Defender(99)

"Honestly, I don't really know. As a young guy, I decided I was going to be a soldier. Before you know it, life, career, opportunities take over and you end up where you are. But now I'm here, with you. Can't be all bad." 'I'm serious, Morgan," she said, driving a jab into his side. "I mean,

why not leave it to others. You've been through enough. Surely?"

Morgan paused. "It's not as easy as that, Ari. What we do... it's more than just a job."

Arena Halls shifted uncomfortably. She could see conflict fall upon Morgan's handsome features. He fell silent, gazing into the lustrous pool of red wine swirling around in his glass. She knew it was the worst time to raise it, but she needed to know if there was any future for them. She knew her feelings for Morgan were deep; deeper than they had been for any other man. She moved closer, sliding her body around to face him, placing her hand gently on Morgan's leg.

"So, what's next ?" she whispered after a few seconds. "Where to for the man from INTREPID?"

"Sorry, darling," he said, tapping the tip of her nose, consciously lightening the mood. "I could tell you, but I'd have to kill you."

"Whatever," she replied, glad of the levity. She put her arm around his waist, resting her head upon his chest. She was worried for Morgan, worried about how this might end. As she silently studied his face, his jaw was set firm and his dark green eyes cold. Morgan had returned to memories of Lunde. The satisfaction that he'd felt killing the man now caused him to feel ashamed. Was he actually any better than Lunde?

"It was a miracle that you survived the explosion, Alex," she said, tracing a tender finger across his face.

"The waves saved me, I suppose," he replied. "Threw me off the boat just as the gas bottle erupted. You were pretty lucky yourself, remember?" "Luck had nothing to do with it. If Dave hadn't gotten to me, I'd be at the bottom of Sydney Harbour by now."

"I owe Dave," said Morgan. "I really do. Where would I be if he hadn't saved you?"

Arena decided she would not press him about the future. Not tonight, anyway. It was time to savour what they had right now. Who knew how long it could last? She buried her fingers deeply into his thick, brown hair and tousled it roughly before planting a passionate kiss on his lips.

Morgan responded.

He turned and took Arena in his arms, lifting her lithe frame up onto his lap. Ari wriggled sensually against him, eager for his attention. As they kissed, he ran his fingers across the smooth, exposed flesh of her waistline, flicking open the top button of her jeans, gently easing down the zip and slipping his hand inside. She moaned, nibbling on his ear, swirling her tongue around and around. Slowly, carefully, Morgan ran his hand around behind to glide across the taught mounds of her buttocks, a lone finger looping through her G-string. He tugged on it, softly at first, then more intensely. Arena arched against his chest, groaning wistfully in his ear.

"No more questions," said Morgan.

"OK, Mister," Arena replied with barely a whisper. "I promise."