A Mate for Titan (The Program Book 7)

by Charlene Hartnady

  His frown deepened. He wasn’t aroused, that much she could see, so it wasn’t that. There was something on his mind though. He didn’t look happy. He washed her other foot and slowly made his way up her legs using soft, even strokes.

  Titan washed out the cloth. He looked her in her eyes. “Open your legs.”

  “I can manage this part my—”

  “Open,” a little more forceful.

  “Bossy as hell,” she muttered.

  “Yeah well, I am technically still your boss.” He sort of smiled and then gently cleaned her there.

  Natasha winced and made a hissing noise.

  Titan washed out the cloth and kept going. Soft, easy, gentle. Then he leaned forward and kissed her ‒ softly ‒ right there.

  She made a noise that was somewhere between a moan and a hiss and grabbed his head between her hands. Titan smiled, he looked up at her. Those bloody dimples would kill her one of these days, his beautiful eyes zoned in on her, they were framed by wet lashes. “There,” he announced. “All better.”

  She laughed. “You’re crazy.”

  He rose up to his feet, suddenly looking serious. “I’ve been thinking about something. I’ve got this idea that won’t let go.” He rubbed the back of his head.

  “Okay.” The water cascaded over them. “What is it?”

  “I don’t think you should go just yet.”

  Natasha didn’t say anything. Pull off the band-aid and walk away. Rip it off. No delays. She tried to remind herself of her earlier pep talk.

  “I think your plan might just work. It was your plan, dammit and you should be here to see it through. Here’s the deal, I’ll source one of those cameras today as well as one of those blocker things.”

  “Auto jammer.”

  “Yeah, an auto jammer. See,” he paused. “I do need you.”

  “Any FBI agent would know that.”

  His frown was back ‒ he looked pissed this time though ‒ like he wanted to rip someone’s head off. “I wouldn’t trust anyone but you.”

  “Given time you might.”

  “Not happening.”

  “That’s what you said about me.” She cocked her head.

  “Natasha, it won’t happen. Trust me on that one. You are a special human, a one in a million human.”

  “I’m not. I’m a regular run of the mill—”

  “You are special to me and I want you to please see this thing through. We can do it together. Nail this bastard and save the fucking day. I don’t want you to lose your job. I don’t want you to go just yet either. We can do this, you and me, partners. What do you say?”

  She could feel herself caving. His words … oh his sweet, sweet words. She sighed. “Yes, okay but only because I can’t stand the thought of you doing this alone. I know you won’t let another FBI agent help you on this. You’ll go back to pulling all-nighters.” She was trying to convince herself.

  Titan grinned. He threw his arms around her and squeezed.

  She groaned. “Hurts … ow.”

  He let her go. “I’m sorry.” Then he grabbed the cloth and lathered her up with soap. “I’m washing you and putting you back in bed, then I’m feeding you. I’ll organize the equipment we need … and some pain meds as well. I’m staying here to keep an eye on you though.”

  “What? Wait! I don’t need to go back to bed.”

  “You do! Rest up. Trust me on this. You’re going to need your sleep.”

  “Okay, I get it now. You’re going to make me your own personal sex slave. Keeping me here has nothing to do with the case.”

  Titan choked out a laugh. “Sex slave? Where do you get this stuff?”

  “I watched this porno once where—”

  “You watch too much damned television.” He kissed her on the mouth. Then pulled back. “One thing though ‒ no sex during office hours and we need to get at least six hours … make that five hours of sleep a night.”

  “In other words, I’m your sex slave the rest of my time here?”

  Titan shook his head. “No, I’m your sex slave the rest of our time here.” He kissed her again.

  This time she pulled back. “This can’t take too long though, Titan. I can’t sleep with you every night week after week and then walk away. I’m …” She wanted to say that she was falling in love with him. It was already happening. She was crazy to do this.

  Titan took a step back and broke all contact. “We don’t have to sleep together. We can keep things the way they were before.”

  She burst out laughing. “Yeah right. If I stay, we’re sleeping together. It would be stupid to pretend otherwise or try and keep our hands off each other because it won’t work.”

  “You’re right.” He slid his arms around her. “I couldn’t keep my hands off you if I tried.”

  “So, there’s a time limit on this then. Hopefully it won’t take more than a couple of days to flush them out. Then I’m gone.”

  Titan nodded. “That’s fair. I’ll set it up today. Then it’s just a matter of waiting and watching.”

  “Okay then.” He picked her up, cradling her in his arms. Deep down inside she knew she was making a terrible mistake but it wasn’t like she could turn him down. Natasha didn’t possess that type of willpower. Not where Titan was concerned. She’d deal with the fallout afterwards.

  There was a knock at the door. Titan closed his laptop, walked over and opened it. This was no big deal. Act normal!

  “Hey.” Drago was smiling. His grin instantly faded and his nostrils flared. The male’s eyes widened and he smirked. “Oh my fuck!” he growled.

  No big deal! “Get in here.” Titan grabbed him by the arm and pulled him inside.

  “You and Natasha …” Drago pointed at Titan, his eyes wide.

  “Shhhh,” Titan chided. “My female is sleeping.”

  Drago raised his brows. “Your female? Is that how it is?” He choked out a soft laugh, keeping the noise under his breath. “I’m thrilled for you.”

  “No!” Titan tried not to snarl. “That’s not how it is. Natasha isn’t mine. It isn’t like that. She’s only here for a few more days while we wrap up this case.”

  Drago looked at him pointedly. “Okay, if you say so.”

  “I do fucking say so. Did you bring the items?” His gaze moved to the bag on Drago’s back.

  “Yes, we had an auto jammer in stock but it took a couple of hours to track down a suitable camera.” He reached into the bag and retrieved the items, handing them to Titan. The male’s nostrils flared again and Titan could see the smirk returning.

  “Thank you! You can go now,” Titan quickly said. He didn’t feel like having this conversation.

  “You scent …”

  “Don’t!” Titan warned.

  “Why can’t we talk about it? It’s just that, I can’t believe it. You? Finally? It’s about damned time.” Drago slapped him on the back. “I’m so glad you’re back.”

  “I’m not back. What the fuck are you talking about? Back. What’s back? I was a cock-sure, arrogant motherfucker before so if that’s what you mean by back then, no, I’m most definitely not back.”

  “I didn’t mean it like that.” Drago frowned. “The way things were, just wasn’t healthy. I suggest you try out for the next round of The Program. You would definitely qualify. You …”

  “No!” A growl. Titan glanced at the bedroom door. “I’m not interested in joining The Program.” The thought left him cold. Like ice-blocks, snow, bottom of the ocean cold.

  “Why not?”

  “I’m just not, okay? Drop it already.”

  “Oh my fuck!” Drago’s eyes widened. “You have feelings for the human. Of course you do.”

  “Stop! Just so you know, you and I will be having it out. You should never have spoken to Natasha about my personal shit.”

  “That female cares about you. She has feelings for you. She genuinely wanted to help and quite frankly I felt you needed it.” He turned serious. “You’re my friend, Titan. Y
ou wouldn’t talk about that day. You blamed yourself. I’m glad I told Natasha. You can beat my ass if it will make you feel better.”

  It wouldn’t make him feel better. Titan had never felt so happy and so damned sad and all at once. “We’ll discuss it when I’m back.”

  Drago narrowed his eyes. “So you just plan on leaving Natasha. On going your separate ways?”

  Titan nodded. “What choice do we have? It’s not like we’ll ever be permitted to be together.”

  “So you do have feelings for her as well? It wasn’t just about the rutting for you?”

  “Nope, it wasn’t just about rutting. Not even close.” Titan gripped the back of his neck. “We can’t be together though. The next few days, week at the most will be the last we see of each other.”

  “Will you just be able to walk away?”

  Titan swallowed hard. “Yes. There is no other choice.”

  Drago whistled and shook his head. “The two of you are playing with fire.”

  Titan frowned. “Why? I trust you not to say anything. No one will ever know.”

  “It’s not that. The longer you are together, the more your feelings will grow for one another. You’re only going to make it harder for yourselves. You should walk away now.”

  “It’s not like we have a choice. If Natasha goes back now, she will lose her job. I can’t take responsibility for that. She’s really good at what she does. No!’ He shook his head. “We both know that it’s going to end soon so we’ll have to be on our guard.”

  “I don’t think there is such a thing. Playing with fire, I tell you.” Drago frowned.

  “Look, we’ll catch the fuckers and we’ll go our separate ways. It will be difficult but we can do it.”

  “You should fight for her if you want her.” Drago put his hands in his pockets.

  “You’re talking crazy. Brant will never allow it. Not only will I not have Natasha but I’ll probably end up in the dungeon and demoted.” That fucker Luke would probably take his position. He’d end up reporting to the bastard. He still wouldn’t have his female so … he needed to stop referring to her as such. Natasha wasn’t his. She never had been and never would be. Never.

  “Yeah.” Drago nodded. “You might be right. Still, if she means that much to you …”

  “I like her very much. I feel that given a chance we could have something real but it is not to be.” Titan’s chest felt tight.

  “Be careful.”

  “I won’t get caught out.”

  “It’s not just that,” Drago said. The male held out his wrist. “Thirsty? I can scent you haven’t taken her blood, which is probably a good thing. I’m here so you may as well have a drink.”

  Titan was thirsty as fuck but his gums didn’t throb at the sight of Drago’s pulse. His mouth didn’t feel dry either. He wanted Natasha’s blood. He wanted her and only her. Titan nodded. “Yeah, I think you’re right.” He could not have her. Could. Not.

  “Don’t take her blood,” Drago warned. “It will make parting all the more difficult.”

  “I won’t.” Despite his driving need to take from her, Titan meant it.

  24

  Three days later …

  “Thank you.” Natasha was smiling from ear to ear and he loved it. Loved that he had been the one to put that smile there. “I had such a fantastic time.” She gave a twirl. A ballerina with a gun. It didn’t get much better.

  “I could see that, and I have to say, you’re good … Better than good … you are amazing to watch in action. I was both stunned and turned on and in equal measure.”

  She gave him a dirty look. “That’s just wrong. You got hard watching me shoot?”

  He nodded. “I’m still hard.”

  She choked out a laugh and shook her head. “Bullshit.” She walked right up to him and grabbed his cock.

  It was no wonder he was falling for this female. He grunted as her little fingers closed over him. “Oh, my god! You are hard. I have to say that you were really good with a gun for a newbie. Are you sure you haven’t been to the shooting range before?” She let him go.

  He barked out a laugh of his own. “Yeah right. We couldn’t have both been looking at the same targets.”

  “You hit the bullseye twice and were on target for most of those rounds.” She raised her brows. Still shocked at how well he had done.

  “Of course I’m sure. I don’t know … I could’ve done better.”

  She looked at him with mock disgust. “Better? What are you talking about? You’re a natural. You know how to hold the grip. Most people make the mistake of holding it too tight. There was zero recoil as far as you were concerned and you naturally squeeze the trigger instead of trying to pull it. I’m impressed. Just remember to breathe out as you shoot and take your time and you’ll be plugging the bullseye every time in no time.”

  He nodded as she spoke. “In many ways swordsmanship and firing a gun are the same. Firstly, the stance, legs slightly apart and bent at the knees. The only difference is one foot is slightly in front of the other,” he demonstrated by stepping forward with his leading foot, “when holding the hilt.” He picked up the sheath and pulled his scimitar from its case.

  Natasha’s eyes lit up. “Wow!” she breathed out the word. “It’s so beautiful.” She reached forward.

  “No touching,” he growled and she yanked her hand back.

  “So, I can look but I can’t touch?” She rolled her eyes, a smile toying with the edges of her mouth.

  “You can touch it, just not on the blade itself. It’s razor sharp.”

  “Of course it is.” Her eyes were filled with lust, only they were directed at his blade and not him. Fuck, but she was something. “Here.” He held his scimitar out to her, hilt first, and she took it. “We still have surveillance footage to watch, but have a feel first.”

  She was smiling, eyes bright. “It’s heavier than it looks.” Her voice was filled with awe. “I can’t believe you’re actually letting me touch your weapon.” Her voice was laced with excitement. “I thought you didn’t let anyone touch your blades.”

  “You should know by now that you can touch anything of mine.” He moved in behind her. “You’re not just anyone.”

  She swallowed deeply.

  “I mean it,” he said

  “I know you do. It doesn’t change anything though, so you shouldn’t say things like that to me.” There was a touch of anger in her voice.

  She was right. He was a dick for going there. Thing was, he forgot himself at times like this. “No, it doesn’t change anything. I wanted you to know,” he paused. It was best just to move on. “Widen your legs and put your leading foot forward. That’s the same side as the arm holding the weapon. That’s it. Now, bend your knees. It’ll help …”

  “To put my center of gravity low and central, which will assist with balance,” she finished for him.

  “Exactly. You can cut and parry with the weapon but make sure you use small movements from your elbow.” He brushed her arm.

  Natasha did as he said. Going slow at first and then becoming more daring.

  “That’s it,” he urged.

  She huffed out a breath after a half a minute. “I thought I was fit but heck, this thing’s getting heavy already.”

  He moved in flush against her back and held up her sword arm by sliding his hand over hers. Titan took her through a couple of defense moves followed by the main attack ones.

  She shrieked with excitement, moving with him. “This is awesome!”

  “Yeah, I love it,” he said. “You need to have both strength and finesse to be able to wield a blade such as this. I have heard the act of sword fighting being described as a dance but I don’t agree. It’s hard damned work. It’s bloody and messy and way more violent than any gun fight could ever be. You need to get close to your opponent. At first, close enough to study them. To know their strengths and their weaknesses. Later, you need to get close enough to kill them.”

  She shivered.
“I know it’s wrong to think it, let alone say it, but,” she paused, “that’s sexy.”

  Titan chuckled. “I think so too, female. I’m going to let your arm go now.”

  “Okay.”

  He released her. “Hand me the scimitar ‒ nice and easy,” he warned.

  She held the blade out to him in the same way that he had to her. Natasha was a quick study. “I would love to see you in action with this,” she said as he took it from her.

  “Maybe one day.” He sheathed his weapon, putting it back down on the table.

  “You shouldn’t say things like that.” The anger was back. She worried her bottom lip for a few seconds before looking him in the eyes. “I’ve been thinking.”

  He fucking hated the sound of that. Titan grit his teeth.

  “One more day and then I’m going to have to leave.” She looked away.

  “Give it a chance. A week. You need to give it at least a week. That’s a couple more days.” His voice was pleading. Titan couldn’t stand the thought of her leaving.

  “I can’t.” Her voice was filled with emotion. “I … shit!” She paced away from him. “I’m starting to get in a little too deep here, Titan.” She spun around. “Like over my head deep.” She looked him in the eyes.

  “Yeah!” His voice was rough. “I know what you mean.”

  “What are we doing to ourselves here? We’re pretending. Playing house.” She looked away. “We need to rip off the band-aid,” she said the last more to herself.

  “No! A couple more days won’t make any difference.” He was kidding himself. A few years with this female wouldn’t be enough.

  “These last few days already have made a difference. The longer I stay the harder I fall. The harder I fall, the harder I’ll crash.” There were tears in her eyes. “This is my self-preservation kicking in. It’s for you as much as it’s for me. You’ll thank me some day.”

  “Thank you … I seriously doubt that. I’m in love with you.”

  She scrubbed a hand over her face. “What are you saying?” A couple of tears fell but she wiped them away. “You can’t say things like that to me.”