Okay, he was just horny. Hell no. He was lonely.
Glancing off to his left, he caught sight of Fantasia, slogging out of the surf of the Mediterranean. Damn it. She could smell a hard dick.
The woman didn’t excite him. No surprise. His mind wouldn’t let go of Donavon. He remembered everything about her. In his drifting thoughts, fingers of soft warmth played over his naked hide and brushed his cock. Oh, yeah. Now he could get it up when the lady of his affection was half a world away.
How had he missed the boat so completely? There was Ram, out of the hospital and shacking up with his hot physical therapist. He grinned at the idea of his kid brother being a horn dog. Lifting his drink to his brow, he silently saluted the youngest Gunnison.
He laid a towel over his ridged cock and tightened his muscles in private torment. Donavon had left her imprint on him, and he longed for her with deepening fervor. His groan of torment startled several scrounging sea birds into flying off over the blue water.
What was she doing, feeling? She’d surely grown to hate him for everything that had gone wrong. She had to know he was so crazy about her and had wanted that baby as much as she had. He got up and walked to his private quarters, pausing at the bedroom door to gaze out at the blue water shimmering in the sun.
They should be here together, talking and loving.
He nearly took the door off the shower in his haste to relieve the painful ache for her.
Ten minutes later, he emerged from the bathroom, frowning with disgust. This wasn’t working. He opened his shaving kit and pulled the bottom up. His cell phone and weapon were wrapped in a T-shirt.
He locked the door and sat on the bed to place his call. While he waited for Hamm to pick up, he went to the closet to get a pair of slacks and a shirt. “Hey.” Hearing a familiar voice was like honey to a starving bear. “Hamm. I’m calling in my markers. You have to get me out of this hell. Give me a new mission.”
Hamm laughed before giving him some good news. “You have a new assignment, and I want you to come back to the States. You’re going to the Bed-Stuy area again.” He must be lighting a cigar. One of those Cuban cigars that Gun had confiscated from a whorehouse during a raid.
Gun rubbed his jaw with impatience. “So, spill it. What’s the job?”
The metallic ping meant Hamm had lit that cigar with a military style Zippo lighter. The man was driving Gun to the edge with his constant delaying. “You’re going to infiltrate a new group dealing in uranium or trying to buy it. We want to take them all in a wide sweep. You ready to get back to work?”
A rush of excitement burned through Gun’s veins, a familiar feeling missing for months. “Now that’s a bust. When do I leave?”
“I’ll expect you to be in New York within a week.”
The jolt of tension in his blood felt good. The hunt he knew. Three days. Life was okay, not good, but okay.
“Gun.” Hamm had something else to say. “They’re holed up in a tenement, stockpiling weapons and cash there. You got reservations about any of this?”
“None.” From where he stood, he could see Fantasia indulging in some self-pleasuring on his patio. “And I’ll be back in two days.”
They ended the conversation, and Gun replaced his weapon and phone in the kit. He closed the drapes on the unappealing sight outside and dropped down on the comfortable bed. Remembered sensual delights and long sessions of unbelievable sex with Donavon kept him company that night.
He dozed and woke in a sweat. Ali, called for him from the inky darkness. No, you fool. You’re dreaming again. That sound had taken over where nightmares had once tortured his sleep.
Fantasia finally gave up and sauntered off toward the beach. Gun left the bed and went to the patio, breathing deep and wishing he had some peace in his soul. He’d always brushed off the little whispers in his mind, telling him that he needed to get on the path to a real life, not chase through the rainforest and sand dunes like a savage with nothing to offer the world.
He’d always been at the front of the pack when it came to chasing trouble and women. That had all been easy for him. Until Donavon. She’d never surrendered, even when she’d spelled out that she loved him. Love him! He didn’t want her to love him. He’d brought nothing but trouble and heartache for her.
He shook his head and thumped the wall with his fist. That’s all bunk, and you know it. Quit this wild-animal life and ask Donavon to marry you. You want her so much it’s eating you alive. She’s a grown woman with lots more stamina than you. If she gets tired of you, she’ll let you know. You have enough money to make a good life for her and a great place to take her home to.
You scared she’ll say no? Well, maybe she will. But man, you have to risk it.
Gun braced himself against the wall and made his decision. He wanted Donavon.
“Agent Donavon, I’m coming home.”
* * * *
The crowd was getting noisier and more boisterous at the birthday party for Bernardo Marchi.
Ali stood at the edge of the crowd, made up mostly of young and well-heeled Brazilians. The guest of honor didn’t seem worried that his life was in danger.
She wanted to shake the smiling caballero for being so cavalier. He was twenty-one today and reckless as an infant, hiding from his security crew to knock off a piece with one or more of his girlfriends. It mattered little to him that a hard-core drug dealer wanted him as a hostage and wouldn’t return him alive.
Something was wrong here, and Ali edged along the wall to scan the crowd. Her backup. Where the hell was that jerk? Concern eroded into being pissed off.
She touched the tiny microphone in her ear. It might be on the blink. Great.
Fluffing her hair to conceal the earpiece, she moved away from the entrance door. Her backup was nowhere to be seen, but she could hear static in her earpiece. He was talking to someone.
She grimaced and picked her way through the crowd, catching a glimpse of the birthday boy. He was taking his shirt off and doing a great bump and grind.
Lord, she needed to get out of the smoky, noisy place. Keep moving, lady. This silly dress is too short and your feet hurt, but you have to keep moving.
She took a glass of pineapple juice from the bar and carried it with her. She ignored the warm stares and wolf whistles from the young men in the crowd. Her one desire was a hot shower and her big old soft socks Gun had given her. The bastard.
Glancing down at her fashionable red cocktail dress, she remembered the gaudy outfits she’d worn as Bambi Malone in Colombia. Her first mission with Gun. She’d fallen so hard and so fast for him.
Forget that stuff. All water under the bridge. She smoothed her skirt and moved to the edge of the crowd. What the hell? Static distorted the voice in her ear. It teased her ear again.
“You’re sexy as hell, lady.”
She bristled. “That’s not part of the job, Santiago!”
Ali scanned the faces in the crowd, anxious to set her current partner straight. “Santiago?”
“Forget him.” The deep voice came through clear as a summer day. Husky, gravelly, mixed with a soft Texas drawl.
How could she assume a sane appearance with his voice taking her prisoner? Her hand shook, and her drink sloshed over the rim of the glass. She managed to take a sip, searching the crowd for his dark visage and big, tall frame. “I’m on a job, Gun.”
He laughed.
“Gun, what are you doing here?” She hissed her question while trying to spot him in the crowd.
“I’m your point man.”
She glanced from side to side. “What did you do with Santiago?”
“He’s okay. I paid him off.”
“What?” Ali tried to be angry. “Get him back here right now. Our job is to keep the birthday boy from being knifed and dragged out of here.”
“Tsk-tsk.”
“What did you say?” She walked quickly to the hallway and waited. Nothing. Why couldn’t she see him? Gun, you’re evil as ever.
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br /> He teased her senses again. “I’m hurt, Donavon. Is he more important than getting naked with me?”
That sent a thrill through her. “You’re not playing games with me just for a quick romp, are you?”
He made the sound that always made her orgasmic, a soft, low groan that worked over her body like fingers of persuasion. “No. I’m not playing, and I want all your romps, quick or slow, from now on.”
What did he mean? Was he just screwing with her again? “Show yourself like a man, damn you.”
She saw him then, a dream in faded jeans, with a white pullover under a black leather jacket. Lounging against the wall across the room, he grinned at her.
Still wearing those damned boots. He was the hottest thing in pants. She couldn’t resist the temptation. Gun was a bad boy through and through, and she loved it.
What had he done to find her? Told lies and broken a few rules. Oh, baby, she was glad he had. He was so deep in her blood, her heart got a new jump-start. No surprise her dress didn’t seem too short and her feet no longer hurt. She wasn’t tired. She was sexy. All because the bane of her existence was looking at her with his smoldering dark eyes.
She set her drink on a table and listened to him seduce her.
“I love you, Donavon.”
Ali bloomed with glowing warmth. Should she be so moved by him? He’d said sweet things before.
He remained on his side of the room, moving whenever she did to keep up with her, talking to her. “I don’t have a lot of things to offer, but baby, I love you. I’ll give you everything I have. I offer my heart, my love, my body. You like my body, don’t you?”
Lord! He’d grinned when he said that.
“Gun, what’s up with all this sudden confession?” Her voice didn’t sound as nonchalant as she hoped. “Have you been to mass or something?”
He laughed and her body tensed in anticipation of his touch. He looked around the room and finally raised his hand to motion to someone.
So, they were in cahoots, Gun and Santiago. Her backup was talking and laughing with Gun. Damn. That man would be the end of her after all.
Gun’s gaze followed her from across the room. He inclined his head to the entrance, and then sauntered out of the room. What the hell? Did he expect her to follow him? Of course he did. After an affirmative signal from Santiago, she strode through the same door.
The lively music and crowd noise followed her out into the dimly lit hallway. Opening her evening bag, Ali slipped her hand inside, instinctively curling her fingers around the cool metal of the PPK. What was he doing? Playing games, when all she wanted to do was kiss him and hold him in her arms. The wonderful man.
“Donavon.”
Her senses sharpened and crackled as the rough Texas whisper teased her ear. She turned to see Gun silhouetted in the courtyard entrance, his tall frame haloed by the garden lights behind him. Only a few feet away, he waited with open arms and a promising smile.
“Gun. Damn you.”
She ran to him, surrendering to the thrill of touching him. He kissed her, not teasing, not playing with her, savoring her lips in a delicious slow kiss that meant he had missed her.
There was hot urgency in his body, and his words licked over her most secret spots. “I need you, Donavon.” No time to ask questions as he led her out into the heavy mist of the garden. “Damn, you’re sexy, woman.”
Ali gave into the screaming desire to have him touch her in all the forbidden places.
She must have been insane to think she didn’t need him. “Don’t ever stop. I ache for you.”
He fueled her hunger with his kiss, making her gasp with yearning, kissing the sensitive flesh of her shoulder, following the delicate line with his tongue and sucking until she quivered with the headlong charge toward a fast-approaching climax.
“I won’t quit. I’m ready to go off, baby.” He bent to her breast, lifting them from the soft fabric of her gown and cupped his mouth over the nipple, nursing with barely discernible suction.
“Donavon. Let’s get married.” He seemed so sincere and a little unsure of himself. “I’ve got a lousy twenty minutes here to convince you that I’m the one you want.”
This was her most deeply hidden wish, and after all she’d learned about this man, she knew to move cautiously, making herself clear. “That’s nothing to play around with, Gun. When I marry, it’s going to be forever.”
“For me, too.” He kissed her cheeks in unexpected tenderness. “There’s nobody else, Gator Gal. I want you forever.”
She didn’t mind the rough stucco against her naked back, the texture reminiscent of the Texas man that she loved do much. He held her close, kissing her so passionately, until her knees wobbled dangerously.
What was he saying? She leaned back to see his face, to hear him.
“Will you marry me?”
She was floating, light as air as he lifted her up and pressed her face into his warm neck.
He murmured, sounding as if he strained to control himself. “Sweet, oh, Lord, so sweet. Marry me, Donavon.”
She had heard right, and she had to answer him, had to be sensible.
“You won’t be happy saddled with a housewife and four kids. You’ll leave me.”
He let her down, glancing at something that moved in the shadows across the courtyard.
“No, it won’t be like that at all, Donavon.” He looked into her eyes and grinned. “Four kids? Is that how many we’re having?”
“I’m serious, Gun.” She pressed into him, taking in his warmth and strength. “It wouldn’t be three weeks before the call of the wild hit you. You won’t like being domesticated.”
She kept a wary eye on the young couple in the shadows, engrossed in their own intimacy. Having sex or not, she had to be sure they weren’t some kind of nuts bent on trouble.
Gun tipped her face up and seemed hard pressed to express his feelings. “Look, I’m a bastard, prick, and all those choice things, but I know what I feel is good, right for us. I love you.” He squeezed her tight. “I’m quitting the game. I’m staying home with my family. Four kids need me at home.” He rocked her gently. “My woman needs me at home.”
It was Ali’s turn to groan. “Stop it, Gun. I wouldn’t ask you give up your life. You love what you do, and I’m sure not going to try to take its place.” She patted his rump several times. “So, don’t be a silly ass.”
He pulled her onto her toes and closed his mouth over hers, taking her breath with the fire of emotion. His kiss lay claim to her last resistance, and Ali surrendered to him. This would be the last time their would be question about the love between them.
He touched her breast and groaned softly. “We have plenty of backup in there. Want to go fool around for a few more minutes?”
“That’s so romantic.” She shivered. The thought of being in his arms for even that short time would revive her life. Ali pressed her hips to his and hugged him fiercely. “Keep that in mind, because we’re going to spend a month locked in our bedroom when we meet again.”
He pulled back from her, and snapped his fingers. “Hey, you haven’t answered.”
“Yes, I want you. I can’t help it. And, yes I will.”
“I’ll be back in a week.” He took charge as usual, and she listened, not sure this could be happening. “We’ll head for Texas, get married, and have a long honeymoon.”
As suddenly as he’d arrived, Gun was being called away from her. His cell phone rang and he had to take the call. While he talked, Ali studied his face, held his strong hand and worried.
She followed him to the entrance portico. His kiss was hard and sweet, one to cherish. He walked away to get in the dark blue sedan with his partner, and she lifted her hand. “Don’t get hurt!”
He rolled down the window and waved. “What?”
The car was moving out of the driveway. She gave a quiet growl of determination and trotted after it.
“Don’t you be late for our wedding! Don’t you dare.”
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The gathering fog devoured the car before she turned to go back to the noisy party. Ali was reeling from the few minutes of joy she’d just experienced.
Gun loved her.
This time it would be different between them. No leaving, no misunderstandings.
Now, if only she could force time to move faster, bring him back to her.
A familiar note on the night breeze followed her along the garden path. His presence never left her.
She must be losing her mind. He was calling her name.
Afraid to look, yet she turned to see Gun walking purposefully toward her.
It really was him, running back to her. He grabbed her in his arms, holding her against his hard body.
“Gun, what are you doing?” She locked her arms around his neck, grateful for this second chance to hold the love of her life.
“I couldn’t leave my partner.” He kissed her with warmth she’d rarely sensed in him. “I contacted Hamm and I am on official leave.”
He was serious and her heart raced under her breast.
“You really do love me, Gunnison.”
“Damn straight.” He nuzzled her neck. “I love you Ali, and I’ll never leave you alone again.” He took her purse, pulling out her cell phone. “Call Hamm. Or, do you want me to tell him the other half of the team is on leave too?”
“You’re so good at theses things, Gun.” The wisp of doubt that had moved just out of reach was swept away when she heard him begin to explain the situation to their boss. Gun really was the best thing ever to happen in her life.
He grinned at her, dropping the phone back into her handbag. “Let’s go find that partner of yours and tell him he’s losing the best backup he ever had.” His arms held her with a new strength, his heart beat thudding under her ear. “Say, we need billets for the night. I’ll go take care of it. If you don’t mind waiting.”
“I have a suite here, Gun.” She slid her hand under his jacket, unable to control the tremble of her fingers. “I love you so much, and I don’t want to wait anymore.”
Overhead, a shooting star blazed through the inky sky, a playful reminder of her adventurous relationship with Gun. Her teasing woman’s voice tickled his ear with a prophetic reminder. “You would wait my dear, even if it’s forever.”
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