This man filled her thoughts way too much, and not because of work. How did she rein in these crazy images? For the first time ever, she even had a naughty dream about him—his confident smile and sculpted cheekbones. Just remembering it brought heat to her cheeks. She shook her head and reached up to put away the pepper grinder.
Suddenly, he was there.
She froze.
“Lynée, despite what you think, remember that I am perfection.”
“You’re cocky, that’s what you are.” She choked out, trying to keep it playful, but still unable to turn around.
His beard tickled the side of her neck as he stroked her hair to one side, leaving a trail of tingles over her skin. “That I am.” His manhood pressed against her backside.
She inhaled sharply. Oh God. When was the last time she was with a man? Years of celibacy left her clearly sexually frustrated, to the point she considered being with this brute of a man.
He placed a small kiss on her neck, then another. “I could touch you, Bell. Show you what you’ve been missing.” His hand slid up the side of her thigh.
Oh yes! She loved what he did to her.
Wait. No! Absolutely not.
Her eyes flew open. “I don’t think that’s a good idea, Jace.”
He kissed her neck more, traveling toward the back as he pushed her hair higher to expose more skin. “You’re right, it’s not a good idea. It’s a great idea.”
“No means no, Jace.”
“It absolutely does.”
More kisses brought her to nearly panting.
She was acutely aware of a pressure building in her lower belly. She shifted her legs closer together.
“But you didn’t tell me ‘no.’” His hand lifted her skirt to caress the bare skin on her thigh. “If you tell me no, I’ll stop this very second. Or you simply stand there and let my fingers roam parts of your body that are dying for attention.”
Holy cannoli! They certainly are.
His hand glossed over the edge of her cotton panties at her hip. Teasing her. Tantalizing her.
Her lady-parts ached like she never knew before. Her face grew warm just thinking about what his fingers could do if they’d only move over a few more inches.
He slid the tip of his tongue along her neck and back down again. “But I’ll need your help.”
She could barely think. His tongue had taken away all her brain cells. “My help?”
“Lift your skirt, and I’ll slide your panties down these beautiful legs.”
Her mouth turned instantly dry. The words wouldn’t come.
“Can you do that, Bell?”
Could she? Could she give in to this man? Let him touch her in an intimate and oh-so-delicious way? They weren’t married. They weren’t even dating. She’d never considered anything so scandalous.
But crap-on-a-cracker, his hands felt so darn good.
Her fingers came to the wool garment, slowly gathering the fabric in her hands. Cool air graced her warm skin.
“A little higher,” he whispered into her ear.
She pulled her skirt over her bottom, her undies completely visible.
“That’s perfect, Bell.” His large warm hands glided over both globes, massaging and kneading the flesh.
She moaned as her head fell forward, her glasses sliding to the tip of her nose.
His fingertips hooked under the waistband of her panties and drew them down. Slowly, deliberately drawn out, probably to see if she’d protest.
Oh my. The lower half of her body was completely naked. This man could see everything.
“Step out, Bell.”
She did as he bid and waited for more. She couldn’t believe this was happening, but she was too eager for more. The moisture at her sex felt cool in the open air.
“Bell, you have the most beautiful ass.” He placed a kiss on each cheek and stood. His hands returned to caressing her bare bottom. “Spread your legs a little for me.”
She complied, her knees a little shaky, and his fingers quickly found her center.
She inhaled suddenly as his fingers slid over her nether lips and through her center.
“Christ, you’re wet.” He gently kicked her legs farther apart and pushed against her back, bending her at the waist. His finger grazed over her clitoris.
A surge of heat pulsed in that tiny spot. “Mm,” she moaned and placed her hands on the counter to keep steady.
“My sweet Bell, I don’t think this will take long.” He caressed and circled her hot button, over and over.
The pulsing increased in intensity, and the heat oh so thrilling. She couldn’t help herself from swaying forward and back in time with his finger, before he pushed a whole digit inside her.
“How is this?” he hummed into her ear. “Does this feel good?”
“More, please,” she whispered.
He repeated his ministrations, now adding a second finger. “Whatever the lady wants.” He pumped his fingers into her while his thumb massaged her clit.
The most-delightful sensations built from deep inside her. The only sounds were her little sighs of pleasure and panting, and his breath on her neck. The sensations coiled together so tightly right over her clitoris, threatening to release any second. In all her time with her marriage, it had never been like this. So intense and so quick. Finally, the coil sprang loose, and her climax exploded. She screamed out, riding that uncontrollable and irresistible wave.
He didn’t stop until her knees buckled and she collapsed on the counter.
She was aware of her skirt carefully being shimmied back into place. He helped steady her upright. With heavy lids, she opened her eyes and turned her head to face him.
He slipped his two fingers into his mouth, all the way to the knuckles, and slowly drew them out, licking every inch. “Delicious.”
She gasped.
He slipped off her glasses, setting them on the counter. Then he leaned closer, his lips inches from hers. “Did you enjoy that?”
Words failed her, so she nodded.
“I promised you would.” He scanned her face one last time before he crashed his lips onto hers. She let his ravenous tongue enter her mouth and roam freely. She dared herself to dance her own tongue with his. She mewled at the sensations and flavors of this strong man dominating her mouth, his whiskers tingling her skin.
Their kiss deepened for several long moments, and his body pressed against hers. His thick erection dug into her belly, so rigid and strong, until he broke away. His eyes darkened as he gazed into hers. “The next time I see you, I’m doing that again, only it will be with my mouth.”
She held her breath, hardly able to process what he just said.
Was he serious?
The thought made her sex muscles tighten.
Before she could protest, inform him this was only a one-time show from a simple moment of weakness, he spun around and headed for the door.
Jacket and helmet in hand, he called back to her, “Lock up behind me.” He winked and pulled the door closed.
Her shaky breath matched her wobbly legs as they carried her to the front door, turning the deadbolt. She pivoted and leaned against the door, then let gravity carry her body slowly down to the ground.
Oh, my goodness.
What was that? Did he just do that to me? Did I just let him?
They were working together. This was not appropriate.
Her hands cradled her hot cheeks. The man had sworn he’d do it again. And she desperately wanted him to.
Oh, dear Lord. I’m in big trouble.
* * *
His hard-on raged against his pants. He never wanted to be inside a woman as badly as with Lynée. But she was not his type, not even close. His type wore low-cut shirts, ample cleavage, short, tight skirts, extra makeup including lipstick that would smear all over his rock-hard dick.
Lynée was an innocent. Of course, that didn’t change the fact that he wanted to fuck the sensibilities right out of her.
Th
e second he walked through his motel room door, he stripped out of his clothes, dropping his shit anywhere. He flipped on the shower and stepped in when it was barely hot enough.
Fuck! He took himself in hand. His erection had grown painful, he needed relief quickly. That vixen brought out the worst in him. Or the best, depending on the perspective.
He couldn’t be playing with her like that. He knew better. A woman like that deserves a man who could commit, one willing to devote the rest of his life to her. The picket fence, two-and-a-half kids, and Sunday brunches. Jace was not that man.
So why couldn’t he keep his hands off her? Why such low self-control?
He’d been on cases that had tried his patience, but he never caved. He could wait it out with the best of them. He knew the first person to flinch loses.
Well, this wasn’t some kind of stake-out, but the rules still applied. Patience was warranted. Work the case, not the woman. The only reason the two of them were even together was that she wanted to help her friend. She didn’t even like him.
But she was gorgeous. Those adorable Tinkerbell lips drove him mad, and the second he laid eyes on that ample bosom, he was lost. The way she opened for him just now…so wet…so wanting.
“Fuck,” he exhaled on his release.
As he toweled off, he stared at the reflection in the mirror. He shouldn’t have told her he’d do more too. He couldn’t fucking stop himself. He wanted to make her feel good, to watch her scream out the best orgasm she’d ever had. He wanted her hot and eager for what he could give her. To feel firsthand what it was like to have a man appreciate a body like hers, to worship her the way she should be.
“Yes, but that didn’t mean you were supposed to be that guy.” He shook his head in disgust. He vowed to keep his hands to himself when it came to Lynée. Work only. Solve this damn case.
Emilio watched this blonde woman’s house from down the block, his ass starting to grow numb from hours of sitting. He’d managed to follow her home unseen after breaking into Skye Winters’ home. A mountainous man was glued to her side the whole time. From the way that cabron walked and surveyed everything, he was definitely law enforcement.
Now police cars sat outside her house.
Which were both huge chupacabras circling the fiesta.
But this woman was the key. The key to finding Skye and Monroe. She had to know where they were hiding, or when they’d be back. He’d follow her as much as he could without getting caught to find out her routine. When she was alone, he would strike. It only took patience.
His cell phone buzzed in his pocket. He already knew it was his boss and answered on the first ring. “Si, jefe.”
“You better have good news for me.” Cabello’s voice sounded furious. Still calm, but low and stinging. Like a rattlesnake, ready to strike. Which meant something had gone wrong.
“I’m much closer. I found the best friend. I’ll make her sing like a mockingbird, and give up their location.”
“Good. You need to hurry. DEA has your face blasted on all their screens. You were made.”
Que chingados! Emilio twisted his grip on the steering wheel, the leather creaking from the pressure. How the hell did they get my picture?
“You’re much smarter than that, E.” The cartel boss’ voice shook with rage. “Tell me you’re not getting sloppy with this dangling carrot of a bounty. Or are you growing incompetent in your old age?”
“Of course not, señor. I’ll wrap this up in a fucking ribbon for you, and be home by the weekend. With your present in the trunk.”
“Bueno. Do it now. You’re out of time.”
Lynée awoke to her phone, dinging with a text. She lifted the screen to see it was from Jace.
Heading to the gym this morning. Then I’ll bring groceries. Squad car out front. Cya about 12.
He was bringing food. That was nice.
Oh heck, who was she kidding? This wasn’t some garden party. She rolled over, turning away from the phone.
She couldn’t think. Her head swam with thoughts of the fact that she needed protection. Her? A librarian. A gigantic waste of time. Add to that the delicious images of what happened the prior night invaded her mind like a dirty movie.
How could a man with the manners and mentality of a brute make her feel so good? A big, tough, rough-around-the-edges bad boy.
She pulled the pillow over her face and screamed into it.
What she wouldn’t give to be able to talk to her bestie right now. But aside from that one quick chat, she couldn’t call Skye. And it was killing her.
“Skye, I wish you were here.”
She threw back the covers and stomped to the bathroom. Why was her body betraying her like this? She needed to date a nice man. Someone who went to church and didn’t cuss. Someone she would be proud to introduce to her parents
Oh geez! Now she was just judgmental and rude.
He’d been considerate in other ways. He’d built a new bookshelf for the church. Not only that, but he also didn’t have to help Reed. He could’ve just arrested the guy when he found him. And how many times had he said she deserves to feel good? To have a man cherish her?
She stepped into the shower, praying for some clarity.
He did have some redeeming qualities, like complimenting her intellect and taking her out to eat.
She’d have to admit she rather enjoyed cooking for him. She even convinced him to bring over his laundry so she could wash his clothes. Just to be helpful. Living out of a suitcase must have been difficult for him. The masculine smell emanating from his shirts did funny things to her insides.
If Skye were here, what would she say?
Lynnie, he’s a man, you’re a woman. Two consenting adults. Why not enjoy this brief time together. You don’t have to analyze everything.
“Ah!” Of course, she did. That was her nature. She couldn’t change that any more than a man could change his tattoos.
She snorted.
She toweled off and walked to her closet for fresh panties and a bra. Then she slipped on her blue jeans. They were snug, but they were so soft. She loved soft things.
She reached for an oversized sweater and stopped.
“Wait a minute,” she told the comfortable fabric like it could hear her.
She’d been thinking about this all wrong. He wasn't a bad boy. No. He was an ancient fighter, a Norse warrior. He was scruffy, rough and strong, like a warrior. He was a hero. Helping those less fortunate. Saving damsels in distress, and all that.
The epiphany hit her like an avalanche.
“Okay, Skye. Let’s try your way.”
She sifted through her closet, the hangers squealing in glee from the unused side of the clothes rod
She smiled at the universe, finally ready to take the next step.
Jace had benched, pulled, dead-lifted, and sweated out as much frustration as he could that morning at the local YMCA, hoping like hell he could remain a calm, clear-headed adult around Lynée.
After a quick return to his motel for a shower, he went to the grocery store and gathered some food she might enjoy eating. Just about anything, he’d noticed. He loved how she would eat anything and everything, along with a healthy vegetable at every meal. Everything was good to her. He chuckled softly to himself. That was Lynée, in a nutshell, seeing the good in everything. He found it refreshing after years with an agency dealing with crime and maliciousness day after day.
She was a breath of fresh air in a stale and cruel world. Her innocence was surprising and adorable. The way her smile lit up her face made him want to do anything he could to see that a million times over.
But that expectation was unrealistic since he’d be wrapping up and heading back home. To Detroit. Though, he didn’t really consider Detroit home. He was rarely there, always on the road following cases.
At checkout, the store had a display of flowers in a fancy tub. A bouquet of gerber daisies, light pink and white ones, caught his eye. Delicate and beautiful, just lik
e her.
Sure, why not?
He had the clerk slide an extra bag over the top to cover the blooms, and he made his way to his bike.
She’ll like them. And maybe keep her mind off having a cop car in front of her house hours at a time.
After the short drive, he arrived at her house, rehearsing one last time the rules of engagement for his research assistant.
When she opened the door, he nearly stumbled over his size thirteens.
Lynée stood before him in dark red, body-hugging knit dress, no glasses, long hair in soft ringlets, and makeup that made her lips look more enticing than fresh cherries.
“Wow,” was all he could manage. The sound he heard was either his heart slamming against his ribcage or his rules incinerating in a puff of smoke.
Fuck me!
“Thanks. These for me?” she asked with a smile. She reached for the flowers, smelling the pink gerbers. He picked up the subtle hint of rose from her perfume. How fitting a fragrance for her. “Wow. You didn’t have to do that.”
“Are you…going somewhere?” he asked. No way did she get all dolled up like that just to do more research. Not for him.
“No.”
He followed her into the kitchen.
“Should we have a little lunch before we start work?” she asked as she started to unpack the groceries. Her ass in that dress was unbelievable, the most-perfect curve. The urge to kneel at her feet and bite those cheeks consumed him. Work was the last thing on his mind. The dick in his pants vetoed that the moment she opened the door.
Get a grip, Ivy.
He cleared his throat. “Sounds good. There’s lunch meat or hamburger meat in there.”
“Great.”
She pulled down a vase and arranged the flowers, filling it with water. Then she smelled the blooms again. “These are so sweet.” She turned toward him, her smile so tender.
“The least I could do for inconveniencing you.”
“You are not an inconvenience.” She rested her hands on his chest and lifted on her tiptoes.
He leaned down to help close the gap for her.
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