Den leaned his forearms against the porch railing, his expression resigned. “We give him until tomorrow morning. If we don’t hear back, we come up with another plan.”
Jacoby couldn’t get to resigned. He was stuck second-guessing every move they’d made up to this point. One thing he was sure of... They should’ve gotten out earlier.
They’d left it too late and now they were up against a ticking clock. And that was all on him. Whenever Den had wanted to plot or plan, he’d said to wait, that there’d be more than enough time to do what they needed.
But then Den’s mom had taken a turn for the worse and they’d been assigned to guard Kari.
And Den had fallen in lust and Jacoby... Well, he’d kept his distance. He couldn’t afford to let sex get in the way of his sister’s life. He had to be focused and ready for anything.
Which meant he’d already fucked up because he hadn’t been ready to be pulled off Kari’s protection detail. He’d thought they’d have more time.
Or maybe it’d been wishful thinking.
Yeah, thinking about how you wanted to get her in your bed.
Shit. Just...shit. He needed to stop thinking about sex and start thinking about what the hell they were going to do if Plan A fell through.
They’d had to be careful when they made the phone call. Kari had used her magic to trick the cameras into showing the same fifteen-minute loop but he’d been worried that someone might pick up on the fact that they appeared to be so inactive for so long. He didn’t want anyone to get suspicious and send their replacements sooner.
That meant she’d had to talk fast and give only the most essential information. Where all the players were located and when their replacements would show up.
Apparently, the man on the other end of the phone hadn’t been all that worried about her. At least, he hadn’t heard any concern in the deep voice from the other end.
Didn’t she have anyone in her life who cared about her?
And why the hell did that matter?
“Jack. We need to figure something out.”
Jacoby looked over his shoulder at the door to the cabin. Kari was taking a shower and even though he had so much other shit on his brain, he couldn’t stop thinking about her naked and wet.
“Jack?”
He dragged his gaze away from the door and met Den’s. “I should warn my sister.”
Den sighed and shook his head. “We talked about this. You know you can’t. It has to go down this way.” “She’s going to be terrified.” “But she’ll be safe.” “We still don’t know if the wolves will agree to help.”
The plan they’d cobbled together required the wolves to snatch his sister and Den’s mom practically off the street. To say it’d be practically impossible was an understatement. His sister had a personal guard at all times. Den’s mother barely ever left her home and, if she did, only with her husband. And they had to put this whole operation together in a few hours while managing to keep up the appearance that he and Den weren’t planning to turn on their friends and family in the most unforgiveable way possible. Den’s mother might never forgive him. But at least she had the possibility of surviving the mysterious disease that was killing her. His sister... Emelia had been sheltered her entire life and they were about to uproot her and give her over to the people she’d been taught to view as the enemy. She was twenty-one and had never traveled more than a few miles from her home. He and Den would never be safe to be around. The Mal would hunt them relentlessly. “Jack.” Den’s blade-sharp tone cut through the fog in his brain. “Control it, man. You’re about to blow.” Holy shit. His gaze dropped to his hands, clenched into fists on top of the railing. The wood below was scorched. A few more minutes and he might’ve set the whole damn porch on fire. With a power no one but Den knew he had. “I need to walk it off.” Den’s hand clamped on his shoulder before he could walk away. “Don’t go far.” The unease he saw in Den’s eyes made Jacoby’s guilt increase. Den had enough worry about. He didn’t need to add to the weight on his friend’s shoulders. Nodding, he stepped off the porch and started to walk.
*****
Den watched Jacoby stalk off into the woods surrounding the cabin. He could sense his friend’s raging uncertainties but had no idea how to ease them because he was dealing with the same.
But they couldn’t stop now. The plan they’d set in motion needed to progress if they had any hope of getting his mom and Jacoby’s sister out.
And keeping Kari safe.
“What’s wrong with Jacoby? He’s upset.”
Turning, he saw Kari standing in the doorway to the cabin, her gaze following Jacoby as he disappeared into the trees.
“Nothing. He’s fine. How are you, Lady Kari?”
Her smile made his cock harden.
How the fuck was he supposed to keep his head in the game when all he wanted to do was strip her naked and pound her against the nearest flat surface?
He supposed he should be respectful. She was a goddess, after all. But he only saw the woman, which would probably be his downfall. The ancient myths and legends were filled with stories of men who foolishly thought they could screw around with the gods and get out alive.
He should probably take that into consideration the next time he thought about putting his hands on her.
“I’m fine, thank you. I just needed a little fresh air. It’s gotten so much colder just in the last few days. I’d love to have a fire tonight.”
“Of course.” Den bowed his head. “Anything you’d like.”
“Well, now, that’s a leading statement, isn’t it?”
Shit. He really needed to watch his mouth. The Mal could still send their replacements tomorrow and that would fuck up everything they were trying to accomplish.
But he hadn’t been able to get this morning’s kiss off his mind. The memory popped into his head at least every five minutes and was getting harder and harder to ignore. He should’ve told Jacoby, should’ve come clean but... Jacoby had way too much on his mind already. Den just needed to hold it together for a few more days. Then he could let her burn him to ash if that’s what she wanted. After she and his mother and Jacoby’s sister were out. “I’m sorry, Den, I didn’t mean to make you uncomfortable.” “You didn’t. At least, not in a way I don’t enjoy.” And there was that smile again. The one that made him want to say “fuck it” to everything, drop to his knees and worship her with his mouth right here on the porch. Jacoby would probably have a seizure when he got back. Then again, maybe it would be the push he needed to admit he had the same feelings for this woman, this goddess who appeared to want him as much as he wanted her. Den would have no problem sharing her with his best friend. He’d be happy to have any part of her at all. He knew it wouldn’t last, that he’d only be a temporary plaything for her. He’d be good with that. “Why don’t you come back inside? I’ll help you build that fire. We can talk.” His gaze narrowed. “Talk about what?” Usually when people wanted to talk, it was bad news. She shrugged. “I’d just like to know more about you.” Pushing away from the porch railing where he’d been leaning, he waved her ahead of him into the cabin and headed for the rustic stone fireplace in the center of the room. “There’s not much to tell. I’m a soldier. When I graduated from high school, I went straight into training. When I finished after two years, I got my assignment and I’ve been living here in New York ever since.” “Do you like working for the Mal?” He set up the fire and put a match to the paper beneath the logs before he answered. Gave him time to think about his answer. “It’s all I’ve ever known. The first four years, I worked building security until someone higher up realized I had a few more brains than the average grunt.” Curling herself into the corner of the couch in front of the fireplace, she patted the cushion next to her. He really wanted to take it. He also didn’t want to test his restraint. So he left that seat open and took the one on the other end. It left a couple of feet between them and did nothing to help his restraint. Not when she looked
so damn sexy. Before he’d met her, he’d thought sexy meant anorexic women in expensive underwear. Now... She wore a long-sleeved, v-neck t-shirt that clung to her full breasts and made it clear she wasn’t wearing a bra. Her skirt was loose and fringed and hid her legs to just above her ankles but still showed off her curved hips. He couldn’t think of any woman who would tempt him more right now. Especially with that smile that made it clear she knew what he was doing and exactly what he was thinking. “You’re not just muscle, though, are you?” Tricky question. And one he couldn’t answer honestly. There were some things he couldn’t even trust to tell her. “I’m a soldier.” Her smile tilted in a way that told him she understood what he wasn’t saying. “So how long have you and Jacoby known each other?” The question threw him for a second. “Since grade school.” “Private, I assume. The Mal don’t sent their children to just any school, do they?” “I thought you said you didn’t know much about the Mal?”
“That makes me a bad goddess, doesn’t it? We’re supposed to love all our subjects. You have to admit, some are easier to love than others, though.”
Especially those who worshipped you and didn’t kidnap you so they could force you to give your powers to your successor.
And this was a conversation they probably shouldn’t be having now.
“Would you like to watch TV, Lady?”
Again, her smile made his gut hollow and his cock jerk in his pants.
Fuck.
“I’m good just watching the fire for now, but thank you, Den.”
And he was fine sitting here watching her. Waiting for a call that let him know their plan was a go.
*****
Kari forced herself to keep her gaze on the fire instead of staring longingly at Den. If anyone was watching, they’d surely see the hunger in her eyes and that could lead to questions and questions could lead to the Mal thinking maybe they needed to get new guards in place immediately. And nothing had been set in motion yet for the rescue of Den and Jacoby’s family.
Even though she had no plans to stay here without these two men, she didn’t want anything to happen to their loved ones. Especially not if she somehow caused them harm.
So she sat quietly, watched the flames dance and hoped Sal came through. It would take time to set up a plan but she had faith that Sal could do it. The salbinelli had hundreds of years of experience as a master gamesman. If the CIA ever enticed him to work for them, the United States would know every secret of every world leader.
He was just that good. The timing of everything was the problem.
Sighing, she realized she’d just have to wait for things to play out. Though she really wasn’t a patient person.
Den, on the other hand, seemed perfectly at home with stillness. Jacoby was more like her, though he had way more control.
Like now. She wanted to jump Den’s bones, let him strip her naked on the couch so she could ride him right in front of the fire.
Another sigh, this time louder and more heartfelt.
Tinia’s teat, she was horny.
The sound of footsteps on the front porch made her turn toward the door as her heart began to beat just a little harder.
And when Jacoby pushed open the door and walked through, she had to suck in air.
Had she really been so deprived in the past few years that she was practically panting over these men?
Or was there just something different about them?
He strode straight for the couch, for them, his gaze flipping to the camera in the corner for a millisecond before flashing at her then locking with Den’s.
“Tomorrow night.”
She didn’t understand what he was saying right away but Den sat forward, as if he was going to stand, then thought better of it.
He nodded instead and watched Jacoby walk around to the fireplace and thrust his hands out toward the heat.
“The lucani will take care of the rest.”
She had trouble hearing him because of the way he was standing and she realized that was deliberate. His voice was pitched just low enough that it wouldn’t be picked up by the cameras.
“Seriously?” Den sounded shocked. “Do you think we can trust them?”
Jacoby’s shoulders lifted and fell. “Doesn’t matter at this point. It’s out of our hands.”
Den’s big body tensed and all his nervous energy transmitted to her in waves of anxiety. She couldn’t ignore it. She reached for his hand, clenched into a fist on his thigh, sliding her fingers around his and releasing her powers to do what she’d been created to do. The force of his fear hit her like a punch to the gut and she sucked in a sharp gasp. Closing her eyes, she opened herself to it and let it in, let it fill her with its toxic power as it drained from Den. She vaguely heard Den mutter, “What the fuck,” before he attempted to draw away his hand. She tightened her hold on him, keeping his hand in place. “Kari, what—” “Quiet.” Her voice held a command she barely ever used anymore. Never really had to. Most people who came to her for aid or who she helped without their knowledge were happy to have a respite from the emotional pain they lived with on a constant basis. Den fell silent but he wanted to resist her. That wasn’t acceptable. Lifting her chin, she looked into his eyes, smiling when he didn’t look away. “Let me in.” Her thumb stroked over the back of his hand, the warmth of his skin seeping into her own. “This is who I am. It’s what I do. Let me help.” “Den?” The sharpness of Jacoby’s tone didn’t distract her, she kept her focus squarely where it was needed at the moment. She’d deal with Jacoby in a few seconds. “Just let go, Den. You don’t need to carry all that weight.” He was carrying so much anxiety, so much of it buried for so long, it nearly overwhelmed her. Or maybe she was just out of practice. It’d been a few years since she’d come up against anyone with walls as thick as Den’s. Most of the people she helped had reached a point where they were so desperate for any kind of help, they let her in immediately. She didn’t have to fight them for access. Den wasn’t fighting but he wasn’t giving in either. She supposed that’s what made him such a strong soldier. Jacoby would probably be the same. Would they understand that if she helped ease their anxiety they’d be able to think more clearly? Or would they see her interference as meddling? Pushing ahead, she maintained eye contact, searching for an opening, poking and prodding until she found a way in. And realized it was only because he allowed her in. The thought filled her with joy and she pushed that emotion through that opening, watching Den as some of the darkness lifted from his expression. He allowed her connection to continue for several long seconds as she took some of his mental burden and replaced it with something lighter, sunnier. She felt herself sinking deeper, felt the darkness taking over but she could tell he wasn’t completely healed. “Kari.” She felt him start to pull away and gripped him even tighter. “Lady Kari, let him go.” Jacoby grabbed her shoulders and pulled her back as Den finally tugged his hand away from hers with an audible gasp. “Jack, catch her.” She had no idea what they were talking about. She only knew she hadn’t finished and she needed to finish what she’d started. The well inside her hadn’t been filled and it wanted more. That secret well she never told anyone about, not even her sister, though she suspected Amity knew it was there. That dark well wanted more. As she closed her eyes, Jacoby pulled her away from Den and folded his arms around her to draw her into his body. His rock-solid chest pressed against her back and now she was hit with a whole other set of sensations. Jacoby held a pit of sadness that exceeded Den’s anxiety. And that dark well leaped for it eagerly.
Letting her head fall back against Jacoby’s shoulder, she turned and put her lips against the bare skin of his neck. He shuddered at the contact, lust roaring up along with the sorrow, making her power giddy with anticipation. “Oh, fuck.” Jacoby’s low curse fired her lust to an even greater degree, making that low burn in her gut spread throughout her body. Without thought, she turned into Jacoby’s warm strength, her mouth seeking his. “Kari, wait.” She didn’t want to w
ait. She wanted what she wanted and she wanted it now. She’d waited long enough. Rising onto her knees, she wrapped her arms around Jacoby’s neck and unerringly found his mouth with hers. He froze, his lips still beneath hers...but he didn’t push her away. His arms tightened just enough for her to know he wasn’t immune. So good to know she hadn’t lost her touch. Now to make him—no, make them give her exactly what she wanted. Sex. Adoration. Warmth. Comfort. Sweaty, steamy pleasure. Hot, athletic sex. These two men would be more than up to the task. And she wasn’t about to take no for an answer. They’d have to be gone by tomorrow afternoon at the latest, anyway. Who cared what anyone behind those cameras saw? It only added to the pleasure anyway. Rising onto her knees, she straddled Jacoby’s thighs and stared into his startled eyes. Yes, she saw resistance there, but she also saw desire and that’s what she focused on. She brought it to the surface and then fed her own into it. She saw the second it hit him, her lips curving into a smile as he gave himself over to it. And when he leaned in to kiss her, she met him halfway. Their lips meshed in a rush of heat, his hand coming up to hold the back of her head steady for his all-out erotic assault. It was her turn to moan as he opened his mouth over hers and kissed her like he wanted to inhale her. His tongue immediately invaded when she opened to him, sliding against her tongue with only one intent. He wanted to drag her down into that burning hot pit of lust with him. She had no problem following him down. Her hands wrapped around his neck as she turned her head, determined to give him more and better access. He kissed like he’d taken a master class in the subject and she found herself on the receiving end of unrequited lust. It hit her like a category-five hurricane, threatened to drown her. Every nerve ending in her body lit up and began to yearn for more. She didn’t plan to deny herself. Moving her hands into Jacoby’s hair, she tugged on the short strands, causing him to kiss her even harder. His hands, which he’d kept securely on her shoulders, crept down her arms. His tight hold made her want to struggle just so he’d have to grip her even tighter. She’d never been averse to a few ropes or even a paddle. Sometimes a little pain was a good thing. Right now, though, she felt nothing but pleasure. As Jacoby’s hands continued their way down her arms, she moved closer, pressing her breasts against the firm wall of his chest. The heat pouring off him made her want to strip down to bare skin so she could feel it all over. She breathed in through her nose, not wanting to break contact with his mouth. All she could smell was him. Male spice and something deeper, darker. When his hands reached her hips, he yanked her closer. The move left her gasping, and so turned on she thought she might actually come if he put his hands anywhere near her clit. She was so close to coming just from his kiss that she was beginning to feel a little embarrassed. And she was never embarrassed, especially not by sex. It was the most natural thing in the world. Nothing to hide and definitely worthy of being celebrated.
Where a Goddess Belongs Page 4
