Uncaged love, p.22
Uncaged Love, page 22
Rafe slid his arms around her. “I know you’re sore and tired, baby. I’ll join you in a few minutes.” He kissed her temple.
He’d work up to the big three words. He wasn’t sure she was ready to hear them, yet. Besides, telling her for the first time in front of his old friend—who had known Beth and helped him get revenge for her death—wasn’t the right place.
Everything felt perfect with Harper in his arms, hers securely around his neck. Harper worked in the part of the world that would forever be in twilight, not totally black, but definitely not in the full light and warmth of day. A place where you had to be as frigid as the situation just to survive. He’d been there, worked there. He knew the toll it had taken on his soul, and he wanted to protect Harper from that deep, dark place. He wanted to bring bright sunshine and heat to her. He wanted to warm her in the fire she stoked within him.
He pulled her tighter against him. They fit effortlessly. She shifted, pressing her warm breasts into his chest. He wanted her. Now. Again. Always. He was hard as steel.
Rafe was aware that they were not alone. He grasped Harper’s hips and stepped back. If he kissed her now, he’d lock them both in the bathroom and wouldn’t care what Preacher heard through the door.
But his friend had more to tell him or he would have left by now.
“Why don’t you go soak while I catch up with Preacher?” He couldn’t help himself. He brushed a light kiss over her soft lips. It was a promise. “Give us a few minutes.”
Harper grabbed his face and brought his lips back to hers. She opened immediately and took control, delving deep into his mouth with long thrusts of her tongue.
As quickly as it started, she ended it. “Don’t be too long.” The spark in her whisky-brown eyes held more than possibilities.
When she turned away, he playfully smacked her ass. Over her shoulder, she just grinned before stepping into the bathroom.
Once they heard water running, Preacher said, “I like her.”
“Me, too. Fact is, I think I love her.” He let the words roll around in his head before he said, “Yes, I love her.”
“I can’t blame you. She’s pretty as can be and smart as hell.” At Rafe’s questioning look, Preacher continued, “I read her file. SOP, remember? That’s one brilliant woman in there. And brave. You should read the shit she and her team of women got into in Iraq and Afghanistan. Fucking Army wanted to test them, to see if they could be as effective as Special Forces, which they were. Their HUMINT was invaluable several times, but I was more impressed with the ingenuity they demonstrated while accomplishing the mission.”
That was news to Rafe. He had no idea about her past service and training. But the way she’d handled those tangoes now made sense.
“Rafe, you deserve a good woman,” Preacher continued. “Beth’s been gone for years. It’s time to move on with your life.”
All Rafe could do was nod. Needing to quickly change the subject, he asked, “When did you get here?”
“We dropped in last night. We were set for extraction from the compound on the Pacific Coast and in the air before we got the no-go. We were formulating plans for Cali when we were told you were heading west. I made the executive decision to come here since I know Popayán.”
“Who’s with you, and where are they holed up?” Rafe wanted to have all the details.
Preacher rattled off a list of Spanish names Rafe had never heard before.
“Did you pick every Spanish-speaking guy in Team 4?” Rafe chided.
“No, not everyone.” Preacher grinned. “They had to look the part as well as be fluent. I also brought Doc with me, so shut the fuck up.”
“Just jerking your chain. I’d do the same thing if I were in your position,” Rafe admitted.
“My men have infiltrated the community, and their HUMINT is the reason you’re here rather than in enemy hands. Besides, we’re going to get you and Harper out of this country”—Preacher looked at his big black military watch—“in the next four hours.”
Four hours seemed like an eternity to Rafe but not nearly enough time with Harper.
“I have men in place. You’re safe here.” Preacher looked around the hotel room before his eyes fell on Rafe. “You look like shit.”
Rafe was sure he did because he felt as though he’d just completed a marathon. His friend rose and strode to the window where he peeked through the sliver of light between the thick drapes.
“Problem?” Rafe asked.
“No. I was just checking the street.” Preacher slid a well-worn key from his hip pocket on the way to the door and held it out.
Rafe took the room key with a nod.
“I think your little warrior is waiting for you. Why don’t you join her or scrub her back…or something? If anyone but me tries to come through that door, shoot to kill. Do you remember our code?” Preacher’s hand rested on the door handle.
“Of course.” Rafe shot back.
“Get some rest. I’ll be back in three hours.” His friend was gone, and Rafe was finally alone with Harper. He heard the water turn off.
Perfect timing.
* * * *
Rafe’s light blue eyes darkened to the color of a storm at sea when Harper peered around the bathroom door in a haze of mist.
“He’s gone.” Rafe’s husky voice was confirmation. He wanted her.
Rafe rolled his shoulders, muscles rippling under the dark camouflage utilities. She imagined the feel of his hard abs under her hands and how his perfect ass clenched as he pushed into her. As he walked to her, he radiated sex.
She wanted him. Now. Hard. Fast.
Rafe’s smile told her he wanted it the same way. The kiss proved it. He took her mouth with a vengeance, forcing hers open, and then thrusting his tongue into her mouth with long, hard, deliberate strokes. She laved her tongue over and around his before she sucked on it.
A low moan of pleasure vibrated in his chest. Yes. He wanted her as much as she wanted him. She thrust her hands into his long, soft curls and pulled his head to her, increasing the pressure of his mouth on hers.
He unfastened the large black buttons on her cammie shirt and shoved it off her shoulders. He insistently stroked her bare shoulders then ran his hands down her sides. His thumbs smoothed over the curve of her breasts on his way to the bottom of her tank top. Her nipples ached for his mouth.
He left her lips for only a second to jerk her tight tank up and over her head. He placed his hands on her waist and began to unbutton her pants. Her brain caught up, and she fumbled with his buttons before he grunted and pulled away from her. In one smooth movement, both his shirt and black tee were gone, exposing a light dusting of dark chest hair and his mouthwatering torso.
Harper wanted more. She reached for the button on his pants, and he did the same. Their boots took a little longer, but they were both naked in less than a minute. His erection, long and solid, pointed right at her.
He stepped to her and wrapped one arm around her shoulders. But instead of pulling her in for a kiss, his other arm slipped under her legs and picked her up.
“Ack,” Harper squeaked. “I’m too big. Put me down.”
“With pleasure.” Rafe placed her on the bed and slid one knee between her legs as he covered her with his body. He rocked his hips into her while he ravaged her mouth. He placed open-mouthed kisses down her throat on his way to her breasts. When he took her nipple into his mouth and sucked hard, she arched up to him, offering, needing.
“More,” was her plea when he rubbed his thumb over the one he’d just left and pulled her other perked nipple into his mouth. He obliged and sucked. Streaks of pleasure ran from her breasts to where the tip of his erection rocked. Every muscle in her body tightened as she strained to reach her peak. She was so close.
“In me, now.” Harper knew what she wanted and wasn’t afraid to ask. She was almost ready to beg. She needed him inside her.
He rolled enough to get his hand between their bodies and then slipped talented fingers between her folds, brushing across her swollen nerves. She gasped.
“Not yet,” Rafe ordered as he slipped two fingers inside her tight channel. She was wet and ready for him. She rocked her hips against his hand, needing the pressure, teetering on the edge of orgasm.
“Now.” She barely got out the word between pants.
“Open your eyes, Harper.” He rubbed his wet tip against her, teasing her.
She struggled to obey and forced her eyes open. This wasn’t like her. She was always in charge during sex. With Rafe, it was different, so much better. The things he said and did to her made her want him more and more.
“Look at me when I enter you.” His words were a growl.
She smiled. His cock was right there, and she was more than ready. She thrust her hips upward and captured him.
His eyes went wide with surprise…and heat.
He grabbed her hips and held them still. “Do you have any idea how hot and tight you are?”
Held captive in his big hands, she acknowledged him by squeezing her inner muscles around him and smiled into his pained face.
He let out a ragged breath. “Christ, you’re going to kill me.” He closed his eyes and clenched his teeth.
“Uh-uh-uh. Open your eyes, big CIA man,” she warned. “If I have to watch, so do you.” Then she taunted, “I’m going to watch as you come. I want to see you surrender to me.”
He opened his eyes and withdrew.
No, no, no, she almost begged aloud.
Then he readjusted her hips and thrust into her so deeply she let out a sound, not sure if it was a moan or whimper. He quickly followed it with another and another thrust until she could barely catch a breath as he pounded into her. Her muscles tightened until she was afraid they’d Charlie horse. Then he found the magical spot, and she was back teetering on the edge again. Her eyes began to roll back, and her eyelids sank.
“Oh no you don’t. Look at me, Harper.”
Her eyes met his. His face was so tight with strain she knew he was on that edge with her.
“Take us both. Take us…now,” she whispered and wrapped her legs around his waist.
His next thrust was to the hilt, and she’d given him all she had. He rocked slightly, and that was all it took. Her vision went white, but in those few milliseconds before she lost all sight, she saw the ecstasy on Rafe’s face and his total surrender to what she’d given him.
She fell into the pleasure he’d given to her in return.
Damn, they were good together.
Chapter 26
Harper slapped at the nightstand in an attempt to hit the snooze button. She could really use another five minutes of sleep.
The ringing persisted. She couldn’t find the damn clock.
The fact she had her eyes closed might be the crux of the problem. The ringing continued. Reluctantly, she opened her eyes.
Shit, it was the satellite phone, not the alarm.
Harper rolled away from the hard body next to her and immediately missed Rafe’s arms around her.
Grabbing the phone, she pressed the Talk button and said, “Tambini here. Hold on. I’ll get Rafe.” She rolled back over. Rafe was fully awake and aware as she handed him the phone. He leaned in so she could hear.
“I woke you?” Preacher’s voice was crystal clear. “Good. You’ve rested.” Rafe smiled at her and ran a finger down her cheek.
Harper was rested and relaxed. She’d fallen asleep, or maybe she’d never come out of her last orgasmic stupor.
An hour ago, she’d woken alone in the bed, wrapped only in the soft sheets. Water was running, and Harper figured Rafe was in the shower. She’d considered joining him then decided to roll over and sleep a few more minutes. He’d appeared beside her, picked her up with a strength and ease she’d come to admire, and carried her to the refilled spa. Still locked in his powerful arms, he’d stepped into the foaming tub and sat down with her in his lap. Warm water pulsed over them, massaging the lactic acid out of their tired muscles. She’d laid her head on his chest, and they’d fallen asleep in the tub, legs intertwined, heart-to-heart. When the water had chilled, they’d returned to the antique bed. That time, their lovemaking had been slow and seemed to last forever.
Pulling her brain back to the present, Harper sat up in the bed and surveyed the room for their clothes and equipment. She was fully awake.
“Be ready to move out in ten.” Could Preacher really mean they only had ten minutes to get ready? So much for a shower—it would take her that long to dress in all her combat gear.
“We’ll be ready.” He disconnected the line, and Harper rolled into Rafe’s warmth and strength. She wished she could stay there, snug and secure. It was easy to be with him. It was exactly where she belonged.
Fuck. No time to go there. They had to get dressed and get the hell out of Popayán before they were captured or killed by Solis’s men or whichever of Narváez’s men were stupid enough to follow Pablo. Or some other paramilitary group that was after them for the bounty.
As she stretched out naked next to Rafe in the quiet hotel room, safely wrapped in his arms, the world seemed so far removed.
“We only have ten minutes to get ready,” she reminded him. He took her hand and placed it on his very hard erection.
“I’m ready now.” Rafe smiled at her with a half-lidded, half-asleep look that sent electricity from her overactive brain to her toes. Every inch of her body tingled. She felt herself dampen with anticipation and wanted him inside her again. This insatiable need, one that only he could fill, was new to her. She’d always enjoyed sex, but with Rafe she also relished the times he merely held her, like in the spa. She felt safe with him, protected, which was weird. She didn’t need a man to protect her. No, she didn’t need a man period, but she wanted the one who lay gloriously bare beside her.
They had to get going. The SEAL team was probably moving into position while she was considering jumping on Rafe’s offer.
“Sorry, Rafe. Not enough time.” She wondered how much time she and Rafe had left together. She removed her hand from his cock, but she couldn’t resist a tight squeeze first and a long stroke of his length. At his gasp, she ran her fingers over him again. She loved hearing proof of the control she had over this man.
She smacked his bare ass and jumped out of bed before he could pull her under him for another ride. His face promised retaliation. She looked forward to it.
They gathered clothes, dressed, and then checked their equipment with the speed of many years of practice.
Rafe peered at the street through the small slit between the drapes covering the window while she checked her guns.
Two rapid knocks followed by a slap on the door then the sound of a key in the lock sent both Rafe and Harper to their holstered weapons. Rafe quietly slid the deadbolt and positioned himself behind the door.
“It’s Preacher,” he called as the door cracked open. Neither relaxed their shooter’s stance until the man was in the room and they were sure he was alone. At his side, he casually carried a solid-stock, custom-made sniper rifle with a Swarovski scope. Impressive. Definitely not Navy issue. In his other hand, he held two bulletproof vests.
“No change in plans, but there are some details you need to know.” Preacher didn’t look happy when he handed her the smaller of the two vests. “There’s a million dollar bounty on your head. From there it gets confusing. We know Solis’s men want you both dead or alive. There’s another group running around out there who wants Rafe alive and Harper, you’re not even mentioned.”
Harper couldn’t withhold the shudder that ran through her body. Rafe put a protecting arm around her and pulled her close. His solid body was comforting but damn…dead or alive. The words bounced around as her brain tried to grasp the concept.
“Bet that came from Pablo,” Rafe offered.
At the mention of the name, Preacher piped in, “Yes, that’s the guy who is after Rafe and doesn’t give a shit about Harper.”
Rafe shook his head. “That idiot doesn’t realize how valuable Harper is. He just wants revenge because Carlos is dead.”
“I’m the one who killed him,” Harper announced. “Not you.”
The well-armed SEAL continued. “Someone knew about Narváez’s plans, and those assholes are offering a different million on delivery of Harper alive, plus a bounty on anyone who hurts or kills you. Those folks either don’t know or don’t care about Rafe.”
Rafe stepped in front of her and lifted her chin. “We’ve got you, babe. I won’t let anything happen to you. I promise.” His arms encased her and held her tight as he rocked her gently.
Harper knew the hug was as much for him as it was for her. She’d faced danger before and led her team to safety every time. She could do this. She would do this.
As she’d been trained, she took a deep breath then another, finding her calm. She focused on the situation and what needed to be done. When she stepped back from Rafe’s arms, she was in mission mode. She strapped the black vest over her shirt. It was a little large for her, so she tightened it as much as possible.
“There’s more. Let’s hear it.” She held Preacher’s gaze.
He nodded. His face relaxed, just a little. He seemed satisfied with her resolve. He reached into one of the many pockets of his utilities and extracted two comm units. As she and Rafe screwed them into their ears, Preacher said, “They’re waiting for you, just outside that door.”
He quickly added, “But my men are there, too.”
Rafe stripped off his shirt and shrugged into the vest. The protective sections didn’t reach around his sides as it should but fortunately the webbed straps were long enough.
“Sorry, man,” Preacher apologized, “Most of my guys wear a medium. Be glad I was able to secure a large from the ship.”
The thought of a ship somewhere close, waiting for them, made Harper’s hope soar. She’d soon be headed home.
“No problem,” Rafe said sliding back into his night camouflage shirt. “This is better than those useless flack jackets they gave us on our first mission into Guatemala.”
