Out of the Dark Read online

  Mac waited for her to get into bed. With the noise and light gone from the room, she slid in beside him and turned her back. She must be hanging on the edge of the bed because she certainly wasn’t anywhere near him. He wanted to chuckle, but he decided to sleep instead.

  * * *

  Long before daylight, Mac woke from a deep slumber. He stilled, gathering his bearing. Then he realized what disturbed his sleep. A hot, little body pressed against his back like a second skin, and a world-class hard-on.

  Damn.

  Mac knew he had to get some distance between him and Em, but at the moment, he was in a very awkward position. Em, the man-hater, was wrapped round him like paper on a present. To make matters worse, her smooth leg was wedged between his, her other stacked on his thigh.

  She had him trapped and it felt good. Her warm body spooned his, with all the right body parts lining up perfectly. If he weren’t on assignment he’d probably sleep like this for days.

  But he couldn’t.

  Slowly, so as not to wake Em, he untangled himself. When he finally sat up and planted his feet on the carpeted floor, she mumbled something and rolled over.

  After limping to the bathroom, Mac took a very painful piss. Now what to do about the damn woody? No jacking off, he couldn’t muster that. So he did the next best thing, he removed his underwear, picked up the bucket of ice, gulped half the cold water then poured the rest down his belly. His thirst quenched, his dick limp, Mac dried off, slipped on his shorts, and looked at the bed.

  With help from the outside security lights he saw her tousled hair fanned out on the pillowcase and his mouth watered, making the pain in his groin intensify. Em was prettier than he first imagined, and he rarely made mistakes like that. She had a certain natural beauty, and wittiness he found refreshing and sexy as hell.

  All his life, he’d been attracted to pretty woman. Models, stewardesses, tall blondes, chicks like that. He never went for brains, personality or a sense of humor.

  No, he was a hands-on guy. Not the type to spend a lot of time with one woman. Never settled for one when two was so much more fun.

  Mac didn’t engage in tight relationships, and couldn’t fathom ever asking a woman to marry him. The very words would probably choke him to death.

  If marriage was anything like the hell his parents suffered through, he wanted no damn part of it. The accusations, the cussing, the drinking had made his childhood a living hell. The drugs came later. A strung out dealer shot his mother sixteen months after his father went to jail on a robbery charge.

  When all was said and done, he’d ended up in the foster care system until he was old enough to join the Navy. His parents left him so bitter there was no room in his heart for love.

  Marriage my ass. Give me a firing squad any day.

  Besides, the life he led, the jobs he worked, and his personality in general, weren’t ideal for a wife or family. He never knew where he’d be next, or if he’d be coming back.

  Every time he went on a mission, the odds were he wouldn’t return. So, why put a woman through that? Better he just did what he was paid to do, and keep his relationships light. So far he’d had no complaints.

  Mac walked across the room and stopped next to the bed. Mouth tight, he stared down at Em, who not only took most of the bed, but she had all the covers. Holding his side, he reached down, grabbed the corner of the blanket, and dumped her on the floor.

  She jumped up like a drowning victim surfacing. Shoving her hair out of her face, she frantically looked around. “What! What’s wrong?”

  “Nothing,” he said, wrapping himself in the blanket. He lay down and fluffed the pillow beneath his head.

  “Hey,” she said. “You took the covers.”

  He rolled on his back. “That’s a switch, because you had them, and most of the bed, all night. Now, it’s my turn.”

  “I’m not a bed hog.”

  “The hell you aren’t. Now let me get some sleep.”

  He turned his back just as Em whacked his head with a pillow. He slowly tossed the covers aside, stood and faced her. Her hair all tangled, breasts pushing against his shirt, and those legs he’d dreamed about trapped in the sheets.

  Mac fisted his hands. He was either going to take her down, or make love to her like she’d never imagined possible. The choice was his. He was meaner, tougher and horny as hell. Odds were Emily Richards, the great mediator, was about to learn what a real man could do.

  CHAPTER NINE

  Emily wanted to kill. “So, all I get is a sheet? That isn’t fair. It’s cold.” For the first time in her life Emily wanted to jump up and down like a three-year old, but she refused to belittle herself in front of him.

  “Tough.”

  Balling her fists, she shouted, “Fine!”

  She stumbled around the dark room, stubbed her toe, bumped into a dresser then finally made it to where she’d left her shoes.

  Angrily, she yanked on her jeans, walked over and unlocked the door.

  “Where are you going? Shut that door.”

  “I’m getting my own blanket. I’m sure the desk clerk has an extra one.” She wasn’t about to put up with him bossing her around.

  “Come back here.”

  “I want a blanket.”

  A strange male voice drew nearer and Emily turned toward the sound. From the security lights attached to eaves of the motel, a man wearing a black cowboy hat walked her way.

  “Hey, little lady, you want to have some fun? Me and my buddies are having a party down there in 208. Wanna join us?”

  This didn’t look good, and Emily had no desire to put up with another jerk. “No thanks,” she said as he drew closer. Without pause, she backed into the room, and closed the door in the young man’s face.

  What else could go wrong?

  “Lock it,” Mac demanded.

  As she turned the latch, a knock sounded from the opposite side.

  “Come on out, sweetheart.”

  Emily leaned her forehead against the wall. What a night this turned out to be. Before she could tell the guy to go away, Mac came up behind her. Wearing a dark scowl, he jerked his head, motioning her to move out of the way. When she did, he yanked open the door.

  She couldn’t help but notice with light streaming in from outside how Mac’s black boxers hugged his toned rear.

  Boldly, Mac grabbed the young man by the collar. “Get the fuck away from this door before you get more than you bargained for, cowboy.”

  With a grunt, Mac released the kid. He staggered backwards, his hands at his throat. “Hey, I didn’t mean no harm. Ain’t no cause to get all riled up.”

  “You mess with my wife and I get plenty riled. And when I do, I go looking to hurt somebody.” Taking a threatening step forward, Mac demanded, “Get back to your room.”

  Mac stepped into the room, slammed then bolted the door. He turned back to Emily, pointing a damning finger. “You’re a lot of trouble.”

  “Me,” she screeched. His insanity ran rampant. What had she done? “I was only going to get a blanket because you took the covers. So, now all this is this my fault? If you hadn’t been so grouchy I would still be sound asleep. I wasn’t looking for trouble, and don’t you even hint I encouraged that idiot.”

  “I know you didn’t give him the come on,” Mac said wearily. “I’m just tired. I want some sleep.”

  Was that an apology? Probably as close as she’d get coming from him.

  Guilt set in when she noticed the lines around his eyes. No doubt he was exhausted. His shoulders slumped and the dark shadow on the bottom of his face gave him a sinister look. A barrage of blame washed over her like Niagara Falls. She groaned. How much more of this could she take? Enough already.

  “Look,” Emily said. “I’m sorry about all this. I’m acting like a moron. I know you’re tired.”

  “Yeah, I think that makes two of us. How about we just get some sleep?”

  Together they straightened the sheets on the bed and Mac cra
wled beneath the blanket with a heavy sigh. “Stay on your side of the bed,” he grumbled.

  “Yes, sir,” she mimicked. “Gladly. Who wants to sleep cuddled up next to you?”

  “Oh, I’m sorry I didn’t pack my charming personality this trip.”

  “You don’t own a charming anything. Go to sleep, Mac.”

  A strange, yet dangerous silence settled momentarily. Mac turned to her.

  Quicker than she could draw her next breathe, Mac had her pinned beneath him, straddling her.

  He leaned over, placing his face directly in front of hers. His hot breath touched her face as he yanked up her shirt. “Don’t mess with me. I’m mean.” Her gaze locked with his. “Now, let’s get to sleep.” His stare intensified. “Or do you want me to continue?”

  Shocked, Emily opened her mouth but no words came out. She blinked. Her breath trapped somewhere between her lungs and her nostrils.

  Despite his injury, he smoothly swung off her then flopped on his side of the bed, leaving her exposed and stunned.

  What in God’s name just happened? He could have taken her in an instant, and she would have been helpless to stop him. He was quick and deadly, even wounded. In all her years, Emily had never seen a man move so fast.

  With his back to her, Emily lowered her top, but remained rigid. No matter how much she tried, she couldn’t ignore the loud pounding of her heart or her racing pulse. And she’d trusted the agent without question.

  Foolish.

  The darkness of the room closed in on her as she fought back tears. Frightened and shivering, Emily stared at the ceiling, as she clutched the blanket beneath her chin. Never had she felt so vulnerable. She realized for her own good, she had to get away before something happened.

  Careful not to touch him, or breathe too heavily, Emily close her eyes and prayed.

  ***

  Mac was at the point he wanted to shoot himself. That was a dumb assed thing to do, he scolded himself.

  What were you trying to prove? That you could overpower her? Was there any doubt? Shit, she doesn’t weight anything, and you just extinguished the only hint of guts you’d ever seen in a woman.

  The look in her face damned him. The fear in her eyes taunted him and his gut burned like he’d eaten a bowl of jalapenos? Realization hurt worse than his ribs. He’d cut his own damn throat before he ever again saw that look in Em’s eyes. And he’d kill any other man who made the same mistake.

  She moved slightly and Mac hoped she wasn’t going to cry. If she cried, it would be all over. He was going to take the fucking Glock off the nightstand and blow his damn head off.

  Of all the stupid things he could have done, this took the prize. If he wanted to punish her, it had worked. But he’d also done a good job on himself.

  He wanted her, but he wanted her willing, eager.

  Ever since he’d met her, he’d been a royal son of a bitch and he didn’t know why. What was it about Em that brought out the worst in him, even when he wanted to be nice? It was as if he deliberately shoved her away, and did everything he could to show her what an ass he could be.

  She didn’t do anything other than provoke him a little. Hell that just showed her spunk and tenacity. She shouldn’t have to put up with his foul disposition and meanness.

  Mac moved a little trying to relieve his discomfort. All he thought about was Em’s flaring hips and heavy breasts. He never wanted to taste anything in his whole life like he wanted to wrap his lips round her nipples and suck.

  He was in for a long night, a very long night. The artificial light from the sign outside slithered through the gaps in the drapes.

  What was she thinking over there? That he was a bastard? Damn, he wished he could get rid of her. Well, after tonight he’d never see her again. He pulled up the covers. If he could get through the next few hours he’d be home free.

  CHAPTER TEN

  The sound of soft, whispery snores woke Emily from a sound sleep. Aware she wasn’t home in her own bed, Emily blinked several times to get her bearings. Squinting into the dimness, she saw Mac McKinsey slumbering sweetly on her side of the bed. One of his legs stacked on hers, chest snuggled against her back, and his arms held her captive in a cage of flesh.

  Dim light streamed through the window to confirm that the day was soon to begin. After the restless night she’d had, sunshine would be welcome relief. Rubbing her eyes, Emily swore this was the longest night of her life.

  At first she wanted to wake her bed partner, and let him see that she was indeed on her side of the bed. But she didn’t want the hassle. Much too early to argue.

  However, she wasn’t letting him off the hook.

  Hell no. After the little stunt he pulled earlier, she wanted to smother him with his own pillow.

  She shifted away from him, but the moment she moved, his grip tightened and he clutched her closer. In a way she couldn’t blame him. The temperature in the room had to be close to zero. The air conditioner must be frozen. Regardless, she wasn’t in the mood to cuddle.

  After several minutes, Emily managed to untangle herself and sit up on the edge of the bed. The mattress squeaked loudly as she stood.

  “Em,” he muttered.

  Well, at least he hadn’t called her by another woman’s name. Oh yeah, now she remembered why. He forgets all his women the next morning.

  Lucky guy.

  “I’m just going to the bathroom, but since you’re awake, you might notice where you’re lying. I’m not the only one who takes up the entire bed.”

  She didn’t wait around to see if he followed her suggestion or not because she went into the bathroom and closed the door. Now, she wished she hadn’t been so generous with her last two Advil. At the moment she could use them to get rid of a raging headache.

  Rubbing her temples, Emily would bite her tongue off before verbalizing that Mac had the most powerful and widest chest she’d ever been held against. That she loved the way he held on to her like a life raft. That, too, would never be said aloud.

  She couldn’t continue this constant friction between them. It was too unnerving and drained all her energy. She wanted him and his sexy eyes all over her, but Mac not only wasn’t her type, he’d made it clear he didn’t want to be anyone’s permanent anything.

  Flipping off the light switch, Emily opened the door and stepped out. Deliberately trying to not disturb Mac’s sleep, she made her way to the bed by memory, and shivered when she crawled beneath the blanket and fluffed her pillow.

  Mac’s arms instantly came around her waist and he pulled her against his hard body. His scent raked over her like a thick mist of desire, wrapped around a body too long without affection. The rhythmic sound of his heart beating caused her to still.

  Determined to safeguard her emotions, she wiggled away, but he held tight. His nose nuzzled her hair, his lips touched the rim of her ear, and Emily practically melted into the mattress. She tried to ignore the fact that his touch scorched her body and made her want what she knew she couldn’t have.

  Him.

  Slowly, Emily moved the arm from around her and put as much distance between them as she could by scooting to the far edge of the bed.

  “Still mad?” he murmured, in a voice so sexy it should be used in every suggestive commercial in the world. “Come back over here, I’m cold.”

  God she wanted him.

  “Mac, I don’t want to cuddle with you.” Too dangerous.

  “Just look at it as a survival technique.” That said, he snuggled against her. When she struggled he said, “I wouldn’t do too much wiggling around, if you know what I mean?”

  “I don’t want to survive with you. I want you on your side of the bed and me on mine.”

  He nestled closer, “I’m really sorry I penned you down. That wasn’t a nice thing to do. I didn’t mean to frighten you. I promise I’ll never do that again.”

  His words sounded so sincere and caring she almost believed him.

  “Now you’re claiming you have
a nice side?”

  “Shhh,” he hushed in her ear, “Let’s sleep.”

  Emily had no idea what to think of Mac. Was she safe or wasn’t she? Would he harm her? She didn’t want to think so because he worked for one of her best clients. However, she knew little about him. Ironically, here she was, sleeping with the guy, and wanting him so badly her teeth hurt.

  Emily closed her eyes and drifted off to sleep only to be roused by the loud ringing of the telephone on the table. Mac groped in the dark and finally picked up the receiver, then immediately hung up.

  “Was that the wakeup call,” she asked, burrowing deeper into the warmth of the blanket.

  “Yeah, but we have a few minutes.”

  Mac rolled back over and resumed his previous position, which was them being as close as two people could get without going at it. Damn, he was horny as hell. And Emily felt like heaven in his arms. They fit together like they’d been poured out of the same mold. Her hair smelled clean and intoxicating. The scent inflated his desire, making it hard to resist the urge to make love to her.

  Horny or not, Mac knew better. Not only could it be stupid to get involved with the company lawyer, but he had a job to do. However, it wouldn’t hurt to just lie here for a few minutes and keep her warm. Enjoy the feel of her feminine body, inhale her sleepy scent.

  Slowly, Mac brushed his hands beneath his shirt she wore and cupped her warm breasts. Her breathing increased but she didn’t stop him. Reverently, he nibbled the back of her neck, and kissed behind her ears. A soft moan tumbled from her mouth. A mouth he fully intended to kiss.

  She turned so they faced each other then he captured her mouth and his lips nudged hers open. When she responded, he deepened the kiss and his tongue joined the Discovery Channel. With a whimper she opened her mouth and allowed him complete access.

  Mac’s whole body came to attention as his hard dick brushed against her soft stomach. She ran her fingers through his hair as her other hand on his back coaxed him closer.

  Then he rolled them over, putting her on top. God, she looked beautiful. Sitting on his lap with her body opened to him vanished all reasoning from his mind. Uncontrollable need drove them both. Mac rose to capture one perfect breast with his mouth while his thumb and index squeezed the other nipple. With a groan, Em threw her head back and closed her eyes.