Hidden Angel Read online

  “Very much so. Please continue.” Duncan’s eyes strayed to her lips.

  Anya made herself ignore the way his eyes caressed her. Moving on to the next car, she excitedly went on. “This one’s a 1994 Lamborghini Diablo. She’s a fast one. She tops out at 202 miles per hour. It can go from zero to sixty in under four seconds. The Diablo was produced to celebrate Lamborghini’s thirtieth anniversary. When we’re done, you should be able to get top dollar for this one. The original price was $240,000. An interesting fact about this one is that it wasn’t named after the devil as many people believe. The Diablo was named after a vicious bull raised by the Duke of Veragua in the nineteenth century. I love finding wild facts about the cars I work on.” Anya ran her hand along the cool metal then added, “She’s going to be a beauty when she’s done.” With a tilt of her head, she stated, “She’s my favorite.”

  “I’ll keep that in mind.” His voice was smooth and deep.

  “Oh, you don’t have to. She’s just my favorite. Everyone has a different favorite. Which one do you like?” she asked as she glanced at them all.

  “I like them all, but I do agree with you on the Diablo. It is an exceptional car.” He stepped up to it and ran his hand across the cool metal.

  Insanely, she wished his hand was caressing her body. Mentally kicking herself, she sauntered over to the next car and spoke enthusiastically. “This one’s a dangerous little beauty. She’s a 1992 Dodge Viper. She’s a great car as long as she has a skilled driver behind the wheel. A rookie is pretty sure to wreck this fickle little lady. Her top speed is 180 miles per hour. Something interesting about the Viper is that it doesn’t have exterior door handles. I find that inconvenient, but designers will be designers. These cars don’t have side windows or roofs in order to lessen the weight of the car, which increases the top speed, of course.”

  Anya felt his eyes watching her intently. Did he feel the same tingling she felt? Or was he just watching her because he thought she was a freak?

  “Of course,” he parroted and then asked, “What have you learned about the last car? I like the sound of your voice.”

  “What?”

  “Your voice when you talk about cars is nice, highly animated. I like the way you tell your car facts.” He looked sincere.

  Glad to talk about the cars, she went on. “Ah, thanks. The ultra-sweet Rosso Barchetta 1995 Ferrari F50. The dark red color is one of only eight in this color. Most of the 349 cars produced were painted Rosso Corsa, a lighter shade of red, 302 to be exact. This darker color makes it a touch more special, and more sought after.”

  Duncan reached out and smoothly caressed the car. “Special and sought after are perfect qualities for an auction.”

  Forcing her eyes away from his hand, she tried not to dream about his hand caressing her body. “These cars were made to celebrate the company’s fiftieth anniversary. She can go 202 miles per hour, and she retails for half a million dollars. She’s one sweet ride.” Glancing at Duncan, she thought the same about him—one sweet ride. Flustered by her wayward thoughts, she looked away. Don’t look at his tempting form.

  Her dark gaze moved across all the cars thoughtfully. “Once they are all looking new again, and with the right buyers, of course, you should be able to get well over a million dollars for these four cars at the auction.”

  Turning to him, she let out a startled cry. He had moved to within an inch of her, and his eyes were devouring her lips. Before she could react, he backed her up against the Ferrari, pressed his body into hers, and planted a light kiss on her lips. She just stood there in shock for a moment. Her mind went totally blank. Her body trembled when he groaned then ran his tongue across her lips before parting them and thrusting his tongue into her mouth to explore it.

  Her nipples hardened, and her heart cranked out at least 8000 rpms. Anya felt light-headed when he pulled his hard body back just enough for his hands to slide between their bodies and fondle her breasts. Sensations she’d never before experienced rocked through her as his thumbs swept back and forth across her nipples. His mouth never stopped its exploration of hers. His tongue stroked hers in a slow, sensual way, heating her body a few degrees. She was amazed at how wonderful his kiss and touch was making her feel.

  A whimper escaped her lips when his nimble fingers slid up under her shirt and cami to give her naked breasts a light squeeze. Wildfires sparked in her nipples then blazed a burning path to the junction of her thighs. She gasped then moaned into his mouth as his fingers continued their seduction of her nipples. They plucked and rolled the stiff peaks until her natural juices dripped from her pussy. Her knees felt weak, and she was sure she would have slipped to the ground if he hadn’t had her pinned up against the car. His mouth stopped exploring hers then veered off and left a damp track that led toward her ear, a tingling trail was left in its wake. Stomach tightening, she couldn’t believe he was doing this to her or that she was letting him. But, damn, it felt good. Kissing her ear, he moaned into it then grinned as her body shivered in response.

  Huskily, he whispered, “You’re so sweet.” Strong hands cupped her breasts. “I love the weight of your breasts in the palms of my hands. Soft, yet firm. I want to rip your shirt off and suckle the taut tips.” Pressing his pelvis into hers, he groaned. Something thick and solid pushed into her soft belly.

  She shivered at the feel of his body on hers. Was that his cock? It felt really big and hard. The little bud of desire between her thighs throbbed, wanting all he could offer. Firm lips claimed hers once again, drawing her attention to his masterful kiss.

  A euphoric atmosphere settled around her as she began to kiss him back. Sweeping her tongue across his, she loved the smooth texture. A growl rumbled up from deep in his chest at her continued exploration of his mouth.

  Releasing her breasts and removing his hands from under her shirt, he was just about to go for the buttons on her shirt when he stopped. She didn’t want him to stop. She liked the feel of his hands on her skin. Resting his hands on her shoulders, he kneaded them as he enjoyed her kiss for a moment longer. What had stopped him? Pressing her pelvis into his, she gloried in the feel of his hard body. She’d never done this before. It felt so good she never wanted it to end.

  The sound of a door closing brought her out of the passionate daze Duncan had put her in. Joey. Chest heaving, she pushed Duncan away and moved to stand farther away from him. Her emotions were pinging in every direction. This man had just made her lose total control of her body. Although she’d loved every minute of it, she was here to do a job, not find a lover. Her voice trembled. “Don’t do that again. I’m just here to do a job. Nothing more.” Man, oh man, she wanted him to show her everything he knew about sex, but it couldn’t happen. He was a customer. A customer. A customer.

  Dark brows drew together in a confused frown. “What’s wrong? I know you want me. I can see it in your eyes. They are on fire for me even as we speak. Where I come from, if you want someone and they want you, you make love to release the pent-up sexual energy that needs to be set free.”

  Anya was quick to respond, “Well, where I come from, you don’t do the nasty with just anyone. I don’t know anything about you. We shouldn’t have done that.”

  Duncan shrugged his broad shoulders. “I’m not sorry. I want you, and I know you want me, too. There is nothing wrong with two healthy people making love. It’s natural to desire someone and to be desired by someone.”

  Anya’s cheeks were flushed with color. Heat seeped from every part of her body. “Will you just drop it? Joey’s coming. The last thing I want is him questioning me. You are a customer. I shouldn’t have done that with you.”

  Joey walked in carrying a box full of supplies to get the job started. When he saw Duncan, he smiled. “Hi, Mr. Hart. Did Anya fill you in on the cars?”

  “Yes, she filled me in on several facts.” His eyes cut quickly to Anya then back to Joey. “You can call me Duncan. I also want to invite you both to go for a swim in the pool or use the sa
una room anytime you’d like.” Duncan’s eyes moved back to Anya.

  Eyes as dark as rain clouds clashed with mischievous blue ones.

  “Thanks, I’m sure we’ll take you up on that at least a few times, right Anya?” Joey glanced at her for just a second before turning to Duncan. “We’re going to start on the Shelby after we prep the garage. One thing we’ll have to do is hang a tarp on the back quarter of the garage so we can keep paint from settling on everything in here. Don’t worry about the other cars. I picked up covers for them just to make sure no paint gets on them. Does that sound all right to you?”

  Dragging his eyes away from Anya, he answered, “That’ll be fine. I’ll head on out so you two can get started.”

  Walking past Anya, he paused for a moment then mouthed, “I’ll see you later.”

  She frowned and shot him the finger. Arrogant bastard.

  His laughter floated back to her as he walked away. Her body shivered in response, adding to her anger and frustration at her reaction to him. He was just so annoyingly attractive.

  Chapter Four

  “What is that hideous noise? Should I get my gun or call the police?” Alfred asked Duncan.

  Duncan smiled. “Neither, it’s called rock music, and it’s coming from the garage. The mechanics are listening to it. I’ll let them listen to whatever they want as long as they get those cars ready on time.”

  Alfred’s expression was pained. “Very good, Master. I’ll refrain from shooting them at this time.”

  Duncan smiled and shook his head as he watched Alfred walk away. Alfred had been his bodyguard, at the insistence of his mother, Angelica, from the time he was able to walk. Now that Duncan was a grown man, Alfred still kept an eye out for him, but he also answered the door and kept a tight check on the grounds. Alfred was a good man. The only thing he did that drove Duncan crazy was his insistence on calling him Master. It was his way of showing respect to his boss, and Duncan had never been able to break him from it.

  Deciding to go check on the progress of the cars, he headed in the direction of the loud music. Only a few days had passed, so he didn’t expect too much. He’d been forcing himself to stay away from the little human. But even now, he vividly remembered her scent and taste. He may have to break his no-clingy-humans rule just this once. His body craved the mystery her body presented. That was weird in itself. He had never been attracted to a human before.

  Entering the garage from the side door, he stood frozen by the sight that greeted him.

  Anya was wearing the same style cargo pants, but she had stripped off her long-sleeved work shirt and was wearing a tight, sleeveless top that showed off her ample curves to perfection. Her waist-length hair was bound in a thick braid. It was blonde with dark gold highlights. The gold hues sparkled when the light overhead hit them just right. His muscles went taut from the strong desire that coursed through him. He needed to take her. Not able to tear his eyes away from her, he watched the scene before him.

  Joey was sitting on the couch they used to take breaks on, drinking a beer and laughing as he encouraged Anya on. Anya was grinding her hips to the beat as her shoulders, arms, and hands moved sensually in rhythm to the loud music. He could easily imagine her naked, straddling his hips, his dick deep in her pussy’s embrace, her hips gyrating against his.

  Though he wasn’t a betting man, he was willing to bet she tasted just as good between her legs as her lovely lips had tasted. What kind of sounds would she make when he drove into her? Would she moan lightly or scream her pleasure?

  The swaying of her hips made her gorgeous tits bounce and swing. He recalled vividly the feel of those soft mounds in his hands. Dick hardening painfully, he couldn’t stop thinking about the way her nipples had responded to his touch. The need in him grew stronger. He had to have her. His cock pulsed to the sway of her hips. Balls rolling in anticipation, he watched her erotic show. A picture of her grinding to the beat as she threw off her clothes made his cock swell even larger.

  She laughed when Joey got up, danced around her, then picked her up in a bear hug and murmured, “You’re so crazy. I love you, girl.” He kissed her forehead then eased her feet back down to the floor. With a sigh, he added, “I’m tired. Let’s go to bed.”

  A feeling Duncan had never felt before sparked a fire in his blood. Fury spun wickedly inside his chest, grabbing hold of his soul and taunting him unmercifully. In a quiet rage, he left the garage, mentally making plans. She’d responded to his touch before, and she’d damn well do it again and again until he was finished with her. If need be, he’d send Joey away for a while.

  * * * *

  With a clear head, Duncan stepped into the garage the next day to see Anya and check on the progress of the Shelby. They’d stripped it down to nothing. The doors and seats were on one side of the tarp, and the car was on the other. They’d sanded it down to clean metal. Anya was on her knees sanding some Bondo off that had been put on to fill in the dents. Joey had told him it had to be done several times to make the body smooth and ready for paint.

  Watching her in her baggy clothes drove him nuts. Her body had been slender when he’d pressed into her a few days ago. Her breasts were large and tempting when he’d watched her dancing. He needed to see her naked, taste her, smell her, then plunge his dick inside her until she screamed his name in sweet release.

  Wild desire pulsed through his veins propelling him forward. No more playing around. He needed her in the most delicious way—on her back squirming beneath him in rapture.

  Reaching out, he touched her shoulder, letting his churning emotions take over.

  She shrieked then put her sanding block down. “Joey, how many...”

  Dark angry eyes locked with light blue ones. She let out a loud sigh. “Look, I know you don’t know any better, but don’t ever touch me when I’m working. It makes me madder than the bull Diablo was named after. If I’d been painting right now, I wouldn’t be this nice.”

  Duncan frowned and concentrated on getting his mental message through to her. She tried to break his hold. He tightened his grip and focused harder, the beast within more determined than ever.

  “You best let go of me if you want to keep that hand. I can be meaner than a rabid dog when necessary,” she warned in a growling voice.

  What was wrong with him? Why couldn’t he get through to her? His powers always worked on humans. Maybe they still had. He didn’t use them often, but surely they’d worked. He badly needed them to work. All he could think about was her. Her body, him inside her body, her smile, the twinkle in her chocolate eyes.

  Eyes gleaming, she looked him over. “Cat got your tongue on that one, huh? Hang around here some more if you want. I got a lot more where that came from.”

  Ignoring her words and focusing harder, he said, “I need you to come to my house tonight, so I can make sweet love to you all night long.” His voice was low, comforting, and full of promise.

  He watched as her eyes popped open, and her lower jaw dropped in surprise. Wrath crossed her face turning it from surprised to menacing in the blink of an eye. She jerked her shoulder free and turned away from him in a rage, stomping all the way over to her red metal toolbox.

  Wariness filled him as she pushed it across the floor and stopped it just in front of him. To his amazement she stepped up on it and leaned in to no more than a hair’s width from his nose. Damn, she was feisty, and he liked it a lot.

  She ground out through gritted teeth, “I see you’re kind of slow. Let me put it simply for you. I don’t know much about whoring or the escort business, as some call it. The only Escort I know about is made by Ford. You keep messing with me and treating me like a cheap whore and I’ll take a wrench to the side of your head.”

  Joey entered the garage just in time to hear her last words. “Whoa, what’s going on here, sis?” he asked with concern.

  “Nothing I can’t handle.” Anya growled, never taking her eyes off Duncan.

  “Sis?” Duncan questioned. Hea
rtbeat speeding up, he hoped it was true. She was the most enchanting thing he’d ever seen. Every moment he spent around her made him hunger for more of her presence in his life.

  “Yeah, Anya’s my little sister. What’s going on between you two?”

  Color rushed to her cheeks. “Nothing, so just drop it, okay?”

  Joey looked at her suspiciously. “What kind of nothing?”

  “Stop the interrogation, will ya? He touched me when I was working.”

  “Oh!” Joey motioned for a still-stunned, yet excited Duncan to follow him outside.

  Elation was doing somersaults all around Duncan’s heart as he trailed behind Anya’s brother. Brother! Yes!

  “Sorry about that, Duncan. Anya is very serious about her job. If she gets startled while painting, it could take hours to fix the paint job. She hates to have to redo her work, and, truthfully, we don’t have time for her to have to do that. To keep from rousing her anger, please don’t touch her when she’s working.” Joey paused and chuckled. “Staying away from her when she’s working is the safest thing you can do, trust me.”

  Duncan nodded his understanding. “Got it. No harm done. I’ll be more careful in the future.” More careful about the way he approached her as he tried to get her into his bed. His heart silently added, “And in your life.” Whoa, that was different. Duncan shook off the strange thought of keeping Anya. He was too young to settle down.

  “I better go smooth her ruffled feathers. See you later.” Joey strolled off to calm his sister.