Strong Enough(58)

I stick my tongue out at him pluckily and I squeak when he grabs it between his thumb and forefinger.

“Uh-huh,” he says into the phone, still holding my tongue. Just to be obtuse, rather than trying to free it, I move toward him, taking his fingers into my mouth and sucking on them. His eyes are locked on my lips, ever darkening in his increasing desire. I love that look. I love his chameleon eyes that tell me so much of what he’s feeling even when he doesn’t want me to know.

Finally he releases my tongue and slowly withdraws his fingers. His gaze is still on my mouth as he rubs his thumb back and forth over my wet bottom lip, slowly, sweetly. Almost sadly, I see, when his eyes flip up to mine.

What is he hearing that would make him sad all of a sudden?

“Fine. I’ll be in touch. Give me until tomorrow.”

When Jasper hangs up, he tosses the phone aside, but remains stretched slightly away from me.

“Who was that?” I ask, only half expecting an answer.

“The Colonel.”

I lever myself up off his chest. “What did he say?”

“He got what I needed.”

“So what does that mean?”

He doesn’t really have to answer me. I can see it all over his face that it’s nothing I want to hear.

“It means that I’ll take you to him tomorrow. It means that this will all be over soon.”





TWENTY-SIX


Jasper

I left Muse to shower. I wanted to be in there with her, but I can’t think as clearly when she’s around, much less when she’s wet and naked. That’s why I’m in the front yard, keeping a distance from her.

The time is at hand and for the first time since I left home all those years ago, I’m pausing. Hesitating. Considering not doing my job, not doing what I’m told. I let someone get too close. I got too close. Too familiar. I let myself feel and now it’s come to this. She doesn’t know it yet, but the day I walked into the little shop where she works, Muse’s life changed forever. It was never going to be the same from that day on. She just didn’t know it.

In my gut . . . even though my head is still trying to work out options and plans . . . I know I can’t complete my assignment. I could never hurt her that way. For any job or assignment or greater good. But if I don’t, someone will. I’m not so worried about the Colonel. He can take care of himself, but Muse . . . she’s a different story.

It will be up to me to make sure she’s safe. To hide her well enough that no one will ever be able to find her. Maybe not even me.

It’s that thought that’s bouncing around in my head when I hear the explosion. Reflexively, I duck, reaching for the gun that isn’t at the back of my waistband. I curse under my breath, curse how lax I’ve become in such a short period of time.

The ground beneath my feet trembles with the impact and a bright flash of yellow-orange lightens the sky to the west, over the treetops. That’s when my heart comes to a complete stop in my chest. I know what lies in that direction. Who lies in that direction. She’s the only thing on my mind as I race toward the house, my heart now pounding at a speed that’s almost painful.

I jerk open the screen door and nearly topple a partially dressed Muse as she heads for the porch.

“What the hell was that?” she asks, her eyes round and frightened.

“I have a feeling it was somebody’s death wish,” I respond grimly, moving past her to grab my keys. “Stay here. Lock yourself in the bedroom. There’s a sawed-off shotgun under the bed. It’s loaded. Keep that in there with you. If anyone other than me comes through that door, aim and fire.”

“What? You’re crazy! I’m coming with you,” she says frantically, pulling the shirt she’s carrying over her wet head.

“No, you’re not. It’s hard to tell what I could be walking into and I don’t want you—”

“Where you are is the safest place I could be. I’m not letting you go without me.”

I don’t even stop to ask her what she thinks she could do to stop me. I just move toward the door. “Fine, but you’ll do exactly as I say. No questions asked. Even if I tell you to get in the car and drive away, you do it. Got it?”

I know my tone and my expression are harsh, but she needs to know how serious I am. I don’t have time to argue with her and I don’t want to have to worry about her doing something stupid.

“Okay, okay. I will.”

Together, we hurry out to the car. Once inside, I fire up the engine and tear out of the driveway, flying off down the gravel road. I know the path well. I grew up on these roads. I just never thought I’d be traveling them again like this. I thought I’d done everything I could to keep her safe.