"Does my mother change the way you think about me?"

  He drew back a bit, his eyebrows high and a shocked expression on his face. "No. Absolutely not."

  "Then why would you assume whatever is in your past would change the way I feel about you?"

  Those serious eyes softened a bit. "Who your parents are and what they do isn't your responsibility. My past is an amalgamation of my decisions, and I wouldn't change a single choice I made."

  "Then there is no need to dredge up either of our pasts and examine them, is there?"

  "Perhaps it is an oversimplification of where we find ourselves, but I'll let you win this argument." He leaned forward until their knees touched, and their faces were inches apart.

  "That means you'll make love to me tonight." She leaned forward and felt the warmth of his lips land on hers.

  "D-Dinner!"

  She groaned into the kiss. "I'm really starting to dislike those guys."

  Luke chuckled and stood. She was eye level with the evidence of his desire for her pressing against the thin nylon of his board shorts. Oh, dear merciful heavens, he was impressive. His hand appeared in front of her face, breaking her rapt attention. "Dinner then I think an early night." His deep rumble filled her as he helped her to stand.

  She swayed against him and closed her eyes as his arms wrapped around her. Warmth and a sense of rightness permeated the moment. "I'm suddenly not very hungry."

  He tucked a finger under her chin and tilted her head up. "You should eat. I haven't been with a woman in a long, long, time, and I think you'll need the energy for what I have planned for you tonight."

  At his words, a flux of liquified desire flowed through her veins. Oh yes, she wanted whatever he had planned. Now. This instant. Food be damned. "Don't make me wait. Three years is long enough."

  He bent down and swept her up into his arms and devoured her mouth in a kiss which spun her world and stole her breath.

  Sage headed to the bridge with Dan's dinner. He'd made a tray for the two love birds, put it in the refrigerator, and tidied the galley, securing everything in case they hit rough water.

  "Hey, you're early."

  "The l-love b-b-irds are nesting." He'd talk around Dan. The man had never judged him and had helped him sort through a fuck-ton of baggage. He had a job with Guardian based on Dan's recommendation.

  "Tempest doesn't know how far he's fallen for the woman."

  "He's d-doing b-better." When Sage had first seen Tempest at the Rose, he'd been a shell of the man he was now.

  "Yeah." Dan stared through the bridge window.

  "What?"

  "I see storm clouds on the horizon."

  Sage glanced to the horizon. Crystal clear sailing as far as he could see, so his partner was talking about Tempest. "H-he'll b-be okay. He's s-strong."

  Dan gave him a quick glance and a sad smile. "He'll need to be if he plans to move on his vendetta."

  "Sanctioned?"

  "Oh yeah, but it's the worst idea of the century."

  "And i-it's n-ot yours?" Sage ducked the quick swipe Dan sent his way.

  "Get out of here. Relieve me about two?"

  "Yep." He headed back to his room with a smile on his face. What would he ever do without his partner? Lord, please don't make me find out.

  Chapter 14

  Mysteries like how he managed to get Pilar to his quarters without stopping to ravage her perfect body were best left unanswered. He didn't care, but the knowledge he managed to do so was an emboldening observation.

  He laid her gently on the bed and grabbed a pillow from the vacant side to prop up her foot. She moved onto her elbows and watched him. Those vivid blue eyes darkened with a hunger which he knew only too well. The last time he'd lain with a woman was before his capture. Years. He pulled his t-shirt over his head and watched her eyes dance across his chest. There were scars darkened by the Arizona sun, but there was nothing he could do to cover them. She sat up and wiggled out of her gauzy yellow wrap. The one-piece bathing suit hugged her curves and accentuated her legs.

  He lowered and carefully crawled on top of her, moving her to her back and into the pillows as he stalked his way to her succulent mouth. Ravenous. God, he couldn't get enough of her smell, her taste. He was an instant glutton for the soft little sounds she made against him. The sensations of her skin and the shiny fabric of her suit as it slid across his skin fed his voracious cravings. His hands traveled the length of her waist as he tenderly bit her bottom lip only to kiss the swollen flesh before consuming her again.

  Her soft fingertips explored his skin as boldly as his fingers feasted on her flesh. She found his waistband and tugged at the material. In frustration she moved away from their kiss. "Off. Now."

  He was only too glad to oblige. He hopped off her and the bed in point zero seconds to strip his board shorts, ready to... Oh, fuck. The little yellow slips of material which constituted the swimsuit peeled from her shoulders. Slowly the fabric fell from one perfectly taut rose-colored nipple and then the other.

  He gripped the base of his cock and squeezed, trying to stave off the rapidly approaching end to his sexual abstinence. Half-starved and eviscerated with need he dropped a knee on the bed, waiting like a deprived animal famished for its next meal.

  The material peeled down and down. The expanse of ivory skin she revealed left him panting. She lay down and arched her hips. "Help me."

  Fuck yes. He was on the bed and straddling her calves in a heartbeat. A gentle tug extricated the material from under her hips. Oh, damn. She was beautiful. Her soft mound was covered in dark blonde hair, natural and beautiful. He eased the material off her legs careful to replace her foot on the pillow.

  Now centered between her legs, he lost the battle and dropped down, easing her injured foot onto his back. She shifted onto her elbows and licked her lips. Fuck, she was hungry, too. He licked a trail from her inner thigh to her sex. Her body shuddered at the slightest caress of his tongue. He kissed her inner thigh and repeated the trail to her core again. This time, he spread her and lapped at her swollen flesh, indulging in her taste.

  Her grip in his hair tightened and her soft sounds became louder as he targeted the tight pearl at the top of her flesh. The muscles of her legs flexed and bore down against his shoulders, the pressure increased with each pass of his tongue. Her thighs trembled and her body arched against his mouth. Her orgasm inflamed his almost compulsive yearning. He braced above her and reached toward the nightstand. Her hand on his arm stilled him instantly. "I'm on birth control."

  He moved back above her. "Are you sure? I know I can't give you anything."

  "Nor I you. Take me. Now." Her arms wrapped around his neck, and she tugged him down for another breath-stealing kiss. He centered himself and slowly rocked into her heat. He moved away from her mouth when he slipped in, seating himself deep inside her. "Oh, God." He dropped his head to her shoulder and, as if she knew what he needed, her legs rose to cradle him as her arms slipped to his back, grounding him in this moment. Their connection, one he'd imagined for years, blew his fantasies out of the water. She was exquisite in her sensuality. He kissed her collarbone and slid away only to move back inside her again. He groaned; the sensations too vibrant to endure in silence. Her breath hitched, sighed, and hitched again. Fingernails dug into his back, and her soft frame arched under him as her legs constricted around him. Her body grabbed his cock. Fluttering contractions immobilized his hips and shattered him. Red and white blotches formed behind his eyes as he struggled to keep his weight off her and breathe at the same time.

  He had to think for a moment before he rolled, ensuring he wouldn't touch her injured foot. When his cock, sated, slipped from her, he rolled her with him and tucked her into his side.

  Her fingers threaded through the hair on his chest. Petting, touching, just being, they lay there for long minutes without speaking. He kissed the top of her head. The crown of her head tipped back, and those blue eyes sparkled up at him. She pushed her body closer and whispered, "I'd like to do that again."

  "I think it can be arranged." He dropped a kiss on her upturned lips and rolled her onto her back again. He didn't need any more encouragement.

  Her body quaked under the onslaught of his touch. She'd had lovers before but none who mattered. None were important; none had a connection. The sex had been functional, utilitarian, and completely forgettable. Not with him. Not with Luke. He worshiped her body as if she were something special. His reverence and restraint were tinged with a hunger which made them both shake with anticipation. He carefully moved her, always making sure her foot was out of the way of his long, long limbs. On her hands and knees now, she felt him place a pillow under her foot before his hands found her hips. He leaned down and kissed his way up her back, vertebra by vertebra. As he folded over her, the arm which wasn't supporting him snaked around her, and his fingers found her clit. He entered her slowly and the pressure of his fingers echoed the languid strokes and soft kisses to her neck and shoulders. She arched her back as he slid forward, and they both sighed.

  She looked back at him. "Don't be afraid to go deeper or faster. I won't break."

  He pushed her hair away from her face and they kissed. A sloppy, wet, sideways kiss that rocketed her craving for the elusive summit he'd driven her to the last time. He backed away from her and rested on his knees, his large hands wrapping around her waist. He tugged her to him as he moved forward. The slow and sensual motion increased in pace. She closed her eyes and floated on the electricity which skittered under her skin. Never had sex been this way. Never had she ignited so quickly or exploded with such intensity. There was something special here, between them. He thrust into her, harder now, and she reveled in the pleasure his excitement and strength created.

  His fingers once again swept lower and moved to her clit. Instantaneous combustion and incendiary orgasmic bliss flooded her. Her shout echoed around the room right before his. He held her up, against him, hands on her hips, rooting her to the spot where they were still joined. She panted with her head down and her hair sweeping the sheets. "Well, the first time wasn't a fluke."

  He chuckled behind her and moved away from her before he carefully moved her injured foot and flopped onto the bed. He tugged her down beside him and wrapped her in his arms. "I think there may be some chemistry at play."

  He couldn't stop the outright laugh when she popped up onto an elbow and gaped at him. "Maybe? I think you need to reconsider your statement, sir."

  "Definitely. There is definitely chemistry." He held up a hand in surrender. "I didn't want to force you to agree to salvage my ego."

  She reached across and pushed his long brown hair from his eyes. "Ego? No. Skill. Superior skill and definite finesse."

  He brought her into his arms again. "You have no idea the monster you've let loose."

  "Oh, if your monster wants to consume me, I'll let him. Over and over and over again."

  "You'll be sorry you agreed."

  She loved it when his eyes twinkled with joy. She'd seen it a couple of times but only in the last twenty-four hours. She wanted to see more of it, and drawing his attention, she teased, "Nope, don't think I will be, but you could try to get me to that point. I won't object."

  Luke rolled her onto her back and stared at her. "Neither will I."

  Luke stiffened and looked at the clock. Just after 2:00 a.m. He listened intently for what had awakened him. Silence. No motor. The yacht bobbed at rest on the water. He slipped his arm from under Pilar's neck and settled her before he pulled on his board shorts and left the cabin. Padding carefully down the hallway, he stopped at the galley where the light was still on. Smoke was pulling a couple of trays from the fridge.

  "Why did we stop?"

  "We're anchored off the Keys. I was going to keep cruising, but we can dance around in the Keys for a week or so, restock, and then head to Freeport and spend some time fishing off the Bahamas."

  "We may have to go in earlier, depending on what action Guardian wants to take after digesting the information Pilar's providing."

  "Not a problem. Plenty of ports to head into should we need to get you and her off the ship in a hurry. Hungry?"

  He glanced down at the food and shook his head. "Not really. Thanks." He was pleasantly tired thanks to three great orgasms. "Do you need me to take a shift?"

  "Nope. We have all the sensors deployed. Sage will monitor them for about an hour to make sure they are all functioning and then we are grabbing some sleep. Breakfast is on your own tomorrow. The galley is yours, feel free. Coffee is there." He pointed with a knife which had a glob of stone ground mustard on the end. "If you empty the pot, make a new one. Filters and grounds are above it."

  "Got it. I'll need a secure link to Guardian tomorrow, probably mid-morning." He grabbed a bottle of water from the fridge.

  "Not a problem." Smoke flopped a piece of bread down and slathered it in mustard. "I really hope you're wrong."

  He knew exactly what Smoke was talking about. "I do too."

  "Is the evidence in the information she's giving you?"

  "It's between the lines. The truth is there, and it isn't a reach."

  "But you'll let Guardian make the call, right?" Smoke took a bite of his sandwich and munched while looking at him.

  "Of course. I'm not going to start a vendetta without solid corroboration and approval from our handlers."

  The sandwich which was once again on the way to Smoke's mouth stopped mid-way. "Who the fuck are you, and what have you done with Tempest?"

  "What do you mean?"

  "They released you. Gave you a Go and I'm speculating told you to go find who was holding you. There should be blood and gore in at least ten different locations by now."

  He chuckled. "Three years of intensive therapy, compliments of Guardian, have changed my mental processes. I've learned patience."

  Smoke snorted. "Right. I'm not buying it."

  "The truth doesn't need to be purchased, asshole." He rolled his eyes.

  "Whatever, but do yourself a favor and call Fury. He can get someone here to take care of the woman's mother."

  Tempest turned toward his friend. "Fuck. You."

  Smoke huffed and dropped his sandwich. "I wasn't slighting your skills, my man."

  "Really? I'd imagine the entire organization doubts my skills because I was compromised." His anger at himself for that mistake hadn't diminished.

  "Stop the pity party. I've seen you dismember men with your bare hands. There isn't anyone I'd rather have on my six. You are one of the best, if not the best, currently in the field, but you aren't seeing the entire board here. I know you're a fan of chess. Back up and look at the pieces currently on your board. You're willing to sacrifice your queen when the game isn't going to be won unless three separate kings are checkmated. There is no backwash if you take down two of those pieces and let someone else handle the third. You aren't alone in this. We aren’t lone wolves, isolated with no backup. Not anymore. The organization has changed." Smoke damn near hissed the last words.

  "I might have changed but I haven't weakened. These three targets are mine alone."

  Smoke picked up his sandwich. "I make things go boom. I'm good with my hands, but not as good as the rest of you. I know my limitations and I apply them."

  He laughed at Smoke. Damn, really? "You're suggesting I have limitations?"

  "I know very well you don't. I'm saying maybe you should have one. One, for her." Smoke took a huge bite of his sandwich and a glob of mustard hung from the side of his face. Tempest didn't react to the man-child temper tantrum. His friend was trying to help... in his own way.

  "I'll go where Guardian sends me, do what they tell me to do and yes, I'll make sure all three Fates are dead. That is my fate, and Pilar's. I'll see you in the morning." He lifted the water bottle and saluted Smoke with it. Grumbled words like “idiot” and “asshole” followed him down the long hallway to the bedroom.

  He slid back into bed beside Pilar and smiled as she purred and drew closer to him. Wrapping himself around her, Smoke's words echoed in his ears. Unfortunately, those words were trumped by the years of torture he'd endured at the hands of Stratus and the Fates. He was going to kill all three of the Fates and dismantle Stratus from the top down. If his vengeance damned him to a life without Pilar, he'd deal. Somehow.

  Smoked watched Tempest walk down the hallway and continued to send one liners after him. The asshole needed to listen to him. Sage came into the galley from the other door. "P-problems?"

  "Yeah, big problems brewing."

  "How so?" Sage started to slap together a sandwich. "Sensors d-deployed are working."

  Dan pointed down the empty hall. "My gut tells me that man is going to explode. I've worked with him for a long, long time. He's not a finesse operator. He annihilates his targets. Obliterates them like direct hit from a Cat 5 hurricane. Nothing is left. Waiting for the explosion is fucking freaking me out."

  Sage handed him a napkin and pointed to his cheek. He swabbed at the area he indicated. "Maybe he's changed." The fact his partner didn't stutter as much around him was not lost on him. It gave him a sense of pride that Sage could be comfortable around him. His partner had had a shit life and he was damn glad he could provide some stability.

  "He hasn't. Not inside. This guy is going to go nuclear. When he goes after his targets, the reverberations will be heard around the world." He really hoped Guardian had control of the blast area. Tempest's statements were legendary when he wasn't pissed. When he was emotionally involved... Well hopefully Guardian had a strong hand on Tempest's bridle.

  "Can't be t-that bad. You're probably w-wrong."

  Smoke stared down the empty hallway. "Yeah, I really hope so." The world wasn't ready for what was coming for Stratus or the Fates.

  Chapter 15

  "Where is she?" Smoke looked behind him as he entered the bridge.

 

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