Sitting on his bed, he dropped back and stared at the ceiling, his mind on Dakota’s offer. Though he had almost married Jackie, a needy, insecure woman, Hamilton had always been attracted to badass, adventurous women who weren’t afraid to go after what they desired. Dakota had those qualities in spades.

  But he couldn’t think of her without thinking about Wesley and remembering the shit he endured because of her father. Nor could he forget about Jackie’s betrayal during the ordeal with Wesley. Between those two, it was a wonder he wanted anything to do with any woman.

  And then along came Dakota. He wanted her. God, he wanted her.

  His dick throbbed with need, and he slid his hand to his erection that pressed against his zipper. Despite his resistance to Dakota’s invitations, Hamilton didn’t know how much longer he could go without having her. Their attraction was too strong to keep ignoring.

  When this situation is over and she’s safe, no more holding back.

  *

  Dakota stumbled out of bed, yawned and ran her hands through her hair. She couldn’t believe she had fallen back to sleep and had slept for three hours. Still, she didn’t feel completely rested, but hunger pains had awakened her.

  She headed to the bathroom to freshen up, then slipped into a T-shirt and a pair of shorts. She debated on tidying the bed or going in search of food and coffee.

  Definitely coffee.

  The house was quiet, and she wondered what Hamilton was up to. Moseying down the short hallway, Dakota slowed when she reached his bedroom door, but then stopped suddenly. An intense pool of warmth ricocheted inside of her and it took all she had to remain silent.

  Stepping back a little as to not be seen, she took the opportunity to get a good look at Hamilton’s profile as he stared down at the cell phone in his hand. His body was amazing in clothes. His muscles evident with every move he made. But seeing him without a shirt on took her breath away.

  Her hands itched to touch his skin, run her fingers all over his sculpted body. His biceps bulged as he typed something into his phone. Then he tossed the device onto the bed and snatched up the T-shirt.

  Dakota didn't know if she made a sound or if he sensed her near the door, but his gaze met hers. He turned fully toward her, his shirt still in his hands and her heart slammed against her chest.

  Hot damn.

  The man’s body was absolute perfection.

  “Hey, I didn’t know you were awake. Everything okay?” he asked.

  Hell no, everything wasn’t okay!

  She was in lust with a man whose professionalism and issues with her father kept him away from her, leaving her sexually frustrated at every turn. Now she was only allowed to look at God’s best work—this man’s incredible body.

  No, she was not okay.

  Her mind spun at the site of his wide shoulders that tapered down to a narrow waist. Flat abs hosted a wisp of hair that started just below his navel and disappeared behind the low waistband of his unbuttoned jeans.

  Dakota felt like a damn pervert for imagining all the ways she could love on that body, and the gifts she could discover behind the zipper of his pants.

  Her gaze went back up to the impressive ink, a tribal tattoo. Parts of it had peeked out above his button-down shirt the day before, making her curious, but now she had the pleasure of seeing the design. The tat started along the right side of his torso and trailed up his chest and wrapped around his right shoulder and bicep. The sight only made him that much more intriguing.

  Just one touch. Just one little touch. Or…maybe a lick.

  Clearly, she needed to get laid. She had never obsessed over a man like this before.

  “Dakota?”

  Hearing her name snapped her out of the trance and Dakota brought her attention up to his handsome face. She ran her sweaty palms down the sides of her shorts, suddenly wanting to strip out of her clothes. She had never thrown herself at a man, but there was something about Hamilton that made her stupid…and horny as hell.

  “Dakota?” He moved forward and she took a step back. She wanted to respect his feelings and professional morals, but…

  “Um…damn, Hamilton. Why the hell do you walk around with fucking clothes on?” she yelled.

  “What?” he asked, confusion in his tone.

  She turned and stomped away from the door, ignoring him when he called her name. He was right yesterday when he said they might have to keep their distance while at the house. Anything else was just torture. He must’ve had willpower of steel.

  “No one who looks like you should cover up all of that…that perfection! Urgh!” she growled and stormed into her bedroom, trying to slam the door behind her, but he caught it before it closed.

  “You care to tell me what’s wrong with you?” he asked and leaned against the doorjamb, shirtless.

  “What’s wrong with me? You’re what’s wrong with me! “She poked his chest with her finger, feeling as if she was jabbing a brick wall. “I’m weak, all right. I’ll admit it. I’m so frickin’ weak and turned on right now, I’m about ready to jump you.”

  The corner of his lips tilted into a sexy grin, and her body tingled as warmth spread through her. But when he pushed away from the door jamb, every sexual nerve in her body went on high alert.

  “I suggest you not come any closer because I can’t be responsible for what I might do to you,” she said. He probably thought she was kidding, but now he was playing with fire whether he knew it or not.

  “That’s right. You have a mean right hook and from what I hear, you have the ability to kill a man with your bare hands and feet.”

  She gave an unladylike snort. “Killing you is the last thing I have in mind. What I’d rather do is—”

  “Just stop talking.” Hamilton tugged on the tail of her T-shirt and pulled her closer. Then he shocked her when he lifted the garment over her head and tossed it to the floor.

  For the first time since meeting him, Dakota stood speechless. Their gazes collided and she shivered when the back of his chilly fingers grazed her bare breast. Her senses were on high alert as he dragged his large hand slowly down her side, dipping at her waist before sliding over the curve of her hip. All the while their gazes never wavered from each other.

  She had a feeling anything she experienced with other men in the past wouldn’t compare to whatever happened between her and Hamilton. The thought thrilled her to the tip of her toes, sending a wave of heat pulsing through her veins.

  “You talk about my body…” He unfastened her shorts and they slid down her legs and puddled around her ankles before she kicked them off. The tiny pair of lace panties went next. “I’ve been dreaming about yours and that was before I saw all of…all of this.” He waved his hand up and down at her body the way she’d done to him moments ago.

  “Well, um…I guess we’re on the same page. So, what are you going to do about it? And um…what about your rules?”

  “Fuck my rules.”

  Chapter Fourteen

  Before Dakota could blink, she was crushed against Hamilton, his mouth devouring hers. For a man to have exhibited such control moments ago, he wasn’t holding back now. Her body responded instantly, aroused by the way he kissed her, the way his hands boldly explored every dip and valley of her curves. But when he placed fiery kisses along the length of her neck, lingering behind her ear while his large hands settled on her breasts, she practically leaped out of her skin.

  Already he had ignited her erogenous zones and she whimpered with each kiss, every nip, and lick as his mouth worked its way down her body. When he lightly bit her nipple, Dakota squeaked and almost lost it. His tongue twirled around the hardened peak, sending a wave of heat pulsing to the center of her core. Her knees weakened, but she refused to lose control.

  “Okay, okay, wait.” She pushed lightly against his shoulders.

  “Wait?” Hamilton said, his voice thick with desire, and his chest heaving up and down.

  “Yes. No. I mean…I want to see you. All of you.” Her breaths came fast and unsteady as she brushed her hand down the center of his chest and stopped at the waistband. “Take ’em off.”

  His gaze never leaving hers, Hamilton retrieved a condom from his wallet, setting it on top of the tall chest next to them. A rush of excitement, like Dakota got when skydiving, coursed through her body as he unzipped his jeans and let them ease down his muscular thighs.

  She had to touch him.

  Hamilton sucked in a breath when her hands made contact with his torso. Dakota worked her way up his abs, and let her fingers linger near the bold tattoo. He flinched when the tip of her finger grazed his nipple and she smiled. Hmm…sensitive.

  Her gaze went lower. Boxer briefs. Nice. Sexy.

  Looking at him, there was no way he could hide his desire for her, not that he was trying. The bulge behind his shorts was impressive and she itched to see all of him.

  Hamilton cupped the back of her head with one hand, bringing her lips to his as he struggled to kick off his pants. She loved how he could be so tender one minute and then a beast the next. The pressure of his lips increased against her mouth with a hunger that defied any type of control. Their tongues dueled, exploring the inner recesses of each other’s mouths.

  Dakota wanted more. She needed to feel him, touch all of him. She slipped her hands inside the waistband of his shorts and pushed them down as far as her arms would allow. Her insides churned and liquid heat pooled at her core when she wrapped her hand around his shaft.

  Goodness. He was big…and thick…and long. Her hand slid smoothly up and down his length, squeezing, tugging, and loving the deep masculine sounds she elicited from him. When she ran the pad of her thumb over the tip and applied a little pressure, a growl rumbled from his chest and he ripped his mouth from hers, cursing.

  “Don’t move.” Breathing hard, Hamilton snatched up the foil packet and ripped it open before quickly sheathing himself. Dakota liked seeing him like this. Hurried, undisciplined, and basically not himself. Not the man who’d been unshakeable, her rock, for almost twenty-four hours.

  Dakota gasped when he lifted her off the floor, but her legs went automatically around his waist. Her bare back touched the wall and Hamilton lowered her slightly, lining her up with his erection. A shock wave of desire rocked her to the core when the head of his shaft teased at her opening.

  “D—Don’t play with me, Ham. Please.” She wasn’t above begging for what she wanted and barely got the words out as her pulse raced. The apex between her thighs throbbed with need and she moved against him, needing him inside of her. “Quit pl—”

  Dakota’s mouth dropped open when he slid between her slick folds, and she released a whimper as she adjusted to his size. Her moans pierced the air before his lips found hers again, kissing her with a need that rivaled hers as they moved together.

  Hamilton stared into her eyes and thoughts of everything else flew from her mind as he thrust into her, but then slid out excruciatingly slow before plowing into her again. He did that several times, rocking his hips and pushing her closer to the brink of an orgasm, pleasure building within her.

  Dakota didn’t want this to be over before they got started good, but as his pace increased, that’s exactly what was about to happen. She tightened her legs around him, slowing his moves and then started rotating her hips. The louder his ragged breathing got, the faster she moved until they were both frenzied, her release inching closer to the edge.

  Hamilton tightened his hold on her thighs and opened them wider. His thrusts were harder, and he went deeper, and Dakota’s eyes slammed shut and her nails dug into his upper arms as she tried to hold on. She lost it. Her screams filled the quietness of the room as her orgasm came fast and hard, stripping her of all control.

  Even when she collapsed against him, Hamilton didn’t stop. He kept driving into her until he soon followed, groaning his release and falling against her.

  Pinning Dakota to the wall, he panted loudly, his mouth near her ear as his forehead pressed against the wall. She dropped her head back, struggling to get air into her lungs as he maintained a death-grip hold on her.

  “That was amazing,” she huffed out, holding his handsome face between her hands and kissing his lips. Then she laid her head on his sweat-slicked shoulder because she didn’t have the energy to do much else.

  “Yeah, it was,” he wheezed. They stood that way, with her back against the wall and his manhood still buried deep inside of her until he eventually pulled out. “Hold on.”

  She did as he asked and wrapped her arms tightly around his neck, still unable to lift her head from his shoulder. He pushed his briefs the rest of the way down his legs and then left them in a puddle on the floor while he carried her to the bed. Dakota curled onto her side the moment her body touched the sheets and struggled to keep her eyes open. Every muscle felt limp.

  She watched through barely opened lids as Hamilton made his way to the bathroom. That was when she noticed the ankle holster. A laugh bubbled inside of her. It was no wonder he struggled to get free of his pants and underwear. They’d probably gotten hung up on the pistol handle.

  What a badass, she thought as her eyes drifted shut. In her mind, she replayed what they’d just done, feeling deliciously satisfied and looking forward to when they’d do it again.

  Dakota dozed off. When she opened her eyes, Hamilton, clad in his briefs, covered her with a sheet. He set his gun and holster on the bedside table, and she scooted over to make room for his large frame.

  He said nothing when he settled onto the bed and pulled her close, her head resting on his chest. Dakota wondered what changed his mind. He’d been thwarting her advances and then all of sudden, he was inside of her. She understood him wanting to remain focused on guarding her, but she had no regrets. However, she could almost hear the wheels in his head turning.

  She tilted her head back to look at him and traced his perfectly groomed goatee with her finger. “Do you want to talk about it?”

  “Nope.”

  “Do you want to do it again?”

  “Hell, yeah,” he mumbled.

  She lifted her head with renewed energy and grinned. “Well, what are you waiting for?”

  A hint of a smile played around his mouth. “What am I going to do with you?” His words were spoken so low, Dakota wasn’t sure if he was asking her or talking to himself. Or maybe it was a rhetorical question.

  “I have some ideas.”

  “I’m sure you do, but save them.” Hamilton turned onto his side facing her, his hand resting on her hip. “What just happened…can’t happen again while we’re here.”

  “But once we leave…”

  “We’ll see.”

  Dakota scurried out of his hold and sat up, letting the sheet drop to her waist. “Not good enough. There’s something between us and I think we should see where it goes.”

  Hamilton flopped onto his back, his frustration with her evident. He placed his forearm over his eyes as if that would stop her from saying what was on her mind. But his body distracted her. She couldn’t help herself. She couldn’t stop her hand from going to his six-pack, tracing the muscular ridges of his upper body.

  Yep, perfection.

  “I know I come on a little strong,” she said, “but when I want something, I go after it. With that said though, for now on, I’ll follow your lead. Just know that I’m very impatient. I won’t wait around forever.”

  That got his attention and he lifted his arm slightly and stared at her.

  Okay, maybe she would wait for him. The man was so damn irresistible, especially when that intense gaze nailed her in place. When it came to men, she had chosen wrong too many times to count, but Dakota had a good feeling about Hamilton. She already knew he was different, special. All she had to do was show him that she was, too, and that they should build upon their attraction to each other.

  It wasn’t until her stomach rumbled did they break eye contact.

  “I don’t know about you, but I’ve worked up an appetite.” Dakota straddled him with the intention of climbing over him to get out the bed. But she made sure to grind against his semi-erect package, laughing at the way he growled. Before he could hold her in place, she slipped from his grasp. Then she grabbed some underwear and sweats and headed to the bathroom.

  He’d be a fool to let her get away, and Dakota already knew he was no fool.

  Chapter Fifteen

  Hamilton thought he would regret breaking his rule about sleeping with a client, but if anything, he wanted Dakota all over again. The fact that he wasn’t technically working for her gave him some peace, but there was still that little nagging something that had him questioning his decision.

  Sitting at the breakfast bar, he studied her moving around the kitchen, preparing them both a sandwich. Her loose-fitting sweats did nothing to hide the tight body he knew was hidden beneath the clothing. He was so screwed. What the hell was he going to do about her? She intrigued him beyond understanding, and once this mess was over, he couldn’t see himself walking away.

  “Do you want tomatoes?” Dakota asked over her shoulder but then turned to him fully. “You look tired. Maybe you should take a nap.”

  He almost laughed out loud as she regarded him seriously. Hell yeah, he was tired. He had followed her into the bathroom after her comment about not waiting around, and they’d had sex in the shower. Then another quickie in the bed. Not only was he exhausted, but he clearly needed his head examined. His common sense checked out when it came to her.

  “No tomatoes and I’m fine.”

  She finished the sandwich and placed it, along with potato chips, in front of him.

  “If you’re concerned that I’ll leave the house while you’re asleep, I promise to be right here…or lying next to you when you wake up.”

  “You’re too much,” he said under his breath, trying to keep from laughing, knowing it would only encourage her to keep going. He had never been a big talker, especially after sex, but she insisted on carrying on a conversation whether he responded or not.

 

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