"I have a job to do, and I mean to do it," Chase snaps. "You must realize you can't take on the entire Chen family. Not to mention the other corrupt officials that this book lists?"
Bronnah wraps her arms around herself and stares at him. "I know that."
“Do you? Since I’ve met you all you’ve done is put yourself in danger.”
"No, Chase, I've made a difference, and it's no less than you do every day," she argues turning away from him.
Chase is on his feet in an instant and jerks her around to face him. “Dammit! I’ve trained on the battlefield. Killing is in my blood.” Bronnah falls silent and considers his tortured eyes, falling silent she listens to him. He releases her and backs away.
“That may be, but I need to see this through. How am I supposed to just go on with my life? Do you think they will ever let me go and forgive what I’ve done? Think about it, Chase! I can’t just go find a man to marry and live happily ever after,” she turns away from him, “I’m not sure I even want to anymore. All I know is that they must be stopped! You can take me to Kansas, but it won’t stop me from going after them.”
He sighs deep staring at this woman with the soul of a warrior, and he's touched. "Okay, have it your way. I will keep you with me, but you must trust me. Do as I say without question. If we’re going into battle together, then we will do so with no doubt, no fear. Can you do that?”
Bronnah is so relieved she runs to him and throws her arms around him, “Yes, Marshall, anything you say.”
Chase hugs her to his chest and mumbles, "Bloody hell." Bronnah laughs in delight and pushes back to look at him. Chase stares down at her mouth and groans when she traces his lips with her fingertips. He threads his fingers through her silky hair and pulls her gently in. The moment his mouth closes over hers, Bronnah is lost. The past, the future, it all falls away and only this moment matters. His kiss is exquisite, gentle and tender. His lips lick, tease, and tempt her until she gasps in surprise at the onslaught of desire.
Bronnah clutches his shoulders, needing desperately to get closer to him, humming in frustration when he pulls back. Silver eyes stare into hers, and he smiles down at her, "So sweet," his tongue dances with hers driving her to distraction. Bronnah lets go and allows the desire to override her doubt.
“I want you, Bronnah.” His lips swooped down demanding her surrender. With a quick movement, he jerks at her shirt ripping it open, revealing small perfectly formed breasts.
“Chase!” she squeaked, but his hot mouth is on hers once more. Never in a million years did she think a man could make her feel this way. His calloused hand cupped her breast, barely stroking her pert nipple and she wouldn’t turn away, even if she could.
"Bronnah, I need you." He sinks down on the bench leaving her to make her choice. Another bolt of lightning illuminates her in the silver glow, and he growls reaching for her hand. "You're so beautiful," gently he tugs her towards him and parts her torn blouse. Careful of her wound he spreads his legs and pulls her to stand between them placing her breasts at the perfect height for his hot tongue. Gently he tastes, sucking and rolling his tongue around, first one and then the other. Bronnah's head falls back, and she arches into his exquisite heat. "Yes," her body quivers and Chase groans.
“Let me see you,” he releases her, and she steps back clutching at the torn pieces of her shirt.
At that moment Bronnah knows that every second of her life was leading her to this moment with this man. She surrenders to Chase and drops her blouse, reveling in the way his eyes glaze over with desire. Like a predator stalking his prey, his eyes follow her hand to the waistband of her skirt, and she smiles when he leans forward as if he's about to pounce. Her skirt falls to the ground, and he sucks in a breath. "You truly are a Goddess!"
Ignoring the cold Bronnah walks towards him, desperate to be back in his arms. “Your turn,” she whispered. “I want to see you too, Chase.” He stands and fumbles with the buttons of his shirt finally shrugging it off. Instantly, her hands explore the chiseled planes of his chest. She delighted in the way his body reacts to her touch. His muscles jump, and he groans as her hand follows the carved planes to the waistband of his jeans. When the button pops on his denims, Chase jerks her into his hot body and ravishes her mouth, teasing and tantalizing her until she thinks she will explode with need. Shucking off his jeans, he looked down at her and asked in a hoarse voice.
“Bronnah are you sure?” She smiles and nods her head.
“Show me what it’s like to be loved by you, Chase.”
“I will.” Standing nude in the glow of the lantern, with the storm raging around them, he does.
Chapter 25
Bronnah wakes the next morning, stretched out on top of Chase's chiseled torso. "Good morning, beautiful," he smiles softly at her. Bronnah grins and trails her fingers down his body teasing and stroking him, delighted at his sharp intake of breath. His chest rumbles, and she laughs.
"Careful woman or you'll wake the beast," he teases.
“Are you scared of a wee slip of a girl like me?” She taunts and squeals in
