Chapter 17
Chapter Seventeen: Delaney
My eyes flood with tears the moment Ryder and his dad stretch out their hands and shake hard, slapping each other’s arms. It’s definitely a step in the right direction.
I didn’t come in here expecting to see a family reunion, but that’s exactly what’s happening.
Seeing them reconnect makes me so hopeful for them, and even more grateful for the amazing relationship I had with my dad.
“Maybe I should step out,” I say quietly, wanting to give them more privacy, but when I turn to leave, Ryder reaches for me.
“No, please stay.” He pulls me closer, wrapping an arm around my waist.
Our job has definitely become a lot easier now that Ryder and his dad have talked. His father tells us to follow him to the library and, on the way, we run into Linc. The big guy is supposed to accompany us to the safe and crack it open, and he arches a questioning brow.
“My dad is getting us the map,” Ryder murmurs.
“I’ll let Addie and the others know.” Linc turns, fading into the crowd like the pro he is.
To be honest, I’m a tiny bit disappointed. I wanted to see the world-renowned safecracker do his thing. But I’m so delighted for Ryder, I’ll let it slide. I glance up at him, and he has a joy surrounding him that he didn’t have before. Family can do that—whether found or blood.
The library is just as impressive as the rest of the house.
Maybe even more so with its cathedral ceilings and three walls filled with bookshelves.
Wow. It’s a booklover’s dream. Complete with rolling ladders and cozy couches to lounge on.
I could stay in this room for a year and happily read one book after another. Well, as long as I had Ryder with me.
Looking up, I study his handsome profile while his dad opens the safe and retrieves a pile of documents.
I’m not sure why anyone is allowed to be so goodlooking, but my stomach flutters when he turns and smiles at me.
Gah. There’s no way I’m not falling for this man.
As much as I’ve fought it and tried to keep my distance and be smart about the situation, I can’t deny the attraction.
And it’s so much more than skin deep. It’s the way he makes me feel like I’m the only person in his orbit.
How he introduced me to his dad like I’m someone who matters, not just some side gig eye-candy for a party.
How he brought me to his friends, supporting and protecting me against their suspicions and doubts.
It’s all incredibly seductive, but it’s also comforting.
Whenever I used to think about my future, it consisted of me being alone. I never planned on meeting anyone special or falling in love. I’ve never been in love, and truthfully, I didn’t think my cool heart was capable of such deep emotion for a man.
But standing here beside Ryder, I realize he could be the one who changes all that. It’s a very scary thing to consider. At the same time, it might be really nice to have him by my side and not have to always face the world alone.
Arthur finds the paperwork he’s looking for and flips through it. I force myself to turn off my meandering thoughts. They’re heading fast into mushy territory and, right now, on the cusp of something as huge as the rumored lost diamond cache, I need to stay focused on the job.
Arthur hands the bundled papers to Ryder.
“I truly believe the rest of the Phantom Orchid is down there. But after several of the tunnels collapsed, I decided to board it up and pretend it was worthless. Yes, it was a ploy to keep others out, but I won’t lie and say it’s safe to explore.
In fact, it’s extremely dangerous.” He gives Ryder a stern look of warning, but his eyes soften when he says, “I guess I always hoped you and I could travel back there one day and explore it. Find the adventure and make it worth the risk.” Regret lines his face.
“I’m so sorry, Ryder.” He heaves out a sigh. “There’s so much I’ve done wrong, son.”
A wave of emotion crosses Ryder’s face, and my heart clenches.
“Oh, for God’s sake, hug it out!” I cry, and they both laugh.
Then they embrace—something they may have never done before—and my gaze blurs.
I’m not sure when I became so emotional, but seeing Ryder reconnect with his dad is melting my heart.
“What do you need to help with your expedition?” Arthur asks, a hint of excitement in his businesslike tone. “I can wire funds or provide transportation or—”
“We’re good, Dad. Thank you.” He takes my hand. “We should get going, though. My team is waiting.”
His father nods. “Alright, but if you need anything, please ask. And, Ryder?”
We pause, waiting for him to continue. His dark eyes dance—eyes exactly the same shade as Ryder’s—and he grins.
“I hope you find the rest of that diamond, son. And when you do, I’m going to make sure your success is shared by every news outlet around the world.
And then maybe I could come visit you in Denver and the three of us could have a celebratory dinner? ”
“Sounds like a plan.” We turn to leave, but Ryder pauses and glances over his shoulder. “Do you want to meet my friends?”
My heart hiccups at the expression on Ryder’s face. He looks so much like a little boy, exceedingly hopeful, and so happy to finally have the approval he’s wanted for so long.
His dad nods, eyes shining with unshed tears. “I’d like that.” He swipes at his misty eyes. “I’d like that very much.”
Arthur meets Addie, Knox, Linc and Brighton, and we decide to hang out just a little longer. What’s another hour or so after so many years? The mine isn’t going anywhere.
Wanda sends a sour look our way and then abruptly disappears.
Once she’s gone, it feels like a real party.
Knox calls Hunter and fills her in, offering to pick her up and bring her back to the party, but she tells him she already showered and is hunkered down in bed with room service and watching the newest Top Gun movie.
He sulks for a minute then starts making kissy face sounds over the phone.
Of course, everyone rolls their eyes and gives him shit.
We drink more champagne, eat more food and eventually we all wind up on the dance floor.
Even Linc lets loose and is a surprisingly good dancer for being so big and grumpy.
I’m having so much fun, and what had originally felt stuffy and unwelcoming, now turns into a night I’ll never forget. All thanks to the man who’s making my world and my heart spin faster.
A high-energy Cuarteto begins and Ryder lifts me off my feet, twirling me around in a circle.
I throw my head back and laugh, surrounded by the fast-paced rhythm of the song and his citrus amber scent.
It’s been so long since I’ve allowed myself to have fun like this, and I’m going to savor every moment.
Maybe it’s the festive atmosphere, or the idea of being one step ahead of Adam Voss and feeling safe here in Argentina, but everyone seems to be on the same page, and we agree to spend the night at the hotel and not rush off to Africa right away.
And that’s absolutely fine with me. Spending another night with Ryder? Yes, please!
By the time we return to the hotel, it’s late and I’m buzzing from more than the champagne. Anticipation fills me and I can’t wait to get my hands on my sexy man. As we take the elevator up to the seventh floor, I lean into the crook of his arm. God, you smell so good.
“Thank you,” he murmurs. Oops. Guess I said that out loud. “So do you—that sultry jasmine does things to me.”
“TMI, McKay,” Linc grumbles, and everyone chuckles.
“Le Labo Jasmin 17,” I say, even though I think I may have already told him what perfume I wear. Eh, who cares. I’m in a sharing mood, apparently.
Across from us, Brighton claps her hands. “Oooh, I love that fragrance! But I’m a loyal Chanel girl.”
Of course she is, I think with a drowsy smile, unable to imagine the exquisite French woman wearing anything but such an iconic perfume.
The moment the doors open, we all step out, and I wobble slightly in my high heels. I’m about to slip them off when Ryder scoops me up, tossing me over his shoulder like a caveman, and heads straight toward his room. “Goodnight, everyone!” he calls cheerily. “See you in the morning.”
Laughter and a wolf whistle trail behind us, and I slap a hand against his back. “You know you just announced to everyone that we’re sleeping together.”
He opens the door, strutting inside like a damn peacock. “Damn straight. You’re mine, Delaney Marquette.” He tosses me onto the bed, takes his jacket off and unbuttons his cuffs. While giving me a searing look, he rolls his sleeves up, exposing his strong forearms.
So damn sexy. I rub my thighs together, and my panties are absolutely drenched already.
With an insolent smirk, he sits in the chair, legs sprawled, and in a low, husky voice, he demands, “Now strip out of that dress and walk over to me in your pretty black heels.” He sends me a scorching look. “And nothing else.”
Liquid heat pours through my body.
Yessssir.
Ryder and I don’t get as much sleep as we should considering we have to be on the jet and enroute to Africa by eight o’clock the next morning.
But I’m not complaining. I might be absolutely knackered and sore between my legs because of all the delicious things he did to me, but I’ve never been so satisfied in my life.
He’s a consummate lover, unselfish and vigorous, and I love it.
Especially since he’s the only man to consistently blow my mind in the bedroom, delivering orgasm after orgasm.
There’s a reason for that, and I’m reluctant to think too hard about why it is. Because that would mean admitting how strong my feelings really are and how this is about more than mere release. Clenching my back molars, I sink into the plush leather plane seat and try to deny I’m falling for him.
Yeah, it’s not working. Dammit.
In fact, all I want to do is jump him right now and pick up where we left off last night.
I don’t know how he possesses the power to light me up like he does, but every time I sneak a look at his handsome profile, I grow wetter.
The slickness between my thighs is growing harder to ignore, so I excuse myself and get up.
The loo is at the rear of the plane and I’m halfway there when strong arms wrap around my waist, pulling me against a warm, firm, very hard body.
Ryder’s scent envelops me as he nuzzles his nose against my neck then licks the shell of my ear.
“Want some company?” he murmurs. His low voice, so seductive, nearly makes my knees give out.
“You want to join me in the loo?” I ask, leaning my head back against his shoulder, not really meaning to extend the invite, but he enthusiastically accepts.
“Hell yeah.”
Before I realize it, he’s pushing me inside, right on my heels, and locking the door behind us. “Ryder! Someone might’ve seen—”
“Don’t care,” he growls.
“But—”
I gasp as his hands grasp my leggings and panties, shoving them down in one quick motion. He reaches around and slides his fingers through my wet folds. Grabbing the edge of the sink to steady myself, I press my lips together, trying to hold back my cries as he sinks two fingers inside my pussy.
“Christ, you’re soaked.” He moves them in and out, and it takes all my power to stay upright. “Were you thinking about last night? Remembering how my cock filled you? Fucked you? Gave you more orgasms than you knew what to do with? You want that again?”
I slap my other hand against the mirror and our eyes lock in its reflective surface, so full of lust and desire, I swear the mirror fogs from the heat we’re emanating.
“You need me to fuck you again, Delaney?” he rasps. I hear his zipper go down and then feel the press of his thick cock from behind. I rub my ass against his erection until he groans.
“Is that what you want, Ryder?” I challenge right back. He starts playing with my clit and I bite down, trying not to give in to the sensation attempting to break me apart. Not yet, anyway. “You want to feel my pussy squeeze around your cock? Milk you hard?”
We stare at each other, waiting to see who gives in first.
“Fuck, yes,” he finally grits between clenched teeth, then slams inside me.
I try to stifle my cries as he thrusts in and out, hard and fast, so dominant, but it’s near fucking impossible to stay silent.
Huffing out a whimper with every plunge of his cock, his powerful thrusts push me against the sink.
I’m going to have bruises on my thighs, but I don’t care.
All I care about is the way he fills me, stretches me, claims me.
But I’m claiming him, too. He’s surrendering to me as much as I am to him. The last thing I want is for this to be a one-sided romance. I’m not sure I could handle the loss.
But after last night—and after this powerful exchange—I know it’s not. It’s something so much more.
I can’t stop the pulsing waves that suddenly ripple like electric currents throughout my body as I come hard. My head falls back against his strong shoulder as he stiffens, going up on his toes, his hips jerking against me, and his hot release filling me.
“Fuuuck,” he breathes. His lips brush the side of my neck and he slowly pulls out. “I didn’t hurt you, did I?”
“No,” I whisper. I grab a paper towel, wet it and clean his cum from between my thighs. Fuck is right. We just had sex without protection.
No barrier. No condom.
Those words flash through my head like a blinking neon sign. Pulling up my panties and leggings, I try not to think too hard about what that could mean. Try not to think about the potential consequences.
“We should get back out there before someone comes looking for us.” He’s staring at me in the mirror, and I can tell he’s on the verge of saying something more, but he doesn’t. Instead, he zips his pants back up, unlocks the door, and steps out.
“I need a minute,” I tell him, pulling the door shut in his face. I don’t mean to be rude, but I’m shaking, and I don’t want him to see me uncertain and… scared. For a long moment, I study my flushed cheeks. Heaving out a sigh, I pinch the bridge of my nose and squeeze my eyes shut.
Things just went from playful dalliance to danger zone.