by Jenny Devall
“It doesn’t have to be dirty monkey sex. It could be sweet and slow.”
“It’s been a week. I’m not sure I can do slow,” Dirk said. He heard the breathlessness in his own voice. She had him tied up in knots, and he wasn’t sure he could stop himself.
She stared up at him, naked passion in her eyes. She wanted him. She wanted him now. Riley seemed to be his Kryptonite. Her hands hooked into his waistband and dropped his underwear on the floor.
Now he was naked, too. No excuse. He brushed a hair from her face. “Get on the bed.”
He fished a condom out of his nightstand, but left it on top. That could wait. He had to take care of her first. This he could do without hurting her.
Her legs hung over the side of the bed. He knelt between her knees, moving them farther apart. She was already wet for him, and her essence wafted up to him. She smelled so amazing. He leaned down and licked her folds. Slowly. Her body bucked.
Using his thumbs, he separated her lips and licked and sucked and licked and sucked until her body went rigid. She let out a keening sound, her hands fisting the bedspread. Her back arched, and he knew he’d done his job well.
He watched as her body jerked, and when those movements subsided, he slid onto the bed next to her. She rolled over and straddled him. This way he wouldn’t hurt her.
She rolled the condom onto him then slid onto his erect member. Slowly. Torturously. She let him inside of her. He wanted to grab her waist and jam her onto him, but he didn’t. No, he let his hands rest by his head. He let her take the lead.
This could go as fast or as slow as she wanted. When he was fully in her, she stopped, a devilish grin on her face.
“What?”
“You so fill me. I love it,” she said.
Not like he was a tiny guy. She slid up and down on him, her breath getting faster and faster. Then slowly a few times. She was teasing him.
That’s what he got for being a good boy, a gentleman. She was getting him back. Her hands rested on his chest as she moved her hips up and down. A random pattern. Just enough to keep him on the edge. He’d bet she was on the edge also.
Her breath came out in pants and he fisted his hands, trying not to lose it until she was done. Then she threw back her head and let out that sound again. He loved the abandon with which she made that sound. Hopefully his chef had already left.
Then he followed her over the edge, jamming his hips up into her. She collapsed on top of him.
He couldn’t speak. He couldn’t say what he was thinking. No words came out. She rested her head on his chest, her breathing uneven. Her legs were curled up on either side of him. He didn’t think he could have moved if the bed had been on fire.
He played with her hair, not afraid to touch that. She wasn’t injured there.
Finally he could speak again. “I guess you are feeling better.”
She laughed. “Much better now.”
His turn to laugh.
“You had something to tell me?” she said.
“I’ll think of it in a minute. I need some time for the blood to get back to my brain.”
A chuckle rumbled out of her. She sat up and slid off of him. He took care of the condom. When he returned she was in the same spot, sprawled across his bed. As if she owned it. She looked good there. He smiled down at her.
He sat on the bed, taking her hand in his. “My admin, Marcia, had an idea. I think it will supplement your program.”
“What?”
She leaned on her elbow.
“We make a dummy account. A big one, and see if the person takes the bait and gives that information to someone else. We’ll have access to all the information so we can track it.”
“That will help. Seems obvious now that you say it. Like disseminating false information to see where it leads,” Riley said.
“Right.”
“Great idea. Let’s set that up. We can do that from here?”
“No, it’ll be better if we do it from a computer at work. We can go in there tonight if you want.”
“That would require me to put clothes on.”
“You’ll have to if Chef is still here.”
She put a hand to her mouth. “I forgot about him.”
Dirk laughed. “He’s heard it all before.” He wished he hadn’t said that. He didn’t like to refer to past lovers in front of his current one. Riley didn’t react, so he didn’t point it out by apologizing. “You ready for dinner?”
“You still need your shower.”
“That’s right. Someone distracted me. I’ll go get the water going. You should join me.”
“I will as soon as I can move my limbs again,” she said.
He left her sprawled on his bed. Where she belonged. He didn’t want to think that way, but she did look that way.
Turning on the spray, he set it for warm, but not too warm. He liked hot showers, but Riley didn’t like them too hot. He froze. He’d never adjusted his shower for someone else. What the hell? She was getting under his skin. He didn’t want that. She would be gone just like the rest of them.
He’d be alone again. Happily, he thought, but didn’t believe himself. Riley would leave a scar on his heart when she left. Why had he let himself go so involved?
Hands came around from behind him. “Penny for your thoughts.”
“Not worth that much. I wasn’t really thinking of anything.”
“I’ll let you go then.”
She rested her head on his back. “Let’s hurry with this shower. I’m starving.”
“I guess I worked you hard.”
“I worked myself hard,” she said. “I was the one on top.”
“I liked that a lot. We’ll have to try that again.”
“Anytime, cowboy.”
Chapter Six
Riley sat at the dining room table in a fluffy robe, waiting for Dirk to bring in dinner. He’d insisted on eating in here. She didn’t know why, but she bet he had a reason.
The chef had made crepes, and somehow they stayed fresh and warm.
“I think they have crab in them,” Dirk said.
Riley would miss all of this wonderful food. Boxed macaroni and cheese was just not going to cut it anymore. She’d have to learn to cook more. Maybe Chef could teach her some basics while she was here. She’d ask him tomorrow.
For now, she would enjoy what he cooked.
And pitch her idea to Dirk, who she knew would not like it, but she wasn’t being reckless. He had to see that. To capture the leaker they were going to have to do some things that were unconventional. This person was clearly clever and knew how to cover his or her trail.
She’d never had a case this tough. Or a case that she didn’t want to end. She’d be without Dirk, and that would be sad. For once, a man had wormed his way into her heart. This was why she hadn’t wanted to fall in love.
She was already alone in the world. No family. Joan was a good friend, but as soon as that girl found a husband, she’d never see her again. The woman wanted babies and a white picket fence.
Riley didn’t need those things. Babies, maybe, but she hadn’t spent her childhood dreaming about having children. Other girls talked about their Prince Charming sweeping them off their feet. Riley had never understood tacking her dreams to another person.
She wanted to make herself happy.
Though, having gotten used to regular sex, she would miss that.
Dirk rubbed a spot on her forehead. “Your brow is furrowed. You are deep in thought and not enjoying these crepes the way you should.”
Riley smiled at him. “They are very good.”
“What were you thinking about?”
She put down her fork, wiped her mouth. She took a sip of her water, since she was still restricted from having wine.
“You’re stalling,” Dirk said.
“I’m just thinking about how I need to frame this so you’ll accept it.”
“Sounds like I’m not going to like your idea.”
&n
bsp; “You might not, but I think I’ve covered everything that could go wrong.”
Dirk laughed. “Go ahead.”
“I want to meet the person again. I think this person has a lot of useful information. We’ll do it with Kent involved in the whole process. I will not put myself in danger. I promise.”
Dirk finished chewing what was in his mouth. Riley did not like the look on his face. He was ready to dismiss the idea. She didn’t want him to disregard her idea.
She was doing this with or without his approval. She’d have a harder time getting it past her bodyguard if Dirk didn’t agree. She crossed her fingers under the table for luck.
“I don’t like it, Riley.”
“We’ll plan the meeting area. I’ll consult Kent and do whatever he says to stay safe.”
“Why are you so eager to do this?”
“Because I think this person might have some piece of information we can use to break this case. Don’t you want this person found? They’ve leaked your important information.”
“They’ve leaked client information also. Yes, of course I want this person caught.”
“Then let me do this. I’m doing it the right way, and the person will know that I’m not alone. I’ll make it clear to my contact that I can’t be alone and that there will be people watching.”
“What if he balks at that?”
“Then we won’t get the information.”
She’d let the contact dictate things to a point. She didn’t want to be in the hospital again, but ultimately this might be the only way they could find the leak.
She hoped it wasn’t Zeke. With all her heart, she didn’t want it to be Zeke. Riley thought that Chad being the culprit would be less painful to both of them. If she had to tell him that Zeke was the bad guy, he’d never forgive her.
They’d been friends for a long time. She didn’t want to break that up.
“So if the person won’t agree to your terms, you won’t do this.”
“Why would I?”
He eyed her, but didn’t say anything else. “You finished eating?”
“Yes. That was very good. I was thinking that I’ll have to learn to cook so I can eat like this when the job is over.”
A look of pain crossed Dirk’s face, but he shrugged it off. She wondered what that meant. Was he having second thoughts about ending it? No, that was wishful thinking on her part.
He stood, pulling her to her feet with him. He kissed her and shoved the robe off of her shoulders. She was naked in front of him.
He spun her around. “Look at the view.”
She did. It was stunning. The lights of the city made a beautiful panorama. Took her breath away. Dirk pulled her back to him, and his erection nudged at her bottom. What was he doing?
“Look at the lights, Riley,” he whispered.
His fingers found her warm center and he began to circle around her clit. She wasn’t sure she could stand.
“Spread your legs, honey.”
She did, and he rubbed a little harder, sending her into the stratosphere. She gripped his arm to steady herself. “Oh, Dirk.”
“Kneel down,” he said. “Put your hands on the floor.”
She did as he said, her gaze still on the scenery. This could be a beautiful city from this angle. Even on her hands on and knees as Dirk ran his hands over her.
He kissed her back. That sent tingles down her spine. She heard the rip of a condom package. Soon.
***
Riley had the most beautiful back. Long and lean. Just enough muscle to make it sexy. He wanted to kiss it all night, but his dick had other ideas.
She was wet and ready for him. This was how he’d dreamed of making love to her since she’d first entered his apartment. Hell, since she’d first entered his life. How was he going to live without her?
He was a man of his word, and if she wanted to be released when the job was done he would. He’d made a bargain, and he was going to stick to it.
He rolled on the condom then slid himself into her. She moaned. This was a whole different angle, and he loved it. He would touch her in ways he hadn’t before. He held her hips as he thrust into her. She pushed back to meet him with every stroke.
The lights danced as they moved. She threw back her head with what he wanted to only be her first orgasm. He hoped he could hold on for more than one. Her body clenched around him.
Why had he agreed that this was only business? It was so much more than that. She was so much more than any real girlfriend he’d ever had.
Her breath came out in pants. He stroked a little faster, wanting to wring at least one more out of her. Could he?
She pushed back at him harder than before, and he sped up. And there it was. Her body clenching around him again. This time he had to follow her over. Spilling his seed, but not really.
He clenched her hips as he pistoned in for the last part of his climax. Damn.
He wasn’t sure he could hold himself from falling on her. He tied up the condom and put it on a paper napkin. He didn’t want to move from her. Riley was now sprawled on his floor, her head resting on her hands.
She still stared at the view.
He slid up her body to cover hers with his. “Good?”
“Damn.”
He kissed the top of her head then rolled off of her. Grabbing the robes, he put them over both of them like covers. She turned her head to him. “What was that?”
“What do you mean?”
“You seemed more desperate,” she said.
She’d felt it. She’d felt his emotion in that act. Damn. “No, just a different position. Might be fun to get a manual and try them all.”
She eyed him as if she didn’t believe him, but she didn’t say anything.
“Dessert?”
“That wasn’t it,” she said.
“That was part of it.”
She started to get up. He shook his head. “Don’t get up. I’ll get us some pillows.”
He returned with some large pillows, and he made her comfortable before he left to get the ice cream that Chef had made. She sat up as he handed her a bowl of it.
“I’ll feed you.”
“You are in a mood tonight,” she said.
“Why?”
“You’re being very sweet. Very boyfriend-like.”
He wondered if he’d crossed a line. She wasn’t mad, but she seemed wary. Maybe he shouldn’t wear his heart on his sleeve. She might squash it. The thought hadn’t occurred to him. She might not feel the same.
Now he knew how all of his previous girlfriends felt. They must have had feelings for him, and he’d never considered them. He just dumped them when he was bored. The same thing would happen to him.
Riley wasn’t shallow. She was smart and ambitious. Smarter than he would ever be. How could he ever keep up? She’d get bored of him, so he shouldn’t try to keep her. If she wanted to leave he would have to let her.
She ate her ice cream in silence. She put down the bowl. “What’s wrong?”
He couldn’t tell her. Instead he said, “I’m not truly on board with you meeting this person. I want to go with you.”
“No. They will most likely clam up or not meet me if you are there.”
She had a point. At least he’d deflected from his real feelings. She would never know them, and he knew he was a coward for not saying something. He was the man. He was supposed to be strong, but he had a feeling that when Riley left she’d take a piece of him with her.
“I guess that’s true. You have to call me as soon as it’s all done. When are you meeting this person?”
“I haven’t set it up yet.”
She didn’t make eye contact when she said that. She was lying, but he had an ace in the hole. Kent would let him know what was going on. Hopefully she hadn’t charmed him. The man should remember who paid him. Not Riley.
As adorable as she could be, she wasn’t his paycheck. Dirk was.
“Well, let me know when you have. I’d also
like to know what Kent has to say and his idea for the logistics of this.”
“Sure. I’m sure he’ll have a lot to say.”
“Please do whatever he says.”
“Dirk, I will. I said I would. Let it go.”
Strong words from someone who was lying to him. He’d let it go because he’d figure it out eventually. He took their bowls, and then Riley helped him clear the table. He could leave it for his housekeeper. She was in tomorrow, but Riley insisted on cleaning up the kitchen.
“Okay,” he said.
Later they snuggled in front of a movie. Dirk was beginning to like movies, and it kept Riley resting. That way she’d heal and feel better. He liked her healthy and felt bad that she’d been injured on his job.
His movie was another romantic comedy. Riley’s favorite. He didn’t care as long as he could spend the time with her. He’d miss this when she was gone, but he knew they had no choice.
He had no choice, and that didn’t make him happy.
Chapter Seven
Dirk left for work, and Riley got down to business with Kent. She wanted them to strategize. Joan was on her way over. Another body to help. Another brain to come up with ideas.
An excitement ran through Riley. Maybe this time she’d get the information and this case would be done.
Kent sat in his usual spot at the kitchen island, reading a newspaper this time. He turned his gaze to her, wariness in his eyes. Had Dirk warned him that she might do something like this?
“Hi.”
“Hello, Riley. You look like you are up to no good.”
She laughed. “I have an appointment. With someone who might be able to give me information about what’s going on at Dirk’s company.”
“Okay.”
“I’ve told the person that I won’t meet him alone. That’s not an option. Here’s the address and time.”
The doorbell rang. Kent rose. “I’ll get it.”
“Of course.”
He’d answered the few times someone had rung the doorbell. Kent’s voice was clearly warmer when he realized it was Joan. Riley hadn’t had a chance to talk to Joan about it, but the date must have gone well. They chatted for a moment before they entered the kitchen.
