Injured or not, he was ready.
“I can and I will. Don’t worry about me. Frank, the feds contact I told you about last night, he should be here tomorrow. We’ll be setting up at my place and we’re both out to shut Hagen down.”
She scowled. “You’re not going to do anything foolish, are you? I want this guy out of my life, but I don’t want you hurt either.”
“I’ll be fine. We have it covered. Just stay out of it and keep a low profile. Keep the girls’ dances to a minimum the next couple of days.”
She gasped. “Gav, I can’t do that. People expect to see the girls. Shouldn’t things look normal to everyone? If anything changes, wouldn’t things look suspicious?”
“I want some smaller crowds. Less people to get hurt if Hagen makes a move, or sends his creeps after any of the girls.”
“Why do you think he’d do that? He has never made any moves toward any of the girls before.” She shook her head, eyes flashing.
“With my presence, and the fact that I let his assistant man-freak know that I won’t back down, he’ll escalate. Desperation and the need to show his strength will be his focus. He’s an ego-maniac. Dent his pride, he’ll come out swinging.”
Charlie pulled her chair forward and sat, face pale. “Jesus, I didn’t think any of the girls were in serious danger like this. Maybe I should close completely.”
“No, don’t do that. Yes, that makes sense, but we have to catch him in the act. We need to push him to his limit. Believe me, he’ll get there.”
“All right. Okay, but look, Shree is essentially the main attraction tonight. Only two other girls will put on a couple skits, but Shree has three to do. A couple high production numbers, too. A ring of fire even. The lady knows how to put on a great show.” She shuffled some papers on her desk, looking for something. “Damn, where’s my cell? I can text her to come see me. Maybe change the more detailed numbers to something more low-key. Might draw less attention to her, and keep Hagen’s guys from noticing her too much.”
Gavin barely heard anything she had to say. A ring of fire? What the hell? “Uhh…”
The phone on her desk rang. Charlie’s curse cut through the air as she glared at it. “Damn, today sucks already. I’ll have to text her in a few minutes.” She picked up the phone. “Charlotte Weber. Yeah, hi Tony. Okay, hang on.” She clutched the phone against her chest. “I have to take this. He’s a manager at the liquor distributor. I have to figure this out.”
He nodded. “I’ll go talk to Shree for you. Any idea where she is?”
“Thank you. That would be great. Tell her to come see me if she has any questions.” She glanced at her watch. “At this time, she’s probably in the gym. No one else is here at this time of day so she likes to take advantage of having it all to herself.”
“See you later.”
There was a lot to do this morning. Hell, it wasn’t even noon yet and it was as if he’d already put in a full day. He still needed to call Frank and lay out a plan, but the thought of Shree performing tonight, unaware of the true dangers lurking…he’d rather fill her in on some of what was going on.
She had a right to know. And it was his job to protect her at all costs. It was one of the main reasons he’d been hired, after all.
He slowly descended the few steps to the basement, his leg twitching at the movement, and breathed oxygen deep into his lungs. Damn his body for fighting him. He hated being vulnerable.
Pushing open the door to the gym, he stopped just inside.
Beads of sweat glistened her back, shoulders, and arms. Strands of hair escaped her ponytail and stuck to her neck and cheek. She seemed to be hammering at breakneck speed on the spin bike she rode.
Glorious woman.
Simply gorgeous and exotic.
Her golden skin, long limbs, and round backside made his mouth water. What he wouldn’t give to have her wrapped around his body, head to toe, and hold on tight for what he knew would be a wild ride.
Humming caught his ears. He grinned. Earbuds in her ears, her legs moving faster as she worked hard, it was nice to see Shree relaxed and at ease. And damn, did she work hard. He admired the fact she kept in shape regularly—he had no doubt that it took a lot of work to remain in such fantastic condition and work the apparatuses she used on stage.
But he couldn’t stand here gawking at her superb bod all day. Unfortunately, he had work to do.
Shutting the door behind him, he moved to the treadmill across the room.
She glanced in his direction, and he gave a small nod in response. After removing an earbud, still peddling hard, she raised her brows at him.
He’d never met a woman who didn’t make small talk. She was an enigma to him. “We need to talk.”
“Go ahead. I have five minutes left on this. You’ll need to talk louder, though.”
Resting against the treadmill, he crossed his arms over his chest. No one said he couldn’t enjoy the view while working.
And what an eyeful. Her blue sports bra barely contained her tantalizing tits, and her hard nipples were visible behind the spandex. Her mounds bounced with every movement. Her shorts clung to her muscular thighs. She’d been very blessed with all the assets bestowed upon her.
His skin itched to reach out and explore.
And fuck if he wasn’t the luckiest son-of-a-bitch bodyguard-slash-bouncer on the planet.
For that reason alone, he was starting to be pleased with himself that he’d taken this job.
He rolled his shoulders. Hell, what was he thinking? He couldn’t get mixed up with her, or any other woman. He didn’t have time or the inclination to cater to a clingy chick. It wasn’t the route he wanted to take. The only commitment he had was to his country, and it didn’t matter if he was on active duty or not. He was an Army man. It was engrained in him now. He wanted to be free to come and go as he wanted and work in private sectors.
He suspected Shree wouldn’t be a woman to easily walk away from. The mystery of her had already gotten under his skin. He wanted to know more about her, hear her story, but he needed to remind himself this was only a job. A favor for a friend.
He’d be gone soon.
“Penny for your thoughts?” Shree’s breathless voice dragged him from his musings.
If she only knew what his thoughts were, she’d keep her money.
****
Shree stopped pedaling—breathing heavy, sweat dripping down her face, and her sides aching. Thank heaven those sixty minutes on the painful contraption were over. Especially after fifty crunches and sit-ups. Winded, she gulped the last of the water in her bottle, and worked to catch her breath.
Too bad her workout wasn’t the only thing causing her heart to accelerate and leaving her breathless.
Damn Gavin Bennett, and his fantastic physique and sexy ass.
She’d slept little last night after their near-explosive kiss outside her apartment. Even taking care of her own needs—rubbing her clit until release finally swept over her—did little to appease the ache he’d left behind.
Right now, she wanted to jump his bones like a junkie needing a fix.
Shoving those thoughts aside, she grabbed the towel from the handlebars and wiped her forehead. “Sorry, didn’t realize you were so deep in thought there.”
He uncrossed his arms. “Doesn’t matter.” He moved his leg higher and flinched. She disliked seeing him in so much pain. He should be with a PT in a room somewhere working out the kinks, not on his feet for hours on end as a bouncer. Military men had no sense sometimes. Especially when it came to pain.
“I was just talking to Charlie. She wants to go over some of the numbers you’re doing tonight. We’re having a…” He tilted his head and pursed his lips, seemingly in thought. “Situation with some local thugs. Not to alarm you, and nothing I can’t handle, but there’s a possibility they may show up tonight, or any night, and make trouble. I want you all taking precautions.”
“I’ve dealt with rowdy customers before, Ga
vin. There’s nothing I haven’t been able to handle.”
He frowned at her.
For heaven’s sake. He needed to stop looking at her like that—fire in his eyes, totally focused on her, tension radiating off that spectacular bod.
A shiver snaked along her spine. A thirty-minute workout with him…
No. Now was not the time for those thoughts.
“Look, Shree, these aren’t some drunk, grab-ass happy customers who want to feel you up. I’ve met men like these before and they can be very dangerous. They’ll use whatever they can against Charlie, and that means you. Especially since you’re the star attraction. I don’t want you in harm’s way at all. Got it?”
Oh, this man was asking for trouble—in more ways than one. She wasn’t used to having anyone tell her what to do. Not like this.
His brooding scowl, the tight body…she needed a cold shower…stat.
Lifting her right leg over, she got off the spin bike and stood on shaky legs. Wincing, she realized in her attempts to block this man from her mind, she’d pushed herself a little further than necessary.
“Now you look, bud. I understand you’re here to protect me from drunks, cretins, and all low-lifes who come in here.” She swiped the towel off the bars and slung it around her neck. Hands on hips, she glared at him. “But I’m a big girl and I know how to take care of myself. I don’t want, nor do I need, any macho man speaking at me. Now back off.”
Nostrils flaring, her gaze stayed locked on the burning embers he scorched her with. Refusing to back away, knowing if she did then he’d run roughshod over her until the end of time, she drew in small breaths and waited.
She didn’t have to wait long.
“You women are so pigheaded.” He inched a step closer. “You never know when to shut up and just listen. I’m trying to take care of all of you here.”
“Then go tell some of the other girls. You’ve given me my orders. Fine. You’re done. We’re done.” Chin up, Shree turned away.
He grabbed her arm, startling her. She spun back, legs unsteady, and reached out blindly as she began to fall.
The world spun around her, and she braced to hit the floor.
Warmth wrapped her waist, and then darkness smashed into her.
A deep groan brought her back. Scanning the room, the realization hit her. She was atop Gavin. She gasped. His strong body had broken her fall, though she’d probably end up with some bruises. He gazed at her with his beautiful cognac eyes.
Getting involved with him would be a very bad idea. She had to study, work hard to finish school and get away from clubs for good. She searched his gaze, searching for what she didn’t know. Maybe some sign that her heart wouldn’t be bruised after he was done with it.
“Shree.” Jesus. Her name rolled off his lips almost like a growl. The rasp put her body into overdrive. Her pussy clenched and pricks of electricity tingled along her back.
This man wasn’t right for her. She was going to get hurt. Deep in her gut, she knew it. And she always listened to her gut. Always.
Not this time.
No, she couldn’t—wouldn’t—miss out on taking what she could. For herself. To forget school, the job, and the past, she’d jump in with both feet and screw what might happen.
She captured his mouth with hers. A deep moan of delight escaped her.
His palms skimmed up her back, his mouth opening wide and allowing her entrance into the deep recesses of him. Stale coffee and mint coated her tongue.
Her palms skimmed over his bald head, caressing with her fingertips, acquainting herself with the feel of him. She lingered at each bump and scar, over his ears to his cheekbones.
Never before had she tasted anything as delicious or been so engrossed in the textures of a man’s roughened skin before. Tight, tough skin that was from hard living, rough times, and that of a man’s man. He was glorious. An Alpha man who was allowing his woman to take the lead.
No. No, dammit, not his woman.
Shree pushed the annoying voice aside and pulled back. Staring at him, his eyes blazed with desire…no, there would be no going back now. For now, in this moment, she would be his woman. He could brand her, claim her as his, but only this once. And she’d walk away knowing the decision was all hers.
Sitting up, astride his hips, she held his gaze and tossed the towel from around her neck aside. Her palms skimmed over his chest. The blue button-down shirt he wore did little to hide the feel of his tight muscles. His warm palms sat on her thighs, as if waiting for her permission to touch.
She leered at him, certain he was anxious to take over, loving the feel of tension in his arms and pecs as he held himself in check. How he understood that she needed this, she didn’t know. Nor did she care.
Silence filled the small room as she opened the buttons of his shirt to the waist. There was a heaven, and she was looking at it. Naked golden skin and tight ridges took her breath away. He worked hard to stay in this shape. Who was she not to admire it?
“Keep looking at me like that and I’ll have you under me in five seconds.” His gravelly voice cut through her thoughts.
Empowered by the passion in his eyes, she grinned at him then shrugged. “Nothing wrong with that, but I like to be on top.” She shifted on his hips, her breath catching as she felt his hard shaft against her ass.
Oh yes, this man had been blessed very well. His length pushed against her, and fire spread from her pussy straight to her toes. Her nipples pebbled tight, aching and throbbing.
Her body rocked against his, friction from his jeans and the spandex covering her was delicious. It was crazy to be so into a man like Gavin so soon after meeting him. But her body led the way. It wanted the connection to him, needed to feel him inside and around her.
These tumultuous emotions were foreign to her.
“Shree.”
“Shh, just hush,” she whispered, shifting her hips against his. She shoved the hem of her bra up over her breasts.
“Fuck, you’re gorgeous.” A growl erupted from his throat.
Gaze locked on his, she lifted his hands and pressed them against her aching nipples. She gasped. The heat of his touch swirled through her body. Shifting her hips down, her pussy lips cradled his shaft through their clothes.
Delirious. Out of control.
Her mind spun with images of how she wanted to ride him. The powerful friction from their clothing and his skin set her on fire. Adrenaline rushed through her, wanting him, and to satisfy the hunger racing over her.
Desperation this strong had never hit her so hard.
Her hands went to his belt, unbuckling it, and drew it apart.
He stilled her movements. “Are you sure?”
Shree withdrew from under his hold, yanked open the button, and parted the zipper. “Going to back out on me?” she challenged, fearing he’d leave her needy.
He chuckled. It was light and relaxed to her. “Not bloody likely.” His fingers pushed beneath the leg of her shorts, pulling it all into each hand.
Frowning, she gaped at him. “What are you do—” She screamed, body jerking as he pulled her shorts apart. Staring at the mess of spandex he held, her jaw dropped. It was like sitting atop the Incredible Hulk whose strength was feared while admired.
The garment lay in tatters, the waistband the only thing keeping the material around her. Gavin tossed the bits that remained in his palms over his head.
His touch eased over her bare mound, reawakening the arousal coursing through her. Thankful she hadn’t worn any underwear, she lifted a bit, allowing his fingers to slide between their bodies and find her clit.
Giving herself up to his touch, she sucked in a deep breath and tilted her head back.
Moisture coated her channel, filling her, making it easier for him to glide his fingers back and forth. Electric currents of heat surrounded her clit and her pussy tightened. Two digits slipped inside her, and the breath rushed out of her. His guttural moan cut through the air.
Her ey
elids lifted. She needed to regain control. It was best for her to lead this brief interlude, and remind herself just how strong she could be, realize how much she could still love her body and the needs that couldn’t always be denied.
Adjusting up on her knees, she pushed his touch away. She lowered his jeans and underwear to the floor and off his feet. The gorgeous sight of his hard cock caught her breath and saliva filled her mouth.
She’d never given a man head before, and didn’t know if she could ever bring herself to do so, but in this moment, having him inside her cunt was way more important than anything.
Leaning down, she captured his mouth again, tasting the delectable essence of him that she wouldn’t soon forget. After one last sweep of his mouth, she sat up and clasped his shaft in her palm.
“Shree, protection,” he groaned.
“Oh shit.” How fucking stupid was she? He was too distracting for coherent thought. “I don’t have any.”
“It’s okay, I do. In my wallet. Left pocket.”
She searched for the packet and beamed when she found the answer to her prayers. Handing the latex over, she palmed his dick.
“Shit, that feels amazing. You make me so hard.” His lids lifted and he caught her gaze.
Up and down, she caressed him, squeezing him tight. Soft and warm, his cock was glorious. He was so sexy and made her hungry for everything he had to give.
Shree pulled the foil packet from his hand. Eyes on his, she ripped it open and smoothed the protection over his shaft. “Let’s put this hard-on to some good use.”
He clasped her waist as she pushed further up his thighs and helped position over his cock. Nervous butterflies took flight in her stomach. It had been a long while since she’d been so comfortable with a man like this, but anxiousness to be with him made her hands shake as she held his dick and glided over him.
His hiss of breath mingled with hers as her wet heat surrounded his flesh, stretching and pulling him in.
“Holy fuck,” Gavin groaned.
Shree glanced at him, seated atop him fully. He had his head back and eyes closed. She familiarized herself with his torso. Every bump and ridge excited her and filled her pussy with moisture.
Guarding Midnight Page 4
