Reign of Fire

by Casi McLean

  Sliding into the driver’s seat, he looked at the amazing woman sitting next to him, a woman he would now protect with his life. He turned the key in the ignition then glanced over his shoulder at Duke. “Looks like your brother has a new family member. Something tells me the two of them will get along very well. They’re both cut from the same cloth.”

  “No kidding.” Emily gazed at Duke. “You’re gonna love Wyatt, boy. I promise.”

  ***

  Harper’s plan to reveal and eliminate Deep Throat had scenarios flashing through Ash’s thoughts. Logan agreed to be the bait, knowing full well the danger involved. At this point, he had little left to risk––aside from his life. His family lay in the crosshairs of this conspiracy and he’d do anything he could to save them. The meeting would take place at 10:00 p.m. on the Battery Kemble Park hilltop and posh neighborhoods surrounding the venue assured an empty park that late in the evening.

  As a boy, Ash found that hill to be the best sledding spot in the DC area, and fond memories rumbled through his thoughts as Harper laid out the plan specifics. He knew the area well, which would be to their advantage. But the more he heard, the more convinced he was that Deep Throat planned to kill Logan before the liability interfered with The Association’s agenda. A silenced shot in the affluent neighborhood would be quick and clean. No one would suspect a rogue government faction had anything to do with the murder.

  Ash had seen enough corruption in the MPD. Dirty cops on the take threatened the reputation of the entire force, but Internal Affairs had flushed out and dealt with the bad seeds for as long as he could remember. The Federal government set up checks and balances, too, but stealth corruption flies under the radar. They can’t investigate what they don’t know exists.

  The Association rotted the government from the inside out. They kept their sinister secrets quiet with bribes, blackmail, and eliminating threats. As far as Ash could surmise, Gunny Steel had outlived his value and eliminating the pawn to protect the king was their obvious next move.

  Beads of sweat lined the edge of Logan’s forehead. “If I go down, please…promise me you’ll save my family from this mess.”

  “You can do this.” Emily assured him.

  “If The Association intends to silence you, positioning a sniper at this secret meeting makes perfect sense.” Harper locked her gaze with Steel’s. “But we’re five steps ahead of them. We have two NCIS expert sharpshooters in place. They scan the area hours ago and have already set up a perch and are in position. Wyatt will plant himself on the hillside as number three.”

  “Damn. One expert would be sufficient. Why the overkill. Do you know something I don’t?”

  “Civilians could arrive unexpectedly, and Emily will be there too. We want to be sure we have every angle covered.” Ash squeezed his shoulder. “Once we nail this guy, you’ll be out of their clutches and back with your wife and son. Like Emily said, you can do this. Besides, you’ll have a vest. Your vital organs will be protected.”

  “Not my head.” A large vein in his neck pulsated.

  “Hey, maybe your contact just wants to assign you another job.” Ash dug his fingers through his hair. He didn’t believe the statement and knew Steel wouldn’t either. “Look. I get you’re nervous. This whole situation sucks. Not one of us blames you for putting your family first.” He watched Logan’s body language. Damn. If Ash’s family stood in the crosshairs, he’d feel exactly the same way. “This meeting will confirm Deep Throat’s identity. Once we know that, NCIS can at least expose the chain of command. But we can’t proceed with our plan or help your family if you bail on us now.”

  Logan kicked a chair halfway across the room. “The entire stream of events was my fault.” He stared at Ash then glanced at Harper. “I’m sorry, Director. I would be going into this blind if not for you…all of you. I should be thanking you, not throwing a temper tantrum.”

  “Apology accepted.” Harper raised a brow. “Now, does everyone understand their assignments?”

  “Ash and I will walk Duke along the trail as if we are neighbors out for a stroll.” Emily gazed at Duke curled in the corner sleeping. “We’ll have eyes on the hilltop, too.”

  Glaring at Emily, Harper forced a cough. “And…”

  “And, I don’t leave the path or approach the hill for any reason.”

  “If I say hit the dirt, you go down and ask questions later. Understood?” Ash pinched his eyebrows together. He didn’t like including Emily in this plan, but he knew she’d go on her own if they tried to exclude her. Better that she was within his grasp if the night turned deadly. Reaching into his pocket, he withdrew the ring and handed it to Logan. “You’ll need this.”

  Steel nodded, took the ring, and stuffed it into his pocket.

  Harper turned to Wyatt. “You’ve got the hill covered, right?”

  “Sniper one, at the base of the hill in the brush. Two will be positioned just past the parking lot and I’ll be on the far side of the hill. We’re good.”

  “Perfect. For now, I’ll stay here with Gunny Steel and Duke. Wyatt, since you and Emily have had little to no rest in the past two days, I suggest you head back to your hotel and get a few hours of shut-eye. That goes for you too, Ash. If anything changes, I’ll call you. If not, we’ll meet back here at eighteen hundred hours.”

  “Got it.” Wyatt glanced at his watch. “Ash, can you take Em and I to the Marriott? We can catch a cab and meet you back here at 5:45.”

  “Yeah, about that.” Emily twisted a smile. “I checked out of the Marriott when I was playing Alyssa, but your reservations are still intact.” She shifted her gaze to Ash.

  Without giving her a chance to explain further, he broke in. “Emily can crash at my place. We’ll drop you off at the hotel then pick you up say around 5:30.” He turned and raised his brows for approval. “Will that work for you Emily?”

  She nodded. “Absolutely.”

  “Okay then.” Wyatt’s glare sent daggers. “You take good care of my little sister, Frasier.” Leaning in closer, he whispered. “Or I’ll burn your ass.”

  Chapter Twenty-Four

  “I hope you didn’t mind me stepping into your conversation with Wyatt.” Ash closed the driver door and turned the ignition before glancing at Emily. Damn he hoped she didn’t think his advances earlier that afternoon came from a testosterone-pumped ego––or worse, that he stopped because he lost the desire. God, he never wanted a woman so much in his life.

  Why did he have to meet her under these horrific circumstances? Should he trust her passion? From all indications Emily wanted him as much as he wanted her…but he knew grief-stricken behavior couldn’t be trusted. He treasured her too much to risk losing her.

  Thoughts churning, he turned right onto George Washington Memorial Parkway. Twice raw lust tempted his restraint. He summoned all his resolve to halt the sensual stream of hot desire. One more episode and…he wouldn’t be responsible for what arose. A man could only hold back so much before he exploded.

  “Not at all. Thanks for jumping in.” She splayed a hand across his thigh. “I love my brother, but I kinda wanted to spend more time with you…maybe finish what we started?”

  Her coy smile sparked a wave of heat whirling into Ash’s groin. Damn. Did she have any idea what she did to him? He had to tell her. Gripping the steering wheel tighter, he flashed her a gaze. “About this afternoon…I––”

  “You don’t have to say anything, Ash.” She squeezed his thigh. “I know how you feel, and I love your concern. Losing my sister was like losing part of my heart, but my grief has nothing to do with my feelings for you…or my decision to engage in a physical relationship. I’m not sure what’s happening between us…but I know I want you…all of you.”

  Damn. He did a double take. Had she read his thoughts? He’d totally forgotten about her psychic abilities. “You know what I’m thinking?” Widening his eyes, he flashed an apprehensive look. The thought she could read his mind had never occurred to him before now,
and he wasn’t sure how he felt about her perception. An odd swirl of vulnerability coiled in his stomach and fired a burst of prickles into his hands and feet.

  A scowl washed over her face. “No…no, I wouldn’t do that even if I had the ability––which I don’t. I just meant this connection between us has me as stunned as you.”

  By rote, he took the Spout Run exit toward Lynn Street.

  “I’m not in the habit of jumping the bones of every man I meet. Whatever drew us together hit both of us with reckless abandon, but I’m fully aware of my actions.” She paused, gazing at him with an encouraging stare. “I’m pretty sure you pulled away from our tête-à-tête today because you didn’t want me to have any regrets. Am I wrong?”

  “Our tête-à-tête?” Raising a brow, he smiled. “You are a writer…and no, you’re not wrong. I’m glad you can’t read my mind, though. Living in a glass house never hit me as a plausible lifestyle. That kind of exposure might be difficult to live with. A man often fantasizes situations he wouldn’t likely confess to others.”

  Her pink lips parted slightly as she bit on the lower corner. “So does a woman. Perhaps we could share our fantasies sometime?” Her hand edged from his thigh up his leg into his groin, and she rubbed her fingers softly over his now-bulging pants.

  He shifted his position, attempting to shift his attention to the road over her carnal innuendo as well as his involuntary reaction. Damn. Focus Ash. From US-50W/Arlington Blvd, he veered onto the Rosslyn exit. All bets were off now. In full control of her actions, she knew what she wanted and still tempted him further.

  Emily ran her hand over his jeans and fumbled with the button until it unfastened, then she inched down the zipper. Locking her gaze on his face, she drew a finger into her mouth, whirled it around her tongue then slid her hand down his T-shirt and slipped it over the ridges of his hardened erection, swirling her dampened finger in circles over the tip.

  “Holy shit, Em. Do you have any idea what you do to me?” He couldn’t hold back his quivers.

  Her smile deepened. “I hope so.”

  Heat flushed his cheeks, and he stiffened, battling between his ravenousness hunger, sensibilities, and common sense. Could he pull over right here? He glanced around. No. At least not in broad daylight. His condo only minutes away, he held his breath to tamp down his reaction. Only a little farther. The Atrium Condominiums had underground parking, and this time of day the garage would have little if any activity. Could he wait? Oh, dear God, he wanted her. His attention clung to the road ahead, while the pleasure she evoked erupted. “Emily.”

  Withdrawing her hand, she tugged his zipper upward. “I don’t want you to get in an accident.” She sighed. “I just wanted to give you a little incentive...something to look forward to.”

  “You do realize I’m a cop, right?” Drawing in a deep breath, he held it several beats, challenging his body to relax.

  “Yes, officer. I’m fully aware of your profession.” Again, she flashed a flirtatious grin.

  “I’m not saying I didn’t enjoy every second of that teaser.” He turned into the property toward the garage entry. “But a drunk-driving ticket might be bit hard to explain.”

  “What? You weren’t drunk…a breathalyzer-test would prove your innocence.” Emily pooched her lips together into a tantalizing pout.

  Ash parked in his assigned spot, opened the driver side door then poked his head back inside. “Clearly my dear, you have no idea what an intoxicating aura radiates around you.” He closed the door then scooted behind the car to the passenger side. Opening the door, he continued the banter. “Perhaps you wouldn’t mind if I reciprocate when we get upstairs?”

  “Oh. I’d be disappointed if you didn’t.”

  He chuckled. “Shall we?”

  The moment the elevator doors closed, Ash drew Emily into a strong embrace. “Seriously, Emily. I want you more than any woman I’ve ever known.” He leaned in, his mouth covering hers, and he kissed her long and deep. His heart pounded against his chest so hard, he felt sure she could hear the thump thumping. When the doors opened again, he glanced at the buttons, his lips still bound with hers. Tenth floor. He drew back, breathed in deeply then took her hand and stepped into the empty hallway. One glance at her and again, his mouth covered hers.

  She thrust her body against his, and he lifted her. Legs linking around his waist, she gathered his hair into her fist and tugged him closer.

  Edging down the hallway, he gazed briefly at the numbers until he reached his condo. Key already in hand, he waved the card over the sensor, and the door opened. Once inside, he shoved it with a foot behind him. He strode forward as if entranced, drinking in her passion as his thirst deepened. Ash sat on the edge of his bed with Emily still draped around him. “You sure about this?”

  Smiling, she nodded.

  ***

  “I’ve never been more sure of anything in my life.” Grasping the hem of his T-shirt, she tugged upward.

  He raised his hands to assist, lifted her shirt over her head then unclasped her bra in one fluid motion.

  Pushing him softly until he laid back onto the bed, she tugged on his waistband and yanked the already unfastened jeans downward. A warm heat swirled between her thighs…her need so strong the stinging tingle sent waves shooting down her arms and legs.

  Ash lifted his hips to contribute to her cause, his gaze locked on hers as she undressed him. Shoes…socks…jeans…boxers.

  When she finished, she kicked off her own shoes, climbed on top and straddled him. Her long dark locks draped over her breasts so only her nipples peeked through.

  “Dear God. You’re so beautiful.” He unclasped her jeans, slid them beneath her bottom then lowered her onto the bed beside him. Her pants removed, he leaned forward and kissed her lips softly then roamed over her face stopping to kiss every feature…her eyes, her nose, her forehead and cheeks, then down her neck. Breasts already hard, she clung to his hands as his warm lips pressed softly, exciting every inch along the way. He nibbled, licked then twirled his tongue until she writhed with pleasure, while his hands explored her body, grazing every sensual spot she had. “Ash…oh Ash, don’t stop.” Her breath caught in her throat and she gasped.

  He nibbled down her belly to her already dampened panties then tugged with his teeth. Emily groaned with delight as he teased her, his tongue blazing a burning trail until she burst with pleasure. She begged him for more, her need reaching a crescendo. “Please, Ash,” she whispered. “I want you…now.” Clenching the comforter in her fists, she stiffened, her urgency building with the pounding of her heart reverberating in her ears.

  His hands slipped beneath her panties then slid them off.

  As his body pressed against her, her need spiked and she arched upward to meet him. In a flurry of molten passion, they thrust together. The beat of her heart thudded in her ears as they rocked in rhythm…like the rippling waves dancing across the lake she adored. Their hands clasped, he stretched them above her head, his tousled hair dusting across her forehead with every lunge. His skin glistened, sliding over hers, drawing them closer, and locking their embrace. When he released, their desire exploded together.

  “Are you okay?”

  She sensed concern lacing his voice. “Mmmm.” Emily’s body melted into the comforter, her limbs heavy, and she basked in the afterglow. “I’ve never felt better.”

  He rolled away, tucked her under his right arm and, draping it down her back, he held her close.

  She nuzzled into the crook, her head resting on his muscular chest, and she listened to his heart still pounding against his ribcage. “How about you?”

  Ash ran his hand over her back. “I’m…more relaxed than I’ve been in a long time.”

  “Time…oh my gosh, what time is it?” She gazed upward to see his satisfied grin and closed eyes.

  He lifted his left arm and peeked at his watch. “We have another hour to kill. I can think of a lot we could accomplish in an hour…how about you?”

/>   She giggled. At the thought of a repeat performance, her pulse kicked up several notches. Dear God, never had a man sent such quivers into sensual places she didn’t know existed. She yearned for more. “I’m ready if you are.”

  Chapter Twenty-Five

  By the time the team readied and positioned themselves into their assigned posts, dusk had dusted Battery Kemble Park and the crisp March air sunk between the trees, cloaking the foot of the hill with an ominous chill. Emily sat next to Ash on a park bench tucked into the brush alongside the path, watching as he and Duke played a gentle tug-of-war game with a random stick. “He seems so much better than a few hours ago.”

  “Once Quint stitched his wound and gave him some fluids, he bounced back quickly. Of course, the shot of lidocaine didn’t hurt either. I’m sure he still feels some pain, but Duke’s a trouper. Aren’t you, boy?” He ruffled the dog’s furry head.

  Emily smiled in agreement. Glancing around the perimeter, she could easily see the top of the hill where Logan planned to meet the mysterious Deep Throat allegedly to obtain new Association orders.

  Despite her knowledge of their approximate locations, Emily couldn’t detect the two trusted NCIS sharpshooters, Parker Teal and Victor Price, or Wyatt. Well camouflaged by the brush, each perched at their assigned positions armed with weapons and ear buds so small the devices were virtually invisible.

  Had this outing been any other night, the ambiance would have again lured her into falling under Ash’s inexplicable spell. Cherry blossoms dotted the path, and a spray of new green leaves danced on the soft evening breeze. A perfect night for romance, had circumstances not dictated a bleaker reality on the horizon. Fitting how this new Constitutional conflict loomed over a Civil War battery…a battlefield so drenched in American history, Emily could almost hear the ghostly murmurs of Union soldiers whispering on the wind.

  He’s coming. Don’t let him destroy what so many fought and died to preserve.