Page 16 of Poison Evidence

She shrugged. “The news helicopter footage from that night clearly shows two people set out on the Interceptor. There is only one logical explanation for why the Coast Guard and Navy won’t reveal the identity of the second man. He must’ve been one of the Ukrainians. A terrorist who was then let go. Or given amnesty. Or some other bullshit deal.”

“So you’re one of the conspiracy theorists. What about the idea that the Coastie preferred to remain anonymous? You’ve seen what happened to Sevick.”

“Fair point. And it’s clear Sevick didn’t have a choice in the matter—he was outside on the boat and reporters identified him before the Interceptor had even gone a mile.” She ran her hands over the hard planes of Jack’s chest, loving the smell and feel of him. Loving talking in bed. “But still, why remain anonymous when everyone in the US wanted to kiss the guy’s ass?” She slipped her hands around to his butt to punctuate her words.

She’d been lonely these last few years and hadn’t even realized it. Too obsessed with her work to notice she was missing human interaction. Sex.This.

“So you think the other guy on the boat with Sevick was Ukrainian,” Jack said.

“How else would Sevick have gotten the information he needed? It sickens me that they let the guy go.”

“Even if he helped save the world?”

“He had to be some sort of spy or terrorist. He should have been arrested along with the others.” She had some experience dealing with traitors and wouldn’t mind seeing them all punished. Severely.

“I take it you haven’t asked Luke Sevick what happened that night?”

“We’ve never met. But he and Undine will be in DC over Memorial Day for the ceremony at Arlington. Everyone from NHHC will be there.”

“I suggest not using air quotes when talking about that night. Former SEALs can be touchy.”

Her laugh turned into a yawn.

He stroked her hair. “You should sleep, Ivy.”

She nodded. “Thank you. For fighting the Avengers. Coming for me in the swamp. Bringing me here…and rocking my world.”

He nuzzled her neck. “Thank you for rocking mine.”

She rolled to her side, presenting her back to him. “And now, I think I’ll pass out.”

He held her snug against him and tucked his knees behind hers. She felt secure. Cared for.

“Sweet dreams, Poison.”

“Good night, Death Valley.”

Chapter Six

He watched Ivy sleep, hating, dreading what he was about to do. The woman was utterly captivating. He’d gotten lost in the power of her strength, humor, and brains. Lost in the seduction.

For a while there, he hadn’t been playing a role. He’d been living in the moment and enjoying every breath and stroke and heartbeat.

Jack Keaton was the man Ivy had wanted, but it was Dimitri Veselov who’d delivered. And now, Dimitri would destroy that fragile, fleeting happiness. Never again would she pant his name as she came. But then, the name Jack was just another lie.

He pressed his lips to her temple, then slipped from the bed. Remorse sat in his gut, but liking Ivy MacLeod didn’t change what he had to do. Relationships, love—anything beyond sex in the heat of the moment—was a luxury he couldn’t afford. At least he could free his nephew from facing the same bleak life. Sophia and Yulian would be free. But to do that, he needed Ivy and CAM to find Russia’s lost toy that would buy their liberation.

He dressed quickly and quietly. This would be easier if he’d deposited Ivy in the guest stateroom, but his lower brain had been in control when he brought her to his bed.

“Why are you up, Jack?” she murmured.

He leaned down and kissed her forehead. “I’m going to move us to a different marina. In case someone saw you with me. They won’t know where to find us.” At least with this excuse, she wouldn’t wonder at the engine noise.

“Good idea.” She pushed at the covers. “Do you need me…” Her words trailed off as she drifted toward sleep again.

“No, sweetheart. I got this. Sleep. I’ll be back in bed in an hour or so.”

She made a soft sound of acquiescence and that was it. The last time she’d take him at his word. The last time she’d think of him in a good way.