Mission: Her Protection (Team 52 #1)(46)

Rowan’s arms tightened around him. “You can’t save everyone, Lachlan.”

He stayed silent. He’d joined the Marines believing he could make a difference, maybe believing he could save everyone who needed help.

“But you try anyway,” she said quietly. “That’s what a hero does.”

Hero? Hardly. “I just do my job.”

“I’m afraid every time I look at you,” she murmured.

“What?” He looked down. His heart clenched at the idea that she was afraid of him.

“You know my parents…” She pulled in a shuddering breath. “No one’s ever cared for me enough to stay around very long. No one’s ever risked their life for me.”

Lachlan rolled her over. Damn, her parents. “That’s their failing, not yours, Rowan. You’re gorgeous, smart, and you care.” He leaned down and kissed her, nipping at her bottom lip. “I’m going to find your parents and—”

“Hey.” She reached up and cupped his cheek. But Lachlan could see her blue eyes were still sad.

He leaned down and kissed her nose. Then her jaw. Then he moved his lips lower and kissed along her collarbone.

“What are you doing?” she asked breathlessly.

“I’m going to worship every part of you, Rowan. I’m going to kiss and caress every inch of you until you understand how amazing you are.”

Her chest hitched and he saw something in her eyes. “Lachlan.”

He lowered his head and set to work.





Chapter Fifteen





Rowan woke to a featherlight touch on her bare shoulder. She was lying facedown, buried in the covers on Lachlan’s bed.

She opened one eye and saw Lachlan sitting beside her. She noted he was dressed.

“Hey,” he murmured.

“Hi.” She pushed at her tangled hair. “What’s up?”

He was staring at the pillow.

“Lachlan?”

“Sorry.” His gaze met hers. “Got sidetracked by all that hair of yours spread out on my pillow.” His lips quirked. “I like seeing it there.”

Her heart went pitty-pat.

Then his face turned serious. “I don’t like the bruises and bandage on your face though.”

She moved up on one elbow and purposely let the sheet fall, baring her breasts. “I think we discovered last night that I am perfectly fine. The bruises will fade.”

As planned, he was looking at her breasts. “I have to head out.” He dragged his gaze up. “Even though I’d sell my soul to climb back in bed with you. We have a few possible leads on the bad guys and Airman Kowalski.”

“Okay.”

“Axel’s here, so go back to sleep.” Lachlan pressed a quick kiss to her lips. “Stay out of trouble.”

She closed her eyes. “Not like I asked to be attacked or kidnapped, Lachlan.”

Another kiss, this one to her shoulder, and then he was gone.

Rowan dozed but didn’t drop back into a deep sleep. Finally, she decided it was time to get up and see if she could help in any way.

Once she was showered and dressed, she found Axel sitting on the couch, tapping on a laptop.

“Morning,” she said.

He looked up and smiled that slow smile of his.

She shook her head. The man was way too attractive. It oozed out of his pores. “Don’t smile like that until I’ve had some coffee,” she grumbled.

His sexy smile widened.

Rowan made a beeline for the coffee machine. Once she’d taken a few sips of her mocha—sweet, sweet caffeine hitting her system—she headed in Axel’s direction.

“Any news?”

He shook his head, frustration creasing his brow. “Bunch of random sightings. Lachlan and the team are checking them out.”

“Sorry you got stuck babysitting.” She dropped down beside him. He had a map of Las Vegas on the television screen. It was covered with a smattering of glowing dots.

He grunted.

“These the sightings?” she asked.

He nodded. “One at the MGM Grand, one at the T-Mobile Arena, and the fountain at the Bellagio. Frozen solid, by the way.”

She sipped her coffee. The sightings all seemed pretty random. She stilled. “Wait. Nat lives at the MGM. She told me about a show that’s on there. A magic show on ice.”

Axel frowned. “So?”

“So, the Bellagio’s fountain froze, and there was a sighting near a show on ice. What’s on at the T-Mobile Arena right now?”

Axel quickly tapped in a search. “Shit. The Vegas Golden Knights are playing. The ice-hockey team.” He tapped again. “You might be onto something, Dr. Schafer. Brooks?”

Brooks’ face appeared on the screen. He looked tired and rumpled, and clearly hadn’t slept. “At your service.”

“Rowan noticed something,” Axel said.

“All the sightings have been near water or ice,” Rowan said. “Are there any other places with ice around the area?”

“God, you’re right.” Brooks tapped his tablet. “With the artifact on, Airman Kowalski must be attracted to cold and ice.”

“Brooks, where else has a large body of ice in the area?” Axel asked.