Hostile Ground (The Arsenal #7) - Cara Carnes Page 0,108

call. We’ve all been on assignment awhile now and need some decompression time.” She pulled away. “I’ll stay here until Olaf’s ready to travel.”

Thunder ran his hand down his face. Johnny abandoned his fishing pole and glowered. Kristof kept silent despite the debate poised on his tongue. Addy was more than an operative and deserved time away from her work. Surely everyone gathered around her realized that.

They didn’t fully trust him.

“A couple of days away from everyone isn’t much of an ask,” Gage said. “They can let us know if they run into trouble.”

“That’s not the problem,” Marshall said. “It’s against my nature to leave anyone alone.”

“She won’t be alone.” Kristof touched her shoulder. “I’ll protect her with my life.”

“That won’t be necessary,” Addy clipped. Her gaze narrowed as she peered up at him. “Was this why Gavriil offered the yacht today?”

“No. I decided to commandeer some time alone with you. This is the first I’m hearing about the delay for Olaf’s departure.” He stroked her cheek. “I’m not ashamed to admit I want time alone with you, away from the mission. No pressure. It’s your choice.”

“Then I’ll stay.”

Marshall nodded. “I’ll let everyone know. We’ll likely leave early in the morning.”

“Understood,” Kristof said. “I’ll make sure and have her back before you leave. Maksim will see to Olaf until we return.” Anticipation hummed within his veins when Addy stood and waved goodbye to her team and the other Arsenal operatives on the yacht. He felt like a teenager sneaking out of his home as they made their way to the small boat he’d packed.

She offered a hesitant smile when she took his hand and interlaced their fingers. Awareness arced through him. “Kidnapping me, huh?”

“Seemed like a good idea.” He turned to face her. “I want time alone with you, but if you want to wait, we will.”

“No.” She shook her head and splayed her hand on his chest. “I want time alone with you, too. It’s been a long time since I…”

“The missions always take priority,” he guessed.

“It’s easy to forget there’s a life outside of what we do.”

He brushed his lips across hers and ignored the slight discomfort the contact created. “Then let’s go and live.”

“You cheated!” Addy shouted the accusation and kicked water in Kristof’s direction. Laughter rolled from her as her bare feet sank into the lake’s bottom. Water lapped around her ankles.

Kristof charged toward her. A squeal escaped her as he grasped her about the waist and kicked behind her knees. Shock filled her, but firm hands gripped her as she settled near the edge of the water.

Amusement glimmered in his eyes as he looked down at her. Confidence and happiness resonated within his smile and melted away what few worries had remained within her brain. The past couple of hours had been…

Magical.

The sun crawled into its home and cast its departure across the sky in brilliant bursts of color. She smiled as she enjoyed the view a moment, then returned her gaze to the intense man looming above her.

“You look pretty pleased with yourself, cheater.” She ran her fingers through his hair.

“All’s fair in war,” he teased. “I believe I’m owed a prize.”

Desire fanned through her when they kissed. He settled a thigh between hers and groaned when she arched upward, rubbing herself against him. Trailing kisses along his jawline, she ran her hands down his chest and grinned as she flipped them.

“Vixen.” He laughed and gripped her hips.

“All’s fair in war,” she taunted. “Let’s see what I have to work with.”

Reaching for the button of his shorts, she undid them. An appreciative moan escaped her as she grasped his hard length in her hand. “Not bad. I think I can work with this.”

Kristof lifted his hips and helped her remove his shorts. Removing her top, she stood long enough to remove the rest of her clothes. Arousal beaded along her skin when she straddled him.

“So beautiful,” he whispered as he cupped her breasts. “Your skin is so sensitive I’m afraid I’ll mar it.”

“I’m tougher than I look.” She grasped his hard cock and ground herself against the shaft. The friction of skin-on-skin contact sent a zing of need through her. “I can’t wait, not this time.”

“That’s what we said the last time,” he said as he tweaked her hard nipples. “You’re in my blood. I won’t ever get enough of you.”

She reached over and grabbed his shorts, feeling around in the pockets until she found the condom she sought. Setting it on his chest,