by Mandy Harbin
It was an unspoken acknowledgment that Brody had already exercised his right to seek help, and he was relieved his coworker had kept his mouth shut about it. Gage was still new around here, but if he pulled through on this assignment, he just might earn his keep for good in Brody’s eyes.
But now Colonel was waiting for him to put his two cents in. Xan definitely needed the protection, but after having sex with her, he needed to revitalize his efforts to alter Colonel’s plan. Brody couldn’t afford to protect her from the inside because he knew he wouldn’t be able to resist her for long. He couldn’t afford to be longing for more. No, he needed to stay in the shadows.
But he couldn’t discuss that in front of everyone.
He crossed his arms and leaned back in his chair. “I agree with Gage. It doesn’t matter what we think she should do. As long as we’ve been hired to watch, we keep doing that.”
Colonel stood, nodding. “Good. Then I’ll keep everyone posted on any changes.”
The guys stood up to leave, but Brody held back, waiting for the room to clear. His muscles tensed and his head pounded. He didn’t want to have another confrontation with his boss, but as hardheaded as Colonel was, it was the only outcome.
“I want your permission to stay in the shadows on this.”
“Damn it, Brutus! What in God’s name is your fucking problem?”
He took a deep breath and tried relaxing. If he punched his boss, it wouldn’t do any good. “I feel I’m more effective working that way. The goal here is her protection, and I want to make sure I do my job right.”
“And you think you can’t do that being her friend? Or do you just want to fuck her so bad you’re worried I wouldn’t approve? If that’s the case, don’t worry. Fuck her ears off. Just stay on her ass when you’re not staying in her bed.”
He was seeing red. The urge to grab his boss by the throat and throw him against the wall almost consumed him to the point of immediate action. “That is irrelevant,” he finally gritted out.
Colonel stepped closer, stabbing his finger in Brody’s chest. “That little bitch has you by the balls. I can see it. Don’t fucking play me, Brutus. Use it to your advantage. Now that Collins is on parole, she’s a flight risk. If she had somebody close to her, she might either confide in her desire to leave or decide to stay because she trusts that person enough to watch out for her. If you’re not willing to fucking do it, then fine,” he yelled, throwing his arms up. “I’ll get Blade to do it. I’m sure he’d love to stick to her through any means necessary. Fucking her would be a bonus for him.”
Brody’s control was hanging on by a thin thread. He stepped up to Colonel, nose to nose. “You will not put anyone else on her.”
Colonel smiled mockingly. “I figured you’d see it my way. Bring this shit up again, and you’re out. You got that?”
Brody gritted his teeth so hard he’d be surprised if he had any molars left after today. “Got it.”
Colonel took a step back, his shoulders relaxing before taking a deep breath. “I do have a little bit of news regarding your previous connection to Xan Bradley.” Brody’s eyes widened, body tensing all over again, but for a very different reason. “Turns out you were one of Marco Collins’ hired guns. I’d hoped to be able to tell you more, but I still have people working on it.”
It wasn’t great news, but if he was honest with himself, this wasn’t a surprise. Colonel had already discovered he’d been a killer, and Collins was as ruthless as they’d come. “You think that’s why I know her? If I was a member of his gang, she should recognize me.”
He shook his head. “No, you were an independent contractor. I know it’s not a lot, but it’s a start. Don’t worry. You’ll get your answers. I’ll see to it.”
“Thanks, man.” Brody nodded before stepping back out into the bay to continue working on her car.
He had to figure out a way to become her friend without getting attached to her and keeping her from ever discovering who he was. And after the way he’d been treating her, he had no idea how he was going to accomplish that. Besides, even if they’d never officially met in their other lives, he still didn’t want her to know the truth about him.
This had disaster written all over it.
Chapter Eight
This had disaster written all over it, Xan thought as she stood in front of the video games at Walmart. Scott’s first football game was tomorrow night, and she wanted to surprise him with that damn game he’d asked her for, so she’d rushed here right after work. She’d told him the news about his sperm donor the night Jack had called, and he’d taken it really well. He’d even helped talk her off the proverbial ledge when she was ready to flee to some tiny island country. Her boy was turning into a responsible young man, and he deserved a surprise for the effort he’d always exerted.
She just couldn’t quite remember the name of that dang game, and she had to elbow her way around kids playing the latest systems on display. Where were these kids’ parents anyway? She was about ready to break a wrestling move and start checking them out of her way.
“Can I help you ma’am?” a young employee asked her.
“Er, yeah. I’m looking for a game for my son, but I don’t remember the name of it.”
“Hmmm. Okay, let’s see.” He pointed toward the display. “We have a new SpongeBob game that just came out.”
She suppressed a laugh, but she did smile. “He’s grown out of that.” Thank you, Jesus. “I think it was Blood War something.”
“Bloodbath Four? Great game. It’s right over here.” He started to open the case, but the name didn’t sound right.
“No, no. I think he has that one. Or his friend does.”
“Well, if his friend has it, he may want it too, so he can play online. If he already has the game, he can return it for another as long as he doesn’t open the case.”
Shit. She didn’t want to get him the wrong game. “What other games are popular right now? You know, at that level?”
“Zombie Alive came out a few weeks ago, but we’re sold out right now.”
That wasn’t right, either. She thought for a few seconds, trying to remember her conversation with Scott, gasping as it finally came to her. “Battle Warzone. That’s it.” She sighed, smiling, tickled she actually remembered it.
“Battle Warfare. Yeah, we got it.”
Hallelujah, same difference. “I’ll take it.”
She paid for the ridiculously priced game and headed out to the car, humming to herself, lost in her immediate joy. She had to take pleasure in these small things because she’d learned the hard way that life was too short not to. She’d had another child who she didn’t get to spoil—Tess’ life was over before it started. But Xan knew Scott would be thrilled with this game, and that put a smile on her face. It was much needed after the news of Marco’s release, and she needed to try to not let that get her down. Oh, she’d be more careful, but she wouldn’t let him ruin the rest of her life if she had any say in the matter.
As she crossed the parking lot heading to the rental she was still driving, a late-model Mustang roared, coming straight for her. She froze for a brief second and tried to process why it was heading her way. Oh shit! She screamed as she tried jumping out of its path.
Only she wasn’t alone.
As soon as she jumped, strong arms caged her and sheltered her as she was tossed out of the way.
And then he was up and running after the car.
As she stood, she stared in shock at her savior while he chased the vehicle squealing out of the lot and flying down the road. Brody pulled out his cell phone and was mumbling into it as he jogged back over to her, ending the call and pocketing the phone before he reached her.
“You okay, baby?” he asked so softly that she barely heard him over the blood roaring in her ears, but as he asked he was running his hands down her arms, body, looking for any sign of injury.
She was trembling from fear, but her body was too aware of the hands caressing her
to ignore that wonderful sensation.
“I-I think so. Where did you come from?”
He sighed, resting his forehead against hers, squeezing her shoulders. “C’mon. Let me get you home.”
She pulled slowly away from him, remembering his hateful words after they’d had sex. She wasn’t going anywhere with him. But he tightened his hold, refusing to let go.
“I can get myself home.”
His eyes narrowed, head lowering. “Don’t fight me on this, Xan. You could’ve been killed.”
He didn’t let her answer. He dragged her toward his truck as if he were some modern-day Neanderthal, grunting at her when she tried to protest. He opened the door, lifted her in effortlessly, buckled her up and stalked to the other side before getting in and driving off.
They were in Conway, so they had at least fifteen minutes until they made it to her house. She figured she’d ask Roxie to drive her back up here to get the car. In the meantime, she folded her arms and flattened her lips. She could sit in silence for another fourteen minutes and fifteen seconds.
Two more minutes passed and her shoulders sagged as she stared out the window. She didn’t know what to think about this man. He wanted to avoid her, but he wanted to help her. He wanted to avoid her, but he wanted to fuck her. He wanted to avoid her but he…ugh, it was no use. She glanced at the clock. Was the damn thing even moving?
He fiddled with the radio, turning it on and lowering the music a little. She had to admit she was a little surprised at the music selection, so much so that she broke her silence.
“Not country? I’m shocked.” She widened her eyes mockingly. “That must be sacrilege ’round these here parts,” she drawled, butchering a Southern accent.
He chuckled. “Nothing wrong with country music. I just prefer rock.” He shrugged.
She did too. In fact, she loved rock music, but she didn’t recognize the band. “Who is this?”
“Mayday by Midnight, an Arkansas band. I also have some We Are The Fallen, which also has Arkansas ties.” He picked up his iPod that was connected to his radio and thumbed through his selection.
“Really? I didn’t know that.” She was a fan of We Are The Fallen, but Mayday by Midnight sounded really cool too.
“Yeah there are several places in Little Rock where you can see local and big-name acts. Juanita’s, The Rev Room, Fox and Hound. It’s a great way to hear good music.”
She nodded at that, not really knowing what else to say. She’d lived in some really big cities, but she couldn’t remember the last time she’d gone to a concert. She couldn’t imagine how much fun it’d be to just relax and listen to some tunes without wondering if anyone would recognize her. The only major thing she did to disguise herself was alter her hairstyle and color, but some women did that every few weeks.
By the time the second song finished, they were pulling into his driveway. She paused, then looked around.
“Why are we here? I thought you were taking me home.”
“Blade and Bear are on their way over to get your keys. They’re gonna get your rental and find the fucker who almost hit you. C’mon.” He tilted his head, motioning her to get out as he slid out the driver side. She followed suit, getting out and following him into his house.
She did her best not to think about what happened the last time she was here. She needed to go into protection mode, call her agent and let him know what had happened to her. But she wasn’t doing a very good job staying focused on what she should be doing. Just staring at the couch where she’d taken Brody into her mouth made her salivate.
“Have a seat,” he said hoarsely, making her think he was reminiscing too. “I’ll get us a couple of beers.”
She sat, taking a deep breath, inhaling his very masculine scent. She needed a clear head right now. The last time she was here, she did some very naughty things, and he tossed her out like yesterday’s garbage. She’d be damned if he made her feel like that again.
He walked back out, handed her a cold bottle and started to sit, but the doorbell rang before he was seated. “Give me your keys,” he murmured, putting his beer on the table and standing upright. She fished them out of her purse and handed them over before watching him walk to the front door.
She heard masculine mumbles but didn’t see anyone else, only Brody’s very fine backside. He shut and locked the door before walking back over to her. He sat, picking up his beer and taking a sip. Then he turned toward her. The carnal fire in his eyes made her whimper. She had no defenses against him. She watched helplessly as he slowly put his beer down, then lowered his head, keeping his eyes locked on her.
“I thought you said this was a mistake,” she breathed.
“I’m good at mistakes. Let’s make a big one.”
Brody grabbed Xan’s hair and forcefully kissed her, not giving her the opportunity to remind him of the way he’d treated her the first time he’d had her.
Because he was going to have her again.
God, she tasted sweet, not like the vanilla coming off her skin, but like honey, rich and delectable. She moaned as he fed from her, and his already rock-hard cock throbbed, demanding he take her with no preliminaries. The rest of his body was seconding that motion. With one hand fisting tighter in her hair, he wrapped the other around her back, pressing her up against him.
She squirmed, her timid little hands clutching his shirt. Then she pushed, forcing him to lose contact with her warm body.
“You told me to leave last time,” she panted. “You threw me out right after.” And damn if her voice didn’t quiver. “And you’ve been standoffish other times too.”
He sighed, dropping his hands, but landing them on her thighs, caressing them. “I know I’ve been a dick, but I have my reasons.” He tilted his head, kissing her neck where it met her shoulder, needing the intimate contact. “I can’t promise that’ll change,” he murmured. “It’s how I’m wired, baby. I don’t know why you affect me so much, but what I do know is that I can’t stay away from you for very long.” If the little voice inside his head reminded him that he had to get close to her for his job, he ignored it.
He kissed his way up to her ear, feeling the shudder that rocked through her body. She leaned her head to the side, giving him better access. Taking her move as a sweet surrender, he slid his hand to her cheek, holding her while he nuzzled, kissed and nipped at her.
“So you want something casual, then?” she breathed.
He stilled briefly before nudging his lips against her ear. “I don’t want to plan anything,” he whispered. “I just want to live in the moment. I can’t give you anything more than that.”
She sighed, and he felt like cringing. He basically told her she was just a fuck for him. While his brain was congratulating him on being reasonable with her while his dick was running the show, he felt a suspicious heavy feeling in his chest at the thought of using her just for physical pleasure. That little inner voice shouted he was doing his job, but that just made him feel like an even bigger asshole, especially since he couldn’t deny the need to have her. A part of him prayed she’d push him away, tell him to go to hell.
A very small part.
The much larger, demanding part was fucking hoping she’d take what he offered because he couldn’t imagine never having her again. That just wasn’t an option he could accept.
God, when did he turn into such a pussy? He’d fucked many women without giving them much thought after. Sure, he knew how to please a woman, and he loved wringing every last bit of pleasure out of one because it just heightened his own. But he actually cared what Xan thought, how she felt.
“I think I can handle that,” she purred, kissing his own neck and trailing her hand down his abdomen.
He didn’t have time to relish in this victory because fireworks exploded when she squeezed his cock through his jeans. He moaned, threading his fingers through her soft hair, pulling her head up so he could kiss her. His lips found hers, and he tried to temper the raging beast that lur
ked beneath. Kicking her out the last time wasn’t his only regret. He’d taken her too hard for as tight as she was and too fast for what she deserved. She needed to be cherished, coddled, worshipped. This time, he wanted to enjoy the feel of her writhing beneath him.
The kiss deepened, shooting ecstasy straight to his balls. Kissing and touching her was like the darkest sin because he knew he couldn’t have more than a few stolen moments with her, yet he wouldn’t stop himself from having her. It was wrong, but it felt too right to ignore. He could have this.
He would have this.
Her hands tugged at his t-shirt, and he leaned back so she could pull it from his body. But before he could pull her back to him, her hands grazed over his chest, circling his nipples. He watched in rapt fascination as her head lowered, licking one flat disk. He gritted his teeth at the sensation, loving the feel of her tongue against his skin, and when she bit down, he let out a low groan.
He warred with the need to go slow and let her explore with the need to ravish her again. Unable to resist touching her any longer, his hand dove into her pants, secretly rejoicing in the easy access her scrubs provided. He traced his finger along the silk before sliding it beneath to the warm heaven he longed for. She whimpered against his chest, and damn if he didn’t feel weak just hearing her make that sound.
He buried his nose in her hair. “You like that, baby?”
“Mmmm,” she murmured around the hard nipple she was torturing.
His finger burrowed in the folds of her pussy as he felt her unbuttoning his jeans. He pushed into her and she gasped, her head falling back on her shoulders. He seized the opportunity her free lips provided by taking her mouth again, his tongue darting in and out, teasing her as he teased himself, swallowing her moans.
She released his cock from the confines of his jeans, grabbing it tightly and stroking him, and he soon found himself delivering those moans right back to her. She was attacking his senses with every stroke, tug of his dick, with every spasm around the finger buried inside her. She flooded his hand with her cream, and he ached to have his cock where his finger was right now.
