Page 33 of Their Virgins Secret

“We have contacts. We can help her,” Cole stated. His jaw was a stark line, his eyes sunken, as if he hadn’t slept.

Jessa swallowed. What was going on? Were they telling her the truth? Had this all been a scam to get her in bed? If it was, she reasoned, they would have just left. “You have to go now?”

Burke nodded. “Yes. Part of why we were here in New York was to make some inquiries for our friends. We got a call an hour ago. We’ve got a really good lead on her location. ”

“I can help. I’ll go with you. ”

Cole’s eyes widened with horror. “No. You are not coming with us, Jessa. You will stay here, and you will be safe. That is an order. ”

The Dom was back. At least he seemed to care. “How long will you be gone?”

Cole sighed and sank down next to Burke, reaching for her other hand. “I hope it’s only a couple of weeks. No more than a month or two. I can’t tell you more than that. ”

“What you’re doing…it’s dangerous. ” She didn’t make it a question. She knew.

Burke brought her hand to his lips. “That’s why we’re keeping you out of it. The less you know the better. ”

She tried to pull away. How was this happening? Last night had been perfect. She’d been safe and loved and looking forward to building something beautiful and lasting with them. Now they were leaving.

“Jessa. ” Cole sounded tortured. “Jessa, I love you. ”

“Don’t you say that when you’re leaving me. ”

He took her face in his hands and fused his stare with hers. “I love you. ”

“We love you, Jessa. You’re the one for us,” Burke said, caressing her arm. “We’re going to finish our mission and come back for you. You better be ready to move since our business is in Dallas. ”

“We want to marry you, Jessa. We want a life with you. Please don’t think we’re leaving you lightly. ” Cole pulled her between them and kissed her.

But they did leave. Two hours later, Jessa showered. She dressed and walked out of the hotel room where she’d lost her virginity and her heart. She went back to work and prayed they would come back to her.

CHAPTER SIX

Present Day – Dallas, Texas

Burke woke to the sound of the door slamming. A blast of chilly air smacked him. He sat straight up in bed, shaking off the dream. He’d been back in New York, making love to Jessa, her silken body moving against his. She’d told him she loved him. She’d looked at Cole and whispered those sweet words to his brother, too. Then she took every kiss, touch, and thrust they had to give. He’d replayed that night over and over again in his mind. That last night with her had been the best of his life. The next morning had been one of the worst. Every night since, he’d dreamed about her face as he and Cole had walked away.

“Sorry,” Cole said gruffly, his hands full as he walked into the tiny room. His face was red. He’d obviously been standing in the cold for a while. “I didn’t mean to wake you. The wind is pretty bad out there. It looks like a storm is coming in tonight. I made a couple of calls. ”

Jessa was still beside Burke, stretching and rubbing her eyes. Her hair was slightly rumpled from sleep, and she looked perfect to Burke. Despite the danger, all he wanted to do was haul her into his arms, kiss those sensual lips, and sink into her until they were both warm and satisfied. His cock didn’t give a shit that she no longer wanted him.

“Did you call to check on Caleb?” Jessa asked, her voice a little hoarse.

“He’s fine, Jessa,” Cole assured her. “Dex said he slept late, and now he’s having a ball playing with their kids. He’s eating fine, had some cereal and a bottle. He pooped, too. I thought that was weird. Dex just tossed that out there. Was he supposed to tell me that?”

A smile pulled at Jessa’s lips. “He’s obviously a well-trained dad. We moms like to keep up with stuff like that. Babies have touchy digestive systems. He’s in a new place, and his schedule is all messed up. It’s a good sign that he’s eating and playing and pooping. ”

“Oh. All right, then. Good information. ” Cole put some bags on the table. “I got some breakfast. Just biscuit sandwiches. There’s a fast food place next door. Sorry it’s not—” The Waldorf—“anything better, but I didn’t want to be gone long. ”

Burke winced at his brother’s mental stutter and got up to grab some coffee. He would need it. There was no doubt in Burke’s mind what his brother had been thinking.

After he’d set up the computers the night before, he’d started downloading everything he had on Delgado. He’d read late into the night, looking for clues, any weakness, before Cole had awakened and made room for him beside Jessa’s soft body, demanding he get some sleep.

She mumbled her thanks. “How long do we have before Marco’s timeline kicks in?”

Burke was brutally aware that the bastard had given them twenty-four hours before this little game began. If they could trust him to wait.

“Seven hours at best. We have some decisions to make. ” Cole opened the bag and pulled out a sandwich.

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