by Elle James
“We won’t know until the EOD guys can either dismantle it or blow it up. I suspect they’ll blow it up. Either way, they’ll let us know.”
T-Mac’s lips pressed into a thin line and his jaw firmed. “What the hell? We’re inside the wire here in Djibouti.”
Harm nodded. “Which means we have a traitor among us.”
“Someone who doesn’t like me,” Kinsley added.
“Why?” Harm asked.
“My guess is whoever left the package could be the one who shot Kinsley point-blank.” T-Mac’s chest tightened. “He’s afraid she’ll recognize him and blow his cover.”
“But I can’t remember anything about that incident,” Kinsley said.
“He probably knows that,” Harm said. “Word gets around camp quickly.”
“He probably also knows that your memory could return at any time. He just wants to make sure it doesn’t happen before he can get rid of you.” T-Mac faced Kinsley. “Until we determine who it is, you’re not safe here.”
A shiver rippled from the base of Kinsley’s neck down her spine. “In that case, we might as well go on another mission. Agar and I will be as safe, if not safer, with your SEAL team.”
“True,” Harm said.
T-Mac’s jaw tightened.
Kinsley almost laughed. The man was torn. He didn’t want her on any mission with them, but she could tell he didn’t like the idea of her staying behind and being the target of a traitor.
Finally, he sighed. “You’re right. In the meantime, I’m hanging out with Specialist Anderson until further notice.”
“You know you can’t stay in her quarters,” Harm reminded him.
“I know, but I sure as hell can camp out on her doorstep.”
“I don’t need a babysitter,” Kinsley insisted.
“No, but you need a bodyguard.” T-Mac held up a hand to keep her from saying more. “Just go with this. If this were happening to one of us, we’d do the same.”
Harm nodded. “That’s true. You always need someone watching your back.”
T-Mac winked. “I’ve got your six. Think about it. If Agar hadn’t warned you, what would have happened?”
A chill swept across her skin. She could have been blown to bits.
“Come on.” Harm jerked his head toward the command center. “We need to report to the CO. He has to know what just happened.”
Agar nudged her hand.
Kinsley rubbed her fingers over the top of his head. “It’s okay, boy.” Then she snapped on his lead. He couldn’t know all of what was happening, but he was unsettled by the number of people in her quarters and Kinsley’s physical distress, no matter how she tried to hide it.
T-Mac and Harm marched her to the command center. The other four members of T-Mac’s immediate team joined them, asking questions and expressing concern.
Once they reported what had happened to the commander, his face appeared as if set in stone. “We knew we had a possible leak among us, but this takes it to a different level.” He nodded toward T-Mac. “You know what you have to do?”
T-Mac nodded. “I’ll cover for Specialist Anderson.”
“We’ll all look out for her and Agar,” Harm promised.
“Good.” The commander glanced around at the rest of the team. “We all need to be ready and keep our eyes peeled for anything that might lead us to our traitor.”
All six SEALs and Kinsley snapped to attention. “Yes, sir!”
The commander touched Kinsley’s arm. “Are you good with all this? If not, we can ship you out on the next transport.”
“No way,” she said, and added, “Sir. I’m in this for the long haul. Whoever is betraying us and our country needs to be brought down. I want to be a part of the takedown. That bastard needs to pay.”
The commander grinned. “That’s what I like to hear.” He clapped his hands together. “Be alert. Be ready.”
As they left the command center, Harm asked, “Anyone up for chow?”
“I’m not particularly hungry,” Kinsley said.
“Yeah, but you need to fuel up,” T-Mac said. “We never know when we’ll be called up.”
She nodded, knowing he was right. Her stomach was still knotted from the scare of the explosives package and the kiss from the man at her side. She wasn’t sure any food would help her stomach relax, but she had to maintain her strength in order to keep up with the SEAL team. Kinsley refused to slow them down in any way.
In the dining facility, she choked down half a sandwich and a few chips and waited while the others finished their meals. By the time they were done, day was turning into evening.
They exited the dining facility and headed toward the living quarters.
Harm, Buck, Diesel, Big Jake and Pitbull peeled off at their quarters, but T-Mac continued beside Kinsley.
“Agar and I are going for a run. You don’t have to go with us. We’ll be out in the open and safe.”
“I need to go for a run, too.” He patted his flat abs. “Can’t keep up my girlish figure by eating bonbons and sitting around.”
“Seriously, I don’t want to monopolize your time. Surely whoever left the package won’t try anything out in broad—” she caught herself and continued “—out in the open.”
“We don’t know what he’ll try. And if it’s all right by you, I’m not taking any chances.”
Kinsley sighed. “I don’t like taking up all of your time.”
“What else do we have to do?” He waved his hand at their surroundings. “It’s the typical military deal—hurry up and wait.”
“In that case, meet me outside in five minutes.”
He planted his feet in the dirt and crossed his arms over his chest. “I’ll wait here.”
“No, really.” Kinsley touched his arm and immediately retracted her hand when sparks seemed to fly off her fingers and up into her chest. “What could happen in five minutes?”
“A lot.”
“You can’t go with me everywhere, and I can’t go with you. Five minutes will be fine.” She pointed toward his unit. “Go change into your PT uniform.”
“I’m wearing it,” he insisted, though he was in his full uniform, boots and all.
Kinsley planted her fists on her hips. “I’m not going anywhere until you change into your shorts. And I’d have to wait for you outside your unit if I followed you. Just do it, and get back. I promise not to get blown up in the meantime.”
He stood for a moment longer, staring into her eyes, and then sighed. “Okay, but I want to check your room before you go in.”
Kinsley glanced down at her dog. “Agar does a pretty good job of it for me,” she reminded him.
“Humor me, will ya?”
She raised her hands. “Okay.” Unlocking the door, she pushed it open and released Agar’s lead. “But let Agar go first.”
T-Mac’s lips twisted. “Deal.”
She gave Agar the command to search, pointing into the building.
Agar entered, nose to the ground. As small as the unit was, it took only seconds for him to trot back to her side. He displayed no behavioral signs that anything might contain explosives.
She nodded toward T-Mac. “Your turn.”
The navy SEAL entered the small box of a room and searched high and low. What he was looking for, Kinsley had no clue.
When he returned to the door, she raised an eyebrow. “Find anything?” she asked, knowing the answer.
His eyes narrowed. “Don’t get smart with me, Specialist.”
Her eyes widened as she feigned innocence. “Me? Never.”
T-Mac’s lips curled on the corners and he lowered his voice until only she could hear him. “Don’t tempt me to kiss you again.”
Her heart fluttered. “Never,” she whispered. Although, at that moment, she’d give anything
to feel his lips on hers again. But they weren’t locked behind a door, away from prying eyes, with the chance of a deadly explosion threatening to take their lives.
“Five minutes,” she whispered.
“Close the door behind me,” he said, and stepped out of the doorway.
Kinsley entered and closed the door behind her. Then she leaned against it and dragged in a deep breath. The man made her forget to breathe.
Agar nudged her hand, bringing her back to reality and the need to change quickly.
She rushed around the small space, tossing off her jacket and desert-tan T-shirt. She pulled on her army PT shirt, untied her boots and kicked them off. In short order, she switched her uniform trousers for shorts and her boots for running shoes.
A knock sounded as she pulled her hair back into a ponytail.
She grabbed Agar’s lead and flung open the door.
T-Mac stood there in a pair of shorts and running shoes, nothing else.
All those muscles on his broad, tanned chest sucked the air right out of her lungs.
“Ready?” he asked.
She nodded mutely, exited her quarters with Agar and locked the door behind her.
They took off at a jog, past the rows of containerized living units and out to the open field.
Though she was in good shape and could run several miles without stopping, Kinsley didn’t have the long stride of the much-taller SEAL. But she held her own, aware that T-Mac slowed his pace to match hers.
Agar trotted alongside them, happy to be outdoors.
They didn’t talk, but ran in companionable silence for a few laps around the open field. When they approached the living quarters again, Kinsley slowed to a walk, breathing hard. “Any clue as to who might have planted that package?”
T-Mac walked beside her, barely having broken a sweat. “None.”
“I wish I could remember anything from that night I was shot.”
“Don’t worry about it,” he said. “The guy will surface. And when he does, we’ll get him.”
“Hopefully before anyone else is hurt.” As they reached her unit, she turned. “I’m going to grab my things and hit the shower facility. You can’t follow me inside, so don’t argue.”
“I’ll wait outside. But take Agar with you. I’m sure he could use a shower as well.”
Kinsley laughed. “I will. He loves the shower.”
T-Mac muttered something low, almost indiscernible, but it sounded like lucky dog.
Kinsley chose not to read into the comment she might not have even heard correctly. Leaving her door wide open, she entered her unit, grabbed her toiletries kit, towel and clothes, kicked off her running shoes and slipped on her flip-flops. She was outside again in record time.
T-Mac escorted her to the shower facility and waited outside while she and Agar went in. They had the shower to themselves.
Kinsley shampooed Agar first and rinsed him beneath the spray. Then she washed her hair and body, all the while aware of the man right outside the thin walls of the building. As she stood naked under the cool spray, she thought about what it would feel like to share a shower with the SEAL. The man was all muscular and glorious. Would he be disappointed with her pale, freckled body and soft curves? Or would he touch her all over and light her entire body on fire?
Sweet heaven.
Her core heated. The lukewarm water did nothing to tamp down the flames of desire coursing through her veins. Kinsley had to quit thinking about the man and his soft, firm lips, broad shoulders and narrow hips, or she’d melt into a puddle of goo.
Agar stepped out from beneath the spray and shook.
Kinsley rinsed one last time and shut off the shower.
Running the towel over her skin, she dried off briskly, trying not to take too much time. When she was finished, she dressed, brushed her hair back from her forehead and smoothed the tangles free. Agar would dry quickly in the Djibouti heat.
T-Mac was still there when Kinsley stepped out of the shower facility.
He walked her back to her unit and waited for her to enter. “Harm is going to stand guard until I can get showered and changed. But I’ll be back for the night.”
Kinsley frowned. “You can’t sleep in my quarters with me. That would be construed as fraternization.”
T-Mac shook his head. “I’m sleeping outside.”
“No way. You shouldn’t have to sacrifice the comfort of your bed for me.”
“I don’t consider it a sacrifice. You’re doing me a favor. I love to sleep under the stars, and an army cot is what I sleep best on.”
“No. This is too much. I can go sleep in the office with whoever is pulling charge of quarters duty. You don’t have to babysit me through the night.”
He touched her arm. “Anyone ever tell you that you argue too much?”
“Only when I’m right,” she replied sharply.
“Well, this time, you aren’t going to win the argument. Harm will be here until I return. I’m staying the night outside your unit. The end.”
She pressed her lips together. The stubborn set of his jaw brooked no further argument. She’d be talking to a brick wall.
Harm trotted up to stand beside T-Mac. “I’m here.” He clapped a hand on T-Mac’s shoulder and wrinkled his nose. “Whew, buddy, you smell. Go get your shower.”
T-Mac grimaced. “Thanks, Harm.”
“I heard from the EOD guys. They said the bomb in the package had a pressure detonator. If she’d stepped on that box, it would have exploded.”
T-Mac’s gaze went to Kinsley, warming her with the concern in his eyes.
“It’s a good thing I have Agar,” Kinsley said. “He found it before I would have.”
“Maybe I should skip the shower.” T-Mac’s brow lowered.
“Trust me, dude, you need the shower,” Harm said.
T-Mac tipped his head toward Kinsley. “Keep an eye on her.”
Harm grinned. “Will do.”
“I guess I don’t have a say in this?” Kinsley asked, though secretly, she was glad to have such great bodyguards.
Harm glanced at T-Mac.
T-Mac gave a quick head dip. “Nope.”
Kinsley rolled her eyes. “Fine. Then keep the noise down. Agar’s a light sleeper.” She stepped into her unit and gave Agar the command to follow. Once they were both inside, she closed the door.
Three days ago, she had thought the assignment in Djibouti was going to be boring. Now, with the current threat to her life and the other threat to her heart...Djibouti was anything but boring.
* * *
T-MAC HATED BEING even a minute away from Kinsley. He couldn’t be certain whoever had planted the package bomb wouldn’t try again, or when.
He made it to his quarters and back to the shower facility in record time. He scrubbed clean and shaved, wishing he had time to get a haircut. But he’d already been gone more than eight minutes.
Back at his quarters, he grabbed a folding cot and returned to Kinsley’s building.
Harm leaned against the corner of the unit. When he spotted T-Mac, he straightened. “What took you so long?” Then he chuckled. “Just kidding. Did you even wash behind your ears? That was faster than a shower at BUD/S training.”
T-Mac clapped a hand onto Harm’s shoulder. “Didn’t want you to suffer for too long.”
“Suffer? Or you didn’t want me to tell your dog handler all your faults?”
“Both,” T-Mac said.
Harm moved closer. “Big Jake hobbled by while you were AWOL from your post.”
“And?” T-Mac prompted.
His friend glanced around and lowered his voice. “He was at the command center.”
T-Mac drew in a breath and let it out slowly. “Are we a go?”
“Soon.” He looked over his shoulder at the door to
Kinsley’s unit. “Are you ready?”
“I am.”
Harm tipped his head toward the door. “Are you ready for her?”
“For Specialist Anderson to come along?” T-Mac sighed. “I don’t have much choice, do I?” He shrugged. “I guess I am. Any idea when?”
With a shake of his head, Harm squared his shoulders. “Nope. Just be ready.”
Which meant no sleep.
Harm left T-Mac alone.
He set up his cot in front of Kinsley’s unit. A few people walked by, giving him strange looks, but he ignored them and stretched out with his hands locked behind his head. If he slept, it would be just a catnap, with one eye open. Darkness had settled in on Camp Lemonnier and the stars popped out, a few at a time, soon making enough light that he didn’t need a flashlight to see.
The beauty of the night sky, filled with an array of diamond-like stars, made up for the daylight drabness of the desert surroundings.
A soft click sounded behind him.
He turned as the door to Kinsley’s unit opened.
Agar trotted out.
Kinsley stood in the crack and gave Agar the command to lie down.
Agar dropped to his belly on the ground beside T-Mac’s cot.
Before he could tell Kinsley that he didn’t need Agar’s protection, she closed the door.
Agar lifted his head beside the cot. T-Mac reached over and smoothed his hand over the dog’s back. “She has a mind of her own, doesn’t she?”
When T-Mac’s hand stopped moving, Agar nuzzled his fingers.
“Needy guy, aren’t you?” T-Mac scratched behind Agar’s ears and rubbed his back again. He’d rather be running his hands over Kinsley’s naked body than over her dog’s back, but this was safer.
He must have drifted off, because the next moment, he awakened to the low rumble of Agar’s growl.
T-Mac popped to a sitting position, his fist clenched, ready to defend.
A dark figure disengaged from the shadow of one of the container units.
“T-Mac,” Harm’s voice called to him in a half whisper.
“Yeah.”
“It’s time.”
Chapter Eight
A finger pressed to her lips and a voice sounded in the darkness. “Kinsley, wake up.”