Page 50 of Carnal Risk

“Did Selby take anything home from the office? I can’t imagine she’d ever do that, but why else would they look at her place?”

“No way. She’s only been given a few paper files. Everything else is on company servers and it can’t be downloaded. As far as I can tell she followed protocol. That’s the confusing part. If someone knew Evan, really knew him, they’d know his work habits. Our security protocols are every bit as stringent, if not more so, than other government contractors.”

“They had to be watching her.”

“Yeah.”

“She’s going to want to go home.”

“Not happening.” The timer went off and Garrett turned off the oven. “She’s staying with me.”

“Did she agree to that?”

“She will.”

“G, you can’t just order her to stay here.”

“I won’t have to. I’m very persuasive.” Garrett gave his friend a sly smile. “She’s in danger. She’ll see reason.”

“She could stay with me. You know my security’s just as tight as yours.”

“No. Not up for discussion. She stays here.”

“I’m kind of enjoying this. And here I was worried that Selby was going to get hurt?” Lars laughed.

“What the hell’s that supposed to mean?” Garrett donned an oven mitt and retrieved his pastries.

“Nothing. You just seem awfully possessive is all.”

“She stays here.”

“Okay, just ignore me. You’re a little invested is all. But whatever.”

“You’re a dick.” Garrett told him, understanding exactly what Lars was accusing him of. Sure, he was being protective, but it was in his nature to care for those in his charge. She could have been killed. There was no way he was going to admit to Lars that his feelings for Selby were any more than a casual attraction.

“Yeah, fuck you too, G.”

“Jesus, what’s with you? First you worry I’m going to hurt her and now you think, what?”

“Someone’s got it bad is all I’m saying. It’s going to be fun to watch you go down.”

“Shh…” Garrett held up a hand as he heard footsteps approaching. He’d set clothes out for her on the bed, and hoped like hell she was wearing something. “Can you please keep some of this to yourself?”

“Yeah, yeah. Do not fuck with her, though. I meant that part.” Lars grabbed a large knife from the block and began slicing off the stems.

“Duly noted.” He scraped the browned eggs onto a plate, held it up to his friend and smiled. “Not bad, huh?”

“Lookin’ good, Emeril.”

“I am good. Eggs and brownies. Breakfast of champions.” Glancing at the mess he’d made, he laughed. “Yeah, Laura’s going to kick my ass.”

As Selby came into view, he froze. He knew Lars was watching, that he should perhaps conceal his feelings. But as she approached, it was as if they were the only two people in the room. His cock stirred, seeing her in his t-shirt. Her hard tips peaked against the draping fabric. She tucked a strand of her long blonde hair behind her ear, glanced to her bare feet and then up to him again. He smiled as her eyes met his.

“Come here, sweetheart,” he said, reaching for her hand.

Without speaking, she fell into his embrace and his entire body responded. I’m so fucked, he thought. His lips grazed over her hair. She smelled of their lovemaking, reminding him of every mind-blowing second they’d spent together the previous night. She brushed her cheek against his bared chest, the warmth of her hands caressing his back.

He should have cared even a little bit about the conversation he’d just had with Lars, but the only thing that mattered was Selby. Guiding her chin upward, he leaned to kiss her. Gently his lips took hers, delicately tasting her mouth. He ran the back of his hand over her bottom, fingering the hem of the shirt. He deepened the kiss, tugging up the fabric, surprised when he discovered she wasn’t wearing the shorts he’d left out for her. Palming her soft globes in his hands, his erection prodded her belly.