Lois made a growling sound that threw the room into silence. I didn’t understand anything about supernatural culture, but clearly Lois wasn’t just the boss of the team, she was some kind of an alpha or something.
“Thank you for giving us a lesson in Eastern European politics, Diaz. Now if you’re done flapping your jaws, I’ve got some damned work to do so I can get home to my mate.”
Lois stood up, then turned her attention to Marilee, pointing one stubby finger in her direction. “Don’t fuck this up Martin. You’re a bodyguard right now, nothing else.”
“Yes ma’am.”
A little while later we were in another one of the Sapphic Security SUVs with Marilee’s coworkers Allie and Martha. Marilee and I were in the back seat together and even though there was a section of seat between us, it felt like we were touching. The simmering attraction between us that I’d first felt at the airport seemed to be intensifying by the minute. But it felt like more than simple attraction. It was like I was continuously aware of where Marilee was in relation to me. Whenever we were close, I could feel my pulse picking up, my nipples hardening against my bra.
I hadn’t dated a lot in my life. Living in the shadow of my criminal parents and then living in hiding made it hard to have any real relationship, so I’d mostly settled for one night stands and brief interludes with people who were sexually compatible with me. But nothing in my history had prepared me for whatever this was. I swear if Marilee so much as crooked a finger at me I’d climb into her lap and start dry humping her.
What was happening? I wondered. Did she feel it too?
I watched her surreptitiously out of the corner of my eye, but Marilee’s face was impassive as she swiveled her head back and forth, watching for threats out the windows.
My thoughts turned to my parents. It wasn’t the first time they’d double crossed other criminals. They were masters of subterfuge. I was surprised that whoever they’d pissed off not only knew about me but had the resources to find me. I’d covered my tracks carefully, which meant that the Italians had someone inside the Canadian government. It was the only explanation. But now that they knew I was in Seattle, I had no doubt word would filter to my parents now too. They’d probably kidnap me just to save the bounty money.
I sighed deeply and slumped down in my seat. So much for my hard-won freedom. Maybe I should just turn myself over and get it over with?
“Hey,” Marilee said softly. “It’s going to be okay. I promise.”
Her hand moved on top of mine, causing little frissons of electricity to run up my arm. Without thinking, I turned my hand over and wrapped my fingers around hers. Marilee froze, then gave my hand a comforting squeeze. It probably wasn’t appropriate to hold hands with my bodyguard, but it felt right, so right that neither of us let go the entire way back to the hotel.
When we got back to the hotel, Marilee was immediately on high alert.
“Stay right next to me,” she ordered as we pulled into the parking garage. “I’m in charge. If I tell you to do something, you do it right away, no argument.”
For some reason, her instructions turned me on, sending a rush of arousal that dampened my panties. To my horror, Marilee sniffed, her eyes dropping to my lap briefly before returning to my face, which was rapidly turning red.
“Interesting,” she said softly.
Separating from Allie and Martha, we headed up to our room. As we walked in, Marilee pulled me behind her, her fingers pressing against my hip in a silent order to stay put. She pulled something out of her jacket pocket, something that looked like a little wand, and systematically made her way through first the main room, then the bathroom.
“We’re clear,” she said, popping her head out of the bathroom.
“What is that thing?” I asked.
She hadn’t used it last night, but then again, we didn’t know there was an actual threat then.
“It checks for listening devices. And bombs.”
I blinked. “Oh. Okay.”
She stalked over to where I was standing with my back pressed against the door, stopping in front of me. She was close enough that I could smell her scent. It was hard to define, something mossy, something almost herbal. Whatever it was, it was enticing.
She reached out her hand, tucking my hair behind my ear with a gentle touch. Then her eyes met mine, and I swear I could see something flickering in them. It was almost like they were changing, turning more amber. I had the sense that someone – or something – was watching me besides Marilee. My pulse sped up, but not from fear, from something much more primal. When I licked my lips, Marilee groaned.
“I know I shouldn’t do this,” she whispered. “But I’m dying for a taste of you.”
She paused, as if asking for permission. For a person who’d spent more of her life having her own wants and needs ignored, it meant a lot.
“Then taste me.”
Her eyes flared, and she made a sound deep in her throat that was something between a growl and a groan. She surged forward, her hands pressing against the wood on either side of my head, but still not touching me.
I shifted my head and closed the distance between us, pressing my lips against hers. For several long seconds we were both still, lips pressed together chastely as we watched each other.
When I couldn’t take it anymore, I drew her lower lip in between mine, sucking gently. She parted her lips, and I slid my tongue inside her mouth, exploring. Marilee remained completely still, letting me take the lead, for a few more seconds, then she surged forward, slamming me back against the door and taking over the kiss.
