Page 3 of The Curse Trilogy

“You know he will be. He’s the best of the best, and he’ll be very necessary to this operation,” he says sternly.

“Damn it, Clay. You know I can’t see him,” I explode.

“You have to. It’s been three damn years, and you’re engaged to Brazen now. Hale shouldn’t pose a problem.”

“Fuck,” I growl, and Clay is forced to stifle a grin as I throw my tantrum.

I scowl at him when I see the small waver of his lips turning up, and then I flee from the room before he lets his laughter escape. He’s loving this. He has wanted Hale and me back together since we broke off our engagement.

Damn it.

“Araya Crush?” a man asks when I step up.

“Yes. I’m here for the training seminar. Commander Jude sent me. Where do I need to go?” I ask with dread.

My stomach is in absolute knots right now. I haven’t seen nor heard from Hale since I threw his ring down on the bed three years ago. I worked very hard to change all my numbers, and I refused to let him step foot on the property when he kept showing up. I’m not ready to see him. I just got engaged to Brazen, and I can’t get sucked back into Hale.

I just hope I can be strong.

“You have top level clearance which prohibits me from asking you to pass through the scanners, but I will have to search you for security purposes,” he nervously murmurs as he stares at my very intimidating credentials.

“Since when do top level security personnel have to be frisked?” I almost growl, and his eyes lower as his anxiety grows.

“I’m sorry, ma’am. It’s my orders. I’m just doing my job per the captain of our compound. We have to watch for blood runners,” he almost mumbles.

I roll my eyes and decide to show mercy on the human guard shivering in fear.

“Fine,” I grumble.

“I’ll need you to turn around and put your hands on the wall, please,” he says with even more trepidation.

“Really?” I scoff, my brow raised in disbelief.

“Sorry, m… ma’am,” he stammers out.

I sigh as I turn around and throw my hands against the wall like a damn convict. His hands begin patting me down very timidly at first, and then they’re scouring my body with a heated and almost desired touch. I can’t stifle the grin spreading over my face when I realize it’s Hale.

Damn it. Why am I smiling? Fuck.

I keep my back turned while his breath lingers against my neck, and he slides one hand up to cuff the two of mine. His free hand roams over my breasts, and I roll my eyes at their unwillingness to move.

“Really? Is the captain going to let you violate all of his guests, or am I on some perverted grope list?” I mock, and his breath becomes closer as he bends down to my ear.

“The captain told me to make sure you were thoroughly searched. I need a better angle,” he seduces, his voice smooth enough to fall into.

He whirls me around so quickly, I lose my breath. My eyes connect with his, and he pins me against the wall with his forceful body as he strokes my sides with his hands - his daring, tempting, dangerous hands. He looks so much fucking better than I remember him, and that’s the last thing I need.

His dark, tousled hair gleams under the tinted sky, and his cosmic blue eyes still haunt me in my dreams. Staring into them right now is enough to course fire through my veins, and I do my best to remain cool.

“Satisfied?” I utter with a touch of a seductive edge, and I immediately feel guilty for using such a tone.

“Not yet,” he breathes as he leans in to bring his lips dangerously close to mine.

“No,” I gasp before swishing free from his clutches.

He sighs and then leans back against the wall with an aggravated and disappointed huff.

“Still not over it, eh?” he sighs.