Risky (Torn Between Two Lovers #2)(57)
“That’s been my life for as long as I can recall. Someone has always been gunning for our family. What can I say?”
“You really are the modern-day version of the Godfather. Michael Corleone wanted to go straight, too, and that didn’t turn out so well for him.”
“Then I suppose I can be grateful Mario Puzo isn’t writing my story.” He grinned.
Shaking her head, she laughed in spite of the seriousness of the subject. Joaquin’s irreverence, his invincible attitude, were addictive. The man possessed a big, steely pair, and it was tough not to admire that.
“Would you like dessert?” he asked, changing the subject.
“Another time,” she said. “I’m too full.”
He signaled the waiter and had the bill charged to his room. Ready to go, he rose. “Can I tempt you to take a walk with me?”
“I’d like that.”
Rising, she joined him. As they walked out of the restaurant, she noted that he stayed beside her, a hand on the small of her back. She liked when a man touched her, hovered close, and always had. It made her feel safe and cared for. Though “safe” was an ironic concept when it came to Joaquin.
A glance behind them told her that T-Bone was doing his job, and armed with a whole new perspective for his presence, she was extremely glad. Turning around again, she did her best to forget why he was necessary.
Joaquin guided her along the winding paths surrounded by fragrant flowers and vines. Torches were lit along the walk, since the sun had now set, lending a romantic ambiance to the scenery. They strolled through the grounds and paused where the sand from the beach began, looking out on the waves lapping gently at the shore.
Joaquin pulled her into his side, and she relished his warmth through his soft shirt. She laid a hand on his stomach to explore his hard muscles, his body underneath his clothing that of a man who took very good care of himself.
Before she knew his intentions, he moved to stand in front of her. Cupped her face in both his hands.
Then lowered his delectable mouth to hers.
2
Beautiful Anna. She was only supposed to be a pawn in his long-running game with Agent Grayson Sloane.
Joaquin had come to Aruba to seduce and use her. But five minutes in her company and he couldn’t go through with it. It didn’t take him any time at all to learn just how big a blow Gray must have suffered to lose her, and that he wouldn’t make the same mistakes if he could help it. He wanted Anna.
And applying for sainthood was never his life goal.
Slipping his tongue into her mouth, he relished her taste, the feel of her curves pressed into his body. She wasn’t a delicate woman, but rather lush in all the right places and only three inches or so shy of his own height. He adored that about her. He’d never been attracted to frail women, and Anna was strong. Inside as well as out.
Pulling back briefly, he broke the kiss and stroked one cheek, pushed a lock of dark hair from her face. Big brown eyes met his, and something stirred in him that he’d believed wasn’t possible. For as long as he could recall, he’d needed no one but his family and close friends. He didn’t want to need anyone else—because there was a grain of truth to the saying that once you were in his world, there was no getting out. His enemies had long memories, and some an even longer reach. Letting himself care about someone could be dangerous.
And yet he didn’t want to think about that right now. Didn’t want to let go. So he kissed her again, slow and deep, with all the pent-up passion he’d been saving for months. Years. He’d been lonely forever, it seemed. Oh, he’d indulged in one-night stands here and there, but nothing compared to this—simply kissing Anna under the moonlight with the peaceful sound of the ever-moving ocean providing background music.
His cock plumped in his pants, growing with his desire. Heat was building rapidly between them, and he’d have her in bed in about five seconds if he wasn’t careful. For once, he wanted to take his time—even if his dick wasn’t quite on board with that plan just yet.
“Anna,” he said hoarsely. “God, what you do to me.”
“I’ve been wanting to do that all evening.”
Her confession made him swell inside. “Really? I would never have guessed.”
“I play my cards close to the vest these days.”
“Sometimes it’s worth taking a risk to reap the rewards, though.”
Hand in hand, they continued their stroll through the gardens and along the edge of the beach. The beauty of this night, being next to Anna, made him want to open up. Something he rarely did.
“When I was young, I wanted to be a fighter pilot,” he said quietly. “That was my dream.”
He didn’t look at her, but felt her sudden attention. He’d be willing to bet the almighty Agent Sloane didn’t have that written anywhere in his notes. Surprise, Joaquin is human. We don’t all get what we want in life, even if we have vaults of money.
She squeezed his hand. “Why didn’t you go after it, if that’s what you really wanted?”
“My father wouldn’t even discuss it.” He couldn’t keep the bitterness from his voice. “Delacruz men don’t leave the family business to go out in the world and do their own thing. Especially me, since I’m the oldest.”
“I’ve heard of patriarchs who rule their families like that, but as much as I can empathize, I can’t say I understand what that must’ve been like. Why not just do it anyway? Would he have harmed you?”