Page 45 of Relinquish

The resemblance between the two women is startling, and the large gem nestled between her breasts is a distraction. I inhale and shift my eyes off her perfect tits and motion behind me with my head. “By the way, while I was waiting, I took the opportunity to check out the security for the back entrance. Everything appears safe.”

The jewels were a nice touch. Riding on the nearly three-hour flight had provided me with enough time to thoroughly research the Sutherland family. Her mother had worn them to one of her father’s fundraisers, and after returning them to the safe, someone had attempted to steal them. The thief was caught, and the jewels were returned to their rightful place.

My research had provided me with a little more information on the good congressman. I’d expected him to be a champion for the wealthy, but he spends a lot of time organizing events such as this one. His interests run the gamut from medical research to childhood poverty. The fact he didn’t toss me out on my ass when I came strolling in here looking like a hired hitman was a surprise.

It’s time to give up the pretense. I don’t want to be with her. I need to be with her. The last few days have been brutal. I can’t live without her, and I’m going to do whatever it takes to make things work out between the two of us.

It’s not just sex. It’s everything. I want a wildcat I can tame–one who fights being brought to her knees but loves every second of it. Because she’s cut the legs out from under me, and I wouldn’t have it any other way.

“Yes, I gave them to her when Eddie was born. It was her favorite set.” He turns his attention to Lola. “They look stunning on you and should get the attention of the donors. But be careful. We don’t want a repeat performance of someone trying to nab them.” He shifts his gaze to mine. “I can’t say I’m glad to meet you, but for now, keep an eye on my daughter and the jewels. Not that there aren’t several eyes watching you as well. If you’ll excuse me, I need to get back to my guests. We don’t want them to feel neglected.”

He shakes hands with several distinguished gentlemen and kisses the cheeks of their attractive companions as he weaves through the grand ballroom. He stops in front of a balding man and chats for several seconds.

Shit. Is that Senator Harris? He turns in my direction. That’s him. The head of the Senate Armed Forces Committee. Hell, he’s met tons of wounded vets. What’s the likelihood he’d remember me after two years? Keep your distance. “Well, that went well.”

Her eyebrows arch. “You think that went well?”

“Sure. He bought our story and didn’t throw me out, which is kind of shocking considering what I’m wearing. What do you think of my suit?”

“Very nice, but a tad tight.” Her eyes dart to my crotch, and the fit of the suit shrinks some more.

“And the tattoo?”

She smiles slightly. “It’s a nice touch. Kind of a combination of a secret agent and a hired killer.”

“That’s what I was aiming for. Let’s talk privately for a minute before we go and find Maitland. We need to get our story straight.” I place my hand on her back. “I noticed a nice quiet place when I was scouting the building.” A private pantry. My cock twitches. Don’t get excited. We’re only talking.

She nods and leads the way as we dodge waiters and waitresses who’re grabbing bottles of champagne and straining to tote trays of hors d’oeuvres. In the distance, a dish clatters to the floor, followed by the muffled curse of one of the wait staff. No one pays any attention to us as if they’re too concerned with keeping the masses pleased.

Once we make it through the enormous kitchen, I curve to the right and open the storeroom door. It’s almost larger than the apartment my mom and I shared when I was a kid. “In here.”

“We’re talking in a storage closet. Won’t someone think that’s a bit odd?”

I waggle my eyebrows and hustle her inside, snapping the door shut behind us. Who puts a lock on the inside of a pantry? Not that I’m complaining. I twist the device, securing us inside. “No. I told some of the staff when I was killing time earlier that we’re dating, but we don’t want your father to know. I’m sure the staff loves a secret liaison. Especially if they can be in on the secret. I figured that would allow us to be together without trying to keep it from them or having them wonder what we’re doing.”

“So….” She steps closer to me. Her eyes dilate the nearer she gets to me. “Since we don’t have to worry about sneaking around the staff, why are we hiding in a closet?”

“Doing what I’ve wanted to do since I saw you take that first step down the staircase in what should be classified as a slip.” I encircle her inside my arms and pull her tight against my body. Her soft curves fit perfectly against me.

She slips her arms around my shoulders and laces her hands behind my neck. “I thought we decided dating wasn’t a good idea?”

“No.” I shake my head as my heart thuds in my chest. “You were mad. I figured when you saw me again, you’d change your mind. Am I right?” I stop with my lips a fraction of an inch above her tempting mouth, waiting for her to answer. The heat of her breath fans against me as she exhales.

When she doesn’t respond, doubt creeps in. I don’t want to be alone with this uncontrollable obsession I have with her. “If you aren’t interested, I’ll back off for good.”

We have a lot to work out. This isn’t going to be smooth sailing, but I had plenty of time to think while planning this mission and traveling across the country, alone, without her. I need her in my life, so I’ve got to relinquish some of my control. Well, outside of the bedroom, that is. If she’ll still have me.

“You were right.” She stretches onto her tiptoes to meet my lips. I groan and dive my tongue deep into her hot, tempting mouth. She tastes like champagne. As I run my hands along her back and to her bottom, she purrs.

I drag the dress up to her waist, revealing the tiny panties she’s wearing underneath. They’re the same color as her dress. I pull her to me, and her heat sears my erection through the fabric. I ache to be inside her. She wiggles against me as if she can somehow get closer, but it isn’t possible.

Chapter Twenty-Three

Lola

This is crazy. I step out of his arms and unbutton his suit coat before tugging his shirt from his pants. His hand shifts behind him, and he clutches at something. “What?”

“Be careful with my gun.”

---