The Navy SEAL’s Holiday Fling: Ballybeg Bad Boys, Book 3 (5 page)

A
n hour later
, they’d driven to Cork and checked into the hotel Inspector Tobin had booked for them. The hotel was a four-star establishment on the outskirts of the city. Easily accessible for emergency services, and not far for Jill to travel to work in the morning. She nodded to the two plain-clothes policemen who had been placed outside the room for the night and opened the door with her key card.

Liam carried in her case, phone pressed to his ear. “Any problems, I’ll be in touch. Thanks, Tobin.”

“Anything I need to know?” Jill asked, extracting her nightclothes from her case.

“He still doesn’t think you’re in danger,” Liam said with a grimace, “but he agrees with me that it’s wise to be cautious.”

She raised an eyebrow. “What about you? Aren’t you in danger, too? Your name and face are also plastered over the Internet.”

“An element of danger is a job prerequisite. I’ll be okay.” His cheeky grin melted her insides and turned her knees to jelly.

“All that bravado, Liam. You need to watch your back.”

His expression grew serious. “Don’t worry about me. I can look after myself. It’s you I’m concerned for.”

She closed the space between them and rubbed her palm across his stubbled jaw. “I’m tougher than you think. Now do you want to tell me why we’re posing as newlyweds?”

Jill gestured to the bed strewn with rose petals.

Liam laughed. “Apparently, the bathroom has a hot tub. I don’t know what tale Tobin spun the hotel manager, but we’re booked in as Mr. and Mrs. Richards from Chicago.”

“Won’t the hotel staff find the guards posted outside our door strange?”

He gave a one-shouldered shrug that reminded her of his French persona, Jean-Baptiste. “Apparently, we’re traveling with bodyguards and have booked the entire floor. Let’s just say the hotel manager owes Tobin a favor.”

“Right,” she said and rolled her eyes. “What did they do with the guests on this floor?”

“No clue. That’s the hotel’s problem.” Liam began to massage her shoulders, easing the knots of tension out of them with surprising skill. “I didn’t expect to spend the rest of the night with you in a luxurious hotel, but since we’re here, why not make the best of it?”

She leaned back and looked him in the eye. “Are you thinking of the hot tub?”

A wolfish grin suffused his face. “Of course. I can’t get in with my wound, but you sure can. And then I can play with you.”

“It’s the middle of the night,” she said, trying to be sensible but growing hot at the mere thought of getting naked again with Liam.

“Are you going to be able to sleep?”

She shook her head. “Probably not. Unwinding in warm water sounds like pure bliss.”

“Then that’s what you’ll do.”

Ten minutes later, Jill sank into deep, rose-scented bubbles and sighed. “Bliss doesn’t even begin to cover it.”

Liam sat at the side of the tub, dangling his legs into the warm water. He handed her a glass of the red wine he’d located in the minibar and clinked glasses. “Cheers.”

“
Sláinte
.” Jill took a sip of wine. “You chose well.”

“The minibar had an impressive collection. I guess they go all out for the honeymoon suite.”

She inhaled the sweet scent of the bubble bath and stretched her legs. “It’s weird to be relaxing in a hot tub while there’s a lunatic killer on the loose.”

“Don’t think about it,” Liam said, his expression grave. “The police are posted outside, and I won’t leave you alone tonight.”

She shivered, reminded of all the people whose families were grieving tonight. The situation seemed surreal. But the all too real memory of the explosion and glass showering down on the crowd was etched onto her memory. Jill squeezed Liam’s hand. “I want you to distract me.”

“With pleasure.” He leaned down and nipped her ear playfully.

She put her arms around his legs and snuggled against him, feeling his toes tickle her back. “I’m sorry it took an explosion and a crazy terrorist to bring us back together.”

“So am I. But now that we are together, I want to make the most of the night.” He placed his wine glass at the side of the hot tub and slipped his hand down between her legs. “You’re wet.”

“You don’t say,” she replied in a dry tone.

He laughed. “You know what I mean.”

Oh, she knew all too well. The sensation of him stroking her sensitive flesh soon sent shivers of anticipation through Jill’s body. She arched her back, and her breasts peeked out of the water.

Liam slid a hand upward and massaged her nipples, turning them hard. Between her legs, she was hot, wet, and achy with need. Turning, she took the tip of his shaft into her mouth and teased it with her tongue. When she gripped him with her fist and began to pump and suck simultaneously, he groaned.

“You’re killing me, Jill. I want you so damn much.”

“So take me,” she whispered. “Take me now.” She pulled herself out of the tub and straddled him, feeling the tip of his erection tickle her belly.

He nuzzled her neck, trailing kisses down to the pulse at the base of her throat and teasing her skin with his stubble. “Just as well I came prepared.” He reached behind him and grabbed a foil package.

“I also came prepared.” Jill grinned and grabbed a box from the side of the tub. “You get to try out Blush Shoppe’s one and only waterproof couples’ toy.”

“You guys make underwater sex toys?” His voice was hoarse with desire, his eyes reflecting the lust she felt for him.

“Blush Shoppe is prepared for all sexual eventualities.” Jill extracted the bright blue toy from its box. Once Liam had rolled on the condom, she slipped the rubber ring over his shaft. “Once you’re inside me, the clitoral stimulator will be in the perfect position.”

“Uh…okay.” He didn’t sound convinced but allowed her to guide him inside her and flip the switch on the vibrator. “Whoa,” he said, eyes widening. “It’s vibrating me, too.”

She grinned. “That’s the whole idea. Do you like it?”

“Oh yeah. I like anything that involves having sex with you.”

When he deepened his movements, Jill gasped and rode him harder. “This is so good. You are so good.”

“Right back atcha, baby. I could stay inside you forever.”

Jill upped the speed on the toy and gave a low laugh. “You wish.”

Liam groaned. “You’re an evil woman.”

Feeling him struggle not to come and knowing that she was in charge of their pleasure was a major aphrodisiac. Jill controlled the speed and depth of his thrusts, gradually gaining momentum. The twin sensations of him being inside her and the buzz of the vibrator almost broke her restraint. Her bud was raw from use earlier and it didn’t take long for him to bring her close to the edge again.

With each movement, her breasts rubbed against his chest. When he lowered his head to capture a nipple with his mouth, she groaned. Oh God, she wanted this. She wanted him. And she did not intend to let him go this time.

She ran her hands over his shoulders and down his arms, marveling at his muscles. While she kneaded his buttocks, he kissed her neck, her throat, her breasts. Each kiss was part torture, part bliss. The sensation of his lips on her skin, of his fingers skimming over her breasts and buttocks, made her feel like the sexiest woman alive.

And then he took control and began to thrust in earnest. Jill angled her pelvis to allow him deeper penetration. He pounded into her, rubbing the vibrator against her clit with each movement. The tension inside her mounted until she could bear it no more.

When she came, she cried out, one wave of pleasure rolling into another. “More,” she moaned. “I want more.”

Liam complied. One orgasm rolled into another. Jill cried out, not caring if the police guarding the door heard.

“I’m going to come,” Liam said with a gasp. And then he did, pounding harder and faster until he was thoroughly spent.

After they both came back to Earth, they collapsed together against the side of the tub, gasping.

Liam caught her mouth in a kiss. “That was amazing. Even better than earlier and I didn’t think that was possible.”

She put her arms around his neck and pulled him closer. He tasted of wine and dark chocolate—two of her favorite flavors rolled into one.

When they broke the kiss, Liam stared into her eyes, melting her from the inside out. His look was intense, the levity of earlier put on hold. “I don’t think you should go to work tomorrow.”

“Don’t you mean today? It’s nearly four o’clock in the morning.”

“Today, tomorrow, whenever. I’m due to liaise with Tobin and his team at eight. I’d feel a lot happier knowing you were here with guards outside the door.”

“I know you would, but I’ve had time to think. I don’t intend to be intimidated by a terrorist. I’m grateful for the police protection tonight, but the Blush Shoppe CEO is insisting that all the stores stay open, including ours. How can I expect my staff to show up for work if I don’t?”

“Their faces weren’t published in the media.”

“You said Tobin’s team have guards outside the shop, right?”

Liam nodded.

“So there’s no reason why I can’t go to work. I’ll go crazy if I’m cooped up in the hotel room all day, worrying about the store.”

He shook his head and sighed. “I can’t stop you from going to work, Jill. I’m just saying I think it’s a bad idea.”

“No offense, but are you sure the guy you saw entering the Sheldon was The Ghost? Maybe you thought it was because he was on your mind. You said you didn’t see his face.”

“I saw his tattoo. And if it wasn’t him, a bomb exploding a few minutes later was one hell of a coincidence.”

“But The Ghost can’t have shown up in person in the other cities he attacked. Why Ireland? Does he have Irish connections?”

Liam shook his head. “We don’t know. It’s possible. He’s a blue-eyed Caucasian, average height, brown hair. No distinguishing facial features. An average guy with an average appearance. The only noticeable mark is a vine tattoo on his left hand.”

“He obviously knows his way around explosives. Could he have had army training or something similar?”

“We suspect he’s had military training, either as part of the official armed forces or as a paramilitary. As far as we know, this is the first time he’s hit Ireland. There’s no particular reason to link him to the country except for the fact that I saw him in Cork. And I did see him, Jill. One thing I learned in the Navy was to hone my instincts and trust my gut.”

“Why did he go to the Sheldon in person? Why not one of the other cities?”

Again he shook his head. “You’re asking me questions I can’t answer. The bombs in the other cities were planted in advance and used timers. The one in the Sheldon was detonated by a cell phone.”

Jill ran a hand through her hair. “I can’t believe they printed our names. Do you really think The Ghost will make his mission personal? Has he ever done so before?”

“Yes. That’s why I’m concerned about your safety.” Liam’s expression was grave. “I can’t give you many details about my previous encounter with him, but it was during a hostage rescue attempt. The Ghost had taken umbrage at an influential individual’s use of prostitutes and took him hostage.”

“Did you rescue the guy?”

“No.” He averted his gaze, and a muscle in his jaw tensed. “It was my one failed mission during my time as a SEAL. And now the media handed you to him on a platter. I don’t want you to become a target.”

A tremor coursed through Jill’s body. She wrapped her arms around herself to stop the shaking. “If that arse of a photographer hadn’t been so greedy, neither of us would have been put at risk.”

Liam sighed. “He was doing his job. Under normal circumstances, naming us wouldn’t have done any harm, but we’re not dealing with normal here. The Ghost has an agenda and a tendency to home in on individuals who personify everything he stands against. You’ll go nowhere without police protection, understood?”

“Understood.”

“If the police tell you to duck, you do it without question. If they tell you to stay put, you do your best statue impression. Got it?”

“
Yes
. I’m going to the store. I need this job, and I’m not letting a terrorist intimidate me.”

Liam focused on her face as if memorizing each detail. “I can’t decide if you’re incredibly brave or totally stupid.”

“I prefer brave.”

He drew her into his embrace and kissed her. She clung to him, not wanting it to end, dreading having to let him go. When they broke apart, he smoothed back her hair. “We should try to get some sleep, even if it’s only a couple of hours.”

As if on cue, Jill yawned, making them both laugh. “If I’m snuggled up with you, I think I can manage a snooze.” She ran her palms over his chest and down between his legs. Her smile widened. “Or maybe not.”

A
couple of hours later
, Liam was thankful for his military training in dealing with sleep deprivation. He’d still need coffee to deal with the day ahead, but he was bearing up better than Jill.

“Ugh,” she moaned as she pulled her red Toyota Yaris into the space she rented near Blush Shoppe. “I feel like my eyes have been sandpapered,”

“Yeah. I’m not doing too good myself. Do you have a coffee machine at work?”

Her pretty face lit up with amusement. “Allegedly. It specializes in brown sludge.”

“Brown sludge or no, give it a shot. You’ve got a long day ahead of you.” He slipped his hand over hers, relishing the sensation of his skin absorbing her warmth. “I don’t feel comfortable leaving you alone. I wish I could stay with you today.”

She leaned across and gave him a kiss on the cheek. “I won’t be alone, Liam. I’ll be in a shop surrounded by assistants and customers. Plus we’ll have guards right outside the door.”

“I know, but—”

“It’s okay.” She squeezed his hand and gave him a bright smile. “You need to go and help Inspector Tobin and his team.”

He sighed and shook his head. “I don’t know how much use I am to them, actually. With my busted ribs, I’m no good in the field. All I’ve done so far was provide a description of The Ghost.”

“That’s a lot. I’m sure they’re grateful. And for all we know, The Ghost has already left the country. It’s easy to do here on the coast, especially if he can sail. Steal a boat and away he goes.”

The same idea had occurred to Liam, but it brought him little comfort. The Ghost had enjoyed a five-year run of successful attacks, always evading capture at the last second. As far as Liam was aware, the bomb at the Sheldon represented The Ghost’s first failure. A terrorist as arrogant as him wouldn’t take kindly to having his carefully laid plans screwed up. And courtesy of that stupid ass journalist, The Ghost would know Liam was responsible for foiling his diabolical plan.

Jill inhaled and exhaled. “I can do this,” she murmured.

“Are you—” he began but she cut him off.

“I can do this.” She looked him straight in the eye, nodded, and opened the car door.

Shaking his head, Liam followed suit. He understood why Jill was determined to return to work today. She wanted to show The Ghost she wasn’t afraid, that she wasn’t prepared to let a terrorist intimidate her. In her shoes, Liam would have done the same. But this was Jill.
His
Jill. His protective instincts screamed for him to keep her safe. And that meant far away from Blush Shoppe.

On the walk toward the parking garage elevator, he took her hand. It felt small inside his big one. “If you’re worried during the day, call me. Seriously.”

“I…might have deleted your number,” she said with a rueful smile.

He laughed and ruffled her hair. “I know you did. I’ve keyed it back into your phone and put it on speed dial. If you need to get hold of me, press nine.”

“Will do. And Liam…” She trailed off, a conflicted expression flickering across her face. “I don’t know what’s going on between us but I’m going to miss you.”

They stepped into the elevator. Liam hit the button for street level and the doors slid shut.

“I don’t know what’s going on, either, only that I don’t want this to be the end.”

The elevator pinged and Liam escorted Jill out onto the street and toward the Blush Shoppe store. Two burly policemen flanked the entrance to the store, looking incongruous under the mistletoe that hung over the door. The sight of their bulletproof vests and machine guns should have given Liam a sense of security, but only served to increase his growing sense of dread.

He slowed his pace, elongating their remaining steps to the store.

“Today’s Christmas Eve,” Jill said. “It’s your last chance to fly home in time to collect Meggie.”

His grip on her hand tightened. “I know. Cash booked me a seat on an evening flight out of Shannon. Whatever happens, I’ll try to see you before I go. If that’s not possible, I’ll call you.”

“Don’t worry about me, Liam.” She gave him a wobbly smile that tore at his heart. “You can phone me when you’re back in the U.S.”

He drew her to a halt a few feet from the store and caressed the smudges under her eyes. “I meant what I said last night. We’re not over. I don’t know how we’ll make it work, but I’m willing to give it my best shot.”

She lowered her long eyelashes. “It’s hard to maintain a long-distance relationship. And with your job…”

“The instant I’m wheels down, I’m handing in my resignation at Trident Securities and looking for a job in New York.”

Jill’s head jerked up and she blinked. “Are you crazy? You’ve had years of excitement and travel. Do you really want a regular nine-to-five position?”

“I’ll figure something out. Yesterday was an eye-opener for me. I can’t keep working a job that has me gone most of the year and never knowing when I’ll see my daughter. It’s not fair to Meggie, and, ultimately, it’s not fair to me. If I’m not careful, I’ll turn around one day and realize my little girl has grown into woman and I’ve missed most of her childhood. I want to be there for her, every step of the way.”

Jill stood on her tippy toes to kiss him on the cheek. “You’re a good father.”

“I try,” he said, picturing his little girl’s adorable face, “but I can do better. My ex is right on that score.”

“I’m sure you’ll have a wonderful Christmas with Meggie.”

Liam pulled Jill into his arms and kissed her thoroughly, memorizing her familiar scent and the feel of her lips on his. “Have a good day at work. And stay safe.”

She slipped out of his grasp, turned, and smiled at him over her shoulder. The morning sunlight shone on her face, illuminating her high cheekbones and generous lips. “Bye, Liam. Don’t be a stranger.”

And then she walked through the doors of the store and disappeared from his sight.

With a heavy heart, he retraced his steps toward the place where he’d left his rental car. In his pocket, his phone began to vibrate. He glanced at the display and his face lit up with a smile. “Meggie, baby. How are you?”

“Are you okay, Daddy?” she asked in a small, breathless voice. “Mommy said you were on the news but she wouldn’t let me or Barnabus watch it.”

“I’m fine. Don’t worry about me.” He glanced at his watch and frowned. “Why aren’t you asleep? It’s the middle of the night for you.”

“I can’t sleep. Are you still in Ireland? Mommy said you missed your flight.”

Guilt gnawed at his stomach. “Yeah, but I’ve booked a seat for this evening. I’m going to do my best to make it home on time.”

His daughter fell silent. Liam could practically hear the wheels in her little head turning. “But you’re not sure you’ll make it?”

Liam squeezed his eyes shut and let out a string of silent expletives directed against The Ghost. “Baby, something bad happened. I need to help the police put it right. I’ll do everything I can to be home in time for our vacation.”

More silence.

Liam’s heart performed a slow thump and roll. “Meggie? Are you still there?”

“Yes, Daddy. It’s okay if you’re late. I know you want to help people. That’s what makes you a good Daddy.”

Liam’s throat constricted. Whatever the next twenty-four hours brought, he was getting home to his daughter. “Thanks, Meggie. You know I want to be with you.”

“And Barnabus?”

“You and Barnabus.” He swallowed past the lump in his throat. “I’ll see you on Christmas Day, baby, even if I have to swim to get there.”

This made her giggle. “Bye, Daddy. I’m sending you a big kiss and slobbery lick from Barnabus.”

He laughed. “I’m looking forward to receiving both in person.”

When he disconnected, Liam took a shuddery breath. No one was indispensible, right? Tobin and his team were going to have to find someone else to assist them. Whatever happened over the next few hours, Liam couldn’t let a fucking terrorist destroy his holiday plans with his daughter.

D
espite her brave
words to Liam, Jill was shaking inside. Having her hopes and dreams for her new career blown up had affected her more than she cared to admit. What if Liam hadn’t warned them and evacuated the hotel? She, Olivia, and everyone else in the conference room would have died. Just like all those poor people across the world who’d lost their lives yesterday. Returning to work was an act of defiance that her rational side embraced but that her emotional side recoiled against.

“Morning, Ms. Bekele.” One of the heavily armed policemen held the door open for her. “Any problems, we’re right outside.”

She plastered a determined smile onto her face. “Thanks. I appreciated it.”

The instant Jill stepped into the Blush Shoppe store, her breath caught. “Oh, my.”

Many of the women who’d attended the launch party the previous evening were lined up inside the store, laden with goods. Jill glanced at her watch but she was right on time.

“They were waiting outside when I arrived,” said Marie, her assistant. “I didn’t want to leave them in the cold.”

“You did right.” Tears welled up in Jill’s eyes when she turned to her customers. “Thank you so much for coming. I was expecting the shop to be empty today.”

“Oh, no,” said one woman with curly black hair. “We’re not letting a terrorist win.”

The others nodded and expressed similar sentiments.

Jill beamed at the crowd. “We’ll do our best to make your trip to Blush Shoppe well worth it.”

The customers cheered and clapped and were soon being escorted to the various displays of vibrators, sexy lingerie, and other intimate goods stocked by Blush Shoppe.

Jill, Marie, and the other assistants were rushed off their feet. All day long, the store was packed with customers, some who wanted to be measured for a custom Luxe product, others who wished to have their purchases gift wrapped in Blush Shoppe’s signature red and gold colors—perfect for the festive season. The mood was upbeat and defiant and a definite up yours to The Ghost.

The hours flew by. When closing time finally rolled round, Jill was exhausted. Her back ached, and her nerves were frayed from constantly being on the alert. She was putting on a brave face for her staff and the customers, but the stress and lack of sleep was taking its toll. And no, the sludge-like coffee had done little to jolt her into a more wakeful state.

At six o’clock, she let her assistants leave for their Christmas festivities while she stayed and tallied the accounts. She glanced up from the cash register from time to time, but the policemen were still at the entrance, bouncing on their heels to ward off the cold, clearly impatient to go home for their dinner.

Her mobile phone buzzed. Her heart leaped when she saw that it was Liam’s number. “Any news?”

“They’re still searching but they think he’s already fled the country. I spent the day looking through footage from surveillance cameras around Cork City to see if I recognized him.”

“Any luck?”

“No. The cameras opposite the Sheldon are broken.” He paused, and she felt his hesitation down the line. “Listen, I have to leave for the airport in a few minutes. I don’t think I’ll be able to see you before I fly. I’m cutting it fine as it is.”

“That’s okay,” she said, feeling a sinking sensation in her stomach. “Have a safe flight.”

“Thanks. I’ll call you tomorrow, okay? And Jill?” She heard his hesitation down the line, as if he was weighing his words. “I really care about you.”

A smile tugged at the corners of her mouth. “And I care about you, Liam. Now go get on a plane and make your daughter happy this Christmas.”

He laughed and blew her a kiss down the phone. “I will. I l—like you.”

“I l—like you too,” she teased, laughing.

“Check flights for January. I’d like to invite you over to New York for a week or two.”

Her stomach fluttered. “I’ve only just started working for Blush Shoppe. I’m not sure—”

“I’ll talk to your boss. I figure she owes me a favor.”

This made Jill smile. “Yeah, she does. Thanks, Liam. If we can swing it, I’d love to visit you.”

“We’ll swing it. Take good care of yourself, Jill, and don’t take any risks.”

“I won’t,” she whispered, struggling not to cry. “Have a good flight.”

After she hung up, an unfamiliar sense of loneliness weighed on Jill’s shoulders. For the first time since she’d cheerfully turned down all offers to spend Christmas Day with various friends and relatives, she regretted not taking one of them up on their invitation. The day of rest and a good book that she’d been so looking forward to no longer held any appeal, and the idea of the ready meal of turkey slices, stuffing, and green beans turned her stomach.

She swallowed past the lump in her throat and gave herself a mental shake. At least she was alive. Unlike the people who’d been killed yesterday, she had the luxury of spending a lazy day in front of the TV, even if it would be a day spent alone.

After she’d finished the accounts, she pushed back her chair, yawned, and stretched. She was bone tired and looking forward to a shower and sleep, and not necessarily in that order. Jill locked everything up in the small safe at the back of the shop and fetched her coat. She was just wrapping her scarf around her neck when an apparition appeared in the stockroom door.