Defenseless (Salvation, #5)(29)

“What is going on with these missions, Dixon?” One of the guys asks as soon as we come into view.

Mark visibly relaxes as his gaze lands on everyone present, but continues to search. “Where’s the ambassador?”

What? I gape at Mark, and he returns my stare as if waiting for me to say something.

“He’s fine and in the back room. He has his meeting tonight so we’re completely silent until that’s over. Then we can get him the hell out of there.”

Mark looks around before he finally asks the leader, “What happened?”

The guys all settle around and describe how the mission went down. When things started to feel off, they decided for the safety of the ambassador to go into hiding. The team had set up to take him a roundabout way through Egypt so he wouldn’t be detected.

I listen in and form my own suspicions. It seems unlikely that there was someone seeking out the ambassador, even though he’s been in hot water regarding a bombing that happened a few years ago. Mark watches me while they talk; I observe the questions that churn in his own mind. Why them? Why would this small, covert mission be targeted? It still doesn’t make sense. There’s something behind all this. Someone is repaying a debt they never collected.

I think it’s time someone gets answers from Jackson.





Mark arranges for a private jet again and we leave Egypt once he ensures the ambassador is secure after his meeting. Instead of heading to the Middle East as we planned, we go back to the States. There are some things that need to be handled right away. I also need to check in with the agency, since I’m pretty sure they know I disappeared. Plus, it’s time for me to do some digging to determine exactly what Mazir’s last known location is. We agree there’s no point in heading somewhere if we’re already ten steps behind.

The flight so far has been uncomfortable. Mark is withdrawn and seems lost in thought. We don’t say much to each other, each of us working through whatever is rolling around in our heads.

I head back to the bedroom to change. I haven’t been sleeping well since I was drugged. The only time I really rested was last night in his arms. It pisses me off. Stupid boy. I don’t have time for this; I have a terrorist to find, but the notion of how safe I felt doesn’t evade me. I’m in so much trouble.

Removing my clothes, I contemplate how easy it could be once all of this mess is behind us. We could have something—maybe? Once everything is done, I can determine if there’s more than friendship between us. I mean, he’s known me more than a year, and he’s still interested—as am I.

Someone is after them, and Mark isn’t immune to the possibility that he’s next. Jackson’s been shot, Aaron’s been kidnapped. It would only make sense that Mark is the next target.

I’m in only my bra and underwear when I hear the click of the door. I quickly use my shirt to cover myself. Mark’s eyes stay locked on mine. “What are you doing in here?”

“I’m not sure.”

He looks a little lost. I know the feeling well. “You should’ve knocked.”

He takes a step closer but keeps his gaze firmly on me. “I knew you’d tell me to wait.”

“Mark,” I say cautiously. He’s standing so close my chest touches his. Our breaths mingle and the energy around us is electric. “We can’t do this.”

“You’re so beautiful.” His eyes close. “Every time I look at you, it literally takes my breath away.” When he returns his gaze to me again, I melt. Every part of me becomes liquefied, and I want nothing more than for him to take me in his arms. I’m falling for him. Against my will. “I see you, Charlie. I see it all.”

I don’t doubt he does. He seems to have a way of breaking me down and seeing who I really am. Right now, I’m worried about him. I also feel vulnerable at the prospect of what’s to come, and for once, I want to forget. “And what do you see?”

“I see a woman who has had to fight for everything.” His hand pushes my hair back. “I see how strong you are, even when most would be weak. I see the f*cking sexiest woman in the world.” He steps forward, and I take a step back. My knees hit the bed. “I see how your mind never stops working, but you want someone to make it stop. Let me take it from you, baby.” Mark holds my head in his hands, waiting for me to say something. It’s the first time he asks for permission.

“And what about you? You don’t think you need someone?”

“I’m tough.”

“We should talk about what’s really going on,” I say.

Mark tilts my face and subtly shakes his head. “Not tonight. I need you to let me take it.”

I can’t answer right away. Part of me is stunned, while the other part of me is scared. I have a feeling Mark needs me to take it away from him, not the other way. He’s being hunted, and I’m sure he knows it. This kiss will change everything between us, though. It isn’t an act. It isn’t part of a mission. This will be just Mark and Charlie. It’s me giving him an opening that I’m not sure I should. But when I look in his emerald eyes, all I want to do is say yes.

My fingers rise and touch his face. “Take it tonight, but if you hurt me . . . I’ll kill you.”

Mark smirks and tightens his hold as he slowly draws my mouth to his. When we finally touch, I explode. Our lips mold to each other’s as passion erupts. It’s weeks of toying around the edges of desire. It’s months of wondering what this would feel like. It’s a year since I laid eyes on him and believed this could never happen, but it is. He takes, and takes some more. But really . . . I’m giving it up. I free myself of anything but him.