Code Name Desire Read online

  He seemed to want the same. Gently, he eased her backward, his lips working magic on her mouth, and drew her legs across his thighs. He ran his fingertips from ankle to knee, then higher to the edge of her thigh-high. Her skin tingled where he touched her with nothing between them.

  His lips grew urgent, and his tongue sought the soft place of her palate.

  Yes. More. She couldn’t get enough of him. No man had ever affected her like Teague. The way he looked. The way he smelled and tasted. The way he felt, pressed against her.

  She found it increasingly difficult to hold any thought in her head other than how much she wanted him. Needed him. Sending her hands in an exploration of her own, she stroked his back and learned the shape of him through the fine fabric of his shirt. She rounded his shoulders and sent fingertips over the taut muscles of his throat. Short bristles of evening shadow along his jaw stimulated the nerve endings in her palms, and his hair felt thick and soft.

  He tilted his head and forced her mouth open wider.

  Please, she begged silently, not sure for what. More. More of him. More of his touch. More of whatever he had to give.

  She moved her hands down to the front of his shirt and loosened his tie. Dipping her fingertips under his collar, she raked her nails along his collarbone. He moaned into her mouth. It was the sexiest moment she’d ever experienced. She loved that she could give him pleasure.

  Sneaking a peek, she found his eyes closed and his brows drawn together in a wrinkle above the bridge of his nose. He appeared as lost in her as she was in him. Releasing a long breath through her nostrils, she closed her lids and flicked her fingers under the chest hairs curling over his collarbone. They felt soft against her skin. She began to resent the clothing between them. She wanted his shirt off. Her dress off. Heck, everything off!

  Teague ended the kiss with a groan, and Jaeda bit her lip to keep from crying out in disappointment. Had she done something wrong? Based on the expression in his eyes, she had to guess the answer was a resounding no. He looked like a starving man placed before a feast. She had never considered herself a sexy woman, but the appreciation on his face left her in no doubt that he did.

  “Don’t stop,” she said, pouting when he took his hand from her thigh. She liked that he made her pant. She liked even more that she made him pant.

  His chest heaving and his hands fisted and pressing into the seat’s leather, he shook his head. “If I don’t stop now, I won’t be able to.” His voice sounded thick and strained.

  His words gave her pause. She glanced toward the front and caught the driver’s furtive, guilty eyes in the rearview mirror. Okay, Teague made a good argument. She hardly wanted an audience. Besides, she had to win his heart. A tawdry romp in the back of a car was for high school sweethearts, not world-wise adults. It wouldn’t help her get the job done.

  “Of course,” she said. Sitting straight, she adjusted her dress and cast him a shy look through her lashes. “You must think me the loosest of women, but please believe me when I say this is completely out of character for me.”

  He nodded. “And for me. There’s a chemistry between us I find intriguing and a bit alarming.”

  She let go a relieved laugh, glad he thought the same way she did. “Yes. Alarming is a fitting word, but in a good way…I think.”

  His white teeth flashed. “In a good way. I agree.” He pointed at the padded ceiling and swiveled his wrist. The driver gave a curt nod and changed lanes.

  She didn’t want him to return her to the club, but under the circumstances, she thought it best, if only to rescue her reputation so he could take her seriously. After that kiss, she suspected he would have a hard time getting her off his mind. As it was, she planned on a sleepless night, too. When he dropped her at The Barrister’s Press, she would give him her number. He wouldn't wait until noon tomorrow to ring her.

  The driver ramped onto the expressway, and Jaeda raised her eyebrows at Teague. “You’re not taking me back to the club?”

  “I don’t believe that would serve our purposes.”

  A knot formed in her stomach. “Our purposes?” Had he discovered her gun while his hands roamed during the kiss? Did he suspect she had a mission beyond getting romantic with him?

  “Indeed.” He pulled on his suit jacket. “It’s early yet. I want to get you alone, where curious eyes and ears won’t hamper my ability to know you better.”

  Unwilling to explore that thought further and take a chance of having him trap her into an emotional corner, she used the excuse of pulling on her coat to avoid commenting.

  “You have secrets, don’t you?” he asked.

  You have no idea. She kept her eyes averted, afraid he would glimpse her unease. Running her palms along her hips in a ruse of smoothing the material, she skimmed over the comforting lump of her weapon. In case she needed to get to it quickly, she left her wrap unbuttoned.

  “You’re lack of answer tells me you do. You’ve said you’re not married or otherwise obligated. Perhaps you need to reassure me again on that point.”

  Now, this she could handle. “I’m alone. I mean, I have my parents and a few friends back home, but here in England, I’ve been alone. Too busy to make friends, I guess. No time for dating, really.” Her voice broke as she whispered, “It’s been difficult.”

  Where had that come from? She hadn't intended to confess her personal hardship. To her horror, tears welled in her eyes, and she looked out the window.

  “Don’t be embarrassed,” he said, taking her hand. He placed a finger under her chin and turned her to face him. “I understand loneliness. A man in my position doesn’t make friends easily. I never know who to trust.”

  His last statement twisted like a knife in her chest. She was his enemy, entering his life only long enough to take what her country needed before abandoning him. Worse, she had to win his love. If she succeeded, she would leave him crushed and bitter. Her throat began to close at the acknowledgement that she was one of the people he shouldn’t trust. When had she come to care? At what point in the evening had she learned to like him?

  “You’re thoughtful,” he observed. “What’s on your mind?”

  She forced a grin to her lips. “Isn’t that what I’m supposed to ask right before you push me away?”

  He leaned against the seatback and crossed his arms over his chest. “I should tell you I’m not afraid of commitment. I don’t know anything about the bloke who treated you so badly, but I can tell you I won’t hurt you like that.”

  “What makes you think I’ve been treated badly?” She suddenly wanted to laugh. She had never had a boyfriend who abused her, even emotionally, but if she considered the agency as a sort of boyfriend, it would prove the worst possible type. The agency had stolen her trust, her basic faith in people, her innocence.

  “You’re guarded. Though you were quite forthright when I kissed you.” He smiled.

  “I was,” she agreed. “And I kissed you, too.”

  His features relaxed, and his mouth softened. Sexual tension emanated from him in waves that rocked her beyond any movement from the car. “That you did. I rather prefer the open Jaeda – your hands in my hair and your mouth trying to devour me – to this one you show me now, with no expression on your face and a hardness to your eyes. I can almost see your mind working, yet I can’t make out what has you so defensive.”

  They left the highway and sped along a gently winding road flanked by thick, dark forest. “Where are you taking me?” she asked.

  A slow grin spread across his face. “It’s a surprise.”

  She scooted closer to him and rested her cheek against the seat’s leather, her nose inches from his. “I like surprises.”

  Chapter Five

  “I’m glad to hear you like surprises because we’ve arrived,” Teague said, his grin broadening.

  Jaeda faced forward as the driver turned and passed between two massive stone pillars. Moonlight bathed a cobblestone drive that curved past an expanse of lawn cap
able of putting any golf course to shame. At the end of the drive, a lovely brownstone loomed. Golden light spilled from large first floor windows onto lush grass and a smooth paved circle drive lined with pretty flowers growing low to the ground. The place enchanted her.

  “Where are we?”

  Draping an arm around her shoulders, he said, “Welcome to my home.”

  Interesting. She had done something right. She couldn’t wait to see the inside, despite the fact that she had the floor plan memorized. As they pulled into the circle at the front of the manor, she caught a glimpse of stables built in brownstone to match the house. The place impressed her almost as much as the man who owned it.

  The driver came to a stop and opened the car door for her. Hitting the glittering pavement with an almost metallic ring, the spiked heels of her shoes reminded her of her role. She came armed with both weapons and information. She had a job to do. It didn’t matter how much she liked him or thought him sexy, he was the enemy. An enemy of the state and, therefore, her enemy. Pasting her practiced smile into place, she took a step back and waited for him to exit the car.

  Refocused on her task, she held out a hand. “Your place is so beautiful. I’d be interested to see it in the daylight, although with the moonlight and the glow from the windows, there’s a certain magic…don’t you think?”

  He looked around as if searching for the magic. “Well, I live here so I can’t really say there’s magic. But I do like it at night. I find the dark soothing.” He took her hand and led her toward the front door.

  “So you live here alone?” It seemed too big for a lone bachelor. The blueprints had revealed a large, well-planned layout, but seeing it in person brought a whole new and unexpected dimension.

  “Sort of, but not really. I have servants, though only four live on the grounds. My butler and housekeeper live here in the house with me. Caster lives in the rooms above the stable, and my cook lives with her family in a cottage near the main road. I have maids, a groundskeeper, and two stable hands who come and work during the day but leave in the evenings.”

  She shot him an incredulous look. “All for little ole’ you?”

  He chuckled. “I entertain quite regularly. In the world of high finance, networking and socializing are nearly as important as the investment work. I view my servants more as my helpers than my subordinates. Yes, I pay them, and yes, they do as I ask. They keep my home and make me look good. But we’re a team, you see?”

  Jaeda nodded and climbed the set of wide stairs to the front door. Teague walked a step behind, his hand on the small of her back, and she adored the gesture. Lifting her chin a notch, she shrugged away the comforting warmth threatening to make her soft. She needed her edge to make this assignment a success.

  Before they reached the front door, it swung wide. A stout man in his mid- to late-forties greeted them with a bored expression. “Mr. Jameson. Ma’am.”

  “Thank you, Sutton.” Teague ushered her into a large but welcoming foyer where a long, black-framed mirror begged for her attention above a dark lacquered entry table. Tall-backed black chairs stood at attention at perfectly spaced intervals. In striking contrast, the dark furniture complimented the walls painted in creamy, flawless verdigris green and the floor lain in white marble.

  She had conducted assignments in places as nice, but always uninvited. Breaking into such a place didn’t have the same effect as entering as a wanted visitor. It stalled her stride by half a beat and threatened to topple the practiced confidence in her smile.

  Teague studied her a moment, his hand never leaving her back. “Sutton, I’d like you to meet Ms. Bennett. She’s my special guest this evening.” Though he spoke to the butler, he didn’t take his eyes from her face.

  Acutely aware of his scrutiny, Jaeda schooled her features into a relaxed and pleasant expression. “It’s a pleasure to meet you, Mr. Sutton.”

  The butler bowed. “Call me Sutton, Ms. Bennett. If you need anything, please do not hesitate to call on me.”

  “Thank you, Sutton,” she said.

  Teague glanced at the butler and asked, “Has Mrs. Chesley left for the day?”

  “No, sir. Cook is in the kitchen. Shall I have her prepare a late meal for two?”

  Teague sent her a questioning look, and she shook her head. A snack would be nice, but she didn’t think she could stomach a full meal.

  “I think simply a tray with cheese and fruit.”

  “Very good, sir.” Sutton turned to her. “I’ll take your coat, Ms. Bennett.”

  Clutching the lapels together, she offered what she hoped passed as a gracious smile. “If it’s alright, I’d like to keep it close.”

  “Of course,” said the butler with a sideways nod of his head, his tone apologetic as if he had been wrong to ask. “And where shall I have the food delivered, sir?”

  Okay, when is this guy going to leave?

  With a gentle pressure of his fingertips, Teague had her turn and head down a hallway. “In my study.”

  His study. Perfect! He likely kept vital documents and records there, and she would take every opportunity to learn what she could. She let him guide her to the rear of the house, though she knew the way.

  The room wrenched a sigh from her. Overstuffed brown leather chairs and sofa dominated the center and beckoned her to their comfort. A colorful oriental carpet with intricate designs urged her to remove her shoes and sink her toes in its plush pile. Along two complete walls, shelves went from floor to ceiling, and leather-bound tomes lined neatly in their stacks laced the air with the smell of old books – one of her favorite scents. A subdued fire crackled quietly in a large fireplace near the door, and a bank of tall, paned windows made the room seem larger and provided a breathtaking view of the rear lawn.

  The desk in a corner sat like an afterthought in the shadows, but it held her greatest attention. She suspected she would find some of what she sought in those drawers…once she learned what she needed to secure. That wouldn’t happen until she attained her goal – capture his heart.

  With deliberately slow movements, Jaeda slipped her coat down her back while staring Teague in the eye. He didn’t move, as if she captivated him. Somehow it made her powerful. Maintaining her stare, she sidestepped to the sofa and dropped the cover across the rounded end.

  “Won’t you please make yourself comfortable?" he asked, his features governed but his voice, thick and throaty.

  Running her fingertips along the plump top of the couch, she made her way around and eased onto a cushion. It chilled her through her dress, but only for a moment. Before he had crossed the room, the leather began returning her warmth.

  He stepped to a set of decanters and cut crystal glasses displayed on a table next to the desk. Glancing over his shoulder, he gave her a calculated look. She relaxed, propping an elbow on the arm of the sofa. She had to play this carefully. She had almost blown it in the car when she took the flirting thing too far. He wanted her real, not trashy.

  “I could spend days on end in this room,” she said and meant it.

  He brought two glasses half filled with a gorgeous amber liquid and handed her one. Taking a sip, she admired the lines of his body in the suit as he settled beside her. Rich brandy washed across her tongue before gently stinging her throat then creating a blossom of heat in her stomach. Closing her eyes, she licked her lips.

  “Good?” he asked.

  “Delicious.”

  A low laugh rumbled deep in his chest and made it to his throat but not quite to his lips. The sound had an intimate quality, as if he intended it only for her.

  Another swallow of brandy had liquid heat spreading low in her belly.

  “Takes the chill out of you, doesn’t it? I find a good brandy can take the chill of an English winter day right out of your bones.”

  The room grew dark, and she realized clouds had covered the moon. The system that poured cold rain onto London’s streets had caught up with them, only now it brought snow with the falling tem
peratures. Large flakes danced against the windows before flying away on a stiff wind. With evidence of a cold outdoors in plain view, she became more aware of the study’s coziness, and she snuggled into the corner of the sofa.

  Teague took the glass from her hand and placed it next to his on an end table. A knock brought him to his feet, and he tossed a log on the fire before opening the door. Flames licked at the fresh fuel, and Jaeda couldn't resist the relaxation that overtook her. He returned and set a silver tray with grapes, strawberries and assorted cheese and crackers next to the drinks. She had no interest. She selfishly wanted him by her side.

  Chapter Six

  Teague removed his jacket and tossed it atop her coat. “Suddenly I’m very warm.”

  “Me, too.” Jaeda resisted a temptation to kick off her shoes, preferring to have the spikes on and handy, just in case.

  “It’s a pleasure to have you in my home. Do you like it?” He leaned toward her with an expectant expression.

  She could tell her approval meant a great deal to him. Grateful she didn’t have to lie, she said, “From what I’ve seen, I like it a lot. I have to admit that being in this room with the fire and the brandy and you, well, it’s been the most comfortable I can remember being in all my time here in England.” Okay, where did that come from? Did the liquor loosen her tongue, or was it his open need for her acceptance?

  “I’m glad. Were you surprised I brought you here?”

  “Yes. It’s a wonderful surprise.” She reached past him for her tumbler, and he swept her hair aside to place a soft kiss on the side of her neck. She froze, afraid if she moved he’d stop. His fingers brushing tiny hairs at her nape, he rained a line of gentle, lingering kisses from the dip above her collarbone to the sensitive spot behind her earlobe.

  “I’ve wanted to do that since we pulled in front of the house,” he whispered in her ear, the puff of warm breath caressing the outer shell and sending a shiver of delight up her spine.