Circle of Deception by Carla Swafford Page B

slowly stood. The mixture of embarrassment and satisfaction on her face brought a grin to his. No matter how she acted, she still wanted him. His hand cupped her mound and squeezed before he stepped back. Her hips thrust forward, wanting more.
    The dazed look on her face was assurance he could move away without her kicking or harming him. If she hadn’t enjoyed his touch, she could easily have used her deadly skills to retaliate by hurting him bad. Considering how his cock ached like a son of a bitch, it would’ve been agony.
    A BBY LEANED AGAINST Rex as she tried to regain strength in her legs. The moment shattered her, and it was more than just the best climax she’d had in years. For her to look down and see the man of her dreams servicing her, obviously enjoying what he was doing and knowing just the places to touch, pushed her over the edge. The vibration shook her from spinning head to curling toes.
    Hiding her face in his chest, uncaring that her makeup smudged his shirt, she fought the tears welling in her eyes. His hair tickled her palms as she ran her hands over the nape of his neck and up the back of his head. Oh, God, he felt so good in her arms. She missed him.
    “Shh, it’ll be okay,” he whispered.
    Her eyes burned. Hell, the last thing she needed to do was cry or feel anything. It was all wrong. She couldn’t do it again. She’d never be the woman Rex fell in love with all those years ago.
    Without warning, she slammed her heel on top his foot.
    “Shit!”
    He stumbled back, holding his foot in one hand, and crashed into the door.
    “What’s going on in there?” The saleswoman’s voice sounded worried.
    “Get out,” Abby said beneath her breath to Rex. “Tell her I’ll be out in a minute.”
    His gray eyes glowed with future retribution.
    She turned her back. A couple seconds passed before she heard the door open and close. Rex’s deep voice soothing the woman’s complaints faded as he led her away.
    Not wanting to waste time, Abby quickly drew up her thong and adjusted her bra. When she straightened, a pale face with two large dark circles surrounding darker eyes reflected back at her. Why had she let him get to her? He did know ways to make a woman happy. He’d proven it once again and in a dressing room no less.
    In automaton mode, she wiped away the smeared mascara and pinched her cheeks, hoping to bring some life back into her face. Finger-combing her hair, she stuck out her tongue at herself and then finished dressing.
    Within five minutes, she exited the dressing room. She bought all of the underwear, partly because they were beautiful but also to make up for putting the saleswoman in such an awkward position. People who worked in retail were mistreated enough, and Abby didn’t want to add to it. When Rex whipped out his billfold, she cut her eyes toward him and gave him the evil eye.
    “Okay. Okay.” He walked away. “Stubborn woman.”
    The saleswoman rang up the purchase, and while Abby punched in her code to pay by debit, she felt the woman’s stare.
    “Excuse me, miss, but I have to tell you that you’re one lucky woman,” the saleswoman said in a stage whisper.
    “Pardon?”
    “A man built like him and with his voice, I get goose bumps just thinking . . . uh, you’re a very lucky woman.” The woman then stared over Abby’s shoulder. “Yeah. A lucky, lucky woman.”
    Abby snatched her receipt and bag from the woman and turned. Rex stood a few feet away and probably heard every word. Talk about blowing his ego out of proportion—geez, she really dreaded dealing with him after he proved he could have her any time, any place. She hated the helpless feeling that came over her whenever he touched her.
    A little tender between her legs—he needed to shave—and all wound up from the whole embarrassing situation, she slapped the bag into his chest. He clasped it in reflex. She continued walking and headed for their suite and the final preparations for the cocktail