She grabbed a microscope while Reed collected a centrifuge. The items were fragile and had to be handled gently, slowing them down. She expected the police to show up any second and didn’t know how Reed would handle the intrusion. Most likely it’d end badly for the officers.
When they had what they needed she sighed in a mix of relief and exhaustion. “This has been the longest night of my life.”
“I’ll go out and pull the Jeep up to the backdoor. I’ll leave my rifle with you in case we have another unwanted visitor.”
He left her alone in the lab, leaving the weapon on a lab table. It was quiet, eerily quiet, and she made her way to the doorway, listening to Reed’s footsteps disappearing downstairs. Shadows seemed to shift and move around her. It’s only my imagination. She took a deep breath in an effort to settle her nerves. Despite having the undead’s surprise attack, she couldn’t keep her thoughts from the kiss she’d shared with Reed. It’d been too long since she’d had a man. After things had broken down with Reed she’d avoided dating. The coward’s way out of dealing with heartache, justifying she’d had to focus on her career.
A small creak made her flinch and she peered down the hallway. It’s only the building settling. She held her breath and another creak came from the same direction.
“Oh God.” She stepped back inside the room, waiting, pressed against the wall next to the door. A squeaking replaced the creak and she recognized it as the sound of tennis shoes. Reed had worn boots. “Crap.”
Max peeked back out. The figure appeared from a room, short and lean, unmistakably female. I can take someone this small. It turned and started toward her, taking measured steps, stalking, keeping close to the wall. Max eyed the rifle Reed had left behind. She’d never fired a gun in her life, but it was her only hope. She tiptoed over and picked up the weapon. It was heavier than she’d expected it to be. Her hands shook as she lifted it to her shoulder, aiming it the way she’d seen Reed do, at the doorway, focusing through the scope.
She’d never killed anything larger than a housefly. The idea of firing on a human turned her stomach, and she fought down the wave of nausea. It’d be a necessary evil to keep another virus carrier out of the population.
When it appeared in the open door she froze, and her resolve evaporated. The woman turned out to be a girl who couldn’t be any more than fifteen years old. Her lips were drawn back in a snarl, her glassy stare focused on her. Max tried to pull the trigger, but she couldn’t find the courage. She simply couldn’t shoot a kid, even if the girl were already dead. The suffocating guilt had her lowering the gun and facing the demon she’d help create. Max set the gun on the nearby table. Maybe they could catch the girl, tie her down, and keep her until she’d worked out a cure? Could there be hope that this teen’s life could be salvaged? Questions tumbled inside her brain, one over the other even though common sense told her the girl was a lost cause.
The teen sized her up, stepping into the room.
“It’s okay,” Max said.
The girl tilted her head as if trying to make out the words. She wore a t-shirt with W.S. Gifted Student Program emblazoned on the front. Max recognized the name; the same program that’d helped her start college at sixteen.
“I’m not going to hurt you. I want to help, do you understand?”
The girl licked her lips, her tongue dark blue. Lack of oxygen in the blood Max’s mind rattled. She shoved the obvious sign of brain death to the back of her mind. The virus relied mostly on the brain stem and motor cortex functioning—the most basic operative places of the brain. Higher cognitive areas such as the frontal lobe weren’t needed for the virus to multiply and spread itself, therefore they deteriorated, making the infected appear zombie-like.
The girl inched sideways around the first table.
Max broke out in a clammy sweat. “Please, let me help you.”
The girl crouched the way a cat would before pouncing.
Max had made a horrible mistake putting the rifle aside. She reached for it but the girl lunged. Max screamed, and the girl dropped to the floor at her feet, a knife sticking out of the back of her head.
Reed stood in the doorway, scowling. “Let’s go.”
Chapter 4
It took an hour to move the bodies out to the SUV and scrub away blood evidence in the college. Adam drove to a national park and piled the corpses on the ground. Max turned away while he doused them with gasoline and lit the fire. He watched her from the corner of his eye, and when the smoke from the fire drifted her direction, carrying the odor of charred flesh, she stumbled away. She heaved until her stomach emptied. Adam wanted to go to her, pull her close, and make her forget everything—this damned night, his walking away when he should’ve stayed at her side, not contacting her because of his own weaknesses.
He turned away. The dancing flames threw haunted shadows over the trees surrounding them. How would he keep his distance after tasting her again? Knowing she still responded to him with abandon like she used to. His groin ached, his cock pressing against the zipper of his jeans. He wanted to push her into the stand of pine away from the cursed fire and take her until he worked the energy out, until he got over her sweet face and sweeter taste. Their history hung over him thick as the smoke spiraling into the air. He tried to use the flames as distraction, but could only watch her from his peripheral vision. She shifted from foot to foot, her arms folded close to her chest. The khaki pants she wore accented her long legs, and her pale blue shirt set off her creamy complexion.
He’d fallen in love with her back in the days of the project, but she’d loved her work more than she could’ve ever loved him. He’d been jealous and hadn’t wanted to compete with her career. When he’d stumbled upon Doc talking with another scientist about possible uses for the R1LN virus, it’d been an excuse to run. He’d warned Max beforehand, but she’d ignored him. Mary, a Navy lieutenant who had volunteered for the enhancement process, had gotten infected with R1LN in some unknown way. Reed suspected Doc had wanted a guinea pig; her twisted mind could’ve justified murder. R1LN was the ultimate weapon to be turned loose on the enemy, letting them destroy themselves. A reasonable idea in theory, but much too dangerous—his worst fear for the project now stalked the countryside.
Adam lifted his gaze skyward, saying a silent prayer to God they’d be able to succeed. Maybe God wouldn’t listen to them after they’d behaved like delinquent children, toying with creation.
Sweat broke out on Adam’s brow, and he wiped a hand over his face and backed away from the fire. The coming day promised to be a hot one, already the air hung ripe with humidity. He wanted to be home in the Colorado Rockies, hidden away in his personal exile in the small hunting cabin he’d paid cash for. Cool crisp nights, even in the height of summer, were welcome compared to the South’s oppressive heat.
By the time the flames lowered the morning sun had started inching over the horizon. Adam dug a shallow grave near the funeral pier and scooped the char into it, stamping out the remainder of the coals. With the job done, they left the site and got into the Jeep. Max huddled by the passenger door, her eyelids drooping. He’d forgotten how exhausting one night’s lost sleep could be, and felt sorry for the woman.
“Try to catch a few minutes rest,” he said.
She blinked, forcing her eyes open. “I’m okay.”
He couldn’t suppress a grin. “You sure about that? You look a little like a zombie.”
She wrinkled her nose. “Please, I don’t want to hear that word for at least a week.”
On impulse, he reached out and took her hand, giving it a comforting squeeze. The softness of her skin sent warmth through his system, and he clung to it longer than needed. Max stared at their joined hands in much the same way she’d stared at the undead. Eyes widening, mouth agape. He couldn’t be sure if she appreciated his touch, so he dropped her hand, keeping his distance.
* * * *
They rode in silence; Max didn’t want to be the first to broach the subje
ct of what had happened back at the college. Outside of the undead attacks, which, by all reasoning, should be her utmost concern since there had been multiple infected at the site. She viewed it as her own selfish needs making her focus on the makeout session. An ugly, self-centered thing she should put to the wayside. After all, it’d been her stubbornness to prove the virus useful, making her forge ahead after Reed had warned her about her twin’s plans, ending their relationship in the process.
Why were there so many undead at the college? How many more are there? Her groggy brain couldn’t quite work out the questions; she wanted sleep more than anything. She looked over to Reed who remained wide awake, but of course he would. He could go four days without sleep and still function, thanks to his genetic engineering.
When he’d taken her hand the unexpected touch had been nearly as thrilling as the makeout session back at the laboratory. Her skin still tingled, as did her pussy. But just as quickly he’d broken the contact.
Max forced her thoughts to what was important. At least they’d managed to take the equipment she needed. She hoped it didn’t get damaged as they took the jostling back roads. With enough caffeine she could work sixteen hour days, and she’d push her physical limits until she found the reason for Laura’s immunity. Then she’d put an end to the ravages of R1LN.
“I know a place we can stop,” Reed said, breaking into her thoughts. “It’s owned by my first stepfather. It’s an older vacation home, but isn’t used this time of year. Not much chance your sister or anyone else would think to look there. My mother was only married to him for six months when I was eight.”
Max hadn’t even realized his parents had been divorced. How sad that she’d been involved with him and hadn’t bothered to find out more about his childhood. Not that he’d been forthcoming with personal information outside of medical and military history. Nothing else had mattered in the project.
She stifled a yawn. “Okay, that’s fine with me.”
An hour later they pulled down a long driveway. Her mouth fell open when she caught sight of the home. It appeared to be more a plantation house than a vacation place. Two stories, with a ground level porch running the length of the front and tall pillars supporting a second deck on the top floor. Painted white with black shutters, it had overgrown juniper bushes growing near the foundation, making it look a bit wild. Brown, dead grasses tangled with new green growth in the lawn. The place looked as if it hadn’t been used in a while.
“Mike is a real estate investor,” Reed said in way of explanation. “Honestly, I don’t think he remembers owning this place. He has homes scattered all over the country, or at least he did when I was a kid.”
“It’s beautiful,” Max said, feeling starstruck. “I’ve never been in a house this big. How many rooms does it have?”
“Eighteen, I think.” He gave her a quick smile. “Didn’t realize you’d be the type to fall for a fancy home. I figured if it didn’t come equipped with a science facility you wouldn’t be interested.”
His teasing tone drew out her smile. “Outside of science I have a love of architecture. I see all the mathematical angles in the construction.”
He shook his head. “I always hated math.”
“You scored high in your tests.”
“Doesn’t mean I enjoy it. Believe it or not I was in the choir in my father’s church. I liked music.”
“You? Music?” she sputtered.
“Dad wouldn’t have allowed me to join theater, but I always wanted to try out for a musical.” He winked and she couldn’t be sure if he was serious. “So I focused on sports, academics, and a future in the Marines.”
He pulled behind the house to hide the Jeep. They unloaded the equipment and other supplies Reed had brought. Basic staples of food, water, lanterns, and a couple of sleeping bags, along with her own overnight bag.
“There’s no electricity,” he said, noting her examination of the battery operated lamps. “Judging by the looks of things, the lights haven’t been on in a while.”
Max shrugged. “We don’t need anything elaborate, but I’ll require some sort of generator to operate the lab.”
“There’s one out back. It makes a lot of racket, but I doubt anyone can hear it out here, and we’ll only have it on when you need it.”
He picked the backdoor lock and they walked inside. The home smelled of dust and disuse, but it was fully furnished with sheets draped over the furniture scattered throughout the first floor. A huge crystal chandelier hung in the foyer, cobwebs stretching within its gold plated arms. Max had the sudden idea ghosts lived in the home and chills raced over her skin. Of course ghosts didn’t exist, unless someone had managed to create them in a laboratory. Which didn’t make her feel any better.
Chapter 5
Adam set up the makeshift lab in the dining room, Max instructing him on what went where. He had rudimentary knowledge of the use of the equipment, but he still needed her help. She’d lost color in her face and her tired gaze begged for sleep. Though he kept insisting she take a couple of hours to rest, she trudged on like a soldier in the field, needing to see the job through. He respected that about her, she’d always been driven which was what made her a success, outside of her astounding intelligence. Though he’d scored well on IQ tests, she made him appear incompetent in comparison. Not many women could claim both brains and beauty like she could. And not many men could really appreciate what she had to offer. He certainly hadn’t.
Max walked around the dining room for a final inspection. She yawned before giving a nod of approval. “All we need to do is get out to Strong Stock and I can start.”
“We’re not going anywhere until you get some sleep. You won’t be any good if you’re too exhausted to think.” He held up his hand when she looked like she’d argue. “You know I’m right, and if I have to I’ll tie you down.”
Her full lips curved upward. “You promise?”
Awareness shot through him like lightning and he sucked in a breath. She was feeling drunk with her exhaustion and she hadn’t meant the flirtation, Adam reasoned. Regardless, thoughts jumped to mind, vivid mental images making him hard.
Her gaze dropped to his crotch and color returned to her cheeks.
“It’s been a long time,” he said, feeling the need to explain his erection.
She licked her lips, meeting his eyes again. “Yeah, for me too.”
He wanted her, and the surge of lust left his legs trembling. He needed to back away, leave the room, before temptation overcame him.
“About what happened back at the college…” She cleared her throat. Her chest rose and fell with increased respiration; her nipples budded against her shirt. “I think maybe we were in the heat of the moment. Dramatic circumstances can sometimes cause people to have unexpected physical reactions.”
“Shut up, Max.” He stepped forward and yanked her against him. She gasped but he swallowed the sound as his mouth crashed into hers.
Her resistance was fleeting and she melded against him, opening to his mouth, meeting the thrust of his tongue with her own. He cupped her ass, drawing her tight to his pelvis, needing an outlet for his throbbing cock. She rubbed against him, inflaming his libido, driving him to seek more. He reached for the hem of her t-shirt and drew back long enough to tug it over her head, and after a flick of his fingers her bra popped free. Her breasts were high and firm, tipped by dark pink nipples. An invitation to make a man weak. He covered them with his hands before stroking over her nipples with his thumbs. She moaned, leaning into the pressure.
“I’ve never forgotten how beautiful you are when you’re aroused.”
“I want you,” she replied on a breath.
It’d be a sin to take her when he had no kind of future to offer. A one-room cabin in the Colorado Mountains wasn’t much of a home. Hell, he couldn’t even have kids—he’d given up his fertility before being genetically altered. He leaned in, teetering on indecision, burying his face between her breasts. “I don’t t
hink this is a good idea.”
She grabbed his head and pulled his lips to hers. “Shut up, Preacher.”
The kiss continued until his resolve evaporated, and he shoved her against the wall. He lifted her off her feet and she wrapped her legs around his hips, using her strong thighs to grind against his cock. He needed out of his pants and buried deep inside her pussy. He carried her to the living room and let her slide to her feet before he grabbed the end of the sheet draped over the couch. He tugged it off, sending dust motes flying into the air, then pulled his shirt off. His hand moved to his fly. “You sure about this, Max?”
“I’ve never felt so sure of anything in my life.” She reached out and unfastened the button to his jeans before grasping the catch to the zipper. It gave way beneath her fingers and his cock bobbed free. She wrapped her long fingers around him, stroking to the base and back up again. He groaned, heat pooling until he had to clamp his teeth together to stay in control. She knelt down and lapped his tip, sending a shockwave through his system.
“Get your pants off,” he commanded.
Max obeyed, shedding them. Her panties followed, leaving her lithe form ready to be devoured. He pulled her close and fell back on the sofa. She straddled his hips and he held his breath while she sheathed his length within her tight walls.
“Oh God, Adam.” Her head fell back, exposing her throat, and he brushed his lips over the soft skin. “You feel incredible.”
She rode him at a slow pace, building the heat higher, until his balls drew tight. He shut his eyes, forcing back the orgasm. He couldn’t lose it now, not so soon.
* * * *
Reed filled Max up, making her want to burst into a million pieces. She took her time, milking him with her pussy, loving the feel of their union. She let the pleasure sweep her higher and higher until she at last crested.
“Adam.” The name tore from her throat in a choked sob.
Project Terminal: Devil's Virus Page 3