She opened the sliding shower door far enough to glare at him. “Now what?”
“I’m staying.” He didn’t bother to hide the fact that he was getting an eyeful of her naked body through the rippled glass and liking what he saw.
“I’m still too tired to talk.” That much was true.
“Then we won’t talk.”
His voice slid over her skin like silk as he started to pull his sweater off over his head. Then he reached for the fly of his jeans.
A stronger woman would have ordered him out of the bathroom, maybe even out of her life. A weaker woman would have swooned at the sight of all that lovely masculine flesh. But she was a woman who needed this man, so she moved back and gave him room in her shower and in her heart.
He stepped inside the shower and slid the door shut behind him, closing out all the worries and pain that existed out there. For now, it was only the two of them with water-slicked skin and mouths that hungered for deep kisses. She loved the feel of her breasts crushed against his chest as their tongues tangled and danced.
Then she broke off the kiss to savor the taste of his skin, starting with the strong line of his jaw and working her way down and down and down until she was kneeling at his feet. She took him gently in her hands, stroking and tugging until he groaned and threw his head back and braced his hands on the wall behind her.
She tasted him with little flicks of her tongue, taking satisfaction in pleasuring her man. He shuddered as if struggling for control and then hauled her back up for another heart-stopping kiss. He picked up the bar of soap and her washcloth, worked up a lather on the cloth, and then turned her to face away from him.
His touch was gentle fire as his hand traced a circular pattern down to the small of her back and then back up again. Over and over he repeated the caress, each time sliding lower. He spent a long time on the curve of her hips. Then he knelt behind her to pay special attention to the back of her knees and thighs. When he was satisfied with the back of her, he turned her around.
That washcloth took far too long to slide up the inside of her legs. She spread her legs as wide as the tub would allow, and he stopped at her knees. Frustration made her want to howl, but then he reached up to circle her breasts. When her nipples beaded with achy need, she leaned forward, begging wordlessly for him to do something about it.
His tongue traced the same paths around her breasts, first one and then the other before suckling her nipples. The man had wicked, wicked ways with his tongue and teeth. Then he went back to work with the washcloth until she trembled. One slow stroke rode up the inside of her thighs to her nest of curls and the hidden center of her body.
Oh Lord, if he did that again, she was going to shatter into pieces. Then he dropped the washcloth and ran a hand up the back of her legs to cup her bottom, and tugged her closer.
“Hold on to me, Laurel, ’cause I’m not going to stop until you see stars.” He slipped one finger deep inside her as he began tasting her heat with his tongue. She clung to his broad shoulders for all she was worth as his fingers and mouth stroked and plunged in unison to shatter what little control she still had left.
When the first pulse rippled through her, she whimpered, not sure she could take any more and remain sane. He slipped a second finger inside her, this time brushing her with his thumb. Once…twice…and then the world exploded into colors there were no names for. When her legs gave out, he eased her down onto his lap and cradled her gently.
After a bit, he kissed her forehead and tried to rouse her. “Uh, Laurel, the water’s getting cold.”
She giggled and snuggled her face into his neck. “I don’t care.”
He’d created a monster. “I know, but I don’t want you to catch a chill.”
When she made a halfhearted effort to stand, he lifted her off his lap and rose to his feet. As Laurel looked up, the evidence of how much he still wanted her stared her right in the face.
“Let’s take this discussion to your bed,” he suggested. “It’ll be a lot warmer and more comfortable there.”
He held her hand to steady her as she climbed out of the tub. She tossed him a towel and they both dried off, stopping periodically to kiss. Then she led him to her bed, right where he most wanted to be. They slid between the covers to meet in the middle.
Her hand strayed down below his waist, but he captured it and brought it back up and held it over his heart. “That can wait a bit.”
She frowned at him. “You’re not back to wanting to talk, are you?”
Stubborn woman. “Not as long as you promise to listen to what I have to say in the morning.”
She nodded. Now that he had her promise, he let go of her hand. It took a second or two before she realized that she was free to do as she pleased. She thought she was being sneaky as she eased her hand down a little bit at a time, but if she didn’t hurry up, he might just lose his mind. When her hand finally found its target, he lifted his hips in approval.
“Kiss me, Laurel.” He threaded his fingers through her dark hair, loving the silky feel of it.
“Gladly.”
She climbed up on his chest, settling her body over his, open and welcoming. He thrust against her, liking the sensation, but not daring to do more until he put on some protection. Their lives were complicated enough without risking pregnancy.
“Hold that thought, honey.”
When he threw back the covers to get up, she stopped him. “There’s a box in the drawer.”
He sat up and reached for the box and realized it had never been opened. That pleased him, even though he knew he had no right to feel that way. More than anything he wanted to stake his claim on this woman, but that could only lead to disaster in the long run. They might have tonight and maybe a few others just like it, but that was all.
“Don’t think about it, Devlin.” She pressed her sweet breasts against his back and slid her arms around him. “Don’t let what might happen ruin this for us.”
He closed his eyes and let the comfort of her touch soothe him. She was right. They may not have a future, but they had tonight. He sheathed himself and then rolled back onto the bed, taking her with him. Once again, she welcomed him with her smile and body.
And it was enough.
• • •
This time she was right there next to him when morning came. In all the long years of his life, he couldn’t remember a single moment that had felt this good. If only the world would stay outside—but at best, he could only hold it at bay another hour.
“It’s too early to be thinking that hard.” Laurel pushed up to brace her head on one hand while the other moved in small circles on his chest. “I know I promised to listen this morning—and I will—but at least wait until after my first cup of coffee.”
He kissed her fingertips. “Actually, I was trying to decide if I needed another shower.”
Her eyes, the color of extra-dark chocolate, drifted half closed. Her lips parted in a smile that was pure temptation. “I never shower until after my morning workout.” And that wicked, wandering hand drifted down and down and down.
Damn, he knew they shouldn’t. But when it came to Laurel Young, it seemed that he was a pushover.
In a well-planned maneuver, he trapped her beneath him. Judging from her smile, it was right where she wanted to be. He nuzzled her neck, drawing in her scent.
She giggled. “Don’t! That tickles.” Her own fingers dug lightly into his ribs, trying to give as good as she got.
He’d never had a lover who was playful, and he liked it. It felt good to laugh in the morning, especially with a beautiful woman underneath him. Her smile was enough to melt his heart.
Then the shrill ring of a cellphone from the other room shattered his concentration. He rested his forehead against hers. “Is that mine or yours?”
“Mine, I think. It’s in the side pocket of my purse.”
He rolled off her and padded naked into the living room, pulling the irritating electronic device from her
purse. On his way back to the bedroom, a second chirp joined the chorus. So much for their morning plans. One call might not signify anything; two could only mean bad news.
Laurel stood wearing a short robe when he walked back into the room. He tossed her the phone and then stepped back out in the hall to answer his. It wouldn’t do for anyone to hear her talking in the background.
“Bane here.”
“Good morning, Devlin. Hope you’ve had your first cup of coffee.” D.J. sounded irritatingly chipper.
“Why?”
“Colonel Kincade has called a ten o’clock meeting. Thought you’d appreciate a heads-up. He didn’t say what it was about, but we’re assuming it’s about coverage, with so many of us down right now.”
There was no use in taking his sudden bad mood out on D.J. “Thanks. I’ll be there. Call everybody you can. A show of strength never hurts.”
“Will do.” The phone went dead.
He had almost two hours to get to the Center. Maybe they still had time for that shower. And then they’d talk.
• • •
Hours later, he was in a foul mood and didn’t give a damn who knew it. While they all stood around waiting for the meeting, no one had been either brave enough or foolish enough to ask what had him pacing the small confines of his office. He almost wished someone would; a down-and-dirty brawl would be just the ticket to blow off the temper that simmered right below his skin.
The talk he had with Laurel had not gone as planned. Why that should surprise him, he didn’t know. Nothing about her was predictable. Those innocent-looking eyes and sweet smile were a disguised stubborn streak a mile wide. She definitely had a mind of her own, something he would normally admire in a person, but it was damn inconvenient at times.
What he couldn’t figure out was where he’d gone wrong. Yesterday, when he had planned his strategy, his arguments about why they shouldn’t see each other anymore made perfect sense. From the start, they had both known there was no future for them. He was more than three times her age, even if no one could tell by looking at him. He wasn’t really human any longer and would become less so as time went on. Then there was the little matter of someone wanting to kill him. If his unknown assailant grew more desperate, anyone near Devlin could be caught in the fallout. He hadn’t shared that particular point, instead reminding her that his calling was a dangerous one and that his luck could run out any day.
He’d even told her that she deserved better than a man who lived to kill, although the very thought of someone else sharing her life or her bed made him want to punch something.
She’d calmly responded with a few points of her own. Seeing him outside of work was a clear violation of a normal patient-doctor relationship. Any emotional attachment she might develop for him could very easily cloud her professional judgment. Besides, if any of the Regents who ruled over both Ordnance and Research found out that she was seeing Devlin, her job would be in serious jeopardy. Certainly, they would make sure that she never saw him again.
And although she didn’t say the words, the look in her dark eyes made it clear that she was worried about the possibility that she would eventually have to kill him herself.
Yes, it had been all so logical. They were both adults who had given in to the temptation of playing with fire—but the woman knew a little about strategy and tactics herself. Before he could do the noble thing and walk out her door, she’d untied the sash of her short robe and let it slide to the floor. He’d taken her right there on the floor with little gentleness or finesse, but lots of desperate need. It had left them both shattered and still poised on the edge of disaster. There had been no good-byes, no resolution.
And selfish bastard that he was, he had no regrets.
Chapter 9
Devlin waited until the last possible minute to enter the meeting room. Maybe it was petty of him, but he didn’t like being at Kincade’s beck and call. He also had asked Trahern, Cullen, and D.J. to walk in with him. The Paladins all towered over Kincade and Devlin figured he hated that. When the four of them walked in and stood side by side, it was bound to irritate the man from Ordnance.
That pleased Devlin to no end.
Just as he expected, Kincade stood in the front of the room. He glanced up at them and frowned before turning his attention back to his watch. Devlin gave his friends a slight nod, signaling that their little display of power was done. The others found seats and waited for Kincade to start. Devlin, however, leaned against the wall near the door, as if he might walk back out any second.
Kincade worked hard to ignore him, dividing his time between staring at the door on the other side of the room and his watch. A look of pure disgust crossed his face as he turned his attention back to his unwilling audience and took his position behind the podium. He stared at them, waiting for the room to fall silent. Most of the local Paladins and a good number of the reinforcements ignored him until Devlin cleared his throat. One by one, the men fell silent, acknowledging Devlin with their eyes before Colonel Kincade. Judging from the expression on his face, the united gesture had sent the colonel’s blood pressure soaring.
“I’ve called you here this morning—”
Before he could finish his little speech, the door he’d been watching finally opened. Devlin had to laugh. The little bastard had worked so hard to get their attention, and just that easily, it was gone. His good humor was short-lived when every Handler in the area came filing in with Dr. Neal and Laurel in front. Right then, the only person in the room who looked happy was Colonel Kincade. Devlin straightened up and tried to catch Laurel’s eye.
No dice. In fact, she positioned herself so that she stood facing the other side of the room. Son of a bitch, what was going on? From the smirk Kincade shot him from across the room, he wasn’t going to like it one bit.
Kincade tapped the microphone to signal that it was time to get down to business. “The command here at Ordnance has expressed some concern over the current mental state of the Paladins under our command.”
“What the hell is that supposed to mean?” The question came from one of the imported Paladins seated near the back.
“It means that each and every one of you will have a condition scan performed within the next forty-eight hours.” The bastard was clearly enjoying himself.
“Like hell!” Trahern rose to his feet and stood with his arms crossed over his chest. Several of the others followed suit.
The whole situation was about to get out of hand. There wasn’t a man among them who would willingly submit to a brain scan on a whim. “Is this because of Dr. Young’s patient turning Other with no warning?” Devlin asked.
Kincade ignored him, and Dr. Neal had the good sense to realize that Colonel Kincade was handling the situation badly. He stepped forward, drawing all the attention to himself. Most of the locals knew him to be a fair and caring man; he’d brought most of them back from the edge at least once.
“Mr. Bane has asked a legitimate question, one that deserves a fair answer.” His calm voice carried easily to the back of the room. “Yes, there is some concern because of the incident the other day.”
“That’s a nice, sanitized way of looking at it, Doc. Why not call it what it is? Dr. Young made the decision to execute one of us,” Blake said.
Laurel flinched. Damn it, she didn’t have anything to apologize for, Devlin thought. If she hadn’t put the poor bastard down, someone else would have. It was the way things were. They all knew it.
“He wasn’t one of you any longer, Mr. Trahern. He’d turned Other, almost without warning. We’ve received his medical records. For some reason, he hadn’t had a scan in almost a year.” There was no mistaking the genuine regret in Dr. Neal’s eyes. “All of us in Research feel that we need baseline scans on everyone to prevent such a tragedy, if we can.”
Devlin wished he could see Laurel’s expression. This couldn’t be easy for her. “Scans won’t cure the problem, Dr. Neal. At best they might give you a bit of a warning, b
ut that’s all.”
“That’s true, Mr. Bane, but we’d like to find out more about why some of you progress so much faster than others. The last scan on the deceased was normal.” He consulted his clipboard. “In fact, it was on the low side of normal. There was no reason to think that he was so close to the edge.”
“What happens if we refuse?”
Naturally Trahern would ask that question. The tension level in the room jumped to a new high. If someone didn’t step in and take control, the situation would get ugly damn fast. They couldn’t afford to resort to lash out in violence. Ordnance would bring in the Guard in enough numbers to take them down. Knowing the colonel, he probably had them on standby out in the hallway. Then Kincade would ensure that those tests were run, and anyone on the edge—like Trahern—would no longer get the benefit of the doubt when they revived angry and out of control.
“I’ll take the scan.” Devlin walked to the front. “All of us will.”
Dr. Neal nodded his approval. “I’ve got a schedule printed out here. I would appreciate it if you’d each pick a time slot before you leave the room.” That they wouldn’t be allowed to leave until they did went unspoken.
Cullen and D.J. more or less dragged Trahern with them to sign up right after Devlin. Maybe if the four of them went together, it would reduce the stress the test always caused.
Devlin made his way to Dr. Neal, who gave him a welcoming smile. “Thank you for your assistance, Mr. Bane. I have a feeling if we’d left it up to Colonel Kincade, things might have gotten a bit dicey.”
Devlin didn’t want the man’s thanks; he wanted his scan over and done with. “I’m first on the list, Doctor. Can we get it over with now?”
“Certainly. I’m sure Dr. Young will be able to take you right away. We calibrated the machines before coming down to Colonel Kincade’s little gathering. That’s why we were late.”
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