Jonah remained unconvinced. "You do that. However, I have to follow what I believe is the right course of action."
Damon clenched his jaw. "You do what you need to do. I'm going to review the security logs downstairs and view the camera feeds. I'll touch base with you later for the list of missing items." Damon headed out the door, his posture stiff with indignation.
Anna turned to Jonah. "Was that necessary?"
Jonah nodded. "I think it was. I like Damon. I do. But we can't have these kinds of breaches. It can't be tolerated. If he can't stop it, we have to take appropriate steps."
"You're right," Anna acknowledged. "I know you are, but I don't know if blaming Damon helps."
"Security isn't my area of expertise," Jonah responded, "but the problem hasn't been solved."
"That's the most important thing," Anna added. Her stomach churned with the knowledge that her research might have been damaged.
"Yes, and with that in mind, I'm going to see Marcus now."
Anna swallowed. "Okay. Carrie and I will go over everything and finalize the list of what's missing."
Jonah lightly touched Anna's shoulder as he turned toward the door. "Good. I'll see you later."
With Jonah gone, Carrie's reticence to speak disappeared. "Anna, what on earth is going on?"
Anna turned away. "I don't know. I really don't."
"I think we need to be more careful," Carrie declared.
"You're right. Let's back up everything."
Carrie jumped out of her seat. "I'll start now."
"Okay, good. I'll finish in the lab." Anna's shoulders slumped and she opened the inner lab door. When she spied the open cabinet, her specimens in disarray, anxiety swarmed her again. I can't let this happen again. I won't.
~ * ~ * ~
As he sat down in front of his computer, the phone vibrated in his pocket. He fished it out and checked the number. Damn. He couldn't avoid this call. He flipped open the phone and reluctantly said, "Hello?"
"You didn't get the right samples. Go back. Bring everything." The anger sizzled right through the phone line.
The thief pitched his voice low, even though he was alone. "I don't think that's possible. Security guards have been posted on the floor."
"I don't care what you think. Just do it. Get it all. All the samples. All the notebooks. In fact, get the data on the network as well. If you can erase it after copying it, that's even better."
"Hey, that wasn't our agreement."
"Our agreement has been modified."
"You don't understand."
"I don't need to understand. Do it. Period. That's it. You won't like the alternative. Call when you have everything. I'll arrange for a meet."
The thief sighed. "All right. I'll be in touch."
~ * ~ * ~
Jonah glanced around the lab and seeing they were alone, embraced Anna from behind. "I have something special planned."
Anna leaned her head back on his shoulder. "You do? What?"
He nibbled her ear. "I made reservations for dinner, but that isn’t the surprise."
Anna allowed the warmth of his embrace to wash over her. "What's the surprise?"
"If I told you, it wouldn't be a surprise."
Pressing her rear into his groin, Anna wiggled against him. "But you did tell me."
His hand gripped her hip. "Yes, but only to get your imagination going."
Anna laughed. "You're evil." Jonah's demeanor was often so serious it made her appreciate the moments of levity all the more.
His mouth traveled from her ear to her neck. "Yes, and you love it, don't you?"
Anna smiled. "Yes. Actually, I do."
Jonah chuckled. "I thought so. Are you almost ready to go?"
Anna's smile evaporated as she thought of leaving her work in the lab. Locks didn't seem to be enough protection. "I'm ready. Everything is put away." She paused, wondering how to convey her concern. "Jonah?"
"Yes?"
Anna squeezed her hands until her knuckles turned white. "Locks don't seem to be enough."
"Damon has extra people on security. They're on heightened alert."
Anna tucked her hair behind her ear. "Still …"
Jonah placed his hand on her arm reassuringly. "I know how you feel, but it will be fine."
Anna turned in his arms and rested her head on his shoulder. "Okay."
~ * ~ * ~
Later in the restaurant, Anna was still trying to take Jonah's advice. She battled to put work out of her mind and focus on Jonah, but the break-ins cast a shadow on the evening. Her research was important to her. It had been the most important thing in her life for a long time. A threat to her work was intolerable.
Jonah reached across the table and took her hand. "Hey."
Anna broke out of her thoughts. "I'm sorry. I just can't put work out of my mind."
"I know. It's on my mind, too. But as there is nothing we can do about it at the moment, I'm going to enjoy this evening with you." He released her hand and found her leg under the table. His fingers tantalized her skin until thoughts of anything but him were banished from her mind.
Love for Jonah welled up within her. "Jonah, I …" Anna stopped herself. Was she ready to tell Jonah how she felt? Was he ready to hear it?
Jonah cocked his head. "You what?"
Anna longed to say the words, but she didn't want to scare him off. "I'm looking forward to later."
Jonah's fingertips lingered on her forearm. "As am I."
Anna knew it was too soon, but the urge to share her love remained. It was only a matter of time before she blurted it out. She'd never been good at holding back or hiding.
The waiter arrived at the table with an offer of dessert and coffee. Anna declined and Jonah asked for the check. In a few minutes, they were out on the sidewalk.
Jonah hailed a cab and helped Anna inside. She slid across the slick vinyl seat and rested her head on the back cushion, closing her eyes. Anna reached out until she found Jonah and he grasped her hand.
He moved closer to her, kissing her cheek. "Have you thought about what I have planned for you?"
Anna shivered as he whispered to her. "No … I can't begin to guess."
Jonah kissed her jaw. "Oh, I doubt that's true."
He was right. Since Jonah's first teasing mention of his plans, Anna's mind had played through various scenarios. She had tried not to build expectations in her mind as a bulwark against disappointment. A part of her was happy just to be with Jonah, but another part was determined to treat it as a test. Would Jonah pass or fail? It wasn't that simple. She knew it wasn't. One time wouldn't make or break everything. But if it turned out negative, she feared it might become an obstacle.
When they entered Jonah's apartment, Anna tensed with anticipation. She appreciated that he was making an effort to address her sexual interests. His willingness encouraged her hope for their future. But how much work did it require on his part? Though no relationship was effortless, too hard was no good, either.
Without speaking, Jonah herded her toward the bedroom. He flipped on a lamp, which cast a glow over the bed.
Anna reached for Jonah's arm. "Are you going to tell me?"
Jonah shook his head. "Get undressed and you'll see soon enough."
The command in his voice thrilled Anna. She pulled her blouse off over her head and unfastened her skirt, allowing it to fall. She stood before him, quaking with excitement.
Jonah's appreciative gaze wandered her form. "Everything."
Anna reached between her breasts and unhooked her bra. She shrugged her shoulders and it slipped off her arms and onto the floor. Grasping the waist of her panties, she pulled them down in one quick movement and stepped out. An overwhelming feeling of exposure consumed Anna, but she resisted crossing her arms.
Jonah stared at her nipples as they beaded tight. "Get on the bed."
Anna scrambled onto the mattress, eager to experience the unfolding of Jonah's plan. She stretched out on her back, w
eak with anticipation. Her toes curled and her fingers grasped the bedspread as intense desire overloaded her body.
"Close your eyes."
Anna squeezed her eyes tightly closed and relaxed. She turned her face toward the ceiling and focused on the growing flame inside her. She heard the rustling of fabric and the jingle of coins hitting the floor as Jonah undressed.
Jonah grasped a satin ribbon already tied to one post. He wrapped the long strip of fabric around her wrist and then up to her elbow. He carefully kept the ribbon flat against her arm, snug but not digging into her flesh.
With slow, unhurried movements, he repeated his actions on her other arm and moved to her legs. The ribbons were long and twisting. Around and around he wound them, up her calf, crossing over the knee and back down again. When he finished with her other leg, he smoothed his hand over the ribbon, checking his work. "Are you comfortable?"
"Yes." Anna's voice was barely a whisper.
Jonah ran his fingertip under the edge of the ribbon. "No binding?"
"No." Wild rapture swirled through her as he touched her and her shallow breaths became almost a pant.
"Good. I want you to see my handiwork." He flipped the switch on the wall and bright light flooded the room.
Anna glanced along the length of her body. The black ribbons wound around her in a symmetrical pattern that contrasted with her creamy skin, creating a sensual display.
"It's beautiful, isn't it? You're beautiful. I have something else for you." The warm timber of his words triggered a frisson of expectation. From the side table, Jonah picked up two items and held them out for her inspection. One was a wand vibrator and the other a glass phallus.
Anna experienced a tingling low in her belly. "What are your plans?"
"My plans are pleasure, yours and mine. Any objections?" He reached out and touched a fingertip to her cheek.
"None whatsoever." Anna swallowed, trying to restrain her eagerness.
Jonah flipped the switch on the vibrator and brought the pulsating rod to the side of her breast. He massaged back and forth and moved to the areola.
Anna sucked in a breath as her nipple hardened. The vibrations created pleasurable radiating streaks throughout her chest.
Jonah descended toward her vulva. Tingling trails of heat rose in the wake of the vibrator. He reached her clit and pressed it against her. "Harder?"
Anna spread her legs, as far as the ribbons allowed. "Yes, please."
She was rewarded with increased sensations as he flipped the switch to a higher setting.
Jonah stroked the glass phallus against her leg, cool and smooth. He ran the tip up the inside of her leg until he reached her opening. Searching, probing, the tip entered.
Anna arched her back, welcoming the intrusion. Her body pulsed and she knew she was close to the sensual edge.
Jonah teased and taunted her with the promise of entry. He kept a steady pressure on her clit even as she squirmed under the twin torment of both implements.
Anna quivered, wanting more, needing more. "Please …"
"Don't worry. I won't leave you unfulfilled." Jonah held the phallus close enough that Anna could lunge up, and she did, thrusting it further inside. He held it steady as she repeated her action, again and again. He forced her to work toward her goal — to achieve the climax rising within her.
With a piercing cry, Anna's world splintered. She strained against her bonds, muscles contracting as sexual gratification swept over her.
Replacing the vibrator with his fingers, Jonah stimulated her gently. "Yes. Just like that. Don't hold back."
Jonah's urgent demand spun through her mind as she crested and slid down the other side. He placed his tools on the table, climbed on the mattress, and knelt between her legs. Grasping her hips, he entered her to the hilt.
Anna was stunned to feel desire rising again as he filled her. His determined penetration pushed her toward a higher peak. Voiceless, she whimpered as he incited her fiery passion.
"I can't hold back. Come again. Come for me again." His demand set off an exploding spark inside. Anna responded to his call, twisting higher with pounding need.
As Anna's climax ebbed, Jonah reached his release and collapsed on top of her, gathering her close. She struggled against the ribbons, longing to wrap her arms around him. After a moment, Jonah stirred and untied the ends. The bands slackened and Anna squirmed free.
She snuggled alongside Jonah with her head on his shoulder. Her energized body slowly relaxed, and her heart stopped its racing gallop.
Jonah kissed her forehead. "Did you enjoy that?"
She nodded. "Oh yes, very much. Did you?"
"Couldn't you tell?"
"You came. I know that. But that doesn't mean that this did anything for you."
Jonah traced a fingertip around the contour of her breast. "It did something for me."
"I'm glad." She kept her relief to herself and held on tight.
Chapter 8
The phone rang, waking them both. Jonah grabbed the receiver. "Hello?"
Anna turned on the bedside light. The cobwebs of sleep receded from her head.
"What? Tabitha? Hold on. Slow down." Jonah jumped to his feet, running his fingers through his hair.
Anna went to his side and rubbed his shoulders, trying to calm his increasing agitation.
"What? What? Worry about one thing for now. Okay. I'll make the arrangements." He hung up the phone.
"Jonah, what's happened?" She knew Tabitha and Marcus were on their honeymoon. Only something bad would have prompted a call in the middle of the night.
"Marcus was in an accident. He needs a medical evacuation back to New York. I have to make some phone calls." Jonah pulled open a drawer and grabbed clothing.
Anna gasped. "Oh no! What happened?"
"I'm not sure. He was parasailing and the line snapped. He landed in trees. They transported him to a local hospital, but he's in critical condition. Tabitha wants him brought back to New York for treatment and I agree."
"How can I help?" Anna asked.
Jonah hesitated. "I don't know. Make coffee? I have to make the arrangements."
"Of course." Anna took a robe from the closet and slipped it on. She hurried into the kitchen and prepared food while the coffee brewed.
A short time later, Jonah entered the kitchen.
Anna handed him a mug of steaming coffee. "Were you able to schedule what is needed?"
"Yes, a medical team and plane are on the way. They'll bring him back and an ambulance will pick them up at the airport. We'll meet them at the hospital."
Anna took his hand. "Jonah, I'm so sorry. I'm sure he'll be okay."
Jonah squeezed her fingers. "I hope so. I called Damon, too. He's on his way over."
"Damon? What for?"
"This is the second supposed accident in a short period of time. Marcus was almost hit by a car not that long ago. In addition, Tabitha claims that the line attached to Marcus was in good condition, and the boat operator disappeared immediately after the accident."
"That doesn't seem unusual. They were probably afraid because of what happened."
"Maybe. I'm still going to have Damon investigate. Tabitha is bringing the rope, the chute, and the life jacket back with her."
"Why would someone want to hurt Marcus?" Anna asked in a bewildered voice.
"I don’t know, but if it's true, I'm going to find out."
~ * ~ * ~
Hours later, they entered the hospital through the emergency room entrance. Jonah checked at the desk, and the clerk directed them to the surgical waiting area. Anna spotted Tabitha immediately when they passed through the doors.
Tabitha jumped up from her seat and ran into Jonah's arms. When Jonah released her, Tabitha stepped back. "He's going to be okay. He has a concussion and a broken wrist. His leg is broken, too. The surgery is for the leg. They're being very careful because of the concussion, but the surgeon recommended that we not wait."
Jonah absor
bed the information. "How serious is it?"
Tabitha covered her mouth with her hand as tears threatened again. After a moment, she spoke. "It's serious, but the doctor said he's in good physical condition. He anticipates that Marcus will make a full recovery with physical therapy. It will take time."
Jonah's relief was palpable. "How was the trip?"
Tabitha twisted her wedding ring around on her finger. "Harrowing. The medical team was great. I was a mess. Thank you so much, Jonah, for handling the arrangements. I was so afraid. Marcus looked like a broken doll. It was horrible." A tear welled and spilled over, trailing down her cheek. Tabitha reached out and grasped Anna's hand. "Thank you so much for coming."
Anna smiled weakly. "Well, I'm happy to help. I know these aren't the best of circumstances."
Jonah broke in. "What happened to the gear?"
Tabitha hesitated, confused by the change of subject. "Damon already took it."
Jonah took a deep breath. "Tabitha, I hate to ask you, because I'm sure you've gone through it many times already."
Tabitha held up her hand. "Don't worry. I understand. Marcus is your brother."
"Yes." Jonah guided Tabitha back to her seat and settled in beside her.
Tabitha trembled visibly and the story tumbled out of her. "We were on the beach, just lazing around. There was a boat offering parasailing at the pier. I thought the operation was affiliated with the hotel. I later found out it wasn't. But anyway, we saw people doing it, and it looked like fun. I went first. I didn't have any problems."
Jonah urged Tabitha to continue. "Everything seemed safe?"
Tabitha dabbed her eyes with a tissue. "Yes. I know now that there's no regulation or even inspection required of the equipment, but we didn't know that."
"What happened when Marcus went?" Jonah gripped Tabitha's hand.
"Marcus was gliding in the air as the boat was crossing the bay when the line snapped. Marcus floated a bit, but there was no way to control the chute. His momentum brought him in to shore on the far side of the bay. He landed in trees there. When I saw what happened, I admit I was frozen a minute. I alerted the lifeguard and started running. The lifeguard gathered a few hotel employees and they came with a backboard and first aid kit."
Shades of Submission: Fifty by Fifty #1: Billionaire Romance Boxed Set Page 18
