Xavier (Vigilance 4)

“I…” He blinked and licked his lips. “Um… I found some information on Swain’s New Orleans connection, and I sent it to you.” His words came out rushed and breathless.

“You’re incredible.”

He shook his head, and I stilled him by cupping his face. He looked away and started to pull back. “No. Look at me.”

“You’re making me want… things.”

“You’ve been making me want things for ages.”

“What?” His mouth fell open.

“You have no idea how beautiful you are, do you?”

“I… I don’t…”

“I want to show you, but I shouldn’t.” I shouldn’t be telling him either.

“Wh-why?”

“Because you’re my client or my employee or both and…”

He shook his head. “No. I mean, why do you think I’m beautiful. No one…”

“They’re either fools or jealous.”

“I’m awkward and—”

I couldn’t take him demeaning himself like that, so I kissed him to shut him up.

12

Emilio

The moment X’s lips touched mine, my world lit up again the way it had the first time he’d kissed me. Nothing existed except the roughness of his fingers against my face, the incredible softness of his lips, and the thrust of his tongue. I wished I wasn’t half-turned around in a chair so I could reach for more of him, but I settled for holding his wrists to keep his hands against my face.

My cock was so hard I thought I might come just from his kiss. Would he stop again? Would he keep insisting we couldn’t do more? Because one kiss might be a mistake, something done in the heat of the moment, but this…

He’d moved closer and closer to me like he was stalking prey. I was willing to be caught by him, even if he ultimately destroyed me.

I tried to turn my chair so it faced him more fully, but his thighs were in the way, and he didn’t budge, so I let my head drop back as he plundered my mouth, surrendering to him completely. He groaned and gripped me even tighter.

He liked to be in control, and he liked to be obeyed. Those were things I could give him.

When he pulled away, my eyes fluttered open. He was watching me, his gaze filled with so much heat. I reached for him. “More. Please.”

He shook his head and stepped back.

Fuck. I shouldn’t have said anything. I should’ve just stayed still and quiet, hoping he got the signal that he could do whatever he wanted with me.

“That…”

“Was amazing,” I said before he could insist it was another mistake.

“Fuck yes, but…” He pressed a hand to his forehead and slowed his breathing.

“X, please.” I should be embarrassed I was begging, but I wanted him so badly.

“No. We can’t.”

“Then why did you…”

13

Xavier

That was a really fucking good question, and I had no answer except that I couldn’t help myself.

“Go! Just go.” I squeezed my eyes shut and pointed to the door.

“I thought you didn’t want me to go anywhere alone.”

I didn’t. What the hell was I doing? Apparently I couldn’t even be trusted to do my job anymore. I needed to focus on keeping Emilio safe and finding a way to show these motherfuckers from New Orleans that they didn’t stand a chance against Vigilance.

If I allowed Emilio to turn this into a prolonged discussion, I wouldn’t be able to resist taking him back to my room and… I did not need that image in my head.

I picked him up and tossed him over my shoulder just like I had by the pool. He let out a yelp, but he didn’t protest further. He simply grabbed my back pockets and held on. The feel of his hands against my ass made my cock even harder, but I kept my resolve and took him to his room, not mine.

I set him down on the floor just inside the doorway. “Don’t leave this room.”

He scowled at me and started to say something, but I closed the door. Would he do what I said?

The best way for me to be sure was to stay there, even though it was torture to be so close to him and not be able to touch him. I sank to the floor and let my head drop back against the wall. I hadn’t slept in nearly thirty-six hours, and I wasn’t going to be in good shape to come up with a plan if I didn’t get at least some sleep. I set an alarm on my phone and let my eyes drift closed, thankful the army had taught me how to fall asleep anywhere, anytime.

In my dreams, I saw the day my life and that of my team had been fucked up beyond repair. I was in the tent that served as my office. My phone buzzed. It was Niall.

“Benjamin is working for the enemy.”

“What?” Of all the people I’d suspected might be giving information, he hadn’t been on my list. “Any details?”