Reckless (Benson Security 1)

“Promise you won’t annoy me.”

“See, I can’t do that, Buff. Annoying you has become my main hobby.”

Her eyes narrowed. “Find another one.”

“Why would I do that when this one is so entertaining?”

She struggled in his arms, making him hold her tighter. “You have three seconds to release me or you’re going to regret it.”

“Hey,” a guy passing said. “You okay there?” He looked between the two of them, obviously worried. Dimitri became aware they were standing in the middle of a crowded street and they’d attracted quite an audience.

“Fine,” they snapped at the same time and the guy backed off, shaking his head.

Megan glared up at him. With her heeled boots, she was just a few inches shorter than he was. He could feel her warm breath on his jaw. It would be so easy to lean down, close the gap between them and taste those luscious lips.

“Three seconds,” she reminded him.

“Or what?” He couldn’t remember the last time he felt this alive, this delighted. Playing with Megan was a rush to his system.

“Oh to hell with it.” She angled her head and bit his throat. Hard.

Dimitri released her and slapped a hand over the bite. There was a smattering of laughter and applause from the onlookers. Megan folded her arms and cocked her head at him, as though considering. It had to be the most disconcerting look he’d ever been subjected to and it made part of him want to run. In that moment, he really didn’t care what that said about him.

“That’s going to leave a mark.” He prodded the bite gently. No blood, but it would definitely bruise. “I’ll get you back for this.”

She smirked. “You mean you’ll try to get me back for it.” She stepped into his space. “You might as well face it.” She patted his T-shirt through his open jacket, her palms a brand on his chest. Long dark lashes batted over blue eyes. “You are no match for me.”

He opened his mouth to correct her ludicrous assumption when her hand curved around his neck and she yanked his face towards her. It took a split second for his body to tense, ready to defend itself, but by then it was too late. Her lips were on his and nothing else mattered except the delicious pressure of Megan’s kiss. In that moment, he would have willingly laid himself at her feet and let her trample him.

He was vaguely aware of the wolf whistles and cheers, then he heard nothing, felt nothing, except Megan. His left arm wrapped tight around her, his right hand clasped the back of her head as he angled her mouth to suit him. It wasn’t a kiss like any he’d ever experienced. This was a duel. A battle of wills. A fight for dominance. And he couldn’t have said who was winning. All he knew was he wanted more. He wanted all of her.

“Get a room,” someone shouted.

Megan’s lips moved away from his and he followed them. A sharp tug to his hair halted him and he realised Megan’s fingers had clutched him tight. She leaned back. She was breathless. Her normally pink lips were swollen and red. Her blue eyes had turned dark with passion. For a second she just looked at him,

their breaths mingling, their heartbeats racing together. Then she released him and stepped back, leaving him cold. His fingers itched to reach for her. He shoved his hands in the pockets of his jeans to stop himself. Megan looked as stunned as he felt.

An old Chinese woman came up to them. Her smile was wide, her eyes sparkling with mischief. She took Megan’s hand, placed something in the palm and curved Megan’s fingers around it.

“For luck,” she said. “You have long life together.”

Megan’s eyes went wide. “Oh, we’re not together.”

She tried to hand back the gift.

“No, no.” The woman refused to take it as she backed away. “You young love. You have many happy years. I know this.” And then with a chuckle she was gone.

Megan seemed bewildered. She opened her palm and looked at the charm. A symbol written on a polished stone. She looked back up at him.

“We’re not together.”

Dimitri knew he shouldn’t feel insulted. They were partners. Nothing more. The job had to come first. His sister’s rescue had to come first. There was no time for anything else. For anyone else. Yet, part of him still felt annoyed.

“Damn straight we’re not together.”

A flare of anger. Her shoulders went back. “Thanks for the kiss.” She walked past him, then cast a glance over her shoulder. “It was nice.”

“Nice?” He rushed to catch up with her. At least this time she was heading in the right direction.