Identity Risk (The Billionaire Experience #3)

Chapter Nine

As Jessie finished the last bite of her steak, she glanced across the table at Mac. Their dinner had been quiet, but it wasn’t an uncomfortable silence. Instead, it was filled with unspoken words, shared glances, and the familiarity that had once defined their relationship. The yacht gently rocked beneath them, the sound of the water providing a soothing backdrop to their meal.

Mac leaned back in his chair, a small smile playing on his lips. “How about dessert while we watch the rest of the sunset?” he asked, his voice breaking the comfortable silence. “Ice cream sundaes sound really good.”

Jessie nodded, a smile tugging at the corners of her mouth. “That sounds familiar but perfect,” she told him, remembering having sundaes the last time.

Mac stood up and held out his hand to her. She didn’t hesitate, taking his hand and letting him lead her over to the two lounge chairs near the railing.

The cool evening breeze greeted them, and Jessie couldn’t help but sigh contentedly. It had been so long since she had felt this relaxed.

Mac settled into one of the lounge chairs, and before Jessie could even think about sitting in the other one, he gently pulled her down beside him. He wrapped his arm around her as they lay together, gazing up at the stars. The city lights began to twinkle as Manhattan came to life, and the skyline was a beautiful contrast against the dark night sky.

For a while, they lay in silence. The warmth of his body against hers was a comforting presence. Jessie soon found herself lost in the moment, feeling more at peace than she had in years. The tension that had gripped her for so long slowly unwound, and she felt herself leaning more into him, snuggling against his chest. Being close to him again stirred many emotions inside her that had laid dormant for the last year and a half.

He rested his chin gently on her head. Sighing, Mac broke the silence. His voice was gentle, but there was an edge of something deeper in it.

“Jess, why didn’t you call me when you returned to the city?”

Jessie tensed. She wasn’t sure how to tell him about the pictures she saw of him and the women. Her eyes widened. The pictures! Oh, God! He had been with other women. But now he’s here, acting as if they were never apart.

Shit! She hadn’t even been thinking. All it took was one look at his scrumptious body, and her mind forgot everything. She was ready to jump his bones.

She sat up, pulling away. His eyebrows scrunched together, and a concerned expression took over his face.

“What’s wrong?” He asked, reaching for her, but she scooted back, avoiding his touch.

She turned her head away, ashamed of herself for falling into his trap. Tears pricked her eyes, and she tried desperately to blink them away, but it was no use as the wetness spilled over.

“Jess?” Mac called out, but she closed her eyes.

A few seconds passed when she felt his fingers under her chin, and he gently turned her face towards his. She was afraid to open her eyes. She didn’t want to see the guilt.

“Jess, please tell me what’s wrong,” he pleaded, trying to pull her close.

Be strong…be strong…, she repeated to herself.

Pulling herself together, she opened her eyes and looked him in the eyes. “I didn’t call because you moved on, which brings me to my next question. Why are you even here?”

Mac’s eyes widened in confusion and maybe showed a bit of hurt in them. But then his blue eyes darkened.

“What in God’s name are you talking about? Where in the hell would you get that idea from? Obviously, my intentions are still to be with you, or I wouldn’t be here.”

Oh, damn! She had woken up the beast in him.

“The p-pic-pictures of you,” she stuttered, feeling even more baffled and out of the loop with the who situation.

“What pictures?” he questioned, looking like he was about to rip someone’s head off.

“Of you and your dates all dressed up at all of those events.”

Mac stared at her, a lost look on his face. But seconds later, his eyes widened, and he closed his eyes. He let out a guttural groan as he ran his fingers through his hair.

Gripping her chin lightly so she couldn’t look away, he looked her straight in the eye.

“Jess, those pictures aren’t what you think they are.”

She wanted to argue that they were exactly what she thought they were. But Mac held his hand up making her clamp her mouth shut.

“Yes, anyone looking at those people would assume I was on a date.” He sighed. “But that is so far from the truth.”

“I don’t understand. What is the truth then? Who were those women?”

“They’re my employees. They work for me, Jess. We were working a job and needed to play the part that I was with a date. Though it wasn’t a date at all.” He cupped her cheek. “I swear to you on my life. It was strictly all professional.”

Jessie felt her stomach clench. “Oh, God,” she mumbled, knowing she had made a huge mistake. She only agreed to this One and Done thing because she thought Mac had moved on.

As if knowing what she was thinking, Mac narrowed his eyes. “Jess, is that why you agreed to this date in the first place? Because you thought I was over you?”

She felt horrible looking at him and seeing the hurt in the eyes.

Slowly, she nodded her head. “I’m so sorry. I didn’t know. I intended to call you, but I just needed a few days to adjust to being back. But then Lacie and I were messing around on the internet, and that’s when we came across a picture of you. And then I couldn’t help myself, so I googled your name, and more pictures popped up.”

Mac captured her in his arms and pulled her against his chest. She could feel his heart pounding in his chest.

She wanted to cry again for almost making the biggest mistake of her life. But then, a question came to her mind.

She took a deep breath, her fingers lightly tracing the lines of his shirt as she searched for the right words.

“Mac, how did you know I had a profile on that dating app?”

Mac’s hand stilled on her back, and she could tell he was holding his breath. There was a long pause before he spoke again.

“Umm…Well, you see…Fuck, okay, here’s the truth. My contact in the FBI called me when he heard you had resurfaced. I was ready to jump on a plane to New York as soon as I knew. But I had this huge contract I was working on and had to take care of it. So, while I was out of the office for a few days dealing with that, I had Adam, my tech guy, do some research.”

“Okay, but that doesn’t answer my question. How did you know about the app.”

“I…well…goddammit! Adam sort of hacked into your computer, and that’s where he found it.”

Jessie sat up and looked at him. She wanted to laugh because big bad Mac looked like a puppy who had just eaten the furniture and was waiting to be scolded.

He ran his knuckles down her cheek. “I’m sorry, sunshine. I was desperate.”

She tried to be angry at him for poking his nose where it didn’t belong. But looking at him and seeing that cute guilty look on him almost had her crashing her lips onto his. But then he brought out the big guns, using the nickname he had given her when they first met. Only he called her sunshine.

She took his hand into hers. “How about a compromise,” she offered, and he quirked his eyebrow.

“A compromise?”

She nodded.

“Yes. Obviously, there were a few misunderstandings on both of our parts. So, how about we forgive each other?”

His beautiful lips curved up into the biggest smile.

“I think that is a great idea. I’m sorry for not being here for you when you needed me the most. I’m sorry for making you think that I had forgotten about you. And I’m sorry for invading your privacy.”

She smiled. “I can’t accept your apology for the first one.” When she saw he was about to interrupt her, she put her finger against his lips. “I can’t accept it because you did nothing wrong. You were doing your job, Mac. It was just the way the cards fell. And since you were working, I can’t really hold the second one against you either. But I do accept your apology for the last one.” She paused and took a deep breath. “And I’m sorry for not having faith in you or us for that matter and assuming the worst instead of just asking. And I’m sorry for signing up for this date thing. However, if we are technically blaming anyone, I blame Lacie because she is the one who signed me up. I also want you to know that I did try calling you last night. But it said your number was disconnected. And when I tried your office, I was told you wouldn’t be back until next week. I guess I know why now.”

Mac brought her hand to his lips and kissed her knuckles. “I forgive you. But before I leave tonight, I’m making sure that you have my new number saved in your phone.”

The feeling of his hands on her was driving her crazy. Every little touch created a flutter in her belly that she had missed feeling. Only Mac could make her body feel and react the way it was. Something about him would just kick-start her libido.

She had to bite her lip as images of their past lovemaking played in her mind. Mac was an amazing lover who enjoyed control in the bedroom, which didn’t bother her. Having a dominant man take charge of her sexual desires was somewhat of a relief for her. She was always so stressed between life and work that it was a nice break to clear her mind and let someone else take control. But he always knew just what she needed. And boy, did he deliver. He knew how to play her body and bring out every desire she had.

“Jess?” Mac called her name.

“Huh?” she asked, looking up at him.

“I asked you a question,” he said with a grin.

He did? Damn, she needed to pay attention. But how could she when he was touching her? Hopefully, he couldn’t tell that she had been thinking about all the naughty things they used to do.

Feeling a bit embarrassed, she shook her head and smiled at him.

“I’m sorry. My mind was somewhere else. What did you ask me?”

He appeared to bite the inside of his cheek as if trying to hide that sexy smile of his.

“I had asked what your plans are now that you’re back?”

Jessie hesitated, her mind torn between the life she had returned to and the possibilities that lay ahead. “I honestly don’t know. I mean, I’m the Chairman and CEO of the firm.,” she replied, feeling confused by her own words as her thoughts drifted to Mac’s life in Florida. “But your company is in Florida?”

She stopped, feeling a wave of more confusion wash over her. The future felt uncertain, and she wasn’t sure what to do. She had always been so focused and driven in her career. But now, with Mac back in her life, everything felt up in the air. People could change in a year and a half.

Mac must have sensed her turmoil because he gently pulled her out of her thoughts, his hand cupping her cheek as he turned her face toward his. “We can figure out the future later,” he said softly. “Right now, I just want to spend time with you.”

She stared into his piercing blue eyes, and it hit her all over again—how much she had missed him, how much she had longed for this very moment, even when she had convinced herself that their relationship was over.

He hadn’t changed a bit. Well, except for a little bit of graying in his hair by his temples. But she wasn’t complaining because it was sexy as fuck. However, he carried the same strength, the same quiet dominance radiated from him.

“I want the same,” she replied, placing her hands on his cheeks.

“Jessie,” he said, his voice low and raspy.

Before she could respond, his hand slid down to her waist as he placed his other hand on the back of her neck and pulled her flush against him. His touch was firm, commanding, but gentle. The heat of his body seared through her clothes. Her heart pounded, her chest tightening as his lips were just inches from hers.

She thought of him every night while she was gone, and now he was here. But she also felt she could shatter if she weren’t careful.

“Mac…” she whispered, her voice trembling as his hand moved to her cheek, his thumb brushing her skin so tenderly that it sent a shiver down her spine. She didn’t know what to say. How could someone sum up a year and a half of fear, love, and regret in just a few words?

His eyes softened, and for a moment, the intensity between them was unbearable. “I know, Jessie,” he said quietly, his forehead pressing lightly against hers. “You don’t have to say anything. I feel it, too. Just let me show you.”

With a nod of her head, he closed the distance and kissed her.

It started soft, the brush of his lips barely there. She felt his warmth seep into her skin. Her hands trembled as they found their way to his chest.

But then something shifted as he deepened the kiss. It grew more urgent and more possessive. His hand slid into her hair, tilting her head to claim her fully as his warm, silky tongue dove deeper into her mouth. His mouth moved against hers with a hunger that made her knees weak.

A moan escaped her before she could stop it. She felt him smile against her lips. His other hand tightened on her waist, and he pulled her even closer, making it clear that the kiss was only the beginning.

She was breathless, and her mind was spinning. But she didn’t care. She melted into him and herself over to the feeling of being in his arms again. Being with him was home.

When he finally released her lips and pulled back, he was breathing heavily. He rested his forehead against hers again as his eyes locked with hers.

“I’ve missed you,” he rasped. “More than you can imagine.”

She swallowed hard as tears stung the corners of her eyes as she looked at him. “I’ve missed you too. So much.”

His thumb traced her bottom lip, which was swollen from the kiss.

“Good. Because this? This is just the start,” he told her before taking her lips in another searing kiss that could only be described as desperation, regret, hunger, and something much deeper—love.

The intensity of the kiss took her breath away, and she responded by kissing him back. Jessie felt the heat between them growing. Her heart raced as Mac’s hands roamed her back, pulling her on top of him. She could feel the longing in every touch and every movement.

The cool breeze glided over her skin, giving her goosebumps. But it wasn’t the wind that made her pulse race. It was the man lying beneath her. When their eyes met, she saw the hunger that lingered there. The same need that was building within her.

“Jessie,” he murmured, his voice low and rough. He reached out, cupping her face in his large hand. “If we start something, I don’t know if I can stop.”

Her heart pounded as she leaned into his touch, the tension between them palpable. “I don’t want you to stop,” she whispered as if her words were an invitation to him.

That was all it took. In an instant, his lips were on hers again, urgent and demanding. Jessie melted into the kiss, her arms winding around his neck.

The world around them faded away, leaving only the two of them and the fire that threatened to consume them both.

Mac’s large hands roamed her body, tracing the curve of her waist and the dip of her back before settling on her hips.

He thrusted his hips upward, and she gasped, feeling his hardened cock beneath his jeans. The kiss soon became wild. Their lips and tongues tangled, and neither was willing to let go.

“Mac,” she breathed against his mouth, her hands sliding down to his chest. Her fingers splayed against the firm muscles beneath his shirt. She wanted him—needed him—and she could tell he felt the same.

He growled low in his throat, breaking the kiss. “I need you now, Jess. Which way to your bedroom?”

“Main deck, bow,” she got out before Mac kissed her again as he lifted her into his arms and carried her with ease.

Her pulse raced, the anticipation building as Mac navigated the stairs and hallways, his lips barely leaving hers. She wondered how he even found his way being lip-locked with her.

Even as the yacht swayed gently beneath them, she could only focus on the man holding her.

When they reached the end of the hallway, they burst into the bedroom, and Mac wasted no time. He set her down near the edge of the bed. His eyes were dark with desire. He undid a few buttons and quickly pulled his shirt over his head. Jessie’s breath hitched at the sight of him. Damn, he had put on even more muscle. The desire to lick every ripple along his abs consumed her.

“Your turn,” he said, his voice thick with need.

Jessie’s hands trembled slightly as she reached for the hem of her tank top. She must have been too slow because Mac’s hands were there in an instant, helping her. His fingers brushed against her skin, causing her pussy to clench with need.

His hands quickly moved to her pants, and within seconds, she found herself standing in front of Mac in nothing but her skimpy bra and panties.

Mac’s gaze raked over her body. His breath was coming in heavy pants. “You’re so fucking beautiful,” he whispered, his voice full of awe. He then stepped closer and leaned in close to her ear. His warm breaths caressed her skin. “As much as I love you in lingerie, the bra and panties need to come off. Because when I fuck you, I want to see all of you.”

Jessie gasped, snapping her head up and staring into Mac’s eyes. Oh yes, the dominant Mac was present. That alone made her wetter than she already was.

“You have ten seconds, Jess, before I rip those pretty delicate things off of your body.”

She felt her entire body heat up from his threat. Not wanting to ruin a good set of lingerie, though the thought of him going all caveman on her turned her on, she heeded his warning and had her bra and panties off in five seconds.

“Good girl,” Mac praised, kissing her cheek as his hands went to her waist. He pulled her flush against his body. His hard cock pressed against her pussy through his jeans, making her eyes roll. She was so sensitive down there that it wasn’t going to take much for her to find the release she was seeking. The type of release that only Mac could give her.

He ran his hands over her ass as he kissed and sucked on the sensitive part of her neck. She moaned, tilting her head to the side, giving him more room.

She heard him chuckle before he moved to her mouth and captured her lips in a kiss that was pure, unbridled passion.

She wasn’t sure how, but they tumbled onto the bed, a tangle of limbs as they lost themselves in each other.

Mac’s hands were everywhere, exploring, teasing, driving her to the brink of madness.

“Mac, please,” Jessie moaned, arching into him, her body desperate for more.

He answered her plea, trailing hot, open-mouthed kisses down her neck, to her collarbone, and then to her chest. When his mouth finally closed around her nipple, Jessie cried out, her fingers threading through his hair as she held him to her.

“Jessie,” he panted, his breath hot against her skin. “I can’t hold back anymore. I need to be inside you.”

She nodded, her voice caught in her throat as he stripped away the last barrier between them. Mac kicked off his pants, and in an instant, he was over her, his body covering hers as he paused, his eyes meeting hers.

“Are you sure?” he asked, his voice barely a whisper.

“Yes,” she breathed, her hands sliding down his back. “I’ve never been more sure.”

◆◆◆

Mac’s breath caught as he looked down at Jessie, her flushed cheeks and wide eyes staring back at him.

God, he wanted to go slow and make their reunion memorable. But he couldn’t. She was like a drug that called to him—her body and soul were an addiction.

Lowering his head, Mac kissed her, his fingers trailing up her sides, tracing every curve her body offered. Every touch was deliberate, calculated, and designed to remind her of what they had. He wanted her to feel everything, to remember how good they were together.

The desire that had been simmering for the last year and a half was reaching a boiling point, and being gentle was becoming a test of his control.

He released her lips and pulled back just enough to look at her, his voice low and filled with the need he could no longer suppress. “I want you, Jess. I need you, sunshine.”

Jessie’s breath was ragged, her eyes half-lidded with desire. “Take me, Mac.”

Pulling back slightly, he lined up his cock at her entrance and slowly entered her inch by inch. She was so fucking tight. He closed and tried counting to ten to keep from exploding before they even got started. But with the way her snug, velvety walls were squeezing his cock, he wasn’t going to last even five minutes.

“Relax, sunshine. Let me in, baby. Let me make you feel good,” he told her, and the moment he felt her walls give a little, he slid all the way in.

Jessie moaned, grabbing onto his shoulders. Her fingers dug into his skin as he started to thrust in and out of her slowly.

“You feel so good, Jess,” Mac whispered, keeping his pace slow and steady as he made love to her.

Wanting to hold on to this moment and feeling forever, Mac nuzzled her neck, wanting her to know the connection they shared was both physical and emotional.

“Mmm…yes, Mac. I need more,” Jessie cooed, lifting her hips against him.

She was perfect in every way. Mac didn’t think his dick could get any harder. However, the moans and sweet sounds coming from Jessie were painfully arousing as he tried to hold back his release.

But if she wanted more, he would gladly give her more. After all, they had all night together.

He lifted up a bit and pinched her nipples, causing Jessie’s back to arch, pushing her luscious breasts forward.

“Oh! Yes, Mac. God, that feels so good,” Jessie moaned as her hands moved to his back, her short nails raking along his spine, sending jolts of electricity through his body. She wrapped her legs around his waist, her heels digging into his ass.

He loved how passionate and responsive she was.

“That’s it, sunshine. Let go of all that control and just feel. Feel my cock inside this beautiful body of yours.”

“I’m so close,” Jessie whimpered as her body began to tighten, and her legs started to tremble.

Feeling all the signs of his climax nearing, Mac knew he wasn’t far behind her. He quickened his pace, feeling as if every muscle in his body was strained as he pounded into her, trying to claim her as deep as he could.

“I can’t hold on much longer, sunshine. Come with me,” he rasped out.

Seconds later, Jessie screamed out her release, and Mac tilted his hips, stroking deep inside of her one last time. As soon as her pussy clamped down on his cock he exploded, coating her walls with his seed.

Mac hugged her and rolled them over so he wouldn’t crush her. They were both panting and covered in sweat.

“You’re amazing,” Mac told her.

“You mean, together, we’re amazing,” she said, making him grin, then placed a kiss on his cheek before reaching for the sheet and pulling it up over them.

Mac lay beside Jessie, his hand tracing the soft curve of her bare shoulder, unable to stop touching her. It was as if his fingers needed the constant reassurance that she was really here, next to him, after all the time they'd been apart. Having her in his arms again felt like a dream that he was terrified would slip away the moment he let go. He had spent so many nights imagining what it would be like to hold her again, to feel her warmth, and now that she was here, a part of him feared she'd vanish just as quickly as she had before.

“I can’t stop touching you,” he told her, his hand moving lower, grazing the underside of her breasts. “Your skin is so soft.”

Mac couldn’t resist the wicked idea that popped into his head. With a grin, he suddenly pulled Jessie on top of him, her surprised laughter filling the room.

“Mac,” she giggled, playfully swatting his chest. “Already ready for round two?”

He shook his head, mischief dancing in his eyes. “Actually,” he said, his voice low and teasing, “I was thinking about dessert.”

Before she could respond, he swiftly lifted her up, positioning her pussy above his face. Jessie let out a breathless laugh, her heart racing as she realized what he meant. “Mac…” she began, but his grip tightened gently, his grin widening.

“Shh,” he murmured, “let me enjoy my treat.”