Page 42 of Claimed Gem

He began to pound into her then, touching her womb with each thrust and then withdrawing almost all the way before thrusting back inside once more. Stephanie lost count of how many times he moved within her before he stayed there, tossed his head back and yelled her name as his body shuddered.

She watched his face, shocked when he reached between them and started moving once more, demanding that she come with him one last time. Stephanie didn’t believe it was possible, but Ries proved her wrong.

They finally collapsed against one another in a tangle of trembling arms and legs, the sweat drying on their bodies.

At some point, Ries removed the condom and left the bed. The sound of the shower turning on woke Stephanie up and she sat up, stretching and feeling the delightful burn of muscles well used.

She slipped her legs over the side of the mattress, intending to join him in the shower, but an envelope lying on the dresser caught her attention. She hadn’t seen him bring it in, but it was tantalizing. A clue. Evidence? There were no markings on the front, and the flap was merely tucked in, not glued.

Her curiosity got the best of her and she eyed the bathroom door, debating the wisdom of snooping. When Ries was like this, she didn’t want to leave him – or upset him in any way.

When she heard Ries close the shower door, she wrapped a sheet around herself, picked up the envelope, and opened it up. Inside were several pictures of Angelo – the art thief she’d seen in the bar and followed, and the man who was committed to killing Ries and his brothers. She knew that Ries believed he was also intent on killing her now as well.

The pictures showed Angelo in several places around the town, many of which she recognized. Stephanie was enraged. It seemed they were following this man around, instead of arresting him and letting her and everyone else get back to their normal lives.

The shower turned off and moments later Ries exited the bathroom wearing nothing but a towel wrapped around his waist, and surprise on his face when he saw her standing in his room with the pictures in her hands.

“When were you going to tell me you’d found the assassin?” she demanded, her voice shaking with anger. The emotions surrounding the recent lovemaking only made his betrayal hurt more.

“That information was on a need-to-know basis, and I didn’t feel you needed to know.” Ries didn’t even try to sugarcoat his reasons, only making her more irate.

“How can you say that? The whole reason I came to you was because I wanted to see this man arrested for stealing the art. Why hasn’t he been arrested?”

“The art smuggling ring? That’s what you think this is all about? This guy Angelo is awell-known assassin and currently has accepted a contract to kill me. He isn’t the real problem – whoever hired him is. We need to find them.”

“I thought that was the reason you came to me. I didn’t realize protecting some priceless art was more important than my life.”

Stephanie shook her head, closing her eyes for a moment. “That’s not what I meant. You’re twisting my words around.” She searched the floor near the bed, spying her clothing and quickly picking it up. She needed to get away from him.

“You know what, Stephanie. Maybe you should leave this city if you can’t trust that I am handling this in the best way possible. He wouldn’t follow you far. Not when I’m his primary target.”

“Well it’s not like you’re letting me help,” she tossed back at him angrily. “I used to be part of this investigation. Now I’m – nothing! A prisoner.”

Ries’ eyebrows went up. “And that’s not going to change. I won’t have you putting yourself in harm’s way again.”

Stephanie stomped her foot in frustration and threw the pictures down on the dresser. “Fine. As if I care.” She stormed toward the doorway, holding her clothing and the sheet in front of her like a shield. She held back tears of disappointment and betrayal, refusing to let them fall where he could see.

Not that he’d care, but still…

She paused at the doorway, giving him one last look, more committed than ever to leave Ries.

He didn’t need or want her help. She wasn’t sure what sex with him a short while ago had meant, but in her book, it was goodbye. He didn’t want her help?

Fine. She’d give him what he wanted.

19

“I’m leaving.Please don’t try and stop me.” Stephanie’s words struck fear in his heart, overshadowed by his anger at her distrust and lack of faith in him.

“That would not be advisable.” He told her quietly.

“I really don’t care what you would advise. What? Are you going to keep me here against my will? Because that’s the only way I’m staying. I’d like to think you respect me more than that.”

Ries looked at her, terrified for what might happen to her once she left his circle of protection, but also knowing he couldn’t and wouldn’t keep her prisoner. Because he did respect her. And in a way, he understood her.

Why can’t we both have what we want? Why can’t she be safe and useful, at the same time?

He stared her down, but this time she didn’t back down. He thought about trying to convince her to stay, but the militant look in her eyes, brimming with tears she was trying so valiantly to hold back, kept him silent.