Intensity

by Aliyah Burke

  He crossed his arms and tipped his head so he could peer at her over the rims of his own sunglasses. “Recon.”

  She blew out a long breath. “Jesus H. Christ. Turbin Park?”

  “I think that will be fine.”

  They were there in very little time. He parked beside her, this time, and was waiting as she shook her hair after removing the helmet.

  She faced him and crossed her arms, the helmet on the seat. “How did you find out?”

  He quirked a brow. “Really? That’s what you ask? How I found out? Why didn’t you tell me?”

  “Besides the fact it’s not any of your goddamn business? I am sworn to secrecy.” She straightened and unzipped her jacket.

  “None of my business?” His question was so low it rolled off his tongue in a dangerous growl.

  “None. As in, nada, zip, zero. Perhaps you prefer the word zilch.” She propped her fists on her hips. Shapely hips. Hips he loved to grip as he pounded the fuck out of her while she cried his name to the heavens.

  He took two steps toward her, paused, then continued until the tips of their boots rubbed against one another. This woman took all rationality and shoved it out the nearest high-rise, sending him spiraling down a dangerous path.

  She didn’t back away. In fact, if anything, her body tensed slightly. Gripping the lapels of her black leather jacket, he yanked her up to meet his descending mouth. Her plump lips were addictive. Everything about her was. Her moan slid into his mouth and wrapped him in another coating of steel. He drew hard on her tongue, his cock pressing insistently in his jeans, clamoring to be freed where her silken heat could surround it.

  She twined her arms around his neck, holding him tight. He slipped one hand down to cup her ass. Flexing his fingers, he groaned as the need within him tripled.

  Sarah ripped free and stared at him, her eyes burning with lust, lips wet with his kiss were slightly parted, and her pupils dilated. “This was supposed to be about Recon.”

  He almost jerked himself back on that path until the tip of her tongue flicked out and trailed along the lips he’s just been kissing. “It was,” he rumbled. “And will be later. Right now, I’m going to fuck you, Sarah Mallery.”

  He would have sworn she whimpered something that sounded an awful lot like “Thank God” before plastering her mouth back to his. He turned them so they weren’t right out in the open view of anyone who may swing in through the park. Pushing her back against the tree, he drew back, pulling on her lower lip.

  “Protection?”

  She shrugged out of her jacket. “What, SEALs aren’t prepared anymore?”

  “No, I’m merely asking if you have some with you, as well, because the ones I have won’t be enough for me to slake my need for you.” Her tremble rocked him, and he kissed her, again, needing what only she could give him.

  Chapter Three

  Sarah Mallery crossed her arms and stared out the window over the view. Spectacular, for sure; she’d always been impressed by the city of Washington DC. Not enough to live here. Snow fell, covering the city in a thick blanket of white. She stifled a yawn and wished for her bed.

  “Captain.”

  She pivoted to face the man who strode through the door. With a sharp nod, she grunted at him in return. “Admiral Davies.”

  The admiral still fit his uniform, unlike some who grew when they received a desk duty. The salt-and-pepper hair added to his distinguished appearance.

  “You’re in your nation’s capital. Why the frown?”

  “Last time I was here, you tried to land me a desk job.” She cocked her brow at him.

  He shrugged without repentance. “I want you with me.”

  “I wasn’t made to ride a desk.” She frowned. “Surely, you don’t think I went through all I did to be a glorified secretary.”

  His flashed smile set her at ease. “I can always hope.”

  “No way in hell.” She shoved her hands in her jeans pockets. “Why am I here?”

  “As much as I’d like to keep you here with me, there’s a mission for you.” Excitement thrummed through her. He chuckled with a shake of his head. “There’s the smile I was looking for.”

  “Where am I going?”

  “You’re packed?” She did the eyebrow thing once more. “Of course you are,” he said, dismissing his question with a wave.

  “I’m ready. What’s the mission?”

  “You’ll be read in once you’re airborne.”

  “Yes, sir. When am I departing and where from?”

  “Helo pad.”

  “Give me three minutes to grab my gear.”

  He stopped her at the door. “Be careful, Sarah.”

  “Always.” With a smile for him, she stepped into the hall and hastened down to the front desk where she’d left her bag. With a nod for the petty officer sitting there, she hoisted the sea bag over one shoulder and beat feet to the helo pad.

  The gleaming Blackhawk awaited her. Snow blew up from the rotor wash, but she never hesitated, just hurried to the open door and tossed her bag in before following into the interior.

  She’d not even taken her seat before the pilot lifted off. She claimed one and drew on the headset.

  “Glad to have you aboard, Captain.”

  “Thanks.” She nodded at the other man in back with her and stretched out her legs. “Glad to be aboard.” Wherever we’re going.

  The co-pilot ducked back and handed her a file. She took it with a head bob of thanks and settled back to read. She continued to rest after changing from the chopper to a hop.

  The majority of the inhabitants of the C-130 were male, and they all stared at her. She met gazes as she walked to an empty seat. The men on either side of her straightened up.

  She secured herself, crossed booted ankles, and closed her eyes. The flight to Germany was going to take a while, and she planned on utilizing her time. They bounced and rattled as the jet rumbled down the tarmac. The vibrations moved through her, and she struggled not to smile.

  How does he think I could ever work a desk? I love this far too much.

  Loud conversation floated around her. Occasional laughter and profanity pierced the air.

  “Ma’am.”

  She cracked an eye to find the man on her left offering her some of his peanut M&M’s. She allowed the smile to takeover.

  “Sure you want to share these? It’s a long flight.”

  He grinned. “I came prepared.”

  “In that case.” She held out her hand to accept a handful.

  Sarah didn’t get a ton of sleep, but she enjoyed her time with them. Her mood light, she disembarked and headed to the waiting Jeep. The driver saluted her, and, as she returned it, she noticed the men she was with watched with wide eyes.

  She’d forgotten she was dressed in civvies, and so, they wouldn’t have known. She also didn’t get a lot of salutes when out in the field, for that would be potentially catastrophic to tell your enemy who the officers were. “Let’s go, PFC.” She hopped in the passenger seat.

  They left the airfield and headed for housing. He parked in front of a brick building, and she climbed out then swiped her bag. “Thanks for the lift.” One more salute and she strode over the cement walkway to the door. Following the orders that had been in the file, she found the room and entered after a brisk knock.

  The men in there were familiar to her, and her grin came with ease. “Aren’t y’all just an ugly bunch of bastards?” She dropped her bag and stepped the closest man. “Damn, it’s good to see y’all.”

  Three men she’d bled, sweated, and shared tears with were there. Windy, a medic from Kansas, had mousy brown hair and an easy smile. Owl, a black man from the streets of LA, was her next to hug. Then, it was on to Liver. The man was small and wiry, from somewhere in the Northeast. His nickname stuck cause that’s what he preferred to eat. Raw. Dried. He ate liver.

  “You’re a sight for sore eyes,” Liver said, breaking away from their hug. “These two don’t do it for m
e.”

  “Well,” she said, sitting on the desk. “Glad I could fly halfway around the world to star in your fantasies.”

  The door opened, again, admitting a man shorter than them all. Cooler’s shaved head gleamed beneath the fluorescent lights humming overhead.

  “Took you long enough, Bug. Decide to walk?”

  “Yep.” She swung her legs back and forth. “Any new developments I should know about?”

  He crossed beefy arms. “We’re not going in alone.”

  She narrowed her eyes and gripped the edge of the desk, stopping her legs. “We’re not?”

  “No.” He held up a hand. “I’m not happy about it, either. This just came down the pipe. The top brass wants a man he trusts in this.”

  “Like that’s not fucking insulting. As much as we’ve done, he don’t trust us.” The others echoed her sentiment.

  “We were brought in by the Dem. This new one is a Rep with his own. While they can’t deny what we’ve done or how well, he’s within his right to send someone.”

  “Bull-fucking-shit,” she snapped, shoving to her feet. “We work together. He doesn’t trust us, tell him to send in his own team. Not send along a spy in our group. We’ve been together and know how we operate.”

  Cooler gave them all a look. “I agree. So much so that’s what I told him.”

  “And?”

  “He said he only needed you. I refused to send you without some you know to watch your back. I got them.”

  Anger burned in her gut. That explained why the others weren’t there. She mimicked his action and crossed her arms. “Why me?”

  Cooler raised his brows. “You’re a rarity. Woman who’s completed Recon training. Hell, fucking excelled in it. He has access to your—part of—record.”

  “Okay,” she said. “So, he’s read my file, or what he can. Whoop-dee-fucking-do. So, we go in, do what we do and kickass, like usual. No big.”

  “Ooh-rah,” the others said as they fist bumped.

  “Who are we taking with?” she asked. “Air jockeys?”

  He shook his head. “Not quite.”

  “Rangers? More Recon? What?”

  The door opened, and one man filled the doorway then stepped through.

  “SEALs.”

  No way. No fucking way. Even as she prayed it wasn’t so, she knew there was no hope.

  Cooler continued talking, but his words went unregistered as her gaze collided with the aquamarine one across the room. Grey Sorenson. He’d locked onto her, as well, with the unerring directness of a cruise missile with its target lock implemented.

  Infusing steel into her spine, she arched an eyebrow and ran her gaze over him dismissively. Then, with very deliberate action, she turned back to Cooler. I should have fucking known.

  “So, going in as your husband is Grey Sorenson, Commander, United States Navy SEAL.”

  Only years of practice allowed her to control her facial expression. The rest of her guys looked at Grey. She had no need. Sarah was more than aware of his stats. She’d spent time of her own exploring the muscle-packed body, broad shoulders, hair that hung to those very shoulders. She knew precisely how she fit against him. How the blue in his eyes deepened when he was aroused and the green glinted when angry.

  “Why?” She put the question to Cooler.

  “Because, Bug, those are the orders. You go in—why the fuck am I telling you this? Read the file.”

  “I read where my expertise was needed. Not where I fly halfway around the world to be stuck as some SEAL’s wife for a babysitting gig.”

  “I just follow orders, Bug.”

  She held his gaze and tamped back her agitation that grew with each heartbeat. “You’re right, Cooler. Orders are orders.” She sucked on her teeth. “For the record, I’m doing this because you said. Not this other guy.”

  He nodded. “I know.”

  “Just so long as we’re clear.”

  “I have a room for us,” Grey said, speaking for the first time. “At our destination.”

  “Don’t forget you’ll need rings, as well,” Cooler added.

  She ground her jaw. “Let’s get this job over with.” She cracked her neck, emotions once again under lock and key. With a nod to her guys, she shouldered her bag and left the room.

  Sarah held her peace as they were driven from the base to a private jet then on to their hotel. Even in the elevator, she kept her comments brief and professional. All of that dropped the moment they were alone in the hotel room.

  The suite was good sized, and her eyes danced toward the dominating, king-sized bed on a pedestal. Backing from the bedroom, she shut the door and turned to find Grey staring hungrily at her.

  “What the hell are you doing here, Grey?”

  He shrugged out of his leather jacket, tossing it to a nearby chair. “Following orders.”

  “Bullshit.” Her nipples tightened as she recalled how his hands felt skimming along her skin. Her pussy clenched with a raw need. “There are any number of SEALs who could be here. Hell, the guys I work with, for that matter, could pull off being my husband.”

  Green took precedent in his eyes as he strolled toward her. Large. Predatory. Dangerous.

  “So, you think I wouldn’t step in the role of playing your husband?” His southern accent took over, making her knees weak. Man could talk her out of her clothing with that accent; in fact, he had many a time.

  “I don’t think anything.”

  “It’s not like it’s a farce, Sarah.” He moved even closer, until the scent that screamed Grey surrounded her. “Or have you forgotten?”

  Her mind rebelled from the most basic of functions. Breathing became a chore. All she wanted to do was touch. Get naked and touch him, because she damn sure well knew how that would play out.

  “Well, have you, Sarah? Have you conveniently put it out of your mind that I’m still legally your husband?”

  Grey stared at the woman he’d exchanged vows with, torn between turning her over his knee and kissing her. He locked his stance. If I touch her, then all bets are off.

  He hadn’t seen her in nearly a year. And he missed her. All the time, he fucking missed her. He’d had the brief sighting of her in Cottonwood Falls but it had been way to short.

  “No, despite my best attempts, I can’t forget.”

  Her words held the cutting edge he’d come to expect. The edge didn’t bother him as much as the words themselves. Grey crossed his arms.

  “No kiss for your husband?”

  She mimicked his action, her hair up in a ponytail, eyes sharp with alertness, despite having just crossed the globe. “Why are you doing this?”

  “Doing what?” He was going to make her be very blunt.

  “Fighting the divorce.”

  He shrugged. “I’m willing to go to court, but I’m not about to sign papers and act like I’m a goddamn fucking secret.” He grinned, aware it wasn’t a nice one. “So, you’ll have to let it be known about us.”

  “This is pointless,” she argued. “Just sign.”

  “Baby, I’m contesting this all the way.”

  “Argh!” She threw her hands up and whirled into the bedroom suite. “We were fucking drunk, for Christ’s sake.”

  He trailed her into the room, eyes raking over her as she yanked a pillow and blanket off the bed.

  “Doesn’t matter. We took vows, Sarah. That’s not something I take lightly.” He cocked his head to the side. “Why are you pushing so hard for a divorce?”

  “Why are you fighting it?”

  “Seems foolish to give up on it when it’s never been given a fair shake.”

  “So, that’s it, then.”

  “What, you have a man on the hook somewhere?” Even the casual mention pumped anger through him.

  “What the fuck for? I can’t get rid of the one I have. I sure as fuck don’t need another.”

  She moved in his direction, blanket and pillow in hand, elegant yet purposeful.

  “I’m sleep
ing in bed.”

  “Enjoy.”

  He pivoted to see her vault the couch, swiftly set it up, and disappear from view as she lay on the cushions. Grey bit his words back, conceding this round to her and deciding to allow her to get some rest.

  He went back to the main room and sat in the padded chair. From here, he had an easy view of the woman slumbering on the couch. She was out, but he knew it wasn’t a deep sleep. She wouldn’t allow herself that luxury.

  While he understood, part of him was pissed she didn’t trust him enough to fully relax. That will change. He stretched out his legs and waited.

  Sure enough, within the hours, pounding on the door had him rising to answer it. After checking the peephole, he let in her CO. The man barely gave him a glance before striding into the room.

  “Bug.”

  Grey bit back a snarl as he entered the room, finding the other man standing there staring at Sarah while she still lay out on the couch. She was awake and slowly sitting up. In a matter of tics, her gaze went from the man she called Cooler to Grey and back to the bald man.

  “What’s up, Cooler?” Her voice all sexy and sleepy.

  “New info has come in.” He held out a file to each of them.

  Grey stepped forward to accept one. With deliberate action, he sank to the cushion beside her, trapping one of her legs between him and the back of the sofa. Her expression never changed, but when she shifted, she kicked him.

  “You two going to work out?”

  “It’s a mission, Cooler. I’ve done plenty of things I’d prefer not to.”

  Grey kept his comment contained. His marital problems weren’t any of this man’s business. They had nothing to do with him and everything to do with the woman to Grey’s left. And we’ll definitely deal with it.

  He read the file and shook his head. “If things are so dangerous for him, why don’t we just put him somewhere secure and go after those threatening him?”

  “Same thing I asked,” Sarah said, voice now crisp and clear. “Seems this person likes the danger. Seems if he wants to be out there and not heed advice, we’re wasting time and resources to keep him safe.”