Page 58 of Code Name: Admiral

“Yeah? Are you hungry?”

“Famished. I’m, um, not always great about eating as often as I should.”

Given her slight frame, I wasn’t surprised to hear it.

“Then I make terrible choices because I want all the food the minute my stomach starts grumbling.”

I chuckled. “I do the same thing. Coffee sustains me, though. Not that it’s a habit I’d brag about.”

She made a face. “Sarah was a coffee drinker too. I’ve never been able to stomach the stuff.”

“I’ll tell you this; it’s much better warm than cold. Even though that’s the way I end up drinking it.”

When we heard Diesel come in and announce food had arrived, I kissed her, then rolled from the bed. “Take your time. I’ll go help set up.”

“Right behind you,” she said, rolling off her side and heading into the bathroom.

It was only the four of us for dinner, and after the stress of the day, exhaustion settled over me as soon as I finished eating.

“Thanks for doing this again,” I said to Bryar. “I appreciate it, but don’t want you to feel like we expect it.”

“I don’t. Except I can’t stop myself from wanting to cook. Nesting, I guess,” she said, rubbing her stomach. “You may as well take advantage of it while it lasts.”

Once we’d saidgood night and they’d left, I told Alice to go relax while I cleaned up.

I found her seated on her meditation cushion, a little while later, eyes closed in concentration. Candlelight flickered acrossher face, creating an almost otherworldly glow. The peaceful expression she wore made my heart ache with tenderness.

As I approached, she opened her eyes. “Hey,” she said softly.

“Hey, yourself.” I sat down beside her, close enough that our shoulders touched. The scent of sage lingered in the air. “You okay?”

She leaned into me. “Better now.”

I wrapped my arm around her, drawing her closer. The events of the day—Grit’s revelations, the doubts about Sweeney, the constant tension of watching for threats—seemed to fade into the background. Here, with Alice in my arms, I could almost believe in a future beyond this investigation.

She turned to face me, and we kissed. What had started gentle quickly deepened as she shifted to straddle my lap. The weight of her, the warmth of her body pressed against mine, felt like coming home.

“Alice.” I breathed against her lips when her fingers tangled in my hair. The sweet taste of her mouth and the soft sounds she made were intoxicating.

“Touch me,” she whispered.

My hands slid under her shirt, tracing the curve of her spine. Her skin was soft and warm under my calloused fingers, and when my thumbs brushed the sides of her breasts, she shivered.

“Is this okay?” I asked.

She pressed closer. “More than okay.”

I explored her body slowly, reverently, learning what made her gasp and tremble. When I cupped her breasts, thumbs circling her nipples through the thin fabric of her bra, she moaned into my mouth. The sound sent fire through my veins.

“You’re so beautiful,” I murmured, trailing kisses down her neck. “So perfect.”

Her hips rocked against mine instinctively, and I groaned. The friction was exquisite torture. I wanted her with an intensitythat scared me, but I wouldn’t rush this. She deserved better than a frantic coupling born of fear and adrenaline.

“We should stop,” I said reluctantly, even as my body screamed in protest.

She rested her forehead against mine, breathing as heavily as I was. “You’re right,” she agreed. “But God, Pershing, the things you make me feel…”

“It’s the same for me, sweetheart.” I smiled, brushing my lips against hers once more. “Soon,” I promised. “When the timing’s right.”

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