Page 92 of Afraid to Hope

“The director asked that those be loaded last. Can you double-check the packing on them for the flight please? It’s taking off as soon as Fury does the precheck. Everything goes to Rabat. My men will escort all of it to the museum and deliver it to a Ms. Guilford. No need for worry. My team are former SEALs. We served together for years. I trust them with my life.”

Natasha wrinkled her nose.

“You know her?”

“We’ve met,” Natasha said.

Bane slid his arms around Natasha and kissed her neck. “Aw, sweetheart. Your jealousy warms my heart.”

“I am not jealous.” Natasha withdrew and pivoted, bathing him with a scathing look before checking the remains, ensuring they were protected. She labeled the box clearly, and Bane helped her wrap the box in plastic layers.

Merrick observed them, fascinated. “How long have you been married?

“A month,” Bane responded. “This has been a working honeymoon.”

Natasha elbowed him sharply in the ribs.

Another man on Merrick’s team came in. His dark bald head was prominent now that he’d taken off his headgear. “Reaper, the plane’s ready. Fury said there was one last thing to load.”

“Good. Cutter, this is Natasha and her husband, Rua. Natasha will show you how she wants the box secured in the plane. Follow her directions to the letter.”

“Got it,” Cutter said.

“Husband, will you carry it, please?”

Bane balanced the box in his arms and walked with her, following Cutter onto the cargo plane.

Merrick cocked his head and chuckled to himself, clearly amused that a woman had heartthrob Bane Rua totally by the balls.

They pulled in front of theriad.Natasha had given Merrick the address before falling asleep on Bane, who drifted off an hour out of Ouarzazate, succumbing to Natasha’s warmth and the motion of the roomy vehicle.

“Hey, Rua,” Merrick called back. “We’ve arrived. Nice digs.”

It was still dark out. Bane stretched out as much as he could in the SUV’s second row of seats, inhaling deeply and trying to wake quickly. Out cold, Natasha had made herself totally comfortable alongside his body. His morning wood pressed against the curve of her ass.

He rubbed his eyes. “What time is it?”

“Oh five thirty. We made good time.”

“Do you mind going around to the back, Cobra?” Bane asked the driver. “We left our keys with Oliver and Clara, the caretakers. They’re early risers. Thanks.”Fuck.He just remembered Simon was playing houseguest. Bane would have preferred privacy with Natasha. “Sweetheart. Wake up.” Bane kissed her temple. She stretched but didn’t rouse. “We’re home.”

Natasha smiled and burrowed into him, her hand running down his zipper, seeking his hard length. He pulled her hand away and clasped it.

She frowned, her mouth pouting.

“Sweetheart, we’re in the SUV with Merrick and Cobra,” he whispered in her ear.

Natasha’s eyes popped open. “Oops.” Her slate-gray eyes sparkled with humor.

His lips brushed hers. “I think you knew what you were doing,” he breathed in her ear and nibbled the lobe, his eyes darting to the front where the men talked quietly as Cobra maneuvered to Oliver and Clara’s home.

Wicked heat flared in Natasha’s belly as he trailed his fingers under her skirt, up her thigh, and into her panties. Bane teased her wet entrance.

“I know what I’m doing too,” he murmured.

The SUV stopped. “We’re here,” Reaper announced, getting out. Cobra exited and headed to the back to unload their bags.

Bane’s fingers retreated and he sat up, giving them both time to collect themselves before getting out.

---