Hearts & Diamonds (9 page)

How could he want her so badly again? He couldn’t wait until she woke up just to see her smile at him…
because
of him. Making her laugh could easily become his new mission in life and it freaked the hell outta him. There was no room in his life for a woman. He wasn’t sure he wanted to make room in his world for a real relationship. And yet here he was spooning with the one female in his orbit capable of making him reconsider all of his self-imposed rules.

He placed a gentle kiss on her shoulder before closing his eyes. What he needed was some shuteye. What he
wanted
was to part the soft ass cheeks cradling his dick and slip back into the snug, delicious wetness he knew would await him.

Down boy!

Quin whispered a curse as he burrowed his head into the feather pillow. Sleep. He had been going for almost eighteen hours nonstop. A few hours of REM would set his head straight. Maybe then he would be able to think more rationally. Maybe then he’d be able to work out in his mind how it would be possible in the future to ever
not
want Nia Sanders.

Nia woke up with a leisurely yawn, smiling as she snuggled closer to Quin’s body warmth. Sleeping next to him was almost as enjoyable as sleeping
with
him. Almost. Nothing quite compared to the pleasure of him taking her hard and fast.

Or soft and slow.

She wriggled her bottom against him, wondering how he’d kept his hands off her all night long. Turning gently on her belly, she stared at him sleeping peacefully on his side and smiled.

He made her happy, deliriously, unimaginably, happy. She couldn’t remember the last time she’d been so content and it had been an even longer time since she’d worried about losing her heart to a man.

A man who had issues with simply spending the night.

Her smile faded as she watched his chest rise and fall in an even steady pattern. He’d compared her to a drug, which implied he wished he were able to resist wanting her. After last night, she knew it would be damn near impossible to stop
ever
wanting him. It was suddenly very clear she was in serious danger of falling in love.

She glanced at her digital clock and cursed. She had overslept. Swinging out of bed, she padded to the bathroom, turned on the shower and put on her shower cap. The warm beads of water washed away Quin’s scent, but the luxurious lather couldn’t erase the stamp he’d unknowingly placed on her heart. She’d promised not to flip out on him emotionally. If he wanted things between them to remain uncomplicated, she’d keep it simple.

And for how long do you think that will be enough?

Frustrated, she shut off the water, stepped out of the shower and glanced at the mini clock on her vanity. She had exactly a half hour before she needed to walk out of the door to be on time for work. After applying lotion, perfume and a modicum of makeup, she blow-dried her natural curls until the ebony strands were straight and pulled the hair into a sleek ponytail. She entered the bedroom wrapped in her bath towel.

“What time is it?” Quin asked, grinning as she jumped.

“I thought you were still sleeping.” She swallowed hard as he sat up, sinfully naked and very aroused. “It’s a little after six.” Her eyes lingered on his addictive erection and a wave of heat rushed over her body. “I’m running late. Feel free to take your time.”

“Come on over here.”

His slow smile was pure temptation. Temptation she could not resist. She went to him, releasing a breath she hadn’t known she held as he folded his arms around her.

“You can’t go without at least a good morning kiss. Do you know how hard it was for me to sleep next to you all night and not make love to you?”

“As hard as this?” She wrapped her hand around his swollen dick.

Quin grinned. “Harder.”

He bent his head and kissed her, yanking the damp towel from her body. His hands cupped her ass, pressing her against his hard-on.

“There’s no time…”

He cut her off with his lips and she wrapped her arms around his neck as his warm tongue expertly caressed hers. Her breasts tightened as he pummelled her mouth, barely dormant flames sparked and raged as he kissed her.

“I’m gonna be late,” she said breathlessly as his hand slipped between her legs.

“I dreamt about this wet pussy all night.”

“Quin—” She gasped as his finger circled her clit and slipped downward into her slick heat. “I can’t be late.” Her weak protest was ignored as he backed her up to the bed.

“This won’t take long.”

Nia gasped again as he pushed her back on the edge of the bed. The raw look of desire in his eyes stole her ability to move. She stared at him as he kneeled in front of her and yanked her bottom to the edge of the bed. He spread her thighs wide, his gaze on hers as he caressed the soft dew-drenched folds with his hand. One long finger entered her and she moaned as he lowered his dark head to lick and suck her clit. She let out a small cry as he feasted on her wet flesh with deep knowing strokes of his tongue. One finger became two and she bucked her hips, moaning with pleasure each time he stroked her g-spot. She grabbed onto the sheets as the sweet friction intensified, milking his cream-slicked fingers as his tongue took her higher and higher.

“Yes!” she screamed as the climax shattered her in a million different pieces. Her dripping sheath quivered around his fingers still fucking her with decreasing speed. Blissful orgasmic waves stole her breath away as he tenderly laved at her protruding clit. When the last tremor ended, he lifted his mouth from her swollen pussy and slid his glistening fingers out of her hot heat. Breathless, she watched him taste her juices as he stood. “I’ve never come so fast.”

He smiled, his eyes travelling over her rock hard nipples. “I told you it wouldn’t take long.”

Nia trembled as a tiny aftershock tore through her. “What about you?” she asked, her eyes falling to his wickedly thick cock.

“Tonight.”

“And in the meantime?” It didn’t look like he could wait until then for relief.

“I’d like to take a shower before I go.” He held out his hands, helping her stand up.

She tore her eyes away from his dick. “No problem. There’s a spare key to lock the front door in my jewellery box.” She stretched up on her toes to kiss him and tasted herself. “That was amazing, thank you.”

“You can thank me later.”

Nia grinned. “Deal. Now, I’ve gotta hustle.” She turned away from him and yelped as his large hand playfully smacked her ass. “There are fresh towels in the side closet.”

“See you tonight,” he said, reaching the bathroom door.

“Can’t wait.” Her heart twisted with emotion as he disappeared from view. She bent down to retrieve her bath towel, lying at her feet, to dry her wet thighs. Her quick response to his touch shocked her, renewing her unquenchable need for more of him. A need she knew would have to wait until after work.

The clock taunted her with its big red display as she moved to her wardrobe closet. Selecting a red sweater, black skirt, matching tights and boots, she dressed in what had to be a new world record.

She stuck her head into the steamy bathroom, seeing the foggy outline of Quin’s body behind the frosted shower door. The sound of his low groan reached her ears just as she opened her mouth to say goodbye one last time. Her eyes widened as she watched his unmistakable movements.

He was masturbating in her shower!

The realisation turned her on, threatening to dampen her panties as she slipped away unseen. She left the bedroom, wishing she had the time to help him get off. Thoughts of just how she’d do it raced through her mind as she approached the kitchen. A naughty smile graced her lips as she flipped on the light and envisioned ripping open the shower door and—

“What the hell?” She stared at the puddles of melting snow trailing from her back door. A subtle creak in the wood flooring made her whip around and her blood froze as she stared in disbelief. “Tess?”

“Don’t move or scream or I pull the trigger,” Tess said with deadly calm. Her long brunette hair was now blonde and short, her eyes focused on Nia with an amused expression. “I didn’t expect you to be here this late. You’re supposed to be on your way to Fletcher’s.”

“What are you doing?” Nia was surprised her voice sounded strong and steady when her stomached rolled at the sight of the gun pointed in her direction. “How did you get in here?”

Tess snorted. “I had a copy of your key made a long time ago when I decided I needed a Plan B. Look, I don’t have time for chit chat, my friend. I’m here for the diamonds.”

“Diamonds?” Nia blinked at Tess in confusion.

“Don’t play coy, Nia. I actually liked working with you, but I won’t hesitate to shoot if you’re trying to con me out of what’s mine.” She studied her for a second. “Good. I can see you really don’t know what I’m talking about. I was counting on your purse fetish to make this work.”

Nia stared at her.
Come downstairs, Quin.
“I still don’t know what you’re talking about.”

“Bring me that monstrosity of a brown bag you were carrying the night Fletcher’s was robbed.”

“I thought we were friends.” Nia strained her ears for sounds of the water still running in the bathroom.

Tess giggled. “We were, but everyone knows diamonds are a girl’s
best
friend. So where’s the bag?”

She hadn’t thought about the oversized purse since the robbery. It was just another reminder of that awful night. She’d emptied out her stuff, tossed it in the back of her bedroom closet out of sight. Whatever Tess was after couldn’t be in her bag.

“
Now
, Nia.”

She focused back on Tess and the gun in her face. “It’s in the hall closet.”

“Get it.”

She walked past Tess towards the hall closet. With shaky hands, she began rummaging on the top shelf, dropping other purses and hats, constantly aware of the gun fixed on her from behind. She hoped her lie would buy her some time, praying Quin wouldn’t walk out of the bedroom unaware of what was happening or worse…unarmed.

“C’mon!”

Beads of cold sweat rolled down her back as she reached for the last two purses. She took down another brown bag similar to the one she had carried that night with one thought replaying over and over in her head.

Where was Quin?

She turned around and lifted the soft leather in her hand. “I think I’ve found it.”

The cold impatient gleam in the other woman’s eyes shifted to one of rage.

Nia knew her time was up.

“That is
not
the right—”

“Put the gun down, Ms. Parker,” Quin said, appearing around the corner with his weapon raised.

Thank God!

Nia’s heart tripled its ragged rhythm as he moved in front of Tess clad in only his jeans.

“Put it down on the ground now!” He gaze never left Tess.

Tess didn’t move or lower her gun. Her delicate features shifted from shock to calculating curiosity. “Wow! You’ve surprised me again, Nia, with that daring escape during the robbery with Mr. Hot Cop and now this.” She waved her weapon at Quin’s bare chest. “Yummy. I guess Santa brought you your present early. God knows you needed it.”

“Nia, get out of here.”

Nia moved out of the line of fire and went to the front door, but she couldn’t leave.

“Ms. Parker, I will not ask you again. Lower your weapon.”

Tess jumped at his brusque order.

Seconds ticked by and to Nia’s amazement, Tess started to cry, allowing him to take the gun from her hand. “I-It’s not loaded. I wasn’t going to hurt her. I just need the diamonds to disappear.”

The sound of approaching sirens wailed outside as Quin checked the chamber of Tess’s gun. “The gun
is
loaded.” He stuffed both guns into his pants before placing handcuffs on her wrists.

“For my protection, you don’t understand. They’re trying to kill me.”

Nia opened the front door to see cops coming up the front walk.

“Who’s trying to kill you, Ms. Parker?” Quin asked, leading her to the door.

“I wanted out, Scott didn’t. He told me there was no ‘getting out’. I stole the rocks from him and the rest of the crew with plans to leave the States and start over.” Tess started crying again as another officer read her rights. She turned to Nia. “You believe me, don’t you?”

Nia stared at the woman she realised she’d never really known. “You aimed a loaded gun at me.”

“I wasn’t going to hurt you!”

“If your story is true, we’ll do everything we can to protect you,” Quin said, giving her over to the police.

He turned to Nia, his expression hard. “Can you go get the purse she came here for?”

Nodding, Nia walked to her bedroom on autopilot. She opened her closet, located the bag and took it to Quin and the other officers waiting. In a state of shock, she watched him rip open a tiny seam in the bottom panel. She gasped as he pulled out a handful of loose stones and rings.

“Process this,” Quin said to one of the men.

She turned away from the officers to pick up the phone. Her fingers seemed to dial the number to her job on their own. She waited for someone to pick up; still trying to face the fact Tess had held a gun in her face…a
loaded
gun.

One of her most responsible employees answered and she briefly explained the situation. She hung up to find another officer waiting for her.

“Ms. Sanders, if I could just ask you a few questions?”

Nia glanced at Quin still talking and nodded. She answered each question, sinking down on her couch with a weary sigh when he finally walked away.

“Are you all right?”

The concern in Quin’s voice calmed her instantly, she glanced up to see the remaining officers leaving as she met his hard gaze.

“I’m fine.” She stood up, wanting to touch him but something in his eyes held her back. “What’s wrong?”

“Tess has agreed to talk for a lesser sentence. This could be the break we need to finally get all of these guys.”

“That’s great, but that still doesn’t answer my question.” Nia noticed the sweater he must have slipped on at some point, his rigid posture and the stark
¼
no
troubled
look on his face filled her with dread. “What’s wrong with you?” Her heart started hammering in her chest again as he looked away.

He’s shutting himself off from me.

He faced her and the steel in his eyes shook her composure.

“Getting involved with you was a selfish mistake.”

The words hit her like a sucker punch to the face, scaring her more than Tess had moments ago. She struggled to breathe as her heart fell to her knees. “What are you talking about?”

Quin dragged a hand through his thick dark hair. “I should’ve seen this coming.”

“You’re not a superhero, Quin.”

He walked away from her, shaking his head. “I wasn’t one hundred percent focused on this case because of—”

“Because of me,” Nia said flatly, folding her arms across her chest.

“Because of
us
.” He whipped around, coming to her within the breadth of one heartbeat. “You could’ve been killed!”

“But I wasn’t.” She gasped as he grabbed her arms.

“Yes, but you could’ve been!” He stared into her eyes as his fingers bit into her flesh. “You didn’t even follow my instructions to leave the house.”

The depth of fury evident in his dark gaze whether directed at her or himself shook her. “I-I’m sorry.” Tears filled her eyes. “I should have followed your instructions.”

A few seconds went by as they stared at one another before he released her.

“I’m sorry,” Quin said, stepping back from her.

Nia rubbed her arms. “Sorry you got involved with me, sorry this all happened…sorry for what?”

“I’m sorry I didn’t protect you.”

“But you did. Think what could’ve happened, if you hadn’t been here.” She waited for him to respond and every second that ticked by chipped away at her faltering composure. There was so much she wanted to say to him. But what was the point, if he didn’t value their relationship enough to forge ahead?

“I’ve got to get to work.” She struggled to hold back tears as she walked past him to get her coat.

“Let me help you.”

“I’ve got it.” She moved away from him as she pulled the wool coat on, reaching for her purse as Quin picked up his own coat. “I’m glad you were here this morning to help me. Thank you.” Her polite words were carefully chosen as the tension mounted between them.

“No thank you is necessary.”

She offered him an equally polite smile before walking to the door, pain lancing through her heart. She’d felt a closeness…a kindred spirit with him she hadn’t expected. How could talking to each other be a struggle after the intimacies shared between them last night and this morning?

A gust of chilly air hit her face as she stepped outside and the tears she’d pushed back threatened to fall as he walked past. She locked the door, took her sunglasses from her purse and placed them on her face as she swallowed down the offensive signs of weakness.

Quin stood waiting for her at the edge of her walkway.

If he was battling any of the same emotions, she couldn’t tell from the stoic expression on his face. “Have a nice holiday, Quin.” She had less than a minute to escape his presence before the river of tears broke past the mental dam in place. The slightest flicker of emotion in his eyes demolished the last vestige of her control.

“Nia—”

“Please let me know of any updates with the case.”

He stared at her for a moment.

Thirty seconds until meltdown.

“All right.”

“Thank you.” Her eyes literally burned.

Fifteen.

“Good bye, Nia.”

“Good bye.”

He turned away from her as the first tear slid down her frozen cheek. One wet track on her face soon became several as she watched his retreating form until he was nothing more than a blurred shape in the snow.

Quin downed the scotch in his glass and considered ordering another. The shattered look in Nia’s eyes kept replaying through his mind when he had said getting involved with her had been a selfish mistake.
Hurting
her had been his biggest mistake to date. The urge to pick up the phone and call her made him clench the small glass in his hand.

And say what, Rios? I’m sorry, I love you.

“I love you?” His grip tightened on the glass as he repeated the impossible thought running through his head.

“I love you too, big guy, but let’s not go broadcasting it, okay?” his partner teased as she slid onto the barstool next to him.

“You got it.” He watched his friend order a beer in a state of disbelief. Two glasses of scotch had
never
made him to profess his love for a woman. He hadn’t said or even thought about the L-word since high school.

“A toast,” Agent Tan said, lifting her beer, “to new leads, arrests… “

“And convictions,” Quin finished, lifting his empty glass to Tan’s with a ghost of a smile.

She looked at his drink. “Another?”

“I’m good.”

“You look like hell.” She took a long swig from the bottle. “You should be thrilled. Tess’s statement has already helped us pin down two of these clowns. We know where they’re planning to hit tomorrow and we’re gonna get ‘em.”

“Yeah, but these guys only make up a small fraction of this crime organisation.”

“It’s progress.”

“Right.” He sat his glass down and flexed his hand. “What time do we leave for
Miami
?”

“6:20 a.m.” Tan watched his movements. “So, this is none of my business, but I’m gonna say it anyways. Consider it an early Christmas present.”

“You don’t do Christmas.”

His friend smirked. “I know you better than you think. You need to hear this so listen up.”

Quin glared at her. “Presents are supposed to be enjoyable.”

“
I’m
enjoying this, so it’s all good. We both know there are circumstances that arise on this job beyond our control. You’ve worked your ass off on this case…we both have. You’re a damn good agent and if I thought you made a wrong move, you know I’d be the first to say it.” She took a quick sip of beer before turning her head to look at him. “I’ve been around you long enough to see this job is your life,” she held up her hand as he opened his mouth to protest, “but it doesn’t
have
to be and deciding you want more won’t make you less of an agent.”

“That wasn’t festive,” Quin said after a long pause.

“Nope, practical,” she winked at him, “waaaaay better.”

He smiled at her, grateful for her quirky no-nonsense advice. “Thanks.” He signalled the bartender to get her another beer. “You’re a helluva an agent too
and
friend.”