“Go on.”
“When you get off the plane at the villa, your team will accompany you. Mr. Stavros' men will guard the passengers while you and your men spend the night at his home.”
Brian smiled. “I've heard about Mr. Stavros' parties.”
“He does have a certain reputation. In this instance, the party will be in honor of his daughter's birthday.”
“His daughter? Didn't she die years ago in the bombing of Baghdad?”
“Yes, but he still celebrates every year with a small soirée.”
“Soirée? I like that word.” Brian chuckled. “I've heard his parties are nothing more than excuses for orgies. Doesn't he have that dungeon with all those bondage toys?”
“Mr. Stavros prefers to call it the recreation room.”
Brian's groin tightened as he imagined Larissa chained to a wall, powerless to prevent him from doing anything he wanted to her.
“After you land on Stavros Island, he asks that your team choose the most attractive passengers; that is, anyone they want to spend time with.” Albert coughed discreetly. “Then bring them to the villa. If the guests are in any shape to put back on the plane the next morning, they can return with the team.”
Albert paused. “But if they're indisposed—”
“They stay at the villa,” suggested Brian.
“Exactly. I'm sure you've heard there's more than one body buried in the orchard.”
“So the rumors are true.”
“There's always some truth to every rumor,” agreed Albert.
Brian laughed. “So the big boss is planning an orgy on his late daughter's birthday? I guess the rich really are different.”
“Mr. Stavros has his appetites.”
“I'll make sure I bring some hot women for him. The plane will be full of film people and porn stars.”
“Um, Mr. Stavros actually prefers men.”
“Oh, in that case—”
“And he's been informed Ian Renard is on the passenger list. Mr. Renard happens to be a personal favorite of Mr. Stavros.”
“Then I'll make certain they're introduced to each other.”
“Just bring the most attractive passengers, male and female. That way there's a good selection to choose from.”
“Right.” Brian was silent a moment. “You know, this schedule change affects the timetable. It wouldn't bother me except—”
“Explain,” prompted Albert.
“We didn't leave today because of the storm, and if we spend tomorrow night at the villa, that means the plane won't take off for Washington until September 13th. That's an unlucky number.”
“Are you superstitious, Mr. McCabe?”
“Not inordinately, but I've never liked the number thirteen.”
“Mr. Stavros isn't concerned, and he's the one financing this operation.”
“Hey, it's his show.” Brian took a deep breath. “What do I care? I won't be on the plane anyway.”
“There's one other item,” Albert continued. “You asked me to inform you of any changes in the flight crew.”
“Has there been a change?”
“Yes. One of the flight attendants was replaced when she got food poisoning.”
Brian sat up in bed. “It wasn't our inside girl, was it?”
“No, she's fine. The girl who got sick was one of the junior flight attendants.”
“Tell me about the replacement.”
“Her name is Fiona Quinn.”
“Fiona Quinn?” Brian began to laugh.
“Excuse me? Did I say something funny?”
“Albert, I've often thought the earth hurtled through space with no meaning or purpose, locked in an endless orbit without beginning or end. But now I see there's a plan to everything that happens, whether we realize it or not.”
“I'm not following you.”
“Do you know who Fiona Quinn is?”
“It says here she's a twenty-three-year-old flight attendant who grew up in Arizona.”
“She's my fucking stepdaughter.”
“Your stepdaughter? What a small world.”
“I spent two years in prison getting my ass whipped because of that little bitch. Do you know what it feels like to have a fucking psycho attack you every time you take a shower?”
“I can't say I do.”
Brian laughed again but now there was an edge to his laughter. “It doesn't make for a pleasant day.”
“I don't suppose it does.”
“So my little Fiona will be on the plane.” Brian's groin tightened with lust. “We have so much catching up to do.”
Chapter 18
“Where shall we go?” asked Sean. “My room or yours?”
Larissa thought about it. “Your room is cozy, but my suite has a fireplace.”
“I guess that settles it then.”
She couldn't control the delicious shiver of anticipation which shot through her body as her gaze traveled across his broad shoulders.
Would she awake tomorrow and discover the entire evening had been a feverish dream? If this was a dream, then she prayed to keep sleeping forever.
When they walked into her suite, she said, “Would you start a fire for us?”
“I'm already on fire for you.”
He looked at her with such intense longing she almost threw herself into his arms. It occurred to her that spending the night in the same room with him, while not touching his handsome face or splendid body, might be an impossible task.
“I'm going to take a shower,” she stammered.
“May I join you?”
YES, YES, YES!
“The fire, remember?” She pointed to the fireplace before hurrying into her bedroom. How could she survive a night in such close proximity to that gorgeous man?
Languishing under a warm shower, Larissa took as much time as possible to complete the task. Afterwards, she dried and curled her hair before applying make-up.
She wanted to look her best for him so she slid into a silky, black nightgown, reveling in the softness of the material against her skin.
Then she took a deep breath before entering the sitting room.
* * * *
Sean sat in one of the armchairs and gazed into the fire. The room was dark and the soft glow from the hearth filled the room.
She cleared her throat. “Sean.”
His eyes widened when he saw her standing in the doorway. He rose from the chair and walked towards her.
He wrapped his arms around her waist. “You look like a goddess.”
“And you look like a jungle cat with fierce green eyes. The firelight makes them appear even greener.”
Her nipples hardened as she devoured him with her gaze. In the glow from the firelight, he resembled a manly conqueror of old, perhaps a knight during the Crusades. He touched one of her curls and then tangled his hand in her hair. He pulled her towards him and kissed her. Hard.
She had known it would be this way, hadn't she? He wouldn't be a reserved, hesitant lover like Claude. He would take what he wanted, and at that moment he wanted her. For her part, she desired him with such intensity she could barely draw breath.
He took her hand. “Will you sit with me on the sofa?”
Sitting next to him probably wasn't the smartest idea, especially with her emotions thrown into a state of chaos by the proximity of his body.
“I think I'd prefer the chair,” she managed to say.
“All right.”
She sat down on the chair. He stood behind her and his strong hands moved across her shoulders.
“You're very tense,” he said quietly.
Can you blame me? She almost spoke the words out loud.
“Mmm.” Larissa felt herself sinking into the soft cushions of the chair. If he kept up the gentle massage, she would melt across the floor like warm butter. He slid the straps of the gown off her shoulders and then down her arms. The silken material fell away and her breasts were exposed to him.
She covered her che
st with her hands. “Stop it! You promised.”
“I know what I promised.” His voice was a frustrated growl. “But I don't know if I can do it. You're so damn beautiful.”
“Sean.” She felt herself drowning in his potent masculinity. She was being swept away in a raging torrent of lust and desire, and there was nothing to save her.
He slid his hands down her shoulders. “Do you know how much I want you?”
“How much?” she whispered
“More than I've ever wanted another woman. I'm trying to be patient, but it's not easy.”
“I know. I want you too.”
He knelt on the floor in front of her.
“Feel my heart.” He took her hand and placed it on his chest. “My heart is beating for you, only you.”
The look in his clear green eyes was so intense she could almost see into the depths of his soul.
“Mine as well,” she said softly. “Would you like to feel my heart?”
She lowered her arms and revealed her breasts to him.
He stared at her for a long moment. “I'll try to be gentle with you.”
Her lips trembled as she smiled at him. “I don't want you gentle. I want you the way you are, a real man.”
“Then enough of this.” He scooped her up in his arms and carried her to the carpet in front of the fireplace. He kissed her passionately as she inhaled his warm, masculine scent. Larissa knew she must possess him. All of him.
She pulled off his shirt, and then her hands moved to his belt.
“I can't get it off” she said in frustration. “My fingers don't seem to work.”
He chuckled. “Let me help you.”
He unbuckled the belt and then took off his pants and underwear.
“My goodness!” She stared at him in admiration. “Is that for me?”
He looked down at his erection. “Only for you, my lady.”
“I hope I can handle that,” she teased.
“Do you like it?”
“Oh, yes. I haven't seen anything so magnificent in quite some time.”
“Thank you, my dear.”
“I love the way you talk.” She giggled. “I love your gorgeous English accent.”
“And I love your sexy French accent.”
He knelt down on the rug and slid the gown off her body. His hand inched up her thigh until he reached her lacy black panties.
“These will have to go,” he said.
“Then make them go.”
He slid her panties down her thighs and then stared at her.
“What's wrong?” she said.
“Not a damn thing.” He cupped her face in his hands. “It's just that this moment is so perfect I never want to forget it.”
“Oh Sean.” A tear slid down her cheek. “What have I done to deserve such happiness?”
“Don't cry, darling.” He wiped away her tear. “I'm the lucky one. I've met a princess straight out of my sweetest dreams.”
She shook her head. “I'm not a princess, just a woman who's staring at the handsomest man she's ever seen.”
He kissed her again and his tongue teased hers. As her arousal grew, she couldn't stop herself from touching the head of his dick and then moving her hand up and down the shaft.
He groaned and then lowered himself between her legs. “Let me taste you.”
“I want you inside me,” she said. “Rough and hard.”
“And you'll have me. But there's no hurry, is there?”
She lusted for him with a fierce urgency and could barely control herself as he kissed the soft mound between her thighs. As he stroked the silken folds of her pussy, he slid his tongue inside her.
She moaned with pleasure and arched her back as he buried himself deeper within her.
“You taste delicious,” he whispered against her skin.
She couldn't speak because the sensations igniting her body were too intense. Her clit throbbed with her need for him, and it swelled with desire as he licked and kissed it.
He spread her pussy open. “This is what I wanted to see. Your clit red and engorged. Is that because you want me?”
“Oh yes. I want you so much I can barely speak.”
“And you'll have me.”
He continued his loving assault upon her and eventually she screamed his name as her body shuddered with the force of her orgasm.
He pierced her with a self-assured gaze. “Are you ready for more?”
Her voice was husky with sensual appreciation. “Don't ask me, just take it.”
“Then get in that bedroom.” He bent to pick her up. “Or better yet, I'll carry you there.”
He swung her over his shoulder. “Shall I pretend I'm a caveman and drag you off to my cave?”
She giggled as her head hung down over his shoulder. “That's exactly what I want.”
“Naughty girl.” He spanked her bare bottom and then stroked it until she whimpered with her need for him.
He lay her on the bed and a moment later plunged his cock into her. He was larger than any man she'd ever had and a wave of excitement swept over her. His chest glistened with sweat and she touched it before tangling her fingers in his hair. As he thrust himself into her again and again, she clamped her hands on his firm buttocks.
“You're so wet.” His breath was warm against her ear.
“Wet for you.”
“Only for me?”
“Oh God, yes!” She cried out as she reached another explosive orgasm. Unexpected tears caught in her throat and threatened to spill from her eyes. Had sex ever been this good for her?
She slid her tongue into his mouth and he tasted so delicious she felt like an addict who'd just discovered a new drug. She wanted him more than she'd ever wanted another man. One night wouldn't be enough for her. Neither would a thousand and one nights. She wanted him forever.
He rode her harder and faster and she felt herself hurtling toward orgasm yet again.
He nibbled on her earlobe. “I'm going to have you all night.”
“Promise?”
“That's a promise I intend to keep.”
She couldn't believe the pleasure he gave her and hoped he felt a fraction of what she had already experienced with him. She cried out for the third time as she ground her hips against him and a multitude of fireworks went off in her brain.
“Oh God! I love you so much!” He gave a final thrust and then emptied himself into her. She felt the warm rush of his cum fill her body, and knew at that moment she wanted him for the rest of her life.
* * * *
“I'm sorry I didn't behave like a gentleman.” Sean stroked her hair as they lay facing each other.
“I forgive you.” Larissa touched his cheek as she stared into his lustrous emerald eyes. “How can I help it when tonight was so special to me?”
“Did you enjoy yourself?”
“Couldn't you tell?” She smiled at him. “It was the best time I ever had.”
“I don't think I've ever been anybody's best time.”
“Now you have.”
“Will it always be this way between us?”
“Always,” she said with certainty.
“Will you stay with me? Not just for a little while, but from now on.”
“Yes,” she said. “If you'll stay with me.”
“If you think I'll ever leave you, you're very much mistaken.”
“Oh, Sean.” There was no stopping the tears which slid down her cheeks.
“I'm here forever,” he said, “for as long as you want me.”
Chapter 19
Ian awoke to a jackhammer pounding in his brain. He reached for Fiona before remembering she wasn't there. She wasn't sleeping next to him and had never been in his suite. She didn't even know who he was.
Then he remembered why he had stormed out of her room. He had discovered she'd fucked Sean Merrick.
Anger made his headache worse, and the pain was like a red-hot poker in his brain. His head throbbed with each heartbeat and he b
uried it between the pillows. He couldn't decide what hurt worse: the pain from the hangover or the ache in his heart.
If this hadn't been the worst night of his life, it was a pretty close second.
And yet it had also been the most wonderful. He remembered Fiona's sweet face and upturned smile. Her full, gorgeous figure. His cock swelled as he thought of the time they had spent together. Then he thought about Sean's hands on her body and her beautiful face in the throes of passion.
Ian pounded his fist against the pillow and then sat up in bed. Staggering into the bathroom in search of aspirin, he found nothing to relieve his pain. Dressing quickly, he slipped into the same wrinkled clothes he had worn the previous day, not caring if he looked a mess with his uncombed hair and unshaven face. He had to talk to Merrick as soon as possible. Better yet, he had to beat the crap out of him. The man was a thorn in his paw, and it was time to remove that thorn.
All his life he had hated the type of men who thought they were entitled to everything: women, adoration, success. In his youth, he'd had scrapes with aloof, arrogant bastards who were cut from the same mold as Sean Merrick.
Part of his mind criticized himself for being ridiculous. Fiona hadn't even met him when she'd slept with the pilot. However, that didn't stop his anger from rising to the surface like hot acid. He had to know what happened between the two of them. He couldn't bear to ask her, so he would have to ask him.
He didn't know what room Merrick was staying in, but he was pretty sure he knew where to find him.
* * * *
Larissa appeared in the doorway and greeted Ian with a hesitant smile. Her hair was tousled from sleep and her lips appeared full and swollen. From kissing that Casanova?
“I want to talk to him.” Ian pushed past her and walked into the room.
Her beautiful eyes held concern. “Ian, what's wrong? You look terrible.”
He couldn't bear to see her pity so he looked away. “Just get him for me.”
“Who?”
“You know who. Is he here?”
Ian realized he still loved Larissa—her kindness, her sweetness, her beauty. But he was in love with Fiona, and she was the reason he was here.
However, he still had unfinished business with Larissa and turned to face her. “Did I mean anything to you at all?”
Hostages of Love (Siren Publishing Allure) Page 9
