The Monte Carlo Affair: Across A Crowded Room (IATO Series Book 2) (6 page)

“Fine, fine, just be a smart ass,” Jason snapped back, and then he chuckled, apparently amused with her comeback.

It showed a crack in the ice wall they’d allow to form between them. The teasing camaraderie was the part of the old relationship she missed the most. She had to believe even after all this time, no one knew him the way she did.

“Ah, Jason, you may as well be prepared. I’m going back out on the yacht with him tonight.” She waited for the explosion she knew would come.

His eyes narrowed and the lightness in his expression darkened. He stared at her as if he’d been slapped. “You shouldn’t have set up anything tonight without checking with me first.”

“I couldn’t help it—”

“You should have made an excuse.”

“I–I couldn’t—”

“Yes, you could! You didn’t want to.” They both knew what Mosel had in mind and the position she’d put herself in. Furious was a mild term for the emotion she sensed rising inside him.

“I can handle this—”

“Oh, right. Like you handled him this afternoon? It looked like he was doing all the handling.” He grabbed her arm and jerked her against him. He snarled. “Just what do you think is going to happen? That he’s going to let you tease him like you did all day and get away with a good night kiss? He’s a damn player, an arms dealer, for Christ’s sake. This isn’t some college boy. He’s going to expect to fuck you!”

He took her by both of her shoulders, with his fingers digging into her flesh. He shook her, his voice rising, sounding slightly panicked. “How do you plan to get out of this? What the hell were you thinking?”

“Jason, stop.”

“I’m not sure I’ll be able to rescue you out there. It’s not like I can just drop in unannounced.” And he stopped suddenly, realization taking hold. He quieted and released his grip on her as if he’d been burned. “You...?” He turned away from her, unable to look at her as he choked out the rest of his thought. “You’re prepared to go through with it, aren’t you?”

She glared at him, never losing eye contact. What was she planning, really? “What do I have to lose? An attractive man wants me, the one I’m supposed to be seducing. Well, it worked.”

He released her with a push. He sounded disgusted when he asked, “You were never planning to stop, were you?”

His voice was low, almost a growl. He turned and sneered at her as if revolted by her very presence. “You’d go that far?”

“If it would seal the deal. Yes. Wouldn’t you?” She snapped back and lifted her chin in the air. “Haven’t you?”

He flinched. She could see the pain her answer caused him. He looked like he had been gut punched.

His voice turned to a soft whisper. “This is different.”

She softened, realizing his predicament. “I’m not planning on going through with it. I’m not counting on it being necessary. I think I can maneuver my way through this. Well, I hope I can at least for tonight.”

“By God, I hope you’re right, because I’m not sure I can leave you with him tonight. Not under the circumstances. Not after what I’ve been watching all day.”

She watched his jaw clench when she responded. “It’s not up to you anymore. The plan’s underway, and we’ll have to play out our hands—win, lose, or draw. That’s the deal.”

“He’s not prepared to take no for an answer,” Jason warned.

“I understand. But what he finds intriguing about me is more than just your interest in me. I think he’s fascinated that I can find him attractive and still control my sexual urges where he’s concerned. My impulses are there, and I let him know that. I’m just not ready to go through with them like every other woman he encounters. My guess is not many women have ever resisted him.”

Jason lifted her chin and stared deep in her eyes. “Just make sure you’re one of the ones who can.”

Guilt made her glance away.

“Hell, you’re attracted to him, aren’t you?”

“Oh, my God. What did you expect?” Emily snipped at him. “He’s charming and sexy, and I’m playing this part. To be perfectly honest, I don’t understand my feelings, and certainly not these mixed signals from you.”

Jason let out a long sigh. “This wasn’t supposed to get so complicated.”

“No?”

“I knew he’d have a passing interest in you because of your grandfather. I hoped he’d be interested enough to want to pursue you when he gets back in DC. I wasn’t expecting this full-blown assault or your interest.”

“Dammit, I’m not interested. Attraction and interest are two separate things. Get real. You should know that better than anyone. Besides, how could you even suggest such a thing? He could have been involved with my father’s death.”

“Sorry. I have to somehow get him to back off a little, for a while at least.”

“Well, you do what you have to, and I’ll do what I have to. For now, I can only go with the cards I’ve been dealt.”

“Okay, try to play it a little cooler, at least until I figure out what our next move should be. Your father would kill me—”

Emily's patience snapped, poking him in the chest, punctuating each word with her finger. “Don’t bring up my father!”

“Emily?” Jason held his breath and held her hands, as if afraid of what her answer would be. “Promise?”

“I think you’re wrong about playing it cooler.” She lifted her brow. All he had to do was tell her he still had feelings for her. “If your reasons are all about my father, then it doesn’t matter who I sleep with.” All he had to say was don’t do it.

“Jesus! Emily, please!”

“I don’t know. You go back to watching again. If I need you, I’ll let you know.”

If he thought sitting through Mosel’s moves earlier was bad, he better gear himself up for the full-blown assault. If he really cared about her, tonight’s surveillance would be agony for him. He may as well get used to this. If he didn’t want her, someone else would, and from now on she would take what she wanted.

Chapter Five

Had Mosel been involved in some way with the bombing? She waited on the dock, her nerves getting the better of her.

Then she saw him wave. The casual greeting and his broad, genuine smile sent her stomach into a quick flip. Her anxiety about being alone with him jacked up a notch. His white teeth were contrasted against his tan face, his khaki shorts clung to his thick thighs, and the thin black T-shirt that clung tight like tissue paper over his massive chest draped loosely over his narrow waist. The familiar liquid heat flowed like lava through her bloodstream, heating her body, settling between her thighs.

Emily looked back up at his face. He was checking her out, too, and from what she could see, neither of them appeared disappointed with their assessments. He tossed the heavy stern line over the post on the dock and did the same with the bowline, securing the small watercraft to the dock.

He took her overnight bag from her and swung it down into the skiff. Next, he reached up for her, both arms extended. She was forced to drop into his grasp. When he lifted her into the small boat, he dragged her body down the length of his. She felt the hard bulge of his erection enlarge between her legs as her breasts pressed against his chest, her nipples pebbling. Without allowing her feet to touch down, he balanced her there and leaned down for the kiss they’d both anticipated since the wave on the dock.

His tongue sought hers, driving into her mouth with an aggressive approach. What he wanted he took. The exhibitionist in her rose to the surface. She could almost hear Jason cursing, and she bet the rest of the team was groaning with their hands on their crotches about now. Let them watch. It was turning her on.

She exhaled, surrendering to the moment—entwining her tongue with his, nipping his bottom lip. For now he made love to her mouth without touching her elsewhere. Her breasts pressed against his chest, needing the friction. Apparently he was satisfied with just holding her even though her body wanted more.

Was he trying to confuse her? It was working. He had set her senses off-kilter and she had to pull back. He’d come alone, thank goodness, and the skiff would need piloting. So, to her relief, this pleasant exchange would have to end.

One of them would have to break this lip-lock so he could captain the skiff out to the yacht waiting in the harbor. Yet, neither seemed to be in a big hurry to separate. They could either stay here all night kissing, or else... Emily had no problem with the kissing, but she was a bit worried about the
or else
part.

He tasted great and smelled even better. She was on overload already, and her pulse picked up a beat. She wondered if her earlier encounter with Jason left behind residual effects and had her primed for more.

She waited and let Mosel break the kiss first, allowing him the satisfaction of believing she had lost control. The absence of his mouth on hers left a hungry need on her lips. She wondered about her response. The kiss left her breathless and aroused.

“Sorry. I’ll try to hold off until we’re at least settled on the yacht,” he said. Holding her face in his hands, he kissed her mouth again for good measure, nibbled her ear, and whispered hoarsely, “I want more of you.”

And Emily didn’t doubt him. Her own voice was throaty with desire. “I suggest we hold off on all this until after dinner, at least. It seems we lose control when we touch.” Lately that wasn’t an exaggeration. “And you promised me food. I didn’t have lunch, remember?”

She watched his smile grow. It was a slow, simmering shock to her senses. When his smile hit his eyes, he was breathtaking—not the iceman beneath the surface she’d been observing up until now.

“I promised to feed you, and I will.”

Emily felt the perspiration bead on her upper lip. She ran her tongue over it. Mosel’s expression went dark—predatory.

“Don’t. Do. Not. Do that. Or we won’t make it to the yacht, I promise you. And, you will miss out on the best French green peppered filet mignon in the world.” Mosel kissed the ends of his fingers for emphasis.

“Okay, my mouth is watering now.” She did lick her lips.

“And so is mine.” He bent in to grab another kiss, but she placed a hand over his mouth and raised an eyebrow in warning. “If you even try to assault me again before I’m fed, I’ll have to restrain you.”

Mosel actually laughed out loud. She liked the sound of it. It sounded a bit rusty, but she appreciated it better for that.

“Go on then, let’s get underway. Is there anything I can do to help?” Emily asked. Years of experience boating back home made her an expert on the water. She knew there wasn’t much to maneuvering the small watercraft until they reached the bigger vessel.

Mosel shook his head and motioned her to join him. She went forward and sat next to him as they headed out of the harbor.

Five minutes later, she tossed a line around the ladder of the yacht moored in the outer harbor, as Mosel turned off the skiff’s engine. She was nervously trying to figure out how she would keep the events from escalating tonight. The last thing she needed was to complicate everything by ending up in his bed, tempting though it might be. Staying out of it wouldn’t be easy, especially since celibacy had her body protesting even while her mind kept trying to stay on task.

He was after all, an illegal arms dealer working with terrorists.
He was also probably responsible for innocent lives being in jeopardy.

He may even have had something to do with Dad’s death.

She’d have to keep chanting this mantra to remind her libido why she shouldn’t be attracted to him. Then there was always the biggest reason—Jason. He still set the bar pretty high where her feelings were concerned. Even if he didn’t want her, the thought of having sex with Mosel on this assignment, with Jason looking over her shoulder, was just damn arousing. Maybe it was her way of thumbing her nose at Jason?

Sexually stimulating? Yes. Out of the question? Hmmm. Why?

If she was honest with herself, it felt very naughty having Mosel touching her while Jason watched. The idea turned her on. She imagined Jason’s eyes taking in every little detail. She imagined how needy his hard, hot body had become as he watched her slide against Mosel.

That is just weird!
Was she turning into a little exhibitionist? Tease?

“Watch your step, Emily.”

A couple of Mosel’s regular crew greeted them, helping her aboard and putting her more at ease. But as soon as they sat down to dine, Mosel informed her the staff was leaving after they reached their destination. “We’ll have the yacht to ourselves until morning.”

“Oh.” Her heart dropped to her stomach, and her voice threatened to falter. She’d told Jason she would do this if she had to, but she wasn’t sure she really could. Part of her wanted to, part of her didn’t. “W–where are we headed?”

Emily wondered if Jason was watching when they cleared the harbor.

“Actually, not very far, but the cove where we’re headed is very private and exquisite this time of year. We’ll be able to view the castle fireworks and celebration tonight from there without the noise and crowds of all the other boats.” He handed her a drink.

“Oh, I didn’t know there was a celebration scheduled. How nice.” She’d always loved fireworks, especially when viewed from the water. With the warm Mediterranean breeze and the spectacular landscape, she eagerly anticipated the exotic event despite her misgivings.

She relaxed as she drank her champagne. Waiting for the chef to announce dinner, they munched on the
pâté foie gras
spread over thinly sliced pieces of toasted French baguettes. Everything was almost perfect, but she reminded herself this was a mission and the image was surreal.

The scenery on the way to their private cove, rocky hills covered in city lights reflecting over the water, lulled her easily into her guise. The breathtaking view as the sun sank low on the horizon had Emily falling in love with the country. The climate was temperate, and the landscapes magnificent.

Satisfying, feminine pleasure overwhelmed her, knowing this sexy man couldn’t keep his hands off her. Feeling gorgeous was easy when a man known for his taste in beautiful women kept telling you he found you irresistible and then worked diligently to prove it.

Fed and satisfied, Emily relaxed, full with the aftereffects of food, alcohol, and the setting sun. When the crew left with the chef, she didn’t get the panicky, rolling nervous stomach she’d expected. The champagne had done its job.

As the crew departed, enthusiastic about their night off, they laughed and waved to Mosel with a promise to return the following morning with hangovers. Then, the skiff pulled away. The sound of her heart thudding in her ears grew loud enough to drown out the skiff’s motor as it moved farther away from the yacht. The lights off its bow grew dimmer until they were completely out of sight.

She had a million questions, but she figured he’d be careful how far he pushed an employee as well-known as she was in her field, and with a socially prominent name in charitable circles, to boot. How much would he risk? He wouldn’t want to damage his position with her old family friends—her grandfather’s friends. Or, maybe he wouldn’t care? Maybe she was safe.

She took a good look at the man and laughed at herself. Who was she kidding?

What happened tonight between them would completely depend on how far she took it. It would be her call. His reputation with women corroborated his seductive talents, and she’d already experienced enough to know she was interested. Tonight he'd encourage her, try to persuade her, and, given the circumstances, he’d certainly try to seduce her. Finally, should the evening progress as he intended, he’d accommodate what he believed to be her wishes. No more, no less. He’d never have to press himself on any woman. He’d fill her needs and stop there.

Emily held all the control—now that she’d lost it.

He downed the last bit of champagne in his glass, and she clearly recognized his intentions. The problem was she still wasn’t sure about hers.

She wore no bra under the flimsy floral silk dress she chose to tempt him. Her breasts, high, full, and one of her best assets, attracted his attention from the minute he’d spotted her on the pier. As the night air drifted across her arms, blowing up her skirt across her naked bottom and tickling her skin, her nipples reacted. Jutting prominently through the thin material, they immediately caught Mosel’s interest.

As if mesmerized by the sight, his hand lifted and brushed across one erect nipple. Emily couldn’t move. Her feet were welded to the spot on the deck.

He said nothing for a moment, looked as if he couldn’t find just the right words to express himself. As he watched, fascinated, her nipple tightened further under his scrutiny. Emily’s eyes widened with shock.

“Ah, a bud in the center of a delicate flower. You are so very beautiful. So young.” He didn’t look at her face as his hand softly covered her breast. He focused on his thumb, gently rubbing her nipple, unimpeded. She inhaled sharply at the sensation, watching the hand producing the fire consuming her to the core. Her inner muscles clenched with desire, and she hated her body for its betrayal, its lack of control.

He cocked his head, questioning. “What do you have on under this stunning sheer dress? It’s been driving me crazy all evening. It looks like there is nothing—nothing to stop me from this.” He stepped forward, not giving her time to respond, and cupped her bottom in his large hand. His one hand slipped down the outside of her dress, then under and up as he lifted her into his blatant erection, proving the truth of his words.

The long fingers of one hand splayed across the bare skin of her buttocks, dropping smoothly between her legs, searching, seeking. The thong underwear didn’t provide much protection. His free hand roamed to the thin straps holding the top of her dress up. He untied them and let them fall away. All it took was a finger beneath the top of the dress to loosen it, and then he brought his mouth down to the swell of her breast. He released his belt, and she heard the zipper. His tongue traced the upper curve of her breast and lowered deep into her cleavage, searching until he trapped her nipple between his lips and sucked. Groaning as the pleasure ripped through her, Emily leaned into him. He ground his released erection against the apex of her thighs, keeping his lower body pressed tightly to hers. He lifted his head to take her lips, driving his tongue deeper into her mouth.

She pulled away to take a deep breath. Liquid poured from her sex.

Jason was watching.

She tried to hold the top of her dress up and pulled her bottom away from Mosel’s probing fingers. His one hand still played with her nipple, and his other delved deep between her cheeks until she managed to extricate herself from his grasp.

“You’re wet, ready for me already.” He pulled her back against him.

“Wait, I, I can’t breathe.” She held the top of her dress up with both hands, but he kept his hands on her ass and his huge cock pressed firmly between her legs, not releasing his hold on her.

Mosel’s expression softened, but his voice sounded deep, rough. “I’m sorry. You looked so beautiful in the light coming off the water. I could see the silhouette of your body through the dress, and the temptation to touch, to taste, overwhelmed me.”