Ivan frowned. “You really think someone knows where the new office is already?”
“Yeah, I do. And I dread to think if it’s the Russians, Saudis, Chinese… or even our own government. Ivan, we can’t let this fall into the wrong hands.”
“I know. We’ve worked so hard.”
“Not just that. But imagine what harm could come to our loved ones if they decide to blackmail us. Your siblings; my cousin. Maybe even my Craig. This project is dangerous. I never really realised it before because we were so busy doing it. But now I see that we might not only need to protect our device, but to also protect our loved ones. Or better still, we might need to think about abandoning the whole thing. We might need to destroy it completely, Ivan, before someone gets hurt. Or worse.”
Chapter Twelve
The days slipped by without any further drama. But Ivan and Tariq avoided going to the office just in case – and instead they worked from Samira’s home. She was happy to have them around, and thankfully no one had found them there yet. She was secretly delighted that Ivan seemed distracted now anyway. He didn’t seem to care about the perpetual motion device or the liberation of humanity anymore. He just wanted to be with her. And she wanted to be with him. She was forcing herself to go to her lectures, but being with Ivan was what she was living for now. And that made her very happy.
As he’d promised, he’d completely possessed her mind and body. With every breath, she wanted to be in his arms. She’d never known happiness like it. Obviously Ivan would need to go back to New York at some point, because that was where he called home. But Samira knew he liked her. She couldn’t bear to ask him outright, but she was curious to know if this relationship was going further than just a fling. She didn’t want to get her hopes up, but she wondered whether Ivan could be persuaded to move to California – it wasn’t as if he needed to specifically be in New York to work on the project with Tariq. If they were still going ahead with it.
Samira sat on the warm soft sand of the local beach, clutching her file-folder, and waiting for her man. He’d said he’d meet her at sunset, but she’d arrived early, unable to control her excitement about seeing him. She’d woken up in his arms this morning, and it’d been hard to tear herself away after they’d showered together and kissed and kissed…
The sunset was spectacular this evening, hovering in the sky like a huge orange ball over the ocean, turning the world a tranquil pink. It was cozy. Samira had found a secluded location with plenty of big boulders, where she hoped they could have an illicit fondle before going home for dinner. The gentle breeze wafted her long blonde hair across her face, so she tucked it behind her ear, enjoying the moment and feeling excited about what was to come...
A deep masculine voice spoke from behind. “Hello, sweet lady. You waiting for someone?”
She turned and grinned as she saw Ivan’s handsome face. “I might be.”
“Well, he’s arrived.”
She stood and ran into his strong arms, sinking against his glorious body. He held her tight and they kissed.
“I’ve been thinking about you all day,” he said. “Your eyes, your body… your tight sweet pussy.”
Arousal surged through her. She gazed at him coyly. “So what you’re saying is, you missed me?”
He chuckled. “Yes, sweetheart, I really did.”
“Good. I missed you, too.” She gestured to her long summer dress. “By the way, I’m not wearing any panties. I’m ready for you…”
Ivan grinned. “Dirty girl, that’s what I like to hear.”
He kissed her strongly and they dropped to the soft sand. Samira laid back, propping herself up on her elbows, and Ivan laid on his side, nibbling her neck, and running his hand up her thigh. His lips were soft and strong; Samira was addicted to his kisses. Having him near her was like going home to a lovely forgotten place – she belonged with him. To him.
“I need to check out this panty situation for myself,” he said, pushing up her dress. “And if I find you’re not wearing any, well… you’re gonna be spanked.”
Samira giggled, trying to control her lust. She loved it when he took control.
Ivan’s fingers reached the top of her leg and brushed against her yearning pussy. “Oh, I see you’re not wearing any underwear. Very naughty…”
“What’s my punishment?” she asked.
He rolled on top of her, pressing his toned body and hard cock into her. This position was compact and secure – her entire world now consisted of Ivan Quinlan and the delicious pleasure pulsing between her legs.
“Well, for now,” Ivan said. “I’m going to fondle your pussy until you lose complete control. You need to lie back and let me make you come. Then – when we get home – I’m going to bend you over my knee and spank that tight little ass of yours, until you know for sure that not wearing panties is very, very bad.”
He nuzzled his face into her neck, making her laugh. Samira relished the feel of his fingers rubbing against her wet pussy, skimming over her throbbing clit. This beach was secluded and offered them privacy, but knowing they could potentially get caught made her feel even more aroused. The sound of the sea crashed in her ears, and her mind swirled full of Ivan Quinlan.
He raised his hand up towards her lips. “Suck my fingers. Let me see those lips of yours put to good use.”
She took his fingers into her mouth and sucked, tasting her own pussy on his flesh.
He kissed her strongly, easing his tongue into her mouth and lowering his hand back towards pleasure. “You’re the best lover I’ve ever had, Samira – so fucking hot. You’re so tight.” He slipped his strong fingers inside her, making her gasp. “And when we get home I’m gonna thrust my cock into you – pounding you hard, taking you for myself, making you climax… But for now… you’re gonna let me touch you until you lose control and cry out my name.”
Lust whooshed over her. “Oh yes…”
His fingers delved inside her pussy, rubbing firm and fast. Then he reached his other hand between her thighs to take care of her clit. “I’ve been unable to concentrate on my work all day, you naughty thing. I’ve been fixating on your wonderful tightness; wanting to fuck this gorgeous little pussy – to suck your perfect tits... Do you like the way I pleasure, you? Huh?”
She nodded frantically on the sand, trying to stay in control, but starting to feel the ecstasy drag her over.
“You’re so wet, sweetheart. Just how I like you – turned on and at my mercy. You’re mine and now I’m gonna make you come harder than you’ve ever come in your life.”
Samira groaned, unable to speak.
“Good you’re so fucking horny,” Ivan dropped his mouth down to her ear, occupying her entire world. “I wanna tie you up and fuck you hard. I wanna bend you over and take you in front of all those pathetic jocks. So they know you’re mine.”
The orgasm caught deep inside, and the pleasure surged through Samira like a tsunami of delight – beginning at her abdomen and spreading wildly across her body. She was unable to prevent herself from losing control and moaning loudly against the sound of the ocean. She called Ivan’s name, crying ‘yes, yes, yes!’ knowing how fake it sounded, but she couldn’t stop it. The immense waves of ecstasy flowed over her… one, then another, then another… She gasped to catch her breath, floating on the feeling of pure love. She breathed and drifted back to the beach, where Ivan was waiting with an awestruck grin on his gorgeous mouth. He lowered his face and kissed her.
“You’re so fucking beautiful, Samira,” he said tenderly. “I love to see you so lost in pleasure.”
She reached up and caressed his face. “I think I’m falling in love with you...” She bit her lip, immediately regretting saying it. Had she just scared him off completely?
His handsome face broke out into a grin. “Oh god, me too.”
Samira giggled with delight. “Shall we go back and tell Tariq?”
“Sure. Then we can grab some dinner. And maybe I can ravish you again, my love. A
nd do all those things I promised – and more!”
Chapter Thirteen
Tariq closed down his computer and smiled with satisfaction. He was pleased that he’d managed to focus on the project for a few hours today, without allowing his mind to churn over the dangerous aspects. Hope glided through his heart. Maybe they could get this device off the ground after all; just so long as they stayed out of trouble and kept everyone safe.
He glanced out the window at the lush green garden and felt himself relax. It was a warm evening in LA, which lifted his mood further. He’d checked the New York weather before closing down his laptop, and seen that they were currently being subjected to yet another snow blizzard... Perhaps he would take a day off tomorrow and hit the beach – it was, after all, the weekend.
He ran his hand over the leather swivel chair that he’d been sitting in all afternoon, and thought about how generous his cousin was. It was true that Tariq was paying for the house and everything in it, but this room was supposed to be Samira’s office where she could study and write her assignments. She’d given it up so easily for him and Ivan. She was such a sweet girl. It angered Tariq that the Iranian authorities had treated her so cruelly – merely for doing what came naturally. Samira was a kind person with a good heart, and that was all that mattered to Tariq. It should be all that mattered to anyone.
It worried him slightly that she’d become so obsessed with Ivan so fast, but Ivan was a good guy and he wouldn’t let Samira’s studies slip. All three of them knew that if she didn’t pass her end-of-year exams, she’d be kicked off the course and out of America, so obviously no one was going to let that happen.
Tariq gathered up his paperwork and allowed himself to feel excited about his date with Craig tonight. Craig was also a kind person with a good heart, and Tariq enjoyed their time together. But he wasn’t stupid enough to think that Craig wasn’t sleeping with other guys. And that was fine. Tariq wasn’t ready to settle down – he was married to this project at the moment. And Craig was only nineteen – he should be out enjoying himself while he was young.
But it would be nice to grab a beer with him later, and then go back to his place and fuck wildly all night… Tariq stretched his arms above his head, realising he’d been sitting in the same position for hours. And he was hungry. A pre-dinner snack of bread and olives would be perfect…
He ambled into the modern kitchen, with food on his mind, and his eyes scanned over the tidy work surfaces. Samira had great taste in interior design – Tariq knew she loved her colourful glass fruit bowl, her designer coffee machine, and her wooden block of expensive chef’s knives. The sun was flowing through the frosted glass of the backdoor and casting a rainbow pattern on the marble floor. It made Tariq feel happy and light. He opened the huge refrigerator and pulled out a tub of olives, then popped one his mouth, before grabbing a tub of hummus.
His muscles tensed as he heard a clunk at the backdoor. Tariq slowly closed the refrigerator and saw the outline of someone standing on the back step. Worry seeped through him. Shit… had those shady people finally tracked him down?
“Who is it?” Tariq called.
“It’s Craig.”
Tariq relaxed. They weren’t supposed to be seeing each other for another hour, but he’d probably got the time wrong. He could be a bit ditzy at times, which only made him more endearing.
Tariq abandoned the olives and walked over to open the door. He prepared himself to give Craig a kiss, but shock sliced into him like a butcher’s knife as he saw Craig standing there off-balance and petrified, in front of a smartly-dressed stranger. The guy had one brown eye and one green eye – as well as a grey streak in his jet-black hair. But that wasn’t actually the thing that grabbed Tariq’s attention. It was the fact that he was holding a gun to Craig’s head.
“What the fuck!”
Craig’s voice was full of terror. “I’m sorry, Tariq. He said he’d kill me if I didn’t comply.”
Tariq stared at the tableau before him, trying to calm his thrashing heart. Shit, where the hell was Samira? What if they’d got to her, too? He poised himself to fight.
“What the hell is going on?”
The man with the gun smiled sinisterly. “Good evening, Tariq. Sorry to intrude. You mind if we come in?”
The man didn’t wait for an answer. He pushed Craig forward and walked him through the door – pressing the gun firmly to his head. Tariq stepped backwards into the kitchen on legs full of fear.
His voice came out a whisper. “Who are you?”
The gunman shrugged. “I think you’ve guessed...”
Tariq held out his hands. “No one wants to get hurt here, okay. Just cool it. What do you want?”
“You know what I’m here for,” the guy said. “And I’m not leaving until I get it. I don’t want to shoot your boyfriend, but I will.”
Tariq’s mind raced with panic. How the hell was he going to get out of this? And what if Samira came home and got hurt, too? He needed to deal with this situation… but how? Play dumb? It was worth a try…
He didn’t take his eyes off the gun. “I don’t know what you’re talking about. What do you want with me and Craig? Who are you?”
“My name’s Jeremy, and don’t act innocent. You know exactly what I want from you. And well, as for Craig… now he’s helped me inside, I’ve finished with him. Shall I kill him?”
Jeremy ran the gun barrel down Craig’s sweating face. Tariq’s mind blurred with possibilities, but he had no idea what to do. How could he save Craig without accidentally causing this madman to blow his head off?
He gazed into Craig’s eyes, willing him to give him a sign. Craig stared back with eyes full of fear. But then something clicked inside Craig; his expression changed. He grinned.
Then he stepped away from Jeremy. And they both laughed…
Chapter Fourteen
Samira stood on the doorstep and kissed Ivan. Her body was still tingling from that mind-blowing orgasm on the beach, but her hair and dress were now full of scratchy sand, and she was keen to jump in the shower… maybe they could scrub each other clean…
Ivan kissed her in the sunshine. “Let’s make some food. I bet Tariq hasn’t eaten yet – chained to his desk as he is.”
“Good plan. Come on, let’s find him. Then we’ll shower.”
The backdoor wasn’t closed, so she turned and kissed him once more before pushing it open and striding inside. She halted suddenly and Ivan almost crashed into her.
“Whoa, Samira!”
But then he saw it, too...
Tariq was tied to a kitchen chair; his shirt was undone. There were two guys standing over him. What the fuck?
Nervous laughter burst out of Samira. “Oh shit, Tariq! Hi, Craig. Sorry to come crashing in. I didn’t know you were into the kinky stuff, but maybe you should pop a note on the door in future?”
Tariq didn’t laugh – his face remained severe; full of terror. Samira glanced at the other guy in the room and suddenly realised who he was. The asshole from the hotel who Ivan had beaten up.
Ivan pulled her towards himself. “What the hell’s going on? Why are you here?”
Jeremy smirked. “I suppose I should explain. As you’ve probably realised, I don’t actually work in a hotel. I was there the other night trying to speak to Samira, hoping I might pump her for information. The men I’m working for are very interested in your little project and we hoped she might give it up. She turned out not to be as stupid as I’d hoped, but I meant what I said about having friends in high places. If I don’t kill you today, Samira, you will be heading back to Iran – I’ll make sure of it. You should’ve been nicer to me, you know. But… perhaps we can still work something out, hmm?”
“Fuck you,” she said. “I’d rather die or be deported than do anything with you.”
Samira sensed that Ivan was about to explode behind her. “Stop fucking around, motherfucker, and tell us who the hell you’re working for.”
Jeremy sneered. �
��My employer occupies a much higher status than you could ever imagine.”
“I’ve got a pretty good imagination.”
“Well, I’m afraid I can’t tell you, so you’ll just have to keep wondering. Not that you’ll be alive for much longer… Samira, I assume your tough-guy boyfriend isn’t planning to attack me while I’m holding a gun?”
Samira didn’t know how to answer Jeremy’s question, but as her gaze fell on Craig, she asked a question of her own. “Craig – what the hell are you doing?”
“He’s turned double-agent,” Jeremy said. “I offered him money to work for me, and he took it. You can buy anyone for the right price, you know.”
Ivan held Samira tight from behind. She could feel his heart thumping against her back. “Let me guess,” he said. “You’re working for the same people who scared off our business reps the other day?”
Jeremy smirked. “He’s clever for such a brute, isn’t he?”
Ivan’s voice shook with anger. “Just tell us what the fuck’s going on!”
Jeremy remained cool and calm. “My employer asked me to follow you here from New York. He said I need to stop you. I need to take your work and deliver it to him. And then I need to kill you. All of you. I’ll probably let Craig do the honours.”
“I didn’t agree to killing anyone!” Craig said.
Jeremy ignored him. He stared through Samira at Ivan. “But only after you tell us where you’ve stashed your work.”
“Never!” Tariq shouted.
Jeremy turned and slapped Tariq across the face. “Shut it. You’ve already made it clear you won’t help. I oughta kill you now.”
Samira’s heart twisted as she watched the blood trickle from her cousin’s nose. “I’ll never fucking tell you where I’ve hidden it!” he shouted.
“Well if you won’t tell me, perhaps Ivan will? Or how about your pretty little cousin?”
Ivan stepped in front of Samira, shielding her from Jeremy. “You stay away from her. Remember what happened last time we met?”
The Billionaire's Heart: Billionaire Brothers (Tycoon Billionaires Book 0) Page 8
