Four

Four

As Sean followed Jaime into the hotel, his hands were practically shaking with need. That one little taste had his body raring to go. Of course, the lady in question was not really in the mood to discuss it. Since he had told her exactly what he was going to do to her, she had ignored him. He had wanted to flirt in the car on the way back, but he knew that even the slightest teasing would set him off. For a man who prided himself on his control, that was saying a lot.

They walked silently down the hall. There would be no debriefing tonight. Just in case something had gone wrong, Lassiter would not make contact. He had people at the hotel making sure they made it back unscathed. And they had, to an extent. Those few minutes with her had him ready to beg her for another chance.

He pulled out his key card and slipped it into the slot. Then, he held the door open and let her walk in. Damn, he could smell her. There was the scent of her perfume or soap or whatever. Roses. But then, the tantalizing aroma of her arousal still clung to her. And to him. Fuck, every time he swallowed he could taste her.

He let the door slam shut behind him and didn't move. He couldn't. Being this close to the bedrooms was a temptation. Well, fuck, being close to flat surfaces was enough to tempt him.

"When will we talk to Lassiter?" she asked.

She was looking out the window with her back to him. Sean frowned. She sounded as if she had gone back to her business-minded self. He did not like that one bit.

"Tomorrow or maybe Sunday. Unless there is an issue, we won't hear."

"Isn't that odd for a spy organization?"

He shook his head. "Legally, we are just contractors. The less contact we have, the easier it is for him to use us over and over."

Jaime nodded, but did not look at him. It was beyond irritating now.

"Jaime."

"What?"

The woman was almost as stubborn as he was. "Look at me."

At first, she did not move. She seemed to freeze for one long moment. Sean ground his teeth, and she took her time to do as he ordered.

"What?"

Damn, that sassy tone and her narrowed gaze should make him want to walk away. It didn't. She was a woman who presented all kinds of complications. He knew they would pair up well for work, and they had proven it tonight. Adding sex would only muddy the waters.

His raging hard-on didn't seem to give a fuck.

"Well?"

"Well, what?" he asked, trying to remember if she had asked him something. Jesus, he had no blood left in his brain. That could be the only explanation. He was amazed he was still able to form syllables.

"You said to look at you. I did. Now you're staring at me as if I've grown a second head."

"I…"

He couldn't come up with another word. He licked his lips and there was that taste of her again. Sweet, with a bit of sass. Damn .

"I know you play around on the job and that's fine. I'm just starting out; and while I don't mind working to gain respect, I don't want your kind of reputation."

"Why not?" he asked, then mentally kicked his ass. Seriously? He'd just asked her why she didn't want his kind of reputation. Where was the man who could seduce any woman or man out of their clothes?

"For a man, it's okay. In fact, it's expected. For women, it's different."

That stopped him. "That's sexist."

She shrugged. "I didn't say I agreed with it. It actually sucks for someone like me. I just said that is the way it is."

"Well, it's a cop out on your part. How is anyone going to find out?"

One perfectly sculpted eyebrow rose. "Don't you kiss and tell?"

"No."

She rolled her eyes. "Sean, everyone knows about your conquests."

"Not because of me. I don't run around screaming about how many women or men I have slept with. It's nobody's fucking business."

"It isn't the way to start off my contracting career."

She was saying that, but there was something beneath the tone. Something that told him that she did want more. He walked to her, slowly.

"How about we do this? Why not just tonight? No one has to know."

At first, she did not respond. Then, she shook her head. "Everyone will know."

"How?" he asked, as he took her hand. He pulled her closer. "I'm not going to tell them."

She sighed. "They'll know."

"How? No recording devices, and you know Lassiter won't say anything."

He urged her closer so their bodies touched. God, she felt good. All those smooth curves pressed against him.

"Sean." Her voice shook.

"Jaime."

Her lips twitched. "This can't go anywhere."

He bent his head and nipped at the gorgeous neck. "I have to disagree. It can go to all kinds of interesting places."

She held her spine straight until he slid his tongue from her collarbone up to her jaw. She shivered, and he felt her surrender right there and then.

"Do you play?"

She turned to face him. "Play?"

"Bondage."

She shook her head.

"Tell you what. We'll try some fun things tonight. Just a little fun…nothing hard-core. You tell me if you don't like it."

She pulled her bottom lip between her teeth and nodded. That little show of vulnerability warned him to be cautious. Jaime was a woman who would not like to be seen as having any vulnerability. So, he needed to take it slow. Or, as slowly as he would be able to manage.

He lowered his head as he turned her toward him. He brushed his mouth over hers and then dove inside. Need built, as his heart pounded against his chest.

By the time he pulled back, they were both breathing heavily. He had been honest. He had wanted to take this slowly. Something was telling him it was important, and he always listened to his instincts.

He took her hand and led her into his bedroom. He left her standing as he took his seat in the chair. He said nothing for a long moment. Jaime was a woman of action, and it would definitely drive her a little crazy having to stand there.

"What now?" she asked.

He wanted to smile, but he didn't. He didn't want her to know he was amused. He wanted to keep her off-center.

"Strip."