CHAPTER EIGHTEEN
JOSH
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I didn’t leave and I’m not sorry. I stayed in Cassy’s bed and woke with her in my arms. Or rather, with her sprawled across my chest. Then I ended up between her legs.
That was Thursday night.
Now it’s Saturday, and I’m finding it harder and harder to remember why I should go home.
She needs my protection, and I need her body.
Seems like a win-win to me.
I won’t fall for her like Finn did for Kaylee. This is not the same.
We both know it's temporary, so I enjoy every minute my cock is deep inside her. Or when we’re sitting at the kitchen table eating breakfast and I got to watch her pretty eyes sparkle with her most recent orgasm.
Or when Cassy pushed the coffee table away and sat on the floor to watch TV—apparently her designer sofa is too comfortable—and we nibbled at our dinner while talking about our childhoods.
They couldn’t be more different.
“While you were being driven around Hollywood and traveling the world, I was shoveling snow,” I teased her.
“Maybe, but I ended up with a stalker. So I win.” She nudged my shoulder.
“You don’t play fair.” I nudged her onto her back and kissed her.
“Look who’s not playing fair.” Cassy moaned against my lips.
“Explain.” I lifted and rested one arm on the floor beside her.
“All these muscles and hardness.”
“My cock?”
“Your...everything.” She sighed.
When I smirked, she grabbed my face and kissed me again. Two minutes later, I had her pants tugged down, lifted her onto her knees and was pounding into her pussy from behind.
I watched her reflection in the dark glass of her windows as she cried out my name.
That was Friday night, and I carried her upstairs to bed. Stood watching her and contemplated leaving for about three, possibly four, seconds. Then climbed in with her.
Now Cassy’s eyes are flickering open and she’s smiling at me like I hung the moon for her.
“Morning,” she says.
My bicep is tucked under my face while I’ve been watching her sleep. “Hey,” I rasp.
“Is Ryder coming today?” she asks.
Fuck that.
“No,” I simply reply. “Just me.”
Her smile widens, and I pull her against me, kissing her good morning. I don’t want to enjoy being here with her, but I do. Too fucking much.
“Brunch with your father and then the shops,” I say, reciting her schedule.
Cassy nods. “I need an outfit for next week’s event.”
I groan.
I haven’t scheduled Ryder in officially and frankly this arrangement is working for me. I’m getting sleep, and I’m protecting Cassy far better than I could if we weren’t fucking. Crude, but facts.
But he messaged me asking if he was needed on Sunday, so I replied saying Monday. The stupid fucking GIF he sent me with the raised eyebrows is going to cost him.
His yearly bonus.
I won’t, but it’s tempting.
Every time I try to rationalize what I’m doing, I end up with some egotistical bullshit, such as I’m the only man on the planet with the skills to protect Cassy.
Could be true.
Wow.
See what I mean?
So today’s justification is that being intimate with her allows me to keep her safe in ways no one else can.
Jesus. So the new Black Hawke Security tagline: Spread your legs and we’ll ensure the best protection in the United States.
I shake my head and nestle into her neck.
“What?” Cassy asks.
I laugh. “Nothing.”
“You can’t just do that and say nothing.”
“Can and did.” I smack her ass, then lift my face. “Let’s get moving. You need to get out of bed before I slide inside your sweet pussy again.”
“You need to work on your motivational talk.” She giggles. “Think I’ll stay right here and just lift my leg over your big tree trunk.”
I groan.
Then slid inside her.
I am to give a good service to my clients after all.
A FEW HOURS later, I turn into the parking garage at the mall and find somewhere to park.
Cassy looks far too sexy for my liking today in a pair of cutoff denim shorts, a billowy white top which hints at the lacy pink bra underneath it. And bright pink ballet flats.
It’s quite the opposite of the black wardrobe she wears during the week.
I prefer her naked.
Sliding into a parking spot, I wait until the two BHS guards do the same and then stand at the rear of the Maserati. Then I nod at Cassy to climb out.
“Is this really necessary?” Cassy asks.
I study her face as I consider.
Thomas messaged me earlier to say a car had been stolen near Denver and a description of the man driving it matches that of Isaac Miller.
He sent me a digital simulation of his progress and it appears he’ll pass through Utah and then Vegas. If he stops to sleep in both cities as he’s been doing, I put him in California by Monday.
I’m confident the escapee isn’t attempting to fly so Cassy is right. He poses no direct threat today.
I nod at the two highly trained former military men. “Take a break. We’ll be back a few hours.”
“Yes, sir.” They both say, returning to their vehicle.
Neither of them will unplug their comms, which I also have in one ear.
“Happy?” I ask as I palm Cassy’s back and lead her into the mall.
Then I remember we are in public and drop my hand. When we are in public, I don’t touch her. Our sexual relationship is temporary and only behind the doors of her home.
“Freedom. Nearly.” Cassy winks at me.
“Keep moving, sexy.” I say low.
I don’t miss the glint of arousal in her eyes. I’ll deal with that later. Or in the changing rooms. I’m sure there will be danger in there. I need to check.
Christ, if any of my employees behaved like this, I’d fucking fire them.
Luckily, I’m the boss.
AN HOUR AND a half later, after standing in a handful of designer stores and being ogled at by middle-aged women—Jesus, I should be out in the field with a shotgun not in hair salons and clothing stores—Cassy strides beside me with an enormous Karen Walker shopping bag.
There is one small dress in it.
Why does the bag need to be so huge?
I lead her to the car and open the door. She takes one look at me, opens the back door, and places the bag on the seat like it’s a cat in a carrier. Then she shuts the door and smiles at me.
“You forgot the seatbelt.” I tease.
“It’s under eight years old.” Cassy grins back.
God, I love this playful cheeky side to her.
I fucking like it.
Way too much.
With one step, I press her body against the vehicle with mine and she draws in a sharp breath. My fingers slide through her dark hair and big eager green eyes watch me. The mix of desire and fear is intoxicating.
Then her lips part waiting for mine.
I could tug her barely-there shorts down and thrust inside her right now I’m so hard. I could fuck this woman in every damn location in this city and still not be satisfied.
The more of her I have, the more I want.
“Are we going home?” I rasp.
Her tongue sweeps out and wets her lower lip.
Jesus.
“No. I want to stop at the animal shelter because I didn’t go yesterday,” Cassy says. “It’s only ten minutes away.”
My erection deflates. “To make a donation?”
“Yes. And I play with the kittens.”
A low growl escapes my throat. “Fine, then we are going home so I can play with your pussy.”
She slaps her hand on my pec, and I grab it. Then my hand slides up her throat and I press my lips to hers.
“Get in the car.” I spin her body and half lift her up.
Jesus fucking Christ. Her cheeks are falling out of the denim. I’m not letting her wear those shorts out in public again. Her wet clit is too fucking accessible.
And now I’m hard again.
I tug my gun out of the back of my jeans and circle around the vehicle. When I open the door, I find Cassy touching her lips, looking thoughtful.
Shit.
Don’t fall in love with me, Cass.
Please don’t fucking do that.