Under Pressure [IAD Agency] (Siren Publishing Classic) (4 page)

This was what she had been looking for.

This is what she needed.

Jason held his breath slightly while he waited for her answer and let it out in a rush as she responded with a breathless “Okay.”

With that, he gunned the engine and took off.

Jason drove his car to a large brick building in the warehouse district that he had rehabbed. Five floors housed apartments which were occupied by agents of IAD who were also employees of Mac Securities. Jason had part of the top floor as his personal penthouse suite.

The first floor contained a gym, pool, spa, and an elaborate game room for all the residents to enjoy. He had made sure that the individuals who worked tirelessly for him had every amenity at their disposal to shake off the horrors of the job. There was an underground garage that they all used with a hidden walkway attached to the building next door that housed the offices of Mac Securities. What onlookers didn’t see was several subterranean levels under the garage that contained the headquarters of the IAD branch.

Jason pulled the car past the garage door that had opened at the press of a button. The car came to a halt inside what looked like a large single-car garage space. He opened his window, reached out to key in a code on a keypad, and after a few seconds the inner door opened and they drove down a slight ramp into the main garage.

“Holy crap…” Bella let slip as she looked around at what seemed to be anyone’s fantasy collection of cars, bikes, trucks, and other toys.

“They aren’t all mine.” He was amused by her reaction as he parked.

“Well, thank God. I thought I was going to have to kill you and drive off with that Vanquish,” she quipped, eying her dream car, hoping she wasn’t drooling.

“That Aston Martin”—Jason pointed to the sleek black car in question—“
is
mine.”

“I should have guessed,” she muttered, her cheeks slightly pink with embarrassment.

He found her blush endearing and quickly pulled the car into a spot and turned the car off.

She unbuckled her seat belt, and to her surprise Jason was already out of the car and coming around the side to open her door. She took a deep breath and put her small hand in his large waiting one as she allowed him to help her from the car.

Jason’s hand found its way onto her back again as he silently led her onto the elevator. Once the doors closed, he pressed his handprint on a panel to the right of the doors before pressing the top button.

Bella let out a nervous laugh and looked up at him, asking, “What in the world is that?”

“I own a security company.” He stepped up behind her, the front of his body brushing against her back as he leaned down and whispered softly in her ear, “I like my toys.”

Bella’s heart slammed into overdrive at the press of his body against her. She couldn’t decide if she should push him away or grab him close to her and hang on for dear life. Before she could decide, the doors opened on the top floor and they stepped out into a small lobby. Across from them was another set of elevators. That led to the main entrance, Jason told her as he led her to his apartment, slapped his palm onto the plate, and opened the door. Holding it open for her, Jason waited patiently as Bella took a deep breath and entered.

He led her down a hallway that opened into wide lofted space. It was an impressive room, but so empty that it made the space seem even larger. Bella was dazed at the Spartan layout.

“How long have you lived here?”

“About five years.”

He seemed puzzled at her laugh. She placed her purse on a side table as she walked to the far end of the room to the large windows overlooking the skyline of the city. She looked back and surveyed the room.

“I see you don’t like a lot of clutter.” It really was a large apartment, but the lack of items in it made it seem even larger. Some of the walls had been left with thick stone showing, but Bella thought the rough walls suited the man that lived here.

There were no items left out to grace the bleak space with any personal touches. The sitting area was substantial with a large stone fireplace that she could imagine was a pleasure to sit in front of during cold winter nights. Over the fireplace was an enormous plasma TV.

How predictably male
.

There was barely any furniture, but what was there was modern and gray. Everything was just so…colorless.

She wandered over to the large open kitchen, and Bella had to hold back a cry of excitement at seeing it. Casting a quick glance at Jason, she had to fight the urge to run in and inspect the space.

It was absolutely perfect.

Deep, rich black granite countertops shot through with metallic specks contrasted with the light wood cabinetry and pale-golden marble that graced the floor. Silver chrome accents and handles matched the high-grade equipment. Bella’s fingers itched to create, to make use of this space like it was meant to be used.

Jason viewed her with veiled amusement.

“I used to…I cook. Sorry.” A blush formed on her cheeks. “I love kitchens. I can’t help myself.”

“By all means, look around.” He gestured her in. “I hardly use this room, but when it was designed, I enjoyed the efficiency.” He almost laughed at the pained expression on her face.

“Would you care for something to drink?” At her nod he bent to take a bottle of wine out of a wine refrigerator and opened it, handing her a glass. Bella all but gulped it down as an aid for her nervousness.

Bella walked over to the other side of the island in the middle of the kitchen. The extra space between them gave her room to breathe and to calm her nerves. Her head tilted to the side as she studied him and blurted out, “You know, I’m not really sure why I’m here. I mean…I’m not even sure if I really like you.”

Jason’s eyes sparkled with mirth. “Well, I hope I can change your mind about that. I’m glad you are here.” He picked up the bottle and walked over to where she stood, topping off her glass again.

“Come, there is more to see.”

Taking her glass, she allowed him to lead her out of the kitchen and back through to the sitting area then down a long, wide hallway to the right. They passed a guest room and then walked into a spacious bedroom at the end of the hall. The walls had been painted a deep midnight-blue color, but when they entered the room her mouth dropped open as her gaze was riveted by the sight in front of her. Covered in cream satin, the humongous bed took up the majority of the room, sending her emotions swirling into a chaotic storm.

“Oh my God, you could fit an entire baseball team on that thing!” She gasped.

Jason took advantage of her distraction and pulled her further into the room. He felt a deep satisfaction seeing Bella in this room. It was as if something had clicked inside him, stating that she belonged here. Shaking off the unfamiliar feeling, he forced himself to focus on why he had brought her here. He took her glass from her hand, placing it on a low table with his own. He noticed the deep scar running between the thumb and forefinger of her right hand, silently noting to ask her about it later, not wanting anything to break the mood for what he had planned.

“I like space, but I do believe you and I will fit quite nicely.”

She turned to watched him, eyes clouded with uncertainty. Bella’s tongue slipped out in a nervous gesture to wet her bottom lip, and his attention was captivated by her lips. Jason felt his body clench in reaction to the sight of that little pink tip, and he felt his blood heat.

Christ, she is lovely.

He moved closer to her, hands reaching out to rest gently on her hips to draw her to him. Her scent was intoxicating, a light sensual mix of spiced vanilla and something he couldn’t quite place, making him want to taste her all over. Her rosy lips parted slightly, exotic amber eyes widening as he griped her chin to lift her head up higher.

Jason’s mouth covered hers, and she slipped into the mindless pleasure of his touch. Wanting more of the taste of him, she rose onto her toes and pressed her lips more firmly against his. Unthinking, she angled her head trying to get closer and ran her tongue along his bottom lip.

His control seemed to snap, and suddenly she was hauled up off her feet against the front of his hard body. She gasped, and his tongue took that opportunity to plunge deep into the haven of her mouth. He was holding her tight, so tight against his body that she could feel the hard ridge of his desire through the fabric of his pants, thick and hot against her stomach.

Bella felt lost in the haze of desire, but also felt the sting of hesitation in her mind. It had been so long since she had felt a man’s touch. On top of that, Jason made her feel more than she could ever remember feeling before. The instant arousal she felt at his slightest touch, the sound of his voice made her wary and left her off balance.

Could she do this?

The doubt left her struggling for control of her emotions, deprived of oxygen as his mouth continued to work its magic on hers. He was large, so strong, so unbelievably huge against her, it would be impossible to fight him. That thought sent unwanted panic careening through her, forcing her to pull back.

Stumbling slightly, she pulled out of his embrace.

Bella’s heart slammed against her chest as she gasped in air. Power and lust emanated off of him in waves, and her breath caught at the intensity of the expression on his face. Trembling, she turned away and all but ran out of the room. Pressing her hand to her chest, she sought the open space of the living room, hurrying to the windows to look out as she struggled to catch her breath.

Bella focused on restraining the escalating panic forcing its way to the surface. He silently stalked in behind her, but she saw his reflection through the glass. His expression was hard, like the glass, eyes flashing silver in the light, boring into hers, making it impossible to look away. Embarrassed she held up her hand. “I…I’m sorry. I…just need a moment.”

“Are you all right?” His voice was clipped, harsh as he fought for control. She could hear the impatience in his tone but relaxed slightly as she saw the concern shimmering in his eyes.

“Yes.” She dragged a hand through her hair. “I just…this is fast. I wanted this, want this…I want you, but—”

Jason’s nostrils flared slightly as he stalked forward, his front to her back. “I’m not gonna back off after you tell me that. If you dinna want me, I would leave you be. But you do want me, and I can see you’re aroused. Fuck, I can see your nipples are hard as little rocks under that silk.” He reached around, cupping his hand against her.

She shivered.

His laugh, a rough, low sound, caressed her neck as he leaned down to her. “You like that don’t you?”

He took a deep breath, inhaling her scent in as he rubbed his body slowly against her back. She could feel the heat of his body radiate against her, strangely comforting and making her edgy with need.

“I want you, Bella. I want you in every way. I want to strip you down, with you standing naked before me. I want to look at you, your legs, your belly, your breasts, and your beautiful face. I want to see all of you.” His voice was harsh with lust. “I want to make love to you slowly, take you over and over all night, make you come, again and again until you beg me to stop. Then I want to ride you hard, make you scream as you come for me and beg me for more.”

His words had her panting with desire so sharp she couldn’t stop her body from pressing back against him. He slowly palmed her right breast in his hand as his other hand moved lower and cupped her through her dress. He could feel her heat through the material like a burning flame. “I want you, Bella, but if you want me to stop, just tell me and I swear I will. Say the word and I’ll take you home.”

She said nothing as his hand traveled down her thigh to grip her dress, pulling up slowly. Her head turned to meet his. Their lips touched softly, slowly. He brushed his lips across hers, keeping the touch light before settling over her to glide his tongue inside. Jason struggled to maintain control of his need, determined to ease her into their love play. He wanted her ready for him, ready and begging for him.

Jason slipped his hand underneath her dress and cupped her again over the barrier of the lace thong she wore, pushing slightly. She let out a low moan.

“Aye, you’re hot, aren’t you, lass? Hot and wet. Your pussy’s dripping wet for me.” His heated voice carrying a glimmer of a brogue now, more Scottish as his control slipped.

Just hearing his voice had Bella panting softly, so turned on by his words and his voice that she was drenching him as he rubbed the heel of his hand against her clit. His touch was magic and held her there against the window as if suspended by the pleasure he was weaving. She could only think of him, the bliss of each touch of his hands, her panic and fear all but forgotten.

“Tell me, sweetheart, tell me what you want,” he whispered against her ear.

She moaned his name as she began to squirm against him, pushing harder, riding his hand, trying to ease the ache that was building inside her. That sweet unbearable ache that she hadn’t felt in so long.

“Tell me,” he whispered again, his voice harsher with lust as he lifted his hand away slightly so she couldn’t grind herself against him.

“Please.”