Page 54 of Rami

“Ivy,” he growled, taking a step forward.

But she quickly retreated to the patio door. “Oh, come on. It’s just one swim.” She went for her sweatpants next, pushing the gray cotton down her legs.

His fingers itched to grab her slight hips and carry her to the bedroom. He was doing a piss-poor job of keeping his head clear and not getting in her pants until this shit with the cartel was over. And now he couldn’t even remember why that plan had been a good idea.

The sex they’d had that morning seemed weeks, if not months, away. He needed her again.

Her pearly-white teeth abused her bottom lip, and she waggled her eyebrows. “Coming?” She pushed open the slider and stepped outside, showcasing her delicious ass in bikini-cut panties.

Christ. Whether he wanted to swim or not, leaving her outside alone wasn’t an option. He strode through the door without breaking stride. He had every intention of catching her and swatting her sexy little ass for making his head nearly combust.

“Ivy.”

She tiptoed over the cement and reached the edge of the pool. His temper clicked up a notch. The moon shined down, lighting the pool and making Ivy’s dark hair and white bra and panties that much more alluring. She slid a glance over her shoulder, her eyes sparkling mischievously.

Whatever had gotten into her was going to get him into her quicker than he could blink. “What if we need to go in a hurry? Do you want—”

She lifted her arms above her head and dove.

“Goddammit.” He yanked off his shirt and kicked off his pants as he watched her sleek form slice the water. When he got ahold of her tempting ass, he’d either slap it or devour it.

Neither would help their current situation.

Her head broke through the surface and she turned to face him, her hair slicked back and rivulets of water running down her face. Her breasts jiggled as treaded water. “’Bout time.”

He shook his head but didn’t stop his grin. “You’re gonna regret this.” He lifted his arms and dove into the pool. Cool water washed over him.

Opening his eyes underwater, he located Ivy’s slim, tanned belly and then, like a shark after its prey, he hunted.

***

Ivy shielded her eyes as Rami’s splash shook the water. Waves whipped her face and she spluttered. A laugh erupted from her throat and for a moment, she forgot the sordid reality of her life.

She was just a woman swimming half-naked with a hot, dangerous man.

He moved gracefully through the water. But when he didn’t come up for air and didn’t slow, she shrieked and swam for the other side of the pool. He moved like a predator as she paddled frantically, expecting his hand to draw her under any second.

The solid warmth of his body brushed against her legs and she let out a hoot as his arm corralled her waist. He didn’t pull her under. Instead, he surfaced. Water sprayed from his lips and he swiped droplets from his face. She brought her hand to his smooth, muscular shoulder and peddled her feet in sync with his.

“You’re gonna pay for that.” His voice was a low purr. This close, his scent invaded her. With every stroke of their legs his thigh bumped between hers.

“For what?” she said, feigning innocence. “I don’t see the harm in taking a swim.”

He hauled her closer to his chest, and every hard-earned ridge of his torso sent a shockwave through her loins. God, the man was fit.

She let her gaze rake over his tattoos—it was a travesty that the only time she’d seen him naked was when they were in the shower and she’d been too shell-shocked to appreciate the moment. The dark images and symbols emblazoned on his skin made her want to study every inch of him. As if the markings would somehow reveal facets of himself he kept hidden.

“I don’t know about you, but I want to be prepared to run when the moment arises.” Displeasure laced his words, and her cheeks tingled with embarrassment.

Here she was, acting all sexy and seductive, and he was being rational and trying to keep her alive. She ducked her chin and shook her head. “You’re right. Let’s get out.” She pushed away, but he seized her hips.

“Hey. C’mon. I didn’t mean it like that.”

She chortled. “Yeah, you did. And you’re right,” she repeated.

He gripped her thighs, drawing her legs around his waist as he leaned back and gently kicked toward the shallow end. When his feet hit the bottom, he didn’t put her down. Instead, he turned and pressed her back to the wall and ran his fingertips over her cheeks. “You wanted a distraction?”

Tears stung her eyes, but she didn’t let them fall. Nodding, she used all her resolve to not shy away.

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