Griff: Hell Squad #17

by Hackett, Anna

  A second later, two more Hawks swept into view, setting down beside Thom’s quadcopter. Hell Squad leaped out of one and Squad Nine out of the other.

  Hell Squad, with their lone female soldier, looked rough and hard as nails. Marcus Steele strode in front of them, his scarred face looking unhappy.

  Squad Nine consisted of four deadly women, who looked damn fine in their armor, backed up by the brawn of Roth and Theron.

  Roth and Marcus strode over, both men studying the situation around them.

  “What a fucking mess,” Roth said.

  “Shades of Howell,” Tane said unhappily.

  “All right, asshole, time to go.” Tane yanked Jasper to his feet.

  Sienna from Squad Nine stepped closer. She was shorter, with sexy curves, and dark hair pulled back from her face. She looked like she should be in a kitchen baking tasty treats, not dressed in armor with a carbine on her shoulder. She smiled and held up some plastic restraints. “I’ve got cuffs for everybody.”

  “Kinky,” Taylor called out.

  “That’s how I roll, bella,” Sienna replied with a sassy wink.

  From nearby, Sienna’s man Theron rolled his eyes.

  Tane raised his voice. “Everyone will be taken back to the Enclave.” He glared at Jasper. “Whatever you’ve been told about it is likely wrong.”

  “You’ll be questioned,” Marcus said to the man.

  Jasper stared at the ground.

  Once all the prisoners were detained, Hell Squad started sorting them into groups for transport.

  Marcus turned to the rest of the survivors. “You’ll have shelter at the Enclave.” His gravelly voice rumbled over the street. “You’ll get food, medicine, clothes.”

  “You’ll kill us,” someone called out. “You’re lying.”

  Hell Squad’s leader scowled. “I don’t know what these bastards have been telling you, but the Enclave is a base dedicated to protecting human survivors.”

  “The aliens say you guys give people to them as well.”

  “That’s a lie,” Marcus said. “The Enclave is a safe place. And we do not work with the aliens. We never hand over anyone to be killed.” He turned “Cruz, organize the survivors for transport. Work with Mac.”

  Hell Squad’s second-in-command nodded, and moved to join Squad Nine’s second.

  Boom.

  Everyone jolted and a few of the survivors screamed. Griff looked over and saw the ptero in flames. Hemi and Dom were sauntering back toward the group. Hemi was smiling and Dom looked impassive and scary as always.

  “Crazy berserkers,” Mac called out.

  Marcus shook his head and looked at Jasper. “Whatever you know about the aliens, you’ll share.”

  The man shot him a belligerent look. Griff scowled. Looked like the jerk was finding some bravado, now that he realized no one was going to kill him.

  Suddenly, Kath appeared. The woman reached out and grabbed Indy’s arm. “I know you think we’re all terrible and evil, but really, we were just scared.” The woman pulled in a breath. “I am sorry, Indy.”

  Indy nodded, exhaustion written across her face. “It’ll be okay now. You can have a fresh start.” Then Indy tilted her head. “Kath, if you have any info on the aliens, it could be helpful.”

  Kath swallowed.

  “A way to help. Make amends. For example, have you seen a large octagon made of black glass?”

  The woman’s eyes flared and Griff’s gut tightened.

  “Yes,” Kath said. “Once, I saw them with a black octagon.”

  * * *

  Indy lay in the bath, her head resting against the edge of the tub, soaking in the warm water and bubbles.

  Emerson had treated Indy’s face and wrists, and all the people from the town had been settled into the Enclave. Some were in cells, others had been issued quarters.

  It was damn lucky that Niko had the construction team working on fitting out some unused parts of the Enclave as new quarters. She bit her lip. The base hadn’t reached its limit yet, but she knew if they kept bringing in survivors, eventually they’d reach a point where the Enclave’s resources would be maxed out.

  She chewed on her lip. That was a problem for another time.

  Over the next few days, the Berrima residents would all be questioned. Others had already confirmed Kath’s story. They’d seen the aliens with the octagon several weeks back. It appeared that Jasper and his gang of enforcers knew more. Laura Bladon and her interrogation team would keep questioning them.

  Hopefully, they might get something that would help them find the octagon.

  Indy closed her eyes, and instantly she was back in the town, Jasper dragging her toward the raptors. She opened her eyes, staring at the ceiling, and blew out a breath. God, why did she keep reliving it, feeling the fear? She rubbed her still-raw wrists. Emerson had put some antiseptic cream on them. Her injuries hadn’t been severe enough for nanomeds.

  She’d known her squad would come for her. She hadn’t really been in much danger. And, of course, Griff had come for her. Her avenging angel.

  Okay, not an angel. He was too hard and badass to be an angel. A warrior.

  A shiver worked through her body and she rubbed her face. She kept having little panicky moments every time she thought of being back in that horrible situation.

  Time to get out of the tub before she turned into a prune.

  She pulled out the plug and climbed out. After drying off, she wrapped herself in her pretty emerald-green robe. It was silky and lovely. It had to have cost Griff a bunch of clothing credits. But she loved it and it made her feel happy.

  She was back in her living area when she heard a knock at the door.

  She opened it to find Griff in the corridor. He was freshly showered, in well-worn jeans, and a white T-shirt that looked glued onto his hard chest.

  Without saying a word, he brushed past her, striding in. She closed the door and watched him dominate her quarters. Tense, edgy energy throbbed off him.

  “You okay?” she asked.

  He turned. “I was going to ask you that.”

  She tucked a strand of wet hair back behind her ear. “Yes. No.” She blew out a breath. “I will be, eventually. It sucked.”

  He stepped forward and grabbed one of her hands. He stared at her raw wrist, a muscle ticking in his jaw. Then gently, he lifted it and pressed his lips to the mark.

  Indy’s breath hitched.

  He did the same to the other.

  “I’m okay, Griff,” she told him again.

  “You were chained. Helpless. Raptors right fucking there. That prick hit you.”

  She carefully watched his face, hearing the deep emotion underscoring his words. “Yes. But I knew you’d come. I knew you and the berserkers would save me.” She reached out, stroking her finger down his arm.

  “You were chained and you couldn’t get away.”

  At that moment, she realized there was more to this conversation. She pulled in a breath. “Is that how it felt in prison?”

  His gray eyes bored into hers.

  “And unlike me,” she continued, “you didn’t have the knowledge that someone was coming to rescue you.”

  His body was tense. “No. As a cop, I was a target. Hell, some of the people in there, I was the one who put them in there. There were fights. So many fights.” His tone was weary. “I had to be the toughest, hardest bastard in there to survive. Had to watch my back constantly.”

  God. Sympathy flooded her, but she knew he’d never accept it, so she kept it in check.

  “And the worst part was, I knew I’d never get out.” His words were a flat monotone. “I knew no one was coming for me.”

  His words made her heart hurt. She bit back all the words she wanted to say and moved closer. She hugged him hard, stroking her hands up his back. “You’re not there anymore.”

  “Shit, Indy, I came here to check on you. To make sure you were okay.”

  “Well, let’s make sure we’re both okay.�
��

  The quiet settled around them.

  “They’re questioning Jasper and his men?” she asked.

  Griff nodded. “Laura’s working them over. And she can be one scary redhead.”

  Indy looked up at him. “She’ll get them to spill what they know.”

  “Apparently the Gizzida have been spreading rumors to any small groups of survivors that the Enclave only looks out for itself and no one else. Sowing discord.”

  “Those bastards!”

  “Just a new tactic to use against us.”

  “You think Laura will get a lead on the octagon?”

  “Hope so.” He gripped her shoulders. “I should go. You need to get some sleep.”

  Suddenly, she didn’t want him to go. “Griff…”

  He patted her arm and headed for the door.

  Dammit. “I don’t want to be alone.”

  He stopped, his gaze moving to her face.

  She tightened the belt on her robe. “I don’t want to be in the rec room, or around people, either. But I don’t want to be alone.”

  He stared at her for a second. “A friend—”

  “Stay. Please? I…I just need you to hold me.”

  Another tense moment passed, then he moved back to her. He wrapped an arm around her and gently urged her to the bed. Before she could say anything, she watched as he toed off his boots. Next, he ripped his T-shirt over his head.

  Despite her tiredness, Indy’s heart went into top gear. Oh, God, that chest.

  But she didn’t get much of a look. The bed dipped and he stretched out beside her.

  When he pulled her in close to his hard, warm body—her back nestled against his chest—she let out a sigh.

  “Thanks.”

  “No matter what’s going on between us, I’ll always look out for you, Indy.”

  Warmth unfurled inside her. “Okay.” She blew out a breath, and for the first time since they’d returned from the mission, she finally felt her muscles relax.

  She looked at the wall and thought of her family.

  “I wish Gareth was here,” she murmured.

  Griff stiffened and didn’t say anything. She felt his jaw rub against her hair.

  “Sleep, Indy. You’re safe.”

  Chapter Nine

  Griff woke with his face buried in thick, dark hair that smelled like coconut and flowers. He shifted, glancing down. A slim arm, covered in red-and-green rose tattoos, was thrown over his chest. Vivid. Gorgeous.

  Indy.

  He was on his back, and she was plastered against him, half on top of him. Her robe had fallen open during the night, and he felt the weight of her bare breasts against his chest.

  He swallowed a groan, his cock hard as iron.

  Then he felt her lips move against his chest. He froze. Just an accident. But then that clever mouth started moving across his skin, peppering kisses.

  Now he groaned aloud. “You’re awake.”

  “I’m awake.” She licked his chest, her mouth moving over one of his nipples. She bit him lightly.

  Shit. He needed to find some control. He tangled his fingers in her hair and tugged her head up. “You need to stop.”

  “Why?” Her eyes were sexy, still slumberous from sleep. “I’m just getting started.”

  “Indy. You had a rough time yesterday. I won’t take advantage of that.”

  Her gaze narrowed on his face. “I want you, Griff. We’ve already waited long enough.”

  Her hand traced lower, over his abs, then kept sliding lower still. He grabbed her wrist before she found her target. He yanked her up his body and found her mouth with his.

  His tongue slid against hers, and she moaned. She kissed him back—deep and wild—their tongues tangling.

  Griff pulled back. “No more.”

  “I’m fine.”

  “Not today. Today, you regroup and recover.”

  She growled. “So damn proper and righteous.”

  He kissed her again, rough and hard.

  “Okay,” she said breathlessly. “Not that proper.”

  “I’m looking out for you, wild girl.”

  She licked her lips, then pouted. “I don’t like the thought that you can turn me down so easily.”

  Griff barked out a laugh. “Baby, there is not one thing easy about you. My cock is about to break in half, and my control is paper thin.”

  Pleasure filled her face. “Okay.”

  He fingered the silky strands of her hair. “I’ve thought about kissing you. A lot.”

  “Good.” The word was a sexy purr. “I’ve thought about a lot more than kissing you. And in a lot of detail.”

  Her hand moved south again and Griff grabbed it.

  “Griff,” she complained.

  “I’m not gonna fuck you now, Indy.”

  Her face fell.

  “Not now. Not with bruising on your wrists and along your cheek. Not after the day you had.”

  But Griff knew it was more than that. His gut was churning, because there was more between them than just her bad day. Old truths and lies from the past. And he wasn’t sure what the hell he was going to do about it.

  She blew out a breath. “I’m fine.”

  He sat up. “You will be. But my jeans are staying on. No matter how sexy and tempting you look.”

  She pouted again, and damned if she didn’t look cute. He wanted to make her feel good, see her smile, see pleasure on her face.

  She sat up as well, fiddling with the robe he’d given her. As he’d known, the rich color was spectacular on her. He reached out, running his fingers over the silk. She tilted her head, watching him.

  “My jeans are staying on,” he said. “But that doesn’t mean your robe has to.”

  Her breath hitched.

  Griff nudged the silk off her shoulders, marveling at the beauty of her. The ink on her skin, her full breasts topped with pink nipples. Nipples that were hard and pointed right now. He pushed her onto her back, rising above her. He stroked his hands down her body. Just the right amount of curves to drive him crazy. Her hips lifted.

  “You’re fucking perfect,” he said.

  “My parents didn’t think so.”

  He heard the hurt in her voice. Her parents had been decent people. Her dad a lawyer, and her mother a good lawyer’s wife. They were never quite sure what to make of their wild, bold daughter. “They loved you.”

  She sighed. “I know. But they thought I was wild and irresponsible.”

  “I’d say full of life.” He dropped his head and let his lips trail over the tattoos on her arm.

  “To them, I was just a bartender who was wasting my life.”

  Griff paused. “You ran the hottest club in Phoenix, baby. Your company asked you to help open new ones all around the world.” He knew that was why she’d been in Sydney during the invasion.

  She shrugged a shoulder. “It was never enough for them.”

  “You were damn good at it. And now, you’re a damn outstanding comms officer, helping to fight back against the aliens. You are pretty fucking amazing, Indy Bennett.”

  He kissed her again, loving it when she writhed beneath him. He moved lower, spending some time tracing her collarbones, then giving her pretty breasts the attention they deserved. He sucked on her sweet nipples, loving her husky cries.

  Moving lower, Griff kissed her belly, delving his tongue in her belly button. Then he moved lower, desperate for a taste of her. He parted her thighs.

  “Oh, God,” she murmured.

  “Nothing to do with God, wild girl.” Griff closed his mouth over her. He licked and sucked, and soon she was writhing and sobbing his name.

  “You taste so damn good,” he growled. “I need more.”

  “Yes!”

  “This is mine, Indy.” He stabbed his tongue inside her. “No one else’s.”

  “Griff!”

  He tongued her clit, holding her down as he increased the pressure.

  “I’m going to… Oh, my God.” She c
ried out as she came.

  Griff was so hard, his cock throbbing painfully. His brain shut down and he quickly lowered the zipper on his jeans.

  Kneeling over her, he pulled his cock out, stroking it. Her gaze was glued to him, her lips open.

  Oh, those red lips gave him ideas. Another time.

  He stroked his cock brutally, desperately needing to come. “I’m gonna come.”

  “Come.” She licked her lips. “Let me watch.”

  He groaned and his release hit him, his come splattering onto her belly. She watched him with those gorgeous eyes, never looking away.

  When he was done, Griff was wrung out. He spent a few moments just sucking in air. He felt better than he ever had in his entire life.

  Indy smiled at him, and it warmed cold, dark places deep inside his gut. He dropped down, pulling her close.

  But once again, the truth was like a solid wall between them. He tightened his hold on her. A truth that could break them both.

  * * *

  Indy walked through the corridors of the Enclave later that morning with a spring in her step. She lifted her travel coffee mug and took a sip.

  Mmm, sweet, sweet coffee. But in her head, she was happily replaying not-so-sweet images of her morning with Griff.

  She shivered. She wanted that thick, delicious cock inside her. Her belly fluttered. Oh, yeah, she remembered every inch of it.

  But she had to admit there was a part of her—buried deep inside—that wanted more than just sex. She blew out a breath. She’d crushed on Griff as a teen, he was the first man she’d ever loved, and he’d dealt her a crushing blow at twenty.

  Now, her feelings were deeper, richer, and threaded with their history. It scared the hell out of her.

  She pictured him again, rising above her, hard, ripped abs and thick cock. He’d put her first. Her pleasure, how she was feeling. No man had ever done that before. People often looked at her and only saw the tattoos and her wide smile. They automatically assumed she was just out for a good time.

  Not Griff. He knew her better than anybody.

  Ahead, the door leading into the cells and interrogation area appeared. A handsome, buff guard stood in uniform at the door.

  He spotted her and smiled. “Ah, hey, Indy.”