“I’m not going to force this, Ava. If you say stop, this goes no further, but I think you want it too.”

He leaned down and kissed her neck softly. Repeatedly. Her body was screaming, begging her to give in to his seduction. It wasn’t like she hadn’t already enjoyed the fruits he had to offer. Why not, Ava? She tried to ignore the voice in her head, but she couldn’t. Not with the way her body was humming.

“Tell me, Ava. Do you want this just as much as I do?” he whispered against her neck.

Her body tingled and she bit her tongue trying to hold back her response. Trying to deny her body what it wanted most. But every kiss across her neck weakened her resolve. “Yes.”

“Yes what?”

“I want you.”

Dominic kissed his way back along her jawline. “What do you want? Tell me how you want it.”

“I want you kissing me. Touching me. Rubbing me. Pleasing me.”

“Pleasing you how, Ava? Tell me. I want to hear you say it,” he whispered.

“I want…I want…”

“I’m waiting.”

“I want you to go down on me and don’t stop until I tell you to.”

Her hands flew to cover her mouth. She was sure her cheeks were red with embarrassment. Dominic’s laughter rumbled in her ear. She made a move to push him away, but he stopped her.

“Your wish is my command.”

She didn’t breathe as he pressed her back against the mirror behind the counter and dropped to his knees. He grabbed her thighs and opened them wider. The first lick of his tongue made her nerves dance. Bracing herself on the counter, she closed her eyes and gave herself over to the pleasure he made her feel. He lapped at her, licking and sucking like she was a juicy sweet mango. His grip on her thighs was tight. And already hovering closer was the promise of an orgasm.

“More. More.”

He complied by sucking her harder. Her pleasure increased and before she knew it she was grabbing his hair holding on to him.

Her entire world burst to life between her legs and the force of the orgasm left her trembling.

“Everybody freeze. Right now.”

Ava opened her eyes. Two uniformed men were standing in the entrance of the bathroom with guns pointed at her and Dominic.

Chapter Fifteen

Ava couldn’t move even if she wanted to. Her eyes were locked on the men holding guns on her and Dominic. Her lover rose from between her legs. Without looking at her, Dominic pulled her from the counter to stand behind him. She could see the muscles in his back flexing. His jaw was suddenly tense.

“I don’t know what you two are doing here, with guns pointed at two people in the midst of making love, but I suggest both of you get out,” Dominic said.

His tone was hard. Cold like ice. A shudder ran through her.

“I suggest the both of you get dressed now. This ship is now under the control of the U.S. Coast Guard.”

“I didn’t realize the Coast Guard was teaching their recruits to burst in, guns blazing at a nude woman in her bathroom.”

“I’ve had just about enough of your tone,” the tall blond man holding a gun said.

“My tone should be the least of your concerns,” Dominic said.

The blond Coast Guard official made a move towards Dominic and Ava touched his back.

“Dominic, please. Until we know what’s going on, let’s just do what they say. I have a daughter I’d like to make it back home to.”

He turned to look at her. She could still see the ice in his gaze. Finally he nodded at her. With as much dignity as she could muster, Ava dressed in front of the officials. Her cheeks burned at the indignity she was being forced to suffer.

When she found out who was responsible for this, heads were going to roll. She was going to make sure of that.

When she was properly attired, her gaze turned back to Dominic. He was lazily buttoning the last button on his shirt. His eyes waged a silent war with the blond who’d been so contentious. Ava watched the redheaded Coast Guard. He made a motion for them to exit the bathroom.

Ava took a step forward, but Dominic grabbed her, pushing her behind him. A protest rose in her mouth until it dawned on her that he was simply trying to protect her if there was any danger afoot. She grabbed his hand and held tight as they found themselves being lead to the living room. Neither of the officials said a word, but Ava had a bad feeling.

With fluid grace, Dominic sat down on a love seat. He pulled her down beside him. Ava kept her eyes straight on the men in front of her, but from the corner of her eye, she could see Dominic appraising her. We’re being held at gunpoint and he’s comfortable enough to ogle me. Typical man.

She cleared her throat. “Since you seem to care nothing about infringing on the privacy of people aboard this ship, perhaps you’d deign to tell us why you’re here. After all, I need something to tell my attorney when I call and inform her of your harassment.”

“Oh you’re going to need a lawyer, but not for harassment. Let’s try murder,” the blond man said.

“What are you talking about?” Dominic asked.

“We got a tip that someone had been killed aboard this little pleasure boat. Turns out our tip was right on the money and you two are at the top of the suspect list.”

“Someone was murdered on this ship? Who?” Ava asked.

“Gina Marron.”

There was a heavy feeling in Ava’s stomach. Her muscles grew rigid. “Gina? Gina’s dead?” she asked, her voice rising in pitch.

“Yes. Her throat was slashed. So far we haven’t found any sign of the weapon used,” the red-headed officer offered.

“I’m sorry to hear that there is a murderer loose among us, but why are you two fingering us for this? We were in bed all night last night,” Dominic said folding his arms.

“For starters we’re well aware of both your reputations.”

Ava’s eyes narrowed. “I’m a legitimate businesswoman and a widow raising a small child. I wouldn’t consider that a reputation that makes me a suspect in a murder.”

“Don’t talk to us like we’re stupid. You’re Joseph Martelli’s widow. No way you’re clean. What did Mrs. Marron do that was worth you slitting her throat?”

“Ava, don’t say another word,” Dominic ordered.

She frowned at the authority in his tone. So going to bed together gave him the right to order her around? She didn’t think so. He must’ve forgotten who he was dealing with. But as much as she hated it, Dominic was right. When it came to law enforcement you couldn’t trust any of them. With a smile, Ava made a motion as if she were zipping her lips. “Sorry. Nothing else to say without my attorney present.”

The two men exchanged glances and Ava crossed her legs watching them. There was nothing “the law” hated more than a person pulling the attorney card. Both men turned their attention to Dominic.

“And what about you, Sambarino? You pulling the attorney card too?”

“That depends.”

“Depends on what?”

“You telling me why you think I’m a suspect.”

“Are you kidding? A guy like you. A male prostitute. A guy connected to the Cosa Nostra. You’re a prime candidate.”

Dominic’s eyes narrowed. A muscle moved in his jaw. For some reason, Ava was sure he was a few seconds away from throttling both men. His arms unfolded and he cracked his knuckles. His eyes were growing darker. He was about to go nuclear and get them both shot. Ava placed her hand on his bicep. Leaning close she whispered, “Calm down. Don’t give them what they want.”

She leaned away and Dominic gazed at her from the corner of his eye, before turning his full attention back to their interrogators.

“For starters, I’m not a prostitute. Secondly the Cosa Nostra crap is laughable and lastly I didn’t even know the victim.”

“If you didn’t know Mrs. Marron, then what are you doing here?”

“I was invited by a friend who was invited by Mrs. Marron and that’s all I have to say.”