Page 49 of Hot Soldier's Rescue

“What kind of idiot sends someone like you into this sort of danger alone?” she demanded indignantly.

He snorted. “Like you’re one to talk. I don’t see the Catholic cavalry standing in the wings waiting to swoop in and rescue you when you get in over your head.”

She sighed. “Yes, but I volunteered for this. You could say I even brought it on myself. Penance, as it were.”

He burst out, “That’s insane.” The vehemence in his voice startled her. It almost sounded as though he cared about her.

“Probably.”

“Go home, Elise.”

She laughed without much humor. “Believe me, I’m trying. Now that I’ve got the kids, I’m heading for the nearest international airport as fast as I can and getting the heck out of here.”

“I’m glad.”

Except he didn’t sound glad at all. He sounded almost…bereft. “Are you going to miss me?” she breathed. She almost clapped a hand over her mouth, but the words were already out. When was she going to install a filter between her thoughts and her mouth?

He made eye contact with her, and what she saw in the depths of his gaze made her breath catch in her throat. He leaned forward slowly. “Yes, Elise,” he murmured so softly she barely heard him. “I will miss you.”

An urge to match his posture, to kiss him and make love to him roared through her. And yet, he refused to tell her who he was, refused to trust her, refused to let her into his life for real. He continued to hide behind his big bad arms dealer persona, even though it clearly wasn’t who he really was. No man who rescued nuns and orphans was truly as violent and amoral as he claimed to be.

His voice low and charged, he asked, “Will you miss me?”

Instant answers leaped into her mind. Absolutely, she would miss him. Passionately. Desperately. Possibly, she’d miss him like that for the rest of her life. But for once, the words didn’t cross her lips before she stopped to think. Did she dare give him that much power over her? He’d already made clear his willingness not to fight fair with her.

“I’m afraid,” she whispered.

“Of me?” He froze, his mouth only a few inches from hers, alarm rising into his dark gaze.

“No. Of me.”

His lips curved in a smile. “Aah, well. That’s entirely different.”

“Maybe for you,” she retorted.

A silent laugh shook his shoulders. “Aah, my ever-feisty kitten. What am I going to do with you?”

She knew what she’d like him to do with her. But common sense warred with the desire coursing through her. She knew better. He was lying to her. He’d made it clear he planned to ditch her and the kids at the first opportunity. He was in some sort of violent business whether or not he was an arms dealer. She didn’t even know if Drago was his real name. Somehow, she thought not.

But oh, how tempting he was. All that confidence and protectiveness and hidden decency. Not to mention all that lovely, lovely muscle—

No. She wasn’t going to succumb to his charms, no matter how beautiful his smile or how sparkling and intelligent his eyes might be.

“I really shouldn’t,” he muttered.

“Shouldn’t what?” she echoed in surprise.

“Shouldn’t do this.” He leaned forward the last few inches and kissed her. His mouth moved gently across hers, beguiling her even as it wiped away any words of protest she might have uttered. He was right. They shouldn’t. But it felt oh so good.

“What’s wrong with this, again?” she mumbled against his mouth.

His hand came up to cup the back of her head. “Nothing. Everything.”

Temptation. That was the problem. Two weeks ago, she wouldn’t have thought twice about jumping into the sack with him. But living as a nun, seeing the respect with which everyone treated her, having to resist worldly things—all of it had been a revelation. She did have the strength of will to pick and choose her mistakes. Furthermore, she had a responsibility to herself to do exactly that. And logic told her sleeping with Drago Cantori would be a huge one.

Thing was, now that he knew she wasn’t a nun, she didn’t have that to hide behind as an excuse anymore. If she wanted him, she could have him. She snorted mentally. Wanting him wasn’t any question. She wanted him more than anything she’d ever wanted in her life. The real question was, did she dare succumb to the attraction all but incinerating them both?

He nibbled lightly at her lips as if they had all the time in the world. Nearly groaning aloud with her need, she was acutely aware, however, that they might very well have only this one night. One shot at whatever it was simmering between them. She wouldn’t go so far as to label it happiness. Sex with him would be spectacular, thrilling, perhaps even life changing. But she highly doubted at the end of the day she’d be happy she’d done it.

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