Her Perfect Game Read online

  Jonah watched the room while Carl talked. He hoped it wasn’t Charlie who had cheated. He quickly dismissed the idea. Charlie was always honorable. She wouldn’t cheat.

  Carl studied each player. “Anyone want to come clean?”

  “Hell, no, they won’t. Why would they? I’m ahead of everyone. They take me out, they can win.”

  “Take a seat.” Carl pointed and Jonah followed. In a low voice, he said, “We didn’t plan for this. How do you want to handle it? We figured the threat would be enough.”

  “Give me a minute. I’ll get in and see if I can figure out who did it.” Jonah walked to the front of the room where Carl had his laptop set up. Jonah felt all eyes on him. He was glad he wouldn’t have to figure out the path to take since Carl had it all outlined. Jonah logged on and began reading code. On the first three sites, the same players marked their path. Charlie was one of them. He held back his smile. He wasn’t supposed to have favorites.

  He jumped ahead a few sites. Poison, the hacker who was pissed off, disappeared at the seventh site. When Jonah went further ahead, he could see Poison logged on the eleventh site. It was possible that Poison got sidetracked and took the wrong path, but not likely. The guy was good.

  Jonah eased back out and looked for the changes that might reveal the cheater. The hackers were getting restless, and they began popping open cans of energy drinks. From the corner of his eye, he saw Charlie stand and walk over to Carl. Then she left.

  He knew she wasn’t guilty. Plus, she hadn’t taken her stuff. He needed to ignore her. Carl came over a minute later and slid a piece of paper next to the keyboard. MAVERICK.

  Jonah looked at Carl, who shrugged. Following a lead, even if it was unsubstantiated, had to be better than following each of the more than twenty players in the room. Jonah looked at Maverick’s progress. Sure enough, he had been on Poison’s heels through the eighth site. Then there was a lapse of fifteen minutes before he appeared on the ninth site.

  After looking at the code and checking out Maverick’s patterns, Jonah saw it. The trail that had been deleted that showed Maverick had been there and then exited without leaving his mark. There was no reason to do that unless you didn’t want people to know you’d arrived.

  Carl straightened. “Maverick.” Everyone shifted as Charlie reentered the room. “Are you really going to make me pull registration to match names with ID? Grow the hell up.”

  A guy in the corner shoved away from the table. “I’m Maverick.”

  Carl tilted his head to get Maverick to come forward.

  “Screw this.” Maverick grabbed his laptop and stormed out, not even waiting to hear the accusation.

  Carl took a deep breath and said to Poison, “I’m not sure how to make this fair for you.”

  “Don’t worry about me. As long as no one else fucks with me, I’ll smoke everyone in the room.”

  When everyone quieted, Jonah stood. “I hope that’s the last problem we run into. You guys have to realize that there’s more to this competition than the prize money and ticket to Def Con. There are companies here looking for people like you. We want to hire brilliant thinkers. Not cheaters.”

  He walked away, disappointed because Maverick had been on his list of people to check out. Carl reclaimed his spot at the front of the room and announced time for players to restart. When they were all attacking their laptops, Carl wandered around before making his way back to Jonah.

  When he was close, Jonah whispered, “Who gave you the tip?”

  Carl looked over his shoulder. “The blonde. She sat there for five minutes, and you could tell something was poking her. I thought maybe she was the guilty one until she tucked that paper in my hand. Even then, I thought maybe she was trying to throw you off her trail.”

  The energy of the room buzzed. The sugar- and caffeine-fueled participants continued on their quest, but they were somber, like they just realized the rules were there for a purpose. Some stole glances at him, probably wondering who he was.

  Not Charlie. She tapped away at keys, and he itched to check to see how far along she was. He couldn’t wait until after this challenge. He wanted to know how she knew Maverick was guilty. She hadn’t been sitting by him, so she couldn’t have watched.

  Because of the level of difficulty in this challenge, people stayed put when they finished. They needed to make sure they hadn’t taken a wrong turn. Carl had also told them that the last challenge was going to be different and they needed to hang around for directions. Carl and Jonah hunkered down to check paths and code as people declared they’d reached the end.

  Charlie was the third to finish. Jonah made sure that Carl checked her. Although he wouldn’t cheat for her, he didn’t want to take any chances with someone accusing him of letting her win. After they checked everything and announced the top ten finalists, the losers left.

  Carl stood. “Tomorrow night, plan for what might be an all-nighter. You’ll need a partner because we’ll be doing a capture the flag.”

  All ten hackers started mumbling, but Poison spoke up first. “What does that mean for the prize money and the Def Con registration?”

  Carl smiled. “Glad you asked. We’ve got a second registration set, but you’ll have to split the prize money. Still not a bad deal.”

  “What if we prefer to work alone?”

  “The sponsors want to see how everyone works as part of a team.” Carl didn’t expand on that explanation, but Jonah could see that a few guys were not pleased by the prospect.

  Jonah could’ve called it. Poison was a lone wolf. He wanted to do his own thing and not have to answer to anyone. He was skilled, Jonah would give him that, but he was arrogant.

  The players all started looking around sizing each other up more than they had upon entering the room for the past two nights.

  “You have until tomorrow night to decide. You don’t have to declare anything now. Go have a drink. Get to know each other. We’ll have this room open at least an hour early if you want to meet here.”

  Jonah wished he had entered the competition just so he could partner with Charlie. It had been so long since he had worked side by side with her. It would’ve been fun.

  But he had the chance for a different kind of fun as soon as the room cleared. He stood by the door and answered questions as participants filtered out. When Charlie came past, he stood in front of her, blocking others’ view, and tucked his room key in her jacket pocket. “Any questions?”

  She flashed a ready smile. “Not at all. I think I’ve got this handled.”

  Yeah, she had him handled all right.

  Chapter 7

  Charlie left the conference room feeling pretty damn good. Not only had she ranked in the top three, but Jonah was also keeping his word about getting together tonight. A key card in her pocket said plenty. The halls were quiet, as the vendors had wrapped up hours ago. She knew she’d find company in the bar if she wanted some.

  What she really needed to do was figure out who she wanted to pair with for tomorrow’s challenge. As she walked toward the elevator, she thought about the opposition. No way would she ask Poison; the dude was pretty toxic. She was sure he wouldn’t want to work with her anyway; she was beneath him. Then again, he thought everyone was beneath him.

  “Excuse me,” someone behind her called.

  Charlie turned around. The only other female in the hacking competition stared at her.

  “Hi, I’m Jane. Uh, Cracker.”

  Charlie nodded. The name fit her. The girl was as pale as a snowman. That probably wasn’t why she’d chosen the hacker name, but Charlie wasn’t looking to get into a lengthy conversation about the origins of their names. Jane continued to stare, so Charlie asked, “Can I do something for you?”

  Jane shook her head as if to clear it. “Yeah, I was hoping you might want to pair up for tomorrow’s challenge. You know, since we’re the only two girls in the running.”

  “We should work together simply because we’re the same sex?”
>
  Color bloomed on Jane’s cheeks. “Well, not the only reason. Obviously, we’re both good. I mean, I get that you’re better than me since you came in third, but you know what it’s like with the guys. Most of them can’t believe we’re allowed in the same room. As if we’re not worthy.”

  Of course Charlie knew.

  “You don’t really want to go through having to talk to all of the guys and hope one of them will partner with you, do you?”

  “I also don’t want to rush into an arrangement without considering all my options.”

  “Fair enough. Maybe we can grab a coffee tomorrow afternoon?”

  “Sure. I’ll look for you on the con floor. Have a good night.” The elevator opened, and Charlie sincerely hoped Jane wouldn’t follow. She wanted to go to her room and grab some clothes and then go to Jonah’s room. Would spending the night interfere with her keeping it simple? Worse, was she being presumptuous to think she could spend the night in Jonah’s room?

  She rolled her eyes. She and Jonah had spent plenty of nights together, and he never had a problem with it before. A quick run through her room and then she went up two floors to Jonah’s room. Part of her wished she had something special to wear, but she didn’t even own any sexy lingerie.

  All this thinking was making her nuts. This was Jonah. He liked her the way she was. At least while she was naked. She wasn’t quite sure what else to think of Jonah. She’d never gotten around to asking why he left without a word. Mostly she was afraid of the answer. He’d moved on to bigger and better things.

  And she’d needed to grow up.

  Which she had done. Could they have some kind of future now? Charlie couldn’t even go there. Once in Jonah’s room, she took out her laptop and logged in to Resskaar. She hadn’t returned since the whole ugly scene with Kraven. A bit of guilt tugged at her when she realized that part of why she logged on was to see if Win was around. She missed hanging with him.

  The game opened, and she saw herself on the floor of the house where Kraven had attacked her. She ran from the room and back through the forest to her cave. Win would look for her there. Once she was away from the house, she took a moment to look at stats. Win wasn’t logged in now. Neither was Kraven, thank God. But there was no sign that Win had been on since he’d saved her. No missions completed.

  He hadn’t even left her a message.

  That wasn’t like Win. He always talked to her after a big battle, and this had been way worse than any battle she’d faced. This was personal. Maybe that’s why Win hadn’t been around. What do you say to a friend who’d almost been raped?

  She heard the quiet click of the room lock and looked up as Jonah came in.

  “You’re here,” he said with a smile.

  “Isn’t this where you wanted me?”

  “Actually, I want you naked in my bed, but I’ll settle for this.” He tossed his stuff on the table behind her laptop. “What are you doing?”

  “I logged in to play Resskaar while I waited for you. Want to play? Talk nice to me and I might let you in my guild.” She wagged her eyebrows and then winked.

  A strange look crossed his face, but his smile held as he closed her laptop. “I’m not looking to play those kind of games tonight.”

  Her blood warmed as he spoke and edged closer to her. He grabbed her hand and tugged her to stand. “These are some seriously ugly clothes. I get you don’t want to go ultra-feminine while hacking, but this is ridiculous.”

  He pulled her jacket off and then ran his fingers through her hair. She didn’t move. Having his hands on her in any way made her blood rush. She’d missed this. A guy she really liked and cared for who would look into her eyes to turn her on.

  “Much better,” he mumbled and lowered his lips to hers.

  The kiss was slow and sweet. Jonah took his time reacquainting himself with her mouth. They hadn’t kissed earlier because of her body paint, and she hadn’t thought it mattered. She was wrong. His kiss was a precursor to everything. He just kept kissing her as if there was nothing else.

  Impatience propelled her forward, and she shoved him toward the bed. She was only able to move him because she’d caught him off guard. She felt his smile against her mouth a second before he planted his feet.

  His mouth moved across her jaw and to her neck. Into her ear, he whispered, “I have a lot to make up for this morning and we have all night.”

  She shivered at the thought of all night. She tugged at his shirt and yanked until he stepped back far enough for her to pull it over his head. Then she followed with her shirt. Jonah moved slowly when he wasn’t distracted. Charlie planned to do everything in her power to distract him; slow wasn’t going to work for her. Before he moved in again, she whipped off her bra.

  He groaned and Charlie knew she was on the right track. Jonah’s hands became very busy with her breasts, so she was able to shift closer to the bed. Only a few more feet and she’d be able to push him down. She wasn’t in the mood for games. She wanted Jonah naked.

  Jonah unbuttoned her jeans as he kissed across her collarbone. The move grabbed her attention, so she stopped moving and just enjoyed the sensation. His hands slid into her pants and grabbed her ass, pushing her tight against him. She felt the hard length of his cock and gave his shoulders a shove.

  The movement startled him enough that he stared at her with wide eyes.

  “Get naked, Jonah.” She pushed her jeans off and stepped out of them. He did the same. His dick sprang when he removed his underwear, and she licked her lips.

  “Don’t even think about it.”

  She raised an eyebrow.

  “I mean, save it for later. I need to improve my reputation.”

  She laughed. “You’re such a guy sometimes.”

  “Uh, all the time, thanks.”

  “No, I mean, you’re worried about what? The fact that you didn’t make me come this morning? It was still good sex. And it was fun.”

  “I don’t know who’s been telling you lies, but sex without an orgasm isn’t good. I plan to show you good. Excellent even.” He grabbed her waist, turned, and tossed her on the bed.

  She liked Jonah when he was aggressive and pushy. He was so laid-back the rest of the time, it was a turn-on to know he only did this with her. Well, in bed, but she didn’t want to stop to think if he was like this with other women.

  And a second later, she couldn’t think at all because Jonah’s mouth was on her nipple, his fingers rubbing her clit. Then he slipped a finger in. Her hips caught his rhythm and met his hand. A second finger joined the first, and he curled them inside her while his thumb continued to stroke her clit.

  It felt like her whole body was lifting off the bed, but his weight kept her grounded. He kissed her neck, her ear, and then back to her mouth. His hand picked up the pace, and her muscles convulsed as the orgasm washed over her. She was breathless, but Jonah continued to kiss her, stealing her oxygen, making her light-headed.

  When her hips stopped moving, he levered himself above her, brought his fingers to his mouth, and licked them. “Tasty.”

  Then his tongue replaced his hand and he began to lap at her in slow, smooth strokes. Charlie was going to push him away. She was too sensitive, but as his tongue slid over and around her lips, everywhere but her clit, she felt her lust building again. He pushed his tongue into her, and a moan of approval vibrated against her.

  Before she knew it, she gripped his hair and held him in place while he tasted and licked her. The need built slow and steady. Her breath began to hitch, and she tried to drag his mouth back to her clit, to give her the release she sought again, but he held fast. He would swipe his tongue close, circle around, but not quite hit the mark.

  If this had been their first time, Charlie would’ve thought he needed a road map. But he was doing this intentionally. He was doing his best to torture her. He’d tongue fuck her for a minute or two and then pull away and nibble on the tendon at the juncture where her thigh met her pelvis.

  Jus
t when she thought the frustration would make her scream, Jonah came at her again, giving her a real reason to scream. He licked all over and finally sucked her clit into his mouth and held it between his teeth. She shattered after she screamed, and she couldn’t breathe.

  When she opened her eyes, Jonah’s face was above hers with a satisfied grin. “Excellent?”

  She couldn’t talk; her lungs still couldn’t fill to capacity, so she nodded.

  He leaned close to her ear and whispered, “And I’m still not done with you, Charlie.”

  She closed her eyes and swallowed hard. She wasn’t sure how much more she could take.

  Jonah couldn’t look in Charlie’s eyes. When she was like this, she was so open and vulnerable. It made him feel like shit. But that didn’t stop him from putting on a condom and sliding into her.

  Being inside Charlie was like coming home. She hadn’t been his first girlfriend, or his last, but she’d always been the only one he loved. Which is why he felt shitty for leaving her. Yet she accepted him back as if it had been no big deal.

  He buried his face in her neck and breathed in her scent as he buried his cock as deep inside her as he could. She wrapped her legs around his hips and ran her fingers across his shoulders. He slowed his thrusts, but she bucked up against him.

  “Faster.”

  He pulled away from the warmth of her body, and before he could make a move, she straightened her legs against his chest and hooked her ankles on his shoulders. He sank deep into her and moved faster to accommodate her request.

  Their flesh slapped with the frenetic pace, and Charlie began to moan again, a sure sign that she wanted to come, that she was close. His hand slid down the front of her thigh, but her hand beat him to the mark. She began to rub herself, and the image was so fucking hot, he lost his last bit of concentration and felt his balls tighten. He dropped her legs and grabbed her shoulders, pounding into her as he emptied. Her hand was trapped between them. She came right after he started, her walls pulsing around him, milking him, pulling him closer. He pumped until he couldn’t move anymore.