Chapter 7
CHAPTER 7
Bowie closed the hotel room door and took a long breath. The meeting with Max had gone about as expected. He couldn’t use half of what Bowie and his team had uncovered, but at least Max was aware of the kind of man he was dealing with and was willing to view the information.
The restraining order, which would be a civil harassment order, different from a federal protection restraining order, though effective enough, was weak, and Max still had to get a judge to sign off on it. While what Rosco was doing certainly fell under the category of harassment, there was a standard that the law followed, and she was short by a few text messages in a single week.
It was as if Rosco knew that.
Bowie turned and stared at Moana, who stood in front of the big picture window that faced downtown. She hugged her middle.
“How are you holding up?” He closed the gap, wrapping his arms around her body and resting his chin on her shoulder.
“I’m trying not to think about Rosco and all that. I feel better that Max will be there.” She turned. “And you.” Tilting her head, she leaned in, pressing her lips against his in a hot, fiery kiss that had only one intent behind it.
He’d been used more than once by a woman. He almost never minded. The few times that he did, it was only because he’d learned after the fact it wasn’t about the sex.
But about the fact he was a SEAL.
And that just always made him want to go wash with bleach.
Being a SEAL was about honor and defending his country. He risked his life for freedom. Being reduced to a bedroom toy because of his profession had a tendency to make him sick to his stomach.
If a woman wanted a roll in the hay because she found him witty, intelligent, interesting, or even just sexy, those things were fine.
But a SEAL? Or even just a military man?
That’s where he drew the line.
And it’s not like he hadn’t used his fair share of women for mutual gratification. However, the key phrase there was: mutual gratification. If they didn’t know the score and weren’t okay with walking away when all was said and done, then he didn’t do it.
But being used by Moana wasn’t something he could get on board with anymore. He cared about her too much, a feeling he hadn’t prepared himself for. When he’d first started pursuing her, it was all about a hot Hawaiian fling.
Not anymore.
He cupped her face and held her gaze. “You have to know that I want you so badly I can taste it.”
“So, why are we still standing here?” Her hands glided down his back and her fingers dug into his ass.
He groaned, dipping his forehead to hers as he sucked in a deep breath. “Because I don’t want one afternoon with you. While I know if you keep pushing me, I’ll cave, because I want to give you whatever you need, I’m going to want more than today. I find myself in a predicament because I like you and not in a one-time kind of way.”
She slipped her hands under his shirt. “You’re in the Navy. You’re on Big Island on some secret training sessions with Waylen and his team. You don’t even know how long you’re going to be there. When that’s over, you’ll go back to the base you’re stationed on. You’ll be deployed to God only knows where. It’s not like whatever this is can last longer than that. I also don’t think I’ll want just one time either.” She arched a pretty little brow. “I’ve always wanted to do it in Mano’s plane. Or on his yacht. You should see that thing.”
“Oh my God. No. Just no.” He shook his head. “Even if we do have sex right now, I’m not having sex with you while Mano is flying us home. He’d absolutely kill me. I know that to be fact.”
“Are you saying you don’t want to be with me?”
“You know I want to.” He took her hand and led her to his room. There was so much he wanted to share. Like the fact he might not re-enlist. But then again, he might sign those papers.
If Castle managed to gather the intel he needed and Fuller and the rest of those assholes ended up behind bars, Bowie and the rest of his team would have nothing to fear. Their jobs—and their lives—would be in the clear. They could go back to business as usual.
But did any of them really want to?
“I don’t want you to think I’m using you, because I’m not.” Bowie gazed into her eyes, searching for a reason to stop. But all he found was a woman who knew what she wanted, even if it was based a little in fear, and right now, she wanted him.
“Is that what you believe I’m doing right now with you?”
“No, but yes.” He kissed her sweet lips. “However, not in a bad way.”
“I’m not sure I follow.”
“I feel the attraction between us. The connection. It’s real.” He pressed his lips against her neck, nibbling on her ear. “I take rejection relatively well, which is why I never came on too strong.”
“For the record, it was only because of what’s been going on with my family, and honestly, your raw sexual magnetism scared me.”
“God, you’re good for my ego.” He dropped his forehead to her shoulder. “I totally respect where you’re at. However, I’d like to spend more time with you when we get back. Not only with helping you find your sister, but because I like your company. And I’m just a man. I’m nothing special.” He toyed with the hem of her shirt, easing it over her head and letting it fall to the floor.
His breath caught in his throat as he stared at her lacy black bra with the front clasp. He smiled as he quickly flicked it open. Gently, he pushed the straps over her shoulders until the garment fell to the carpet. He traced a path from the center of her neck down to the center of her breasts before cupping one with his hand.
“See. Too small. It gets lost in that hand of yours,” she said as she heaved in a deep breath.
Holding her gaze, he pressed his hand over the other, fanning his thumbs over her hard, tight nipples. They puckered under his gentle touch.
She let out a guttural moan as she bit down on her lower lip.
“I will stand here all day torturing you like this,” he whispered. “And like this.” He leaned over, sucking one of her nipples into his mouth, perhaps a little too harshly, but he was rewarded with two hands gripping the sides of his head.
He kissed his way up her neck while his fingers continued to toy with her taut nipples, making her squirm between him and the wall. “If you keep disparaging your body. You’re beautiful. Perfect. I like these just the way they are.” He pushed himself, hard, against her to prove his point.
Her eyes grew wide.
Her hands glided down his back, fingering a few of his scars. He hated explaining them. At least the ones on his sides. The bullet holes in his back and chest were easy. The teeth marks not so much.
Thankfully, she didn’t say a word as he lifted his shirt over his head, tossing it across the room. With an unexpected wicked smile, she tugged at his jeans, releasing the button and lowering the zipper. Before he had the wherewithal to stop her, she had her deft little fingers curling around him, gently stroking him with her soft hands.
He pinched and twisted her nipples harder as he gasped for breath.
And then she shocked him as she dotted kisses down the center of his chest while she rolled his jeans over his hips.
“What do you think you’re doing?” he managed.
“A little torture of my own.” She licked her lips before running her tongue across the tip as she cupped him, squeezing him, taking all the power.
Which he realized he never had to begin with.
He let out a low groan as her lips wrapped around him, her tongue swirling in a way that sent shivers down his spine. Her eyes met his, and the intensity of her gaze sent a surge of desire racing through him. He couldn't help but marvel at how she took control, making him feel helpless and powerless in the most thrilling way possible.
He’d never been shy when it came to the bedroom. He’d had his fair share of sexual experiences.
He liked all the flavors. No one would ever describe him as kinky, but that all depended on your definition. However, one thing he enjoyed was being in control. It wasn’t about being dominant or submissive, though he would admit to having a preference and it wasn’t the latter.
Only, with Moana, he’d do whatever she wanted, and he’d damn well love every second of it.
She stopped suddenly, releasing him from her grip. He felt a pang of disappointment, but it was quickly replaced by anticipation as she stood up. With a smirk, she moved closer to him, her body inches away from his.
She traced a finger down her chest, lingering at her navel. She looked at him with a sinful grin. "Your turn," she whispered, her voice velvety and full of promises.
He couldn't help but swallow hard as his eyes followed the trail of her finger down to the delicate lace of her thong. The hunger in her eyes was matched only by the growing heat in his own. He took a step forward, his hands reaching out to cup her face, his fingers tracing the contours of her jawline.
"I'm afraid I've underestimated you, sweetheart," he said, his voice a low rumble. "You are far more skilled and bold than I ever could have imagined."
“Only with you,” she said, her voice filled with passion and desire.
His fingers lowered, brushing against the delicate lace of her thong, and then lower still, tracing the curve of her hip. He heard her breath catch. She stepped out of her panties, leaving her completely naked.
He was in awe of her beauty.
Her skin glistened with a light sheen of sweat and her curves were perfect in every way. He reached out and wrapped his arms around her, picked her up, and carried her to the bed. He laid her down gently, her body arching toward him like a cat begging for attention.
He lifted her leg, kissing her ankle. Her calf. Her knee. Her thigh. He ran his fingers dangerously close to what needed his affection most.
He couldn’t resist any longer. He pressed his lips against her, savoring the taste of her sweetness. His hands roamed, caressing her skin, mapping out every curve and contour. She was a work of art, a masterpiece only he was allowed to touch.
“Yes, Bowie. Please. I’m begging.”
He reached up, taking her nipple between his thumb and forefinger, twisting and pinching while lapping at her clit with his tongue. All he cared about was her pleasure. Her release. And making this last as long as possible.
He teased her, bringing her so close to the edge, then he’d pull away, just for a second, until she’d obviously had enough and grabbed his head, holding him steady.
“I need this,” she whispered. “Please.”
Slipping two fingers inside, he lifted his gaze, still rolling his tongue over her hard nub while he watched her lids flutter over her beautiful big brown eyes. She bit down on her lower lip and grabbed her breast, crying out his name as her body jerked and convulsed.
He kissed his way up her stomach, teasing her with the promise of more pleasure to come.
He gazed into her eyes, his own filled with hunger and need. "Are you ready for me, Moana?" he whispered, his voice thick with desire.
She nodded breathlessly, her eyes never leaving his. "Yes, please."
With one swift movement, he was on top of her, their bodies pressed together, her heat searing into his skin. He rested on his elbows, his gaze locked with hers as he thrust himself deep inside.
She let out a gasp, her eyes widening in pleasure and surprise. "Oh, yes," she whispered, her voice a husky breath.
Moana's nails dug into his back, her eyes never leaving his as she met his every movement. Her sounds of pleasure only fueled his desire, driving him to take her deeper, harder, until they were both lost in a whirlwind of sensation.
He could feel her tightening around him, the walls of her sex clenching and unclenching as waves of bliss washed over him. In that moment, he knew he had to give her more, to take her to even greater heights of ecstasy.
With a deep growl, he pulled out and quickly re-entered her, this time with a ferocity that left him breathless.
Her moans filling the room, her body arched and convulsed as she cried out his name, her orgasm crashing over her in waves of pure passion.
He watched her, his own body trembling from the intensity of the moment, and couldn't help but feel a deep sense of satisfaction and affection. He had never experienced such a connection before, and he knew he had found something truly special in her.
As Moana's contractions began to subside, he lowered himself onto her, his breath coming in gasps and pants. He kissed her deeply, tasting the sweetness of her lips, the saltiness of her skin, and inhaling her intoxicating scent.
He rolled to the side, pulling the covers over their bodies and hugging her tight. There was no escaping one cold hard truth.
Bowie was falling hard and fast.
And he might end up leaving his heart in Hawaii.