Page 20

Hunt

The kiss we share sets my blood on fire, but more will have to wait. By installing those cameras, I put a bullseye on our foreheads.

Eyes locked on hers, I remove my fingers from the back of her neck. I need a moment to ground myself. “We should go.”

“Right.” The set of her jaw, the fierceness in her face? All I want to do is take this majestic warrior back to my hotel room and make love until we’re completely sated.

While my cock throbs, I take a breath. Shoving my arms into my jacket, I force my focus back on the mission. I want both heads in the game—the one on my shoulder as well as the one below my belt.

Outside, the cold douses my lust. Focusing on our objective, I program the alpine destination into my SUV’s GPS. “We should be there in thirty minutes.”

“Copy that.” After almost dying, she jumped into the passenger seat without hesitation. I know seasoned operators who would’ve balked.

Now, as we drive up the mountain, her hand rests on my thigh, steady and relaxed.

Something triggered her earlier. I need to know if the change is permanent. What if her determination isn’t enough?

If she is to be my partner, I want to trust her. “We’re just going to take some photos, send them to the FBI, and wait for instructions. Agreed?”

She snorts. “What? So they can count them?”

Perhaps, I do deserve her derision, but dammit, it stings. “Whoa—low blow.”

“Sorry, Wildlife. I feel so, so… Shit, I can’t find the right word. Empowered? Enabled? Free? No, no, none of them fit. It’s as if I took a Wonder Woman pill. I’m ready to take on the whole damn world. As a Marine, I remember feeling this way. It’s been so long, I had almost forgotten that version of myself. This is me—the real Kelly O’Malley.”

“Okay, hotshot. Only don’t shoot anyone, alright?” Despite my resolve to table my emotions, a grin breaks out on my face.

The smile she returns makes me groan. Hell, reel me in babe. Put me in your basket and eat me for supper.

“I promise. However, if I see Bourdin, all bets are off.” While she pats her sidearm, I suck in my breath.

“Don’t tip your hand to the mangy coyote. Let him believe you’re still his simpering victim.” The moment the words leave my lips, I wish I could take them back.

“Is that what you thought of me?” Her voice goes up an octave, so I pedal back real fast.

Damn, after everything she’s been through, she came out whole. “You have stones of steel.”

When she brightens, I ask about her service. Swapping war stories, we make it to the resort without another foot-in-mouth incident.

Inside, my stomach grumbles as we follow the enticing scents of breakfast sausage, waffles, and warm toast.

I request the booth facing the open entrance. From here, we can easily exit to the hotel’s elevator, the restroom, or the kitchen’s swinging door.

While the waitress takes our order, a Middle Eastern man in an expensive suit sidles up to the table. His smarmy smile doesn’t reach the soulless eyes.

I level my pistol under the tabletop and lift a brow. “Can we help you?”

Catching my intent, the guy inches back, palms up. “I work with Kelly’s ex-husband, Pete. I only wanted to convey my condolences… about her car and house. Hate to think what could’ve happened to sweet Mackenzie.”

As I snap his picture, Kelly’s phone pings. Face pale, she holds her device down below as she scrolls through pictures of her daughter.

Fists clenched, the angry momma bear rises up, hand hovering over her holster. “What did you say your name was?”

“S-S-Smith.” Sweating, the fortyish thin man glances over his shoulder.

“ID please?” The moment she sticks out a palm, he bolts, saying something about leaving it in his room.

“I know all of Peter’s coworkers. He’s not one of them.” Scowling, my border buddy plops back down in her seat.

After brunch, I snap a few more shots, before exhaling my frustrations. “Let’s head back to my place. We’ll figure out our next moves from there.”

She tucks an errant lock of hair behind her ear. “You’re not thinking of seducing me, are you, Mr. Wildlife?”

God, this woman. “It might’ve crossed my mind.”

Jumping up, she gestures at our waitress, who’s chatting up another lady near the cash register. “Hold on, I’m going to ask if they’ll add a couple of coffees to go to our bill.”

While she waits for her drinks, a young man approaches her. At first, I don’t think anything of it. Once I see it—his signet ring, I realize he was in the forest the other night. Holy fuck.

He tilts his pelvis. They lock eyes. He says something to make her blush. It takes most of my self-control to remain seated as she flirts with the undocumented man.

Paper bag in hand, she returns to our table. “Sweetheart, I just met the nicest guy. He told me about the new ski instructor. They have a spot open for two. Isn’t it simply perfect?”

She’s laying it on thick, but hell, I’ll play along. The jealous-boyfriend-routine it is. “I think he wants to give you private lessons, babe… and not on the slopes.”

“Don’t be silly. His name is Ahmad and has a wife at home in Iran.” Her fake giggle makes me laugh, for real.

“You learned all that while getting coffee?”

“Uh-huh. He’s here, working for the government, but has a few days off to go skiing. We have to hurry and grab our gear. The class starts in a couple of hours.”