Charge, page 10
“Why did you stop returning my calls?”
Stepping back, I swallowed the lump lodged in my throat. I’d stopped talking to Archer as soon as he’d left for college. I’d had an especially hard time with both my closest friends leaving, and I knew if I’d talked to him, I’d have broken down and begged him to come back. And that would have been incredibly selfish.
Putting distance between us had seemed like the right thing to do. The only thing I could have done.
“You had a bright future ahead of you. You didn’t need my shit to drag you down. Cutting you off was the only thing I could think of.” I took a deep breath, putting my hand over his mouth when he tried to say something. I had to get this out. “It was the wrong decision. I’m so sorry.”
Pulling my hand away from his face, he cradled it in his, holding it to his chest. “But don’t you see? My future means nothing without you.”
The breath hitched in my throat, and I let out a sob-laugh. This felt like a dream I’d wake up from any minute. And when Archer wound his arms around my waist, lifting me off my feet and crushing me to him, I didn’t hesitate to hold him tight and touch my lips to his.
The earlier kiss hadn’t been nearly enough to quench my thirst for him. The need to be with him overrode anything else. All I wanted was to get closer, for him to show me what he wanted. For his restraint to waver on the edge of reason as much as mine seemed to.
11
ARCHER
Thea melted into me, the feeling of her lips on mine slaying my demons, if only for tonight.
While we’d always had a special connection, she was only a friend when we first met as kids. But as I grew up, my feelings had changed. Now that we were older, a seven-year age gap meant nothing. And I would fight to show her that we belonged together. Fight to stay with her.
Her soft hands slipped beneath the waistband of my gym shorts. I’d been on my way back to the pool house after working out when I’d heard her voice. And I’d followed the sound like she was the Pied Piper.
We broke apart, our chests heaving from our heavy breaths. My gaze focused on her lips. They were red and slightly swollen, and I rubbed my thumb over the bottom one.
She caught the digit between her lips, drawing my finger into her mouth. My free arm clutched her to me possessively. Her eyes held mine, her hands pulling at my clothes.
Torn between not wanting to move and break the moment and in turn lose her lips, and needing to rid myself of the clothes separating her skin from mine, getting rid of my clothes eventually won out.
My thumb popped out of her mouth, and then we both pulled my T-shirt over my head. Her hands wandered over my torso, touching, exploring, and leaving goose bumps in the wake of every caress.
I fumbled with the hem of her oversized sweater, then pulled it up and over her head. She was only wearing a bra underneath, the tiny scrap of lace not concealing much. Her hands came straight back to me as soon as the sweater was gone. She leaned in, then touched her tongue to my nipple.
I was now openly panting, unable to censor my reaction to her.
Her hands went inside my shorts, then pushed them down, taking my boxers with them. I toed off my shoes, then shoved my socks off.
I stood up straight, enjoying the way her hungry gaze drank in every inch of me. But it was time to let me look my fill as well. “You’re overdressed.”
A throaty chuckle filled the air, and then without hesitation, she pulled her bra off, followed by her yoga pants.
She stood in only her underwear, and I’d never seen anything more beautiful. But when she glanced at me from under her lashes, looking uncomfortable, I stepped closer, pulling her in to me, finally feeling her skin on mine. “You’re even more breathtaking than anything I’d ever dreamed up.”
“You dreamed of me?”
“I was a teenage boy whose sister had the most gorgeous friend. You know how many of my buddies were jealous that I spent so much time with you?”
A look of wonder replaced her discomfort. “Really?”
Trailing kisses down her face, I murmured against her skin, “Really.”
When my lips met her neck, she moaned softly and melted into me. My hands ached to explore her more. The overwhelming desire to show her how amazing and special she was overtook everything else.
I walked her backward until her legs met the side of her bed. My lips traced the shell of her ear. “You ready to let me live out my teenage fantasies?”
She giggled, then turned, throwing me a sultry look over her shoulder before crawling on the bed. Her ass swayed, and I fought the urge to pounce on her. Once she was in the middle of the bed, she turned on her back, spreading her legs. “Let’s see if the reality lives up to your imagination.”
“It’s already a million times better.”
That was the last thing we said for a long time, our mouths too busy kissing, nipping, and licking each part of our bodies they could get to.
She grew bolder with every caress, her underwear disappearing. I trailed my hands and tongue over every inch of her body, relishing finally being able to touch her like I’d dreamt of for so long.
Her hand shot out, reaching for the drawer in her nightstand. I pulled it open before she could, finding an unopened packet of condoms. Holding them up with a raised brow, she shrugged. “I haven’t been interested in anyone in a long time. But one can also never be too prepared.”
Taking the condom out of my hand once I’d opened it, she rolled it on, both our gazes glued to her hands. And when she guided me inside her, the way she squeezed me was nearly enough to cause me to embarrass myself.
But there were always formulas I could try to remember from my college days. Or boring historical facts. I’d gone through a few obsessions and had studied everything I could get my hands on whenever I’d discovered something new.
Every thrust made me spiral more and more out of control. My mouth met hers in a messy kiss, our hunger for each other increasing. And when she shuddered around me, her orgasm sweeping through her, I let go, giving in to my need.
I collapsed on top of her, the need to get as close as possible even after I’d just found release impossible to fight.
She wound her arms and legs tighter around me, holding me as close as I could get. Once the feeling returned to my limbs, I flipped us over so she was on top, our bodies still connected.
Her long, thick hair was a curtain around us when she lifted her head, grinning down at me. “Hi.”
Trailing my finger along her cheek, I smiled at her. “Hi, yourself.”
We lapsed into a comfortable silence. The need to talk was no longer there, both of us content to feel the invisible thread that seemed to have formed, binding us together.
I got up eventually to get rid of the condom. When I came back she curled up next to me, her small body fitting into my arms like they were made for her. She didn’t ask me if I wanted to stay, and I didn’t ask if I could. There was no need.
My phone vibrating ripped me out of the peace I seemed to have finally found. Who knew all it would take to get me to sleep was to spend the night next to Thea?
After untangling our legs and sliding my arm out from underneath her, I sat up, picking up my phone. The familiar number of the Locked Security offices flashed on the screen. Knowing they wouldn’t call so late unless it was important, I let it ring out, pulling on my boxers and walking out onto the balcony, softly closing the door behind me.
I hit the Call Back button, and they picked up after the first ring had barely finished.
“Since when don’t you answer your phone?” Devon’s sleepy voice greeted me.
“Since tonight.”
I heard typing in the background and guessed he was there with Carter. They were geniuses when it came to digging up information and reviewing surveillance footage. And they also didn’t have a life, working at all hours.
“I’m combing through all the cameras in the area but can’t seem to find the one that was in the alley. And since nobody has properly debriefed Gunner yet or handed in their report, I’m flying blind.”
His voice was light, and I knew he was joking. We all had problems letting go of work, so if a report wasn’t handed in right away, it was a good thing. It meant the person had actually taken a break.
“That’s because I had other things to do.”
“Says the guy who barely sleeps because he’s too busy taking on more jobs than any one person can handle.”
The reminder of how I chose to chase away my demons made me long to feel Thea’s velvet skin under my hands once more. Holding her in my arms brought me peace.
The need to cut this conversation short was pressing in on me. “The camera was on the corner of Emerald Lane and Stanford Street.”
He repeated the information, and then furious typing ensued.
“Do you need more info, or can I get back to sleep?”
“Son of a bitch. It’s the same guy,” Devon cursed.
I tensed, clutching the phone to my ear. “What do you mean?”
Another curse, and then Devon’s muffled voice came back on the phone. “I just pulled the security footage. We haven’t been able to get a visual of the guy William was working with, but we know he has a chain-link tattoo on his hand. The guy in the alley does too. I think we just hit gold and can put a face to the tattoo. And with a face, it’ll only be a matter of time before we get a name.” There was a clanking, as if he’d put the phone down. “You’re on speaker, and Carter is here as well,” Devon said, and then came Carter’s voice.
“The Russians used William’s business as a front. Now the question is if William was complicit in all this.”
Losing William would devastate Thea. As much as I despised her marriage to a man who wasn’t me, I wanted her to leave him on her own volition, not because he was going to prison.
“Let’s hope not. He’s on his way back from France. As soon as he gets in, we can talk to him.”
“I’m booking a flight right now. Don’t mention anything until I get there,” Carter said, then hung up.
Unable to stand being away from Thea any longer, I went back inside, sliding under the covers, then draping her over my chest again, exactly the same way she’d fallen asleep. Her slight weight was enough to calm my restless body, and her even breathing lulled me back to sleep.
“Darling, I came back as soon as I heard.”
The loud voice ripped me out of a deep sleep. I only ever seemed to doze since I’d gotten back from South America. Actual sleep had eluded me, the memories of my time in Guyana keeping me awake. At least they had until last night.
My mind had settled quickly once I was back with Thea, even after my conversation with Carter and Devon.
Blinking at a slack-jawed William, I cleared my sleep-heavy brain. Thea stirred next to me, her arms tightening around me before pressing a kiss to my chest.
Noticing my tense body, she stilled, looking up. When she saw me staring at the foot of her bed, she followed my gaze, her breath escaping with a squeak when she saw William.
His mouth opened and closed, imitating a fish on land. Nobody said anything, unsure of how to deal with the situation. I was in bed with his wife. Even if they had never shared a bed, this wasn’t a situation I’d ever been in.
And I’d never sleep with someone whose relationship status was married. Since William had no interest in Thea that way, this was different. Didn’t mean it wasn’t awkward to be caught in bed with her by her husband.
William found his voice first. “I’ll meet you downstairs.” A grin stole over his face. “Take your time.”
He winked at Thea, then left, closing the door behind him.
Squeezing my hand to my eyes, I groaned. “Well, that went well.”
A soft hand pulled my fist down, and Thea’s sleepy face appeared in my vision. Her hair was a wild mess, sticking up around her head in a blonde halo.
And despite the unusual wake-up call, the desire that never seemed to abate when I was around her roared to life. Burying my hand in her hair, I pulled her to me, taking her mouth in a deep kiss, not holding anything back.
She melted into me, one of her hands trailing down my side, the other on my neck in a tight hold.
Only once we were both breathing hard did we pull apart. Thea sat up, her perfect body on display. Her newfound self-confidence was an instant turn-on, her still-sleepy smile sending all the blood rushing down below. And when she trailed her finger over my abs, I debated how long we could make William wait.
“Want to take a shower together?” Her question came out in a sleepy rasp, her eyes at half-mast, watching the path her finger traced over my body. “William did say we could take our time.”
I sat up, catching her around the waist, then pulling her onto my lap. “You never have to ask. The answer will always be yes.”
Standing up with her secured in my arms, I stepped into the elaborate bathroom, smiling at the array of makeup and creams spread over every available surface. Thea had always been messy, and it seemed not even having other people clean up after her could rein in the chaos.
I set her back on her feet, one arm still around her. Turning on the shower, I used the time it took for the water to heat to trace my hands and mouth over her body. I mapped her curves with my hands, enjoying her unrestrained reaction.
She leaned against me, starting her own explorations. I moved us into the shower, then ran my hands all over her velvet skin, lingering over the swell of her breasts, paying special attention to her erect nipples.
“While I like where this is going, we don’t have enough time.” Her tone was regretful, her hungry eyes drinking in my body. I knew I could sway her with a few more touches, but William was waiting for us.
The thought of her husband doused most of my desire for her. Not that anything would ever be able to smother it completely. But we had to talk to him. Especially since he was also my client, and I knew I’d just done the one thing that meant I couldn’t continue my job guarding Thea.
I didn’t think she realized that I’d chosen her over the job, because sleeping with a client meant I could no longer work for them.
Thea pressed one last kiss on my chest before leaving me to finish without distractions.
I rushed through my shower, then dried off and met her in her room. We dressed in silence, Thea not making it a secret that she was watching me. I returned the favor, unable to look away when she pulled her panties up her legs, wiggling her gorgeous ass and tits.
Once dressed, I took her hand. “We’re doing this together.”
Her face relaxed at my words. “Thank you.”
Doesn’t she know I’d move mountains to make her happy?
Walking through the house, we drew curious stares, but I didn’t care what anyone thought. The only one whose opinion mattered to me was Thea. She was gripping my hand, her head held up proudly.
William was chatting with Jacques, their conversation faltering as soon as we stepped into the kitchen.
“Let’s go to my office,” William said, already walking out, not looking back to check if we’d follow.
Because of course we would. This wasn’t something we wanted to talk about in the kitchen.
William sat down behind his desk, motioning to the chairs in front. Thea closed the door behind her, then took a seat. I followed, not wanting to let go of her hand once we sat down.
“I apologize for this morning,” I said, and Thea stilled beside me. “But I don’t regret last night. I only regret that I’m no longer able to work for you.”
“Archer,” Thea whispered, her voice full of emotion.
“You don’t have to be worried. I won’t say anything about your marriage. I signed a nondisclosure, and I’m a professional,” I added, needing to get the biggest concern off the table.
William raised a brow and looked at Thea with an amused smirk.
Thea was utterly silent. Worried I’d overstepped and put too much on her too quickly, I chanced a glance at her. She was looking at William, an unreadable expression on her face.
He winked at her, and she gave him a tentative smile. “I’m glad Thea has finally given up on her silly pursuit of celibacy. And to have found someone who seems to truly care for her is the best gift I could think of. Even though I don’t want you to quit over this, I know you can’t continue doing your job if you care for her as more than just a client.”
I’d have to call Gunner to let him know he needed to send a new bodyguard for Thea. The thought of someone else watching her left an unpleasant taste in my mouth, but I knew this would happen when I gave in to my feelings for her.
Nodding, I leaned forward. “I’ll call Gunner and let him know. You should have a replacement by tomorrow.”
Will I even still have a job after all is said and done?
The funny thing was, no matter how important my job was to me, all I could think of was Thea. And how I could never regret what we’d done.
William nodded. “Of course. Do you mind giving me a minute with Thea?”
Glancing at Thea, whose attention was on William, I brushed my hand along hers on my way out of the office, reveling in the slight shiver the small contact caused in her body.
I didn’t waste time calling Gunner, dialing his number as soon as I was out of earshot of the office. He answered almost immediately. “What happened?”
He had a freaky sixth sense for trouble, and it shouldn’t surprise me that he’d know something was up before I even said anything. “Why would anything have happened? Maybe I’m just checking in.”
“You always check in at 1800. Not a minute before or after. And last I checked, it’s still morning.”
Sighing, I leaned my back against the tree I’d chosen to hide behind. But there was no hiding from what I’d done. “You need to send a new bodyguard for Thea.”
He cursed, then yelled. “What the hell happened? Talk before I assume the worst.”
“I got involved with the client.”
