her shades, her eyes roll before landing on me and I’m positive she doesn’t appreciate my humor. “We have less than three hours, and that’s if no one is in the condo. There’s literally no time for this.”
“Quit talking dirty to me. You know this shit turns me on. And we still haven’t talked about your orgasm in the coat room.”
“Do I need to wrestle you out of that seat and drive myself?”
“I’ll wrestle with you any day and you know it. Back to your orgasm—you liked it.” She opens her mouth to argue, but I don’t allow it. “No, you fucking loved it, especially when I had you half-undressed with my hands on you during an operation. I know it turned you on. I had to keep you from coming until Randolph and the reporter left.”
“Cole—”
“You’re wet right now thinking about it, aren’t you?”
She says nothing, but her head falls back against the cracked pleather headrest.
“I have a plan,” I state.
Her head rolls toward me and exhaustion is etched into her frustration.
“You’re going to kiss me before we leave this island,” I repeat because it’s true. I’m determined and pretty damn proud of what I’ve got up my sleeve.
“Stop,” she whispers.
I shake my head. “Never. You want to know why?”
“I give up.” Her tone is as drained as her expression. “Why?”
“Because I love you.”
Her jaw goes slack and her piercing eyes widen.
“You’re fucking frustrating as hell, but I love you. I think I have from the day you steeled your spine and stood up to me when you had no clue what you were doing. You’re who I want to teach Abbott to be a strong woman. I want more babies but I only want them with you. You might not be ready and that’s okay. I’m willing to wait. We’re going to clear your name, figure out why my boss is trying to kill me, and then we’ll find a way for you to do the job you love until you’re ready for me to knock you up—at least twice. I’m up for discussions if you want more.”
I stop because this was actually not a part of my plan. That shit spilled from my mouth but I can’t say I regret it. Yet. It actually feels pretty damn good to get it off my chest.
I’m not sure I’ve ever shocked her to silence and she still hasn’t moved.
“Bella,” I demand. “Do you have anything to say?”
“Bloody hell,” she murmurs.
“Exactly my thoughts.” I throw the Camry into reverse and pull out of the parking lot. “But I do plan to practice knocking you up. And it’s going to happen right after you break down and kiss me.”
Bella
Crew Vega has contracted my services since my name was dragged through the sludge by my former employer. He worked with my father for only a year or two before Dad retired and I ran across him through my cases in the beginning of my career. When I was forced to leave behind my life or be burned at the stake for something I did not do, I was desperate and needed security. And we all know nothing provides security better than money.
It was risky, but I reached out to him. He worked in the part of the world where I was hiding and I knew he could use my services. It took a couple encrypted phone calls and I was in. I’ve worked with Crew and a few others like him. He pays well, he shoots straight, and he believes in me. I provide him information and sometimes equipment, should his men need it locally. Until I met Jarvis, I’ve never worked directly with his people. I usually make the drop and they find it. It’s how I prefer to operate.
So, until I arrived in Virginia and ended up with a point-blank gunshot wound, I had never met Asa or Grady in person. They’ve proven to be advantageous men to know. Asa somehow booked us in the condo next to Randolph’s through Airbnb, despite the fact it was already booked. I didn’t question this but I did thank my lucky stars he’s on my side.
Grady shot me a sly smile on the way to the airport this morning, informing me they can make most things happen when they need to. If the old adage money talks is true, these gents seem to make it scream, even on the island of St. John. They’re now investigating the notorious reporter who seems to have