Chapter 11

By the time they got to the safe house, Jin's nerves were a mess. She was trying her best not to freak out, but someone finding her address, even if they seemed to have been off by one number, appeared to be a bad sign. Had she been fooling herself? Giving herself a false sense of security all this time?

She wandered around the bedroom. They were in Monoa, up in the hills. The neighborhoods were filled with historic homes and were unique. Adam explained that this house was bought because it had an actual panic room at the bottom, built into the mountain. The original owner had been someone worried the Japanese would overrun Hawai'i during World War II. Then, with the Cold War and fears of a nuclear explosion, the man had added to it. Adam had said they kept a full kitchen down there with canned foods, and now, an entire security setup is needed.

They gave her the master bedroom at the back of the house. Koa wood floors creaked beneath her bare feet as she paced. If the situation was different, she would be in heaven. Historical homes on Oahu—especially those that survived December 7th—were so beautiful. Jin had thought it would be bare bones, seeing that it was just for keeping people safe. Houses like this were more about that and not the creature comforts.

Adam explained they had bought the house with antique furniture, and a lot of it was Hawaiian-designed and manufactured. The massive canopy bed was romantic…and comfy. She had tested it out. All dark wood until you stepped into the ensuite bathroom. The tile floor was all art deco with geometric patterns in black and white. The clawfoot tub was a dream. It would be a dream getaway if she wasn't here for her protection.

Still, it was refreshing not to worry about it, but this was the first time she'd had to worry about anything like this. Well, in a long time. TFH had taken over all the arrangements. Granted, she didn't have access to safe houses, but she could have rented a massive suite at some hotel or even a home with security for a few days.

Had she not learned from her mistakes a few years ago? Her audacity and stupidity got her abducted, tortured…and worse. The truth was, if TFH had not found her when they did, she would have been dead. And here they were saving her again because, apparently, she was a hot mess.

Anger and fear twisted her gut. Whoever this bastard was, he seemed intent on going after her. For what reason? The murder was almost two decades old, and if they find anything on Dylan's body that helps them, she had nothing to do with that. Why would they think she did? She found out it was Dylan when everyone else did, so it wasn't like she was ahead of the game.

She massaged her temple. She was getting a headache for the first time in a long time. A rager that would leave her stuck in bed. She had so much to worry about. Where was Sam? Was that someone from her past, or was it this investigation? If digging into this murder brought danger to Sam, she would never forgive herself.

A soft knock at the door broke into her dark thoughts.

"Yes?"

The door creaked open, and Adam stuck his head through the opening. "How are you doing?"

She pulled in a deep breath and then released it slowly. Worst thing about this situation? She wanted to jump Adam's bones. It had surprised her how fast and furious her need had risen. It had been years since she had wanted a man to touch her in that way. And now that she discovered those feelings again, she was stuck in a safe house with the one man she wanted. No. Wrong. Not just wanted. It was almost as if she needed him. Her body craved his attention, his touch…

What the hell was going on with her? Was she a danger junkie? She needed to talk to someone about this because it didn't seem right.

His smile faded as he opened the door wider. Dark eyes studied her, and she could almost hear his thoughts. Everyone assumed she would freak out. Granted, when she'd been in recovery after her abduction, she hadn't wanted anyone touching her.

"Jin, are you okay?"

She nodded, not able to speak. Truthfully, she was afraid he would know how much she wanted him if she did. She wasn't sure that there wasn't some sort of video surveillance in this room.

"You're scaring me." He walked to her on soft feet. For such a big man, he had always been this way. Quiet, reserved…careful. She never felt as if she had to be on guard with him, and that was before and after the incident.

With gentle hands, he took her by the arms. It was hard to hold herself back from him. She wanted to jump on and climb him like a tree. Jin had wondered if she would ever have a libido again after what had happened. Still, of course, she decided she wanted Adam. Worst timing in the world.

His thumbs caressed her upper arms. "Talk to me."

It wasn't a demand. No, there was a plea in his voice that struck at her heart. God, he was killing her.

"I'm fine," she said, although she said it from behind clenched teeth.

"You don't sound like you are."

She huffed out a breath. It was taking all of her control not to wrench herself away from him—or jump on him. Jesus, she needed help.

"Well, I might have some nut job after me because I investigated an old murder."

"It might have nothing to do with you."

She narrowed her eyes. Really? He was going to lie.

"So, they asked about my podcast, for what reason?"

He nodded. "This might have to do with Sam."

She couldn't be this close to him, feel his body heat. His earthy scent tickled her senses. With measured movements, she pulled away. He frowned but didn't grab her. He understood her boundaries.

"Talk to me, Jin."

Those words. He used them a lot during her recovery. When she lost a lot of her friends, Adam stayed. He had fought through her fears and patiently waited until she was ready to engage in friendships again. All of Task Force Hawaii, but Adam had checked on her daily. If not in person, then by text.

"Do you think her past has come back to get her?"

He nodded. "Could be. You're the one contact she's maintained these last few months, so they might think you could help them find her."

That made sense, but her instinct, the one that had made her such a good reporter, told her it had to do with the Alana Kim murder.

"So, tell me, how long will we be stuck here?"

He looked wary now. Jin didn't blame him. There was a bite to her tone, one that she didn't use that often. It left her words sharp even though there wasn't anything antagonistic to her words. There was a time when she could leave a person cold with just a sentence. Not anymore. Trauma had softened her edges. She didn't feel the need to use her words to wound anymore, thanks to Dr. Nells.

But, Jesus, what was she supposed to do? He was standing there, his fantastic body tempting her, his smoldering gaze stealing any kind of rational thought. It was like her brain was melting. She should be concentrating on the case or maybe where Sam might be. All she cared about now was how touching Adam's impressive chest would feel.

"Not sure. Hopefully not long. That Ian is already getting some information back on Sam, as is Autumn."

She nodded and turned away. Her fingers were itching to touch him. Adam hadn't even been flirting with her, and her nipples were hard.

"I'm sorry, Jin. I wish I had a better answer."

Dammit. Now, he thought she was mad about the situation. "I'm not angry with you."

"It feels like you are."

"Don't."

"Don't what?"

"Don't tell me how I feel."

There was silence from him. Great, now she probably pissed him off. When she turned around to face him, she felt the impact of his attention. This man was the only one who could make her feel like she was the only woman in the world. She wasn't a virgin when she'd slept with him, but never in her life had a man made her feel the way he did. It was like the world dissolved, and all that mattered was the two of them.

"I'm not. I promise. It's just…" she waved her hand in his direction.

"What?"

Any other man, she would think he was putting on an act, but Adam really didn't know how hot he was. Or if he did, it didn't matter to him.

"Adam, I'm trying very hard to do everything within my power not to seduce you."

His gaze flared, darkened, and she could feel it all the way to her soul. God, this man. He was tempting her in so many ways, just like when they first met over five years ago. But now…it was different somehow. Deeper…on a different level than just physical.

She licked her lips. But she wanted him on a physical level. She knew it was not a good idea. The situation was terrible, and with someone after her, it was stupid, but she'd been losing the battle of why she shouldn't touch him.

"Why are you?"

She blinked. Had she missed part of the conversation? "What?"

"Why are you trying not to seduce me?"

There were about twenty feet between them, and he closed the space with just a few steps. Adam didn't touch her. Instead, he gazed down at her, need filling his dark eyes. The air around them seemed to heat. Her skin felt itchy and tight.

"I…" she licked her lips again, and his gaze followed the action. Heat spiraled through her. "I thought that doing something like that was against the rules."

His full, sensuous mouth twitched. God, she wanted his lips on her. His tongue, his hands. His…everything. She was so turned on…even if there was a little fear. She hadn't let a man touch her since her ordeal, but this was the first time that she really did want it. What if she couldn't do it? What if she freaked out on him?

"What rules would those be?" he asked, drawing her out of her spiraling anxiety.

"I don't know. That's what they say in movies."

One eyebrow rose up, and she bit her lower lip. She was in a lot of trouble if that one motion left her panties wet.

"They do?"

She nodded. "In the last Jakob Wulf movie, he rescued Monique Alba from the terrorists, and they said it there."

"Jin?"

"Yes?"

"This isn't a movie." He slipped his hand around her waist. "This is real life, and we make the rules."

She stepped closer, pressing her body against his. He moaned and muttered something under his breath that she didn't quite catch. Steadying herself by placing her hands on his chest, she rose to her tiptoes and leaned closer so she could whisper.

"Are there cameras in here?"

She felt, rather than saw him swallow. "No."

"Good," she said before taking his earlobe between her teeth.

He pulled her closer, her entire body now pressed against his. When she felt his mouth against her throat, she closed her eyes and just felt. He kissed a path up her neck. Jin pulled back and offered her mouth up to him. At first, the kisses were gentle, almost sweet. But in the next moment, they turned carnal, his tongue sweeping into her mouth. She could taste minty toothpaste…and Adam. The intoxicating flavor of the one man she would always want.

Before she was ready, he pulled back. She moaned in irritation and tried to urge his mouth back down to hers, but he stopped her. Her eyes flickered open.

"Are you sure?"

"Yes."

"Jin. Tell me this isn't about the situation. That you aren't having a reaction to being in danger."

God, this idiot. She wanted to scream, but she knew it was this man. She had seen him with his sisters and his mother. There was a bone-deep love there but so much respect. He had waited patiently for her. She knew he probably dated these past few years but didn't care. Much.

"I'm sure. I was going to ask you to stay the night tonight before all this happened."

He blinked, and then a slow smile curved his lips. God, that mouth.

"Yeah?"

She nodded, then rose to her tiptoes again. "I don't know how to be clearer about this. I. Want. You."

By the time she finished the sentence, he had her in his arms, bridal style. He carried her over to the bed, gently setting her down on the mattress.

"If at any moment you want to stop, you tell me. I will do it."

She crooked her finger at him until he bent lower. Cupping his face in both of her hands, she kissed him. Long…wet…amazing. Then she pulled back.

"I promise," she whispered. She knew without that vow, he would never touch her. It went against his DNA.

"I think we should go slow."

"You're backing out?"

"God, no. Just, we should make sure we take this slowly tonight."

Tears burned the backs of her eyes as she closed them. She didn't deserve this man. He was so understanding. When she opened her eyes, he looked down at her with a frown.

"Tell me why you're crying."

"I'm not crying."

He cupped her face with one of his massive hands, his thumb caressing her cheek. "You are."

"I don't deserve you," she blurted out. "I was so horrible to you when we dated?—"

He set his fingers over her mouth, stopping her confession.

"We each made mistakes."

She shook her head.

"We did. I wasn't truthful with you."

"About what?" she asked, his fingers still against her mouth.

"I was falling in love with you, Jin."

She felt her eyes widen as he dropped his hand.

"I was afraid of scaring you off, so I never said anything."

She opened her mouth to respond, to tell him how she felt, but he shook his head. "I don't expect a responding answer. I just want you to know those feelings haven't changed. I don't want you freaking out about it. My feelings have nothing to do with you."

A chuckle bubbled up. "I think it has a little bit to do with me."

His mouth curved up into a lopsided smile. "Yeah, but what I mean is that I'm okay with this just being us right now. That someday, you will say the words back to me. I can wait."

She nodded.

"Now, up on the bed. I want to do some smooching."

She giggled and turned to get up to her hands and knees. "You have one of the best asses God has ever created."

By the time they settled against the massive number of pillows, Adam had already lost his shirt. He settled next to her, and Jin couldn't stop herself. She touched his chest. He was so big, his pectoral muscles so well-defined. He had various tattoos on his body, primarily Hawaiian.

He bent his head as he pulled her closer and started to kiss her. All the worries she had had, her fears, dissolved under his sensual onslaught.

At that moment, Jin released all of that and just let herself feel it. His hands roamed her body, possessed her. This was a different feel than all those years ago. This was definitely physical, but she felt something else, something on a level she hadn't felt before.

With slow moves, he eased her shirt up and off her, then shuddered when he saw she was braless. She smiled, then gasped as he bent his head and took a tight, hard nipple into his mouth. A graze of teeth, then the swipe of his tongue sent liquid heat to her pussy. This man had always been so talented with his mouth.

When he pulled back, he blew on her wet nipple. After giving her other nipple the same attention, he moved his way down her body. Soon, she was naked and needy. It had been years since she had even wanted a man, and now that she was having her dream man once again, she didn't think she could be happier.

Adam settled between her legs and looked up at her body.

"Still okay?"

"Yes."

She was the most okay she had been in years.

After slipping his hands beneath her bottom, he pulled her up closer to his mouth. He licked her slit and teased her clit with his tongue. Molding her hands to the back of his head, she urged him on, allowing the sensations to roll through her and push her to the edge. She needed a release, this release. Jin was sure she would die if she didn't get a release in the next few seconds.

When she was sure she would lose her mind, all the fantastic tension exploded. As her eyes slid closed, Jin saw a kaleidoscope of colors.

Several moments later, she lay boneless, her entire body seemingly relaxed. Adam slipped from the bed, and she opened her eyes.

"Are you leaving?"

His hands were on his pants, the outline of his erection easy to see.

"Not unless you tell me to." Then he rolled his eyes. "Dammit, I don't have condoms."

The fact that he was unprepared inwardly made her smile. Also, the fact that he didn't carry them on his person made her think that maybe he hadn't been that active. It might make her a horrible person, but the fact that perhaps he hadn't been dating anyone recently made her happy.

"Are you clean?"

He nodded.

"I take the birth control shot, and I'm clean."

"Thank God."

He tore off his pants, tossing them behind him, his cock curved up against his belly. He was the perfect sculpted man, an eight-pack, those thick thighs, and of course…damn. She licked her mouth. There was a drop of pre-cum on the head.

"Nope," he said as he joined her on the bed. He covered her body, then rolled them until she was straddling him.

"I wanted you in my mouth."

He shook his head. "I need inside that tight, wet pussy."

She cocked her head, realizing that he was leaving it up to her. Once again, he was letting her set the pace of their relationship. This man…he was killing her. There was no way she couldn't fall in love with him.

She wanted to tell him, but knowing he wouldn't believe her right now, she did the next best thing and decided to give him as much pleasure as he had always given her.