All the Way by Kimberley White

body quickly succumbed to his rhythm. Her body felt heavy, wet, and cold. She slumped into the stack of pillows.
    Adriano glanced up with his dancing eyes. “Your boyfriend must be dangerous. Ramming into the back of us like that. Shooting at you. Getting a buddy at the FBI to kidnap you.”
    He was fishing for information. Payton conceded she owed him an explanation. He was placing his life in jeopardy to help a complete stranger. But giving him the truth would only put him in more danger. She opted to continue the lie. “That about sums Bobby up.”
    â€œWho’s Bobby?”
    She stiffened. What name had she used?
    Adriano’s eyes burned into her. “You said your boyfriend’s name was Tommy.”
    â€œIt isn’t. It’s Bobby. I didn’t want to tell you his real name.”
    â€œWhy not?” He was coming in for the kill, using a tone as soft as silk. “You told me your name—first and last. I could track him down with that information alone. Everything you’ve said, running away without any clothes, the fear in your eyes . . . This is about more than an angry boyfriend. Why were you at the Adam’s Mark Hotel?”
    Payton wanted to trust him so badly. She needed help to get out of this situation alive. She was alone and cold and afraid—very afraid. She could tell Adriano the truth. He’d been a big help to her. He had proven he wouldn’t abandon her. If the truth was too heavy for him, the worst that could happen would be him running away. The best: he’d help her find a solution to her problem.
    â€œWhy were the police and ambulances at the hotel?”
    The image of dead bodies assaulted her. The sound of gunfire echoed in her ears.
    He placed her feet on the bed. A sign he was about to leave.
    â€œPayton, I’ll help you if you’re in trouble, but only if you tell me the truth. I’ve been patient—more than patient, considering everything—but it’s time now to tell me everything.”
    They watched each other for a long moment as Payton wrestled with what to do.
    His cell phone jingled. When he left the bed, the mattress shifted, tossing her into reality.
    When had he gotten it from the backseat?
    His partner had been at the Adam’s Mark.
    She wouldn’t be able to keep the truth from him . . . and when he found out she had lied—he would leave her . . . alone . . . abandoned . . . afraid.
    â€œAdriano.” Her voice quivered.
    He pressed the phone to his ear and moved across the room. He asked the caller, “What’s happening at the hotel?” He glanced in her direction, and Payton knew she had no more time.
    â€œI’ll tell you everything.” She scrambled off the bed and ran to him. “Please hang up the phone, and let me tell my side of it.”
    He stared into her eyes as the male voice on the other end of the phone rambled on. She grabbed the ends of his shirt and clung to him. “Please, Adriano.” She buried her face against the muscles of his chest. “Hear me out.”
    â€œAre you still there, A?” the man called.
    She burrowed deeper into the definition of his chest, holding on for life. His free arm came up to her waist. His muscles loosened, making her sink deeper into his body. His chest felt like silk cloth covering rock. He cradled her into false comfort. Her eyes fluttered for a brief moment before the voice on the cell phone reminded her of her mission.
    â€œJake, I’ll call you back.” Adriano disconnected, setting her away from him. He loomed over her, waiting, his patience gone. “Start talking, angel.”

Chapter 6
    Silk gliding over smooth cotton. Payton’s soft curves pressed against his hard body. The give of the mattress when he suspended his body weight above her on his elbows. Pumping deep. “ Adriano, please.” Pumping. The headboard slamming against the wall with every thrust of his pelvis. “