Page 47 of Wicked Suspicion

She nodded. “Just tired.”

His lips curved showing the barest hint of a smile. It made her breath catch. “From formal dining with the Puerto Jardinese president to hiking through the rainforest at night, you’ve had a hell of a day.”

“Don’t forget convincing a drug lord to let you accompany me to the library and researching historical documents. Dealing with Vargas is high stress.”

“You’ve spent a lot of time alone with him. Has he made you any offers that involve going around me?”

Voice low, fierce, Nyx stood, facing him, and said, “No, and if he had, I’d turn it down. You and I are a team and you’re the leader. My loyalty is to you. I’m trusting you with my life, Case. I’m relying on you to keep me safe in a situation my dad never prepared me for. I’m used to being in charge. I’m used to people looking to me to solve the problem. Letting you make the decisions isn’t easy for me.”

“I know, and you’re doing well, Fireball.” He clasped her hips, loosely enough for her to pull away if she wanted to, but she rested her hands at his waist instead. That got her another curve of his lips. It didn’t last long. “You can put your faith in me. I’ll kill to keep you safe if that’s what it takes. You’re my number one priority.”

Nyx wasn’t sure how to respond, but it ended up being a moot point. Case lowered his head and brushed his lips over hers, once, twice, a third time. She leaned into him, her mouth following his. The kisses were too quick. She wanted more.

Their fourth kiss gave her what she wanted. There was no more teasing. Only need. From him. From her.

She inched closer and his arms went around her, pulling her tightly against his body. Her hands ended up on his back, and she flexed her fingers in the soft knit of his T-shirt. Even through the cotton, she could feel his hard muscles, the warmth of his body.

Opening her mouth, Nyx invited him to deepen the kiss. He didn’t hesitate, taking her up on the offer. Turning them, Case pressed her into the wall.

Nyx shifted, making room for him to settle between her legs. His cock was hard, and it felt so good. So right.

There was a needy, mewling sound. It took her a moment to realize it had come from her. It woke her up and reminded her that they couldn’t do this. Moving her hands to his chest, she pushed lightly. “Stop.”

Immediately, Case raised his head. She could almost see him shake himself out of the arousal. “Holy shit.” He stepped back, breaking the embrace and crossing the room. “That got out of hand.”

She nodded, but Nyx didn’t have words. He’d rocked her world off its axis and she was holding on for dear life.

Chapter 20

Case finished his sandwich and wiped his hands on the napkins Señora Alvarez had provided along with the meat and bread. The bottled water he’d stashed here weeks ago was warm, and the safe house was hot enough to have perspiration forming on both their faces even this early in the morning.

This place was never meant to be a long-term hideout and was only provisioned for a couple of nights. It was an emergency stop, nothing more. If he were on his own, he could make it work longer, but Nyx was with him.

She started gathering up the garbage and wrapping it up in the paper Señora Alvarez had used for their food. Case kept his eyes on her as she stowed it in her backpack. She caught his gaze as she straightened in her seat. Her cheeks reddened, but she didn’t look away.

“You’ve been quiet,” Nyx said.

“Thinking.”

“You’re trying to decide what to do with me.”

I know what I’d like to do with you. He didn’t say that aloud, though. Even if she were willing, he couldn’t afford to be distracted. It was a sure bet that once he had his hands on her, he wouldn’t notice anything or anyone else until it was too late.

“I don’t suppose you’d consider going back to Los Angeles?” She frowned, squared her shoulders, and sparks danced in her brown eyes. “Yeah, that’s what I thought.”

“You knew I wouldn’t abandon my teammates, so why bother asking?”

“Sometimes a long shot pays off.”

“Usually they finish last.”

Case ran a hand across his mouth, trying to wipe away a grin. This was a serious conversation. “Do you have any ideas?”

“Why can’t we stay here?”

“Think tactically.” He reached for his bottled water and took a sip.

She pursed her lips for a moment and then said, “There’s too much cover surrounding the structure. Someone could come up on us from any side and we would never know they were there until they made their move. With only two of us, it’s an indefensible position despite the concrete walls.”

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