by Kahlen Aymes
“Uhh….Jesus, Angel!” Alex cried out as he finally spilled deep inside her. In an instant, he’d brought his mouth back to hers. Their mouths moved in perfection together, sucking, clinging, giving, and taking. She clenched around him, her own orgasm and the determination she felt to milk every last shudder from him, making her the aggressor. Angel moved on him until the very last jerk was pulled from him.
He kissed her again, not wanting to let her go, and he realized his back was on fire from the nails she’d raked over his back.
“Good God, that was incredible.” He turned his face toward hers and rested his forehead above her ear. Angel nodded in agreement.
They were both panting and utterly exhausted as they came down, still wound up together.
Angel’s hands ran over his back and up into his hair again, partly because she couldn’t help herself and partly because she didn’t want to let go of him. The knowledge unsettled her as she traced over the skin of his shoulders, now ripe with welts. She touched him again and he winced slightly. Did I do that? Regret surged through her that she could have hurt him.
“Why did you have to come here tonight?”
The silence was broken only by the soft strains of the syndicated music now playing over the airwaves, her softly spoken words hung like screams between them. Her voice was low and trembling, and Alex wondered if it was pain he heard there.
Alex’s face was buried in the curve of her neck, a thin sheen of sweat covering both of their bodies. He rose up on his elbows and looked into her eyes. Angel’s heels still pressed into his calves, and his cock, still embedded within her softness, had not yet lost its erection. He pushed his hips into hers, and her body answered automatically. They were calm and languid, studying each other with lust-clouded eyes. Seconds ticked by until Alex bent to take her mouth again, licking and teasing until she sighed and kissed him back. When he did pull back to answer, she caught his lower lip between her teeth and pulled gently.
Christ, she’s the sexiest, most beautiful creature I have ever seen. The world could end around us and I wouldn’t even know it was happening, he thought in wonder.
His right thumb ran down her cheek as he looked into her dark brown eyes and decided to answer honestly, no matter the cost.
“Because, I can’t stay away. I don’t know if I’d be strong enough to fight it even if I wanted to.”
“You’re the strongest man I know.”
“Not when it comes to you.”
Angel stared up at him, afraid to speak lest she say something that would expose too much. She was filled with strong emotions and struggled to reconcile what was happening.
She wanted him; there was no denying it. He created a need in her like she had never known, but he was still Alexander Avery. He could have any woman he wanted, and he could walk away at any time. She fought against letting his words woo her into believing there would ever be more between them… Wooed into wanting or hoping for more.
He nuzzled into her and made no move to pull out or move away and, instead, ran a series of soft open-mouthed kisses along the side of her face and then back to her mouth, to tease and coax. Angel’s arms tightened around Alex which he took as acquiescence to the inevitability of their situation. He moaned softly and slid his tongue deeply into the warm recesses of her mouth. She opened and returned his ardor, kiss for sucking kiss. Alex loved how she felt beneath him, and her response to every touch was nothing short of miraculous. “It’s always so magnificent. Each time, I’m left amazed at the perfection of every touch.”
There was no denying the incredible pull between them. It was hard enough when he was miles away, but here, while they were in each other’s arms, she’d never be strong enough to deny him.
Angel knew he desired her intensely. So there were two questions that needed answers and they threatened to explode over her like a bomb.
Where in the hell do we go from here? And will I be able to handle it when he walks away?
11
Co-habits
Angel watched Alex hand Cole her keys as she sat in the front seat of his expensive car and rolled her eyes in exasperation. She should have known the well-oiled machine would be running in spite of Alex’s presence; or maybe, because of it. She was still stunned by his appearance and what had occurred after he got to the radio station, despite the closeness and familiarity she felt with him.
Unable to tear her eyes away, she searched for the brotherly similarity beyond the brief familiarity in the eyes, coloring, and line of the jaw. Cole was broader, but Alex was slightly taller, more commanding and polished. His confidence and sexuality oozed beyond his perfect features and lithe body. It was in the graceful, unconscious way he moved, the tone of his voice, how his eyes caressed her, and the strength in everything he did.
She inhaled deeply and leaned back against the headrest. After their session in the studio, he’d dressed and silently pushed her hands out of the way as she buttoned the front of her blouse, his eyes never leaving hers and silently daring her to protest when he took over the task. She didn’t. She wasn’t embarrassed or ashamed that she’d lost control or that her body quickened again when his fingers accidentally brushed the top swell of her breasts when he buttoned the top button. For once, she let someone else dictate her destiny, at least for the moment, and it felt damn good.
Angel wanted to acquiesce to Alex’s wishes and let it all happen, to believe that this intense love affair could turn into something real. She wanted to forget her trepidation, melt into him, and just feel. She wanted… Alex. Always. Not just his body and the powerful, shuddering release he gave her, but the touch of his hand, his tender words, and, more than any of it, his love. Her eyes closed as her heart contracted at the realization.
The door opened and he slid inside, starting the car before glancing in her direction. They hadn’t spoken a word after they’d made love, and his green eyes took in her mussed hair and swollen lips. One side of his mouth lifted in the crooked smile she loved. His hand reached out to hold the side of her face, his thumb brushing back and forth against her cheek.
“I asked Cole to take your car back to your place, but I’m taking you home with me. Okay?” His voice was like a silk cocoon that slid around her and squeezed, making it impossible to refuse. Even if he worded it like a question, Angel knew he wasn’t asking permission.
Angel shifted in her seat as her hand came up to cover his. “Yes.”
“Now, that didn’t hurt so much, did it?” he teased, a sparkle coming into his eyes as they crinkled at the corners.
“Yes.” She smiled back weakly. “You have no idea how excruciating.”
His soft laugh vibrated around her as Alex put the car in gear before reaching down and lacing his fingers through hers. “I wouldn’t bet on it.”
They drove in silence, hands entwined, both lost in their own thoughts, afraid of ruining the moment with the wrong words. Angel studied his profile, drinking in every line of his face as the lights of the passing streetlights threw them both into shadow and then light again. He looked tired, jet lag from the six-hour time difference and the lateness of the hour clearly taking their toll on him. Angel’s fingers tightened around his, and he lifted her hand and pressed his lips in a slow sensual caress across the back of it. Her body, even so recently sated, opened and throbbed as he recreated the need once again. She said nothing as Alex deftly maneuvered the car onto I-90, the soft music from the satellite radio coming through in surround sound. Contentment took hold like a vice. She longed to be closer and wondered if, when they reached his apartment and despite his exhaustion, his arms would come around her and his mouth would find hers again.
Finally, she spoke, her tone soft. “Are they following us?”
Alex glanced at her quickly before turning his attention back to the interstate. “Security will follow until we’re safely in the garage of my building and the gate is secure behind us, yes. Then tomorrow, they’ll have you, as usual.”
Angel
inhaled deeply. “I wish this were over. I’d like to live my life without observation.”
She watched his muscles visibly tense. “I don’t feel comfortable discontinuing the surveillance yet. I’m sorry.”
“But… you said Swanson wouldn’t be able to—”
“I said he wouldn’t be able to afford a decent attorney, but he’s probably enraged right now and that makes him extremely dangerous. Most of his locations are closed, and he has no way to cover the operational expenses of those that remain; his outstanding loan payments are more than his cash flow can handle, and he’s in default. Stupidly, he didn’t protect his personal assets with an LLC incorporation. Plus, his wife is divorcing him. Logically, he has more pressing things to contend with besides hurting you, but I can’t take that chance.”
Angel’s brow crinkled. “That’s why I didn’t want you involved, Alex. Now, he’ll just come after you. Do you have bodyguards?”
Alex’s mouth quirked in the start of a smirk.
“What’s so damned funny? You’re just as much of a target as I am.” She huffed, but inside she was heartsick at the thought of the break-in at his estate and what they did to Max.
“I can take care of myself.”
“Well, I’m not some helpless damsel in distress, either. I can probably fight better than you.”
A deep laugh burst from him, and Angel couldn’t help but smile. “Humor me,” Alex said.
Angel’s smile faded. “Seriously, he might come after you.”
“He knows my Achilles heel. If he wants to get at me, you’ll be the target. So Cole and his team stay in place.”
“Until when? The end of time?” She pouted, and he rolled his eyes.
“Until I say so. End of discussion.”
“Well, if you would’ve stayed out of it then you’d be left untouch—”
Alex’s irritation got the better of him, and he interrupted her impatiently. “Angel! If I’d stayed out of it, they would have succeeded the night they tried to kidnap you! The sooner you accept how serious this is, the better off we’ll be!” he practically shouted.
She jumped in her seat, her eyes wide. “Not true! I kicked the shit out of that asshole!”
“If my guys weren’t there, those scumbags would have chased you down. I don’t care how well you fight, they would have succeeded!”
“It’s just as dangerous for you!”
Alex sighed, his fingers tightening around hers, refusing to let her go as she tried to pull her hand away. “Maybe, in certain ways, but I’m more concerned about you.”
Angel stared at Alex’s profile, the muscle in his jaw working overtime, his expression stern. “Then let’s make a plan to put him away,” she said matter-of-factly.
Alex inhaled a deep breath. “Hasn’t your lawyer-boyfriend explained the perils of entrapment to you? We have to wait until the bastard fucks up.”
“But, if the offense isn’t serious enough, he’ll just be back at it after he gets out! Surely, some well-placed goading or loosening of the security won’t qualify as entrapment.”
Alex shook his head. “Forget it. It’s too dangerous.”
“I can’t stand waiting day after day, always looking over my shoulder and worrying all the time! I can’t sleep.”
He sighed wearily. “I know. I have the same problem. Except tonight, with you beside me, I’ll sleep like the dead. It’s unlikely Swanson will try anything at Watertower. The security is too tight.”
Angel’s features softened as she looked at him, the love in her heart filling her up.
Alex glanced at her face briefly. “You’re not arguing. Are you ill?”
A gentle laugh escaped her. “It’s only because I see how tired you are. It wouldn’t be fair to take advantage of your incapacitated state.”
He chuckled again. “Keep telling yourself that, baby.”
Alex pulled into the garage and parked, using his phone via Bluetooth to communicate with Bancroft and Cole. When he was satisfied that Angel’s car was secure and they were safely ensconced behind the security gates, he walked around and opened her door. Proffering his hand before their arms slid around the other’s waist, he placed a soft kiss on her temple as they walked.
“I don’t have my pajamas,” she said with a devilish grin.
Alex played along. “I guess I’ll have to suffer through.” He breathed in the scent of her perfume and shampoo, grateful she was safely wrapped in his arms.
The ride up the private elevator was spent in gentle nuzzling and soft kisses, his lips teasing and lightly sucking on hers, neither of them able to keep their hands off the other. Angel’s fingers stroked the side of his face as his lips lifted and then returned to hers over and over. She wanted to melt into Alex’s arms for tonight and forever, even if she was still apprehensive of the pain to follow.
His tongue snaked out to nudge her top lip before his teeth pulled gently on her lower one. “God, you taste good.”
“I’ve missed you,” she admitted unwillingly as the elevator dinged and the doors opened.
“It’s been so unnecessary.”
He reluctantly pulled away from her, and her hands slid from over his strong shoulders and down his arms, her fingers taking in the contours of the muscles that lay beneath the material of his shirt. His hand closed around hers as he led her into his apartment. There were low lights on in the entryway, further into the great room, and from the direction of the kitchen.
Angel’s mind flashed to the last time she was here, when he made love to her unknowingly in a dream-like state. Her heart hammered as she followed him in, her fingers still threaded through his. It was as if Alex didn’t want to lose contact with her, and she didn’t protest. The prospect warmed her heart and a thrill coursed through her.
The stainless steel appliances reflected the light from the single light over the sink. The kitchen was spotless, even though he’d been gone, and a full bowl of fresh fruit was on the table. It occurred to Angel that Alex would most likely be hungry. It would be nine or ten a.m. in London. “Would you like something to eat? I can make an omelet or something.”
He shook his head and pulled her into his embrace, holding her tightly against him. Angel let her head rest on his chest as her arms slid around his waist. His chest rose and fell beneath her cheek when he inhaled and expelled a deep breath. “No food. Water and then bed.”
“You must be exhausted.”
“Yeah. It’s been 24 hours since I’ve slept.”
Alex carried a glass of water as he led her up the stairs and into his bedroom with one hand entwined with hers. Setting it on the nightstand, he pulled off his shirt in one smooth motion and tossed it on the chair on the far side of the room near the window. This room, like the others, was dimly lit from a small light in the bathroom, and Angel’s eyes followed his movements as he kicked off his shoes and opened his jeans.
“Do you want something to sleep in? One of my T-shirts?”
“Sure.”
He smiled and tossed her one and then watched her as she undressed and turned her back to take off her lacy bra. Probably best, he thought. Sleep. I need sleep.
The shirt came to the middle of her thighs and she pulled the bedcovers down and crawled beneath them. Alex peeled his jeans and boxer briefs off and left them where they landed on the floor. Walking naked to his dresser, he pulled out some black silk pajama pants and quickly put them on before joining Angel in the oversized bed.
“Fuck, I’m tired,” he murmured as he sank into the several pillows at the head of the bed. She could feel the heat seeping from their bodies into the comforter. The Egyptian cotton sheets were so fine; they slid against her bare legs like silk. She itched to reach out and run her hand over the smooth skin and firm muscles of the man before her, even as her own eyes got heavy. As if reading her thoughts, strong fingers reached around her arm, gently pulling her closer and across his body. “Get over here,” Alex commanded softly.
“Bossy, much?” She smile
d into the dark, her breath bathing his chest in a warm rush as she settled her cheek against over his heart; both of them now in a tangled embrace of arms and legs.
“Ah! At last, she understands!” he teased. She heard the smile in his voice and smiled.
“Like I said, you’re incapacitated. I’m taking pity on you for the moment, but don’t expect it to last.” His strong arms around her and the firmness of his chest beneath her head were what dreams were made of. Even as she goaded him, she was thankful they were both safe and together. Her heart filled to capacity and contentment settled around her more closely than the blankets, now warmly infused with the heat from their bodies.
His lips pressed to the top of her head and smiled sleepily. “Incapacitated, my ass.”
Angel couldn’t help a short laugh. Why did she have so much fun with this man? It boggled her mind how he could be so many things to her. “Nice ass.”
“I think yours is nicer.”
“Nah.” She giggled openly now as she poked Alex in the ribs. “Yours is.”
“Hey!” he protested. Before she knew it, he rolled over and her body was pinned securely beneath his, her thighs snugly cradling his hips. “Angel,” he mused before his lips traced up from her shoulder to the gentle slope of her neck and along her jaw. “Must you argue with me about everything?”
“Not everything,” she said softly, unable to stop herself from rocking her pelvis into his now apparent arousal. Her hands ran up his back, kneading the muscles.
“Wanna argue about how incapacitated I am?” he asked seriously, pulling his head up and searching her face. He knew he’d get no argument. The backs of his fingers brushed her cheek while his other hand traced her temple on the opposite side of her face. His hips moved against hers then, mirroring her movements. She gasped and closed her eyes, shaking her head. “No?” he whispered, his voice was thick with desire by now. “Good, then kiss me,” he commanded as his mouth hungrily latched onto hers.
