As the orgasm ebbed, little aftershocks flowed through her body and laced that inherent relaxed state with sexual bliss. When her breathing subsided, Gilly opened her eyes again and found Lucas staring down at her, his usual lavender eyes now a dark amethyst gleaming with lust and a smile of satisfaction on his face.
“You are the most beautiful woman.”
She gave him an embarrassed smile and felt her face blush. “You’re beautiful too.”
His nose wrinkled and he hopped off the bed in one smooth movement. Oh. Was he leaving? Now? Her heart sank.
He grabbed both ankles and lifted them up to his waist. “Beautiful? Handsome, hunky, hot, maybe, but not beautiful.”
He tugged the hem on the denim and she sighed audibly. When he lifted one brow, she grinned.
Lucas yanked on the denim some more and her jeans slid down until they caught at her butt. “Did you think I was done with you?” he asked as he slid his hands up her backside, fit his fingers under the waistband, against her flesh, and helped her pants the rest of the way.
* * * *
Standing beside the bed where Gilly lay half-naked, smiling up at him through an orgasm-induced haze, he wondered if any man had a right to be so deliriously happy. How could she think that was enough, that he would leave her after sharing that, after watching her explode at his touch? He could never get enough of her. No, this was just the beginning. He knew that right now she needed comfort. He would give her that. Then he would offer her a whole lot more and hope she would eventually take it.
With one knee on the bed, he bent and kissed her mouth, tasted her, and when he had kissed her thoroughly, he leaned back and carefully slipped off her shirt. Tossing the shirt the way of the pants, he gazed down at her. Captivated by her beauty, he had a hard time catching his breath. All he wanted to do was reach out and stroke her, feel her skin heat under his touch. He did. He traced a finger down her cheek, gliding down her neck, feeling her pulse race. He paused just past the collarbone and looked up to see her smiling at him. His fingers skimmed along the outside of her breast. Goosebumps raised on her smooth skin. His index finger circled the peach areola and he grinned as the nipple puckered in response.
Gilly moved. Her legs did that rubbing motion against each other. She was turned on and wanted him, but she lay there and let him explore. He trailed down to her flat stomach and watched as her muscles jumped and settled when his hand drifted across a ticklish spot near her hipbone. When he cupped her in his palm, he peered into her face and saw anticipation spark in her sea green eyes. Sliding a finger inside her, he heard her gasp and he groaned. The wet heat that greeted him told him she was ready. He could not wait any longer.
“I want you,” he growled withdrawing his finger. Once he shucked himself free of his boxers, he and his desire joined her on the bed. Afraid he would hurt her shoulder Lucas shifted and rolled Gilly on top of him. Her smooth thighs straddled his hips and her butt cradled his arousal. Holding herself up with one hand on his chest, she lifted her ass just enough for him to spring to attention and give her room to slide on top of him.
“Not yet,” he groaned through gritted teeth and lifted her up by her hips only to have her muscles clamp around his shaft. He closed his eyes and prayed for control.
She giggled and bent down, rubbing her full breasts against the hair on his chest. The tease. Her tongue traced the outline of his lips. As she did that, her hips came up higher, caused a friction between his hard arousal and her, and he thought for sure he would explode right then. With his hand gripping her hips, he lifted her back up, giving himself full access to all her pleasure points. Before he could think of where to touch her first, Gilly took his hand and held it against one firm, white mound, and squeezed his fingers beneath hers. When he mirrored the movement on the other breast, she tossed her head back, all that red hair spilling over her shoulders, and she came up on her knees. Once again, her center tugged at him, pulled him closer to the edge.
He wanted to be gentle, to comfort, and to make love. When she started to ride him, up and down, in and out, all his good intentions were lost. Without a care, he flipped Gilly over onto her back, raised her legs high, and slammed into her. Her sharp intake of breath and her nails biting into his ass were his undoing. He thrust into her hard and deep then pulled back slow. He did it again and again. When he stuck his thumb in his mouth, he grinned at her expression, the deepening of her eyes, the licking of her lips. As he retreated within her one more time, he slipped his wet thumb between them. He touched her button, teased the nub in little circles, and felt her tension build.
When her thighs quivered against his hips and her eyes glazed, Lucas drove into her, buried himself deep within her heat. She came in a cry of ecstasy, her gaze never leaving his, as he pulled back and slammed into her again. The rhythm of her pulsating muscles clamped around his erection and sucked him in. She milked him wave after wave until his own release and then she pumped her hips and rode him again until he collapsed on top of her.
“I love you,” he murmured as his eyelids drifted shut.
TWENTY-THREE
He loved her. Gilly lay there staring at the ceiling repeating those words as if trying them out. Lucas did not move. His head cushioned against her breasts, his breathing even, he lay there oblivious to her heart wanting to beat out of her chest. He said he loved her. Was it the sex talking?
“Mmm.” Lucas lifted his head, grinned down at her, and then kissed her. “Are you okay? I didn’t hurt you, did I?”
He looked at her with concern on his face. She touched his cheek and pressed her lips to his. “I’m fine. Couldn’t be better.” It was true. In spite of the events over the last couple of days, and the stitches in her shoulder, she felt terrific, relaxed.
Lucas moved and the loss of his strong body covering hers left her bereft. He slid to her side and shifted them both so he spooned her. The heat his body radiated was so comforting, her eyelids drifted shut. When his hands snaked up her stomach and palmed her breast, she pressed against him wanting more of his touch. Her backside brushed against his arousal and she smiled into the pillow.
Hours after they had sated themselves on each other for a second and then a third time and she had gotten some sleep, Gilly awoke sore but rested, and ready to work. Actually, she was energized. Her hands itched to go play with the robot and electronic components. She peered over her shoulder and saw Lucas sleeping. He probably needed the rest.
Peeling his fingers from her hips, she wriggled out from under his possessive hold, and scooted to the edge of the bed. Gilly looked at Lucas again to confirm he still slept. His breathing had not changed. Part of her was disappointed that he wasn’t awake, but the realistic part of her brain knew it was for the best. She would get more accomplished without him hanging over her shoulder.
With barely a ripple in the bed, she got to her feet and padded down the hall to the bath. Standing in front of the vanity, she eyed her reflection in the mirror. The telltale signs of their lovemaking stared back at her. Red hair tousled, she noticed a small love-bite at the juncture of her neck and collarbone, and stubble marks on her chin, breasts. She glanced down, and yes, the same red marks splotched the inside of her thighs.
“Lovely,” she muttered and went about cleaning up. Locating a spare toothbrush still in its package in a drawer, she started with her teeth.
Thirty minutes later, she opened the bathroom door to the smell and sound of sizzling bacon.
“Shit!”
She chuckled. The cook burning himself.
She paused at the doorway to the spare bedroom and took in the fact that the bed had been made and Lucas had somehow come up with clothes for her to wear. Stepping into the room, she fingered the soft, well-worn T-shirt. It was one of his. The jeans and underwear, however, were hers.
“Where did he get them?”
“My closet,” the deep voice answered from behind her. “You left some things behind.”
Gilly turned to face him
and found Lucas leaning against the doorjamb, his arms crossed over his chest, a wide smile on his face. She reached up and clutched the knot of the towel wrapped around her body. It was utterly ridiculous to do such a thing after last night, but she couldn’t help it.
He shrugged. “I never got rid of them. Turns out that was a good thing. The T-shirt is mine. I thought it would be more comfortable with the stitches. Speaking of which.” He shoved away from the door and came toward her. “How are they?” He ran his fingers over her skin and stitches.
“They’re fine,” she breathed out in a shaky voice as her grip on the towel tightened.
“And your mobility?” he asked then with gentle fingers lifted her elbow and tested her shoulder movement.
Except for wincing when he lifted her arm above shoulder height, her wound didn’t cause her too much pain, just a twinge here and there.
“Do you want me to rig a sling for you?”
“No, not if I’m going to get any work done.”
He nodded. “I’ll help you get dressed then we can go have breakfast.”
She may have protested but he never gave her an opportunity. He stripped her of her terry cloth barrier and held out a pair of panties. Ignoring her body’s reaction, she bit her lip and stepped into the green lace. Then she let Lucas help her into the denim and was grateful for his help in getting the comfy shirt on. It smelled like him.
When he stepped back to eye his work, he asked, “Do you want me to dry your hair for you? I mean I know you can’t do it with a bad wing.”
Okay, what—the—“Did you have a walk-in?” This is not Lucas Danger, not the Lucas Danger she knew.
His laugh burst out in a loud gust. “What?”
“You’re just so…so…sweet.”
One of his dark brows rose almost to his hairline. “I’m not usually sweet?”
She pulled her mouth to one side. “No. It’s not that. It’s that you’re really nice, very attentive.”
“Ah. What, I’m usually an ogre?”
“No, it’s not that.”
Lucas chuckled. “You’ve never been injured before around me. I guess it’s a little strange for both of us.” He kissed her forehead. “I care. You’ll get used to it.”
Gilly wasn’t so sure. “You said something about breakfast?”
“Absolutely.” He crooked an elbow for her to take. “Let me escort you.”
She gazed at the proffered elbow for a moment then took it. If he wanted to play Sir Galahad, who was she to argue.
* * * *
Breakfast, to her utter amazement, consisted of scrambled eggs, well-done bacon, and French toast with whipped butter and real maple syrup. He pulled out a chair for her and she took a seat. “How did you get all this made in such a short amount of time?” she asked, taking the glass of orange juice he handed her.
“I’m a resourceful guy.” He heaped a plate with eggs and bacon and two slices of Italian French toast and slid it in front of her. Then he took another plate and did the same for himself.
Gilly took a bite of the syrup-covered bread and moaned with pure delight. When she opened her eyes, she noticed Lucas staring at her.
“You have syrup…” He bent toward her and touched the tip of his tongue to the corner of her mouth.
She went to pull back but he prevented her from moving by cupping the back of her head. He glided his tongue along her upper lip. The sensation was maddening and exquisite torture. She leaned into it as little shivers prickled up and down her spine. When he released her, he sat back and licked his own lips. She peered down at her plate and concentrated on her food. Deliberately avoiding his gaze, she spoke. “Um, where can I set up to work?”
“I put all your supplies in the den so that way you would get plenty of light and have access to the back deck in case you wanted to take a break and enjoy the sun.”
Gilly swallowed the bite she had taken before it caught in her throat. Why was he being so accommodating, so kind? It wasn’t that he was not a nice man, but something was up. She could maybe open her senses and see what he was thinking. She hated doing that on the premise that it seemed to her an invasion of privacy. Even last night when they made love she hadn’t let herself go, hadn’t opened up. Maybe if she had, she would know if he said those three little words because of sex or if he actually meant them.
“Quit thinking and eat.”
She glanced up. Lucas was sitting back in his chair watching her, his plate devoid of food. “Okay,” she muttered and went about finishing her breakfast.
She had offered to do kitchen clean-up duty since Lucas had cooked, but he refused. So here she sat, in his den surrounded by wall-to-wall windows that let loads of sunshine in and boxes of electronic and computer supplies. She opened every box, educating herself to their contents and then setup and organized the materials on the large desk. Laid out in front of her were batteries, omni-directional wheels, a diamond microprocessor, motor, various infrared sensors, other peripheral components, and small tools.
Ruby was good. How she had located and delivered everything in such a short time was beyond her, but she was grateful. Now she could start to assemble the replacement for Morpheus.
“Hmm. What would she call the robot? Morpheus II?” She didn’t think so. The name would have to come later.
Taking a seat at the desk, Gilly placed a clear magnifying visor on her face. She located the tank tread kit and assembled the tooth roller track and chain onto the wheels of the robot. Then she found the flipper wheels and connected their treads. She picked up the chassis and after drilling miniscule holes, she attached the motor and the battery compartment to the underside of the frame with rivets. She had just mounted the microprocessor to the chassis when she sensed his presence.
Without looking over her shoulder, she spoke. “What do you want, Lucas?” His light footsteps against the carpet told her he had not understood the hint to go away, she was busy. Removing the visor, she set it on the table and glanced up at Lucas. Dressed in jeans and a T-shirt, he stood on the other side of the desk with his hands jammed into his pockets, his hair damp from a shower. Gilly narrowed her gaze and repeated her question. “What do you want?”
He lifted and dropped both shoulders. “To help,” he mumbled and sounded pathetic, like a lonely child wanting someone to play with him.
The vision of Lucas being the last child picked in a kickball game made her chuckle. She quickly recovered, and concealed her grin with her hand. Okay, she would give him something to do, but what? Her gaze roamed over the table and landed on the perfect task. If he screwed it up, it wouldn’t do any real damage. “Pull up a seat.” She pointed at a chair across the desk.
Lucas beamed at her and sat down. “So what do I get to build?” he asked rubbing his hands together.
“You get to build the docking station.” She picked up the various pieces required and placed them in front of him.
“What’s with the funky blue paper?”
“It’s anti-static material so none of the electronic contacts get destroyed.” Gilly turned her attention to the computer. While the laptop booted up, she fished the FLASH drive out of her pants pocket. A much safer place than her bra, besides, she wasn’t wearing one. Plugging the drive into the computer, she waited for it to open up and display the list of files. She identified the one she wanted and opened it up for viewing. Then she turned the monitor so it faced Lucas.
“This is a classified document so once you’re done, forget about it.”
“Uh, hello.” He waved a hand in the air. “Remember me? I’m the one with an Intelligence background.”
“Yeah,” she mumbled and felt her face heat with embarrassment. She knew that. She was just nervous. This was a part of herself she had never shared with Lucas, never shared with anyone, except her father. Then Jimmy, but that was business that turned personal. Pushing those thoughts aside, she gave him a few additional instructions and handed him a spare pair of magnifying glasses.
Slipping her own visor back on the bridge of her nose, she picked up where she left off and focused her attention on her work, not the man sitting across from her. It took her a few minutes but she finally managed to ignore his presence and attach the first photoresistors to the thin frame.
“What are those?” his deep voice interrupted her, causing her fingers to fumble and the resistor to slip and drop to the blue paper.
She narrowed her eyes and peered up at him over the top of her magnifying glasses. “It’s called a photoresistor.”
“What does it do?”
Be patient. “It’s used for obstacle avoidance. The photo portion of it senses diminished light and causes increased resistance resulting in a change in steering to avoid obstacles.”
The quizzical look on his face made her smile. He wanted to know more, to understand. Hadn’t she been the same way when her father first showed her his shop?
“I have to write an algorithm so that it learns from its mistakes and knows how to respond to things in its path rather than run into them.”
“Did your dad teach you about resistors and algorithms?”
“Some. Some of it I learned through research and assorted classes here and there.”
“Does Frank know anything about electronics and robots, and such?”
She laughed, threw her head back and laughed, so much so that her shoulder ached at the muscle strain. “Sorry,” she said between gasps. “Can you picture my grandfather messing with robotics and computers? The man likes to push beer across a mahogany bar and make Irish beef stew.”
When she settled from her fit of laughter, Gilly looked up and saw Lucas grinning at her from ear-to-ear.
“Yeah, but it’s the best Irish beef stew. Just let him tell you.”
She chuckled along with Lucas. “Too true.”
TWENTY-FOUR
He liked seeing her laugh, liked the way her eyes crinkled at the corners when she did, and loved the way she would go into a laughing fit no matter where she was. In spite of the fact that she hid part of herself away, she was definitely comfortable in her own skin. That’s why it made no sense that she never told him about her extra-sensory whatever, why it bugged him that she told Jimmy. It killed him even more that there was apparently someone else out there. Someone she had a link to and she wasn’t aware of it.
Never Tempt Danger Page 14
