Past Will Haunt (24 page)

“Well, for the record, your date tonight asked if we’ve ever done ‘
IT
”,” she stated, finding the juvenile term amusing.

“And?”

“I told her you’re super-hot in the sack and you’re hung like a horse. In fact, you like kinky shit, and you’re bringing your bag of tricks with you.”

He stared at her in horror. “Please just punch me in the balls. It’ll hurt less.”

She laughed. “I’m kidding. She’s just as freaked out, but she’s better at showing it. I’m a little surprised, Gabe, you’re Mr. Cool. What’s up?”

“I like her. I mean, when I see her, my palms get sweaty, I want to kiss her, and I feel like she’s precious glass. I want to keep her safe.”

“Love. You just fell into it, stupid.”

He was appalled.

“No, I didn’t.”

“Uh, yeah, you did. Have you ever pictured her in your life in the long term?”

He opened his mouth and then closed it. Finally, he had an answer. “Who’s your allegiance with?” he asked, going serious. “Can I trust you?”

Yeah, this was exactly what she’d been talking about. Elizabeth was trapped between them, and that was a very bad place to be.

“It’s to both of you. I’m the cream in this crazy cookie. She’s my partner, but you’re my family.”

He relaxed. “Can this really work out? I’m all about this place. Is there any way in hell that I can make this happen and not mess it up?”

“Do I look like freaking Cupid to you? You go in blind, you navigate, and you come out the other end. That’s all I know about love. I’m not a pro. Do you see a ring on my finger?”

He stared.

Elizabeth sighed, noticing that Gabe was really having a hard time with this. “Gabriel, my money is on you. I’ve never seen you fail. When you want something, you get it. You’re only what… Thirty three?”

“Yeah.”

“You’re about to be the next deputy director. You’re days away from you getting it too. All you need is one more case, this one, and you’re in. How old was the last deputy director?”

“Fifty.”

“You’re good, Gabe. You tend to boss people around like you were born to sit on the throne. You’re going to handle this and make it work. When have you ever failed?”

“I don’t often.”

“If you want her, make it work.”

“But she’s my subordinate.”

Elizabeth knew this was skirting the line. “If you ever tell her I told you this, we’re breaking up. Got it? I can promise you that it’ll be painful, and they won’t find the body.”

He waited.

“She’s into romance, fairytales, and the sweet things in life. She believes in a happily ever after. When she talks, there are kids, a husband, and motherhood.”

He stared at her.

“When I talk, there’s not. If you and Livy work, go for it. She’ll bend to accommodate the things coming in your life. She won’t be shocked if you’re running this nut farm. If she doesn’t already see it coming, I’d be shocked.”

He took a deep breath.

“If you see her as your future, you can make this work. Livy is very patient. God knows she needs to be to deal with our emotional baggage. Let’s face it—we’re screwed up.”

He kissed her on the forehead. “I love you.”

“Blah, blah, freaking blah. Say it with a bonus and promotion,” she said, grabbing a cup of coffee.

“Thank you, Lyzee. I owe you.”

She laughed. “You have quite the tab going. I’ll keep this in mind. Now, go put on the spare polo in your office, try and yank that stick out of your ass, and have fun. This isn’t work. It’s pleasure.”

He closed his eyes, found that confidence he used every day at work before he turned to head out.

“Oh, and Gabe?”

He turned. “What?”

“I love you too, but if you hurt her, I’m going to make you bleed. The last two crime scenes will look like nothing compared to what I’ll do to you. It’s the girlfriend code. I’m obligated.”

He grinned, teasing her back. “One day, I’m going to really be your boss. Then you’re screwed. You won’t be able to hide from me, and when I send you out in the field, you’re staying in all the finer roach coaches.”

She laughed as he headed out.

“Yeah, I won’t be surprised.”

       
         
* * *
  B l a c k h a w k - W h i t e f o x   * * *

Morgue

He was waiting for her.

When she walked in, he was perched on an empty table with his bag beside him.

“Seriously, Doc? Why would you sit there?”

He looked around. “We sterilize these tables every night. Trust me, you’d rather sit here than in the cafeteria. You might get the plague there. Besides, I stand all day. I need to give my body a break.”

She laughed. “Hey, whatever you say. You won’t catch me sitting on them. No one should be that comfortable in this room.”

He hopped down.

“We have to head to my place. I need to grab some gear before we head out.”

“Okay.”

“Where’s your gun?” she asked.

“Uh…I don’t really carry it. Honestly, it makes me nervous. I don’t want to use it.”

She stared at him. “Christopher, you’re a Fed. You need to be comfortable with your gun.”

“I’m not.”

“Did you pass training?”

“Yes, but barely. It almost kept me from getting this job. I don’t have any business carrying. I see what happens on the other end.”

“Okay, when this case is over, we’re going to go to the shooting range. You and I will get some time in. We have to get you more comfortable with being armed.”

“Together?”

“Why is it you keep asking me that? Gabe told me I’m not a woman, and you keep staring at me like I fell from a spaceship.”

“Oh, you’re a woman.”

She stared down to her chest. It was exactly where Chris was looking. “Eyes up here, Doc, or I’ll hurt you. Come on.”

“I’ll drive,” he offered.

“Want to make sure your car isn’t dead, huh?”

“I trust you. In fact, you can have it. I have others.”

She stared at him. “No, and don’t do that. Women think it’s weird.”

“They do?” he asked, following her out to the elevator.

“Yes.”

“Why?”

“It’s simple. If you’re a gold digger, you’re going to care. If you aren’t, you’re going to be appalled that some guy wants to buy you with a pricy ride.”

“Oh. I didn't think about that.”

She patted him on the arm. “We have a lot to teach you, and not much time. I’m going to be busy. Free up your weekends.”

He laughed. “Uh, they’re pretty free. I’m an ME. We don’t get invited to all the parties.”

She felt bad for him. Elizabeth knew she should back away because it was the smart thing to do. Still, she wasn’t known for ever taking that route.

“You’re coming to my parties. They involve beer, sports and football. Get ready.”

“I’m ready for you.” And he was. He couldn’t wait to spend more time with her. “So, get accustomed to drinking beer, having you jump on me as we play football, and staying away from gold diggers. Check. Check. Check. I think I can handle it, and my mother would agree on that last one.”

“Does she live around here?”

He didn't speak. Chris realized what he’d just done. He’d opened a huge can of worms.

“Well?”

“I live with her,” he said, waiting for her to ridicule him.

“Okay.”

“You’re not going to make fun of me?”

She stared at him. “Why would I make fun of you? I don’t generally tease someone unless they’re an idiot.”

“I’m a grown man, and I live with my mommy.”

Just then, the elevator door opened.

Two agents were standing there, mouths open.

“I love you anyway, sweetheart,” she offered, trying to cover for him. “We’ll kick mother out when we get married. She and the curtains need to go.”

Elizabeth pulled him through the gawking agents and into the parking lot.

“Wow, you move fast. Want me to buy the ring tonight?” Chris asked.

She laughed. “Yeah, no. That was to keep you from being harassed at work. For a smart guy, you tend to say things at really bad times.”

Chris followed her to the flashy Mercedes. “Wait! I finally get it. You’re marking your territory!”

She stopped. “What?”

“You called me your boyfriend to keep the staff from abusing me, and you called me sweetheart and the marriage thing to make the agents respect me.”

She shook her head. “Christopher, you’re a quick one.”

Elizabeth knew it was a bad idea, but she always rooted for the underdog. She was one, and she knew how it felt. Now, she had some sweet ME staring at her like he was seeing hearts over her head.

This wasn’t her plan.

“Christopher.”

“Elizabeth.”

“Don’t get the wrong idea, okay?” she stated, as he hit the button on the keys to unlock his car.

Chris wanted to smile.

She really liked him.

The young agent had feelings for him too, and that gave him hope. “So, are we going to work on the flight?” he asked, changing the subject.

“No, I’m going to sleep. I didn't get much last night, since I had a slumber party.”

He got behind the wheel.

“Can I sleep over again?”

Elizabeth opened her mouth and then closed it.

“You know, I think I liked you better when you weren’t getting ballsy.”

He laughed. “I think you bring it out in me.”

Great.

That was all she needed. Her partner was in love, the man she considered her brother was stupid with lust, and now the man-child beside her was grinning at her like she was a Christmas present.

What the hell was going on?

“Fuck you, Cupid,” she muttered. “You’re not taking me alive.”

“What?” Chris asked.

“Never mind.”

CHAPTER SEVEN

Georgetown

When he pulled up to her place, he was calm. Elizabeth was right. He was Gabe Rothschild, and he didn't fail. No matter what was thrown at him, he was ready to face it down.

So what if his body was ready to break apart at all the sexual tension? Who cared that if he didn't get off he was going to weep like a child? Gabe knew what he wanted, and she was behind that door.

He couldn’t help it.

Yes, he was about the job, but Elizabeth was right. He could make this work. Instead of being afraid, he was going to take the bull by the horns and do what he needed.

Livy was the woman he wanted.

Heading up the stairs, he stopped at the door. The second he knocked, he heard her moving toward him. When she opened it up, she looked radiant.

“Wow.”

She smiled. “Hello, Gabriel.”

“Livy,” he began, checking her out. From the pretty baby blue dress she was wearing, to the bare feet, he’d never seen anything more beautiful in all his life.

He was pretty sure he fell for her right then and there. There was no doubt in his mind that she had to be his. While some might say it was fast, it wasn’t. She’d been near him for almost a year, and every day he craved her more and more.

It wasn’t only about sex.

It was about that personal connection.

They had it. He was certain.

“You’re staring at me with a weird look on your face. Is something wrong?” she asked. “Do I look okay?”

Gabe blinked. “You look beyond beautiful.”

She held out her hand, but before he took it, he pulled his other hand from behind his back.

There were the red roses.

“Oh, Gabriel. They’re gorgeous. I happen to love roses. They’re my favorite flower and so beautiful.”

“I’m so glad, but they’re nothing compared to you, Livy. They’re not even close.”

She sniffed the flowers. “No one’s ever given me roses before.”

He was very glad. He wanted to be the only one who ever brought her flowers.

“Won’t you come in?” she asked, trying not to get nervous. It wasn’t easy. Gabe looked amazing. He was wearing a forest green shirt and it sort of matched his eyes.

She wanted to climb all over him.

“I’d love to come in,” he said, looking around. It was very feminine. While Elizabeth’s place was cozy, this looked like Livy. It reminded him of her. She was feminine, fragile, and sexy.

“You’re not anything like I thought you were.”

She stared at him. “Is that good or bad?”

“It’s very good. When you think Fed, you tend to assume the person is tough and has hard edges. You’re not like that, Livy.”

While she could be just as tough as Elizabeth, Livy loved how he saw her. She couldn’t keep the butterflies from flittering in her stomach.

“Would you like a drink?” she offered. “I want to put my flowers in water.”

“I would love one.” Gabe followed her into the kitchen. When he got there, the scent of food enticed him.

“It smells really good in here.”

“Can you cook?” she asked.

“I can grill. That’s about it.”

She grinned. “What a coincidence. We’re grilling steaks. I hope you like meat.”

He laughed. “I’m a man. We chase cows. It’s pretty much a given. If you throw in potatoes, we’re sold.”

“They’ve finished roasting in the oven.”

He grinned. When he thought this would make him nervous, it didn't. He could get used to being here. In fact, Gabe wanted to spend more time here.

As Livy placed the roses in a vase, she suddenly jerked her hand away. “Shit!” she said, gasping.

Gabe moved closer. “Are you okay?”

“Thorn.”

He took her finger in his hand and gently kissed it. “It’s not bleeding. You just got poked.”

God, she wished he’d poke her. How big of a hussy was she for even thinking that, but the man smelled so damn good. She wanted to lick him.

Christ! She was desperate.

As they stood so very close, it was hard to focus.

“Livy, by any chance can dinner wait?” he asked, his body begging for her touch. There was no way he could handle an hour of eating. He really just wanted to dine on something far better.

“Yes,” she whispered.

Slowly, he tugged her into his arms. When she was against him, she was far smaller. So, he lifted her up and plopped her down on the island. Now, they were face to face.

“That’s so much better.”

Taking her head in his hands, he couldn’t think past that moment. It was like life fell away. There was simply him and Livy.

Nothing more.

“Oh, Gabriel,” she whispered, as his lips left feather light kisses across her cheek, to her ear, and down the long column of her neck.

“You taste unbelievable.”

She didn't want him to stop.

“I’ve been thinking about you all day,” she admitted, running her fingers up his arm and to his neck.

“Have you?”

“Yes.”

Gabe moved back to her mouth and sunk into the kiss. Her body moved into his, Livy’s legs wrapped around his waist, and they both fell into it.

The kiss was amazing. It was hot, heated, and it tore through them like a forest fire.

It scorched it all to the ground.

Gabe pulled away, struggling to catch his breath. “I want you. I know I’m going to screw this up, but I can’t help it. I need to have you, Olivia.”

She wanted him too. “Are you sure you won’t think this is a mistake?” she asked. Livy had to know. “If we do this, and you run, Gabe, it’s going to hurt. I…”

He waited.

“I care about you.”

She knew if she dropped anything more than that, he’d race out the door.

“This matters, Livy. It matters so much to me. I want to do this right.”

She stared up at him, her green eyes never leaving his. “Then do it right.”

Gabe attacked. His mouth crashed into hers, and he refused to come up for air. Nothing in his life felt this good. When he was with her, he was happy. That became the defining moment for him. At one time, he was only happy at work.

Now, when he was touching her, he felt…complete.

Everything he’d been searching for in life was right here. It was before him all the time. Gabe didn't have to walk through this life alone.

He could have someone to share it with, and all it would take was risking his heart.

When he pulled away, she was struggling to breathe. “Where’s your bedroom. I’m not having our first time here in the kitchen. Later, you can be dessert.”

She pointed toward the stairs as she flushed with heat. Livy wanted to do cartwheels, just like her stomach.

“I’ve got you,” he said, pulling her against his body.

Livy was speechless. She didn't have to walk. Gabe picked her up, and she wrapped her legs around his waist.

It was happening!

Livy couldn’t believe it.

As he raced up the stairs and kicked open the door to her room, she knew it was going to be wild like nothing she’d ever felt before. The heat was coming off him in waves, and his gaze burned with need.

“Gabriel,” she whispered when she was tossed onto the bed.

He didn't hesitate.

Gabe dove onto the bed with her.

They rolled.

Touched.

Explored.

All the while, they were frantically tugging clothes off of each other to get to the skin beneath. When he yanked her dress over her head, he stopped.

She was lovely.

Unable to speak, his mouth left a trail across the pink brazier, and down her flat belly.

“I can’t believe I’m going to do this,” he muttered, but he didn't hold back. He yanked roughly, tearing the panties off her body.

Livy moaned.

This was a side of him she’d never seen before.

It was raw.

It was primitive.

It was…

She couldn’t think. His mouth found her. He was devouring her, teasing the most sensitive part of her with tongue and teeth. Apparently, Gabe was starving.

She gasped in pleasure as his tongue flicked across her.

“Jesus,” she muttered, her body bowing beneath his.

Gabe held her down, refusing to stop. He wanted to hear his name on her lips. He wanted proof that she was feeling the destructive power this had over them both.

“Gabriel!” she shouted as she came.

It was brutal.

Her legs shook, her body collapsed in on itself, and then blew apart. The colors popped behind her eyes as the orgasm wracked her body.

Gabe glanced up, grinning wickedly.

“My tongue is numb,” she said, trying to refocus. Only, he didn't give her a chance. He lowered his head again, and continued to drive her wild.

Livy’s hands found his hair. They buried themselves in the rich thickness as she held on. The more she tugged, the harder he worked her. When she finally shattered apart again, Livy believed she’d never be put back together again.

Gabe slid up her body, kissing and nibbling his way across her flesh. “You taste better than anything, Livy. I think I may have a problem.”

She could barely breathe. “What?”

“I like this a little too much. I think I’m screwed.”

His words touched her. He was going to be screwed. After that rollercoaster, she wanted nothing more than to return the favor. Livy couldn’t wait for him to be begging and moaning her name.

“You’re over dressed, Gabriel,” she murmured, pushing him off her body.

He was a little surprised. When her hand went to the belt at his waist, she tugged.

“Oh, Gabriel, I think I’m going to enjoy this,” she admitted, running her fingers across the bulge in his pants.

He shook as she touched him.

“Olivia,” he begged. “Please.”

She pulled him free from his trousers. As they dropped to the floor around his ankles, she admired him. Gabe was sexy as sin. His body wasn’t crazy ripped, but he was solid. You could tell he worked out, and she hoped he had excellent stamina.

He was going to need it.

They weren’t leaving this room until she had enough. It had been months of watching him, and she was dying to play on this sexy man playground.

Livy wanted him in the worst way, and she didn't only mean in bed. There was the telltale flutter in her chest.

She was in love.

All the weeks of being near him, checking him out, and lusting after him, here he was.

Hers.

After this, how could she be expected to let him go? The months of teasing, anticipation, and lust had worn her down, and it was now something so much deeper.

Her heart was gone.

Livy didn't hesitate. She attacked. As her mouth found him, she teased him unmercifully. His moans intensified as she swirled her tongue over the tip, and most sensitive part of his erection.

“Livy,” he hissed, his head dropping back as he blindly sought out her hair. She was working him hard, and he wasn’t going to last long.

Gabe slowed her down.

He had to. The fantasies of this had nothing on the reality. She was more than he ever thought he’d have.

As the strokes of her mouth evened out, his breathing remained labored.

“You’re out of control,” he muttered.

Oh, he hadn’t seen anything yet. She’d been dying to do this for so very long. When she began stroking him with hand and mouth, his body shook.

“Oh, God!”

She took him deep, making his legs shake more. As he prepared to fall apart, Livy didn't let up.

“I can’t,” he whispered, knowing that he was going to cum. She wasn’t giving him an option.

She was sucking away all the control, tempting him with her wicked mouth.

“Livy, please!”

She set him free, knowing that he needed some control. Gabe couldn’t live without it, but she wanted him to know that there were two players in this game.

He wasn’t alone.

He’d laid down the rules, but they were meant to be broken. Even as the woman, she had just as much power over him. Now, he knew it.

“It’s time, Gabriel. I need you.”

Oh, she had no idea. If Gabe didn't find his way into the heat of her sinful body, he was going to die. There’d be no doubt. He was so close to the edge, but only Livy would do.

Tugging him forward, he tumbled onto the bed. As he kicked off his shoes, she yanked off her pink bra.

She was giggling in pure glee as she moved back into his body. Gabe was strong, and she loved that about him.