Promises After Dark (After Dark #3) (15 page)

She marveled at his strength and her own lack of resistance. He handled her with ease, his movements so smooth she barely registered how she ended up on the bed, or how the covers pulled back. She sighed, watching him stand to shed the rest of his clothes. His body was magnificent and she was aroused just looking at him. The pleasure he was capable of giving her was only multiplied by her love for him.

Her arms and legs wrapped around him when he came back to her after turning out the lights. The candle still burned in the dark bathroom and cast a romantic glow over the two entwined in the bed.

Hands roamed and teased anxious flesh; kiss after passionate kiss communicated their desperateness at the pending separation. When Alex moved lower, kissing across Angel’s shoulder, down her chest, and over her breasts, his fingers played and teased her until she was writhing beneath him. He tried to move lower, intent on pleasuring her with his mouth, but she held onto him.

“Alex.” His name was like a moan that tore from deep inside her, making his dick ache and swell, becoming even more impatient. “I want you. Inside.”

“There’s time,” His voice was muffled as he continued to worship her skin. “Let me take care of you.”

“You will,” she breathed. “Just, please.” She needed his mouth on hers, to feel his heartbeat against hers as his body claimed hers. The need to be close was stronger than the sexual desire, which, with this man, was unimaginable. “Please. I want to hold you. I’ll miss you.”

Alex raised his head and looked into her dark, liquid eyes. He could see her want, but also fear. He didn’t hesitate to move up into the cradle of her body, leaning forward to torture her lips with teasing licks and nibbles. He held himself at the base of his cock and found her slippery entrance. She was so hot he thought her tight flesh might burn his. It was utter heaven when he pushed inside.

She arched her back to take him in, at the same time reaching up for his hungry kiss. Kiss after passionate kiss, his mouth never left hers while their bodies pushed and pulled against each other. Each time he filled her was better than the last, and she clenched her muscles tight every time. Alex moaned. “Oh, Angel. Fuck, it’s so good,” he ground out before taking her mouth in another penetrating kiss, their tongues fought lasciviously, the kisses ardent and all consuming.

Her fingers in his hair pulled his mouth tighter against hers, and he dug deeper and harder into her body, but with slow, measured precision. She could barely take it, it felt so good, but fought the orgasm building inside her. She never wanted it to end.

But, as each endless second passed, it was more impossible for both of them to resist. Alex gritted his teeth to hold back as long as he possibly could, but when he felt Angel lose her battle and moan into his mouth, he gave in, falling over the abyss of ecstasy with her.

8
Departure

The next morning Alex was anxious and apprehensive. His bags were packed, and Cole was awake and sitting in his kitchen with a strong cup of black coffee in front of him. He’d been on the phone with the Chicago police and other members of Alex’s private security team since 6 AM, but still no signs of Bancroft. Not one new clue. It was unnerving. At least if Swanson made a new threat or something happened, they’d know what to do next.

The case wasn’t broadcast on the local television stations because, to do so, would mean giving the criminal information about the investigation. Only the car, found torched and empty, hit the news. It might seem like a dead end to most of the officials and agencies involved, but the lack of evidence didn’t mean a damn thing. Alex, Cole, and most of the officials involved were convinced who was responsible. Kenneth Gant had no doubt, either, and because his office was prosecuting Mark Swanson, he had to be kept abreast of every new development.

“Are you ready to go?” Cole asked, observing his brother shrug into his expensive charcoal suit jacket. To an outside observer, Alex looked perfect. No sign of the turmoil he was dealing with inside his head. Cole admired Alex’s strength. The more he got to know the professional side of his brother, the more he admired the dedication to the family that required he toss over his own dream to do what was best for everyone. And, the obvious love he had for Angel showed just another complex layer. At one time, Cole would have found Alex’s steadfast perfection annoying, but now, it was something he himself aspired to. “I figured you’d dress more casually for this trip. Won’t it be at least a day and a half before you get to Australia?”

“I have business first, but yes, you’re correct. We cross the international date line so I’m already behind by a day,” he answered absently. He was clearly preoccupied as he reached for his own cup of coffee setting on the edge of the marble island. He took a drink and grimaced. It was cold. “With downtime in Los Angeles to refuel included, it will be close to eighteen hours. Ideally, I should have left yesterday.”

“The business this morning must be important.” Alex glanced up as he smoothed down the collar of the fine light wool of the jacket.

“Yes, it is.” Alex frowned, but his voice was soft.

“That’s a long way. Too bad you can’t just Skype with the owners of the property.”

It wasn’t as if it hadn’t occurred to Alex. He’d turned it over and over in his head to find a way out of going. “This guy is old school. The handshake means more than the actual contract. Believe me, if I could skip it, I would.”

“So…” Cole began.

“Just keep her out of trouble and don’t leave her side. I’m trusting you, Cole.”

Two pairs of serious green eyes met. “I know.”

“If you need to sleep, make sure two of the others are here to relieve you. But please, stay with her the entire time. I mean it; don’t leave her side. Not for a minute.”

“Alex, I got it. You don’t need to keep hammering me about it.”

Alex swallowed. It was true. He was belaboring the obvious. “Okay.” Angel was still sleeping, but he’d need to go say goodbye.

“I’m surprised you aren’t already halfway to L.A. by now.”

Alex pulled at the cuffs of his shirtsleeves to straighten them from under his jacket. “Yeah, I should go. But I just want to let Angel know I’m leaving.” His hand smoothed down his silk tie, in patterns of dark mauve, smoke grey and black, as he turned to leave the kitchen. His shiny Italian leather briefcase waited on the hallway table as he whisked past it and up the stairs toward the bedroom. His mood was somber, the coming trip and business dealings held none of their usual excitement. His heart was heavy, and it showed on his face.

Angel was still sleeping soundly, and Alex wasn’t surprised. They made love until almost dawn, both of them feeling desperate and sad, though he was getting used to his displeasure at leaving her. That was normal, but now he was also feeling a heightened sense of fear. The timing for this trip couldn’t be worse.

Alex lifted the blinds a few inches and soft light filtered in, rays falling across the bed. The sheet and blankets were wrapped around her, but her womanly form was still visible beneath as they hugged her curves like a cocoon. She was lying on her side, facing him as he sat gently down next to her, her lush lashes creating dark crescents on her cheeks; her mahogany hair a wild mess on the pillow around her head. He couldn’t help but touch her.

“Babe?” Alex’s voice coaxed her lashes to flutter then lift, as his hand rubbed down her arm to her back in a gently kneading caress through the covers. Her warmth seeped through and into his fingers. “Honey, it’s time for me to go,” he almost whispered. He bent to place a soft kiss on the corner of her mouth. “Don’t wake up. I didn’t want to leave without saying goodbye. Cole is here, but I have to go in a few minutes.”

Angel’s sleepy eyes rose to meet Alex’s, and she got that little crinkle between her brows he loved. At the same time, her mouth dropped into a small pout.

Angel moved closer, curling her body around his sitting form, one arm curving around his back. She lifted her head to rest it on his thigh, looking up into his face. He was beautiful and strong, perfectly groomed, his hair combed and held in place with a small amount of gel.

She was cuddling up like a small child, but she was ruffled; the hours of making love leaving an indelible stamp on her. Alex’s heart tightened. He was in awe of how stunning she was, even in this unobtrusive state, and still shocked at the protective instinct that filled him so full he thought he’d explode with the force of it. His chest felt tight and full at the same time. He loved her beyond words.

Alex struggled with leaving, but he knew the sooner he did, the sooner he’d get back to her. “Yes. Go back to sleep, sweetheart.”

“What time it is?”

“7:45.”

“You’re late for Mrs. Dane’s schedule. My first appointment is at nine, I think.” She rolled onto her back and stretched.

“You don’t know for sure? That isn’t like you.”

“I guess I’m a little preoccupied, Alex.”

He nodded, running his hand through the long, silky strands of her hair. “I know you like to be so strong, but it’s understandable to be scared. I hesitate to even talk about this because I don’t want to make it worse, but I promised no more secrets between us.”

Her soft eyes sharpened, and she sat up enough to prop up with one bent arm. “What? Did they find Jason?”

Alex shook his head as his hand threaded into one side of her hair, pushing it away from her face gently. “No, but that’s just the problem. It’s been more than two days, and I’m sure we can expect something from Swanson or to find Bancroft very soon.”

Angel sat up all the way, her hip still touching his thigh, and pressed both hands to her forehead. When her dark eyes met his, they were full of tears. “Find him? Dead?”

“Either that, or that prick wants money. He’s desperate.”

“Killing Jason won’t make you pay.” Her eyes were liquid with unshed tears.

“No.” Fear gripped Alex’s heart at the implications of what they both knew; Bancroft was just to show Alex he was serious, and Angel was the real target to drop Alex to his knees. “He doesn’t get a reward for hurting people, but he’s trying to get my attention.” Alex’s usual bravado was shaken, and Angel could see it. “And, he has it.”

“Don’t let him shake you, Alex. That’s what sick bastards like him live for.” She tried to make her expression wry, but Alex could see the fear in her eyes.

“I know. Just keep Cole and the others close.” He took her in his arms and pulled her close. “Don’t go out at night. Follow their instructions exactly.”

“Jillian’s birthday party is Friday night at Becca’s parents’. Jillian will be heartbroken if I don’t go.”

“I know. Cole will have several guys on the perimeter of the house and on both ends of the street.” When Angel started to protest, Alex stopped her, his voice low and insistent. “You can’t talk me out of it. Not now.”

Angel didn’t want to. Her presence was putting everyone in danger, and she decided maybe she should try to get out of it and make it up to Jillian another way. She rolled her teary eyes at Alex, trying to lighten the mood. “Not ever. I love that caveman part of you. Surprising, I know.”

She was rewarded with a sad smile from him.

“See? You’re learning.” He used a bent index finger to nudge her chin.

“I’m trying,” she said, her voice betraying the sadness she didn’t want to expose. She didn’t want him to go. The way he was lingering by her side, and the loving caresses were telling—Alex was also hesitant.

“And I’m just trying to keep you safe.”

“I know. Maybe I shouldn’t go, but how do you explain it to a three-year-old? I’ve turned it over in my head ten times, and every scenario ends up with Jillian crying her eyes out. She won’t understand if her Auntie Angel isn’t at her party.”

“I know. You two might as well be joined at the hip. But, safety comes first. If anything happens—” He stopped for a few seconds to stare into her eyes. “
Anything
, Angel. You stay in familiar surroundings where the guys are better prepared to protect you. Promise me.”

“Okay,” Angel sighed. Normally, she would have been annoyed at being told what to do, but Alex was just being protective. It made her all warm and fuzzy with love swelling up inside until it had nowhere to go but out. “I promise.”

Her hand curled around the back of his neck, tugging his head toward her, and when his forehead touched hers, their breaths mingled. Angel closed her eyes, inhaling the delicious scent of his skin and cologne. She sighed. “You have to go.”

He nodded against her, his mouth reaching and taking hers in a soft series of kisses. “I do,” he whispered against her mouth. “But, I don’t want to.” His voice was muffled by a low groan, his reluctance tangible.

She breathed deeply, enjoying the way his mouth was ghosting over hers, followed by soft sucking kisses. She pushed down the sadness welling up inside her and tried to enjoy his kisses and the way they were always so perfect together. Weakness was unlike her, and she didn’t want Alex to know how fragile she was feeling.

“I don’t want you to, either. Screw billion dollar deals,” she said, the amusement curving her lips mid-kiss was forced, but she wanted to put Alex at ease about leaving town.

Alex sensed her desperation by the way the fingers of one hand clutched at the hair at his nape and the other pulled on his shoulder. He pulled back and reached for both her hands with his, holding them between their bodies as his intent green eyes searched hers. He knew his expression showed his anxiousness, his brow furrowed with worry. “I’ll get back as quickly as I can.”

Angel nodded. “I’ll be fine.”

Alex raised her hands and kissed the inside of one wrist then the other before meeting her eyes again. “You
will
.” His low words were like a hopeful command to the universe.

The truth was, he was terrified of leaving. He felt sick inside, and it was unsettling. If it were up to him, he’d flush the whole goddamned deal and be done with it, but the board of directors would probably fire him in that case. “I’d say fuck it if I could. Even though my father started the business, we’re publicly traded now, so I’m still accountable to the board.” The corner of his mouth lifted slightly. If he was going to ask this woman to be his wife, he’d be damned if he’d be unemployed, no matter his savings account.

“Even the great Alexander Avery has to kiss ass sometimes, eh?” Angel’s fingers traced his jaw, her face serious.

“Want me to kiss yours?”

Angel had to laugh. “Now, there’s an offer I can’t refuse!”

Alex smiled, his breath rushing over her face one final time. “I’ll call you from the air.” He kissed her once more soundly on the mouth then got up and buttoned the one button on his sleek suit jacket.

“You look hot. Don’t bring back any Sheilas!” she teased.

Alex took a step forward, cupping the side of Angel’s face with his hand. “I love you.” And before she could repeat his words, he was gone.

*****

When Alex walked onto the floor that housed his office, Mrs. Dane looked up from her desk, which stood in the large room lined in glass windows. The solid door between his private suite containing his luxurious office and her space was closed. This fact wasn’t unusual, but she stopped him as he passed with a raised hand.

“Sir, Samuel Fackler is waiting in your office. From Exquisite Jewelers?” It was a question, since she thought he ought to remember an appointment he requested in the first place.

“I thought he wasn’t coming until nine.” His expression hardened, the tension he was feeling on a personal level making him more stern than usual. “You know no one goes into my office when I’m not in it.” Alex’s sour mood made his patience short.

“I took the liberty of calling to request he arrive early because I knew you’d want to go to the airport as soon as possible. And, if I may be so bold, Mr. Avery, he
is
toting a couple million dollars’ worth of diamonds. I assumed it would be acceptable in this case.”

Alex was duly chastised and cleared his throat. “Only two million?”

“I didn’t ask.”

“Well done, as usual, Mrs. Dane. Thank you.”

“Good luck, sir.” Her rosy cheeks plumped when she smiled wryly. She knew her young boss well and usually enjoyed the rare occasion she could get the better of him, though today, she sensed his unease.

“Hold my calls,” Alex paused, making a half turn back to her. “Unless it’s Cole, Ken Gant, or the police.”

The older woman’s eyebrows lifted in surprise, though she knew better than to verbalize her questions, so all she said was, “The police?”

“Yes. That’s correct.”

After Alex walked through the door, the man seated at the conference table on the far end of the room stood and smoothed down the front of his jacket. The younger man had a commanding presence that demanded respect. “Good morning, Mr. Avery. It’s nice to finally meet you.”

This wasn’t the first time Alex had purchased from the man’s store, but it was the first time he’d done so himself. Alex proffered his hand to shake the other man’s firmly. The elder gentleman’s advanced age and professionalism suggested he was indeed the shop owner here to work with him directly.