The Payback (Team Zulu 2)

I nodded while moving my body against Brandon’s and raked my fingers through his dark, wavy hair. It was as thick and silky as I’d imagined.

His hands clenched into fists as he struggled to keep them by his side. “Do you have to wriggle so much?” he asked on a strained groan. “I’m trying really hard to concentrate here, but you clearly have no idea how distracting you are.”

I tried to suppress a smile, but it formed on my lips, regardless.

Brandon’s eyes narrowed. “Youdoknow, don’t you?”

I chose not to answer and instead navigated my hands over the crests and ridges of his muscular chest and shoulders.Holy hell. He was seriously built. Brandon’s head dropped back onto the seat cushion behind him, and he squeezed his lids shut. “Woman, you’ll be the death of me.”

I leaned down to whisper in his ear and caught a hint of his intoxicating scent. Among the foul odors in this club, my nose had found its happy place. “Relax, Brandon. It’s just pretend. Remember?”

He raised his head, bringing our faces barely an inch apart. Blue eyes held mine and two very large, very warm hands clamped low on my waist. “Is it?”

I wasn’t so sure anymore. My intention had been to give Brandon an aching set of blue balls, and judging by his erection pressed against me, I’d accomplished that. Except the curling heat building inside made me wonder if I’d taken things too far. One of us needed to be responsible and stop this. I’d lost confidence it was going to be me.

Brandon’s grip tightened, holding me in place, and as he arched his hips into mine, the hard bulge in his jeans sent a jolt to my core. I made a small moan, and his lips parted. With disturbing clarity, I realized two things. One, my panties were soaked. And two, I could be horny at the most inappropriate times. There was something seriously wrong with me.

Our gazes locked, and Brandon’s thumbs traced teasing circles around the exposed skin between my shorts and cami. The music of the club faded away. All I could do was stare into the depths of his clear-blue eyes. Brandon’s focus shifted to my mouth, and my heart rate skyrocketed. All he’d have to do was lean forward and his full lips would meet mine. I wouldn’t stop him. It was foolish to want that, but I did. Just a taste. Just to know what his kiss felt like.

Stop!

Things were getting out of hand. Who was I kidding? They were well past that. No good would come from this game we played, and I didn’t want to give Brandon the wrong idea. Nothing would ever happen between us, no matter how tempting the fleeting gratification might be. And right now, people needed our help.

“Of course it’s pretend,” I snapped and shifted back. “Hurry up and tell me the rest of the plan.”

He nodded, looking unconvinced by my answer. “Show Cameron to the basement door. I’ll have that camera on a loop as well. Tell her to head down and free Shep. He’ll know what to do from there.” His expression turned serious. “Then go lock yourself in the storeroom until I come for you, no matter what you hear outside. Things will get dangerous once Shep’s on the loose.”

I wasn’t sure about hiding when I could help, but I sensed that was a hard line Brandon wouldn’t negotiate on.

“What about Dante and his Russian friend?” I asked.

“They’re not here, which is for the best. Dante wasn’t happy about your release deal, and he doesn’t know his uncle’s pulled rank yet.”

“Dante will be pissed.”

“Don’t worry. His uncle Franky will keep him in line.”

“Even after he discovers you’ve freed Shep and Cameron?”

“Then Franky and Dante’s beef will be with me, not you. I didn’t plan for things to go this way, but I can live with that outcome.”

I wasn’t sure how to feel about Brandon putting himself in extreme danger to get me out of a sticky situation.

“Can you handle all that?” he asked.

“I think so.” Then a nauseating thought entered my mind. “What if something goes wrong and I freeze up again?” Like the first time Brandon’d had to rescue me.

“This is different. You’re prepared for trouble, so if something doesn’t feel right, trust your instincts and get somewhere safe.”

I supposed I hadn’t turned to stone when Maxim had jumped me in my apartment. He might’ve overpowered me, but my reflexes were on point.

“Okay.” I nodded. “I can do it.”

“I know it’s a lot to ask. I’d free Cameron myself, but I’ll be busy distracting other players and setting things in motion. And you moving around the club shouldn’t raise suspicion.”

“It’s fine, really.” I chewed on my lower lip as apprehension set in. I could do this. Ihadto do this.

“Hey.” Brandon squeezed my hips. It was enough to bring my attention back to him and shake my worry-filled brain from its train of thought. “I’ve got this, Sage. I won’t let anything happen to you.”