Page 95 of Exposed

I have to look close to spot him. He’s with a team standing in front of a Chinook or something like it. They’d fly over our sleepy Virginia town from time to time. It was exciting to look into the sky and see something other than a hawk hunting its next meal.

The group is dressed for combat in full camo with more tactical gear than I can imagine carrying at any one time. They’re in helmets and look like they’re getting ready to do something important and frightening. They’re loaded down with guns and gear and everything else needed to do their job and survive at the same time.

King is second from the left. I recognize his stance—the way he manages to shift his weight to one side, all the while commanding a presence and looking ominous.

And, still, his blue eyes shine bright through the summer day.

“You see something you like?”

I jerk and spin on a heel. “You startled me.”

King leans his shoulder to the door jamb, hands stuffed in his pockets, and doing the same thing he did in the picture I’m still holding.

His presence fills the space and then some.

But tonight, he’s not ominous. At least not anymore. He was the first time I met him like he was the first time I kissed him.

Or, should I say, he kissed me.

He lifts his chin. “When you’re snooping, you always need to be aware. Watch your back. It’s the number one rule when you’re working undercover.”

I look down at the picture and run the tip of my finger over his figure from head to toe. “Then it’s a good thing I don’t have to pretend I’m someone I’m not or to even like the bad guys. I’ll leave that up to you.”

“You’re the reason I’m this deep into the Carter Cartel. Don’t make light of that.”

I set the frame back where it was. “Just remember you’re on the clock. Brax and Micah made it seem like this could take forever. You don’t have forever, King.”

He licks his lips, and his blue eyes smolder. “Ah, yes. Our upcoming nuptials. How could I forget something so significant?”

I don’t want to think about that for so many reasons. I’ve planned and attended more weddings than most people attend in a lifetime, and never once have I thought about being the star of the show.

I mean, I have. I think at this point, I’ve seen it all. I have a black list of things that make me cringe, things I’ll never wear, or traditions that should be banned.

But I’m never the star of my imagination. There’s something depressing about picturing that special day by yourself since I’ve never had a love of my life to add to the scene to share it with.

Until recently.

And for some reason, I can picture it. Even though thelove of my lifepart isn’t a reality.

Heck, reality is murky. It should all be pretend but the sex. But the lust and the way I’m drawn to King is very, very real.

I pull in a breath and change the subject, because the vision of walking down the aisle to Kingston Jennings is too much.

“Thank you for tonight. Despite Dex, I do love Miami, but I miss my mom. You gave me family time tonight, even if I was just a spectator. It was a lovely break from my life.”

Of all the things I say, that’s what pushes him to move. I’m in his arms before I know it. My bottom is pressed into his dresser, his lips find mine, and his hands roam.

The heat of his hand on the bare skin of my back presses in, and his other hand dips into my hair to angle my face.

His tongue plunges in my mouth. This kiss is as demanding as his body as I’m pinned to his dresser.

I wonder how King Jennings would seal the deal after sayingI do.

Stupid, stupid heart.

My brain forces that thought from my head. Jennings family time and soaking in a million pictures of King growing into the man he is today has proven to be too much.

Maybe it is for him too. His erection grows firmer by the second when he tears his lips from mine and looks into my eyes. “You don’t know how bad I want to throw you on my bed and fuck you until we pass out. But we need to switch cars and get back to your place, and if we don’t get out of here before Lake and Willa get back, we’ll be stuck here forever. Lake knows what’s going on, but Trippy doesn’t.”

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