Touch of Topaz

Chapter One

The damn woman was making him crazy.

John Knight stood at the back of the courtroom, ignoring the legal proceedings and watching the woman on the witness stand instead.

Topaz Jewel lived up to her name. In her red power suit and killer high heels, she shone in the dull courtroom like a beacon of light, drawing the attention of everyone seated there. Her black hair was cut into a short, sleek hairstyle, which framed her heart-shaped face. John liked it even though he was usually attracted to women with long hair. Her golden-brown eyes were serious and nothing the defendant’s attorney said or did could shake her as she gave her testimony.

He was intimately familiar with her long legs and slender torso. Her breasts were etched in his memory and the full, firm mounds with pink-tipped nipples were enough to bring a strong man to his knees.

That’s exactly what had happened to him six months ago when he’d first laid eyes on her. He’d broken the first rule of the job as a professional bodyguard—never get involved with the client.

He still wasn’t quite sure how it had happened. Topaz was a take-charge, confident businesswoman, who had made it abundantly clear she had no time in her life for a man, especially one like him. If she dated at all, she tended toward lawyers, CEOs and financial types, men in three-piece Italian suits, certainly not an ex-Army Ranger who co-owned a security company with his twin brother.

John dragged his attention away from Topaz and let it graze over the crowded courtroom. It was his job to protect her, and he took his work very seriously. He’d originally been hired to protect her when her sister Emerald attracted a nasty stalker last summer. Now that same man was on trial for his crimes, and the media hoopla surrounding it had brought the crazies out of the woodwork, which was why her father had hired him again as protection, much to Topaz’s objections.

Why couldn’t she have been from a normal family? That would have made his life much easier. But no, her parents were Moon and Aloysius Jewel, a famous folk duo from the sixties and seventies. The media was having a field day with their past and that included their three daughters Topaz, Emerald and Sapphire. Famous parents, three beautiful women and a stalker all made for a great story and the media was milking it for all it was worth.

The fact that the sisters owned Sisters’ Jewels, an upscale boutique in New York, only added to the hype. Since the trial started, none of the sisters could go anywhere without paparazzi following them. Emerald’s husband was looking out for her, but he and his brother Jake had been hired, once again, to protect the other two sisters.

If only Topaz would cooperate. The woman gave new meaning to the definition of stubborn. He’d lay odds that her picture was beside the word in the dictionary. And he should know. He’d spent several weeks with her last summer and almost a month this time. In the time in between, he hadn’t been able to get her out of his mind, and he’d sure as hell tried.

Memories of that one hot-and-sexy tumble they’d shared on the last day of the job this past summer were etched in his brain. He could remember it as though it happened only yesterday…

Topaz pushed through the front door of her apartment with John right on her heels. “You had no right to do that.” She slammed her purse down on the antique sideboard that sat to the left of the door in the small foyer.

“I had every right.” John shut the door and engaged all the locks before resetting the alarm system. “Until your sister’s stalker is caught you shouldn’t be making dates with strange men. Hell, you shouldn’t be dating at all. The stalker could be someone you know.”

She shot him a glare and put her hands on her hips. Fire lit her golden eyes and energy crackled between them. Every muscle in John’s body tensed, ready for whatever the little hellcat could throw at him. In the back of his mind, he realized he was actually looking forward to it. Anticipation thrummed through him, his dick stirred.

Now was not the time for this. He tried to will his body back into submission, but it wasn’t easy, not with Topaz standing there looking cool and classy in a deep-blue sundress and tissue-thin, white summer sweater. Her shoes matched the dress, a little detail that caught his eye. Didn’t matter if she was hanging around the house, going to work or running errands, the woman was always put together in a way that looked as though it took her hours. But John could attest to the fact that it didn’t take nearly that long. Her sense of style came easy to her, as easy as breathing.

“I hardly think that an investment banker is my sister’s stalker.” She stood with her shoulders thrown back and a gleam of triumph in her eyes.

John shrugged. “You never know.”

“Aarrggh.” She threw up her hands in disgust. “There’s no talking to you. The man was simply asking me out for a drink and you had to go all Neanderthal and intimate that we were a couple.”

And it hadn’t taken much to chase off the stuffy banker. John didn’t let his grin of triumph show. He didn’t think Topaz would appreciate it.

She stalked toward him and drilled her finger against his chest. “You have to stop doing this. This thing has taken over my entire life.”

He felt sorry for her, for about two seconds and then irritation took over. “Look, your sister has it much worse than you do.”

Hurt flashed over her features, and she ducked her head and turned away. John immediately wished he could call back his words. Topaz usually met all challenges head-on. He’d never meant to hurt her, only to take her mind off the banker. “Topaz,” he began, but she waved him off.

“No, you’re right. I’m being bitchy. Just tired I guess.”

He dropped his hands on her shoulders and gave them a squeeze. “No, I’m sorry. But it’s my job to protect you.”

She whirled around and his hands dropped back by his sides. “I know I’m a job to you. I get that.”

His own temper flared. “You’re more than just a damn job.” The minute the words were out of his mouth, he knew they were the truth. He’d been watching her for several weeks. Hell, he was basically living with her. They ate meals together, he went to work with her and they even shared a bathroom. The only thing they didn’t share was her bed. And he’d spent many a long, hot night lying awake in her guestroom, listening to the swish of her sheets as she moved restlessly in bed. Topaz fascinated him with her quick mind, her focus on her business and her killer body.

“Right.” She started to turn away, but he caught her and spun her back around.

They stared at one another and heat flared between them. Both of them were breathing heavy and he wasn’t sure which one of them moved first. Their lips met and he groaned as he wrapped his arms around Topaz to hold her close.

She tasted sweet and tart, like the lemonade she’d had while they were out running errands. It suited her. He ran his hands over her spine and down to her butt. She groaned and parted her lips, and he slid his tongue inside, exploring her mouth, claiming it as his own.

His cock jerked hard and pressed against the zipper of his jeans when her tongue touched his. Her fingers speared through his short blond hair, holding him to her. Oh yeah, this was what he wanted. He didn’t want to talk, only wanted to feel.

He ignored the warning bell clanging in the back of his brain, didn’t need to hear it to know he was being stupid. But, for the first time in his life, he didn’t care. He wanted Topaz Jewel.

It was a living, breathing need that had taken over his entire life.

He cupped her first-class ass in his hands and lifted her against his rock-hard erection. She was a tall woman and the heels she wore added another few inches, bringing her up to a little more than six feet. He was six-three so she fit against him perfectly.

She tore her mouth from his. “This is crazy.”

He turned so her back was against the wall. “It is.” He dragged her sweater down her arms, letting it drop to the floor. The straps of her dress were thin and he didn’t see a bra strap. His balls just about exploded.

“Are you wearing a bra?”

A seductive smile crossed her lips, but before she could say anything, he tugged down one of the straps. Bare skin met his gaze. Holy hell, she’d been walking around all day without a bra. If he’d known, she might never have made it out of the apartment.

His fingers made quick work of the three buttons at the front of the dress. With each button he opened, he exposed more of her creamy white flesh. His knees almost gave out when he folded back the flaps to expose her magnificent breasts.

They weren’t too big or too small. They were perfect mounds tipped with pale-pink, velvety nipples. He touched his fingers to one, feeling it pebble beneath his touch. “You are so fucking beautiful.”

She made a small sound of pleasure in the back of her throat. Encouraged, he leaned down and took a delicate nipple into his mouth and sucked. Topaz moaned and clutched at the back of his head, her fingernails digging into his scalp.

Oh yeah, she wanted him as much as he wanted her. Was there any bigger turn-on to a guy? He didn’t think so.

He shoved her dress down to her waist and over her slender hips. It pooled at her feet, leaving her clad only in a pair of silky midnight-blue panties. The dark color emphasized the creamy white of her skin and they also matched her dress. The woman never missed a trick.

He kissed his way up her neck and found her mouth, needing her lips on his. He slanted his lips over hers, taking and giving at the same time. He slid his hand over the curve of her waist and down her hip until he hit the band of her panties. He toyed with the lacy edge for a moment before dipping beneath it. The curls covering her mound were damp, but not nearly as wet as the slick folds they protected.

He slipped two fingers over her labia, caressing her gently. She hooked her right leg over his hip, opening herself to him. He took immediate advantage and pressed his fingers into her tight sheath.

They both moaned with pleasure. Her inner muscles clutched at his fingers and he knew he couldn’t keep this up much longer. His cock was going to explode if he didn’t get inside her soon. He’d wanted Topaz for too long to linger this first time. He’d buried his attraction to her these past weeks, and now it was like a volcano simmering beneath the surface, ready to finally explode.

“John.” His name was little more than a breathy gasp, but it was more than he could take.

He withdrew his fingers and ripped at the opening to his jeans. Her hands were busy with his shirt and several buttons pinged off the walls, falling to the floor as she spread the fabric wide to caress his broad chest. He almost lost it when her clever fingers found his flat nipples, but he managed to get his wallet out of his back pocket and yank out one of the condoms he had stashed there.

He had it ripped open and rolled on in record time. With a growl, he hoisted her right leg high on his hip, positioned his cock at her moist opening and pressed inward. She gasped, holding her breath as he pushed, not stopping until he was seated to the hilt. Her pussy held him in an iron grip that threatened what was left of his control.

“Don’t move,” he ordered. He buried his face in the curve of her neck and took a deep breath. Big mistake. The seductive perfume of woman, summer heat, sweat and her light, floral scent filled his nostrils.

Topaz canted her hips the slightest bit and he broke. He gripped both her hips in his hands and began to thrust, his rhythm getting faster and faster as he pounded into her welcoming heat. Topaz cried out, her fingers gripping his shoulders, her breasts rubbing against his chest.

His balls pulled up tight to his body and John knew time had run out. “Come for me, baby.” He circled his hips, grinding his pelvis against hers. She whimpered and one of her hands grabbed his butt, yanking him closer.

John swore and managed to maneuver one hand between them. His thumb found her clit and he pressed against the taut bundle of nerves. Topaz arched toward him and called his name.

Her tight channel closed around his cock, squeezing it, massaging it in moist heat. John yelled and pumped his hips several more times. His orgasm started at his balls and shot up through his dick, and he emptied himself into the condom.

Had sex ever been this good, this explosive with any other woman? John knew the answer was no and swore under his breath as he gave two final thrusts.

He leaned heavily against her, desperately trying to catch his breath and order his chaotic thoughts. When he finally did, he realized she was in just as rough a shape as he was. Calling on reserves of strength, he slowly disengaged their bodies, hiked his jeans up, lifted Topaz into his arms and carried her to her bedroom.

They’d spent the rest of the day in her bed until she’d gotten the call to tell her that her sister’s stalker had been caught and that Emerald was in the hospital. That had ended their day and his time with her.

She’d pulled her independent cloak around her and quickly dressed and packed a bag. He’d tried to get her to talk to him, but she was focused on getting to her sister. He respected that even if he didn’t have to like it.

He’d called her when she’d come back to the city, but she hadn’t returned his calls.

“Thank you, Ms. Jewel.”

John’s attention snapped back to the room and he cursed his inattention. Not only had he not been doing his job, but he also had a raging hard-on that would have been impossible to hide if he didn’t have his leather jacket lying across his lap. It was late March and an unexpected cold front had hit the East Coast in the past few days. The forecasters were even predicting it might snow.

Topaz walked back to her seat with her family near the front of the room. He watched her carefully, but she didn’t even look at him. It was frustrating as hell.

She’d kept a polite, respectful distance between them the past month and he was getting tired of it. It was time for them to talk, even if that meant he had to take her somewhere so she would listen.

The woman was making him crazy. He would have passed off what had happened between them last year as simply a crazy one-night stand except that, on numerous occasions, he’d caught her watching him when she thought he wasn’t looking. And he recognized the emotion in her eyes. The woman wanted him even if she wasn’t particularly happy about it.

He could relate.

This was the last day of testimony and her part in the trial was over. Both sides would make their closing remarks later this afternoon and then the jury would be sequestered to make their decision. John knew it wouldn’t take them long to bring down a verdict. The stalker would be going away for a very long time on multiple charges of attempted murder. The defense had tried to argue that he wasn’t psychologically fit for trial, but that was a load of bull. The guy knew what he’d done was wrong. He just didn’t care.

Now that her part in this was over, John could do what he’d wanted to for the past few weeks. It was time to confront Topaz about their relationship. John was forty years old and had spent half of that time in life-and-death situations. He knew there was something special between them. Now it was only a matter of getting her to admit that and give them a chance.

An hour later, the judge stood and so did everyone else in the courtroom. John slid his leather jacket on in anticipation of leaving. The car was in the parking garage next door and they’d leave by a side entrance to avoid the bulk of the media. They wouldn’t be looking for Topaz anyway. All the attention would be on her sister. He felt bad for Emerald, but his concern was for Topaz.

The judge and jury exited and people began to quickly file out of the courtroom as the defendant was taken away. John waited patiently for Topaz and her family to make their way down to the entrance of the room. He stepped in beside her as soon as they reached him.

“Ready to go?”

She shot him an annoyed glare. “I was thinking about having lunch with my family.”

He shook his head. “Not a good idea until the trial is finally over. Better to split up and divide the media’s attention.”

Aloysius Jewel heard his comment and nodded his agreement. “He’s right, baby.” He put his arm around Topaz’s shoulders and dropped a quick kiss on the top of her head. “I’ll take your mother, Emerald can go with Jackson, Sapphire will go with Jake, and you can slip out with John.”

Her frustration was palpable. “I’ll be glad when this is finally over.”

John caught the subtext. She’d be glad when he was finally out of her life. Not going to happen. Not until they’d talked. If, after that, she wanted him gone, he’d go, but not until he tried to talk her into giving their relationship a chance. They had been together under nothing but stressful situations. John wanted to be a part of her everyday life when it wasn’t quite so crazy.

“Let’s go.” He took her coat from her and held it until she reluctantly accepted his help in putting it on. He caught a whiff of her subtle perfume and his fingers brushed against her neck as he fixed her collar. A delicate shiver went through her, but she squared her shoulders and turned toward her family. He patiently waited while she hugged and kissed her sisters and mother. He’d been around the Jewel family long enough to know they never went anywhere without saying a prolonged goodbye. They were fascinating to watch and he found himself drawn to their warmth and the obvious love they shared for one another. He wanted that for himself.

He glanced toward his brother, but Jake had eyes only for Sapphire. He stood behind her, his big body blocking her from the view of all but her family. He understood his brother’s need to protect his woman, and it went far beyond just doing a job, for both brothers.

As if sensing someone watching him, Jake turned his head and met John’s gaze. He inclined his head, but the connection between them was broken seconds later when Sapphire spoke. Jake leaned down to listen to whatever she was saying to him.

He wished his brother luck with her. He’d need it. They both would. Although, he thought he had it harder than Jake did. Topaz was the eldest sister and the most stubborn and bossy of the bunch.

John stood back and kept one eye on Topaz and the other on the people milling in the hallway. If they stayed here long enough the media hounds outside might think they’d already sneaked out and disperse. They should be so lucky. Some of those guys would do just about anything for a story and a few minutes waiting wouldn’t deter them.

Topaz finally turned to him, her smile slightly strained. “I’m ready.”

He wasn’t sure either of them was ready for what was coming, but he knew it was what needed to be done. He glanced at her father. “I’ll take care of her.”

“I’ll see you this afternoon,” she promised her family.

John put his hand on the small of her back and led her toward an elevator at the far end of the corridor. It would take them down to the basement so they could slip into the parking garage where he’d left the car.