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Chapter 1 ~
Taylor stirred as the mattress shifted, prodding her from her dreams. Squinting into the predawn gloom, she blinked until the glow of the alarm clock came into focus. It was just after six. Sebastian had been gone for over twelve hours. She tried not to think of what he might have been doing, but the darkness, the connotation of his job would always be there. There was no going back. She couldn’t erase the things she knew. The man she loved was a ruthless killer.
Sebastian’s lean body shuddered with exhaustion as he lay down and drew the blankets up to his chin. Unable to help herself, she rolled over and cuddled against his side in search of heat and reassurance. The fresh, woodsy smell of soap and deodorant clung to his skin along with the drying remnants of his shower. Pressing her nose against his chest, she breathed the scent of him in and traced the rippled lines of his abdomen. His jaw stretched on a violent yawn, and he buried his face in her hair.
“Mm. Darling, not now,” he murmured. “Just hold me and let me get some sleep.”
She fought the urge to bat at his arm for the presumption. Instead, she propped her chin on her hand and peered down at him. “Who said I was trying to seduce you?”
He smiled into the fading shadows, affording her a glimpse of the dimples she loved so much. His eyes remained closed as he spoke. “Don’t play coy, sweetheart. You and I both know what a shameless little minx you can be.”
“You made me that way,” she whispered, kissing the hard swell of his chest. Sebastian shook with a quiet humor. She grinned, loving the rich, husky sound. He didn’t laugh nearly enough.
“And I will gladly take the credit. Go back to sleep, Taylor.”
Not missing the edge of authority creeping into his voice, she burrowed beneath the comforter and closed her eyes. Sebastian’s arms tightened around her. He rubbed her back until the fatigue became too much and he finally drifted to sleep. Lulled by the even rise and fall of his chest and the contentment of having him near, she wasn’t far behind.
Bright sunlight spilled through the wall of bay windows lining the rear of the house. It glistened off the fresh blanket of snow, and the crystals cast the illusion of tiny diamonds shimmering across the grounds. The sizzle of frying bacon blended with the throaty purr of her voice as Taylor sang along with the radio, her body grooving to the bluesy beat. Her mouth watered as she flipped the stuffed French toast. She glanced toward the stairs, praying the smell wouldn’t wake Sebastian. Hopefully a late breakfast in bed would start his day off right. He’d had such a long night. Pouring a cup of coffee, she added it to the tray and checked the cream cheese filled treats. Perfect. After arranging his plate in an artful spread, she headed for the stairs. If only the crew at the truck stop diner could see her now.
She balanced the tray on her hip and eased open the bedroom doors. A wistful smile played on her lips as she watched Sebastian sleep. He looked so comfortable sprawled on his back in the middle of their king-sized bed, so at peace. She hated to wake him, but he resented sleeping past noon, no matter how late he’d worked. The plush black and silver comforter whispered against the sheets as he stirred. Confusion knitting his brow, he scented the air. Turning his head, he slit one eye open and a lazy grin lit his face.
“What’s this?” he asked his voice still husky and thick with the weight of slumber.
She knelt carefully on the edge of the mattress and settled the tray on his lap after he’d propped himself up against the pillows. His sandy curls were a delicious mess. It took everything she had not to plow her hands through them and add to their wild tousle. That could wait until he was a little more awake.
“This is a special wake up for my super sexy man,” she purred.
Sebastian’s pale sage eyes sparkled as they swung up from the tray to meet hers. “Is that so?” he asked, amusement riding the raspy notes of his voice. “Hm. Breakfast in bed with the most beautiful woman I’ve ever seen, what more could a man ask for?”
Taylor snorted with amusement. “A lot of things, I’m sure.”
One corner of his mouth twisted in a show of thought and Sebastian nodded. “You may be right. Come here,” he commanded, reaching for her.
Strong fingers threaded through her hair and massaged her scalp before sharply tugging her down. She steadied the tray as Sebastian caught her lips in a smoldering kiss. His mouth plied hers with tender passion until desire broke, making her squirm. Hot moisture pooled against the inside of her thighs. Her hand shook, and the telltale rattle of the cup against the saucer drew an amused sound from his chest.
“Don’t spill my coffee, sweetheart,” Sebastian warned, releasing her with a wink. “Neither one of us would like what happened if I got burned.”
Taylor’s cheeks colored with the gentle admonishment. She traced a finger over his six-pack, admiring the definition in his lean form. “I don’t imagine we would, but you have to admit, that would’ve been your fault.”
Popping a piece of bacon in his mouth, he chewed and arched a tawny brow in her direction. “Do I, now?” he asked. “You’d expect me to take the blame when it was your hand shaking the tray?”
Taylor stretched out beside him and accepted the bite of stuffed French toast he offered on the end of his fork. “You were the one making me shake.”
“Twisted logic won’t save you, sweetheart. Not from me.”
“I know.” Biting her lip, she lowered her head. “It’s snowing outside.”
His green eyes danced as he tipped her chin up with his finger. “Is this your way of trying to change the subject?”
“Yes,” she admitted quietly.
Sebastian laughed and let his head fall back against the pillows. “I really don’t know what to make of you sometimes.” Still wearing a bemused grin, he tore off a piece of bacon and fed it to her. “All right, darling, you win.”
Taylor’s laughter rang over his. “Well, that’s a first.”
His smile deepened
. “It might be a last, too, so I’d enjoy it if I were you.”
The doorbell interrupted their playful banter. Sebastian’s brow furrowed. All traces of his boyish grin faded beneath a blackened scowl. Growling, he set the tray aside and tossed the blankets back as he surged to his feet. A few seconds later, he reemerged from their walk-in closet wearing dark jeans and a soft grey sweater. Taylor could still remember the first time she’d seen that closet and how she’d been blown away and a bit embarrassed that most of her apartment could’ve fit inside the vast space. She turned her attention to the present and grappled with a wave of disappointment. Interruptions were all too common anymore.
“Do you want me to get the door so you can at least eat your food while it’s hot?” she asked.
“No, baby. I’m sorry about this. Go ahead and carry breakfast down. I’ll be right with you.”
Taylor waited until he’d left the room before releasing a frustrated sigh. Shaking her head, she stood and grabbed the serving tray. Making a mental note to make the bed later, she crept down the gently winding staircase. A cold gust of air swept past her carrying in the fresh scent of winter and sunshine. Not wanting Sebastian’s food to get cold, she picked up the pace and cursed the stupidity of not using the steps that emptied into the kitchen.
As usual, curiosity had gotten the better of her.
She froze at the bottom of the steps, stunned by the sight of the armed security guard standing in the foyer. A deep brown stare locked with hers over Sebastian’s shoulder. A brief smile eased the sternness stamping their head of security’s weathered features.
“Good afternoon, Miss McAvay,” he greeted, giving a friendly nod in her direction.
“Good afternoon, sir.”
Her expression faltered as Sebastian whirled to confront her. She took a hasty step back upon seeing the glint of warning in his eyes. Not needing to be told, she ducked her head and hurried toward the back of the house into the kitchen. The soft rasp of his voice trailed after her.
“Don’t talk to her again. You’re being paid to keep her safe, Henderson, not to socialize. Is that clear?”
“Yes, sir.”
“I’m glad we’ve reached an understanding. My employer would find it unsettling if I had to fire your entire team, not to mention the displeasure it would cause me. Given the other indiscretions your agency’s made, I would say termination is already a very viable option.”
“That won’t be necessary, sir. I’m sorry to disturb your meal, but we found who was taking pictures for Laychee’s brother. Two men from your organization came by a few minutes ago to pick him up.”
Taylor chewed the inside of her lip. What were they talking about? Her eyebrows knitted. She held her breath as an uncomfortable silence fell across the front of the house, knowing that wasn’t good.
“Are you waiting for me to pat you on your back?” Sebastian asked.
“No, sir.”
“Then get out and get back to doing your job. If you would have done it right in the first place, my food wouldn’t be getting cold.”
She winced as both front doors slammed shut. Swallowing, she hurried to refill Sebastian’s coffee. She was topping it off with peppermint creamer when he strode into the kitchen. His gaze darted to the tiled table in the morning room before swinging in her direction. Her heart hammered as his pale stare bore into her. Without a word, he indicated for her to sit down with a jerk of his head. Her stomach twisted into apprehensive knots as she lowered onto the suggested seat. He dropped onto the one across from her.
“Look at me,” he commanded. Sebastian waited until he had her full attention before speaking again. “I don’t want you talking to those men.”
“I was just returning his greeting,” she said, picking at a corner of the napkin.
He raked a hand through his hair, making his disheveled curls stand even more on end. Rolling his shoulders, his attention shifted to the snow-covered sprawl beyond the windows. A low, menacing noise rumbled from his chest as he turned to her. Reaching across the table, he rested his hand on top of hers.
“This isn’t about me being possessive. Last night, Josh and I confronted Todd. As careful as we’ve been, he still managed to infiltrate the security team. It was one man, but you need to understand that anyone can be bought. Getting friendly with them not only lowers their guard, but yours as well. You can’t trust anyone, baby. As innocent as you are in all of this, the easiest way to get to me is through the people I love, and you top that short list. I’m sure Josh is having this same conversation with Monique. The son-of-a-bitch had pictures of you both taken from within the security parameters. You can’t let your guard down, Taylor.”
She paled. Todd, the man whose face he’d carved up like the Joker’s on Christmas Eve. Her bottom lip trembled and her gaze darted nervously to the window, tracking their security team.
“If this guy took pictures, he was close enough he could’ve…”
Sebastian leaned across the table and cupped her cheek. “Shh, baby. You’re safe now. I’ve dealt with it, and we’ve made some changes to tighten things up. You have to trust me. I will always protect you. I will always do what needs done.”
Taylor nodded against his palm, holding his gaze. “I know, Sebastian. Thank you for taking such good care of me.”
“You don’t need to thank me for that. I love you. I will always take care of you.”
Tears threatened as she swallowed against the lump in her throat. He would. She knew that, and that was exactly why she didn’t feel as innocent as he claimed. The entire situation was her fault. Sebastian had flipped his lid when Todd had touched her. The conversation and the events that followed still haunted her. There had been so much screaming…so much blood. The sight of Todd’s face afterwards was one she would never forget, no matter how hard she tried. It was no wonder the guy was angry. Had been, her mind corrected. He wasn’t anything anymore. She shivered.
“What’s wrong?” Sebastian murmured. Leaning down, he studied her face, his eyes probing hers. “Talk to me.”
Her entire body shuddered with the shaky breath she drew. “It’s just…I…this is all my fault.”
His head cocked slightly to the side. Confusion and concern warred for control on his brow. “What’s your fault, Taylor?”
“If he hadn’t touched me…” She trailed off with a mute shake of her head.
“Is that what you think?”
He stood at her miserable nod. Rounding the table, Sebastian cupped her face and tilted it up to his.
“No, baby,” he whispered. “Todd knew better. He’s the one who kept pushing. He disrespected me, in my home, in front of my team. That alone should have sealed his fate, but I was feeling generous. He’s the one who chose not to fall back into line. None of this was your fault, baby. It was mine. I ignored my instincts. I showed mercy and let him live, and this is what it got me.”
“That’s my fault, too,” she whispered. “You stopped that night because of me. That’s what you told me.”
He sighed. Sebastian’s fingers tightened around her chin. His face hardened, and he gave a firm shake of his head. “Taylor, listen to me. I want you to stop. Don’t borrow trouble. If you need to take the blame for something around here, you will.”
She leaned back and offered a wistful smile. It was the best she could manage. The last few days had been so hard, so long. She was worn-out and reeling, but as tired as she was, she knew it had to be nothing compared to the exhaustion and strain Sebastian was feeling. He worked so hard and already carried the weight of the world on his shoulders. The last thing she wanted to do was add to that burden.
“I’m sorry,” she murmured. “I just love you so much. I hate feeling like I might have done something to add to your stress.”
“You didn’t, darling,” Sebastian assured her. “When are you going to believe that you are the only thing that makes me happy?”
This time, her smile was genuine. Stepping closer, he situated himself
between her thighs. His strong hands gripped the sides of her legs and tugged her closer to the edge of the stool. A quiet rumble rose from his chest as he rolled his hips against hers. He lifted her with ease, and she wound her legs around his waist. Taylor whimpered as he fisted her hair, drawing her head back while he left a searing trail of kisses up the side of her neck. Her lips parted in a moan as he nipped the sensitive spot behind her ear. She rocked against the straining ridge of his zipper, loving the firmness and friction. Sebastian groaned against her throat, his grip on her sable locks tightening. Taylor fought to catch her breath and haul in her raging libido.
“What about your breakfast?” she asked, threading her fingers through his curls.
“Right now, the only thing I want is you.”
The husky need in his voice was sexy as hell. Grinding against the thick bulge of his erection, she tensed and tamped down a shudder as a pure jolt of pleasure threatened to send her over the edge. Sebastian’s low groan vibrated through her, and Taylor bit her lip with a keening whine.
“Try and hold it, baby,” he breathed against her ear. “Wait for me.”
Knowing her hold was tenuous at best, he carried her into the recessed hallway between the half bath and the door to the laundry room. Taylor trembled with the strain as her body threatened to betray her. Setting her on her feet, Sebastian jerked her leggings and the lacy, red scrap of her panties down in a fluid yank. He undid the button on his jeans, one hand tugging his low-slung briefs down as the other reached for her. Within seconds, he’d lifted her up and impaled her. Her fingers tightened on his shoulders, nails biting into his skin, at the delicious feel of his body stretching and filling her full. He eased back with a moan and drove deep.
The room spun. Her bliss bordered on delirium. He ground deeper, his hips gyrating ever so slightly in a sensual roll. All sense of control gave way, and she bit back a scream as her body shattered with release. Sebastian stiffened, his breath coming in sharp pants as he stilled and reveled in her climax. A fathomless growl tore from his lips as he lost the fight. The fingers on one hand gripped her thigh with bruising force while his other locked in her hair. Still riding the tumultuous waves of ecstasy, Taylor’s cries grew louder as he pounded into her with wild abandon. Slamming into her a final time, Sebastian tensed and the house thundered with his bellow.
