Page 57 of Close Encounters of the Sexy Kind
“Tiberius, I don’t think you understand what we’re up against.”
“I understand all too well,” he said grimly. Impulsively, he pulled her to him and kissed her.
“What was that for?”
“Fortuna. Be vigilant, Ryan Winslet. I shall be very upset if even a hair on that beautiful head is harmed.” He took off before she could respond, setting a quick pace and leaving her to follow. Quintus was close. He couldfeelit.
They kept to the shadows as much as possible, looking for any sign of Black Eagle or his men. Ryan spotted one of them first, alerting him by curling her fingers around his wrist.
“There,” she said quietly, looking toward a small, thin figure moving quickly ahead of them. “That’s Fast Eddie. He was picked up on suspicion of human trafficking a couple years ago. Something tells me he’ll lead us right where we need to go.”
Tiberius nodded in understanding.
They followed the scrawny human to a large ship at the far end of the docks. The group of burly men hanging around suggested they had found what they were looking for.
“Shit,” she breathed out. “Nez has to be in there, but how are we going to get past those guys? We need a distraction or something.”
“Leave it to me,” he told her.
“What are you going to do?” she asked skeptically.
He reached out and pulled her close, relishing the feel of her lush softness and the zing of sensation that energized him. Leaning down, he claimed her mouth in a quick but soul-searing kiss, wishing he had more time to reassure her.
“Have faith, little mate,” he told her, “and watch your posterior. I intend to worship it when all is said and done.” He gave her one more quick kiss before taking off toward the water.
Ignoring her hissed calls to return, he dove into the sea and propelled himself downward, out of sight. The water embraced him lovingly, surrounding him as he shed his clothes beneath the surface. His wound stung, but in moments, the healing properties of the salt water began to work their magic.
He could feel his mate’s concern radiating from above.
“Trust me,” he implored over their shared bond. “Trust me, as I am trusting you.”
Concerned sea creatures flocked to him, broadcasting their willingness to assist. In a series of high- and low-pitched sounds, he managed to convey his plan. As the creatures swam away, Tiberius sank to the ocean floor and raised his arms. As the humans were so fond of saying, shit was about to get real.
