by Sheila Kell
“Tough.” She planned to stand strong, but her quivering voice betrayed her.
Were those footsteps outside her door? Please. Please.
“Not tough. You need to back off. These people can, and will, do terrible things to you should you continue on this witch hunt of yours. I’d hate to see anything happen to you.”
She knew the danger. She knew what could happen, but her brother deserved justice. Had people warned him off the story? Was this how it had started for him? She gritted her teeth. He’d never have given up and neither would she, no matter who showed up to threaten her.
“You have to back off. I was sent to give you a message. I don’t want to come back and deliver the punishment. You were lucky they only wanted to give you a verbal warning this time,” he said gravely.
“I’ve already received one death threat this week. Unless you can top that, you’re wasting your time.” That wasn’t the smartest thing to mention to a killer. A death threat and now this, Trent would definitely be hired as her new bodyguard.
She gasped when he reached out and pulled her roughly, almost brutally against his rock-hard body, covering her mouth with his in a punishing, angry kiss. Twisting in his arms and pushing against his chest, she sought to be free, break out of his hold. This couldn’t be happening. Why was he kissing her?
When she opened her mouth to protest, he took advantage, stroking his tongue inside, sending lightning bolts of desire shooting directly to her core. Surrendering to the forceful domination of his lips, she no longer desired withdrawing from his embrace.
She wrapped her arms around his neck and buried her hands in his thick, silky, black hair, molding herself against his chest. Her eager response shocked her. She kissed him with a hunger that belied her fear.
He wrapped his hands in her hair and pulled it to angle her head before the kiss turned hungry and demanding, void of tenderness, gentleness. She met his urgency with her own lustful needs.
His hand reached under her sweater and pushed her bra aside. Cupping her breast tightly, he thumbed her nipple to a stiff peak, goose bumps exploded on her flesh. Her knees weakened. His rough touch ignited currents of desire rapidly filling every nerve ending in her body. She wanted. . . no needed more of his touch. Oh God, this is madness…but such sweet madness.
AJ’s groan amplified the pulsing in her pelvis, her panties dampened with her desire for him. She wanted this man, this criminal, with a fiery passion she didn’t understand and didn’t care to question.
He grasped her buttocks, pulled her against his erection and broke the kiss. Leaning his forehead to hers, he took a moment to catch his breath. “I’m going to fuck you unless you stop me now. I have no willpower to let you go.”
Megan’s trembling limbs clung to him. An urgent need for him kept her silent, powerless to resist.
AJ picked her up, and she wrapped her legs around him, holding tight, ready to take all he would give. Not questioning her actions. Temporarily forgetting why he’d come to her home. She had a craving for him unlike any she’d ever known. She would never see him again so she’d satisfy it here and now.
He took her mouth savagely while walking forward until the dining table touched her behind. “Get those jeans off now,” he commanded in a husky, oh so sexy voice.
A tremor of excitement trickled down her back. She quickly stripped her jeans and panties off before she changed her mind or came to her senses.
His gaze drifted downward and stopped abruptly. “Fuck me! Shaved.” He lifted and deposited her on the edge of the table before dropping his jeans. “I can’t wait. I need to be inside you now.”
She gasped. His large, stiff rod jutted out from its own bald area. She reached out and he stopped her.
“No.” He nudged her back on the table, gripped her hips and scooted her closer to him.
He pushed a finger in her, she clamped on it and a desperate moan escaped her. Desire had its greedy clutches on her and would not let go. She didn’t need foreplay. She needed him inside her.
He mumbled something under his breath and settled himself in the cradle of her thighs. After torturing her while he moistened his arousal with the liquid heat pooled between her thighs, he shoved inside her in one solid, rough stroke, releasing a deep, rumbling groan and then stilled.
Her breath caught. What should’ve been painful only increased her burning need for him, fanning the flames. She wrapped her legs around him, encouraging him to move, to push in deeper.
“I’m going to fuck you hard and fast.”
He tightened his grip on her hips and watched his cock pump in and out in wild, frantic, deep strokes, delivering the raw, rough sex she craved.
Being reckless had never felt so good…so exciting…so right. He kept a rhythm that stole all thought except the acknowledgement of the endless, erotic sensations flowing through her.
With a muttered curse he lifted his eyes from where they were joined. She stared into his hot gaze, sending a quiver sizzling through her already sensitive, tingling body. One of his hands left her hip to rub her swollen nub.
She closed her eyes and rolled her head back with a sigh of pleasure. The combination of his deep, tight thrusts and attention to her sensitive clitoris was blissful torture.
“You feel so fucking good. I can’t hold out much longer.”
Neither could she. The rush of naughty, erotic sex, half-dressed on her table ignited the orgasm building inside her, a swirling need to be filled, to surpass that blissful crest.
She pulled her knees back and placed her feet on his broad chest. “Harder! Faster!” she screamed, lifting her hips higher to meet him.
He complied, his hips lunging deeper, each thrust reverberating through her, stroking that sweet spot deep inside.
Her body tightened as she began that exhilarating climb. She moaned and arched her back as she reached the top and teetered, her body humming, ready for the freefall he’d deliver. She tipped over the edge.
“Dammit.” He stiffened, threw his head back and groaned loudly.
The pulsing of his cock inside pushed her down that hill. Her body shattered, and she soared with shuddering ecstasy, pleasure jetting through her, forcing a strangled cry from her as it left her in a euphoric state.
He leaned forward on top of her, his breathing heavy, his body shaking.
She reached up and ran her fingers through his hair. Her mind had abandoned her. It still floated on the other plane he’d taken her to.
He stiffened, stood and pulled out of her. “Fuck!”
Her eyes flew open. Sweet Jesus. What did I just do? He was an enforcer, a criminal. How could she have forgotten that? He’d come here threatening her. She’d acted like a slut. Shame filled her. She’d let him…let him. She couldn’t even say it.
He reached down and pulled up his pants, tucking himself inside.
Trembling hit her full force, all signs of excitement vanquished. What would he do now? She slid from the table and pushed him back. “Get out! Get out!” She snatched up her jeans as she yelled at him. The weakness in her legs barely held her upright from the mind-blowing orgasm she’d just experienced.
He ran his fingers through his hair. “Megan.”
She zipped her jeans. Her chest squeezed. “Didn’t you hear me? Get out!”
Her skin crawled. Loathing and humiliation set into her bones. She looked into his eyes and cold, haunted ones drove right to her soul. The man she’d briefly seen full of desire had disappeared. The criminal had returned.
“I want you to leave. Now!” She pointed toward the door, anger and heat flooded her. How could she have let things get so carried away?
He turned. “Back the fuck off, Megan. They won’t let you continue this. Hell, I won’t let you continue this.”
This change in him frightened her. First he threatened her and then he took her and then he threatened her. I know how to pick them.
Her stomach clenched, fighting the growing ball of panic bouncing beneath her b
reast. She lifted her chin with stubborn determination and balled her hands into fists, fingernails cutting into her palms.
He stopped with his hand on the doorknob, looking back at her. “Megan, stop what you’re doing. These people are dangerous.”
She raised an eyebrow. “And you aren’t?”
Concern flickered in his eyes for a fleeting moment. She must’ve been mistaken. For Christ’s sake, he’s a criminal. He could care less about what happened to her.
And yet I just had sex with him. And enjoyed it.
She had to get him out of her house. No matter how much he made her insides quiver and her pulse race, he had to leave. He’d said he wouldn’t let her continue. What would he do when she did? It definitely wouldn’t be what had happened this time. No. That had been a big mistake.
“Leave!”
He opened the door. “Megan. . .” he began in a harsh voice.
“AJ?” a man’s voice questioned.
His head snapped to the visitor on the front steps. “What the hell are you doing here, McKenzie?” AJ glared back at Megan, something akin to disgust in his eyes before returning his sharp gaze to Trent.
“I don’t think that’s your business.”
AJ turned narrowed eyes to her. “Remember what I said.” Then he turned and pushed past Trent and out of her life.
Or at least she hoped.
CHAPTER SIX
“Ms. Rogers? Is everything okay?”
Her body trembled and her voice broke. “Are you…” She gulped. “Are you friends with him?” Had Kelly misjudged Trent? Was he on the Magician’s payroll also?
He watched AJ’s retreating back and slowly shook his head. “We once were but that seems like a lifetime ago.” Looking back at her, he smiled and held out his hand. “I’m Trent McKenzie. I believe you were expecting me.”
Megan bit her bottom lip and stared at him. This could be the best or worst decision she made in her life. He could help her or hand her over to the enemy.
She shook Trent’s hand. “Just give me one moment, Mr. McKenzie.” She pushed the door closed and pulled her gun from her purse frantically searching for somewhere to hide it so it would be handy should she need it.
“You don’t need that.”
She jumped and spun around. Her heart seized. She hadn’t heard him enter.
He held his hands up in an I surrender pose. “If it makes you feel better, you may remove my weapon and hold on to it. It’s inside my jacket. Just don’t put it too far away in case we need it.”
This day kept getting weirder. A criminal threatened her and then took her on her dining room table, at her willingness, and a protector who allowed her to remove his weapons. She laughed.
He raised his eyebrows. “Are you sure you’re okay?”
Between breaths, she managed, “I’m fine. Have a seat, Mr. McKenzie. But, if you don’t mind, I’ll hang on to my gun for now.”
A slow playful grin curved his lips. A devastatingly handsome man stood before her. A man whose smile would have women dropping their panties. His ocean blue eyes and darkened jaw even drew her to him.
“As long as you don’t shoot me accidentally, I’m okay with it.”
“Oh, so on purpose is okay.” The joke slipped out, and it lifted her spirits, lightening the mood.
No more thoughts of a sexy criminal.
The room reeked of sex. She would never let anything like that happen again. She must’ve been out of her mind. It had to be temporary insanity.
“Well, it’s not preferable but if it brings out that brilliant smile of yours, I’m game,” Trent drawled smoothly.
He thought to flirt. Why the hell not? She was single. AJ had been nothing more than…well whatever it’d been. Her stomach twisted in a knot. She’d been incredibly foolish.
“Let’s get more comfortable. May I get you something to drink?” She froze. Wasn’t that what her last visitor had asked?
Dang him. Grow up girl. The man in front of me can protect me from AJ. What happened today will not happen again with Trent by your side. AJ would never get close to her.
“I’m good for now but thanks.”
“Oh no! Bob! Bob! Come here, baby.”
He spun around. “Who the hell is Bob?”
Was that…? Yes. She heard him coming in the cat door at the rear of her house. “Just my furry, four-legged man.”
“Crap.”
Bob strutted into the room and wound around Megan’s legs with several loud meows before she lifted him. He’d bolted outside when AJ had entered. He was definitely not a protective cat.
Trent took a step back.
She tilted her head to the side and looked at him. “Is something wrong? You don’t like cats?”
He put up his hands for a second time. “I thought animals loved me until one little spotted dog growled at me and wouldn’t let me near her master.”
She lightly chuckled. “Bob’s not running away or hissing. I think you’re okay. Come closer. If you do this, he’s part of the package. Nothing happens to him either.”
Trent dropped his head and shook it, muttering something under his breath.
“What?” His comical behavior brought a smile to her lips. What could’ve happened with this dog to make this rather large man afraid of her cat?
“Okay, but if it bites me, you’re taking me to the hospital. Without the damn cat.”
“Aww. Come on, big baby.” She enjoyed teasing him, loved the lightweight feeling their conversation created. He’d set her at ease in no time.
“Big baby, huh? Let’s see then, shall we?” That sinful grin and twinkle in his eye had to be breaking hearts everywhere.
He stepped forward and slowly stretched his hand to Bob who immediately nudged his head under it, purring loudly.
“He likes you. No problem. Here, now hold him.” She dumped the cat into his arms.
“What the hell do you feed this thing? It weighs a ton.”
“He’s big-boned,” she defended her cat. He had no fat on him. He was actually a large-sized cat. “And for the record, Bob is a he, not an it.”
Trent strolled into the living room and whistled. “This place looks great. Did you renovate it yourself? Wow, I love the fireplace.”
A man after her own heart. “I did some of the renovations but it had been started by the previous owner.” She gestured to the couch. “You may set him down. Why don’t we sit?”
Trent situated himself on the edge of the couch, stroking the cat in his lap. “Let me ask frankly. What is your relationship with AJ?”
She gulped. Could he tell? Could he have smelled sex hanging in the air when he’d arrived? “We don’t have a relationship. He was sent here to threaten me.”
Trent stared at her for a moment. “Threaten you?”
“I told you over the phone I needed protection from Magic Shop.”
He looked down and Bob turned his head up to him when Trent stilled his hand.
His silence unnerved her. What the hell was he thinking? Did he know she held back about AJ? She couldn’t admit she’d had a moment of weakness, a moment of urgent need and had sex with an old friend of his. A man who’d threatened her.
At least she didn’t have to worry about his being faithful. There’d be nothing between them. He lived on the wrong side of the law. She’d never allow herself to become close to someone like him.
“Um, you said you knew AJ. How?”
Trent let out an exasperated sigh and looked up, blatant pain in his eyes. “AJ and I were in the FBI together. Not too long ago in fact.”
“What?” she croaked. AJ, FBI? Was he undercover? Could she possibly have been attracted to a normal man for a change?
“We were. Right after we’d closed a case where his old partner Kate, who is now his sister-in-law almost died, he disappeared for a month or so, presumably undercover. He showed up at the office and had a big blowout with his boss, and said he’d had enough of the bullshit. He resigned.
“Honestly, I expected him to join his brothers in their security firm, but AJ had always tried to separate himself from them. I watched him go downhill for a while with more drinking and more women.
She shook her head in disgust.
Trent leaned deeper into the couch. “I didn’t expect AJ to drop this low, but now that I look at the signs, they were there. He’d withdrawn from everyone, including me, and we were friends before the FBI.”
“Could he…” she stopped and cleared her throat. “Could he have been dirty?”
“That’s what I’ve been thinking about since you told me who he worked for. I wouldn’t have thought so, but to go straight from the bureau to this? It’s possible. Maybe that’s where he’d been when he disappeared for that time before he quit. Maybe he had been setting this life up for himself.”
Oh God. And she’d freely had sex with him. “Will it be a problem if the person you have to protect me from is your friend?”
Trent answered without hesitation. “No.”
It couldn’t come to that. If AJ had only turned not very long ago, there was a chance she could turn him back to a law-abiding citizen. Why the heck had that popped into her mind? He’d been a quick screw, plain and simple.
She cleared her throat. “Why did you leave the FBI?”
Trent’s face turned to a mask of stone. “A woman, that’s all I’ll say about it.”
Another person with relationship baggage, she almost snorted aloud.
They spoke and lightly flirted before she officially hired him. He explained that he’d be with her during the daytime and his partner, Jeremy, would protect her in the evenings. Should things change and he felt it necessary, he would bring in a few friends to increase her protective detail.
She hoped that wouldn’t be necessary.
Once hired, Trent took over. He’d already checked her windows, doors, security system and any nook and cranny that he felt necessary. When he excused himself to speak on the phone outside, she hadn’t expected him to return with a duffel bag.
“Is that stuff for more security?”
He flashed his incredibly seductive smile and chuckled. “No, that’s my bag. I sleep in the spare room.”
