He thrust the knife at my gut, pushing it forward from his hips and expelling air as he did so.
I twisted my body to my left, and the knife slashed through air. Then I reached behind my back to draw my own combat knife. In one fluid motion, I brought the knife up into his gut, twisting it brutally as I yanked it back.
Amazingly, he pivoted as I stabbed him, sending his knife slashing across my chest. He’d swung the blade wildly at my neck in a last-ditch attempt to kill me outright. I leaned back, the tip of the blade merely grazing my skin and ripping my t-shirt open.
I moved back, sidestepping to put myself between him and Scarlett as I kicked away the gun lying near the big dead Russian as I did so.
The man in front of me struggled to stand, blood pouring from the wound in his gut. Even with immediate medical aid, it would still likely be fatal.
“You bastard. This is my favorite t-shirt,” I said calmly, standing a few meters from him.
He laughed softly. “You Americans think you are so funny. It won’t be funny when my employers find you and kill you! I’ll be waiting for you in hell!” He laughed maniacally, blood frothing from his mouth.
Now it was my turn to laugh. He looked up at me, frowning. Blood loss had forced him to his knees and he held onto a chair behind him for support. “You mean the rogue government agents who hired you?” I said. “I don’t think so. Last I heard, two were dead. And the one you were working for—well, let’s just say someone I know was onto him. He won’t be alive for much longer.” I shrugged. “Probably already dead, actually.”
The man in front of me was a vision of rage and disgust as he stood through the pain, taking a faltering step towards me. “You… you fucki…”
But before he could finish his words, he collapsed to the floor. I kicked the knife away from his hand as I approached and checked his pulse.
He was dead.
Scarlett
Travis had appeared at the top of the stairs like an avenging angel. He was as calm as ever, steady and motionless as he’d taken measure of my captor. My heart swelled at the sight of him, tears flowing from my eyes unashamed.
I’d managed to see the swift and brutal knife fight from my vantage point on the floor. It was over almost as soon as it had begun. I began weeping uncontrollably with joy as the evil bastard collapsed to the floor.
Strong hands gently raised me from the ground. Blue eyes locked onto mine with deep concern, scanning my body for injury. Big fingers brushed tears from my cheeks.
“Sorry, Scar. I let my guard down for one second, and…” His voice cracked, raw with emotion.
“Shut up, you big idiot.” I kissed him passionately, my tongue massaging his as we embraced. He winced as I grabbed his arms with my hands. I saw blood on his left sleeve.
“It’s nothing.” He grunted, shrugging. “You should see the other guys.”
I laughed, stress and fear lifting as he held me close. I kissed him again and he grabbed my ass.
“Calm down, Travis.” I leaned back, my dainty arms small around his massive neck. “Not now. Vincent is staring at us.” I pointed to the guy who’d stupidly poked his head out the window earlier.
We both burst out laughing.
CHAPTER 29
Travis
Scarlett briefly ran through the kidnap and the proceeding events, the threats from her captors, and the call with her dad.
I tried to apologize again for leaving her alone in the hotel, but she shook her head, raising a finger to my lips. “It doesn’t matter. How were you to know they were in the room?” she said. “Plus, I was the one who stormed off. Maybe it's me who should be apologizing.”
I laughed. “Nah, that's all right, Scar. Can’t blame you for falling in love with me so quick. I am pretty amazing.” I flexed my muscles and she slapped me playfully on the chest.
“Dad!” she said suddenly, her eyes wide. “He must be worried sick!”
She ran to the tablet she’d said was used for the call earlier. It had managed to remain undamaged throughout the brief gun battle, other than a slight spray of Russian blood on the screen.
We both stood together within view of the camera. I had to duck slightly. The call rang for only a second.
“You said thirty mi….” His face unblurred as the connection improved. “Travis! You…you’re there? What…?”
“I took care of them, Phillip,” I said. “Did what you paid me to do. Just had a bit of trouble back at the hotel. No big deal.”
“No big deal? Ha! No big deal, he says!” He sounded manic with relief. I couldn’t imagine the worry he had likely experienced when the call had dropped earlier. “You wonderful man! I…I’m tripling your payment. No, quadrupling it! Fuck it, I’m buying you a yacht!”
I grinned. “No need, sir. I don’t like boats.”
Scarlett laughed.
“I got a contact in Prague. He helped me out earlier,” I said to Phillip, turning serious. “Said these guys were working for rogue government agents. They were planning some sort of cyber terrorist attack. That’s why they wanted your software. The money was irrelevant. I think our friend here wanted to retire.” I paused for a second, jerking my thumb back over my shoulder at the body visible on the corner of the screen. “Thing is, two of those rogue agents were dead already. An old friend of mine, a French dude, was onto the third. Knew where he was. When to hit him. I just gotta make a phone call, ya know, just to be sure.”
Phillip stared at me disbelievingly, while Scarlett stared with adoration.
“So, this is over. Ain’t no one left to take revenge,” I concluded.
“You need anything, Travis, you let me know. I mean it. I owe you big time,” Phillip said.
“I ain’t joking when I say I’ll remember that. Never know when a favor might be useful.”
He nodded. “I’ll make a call to get a helicopter to you. I just need to know where you are.”
I gave him the location and he scribbled a few notes. “Oh, Phillip,” I said, “there is one thing I’d like…”
He looked up, eyebrows raised.
I grabbed Scarlett by her waist, squeezing her against me. She kissed me on the cheek.
Phillip stared, mouth wide. “Oh. Oh, I see…” He shrugged. “Travis, you have my blessing. Just keep her safe.” He laughed. “At least I don’t have to pay you now!”
We all shared a laugh until Phillip’s eyes watered wistfully. “You’d make a great son-in-law,” he said.
Scarlett gasped. “Dad!” she said, embarrassed.
Scarlett
Travis had checked that all his victims were dead, one-by-one. I saw how efficient he’d been on his approach at the house, arsenal of guns blazing. No one was left alive.
I tried to avoid looking at all the blood and the corpses strewn everywhere. I knew I should be feeling sick or in shock—something more than the relief and joy I felt. Maybe it would come in time. But then again, they had all been horrible murderers, which made it easier, I guess.
Travis grabbed a few guns and my hold-all and took us to the edge of a forest which was only a short jog away. We sat quietly, waiting for the sound of an approaching helicopter.
My stomach was a knot of emotion, and I longed for Travis to take me into his big arms and hold me tight. To make love to me, gently. But he was antsy, eyes scanning the horizon for signs of movement. Listening out.
I folded my arms, smoldering with desire. My heart lurched in my chest as we heard the unmistakable sound of approaching rotor blades.
Nicely done, Dad.
Travis grabbed my hand and we ran down into the farmland, waving wildly at the helicopter as it approached. The chopper descended and landed gently in the field. My hair blew wildly as we approached. Travis held the door open for me first, taking one last glance at the farmhouse before slipping into the seat next to me.
The pilot nodded at us and pointed to the helmets on the seats in front of us with microphones attached.
As the helic
opter rose, I felt giddy with relief, the scene of destruction at the farmhouse fading into the distance.
“You boys are a sight for sore eyes,” Travis said, speaking to the pilot and co-pilot through the intercom, smiling. “Had a bit of trouble down there with some Russians. They ain’t gonna be causing any more trouble now though.”
The pilot looked down at the farmhouse, shaking his head at Travis’s understatement.
“Where to?” the co-pilot asked.
Travis looked at me. “Well, we ain’t got any trouble after us now. Wanna go somewhere? Up to you, doll. You got international clearance guys?”
The co-pilot gave us the thumbs up.
“Let’s get out of Prague,” I said, having to shout over the noise of the helicopter. “We didn’t have a very warm welcome here. Take us somewhere...swanky.”
Travis
The helicopter ride was loud but comfortable. Scarlett lied on my shoulder, dozing while I stroked her hair.
I couldn’t stop looking down at her while she slept with a content smile on her pretty face. I vowed to myself right then and there that I was going to take care of her no matter what.
We made good time, the helicopter flying low and direct. The noise of the blades was broken every now and again by the pilot and co-pilot speaking to regional air control centers in clipped, short sentences. Numbers, vectors. I didn’t understand; I just knew we were getting the fuck out of dodge.
The co-pilot mentioned a few exclusive hotels with helipads in neighboring countries.
I told him to take us to the nicest one. I didn’t think Scarlett or her father would worry about the price too much. Not today, at any rate.
I gently woke her as the helicopter touched down. The pilot turned the blades off for our exit, which made it a much more pleasant experience, especially for Scarlett with her long hair.
We were greeted by a smartly dressed usher, who stared at us skeptically. Scarlett was half asleep, her hair tousled and unkempt. As for me, my t-shirt hung open, displaying a thin red line running from my hip to my shoulder. His eyes widened at the sight of the long but shallow wound and the dried blood on my left sleeve.
“Welcome, sir. Welcome, madam.” He spoke perfect English with a slight accent I didn’t recognize. “Do you have a reservation?”
“No, ‘fraid not. Any penthouse suites free tonight?” I said.
Damn. Ain’t never said that before.
Scarlett procured a black credit card from her bag and waved it at the usher.
He relaxed immediately. “Yes, yes. Certainly. Please, follow me.”
Two men in black suits and sunglasses stood at the entrance to the hotel adjacent to the helipad. I nodded at them, feeling their gazes as we passed.
Scarlett
I stumbled into the hotel, half asleep. I’d dozed at first, but had fallen into a deep sleep, comforted by Travis’s muscular arm as I rested my head on him.
He was by my side, supporting me as we were taken to the nearby penthouse suite. I gave the usher my dad’s credit card and waved him away.
I had a change of clothes in my bag, but Travis had nothing other than the blood-stained clothes he was wearing. Somehow, I didn’t think we were going to need many clothes for the next day or so anyway though...
The thought woke me slightly as we locked the door behind us.
I kissed Travis, my hand on his hips as we stood there.
“Just need to clean myself up,” he said, looking at his wounds. He looked like an action hero from a war film, muscles showing through the ripped shirt.
“Later.” I smirked. “You look sexy like this.”
He stared down at me, blue eyes sparkling. “You sure you’re all right?” he asked. “I don’t mind if you wanna sleep some more.”
“I don’t want to sleep, Travis. I want to be with you.” I pressed my body to his, feeling his warmth against me. I felt a sudden bulge rising in his pants as his breathing deepened. I smiled. “Looks like you feel the same,” I murmured.
Desire rising, my face flushed and I felt wetness growing between my thighs. I longed for him, but controlled myself. I wanted this to be gentle and meaningful.
I wanted to show him how I really felt.
Apart from the sexual tension, I felt a deeper connection and was sure Travis felt it too.
“Well,” he said, his voice thick, “what are you waiting for?”
I pushed him in the chest, guiding him to the nearest bed. He sat obligingly on the edge of the mattress. His eyes widened as he stared at me, his head at the same height as my breasts. I grinned seductively, my hands on his shoulders. My body teasingly close to his, I could feel the heat coming off his skin.
I slowly lifted my blouse over my head and instantly felt his mouth on me, his kisses gentle and his stubble rough on my skin. His hands cupped my breasts through my bra as my top fell to the floor.
I leaned forward, pushing his face into my cleavage before taking his shirt off.
His strong but gentle hand touched my crotch, his fingers teasing me through my jeans.
I moaned softly in his ear and I looked down at him. A strip of black cloth was tied around the wound on his left arm. I quivered at the sight of his naked torso—muscled, scarred, and wounded.
I felt myself getting incredibly wet as he continued to tease me through my jeans. His large fingers fumbled with the buttons. Then he grabbed my jeans with both hands and ripped them open. Buttons popped as he yanked them to the floor, eager to get a better view.
I unclipped my bra behind my back, letting it fall forward as he gently pulled my panties down.
He sucked at my left nipple while his fingers slid into me.
I moaned.
His mouth moved to my other nipple, caressing me with his tongue. I felt a tingle of pleasure as he sucked at me, tendrils of ecstasy flowing outward from my core.
I stood there for a long moment, eyes closed as I lost myself in the sensation while running my hands from his neck to his shoulders, squeezing them gently.
He looked up at me and our eyes locked. I felt a connection to him, a closeness that I had felt since the first moment we’d become intimate.
“Travis,” I moaned between waves of pleasure as his fingers stretched me. “Get the rest of your clothes off. I want to see you.”
He stood up in front of me, powerful muscles bunching wonderfully.
I stroked his chest as he unfastened his belt and pants, letting them fall to the floor. Seeing the way he bulged through his tight boxer shorts, I grabbed him, marveling at his girth beneath my hand. I caressed him gently, delighting in his growl of desire. His hips began moving in time with my hand as I stroked him.
He then pulled his boxers down and I grabbed him as he emerged, rock hard.
I continued stroking him, jerking him off slowly with a steady rhythm and watching his face contort in pleasure.
“You’re beautiful, Scarlett. And you’re mine. I ain’t never letting you go,” he said gently, moaning the words.
I pushed him onto the bed. “Lie down,” I commanded.
I slowly crawled onto the bed, approaching him as he reclined and groped himself. My hard nipple brushed the end of his cock as he held it in place for me. I knelt as my hips reached his, taking him in my hand and teasing his shaft.
I rose high on my knees, guiding him into me. I then sat back down, slowly, teasing him as he entered. He slipped in easily and I felt him fill me to the brim, completing me.
We were meant for each other.
Waves of crackling electricity spread through us, rising into my stomach and breasts. I felt a tingling pulse through my body as I took all of him. Using my knees for support, I rode him gently at first, leaning forward on my hands and arching my back.
“Oh, fuck…” I moaned.
He pushed his hips upward in time with mine. I increased in pace as his breathing quicken. An animalistic desire burned in his blue eyes. His hands held my waist, accentuating his thrusts.
I somehow managed to slow myself. “Travis…” I said, a wave of emotion building inside of me, “I love you.”
He thrusted into me more passionately. “I love you too.”
I was amazed to hear his words, hoping briefly that it wasn’t said merely in the heat of passion.
When I couldn’t control myself any longer, I rode him hard and fast. His hips thrusted with me, and I felt a familiar rising of pleasure in my stomach. I let myself go, moaning loudly as he stiffened and grew even harder.
He grunted, his eyes still on mine.
I grabbed his hands and pushed them back over his head and leaned forward until our faces were just inches away from each other.
“I’m coming, Scarlett. Oh, fuck…”
I slid back and forth, biting my lip, eyes half-closed as I felt an orgasm building. His whole body tensed beneath me. I came as he exploded inside me, his convulsions adding to my pleasure.
He kissed me, gasping into my mouth.
I screamed at an explosive finish, my body tensing and tightening around him.
Travis moaned as he watched, his piece still twitching.
I collapsed on top of him, weak after the pleasure started to fade.
He breathed deeply and steadily, his chest rising and falling beneath me.
“Wow,” I panted. “That...that was amazing.”
Travis
Scarlett had come alive on top of me, riding me hard and fast. I didn’t think sex could get any better than the first time, but I was wrong.
This had felt different. More intense. Passion and emotion had strengthened the gratification.
I’d told her I loved her, surprised at my own words, mostly because I’d meant it. I had fallen for this girl, deeply and unashamedly. Without even realizing it, my emotions had resurfaced after years of solitude.
Ruthless Hero: A Military Bodyguard Romance (Savage Soldiers Book 6) Page 12