by Silver James
He grabbed the beer he’d opened for himself and chugged about half of it. “So, I’m more than likely going to say and do stupid stuff. I don’t mean to embarrass you, but I need to know some of this simply because my mission is to keep you and the twins safe. You can roll your eyes at me when I’m being idiotic. I’ll survive the derision because it’ll be earned. Trust me on that.”
Peni smiled then slid the puffy ravioli between her lips. Nick groaned inwardly. Mothers were not supposed to be sexy but almost everything about this woman made his blood—and common sense—rush south, and the whole world knew a man should never think with his little head. Damn hard to do when the big head wasn’t firing on any cylinders at all. Everything about Peony Comanescu intrigued him and if he was honest, she also pushed a few of his known sexual buttons.
She was shy, not wanting to be noticed, but he wondered how much of that was due to her need to fly under the radar. Her voice retained hints of her native Romanian and while American slang spilled out sometimes, occasionally her language was oddly stilted. He watched her chew and swallow another bite.
When picking a sexual partner—or on the battlefield—Nick could quickly assess a potential playmate or adversary. His particular proclivities led him to women with an innate need to serve—or at least a need to pretend they had the need. But Peni? She didn’t have to pretend. It was inherent to her psychological makeup. So was her strength. He’d bet real money that Peni likely wasn’t even aware of either truth.
At the clubs, for a one-night stand, the hookups were all a game. The problem now was that it wouldn’t be a game with Peni. It would be real. And that was a step he wasn’t willing to take. But damn, he wanted to be the one to teach her about sex, to be the one who coaxed out the latent sensuality and passion he sensed inside her. And he’d lay odds that she had no idea about that either.
Nick polished off his beer and cleared their bowls. He rinsed the dishes and stuck them in the dishwasher, which earned him a look of surprise from Peni. “What? Never seen a man load the dishwasher?”
“I…you don’t seem…”
“What? Domesticated?” He laughed. “I’m not. But I’m military. Or was. Old habits die hard.”
“You were a soldier?”
That got a snort. “Oh, hell no.” He winked and glanced out the door to the pool area. “I was Air Force. Tell you what. Those two—” He gestured toward the twins. “They don’t look like they’re going to sleep any time soon. How ’bout we try out the buggy thing and take a walk on the beach? You can ask me questions. Get used to me.” His smile faded. “I won’t hurt you, Peni. Or the twins. That’s a promise.”
“I think they’d like that.”
Fifteen minutes later, Nick and Peni were barefoot on the beach, pushing the double stroller toward the least populated area of the resort. The sun hung like a glowing round ember just above the blue waves of the Gulf of Mexico. A few clouds unraveled across the sky like red and pink ribbons. They walked in silence for a few minutes then Peni finally spoke.
“Air Force, yes? So you really are a pilot?”
“Yeah. Planes, helos—helicopters, I mean. If it takes off and lands, I can pretty much fly it.”
“What did you do in the Air Force? Were you…like a top gun?”
He laughed at that. “That’s Navy. In the Air Force, we’re called aces. And no. I did my stint as a fighter pilot but I have a thing for helos. I ended up the stick jockey for a team flying out of Khandahar.”
“That must have been scary.”
“Yeah, there was a pucker factor of a hundred a few times, but a guy doesn’t do what I do unless he’s an adrenaline junkie.”
Nick glanced at Peni as she slowed then stopped. She was gazing toward the setting sun and the gentle waves with an expression of longing.
“You ever been to the beach?”
She gave herself a mental shake that translated to her whole body. “Not really. My college friend—the one in Baltimore—she took me to Atlantic City for a long weekend one time. That was an ocean beach but it…” She gazed around. “It wasn’t quite as beautiful as this.”
“Want to get your feet wet?” Nick grinned as her eyes widened. “I’ll stand here with the brats while you go dip your toes in.” He checked the wheels and grinned wider. “In fact, this buggy is all-terrain. I’ll push it along the edge and you can—”
A flash of movement blinked in his peripheral vision. He had his weapon in his hand and was tugging Peni close. A jogger, down the beach, steadily moving their direction. All his senses went on alert. “Keep walking, babe,” he ordered in a low voice.
“What is it?” Peni’s breathing quickened and she glanced around furtively.
“Maybe nothing but I don’t want to take a chance.”
Her gaze skittered between the weapon in his hand and the man approaching them. She gripped the handle of the stroller and pushed. Nick’s warm hand settled on the small of her back, steadying her.
“Walk, babe. As normal as you can. I’ll cover you and the twins. He won’t get to you. Roger that?”
His use of the military term was meant to make her smile. It worked. Sort of. She flashed him a glance with a hint of curl on her mouth. Nick had every intention of getting up close and personal with that mouth—sooner than later. Duty first though. He homed in on the runner like a bird dog on a pheasant. The guy stared back then dropped his eyes and kept his hands in plain sight. Interesting.
“Karras,” the guy acknowledged when he was close enough not to yell. “Luke McBain, chief of security. We’ve got you covered. Enjoy your walk.”
McBain kept jogging while Nick surreptitiously holstered his pistol. Good to know Rossi had backup in place. He glanced down at Peni, ready to tell her she could go back to wading in the surf—until he caught sight of her expression. Haunted eyes, pale face, lips pressed into a hard line to hide the trembling. He let loose with a string of obscenities in his head.
“I’m sorry, babe. C’mon. We’ll head back to the villa.”
“Yes, thank you. I…shouldn’t be so scared.”
“Gotta disagree there, Peni. Let’s face it. The guy after you is a real bastard and he won’t hesitate to hurt you. Being scared might help keep you alive. I’m not going to let anyone get to you or the twins, but you don’t know me. You don’t trust me. That’s all right. I’ll still keep you safe.”
She stared up at him as something loosened in her chest. Unsure how she knew, Peni was positive Nick meant every word. Something had changed in her world from the moment he walked into it and she first saw him. After she’d fainted and woke up cradled in his lap, she’d felt… She didn’t have a word for it. He promised to keep her safe. Was that the word she was looking for? Safe. Yes. He made her feel safe. A little. But something else. Contentment, maybe. Definitely excitement.
Luca fussed, distracting her long enough to divert her thoughts. She knew very little of men like Nicholas Karras and she was vulnerable. She should not put her faith in him, but it was hard not to.
“He probably needs a diaper change,” she explained, pushing more determinedly on the stroller handle.
Nick’s hand landed beside hers and he lent his strength to push it over the wet sand. “Then let’s get the little dude home.”
Later, alone in the bedroom while the babies slept together in the crib across the room, Peni lay on the king-size bed and stared up at the ceiling. She sorted through her feelings. Nick was a handsome man, one who swept in to save her and the children even if he wasn’t riding a white stallion like in the fairy tales she read as a child. Her experience was limited to a few dates in college and watching her roommate and friends. None of the boys she’d gone out with made her think about the things Nick did. Their kisses had been…kisses. She’d had no urge to go further with them.
Nick, on the other hand, made her think of naked bodies rubbing against each other, of searing kisses like she read about in the romance novels she devoured in college. He made her w
onder what it would be like to make love with a man for the first time. She huffed out a breath. Never going to happen. The man was more than likely a…she searched for the term her friend used. Player. Nick was a player and he’d eat someone like her for breakfast. Her mind immediately conjured up the idea of him doing just that. While she had no experience, she did have a vivid imagination. And in her defense, those romance novels had been very sexy.
Rolling out of bed, she went into the bathroom. Stared at her face in the mirror using only the soft illumination of the nightlight to see by. She still had dark circles under her eyes and her hair needed to be washed. She eyed the massive and luxurious shower stall with longing. Would the babies stay asleep long enough for her to jump in, get clean, and wash her hair? The thought of someone sneaking in and stealing them while she was in the shower locked her muscles.
One of the babies fussed and she listened. If it was Luca, he’d either erupt into a full-blown crying jag or he’d go back to sleep. Neither happened, only whimpering sounds and rustling. Luiza then. She seldom got fussy. Peni gave up on the idea of a shower and hurried to the crib. Picking up her daughter, she “walked and swayed” around the room. When that didn’t help, Peni eased open the bedroom door and listened. Deep breathing. Regular and steady. No snoring.
Did Nick snore? Was he truly asleep? She crept into the main living area, trying to see in the shadowed darkness. Nick was stretched out on the couch lying on his back and she thought his eyes were closed. One hand was curled beneath the pillow cradling his head. He looked relaxed and sexy as all get out. Luiza burbled against her neck and Peni remembered why she was out here. She wanted a glass of milk. Now that she had access to milk, healthy food—and plenty of it, she should be able to continue breastfeeding the twins.
She found cookies on the counter and grabbed a few to go with her milk. For the first time in what seemed like forever, Peni felt almost normal. Well, as normal as a single mother with no chance of finding a husband and father for her babies, and on the run from a very bad man intent on murder could be. She was smiling as she returned to her room, the irony not lost on her.
Chapter 5
NICK STRETCHED OUT on the lounger next to the pool, beer in hand. Baby sounds echoed from the interior of the villa—coos, clinks, Peni speaking softly. He needed to sit her down and find out everything else Gabe wanted to know. She’d surprised him when she opened up over dinner and spilled a great deal of information, but he’d also scared her and she’d retreated. Again. He remembered the stray dog analogy. Patience. Their walk on the beach and the cookies he’d left out had been smart. He’d get her to trust him, hopefully sooner than later.
On the other hand, while Nick believed her story, the facts still needed to be verified. Gabe had the contacts to follow up and was doing just that. They needed to know where Vasile was and they needed to locate this Cezar bastard. Nick wanted a little “up close and personal” time with the SOB.
He sipped his beer and considered the past 24 hours. Yesterday had been all about the construction of baby paraphernalia and two strangers dancing around each other. Despite her moments of panic, he was making headway with Peni. Still, gaining her trust shouldn’t be as important to him as it had become. She was becoming important to him. And that was just insane. She was a mission. Period. A smart operator didn’t get personal with a mission target. A wry grin twisted his lips. Yeah, that had really worked out for one of the special operators who worked with his cousin.
His thoughts drifted in a direction they had no business going. Getting up early, he’d made coffee and found the ingredients for omelets in the fridge. When Peni had cme out of the bedroom, looking mussed with big, sleepy eyes, his libido decided Nick needed to put that look on her face because they’d just had some fantastic sex. Damn it. He’d shifted his erection with a subtle hand gesture and stuffed that thought in the garbage disposal. He’d offered to make breakfast, she’d accepted. Conversation had been stilted before she retreated back to the bedroom after inhaling the omelet and toast he’d made for her.
When she didn’t return, he’d wandered out to the pool and considered a swim. He’d slept, fitfully, on the couch. The babies had been fussy and Peni had been up and down most of the night. The few times she slipped out to the living area, he pretended to be asleep so as not to startle her. Or so he told himself.
Speaking of sleep, he stifled a yawn and closed his eyes. The lounger wasn’t half bad on the comfort meter and the sun was warm without being hot. He figured they were safe as long as they were on resort property and in the environs of the villa. He should have time to grab a nap before Uncle Nino or Poppy showed up with dinner. At least he hoped they’d bring food. The idea of wrangling babies at a restaurant could kill even his appetite.
“I…excuse me please? I don’t mean to bother you but…”
Nick glanced up, surprised by the hesitancy in Peni’s tone. He flipped his sunglasses to the top of his head. She raised her eyes to meet his for a brief moment before she asked, “Do you mind if I ask a favor?”
“Mind? Why should I mind?”
She dropped her eyes, her gaze lingering on his bare chest before skittering away. “I hate to ask, given the circumstances, but…well…would you mind watching the babies for five minutes?”
Watch the babies? His guts turned to liquid. He was the last person on earth who should be looking after babies. He wondered what was so necessary she’d ask him—basically a stranger she didn’t trust—to do so. “Five minutes?”
Peni stared at her feet. “Yes. So I can take a shower. I won’t wash my hair or anything. I’ll only take long enough to soap and rinse off. But it has been…” Her voice trailed off as she hunched her shoulders.
She reminded him again of that dog who’d been beaten too many times—hoping for kindness but knowing a kick was coming instead of a pet. He knit his brow, studying her—and saw what he’d missed before—or what he’d ignored up until now. Deep shadows lurked beneath her eyes, making her face look bruised, and her skin appeared pale and drawn. This woman was tired—combat-exhausted tired. He’d only been here a day and he was worn out from just being around the twins and he hadn’t touched them.
Peni still wouldn’t meet his gaze. “I hate to ask because you…aren’t here to be a babysitter but…well, I haven’t…it’s been a few days and I…” She cleared her throat. “I don’t like to leave them unattended even to get clean. I…I’m scared if I turn my back, they’ll be gone.” She swallowed. “Or worse.”
Even to get clean? Worse than gone? What the hell? Her fear and vulnerability was like a Gibbs Slap to the back of his head. When was the last time Peni had been able to take a real shower? Had someone to help out? Had taken more than five minutes for herself? Then he remembered her story. She’d escaped, found her college friend, gone into labor, had the kids and ran away again. She’d been drifting—and he still needed to account for the three months between the twins’ birth and her discovery in Naples—all alone. There had been no last time. For all intents and purposes, she’d been alone from the moment she sneaked out of that clinic in Boston until now.
Anger surged but he held it in. He wasn’t mad at Peni so he sure wasn’t going to unload his temper on her. He was pissed at the man who made her run. And at himself. Shame with a heaping side of guilt at his own actions took him out of his comfort zone. He’d just assumed that she’d take care of the kids like…how exactly? With magic?
Nick was lying there in the sun thinking nap and suntan and she was worried about finding five minutes to take a fucking shower. He was an asshole, plain and simple. Thoroughly chagrined, he worked to keep his voice even as he pushed to his feet. He snagged his T-shirt and jerked it on over his head.
“Look, you have a…what’s that thing called? The playpen thing.” He snapped his fingers, remembering what Poppy called it. “The Pack n’Play, right?” At her nod, he continued. “Put the babies in it. I’ll watch them. Take a long, hot bath. Or a shower. Or w
hatever you want. Take some time for yourself, ’kay? I can deal with them.” A rueful grin appeared, despite his best efforts. “And if I can’t, I’ll come drag you out of the bathroom. Deal?”
From the look on her face, he thought he’d given her diamonds and furs. Except he suddenly realized the gift he just offered was far more precious to her. Damn. Every woman deserved to be looked after but especially this one. Starting now, he’d do what he could for as long as they were together.
“Deal.” Her smile was megawatt and rivaled the sun glinting off the pristine water in the pool.
Nick killed the last swallow of his beer and strode toward her. She backed up, allowing him to enter. The kids were already in that play thing. One was gurgling and kicking its feet in the air, the other lay quietly, thumb in its mouth. He had no idea which was which. To him, babies pretty much looked the same.
Peni offered a tentative smile. “Thank you for this. I won’t take much time.”
As long as the kids were in that thing, they’d be safe. He hoped. He could sit and watch them. What could go wrong? He was a multi-rated pilot, a decorated combat veteran and special operator. He could deal with two babies for the twenty minutes or so their mother needed.
“Take as much time as you need, sweetheart. We’re good. Right…uh…Luca?” He glanced down at the baby sucking its thumb.
Smiling, Peni explained. “That’s Luiza. She has a little more hair. Luca is the loud one.”
“Ah. Okay. Sure. I can tell the difference now.” He peered intently at them and Peni giggled softly, totally not buying it. “No. Really.” That reassurance was as much for him as her.
