by Sybil Bartel
“Please don’t.” But then I stopped, not sure what I should ask him not to do. I got the distinct impression Talon did what he wanted, when he wanted.
“Ooh, I love it when a woman begs.”
“Talon.” I tried to inch away.
He tightened his arms. “And says my name.”
I didn’t look but I’d bet he was grinning from ear to ear. “I give up.” I might’ve smiled.
Talon turned instantly serious. “Good, because I don’t believe in coincidences. You fell in my web and I intend to see what I can do. I’m not the type of man to walk away from someone needin’ a little help. Neither is Blaze.” Talon surprised me by using Buck’s real name.
My throat closed up.
“Do you understand what I’m sayin’ to you?”
He was offering to help me. Just like Buck. Emotions twisting my guts beyond words, I nodded.
“Blaze is a good man. I don’t know what all you were fightin’ about, but I know I’ve never seen him turned inside out by a woman.”
“It isn’t like that,” I protested.
“Yes it is.”
“No, Talon, it isn’t. I just met him tonight. I don’t know him but I know there isn’t anything between us. He’s upset about his mother dying and he wanted a distraction. Then he happened to be in the wrong place at the wrong time.” And now I was both of their problems.
Talon let his breath out slow like he was thinking. “I’m gonna tell you a few things I think you should know, but I understand in the end you’ll form your own opinions. I’ve known Blaze since he enlisted at eighteen. I’ve seen him grow into a fine marine, one of the best Force Recon’s I’ve ever met. He’s fearless, never hesitates and he’s intelligent. He’ll go further up the ranks than I ever did. I know him like a brother so I can say this with certainty. He’s never fallen for a woman before you. He wouldn’t allow himself. You may have only met him tonight but I get the distinct feelin’ you’re what he was always holdin’ out for. Believe me when I say he’s never lacked for female attention. Sure, a few got lucky when he had an itch to scratch, but nothin’ ever stuck beyond a night. And he’s never been territorial. Ever.” Talon chuckled a little on that last word.
“He feels sorry for me.” I knew pity when I saw it and I’d definitely seen it tonight.
“That may be, but he also wants to get in those black panties you’re struttin’ around in.”
“Talon!” Heat flamed my cheeks.
“Not gonna lie darlin’, it’s the God’s honest truth. You’re sexy as hell in your borrowed T-shirt with nothin’ but skimpy lace underneath. A man would have to be dead not to notice.”
“You’re outrageous and ridiculous.” I was not sexy.
“Think what you want but I don’t lie, not about that. As far as Blaze’s mother, listen up, she’s been dyin’ for the better part of two years. No one expected she’d live this long. The diagnosis was terminal from the get-go and not to be callous but Blaze has had plenty of time to come to terms with this. It will be a relief when she lets go and isn’t sufferin’ anymore.”
“Losing a parent is never a relief,” I said quietly.
“Blaze can handle it. What he can’t handle is a situation he isn’t informed about. Have you been honest with him?”
I couldn’t help it, I instantly went on alert. “I don’t know what you’re talking about.”
Talon inhaled as if trying for patience. “This isn’t my first lay, darlin’. Your father was a congressman. He was runnin’ for Senate using a zero tolerance on drug traffic through U.S. ports as his platform when he and your mother were gunned down. They never found the killers and here you are, three years later under an assumed name, runnin’ scared. You show up with nothin’ but the clothes on your back and one of my men layin’ his life on the line to stir the pot. So don’t tell me you don’t know what I’m talkin’ about. I ask again, is Blaze informed?”
“How did you know?” I whispered.
“Yes or no?”
“Yes.” It wasn’t a lie, he knew as much as I knew. And now that Talon knew, I shockingly felt a little bit better.
“Good, and for the record, your last question was insultin’.”
“I didn’t mean...”
Talon stopped me, turning me in his arms and tipping my chin with his knuckle. “Let’s lay it all out. If I’m going to help you, you never be anythin’ but one hundred percent honest with me. You don’t know me and I don’t know you but we’re just gonna have to trust each other. If you’re straight with me, I’ll never fuck you.”
“Interesting choice of words,” I snapped.
Talon’s mouth tipped up and his eyes went stormy. “Unless you want me to.”
I was sure I couldn’t handle Talon and I didn’t want to try. “Not on your life.” I smiled sweetly.
Talon threw his head back and laughed. “Watch your ass, sweetheart. The more challenges you throw at me, the more I step it up.”
I turned back around and let his arms slip around me like we’d been doing this since the beginning of time. “Yeah, well, you sure know how to cheer a woman up.”
“Happy to oblige, sexy,” he whispered in my ear, taking me by surprise.
I jumped then burst out laughing.
“Something funny?” Buck’s sober voice said from behind us.
Chapter Eight
Buck had thrown his clothes back on and I still couldn’t help staring. Pissed off, slightly rumpled and looking as tired as I felt, he was more handsome each time I laid eyes on him. I knew I was treading in dangerous territory even entertaining that thought but I couldn’t help it. When some of my senses returned and I realized I was still standing in Talon’s arms, guilt washed over me like a tidal wave. Worse, the emotion only served to tick me off. Buck had rejected me. Why should I feel guilty?
“Hilarious.” I smiled meanly.
“This one is gonna give you a run for your money, Deer Hunter.” Talon chuckled but he didn’t let go of me. In fact, he’d tightened his hold as if he knew the game I was playing.
Without taking his eyes off me, Buck spoke through a clenched jaw. “Give us a minute, Talon.”
“What if I don’t want a minute?” I said belligerently.
“Don’t think for one second I won’t say what I have to say in front of him. It was your privacy I was preserving, not mine. I don’t have anything to hide.” Buck’s glare was lethal.
“Nice. You learn that in the Marines or did they teach you that in assholes 101?” I snapped back.
“Christ almighty,” Talon muttered, stepping from behind me and draping his arm over my shoulder. “Blaze, ease back. Layna, calm down.” Talon pointed at Buck. “You’re gonna tone it down.” He turned to me. “And you’re gonna listen to what he has to say. Then you’re both gonna get some sleep.” When I scowled Talon raised an eyebrow. “I don’t give a shit where or if it’s together. Pick a fuckin’ horizontal surface and get an attitude adjustment. We’re gonna have a shit storm come mornin’ and I wanna know what’s comin’ at us.” With that, Talon kissed my cheek and strode off.
I stood there fuming, not daring to look at Buck.
“I never said I didn’t want you,” he said quietly.
Was he serious? I couldn’t deal with this. I didn’t know how to deal with this. I pinched the bridge of my nose, the air now too cold without Talon’s body heat around me. Buck’s hand cupped my neck and I flinched in surprise.
“Do you have a headache?” He sounded worried.
For one tiny little second, I let myself pretend he was honestly concerned. Then I stomped the sentiment down. Shivering, I stepped back and turned to go inside. “I need sleep.” I made it two steps before Buck caught my arm.
“I never said I didn’t want you. You’re beautiful, Layna.” His words came out in a desperate rush.
My head snapped to his. “Don’t patronize me. I’m not a fucking Barbie and I’m not stupid.” I yanked my arm away.
“Wha
t are you talking about?” His face scrunched up like I was crazy.
This conversation was going nowhere. I spun around again, intent on getting inside. If I was going to be pissed off and tired, at least I didn’t have to be cold too.
“I asked you a question.” Buck’s steely voice came from behind me.
I kept walking. Fucking sand. I kicked at it uselessly and with my head down, got a face full of my temper. “Shit!”
Iron arms wrapped around me from behind. “Stop.”
“Let go of me, damn it!” I couldn’t even get my arms free to wipe the sand out of my eyes.
“No.” Calm, measured, Buck spoke like he had the upper hand.
And I got pissed. Red, hot, flaming, one for the record books pissed. My left leg lifted and slammed back down on top of his foot before I knew what I was doing. Somewhere in the back of my mind, I thought maybe tequila hadn’t been such a good idea tonight.
Buck grunted and dropped his arms.
I wasted no time. I turned and let him have it. “Next time I say let go of me, listen!” I jabbed my finger in his steel-hard chest. “I may be half your size, but I know how to drop you, got it?”
To give him credit, Buck stood there without reaching for his foot. I’d used my heel, so I knew it hurt, but his face showed nothing.
“I wasn’t patronizing you.”
I laughed a sick-sounding laugh. “That’s rich. Go ahead, add insult to injury. I’m immune to it now.” I was angry enough to be immune to anything.
“You’re beautiful,” he said softly.
Except that.
I was frozen when he took a step closer. “You misunderstood. I’d give anything to get lost in your eyes right now, feel the silk of your hair.” He fingered a lock of my hair. “I wish I could wake up tomorrow to your smile.” The backs of his fingers fluttered across my cheek. “You’re beautiful and all I keep thinking about is that kiss in the car.” He cupped my cheek but his eyes turned hard. “And that’s why I said I wouldn’t touch you again. I can’t protect you if I’m not thinking. I can’t keep you safe if I’m only looking at you.”
Stunned, the only thing that popped into my head was disbelief. That and I felt like I was drowning. Buck had to be lying. This wasn’t about me. Buck wanted sex but he didn’t want me. I tried to be diplomatic in my response, considering everything he’d done for me tonight.
“I know nothing about you. I’m not going to make a judgment on those pretty words of yours. Goodnight, Buck.” This time when I turned around he didn’t reach for me.
“Layna.”
I held my hand up hoping to stop him from saying anything else my heart would use against me. “It’s cold as hell and I’m going to bed. Come if you want, or don’t.” And with that, I went back to Talon’s house.
I brushed my sandy feet off outside then slid between the sheets of the big bed. I curled up in a ball and prayed for sleep that never came. Buck hadn’t come back to the house. I watched the clock tick slowly, painfully toward my shit future. I must have dozed off because the sound of the bedroom door opening startled me.
The bathroom door closed a second later. I heard the shower turn on before the scent of sweat and man drifted past me. Buck must’ve gone for a run. He seemed the type. Exactly two minutes later, the water turned off. Thirty seconds after that I felt the bed dip.
I closed my eyes and pretended to even out my breathing.
“Won’t work, I know you’re awake,” Buck said quietly, the covers shifting.
How the hell did he know that?
“Your heartbeat,” he said, closer. “It’s too fast for your breathing.” He slipped his arm around me.
“Hey!” I squeaked.
“Shh, don’t fight me.” Swift but gentle, Buck pulled me to his bare chest and snaked his arm under my head, tucking me into the curve of his body.
And man did it feel good. Too good. I inhaled slowly, filling my lungs with clean, soapy, heavenly Buck smell.
“I’m going to talk and you’re going to listen,” his deep voice whispered in my ear as his breath caressed my face.
It felt so good being held like this, he could say whatever the hell he wanted. “Fine.”
“I joined the Marines straight out of high school because going to college would have put too heavy a financial burden on my mom. She was a single mom, raising me on a janitor’s salary. I thought I’d stay in the military awhile then go to school but it turned out I was good at being a marine. I liked the physical challenges, the structure and the training, and I felt good about serving my country. When I made it through the Special Forces training, I knew I’d found a home. I did a tour in Afghanistan, got promoted to sergeant and went back. We were on our way back to the states when I got the call about my mom. She’s been sick a long time and this time I knew she wouldn’t make it. I’ve been home a week, cleaning out the house I bought her a few years ago. The house was a foreclosure. I made a low offer and got it for a steal thinking it’d be a retirement gift but she never retired and now the cancer got her.” Buck stopped talking. His breathing remained even but I knew he was trying to get his emotions under control.
“I’m so sorry,” I whispered.
Buck shifted slightly. “Me too, but honestly, I’ll be glad when she isn’t suffering anymore. I know you don’t know me and you have no reason to trust me, but here’s the truth. When I saw you in church, you looked so scared, I just—” he cleared his throat, “—I wanted to fix it. Then the assholes came after you and there was no way I was going to stand down.” Buck paused. His fingers made a slow circle on my arm, then his hand tightened into a fist.
“I wasn’t angling to get laid when I said you were beautiful. You’re stunning, actually. I had to force myself to look away in church.” He chuckled softly. “You’re also mouthy and feisty and I recognize a fighter when I see one. Something about you makes me want to know you. That’s never happened to me before and I’m trying to temper it because right now you need my help, not my advances.”
My gut reaction was to protest, to the beautiful comment and the help thing. Instead, I bit my tongue.
“When my mom dies, I’ll have a few days but then I’m back on active duty. I brought you here because I trust Talon and I know he can keep you safe while I’m gone.”
He was risking so much, for me. “Buck—”
“Listen, you said you didn’t know me. Now, maybe, you know enough to trust me. I get that shit is happening fast and I know you’re used to being alone. In a perfect world, I’d have time to get to know you, but I’m a marine and that isn’t a luxury I have. Let’s just go to sleep and we’ll deal with tomorrow in the morning, okay?”
I nodded against his chest, close to tears. This was too good to be true. He was too good to be true.
“Before we fall asleep, can I ask you something?”
Somehow, I felt like this was going to be a test. I breathed out. “Okay.”
“What’s your real name?”
“Jennifer.” The name haunted across my lips, a distant ghost of a memory.
“Jennifer,” Buck whispered. Then he pulled me close and fell asleep.
Chapter Nine
I never was one for dreams. Nightmares, yes, but never any of the good stuff dreams are made of. I didn’t fly or soar or relive sweet memories of my parents. I didn’t dream of knights in shining armor or fairy tale endings. I only got the heart-stopping, panic-inducing, sweat-slicked visions of being hunted, chased, mauled, beaten and left for dead. So when I dreamed I was on the hot sands of Miami Beach, drunk with sunscreen fumes, the sun a leaden weight on my stomach, I knew something was up. I shifted, wondering how long I’d been lying out frying myself, when I heard a moan. Then a large, warm hand cupped my breast.
My eyes flew open.
Sexy day-old stubble covering a chiseled jaw and surrounded the fullest lips I’d ever seen. Long, dark lashes rested on high cheekbones and before I could think what the hell, Buck’s ice-blue eyes opened and
met mine. In the next instant, he raised himself up on one arm, pushed my knees apart with his leg and settled between my thighs. Unmistakable rigid heat pressed against the nothing barrier of my panties and his boxers.
He dropped his eyes and growled low in his throat.
My back arched and my eyes fluttered shut as his thumb glanced across my nipple.
“Not a good idea.” My pathetic attempt at a protest through flared nostrils and a clenched jaw sounded more like a plea any porn star would be proud of.
“Layna,” Buck breathed, leaving open-mouth kisses along my neck and collarbone.
Forcing myself not to reach for him, my fingers curled into the sheets. “Buck.” I tried to issue his name in warning, but I sounded breathless.
His lips, his teeth, found my ear.
“Aaaahhhh.” Jeez, that wasn’t playing fair. He felt so good that in about two seconds I wouldn’t have any self-control left. “Stop,” I begged, squeezing my eyes shut.
Instantly, he stilled.
Okay, think, think, think. Use your head, use your head. Oh my God, his musky, sexy scent, his body heat, his legs against mine, nothing felt better. But I had to stop him. I wasn’t doing this. I couldn’t. Inhaling, stealing my resolve, I opened my eyes.
Piercing, haunted eyes were staring down at me with so much need that I knew. I knew I was seeing the real Blaze Johnson. Not the warrior, but the man.
I touched his cheek. “Are you okay?”
Chest heaving, he said nothing.
My fingers skimmed across features that had been hardened by responsibility. He looked weary and vulnerable and stoic and I wanted him more than I wanted my next breath. “Talk to me.”
“I made you a promise.” Anger tainted the deep quiet of his voice.
He’d made me a lot of promises in the past twelve hours, all of them impossible. My hands wrapped around his neck. “I know.” But I wasn’t sure I cared. I pulled myself up to his lips and kissed the corner of his mouth.