DarkestSin (9 page)

“Fuck you, hotshot,” Roc spat.

“Not even if you grew tits, lover boy.”

“Knock it off, you two,” Colonel sighed. “Gage? Brutus? What
are y’all’s thoughts on this?”

Brody eyed Gage, hoping he wouldn’t spill that they’d been
doing their own little research into this mess.

Gage’s eyes cut to Brody in silent understanding before
speaking to the group. “There’s nothing to say.” He shrugged. “Until we hear
otherwise, we keep doing what we’re doing. If Brutus needs help, he’ll let us
know.”

It was an unspoken acknowledgment that Brody had already
exercised his right to seek help, and he was relieved his coworker had kept his
mouth shut about it. Gage was still new around here, but if he pulled through
on this assignment, he just might earn his keep for good in Brody’s eyes.

But now Colonel was waiting for him to put his two cents in.
Xan definitely needed the protection, but after having sex with her, he needed
to revitalize his efforts to alter Colonel’s plan. Brody couldn’t afford to
protect her from the inside because he knew he wouldn’t be able to resist her
for long. He couldn’t afford to be longing for more. No, he needed to stay in
the shadows.

But he couldn’t discuss that in front of everyone.

He crossed his arms and leaned back in his chair. “I agree
with Gage. It doesn’t matter what we think she should do. As long as we’ve been
hired to watch, we keep doing that.”

Colonel stood, nodding. “Good. Then I’ll keep everyone
posted on any changes.”

The guys stood up to leave, but Brody held back, waiting for
the room to clear. His muscles tensed and his head pounded. He didn’t want to
have another confrontation with his boss, but as hardheaded as Colonel was, it
was the only outcome.

“I want your permission to stay in the shadows on this.”

“Damn it, Brutus! What in God’s name is your fucking
problem?”

He took a deep breath and tried relaxing. If he punched his
boss, it wouldn’t do any good. “I feel I’m more effective working that way. The
goal here is her protection, and I want to make sure I do my job right.”

“And you think you can’t do that being her friend? Or do you
just want to fuck her so bad you’re worried I wouldn’t approve? If that’s the
case, don’t worry. Fuck her ears off. Just stay on her ass when you’re not
staying in her bed.”

He was seeing red. The urge to grab his boss by the throat
and throw him against the wall almost consumed him to the point of immediate
action. “That is irrelevant,” he finally gritted out.

Colonel stepped closer, stabbing his finger in Brody’s chest.
“That little bitch has you by the balls. I can see it. Don’t fucking play me,
Brutus. Use it to your advantage. Now that Collins is on parole, she’s a flight
risk. If she had somebody close to her, she might either confide in her desire
to leave or decide to stay because she trusts that person enough to watch out
for her. If you’re not willing to fucking do it, then fine,” he yelled,
throwing his arms up. “I’ll get Blade to do it. I’m sure he’d
love
to
stick to her through any means necessary. Fucking her would be a bonus for him.”

Brody’s control was hanging on by a thin thread. He stepped
up to Colonel, nose to nose. “You will
not
put anyone else on her.”

Colonel smiled mockingly. “I figured you’d see it my way.
Bring this shit up again, and you’re out. You got that?”

Brody gritted his teeth so hard he’d be surprised if he had
any molars left after today. “Got it.”

Colonel took a step back, his shoulders relaxing before
taking a deep breath. “I do have a little bit of news regarding your previous
connection to Xan Bradley.” Brody’s eyes widened, body tensing all over again,
but for a very different reason. “Turns out you were one of Marco Collins’
hired guns. I’d hoped to be able to tell you more, but I still have people
working on it.”

It wasn’t great news, but if he was honest with himself,
this wasn’t a surprise. Colonel had already discovered he’d been a killer, and
Collins was as ruthless as they’d come. “You think that’s why I know her? If I
was a member of his gang, she should recognize me.”

He shook his head. “No, you were an independent contractor.
I know it’s not a lot, but it’s a start. Don’t worry. You’ll get your answers.
I’ll see to it.”

“Thanks, man.” Brody nodded before stepping back out into
the bay to continue working on her car.

He had to figure out a way to become her friend without
getting attached to her and keeping her from ever discovering who he was. And
after the way he’d been treating her, he had no idea how he was going to
accomplish that. Besides, even if they’d never officially met in their other
lives, he still didn’t want her to know the truth about him.

This had disaster written all over it.

This had disaster written all over it, Xan thought as she
stood in front of the video games at Walmart. Scott’s first football game was
tomorrow night, and she wanted to surprise him with that damn game he’d asked
her for, so she’d rushed here right after work. She’d told him the news about
his sperm donor the night Jack had called, and he’d taken it really well. He’d
even helped talk her off the proverbial ledge when she was ready to flee to
some tiny island country. Her boy was turning into a responsible young man, and
he deserved a surprise for the effort he’d always exerted.

She just couldn’t quite remember the name of that dang game,
and she had to elbow her way around kids playing the latest systems on display.
Where were these kids’ parents anyway? She was about ready to break a wrestling
move and start checking them out of her way.

“Can I help you ma’am?” a young employee asked her.

“Er, yeah. I’m looking for a game for my son, but I don’t
remember the name of it.”

“Hmmm. Okay, let’s see.” He pointed toward the display. “We
have a new SpongeBob game that just came out.”

She suppressed a laugh, but she did smile. “He’s grown out
of that.” Thank you, Jesus. “I think it was Blood War something.”

“
Bloodbath Four
? Great game. It’s right over here.”
He started to open the case, but the name didn’t sound right.

“No, no. I think he has that one. Or his friend does.”

“Well, if his friend has it, he may want it too, so he can
play online. If he already has the game, he can return it for another as long
as he doesn’t open the case.”

Shit. She didn’t want to get him the wrong game. “What other
games are popular right now? You know, at that level?”

“
Zombie Alive
came out a few weeks ago, but we’re
sold out right now.”

That wasn’t right, either. She thought for a few seconds,
trying to remember her conversation with Scott, gasping as it finally came to
her. “
Battle Warzone.
That’s it.” She sighed, smiling, tickled she
actually remembered it.

“
Battle War
fare. Yeah, we got it.”

Hallelujah, same difference. “I’ll take it.”

She paid for the ridiculously priced game and headed out to
the car, humming to herself, lost in her immediate joy. She had to take
pleasure in these small things because she’d learned the hard way that life was
too short not to. She’d had another child who she didn’t get to spoil—Tess’
life was over before it started. But Xan knew Scott would be thrilled with this
game, and that put a smile on her face. It was much needed after the news of
Marco’s release, and she needed to try to not let that get her down. Oh, she’d
be more careful, but she wouldn’t let him ruin the rest of her life if she had
any say in the matter.

As she crossed the parking lot heading to the rental she was
still driving, a late-model Mustang roared, coming straight for her. She froze
for a brief second and tried to process why it was heading her way. Oh shit!
She screamed as she tried jumping out of its path.

Only she wasn’t alone.

As soon as she jumped, strong arms caged her and sheltered
her as she was tossed out of the way.

And then he was up and running after the car.

As she stood, she stared in shock at her savior while he
chased the vehicle squealing out of the lot and flying down the road. Brody
pulled out his cell phone and was mumbling into it as he jogged back over to
her, ending the call and pocketing the phone before he reached her.

“You okay, baby?” he asked so softly that she barely heard him
over the blood roaring in her ears, but as he asked he was running his hands
down her arms, body, looking for any sign of injury.

She was trembling from fear, but her body was too aware of
the hands caressing her to ignore that wonderful sensation.

“I-I think so. Where did you come from?”

He sighed, resting his forehead against hers, squeezing her
shoulders. “C’mon. Let me get you home.”

She pulled slowly away from him, remembering his hateful
words after they’d had sex. She wasn’t going anywhere with him. But he
tightened his hold, refusing to let go.

“I can get myself home.”

His eyes narrowed, head lowering. “Don’t fight me on this,
Xan. You could’ve been killed.”

He didn’t let her answer. He dragged her toward his truck as
if he were some modern-day Neanderthal, grunting at her when she tried to
protest. He opened the door, lifted her in effortlessly, buckled her up and
stalked to the other side before getting in and driving off.

They were in Conway, so they had at least fifteen minutes
until they made it to her house. She figured she’d ask Roxie to drive her back
up here to get the car. In the meantime, she folded her arms and flattened her
lips. She could sit in silence for another fourteen minutes and fifteen
seconds.

Two more minutes passed and her shoulders sagged as she stared
out the window. She didn’t know what to think about this man. He wanted to
avoid her, but he wanted to help her. He wanted to avoid her, but he wanted to
fuck her. He wanted to avoid her but he…ugh, it was no use. She glanced at the
clock. Was the damn thing even moving?

He fiddled with the radio, turning it on and lowering the
music a little. She had to admit she was a little surprised at the music
selection, so much so that she broke her silence.

“Not country? I’m shocked.” She widened her eyes mockingly.
“That must be sacrilege ’round these here parts,” she drawled, butchering a Southern
accent.

He chuckled. “Nothing wrong with country music. I just
prefer rock.” He shrugged.

She did too. In fact, she loved rock music, but she didn’t
recognize the band. “Who is this?”

“Mayday by Midnight, an Arkansas band. I also have some We
Are The Fallen, which also has Arkansas ties.” He picked up his iPod that was
connected to his radio and thumbed through his selection.

“Really? I didn’t know that.” She was a fan of We Are The
Fallen, but Mayday by Midnight sounded really cool too.

“Yeah there are several places in Little Rock where you can
see local and big-name acts. Juanita’s, The Rev Room, Fox and Hound. It’s a
great way to hear good music.”

She nodded at that, not really knowing what else to say.
She’d lived in some really big cities, but she couldn’t remember the last time
she’d gone to a concert. She couldn’t imagine how much fun it’d be to just
relax and listen to some tunes without wondering if anyone would recognize her.
The only major thing she did to disguise herself was alter her hairstyle and
color, but some women did that every few weeks.

By the time the second song finished, they were pulling into
his driveway. She paused, then looked around.

“Why are we here? I thought you were taking me home.”

“Blade and Bear are on their way over to get your keys.
They’re gonna get your rental and find the fucker who almost hit you. C’mon.”
He tilted his head, motioning her to get out as he slid out the driver side.
She followed suit, getting out and following him into his house.

She did her best not to think about what happened the last
time she was here. She needed to go into protection mode, call her agent and
let him know what had happened to her. But she wasn’t doing a very good job
staying focused on what she should be doing. Just staring at the couch where
she’d taken Brody into her mouth made her salivate.

“Have a seat,” he said hoarsely, making her think he was
reminiscing too. “I’ll get us a couple of beers.”

She sat, taking a deep breath, inhaling his very masculine
scent. She needed a clear head right now. The last time she was here, she did
some very naughty things, and he tossed her out like yesterday’s garbage. She’d
be damned if he made her feel like that again.

He walked back out, handed her a cold bottle and started to
sit, but the doorbell rang before he was seated. “Give me your keys,” he
murmured, putting his beer on the table and standing upright. She fished them
out of her purse and handed them over before watching him walk to the front
door.

She heard masculine mumbles but didn’t see anyone else, only
Brody’s very fine backside. He shut and locked the door before walking back
over to her. He sat, picking up his beer and taking a sip. Then he turned
toward her. The carnal fire in his eyes made her whimper. She had no defenses
against him. She watched helplessly as he slowly put his beer down, then
lowered his head, keeping his eyes locked on her.

“I thought you said this was a mistake,” she breathed.

“I’m good at mistakes. Let’s make a big one.”

Brody grabbed Xan’s hair and forcefully kissed her, not
giving her the opportunity to remind him of the way he’d treated her the first
time he’d had her.

Because he was going to have her again.

God, she tasted sweet, not like the vanilla coming off her
skin, but like honey, rich and delectable. She moaned as he fed from her, and
his already rock-hard cock throbbed, demanding he take her with no
preliminaries. The rest of his body was seconding that motion. With one hand
fisting tighter in her hair, he wrapped the other around her back, pressing her
up against him.

She squirmed, her timid little hands clutching his shirt.
Then she pushed, forcing him to lose contact with her warm body.

“You told me to leave last time,” she panted. “You threw me
out right after.” And damn if her voice didn’t quiver. “And you’ve been
standoffish other times too.”

He sighed, dropping his hands, but landing them on her
thighs, caressing them. “I know I’ve been a dick, but I have my reasons.” He
tilted his head, kissing her neck where it met her shoulder, needing the
intimate contact. “I can’t promise that’ll change,” he murmured. “It’s how I’m
wired, baby. I don’t know why you affect me so much, but what I do know is that
I can’t stay away from you for very long.” If the little voice inside his head
reminded him that he had to get close to her for his job, he ignored it.

He kissed his way up to her ear, feeling the shudder that
rocked through her body. She leaned her head to the side, giving him better
access. Taking her move as a sweet surrender, he slid his hand to her cheek,
holding her while he nuzzled, kissed and nipped at her.

“So you want something casual, then?” she breathed.

He stilled briefly before nudging his lips against her ear.
“I don’t want to plan anything,” he whispered. “I just want to live in the
moment. I can’t give you anything more than that.”

She sighed, and he felt like cringing. He basically told her
she was just a fuck for him. While his brain was congratulating him on being
reasonable with her while his dick was running the show, he felt a suspicious
heavy feeling in his chest at the thought of using her just for physical
pleasure. That little inner voice shouted he was doing his job, but that just
made him feel like an even bigger asshole, especially since he couldn’t deny
the need to have her. A part of him prayed she’d push him away, tell him to go
to hell.

A very small part.

The much larger, demanding part was fucking hoping she’d
take what he offered because he couldn’t imagine never having her again. That
just wasn’t an option he could accept.

God, when did he turn into such a pussy? He’d fucked many
women without giving them much thought after. Sure, he knew how to please a
woman, and he loved wringing every last bit of pleasure out of one because it
just heightened his own. But he actually cared what Xan thought, how she felt.

“I think I can handle that,” she purred, kissing his own
neck and trailing her hand down his abdomen.

He didn’t have time to relish in this victory because
fireworks exploded when she squeezed his cock through his jeans. He moaned,
threading his fingers through her soft hair, pulling her head up so he could
kiss her. His lips found hers, and he tried to temper the raging beast that
lurked beneath. Kicking her out the last time wasn’t his only regret. He’d
taken her too hard for as tight as she was and too fast for what she deserved.
She needed to be cherished, coddled, worshipped. This time, he wanted to enjoy
the feel of her writhing beneath him.

The kiss deepened, shooting ecstasy straight to his balls.
Kissing and touching her was like the darkest sin because he knew he couldn’t
have more than a few stolen moments with her, yet he wouldn’t stop himself from
having her. It was wrong, but it felt too right to ignore. He could have this.

He
would
have this.

Her hands tugged at his t-shirt, and he leaned back so she
could pull it from his body. But before he could pull her back to him, her
hands grazed over his chest, circling his nipples. He watched in rapt
fascination as her head lowered, licking one flat disk. He gritted his teeth at
the sensation, loving the feel of her tongue against his skin, and when she bit
down, he let out a low groan.

He warred with the need to go slow and let her explore with
the need to ravish her again. Unable to resist touching her any longer, his
hand dove into her pants, secretly rejoicing in the easy access her scrubs
provided. He traced his finger along the silk before sliding it beneath to the
warm heaven he longed for. She whimpered against his chest, and damn if he
didn’t feel weak just hearing her make that sound.

He buried his nose in her hair. “You like that, baby?”

“Mmmm,” she murmured around the hard nipple she was torturing.

His finger burrowed in the folds of her pussy as he felt her
unbuttoning his jeans. He pushed into her and she gasped, her head falling back
on her shoulders. He seized the opportunity her free lips provided by taking
her mouth again, his tongue darting in and out, teasing her as he teased
himself, swallowing her moans.