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  “Oh. Okay.” She looked skeptical.

  “Really. And now it started out as a way to stop you from crying.”

  “Started out?”

  “Uh, yeah.” Damn, this was getting uncomfortable. And he still had to figure out how to keep her out of the way once things got started later on. May as well get it over with. They didn’t have time for him to be coy. “And then I decided I liked it. A hell of a lot more than I should, considering where we are right now.”

  Casey blushed. Her eyes flashed just before her face crumpled. Rick swore and caught her, pulling her to her feet for a hug before she could curl up within herself. “I’m sorry, darlin’. Usually I’m better at this. But we don’t have much time here. I wasn’t blaming you for anything. All you did was barge in here looking all pissed off and gorgeous. Not your fault I can’t control myself even though I know this is just about the worst possible time and place to decide you’re a woman I want to get closer to.”

  She laughed. “Stop it. I’m calm now. You don’t have to get outrageous.”

  “I’m not, darlin’. I mean it.”

  “Oh.” She realized he was serious and went pale again.

  “Settle down. We’ll put this one on hold until we have you out of here safe and sound, okay?”

  “Okay.”

  “Hey, how did you get in here anyway? There are guys all over the place out there. You shouldn’t have been able to.”

  “I saw some of them looking at me but I think they were afraid to stop me.”

  “Yeah, you did come charging in here looking like you were loaded for bear. Probably thought you were more dangerous than all the Diegos combined.”

  “Oh God.” She buried her face against his chest.

  Rick rubbed her back. “You sure surprised the hell out of them, I’ll give you that. Got balls.”

  “No. I’m stupid.”

  “Nah, just having a bad day.”

  It was Casey’s turn to laugh. Hysterically. So hard she had tears of a different kind streaming down her cheeks.

  “Much better.”

  “Not really. They’re still going to shoot me when I got back down there.”

  “Why? Do they know you?”

  —

  Damn, he hadn’t thought of that possibility. Now what were they going to do?

  “No. Like I said my ex knew them. He used to help Carlos cut up the coke into those little baggies now and then before he got to be big-time but I never went along. Are you going to arrest me too for knowing about it and not telling anyone?”

  Rick studied her pale face and quivering lip. “No, I’m not going to arrest you. Not as long as you tell me everything else you know once we’re out of this.” The perfect excuse to get together.

  “Okay. I will. I swear. Everything. I never did any drugs you know. But he did.”

  “I believe you, Casey.” He hugged her again.

  “Why?”

  Rick let her sweat for a minute. Maybe it was wrong but something inside him needed her to feel as dependent as possible on him for her safety. He really wanted to see her once this was all over and if he had to use her gratitude to accomplish that so she’d give him a chance and get to know him then he would. “Because we’re in a bad situation and you’re too stressed out already to bullshit me now when I’m the only one who can save your sweet ass.”

  Rick heard footsteps just before someone pounded on the door and instinctively positioned himself between Casey and the door. He drew his gun and released the safety.

  “Yo. Check it, homes. I gotta get more bags from the cabinet,” a voice called from the other side of the door.

  “Hang on,” Rick grumbled, resting his gun on the desk and whipping off his shirt. Quickly he unbuttoned his jeans so they rode low on his hips. “Shirt,” he snapped quietly at Casey, tugging it from her body when she didn’t react. “Hold it in front of you,” he ordered softly as he shoved her onto the leather couch along one wall.

  Gun in hand, Rick yanked open the door. “You better not be up here to look at my woman,” he warned, pointing the weapon at the kid sent to retrieve the bags.

  “No, bro, it ain’t like that.” The kid grabbed what he came for and practically fell over his own feet trying to retreat without looking anywhere except at Rick. “You know I don’t roll like that, Ricky. C’mon. You know me, homes.”

  “Get the fuck out. Tell the boys anything else can wait until we’re done.” Rick slammed the door, locking it before he turned back to Casey. He crossed the room, putting his gun on the corner of the desk within reach. Even though the door was locked it was better to be safe than sorry, not that it would do much good against all the firepower downstairs but it was better than nothing.

  Sitting down, Rick wasn’t really prepared when Casey flung herself into his arms. “Hey, what’s this about? You’re fine, darlin’. I promise I’m not going to let anything happen to you. Sorry I had to be so rude about your shirt but I needed to make it look like we were about to get busy.”

  “It’s not that,” she sniffled.

  “Then what is it?” He was concerned about the way she was shaking. He needed her to stay calm if they stood a chance of pulling this off.

  “You really would have shot him for me. That kid. If he’d tried anything, I mean. I never had anyone protect me before. Other than my dad, I mean.” Casey was beyond amazed. Sure, it was technically part of his job but he was really willing to do it. She’d never experienced anything like that in her life. The feeling was unbelievable. Now this was the kind of man she’d always been hoping for.

  “Oh. Well, yeah, if I’d had to but I wouldn’t have killed him. And it wouldn’t have come to that. Julio’s not a bad kid yet. He’s one who might come around after he’s busted tonight if I have any say in where he gets sent. So far he hasn’t been involved in too much of the hard stuff so he still has a chance at making it. But yeah, I’ll protect you however I have to as long as we’re here so don’t you worry, okay?”

  She nodded. “What do I need to do?”

  Rick hugged her for the open trust showing on her face. He couldn’t remember a more beautiful gift in his life. “Don’t exactly have that worked out yet, darlin’ but I will before we leave this room.”

  For the next few minutes Rick tried to give Casey a quick rundown of what was going on but it was obvious she wasn’t paying attention.

  “What?” Rick asked when it became obvious her attention had wandered.

  “I’m sorry,” Casey apologized. “I’m just not used to anyone like you. Figures.” She shook her head with a sad grin.

  “What figures? You lost me.”

  “Well, the few friends I have left that the ex didn’t manage to chase away keep telling me I should go out more and meet someone new, someone completely different from how he was. Do you think this counts?”

  “Ah.” He chuckled with her. “I see what you mean. But sure, why not? I’m new. Different. We met, right?”

  “God, you were right to call me Lucy. I’m always getting myself into things because I don’t stop to think like normal people do. Who else meets a guy like this?”

  “Normal’s highly overrated and downright boring. Besides, think of the story we’ll have to tell the grandkids,” Rick teased.

  “Grandkids! Aren’t you getting a little ahead of things here?”

  He shrugged. “I guess. And just so you know, I’m old-fashioned so we’ll have to wait to start on the family until after we’re married. But we do have a whole pile of condoms.” He gestured to the handful he’d tossed on the desk.

  “You’re not serious!”

  “No,” he sighed. “I suppose not.” Rick struggled to hide his disappointment. The timing still sucked as much as it had a short time earlier but he couldn’t deny how much he wanted her. Especially now that she’d lowered her shirt to her lap. That lacy excuse for a bra of hers did very little to hide her nipples—her very erect nipples—from his view. Damn, he wanted them in his mouth
so bad he ached.

  “Oh. Okay.”

  Her eyes dropped to his chest. When the tip of her tongue flicked across her bottom lip, his cock twitched. “What?”

  “It’s just that, um, well.” She twisted her shirt nervously until finally looking up at him. “Damn. I figured with how you almost shot that guy they’re going to leave us alone and we do have all those condoms,” she trailed off.

  “And?” Rick couldn’t believe what he thought she was saying.

  “Look, I haven’t had sex in years, okay? There, I said it.” The whole situation was so surreal that it was probably a dream anyway. Why not make it a really good one? After all what was the purpose of inventing a dark-haired, tanned, buff as hell hero with piercing brown eyes to save her if she wasn’t going to take advantage of him?

  “Huh? I thought you said you just got rid of your ex a few months ago.”

  “I did. But we stopped having sex long before that. I found out he was cheating on me so I refused to let him touch me. I didn’t want to get anything since some of the bimbos I saw him hanging around with were pretty skanky. I’m damn lucky I didn’t anyway because I’m sure it started before I began to suspect him. And yes, I was tested so I’m positive about that.”

  “Hey, I believe you. You’re right. You are lucky. I don’t understand why any man would treat you like that, Casey. I’m sorry.”

  “Don’t look at me like that. I didn’t tell you so you’d pity me. I told you because I think you’re damn hot, sitting there without your shirt and with your jeans half open. You’ve been staring at my boobs and I liked kissing you too. If I’m getting shot today I want sex one more time before I die. How about it?”

  Rick was speechless. It was his turn to ask. “Are you serious?”

  “No.” Her lip quivered and her bravado slipped. “Just forget I said anything.”

  “Oh hell no. You don’t say a thing like that and then take it back.”

  “I don’t want a pity fuck. I’d rather die without.”

  “You think that’s what it would be?” He had to lift her chin in order to have her look at him. “What the fuck did that asshole do to you? Casey, listen to me. Any man would be damn lucky to have you.” He took her hand and covered his hard-on. “Does this take care of any doubts? You’re gorgeous, darlin’. I wanted you the moment you stormed in here. I’m just not sure it’s the best time, is all. But, as you just pointed out, we do have a certain window of opportunity.” He grinned suggestively.

  “You mean that? You’re willing?”

  “Willing?” His cock twitched beneath her hand. “I’d be begging if we had the time for that. This is so damn inappropriate though.” He prevented her from pulling away. “Wait. That’s not going to stop me if you’re sure you want this. But first I need you to understand that there is absolutely no way in hell that I’m letting anything happen to you here. You’re not getting shot and you’re definitely not dying. I’ll stake my own life on that one.”

  Casey merely stared. He really meant that. He would protect her with his life if it came down to it.

  “Fuck it,” he growled, yanking her to him, claiming her mouth in a searing kiss. “Say no now if you don’t want this,” Rick offered without giving her the chance to respond before resuming the kiss. When she pulled him closer, he had his answer.

  It seemed like forever before Rick had to stop to catch his breath. He’d never needed to do that before. Something to think about. Later. Now was all about Casey and there was not a second to spare. The raw desire he saw in her eyes reflected what he was feeling. Good. At least he wasn’t alone in the turmoil he was feeling. Damn, he wished they had the time to do this right. Later. Hell, who was he kidding? Even in perfect circumstances he suspected the first time with this woman would still be just as wild and out of control as it was about to be anyway. Probably the second and third times too. They’d get to leisurely exploring eventually but now he had to claim her.

  Rick’s hand followed his gaze to her chest. She seemed to be having as much trouble breathing as he was. Still, when his palm covered her breast, she stopped. Her flesh fitted as if made for him and his hands were large. Perfect, just the way he liked it. He closed his hand, leaving her pointed nipple protruding between his fingers. He squeezed, lifting her breast as he lowered his head. He didn’t need to look to know that Casey was watching him. He could feel her eyes on him so he made sure she had a clear view of his teeth closing over her lace-covered nipple.

  “Oh God,” Casey cried. “More.”

  Rick shifted his hand so he could suck her nub into his mouth. “Damn right, more,” he agreed after a moment when he decided he needed bare flesh and lifted her free of the cups of her bra. Framed like that, pushed up, he couldn’t resist burying his face between her breasts. He knew he should, the stubble of his day-old beard would leave scratches but she was moaning, not complaining. Casey’s arms wrapped around his head, holding him in place as she arched toward him, pulling him in tighter, not pushing him away.

  Somehow he managed to rearrange them so Casey was on his lap, straddling his legs. It seemed like a good idea initially because it put her luscious breasts right at mouth level and allowed him to feast. It also left his hands free to roam over the soft skin of her back. Damn, he wished he’d stripped her first so he had access to that sweet ass bare and not through denim. Rick was working down the zipper of her jeans, thinking to slip his hands inside when Casey started to rock back and forth on top of him. The contact even though there were two layers of clothes separating them, was too much, he was so turned on by this woman already.

  “Whoa, darlin’.” Rick slid his hands over her flesh and used her jeans to hold her away from him as he tugged her backward on his legs.

  “What did I do wrong?” Casey’s lip quivered. “Let me go.”

  “Fuck,” Rick growled, slamming her to his chest and clutching her tightly so she couldn’t escape. “Not a damn thing, Casey, not one damn thing.”

  “Then why did you stop me?” she asked between sniffles.

  “Sh, everything’s fine.” He loosened his grip enough so that he could kiss her. “I slowed you down because what you were doing was too right.”

  She frowned for a few seconds until his meaning registered and then a tentative grin began. When Rick grinned in return, Casey’s grew. She began to giggle but slapped a hand over her mouth in horror.

  “I’m sorry.”

  “Why? It’s okay. Go ahead and laugh,” Rick urged, laughing with her. “Why wouldn’t it be?”

  “Well my ex…”

  “Listen,” Rick interrupted. “Let’s get one thing straight here. I am not your ex. He was an asshole and everything he told you was a crock of shit. Got that?”

  Casey nodded.

  “I’m serious, Casey. What’s his name, by the way?”

  “Jethro Grimsky.”

  Rick’s mouth dropped open when he couldn’t hide his surprise. He shook his head. He finally recovered and said, “Darlin’, he really is a first class asshole who’s not fit to kiss your feet let alone anything else. But you’re done with him now.”

  “Okay. Um, I should move.”

  “Why? Wait, don’t tell me.” Rick paused for a kiss. He slid his hands further into her pants, covering more of her cheeks with his large palms, squeezing them firmly as he did. “The ass had you convinced you were too heavy to hold, right?” She nodded. “That’s because he’s a little boy who didn’t know what to do with a real woman when he had one.” Rick gave the closest nipple a hard suck until Casey moaned. “Darlin’, real men—as in me—prefer women with curves—as in you.”

  “Rick.”

  “What? You think I’m just saying that?”

  “Yes.”

  “Fine. When we get back downstairs we’ll ask the boys what they think.”

  “No!” Casey turned bright red. Now that she’d calmed down she was embarrassed enough by the thought that of them thinking she’d showed up to demand sex. It d
idn’t matter who they were.

  Rick chuckled. “Damn, you sure are cute when you blush.”

  “You were teasing?”

  “Yes, although I have heard them talk about it. The general consensus is they don’t like bony women any more than I do. Nope, the boys like booty too.”

  Casey laughed. “You’re awful.”

  “Why? I’m being honest here.” His hands roamed as much as possible within the confines of her jeans. “Your ex was a clueless ass. You’re a gorgeous woman, soft and round in all the right places and when we’re out of here I’m going to prove how much I like that by giving you running commentary as I explore every inch of you for days and then some.”

  Casey blushed again and dropped her head to Rick’s shoulder. “You make me want things again,” she said so softly he barely heard her.

  At that moment, Rick knew he was never letting Casey go. She may not realize it yet but those grandchildren they’d been joking about were going to become a reality. He wrapped one arm around her back, holding her tightly to him, kissing her neck. The other he pushed deeper into her pants, stretching his hand as far he could so his fingers reached her moisture. It wasn’t the ideal position but it was a start.

  “Anything you want, darlin’, it’s yours. Today’s just a preview of what’s to come.” His fingertip pressed against her opening, teasing to mimic his words. Casey moaned, trying to shift on his finger. “Mm, I love the feel of you moving on me,” Rick told her when her torso dragged on his. “I can’t wait to get you naked and all alone somewhere.”

  “Oh my God,” Casey gasped, remembering where they were.

  “Yeah, I know. Damn inconvenient, isn’t it?” He couldn’t help it. He had to laugh at the situation they were in even though it really wasn’t at all funny. Fortunately, she saw the humor in it too and laughed along with him again. “Now back to what we were doing.”

  Casey surprised him by sliding backward. “Yeah, back to that.” She finished unbuttoning his jeans and worked his erection free. “Commando.”

  “Yep. That’s my excuse for wearing pants that don’t hang halfway off my ass.”

  “Good one. I never got that,” Casey gasped. She’d been stroking his cock which couldn’t get any harder. “Holy shit, you were serious. You are shaped like a canoe!”