* * *
Scarlett moaned and shifted her hips restlessly against the bed, desire flooding her veins as the most delicious sensation gathered between her thighs. At first she thought she was dreaming, and if so, she didn’t want to wake up. Not when a talented tongue was lapping at her sex and teeth were grazing her clit with a touch so light it was like a spark was lit and faded before she could grab on to it and fly.
She opened her eyes, glanced at the ceiling, and the sensations continued. Nope, not asleep.
She spread her legs wider. “Tanner.”
“Hmm.” He hummed against her sex and she arched her hips, needing more friction. More pressure. Just more.
“Come up here,” she murmured. She wanted his cock inside her, his mouth on her lips.
“Uh-uh. Not until you come.”
And how could she argue with that logic?
He set to work, devouring her like a starving man, licking and sucking until she was soaring, her orgasm overtaking her without warning. And before she could come back to herself, he’d lifted himself up and over her and thrust deep inside. Her body readily accepted him, but instead of the hard thrusting she was used to from him, he rocked against her, slowly taking her higher.
He met her gaze and she felt the magnetic pull, unable to look away as she clasped him tighter, heard him groan, stiffen, and come, filling her with his essence, his climax triggering another one of her own.
A little while later, cleaned up, she lay in the crook of his arm. “What happened at the police station?”
She’d been nervous when the police officers insisted on taking the three partners to the precinct, but she’d let Tanner send her home because he’d assured her they had a good lawyer on the way. As an ADA, she could have accompanied them, but she handled bigger, more complex cases and she had a hunch her presence would only complicate things. The guys seemed to have it under control.
“I tried to stay up but I obviously didn’t make it,” she said regretfully.
He groaned. “I got back late.” His fingers tangled in her hair as he spoke. “The cops thought they had a case against us for letting underage kids drink. They had a photo of a license of someone they say we served. But we recognized him as one of the vandals of our patrons’ cars. So it sounds like a setup.”
She didn’t like any of this.
“The security company is pulling footage. I’m sure our bartenders proofed the kid. But whoever called the precinct made it sound like it was an ongoing habit.” He frowned. “It’s not.”
“I know.” She placed her hand over his chest, feeling his heartbeat and taking comfort in touching him. “Are you in trouble?”
He shook his head. “We shouldn’t be.” He pushed himself up against the headboard, resettling her against his chest. “And we had an interesting visitor last night. Daniel Sutherland, the competitor we know was targeting us, admitted his connection to Vic.”
“You’re kidding!” She tipped her head up and met his gaze.
“Nope. The idea of a bomb threat charge had him shaking, and when he heard about the raid last night … he came forward. He says Vic was acting on his own at the end.”
“Do you believe him?” she asked.
“Yeah.” He didn’t hesitate. “Vic’s a loose cannon. Always was.”
“Does that mean the threat is over?” She held her breath, uncertain how she felt about that because the end result of Vic’s arrest would mean she had no reason to be with Tanner all the time. Forced togetherness would end and she could go back to her life.
The one she’d prided herself on. The one she thought she lived for. The one that left her no time for anything … or anyone else. Her heart hurt at the thought, taking her off guard.
“No.” He squeezed her tighter. “Absolutely not. Until the cops hear about Vic, verify and act on the information, then take him into custody, nothing here changes. We’re careful and vigilant.”
She nodded, snuggling closer, letting out a relieved breath. She still had time before she had to think about what happened between her and Tanner when the threat to them came to an end.
* * *
Tanner accompanied Scarlett to visit her mother at the home where she’d been admitted. Although he could have sent Scarlett with a bodyguard, Tanner knew their time together was counting down, and he wanted to make the most of what little they had left.
As they walked toward the room, her father stepped out and smiled when he saw them. “Hi! I’m happy you’re here.”
“Thanks, Dad. How is she?” Scarlett asked.
“The same, unfortunately. She’s recovered from the carbon monoxide poisoning but her depression is status quo.” He glanced toward her mother’s door and sighed.
Tanner squeezed Scarlett’s hand for support.