Reckoning

by Leigh, Jo

  He got even with her, though. He pulled his hand back for a moment, then a second later he plunged two thick fingers inside her.

  She yelped and maybe she got a little carried away because he yelped too, but not in a good way.

  Immediately, she calmed down, but Nate just laughed, making her break out in goose bumps. “Watch the boys,” he said. “I’m not finished with them yet.”

  “Sorry.”

  He continued to thrust into her. “That’s okay. You’ll make up for it.”

  “I will?”

  “Yep.”

  “Just what were you thinking?”

  “I want you to turn over.”

  “Oh, no.”

  His fingers stopped. “It’s not what you think.”

  God, she wished she could see his eyes. “Promise?”

  “I’d never do anything you didn’t want.”

  “How do you know I’ll want this?”

  “Trust me,” he said. “Now turn over.”

  She turned, but when she was on her side, facing away from him, he stopped her. “Here?”

  “Perfect.” He moved her top leg up, so it was bent at the knee. His lips moved to her neck, the sensitive skin just under her ear. As he nipped and licked, he guided his cock inside her. He moved slowly until he found his rhythm. Then, as she was savoring the sensation of him from behind, his fingers came back for an encore.

  He used his finger, the most talented one, to find her clit, which he circled with the perfect amount of pressure. All the while, he moved in and out with his thick cock. That, combined with the things his tongue and teeth were doing, and she was approaching overload.

  The only problem was her own hands. She really couldn’t do much but hang on.

  “Oh, my God,” she said.

  He chuckled, and she felt the vibration on her neck. Then, the devil took it to the next level. He started thrusting faster, moving his finger more quickly and the little nips on her neck were turning into bites that made her tense, followed immediately by long, slow laps of his tongue.

  She had no idea if her eyes were open or closed, but damned if she wasn’t seeing fireworks. She felt her own body tense as he drew her closer and closer to orgasm. Her gasps turned to some weird, high pitched whine that she had no control over whatsoever. And her hands gripped the sleeping bag so tightly she was sure she had ripped it.

  She held her breath as the moment came, that split second between anticipation and fulfillment. Her body rocked in a spasm as she came.

  He moved his finger away from her sensitized clit, but pressed down on that area with his palm, holding her in position as he thrust again and again. It was an amazing sensation, the pressure, the fullness, the way her body trembled and she wanted so much to grab onto him that she brought her hand around and back, her fingers digging into his hip.

  When he came, he cried out, a long, low growl incredibly loud so close to her ear.

  They pressed against each other for a long time, until he collapsed with a whoosh and she gasped for breath.

  Minutes went by as they both cooled off, which wasn’t easy with him still inside her. Eventually, they settled. He was incredibly gentle and thoughtful in their cramped bed. He was the one to climb out, to wipe up, to make sure she was curled and cuddled right next to him when pure exhaustion made it difficult to keep her eyes open.

  “Thank you,” he whispered as he kissed her temple.

  “I’ll remember this always,” she said. As much as she wanted to keep reality at bay, there were things to be said before all hell broke loose tomorrow. “You saved my life. You were my rock, my touchstone. If it wasn’t for you, I wouldn’t have known what it is to truly make love. You’ve given me so much.”

  He kissed her again. “Don’t say it like it’s over. We’ll be fine, and we’ll make love again. In a real live bed.”

  She knew her eyes were closed when she felt the tears on her lashes. “When it’s over, I’m going home. And you’re going on with your life.”

  “Tam—”

  “It’s true, Nate. You’ve been amazing, and I’ll always be grateful, but we both have to find our lives again. You know I’m right. I just need you to know that I don’t take it lightly. I’ve loved being with you. I don’t blame you for my parents. Or for any part of this. No matter what, you’re my hero.”

  He didn’t say anything. But his body stiffened, and his hand left her back.

  Chapter 14

  The day started at 4:00 a.m. Not just for Vince, who had the bulk of the errands to run, but for everyone. Boone and Seth were expected back by five-thirty and everyone had been anxiously awaiting their safe return since the moment they’d left.

  In the central room, there was a pot of coffee and some oatmeal warming on the stove for breakfast. Nate was just back from a short sunrise run in the desert. It was the last he’d allow himself to think of Tam until the mission was complete. He’d left her in their room after a fitful night, one that had left him with more questions than answers.

  He went into the apartment toting a gallon of water and some fresh clothes and he washed in an unoccupied room. Refreshed and hungry, he went back to join the others. Tam was at one of the tables with a cup of coffee, and the smile she gave him only increased his confusion.

  But he’d think about her later. When they’d won. He was hungry, but he sat down with Christie and Harper, who both looked as if they hadn’t slept at all.

  “It’s still early,” he said.

  Christie nodded. “It’s a nice try, Nate, but we’re not going to feel any better until they’re back. Why don’t you go talk to Vince. He’s ready to head out, but I think he wants to go over the plan one more time.”

  He took his sister’s advice, and found Vince by his truck with Kate. “You all set?”

  “I think so. I know where I’m meeting Eli. I know what I’m picking up. I should be back before three.”

  “Call if there’s any questions, and give Eli a pep talk, will you? He sounded pretty crappy when I spoke to him.”

  “The kid’s done a good job so far.”

  “He needs to hear it again.”

  Vince shook his hand. “Will do, boss. You know this is going to work, right?”

  “Ten-four.”

  “What is it you guys say? Lock and load?” Vince asked as he pulled Kate into his arms.

  “Just get back here in one piece,” Kate said.

  Nate left them, feeling too much like Eisenhower on the eve of D-Day. But he knew that his talk yesterday had done some good.

  He sat rereading his notes as he ate breakfast, willing himself not to check his watch. But he knew that it was coming on five, and that the men should be on their way. Damn it, he hated not having cell service. But he trusted them to—

  Christie’s “Truck!” had him on his feet, and they all watched as two men drove up the deserted road. They looked tired and filthy, but they were smiling to beat the band.

  Nate breathed again and watched the homecoming with as much apprehension as joy. This was only the beginning.

  * * * * * *

  Vince sat at the corner of Horizon Ridge and Highway 15. He was watching for an old Toyota Camry and barely noticed the guy in the red Porsche. Even when Eli stepped out of the car, it took Vince a minute to register who it was. “Hit the jackpot, did we?”

  Eli blushed as he went around to open his trunk. “I’ve got everything you asked for.”

  “Great. Did you give Pat my message?” Pat was one of his less savory friends from his days in Vice.

  Eli’s blush returned. “He said to tell you to go fuck yourself.”

  “That’s Pat. Let me see.”

  There was a large manila envelope sitting in the pristine trunk. Inside were seven ID badges. They weren’t like the crap they’d rigged in the warehouse during Rodney Hammond’s kidnapping. These were the real McCoy. They were for entry to Nellis, the real base, which they needed to get access to Omicron’s little corner. Pat, one of
the best forgers Vince had ever seen, had worked his usual magic. There would be no questions, not from any of the guards.

  “These are terrific. Now, what about the rest?”

  It took about ten minutes for the men to transfer the equipment to the bed of Vince’s truck. He put a tarp over everything and tied it so tight no wind would dare creep inside. Then he handed Eli the most precious cargo of all. “They’re labeled so you don’t mix them up.”

  “Jesus, there’s a lot of pages.”

  “There’s a lot to tell.”

  “It took a hell of a lot of convincing to get the editor-in-chief to go along with all this. If you guys screw up, I’m toast at the Times.”

  He slapped Eli on the shoulder. “Don’t worry about it, kid. You’ll be dead before he can fire you.”

  Eli blanched, and Vince said, “Hey, seriously. We’ll get through, and we’ll get it done. You just be ready.”

  “I will.”

  “You’ve done great. Just keep on thinking of that Pulitzer.”

  The reporter didn’t seem all that convinced he wasn’t going to meet his maker in the next few hours.

  “They’ll be so busy trying to get us, they won’t even be thinking of you. You’re gonna be the next Woodward and Bernstein, all in one. Just hold on to that.”

  “I’ll try. I’d better get back. There’s still a lot to do before tomorrow.”

  Vince shook his hand. “You’ll mostly be communicating with Christie, but I’ll give you a holler when I can.”

  Eli nodded, then went back to his Porsche.

  The sad ass thing was, Vince really didn’t know if any of them would live through this. He just had to remember what he was fighting for.

  * * * * * *

  The whole team gathered just before midnight. Most of them had gotten at least some sleep, and they’d gone over every minute of the next ten hours as well as every single piece of equipment until each member of the team could pick up the slack if something went wrong.

  Tam knew her own part in tonight’s play, but she also knew that despite their planning and determination, the whole business could come to a deadly halt with one wrong step.

  She was terrified that she’d be the one to screw things up. The rest of them looked so sure, so able. She couldn’t stop her hands from trembling.

  But she listened, she rehearsed until she was as ready as she’d ever be.

  They were leaving in a few minutes, and if things went well, she doubted they’d be back. Her duffel was packed with only the essentials. Everything else would stay here until some lost soul happened upon the building. She wasn’t sorry to let any of it go. She’d grown accustomed to leaving her life behind.

  “Okay, team,” Nate said. “Let’s lock and load.”

  Those were the words they’d all been anticipating, but now that they were ready to go Tam was really glad she’d eaten such a light supper.

  They were taking two trucks at least part of the way. She would ride with Nate, Harper, Kate, Christie and Vince. Boone and Seth were heading off first.

  She checked to make sure the safety was engaged on her weapon, then she got in the passenger side of the truck. The four others climbed in the truck bed along with the equipment, and Nate got behind the wheel.

  “You okay?” he asked, as soon as they were on the road.

  “No. I’m scared to death.”

  “Not surprising. But you’re gonna be great.”

  “Don’t be so sure.”

  He looked at her, surprise in his eyes. “Are you kidding me? I’ve seen what you can do. Remember, I was there in Kosovo, when you had to run that gauntlet of gunfire to get in the jeep. I saw you in the cloud chamber, when all hell was breaking lose. And man, you made it out of the lab when two professional killers were after you. This isn’t going to stop you.”

  She looked away, but only because she realized Nate meant what he was saying. It wasn’t a pep talk, it was his truth. He thought she was strong. Capable. He was impressed not only by her brains but by her bravery.

  “Tam?”

  “No, I’m okay. Thank you.”

  He touched her leg. “Nothing’s going to happen to you.” He looked at her once more, this time with a ferocity she’d only seen a few times before. “I won’t let anything happen to you.”

  Her hand covered his. And while she wouldn’t allow herself to think past this night and tomorrow, she wished, for just a moment, that things were different between them. That they’d met under normal circumstances. And that she knew for sure the feelings she had for him were really love.

  Seth pulled the truck into the rear of the Renegade parking lot. From the jam of cars it was obvious there was a big crowd in the bar. Country music could be heard along with the hum of chatter and laughter.

  Boone nodded toward a four-door sedan, something dark and nondescript. Seth stopped the truck in front of the vehicle, blocking it from view. Boone jumped out, got behind the wheel and about twenty seconds later, the engine came to life.

  It was just another specialty he’d learned in Delta. Although he’d never used it on an auto owned by a civilian, it was just like riding a bike.

  Behind him, Seth backed up, and when Boone pulled out, they traded parking spots. Seth got in the sedan and Boone settled in for the ride. It would take them twenty minutes to get to the Vegas entrance of Nellis. Once inside, this nice little sedan would be left behind. But for now, he turned on the radio, and he thought about taking Christie home to meet his folks. As for Seth, he looked like he was planning his homecoming, too.

  * * * * * *

  They rendezvoused at a truck stop by the Vegas Speedway. Only Boone and Seth were no longer in the sedan. They’d each driven up in a regulation jeep, stolen from the Nellis motor pool.

  It was 2:30 a.m., and all hands got out to transfer the equipment into the jeeps. This was the big one, and every one of them was as focused as a laser.

  Once the jeeps were ready, they parked the truck. It took another thirty minutes for everyone to go in and use the johns because no two people walked in together. Nate hoped like hell this was the last night he’d have to sneak around like a fugitive.

  And even that hadn’t been as bad as pretending to be dead. After he’d come back from Kosovo, he’d started uncovering the truth about what had happened there. Once he’d realized just how bad things were, he’d staged his own death, complete with his sister as a witness. It had been agony to put her through that, but he was trying to keep her safe. Keep her clean. He’d hoped his apparent death would put an end to Omicron’s search for those who’d escaped. For a while, it seemed as though his plan had worked. Then he’d discovered what those bastards had done to Christie.

  Setting her up as a stalking victim had been bad enough, but the pricks had stolen all her money. They’d figured out a way to seize her bank accounts. That one had Senator Raines’s fingerprints all over it.

  So he’d come back to this half life. Living in squalor, hiding in shadows. He’d always been so proud of what he did, who he was. They’d taken that from him, too.

  Once everyone was back in the jeeps, they headed northwest, toward the Omicron plant. Tam sat closer to him on this leg of the journey, but they still didn’t talk much.

  He wanted to. He wanted to say a lot of things, but she could distract him like nothing else.

  He looked at her, sitting so still, staring straight ahead while her palm warmed his hand. Her quiet beauty got to him every damn time he saw her, and this morning was no different. It astonished him that she wasn’t aware of her own strength. She’d been through hell and had kept her head on straight. Even now, she didn’t know if her parents were living or dead. But she had practiced her part over and over until she knew it by heart.

  He had stopped trying to pretend he wasn’t in love with her. She was everything he wanted in a partner. Kind, smart, funny, sexy as hell. He wanted to have kids with her. He’d never had that thought before, not with anyone.

 
But she was right. While he’d had more life than any two people he knew, she really had no idea who she was, or what she was capable of. She deserved to find out without him getting in the way.

  “You’re thinking about us,” she said.

  He sat back, knowing he hadn’t said any of that aloud. “What?”

  “I can see it on your face. You’re thinking about us, and your hand is rubbing my leg, and while I think that’s incredibly sweet, you need to knock it off.”

  He looked down to find his hand had traveled all the way to the top of her thigh. “Shit. Sorry.”

  “It’s okay. You can pick up the thread when this is over, and tell me all about it.”

  “Can I?”

  She smiled. “I didn’t say I didn’t want to speak to you again.”

  “I know, but—”

  “Nate. Concentrate.” She lifted his hand and put it in his own lap. Then she scooted to the far edge of her seat.

  “Yes, ma’am.”

  He kept driving, keeping to the speed limit, and all he thought about was finally stopping Omicron once and for all.

  ABOUT A MILE from the plant, both jeeps turned off the highway and drove across some rough desert. Seth went over the plan again and again, and tried to prepare himself for any eventuality.

  He didn’t want to die tonight. He’d found Harper, and the two of them had so much more to say to each other. So much more to do. He wanted to see her as a doctor again. She loved her work and she was damn good at it. He’d never go back to the soldier’s life. That was over. He didn’t blame the good men and women in the service, but these past couple of years had taken the fight right out of him. And with his claw, he doubted they’d want him back.

  But he and Nate and Vince had been talking. Between them, they had one hell of a lot of skill. When this was over, they’d use them, starting their own security firm. Where they’d get the money, he had no idea, but it would happen. Because they’d be free men. And women. Christie and Kate were included in the package, and he was fine with that. They were both sharp and smart, and they knew a little something about covert ops.