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* * * *
Ronan barely kept his amusement in check as Faith blushed a very enticing red.
“I’d rather we didn’t fight,” she said, rather primly. “As I see it, we’re even. I kicked you once, and you retaliated. Once.”
There was a certain logic to her thinking. But he wasn’t going to let her off the hook that easy. It was too much fun to tease her. “I’m not sure I agree to those terms,” he said, patting the bed beside him. “Why don’t you come talk me into it?”
“Seriously, Ronan.” Her eyes darkened with amusement. “You were just in a pretty serious bar fight. Are you sure you’re even up to talking?”
He paused. Was she flirting with him? He studied her. Pursed lips, increased heart rate, faster breathing. Even her head was tilted in a cute way. His chest warmed and filled. The sexiest, smartest, and most stubborn woman in the world was flirting with him. “Oh, I think I can manage to get it up.”
A slight grin played on her mouth at his double entendre. “I missed you while you were gone last night.”
The sentiment surprised him before filling him with her sweetness and trust. “Ah, Doc.” It seemed she’d discovered the perfect way to disarm him. Her willingness to share her feelings made him feel almost whole again. “I missed you too. Have for centuries.” He grinned.
She faltered. “I don’t understand this mating stuff, and I definitely can take care of myself.”
He rested his hands between his knees. “All right?”
“But I like you, and I’m attracted to you.” She swallowed as if admitting the truth hurt. “I think it’s silly to pretend otherwise.”
If she got any goddamn cuter, he’d lose it and tackle her right to the floor. But her uncertainty required reassurance. “I like you, and I’m attracted to you as well,” he said carefully. “If anything happened to you, I’d lose my soul.” Probably too much information to share. But if she was going to be honest, so was he. “Thus, I have to protect you. Someday I hope you’ll understand.”
Her scent wafted toward him. Wildflower sweet and all her. She was getting aroused. “You know things have changed in the world, right? We’re equals. Period.”
“We can be as equal as you want,” he replied. “Hell. You can be in charge, lady. Except when it comes to safety, battle, wars, the Kurjans, or the Cyst. Then I’m in charge.”
She huffed out a really adorable sigh. “No. You don’t get to decide who’s in charge when.”
Sure he did. He was the vampire, the warrior, and a shield from the Seven. “Why don’t we both do what we’re best at?” he asked, very reasonably. “You be the doctor and dispense medicine, and I’ll be the soldier and handle the fights. Fair enough?”
“I won’t be told what to do.”
Man, she was stubborn. Their sons would be a pain in his ass, he was sure. He couldn’t wait to meet them. “I shall try very hard to couch my orders in the form of a request.”
Lines appeared on her normally smooth forehead. “You’re not getting me.”
“But I’d like to,” he replied silkily. “Now come over here.”
CHAPTER TWENTY-SEVEN
When Ronan’s voice got all deep and liquid like that, her abdomen clenched. Her lungs struggled to properly function, and a throbbing began between her thighs. She tried to think clinically about physical attraction, but her mind just kind of fuzzed. “I think I’ll stay right here.” She had to force the words out.
“Don’t tell me I scare you,” he rumbled.
She met his deep blue gaze. Someday, maybe she’d be able to determine his mood from his eye color since it changed so often. She shook her head. Where had that thought come from? “You don’t scare me.”
He smiled.
Her body flushed hot.
Most guys sitting on a purple bedspread would look somewhat harmless. Not Ronan. An alertness rolled from him, full of tension and promise. An impish part of her, one she never indulged, had her winking. “You want me? Come and get—ack.”
He moved faster than she could see, and she found herself flat on her back on the bed, a vampire trapping her in place. His masculine scent washed over her and she breathed him in.
She shook her head, spreading her hair out on the pillow. “How? I didn’t see you move.”
“My power is coming back. Fast reflexes and all of that,” he said, brushing hair back from her face. The simple touch stole her breath. Then he rolled over onto his back. “Want to try again?”
“Yes.” She bounded up and made it to the doorway before turning around. He was still flat on his back. “Okay, now—”
This time she bounced once on the bed before he covered her.
She laughed, happiness bubbling through her. “Talk about fast.”
“What’s my reward?” He leaned in and nibbled across her jaw, keeping his weight off her with his elbows.
“One kiss,” she said, out of breath.
He leaned up. “Fair enough.” Then he pulled her to her feet.
She blinked, uncertain. “What?”
“I’m preparing for my kiss.” His fingers trailed across her collarbone and down the front of her shirt, freeing each button. With infinite gentleness, he pushed aside the material and glided it to the floor. His eyes flared at her plain cotton bra. “Beautiful.”
She shook her head. “No. It’s just a bra.”
Only his gaze lifted, the look intense. “Not the bra. You.” He swept his hands down her arms and then up her back, touching every inch, setting her skin on fire. He released the bra and it too disappeared to the floor somewhere. “Perfect.”
She’d never felt perfect. But with his gaze, with his words, she did feel beautiful. She glanced over her shoulder at the bed, her legs feeling weak. If they had to stop this time, she’d actually die. “Shouldn’t we hurry?”
“No.” Almost reverently, he reached out and palmed her breasts. “We went too fast the other night and didn’t even get to finish. I’m savoring my kiss this time.” His hands were dark against her pale breasts, and his touch firm. Strong and yet gentle. Then he leaned in, laving her collarbone. “Not a kiss yet,” he murmured, his mouth hot on her skin.
Her nerves zinged to life, raw and hot. She leaned into him, reaching up to tangle her fingers in his thick hair. He licked down her chest and closed his lips over a nipple.
Her knees wobbled. Electricity streaked to her core, and she arched against him, tightening her grip on his hair.
He groaned around her nipple and suckled while he palmed her other breast.
Excitement pulsed in her body, sending desire flowing through her veins. Needy and edged with demand. Every tug on her nipples zinged down to torment her clit. She ached, empty and wanting. “Ronan,” she murmured, letting go of his hair to tug his shirt over his head. He gave a sound of protest and released her breast, helping her.
Then he dropped to his knees. A powerful male, ripped chest, abs tight with tension. He reached for her jeans and unclasped the button. Then slowly, way too slowly, he released the zipper.
She grasped the waist and shoved them down, trying to kick them off.
He smiled. “You’re going to need to learn patience.” Then he flipped her around.
“Hey,” she protested, her hair swinging into her face.
His thumbs slid into the sides of her panties, rendering her speechless. Then he slowly pulled them down, a hum of what sounded like appreciation tumbling from him as she stepped free. Nobody had ever made her feel like this. Worshipped and safe. Protected and wanted. He traced a slightly painful spot across her left buttock. “I bruised you.”
She glanced over her shoulder. “I hope I didn’t bruise you.” Her voice had gone throaty.
“No.” His voice lowered to a wild huskiness. He cupped her ass, his hands big and strong. Then, drawing out the anticipation, he tur
ned her around.
“What are you doing?” she asked.
“Getting ready for my kiss,” he said, his gaze on her sex.
Vulnerability left her nervous. She reached for him, to pull him up so she could finally get that kiss. A quick shove caught her by surprise, and she landed on the bed, giving a startled laugh. She sobered when she realized he was still on his knees. Right. There. She leaned toward him, going for his shoulders.
His smile was all male. Blatantly so. He grasped her wrists and set them outside her thighs. Then he planted one hand on her abdomen and pushed her until she lay on the bed, her legs over the side. Her body pulsed with need, but this was too intimate. She’d wanted a fast night with him to finally take this edge off. “Ronan,” she started.
“I didn’t say where I was going to kiss you.” His breath brushed her clit.
Her core clenched and throbbed. She closed her eyes on a moan.
“God, you’re beautiful.” He licked along her thigh, nipping with enough pressure to send her senses spiraling. Then he pressed her thighs open, exposing her to him. For several heartbeats, he just stared. Then he spread her with his thumbs.
She was wet and desperate for more. Going on instinct, she reached for him.
Faster than ever, he manacled both wrists in one hand and yanked her torso halfway up. “Patience. Remember?” Holding her in place, he inserted one finger inside her wet folds.
She gasped, her lungs filling, her chest heating. Her sex tightened around him. Needing more.
“You’re tight and wet. For me.” Arrogance, male and powerful, was stamped on his face. Hunger glittered in his eyes. “Are you going to be patient?”
At that second, she’d agree to being from Mars. “Yes,” she whispered.
“Good.” He slid another finger in, fucking her slowly. It was too much. She moved against him, trying to get more pressure.
He stopped.
She stilled.
“Patience. Do not move.” He waited as she watched him, her eyes wide and her body on fire. Then he stroked inside her again and twisted his thumb over her clit.
She arched, giving a soft cry. Ripples spread out from her clit, going deep, making her crave him.
His smile was predatory. “Good. Now lie back, and if you move, I’m not only going to stop. I’m going to give you that spanking you escaped earlier.” He released her wrists, and she fell back onto the bed.
He opened her more, his shoulders shoving her thighs apart.
Then he leaned in and licked her, sliding his tongue through her folds and sucking on her clit. She bit her lip and tensed, trying not to move. He couldn’t stop. Ever. Her thighs trembled against his shoulders.
He released her clit and licked her again, his fingers twisting while his mouth showed no mercy. Within minutes, she was thrashing and mumbling incoherently, trying her best to remain still. Heat swept her entire body, making even her ears burn.
Coils of electricity lashed her inner walls. He chuckled against her clit, and she felt the vibrations up to her breasts. His fingers twisted again, and he nipped her clit. Hard.
She flew into an orgasm, crying out his name, arching into his mouth. Sparks flashed in the corners of her vision, and she rode the shock waves, tears burning in the back of her eyes. She’d had no idea she could feel like this. Finally, she came down, her fingers relaxing on the bedspread.
He removed his fingers and then placed a very soft kiss on her oversensitive clit. “There’s my kiss,” he murmured. Then he stood and kicked out of his jeans, his erection clearly defined beneath the boxers.
Swooping, he lifted her and set her beneath the bedclothes, climbing in behind her. He wrapped her in warmth after switching off the light next to the bed. They were plunged into darkness.
She blinked. “Ronan? What about you?” That definitely wasn’t a huge banana against her backside.
His lips wandered lazily across her ear, and he settled her closer into him. “I must heal a cracked pelvis and three still-cracked ribs. Give me an hour or so, and we are finally going to consummate this relationship. On my life, we’re having sex. Finally.”
Cracked pelvis? They weren’t ever going to have sex, damn it. Even though she’d orgasmed, she felt empty. She needed more, but the poor guy was injured. She should help him, so she started to move.
“Stay.” The arm around her waist was harder than steel.
“I didn’t know you were hurt,” she protested.
He snuggled his face into her hair, breathing deeply. “I’ll be fine. Tasting you was all I wanted.”
There was the sweetness she’d seen in him the day he wore those silly tennis shoes. She’d never felt so satisfied or safe. That was interesting. Rarely in her previous life had she truly felt unsafe. But in his arms, beneath the earth, snuggled close? The sense of being protected filled her, giving her a peace she hadn’t known she lacked.
“You’re thinking too hard,” he mumbled.
“I talked to Benny, and he thinks I’m a cross between an empath, a psychic, and a mind reader,” she whispered, wanting to share something, anything, with him.
He kissed the top of her head. “That’s why you talk with coma patients? You can get into their heads?”
“Kind of. I see images or sparks. But I don’t read minds.”
“Thank goodness.” His breath brushed her hair, and his amusement tickled her. “What else?”
She stared into the darkness. This whole trust thing was difficult. Should she tell him about Grace being a Key? Ronan’s allegiance had to be to the Seven. He’d taken the whole vow and had that immortal marking. Would he force Grace as Benny had said he would? But what if they could save Grace? Maybe since she was a Key, she had more power than just an Enhanced. Could she be healed?
Ronan’s breathing deepened as he slipped into sleep.
She cuddled closer into his warmth. Perhaps she’d figure out a way to trust Ronan, save Grace, and keep Grace from being a Key. If it was a secret, then she could never be forced to do anything. Even by immortals.
Her eyelids fluttered shut and she started to fall into sleep.
A blaring alarm jerked her wide awake. Red track lights lit up the floor.
Ronan pulled her from the bed, grabbed his shirt off the floor, and ran for the doorway. Before they made it, he yanked the shirt over her head. Then he slid out before her, keeping a hand on her stomach to hold her behind him. The muscles down his back vibrated.
“Large force coming.” Ivar was out in the hall. “Come on.”
Another towering male jogged past them, this one with black hair tied at his nape. Ronan looked back down the hallway and set her in front of him, protecting her from behind. “We are never going to have sex, damn it. Run.”
She launched into a run, her heart pounding. Her bare feet slapped the hard stone as she tried to keep up with the warriors in front of her. Ivar took a sharp left and Faith followed. Ivar stood in the middle of what looked like a depot with a copious number of weapons. He handed her a green gun. “Point and shoot.” She gulped, her mind spinning. The gun was heavy and cold in her hand.
The rock wall slid shut behind Ronan. “What the hell happened?” he growled.
Ivar tossed a bulletproof vest at him, and he pulled it over his head. “I don’t know. Best guess? They already knew about this place. Guess those tracks we found were legit. Or…they followed us from the bar.”
“Shit,” the unknown guy said with a Scottish accent. “It’s my fault. They were probably watching me.”
Ronan jerked his head toward the guy and made introductions. “Adare, Faith. Faith, Adare.” Then he gently pulled a vest over her chest, wrapping Velcro to keep it in place. “Her feet are bare.”
Ivar tossed him a pair of cargo pants from a shelf and pointed to flak boots on the bottom. “The smallest I have are size fift
een.”
Ronan pulled on the pants and jumped into boots, lacing them up. “I’ll carry her.”
She shook her head. “It’s fine. The stone doesn’t hurt my feet.” She’d be much safer with Ronan firing freely. “What about Grace?” She turned toward the nonexistent doorway.
It slid open, and Benny stood there with Grace in his arms, along with her nutrient-rich liquid and saline bags. He was dressed in jeans with no shirt, showing his barrel of a chest. “Here. Take her.”
Adare backed away. “Hell, no. That’s a human.”
“Yeah,” Benny snarled. “You won’t break her, dumbass. Just hold her for a minute.”
Adare frowned, looking at Grace like she was a dirty cat or something. Yet he took her from Benny, making her look even more fragile against his size. “Suit up and hurry.”
Benny moved toward the cargo pants.
As the door closed behind him, an explosion rocked the entire mountain.
CHAPTER TWENTY-EIGHT
Small rocks rained down from the ceiling. Ronan reached for another pair of the black cargo pants and bent. “Step.”
Faith moved nearer her sister, reaching for her.
Ronan manacled her calf and set her foot into the pants. “Faith. Obey.” There wasn’t time to be gentle.
She faltered and then stepped into them, and he drew them up, pulling the belt as tight as he could. Then he crouched and rolled the pants up several times. They were way too big for her.
He stood. “What kind of force?”
Ivar grimaced and tossed a knife toward Benny, who tucked it in a sheath at his calf. “At least three helicopters came into view five minutes ago. They’ve obviously landed.”
“I’m fuckin’ sorry about this,” Adare whispered tersely. “I knew I shouldn’t come back in.”
“I didn’t see them, either,” Ronan said. “Do you want me to take her?” He gestured to Grace.
“Yes,” Adare said, moving to hand her over.
Benny stepped between them. “Ronan, you need your hands free to defend your mate. Adare, stop being a pussy and carry the human. You don’t know the grounds as well as Ivar and I do.”