Page 50 of The Knight

Abe pointed to the horizon. Something dark broke the surface of the water. A gray whale? But there was no spout, and the rise was relentless.

Her mouth fell open. “Is that a?—”

“Submarine. Our ticket out of here.”

27

TheHMS Archerloomed before them, a dark behemoth against the twilight sky.

Now they were leaving Iceland’s shores, Abe allowed himself a fleeting moment of satisfaction. The tension in his shoulders eased a fraction. They weren’t out of danger yet, but for the first time since this mission began, it felt like the tide was turning in their favor.

He steadied Freya as she rose from the bobbing boat. Her fingers, ice-cold and trembling, gripped his with surprising strength. For a moment, as she found her footing on the slick hull, their eyes met.

Electricity passed between them, as palpable as the salt spray on his skin. Did she feel it too?

A gust of Arctic wind whipped across the hull. Freya stumbled, her feet skimming the wet surface. Without thinking, Abe pulled her against him. She collided with his chest, breathless, her cheeks flushed pink from the biting cold, her eyes bright with adrenaline and something else that made his pulse quicken.

The memory of her undressed flashed unbidden through his mind.

Long, graceful legs he longed to feel wrapped around him. He wanted to explore every inch of her, to trace the curves of her body with reverent hands, to taste the salt on her skin.

With difficulty, he forced the X-rated images away. Now wasn’t the time, but God help him, the longer he spent in her company, the harder it became to ignore the growing attraction.

Fox materialized from the shadow of the conning tower, his bearded face a mix of relief and concern. He clasped Abe’s hand, pulling him in close. “You made it.”

“Never any doubt.” The few words carried more weight than either would admit.

Fox’s grip tightened before he stepped back, eyes scanning the horizon with the same wariness Abe felt. “We’re not out of the woods yet.”

Abe nodded, his pulse still thrumming with adrenaline from the boat ride. “Raptor?”

Fox gave a sharp nod. “Eli confirmed—they’ve been on us hard.”

Abe’s jaw tensed. “The radio?”

Fox’s expression darkened. “Encryption held. Bought us some time, but they’re closing in. Haynes has intel to share with us from Leo and MI6.”

Abe placed a firm hand on Fox’s shoulder. “Good. Next move is ours. Let’s get inside.”

He descended the ladder into the submarine’s interior. The familiar smell of metal and recycled air enveloped him. He turned, reaching up to guide Freya down the last few rungs. His hands found her waist, and even through the layers of clothing, the warmth of her skin teased him.

She landed beside him with a soft gasp. He caught her elbow. “You okay?”

“Yeah.” Her voice was barely audible over the thrum of machinery as she absorbed their new cramped home for the foreseeable future.

The bridge loomed ahead, a complex array of controls that reminded him of certain military aircraft cockpits. Behind them, a narrow corridor led deeper into the sub’s interior. The walls, painted the ubiquitous Navy gray, were a Tetris game of efficiency. Every inch utilized, nothing wasted. Abe recognized com systems, atmospheric controls, and what looked like sonar displays.

A surge of power vibrated through the deck plates. Abe tensed. The generators were ramping up, but they weren’t moving yet.

“Prepare to close the hatch.” The command from the bridge carried a sharp edge of urgency.

A crewman materialized, executing a textbook ascent up the ladder. The hatch swung shut with a resounding clang that resounded through his bones.Sealed in.

“Hatch closed.” The crewman’s confirmation set off a flurry of activity.

An officer with curly blond hair approached. “Neil James, Executive Officer.” His handshake was firm, dry despite the humid air. A kindred spirit. “Captain Haynes will be with you once we’re underway. He’s asked me to make you comfortable in his quarters until then.”

Abe followed James through the sub’s narrow passages, his hands locked around Freya’s, while Fox brought up the rear.

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