Page 65 of Anton

“Your turn,” I whispered, barely able to catch my breath.

Grinning wickedly, I reached between us and grasped his thick, rigid length, licking my lips and groaning in delight when it pulsed in my hand, hot, hard, and heavy.

“Marcie,” my name was forced from his lips as he hissed at my touch. The sound egging me on.

Moving my hand up and down, slowly, playing the same game with him as he had with me. I smirked and savoured every little groan, moan, and hitch of breath as my Mr Sexy Soldier gave in completely to the blazing intensity of our chemistry.

Eventually, I increased the motion. The water lapped around us, threatening to spill over the sides as I pumped my hand in rhythm with his fast, shallow, ragged breaths. As his body tensed, I leaned in to kiss him deeply, drawing him closer.

“Come for me, Sir,” I demanded.

His chest heaved. “Fuck, Marcie,” he ground out, and with a final groan, he came, his release spilling all over my hand. But I didn’t stop, my fingers squeezing around him until every last drop was out. As he shuddered, I kissed him again, feeling the heat of his breath mingle with mine, before pulling away, my hand still coated in his desire.

As the water settled around us, the room quiet except for the sound of our breathing, we shared a moment of contentment. Anton pulled me close, wrapping me in his arms, my head resting on his chest, listening to the steady beat of his heart.

My stomach growled, breaking the spell. Anton chuckled, lifting me out of the water and wrapping me in a soft towel. “One item ticked off the list. Time for the next. Let’s get you fed.”

Hand in hand, we dressed and followed the scent of garlic and spices into the open-plan kitchen.

“Hmm, I know that smell,” Anton said as we entered the room.

“Chicken parmigiana and garlic bread,” Romi replied, pulling a dish from the oven. “Nonna sent your favourite,” he added, grinning. “She insisted when she heard what was going on. You know how she loves feeding everyone when they need comfort.”

Anton chuckled and licked his lips as his gaze locked on to the dish.

I’d heard all about Nonna, the Rominov housekeeper who was more like a surrogate grandmother to everyone—hence the moniker “Nonna”—and her infamous cooking, which apparently outshone even the most renowned chefs in the world. As a woman who loved her food, excitement filled me at the prospect of tasting it.

“It smells amazing,” I said, sniffing appreciatively as Romi dished up the food into beautifully crafted serving bowls.

“Food’s ready!” he called, and the rest of the guys practically stampeded into the room, fighting good-naturedly over the bowls like a pack of hungry hyenas.

Later, back in the bedroom, Anton handed me a phone. “Marko got us replacements.”

“I need to thank him for this—and for the tracker earrings. I’m assuming that’s how they found us at the stables,” I said.

Anton nodded. “Yeah, once they had a rough idea where we were, Marko pinpointed our approximate location. As they got closer, he picked up your signal.”

His lips brushed mine in a brief kiss before he pulled away. “You should call Claire, then Gracie and Derrick. Let them know you’re okay. Marko’s already updated them, but they’ll want to hear it from you. While you’re doing that, I’m calling Nick. Then I need to join the others for a debrief and start putting together a plan. The sooner we take down Elizabeth Traynor and her goddamn hunts, the better.”

The words hit me like a jolt of adrenaline, and I didn’t hesitate. “I want in on that,” I said, my voice edged with determination. I wasn’t about to stay safely on the sidelines while Anton and the others took care of things. I had my own stake in taking her down—and every right to be involved. I might not be able to do much, but I had to be there. Over the last few days, I’d borne the pain of sore feet, aching muscles, and constant fear, holding it all together with only a thread of composure—not just to make things easier for Anton, but for another reason entirely: revenge. I wanted to look that psychotic bitch in the eye when she was finally brought to her knees.

Anton stared at me for what felt like an eternity, and for a moment, I thought he was going to refuse. I opened my mouth to argue when a slow, sexy smile spread across his face.

“I don’t want you anywhere but by my side from now on, honey. Wherever you go, I go, and vice versa. Even if that means going into battle.” He stepped closer, his voice lowering, hardening. “But you will do whatever I tell you. I trust you to follow my instructions, Marcie. My orders,” he added with meaning, and I swallowed, realising just how much trust he was placing in me. “I mean it—no heroics. I haven’t forgotten that you came flying to my rescue, pitchfork in hand, earlier, even after I told you to let me handle things.”

“I know, but I promise I won’t let you down this time. I’ll follow your orders, Anton. You can count on me,” I said, my voice steady, the pressure of my words settling into my chest.

He brushed his fingers down my cheek, his touch feather light, before cupping my jaw and pressing another soft kiss to my lips. “I know I can, honey, and that’s why I want you—no, need you—by my side, always.” The sincerity in his gaze was raw, and it hit me like a wave, bringing tears to my eyes. I smiled, my heart swelling at the realisation that this strong, capable, sometimes distant man—who’d been so afraid to risk his heart—was now giving it to me fully.

Mr Sexy Soldier hadn’t said the words yet, the ones I longed to hear, to say in return, but I felt them in my bones. In my heart, I knew it was only a matter of time.

While Anton left to handle things, I made my calls, the tenderness of our exchange still humming through me. As I reassured everyone and caught up on work with Derrick, exhaustion settled in. I curled up on the bed, the men’s voices drifting in from the next room, their murmurs lulling me to sleep.

Sometime later, Anton slipped into the room, his presence like a comforting warmth. He climbed into bed, pulling me close, and I melted into his embrace. For the first time in days, I felt safe—but even in the stillness of the night, a part of me knew that the danger wasn’t over. The fight wasn’t done yet, but I was now in a position to face it. And more than ready to. With Anton by my side, there was nothing I wouldn’t face.

CHAPTER 26

ANTON

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