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The silhouette of her body made me instantly hard. With the coolness of the air, her nipples would show through the thin shirt she wore. If I stood behind her, I’d capture them between my fingers as I ground my hardness into the crevice between the cheeks of her ass. I’d reach around and cup her pussy, knowing before I did that I’d feel her wetness on my palm. She’d writhe when I kissed the soft skin of her neck, driving us both to an undeniable mad desire.
I adjusted my jeans, but nothing helped the ache in my cock. I’d go inside if I thought I could without her seeing me.
Instead, Jaicon did. Disappointment and relief warred inside me. I was a man who prided himself on his control, but when it came to her, I had none. Maybe keeping my distance while she was here at the ranch wouldn’t be enough. Perhaps my leaving for the duration of her stay would be for the best.
Several days later,I’d done neither. I sought Jaicon out at every opportunity. I helped with things she didn’t need assistance with. I invented reasons to show her areas on the ranch she may find of interest. All the while, the battle inside me waged on. I fought the urge to touch her every moment I was with her. And yet, I couldn’t stay away. I couldn’t bear to be more than a few feet from the beguiling woman.
She was exceptionally intelligent, with a sharp intuition that allowed her to quickly assess the mental and emotional state of those she spoke with. As Merrigan had said, she seemed well-versed in several languages and spoke Spanish and French fluently. Above all else, it was her kindness that touched me the most. She freely gave affection and comfort to those who hadn’t been able to connect with their families or whose ordeal continued to plague them.
The cost to her, personally, was evident to me, but I doubted others noticed.
“She needs to take a break, Tryst,” Merrigan said, walking up to me as I watched Jaicon.
I put my arm around my friend’s shoulders. “Getting her to do so will take the metaphoric army.”
“Kade and I need to return to California this afternoon.” She sighed. “Will you look after her, Tryst?”
“I will.” While my gaze rested on Jaicon, I could feel Merrigan watching me.
“I’ve known her since she completed training at Fort Monckton. I assigned her code name, Esencia,” she said. “She worked under me at MI6 until I announced my retirement. When I became managing partner at K19, she followed despite being offered a position with one of the most elite units of SIS.”
“You feel responsible for her.”
“I do. Beyond being one of the best agents I’ve ever worked with, Jaicon is a special person. There are things about her you should know. Things that would not be considered a betrayal of confidence.”
“Go on.” I took my arm from around her, and we walked several feet away from the others.
“She has a photographic memory.”
“I am aware. We discussed it briefly.”
“Did she mention her husband’s accident?”
Husband?She was married? The foolishness I felt turned to shame. “She did not.”
“Her husband was killed in an automobile accident three years ago. Jaicon was with him. He did not…pass right away.”
The ramifications of Merrigan’s words hit me so hard I grabbed her arm to steady myself. “My God,” I whispered.
“The pain associated with the accident would be difficult for anyone to bear. For Jaicon, it’s compounded.”
“Yes. Of course. I understand.”
I wanted to rush over to her, wrap her in my arms, and tell her how very sorry I was. But I had no right. When I looked up and our eyes met, I knew she sensed what Merrigan had just told me. I recognized the pain etched on her face—it was the same I felt when I thought about my Rosa.
“I fear what I’m about to say is none of my business,” Merrigan said. “While Jaicon has not shared what might be between the two of you, I know her well enough to say you soothe her. Then again, you do that for everyone, don’t you, Tryst?”
“You are right to think it is different with Jaicon.”
Merrigan put her hand on my shoulder. “I say this with the deepest affection and caring.”
I studied her.
“Be careful. For both your sakes.”
I nodded slowly. “I appreciate your concern, my friend.”
She embraced me, then left in search of Doc. Knowing Jaicon would be wondering about my reaction to the conversation her boss and I had had, I took a walk to think through what I’d learned.
