Page 17 of Under Fire

Matt glanced around, trying to see the place from Delilah’s perspective, and mentally shrugged. He didn’t have much on the walls. In fact, the only thing was his 60-inch television. Easier to clean. He didn’t have to worry about dusting crap scattered on the walls and flat surfaces. One quick swipe and he was done. No muss, no fuss.

Delilah glanced at Liam. “I don’t want to take your bed or Matt’s.”

The sniper shook his head. “I won’t be sleeping. When I’m here, I’ll be on duty. My job is to protect you while Matt is asleep. When my shift is up, Cade will come over with his wife.”

That brought a smile. “Sasha makes the best tea.”

“Can’t speak about the tea, but her coffee is great.” He turned to Matt. “Go rest. I have you and Delilah covered.”

Matt held out his hand to Delilah. “Come on. I’ll show you where you’ll sleep.” He ushered her to the bedroom across from his. He’d turned the third bedroom into a workroom.

“Matt, this room is beautiful.” Delilah moved past him to scan the room.

It was just another bedroom to him. His mother and sister had chosen the comforter, curtains, and decorations for the walls. Left up to him, this room would be as spartan as the rest of the house. He hadn’t purchased items to make the house attractive. Why bother? He didn’t have anyone over but his teammates.

He spent money on weapons and medical supplies, and part of that was supplemented by Fortress and PSI. “I’m glad you like it. Will you rest for a while?” Matt didn’t want to force her, but she needed the sleep. Despite the bone-deep trust he had in Liam, he preferred to be awake when she was awake.

She looked out the window toward her house. “I should go swim. I always swim in the mornings.”

“Not today.” He captured her chin in his palm. “One day off won’t hurt you. If you feel up to it, you can start back up tomorrow. Hopefully by then your headache will be better. Besides, you need a waterproof bandage to protect the stitches.”

“Do you have some?”

He nodded. “I’m holding them hostage for the day. Tomorrow, I’ll give you one in exchange for a real kiss.”

A frown. “You don’t want a kiss now?”

Did he ever. “I definitely do. I won’t pursue it, though. I want you to feel good enough to enjoy the first of many kisses with me.” No way would Matt be able to stop with just one.

“I’m feeling better than I did last night.”

Matt chuckled. “Not today, Delilah.” He brushed her lips with his and stepped back. The temptation was strong to linger and give her the real kiss both of them craved. “I promise to deliver on the kiss tomorrow.”

“I’m holding you to that, Mr. Rainer.”

“Yes, ma’am. Stay in the house and leave the curtains closed. If anything happens, do exactly what Liam tells you to do.”

“What about you?”

“I’m trained to sleep light. Liam won’t have a problem waking me. If you need me, Delilah, come get me. I want to be here for you, whatever you need.” With that, Matt went into his room.

Too tired to do more than take a quick shower, five minutes later, Matt dressed in cargoes and a black t-shirt and socks, his combat boots by the side of the bed. If a problem developed in the next few hours, he’d be ready.

He stretched out on the bed, wondering who wanted to hurt Delilah and when the next attack would occur. As sure as the sun rose in the mornings, he knew the attacker wasn’t finished.

CHAPTER SEVEN

Delilah stared at the ceiling, willing herself to sleep. Not happening. She sighed and gave up, too wired to sleep. Hopefully, she wouldn’t wake him when she left the room.

She tied on her shoes, turned the knob, and eased open the door. Breathing a sigh of relief when the hinges didn’t squeak, Delilah walked toward the living room. Maybe watching television or reading a book would help her settle down enough to take a nap. Doubtful, though. Delilah wasn’t a good napper.

When she walked into the living room, Liam turned from where he was watching out the window. His eyebrows rose. “Couldn’t sleep?”

Delilah shook her head. “Is there a problem outside?” She prayed there wasn’t. Matt needed a few hours to recharge.

“Come here. An SUV arrived forty-five minutes ago and is parked three houses away on the right side. The driver hasn’t left the vehicle. Do you recognize it?”

Liam moved back to allow Delilah to take his place. Following his example and staying to the side of the window, she peered through the narrowed curtain opening and stared at the SUV he’d mentioned.

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