Chapter 4
By the time they touched down at the San Diego International airport and stored the jet in a hanger her father had leased under the name Sam de Ganis, Lisa’s nerves were tangled tighter than a ball of Christmas lights. Between the mission, her missing friend, pretending to be married to her ex-lover—whom she discovered she still had the hots for—she was ready for a bottle of wine and a bubble bath. Too bad neither were in her near future.
“You two take the sedan and get checked into the resort,” her father said, pointing to one of the cars parked in the hanger.
She had no idea how he’d arranged for them, but was glad she didn’t have to waste time standing in a rental car line. Since the initial shock of finding out about Nikki’s unthinkable situation, she was doing her best to bury her feelings and get on with the mission. Once her friend was safe from that monster, she could break down in the privacy of her brownstone. Right now, she was all business, or at least, would be once she and Sam got a private talk out of the way. They hadn’t had a moment alone yet.
“It’s only about a half-hour drive up the coast. Excalibur and I will check in with Homeland and go over their surveillance, then we’ll register as a couple, too. A disgruntled one. We figure that might put my wife on Koslov’s radar.”
Brilliant. “Yes.” Lisa nodded. “Uri has a history of seeking out married women.” Her stomach rolled when she realized something else. She stepped toward Excalibur. “He also has a history of playing rough sometimes.”
A confident grin curved the bombshell’s lips. “Don’t worry. I’ll be fine. I have a special cocktail with his name on it.”
Somehow, that actually did make her feel better.
“Bors, give me a SITRIP, once you’re settled in and have an opportunity to walk the grounds.” Merlin glanced outside the open hangar doors. “Looks like it’s going to be a great night for a romantic walk in the moonlight.”
An unwanted flutter crossed her stomach at the memories her father’s words provoked. Once upon a time, she and Sam had strolled under the moon. Actually, one time, they’d done a lot more than stroll, but she refused to travel down that particular lane in her memory. Not if she wanted to remain focused on finding Nikki. And she did, and would. Tonight. Somehow.
God, I hope so.
The thought of her kind, helpful, happy friend suffering unspeakable horrors at that Colombian monster’s hands for nearly two years pitched her stomach again. She drew in a few deep breathes to stop the rolling, and got her head back in the game.
“Yes, sir.” Her husband grabbed their matching luggage provided to them for the op, and carried them to the car. After swiping the keys from under the driver’s side visor, he unlocked the trunk and tossed them in, along with his pack, which had been shoved into a fancy designer duffle bag that matched their luggage.
Lisa had seen many SEALs lugging their packs, but the sight of Sam shouldering his, dressed in black pants and shirt with the sleeves rolled up and top two buttons undone, kick-started her pulse. And when he flexed his left hand on the strap, more than a flash of light caught on the gold wedding band. Her heart caught, too.
Which was stupid and unfair. Her friend was in danger, and her mind was playing house with Sam. Still, her gaze strayed to the matching ring on her left hand. An unreasonable ache rippled through her chest and squeezed tight. If her father hadn’t been given command of Sam’s team all those years ago, would this ring have been real?
“Okay, sir. We’re good to go,” he said, slamming the trunk closed.
Swallowing past a hot throat, she forced those thoughts aside. Now wasn’t the time. She lifted her chin and headed for the passenger side door, but her father stepped in her path and grasped her shoulders.
“You follow Bors’ lead. Don’t take chances. You see something odd, you report it. Never go anywhere yourself.”
Feeling like a sixteen-year-old going to her first prom, she inhaled deeply to dispel her annoyance. Not her fondest memory. Her father had tailed her the whole night. Even afterward to the twenty-four hour restaurant where a bunch of them had gone for pancakes. She’d been mortified and too young to realize he had just been worried. Like now.
“Yes, sir.”
Happy to have handled it like an adult this time, she continued to her door, her pulse increasing at the thought of the night ahead. She would handle that like an adult, too. Lisa got in just as her father blocked Sam from getting into the opened driver’s door. Her heart dropped to her kitten-heeled sandals.
“I’m trusting you to keep her safe, Excel. Her welfare is in your hands. Don’t disappoint me.”
“Yes, sir.” Sam’s tone was as firm as her father’s.
Despite the resurfacing of her annoyance, Lisa couldn’t stop the smile from twitching her lips at the memory of the first time she’d heard Sam’s SEAL buddies call him by his nickname. She’d thought they’d called him XL because of his…body. They’d had a good laugh over it, and then some great sex with his extra large, hard body part.
Heat settled low in her belly, waking her good parts farther south. She crossed her legs and told her good parts to go back to sleep.
Dropping into his seat, her husband for the next few days buckled up, started the engine, and without glancing at her, drove out of the hanger.
This was the first time they were all alone, but there was no sense broaching the subject of their past. He seemed different than the guarded, but friendly man who’d strolled into Camelot with her father earlier that afternoon. Now, he was unyielding. Distant.
Jameson Knight struck again.
Lisa didn’t bother to hold back her sigh. She was so over being treated like a pretty parakeet in a cage.
When they’d been driving for ten minutes, and he still hadn’t said one word, she sighed again. “Pull over.” She was done.
“What?” He finally glanced at her. “Are you sick?”
“Yes.” Sick and tired.
To his credit, Sam turned into the closest parking lot, and parked away from the other cars at the fast food restaurant before he turned off the engine. “Do you need some air?”
“Yeah.” She snorted, then got out, hoping he’d follow, because if they stayed in the car, it’d be too easy for him to go back to ignoring her and drive them to their destination.
Walking a few feet, she did as she’d said and sucked in some air, trying to decide where to start. She needed to get this talk over with, so she could concentrate on the job. Nikki’s life and those of the innocent civilians were on the line. She needed to be sharp, not mixed up and anxious over working with her ex.
Settling her backside against the front of the car, she sent a silent thank you out to the universe when she heard his door open and watched him approach. Damn, why did he have to look so good? His black dress shirt stretched across broad shoulders and a chest she knew to be ripped and tight with muscles and ridges her mouth had loved to explore.
Great. They were finally alone, he was paying attention, and all she was going to manage if she didn’t get it together was a strangled squeak. Her throat and chest were too tight with some unknown emotion.
“What’s wrong, Lisa? We really need to get to the resort.”
She cleared her throat, and forced herself to respond. “I know. But I want to be at my best when we arrive.”
He frowned and stepped closer. “Are you nervous? You’re going to do great. I read your file. I know you can handle this assignment.”
Her head jerked back. “You read my file?”
“Yes. I read everyone’s at KA on the flight out here.”
A small smile tugged her lips. “I read yours, too.”
His chin lifted. “Yeah?”
“Yep. You’ve been a busy boy.”
He tipped his head back and laughed, and she was suddenly transported back to what seemed a million years ago when they’d been dating. He had an amazing laugh, deep and infectious, pulling a full grin to her mouth every time. And sending
rows of shivers down her spine. That hadn’t changed either.
“I really wasn’t sure what happened to you after I was reassigned,” she told him. “I’m glad you didn’t die.”
“I’m glad, too.”
She laughed some more, then slowly sobered when the amusement in his eyes faded and heat took over. After a few silent beats, she blew out a breath and straightened from her perch on the hood. “Look. I just wanted to have this talk, clear the air, whatever, before we jump into our roles.”
“Okay. I agree. We should talk.” He looked like he wanted to touch her arm, but held himself in check. “I like you, Lisa. Always have. Always will. That will never change.”
Her heart beat so loud in her ears she could barely hear him continue.
“But, the bottom line is, your father is my commander. That will never change, either. No matter how much I like being around you, I won’t break his trust.”
Well, that sucked.
But, she understood. Sam was a just man. Integrity was so ingrained in him it was his life line. Not something she ever wanted to see snap, because it would be the beginning of the end for him, and she refused to be the cause.
“I know.” She brought what she hoped was a reassuring smile to her lips. “It’s okay. All we have to do is get through the next thirty some hours and we can go back to life as it was before.”
Boring. Dull. With something missing.
“Exactly.” An answering smile tugged his mouth, but didn’t quite reach his eyes. “You ready?”
She sucked in another breath and nodded. “Yeah. Let’s go find Nikki.”
Nine minutes later, Sam pulled in front of the Sunset Beach Resort, cut the engine, and popped the trunk as a valet and an older bellhop rushed forward.
Time to get started.
The sooner they checked in, the sooner they could take that stroll and do recon. Preferably while there was still some daylight streaking the sky. He glanced up, noting the vibrant orange and purple fading to blue. They were cutting it close.
“How long will you be staying with us?” the older man asked, hoisting their luggage onto a cart.
“Two nights.” Sam stepped close and reached into the trunk. “I’ve got this one.” Grabbing the fancy overnight bag he’d shoved his pack into so as not to raise any eyebrows, he observed another valet helping Lisa from the vehicle while two others stood chatting with an employee wearing a tan uniform.
Security.
As he paid the valet and pocketed the ticket, he noted three security cameras and their angles then followed the older bellhop through the large, glass sliding doors, making sure to drop his arm around Lisa along the way. After all, they were supposed to be happily married, something she’d apparently forgotten at first, because she’d stiffened up. A second later, she fell into character, maybe a little too well. Slipping her arm around his waist, she melted into his side, making his body very aware of all her curves.
Shit.
After his little speech in the parking lot, he told himself he could handle this assignment without compromising either of them. Now, he wasn’t so sure. The feel of her soft body brought back memories of hot summer nights, hitched breaths, and an exquisiteness of being inside her he hadn’t know with anyone else.
Stopping at the front desk, he halted those thoughts and brought his mind back to the job at hand. Finding Nicole, taking down Rojas, Koslov, their associate, and not having sex with Lisa. The last one was by far going to be the toughest to accomplish.
After signing the receipt, he took the keys offered him, grabbed Lisa’s hand and walked unhurriedly through the brightly lit lobby decorated with palms, white Italian marble, and a fountain centered under a big skylight. For a five star resort, it lived up to its rank. Very posh, yet serene. Even the elevator they took up to the twenty-second floor had white marble and spotless mirrors. It was one of the nicest buildings he’d ever stepped foot in, and as they opened their door and entered their room, he whistled.
Lisa released his hand to walk farther into the room. “This is unreal.” She flipped on lights and twisted around, setting her oversized purse on the king size, four poster bed, before rushing into the bathroom. “My entire kitchen could fit in here.”
A smile tugged his lips at the enthusiasm he heard in her voice. He set his bag in the wall safe he found in a closet. The Kimber strapped to his ankle—his gun of choice—would suffice for now. Until he’d done his initial walk through, and determined what he needed, he stowed his back up, another Kimber, with his ammo and com devices, then shut and locked the safe. He’d make do with the knife concealed under his belt, and gun in his ankle holster.
Walking back into the living area, he noted a wet bar on the left, and a bowl of fresh fruit on the table in the corner. Could be a good option for later should they not have time to eat after their stroll.
“I’ve never stayed in such a fancy place. Have you?”
“Nope.”
His line of work usually had him staying on ships, dirt floors, maybe a hut. Nothing this spacious and elaborate. He watched her come back out and shake her head at the white couch, loveseat, and chair in a huge sitting area, then stop dead at the large Jacuzzi tub sitting in front of the sliding glass doors that led to the balcony. The setting sun cast a golden glow around her, turning the material of her dress translucent.
Heaven help him, she was wearing a thong.
His heart rocked in his chest as she glanced from the tub to him, a flush settling in her cheeks. No need to ask what she was thinking. He read it plain as day on her face, and grew hard at the thought of taking her wet body while the water pulsed around them.
“Sam…” Her hand went to her chest and the beautiful swell her light green sundress showed off. “Stop looking at me like that. I can’t breathe.”
“Like what?” he asked, stepping closer, because he was an idiot.
“Like you want me naked.”
Oh, the images her words brought to mind. “What if I do?” His voice was as thick as his dick.
She sucked in a breath. “Then we’re in trouble, because I want you naked, too.”
Shit.
He couldn’t do it. Couldn’t resist…
Reaching out, he cupped her face just as a knock sounded at the door. She squeaked and jumped back, grabbing for the tub to steady herself.
Muttering a curse, he spun around and marched for the door. What the hell was he doing? They weren’t in the room five minutes and he was ready to chuck his resolve and ravish the boss’ daughter.
Glancing through the peephole, he noted the older bellhop with their luggage before he opened the door to let him in. He wasn’t sure if he was grateful or not for the interruption. After tipping the guy, he stayed near the door, not trusting himself anywhere near Lisa and that damn tub.
“Let’s check out the grounds. We only have about ten minutes until the sun is completely set,” he said, opening the door.
She nodded and grabbed a small purse, her thoughts apparently in line with his because she was careful not to brush his body or look at him while she scrambled out of the room.
That was a close call. They needed to be more vigilant.
Lisa was still calling herself all kinds of names, the winning contender: weak-minded snit.
Despite holding Sam’s hand and dealing with the heat invading her body, she was determined to concentrate on work. For a good half-hour, they walked the grounds, entwining their fingers without saying a word. She knew Sam was casing the place, noting exits and security and getting the lay of the land, while she studied faces and postures. No sight of Rojas or Koslov or anyone resembling Nikki. Her heart was heavy as they silently headed back down the thick, garden path toward the resort.
It was a long shot that they’d run into her colleague walking out in the open, but she’d still held out that hope. Somehow, some way, tomorrow, she was going to find her friend.
The soft glow from the lanterns lighting the path grew brighter t
hanks to the string of lights hooked around a row of palm trees leading to the outdoor bar. Voices drifted toward her as they neared the area. Russian voices. She halted, her heart pounding wildly in her chest when the voices grew louder.
“They’re heading this way,” she whispered to Sam.
He nodded, pulling her in close, and as she opened her mouth to ask what they should do, he kissed her.
Chapter 5
Startled at first, Lisa got a clue when the Russians snickered as they walked past. Her pulse hiccupped and awareness spread down her body at the feel of Sam’s hot mouth devouring hers. She was totally on board and happy to throw herself into her role. After all, it was for the good of the mission.
Kissing Sam back, she slid her hands up around his neck, brushing that spot he loved with her thumb, and sinking into his hard body. Not her smartest move, because her long suppressed desire for the man burst to the surface, taking the common sense from her brain and strength from her legs.
He groaned and deepened the kiss, sweeping his tongue inside her mouth while he crushed her closer.
Heaven.
Lisa was in heaven, floating away on a wave of need so strong, she trembled against him, silently thanking the Russians for taking a stroll.
The Russians.
Shoot.
She was about to draw back when Sam broke the kiss and muttered a curse against her temple as they dragged in air.
“Sorry. I shouldn’t have let that get so out of hand.”
Her mind reeled at the thought of how easy she had been in his arms. She shook her head. “My fault, too. My body seemed to remember yours and kind of took over.”
He closed his eyes and nodded, still holding her close. Thank God. Otherwise, she’d hit the pavers. Her knees were still shaking. It was ridiculous. You’d swear she’d never kissed a guy before.
“Same here.” He lessened his hold and drew back, gaze open and honest. “I’m definitely going to have to work harder to resist you.”
A smile tugged her mouth, secretly pleased by his plight, since she was in the same boat. “Ditto.”
Hot SEALs: Knight's SEAL (Kindle Worlds) (Dangerous Curves Series Book 1) Page 4