That was the third time he’d caught her off guard with a kiss. It was frustrating, like smelling a honey cake but not being able to eat it. He was a tease. That was what he was.
Keeping her head low, she crawled after him, stopping only long enough to snag her pack from the ground. There was no telling how long this might take, and having food and water seemed sensible.
Zaxe seemed to slither over the sandy ground, not making a sound. She tried to be quiet but sounded more like a stampede of mulkeys. Having a pack on her back didn’t help, but she wasn’t leaving the supplies behind.
When they came upon the first body of a downed attacker, she turned her head away. The smell wasn’t pleasant. Zaxe stopped. Wondering why, she looked back and watched as he checked the man’s pulse and removed his weapons. The knife was tucked into his pocket. The long-range blaster was slung over his shoulder.
She inched up beside him. “What are you doing?”
“Never assume the enemy is dead unless you check personally. They may be faking it to survive or get a better shot at you. And you never leave weapons behind for someone else to use against you. What we can’t use, we’ll destroy or cache for the way back.”
Only a fool would fail to learn from someone as skilled and smart as Zaxe. And she was no fool. “Understood.”
When they came upon the next body, she searched for weapons while he made sure the man was dead. Patting down a dead man was something she hoped she’d never have to do again, but it was empowering to know she could do it if necessary.
She tucked the two knives she confiscated into her pack. There was no sign of a blaster. It must have landed somewhere else when he’d fallen from above.
Sweat beaded on her forehead and trickled down her temples. It was much cooler with the sun down, but the going was slow and difficult. They inched along at a snail’s pace. Every now and then, Zaxe would stop. With her head resting on the ground, she listened. Whatever had made him stop, she couldn’t hear it. When he was satisfied, he’d move again. It seemed to take forever to get to the base of the cliffs.
Resting with their backs against the stone, they were tucked under a small overhang that would hide them from anyone above, if they were looking.
“Wait here. I’m going to look for a path.”
She grabbed his wrist. “We stay together.” She didn’t think he’d leave her behind, but that was more an emotional response than a logical one. Why take chances?
“I’ll come back for you.” They were so close, his breath puffed over her face.
She shook her head. “It’s not that I don’t trust you, but I don’t trust you.”
“I’m wounded.” He slapped a hand to his chest, his tone teasing. Then he stroked his thumb over her chin. “I would never leave you.”
The intensity of his words made her shiver. She opened her mouth to object again, but he swooped in and kissed her. This was no tentative exploration. No, this was a claiming. His tongue boldly stroked into her mouth, exploring, mapping, owning.
They were vulnerable, snipers somewhere above them. But all of that disappeared beneath the onslaught of Zaxe’s wild passion. Hard hands cupped her face, angling her head so he could deepen the embrace.
She surged forward, kissing him back, melding their lips together. Heat and excitement rippled through her. Giving in to it, she ran her hands over his bulging biceps and wide back. All his clothing frustrated her. She wanted to stroke his bare skin, to see the heavy muscles of his shoulders, run her tongue over his abs until she was as familiar with them as she was her own body.
He was strong and self-assured. And he was leaving when his job was done.
Placing her hands on his shoulders, she pushed. He resisted for a split-second before pulling back. He was breathing heavily. On impulse, she placed her hand on his chest, pleased when she caught the racing of his heart. Death didn’t faze him, but she did.
“When this is done, I’m taking you to bed.” It wasn’t a question but a promise.
“When this is done,” she agreed. Sleeping with Zaxe might be a huge mistake, but if she didn’t, she’d regret it to her dying day. No other man had ever tempted her to take that risk.
“Stay here. Keep your blaster ready.” He dropped a quick kiss on her mouth. “And don’t shoot me when I come back.”
“Don’t give me reason to,” she retorted. She was smiling when he left. How was that even possible? So much death and uncertainty, but Zaxe could make her smile. Giving a shake of her head, she sat back and let her gaze run over the landscape, being careful not to spend too much time on one spot. She’d done her share of sentry duty when traveling with trading caravans. The trick was to keep the eyes moving to avoid boredom.
Not that boredom was an issue. Her heart was jumping in her chest. Not to mention her lips were swollen and moist, and every inch of her skin was sensitive. And where he’d touched her, the heat from his hands lingered.
She inched back, adjusting her position. The pack was still on her back. She wanted to dig out a flask of water, but that would create too much noise and distract her. The desert was alive at night. A howl in the distance made her tense. There were four-legged predators out here, as well as the two-legged ones. If they were close enough, they’d smell the blood and investigate.
Then there was Baraj. She didn’t trust him. If he finished up on his side early, he’d be on their trail.
There was no sound, but a slight disturbance in the air had her whirling around, blaster up. Zaxe was a meter away, crouched and waiting. How does he do that? Her finger tightened on the trigger. “I should shoot you for scaring me,” she muttered.
Still as a statue, he watched and waited until she lowered the weapon. “Follow me, I found a way.”
****
Gods, she was one hell of a woman. Sitting in the dark, clothes and face dirty, blaster ready to fire, she was fierce. His dick was still hard. Didn’t matter how serious the situation was, she made him come alive in a way he’d never been.
He could almost hear her swearing on him in her head, but she didn’t ask any questions, simply fell in behind him. She distracted him, which wasn’t good. But that was his problem.
It had taken little effort to find the path up the rock face. He’d taken out two men, rolling their bodies as close to the rock as he could. It would be easier to dump them off the path, but that would alert anyone else nearby.
Jamaeh wasn’t trained in stealth maneuvers, but she was a fast learner. Smart, too. She’d grabbed her pack, bringing supplies. The plan was to be back to the canyon floor by sunrise, but it paid to have a backup. With food and water, they could lay low if necessary. The weapons they’d collected would help them stave off any attackers.
He flowed to his feet and motioned to her. She glanced around and reluctantly got up, settling the pack more comfortably on her shoulders. “The path starts here,” he whispered in her ear. “Stay behind me, but stay aware.”
Having a partner, someone to depend on, was foreign. When he’d been an assassin for Artemis, he’d worked alone. She’d kept his sisters back at her base as an incentive for him to complete the mission and return. That was how she’d controlled all of them.
Having someone you cared about on a mission was no easier. And he did care. The more time he spent with Jamaeh, the harder it was going to be to leave her behind.
She could go with me.
The thought had gripped him by the balls and wouldn’t let go. They hadn’t even had sex yet. Hell, they hadn’t even sat down to a meal together, just a man and women enjoying each other’s company.
The air around him changed. He raised his fisted hand, only belatedly realizing she might not understand the sign to stop. He should have known better. Her footsteps halted. Leaving her on the path, he inched ahead, painstakingly taking his time. This wasn’t something you could rush. Not if you wanted to live.
A slight whiff of body odor in the air confirmed there was someone ahead. They might already be de
ad, but he wasn’t betting on it. Knife in hand, he crouched low and crept closer, keeping his senses attuned to any changes in the atmosphere around him.
“We’ll get them come morning,” a male voice said.
“I’m waiting until Osmon comes back with reinforcements,” another added.
There were at least two. Zaxe waited, patience a part of his DNA. He didn’t shift position, didn’t fidget. He did flex and relax his muscles to keep them from cramping. A light snore was his eventual payoff. It was a few hours until dawn, the time when people lowered their guard and slept. It bothered him to kill sleeping men, but they’d tried to kill him. Worse, they’d shot at Jamaeh.
Hardening his heart, he made his move. Two quick swipes of his knife and they were gone without ever waking. For men who lived and breathed violence, it was the best they could hope for.
The top of the rocks was in reach. Best to check it out before heading back down. It didn’t take him long to sweep the area, collecting weapons before climbing upward. He met no one else. That had to be the last of them. At least on this side. If Baraj was doing his job, they should be in the clear.
Time to move out before reinforcements arrived. Or maybe they’d take the positions up in the rocks this time. Something to think about.
He wanted to rush back down, but that would be a mistake. He needed to remain stealthy. Baraj wasn’t to be trusted, and there could be more men hiding. A rock face like this would have indentations, maybe even caves that were easily overlooked in the dark.
The sky was lightening. The sun would rise soon, bringing with it another day of deadly heat. They needed to eat and refresh themselves. None of them had slept.
Jamaeh was where he’d left her, back to the wall with her pack beside her. She was wide awake, the strain of the night reflected in her bloodshot eyes and pinched expression.
She stood and wiped the seat of her pants and rolled her shoulders. “That’s the end of it, then?”
“Yes.”
The blaster in her hand came up, angled at his head. He had a second of disbelief before she yelled, “Down.”
He dropped and rolled, weapon drawn, but it wasn’t necessary. She fired, hitting the man as he attacked from above. His body hit the side of the rocks and tumbled off the path, falling to the canyon below.
“I thought you said that was the end of it.” Her face was pale. “I thought you were good at this.” She crouched and buried her face in her hands, pulling it back up when she almost clunked herself with the blaster.
“I must have missed a hiding spot. I went all the way to the top.”
“Don’t do that again.”
“Yes, ma’am.” He went to his knees beside her and stroked a hand over her hair. “Thank you for saving my life.”
“Yeah, you’re welcome. We’re even now.” When he tilted his head in question, she added, “You didn’t let Reman keep me.”
“Never.” That would be the most heinous of crimes.
Giving a small cry, she threw her arms around him. “Don’t scare me like that again.”
He held her tight, breathing in the scent of her warm skin. There was dust and sweat, but beneath it was a hint of honey and musk. “I’ll do my best.” He wouldn’t make a promise he couldn’t keep.
Her laugh had an edge to it. She’d been through so much and handled herself so well. “We need to get going,” he reminded her. Baraj wasn’t going to sit around and wait for them. And sunrise was almost upon them.
“I know.” They were face-to-face. Her braids were tangled, the reddish hues dimmed by dust. The dark circles under her eyes made the green appear even richer.
“I’ll keep you safe.” The vow sank into the very marrow of his being. Other than his sisters, he’d never wanted to protect anyone. Caring left you vulnerable. Without even trying, Jamaeh had become vital to him.
“You’ll try, but you might not be able to. If something happens to me, promise you’ll do your best to get my brother away from Helldrick.”
The kicker was that she was right. He couldn’t promise something wouldn’t happen to either of them. Life was unpredictable at best. And their worlds were more dangerous than most. “I’ll do what I can.”
“That’s all I can ask.” Lowering her head, she took a breath and mustered a tired smile. “I suppose we should go back down there.” She gazed out over the narrow canyon below. “It seems so peaceful from here. Guess looks are deceiving.”
“They can be.” She was a beautiful woman, the kind that should have been pampered and cared for from birth. Instead, she’d survived the hardships of her life and thrived, clawing out an honest living when the odds were against her.
When she started to stand, he stayed her. Wrapping a hand around the back of her neck, he pulled her forward. With his blood fired and his protective instincts on overdrive, he wanted to strip her bare, wash the dirt and flecks of blood from her skin, and make love to her until she screamed his name in pleasure.
She’d saved his life. He pulled her in until their foreheads were touching. Their breath mingled. Her fingers slid around his wrist and squeezed. They both knew this wasn’t the time or place.
Zaxe raised his head. The first rays of the sun caught her face, turning her from woman to avenging goddess. His goddess. He straightened and held out his head. “Let’s go.”
Chapter Nine
His fingers gripped hers as they began their downward trek. They were strong and firm and rock steady. Fine tremors continued to run through her. I killed a man. It had happened so fast. There’d been no time to think, only to react. And her priority had been saving Zaxe.
He was big and self-assured, moving through life with a confidence that was both appealing and maddening. His gaze was always watchful. He was larger than life.
He almost died.
If she hadn’t shot their attacker, Zaxe would be lying back in their dirt, his life-force snuffed out in a split-second of indecision on her part. Or not. He was wearing a battlesuit, something she’d forgotten in the heat of the moment.
Unless he’d fired at Zaxe’s head.
That would have been the end of him. No, she’d done what she had to do.
She placed her free hand on her stomach in a desperate attempt to quell the pangs of unease making her queasy.
“You okay?” He stopped, pulling them behind a boulder that had tumbled down on the path at some point in the distant past. It was some protection from the rising sun and anyone who might be looking for them.
There wasn’t time for her to be anything else. She shook her head. “I’m fine.”
The contradiction between her actions and words made him smile. The fine lines at the corners of his eyes crinkled. “You sure about that?”
“Yes.” She pulled her hand from his and wiped it over her face. To keep herself busy so she didn’t have to face him, she dug a water flask from her pack and took a sip. Neither one of them mentioned her hands were trembling. “Want some?”
He took the flask and drank before capping it. “It’s the adrenaline running through your body. Take a couple of deep breaths. It will help.”
Since he was the expert, she dragged one lungful of air in, held it briefly, and then released it in a whoosh. Then she did it again. By about the fifth time, she was steadier. He gave a nod and put the flask in her pack. He didn’t offer to carry it for her, and she didn’t expect him to. He had a half dozen laser rifles over his shoulders and more weapons strapped to him. It was best if he remained unencumbered in case he had to fight. She could fire a blaster, but wasn’t nearly as adept in close combat.
He squinted toward the sky. “Any idea how far away we are from the outcasts’ camp?”
“I’m really not sure. Best guess? A few hours.” It wouldn’t be long before reinforcements arrived. “What’s the plan?” Because he would have one. They might not have known each other long, but he always seemed to be prepared. Nothing seemed to throw him off or upset him.
She admired th
e trait even as she resented him for it, which made no sense. It was to their benefit that he was able to think and act quickly and without emotion. But a chink in his emotional armor might make him more approachable.
They should be hurrying down to the canyon, but she couldn’t seem to make herself care. She felt almost lightheaded, not quite anchored to her body. The shock and lack of sleep were catching up to her.
Zaxe ran his thumb down the curve of her jaw. Heat flashed through her, making her dizzy. “Are you sure you’re okay? Maybe you should sit and rest for a few minutes.”
“No.” She was stronger than that. Sitting in one spot was dangerous right now. “I’ll be fine once I eat something.”
His thumb continued to journey, sliding across her bottom lip. “You’re an exceptional woman.”
No, she wasn’t. She was a desperate one. Desperate to find her brother. Desperate to stay alive and find a better life for them both, but that wasn’t his business. She ignored the pang in her stomach. That was nothing more than hunger.
“Are we going?” Her voice was breathless. He had that effect on her.
“Yes.” But like her, he made no effort to leave.
“What are we doing?” Passion crackled in the air. The fine hairs on the back of her neck rose. Fear, primal and deep, struck her. I could fall in love with him. Danger! She took a step away, but the pack on her back hit the rock face. He wasn’t holding her captive, their only connection his thumb stroking her face.
“Damned if I know.” Confusion lurked in the depths of his black eyes. “Stop me if you don’t want this.” He leaned down and brushed his lips over hers. Heat roared up from the depths of her soul. She knew what to expect now. And a simple kiss was no longer enough. She wanted, no needed, more.
Grabbing the front of his shirt, she dragged him closer and kissed him, releasing every pent-up longing. She closed her eyes, losing herself in the kiss. It was carnal and hot. He took control almost immediately, thrusting his tongue into the depths of her mouth.
Zaxe's Rule (Assassins of Gravas Book 4) Page 8
