by Anna Hackett
He stroked her hair off her face, worried that she was so quiet. He cleared his throat. “Are you okay?”
She made a small sound. “Okay cannot describe what I’m feeling right now.”
Her voice was husky, and she didn’t sound angry. Still… “I was too rough, I could have hurt you—”
She rolled, rearing up above him, her body flush to his side. “Adam, quit trying to save everybody for just one second. I feel the best I’ve felt in a long time. A super sexy general, who’s been hiding a whole lot under his starched uniforms, just fucked the hell out of me. It doesn’t get any better than that.”
He blinked, trying to take that all in.
She smiled and sat up, reaching for the bottle of Scotch beside their makeshift bed. As she poured a few fingers in each glass, he just stared at her. She looked so incredibly gorgeous, sitting there, naked in the candlelight. She was far beyond any fantasy woman he might have tried to conjure up.
And right now, she was his.
He wanted to keep her. Adam breathed deeply, shocked at the thought. Finding a woman, a partner, a lover, someone to fall in love with, had not been on his agenda at all. Before the invasion, he’d written it off completely.
Before the invasion, he’d failed in his marriage and he’d been married to his work. Since the invasion, he hadn’t had the time.
But since Liberty Lawler had burst through his defenses, now he was wanting things he’d never, ever thought he’d want.
Seeing beneath her beauty and her smile, he saw a woman who was right for him. A woman he admired, who could stand beside him in the dark and bring the light.
“Here you go.” She handed him a glass. Then she clinked hers against his. “Here’s to sexy, dedicated generals, and no more nightmares.”
He sipped the fine liquor, enjoying the flavor. Although it didn’t compare to the sweet tastes of Liberty. “Here’s to smart, resourceful, beautiful women and pleasure.”
She smiled at him over the rim of her glass. “Now that is something worth drinking to.”
“I am sorry I was rough…”
She screwed up her nose. “I liked it. Don’t want to hear any more about it.” Her smile turned from mischievous to sensual. “Unless it’s to tell me you want to do it again.”
God, he hoped she didn’t lose interest in him too soon. He knew he’d never hold her for long, but he’d gorge himself on her in the meantime. “Soon.”
“Mmm.” She sipped her drink again, and something flared in her eyes. “You’re right, my sexy general. I think it’s time for something a bit different.”
She pushed against his chest, urging him back into the blankets. He let her, watching as she took his glass and set it aside.
When she climbed astride him, Adam felt his cock thicken.
“This time it’s my turn to take you.” She tilted her glass, spilling the amber liquid on his belly.
Adam gasped, his muscles clenching. She leaned down and lapped at the fluid.
“You’ll take every bit of pleasure I have to give you.” She looked up his body. A bewitching siren. “Because you deserve it. Say it. Because I deserve it.”
“Because we both deserve it,” he managed.
She smiled and licked his skin again, moaning a little. “That’ll do. Now, General Holmes. You just lie there and enjoy what I do to you.”
“And what’s that?” His voice was low, deep and barely understandable.
“My plan is to lick all this off your fine skin, then climb up here on your cock and ride us slowly to oblivion.” She raised a brow, her nails scratching over his abs. “What do you think of my planning skills?’
“Impressive.” Then Adam gave up thinking, and just let himself enjoy her.
***
Liberty leaned into the cab of Adam’s truck, cleaning out a few stray food wrappers and empty water bottles. It was morning, or so she’d been told. Deep inside an underground mine, it was hard to tell.
While she hadn’t gotten a lot of sleep, she felt rested. She smiled to herself. And for the second half of the night, Adam had slept like a rock. No tossing, no turning no nightmares.
He’d woken her far too early, but since he’d woken her by slipping his cock inside her while they spooned in their blankets, and gently rocked them both to heaven, she wasn’t complaining. After that, he’d gotten up to go and do general things, while she’d grabbed an extra forty minutes of sleep.
Now she was dressed and ready to get to the Enclave. Her stomach hardened like a rock. God, she just wished they were there already. It wasn’t far, just a few kilometers away, but it felt like they had to cross the entire country to get there.
She forced herself to focus on the destination, not the journey. She’d think of the Enclave, and finally having Adam Holmes naked in a bed. Hmm. And maybe a bath. Avery and Roth had been there, and Avery had waxed lyrical about the bathtubs. Liberty missed bubble baths.
“Good morning.” Strong arms wrapped around her. “What are you thinking about?”
She pressed herself into Adam. “Bubble baths. And how much I miss them.” She turned to look at him.
Heat flared in his eyes. “I can picture you in nothing but bubbles.”
“I hear the Enclave has bathtubs.”
“So they do.” His eyes turned a little serious. “We’ll be there by the end of the day.”
She nodded, really wanting to believe. “Absolutely.”
He looked so good. His hair was damp. He’d no doubt used one of the temporary showers they had rigged up. His navy-blue polo shirt and chinos made him look like he’d stepped out of some gentlemen’s magazine advertising summer-casual wear.
Then his gaze narrowed and he tugged at the collar of her white shirt. “Is this my shirt?”
She’d nabbed it from his truck. “Maybe.”
Heat flared in his blue eyes. “I’ll want it back.”
She bit her bottom lip. “Later.”
He crowded her against the side of the truck. “You know I have a hickey.”
Her gaze zoomed to his neck and her eyes widened at the round bruise. She pressed her tongue to her teeth. “Oh.”
“And this.” He raised his arm and clearly visible on his forearm was a perfect red imprint of her teeth.
“I have a few marks of my own, General.” She’d caressed every patch of stubble burn, finger imprint, and bruise as she’d gotten dressed this morning.
He stared at her shirt, like he wished he could see through it. “Yes, safely hidden under your clothes.”
“But now you know they’re there.”
“Witch.” He pulled her closer by the neck of his shirt. “And everyone will know where mine are.”
“I’d say I’m sorry…” She tried not to laugh.
“You don’t sound sorry.”
“Because I’m not. People are not going to be shocked you have sex, Adam.”
He cocked his head. “Is that all we did?”
Liberty’s belly clenched. “We’re having fun. Enjoying ourselves.” She couldn’t let herself get too attached to him. Even if silly dreams of something else tickled the edges of her mind.
No. She was a realist. Her disaster of a marriage had taught her that. Her ex-husband had taught her with every slap of his belt.
If you sold yourself lies, you only got hurt. Sometimes badly.
She forced a smile and dusted off Adam’s shoulders. “You’re already too serious as it is.”
“And you hide your true feelings under taking care of everyone else.”
She blinked, her breath catching for a second. Then she made a scoffing sound. “Hello? Pot, kettle, black.”
He made a frustrated growl and kissed her.
Every cell in her body flared to life. She wrapped her arms around his shoulders, opening her mouth and stroking her tongue against his.
Oh, yes, he was addictive. Every time he kissed her, she wanted more.
When they pulled back, they were both breathless.
/>
“That is something,” he murmured.
“Lust, Adam. Desire.” She forced the words out.
He gripped her chin. “Yes. That. But it’s fueled by something else—”
“See! I told you.”
The female voice nearby made them both start.
As Adam pulled away, Liberty pressed her palms to the truck, hoping her jelly knees would hold her up.
A few meters away, Elle, Emerson, and Santha stood watching them, all three ladies grinning from ear to ear.
Chapter Thirteen
Adam tried to get his brain firing. He didn’t let go of Liberty, though…he needed her as a shield for his hard erection.
He cleared his throat. “Ladies, can I help you?”
Elle’s eyes were wide, a smile flirting around her lips. “Don’t mind us.”
Emerson snorted. “Well, I was coming to give you an update on the boy we rescued yesterday, and the other patients in the med bus…but I guess this isn’t a good time.”
Santha was smiling. “I told you they were doing it.”
Emerson nodded. “Totally.”
Elle grinned now. “I think after last night, anyone with eyes can tell they’re doing it.” Her gaze narrowed. “And is that a hickey on your neck, General?”
Adam was at a loss for words.
Then Liberty started laughing.
He nudged her. “This isn’t funny.”
“Yes, it is. Loosen up, Adam.”
Emerson took a step closer, the doctor’s intent gaze on his face. Then she nodded and looked at Liberty. “Keep up the good work. He needed to get laid.”
Adam choked.
Liberty sniffed. “I am not a prescription, Doc.”
“Maybe not,” Emerson agreed. “But for our esteemed general, I think you’re just what the doctor ordered.” Emerson gave Adam a pat on the shoulder.
He guessed she meant it to be comforting, but he didn’t feel comforted. What was the rest of the convoy going to think? Would they worry he wasn’t focused on their safety?
Liberty straightened, thankfully changing the subject. “Elle, may I see your ring?”
“Sure.” The comms officer held out her hand.
Liberty gripped her fingers. “It’s beautiful.”
It was pretty. Adam had bought a plain diamond solitaire in a gold band for Diane. The jeweler had assured him it was a popular, classic style, and a good investment.
“Marcus found it in the wreckage of a jeweler’s shop,” Elle said, her face going soft. “He found it before we even got together.”
Back when the man had been fighting his attraction to his pretty comms officer. And Marcus hadn’t picked a single shiny diamond for his woman. This ring did have a diamond in the center, but it was flanked by lovely blue stones on a platinum band. Adam wasn’t sure what the blue jewels were, but they matched the color of Elle’s eyes.
“He loves you a lot,” Liberty said.
Elle nodded. “Love’s pretty darn good, Liberty.” Her gaze flicked to Adam and back. “You should give it a try.”
Liberty laughed. But Adam was starting to read her well enough now to know it had a hollow ring to it.
“Not sure I’m built for love.”
Adam stared at her face, unable to believe Liberty—a woman so warm, caring and full of life—didn’t think she could love.
“Well, I’m sure we need to get moving,” Elle said. “General, you mentioned you wanted to talk to the convoy before we set off. I have the comms set up whenever you’re ready.”
Adam reluctantly looked away from Liberty. “Right. I’m ready. We need to be on the road soon.”
The women headed back toward their vehicles, while Liberty walked beside him.
“I’m your driver again today,” she said.
“Good.”
“You aren’t upset? That they know? That others will know about us?”
“That I spent the night with a beautiful woman? That I plan to spend more time with her?” He thought he detected the faintest flush of color in her cheeks. “I worry they think my mind isn’t fully on the job, but no, Liberty. I’m not upset.” He grabbed her hand to stop her. “Thank you for last night.” He pressed a kiss to the back of her hand.
She watched him, her lips parted. “Well, the pleasure wasn’t entirely all mine.”
He smiled, then turned to see Elle holding out a small microphone. “Showtime.”
He straightened his shoulders, noticing all his convoy members standing around, grouped by their vehicles.
It was time for him to lead them into hell again.
But this time, he hoped they’d have a new haven—a new home—waiting at the other end.
***
Liberty stood off to the side, watching Adam as he spoke.
“Good morning.” He paused as people responded. “Today will be a dangerous one.” Silence fell. “I have never lied to you. The aliens will try everything to stop us reaching our destination.”
It didn’t matter that he wore chinos and a simple polo shirt. He looked every inch the general, their leader. It was in the posture, the aristocratic face, the authority stamped all over him. When Adam Holmes spoke, people listened…and believed.
“But…the Enclave is close.” His voice was firm, deep, and filled with his belief. “One last push, and we can reach a safe haven where we’ll be welcomed by new friends.”
Liberty felt her chest swell. Yep, he just made you have faith. She couldn’t believe this was the man she was tangled up with right now. This smart, steadfast man. One who would never hurt a woman, but would do everything in his power to protect someone not as strong as him.
But she’d seen the darkness he carried. The cost of being the man he was.
She was glad that, at least for a little while, she could help him with that burden. Be his support when he felt the load was too heavy.
“Today, I need one last push from you.” Adam’s blue gaze moved across the crowd. “I need your strength, your courage, your teamwork.”
The way he looked at people made them feel included, like he saw each one of them, individually. Liberty gave her head a little shake. The man was born to lead.
“Last night, I think we all had a reminder that no matter how bad things get, how chaotic, messy and dark, we always have something to live for.” His gaze found Marcus and Elle, standing nearby. “Congratulations, Marcus, Elle. Thank you for the privilege of celebrating your love.” A wry smile tipped Adam’s lips. “Especially you, Marcus. I know when I asked…perhaps, more accurately bullied you…into making your announcement a public party—” there was a smattering of laughs “—that it wasn’t exactly your style. But the love you two share, the camaraderie with your friends…it really is a beacon of hope for all of us.” He drew in a breath. “My friends, today we make our final run to the Enclave. Each step of the way, I want you to remember the important lesson we all learned last night—” his gaze caught Liberty’s “—that we all have something…someone, to live for.”
As he handed back the microphone, cheers and applause erupted.
Liberty looked around, filled with such intense pride and hope, and something else she couldn’t name.
“Well?” he asked as he approached.
“I think that one might go down in the history books, General.”
He leaned in close. “Adam.”
“You didn’t mind me calling you my general last night.”
“That’s different.” His blues eyes flared. “I want to hear you say it again when I’m inside you.”
She fanned her face. “Then we’d better get to the Enclave…fast.”
The next hour or so passed in a blur. Liberty drove them out of the mine, as Adam talked to various squad leaders and comms officers over the comm line. In the rearview mirror, she watched the convoy vehicles following them up the ramp and out into the sunshine.
As they hit the road, Liberty sighed. She was almost sad to say goodbye to that mine and that co
zy little candlelit alcove. Still, the sunshine was beautiful, as were the rolling hills around them. If she ignored the abandoned cars by the roadside, the empty houses they passed, she could almost imagine that she and Adam were just out for a lovely day trip.
The Enclave was close. That was all she needed to think about right now. Getting them all there safely. She’d think of bubble baths, instead.
As they drove, she felt Adam’s tension grow. He constantly scanned the landscape out the window, tapping his fingers against one knee.
“Adam?”
“It’s so damn quiet,” he muttered. “Nothing on the drone feed nearby. I don’t like it.”
“Well, I do. Imagine if we can just drive on up to the Enclave. No stress, no fighting.”
“It’s never that easy.”
“It could be. I think we deserve that.” She reached out and gripped his thigh. “But whatever happens, we’re going to get there. Tonight, I have plans…you, me, and a bath. Not sure I’ll have bubbles, but you naked in the tub with me will do.” She winked at him.
It worked. His tense shoulders loosened a little.
“This is a convoy-wide warning.” Elle’s tense voice blasted across the comm line. “We’ve detected incoming alien heat signatures. They’re in the air.”
Something slammed into the windscreen.
Liberty gasped, grabbing the wheel as the truck skidded. Ahead, she saw other cars in the convoy swerving, some plowing off the road.
“Alien bugs! We’ve hit a swarm of alien bugs,” Elle shouted.
“Ease up on the brakes.” Adam’s voice was slow and controlled. “You can do it, Liberty.”
She did, finally bringing the vehicle to a bumpy stop.
The entire windscreen was shattered, thanks to the bug that had hit them. She’d gotten the impression of weight, and black-and-gold coloring.
Suddenly, she saw movement in her side mirror—a car racing toward them. It was swerving like crazy, two huge bugs chasing it. The creatures had long bodies, with two sets of transparent wings, and heads topped with huge, multifaceted eyes, and large mouths, with serrated mandibles on either side.
A Hunter zoomed past, green laser tracing through the sky. The squads would fight back. It would be okay. The laser clipped one bug, sending it crashing to the ground.