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4:00 a.m.
“Zoe, stop!” Aidan tried to turn and follow, but bumped his injured shoulder in the narrow space. Stars swam in his vision. Ow! Shit! Impossible to move. To go after her.
Groaning, he clutched the wall. “Not. Bats!”
“No bats?” Her terrified question floated back, already sounding way too far away. “Spiders? Snakes? A freakin’ dragon?”
He chuckled. “No, no, and a dragon would be kinda awesome. The Cascade Range is made up of volcanoes. That sulfur smell means hot springs ahead. Which indicates a cave. Soon, we can light a flare.”
“What’s that rustling noise? C-can’t we light a flare now?”
“It’s the simmering water. Not enough room for a flare yet. I don’t even have room to maneuver around and come get you.” He kept his tone low and soothing. “So you have to come back to me. You don’t want to get lost in here all alone.”
Her gulp was audible. “I’m ... paralyzed.”
“C’mon, sweetheart. Walk toward my voice.”
“I don’t think—”
“You can do it. I’m right here, waiting for you. Zoe, I need your help.”
“O-okay,” her breathless reply drifted back.
To his immense relief, he heard footsteps shuffling on the sandy floor. “That’s it.” He kept talking. “One step after another, honey. My hand is right here. Reach out and take it.”
When her ice-cold fingers grasped his, he inhaled for the first time in a friggin’ decade. “I’ve got you.”
She shook so hard her teeth chattered. “I—I panicked.”
“It’s okay. Everything will be okay. Hold onto me and don’t let go again.” He squeezed her hand. “It might help if you close your eyes, so you can’t ‘see’ the dark.”
“M-maybe.” A long hesitation made him tense before she finally declared, “I can do this.”
“I know you can.” Her breathing had reached critical mass. He needed to calm her down before she passed out and they were literally stuck between a rock and a hard place. “Only a little farther now. Remember, you wanted to tell me something about the Musketeers?”
“M-Musketeers?”
“During that charming jaunt through the creek.”
She paused. “Oh, yes. You said ‘one for all, and all for one.’ Which made me think. You’re like Athos ... wise and sad and a strong, trustworthy leader.” Thankfully, the distraction worked and her raspy inhalations slowed. “Con has the bravado and romantic nature of D’Artagnan. Liam has Porthos’s humor.” Another breath. “Grady is like Aramis ... an interesting combo of smarts and swashbuckler.”
“You have the O’Rourke brothers pegged.” His chuckle rebounded eerily in the winding passage. “Does that make you Milady D’Winter?”
Zoe snorted. “She was psycho.”
He pressed onward, following the ever-stronger sulfur smell. “You’re making my case for me.”
“Thanks bunches. I’d never punish a wounded man,” she panted from behind him. “So consider yourself owed.”
Another low chuckle escaped. “Punishment, huh? I look forward to payment in full.” He’d bet his beloved Batmobile his adventurous reporter would be up for any and all fun-and-games he might suggest.
He squeezed around the final bend into an airy, echoing cavern. “We made it. Hang tight for three more seconds before you open your eyes.”
He scratched a flare into life. Grinned at the sight in front of him. “Open sesame.”
She gasped, turning around and around in the golden, glittering chamber. “Ohhh! Beautiful! Is it gold?”
“Pyrite. Fool’s gold.” He swallowed hard. Her wet shirt had gone sheer, her dusky, pebbled nipples clearly visible in the shimmering light. His lady was far more beautiful than any glittering cave.
He led her behind a short rock wall. “Right on target, there’s the pool.”
Shivering, she plopped her survival bag on the sand beside the steaming, bubbling pool. “Now that we’re closer, it smells kind of like hardboiled eggs. I’m so cold, I can’t wait to jump in.”
“Natural hot springs can exceed boiling temps.” He knelt and jammed the flare into the sandy floor. Held a cautious fingertip above the bubbles before dipping it in. “Perfect. Climb in.”
“I’ll help you start a fire first.”
Driftwood liberally scattered the sand—evidence that seawater had once flooded the cave. The wood was bone-dry, so incoming tide wasn’t a concern here. He already had enough to worry about. They both needed food, and more importantly, water. And how would he get them the hell out of this cave and off the island? He bent to grasp a log, swayed and nearly fell. Shit! How was he supposed to protect Zoe when he kept staggering around like a frat boy on pledge night?
She took the log from him. “Let me.”
He reluctantly handed her his knife. “Slice thin slivers of wood for kindling.” Using Gym Rat’s lighter, they soon built a crackling blaze.
He stood, propped his back against the wall, closed his eyes and let blessed heat radiate into his aching muscles.
“Aidan?” Zoe’s soft palm nestled above his heart. “Shall I help you undress?”
He looked down at her hand, small and fragile against his tanned chest. Looked into her weary, trusting eyes, shimmering golden-brown irises dancing with green sparks in the firelight. Looked at the scrapes and bruises marring her creamy skin. The cut marring her plump bottom lip. Every warrior’s instinct to keep her safe roared to the surface. “I’ll manage. Hop in.”
“Aw.” That enticing lower lip stuck out in an exaggerated pout. “I’ve been wanting to get you outta your pants since the night we met. SWAT ... Some Women Adore Trouble.”
He laughed. “How can a guy say no?”
Her impish grin flashed. “You can’t.” She removed his sling before she knelt, untied his shoes and removed them. She stood. Smiling eyes laughed into his as her nimble fingers unfastened and unzipped his fly.
Hey, not so tough to give her what she wanted, after all.
She drew his pants and boxers to his hips. Tugged. “I can’t seem to ... they’re caught on ...” She glanced down and blew out a breath. “Oh. My. Glorious. God.”
He grinned. He’d been sporting a raging hard-on since he’d awakened with her naked breasts pressed to his chest. “I’d better take it from here.”
“Yeah, I don’t want to uh ... damage anything. I’ll give you some privacy.” She spun, putting her back to him.
“Zoe,” he said, his voice soft and low. “Don’t be embarrassed because you turn me on. I’m not.”
“I know you’re attracted to me.” Her uncertain murmur was barely audible. “I’m just not sure you want to be.”
“I was damn uncertain at first, myself.” He reached out and stroked her hair. “But I know better now.”
“You—” Her shoulders hitched. “You’re all right with it?”
He stepped closer and put his hand on her shoulder. “Yes, sweetheart.” He leaned in, pressed his cheek to hers. “Very much so.”
“I ...” Her voice caught. “I’m very much all right with it, too.”
“Good to hear.” He kissed her temple. “Let’s get into that nice warm water.”
“You first. I need to rinse out our clothes.”
She studiously examined the glittering cave walls while he laboriously stripped off his damp slacks and boxers and stepped into the pool. Sitting on a protruding ledge, he sank chest-deep into steaming water. A contented sigh slipped out as heat soaked his injured shoulder.
She picked up his pants. “These have been in salt water ... don’t want them to dry stiff.”
He flicked her a wry glance. “Stiff is damned inconvenient.”
“Mmm ... not always.” She returned his naughty grin as she rinsed his clothes and draped them over a log beside the fire. “Your turn to shut your eyes.”
He tipped his head back and let his eyelids drift closed. He heard her wet shirt slither down. Seductive satin whispers as she stepped out of her panties. Rippling water caressing her skin. She’d be leaning over the pool, rinsing her clothes.
Naked.
Erotic mental images blasted his system and every muscle in his body went as rigid as his dick. He gritted his teeth against the urge to raise his lashes just enough to watch her. She’d never know.
He balled his good hand into a fist. No. He wouldn’t invade Zoe’s privacy and violate her trust. But damn, temptation danced an enticing tango against his closed eyelids.
More splashes. Her forearm brushed his, then her silken thigh slid against his beneath the warm water. As his muscles tightened even more painfully, he hissed under his breath.
“Sorry.” She sounded breathless. “Did I jar you?”
Clear to his toes, but with the good kind of pain. “No.” He opened his eyes to see her anxious, elfin face so very close. There was no way to sit in the small pool without touching. Thank sweet heaven the bubbles reached her collarbone. A man could only resist so much temptation.
She passed him a water bottle and two more acetaminophen. He sipped enough to swallow the pills, handed the bottle back. She frowned. “Drink it all. You need to stay hydrated.”
“So do you.”
“I’ve had mine. Go ahead.”
He examined the nearly full container. “Really.”
She jutted her chin in the endearingly stubborn gesture he’d grown to adore. “I’m not thirsty.”
Drilling her with the death stare, he held out the bottle. “We both drink or nobody drinks.”
She sighed. “Yes, Master.”
“Much better.” He grinned as she took a swig. “I like my women naked and obedient.”
She choked, sputtered water. “Funny, that’s how I prefer my men.”
He laughed. “I’m yours to command, sweetheart.”
She again passed the bottle. “Don’t make promises you’re not up to keeping.”
Cool, refreshing water slid down his dry throat. Oh, I’m more than up for it, honey.
“I bet you’re hungry,” she said. “I know I am. I have Cracker Jack. Thanks to the foil pouch, they’re not even soggy.”
“Sounds good.”
As she tore open a red-and-white box, he set aside the water bottle and tried to figure out how to eat one-handed. Since they had to share, dumping the snack into his mouth from the pouch seemed a little crass.
“Allow me, Master.” She giggled, then fed him crunchy, candy-coated popcorn and peanuts.
In the glistening, isolated cavern, the outside world ceased to exist. He quickly grew accustomed to the mineral smell while heated water bubbled sensually against his sore, weary muscles. As they lay cocooned in warm steam, talking quietly and sharing the makeshift meal, most of his pain faded along with the stress of the past hours.
She opened a tiny envelope. “Wonder what we got for the prize?” A miniature green plastic monkey tumbled onto her palm. She smiled. “How cute! I have a fondness for monkeys.
“I noticed.” He arched a brow. “Too many Tarzan movies?”
“No.” She chuckled. “When I was young, I was crazy about Curious George.”
“Easy to understand. You and impish George are kindred spirits.” He grinned at her. “Babar the Elephant books were my favorites.”
“The elephant who grew up to be king of the jungle.” Her answering grin brimmed with mischief. “I get your fascination with him, too.”
“I liked him because he always found a silver lining in every cloud.” A lot like Zoe. “I got a stuffed elephant for my fifth birthday that I named Babar.”
Her fingertip gently traced the miniature monkey’s plastic grin. “When I was five, I wanted a Curious George doll so badly. Mom couldn’t afford the official version, but she found a ‘gently used’ so-ugly-they’re-cute sock monkeys at a church rummage sale. George slept with me every night to fend off loneliness. Wherever Mom dragged me was home if George was there.” She glanced at him from under a thicket of dark lashes. “Probably seems silly to you.”
“Not at all. I kept Babar until I started sixth grade. I made a big show of tossing him in the trash, but I suspect Mom has him stashed in the attic with boxes of our baby clothes and other keepsakes. Do you still have George?”
“No.” Her voice grew quiet as she set the plastic trinket on a rock beside them. Too quiet. “We had to run on a moment’s notice. Couldn’t go back to the apartment. I had to ... abandon him.”
He covered her hand with his. “I didn’t mean to stir up another bad memory.”
“Stupid to get upset about such a minor thing after all these years.” Her nonchalant shrug belied the haunted longing in her words, the sorrow hazing her eyes. “It was just a toy.”
Were all her childhood memories painful? He sternly cleared the thickness from his throat. Cops did not cry. “You’re not a helpless little girl now, Zoe. You don’t have to be afraid.” He wrapped his arm around her waist, hugged her. “And you’re not alone anymore.”
“You’re quite a guy, SWAT.” She swiped at her cheeks. “Thank you for not judging or condemning me because of my past.”
He massaged the back of her neck. “The past is over. Dead and buried. I know that all too well.”
“Now is all we ever really have.” She gave him a wobbly smile. “I’m a pro at living in the moment.”
She would be. For too many years, that was all she’d known. Her past was a menacing shadow. Her future uncertain. He studied her guileless, heart-shaped face, inches from his. Did she ever dare plan the future?
Did any of those thoughts include him?
Their eyes met and held. The firelight reflected dancing golden lights in her beautiful, expressive eyes. Her feminine scent mingled with the rich smell of caramel popcorn, tantalizing his senses. Water droplets sparkled on her delicate throat and slim shoulders. He ached to lean forward and sweep his tongue over her damp, creamy skin. Kiss every lovely inch.
Consume her.
As if she’d read his mind, her pupils dilated, and the pulse at her throat throbbed faster. “Last bite.” She sounded breathless again. As she fed him, his tongue swirled the sugary crumbs from her skin. When he drew her finger into his mouth and laved the tip, she gasped.
Cradling her hand in his, he lavished attention on each finger in turn. “You taste sweeter than the candy.”
She trembled in his grasp. “Oh, my, what talented lips you have.”
He savored her palm. Lingered over the rapid pulse at her wrist. Nibbled the baby-fine skin of her inner arm to the bend of her elbow. “All the better to eat you up,” he growled.
“Are you going to devour me?” she whispered.
He slowly kissed up her inner arm to her shoulder, then nibbled her neck. “Do you want me to?”
She moaned. “Very much.”
He nuzzled her throat. Slammed with the primitive desire to make her his, he suckled her damp skin, drinking in her essence. He gently kneaded her breast, her nipple immediately puckering in his palm. He teased the small hard bud between his thumb and forefinger, and she moaned again as she turned toward him to rub her other breast against his chest.
Head spinning, Aidan slid his hand through the bubbles fizzing over her belly. He hesitated before cupping her downy curls. He’d better be a damn sight less clumsy hitting the target here than firing a weapon wrong-handed. His fingertip glided over her clitoris, and she gasped, jerked back.
He froze, concern churning his gut. “Did I hurt you?”
“No,” she breathed. “I—I just didn’t expect everything with you to feel so ... intense.”
Her awed surprise dumped a bucket of ice water over his head. What in sweet hell was he doing? He withdrew his hand, softly kissed her mouth. “We have to stop.”
Her eyes darkened in distress. “Did I do something wrong?”
“Not at all.” He could kick his own ass. Jesus, he’d sped from zero to ninety in less than three minutes.
She worried her lower lip with even, white teeth. “You’re not enjoying yourself?”
“Too much.” He laughed raggedly. “I’m speeding without a license.”
“It’s just kissing. Just touching.”
She obviously had no clue his next move would’ve been lifting her to straddle him and then thrusting into her hard and deep. “We’re naked. Isolated. There’s nothing to stop us from going too far.” He pinched the bridge of his nose—brutally—and battled overwhelming lust. Get a grip.
She frowned. “Who says we’d go too far?”
Fear chilled his bloodstream. He’d come way too close to savagely shattering that naiveté. “You’re so tempting. Feel so good.” He touched the small mark of possession branding her throat, shamed—and yeah—also darkly thrilled. She was his, dammit. But he was normally as controlled in the bedroom as everywhere else. He’d never even left a whisker burn on a lover. “I could easily get carried away without meaning to.”
Her arms slid around his neck and she pressed close, rocketing his pulse into triple-time. “We’re being hunted by armed killers. We’ve encountered a grizzly, and you’ve fallen over a cliff. If ever there was a time to live in the moment ...”
“Sweetheart.” He brushed tousled strands of hair off her forehead. “I can’t risk it. Can’t risk you.”
“Everything good always gets snatched away.” The quaver in her voice vised his chest. She sucked in a ragged breath. “This might be our only chance to be together.”
He inhaled slowly. Exhaled. Tough to reason with no blood circulating in his brain. He couldn’t even feel his injured shoulder anymore. “I’m not entirely in control and I don’t want to hurt you.”
“You’d never hurt me. I trust you.”
Her faith floored and humbled him. Too bad he didn’t trust himself. “I can’t take that chance with you, Zoe. And I won’t do something we might regret when we’re thinking more clearly.”
She turned her face away. Shaking, she swallowed hard. “God forbid we end up living with regrets.”
His heart shattered. “Don’t cry, sweetheart.”
“I’m not crying.” Clearly, she was. “I’m fine.” Obviously, she wasn’t.
He struggled to alleviate her distress. Talk about a situation going FUBAR—and fast. “Zoe, it’s not you.”
“Of course not.” Keeping her back to him, she scrambled out of the pool.
Still facing away, she stood between him and the fire and wrapped her arms defensively around her middle. Gleaming with moisture, her petite body trembled in the firelight. Water droplets trailed from her slender shoulders down her spine to nestle in the small of her back. He groaned under his breath. He’d always loved the small of a woman’s back where it curved into her buttocks. So delicate. So vulnerable. You didn’t turn your back on someone unless you completely trusted them.
He rose to his feet. Stepping out of the pool, he walked to her and pressed full length against her from behind. “Feel how much I want you?”
“Sure, you desire me ... but ...” She gulped. “I know I don’t play in your league.”
Her tremulous statement punched him in the gut. Well now, boyo, you’ve royally fucked this up.
Zoe had had so little in her bleak life. He wanted nothing more than to reassure her. He knew she desired him physically. Enjoyed being with him. He didn’t know if her feelings for him were as intense as his for her. And a grubby cave in the middle of an adrenaline-spiked, life-or-death manhunt was hardly the time/place to blurt out an abrupt declaration of love, then expect her to rationally sort out her resulting emotions.
She’d never had anyone or anything. He would not cheat her out of a courtship. He wanted to shower her with flowers. Chocolates. Jewelry. Laugh with her over favorite movies. Cook her hearty meals. Stroll with her hand-in-hand and talk about hopes and dreams.
He wanted to show her how much he cared.
He refused to betray her trust. He would protect her, at all costs. Even from himself.
Still behind her, he leaned in perilously close to the tempting, forbidden fruit. “You’re wrong. I like you, sweetheart.” He pressed his cheek to hers. “A helluva lot.”
“I ...” Her voice caught. She was trembling. “L-like you a lot, too.”
“Good to hear. I admit, you’re not my usual type.” He stroked his thumb down the column of her smooth, slim neck as she trembled harder. “You’re special. Unique. I’ve never met anyone like you. And after this is all over, I want to keep seeing you.”
She sniffled, laughed shakily. “You do?”
“Damned straight I do.” He dropped a kiss on her shoulder and she quivered. “And you’re too important to me to screw this up by doing something rash and irresponsible. Understand?”
“Mostly.” She hesitated. “We’re so different. I’m not sure I’ll ever totally understand you.” She turned in his arms. Warm, wet skin pressed to warm, wet skin. Her nipples grazed his pecs, her soft belly cradled his erection. Shit. He gritted his teeth. He’d damned well better qualify for sainthood after this.
“I’m all about seizing the moment before it disappears forever, while you’re big on forward vision,” she said. “We’re gonna have an interesting relationship.”
“Living in the moment is terrific. Living dangerously, not so much. We don’t have any protection with us. Unless you carry condoms in that magic bag.”
She blinked. “Oh. Oh, hell. I didn’t even— Aidan, I didn’t mean to— I’m sorry, I totally lost my head. I didn’t mean to be irresponsible.” Her dark lashes were dewed, those beautiful, expressive eyes heartbreakingly sad. “But before you, nobody’s ever seen the real me, you know? You look at me, you see me ... and you make me feel wanted.”
Annnd—he was cooked.
He lowered himself to the canvas tarp, tugging her down to sit on his lap facing him. The position brought them into carnally intimate contact. He cupped her bottom, her satiny stomach rubbing against his sensitized dick. A guttural sound tore out of him. “I want you every minute we’re together. So much, I’m insane with it.” He captured her mouth, his tongue thrusting in rhythm with his hips.
Purring low in her throat, she leaned in, inviting him deeper into her mouth. But with only his good arm around her, he couldn’t balance and they toppled backward onto the tarp.
Gasping, she broke the kiss. “Did I bump your arm?”
Not enough pain in the universe to squelch his desire for her. “No,” he lied. “Did I hurt the cut on your lip?”
“Not a bit.” Her fingers threaded into his hair, soft palms cradling his face as if he were her most cherished possession. “Aidan,” she murmured against his mouth. “I want you so much. I need you more than I’ve ever needed anything.”
Their breaths mingled, hot and damp. He wasn’t sure who moved first—maybe they both did. Their mouths met and her hot, silky tongue mated with his.
She sparkled with life. Filled him with hope. She tasted like caramel and warm, willing ... Zoe.
Tasted like his radiant, shimmering future.
He ached to give her what she wanted, needed. But he would not do anything to jeopardize her. Refused to gamble with her future.
He slid his leg between hers and flexed his thigh against her soft, moist center. Moaning into his mouth, she arched into him.
His Zoe was a lit firecracker, all bright sizzle and hot sparks, and he reveled in her glow. He’d never had a woman respond with such fervor. Her questing hands and eager mouth explored, tasted. She stroked and tickled, licked and kissed. Her rapid, heated breaths rasped erotically in his ear.
Exhilarated by the electric storm, he increased the pace. Slick, damp skin glided sensually over slick, damp skin. “You feel so good, sweetheart.”
“Mmm. So do you.” She wriggled against him. “And you smell delicious.” She rained kisses on his face. I love the way you kiss me. The way you touch me.”
His previous lovers had been quiet and contained. But Zoe sighed when he kissed her, moaned when he caressed her. Purred when he stroked her. She whispered secret thoughts and intimate feelings in his ear.
And he loved it.
Loved her.
So much it made his chest ache.
Her husky voice, her breathless praise was fiercely arousing. What she lacked in experience, she more than made up for with passionate enthusiasm. He was being ridden by a sensual whirlwind.
Christ, he wasn’t even inside her, and he’d never been more turned on. Never been more aware of, more in tune with his partner. Physically and emotionally.
Her tantalizing nipples teased his chest and he groaned. “Never been this hot.”
“Me ... either.” She rocked against him, quivering in his embrace. Her spine arched, her body drew taut. “I think ... oh!”
He slid his tongue into her ear. Breathed in, washing her with cool air, then out, following with warmth. “That’s it, honey. Go over for me.”
She shuddered, a bowstring vibrating on the edge of release. “Yes, Aidan,” she panted. “If you will ... for me.”
Planning on satisfying only her, he clung to his slipping control while their fiery friction hurtled him closer and closer towards paradise. He clenched his jaw as his climax gathered, hovered on the brink.
Nearly to the breaking point.
Zoe was about to push him over the edge of the world.
He didn’t care.
“Now!” he growled. “Now, Zoe!”
Shaking uncontrollably, she cried out his name. Her teeth nipped his shoulder, and hot, sparkling pleasure exploded inside him, poured out of him.
He let go and fell willingly, joyfully into the void.
Love surged up to meet him. Love buoyed him, filled the emptiness. Surrounded him in warmth and light.
He held Zoe tight and gloried in the rush.
As she went limp on top of him, he rubbed her back while their breathing slowed. She lived inside his heart now, and he would never let her go.
Long, contented moments drifted past.
Zoe sighed happily. “Aidan?” She pushed up to look at him. Her eyes glowed, her cheeks were flushed pink, her shapely red lips plump from his kisses. “New research topic. How many ways can we do this without actually doing it?”
Heartfelt laughter rumbled out of him. His irrepressible reporter was one in a billion. He was the luckiest man alive. “Can’t wait to help advance your research.” He trailed a fingertip down her pert nose. “Right now, we need to rest. Morning is close.”
And a guy could only push his tattered self-control so far.
“Damn.” She snuggled into him, planting kisses over his chest. “I suppose you’re right.” Suddenly, she gasped, and her horrified eyes met his. “Oh no!”
His stomach lurched. Even consumed by passion, he’d struggled to ensure she was protected, that he didn’t go too far. He did a fast, mental body check. Nothing seemed wrong but then again, he’d lost his damned mind there at the end. “What’s the matter?”
Gently touching his good shoulder, she gulped, perilously close to tears once more. “I bit you. I’m so sorry.”
He glanced down at the rosy teeth marks. “Didn’t even break the skin.”
“But it’s ... I’m ... I’m not that uncivilized.”
Aidan chuckled. Yeah, in bed, she was a wildcat. And he loved it. Before her, sex had been as tame and bland as the rest of his life. Merely scratching an itch. He hadn’t known what he was missing. “That sexy little nip hurtled me into paradise.” He stroked her tousled hair. “You’re exactly what I want. Exactly what I need.”
Her breath caught. “You mean that?”
“Every word.”
After rinsing off in the warm pool, they snuggled on the tarp. He put her nearest the fire, spooning her from behind. Listening to her slow, even breaths, he fell asleep.
In his dreams, the night whirled with cold terror. He heard rapid-fire gunshots. Saw Zoe’s sightless death stare.
“Zoe!” Shouting her name, he startled awake from the familiar horrifying nightmare.
She turned in his arms. Sleepy hazel eyes opened, smudged with concern. “Shh. It’s all right. I’m right here.”
He remembered the soul-deep agony of losing Pop. The bleak, empty hole in his heart that wouldn’t heal. The icy pain that never quite disappeared. Sweating, trembling, he gathered her close and kissed her forehead. Her warmth surrounded him. Her inner light shone behind her mesmerizing hazel eyes and banished the aching emptiness.
His throat closed up. He wouldn’t let anyone or anything take her from him.
“Aidan?” She stroked his cheek. “You okay?”
“Yeah.” He glanced at his combat watch. The sun would be up. The UNSUBS had taken her car, but not his—as far as he knew. Did his brothers think he’d gone home with her for the night, and not realize they’d disappeared? Hell, none of the O’Rourkes were blind, they would’ve seen the heat arcing between him and Zoe. All three bros had busted Aidan’s balls over her “devotion” for months. But his brothers knew his habits, understood his need for control. They’d question him leaving his car at the reception, unable to return to his own place after being with a woman.
What were the odds for rescue? He couldn’t gamble their lives on it.
As they rose and prepared to leave the cave, he prepared to do whatever was necessary to get Zoe off this damned island.
