The safe house wasn’t going to be ready for another twenty-four hours. That meant he and Marina had some time to kill. Spending it in bed with her was appealing to him, but it wasn’t fair to her. She’d been locked away, under her father’s control, for years. Once they hit the new safe house, it was going to be more of the same. He wanted to give her something to smile about. Not that she wasn’t smiling last night.
He remembered Bailey saying the city had a festival on Saturday nights called Fire Water. There was music, dancing, and all types of vendors with entertainment along the river. It was the type of event where you could get lost in the crowd. He wasn’t fond of crowds, but it would provide cover. All he needed was to get Marina to agree to go.
She’s probably itching to get out of here so it wouldn’t matter what I offered as long it involved fresh air.
Kevin had helped Bailey pack her things when she moved out of this apartment. She couldn’t take everything, so she had him take some boxes up into a small storage area on the top floor. His mind raced through the list of things he’d carried—odds and ends from the kitchen and a box marked bedroom. He was pretty sure she had left some clothes as well as her blonde wig. If that’s the case, I think it’s time Marina Brimlow plays dress up, and she and I hit the town.
Kevin wasn’t about to mention any of this to Mark or the others. He’d only get his ass chewed out. He knew the risk. But they were unaware of the risk she was taking by being herself. If anything happened, he knew it would be all on him. She deserves one day. That’s all. Then back under the microscope we go.
He peeked inside the bedroom to make sure she was still asleep. Then he put on his boots and T-shirt and headed upstairs to retrieve the box. Bailey was taller than Marina, but he hoped he could find something she’d like. Although I did like that dress on you, especially since you didn’t wear anything underneath. Now that was fucking hot.
It didn’t take long to locate the box and open it. Yep, this is the one. Carrying it downstairs, he put it on the couch and waited for her to wake. He hoped she was going to like the little surprise waiting for her. It wasn’t like coming back with something new or having her own belongings. Yet, when she heard his plans he was positive she’d find whatever was in the box acceptable. Then again, I’ve been wrong so much lately, I won’t be surprised if she decides to throw something at me instead.
Marina woke to an empty bed, but the bedroom door was open, so she felt confident Kevin wasn’t far. He made promises to her last night, and she knew he wasn’t going to break them. It was more than comforting to have him here with her. She felt she was no longer facing this alone. I don’t want him getting hurt. Being around me means just that. He even said it. People have lost their lives protecting me, my research. I don’t want Kevin to be added to the list of names.
There was no doubt their sexual chemistry was powerful. He could make her body tremble with the simplest touch. If it were only that, then she’d lie back and enjoy it. Her heart was being pulled to him as well. Kevin could be a hard ass, and being a fighter pilot meant he wasn’t afraid to do what needed to be done. Yet, when he looked at her she saw tenderness, warmth, and compassion. Were those emotions honestly there or was she just wanting to see them?
Marina had experienced sex, but not love. Was this the beginning of it? After all this time, could she find someone who saw her as a woman? Could someone like Kevin truly want someone like me for more than sex? He probably wants someone who’s exciting and flashy. Probably a runway model who looks fabulous, and he could take to the dance club. I’m not sure I can dance, and I’m not interested in learning.
It didn’t matter. Anything between them here and now needed to be enough. Marina’s body may still be recovering from his sweet loving, but that wasn’t going to last. It would fade, and reality would return. It has to, no matter how much we might wish it wouldn’t.
Marina heard Kevin moving something in the other room. Although she was comfy and cozy, she wanted to know what was going on. She also wanted to spend what time they had together—not lying here, wishing she was with him.
She pulled the sheet from the bed, wrapped it around her toga style, and made a quick stop in the bathroom to brush her teeth before going out to greet him with a good morning kiss. I’m going to make the most of every moment I have with him.
When she entered the living room, she stopped abruptly. She wasn’t prepared for the sight. Her first fear was that Kevin was gone, and he’d sent another guard. The man bent over, fishing through a box, was clean shaven. Marina would know that luscious body of his anywhere. Sweeter to look at than any sunrise.
Somehow while she’d been sleeping, he’d found a razor and not just trimmed, but totally shaved off his beard. She didn’t think it was possible he could get any more handsome than he had been. She was wrong. This man belongs on a calendar, but I’m not sure I want to share this with anyone. Hell, I know I don’t.
Kevin seemed so absorbed in whatever was in the box he hadn’t noticed her standing there ogling him. She wanted it to last longer, but he turned from the box and noticed her.
“Good morning beautiful,” he said, smiling.
His smile warmed her heart. This is the way to wake in the morning. I could easily get used to this. If only . . . a different place, a different time.
“Good morning. Did you get another delivery from Mark last night?” She wanted him to know she was more observant than he might think. Marina had seen the duffle bag he’d brought in the other day. She wasn’t foolish enough to believe it’d been comfort supplies. Although Kevin hadn’t told her things were now more dangerous, the lack of information spoke volumes.
Kevin shook his head. “This one belongs to a friend of mine. I don’t think she’ll mind if you borrow a few items.”
She? Until now Marina hadn’t asked him whose apartment they were in. Now he said friend. This wasn’t a random safe house at all. She knew that the moment she walked in. It was too homey and feminine. “I’m all set.”
Marina didn’t want to sound ungrateful or bitchy to Kevin. He was trying to be kind. What he didn’t understand was no woman wanted to wear some ex-girlfriend’s belongings. Oh, what the hell? A bit late. I already wore her dress and I’m now wrapped in her bedsheet. I hope she washed them before she left.
“I’m sure she wouldn’t mind. If she were here, she’d insist.”
“Who is this she you keep talking about?”
“Bailey. I told you about her on the chopper.”
That trip was somewhat a blur once he kissed her. Bailey? “Is that Mark’s wife?”
“No, that’s Hannah. Bailey is engaged to Don.”
“That’s right. And why do you believe she wouldn’t mind?” It wasn’t like this was his fiancée.
“You’ll just have to trust me on that.” She watched as he turned back to the huge box. He started pulling out jeans and sweatshirts, then shorts and T-shirts. “I’m sure there has to be something in here you can use tonight.”
“Tonight? Are we leaving already?” Marina should’ve expected that. The entire reason they were together now was waiting on a safe house to move to. I just didn’t want this to end so soon.
“I thought you might like one night out before we . . . need to go.”
What was that she heard in his voice? Was it possible he wanted this to continue as much as she did? It was a double-edged sword. It was what she’d yearned for all her life. She couldn’t let him fall for her, not knowing what she was about to face. It’d only make it more painful for him if it all went wrong. Even if my vaccine works, there is still a good chance I won’t make it out of this alive. Neither side is going to let me just walk away. My life will either end or be spent as it always has been, as a prisoner.
“I thought you’d be excited. I guess I thought wrong.”
She was so worried about Kevin’s feelings for her that she’d totally ignored his mention of going out. “Sorry. I was thinking of . . . coffee.” That is s
o lame.
“No problem. You dig through the box and take what you want. I’ll make us some.”
“Are you sure you don’t want me to?” Marina teased, knowing too well her last cup probably felt like acid in his stomach for days.
“Since I’d like a cup, too, I’ll make it,” Kevin teased her back.
Once he left her alone, she looked in the box. She had to admit, a variety of clothes would be nice. It’d be nice if I had my own things.
Marina picked up a few of the articles Kevin had pulled out. They were functional and cute. Not her style at all. Such bright and bold colors. Bailey sure likes pink and purple.
Then she found a few shirts with the breast cancer emblem on them. She realized Bailey was a supporter in some way. In the scientific community it was often mentioned how far the treatments had come, although it still had so much further to go. Marina put that in her pile. Then she grabbed a pair of jeans. She was shorter than Bailey, but jeans could be rolled up if needed. The shorts were meant to hug her hips. Sexy, but more revealing than I’d be comfortable in.
By the time Kevin returned with coffee in hand, Marina had found enough things to last her a while.
“Find anything you like?”
She smiled at him and was glad he’d brought them out for her. “Yes, I did. Thank you.”
“Good. There’s one more thing you need before we go out.” Kevin walked over to the closet by the entrance. When he returned, he handed her a small box.
She took it from him looking puzzled as to what it could be. Pulling out a long blonde wig, she said, “And you just had this lying around?”
“Bailey didn’t need it anymore.”
Marina thought back to the T-shirts. Was it possible she wasn’t just a supporter but a survivor as well? It wasn’t her business, so she chose not to pry. “They do say blondes have more fun.” With the wig still in her hand, she turned around and put it on her head the best she could. When she turned to face Kevin again, she asked, “What do you think?”
Kevin burst out laughing. “You’re clearly not meant to be a blonde.”
Marina gasped and pulled it off throwing it at him. “What is that supposed to mean? That I can’t be fun?”
Kevin closed the space between them, pulling her into his arms. She pretended not to enjoy it and acted as though she wanted him to free her. He lifted her off the ground and said, “It means I enjoy you just as you are, Marina Brimlow.”
He kissed her lightly before letting her slip from his arms. “Good, because I’m not sure I can be anyone else.”
“Well, tonight you’re going to need to be. Otherwise, the risk is too great.”
“You’re not joking. You’re really taking me out?”
Kevin beamed a sexy grin. “Yes, ma’am. Tonight you have a date. If you’re interested, that is.”
She forced herself not to leap back in his arms. A date? She knew it was just a word, but that didn’t prevent her stomach from getting butterflies. “Where are we going?”
“That is a surprise.”
Normally she didn’t like being surprised. In the past, surprises weren’t pleasant. No matter what he’d planned, any time with Kevin was something to look forward to.
“Tonight? So what are we going to do with the rest of our day?” Marina asked seductively.
Kevin grabbed a corner of the sheet that was tucked between her breasts. Pulling on it, the sheet loosened. Marina twirled around until it completely came off her. Laughing, she danced her way back to the bedroom with Kevin close behind.
He might have his plans for tonight, but she knew one of the stops better be a pharmacy, because she knew exactly how she wanted the night to end. Right now they might not be able to do everything, but a replay of last night sounded pretty good to her too. If only Bailey had left condoms in that box.
Chapter Twelve
‡
“I don’t remember needing to ask for your permission,” Kevin barked at Johnson who’d appeared at the apartment unexpectedly.
“Maybe you should because you’ve lost your fucking mind.”
Kevin clenched a fist. Mark shouldn’t have sent Johnson. The guy already rubbed him the wrong way. He spent so many years working directly as Mark’s second-in-command that barking orders to anyone on the team was second nature. What Johnson seemed to forget was Kevin wasn’t part of the team; he was only Mark’s brother. Johnson had no authority here and never would.
“From where I stand you have two choices. Either you can cover our six while Marina and I are out or get your ass back to the chopper and wait for us there.”
Johnson shook his head. “Mark gave clear instructions. The chemist leaves now for Georgia and you go to Buffalo to get your parents.”
Shit. There’s really no one safe until all those bastards are out of commission. Kevin knew his father wouldn’t want to leave home no matter what Mark said. Of course, there wasn’t anything that really could be conveyed over the phone. He agreed that one of them was going to need to get there and convince them there was no choice. As far as Mark was concerned, Kevin was the right person for the job. Before meeting Marina, he’d have agreed.
He’d promised he wouldn’t leave her, and he wouldn’t share what she’d told him. He hadn’t planned on breaking that promise. It was a position Kevin couldn’t have foreseen. Protect Marina and my parents. If I could, I’d bring Marina with me to my parents. It’s too risky for all involved.
He would go to Buffalo, but not because Johnson or Mark said. He’d do it because Casey had told him their father’s disease was progressing faster than anyone had anticipated. Now stuck in a wheelchair. Just a few months ago he was using a walker. Damn, Dad. I wish I could tell you it’d get better, but we know it won’t.
“Have both choppers ready, but we leave after the Fire Water Festival.”
Marina came out of the bedroom dressed and ready to go. She even had her blonde wig on. “Kevin, what’s going on? What do you mean leave? Where are we going?”
He’d hoped to wait until after the festival to break the news. That wasn’t going to change what needed to be said. Kevin shot Johnson a look to vacate, but to no surprise he ignored it. “Johnson, the choice is yours. Either way, Marina and I need a few minutes . . . alone.”
Johnson looked at Marina and opened his mouth like he was going to say something. Kevin knew whatever Johnson said wasn’t going to be right. For all the lack of couth Kevin had, Johnson had even less. Instead, he shook his head and turned toward Kevin again. “You sure as hell better know what you’re doing, Collins.”
“My detail, my call.”
When Johnson was gone, he looked at Marina, who had a hurt look on her face. It’s not going to get any better.
“Come and sit. We need to talk,” Kevin said, pointing to the couch. She did as he requested.
“Kevin, who is that man?”
“Lionel Johnson. He’s on Mark’s SEAL team.”
“Why is he here?” Her voice was so soft as though she didn’t want to ask, for fear of the answer.
“The safe house is ready.” Kevin didn’t want to tell her, but he needed to. They’d gotten to a place of . . . trust. He wanted that to continue, no matter what the reaction. “You’ll be leaving tonight after we go out.”
“Me? Not us?”
Kevin took her hand in his. This was much more difficult than he thought it’d be. “No. Not us. Johnson will take you, and I’ll meet up with you later. There is something I need to do first.”
The hurt and fear were written all over her sweet face. Kevin wanted to pull her into his arms and never let her go. He wasn’t abandoning her, but that’s exactly how it felt.
“I understand.”
No, you don’t. This trip isn’t what I want. It’s what I need to do. “Marina, you know how badly they want that virus.” She nodded. “Then you do know the people we love are at risk as well. My parents are alone, and I need to go to them, get them out of there before they get hurt
. Once they’re safe, I’ll come to you. I promise.” Nothing and no one will prevent me from keeping that promise.
She clutched his hand tightly. “Kevin, you need to go. I don’t want anyone else getting hurt because of me, especially not people close to you.”
He wished Mark could handle this, but he already had his hands full covering Casey and Hannah. Having him leave them wasn’t an option. Besides, Mark was still trying to coordinate the location to capture JT.
“Then let’s pack what we need so we can grab our things right after our . . . time out.” Kevin couldn’t bring himself to say the word date again. Not with Johnson tagging along.
Marina nodded and said, “Since I don’t have much, it’ll only take me a few minutes. There is only one thing we can’t leave without.”
Kevin got that message loud and clear. “Roger.”
While she went into the bedroom, Kevin grabbed his phone and texted Maggie. He had her staying very close by in case he needed her again. Tonight sounded like a night she’d come in handy. If anything, we can look like a double date instead of a security detail. Kevin wasn’t sure Johnson could pretend to be someone’s date. Although he’s surprised me before, so let’s see what he’s got this time.
When Marina returned, the sparkle in her eyes had vanished. He had wanted to make tonight special for her, something she’d never forget. Now all he could do was to try to make it enjoyable.
Marina couldn’t say she had a bad time with Kevin. It was nice. They walked, holding hands. As they did so, she noticed other couples doing the same thing. It was the first time in a long time she felt normal. They didn’t talk about her research or how they’d come to know each other. Instead, he asked her questions, personal ones. Some should’ve been easy, like her favorite color, but since no one had ever asked, she’d never thought about it before.
There was a lot of fun banter between them, showing her how comfortable they’d become with each other. At one point, she stubbed her toe on the sidewalk, and Kevin had her hop up on his back so he could carry her through the crowded street.
Southern Regions (Southern Desires Book 4) Page 13
