Under Pressure

by Lori Foster

  “I’d checked for that myself,” Leese said, “but I couldn’t find anything concrete. Not from here.”

  “You’re where you’re needed most,” Sahara assured him.

  “The suite is great and we both appreciate it, but it’s not complete insulation. Unfortunately, nothing is. I need to know exactly what I’m dealing with.”

  Sahara sat a little straighter. “I can tell you which businesses have new hires with sketchy backgrounds, and which businesses might be susceptible to infiltration, but you are not to act on it, not alone and not without my approval.” After that stern warning, she patted his arm. “I won’t have one of my prized agents getting hurt.”

  Droll, Leese said, “Your lack of faith rivals Cat’s.” He covered her hand with his own. “Speaking of that, I hope you’re taking extra precautions as well?”

  “As a matter of fact, Justice is currently my very own private protection.”

  “Lord,” Leese groaned.

  “He’s actually pretty good. I’ve been watching him, gauging his situational awareness. He sees everything, and he’s very suspicious. Perfect qualities for a bodyguard.”

  “Suspicious, huh?”

  Sahara smiled. “True, he stands out, especially in the company I often keep. And he’s a bit too preoccupied with pretty ladies, but he’s getting better. It doesn’t help that the ladies look back, but at least the men seem wary of him. Of course, the way he watches them is different, far more menacing.” She laughed at that. “He has a very effective death stare.”

  “He honed it in the cage, trying to use it to intimidate other fighters.”

  “I gather it didn’t work on you?”

  “Different weight class,” Leese said. “But when he fought, yeah, sure, sometimes his size and attitude gave him an edge.”

  “What does Catalina think of him?”

  “She seems to like him okay.” Leese turned his head and looked right at her from where she peeked around the corner. “Isn’t that right, Cat?”

  Busted.

  “You can quit eavesdropping now. We’re done discussing business.”

  Feeling self-conscious with her towel-covered head and thrown-together outfit, Cat stepped out. “Sorry.”

  “No, you’re not,” Leese said.

  She lifted her chin. “No, I’m not.” She had a right to know...everything.

  Even though she kept secrets? Cat winced, ignored her conscience and came closer.

  “And yes, I like Justice. He’s really sweet.”

  Leese rolled his eyes at her description.

  Sahara stood with a dress bag. “I have three choices for you to try on. I know you told Enoch that you preferred jewel tones, so these should work. I love each of them, but if you’d like, we can let Leese help decide.”

  Umm... She looked at Leese, at those light blue eyes studying her so intently, and had to clear her throat. “I should have dried my hair if I was going to—”

  “It’s fine.” Smile taunting, anticipatory, he said, “Go ahead, try them on.”

  In full support and approval, Sahara handed her the zippered garment bag. “Once you decide, we’ll move on to shoes and jewelry. And I’d be happy to send my own stylist to take care of everything else. Manicure and pedicure, makeup and hair.”

  Did Sahara consider her incapable of the task? Cat forced a smile and said without commitment, “Thank you. We’ll see.” Escaping any rebuttals to that, she went down the hall with the dresses.

  Rather than attempt this in her current state, she removed the towel and twisted her hair on top of her head, then secured it with a few pins. Not exactly elegant, but it was definitely better suited to the beautiful dresses.

  After opening the bag and laying out the dresses, she groaned. Yes, they were jewel-toned. They were also far sexier than what she usually wore.

  She thought of the long dress she’d borrowed from Scott’s girlfriend, the dress she’d danced in—with Leese watching.

  These dresses were less revealing, so she stopped waffling and chose first the red dress made of stretchy midweight lace, with a sweetheart neckline and a hem that hit just above her knee. The material hugged her body and, amazingly, it flattered her figure.

  Sahara was pretty good at this dress-picking stuff.

  With a bit more confidence, she went down the hall. Leese and Sahara, who’d been in conversation, went silent as they saw her.

  Slowly Leese stood.

  “Turn around,” Sahara said. “Let him see the back.”

  The back dipped low, meaning it’d be impossible to wear a bra, not that she’d need one with the structure of the dress. Inhaling, she turned, waited a few heartbeats, then turned again.

  Leese’s eyes were narrowed, but not with irritation. He said gruffly, “It’s nice.”

  The small smile came without her permission. “On to dress number two,” Cat sang. “Be right back.”

  Next she tried on the green one. Strapless, with a flirty skirt. Good thing they weren’t actually going outside, or she’d freeze to death. Not that most ladies ever let a little discomfort get in the way of their fashion choices.

  Anticipating Leese’s reaction, she strode back to the living room.

  His gaze devoured her.

  Without being asked, Cat turned, twice, to show how the skirt drifted out around her.

  “Lovely,” Sahara announced. “Leese? What do you think?”

  Attention on her exposed neck, upper chest and shoulders, he gave one sharp nod. “Pretty.”

  “Wonderful,” Sahara said, and then to Cat, she added, “It’s the blue dress I liked the most though. It’s a softer color and matches your eyes. I’m glad you saved it for last.”

  She, too, had liked it the best. Hurrying back, Cat changed into the beautiful blue dress, then looked at herself in the mirror. The color of the dress did indeed complement her eyes, making them seem brighter. She smiled and, feeling giddy, went out to show Leese. This time she didn’t rush. A strange shyness came over her, so she moved slowly, tried to remove the hopefulness from her expression and stepped out where he could see.

  He’d been watching for her, and now, with her in sight, he moved closer.

  “Oh my,” Sahara breathed. “You look beautiful.”

  The A-line, one-shoulder dress with a fitted bodice and flirty tulle skirt made her feel like Cinderella. Little jewels decorated the top and glittered along the asymmetrical strap, a contrast to the soft material of the skirt.

  His steps methodical, Leese walked around her until he once again stood in front of her.

  Sahara said, “I had thought we’d need some alterations, but—”

  “No need,” Leese assured her in a soft growl. “It’s perfect.”

  His tone was so intimate, Cat felt heat flushing her body. In contrast, she sounded forcibly jovial. “Guess we all agree, this is the one.”

  He ran his finger along the single strap and in the process grazed her skin. His gaze lifted to hers. “Definitely the one.”

  Was it her hyper imagination, or did he include her, not just the dress, in that equation? She wasn’t sure, but oh how she’d enjoy being “the one” for him.

  Either way, with Leese as an audience, she just might enjoy the occasional party.

  “Well.” As they continued to look at each other, Sahara said with dry humor, “Clearly there are repercussions I hadn’t considered when hiring sexy bodyguards.”

  That snapped Cat out of her trance. “Just so you know, I’m the one insisting—”

  Leese cut her off. “Was there anything else, Sahara?”

  “Not unless you have some names to share with me.”

  He shook his head. “Not yet, no.”

  She sighed. “Then I suppose I should go so you can..
.work on it.”

  “I’m sorry,” Cat said. “Give me one minute to get the other dresses ready for you.”

  Never mind Sahara’s not-so-subtle prodding. After those long, maybe meaningful looks from Leese, Cat was more than anxious to get him alone. Changing took her only two minutes, then she returned with the dresses repackaged for Sahara. She dutifully answered questions about heel height and jewelry preferences, agreed to a mani and pedi, thanked Sahara profusely and then, finally, she and Leese were alone.

  After securing the door, he turned to face her. “You’re okay?”

  “Yup.”

  The corner of his mouth lifted in a crooked smile. “Always so resilient.”

  Tipping her head, Cat wondered what he meant. “You thought trying on dresses would...what? Make me upset?”

  Slowly, he shook his head. “You looked good enough to eat.”

  Oh wow. That sweet compliment seemed like the perfect opening, so she cleared her throat, ready to segue into seduction—

  And Leese interrupted. “You don’t ever have to apologize or explain to Sahara. I’m the one working for her, so let me handle it.”

  “I don’t want to get you in trouble.”

  “You won’t.”

  Meaning...what? That he wouldn’t do anything to cross the line? He didn’t give her long to ponder that awful possibility.

  “Everything you overheard, about the PI and Tesh and Webb... I don’t want you to worry.”

  She’d definitely heard a lot. Talking about it later would have better suited her, but if it had to be now, she’d get it out of the way. “I’m going to assume you didn’t leave a trail when you poked around online, looking into Webb’s or Tesh’s business.”

  “Good assumption.”

  “And,” she said, inching closer to him, “I figure as long as we keep the drapes drawn, no one can spy on us here. Sucks, but I’m still safer here than I’ve been in quite a while.”

  “Completely safe,” he assured her, meeting her halfway. When they got within touching distance, he lifted her chin. “I’m on it, okay? And what I can’t do, Sahara has others doing. No one is going to touch you.”

  “Well, that’s the thing.” Cat slipped a hand up to his chest. “I know we’re a couple of days shy of the agreement. But I was sort of hoping for a few touches.” She stepped against him. “From you.”

  * * *

  SUCH A TEMPTATION.

  Leese had to admit, kissing Catalina topped the list of the hottest things he’d ever experienced. The softness of her lips, her immediate response, the natural way she would press against him... Catalina Nicholson wore her heart on her sleeve.

  She kept dark secrets, true, but not about how she felt.

  It was an amazing combination—her physical honesty with her obvious mistrust—that made him more than a little nuts.

  Lately, he’d given in to the urge to kiss her, taking her mouth when he knew she wanted him to, which was pretty often.

  She gave new meaning to practicing moves.

  For so many reasons, good reasons, Leese had denied himself. But it seemed impossible to wrestle with her and not kiss her, so he’d quit fighting it.

  “Leese,” she groaned, going on tiptoe to better fit herself against him in that now-familiar way.

  Encouraging her, he scooped one forearm beneath her bottom and lifted her up.

  Before she could show her surprise, his mouth took hers. For only a moment, she stiffened...then sank against him with a soft, hungry sound of approval.

  The problem, Leese knew, was that every kiss made him want her more. There were times at night, with her small body tucked close and her scent filling his head, that he couldn’t remember why he waited.

  To prove something to her—or to prove something to himself?

  He’d figure that one out later, he decided. Now, after Sahara’s visit, he sensed things were coming to a head. It wouldn’t be much longer before the players made a move, and then he’d have them.

  And Cat would be free.

  Before that happened, he needed to cement his relationship with her. For him, that’s what it was: an intimate relationship beyond the obligation of a bodyguard to a client.

  How much more, he didn’t yet know.

  But he damn sure wanted an opportunity to find out.

  Did she feel the same? Only one way to tell for sure.

  Still holding her, he headed for the couch; if he made a beeline to the bedroom he’d lose his cool and rush things. After all their teasing, she deserved more than that.

  To ensure she didn’t disappear from his life, he needed to make an impression on her.

  He needed her, period.

  As he sat on the couch, he arranged Cat to straddle his lap. Her slim thighs opened around him, her knees aligned with his hips. “Touching,” he said against her mouth, “sounds good to me.”

  Eyes heavy, lips damp, she whispered, “Really?”

  “That,” he promised her, “and more.”

  She inhaled deeply. “How much more?”

  She might fight total honesty, but he could give it. “As much as you want.”

  “Perfect.” Without hesitation, she tugged his T-shirt free from his jeans. “I want everything.”

  Leese surprised her by leaning forward far enough that he could strip off his shirt and toss it aside.

  He’d definitely changed over the past couple of years but he’d never been modest.

  She gave a throaty groan of approval and stroked those small curious hands down his chest, dragging her fingers through his dark chest hair, over his pecs, back up again to his shoulders and then his nape. Without a word she leaned into him and kissed his jaw, his neck, lightly bit his shoulder, opened her mouth on his upper chest.

  “Hold up, honey.” It was enough to have her sweet ass warmly snuggling his dick. Now, with her hot, damp mouth touching his skin, he was damn near a goner. Setting her back, he said, “You need to play catch-up.”

  “Okay.” In quick agreement, she started to peel off her sweatshirt.

  Leese again stopped her, this time with a short, tortured laugh. Pleased with her, he said, “Let me, okay?”

  “Okay, sure.” She held up her arms.

  So damn ready.

  During his adult life, he’d had easy conquests, but never had a woman wanted him as much as Catalina did.

  Rather than do as she expected, he drew her in for a hungry, openmouthed, tongue-twining kiss, and while she melted against him, he slipped his hands under the sweatshirt.

  Her warm, silky skin enticed him. More than anything, he wanted to strip her naked and kiss her all over.

  And he would. Soon.

  Until then, he traced her spine upward...

  No bra strap.

  Well, hell. Knowing she was bare beneath the sweatshirt stole a good chunk of his control.

  Bringing both hands around to the front of her, he opened his palms over her breasts. So soft and warm. He rasped gently over her already tight nipples, taking her groan into his mouth.

  When he caught her nipples in his fingers, gently rolling, her legs tensed and her hands on his shoulders clenched. As if she needed the added contact, she pressed more snugly against his cock, slowly rocking, setting him on fire.

  Okay, so maybe he couldn’t take things slow. Apparently neither of them wanted or needed that. “Arms up again, babe.”

  Without a single word of protest she sat back and did as he asked.

  More clumsily than he would have liked, Leese whisked the sweatshirt away, then had to pause and just...look at her.

  God, she was beautiful.

  Using only his fingertips, he traced over her shoulders, her collarbone, around the outside of her breasts, down to her smal
l waist and then the flare of her hips. The low-fitting jeans left her belly exposed. Dipping one finger inside the waistband, he brushed back and forth over her satiny skin.

  “You’re such a tease,” she complained, her breath strained. Tunneling her fingers into his hair, she leaned forward.

  Knowing what she wanted, Leese licked around one taut nipple, stroked his tongue over it and, when she shuddered, he slowly drew her in, sucking softly.

  She gave a husky, barely there whimper. “Oh God...”

  Her ragged breathing, the flush of her skin and the stirring words she murmured, all pushed him.

  Knowing his own limits, Leese turned her to her back on the couch and settled between her legs. Going back to her nipple, he nipped her carefully, caught her in his teeth and tugged, then moved to the other breast.

  Head back, eyes closed, Cat breathed fast and deep while keeping up that tantalizing rhythm, grinding herself to him in growing need.

  Lost to the pleasure, Leese kissed his way down her body, tasting her heated skin, licking, leaving behind the occasional love bite. He dipped his tongue into her navel, brushed his teeth over her hip bone and nibbled his way to the waistband of her jeans.

  “These need to go,” he muttered thickly, and opened the snap.

  Cat said nothing, and with a quick glance he saw her holding her bottom lip in her teeth, her eyes squeezed shut, her expression an agony of anticipation.

  So fucking hot.

  He wanted to hear her come, taste her on his tongue, feel her body twisting with pleasure.

  Sliding both palms inside her jeans and panties, he cupped her plump bottom, caressed her and dragged down the material to midthigh.

  Again, he soaked in the sight of her, those soft upper thighs and hips, sweetly curved belly and her now damp sex. His chest worked, trying to find enough oxygen.

  He sat up long enough to push the denim lower, out of his way.

  Coming back to her, he deliberately wedged her thighs wider, used his fingers to further part her and then, with just his fingertips, he touched her, playing over her slick flesh, spreading the moisture up and over her clitoris...