Page 41 of Sinful Negotiations
He tried with his first wife, but they were too different. That’s why he held out so long. He wanted something special, something everlasting, someone to be his companion and great love of his life, and that person lay by his side. He only hoped she could also accept him for who he was, and the entire truth. Right now, she had pieces.
He lifted a lock of blonde hair to his nose, inhaling her scent and admiring the texture. One soft thigh lay across his own, and one arm stretched over his stomach. His t-shirt bagged on her smaller frame, and he liked it.
“It’s too early to be thinking so hard, Aidan. Did you sleep at all?”
“A little.” It was a lie, but he was used to it. “We need to get moving. Thunderstorms are forecasted for later today.”
“Is it safe to return?”
“We are going to the condo. It’s an FBI safehouse as well. The second bedroom I refused to let you sleep in has the equipment.”
“Sneaky,” Tessa teased. “Give me a few minutes.”
He frowned when she disappeared into the bathroom. The nagging feeling wasn’t going away, so he quickly texted a warning to Lexxa before preparing to leave.
Fog hovered over the ground when they stepped off the porch and the grass was still damp.
“It’s cool.”
Aidan offered a thermal shirt he kept in the cabin for damp mornings just like this one.
“Thanks.”
“Anything for you.” After buckling Tessa’s helmet, he lifted her visor, tilted her over his arm, and crushed her lips.
“What was that for?”
“Just so you know.”
A bright grin spread on her beautiful face. “Oh, I know.”
“You’re staying with me tonight”
“Again? You’re really breaking all the rules now. So dangerous.”
“I can be.”
“I need panties.”
He slowly slid his gaze over her body. “No, you don’t.” Before she could argue, he lowered her visor and straddled the bike. Once he’d rocked it off the kickstand, Tessa slid behind him.
Lightning streaked across the sky by the time they arrived in Lexington. Sprinkles of rain dotted their visors, and Tessa shivered behind him. She’d slid her hands and half of her arms beneath his shirt, snuggling as close as possible.
Once they’d removed their helmets, Aidan pulled her close and rubbed her exposed skin. “Hot bubble bath, food, and a good movie?”
“A hot bubble bath sounds glorious and wine, lots of wine.”
Aidan kissed her forehead, but his eyes focused on three men entering the garage from the street. Lexxa had gone onto her place once they parked, but there should be a surveillance van close. “Keep the necklace on, Tessa. Never take it off.”
“What?” Her brow furrowed in confusion.
“Don’t look, but we have company.” Aidan’s eyes momentarily locked with hers before lifting to the men again. “Remember, I will find you.”
“Aidan?”
The three figures in black reached behind them and withdrew their guns, pointing them directly in his direction. “We already disposed of the men in the van, and it’s your turn. The boss wants you dead.”
In a split second, he shoved Tessa against the wall where the elevators were located. One hand reached for the pistol secured in the back of his pants, but he was too late. Bullets struck his leg and abdomen.