BURNING HOT

CHAPTER 4

ILA had endured an exhausting day, juggling one meeting after another. Her schedule grew more taxing when she had to visit the hospital for a consultation with her doctor. The battery of tests she underwent only exacerbated the pain in her leg. Her doctor remained tight-lipped, hinting at the gravity of the situation by insisting on accessing her previous medical records before discussing anything further.

Dread gnawed at her as she considered the possibility of her leg finally giving out. The physician resorted to a potent cortisone injection, a remedy that brought its own agony and a two-day duration of discomfort. Eagerly, she anticipated relief from the pain, longing to alleviate the strain on her leg. She resisted the temptation to relinquish her responsibilities, especially her promise to Sky that she would prepare his cherished chicken pasta for dinner.

Cooking was more than a task; it was an expression of her care. She adored crafting breakfasts and dinners, indulging in the creative process whenever time permitted. The team cherished her culinary delights, with Sarah joining her in the kitchen this evening, fostering a harmonious cooking partnership. Even Ice contributed, his enthusiasm for food making him a constant presence in the kitchen.

Their kitchen was a masterpiece, a result of her collaboration with interior designers who skillfully transformed the space into her personal haven. Memories of her mother's reign in the kitchen invoked a smile. Grateful for Sarah's offer to tidy up, she finally could unwind.

Within the confines of her home, she detested relying on her cane. Despite the present discomfort in her knee, she maneuvered the stairs deliberately, her hand tracing the railing for support. From below, Sam's voice chimed in fron behind.

"Did you really had to prepare dinner tonight? After today's activities, anyone would have be happy to do it including me."

" You could have at least used your cane"

She didn't have the strength to start an argument with him tonight, she urged "Not tonight, Sam. I just want to refresh myself, swim a little, and share dinner with Sky and ask for a nice massage, that will do wonders for my leg." Her weariness was palpable, a side effect her doctor had forewarned.

Understanding her reluctance in using the cane at home, Sam backed down, but his concern remained evident. "Alright, Ila. Just remember, you don't have to shoulder everything. Sky's grown now, he'd understand and definitely won't want you straining yourself."

A fond smile adorned her lips at Sam's thoughtfulness. He was someone you would never imagine as gentle but his care for her was unwavering, a reflection of the gentleness he displayed when nursing her through past illnesses. Memories surfaced of her recovery from a severe fever, his tender ministrations easing her discomfort.

Then came the catastrophic accident, a traumatic event that left her leg shattered and almost claimed her life. She and Sky barely escaped the wreckage that marked their car crash. Sky's miraculous recovery from a five-month-long coma seemed nothing short of a miracle. Throughout her arduous eight months in the hospital, Sam remained a constant presence, offering unwavering support through her numerous surgeries and recuperation.

"Ila wipe that expression off your face," she heard Sam say as he sidled up beside her. She regarded him, her lips curving into a playful smile. His robust shoulders exuded an air of strength as he drew nearer, moving with an unexpected grace. Despite his bear-like stature and over 200 pounds of pure muscle, his beard lent him a dangerously appealing aura that never failed to send shivers down her spine.

"Now that look, my dear, is a perilous one," he warned, his hand rising to cradle the back of her head, pulling her gaze closer to his magnetic one.

"And what kind of look is that?" She intended for a saucy retort, but the words escaped her lips in a breathy whisper as their proximity intensified, her eyes locked onto his.

"It's the kind that screams you're imagining me stripped bare, at your mercy," he replied, the words carrying a seductive note as he gradually closed the remaining distance between them.

Her breath hitched as the space between them vanished, her whisper the only sound amidst their charged anticipation. "And how was I looking at you before that?"

"Like I was your salvation incarnate, admiration glistening in your eyes," he confessed, the weight of his unworthiness underlining his words, "I don't deserve that gaze, Ila. Not at all."

"Enough talk. Kiss me already," she demanded, tugging at the fabric of his shirt before crashing her lips onto his. It wasn't just a kiss; it was a declaration of ownership, a claim staked with fervent ardor. She immersed herself in him, a torrent of passion overflowing as her teeth grazed his lower lip, and her tongue delved into the depths of his mouth.

In an instant, he responded with equal fervor, their desires colliding and intertwining. Bites, nips, and fervent sucking melded into a heated dance, leaving no room for trivial things like drawing a breath.

"Find a room, you two!" Sarah's voice echoed from below the stairs. "Honestly, this place is so electric it might just ignite," she grumbled before retreating to the kitchen.

Gales of laughter escaped Ila at the sight of Sam's frustration, his fiery glare aimed at the interruption.

"Damn that woman and her nosy tendencies," Sam muttered, casting a glance at Ila. She bore the telltale signs of their passionate encounter: swollen lips that bore the marks of his fervor, his own mouth tingling from their shared intensity.

"Allow me to escort you to your room," he offered, wrapping his arm around hers as they ascended the stairs towards her suite. Her accommodation boasted an expansive closet, an extra room designated for her treatment, and a private entrance leading to an indoor pool.

A security flaw had initially been inherent in the pool area, thanks to the floor-to-ceiling windows affording a picturesque view of the city, it was easy to position a sniper from across. But recognizing Ila's love for the room, he had transformed the windows into bulletproof glass, ensuring her safety.

Ideally given that she had problem with her leg, he would have preferred she stayed in one of the rooms on the lower floor, yet the circumstances dictated otherwise, she needed more room for both her treatment and the extravagant closet.

"Why don't you go freshen up and meet me at the pool?" Her words held an air of command, leaving little room for negotiation.

"Mhm, sounds enticing. I've been feeling rather tense lately," he admitted.

Ila snorted in amusement, her response never failing to spark a smile in him. He left her by her suite's entrance, descending the stairs to his own room to address the aftermath of their heated encounter. His body pulsed with need, his arousal growing painfully evident. He pondered whether he could maintain restraint when confronted with the sight of her in one of her tantalizing swimsuits – or, knowing her, she might even opt for a naked swim. Her penchant for teasing wasn't lost on him; she often paraded around in ways that tested his self-control.

Inside his room, he approached the table, unfastening his shirt and draping it over the chair. Striding to his gun holster, he loosened the straps securing it. Nestled there were two guns – a Beretta 92 and a Smith & Wesson Shield, both 9mm – along with extra magazines. His ambidextrous training afforded him an extraordinary proficiency with both hands.

With swift efficiency, he removed his shoes, socks, belt, and pants, revealing a secondary strap encircling his lower leg. A solitary Dagger Knife with a Vortec Sheath lay nestled there. The stainless steel spiral blade bore a sharp piercing point, while the glass fiber-reinforced nylon handle featured a stainless steel glass breaker pommel. Its length stretched to 13 1/2 inches, a testament to its utility and potency.

He pulled his boxer briefs off his still very hard d**k and walked to the bathroom to shower, he couldn't go back to Ila with a ranging hard on, he needed to remove the edge at least.

~°~°~•~°~°~

After a refreshing shower, Ila contemplated indulging in a naked swim, her usual inclination. But today, she opted for a pristine white lingerie set. The bra offered a modest touch, though she couldn't help but smirk at the more daring allure of the panties. Returning to her bedroom, she took a wine glass and filled it halfway, savoring each sip as the rich taste danced across her palate. A lover of fine wines, she relished this Chambertin Grand Cru from Leroy, though her preference leaned towards Guardian of Great Wines. She resolved to bring the entire bottle with her.

Slipping into the pool, Ila completed a few laps, her thoughts drifting to whether Sam might have reconsidered his decision. Regardless, she was content to savor the serene atmosphere alone. Leaning her palm against the glass, she gazed out at the breathtaking view of California. It was this indoor pool that had captivated her heart, and though Sam hadn't initially shared her enthusiasm for it, the compromise had proven worthwhile.

Unbeknownst to her, Sam observed from the doorway, his gaze following her movements as she peered outside. Though her expression remained hidden, the subtle relaxation of her body spoke volumes. A decisive push of the door followed by a secure lock on his part set the stage. Swiftly turning around, he found her mid-pool, her head bobbing above the water's surface, a tantalizing glimpse of her breast adding to the allure.

"Looks like someone finally decided to make an appearance," she purred, her gaze locking onto him in the dim light. A quick glance at his undraped torso was enough to affirm the undying appeal of his physique; the allure of his bare skin seemed unending. Observing him, she felt a rush of satisfaction; the sight of him without a single thread was a luxury she treasured. Her breath caught, her chest tightening with each step he took, his presence exuding the commanding aura of an Alpha predator closing in on its prey.

He met her gaze with a smirk, his eyes gleaming in the muted light. "Had to address a little inconvenience," he murmured, his left palm drifting over the swelling evidence of his desire. His voice held an undertone of sensuous promise, the movement of his hand a deliberate act of temptation. As he approached, his gaze remained locked onto hers, dark and intense, promising a storm of passion.

Standing at the edge of the pool, he reached down to pick her glass. His fingers trailed a leisurely path along the rim of the glass, a suggestive reminder of their shared desires. The atmosphere thickened with longing, the air charged with anticipation as he drew closer, his presence a gravitational pull.

Ila was taken aback by Sam's confession – the intensity of his arousal, triggered by their kiss, had been so overwhelming that he found himself needing a moment to regain his composure. The explicit images that had flooded her mind ignited a fire within her, stoking her desire, and the warm embrace of the pool only heightened those sensations.

"You have a way of throwing me off balance, no matter how tempting," she countered playfully, her eyes dancing with amusement.

Sam's response carried with it a promise that ignited a rapid thudding in her chest. "I assure you, I plan on ensuring things are more evenly matched, baby girl," he pledged, moving towards a nearby chair to set down his gun. He turned his attention back to her, the wine glass in her hand, her gaze resolutely locked onto him as she took a measured sip. Her eyes spoke volumes, revealing a hunger that mirrored his own. "Well, if my charm isn't persuasive enough, the allure of the water is beckoning," she teased, abandoning her glass and swimming purposefully closer to him. She extended her hand, her presence exuding the essence of a water goddess, an alluring and irresistible temptation.

"You're sounding rather mischievous," he responded, his tone carrying a blend of playfulness and a deep-seated hunger that mirrored hers.

Meeting his gaze with a storm of amber, her allure was impossible to resist. He bent down, his fingers reaching for her hand, yet before he could react, she exerted surprising strength, pulling him with a force that tugged him into the pool. Erupting from the water's surface, he quickly scanned the surroundings, locating her standing near the glass wall, a playful smile adorning her lips.

"Did we manage to capture that on camera? I almost wish we did," she chuckled, glancing towards one of the cameras stationed around them. "Don't forget, big bear, I've got the training of a fighter," she added, demonstrating her strength by playfully pushing against him.

Grinning, he acknowledged, "You got me. I expected you'd attempt it, but I truly didn't think you'd actually succeed."

Stepping into the water with fluid grace, every movement was deliberate, an invitation extended through each calculated step. The water embraced him, its gentle ripples caressing his form as if mirroring the touch she so fervently craved. Leaning casually against the pool's edge, he wore a sultry smile that held its own magnetic allure.

"I often wonder why you choose words when actions can communicate so much more," she mused, her voice laced with a tantalizing challenge. Her approach was leisurely, an intentional invitation that granted him the time to fully appreciate the allure she presented. As the distance between them dwindled, her breath grew more urgent, her pulse syncing with the rising desire within her.

Bound by an electrifying gaze, they seemed to exist in a private world, where all external concerns melted away. She yearned for his touch, her skin ablaze with anticipation. Slowly submerging herself, the cool water enveloped her heated body.

His presence grew more palpable, the charged atmosphere generating an electrifying connection. The warmth of his breath swept across her skin as he moved nearer, their bodies tantalizingly close. The magnetic force between them escalated, transforming into an undeniable, pulsating energy that tested her restraint.

Her playful demeanor evolved into audacious determination. In an instant, her bra vanished, revealing her submerged allure. "You're certainly escalating your teasing, aren't you, baby girl?" he warned, his voice a husky growl.

Her response was bold. "Seems I've finally captured the bear's full attention, haven't I?"

Gripping her hair firmly yet gently, he guided her face to meet his gaze. "You've accomplished far more than that, baby girl," he confessed, their lips now mere breaths apart, the charged tension between them palpable. Their longing gazes communicated a promise, an impending connection that held the potential to ignite like an uncontained storm.