The nurse said, “No. Bad would be if you left. If things went back to the old ways before Alex Henderson came and vowed to put an end to all the brutality. He brought more than men to protect us. He brought hope.”
And in some ways, she now felt that hope directed at her life too. Here, she felt she could make a difference. Already she could see various ways her skills could be utilized. She wondered how long and wide the ripple effect of Alex and Ziva Henderson’s sacrifices would extend, and was thankful they’d both been brave enough to try. LA had been her life for so long, but nothing really tied her there anymore. Not Steve, not her job . . . not her heart. Hope.
Hope was a powerful force. As long as the Tabiqian people had that, the evils of the world weren’t going to easily take over. She reached out, taking the bath powder. “Thank you.”
As Hydria made her way back to the hotel she couldn’t help but think about everything that had transpired that day. She might not have been in Tabiq long, but she’d gotten the picture of what it had been like. It made her appreciate the life she had growing up in LA. Yes there was crime, no different than anywhere else. But she didn’t live in constant fear, and her parents didn’t have to hide her away in order to keep her from being taken. The total opposite was the case. Her parents not only let her, but encouraged her to join a variety of groups. Although she never could pick it up, Hydria even took violin lessons. The only comment she remembered her father making had been, “Thank God she didn’t pick the tuba.” Her childhood was filled with wonderful memories. It’s how every child should be raised. Loved. Wanted. Safe.
That’s why processing today’s horrific events was so troubling. How some people were fighting against all the positive changes that Tabiq was going through was mind-blowing. How one man had so little regard for his wife and daughters still disturbed her. He’d been willing to sacrifice them. For what? But she had to believe the number of good people far outweighed the bad. Even with the bloodshed today, it was a loud statement that Tabiq was moving forward, even if it had to do it kicking and screaming. And hopefully Bennett will keep me on so I can help.
Hydria had thought Renzo would’ve returned earlier, but there were a lot of decisions to be made. Part of her had wanted to be included, but she understood that wasn’t her role here. But her time hadn’t been completely wasted. Hydria took the nurse’s advice and had been soaking for what seemed like forever. Whatever flowers they used should be marketed. They’d make a fortune. As promised, every ache seemed to have dissipated. I really need to get some of this to take home.
She had nothing to go back to except bills waiting for her. At least here she had a job, and of course, Renzo was here too. To her it was a win all the way around. There were other things she should consider, like the fact that this country was far from stable, but how was that different from being on the police force? Steve had reminded her many times he was safer with his team than she was alone in a patrol car. She wasn’t sure she actually believed that, but where you put your life on the line didn’t matter as long as you stayed focused.
If Renzo doubted her ability to do that effectively while working with him, she’d proven him wrong today. She might have been grazed by a bullet, but others had suffered more serious wounds. None of them were anyone’s fault but the scum-sucking bastards who were shooting at them. Of course the best scenario would’ve been no one had been hurt. It hadn’t gone off without injury or loss, but it could’ve been so much worse. It if hadn’t been for how both Bennett and Renzo commanded their teams, it was possible none of them would’ve survived. We may have been outnumbered, but they underestimated us.
The water was getting cold again. She contemplated putting more hot water in, but she was going to be wrinkled like a prune if she didn’t get out. Reluctantly she dragged herself out of the tub and wrapped in one of the bed sheets. With all the commotion she’d forgotten to grab towels from the front desk. Hotels provided a bed only. The guest was required to ask or bring everything else they may need.
The room was quiet, and the only light was the flickering from a candle. She was so relaxed that being swaddled in the sheet and lying on the bed sounded perfect. She wasn’t sure her head had hit the pillow before her eyes closed. Now this is nice.
Hydria was about to drift off when she heard light knocking on the door. She knew it was Renzo or she’d have rolled over and ignored it. But seeing him was exactly what she needed. They had things they needed to talk about. Renzo had reached out to her, kissed her, and now she needed to know why. Her heart wasn’t going to get close to him only for him to shut her out. Not again.
Thirteen years ago, she met a man she saw a future with. Away from his job, Renzo was kind, considerate, attentive, and . . . sexy. She knew she loved him when she watched him interact with Steve, who at the time was an insolent teenager trying to accept the horrible reality of the death of his parents. He’d shown insight and thoughtfulness to a young teen who needed a good man to influence him positively. Maybe he’s the reason Steve went into the Marines. She’d thought she loved him then, but what transpired between them when they both worked for LAPD soured her view of him. He’d become arrogant and offensive in her eyes, even though she knew he was an excellent police officer. But to her . . . whatever love she’d felt for him was questioned. But now? They’d spent hours together, and so many memories had rushed back in. Dare I risk my heart though?
As she made her way to the door she brushed away any negative thoughts. Like the nurse had said today, all one needed was hope. That’s what Hydria was filled with as well. Hope and . . . love.
Hydria opened the door and couldn’t speak. No words could express all the emotions flowing through her. Leaping up, she wrapped her arms around his neck, burying her face in his shirt. Whether it was the intense encounter from today or the realization she still loved Renzo, she couldn’t bring herself to let go.
They stood there silently, holding each other. With her feet dangling in the air, she hadn’t noticed Renzo had carried her into the room and shut the door until she heard him speak close to her ear. “Ria, I could hold you forever, but we need to talk.”
Forever? Was that possible? It was a good sign he called her Ria, but she hoped he’d be kissing her by now. Hydria was in a sheet and nothing else, and now he wants to talk? She thought about stepping aside and untucking the sheet so it fell to the floor. Maybe then he’d change his mind. But she didn’t want a physical-only relationship with Renzo. There was no way she could separate her feelings. He was the one person she wanted it all with. Talking was the only way she’d know if she’d misread him. Slipping from his arms, she led him over to the bed.
“It’s the only place to sit.”
“That’s not going to be conducive to talking,” Renzo said, giving her a playful pat on her rump.
“Ren, I know we have to talk, but can’t we spend a couple of hours holding each other first?” Hydria had just finished telling herself they should talk and somehow she was sabotaging her own decision. Yet she found herself reaching up and touching his cheek. His jaw clenched. She snickered and said, “Unless you want to spend our time together . . . taking . . . dirty.” She gave Renzo a playful, challenging, wink.
Renzo didn’t miss her little flirt and took advantage of her offer. She could see him watching the rise and fall of her breast beneath the white bed sheet. His eyes darkened, and she knew he wanted her as desperately as she did him. A shudder went through her as he grabbed the front of the sheet with one hand. In a deep husky voice he said, “Tempting as that might be, why talk when I can show?”
She gasped as Renzo slipped a finger down the front of the sheet, letting it linger between her breasts. She could feel them heave, begging to be freed from the confines of the cotton sheet. In one quick movement he tugged it free and let it drop to the floor.
Hydria didn’t try to catch it. Her mind was telling her to stop, but her body and her heart were in control. Her pulse raced, and there was warmth growing within her. It
was a fire she’d fought for too long. She was tired of fighting the urge to touch him. Today taught her a lesson she wasn’t going to forget. We’re not guaranteed tomorrow, so live and love for today.
She needed to tell him how she felt, and if it wasn’t reciprocated, she’d have to accept that. Right now, she needed to hold the man she loved like it would be forever. Stepping closer, she boldly wrapped her arms around his neck. Her fingers locked together at the base of his neck, his long hair brushing against her hands.
“Ria, do you know what you’re doing to me?”
She licked her top lip and said, “I thought you were going to show and not tell.” Hydria felt his body tense and could feel the bulge growing in his jeans. Oh yes. That’s one way to show me. But Hydria wanted so much more. She ground her hips against him. A low groan escaped his lips as he claimed her. Opening her mouth, their tongues danced together. She could taste beer, which meant she wasn’t his first stop after the meeting.
Her mind fought for control by trying to plant seeds of doubt between her and her desire. She was tempted to pull back and ask, but did the answer really matter? He was there now. But she did pull away and talking wasn’t on either of their minds.
Renzo dipped his head, trailing hot kisses down her neck and over her shoulder. Cupping one breast, she felt him pluck her nipple. She arched her back as his lips traveled lower until his mouth captured her other nipple. She moaned as he nipped her gently. Shifting her body, she ran her hands through his long dark hair, pulling him closer to her. Her body wanted to feel the heat of his flesh against hers.
Moving her hands lower, she tugged at the top of his shirt, but his shoulders were too massive to get a good grip. “Ren,” Hydria pleaded. He released her long enough to strip off his clothing. Combat boots always sucked to get off, but he untied them and had them off so quick she barely noticed. Then his shirt, revealing a physique that men half his age would die for, and last his jeans and boxers. Her eyes lingered on his erection. She was burning with need.
With her hands running down his chest and abdomen, she dropped to her knees.
She slowly took his hard cock into her hand and he moaned.
“Ria.”
Leaning over, her tongue darted out and licked the tip of his cock. Renzo reached out and brushed the hair from her face. Knowing he was watching her only increased her own desires.
Opening her mouth, she took the head into her mouth and twirled her tongue around it. He groaned, urging her farther down on him. She didn’t resist. Hungrily she took him deep into her throat.
“Oh, fuck, baby, you’re killing me.” His body tensed as her tongue pressed firmly against his cock, licking the length of him and back to the tip again and again. “Shit, I love what you’re doing with your tongue but . . .”
That’s all she needed to hear. Knowing she was driving him crazy only made her rhythm increase each time. Now his moans were met with her own. She could feel he was close. In one quick movement he pulled his hips back.
“Sorry baby, but if I didn’t stop you, this would be over before it started.”
“Are you saying you’re only good for one?” Hydria asked teasingly as she reached out and licked him again. She wanted to taste everything he had to give.
Taking his cock in her mouth again she began sucking faster, bringing him to the brink and then over the edge.
Renzo growled out, “Oh fuck.” Then his pulsing cock erupted in her mouth. She sucked and tasted every sweet drop until there was no more.
Renzo was panting as he pulled away and scooped her into his arms. “Now it’s your turn,” Renzo said as he laid her gently on the full-sized bed.
He was so large there was hardly room for both of them, but he was covering her body with his. Her eyes closed as she felt him trailing kisses down her neck again, over her breast and abdomen.
“You’re so beautiful,” he whispered.
“Even with bruises and stitches?” Hydria asked.
Renzo lifted his head and looked at her outer thigh. She knew it looked worse than it was or at least that’s what she told herself. She didn’t want to remind Renzo, but she did need to be careful. It’d be much worse if he grabbed her thigh and accidently opened the wound again.
“What is this?” Renzo asked as he gently ran his fingers over the clear adhesive.
“It’s a waterproof bandage. To keep it sterile.” She’d looked at it with a mirror earlier and imagined what he was thinking now. “Ren, I’m okay,” Hydria said as she touched his cheek. He looked back at her and she saw grave concern in his eyes. “While waiting I went to the hospital and saw Logan Henderson. He confirmed I’m okay.”
Renzo arched a brow. “That’s it?”
“Yes. Now if you don’t mind, I believe you said something about . . . my turn?” She batted her eyelashes at him, trying to play sweet. Both of them knew she wasn’t shy at all.
Renzo placed a gentle kiss near her stitches. “You’ll tell me if I hurt you, right?”
“Ren, you could never hurt me.”
Hydria adjusted herself, opening her legs, offering him a sweet distraction from all that worried him. Kissing her inner thigh he said, “Tonight is all about”—he licked her thigh—“pleasure. And baby, that’s what I plan on giving you.”
She rested her head back on the pillow and closed her eyes. His lips moved from her thigh to her delicate folds, his tongue separating them. She moaned and thought she’d explode the moment she felt him circling her clit.
“Ren,” she cried out.
As if his tongue wasn’t enough, she felt him reach a hand between her legs. Her body trembled as he spread her legs, lifting her for access to her hot center. When he inserted a finger inside, her entire body quivered. He continued, in and out as his tongue flicked her clit.
Crying out again, she groaned, “Ren.” He slipped another finger inside her. Breathlessly, she begged, “I can’t take . . .”
He circled her clit, and she cried out in pleasure, arching her hips toward his mouth. Her body was on fire and begging for release. Her body jerked violently as she lost herself in a whirlwind of wave after wave. Renzo continued to suck and finger her until her legs clenched around him and her body went limp.
She was gasping for breath when he left her alone on the bed. “Don’t . . . don’t go.” Hydria wanted to hold him, lie tangled in each other’s arms all night.
Then she heard the tearing and opened her eyes. In the dimly lit room she saw him sheathing himself. When he returned to her, she trembled as he took the head of his cock and rubbed her clit with it. “I need you.” He continued to stroke through her folds then back up to her clit. He was driving her crazy in the sweetest way.
Once he entered her she would lose what little control she had. But she felt how ready he was. His cock was hard, and she needed it inside of her.
“Oh baby, I need to feel you wrapped around me.”
Arching her hips to him, she wrapped her legs around his hips. She ignored the stinging she felt in her thigh as it wasn’t as strong as the need between her legs.
Renzo lifted her hips even higher, thrusting deep inside her.
“Did I hurt you?” Renzo asked softly, knowing she’d need to adjust to his size.
She understood his concern. In their brief time dating years ago, they had foreplay, but never intercourse. Hydria didn’t need to tell him she wasn’t a virgin. I’m thirty-five, for God’s sake. She may have been a late bloomer, but once Steve was an adult and off on his own, she learned to let loose a bit. It wasn’t like she had a little black book of conquests, but she’d had a few lovers in her past. She shook her head and arched her back, bringing him even deeper. She held him tightly with her thighs so he couldn’t pull away.
Renzo slowly started moving within her, but she could tell he was struggling to hold back. “Please Ren, I need . . .”
She had never felt so lost in her own desires that she needed harder and faster. The farther he plunged into her, the cl
oser she came to another climax. He arched his back and groaned. The strongest orgasm ripped through her body. She felt his body go ridged as his release matched hers. One last deep thrust and he collapsed on top of her.
Her entire body tingled as she tried to relax under his weight.
“Sorry, baby,” Renzo said as he rolled off her and wrapped his arm around her, pulling her halfway on top of him.
“Sorry? I think the words would be wow or holy shit, that was amazing,” Hydria said as she tickled him on his side.
Renzo chuckled. “Oh baby, if I had to describe what making love to you was like, I’d have to create an entirely new dictionary.”
Hydria laughed. “For someone of little words, I think a sticky note pad will suffice.”
“Ria, when I think of you, the words are endless.” Renzo kissed her on the tip of her nose.
His words touched her so deeply she almost cried. There was so much she wanted to say, but for once, she was speechless. So Hydria laid her head on his shoulder, closed her eyes, and said, “Maybe you can tell them to me tomorrow.”
Chapter Twelve
‡
Hydria knew there had been years of built-up sexual tension, but wow. Her body still tingled from last night. By their third time, she felt as though she was in another stratosphere. She’d admit quite a few times she was guilty of fantasizing what it would be like if she and Renzo ever made love. Even her imagination wasn’t capable of such a divine connection. There was nothing awkward about it. It was as though they’d explored each other’s bodies and knew secret places to drive the other wild. And oh, Ren, you did that so many times, I’m not sure I will be able to walk steadily today. It was a problem she didn’t mind having.
She had been with other men and sometimes had to finish the job herself. Hydria had read enough books to know there are some who can, and some who just don’t cut it. She wasn’t going to compare him to any other lovers. That’s because he’s in a league of his own.
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