He was born with a magnetic personality that drew people to him like moths to a flame. He’d inherited the trait from his father, who could sell ice to an Eskimo, as he’d bragged many times. Still, having the special effects gave him an added cachet that was impossible to resist. Jim Jones had been able to coax over nine hundred people into drinking Kool-Aid laced with cyanide, and he didn’t have nearly the charm and charisma that Elijah possessed. His congregation would be putty in his hands now.
Hell, he needed to make a run to Miss Maxine’s to slake the lust coursing through his body like a river released from its dam. Too bad he couldn’t have talked Henry into making a stop while they were in Denver. But Henry was very much in love with his wife. Elijah didn’t think he’d stray. If he had a woman like Tina, he wouldn’t either…okay, maybe he would. He loved sex, was borderline addicted. That’s what made the whole celibate leader shtick so hilarious, except he was the only one in on the gag. Well, Rob and Clint, but those two morons were too stupid to appreciate the punch line. Now, Henry…Elijah had no doubt he’d get the joke. He might be big and strong and look like a dumb jock, but there was a steely intelligence in his eyes. Elijah had seen it and recognized it. The man had it all: height, muscles, looks, brains. Damn, if Elijah wasn’t positive he was straight, he might think he had a little man-crush going on.
Instead of making the long trip into the city, he’d have to resort to getting his rocks off another way. His gaze found the happy couple and he gifted them with a lascivious smile.
#
Hunter held Talia’s hand as they made their way back to the cabin. He was still impressed with Elijah’s antics. For a second, he thought it was real. Even knowing lasers were most likely involved, the effect had been dramatic, just as Elijah had planned, he was sure.
“Tell me, darling, what happened today? How did you save the esteemed Lightkeeper’s life?”
He bit his lip to keep from laughing. It sounded like she almost choked on the words. But other couples were close, so they kept in character. “A deranged man came charging after him with a knife.”
“Oh, Henry, you could have been hurt.” She added just the right amount of worry to her voice that for a second, he almost believed she meant it.
“Nah, I’m well-trained. You don’t have to worry about me, babe.”
A man jogged up to them, breathless and panting. “Brother Henry,” he stopped to catch his breath. “I wanted to thank you for saving the Lightkeeper’s life.” Another deep breath. “We are all so incredibly grateful.”
“It was an honor,” he told the man he thought might be Edward. He was still trying to learn all the faces and names. More people came up to thank him and by the time they reached the cabin, he was ready to run inside and slam the door. These people acted like he solved world peace or saved the Pope from a terrorist attack or something.
“Would you like a cup of tea?” Talia asked as she picked up a kettle to fill with water.
“No, thanks.” He removed it from her hands, placed it back on the stove and grasped her face between his hands, noting how her eyes widened in surprise. He kissed her, starting out gentle, molding his lips to hers.
She eased back, breaking the kiss. “Hun…ny,” she covered, breathlessly. He stopped any other protest by covering her lips again. He turned her until his back was to the door. He noticed the moment she realized what was happening. The light on the smoke alarm was no longer blinking. It was solid red. That could only mean Elijah was watching. Like it or not, it was time to start the show.
She glided her arms over his shoulders and melted against him as her lips relaxed and then opened for him. He wound his tongue around hers, claiming her mouth. She might be faking, but this was no act for him. He’d wanted to kiss her like this for weeks, ever since she walked out of his life in Georgia. And the erection pressing against her belly was no prop, either.
She moaned, arching even closer and he hardened more. Maybe this wasn’t an act for her either. Her hands moved from his hair to skim up his chest, dragging his shirt with them until she pulled it over his head. She tossed it aside and he made quick work of stripping off his jeans. Once he stood only in his black boxer briefs, he slowly removed her clothes, taking his time to appreciate the scenery. His eyes crossed at the sexy lingerie. Okay, it was a plain white bra and panty set, but on Talia, they looked sexy as hell. Her body was long, lean and toned, with very feminine muscles. She wasn’t Playboy centerfold stacked, but her breasts were the perfect size for his hands. Then his gaze lit on the circular purple bruises on her upper arm and fury consumed him. If he wasn’t mistaken—and he wasn’t—those were finger marks.
“What the bloody hell…”
She ran her palm across his cheek in a comforting gesture. “Nothing I could not handle, darling.”
He knew damn well she could handle anything or anyone who came her way, but it didn’t lessen the murderous rage he felt for the person who did this to her. The bruises were large, so chances were, they came from a man’s crushing grip. There would be consequences and whoever thought they could dare lay their hands on his wife, would soon learn differently. And it would be a painful lesson.
Elijah was watching so he pushed thoughts of revenge from his mind and scooped her in his arms to carry her to the bed. He didn’t want Elijah seeing any more of her than necessary. Right now, she was wearing as much as she would at the beach. That’s all the thrill Elijah would get, and it was still too much skin, in Hunter’s opinion.
He stripped out of his boxer-briefs and came down over her, kissing her deeply again. She hugged him close, her nails digging into his back. She spread her legs, making room for him and his eyes closed in ecstasy as he melted against her. Nothing had ever felt this good.
He broke the kiss to trail his lips across her cheek. “I’m sorry about my unruly lower body,” he murmured into her ear before he nipped her lobe. She shuddered.
“Oh, yes, Henry.”
Hunter’s movements stuttered. That was a bit of a buzz-kill. First, hearing a different name coming from her lips, even if it was his fake name, and second, that she was able to stay in character when he was so turned on, he couldn’t even remember his brother’s name. And…they didn’t need to use fake names when there was no listening device.
He slid a bra strap down her arm, kissing the skin he exposed. When he unsnapped the garment and tossed it aside, he made sure to keep her glorious breasts covered with his body. He groaned at the contact, her erect nipples rubbing against his chest. The pleasure was so intense, it was almost painful.
“God, baby, you feel so good.” Again, not an act. She felt perfect and he wanted to stay right here forever.
“We have to make this look real,” he murmured before he started to move. Slowly at first, he thrust against her, mimicking the act. The only thing separating them was a thin piece of cotton, and he hoped Elijah was too gone to notice Hunter hadn’t removed her panties. It was an evil type of torture since his body wanted, craved to be inside hers. She played along, gasping and moaning. Then her eyes widened, her mouth opening in a silent scream. She tossed her head back, exposing the smooth column of her neck. God, she was exquisite when she came. It took every bit of willpower he had not to explode with her. When she blinked at him with something close to awe, he kissed her sweet lips. He was just about to act as if he’d climaxed as well when a soft hand captured him in a tight grip.
He broke the kiss and gritted out her name in warning.
“Shh,” she murmured. “Let me. It is only fair.”
Her hand stroked him like a velvet fist, sliding up and down, up and down, until he couldn’t hold back any longer.
He definitely didn’t have to fake this either. It only took a few strokes and he came so hard, it felt like his head had blown clear off his shoulders. He couldn’t stop the shout from his lungs or the arch in his back. If this was what it felt like with her hand, he couldn’t even imagine what it would be like if he ever slid inside he
r welcoming body.
Spent, he collapsed on top of her, careful not to crush her. It took all the scant energy he had left to whisper in her ear, “Thank you.”
“Thank you,” she whispered back.
#
When Hunter got up to go to the restroom and clean up, Talia couldn’t help but watch as he walked away. His body was magnificent. The rear view was just as glorious as the front. He was every bit male, and he was impressive. Very impressive. It hadn’t taken much for her to lose it. Just staring into his gray eyes and then the kiss. The man knew how to kiss!
To be in his arms was surreal. She’d wanted this, dreamed of it for so long, only, it was so much better than her dreams. And they hadn’t actually had sex. Her brain knew she was on a job and messing around with her partner was not wise, but her body didn’t care. It wanted him. He was made for a woman to appreciate and she wanted to explore his rock-hard muscles and six-pack you could bounce a quarter on. He was, without a doubt, the most gorgeous man she’d ever seen. And for right now, he was hers.
Somehow, she’d managed to yell out his fake name. She was surprised her brain worked enough to remember to stay in character. But this was important. Elijah could harness lightning, maybe he could read lips, too. She didn’t want to do anything to jeopardize their mission or put their lives in danger.
Hunter slid back in bed beside her, careful to keep her covered. She appreciated the gesture. She wasn’t shy about her body, but the thought of Elijah seeing her naked made her nauseous.
She gasped when a warm rag touched her stomach.
“Sorry, just cleaning up my mess,” he murmured as he removed his semen from her skin. When he was done, he tossed the rag on the bedside table. “Lift your head,” he instructed.
She did as ordered, and he slipped a t-shirt over her head. His t-shirt. Tears pricked her eyes at his thoughtfulness. No one had taken care of her since her mother passed away. Hunter made her feel special. The shirt smelled of him. She slid her arms through the sleeves and savored the soft fabric. Then he gathered her in his arms. He was still gloriously naked. It would be impossible to sleep knowing so much male was pressed against her. He rolled her and then tugged her against him, spooning her. She could feel him hardening against her bottom.
“Ignore him,” he murmured. “He’s a greedy bastard.”
She smiled, hugging Hunter’s arms tight against her, savoring the feel of being engulfed in his strong grip. She felt cherished. Protected. Her eyes fluttered shut and she fell into a deep sleep.
#
Elijah turned off the camera and tossed the remote to the bed, exhausted from having come along with the couple. It was nice and provided the release he craved, but it was also unfulfilling. He was disappointed he didn’t get a better look at Tina’s body. When Henry had stripped her to her underwear, his erection throbbed so hard it was painful. He couldn’t wait to get a look at her breasts. He knew they’d be spectacular. She wasn’t as large as Farrah or Tawny or any of Miss Maxine’s girls, but then, they were more plastic than flesh. But then Henry couldn’t take the time to strip her before he carried her off to bed. Elijah couldn’t blame him. He would’ve wanted to get right to it, too. Maybe Tina would get on top next time. His body hardened again at the thought. She would bounce and jiggle as she rode her stallion of a husband. He could picture it in his mind as he stroked himself. It didn’t take long until he was climaxing once again, telling himself it was Tina’s name he shouted in the throes of ecstasy…not Henry’s.
The congregation had no idea he’d installed cameras in their cabins to watch their nocturnal activities. It was like having free porn. The cameras were state of the art and sported a feature that was basically night vision, meaning he could see them in the dark. Most of the couples he wasn’t interested in watching. He shuddered, thinking of some of the women…and men, buck naked. It wasn’t a pretty visual. But damn, he’d hoped to get a gander at Tina’s assets. He might have if Henry’s big body hadn’t completely blocked her from view. He’d even thought to install a second camera for a different angle, but he’d switched to that one and still, he couldn’t see anything. He wished he’d added a couple more, but electronics weren’t his strong suit and there would be no way to get someone inside to do the job now.
He could see why Tina had fallen for Henry. Damn, the man was big. All over. Elijah had a flash of inadequacy when he had stridden from the bathroom. Even flaccid, he was impressive. His body was muscular and hard. He could make big bucks in the porn industry. Elijah had been horrified when his body reacted. He’d never been attracted to a man before. Was he a closet homosexual? He pictured Tina again and disregarded the thought. He loved women.
He picked up the remote and turned the camera on again, just in case they were gearing up for round two. Instead, they were cuddled together, their breaths evened out in sleep. Elijah had to admit they made a striking couple. He’d be keeping the tapes of their sexcapades to watch repeatedly whenever he felt the need to get off.
He slid out of bed, tossed the remote on the dresser and strolled to the bathroom. Before Tina and Henry arrived, he’d been counting down the days until this project ended. He’d been bored with the crop of recruits, even though they’d added to his cash flow quite nicely. Now he didn’t want the end to come too quickly. He truly respected Henry and damn, Tina was fine. He wondered if he could trust them to carry out his plans and move on to the next city. He had to be very careful…he had Tilly to think about.
Chapter Sixteen
Hunter woke from a deep sleep to find Talia coiled around his body like a snake. Again. She was snuggled against his side, her head resting in the hollow of his shoulder, one arm thrown over his chest, one leg resting on his hips. It was much the same way he’d woken up the first morning they shared a bed and he had to admit, it was an incredible way to start the day. His lower body readily agreed. Her hair was spread out in a curtain of silk. He lifted several strands and let them slide through his fingers, inhaling the jasmine and flower scent. She was so incredibly beautiful, she took his breath. As if feeling his stare, her eyes blinked open and she was instantly awake. A byproduct of her Mossad training, no doubt.
“Good morning,” he murmured, before taking her lips in a slow, tender kiss.
“Is he watching?” she asked, between breaths.
He cracked a lid to look at the unlit fire alarm. “Yeah. Sure.” He took her lips again, sliding her beneath him and lowering his body to hers with a groan. With most women, he would worry he was crushing them, but Talia could take him easily. Hell, she could probably bench press him.
“He is not watching, you oaf.” This was accompanied by a slug to his shoulder and he chuckled.
“Can’t blame a guy for trying.” He stole one last kiss before plopping down beside her and gathering her to his side. She didn’t protest, which he took as a good sign.
“I wish I could have seen what happened yesterday.” Even though they didn’t have to worry about listening devices—he checked again last night—they spoke in low, almost whispering tones.
Hunter huffed out a laugh. “Sawyer came rushing at Elijah with a knife. He’d picked up a wig of dreadlocks and his clothes were battered and dirty. Elijah was terrified.” He twirled a lock of hair between his fingers. She absently stroked his chest. “Did you get a chance to talk to the target?”
“No, her ass of a husband was there.”
Remembering the round marks on her arm that could only come from a man’s bruising grip, he lightly brushed his fingers over the spot. The move was tender when he felt anything but. He tried to keep the venom from his voice but failed miserably. “Did he do this?”
“I tried to walk past him, and he stopped me. If Joan had not appeared, Rob would be missing a vital part of his anatomy and I would not have felt a moment of remorse.”
Hunter smiled. She was incredible. “He’ll be missing something by the time I get through with him. No one touches my wife but me.”
; Talia regarded him with a raised brow. “My, my, possessive, are we?”
“Damn straight.”
“Well, do not worry. I do not need you to fight my battles.”
No, she didn’t need him to, but he needed to fight them. “I’m not letting this go, Talia. He had no right to grab you, or any woman. If he did this to you, what do you think he does to his wife?”
She lifted to one elbow to look at him, her hand still on his chest. “Do not do anything, Hunter. We can not afford to raise any brows or draw unnecessary attention. Rob has Elijah’s ear. You know this.”
Hunter ran his gaze over her face. Her skin was smooth and flawless, her cheekbones high, almost regal. Her lips were neither too thin nor too plump like the ridiculous celebrities who thought lips on steroids were sexy. The only thing marring perfection was the furrow between her brows as she narrowed them with worry. He ran a thumb over the wrinkle. “He touches you again and I can’t make any promises.”
She flopped down with a sigh. “I cannot promise that if he touches me again, I will not break both of his arms. And his legs. And his Mr. Happy.”
Hunter gathered her close, and laughed. “Mr. Happy?”
“Well, I do not suppose his equipment would make any woman happy. My guess is that he is woefully inadequate.” She wiggled a pinky indicating her meaning. “That is why he feels the need to exert power over women. Mr. Happy was coined from recent personal experience.”
Extreme satisfaction suffused Hunter and he laughed again before hugging her tighter, loving the intimacy. She seemed so relaxed and comfortable with him right now, unlike her usual prickly self. He could get used to this. To her. To them.
“I met someone yesterday.”
The laughter clogged in his throat and a sharp pain stabbed in his chest at her words. Hunter hoped it was something like indigestion. What was she telling him? He tried to laugh it off. “Hum. That sounds ominous. As your husband, should I be worried?” His heart pounded, waiting for her response. When she paused, it stopped altogether. Was this what a stroke felt like?
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