Dangerous Desires

by Tia Siren

  Nervously, she raised her arm to touch me and then stopped herself, pointing behind me instead. “Here.”

  I nodded, and took the rest of my photos, standing at an appropriate distance.

  “You said there was something better coming tomorrow?” I asked her.

  “Yes. An exhibit. We just got a shipment of new artwork from Britain. Sounds like maybe that’s where you’re from?”

  Proverbial bells went off in my head as I connected the dots. Could the first place I went really be the place I was looking for? I wondered then, why it wouldn’t show up on any of the other reports.

  “Is that so?” I leaned against the pillar, centered in the gallery. With the setting sun peeking through, she looked ethereal. A real beauty. My mind wandered as my eyes did their own assessment of her body, down to her manicured toes and back up to her peachy lips. I had to rein myself in before my cock grew right in front of her.

  “Yes. It’s our first shipment from Britain, so it is a big deal. What part are you from?”

  I smiled. “I grew up in the countryside, but for the past few years I have been in Essex.” I explained.

  She nodded, stepping slightly closer with fascination.

  “I have never met anyone from there. What brings you to Brooklyn?”

  “Work,” was always the answer I gave out. But I should have known she was the type to push further.

  “Oh. What kind of work do you do? Are you a buyer?” Her eyes lit up. I could tell how much she loved art. Perhaps I could get more information from her.

  “I’m an enthusiast of sorts.” I lied easily, but unlike every other time it felt like a lie this time. I didn’t like it.

  “I see. How are you able to travel then? Oh no, you must be an art inspector!” She gasped, suddenly looking around as if to check everything was in order, but tried to play it off. It made me laugh, genuinely for the first time in a while.

  “I am not an art inspector, I promise. I freelance overseas, and sometimes I write art journals for magazines. You wouldn’t know them though, they are all in Russian.” The story flew from my mouth without a pause.

  I found myself worried for her response, as she pursed her lips softly. Then she nodded with a slight smile, and I could relax for a moment.

  “That is very interesting. If you want, you can come back early tomorrow and see the art before everyone else.”

  I arched a brow. That was exactly what I needed. To see the work, have a proper survey of it. There were telltale signs of forgery, and if I knew exactly where it came from, that would make it easier.

  “I would love that. What time can I come?”

  “Six. The exhibit begins at eight.”

  Two hours was plenty of time to get everything done. It would be nice to have a few moments alone, but I could already tell she guarded these pieces like a hawk. I could only imagine what she would do with their first overseas shipment.

  “Perfect. Oh, I don’t even know your name.” I smiled softly.

  “I’m Kennedy Michaels.” She held out her hand, and I was hesitant to take it, because I knew it would be as soft and as irresistible as I imagined. But I couldn’t be rude.

  “I’m Eli.” I took her hand and, instead of shaking it, I brought her knuckles to my lips and kissed her softly.

  “Pleasure to meet you…do you own the gallery?” I asked, hoping she could give me information on who brought in the shipment. If I knew that, I would be closer to who ordered the art here, and then I could place the origin of the counterfeit art.

  “Oh, no. I am only an assistant. Julian is the owner, but he just left town. Oh, he is also from England. I don’t know why I said I hadn’t met anyone from there before…” she rambled aloud.

  But I was stuck on it’s being awfully convenient that the owner was leaving town for the exhibit. If anyone got word of the art being forged, he would not be around to take the blame or even have any of the wrong fingers pointed at him. Something wasn’t sitting well with me. I realized I was deep in thought and had zoned out.

  “Mr. Eli?” She craned her neck towards me.

  “Sorry, love. What did you say?” She seemed taken aback by my term of endearment. Though I was too, as I had never used it before. What was this woman doing to me? I had to get out of here before she made me spill all my secrets.

  “I said,” she blinked. “I don’t remember. It’s nothing.” She shook her head.

  I smiled and nodded. “Well, thank you for the pictures. And I will see you tomorrow. Six, right?” I said.

  “Yes,” she nodded, “you call the gallery if you have any questions. Or I can give you my um, my number.” She tucked a loose piece of hair behind her ear nervously.

  I smiled softly, with a tinge of guilt in my core. I had already gotten her to trust me. To trust a lie. Shut up Eli, this is the job.

  “I would rather have your number.”

  She smiled, her cheeks darkening as she nodded. When I handed her my phone, she put in her number and then handed it back to me.

  “There. All set.” I let my fingertips brush hers on purpose, just so I could see that blush again. It was beautiful, and I was dying to know how far it spread.

  “Wonderful, see you tomorrow.”

  I turned on my heel, left that thick bubble of unknown trust surrounding us and headed back to my place. I sent a status report to Marx, and told him I would be looking into the owner as well.

  I sat on my bed in flannel pants, sans shirt, with my laptop, scouring the database for this Julian man. It was hard to do with no last name, even when I searched the gallery I still couldn’t find one. Definitely odd. I needed to get closer to Kennedy, and that wasn’t the hard part. The hard part would be doing it without falling for her.

  It was approaching midnight, so I didn’t expect her to be awake. But I found her contact information in my phone, which was easy because she was the only one in there besides Marx and Jameson, my weapons specialist. I rarely used him on the jobs I went on.

  This is Eli, just making sure you have my number.

  I have it!

  It is pretty late, why are you still up?

  I settled in for a conversation with her, setting my laptop on the bedside table as I clicked through the channels until I found something I was familiar with. My phone dinged with another message from her.

  I am working on some things for the exhibit. This is my first time doing it alone.

  Don’t overwork yourself. Do you want to be worn out tomorrow?

  Hmm. I never thought of it that way.

  You should get some rest.

  I think I would rather talk to you.

  Bugger. Why was she so sexy, playing with me like this? And what the hell was I doing? Every bone in my body was telling me to stop this now, to not let myself get attached at all. But I was so taken by her, that I knew it wouldn’t be that simple.

  Me too.

  5

  Kennedy

  I was being so irresponsible, but it was worth it in this case.

  I stayed up too late talking to Eli. He was charming. Even over text message! I wasn’t hearing that sexy accent of his directly, but I was still imagining it in my head.

  Not only was I nervous about the exhibit, but I was nervous about seeing him again. Good lord, I was in over my head. If I could wave a magic wand to create a perfect man, he would show up. Tall, definitely over six feet. Maybe a whole foot taller than me, if I stood close enough. His hair was a lovely shade of deep brown, almost black, and it was nicely waved backwards, like he runs his fingers through it. I would love to do the same.

  And his eyes were a beautiful shade of hazel that I was sure changes color with the light. But his body? God, I kept imagining what he looked like underneath those clothes, but I had a good idea. His Henley seared over every muscle of his chest and arms, and his khakis wrapped up every inch of him perfectly. He looked damned good in clothes, but I just wanted to undress him.

  I couldn’t go back to that acce
nt, it was too much. Too perfect. Julian didn’t sound anything like him. Eli’s voice was like velvet, washing over me. Love. I would gladly change my name if I could hear him say that over and over.

  Now I couldn’t figure out what to wear. I could wear what I normally do to the exhibit, but that wouldn’t work for my debut as the organizer. I dared to try something new and shifted to the back of my closet for my dresses I never got a chance to wear. They were still in their respective garment bags.

  I went for the dark purple cocktail dress, but it was a little more formal. It went to my knees, and the front was a deep swoop, but the fabric bunched over so it didn’t actually show any cleavage. And the back dipped low to just past my shoulder blades. I let my hair fall in its natural waves, and I managed to find a matching lipstick.

  I gave myself a once-over, and grabbed some black strappy heels. I left early so I could be back by six, and I made it at ten minutes till. The art had already been hung, and all I had to do was make sure it was in the right place.

  I checked the lighting and did a walk through. The art was beautiful; it was a landscape collection, with a bit of portrait work, only two pieces. But it was still beautiful, and I didn’t even know the artist. I usually had tabs on everyone. But I was so busy with this exhibit, I didn’t have a chance to research him. Or her. It was just two initials; T.P.

  I was just settling down as the catering crew set up, when my phone went off.

  You look beautiful.

  It was Eli. I looked around, and I didn’t see him. Maybe he was just guessing. I stood up and walked around the pillar, and I saw him. Then my knees went weak. Something inside of me that I didn’t know existed had come alive. It sounded corny as hell, but it was true. I was in plain sight of his profile, he stood tall in a black suit, tailored to every muscle in his body. His hair was slicked back and even his fine stubble was nicely groomed. Perhaps he was more beautiful this way, the profile of his sharp nose settled between his high cheekbones, and the curve of his full lips, right down to his jawline cut by the gods themselves. I was in so much trouble.

  You look handsome.

  I replied, and then I had to get back to work. I couldn’t let this gorgeous British visitor derail me. With weak knees, I worked the room, discussing the art with some of the other early visitors. Thank God the caterers had been quick in setting up.

  Every exhibit we had was successful, so I had to sell as much as I could tonight. If I didn’t, that would be the real question of my success with this one. But about three hours in, I was exhausted. I stood at the far wall, escaping the crowd for just a moment.

  I felt a hand on my waist, and I would have flinched away if I hadn’t felt oddly comfortable. It was Eli.

  “Everything okay?” His voice washed over me. As I turned to face him, his eyes lit up with…mischief almost. The smirk playing at his lips made me want nothing but him.

  “Yes…sort of.” I shrugged with a nervous giggle.

  He smiled and took my hand, I didn’t hesitate to follow him as he led me down the back hallway until we reached the supply closet. Oh shit. I felt my heart in my throat as he shut the door behind us, my pulse in my ears. As he looked down at me, shrugging off his jacket, I felt suffocated by the tension in the air, thick enough to cut with a knife. I met his gaze as he sauntered towards me until I was up against the wall.

  With his hands on either side of my head, he put his flush body against mine, and I gasped as I felt his erection on my hip. God, it could be mistaken for a limb. I caught my lower lip between my teeth as my breath quickened. His eyes trailed down to my lips and then he gently used his thumb to pull my lip from my teeth. He traced my lips over and over with the pad of his thumb. In a moment of courage, with my eyes on his, I took his thumb between my lips and sucked. His groan vibrated against the closet walls and went right to my core.

  When I released him, he cupped my face in his hands and brought his forehead to mine.

  “I want you,” he said gruffly. His voice was deeper now, stronger. Masked with his desire.

  I could only nod in response.

  “I need to have you.”

  I could only nod again. God, I was so aroused I couldn’t speak. I never felt this throbbing need before. This burn between my legs, the strain of my nipples to be touched, and the twitch of my lips to be kissed. I couldn’t wait another minute.

  I closed the minimal space between our lips, and he didn’t waste time deepening the kiss. Our lips sucked and molded with each other. His strong hands found their way down my body, setting a fire in their wake. I latched my hands into his hair, and then did my own exploration of his chiseled body as our lips moved together.

  I moaned into his mouth as he lifted me up, and spread my legs so I could feel his cock right against my pussy. He hiked my dress up, trailing his hand ever so slowly to my slick folds. I ground against him, begging for his touch. I hooked the waistband of his pants, feeling the heat of his skin against my knuckles.

  It was nearly impossible to get his belt undone with one hand, but I did. I felt him straining against the thin fabric of his boxers, I wanted him inside me. Badly. And we only just met. It wasn’t something I had ever done before, but nothing was stopping me from fucking this man. Nothing.

  His lips seared a hot trail to my neck, and I could finally try and catch my breath. I gripped him through his boxers. He was huge. He groaned into my neck as he sucked the skin softly, being careful not to leave a mark. He tugged the front of my dress aside, grabbing my breasts. I arched towards his touch, wanting more. Needing more.

  “God, I want this.” I clutched his shoulders, my nails digging into his hard muscle.

  He nodded against my shoulder blade, and then adjusted me against the wall. He tugged the thin lace of my panties aside and I pulled him from his briefs. It was too dark to see, but I felt him; engorged, the veins protruding around him, and his tip lined with moisture. He was so big, he eased inside of me, inch by glorious inch.

  Seconds later he was at the hilt, pressed inside of me, filling me and stretching my walls. I sighed deeply, moaning like I had never done this before. No one compared, no one felt this good. He leaned back, his eyes hooded as he bit his lip softly. I used my own thumb to pull it away, and gripped his jaw to pull him closer for a kiss.

  And then his lips coaxed over mine as his hips swiveled into mine, hitting that sweet maddening spot ever so slightly. But I needed more.

  “Fuck me, please.”

  I moaned against his lips, I felt him smirk as he fulfilled my wishes. I clutched his shoulders as he took me over and over, faster and harder every time. The small room echoed with the sound of our skin meeting, our breaths quickening.

  “Fucking hell you’re amazing,” he whispered between thrusts.

  I gripped his rock-hard ass as he drove into me, over and over until my eyes were lost in my head.

  It was insane. Almost too much for me, but I felt myself rising higher and higher. He sensed the quivering of my muscles and brought his skilled fingers to my clit, I gasped as he rubbed my sensitive nub, putting almost no pressure on it as he circled around and around. I whimpered, crying out his name.

  All he had to do after moments of that was press ever so slightly and I was coming. Clenching around him, struggling to breathe, as I saw white for blinding seconds before I could focus again. I needed him to come too. I ground against him, coaxing him deeper and clenching around him harder. As he shook and groaned deeper, I knew he was close. And I felt I was coming again too.

  Hell, I was lucky if I got to come even once, and now I was already feeling another one. He pinched my nipple, and then I felt myself near that edge again. When his seed shot into me, hot and thick, I let myself go and found my climax again.

  I stayed locked around him, until I could find my breath again. When he set me down, I almost wobbled. He leaned in and kissed me again, slow and sweet but with the same urgency as before.

  I smiled softly, and a smirk found his li
ps. He watched as I adjusted my dress, and tried to fix my hair.

  “You look perfect.” He shrugged his jacket on and tightened his cuff links.

  I just nodded, and he led me back into a room full of people who had no clue what we just did.

  6

  Eli

  I could barely get my head back where it should be.

  I hadn’t had my fill of her yet. I wanted to take her back to my flat and satiate my thirst for her.

  Fuck.

  “You look perfect,” I told her. She was nervously adjusting herself, the look on her face said it all. It was almost obvious she never done anything like this, which made her all the more desirable.

  She was so sweet, so innocent, so delicious.

  “Thank you. I need to get back now.” She blinked up at me nervously, her eyes wide as they stared into mine. I smiled softly, and reached around her to open the door.

  It brought me closer to her, I was surrounded by her scent once again. I wanted nothing more than to keep her in here all night, but we both had work to do.

  “Of course,” I replied.

  I exited moments after her, to find her already mingling with potential customers. It was an elderly couple, and they had her occupied. She glanced over at me as I combed my hand through my hair, and I gave her a small wink as I set off for the new paintings. One of these had to be the fake. Everything was pointing to this gallery. But did she know?

  If she organized the exhibit, then she had to know where the art came from. A pang in my chest wished she didn’t, but I would have to find out somehow. That meant getting close to her, but keeping my distance. It was already beyond professionalism now, and I worried I would slack on my job to protect her. That couldn’t happen.

  But she just felt so…right.

  I wanted to worship her properly, take time kissing every inch of her creamy, pale skin. Just the thought of her, the warmth and softness of her body against mine made me swell. I wanted—needed her again.