“So, we’re partners.” I fight the hold he has on my hands, but he doesn’t let them go. “Partners don’t touch. They don’t kiss.”
He winks at me. “You know, as you talked about your mom, I was thinking. What the hell is this woman doing spending time with the FBI?”
“This woman works for them. I like what I do,” I respond, ordering my heart to stop that stupid thundering noise. It’s not allowed to answer to Harrison’s touch like if each time our skin makes contact it’s a life-altering event.
“I understand that. What I mean is that the FBI isn’t for you.”
A lump lodges in my throat. He’s no different from my father or my brothers.
“You’re passionate, strong, caring, and smart. They are wasting your talent,” he continues, and my eyes sting at his praise. “I want to hire you.”
Hire me?
For two seconds, I consider his words. Then I remember what he does and what he stands for. “No,” I respond without thinking about the proposal.
“Keep my informal offer on the back burner. We can come back to it later,” Harrison responds. “You need a little more room to spread your wings and achieve what you really want to.”
“And you know what I want?” I ask dismissing his tone and offer. “We just met.”
“I’ve been watching you since we met.” He doesn’t let the subject go easily. “Luna, I’m offering you more than what the FBI will ever give you. If you work for us, you can help us profiling and run our human trafficking division.” He might not know me, but he’s saying just the right words, meaningful words.
“You will have an entire team at your disposition,” he continues enticing me. “And technology that the FBI has no idea exists. You’ll lead teams. And during some of the undercover operations, you might be able to join me. Most of all, you’ll have more assets to bring people home or find justice.”
“Why only during some undercover operations?”
“With your experience and knowledge, I doubt that Bradley will put you to do fieldwork. You’re more like ‘A team’ material, and we aren’t sent in the field as often.”
I gasp. My eyes widen, and my heart accelerates. He’s offering me a dream. I stop myself immediately. He’s luring me with the things I want to hear, but what if I accept and they won’t deliver on any of those promises?
“I will only work for rich people?”
“You’re a little prejudiced.” He shakes his head, running a hand through his hair. “We work for agencies like the FBI, governments, and private parties. We also take pro bono cases.”
I frown. “Who pays when you do that?”
“That’s why we overcharge,” he answers without remorse.
He smiles at me, and I feel like he’s offering me the sun and the moon. He’s waiting for me to take it, but . . .
“What do you say, Luna?”
“I’ll take it into consideration.”
Am I crazy for even considering working for him?
I’ve criticized Tiago for working with these men. The day he told us that he had bought part of the company I ranted about his lack of honor. He’s a mercenary, a rent-a-cop. A cold-blooded killer.
“You have no idea what you’re talking about, Luna,” he would retort, not fighting me. He never released too much information.
“That’s all I’m asking for. Now, can we talk about our other deal?” Harrison releases my hands, but his corded arms loop around my waist. His face is only inches away from mine. His breath caresses my lips.
“There’s no deal,” I say, breathless.
“Oh, but there can be if you want to,” he states, his eyes finding mine.
My breath hitches and I shake my head trying to escape him.
“I want to continue that kiss we started at the yoga studio. I’ll kiss you so thoroughly that we’ll lose ourselves maybe for an eternity, at least for a thousand years.” His eyes don’t leave mine, he’s too close but he doesn’t kiss me.
“None of those lines are going to convince me. That kiss was a small slip,” I say, trying to strengthen my weak knees. He’s so close, too close, and if he comes closer I swear . . .
“Don’t fight it,” he whispers. “I know you feel at least some of the heat. The way you kissed me back told me that I’m not the only one wanting this.”
He leans in and kisses me.
It’s a simple kiss.
Nonetheless, it’s his kiss.
Everything in this moment becomes him and me. We are one. He’s underneath my skin. His breathing becomes mine. We share one beat and one breath. All I can taste in this moment is him. All I can feel is the warmth of his skin, the fire underneath us burning. The heat suddenly becomes unbearable, but I want more. I want to be consumed.
“Is anybody here?” I jump away from his hold as the voice of my brother vibrates around the place.
“Everhart!”
Twenty
Luna
“The big guy is going to kill me, but my death will be worth it.” Harrison’s stupid grin doesn’t falter. “Have I mentioned that your kisses taste like honey and heaven?” He runs a shaky hand through his hair and asks. His eyes burn like two blue flames. Harrison is as affected as I am. Is his heart threatening to jump out of his chest too?
I gasp for breath, trying to control the fervent heat that’s blazing through my body.
“Are you okay?” He has trouble controlling his breathing too.
I nod slightly. He has left me numb, speechless, and needy. I swallow, unable to respond. Am I okay? A tornado just swooped me inside of its vortex while I was catching fire. I fan my face with my hand. New rule, no kisses. Harrison Everhart isn’t allowed to kiss me like he’s trying to swallow my heart and own my soul in just one bite.
“Luna, what a surprise?” Tiago enters the kitchen glaring at Harrison, then looking at me. He steps right in between us and shoots a murderous look at him. “Everhart, you’re too close to my little sister.”
No, he’s too far from me. I want him closer, his body against mine. But all I can do is stare at those blue pools filled with desire.
“Close? I didn’t know we had set parameters on how many inches we need of separation between bodies,” Harrison says, breaking the stare.
When he takes a step backward, my body misses his heat.
“How close do you want me, big guy?” Harrison asks, stepping too close to my brother and serving him with an unapologetic grin. “I need the ground rules, so I remember that the next time I have to carry your useless body across the battlefield.”
Harrison angles his head, our eyes meet. “Do you have any restrictions I should know about, Luna?” He says my name slowly with a smile plastered on his face. “Twelve thick inches, maybe?”
My face heats up when he blurts the inches, but I grin when my brother growls. I’m between a rock and a hard place. How can I rant to Harrison? And tease my brother at the same time? This is torture.
I shake my head. My eyes lower when my brother’s nostrils flare. These two are amusing together. I’ve never seen my brother so worked up and he’s been here for only a few minutes.
“We have rules, Everhart,” my brother reminds him, Harrison rolls his eyes.
“What’s with your family and all these fucking rules, T?” He walks toward the refrigerator, takes out a couple of beers, and hands one to my brother. Twisting the cap off, he takes a couple of swigs, those blue eyes staying on me.
“I swear, I’ve never seen this tight ass side of you.” He then looks at my brother.
“Rules? Are you trying to make a pass on my sister that she has to set you straight?” My brother looks at me, his voice is demanding.
Divert, Luna. Divert this conversation.
If we continue talking about Harrison, his twelve inches of separation, that hot body, those rough hands and . . . wait we weren’t talking about any of that. But that’s all my mind can focus on. My body is sizzling, and my core is aching. Every cell of my body i
s waiting for more. If I don’t find release soon, I might die. Even if it’s Harrison, who has to take care of it. Would I prefer if he uses his hands on me?
My cheeks heat up when I picture our mouths exploring our bodies. Those hands . . . I press my thighs hard when I picture the heel of his palm pressing hard against my clit, as his callused fingers pump inside me, hard . . .
“Mmm,” I moan, closing my eyes. This can’t be happening. Why am I so turned on and on the verge of having an orgasm in the middle of the kitchen?
“Are you okay, Luna?” Harrison hands me the beer he’s holding. “You look a little flushed, should I adjust the air conditioner?”
I wave away the beer. “I’m fine. Water, do you have any water?”
Cold water, cold shower, I need to run away from here!
“Are you getting sick?” My brother rubs his brow, studying me.
“I didn’t know you were in town. We could’ve done something.” My eyebrows draw inward as I try to fake annoyance, but it’s not working. All I can think about is Harrison and that kiss, his mouth.
My brother raises an eyebrow. He looks at Harrison who slumps his shoulder. Then, his attention is back at me. “You’re shitty at taking care of her. I’m not sure if I should head back to Seattle.”
“How’s Kevin?” Harrison crosses his arms, smirking at my brother. “I was thinking about visiting him soon to get a tattoo.”
A tattoo? I jump into that subject. “I want a tattoo too,” I say, unable to hide the excitement. This is perfect, I was hoping that I could do it soon. “Are they good?”
Harrison nods.
“They are the best,” Tiago confirms.
“Can I come with you? I’ve chosen these quotes from Mom’s journals that will go great right around here.” I touch under my right breast.
“Never,” Tiago and Harrison answer simultaneously.
Tiago’s hand raises, his finger points at me. “Are you reading that shit again?” He breathes loudly. “Dad is right, isn’t he? You’re here looking for trouble.”
“Mom’s journals aren’t shit. And I’m looking for justice. Not trouble.” I cross my eyes, tilting my chin. “I’m doing it the smart way. Harrison is helping me.”
“What the fuck, Everhart?” my brother growls.
“Thank you, beautiful,” Harrison mutters, tipping his head. “Being close to you reminds me how precious and short life can be.”
Harrison touches his index finger as he begins to count. “First, you tried to kill me.”
“You broke into my place,” I remind him, clenching my teeth.
“That doesn’t erase the near-death experience.” His attention goes back to his fingers. “Then, you threaten me for calling you, babe.”
“Because I hate that term.” I poke his chest twice. “So, don’t call me babe.”
“Duly noted,” he acknowledges scribbling something in the air. “But now you throw me under the fucking bus.”
He tosses his hands up in the air. “Your family is lethal, T. I’ve almost died a few times because of you, and now your little sister is pushing me on the train tracks so to speak.”
Then, he gives me a stern look. “What’s next? Are you going to tell him I’ve kissed you senseless?” He jets out of the kitchen but stops for a few seconds. “I’m just glad he can never outrun me.”
“I told you not to touch her. You’re going to regret being born, Everhart,” Tiago yells, charging after him.
I grab his shirt. “Stop, Santiago Federico Cordero, or you’ll be the one who is sorry.”
“Is everything okay?” Scott steps into the kitchen, Hazel right behind him.
“This isn’t a good time, Hazel,” Harrison protests as she pulls him with him.
“Don’t be such a baby. I’m sure I can protect you against any spider you might’ve found in the kitchen.” Hazel halts when she sees me. “Oh good, a strong woman is here to protect you. See there’s nothing to fear.”
“What are you doing here?” Harrison releases her hold and stares down at her.
“I’m helping you,” Hazel responds. “We didn’t go through your schedule for the upcoming week. I scored us an invite for a gala on Saturday night. That’s a great place for Luna to meet and greet. I tried to call you, but neither one of you answered your phones. Since Scott has to pack a bag, we came hoping to catch some action.” She ends the fast talk with an innocent grin.
“Ooh, no one told me that Tiago is in the house.” Hazel walks into my brother’s arms. “How are you?”
“I’m doing well, Little Hazel,” Tiago greets her, then, turn his body to shake hands with Scott, but his eyes remain on Hazel. “I see you’re taking care of my sister, thank you.”
“Of course. Anything for you, T,” Hazel sends a flirty smile his way.
I stare at them, surprised by their camaraderie. Feeling a pang of jealousy in my chest. My brother has kept himself too far away from us. I’m meeting his friends and learning that he’s loved by so many people.
“Haze, would you mind giving me a hand so we can leave sooner?” Scott requests, his jaw tightening.
“Yeah, give me a second, Scotty.”
Hazel’s focus is now on Harrison and me. “I like what you two are doing.” Her voice is professional.
“Hunt and Willow bought the entire thing. I didn’t correct them, and that’s how we’re running things.” She claps. “For the upcoming days, I suggest you two continue working on convincing everyone that you’re a new couple and that this relationship is going strong. Walk around New York, shop, have some ice cream while strolling around Central Park. You need to share lots of PDA. Small touches and casual kisses too. I emailed you a list of suggestions for where to go during the week.”
“No kissing,” Tiago growls. “Or dating. They aren’t a couple.”
Hazel glares at him, and I swear her lips peeled and her eyes widened. “You better not ruin this, Tiago. I spent a few hours planning this, and your part is to keep that big brother attitude hidden.”
“Just a few hours?” Harrison questions, grabbing my hand.
“Yes, I invested . . . fine, maybe it was several hours pulling something credible. I know what I’m doing, Tiago.” Then, she smiles at him. “Say hi to everyone in Seattle.” She kisses his cheek and dances out of the kitchen.
“She’s vicious.” Tiago frowns at her.
“Especially if she’s hungry or you try to tamper with her plans. I’m just not sure what her plan is.” Harrison shakes his head.
Harrison pulls out his phone and starts scrolling on it. “We have a packed week.” He frowns at the screen. “Pedicures? We are not doing couple’s pedicures.”
“But that sounds just perfect.” My brother smirks. “I’ll book it for you, Everhart.”
I massage my temple when I look at that email. “Dance lessons?”
“When is my next mission?” Harrison’s eyes harbor anxiety. “I’ll take saving Tiago’s ass over opera.”
“Can I join?” I would beg him to take me with him if it’s necessary. “I’d rather slit someone’s throat than . . .” Waving my phone, I deflate. “She’s crazy.”
“We’re leaving!” Hazel calls from the door. “Don’t worry, everything has been booked, paid, and scheduled. Don’t flake on me, Harrison. This is your time to shine.”
“I hate her!” Harrison and I say in unison.
Twenty-One
Harrison
My body is buzzing from all the sexual frustration accumulated last night. Tiago stayed with us. Luna teased me with those vixen eyes and smart mouth while hanging out with her brother and me. Well, she was teasing Tiago by flirting with me. She probably would’ve ignored me if we had been alone. Or I’d have finally broken through her walls. I need to show her how good we could be together. If I can just get rid of the big guy. He’s following my every move. When I informed him that I was going to Luna’s class, he decided to join me.
“Step your feet out, taking the side
of your yoga mat and reach your arms wide as well,” Luna instructs. “Now keep your gaze to the front of the room and bend over without arching your back.”
Every muscle in my body shakes as I switch from one position to another. My forehead drips with sweat. Who practices yoga while the humidity is at seventy-five percent and the heat cranked all the way to hot as hell? I guess now I know what Hot Bikram stands for. Next time, I’ll follow Luna’s advice and do some research before I choose her classes.
“Be mindful of your body,” Luna repeats, stepping right beside me. “Find your breath, and let everything go.”
Tiago starts wheezing, masking his laughter, again. It’s not like he’s doing it right, but he doesn’t have the hot teacher hovering over him and telling him that he’s useless. Well, she hasn’t said that to me, but I swear each time she adjusts my position, it feels like I can’t do anything right. And then she has the fucking nerve of saying, “You’re doing great.”
If I’m doing great why the hell are you fixing what I’m doing?
“Inhale, and as you lower your body, exhale. Keep your hips straight, back straight and continue bending forward.” I feel her hands adjusting my waist, her fingers move slowly up and down my back, tracing a line through my spine.
Stop touching me!
Think how Tiago is going to kill you if you take this further. Nope, dick doesn’t care. One . . . two . . . three . . . nope, how about . . .
Her hands are like velvety rose petals, caressing my skin; awakening my body as if sunlight was bathing it as it rises in the morning. Her touch is making me aware of what I’m missing, what I’ve been searching for, but I shouldn’t have right now. Luna. Yes, touch me. Slide those hands lower. But the sexual frustration is nothing compared to my swollen chest. I hold my breath, pushing away the emotions blossoming inside my heart.
“Concentrate on your breathing,” she orders, her mouth close to my ear.
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