Torn (Deep 8, #5)

15. Roger

FIFTEEN

Roger

Rotten eggs smell better than this op. Something is right in front of us, but neither of us can see it. Every time we’re around the duchess, a faint chime goes off in my head and then disappears out of range.

Of all the places in the world to hide the part of a world-changing device, Luxembourg isn’t on my top ten, making it the perfect location. Why not hide it under everyone’s nose? The billionaire’s playground is as secure as it gets. Deep 8 used the rich’s security to their advantage. Since we’ve been invited to the Duchess Amalia’s home, getting the safe deposit key will be a cakewalk.

We enter the dark suite. Beyond the balcony, lights from the city twinkle with a warm glow. Harlow reaches for the switch on the lamp.

"Leave it off and we’ll enjoy the view." Sitting on the couch, I wrestle off my tie and shrug off my jacket. "You were brilliant tonight and in your element."

She kicks off her stilettos and sheds her jacket. "Some habits die hard. How you’re brought up never leaves you, no matter how much you want to bury it."

"I’ll second that. Come here," I command and point to the space between my legs.

Her eyelids close halfway, striding toward me as if tethered by an invisible force. She stands between my legs, with her hands on her hips, warring with herself on what she should do.

"This isn’t a challenge." My fingers start at the back of her knees, running up her thighs and under her skirt. I grab her ass and pull her toward me, so my face is buried in between her legs.

I want to know her, smell her, taste her without denying myself, without worrying if I’m good enough for her. We need to get lost in each other, to escape the tornado pulling our worlds apart.

As I stand up, our bodies rub against each other, creating sparks. I cradle her face in my hands. Her eyes are wild, trying to guess my next move, but it’s something unexpected. "I don’t want you like this, and I know you can’t wait to get out of those clothes and wash your face. This isn’t you. You are playing a part. Believe me, I know good acting when I see it."

My lips brush against hers as I deepen it by sucking and biting on her lips. Small moans come from her, but I know she’s not surrendering.

"We can’t do this. It will jeopardize everything." Her breath is shallow.

I grab her hair and pull her head back, so we’re face-to-face. "When has there been another time you’ve felt this pull to someone? I would venture to guess never."

She holds my gaze. "Someone is overconfident. What makes you think you’re so special?" She bites back to convince herself more than me.

"I’m a trained actor. I watch people like a hawk and pick up their nuances. I know your tells. When you’re nervous you tug at your ponytail, when you’re feeling in control you smile a lot, and right now, you’re not sure what to think because I just called your bluff."

I pull her blouse over her head, and I’m graced with firm breasts in a beautiful ivory-colored lace bra. My lips find her nipple through the lace as I bite down enough to get her attention, while I tug down her knit skirt. She’s wearing a garter belt and nothing else.

"I see someone thought they were going to get lucky tonight." I stand back to peruse her body from head to toe with her ink. "Stunning." I take her hand and lead her to the master bathroom.

She laughs. "You can only do it in the bathroom?"

"I can do it anywhere, but this is where I can clean that crap off your face. I want the real Harlow." She tries to pull her hand away from mine and I let go. "Too much, too soon?"

She shakes her head and grabs a face wipe, cleaning away the mask in the mirror. Underneath the makeup is rosy skin and bright eyes.

My arms wrap around her from behind as we examine our reflection. Pushing her hair to the side, I pepper her neck with kisses. "What made you run away from this life?"

Her fingers stroke the arm around her waist. Tears shine in her eyes. "There were many things that culminated into one event I can never forgive myself for. You see me exactly how I am. I don’t have to pretend to be someone else."

She turns to face me, her tears gone. "You’re the only man who says what you think about me and doesn’t hold back."

She kisses me with determination, and I let her take the lead. Our kiss turns into hot need as she rips the buttons off my shirt, and they ping off the marble floor. Her bra falls to the floor as I lavish her nipples, squeezing and pulling. Little moans escape her lips. I want her begging on the brink of half-crazed.

The next thing to go are my trousers and briefs, she tugs at my belt and zipper. We stand breathing hard, staring at each other.

"Baby, you are a sight to behold and cherish."

"I like it. That term of endearment is a keeper. It took you long enough." She smirks.

We kiss as I set her on the vanity and stand between her legs. Her hand goes to remove the garter. "Keep them on. I can’t wait to feel your thighs as they wrap around my head."

My lips make a path of kisses to the apex between her legs. She’s bare and on full display. I find her nub and give her everything she needs to get where we are going. My finger finds the spot that sends her spiraling, and I know she’s ready.

I grab a condom from my wallet and slip it on. Holding her up under her ass, we look at each other, not wanting to miss a thing. She doesn’t shy away like most women I’ve been with. There is a fierceness that challenges me to look away.

My cock knows where to go and slides in up to the hilt. I hold myself there for a beat and then pull out and slam back in. Her head falls back, and she begs, "More."

She holds on to my shoulders and we have a rhythm as her hips meet mine. "I can’t hold it much longer," she cries out.

"I’m right with you, baby. Come with me."

Our moans and grunts mix and echo in the barren room, where there is only us and the intensity of our high. My forehead leans on hers as we share breaths, trying to bring down our heart rate.

"I promise I’ll last longer next time," I mumble.

She giggles. "Shouldn’t I be the one saying that to you? Besides, this needs to be a one-time thing."

I lean away from her. "How do you think we are going to manage that?"

"I have no idea. I just wanted to hear myself say it, hoping to find some self-control." She looks away.

I take off her garter and hose. "I’m just getting started. Let’s get cleaned up." I help her off the counter and into the enormous shower with enough jets to clean us from head to toe.

We spend time washing each other with tenderness and exploration. "Your body is a work of art. How many hours a day do you work out?" she asks.

"As many as I need to keep my mind off the things I don’t want to think about."

She nods with an understanding of everything my words could mean. In the end, we’re both soldiers under someone else’s command. We have few moments that belong to ourselves.

In between the euphoria of sex comes the thoughts of what tomorrow night will bring if anything. There’s a foreboding feeling we have no clue as to what is going on, and we’re going in on a wing and a prayer.