Page 20 of Marks of Rebellion

I repeat, "Flower."

She stirs, and her eyes widen, but then she recognizes me.

If the guys see us together, I'm fine with it. But I don't want Vanessa to have to answer questions from anyone. While the guys wouldn't say anything to her, I can't guarantee the women won't. "The guys will be up soon."

It takes her a moment to realize what I'm saying. "Oh, sorry," she quickly says, turns red, then begins to move off me.

I tighten my arms around her and put my palm on her head.

She freezes but furrows her brows, as if in a panic.

I lean into her ear again and whisper, "I'm not." I kiss her neck, under her ear, then continue across her jawline until I get to her lips. As my tongue swirls in her mouth, her body shudders on mine, and I internally groan.

My erection is growing. It's too close to wake-up time to do anything about it, and I'm going to pay the price all day.

When I pull back, her chest is colliding with mine. Her blue orbs are like windows to her feelings. In them, I see passion and need mixed with pain and fear.

Her emotions burn into my soul. The protector in me wants to shield her even more from any potential harm or stress.

I lean back to her ear. "Get under the covers, Flower. There are still a few more hours for sleep."

She nods, and I lick her lobe and rub her perfect ass one more time.

When she slides back on the mattress, I instantly regret the loss of her body on mine. I restrain myself from pulling her back on top of me, and instead, tuck the blanket around her, then give her one last peck on her luscious lips.

She's turned on her side, facing me. I lay back down, and she traces my jaw with her fingertips.

There's a shuffle on the other side of the small room, and she quickly pulls her hand under the blankets and closes her eyes.

Glad I woke her up so she isn't embarrassed.

Ryker walks across the tent. He whispers, "Hunter."

"Yeah?"

He motions for me to follow him.

I take one last glance at Vanessa and step outside.

"What's going on?" I ask.

"Did Andre find out where we're dropping the women off?"

The hairs on my neck stand up. "No."

"Julieta is petrified of going back to her country or anywhere else in Central America where her airline flies to."

"Why?"

"She won't tell me."

"Vanessa insists she needs to get out of Belize. She won't tell me why, either."

Dirk comes out of the tent and joins us. He arches his eyebrows at me. "Did you have a good sleep?"

Shit. He heard us.

"Didn't sleep. I'm not like you. I don't sleep when someone is under my watch."