The molding formed long, vertical panels more than six feet tall and three feet wide, which, in itself, aroused her suspicion. She pressed on each one with no luck, and was about to quit when one panel gave under her palm.

Pay dirt! Suddenly nervous, she went and peeked at Jude to find he hadn’t budged an inch. His soft snore reassured her and she returned to her task.

The panel was located in the perfect spot should it conceal a small hidden room-at the corner of the house where no one would notice the discrepancy in the scant number of feet between the panel and the outside of the house. Not in a million years.

Her excitement grew as she gave a quiet knock. Definitely not solid. But if it opened, where was the spring? “Come on,” she muttered, pushing all around the inside edge of the panel. No luck. In frustration, she leaned against the right- hand strip of molding.

And the whole piece popped inward. In surprise, she jerked away and it popped out again, spring-loaded. The entire panel slid neatly and almost soundlessly to the left, revealing a metal ladder facing her, affixed to the brick.

“Holy shit,” she breathed. “Robin, I think we found the Bat Cave.”

She peered over the edge. The ladder descended into darkness and, she bet, to Jude’s “war room” underground. There, she was likely to find one or both of the missing encrypted files.

A groan from the bedroom kicked her pulse into overdrive. Cursing her bad luck, she pushed the strip again and the panel slid into place once more. She’d have to return when the coast was clear, but at least she’d made progress.

Glancing around to be sure all was as she’d found it, she turned off the light and moved stealthily out into the bedroom. Jude was sitting up on the side of his bed, back to her, stretching and obviously trying to wake up.

She was halfway to escape when he stiffened. “Who’s there?” God, he must have the supersonic hearing of an owl. She cleared her throat. “It’s me, Lily.”

He turned his head toward her, a slight frown on his handsome face. “What are you doing?”

“I came to check on you like I’d promised Liam.”

His expression cleared and he made no attempt to cover himself. “Oh. Well, that was sweet. I hope my being naked doesn’t bother you.”

“Not in the way you mean, which I believe we’ve established,” she said, smiling. “How do you feel?”

“Surprisingly, much better. I’m usually out for the day when it hits, but the nap and the meds seem to have done the trick.”

Lily closed the distance between them. The proof of how much better he felt jutted from between his thighs. Licking her lips, she wondered if he always got morning wood.

“I-I’m glad. No more nightmares?”

“None that I recall.” But his posture tensed, shoulders hunched as though to weather a blow.

Seemed she’d touched a nerve. Was he telling the truth? She thought so, but it was hard to say.

She brushed a stray lock of fiery hair from his face. “Liam told me about it earlier. Are you sure you’re all right?”

“I am now. No problem.”

She had her doubts. He fell quiet for a few moments, clutching the bedcovers. “Right. That’s the same load of bull I’m getting from Liam.”

“Well, then, that should tell you I’m fine. He knows me better than anyone.”

“I’m not talking about you. I’m talking about Liam.”

He frowned. “What do you mean?”

“Are you completely oblivious to anyone but yourself? No matter what he claims, he’s not fine at all. Haven’t you sensed something’s not as it should be with him?”

After a moment’s hesitation, he nodded. “I suppose so,” he said slowly. “Now that you mention it. Has he confided in you?”

“No. I asked him, but he doesn’t know me well enough to feel comfortable sharing whatever’s bothering him.”

“Yet he’s plenty comfortable enough to share other parts of himself with you,” he said shortly.

Warmth spread in her tummy. “And that bothers you?”

“Yes, and no.” He gave a soft laugh. “I don’t know why it should confuse me. It’s not as though Liam and I haven’t shared lovers before.”

“I’m not your lover,” she pointed out.

“Yet.” Then he lay back on the bed, propping himself up on his elbows. Slowly and deliberately, he let his legs fall open, treating her to a delicious pose. “But that can be remedied.”

A mischievous half smile curved his lips, green eyes visible through the fiery hair falling all around his face. The corded muscles of his chest, stomach, and biceps stood out in relief, bunched under golden skin. His long, thick cock rested on his belly, heavy balls nestled underneath.

“Are you trying to memorize me, honey?”

He knew she was ogling, damn him. “You have no idea.”

“Really? Why don’t you come here? I’ll give you something to remember me by.”

Oh, God.

“My memory is excellent.”

“Tactile experience will sharpen it even more,” he said, playful.

He looked positively wicked. And so sure of himself, confident in his sexuality. He seemed certain she’d cave, give them what they both wanted.

And the son of a bitch was right.

Lily stepped out of her heels, unbuttoned her blouse, and shrugged it off. Next, she unzipped her skirt, let it fall to the floor, and went to stand between his spread knees, ran her hands up his strong thighs.

“If you’re not as naked as I am, you’re overdressed,” he said, holding out a hand to her.

She took it, crawling up with him. “No worries. I’ve wanted to be with you like this for days.” That much was the absolute truth. “You enjoy anticipation, don’t you?”

“Guilty. I believe good sex, like fine wine, was meant to be savored. Held on the palate and sipped until you become intoxicated with the richness of it.”

A vivid picture of him eating Tamara, fucking her, rose in her mind and she had to agree he was fantastic at savoring and sipping. “I’ve never heard anyone put it quite like that. I’d like to savor you.”

“I’m at your mercy,” he said in a low voice. “Don’t let me stop you.”

Taking advantage, she stretched out next to him and raked her fingers through his silky hair as she’d been itching to do, enjoying its weight and texture. The other palm she skimmed across his chest, pleased at how his nipples tightened under her touch.

She bent and tasted them, pulled and nipped each one. Jude sucked in a breath but didn’t move, simply allowed her to explore at will. Moving south, she admired his flat stomach that, like the rest of him, evidenced time in the workout room. But the real prize was the package between his legs, and she crawled between them for better access.

Lord, he was big. He’d probably brought ecstasy to many lovers with that huge cock. God knew he’d made Tamara scream. For the first time, she imagined him impaling Liam’s pretty ass, sliding deep, making the sexy younger man cry out…

Lily’s body ignited. Fire flared in her pussy and she grasped Jude’s organ, pumping the base in a firm grip. He moaned, arched his back, seeking more. Pre- cum leaked from the bulbous head, the shaft flushed a purplish red.

“Want to know what I’m thinking?” she asked.

“Y-yes, honey. Tell me.”

“I’m picturing you fucking Liam.” A hearty groan punctuated her statement as she continued to stroke. “You’ve fucked him, haven’t you?”

“Yes, I have.”

“Do you love bending him over, splitting his ass with this huge cock? Being buried deep inside him?”

“God, yes,” he rasped. “He’s an incredible lover, as you well know.”

She laughed softly. “That I do. Tell me something… Could I watch, the next time you fuck him?” She’d show Jude anticipation. She was going to drive him crazy. Bending, she licked the head of his cock, tasting the salty drops.

He hissed, making a visible effort to control the thrust of his hips. “I’ll go one better. You can join us.”

A thrill went through her at the idea, but she hesitated, thinking of Liam and whatever was troubling him. “Will he mind?”