“What’s a good idea? Room service? A shower? Sleeping?”
“Sleeping together.”
“Because we’re not two consenting adults? Or are you not into me like that?” She narrowed her gaze. He could feel the hot lick of her temper and he didn’t like it.
“That is not it. All I’m saying is—you’ve been through a lot. It’s worth talking about.”
“I don’t need the kid glove treatment, Riley.”
“I’m not saying you do. That’s why we’re having this conversation. Fuck.”
“Then what are you worried about? That I’m going to fall madly in love with you and you’re going to have to break my heart?” Erin clasped her hands in front of her, face creased.
“You know what? You can order room service, and I’m taking a shower.” He turned and strode back to the room door.
“Riley? Riley, stop.”
He flipped the lock on the door to the room and turned to face her.
Erin had followed him halfway across the room. She stood at the foot of the bed, her face partially in shadow.
“Look, I don’t get to be a relationship girl. The way I live, with most of my time here, it’s not good for anything permanent. I’m always coming back here. I don’t usually have to explain to someone that the most I can offer is a no strings sort of arrangement.”
“You were kidnapped. They held you hostage for days. Now you can’t be in a room by yourself or in the dark without getting wound up. I’d be a real piece of shit if I didn’t pause and wonder what was best for you.”
“Ouch.” Her gaze narrowed again.
“I’m not trying to take shots at you, Erin. Fuck. I’m just... I’m trying to do the right thing here.”
She shoved the bags aside and sat on the corner of the bed. For several moments they stood there in silence.
“I might be a little defensive,” she finally said.
“And that’s okay. In your shoes, I’d probably be the same way.”
“I just want to feel something else. Normal even, you know?” She glanced at him. “I didn’t—last night wasn’t just about me. It wasn’t supposed to be. I didn’t have a plan or anything.”
“I don’t think you did, but it’s also worth asking ourselves if we shouldn’t keep our hands to ourselves.”
“Well that’s no fun.”
“I know.” He chuckled. “For the record, it’s not like I can offer a woman much either. I haven’t been home in...three weeks? I’m shit at this stuff.”
“It’s okay. I’ll try to be a good girl. Girl Scout honor, or whatever.”
“Go take a shower.” He jerked his head at the door. A little space would do them good.
“And here I was going to say we should save time and shower together.” She sighed and pushed to her feet.
“I did not hear that.” He squeezed his eyes shut. He was human, male and very aware of his attraction to her.
Erin chuckled, and he listened to her pad across the carpet into the bathroom. It took every bit of Riley’s self-control to not watch her slow stroll into the bathroom, but he managed. He remained seated there until the shower turned on, and even then, he waited for a count of five before standing.
He turned his attention on their little shopping spree for something to keep him busy, emptying the bags out and dividing them into toiletries, clothing and other essentials. When he got to the box of condoms he paused. He sure as hell hadn’t picked them off a shelf, which only meant one thing.
Riley dropped the bag on the floor and took a few steps until he was facing the wall. He let his forehead thump against the wall. Fucking good intentions were a damn cock block.
7.
SATURDAY, MARK FOREST residence, Erbil, Kurdistan.
Mark paced his living room and stripped off gear.
Everyone had reported in. All his men were out of the danger zone. Thomas was, possibly, still imbedded with the targets where he was supposed to be. How long would that last?
This was supposed to have been taken care of already.
He’d given those desert dwellers the tools. He’d cleared the way for them to get in and out without getting caught. He’d done everything except pull the damn trigger. How hard was it to kill one woman?
They needed another plan. Some way to trap her and end this before things got out of hand. If she left Kurdistan, it would be harder to get to her, not to mention his team would grow more desperate to protect themselves.
He could cut them all loose and offer a bonus to the person who brought him Erin Lopez’s head. The problem there was, what would it do to future business? One or two incidents the government could cover up, but more than that and they’d be forced to take action or lose ground they’d gained.
The phone on the table vibrated and flashed. Thomas’ name blinked.
Thank God.
Mark snatched the phone up and continued pacing.
“Where are you?” he asked
“Some hotel in Ankawa,” Thomas replied.
The Christian district then.
“And Lopez?”
“No idea. The others claim she and one of theirs up and left with no warning.”
“We saw them leave.” Mark wasn’t sure there was a reason for the team to split and remain out of contact. Unless they suspected Thomas.
“What do you want me to do?” he asked.
“Stay with them for now. Do you still have your NexGen badge?” Mark had to think about the bigger picture.
“Yeah.”
“Okay. I’m working on something. Keep your phone near you. I’ll call when I have more.”
Mark hung up and continued to pace.
It was possible for Thomas to get to Erin’s office. If he could get rid of her files and whatever evidence she had on him, while the others made sure tomorrow was her last day on earth, this could be wrapped up nice and neat. It would all have to happen quickly and in perfect order, or else nothing would work.
First, someone had to find him Erin. Without knowing her location, nothing else could happen. Once they had eyes on the
