Bodyguard Pursuit (3 page)

The sat phone trilled and she grabbed it off the bedside table. “That better be you, Ben Hammers.”

“I’m coming. About to board now.” He bounded from the wharf into the rear of the ship, his cap sailing free and smacking into Brigs’s chest as he jogged up the gangplank behind him. “Neither Brigs or I have been able to get through to you since we left Auckland. The satellite was down. Which floor are you on?”

“Ground floor, first door on your left when you hit the passage—”

Her door banged open and Ben strode in. He hung up, tossed his cell phone on the dresser and shut the door behind him. He was finally here. His windblown blond hair brushed his shoulders, the longer length always making her yearn to run her fingers through it. “I’m sorry I couldn’t call. You haven’t been too worried, have you?”

“I’d like to say no.” She just wanted to haul him to her and hug him, not that he’d ever allow such a touch. Sleep deprived, she wobbled as she set the phone down.

“You knew I’d be here at dawn.” He shoved a hand through his hair, tossing those gorgeous locks around.

“That didn’t stop me from worrying.”

“Did you sleep at all?” He dropped his bag on the white leather couch along the wall, edged around the bed then brushed in behind her. “I don’t like those dark circles under your eyes. Lean back against me.”

“Are you sure? That would require us touching.”

“That’s an order, Miss Sands. Lean back.”

“Thank you.” She slowly relaxed against him. His solid presence, an instant balm to her senses, soothed her as nothing else could. She tipped her head back until it rested on his shoulder, and every tortuous second of the past few days she’d been without him slowly dissolved.

“Is that better?” He stroked her hip and she jumped at the touch then quickly jammed her hand over his.

“Yes, although I really must look like a mess for you to allow this kind of touch.”

“I’m not your bodyguard anymore, and those strict rules are gone. A little touch is allowed. Now, get into bed. You clearly need some sleep.”

“But you just got here.” She didn’t care to move, not when she’d lose this precious moment. She twined her fingers through his, and more of his warmth settled over her.

“I’ll stay for a bit.” He leaned forward, bending her at the waist as he lifted her tangled sheet. “Please. I don’t like seeing you this exhausted. You’re supposed to be on vacation.” Soft words, a whisper in her ear.

“That’s what Lydia said.” She crawled in and patted the space beside her. “Hop in. There’s loads of room for two.”

He pursed his lips then nodded. “I guess one more night in your bed won’t hurt.” He shut the pale blue blinds, toed off his black boots and tucked them beside the built-in caramel-painted drawers. As he unbuckled his belt, his gaze moved around the room. “That’s a nice fish tank. I wouldn’t have thought to bring the marine life inside.”

“Tyler’s mother decorated this yacht before she passed. I love it.” The cylinder tank, standing floor to ceiling in the corner, held an envious number of exotic fish. They darted in and around the pretty, underwater stone castle, rocks, and swishing reeds. Oxygen bubbles floated to the surface and popped along the top.

“Mrs. Whitehall was an amazing woman. So was Gabriella.” He slid open his black shirt’s top two opal buttons, hauled the snug cotton over his head and draped the shirt on top of the dresser.

His broad shoulders and heavily muscled chest had her mouth watering and fingertips tingling. She wanted to trace each ridged ab and defined pec and not stop.

“I’ve forgotten how hot the tropics are, and the day’s barely begun.” He slumped onto the bed in his black jeans.

“Take your pants off then.” Yeah, a needy request, but she didn’t care. “I promise not to pounce if I see more skin than usual.”

“I wouldn’t let you pounce anyway.” A twinkle lit his beautiful sky-blue eyes.

“And I’m curious to learn if you wear boxers or briefs.” She rolled onto her side, wrinkling her buttery colored sleep-shorts higher. With one elbow wedged up, she propped her head into her upturned palm. “Indulge me, Hammers.”

“Indulging would be dangerous. But it is hot.”

“Take them off. I know you could easily hold off little-old-me.”

“Sure, but close your eyes.”

“Not a chance.”

He chuckled, released the button on his jeans and slid his zipper down.

She held her breath.

He shoved the denim down his powerful thighs and kicked his jeans away. Smooth black silk boxers, sitting incredibly low on his hips, gave a tease of blond hair narrowing down his rigid belly and disappearing within. Her breath whooshed out and he eyed her. “Are you all right?”

“Yes, all we need now are some cards and I’ll be set for an actual game of strip poker. I’m certain you’d lose.”

“Or maybe you would.” He fixed the thin strap of her singlet top that had slid off her shoulder. “What are you thinking right now?”

“I’m wondering how quickly you could disarm me if I attempted to make a move.”

“Less than a second.” He draped the bed sheet over his lower body, and she lost half her glorious sight. “Which means you’re not permitted to. I don’t want to hurt you, and I am trained to immobilize any threat.”

“And you consider me a threat?”

“Of the greatest sort. I don’t do relationships, Saria. I’ve told you that before.”

Yes, he’d told her that the night he’d started sleeping in her bed. He’d made his position more than clear, that their new arrangement was necessary because of what her therapist had said. “I’ve never asked for a relationship, and being stuck in The Program made that impossible. Some fun though would be nice.” Slowly, she stretched her fingers and hovered her hand over his chest. She waited for him to halt her, but the seconds ticked by. “You’re not stopping me.”

“You haven’t done anything yet.”

“I said I’m after some fun.” She pressed down and with lightning speed, he trapped her fingers against his warm skin. His heart beat soundly under her palm.

“Fun isn’t permitted between us.” He rolled toward her, his brows slashing down. “Clients have the potential to form an attachment to their bodyguard, and at times bodyguards can become as dependent, needing to keep an overly watchful eye and all.”

“I might be dependent on you, but I like it.”

“We’ll muddle through and find a way to break our codependency.”

“Muddling is good, breaking is not.” She leaned in, rubbed her nose against his. “You should know I’ve fantasized about kissing you.”

“Breaking our bonds means no kissing.”

“I’ve also fantasized about you kissing me.”

“You’re not being very helpful, Saria. You promised not to pounce, which you are.”

“And you said you wouldn’t let me. I also noticed your last answer wasn’t a direct no.”

“Taking my pants off gave you the wrong idea.” He pressed forward with his body and steered her back onto her side before rolling back to his. “I want you to sleep. You need the rest and so do I. Tomorrow I’ll get my own room and we’ll begin on inserting some space. A little at a time so our codependency has a chance of retracting.”

“Sleep and retracting are technical terms that just went right over my head. Sorry, but you’re out of luck.” She wriggled one leg over his. “I want to feel your mouth on mine, to see how deep this connection between us goes.”

“There’s no connection.” He stroked her upper leg. Sure there wasn’t.

“Kiss me, or else I’ll kiss you.”

“Did you just dare me?”

“I did. What are you going to do about it, Hammers?”

“Show you I’m right.” He kissed her then jerked away. “See.”

“I saw nothing.” She touched her lips to his, whisper soft. “I haven’t told you this before, but I have two fears, losing you and Lydia. I trust you, like I trust no other. Having some fun won’t hurt. I’m not asking for a relationship.”

“I have issues.”

Which had to be about his family. He never spoke of them, but she’d once probed Brigs who’d been with Ben since their army days, and he’d told her Ben had grown up moving from one foster home to another.

“There are bad genes in my stock, and I have no intention of spreading any of it.” He dipped his head to her neck and nuzzled her ear. “I missed your scent, like vanilla and strawberries. Maybe you can loan me one of your candles.”

“Wouldn’t you rather have a loan of me?”

“Nope, bad genes, remember?”

“I’m protected, not that you have bad genes.”

He pulled back and looked into her eyes. “I’m inexperienced, Saria. I never intended to have sex, ever.”

“What? You’re thirty-two.” He must be kidding.

“Which goes to prove how very insistent I’ve been.”

“I’m a virgin too.” The words popped out. “I mean, running from a killer and completing my nursing degree put a squash on finding a guy.” She swirled a finger over his chest. “I have a proposition for you, one you need to listen to.” One she intended to get a yes for.

“I don’t do propositions either.” Ben could’ve kicked himself for allowing himself to touch Saria. What the hell had he been thinking to give in and kiss her, even that peck?

“At least hear me—”

“Saria. You in there?” Lydia’s voice rang out from the other side of the door.

He couldn’t have been more grateful for the interruption.

“I’m here.”

“Brigs said Ben was with you. You okay?”

“He is.” She tapped his nose. “Don’t look so relieved. I’ll be back to speak of that proposition the moment I get rid of my sister.” Saria crawled over his feet then scrambled to the door and opened it. With one sexy hip resting against the doorjamb and a peek of creamy skin showing between her sleep top and waistband, she smiled at her sister. “Hey, Ben’s sleeping in here for the night, I mean day. I didn’t manage to get any sleep last night, and he didn’t get much either.”

“I’m sorry. You should have said.” Lydia squeezed her sister’s shoulder. “You look a bit flushed.”

Those long luscious legs of hers were barely covered with fabric. Those cotton shorts were far too short.

“Ben and I were having a heated discussion.”

One Ben had no intention of Lydia hearing the finer details about. Propped on his elbows, he strove to change the subject. “Congrats on the upcoming wedding, Lydia.”

“Thanks. Tyler and I are actually catching the chopper out to the mainland so we can organize our marriage license. We have to head to the courthouse, and he doesn’t want to wait.”

“How long will you be gone?” Saria grasped Lydia’s hand.

“Half a day, maybe more if we take in some sightseeing.” Lydia eyed him. “Can you watch Saria for me since I’m leaving?”

“Of course. You don’t even need to ask. Where’s Brigs?”

“He’s in the cabin at the end of the passageway, last door on your right. No one’s allowed to disturb him though. His orders since he wanted to catch up on some lost sleep too.” Lydia arched a brow at her sister. “You’re not allowed to worry too much, and I’ll call you the second we reach Nadi.”

“Make sure you do.” Saria dragged her into a tight hug. “Travel safely.”

“We will.” Lydia rubbed Saria’s back, then waved at him.

Saria shut the door with a gentle click, leaned her forehead against the thick wood and sniffed. Her shoulders shook.

“No crying.” He jumped up, scooped her into his arms and carried her back. “Lydia will be fine. It’s a short flight. No big deal.”

“I’m sorry. She and I have been back together for such a short time.” Tears coursed down her cheeks. “I can’t stand this stupid weakness.”

“Your phobia isn’t a weakness. It’s a pain in the ass, but you’ll get through it.” He tucked her under the sheet and curled around her. “You’re one of the strongest people I know.”

“You always say that, but I don’t feel it.” She stared at him, the lost brown depths of her eyes dragging him in. “I’m going to take this opportunity while you’re here though to beat this fear into submission. With both you and Lydia close, there’s no reason why I can’t.”

“Good, then to do so, you need some rest. I’ll run you through the drill.” The therapist had recommended he ask various questions to sidetrack her mind when her fears were at their worst. They usually worked a treat.

“One second.” She nabbed the sat phone from the bedside table and clutched it against her chest. Chopper blades whirred overhead, and Saria tipped her ear toward the sound as the craft that had brought him in returned out over the ocean with her sister.

Holding her close, he played with her hair, winding long strands around his finger. She had the most glorious locks, so long they touched her tiny waist. “Breathe slowly in and slowly out. Then tell me all about your favorite place.”

“That’s being anywhere with you and Lydia.” She nestled her cheek against his chest, her breath pulsing in a heated rhythm across his skin. His tension eased. “For a few minutes, I had that. Now she’s gone.”

“She’s coming back, and if you don’t have her, you’ll always have me. No matter what distance separates us, if you need me, I’m here.”

“I love how you’re holding me. I used to dream about how it would feel. The reality is so much better.” She slid her hand around his waist, stroked his hip. “And I’m supposed to be propositioning you, not blubbering like a baby.”

“Propositioning is bad. Blubbering is good.”

“That’s not what you said a second ago. Propositioning will take my mind off my sister.” She tiptoed her fingers closer to his cock.

“So will sleep.” His balls tightened and his shaft hardened and jabbed her wrist. “Ignore that.” He should be able to control his own body.

“I can’t.” She looked deep into his eyes as she caressed his length. “You feel so good.”

“You’re pouncing again.” His good intentions were about to fly right out the window. “I don’t have any condoms, Saria, and I’m not taking your virginity, or losing mine.”

“I’m protected. During my last medical, I got the hormonal injection.”

“I’ve already explained my position.”

“I want you to touch me.”

“No.” He shook his head, even as his hand betrayed him. He traced her full lower lip, desperate to kiss her properly.