The door slammed behind her, and she turned to find Conlin stalking her. His green eyes were filled with carnal menace and another more base emotion. She didn't understand the sudden shift. Not two minutes ago they were on the back porch of the house, and he was issuing commands. His head was in the game, and he was in perfect control. The man who stood before her now didn't know the word restraint.
"Conlin, what's…" she managed to get out before his legs ate up the distance between them. Pulling her against him, he captured her lips hard and fast. His tongue plundered her mouth, taking complete control. She didn't resist. Whatever this was, he needed it. And so did she. She opened to him letting her tongue tangle with his. One of his hands fisted in her hair and tugged until their lips barely separated. She grunted her displeasure and tried to reinstate the kiss, but she only managed to seize his bottom lip a moment before he tugged her away with more force and held her there. "We have to be downstairs in twenty minutes. That gives us fifteen before we have to dress. I intend to use every second."
"A quickie, eh?"
"This is far more than that for me. And it is for you, too," he managed to growl before continuing his assault. He lifted her up and carried her to the chaise in front of the window, bypassing the bed altogether. Noticing her surprise, he said, "If I take you in bed, I'm never letting you leave it."
Setting her on her feet, he removed her shirt quickly and efficiently, noticing the restraint it took not to rip each thread of clothing from her body. "Pants off," he commanded while he began to remove his own. He didn't even bother to remove his shirt. This wasn't time for long displays of passion. In a few minutes, they'd be leaving to find and bring Yadira home. It would be dangerous. There was even a chance some of them might not make it back alive. A shudder ran through her body, and she understood his urgency. This was an affirmation. And they might not have another. There was no running from this man. It was far too late for that. He knew the stains on her soul and still loved her.
Flipping her around, she landed on her knees on the chaise, her hands propped on the back. He placed himself at her entrance. One hand traced her core ensuring she was ready for him. Slipping two fingers inside, he scissored them stretching her, preparing her. She couldn't help but wiggle against him. She needed more. Taking the hint, he gripped her hips and entered her. Within two thrusts, she found him seated to the hilt. She bucked against him, impatient for him to thrust again, and he let out a small cry as her muscles tightened and released around him. She was already close to the edge, the pain of his entry giving way to pleasure. Riding the edge of desire and torture, she ground herself against him.
Welcoming every thrust, she felt her release building. He had her on the edge and she clinched her muscles. He groaned as she tightened around him. "Dammit, Izz, I'm not going to be able to hold out much longer." He reached around and found her clit and began to rub his thumb in circles, driving her fever hotter. Meeting his thrust, she gave herself over to the ecstasy as light exploded around her, and he followed her over the edge, pulsing his release as her body milked the last drops from him.
After a moment, he collapsed on her back, gently turning her to the side as he guided her to sitting on the chaise. "Ah, a chuisle," he sighed. "You truly are my pulse. I love you, Isolde. With everything I am."
Izzy froze at his words. She knew what she should say, what he expected her to say. But the words wouldn't form. She never expected to love this much, and she did love him, but there was a part of her unwilling to accept the fact someone knew her warts and still loved her. "Conlin, I…" she began. But the words died in her throat, leaving her mute.
"Nope. No need." Conlin pulled away and walked to the bathroom. Although his words had been simple, his disappointment was clear. She loved him. Why couldn't she tell him?
Conlin came out with a warm wet towel in his hand. "Here. We have only a couple of minutes before we're due downstairs." He handed her the towel and began to pull his jeans over his long legs.
"It's not that I don't…"
"Stop. I don't want apologies or excuses. What I want is the woman who clearly loves me to stop running away and accept the fact I'm a part of her life."
"Conlin," Izzy began.
"I said stop." The fading light of the evening sun cut a path across his eyes, equal shades of anger and defeat lining his face. "Make up your mind, Izzy. You are mine, body and soul, or you aren't." With that he left, closing the door firmly behind him.
*
Izzy was the last to leave the briefing. In less than ten minutes, they'd be in cars heading south. Conlin had been every inch the leader. She was so damn proud of him, but she couldn't tell him that. Not now. She was ashamed. And what's more? She had no excuse. She was a chicken and a damn fool. She stood, flipping off the light as she left the room.
"Mija, a word?" Adan was in the foyer waiting for her. The strain showed around his eyes. As leader of the pack, everything rested on his shoulders, a burden he'd long suffered willingly.
"Of course."
"I've been wrong, mija. Wrong about many things." Regret filled his eyes and washed away any lingering betrayal. He'd truly believed he was doing the right thing by keeping her in the dark. How could she harbor ill will toward him when all he'd tried to do was protect her?
"Adan, you have…"
"Hush, mija. Listen, please. I've been a foolish leader to my pack. My distrust for the brujo has been my undoing. I should have listened to Travis long ago, but I was stubborn. I fear for my pack, Isolde. If I should not return, I fear they will continue to live with the old ways. We must join together. Do you hear me, mija?"
All through the planning, she'd remained calm and collected as if everything was happening in one of her novels. It hadn't felt real, but in Adan's eyes, the eyes that had brought such comfort to her in the past, eyes that seemed unshakeable, she saw true fear. Adan was her rock. Seeing him unsure brought the danger home. "Of course."
"Promise me you'll fight for it. And for your warrior. Fight for Conlin. Do not let fear rule your life as I did."
"Adan, Conlin isn't…"
Adan placed a single finger against her lips. "Sssh, mija. Don't lie to yourself.”
Adan sighed and cupped her chin. "I know I warned you against him, but I was wrong." Taking her in his arms, his strength shored up her battered nerves. He would be there for her always.
"Do not let words go unspoken, mija. Do not live in regret." He pulled away but kept his hands on her shoulders.
She hoped it wasn't too late. Adan smiled with pride and sorrow. She didn't understand the conflicting emotions she saw in the depths of his eyes. "I love you, mija. You have become strong and brave and your journey will take you far. Do not run. Stand true." With that, he kissed her on the forehead and left.
She stood in the hallway a moment longer listening to the sounds of his footsteps. An emptiness settled in her chest, a feeling of loss so strong Izzy almost collapsed where she stood. She needed to speak to Conlin, but there wasn't time. The horn honked, and she knew they were waiting for her. The time had come, and her time to tell Conlin had gone.
For the first time in years, she prayed for a second chance.