by Anna Hackett
The box and pillar exploded.
“Woo!” Evan grinned at Jonah.
He smiled back.
Blair and Callie leaped and rolled, dodging several light beams. Callie fired at one pillar, while Blair jumped onto a second box. Then the blonde brought her large, combat knife down and jammed it into the grooves in the pillar. She worked the knife in, her face set in concentration.
The glow on the pillar died, and Blair kicked it. It snapped off and shattered. Callie continued firing on the other box, until the stone pillar cracked.
Seth and River worked together, their CXMs firing as they both concentrated their fire on a single box. Logan and Ronin charged another box. Ronin kept firing, distracting the beam. With a roar, Logan collided with the box and pushed. It crashed off the ledge, and smashed to the ground.
Lachlan stayed near the shaft, surveying the chamber, his CXM rifle cradled in his hands. “Targets destroyed.”
“Fuck yeah.” Dec kissed Layne enthusiastically. The archeologist let out a delighted laugh.
Jonah grabbed Evan and she leaped on him, wrapping her long legs around his waist. She kissed him like her life depended on it.
He was alive.
They were both alive.
And he loved her.
She broke the kiss and rubbed their noses together. “I’ve never been this happy.”
“Sounds like a challenge,” he said.
She cocked her head.
“To see if I can make you even happier,” he added.
Her belly filled with warmth.
“Hey, boss-man.” Callie appeared. “You’re covered in a lot of blood.” She eyed his shirt.
“I’m fine, Callie.”
“He was shot.” Evan’s voice trembled and she saw sympathy in Callie’s eyes. “The artifact healed him, then also tried to kill him.” Evan blew out a breath and leaned into Jonah. “It’s a long story.”
“Evan’s hands need attention,” Jonah said.
Callie looked at Evan’s palms and winced. “Ouch.”
They were scraped raw and bloody, with skin missing and burn marks. “It’s been a long day.”
Callie pulled off her backpack and set to work.
The Treasure Hunter Security guys were slapping Dec’s back and hugging Layne.
“Fuck, I hate being underground,” Logan muttered.
“You’re just missing your wife,” Ronin said.
“And he dislikes most things, except his wife,” Layne said.
“So, you found the Hall of Records?” Lachlan’s brows drew together as he scanned the plain chamber. “This can’t be it.”
“It’s not a place,” Jonah said. “It was an artifact containing all the knowledge of an advanced race.”
Seth whistled. “Where is it?”
“Um, there.” Evan pointed.
The team all looked at the wet patch, the shattered glass, and crystallized substance on the ground.
Silence.
Blair arched a brow. “You broke it?”
Evan straightened. “It was killing Jonah, so yes, I broke it.”
Blair smiled. “Good choice.”
“Collect the pieces,” Jonah said. “I want them placed in a containment box, and Callie, see if you can get some samples of the crystalline substance.”
The medic nodded. “Sure thing.” She finished with the bandages on Evan’s hands. “You’re all set, CIA.”
“Thanks.”
Lachlan glanced dispassionately at Brennan’s body by the far wall, partially covered in collapsed rock. “Callie, can you and Smith bag that body?”
“On it,” Callie replied.
Sprouse was cowering in the alcove behind the mummy.
“What about him?” Lachlan asked.
“We’ll take him with us,” Jonah replied. “Perhaps hand him over to the Egyptian authorities. Tell them that he was looting.”
Lachlan gave the man a flat stare. Sprouse whimpered.
“Egyptian prisons aren’t nice places,” Lachlan drawled.
Sprouse’s chin dropped to his chest.
As the team collected the shards of the Hall of Records orb, Jonah slid an arm around Evan. He lifted her bandaged palms and kissed them gently.
“We’ll have a lot of details to sort out once we get back. I’ll contact the CIA and inform them about Brennan. Get your name cleared.”
She nodded.
“You’ll have your justice, Evan.”
She smiled. “The funny thing is that I’m not sure I care that much anymore. I mean, I’ll be glad not to be called a criminal.” She rested her palms against his chest. “I think I might want a fresh start. To explore other opportunities.”
She saw something flare in his eyes. “Sounds like a good plan. Why don’t you visit Las Vegas, while you assess your options?”
“I might do that. There are so many casinos. Can you recommend a good one for me to stay at?”
He rested his hands over hers gently. “Actually, I know a place. Penthouse apartment with great views. Snobby cat as well. The landlord would let you stay free of charge.”
She nipped his lip. “Sounds like a good deal.”
“Now,” Declan said. “I’m not going to say ‘let’s get out of here’ because every time I do, something bad happens. So, I’m just going to leave.”
Evan and Jonah smiled.
“Let’s go,” Jonah said.
The group climbed up the shaft. Smith carried Brennan’s body, while Callie and Blair bullied Sprouse to climb. They moved past where Team 52 had blown through the rubble Sprouse had used to block the access.
As they crept out of the Valley Temple, the desert air was fresh, ruffling Evan’s hair. To the east, the sun was starting to rise.
Nearby, the Sphinx stared at the morning sun—mysterious and all-knowing—with the majestic pyramids behind it.
Her chest filled, her skin tingled. All a tribute to the ingenuity and dedication of long-gone human civilizations. A symbol of all that humans could achieve when they weren’t trying to destroy and tear down.
Jonah kissed her hair. “Time to go.”
Jonah woke to the familiar hum of plane engines. He was reclined back in a seat on the X8. He glanced at his watch. Damn, he’d slept most of the flight home. There was a hushed quiet in the aircraft. All the team was resting or sleeping.
Evan was asleep beside him, her head resting on his shoulder.
His heart squeezed. She was so beautiful. They’d showered and changed before the flight home, and she’d tamed her hair into a braid. Her long lashes rested against her cheeks.
He knew her well enough now to know that her sleeping on him like this signified how much she trusted him.
His. His to love, cherish, spoil. They’d laugh together, fight together. She’d make him angry sometimes, and the rest of the time she’d make him laugh.
Jonah hadn’t done a lot of laughing for a long time.
He knew she was still skittish about them being together. He’d need to spend time convincing her that they could make a beautiful life together.
But what if she decided she missed her work at the CIA? She was a brilliant agent. He’d seen her work and watched her fight. He knew she was good.
No. He’d offer her so much more so that she wouldn’t ever want to leave.
Her eyelashes fluttered and her eyes opened. A lazy smile curved her lips. “Hey.”
“Hey.”
She straightened and cupped his jaw, then she pressed her lips to his. “Why so serious, Director?”
“I don’t want to lose you.”
Her face softened. “I’m right here. With no plans to go anywhere else. I’m right where I want to be, Jonah.”
He slid his hand up and caught her braid. “And when you miss your work at the CIA?”
She snorted. “I don’t want to work for an organization that tossed me out at the first sign of trouble. Nor do I want to work alongside people who didn’t trust me. Hell, some probabl
y tried to take me out on Brennan’s orders.” She shook her head. “I…can’t go back. I have no interest in it.”
“So perhaps you’d consider working for a black ops team that collects dangerous artifacts?”
She smiled. “Perhaps. I want to take some time to evaluate my options.” She nibbled his lips. “Especially since I’m very happily sleeping with the director of said black ops team.”
“Hmm.”
“And I plan to do a lot more of that, very soon.”
The teasing kiss turned serious and he pulled her closer. Then she climbed into his lap. She moaned quietly as they devoured each other.
“Really happy the boss is finally getting laid,” a male voice drawled. “But I don’t need to see it with my own eyes.”
They broke the kiss and Evan looked up. Axel grinned at them.
Jonah shook his head, and Evan threw her head back and laughed.
The rest of the team stirred. When Jonah glanced out the window, he saw desert below. They’d be home soon.
Axel and Callie passed out some food. A sleepy-eyed Layne appeared, Declan behind her. His bullet graze was bandaged.
“I think once we’re home, I’m going to sleep for three months,” Layne said.
“Thank you. Both of you.” Jonah said. “Without your help, we would never have found the Hall of Records. And we definitely wouldn’t have made it out of that chamber alive.”
The couple smiled.
“So, you’ll study the remnants of the Hall of Records?” Layne asked.
“Yes, our scientist, Ty, and Nat will try to piece it back together.”
Evan leaned back in her seat. “Still not sorry I smashed it.”
Jonah tugged on her braid. “We’ll see if we can recover any data, although part of me wonders if it’s better this way. If the secrets of the Shemsu-Hor should stay secret.”
Layne nodded. “Some lessons we have to learn for ourselves. Live them, breathe them, make the mistakes, revel in our own successes.”
Jonah met Evan’s gaze. “That’s true.”
She leaned past him. “Look.”
Outside the window, sunlight was glinting off Las Vegas in the distance. Soon, the glitz of the Strip became visible.
Dec shuddered. “I can’t wait to get back to Denver.”
“If you ever need our help,” Jonah said, “you just have to call.”
The men shook hands.
“Same goes, Jonah.”
“We’ll be landing soon,” Seth called back from the cockpit. “Blair’s fighting for an early landing spot with air traffic control. Someone’s eager to see her police detective.”
A loud snort came from the cockpit. “You mean someone’s keen to see his pregnant wife.”
“Hell, yeah,” Seth said.
“I’m going to call and check on Arlo.” Jonah pulled out his sat phone.
He put it on speaker. The call rang and rang. He frowned, then finally, Raquel answered.
“Hello?”
Evan leaned forward. “Mom, it’s Evan and Jonah.”
“Oh, you guys are back?”
“We’re landing soon,” Evan said.
“You’re okay?” Raquel’s voice was breathless.
“Yes.” Evan raised a brow. “Why are you out of breath?”
“Had to run for the phone. Arlo was released from the hospital, so I’m playing nursemaid at his place. Keeping the old coot in bed is proving tough.”
Jonah smiled. He was damn glad the man was home. “That sounds like Arlo.”
“Yes, well, he’s learning to appreciate redheaded determination.”
“Oh, God,” Evan muttered. “They’ll kill each other.”
“He’s recovering well. That hunk of deliciousness, Ty, stopped by.” Raquel made a humming sound.
“Mom, focus,” Evan said.
“Right. Ty had some gel to use on Arlo’s wounds. The rate of healing is amazing.”
“Tell Arlo hi from us,” Jonah said. “After we’ve cleaned up and rested, we’ll come around to see him.”
“You guys must be exhausted. I remember post-mission adrenaline crashes very well. Come around tomorrow. Arlo needs his rest, too.”
“Raquel, thanks for looking after him.”
“Oh, it’s been my pleasure. Thanks for looking after my girl.”
Jonah looked at Evan and love swelled inside him. “She can look after herself, but I’ll try to always have her back.”
Evan smiled. “I love you.”
Over the phone line, Raquel gasped. “I knew it! I knew from the instant I saw that man that he was yours.”
“Well, you were right, Mom. See you tomorrow.”
“Love you, baby girl.”
Jonah pulled Evan in for a kiss as the X8 flew in over Las Vegas.
“Well, I think you’ve got my mother’s stamp of approval,” she said.
Jonah hugged her. “And I think you’d have my mother’s as well.”
Evan tilted her head up. “Really?”
“She would have admired your confidence and independence. And she would have approved of how much you love me.”
Evan shot him a sexy grin, and lowered her voice. “When we get home, I’ll show you just how much I love you.”
“I’m one hundred percent behind that idea, Agent Fletcher.”
Chapter Nineteen
Evan woke and, for a second, was a little disoriented. She glanced out the window and saw that night was falling and the lights of Vegas were taking over.
They’d slept all afternoon. After they’d landed in Las Vegas, they’d said goodbye to the others, and headed for Jonah’s penthouse. After a quick shower, he’d made several calls while she’d puttered around his place, then they’d fallen straight into a deep sleep. She’d spent the afternoon curled around Jonah, and right now, all she wore was one of his T-shirts.
She stretched out on Jonah’s big bed. There was no sign of him.
She turned her head and jolted. Kowi was sitting on the bed, staring at her with judgmental eyes. Like she was in his spot and totally screwing up his life.
“We’re going to have to become friends, dude,” she said. “I’m planning to stick around.”
The black cat blinked at her, then rose, swiveled and aimed his butt her way before jumping off the bed.
Evan grinned. She liked him.
She flopped back on the pillows. There was no worry, no spurt of adrenaline, no desperate need to get out of there and stop Brennan.
Brennan was dead.
The remnants of the Hall of Records were locked away at the Bunker, and would be headed to Area 52. She was alive and breathing, and so was Jonah.
Those moments where she’d almost lost him tore into her mind. Her belly clenched.
It would take a long time for those memories to fade.
He was fine. And she was going to spend a long time appreciating that fact.
The bedroom door opened and Jonah strode in, wearing only a pair of tight, navy-blue boxer briefs. He held a tray.
Every cell in Evan’s body flared to life. Instant desire ignited in her belly. She rolled onto her side, propping a hand under her head.
He smiled, his teeth white against his bronze skin. “You’re awake. I took a chance and figured that you’d be hungry.” He set the tray down on the bedside table.
She watched the muscles in his back flex. All that gorgeous, bronze skin, and that lean, muscular body.
“Oh, I’m definitely hungry,” she drawled.
He turned and raised a brow. His own gaze traveled over her, sprawled in the center of his bed.
“You are so damn beautiful, Evan.”
Warmth bloomed. She’d always known she was attractive, and it had been a tool she’d used in her work numerous times.
But the way Jonah said it made her feel beautiful.
He moved closer to the bed. “I’m very, very happy the mission is over, and very happy we’re both alive and healthy.”
“Me t
oo.”
“Take off the shirt, Evan.” His voice was commanding. His director voice.
She quickly pulled the shirt off. She watched flames spark in his eyes.
“You are so sexy.” He pressed a knee to the bed. “And also smart, strong, ridiculously capable.”
“Jonah…” He was making her heart melt.
He nudged her legs apart, taking his time to kiss her ankle, calf, behind her knee, her inner thighs. God, the man liked to take his time.
She writhed, and cupped her breasts with her own hands.
“Yes.” His breath was hot on her skin. “Touch those beautiful breasts.” He looked up her body. “I know you’re tough, that you don’t need me, but I’ll make you want me.”
“I need you, Jonah. Here.” She pressed her palm flat over her heart. “More than you’ll ever know.”
“I’ve never wanted anyone the way I want you.” He lowered his head and licked between her legs.
With a cry, Evan bucked her hips up.
“I’ve never let anyone in the way I’ve let you in,” he said against her skin.
“Jonah.”
His mouth pressed to her core, and he licked and sucked, and soon she was a mindless mess of need.
It didn’t take long and she came, crying out his name.
He quickly shucked off his boxers and moved up her body. He lowered his head to her breasts, sucking one nipple into his mouth.
“Oh.” She felt his touch everywhere. Her skin was over sensitized, pleasure drenching her. Jonah ignited a need that never seemed to go away.
She shoved her hands into his hair, holding him against her. His teeth nipped her taut nipple, then moved to the other breast. He sucked on that peak as well.
Evan needed more. Needed him. She slid her hand between their bodies and pumped his cock.
She was rewarded with a deep groan.
“I need to fuck you, Evan.”
The raw words, the harsh tone, they set her belly alive. Need was stamped on his handsome face.
“I need you to take me,” he said. “All of me.”
Blood roared through her ears. “Do it.”
He reared back, and flipped her over on her hands and knees. “Look at you.” His voice was a growl. His hand stroked over her ass, between her cheeks. Then he plunged two fingers into her.