She tangled her hands in the hair on the back of his head and brought his mouth to hers. He tasted the same—decadent, forbidden, delicious. Taking his tongue in her mouth, she mimicked his motions and felt no small sense of triumph when his eyes slid closed. His thrusts grew faster.
He broke from the kiss, her name a shout on his lips as he poured himself into her. One last thrust and he sent her hurtling over the edge again, her body convulsing from the force of her release.
As every muscle in her body slowly relaxed, Liberty was aware of Brady pulling her close and stumbling to the couch. He lay down, positing her on top and sighed. The sound of it—lazy, contented male—would have normally irritated the hell out of her. Brady was always at his worst when he knew he’d won an argument. But with her body still warm from his lovemaking, she snuggled deeper into his embrace and decided that at the moment she really didn’t give a damn.
* * * * *
Brady awoke some time later and it took a moment for him to assess the situation. He kept his eyes closed and inhaled deeply. There was a warm woman on top of him, so it couldn’t be that bad. He slid his hand down her spine to her ass and rubbed it. She purred his name. His eyes shot open at the sound of her voice and the memories of their lovemaking swirled through his head.
Oh God, Libby. Licking his lips, he could still taste her there. He knew he shouldn’t have acted on his impulse but the woman had always pushed his buttons. Didn’t matter what the hell the situation was, he was always ready to slide into her for a nice long fuck. From the moment she’d let him touch her, he couldn’t be within five miles of her and not have a hard-on.
The control panel beeped. Libby stirred, her silky hair sliding around his chest. The scent of their lovemaking mixed with her clean fresh scent. He closed his eyes, trying to ignore the reality of what they faced. Over six years. Six fucking years and it took less than twenty-four hours before she made him lose control. And dammit, he couldn’t go through it again.
He was enough of a man to admit he’d almost fallen apart when she left last time. He’d hidden it behind women, booze and extravagant exploits, but he knew deep down that no matter what, she’d taken a piece of him, a piece of his heart and his soul, with her.
“Brady, what the hell is that noise?” He smiled because she sounded like an uptight schoolmarm. She shifted her weight and he silently cursed his reaction to her.
“I think we’re arriving at the Dranirick docking station.”
“Oh.” She sounded disappointed and he couldn’t help the little jump in his pulse at the thought that she wanted him as much as he wanted her. It took every ounce of self-control to focus on what he needed to get done. He sighed, knowing they needed to find her father before they could even think about sorting out what was between them.
But to make sure he kept her on her toes, he raised his hand and brought it down on her rump. She squealed and wiggled some more.
“Dammit, Brady, that hurt.” She rubbed her ass and he laughed.
“Quit being a pansy ass. We’ve arrived, you’re naked and I might as well be.”
She shoved herself to her elbows and looked around. Her eyes widened as what they’d just done hit her.
“Yeah, don’t want to dock at the station in this condition. We’d be the talk of this side of the zone for months.”
Chapter Five
Brady buttoned his pants, finger-combed his hair and headed back to the controls. Liberty tried to compose herself as she dressed more slowly. This was the reason she hadn’t wanted to contact Brady for help. They were always like this.
She stepped into her pants and then tucked her shirt in. As she fastened the last button on her fly, she noticed her hands shaking. When she finished her task, she scrubbed her hands over her face. Fear, anger and the lingering heat of their passion rolled through her.
She had to be better than this, for her father’s sake and for her sanity. After leaving Brady six years earlier, she’d buried herself in work, pretending to find happiness in her accomplishments.
And that was why she had been such an easy conquest for Tony. She’d needed someone to take her seriously, someone who listened to her theories. It had been a disaster of a marriage, from beginning to end. And she was to blame. She never loved Tony the way he deserved to be loved. She’d used him as a substitute for Brady and there was no way that would ever work-with any man.
Glancing at Brady, she thought about her time with Tony and the reason she could never really respond to him in bed. They had decent sex, but nothing fun, nothing even passionate. For the most part, it hadn’t bothered Tony. He was from a family where marriages were often made because of connections and not love. Their marriage had been based on shared interests and mutual respect.
She had been completely bored within a year and held on, trying to make it work. But when he had taken over the company, he’d changed and she couldn’t pretend anymore. Their divorce had been polite and amicable. Tony hadn’t put up much of a fight after she told him there was no way she could stay with him.
Brady swore when he flipped the wrong switch. He continued to mutter as he fixed the problem and she felt her lips curve. Brady would never settle for a reserved divorce. He would have fought her to the end.
“Libby, get your ass up here and sit down.”
“Oh be still, my heart.” Sarcasm threaded her words but she followed his orders.
He glanced at her. She knew in that brief moment he was taking stock of her. “You’re not going to pretend that didn’t happen.”
Not a question—a statement of fact. Because, she knew, he meant he wouldn’t let her. She ground her teeth together as anger lit through her.
“First off, I determine what I want and where I want it.” She kept her gaze on the bluish-red planet of Dranirick. “And secondly, I don’t like the fact that you would even think I would be a coward about it.”
She could hear the voice of the traffic controller murmuring from his headphones. He answered a few questions and then looked at her again. “We have unfinished business, you and I.”
She looked at him out of the corner of her eye. “Oh, really? I thought we just took care of it.”
He snorted. “No. I mean from before. And this time you are going to talk about it. About why you felt a need to leave just then.”
Because I was drowning.
But she couldn’t say that. No matter what Brady said in the bedroom, it didn’t matter out in the field. He didn’t wait for her answer but just went on with landing the ship.
His scruples were just a shade to the right side of the law but damn if he didn’t get close to stepping over the line. Every time she went along with him, broke another one of her rules, she’d felt a part of her soul dying. In the end, she knew she had to leave before she grew to hate him… hate herself.
She knew it was just a matter of time before they would break one of her rules…but this time it mattered. Brady had no problem and would push and prod until she went along with him. And as loath as she was to admit it, she knew it was important. Her father’s life depended on it.
* * * * *
Brady pressed his thumb on the identification machine and then stepped back for Libby to do the same. As she brushed past, her scent drifted to him and he had to resist grabbing her and taking her back on the ship. His nerves were already raw, and being on Dranirick was going to make it worse.
Most of the planet was an unmapped rainforest. There were many species on the planet but the most serious threat came from the Funkai. Funkai were actually a group of humans from Earth whose sexual preferences included abduction and rape. When too many of their members had ended up in jail, they moved to Dranirick because it had been wide open for settlers, no laws.
They pretty much kept to themselves but rumors were always whispered about people who accidentally crossed their path. And he knew the way Sterling had gone would be right through their damn territory.
“Brady. You can stop looking at me
that way. I’m going whether you like it or not. He’s my father.”
He narrowed his eyes and shot her a dirty look but didn’t say anything else about it. “Let’s get going. We have a few hours of good light and I want to get to the other side of the river before nightfall.”
He turned on his heel and stalked out of the station, knowing he was behaving like an ass. It was the only defense he had against her at this point.
“Brady.” He stopped and looked over his shoulder at her. She had her hands fisted on hips, her eyes sparked with anger and he’d never wanted to strip her bare and take her more than at that moment. Shit.
“I hired you.”
Before she could continue, he whipped around and strode toward her. “Listen, sweetheart. There are people on this planet who would like to get a hold of you.” His gaze raked her body. “And they’re not going want you for your expertise in archeology.”
Her face flushed but she didn’t back down. “Brady, we went over this. I’m coming with you. You know I can take care of myself.”
But I want to take care of you.
He thought the words before he could stop himself. There it was, laid bare for his mind to contemplate.
He’d always had a protective attitude around Libby, but now, since she’d stepped back into his life, the protective instincts took control. And it wasn’t just to keep her safe. Without even trying to deny it, he knew he needed this woman by his side. From the frown on her face, she might object to any suggestion in that area.
“Listen. I know you’re smart.” She rolled her eyes. “Smarter than I ever was. And the best damn partner I’ve ever had.” Her expression softened and he knew he was winning the argument. “But you have been ensconced on Earth in your safe surroundings for how many years? You’ve never had a problem with letting me take the lead before.”
She nodded, stiffly, grudgingly. But she’d agreed and that was all he cared about.
“Let’s get on our way. I want to be hunkered down before night.”
Even as he turned his thoughts to the trek ahead of them, anticipation jumped along his nerve endings. A room, a bed and Libby—a man couldn’t ask for more than that.
* * * * *
Libby took another gulp of water out of her bottle and sighed. A dribble of sweat gathered between her breasts and then slid down her stomach. Her legs ached, her head hurt and she hadn’t been this freaking hot in years.
Brady was right—she’d grown a little soft around the edges. A few years ago, she was able to keep up with him without a problem. Today, she knew he’d slowed down more than once to accommodate her. It had shamed her, but she hadn’t thanked him, knowing he would deny it. And really, a woman had to have some pride. Especially after screwing a man’s brains out.
“The second sun should be setting soon.”
His voice was businesslike, abrupt. If there was one thing she could count on, it was Brady’s dedication to the job.
“How far are we from that outpost you mentioned?”
He glanced down the dirt path. She followed his gaze and studied the blue-green overgrowth that slipped over the edges like spiderwebs. “About another five minutes or so and we should be there. I know the owner of the inn. It’s decent, so we should be able to get a good night’s sleep.”
Well, damn, I don’t want to sleep.
Where the hell had that come from? She needed to get away from those thoughts. Sex with Brady was great but keeping her thoughts on their mission was more important. Last time, the web of his seduction had almost made her compromise her principles. She had to keep her head about her so she could cut herself loose at the end.
“We better get moving.” Brady’s gaze raked over the trees that lined the road. They varied in height, with yellow bark and fuchsia leaves. Dense with green vines hanging from the limbs, it was impossible to see anything that might be lurking. The hair on the nape of her neck stirred and a chill ran down her spine. Brady’s stride increased and hers did the same. Leaves rustled behind them. She kept pace with him and forced herself not to turn around.
By the time they reached the fork in the road, they were running. Brady pulled out his stungun and grabbed hold of her upper arm. His fingers dug into her skin as he propelled her to the side of the road. She fell to the ground, sliding across the dirt and the gravel.
She landed in a ditch, hard on her ass, and small rocks bit into her palms. Brady landed beside her with a grunt and immediately rolled onto his stomach. She assumed the same position and pulled out her gun.
The overgrown brush on the side of the road would hide them if their pursuers hadn’t seen where they’d slid. A rush of footsteps went by them. Both of them breathed shallowly, trying their best not to be detected. As a dribble of sweat rolled down her temple and the side of her face, fingers of apprehension crawled up her spine.
Besides their guns, she knew Brady had at least four knives to her two. But it wouldn’t be enough to fight more than three or four people. If they were found, it wouldn’t be pretty. She drew in another shallow breath and fought the urge to sneeze. The putrid scent of rotting leaves filled the heavy air, bringing a wave of nausea each time she smelled it. She licked her lips and looked over at Brady, whose gaze never left the path.
The murmur of conversation drifted to her and she realized they were probably human from the speech and accent. Bounty hunters? Oh shit. If they had prices on their heads, they were in trouble. Especially on this planet. She strained to catch any of it and the one thing she did hear was her name and her father’s. Then the two words she hadn’t thought she would hear.
Emerald Project.
Chapter Six
Brady felt Libby stiffen next to him and wondered at her reaction. He’d heard them say something about the emerald project, whatever the hell that was, and then they walked off, their voices fading into the night. Waiting several moments to make sure they really were alone, he allowed his breathing to return to normal. His heart still thumped hard against his chest and his nerves were raw. That had been damn close.
Slowly, he inched his way up the incline and peeked out from behind the overgrowth. Thankfully everything seemed clear.
“They’re gone?” Libby’s voice was reed-thin from terror, not what he expected. She had a bigger set of balls in situations like the one they’d been through than most men.
There was something going on here but he knew they couldn’t get into it out here. Within five minutes, they would be safe at the outpost.
“Yeah, they’re gone. Let’s get going. Just a few minutes and we’ll be able to relax.”
He climbed up first, then extended a hand to help her out. She winced as he grabbed her hand and pulled her out of the crevice. After looking around the area, he reassured himself they were safe, at least for now. The dim light made it hard for him to make out every little detail but he knew his predators had the same disadvantage.
“Let’s get going.”
She nodded and fell in behind him. Not five minutes later, the smell of Tolianigan wood burning, signaling the outpost was near, allowed him to relax a bit more.
“Are we near?”
He nodded but didn’t turn around. Keeping his senses alert was important, because muggers liked to hang out near outposts for easy prey. They walked a few more minutes until the road widened and he smiled.
The outpost was a variety of smaller shacks built close together, looking like something out of a medieval tale. Instead of the steel and glass structures of Earth and some of the more developed quadrants, this one was made of local lumber, sturdy but definitely unsightly.
It didn’t seem like much but Brady knew on this planet that places where one could sleep inside and halfway safe were few and far between. He stopped and Libby stepped up beside him. Scanning the area, he decided to go in the back way. Their pursuers had probably headed here for the night. Not even kick-ass cutthroats like them would want to be caught out in the open at night.
“Doesn’t loo
k like much.” Libby stretched her arms over her head. “But at this point, it seems like a palace.”
“Let’s go around the back.”
She nodded and followed. There was one thing about Libby—she followed orders when on a job. Sterling had raised a woman who could handle a dig and could understand the need for following instructions.
When they reached the back door, he rapped it with his knuckles, knowing that John Hunter wouldn’t take kindly to the two of them stepping in uninvited. Even if they were friends. The door opened slowly, the scent of cooked meat seeping through the small crack.
“What the hell do you want, you Irish bastard?”
Brady couldn’t see him but he recognized John’s sarcastic voice immediately. Usually he enjoyed a few verbal exchanges with him, calling into question each other’s manhood. At the moment, though, his neck prickled. He felt as though they were being watched… stalked.
“Open up the fucking door, John. I need a place to stay tonight.”
His tone was sharp. John, apparently recognizing his mood, opened the door immediately. Brady stepped back and let Libby go through the door first. As he stepped in behind her, he noticed Hunter’s attention was on Libby. Actually, Libby’s ass.
Brady curled his fingers, his nails biting into his palms, and fought the urge to smack Hunter. The predatory look Brady witnessed in the other man’s eyes pissed him off. Because, although he had no right to her, he couldn’t help feeling possessive. And, dammit, he should have a right. Biting back a growl, he slammed the door shut and caught his friend’s gaze. His amused look did nothing to dampen Brady’s anger.
“What are you doing in these parts, Saint?” His uppercrust British accent was in full force tonight, thought Brady. In years past, John had been an arms runner—the best in the business.
Seducing the Saint Page 4
