Twenty Times Tempted: A Sexy Contemporary Romance Collection

by Petrova, Em

  “Wake up, Nick. I need you,” I urge.

  His lips move soundlessly and air rasps between his lips. I see the cloud of unconsciousness clear from his eyes and he snaps his gaze to me.

  “Shit, I died.”

  A hysterical burst of laughter bubbles up from inside me, I clasp his face gratefully and kiss him furiously. Nick makes a noise of protest and I release him, offering him an apologetic look. I can’t help myself though. I’m shaking from head to toe with… I don’t know what. I feel like crying and dancing all at the same time. Or maybe just killing the people responsible for hurting him. Either way, he’s alive.

  A furrow appears between his brow. “I’m dead, right?” he asks hoarsely.

  “If this is heaven, then you’ve not been a very good boy.” My voice comes out slightly high-pitched and strained.

  He shakes his head. “Nu-uh, looks like heaven to me.” Gazing up at me, he puts a hand to my cheek.

  I pin it to my face with my hand and nuzzle into his palm, enjoying the warmth. Then I lift his tattered shirt and eye his wound, satisfied the gauze seems to be doing the job. But we still need to get him to the hospital.

  “Nick, we need to get you help. And we must get off this ship. They’re going to chuck us overboard if we don’t.”

  He rolls his gaze around and his frown deepens. “Ship?”

  “Yeah, they dragged us on board. Nick—” My voice cracks. “I thought you were dead. What were you thinking?”

  “Just thinking of you, babe,” he replies flippantly as he struggles to sitting but I hear the strain in his voice. He’s in a lot of pain and trying to hide it.

  I rummage in the first aid box and hand over some pills. “Take these. They’re not going to do a lot but they’ll help eventually. Hopefully. You’ll have to swallow them dry.”

  Nick puts a hand to his shoulder. “It doesn’t feel that bad at the moment. What happened?”

  “You’ve got a hole in your shoulder, Nick! Just take these. It must be the adrenaline or something. It will hurt soon enough.”

  He takes the painkillers from me and chucks them back, grimacing as he swallows. We both clamber to our feet and Nick takes a moment to find his balance.

  “Are you going to be okay?”

  “Of course.” He winks at me. “I’m Superman, remember?”

  I narrow my eyes at him. I don’t remember ever admitting to thinking that about him. “Let’s just get outta here.”

  “Deal. I don’t much like the sea anyway.”

  We approach the door and I suck in a breath. “I don’t think it’s locked. I mean there’s no locks on the outside so unless it’s barricaded…”

  “I guess they were relying on me not being able to do much and…” he shrugs, “you not getting very far on your own?”

  “Or there’s someone outside,” I whisper.

  “Yeah, more likely. Okay, stay behind me and keep your head down. I really don’t want to be ducking bullets again. And, short stuff?” He hooks an arm around me, his hand burning into the base of my back, so alive, so strong. “If I say run, do it, okay? No arguing this time.”

  “If I’d have left, you’d definitely be dead.”

  “And I’ll thank you later, but for the moment, please just do as I say. I may not deal with drug dealers everyday but I’m still trained to handle hostile environments and, babe, this is a real hostile environment.”

  I nod. I’m not sure that I’d run and leave him, but I’ll cooperate as much as I can. Nick does have the upper hand here after all. He releases me and pushes me behind his back. With one swift movement, he pulls open the door.

  Sure enough, a white-haired man is standing on guard. I don’t recognize him and he looks just as surprised as he turns to see us. Nick swings at him, striking him across the jaw and he goes down. Before the man can react, Nick jumps on him and brings his fist across his face. Though his opponent tries to fend off the blows, there’s no way he can defeat this soldier. In spite of his injury, Nick is clearly stronger and more determined. It’s frightening, the ferocity behind his punches but I don’t feel any sympathy for the man when he finally sags, unconscious.

  Nick pats him down and comes to standing with a grin. His knuckles are bleeding and he’s breathless. He flashes the pistol he’s procured at me and I let out a shaky breath. At least the odds are a little on our side now.

  “How do we get out of here?” He takes my hand.

  “That way,” I point down the corridor. “We need to hurry. They wanted to leave quickly when you said the cops were on their way. I guess it takes a while to get a ship ready.”

  “I can’t believe the fucking cops aren’t here already. I was worried they were going to burst in and get us shot but I didn’t think they’d sit with their thumbs in their asses and let us take on the bad guys,” he mutters while we race up the corridor and to the stairs.

  We pause and listen. I hear footsteps and voices but have no idea if it’s just crew members or what. Surely not every person on the ship is an armed criminal? Nick keeps his grip strong around my hand and the pistol ready. We edge up the steps and my heart thumps in my chest. I’m sure if there’s anyone up there, they must be able to hear it.

  Then Nick drags me up the final few steps in a rush and we come face to face with two startled crewmen. Both in overalls, they are scruffy and clearly working men. And surprised to see us.

  Nick motions with the pistol. “Go down those steps. And stay there unless you want to get shot.”

  They raise their hands and step cautiously down the stairs, moving backward so they can keep Nick in their view. I don’t know if they’ll stay there but I’m hoping they don’t want to get involved.

  We race down the next corridor and the wash of fresh air coming through the still open door whispers over my skin. Exhilaration forces a grin across my face and my heart picks up, even though we’re not out of the clear yet. I’m hoping Johnson is on the bridge or in his quarters and won’t even notice we’re gone.

  The sight of sky and dock teases us at the end of the corridor but Nick pulls me to a stop and shoves me to one side. He peers around, his back pressed against me in the small confines of the passageway. Looking over his shoulder at me, he whispers, “Two guys. Both armed.”

  I swallow hard. How are we meant to get past two armed men? “Are you… are you going to shoot them?” I know this is what he’s trained to do and I know they wouldn’t think twice about doing it to us but still… I shudder.

  “Just stay here for a moment. I can’t aim with you right behind me.”

  I nod and he disappears out of the hatch. Two shots ring out quickly and a third. There’s a slight gap and one more shot sounds. I have to force myself to remain still and wait as my insides shrivel up. I’m waiting for the armed guys to come storming up the boarding steps and find me. I’m waiting to find out Nick is actually dead this time.

  Footsteps sound and Nick thrusts his arm around and snatches me.

  “Oh, thank God.”

  “Quickly,” he says and we sprint out onto the deck, the quarters and bridge right behind us. I peer up at the large windows of the bridge and my stomach clenches. I hope no one sees us but I’d be surprised if they didn’t hear the shots. When I swivel my head back around, I see the two men lying on the deck. One is definitely dead and the other is rolling around, clutching his leg. I fight the rising nausea.

  Nick keeps his hand clamped around my arm, his gun still ready. We rush to the edge of the ship and ascend the gangplank. I want to cry out in celebration when my feet hit the concrete dock, but I can tell Nick thinks we’re not out of danger yet. Shouts come from behind us and I realize he’s right. We race along the dock, away from the ship and the warehouse, toward the containers to the right. A crack echoes around me forcing my tired legs to keep going. I focus on Nick’s back, his torn T-shirt flapping as we sprint. More bangs sound and several cars come screeching out from behind the containers.

  Nick pauses and I stum
ble into him. He swears, glances behind us, and pushes me ahead of him. “Just keep running, babe,” he says before turning and shooting.

  I do as he says though I’m not sure what I’m running to. More bad guys? But I trust Nick knows what he’s doing even if I’m scared out of my mind for him. People pour from the cars and my heart jumps into my throat as I see them draw guns. My legs almost give out from underneath me.

  “Get down!” Nick’s voice filters in but doesn’t register. Everything is a big blur of pounding feet, gun fire and pure fear.

  Suddenly something strikes me in the back and I go down, my face connecting with the concrete. It should hurt, I think obtusely, but it doesn’t for some reason. And then a heavy weight lands on top of me and all hell breaks loose.

  ***

  Nick

  I am one lucky guy. I admire the sexy nurse sitting by my side, looking all concerned for me and grin. Yep, I am a very lucky guy. I make a show of struggling to sit and she’s all over me, arms around my shoulders, breasts pressed into my face. I swear if my shoulder didn’t hurt so much, I’d be tempted to yank her into the hospital bed and make love to her right now. I can’t wait to get out of here and take her home.

  Sienna plumps up the pillow behind me and offers me a drink. I shake my head and pat the bed beside me. “Sit, short stuff. You should be resting too.”

  “I’m okay!” she protests but perches on the side of the bed.

  I run a finger along the scratches on her cheek and the bruises marring the bridge of her nose. “You’ve been through a lot.”

  “Yeah, but I’m fine. Thanks to you.”

  I try to shrug and wince as my shoulder pangs in protest. They’ve got me on nice strong painkillers but there’s only so much that they can do when you’ve had a hole put in you. I trace the scratches on her face again. “You wouldn’t have gotten these if it hadn’t been for me.”

  “Nick, I didn’t know what the hell was going on. If you hadn’t knocked me down I probably would have run straight into the line of the cop’s fire.”

  Fighting a shudder, I give her a twisted smile. Yeah, I’m trying to forget that moment. Johnson must have spotted us escaping as he had his men open fire on us from the deck. At which point, Detective Matthews and his people decided to show up. Really, if it hadn’t been for them, we may be dead, but we nearly got caught in the crossfire. After letting off a round, the only way I could see us surviving was to hit the deck. Unfortunately Sienna took the brunt of the fall. Christ, I’m lucky she didn’t break a rib or something.

  “Stop it,” she says softly.

  “What?”

  “Stop worrying and regretting. You did good, soldier. We’re alive and the bad guy is going to end up in jail for a nice long time. You can’t ask for more than that.”

  She’s right of course. Once the cops searched the tanker, they found enough weapons and incriminating evidence to put him away for a long time, not to mention a plentiful supply of cocaine secreted away in his warehouse. I can relax at last. Maybe now we’ll be able to move on and actually focus on ourselves. I must admit I’m looking forward to it.

  “I just wish you hadn’t gotten hurt. Wish I’d been there to protect you.”

  Sienna smiles gently and presses her palm to my cheek. Sunlight streams in from the window behind her and the sterile hospital room somehow makes her even more beautiful. Her auburn hair glows and even with purple marks and red gashes on her face, she really does look like an angel. It’s a good job I’m not on my deathbed or I’d be convinced I should head toward the light.

  “In a weird way, I’m grateful.”

  I laugh. “Oh thanks.”

  “Not that you got shot… but it did make me realize…”

  “Realize what?”

  “How much I love you. How much I’d be willing to put up with for a life with you.”

  “Oh really?” I arch a brow, waiting anxiously for more. Yeah I need a little ego pandering. I’ve made some dumb fucking mistakes but I’ll make up for them soon enough. For now, I want to hear all Sienna has to say.

  “You’re my hero, Nick.” She holds up a hand as I open my mouth to protest. “Not just because you rescued me.” She laughs. “Well, actually, yes because you rescued me. But not just because you rescued me from the bad guys.” Her hand leaves my face and she twines them together on her lap. “But because you rescued me.”

  I frown and bite back the ‘eh?’ on my tongue.

  “I forgot who I was and you reminded me. I thought I needed to be alone to find out who I was, to regain my strength and independence, but I didn’t. I just needed you.”

  My heart practically beats out of my chest at her words. I think I’ve done it. Sienna is finally mine and there are no ghosts of late husbands or best friends or bad guys to contend with.

  “I need you too, short stuff. You’re my light, babe. I need you more than you know.”

  She grins and untwines her hands so she can recline next to me. “Good.” Her lips brush along my cheek and an arm wraps around my waist before she burrows her head into the crook of my neck.

  I can’t do a lot with my damned shoulder but I savor it, enjoy the fragrance of her and the soft tickle of her hair.

  “I love you, Nick.”

  I swear I’ll never get sick of those words. “I love you too. I’ll be your hero whenever you want, Sienna.”

  “Good,” she says again and I grin to myself.

  Damn, I really wish I could high five myself now. I smirk. Guess this hero finally did get the girl.

  Epilogue

  Sienna

  I pause to admire my handiwork in the bedroom and swipe my hair back from my face. It’s not quite home yet, but it’s getting there. The lemon yellow paint works perfectly with all the new wooden furniture I’ve bought.

  Something catches my eye out of the window and my heart skips in my chest. I pull back the curtains and peer out.

  A man in uniform.

  Resting the paint brush I’m holding on the can, I swipe my hands down my paint-splattered jeans and draw in a breath. My hands shake a little as I approach the front door. I pull it open before he gets there and hold the air in my lungs for a moment. He glances up from under his hat and I let the air out slowly in a hiss.

  Amazing he can still make me feel like this really. Nick gives me a lopsided grin, tucks his hat under his arm and strides quickly to the front door. I jump on him so fast he barely has time to drop his bag on the path. He scoops me up as I press a breathless kiss to his lips.

  “I missed you,” I say between kisses.

  Nick holds me close, almost squeezing the air from me but I love it, the hard feel of him so warm and real.

  “I missed you too.”

  Arms looped around his neck, legs tangled round his hips, I pull my head back so I can see him properly. “I didn’t think you’d be back for another couple of days.”

  “I pulled rank and called in a few favors.” He gives me a wink and steps inside, still carrying me. “Christ, you’re getting heavy.”

  I smack his arm playfully and he releases me so I can slide down to my feet. “I am not heavy. I’m only twenty weeks!” I pat my steadily growing stomach.

  Nick’s eyes grow soft as he studies me and he hooks a hand under my hair to pull me in for a fierce kiss. The heat and taste of him makes my knees instantly buckle. I don’t know how the man does it, but even after two years of marriage, just a look from him turns me to mush. And a kiss...? Well, I’m putty in his hands.

  The warmth of his palm comes to rest over my stomach. “How are you feeling?”

  “Good. Still a little sick in the mornings but nothing I can’t handle.”

  He brushes a thumb across my cheek and pauses to observe it. I giggle when I see the paint on it.

  “Been busy I see.”

  “Just a little painting.” I shrug as he releases me to grab his hat and bag from outside.

  Shutting the door, he opens his arms and draws me into h
is embrace once more. I inhale the earthy scent of him. He’s been on maneuvers for two weeks and probably hasn’t washed much but I can’t bring myself to care. It feels so good to have him back.

  “God, I missed you, babe,” he murmurs into my hair.

  “I missed you too. But I’ve kept myself occupied.”

  “I can tell. You going to show me what you’ve been up to?”

  I nod, grin, and lead him into the little bedroom where the baby is going to sleep. He stops to admire the stenciled teddy bears and the splash of yellow that’s brightened up the house. It’s not ours—we’re renting from the military again—but it doesn’t seem to matter anymore. If I’ve got Nick, I’m home. It took me a while to figure that one out but now I’d move anywhere, do anything, as long as I’ve got Nick.

  “You’ve done an amazing job,” he says, admiration clear in his voice while he rests an arm around my shoulders. “I hope you’re not tiring yourself out.”

  “I’m fine. I like being busy. I’d get bored otherwise.”

  Nick thinks I’m all fragile and delicate now I’m pregnant and though I have my moments, not working means I have far too much time on my hands. Since we moved and discovered I was expecting, there was no point in trying to find a new job so I’ve been at home a lot. I like it in a way. It’s strange not to be always rushing around but I know I’ll have my hands full soon enough so I’m making the most of it.

  He strokes his hand over the wooden crib in one corner. My mouth goes a little dry at the sight. It feels like so long since I’ve had those fingers stroking me.

  “You didn’t put this together yourself, did you?”

  “No,” I tell him with a twisted grin. “Steph and Tracy came over to help.”

  He nods, clearly satisfied with my answer, and I grin. That’s another thing that’s changed. I’ve actually made friends on this base. I’ve put myself out there and got involved. And I don’t think I would have had the confidence had it not been for knowing Nick was there behind me, supporting me.

  “Come here, woman, and give me another kiss.”