Page 25 of Just This Once (Blackhawk Security)

His mouth twitched. “Nope. Telling you the truth. Like I promised I would.” He stroked her head and held her gaze as he said, “I took them to the sheriff’s office, where we waited for the FBI to show up. They’re in FBI custody now. I’m no linguistic expert, but I think they were speaking Russian. I’m guessing they’re Bratva, exactly what Mel was worried about. Now they’re the FBI’s problem.”

“Thank God.” She shoved her fingers into his thick, dark blond hair. Cupped his head in her hands and pressed her mouth to his.

Cody stilled for a long moment, and she was sure he’d push her away. But he tightened his arms around her and returned the kiss. His tongue tangled with hers, and she tasted coffee and something sweet.

Donuts at the sheriff’s office? She should tease him about it, but she couldn’t bear to break their kiss. Instead, she was desperate to taste more of him. Desperate to confirm that he was fine. Unhurt. In one piece.

She tugged his shirt out of his tactical pants and slid her hands up his back. His skin was smooth. Hot. She traced his muscles, then let her fingers drift down his spine, one vertebra at a time.

Went lower and gripped his ass with both hands. He jerked against her, and the hard length of his erection pressed against her core.

“Sierra,” he murmured without taking his mouth off hers. “This is a terrible idea. But God! I love terrible ideas.” His hands burrowed beneath her sweatshirt and tank top, his calloused fingers sweeping across her abdomen. Her muscles jumped, and she felt him smile.

“I think it’s a fabulous idea,” she said, sweeping her tongue into his mouth. His hands tightened on her and he pulled her closer. Close enough to feel the hard heat of him. “Feels as if you think so, too.”

She grabbed the belt of his pants and tugged him toward the bed. “I was so terrified,” she whispered. “So worried and afraid for you. Every horrible scenario I could imagine scrolled through my head. I need you to show me that you’re alive. In one piece.”

“You can’t take my word for it?”

“No. I want you, Cody. Right now.” She tore off her sweatshirt and tossed it on the floor. Her tank top followed.

He stared at her breasts, his eyes impossibly dilated. He reached out and cupped them in his hands, his thumbs circling her nipples, sending electric shocks spiraling through her body.

“Now, Cody,” she said, fumbling with the button on his waistband. “I need you inside me so I know you’re alive.”

He put her hands on his chest, and she brushed her fingers over his hard male nipples. He sucked in a breath and froze. His gaze never left hers as she caressed him until he shuddered. Unbuttoned and unzipped his pants, yanking them off without breaking eye contact with her. His black boxer briefs followed, revealing an impressive erection.

Then he reached for her sleep shorts, tugging them down her legs and tossing them to the side. Moments later, she stood naked in front of him.

Self-conscious, she resisted covering herself. She’d always been cautious with lovers, conscious of security issues and unwilling to share any of her secrets. But Cody was temporary. He’d be out of her life after Sierra’s problem was solved. She was safe with him. He wouldn’t pry. Wouldn’t try to burrow into her brain and excavate all the secrets she guarded.

She was free to be herself around him, because in a week or two, she’d be back at work and he’d be on his way to another job.

“Take off your shirt,” she said, her voice hoarse with need. “Please.”

He unbuttoned it slowly, holding her gaze. Tossed it on the floor, then pulled her against him. His naked body pressed into hers, and she felt him all the way from her knees to her shoulders. Wanted every bit of him.

As she tugged him toward the bed, he held back. “I’m supposed to be protecting you,” he said.

“I hope so.” She squeezed his hard ass. “Any condoms in your pockets?”

He choked out a laugh. “No. I don’t carry condoms on ops. But there are some next to the bed.”

“In a safe room?” she asked, incredulous.

“This is a full-service safe house,” he said, his mouth curling up.

She hadn’t seen much of Cody’s lighter side, and his tiny joke drew an answering grin. “Thank God,” she said, ripping off the bedspread and the top sheet. “When you showed up at my door? My first thought was ‘yum’.” She smiled as she ran her fingers over his hard abdomen with its defined muscles. “I’ve wanted my mouth on you ever since.” She nipped at his neck, savoring his slightly salty, fresh skin. “Waiting time is over.”

He closed his eyes for a long moment. Finally opened them again, and she saw the conflict in his eyes. “I want you too, Sierra. More than I can possibly tell you. When you opened the door that morning at your house, my thoughts were far more earthy than yours. A hell of a lot more specific. But this?” He waved his hand between their bodies. “It goes against all the rules.”

“Then no one has to know,” she said immediately. “We’re in a safe room. No one can get to us. There’s nothing you need to protect me from in here.”

“Except for me,” he said.

“I don’t want to be protected from you.”

She tugged him toward the bed, and he lifted her easily and sat her on the sheet. When she tried to scoot over, he grabbed her waist and held her in place.

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