Diamond Legacy

by Monica McCabe

  They were as beautiful as the rest of her, full and round, with hardened peaks begging to be fondled. He cupped each, one at a time, kneading and caressing, capturing one in his mouth to taste and tease.

  She moaned deep within and tugged against the hand holding her arms captive above her head. He gave her the freedom she asked for and slid a hand around the back of her neck, pulling her up to his lips. She immediately took advantage, touching him, kissing him. His world narrowed to only her, to an overwhelming need to escape into the warmth she offered.

  When her hands stripped him of his shirt, he pushed hers from her shoulders and grabbed both to make a bed on the grass. He tumbled her down on top, half covering her body with his own, and her softness both cushioned and welcomed him. He captured her lips again and kissed her with a thoroughness that left them both gasping for air. When he could take no more, his hips ground into hers. She fumbled for his belt, tugging it loose and unclasping his jeans.

  He rolled over long enough to shed the pants and rolled back, lower, so his lips were level with her belly button. He nuzzled and nipped at the tender flesh there, and his fingers unzipped her khaki shorts to slide them over her hips. He tossed them aside and settled back between her legs, staring at the delicious lacy barrier of her panties. She was near panting when his fingers slid under their edge, tugging them down to reveal her soft, moist center.

  It was nearly his undoing. He desperately needed to be inside her, to feel her legs wrap around him in welcoming splendor. He slid up her body to fit himself at her entrance and tried to slowly fill her, to rock his way inside by glorious agonizing inches.

  She growled with impatience, taking him in greedily, and wrapped her fabulous legs around him. “Now,” she breathed against his lips. “All of you, now!”

  He needed no further urging and complied with one hard thrust. She arched her back on a gasp and squeezed her muscles around him, sending him waves of pleasure so fantastic, he nearly lost his mind. He fought for control, vowing to make her just as crazy with wanting him.

  He began gently rocking, wanting to feel every part of her, but she wouldn’t wait. Her legs tightened as she moved beneath him, coaxing a rhythm as old as time. He gave her what she demanded and drove into her hard, fast, and deep. Her passionate cries soon pushed him beyond rational thought as intense pleasure consumed him.

  Oblivion circled, growing to a fever pitch. Suddenly, she tensed and cried out his name, just as his control exploded with a pleasure so intense, his world shifted on its axis.

  Nothing would ever be the same again.

  Chapter 20

  Matt pounded on his boss’s front door again, harder this time, more insistent. “Open the damn door, Nik!”

  Finally, he could hear bolts sliding home on three different locks. Nik wrenched open the door and glared at him. “Do you have any idea what time it is?”

  “It’s one-thirty in the morning, and I’ve been knocking my knuckles blue. How can you possibly sleep that heavy?” Matt said as he pushed his way inside. “What’ve you got to drink?”

  “I sleep heavy because I have a clear conscience. And there are plenty of bars to choose from in this town. Why bother me?”

  “A lot of reasons. Women for starters.”

  Nik sighed heavily and shook his head. “Tell me you did not wake me just to complain about a female.”

  “As maddening as they are, we have bigger problems. A foul smell is developing, and it grows stronger the closer we get to Diamond Council.”

  That got Nik’s full attention. Serious didn’t begin to cover that threat. Security around the National Assembly building had been tight for the past month, but preparations for an international conference of critical importance required absolute control. Any hint of trouble was cause for major concern.

  “Follow me,” Nik said and led Matt to the kitchen. He pulled a beer from the fridge and handed it over.

  Matt shook his head. “Got anything stronger?”

  Nik peered closer at him, taking in Matt’s busted knuckles and torn shirt. Tell-tale signs that he’d been in a fight were clear to see. Nik stuffed the beer back in the fridge. He reached for his coveted bottle of Jack Daniels whiskey instead, an import that was hard to get and pricey, but the situation called for it.

  He poured a heavy shot and slid it across the counter. “Tell me what happened.”

  “Miranda overheard a conversation regarding weapon shipments.” Matt downed the liquor in one gulp and began pacing. “They said a sample would be at Glory Hill tonight.”

  “Glory Hill? Why does that sound familiar?”

  “Andrew Weston lives there.”

  Nik shook his head. “So he’s involved.”

  “Up to his neck.”

  This was the kind of news that drove a man to drink. Nik grabbed another glass and pulled out a chair at the kitchen table. He plopped down and poured himself a liberal shot.

  Matt joined Nik and slid his glass over for a refill. “Weapon shipments are moving through town and Graham may be working both ends.”

  “What makes you think that?” Nik downed his whiskey, then set the empty back on the table.

  “I spent tonight lurking outside the library windows at Glory Hill.” Matt’s voice had taken on an angry tone. “I saw weapons and diamonds, Graham and Weston, all conspiring together in the same room.”

  Matt knew he was on edge. He’d always kept it together, even during the worst of investigations. But that was before tonight, before Miranda risked her life to help him. Before the past caught up to him and escalated the danger. It drastically changed the game plan, and he needed to think, to figure out his next move.

  “What else?” Nik asked.

  Nik might have appeared calm, but his friend was the head of IDS. He’d demand every detail, needed to know the threats his department faced. He also deserved to know the truth.

  “There was another man present, a weapons buyer.” Matt started pacing again. “A man of importance by the way they deferred to him. This one looked deadly, not someone to cross. Which of course means I plan on doing just that.”

  “Don’t let this get personal, Matthew. Get a handle on whatever is under your skin.”

  Matt stared at the amber liquid in his glass, then downed it in one shot. Now would be a good time to confess the past to Nik. Except he couldn’t bring himself to face that reality. Not yet. He needed more time. He slammed the glass back to the table. “Don’t worry about me. I’ll get the job done.”

  “So we have knowledge of a major weapons movement during council week,”—Nik leaned back in his chair under the weight of Matt’s revelations—“a politician involved with a major arms dealer, and the pride of Gaborone smuggling blood diamonds out of the country.”

  “That about sums it up.”

  Nik grabbed the whiskey and poured another shot. “You really know how to ruin a good night’s sleep for a guy.”

  Matt settled back at the table, and Nik pointed toward Matt’s abused knuckles. “Want to share that story?”

  He shrugged. “It’s nothing. A few bruises compliments of two baboons that found me eavesdropping. They broke up the party with their fists. If it wasn’t for Miranda braining one with a pipe, I’d likely be in worse condition.”

  “Miranda? I thought you were keeping her out of this.”

  “I’ve discovered she doesn’t convince easy.” Matt raked a hand through his hair and pulled away bits of dried grass.

  “May I remind you that I have no wish to explain to American authorities how one of their citizens ends up hurt, or dead, while visiting Botswana? Nor do I want to air our political troubles in black-market trafficking. Double that in light of the coming event.”

  Matt sighed and refilled his shot glass. “Tonight we had a blowout argument on that very subject. Once that woman’s mind is made up, I doubt a bull elephant could budge it.”

  “Ah, so now we reach the source of your c
omplaint against the fairer sex.”

  “She is the most stubborn, mule headed”—Matt tossed back another whiskey and slapped the empty glass on the table—“desirable female I’ve ever met.”

  “How alarming.”

  “I’ll say.”

  “I mean, from my perspective, a meddling tourist, no matter how attractive, can cause immeasurable harm. Her fascination may rob your focus. And if what you claim is true, I need you one hundred percent.”

  Matt stared him hard in the eye. “Don’t worry. You have it.”

  Nik’s expression said he didn’t believe him. “Something eats at you, my friend. I’ve known this for a long time. You are a good agent, one of the best. But tonight…you appear rattled. Distracted. Anything else you should tell me?”

  Yes. No. Matt propped his elbows on the table and dropped his head into his hands, using his thumbs to rub against his temples as though they ached. “It’s been a long night, Nik. I’m tired.”

  A few heartbeats of silence filled the room; then Nik rose from the table and put his coveted liquor bottle back in its cabinet. “Go home, Matthew. We shall talk again later.”

  “Thanks for the whiskey.” Matt rose and headed out the kitchen, but turned at the door. “There’s a bar in town called Half Jacks. Heard anything about it?”

  “A little. Why?”

  “Nothing, yet. Graham paid them a visit before heading to Weston’s. And by the way, did you discover anything on the list of delivery companies Miranda supplied?”

  “They all appear legitimate. All had proper permits and civil records in order. I did narrow it down to two possibilities, however. Panjami and Kyalo. They had subtle discrepancies. Nothing to incriminate or raise suspicions, just…different.”

  “Thanks.” Matt yawned. “I’ll check them out.”

  “Get some rest, Matthew. I have a feeling you are going need it.”

  Chapter 21

  Miranda rose early and arrived at Katanga before seven the next morning. She’d spent a restless night, though whether from worry they’d been captured on camera or the aftereffects of Matt’s lovemaking, she couldn’t tell. Both left her feeling shaken and unnerved.

  From the moment Matt dropped her off at the lodge, doubts had begun. She didn’t regret the intimacy. How could she? Pain engulfed him, swallowed him whole. And it wasn’t just from the beating he’d taken. Matt struggled against the soul-deep horror of his past. She couldn’t bear to see it. Reacting on instinct, she’d reached out to comfort him.

  Only she hadn’t counted on the staggering impact it would have on her. She was falling for him. Hard and fast. And it would only lead to heartbreak. That was where the doubts came in. If she didn’t get control of her heart soon, very soon, it would be too late.

  Focus on Katanga, use it as a lifeline. That was the mantra she needed to repeat. And often.

  The castle seemed quiet this morning, not unusual, but given last night’s events, the silence set her on edge. She headed for the relative safety of the clinic, knowing Graham wouldn’t dare challenge her in front of other doctors and interns. He needed to keep his dirty little secret under wraps. If he caught her alone, however, all bets were off.

  One thing Miranda knew for certain. No flea-bitten stable dweller like Graham would get in the way of her doing her job. To hell with jittery nerves. Two lion cubs came in yesterday afternoon, and she wanted a look at them.

  Stepping into the clinic office to check in, Myra, secretary extraordinaire, smiled in greeting just like she had every day for the last three weeks. Miranda’s name still showed on the roster, and the computer accepted her log-on.

  So far, so good. But then, it was early.

  She grabbed a white lab coat and stuffed her arms in the sleeves as she crossed the main reception area toward the exam rooms. She’d barely made a dozen steps when the veterinary garage door opened and Graham stepped through, Diana right behind him.

  Miranda stopped cold, heart racing as she faced the double threat, but Graham only stared at her with his usual gruff frown. She waited, the seconds ticking away like hours, but no accusation came. Just a resentful glare from Diana, the unfriendly librarian.

  “What are you doing here so early?” An edge of spite laced Diana’s tone.

  Suspense turned to exasperation. The librarian’s claws came out every time they happened to meet, and it was getting downright old. For about a fraction of a second, Miranda savored the prospect of asking Diana what her friend Neil would think of her lust for the janitor.

  “Are you always this pleasant in the morning, Diana? Or do I somehow annoy you?”

  Diana’s slight stiffening and semi-narrowed eyes were almost worth the cost Miranda knew she’d pay later. Unfortunately, it also activated Graham’s curiosity.

  “Do we have a problem, ladies? Something I should know about?”

  “This one’s interfering where she don’t belong.” A sullen glare accompanied Diana’s retort.

  That arrow hit too close to home. Afraid of how Graham might interpret Diana’s remark, Miranda sought to diffuse the situation with feminine bluntness. “Honestly, Diana, if you have such a thing for Mr. Bennett, why don’t you take it up with him and leave me out of it? I’m just not interested.”

  It did the trick. Graham snorted in disgust. “The day’s too short for this kind of nonsense. Let’s get to work.”

  He steam-rolled Diana out of the clinic, but not before she delivered a warning glare that clearly said “game on.”

  “Watch out for that one,” Myra warned. “She likes to bite.”

  “So I’m learning,” Miranda replied with a shake of her head and pushed her way through the double doors that led to the exam rooms.

  “Good morning!” Letta’s friendly greeting came in sharp contrast.

  “It’s improving,” Miranda replied.

  “Where’s your sidekick?”

  “Down at the café, grabbing a breakfast muffin.” Miranda hefted her knapsack onto the counter. “I think he’s sulking. I was in such a hurry to get here he didn’t get to enjoy Tavi’s special cooking at the lodge.”

  “You came between Jason and food?” Letta’s eyes widened in mock horror as she folded a load of freshly washed towels. “Very risky. What’s your hurry?”

  “I couldn’t sleep.” Miranda shrugged and rummaged in her sack for a pen, notepad, and her stethoscope. “Besides, I’m anxious to see the two new cubs.”

  “Is that so?” Letta plopped another towel on her stack. “I’m thinking perhaps you are more anxious to see Matt Bennett.”

  Miranda paused and glanced at her friend. Amazing how that man stirred things up without even trying. “You’re talking crazy.”

  “Am I? You and he light up a room with your sparks. I say fascination grows.”

  She nailed that one. Miranda just wished it weren’t so well known. “I’d hardly call it fascination. More like—”

  “Lust?”

  “Letta, please!”

  Heaven help her, it was the truth. Never in her life had she experienced such a strong physical reaction toward someone. She wanted more, yet feared the regret of jumping in recklessly, of having to say goodbye in less than three weeks while her heart was breaking.

  Turning away from her laundry, Letta faced her with skepticism. “You do not fool me. I may be clumsy, but I see clearly. The attraction between you two is obvious. Which reminds me, you never did tell me about that kiss.”

  Miranda suddenly got busy zipping up her knapsack and stashing it in the cabinet. That kiss was before yesterday’s festival, an eon ago. Last night, however, was still fresh, and things had progressed far beyond a mere kiss. It created complications she’d never intended.

  “How very interesting,” Letta said. “You deny the attraction, you can’t sleep, and the mention of that kiss colors your cheeks.” She tapped a long finger against her chin. “To me, this says it was a very good kiss.”

&n
bsp; Miranda refused to respond.

  It didn’t matter to Letta. She kept talking. “He must be the type to make a girl feel desired. He’d shelter you with those broad shoulders and soothe you with firm hands. And those lips…” She sighed for impact. “They would nibble a path to—”

  “Enough!” Heat burned Miranda’s cheeks for real now. “He’s a fabulous kisser, if you must know. But I really don’t want to talk about it.”

  “Oooh, too late for that!” Letta rubbed her hands with anticipation. “Do you plan on kissing him again?”

  “I shouldn’t. He’s not relationship material.”

  “Not rela—” Letta threw up her hands. “Why? Because he’s a janitor?”

  Oh, it was work, all right. The phrase “hazardous duty” defined Matt’s job. And after last night’s revelation, that risk flew off the charts. Yesterday, it was ordinary diamond smugglers. Today, it was personal vendettas, a ruthless warlord, and enough guns to annihilate a small country.

  A girl would be crazy to allow a guy like that access to her heart.

  “Honestly, Letta. Your opinion of me must run pretty low.” Miranda slung her stethoscope around her neck and pocketed the pad and pen. “I’ve got less than three weeks left in Africa. Matt lives on the other side of the world from me. What would be the point of beginning a relationship that’s doomed from the start?”

  “Are you kidding me?” Jason walked into the room carrying Roz on his hip and trying to salvage what was left of his muffin from the monkey’s eager hands. “A little fun doesn’t require serious commitment, you know. Why not enjoy what time you have?”

  Miranda sighed with exasperation. “Why are you people so interested in my love life?”

  “Because you never have one,” Jason said.