Into the Lair (Falcon Mercenary Group #2)(16)

“It hurts,” Ian said with a tortured groan. “Goddamn, it hurts.”

“Come on, let me help you up before you freeze,” Braden muttered.

With Braden’s help, Ian staggered to his feet, his naked skin illuminated by the full moon. A hunting moon. Did it call to the predator inside them both? Was it the reason, along with Katie’s flight, that they battled the beasts so fiercely?

“Katie,” Ian gasped out. “Did I hurt her?”

Braden snorted. “My money might be on her in a showdown between her and the jag.”

“Not funny.”

A half smile quirked Braden’s lips. “You never think I’m funny.”

“Clothes. I need clothes.”

Braden sighed. “Yeah well, between chasing after Katie, running from you and stuffing her into the truck, I didn’t exactly stop and get you an extra pair of underwear, you know?”

“Go,” Ian bit out.

Braden shook his head. “I’m not leaving you, so deal with it. It’s dark. Your maidenly modesty will survive intact. You can get into your clothes at the truck.”

“I’m not too wiped out to kick your ass, little brother,” Ian growled.

Braden smirked. “You couldn’t fight your way out of a paper bag right now.”

He promptly doubled over when Ian planted a fist in his gut.

“Damn but you’re a cranky son of a bitch.”

“I could have killed you, Braden. Think about that the next time you decide to play babysitter. I told you to get the hell away from me.”

Braden wrapped an arm around Ian’s shoulders and ignored Ian’s attempt to shake him off. He shoved his brother forward.

“Yeah, you told me, but when have I ever listened to you?”

Ian shook his head, but he stumbled and leaned wearily against Braden. They walked back in silence. When the SUV came into view, Braden halted and leaned Ian against a tree.

“Wait here. I’ll get you some clothes.”

Chapter Eight

Eli Chance let himself into the bedroom he shared with Tyana and glanced over to see her propped on the bed, her casted leg elevated on a pillow.

She looked up, her eyes flickering with both welcome and wariness she still hadn’t shed when it came to him.

She kept it interesting which was one of the things he liked most about her. He damn sure never had to worry about being bored.

“Glad to see you found your way back to bed, sugar.”

She rolled her eyes, but he could see the pain and fatigue etched in her brow.

Not waiting for an invitation, he stretched out beside her, careful not to bump her cast. Her body settled comfortably into his, and he felt her go soft around him.

Enjoying the quiet and stillness, he brushed his lips across hers, tasting her mouth with his tongue.

“Jonah tells me you’re getting tired of me already,” he murmured.

Her eyes widened and she stared at him in horror. “He said what?”

He chuckled. “You’re way too easy, sugar.”

She frowned, but he saw a glimmer of guilt before she looked away.

“Ah, so you did put him up to getting rid of me.”

“Hell,” she muttered. “It wasn’t quite like that.”

He lifted one brow as he trailed a finger down the softness of her cheek. “So how is it? Come on, Tyana. We’ve always been honest with each other. Don’t start holding out on me now.”

She sighed and slumped back into her pillows in defeat. “I’m just not used to all the hovering, Eli. Don’t take it personally. This whole relationship thing is new to me. I don’t handle convalescence very well.”

He laughed. “That’s an understatement if I ever heard one. Okay, so I’m getting on your nerves.”

She gazed curiously at him. “You don’t seem offended.”

“Should I be? I’m assuming you don’t want to get rid of me on a permanent basis.”

“Don’t be stupid,” she growled.

He grinned. “I love it when you get cranky.”

He propped his head in his palm and let his other hand wander down her midriff, enjoying the way she tightened beneath his fingers.

“So what’s up, Tyana?” he asked softly. “What’s really going on here?”

There was a flash of vulnerability followed by a quick masking of her features. The tough exterior he was so used to pushed itself outward until not a trace of uncertainty remained.

And then just as quickly, as though she made the conscious decision to let him see inside, she crumbled, and she closed her eyes.

“I hate this,” she said honestly. “I hate not being able to face you as an equal. I hate being out of action. I hate not being able to help D. I want to go after Esteban so damn bad, and instead I’m stuck here with you babysitting me while Mad Dog and Jonah play the indulgent older brothers. It sucks!”

Eli knew better than to tease her at this point. He touched her chin with one fingertip to gain her attention. Her green eyes locked with his. He could read the conflict loud and clear. He understood it because he’d feel the same damn way in her position.

“So Jonah wants me to hook up with Tits and meet Ian and Braden in Austria instead of Paris, at the safe house he’s arranged. As soon as Ian checks in again, I’ll head out.”