Wham. Wham. Wham.

Heath punched and kicked the heavy bag hanging from the ceiling of the workout room in the basement of the brownstone later that night. He’d needed to burn off some adrenaline from the day and clear his head, and physical exertion always did that for him. Plus, it helped keep his bum leg from stiffening up too much.

He swiped the back of his gloved hand over his sweaty forehead and glanced up at the window set high in the concrete wall where nothing but orange glow from the nearby streetlight and the passing feet of pedestrians were visible. They’d done pretty well today with the senator, at least in his estimation. Aileen had gotten her threat across and he’d not gotten his ass hauled into police headquarters by the Secret Service. Always a good thing.

Still, he’d known Aileen had wanted to stick around and harass the senator more and she’d not been happy about Heath pulling her away when he had or about him shoving her into a taxi and bringing her back here. After his workout and shower, maybe he’d go upstairs and cook her a nice dinner to make it up to her. Not necessary, since he’d done nothing wrong, but if it smoothed things over between them then…

A frown deepened between his brows as he spotted a familiar pair of black patent leather Santa boots tromp by on the sidewalk outside. His thoughts sped as fast as his heart and he was yanking off his gloves and running up the stairs two at a time within seconds.

Shit, fuck and dammit all.

He’d even set the security system to make sure she’d stayed put—for her own good, of course—and somehow Aileen had gotten out anyway. Racing out of the brownstone, Heath barely noticed his lack of clothing from the waist up. He was so pissed at the moment, he could’ve qualified as a frigging supernova star. Sneakers sloshing through the wet slushy snow covering the pavement, he caught sight of Aileen about a half a block up the street, dressed in that goddamned Santa suit again and covering a lot of ground fast. Dodging pedestrians, he charged after her. No fucking way was she running now. Not after he’d spent all these weeks and effort on tracking her down. He’d get her back. For Murphy. For her own safety.

For myself.

That last thought made his steps fumble and he nearly face-planted into a nearby snowbank before he righted himself. People passing by gave him strange stares, either because of his shirtless state or his dark scowl, he wasn’t sure. Didn’t matter. He was getting Aileen back because it was the right thing to do. His feelings about her, or lack thereof, were irrelevant.

Heath caught up to her before she reached the corner, thank God, and grabbed her arm, forcing her to turn and face him. “Where the hell are you going?”

His breath puffed on the frigid air and now that he’d stopped, the cold started to lick at the sweat on his skin and made him shudder slightly. Then again, that tremor running through him could also be because of the spark of want he’d spotted in her eyes as Aileen took in the sight of him, half-naked and freezing in the brisk New York winter. A rapidly-rising warmth spread inside him despite the chill.

“I’m going back to the MacLeans’ for the night. Then tomorrow, I’m going undercover again to get my story.”

“We made a deal.” He tugged her closer to the nearby building, where at least the brick wall helped block the worst of the wind. “You’re just going to back out of it now, like a coward? What about your integrity? What about Murphy? He’s worried sick about you, you know?”

“I know. That’s why I want you to tell him tomorrow that you found me and that I’m fine. Tell him what I’m working on and that I’ll be home soon, once I get my evidence to nab the senator and EnKor.”

“Like hell I will.” He crossed his arms and narrowed his gaze. “I trusted you.”

“And I’m sorry.” Aileen sniffed and looked away. She hadn’t brought anything with her, only the Santa suit she’d worn in on the first day, he noticed. His heart tugged a bit, regardless of his wishes to the contrary. She looked so alone and small standing there that he wanted to take her in his arms and hold her close, protect her from anything or anyone that dared to harm her. But that wasn’t possible. There were too many variables between them that made holding her and touching her and wanting her a very bad idea. Too bad his heart and his libido didn’t seem to care. “But this story is too important. I can’t let Senator Lawrence or his sham company harm people like the MacLeans. They mean too much to me. I can’t allow him to get away with it. No one cares as much about this as I do.”

Heath shifted slightly, resting his hips back against the cool brick. “That might be true, but I’m still you’re partner. And I’m way bigger than you. If you start giving me shit, maybe I’ll just pick you up and toss you over my shoulder and carry you back to the brownstone myself.”

“You wouldn’t dare.”

“Try me. Or don’t. Either way, we have a deal and I never break my promises. Now which is it going to be? You walk back with me, nice and peaceful or I haul you back caveman-style?”

They stared at each other across the span of several feet. A stand-off.

“Fine,” Aileen huffed at last, taking off back toward the brownstone without waiting for him.

Heath grinned and jogged to catch up with her, glad for the activity to warm his now-icy skin. Now that he thought about it, carrying her over his shoulder with all those delectable curves draped against him wouldn’t have been bad either, at least on his part.

As if sensing the direction of his thoughts, Aileen glanced over at him and sneered. “I hope you’re happy.”

“Ecstatic. Thanks for asking.” He chuckled at the middle finger she flashed him. For some reason, feisty women always turned him on, even though most would as soon kick him in the nuts as kiss him. Still, an idea occurred, one that would help him burn off more excess energy and also assure him that if she did get out on her own again somehow that she had the skills to take care of herself. “You mentioned having a black belt, yeah?”

“In Krav Maga.” She gave him some serious side eye. “Why?”

“You owe me a workout. Seeing as how your little escape attempt interrupted my last one. So, how about when we get back to the brownstone we hash it out on the mats downstairs. You show me what you got and I’ll do my best not to kick your ass too badly.”

Aileen snorted. “Good luck with that.”

“What?” he asked, his tone taunting. “Afraid you can’t measure up?”

“Oh, I can take whatever you dish out, big boy, don’t worry.” She gave a slight shrug. “Don’t want to hurt you, that’s all. Doesn’t seem fair, with your limp and all.”

“Right.” He bit back a grin. “Well, low blow aside, I’ve taken on warriors twice your size and won every time, so a little half-pint like you should be no trouble at all.”

Fierce competitiveness flashed in her amber eyes and her Cheshire Cat smile widened. His traitorous cock twitched in response. “Okay then. You’ve got yourself a sparring partner, buddy. Just don’t say I didn’t warn you.”

Twenty minutes later, Heath was back in the basement, warm and dry and stretching out his now-stiff muscles in preparation for teaching Aileen a thing or two about messing with an ex-military man. He’d just bent over to touch his toes when a creak sounded on the stairs behind him. He glanced back and nearly swallowed his damned tongue.

Gone was the bulky Santa suit and clunky boots. In its place was a pair of black, form-fitting yoga pants and a pastel pink sports bra that revealed far more than it concealed. If she’d planned to use distraction to her advantage, then she’d done well. He also didn’t miss the way her gaze caught on his backside, currently in the air because of his position, or the slight blush of color now staining her cheeks. Okay then. Maybe she wasn’t the only one who could use their body for distraction purposes tonight.

He straightened, then decided to remove the T-shirt he’d put on after returning from the cold outside. Slowly, Heath pulled the garment over his head before tossing it aside, giving her ample opportunity to ogle him to her heart’s content. He might be out of the Navy now, but he still kept himself in fighting shape and knowing his toned physique got her attention gave him a small thrill of pleasure. By the time he faced her fully, her cheeks were a darker shade of pink and her lips were parted slightly.

His gaze was suddenly riveted there, watching as her pink tongue peeked out to lick her full bottom lip and through the thin material of her top, he saw her nipples hardened. As if caught in a spell, his own body tightened, hardened, and his throat constricted with need before he forced himself to turn away. “If you’re ready, we can get started.”

“Uh, yeah,” Aileen said, her voice sounding breathy and distant. “Let’s do it.”

The double entendre wasn’t lost on Heath, or his cock. And now all he could seem to picture was him, taking her over and over again—against the wall, on the floor, upstairs in his bed; licking and stroking and tasting and claiming every square inch of her soft, supple little body. He damned near groaned before he severed the sound.

Heath could see now how this workout had been a massive mistake in judgement on his part, but it was too late to back out now. Especially after he’d called her on doing basically the same thing earlier. Nope. He’d have to see this through. No matter the consequences.

“Yep.” He walked to one side of the mat in the middle of the large space and crouched slightly, preparing for her attack. “Proceed.”

* * *

Aileen eyed her opponent from across the room, circling him slowly as she waited for him to strike. Krav Maga was about self-defense, not attacking, and though she could go on the offensive if necessary, she really wanted to see how Heath was going to handle fighting her.

She took a deep breath and shook her arms to keep her muscles loose, her eyes never leaving his as they went around and around like two caged tigers ready to defend their territory.

“Are we going to dance all night or are you going to make good on your promise of a workout?” she taunted, hoping to get a rise out of him. Also hoping to distract herself, to keep her gaze from drifting down his handsome face to his flawless, toned chest—smooth except for that tantalizing dark trail of hair that disappeared beneath the waistband of his sweatpants. Was he wearing anything under them? The possible answer to that question dried her mouth and she licked her lips, aware that he tracked the tiny movement, his own mouth falling open slightly and his breath growing deeper, harder.

At last he made a growling sound deep in his throat and came at her, his large hands landing on her shoulders and she reacted on pure instinct, her years of classes kicking in without thought. He was a good foot taller and had at least fifty pounds of solid muscle on her, but size didn’t matter in Krav Maga and that was why she’d chosen it. Aileen took a large step back with one leg, bracing herself as she brought her arms up between his—crossed at the forearms, Wonder Woman-style. Then she twisted her arms as she flung them outward, using the full force of her body weight. Once she’d broken his hold, she slammed her hands against his ears in a double-pound strike. Heath yelped and grabbed his head, doubling over, and that’s when she went for a knee to the stomach. With a loud “ooofff” he fell to his knees then rolled over flat on his back on the floor, staring up at the ceiling while he blinked hard.

“Jesus,” he said, breathless. “I thought we were pulling our punches here.”

“I did,” she said, smiling down at him. “I could’ve kneed you in the balls. You’re welcome.”

“Fuck.” Heath shook his head then rubbed his eyes. “I’m dizzy.”

“An ear strike will do that to you. Sorry. I tried to not hit so hard.” Pride welled up inside her, along with concern. The guy looked seriously nauseous, the tanned color in his cheeks draining away to leave a sickly green tone behind. Aileen knelt beside him and reached over to rub his temples. “Close your eyes and relax. This helps make the dizziness go away.”

“Are you sure?” he asked, doing as she instructed. “Guess I didn’t rate any tough-guy points with that display, huh?”

She gazed down at his gorgeous face, a bit of his color returning, and the tension inside her relaxed a tad. She’d just wanted to teach him a lesson—that she could take care of herself—not hurt him. Aileen leaned forward slightly, giving in to her urge to kiss him without even realizing she was doing it. Before her mouth reached his, however, he’d locked his hands around her wrists and levered his body up, rolling her beneath him and trapping her between his powerful thighs.

Her heart thumped and moisture gathered between her legs, even as her embarrassment grew at her own stupidity. She’d allowed him to distract her and he’d taken full advantage, as any good warrior would. Her Krav Maga instructor would’ve been appalled. Yet as she laid there, staring up into Heath’s stormy gray eyes, feeling his bare chest brush against her with each inhalation, his warm, heavy weight pressing her firmly against the cold mat beneath them, all she could do was wish he’d hurry up and kiss her already before she exploded.

“How about now?” he asked, heat and humor dancing in his gaze.

“How about now what?” Aileen rocked her hips upward, grinding against him in blatant invitation. Fighting against her attraction to him was too damned hard, and she was too damned tired now to keep up the pretense. And yes, her brother might be mortified that she’d slept with his best friend, but sometimes a girl had to do what a girl had to do. Right now? Aileen needed to feel him inside her more than she needed her next breath.

At the rubbing of her body against his, separated only by thin fabric, Heath gasped and held her wrists tight to the mat beside her head. “Don’t.”

“Don’t what?” She did it again.

“That, dammit.” His voice sounded strained and a darkening scowl grew on his face. “We can’t.”

“Can’t what?” Instead of grinding into him, this time she arched, brushing her sensitive nipples against his chest. A small moan escaped her before she could bite it back. She knew she was acting like a cat in heat, but hell if she could stop herself now. She wanted him too badly. “Can’t that?”

“Yes,” he hissed, lowering his head until his breath was hot against the side of her neck. “God, you’re Murph’s little sister.”

“I’m also a grown-ass woman who’d very much like you to fuck her now.” Aileen whispered the words into his ear, then teased his lobe with her tongue for good measure. When he shuddered against her, her feminine instincts screamed she had him. “Please, Heath.”

He shifted his big body slightly, pressing himself more firmly against her and letting her feel the full impact of her effect on him. At last she had her answer. She’d bet good money he went commando under those sweatpants, given that she could feel every inch of his big, hard cock pulsing hot on her thigh like he was naked against her. The thought only made her want him more, only made her wetter. He nuzzled her throat and licked her skin, softly at first, then with more vigor, using his tongue and lips and teeth to drive her nearly insane.

“Please what?” he whispered before nipping the delicate skin above her collarbone.

“Please fuck me.” For all her formality outside the sack, she’d always loved dirty talk in bed. “I want you inside me.”

Heath groaned low at her words, this time rocking his body into her, brushing his cock over the juncture of her thighs and making her shiver with need. “Are you sure? We do this, we can’t take it back. Things could get complicated…” He rocked again, making her gasp. “…messy.”

His hold on her wrists lessened and she broke free, shoving her hands through his soft blond hair and pulling his mouth to hers as she said, “What’s wrong with messy? I love messy.”

With a muttered curse, he gave up the fight and took her lips with his in a brutal, almost punishing kiss—whether he was angry with her or himself or both, she didn’t know. All Aileen cared about at that moment was tasting and touching and learning every inch of his glorious body.

Heath must’ve felt the same because he tore his mouth from hers and sat up to yank off her sports bra before pressing her down to the mat once more, his naked chest to hers as they both reveled in the delicious friction. He kissed her again, more gently this time, exploring her mouth and lips and tongue with his before trailing kisses over her cheeks to her ear then down her throat, making his way to her breasts. There, he took one taut peak into his mouth while lavishing attention on the other with his long, talented fingers.

Aileen was in heaven. Truth was, it had been so long since she’d been with a man, and she’d wanted Heath since that first day in Central Park when he’d swept in like some avenging knight to save her even though she was perfectly capable of saving herself. As he swirled his tongue around her nipple then pulled away slightly to blow cool air over it, she inhaled sharply and arched against him again, gripping his hair in her hands, not wanting the exquisite torture to stop. As if sensing her dilemma, Heath lifted his head and chuckled, low and seductive. “Don’t worry, darling. I’ll give you exactly what you want. In good time.”

He switched breasts, worshipping the other as well before kissing a heated trail lower down her stomach to the waistband of her yoga pants. Once there he stopped and gazed up at her, his passionate expression laced with seriousness. “Last chance. Are you sure?”

In response, she raked her nails over his scalp and bucked beneath him, dying to get some attention on her swollen clit. “Yes, I’m sure. Now get my pants off before I box your ears again.”

Heath laughed and tugged off her yoga pants and undies in one swift move, leaving her both relieved and a tad shy all of a sudden. After all, he was staring down at her body like a pirate ogled a treasure chest of loot—greedy and lustful. Then he lowered his head and traced his tongue over her slick folds and Aileen’s busy mind halted. All that mattered was his mouth, this moment, the way he worked her body with his lips and tongue and fingers, drawing every last ounce of sensation from her until she couldn’t think, couldn’t speak, could only feel and cry out with desire.

While he sucked her clit, he thrust first one, then two, fingers inside her, preparing her for him. She writhed beneath him, so close to the edge that it would take only a few more strokes to push her into oblivion.

“God, yes. Please, I’m so close. I’m…” she panted, holding him close to her.

“That’s it, darling,” he urged, working her good, making her feel better than any man ever had, bringing her the release she desperately needed. “Let go for me.”

“Yes!” Aileen cried out and bucked, her inner walls convulsing around his fingers as she came hard. Wave after glorious wave of sensation washed over her and time seemed to slow as she rode out her orgasm, Heath continuing to nuzzle her through it with his lips and tongue until she finally relaxed against the mat.

Slowly, he kissed his way up her body to her lips then kissed her deeply, gifting her with the spicy taste of her own arousal. She felt boneless, weightless, and still yearned to feel him inside her. She reached down and stroked him through his sweatpants.

“Please. I want to feel you inside me.” She rained kisses on his face. “Please.”

He sat up and reached into a drawer behind him and pulled out a condom. “Oh, you’ll get me all right, darling.”

She watched as he took off his pants then slicked on the condom, mesmerized by the sight of his beautiful, hard cock with a glistening drop of liquid at the tip. Aileen bit her lip, wishing she’d had time to taste him too, but there was no time for that now. They were both too close to the precipice for that. Later. She’d definitely take him in her mouth later and make him scream her name as she brought him off with her lips and tongue. Now, she wanted all those inches inside her.

Heath stretched out over her again and she spread her thighs, hooking legs around his waist so her heels rested on the tops of his tight buttocks. “Ready?” he asked.

“Always, for you.” The tip of his cock brushed against her slick folds and she pressed against him, needing him. “Do it. Fuck me, Heath. Fuck me hard.”

With a growl, he thrust into her hilt-deep, then held still, allowing her time to adjust. Nipping her earlobe, he growled. “You’re a dirty girl, aren’t you, darling. With that nasty mouth, I might have to spank you.”

Aileen had never been into the rough stuff before, but with Heath it held a definite appeal. “Whatever you want, just give me your cock. I need it. Now!”

Bucking against him, she pulled his mouth to hers for a deep, hot, open-mouthed kiss. He didn’t disappoint, thrusting inside her and hitting all the right spots. When he reached between them to stroke her clit as well, Aileen nearly climaxed right on the spot. It was that good. But she held off, not wanting it to be over between them. Soon though, his thrusts grew harder, faster, deeper and she couldn’t resist anymore. “Oh, God. I’m going to come again. I’m going to…”

Heath circled her clit with his thumb, now applying a bit more pressure and… boom! Stars exploded behind her eyes as she orgasmed hard for the second time, her nails digging into his shoulders and her head falling back as her eyes clamped shut. While she rode out her climax, he drove hard into her a few more times, his movements becoming more erratic until Heath too came hard inside her, his body tense against her, his beautiful moans filling her ears.

They stayed locked together until they both collapsed back onto the mat, exhausted and sated and chilled from the sweat of their bodies in the cool night air. Heath rolled to his side then cuddled Aileen against him, her head on his chest, resting right over his heart.

“That was a mistake,” he said, his voice rumbling beneath her ear. “But damn if I can bring myself to regret it right about now.”

Aileen smiled against his skin, too tired to even speak. As she drifted off to sleep, along with Heath, his words continued to loop through her head.

A mistake, yes. But one she intended to make again, if given the opportunity.