After a busy day of escorting Es around to various press junkets and interviews in DC, Z was feeling a bit more confident in his situation, but just a bit. In truth, the previous night with Es had shaken him. He’d gone into this thinking it would be easy to keep his emotions separate from the physical act, to do his duty—so to speak—and move on. To hit it and quit it.

Unfortunately, that wasn’t as easy as he’d expected.

He’d tried to brush his lingering feelings off as going too long between bed partners, but honestly, the part that had knocked him off-kilter the most was afterward, lying together, still intimately connected. Es had claimed it was for the sake of conception, and yeah. Okay. Z supposed he could go with that. Biologically speaking, it probably did make sense to keep still for a while to give his swimmers the best chance of crossing the finish line.

But emotionally, the intensity of that moment lingered.

Nothing he’d done today had lessened his emotions either—not work, not focusing on the upcoming state dinner at the White House, not even taking matters into his own hands by planning a nice, quiet meal for them at the townhouse to try and get a read on how Es was feeling about it all.

If he was honest with himself, he’d allowed his libido to get out of control the previous night, allowing his senses to be overrun with her taste, her scent, the feel of her soft curves pressed against him. And sure, the sex had been good—incredible, even—but that was no reason to go overboard and get all mushy. He’d done that once, allowed his heart to become involved in a relationship where it should have been strictly physical, and it had landed him in a world of heartache. Since then, he’d done the sensible thing and kept his feelings out of the bedroom. Not that he didn’t love sex. He did. He just went for the casual flings instead of anything more.

That’s why this gig should’ve been perfect.

So, why did it feel anything but at present?

The limo pulled up in front of the Colonial-style townhouse and Z climbed out first, scanning the area for any suspicious parties before opening the door to help Es from the rear of the vehicle. There were a few paparazzi nearby, snapping photos, and he did his best to shield her with his body as they climbed the front steps. Through his Bluetooth headset, he ordered the rest of his team to their usual stations around the perimeter to guard the townhouse, then followed Es inside. Some of the glow and energy she’d had earlier had dissipated, and her normally creamy complexion had gone a bit gray with fatigue. Z felt the unaccountable urge to carry her into the library where they’d made love the night before and lay her down on that huge leather sofa. To slip off those sexy stilettos of hers and massage her feet until she went all limp and relaxed beneath his hands. To slowly work his way up those long, toned legs of hers, inching that pretty pink sweater of hers higher and higher and higher with his fingers until…

“What is that delectable smell?” Es sniffed the air, her eyes closing and her expression going dreamy with delight. “Did you call ahead for dinner?”

Z shook away his erotic thoughts and forced a smile. “I did. It’s been a long day, and I thought it might be nice to stay in and relax tonight.”

She toed off her shoes and sighed. The sound zinged straight to his groin before he tamped it down. There’d be time enough for that later, if she wanted him again. But first, they needed to eat. She was too thin as it was, and he was starving. His stomach growled in confirmation that she’d been right, the aromas of garlic and roasted onions smelled amazing. He led her into the formal dining room where the food had been laid out at one end, making things a bit homier, since it was just the two of them.

“Aw, this is lovely,” Es said, taking a seat while Z held the chair for her. “Thank you for thinking of this. It was very kind.”

“Lady’s got to eat.” He removed his suit jacket and loosened his tie, then took the chair beside her, grinning. “Help yourself. It’s nothing fancy, just citrus shrimp with sugar snap peas over organic brown rice, a spinach salad with eggs and mandarin orange slices, and coconut water to drink.”

“Hmm.” She dug into the food, making the cutest little sounds of approval as she ate. After swallowing a large bite of salad, she smiled at him. “Delicious. But no wine tonight, huh?”

“Nope.” He gave her a little wink, feeling some of his earlier tension ease. “All of this is healthy stuff, chef-approved for the baby.”

“I’m impressed. You’ve done your homework.”

“Of course.” He devoured several mouthfuls of sweet and tangy shrimp and rice, the snap peas the perfect, crunchy accompaniment. “Between check-ins with my team, I did some Internet research. I take my work seriously.”

The minute those last words were out of his mouth, he regretted them. Her sweet smile fell slightly and she looked away, but not before he spotted the flicker of hurt in her eyes. Yeah, they had a contract, and yes, this was essentially a job. That didn’t mean he needed to rub it in her face, though. That knot of stress between his shoulder blades tightened once more.

Smooth move, idiot.

This situation was awkward enough without his adding to it. He chewed without tasting his food now then swallowed a large gulp of coconut water to wash it down. To break the stifling silence he said, “So, your meetings today went well?”

“As well as expected.” She toyed with the food on her plate with her fork. “They originally planned on my father being there, but we muddled through. It wasn’t anything formal anyway, as evidenced by my casual outfit. What about you? Things with your team going well?”

“Yep.” He rolled his tense shoulders and winced slightly. He’d missed his usual workout with his SEAL bud and could tell the difference.

“Everything okay?” She looked up at him through her lashes.

“Fine. I’m used to my daily workouts and didn’t have time to get one in today yet, so I’m stiff is all.”

“I’ve heard you talking to someone down in the basement sometimes. Do you Facetime?”

“Yeah. With one of the guys from my old SEAL team. He keeps me in line.”

“I bet.” She smiled, and her posture sagged a bit as she sat back, some of her color returning. He was glad. She looked so delicate and vulnerable sometimes that it brought out the alpha-protector in him. He watched her eat a few more bites of food before sipping on the straw in her coconut water. And damn if that visual didn’t give him all sorts of naughty ideas for later. His traitorous cock twitched in his pants despite his wishes to the contrary. She tilted her head, her pretty hazel eyes narrowed. “Thank you for considering all these foods for me. I’ve done my own research on conception and these are all superfoods for fertility. But you don’t have to make the same dietary sacrifices I do. Have a burger and a beer if you want.”

“Nah, I’m good.” At her dubious look, he chuckled. “Seriously. I love seafood and salads.”

“Sure.” She shook her head, her tone skeptical. “You’re not a very good liar, you know.”

Z sat back and folded his hands across his stomach, his appetite for food sated while his other cravings were growing stronger. Emotions were out of the question, but that didn’t mean they couldn’t flirt shamelessly. “I always tell the truth.”

Es straightened, her eyes glittering with heat now. “Is that so?”

He turned to her and nodded, his gaze flicking from her eyes to her lips to her chest. His fingertips itched to peel away that silky sweater of hers and cup the firm breasts beneath. His blood pounded through his veins, and his breath grew deeper, slower. “Oh, yeah. Want to know what I’m thinking right now, princess?”

She swallowed hard, the air between them sizzling with sexual tension. Es put her fork down and wiped her mouth, then sat back, toying with the pearls around her neck, drawing his attention to the thudding pulse point at the base of her throat. “Tell me.”

“I’m thinking that I’d like to pick you up and carry you to the bedroom. I’d like to strip you bare and lick every inch of you until you’re panting with need. Then I’d like to sink deep inside you and ride you until we both come hard.”

Lips parted, Es stared at him. Silent.

At first Z worried that perhaps he’d gone too far. They’d only been together once and didn’t really know each other that well. Maybe she didn’t like dirty talk. Maybe she wanted him to just shut up and get the deed done. Then she leaned closer, her nipples taut against the lace of her bra beneath the rose-colored silk of her top.

And that’s when he realized that maybe she was just as turned on as he was at the moment.

Stopping a few inches in front of him, Es extended her hand. “Come on.”

“Your wish is my command, princess.” Z pushed to his feet and swept her up into his arms before she could resist. Es gave a quick squeal then giggled, her hands slipping around his neck to tangle in the curls at his nape. He shuddered beneath her touch, heading down the hall toward her bedroom, leaving the remnants of their meal behind. Z couldn’t seem to tear his eyes away from her full, pink lips as he asked, “Still hungry?”

“Starving.” They’d barely made it into the bedroom before she kissed him, her tongue sweeping into his mouth. She tasted of sweet coconuts and spices from the food and he couldn’t get enough. He kicked the bedroom door shut behind them, then laid her in the middle of the bed before stripping off his shirt and tie and toeing off his socks and shoes.

Es pulled off her sweater and jeans, leaving her in just a pale pink lace bra and panties. God, he’d always been a lingerie guy, but something about Es in her delicate things drove him mad with want. Before he could stop himself, he was on the bed beside her, stretching out and pulling her into his arms. The rough friction of her lace bra against his bare chest made his hard cock ache.

She pulled him in for another kiss, wrapping her legs around him and all his plans for keeping things slow and controlled tonight went right out the window. He couldn’t seem to get enough of her, his fingers shaking as he reached behind Es to undo her bra then slide the straps down her arms to remove the garment. Her breasts were magnificent. Not huge, just enough to fill his palms and topped with pretty pink nipples that all but begged for his attention.

He cupped her breasts, gently rubbing his thumbs over their rigid tips. Es let her head fall back, her eyes closing as she moaned low in her throat. Z couldn’t wait any longer to taste her and dipped his head to take one nipple in his mouth while using his fingers to lavish attention on the other. As her body temperature rose, the sweet, rose-cinnamon scent of her perfume filled the air, along with a hint of feminine arousal, making his own chained libido surge higher.

Z did his best to remind himself this was a job—this was to make a baby, nothing more—but he was too far gone to care. He’d never been with a woman like Es—smart, regal, beautiful, and so far out of his league he didn’t deserve her. Never would. Still, when she arched against him like she did now and the heat between her legs rubbed against his straining cock, he knew she wanted him as badly as he wanted her.

Forcing himself to slow down, Z pulled back slightly and traced the backs of his fingers down her quivering abdomen to the tops of her lace thong panties. Instead of removing them, he cupped her through the material, teasing her slick, swollen folds through the lace, using the same friction that had driven him mad earlier to heighten her desire. With his thumb, he drew slow circles over her sensitive clit, making her gasp and press harder against him. Catching her eye, he brought that same thumb to his lips to taste her, watching her reaction to him. Her pupils were blown wide now, all but obliterating her hazel irises, and she traced her tongue over her mouth, mimicking his own movements. Oh, yeah. Tonight was going to be good.

So, so good.

His cock twitched anew as if in agreement.

Unable to wait any longer, he stripped off her panties then kissed his way up her inner thighs to her heated core. With exquisite care, he traced his tongue over her, once more drawing in her spicy flavor before sliding first one, then two fingers inside her slick channel. She was so hot and tight and wet for him and he wanted her so, so much. He pressed his cock hard into the mattress to keep from grinding his hips and spending in his pants.

It was all too much. It would never be enough.

This was crazy, insane, the best sex of his life.

And it was all supposed to mean nothing to him, nothing but a chance to help a troubled nation and get back to his SEAL team.

The reminder of his duty helped to take the edge off of his passion enough that he was able to hold back. He licked and nuzzled her, coaxing her closer and closer to the edge of sweet oblivion, wanting her to take her pleasure first before he took his.

Es tangled her fingers in his hair, guiding him, showing him what she liked. “Yes, right there. Oh, God. Yes. Just like that. Oh, please.”

He raised his head slightly, looked up at her. “Please what, princess?”

She bit her lip and inhaled sharply. “Please make me come.”

Z grinned and went back to work. “Hell yes.”

Soon, her body tightened around him and she bucked hard, her nails scraping his scalp as she pressed herself harder against his fingers and tongue. “I’m… I’m…” Es cried out, every muscle in her body straining. “Oh, God! Yes!”

Continuing to work her heated flesh as she rode the waves of her orgasm, Z gently held her until she drifted back to earth, all drowsy and sated and even more beautiful than before, if that were possible. Knowing he’d been the one to make her look like that made his masculine pride swell along with his cock.

After removing his pants and boxer briefs, Z knelt between her legs and flipped Es over onto her stomach, sliding a pillow beneath her hips then holding her steady with one hand while positioning himself at her wet entrance with the other. He’d done his research on this, too, and evidence suggested that rear entry, with a pillow to help raise the woman’s hips and tilt her pelvis downward, might help with conception. Not to mention that taking a woman from behind was one of his personal faves, too.

At first Es objected, rising up on her elbows to glance back at him over her shoulder. “What are you—”

“Trust me,” he said, giving one of her firm, round butt cheeks a gentle caress. “I’ve done my research, princess. This is supposed to be one of the best positions to get pregnant.” He leaned forward to press a kiss to her spine. “I’ll make it good for you, I promise.”

With those words, he slid into her hilt deep, then held still, allowing her to adjust to this new angle of penetration. She wiggled against him as he slipped a hand between her legs to stroke her clit. Soon, she was meeting him thrust for thrust, her cheeks flushed and her breath panting.

“I had no idea it could be like this,” she said, her words rough with need. “This feels amazing.”

“You feel amazing,” he said, doing his best to make this last as long as possible but knowing it would all be over far too soon. The tightness inside him coiled closer to the breaking point, his balls drawing up closer to his body as his orgasm neared. He teased her clit and she bucked, slamming back against him and driving him even deeper inside her. He growled, his thrusts growing faster. “Are you close, princess?”

“Yes,” she whispered. “So close.”

“Good.” He pressed his thumb against her clit and drove into her, angling his penetration to hit the bundle of nerves just inside her slick channel and she cried out as she climaxed for a second time. Her body milked his aching cock, urging him nearer to the edge as well.

Z didn’t last long. One, two more thrusts, then he grunted low and came hard inside her, his fist clenched in the sheet and his toes curled tight. Finally, he collapsed atop her, his front to her back, afraid he was too heavy. “I’m sorry,” he murmured, kissing the back of her neck before attempting to slid off of her, but she stopped him.

“No. Stay. Please, for a minute.” Es sighed against the pillow beneath her head. “The joining helps, remember?”

“Right.” Z inhaled, his lungs filling with much-needed oxygen and the sweet smell of her hair. He could stay here forever and die a happy man. Which made this the most dangerous place in the world, even more than the deadliest battlefield. Because if Z felt that way after just two nights together, he was in for a world of pain and rejection when she tossed him aside as soon as their contract was fulfilled. Not that he wanted to stay. He wanted to get back to his SEAL team, get back to his old life, didn’t he?

They stayed connected intimately for about twenty minutes until the air cooled and things became uncomfortable—in more ways than one.

“So, I guess I should start ring shopping, huh?” he said, staring at the wall opposite the bed. The fact they needed to be legally wed to make this binding according to the Prylean laws had kind of fallen by the wayside in favor of their more…carnal pursuits, but they still needed to discuss it and now seemed as good a time as any. “For our engagement.”

“Hmm.” Es sighed, the movement causing her back to rub against his chest. “Yes. We’ll need a ring at least.” At last, she shifted slightly to look back at him. “That should be long enough.”

He nodded and climbed off of her, pulling on his boxer briefs without meeting her gaze. She had that right. Long enough for him to make an ass out of himself by allowing his emotions to spill over into his work. In the SEALs, shit like that could get a man killed. In this bedroom, opening his heart to a woman who had been clear from the start that all she wanted from him was his sperm would only end with his already-battered heart destroyed.

And that might be the worst death of all.

“I’m, uh, going to go have a shower then go to bed. Long day tomorrow. Good night.” Z gathered up the rest of his clothes then opened the door a crack, checking the hallway before slipping out without a backward glance in Es’s direction.

It was rude, he knew, and made him feel like even more of an idiot than he already did, but he had to get out of there before he did something even stupider, like ask to spend the night with her. He needed some time and space to himself to get his head screwed on straight again before he blew this whole deal sky-high.