Circle of Desire (10 page)
He didn’t say a word, his gaze said it all. Though he’d teased her for months, for some crazy reason, she was unfuckable in his eyes. A ball of hurt congealed in her stomach. Motionless, she watched as he turned his back to her and strode out of the suite.
O
livia stared at the stars as she floated in the water. The twinkling above was like white Christmas lights decorating the sky. A constant celebration of life. She wished she could fly up and touch them and escape this stupid world. She grinned at the whimsical thought so unlike her. Taking a deep breath, the heaviness in her chest lightened. All her cares disappeared as she drifted in the cool liquid. She loved the smell of chlorine and how it reminded her of the time before her foster mother had died and their days at the community pool.
At the edge of her memories, she fought back the dark ones and dunked her head in the water and quickly resurfaced. Floating at the outermost boundary she concentrated again on the sky above her.
She liked how the hotel’s larger pool was far enough from the brightest lights, letting her enjoy the sky’s natural light show. Several shooting stars burned short paths to earth. Music and people’s conversations echoed across the large expanse. She leaned further back, letting the water fill her ears for a moment, muting all sound. That wasn’t very smart considering she possibly had people hunting for her, wanting her dead. She didn’t fool herself in believing The Circle wouldn’t find out she was still alive. True, she needed to be alert at all times, but everyone needed a break from the world.
After she realized Collin didn’t want her help in searching Mason’s suite, she decided to put on the swimsuit OS had supplied her for the trip. The turquoise one piece clung to her body in ways that made it almost more indecent to wear than any of the itty-bitty two pieces she owned.
Looking down at her nipples thrusting against the clingy material as water poured out of her ears, she wondered what Collin would think of the suit? Would he like to run his hands over the silky cloth and thumb the hard nubs begging for his touch? He probably would and then get mad when she wanted more from him.
Releasing a sigh, she shook her head. His hot-cold routine was wearing thin. She had no idea what his problem was, but she did know she would have to find a way to quench her hunger. So far, self-gratification wasn’t getting it. She really wanted Collin and no one else. Anyway, if she’d been inclined to go elsewhere, none of his people were brave enough to fuck her.
A burst of laughter drew her attention to the other end of the pool. The party had spilled out onto the patio. From the corner of her eye, she caught movement near a palm tree. She swam silently to the shadows and watched a couple stroll toward a cabana a good distance from the party, mere feet from her. She heard the woman giggle as the man reassured her they were alone. Before Olivia knew it, she was front and center to the couple stripping. The man pressed the woman face first over a chair and then he mounted her. Their grunts and moans, groin slapping buttocks, had her breasts aching and her hand covering the clenching need between her thighs.
Damn, she really didn’t need this. Diving into the warm water, she remained close to the bottom until she reached the ladder on the other side. She grabbed the white towel she’d left on a nearby lounge chair and wrapped it around her. Chill bumps covered every inch of her body. Arizona temperatures at night dipped quick and low. She slung her hair over one shoulder and twisted as she walked toward the suite. Mason’s bodyguards wouldn’t look for their boss until daylight and they would be long gone by then.
She skirted around several couples, admiring one man’s muscular frame. He was as tall as Jason Kastler and had sun-kissed blond hair like his too.
“Christ,” she bit off as she stepped behind a pillar, her gaze darting around the patio, looking to see who was working with him. Surely everyone could see her heart knocking against her chest. She peeked at Jason again. Who was he decoying for?
He laughed and leaned over a brunette, his back to Olivia. Without risking a moment more, she darted into the nearest doorway. Taking long strides, she worked at looking like a person set on a certain path but not truly running. And goodness she wanted to run. Though she’d teased Jason while reporting to him, he could be deadly when provoked and he would be none too happy with her defection.
The cool air in the suite brought out more chill bumps as she stepped into the foyer and leaned against the wall. Strips of light shining through the vertical blinds broke up the floor and gave the room a closed in feeling. One step forward moved her from the cold slate floor to the carpet. Her bare feet sank into the thickness and she curled her toes.
Her attention caught the darker shadow in the chair. “I saw Jason Kastler,” she said, proud her voice stayed even and low.
Collin stood. “Where were you?” His deep voice was steady with a thread of menace twined in.
She dropped the towel. “Enjoying the pool.”
Though she couldn’t see his eyes, her body sensed them drift down to her breasts and hard nipples.
“You were taking a chance on Mason’s people seeing you.” He stopped so close she felt the heat blasting from his body.
She pressed her chest to his. “They never looked at my face and their eyes never stray from what’s cold and warming against your delicious body as I speak.” A little shimmy of her shoulders emphasized what she meant.
His big hands clasped both sides of her head, holding her still as his lips came to hers. “You keep pushing and you’ll regret what you start.” He slammed his mouth over hers, thrusting his tongue deep and she answered with her own. His earlier refusal forgotten in the heat of their kiss.
Moaning when his hot hands cupped her cool breasts, she bowed her back, hoping he wouldn’t push her away as he had so many times. His fingers bunched up the material and jerked, the top section fell to her waist. Hard hands covered her naked swollen breasts and massaged them. Between her thighs a heavy throbbing sensation warned her she was about to come. How did he arouse her merely by touching her breasts? His head dipped. Using lips and teeth he tugged at the sensitive tips, then sucked hard, pushing the nubs with his tongue against the roof of his mouth. One hand clasped her mons and pressed. That was all it took. She whimpered, trying to hold it back but unable to resist. The man’s hands were deadly and gifted.
With one hand she pushed her swimsuit to her ankles and kicked it off. She shifted one leg between his and rubbed her groin on his thigh. He inhaled and stood straight.
C
ollin struggled to regain control of the situation. Damn! The naked woman rubbed against him like a cat in heat and he liked the hell out of it—wanted to throw her on the floor and fuck her like the animal she brought out of him.
Steeling himself, he took a deep breath and shoved her shoulders to the wall, keeping his pulsating cock away from her.
“I’ve been waiting for you. Don’t leave like that again. It’ll be daylight in less than an hour. His guards will be looking for him not long after sunrise. If we don’t move now, we’ll be fighting our way out,” he warned. Remembering what she’d told him, he added, “Jason Kastler and The Circle are the last of my worries.”
She leaned toward him. “Then a quickie it is.”
He jerked away from her touch. “Enough. Get your clothes on.” Instead of protesting as he expected, she shrugged and sauntered into one of the bedrooms.
Bending over, hands on knees, he sucked in the cool air. He needed his cock to soften enough to walk without hurting. The woman was remarkable. She possessed more guts than ten men and she turned him on faster than a light switch. His plan to keep her interested in him to control her was backfiring. He chuckled. He had a hell of a time keeping his mind on business whenever she drew near.
Standing straight, his body eased enough for him to move, he pulled out his cell and keyed in a number. As soon as the person answered, he demanded, “What in the hell are you doing here?”
“Hey, man, I’ve got to go where my master sends me,” Jason said in his good-old-boy voice. The line was quiet for a few seconds and then he added, “Meet me in the seventh cabana near the Canyon pool. I’ve got some news for you.”
Collin pressed a key to cut the connection. He glanced toward the bathroom. The sound of water hitting tile tipped him off that he had fifteen minutes tops.
Less than five minutes later he stood in the shadows of one of the many bright yellow and orange tents lining the edge of the pool. The sharp smell of chlorine tickled his nose. One second he was alone and the next a dark shape walked up.
“How’s it going, old friend?” Jason held his hand out.
Collin shook his hand briefly. “As well as can be expected.” He eyed the tall man. “How are you feeling?”
“Another day closer to death.” Jason looked away for a second.
Nodding, Collin understood he’d rather not talk about the cancer eating at his body. “I need to get back. What do you have for me?” The tall man standing in front of him had been a mole for the OS from the beginning of the split. For Jason to want to meet face to face, it had to be something important.
“The news at The Circle is that Olivia isn’t dead.” Jason crossed his arms and pursed his lips as he looked down at the cement beneath his feet.
“What details do they know?” Collin watched the door to the hotel, hoping not to see Olivia or any early risers exit. The place was nearly deserted with parties over and everyone passed out in their beds.
“Someone said her favorite orphanage had a healthy influx of funds. They had already suspected the OS had something to do with her disappearance.” Olivia’s ex-handler stuck his hands into his front pockets.
Normally such a move would make Collin nervous, but he trusted Jason with his life. They’d grown up together and always had a connection like brothers.
“Fuck. Does everyone know about the orphanage?” Collin asked. He shook his head. Olivia would be horrified if she knew her secret hadn’t been much of one.
“No. Just me and Theo. Theo is a little paranoid about his women and especially one as deadly as Olivia.” Jason checked the clock on his cell phone. “For now, he’s searching for Joe Murphy. Did you know there’s at least ten thousand Joe Murphys in the U.S. alone?” Not expecting an answer, he added, “I’ve got to go. Be aware, someone in your organization is giving out tidbits of information. I haven’t had any luck finding the person’s name. The info is being channeled directly to the top. It’s only a matter of time before Theo believes his informant and then who knows what he’ll do? If it had been anyone else, he’d send out a contract for a hit, but in this case it will be more personal and he’ll want her to have a slow and lingering death. That’s the kind of man he is.”
“Yeah. I know.” Damn, he really thought they would have more time. “Take care of yourself.”
“You watch your back. And remember your promise. When it’s time, you’ll do it quick. Maybe you can use it to your advantage.” The operative stared hard at his old friend.
Collin nodded his confirmation without saying another word. Then Jason slipped out and headed around to the front of the hotel, jumping over a short fence along the way.
Collin waited a moment longer and then entered the hotel through the entrance near the pool. He needed a few minutes to come to terms with his friend’s imminent death from such a cruel disease. As soon as he walked into the suite, he knew something was wrong. The whirl of an electronic device starting up filled the room and a small green light bounced off the wall and then disappeared. He guessed it was now dancing on his back.
“Olivia, what the hell do you think you’re doing?” He raised his hands and slowly turned around.
Feet spread apart, dressed in black with a sporty red trim jacket, she held the sniper rifle they’d recently returned to her and forwarded to the hotel in several containers. He’d been impressed by its microcomputer, perfect for shooting in any kind of weather. Presently she had one eye to the night sight. Damn, the woman was stronger than he gave her credit for as she was holding, elbows out, an eighteen-pound rifle and it barely moved. “You do know from this close of a range my torso would disintegrate into a hundred thousand tiny pieces, spreading blood and me everywhere in the room.”
“Like I care,” she spit with menace. Her hand trembled and the barrel wobbled.
“Can we talk about whatever has set you off?” He hadn’t expected her to become so angry about his turning her down.
She shifted the rifle against her cheek, probably easing up a tight muscle. “I thought this job was too easy. What was the real reason I’m here? Have you worked out some type of trade with Jason?”
Damn! He didn’t need this now. The sun was peeking around Camelback Mountain. They needed to get out of there.
“No. You’ll have to trust me.” He was a crazy fucker because all he could think about was how damn good she looked holding that rifle.
“Oh, that makes a world of difference. Not!” She made another adjustment of the pad next to her cheek. “You get me all hot and bothered and then ignore me. You never finish what you start and I can’t—” As she crumbled to the ground, Rex caught the rifle.
“Motherfucker! What were you thinking? You’re going to fuck around until she kills you? Bloody hell! There wouldn’t be anything left for me to pick up.” Rex started breaking down the rifle, slapping each part into the shaking hands of one of his men.
Collin knelt next to Olivia, pressing two fingers to the artery in her neck. His heartbeat matched hers as it continued to speed up.
“What did you shoot her with?” Collin asked as he smoothed her hair out of her face.
“The same as you did before. Twilight.” Rex sneered.
“Damn, she’s going to be pissed again. We can’t keep knocking her out.” Collin scooped her into his arms. “Let’s go. Thank goodness we’ve got a private plane back.”
“I’m all for dumping her out over Texas.” Rex followed, leaving the cleanup for his crew.
“Now what has Texas ever done to you?”
Rex’s laughter bounced off the high ceiling and turned the head of the clerk behind the desk as they walked through the lobby.
Shifting her weight one more time in his arms, Collin nonchalantly headed toward the waiting limo. No one stopped or questioned him about carrying an unconscious woman. Handing out a few grand to a couple of employees helped. Anyway, what was one more passed-out partyer to the hotel?