The Warrior In Me Read online

“Let’s see. I could take you on a hike around the island.” He used his free hand to trace a finger over her foot. “First, though, we’d need to find you suitable shoes. Those sandals you have on now are pretty, but they’d fall apart in no time on the trail.”

  She tugged the strap over her heel and slipped off her shoe. Lifting the sexy, silver sandal, she examined it with a critical eye. “The only hiking I planned to do in these were to the hotel bar or maybe out onto the deck by the pool. Guess they’ll have to go back into my closet because I’ll never wear this high of a heel to work.”

  He closed his hands over hers and took the sexy shoe from her. “You can wear them around the house. Though, I have to warn you. I can’t be held responsible for my actions.”

  “Meaning?”

  He dropped the shoe to the floor and palmed her knee. “They draw attention to your legs, and once I notice those sleek lines, I naturally can’t wait to see more.”

  Toying with the hem of her dress, he eased his fingers under and caressed her thigh. His hand itched with the desire to explore every silky inch of her body.

  She clamped her hand over his wayward one and kept him from venturing any farther. “Sebastian, we were discussing activities I might enjoy doing this week.”

  “Yes, you distracted me by showing me your sexy shoes.” He tilted his head and stared at her creamy complexion. Most of the outings required time in the sun. With her skin type, she’d resemble a lobster after only a few minutes. He struggled to come up with a more suitable indoor pursuit other than making love. However, if he did manage to get her into bed, they’d both be so exhausted afterward they’d fall asleep within seconds of closing their eyes.

  “We could try out the hot tub on the back deck, but you’d need to change clothes. You did say you brought a few skimpy bathing suits, didn’t you?” He pictured her in the tiny strips of fabric and swallowed to keep from drooling all over her.

  “That sounds like fun if you promise to behave yourself.” She released his hand and shifted to rise.

  Knowing without a doubt he’d fail at keeping such an insane commitment, he caught her by the shoulders and kept her in place. “I think we better shelve the idea for another day.”

  She twisted around in his embrace. One hand slid over his thigh. The other landed on his chest. “Why?”

  He captured her wrist and lowered her hand to the crotch of his jeans. “I have no control.”

  Her eyes widened. She pressed her hand firmly against his straining cock, her fingers cupping him through the tight fabric.

  A needy groan escaped him. “Honey, the only activity I want to do with you right now is strip off your clothes and make love to you.”

  She blinked. “I don’t understand. You barely know me.”

  “That doesn’t mean I’m not attracted to you.” He covered her wrist, fearing her touch might drive him to rush this moment. Slowly, he guided her away from temptation and placed her palm on his chest. “I took one look and decided I wanted you. That’s why I kissed you earlier, and why I’m losing the battle to keep my hands to myself.”

  A whisper of a smile played over her lips. “Do you have protection?”

  Hope sped through every cell in his body, and a tingle of anticipation sparked in his gut. “I have a whole box in the drawer next to my bed.”

  “So you’d like to show me your bedroom?” she teased, and he recalled their earlier conversation.

  “Say the word, and we’ll be on our way.” He fought the urge to bolt to his feet, swing her up into his arms, and rush to his room. Instead, he remained perfectly still, waiting for her to decide.

  Lily had never had a man come right out and say he wanted to sleep with her. In a strange way, she found it rather refreshing. She didn’t have to guess or face the disappointment of him brushing aside her coy attempts of attracting his attention.

  Still, if she had any hope of not getting hurt, she had to keep away from him. He might find her attractive now, but once he knew her better, he’d be like the other men she’d met through the years. He’d unearth qualities she lacked and toss her aside. Still, his enticing scent and warm touch weakened her resolve. She recalled the heavenly taste of his kiss.

  Coming to a hasty decision, she ventured into the uncharted waters of following her heart and brushed her lips against his. “Yes, Sebastian. I’d enjoy making love with you…to you.”

  As if the man had suddenly been set free, every part of him moved. His arms closed around her, and he lowered her to the sofa. His mouth claimed hers seconds before his body covered hers. Still, he didn’t settle. Instead, his lips ate at hers, demanding entrance. His hands ran along her sides and tugged at her dress, drawing it upward. His hips shifted. A knee worked its way between hers.

  “Open for me,” he whispered and wrapped a hand around her leg, placing it around his waist.

  The words had barely registered before he again captured her mouth. He forced his tongue deep inside, teasing her to open wider with a soft caress against the roof of her mouth. She couldn’t say it took much for her to give him what he wanted. His kiss awoke a hunger in her, and she refused to believe it would ever be satisfied.

  The rough texture of his jeans rubbed erotically against her inner thighs, alerting her to the thin strip of material that separated them from fully indulging in each other. Her core wept for his intimate touch. She rocked her hips, rubbing seductively against the hard line of his erection.

  Sebastian gasped. His eyes held a ravenous appetite for what she also craved. “I made a mistake by tasting your lips before we made it into the bedroom.” He shifted slowly back as if fighting with himself to accomplish the task of standing. What seemed like minutes later, he sat and grabbed her ankle. “I don’t think you’ll need this shoe.”

  Tossing it on the floor next to the other one, he stood and held out a hand to help her off the couch. Her feet barely touch the polished wood before he swung her up into his arms.

  The sexy gesture sent her heart pounding in her chest. She draped her arms around his neck and nuzzled her face into the thick column. The woodsy scent of him teased her senses. She licked her lips and wondered distractedly if she’d ever get enough of him. The thought reminded her of her limited experience with men. Being married had only taught her how to submit to her husband’s will, she’d never pressured him into trying anything new.

  With Sebastian, she hungered for so much more—his naked body over hers, his cock pounding deep inside her, the pleasure so intense she’d scream with her release. The wild visions of their coming together had her wondering if she possessed Neanderthal blood. The primal caveman antics seemed almost tame compared to the carnivorous desire speeding through her body, setting her on fire.

  She nibbled on his ear. “Please, Sebastian, I…”

  He dropped her legs, and her body slid across his. “Easy, honey. We have all night.”

  Staring at him, she shook her head. “You don’t understand. I need you. Right now.”

  He smiled and guided the zipper of her dress down her back. “Then let’s get you out of this dress.”

  Cool air caressed her uncovered skin. She tugged at the shoulder straps, drawing them off her arms. Her dress fell from her body. She cupped her hands under her breasts, lifted them, and silently offered them to him.

  Sebastian stared at the tight rosy peaks. Ready to pounce, he dragged in a steadying breath and gripped her waist. His fingers slid under the edge of her panties, and he tugged them off her legs. After freeing her from the silky barrier, he lifted it to his nose. The rich scent of her heat had his mouth watering with need.

  His gaze fell to the trim patch of blonde hair covering her pussy. Need cut him off at the knees, and he dropped to the floor in front of her.

  She shuffled backward, her hips hitting the edge of the bed. With a slight yelp, she stumbled onto the mattress. The space between her legs widened.

  The moist red lips of her pussy invited him forward. He caught hold of her
legs and spread them. Her heavenly aroma lured him closer, robbing him of his ability to take things slow. He dove for a taste, a quick sample of her sensual juices. Erotic flavors burst across his tongue. He immediately understood he’d miscalculated. He had no control left as he dipped his tongue again and again into her, gathering cream.

  Soft moans of pleasure whispered through the room, feeding his lust and adding to his hunger to make her come against his mouth. He nibbled on the soft flesh and sucked, then moved on to the tight bud hidden beneath the delicate folds. Slowly driving them both out of their minds, he played—his tongue, teeth, lips, his entire mouth getting into the action.

  She rested her thighs on his shoulders and shifted her hips. The sobs coming from her increased his hunger and short-circuited every synapsis in his head, except one. He needed this, her, the carnal delight of sharing himself with this particular woman. Her hands slid through his hair while his fingers squeezed the plush satin of her ass.

  Driving her closer and closer to the edge of completion, he sucked her clit and bit lightly on the hard bud. She came with a loud shriek of pleasure, her body quivering with her release. Better than he ever remembered it being with anyone else, her rich cream filled his mouth, and he drank her in.

  The loud ring from the extension by the bed wrenched a deep groan from him. Only one person could be calling, and even though Sebastian wanted to hear what Rex had learned, the man’s timing sucked.

  “Do you have to answer it?” Lily’s words tempted him to ignore the insistent summons.

  Sebastian lightly stroked her legs, moving them off his shoulder, and rolled to his feet. “If I don’t, he’ll simply call back.”

  Working to contain his desire for a few more moments, he walked to the nightstand and lifted the receiver. His boss might not have time for the opposite sex, but he didn’t have to ruin it for the rest of them. “Tell me this is important.”

  “It is,” Rex barked. “I found out only moments ago that Mark Winslow is dead.”

  Chapter Six

  Lily rolled onto her side and inspected the four large posts used to create the massive bed. Made from raw timber, each corner had a tree with one limb going across to the other pillar, creating an arch over the sides of the bed like a canopy. An engraved piece of wood made up the head and footboard. The intricate design was partially hidden by plush decorative pillows at the top. She ran her hand over the wedding ring pattern of the quilt beneath her.

  Sebastian apparently appreciated nature and liked having his house filled with objects made from natural materials.

  Scanning the rest of the items in the room, she had to admit she found the decor appealing. The walls were a soothing oak color, and the dark mahogany furniture stood out against the fairer background. The large picture window had bright red curtains and let in the sunlight from outside. Nearby a huge doublewide chair sat with a matching ottoman, providing the perfect place to sit and read.

  Finishing her assessment of the room, she turned and stared at his handsome face. How long would it be before he’d be off the phone? A frown tugged the corner of his mouth downward, revealing his displeasure with the person on the other end of the line.

  Sebastian had indicated he’d have to talk to the caller sooner or later. Maybe, a friend, relative, or business associate?

  “Why didn’t anyone call sooner?” He remained silent for a few moments before saying gruffly, “We thought she left it on the seaplane. Did Bruce not find it?”

  Instantly alert to the possibility of something happening at home, she rose onto her knees. A wave of unease filled her, and she studied the intense expression on his face. “What’s going on?”

  Showing no signs of hearing her, he stared off into space. “So what do you want us to do now?”

  His unwillingness to answer or even look at her sent a chill through her. The heat from their lovemaking only moments ago dissipated quickly. She shivered with a sudden awareness. She nibbled at her lip and considered slipping back into her clothes.

  Grabbing a pillow to cover her nakedness, she hugged it tight against her chest.

  “Okay, we’ll talk later.” He hung up the phone.

  The moment his gaze met hers, the bottom dropped out of her stomach. Something bad had occurred, and he didn’t have a clue how to tell her. Fighting to remain calm, she tightened her arms around the pillow and prepared herself for the blow to come. A thousand horrible possibilities flashed through her head, but she shoved them aside. “Just tell me.”

  He sank onto the bed beside her and slipped his arm around her waist. “That was my boss. He talked to Bruce a short while ago. Apparently, Mark had a heart attack this morning and—”

  “Shit, and they couldn’t call me because I turned off my phone on the plane.” She threw the pillow against the headboard. “I planned to check in with them once we arrived here but my purse—” She started to rise.

  Sebastian tightened his hold and tugged her against his chest. “Bruce has your purse, but…Mark didn’t make it.”

  She blinked, uncertain she’d really understood what he’d said. “Mark is dead?”

  “I’m so sorry. The paramedics couldn’t revive him.” He leaned back, drawing her across his body. “Rex is making arrangements for us to fly back to California tomorrow.”

  She scowled at the man. Guilt similar to the one she experienced when her parents died washed through her. She had neglected to protect them by not picking them up at the airport. If she had been driving, she might have prevented the accident that killed them.

  Now, she’d failed Mark, too. He’d taken high blood pressure medicine for years. She’d enrolled in CPR courses every year, in case he had an issue. Only, she hadn’t been there when he needed her. Instead, she had been off on a vacation. She closed her eyes and worked to clear her mind.

  The soft caress of Sebastian’s flannel shirt over her breasts awoke her nerve endings. Her nipples tightened, reminding her of the reality of lying next to a man. His seductive strength bled through her pores, jogging the memory of how she’d come apart at his intimate touch. Grief warred with arousal, followed almost immediately by shame.

  What kind of woman was she? How could she be thinking about making love when the most important man in her life was dead?

  She clenched her teeth and worked to draw in her next breath. Tears leaked from the corners of her eyes. “Sebastian, you need to let me up so I can get dressed.”

  “I’m not sure that’s the best plan.” He held her tighter. “You’re hurting with the loss of a friend, confidant, and mentor. You want only to hide inside yourself and lick your wounds.”

  Irritated by the fact his assumptions were correct, she wiggled to get free. Her legs opened wider, and his thick thigh wedged between them. She tried to ignore the pronounced swelling of his erection pressing against her belly. “How can you say what I feel?”

  With a sad smile, he growled, “Because I experienced the same emotions this morning after I learned about Cain. I spent hours reviewing his case notes, working to find a way to ease the pain of losing him.”

  The dark compassion in his gaze revealed the accuracy of his words. His friend had been murdered while Mark died of natural causes. The misery must be twice as bad for him. She swallowed the lump in her throat. “Yes, but had I been there, I might have been able to save him.”

  “Oh, sweetheart, the outcome would have been the same if you’d been there or not.” He brushed his fingers over her cheek. “This wasn’t your fault.”

  She lowered her gaze to the lushness of his mouth and the strong line of his square jaw. She shivered as he nudged his leg deeper between her inner thighs. Need again sparked through her, but she ignored the call for a physical release. “Sebastian, we should get ready for our trip home.”

  “But that’s not really what you want, is it?” He rolled her over and pinned her beneath his hard body. He grasped both her hands in one of his. With the other, he covered her breast. “No. We should finis
h what we started earlier.”

  He lowered his lips to the eager tip. The sheer heat of his mouth set her off, sending spikes of pleasure to her core. He added to her enjoyment by sucking hard on the peak.

  Bucking beneath him, she broke her hands free from his grip and buried them in his dark curls. She fully intended to tug him away from her breast, but somewhere along the way, the wires inside her head got crossed. Instead, she held him in place, using the bliss of his touch to fend off the pain of losing Mark.

  She swallowed the misery and allowed her traitorous body to enjoy the heavy, masculine weight on top of her for a few more minutes. Granted, she’d love it even more if he shed his jeans and moved a tad to the left. However, she should remember her responsibilities to Mark, the lab, her friends. “Sebastian, we shouldn’t be doing this.”

  He released her breast and slid a hand between their bodies. “Why?”

  “Because we need to…” Lily struggled to recall what she planned to do once he freed her. And he certainly wasn’t helping, not by blowing on her wet nipple, making it tighten with need and not with the heavenly stroke of his fingertips tunneling through her pubic curls.

  “We have all night. Rex said he’d arrange for the seaplane to pick us up early in the morning.” He shifted to her other breast and licked the tip before he covered it with his hot mouth.

  Panting to catch her breath, she squirmed against him and provided him enough room to work his hand lower. He cupped her warm mound and slid one wicked finger beneath her delicate folds to toy with her clit. With sudden clarity, she recalled how this man set her on fire with his touch.

  Mark’s death would forever alter her life the same way her parents had. Fortunately, Sebastian offered a distraction, a chance to enjoy the moment and not dwell on the agony ahead. Tomorrow, she’d have to face an uncertain future with no—

  He withdrew his finger with a reluctant glide and then thrust in two, stretching her, only to retreat again and plunge three deep, filling her to the brim. Intimate muscles clamped around him, and she grabbed at his shirt, knotting the fabric in her hands. “God, Sebastian, can you please get out of these clothes?”