Dangerous Grounds Read online

  “I’m on birth control now,” she murmured as he pulled her nylons off, followed by her panties. “Have been for a bit.”

  “Good.” He plunged two fingers between her legs and inside her.

  “Oh God.” Her knees went weak as he moved his fingers in and out. She could hear her own wetness and it made her hotter.

  Gabe lifted her up and she wrapped her legs around his waist. A second later he thrust into her and Madison’s body clenched around his thick erection.

  Footsteps sounded in the hall and then came voices nearby. Gabe froze, buried to the hilt inside her with his fingers digging into her ass cheeks.

  Madison bit her lip to keep quiet and ducked her head against his shoulder.

  “I don’t know where he could have gone!” Lannie’s exasperated voice came from right outside the door. “And Madison’s disappeared, too.”

  Gabe rotated his hips, moving deeper and making Madison’s mouth open on a silent gasp.

  “I’m sure they’re fine.” Christy’s voice sounded a bit weary and hinted that she knew more than Lannie did. “I’m not up for dancing right now anyway. Come on. Let’s just go back to the reception. We can skip to the father-daughter dance.”

  “All right,” Lannie muttered. “But this is really weird. You would think they’d be in the other room waiting…”

  Their voices drifted away and Madison let out the groan she’d been suppressing.

  “That was close.” Gabe pulled out a bit and then thrust back in hard, making her jerk against the wall.

  “Should we hurry and go back out?”

  “Do you really want to go and socialize with a bunch of stuffy old people?” he asked, nuzzling her neck.

  “You’re right. Let’s stay in here and keep doing the sex thing.” She tilted his chin so he looked up at her. “I love you, Gabriel Martinez.”

  She watched the flicker of possessiveness in his gaze and, as it settled into something deeper, her throat tightened with emotion.

  He shook his head. “God, I love you so much, Maddie.”

  She gave him a watery smile and lowered her mouth to his again.

  About the Author

  To learn more about Shelli Stevens, please visit www.shellistevens.com. Send an email to Shelli at [email protected] or join her Yahoo! group to join in the fun with other readers as well as Shelli!

  http://groups.yahoo.com/group/shellistevens

  Look for these titles by Shelli Stevens

  Now Available:

  Seattle Steam

  Dangerous Grounds

  Tempting Adam

  Seducing Allie

  Chances Are

  Anybody but Justin

  Luck be Delanie

  Protecting Phoebe

  Holding Out for a Hero

  Going Down

  Command and Control

  Flash Point

  Trust and Dare

  Theirs to Capture

  Four Play

  Coming Soon:

  Foreign Affair

  Savage Hunger

  The man she wants is the one she must deceive.

  Tempting Adam

  © 2008 Shelli Stevens

  Seattle Steam, Book 2

  Christy Wallace may be a respectable Seattle Spanish teacher, but she’s got a sultry side. She lets it come out to play during the summer, when she moonlights as a Salsa dancing instructor.

  Sexy, cowboy Adam wants more time with her than just a fleeting cup of coffee, but she makes it clear that if he wants her, he’ll have to sign up for dance class. Amazingly enough, he does. And Christy finds herself falling for a charming country hick with hands as fast as his feet.

  Adam’s no hick, though. He’s the owner of Adam’s Apples, the fastest-growing cider business in eastern Washington. To his own surprise, one night with her has him thinking in terms of forever. That is, until he walks into a restaurant for a family lunch—and finds Christy on the arm of his brother.

  Is there a logical explanation? Or is something rotten in Seattle?

  Warning, this title contains the following: explicit sex, graphic language, dirty mechanical bull riding, and the violation of blueberries.

  Enjoy the following excerpt for Tempting Adam:

  Adam wondered how he managed to do just that. Smile and dance Salsa like he really gave a damn. He didn’t care an ounce for Salsa dancing. Now the woman he was dancing with, he cared a great deal about getting to know her better.

  Earlier he’d switched partners, and found himself shuffling around with various other women. But his thoughts had stayed with Christy, and it wasn’t long before she returned to his arms.

  She was what his dad would refer to as enchanting. With her laugh, her subtle flirting, and how absolutely gorgeous she was. Those wide blue eyes and pale blonde hair. And the smattering of freckles on her nose made him want to kiss the upturned tip.

  She was a little more petite than most of the women he’d dated. She was almost tiny, by his standards. But she was rounded in all the right places and had breasts that would be a perfect fit for his hands. And, Lord, that gently rounded ass she’d displayed to him when she did her flirty turns in the dance.

  “Almost done,” she whispered as they came inches away from each other. “Can you last for a few more minutes?”

  Every time they came in close contact, he could smell her perfume. She smelled sweet, almost edible.

  “Darlin’, I can go all night.”

  Christy winced, her expression turning wry. “I suppose I set myself up for that one.”

  “I suppose you did,” he agreed with a smile. “You going to let me take you out for dinner after this?”

  “Dinner?” She raised an eyebrow. “It’s nearly eight o’clock. I ate before I came.”

  Adam wasn’t deterred. He didn’t want this night to end when class did. “How about a snack before bed?”

  Her eyelashes fell, hiding her expression. “I…I have to get up early in the morning. I’d better not.”

  The disappointment stung. What was going on with her? Had she just been stringing him along? Was she playing hard to get? That didn’t seem right. She’d seemed interested in him—he’d seen her response in the coffee shop this morning. The way her nipples had gone hard under her sweater. The blood flowed to his crotch at the memory of it, and he abruptly turned his thoughts back to what might have spooked her.

  Maybe she just wasn’t experienced with men. But she’d certainly flirted like she was. Maybe he’d just been too forward. That seemed a little more likely.

  The song ended. Christy released his hands to step away from him.

  “Congratulations.” She raised her voice to address the class. “You’ve just completed your first Salsa lesson. I’ll see you all tomorrow night.”

  Adam stood there. Should he cut his losses and leave? Or try to talk to her more? Christy had already crossed the room and picked up a hand towel from the bench, using it to wipe over her face, which was amusing, since she hadn’t even broken a sweat.

  He stopped hesitating and walked over to her. She looked up, seeming surprised that he was still here.

  “Did you have fun?” Her question and tone were equally polite.

  “It was interesting,” he compromised. “I’m sure I’ll pick up more tomorrow night.”

  “You’re coming back?” she asked, and then her cheeks tinged pink. “I mean, I think you should. They’re week-long classes. I just wasn’t sure you’d want to.”

  “When I start something, I finish it,” he promised, enjoying watching the flush in her cheeks deepen.

  Christy tucked a strand of hair behind her ear. He’d noticed she did that when she was nervous or embarrassed.

  “All right, well I’d better head out.” She slipped a bag over her shoulder and waved goodbye to Carlos who was locking up.

  Adam kept pace with her as she walked out the door. “Let me see you to your car.”

  “Thanks, that’s sweet of you.” She cast him
a sideways look. “Do you have a long drive home?”

  “I’m not from Seattle. I’m just in town for the week.”

  Disappointment flashed across her face before she could turn away to hide it. Hmm, so she wasn’t looking for a one-night stand. Then again, neither was he. Not with her. She intrigued him like no woman had before. One night with Christy would be like watching half of the Super Bowl.

  “But I have a lot of business here. I come back often.”

  Her smile seemed a bit forced now. “Well, you picked a good week to visit. Now you get to be one of my students.”

  “It’s been a long time since I was a student,” he admitted and stopped when she reached her car. “But I’m mighty glad you’re my instructor, Christy.”

  “Why is that?”

  The sudden huskiness in her voice was a good indication that she wasn’t immune to him. Despite his decision not to rush her, he was going to touch her. At least once.

  “Because you’re every man’s fantasy teacher,” he said with a laugh. “And I’m going to kiss you now. If you don’t mind.”

  Her lips parted in surprise, and before she could answer, he lowered his mouth to hers.

  Her soft lips sent a stab of desire through him, which only increased when he slipped his tongue through the seam of her lips.

  She tried to wrap her arms around his neck, but wasn’t tall enough. He laughed when her fingernails instead clutched at the top of his shoulders. She was so small, yet so lush. He settled his hands on her hips to pull her closer. Her nipples were hard, he could feel them brushing against his chest.

  Adam stroked his tongue against hers a few more times, and then retreated. Slowing the kiss to just small brushes of his mouth over hers. He didn’t want to spook her anymore than he already had earlier. When he finally lifted his head, her eyes were closed.

  “I’ll see you tomorrow night, okay?” He drew the pad of his thumb over her swollen lips.

  “Okay,” she murmured, and opened her eyes to look up at him.

  Her blue gaze was hazy with arousal, and his confidence surged. There was no doubt about it. She might have gone all shy for a moment, but she still wanted him.

  A little lying and misdirection in the name of love is never wrong. Right?

  Deliberate Deceptions

  © 2011 Leah Braemel

  Hauberk Protection, Book 3

  Chad Miller once had the perfect life—a beautiful baby daughter, a loving wife, a promising career with the FBI. Within a year, he’d lost everything. Making Hauberk Protection a success salvaged his career, but he’s never managed to get over the one fateful decision that spelled the end of his marriage. And the death of his child.

  For eight years, grief and guilt have haunted Lauren Miller’s climb up the ranks of the Light Brigade, a secret international hostage rescue team. Now she’s the target of a vengeful ex-Brigade operative who’ll stop at nothing to take her down. Even if it means taking out everyone she cares about. Including Chad. Getting him to accept her as his bodyguard? It’ll take some fast talking—and faster hands.

  Trapped in a remote safe house with Lauren is the last place Chad ever wanted to be. He may finally have the chance to get some answers about why she ran, but with his hard-won defenses crumbling, he’s having trouble remembering the questions. In the heat of their rekindled passion, Lauren struggles to keep her professional focus…and keep the secrets that could break his heart all over again.

  Warning: Angst dead-ahead! Lost love. Angst. Reunited lovers. Angst. Sex. More angst. And did I mention the angst? A box of tissues is definitely needed. But don’t worry, there’s still a Happy-Ever-After.

  Enjoy the following excerpt for Deliberate Deceptions:

  He was so cold, so controlled. The struggle to keep her disappointment from showing challenged Lauren. Did he not feel anything for her anymore? Did he have none of the desire, none of the need that had tied them together? The desire that had flared inside her, setting her body aglow as soon as she’d seen him? The need for him hadn’t lessened over the years. If anything, he was more attractive than he’d been before. She’d always found a man with just a hint of silver at his temples sexy.

  How could she get him to stay? To listen to her with an open mind?

  She took a step closer. Please don’t let him leave. Don’t let him close the door between our rooms and shut me out completely.

  She toyed with the buttons of her blouse. She’d left the top two undone out of habit, but now she toyed with the next one, undoing it, then the next. The fabric parted just enough to show the lace of her chemise. He’d always preferred the fantasy of wondering what was beneath, letting his imagination take over. “Thank you for volunteering to guard me. I was surprised when they said you’d be the lead op.”

  She had been surprised, she realized. She’d been half expecting them to call the whole thing off. Fear that she’d screw things up even more and lose any chance for a reconciliation set in, leaving her frozen deep into her bones.

  “I should go.” His voice was rough but at least he hadn’t moved.

  “Please don’t.” She touched his forearm, letting her fingers rest on him. Heat rose through his cotton shirt, warming her. He was leaner than he’d been. Different. Yet the same. “I don’t think I could get to sleep, not after that helicopter ride.”

  His gaze dropped to her fingers, a frown creasing his forehead. “I’d forgotten you don’t like riding in helicopters. Was the flight bad?”

  “It could have been better.” You could have been with me. “There was a bit of turbulence coming over the hills.” Or were they mountains? She still hadn’t decided. “I haven’t had much to eat. Maybe we could find the kitchen, rustle up a sandwich. Talk.” About so many things she didn’t know where to start. An explanation for why she’d left? For not contacting him? Or even where she’d been and what she’d been doing? Except neither of those were possible thanks to the Brigade’s rigid secrecy agreement.

  “I’ll call the kitchen and ask if they can bring something up for you. As for talking…” He scrubbed his face with his hands, breaking her contact with him. “We can talk tomorrow when we’re both fresh.” He made touching him impossible by walking to the door and standing inside his room. “When we’ve both had a chance to sleep on things.”

  “Stay. I don’t want to be alone tonight.” Like she’d been for so long.

  If she’d had any question he could still love her, the look he gave her removed any doubt. There was no trace of the predator on the hunt he’d had when they were first dating or even five minutes ago, the dominant man determined to win her. This look spoke of the depth of his love and longing. His voice, though controlled, revealed his pain and need even though it was barely above a whisper, husky as if he’d been screaming all night. “I don’t think that’s a good idea.”

  “I do.” She walked toward him, trying to be quiet, desperate not to give in to the urge to fall at his feet and prove herself to him. If she did, he might react like a wounded animal. One that could turn on her and rip her limb from limb.

  No doubts tonight, she told herself, afraid to speak out loud, afraid of breaking whatever force was holding them together. She undid the remaining buttons, tugged her blouse from her slacks and let it drop from her shoulders onto the floor.

  His gaze dropped to the lace of her chemise where her nipples had hardened. He’d always loved her breasts, loved touching them, cupping them, kissing them. She debated pulling the chemise over her head, letting him view them unencumbered but decided the peep show might be more provocative. It felt strange to be deliberately leading him on, to have to seduce him. She shimmied out of her slacks and stepped out of them, leaving them in a heap on the floor beside her blouse. Seconds later, her thong rested on top of the pile.

  One moment he was clutching the door frame, the next moment she was flattened against it, his thigh between her legs, holding her in place. His voice rasped as he asked, “What’s your game, Lauren?”
r />   “I’m not playing a game, Chad.” Just doing a lousy job of seducing you.

  He closed his eyes for just a second before meeting her gaze again. “So it’s just sex you’re looking for? You want to fuck and that’s it? Like an itch you want to scratch?”

  We cared more about fucking than making sure Emily didn’t die, a tiny voice in the back of her head nagged. A voice she thought she’d long since banished. “I miss you. I miss us.”

  His lips hovered centimeters above hers, his breath warm on her cheek, his eyes locked on her mouth. She expected him to lean down, to take charge, to kiss her. But he didn’t. Instead he held himself in check with a rigid control, as if he were fighting a battle. And winning.

  “I don’t want just one night, Lauren. I want it all back again—us, the way we were. We both know that’s not going to happen.”

  All her doubts crumbled into dust. He wanted her still. “We don’t know that.”

  She tilted her chin and closed the distance between them until her lips brushed his. He didn’t move, letting her tongue slide against the seam joining them but not allowing her entry. She wouldn’t beg but if he wouldn’t accept her kiss, she’d find another way past his defenses.

  Her hands flattened over his chest, seeking his shirt buttons. He didn’t move as she undid them one by one. His stomach muscles tensed when she parted the opening of his shirt and touched bare skin. She affected him, no matter how hard he tried to hide it. She was so close. If she could just convince him to let go, to give her a chance…she traced the curve of his stomach, up to his pectorals. Love me. Please.

  As if she’d touched a switch, his body shuddered beneath her fingers. He drew a deep breath, then his lips captured hers, taking command of the kiss. His tongue swept over her lips as if he were sampling her, preparing to feast upon her. He adjusted the angle of his head; his chin rasped over hers, the heat of the razor burn rousing a lingering reminder of their lovemaking long ago.