Page 71 of Deadly Secrets
“Percy was an addict, and I’m one too, just not with drugs. I’m addicted to rescuing people. At least that’s what I was told. I was accused of having an ego so big I thought I could save him on my own. Maybe they’re right. I don’t know anymore. At the time, I was just trying to help my big brother stay afloat. I thought I was doing the right thing.”
“Looking back, would you change your actions in any way?”
He didn’t hesitate. “No.”
Saying it was a relief. Percy had wanted to suffer alone, and Roman had made sure he had the help available to overcome his injury and addiction. There was more to the story, but that he couldn’t share.
“I’ve got news for you.” Brooke ran a finger around the rim of her wine glass. “Doing the right thing usually pisses people off, especially those who love you. Few of us who are true to our inner code of ethics get through life without offending people we care about.”
“I can’t argue that.”
“Of course not. It’s true.” She started eating again, peppering him with questions about his boxing career, which was easier to talk about. Soon, they were laughing over work stories, including some of her adventures at various anthropology digs.
He brought up her book and how it had made fossils cool to a whole new generation of people. “I tried,” she said, “but the book and media tour wasn’t the highlight of my career so far. There was a small dig in New Mexico where we uncovered a mass grave from the Anasazi area. I believe they had a serial killer among them and may never have realized it. That’s the kind of stuff that fascinates me.”
The love for her work showed on her face. As she finished off the last bite of steak, she wiped the corners of her mouth and sat back. “I haven’t eaten this well in years.”
“Doesn’t the Smithsonian feed you on your adventures?”
“We’re typically in the middle of nowhere with little access to anything, and it’s up to us to supply our meals. Plus, I rarely work for the Smith. Usually, it’s a private group, the government, or a University, and none of them have bottomless funds so stipends are next to nothing. I’d love to be able to fund my own digs, but that’s never going to happen. The expenses are astronomical.”
The sun gave up its struggle against the night, the last bars of peach and purple slipping below the horizon. Above them, stars began to make an appearance. The deck lights flickered on one by one.
Brooke sighed and sipped her wine. “I love it here. It’s so peaceful. I’m rethinking coming after you for your money. I mean, the sex is amazing, but this view and the house? They are pretty damn sweet too.”
He kicked back in his chair, watching her guileless face betray her words. “So you’re going to take me to the cleaners then?”
She sent a cocky smile his way. Her bare toes touched his leg and inched up his calf. “I’ll keep putting out, if that’s what you’re worried about.”
Reaching over, he took her wine glass and set it on the table, then drew her to him across the arm of her chair. “I just might take you up on that, Doc.”
The kiss started out sweet and slow, then like always, went sonic. What was it about her? He had no control, everything going from 0 to 60 in seconds.
The next thing Roman knew, Brooke straddled his lap and his hands found their way to her heavy breasts under the shirt.
He’d been hard the moment she’d mentioned sex and her toes had touched his calf. As she slid a hand past the waistband of his shorts, his cocked bobbed up to meet it.
She kissed him thoroughly, her hand working him over. A minute later, she was sliding off his lap to replace her hand with her mouth.
Damn, she loved giving oral sex. He loved that she loved it.
But it was her turn to experience that pleasure.
Lifting her from her knees, he cradled her in his arms, a soft cry of surprise parting her lips. He carried her into the house, her laughter trailing after them.
The fireplace gave off a warm glow in the den, lighting his way. He laid her on the rug in front of it, his shirt riding up over her hips and revealing exactly what he wanted.
She reached for him and he pinned her wrists to the floor, hovering over her for a moment as he watched the flickering light skim her face, neck, and bare legs. Like him, it too wanted to kiss her everywhere.
Her eyes watched him as he took his time scanning her body. They were filled with happiness, lust, something else he couldn’t name and didn’t want to. As long as she wanted him, he was deliriously happy himself.
He unbuttoned the shirt, revealing her breasts fully to the light and his touch. He filled his hands with them and she arched as he tweaked the already tight nipples. Lowering his head, he sucked a breast into his mouth, tonguing the erect nipple.
So hard. So perfect.
Her fingers plunged into his hair, holding him there.
But not for long. He couldn’t get enough of her breasts, but he had another target in mind.
