Chapter 13

After midnight, Rip piloted the boat back to the dock. Lela leaned against him with her arms around his waist. She felt damn good by his side.

The hours of lovemaking had touched Rip deeply. He wanted to take care of Lela, to be there for her. But was he the right man for her? That thought nagged at him, but he didn’t have the answer.

When the boat stopped, Lela stirred then took his hand. “Come to bed with me.”

That was what Rip planned on. The night wasn’t over, and the prospect of holding her was alluring. He could easily get used to having her close.

In the cabin, Rip slid into bed beside Lela and pulled the covers over them. She nestled against him with her head on his shoulder, then fell asleep. It was a while before Rip dozed.

He tossed and turned, unable to get his mind off the future. Lela was safe, so far. But evil lurked, ready to strike at the first opportunity. That was what he had to prevent, but there was no easy solution.

When the sun shone through the cabin window, Rip sat up and stuffed the pillow behind his back. He was happy to see that Lela was sleeping soundly. He’d probably worn her out—in a good way, he hoped.

Lela had stolen his heart. If he could commit to a woman, she would be the one. But he’d been ruined, destroyed by his own act of negligence.

Until Lela was safe and her former life restored, there was no sense in trying to resolve his issues. That was something he’d have to deal with later. The evening had been special, and he took satisfaction in pleasing her. It was good enough to hold her and show her that he cared.

The truth was that Rip did care, but it didn’t mean that everything had changed.

Lela opened her eyes and touched his arm. “You’re awake.” She moved higher on the pillow, and a satisfied smile crossed her lips. “You were wonderful last night…this morning…all of it.”

“That was you.” Rip put two fingers on her jaw and traced his thumb over her lips. Lela had made love with the same passion she had for life. She was an exciting woman.

Scooting higher, Lela kissed him. Her lips grazed his cheek then found his mouth. Her sweet kiss sent electricity through his body. Rip put his hand on the back of her neck and pressed her close to deepen the kiss.

Rip eased back a little. “You better be careful, darling,” he said with his lips close to hers. “You might get me started again.”

“I hope so.” Lela pulled the sheet off, exposing Rip’s nakedness. She gazed at his hardness, arousing him more. Then she raked her palm up his thigh slowly, sending sparks of desire through him.

Lela reached between his legs and cupped his balls, holding their weight in her hand. Then she gently squeezed, and Rip emitted a soft growl from deep in his throat.

While massaging his balls in an apparent effort to drive him crazy with lust, Lela fingered the thick patch of dark hair at the base of his cock, teasing and tantalizing.

Rip reached down and touched her cheek. Lela wrapped her hand around his heated erection, then slid it up. She raked her thumb over the plum-shaped head, smearing the pre-cum that dripped from the top.

Lela sensually stroked, palming the head of his cock to moisten her hand, then moving back down to the base. She gradually increased the pressure, unhinging him more with each stroke.

“Jesus…” Rip groaned, and his head rolled to the side.

Lela got on her knees, and while continuing to stroke, she kissed his bare skin. She worked her way over his belly and across his chest, lingering to bite his nipples.

She moved between his knees to get a better angle. Then she massaged his tight balls while running her palm over and around the head of his cock. With Rip on the verge of exploding, she licked around his purple knob, dragging her tongue ever so slowly.

Then she touched the tender spot under the rim of his knob, and Rip’s muscles molded into steel. She feathered her fingertips along the side of his shaft several times, taunting but making him wait.

Lela pressed her lips to his hard shaft, and her warmth made his blood simmer. Then she put her mouth over him and sucked, bringing him to the verge of climax. She licked down his cock, then back up to suck his knob.

Rip panted in attempt to delay gratification. It felt so good and he wanted it to last.

But Lela was in control. She used both hands, so one gripped the base of his cock and the other moved up and over the swollen head. When she increased the pressure and the tempo, Rip lost it.

He arched his back and pressed his head against the headboard. Sensation consumed him, concentrated where Lela’s hands stroked him. He moaned loudly, in the grip of a powerful orgasm. Then his cum shot out onto his belly and up to his chest.

When Rip was able to move again, he pulled Lela into his arms for a passionate kiss. Sensing her arousal, he kissed harder, delving his tongue into her hot mouth. She pressed against him, and he breathed her in.

Taking her hands, Rip flipped her onto her back and held her to the bed. He kissed her jaw and collarbone, then suckled at her breasts. She was so sweet, her skin so soft. He bit at her nipples and she whimpered.

Then Rip moved down, kissing as he went. Then he bent her knees and kissed her belly button. The scent of her arousal was an exotic perfume. He pressed his mouth over her vulva, and she squirmed.

With his palms on her inner thighs, he spread her wider. He dug his fingers in her dark pubic hair, liking that she didn’t wax there. “You’re so sexy.” He cupped her sex. “I’m going to drive you crazy.”

Rip spread her outer lips and blew on her tender skin. Lela panted softly and ground her hips on the mattress. Then he dragged his tongue along her wet slit, once, then again. She moaned and pushed closer.

Slipping his hands underneath her buttocks, he lifted her up and pressed his mouth to her opening. He dipped his tongue inside then licked and sucked to spiral her arousal.

Rip lowered her to the bed then dipped two fingers inside her with his thumb on her tight clit. Lela made a sexy sound, so he gently rubbed her sensitive spot. “Give in to me, my darling. Let the pleasure take you.”

Lela emitted a high-pitched whine through her rapid panting. With his fingers still caressing her, Rip leaned in and swirled his tongue around her clit. Her abdomen tightened and her legs stiffened.

“Yes, just like that,” he said. “Don’t fight it.”

Rip moved his fingers inside Lela and licked over her wet opening. He nipped at her tense clit, then flicked his tongue around it. Craving her, Rip sucked over her most tender spot and used the tip of his tongue to send her over the precipice.

Lela clawed at the sheets and cried out. She climaxed, pulsing against his lips, and Rip closed his eyes in ecstasy. Her pleasure was his; there was no separation. When she relaxed, Rip kissed her thighs, then over her glistening sex.

“You’re so sweet.” Rip moved up and turned on his back. He pulled Lela on top of him and wrapped his arms around her. Her heart was beating fast, and her skin was heated. She reached up and put her palm on his cheek. But other than that, she didn’t move.

*****

Rip fell asleep with Lela on top of him, and didn’t wake up until a couple of hours later.

When he released her from his embrace, Lela slid onto the bed next to him. “I had a dream that we—”

“It was real, darling.” Rip brushed a lock of hair out of her eyes. “I vote for a hot bath.”

“Mmm, that sounds like heaven.”

Lela followed him to the bathroom, and he filled the tub with hot water and some bubble bath that was handy. He figured that women liked that sort of stuff. Rip assisted Lela, lowering her into the water. Then he got in the tub, facing her.

She dipped down, getting her hair wet, and Rip reached under the water to grip her ankles. The hot water was soothing. He looked into her lovely brown eyes. “Are you sore?”

“Wonderfully so.” Lela stretched her leg out and put her foot on his belly, then wiggled her toes.

Rip began massaging her other foot. Whether he was holding Lela, talking to her, or making love, he was pleased. As long as she was close, he was a happy man.

Lela looked at the silver cross around his neck. “You wear that all the time. Does it have special meaning to you?”

Rip held the cross between his thumb and forefinger. “It’s engraved on the back,” he said, turning it over.

“What does it say?”

“Just two words: Be Safe.” Rip let go of the cross. “Before I left for deployment, Isabel gave it to me. I’ve worn it ever since.”

After a brief silence, Lela said, “Are you still in love with her?”

Rip shook his head. “It was so many years ago. I was young and in love…we both were.” He paused. “I’ll always love her, but I’m not in love with her. It’s different.”

Lela’s gaze locked with his, and emotion surged within him.

“I should take it off,” Rip said. Before he could undo the clasp, Lela leaned over him and kissed him softly.

“No,” Lela said, “keep it on. I want you to be safe.” Then she lifted the cross to her lips and kissed it. “Stay safe for me…and for Isabel.”

*****

It was too beautiful outdoors to stay inside. A stroll along the boardwalk was more enticing. Rip held Lela’s hand while walking and watching others enjoy the day.

“We didn’t ride the Boardwalk Bullet yesterday,” Rip said, since he’d read about it in a brochure. The wooden roller coaster was ninety-six feet tall, and boasted an exhilarating first drop of ninety-two feet. It reached a speed of over fifty miles per hour.

Lela wrinkled her nose. “I don’t think so. I’m kind of maxed out on the thrill rides for now.”

Rip doubted pushing the ride’s features would matter. Lela was right. He was really stalling. As much as he needed to keep her off the radar, an extended stay at a public venue wouldn’t be sufficient. But he dragged his feet over leaving—especially because of the night he’d shared with her.

It wouldn’t be the same afterward. Rip was a realist. A getaway wasn’t real life, no matter how good it had been. He’d have to let go and get back to business.

Lela suggested brunch at the Bayside Grille. It was a cozy place that served breakfast and lunch. The menu included the usual fare, and the coffee was passable.

Rip ate, wishing he could have a future with Lela. But on the heels of his hope came a list of reasons why it wouldn’t work. At the top of the list was the guilt he’d harbored for so long; it was a part of him. After failing so badly at love the first time, he didn’t know if he was capable of trying again.

And he wasn’t sure if Lela wanted that anyway. She hadn’t spoken of it. The intimacy and pleasure they’d shared would be a wonderful memory, but that was all. He had his doubts about whether it could be more than that.

Rip was rough around the edges, yet the wall around his heart had begun to crumble. He was at a loss on how to deal with that change, so he refocused on the task of keeping Lela alive. That was what mattered most, along with her happiness.

*****

After the late breakfast, Lela opted to go back to the boat. “It’s a shame to waste our last few hours. Let’s go out in the harbor one more time.”

She stood on deck beside Rip, letting the breeze blow through her hair. The sun warmed her skin, and she breathed in the fresh air.

Soon this would be over, and Lela would have to move to another location. She’d be on the run with no end in sight. Her body tingled at thoughts of the night with Rip.

She wanted more of the same. And even when this was all over, she didn’t want to leave him.

Yet Rip hadn’t said he loved her. Nor had he asked for any commitment. He’d given her untold pleasure and he’d stolen her heart. She wondered if he knew that.

More than once, Lela had nearly voiced her feelings. But she’d held back, not sure it was the right thing to do. She had reservations about whether she’d be good at a relationship. She’d botched her first marriage so badly. It hadn’t been all her fault, but still…

Lela wasn’t the docile type, and maybe not the marrying kind either. But Rip didn’t seem to need a stay-at-home type, a quiet, obedient woman. Based on her experience with him, he preferred his life wild, his motorcycles fast, and his women passionate. He was a man who could handle strength in a woman. So maybe it could work.

But doubt won out, and she withheld her deeper emotions. Rip didn’t need to know. When he moved on, he could do so without regret. He’d held her when she needed it, kept her safe, and made incredible love to her. She’d always have that to remember.

Rip put his arm around Lela, and she smiled. “It’s so beautiful out here. I wish we could just keep going, out of the harbor and far away.”

But that was a dream that wasn’t going to come true. Wherever she went, her enemies would find her. She had to face them and she had to win—if only she knew how.

When Rip navigated back to the dock, he tied the boat up. Lela went to the living room, and he sat beside her. “It might be a good idea to check the news and see what the authorities are up to.”

The case against Senator Ortiz and Lela’s disappearance were mentioned on several stations. Most of it was rehashed information. One question continued to hold the media’s interest: Where is the missing paralegal? Pleas were made that if anyone had seen her to contact the authorities immediately.

The FBI had given a press conference. Dressed in suits, and looking like pillars of the community, the agents stood at the podium with serious expressions. The reporters shouted questions, which one of the men fielded as best he could.

The basic gist was that the FBI had a team on it. The situation had been given priority status, and the agency had worked relentlessly to recover the key witness in the upcoming Ortiz trial. While each agent’s demeanor was no less than professional, the case was full of holes.

How did they lose Lela Cabelo? Is there an investigation into the deaths of the two FBI agents? Are there any details about who was responsible? Was it a drug-related incident, or is it confirmed that the deaths were connected to the Ortiz case?

The questions continued, but the answers were sparse. The FBI’s standard reply was either “No comment” or “We’re still investigating.”

At the end of the broadcast, one of the agents looked directly at the monitor. “Lela Cabelo, if you’re listening, contact the bureau without delay. Your life is in danger. Our goal is to keep you safe. Please…we want to hear from you.”

Lela clicked the remote and stared at the blank screen. She sighed and ran her hand through her hair. “I hate this.”

Rip didn’t interrupt.

“I want this to be over.” Lela leaned against the sofa and looked up at the ceiling. “Maybe I should do as they ask. If I turn myself in, I’ll be protected until the trial…then it won’t matter.”

Lela looked at Rip. “I want to. I really do. It would solve everything. My family wouldn’t be in danger. Ashlee could go home. You could…go on with your life. It would put a stop to all the violence.” Lela stood and walked over to the window. “Dammit, if only I could.”

Rip came and stood beside her.

“But I’m not naïve, and I’m not as trusting of the FBI anymore,” Lela said. “The last time I put my life in their hands, two of their agents were killed, and I nearly was too.”

Rip held her hands. “I haven’t led a sheltered life,” Lela said. “I know what the cartel is capable of. There is no place I could hide that they couldn’t get to me.” She shook her head. “As much as I wish it was true, the FBI can’t keep me safe.” Lela paced the room. “There has to be another way.”

“It’s up to me to protect you,” Rip said. “I’ll keep you out of harm’s way until the trial.”

“I just thought of something.” A ray of hope shone for Lela. “There’s something I haven’t told you…or anyone.”

Rip leaned against the wall. “Let’s hear it.”

“I turned over evidence to the FBI, enough to get Ortiz arrested,” Lela said. “That’s what got me into this predicament.” She took a breath. “But I didn’t give them everything.”

Rip raised his brows. “Speak to me.”

“Well, some of the documents were encrypted, so I couldn’t read them. I didn’t want to hand anything over like that. I wanted to know what the information was first.”

“Where are they now?”

“I stashed the original flash drive in a safe at my apartment.”

“So it’s still there?” Rip said.

“It has to be. I had the safe installed in a hidden place. No one can find it, I’m sure of it.”

Rip lit up. “It might be evidence to crack this wide open. If we had more leverage against the senator and his cartel associate, maybe we could back them off. It’s worth a try.”

“I agree. If Ortiz took the trouble to have the documents encrypted, then they have to be important. I bet it’s something he wants to make sure no one finds out about,” Lela said. “Does Stealth have the capability to decrypt documents?”

“Travis will get it done.”

Lela grinned. “Then it’s time to bust that idiot Ortiz, big time. I’m sure he thinks he’s outsmarted all of us.”

“We’ll see about that,” Rip said, and took Lela’s hand to drag her to the cabin. “Pack up. It’s time to get off this boat.”