Cinderella Undercover (3 page)
“You have no idea.” His hand molded to her hip. “But not here. Not now.” He spoke close to her lips. All he had to do was close the space between them. Their lips would touch, but that would compromise an already-delicate situation.
Eventually, any new connection between them would complicate their precarious situation. Whatever they once had, and as bitter as the notion was, this was a connection they shouldn’t have again. He wasn’t good for her, and she was too good for him.
Tell that to his cock.
Memories of her throaty laugh when she reached orgasm came rushing through his mind with the force of a tidal wave. He’d thought incessantly of her since the night he’d left her bed…her life. Yet here she was and he felt the same carnal desires jack hammering through his body.
He hesitated less than a minute. “Fuck.” He had to kiss her. “I can’t believe you’re here. God, but I wish you weren’t.” His mouth descended, hot, demanding, thoroughly kissing her. He pinned her to the wall, crushing her soft curves to his hard lines.
“Liar.” She moaned, melted against him as her arms circled his shoulders, gripping him. He wasn’t sure if she pushed him to get away, or clawed at him to move closer. He only knew he couldn’t stop the onslaught of need and desire. Applying pressure, he urged her mouth open, slipped his tongue past her teeth and exerted mild suction. Fuck. She tasted better than he remembered. Warm and soft lips pressed more firmly against his. Not light, tentative, or cautious. Deepening the heated kiss, he coaxed her tongue to dance with his.
He wanted more. He wanted her. But they were being watched. He already risked revealing their familiarity in their whispered words. Therefore, he wrenched his mouth from hers. His chest heaved as he regained his control. Yeah, right. With Victoria, he never felt in control.
While touching her lips with her fingertips, she slipped out from between him and the wall. Jaron made a fist then spun toward the door. “I will be seeing you later.”
A lot more if she was determined to play out her role. And if Jaron knew anything about the tenacious Victoria Rosso, it was that she always finished a job.
Chapter Two
Tory dressed to tease and tempt the senses. An enticing amount of thigh peeked from the slit in the simple black dress. The neckline plunged, the back was bare, and the waist tapered to accent the curve of her hips. The light, airy fabric swished around her thighs. Ample cleavage revealed an abundance of milky smooth flesh. She’d powdered, spritzed, and then slipped on killer high heels. Her final touch was a teardrop diamond necklace and matching earrings.
After Jaron had left, she’d wanted to explore the mansion, but when she’d opened the door, there had been an armed guard in the hall. Hopefully tonight she’d be able to slip away without being missed. Until she knew how many guests were attending the dinner, and until she had a read on Jaron’s agenda, she would have to bide her time. Admittedly, she’d have more confidence in the mission if she had Jaron’s support.
A rap on the door made her jump. After checking her reflection a final time in the full mirror, she crossed the room and opened the door.
Speak of the devil. He looked like sin personified. Surely she’d burn for the flash of desire blazing through her. Jaron looked like an ad in
GQ
magazine. He wore a black tuxedo, was clean-shaven, and smelled of cloves and spice. Her breath caught, and her pussy clenched. Damn him. After six months, he had no business turning her on. He had a job to do and so did she. Once they’d successfully completed the assignment, she could ask him what in the hell happened between them that would make him run off in the night like a snake. Not that she needed to know. Not that she cared. Their affair was over.
So why did her heart hurt?
“You look amazing. You’ll be a distraction to everyone around you.”
“Will I distract you?” She titled her head, glancing at the small smile on his lips. “Maybe I could slip away, and we can meet. We could get to know each other better.”
“We know each other well enough.” He stepped into the room and closed the door. “Mr. Evenson has arrangements for his special guests tonight. You’ll want to stay at the party and enjoy the festivities.”
“But I don’t like crowds. I prefer one-on-one.”
“I’ll come for you later.”
“Mmm. That sounds like an offer. But will I be
coming
for you?”
“That all depends on if you do what you’re told. Wait for me.”
“We’ll have to see.” She turned away from him and walked to the mirror. Their eyes met in the reflection. “I might not be around later.”
His smile tightened, and he developed a tick in his jaw. “I insist you stay at the party.”
She fluffed her hair and strode toward the door. “Well, since I’m a guest of Mr. Evenson and make my own decisions, I’ll do whatever I please.”
He stretched out his arm stopping her progress. “Tory,” he whispered. “I—”
“I’ll make you a deal.” Not that she wanted to make a deal with the devil, but she could foresee complications. One of them had to bend and compromise and that had never been one of Jaron’s strengths. “Tell me where I can find you.”
“Stay away from Maxwell. He plays rough.”
“Jaron.” She nearly barked the word, and then she softened her tone. “So do you.” She knew she pushed him and didn’t care.
“I’m flattered.”
“You’re failing to realize that I’m here for you.”
“Damn it.” A vision of strength, with the quick movements of a panther, Jaron pushed her against the wall and tasted the skin of her neck. He lifted her dress and cupped her mound. Now he’d know how wet he made her. Yanking down the slip of silk thong, he curled his middle finger into her drenched folds.
“Jaron,” she said on a moan.
“That’s it, baby, moan for me.” Whispering against her ear, he spoke fast. “Someone will always be watching.”
Listening to him relate the assignment was difficult with him pumping his fingers into her quivering channel. “There were problems with the initial programming.”
Oh god, he was going to make her come. Lifting her leg, she wrapped her foot around his calf and arched her pelvis into his hand.
“I’ve made adjustments.” With his touch, she was liquid for him Cream trickled onto her thigh. “But I need to access the primary server.”
Tension built higher and hotter, reaching for release. Without warning, her body jerked and she cried out as she rushed into a scorching, red-hot orgasm.
Spasms rocked her core. Waves of sensations convulsed around his fingers.
“I’ve created a backdoor into his Intranet.”
What was he saying? Jaron Quinn had single-minded determination. Her mind was slowly becoming mush. Bending his knees, he finger fucked her harder. A second finger slid into her slick heat. Breath ripped from her lungs with the erotic ecstasy of having his hands on her and inside her. Beats of her heart hammered in her chest. He had her trembling, coming in his hands, and he still managed to focus on the mission. “But I haven’t had the opportunity to execute the files until tonight.”
She sucked in deep breaths and willed her racing pulse to slow. Part of her hated that he had such command over her and the other side of her found him a powerful aphrodisiac. He excited her like no one else.
“So now you know what I want from you,” he said loud enough for anyone listening. Then he licked her cream from his hand.
Struggling to catch her breath, she couldn’t tear her gaze away as his tongue traced the length of his long, thick finger. Then he opened his mouth, sucked one finger, then the other.
Finally, she found her voice. “I’ve got you covered.”
In other words, she’d need to keep track of everyone in the room. Maxwell Evenson, security, guests, and the escorts would all be her responsibility. She’d be the eyes and ears at the party while Jaron penetrated the inner workings of Evenson Enterprises.
“Then you’re ready?”
As ready as she could be on shaky legs. “Yes.” She adjusted her panties and dress. After she grabbed her small clutch purse from the bed, she took his arm. Jaron opened the door and escorted her down the hall.
Laughing chatter drifted from the foyer. Tory held Jaron’s elbow as they descended the grand staircase. Above them, the crystal chandelier sparkled, and from the great room to the left, the hum of voices mellowed with the accompaniment of a small chamber orchestra.
“Are you ready?” Jaron asked, pausing at the threshold and surveying the room. Catering tables stretched along the left wall and white linen covered several round tables with seating for twelve. Uniformed servers circled the room with crystal flutes of champagne.
Elegantly dressed women—escorts—engaged distinguished gentlemen in conversations. During her briefing, she’d learned she wouldn’t be the only escort arriving for the special dinner. Seems Mr. Evenson regularly provided high priced entertainment for his elite parties.
Tory had only hours to study the dossier of Mr. Evenson’s associates. Tonight the men in attendance weren’t common street thugs, but high-level government officials—senators and congressional representatives. It was even rumored she would entertain executive level CIA.
“You look gorgeous. Go mingle.”
“The deal.” Where would he be?
He put his hand on her lower back. “Third floor. West wing.”
They crossed the room. Tory’s knees trembled as they approached a tall thin man. Surrounded by beautiful women and powerful men, she recognized—and was about to meet—the revered Maxwell Evenson. He was rich, powerful, and suspected of building his empire by manipulating Wall Street, engaging in backdoor dealings that circumvented U.S. laws. Those connections eventually allowed him to funnel resources to Middle East sympathizers.
ES skirted the spirit of the law without breaking it to gain information. Once allegations were confirmed, the government would take over the investigation. As long as entities such as Evenson Enterprises threatened American freedoms, Echelon Shield would continue to place operatives in dangerous situations.
Tory had never felt a flash of adrenaline as acutely as standing next to Maxwell Evenson. He dined with presidents, yet operated beyond the pale.
“Mr. Evenson,” Jaron said. “The lovely Miss Tory.”
“Thank you for having me.” She extended her hand.
“The pleasure is mine.” There was no mistaking the gleam in his eye. “I assure you.” He lifted her fingers to his lips. “Champagne?” He spoke the word, and a server was immediately at his side. He handed her a flute of sparkling amber liquid.
She sipped, but didn’t intend to dull her instincts with alcohol. Shifting her gaze around the room, she realized Jaron had already made his departure. Perhaps he assumed he’d have less chance of interruption if he acted swiftly. He could be back before the guests sat down to dinner. It’s what she would have done.
“You have a beautiful home. I’d love a personal tour.” If she could isolate Maxwell, she could ensure Jaron had the time to complete the mission.
A deep baritone chuckle grated against her flesh. “I’m afraid not.” Obviously she had misread the twinkle in his eyes since he slipped his arm around a striking redhead on his left. “Rick will show you around.” She spotted Rick as he made his way across the room. Jaron hadn’t underestimated the surveillance. Seems his associates were well tuned to his needs. Maxwell gave a slight nod, and a hint of a smile bowed his lips.
Damn it. With each passing moment, she felt more uncomfortable. Yet, she was unable to say exactly why. There was always a level of anxiety on a mission. All the same, she wanted Jaron to finish his work so they could get the hell out.
Tory spun toward the orchestra. People milled about, and some danced. Everyone appeared to be engrossed in the decadence of the party. This was the opportunity, before everyone sat down to eat and noticed empty place settings. She had to make a move.