by Anna Hackett
Kinsey let out a long, happy breath. She was wrapped up in Smith’s arms. Safe, satiated, secure.
His lips hit her ear. “I’ve been waiting for you to heal.”
“I’m healed.” She clutched his big shoulders.
“I’ve been waiting for you to let me know.”
God. She bit down on his bottom lip, pressing into him. “I should have said something.”
He nuzzled her neck. “I should have explained better.”
“I guess we need to work on our communication since I can’t read your subtle mountain man clues, and you don’t talk much.” She stroked his beard. “I was scared.”
He lifted his head. “You’re safe with me, Kinsey. You can tell me anything, ask me anything, any time.”
“Okay.” She paused. “Smith, will you fuck me again? Please?”
He gave her one of his sexy half smiles. So gorgeous. “No.”
She blinked. “No?”
“I’ll make love to you.”
Warmth filled her chest. As he kissed her again, she let her hands roam over him. He pulled out of her, then spun, carrying her to the bed. He laid her down like she was something precious.
His fingers ran over her, exploring every inch of her skin. He worshiped her with his hands, then added his mouth. His lips traveled down her body until she was writhing beneath him.
When he reached her scar, she stiffened.
“I didn’t hurt you?”
“Not a bit,” she answered.
His lips moved gently over her scar, and he took his time. Slowly, she relaxed.
“It’s a badge of honor, babe.”
She stared into his face, and all she saw was need and desire.
“You match the rest of us on the team now,” he added. “We all have our scars.”
She smiled, and then his head moved lower. When his very talented mouth moved between her legs, she arched into him. She slid her hands into his hair and gave herself up to the way this man made her feel. Like she was flying.
After she’d splintered apart, and cried out his name while she did it, he moved back up. With a single thrust, he was inside her.
Then, there were no more thoughts, only glorious feeling.
Chapter Nineteen
Lying on his back, Smith smiled at the ceiling. Kinsey rested on top of him, her face tucked into his neck. She hadn’t moved since she’d come a third time.
His cock was still inside her, and he lazily stroked her back, feeling pretty damn content. He could happily stay like this for the rest of his life.
“So, you aren’t leaving,” he finally said.
“I’m not leaving.”
“You’ll stay here with me.”
She looked up, her eyes sexy, her hair rumpled. “Yes. I really like your dog,” she teased.
Smith smiled. “I want you to move in.”
Her blue eyes went wide and her smirk disappeared.
“It’s a longer commute,” he said. “But when I’m not here, you’ll have Hercules for company.”
She blinked. “You want me to move in?”
He slid his hands into her hair. God, it always felt like silk. “Yeah.”
“Together?”
He smiled. “I don’t think you’re quite following what’s going on here.”
“Well, we’re in bed…”
He pulled her closer. His sweet Kinsey. He realized now that she lived for the moment, enjoying the hell out of the now. What she didn’t do was let herself dream, and imagine things for the future.
Smith was going to help her with that. Help her learn to fly. Whatever she wanted, he’d bleed to give it to her.
“You’re it for me, Kinsey. You move in, and then when we’re ready, I’ll find a ring that suits you. Diamonds, maybe some of those pink ones.”
Her mouth dropped open, her breaths coming sharp and fast. She just stared at him.
Smith sat up, bringing her with him.
“Whatever kind of wedding you want, big, small, or if you want to elope, we’ll do it. As long as you’re there, I don’t care. And down the track, I hope you want some kids.” Imagining her swollen with their child made his gut tighten.
“You want to marry me?” she said breathlessly.
“Yes.”
“You want babies? With me?”
“Yes, sunshine. I want to make a life with you. Forever.”
She tilted her head. “Why?”
Fuck her parents. They’d scarred things in her, and if he ever met them…
“Because you’re beautiful, smart, sweet, and caring. You light up a room. And because I love you.”
Her hands convulsed on him, her eyes glimmering with unshed tears. “You love me?”
He cupped her jaw. “Yeah, sunshine. I’ve been trying to show you that by taking care of you.”
“I love you, too,” she said.
He smiled. He already knew the way she felt about him. It was written all over her pretty face whenever she looked at him. But it felt damn good to hear her say the words. “Happy to hear that, babe.”
“And Smith?”
“Yeah?”
“I need the words.”
“I love you, Kinsey. Say it a hundred times a day, if you want me to.”
She cupped his cheeks. “You, big, beautiful, sexy Smith Creed love me, Kinsey Mae Beck.”
“Guys are not beautiful.”
“You are. To me.”
To shut her up, he closed his mouth over hers. Her lips parted instantly and she shifted closer to him. His Kinsey, always so hungry for him.
Smith raised his head. “I got something for you.” He set her aside and strode over to his duffel bag.
“You’ve already given me the best thing ever,” she said.
He looked back at her with a grin. “Orgasms?”
She smiled and rolled her eyes. “Those were good. But no, I meant your heart. I’ve only ever wanted you, Smith. A good man, a protective man. One who loves me back.”
His throat tightened. Hell, she slayed him. He moved back toward the bed. “These are for you.”
She stared at the bunch of yellow flowers in his hand, a stunned look on her face.
“You got me flowers?”
They were slightly wilted, since he’d forgotten about them in his bag. He sat beside her and pressed them into her hand. “I’ll get you flowers every week for the rest of our lives, if that makes you happy.”
She took the flowers, stroking the petals. “All I want is you.”
“Whatever you want, I’ll get it for you, Kinsey.”
Her smile turned downright sexy. She pressed a hand to his chest, smoothing it downward. “And what if I want to seduce the man I love?”
Smith let her push him back against the pillows. “Then I’m all yours.”
Kinsey sat contentedly at the bar in Griffin’s. She popped a fry into her mouth.
They were having a mini-celebration, as she was all moved into Smith’s cabin. Today, the team had helped her shift her things and clear out her apartment.
She now lived with Smith Creed—the man who loved her and wanted to marry her one day—and she couldn’t be happier.
Blair, also eating fries, caught her eye and winked.
Kinsey grinned. Yep, she was on top of the world. Right here, she was surrounded by people who cared about her.
She turned her head, looking at Smith, who was sitting beside her and sipping his beer. God. As she watched him drink, his strong throat working, her girly parts spasmed.
“Quit drooling, girl.” Callie leaned in close from Kinsey’s other side.
Kinsey just grinned at her. She finally had it all. Work she loved, good friends, and the man of her dreams. She, Kinsey Mae Beck from Sugarview, Tennessee, had it all.
Sorry, Ma. You were wrong.
“I’m heading to the ladies room.” Kinsey slipped off her stool.
Smith reached out and stroked her hair. She tossed him a smile and headed to the restroom.
When she returned, Axel, Callie, Blair, and Seth were shooting pool in what looked like an extremely intense match. Blair was glaring at Axel, and Seth was scowling as he watched Callie take a shot. Man, these guys were so competitive.
“You’re going down, Diaz,” Blair said.
Axel swung his pool cue like a weapon. “You’re dreaming, chica.”
Blair ducked the cue. “I’m gonna wipe the floor with your handsome ass.”
Shaking her head, Kinsey headed back to the bar and Smith. As she approached, she noticed a tall brunette sauntering up to him.
Kinsey got close enough to hear the woman talking.
“Need some company, handsome?”
Smith gave her a closed look. “No.”
“Come on. You hooked up with a friend of mine, once.” The brunette lowered her voice. “You left her with some very good memories. I’d love a few of my own.”
Oh, so not happening. Kinsey tapped the woman on the shoulder.
The brunette spun, a frown on her face.
“Sorry,” Kinsey said. “But I get to make those memories now.” She pointed at Smith. “Because he’s mine.”
“Really?” the brunette said, derisively.
“Really.” Kinsey cocked a hip.
“Kinsey.” Smith’s voice was filled with amusement.
“So, off you go.” Kinsey waved a hand, dismissing the woman.
The brunette’s face went red. “Maybe he’ll see something better and change his mind.”
Kinsey took a step toward the woman, but Smith wrapped a hand around her waist and dragged her between his open legs.
“Nothing better to see than what I have right here,” Smith drawled.
Kinsey tilted her head back and smiled at him. He touched his lips to hers.
“Love you, big guy.”
“And I love you, sunshine.”
The brunette made a choked noise, then turned on her heel and stomped off.
Smith’s smile widened. “So, I’m yours, huh?”
“You sure are.”
Nearby, Rowan and January clapped. Lachlan was shaking his head. Kinsey giggled.
“My badass girl,” Smith murmured.
“I did help beat terrorists, leaped from a levitating truck, and got shot. I can totally deal with any woman who tries to steal my man.”
Smith’s smile dimmed. “You do not make jokes about jumping from vehicles and getting shot. Like ever again.”
“Sure thing, big guy.” Kinsey spun in his arms and kissed him hard.
Smith took a sip of his beer. The pool game had turned into a death match. Seth and Callie had bowed out, but Blair and Axel were still going at it.
Kinsey was nestled into him, watching the game with bemusement. He breathed deep, drawing in the scent of strawberries.
Beside him, he watched Lachlan lean down and kiss Rowan. Seth was on the other side of the couple, arguing with January about…something. Those two seemed to argue a lot, and clearly liked it. Even as they threw insults at each other, the pair were smiling.
Smith’s gaze came back to Lachlan, and he got it now. Smith understood. The need to risk it all for someone. He knew it was all worth it for that person who made your demons rest and your soul feel easy.
Smith stroked Kinsey’s hair, moving the strands through his fingers. He was looking forward to their forever. He was planning a trip back to Colorado so she could meet his mom and dad. She was nothing like what they’d imagined for him, but he also knew they’d love her.
Suddenly, there was a blare of sirens from outside. He turned his head, seeing all his team glance up. Several police cruisers raced past.
“Trouble,” Lachlan murmured.
As long as Kinsey was safe, Smith was happy. He’d had his quota of his woman being kidnapped and shot at. Enough to last a lifetime.
The bar door opened and a tall man stepped inside. Smith stiffened. Detective MacKade scanned the place, his gaze landing on them at the bar and not moving.
Ah, hell. The detective started toward them, his long legs closing the distance fast.
Then the man’s gaze swiveled to the left, landing on Blair at the pool table. She’d stopped playing to watch him, her feet spread, and the pool cue held up against her shoulder like a staff.
She stared at him with narrowed eyes.
Lachlan rose. “MacKade.”
“Hunter.”
“Something tells me you’re not here for a beer.”
“No.” The detective rested a hand on the bar. “I need your help.”
Tension filled the room. Smith knew something bad was going down.
Blair strode up. “Why would we want to help you?”
“Blair,” MacKade said. “Friendly as always.”
Smith squeezed Kinsey and rose behind her. “You helped us when Kinsey was snatched. You need help, you’ve got mine.”
Lachlan lifted his chin. “I know we don’t always see eye to eye—”
Blair stabbed a finger at MacKade, interrupting. “He argues about everything. He makes me do paperwork, in goddamn triplicate. Half the time, he stonewalls us—”
“And you often tear through my city, leaving a trail of destruction and dead bodies behind you. You can’t expect me to be happy about that, especially when I’m the one who cleans up your messes and hides it behind the word classified.”
Blair shoved her hands on her hips. “We save lives!”
“I know. And I run interference for you far more than you realize.”
Blair’s mouth snapped closed.
“And now I need your help.” The detective’s gaze moved, taking them all in. “All of you.” But then he looked at Blair again. “To save lives.”
Lachlan gripped Rowan’s shoulder. “I have to go, baby.” He pressed a kiss to her lips.
The redhead nodded. “Go.”
“Hellcat,” Seth murmured to January.
“Me and the peanut will hitch a ride with Rowan,” January said.
Smith turned to Kinsey.
She smiled, giving him a full blast of her sunshine. “Hercules and I will keep the bed warm.”
He touched his mouth to hers. God. It was so good to know that after whatever they were wading into, he’d be heading home to her.
“Go.” She shoved him. “Go save the world.”
Smith was still smiling as he followed his team and MacKade out of the bar.
Whatever was going on, he wanted to get this done, so he could get back to his woman.
I hope you enjoyed Kinsey and Smith’s story!
Team 52 continues with Blair’s story, Mission: Her Defense, as she clashes with Detective Luke MacKade on a dangerous investigation. Read on for a preview.
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Preview - Mission: Her Defense
She smelled blood.
Blair Mason strode out of the elevator and into the marble-lined, ballroom lobby of one of the Spire Casino’s tall towers.
Floor-to-ceiling windows offered a bird’s-eye view of nighttime Las Vegas far below. Jammed-up traffic filled the Strip. Garish lights blinked on all the casinos, amplified by Christmas decorations as the casinos tried to outdo each other with their festive spirit. There were even lights on the large cranes that arched into the sky from the construction site next door.
The Spire was one of the newest casinos, made up of four tall glass spires all linked by glass bridges at different levels. It made her think of some fantasy palace.
Blair loved living in Vegas. She loved the vibrant, slightly-crazy energy of the city.
But the glitz hid a darker side as well.
To one side of the lobby stood an impressive suit of Japanese samurai armor. Her gaze ran over it hungrily. This armor was old and exquisite with iron scales and an elaborate helmet. There wa
s a huge banner on the wall behind it proclaiming the name of the exhibition in bold, red letters: Soul of the Samurai.
To the other side of the space, a group of men and one woman were huddled, talking. Everything about them screamed “cops”, from their black shoes to their button-down shirts. But no one screamed it more than the man who followed her out of the elevator.
She felt him, like a low-level hum of electricity against her skin. He paused beside her, and despite the fact that Blair was tall for a woman at five foot nine, he towered over her. He had broad shoulders, and messy brown hair threaded with the odd strand of gold. His dark jeans hugged long, long legs, and he had a shiny badge attached to his belt.
Detective Luke MacKade. Las Vegas Metropolitan Police.
A man who regularly set her teeth on edge, and made her blood boil.
She shifted her high-tech, CXM7 rifle on her shoulder and watched the rest of her team—more tall, muscled men and one other woman—exit the elevator.
Team 52.
As always, she felt a quiet sense of pride to be a part of this team. They were some of the best people she’d ever fought with. They saved lives and made a difference.
At the front of the group was their leader, and Blair’s best friend, Lachlan Hunter. He scanned the room with his flat, gold eyes, taking it all in. Beside him stood Smith Creed. The big man was cradling his rifle and scowling. Lean, good-looking Seth Lynch was next, followed by sexy Axel Diaz and dark-haired Callie Kimura. Callie caught Blair’s gaze and hefted her medical kit up on her shoulder. The medic’s face, which was stamped with her Hawaiian heritage, looked unhappy. Callie hated when anyone was hurt.
They were all in their civilian clothes, because they’d been enjoying a night off at their favorite bar until MacKade had tracked them down.
“This way.” MacKade’s voice was a deep, confident rumble.
Of course, it came out sounding like an order. Blair followed him, scowling at his back. “You actually going to tell us anything, MacKade? Walking in blind is always a freaking bad idea.”
