Page 83 of Carnal Risk

Chapter Thirty

Selby lay in bed, watching Garrett sleep. It had been two weeks since he’d been shot. The bullet had grazed an artery and he’d spent the night at the hospital. Although he’d recovered nicely, the blood loss had been significant. Selby’s facial bruises had faded but the trauma of Beckett’s betrayal would take far longer for them to forget.

Neither Garrett nor Dean had been able to ascertain who Beckett planned to sell the data to, the clandestine accomplice having gone underground. With the brazen efforts to steal the data, they suspected whoever had helped Beckett might step up their effort to infiltrate Emerson Industries or one of its affiliates. Determined to clear house, Garrett had ordered a complete investigation of every employee in his company, triple checking clearances.

Selby and Lars had begun the transition of internal servers and applications to a secure offsite location, ensuring that any last remnants of Evan’s hidden program had been removed. Selby was implementing stringent measures to ensure the protection of Emerson’s corporate and intellectual property. Despite their work, she was aware that hackers never ceased their efforts; even the most impenetrable systems were still subject to security breaches.

Selby glanced at Garrett, and considered how happy she’d been. Despite their ordeal, they’d been able to spend time together alone. Garrett had arranged to move all her things into his home, and she’d been surprised how easily they’d fallen into a comfortable routine. Since the accident, they hadn’t been to the office, however, and they hadn’t discussed her leaving Emerson. Soon her work would be finished, and if he agreed to a few of the candidates she’d selected, she’d be off to her next client within the month.

Garrett stirred and her heart blossomed, grateful for his love. She gently played with his soft curls, and placed a kiss onto his head. He gave a soft moan, and she smiled. Aware he needed his rest, Selby retreated, leaving him in his slumber. Scooting over, she quietly sat onto the bed’s edge. A squeal escaped her lips as a strong arm wrapped around her waist, and she fell back into bed.

“Where do you think you’re going?” Garrett asked with a sleepy smile.

“Nowhere,” she lied.

“Did I tell you how much I loved you today?” Garrett snuggled his face into her hair and kissed her head.

“Hmm…I don’t think so.”

“I do love you…so much.”

“I love you, too. I don’t think I’ll ever get tired of hearing you say it.” She pressed her lips gently to his chest.

“I’ve been thinking.”

“Uh oh.”

“Be nice, woman.” He hugged her tightly against him. “I want to steal you from Lars. Now Lars said you weren’t his to steal, but I’m serious in that I want you to stay at Emerson. You’re the best at what you do. I know the board will agree. Even though Evan had a hand in a lot of different projects, his position was CTO. You can do it with your eyes closed.”

“You sure? I won’t lie, I wasn’t relishing the thought of traveling, being away from you.”

“I’ve never been more sure of anything.”

“I accept.” She beamed. “Lars won’t be happy, though.”

“We’ll think of something to make it up to him.”

Selby smiled. Although she’d miss working at DLar-Tech, she was thrilled at the opportunity to stay on with Garrett. “Okay, it’s settled then. But you should let me go call him.”

“Oh no, you don’t. I need you to stay with me, Nurse Reynolds.” His hand found her breast. Caressing it, he elicited a small moan from Selby.

“Hmm….you are a very naughty patient, Mr. Emerson. You should be resting.”

“I’ve rested enough. I need therapy.” Garrett’s lips grazed over her neck. “The kind only you can give me.”

“Is that so?” Selby rolled over onto his chest, so she could look in his eyes. They hadn’t made love since his injury. Selby, on the precipice of coming from his slightest touch, had resisted, worried that he’d reinjure his arm. Selby’s heart fluttered as he gave her a sexy grin.

“You know a man can’t live on food and water alone?” Garrett cupped her face, dragging his thumb over her lower lip. “I’m not sure I’m going to make it.”

“You sure you’re up for it?” Her body sizzled with arousal, all her willpower draining away. Selby threw her leg over his and straddled him. Fisting his cock into her hand, she brushed his seeping seed over its head.

“That’s right, sweetheart. You know, I’ve been thinking…ah…” he cried as she swiped his steely shaft through her folds. “Jesus, you’re wicked.”

“You were saying,” she laughed, enjoying how she could master his body. Within seconds, she knew he’d turn the tables on her, his dominance rising to the surface.

“I’ve had a lot of time on my hands…to think.”

“Have you now?”