Page 27 of Dangerous Protocol

“I’m going with you.” She dropped her backpack on the couch and moved over to sit on one of the barstools at the peninsula separating the main room from the kitchen.

“That’s not going to happen.” He leaned back against the edge of the counter and crossed his arms over his chest. “You haven’t slept or eaten in days. You are in no condition to be a part of an operation.”

“But—”

“Let me ask you something. And I want you to give me an honest answer.” More than anyone, he understood her desire to go in after Isla, but she needed to face the truth. “Would you be an asset or a liability?”

Already knowing the answer, her shoulders visibly sagged, and her chin dropped with a sigh.

“Jeffrey, while I have the utmost confidence that you will get her out safely, I can’t just sit here and do nothing while you’re risking your life to save our daughter.” She moved around the counter, stood in front of him, and gripped his arms. “I know you and I are not … that we’ll never …” She gave her head a quick shake. “You don’t trust me, and I understand that, but I just cannot fathom the thought of anything happening to you.”

Something about the raw fear and desperation in her voice fractured the mistrust that had been lodged inside him since she’d walked away. Nothing could’ve stopped him from kissing her, so he did.

Her eyes widened when he wrapped his arms around her waist and pulled her close. He slowly lowered his face to hers, giving her plenty of time to protest or push him away. And, holy shit, he was shocked by the level of relief he felt when she did neither. Instead, she raised up on her toes, looped her arms around his neck, and met him halfway.

Their lips met, and the chemistry he’d suppressed and tried to forget roared to the surface. Electricity crashed through every cell in his body and shot straight to his dick.Jeffrey reached up, framed her face with his hands, and tilted her head until it was right where he wanted it. Her deep, sexy moan vibrated against his chest, and she held him tight before her tongue dove into his mouth. That was all the invitation he needed to do the same.

The pent-up passion between them exploded and was as powerful as always. Their breaths quickened, and his dick threatened to burst through his pants. He backed her up until she was wedged between him and the counter and pressed his crotch against her. She tore her mouth from his, panting, lips parted, and her head fell back.

As if from habit, his mouth moved down to the side of her neck, licking and sucking that sensitive spot he’d discovered all those years ago. He wrapped his hand in her hair, tilted her head to the side and dragged his tongue up and up until he nibbled her earlobe.

“Jeffrey.” The husky whisper of her voice spurred him on.

He pulled her face down and took her mouth once again. His hand slipped beneath the hem of her shirt, and his fingertips dragged against the soft skin over her rib cage. The simple feel of her silky skin almost had him embarrassing himself like some teenager with his first hard-on.

Jeffrey cupped her butt in his hands, lifted her up, and plopped her onto the counter. She immediately wrapped her legs around him, grabbed his face, and slammed her mouth to his.

The oil beneath the chicken popped and sizzled in the background.

“The chicken is going to burn,” Maya whispered against his lip.

He lifted her from the counter, and without hesitation, she wrapped her legs around his waist. He carried her across the kitchen and turned off the burner.

“Where were we?” He leaned in to kiss her and stopped when she tilted back from him.

“Jeffrey, I—” She looked away from him, and he was certain he’d gone too far. “I know my timing is atrocious, but I can’t go another minute without telling you something.” She placed her hands on his cheeks. “I love you. I have loved you since our first night together in that hotel suite. I’ve never felt this way about anyone before or since, and every day away from you has been like death by a thousand cuts.” She seemed to muster her courage. “I know it’s too late for us, that you don’t trust me—”

“You don’t know anything.” He crashed his mouth down on hers and carried her out of the kitchen, down the hall, and into his bedroom.

Jeffrey tore his lips free.

“Tell me you want this, Maya.” He stood next to the bed, hard and needing her so badly it hurt.

“I want this.” She gave him a deep kiss, unwound her legs from around him, and slid down his body to stand in front of him. “I wantyou.”

She grabbed the bottom of her T-shirt, yanked it up and off and dropped it on the floor at their feet. She undid the front clasp of her white bra and it ended up with the shirt. Her jeans were next. She popped the button and slid them and her panties down to pool at her ankles. She stepped out of them and kicked them to the side. It was all done so quickly, he didn’t have time to help.

His gaze traveled over her like a hungry lion’s, taking in every inch of her fair skin.

She looked away and fidgeted, even tried to cross her arms over her body. “I know I’m too thin and my breasts are not—”

“Don’t you dare cover yourself up.” Jeffrey circled his fingers around her wrists and gently lowered her arms to her sides. “You fed our child with these breasts, and they are perfect.” He reached out and ran the tip of his finger over the top of each globe. “You’re beautiful, Maya.”

Her chest rose and fell, and her head dropped back on a sigh.

“I have dreamt of your touch so many times.” Maya’s voice was a whisper.

Jeffrey set his hands on her waist and backed her up until her knees hit the edge of the bed. She dropped down to sit on the mattress and looked up at him.

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