And Marrok would never have risked bringing the dogs here unless he could make sure they were safe.
But for how long would they remain safe? Danner didn't care if the dogs lived or died. He'd proved that on Santa Marina. Did they have the right to use the dogs as bait? And if she decided that Marrok was wrong, how would she stop him?
She would have to think about it.
MARROK ARRIVED BACK AT THE ranch two hours later. The dog that jumped out of the car with Ned was a gangly brown animal that had none of the Weimaraner's grace or a boxer's sturdy frame. He had enormous feet, gigantic ears, and startling blue eyes that Devon barely noticed before the dog was on her. His huge tongue licked her face ecstatically.
'Down, Nika.' Marrok was pulling the dog down by the collar. 'Sorry. We've never been able to teach Nika manners. She gets excited, and everything she learns goes out the window.'
Nika's tail was thumping loudly on the wooden porch as she gazed up at Devon in adoration.
'She's wonderful. Is she always this affectionate?'
'Yes. Lousy guard dog. Wonderful friend and companion. She's the best at the hospital visits. But only when Rod can keep her from crawling into bed with the kids.'
'Ugly mutt. Never learns.' A burly, bald-headed man was getting out of the car. His face was almost unlined, and his powerful build, keen blue eyes, and springy gait belied the hint of age suggested by that bald head. 'Come on, Nika. Leave the lady alone.'
Nika ignored him as she rubbed her head against Devon's hand.
'She's not bothering me,' Devon said. 'And she's not ugly. She just has character.'
'Rod Zedwick, Dr. Devon Brady,' Marrok said. 'And don't let Rod fool you. He's crazy about that 'ugly mutt.''
'To my infinite regret. Otherwise, I'd go out and get a real job.' Zedwick smiled. 'Glad to meet you, Dr. Brady. Marrok tells me that you've gone through a lot for his dogs of summer. I hope it will be over soon.' He looked at Marrok. 'The bunkhouse?'
Marrok nodded. 'That's where the other dogs are.'
Rod sighed. 'Nika will go crazy when she sees them. She's never gotten over being a puppy.'
'Some dogs never do,' Devon said.
He flinched. 'Don't tell me that.' He was beside Nika and put his hand on her head. She immediately looked up and began to lick his hand. 'Stop that,' he said gruffly. But his touch was gentle as he rubbed the dog's huge ears. 'Let's go. We've got to get settled.' He raised his hand, and said to Marrok, 'See you.'
Nika didn't move.
'Oh, for God's sake.' Rod reached into his pocket. 'It makes me look bad to have to bribe you.' He fed her a treat and started down the steps. 'No more until we get to the bunkhouse.'
Nika ran after him, her big feet almost tripping her on the steps. She started racing in circles around him, then got bored and streaked down the path.
'A problem child,' Devon said, amused. 'And she has him wrapped around her paw. Where did you find him?'
'He was in the SEALs with me. He needed a job, and I needed a guardian for Nika. It worked out fine.'
'I can see it did.' The man's toughness was as clear as his affection for Nika. 'You chose well. Perceptive choices.' She shot him a glance. 'Responsible choices.'
'That word again. You're beginning to remind me of Paco.' Marrok turned and held the screen door open for her. 'Is your Janet adjusting?'
She nodded. 'Once Bridget gave her the job of taking care of the dogs and me. I'm not sure how your other personnel are going to adjust to her.'
'It's only short-term. She won't have time to make much trouble.'
'Short-term?' She looked at him. 'What do you mean?'
He ignored the question. 'Is Lincoln still here?'
'Yes, he took a long walk, then came back about an hour ago.' She paused. 'He said that you had guards watching him all the time.'
'I'd be stupid not to.'
'He said you knew exactly what he was doing when he took his little trips. Do you?'
'Yes, not such little trips. Las Vegas isn't that close. He went shopping at a men's store there. He had a haircut and a manicure. He made three phone calls. I was able to trace two to London. The third number was routed through three other cell towers, and I'm still working on it.'
'Good God, It sounds like you're running your own high-tech spy network.'
He smiled. 'You can buy most of that stuff off the Internet. But I do have an expert on staff. Larry Farland worked for the NSA for ten years. I thought I might possibly have need of someone with his background. He's pretty good, but he doesn't have satellite. That's a hindrance.'
'Why don't you just send Lincoln packing?'
'I may need him. And I definitely need MI6's financial help. I'm safe from his machinations as long as I can keep tabs on him.'
Devon wasn't so sure. 'He knows why you're bringing the dogs here.'
'Of course, he does,' Marrok said. 'And he's licking his lips, hoping that he can find a way to take them away from me. It suits him just fine.'
Just as killing Marrok would suit Lincoln, Devon thought. She had not let herself think of Lincoln's words, but they were suddenly there, chilling her, twisting inside her.
'You're walking a fine line,' Devon said. 'It could all blow up in your face. Then what would happen to the dogs and the
He chuckled. 'I notice you mentioned the dogs first. You clearly have your priorities straight.'
Because she hadn't been able to bear to think about anything happening to Marrok. 'Why not?' She had to steady her voice. 'That seems to be your top priority. Keep the dogs safe and get revenge for Paco. Isn't that the way it goes?'
'Yes, that's the way it goes.' He was studying her. 'You're upset.'
'Dammit, why shouldn't I be upset? I'm not like you. I can't go on for years playing games, killing people, watching people I care about die. It's not-' She jerkily turned away. 'Just forget it.'
His hand was on her arm, turning her to face him. 'I can't forget it,' he said simply. 'It hurts me.'
It was hurting her, too. Too close. Dear God, she was getting too close to him. 'Get over it.' She tore away from him and almost ran toward her bedroom door. 'Good night, Marrok.'
'It's not going to get any better by hiding from it, Devon,' he said quietly.
She didn't answer as she shut the door behind her. No, it wasn't any better. The panic was still rising within her. What could she do? Keep calm. This terror didn't have to indicate that she had any special feeling for Marrok. She was a compassionate person, and she would be fearful for the life of anyone she knew. Add to that the fact that she'd had possibly the premier sex experience of her life with him, and it was probably not unusual that she should-
Oh, screw it. Excuses. Hiding away mentally as well as physically just as Marrok had accused her. She'd always tried to be honest with herself as well as others, and she couldn't stop now.
Too close. How close was Marrok to her? Tear down all the lies and protective barriers she'd built and see what was left. She knew what would be left-fear. That terror was what had triggered this panic.
But what else?
She sank down in the easy chair beside the bed and stared into the darkness. Let it come. No more hiding.
What else?
MARROK'S door.
Devon drew a deep breath.
She hesitated, then opened the door.
The lamp by the bed was lit and Marrok was sitting up in bed, a sheet flung carelessly over his naked body. 'I was going to give you another thirty minutes and come to you.' His lips twisted. 'Lincoln would be surprised at my control, don't you think? Not what you'd expect from a savage.'
'I don't want to talk about Lincoln.' Devon closed the door and moved toward the bed. Every time she thought
