Vested Interest Box Set: Books 1-3

by Melanie Moreland

  We faced off, and I had to admit, I was impressed. She didn’t get in many moves, but she did manage to avoid me getting my hands on her very often. When she appeared winded, I stepped back.

  “Okay, now—”

  A yelp and crash from behind me made me spin around. Emmy was on the floor, the bag swinging in the air. Bent was on his feet and moving toward her instantly. I joined him, dropping to my knees beside her.

  “What happened?”

  “I tried to do one of the roundy type kicks. I missed.”

  “You’re not ready for a roundhouse kick, Emmy. Far from it. That’s a whole other type of training.”

  “I saw it on the internet. It looked easy.”

  I snorted, and Bentley rolled his eyes.

  “How many times do I have to tell you to stay off Google?” he demanded.

  Emmy chuckled.

  “Are you hurt?” Bentley asked, running his hand over her legs.

  “I think I twisted my foot a little when I fell.”

  I picked up her foot and ran my fingers over her ankle, testing it. “It’s not broken, but I think it’s a mild sprain.”

  Bentley muttered a curse, and Emmy shook her head. “Relax, Rigid. I’ve had worse.”

  “Enough for tonight.” He helped her to her feet, frowning when she winced.

  “I think we’ll take a rain check on the tacos too.”

  “I wanted tacos,” she protested. “It’s just a sore foot!”

  I spoke up. “Go home, ice your foot and put it up, so it doesn’t swell. Take some Tylenol. We’ll finish here and pick up a whole bunch of tacos and come to your place. Does that work?”

  Emmy’s smile was wide. “Perfect. I want some nachos too, Tree Trunk.”

  I laughed. “Deal.”

  She gasped when Bentley swung her up into his arms. “Put me down. I can walk!”

  “Except you don’t have to.” He indicated the desk he’d been working at. “Will you bring the laptop when you come?”

  “Yep.”

  “I’ll bring your stuff, Emmy,” Cami offered. “Let Bentley look after you. We’ll be along in a little while.”

  They left, and I chuckled as I listened to her telling Bentley to put her down or she would use her new skills on him. He ignored her instructions, demanding she stop struggling or he might drop her. When she threatened again, he informed her she had no new skills yet and to be quiet. She was busy telling him off when the elevator doors closed, cutting off their conversation. It entertained me to hear her berate him and his overprotective nature. It was something she brought out in him.

  Cami laughed in amusement. “He’s gonna listen to it all the way home.”

  “He’s going to tell her no more lessons.”

  “She’ll ignore him.”

  “I know.”

  Our eyes met, and I had to look away. Cami had such an intense gaze. It was as if she saw right through me to the person I kept hidden below the surface. The one few people ever saw. I cleared my throat. “Do you want to keep going or call it a night and go get the tacos?”

  She shook her head, her ponytail swinging wildly. “No, Bentley will have to fuss for a while. Emmy tells me that’s how he handles his worry over her. Let’s keep going and give them a little time.”

  “Okay.”

  “How about I come after you this time?” Playfully, she put up her fists and bounced on the balls of her feet. “You ready for me to take you down?”

  I smirked as she circled me. She looked as if she were getting ready for a WWE fight instead of learning to defend herself against an attack. Still, I couldn’t resist the temptation to see what she would try. She stopped moving, challenging me with her look. I, in turn, circled her and bent low to her ear, teasing her. “Bring it on, baby.”

  She spun, stepped back, and searched for an opening, constantly on the move. She was graceful, her muscles tensing as she danced, her movements sensuous and fluid. I tried to ignore the way my body reacted to her. Her shirt was damp and clung to her breasts, her nipples straining under the material. My erection kicked behind my sweats, and my desire began to overtake my good sense. She wasn’t a threat to me physically, but she was dangerous in other ways. Teasingly, I jabbed my fist toward her. “Come on, tough girl. Show me what you got.”

  I had to swallow when she tugged her shirt over her head and flung it away. Her sports bra was purple and had a zipper down the front. The word “handy” ran through my head. I knew what she was doing, so with a wink, I yanked my damp shirt over my head and sent it flying as well. Two could play at that game.

  We circled and sparred, her attempts to land any touches proving fruitless. I smacked her ass a couple of times, which seemed to agitate and spur her on, making me smile.

  “Is that all you got, little girl? Not so tough, after all, are you?”

  Narrowing her eyes, she lunged, missed, then stumbled, and gasped, bending at the waist. I dropped my arms and leaned over her, concerned. “What? What happened?”

  She took me by surprise when she grabbed my wrist, spun me around, and bent it behind my back. “Gotcha!” She laughed.

  In a fast move, I pivoted, yanked her back, and pulled her flush to my chest. “Never let your guard down,” I hissed in her ear.

  She melted against me and slipped her hand between us, palming my growing erection. “No,” she whispered. “You never do.”

  I ignored the double meaning to her words.

  I dropped my head to her neck, licking at her exposed skin. She tasted salty and sweet all at once. She moaned low in her throat as I slid my hand over her sports bra and tugged the zipper down, then cupped her breast, teasing the tight nipple.

  Using her ponytail, I angled her head to the side, exposing her neck more. I nipped at the tender flesh. “You’ve been taunting me this whole time, haven’t you? Teasing me with these tits of yours, wanting me to touch them. Touch you.”

  “Yes.” She panted, gripping my cock harder, making me groan.

  I shouted as she wrapped her foot around my ankle, sending us both to the floor. She scrambled over me, straddling my hips, a mischievous grin on her face.

  “I won.”

  I arched up, pushing my erection into her heat. Her eyes fluttered shut, and I smirked as I flipped her, hovering over her on the mat, our gazes locked in a frenzy of need.

  “I think we can call it a draw.”

  I crashed my mouth to hers, kissing her hard. Our tongues dueled for control as she gripped my shoulders, pulling me closer, her nails a sharp prickle on my skin. I bit her bottom lip in warning, soothing the burn with my tongue. I kissed, licked, and nipped my way down her neck, tonguing her hard nipples, then lifted her hips so I could tear away her yoga pants and sneakers. Using her bare feet, she pushed my sweats out of the way, and my cock sprang free, slapping against my stomach.

  “I fucking love it when you’re commando,” she said, wrapping her hand around me, stroking her thumb over the sensitive crown. I shuddered at the pleasure of her touch.

  “Just like I loved the zipper on your bra, baby. Convenient,” I retorted, sinking two fingers into her. “Jesus, you’re so wet.”

  She arched into me, breathing out my name. I pressed my thumb to her clit, teasing the nub, and tried not to come at the sight of her under me. Her skin glowed, her hair had come loose, a bright explosion of colors around her face. Her green eyes burned with the intensity of her need and her chest moved rapidly as she gasped for air. She kept working me, stroking and twisting her hand around the head of my cock, making me shiver.

  I wanted inside her. Now.

  As if she knew, she wrapped her legs around me. “Take me.”

  I dragged my cock through her wetness, the feel of her all-consuming.

  “Condom,” I managed to get out through gritted teeth.

  Where the fuck were my condoms?

  She cupped my face. “I haven’t been with anyone else, Aiden. There wasn’t anyone before you for over a year. I’m saf
e.” She swallowed. “I’m on birth control.”

  I froze, looking down at her. I had never had sex without protection. Did I want this?

  I hadn’t been with anyone either. But her trust in me was overwhelming.

  “I’m safe too,” I assured her. “There’s been only you for a long time.”

  “I want you so much. Please.”

  I moved again, nudging at her entrance.

  Jesus, the heat of her.

  Had I ever wanted anyone as much as I wanted her in this moment?

  She arched, and I slid forward a little more.

  The answer was no. I never had. I wanted this with her. Only her.

  I slammed into her body, making us both shout.

  Nothing prepared me for it. The heat and sensation of her—the way she gripped me. She matched my thrusts, clinging to me tightly. I pushed and pulled. She gave and took. Our bodies moved in long, rolling waves, the pleasure so great my eyes stung.

  I kissed her, drowning in the sensations. Never wanting it to end. She stiffened, crying out my name, and all too soon, I followed her, ecstasy snapping at my spine. I came hard, thrusting relentlessly, her name falling from my lips until I collapsed on top of her.

  Until we were nothing except a mass of entwined arms and legs, our bodies pressed so tight to each other, I couldn’t tell where she ended and I began.

  For a few, unthinking moments, I was good with that. Then, as usual, reality—and my doubts—crept in, and I knew I had to move.

  It was harder to separate myself from her this time. Somehow, I got to my feet and offered her my hand. “You grab a shower while I order tacos.”

  “You could join me.”

  “I think we’ve joined enough tonight, Cami.”

  I ignored the flash of hurt in her eyes and bent over to grab her clothes. “I assume you have something to change into in your bag.”

  “Yes.”

  I picked up her bra and swung it on my finger, trying to tease her. “Maybe something a little less provocative next time so we don’t end up in this predicament again.”

  She grabbed the bra from my hand. “God forbid.”

  I stopped her from walking away. “Hey.”

  “What?” she snapped.

  “I’m sorry, okay? I just…” I huffed out a breath. “I find this part hard. I don’t know what to say or do.”

  She shook her head, her expression softening. “How many times do I have to tell you I don’t expect anything? You made yourself very clear when we started.”

  “Yet, I always feel awkward.”

  “Just what a girl wants to hear after mind-blowing sex.”

  My lips quirked. “Mind-blowing?”

  “Well, it was. You’re kinda being a mood-killer here.”

  I held up my hands. “Sorry.” I flicked my finger to my head with a wink. “I feel the same. Mind— officially blown.”

  She walked toward the bathroom, glancing over her shoulder. “You should join me in the shower. Maybe your mind won’t be the only thing blown tonight.”

  I gaped at her. I heard the shower come on and made a decision.

  Or, at least, my cock made it for me.

  I hurried to join her in the shower. Tacos could wait another few minutes.

  Cami

  Our shower took longer than planned, and Aiden hadn’t ordered the tacos, deciding we would just wait for them since they were always fast. He was quiet on the drive to the restaurant. I didn’t try to push him, even though I wanted him to talk to me. He kept everything to himself. His thoughts and feelings were so deeply concealed that unless a person bothered to look into his eyes and see the hidden pain, they accepted the outward package. Strong, cocky, and playful. He was all that, but inside, there was more. He had a damaged soul, and as much as I wanted to help him, he had to want that from me.

  I wasn’t sure he ever would.

  We pulled into the parking lot as my phone buzzed. I looked at the message with a frown.

  “Bentley says Emmy fell asleep, and he’s asking for a rain check on tacos. Maddox already told him that he and Dee weren’t coming since she’s still at work.” I sighed. “She’s always at work these days, it seems.”

  “Something big happening?”

  “It’s a case she’s researching for a new lawyer with the firm. I don’t know all the details, but it involves a huge property and estate dispute out west. She’ll be going for the court case too.”

  “Huh. So she isn’t home much?”

  “No. I feel as if I hardly see her anymore.” I didn’t bother adding I thought Maddox saw more of her than I did since I knew Aiden wouldn’t talk about his friend or his private life. I tamped down my disappointment, knowing my time with Aiden was over. I reached for my seat belt, pausing. “If it isn’t a problem, could you drop me home or at the closest subway stop?”

  “What are you talking about?”

  I indicated the rain that was falling steadily. “I don’t feel like walking too far to catch a ride home. My coat isn’t waterproof.”

  “You’re not hungry?”

  “Yeah, I am. I just assumed…” I let the words trail off, unable to state I knew he wouldn’t want to have dinner with me alone. It would be like a date, and we weren’t dating. He’d made that very clear.

  “You assumed wrong. It’s tacos, Cami. We can grab some food and eat, then I’ll drive you home.” He shook his head in disgust. “As if I would drop you off at the subway, whether it’s raining or not. I’m not that much of an asshole.” He got out of the car and ducked his head down into the doorway. “You coming?”

  I could only nod.

  Inside, we grabbed a table, and Aiden didn’t even open his menu. He ordered nachos and more tacos than I thought we could eat, then added two house special margaritas. I lifted my eyebrows in surprise.

  “Those things are lethal.”

  “Just one.” He grinned. “I have some work to do when I get home.”

  “It’ll be late. Can’t it wait until tomorrow? Is Bentley that much of a slave driver?”

  “Why would you think it’s Bentley? Maybe I’m not good at my job.”

  “Don’t be ridiculous, Aiden,” I scoffed. “I’ve seen you in action. I’ve heard Bentley and Maddox talk about you. Emmy thinks you’re the cat’s meow.”

  His eyes darkened, and he leaned forward, his voice low. “What about you, Cami? Aside from being an asshole that would fuck you, then drop you off at night in the rain to catch the subway home, what do you think of me?”

  I studied him briefly. His dark, curly hair was still damp from the shower. He kept his beard trimmed tight to his skin, but it was thick and soft under my fingers when I touched him. His shoulders were broad as he leaned forward, resting his thick arms on the table. His eyes, as always, captivated me. They were so unique and stunning with one brown and one green iris. They showed his true emotions—but only if I looked beyond the nonchalant façade he presented to the world. They spoke to me now, my incorrect presumption still upsetting him.

  “I don’t think you’re an asshole on any level, Aiden—”

  The drinks and nachos arriving interrupted me. We ate and drank in silence, Aiden frowning as his gaze flitted around the restaurant. He looked uncomfortable and on edge. I drew in a long breath.

  “I’m sorry I assumed something I shouldn’t have earlier. I know you have rules, and I didn’t want you to think you had to have dinner with me.”

  His gaze softened as he looked at me, his shoulders loosening. “I’m sorry you felt I would rather eat alone than with you.” He shook his head. “I never meant to make you think that way. I just don’t want to give you false hope.”

  “You’re not. I’m fine.”

  “You’re a great girl, Cami. I enjoy spending time with you.”

  I held up my hand, not wanting to hear it again. His idea of time spent together and mine were two different things. “I know. You’ve said it already. Please just—”

  “I wish I
could give you more. It’s never going to happen, though. It’s not how I’m built.”

  I took a long drink of my margarita, wanting to ask him why. To make him explain what made him feel that way, and to tell him why I saw him differently. However, I knew it was useless, so I changed the subject.

  “What is it you have to do tonight? A new deal?”

  He waited until our waiter cleared away the empty nacho plates and the massive platter of tacos was placed in front of us. He dug in, eating two tacos before taking a break. He wiped his mouth and sipped his drink.

  “Yes. An amazing opportunity fell into our lap earlier. Some prime lakefront. Three parcels, and the owners have a”—he grinned so wide, his eyes crinkled—“unique set of demands. Sandy transcribed them into a document, and I have to go through it tonight and be prepared for our meeting tomorrow.”

  “You can’t do it in the morning?”

  He ate three more tacos, used his napkin again, and hesitated. He looked wary, then shook his head with a heavy sigh. “I couldn’t be ready in time.”

  “I’m sorry?”

  He drained his margarita glass, then reached for the water, downing a large amount. He studied me before he spoke, his voice quiet. “I have dyslexia, Cami. I don’t read very fast, and when the document isn’t in a certain format, it takes me longer to read and absorb the content. In fact, there are times I can’t read it because nothing makes sense. It’s as if the letters move as I try to read. That happened today. The lists Jed, one of the sellers, wrote out were like a foreign language to me. No matter how hard I tried, I couldn’t decipher the words.” He looked down, running his finger over the edge of his plate repeatedly. “I felt like shit, as if I were letting Bent and Mad Dog down.”

  I was shocked at his revelation. He had never once told me anything personal about himself. I thought about the way he always bypassed a menu. How he didn’t keep score when we went bowling. The way he used a computer, studying the screen intently, mouthing things silently. It all made sense to me now. I swallowed before I replied. I didn’t want him to see how much his words affected me.

  “I think you’re being too hard on yourself. I doubt they felt that way.”