Page 7 of Whispers and Warriors (After #2)

SEVEN

Emma’s legs splayed open further, hanging over the edge of the bed as her lips consumed William’s cock. Her focus was split between the intense pleasure coursing through her body from Bash’s skilled tongue between her folds and William’s cock driving to the back of her throat as she hollowed out her mouth the way she knew he loved. Bash’s fingers moved with an expert touch, swirling and teasing over her folds while his tongue delved deeper between them. Every movement sent electric shocks of ecstasy through Emma. It was a symphony of sensation, orchestrated by two partners who knew exactly how to pleasure her in perfect harmony.

It should have been enough to drive any woman to distraction, but any time Bash’s tongue left her body the haze of lust would lift, and her hand would stop following behind her mouth up and down William’s cock as if to confirm Bash was still there.

Bash’s sharp teeth grazed against her skin, sending a shiver down her spine as her lips parted around William’s throbbing cock.

The overwhelming sensations threatened to consume her, but a small nagging worry persisted in the back of her mind. What if taking the ferry was a mistake? What if it led them straight into danger? She pushed the thoughts aside, focusing on the pleasure coursing through her body and the undeniable desire she held for both Bash and William. The room was warm and intimate, creating an intoxicating atmosphere as they indulged in each other’s touch. As she surrendered to their embraces, she couldn’t help but wonder where this journey would ultimately lead them.

Bash lifted his head, causing Emma’s breath to catch in her throat as his green eyes, half-closed with desire, locked onto hers. His words were a low, seductive murmur filled with a hint of command.

“Stop thinking. Just feel for a little bit.” With each kiss he trailed up her stomach, he stirred the fire within her, sending shivers down her spine. She couldn’t resist the pull of his magnetism as he crawled up the bed past her, and she was grateful for his touch that seemed to take away all of her worries.

Emma released William from her mouth with a soft pop, turning to face Bash with a mixture of apology and anticipation in her gaze. As if sensing her hesitation, Bash reclined on the bed, his hands casually placed behind his head as he watched her. His shaft strained against his stomach, thick and inviting. With just one finger, he beckoned her closer, and she moved toward him as if under some kind of spell. He’d finally pushed the thoughts back with the promise of losing herself the best way she’d learned how.

With the lightest of touches, her fingers glided over his defined chest, feeling each ripple and tense muscle beneath her fingertips. She slowly moved her hand down to his erect shaft, gripping it firmly and giving a quick pump before positioning herself on top of Bash.

As she lowered herself onto him, she savored the delicious stretch and fullness that engulfed her. Being in control like this, having such a powerful man at her mercy, was what took her fears away every time. It was a reminder of her own strength in a world that seemed to be constantly spinning out of control.

“Keeping my hands right here,” Bash grunted, “you take what you need.”

He must have remembered how she had reacted the other day, how fear had consumed her as she faced the possibility of being trapped and having to kill. This was his way of giving her back some control, a chance to be in charge.

And she was going to take it, relishing in the sensation of power as she moved with purpose and pleasure on top of him.

As she undulated her hips, riding Bash with increasing fervor, William moved behind her. His hands traced a trail of fire along her back, sending shivers down her spine. A slick finger circled her rear entrance before pressing inside, sending a jolt of pleasure-pain up her spine. She bucked and moaned, taking Bash even deeper into her as William let his finger help bring her closer to a release.

Then the warm head of William’s cock replaced his finger, rubbing and teasing against her sensitive skin. Her body quivered with anticipation as he pushed forward, breaching her and filling her completely. The initial burn gave way to pulsing ecstasy as he worked himself deeper, eliciting guttural groans from deep within her.

“That’s it, take what you need,” Bash rasped, his hands flying out from behind his head to grip her hips as she rocked against him. The combination of everyone’s movements sent waves of pleasure coursing through her body.

William’s fingers wrapped around her arm, holding her, as he continued to thrust into her, his words a mantra of reassurance in her ear. “We’ve got you, Em. Always.” Their combined passion and desire engulfed her in a haze of ecstasy as they moved together in perfect harmony.

Tears pricked Emma’s eyes at William’s words, at the love and devotion in them. No matter what challenges they faced, they would conquer them together.

She had to believe that.

The world fell away as they moved as one, chasing the peak they all so desperately needed. Emma could almost pretend everything was okay, that they weren’t on the run in a crumbling, dangerous world. Almost. But the thoughts wouldn’t totally vanish, not after she’d lost herself the other day.

Bash’s grip on her hips tightened like a vice, his thrusts becoming more frantic and uncontrolled as he neared the edge of release. With a guttural groan that echoed through the room, he stiffened beneath her, his body trembling with the force of his climax. Emma couldn’t hold back any longer, her own pleasure exploding within her in a shower of stars and sparks. Her inner walls clenched and pulsed around Bash’s throbbing cock, driving him to the brink of ecstasy. Meanwhile, William continued to drive into her with a fierce urgency, hitting depths she never knew existed.

Stars exploded in her eyes even with them open and a second orgasm came, far faster then she realized it could as William slipped a finger against her clit as he drove into her ass.

Emma collapsed onto Bash’s chest drenched in sweat. William slowly slipped out of her ass and rolled to the side, his arm draping over her waist protectively. For a few blissful moments, all was right in the world. The worries and stresses that had plagued her thoughts were replaced by a warm, contented glow that spread throughout her entire being.

Bash’s hand stroked her hair, his touch uncharacteristically gentle. “Never forget that you can bring at least five men to their fucking knees.”

Emma wanted to protest, to insist they get dressed and get back to some sort of training, but the peace was shattered by the door bursting open, banging against the wall with a violent crash. She jolted upright, heart hammering against her ribcage. Liam stood in the doorway, his face ashen and eyes wild with panic, even his glasses were crooked as if he’d somehow knocked them off.

“We have to go. Now.” His voice was strained, the urgency in it unmistakable. “They’ve found us.”

Emma’s blood ran cold, the post-coital bliss evaporating in an instant. “What do you mean they’ve found us?”

Alex was a master at tech. He’d taken the proper precautions.

Liam raked a hand through his hair, his agitation palpable. “Alex just picked up General Bardinis’ vehicles on the system he hacked. They’re headed this way, and fast. We’ve got maybe fifteen minutes before they’re on the doorstep.” He paused for a moment. “We’ve got to get the truck moving and protect this house. They assured us they have a place for the family to go underground that’s undetectable so it’s just him. He offered us the chance to go with, but we need to get the car gone or nothing else will save this family.”

Bash cursed under his breath, already swinging his legs over the side of the bed. “How the hell did they track us down?”

“Doesn’t matter now,” William said grimly, reaching for his discarded clothes. “We need to move.”

The room erupted into a flurry of activity, the men yanking on their pants and shirts with practiced efficiency. Emma’s hands shook as she fumbled with her own clothing, her mind reeling. They’d been so careful, so cautious. How could this have happened?

Liam appeared at her side, his touch gentle as he helped her off the bed. “Hey, look at me.” He cupped her face, forcing her to meet his gaze. “We’re going to get through this, okay? We’ve been in tighter spots before.”

Emma nodded, drawing strength from the determination in his blue eyes. He was right. They’d faced worse odds and come out on top. They could do it again.

Liam tossed her a jacket, his expression set in hard lines. “Let’s go. Alex and Chris are waiting in the truck. Grab what’s in here, but we’ve taken the rest and some additional things thanks to our nameless host family.”

They moved as one, their motions entirely in sync, born of necessity and trust. Bash took point, his gun drawn as he scanned the hallway for any sign of trouble that really couldn’t be there that soon. William and Liam flanked Emma, their presence a comforting wall of protection.

As they hurried down the stairs, Emma’s mind raced, trying to calculate their next move. Would the woman and three children really be safe? Should they leave? Could she leave knowing she’d put them in danger?

Emma froze, but Bash swept her up in an instant, scooping her against his chest as he moved. The Bash she’d first met would have chastised her for slowing them down, and he would have been right. However, the way he held her close, she knew those days were long gone.

The cool night air hit her like a slap as they burst out of the safe house. True to Liam’s word, the others were there, and Ranger was already in the truck, sitting in the space between the seats up front as if waiting for Liam to get in.

She was with them, but she was lost as they shifted into their roles and become the unit of men that had saved her, not just the men she loved who loved and made love to her.

Alex’s fingers moved with practiced precision as he worked to swap out the license plates on their getaway truck. His brow furrowed in concentration, the task at hand consuming his focus despite the underlying urgency of their situation.

The metal clinked softly as he worked, the only sound in the otherwise still night air. His hazel eyes darted back and forth, constantly scanning the surroundings for any sign of trouble even as his fingers flew through the familiar motions.

“Come on, come on,” he muttered under his breath, the words a mantra to keep his hands steady. Every second counted, and he couldn’t afford to fumble now.

Changing the plates would throw off any pursuers, buy them precious time to put distance between themselves and the danger snapping at their heels. Alex knew he had to get it right—all their lives depended on it.

With a final twist, the last screw clicked into place, and Alex stepped back to admire his handiwork. It wasn’t a perfect disguise, but it would buy them some time and was just another debt they owed the man and his family for the borrowed plate.

In this game of cat and mouse, time was their most precious commodity. Alex allowed himself a small, grim smile at the thought. Let them chase ghosts and shadows. He and his team would already be long gone, vanishing like smoke on the wind. It was a deadly game of chase or tag they played, but one Alex was determined to win at all costs.

The truck looked different now, just another nondescript vehicle blending into the night, with the paint job William gave it the day before. With any luck, Bardinis’s men would drive right by, unaware their quarry had slipped through their fingers once again.

He turned at the thumping of approaching footsteps, his hand dropping to the gun at his hip. But it was just the others emerging from the house, their faces taut with tension. Alex’s shoulders relaxed a fraction, though his expression remained stoic and focused.

“Nice work, Alex,” Chris said, appearing at his side with a bundle of clothes in his arms. “These should help us blend in even more.”

Alex took the offered uniform, the fabric rough against his skin. It was a far cry from the comfortable clothes they’d worn at the haven, or their standard issue gear, but comfort was a luxury they could no longer afford. Survival was the only thing that mattered now.

They would no longer look like U.S. Military. His heart clenched at the thought as he stared down at the damn-near poop colored jumpsuit and matching jacket. Glancing at the other four, he saw they were pulling the same horrid clothing over their uniforms.

“Gifts from our hosts. It’s not just military and American’s he’s hosted. We’re still a day till the ferry and only a hour drive from it thanks to driving inland for so long and then out of the way to stay safe, but it’s time to put some distance between us and that prick.” Chris nodded at Alex as if to hurry him along.

It took him three seconds to tug on the ill-fitting jacket and tuck his hair under a hat.

“Truck’s done. We ready to roll?” he asked, meeting Chris’s steady gaze.

His leader nodded, and Chris’s voice was calm yet authoritative as he outlined their next steps. “We’ll take the back roads down the mountain,” he said, his eyes never leaving the road. “Less chance of being spotted that way. But we need to be prepared for anything.”

Alex nodded, his mind already racing with contingency plans. “We should have a backup route, just in case,” he suggested. “And maybe a distraction, something to throw them off our trail if it comes to that.”

Chris considered this for a moment, then gave a curt nod. “Good thinking. Work on that with Liam, see what you two can come up with.”

In the back of the truck, Liam leaned forward, his expression serious. “I might have an idea,” he said, his voice low. “But it’s risky.”

Alex turned to face him, one eyebrow raised. “Risky how?”

Liam hesitated, glancing at Emma and the others before continuing. “It would involve using one of us as bait. Drawing their attention while the rest of the group makes a run for it if we get caught.”

A heavy silence fell over the truck as they all considered the implications of Liam’s words. Alex’s gaze automatically sought out Emma’s. He couldn’t bear the thought of any of them being put in harm’s way, least of all her. If he needed to protect her by leaving, he’d do it.

But before he could voice his intentions, Chris spoke up. “It’s a last resort,” he said firmly. “We stick together for now. But if it comes down to it, I’ll be the one to stay behind.”

Alex opened his mouth to protest, but Chris silenced him with a look.

“I’m the leader,” he said simply. “It’s my responsibility.”

There was no arguing with that, and Alex knew it. He swallowed hard, his chest tight with a mix of fear and admiration for the man beside him. Chris’s unwavering commitment to the group’s safety was both inspiring and terrifying, a reminder of the sacrifices they might all be called upon to make.

“Liam, up front with me,” Chris ordered. “Alex, you’re in the back with the others. Not that I don’t like your driving, but I’d feel better being in total control right now.”

Alex hesitated for a moment. But he knew that his place was with Emma and the others, a protective barrier between them and whatever dangers might come. If he sat up front and a bullet struck him, the group would be without their medic.

With a final nod to Chris, he climbed into the back of the truck, settling himself beside Emma. She leaned into him, her body trembling slightly, and he wrapped an arm around her shoulders.

“It’s going to be okay,” he murmured, pressing a kiss to her temple. “I won’t let anything happen to you.”

She looked up at him, her eyes shining with a mix of fear and trust. “I know,” she whispered. “I love you, Alex.”

The words sent a jolt through him, a reminder of everything he stood to lose. But they also filled him with a fierce determination, a resolve to do whatever it took to keep her safe.

“I love you too,” he said softly, pulling her closer. “Always.”

A tense silence hung over the truck’s interior, broken only by the rumble of the engine and the occasional muffled cough. Alex’s eyes darted from face to face, taking in the grim expressions and tightly clenched jaws. They all knew the stakes, the danger that loomed over them like a gathering storm.

William sat rigid, his gaze fixed on the road ahead, while Bash’s fingers tapped an anxious rhythm against his thigh. Emma, nestled against Alex’s side, drew in a shaky breath, and her hand sought his in a silent plea for comfort.

Alex laced his fingers with hers, offering a reassuring squeeze. “We’ve got this,” he said, his voice low but steady. “We’ve been through worse and come out the other side.”

Bash let out a humorless chuckle. “Doesn’t make it any easier, though, does it?”

“No,” Alex agreed, “but it does mean we know how to survive.”

The truck hit a bump, jostling them in their seats. Emma’s grip on Alex’s hand tightened, and he felt a surge of protectiveness wash over him. He would do anything, give anything, to keep her safe.

As they sped toward an uncertain future, Alex wished he’d been driving to keep his mind focused on anything but the upcoming issues. The ferry represented a chance at freedom, a way out of the hell they’d been living. But it was also a gamble, a leap of faith into the unknown.

What if they were too late? What if the government caught up to them before they could escape? The questions churned in Alex’s mind, but he pushed them aside, focusing instead on the feel of Emma’s hand in his, the steady presence of his friends around him.

Alex leaned his head back against the truck’s wall, closing his eyes for a moment. He pictured the ferry, imagined the salt spray on his face and the sound of gulls overhead. It was a dream, a fragile hope, but it was all they had.

Alex held tight to hope, to the belief that somehow, someway, they would make it.

They had to.

Because the alternative was unthinkable.