Worth the Risk (COBRA Securities Book 21)

by Velvet Vaughn

  The sound of a motor had her sticking her head through the opening. It was far too soon for Quinn to have made it to land, found transportation and returned. It could be random boaters out to enjoy the first day without rain in a while or a fisherman looking for a fresh catch. Or it could be the bad guys coming back for her.

  Her worst fears came to fruition when she recognized the two men. Kilo picked up on her unease and placed his body protectively against hers. She would not let the men take her again, nor would she allow them to harm the dogs. Lifting the weapon, she inhaled deeply to calm her nerves and chanced a peek. Maybe she could pull the trigger to save herself and the dogs. Relief hit her like a ton of bricks. They motored by without stopping.

  “Kilo, free.”

  Quinn gave her a rundown of the different commands in the Belgian Malinois’ repertoire. Kilo immediately relaxed and dropped to his stomach. Although she hadn’t given him an order to stand guard, he did it on his own. Scratching his back, she told him how smart he was and thanked him for being so brave. Not to be left out, Rocky nudged her other hand, begging for the same attention. He’d opened up so much in the short amount of time he’d been with them.

  She didn’t have a pet of her own because she worked long hours at her practice. Plus, she didn’t think it would be fair for her to come home smelling of other animals every night. But she wasn’t sure she’d be able to give Rocky up. He was such a fighter. Maybe she could take him with her to work, make him an office pet. Kilo rested his muzzle against her thigh with a doggy sigh. She didn’t want him to leave, either. Or his owner.

  Spending time with Quinn reinforced the feelings that simmered for years. What had been a teen crush turned into so much more. She was falling in love with him—if she hadn’t already. They shared many common interests, with the biggest being their jobs. He trained dogs for a living, and she took care of them. Beyond that, they enjoyed the same television shows and types of music.

  He described the set-up of his training facility and the compound where it was located. It sounded like the perfect arrangement. She could almost picture it in her head. She’d been astonished to learn his sister was married to Reed “Abs of” Steele. She watched the former professional baseball player’s home renovation shows just to catch a glimpse of his world-class chest. She thought Quinn had been pulling her leg when he told her that both Oscar-winning actress Juliet LaRue and Grammy-winning singer Layla Brooks lived there, too.

  He entertained her with stories of a young boy who sounded adorable and so brave. She desperately wanted to meet the people who were an integral part of his life.

  The buzz of a motor startled Vanessa awake. Peeling the flap back, she searched for a boat but didn’t see one. The sound slowed and then abruptly shut off. Her heart started to pound. Not being able to see someone approach from the sides or back left her at a distinct disadvantage. She gasped when Kilo hopped to his feet and nudged the opening wider to leap to the ground.

  “Kilo, stop, return, come back,” she whispered frantically. She couldn’t remember what command to give him, but it didn’t matter since he ignored her and took off running. If the men shot him, Quinn would be devastated. Rocky looked like he wanted to follow his new friend, but she held him back.

  Scrambling to a seated position, she grabbed the gun. Should she go after Kilo or wait? Her hand shook so badly, and she could barely hold the weapon. She’d probably end up shooting her foot instead of the bad guys.

  “Vanessa, it’s Quinn.”

  With a cry of relief, she tossed the gun down and leaped out like Kilo, landing in his startled arms. The force of her hit sent them tumbling to the ground with her on top—much like their arrival on the island.

  “Thank goodness,” she exclaimed before giving into temptation and kissing him. She’d shocked him, but he recovered quickly and took over. His arms anchored her to him as his mouth plundered hers with the skill of a master. She’d known he’d be a good kisser, but this was next level. She didn’t want to think of how many women he’d practiced with to become this proficient.

  The high-pitched yips of an excited dog penetrated the fog of lust. Reluctantly, Vanessa broke the kiss and lifted her head to stare into his eyes. “Wow.”

  “Yeah, wow,” he echoed, sounding shellshocked. Their chemistry was downright combustible.

  “Bark, bark!”

  “Okay, Rocky, I’m coming.” Lifting herself off Quinn’s aroused body had her whimpering in sorrow. She wanted to fling herself back on top of him with no clothes between them. But Rocky needed attention. She turned to the shelter and reached up to lift him out. Once he was healthy and well-fed, he’d be able to make the leap effortlessly.

  She jumped when Quinn pressed his body against her back. “I found a boat. We need to pack up and get out of here as soon as possible.”

  She rotated until she was facing him with their bodies still touching. “The bad guys drove by not long after you left.” Was that her voice all breathless and throaty?

  He nodded. “I saw them. That’s why we don’t want to hang around any longer.”

  The thought of being caught galvanized her into action. She made quick work of folding the blankets and sleeping bags while Quinn broke down the tent. Once the items were packed, she was reluctant to leave. The time they’d spent together in the shelter was magical. She wasn’t prepared for reality to intrude in their bubble of solitude. They’d gotten to know each other here. It’d always hold a special place in her heart.

  “Ready?”

  Nodding, she followed Quinn and the dogs to see an aluminum fishing boat. Kilo hopped in first, balancing himself until he gained his footing. Quinn held the craft steady with one hand while lifting Rocky inside before holding out a hand for her. Careful not to move too much and tip them all over, she scooted to the front bench seat, leaving the rear for Quinn. He settled the backpacks inside and then untied the rope before climbing aboard. The engine whirled to life, and then they were motoring away. She chanced a look over her shoulder at the island they called home for a few short days. It might not be much, but it’d saved their lives.

  Facing forward again, she smiled at the dogs as they held their heads high to feel the wind ruffling their fur. The distant land grew closer as the sky darkened with gray, almost black clouds. More storms were on the way.

  Quinn steered past a dock extending a few feet into the lake and angled to a small beach with a sloping incline. After helping her and the dogs out, he attached a chain to a hook on the front of the boat. They’d just started up the hill when the skies opened up, and the rains came tumbling down. They scurried inside the open doors of a building. Vanessa and the dogs watched as Quinn cranked a handle and reeled the boat into the shed.

  “There’s a cabin a few feet away. Wait here while I see if anyone’s home.”

  It was damp and musty in the confined space as rain pounded against the tin roof. The dogs checked everything out, sniffing each tool and piece of equipment. It reeked of gasoline and dead fish. She spotted a sink with a stained cutting board that looked like it’d been used often in the past to eviscerate the daily catch.

  “Coast is clear,” Quinn said as he shouldered the backpacks and then picked up Rocky. “The ground is slick and muddy, so be careful. Follow me.”

  He switched off the light inside the shed before breaking into a jog as he headed towards a wood house. She and Kilo were on his heels as he led them to an open door. Following his lead, she removed her wet boots, leaving them on a mat. Kilo bounded inside, muddy paws and all. Quinn placed Rocky down, then moved back as he shook the water from his fur. She’d need to find a towel and clean up the mess.

  The cabin was cozy, with one large open room that featured a kitchen in one corner and a seating area around a wood-burning fireplace. A queen-sized bed was tucked against one wall, and a hallway led to a bathroom. She gravitated towards it, wanting to wash the dirt and grime from her hair and body. It embarrassed her to realize she’d thrown herself
at Quinn when she probably smelled as rank as the fish he pulled from the lake. Thankfully, Quinn had packed toothbrushes, so they’d kept up with their oral hygiene while marooned, and her breath had been minty fresh.

  “Go ahead and shower,” he said, reading her thoughts. “I’ll see if there’s any food to eat.”

  #

  Quinn watched Vanessa beeline for the bathroom, leaving a trail of clothes in her wake. His body reacted to the thought of her under the spray of the shower, wet and naked. He wanted to march forward, strip off his clothes and join her, running his hands over her soapy body and sinking into her welcoming heat.

  He couldn’t afford to indulge in unattainable fantasies, so he forced the images from his brain. Kissing her had been a mistake. She might’ve started it, but he’d jacked it up to the next level. He’d been seconds away from rolling her under him and taking everything she had to offer when Rocky broke the spell.

  “Eek!”

  He spun around at the outburst, his hand automatically reaching for his weapon. “Vanessa? Are you okay?”

  “I found a stackable washer and dryer,” she exclaimed, as ecstatic as if she’d hit the lottery. “Clean body, clean clothes!”

  She’d shaved ten years off his life for laundry? Shaking his head, he holstered his weapon behind his back.

  “Take yours off, and I’ll start a load.”

  “Uh…” Did she expect him to walk around in the buff? He wasn’t a prude and had no problem getting naked. Normally it wouldn’t be an issue, but he couldn’t control his body’s reaction to her, and she’d definitely notice. Plus, if she came out of the bathroom sans clothes, he’d be a goner. “Wait a second. There’s a dresser. I’ll find something for us to wear.”

  A quick inventory told him that the owner was male. There were T-shirts and boxers. They’d swim on Vanessa, but at least she’d be covered. “I found—” The words lodged in his throat when he turned around. She was standing in front of him in her underwear. Sure, it was a black sports bra and panties that covered more than a bathing suit, but it was the expanse of smooth, bronze skin that tempted him. All rational thought fled.

  “I thought I’d wash the items in the pack, too,” she said calmly, as if he wasn’t staring at her with his tongue hanging out of his mouth like an overheated Mastiff. She twisted around and bent over to dig the dirty garb from the bag.

  Closing his eyes with a groan, he muttered, “Are you kidding me?” She tempted him on purpose. And damn, he wasn’t sure he was strong enough to resist.

  “Quinn?”

  Opening his eyes, he found her staring at him with a cheeky grin. She knew the effect she had on him. All she had to do was look down to see the unmistakable proof.

  “Your clothes?”

  He glanced at his shirt, his brain the consistency of oatmeal. Oh yeah, she wanted to wash them. “Here.” He handed her the garments he’d found in the drawer. “I’ll change and then bring you mine.”

  Raised brows mocked him. She expected him to strip down right now. When he didn’t oblige, she whirled away with a huff and disappeared into the bathroom. He made quick work of changing and then carried his soiled attire to the bathroom and knocked.

  “Come in.”

  Not on his life. Cracking the door, he tossed the clothes on the ground and whipped the door shut. Her knowing chuckle followed him as he moved away.

  She’s Mort’s daughter, he repeated in his head. He needed to keep reminding himself of the fact. His mentor and friend would murder him. He trusted Quinn to save his daughter, not seduce her.

  Refocusing on the task at hand, he opened cupboards, surprised to find them fully stocked with a selection of soups, crackers, and other non-perishable items. He’d lucked out to find a currently unoccupied cabin with food, electricity and running water. And a motorboat. He couldn’t forget that.

  The refrigerator was packed with bottles of water, with more cases stacked along the wall. They wouldn’t go thirsty. He spied two six-packs of beer he wouldn’t be touching since he was on the job. The owner must have dogs because he found a bag of kibble in a lower cabinet, along with dog bowls. Lured to the sound of the tiny chunks filling the dish, Kilo and Rocky both hurried over to investigate and immediately began crunching.

  He located a pot and can opener, and soon the smell of beef stew filled the space. He hoped Vanessa wasn’t a vegetarian. If so, he’d spotted a can of tomato soup he’d heat up for her.

  When she appeared like a vision through a cloud of steam, his heart stuttered. The clothes weren’t the least bit sexy, yet on her, they were. She’d brushed her damp hair away from her face, and it hung down her back in a silky brown curtain. Her skin positively glowed. He wanted her so much, it was a physical ache.

  “Something smells good.”

  Yeah, you, he almost said. “Beef stew.”

  “Yum.”

  “I’ll jump in the shower, and then it should be ready.” Taking a wide berth around her, he found another clean set of duds from the dresser and headed to the bathroom.

  “Need help washing your back?” she asked saucily.

  His answer was a firm slam of the door.

  Chapter Twelve

  The soup was hot and hearty and delicious, but it was the man across from Vanessa that had her mouth watering. He’d slicked back his blond hair from his face and shaved the days-old beard that had grown while they were stranded on the island. She liked him scruffy, and she liked him clean-shaven. She just plain liked him. A lot. So much so, it dominated her thoughts. He liked her, too. She could tell. But for some reason, he was holding back. She wasn’t the same teenager who attacked him years ago. They were both consenting adults. So why was he hesitating?

  It had to be because of her father. She wondered if her dad warned him away from her. She wouldn’t be surprised. He’d certainly done it many times in the past. Boys were afraid to approach her, let alone ask her on a date. Surely Quinn wouldn’t be cowed by a man who held no authority over him anymore. He was so strong and sure and capable. She didn’t think anything or anyone would intimidate him.

  She dropped her spoon into her empty bowl with a clink. “That hit the spot. Thank you.”

  “You’re welcome, but the thanks go to the person who owns the cabin.” He stood and gathered the bowls.

  She stopped him with a hand on his arm. “You cooked. I do the dishes.” She chuckled to herself when he didn’t even offer a token protest. Carrying the bowls to the sink, she noticed Rocky and Kilo zonked out in front of the fireplace and smiled. It was so cozy, and she could easily picture this as her life. Maybe a bigger house with more than two rooms, plus a cat or two running around, causing havoc and provoking the dogs.

  Now all she needed to do was convince Quinn.

  She thought he might cave when she stepped out of the bathroom in her sports bra and panties. The outfit wasn’t sexy. She’d chosen them for comfort and functionality, not seduction, but she hoped it would be enough to entice him to join her in the shower. She’d seen—and felt—his body’s reaction to her, so the desire was mutual. Now to get him to act on those feelings so they could make a significant dent in his condom stash.

  He was still sitting at the hand-carved table instead of moving to the sofa. She grabbed his hand and pulled him to his feet. “Let’s enjoy the fire.” He could’ve easily resisted, but he allowed her to lead him to the couch. When she sat down, he did, too—on the opposite end. Oh, no, that wouldn’t do. She scooted over until she butted up against his hard, muscular body. She couldn’t resist leaning closer. He smelled so good.

  “Uh, Vanessa?”

  She looked up into his closed eyes and smiled. “Yes?”

  “Don’t you want some space, you know, on the other side?” He waved a hand in the direction of the other end.

  “No. I’m quite comfortable here. Thanks.”

  A tortured groan left his mouth, and she felt a little sorry for him. It would be so much easier if he just gave in, but he was resis
ting. Too bad for him that she loved a challenge.

  Her fingers coasted up his bare thigh. He was solid muscle beneath a dusting of hair so blond, it was almost white.

  A hand suddenly clamped down over hers, trapping it against his leg. “You’re playing with fire,” he growled.

  A wicked smile crossed her lips. “Looks like I’m about to get burned.”

  #

  Quinn’s resolve was hanging on by a gossamer-thin thread. Sitting across from Vanessa, watching her eat the stew, was torture. Who would’ve thought soup would be so erotic? It was the way she savored the meal, her eyes closing in ecstasy as she relished every last spoonful. He’d had to sit on his hand to keep from reaching over and wiping a drop from the corner of her mouth.

  Everything she did turned him on. He was in so much trouble. He wasn’t sure how long he could resist her. Turns out, it wasn’t very long at all.

  When her fingers trailed up his thigh, he snapped. Sinking his hands in her hair to hold her head in place, he kissed her. As with the first time their lips met, it was instant heat and raw, carnal passion. He couldn’t get enough of her. He eased her to the cushions without breaking contact and skimmed his hand beneath her top to cup her breast. It was the perfect size for his large hands. The sounds she made spurred him on. He needed to be inside her.

  She mewled in protest and reached for him when he broke the kiss and stood. She needn’t worry. For better or worse, he had no intention of stopping now. Sliding his hands beneath her, he picked her up, enjoying her surprised squeak, and carried her to the bed.

  Ripping the covers down with one hand, he placed her on the sheets. Before joining her, he clutched the hem of her T-shirt and lifted it over her head. She was so lovely. He hooked his fingers in the waistband of the boxers and eased them down before tossing them over his shoulder. He sucked in a breath. She was the most beautiful thing he’d ever seen.