He pulls me into the embrace I was craving, and even though I was resolved to keep my emotional distance, I immediately melt into him. His strong arms are like the safety bars on this rollercoaster ride we’re on. The one that only grows more frightening every minute it continues.
When he pulls away, he has that blank expression on his face. His game face. I’m not sure what it means. “Where did you hit the wolf, Annabel?”
“In the hip,” I admit. “Left flank.”
“Is that what you aimed for?”
I go still. It’s a strange question, almost like he knew what happened back there. A prickle of defensiveness stiffens my spine. “Yes.”
I can hear my basic training arms instructor shouting at me now. Aim to kill or don’t shoot at all. This isn’t television. Don’t shoot their kneecaps when your life’s at stake. If you’re not willing to kill, don’t draw your weapon.
I lift my chin and match Charlie’s stare. I don’t need a lecture from him.
“You know what I’m going to say,” he says quietly, and I swear I hear sympathy in his voice.
I nod.
He touches my face, runs his thumb along my cheekbone. “I’m glad you can handle yourself with a gun,” is all he murmurs, sparing me a lecture.
I flash him a grateful look.
“Go on, get some sleep. We’ll leave before dawn.”
I’m disappointed even though we can’t sleep together, and there’s nothing more to say. He cups my nape and pulls me into him to drop a kiss on my forehead.
I smile faintly at the gesture.
Don’t get used to it.
This adventure with Charlie Dune is a one-off. If I get out of this alive, we’ll be parting when it’s over.
Still, I like the way he makes me feel.
The safety and protection his presence means to me.
No, it’s so much more than that. It’s raw attraction, fascination with his prowess-both mental and physical-and a genuine connection.
But that still doesn’t mean this can go anywhere.
Charlie
ANNABEL’S BURNER phone rings on our way down the mountain. She looks at the screen, then meets my inquiring gaze. “Washington, D. C. It might be Senator Flack.”
“Answer it.”
Her hands tremble a bit as she slides the phone on. “Agent Gray speaking.”
“Annabel, hi. This is Senator Flack returning your call.” With my new and improved hearing, there’s no conversation I can’t eavesdrop on-including Annabel and her sister’s yesterday about me. The senator sounds warm and friendly, almost grandfatherly.
“Senator, thank you for calling me back. I know you were director of the CIA when my father died, and I remember you coming to the funeral.”
“Yes, that’s true. Your father was a friend of mine, Annabel. He was employed as a covert agent under me.”
“Can you tell me what his mission was when he died?”
Senator Flack goes quiet for a moment. “You know I can’t do that, Annabel. You should know better than to ask. It’s way above your security clearance.”
“Yes, I understand that. I do. I just wanted to know… well, never mind. You’re right. I shouldn’t ask.”
“Annabel, your father died a hero. He served his country. It makes no difference whether he did it for the Marines or the CIA.”
“Right. Thank you, sir. That means a lot.”
The Senator goes on a bit about keeping America strong against our enemies, one of his main platforms when he runs for office. It’s a bunch of political hot air, but he the way he preaches it is compelling.
“Annabel, are you at Langley?”
“No, Senator, I’m in California.”
“Oh, that’s too bad. I would say we could have lunch sometime if you want. I can share some old stories about your dad.”
She glances at me, and I nod-meeting with this guy could give us more information. “Actually, I’m headed to the Capitol today. I’d love to have lunch. Would tomorrow work?”
“Yes, yes that would work nicely,” he booms. “Call me tomorrow morning, and I’ll give you a location.”
“Sounds great, thanks.” She hangs up. “Did you get all that?” she asks me.
I nod. I may have a big secret to keep from her, but I won’t lie if I don’t have to. She might just assume my excellent hearing is part of my field agent super skills. “It doesn’t sound like he knows.”
“Yeah,” she gnaws her lip. “But he was the director the CIA at the time. Is it possible there was a cover-up-kept from him?”
“I don’t know, but I’m sure we can get the answers if we keep digging. Is that what you want?” I notice she backed down with Flack. Maybe she’s ready to drop this.
She nods, still looking distant.
I take my right hand off the wheel and grab hers. “Hey, whatever happens, it’s gonna be okay. We’ll find the whole story about your dad.”
“That’s what I’m afraid of.”
“Don’t be afraid of the truth. You’re strong. You can handle it.”
“Thanks, Charlie,” she whispers. Fuck, but I love my name on her lips.
So does my cock. It perks up, ready to stand at attention.
Down, boy. Now is not the time.
“So,” I say a bit louder to get her attention and my own thoughts under control. “Are you ready for this?”
“Absolutely,” she almost giggles, but it’s a nervous laugh. I can smell the fear radiating off her thanks to my new and improved mutant senses.
She’s not a field agent. Hell, she pulled her shot when my wolf was going to break down the door and kill her family. I’m not used to second-guessing my decisions, but I’m doing so now.
“I could go in alone. You don’t have to come with me.”