Wild Card Undercover

by Kari Lemor

  “I want to get pictures from up here. I can’t take the chance this guy will disappear by the time you get dressed and we get down to the pool. Besides it’ll be way too obvious from down there. We can do it on the balcony.”

  Do it on the balcony. His mind raced straight to the gutter thinking of exactly what they could do. He wasn’t necessarily opposed to the idea, not with the degree of heat he felt whenever she was near. But he had to exert control. This was a professional relationship. He started leading her toward the door.

  She pulled back. “Give me a second to at least look decent. No one’s going to believe you have any interest in me when I’m a mess.” She glanced at her well-worn top and shorts then touched her uncombed and sleep-tossed hair.

  “Be quick,” he answered. How could she not know how amazing she looked with her sleepy eyes and disheveled hair? Her long trim legs exposed by the tiny shorts were a man’s dream and the small peek he’d gotten of the top of her breasts, he had to stop thinking along those lines or he’d need a cold shower.

  “I’ll be out on the other balcony talking on the phone. Come out and distract me with some flirting type stuff. While we’re doing that, I’ll take some pictures. Hopefully it won’t be too obvious.”

  He turned and walked through the suite to the balcony as she headed to the bathroom. After setting his camera he began an imaginary conversation. It was barely a minute before she appeared. Her hair had been brushed but other than that he didn’t see any difference. He tried to keep his attention on the phone and his gaze glued to Moreno. But her eyes glowed with mischief. He was in for some trouble. The signs were flashing in neon.

  “Hey, muffin,” she purred as she stepped onto the balcony. She glanced down to where Moreno sat and gave a quick shake of her head. She’d never seen this guy before either. “I thought you were coming back to bed to keep me warm.”

  Sidling up to him, she slid her arms around his waist, her soft curves relaxing against his chest. He leaned back against the railing and inhaled deeply as she pressed closer. She smelled good, even without a shower.

  He glanced down at her with appreciation. “In a minute, babe. I told you this call was important.”

  She raised her eyebrow and mouthed, ‘babe.’ She didn’t like that, huh? Too bad. He wanted to get in with Moreno and he doubted the guy cared whether he treated women well or not. Probably called them a lot worse. Chris was supposed to be the kind of guy who wanted a lady to live with him for a few months simply to have sex. The language had to fit.

  “But I need you now, muffin,” she whimpered, her pout huge and potent. “You know how excited I am when I first wake up. You don’t want to miss that peak, do you?”

  She lifted her hands to unbutton the shirt he was wearing. Damn, she was good. His breath hitched when she ran her fingers through the hair on his chest. He clutched the phone tighter to his ear, afraid he might drop it. Wrapping his other hand around her waist, he said, “Only a few more minutes, babe, and I promise we’ll reach that peak together.”

  He made a few more business-like comments as she tried to remove his shirt from his body. Allowing it, he shrugged it off his shoulders then turned around so she was now leaning against the railing and he was facing the pool where Moreno was deep in conversation. She continued exploring his chest, his concentration shot to hell. He clenched his teeth trying to keep his mind on business.

  She leaned in closer to touch her lips to the spots her hands had been traveling and he groaned. He’d said to distract him, not shut his brain down. He barely cared about Moreno.

  Focus, ignore her hands and lips roaming freely, take a deep breath, get the job done. He moved the phone around her back, facing Moreno and clicked the button to activate the camera then snapped off several pictures.

  Lowering his mouth to her shoulder, he nibbling on the skin exposed by her loose top. The taste of her was sinful and he wanted more. But he also wanted Moreno, so to hell with the riot she was causing in his gut.

  Her hands caressed the muscles in his back and they trembled. She wasn’t as unaffected as he thought. Time for a little payback while still doing his job.

  “Let’s hold it right here for a while,” he said into her ear. “Moreno’s got a laptop open and I might be able to get a picture. Maybe the lab guys can enhance it and get some of what’s on the screen.”

  He lifted her, balancing her on the edge of the railing. She grabbed for his shoulders and he whispered, “Wrap your legs around my waist and you won’t fall.”

  She wrapped her arms and legs around him. “You better not get so engrossed in what he’s doing that you drop me, muffin.” This time the word didn’t hold the typical honey-dripping lilt.

  He grinned as he settled farther into the apex of her thighs. Maybe not the smartest idea if he wanted to stay on task. “You’d probably land in the pool and you did say you were a good swimmer.”

  She narrowed her eyes, clinging tighter to his limbs. God, the images he had floating around his filthy little mind of her legs wrapped around him. He pulled her closer, his head lowering to within a breath of her lips. “We still have to make sure no one suspects anything other than two lovers enjoying each other up here. Moreno keeps checking out the area and has eyed us a few times.”

  As his lips connected to her neck, Meg moaned.

  “It’s a good thing this resort doesn’t allow children. This isn’t something I’d want my kids seeing as they cavorted in the pool.”

  “Moreno and his friend are the only ones in the pool area right now,” he said as his mouth slid along her cheek, his nose nuzzling in her hair. “Another reason I didn’t want to go there. We’d stick out like a sore thumb. Plenty of people on the balconies though.”

  “Are they all making out in broad daylight, too?” she snapped.

  He eyed the area but didn’t actually care what anyone else was doing. Looking at her he wanted to drag her back inside and throw her on the bed. He wouldn’t let himself think any further than that.

  “There are a few who are enjoying more than the sun and fresh air. I think we’ll be okay.”

  He snapped a few more pictures then lowered his head capturing her mouth. Mint, yeah, she’d also brushed her teeth. He opened his mouth to play with hers. She must not have been expecting it and released her grip for a second. Holding her firmly against him, he continued to arouse her senses with his lips and hands. After he slipped his phone back in his pocket, he slid his free hand into her hair, holding her face close. His other hand snuck under her top to caress her soft skin.

  His tongue skimmed her lips and he grew hard hearing her soft whimpers. He should stop this. Really. Stop. He’d gotten what he needed. Hadn’t he? Well, not everything he needed. But sex wasn’t on the menu today.

  Another groan erupted, him this time or still her? He pulled her even closer lifting her into his arms.

  “You wanted to be back in bed, you’ve got it, babe.” Her arms and legs held on tight as he maneuvered through the sliding door into the suite. He got as far as the couch then dropped her unceremoniously onto the cushioned surface. She let go with a deep sigh as she raised her arms above her head staring up at him. Her swollen lips looked thoroughly kissed, her soft eyes gazed at him with smoldering desire, and her breath was shaky.

  Her top was askew, riding up, exposing her curves and his own breath grew ragged. Man, he wanted her. Desire licked inside and he swallowed hard. This was a case. She was an informant. Nothing could happen here. Nothing real anyway. He couldn’t let it. It would only end badly.

  A nerve ticked in his jaw as he attempted to smile. “I’m going to jump in the shower. I’ll make you some breakfast when I come out.” He strode toward the bedroom, leaving her looking perplexed.

  He hadn’t meant to get her all worked up then douse her with ice. She’d started it though. But he’d told her to. It was his own damn fault. He had to keep this thing under control. Keep it in his pants. Or everything
would go wrong, in too many ways.

  As he shut the bathroom door he heard her get up and run the water. Then the refrigerator door opened. Food, yeah, he was glad she could think of food when his pants were too tight. She’d only been playing her part. And she’d played it well. He needed to do the same. Reaching for the shower controls, he turned the water to cold. Hopefully that would work.

  * * * *

  “Katie seems much happier these last few days.”

  Dave looked up from mixing a drink as Tina dropped her tray on the counter. He smiled her way then handed the drink to a customer, accepting their money and tip.

  “Katie’s gonna be fine, gorgeous. Don’t you worry about her. Keep your mind on your customers and getting big tips. You’re getting close to what you need for school, right?”

  Tina’s smile lit up her face, warming the cold place that had been in his heart since he’d started undercover here so long ago. She was one of the truly bright spots in this lonely assignment.

  “Almost there. Maybe another few months, though I should try for a little longer to make sure I have enough to cover all my expenses and any unexpected ones that come along.”

  Dave patted her hand, loving the feel of her soft skin under his rough fingertips. He’d try and get her more tips over the next few months. Throw in some extra of his own and say they were hers. She’d never know.

  “Let me get your order so you can go earn more of those tips. What do you need?”

  Tina rattled off a list and he started mixing. When he placed them on her tray, she reached over and grabbed his arm.

  “Don’t think I didn’t realize what you did there. Got me off the topic of Katie. She’s my friend, Dave, and I care about her.”

  He squeezed her hand, keeping it on his arm, loving the contact, even if it was short lived. “You just said she seemed happier. What’s to worry about?”

  She narrowed her eyes. “I know Mr. Martin told me he wouldn’t hurt her but did you talk to him too? What did he say?”

  He rubbed his thumb over her hand. “He likes her. He feels bad about her situation and wants to help her if he can. For now he’s giving her a better place to live without her paying rent. And he feeds her. I put aside some orange slices and cherries today for her and she told me she was too full.”

  Tina’s eyebrow rose. “Too full? That’s great. She never eats enough. Never had money to buy food. I worry about her.”

  He leaned in closer. “You worry about everyone, gorgeous. Why I like you so much. Stop worrying about Katie. She’s got herself someone who’ll keep an eye out for her and actually make sure she eats. Let her have a little bit of fun. Lord knows that hasn’t been part of her life since she’s been here.”

  He looked over to where Katie was dealing with an amorous customer. Putting him in his place and making him like it. She was good at that. Tina followed his gaze.

  “You’re right. Maybe this guy can help her. Katie would be an easy one to fall in love with. If he cares enough about her, he could pay off Moreno. Get her out of here and take her away from all this. Thanks.” She leaned in close again like she was telling him a secret. “And so you know…I like you too.”

  She threw him a saucy wink and walked away with her tray. Felt like she was walking away with his heart. Dave sighed as he watched her go then turned his gaze back to Katie. He hoped this all worked out for her. If Moreno was put away, she’d be free to return home. He’d also get away from this assignment and back to his life. And, if he was lucky, he could even include Tina in that life.

  Moreno walked in as he was ruminating and his good mood turned foul. Katie’s eyes clouded over and Tina quickly moved to the opposite side of the room. The man brought gloom wherever he went. Dave hustled back to wiping down the bar. If Moreno ever found out who he was or what Katie was doing, he could bring on a whole lot more than that.

  * * * *

  Chris slid his phone onto the towel under his deck chair trying not to wake Meg as she snuggled against him. They’d spent a good portion of the day out by the pool and he knew she was exhausted from the early morning wakeup call he’d given her. Moreno had met with yet another client out in his usual spot this morning.

  They had played their little balcony game again. Chills ran through him thinking about what had happened two days ago, the first time they’d done this. He hadn’t expected the little minx to be as sexy and teasing as she’d been. Much too tempting for his raging libido to handle.

  She’d seemed affected too as he’d dropped her on the couch. He closed his eyes trying to forget the picture she’d made lying there, her hair draped around her, arms above her head, eyes gazing dreamily up at him, her pert breasts peeking out of her pajama top. Closing his eyes didn’t work as the image was burned in his mind.

  For the rest of the day she’d been a bit distant. Damn it, he hadn’t meant to hurt her but he couldn’t get involved that way. She was off limits. He knew that. He’d simply have to take more cold showers until this case was done or ask her to wear sweatshirts and baggy pants whenever he was around.

  The last few days had been good with Meg getting into the back room often then sharing what she’d learned with him. His face was being recognized by many at the club, and he’d made it a point to smile and nod at Moreno if he had the chance. The days at the poolside hadn’t sucked either. He and Meg swam, snuggled and made sure to be seen as a couple. It was one of the better assignments he’d ever had, she being part of that reason. For all her sassy tongue, she was easy to be around.

  Today during their balcony scene they’d both managed to keep better control than a few days ago though his shower had still been colder than usual. When he’d come out, she’d had breakfast already done and on the table. He wasn’t the only one who could make a mean bacon and eggs.

  Glancing over at her now, he wished for those baggy sweat clothes instead of the bathing suit, as conservative as it was. It still exposed way too much skin. He also wished she didn’t look sweet and angelic. She was truly breathtaking in that innocent Ivory Girl sort of way. Her long lashes fanned over her cheeks while the freckles on her nose called out to him to kiss each and every one. Couldn’t disappoint them.

  He leaned over touching his lips oh-so-softly to her nose giving those freckles what they were looking for. Once they’d been satisfied he leaned back slightly. Now his hands were jealous of his lips sending several complaints up to his brain. His whole body was plotting against him.

  Moreno’s voice returning to the deck above them grabbed his attention. He needed to look busy. But she was asleep, how busy could he look?

  “Salazar, nice day we’re having today.”

  The voice was Moreno’s new pal. They’d gotten information from the pictures he’d taken a few days ago that his name was Enrico Smith. Word was he dealt in weapons. Dangerous weapons that landed on the streets and killed cops. Chris couldn’t be caught listening in.

  He turned toward Meg who was resting on his left arm and pulled her closer. Then he gave into his right hand’s wishes to touch her gloriously golden skin stroking it from waist to hip. For someone with an Irish name like O’Hara, the woman sure did tan nicely. She crawled her hand a few inches across his chest and he sucked in a breath as it settled near his navel.

  “Enrico, so happy you could meet me here.”

  Chris gave his attention back to the conversation floating nearby though made sure to look busy with Meg. The two men were speaking softly but he’d scoped out the best spot to hear what they were saying.

  “Have you been able to procure the merchandise I’ve been seeking, Salazar?”

  “It is in the works as we speak. A good friend of mine has managed to find exactly what you need. It would be beneficial for you to come join in my poker games some night at Surf. Augustus is often there and we can discuss terms of delivery.”

  The words fluttered to his ears from where Moreno sat and he strained to hear what else was sai
d as his lips covered Meg’s. Barone was an arms dealer and yet Meg in his arms almost made him forget that. Her body stirred telling him she was starting to waken, her mouth reacting to the presence of his.

  “Can I trust this man? I heard you recently had some trouble with the police.”

  “Only a minor snag, Enrico, nothing more.”

  “Moreno’s back with a friend,” Chris whispered near her ear as she came fully awake then slid his mouth to her cheek gliding along until it returned to her lips. The minty taste was refreshing along with the playfulness. Her company was becoming too familiar. Walls needed to be erected if he didn’t want to become involved. Those kinds of consequences would be dangerous. Focusing on the conversation behind them was imperative.

  “An AK-47 killing a cop and the culprit giving the police your name is hardly a minor snag.” Smith didn’t sound happy.

  “The snag has been taken care of. Permanently. There is no need to worry. I always take care of my customers. And protect myself.”

  The sweet kisses they’d been sharing and the tiny whimpers that escaped from her mouth, these weren’t helping keep him uninvolved. And the hands, the ones that were even now running across his chest, arousing him in places he shouldn’t be aroused, could make him forget why he was here.

  He also needed Moreno to buy their act so he wouldn’t think they were sitting out here listening in on his conversation. Which he had to remind himself to do. It was difficult with her all snuggled up close, tempting him with her intoxicating floral scent and the feel of her silky skin. He pulled her head close to his, holding it still, her lips on his, his hand luxuriating in the sensation of her soft hair.

  “Have you located any of the other merchandise I desire?”

  Moreno cleared his throat but lowered his voice. Chris caught a few words here and there. Much of it relating to guns. Smith didn’t seem convinced.

  “I will be here for a few more days then need to travel up north. Perhaps once I return I will avail myself of your good manners and join in the card games in your back room. By then you may have shaken the heat from the recent…snag.”