On the Ropes 2: Insidious Obsession Page 7

Amber’s hand flexed in his, and Cole gave it a tiny squeeze of reassurance as he replied. “And?”

  “And it’s not really all that good of news. They scoured the video feed and found what appeared to be a hotel cleaning woman in front of Amber’s door at about five a.m.”

  “Good,” Logan said. “That means they know who did it.”

  Mark shook his head. “Sadly no, they don’t. According to management, the women who clean the rooms don’t come in until six a.m. They checked the video feed for the employee entrance and the area where the cleaning supplies are kept. What they found is disturbing.”

  “Which is?” Cole motioned with his hand for Mark to continue.

  “Apparently a maintenance man who was working on kitchen equipment left an outside door open while he went to a storage unit on the back of the property. Video footage shows a masked man entering through this open door. A few minutes later that same masked man entered an employee bathroom and eventually exited dressed as a cleaning woman.” Mark leaned back in his chair. “Unfortunately they can’t see his face, and since Amber wasn’t physically harmed and no actual threat was made, they’re writing it off as malicious mischief and closing the case.”

  “Malicious mischief?” Cole couldn’t quite believe his ears. “Are you kidding me?”

  “How is spray painting the word SLUT on my door considered malicious mischief?” Amber’s voice cracked as she looked from Mark to Cole and back. Mark held out his hands as if he were trying to keep Cole from charging his desk. “Believe me, I understand how you feel, but there’s nothing more they can do.”

  “So what can we do?” Jason asked.

  Mark looked from Jason to Cole and Amber. “We stay vigilant and continue on as we are. Hopefully someone knows something and will eventually slip up.”

  “And if they don’t?” Lexi asked.

  Mark sighed. “I don’t know. I guess we wait and see what happens next.”

  Cole slid a sideways glance at Amber. Other than one statement early in the discussion, she’d remained quiet, almost removed from the conversation. He knew she had a quiet nature about her, but this silence was almost disturbing. Just exactly what was going on in her head right now?

  Chapter Thirteen

  Amber wiped her face on the towel as she eased down onto the bench. After spending the last hour working out with her trainer, all she wanted was a shower and maybe a nap. A nap that included Cole would be nice, but he was off with Logan and Jason doing a meet and greet.

  “You’re joining us tonight, right, Amber?” Natalie asked.

  Amber glanced up at the Vixen. “Joining you for what?”

  “A night out,” Brooklyn added from across the room.

  Amber frowned. “A night out? Out where?”

  “Lexi didn’t tell you about it?” Brooklyn asked.

  “Tell me about what?”

  Natalie’s twin, Emily, slid into the empty spot next to her. “Every once in a while, we get booked into a hotel that has a nightclub and great pool and all kinds of little extras, and it coincides with getting a rare day off.”

  “Since we have off tomorrow, tonight is one of those nights,” Natalie added. “So the entire roster and quite a bit of the staff party.” She held her hands up and did a little booty dance. “You’re coming, right?”

  Amber shook her head. “I don’t know about that. I’m not much of a dancer, and I don’t drink.”

  “At all?” Emily asked, her eyes wide with shock.

  “At all,” Amber replied.

  “Wow.” Emily looked from Amber to Natalie and back. “I don’t think I know anyone who doesn’t drink at all.”

  “Yeah, well.” Trying to play off her reason for not drinking, Amber pushed up from the bench, walked over, and began rooting through her bag. “I have a family history of alcoholism. No reason to take the chance.”

  “Oh, well yeah, that’s a good reason,” Natalie agreed. “Wow, um…I’m sorry we pried like that.”

  On her apology, Amber looked up. She certainly hadn’t meant to make her new friends feel bad. “It’s okay. It’s really not a big deal.”

  “So, you’re coming out with us anyway?” Natalie asked. “After everything that’s been going on, I’m sure you could use a night out.”

  “Actually, all I want to do is spend some quality time with Cole,” she replied, then bit down on her lip as giggles erupted in the room.

  “Right,” Emily replied. “Quality time.” She air quoted the words with her fingers.

  She hadn’t actually meant her words in the context they’d been received, but in truth, a little of that type of quality time with Cole was also very much overdue.

  “Well, I suppose for a hottie like him we could break the rules,” Natalie offered. “It might be fun watching you two on the dance floor getting all hot and bothered.”

  While she appreciated being included in their fun and made to feel like she belonged, it didn’t change the fact that she had other ideas in mind for her day off. “Thank you,” Amber replied, “but I think we’ll pass.”

  * * * *

  Inside the quaint little Italian bistro, Amber sat across the table from Cole and smiled. So far the evening seemed to be going just as she hoped. While stepping out with the girls might have been fun, spending time with Cole meant so much more. “This is nice.”

  “I know.” He lifted his glass of wine and took a drink. “I’ve wanted to take you out, just the two of us for some time.”

  “Yeah, our schedules aren’t exactly designed for dating.”

  He chuckled. “No kidding. The downside to this business is that when you give everything you have to it, it doesn’t leave much time for personal pursuits.” He nodded at her plate. “How was your chicken parm?”

  She glanced down at the plate of half-eaten food. “Delicious and filling.” She held a hand to her stomach. “I’m stuffed.”

  Cole set his fork aside. “Yeah, me too. After we pay the check, you want to see if we can find a little coffeehouse or maybe take a walk?”

  “That sounds great.” Out of the corner of her eye, Amber caught another couple staring at them. She paused, then leaned toward Cole. “You know, that’s the third time since we sat down that I’ve caught the couple at that table watching us.”

  Cole slid a sideways look at the couple, then whispered, “Maybe they’re wondering what such a beautiful woman is doing with a guy like me.”

  She cocked her head to the side and arched a brow at his attempt at self-deprecation. “Doubtful. My guess would be they’re wrestling fans.”

  “You think they recognize us?”

  Amber grinned. “Maybe. Especially since I doubt the city is teeming with buff, long-haired men who are as sexy as you.”

  His lips slowly tipped into a smile. “So you think I’m sexy?”

  “Excuse me.”

  Amber looked up to see the couple in question now standing next to their table. She shot a quick glance at Cole before turning her attention to the couple. “Yes.”

  The woman appeared nervous as she began to speak. “Are you Cole Collins and Amber Star?”

  Amber nodded. “We are.”

  “Oh wow.” The woman looked to the man next to her and back. “I’m so sorry to interrupt your dinner, but our son is a huge wrestling fan. Actually we all are.” She turned her attention to Cole. “My ten-year-old absolutely loves The Tribunal.”

  Cole grinned. “Good to hear.”

  The woman looked back to Amber. “He was so excited when you joined The Tribunal last week. He thinks you’re the prettiest Vixen in the EUW.”

  The woman’s compliment hit Amber square in the chest, and she smiled. “Aww. Please tell him I said thank you.”

  “I will.” The woman returned her smile. “Um, I was wondering if…well…would you would mind if I took a picture of you both to show him we met you? He’d be so thrilled.”

  Amber looked at Cole. “What do you think?”

  Cole immediately sco
oted his chair around the table and slipped his arm around Amber. “We certainly wouldn’t want to disappoint a fan.”

  * * * *

  Amber stood in front of her hotel room door with Cole. Over the course of the night she’d learned so much about him. Like he had siblings and grew up in a small town in Kentucky. He loved sports, the color black, and all variations of rock and roll. The night had been going so well, she hated to see it end. “I really wish I still had a room of my own.”

  Cole slid an arm around her waist and pulled her close. “Me too. We’ve had such a great night so far, and right now I have a fierce need for you.” He mouthed soft kisses along her neck.

  “God yes,” she sighed and clung to his shoulders as he slid a hand down her back, cupped her bottom, and pulled her to him. His arousal pressed against her mound, causing desire to build until she ached with need.

  “I’m so tempted to see if they have any empty rooms available,” he whispered against her ear.

  “I’d be game for that plan.” Never could she remember a time when she wanted someone as she did Cole at that moment.

  He pulled back and grinned. “I’ll go check. Be back shortly.”

  “I’ll be waiting.” Amber watched him go before turning back to the door. She slid her card in the reader and pushed open the door. A dark room greeted her, and she couldn’t help but wonder if Brooklyn was still out partying away.

  She flipped on a light and set her purse on top of the dresser. Her cell phone chirped from inside, and she reached in to retrieve it. A new text displayed on her screen.

  Staying with the girls tonight. Tell Cole I said you’re welcome…B.

  Amber stared at the screen as happiness and anticipation slowly began to take over. She grinned. Thank you, Brooklyn! Tomorrow she’d go shopping and buy something nice for Brooklyn as a thank-you present, but right now, she had one goal in mind: fulfilling her burning desire.

  Chapter Fourteen

  Disappointment flowed through Cole as he made the slow trek back to Amber’s hotel room. Just as he’d feared, the hotel had no vacancies. He glanced skyward and silently wondered what he’d done to deserve this punishment. All he wanted was to share something special with the woman he was coming to love.

  He reached her door and took a deep breath. Knowing she wanted this night as much as he did only made him feel worse. The universe, it appeared, had a sick sense of humor, and right now they were the butt of its joke. He lifted a hand and knocked. A moment later, the door opened, and Amber peeked around the edge. “Hey.”

  “Hey.” Not bothering to hide his disappointment, he shook his head. “The hotel is booked solid. I’m sorry.”

  “It’s okay.” She motioned. “Why don’t you come in?”

  On a nod, he stepped inside. He walked into the room, turned back to look at her, and froze at what he saw. She wore a simple black silk nightie, with spaghetti straps and fringed in lace. Shock registered first, immediately followed by a fierce arousal. Barely able to control himself, he took a step toward her. “Where did you get that?”

  A small smile tipped her lips. “I’ve been saving it for a special occasion. I think tonight qualifies as special, don’t you?”

  Confusion slowly settled into his brain as he glanced over his shoulder. “But what about Brooklyn?”

  Amber grinned as she closed the remaining distance between them. “She’s staying with Emily and Natalie tonight.”

  Cole grinned as her words took root. “Tell her I’m forever grateful.”

  She lifted a hand to cup his cheek and leaned into him. “She said you’re welcome.” Her hand slid around his neck, and she pulled his head down to give him a kiss.

  The embers of desire, already smoldering for weeks, ignited in a raging fire so powerful it nearly brought him to his knees. In an instant he backed her to the wall, his hands braced on either side of her head. He pressed against her as frenzied desire erased nearly all logic, leaving raw, unbridled need in its wake. He wanted her, desired her in ways he hadn’t imagined possible. He slid his hands down her body. He teased the lace edge of her nightgown, then dipped beneath.

  Yet another wave of shock washed through his system as the realization that she wore nothing beneath the silk and lace cut through the fog in his brain. Blinding need spurred him forward as he groaned. “I promised myself I wouldn’t do this, but I can’t help it.”

  “Do what?” she panted.

  “Take you like some savage, but God I want you so bad I can’t seem to think straight.”

  “So don’t think.” She rocked against him, adding fuel to his desire. “Just feel.”

  His control snapped, and he growled as he curled his fingers around the fabric and pulled the silk up and over her body. Without looking away, he flung the garment across the room, then gathered her breasts in his hands. She arched her back, and her head thumped against the wall as she gasped. He wanted to slow down and savor every touch, every taste, every emotion that passed between them, but the monster inside demanding immediate gratification refused to be tamed.

  With one hand, he reached between them to work the belt loose on his pants. Her hand came down over his, shooing him away. She made quick work of the belt, button, and zipper, then pushed his slacks down, taking his underwear with them. His body jerked as her hand wrapped around him and gave a good stroke.

  “Oh fuck, baby,” he groaned against her ear. “I need to be inside you…now.”

  “Then take me,” she replied. “I just had my physical, and I’m clean.” She grinned. “And I’m on the pill.”

  She released her grip on him, lifted her leg, and wrapped it around him, granting him silent permission. He grabbed her bottom and lifted her off the ground as she wrapped her other leg around his waist. He groaned at the delicious feel of his erection slipping through her wet folds. “I’m clean too, so if you’re sure you’re okay with this?”

  “I’m more than okay with it.” Amber wrapped one arm around his neck, reached between them with the other, and guided him into her. He slid in smoothly, stretching her, filling her. Desperate to be connected in every way, he crashed his mouth over hers as he immediately began to thrust.

  The back of her head bumped against the wall as she broke the kiss and gasped for breath. “God yes, Cole.”

  Her desperate plea spurred him forward, and he dug his fingers into her flesh as he thrust harder. He wasn’t going to last long. Already the need swirled within him, building higher, growing stronger until it exploded into a burst of indescribable sensations. He grunted, and his body tightened as he spilled into her, marking her. He felt her begin to pulse around him, extending his pleasure as she reached her climax. She cried out, and he covered her mouth, swallowing the sound as they came together for the first time.

  * * * *

  Lightning flashed outside, briefly illuminating the room. It was immediately followed by a clap of thunder that shook the building. Feeling content and secure beneath the covers, despite the storm raging outside, Amber snuggled closer to Cole. The hand he splayed across her belly moved to cup her breast as he whispered against her ear. “Keep that up, and I’ll be ready to go again.”

  Despite coming together twice already, his statement caused a shiver of desire to ripple through her. “Mmm.” She wiggled her hips, grinding her backside against his growing erection. “I could go again.”

  He snagged her earlobe between his teeth and lightly bit down. “Insatiable little wench.”

  She rolled over to face him. “You’re the one who let the genie out of the bottle.”

  He grinned. “So does that mean you’ll grant my every wish?”

  She angled her head and pressed a kiss against the scruff along his jaw. “Whatever your heart desires.”

  “You are what my heart desires,” he replied as he leaned in and took her mouth in a kiss so soft yet filled with passion that she nearly cried. Slowly he pulled back and stared at her. “My beautiful Amber,” he whispered. He danced his finge
rs up and down her arm, sending waves of awareness rushing along her skin. He leaned forward and kissed the top of her shoulder; then he shifted his big body, moving down the bed. He let his lips trail along her neck, over her collarbone, then down the slope of her breast, carving an erotic path that left her flesh hot and tingly.

  As if he had all the time in the world, he turned his attention first to one breast, sucking her swollen nipple between his lips and tugging gently while he tweaked the other between his finger and thumb.

  Desire shot directly to her core, and dampness gathered between her legs as that now familiar tension began to grow. She loved the power he held over her, how just a look or a small gesture made her go all gooey inside. More so she loved how he made her feel as if she was the most important person in his world. The staccato of the rain pounding against the balcony doors, mixed with the nearly continual barrage of thunder and lightning, echoed the urgency growing within her.

  Desperate for something to cling to, she laced her fingers through his hair and moaned. He gently raked his teeth across her nipple, offering just a small bit of pain before returning to lave the abraded skin. Her breasts felt sensitive and swollen, especially when his beard scraped her skin. No way could she take much more, yet they’d just begun.

  He shifted and reached down between their bodies. His fingers traveled over her mound and delved down to the sweet spot between her legs. Her flesh, still tender from their earlier bouts of lovemaking, was slick with desire. She spread her legs, granting him access, and was rewarded when he slid two fingers deep inside. She arched her back and rocked her hips, grinding against his hand. As amazing as the sensation felt, she needed more. Incredibly, the frenzy of need swept through her much like the howling wind swept away everything in its path. The pressure built, and she gasped. “Cole!”

  He lifted his head, letting her nipple go with a wet pop. “Yeah, baby?”

  “I want you.”

  A smile tipped his lips. “You have me.”

  She shook her head against the sheet. “No, I want to feel you inside me.”

  Instead of removing his fingers, he added a third. “Right here?”