Lexi watched in amazement as each of them pulled their weapons and verified they were working. Now she knew why Miranda and Alora had insisted on the safari style outfits with matching jackets.
"Well, I feel underdressed,” Lexi quipped, hoping the small joke would alleviate some of her anxiety.
Alora looked up at her. “If you know how to use one, I can get you one from the weapons room."
Lexi held up her hands. “No, thanks. I'd only either hurt myself or Dustin."
Everyone laughed.
Dustin looked over at Grady and Miranda. “You two first."
Miranda and Grady walked over to the PFU. Miranda gave Grady a quick kiss before stepping into the unit. Miranda punched in the code and disappeared.
Lexi's gut clenched as Grady stepped into the unit and followed his wife to some unknown location. He was the only one who knew where each couple was headed and when. The plan was to have Lexi appear and disappear in and out of the different colonies, being seen in several places at the same time. They hoped this would keep Fairchild's lackeys off-balance so they wouldn't realize Lexi and Dustin's true destination. None of the SPD people here would admit it, but having their office security breached by the Reverend's followers had unnerved them all. She'd seen it in the looks they exchanged when they thought she wasn't paying attention.
Alora and Dominik walked to the PFU and exchanged a few words before Dominik activated the unit. Alora followed right behind him, giving a little wave as she transported out. Lexi knew better than to ask Dustin where the couples were going; he wouldn't tell her. He'd already made it perfectly clear that the fewer people who knew who was going where, the better.
The warehouse suddenly felt very large and empty with the others gone. “I'm worried about them."
"So am I, but I'm also very concerned about you.” His voice was rough.
Lexi spun to look at him. His eyes were filled with worry, concern and something else she couldn't quiet make out. “Dustin—"
He cut off her words. “You've got to go first. I need to make sure no one can follow any of us from here. Get in and activate our first code."
Lexi walked to the device with Dustin right behind her. She turned and rose up to give him a quick kiss before stepping into the PFU. She entered their first destination code and looked back up. “See you on the flip side."
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Chapter Nine
The trip lasted less than two seconds, leaving Lexi lightheaded when she stepped out of the unit. A moment later, there was a buzzing sound, and Dustin appeared. When he stepped out of the PFU, she noticed the gun he carried in his hand.
"Uncle Dustin, Uncle Dustin.” From the far side of the building, a small bundle of energy emerged from the dim light.
Dustin slipped the weapon back under his jacket before squatting down and catching the child in his arms. He picked the boy up and swung him around in a big, silly circle. They were both laughing when he stopped.
"Where's your dad?” Dustin asked.
The boy pointed, and Lexi turned to see a man silhouetted in a doorway. The three of them walked around solar-gliders in various states of assembly toward the unmoving figure who waited for them. She listened as the boy and Dustin talked about fishing, cars, school, and lizards. The patience she heard in Dustin's voice made her smile.
Their small group stopped when they reached the man, and it was then she recognized the child's father as Colin Bradford. At one time, Colin had been a top solar-racer, but he'd retired a few years back. She didn't say anything as Dustin handed over the child, and took a set of keys from the man.
Outside, they got into a very nice sports-glider, and Dustin pulled out of the parking lot. For thirty minutes, they drove without saying a word before the silence got to her.
"Have you known Colin Bradford long?"
"No.” His hands clenched and unclenched on the steering wheel. “We became friends after his wife and son were kidnapped."
"I remember seeing the story all over the news when it happened. If I remember correctly, Colin's wife didn't survive."
"She didn't."
Lexi turned to look at Dustin. “How sad for the little boy."
"Yes, it was."
The tension in Dustin's voice was also visible in the way his hands clenched the steering wheel. When it became obvious he wasn't going to say anymore, she faced forward again and watched the world fly by.
Forty-five minutes later, they pulled off the main highway onto a smaller country road.
"Where are we going?"
"Colin owns a fishing cabin up here that's very secluded. We'll be staying the night there."
They turned again and rolled down a dirt drive lined with trees and brush. In the dark, no one would ever know the path was there if they weren't looking for it. Dustin pulled the vehicle to a stop in front of a dark house.
"Stay here while I check the place out."
He exited the glider and disappeared into the house. A light flicked on inside, followed by a couple more. After several minutes, Dustin walked out and motioned for her to follow. She stepped into a large open room which contained the living, dining and kitchen areas.
To the left were three doors. Dustin pointed to them. “The middle door is the bath. The room to the right is the one we'll be using. Colin stocked the place, so there's food in the kitchen. I suggest grabbing a bite and then hitting the bed. Tomorrow is going to be another very long day."
He headed for the door.
"Where are you going?” she asked.
"I need to check out our surroundings in case we need to make a fast exit. I won't be far from the house, and this shouldn't take more than an hour."
The door closed behind him, and she was alone for the first time in two days. It felt strange. She'd spent so many years alone that being around someone constantly for two days straight should be driving her bonkers. It didn't, though, and that had her worried.
She walked to the kitchen and made sandwiches for the both of them. How would she ever go back to her solitary life? she wondered as she carried her food to the table.
She took a bite and considered why this bothered her so much. Of course, if a miracle occurred, and she survived the next few days, she wouldn't have to live in such solitude. She'd be free to make friends, go to movies, and all the other things most people took for granted. So why wasn't she happier about living a more normal life?
Finishing her meal, she cleaned up her mess and went to the small bath. Colin was kind enough to leave basic supplies on the cabinet for them. After taking a quick shower and brushing her teeth, she wrapped the large towel around her body and walked out into the main room. Her heart squeezed inside her chest as she looked to where Dustin sat eating.
He smiled. “Thanks for the sandwich. After I finish, I'll grab a quick shower before coming to bed."
"Okay,” was all she managed to get out before she opened the bedroom door and all but ran inside. Closing the door behind her, she leaned against it and knew what was bothering her. Life after this meant life without Dustin, and that was already impossible to imagine.
* * * *
Lexi awoke some hours later. It took her several minutes to remember where she was. She sat up and pushed the hair out of her eyes as she looked around the room and listened. The only sound she heard was that of nature, and she couldn't make out where Dustin was. She knew where he wasn't, though, and that was in bed with her.
Pushing back the cover, she stood and walked into the main room. The door to the bathroom was open, so she doubted he was in there. She went to the second bedroom door and opened it. This room contained two sets of bunk beds. All four were empty. Closing the door behind her, she looked around the large open area one more time. There wasn't anyplace for him to hide, so either he'd vanished into thin air or he'd gone outside.
The night air was cool as she stepped out into it, pulling the door shut behind her. For several seconds, she stood still as the sounds of the night fil
led the air and the scent of pine filled her lungs. A glance around let her know Dustin wasn't on this side of the house. Turning, she followed the porch as it wrapped around to the back.
Dustin stood at the handrail in only his low-ride jeans, staring out at the moonlight reflecting off the glassy surface of the water. His hands were spread wide as he leaned slightly forward, accentuating the well-defined muscles of his arms and back.
She couldn't help but think what a contrast of emotions he was. His smile came easily, but he held his feelings close to his heart. He also took his job very seriously, because he could go from smiling to all business in the blink of an eye. The only time she'd seen him show real emotion was when they'd made love. Even then, by the next morning, he was back to being all business. Then again, she wasn't sure she could judge him. It wasn't like she was being her normal self, either.
She should go back to bed and not get involved any deeper, she thought, but her feet started moving anyway. When she reached him, she pressed her lips to the center of his back before wrapping her arms around him and resting her cheek against the spot she'd kissed. No, she certainly wasn't being her typical withdrawn self. The tension in his body was so strong, she could feel the air stirring about him.
He took a deep, shuddering breath. “Go back to bed.” His voice was rough and tight.
She kissed his back again. “Why? So you can stand out here alone and brood?"
"You wouldn't understand."
"Try me."
He stood there barely breathing for so long, she wondered if he was going to speak or not.
"I led the team that rescued Colin's wife and son. The boy was two at the time. The kidnappers had no intention of letting either of them go alive. We got to them in time to save little Bradley."
She tightened her arms about his waist. “Was his mother dead by the time you reached them?"
"No. It might have been easier if she had been, though. We solar-lifted her to the nearest medical facility. She lived long enough to see her husband and son back together. She—” His voice broke. “She called me her hero."
The last few words came out in a whisper as though it hurt him to say them. Lexi sucked in her breath as tears burned her eyes. Loosening her grip, she ducked under his arm and wedged herself between his body and the handrail. She laid her head on his chest and wrapped her arms around him. He let go of the railing and wrapped her in his embrace.
He kissed the top of her head before resting his chin on it. “How could she call me that?"
She leaned back so she could see his eyes. Reaching up with one hand, she placed it gently against his cheek. “I can't think of anything worse than dying and not knowing your child is safe with the people who love him. You gave her that peace. In her eyes, you were her hero."
Dustin looked down into her eyes, and the old pain melted away. This woman was soft and warm in his arms, yet she had the strength of forged steel. Every time he thought she couldn't surprise him again, she did. The hand she rested against his chest moved, and he felt the shock wave of sexual tension he'd lived with since seeing her at his office flow through his body like a typhoon across the ocean.
Her body tensed as he lowered his mouth toward hers. The smell of her was intoxicating, better than the finest aged whiskey. Her sharp intake of air sent a rush of masculine pride through him that took him by surprise. He wasn't used to the need to be close to one specific woman or to the intense need to claim her.
He hesitated before capturing her mouth with his. There was something different about this woman and this moment. He knew if his lips touched hers now, his life would never be the same. Did he dare cross into the unknown?
Her hand brushed across his bare chest, and she leaned into him. Her heat scorched his body as her scent wrapped around him, drawing him in, calling to him on a level he never knew existed.
He lowered his mouth to hers. He had no choice but to follow his heart down a path he never considered taking. The softness of her lips, the subtlety of her body, the way she gave herself up to him was like a five-course meal to a starving man. Her hands grazed across his body, leaving a trail of fire as she wrapped them around his neck.
Dustin groaned, deepened the kiss, and backed her against the porch railing. He didn't stop until their bodies were flush from chest to hips. His hands moved to the hem of her shirt, and he soon learned it was all she wore. Slowly, he traced her spine, savoring the little tremors that wracked her body. She moved her hips against him, and his body responded even when he thought it wasn't possible for him to become any harder.
Wrapping one arm around her waist, he held her close as he trailed a hand down her back across her firm rear end. She jerked as his fingers trailed down her crease to the back of her thigh. Lifting her leg, he guided it around his hip until her warm, wet center was pressed tightly against him. Ever so slowly, he moved his hand back to where her leg joined her hip, stopping only when his fingers touched the spot that made her quiver in his arms. His heart beat wildly as he drew his fingers through her wetness. It was mind-blowing to know he was capable of bringing her to such a level of passion.
She broke the kiss as her entire body tensed. “Dustin."
Her voice was husky, hiding none of the sexual tension he knew she was experiencing.
"What?"
"You know what?” Her hands moved downward toward the fly of his jeans.
He knew if she managed to free him, this would be over quickly, and he wasn't ready for a quick ending. Moving his hand, he guided one finger deep into her warmth. The sound she made was something between a moan and a scream. Her hands gripped his biceps as he pulled the same finger almost out of her.
She whimpered as he waited a heartbeat before plunging it back in. Her breath caught, and her eyes glazed over. He smiled as he lowered his mouth to the soft spot below her ear. He kissed and teased the area until he felt her body start to move on its own.
Kissing his way to her ear, he whispered. “I want you, Lexi. More than I've ever wanted anyone."
She became restless in his arms, trying to get to his zipper, forcing him to pull her tightly against him again.
"Not yet,” he cautioned
"Dustin, please."
The wetness on his hand and the lust he heard in her voice were almost his undoing. He pulled back enough so he could see her face. “I want to see you shatter into a million pieces under the moonlight."
She smiled as she pulled the shirt over her head. “Come here."
Placing her hands on his hips she guided him closer so they were pressed tighter together. Spreading her arms wide, she gripped the railing behind her. He caught her gaze, and she gave him a slight smile as she started to move. Before long, she closed her eyes and tipped her head back as sounds of pleasure filled the night air.
Moonlight turned her skin silver as it danced across her moving form. Carefully, he moved his fingers, slipping two inside her tight body and ripping a cry from her. He brushed the palm of his free hand over one hard nipple and watched as she lost herself to the moment.
He passed his palm over her nipple again, and her body tightened around his fingers. The sensual dance Lexi performed entranced him. She tilted her head back as her body tensed and arched. Finally, she shattered in the bright moonlight, and he knew what it was to hold perfection.
Catching her in his arms, he carried her to the wicker chaise behind them on the covered porch and laid her on it. She watched as he stripped out of his jeans, and he couldn't quite decipher the look in her eyes.
She held out her arms to him. “Come here."
Dustin covered her body with his as he buried himself deep inside her. In that single moment of clarity, he knew the only place on this earth he wanted to be was wherever Lexi Corbitt was.
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Chapter Ten
The sound of his PCD buzzing like a wild banshee jerked Dustin from the most peaceful sleep he'd ever experienced. He extracted himself from where Lexi s
lept draped across his body and reached for his jeans to remove the PCD from the pocket.
"Hello.” His voice was a short, harsh whisper as he noticed the sun starting to rise across the lake.
"Someone broke into the shop last night, Dustin.” Colin's voice was filled with concern.
Dustin felt as if a bucket of ice water had just been dumped over his head washing away the lingering bliss from the night before. He shook Lexi to wake her as he kept talking. “Did they get any usable information?"
"I don't think so, but they took the brain out of the transport unit."
"I'm guessing they're looking for where we transported from your location."
"Good thing you didn't go anywhere, but you still need to get moving."
"We'll be out of here in ten minutes.” He disconnected and turned to prod Lexi into moving only to find her already getting dressed. “When you finish dressing, go to the kitchen and pack us some food. We won't stop unless we have to."
She pulled on her shirt and grabbed her shoes before heading out of the room. When she was gone, he finished dressing. Reaching for his gun, he noticed a tremor in his hand. He clenched it into a fist to stop the movement and wondered why this case felt so different. Why he felt so different.
Uneasiness settled into the pit of his stomach like a meteor rock, and he knew it wouldn't be easy to dismiss. This case had already changed him, just like saving Bradley had done. He just wasn't ready to admit how deep the change went.
Holstering his gun, he walked through the house and gathered the few items they might need. Outside, he placed them in the glider. The door to the house closed, and he looked up to see Lexi carrying two large bags.
Going to meet her halfway, he took one of the bags. “Did you pack all the food in the house?"
She gave him a wary smile. “Almost. You didn't tell me how long to pack for.” She handed him her bag after he'd stored his, then turned and ran back into the house, calling over her shoulder. “I need to get one more thing."
A minute later, Lexi reappeared carrying two large travel mugs of hot coffee. Bless her, he thought as she walked toward him. He took the cup from her, giving her a slow, sexy smile. He sipped the hot liquid and closed his eyes, savoring the moment. When he opened them again, he caught her studying him. The look on her face was so damn sweet, it almost ripped his heart out. He wanted her, and it wasn't just in a sexual way. No, he wanted to wake up next to her every day, hear her laugh at something silly he'd said, and most of all, he wanted to see her heavy with his child.
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