie Rebels?”

  “No. Of this,” Bryce said softly. “Of us.”

  And her stupid eyes watered again. Argh, there was no lying her way out of this now. She cupped his face. “I’m just…touched, I guess.”

  Bryce smiled. “I’m a bit overwhelmed.”

  Emma’s brows rose. “Overwhelmed?”

  “Not in a bad way. It’s just that…I wasn’t expecting to feel like this so strongly. Not after two years.”

  That did it. A tear managed to escape, and she clamped her mouth against his to stifle a sob.

  They kissed slowly but deeply, and it stoked Emma’s desire. She was skin-to-skin with Bryce, her body pressed against his from mouth to toe, yet she could
n’t seem to get enough. She wanted him like she’d never wanted anyone else—not even like how much she’d yearned for him the first time.

  She let out a moan of protest when Bryce broke their kiss. But he made up for it by running his lips down her throat, her shoulders, her chest. When Bryce tickled a nipple with his tongue, she let out a gasp.

  “Mmm,” Bryce murmured, gently sucking her peak while his hand travelled southwards.

  Desire raced in her veins in anticipation of his next move, and she groped for his erection. She didn’t want to be the only one to get mindless with lust.

  “Babe,” Bryce groaned as she pumped him the way she remembered he liked.

  Oh, he was hot and rock-hard and velvety smooth, his tip moist.

  And she was so wet. Fresh moisture rushed to her core when Bryce started rubbing her clit. “Ahh!”

  Bryce’s mouth was on her nipple again, his lips closing around it while his tongue flicked round and round. Then a digit went inside her, sliding in smoothly while the heel of Bryce’s palm hit her sensitive nub.

  Emma couldn’t help the gasps that came out of her, and she tugged Bryce’s hardness faster.

  Argh, she was building up so quickly. It was just too good, and two years were just too long ago.

  She tried to close her legs so Bryce would move his hand away. “I want you inside me. Now, please.”

  In a flash, Bryce was off the bed and picking up his trousers.

  She watched impatiently as he retrieved a condom and sheathed himself. To her delight, he was back in no time.

  “Did you have the first one?” Bryce asked teasingly.

  “No,” she said with a giggle. “But hurry.”

  With his chest clearly heaving, Bryce settled himself between her legs. He ran the tip of his penis against her clit, putting delicious pressure as he gazed at her face.

  She moaned lustily, throwing her head back against the pillow. But she didn’t want to come like this. “Inside me,” she pleaded.

  “Like this?” Slowly, Bryce entered her, pushing in inch by inch until he was all in. Then he pulled all the way out, only to drive into her again. And again. And again.

  Her mind was almost blank, her brain registering nothing else but the incredible pleasure radiating from where their bodies connected. With thrust after thrust, Bryce took her closer and closer to the crest.

  “Yes,” she gasped.

  “So fucking good,” Bryce hissed, his own breathing laboured.

  “Oh God…” She was so close.

  “Come for me, babe. Let me feel you come.”

  And she did as Bryce had asked, her body bowing and her channel clamping hard on his thrusting member as she let out a loud cry.

  “Emma,” Bryce groaned, his body tensing before he let out a strangled yell as he exploded inside her.

  Emma stared at the ceiling, stunned. She lay there, her arms and legs around Bryce as they caught their breaths. Wow. Just…wow.

  Bryce nuzzled her face. “So good. I want to do that again as soon as we recover.”

  “Okay,” she said readily.

  Bryce reared up to look at her, a satisfied smile on his face. “I haven’t licked you yet.”

  She sighed. “I’m looking forward to it.”

  Bryce laughed. “Soon, babe. “ He pulled out of her and went to the bathroom.

  She missed him already, so she followed him. She wouldn’t mind a hot bath—with Bryce in it.

  Ah, she’d never thought this would ever happen. Amazingly, she was happier than she’d ever been in a long, long time.

  And right now, her fear of getting hurt wasn’t as large as her desire to make a long-distance relationship with Bryce work. Besides, who knew what the future might bring? Bryce might decide to move to Brisbane. He ran his own company so he had some flexibility, right?

  Or she might decide to live in Sydney. This was a big city with plenty of good restaurants who might be looking for someone with her skills and experience. Plus, there was her family. Why wouldn’t she want to consider a move when she could be here not only with Bryce, but also with her dad, Jill, Myra and Sharryn?

  She grinned. She shouldn’t get ahead of herself. For now, she’d settle for a bath with the man who was ogling her with such hunger and tenderness that it took her breath away.

  Chapter 13

  Four weeks later…

  “Here we are.” Bryce slowed down in front of the house of Xavier Stirling and Eve Marrin—his fellow IRs who’d become two of his closest buddies. He glanced at Emma and smiled at her apprehensive look. “Nervous, babe? You don’t have to be.”

  “How can I not be? I’m attending Eve Marrin’s birthday! I watch Your Eyes and Ears religiously. As far as I’m concerned she’s the best investigative journalist around. What’s more, you said Holly Stirling’s gonna be there too. I’m meeting the Holly Stirling in the flesh! She’s my favourite ever singer. And you tell me not to be nervous? I’m afraid I’m going to fangirl and make a fool of myself in front of everyone and end up embarrassing you.”

  He laughed, spotting an available street parking a little farther up from Eve and Xavier’s place. “You won’t embarrass me, no matter what you do. And they’re down-to-earth people. I’m sure you’ll relax the moment you meet them.”

  Emma sighed. “I can’t believe you know them. And I still don’t know how I missed those articles that speculated you were Holly’s boyfriend when you worked as her bodyguard.”

  “You should read the tabloids more often,” he said teasingly.

  “So you said that Holly’s fiancé, Jaxon Caine, is one of your best friends.”

  “Yes.” God, he hated that lie, but what could he do? Emma couldn’t know that Jaxon was his brother.

  Given the usually intense public interest in Holly and Jaxon, the IR chiefs had decided that no one outside the IRs could know about Bryce and Jaxon’s true relationship. The only exception was their mother and stepfather, who’d been told that Bryce’s ten-year stint away from home should be kept secret to avoid unwanted publicity for everyone involved, hence, the lie. Fortunately, it was something to which their mother agreed wholeheartedly.

  Bryce wished he could let Emma in on that little secret without revealing their IR identities, but with Addison most likely unaware that Doug Green had another son, it was too much of a risk to take.

  “You said you’re also best friends with Xavier Stirling. Who did you know first—Jaxon or Xavier?”

  “Well…” Bryce eased the car to a stop into the parking space and took a deep breath. “I knew Jaxon first. We were neighbours when we were kids and we played together a lot. We did lose contact when I moved to the Whitsundays to work at Plank Island, then we reconnected when I came back here in Sydney. From then on, it was as if we were never apart.”

  “Some friendships are like that, aren’t they?” Emma murmured.

  He nodded. “Then, with Xavier being Holly’s brother, I also got to know him and Eve very well. I hang out quite a bit with those two couples. I’m usually the fifth wheel.”

  “You won’t have to be tonight,” Emma said, smiling.

  He grinned. “Can’t wait to introduce you to them. Let’s go.”

  They got out of the car and Bryce reached for Emma’s hand as they walked to Xavier and Eve’s house.

  “So do you think we’ll have to surrender our phones at the door?” Emma asked. “You said they’ll insist on privacy measures for tonight.”

  “No. Signing the paper they hand us that we agree to not breathe a word about this party to anyone is fine. Holly and Eve actually hate having to ask their friends to sign privacy agreements, but because of the interest surrounding their upcoming weddings, their managers are insisting on it. Personally, I think it’s a good idea. There will always be a plus-one of a colleague or a member of the catering team who’ll be keen to have their one minute of fame. Requiring everyone to secrecy rather than picking and choosing those they feel they can’t trust is better, PR wise.�
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  “It’s not easy being a celebrity, is it?”

  “Not at all.” In truth, this requirement wasn’t only for spotlight-hungry guests. It was also for Emma. Somehow, they had to ensure that she wouldn’t mention this party to anyone, especially her Fern family.

  But it was important for Emma to feel that her relationship with him was progressing well. The last thing they wanted was for her to have a reason to question the wisdom of continuing to date him. Even though she had no idea about the Fixers, Emma was still his best opportunity to infiltrate Addison’s syndicate.

  That was IR chiefs’ point of view. As for Bryce, he was simply glad to be taking Emma to meet his other loved ones.

  Other loved ones.

  His heart banged hard in his chest. Was he already there? In love? Could it happen so damned soon?

  He glanced at Emma, who smiled at him, and his insides felt like melting. He was happy. He really was. And he never wanted to let her go ever again.

  He inhaled sharply. Oh, he knew how complicated his life had become. But, damn it, he couldn’t help it, could he? If he were honest with himself, he’d probably fallen in love with her two years ago, and had never stopped.

  Fear gripped him suddenly. He had no clue how he was going to navigate the challenges ahead and keep Emma. Even now he was lying to her. His motives might be truthful, but his facts were not. There was so much about him that she didn’t know, and probably could never ever know. How the hell could it work between them?

  He shook his head surreptitiously. He’d cross the bridge when he got there. That was the only way he could approach this whole situation without feeling dragged down into a black hole of unhappiness.

  They got to the birthday girl’s front door. Aidan, pretending to be hired security, opened it.

  “Good evening,” Aidan said, looking smart in his black suit.

  Bryce grinned. “Evening, Aidan. Good to see you again. Aidan’s usually Holly’s hired security for events like this,” he explained to Emma.

  “Good to meet you, Aidan. I’m Emma Fern.”

  “It’s a pleasure to meet you, Miss Fern. I have paperwork for you and Mr. Green to sign.” Aidan handed them the NDA.

  They signed it, then walked through the entrance hall. The place was already buzzing, and Bryce found himself getting excited. He was looking forward to enjoying the night with Emma where the people surrounding them weren’t in the Fixers.