Calculated Collision

by C. A. Szarek

  “Right. We keep him in court. Visible. Vulnerable. And spending that hard-earned dirty money. But if they do their homework like they’re supposed to, we hope to actually have something on him. So it’s not all red tape. There’ve been cases prosecuted—and won—under RICO.”

  “Guess it depends on the prosecutor.”

  She smirked and Nate grinned.

  “Yeah, well, what we really need is to get back in on the inside. Since Lucas, it’s been a no go.”

  “Well, if he’s doing his own dirty work, there’s a reason for it. So I doubt he’ll let anyone in. Definitely not someone who shows up begging to be made.”

  Lee nodded. “If we can get him on RICO stuff, it buys time. Then the drugs and the girls can fall into the open. Hopefully. We’re all working our asses off.”

  “Damn.” Nate shook his head. “And Angelo was in on this. ‘Lo, did I know you at all?”

  When his eyes misted over, Lee couldn’t take anymore. She straddled his lap and pressed her lips to his.

  He took over, settling his hand at the back of her neck, tangling his fingers in her hair and deepening their kiss.

  She kissed him harder, rocking in his lap until Nate’s erection greeted her ass. Lee burned for him, from the inside out. Her sex ached, and she needed him inside her.

  Now.

  She undulated and Nate groaned.

  “Don’t you have to call your partner?” he whispered against her lips.

  “Do you want me to do that right now?”

  “No.” He nipped her bottom lip, then his tongue flicked out in apology, caressing the spot.

  A tremor shot down Lee’s spine. She reclined and ripped her T-shirt off. “Downs can wait.” She wiggled in his lap, intentionally rubbing his hard dick beneath her. “This can’t.”

  Nate moaned her name and grabbed her hips. He lifted up, rubbing her jeans-covered core. It enflamed her even more.

  He cupped her breasts through her bra and met her eyes. It was her turn to whimper when he teased her nipples into hard peaks with his thumbs, through the shimmery fabric. Desire seared her whole body, making any place with a nerve ending ignite.

  She needed his hands and mouth on her everywhere. And they had too many clothes on.

  “Damn good thing I was never very patient. But your partner… The guy seems to have patience in spades.” His voice was deep, strained, and his chest heaved as if talking was the last thing he wanted to do.

  Lee grinned and kissed him.

  Chapter Fourteen

  Nate stroked her bare shoulders and Lee snuggled closer on the couch. He kissed her temple. “Are you cold?”

  She shook her head and silence settled over them, but it was companionable.

  “Angelo broke privilege,” he remarked.

  His gut ached, and it had nothing to do with Lee’s ambush. He couldn’t get Angelo out of his head, but he should. Concentrate on the naked woman in his arms that had just pretty much had her way with him. Get himself ready for the inevitable round two. He wanted that.

  Lee riding him on the couch had been sweet, hot and much too short. She obviously didn’t want to see him upset, and even though she couldn’t seem to say it, her showing him with her touch, her kiss, only made him love her more.

  But it didn’t fix his disappointment in his old frat brother. Nate couldn’t believe his friend—one of his closest friends—had not only been the lead attorney for a piece of shit like Caselli, but guilty of crimes. Crimes that should’ve sent him to prison for a long time.

  Angelo had kept it all from him, but then again, the guy had known that Nate would never take part in anything like that. He would have also recognised that Nate would’ve urged him to turn himself in, if not called the FBI himself, for Angelo’s own good.

  Now his friend was dead.

  It left him questioning everything about their friendship. Nate had thought he could help Lee’s investigation because he’d known ‘Lo so well. But had he really known him at all?

  She lifted her head and met his eyes. Her dark hair was loose, dancing around her shoulders. Her breasts pressed into him, their heavy weight comforting and arousing. Her bronze skin was supple and smooth from head to foot, and the contrast against his own just made him want her more.

  God, she was beautiful.

  Angelo wasn’t worth wasting time on—as it’d turned out.

  Lee was. All his time. For the rest of his life.

  “That look on your face is killing me,” she whispered.

  Nate tried to smile. He cupped her cheeks. “I’ll be fine, angel.”

  She scooted up his body and pressed her lips to his in a hard kiss that was much too fleeting. “I know it’s gotta rock the foundation of what you thought you knew about him.”

  “Yeah.” He nodded, holding her closer.

  Lee settled on top of him, her breasts resting on his chest, her hips over his. Her legs were perfectly aligned between his. Nate wrapped his arms around her.

  “It’s not like he wanted to talk. We didn’t give him a choice on breaking privilege, as you say.”

  “Still doesn’t excuse what he chose to do. For Caselli. With Caselli.”

  “I know…”

  “I should’ve known something was wrong. He started calling more. We used to talk every few months, but… Then he started calling every week. Consistently. I mean, I should’ve realised asking me to come in early for our trip was a big deal. Dammit. Like he was calling for help, and I didn’t see it.” Nate clenched his jaw as emotions rolled over him. He was about to lose it.

  “Bullshit.” Lee’s hard tone had his eyes snapping back to her face. Her kiss-swollen lips were a flat line, and her dark eyes flashed. “I’m not going to let you do this to yourself, Nathan Dennis Crane.”

  “Do what?” He was torn between grief over ‘Lo and amusement that she’d used his full name.

  “I’m sorry your friend got in over his head and made the wrong choices. Broke the law. And I want to kick his ass for hurting you, but you’re not going to take this out on yourself. This is not your fault.”

  Nate cupped her face and kissed her irritation away, swallowing her surprised yelp. Lee got with the programme fast, slanting her mouth into his and kissing him until his cock was hard and aching between them.

  He chuckled as they parted, and she rested her forehead against his.

  “What’s funny?”

  “I like when you take up for me, angel. I like the way it makes me feel.” I love you. He couldn’t say it. Nate’s stomach somersaulted.

  A smile played at her lips, but Lee looked away, like she often did when their conversation skirted feelings. “I’m glad.” Her voice was low.

  “So I guess you should call your partner.”

  She met his eyes again, relief evident in her expression.

  His gut ached. When would she really let him in? He needed more than her body.

  “Probably.” Lee slipped her hand between their bodies and started to stroke his cock. “But what about this?”

  Nate moaned, hardening even more in her hand. His sac tingled with her attentions, and he sank his teeth into his bottom lip to keep him from crying out. The warming of his blood rolled into a slow boil. His pulse thundered in his ears.

  What had they been talking about?

  Did it fucking matter?

  She scooted down his body, dragging her perfect breasts across his thighs and knees intentionally.

  Nate’s whole body shook, tremors starting in his spine and working their way through his limbs. He tightened his toes and clenched his fists, fighting the urge to thrust.

  “Leeeeeee.” He couldn’t contain her name when she dragged her tongue along the sensitive head of his dick, then sucked him into her mouth. Coherent thought fled, and he buried his hands in her dark hair as she began to move up and down his length, using her tongue to tease his every inch.

  Her fingertips skimmed his balls and he groaned, throwing his head back and closing hi
s eyes. Lee wrapped her hand around him and began to pump as she sucked.

  Nate panted and tugged her hair.

  She caressed his thighs before slipping her hand under his ass, gripping him and holding on tight as she moved her mouth up and down.

  Her long hair tickled his skin and heightened the sensations rolling over him.

  His control started to wane and Nate tilted his hips, begging for more. Lee responded, sucking him harder and caressing his balls, squeezing. Not hurting him, but the pressure made him burn.

  He cried out, tumbling over the edge. His cock kicked in her mouth, in her hands. “Angel, I’m… I’m…” He tried to push her shoulders back, but she didn’t stop.

  Lee swirled her tongue around his tip as he started to come. Instead of pulling away, she buried his cock in the depths of her warm mouth, swallowing his release.

  A shudder went through his whole body and he clamped his mouth shut to keep a declaration of love at bay. Three words teetered on the tip of his tongue.

  He wanted to drag her up and take her mouth, show her what he couldn’t tell her, but his muscles wouldn’t cooperate.

  She stroked his thigh as the pleasure receded in waves, and Nate relaxed into the couch with a sigh.

  “Angel, wow.” He caressed her cheek and Lee flashed a smile.

  Damn, he wanted to tell her he loved her.

  She moved up and snuggled into his chest. “What wow? You’ve done the same to me. Drives me wild.”

  “Good. I love to drive you wild.”

  Lee froze in his arms and Nate bit back a groan.

  Shit.

  He shouldn’t have used that word, in any context.

  Nate couldn’t read her expression when their eyes met. His heart dropped to his stomach, ruining the sated feeling in his limbs.

  “As much as I want to lay here naked all day and do naughty things to you, I probably should call Downs.” She dipped her head down and kissed his chest, but Nate’s gut burned.

  Lee would pull away from him now.

  Your fault, idiot.

  “Okay, angel.” He made a go for her face, to taste her lips again, but she was off the couch in seconds.

  With every garment she pulled on, the pain in Nate’s chest sharpened.

  * * * *

  Lee blew out a breath and gripped the phone tighter. She rested her hip against the large island in the kitchen and chatted with her partner.

  Coward. You’re a coward.

  She’d run from him again. Even though she’d kissed him before leaving him naked on the couch, it was pretty much the same damn thing.

  But the word love on Nate’s lips had made her shake in her boots. He didn’t have to say he loved her. The look on his face every time they were together shouted it. It was only a matter of time before the unwanted words fell out of his mouth, if the intensity in those hazel eyes was any indication.

  She couldn’t handle it.

  Love wasn’t going to work. Not after Russ. Not even for Nate.

  Lee needed to stop sleeping with him. Stop kissing him. Stop…tasting him. Definitely stop letting him into her body. She was already slipping deeper.

  Losing control.

  So, shit, yes, she really was a coward.

  Even giving him pleasure had her whole body loose and wanting. Burning. Turned her on that she had the power to make him moan and beg.

  Her sex throbbed still. No doubt her panties were damp.

  Lee wanted Nate again.

  “Dammit,” she whispered.

  “Just keep Crane safe. We’ll do the rest, partner,” Clint’s gravelly voice startled her and she rapped her knuckles on the counter.

  Good thing he’d assumed she’d been expressing frustration about the case. “I know and I will.” Lee cleared her throat.

  “I know it’ll kill you to sit it out, if that’s what it comes to, but we’re a team for a reason.”

  “I get it, I really do. But this is Caselli.”

  “Yup, and he’ll look the same in metal bracelets the rest of them do.”

  “Squeeze ’em tight, Downs.”

  Her partner laughed.

  “Want me to kick him for you, too?”

  “A few times. In the balls.”

  “I’d laugh again, but I don’t have a problem with that plan. And I know you’re dead serious.”

  Lee grinned. “Damn straight.”

  “Hey, you haven’t had any contact with Stewart, have you?” Humour was gone from Clint’s voice.

  She frowned. “No, why?”

  “He came in the other day with a pair of shiners and a limp.”

  “Oh yeah?”

  “Someone beat the shit out of him, and he’s not saying a word.”

  “I don’t talk to the guy, so I couldn’t tell ya a thing about him.”

  “You don’t talk to anyone, Dawson.” Clint’s tone was dry.

  “You think we have something to worry about?”

  “I don’t know. But I’m watching.”

  “Good. How’s his partner?”

  “No change. Coma after surgery because he was down so long, they think, but they repaired the damage in his heart. His lungs will be okay too, given time.”

  “It’d be nice if he’d wake up and tells us who shot him.”

  “No doubt.” Downs paused. “Stewart has been acting…odd…the last few days.”

  “Maybe he can’t deal with Roberts’ sitch.”

  “Hope it’s just that.”

  Lee’s heart skipped. “You think it’s something else?”

  “I don’t know. I seem to be the only one that doesn’t buy his appearance at the apartment hook, line and sinker.”

  She racked her brain to remember everything her fellow agent had said. His explanation hadn’t made her flinch.

  Lee shook her head. She’d been too wrapped up in Nate that day. Making sure he was safe, getting the fuck out of there as soon as they could. She’d not stopped to question anything Stewart had said.

  And they had a rat.

  “Clint…”

  “I know, Lee, I know. It’s a big deal. A big accusation. Like I said, I’m just watching for now.”

  “Haven’t said anything to Liv?”

  “No. I need something solid before I open my mouth. And like I said, it could be nothing.”

  “Keep me posted.” Lee bit back a few choice curses.

  Right, nothing.

  If Downs had voiced suspicion, even to her, he’d been thinking about it for a while.

  “If he contacts you, just be wary. He’s an FBI agent just like you and me, but cover your ass. And Crane’s.”

  “You know I will.”

  “He might just be a guy who can’t deal with grief.” Clint’s tone was calm, reasonable.

  “Blaming himself for being with me instead of Evan?”

  “Yeah, something like that.”

  “No harm in me keeping my eyes peeled, too.”

  “Good. I’ll get you those pics you asked for,” Downs said.

  “Thanks.”

  “Take it easy. Just keep Crane safe. The quiet is probably killing you, but it’s good for you to take a breather from the action once in a while, too.”

  “Geesh. Now you sound like Liv. I’m fine. Nate’s fine. I’ll keep it that way.”

  Clint laughed. “Call me if you need anything.”

  “You know it. I’ll respond to your email.” Lee ended their call, but the conversation didn’t sit right in her gut.

  She set the phone down on the counter and stared hard.

  Never thought to question Stewart the day of the shooting.

  He was FBI. One of the good guys.

  Right?

  Chapter Fifteen

  Jeremy scanned the hospital corridor. A bead of sweat rolled from his temple to his cheek and he swiped it away, turning the corner and throwing a nod to the nurse who glanced up when he passed the station.

  You’re just a guy visiting his injured partner in th
e hospital, nothing more, nothing less.

  No one suspected he was supposed to kill Evan Roberts. Their whole team was concerned about them both.

  Is Evan gonna be okay? Are you okay? How ya holding up? Don’t worry, buddy, it’s going to blow over. Evan will be back to work in no time.

  The questions and concern were killing him. He’d only been back in the office for two days. At least the investigation of Michael Bellini’s death had been wrapped up.

  Jeremy was cleared. It had been declared a good shoot.

  Liv had told him he was to see the shrink weekly until she said otherwise. But other than that, he had no idea what the fucking doctor had reported from his first visit. On the surface, things had gone fine. The guy hadn’t expressed concerns. Did Dr Doran think he was nuts?

  Yeah, well… You are crazy.

  “Hey,” Jeremy said.

  Special Agent Bobby Smythe looked up from the crossword he was doing. His chair outside Evan’s hospital room was propped against the wall, only two legs on the ground. He took one look at Jeremy and thumped all four to the linoleum floor.

  “Jesus Christ. What the hell happened to you?”

  Crap.

  He’d almost forgotten about his face. “Nothing.”

  “Well, damn. Hope the other guy looks worse.”

  Jeremy chose not to answer. The dude he’d picked to beat the shit out of him had been a big SOB. Jeremy hadn’t fought back at all. His ribs were sore and his leg still wasn’t right. But it’d felt good. Only landing in the hospital would have made it better. Then again, he would’ve had too many questions to answer. And he wouldn’t have wanted the guy to get arrested for doing what Jeremy needed him to.

  “I’m here to see Evan.”

  Smythe nodded. “Go for it. Maybe seeing you will make him wake up. Since you’re here, I’m gonna hit the john.”

  Jeremy fought the urge to close his eyes and forced a nod back. He slipped into the hospital room, looking everywhere but at his partner in the bed. His gut was tight, making his ribs burn even more.

  What the fuck was he going to do? Put a gun to Evan’s head and pull the trigger? Now would be the perfect time.

  Protection detail gone.