Undaunted - Shirleen Davies Page 0,47
The sex was spectacular.” She walked around to the other side of the island, resting her hands on the counter. “Anything new on who’s after me?”
Crossing his arms, Fuse studied her. No doubt about it. Brittany was upset. “Nothing yet. Gunner and Mitch are outside. Bas, Fargo, and a third Brethren are expected in a few minutes.” Cocking his head as if trying to figure her out. “Do you want to call your parents? You can use my secure line.”
Shaking her head, she shoved away from the counter and straightened. “Not necessary. I would like to wander around the house. You hustled me in here so fast last night, I didn’t have a chance to check it out.”
“I’ll go with you.” He moved around the island.
She waved him off. “Not necessary.”
“Yes…it is. We’ll start down that hall.” Gripping her elbow, he guided her past the huge great room consisting of the kitchen, dining area, and living room. “The stairs lead to three bedrooms, two baths, and a loft.” He pointed ahead of them. “This way is a guest bath, the office, master bedroom and en suite bath.” He walked down a hall, opening the doors. “You’re welcome to use the office if it would be more comfortable.”
“This is gorgeous.” She stepped into the master bedroom, running a hand over simple, yet striking pine furniture. “The detail and character of the wood gives the room a warm, inviting atmosphere. And the view…”
“There are views from all the rooms. Come on this way.” He took off in the direction of Brittany’s room. “More bedrooms. Yours is the only one in this part of the house with an en suite bath. The other two share a bath. Laundry is through that door and the garage is just beyond it.”
“The house is huge.”
Fuse knew the exact square footing from the plans Wrath provided. “Almost five thousand square feet. Not quite four years old.”
Grabbing a knob to what she assumed was a closet, he opened the door. “Down the stairs is a finished basement with a safe room. It’s three times the size of mine.”
“Is that where I’ll go if they find us?”
“Yes, but you’ll be escorted by one of the men.” Fuse noted the concern in her eyes, the way she bit her lower lip. “We aren’t going to let anything happen to you, Brit.”
“I know.” She wrapped both arms around her middle. “I just want this to be over.”
“So you can get back to your job?”
Her brows drew together as she lifted her head. “I’m certain you’re more than ready to get me out of your hair.” Turning away, she took a couple steps away before a strong hand gripped her shoulder.
“You’re wrong.” Gripping her other shoulder, he hauled her to him, capturing her mouth with his.
It was a fierce claiming, meant to leave no doubt about how much he wanted her. His tongue plunged into her mouth, tasting, branding. Moaning into his mouth, she drew her hands up between them, pushing at his shoulders.
“Stop, Scott.” She pushed harder the second time. “Scott…”
Her words cut through the fog of his brain. Lifting his head, he looked down at her, features lined with confusion.
“I…”
She placed a finger over his lips, lowering her voice. “I know you don’t trust me. It’s doubtful you ever will.”
Licking her lips, she grabbed his hand, tugging him into her bedroom. Closing the door, she released her grip, taking a step away.
“I understand how you feel. What I did was horrible.” She looked away, rubbing fingers across her forehead, grimacing as if in pain. “There’s no excuse for the pain I caused. What you don’t understand is sending you away broke my heart.”
“Then why?”
Sucking her lower lip between her teeth, she shook her head. “I didn’t have a choice.”
Pacing away, he shoved a hand through his hair before turning back. “Choice? We always have choices, Brit. What you mean is, your parents wore you down and it was easier to break it off than fight for us. At least be honest about that.” Fuse stalked to the window, looking out at the forest beyond the manicured landscape. “I would’ve done anything for you. Left the Navy if that was what you wanted.”
“I never would’ve asked that of you, Scott. All our plans included you continuing as a SEAL, doing the work you were born to do. Hell, look at you now. You’re part of an elite undercover team, composed of the best DEVGRU has to offer, going after the worst