Psychic Link (Linked Inc. Book 2) (6 page)

Chapter
8

Phillip showed them into the missing guest’s hotel room.

“His name is Marco Griffin,” Phillip announced as Cara paced the room with her hands clasped behind her back.

“Was he here with anyone?” Coop asked, drawing Phillip’s attention away from Cara as she seemed to be looking for something to touch.

“He’s a speaker at the convention.”

Cara’s gaze met Coop’s.

“What was he speaking about?”

Phillip cleared his throat before answering. “Pleasing your partners and fantasy sex rooms.”

Coop covered the smile with his hand. “And how old is this guy we’re looking for?”

“Thirty-five.”

“That’s young considering the rest of the guests,” Cara announced, stopping in front of the computer on the bed.

Phillip’s cheeks flushed. “He uh…he’s apparently an authority on the subject.”

“Maybe you should sign up for his lecture, honey.” She beamed a bright smile at Coop.

Coop smirked. “Are you sure he’s missing and hasn’t just hooked up with one of the other guests?” Coop asked as he rubbed the stubble on his chin. Chances were the guy was shacked up in one of the rooms or got so involved in a private demonstration that he’d lost track of time.

“No one has seen him since the meet and greet, and he missed his slotted time to talk at the convention,” Phillip answered.

“Can I see the surveillance?”

“Sure.” Phillip walked to the door. “Are you coming, Cara?”

“I’ll meet you in the lobby. I’m going to see if I can find anything on his computer.”

Cara sat on the bed and smiled at Coop. She was about to use her ability and gain the upper hand. Phillip walked out of the room, and Coop paused to wink at Cara. “Good luck, wife. Don’t stay too long looking at his porn.”

“I don’t need luck, and it’s not me that needs porn, honey. It’s you. You could stand to learn a thing or two.” She winked back, picked up the laptop, and sat it in her lap. Her eyes shut, and her chest heaved. The look was erotic, and he’d planned to be the one to make that look happen again. He shut the door behind him to find Phillip waiting by the elevator.

Phillip led him into the security room to follow the cameras in search of Marco. He spotted him in the lobby and followed him to the elevators.

“Where’s the rest?” Coop asked. “I assume you’ve got video on all the floors.”

“I’m afraid that’s all we got. Our security system went down, and we’ve had techs trying to bring it back up and restore the system.”

****

Cara closed her eyes as the visions took hold and she was greeted by a good-looking man working on his presentation. Pictures of what she believed were sex playrooms and such crossed the screen as he looked at them, followed by porn with worse pick-up lines than Coop’s. Then Marco…fondling himself.

She tossed the laptop and opened her eyes. Her cheeks heated from the vision. She got up and walked into the bathroom. The man’s toothbrush was on the counter. She touched it and closed her eyes. Marco was looking in the mirror as he brushed his teeth. There was a knock on the door, and he continued to brush as he opened the door.

“You’ve got to be kidding,” Cara swore as she recognized Marco’s guest. She’d recognize that blue hair anywhere. “Aunt Betty.”

Aunt Betty winked as if it were meant for Cara before the vision broke.

Cara left the bathroom, took the stairwell down into the lobby and went right up to the desk where the man who’d checked her in yesterday was standing. “Excuse me.”

“Ah, yes, Mrs. Thornton, or is it Cruz? Your sister said you’d answer to both.”

Nice. She swallowed around her retort. “Thornton is fine.” She smiled sweetly. “Can you tell me what room my aunt is staying in? Betty Thornton.”

“She said you would ask.” The man smiled as he stroked the keyboard. “She gave me permission to give it to you. She’s in Room 259.”

“Perfect, thank you.” Cara turned to leave and then spun around. “Could you tell Phillip and Agent Cruz in the security room to meet me up at that room. Tell them I think I found what they were looking for.”

“Sure.”

Cara jogged up the stairwell to the second floor and followed the room numbers to 259. She banged on the door. “Aunt Betty.”

No answer. She banged again. “Aunt Betty, answer the damn door.”

The door swung open just as Coop and Phillip approached. Aunt Betty was standing in a pink-feathered robe. “Cara. What a nice surprise.”

“Where is he?” Cara demanded and pushed her way into the room to find Marco tied to the bed with a blindfold over his eyes. Thankfully, the sheet covered his groin.

“Betty…did you invite another woman? Remove my blindfold and let me see the tasty morsel.”

“My wife is off-limits,” Coop announced, removing the guy’s blindfold.

Marco glanced between them both. “The more, the merrier. You can play too.” 

Cara ignored them both and turned to face Aunt Betty. “What are you doing here?”

“I’m here for the convention.” She smiled sweetly. “Why are you here?” She rested her palms on Cara’s arm. “And with Agent Cruz?”

Cara pressed her lips together as humiliation blossomed in her chest. She couldn’t answer Aunt Betty truthfully, not with Phillip in the room. She also couldn’t use the cover of a honeymoon without her questioning the answer. Deflection was needed. “Marco missed his speaking engagement.”

“No, I didn’t.” Marco sat on the bed, rubbing his wrists that had been tied. “That’s not until tomorrow.”

“Uh, no, sir. That was last night. The seminar committee rescheduled you for tonight and replaced your time slot last night that you missed. They were worried about you, and we’ve been searching for you ever since.”

Marco rose, pulling the sheet with him from the bed. He wrapped it around his body and walked over to Aunt Betty and cupped her cheek. “You were amazing, my bella. We’ll pick up again tonight after the seminar?”

“Afraid not.” Betty kissed him smack on the lips. “I’m going to spend some time with my niece and then head back to Florida. But thank you for the invite.”

Betty was giving the guy the boot and Marco looked as though she’d just told him his performance was subpar. Just wow. Cara didn’t know if she should be embarrassed or impressed.

Marco grabbed his clothes and disappeared into the bathroom.

“I’m going to inform the others that he’s been found,” Phillip announced.

“Good luck with that.” Coop patted his back.

“Betty, you’ve got some explaining to do.” Coop crossed his arms over his chest and tilted his head.

“What? I was here for the conference and knew you two were here, so I was going to kill two birds with one stone: check in on you and find some new toys.”

“How did you know we were here?” Cara asked.

“Well, your mother, of course.”

She walked over to the door and held it open. “Dinner, drinks, and dancing tonight. Meet me inside the restaurant at seven so we can catch up.”

“Are you kicking us out?” Cara’s mouth parted.

“Yes, dear.” Betty grinned. “Unless you’d like to stay and watch me stroke Marco’s…ego.”

Cara held up her hands. “Nope. No stroking for us. You can explain later. Come on, Coop.”

Betty stopped Coop from leaving and thrust a bag into his hands. She winked. “You should have listened to me sooner. You’re going to need these.”

Coop opened the bag and glanced inside as a smile split his lips. “Did you have a vision?”

“Didn’t need to.” Aunt Betty smiled. “I can see it in your eyes. I have to warn you though. When you think you know everything…you don’t, and when it comes to Cara, you only get one shot. Don’t forget that.”

“Okay, he’s heard enough,” Cara said, grabbing Coop’s arm and dragging him from the room. 

Cara pulled the hotel door closed behind them with a click and walked silently down the hall. She waited until they were past the pool to ask the question that was pressing on her mind. Aunt Betty being on the island was curious enough, and she may never get the answer to that question, but the bag? That one she could easily enough figure out.

“What’s in the bag?”

Coop tossed his arm around Cara and handed it to her. “Take a look.”

Cara peered inside, and her cheeks heated as she pulled out a box of extra-large ribbed condoms. “Nice. She must think you’re hiding a bazooka in your shorts.”

Coop squeezed her shoulder and leaned down to whisper in her ear. “She knows it’s inevitable.”

“I wouldn’t be getting too cocky there, stud. She probably used a needle to poke holes in them.”

Coop pulled open the cabana door. His brows dipped. “Why would she do that? Is she hoping I knock you up?”

Yes. Not that Cara was about to explain. That was probably exactly what Aunt Betty had in mind. Damn woman. She didn’t want to have to explain why she’d made the comment, not that he’d understand. Coop wasn’t father material. Watching him with his nephew proved that. “When dealing with Aunt Betty, there’s no reason to her actions. It’s best to err on the side of caution.”

“Duly noted.” Coop tossed the box and the bag into the trash, walked across the room, and pulled out another box of condoms from the bedside table. “Perk of the honeymoon suite. They seemed to have it stocked.”

“I won the bet,” she announced.

“I know. I promised to be truthful.” He held her gaze as he answered. The color of his eyes deepened. “What do you want to know?”

Chapter
9

Cara moistened her lips as she pressed her back to the door, the coolness of the surface seeping through her shirt. An infinite number of questions swarmed her mind, but only one passed her lips. “Do you think I’m pretty?”

“No, Cara.” Coop visibly swallowed. “I think you’re beautiful.”

“Are you saying that so I’ll sleep with you?”

His lips twitched. “No. I’m being honest, just like I promised.”

“Do you think my ability makes me a freak?”

Coop ran his hand through his hair as unease covered his face. He did. But would he be honest about it? She waited, unmoving. His answer determined how the next few days played out. Either they’d be having sex hanging from the chandelier, or he’d be packing a pair of blue balls. She wouldn’t make it easy on him either. 

Coop crossed the room and rested his palm on her cheek. “I
think
that you’re complicated. I
think
that it’s a shame you avoid physical contact. I
think
that you genuinely try to help people. I
think
you’ve proved enough for me to give you the benefit of the doubt. So the answer is no, Cara. I don’t think you’re a freak, just beautifully complicated.”

Beautifully complicated like a painting with brilliant colors or paint by numbers? It didn’t really matter which. That description really did fit.

A sensuous light passed between them. A delicate thread started to form between them. There was a tingle in her stomach and a jolt to her pulse. The startling fire blazing in his eyes heated her body as his gaze raked over her face and landed on her lips.

He wanted her, and she held the key to a night of naked Twister. All it would take is saying yes, and he’d ravish every inch of her body. She leaned into his touch and closed her eyes. No visions. Nothing. Why him? Why was he so special?

He was slowly breaking down her resolve, and he was right. No way could she handle six more days on the island with the looks he was giving her. No way could she handle the sexual frustration. Damn him. No strings attached. Not seeing his secrets leveled the playing field more than she liked. Silently she realized that she relied on her ability of knowing, even more than she’d thought. What would her life have been without her special gift? Would she be married to the wrong man? How many more mistakes would she have made?

“You’re thinking too much.” Coop’s voice was a whisper against her ear.

His body was there for the taking. Just one word and they’d both find release. “Since you were honest with me, let me be honest with you.”

Coop kissed her neck. “Okay.”

His touch made it difficult to think as he pulled her body flush against his.

“I don’t date cops.”

“We aren’t dating.” He continued a path down her neck as he threaded his fingers through her hair.

“I don’t know how to do one-night stands.”

“You could, with me. You’ve never had one without the intimacy of having the visions.” Coop’s hand slid down her backside, and he pressed their bodies together. “I can wait, for now, but mark my words. I’m going to get you out of your head if it’s the last thing I do. I think you need it more than you realize.”

“What are you going to do?” she asked as he stepped back.

“I promised you honesty, but don’t make me answer that.” He released her. Her neck felt cold from the absence of his lips. Her pulse skittered at what he might plan. Coop was oblivious to it all.

He crossed the room and pulled out dress pants, a shirt, and a bag of toiletries. “It’s a surprise that I think you’ll enjoy.”

Cara took a deep breath and gave him a worried smile before watching him walk into the bathroom. What the hell was he doing to her?

She needed to catch her breath. She needed the sexual tension in her body to dissipate, and fast, or they’d never make it to dinner with her aunt. She’d be too busy seducing him. Cara grabbed her phone and knocked on the bathroom door. “I’m going to step outside and make some calls.”

“Don’t stray too far. You need to get ready for dinner.”

“I’ll be quick.” She walked out the door and sat in one of the lounge chairs. The evening breeze kissed her skin as she took a moment to regain her composure before she dialed Becca. The phone went to voice mail. “You need to call me back as soon as you get this.”

She ended that call and called Harper. That sister answered on the first ring.

“What’s up, Cara? Did you find her?” Harper asked.

“Nope. She left me a message though that said she’d be back on Sunday. Have you heard anything?”

Harper was silent.

The silence hung like a noose around Cara’s neck. At any given moment someone would tighten it. “What aren’t you telling me?”

Harper let out a lengthy sigh. “Um…I didn’t hear from her, but we did as you asked and we tracked her credit card and phone calls.”

“And?”

“She called Mom.”

“What?” Cara sat up and squeezed the phone in her grip. “When? Have you talked to Mom?”

“I just hung up with her.”

“Well?”

“Becca and Angela are safe. Trust me on that.”

A relief like nothing else swept through Cara’s entire body. The tension in her shoulders drained instantly. “Great. We’ll be on the next boat out. Where are they?”

“Um…there’s more to the reason Becca called.”

“Well?”

“She had another vision. Your eggs were accidently destroyed. She wanted Mom to break the news to you if the clinic hasn’t called you yet.”

Destroyed eggs she could deal with. Her sister in danger was a whole different level.

“Not a problem. I’ll freeze more. Where are Becca and Angela?”

“On their way to Mom’s.”

“Thank God. Thanks for letting us know. We’ll head back tomorrow.” Clouds formed over head as the sky darkened. “Hey, do me a favor and check in on Ian. He’s staying at my house.”

“No problem. Oh, and hey, Cara.”

“Yeah.”

“You’re on a beautiful island with a good-looking man. Try and enjoy your last night there. Everyone is safe.”

“I’ll try.”

Cara clicked the phone off and said a prayer as she glanced up at the night sky.

****

Cooper had the towel wrapped around his waist. His clothes were laying on the bed and he planned to get dressed in the room since he’d forgotten his boxers before getting in the shower. Cara walked into the room. Her eyes ran over his naked body, and she licked her lips. Did she even realize she had? A grin spread across her face, and her smile brightened.

“Becca called my mom, and she and your sister are heading back home. She must have seen they’d be safe.”

“I wonder what changed.” Coop muttered beneath his breath.

“Who know, I’m just glad it did.” Cara wrapped her arms around his waist and rested her head on his chest. He ran his hand down her back, the heat from her body scorching his fingertips. His hopes of breaking Cara down to finally say yes were dwindling by the second.

“We have a reason to celebrate.” Coop cupped her cheek and pressed a hot kiss to her tender lips. That had been the entire reason they’d come to the island, although he’d enjoyed planning in the shower what he’d had in store for Cara. He hadn’t been kidding when he said he’d get her out of her head, and he had one night to prove it.

Cooper leaned into her, letting her feel his cock as he savored her lips. She needed him to make good on his plans. She just didn’t realize it yet, but she would. With the threat against his sister momentarily forgotten, he let himself get lost in Cara’s taste.

He teased her tongue as heat spread through his body. There would be no denying his desire, and by the time he was done with her, she’d be begging him to take her. He slowly broke the kiss and held her hazy gaze. “Go get your shower.”

She nodded as if unable to speak. He’d have her screaming before they rested their eyes. She grabbed a dress and walked into the bathroom. Cooper waited until he heard the shower before he picked up the phone and called the concierge with his request, and then he called the swingers committee to see if they could help accommodate with a blindfold. They’d been all too happy to oblige. 

The stuff he wanted arrived while she was still in the bathroom getting ready. He pocketed one of the items to use at dinner before canceling their plans with Betty. He made new dinner arrangements. He’d planned a night she wouldn’t forget. It was because of her that his sister was safe, and he knew exactly how to repay her. After all, he had the golden touch, might as well put it to good use.

Cooper stood in front of the window staring out at the ocean beyond their pool. Waves crashed against the shore as the moon hid behind the clouds. He’d been lost in thought when Cara opened the door, stepping out of the bathroom in a little black dress and three-inch heels. Her hair was in waves going down her back, and his fingers itched to run through the silky strands. Her legs were bare and tan. She made him hungry, and not for the food he had waiting. She smiled, making his cock jerk.

“How do I look?” she asked. “Remember you’re still being honest.”

“Honestly?”

She nodded, and he could see the hesitation in her eyes.

“As great as that dress is, it would look better pooled around your feet. Should I show you?”

A blush crept into her cheeks.
That’s it, Cara. I’ll see your entire body do that before the night is over
.

She cleared her throat. “I’m starved.”

He grinned and lifted his brow. “I am too, but that will have to wait until after our plans.”

Her cheeks darkened from the light pink to a rosy shade.

Coop moved to stand in front of her and leaned in to whisper in her ear. “I promised you a night you’ll never forget.”

Her breath hitched, and her chest heaved against the fabric of her dress. “If anything I do frightens you, or you want me to stop, all you have to do is say the word; otherwise, I won’t. Tonight is about getting out of your head and just feeling the pleasure. Pick a safe word.”

“Excuse me?”

“A word that you wouldn’t normally say, that when I hear it, I’ll immediately stop whatever it is I’m doing.”

“I..” She shook her head.

“What vegetable do you hate most?”

“All of them.”

His lips twisted into a smile.

“Pick one.”

“Squash.”

“If I hear squash, I’ll stop. Otherwise, tonight is about experiencing pleasure.” He slipped her earlobe into his mouth and gave it a gentle tug. “Say you understand, Cara.”

She nodded.

“I need to hear it. Tell me you understand.”

“I understand. Cooper, this is a bad idea. I’m not sure what you’re in to, but I’ve never...had need of a safe word. And why would I only get one? Why couldn’t any vegetable stop whatever it is you have planned?”

Coop moved behind her and rested his hands on her hips. He slowly slid them down her side, inching her dress up against her body. “Fine, you can use any vegetable. Are you going to use one now?”

“No.” Her body trembled as he lifted the dress higher.

“Good. No panties.” His words were hot in her ear as he slid his fingers beneath the elastic and lowered them down her legs, letting the dress fall back into place. “You won’t need them.”

Her breath caught as he slowly stood and pulled her back against his chest, letting her feel exactly what he had in store for her.

“Promise me one thing.” She lowered her gaze. “Promise me, no sex without a condom.”

“You have my word,” he said, stuffing her panties into his empty pant pocket and then patting the other one to make sure the blindfold was still in place before taking her hand. He led her out into the night and fresh air. The urge to bend her over and take her in the room had him raging hard. “I promised honesty, and honey, you’re about to experience it first-hand.”

“Oh God.”

He laced his fingers with hers as they strolled toward the hotel. “Relax, Cara.”

“How am I supposed to do that?” she asked and lifted her brow.

He pulled her to a stop and against his chest. “Do I need to take the edge off?”

Her bright eyes widened, and she licked her lips. That was the only answer he needed. Instead of heading inside the hotel, he pulled her into one of the pool tents and closed the curtain. He held her head and kissed her hot mouth as he slipped his hand under the hem of her dress.

Cooper ran his hands over her bare pussy. Her body trembled from his touch, making his cock jumped in anticipation. He slid his fingers between her slick folds. He swallowed her moan as he slipped his fingers inside of her. She was wet and needy, and it took every bit of his resolve not to take her where she stood.

He broke the kiss but held her gaze. “You have to be quiet.”