“I—I can’t,” she said.
“Take a few deep breaths. Do it with me.” He inhaled two overexaggerated breaths, knowing she’d feel his chest against her back. Her lungs expanded and contracted beneath his palm, her heart rate slowed, and her hand stopped shaking. “Better. Now, close your eyes.”
“Close my—?”
“Just do it,” he commanded softly.
“I don’t see how—”
“Sam.”
“Fine.”
“Closed?”
She nodded.
“Okay, when I tell you, pull the trigger. Got it?”
She paused, probably ready to argue again, but then she nodded.
“Imagine the target. See the outline of his body.” Ash slid his hand away from the gun, up her slender arm toward her bare shoulder. He rested his palm on the thin strap of her top.
“What are you—?”
“Shhh, just relax and picture the target in front of you. Block out everything else.” His hands kneaded her shoulders, working loose the knots of anxiety. After a few moments, her shoulders released. He moved lower to the strain in the middle of her back.
“Got your visual?” His fingers pressed deeper, and she made a sound, maybe a sigh. He smiled at the thought of hearing that sound over and over as he pressed deeper and much lower. Without being able to stop, he dropped his mouth to his favorite spot at the back of her neck. At the contact with her soft skin, she sucked in a sharp breath.
His eyes closed, taking in the moment, her body pressed against his, her back to his front. He inhaled, smelling her warm, feminine scent. His lips touched the spot one more time before he whispered, “Pull the trigger.”
One shot sounded.
He didn’t look, didn’t even care to see the path of the bullet. All he noticed were flushed cheeks and gleaming eyes of the woman in his arms as she turned to him.
She smiled, so proud of herself, so sure she’d succeeded this time. He wanted her to be right. Wanted her to feel nothing but happiness from here on out.
When he didn’t move, she brought the target forward. Anticipation was so intense it circled them like wild fire.
She turned from him, and he finally dragged his eyes to the target. A single shot through the head, perfectly distanced between both eyes.
He had to clear his throat. Pride in this woman stole his ability to speak. “Nice shot. See, I knew you could do it.”
Something stirred deep inside, making him feel stronger, better. He knew Samantha Harper was the reason. His heart beat a bit faster. Nerves and happiness warred for dominance inside him.
What was she doing to him?
He was scared as shit this woman was getting too close. He was letting her.
What would happen if he let her in?
Chapter Sixteen
“Do you want something to drink?” Ash called from the kitchen, his head buried inside his refrigerator. “Don’t have much. You have your choice of beer or OJ. Oh, and I’ve got tap water.” He poked his head around the fridge door, giving her a teasing smile. Her heart leaped in response.
“Beer’s great, thanks.” Sam settled onto his sofa, her legs curled beneath her as if she belonged there.
“I haven’t been to the store,” he admitted as he entered the living area. He handed her a dark bottle and sat close enough that her body hummed in response. “To the soon-to-be Officer Harper.”
She tapped her bottle to his, then placed the bottle to her lips. Joy and nervousness rolled in her stomach.
“I’m proud of you,” he said. “You did really well today.”
She smiled. “I think it was because I had a good teacher.”
They had spent four hours at the range, trying various techniques to improve her shot. Only one method worked. As long as Ash’s body pressed flush against hers, his hands caressing her skin, she didn’t miss. Once he stepped back and she felt the loss of his touch, she overthought her shots and couldn’t hit her target. She hadn’t been as disappointed when she missed this time. What mattered was the man sitting next to her.
Ash had been patient and kind as he gave instruction, never once showing sign of frustration or anger. Even when she missed, he’d encourage her to regroup and try again.
She stole a sideways glance at him. His mouth drew her eyes. A shiver ran through her body as she remembered the feel of it pressed against her. She’d like to feel it again right now. Flutters started in her belly and moved lower as she imagined his lips traveling the path the quivers were heading. Light stubble peppered his chin and cheeks, drifting into the hint of sideburns. Tanned skin glowed under the sheen of sweat from their earlier exertions.
He turned, catching her gaze, staring back with pale blue eyes almost the same shade as hers.
“What?” he asked.
She lifted one shoulder. “You.”
The corner of his mouth quirked before he took another drink. “What about me?”
“You’re not what I expected.”
Both corners lifted. “What did you expect?”
“I don’t know. Someone more dangerous. Intimidating.”
He nearly spit his beer out. A small trail of beer slipped out the side of his mouth, and he swiped the back of his other hand to wipe it away. “And I’m not?”
“Oh, please. “ She laughed. “You’re far from it.”
With a frown, he responded, “Some people would say I’m scary as hell.”
“Then they don’t know you very well.”
He paused, seeming to think that over. “Well you’re not what I expected, either.”
“Oh, really?” So he was going to play that game. “And what did you expect?”
His eyes warmed as he gathered his thoughts. “Not you,” he said, his face suddenly serious. He stared at her, taking in all of her features at once. From the awed glint in his eyes, he seemed unable to believe the sight.
She shifted from the intensity of his stare. “Well,” she said, her face growing warm. “I’m still mad at you for letting that vamp get away. Next one we encounter is mine.”
His jaw clenched in an instant. “There won’t be a next time.”
“What if another one shows up? What am I supposed to do? Call big bad Ash to rescue me?”
He grinned, sitting up straighter. “That’s exactly what you should do.”
She rolled her eyes and slouched against the back of the sofa, before taking a sip from her beer. “Has anyone ever told you you’re conceited?”
“Let me think.” He stroked his chin. “Yeah, probably.”
“What about overbearing?”
He chuckled. “Yes.”
“Egotistical?”
“Sam, they all mean the same thing.”
She looked at him pointedly.
“Okay,” he conceded, “so we’ve established I’m arrogant. What about you? You’re stubborn and bossy as hell.”
Her mouth dropped open. “I’m offended!” She swatted at his shoulder. “I’m only that way around you. Everyone else loves how I am. You seem to bring out the worst in me.”
“Right back at you,” he said. “Oh, and speaking of stubborn, you need a new car.”
“Hey! I love my Honda!”
“Good brand,” he agreed. “Not as reliable as a Ford or Dodge, but you’re driving it. Not me. Just get a newer one.”
“What’s wrong with my girl? She’s dependable and gets me where I need to go without any issues.” Most of the time.
Ash continued laughing. “What about the smoking engine, grinding gears, and squeaky doors? It’s so old I guarantee it doesn’t have air conditioning. And I know firsthand it doesn’t have power steering.”
She didn’t have a rebuttal for that.
He gave her his that’s-what-I-thought look.
“Seriously though. Why the hunk of junk, Sam? I’m sure your job pays you enough to get a newer car.”
She took another sip and shook her head. “I don’t deserve it. Not yet. Not un
til I pass.”
His face was blank, and then contorted when recognition dawned. “You won’t buy a new car until you pass the police exam?”
She nodded.
“Your stubbornness is worse than I thought. It’s a disease, really. What if that contraption breaks down?”
“Then I’ll fix it.” Duh.
“Wouldn’t it be easier—and cheaper—to get a new car?”
She shrugged, refusing to give in to his logic. “I don’t deserve to.”
He shook his head. “You’re something else.”
Her pulse kicked up. “Something good? Or something bad?”
Grinning, he eyed her a moment without responding. Ugh, it was killing her.
“Good,” he finally said. “Frustrating, but good. I don’t think I’ve ever met anyone like you. Samantha Harper, you are one of a kind.”
She dropped her gaze, peeling the label off her beer bottle. Her insides shouted in excitement.
“Sam, look at me.”
When she didn’t move, he placed his hand under her chin and tilted her face up to meet his eyes.
Holding her chin between his thumb and index finger, he gave her that now familiar probing look. “You’re hard as nails when you’re threatened. Ballsy, even. But the second I compliment you, you back away. Why?”
She shrugged.
“I mean it,” he pressed, his eyes darkening. “You’re one of a kind.”
She tried to drop her head again, but he held her in place.
“Thank you,” she murmured. “For everything.”
“You’re welcome.” He nodded, as if supremely satisfied she accepted his compliment.
Keeping her chin in his hold, he searched her eyes once more, giving nothing away as to what he searched for. She hoped when he came back up for air that he wanted whatever he found in her depths. She felt strong and important, higher than when she’d been on Vamp, and sick to her stomach all at the same time.
Only with this man. She’d never experienced it before Ash. She couldn’t turn away, didn’t want to.
They were drawn together by force. Now connected, they were captive. There was no escape.
His knuckles ran along her cheek, before his palm cupped the side of her face, his thumb caressing. He leaned toward her, his head tilting, eyes focused on her lips.
She moved forward, offering her consent for what she knew they both craved.
His lips brushed hers, softly, naturally. Her eyes closed, and she sighed. It was like free-falling without a chute, but knowing Ash would be there to catch her.
Her hands went around the nape of his neck, holding him in place. The stubble of hair at the base of his neck tickled her fingers. Never had anything felt so good. So right. She smiled against his lips.
“Ash…” She pulled back to see his face.
He met her gaze straight on. He opened his mouth to say something, but his phone buzzed on the table beside them. Ash stilled, and that quickly the moment was over.
He dropped his hand from her face and shifted away. “I-I have work to do. I’m sure you do, too.”
“Ash?” Her gut clenched. “Ash, what’s wrong?”
When she reached out, he stood and paced in front of the window. Then he turned to her. “I have to make a couple of calls.”
Her heart dropped when she caught his meaning. He wanted to be alone.
She got to her feet and placed the empty bottle in the kitchen sink. He continued to pace. She approached and reached out to place her hand on his shoulder. “Ash, if I did anything—”
He spun away before she could touch him. “You didn’t. I’m sorry, Sam. I…I shouldn’t have…I—I can’t do this. It isn’t a good idea.”
“But—”
“Look, I’m sorry if I gave you the wrong impression. That was a dick move. I didn’t mean…I just…you have to go.”
She obeyed. At the door, she turned again, imploring him to change his mind.
The muscles in his body remained stiff. His cell phone was already in his hand. He offered her a tight resemblance of a farewell smile.
…
Great idea, dickhead. Take her to the range. Hold her body against yours. Imagine what it would be like to let her in. Kiss her. Then kick her ass to the curb.
He raked his fingernails over his buzzed scalp and dropped onto the sofa in the front room. His head fell back, and he closed his eyes. She must think he was mental. He’d felt the attraction. Couldn’t ignore it. She felt great in his arms. Right. And her lips pressing against his were like heaven and hell all at once. It made him high, and it made him crazy. It made him want to lay her down on this couch and forget all about his past. About his team. About Heinrich and this goddamn assignment.
And that scared the hell out of him.
Because that was almost the exact thought he’d had with Lorena. They could’ve made a go of it. Been happy. Lived out the rest of their days lying on a beach somewhere, her beneath him wearing nothing but a smile.
Before she’d shot him, of course.
Nope, he wasn’t doing it again. He wasn’t going to soften for a woman. Not this time. He didn’t give a shit that this one was hard as nails. That she stood toe-to-toe with a Vamper and didn’t back down. That despite losing her father she refused to give up hope he was truly gone.
Not. Gonna. Do. It.
But his gut didn’t agree. The thing cramped like his appendix was about to burst. He leaped to his feet and searched for his keys. He needed air. Needed to clear his head. Otherwise, he’d walk his sorry ass next door and open up to her like a fucking pussy. He’d spill all his secrets before he could stop himself.
Finding his keys on the kitchen counter, he hustled for the front door. He ripped the thing open, stepped through the doorway, and slammed it shut behind him. Then sprinted down his front steps.
He hit the concrete landing and froze.
There she was. Her lithe body making its way across the street as the sun radiated off her bared skin. Those long legs and arms of hers swishing back and forth on a mission—to get as far away from him as possible.
Good. It was best.
She turned and met his gaze, and even from thirty yards he could see the devastated expression. It nearly brought him to his knees. When an explanation for his actions wormed its way up his throat, nearly choking him, he severed their connection and snapped his gaze to the ground, hauling ass to his truck. He jumped in without a destination in mind. Only to get away as fast as possible.
He’d driven about ten minutes, making his way down the narrow city streets, tailgating anyone who had the nerve to get in his way, when his cell phone rang. Keeping one hand on the wheel, he dug in his pocket with the other.
Ash pressed a button on the screen to place the call on speaker phone. “Yeah.”
“What the fuck were you thinking, you stupid, arrogant asshole?”
“I’m not really in the mood for games, Tyke,” he said. “Get to the point. What did I do this time?”
“What did you do? I’ll tell you exactly what you did,” he blasted into the receiver. “How about racking up a body count of more than a hundred people? Let’s start with that. You know I’m supposed to take that shit to Landry. And what’s that gonna do? It’s gonna piss him off, which is only going to prolong this torture. The more you fuck up, the longer I’m stuck being team lead. Jesus, man. Now I gotta cover for you. Get. Your shit. Together, Cooper.” He grumbled a string of words, huffing gruff breaths into Ash’s ear. Ash let him go on, knowing he needed to get it out. When finished, Tyke said, “But you know what? That’s not enough. I also have to cover up the fact that you promised that woman your team—a team that’s not even yours anymore—would take time from their critical mission of tracking a drug dealer to look for her missing father. How’s that?”
“Her father was Baltimore Police, Tyke. He was working—”
“Undercover, trying to stop Heinrich. Spare me. I know the story. What I want to know is why you�
�re telling her we’ll try to find him. You read the file, man. The guy’s dead.”
“Christ, Tyke.” His heart thumped against his ribcage, his fingers tightening on the steering wheel. He jerked the wheel to the right into a lot for an automobile repair shop and threw the truck in park.
“It’s in the file, Coop,” Tyke said in a calmer voice. “Just repeating what I read. We’re taxed already with everything that’s going on. Your little episode at Club Hell set us back big-time. We can’t risk deviating from the plan. Intel’s suggesting the drop’s going down within the next two weeks. We need to be ready to move, and that’s not gonna happen if we’re worried about an ex-undercover cop.”
He closed his eyes, then pressed his fingers into his sockets. “Fine.”
“But lucky for you,” Tyke said in a slick tone. “Calder, Reese, and I know how to multi-task. Must’ve been something we learned from an old team leader.”
A smile slid across Ash’s face in response. “What did you get?”
“We think the son of a bitch is actually alive,” Tyke said. “But you’re not gonna like how.”
Chapter Seventeen
What was that? Sam ambled down Ash’s front steps, her tennis shoes smacking the cement with each step.
Everything had been going great. They laughed and joked, and then all of a sudden it was as if someone pulled him from a dream and reminded him where he was. Oh no, that’s Samantha Harper. Steer clear of her.
Sickness filled her stomach, and her heart wanted to rip open. What had she done to turn him away? Had he not felt the pull? That insane attraction? She didn’t have much experience with guys, but she’d never experienced something so off-putting. How could she not take it personally? All she’d done was sit there and wait for him to kiss her.
She’d heard around the station that some of those macho-men types liked strong, gutsy women in the bedroom. Ones who gave as much as they got. Was that what Ash wanted? Her to take control? Make the first move as she’d done at Club Hell? He sure as hell reciprocated then.
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