Absolute Trust - Jeana E. Mann Page 0,59
a little inexperienced, but sometimes that can be a turn on. You know what I mean, right?” Her ambivalent expression turns to a frown as she examines her manicure. “Although he was a little too boy-next-door for my tastes. I like them rough and dirty. His girlfriend, though—she was a tasty treat.”
“Give their information to Gage so he can follow up.” I put on my sunglasses and wait for her reaction, knowing I’ve insulted her pride. It’s a risk I’m willing to take. I have no way to tell if she’s lying or telling the truth. The woman has been issued and passed dozens of polygraph tests by law enforcement officials. Probably because she lacks a conscience. The skill that has been an advantage to my business is now a burden.
“Ouch.” As expected, her reply carries a note of anger. “You don’t trust me, Cash?” Beneath her lowered lashes, she cuts a sideways glance at Jagger. “I’m hurt.”
“You tried to kill her once.” Athena’s startled gaze darts to my face. “Yeah, I know all about the Masquerade de Marquis. Jagger told me.”
“She was a liability.” Athena bolts into an upright position, her fingers tightening on the arms of the chaise. “If I’d done my job back then, you wouldn’t have the FBI breathing down your neck.”
I don’t reply because her answer holds a kernel of truth. Her orders had been to terminate anyone who got in the way of our mission that night. I gave her permission to kill Jagger. The realization snips the last remaining threads holding me to my old life. “We’re done here. Head over to the warehouse and help Frog tie up loose ends. I want that place empty before tomorrow night.”
“Yes, sir.” She snaps a salute before getting to her feet.
“Jagger, can I talk to you for a minute?” I jerk my head toward the pool house. “In private.”
“Sure.”
The pool house is a small white building with a red tile roof and square columns. Inside, there’s a liquor bar and a daybed covered with pillows. Jagger enters first. I close the door behind us.
“What’s up?” The instant she turns to face me, I wrap a gentle hand around her throat and back her against the wall.
“I think she did it,” I reply. My gaze crawls over her body, those luscious breasts and the tiny triangle of polyester covering her pussy.
Jagger stares up at me, her dark eyes widening. “And you let her walk out of here?”
“I believe in keeping my enemies close.” I press a kiss to the fluttering pulse above her collar bone. “Until I have proof that she did it, I want to know where she’s at. Gage will stay with you whenever I’m not around.”
“Okay.” Beneath my palm, her throat muscles constrict as she swallows.
I lower my mouth to hers. Her lips part. Her tongue duels with mine in a deep, wet kiss. We had sex this morning, but I need her again. Rage has always been a turn on for me, and right now, I’m fucking livid that one of my team has caused harm to the most precious person in my life.
“I need to fuck you. Hard.” I stare into Jagger’s eyes, seeking permission to use her body as an outlet for my fury.
“Do it.” She presses her palms to the wall behind her. Her breath comes in short pants.
I release the tiny bows on each of her hips. The bikini bottoms whisper to the floor. Jag widens her stance, shoves my shorts down. My cock springs forward, fully erect. The heaviness of my balls says this isn’t going to take long. I curl my fingers around the back of her knee, lift her leg, and hook it over my hip.
I slide into her slow and easy then drive home in one vicious thrust. Her hands fly to my shoulders. The edges of her fingernails dig into my flesh as I stab upward a dozen times.
“Oh, yeah. That’s good.” Her words act as fuel to my lust. As always, she accepts my darkness with understanding. She knows what I need and gives me the freedom to take it.
We slam into each other, seeking mutual release. It arrives in an explosion of profanity and grunts. I’m pretty sure Em, Gage, and all the neighbors know what’s happening, and I could care less.
Twenty-Three
Jagger
The next day, after meetings with the insurance adjuster and more questions from the arson investigator, I visit the nursing home to tell Mr. Mercer about the fire. He’s waiting