want you out here alone. Will you at least follow one rule, Lindsey? Nowhere in this country is safe, and the same is true for several others. You have to trust me on this. Do not attempt to escape again. Period.”
I knew he was telling the truth. “I do trust you, Diego, although I’m not certain about Jack.”
“Jack is a good man, whether he wants to allow anyone else to know that. He served his country, sacrificed in more ways than the majority of Marines, and continues to try and do the right thing. Even if he is an asshole.”
“Funny. I thought you hated him,” I said jokingly.
“He and I ain’t gonna be friends, but he’s not a bad man and I assure you that he’d die in order to keep you alive. Something you should keep in mind.”
“I’ll try.” If only he wasn’t so damn arrogant.
Diego shifted closer, taking my hand into his. “I bet you make an amazing doctor. Let’s just make certain and get you back home so you can continue doing that.” As he brought my fingers to his lips, my heart pounded the same way it had before. Even the simple touch was almost too much, bringing out the kind of hunger that didn’t make any sense. He kept his eyes locked onto mine as he pressed his lips across one then another.
Shuddering, I bit my lower lip to keep from crying out, leaning even closer. The way my nipples scraped against the thin shirt was almost painful. My God, I was crazy with desire, my mind spinning as the electricity shot through both of us.
When he brought my hand to his chest, pressing it against his heart, I was taken aback, the gesture so sweet and endearing.
The darkness couldn’t hide the intensity of his gaze or the heat of the current rushing through every muscle in his body.
“I’ll go back to my room like a good little girl.” Why did I have the feeling that he was going to tuck me in as well as attempt to make certain the door was locked? The moment I stood he did as well, immediately placing himself behind me. He was determined to remain my protector, even if I fought him every step of the way.
He stood in the shadows as I pulled down the covers, still cognizant of his heated look. “Are you happy in your job?”
Diego seemed surprised by my question, an exaggerated exhale coming from his lips. “Happiness isn’t something I’ve thought much about lately. I do my job. I’m paid well and I live my life.”
“That sounds depressing as hell, as if you’re confined to a cage.”
“We all have cages around us, at least during portions of our life. When I find a way to break free, I assure you that I will. Until then, I’m biding my time.”
“Finding the right key,” I half whispered, unable to turn and face him. I’d never heard such angst in his tone before, the sound more chilling than Jack’s constant words of hatred.
“Maybe so. Go to sleep.”
The air between us was suddenly stagnant, the scent of my own desire wafting into my nostrils. While none of this made any sense, the rush of emotions continued to overrun any rational thinking. I slowly turned to face him, not bothering to turn on a light. As I slowly removed my shirt, I could sense his ragged breathing, even as the sound of my pulse echoed into my ears.
His shoulders rose and fell in the shadows as he watched me, the slight growl rolling up from his throat even more savage than before.
As I shimmied out of my shorts and panties, kicking them away, a shiver trickled down my spine. I had no idea what I was doing, but I knew without a shadow of a doubt that I wanted to feel him. To touch him.
To fuck him.
Perhaps I’d lost all sense of reality, but I couldn’t stand the thought of being alone.
Very slowly, he approached. Only when he was two feet away did he yank his shirt over his head, pitching it aside. He wasted no time finishing undressing then closing the distance.
When he was mere inches away, I reached out, fingering his muscular arms. He allowed me to explore, brushing my fingertips down the length then rolling them along his eight-pack. I marveled at his physique even more than before, allowing the prickling sensations to shift into every pore and cell.
His breathing remained scattered as I continued