“He was on the ground. Right there.” He nodded at the crushed grass. “He was wearing Kevlar, so he has a hell of a bruise on his chest. Must have taken off while I was getting my principal safely into the house.”
The cool night air and the adrenaline dissipating from her body made Julia shiver, and she wrapped her arms around herself.
At Nico’s words, the police officers spun to face him. “You’re her bodyguard?”
“Yes,” he said. The two officers stared at Nico as if he were a rare animal. He fumbled for his wallet and handed the closest officer his driver’s license, FOID card, concealed carry permit and his Blackhawk Security ID.
The officers studied them for what seemed like a long time, then handed them back. “Two officers are out looking for the guy,” one officer said. “If you put a bullet into his Kevlar, he’s not moving fast. But if he left his car on the next street, he’s probably already gone.”
“Thanks, officers,” Nico said. “I couldn’t go after him. But I appreciate the quick response to the call.”
“Give us your phone number, then we’ll take a look around the neighborhood. See if we find anything suspicious.”
Julia and Nico recited their names and phone numbers, then the officers left. After another long look into the yard, Nico led her into the house and locked the door.
There was a furrow across his shirt, and the edges were burned. Julia gasped. A bullet had come that close to hitting Nico.
“I’m turning off the lights,” he said, flicking the kitchen switch. “In case the guy doubled back.” Then he moved to each of the other rooms, dousing the lights.
When he returned to the dining room, the house was dim and shadowy. Silent. But not completely dark. There was enough light to see the path of the bullet across his shirt.
She reached out a shaky finger and touched it. The edges were rough. Crumbly and dark.
Their assailant’s bullet had come that close to tearing into Nico’s body.
“Oh, my God,” she whispered, tracing the ragged tear. “You were almost shot protecting me.”
“But I wasn’t,” he said, staring at her.
Julia’s heart thundered in her chest as she stared back. Then both of them moved at the same time. Her soft body collided with his hard one. Their mouths fused together, and suddenly Julia was against the wall, Nico’s body pressing into her as if he wanted to absorb her into himself.
Tongues tangling, hands exploring, Julia was swept away with need. She had to have Nico right now. And judging by the way he was kissing her, all tongue and teeth and desperation, he felt the same way.
Sliding her hands beneath his shirt, she tugged it open. Buttons hit the wood floor with tiny plinks, every one of them ratcheting up her desire for him. Her need.
Nico groaned into her mouth. He held her against the wall with his body as he slid his hands over her breasts. Caressed them, and even through her shirt and bra, his touch made her moan into his mouth.
“Off,” he muttered, tearing it over her head. Throwing it to the side. Then, with shaky hands, he popped open her bra. Bent and took one nipple into his mouth, and sucked hard.
Julia writhed against him. Desire pulsed through her, making her moan into his mouth. She’d never been so turned on in her life. So needy. She fumbled with the button of his pants, then yanked the zipper down. Slid her hand inside his boxer briefs and curled her fingers around his hard, hot length.
“Now, Nico,” she panted into his mouth. “Inside me. Now.”
His cock grew bigger. Harder. He tore at the fastening of her jeans, then yanked them down her legs, along with her underwear. Tossed them aside. Reaching for his wallet, he pulled out a silver packet and tore it open. Slid it on, then lifted her legs.
She wrapped them around his waist and cried out as he slid inside her. Stretching her. Filling her. Then he began to move.
She bucked against him as he thrust into her. In moments, she was hovering on the brink of coming. He boosted her higher, changing his angle, and her climax roared through her.
She screamed into his mouth and held on as wave after wave of pleasure consumed her. In moments, he cried out as he climaxed, as well.
After long moments, he swung her around and slid down the wall, still clutching her close to his chest. She buried her face in his neck, panting as her muscles went lax. Her feet were pressed between Nico’s back and the wall, and she curled her toes into the small of his back.
When their breathing finally slowed, she pressed a kiss to the soft skin beneath his ear. Inhaled his scent, musky and male. Tightened her arms, which had found their way around his neck. She could happily stay on his lap, still joined together, forever.
But Nico finally moved, standing while holding onto her. “Let’s take this into the bedroom,” he said into her ear.