Page 28 of Deadly Hacker

She made her way around the little campsite by the faint glow of string lights. Her mind was set on sunrise yoga. It was the perfect setting to enjoy the coming of dawn while stretching out and preparing for the day ahead. She didn’t have a yoga class to teach until almost noon, giving her just enough time to savor before she returned to reality in the city.

Emma Jean rolled out her blanket and sat down with her legs straight out. Leaning down to grab her toes, she gazed out into the dark desert, wondering what could be looking back. She felt no fear, only peace. No urgency to get back in time for work, no worry that she might be falling too quickly for the kind of man she would normally run from.

Being with Rad didn’t feel weird, though. From the moment he appeared in the scariest moment of her life like a shining beacon of hope, her heart had softened to him. He had shown her again and again in the short time they’d known each other that he was not the playboy womanizer she’d feared in him.

In the past, dating had been a chore. Trying to connect with a self-centered man while balancing his motives with her time and effort was hardly worth it. She had friends, family, and a fulfilling job. Why mess with perfection?

But now she could see how naturally Rad folded into her life. It was as easy to fall for him as it had been to fall asleep in his arms last night. His presence made her feel warm and safe. And there was no ignoring how easily he turned her on. Emma Jean had never experienced such lust. She used to scoff at her friends losing their marbles over a guy, but now she understood it. She hadn’t known him for long, but he’d already left a lasting impression. She wondered how she had gone so long without him in her life.

Emma Jean was just shifting into downward dog when she heard the RV door bang open. She dropped and whirled around on her yoga mat, eyes wide with surprise. Rad was standing there, stark naked, holding a gun.

“Whoa!” she exclaimed, throwing her hands up.

Rad’s eyes were wild at first, then a wave of relief washed over his features. He lowered the gun and sighed, rubbing his forehead.

“Fuck,” he swore softly.

“What was that about?” Emma Jean questioned, gesturing to the gun. “Why are you carrying a gun?”

“I always do,” he told her, carefully setting it on a camp chair. “It’s not loaded right now, though.”

“So, do you always wake up in a state of emergency, or did I trigger something special?” she asked with a nervous chuckle.

He opened the RV door and pulled out a couple of white robes from a cabinet, passing one to Emma Jean. He shook his head. “I woke up and you weren’t there,” he said.

“I wanted to do some sunrise yoga. I thought you might like to sleep in a little longer,” she explained.

“I’m sorry I scared you,” he said. “I promise I know how to use this thing properly. You’re not in any danger with me, Emma Jean.”

“I believe you,” she assured him with a soft smile. And it was true. Even holding a gun with a crazed expression on his face, Rad was no threat to her.

“Good. I would do absolutely anything to keep you safe,” he asserted.

“I know. I can handle myself, though,” she reminded him. “I’m not helpless.”

“Oh, that’s for sure. You’re the farthest thing from helpless. You’re incredible. You can do anything,” Rad insisted without a shred of teasing.

Emma Jean blushed and sauntered up to him, wrapping her arms around him for a kiss. He cupped her face with both hands and held her as delicately as a baby bird. When they broke the kiss, Emma Jean pointed to the gun.

“You think I could handle a gun?” she asked playfully.

He raised an eyebrow. “Do you want to?”

She bit her lip. “I always said I would never touch one. I still don’t like them. But maybe you could teach me how to hold it. You know, just in case.”

Rad stared into her eyes a moment, trying to gauge how serious she was. When she didn’t say she was kidding, he stepped away. “All right. It’s not loaded.” He pulled back the slide and showed her the empty chamber. “Always double check. You trust me?”

She nodded. “Yes. Definitely.”

He stepped closer, carefully picked up the gun, and draped his strong arms around her. Emma Jean could feel his body heat through their robes. He slid the cold edge of the gun down her right arm until he could fit her hand around the grip. Her fingers closed around the molded grip, her fingertips brushing the bottom of the trigger guard. Rad wrapped a hand around her left wrist and stretched out her arm, folding her fingers around the grip.

“Two hands makes for better control, especially as a beginner,” Rad murmured against her ear. Shivers of exhilaration ran up and down her spine.

“Do you use two hands?” she questioned.

“Occasionally. But I don’t need to,” he replied.

“Occasionally…” she repeated. “How often do you have occasion to whip out a gun?”

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