Delta Force: Crow (Wayward Souls)

by Kris Norris

  Only took him a moment to anchor her against him. Lock his other hand under her ass. Two more seconds, and he’d managed to turn—was heading toward the bed. While he’d love nothing more than to simply shove both their jeans down and sink inside with her ass hugging the wall, her heels locked against his tailbone. He wasn’t going to risk her comfort. And, based on how much his head still hurt, not to mention his ribs, pounding into her against the door would take away some of her pleasure. Would taint it with pain.

  Not happening. If, in the future, she wanted a romantic spanking, that was one thing. But having her bruised ribs grind together wasn’t an option. Even making love on the bed might still make them ache.

  The thought made him pause until Devlyn arched into him, shifting her mouth so she could nip at his ear. Suck at the skin along his neck. And, any thoughts that this might be a bad idea, might cause Devlyn some discomfort, faded. Vanished like he wished her clothes would because just thinking about lifting his hands from her hair, her ass, to tear off her outfit didn’t sound viable. A plan his mind would execute. Not when he wanted more.

  More of her body flexing beneath his palm. Her silky tresses curled around his fingers. Her lips against his skin.

  Reminding himself she was still healing was the only way he made it to the bed. Was able to place her on her feet instead of just launching them both onto the mattress. Pinning her down.

  Devlyn didn’t seem to share any reservations about her ribs, or if his enthusiasm would hurt her. Five seconds flat, and she had her shirt and bra off. Was already working on the button and fly of her jeans. Another few, and she was naked. Completely bare, her fingers tugging at his pants.

  He reached for her wrists, but she was already bending. Tugging his jeans over his hips and down his legs. By the time his damn brain caught up, she had his shirt halfway up his back. Was urging him to bend forward to yank it over his head.

  A flash of white cotton as she tore off his shirt, and she tackled him to the bed, much like she’d done the night before. He cushioned their fall as best he could, still worried about aggravating her ribs, before rolling them over. Bracing most of his weight on his elbows.

  Devlyn smiled up at him, tracing the line of his cheek and jaw. “I know that look. I’m fine. You’re not going to hurt me or rattle my brains or something.”

  “Brains already got rattled. And your ribs are still purple.”

  “As are yours. No.” She pressed her fingers to his lips. “I need this. We need this. A moment out of time where it’s just you and me. Not the Agency or the NSA. No psycho agents trying to kill us. No choosing what someone’s life is worth. If we can save everyone without committing treason. So, for just a little while, can you overlook the shade of purple on my skin? Look into my eyes without trying to see if my pupils are reactive or if they’re bouncing around because of the flash bang?”

  She palmed his face. “Just love me?”

  “Fuck, I love you.”

  Devlyn inhaled, eyes wide, breath held. Then, she was kissing him. Wrapping her thighs around his hips. Arching into his thrust. No foreplay. No sweet words, both of which she deserved. She’d given him a second chance, and he was blowing it.

  He stopped, with every intention of easing back. Licking every inch of her skin. Worshipping her for hours, when she locked her heels against his back and drove him into her.

  Heaven. Or hell. Had to be one of the two because he couldn’t be alive and feel this good. Especially since he hadn’t felt anything close to happiness after leaving Delta. Hell, since just before he’d left. Other than those months with her.

  It seemed so obvious, now. That he’d been in love with her all along. Had been living with blinders on. Or in denial.

  Not now. Not with her heart strumming frantically in time with his. Her warm breath caressing his sweat-damp flesh. Her fingers digging into his muscles as she unraveled around him.

  He lowered, brushing his chest against hers. Smiling at her sharp inhale. “God, you’re beautiful when you shatter. Now, do it, again.”

  Devlyn’s head tilted back as he started moving. Matching each thrust with her gasping breath. Increasing the pace until she was chanting his name. Clutching at his shoulders. Shifting to take him deeper.

  Crow ate at her mouth, drinking in her desperate cries. Mouthing her skin as his release burned along his spine. Threatening to unhinge him with every stroke.

  Not, yet. He hadn’t loved her enough. Tasted her enough. Made her need him enough.

  A sharp inhale, then she was coming. Contracting around him. Drawing him under. He gave in. Allowed the heat billowing in his groin to smother him. Fade the room into speckled dots against starlit walls. Kept him drifting until she squeezed him. Pulled him tighter.

  He was crushing her. He knew it. Felt every inch of her body beneath his. How her chest barely moved as she obviously struggled to breathe. But, damned if he could roll. Shift over enough to give her some space. Not with the way her fingers dug into his skin. Kept him anchored against her.

  The shadows had crept across the bed before she finally released him. Let him push onto his elbows, again. Stare down at her.

  If he’d thought she’d been glowing before, it was neon, now. Her skin gleaming in the dull light. Eyes wide. Glassy.

  He leaned in—dropped a gentle kiss on her lips. “You okay?”

  A snort, and a playful swat. “Perfect.”

  “That you are.”

  She snagged her bottom lip, worrying it for a moment before letting it slip free. “You think, when you’re recovered enough, we could do that, again? Not because it wasn’t amazing, I just… I need…”

  He chuckled then rolled, smiling at her gasp. At how she clutched at his shoulders before gaining her balance. He tilted his hips—pushed a bit deeper inside her. Her eyes widened as she glanced at where they were joined. A brow arched in question.

  “Third time today I’ve told you I’m always ready where you’re concerned so… Ride me.”

  “Giving up control? Maybe that flash bang rattled more than just your brains.”

  “I can roll us back over. Plaster you against the wall as I pound into you from behind. Feel your ass cushion every blow. Or… You can ride me. Your choice, sweetheart, but make it fast.” He eased out a bit then thrust back in. “I’m already feeling desperate.”

  “An ultimatum. That’s more like the Ryker I know and love. And since you asked so nicely…”

  She smoothed her hands up his torso, frowning at the purple bruises he knew crisscrossed his ribs, before settling her palms on his shoulders. Her thumbs drawing small circles across his skin as she slowly levered up. Paused for several agonizing seconds then slid down. Just as damn slowly. As if he wasn’t already perched on the edge. Was capable of loving her without gritting his teeth. Reciting every creed he remembered just to buy himself more time. Wasn’t already aching to feel her give around him. Hear her cry out his name as she drowned him with her release.

  Another shift of her hips. Even slower. Dragging along his length, making his chest squeeze tight. His muscles clench. He resisted pushing up into her. Taking control when he’d just willingly given it to her, but it cost him. Had him fisting his hands against her hips instead of palming them—holding her still as he drove into her.

  She inhaled. Let her head fall back as her eyes drifted shut. A warm flush coloring her skin. Making her glow.

  He watched her move. The hypnotic sway of her body as she rose then lowered. Each pass slightly faster until she was writhing above him. Stomach muscles tense, the cords in her neck straining as she fought to hold on. To draw it out.

  He pushed onto his hands then wrapped them around her. Held her tight until she finally looked at him. Pupils blown wide. Eyes glazed over. “Not your last release tonight, Devlyn. So…come for me.”

  She stared at him, mouth gaped open. Breath held. Then, she was moving. Faster than before. Using his arms to help balance her. Allowed him to lift her ever so slight
ly. Just enough to take her over the edge. Make her explode.

  Only took a dozen passes before she was coming. Contracting around him as her back arched over his arms. His name a whispered breath as she shattered within his embrace.

  The sound of her voice. The scent of her climax. The way her skin slid across his. It took him to the brink. Had him clenching his thighs to stave it off. Allow him to enjoy her orgasm, first, before losing himself in the fire raging beneath his flesh. Quickly consuming every thought but to make her his.

  Forever.

  That sent him over. Had him thrusting up into her. Chasing the release just strokes away. Hearing her say his name, again, was all it took. Blinded him as he emptied inside her, using his hold on her to keep them both upright.

  Devlyn wrapped her arms around his back, her head resting on his shoulder, every rapid breath caressing his skin. He gathered her close, holding firm until her breathing eased. Returned to normal.

  He dropped a kiss on her forehead, leaning back against the headboard. “Better?”

  “Both times were incredible. That’s not what I meant, I just…”

  Crow tucked some hair behind her ear when she sighed, waiting until she lifted her gaze to his. “I know. Which is why I’m asking how you’re feeling.” He smiled. “I might require a few minutes if you need round three.”

  “You wouldn’t be upset if I did?”

  “Seriously, sweetheart? You on your back with my head between your thighs for the foreseeable future? That’s a sword I can fall on.”

  Devlyn wet her lips, a raspy breath sounding between them before she leaned in. Kissed him. “How about your shoulder to sleep on?”

  He arched a brow. “You sure that’s all you need? And not me to lick you into oblivion?”

  Another raspy sigh, then a smile. A genuine one that made it hard to breathe simply by staring at her. “An hour of sleep. Then, you can have your way with me.”

  “Anything I want?”

  “That sounds dangerous, but…yes. Anything you want.”

  “Deal.”

  He shuffled her over until she was in the middle of the bed, then made a quick trip to the washroom, bringing back a cloth to clean her up before tossing it in the sink and claiming his spot in the bed. Devlyn snuggled against him, one hand resting on his chest, her head tucked into his shoulder.

  He drew her close, dropping another kiss on her forehead. “Sleep. I’ll wake you when it’s time for me to make you scream, again.”

  “As I recall, I didn’t, technically, scream. More of a harsh whisper.”

  “Challenge accepted.”

  She snorted but burrowed closer. Wrapped one sexy leg around his.

  Crow stared at the ceiling, listening to Devlyn drift off—her heartbeat thrumming against his ribs. Home. He’d been right before. That’s what this was. Not heaven or hell. Something far better, with so much more at stake than just his soul.

  He wouldn’t fail her. Not this time. He just hoped he wouldn’t have to let Phoenix down in the process. Because what he’d told Devlyn earlier was true. He’d do whatever it took to ensure her safety.

  Chapter Twenty-One

  Screwed. No other way to describe it. Breaking the encryption—unearthing the information hidden beneath had only succeeded in tying their hands more than they were before because…

  The intel was useless.

  Devlyn had been going through it for hours with Ryker and Ellis, but none of them could make any sense of it. Just random numbers, photos and dates no one could connect.

  Cannon pinched the bridge of his nose, looking as if he wanted to slam his fist—hell, his whole head—through a nearby wall. “So, that’s it? Just a string of arbitrary information that gives us no clues as to who Smyth is? Why and how Phoenix got involved? Who Smyth is gonna hire next to kill members of my family?”

  Becca glanced at Ellis, nodding toward Cannon. And Devlyn knew she wanted the other woman to take lead. Deal with Cannon because even Devlyn sensed the death vibe rolling off the guy. As if he’d flicked one of those switches she suspected they all had. Had reached critical mass and was ready to explode. No steady venting just a sudden flash of white light, and they’d be dead.

  Ellis sighed, leaning slightly against Colt when the man moved in behind her. Palmed her waist. “Sorry, big guy. I suspect we’re missing some key pieces of intel that link it all together.”

  Ryker pushed to his feet then walked over to grab more coffee. “Slader did say he had other intelligence that would lead him to whoever Smyth really was.”

  “And we have no idea what this intelligence is?”

  “We already checked the files Ellis downloaded from McCormick’s computer, but he never mentioned anyone named Smyth—with an ‘i’ or a ‘y’. And there aren’t any ledgers or files that connect that information to this new stuff. We also called Bridget, but as far as she knows, the U.S. Attorney’s office is still sorting through everything. Ellis believes the warehouses in the photos belong to McCormick. Probably more black sites he was hiding from the CIA. Devlyn and I could use the Agency or NSA cyber units to eventually identify them. And, with some time, I’m confident Ellis or Becca would find a way to connect the two sets of data.” He glanced at his watch. “But not before our forty-eight hours are up. So, no. No leads.”

  “Other than the obvious.” Cannon scrubbed a hand down his face. “I’ll go talk to Brady. See if he’ll let me ask Phoenix some questions. Assuming Vale’s in any condition to talk.”

  Ryker winced, got a cup of coffee for Devlyn, then reclaimed his seat beside her. “This is one time I really don’t envy being the guy in charge. No way I’d want to go up against Brady. The man’s intense.”

  Gibson chuckled. “Coen’s more bark than bite.”

  “Right. And that’s why you haven’t tried to ditch us since he tore a strip off of you yesterday before Cannon told Dungeon to keep your ass here.”

  “Coen’s not the one who’s armed.”

  “Like any of us could really stop you if you wanted to leave. You, my friend, are officially frightening.”

  Gibson grinned, eyeing Dungeon when the other man shoved a bottle of water his way, followed by more food. Gibson arched a brow, but Dungeon merely stared him down, waiting until he accepted both before sitting beside him. Apparently, Gibson wasn’t the only one taking Cannon’s threats seriously. Not that Devlyn blamed them. She wouldn’t willingly go against one of Cannon’s orders, either, unless it was life or death.

  Which meant sitting there, waiting for Cannon to return as the room faded into silence. She wasn’t sure if everyone was lost in thought, or if they’d run out of ways to spin the obvious outcome into something other than them giving Slader everything he wanted. Trading the intel for Anna Carmichael’s life.

  Ryker sighed then wrapped his arm around her. Pulled her in tight against his side as he dropped a kiss on the top of her head. “We’ll figure it out. Even if we have to give Slader the information, we’ll find a way to track his ass. Get it back before he does anything crazy.” He looked over at Becca and Ellis. “You two can do that, right? Put some kind of tracer on the intel? Maybe let us know what he does with it?”

  He’d kissed her. Sure, it was on the top of her head, but he’d put his lips on her body right there in the living room. With his teammates gathered around. Even now, he had his arm hooked around her back. One hand palming her waist as if it was natural. As if they were just another married couple like his buddies.

  Which she knew was an odd thing to focus on when they were in the midst of an op. When he’d asked Becca and Ellis an important question. A slim chance that they might have a way to outsmart Slader so the man didn’t win. Didn’t commit god knew how many heinous crimes because they’d given him top secret information. Not knowing how he’d use it only made it worse. Made them have to trust that it really was for the greater good when they knew, from far too many run-ins, that it was all likely a lie. A fabrication aimed to lull them into th
inking it wasn’t treason. That they were only hurting guilty parties. Saving their own asses.

  But, no matter how much she tried to push the heat beneath her skin—focus on what the women had to say—it lingered in the background. Colored the situation in the blue of Ryker’s eyes. The tones of his skin against hers.

  Ryker chuckled then leaned in. Pressed his lips against her ear. “Have I told you that I love it when you get that look on your face? Because I know exactly what you’re thinking.” Another kiss pressed to her lips. “I love you, too.”

  He loved her. A phrase she’d never tire of hearing.

  A throat cleared, and Devlyn jerked back from her thoughts—the ones zeroed in on Ryker—only to blush as she met Becca’s glare. She hadn’t gotten a spare moment to talk to her best friend about Ryker, or that she’d readily jumped back into a relationship with him after swearing to kill the man on sight. And Devlyn knew Becca was less than pleased. Not because she didn’t approve of Ryker, as he’d claimed. In fact, she’d encouraged Devlyn to reconnect more than once.

  But Becca’s loyalties only ran one way, and until she was convinced Ryker wasn’t a threat to Devlyn’s emotional or physical wellbeing, Devlyn knew the woman would openly challenge him.

  Becca glanced at Ryker, her scowl deepening, before turning back to Devlyn. “As I was saying, I’m sure Ellis has similar viruses to mine that we could use to infect the USB drive, but it would only tell us where he was accessing the information. It’s not like he’s logging onto a website we can trace or anything else. It’s just decoded intel.”

  Ellis nodded, smiling at Devlyn as her gaze danced between her and Ryker. “And, knowing Slader, he’ll have one of his goons open it before he hands Carmichael over, to make sure we aren’t double crossing him. I’m not sure we can risk corrupting it with someone’s life on the line. Not when he’s making most of the decisions. No doubt he’ll pick a rendezvous spot that gives him and his men the advantage.”