After reading about all the players—from the FBI profiler Dr. Liu—he’d actually read some of her books—to forensic anthropologist Patience McGee, another top one in her field—he understood why Mariska worked so hard to keep the agency open. This was an amazing group of investigators, most of them women, all of them noted experts. He couldn’t believe her mother had been able to amass so much talent in one place.
People wanted to work with the best, and Mariska’s mother was definitely that. God, and he’d put Mar’s life in danger with his idiocy.
Something stirred his senses and he smelled Mariska before he saw her come around the corner. That soap she used brought to mind sweet flowers in sunshine.
Shutting down the computer, he smiled at her as she walked in. She’d showered and her wet hair was up in a clip. She wore a sarong over a bikini, this one navy blue. The top had tiny silver studs.
His troubled morning dissipated with one glance at her beautiful face.
“Good morning.” Remembering his manners he stood. Leaning down he kissed her lightly on the lips. She tasted of peppermint.
“I missed you.” She tugged at his shirt. Then she pushed him back in his seat and pulled out the chair across from him.
As she took in the table, he wondered what she thought when she saw the laptop. Her eyes skipped past the piece of metal and landed on the cup in front of him. “Is that coffee?”
“It is. Would you like me to get you a—”
She picked up his cup and sipped before he could finish. Sighing with pleasure, Mar closed her eyes as if she were drinking manna from heaven.
Opening her eyes again, she picked up his sandwich. “You’re done with this, right?”
Before he could answer, she took a bite and he laughed out loud. “Hungry this morning?”
Her mouth full of egg and bread, she shrugged.
“Breakfast is almost over but we could order some lunch.” He turned to find a waiter.
Swallowing, she took another sip of his coffee. “Let’s get it to go. I want to do something fun today. That is if you’re done with your work.” She waved a hand over her computer.
“Yes, I’m done. Just checking my e-mails. Did you need it?”
She gave him a delicious smile. “No work for me, buddy. Like I said, I’m here to have fun.” She gave him a saucy wink.
“So last night wasn’t fun?” He couldn’t help kidding with her, and he was more than a little grateful she hadn’t seen what he was doing seconds before she walked in.
A blush crept across her cheeks. He loved that about her. That she could seem so innocent, after the wanton creature he experienced last night, made him shift in his seat again.
She reached across and stroked his hand. “Last night was the most incredible experience of any kind I’ve ever had. It will be etched in the happy part of my brain for the rest of my life.”
Jackson squeezed her hand. “I’m messing with you.”
She gave him a sweet smile. “Yes, but I want you to know how special it was. And when I make my list of top ten fun things to do, you will be number one.”
Jackson pulled her around the table and into his lap. “It’s etched into the happy part of my brain, too.” He planted a big kiss on her lips. “Now tell me what this fun thing is you plan to do.”
She wiggled against his erection. “After we take care of this,” she said, boldly slipping her hand down to his crotch. To anyone walking by they would think she was bracing herself on his legs, but her fingers kneaded his cock, making it difficult to sit still. “Let’s go surfing.”
That was not what he’d expected to hear. Maybe shopping or looking for shells, but surfing?
“I thought you were kidding yesterday.” He finally had to grab her hand and trap it behind her before he embarrassed them both by moaning with pleasure. She had no idea the power she had over him.
Or maybe she did, from that twinkle in her eye. Innocence be damned, she was a tigress and he was her prey.
She shrugged and drew her lips into a pout as if she were upset he’d stopped her fingers.
“Nope. I love surfing. And I checked with the desk. The sharks don’t migrate in this area this time of year. So no fear of fins.”
He picked her up and sat her back in her chair.
“You’re a wicked woman. Now tell me more about the surfing.”
She gave him a saucy grin. “I am not wicked, only hungry for more than food.” Taking another sip of coffee, she glanced at him over the cup. “To answer your question I learned how to surf a couple of years ago. I’m not great, but I can hold my own. The waves are stellar out there today and I’m in the mood to get crazy.”
Jackson was a fairly good surfer, though he hadn’t done it in a while. Not since he had an assignment in Australia almost three years ago.
“I asked at the front desk, and we can rent boards from the hotel. So you up for it?”
He gave her a wicked grin. “Oh, I’m up for it.”
She slapped at his hand. “You are a bad, bad man. And I think it’s time for you to be punished.” She stood up. “I’m going to go rent the boards. You order me some lunch and meet me in the room.”
Grabbing her wrist, he stopped her.
“First, there’s something you need to tell me.”
“What is it?” She frowned, seemingly surprised by his sudden change in tone.
“How many people are in the restaurant?”
The question caught her off guard, but he watched as the realization of what he was really asking spread over her face.
Staring straight into his eyes, she told him, “Besides you and me, there are five guests. Most of them chatting, as they finished breakfast a long time ago. There are two waiters and a busboy standing off to the side, ready for everyone to clear up. Probably because they have to get the lunch buffet set up, but I’m sure their orders are to keep everything out until we leave.”
A twinkle lit her eyes. “Satisfied?”
“Proud. You’re a fast learner.”
Giving him a tweak of the ear, she leaned down and kissed him. “Don’t be late, or your punishment is going to be very, very bad.” She leaned on him so that her hand could slide down his cock, and her breasts were shoved in his face. A moment later she sashayed away.
Jackson flagged down a waiter, grateful there was a tablecloth to hide the hard evidence her hand had caused. She would pay for that. Oh, yes, he’d make her pay over and over again.
13
JACKSON SAT ON HIS surfboard in the warm ocean water watching Mariska. She was certainly more comfortable on the board than he was. He’d grown rusty, and for some reason, possibly because they’d had mind-blowing sex twice in a row less than an hour ago, he had a tough time staying on the board after riding a couple of waves.
Mariska was more than competent when it came to the sport, and following her slicing through the waves was one big turn-on. The woman rode a curl like no one’s business, and she was so damn sexy in that blue bikini he wanted to ravage her right there in the middle of the wave.
Catching her attention before she paddled out again, he waved that he was going in, hoping that she would follow suit. He really needed to kiss her.
She held up a finger, indicating she wanted to ride once more.
Jackson felt denied, but pulled his board onto the beach. Stepping into the white tent he’d arranged, he glanced around at the round bed, and the pillows strewn on the floor. They were on one of the private beaches, and he’d paid extra to make sure it stayed that way. Mariska had smiled and expressed how impressed she was with him in arranging such a fabulous treat so quickly.
He grabbed a Coke from the basket of food and drinks the hotel had provided. Trying to replenish his energy. He didn’t want to risk missing her surf, so he stepped back outside with his drink.
Mariska paddled out and let a couple of waves pass. Then of course she picked the biggest one they’d seen all day. Jackson watched with a mixture of fear and awe
as she rode through the curl. It was nothing short of perfection.
Every time he thought he had a handle on her, she would say or do something that threw him off track. Thoughtful and sweet, there was also a bit of an edge to her. They’d both been alone a great deal as children and Jackson wondered if perhaps that was why he felt so connected to her.
He watched as she crested a wave and stood on her board. The way she rode it was one of the sexiest things he’d ever witnessed. Her feet slid up the board as she adjusted her balance and her arms lifted horizontally.
Jackson’s body heated as he remembered those arms and legs wrapped around him. The way her body moved against his, and that mouth of hers. He’d never tire of the way she kissed him.
She rode the board until it slid into the sand with a gentle splash.
“You lied.” He winked as she unhooked the ankle strap keeping the board tied to her.
“I don’t lie.” She grabbed the soda from his hand and took a long swig. “Okay, maybe sometimes, but only when the job calls for it. You have to clue me in to what I did this time.”
Grabbing her around the waist, he pulled her toward him. “You’re an amazing surfer. You didn’t fall once. I’m kind of jealous.”
She slapped playfully at his chest. “That’s because I didn’t try to be all macho and take the biggest wave of the day, and hello! You hung in there till the end of the curl. That’s something.”
He kissed her forehead. “How do you do that?”
She shrugged. “What?”
“I’ve never met anyone who works so hard to make the people around her feel better about themselves.”
She gave him a very unladylike snort. “That’s because you don’t hang out with the right people.”
Damn, she’d hit that one right. Everyone he knew was out for themselves. There wasn’t a single person he could trust, and there was certainly no one who would lift him up the way she did. This time with her was more precious than even he had realized, and he intended to make the most of it.
“Hey—” She touched his cheek. “Whatever you’re thinking. Stop it. This afternoon is for frolic.” She batted her eyelashes at him and he couldn’t help but laugh.
“So, how does one commence this frolicking?” He twisted a strand of her wet hair gently around his finger. “Would it start like this?” He leaned down and kissed her neck. “Or maybe like this?” Cupping her right breast, he thumbed her nipple to attention.
“Mmm.” She groaned and shoved her pelvis into his erection, grinding her hips against him. “Yes. I’d say you catch on quick.” She pushed him toward the opening of the tent. “I think it’s time to make use of this sheikh and princess setup you have going here.”
“Sheikh?” He nipped at her neck again, and then let her push him toward the mouth of the tent.
“Yes. You are the handsome and mysterious sheikh. You’ve plied me with wine—” she held up the can of soda “—and now you’re going to have your way with me.” She shoved him down on the bed, set the Coke on a nearby table and then crawled on top of him.
“I’m going to have my way with you?” His voice was hoarse as she moved her pussy against his erection. The warmth of her nearly made him come right then, but he forced himself to breathe and relax.
“Or vice versa. Does it really matter?” She gave him a wicked grin as she tugged off her bikini top, her pert breasts bouncing as she bent down to untie the string on his board shorts.
“No, it doesn’t matter at all,” he said as he leaned up so he could take one of those breasts into his mouth, suckling the nipple until it was a hard peak.
She gasped and pushed herself farther into his mouth. As he suckled the other breast, he slid a finger into her bikini bottoms and into her pussy, pumping in and out, until he felt her shudder with release. Lifting her off of him, he put her gently onto the bed and pulled the bottoms off.
Expecting to see pleasure when he looked up, he was surprised by the worried look in her eyes. “What is it?” He was instantly beside her, drawing her to him.
“Are you sure, um, that it’s private?” she whispered. “I’m not so sure I can be quiet. I tend to lose any sense at all when you’re around.”
He chuckled and kissed her hard on the lips. “It’s private, baby. I promise. You are free to do whatever you want.” Moving down her naked body, he tongued her nub until she writhed and was shoving her wetness into his face. She was sweet as always, mixed with the salt of the sea. Nothing short of intoxicating, better than a full-bodied wine on a warm night.
“Oh, God, Jackson, please.” Her hands fisted the sheets and he slid two fingers in her pussy as he continued to nibble and lick. She bucked against him and her body shuddered again.
Jackson could wait no longer. He slid off his shorts and reached for one of the condoms he’d put under a pillow. Then he reached for her and slid her to the edge of the bed; wrapping her legs around his shoulders he lifted her hips and plunged into her. She met his pace, thrusting herself against him.
It was fast and furious and he didn’t care. From the moans he gathered she didn’t, either. Everything he felt for her went into those thrusts. She watched him with such intensity, and he her, as if they both knew this was something else. Something special. His cock exploded inside her as she screamed her own release. Jackson had promised her privacy, but there was a good chance people on the other side of the island had heard her.
He couldn’t help but chuckle.
“What’s so funny?” She scooted back on the pillows as he disposed of the condom.
Jackson moved beside her, kissing her neck. He wouldn’t dare call attention to her scream. He was certain she wasn’t aware that she even did it. It gave him such pleasure to know he could drive her to such extremes. “I tend to lose myself when I’m around you. That went a little faster than I’d planned.”
Snuggling against him, her chin under his chest felt so perfect. “That was a two-way street, buddy,” she playfully chided. “I wanted it hard and fast, and that’s what you gave me.”
“I aim to please, ma’am.” He gave her his best Southern drawl.
She snorted again. He loved it when she did that.
“Well, I’d say that aim of yours is dead-on. I don’t think I’ve ever—” She stopped herself.
“What is it?” He pulled away so he could see her face.
Rolling her eyes, she tried to duck her head again, but he held on to her chin.
“You can tell me, Mar. Anything. I’m the last person to judge.”
She smiled at him. “I get that from you. You have a way of sizing up people and situations, but you’re probably the least judgmental man I’ve ever met. Even with Gladstone. You gave him some tough love, but you didn’t make him feel small, which is what most people would do.”
Jackson sighed. “You’re changing the subject. This isn’t about me. It’s about you. What were you going to say?”
“Darn, and I thought I was doing so good with the deflecting.”
He pushed her still-damp hair behind her ears. “Say it, Mar. Whatever it is.”
“I’ve never had orgasms like this.” She said it as a whisper. “I mean, I’ve had decent sex, I guess. But never the mind-blowing stuff people talk about. Until now.”
Part of him was proud that he’d been able to bring her such joy. But the other part was angry when he thought of her with another man. Hold it. You’re no saint. She’d told him that no other man had made her feel the way he did. He’d focus on that for now. But he understood what she’d meant. There was something between them that he’d never experienced before, either.
“See, now I’m totally embarrassed. I can see it on your face, you think I’m ridiculous.” She started to sit up, and he grabbed her arm.
“You are many things. Beautiful,” he said as he kissed her lips. “Smart,” he said as he kissed her forehead. “And sexy as hell,” he said as he nibbled her earlobe. “But never ridiculous.”
She shook
her head. “You’re saying that to make me feel better.”
“No. If it makes you feel any better, it’s not always been like this for me, either.”
That made her frown.
“What’s wrong now?”
She screwed up her face. “See, it kills me to think you’ve been with another woman. That’s what I’m talking about. I’ve only known you a couple of days. I swear to you I’m not some stalker chick. There’s a connection with you. I don’t know why. Maybe because you seem to know exactly how to push the right buttons with me.”
“I wouldn’t mind it.” Jackson waggled an eyebrow at her.
She frowned again. “What the hell are you talking about now?”
“You, as a stalker. That might be kind of fun. You could follow me around in that bikini you were wearing earlier and hide behind bushes. Maybe show up on my doorstop naked. I’m seeing some real possibilities here.”
She snorted again, and he couldn’t help but laugh out loud.
“You really should do that more often.” She touched his cheek again, this time her eyes tender with something he didn’t quite understand. “Your laugh makes me warm from my head to my toes.”
Jackson had done more laughing with her in the last few days than he had in years. “Hmm. Are you warmer here?” He slid his hand across her flat belly. Then lower. “Or here?”
She pulled him into a kiss. “You ask too many questions, Jackson.”
It had been almost ten minutes since her last mind-blowing orgasm. Jackson decided it was time to make her scream with pleasure again.
THEIR AFTERNOON OF LOVEMAKING had worn them both out. Jackson had managed a few hours of sleep. Mar was sleepy when they’d returned to the villa, and she had asked for a couple of hours to rest some more, and to freshen up before their dinner date.
Jackson had spent the last half hour arranging for them to eat on the rooftop of the hotel, in a private area where they would be close to the moon and stars. He was stepping out onto the path when he saw Scoggins heading his way. It was too late for him to turn around without being rude, so he smiled. “Good evening,” he said as the man stopped in front of him. Jackson wanted to push past, but he paused.
Take Me If You Dare Page 10
