“I’m the bodyguard,” Tamra said.
“Right.”
He kept hold of her arm and walked her around the house. Colin was on the front porch.
“Why the hell do you have her cuffed?” he said.
She tried to shake her head. If he made a big deal, this would be worse.
“You know her?”
“Yes, she’s my bodyguard,” Colin said, striding towards her.
“Stay back, sir,” the officer said. He turned to Tamra. “You’re really the bodyguard?”
“Yes.”
He unlocked the cuffs. “I still need to see the permit for the gun before I can return it to you.”
“Follow me inside.”
***
Colin wanted to take Tamra into his arms, but he wouldn’t in front of the cop. Anger had spiked through him. Why were they treating her like this?
She was being so calm about it. The group walked into his house and into his kitchen. Had they found the intruder?
“I have some men still on your grounds since we know we don’t have the intruder,” the officer said.
“Good.”
He didn’t feel any safer. Tamra showed the officer her permit and he gave her the gun back.
“Sorry about that,” the officer said.
“No problem. I understand what the situation looked like.”
“We’ll help them search, but I think the person is long gone. Do you have cameras out there?”
“No, only close to the house. We may have to install them or choose to move somewhere else,” she said. “I also have something for Detective Quinn, but I’ll see him later.”
“This is part of a bigger case?”
“Yes, it is. He had someone stalking him. An anonymous stalker.”
“Well, then you better get stronger security.”
The officer shook Tamra’s hand then left. A half an hour later the cops had gone after letting Tamra know they found no one.
She sat in the kitchen and he paced around her, a Diet Coke in his hand.
“That was awful, what they did to you,” he said finally.
She shrugged. “They only knew that there was an alarm here and I was the first person they saw and I had a gun. I would have done the same thing.”
“Why are you so calm about it?”
“Because they are trained to react a certain way. They did. It isn’t like I got shot.”
He shuddered. That would have been awful if she had been. “Do I need to move my base of operations?”
“You might. Can you find another house?”
“Well, there are a few I can rent in the state.”
“Then I would have Larry find you another one. I think it isn’t safe here,” she said.
***
Kelly thought the day was going to be calm. Then she received the phone call from Tamra.
“The outer alarm went off so we thought we had an intruder. Neither the cops nor I found the person. Then we found something in the kitchen that didn’t belong. A note on the fridge that said, “Are you safe?”
“You think the person got in the kitchen then left in all the confusion.”
“Yep. We have to move our base of operations. Colin’s getting in touch with Larry to find him a new place.”
“It needs a recording studio?”
“Yes. I’d rather protect one area,” Tamra said.
“Understood. What can I do?”
“See who isn’t working on any of our other projects and send them here. I don’t want to rely on just me to protect him in this house.”
“No problem. I’ll call you back when I know who is coming. How is Colin holding up?”
“I think he’s spooked, but he went back down to his studio. I guess he’s working.”
“I can understand that. Keep his mind off of it,” Kelly said.
“Yep and not drive me nuts,” Tamra said, then laughed.
Kelly joined her. “I can cancel my plans for tomorrow and be there.”
“No, don’t. What do you have going on?”
“I meeting Larry in the city and I’m not sure what we’re doing after that.”
“Sounds fun.”
“But I could cancel and relieve you for a bit.”
“No, you can do that on Sunday,” Tamra said.
Kelly thought Tamra was enjoying this assignment more than usual. Guess Colin was good in bed. Good for Tamra. She deserved some happiness in her life.
Tamra continued. “I can’t believe that this person has flown under the internet radar for so long. Roger, Colin’s assistant, said he’s never had any message with those words in them. Nothing in the fan mail.”
“You think it is a spurned girlfriend?”
“Why now? He said he hasn’t been with anyone in more than six months. Why all of a sudden is this person doing this?”
“Because of you?” Kelly said.
“No one outside of our circle knows about me and Colin,” Tamra said.
“Good point. Well, let me ponder it and Larry and I can talk about it, too.”
“Enjoy yourself.”
Kelly laughed. “You, too.”
*
Roger came to visit and to go through Colin’s calendar for the next week. Tamra appreciated that he was on board with what needed to happen to protect Colin.
Roger sat with Tamra in the kitchen which had become her de facto office. Colin was still in the basement.
“How is he doing?” Roger asked.
“I think okay, but he’s been holed up down there since the cops left. He should be surfacing for lunch soon.”
“He’s not one of those people who hides how he feels,” Roger said
“Ya think?”
Roger chuckled. “He’s the poster child for wearing his heart on his sleeve. It also means he gets hurt easily.”
“Is that a warning?”
“Yes, in a gentle way. He’s like a brother to me. When I came out of the closet, I did it to Colin first. He has been very supportive of me. And of course he gave me a job when I got out of prison.”
“You owe him a lot.”
“I do.”
She appreciated Roger’s candor. She also appreciated that Roger had accepted her as Colin’s bodyguard and as his lover. She wasn’t sure she accepted herself as Colin’s lover, but she’d see how it would all pan out.
Colin appeared in the doorway. “You guys waiting for lunch?”
He leaned against the counter, his hands in his pockets. His face was unreadable.
“I’m hungry, but I can go out and get something,” Roger said.
“Yeah, that’d be great,” Tamra said.
She wasn’t sure about Colin’s mood. He seemed more down than she’d ever seen him.
“Pizza?” Colin said.
“I’ll call it in. What do we want?” Roger said.
“I’ll eat anything,” Tamra said, her gaze never leaving Colin’s face. She was trying to read him, but his expression was shuttered. Or maybe she just wanted to be able to read him well enough to know.
She was concerned that he had been traumatized by the whole intruder incident.
Roger made the call, then left to pick up lunch.
Tamra didn’t move, waiting for Colin to make a move.
***
Colin relived that moment when he saw Tamra in handcuffs. He’d seen red. Why were they manhandling his woman? That was his thought.
He wasn’t afraid of that thought, but dammit she might be. Tamra might not consider herself his woman, but he was going to make sure she knew that she was. Or at least that he wanted her to be.
He strode around the island, then tugged her off her stool. He put his hand in her hair and kissed her so she knew he meant it. His lips tingled and hoped hers did, too. The he put his hands under her butt, lifting her off of her feet. He set her on the counter, next to the sink and settled himself between her legs.
He nipped down her chest, his hands tugging off her shirt. If
she resisted, he’d stop, but it would pain him to do that. He slid her off the counter then undid her pants. Her hands were on his shoulder as he slid her pants and panties down her legs and off. He scooped her up again, planting her butt back down on the counter.
She tugged at his belt and he took over, undoing his pants, and shoving them off of his legs. His erection jutted out and she took it in her hands. His eyes fell closed.
“No.”
Her hands stilled on his dick. He put her hands on his shoulder, putting his hand on the counter, with her leg over his elbow she he could get to her. He rubbed his other thumb over her clit. He was rewarded with her nails digging into his arm. She was so wet.
He slid himself into her, enjoying being surrounded. He needed this and was glad she would oblige. He put one hand behind her butt and began his rhythm. Not a hard one, but not a sweet one either.
He wanted her to know she was his. No one else could do this. He slammed into her with increasing speed and fury. Her head fell back and she gritted her teeth. A high, keening sound came out of her as her vagina clenched around him.
That set off his orgasm and he pistoned into her until the release hit him so hard, he almost couldn’t stand. His breath hitched and his chest heaved as he finished putting his seed into her.
Her breath came out in bursts. She still clung to him.
He hoped he hadn’t hurt her.
“What the fuck was that?” she said.
“That was me letting you know you’re mine.”
“Why?”
“Because when that cop had his hands on you, I wanted to shoot him. I’ve never felt that possessive of anyone before in my life.”
***
Tamra finally caught her breath. That had been mind-blowing. Truly remarkable. He’d been hard, but not angry. Not gentle at all, but he’d accommodated her when she’d needed hot monkey sex.
He stepped back from her. “Did I hurt you?”
“No, that was pretty incredible.”
“You sure?”
“Yeah, I’m fine. Better than fine.”
He handed her clothes to her. He stood there naked watching her. “I’m sorry.”
“Don’t be. I’m a big girl.”
He shook his head. “No. I could have hurt you.”
She reached out and put a hand on his face. “You didn’t.”
He nodded, frowned then pulled on his pants. “I need a shower.”
He left without zipping up his pants, leaving a bewildered Tamra standing there. She dressed, but stared at the doorway. Not one to just let things go, she followed him upstairs. He was naked standing outside the shower.
“Hey.”
She poked him.
He put a hand where she had touched him. “What?”
“Don’t apologize.”
“I could have hurt you, Tamra.”
“I would have stopped you. Remember, I can take you out? I’m not some shrinking violet. You can’t do anything to me that I won’t let you.”
“I weigh more than you.”
“Doesn’t matter. I’m well-trained. I am a freaking bodyguard for a living.”
She didn’t know why she was so pissed, but his apology had rubbed her the wrong way.
He reached out to her, but she had him on his back a second later. He looked up at her. “Okay, point taken.”
She helped him up. “Don’t forget it.”
She walked out. She heard him laughing, but chose not to rise to the bait. He’d already pissed her off once. By the time she reached the kitchen, she was calm. Roger had returned with the pizza and was munching on a slice.
“I wasn’t sure how long you guys would be.”
Tamra laughed then grabbed herself a slice.
***
Kelly had changed her outfit twice. She wasn’t sure what she should wear to tour the city. Comfortable shoes were a must, but beyond that, she didn’t know. She was nervous and part of her wished Sophie was there to advise her.
She settled on a cotton sweater and jeans. She knew she had to get to the train station soon. Larry would be waiting for her at Penn Station and she didn’t want to be late.
The train ride was uneventful and Larry was where he said he’d be. He kissed her on the cheek. “You look beautiful.”
“Thanks. What are we doing first?”
“You’ll see. You up for a walk?”
“Sure.”
“How was your trip in?”
“Fine. I don’t take the train very often, so it’s better than I remembered,” Kelly said.
“You don’t come into the city much?”
He took her hand and tucked it into his arm. The gesture warmed her.
“No, I’m not a city girl. I love the country.”
“Guess I better figure out how to like the country.”
She let the statement go. She didn’t want to have a serious conversation. “No hints on our first destination?”
“It’s a place not many have seen in a while, but I have a friend who is getting us in.”
“Now I’m excited. Something exclusive. You really took my terms to heart.”
“I did. It was kind of fun calling in favors.”
“Now you owe a lot of people,” Kelly said.
He shrugged. “Just part of doing business in this city.”
They walked in silence until they arrived at Rockefeller Center. “I’ve been here before.”
“But not in this part.” Larry shook hands with a man in the lobby. “This is Jake. He’s taking us up to the roof.”
The elevator ride took a few minutes. Then Larry led Kelly to the rooftop gardens. They were beautiful and she had a great view of the city.
“Wow.”
“These closed in the 1980s. They’re kept up, but no one gets to see them,” Larry said.
She twirled around not sure what to look at first. “I’m impressed.”
Larry smiled. “I’d love to have dinner up here.”
“It would be romantic.”
“That would have been pushing it. As it is, we’re not supposed to be up here, but Jake’s a real estate agent who has access to all sorts of places.”
“Okay. This was cool. What’s next?”
***
Colin slept late and was happy that Tamra was still in bed when he woke up just after lunch on Saturday. She was reading her Kindle, the pillows propped up behind her. He smiled at the sight of her.
In his house, well the one he was living in for a little while. In his bed. Naked, even.
She was reading intently, her tongue sticking out a little bit. He wondered how long she’d been awake and did she often just stay in bed.
“Hey.”
She looked his way, a small smile on her face. “This is the laziest Saturday I have ever had.”
He shifted onto his side to look at her. He stacked his hands under his head. She was beautiful. Such clear skin and those eyes that he could get lost in. She’d stayed up with him part of the night, then they’d made love before they fell asleep.
He’d enjoyed every minute of it. He wanted to enjoy the whole day, now, too. He had to figure out what they could do.
“What do you normally do on a Saturday?”
“Laundry, which I do need to do, but the pile isn’t very big since I don’t have many clothes yet.”
“What else?”
“Food shopping.”
“You really live life on the edge.”
“Not all of us have staff to do all of these things,” Tamra said.
“Hey, I do my own laundry.”
“Can I throw mine in with yours?”
“I’ll wash your clothes. I get to put my hands on your underwear,” Colin said, wiggling his eyebrows.
“Speaking of which I need some new stuff.”
He smiled. “A trip to Victoria’s Secret?”
Tamra laughed. “The secret is that normal sized women do not fit into that stuff.”
He lifted up the sheet an
d perused her body. “I think you’d fit. Come one. Let’s have some fun. Why not have fun underwear?”
“Do you have fun underwear?”
“I’ll tell you that I have some fun boxers.”
“If you say so.”
He hopped out of bed. “I’ll model them.” He pulled open a drawer in his dresser, then slipped on a pair of his favorite boxers. “These are my lucky ones.”
She put down her Kindle and laughed. “SpongeBob?”
“Yep.” He slid those off of his body then put on another pair. He strutted across the bedroom, then turned like he was on a runway. Tamra laughed and clapped. He’d never seen her so happy.
“What’s the pattern on those?”
“Turtles.”
“Turtles?”
“Yes, I like amphibians.”
“Do you have seasonal ones?”
“Yes, just not with me. I have Halloween, Christmas and Easter.”
“How festive.”
“See, underwear can be fun,” he said.
“Yes it can, but I don’t want to go to the mall with you. Nothing personal.”
“Oh right. That might not be a good idea. I’ll call them and have them bring stuff here.”
“You’ll call Victoria’s Secret and have them come here.”
“The local store doesn’t know me. If we were at my penthouse, that local store would come,” he said.
She shook her head in disbelief. “A whole different world, but moving out to your penthouse wouldn’t be a bad idea. Until you find a new house.”
“Then let’s do it. If you think I’ll be safe there.”
“Yes, I do.”
“Breakfast, then packing.”
CHAPTER 15
Tamra had enjoyed the fashion show and his energy was intoxicating. He made her breakfast while he made arrangements for his car to go back to its garage. He never brought it into the city.
He had Roger stock his penthouse for a few days. The whole process made her head spin. She was used to doing everything herself. Colin was used to delegating. He had someone to do everything. Tamra wasn’t sure she could deal with that loss of independence.
Then again, maybe there was so much to his lifestyle that he needed others to do the mundane tasks.
They’d showered after breakfast, after making love again.
Then they drove to Manhattan to stay at his penthouse since that had the best security. Larry was still looking for a house with a recording studio.
Rock Your Body: A BWWM Romance Page 18
