Chapter Seven
Camila smoothed her knee-length, sleeveless red dress.
After getting ready, she’d found Jaeger sound asleep on the balcony, and she’d played with the idea of waking him up. After watching him for a couple of minutes, she decided to let him rest. She’d never seen him that peaceful—maybe because he wasn’t awake—so she wrote him a note and headed to the party alone.
In the forty minutes she’d been out on the beautiful terrace, she’d caught up with her family while the sun made a powerful exit in the background. It looked like a huge ball of pink and orange, and she wished someone could watch it with her. Not just someone, Jaeger.
“Where’s your boyfriend?” Addie nudged her elbow.
She glanced at her blond, adorable sister-in-law. “He’s coming. He was taking a nap, so I let him enjoy it.”
Addie winked at her. “I can’t wait to meet him.”
“Oh. We’re in the beginning stages, so it’s no big deal.”
“Erika said he’s hot. And that he made quite the contribution to their charity, which means he’s not only a good guy, but he’s also successful,” Addie said.
Oh God. No. Ever since she’d married Bruno, Addie believed everyone deserved a happy ending. Camila shared that view of course, but she was barely able to convince herself to keep it real about Jaeger’s intentions. How would that play out when she had to pretend he was her boyfriend?
“How did you two meet?” Addie said.
“His aunt does my hair.” She reached for a flute of champagne on the deck and took a sip. And he’s protecting me. Camila hated lying, especially to those she loved, but she’d hate even more to spoil the atmosphere of happiness and festivity with news of her disturbing stalker and dead dog.
“Wow. Is that him?” Addie asked, and Camila turned her face in the direction of Addie’s finger.
Camila’s jaw dropped. Jaeger was playing with her nieces, Maria and Lyanna. In fact, he was making little animals out of the balloons on the children’s craft table. Little Maria, Addison and Bruno’s daughter, laughed and asked for more. With swift moves, he produced a poodle and the two little girls clapped. Camila’s heart flipped in her chest. “Yes. That’s him.”
A waiter passed by with a beautiful tray of mouthwatering canapés. Camila picked one, but she held it and forgot to eat it. Her eyes returned to Jaeger, who talked to her nieces and a few other kids who joined them. Was this also part of a show? She brought the yummy appetizer to her mouth, and then, as if drawn to him, she left Addie by herself and stepped toward Jaeger. When she was a couple of feet from him, he gazed at her. For a moment, his irises darkened, but the flickers of gold warmed his stare. God. She licked her dry lips but didn’t dare break the trance.
Thrills of excitement moved through her. A pre-orgasmic-like tremor surged within her body, and she bit her lower lip.
Lyanna called Jaeger’s name, and the little girl touched his face, making him turn to her. And, sadly, the spell came to an end.
“Aren’t you glad you two are staying right above the music room?” Addie said, before chuckling and walking to the bar area.
Jaeger had never even kissed her, so why would he make love to her? He could have any woman in the room. Thankfully for her, pretty much all the other women were married besides a couple of friends of Erika’s. They’d known Erika from the time she worked and lived in the city, and they seemed to be closer to his age than she was. Camila’s throat clogged with frustration.
She watched him ruffle a kid’s hair then stand up, despite the children’s protests, and erase the distance between them. Every inch he got closer to her she shifted her weight from foot to foot, desperate to find an elegant pose. She should stand like an independent strong woman who knew what she wanted—even if she couldn’t have it. Or could she?
He didn’t slow his pace as he strode closer to her. She opened her mouth to speak, but he placed his hand on the small of her back and guided her away from the crowd. Without saying a word, she followed him to the side of the balcony and down a set of stairs that led to the pool house. She expected it to be locked, but with a strong shove, he opened it and flicked on the light switch. His hand disengaged from her, and she shivered. Even though his flesh touched her over the fabric, her skin seared with anticipation. The look on his face didn’t specify if he was about to screw her or tell her off.
“You didn’t wait for me,” he said.
She closed the door behind her, to keep their privacy if they were about to argue. “I didn’t want to wake you.”
He ran his hand down his face, and for the first time since she’s met him Jaeger seemed frustrated. “I understand, but I’m here to keep you safe. I need to know where you are at all times. Am I clear?”
“Clear, Boss,” she said. She tucked a few strands of hair behind her ear. “You did a good job with the kids back there. Muito bem. I’m impressed.” Of course he had been a father, and probably an excellent one. She didn’t expect him to pour his heart out for her, but she had to nudge him and take him out of his comfort zone.
He shook his head. “Kids aren’t a lot of work.”
“Am I a lot of work?” She touched his jacket, her finger making a pattern around his chest area. He didn’t jerk away or grab her wrist like she expected. Instead, he glanced at her hand for a moment until his eyes searched for hers again and locked on them.
“What do you want from me, Camila?” he said in a low, growly voice.
“I want you,” she said softly. Even if that means temporarily giving up control. Admitting her desire slipped out of her mouth, the words pushing past her lips like they had a power of their own. “Do you want me?” she asked, raising her voice.
He curled his fingers into a fist. “It’s not that simple,” he said, his voice strained like he had just finished some arduous workout session.
“We can make it simple,” she said. God. She never had to pursue any man this way; she’d always been much more passive and compliant. This time…her stomach sank. She wanted him, and even if he denied her, she wouldn’t let him get away easily, not when she suspected he wanted her, too.
His eyes gleamed. “No.”
She smiled and leaned closer. “Liar.”
“No,” he repeated, and she didn’t know if he talked to her or himself. She caught herself grabbing his jacket rather than touching. To the hell with common sense.
She registered the pain and conflict in his now forest green eyes. Her blood rushed wild and free in her veins. She brushed against him to close the scant distance between them.
“No.” He braced her against the wall. A few cleaning supplies from a nearby shelf fell to the floor. “No!” he shouted, this time grabbing her wrists and lifting them above her head.
Her breath came in small pants, tension charging the air between them. She raised her eyes to him and noticed he gazed down at her lips.
Damn it. He was right—none of this was simple. She was way out of her league, and completely careless. She flexed and unflexed her fingers, without trying to escape from his grasp. He tightened his hold and groaned, still focused on her lips like he calculated in his head if kissing, fucking her, would be worth ignoring his judgment.
“No,” he whispered, his voice so throaty she wondered if she’d really heard him. Jaeger dipped down his head and captured her lips, quickly, hungrily, and savagely.
She opened her mouth, desperate to take all of it before it ended. He stroked her tongue with his, taking her to a world of sensations that sent ripples of pleasure through her body. She squirmed, her wrists moving, wanting to get free so she could lean into him for support, touch his chest, play with his hair, but he wouldn’t have any of it. He kept her restrained, in place.
A succession of moans formed in her throat without ever pushing past her lips. He sucked her tongue, grazed her upper lip, and plastered his strong, hard body against her. Her nipples hardened, begging for his attention. She did her best to match his urgency, kissing him hard. She arched against him, offering herself to him. She knew Jaeger would be proper and distant when he came to his senses, but until then there was no way she wouldn’t enjoy the feeling of burning under her clothes.
“More.”
He nipped at her bottom lip, and she moaned so loud her throat felt raw. Her panties were soaked, a coating of desire filling her sex. He let go of her wrists unexpectedly, and her hands fell to her sides, feeling heavy and tingly. When she lifted them to touch him, he outsmarted her and moved lower, giving her chest open-mouthed kisses. Warmth spread through the fabric, and she bucked into him. Feeling bold, she pulled down the top of her dress, her breasts bouncing free.
Jaeger’s tongue swirled around her nipple, and the tight bud sizzled. God. The deep grunt from his lungs shook something inside her, like he had the power of affecting her through sound alone. She finally touched his hair, running her fingers into his textured blond hair, pulling him closer. She never wanted to let him go.
“So good,” she murmured.
She undulated her hips, rocking into him. He slid one hand south on her body, and pushed the hem of her dress up with the other hand. Her outfit became a creased mess bunched at her waist and she loved everything about it. A sense of freedom bolted through her. He slid a finger into her G-string, caressing her slick folds. What she really wanted was for him to drive himself inside her and put her out of the delicious agony. “Oh yes.”
He growled against her chest and sucked her entire breast while teasing her pussy. Heat coiled in the pit of her stomach, desire making her lightheaded. He palmed her sex, tapped it, and brushed his flesh against her pubis, sending dozens of thrills of excitement through her.
“You’re mind-blowing,” he said.
She nearly replied, but she preferred to let his compliment settle for the moment. He traced kisses down her belly, and when he disappeared between her legs she almost lost her balance and fell.
He kept her steady, sitting her on the counter and placing her legs over his shoulders. She lay back, propping herself on her trembling elbows.
Jaeger nipped her thigh then licked her, and she threw her head back, arms falling down, balance completely lost. While he kept teasing her, planting kisses, each time closer to her sex, he massaged the back of her knees with sensual circular movements. Overstimulation reached nearly unbearable levels.
Boldly, he tasted her. The tip of his tongue stroked her nub, while his finger finally joined the party. Every beat of her heart whispered his name. Every cell of her being anticipated, celebrated, seared.
He intensified his claim of her, his tongue lapping at her engorged clit in tandem with the finger that rubbed her sex without mercy. Meu Deus. Her every muscle began to tighten, her body sending a clear message that she couldn’t keep from coming. She called his name, her head so light it bobbed back, her thighs quivering. Soon, the rest of her body trembled until the exhilarating climax.
“I’ll give you some privacy and wait for you outside,” he said, the first one to speak. She opened her eyes and found him standing a few feet from her. It took her a couple of seconds to zoom in on him, her vision a still a bit blurry from the orgasm. She registered him staring at her, then his shoulders dropped a notch and he left the pool house, closing the door behind him.
When the door handle clinked, she blinked and shook herself out of the sexual haze. What had she done? Jaeger Bauer had just pleasured her.
She wiped the sweat from her forehead. If she acted like nothing happened, she’d be a hypocrite. If she chose to have sex with him, would she be ready to indulge in his preferences? She didn’t have control over her stalker. Was she ready to give up what little control she had in her current situation—in the bedroom?
…
“Scotch?” one of Camila’s brothers asked. Jaeger met the other two, but not Leonardo. Jaeger glanced at the wet bar area this tall fellow was handling like he was used to the place, without waiting for the waiters who were out serving the other guests.
“Neat, please.”
Leonardo grabbed a couple of tumblers and poured a ridiculously expensive scotch into them. “I hear you’re staying with my sister,” Leonardo said, in an almost accusatory tone. “How long have you known each other?”
“Long enough,” Jaeger said. “I’m Jaeger Bauer. Pleasure.”
“I hope that’s the case,” Leonardo said, handing him the glass.
Jaeger lifted his glass on a semitoast before bringing it to his mouth and savoring the amber contents. The other two brothers hadn’t been welcoming, but this one studied him cautiously. His eyes narrowed, his expression growing serious and not relaxed even after Leonardo chugged down some liquor.
Jaeger tried to smile, feeling stupid. Wasn’t he too old to be vetted by a girlfriend’s sibling? Especially because she wasn’t his girlfriend…though Leonardo didn’t know that. Jaeger took another sip of the scotch. If alcohol couldn’t save him from his actions, nothing else could.
“So what do you do, Jaeger?”
“I own a security firm in Manhattan. I hear you’re a human rights lawyer,” he said. The best way to avoid talking about himself would be to keep the focus on the other guy. A spark in Leonardo’s hazel eyes warned him that her brother knew exactly what Jaeger was doing.
“Yeah. I know both sides of the law: the good guys and the bad guys. I might wear a suit in court, but if you hurt my little sister, you’re done,” Leonardo said in a commanding tone that perhaps could scare someone else. But not Jaeger.
Jaeger sucked in a breath. If he wanted a pissing contest with Leonardo or any of the other brothers, he could tell them he used to be one of the good guys who could also be bad. But such behavior would only bring more attention to his profession and his true link to their sister. “Message received. I’d never hurt your sister.” Not intentionally, he added inwardly.
At last, Leonardo and stretched out his hand. “Good.”
Jaeger took his hand in his in a firm shake. Leonardo’s shoulders relaxed a notch, and he talked about his work and mentioned something about his wife, Satyanna, and how they lived in Rio but visited the States often. At least that was what Jaeger gathered. The words registered, some of them, but in his mind his thoughts were drawn to Camila and the kiss they shared in the pool house thirty minutes prior.
More than a kiss. He’d fought the urge to kiss her, to touch her, with every fiber in his being, but for once his self-control burned out, and he listened to the desire snaking in his body with the power of a freaking python.
Camila had been so responsive, so hot, so sinfully aroused. He had to leave the pool house after she got off and walk for a while. A breather should have helped him discern things, but every time her sexy moans rang in his ears his body tensed. He wanted to fuck her, to drill into her until he had enough. Until he was free again of that raging urge.
“There she is,” Leonardo said, pulling him from his R-rated reverie.
Jaeger blinked and looked at Camila who joined them with a mysterious smile. She gave her brother a hug and kisses on both cheeks.
“Did you miss me already, honey?” She nudged his elbow, the touch sending electrifying threads up his arm.
He winked at her, knowing that if he gave her the usual cold shoulder treatment her brother would pick up the tense energy. They were, after all, pretending to date, and he’d better make sure he damn well acted like it. “You make it impossible for me not to miss you.”
She kissed his cheek. “That’s what I like to hear.” He was still dealing with his body’s response to her scent when she turned to her brother and said, “Will you guys stay long this time? After the wedding?”
“We’ll go to the city for a couple of days before heading back to Rio. Maybe we can meet for lunch or dinner.”
“My internship schedule has been crazy, but we’ll have to make room for it. Won’t we, babe?” She smiled at him.
Jaeger nodded. “Of course.” The next three days would be long. He enjoyed being around her Camila. So much so, he had to remind himself some of it should just be pretending.
“You didn’t think you could escape, did you?” Jaeger said when he caught up to her at the beach. For the past two hours they had barely exchanged more than a few words; her family members surrounded her, and Jaeger played along.
A side of him found the attention she received from her people delightful. Once this mess was solved, and he was out of her life, she’d be okay. She had a reliable support system to count on.
A few stars sprinkled the cloudless dark sky. A light breeze played with the tips of her hair. She wiped it from her face and glanced at him.
“I needed a breather. I love my family, but it’s hard with all that’s going on to keep up the pretense that everything’s okay.”
He clenched his shoes. “You can tell them if you want. I wouldn’t recommend it though; it would make the case messier.” She had a large family if he counted the brothers and sisters-in-laws, and if they wanted to help her, they’d end up talking to the wrong person and making the case public, which she didn’t want. Neither did he. “But if that’s eating you up inside,” he said, the words surprising himself as they parted with his mouth, “you can tell them about the letters.”
She smiled at him, and his heart did a stupid flip. He dropped his shoes on the sand and jammed his hands in his pockets. “You know what has been eating me up.” A lovely shade of pink spread across her cheeks.
He drew in a breath. At some point, they had to talk about what happened in the pool house. “I’m not sorry for what happened, but continuing would be a mistake. I just promised your brother I wouldn’t hurt you.”
She shook her head, hands perched at her waist. “Not fair. My brother meets you for five minutes and you pledge alliance. I’ve been trying to get your attention for days.”
“Why would you want it? You’re a vibrant, gorgeous woman who can have anyone you’d like.”
“I want you. I’m not saying it’s the wisest decision I’ve ever made, but I can’t help it. So if you don’t want to be with me because I’m your client, that’s one thing. I’m over it. I must spark something in you. But if you’re scared—”
His pulse throbbed. “I’m not scared.”
“Is this because of what happened to your wife and child? You’d rather not get attached to anyone?”
Jaeger swallowed hard. How did she know about Ellen and Trevor? He glanced at her and she shot him a nervous smile as she let go of her shoes and her arms dropped to each side. His aunt had probably told her. “It’s not that I wouldn’t. I simply don’t have anything left to give. I had a good marriage and a son I loved more than anything, and I lost both,” he said, his voice strained. The image of a happy three-year-old boy with reddish hair and green eyes, running to him after a soccer game at the park formed in his mind. “If I pursue such things again, I wouldn’t be honoring what I lost.” Starting over didn’t seem fair. He’d get a new chance at love, but his sweet wife and loving son wouldn’t—because of him.
“Wouldn’t you be honoring what you lost by enjoying the life that was robbed from them?” She frowned. “Listen, I’m not asking for your big, manly hand in marriage or anything, I’m just saying in general.”
“I’ve done okay so far,” he said and wished his voice hadn’t lost energy at the end.
“Fair enough. Why fix what isn’t broken?” she asked. “Doesn’t mean we can’t explore this crazy, hot attraction between us.”
Every day since the funeral he’d known he’d never be whole again. He woke up, worked, met friends for a drink a couple of times a month, worked out, and bedded beautiful women he had no intention of creating meaningful relationships with. He went through the motions like eating food without tasting the flavor.
“Would you be okay with sex from me and not much else?” he asked. A part of him hated himself for even suggesting it, or agreeing to her suggestion. But the other part longed for her answer, as he took one step closer, his pulse spiking. “With me tying you up?”