by Amy Jarecki
Mia rolled her head and moaned. “That feels heavenly.”
He trailed kisses in the arc of her neck, adoring the smoothness of her skin. “Every angel deserves a taste of heaven.”
***
When their wine glasses were empty, Luke set them on the marble ledge. He cocked his head to the side and cupped her cheek with his palm. “What are you thinking now?” he asked.
Mia couldn’t look him in the eye. But she needed to know what she’d done to make him change. “I, ah…I was wondering…” she bit her bottom lip. God, she didn’t want to ruin the moment.
Luke ran his pointer finger across her lips. “What?”
“I feel so good right now, but I need to know.”
He kissed her softly. “Don’t ever be afraid to ask me anything.”
Sighing, she looked him in the eye. “Why the change? There for a while, I thought I’d lost you forever.”
His gaze softened. “It was difficult for me when you talked to Garth.”
“I know. Henri told me, too. I can’t tell you how much I regret talking to the CO before I discussed it with you first.”
He chuckled. “Yeah, but I probably would have disagreed—done something stupid like whinge about you not being ready.”
“And forget to tell me that Garth had already made the decision to send me in.”
He cringed. “I guess I owe you an apology as well.”
Mia shook her head. “Never. You saved me. You made me realize how powerful I actually can be.”
“That was more you than me. You just needed someone to believe in you.”
“Thank you.”
He grinned and pulled her onto his lap and surrounded her in a bone-melting embrace. “You are tough and smart and powerful…and stunning.” He kissed her lips. “You make me want to climb to the roof, beat my chest and roar.”
“Well then…” She chuckled, sliding her hands over his shoulders and studying his mouth. As their lips neared, delicious anticipation and the slow burn of desire curled through her loins. With a rush of desire, they connected in a kiss. A kiss charged with so much passion, it went from sweet to devouring and tonsil probing in a heartbeat. Barely able to breathe, Mia slid her hands over his solid muscles, down his rippling six-pack while she rocked back and forth along his cock.
She glanced over toward the door. “The bed isn’t far.”
He chuckled, a seductively low rumble that made goosebumps rise across her skin. “I like the way you think.”
Standing, he gave her an eyeful of his magnificent body as water slid down his chest, making it glisten. He reached for her hand and picked her up, cradling her in his arms. “Grab the towel.”
Mia plucked two from the rack as he carried her to the bed, her heart racing so fast, she didn’t feel the cold. Setting her on the down, he took one of the towels and took his time drying her off. She picked up the second and wiped his face, but he pulled it from her fingers and gave himself a quick dry, then dropped them both to the floor. Facing her with his hands on his hips he raised his chin. “Slide back.”
Her thighs quivering, she drew herself to the pillows and raised her arms. Looking like a blue-eyed panther, Luke crawled over her. In a rush of heat, their lips joined as if they’d never kissed before—as if they’d spent their lives dreaming about this very moment and now that it had come, their bodies fused together with unquenchable desire.
Luke’s hands were everywhere, her breasts, the arc of her waist. She gasped out loud. His fingers slipped between her legs, spreading slick moisture over her clit.
“I’m on fire!”
But Luke didn’t let up. Sliding back to his knees, he lowered his head with a wicked grin. “Open wider.”
Mia managed a nod as he inhaled her scent. Warm breath caressed her before his tongue swept over her clitoris. She sucked in a sharp breath. Her hips arched. Even if she’d wanted to, she couldn’t help but move her ass in concert with his magical mouth kissing and sucking her. “Oh God.” Her thighs began to shudder as Luke slid a finger inside. In and out he worked in a steady rhythm while his tongue relentlessly made love to her.
On the brink of shattering, Mia closed her eyes, spreading her legs wider. Needing him inside her, but not daring to make his tongue stop. The image of Luke’s naked body consumed her mind. Her every muscle tensed as if she were about to explode. Her breathing sped. She bucked harder. She cried out and grabbed his hair. Sweet release racked her body and sent her into a maelstrom of pulsing shudders.
As she came back to earth, Luke swirled his fingers through her pubic hair, kissing her gently. When her breathing finally returned to normal, he slid up and nuzzled into her neck while rubbing his cock along her wetness. “It turns me on to see you come,” he growled.
She playfully waggled her eyebrows. “Know what’s better?”
“What?”
“When we come together.”
“Perfect…”
“But not yet.” This time Mia wanted to watch him as he lost control. She gently pushed him to his back.
Luke reached for her. “What—?”
“Lie still,” she said, kissing his lips then trailing kisses to his neck. Lower she went, swirling her tongue around each nipple, taking her time. Careful to draw out his pleasure, she kissed him all the way down to his abs. It was challenging to avoid his cock as she continued lower, licking between his thighs, teasing his balls all the while ushering him higher toward the brink of madness. When her fingers finally took possession of his erection, a deep, feral groan erupted from his throat. Mia slid her mouth over him and swirled her tongue up and down his length. She stroked and suckled his spiciness—pure male, infused with a hint of salt. She teased him with strokes of her hand combined with quick licks of her tongue and taking him deep into her mouth.
His thighs shuddered when he reached down and gently squeezed her hands. “I’m ready to explode.”
She grinned. “How close are you?”
“Close enough to know if I let you keep doing that for one more second I won’t be able to stop.”
Her face fell. “Stop?”
“Because it’s perfect together, remember?” He brushed a finger over her lips. “Unless you’re not ready?”
Ready? The flame in her loins was already molten—wanting him again and again. “Me on top?”
He grinned—sexy as hell, blue eyes that could seduce a cobra. Luke grasped her shoulders and stared for a moment, his gaze raking up and down her body as if memorizing every curve. “Perfection.” He cupped her breasts and suckled each nipple. She thrust her hips forward, unable to quell the yearning as it mounted low in her belly. Rubbing herself along his cock, she made him slick with her moisture.
“I want you,” she whispered. Never in her life had she been so incredibly hot, so deeply connected with anyone. Luke ran his hands up her spine and lifted her slightly. He shifted his cock between her legs and slid in just a little bit. Mia threw her head back as the light friction threatened to take her over the top.
Her lower half on fire, her breasts swelling with desire, she lowered her body onto his. “Take me.”
Sliding deeper, Luke’s tongue explored her mouth, demanding more. His lips trailed along the sensitive line in her jaw and down her neck and she cried out when he again took her nipples into his mouth. Down her body his kisses fluttered, her back arched and she reached for him when he stopped at her belly button. With a husky chuckle, he continued to lower—drawing out the ecstasy and the agony.
His eyes grew even darker, his breathing as ragged as hers while he slid all the way inside. Her breath caught as she swirled around him, completely stretched and filled.
“My God.” He shuddered beneath her, moving his lips to hers, kissing, swirling his tongue. Sex had been fantastic with Luke but, tonight, they were on a completely different level, as if their very souls connected.
He drew it out, making languid thrusts as her thighs clamped around him—wanting, demanding more of him
. She grabbed his butt and pulled him deeper, moaning with pure pleasure.
Her fingers sunk into the thick muscles in his shoulders as she allowed him to control the tempo with his hands massaging her bottom. Every nerve in her body electrified, her breathing faster. Her body became weightless while her need to push harder rose with Luke’s speeding thrusts. All at once, a primitive cry erupted from the depths of his soul. Mia’s passion soared while his release pulsed into her. And then she shattered.
Drenched in sweat, she dropped over him, gasping for breath. “You rock my world.”
Luke slid his big, warm hands up her back and kissed her. “Nowhere near as much as you rock mine. I don’t care if your name is Mia or Michelle or if you want to change it to Wonder Woman. I want you with me. Only you.”
Chapter Thirty-Two
Unable to help herself, Mia hummed and smiled all the way down to the laundry room with her hair pinned up in a clip and wearing skinny jeans, a t-shirt and sneakers. Last night with Luke was the most thrilling experience of her life. Thank heavens, he’d forgiven her. Since earning her freedom, she’d made mistakes. True, she was learning fast. Yes, undoubtedly there would be more mistakes. But she swore never to lose Luke’s trust again.
And now she’d won it back. When the elevator door opened, she twirled and samba danced her way to the laundry. She could have been dancing on air as love made her heart soar. Yes, she knew it now without a doubt. Mia loved Luke. The realization was exhilarating and terrifying, and incredibly wonderful. This time, she would treasure his trust. She would never again do anything to make him question her loyalty. Finally, her life had taken a turn for the better. After so many years of oppression, her heart soared, released from its gilded cage.
Inside the laundry was empty, though one of the six washing machines was swishing with water. As expected with a high-end apartment building, the room sparkled and smelled like fabric softener.
Still humming, Mia upended her plastic bag and poured in some detergent. As she fished for the tokens inside her jeans pocket, a shadow moved across the glass door. Her hand stilled as she checked over her shoulder. Seeing nothing but the tropical plants surrounding the courtyard, she wrapped her fingers around the tokens and dropped two into the coin slot, selecting a cool setting to keep the colors from running.
She let out a long sigh, her insides jumping as the water loudly rushed into the machine. Luke had found an exclusive dinner cruise leaving the pier at three that afternoon. Mia could hardly wait. She’d never been on a real date before. A candlelight dinner while sailing on the water—perhaps some dancing after dessert?
Perfect.
Pushing away from the washing machine, Mia took a step back. A hand covered her mouth while another wrapped around her body. Her heart jolted as she screamed through brutal fingers. Panic made her mind blank, her body thrash.
“Shut up,” growled a deep voice.
With her next blink, she realized he was pulling her toward the door.
Fight!
She’d trained for this. Regaining her senses, she gripped the pinky of the hand around her waist and bent it back. Hard. As the man grunted, she spun away, throwing an elbow at his throat. The man tottered backward as she advanced, aiming a kick at his groin.
He countered with a block—the man with the sunglasses! He lunged for her.
Crossing her arms, Mia stopped his momentum before he grabbed her as her motion hyperextended his elbows. Quickly, she pushed him away and ran for the door.
“Not so fast, chica,” He growled from behind, tackling her to the hard tile.
Her chin hit hard as Mia threw another elbow but, this time, he proved stronger as he seized her.
“You won’t get away with this,” she seethed.
“Ah, but I will.”
Another man came into the laundry and stood in front of her. Mia saw black, shiny shoes first.
“El Padrino is not happy with you.”
“Marco!” Mia recognized his voice. She faced him as the goon pulled her to her feet and zip-cuffed her wrists. “Tell him. I’ve done nothing wrong. Zambada attacked the hacienda.”
“And you ran.” Squinting, the big man examined her chin. “You’re going to have an ugly bruise.”
She pursed her lips. “I ran because they were shooting at us.”
“Maybe so, but then you disappeared—with the pilot.” They slipped into a corridor and out a back door to a waiting limo. Marco opened the door and ushered her into the backseat. “I’ll tell you this, sister, whatever excuse you use, you made a grave mistake.”
“I tried to call. But then—” Her mind raced, what should she say? “Lucas stopped the men who came—a-and…” God, she stuttered—doing exactly what she’d learned not to do.
Marco followed her into the car while the other man climbed in the other side. “Drive.” As the car headed into traffic, he dialed a number. The phone ran through the vehicle’s speakers.
“Hola.”
A clammy shiver spread over Mia’s skin. She would recognize El Padrino’s reedy voice anywhere—a voice she’d learned to hate—a voice that stopped her breath. A bead of sweat streamed from her temple.
“We have her,” said Marco.
“She’s there now?”
The big man elbowed her in the ribs and gave a nod. Gulping, she said. “Si, I am here.”
“Hmm,” El Padrino hummed through the speakers, not a gentle hum, but one that expressed dissention and disgust. “Your disobedience has upset me, my pet. And you know what happens to those who cross me.”
Chapter Thirty-Three
After using his untraceable, ICE-issued credit card to buy tonight’s tickets for the dinner cruise, Luke headed for the shower. He’d gone for a run on the beach before breakfast and his t-shirt was still damp with sweat. His run had been a whole lot easier this morning. He hadn’t realized until last night how much he’d been holding inside. It was the proverbial battle between his heart and his brain, and sometimes Luke just had to tell his mind to shut down and let him follow his heart.
He liked Mia a lot, and had been treating her like a door mat. Even after she apologized, he was reluctant to give in to his feelings. He could be such a dolt. Mia was amazing. Just look at the way she’d overcome adversity and jumped right into the mission. She was an ideal flight attendant-spy, asking everyone questions just like she’d been instructed. Anyone off the street would have no idea about Mia’s past. Well, there was the meltdown in Puerto Vallarta, but who wouldn’t freak out when confronted with the very scene where she’d been kidnapped? Moreover, she’d pulled herself together—acted like nothing had happened while pretending to be a flight attendant on the way home.
Luke turned on the hot water and stood under the soothing spray. Too right, it would be sweet to have Mia there to cook breakfast in the mornings. And last night was the best sex in…well, believe it or not, he couldn’t remember better. Who knew she’d be such a wildcat. He growled as he lathered under his pits, his cock already standing at attention. He liked her and he liked what she did to his body. Hell, just looking at her gave him an erection.
But could he handle a long-term girlfriend? Luke’s hand stilled. There were so many unknowns. No, he couldn’t allow himself to think of the future. Not before the mission was over.
As he lathered shampoo into his hair, the mission came to mind for the millionth time. Where the hell was Morales? The bastard should have turned up by now. They certainly were flaunting the charter business all over the map—and using the man’s plane just served to add fuel to the fire. Honestly, Luke had expected Morales or his goons to show up at the airport over a week ago—try to hijack the Gulfstream.
Steam fogged the mirror while Luke dried off and dressed in a pair of jeans and a new white t-shirt. “Mia?” he called while stepping into the corridor. When she didn’t answer, he pulled a bottle of water out of the fridge, sat on the couch and turned on the telly. He flicked through the channels until he found the news,
then put his feet on the table and settled in to relax.
That lasted about five minutes. Sitting up, he drummed his fingers on the couch. It was hours before they’d leave for the cruise. What did a person do with a day off? He hadn’t had one in so long he was about to jump out of his skin. Maybe Mia would want to go for a swim. He checked his watch. How long she’d been downstairs? Unsure, he moved to the desk and opened his e-mail. More time had passed than he thought—he’d paid for the tickets over an hour ago.
She must have stayed down there to wait for the clothes. Jeez, Luke would never do that. Beside him, his phone buzzed. It was ICE. “G’day.”
“Are you enjoying your day off?” Garth asked in his usual surly voice.
“Bloody oath I am, sir.”
“I’m surprised to see you heading toward Mexico City—I hear the weather in Acapulco is eighty-five without a cloud in the sky.”
“Mexico City, sir?”
“Don’t be naïve, man. I can see the microchip heading up highway ninety-five.”
Luke sprang to his feet. “Christ, Mia is doing laundry.”
“Good God, Fox, you’d better be sure about that.”
“On my way. I’ll call you right back.” As he pushed the red icon, he ran into the bay of lifts and waited, pushing the button over and over. He’d take the stairs, but fourteen flights would take longer, damn it. Finally, a lift dinged and the door opened.
Luke dashed inside, pressed the first floor then held the close button. Someone hollered to hold the lift, but Luke didn’t let up. The doors closed just as the person came into view. The damned thing took forever to reach the bottom. Luke barreled out, practically knocking a couple to the turf as he ran toward the laundry. “Sorry,” he called over his shoulder.
Pushing through the glass door, he stopped in the center of the empty room while a rock in his gut dropped all the way to his toes. He dashed to a machine and threw open the lid.
Nothing. A sickly churning roiled in his gut.
