Bodyguard Pursuit (12 page)

“Ben?” Saria yawned and stretched.

“I’m here. You fell asleep on me.”

“Oh, sorry.” Her lids lifted and she smiled, so sweetly he wanted to spill everything he felt for her in his heart. “I didn’t get as much sleep last night as I should have. I missed having my bodyguard at my back.”

“I missed you too.” Damn. He shouldn’t have said that.

“Yes, but I missed you in ways you probably don’t want to know about.” She slid a finger between two of his shirt buttons and he almost purred at the delicious touch. “I can’t believe I lost the first job I ever got.”

“You can get back to work once Mia Taita’s taken care of. Until then, you should relax and enjoy this extended break in the islands, compliments of the Whitehall family.”

“I hope Tyler’s brothers don’t mind the change in plans.”

“They’d do anything to ensure you two remained safe.” So would he, and getting the girls to the other side of the island, was his priority. Yes, even should Mia Taita manage to unearth the information he’d now buried and discover their location, it was unlikely she’d consider they’d moved only a short distance away.

“Hey, you’re worrying again.” She popped a button and spread her hand wider over his chest. “I could help with releasing that tension if you’d like. There’s one physical activity in particular which works a real treat.”

“If it’s one of those ways I don’t want to know about, don’t mention it.” He stood and set her on her feet. “It’s getting late. I’ll take you downstairs to your room.”

“Great,” she grunted. “I’m a prisoner in my own room again.”

* * * *

Saria leaned against her bedroom window as the setting sun sent a wash of red and gold blazing over the beach and the sweeping canopy of palm and coconut trees. Along the wharf, a crewmember freed the coiled mooring rope and the ship’s motor rumbled and they moved out of their berth. Her reality had well and truly sunk in and sent her mood spiraling further downhill. “I can’t believe we’re going into hiding again. This is the pits.”

“It’s a temporary measure. Think of it only that way.” Ben stood like as shadow behind her. “Why don’t you get ready for dinner?”

“I’m not hungry.” The last thing she wanted was food on her anxious stomach, and that short nap she’d taken earlier on Ben’s lap hadn’t been nearly long enough. “I might take a shower then call it a day.”

“Are you sure?”

“Absolutely. You can go and boss someone else around for the night.” She strode toward the bathroom then stopped and sent him a small smile over her shoulder. “I’ll catch you later.”

“I want to make sure you’re settled. I’ll change and come back.”

Ben would never leave her, not if he thought she needed him. “Okay.” She nodded and closed the bathroom door.

Under the hot spray, she washed her hair then let the jets work their wonder on her tense shoulders. Finished, she dried herself and dressed in pink sleep-shorts and a white camisole. She left the bathroom and found Ben had already returned. He’d changed into black pants and a striped black and gold shirt only partially buttoned and leaving half his glorious chest on display.

His blue gaze followed her from the couch where he lay sprawled on top of a borrowed beige blanket from the end of her bed. He set his unopened book down and crossed his arms behind his pillowed head. “I ordered a dinner tray from the chef. The food should be here soon.”

“I’m still not hungry.” She swept her bedcovers aside and crawled in under the thin cotton sheet. “What’s the book you’ve got?”

“A crime mystery. I grabbed it from the entertainment room upstairs. I figured I’d need something to do since the last time I hit the sack at seven would’ve been when I was seven.”

A knock sounded.

“Great. That’ll be dinner.” Ben strode to door, opened it and took the tray from Henry who was decked as professionally as always in his crew whites. “Thank you.”

“You’re welcome, sir. Enjoy your evening.”

Ben bumped the door shut with his hip, returned to the coffee table and set the tray down. The scents of fried chicken and sweet potato floated toward her, although as delicious as she knew the food would be, it didn’t inspire her hunger.

“I ordered a large portion, enough for us both.” He peered at her from the couch as he bit into his chicken. “You should try this. The chicken tastes almost as good as what you make.”

“The chef’s a trained professional. I’m sure his chicken is far superior.” She plumped her pillow and rested back.

“There’s blueberry cheesecake as well, another of your favorites.” He lifted the plate holding a large slice with a mound of fresh blueberries on top and several rolling freely beside it.

“It looks yum.” She slumped back down.

“Please, Saria. Come and eat something. It’s not like you to forego a meal.” He patted the space next to him. “And don’t make me come over there and get you.”

“I’d like to see you try.”

“That sounded like a dare.” With feline grace, he stood then prowled with complete silence toward her. He plucked the sheet away, slid his hands underneath her and stopped. His breath came harder as he gazed at the lacy silk outlining her breasts. “This wasn’t the best idea. I should have made you walk.”

“Since you’re here, you can carry me.” She wrapped her arms around his neck before he could let her go. He would worry if she didn’t at least try to have a few bites, and she could surely manage that.

He carried her to the couch and settled her next to him. After cutting a sliver of chicken, he forked it into her mouth. “I don’t want you to worry.”

“I’m worried when you worry.”

“What’s upsetting you the most?”

“Everything. Me. You. Particularly you.” She relaxed her cheek against his shoulder. He had the biggest heart and cared far more than he’d ever let anyone know. If only he’d let himself experience all life had to offer. He’d shared his past with her, Brigs, and Tyler. Now he needed to be pushed to take that next step.

Memories stirred of the first time she’d pushed herself in that way. She’d been young, just a child when she’d found an abandoned puppy in town. She’d adopted it as her own, and nothing had made her happier than watching the animal grow strong as she’d nurtured it back to health. That could be what Ben needed. Something to love and cherish, that wouldn’t encroach on his decision to go it alone.

“Why are you worried about me?” His words were whisper-soft as he stroked the back of her head.

“You’re so good at looking after others, but you need to have something that’s all yours. What about caring for an animal? Their companionship and love heals the heart.”

He snorted. “My heart is completely fine.”

“Your heart’s taken a beating over the years, and you should get a pet, maybe a dog. They are supposed to be man’s best friend.”

“Open up. You need to eat.” He fed her a forkful of sweet potato then scooped a mouthful for himself.

She held up a hand so he couldn’t force her to eat anything more until she’d said what she needed to. “I hate the thought of you being alone.”

“I’m never alone, and since I live in the city and I’m away from home most of the time, looking after a dog wouldn’t suit.”

“Then I’ll look after your dog whenever you’re away. I love dogs.”

“That doesn’t take care of the city part.”

“There are dogs everywhere, including the city.” Maybe he needed more than a small push. “I think either a Labrador or a German shepherd would suit you. Those breeds make great guard dogs. You could train the animal and take it on duty with you.” Stifling a yawn, she picked up the cheesecake and slid a spoonful into her mouth.

“If I got a pet, a goldfish would be my limit.”

“A goldfish is good. I hear they don’t argue back. You’d be in your element.” She yawned again, set the cheesecake down and stood. “I’ll get you one.”

“You’ve only had a few bites. Sit.”

“I really am tired, and I need sleep more than food, particularly if I want a clear head to keep up with you tomorrow.” She crossed to her bed and flopped down.

“It’s my job to ensure your welfare.” Ben thumped his plate on the coffee table and stomped after her. “You’re making that hard, Saria.”

“Why are you so angry?”

“I’m frustrated, not angry.” He pulled the sheet over her and hovered. “I don’t want you thinking too much about what’s happened today.”

“I’ll try.” She stretched her tired muscles and settled as he arched one brow. “Stay with me if it makes you feel better.”

He crossed his arms and tapped them as he eyed the other side of her bed.

“I promise not to pounce.”

“Ha. I’ve heard that before, but I’ll stay, provided you remain on your side.” He marched around the bed, kicked off his shoes and rolled in beside her. “This’ll be no different to the old times we shared.”

“Yeah, but I prefer the new times, where I get to touch you, at my leisure.” She snuggled against him, and unable to help herself, flicked his remaining shirt buttons open. “You’ll be too hot with this on.”

“You’re pouncing.”

“I haven’t even begun to pounce yet.” She eased the soft fabric apart and exposed the heavy muscle of his chest. “I didn’t tell you, but while you were speaking to Dr. Hika, I snuck out to the pharmacy.”

“What for?”

“I bought a couple boxes of condoms. I didn’t want to be without some form of protection if you ever changed your mind. They’re in my purse, right on top of the side table next to you.”

“Old times means no sex.” Though his gaze narrowed on her purse and his fingers flexed as if he wanted to reach for it.

“Then say no, and make it quick.” She caressed his flat nipples then trailed down over each ridged ab and along his trim waist.

“I can’t risk getting any more emotionally involved with you, Saria.”

“We connected emotionally a long time ago, but if you’d like let’s strike a new deal. We could agree to a simple fling, one which is all about the sex and nothing else.”

“There’s always something else when sex is involved.”

“Not if we don’t spend any time together outside of this bedroom. We’d never date or go out with each other.”

“You’re saying what happens here, stays here. That it’s nights only?”

“Exactly. You could consider us friends with benefits.”

“I’d need a timeframe.”

“Is that a yes?” Her heartbeat pounded.

“It depends on the timeframe.”

“What about whatever time remains for us here on board?” Buzzing and jiggling, she kissed the corner of his lips. “All I want is for you to live free of the burden of paying for your father’s sins. You should be able to experience life as everyone else does, even though you’ve made the commitment to going it alone.”

“In that case, yes.”

“Are you sure?” She bounced onto her knees.

“Yes, because quite frankly, I don’t think I can tell you no again.” He shoved his shirt off, grabbed her purse and withdrew a box. “I ache for you, and the need to be inside you is all-consuming.”

“Well, I’m wide awake now and ready to deal with that ache.” She unbuttoned, unzipped, and removed his pants. His erect shaft lifted the waistband of his black and gray striped boxers and she traced the tip of his cock through the silky fabric. “I can’t believe you said yes.”

“I need to feel your touch everywhere.” He cupped her cheeks in his hands. “I crave it, like the worst addiction.”

“Some addictions can be good.” She tugged his boxers off, encircled his cock with one hand and gently palmed his balls with the other.

His breath whooshed out and he arched off the bed. “Hell, everything feels so sensitive.”

“That’s because you’ve been denied my personal approach of healing for too long. Never again.” She licked him from root to tip then swirled her tongue over the head.

“Let me undress you.” He tossed her camisole away and hauled her sleep-shorts and panties off. Caressing her breasts, he rubbed his thumbs over her nipples. “So beautiful. I’ve missed the taste of you.”

“Thank you for saying yes.” She kissed him, sweeping her tongue inside his mouth until his breathing became as ragged as hers and the air thick with the heat pounding from them.

He tipped her in beside him, tore a foil packet open and made quick work of rolling it on. “I want you on your hands and knees. It’s one fantasy you’ve yet to fulfill.”

“Yes, sir. I’m all for fulfilling fantasies.” She moved into position, her hair sliding off her back and over her shoulder as she grinned back at him. His cock rose higher and harder and she longed to have him buried deep within her.

He crowded her from behind, opened her folds and stroked along her slit. The heat of his chest on her back as he eased against her was a treasure all unto itself. Then he grazed his teeth along her neck and whispered in her ear, “Do you want me?”

“Yes, I want all of you.”

“I want you too.” He clasped her hips, pushed his cock between her legs and before she could draw her next breath, he plunged deep inside her.

He took her hard, just as she needed and pined for, and she urged him on, pushing her bottom into his groin each time he thrust forward. With his breathing and hers loud in her ears, her inner muscles tightened, locked and squeezed him in place. His passion took her soaring, her body putty in his hands as she shuddered with ecstasy. He grunted and came right along with her, and together they collapsed onto the mattress, his body a blanket of warmth across her back.

“Saria?” Her name was a warm breathy word in her ear. “Look at me. I need to see your eyes.”

She threaded her fingers through his where his hand flopped over hers on the pillow. After wriggling up an inch, she rolled over and faced him. “Better?”

“Thank you.” His kissed her, so sweetly she melted under his loving touch. “Are you ready for round two?”

“Always.”

“I’m glad these sensors finally arrived.” Ben tossed another device to Tyler through the tight gap in the jungle’s trees. It had been a week since they’d dropped anchor at the cove, and the first order for the alarms Gilchrist had sent had gotten lost somewhere along the way. This batch though, he’d collected personally from the resort after they’d been choppered in.