Guarded from Treachery (Blade and Arrow Security Bravo Team #4)

Chapter 15

15

ISLA

N aked Matt is even more than I dreamed.

I’ve seen him in shorts and T-shirts, his legs thick with muscle from his daily hours-long workouts and his impressive biceps straining at his sleeves. I’ve felt his muscles each time we hug, hard planes and ridges that get my imagination going. And I’ve watched him in the B and A gym, shamelessly ogling his tight butt as he runs for miles on the treadmill and wondering if it feels as good as it looks.

So I knew that when—at least, I hoped—I saw Matt without the remaining barrier of clothing, it would be memorable. Impressive. And whenever I’d think about it, I’d wonder about all the tiny details. If he has any scars besides the one of his forehead. If there’s a tattoo hiding where most people can’t see it. If his chest is covered with a dusting of hair or if it’s smooth.

Now that he’s standing beside the couch, his clothes a forgotten thing, I’m finally discovering the answers to my questions.

His chest is lightly brushed with walnut-brown hair, just enough to emphasize the lines of muscle on his chest and stomach. There’s a small, jagged scar just below his ribcage, and another one across his left thigh. Both are long-healed, but I still hate to see them; knowing they’re evidence that someone hurt him.

He hasn’t said it, but I’m sure they’re from his time in the military. As a Green Beret, one of the elite A-Team, as Matt explained, they were sent into the most treacherous places in the Middle East. I’m so incredibly proud of what Matt accomplished, but selfishly, I’m glad he’s a civilian now—though Blade and Arrow jobs aren’t without risk, they’re less dangerous than what he used to do in the Army.

When I see the tattoo of a blade and twin arrows on his chest, I immediately know what it means. Not just the symbol of Blade and Arrow Security, but also the insignia for the Green Berets.

Something else I wondered about? If Matt’s as well-endowed as I thought he was. From sitting on his lap several times, and during our longer kisses, I’ve felt him jutting against me. But I wasn’t sure until now, as I stare at his arousal in all of its glory—long, thick, already slick with excitement, Matt’s desire a very visible thing.

My core clenches as I imagine him filling me, stretching me, his velvety heat dragging against my inner walls and sinking deep with every stroke. Need coils in my belly and my skin goes electric, sizzling in anticipation of his touch.

I’m barely aware of being naked myself—Matt peeled my dress off first, kissing his way across my skin as he did it, and then the lacy panties I ordered a few weeks ago in hopes of this moment.

With the few other partners I’ve had, there was always an element of insecurity, wondering if my breasts were too small or my hips too wide. But with Matt, there’s none of that. His desire couldn’t be more clear—not just his arousal, but his heated gaze and almost desperate set of his features, like he’s holding himself back by sheer strength of will.

“Isla.” It’s rough. Rumbly. Needy .

Jerking my eyes back to his face, I widen my eyes innocently. “Yes?”

He moves closer to me, his gaze locked on mine. His eyes are almost black, with just a thin ring of dark brown still visible. “If you keep looking at me like that, I’m not sure how long I’ll be able to wait.”

“Like what?” He’s only inches from the couch now, so I sit up and let my fingers brush across his abs, the first ten-pack I’ve ever seen in person. “I’m just looking at you.”.

“It’s not just that you’re looking at me. It’s how you’re looking at me.”

My fingers trail lower, lightly caressing his silken heat, and his stomach muscles jump in reaction. Confidence loosens my tongue and in a voice that barely sounds like my own, I purr, “If you mean I’m looking at you like I can’t wait to feel you inside me, then you’re right. I’ve been thinking about it for weeks.”

“Oh, Isles.” His big hand settles over my breast, his thumb flicking and stroking my engorged nipple. “If you knew how long I’ve been thinking about making love to you…”

He pauses to lightly tweak my nipple, and my sensitive nerve endings shriek in approval. My breasts have been much more sensitive since my pregnancy, and most times it’s more of an annoyance than anything else. But now? With Matt’s wicked fingers playing with them? It’s nothing but pleasure.

“How long?” I whisper. I wrap my fingers around him, spreading the slickness from root to tip.

While Matt switches from one breast to the other, his free hand moves to the apex of my thighs. Like magic, he finds my little bud almost immediately and rubs it, first slowly, then with a hint of urgency. My belly twists, and my hips jerk towards his hand, seeking more of what he’s giving.

“Honestly?” A faint flush of pink tinges his cheeks. “Since the first day I met you, I wondered. Fantasized. I didn’t know if it would ever be possible. But… I hoped one day we would be close enough for this to happen.”

“For us to have sex?”

Drawing his hand away from my quivering thighs, Matt climbs over me and braces himself up on one muscular arm. His face is inches from mine as he holds my gaze. “No. Not just having sex. I wanted to get to know you. Date you. See if the crazy feelings I was having were real.”

Pausing, he dips his head to kiss me. When he pulls back, his minty breath feathers across my lips. “They were, by the way. Real. Everything I felt before, it’s a hundred times stronger now.” Another pause. “And for the record, this isn’t sex. It’s making love. The way I feel about you is so much more than just sex. It’s showing how much I care about you.”

My heart jumps. Flutters. My breath catches for a second.

Are Matt’s feelings the same as mine?

His hand comes to my cheek, his touch feather-light. Deep brown eyes show a depth of emotion I haven’t seen before. “This means everything to me, Isles. I promise.”

Oh.

I don’t doubt Matt for a second. And his truth is the same as mine.

“This means everything to me, too,” I whisper. “And I want to be with you more than anything.”

“Me too.” He starts to continue, but then his lips press shut. The tips of his ears go adorably pink. A beat later, his mouth covers mine again, this time teasing my lips open and dipping inside.

What was he about to say?

Should I press him? Or is this not the right time?

Then his hand comes to that sensitive bundle of nerves again, and all my unasked questions are forgotten in a storm of desire and need.

And I discover Matt doesn’t just work magic with his computer. He can do it with his hands, as well. Before I know it, my hips are thrusting up with each stroke of his fingers. Then one thick finger slides inside me, and I almost swallow my tongue at the exquisite pleasure that finally—finally—comes with being filled.

It feels incredible as a second finger joins the first, gently stretching me and building my anticipation to a feverish level. Small moans are spilling out, soft, guttural sounds I’m pretty certain I’ve never made before. Before, I might have thought them embarrassing, but Matt takes that worry away when he says near my ear in a low, husky tone, “That’s the sexiest sound I’ve ever heard.”

I’m not sure how much time passes as we build towards our eventual joining. It’s all a blur of sensation—ripples of pleasure arcing from my core to the rest of my body, Matt swelling thicker and harder in my hand, his lips dancing across my lips and neck and collarbone—growing bigger and bigger until I’m breathless with need.

Finally, when my hunger is so great I think I might die if I don’t feel Matt fully inside me, I lead his straining length to my center. He’s hot and slick and as he nudges at me, and I beg, “Please, Matt. I need to feel you. All of you. Now .”

And like he always does, lovely Matt gives me what I ask for.

At first it’s slow. Gentle. Almost tentative, as if he’s afraid of hurting me.

But I know he won’t. With Matt, it’s an impossibility.

So I grip his hips and pull him deeper.

With one thrust, he fills me completely.

And it feels better than anything in my life.

It’s not just the physical sensation, but knowing we’re finally connected. Knowing that this man, this incredible, smart, sensitive, brave and generous man is mine. Not just that, but he’s giving himself to me. And I’m giving myself to him.

Matt stiffens for a second, his eyes widening in alarm. “Isla. Was that too much? I was trying to go?—”

I rotate my hips, gasping at the surge of ecstasy that follows. “No. You’re not hurting me at all. This is perfect.”

Actually, it’s beyond perfection.

It’s everything.

Coming together, first tenderly, then in a frenzied collision.

We kiss, our tongues emulating the movements of our bodies. Sensual. Hungry. Passionate.

And with each thrust, Matt seems to go even deeper, bringing me closer and closer to the edge. Sparks kindle. Firework fuses light. My lungs strain for air as my body reaches for that final completion.

For the moment when Matt and I truly become one.

And then. Finally. After weeks. Months, really. Of dreaming of this moment.

Matt reaches between us and flicks my swollen bud. He surges into me once more, hitting at a different and deeper angle than before.

And this time, I explode.

The fireworks burst into life. Flashes of brilliant color fill my vision. My muscles go rigid from my toes to my fingers. I stop breathing for a second.

Moments later, Matt careens over the edge along with me, filling me with his heat. His head goes back as he groans in ecstasy, his neck muscles tight and his eyes slamming shut.

I’ve never seen anything sexier.

He holds himself still above me while the aftershocks ripple through us. Then he deftly rolls us over so I’m draped across him, my cheek pillowed on his chest. His lips press to the top of my head and one hand strokes my hair, his fingers gently combing through the strands.

We both lie together, breathing hard, until he finally asks, “Was that okay? I didn’t hurt you, did I?”

“No.” I kiss his chest, right where his tattoo is. “To both.”

Matt tenses, but before he can respond, I quickly clarify, “No, you didn’t hurt me. At all. And it wasn’t okay . That was incredible.”

“Oh.” His chest rises and falls with a heavy exhale. “Good. I didn’t want to… I know it’s supposed to be safe, but I just?—”

Rolling onto my side, I wedge myself between the back of the couch and Matt, scooting up so our faces are even. I meet his gaze as I say, “It was safe. And I’m fine.” A beat, and then more seductively, “Fine enough to do this again, if you’re up for it?”

Matt twitches inside me. “I think that could be arranged.” Then he stiffens again. “Shi—shoot. Isles. I didn’t use anything.”

“I’m clean,” I reply. “The doctor ran all sorts of tests when I was trying to figure out… And it’s been a long time. Well over a year.”

“So am I. We all get tested. And—” He blushes. “It’s been more than a year for me, too. But still. I should have used something.”

My fingers trace along the scar by his ribcage. “It’s okay if you don’t. I’ve never… with anyone before. But with you? I liked it.”

“Oh.” A smile curves his lips. “Okay. And I’ve never been with someone like this before, either.”

My heart swells as joy blossoms inside me.

“Do you need anything?” Matt asks. “Are you hungry? Thirsty? I’ll get up in a second to clean up. And then I can get you anything you want.”

“This is perfect.” And it is. Not that I don’t want to do the rest of Matt’s date, but lying here like this, still joined, is the best feeling I can remember.

“Okay.” Matt hugs me closer. “Right here works for me.”

But eventually he has to get up so we don’t make a mess. Once we’re both cleaned up, he helps me into the new robe and settles me onto his lap. As I trace the little scar again, I ask, “How did this happen? If you don’t mind me asking?”

He hesitates. A shadow moves across his face. But then he says, “It was from an explosion. On one of our ops. I can’t give you the details, but we ended up trapped in a building rigged with explosives. Dante and Erik were there, and some of the other guys in my battalion. Nolan. Enzo. Tyler. And Jeff.”

“You don’t have to talk about it. It’s okay.”

“No, it’s fine.” Matt kisses my forehead. “I want you to know. We were trying to figure out the safest way out. But all the options were risky—we’d end up exposing ourselves or chance setting off a bomb. Jeff was one of our HAZMAT guys, and he thought he could disarm one of the bombs blocking our exit. Nolan was our captain, and he didn’t like the idea, but he trusted Jeff to try.”

A sick feeling fills my stomach. “And?”

“The bomb went off. Jeff was injured so badly, he couldn’t be saved. Tyler, another of my teammates, lost part of his leg. And Erik suffered a traumatic brain injury. He lost some of his vision. That’s why he left the Army.”

“Oh.” My chest aches for Matt having to see that, and for Erik, who’s become a close friend. “I’m sorry.”

“It’s okay.” Matt brushes my hair behind my ear. “Well. It’s not okay. Obviously. But I’ve come to accept it. I separated from the Army after that, once my contract was up. So did Dante. It was hard being there without Jeff and Tyler and Erik. But I ended up here. So I can’t be unhappy about that.”

“Well.” I trace the blade and twin arrows on his chest. “I’m really glad you’re here, too.”

His gaze softens. “So am I.”

We stare at each other for a minute or an hour, our eyes sharing things we have yet to express. And I feel myself falling for him even more than I was already.

Not just falling. I think I’m already there.

Finally, Matt breaks the loaded silence hanging between us. “I should get the food heated up. You must be starving.” Then he touches my bump. “And little Eagle is probably hungry, too.”

I grin at him. “Dove might like to eat.”

He grins back. “Are you ever going to find out for certain, or do you want to be surprised?”

“Surprised, I think. But maybe we should take bets.”

“Maybe.” Matt lifts me off his lap and sets me onto the couch. Then he gets up and walks towards the kitchen area, his bare butt on full display. Which is more than okay with me. “I’m still putting my money on Eagle, though.”

Giggling, I reply, “I’m still saying Dove.”

“I guess we’ll see.” Matt glances over his shoulder with a teasing smile. “But don’t be mad when it turns out I’m right. When I was a kid, I always had these feelings, like when we were going to have a snow day. Or if we?—”

But he’s interrupted by a shrill tone sounding from his phone. Not an incoming text or phone call, but like an alarm of some kind.

Matt stops mid-step. His shoulders rise. Then he makes an about-face and heads back to the couch, where his phone is vibrating on the coffee table beside it. “Sorry, Isles. I have to check this.”

My pulse skitters at his solemn expression.

A moment later, his features go still. His jaw clenches.

“What is it?” I ask.

He takes a deep breath and sinks onto the couch. Indecision creases his brow. “I don’t want to ruin our night. Maybe we could?—”

“No. Tell me.”

Another sigh. “Okay. So you know I have some web crawlers set up to search for any reference to your name. And then cross-reference the mention with any topics that could be suspicious. So it won’t flag something from high school, for example. But if it’s more recent…”

I grab Matt’s hand and squeeze it hard. “So it found something.”

“Yes. Someone shared your medical records on the dark web. It was deleted, but the crawler was able to locate an archived version hidden on the site.” He pauses. “It was shared six months ago.”

“Six months ago? Who… why would someone do that?”

Wait.

I know why. “Because I was targeted. For some reason, I was picked for this screwed up pregnancy scheme. And they wanted my medical records to see if I was a good candidate.”

Frowning, Matt nods. “Probably. So now I need to find the identity of the person who shared it. It has to be someone with access to medical records. So that will narrow things down. Once I identify them, we’ll track them down. Make them tell us how they got involved. And who they’re working with.”

Opposing emotions hit me at once. Anger that someone shared personal information about me, and on the dark web, no less. And optimism that we could be getting closer to an answer.

“Are you okay, Isles?” He touches my chin. “I know this is a lot…”

“I’m okay.” Lifting my chin, I add, “It’s more information. And that’s what we need. So that’s what I’m focusing on.”

Matt stares at me, emotion working in his gaze. “You’re amazing. You know that, right?”

“So are you.” Scooting closer to him, I snuggle into his side, and his arm wraps around me. “This might sound like a crazy question.”

“What?”

“Well… you planned this whole date. And I know you want to research this lead you found. But. Do you have to do it right now? Or can we finish our evening? Have dinner? Watch Hell’s Kitchen ?? Make love again? I’m just thinking a night wouldn’t hurt to wait?”

A smile chases away his grim expression. “No, a night wouldn’t hurt. And I would love to finish our date.”

“Good.” I lean in to kiss him. “Because so far, this is the absolute best date I’ve ever been on.”