by Casi McLean
Ash crinkled his eyebrows. “I’ll give Brad a call. You meeting Wyatt will free up Brad to check on another hunch I have. Emily and I can take Steel with us, though. We can keep an eye on him until you return or take him anywhere you want.”
“No, I’ve got this.” She turned and hustled toward her car. “I know exactly where to contain Gunny Steel, and the location just happens to be on the way to the airport. We’re good.” She flashed a gaze over her shoulder. “I’ll call you soon to coordinate plans.” A moment later, Harper peeled away and disappeared down the Whitehurst Freeway.
Ash turned to Emily and draped an arm over her shoulder. “You’re one tough lady, Emily Rose.” He gave her an affectionate squeeze. “By the way, did you really think I aimed my gun at you this morning?”
Gazing through her eyelashes, she shrugged. “I was half asleep. The nurse gave me an Ambien around 11:00, and when Steel snuck into my room, I thought the nurse had returned to check my vitals. I didn’t even open my eyes until you––”
“So, you did think I pulled a gun on you.” He paused a long beat then squared her shoulders in front of him. “Emily, you’ve only known me less than forty-eight hours, but by now, you must at least sense I have your back.” Staring into her deep green eyes, he fought the warm tingle rushing from his fingers then shooting sparks through his extremities. Could she feel him tremble? Should he drop his hands? God, this woman was like no one he’d ever known. She held him totally spellbound, and he willingly fell under her enchantment.
“It was more like a dream, Ash. I believe you and, more importantly, I trust you.” She tucked a scraggly lock of hair behind her ear.
After being shaken awake to stare into the barrel of a gun then confronting a man with intent to kill her––not to mention facing the stark reality of her sister’s murder––Emily radiated an aura Ash couldn’t explain. He drew her into a warm embrace before he had a chance to think better of the act. Her gaze met his, luring him farther, inviting him to tempt her. She licked her pink lips then lightly parted them until he could no longer hold back his need to press his own over hers.
Did his kiss ignite the passion he felt flowing between them, or did he simply release her tension, the anxiety that had mounted over the past few days? Ash didn’t know. But she melted into him as if she’d waited a lifetime for this one moment. If the circumstances were anything other than the events of the last twenty-four hours, would he have taken her home to a more intimate setting? He’d wanted to and yet he held the utmost respect for Emily. In response to her fire, he tightened his embrace, his lips burning for more.
When their passion yielded to reality, she laid her head against his chest, still clinging to his shoulders. She said nothing as she gazed across the aqueduct ruins to the river beyond.
Silently, Ash swept strands of her long, bronze hair from her face then kissed the top of her head. Daybreak lightened the horizon, and though he longed to freeze whatever transpired between them, he knew the day ahead required a change of plans. “Are you okay?”
Drawing back, her stare locked with his. “Mm hmm. I’m not sure why I––”
“Shhh. You don’t need to reason that kiss. Just know I think you’re the most remarkable woman I’ve ever met.” He rubbed the stubble on his chin. “Besides, we have a lot to do today. While you look beautiful despite what you’ve been through, I need a shower, shave, and some fresh clothes. What do you say we stop by my place so I can clean up? The Association took the bait, so there’s no need to keep you in a sickbed.”
“Thank God. Hospitals give me the creeps. I’ve seen too many people go in for help and come out in a body bag.” She shivered, validating her confession.
Surprised at her comment, he raised his brows. “Whoa, seriously? You should have said something. We could have come up with a less-traumatizing game plan.” Ash clasped her hand and led her toward his car. He hadn’t even seen Emily flinch when he mentioned his hospital idea. Again, this woman amazed him. Feeling her stare, he flashed a glance.
She gazed at him through her lashes. “I’m fine. Really.” Turning her head, she stared at the river drifting along the shoreline. “My sister died because the Deep State slithered underground and laid clutches beneath every extension of American government, caverns filled with years of eggs ready to hatch at the dragon’s beck and call.” She paused a beat before continuing. “A brainwashed populace fell victim while they slept, and now…can they unwittingly defend against her lair?” Eyes wide, she shook her head then turned to Ash. “The least I could do was spend the night in a hospital bed as bait. Speaking of which, won’t they miss Alyssa when they make rounds?”
Watching her reaction as she spoke of the Deep State, he could almost feel her sense of defeat, as if she needed to dismiss the vision her words evoked. “We’ll catch these bastards. I promise. I’ll give Quint a call so he can perform his magic on the hospital computers, but…where did you go just then? That dragon metaphor sounded more than a little unnerving.”
Smiling, Emily squeezed his hand. “I’m a writer, remember?”
“And you wear the title well.” He opened the passenger door and motioned for her to enter. “Your coach awaits.” The flamboyant quip offered a feeble attempt to continue her fairytale banter. He closed her door then scooted around the car and climbed into the driver’s seat. “Do you think you’re ready to return to work today, Alyssa?
Emily drew in a long breath then blew out a slow stream. “That’s the part I dread. I know so little about my sister’s daily routine. But becoming Alyssa is the only way to expose the people responsible. After grilling Steel, I believe more than ever the Deep State caused her death. Steel was only a pawn. Alyssa would want me to uncover the truth.”
“I’ll be with you every step of the way.” He laid a hand on her wrist. “Ya know...your fairytale gave me an idea.” He squinted. “Perhaps we can lure in and capture your dragon.”
“I hope so.” She shook her head. “If ignored, the eggs will hatch and breathe a reign of fire that will scorch democracy beyond recognition––from the inside out.”
Chapter Fourteen
Standing beneath a rainwater shower, Emily tilted her head to face the warm streams cascading over her body. Mind spinning, she tried to make sense of the last few days. Alyssa’s presence soothed her, while urging Emily to continue the investigation. Was it simply the twin connection, or were Emily’s visions becoming more intense as she compartmentalized her emotions, moving death into the corners of her mind and instead hyper-focusing on the Deep State?
The dragon analogy surprised Emily as much as it had Ash. Again, she felt Alyssa’s influence conjuring the visual that made more sense than Emily was ready to accept. But Ashton Frasier had yet to question a single word that fell from her mouth. How fortunate that Ash, Quint, and Harper, not only believed the possibility of a Deep State, they anted up.
Granted, the politicized bubble encircling Washington DC buzzed with lobbyists eager to line politician’s pockets. But convincing Ash, Quint and now Harper of a world-order Association whose intent undermined the Constitution wasn’t as difficult as Emily had surmised. She hoped the so-far-elusive Brad would fall into lockstep as well.
In light of Emily’s past experience with visions, the idea Alyssa could influence the situation wasn’t that much of a stretch. She believed key players most likely to consider the possibilities of the Deep State’s existence could have been intentionally drawn together as a result of her sister’s resolve. And believing Alyssa was somehow still with her, guiding and looking out for her, gave Emily permission to accept her sister’s death. What if Lyssa manipulated Emily and Ash, too?
Never before had she felt a connection to any man like she had with Ashton Frasier. After such a short time...less than forty-eight hours, Emily’s passion burned. His touch sent tingles through her erogenous zones, and when she gazed into his eyes, a wave of heat crept over her. She turned to let the shower douse her breasts and stream warmt
h over her stomach and thighs. The sensation had her longing for him to appear at the door then step into the shower behind her. She imagined his warm hands roaming over her naked body, sliding on soapsuds as they grazed her most sensual spots.
Their kiss exploded her desire, and she melted into him, her need fused to his embrace. She wanted to climb inside of him, to forget, if only for a moment, the pain and danger clenching her neck with a stranglehold. But more than that, she wanted him…all of him. This man she barely knew captivated her, and she relished the release of all inhibition and the utter elation of feeling every thrill he evoked.
The cooling streams brought her back to reality and the next phase of the sting. After turning off the faucets, she stepped from the shower onto a plush rug. Staring at her image in the mirror, her nipples erect, and cheeks still flushed from her sensual imagery, she wrapped a towel around her and turned her focus to the rough plan Ash outlined on the way to his condo.
Wyatt and Harper would meet them in McLean, at Alyssa’s home. There, they would search for clues. Anything her sister might have left behind could help them determine their next steps, while giving Emily an opportunity to visualize more clearly Alyssa’s routine before implementing Ash’s plan.
“You okay in there?” Ash rapped on the bathroom door.
“I’m good. I had a hard time pulling away from your incredible showerhead.” She towel-dried her hair then ran a brush through the locks. “Do you need to get in here?”
“Nah. I wanted to make sure you had everything you needed. Take your time. We’re in no rush. I’m glad you had a chance to relax.”
“I’ll be ready to go in a few minutes.” She slid into her panties.
“Okay. I’ll change my shirt and be good to go when you are.”
“Did you talk to Harper?” Emily pulled on a T-shirt over her damp hair.
“Yeah. She’s at the gate, waiting for Wyatt to disembark.”
“I guess she’ll have no problem recognizing my brother.”
“She said they’d meet us in McLean as soon as they can.”
After stepping into her jeans, she opened the bathroom door, still toweling off her hair. One glanced at Ash rummaging through a drawer, his muscular, bare back facing her––and Emily’s breath caught in her throat. “What…uh…what did she think of your scheme?”
He turned and stared at Emily. “Beautiful.”
“Seriously. I mean it’s a good first step, but I wouldn’t call the idea beautiful.”
He chuckled. “I meant you. Even with wet hair and wearing jeans, you––are––stunning.”
A warm tingle whirled down her back then darted between her thighs. “Thank you.” She turned to avoid the eye contact she knew would further her latent desire.
“For my ingenious plan?”
“No. For saying I’m beautiful despite my scraggly wet hair.” After she hung her damp towel on a hook, she wandered toward the table to her purse.
“Just stating the facts, ma’am.” He turned and grabbed his wallet and phone from a shelf by the door. “Harper thinks saying you have a concussion will work great. At least long enough to sustain your cover. Part two will take a bit more planning.” He slid behind her and wrapped his arms around her waist. Edging her wet strands from her neck, he kissed softly over and over.
Tiny hairs rose, prickling her hairline in response. She spun, this time acknowledging her arousal with a come-hither stare to which Ash readily complied in response.
He lifted her and she straddled his waist, her wet hair clinging to her thin T-shirt now pressed against his bare chest.
Backing up to the bed, he lowered their embrace onto the soft down comforter. His warm lips nibbled down her neck as he stroked her stiffening nipples.
Her sensitivity heightened. Each brush of his finger left a stream of fire in its wake until her entire body burned for more.
Cupping her breast, he traced a circle around her areola and gently rubbed the hardened tip.
A quiver spun then radiated to her most sensual spots and she purred with delight.
Watching her response, the corners of his lips curled into a satisfied smile. “I love the way you react to my touch.” Then, with his teeth, he tugged softly at her wet T-shirt before sliding his hands beneath the fabric and pulling it over her head. Tossing the tee aside, he returned to his sensual foreplay.
“Mmmmm,” she groaned, and closed her eyes. Running her palms over the tight muscles in his back, she drew him closer and writhed with need, pressing her hips into his.
Erection pulsating, Ash moaned and rolled her to the side, freeing her hands to slip underneath his jeans.
An untethered passion Emily couldn’t explain nor had any intention of dissecting to understand, fluttered over her, and she arched her back, surrendering…spellbound…insatiable––and content with whatever ensued between them.
Chapter Fifteen
Throughout the entire drive to McLean, Emily couldn’t stop thinking about the intimate moment she had with Ash. Never before had she indulged in a lustful tryst with a man she barely knew. Was her intense attraction an escape from the grief she couldn’t bear, or a spark from the man she’d dreamed of for most of her life? Either way, she couldn’t deny their mysterious allure or the mesmerizing enchantment she felt every time Ash approached.
By the time they pulled in the driveway at 3903 44th St. North, in McLean, Virginia, Wyatt and Harper had already arrived and now strolled toward the Audi.
Still basking in the afterglow of her romp with Ash, she drew in a long breath and tried to refocus before opening the door to greet her brother. Ever since they were kids, Wyatt had known when Emily’s emotions heightened, and she wasn’t sure how he’d respond to what might appear as a hook-up. She stepped out of the car then ran toward him.
“About time.” Wyatt held open his arms to embrace Emily. “You look a little flushed, sis. Are you okay?”
“I’m fine, and so glad you’re here. So much has happened we need to talk about, but first, are Mom and Dad okay? I wish I could have been with you to tell them about Lyssa but coming to Washington was the right choice.”
“They’re broken-hearted, as expected, and want the funeral arrangements as soon as possible so they can book a flight, but they were frantic to know how you were handling the news.” He drew back to gaze into her eyes. “How are you?”
“I’m hanging in, thanks in part to Ash.” She angled her head in his direction. “I’m not sure I’ve processed much yet. I assume Harper filled you in?”
“Yeah. You could have knocked me over with a blink when I saw her waiting at the gate.” He cocked his head toward Harper, now a few feet away talking to Ash. “I hadn’t seen her since I left Afghanistan. We made a great team back then, and I was glad to hear you two joined forces so to speak. She’s good people.”
“I’m happy to hear you say that. Sharing my thoughts about the Deep State didn’t come easily, but Wyatt, there’s no doubt Steel was blackmailed and forced to follow Lyssa to keep her quiet. Did Harper tell you who we believe is at the core of this tragedy?”
“Yes. The FBI Director. But I’d stake all I have that he had a whole tribe of Association members involved as well. That’s how they work.” He turned and motioned for Emily to follow Ash and Harper around the gatehouse and into the back yard.
Emily nodded and strolled toward the door next to him. “How long have you two been here?”
“Ten…maybe fifteen minutes. We looked around for anything that appeared out of place or unusual but so far, we’ve found nothing. We were about to check out the back yard.”
“Did Steel give you any details about Alyssa’s murder?”
Emily pulled her still-damp hair into a ponytail then secured it with the band from around her wrist. “Harper took him before we had a chance to interrogate him further…of course, he admitted his involvement, but he said he didn’t push Alyssa off the cliff––even when Ash held a gun to the guy’s head. He swears Math
is’s henchman threatened his family.”
“I heard. He also claims Alyssa’s death was an accident. Do you believe him?” Wyatt slowed, taking the approaching rocky terrain a bit more carefully.
“As much as I want to inflict revenge upon the man who attempted to inject my IV with a fatal concoction, I kinda do believe him.”
Harper’s gaze whizzed over her shoulder to Emily. “Speaking of that concoction...” She paused and turned to face them then continued. “I dropped off the syringe to Corinne––our NCIS forensic scientist––on the way to the Airport and told her the evidence was top secret and I needed it ASAP. I heard back from her while I was waiting for Wyatt.” She pursed her lips, raising her brow. “Turns out the Gunny had a lethal dose of morphine in that syringe. Had he injected the contents into your IV the resulting asphyxia and respiratory depression would have occurred so quickly the nurses wouldn’t have had time to determine the cause, let alone save you.”
“Son of a bitch.” Ash stiffened.
Emily squeezed her eyes shut and dropped her jaw.
Reaching an arm around her, Wyatt drew her close. “It’s okay, Em. You’re fine, now. But using yourself as bait...not your most astute moment.” He glared at Ash.
“She was never in danger, Wyatt. The moment Steel entered her hospital room he was in my sites. I’d never let anything happen to Emily. You have my word.”
“He’s telling the truth, Wyatt. Ash had me covered the whole time.” She reached for Ash’s hand then squeezed. “I don’t think I ever thanked you, but I––”
“Hey. I should be thanking you for helping me break open this case. I couldn’t have done that without your help.”
Wyatt squinted. “Did I miss something?” He gazed at Harper then back to Emily and Ash. “Is there something going on here I don’t know about? This mutual adoration society feels a little intimate.” He edged closer to Harper then murmured. “Are you picking up on this or is it just me?”