Page 31 of Tempted by a SEAL

“Well, if it stops a terror attack, then it was worth all the trouble. I’m not sure that my own life is safe anymore, but good heavens. I don’t think so highly of myself that I’d put my own safety above that of others. Hundreds of people were injured and many killed during the bombings in London on 7/7. On 9/11, there were thousands killed in the U.S.”

“That’s what solidified my career in the Navy.”

“And many others, I’d imagine. In the U.K., as well. It certainly changed the world, didn’t it?”

“All set,” he said, pulling the thumb drive out of the port. “You want to hold onto this?”

“It’s all yours. Give it to your military or turn it over to the authorities here if you prefer. I’m done carrying it around.”

Hunter turned the small thumb drive over in his hand then slid it into the pocket of his cargo pants. “I’ll keep it on my person. I need to get rid of the car though. Will you be okay here? I’ll come back as quickly as possible. I made sure we weren’t followed.”

“I’ll be fine,” she assured him. “If anyone comes in, I’ll just scream for help.”

He raised his eyebrows.

“Well, you’ve destroyed my phone.”

“Wasn’t safe, princess.”

She blew out a breath. “I know. Just go—ditch the car or do whatever you need to do. Set it up in flames for all I care. I’m exhausted.”

Hunter rose and crossed the room to the door. “I’ll be back soon. Don’t open the door for anyone.”

“Of course. It’s not like I’d think you’d go to all this trouble to rescue me than abandon me at a bed and breakfast.”

His lips quirked up. “I’m sure it’s been done before—this place could scare off many a guy.”

She laughed despite herself. “I’d say that it would take more than a little needlepoint to keep you away. You’ve already assured me that you’re not a typical man.”

“Far from it,” he said gruffly. His gaze met hers briefly, and a moment later, he was gone.

***

Hunter walked back into the room an hour later, pocketing the key, not surprised to see that Emma had fallen asleep on the bed. She’d looked exhausted earlier, with dark circles under her eyes, highlighted even more due to her fair skin.

It had been all he could do not to pull her close for a moment. Promise he’d keep her safe. She’d been through a hell of a lot more than most civilians and was holding up better than he’d expected. Aside from the tears in the elevator earlier, she’d been calm and collected ever since.

No telling how she’d be feeling tomorrow once reality set in. It was unsettling to have someone break into your home, to go through all of your belongings, and to know that she’d been followed? Chased? Shot at?

He shook his head.

Emma was beneath the quilt on the bed, the bulkiness of it covering her slender frame, her red hair fanned about around her. The other pillow was untouched beside her, looking absolutely inviting. Wouldn’t he fucking love to climb in bed beside her and pull her body close to his, but he wasn’t about to sneak up on a sleeping woman.

He wasn’t a saint, but even he had boundaries he wouldn’t cross. Not that he expected an engraved invitation, but a woman certainly had to be awake before he’d make the first move. And this was hardly the appropriate time to be trying moves of any sort.

He grabbed an extra blanket and the pillow, tossing them onto an armchair in the corner. Soon as he was done in the bathroom, he was crashing as well. There was no telling what they’d need to do tomorrow, and he wanted to be ready and alert first thing.

Same as always when he was on an op.

He turned and strode into the bathroom, doing a double-take. Emma’s cashmere sweater was lying across a fluffy white towel on the claw foot bath tub, but that wasn’t had him coming to a halt. What made his groin tighten. The palest pink lace bra hung from a fancy hook on the back of the door, along with a skimpy pair of lacy thong panties.

Knowing he shouldn’t, he reached out and touched the lace cup of her bra.

Groaned.

The entire bathroom smelled of the rose-scented soap the bed and breakfast had provided, and he saw drops of water in the bathtub. She’d bathed there, the water and soap sliding over her bare skin. No doubt he would’ve been happy to assist, had he been around, but he had a feeling she’d have politely declined.

Hell.

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