Page 22 of Operation Heartbeat

The notes of her perfume tormented him as the air conditioning in the hotel wafted it right at his face.

“We have to make everyone believe we’re who we say we are,” he whispered back.

As they moved toward the elevators, they passed a large atrium with huge plants native to the area. The big windows stretched across the ceiling, opening the space up to the blue sky.

Sophie slowed her steps, head tipped back and an expression of awe on her face. “Your…employer…sent ushere?”

“I’m willing to bet the room has better furniture too. We’ll explore later.”

They passed through the space that held a bit of the tropical heat and seemed to unleash the full impact of Sophie’s perfume.

He had to get her to the room. Get some space. Clear his head.

Once they entered the room, she let out a strangled noise. Her hand fluttered to her chest, and she stared at the light, airy space. “Oh my god! This is our room?”

She drifted through the spacious suite, her steps quiet on the marble floor. Turkish rugs in deep hues of red and blue broke up the room into smaller areas and invited them farther in. He dropped their bags and trailed behind her, taking in the luxury accommodations while experiencing her delight.

They passed a sitting area with a cozy sofa that was low to the floor in a warm brown leather. Glass doors showcased one hell of a view and something that made her gasp.

“A private pool?”

“Pretty sure the government wouldn’t have chosen that. My guess is whoever booked the room got the last one available.” The deep blue tile of the pool made the water into a turquoise mirage.

They stood there a moment, soaking it all in. Then, at the same time, they turned to face the bed.

The king-sized bed.

The ornate headboard and high-end bedding in calming shades of white and tan didn’t make the bed any less of an obstacle.

“One bed.” Sophie’s throat worked on a delicate gulp.

He caught her stare. “We’ll create a wall down the middle with pillows.”

“If we’re sharing a bed, I’d at least like to know your first name.”

“Ryan.”

She nodded, folding one arm across her body and pressing her fist to her lips. She swept into the adjoining bathroom and let out a little cry.

“Con! You have to see this bathtub!”

He followed. That space was even more opulent with marble vanity tops and double sinks sporting gold taps. The serenecolors against the deep sapphire blue tub made it stand out as the crowning jewel.

She switched on the tap and gave a little squeal of delight as water flowed from a faucet designed to mimic a waterfall.

When she straightened, she caught his gaze on her. Whatever she saw on his face made her freeze.

His stare lingered on her mouth. The plump rose pout had been driving him crazy since the plane. Now her lips parted on a silent sigh.

A long heartbeat pulsed between them.

Sophie broke the moment. “I’m sure we have details to settle before we get to work.”

He gave her a no-nonsense nod like he would give to any of his men. She was no different from the men he served with or anybody else he worked with to ensure the country was a safer place.

Only the crystal chandelier caught the warm brown hues of her hair, she had a banging body…and she smelled like heaven’s own candy store.

Swinging out of the bathroom, he strode to the front of the suite where he’d dropped their bags. He snatched up his own and carried it to the table for two set in front of the glass doors, ignoring the backdrop of Istanbul and a private swimming pool on a terrace that was cantilevered off the side in an infinity pool.

---