The next morning, Ace stood beside his teammates in the parking lot of the Everglade Springs Shipping Port, ready to storm the place for answers and bring all the craziness to an end. He knew from experience that the four of them could take the place with one arm tied behind their backs but unfortunately that plan made no sense. Nothing they had pointed directly at Remington and for now he’d have to settle for a scouting mission.
He moved his gaze around the perimeter, taking stock of what they had to work with. The main building, still under construction and now two stories tall, occupied the majority of land space, surrounded by a gravel parking lot on one side and a long, wooden dock he judged to be about fifty feet long on the other. Presently empty, boat slips were carved into the dock and large enough to accommodate vessels ranging from speedboats to cargo ships. Obviously Remington expected the port to handle a large demand for shipped goods.
He noticed several doors had been added for entry to and exit from the building. The outside had been left bare, free of landscaping; if they did storm the place, there would be no cover. He smirked. Since when did that ever stop them? Besides, Remington most likely already knew they were there.
He rested his hand on his weapon secured in the holster on his hip and moved his gaze onto his teammates, all three of them focused on the issue at hand. As usual, Rebel had been the first one to arrive and map out the perimeter. He had no doubt that the tracker had covered every inch of the area like a prowling panther, distinct and methodical in his approach, and committed every single detail to memory. With his trademark Aviators over his eyes, Chaos stood with his arms crossed across his chest, his usual impatient, murderous expression in place. No doubt, Chaos would rather just blow up the place. Thunder, also known for this non-nonsense tactic, appeared ready to charge the compound like a raging bull. He knew from experience that the captain wasn’t big on explanations; he wouldn’t stop to ask questions. Personally, his fingers itched for the trigger of his sniper’s rifle. His index finger had worn a perfect groove into the mechanism; a gentle squeeze was all it took to obliterate a target. The problem this time however, was that the target was undefined.
Thunder broke his silent analysis when he tucked his weapon in the back of his waistband and spoke. “Do we have movement inside?”
“Affirmative.” Rebel leaned on one hip against the captain’s truck. “Remington and a handful of other suits, along with six or seven contractors.”
“Anyone need a refresher on the layout?”
Out of the corner of one eye, he saw Chaos grimace – just a faint, almost non-existent flinch, but he saw it. Considering Kat had been held hostage there, he and Chaos knew the layout best. Damn, flashbacks were a bitch.
“No,” he answered for the other two men. “I think we’re good.”
Thunder nodded. “Chaos will stay out here in case things get sticky. We’ll crash the party.”
Ace led the way inside the building, satisfied when he was able to confront Remington almost immediately. His earlier assumption that their arrival had been discovered appeared to be wrong; the look of utter shock on the other man’s face made the whole ambush worthwhile.
Ace gave him a slight nod. “Remington.”
“Hello, gentlemen.” He extended a hand to each of them one by one. “I wasn’t aware you planned to drop by this morning.”
“We were in the neighborhood.” He shook Remington’s hand and then gave a lazy shrug, as if the whole mission were spontaneous. “Is your invitation still good?”
“Of course! I’d be glad to give you a tour.” Ace didn’t miss the sweat droplets that danced on the other man’s forehead. “Follow me.”
Remington turned on one heel and quickly led them through a set of double doors, obviously attempting to discreetly hurry them through the place. Ace snickered under his breath. Fat chance. He intended to spend every minute at the port he could, if only to make Remington sweat.
A chill climbed his vertebrae staircase as they entered a large, stale room with a concrete floor – the same room that had once been used as Kat’s prison. The barrels that once lined the interior had been removed and several new walls had been constructed. As bad as he hated to do it, he needed to broach the subject.
He cleared his throat. “Has this room been remodeled?”
“Yes,” Remington answered. “Unfortunately, we had an incident not too long ago that required us to re-work the area.”
Ace went straight for the jugular. “I’m familiar with the incident.” Too familiar. “Are you?”
“Not personally. Carley gave me specifics, but I was called in after the conclusion.”
Thunder continued the onslaught. “Did you know the suspect?”
“Actually, yes. Mr. Hawthorne and I served on several committees together.”
“Unfortunate that he made the decision to end things here.”
“Quite. We’ve taken measures to assure security is tightened, especially since we plan to extend the layout.”
Remington led them deeper into the building into an area under construction where contractors banged hammers in sync. From the size of the framed areas, Ace assumed they would be office space.
“These are the new executive offices,” Remington explained. “The production area will be confined to the back of the building.”
Ace frowned. “Doesn’t your company have its own offices?”
“Currently we do. However, since our company exports the majority of goods in the area we’ve decided to relocate onsite. We feel the operation can be better monitored with a more hands-on approach.”
Hands-on. Yeah, he was familiar with the concept.
“We might be able to help you out with security,” Rebel offered. “We have access to some sophisticated systems.”
Ace noticed Remington’s shoulders sag in what he interpreted as relief. The sucker fell for Rebel’s game hook, line and sinker.
“I’d be quite interested in discussing the possibility with you.”
Thunder nodded. “I’ll email you some information.”
“Will the public have access to the port’s facilities?” Ace shifted the conversation back to a fact-finding mission.
“Yes.” Remington pointed up above them. “The upper level is a storage facility. Merchandise can be stored for shipment until the appropriate vessel arrives for transport or delivery.”
“Why would it need to be stored?”
“Just like air transport, water transport operates on a schedule. Otherwise, we’d end up with a very inconvenient traffic jam.”
“So there are things other than liquids shipped through here.”
“Oh, yes. Everything from fertilizer to fine art.”
“International goods, as well?”
Remington nodded.
“How is that monitored?”
“The cargo passes through customs before entering the United States but we’re required to log each shipment as a precautionary measure.”
“This is quite an operation. I can see now why you need more space.”
“The expansion will benefit a variety of other companies as well. EF Chemicals may ship a larger quantity of product, but others will follow suit and increase their business.”
He decided to see just how open Remington would be. “Have you received positive feedback from the community?”
“For the most part. We’re doing everything we can to assure the public of the positive benefit we’re offering.”
“What happens if you don’t receive cooperation?”
“I don’t expect any problems at all.”
Ace lifted an eyebrow. Cocky sonuvabitch.
“But if you do encounter resistance?” Rebel pressed.
Remington shrugged. “We’ll work on a compromise.”
“Good plan.”
Ace decided he’d save his interrogation for later. Besides, in his mind the vote wouldn’t pass and then he’d get to witness Remington’s compromise firsthand.
“Thanks for showing us around.” He extended a hand. “We’ll be in touch about the security system.”
Remington returned the handshake just as his cell phone rang. “Excuse me for a moment.”
“We can find the way out,” Ace told him.
Once they congregated back at the captain’s truck, Ace didn’t waste any time voicing his thoughts on the meeting.
“I can tell you right now that the vote will not pass. Call it a gut feeling, but Remington’s got a big disappointment coming his way.”
Thunder smirked. “Obviously he thinks there’s a way around it.”
“Maybe it was wishful thinking on my part, but did Remington seem nervous to you?”
“Absolutely,” the captain agreed. “But I’d be lying if I didn’t point out that we seem to have that effect on people.”
Rebel chuckled. “Even so, I didn’t see anything out of the ordinary.”
Ace agreed with his friend’s observation, but one possibility did cross his mind. “He said international shipments are logged. A quick review of the logs would tell us what’s come through in the past week.”
“You think he’s stupid enough to list scorpions on that list?”
He shrugged. “It’s worth a shot. I’m sure Mr. Kensworth wouldn’t hesitate to ask for the paperwork.”
The crunch of gravel caused him to glance at the driveway that led to the building where a four-door, black sedan with tinted windows approached.
“First car all morning,” Chaos mumbled.
He waited patiently for the driver to exit, suspicious when the occupant remained inside the vehicle. Seconds later, Remington exited the building, approached the driver’s side, and bent in front of the window.
“Can you see the tag, Rebel?”
“Got it,” his teammate answered. “I’ll run it on my phone.”
While he waited for Rebel to fill them in on the owner of the sedan, he continued to watch Remington converse with the driver in a seemingly normal manner; he still thought it strange that no one left the car. Remington finally stood, gave a hearty laugh, waved at the window, and then re-entered the building. The driver backed up the car and then headed the same way in which he entered.
“Short and sweet,” Thunder said under his breath.
Rebel looked up from his phone and twisted his lips. “Owner’s name is Everglade Rentals.”
“Private investor?” Chaos took the words right out of his mouth.
“Could be,” Rebel agreed. “I didn’t hear the conversation but it couldn’t have had much depth. The guy was only here a minute or so.”
“Four doors leads me to believe there was more than one occupant, but the tint was too heavy to confirm,” Thunder pointed out.
Chaos nodded. “All we know for sure is that someone, driver or otherwise, is from out of town. Could be something, could be nothing.”
“I’ll contact Carley’s grandfather about the shipping logs,” Ace told them. “Meanwhile, I’m scheduled to help Carley set up for the Ball.”
Rebel nodded. “Chaos and I will continue digging for information on investors.”
“I’ll catch you guys later.” Thunder rounded the truck to the driver’s side. “I’ve got something to check on.”
“Or someone,” Rebel mumbled.
Ace bit his lip. Whether or not he would admit it, the captain had it bad. “Don’t forget your tux,” he told him. “The Governor’s Ball starts tomorrow evening, twenty hundred hours.”
Thunder raised an arm over his head in what Ace thought was a wave as he opened the door. “Yeah, yeah. I’ll be there.”
Thunder climbed into the truck, settled into the driver’s seat, and then slammed the door and started the engine, effectively avoiding conversation about his current objective. So he wanted to check on Liv? No big deal. He’d never openly admit it to anyone but himself, but Rebel actually had a point when he previously mentioned that she was the only one without twenty-four hour security.
He drove out of the parking lot and onto the street that would provide a straight route to the Melbourne Palm. He smirked, satisfied that his appearance would take her by surprise. He had a pretty good idea that the good doctor-turned-matchmaker thought she had him all figured out. What she failed to realize however, was that he was a chameleon, skilled in changing everything about him in the blink of an eye. He learned early on that when dealing with a female it was always in his best interest to keep her guessing.
He steered into the hotel’s parking lot, electing to self-park rather than use the valet. No sense announcing his presence yet – especially since he intended to catch her off guard. Well, in theory anyway. He chuckled under his breath. Who was he kidding? As soon as he stepped foot inside the lobby, someone would alert her to his presence. And since he’d previously given the explicit instructions to announce all visitors, he had only himself to blame.
Once inside the building, he covered the distance from the lobby to the elevators in mere steps, giving the front desk clerks a simple nod on the way. He cracked a grin when one of them picked up the telephone.
Satisfied, he rode the elevator to the top floor. When the car came to its final stop, he stepped off and headed for his destination. He gave the last door on the left a determined knock and then waited to hear the slide of the chain and the click of the lock. Instead, Liv’s voice seeped from beneath the door.
“Come on in, the door’s unlocked.”
Frowning at her obvious nonchalance about who might be standing on the other side of the door, he turned the knob and stepped inside with the intent of issuing a harsh reprimand. Didn’t she realize they were chasing a lunatic ghost?
Instead, he damn near swallowed his tongue.
Dressed in a short, black skirt that kissed the backs of her thighs she stood on top of her desk with both arms stretched in the air. Although her red top was tucked into the band of the skirt, it hugged her torso, emphasizing the outline of her breasts – a generous handful in his estimation. Her short but shapely legs were bare; a pair of the sexiest black shoes he’d ever seen – pumps, if he remembered correctly – squeezed her feet. Problem was, they were at least an inch tall.
“Damn, Liv.” He closed the door and rushed to the edge of the desk. “Why do you insist on climbing mountains in those things?”
She simply rolled her sparkling baby blues, obviously not bothered by his concern. “Please, Thunder. The light bulb required changing so I’m taking care of it.”
“Would you mind coming down? I’ll change it.”
She frowned. “I’ve just about got it. One more turn and then I’ll replace the globe over the light.”
He watched both in awe and in fear while her hips swiveled slightly as she gave the bulb another turn and then glanced down at him.
“You could hand me the globe, if you’d like.”
He paused momentarily, analyzing his next move. Normally, he would have wrapped both arms around her slight waist while he ignored her squealed protest and then removed her from the desk. He would have the light burning again in seconds – without the desk. This time he did as she requested and handed her the globe – only because once he wrapped his arms around her, he couldn’t be sure what would happen next.
Damn, the woman tempted him like the devil.
“Thunder,” she prompted. “The globe?”
He lifted the ceramic orb and handed it to her, still not convinced she wouldn’t break her neck, or at least an ankle.
“There.” She said finally. “All done.”
He glanced at the desk and then the rolling executive’s chair beside it. “Exactly how do you intend to get down?”
“I’ll step into the chair and then onto the ground.”
“That’s how you got up there?”
She nodded.
Hell.
“Grasp my shoulders.”
“What?”
“My shoulders,” he repeated. “Hold on with both hands and I’ll lift you.”
“That’s really not necessary. I got up here –“
“Liv,” he interrupted. “For the love of God, hold on.”
Her eyes widened and her lips separated as if she might argue, but miraculously she obliged and he lifted her without incident.
“Thank you,” she said when her feet were on solid ground.
“Next time kick off your shoes.”
“Despite what you think, I’ve been maneuvering around in these very well for quite some time.”
He bit his lip to suppress a grin. The woman had an argument – or explanation – for everything and damned if she didn’t look incredibly sexy while she issued it. He quickly decided a lack of response was best.
She sat down in her chair and grinned. “Did we have an appointment that I’ve forgotten about?”
“Nope. I was in the neighborhood.”
“Oh?” She raised both eyebrows. “And you need a consultation?”
“No.” He folded himself into the chair in front of her desk. “I wanted to check out the security of this place.”
“And?”
“I’m not impressed.”
“I’m perfectly safe here, Thunder.”
“The door was unlocked and you invited me inside, sight unseen,” he pointed out.
“I knew it was you.” She gestured with her head at what he assumed was a computer monitor. “The front desk paged me and I saw you as soon as you stepped off the elevator.”
Impressive. A camera mounted outside the door tightened security but still …
“The door was unlocked.”
“There’s a switch under my desk.”
Okay, she had him there. “Good to know.”
“How’s the investigation going?”
He fought the urge to fidget when she braced her elbows on top of the desk, braided her fingers, and then rested her chin on top. The position placed her pink, pouty lips in the perfect kissable position and it was everything he could do not to lean across the desk and test his theory. Better yet, bend her over the desk and test a new theory altogether.
The sound of screeching tires sounded in his brain. This was not the time or place to push his limits.
“We toured the port this morning. No red flags.”
“I have to admit, it appears to be an impressive project.”
“Your family still hasn’t offered support.”
She shook her head, obviously not surprised that he issued a statement instead of a question. “I think you’ve figured out we’re not going to.”
He nodded in agreement.
“Christopher’s pride will be hurt for a few days but he’ll recover,” she added.
“Do you think the public vote will pass?”
She shrugged. “Depends on who else he can line up behind him.”
“Ace is convinced he’s behind the sabotage.”
“I’ve entertained the same thought.” She unfolded her hands and eased back in her chair. “I just can’t figure out how.”
“He’s most likely not working alone.”
“Do you have any idea who else is involved?”
“We haven’t been able to identify anyone yet. Have you heard of any investors in the operation?”
“None other than the ones who openly voice support - Naranja Farms, for sure.”
He raised an eyebrow. “We’ve done a thorough check on the company and its employees. Everyone comes up clean.”
“Carley manages their employee picnic every year. In fact, they won’t hire anyone else.”
“Won’t?”
Her long, blonde curls swayed against her ribcage as she nodded in agreement. “Joseph and Marietta Pena founded the company twenty years ago with the help of Henry and Charlotte Kensworth and Marietta and Charlotte took care of the particulars until Carley started Let’s Party. They gladly turned it over to her and the Penas are fiercely loyal.”
“I’m more apt to believe our perp is someone with a more personal interest. Although impressive, Pena’s investment isn’t substantial enough to make or break the business.”
She released a soft sigh and his cock all but saluted. No way could he sit here much longer without causing himself excruciating pain.
“He’s a very wise businessman,” she said. “Do you know of any other investors?”
“Not yet.” Very carefully, he stood and checked his watch. “Call me if you stay late.”
“That’s really not nec—“
“I mean it.” He cut off her expected denial and then issued his final ultimatum. “If you can’t agree, I’ll have no choice but to hang out here and help you work.”
“Help?”
“Yes. I’m an exceptional interrogator.”
“I’ll bet you are,” she mumbled as he stepped toward the door. “Fine, I’ll call you.”
“Looking forward to it.”
***
Later that evening in the comfort of her living room, Carley released a long sigh of satisfaction. Thanks to Ace, the final touches had been placed on the Governor’s Ball and the only thing left to do was hope that everything proceeded as planned. Normally she spent the evening before an event taking advantage of the calm before the storm but this time her fingers and toes were crossed so hard that they cramped. Relaxation would not come easily.
She rested her head back against the sofa, determined not to let tension invade her mind. Alpha Four had everything under control and she welcomed the opportunity to turn the worry over to them. Too bad her inner control freak didn’t agree.
Just about the time she decided to give in and call Chef Arturio for at least the sixth time, the chime of her new alarm system signaled a visitor and since Ace had made sure she was locked in like a prisoner, she was certain it was he that entered.
“Carley?”
She grinned at the deep, smooth tone of his voice. “In here.”
Several staccato beeps answered as he reset the alarm system before his heavy footsteps announced his presence. She lifted her head to see him standing with one hip braced against the doorway and his arms folded across his chest. Laid back and relaxed. She was extremely jealous.
He gave her an I-already-know-the-answer smirk as he spoke. “What are you doing in here?”
“Relaxing.”
“I don’t think so.”
Although he was absolutely correct, she wasn’t ready to let him know that. “Alright then, how did you come to your conclusion?”
“I know you.” He shrugged. “Things would be so much easier if you’d leave the details to me.”
“You think?”
He nodded.
“You’re wrong.”
“No, I’m not.”
He pushed himself off with one hip and then covered the distance to the sofa in easy, determined steps. He extended a hand and when she accepted, he helped her to stand, placed both hands on her hips, and urged her so near to him that barely a feather would fit between them.
“You just think you like being in charge.”
She so wanted to argue. Stomp her feet like a two-year-old and scream her disagreement at the top of her lungs. But, she couldn’t. The hold he had on her heart was simply too strong and honestly, following his lead made her tingle all over.
Still, sparring with him only made things hotter between them.
“You think you know so much,” she challenged. “Prove it.”
“Gladly.”
He lowered his head and she knew the exact second his lips touched the nape of her neck. Her eyes fluttered closed and she smashed her hips against his.
Very gently, his lips nipped the sensitive skin until she was sure she would melt from sheer pleasure. First in the middle of the nape, then tiny love bites to the right side, up the length of her neck and finally coming to rest just below her ear.
Despite her best efforts, she couldn’t stop the delightful moan that left her lips.
His low, husky chuckle tickled her earlobe. “Like that, do you?”
“Yes,” she whispered.
A fog of desire floated across her mind, threatening to whisk her away into his lair of seduction and she had no intention of fighting it. No, this feeling was too intense and way too wonderful to discard.
She pressed her hips more solidly against his, thrilled to discover the hard evidence to prove he was obviously enjoying this interaction as much as she. Empowered, she slipped a hand between them and palmed the bulge between his legs.
Her body screamed when he sucked in a quick breath and lifted his lips. “Easy, baby.”
She responded by molding her hand around him and rubbing in small circles. He thrust into her touch as he framed her face in his hands and seized her mouth with his, as if his next breath of air could only come from her. His tongue pried open her mouth then darted inside to tangle with hers, stroking and exploring while she met his intrusion with pleasure. His body began to rock against her, thigh to thigh, chest to chest, mouth to mouth.
She moaned again beneath his touch while her body threatened to combust. This man certainly knew the talent of seduction. Slowly, he closed the kiss and gave her lips a final, small peck before lifting his mouth. His chest rose and fell in a rapid rhythm and she had the feeling he was just as dazed as she.
“You have exactly three seconds to make it to the bedroom and strip naked.”
Her body pulsed at his order. “Or else?”
“Or else I take you on this unforgiving, hard floor.”
“What should I take off first?”
“All of it.”
“You know that’s not my style. Perhaps my blouse?”
“Carley,” he growled as he grasped her elbow and tugged her to the stairs. “If you can’t figure it out, I’ll make the decision for you.”
“Sounds like fun.” A giggle slipped from her lips as she struggled to keep his pace.
Once they stood inside her bedroom, Ace pushed the door closed with one foot, led her to the bed, and then eased her to sit on the edge.
He leaned forward and moved a wayward tendril of hair from her face. “Sure about this?”
“Well,” she said with a feigned hesitance, “if you don’t have a method, I don’t know if I can go along.”
A sexy smirk split his lips. “Oh, I have a method.”
“Then let me see it.”
As if her permission was all he needed, he wasted no time in kneeling on the floor between her knees and worked the buttons of her blouse free until the garment hung open and the cool bedroom air teased the tops of her breasts. Her nipples peaked behind her bra, stretching toward his touch.
“Lace,” he murmured as he traced his index finger along the side of one cup and then higher until he pushed the strap off her shoulder.
Goosebumps danced on her skin at his soft, gentle touch and she bit down on her bottom lip to keep from moaning in sheer delight. Although he had only grazed the surface of her skin, his touch was enough to set her on edge, to fall to her knees and beg him to take her.
“Don’t worry that pretty, plump lip,” he chided as he moved his hand to run a finger over the surface.
The moan she intended to prevent slipped free and her tongue left her mouth to wrap his finger, pull it inside, and suck hard.
His breath hitched and his eyes widened.
While her tongue continued to dance around his finger, she moved her hands to his shirt and quickly freed each and every button. Her heartbeat quickened at the sight of his sculpted chest, his glorious pectorals raised and awaiting her touch. She wasted no time in lifting both hands and running her fingers over the surface. His skin was hot beneath her touch, as if his blood boiled in anticipation of things to come.
She released his finger and then leaned forward to touch her lips to his flesh. A masculine growl tickled her eardrums just before she felt his fingers tangled in the sides of her hair.
Empowered by his touch, she pecked the surface of his chest, taking time to pause first at one nipple while her tongue worked the pebbled point and then the other. His fingers tightened and then slight pain at the base of her neck urged her to continue. With one last luscious lick of the surface, she eased herself back and grasped the edges of his shirt and shoved the pesky cotton from his shoulders.
“Off,” she whispered.
Without argument, he shrugged free of the clothing and turned slightly to toss it to a nearby chair. It was then a flash of bright blue on his skin caught her attention. He turned to face her again, his green eyes dark and narrowed as if he dared someone to interfere with his mission.
She dared.
“Wait!”
She placed a hand on his left shoulder and then urged him to turn to the right so that she had a clear view of the earlier color that sparked her curiosity. Within seconds, her question was answered.
There, on his left shoulder blade, a magnificent wizard graced the skin. In a bold splash of blue, his hooded robe cloaked the strong layer of muscle while a mysterious black mask shielded his eyes. His long, white beard and mustache covered his facial features and flowed to the very edge of his robe. Although the full body of the mystical being was not represented, his left hand peeked from his sleeve, holding a long, wooden staff with a clear globe attached to the very tip. A crystal ball, maybe, to feed him knowledge of things to come. Around the orb, magical sparks flew, painted in gold tones.
She continued to stroke the ink, mesmerized by the absolute beauty, curious about the meaning behind the creature. “You have a special relationship with him.”
“He’s magical,” he mumbled. “Saved my ass numerous times.”
Unable to restrain herself, she traced the edges of the gold sparks with a fingernail. “It’s beautiful,” she murmured.
Very slowly, he turned back to face her. “You’re beautiful.”
He grasped one hand and pulled her to stand and then gestured at her skirt, repeating her earlier request. “Off.”
For half a second, she had every intention of following directions. Her blood sprinted through her veins, her body sizzled in the space between them, and her panties sang the Damp Panty Serenade so loudly she was sure he could hear the tune. Yes, yanking the skirt over her hips and down her legs would put her out of her misery. With the barrier out of the way, he could freely touch her – allow his fingers to play exactly where she needed them.
Yet, she had a plan. And despite her body’s craving, she intended to follow it to a magnificently wonderful conclusion.
Slowly, she grasped his hips with both hands and moved down his body, bending until she was on her knees and positioned in the exact place she wanted to be. With her gaze firmly locked in his, she popped the top button of his jeans and lowered the zipper.
He buried his fingers back into her hair and gave a slight yank. “Slow.”
She answered his command with a shrug and a smile and then reached inside his boxer briefs and exposed the length of him. She lowered her gaze and then licked her lips at the thought of what she was about to do.
“Seriously, Carley.” Another yank on her hair made her want him more. “I’m locked and loaded.”
Ace watched as the little imp ignored his warning completely, gave him a perfect what-are-you-going-to-do-about-it smile, and then opened her mouth wide. He stood deathly still, both in horror and awe as she wrapped her lips around his greedy cock, pulled it deep inside her mouth and then darn near swallowed him whole.
He wadded her hair in both fists and held on for dear life as she moved up and down his shaft, devouring every inch of the savage beast. Her tongue circled his head while she sucked, causing him to lock his knees in an effort to stay upright.
Sweet Jesus, he was a goner. No way could he fight this ever-loving feeling of sheer bliss. No, her lips were buckled too tightly around him, her tongue caressed the muscle with sheer skill and his cock was extremely happy.
His muddled brain basked in the pleasure, determined to block out any thought of interruption. Luckily, his conscience had an ounce of sense left.
He released a hard breath, reached between them, and cupped her chin to break the suction. “It won’t take me long to end this party, baby.”
He extended a palm in a gesture for her to slide hers on top, hoping to high Heaven she wouldn’t decide to ignore his gracious offer. Hell, if she didn’t comply he wouldn’t be responsible for the consequences. He was strung entirely too tight and if she fought him, he’d just have to hang on for the ride and hope that she accepted a heartfelt apology later. No excuses, that was the just the way things would play out.
He almost cried like a baby when she placed her palm on his. Quickly, he closed his grip around her and eased her to stand. And, to make absolutely sure there were no more detours to his original route, he didn’t ask her to remove the skirt again.
In one full swoop, he released her hand, grasped the garment and shoved it up around her hips. Screw off, he’d worry about that later.
With a calmness he certainly did not feel, he walked her backwards until the backs of her knees hit the edge of the bed. He wrapped one arm around her waist, lifted her, and then spread her out on the sheets.
She dipped one finger under the edge of one bra cup. “Would you like me to finish undressing?”
“Up to you.” He shoved both his pants and briefs down to his ankles and then stepped out. “I can work around it, if need be.”
He wrapped one fist around his impatient cock and gave it a firm hold-on-or-else squeeze, intending to prove his point, when a feminine gasp stopped him.
He quickly moved his gaze to find hers locked on the activity between his legs.
Aahhh….. she liked to watch. Determined to make her as crazy as he, he slid his hand down the shaft and then back again.
Perspiration glistened on her chest, giving her skin a sparkling gleam as she continued to watch him stroke. He knew he should stop – the action felt way too damn good and his cock nearly wept with something close to relief. But he knew neither he nor the animal between his legs would be satisfied until he was buried deep inside her. And, he was determined more than ever to make that happen. Who needed a plan when an ambush was just as effective?
He released his hold, covered the distance between them in two long steps, climbed onto the bed, and then knelt at her feet. Gently, he eased her legs apart and lowered himself to his stomach, braced by his elbows.
Poised between her legs, he grinned at the nearly-there pesky, lace panties that acted as a barrier to the treasure beneath. He heard another gasp just as he lowered his head, placed his mouth just over the center of her, and released a long, slow breath.
“Ace,” she whimpered.
Her sweet smell penetrated his senses, taunting his body to give in and go for the glory. To rip those panties right off her hips and love her until they both screamed for mercy.
But, Carley preferred he follow a plan.
He lifted his mouth, moved it over one hip, bared his teeth, and then dragged the lace as far south as possible. She groaned and lifted both hips, granting him easy access to the opposite side. Once the lace hung across her thighs, he lifted his hand and pulled them the rest of the way down and off her body.
He breathed a huge sigh of relief when they lay in a pile beside the bed.
He finally looked back into her soft, blue gaze. “Want me to do the bra?”
In double time she sat up, reached behind her, and then wiggled her bra straps down her arms while she gave her breasts a nice eye-catching bounce. He worked hard not to drool like a rabid dog.
“What bra?” She tossed the last obstacle to her body over the edge of the bed.
Now gloriously naked, she relaxed back against the pillows, those beautiful breasts taunting him with their stiff, peaked nipples. His lips itched and he knew denying himself a taste was impossible.
He gazed deeply into her eyes, searching for any hint of hesitation in the depths. What he found instead was the same heated passion that warmed him from head to toe.
His cock jumped between them, determined to remind him the purpose of his current position. Thing was, he didn’t need a reminder – he needed cooperation.
He lowered his head over one breast and closed his lips over the nipple, suckling the pebbled surface until she arched and forced the flesh further into his mouth.
Her fingers tangled in the short length of his hair, massaging his scalp as she squeezed. She squirmed beneath him with her hips raised and brushing his as if she could bury his cock inside her with the movement.
He gave the puckered tip one last pull and then raised his mouth as he leaned on one elbow and moved his free hand between them.
“Let me soothe that ache, baby.”
He moved his fingers over her clit, strumming and plucking the slick and pliable flesh like a finely-tuned instrument. Her hips, still raised into his touch, thrust harder against his hand and a needy whimper slipped from her lips. He moved his index finger down lower and gently inserted it inside her wet, swollen heat.
“Yesss,” she hissed.
Riding the incredible euphoria her response gave him, he moved his middle finger to the same position. Very gently, he slid them in and out, taking great care to throw in a slight twist to caress the muscles that now tightly squeezed him.
Sweat dampened his forehead as she continued to writhe beneath him while her tiny moans of pleasure tortured his cock even more. Yet, even as truly desperate as the current action made him, he made a promise and he intended to keep it. He had a plan.
“Let go, Carley,” he ordered. “Take what you need.”
He quickened his pace and moved his thumb to press down hard on her clit. Her hips bucked. She tossed her head back on the pillow as she groaned his name. Her muscles clamped down hard on his fingers and then pulsed. His cock jumped in agony.
A satisfied grin separated his lips as he slid his fingers from her body and locked his gaze on hers. “Satisfied?”
“Not quite.” She draped both legs over his hips and then buckled her feet at the small of his back. “Love me, Ace.”
He needed no more encouragement. Screw the plan. This woman, soft, sexy, willing and sizzling-hot, wanted him to love her. And if it was one thing the military had drilled into him, following orders was not an option, it was a duty.
“Yes, ma’am.”
And then reality stopped him short.
“I don’t have anything to protect you.” He released a hard breath. “I promise I’m healthy sweetheart, but there’s no doubt we’d make a beautiful baby.”
She gave him a sly smile and a wink. “Got that covered, soldier.”
“Your method is better than mine.”
Severely grateful for her preparedness, he leaned down and took her lips between his just as his cock entered her and slid home.
Holy Mary, Mother of God, he had found paradise.
Her inner muscles squeezed him in tight ecstasy while he began a slow, easy rhythm, intending to coax her back to the top of the peak before they both flew over, when she reached between them and cupped his balls.
Obviously, she had a plan of her own.
He released a growl and moved his hips double time, pistoning in and out of her at a pace he wasn’t even sure he could keep. It was if his cock had a mind of its own. Her hand held him in a slight squeeze while her fingernails tickled the sensitive skin of his sac. An electric shock climbed all thirty-three vertebrae of his spine.
He swallowed hard and attempted to keep the desperation from his voice. “Please tell me you’re ready again.”
“Do it, Ace.”
“Do what?”
“Please,” she groaned. “Make me come.”
He took two more strokes, one in and one out, and then sheer, unadulterated pleasure strangled him and held him helpless as Carley moaned and her body pulsed around him.
For a few brief seconds, he simply floated in sheer bliss, content to stay in the moment forever. His cock, now semi-hard, continued to issue a heartfelt thank-you like a broken record. And he was utterly and completely satisfied – both sexually and emotionally.
As tempted as he was to scoop her up in his arms and declare his undying love, now was not the time. Carley needed time to process what had just happened between them and because he loved her, he would give her the time she needed.
He placed one last kiss against her lips and then withdrew and rolled to lie beside her. He grasped her right hand, braided their fingers, and then lifted it to press a kiss to the backside.
“Thank you.”
“You’re welcome.” She grinned. “However, I should be the one thanking you.”
“It’s a we thing, baby.”
“We make a pretty good team, don’t we?”
He nodded.
“I’ll have to admit, I’m surprised.”
“Really, why?”
“When I met you, I figured you were just as dominant as the rest of your team, but you’ve been amazingly different with me.”
“You don’t think I’m dominant.”
“Oh, absolutely you are,” she said quickly, “but I appreciate that you at least listen to my arguments.”
He smirked. “Before you decide to follow instructions?”
“Oh, geez.” She rolled her eyes. “You definitely have a healthy ego.”
She released his hand, rolled to one side away from him, and then scooted back against him until her magnificent heart-shaped ass kissed his cock. The greedy muscle moved against her soft skin.
“Good night, Ace,” she said over a yawn.
He draped one arm across her hip. “Good night, angel.”
***
He looked out over the water, impressed with himself. He had worked vigorously to assure he would succeed in bringing this infuriating objective to an end and now confidence oozed from his pores. There was simply no room for failure in this plan.
He bent to retrieve a small stone on the dock and then stood to send it skipping across the gentle ripples of water. Soon the water would become rough with waves – waves that would put an end to the resistance to his work. Some would be saddened; he would not.
Personally, he looked forward to the heated confrontation that would ensue. He was prepared and as soon as it came to a conclusion, his work would be recognized. His dedication and obedience wouldn’t go unnoticed and for that, the headache of the whole operation had been worth it.
A healthy dose of relief coated his nerves as he reached into his suit coat pocket for his cell phone and then dialed, this time with absolute confidence.
“I am fully prepared,” he said when his associate answered.
“Excellent. I have made the final arrangements for transport. Reinforcements have been assembled; upon your notification, I will send them to your location.”
He allowed himself a wide smile. “Retribution has been a long time coming. I’m glad it is finally reality.”
“You and I both. I will see to it that you are handsomely rewarded.”
His smile grew impossibly wider. The other mad had just said the magic word: reward. Yes, the reward was the ultimate goal.
“I won’t disappoint you.”
“I’m sure you’ve taken precautions to avoid a leak.”
“Most definitely. No one but myself knows the operation completely.”
“I respect your confidence,” his associate said, “but I would be a fool not to leave you with a word of warning.”
He squeezed both eyes closed as he listened to words he fully expected but desperately wanted to ignore.
“Your very life depends upon your success.”