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  She blinked in surprise, hesitantly pulling her hands down from above her head as she sat up.

  Brendon slid his arms around her and he pulled her into the circle of his arms, and then urged her damp face against his shoulder.

  Nika wrapped her arms around his waist and let out another shuddering breath. Relief and warmth seeped through her to be in his arms once more.

  He stroked a hand down her back and buried his face against her hair. “I need you, Nika. But I will not force you. Please, do not deny me.”

  “You know I will not,” she whispered.

  He pushed her away slightly, and then his mouth moved firmly over hers. His hand delved into her hair, holding her head still while his tongue thrust past her lips to capture hers.

  She let out a small groan and wrapped her arms around his neck, opening her mouth and undeniably her heart to him.

  He eased her back down onto the mattress, his body following to fall heavily upon hers.

  Not breaking the demanding kiss, he palmed one of her breasts, grinding the nipple into the center of his hand.

  Heat speared through her and she wove her fingers into his hair, letting her thighs fall open so he could move between them.

  He groaned and tore his mouth from hers, kissing her jaw-line and then moving down the curve of her throat. His tongue flicked over the fast-beating pulse there, before his lips closed over her flesh and he sucked hard.

  Fire raced through her blood and Nika twisted on the bed, her legs curling around his waist and drawing him tight against her.

  He moved lower, capturing her wrists and pinning them to the side. She did not mind this restraint. It was so much more intimate and sensual.

  His mouth closed over one aching nipple. He was not gentle, but she didn’t want him to be. He used his teeth to scrape over the sensitive tip before he curled his lips around it and suckled to that wonderful brink of pain.

  Her heart pounded in her chest. So full of pleasure and… She feared the other emotion.

  Lifting his head, he said raggedly, “I need you. Now.”

  “Yes.” She pulled her wrists free to cup his face, pulling his head up to hers again. “Yes, Brendon.”

  He moved up her body, settling himself firmly between her thighs. His cock nudged the swollen folds of her pussy and as his mouth took hers, he sank slowly into her.

  She locked her ankles around his waist and closed her eyes, heady in the sensation of him filling her so completely.

  When he’d sunk to the hilt, their bodies were flush against each other. She could feel his heart pounding against her breast.

  He let out a slow groan, beginning the slow drag of his cock back out of her and then pressing back in, more quickly this time.

  The muscles of his back clenched beneath her fingers as he pumped in and out of her in a gradually increasing rhythm. Each slide of his flesh against hers sent more pleasure rolling through her, taking her higher to ecstasy’s peak.

  He pounded harder into her now as he sought his own release. It was so forceful she knew she’d have bruises between her thighs.

  Her nails pierced the skin on his back as she struggled to stay afloat. Her head spun. So lightheaded. Almost as if she were floating above her body.

  His cock brushed just the right spot inside her and it was over.

  “Brendon!” She arched her back, tears again flooding her eyes as the pleasure finally crested.

  “Nika,” he choked out, and then buried himself fully inside her.

  They both choked in gasps of air, clinging to each other as the climax rocked them both simultaneously.

  It could have been minutes—or maybe an hour, even—when he finally became a dead weight upon her.

  “Paradise,” he muttered raggedly. “You’re a forbidden paradise I have no right to indulge in.”

  Nika’s lashes swept down to cover her eyes as her heart clenched at his words. But he spoke the truth and they both knew it.

  The heaviness spread from her heart throughout her body, leaving her weak and tired. She was so tired, emotionally and physically.

  “Nika…whatever am I going to do with you?” he muttered thickly.

  And Brendon appeared to only want to speak of such things that would cause them more distress. So be it. She owed him at least that much.

  “You will do what needs to be done. You will turn me over to your superiors.”

  He exhaled loudly and propped himself up above her, shaking his head. “How? How can I possibly do that to you, Nika?”

  “Because you have no choice.” She cupped his cheek and gave a small sad smile. “You are first and foremost a soldier. We both are. And I am guilty.”

  “Yes, you are. Which does not bode well for your future imprisonment with the military,” he muttered and then narrowed his eyes. “I could always release you.”

  “You could,” she agreed with a slight dip of her head, not even allowing a bit of hope to enter her heart. “But what if it was discovered? It’s treason, Brendon. Your own life hangs in the balance as well.”

  “Gods!” He swore and ran his thumb over her bottom lip. “What a mess this is, Nika. And still, you will not tell me where you hale from?”

  She stared at him for a moment and then shook her head. “It is best that I do not.”

  “Nika—”

  “Please, Brendon. I am exhausted. Let us sleep. Our problems will still exist in the morning.”

  He stared at her for a moment and then gave a terse nod. Sliding completely off her, he moved to her side and then pulled her into the curve of his arms.

  She did not protest, but welcomed the embrace, knowing it could likely be their last.

  But this was her fate. And no matter how much she may regret it now, she’d chosen it.

  Chapter 19

  Molly sat at the table, her hands clenched in her lap as she watched the men wind down with their dinner and conversation.

  Dillon and Krystal had left a short while ago, but Emmett and Ryder continued to converse.

  She wanted this night over and done with. There were plans to be formulated…

  “Ouch!” She yelped as something slammed into her shin and lifted her gaze across the table.

  Talia gave her a slight smile and then jerked her head toward the kitchen.

  “What?” Molly mouthed.

  Talia rolled her eyes and then stood, rubbing her belly. “Molly, will you help me find some juice? I need to settle the babe.”

  “Juice,” Molly repeated, sliding her chair back to stand. “Of course, but no need for you to come, dear. I can bring it—”

  “No, really, I need to stretch my legs. I fear I have sat too long.” Talia gave her another pointed look.

  “Oh. Right!” Molly nodded and cursed herself for being so slow to realize the other woman wanted to speak with her.

  She led Talia into the kitchen and went to the refrigeration unit.

  “Please, do not bother,” Talia stopped her, placing a hand upon her shoulder. “I simply must speak with you.”

  “All right. What about?” Molly shut the unit door and folded her arms across her chest.

  She did not know Talia very well, only from the occasional times she’d visited the restaurant with Ryder and now from tonight when they’d had a chance to talk on a more personal level.

  “About Rebecca. Or whom I know as Donika.”

  The air seethed out from between Molly’s lips and she nodded. “Yes. Nika.”

  “I believe Emmett and Brendon to be hiding something.” Talia said absently, rubbing her belly again. “And in truth I am worried about Donika. You may not know, but as I was, she was also a Rosabelle.”

  Molly reared back, not attempting to hide her shock. “No, I was unaware.”

  “Yes. She does not trust easily. We had dinner the other night and I could sense it. She won’t even trust me, when once there was a time when we were close friends.” A flicker of sadness crossed Talia’s face before she shook her he
ad. “I fear she is in trouble. Do you have any information?”

  Molly hesitated, torn by how much she could say and how little she really knew herself. But as she stared at Talia, she realized that this woman might be able to help her.

  Emmett had made it quite clear that he would not tolerate any interference and he would be keeping Molly on high surveillance. Which meant sneaking around him to find Nika could be quite difficult.

  But nobody would be watching Talia…

  “What I do know is not much,” Molly began carefully and held Talia’s concerned gaze. “But I will gladly pass on to you my information. And I’ll do so in hopes that you might be able to help me assist Nika.”

  Talia’s jaw tightened and she gave a nod, causing her red hair to swing forward over her shoulder. “Of course. I will do whatever I can.”

  “Thank you.” Molly gave a small nod and then told her everything she knew.

  * * * *

  Brendon jerked upright in bed and blinked, trying to rid himself of the thick fog of sleep that slowed his mind.

  What time was it? How long had he slept?

  Nika.

  His gaze swung to the left side of the bed, but it was empty. The thud of his heart increased with sudden panic.

  A noise came from the bathing chamber and he let out a sigh of relief, thrusting a hand through his hair.

  Gods, he’d slept well. Too well.

  He watched the door to the bathing chamber warily. With Nika’s training, it would have been all too easy for her to have knocked him out—hell, even killed him—in an effort to escape.

  And yet she hadn’t. Which meant they still needed to face the same issues this morning that they’d fallen asleep thinking about.

  His stomach clenched and he let out a heavy sigh, swinging his legs off the mattress to climb out of bed. He almost wished she had tried to run this morning.

  He checked the time and winced. Just under an hour before he was to report for duty.

  At the sound of a beeping, he tensed, knowing the bathing chamber door was sliding open even though his back was to it.

  “Brendon,” she murmured with surprise. “I hope I did not wake you.”

  “Not at all.” He turned, willing himself to be strong. But the moment his gaze fell upon her his resolve cracked.

  It seemed she’d bathed this morning. Her hair lay wet against her dewy skin and a towel had been wrapped around her lithe naked body.

  “I have…no clothes.” Her cheeks almost hinted at a blush as she gave a slight smile.

  He gave a slow nod. “Right. I apologize for having ruined your top. Though your pants may still be in order.”

  “Perhaps I might borrow something from your closet?” She cleared her throat. “Or no, that might indicate that you were helping me.”

  Brendon strode forward, unable to stop himself and slid his hand around the back of her neck.

  “I am not taking you into my superiors yet.”

  Frustration and pain flickered across her face. “Brendon—”

  “First I would like to consider my options. Because there must be some,” he muttered almost to himself. He didn’t expect her to have a solution by any means. “There must.”

  “Brendon.” She slid her palms up to cup his face and gave a sad little sigh. “You delay the inevitable. They will discover who I am. And then you will be held accountable as well.”

  He shook his head, refusing to give up so easily. But the panic was there, under the surface of the calm persona he displayed to her.

  Gods. If he gave her over, that was it. The end of any form of her life worth living. But if he didn’t…it could mean the end of his.

  “I must report for duty,” he said finally. “I will think over our options while there.”

  She lowered her hand from his jaw and gave a slight nod. “I am in your hands now. It, of course, is your decision. Will you leave me locked in your room throughout the day?”

  “Yes.” He stepped away from her and moved into the bathing chamber to the showering unit. “Give me a moment.”

  He cleansed himself quickly in the shower and returned minutes later with a towel around his waist. As he donned his uniform, he watched Nika sitting cross-legged on his bed, plucking at the fabric of the quilt.

  “No one will enter the room,” he assured her. “These are private bedding units and only a handful of soldiers have the codes to everyone’s quarters. But they would not enter unless ordered to by their superiors.”

  “All right.”

  “Feel free to watch the teletron while I am out. Or perhaps if you can find a book upon my shelf…though I am not much of a reader.”

  “Nor am I.” She gave a slight smile. “Do you not worry that I will try and escape while you are on duty?”

  “No.” He was not surprised by her question, as she seemed merely curious. “I am able to set another form of lock from the outside.”

  “I see.”

  He finished dressing and crossed the room to her. “But you would not flee.”

  “How do you know?” She arched a brow.

  “Because you could have killed me last night and escaped just as easily.”

  Her lips quirked, but her gaze drifted away. “I cannot kill you, Brendon. We both know that by now.”

  Leaning across the bed, he caught her chin and turned her to face him.

  “Yes, and thank gods for that. It puts us upon an equal playing field,” he murmured.

  Then his lips brushed across hers. Once. Twice. Before he jerked his head up with a groan and moved away from her. If he stayed any longer he’d be tempted to call in sick for duty.

  “Behave while I am out, Nika.”

  “I can hardly get into any trouble lounging about your room,” she drawled and lay back upon the pillow. “Until later, Brendon. And truly…I hope by then you’ll have realized there really is no choice.”

  “There’s always a choice.” Brendon’s jaw clenched as he turned and went out the door to his chamber. “Always.”

  * * * *

  “I must head out,” Emmett said as he dressed in his uniform.

  He looked in the mirror to where Molly lay sprawled out on the bed, a book in her hand. The pale pink nightgown she wore showed more skin than it covered. Gods, she was a sight. So tempting. Always so tempting. Even after he’d tumbled with her more than once throughout the night.

  She did not glance up at his words, but her brows drew together. “I thought you had the day off?”

  “Initially, yes. But it appears I must go in after all.” He did not add that Brendon had requested a meeting with him for later this morning.

  “I trust you not to do anything foolish, Molly,” he warned, fastening his trousers and never removing his gaze from her in the mirror.

  “Really, Emmett. I have a lodge to run. I haven’t the time for getting into trouble.”

  “Ah. You remember that and we shall be just fine.”

  Molly set her book down with an exasperated sigh. “Oh gods, will you cease already?”

  He turned from the mirror and moved to her, sitting on the edge of the bed. Reaching out, he settled his hands over her waist and lifted her onto his lap.

  “I know you’re upset about Nika, sweetheart.” He nuzzled her neck and slid a hand up to cup the curve of one full breast. The nipple instantly hardened in his hand. “And I would not put it past you to try something foolish.”

  Her full mouth curved into a pout and her shoulders lifted with a sigh. “Ah, yes, well as you said, Brendon has her in his custody and she is well. I suppose I must trust you.”

  “That is quite a change from the other day.” He strummed her nipple with his thumb and she made a mewl of pleasure. Gods, he loved how responsive she was as she squirmed on his lap. With a growl, he added, “But I must say I enjoy you docile and agreeable.”

  She gasped and slapped at his chest. “Docile and agreeable! You big brute. I’ll show—”

  Emmett laughed and ca
ptured her wrist, placing a kiss on the inside, and her pulse fluttered beneath his lips. “I only tease you, Molly.”

  “Indeed.” She sniffed and pouted. Turning her body, she pressed her breast fully into his palm. “You’re certain you have to leave so soon?”

  “I do,” he said, though his cock was damn near begging him to stay. “Save that thought for later, though, and I promise it shall be worth it.”

  Molly sighed. “Well, you had best be off, then. I shall likely indulge in a bath before heading downstairs to relieve the night shift from the reception desk.”

  “That sounds like a splendid plan.” He gave her another squeeze, enjoying her curves on his lap all too much, before setting her back down. “Shall we meet for supper later?”

  “Of course,” she said, but her gaze had slipped away as she picked up her book once more.

  “Until then,” he murmured and headed for the door.

  All too quickly, his thoughts slipped from the seductive woman he loved to the situation he was about to deal with.

  Damn, he could not wait to get an update from Brendon about Nika. What a bloody mess that was.

  Molly waited for the door to close and then dove off the bed, scrambling to find her communication mobile. Gods! She had not thought to have such a break in her luck so quickly.

  She pressed in Talia’s number and waited for the other woman to answer. It did not take long.

  “Tell me you have good news?” Talia asked hopefully.

  “I do indeed. Emmett has slipped out for the day. I am free!” Molly climbed out of bed, already searching for clothing. “Can you do it today?”

  “I can, but am not so certain about Dane and Thomas. Let me get ahold of them and call you back. All right?”

  She knew Dane to be Talia’s former assistant on Zortou, and Thomas his lover. Thomas served as a soldier of Belton now and was in just the right position to possibly gain access to Brendon’s bedding chamber.

  “Of course. Thank you, Talia.”

  “No, thank you.” Talia paused. “Molly, we must help her. I know the life she has lived. The pain that will never quite leave her heart. I am more than committed to seeing her free—no matter what injustice Brendon and Emmett believe her to be guilty of.”