Dante pulled her into his arms, no longer questioning the feelings she evoked. “Focus on happy,” he told her. “They’re safe, we know where they are. Sweeney can’t hurt them again.”
They said goodbye to his teammates and he drove to Taylor’s house and followed her inside. He closed the door and sagged against it, grabbing her hand before she could get away. “They’re safe, Taylor. We did it. We found them and brought them home.”
She collapsed against him, her palms braced against his chest. Slowly they crawled up and locked around his neck. “I never doubted you, Dante. I can never repay you.” She gazed deep into his eyes and then stood on her tip-toes as she pulled his head down until their lips met in a scorching kiss. He let her lead for about a half a second. He slid a hand under her fall of hair and grasped the back of her head, kissing her long and deep. She opened to him and his tongue swept inside to tangle with hers. She made a sound in her throat and his body hardened painfully. She released her grip around his neck and smoothed her nimble fingers over his shoulders to stroke his body, enflaming his need for her. He had to have her. Now.
Bending his knees, he swept her into his arms, never breaking the kiss. She was tall but slender and he had no problem navigating the stairs to carry her to her bedroom. He gently placed her on the mattress and stared down at her, soaking in her beauty. Her hair spread over the pillow in a curtain of yellow silk, a blush stained her cheeks and her lips were red and swollen. He eased beside her and stroked a finger down her cheek, reveling in the passion that glazed her eyes. She was so different from his late wife…almost the complete opposite. Leilani was short with dark hair and eyes and tan skin. Taylor was tall, blonde, with blue eyes and porcelain skin. He didn’t think he’d ever be able to love again after Leilani’s death, but he’d been wrong. His feelings for Taylor came quickly, out of nowhere, but he couldn’t deny them. He felt the connection the first time he met her. He tried to deny it, but it was impossible. “You are so damn beautiful,” he murmured. “I could stare at you all night.”
“Later,” she said, her movements urgent as she reached for his shirt. She made a sound of distress when she couldn’t tug it from his jeans. He chuckled and leaned back to tug it off.
“Now you.”
She jackknifed up and reached for the hem of her top but he brushed her fingers aside. “Nuh-uh. My job.” He eased the shirt over her body and tossed it aside. His eyes fastened on the black lace bra hugging her perfect curves. He ran his fingers over the lace, making her nipples bead. She collapsed to the bed. He smiled. She was so sensitive. He took his time working the clasp, making sure to graze the hardened tips as much as possible. When the lock popped free, he carefully peeled the material aside, baring her breasts. “So beautiful,” he murmured, cupping her with his hands. His thumbs stroked her nipples and she moaned.
“Dante...please…I need you now.” She reached for the snap on his jeans.
“Patience, sweetheart,” he chastised, grabbing her hands to stop her wandering fingers. He anchored them to the bed beside her head. “We have all night.” In this position, her breasts were ripe for the taking, so he took. He leaned down and sucked a nipple into his mouth. She arched off the bed. So responsive. He feasted on it and then released one hand to run his thumb over the wet peak. He kissed a path to the other breast and lavished the same attention to it. Slowly he smoothed his hand down her belly, under her jeans to cup her intimately. She was hot and wet and ready for him. His body throbbed, his erection pulsing against his jeans, begging to be released so it could slide into her willing body. She rubbed against him and it was all he could do to keep from ripping off the rest of their clothes and sinking into her until two became one.
#
Taylor didn’t think she could last much longer. They hadn’t even removed all of their clothes but she was so close to the edge. It’d been too long for her…years. She didn’t even bother to count how many. When Tara died and Grace became her responsibility, she dove into her responsibilities as a mother and neglected her needs as a woman. She thought she’d loved her ex-fiancé. She planned on marrying him and spending her life with him. But she’d gotten over their breakup remarkably easily. It’d helped to have Grace to focus on, but she never really missed Will. If her feelings faded so quickly, then it couldn’t have been love. She hadn’t known Dante long but what she felt for him far surpassed what she ever felt for Will. If Dante walked away, she didn’t know if she could recover.
It wasn’t until he came roaring into her life that her womanly needs not only resurfaced, but refused to be denied. She needed Dante as much as she needed her next breath. She’d never met a man who made her feel like he did…sexy, cherished, desired. He comforted her, protected her, listened to her and valued her opinion.
She hadn’t been able to concentrate on her emotions while her daughter was missing, but she was pretty sure it was love at first sight. It was as if her soul knew it found its mate. She looked into his eyes and she could see their future. She could sense his reluctance at first and she knew he still loved his late wife. She couldn’t compete with a ghost, especially one who was the mother of his child. But every time their eyes met, each touch reinforced the undeniable chemistry that simmered between them.
He kept her gaze as he reached down and unfastened her jeans. He slowly peeled them down her legs, taking her panties with them. “God, Taylor, you’re perfect. I wanted to go slow…”
She wanted to go slow, too and explore every inch of his amazing body. His abundant muscles stood out in sharp relief. No pinching an inch on him…he didn’t carry an ounce of extra fat. One certain part of him that was making itself known was awe-inspiring and a little intimidating in size and girth. Scars peppered his body, including one that definitely looked like a bullet hole, but they did nothing to take away from his chiseled perfection. And he was perfect…more than perfect…everywhere. She reached for him. “Next time.”
He groaned and kissed her deeply. She worked the button and zipper on his jeans and he reached in a pocket and withdrew a condom before he kicked them off. He rolled it on and then positioned himself above her. He grasped her hands again and lifted them above her head, keeping their fingers locked together. Staring deep into her eyes, he gradually slid inside inch by inch. They groaned in unison.
“You’re so damn tight, so hot, I won’t last.”
She wrapped her legs around his waist, encouraging him. He started moving slowly at first but she was too close…she needed fast. She pulled her hands out from under his and grasped his back, digging her nails in, urging him on. He complied. Her climax hit her like a tidal wave. It rushed through her, stealing her breath, sending her to the stratosphere. It went on and on, the sensation unlike any she’d ever felt before. Dante slowed and kissed her deeply, guiding her gently back to earth. Before she realized what was happening, he stoked her fires again and she was gasping, screaming out his name. This time, it slammed into her like a runaway freight train. In some distant part of her sex-fogged brain, she heard him moan as he ground himself against her. He collapsed on top of her catching most of his weight on his forearms before he rolled to the side. Their breaths were ragged in the silence of the room.
“Wow,” she said when she could speak. “That was…”
“Intense,” he finished. He lifted his head and stroked a thumb along her chin. Then he kissed her so tenderly, tears sprang to her eyes. Too soon, he pulled away and rose from the bed. She whimpered at the loss of contact. Was he regretting it already? Thinking of his dead wife? She watched him disappear into the bathroom, fighting disappointment and despair. She loved him. Irrevocably. But she wouldn’t push him.
He reappeared in all of his naked, magnificent glory and padded back to bed. He eased in beside her and tugged the covers over them, settling her against his chest with his arms banded around her. She sank against him, happier than she’d ever been in her life.
Chapter Twenty-Six
Thursday
; Taylor woke to an empty bed but her heart was full and happy. Her daughter was safe. Her body was sated. In fact, muscles ached that she didn’t even know existed. They’d made love three more times during the night…four if you counted him pleasuring her with his mouth, and she definitely did. She lost count of how many times she climaxed but it was in the double-digits. He was amazing and insatiable and her dream come true.
All that aerobic activity added to the fact that she hadn’t eaten much in days worked up her appetite. She was ravenous. She tossed back the covers and practically floated to the bathroom to shower. The hot water felt good on her overused muscles. Soaking in a hot tub would do wonders…soaking with Dante in a hot tub… She shook her head to banish the image. She was turning into a sex addict.
After brushing her teeth and securing her hair into a ponytail, she brushed on some lip gloss and headed downstairs. Even though she wasn’t a coffee drinker, the scent of a freshly brewed pot guided her to her kitchen. “Good mor…ning.” She tried to mask her disappointment with a breezy smile.
“Not who you were expecting, huh?” Sawyer Oldham smirked, lifting a cup to his mouth for a sip. “You’ve wounded my fragile ego.”
Taylor snorted. The man was gorgeous and he knew it. “I wasn’t sure you’d be coming back.”
“Until Sweeney’s recaptured, I’ll be here.” He paused before taking another sip. “And in case you’re wondering, he went for a run.”
On cue, the door opened and Dante walked in, his spectacular body glistening with sweat. He pulled earbuds out and wrapped them around his iPod. He met her gaze and smiled. Time stood still. The whole world stopped. Her breathing sped up and her body tingled with awareness and need. She didn’t even realize she was moving. It was as if they were two poles of a magnet, inexorably drawn together by an unstoppable force.
Sawyer cleared his throat. “Suddenly I feel like a third wheel,” he muttered. He grabbed the newspaper and his mug. “I’ll just be in there.” He indicated the office and headed inside, slamming the door in his wake.
“Good morning,” Dante rumbled, his voice low and gravelly and so damn sexy. She wanted him again, sore body and all, any way and every way she could have him. “I’d kiss you but I’m all sweaty.”
“I don’t care.”
She reached for him. He yanked her against him and covered her mouth with his. The kiss was long and slow and deep and breathtakingly thorough. She was just about to suggest they go upstairs when the doorbell chimed. They broke apart breathing heavily. He leaned his forehead against hers and brushed a thumb across her lower lip. “We’ll finish this later.”
She watched him disappear upstairs to shower. The bell rang again, followed by a knock. Inhaling deeply, she slid into her ice queen persona as she opened the door. Seeing Maureen Davenport standing on her porch was like a bucket of cold water on her libido.
Before she could speak, the woman breezed inside. Taylor left the door open, hoping she could send her on her way quickly and painlessly. She still hadn’t forgiven her for pleading Cassie’s case, but she allowed her back in the house…when her parents were around to deal with her. She turned to face her mother’s friend, who looked anxious and upset as she paced and twisted her hands together. “What’s wrong, Maureen?”
“I can’t get in touch with your parents,” she fretted. “Are they here?” She glanced around the house.
Here came her first fib. She couldn’t look her in the eye so she fixed her gaze on the floor. “Between Grace’s abduction and Cassie’s betrayal and subsequent disappearance, it’s taken a toll on my mother. She doesn’t want to see anyone. They’re in seclusion.”
“Oh, no. I was afraid it would wear her down. But she’ll want to see me, I’m her best friend,” she argued.
“Not right now she doesn’t, Maureen. She specifically said she doesn’t want to see anyone.”
“Taylor, I’m worried about her.”
Her anger fled. No matter what Maureen had done, she was loyal to her mother. “I’m sorry.”
She sighed. “Will you at least let her know I was here and that I want to see her when she’s feeling stronger?”
“I’ll tell her.”
Maureen narrowed her eyes. “You look better today. Rested. You’re practically glowing. Your parents said you weren’t feeling well so you stayed in bed yesterday.”
Taylor fought a blush. “I took some pills the doctor prescribed.”
“So you finally got some sleep?”
Car doors slammed, saving her from spouting more lies. Technically, she didn’t get much sleep at all last night. They both turned to see Gina, Marla and Laurie approaching. Her friends had made a daily vigil to support her since Grace disappeared. She hated having to lie to them, too. They’d stood by her, held her hand, let her cry on their shoulders. It felt like a betrayal to look into their worried eyes and pretend that her daughter was still missing.
“Well, I’ll be going,” Maureen said as she slipped on sunglasses and breezed out the door. “Please have your mom contact me,” she called out over her shoulder.
Taylor opened her arms to hug her friends in turn.
“It’s so good to see you. How are you feeling today?” Gina asked with concern.
“We were so worried about you yesterday,” Laurie added.
“The female agent told us you collapsed,” Marla chimed in.
A breakdown from exhaustion was the story they were feeding everyone about her disappearance yesterday. It was plausible since she hadn’t been eating or sleeping. Maggie told everyone that Taylor had been medicated and was sleeping upstairs.
“I’m better, thank you.”
“Any word?” Gina asked.
“No, but they’re getting closer.”
“Oh Taylor, I don’t know how you are holding up,” Marla said.
She ushered them inside, hoping the sound of her stomach growling wasn’t obvious. She didn’t know how to explain her sudden voracious appetite.
#
It wasn’t even that late but the events of last night and the previous nights were catching up with Taylor. She could barely keep her eyes open. Most of the COBRA Security staff moved back to their compound, taking their equipment with them. Now that Grace and Kai were safe, they needed to concentrate on the cases they’d neglected to find the children. Dorian stayed to work with Dante and Sawyer on tracking Sweeney down. Thankfully, Nancy stayed, too. Every once in a while, her phone would still ring. She hoped the reporters would move on to another story but a missing child was big news. She missed a call from Sweeney yesterday and he hadn’t called all day. She hoped he’d given up now that he no longer had her daughter. Nancy said he’d been livid when he couldn’t talk to her. He demanded to know why and Nancy fed him the breakdown story. He’d laughed so long and hard, Nancy hung up on him. He didn’t call back.
Her doorbell buzzed again. With a sigh, she heaved to her feet and checked the peephole. Jane Wallis was standing on her porch holding a heavy-looking dish. She hadn’t stopped by since the first night of Grace’s disappearance. Pasting on a smile, she opened the door. “Hi, Jane. Thanks for stopping by.”
“Hi, Taylor. Any news?”
Taylor shook her head and hoped her nose wouldn’t grow with all the lies. Jane started to cry and it made Taylor question all over again why she singled out her daughter.
Jane waved a hand. “I’m sure you are wondering why I’m crying when I don’t know Grace very well. May I come in?”
Against her better judgement, Taylor stepped aside and ushered her inside.
Jane handed her the bowl. “It’s macaroni and cheese…an old family recipe.” She smiled tentatively. “Comfort food.”
“Thanks, I appreciate it.” She slid the container into the fridge and ushered Jane to the couch in the great room. Once they were seated, Jane spoke. “I have…had a daughter.” She swallowed and composed herself. “She was taken from me when she was two. Sh—she looked like Grace with red hair and blue eyes.
When I saw Grace for the first time, I thought I was staring at my daughter…or what she would look like now.”
Taylor moved closer and grasped her hands. “Oh, Jane, I’m so sorry, I didn’t know.”
“You wouldn’t have known. I don’t tell people.” She pulled one hand free to dab at her eyes with a tissue. “I’ve tried to move forward but when Grace was abducted, it brought it all rushing back.”
“Did you find her?”
Jane nodded and her eyes flooded with tears. “Her father took her. We were in a heated custody battle. He said if he couldn’t have her, no one could. He, um…” she paused, gathering her strength. “He drove to his brother’s house where he was staying, parked in the garage and left the car running. They both died of carbon monoxide poisoning.”
Taylor’s eyes filled and she hugged her close. “I am so sorry.” She couldn’t even imagine the woman’s pain.
“Thank you,” Jane said, tears streaking down her face. “And I’m sorry I made you uncomfortable.”
A protest jumped to her lips but before she could speak, Jane held up a hand stopping her. “When I saw Grace, it was like looking at Bethany. It was almost if I could forget that she was gone.” She looked away. “I came very close to taking my own life. If the paramedics hadn’t arrived in time, I would’ve succeeded. I was hospitalized on suicide watch and spent many hours with a counselor. I finally decided that if I was going to go on living, I had to find a way to honor my daughter’s memory. But I needed a change of scenery. My cousin lives here so I packed up and moved. I’d been a teacher in Colorado, but I didn’t feel like I could handle a full-time position right away. When I hired on as an aide and then saw Grace, I thought it was Bethany.”
“Look, Jane, I didn’t…”
“Please, don’t apologize. I had a feeling it was you who requested that I be moved and I completely understand. If someone had paid undue attention to Bethany, I would’ve done the same thing. We have to protect our c-children.” She covered her face and wept.
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