Page 55 of Iron Willed Warrior

“I’m sorry this mission isn’t satisfying your need to be the hero.”

“It’s more than just that! I want you, and I don’t wantanyother men touching you.”

Hell. I’d shouted that loud enough for anyone in the hallway to hear. My control was near its breaking point. My face burned, and I saw my own reflection in the mirror. Wild eyes and flushed skin like I was barely keeping my shit together. Because Iwasn’t.

Brynn’s body rose and fell against my chest. Breathing hard. I eased my grip on her, letting my hands fall. But I still stood there right behind her, our bodies touching. Her expression in the mirror was a mix of confusion and frustration.

“You’re saying that because of our cover stories,” she said softly. “Getting close, acting like we’re in a relationship. It’s intense.”

“I shouldn’t crave you like this. We barely know each other. But I can’t pretend I don’t feel it.” The words came out like they’d been raked across gravel. I forced myself to take a step back. My eyes found hers in the mirror.

All I could do was keep going. Finish my confession, because it was entirely possible she’d tell me what an inappropriate asshole I was being.

“Maybe you’re right and it’s this fake relationship thing, and it’s got all the wires crossed in my brain after less than a single day. All I know is that you’re someone to me, someone whomatters, and I protect what’smine.”

Brynn turned. Took an unsteady step toward me.

And crushed her mouth to my lips.

My hands shot out to catch her, while my mouth moved against hers, ready to take whatever she would give me. I’d been aching for this, and being able to touch her, taste her—it was such a relief. An instant release of all the tension that had been winding tighter inside me for days.

I walked us backward to the bed. Landed heavily on the edge of the mattress, pulling her down beside me. She had two handfuls of my shirt, and I eased her fists open. Laced our fingers instead as our mouths sought out the different ways we could fit together.

Her breaths came too quick. Almost frantic. I smoothed my fingers through her hair and pressed a kiss to the corner of her mouth, then her chin, moving down the column of her throat. Arousal pumped in my veins. Kissing her had only affirmed what I already knew. I craved this woman, and it was hopeless to deny it. But it wasn’t just about sex, either. Scratching some itch. I respected her. Ilikedher.

This might end badly. Probably would end badly, in fact. A dangerous undercover op was a terrible time to start something between us. What if this was just the roles we were playing, messing with our heads?

But was it better to keep ignoring the pull I felt toward her? I’d tried doing that. Hadn’t worked. I was a straightforward guy at heart, and when I wanted a woman, I let her know.

Yet no matter how much urgency I felt, I couldn’t be rough with her either. I usually wasn’t great at being gentle, but that was what she deserved.

“This is such a bad idea.” Her breath puffed near my collarbone.

“Maybe. Probably.” My lips brushed a featherlight kiss just above the bruises on her shoulder. “But there’s nopressure, B. You can think about what you want. If that’s me, I’ll be here.”

“You just threw an awful lot at me. Serious words likemine.”

“At least I didn’t talk shit about the Bureau. Or call you honey.”

Her mouth quirked. “Thinking would be good. I need to take a few minutes. With you right there, it’s a lot of temptation.” She got up, took some clothes from a drawer, and went to the bathroom, shutting the door behind her.

I blew out a breath, hoping I hadn’t screwed everything up.

Perhaps it would’ve been smarter to keep my mouth shut. Keep what I wanted to myself. I knew the woman had trust issues, though I didn’t know all the details of why.

But tonight,shehad kissedme. Not because we had an audience. Not because it was our cover story. It had just been us. I’d told her how much I wanted her, but she’d been the one to pull me closer.

In my book, that meant something.

While Brynn was in the bathroom, I quickly stripped out of my pants and shirt, hanging both in the closet. For sleeping clothes, I’d brought sweatpants. So I pulled those on over my boxers.

Brynn came out, pausing when she saw me. Her fingertips ghosted over her shoulder. I wondered what I could do to take the sting away.

“Do you need ice? Is that bothering you?”

“It’s nothing. Just a little sore.” Her eyes darted over my bare chest.

I could’ve let my gaze linger on her too, because she looked good as always. A loose tank top, cotton shorts. Face scrubbed of makeup. But I sensed uncertainty from her, so I went to the bathroom myself and took care of getting ready for bed.

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