He let out a long breath, and rolled his shoulders. His body folded as he sat down on the third last stair. Then he patted the space next to him. “Sit.”
Lifting all the layers of my dress, I did as he asked. My nose twitched and I wondered if I was being cruel forcing him to stay in those clothes with that god-awful smell.
“Nick recruited me just after my father’s funeral.” At my surprised look he shook his head. “Let me finish this and if you want, you can ask questions after.”
He went on to describe how Darren Snow had been involved in some illegal deals. The original case that Theo had been recruited for had long ago been solved but since his cover had not been discovered he’d continued to be an informant. It was a way to have a bit of the dream he wanted.
“The thing is.” Theo leaned back and rested his elbows on the stair above us. “Nick refused to have me in a dangerous situation without being properly trained. He and the rest of the guys at Salinger Security trained me themselves. Hunter is not my bodyguard, he’s my partner. My field experience is limited but I can hold my own if I need to.”
I rolled my eyes and stood. “I think you can more than hold your own.”
“There’s one more thing.” At my raised brow he stood and continued. “I was the reason Fred was arrested. We were hoping he’d give up his father who was a much bigger fish, but he took the fall. I think the reason he was there tonight was for both of us. He wants you back and revenge on me. I’m the reason for all of this.”
It took me a moment to process the words, to understand the ramifications. “Okay.” I narrowed my eyes and held out my hand. “I’m trying to decide if you’re a martyr or an idiot. Fred brought the danger. He’s the criminal and the asshole. You gave me the leverage I needed to be free of him.”
His shoulders relaxed as he took my hand. “Please can I get out of these clothes. I think I’m going to suffocate from this smell.”
“Oh, trust me.” I smiled at him. “I’ve been thinking about getting you out of those clothes all night.”
“Oh, really.” While he’d long ago lost the jacket and tie, the shirt and trousers still held the remnants of the fight. Besides the smell there was also dry blood on the collar as well as a smudge of my make up on the sleeve.
I led him up the stairs and to his bedroom. Turning on the light, I dragged over the charcoal carpet. I’d left my shoes in the car and the bottom of the dress looked a little worse for wear. I turned my back to him. “Can you undo me, please?”
“Please.” Those heated green eyes held just a hint of pleading. “Before I touch anymore of you, can I get rid of this god-awful smell.”
I nodded and let him go. While he was in the shower, I began the process of letting down my hair. I could not remember how many bobby pins I used, and every time I thought I found all of them, my fingers hooked on another one.
The water in the bathroom stopped and my body hummed with anticipation. Theo walked out of the bathroom with a towel wrapped around his hips and stepped up behind me. His gaze never left me in the reflection of the mirror.
“Now, where were we?” His voice was smooth and deep and sent a rush of arousal through me.
I pointed at my back. “I needed your help.”
He did as I asked, lowering the zipper slowly. His sharp inhale as the dress fell to the floor had my breath hitching.
“Fuck. I could get used to this sight.”
I could only imagine. My corset and thong was pale pink, nearly the same color as the dress. I twirled to give him the full effect. The front held my breasts perfectly, creating that view that distracted him several times over the evening, and the lacy thong left nothing to the imagination.
“Can you undo the corset, as well.”
He twirled his finger indicating I should turn around once more. As he undid each hook I could feel my body relaxing. He traced over the dent in my flesh made by the restrictive corset. “This looks painful.”
“Yeah, but the effect is amazing.” I pointed my finger up and down his body. “Your turn.”
He removed the towel, showing me exactly how turned on he was. His piercing glinted in the low light of his bedroom.
His eyes honed in on the tiny scrap of lace between my legs, I removed it, leaving both of us naked and exposed and a whole lot turned on.
Theo was something to behold. Of course, I’d seen him shirtless, I mean I’d seen him naked, sporting an erection. I’d felt him inside me. Still, nothing prepared me for a naked Theo. Naked with droplets of water dotted all over his shoulders and chest.
“Love, don’t get me wrong. I love your eyes on me.” He crooked his finger, gesturing for me to get closer to him. “But I’d feel better with you in my arms.”
His words had my lips kicking up and my legs moving forward. My upper body was still covered in body glitter, but it didn’t seem to bother Theo. His smile was sinful as he lifted my chin with his forefinger.
“As much as I want to take you right here, I don’t want another rushed fuck. I want to take my time with you.”
Without another word, he picked me up and carried me across to the bed.
