Guilty Pleasures (22 page)

He hesitated. “No.” Eva groaned. “Not completely,” he continued. “It's titanium with a double switch that's programmed by computer. The code changes daily. That much I have figured out.”

She shut her eyes for a moment. “Oh, no. So what are we going to do
”

“If the goods are in the safe, I won't know if I can get in there until the day of.”

“Shit,” she whispered.

“Exactly.” He paused. “Somehow I'm going to have to get access to the ship's computer system, hack in, and find the code.”

“Can you
”

“If it comes down to it, I'll get in.”

She rested her head on his shoulder. “Thanks for being honest with me. I knew something was wrong.”

“Wish I had better news.”

“It'll be all right. You're the best.” She looked into his eyes. “Right
”

He winked and grinned. “Yeah, I am, ain't I
” He ran his hand down her damp back. “Why don't we try out the shower
” he said, his voice thick with desire.

She smiled, slow and inviting. “Hmmm, I like the sound of that.”

“I hoped that's what you'd say.” He stood and pulled her to her feet. “Why don't I help you get undressed
” He nibbled her neck.

“One good turn deserves another,” she murmured, unfastening his belt.

He pulled her T-shirt over her head. He loved the fact that she rarely wore a bra. The idea that he could simply flash her a look and he could see her nipples harden right in front of him was an exquisite turn-on. He held her breasts in his hands, the fullness of them flowing over his palms. She moaned softly against his ear, her warm breath like butterfly wings against his skin. God, he could never get enough of her. It made him crazy, he thought, pulling her shorts down over her hips. He brushed fingers against her clit. Wet and welcoming, just the way he liked it. He felt her thighs tremble.

They never made it to the shower.

*   *   *

Jake held his wife close, listened to her easy, rhythmic breathing. He stroked her hair. She stirred ever so slightly.

He would do anything for her—just about anything. Eva wanted to get out of the game, settle down. He knew what that meant. She wanted a family.

The thought terrified him. It was the one thing he had to deny her, yet he knew if he did, he'd lose her. Was that a risk he was willing to take

 

16

“Got everything
” Jake asked in a pseudo-whisper as they moved toward the ship's gangplank the following morning.

Eva, Rita, and Jinx murmured their assent.

“Once we get on board, we won't be able to meet. The only communication should be via cell or your headset. Any updates will be on your PDAs. I have the cell from Ingram. I'll let you all know when she makes contact.”

“What about her husband
” Rita asked as they inched forward.

“We'll deal with him when the time comes. For now, eyes on the prize.” Jake handed the crew member his boarding pass.

“You're on the fourth level, sir. Follow the path to your left. Enjoy your trip.”

Jake took Eva's hand and helped her on board. She squeezed his fingers. They looked at each other. “Let's get this party started,” Jake said.

“Let's.”

*   *   *

With each step they took into the enormous ship, Jake felt unsteady, his legs becoming spaghetti-like beneath him. He tightened his hold on Eva's hand. She turned to him and smiled. His jaw clenched. He could feel perspiration begin to form along his back. They took an escalator to the upper level and followed the corridor around to their cabin.

Jake and Eva had an inside cabin, which was fine with Jake. At least he wouldn't have to look at the misleading calm of the water that would keep them afloat. It was a terror, this phobia he'd never shared with anyone—not with Eva, not with Jinx. He'd never been back to a beach since childhood, since that unforgettable day. He stayed as far away from boats as possible. If there were some other way to pull off this job, he'd do it.

They stepped into their room. He was short of breath.

“Babe, you okay
” Eva asked, staring at him, concern tightening the corners of her eyes. “You're sweating.”

An old familiar shudder seized his spine. “I'm fine. Turn on the air,” he said, dumping the bag with the laptop on the bed. He unbuttoned a second button on his shirt. “Kinda warm in here.”