Night Prowler

Chapter One

A breeze whispered through the branches of tall pines and cedars. An owl screeched, its eerie cry echoing through the moonlit forest. The sound pierced his awareness and the man jerked, dragging an elbow along the weathered planking. With slow movements, he stretched, moving legs as heavy as lead, and his calf scraped on something sharp.

Aw, shit.

He cracked open an eyelid, scanned the immediate area and confirmed what he’d dreaded. He lay sprawled on the cabin’s porch, naked.

Again.

Kol Thorstein shivered in the chilly night air, rolled to one side and up on his hands and knees. Pain shot through his muscles but he pushed himself to stand, gritting his teeth against the stiffness in his joints. One hand braced on the wall, he dragged himself to the door and opened it. The clothes he’d worn earlier lay strewn in a crooked line across the room where he’d obviously stripped and dropped them in his haste to get outside.

Why? What had been the trigger this time?

Fuck. He had to figure out what was happening. Living sequestered in the Rocky Mountains wasn’t getting him back to his unit any time soon. His CO would boot his butt out of the squad if he learned about Kol’s blackouts.

A soldier who couldn’t maintain control was a soldier who couldn’t be trusted.

A black t-shirt lay on the woven rug and he snatched it up. With jerky moves, he pulled it over his head, aware of the cloth grazing sensitive skin. He flexed his shoulders, and the sting of fresh scrapes zipped along nerve endings like heat lightning. With a hiss of inhaled breath, he pulled off the shirt and wrapped it around his neck. Better to let the scratches scab over.

His stomach rumbled and he glanced at his wrist. Damn, where the hell was his watch? He moved toward the kitchen to read the clock on the microwave. 2052 hours. Well past dinner. Had he eaten?

No pans on the stove, no dishes in the sink.

He yanked open the refrigerator door and pulled out the closest milk jug, lifting it to his mouth and drinking hungrily. The cold liquid pooled in his stomach, driving away immediate hunger.

Next, he had to add this incident to the log. With measured steps, he moved across the rug, down the hallway and into his office. Nervous energy still ran through his system and he flexed his thigh muscles as he stood at the computer station. A two-second press of his thumb on the ID pad and the notelink whirred to life.

“Ready for data,” a modulated voice announced.

Whatever entries he made into his symptom log had to be logical without the emotion he currently felt. “Read last entry.”

“1648 hours, 8 April, 2020.”

Four hours unaccounted for this time. With rigid strides, he paced to the opposite side of the room and back, trying to remember where he’d been before the blackout.

“Feeling lightheaded. Tingling starting in feet…affecting han—” The databank voice clicked, paused and clicked again. “Entry incorrect in grammatical formation.”

More than just grammar was wrong here. Shoving a hand through his hair, he knew he had to solve this problem and fast.

Moonlight streaming through the window lured him and he stepped into the silvery square. The light enveloped him and he forced himself to relax, setting his feet wider on the carpet and flexing his hips. Through the screen wafted an earthy scent—musk and an element undefined but familiar.

“New entry. Databank, note time. Scenting musk on the wind. Sexual awareness heightened.” A different ache ran through him and settled low in his gut. His cock flexed. The feeling that always followed close on the heels of these damn blackouts. Adrenaline ran through his system, pumping his blood so only echoes sounded in his ears. His hands fisted and he set his jaw.

He needed a distraction. Something to keep his body from focusing on his primal urge. He shifted his gaze to the window and concentrated. The view outside showed a few rangy pines silhouetted against the dark masses of the forest. Above the trees, Culebra Peak formed a jagged outline against the star-studded black sky. Field location—southern Colorado

A breeze blew the musky scent deeper into the room. He inhaled, pulling the scent deep into his lungs, and his cock lengthened in response, tingles running along his sac. With an absent movement, he rubbed a hand over his stomach, wondering at the strange pull in his chest. His blood raced and the urge to conquer and claim filled him.

Then his hand moved lower and he stroked his cock, running a thumb along the top, smiling when the organ beneath his fingers surged and thickened.

Tension spiraled in his gut and his balls tightened.

Maybe a mental distraction wouldn’t work this time.

A cloud slid past the half-moon and a shaft of moonlight filtered through the evergreens to the forest floor. Zoia Stavros winced at the flash and ducked her head, then leaned a shoulder against a tree trunk. She flipped up her night-vision goggles but left them strapped on. Better to keep them handy in case the cloud cover moved again.

She slipped a GPS unit from its hook on her utility belt. Careful to shield its screen with her free hand, she tilted it toward the light and took a reading. 37º08’56.66” N 105º17’02.68” W. With a flick of a couple buttons, she rechecked the distance from her hidden transport.

Close. Her quarry was within range.

From above, wings fluttered and a hoot faded on the night air.

What the hell was that? Zoia gasped and pressed harder against the tree, ignoring the bite of the rough bark. To the count of ten, she breathed in the cold night air, straining to hear any sound of movement on the ground. She hated being surprised by quick-moving animals.

Why hadn’t she assigned this job to Antonia? Her assistant loved the wilderness, loved hiking and cooking over an open fire. Zoia barely tolerated the wild outdoors with gritted teeth and pure determination.

If Eagle Investigations’ budget could have accommodated the overtime pay, she might have considered that possibility. Until her fledgling business registered a profit, she’d be the one pulling the long assignments.

With the tip of her boot, she gently scooted aside twigs and needles so she could step on damp earth. Her footfalls were whisper quiet and she progressed through the thick stand of conifers. Scents of fragrant pine and musty vegetation rose to tickle her nostrils. Another check of her GPS unit showed less than three hundred yards to go. Her nerves kicked in—stomach pinched and perspiration gathered at the base of her hairline.

Up ahead, a rustle in the underbrush sounded, paused then rustled again. She steadied herself with a hand on a nearby tree, hoping to pinpoint the direction. But her heartbeat thumped in her eardrums, pushing away all other sounds.

Not good.

A good private investigator wasn’t scared off by a few noises in nature. Rats and cockroaches she could handle, but she was not ready to face down snakes. She closed her eyes and took a couple of relaxing breaths. Keep it together, city girl. Tonight, visual confirmation. Tomorrow, apprehension.

A few more steps and the trees thinned into a clearing. Moonlight spotlighted the granite rocks and matted grass like a museum exhibit. A breeze rustled the branches above her and a soft sigh filtered over the area. Staying hidden in the shadows, she reached into the pouch strapped to her thigh and pulled out a small set of binoculars.

At the far side of the clearing sat a modest building. She scanned the exterior of the structure, disbelieving her first impression. With the binocs on three-hundred-percent zoom, she traced the outline of the two-story structure. An honest-to-the-Spirit log cabin. The first one she’d seen outside the archived files from the late twentieth century. Behind it, she spotted the roof of a small outbuilding, maybe a barn. At the far end, muted light shone through several curtained windows.

Her heartbeat kicked up. The cabin was definitely occupied and she could catch a break. The hours of travel and adrenaline of the hunt had taken a toll on her body. She just wanted to identify the subject and find a bed for the night.

Five minutes later, she’d circled the house and now had a clear view through an inches-wide gap in the curtains. If she leaned a bit, she could see the side of a dark desk with an open notelink spotlighted by a lamp out of her line of sight. By leaning in the other direction, she saw the foot of a bed with rumpled—

Oh, hello!

The patch of light on the grass widened as the curtains were drawn apart.

Instinct pushed Zoia deeper into the shadows. She eased off her goggles and lowered them to the ground beside her. Curiosity kept her gaze riveted on the window. Was this her chance to verify the whereabouts of the Army Special Forces soldier who’d gone missing?

The illuminated rectangle darkened then lightened. The cycle repeated. And again. As if a person paced just out of her range of sight.

A moment later, a tall figure appeared at the window and braced his forearms on the glass above his head. The man’s silhouette was fabulous—wide shoulders, lats with definite bulges, tight waist, narrow hips. A lean and fit male—and every muscled inch gloriously naked.

Ooowee—she sucked in a breath and held it. This guy was hot. Zoia’s fingers itched to use the binocs but she couldn’t risk a reflection off the lenses. Searching her memory, she ticked off her quarry’s vital statistics—six feet two—check, athletic build—that and then some, blond hair—maybe, hazel eyes—she’d have to confirm that later.

Her gaze trailed along his physique, registering muscles that looked sculpted as if from marble and hours of disciplined exercise. She spotted the blue tattoo inside one arm proclaiming his blood type and evidence of his last anti-fertility inoculation, but was too far away to confirm the data. A cloth hung around his neck. She couldn’t call herself a red-blooded female, especially one of lusty Greek heritage, if she didn’t take note of his cock. Yep, it was as solid and strong as the rest of him.

Just the sight of him excited her senses. Her breath quickened and her nipples tightened. She wondered what had him so turned on. Her pussy clenched in response to the aroused male, and dampness wetted her female curls.

What was she thinking?

Forget that they were probably the only two people for miles around.

Forget that the chance of anyone finding out was next to nil.

He was the target and she couldn’t forget that.

The subject disappeared from the window.

Her body sagged. Damn. Just when she started to relish her new role as voyeur. She shook herself and peeled back the sleeve of her neoprene jumpsuit, revealing a photo of Kol Thorstein, rank—Captain. A definite possibility.

She might have found her man. After a glance back at the house, she stilled, heart pumping wildly, and gasped, “Oh.”

The man had returned but this time his stance was different. One hand braced against the window, and the other rubbed circles on his chest, straying across his rippled abdomen and lowering to stroke his beautiful cock.

Her womb tightened and she pressed her thighs together, fighting her instinctive response. Get real, girl. You are on the job. Worry about getting laid back in civilization.

Maybe this was more up close and personal than she wanted. With effort, she tore her gaze away from his hand’s intoxicating movements and looked at his face.

By the tilt of his head, he appeared to look right at her position opposite his window. If she moved now, he might notice. And she couldn’t risk giving herself away.

Instead, her gaze moved back to where he caressed himself, fingers alternately cradling, rubbing, and circling his cock. A couple of times, his hand lowered to cup his balls but quickly returned to stroke the length of his rigid erection. His fingers encircled its girth and pumped, his forearm pistoning with increasing rhythm.

Zoia couldn’t move, entrapped by his burning gaze. The possibility of his really seeing her was crazy. Her breaths grew shallow and a flush bloomed over her skin. Moisture oozed in her pussy.

With a jerk, he pulled the cloth from his neck and held it under his cock. His hips flexed, his hand pumped and then his body went rigid. Only his hips rocked.

She exhaled and willed her heart rate to return to normal. One final look at her quarry—eyes closed, head tilted back—told her he was occupied for a few more moments. Perfect opportunity to check for a vehicle. After returning the goggles to the thigh pouch, she skirted the closest tree and crouched low, jogging around the house. Pausing again, she sucked in deep breaths. Damn altitude.

With a gaze that bounced between the house and the pickup parked at the edge of the gravel road, she reached for the binocs. If the plates matched the identification data she’d researched, she’d confirm the sighting and exit the area. For now.

Leave the man to his private entertainment.

Careful to angle the lenses low to avoid a reflection of moonlight, she focused on the license plate and pressed a button to record a digital image.

A cloud obscured the moon and the digits on the license plate blurred in shadow. Crap! She’d have to get closer.

Glancing over her shoulder at the house, she moved in a direct line, intending to input the data in her palm computer. When she was within ten feet of the truck, a piercing siren whooped and the pickup’s lights flashed.

Her body tensed, her stomach knotting. Busted! Who the hell set a perimeter alarm out in the middle of nowhere? Survival instinct overtook her body. She dashed for the protective visual cover of the truck and waited, blood pumping in her eardrums.

The alarm whoops were so loud she had no hope of hearing a response from her quarry. What was his position? Her hands drew into fists. She had to get away. With stealthy moves, she backed into the darkness of the forest, positioned herself behind a tree, and stuffed her fingers in her ears to block out the obnoxious blaring.

Finally, the alarm stopped. She unplugged her ears and the echoes faded into the distance.

A rough exhalation of breath sounded from behind her. A chuff of breath not her own sounded. And an earthy scent reached her nose—a mixture of musky pine, dampness and crisp night air. A gasp froze in her throat, and she stilled, senses alert in every direction. This was the part she hated even more—losing the quarry’s location.

The swish of shifting needles whispered from her left side.

Tilting her head, she hoped to spot movement through the darkness. To plan her escape, she needed to know which path was clear. The night breeze blew the clouds past the moon and the trees became distinct shapes. Her gaze was snared by a pair of luminous amber eyes peering from the shadow of a tree. If her mouth hadn’t suddenly gone bone dry, she would have screamed.

Inch by inch, his head emerged into view as he prowled toward her. No emotion showed on his face. The tanned muscles of his chest gleamed in the pale light, but navy fleece pants hung loose on his hips. His feet picking a path on the forest floor were bare.

Hair blond—confirmed. At least part of her brain was still on the job. Hazel eyes—maybe, but the lightest shade she’d ever seen. Upon his approach, she pressed back against the tree, wanting to reduce her exposure.

He came within four feet, never blinking, and then circled the tree, his movements liquid but controlled.

She bit her lip. Why hadn’t he confronted her? Demanded to know her purpose? Was he putting her through some kind of psychological test? If so, he was good. A few more minutes and she’d surrender. He entered her peripheral vision on her left and she tracked his movements, unable to drag her gaze from the fluid rhythm of his body in motion. Kol Thorstein was a commanding presence, power radiating from him in waves. Excitement spiraled low in her belly and her nipples tightened into diamond-hard points.

Not good, Zoia. Forget that you just witnessed this man jerking off. Treat him like the object of the hunt. He’s the quarry.

Kol stopped, his intense gaze finally broke from her face to scan her body from head to toe. He leaned his weight on the balls of his feet and sniffed, narrowed gaze shooting straight to her pussy.

Could he detect her arousal? Not possible. She shifted her stance and reflexively squeezed her thighs together.

With one step, his chest was against hers and his forearms bracketed her head.

Caught off guard, she stiffened and sucked in a breath. Only to draw in his masculine scent and feel her heartbeat kick up a notch. Her gaze shot to his face but he appeared to be inspecting her hair. What was—

He leaned forward and nuzzled the tendrils of unruly hair that escaped her tieback. His forehead pressed against her head, his hair scraping her temple, and a rumble sounded deep in his chest.

The knot in her stomach loosened. Her body betrayed her even though her head still screamed of her dangerous situation. What form of interrogation was this? She didn’t know how to defend herself against his total assault on her senses. His nuzzles broke through to something basic deep inside and she relaxed, her fingers itching to touch his taut skin.

Warmth trailed along the rim of her ear and was gone, followed by a tingly chill.

Had he just licked her? No.

The skin along her neck heated then cooled. Well, maybe.

He shifted his stance and leaned close, rubbing his nose on hers then touching his forehead briefly against hers before feathering kisses over her eyebrows.

Zoia closed her eyes and sagged against the tree, a sigh puffing through her lips. Everything about this situation screamed danger. But she couldn’t deny the fact he was the kind of danger she craved. For a moment longer, she relished the sensation of his enticing lips brushing against her skin. Then she kicked out a foot, wrapped it around his ankle and pulled to the side.

With a grunt, he went down, flat on his back and started to roll.

She followed him down, trapping his knees with her thighs and stretching to grab his forearms. With him pinned beneath her, she could question him.

A growl ripped through the air. He bucked his hips and levered against her grip.

She shimmied up his legs and squeezed with her thighs while struggling to keep hold of his muscular arms. This wasn’t how the hold worked in martial arts class. Her center of power wasn’t balanced. Her back ached from the strain of the odd angle. The man was too damn tall.

He raised his arms over his head and dragged her right along. Her legs straddled his hips and he flexed upward, rubbing his hard cock against her cleft. His gaze bored into hers and the side of his mouth curled upward, exposing perfect white teeth.

Eons of feminine instinct guided her response to an alpha male, and she lowered her pussy against him, moving in a sensuous circle. Her nipples pebbled and she leaned down to rub them across his bare chest, a moan escaping at the delicious friction.

In a quick move, Kol rolled to the side, knocking her off his body, and landed in a crouch.

She dropped hard on hands and knees, and shook her head. Her muscles ached and her too-rapid breaths showed she’d exerted more effort than he in their little tussle. Her pussy throbbed and she felt dewy liquid slide along her swollen labia. How could she still be aroused? This was crazy.

He sprang and landed behind her, clamping an arm around her middle, wrestler-style, and trapping her legs with his muscular thighs.

Pinned. Ducking her shoulder, she moved to roll out of his grasp, but he was too strong. She relaxed her muscles and tried to fall flat, but his vise-like grip held her in a hands-and-knees position.

The large hand on her stomach splayed open and held her in place. The ridge of his cock pressed into the back of her thigh. His free hand ran along her side from chest to thigh, stroking, caressing and heating her skin though her clothing. Then his fingers inched inside her waistband, loosened the fastening and yanked down her pants.

As the chilly air wafted over her flushed skin, she gasped. Being exposed under the moonlight made her blood thrum through her body. A strange connection with all beings in nature that participated in this mating ritual surged through her thoughts. She shook her head. Too weird.

His hand now caressed her bare thigh, his touch as glorious as she’d imagined earlier. For an instant, her mind reeled at what was happening and then her body took over, relaxing into his touch. A feather-light slide of his fingers up her leg, tickled the sensitive inner thigh and glided along her pussy lips. A long finger plunged inside, pressing along her walls in rhythm with his thumb circling her clit.

A guttural moan sounded. Was that from her? She moved her hips, circling against the presence of his hand, enjoying the spiraling urgency in her womb. A second finger joined the first and the thrusts deepened, increasing in tempo. His touch demanded a response. She pressed her knees into the ground and resisted the pressure of his movements, the friction deliciously intensifying the tingles in her pussy.

His hand eased away, his knuckles grazing her ass.

She bit back a whimper. He wouldn’t leave her wanting, would he? Was this still a test? Then large hands grasped her hips and the head of his hard cock pressed against her pussy, probing, retreating, probing deeper. Her skin stretched deliciously around his girth and she rocked back her weight, in ecstasy over the delicious fullness. For too long, she’d gone without this exciting feeling of a man’s thick cock deep inside her hot cavern. For too long, she’d used only clit stimulators or rubber replica penises.

Fingers tightened on her hips. He pumped into her cunt, faster, harder, deeper, his thighs slapping the back of hers, his breath escaping in low grunts.

She dug her palms into the dirt and needles, grasping for an anchor, but was not a match for his powerful thrusts that scooted her forward. The burn of her channel walls ramped up her excitement. Arousal centered in her pulsing clit.

His grip moved to her stomach again, and a deep rumble sounded in her ear. Warm lips grazed her neck and his teeth clamped on to the ridge of her shoulder.

The bite, gentle but controlling, caught her by surprise and her nipples throbbed, aching to be touched. She rocked backward and circled her hips, moving in sync to his rhythmic purr, in sync to the rush of sensation flooding her pussy.

“Ahhhh.” Her satisfied cry rang into the night’s silence and her shaking elbows gave way. Breathing hard, she slumped forward and rested her head on her forearms.

That was glorious. Quick, but glorious.

Strong hands clamped her hips and pulled her body upright, her thighs resting on his, her calves tucked along his. She braced hands on her knees and let him move her sated body. He raised her slowly until her pussy barely held the tip of his cock and then plunged her down to his lap, his rock-hard length sliding deep inside her channel. This time when he raised her, his cock sprang free and he rubbed her clit against its slippery head.

Instinct drove her hips into a circle. Electric tingles shot from her clit to her nipples, hardening them to bullets, and back, causing her juices to flow. Again, her climax spiraled close. “Oh, Spirit above. Do that again.”

His grip tightened and his cock plunged inside her, thrusting fast, hard and deep. Hot breath huffed out between clenched teeth. The pace eased and he lifted her in a slow movement, as if savoring the slide of his shaft from her intimate embrace. With a jerk, he slammed her into his lap once, twice and then he stiffened, hot jets of cum pumping into her pussy. An eerie, strangled cry erupted from his mouth.

His body sagged, knocking her back to her hands and knees. His rapid breathing fluffed the hair on the side of her face. She welcomed his warmth and the fleeting feeling of closeness following such an animalistic act. She’d never had sex outdoors, never without talking, and never with a stranger. A night for firsts.

Her arms and legs trembled at the strain of holding up her own body, plus his considerable weight. She squirmed her shoulders and hips, thinking to rouse him enough that he’d move off.

His breathing had slowed.

With an effort, she shoved her arms upright and jostled him to the side.

He scrambled to his knees, facing her. His gaze darted at the surroundings, down at his bared body, then narrowed as he stared at her disheveled clothing and partial nudity. “What the hell did you do to me?”

Chapter Two

Kol stared at the wide-eyed woman sprawled five feet away. The dark-haired stranger whose delectable pale ass stood out against the dark forest surroundings. From the chilly sensation along the length of his semi-engorged cock, he concluded they’d just had sex. Who the hell was she?

The last thing he remembered was— What? He squeezed his eyes shut, fighting for a memory.

A hollowness invading his chest. That was the problem—he couldn’t remember. With a shake of his head, he looked back at the woman.

“You’re kidding, right?” She scooted backward, one hand tugging on the waistband of her pants. “You think I did this?” Her dark gaze flashed and a hand waved in the air between their bodies.

“Who are you?” And how in the hell had she gotten this close without his knowing? His skills had deteriorated since his release from his Special Forces squad.

She scowled and pointed a finger in his direction. “Stay there. Give me a couple seconds.”

This woman thought she could give orders? Interesting. He narrowed his gaze then nodded.

She flopped onto her back, levered her hips off the ground and yanked up her pants. In a quick movement, she twisted then rose onto the balls of her feet. “Now we talk.”

A breeze wafted her scent close—musky female mixed with the earthy aroma of their fucking—and his groin clenched. He stood, yanking up his pants to cover his lengthening cock. This time he’d deal with the stranger using his bigger brain. “So talk!”

“I got lost in the woods and stumbled onto your cabin.” Her dark gaze flicked to the side.

Not likely. He crossed his arms over his chest. “Lady, this is a forest.”

A smile flickered across her lips. “Zoia.”

“What’s that mean?” His gaze strayed to her mouth, to her full lips and straight white teeth.

“It’s my name, Zoia Stavros. I’m a research photographer.”

“A photographer, huh? Where’s your equipment?” He watched her expression for any sign of subterfuge. From the day of his release, he’d been expecting someone to arrive. He just hadn’t expected such an enticing package.

She rested a hand on a hip and jerked it away, wincing. “Oo, my hands are cut.”

A faint memory of a struggle niggled at his thoughts. His gaze ran her length, noting how she balanced her weight. Surely, this short bit of a female hadn’t tried to subdue him. He flexed his legs and the skin around his knees pulled. A stab of guilt ran through him. Maybe she had.

“Not much of a talker, are you?” She pivoted and started toward the cabin, bending to pick up a pack near his truck. “That’s okay—I’m used to it. My four brothers say I talk enough for the rest of them combined. I’m sure you’ve got water and first aid supplies inside.”

The female meant to invade his space! For just a moment, he stole a glance at the glorious movement of her swaying hips. His hands itched to grasp her firm ass cheeks shaped by snug pants. “Hey.” He jogged up behind her, his senses immediately overloaded by her musky scent. His cock flexed. What the hell? He gritted his teeth and backed away a step.

With a hand resting on the porch railing, she looked over a shoulder and arched a dark eyebrow.

“Thorstein, Kol.” When her expression didn’t change, he brushed past her and held open the screen door. “Thought you’d want to know whose cabin you’re invading.”

She hesitated then strode past him, wavy hair bouncing with each step. The tang of citrus followed in her wake.

He gripped the door handle and huffed out deep breaths. A little soap, a little water, a couple of adhesive strips—and she’d be on her way. Self-imposed seclusion would again be his.

Only a few steps into the room and panic hit. Where the hell was she? Had he left his notelink open to a screen containing sensitive material? “Ah, Zoia? What can I help you find?”

“I’m doing great.” Her voice carried from down the hall, over the sound of running water. “I found what I need in here.”

Kol moved across the living room to his bedroom. With the click of a couple buttons, he closed down the active link, his gaze scanning the room for evidence she’d been in here first. He sniffed the air but detected no citrus. Or female musk.

An itch tingled between his shoulders. He’d become used to being alone and having her here made him nervous. Stifling the urge to pace, he grabbed a clean shirt from a bureau drawer and braced a shoulder against the doorjamb across from the bathroom.

Waiting.

Unwilling to allow her deeper into his personal space.

“Hey, Kol. Do you mind—” She poked her head around the open door and stiffened at seeing him. “Oh, you’re here. Would you mind if I showered?”

The image of her entire body naked flashed through his thoughts. His gut clenched. Would her skin be creamy white all over? Would the rounded breasts that filled her form-fitting top be tipped with rosy nipples? He swallowed hard and clenched his jaw, willing his cock to behave.

“I’ve got scrapes on my knees too, and…” Her gaze faltered as her words trailed off.

He had a good idea what else she’d wash away. “Be my guest.”

“Thanks.” She flashed him a wide smile before disappearing behind the wooden door.

His chest tightened and his stance went rigid. Her grateful smile did him in. He hadn’t experienced a simple human connection like that in so long. Do not cave over a friendly smile, Thorstein. A smile is just lips and teeth. What if she was the forward scout for an invading party?

Water ran in the pipes and a feminine voice raised in muffled song sounded from the room across the hall. She’d be naked about now. His gaze centered on the brass doorknob. Two steps and a quick twist might satisfy his curiosity. Not to mention the lust running rampant through his veins. He straightened and strode down the hall and straight out of the cabin. Throwing back his head, he jammed his hands on his hips and stared at the star-filled sky.

Kol dragged the cool Colorado air into his lungs and his pulse slowed. He glanced ruefully at the receding bulge pushing against his sweatpants. Maybe now he could think straight. Something about that woman’s scent rattled him. Since he’d been released from his squad, his sense of smell worked in hyper-drive. He’d adjusted to most scents but not hers. Wouldn’t his squad members laugh at the normally unflappable Captain Thorstein getting a hard-on within a ten-foot radius of this particular female? Kol prided himself on his proven record of carrying out a mission, no matter what surprises were thrown in his path.

This pint-sized lady shot that record all to hell.

Might as well check from which direction she’d come and if he could locate her transport. Verify for himself that she was alone. He stepped back toward the porch and grabbed a genlight from its hook on the cabin wall, squeezing the handle until the greenish light strengthened enough to allow him to discern footprints in the dirt.

Kol walked slowly toward his truck, panning the light in arcs across the ground. He retraced their criss-crossed paths from the spot where they’d wrestled, blocking off what had occurred after that, and followed her tracks back toward the truck.

Ten minutes later, he stopped at a spot along the tree line where her tracks first entered the clearing. He glanced over his shoulder to verify the cabin’s position and noticed the direct sight line to his bedroom window. Light glowed through the window onto the ground outside. How long had she been in the area? Had she seen him at the window? Taking a closer look at the ground, he discovered two rounded indentions where some person had sat and faced his cabin.

He prowled deeper into the forest, looking for a second set of prints but found only hers, although in places the trail nearly disappeared at the base of trees. Not exactly the type of trail he’d expect from someone who was lost.

* * * * *

Zoia stepped out of the shower, refreshed after hiking through the woods and that strange wrestling match that turned into a first-class fuck. She glanced at the pile of her clothes and couldn’t bear to pull on the muddy garments. A plaid flannel robe hung from a hook on the back of the door She convinced herself the captain would understand if she borrowed it just until her clothes dried. Decision made, she ran a sink full of water, squirted in some shampoo and swished around her clothes.

With a quick look at the mirror to make sure no leaves clung to her curls, she opened the bathroom door and peered out. “Hello?” No imposing blond man with light hazel eyes stared from across the hall. On the desk in that room sat a silver and black notelink. Her fingers itched to tap the keys and make a connection with her assistant. The need to report in weighed on her thoughts but not enough to risk angering her host.

Silence greeted her.

With a tug on the robe’s belt, she stepped into the hallway and quickly walked to the end, peeking around the wall into the living area. “So, are you cooking us something?” This part of the house was empty. She wandered into the small kitchen and opened random cupboards. Assorted ceramic dishes and cooking utensils in one. Another held a few cans of food and a towering stack of foil pouches—survival rations. She grimaced. “Some host you are.”

Hand resting on the refrigerator door, she bent over and looked inside. Peanut butter, mustard, salsa, wilted lettuce, a few eggs and a moldy orange. And four gallons of milk.

Interesting diet.

She grabbed the opened milk jug, moved to the nearest cupboard and grabbed a glass.

“Help yourself.”

At the male voice, she gasped and whirled, slinging milk across the floor. Her heart thundered in her chest. “Don’t do that.”

“Don’t enter my own home?” He closed the door and, with an easy stride, walked across the living room.

“No, don’t come up behind me. You scared me.” She exhaled and looked at the shiny puddles on the floor. “Where’s your robotic?”

“Don’t need one up here. These still work.” He opened a lower cupboard and pulled out a couple of cloth rags. Moving to the middle of the floor, he knelt to wipe up the spill.

Her gaze was drawn to the flex of his muscles with each swipe. She stepped forward and held out her hand. “Pass them over. I can do that.”

“I’ve got it.” He squinted up at her, a flash in his hazel eyes. “Nice robe.”

Oh yeah, his robe. Her hands rose to pull the lapels closer. “I hope you don’t mind. My clothes are soaking in the sink.”

His brows lowered then he ducked his chin, seeming intent on swiping at every drop. “You washed your clothes?”

“Well, they were muddy…” The change in his behavior was subtle, but she spotted a muscle jumping in his jaw. “Believe me, you wouldn’t have wanted me sitting on your furni—” Oh blessed spirits, she’d put her foot right in her great big mouth. He hadn’t intended to let her sit—the man wanted her gone. Long gone.

He stood and dropped the rags into a nearby plastic basket then turned and leaned against the tile counter. His hands rested next to his hips, fingers curled around the edge. “Who buys your photos?”

She tried to ignore how his stance pulled the t-shirt taut over his muscled chest, caressing each and every tight bulge. “My what?” His manner had changed again, back to conversational. How much of her planned cover story had she told him earlier?

His eyes narrowed. “You said you photographed animals. For a science institute or a nature group?”

All her rehearsed details fell into place in her mind. She took a moment to put the milk back in the refrigerator and turned to face him, imitating his assumed casual pose. “I have a modest grant from a private research facility.” Only a small stretch of the truth. The Halcyon Institute had given her a money card preauthorized for three thousand dollars. Payment in advance for the identification. Of this man. Her conscience twinged.

He shifted his feet a few inches apart and crossed his arms. “Tell me the premise of the research.”

Ooh, the man was sharp! “I’m documenting the populations of several species following the absence of large predators in this sector.” Zoia thought exposure to the athletic friends of her four brothers would have made her immune to sculpted arms, a ridged stomach and rock-hard thighs.

But no. A part of her wanted to stare gape-mouthed at his hard body. Probably because she knew exactly what that body felt like up close. Heat building deep in her belly, she clenched her legs together and struggled to keep her gaze on his face.

“Which ones?” His stare intensified, locked with hers.

“Which animals? I mean mammals.” Crap. When she’d invented this phony job, she hadn’t expected to be interviewed. Mountain nocturnals? “Let’s see. I’m looking for raccoons.”

“Elevation’s too high.”

Oops. Her stomach knotted. “Foxes.”

His head moved in a sharp nod. “Seen a few.”

What else? Her mind raced for a sure-fire, nocturnal species. “Bats!”

“Got plenty of those.”

Remembering the flap of wings on her approach to the cabin, she blurted, “Owls.”

“Heard them but haven’t spotted any.”

A sigh escaped. She’d gotten over that hurdle.

He pushed away from the counter and put his hands on his hips. “Where’s your camera?”

“Why?” The knot was back and twisting this time. What shots were stored on the chip? Anything incriminating?

“I can point out some nesting places.”

“Now?” Her idea of a perfect nesting place involved a soft mattress, a warm blanket and a fluffy pillow. His comment didn’t sound like he was following the same thought wave. “You want to go along with me?”

“Sure.” He shrugged. “I’ve got insomnia and you’re used to staying up all night. Right?”

“Oh yeah.” She waved a dismissive hand and forced out a laugh. “At this time of night, I’m usually just getting going.”

He pointed at a bundle on the floor next to the sofa. “That your gear? May I?”

“Uh huh.” The sounds came out more like grunts than words. Back in her office when she’d invented this cover, she’d had no idea if she’d have to enact the part. This man expected her to go out into the wilderness—the dark and scary wilderness—and search for the very creatures that she’d heard skittering through the underbrush or rustling in the trees on her hike here.

A shudder ran through her and she tightened the belt on the robe. The borrowed robe she wore. Oh, yeah. “You know, we can’t go out right now.” With exaggerated moves, she plopped down on the sofa, extended her legs over the cushion and heaved an overloud sigh. Careful, Stavros, don’t be dramatic.

From where he squatted and dug the camera from her backpack, he looked up, his gaze skittering the length of her body. “We can’t?”

She raised her hands palms up and shrugged. “My clothes are soaking wet.”

A scowl wrinkled his face then he stood. “So, I’ll find you something else to wear.”

Zoia watched him stride from the room and fell back into the sofa. Wasn’t he Mr. Resourceful? Knowing where to look for the nests and offering to get her cam— She bolted upright, her breath catching in her throat. Had he just searched her pack? And he’d missed her satphone? Maybe she should make contact with Halcyon, confirm his identity and take her chances on finding her transport in the dark.

She unzipped an outside pocket and dug for her satphone, relief running through her when she grasped its familiar shape. With a peek over her shoulder, she checked to see if Kol was returning. She twisted her body to block her actions and bent to punch in the numbers then stopped. The screen was blank. On closer inspection, she saw the casing was split along one side. That could have happened when she jumped against that last tree. Or when she’d tossed down the pack in the scurry to avoid the blaring pickup.

Didn’t matter when—she was cut off. Her skin chilled. No direct communication with her assistant. Anything could happen here in this isolated location and no one would know she was in danger. What was she thinking? Anything already had!

“Ready?”

His deep voice made her jump and she dropped the satphone into her open bag. “Sure.” She stood and turned to see him holding out a fistful of clothes. “For me? You really shouldn’t have.” When he didn’t react to her sarcasm, she grabbed the items and stomped down the hallway to the bathroom.

A long-sleeved thermal shirt and sweat pants with a drawstring. She pulled on the clothes and looked at herself in the mirror. Great, the shirt was so tight it could double as a sports bra and the pants made her ankles look like the face on a shar pei. A double knot in the drawstring would keep the pants in place. Could these clothes belong to the same person? She leaned against the wall to pull on her boots without socks. The ones he’d provided would have covered her knees and she’d rather do without than make any more demands of her host. She vowed to make as few demands as possible on her host.

A knock sounded on the door. “Do they fit?”

She gave the mirror one last look then yanked open the door and glared. “Of course they don’t, but they’ll suffice.”

His gaze zeroed in on her breasts and heated. He swallowed hard and jerked his head toward the door. “Let’s go.”

The discomfiture she’d seen in his expression fueled her through the house and while she gathered her gear. He obviously didn’t want to be affected by her, just as she didn’t welcome the heat she felt. Well, fine. They were even. Until she contacted her assistant and checked for further instructions, she had to keep playing the role.

The research photographer who got lost at night.

Zoia hitched the straps of her backpack onto her shoulders and walked in front, genlight ready. Her mind raced with the research she’d done on this sector. No worries about encountering large predators—wolves, cougars, bears—those had been gone for a decade or more. Logic stated she should be searching for bats and owls in the trees and foxes, rabbits and wild pigs on the ground. She figured they’d make too much noise to cross paths with any deer.

Maybe if she made enough noise all the animals would stay away.

Why had she thought a photographer was a good cover? And for nocturnal animals? She’d never been comfortable in the wilderness. And now she needed to appear competent.

“Which way shall we go.” His voice came close to her ear.

She jumped, heart pounding. “Quit doing that.”

“What?”

The guy didn’t make any noise when he walked. “Do you like seeing me jump?”

He frowned and swept a hand toward the clearing. “Lead on.”

She scanned the ground still lit by moonlight. Okay, which was the least scary animal? A rabbit? And rabbits lived in burrows at the base of trees. At least that’s what she remembered from nursery rhymes and children’s stories. Not the greatest source but all she had. Trees ringed the area around the cabin so she had her choice. Might as well do this in organized fashion. She turned hard left and set off to the closest one from the back of the house, her boots crunching twigs and needles as she walked. From behind came the faint swish of needles shifting. How did he do that?

At the edge of the trees, she bent and studied the ground looking for footprints. For what evidence, she didn’t exactly know. Would the mark be long or short with points where the claws had touched?

Kol leaned close on her left. “See anything?”

Her whole side warmed and she fought from swaying closer to this man’s heat. She could swear he was sniffing the ground. Why would he do that? “Not yet, but I will.” She stood and set off, squeezing her genlight until a pale green circle appeared in front of where she walked.

Two hours later, they’d spotted tracks for rabbit, mole, and wild pig. Well, Kol found and pointed them out to her, explaining the differences in the marks each animal left behind. On her own, she’d snapped images of two bats and an owl, and picked out the sticks atop a cliff that indicated an eagle’s aerie. Not bad for an amateur. Now her energy was gone and her chest ached with the effort of drawing in enough of the thin mountain air.

They were on the trail of a pair of foxes and she lifted a leg to cross over a log. Her other leg trembled and she sat heavily on the rough bark. “Ow!”

“What’s wrong?” Kol leapt over the log and dropped into a crouch in front of her. As his head moved slowly to check out each direction, he reached back and circled her ankle with a staying hand.

The protective gesture went straight to her heart and she almost started blubbering. “I just tripped.”

He turned to look at her, squinted and then rummaged in his pack. “Have a drink. You look exhausted. If you needed to rest, we could have stopped.” He held out a metal canteen.

“Thanks.” She unscrewed the top and sipped at the cool liquid before handing it back. No matter what, she couldn’t let on how tired she really was. “My body is adjusting to the altitude. Give me a minute or so.”

Kol eased up from his crouch and sat beside her. “Is this one of your normal nights?”

Oh, yeah. Locating a log cabin in an isolated forest, being seduced—no, taken—by a stranger, then having to wear his clothes while chasing after wild creatures was all part of her daily routine. She wasn’t sure what to say that wouldn’t blow the lid off her frustration. Not to mention her cover. She cut him a sideways glance, trying to determine if he was laughing at her.

“Or do you normally follow just one animal?” He inhaled then braced his hands on his knees and scooted a few inches away.

Ah, that kind of normal. Logic told her a researcher probably worked like a private investigator. “I follow where the clues lead me.” A yawn stretched her mouth before she could bite it back and her shoulders slumped. “Sorry.”

“Which way? More tracking or back to the cabin?”

He was giving her a choice so he must believe her act as a photographer. If only she could gloat over passing his little test. Better keep the fact she’d guessed his intent to herself. “I’m happy with the night’s findings. But I’m ready for more photos.” She pushed off the log and her leg muscles tightened in protest. A groan escaped.

He chuckled and reached a hand under her elbow. “Definitely time to head back.”

The area he touched heated and tingled. Zoia didn’t know how, but the man was too quickly getting under her skin. An unusual occurrence. The guys she’d dated had remained casual acquaintances for a while before sex entered the relationship. With this guy, the tension simmered with every look, breath and touch.

She squeezed her genlight and stepped into its circle, hoping to put some distance between them.

“Zoia.”

Hearing her name in that deep voice gave her goose bumps and tightened her nipples. She looked over her shoulder, willing her heart rate to return to normal and her face not to betray the eruption of her lust.

He cocked his head to the left. “This way.”

Heat flushed her cheeks and she gritted her teeth before nodding. “I’ll follow you.” If for no other reason than she was exhausted and needed to rest before making an excuse to leave. And maybe her body would be calm by the time they reached the cabin.

Kol set out and she trailed him, knowing he’d shortened his normal stride to make the trek easier. From her position, she could watch the flexing of his shoulder muscles as he walked, the clenching of his ass when he stepped onto a boulder. So maybe her body would take a bit longer to calm.

Near the edge of the clearing, she heard a rustle in the needles to her right. She gasped then bit her lip and flashed the light over the floor of the forest. Can’t blow her cover now! By stepping to the left, she hoped to pass Kol and get to the open area faster. But a foot or so inside the tree line, the genlight picked up a strange pile of leaves and twigs behind an unfamiliar track.

Round, about four inches wide, with four toes.

With one hand fumbling for her camera, she stopped and lowered to a crouch. “Kol, look at this.” Disbelief ran through her at what she saw.

“What?” His boots tramped up to where she waited. “Another animal?”

“This can’t be.” From behind the camera, she spoke and then pressed the image button. “My research concluded animals of this size were hunted out of existence a decade ago.”

He leaned over, bringing his head close. “What are you looking at?”

She pointed and adjusted the light sensor on the camera. “A print from a big cat.”

Hand tight on her elbow, he pulled her upright. “Let’s get back.” He stepped on the track, twisted his boot several times and continued walking.

“Hey, wait a minute.” She tugged against his hold but couldn’t break free. “I wanted more photos. If that is a cougar print, it is a real find.”

“Not a cougar.” He kept walking. “You’re mistaken.”

Chapter Three

Kol moved across the clearing with purpose, but Zoia fought him every step of the way. He counted on the fact she hadn’t fully acclimated to this elevation to work in his favor. His mind ran over the past few minutes and he struggled to figure out his actions. Why had he moved on pure instinct to destroy the animal track?

“You know, I can walk by myself.” She tugged against his hold, leaning her weight backward.

They’d reached the base of the back porch so he released his grip. “After your stumble at the log, I figured you’d appreciate some assistance.”

Dark brows drew down over a questioning gaze. “Really? Do people you know show their appreciation by resisting your grasp?”

Okay, so he felt like enough of an ass without her rubbing it in. “Uneven ground makes walking together tough.”

“Right.” With a shake of her head, she stomped up the steps, scraping her shoes on the sisal mat.

The smell of citrus and her tangy perspiration assaulted Kol’s senses and his groin grew heavy. He wondered how he’d cope until daybreak when he could send her off in the right direction. A thought niggled at the back of his mind, but he refused to admit he should have done exactly that hours ago. His rationale was sound—he’d had to determine if she was the researcher she claimed to be.

Not someone who meant him harm.

Uneasy about how to provide an explanation for something he couldn’t explain, he entered the cabin and stooped to untie his boots. Lately, he hated the confined feeling shoes created and relished the sensation of going barefoot. Curious…he’d never really cared to before.

Zoia stood at the sink, washing her hands. “I hate to impose but I’m hungry…” She turned as she briskly dried her hands.

His gaze was caught by her breasts jiggling with each movement of her hands in the towel. “What do you want?” That’s it, keep the situation low key.

“Look at the time. It’s so late. Maybe some soup?” She tilted her head and smiled.

A hesitant crooked smile. He loved crooked smiles. In the kitchen light, he thought he spotted the outline of dark aureoles through the t-shirt. God, help him. He needed a task to focus on. “Let me check what my sister left in the pantry.”

“Oh, is this her house?”

“The cabin belongs to the whole Thorstein family. We gather here mostly for vacations.” He shot her a sideways glace and shrugged. “Her family used it last.”

Eyebrow quirked, she pulled on the sleeve of her shirt. “So, this is her shirt?”

He glanced at how the fabric caressed her body and felt his heart rate kick up a notch. He’d have to burn the garment after Zoia left because he couldn’t imagine seeing another female wearing it. “Hers or my niece’s.”

“Good, because I wanted to scream when I thought I’d fit into one of yours. Frankly, I didn’t see how that was possible.” Her dark-eyed gaze assessed his chest.

So, the lady could give back as well. He moved to the far side of the room and pulled open a long cabinet door. Inside were rows of shelves packed with food. He glanced at the right-hand section of the third shelf and read labels aloud, “Beef vegetable, minestrone, clam chowder, tomato.”

“Such a variety.” She moved to his side and leaned forward. “And they’re not even self-heating cans. This really is roughing it.”

“How hard is heating a pan of soup?” He shrugged and reached for the cans in back. “Bean with bacon, chicken and stars—”

“Wow, I haven’t had chicken with stars since I was little.” She leaned forward and the side of her breast brushed his arm.

Almost overpowered by the fresh smell of soap, her scent was less potent but an undercurrent remained. His arm heated where her breast touched…no, branded him. That was a strange thought. A task—he needed to focus on a task. He grabbed two cans and moved toward the stove. “My nephew’s four and he loves this stuff.”

“Hey, are you insinuating my choice is childish?” She pressed a hand to her hip and tossed her head. “That’s not true for all my tastes.”

Before he could stop himself, his gaze raked her athletic body and his cock twitched. A solid reminder of the skin-on-skin tussle they’d had earlier. Something told him he missed a lot by not remembering specifics of that particular interaction. “I meant nothing by—”

She laid a hand on his arm and smiled. “Sorry. I’m always getting needled by my brothers and their friends. I guess I overreacted to your teasing.” She winked before moving away.

Her wink weakened his resistance even more than her touch. Teasing? Had he really done that?

By focusing on the menial tasks—popping off the lids, dumping the contents and lighting the stove—he pushed his thoughts from the sensation when her soft skin rested on his arm. A click of the sparker and the fuel cell lit under the burner. After a little food, maybe she’d settle herself in one of the beds and he could retreat to the privacy of his room. With a solid door between them, he’d have hopes of escaping her scent. And those inquisitive eyes.

He remained at the stove, stirring soup that didn’t really need his attention. Definitely a more productive task than trying to determine where she was by the location of the clatter and swish of sounds she made behind him. Within minutes, he pulled the pan off the heat and headed for the bar counter where he usually ate his solitary meals.

“Oh, is that where you wanted this?”

He turned toward her surprised voice and saw she was sitting at the small table at the far end of the room. A table set for two. With placemats. The scene was too domestic for his tastes and he was about to tell her he wasn’t hungry. Until he met her dark gaze—the one with eyes the color of sable.

Where the hell had that thought come from?

“This is fine.” Unable to ignore her hopeful expression, he set the pan on the pad in the middle of the table then sat. “Appreciate your help.”

“Do you have any crackers?” Her gaze skittered away and she shrugged. “I didn’t want to search the cupboards.”

For fear of offending him? He remembered his earlier comment about the milk and irritation ran through him. “I didn’t mean to—” The woman probably thought he was the worst host on record. He stood and walked to the pantry, reaching to the top shelf for the metal tin. “While you’re here, share what’s available. Wouldn’t want you thinking badly about wilderness hospitality.”

“I appreciate that.” She smiled and a dimple appeared in her left cheek. “I may take you up on that after we eat.”

What the hell did she mean by that? His offer was for the contents of the kitchen and the pantry. Why did her tone sound like she meant something else? Give him a set of plans, a time frame and a team and he’d figure a way into any type of camp, building or vault. But deciphering the hidden meaning of a woman’s words left him stranded on the outside every time.

As he served himself, the metal ladle clinked against his bowl and the aroma of chicken broth filled the air. He couldn’t remember when he’d sat at this dining table last. No moonlight shone through the dark windows beside the table, creating a closed-in feeling. Almost intimate. His breathing hitched and he shifted in his chair so he looked at the inside of the cabin instead. So why was he here now? Why hadn’t he taken his bowl to the counter?

For several minutes, they ate without talking, the only sound the clink of spoons on ceramic bowls.

After a few spoonfuls, his appetite was gone. One leg bounced as he worked on the reason behind him sitting and the table.

She reached across the table for the metal tin and the whiff of citrus again hit his nostrils.

Need crashed through his blood and his muscles screamed for movement. He had to put some distance between them. “Do you want something to drink?” He stood and shoved the chair away from the table, wincing at the scrape he’d probably etched into the wooden floor.

Brows pulled into a frown, her gaze moved to the center of the table. “Besides water?”

On each placemat sat a glass of water. Oh, she’d thought of that. “Yeah, I meant a beer…or maybe milk.”

Her head shook and dark curls bobbed around her face. “No, thanks. I had some earlier.”

Curls bobbed? When had he started thinking in those terms? What about this woman drove him nuts? He stalked to the refrigerator, grabbed the closest plastic jug and yanked off the cap. Only because of his houseguest’s presence did he stretch to the cupboard, grab a glass and fill it. Maybe the refreshing liquid would cool his thoughts like it did his throat. He upended the glass and drained it. When he reached for the jug again, he was suddenly aware she was watching his movements. “Can’t seem to get enough of this stuff.”

Zoia stood and carried her dishes toward the kitchen. “Yeah, I noticed all the jugs in the refrigerator. Always been a milk lover?”

Actually no. Milk hadn’t been part of his regular diet since boot camp. How had that fact slipped his notice? He leaned a hip against the counter. “Since being on…uh, this is a recent craving.”

“Interesting.” She cleared the table and carried the rest of the items to the sink. With a hand on the cabinet knob, she angled her head sideways and smiled. “You cooked, so I’ll clean. Family rules from my upbringing. Will I find what I need under here?”

The overhead light reflected in her dark eyes and he smelled oranges and woman. “Yep.” He pushed himself away and walked to the table, telling himself he was clearing away the placemats and not running from her sexy allure. Movement caught his eye and he watched her reflection in the dark window, letting his gaze slide over her shapely body.

As the water rushed into the sink, she swayed to music that only she could hear. A throaty hum filled the air.

The sound washed over him and he paused, wondering at his lack of irritation. Since starting his self-imposed leave, he’d guarded his privacy, even discouraging a visit from his sister’s family the previous weekend. Although he itched to connect his notelink, he couldn’t pull himself away from this room, from this vital woman.

“Of course, you could always help by drying these.” She muffled a yawn against her shoulder. “Sorry, it’s late.”

He glanced at his unadorned wrist, then up to the microwave and read 0330. “I see that.”

“I’m about to fall on my face.” She wiped her hands on a towel. “Aren’t you tired?”

“Don’t sleep much.” He shrugged.

She walked toward him, tapping her fingers on the tile counter as she moved. “You don’t hardly eat or sleep. You can’t sit still. You’re intensely distrustful. I suspect you had a memory blackout when we first—” she hesitated and cleared her throat “—met outside the cabin.”

She’d noticed. He narrowed his eyes. “Is there more to your statement?”

She flopped onto the couch and pulled her legs up under her body. “Those four brothers I mentioned earlier…they’re all in various levels of police work. Last year, my oldest brother Gregos was involved in a hostage crisis that went bad. His symptoms were like yours and his diagnosis was post-traumatic stress disorder.”

A direct hit. If the woman only knew the files of information saved on his notelink on PTSD. “And you’re insinuating…what?”

“Have you thought about what incident put you here?” She yawned and covered her mouth. Her eyelids drooped. “Sorry.”

The woman hit too close to the mark. He started to cross his arms over his chest then reached them over his head in an exaggerated stretch. No use in telegraphing the emotions he kept hidden. “Put me here?”

A frown creased her brow. “Alone in an isolated cabin on the top of a mountain?”

Her ability to read him rankled. One of his particular skills on the force had been maintaining an unreadable expression. “Tell me why you think I’m here because of something bad.”

She lowered her head and ran a hand over her neck. “In my line of work, I have a knack for reading people.”

The hair on the back of his neck prickled. Her line of work? “You read people? As an animal research photographer.”

Her eyes widened and her gaze skittered to the side. “Did I say work? Actually, I meant my volunteer job. I spend a couple Saturdays a month interviewing teens at a crisis center.”

The explanation sounded logical enough. He forced a yawn. “On second thought, I am tired. I’m headed to my room.”

“Can you point me toward an extra blanket and pillow? I’ll camp out right here on the couch.”

“Beds are available.” He waved a hand at the far end of the house. “A bedroom there and a dormitory setup in both of the upstairs rooms.”

She stood and stretched then grimaced. “I’m too tired to think about climbing a single stair.” In a slow move, she leaned forward to grab her pack and slung it over her shoulder then shook her head. “Probably won’t use anything in here for the rest of the night. But I don’t want to be a worse imposition by leaving my stuff lying around. Night, Kol.”

He watched her disappear into the master bedroom and tried not to picture how many articles of clothing she might remove before crawling between the sheets. An awareness of how quiet the room seemed without her presence settled over him.

That was the craziest thought ever! He’d known the woman less than nine hours.

For her to pinpoint what he suspected was his problem, his behavior must be unraveling. He pivoted and stalked to his room, shoving up the top to his notelink and swiping his thumb across the ID pad. Might as well get some work done. He maneuvered the cursor through his research folder, hunting for a specific article. Letting his gaze skim over the list of symptoms, he mentally checked off the ones he’d experienced. Damn near one-hundred-percent.

He stood and paced to the window. A thin cloud layer had moved in and the forest was lit with intermittent patches of silvery light. His breath hit the window and immediately condensed into frost. Shit! Temperature must be dropping. The last thing he needed was snow. Tomorrow, he wanted no reason to keep her from hiking out to her vehicle.

Shoving away from the desk, he strode down the hall and around the living room. The walls were closing in on him and he fought to keep his thoughts focused. No lightheadedness affected his balance but his chest was tight and his breath was coming in shallow gazes. He walked back to his room.

Were these new symptoms?

* * * * *

Zoia sat upright, listening to Kol’s footsteps pad across the floor outside her door. Halfway down the hall was a floorboard that creaked every time he paced. She doubted he even heard it, but she had. Every one of the eleven times he’d passed over it.

Creak. Make that twelve times.

She threw back the blankets and dragged on her pants again. This could not continue all night…or what was left of the night. Her hand grabbed the knob at the same time she flipped on the overhead light. Squinting against the brightness, she yanked open the door and stomped into the hallway. “Kol, why are you pacing the house?”

He stuck his head out of his doorway. “I woke you?”

She walked a few steps toward him, wondering why this seemed more intimate than before she headed to bed for the night. “Well, I could hardly fall asleep with the multiple creaks of the floorboard and your nervous footsteps.”

“Sorry. I’m just restless.”

“I know just what you need.” She covered the remaining space and grabbed his elbow, steering him into his room. “And I’m going to give it to you.” The muscles under her hand stiffened.

Kol stopped and pulled against her hold, stretching to one side to shut the top of his notelink. “What do you mean?”

“Lie flat on the bed, facedown, and don’t use the pillow. I’m giving you a back massage.” She rubbed her hands together. When he didn’t move, she nudged his back with her elbow. “Go on. I’ll grab the lotion I saw in the bathroom earlier and be right back.” Within a minute, she’d returned and found him sitting on the edge of the bed, hands braced on his knees.

“I don’t want to keep you up.”

She bent her knees and looked him in the eyes. “My only hope of getting to sleep is to get you contained.” Her smile was one she hoped instilled confidence. “Assume the position.”

“Bossy, aren’t you?” He tossed the pillow to the side and pulled his t-shirt over his head before lying down as she’d instructed.

“I can be…when someone is being stubborn.” At the display of his toned muscles, she swallowed a gasp and flexed fingers that itched to touch his skin. “Get comfortable, because I’ve been told my hands create magic.” She dribbled a small puddle of lotion into one hand and cupped her other hand over it for several seconds. Easing her weight onto the mattress, she scooted her hip against his. “All I found was lime-and-coconut lotion, I hope you don’t mind.”

“Probably my sister’s. If it’s too girly, I’ll shower it off later.”

She spread the lotion on her palms and lowered her hands to the middle of his back, applying pressure and moving them toward his sides. The skin beneath her fingers rippled as she moved but the muscles underneath remained tight. She closed her eyes and willed him to loosen his rigid control—for his own good. “Take deep breaths and try to relax. That way, you’ll get the maximum benefit.”

He breathed in and his back rose a couple inches. “Um, you are good.”

Her eyes opened and she couldn’t suppress a smile. “I took classes.” High on his shoulder were fresh scrapes and she avoided touching them. Although her curiosity burned, now was not the time to ask how he’d been injured. Using the heels of her hands, she walked from his shoulders downward toward his hips. Warm and smooth—his skin felt so good. “At one time, I thought I wanted to be a massage therapist.”

“What changed?”

His voice rasped and the words were slower, more drawn out. She felt the difference in his body. He was relaxing. “I still liked what I was learning, but I couldn’t deal with the practical exercises.” As her fingers worked small circles down his left arm, she gazed at his body. In addition to the scrapes, several scars marred the tanned expanse of his skin—some small, others jagged and a few that looked recently healed. She moved her fingertips over the raised skin and immediately her heart ached for whatever injury he must have endured. Tears welled in her eyes and she swallowed against the burning at the back of her throat. “I couldn’t handle the emotional intensity that’s part of a thorough massage. Go figure.”

“Ummm.”

Her hands moved to his upper back and brushed over a thin, pink line that looked too straight to be an injury. Strange. She leaned forward to get a better look.

A low rumble sounded from the head of the bed.

A snore? She pressed a hand at the edge of the mattress and leaned to the side to check Kol’s face. His normally stern expression had softened into one that was quite handsome. Awareness of him as a man warmed her heart. Not sure if he really was sleeping, she kept running her hands over his back and curving them around his sides. The touches were more caresses than strokes. Her nipples tightened and peaked against the rough thermal shirt.

The sound deepened, almost to a purr.

Her hands continued the last light caresses to finish the massage, but her gaze already centered on the notelink. This was the opportunity she’d wanted. With slow movements, Zoia shifted her weight off the bed until she stood next to it, waiting.

Kol’s breathing didn’t change.

She moved to the desk and flipped up the lid on the notelink. The fan whirred and the screen lightened. A blinking cursor awaited her. Good, he’d left it connected. She scanned the screen. The document open on the screen listed the symptoms she’d been discussing with him earlier. So maybe he’d listened to her story about Gregos.

With a few taps on the keys, she’d connected to her web server and dashed off a quick email to let Antonia know she’d arrived. She typed in “quarry located and identified” then hesitated, a knot tightening her stomach. That statement effectively ended the assignment. She highlighted those four words and deleted them. For reasons she couldn’t explain, she wanted to keep this information to herself. At least, for the moment. Her new message was enough to let her assistant know she was safe.

She tapped “goodbye”, pulled up the document he’d been reading and then lowered the cover on the small notelink. Maybe she’d get a chance to use it later.

The rumble of Kol’s snore filled the room.

The sound was soothing and her eyelids drooped. She stood and moved to the bed, pulling a blanket over his body. As she did so, she let her fingers trail along his form and fought her body’s impulse to climb in beside him. Sheer force of will made her step backward. At the doorway, she leaned a temple on the smooth wood and just gazed at the large man who had become special so quickly.

Probably only a handful of people ever saw him in such an unprotected state.

Chapter Four

The click of a door latch, the quiet padding of footsteps, the sounds of snuffling breaths, the pressure of a furry limb rubbing her bare leg, a warm, moist rasp on her inner thighs, a delicious chuffing of warm air on her pussy. A sense of being watched and protected settled over her.

The images in her dream brought a smile to Zoia’s lips and she rolled her head on her pillow. Light jabbed her eyes and she groaned then squeezed them shut. Goose bumps rose on her arms and she shivered. Where was her blanket? Without opening her eyes, she stretched out a hand to grab it and met resistance. Her arm wouldn’t move. Had she slept on it wrong? She pulled again and a restraint chafed her wrist.

Her eyes shot open. For a moment, she was blinded by a shaft of sunlight coming through the split in the curtains. Squinting, she turned her head to look at her arms. Plastic ropes bound her wrists to the iron bedstead. She moved her legs and discovered she was spread eagled, clad in only the thermal shirt. Annoyance fueled her struggles against her restraints. “Hey, what is this?”

“Who the hell are you?” A lethal-sounding voice came from the far side of the room.

By hunching her shoulders and tightening her stomach, she lifted her head enough so she could see him lounging in a chair in the shadowed corner near the door. “Quit kidding around, Kol.”

“How do you know my name?” The glaring man leaned forward and braced his elbows on bare knees. His entire body was held in taut wariness.

She flashed him a sexy grin. “Oh, I know so much more than your name.” The instant the smart-ass retort was out of her mouth, she regretted it.

His body snapped upright into a rigid posture that was definitely soldier-trained. “You invaded my perimeter. What is your purpose in my cabin?”

His voice demanded and was so cold, she shivered, which did all the wrong things to her body. Her nipples tingled and tightened into pearl buds. Nerves tickled in her stomach and she strained to push her knees together. No luck—Captain Kol Thorstein was not a slacker at knot tying. “Kol, this isn’t funny.”

“What do you want here?” He stood and approached the bed, his narrowed gaze focusing on the tight buds tenting the front of her shirt.

He was gloriously naked and aroused, his cock thick and full between his muscled legs. She couldn’t pull her gaze from his hard-on erupting from the patch of brown curls at his groin. Arousal swirled deep in her belly, and her pussy tingled in response to the sight. Was he enacting a Dom-sub game. She ‘d heard about these but something about his tone bothered her. If she just played along, she could stall for time and figure out where this was headed.

With a pang of regret, she stopped gawking at his sculpted body and dipped her chin. “I have come to fulfill your wishes.” Although how she’d accomplish that from this confined position, she didn’t have a clue.

“Who’d send me a whore?” His hand clamped onto her thigh and squeezed.

His grip was bruising. She stiffened but forced herself not to look up. Had he learned she’d used his notelink last night? Had he discovered her real purpose for seeking him out? So far, nothing he’d said pointed in that direction. Using all her self-control, she forced a light, breathy tone into her words. “Not a whore, sir, a playmate.”

“A playmate?” The mattress sagged as he stretched out along her side and ran his hand up the inside of her leg. “Then I choose the game.”

Her skin responded to the heat radiating from the hard planes of his body. His stiff cock pressed against her hip, an urgent reminder of rewards yet to come. Although her arms felt heavy from being held in one position so long, she shivered at his touch, nerves tingling at the widening circles he traced on her thigh. The need to touch him grew. Her request to be released was on the tip of her tongue, and she couldn’t resist raising her head.

Amber eyes with elongated pupils glared with a gaze icier than she’d seen before.

A gaze that held no recognition. Only bitter suspicion.

Real fear grabbed her throat, chilling her blood. She swallowed hard and told herself to breathe in and then out.

This man didn’t recognize her. He really didn’t know who she was.

What was she supposed to do? Kol’s PTSD condition was nothing like her brother’s. Her thoughts whirled but she focused on the training she’d taken for her volunteer service at the crisis center. In particular, she remembered the psychology lecture on dealing with teens unhappy with their reality.

Don’t deny what they’re feeling. Find something in common. Create a bond. “Okay, what are the rules of the game?”

“You lie real still…” With a quick twist, he rolled on top of her and braced his hands below her raised arms, his cock settling between her legs. “While I question you. If I like the answers, I’ll untie you.”

His voice held no inflection, no emotion. The looming stranger scared the ever-loving crap out of her. If she let him know that, her ruse was over. She was already in some serious trouble but if he found out the real reason… She lifted her chin and met his stony gaze. “I can do that. Fire away.”

“I searched your pack. Where are the rest of your clothes?”

Her thoughts reeled at what he learned from the search, especially if he got to the numbers in her satphone. Oh, that’s right. No battery. “Drying in the bathroom. They got dirty when we…um, fought and I washed them, but that was before I knew there’s no—”

“Enough.” He pushed down hard and jolted the bed.

She sucked in a breath and her nostrils filled with Kol’s scent—pine forest and male musk. At least that part was familiar, she had to hold on to that.

“Answer just the question.”

How could she establish a bond that way? She nodded and waited.

“Who sent you?”

Her gaze roamed his harsh features. Careful thought went into her answer. She couldn’t reveal anything they hadn’t already discussed. Had she told him a name of a particular university? “I’m on assignment.”

“To do what?”

“Gather research on nocturnal mammals in the region.” Heartbeat pounding in her ears, she watched his face for any sign the information she provided was familiar.

His gaze flicked to the side and he frowned, honey-colored brows drawing tight together.

A sign of uncertainty? She had to push the issue. “If you searched my pack, you must have seen my camera.”

“The pack contains a camera.” He leaned close, his cold gaze scrutinizing her face. “I could remove the memory chip and view the contents on my notelink.”

Was he starting to believe her? Great, maybe he’d untie her aching arms. Relief flooded her and she nodded. “That’s a super idea. Let’s do that.”

“No.” With a subtle movement of his hips, he pushed his cock against her pussy, his narrowed gaze searching hers. “Your agreement came too quickly.”

Her insides chilled, and she clamped her thighs as close as she could get them—which wasn’t close at all. All she’d done was squeeze his hips which he might interpret as encouragement. Oh, please don’t let him do something they’d both regret. Something that couldn’t be overlooked or forgotten. Or forgiven.

The time to make a connection was right now. “Kol, for just a minute, listen. I arrived here last night. Your truck alarm went off and I hid. You stalked me into the forest. We wrestled and had down-and-dirty sex—a wild and exciting introduction not soon to be forgotten.” A hesitant smile touched her lips. She watched a flicker in his eyes, an awareness that hadn’t been there before.

He tightened his jaw and extended his arms until they were straight again. “No, you don’t belong here. This is my cabin.”

His hips thrust forward and pressed against her hips. She was losing him. Come on, Stavros, go for broke. “I got lost, took the wrong road, remember? So you let me stay overnight. Today I was going to find my transport and continue to my research camp.”

“What camp?” His gaze hardened and his lips drew into a tight line.

Crap, she hadn’t gotten that far in her story. Her heart pounded in her chest. “Farther into the mountains.” Even to her ears, the words sounded vague. “You helped me get those photos, Kol.”

“No one should be here.”

The flat tone of his voice scared her almost as much as his weird-colored, blank gaze. Find the emotional bond. Keep your voice calm. “You loaned me your sister’s clothes, and we hiked all over the mountain last night. You led me to the nesting places of several species. Did I tell you how much I appreciated the safety of a guide?”

He snorted. “The fuck with safety! Danger surrounds me, lives inside me.” He shook his head and grabbed a fistful of her hair. “How did you find my location?”

Pain screamed along her skull. She sucked in a breath through clenched teeth but didn’t cry out. Danger lives inside him? Why would he think that? Forcing a soothing tone, she scrambled to remember every detail of their discussion from the previous evening. His hard body weighed against her and his warmth surrounded her. The sensations were already familiar and she had to fight her body’s automatic reaction. “After we finished outside, we shared crackers and soup. Chicken with stars. Remember, you said it’s your nephew’s favorite. Mine too, but you never mentioned his name so I can’t corroborate that fact.” She willed his memory to connect to something she’d rattled off because she was running out of details. “But you did say he was four.”

The tension on her scalp eased, but his fingers remained entangled. “His name is Garth.”

She barely caught the words he muttered but drew hope from this piece of shared information. Something in him was responding to her voice, was reaching out to her. “Um, then I cleaned the dishes and we went to separate bedrooms. Well, I did but you didn’t. Not really. You paced the cabin, making a floorboard in the hallway creak, and kept me awake.” She glanced at his expression—still stern. What she needed was a solid fact to use as proof. Ah, the massage. “So I went to your room and gave you a back massage. I bet you can still smell the lime-and-coconut lotion on your skin.”

After a long stare, he turned his head enough to raise a shoulder toward his nose and inhaled. His grip released another fraction.

The lotion. Scent. If her fingers weren’t numb, she’d snap them in discovery. Of course, the sense of smell is the strongest link to a memory. She turned her head, wincing at the tug of her hair, and waited until he met her gaze. “Kol, listen carefully to this. After I finished showering last night, you seemed affected by the shampoo I used. By a particular scent. I recall hearing you sniff near me, then you’d move away like you were fighting a reaction. It happened once in the cabin and then again when we were outdoors on the log.”

His chin dipped and his eyes darkened. “Citrus. Tangy.”

This might be working. Hope flooded her and she couldn’t keep a smile from her lips. “Smell my hair, Kol. Then you’ll know I’m Zoia and I’m not a threat.”

A guilty pang ran through her at the fib. Her entire reason for being in this state, on this mountain and tied half-naked on this bed posed a threat to the very man who held her prisoner. Right now, she couldn’t bring herself to meet his gaze, afraid of what he’d see there.

He shifted his weight to her right side and draped an arm over her chest, ruffling the curls away from her forehead. As he sniffed at her hair, he nuzzled her temple with his forehead. “My Zoia. I remember you.”

Thank the Spirit. She pressed her head back against his. Tears stung her eyes and she stared straight at the ceiling, not wanting him to see the depth of her relief. “I’m so glad.” She could feel him winding her hair around his finger then releasing it to spring back into place.

A nice comforting gesture.

Warm breath tickled her neck. His hand slipped from her head to her shoulder then trailed to her breast, a finger idly drawing circles around her nipple until it pebbled.

Another nice gesture and one she would love to reciprocate. She sighed and her pussy clenched. “That feels nice, Kol, but could you untie me?”

“Untie?” He lifted his head and his wide-eyed gaze ran the length of the bed. “What the—?” He sat up, turned his back toward her and ran a hand through his hair. “Did I do this?”

This was the Kol she knew. The tension high and tight inside her chest unfurled and she stifled a laugh. “I know that last night I said that my hands created magic. But I couldn’t possibly have tied the last knot.”

He shifted on the bed and looked in her direction, but his gaze focused on her chin. His mouth drew in to a tight line.

Okay, wrong response. “Sorry for the sassy mouth. I bet this looks bad. I know it wasn’t my favorite experience of all time. But, Kol, I’m okay.” She waited for his gaze to meet hers, worry fluttering in her belly. “Look at me, please.”

His body tensed before he slowly raised a haunted gaze to hers. “Wh—”

“I’m okay—you didn’t hurt me. Really and truly. Please untie me.” Later, we’ll talk about what this all means.

“I’m sorry, Zoia.” He stood and stepped toward the pillow. With quick movements, he untied her wrists. “How do they feel?”

When her hands dropped to the surface of the mattress, she groaned at the different strain on her muscles. They were like lead and she couldn’t imagine them ever moving on their own again. “They feel dead. Could you move them into a more normal position?”

With a shake of his head, he stepped back and cleared his throat. “I can’t believe you want me to touch you again.”

Knowing he wasn’t ready for another sassy remark, she kept her gaze focused above his neck. “This I can’t do by myself.” Although the fit man just inches away was hard to resist. The harsh lines in his expression were gone but he still held himself in tight check. “Kol, we have to talk.”

With gentle touches, he rotated her arms to lie along her sides. “Shhh…later” He leaned over her and gently massaged at the tightness in her shoulders, rubbing at the soreness with strong thumb movements. “Let my hands create some magic.”

A sigh escaped and she closed her eyes to shut out all distractions, to allow herself to enjoy his pampering. All thoughts of telling him about his strange behavior dissolved. She floated on a cloud of caresses and strokes from Kol’s strong hands. Until the needle-like prickling set in. She shifted her shoulders, trying to pull away from the pain. “Ow. The sensations are returning.”

His caresses stopped. “Let me distract you.” His lips pressed kisses from her shoulder down to her fingertips. “Like this.” His warm tongue lapped at the sensitive spaces between her fingers. “Or like this.” Then he turned over her hand and alternated kisses and nibbles on her tender palm.

She gasped and all her thoughts zeroed in on enjoying those little bites. Her nipples tightened under the shirt. “Oh, I like that.” When she wiggled her shoulders, the scrape of the fabric shot zingers to the pit of her stomach and lower. To her pussy lips moistening with creamy juices.

The mattress dipped from his added weight and she felt him crawl over her outstretched leg. A tickle of leg hair against her knee followed by a silky graze of his erect cock on her shin. A finger traced the pink, double helix tattoo on her abdomen. Pink, not the original vibrant purple. Her eyes popped open and she started to tell him another month remained on this ovulation inhibitor injection.

He knelt between her legs, a finger pressed to grinning lips. He pointed to the royal blue tat on the inside of his right biceps and winked. Non-verbal confirmation they were both disease free and protected.

In anticipation of what this man might do, she shivered.

“Cold?”

Her tongue was stuck to the roof of her suddenly dry mouth and she could only shake her head. Her eyes implored, Touch me, Kol.

“Good. How are your arms? Do they work?”

She tried lifting them a few inches off the mattress. They moved without pain but felt heavier and slower than usual.

“Toss me that pillow.” His gaze smoldered with intent and he winked.

Without turning her head, she reached to her side, grabbed the end of the pillowcase and shoved the pillow toward her feet. Her still bound feet.

With a flourish, he lifted her hips with one hand and jammed the doubled-over pillow under them with the other.

She could barely take her gaze from the rippling muscles in his arms to watch his golden head descend between her legs. “What about untying my feet?”

He hesitated, a glint in his eyes. “Do they hurt?”

Wiggling her hips provided the answer. “Not like my arms did.”

A negative shake of his head. “Then this is how I want you.” He scooted toward the end of the bed and lowered his head.

Puffs of warm air circled her pussy and she quit worrying about her feet.

His flat, warm tongue lapped at her opening, moving upward in slow strokes but stopping just short of her throbbing clit. He angled his head and ran the tip of his tongue first inside her labia and then outside, up one side and then down the other.

“Oh!” Zoia writhed at the delicious attention to her sensitive flesh, her hips pressing against his mouth.

The mattress shifted and he retreated, his head arched away from her body. “Slow down, Zoia.” He circled his hands around her hips from beneath, one hand resting on her pelvic bone, holding her still. With the other, he ran lazy fingers through her trimmed curls. “Nice little patch.” He glanced at her and held her gaze, one eyebrow lifted. “Relax, okay?”

Jeez, even that questioning look was sexy. Her body hummed with anticipation and she’d have been happy with another quickie. Through sheer willpower, she forced her muscles to loosen and to let him lead the action. “Aye, aye, ca—Kol.” Obviously her tongue was too relaxed.

His head lowered and the tip of his tongue probed the rim of her feminine lips and swirled around the opening of her channel. Then he thrust in his tongue, stroked and withdrew, the tip inching upward to circle her clit. Vibrations ran deep inside.

She heard his hum at the same time the pressure hit her clit. A new variation that worked wonders. Tingles ran along the surface of her skin, every nerve in her body coming to life. Her hands shoved up her shirt and fingered her already hard nipples, rolling and pinching them to heighten the spiraling heaviness in her womb. She moaned and wished for the leverage to press against his mouth, wanting more.

The hold on her hip eased. His fingers smoothed along her abdomen and feathered light strokes on her stomach.

Sensation built on sensation, but she missed the sensation of being filled by a stiff cock. Missed the excitement of riding the rhythm set by a demanding lover. A hand dropped to his head and rubbed through his short hair, the ends tickling her palm.

He nuzzled her hand but kept his tongue working on her pussy, flicking the ridges of her female petals and circling her engorged clit.

“Inside me.” She tugged on the rim of his ear. “Fill me with your glorious cock.”

The answering negative shake of his head rubbed his lips over her at a different angle.

Blood pooled low in her belly, building her arousal. Maybe she could wait a bit longer.

Then Kol’s mouth surrounded her clit, sucking the tender pearl between his lips and flicking his tongue across the top.

“Ahh.” Zoia grabbed fistfuls of the sheet and arched her back. Zings of deepening arousal spiraled in her womb.

Kol followed her move upward, pulling each of her legs over his shoulders and bracing her ass with the cradle of his hands. His lips worked the clit, his teeth gently running along its short shaft. Retreating to lap at her slit and zeroing in on her pulsing bud.

Zoia’s senses were on overload. Her blood pumped raw need through her body and her skin burned with anticipation. The sensations building in her pussy were fantastic but she wanted to be filled. If only—

His mouth eased back, his tongue gave her clit one last lick. Then he scraped a fingernail across the top and worked the nub between a thumb and finger.

All sensation focused on those two points of contact and the delicious friction. Her orgasm slammed through her body, stealing her breath and spiraling pleasure outward from her core. Zoia tensed, digging her head into the pillow. Her breath huffed out in short bursts as her muscles quivered in response to the ebbing tingles.

The man’s mouth did in fact create magic.

With a resounding smack, he kissed her clit then sat up. “Like that, did you?” He twisted first to the right then to the left to untie her ropes, easing her legs to the mattress and rubbing each ankle in turn. “Take off your shirt. I want to see all of you.”

Using slow movements, she bent her knees and dragged her feet toward her ass. Her muscles felt heavy but loosened with each flex. Digging in her heels, she lifted her shoulders off the mattress and shimmied out of her shirt, tossing it to the floor. Muscles ached in protest but at least she still had feeling in the limbs.

“Nice dance.” Kol hooked an arm behind her knees and scooted her body on the bed, dragging the pillow under her hips. “I want you here. Rest your calves on my chest.” With his left hand braced on the headboard, he pressed his cock into her slick pussy with a slow glide and threw back his head. “That feels fucking good.”

The slight burn of being stretched she’d expected but not the burning of unshed tears at the back of her eyes. Being filled by his body rocketed her blood rate. She blinked away the wetness and gazed at the powerful man whose body heated the backs of her legs. Stomach rippled with tight muscle, sculpted pecs, broad shoulders bearing her weight. A strong chin, lean cheeks, a nose with some character. And those eyes that changed from amber to hazel, depending on his mood, The way he now stood resembled the pose when she’d first seen him highlighted in the bedroom window.

Had that only been a few hours ago? The connection she felt with him was so strong for such a short time.

His hands roved over her breasts, tweaking her aching nipples. “Damn, kitten, your pussy is tight.” He flexed his hips and then pulled back until his cock poised at the entrance to her channel.

Knowing what to expect, she grabbed handfuls of bed sheets, trying for leverage to press against his next powerful thrust. When he pumped, the friction was delicious and heat spiraled everywhere their bodies touched. Her breath whooshed out and sighed a single word. “Kol.”

“Don’t be shy, let me hear you.” He thrust into her, stilled for a few seconds then circled his hips and pumped again. His groan of satisfaction resounded. “Oh, yeah.”

So, the guy’s a talker in bed. Interesting. His thrusts kept pushing her away and the angle wasn’t close enough. She scooted her right leg over his shoulder and down his torso to wrap around his hip. The stretch of his broad cock sliding in and out intensified, and his pubic hairs brushed against her clit. Her other leg slid around his hip and she crossed her ankles at the small of his back to improve the angle.

“Looking for the rub, huh? You like this?” A hand rested on her abdomen, his thumb running through her curls.

“Kol!” The instant his thumb circled her clit, she was lost, her pussy pulsing with the waves of her orgasm, the walls of her vagina clamping onto his thick cock.

With both hands, he grabbed her hips and held her steady while he pumped several more times before groaning. “Oh baby, that did it.” Two last thrusts and he exhaled on a long breath. “Ahhhh.” Leaning forward, he lay on the mattress and rolled her onto her side. Gasping breaths filled the room, as did the rich aroma of sex.

Zoia untangled a hand from the sheets, flexed her fingers and raised them to his chest, stroking his pecs. The exquisite touch of skin on skin warmed her and thoughts of his physical connection settled somewhere near her heart. An idle finger worked through the small furring of light hair along his sternum. She felt drained from the emotional rollercoaster of the past day, especially this past hour, and pressed her forehead to his shoulder, inhaling his familiar scent.

His arm spanned her back and pulled her close. “That was awesome.” He leaned across her body to grab the cotton sheet and pulled it over them. “Let me sleep twenty minutes and I promise a second go-around.”

Third go-around, she mentally corrected him. Zoia snuggled close, her thoughts spinning about his behavior in the two encounters. In the woods, silent—in the bed, vocal. Something about the difference should…

If only she could keep her eyes open.

Chapter Five

Zoia awoke slowly, stretching out an arm to touch Kol. But her hand tapped only the cool mattress. She shoved a disarray of curls off her face and glanced around the room. The fact the man had insomnia explained his absence.

One peek at the window told her she’d slept for several hours. There was defused light coming in, so the direct rays must be hitting the other side of the cabin. Wrapping the sheets around her body toga-style, she scurried down the hall to use the bathroom, taking only a moment to glance into his room.

Ten minutes later, she pulled on her clean, if stiff, clothes and wrapped a towel around her freshly shampooed hair. “Kol, are you back yet?” She crossed to the north-facing window and looked out toward the dark forest but didn’t see him. Before she invaded his computer again, she walked to the back door and went out on the porch. “Kol? Can you hear me?” A faint echoing “hear me” bounced back but no answering call.

His truck was still parked at the edge of the clearing so he hadn’t driven to town. This was his turf and he was a big, strapping guy so she shouldn’t worry. The memory of his fit body with tight muscles ran through her thoughts. Yep, he could take care of himself. She removed the towel, spreading it over the porch railing and shook her head to loosen the tangle of curls. How did the guy live this far away from the activities of the normal world? More important was why.

Knowing her time was limited, she turned and hurried back into the cabin. Within a few minutes, she’d connected to the Eagle Investigations server and accessed the hard drive of her personal notelink. Now she sorted out the PTSD research she wanted. What were the chances she could convince him to submit to tests? Or get him to talk to a professional?

When she clicked to create a folder on Kol’s desktop, the screen blanked and then brought up a simple table. What button had she pushed? She scanned the first couple of entries and recognized a detailed log of Kol’s physical symptoms.

Was reading this an invasion of his privacy? For all of five seconds, a mental debate raged. Not if her intention was to help him. As she read his words, she gained a sense of the man’s confusion and isolation. Compassion welled up in her throat and softened her conviction about getting him to a doctor. Now she’d settle for an honest discussion. No wonder he’d been so suspicious about her presence. Guilt nipped at her conscience, knowing he had valid reasons for his suspicions.

She glanced at the notelink’s clock and concern settled over her thoughts. Where was Kol?

As she always did, she initiated the spyware program on her computer. A familiar icon—green H superimposed over an inverted yellow triangle—caught her eye. Was that—? Oh, crap. The Halcyon Institute was tracking her, and that stupid icon served as proof. With rapid strokes, she eliminated the trackers and disconnected from her computer, hoping the bug hadn’t infiltrated Kol’s system.

Dread pulled at her body. She shoved away from the desk and paced, arms wrapped around a churning stomach. Why would the organization who hired her to locate a missing soldier be trailing her movements? She’d been on the job less than a week. Had they kept watch from the beginning or had something triggered this interest? Her mind reeled at what information they might have already obtained. Fuel and restaurant purchases, the motel in west Texas, the flat tire in New Mexico. And since arriving here the purchases stopped.

Her breath caught in her throat. Using that money card they provided created a trail that pointed to this region.

When had she last used it? She tried to remember the location of the last fuel stop—country road something. Although she dreaded his reaction, she’d have to reveal her identity and warn Kol about The Institute. A pang of regret flashed through her. Just when they’d established a tentative trust.

The outside door banged against the wall.

She jumped at the sudden sound then turned to head out of the room. Time for revelations. “About time you showed up for our little talk.” She walked the length of the hallway and rounded the wall, ready to greet him with a greeting hug.

In the middle of the living room stood Kol. Stark naked, arms held stiffly away from his body. And breathing heavily.

The sight of his muscled back set her heart racing. “Hey, you didn’t tell me you were a nudist. Not that I mind.”

At the sound of her voice, he turned his head and stared, no sign of recognition in his eyes.

“Although this location would be great…” The words caught in her throat and she stopped, her muscles reflexively tensing. Not again.

He lifted his head and sniffed then frowned. With precise steps, he turned and covered the distance between them, stopped in front of her and sniffed again. The impassive expression on his face didn’t change.

This was the stranger who’d tied her to the bed. The Kol she knew was in the middle of another PTSD episode. Her revelation would have to wait. Now she had to help him.

He circled her, touching his shoulder to hers and rubbing it along her back.

This quiet, sensual approach was arousing and she closed her eyes to concentrate on the emotions. While at her back, he buried his nose in her hair and inhaled deeply then a groan rumbled from his throat. He moved to her side, nuzzling her neck and blowing chuffs of breath along her hairline. His chest pressed against her arm.

The caress of those breaths sent sparks along her skin. Heat radiating from his body warmed her skin. She inhaled and smelled forest and sunshine and the musk that was his alone. Using senses other than sight was intoxicating, and instinctively her body reacted, her cream wetting her curls.

At the touch of his lips on her neck, she tilted her head, suddenly hungry for a kiss they’d never shared. Would that be shared with the brooding Kol or the talkative one? She reached out a hand to stroke his chest, reveling in the hard muscles under her fingertips.

Waiting for his next move.

His lips traced her neck to her ear and a warm tongue lapped the rim then circled the shell. He cupped his hands around her neck and ran his thumbs along her jaw.

Every inch of skin he traced came alive and her body relaxed with a sigh. The feeling of being cherished ran through her and she turned herself over to his touch.

He answered with a groan and a rubbing of his forehead against hers.

A movement she found endearing. She lifted her hands to touch his face but he’d moved again. Padding footsteps sounded to her right. She started to open her eyes but hesitated, following what her heart told her. Trust in the relationship they’d built and enjoy this other part of Kol Thorstein.

His large hand squeezed her ass then slid along the hip of her neoprene pants to cup her mons and pull her back against his body. His rigid erection pressed against her lower back, a finger slid the length of her pussy.

A moan escaped her and she reached back to run her hands along the outside of his rock-hard thighs. This time, she needed a physical connection, needed him to know she was sharing. When his hand grappled with the pants fastener, she opened her eyes and stepped away, turning and holding out a staying hand.

He snarled, his gaze watchful.

As quickly as she could, she stripped off her clothes. Glancing around the room, she searched for the place that met both their needs—his for a quick coupling, hers to be able to see his face. Suddenly that was important to help her understand what was happening with him. Aware of his approach on quiet footsteps, she backed away, sucking in a breath when she encountered the wall’s cold surface.

As she waited, her stomach fluttered with uncertainty. Maybe she should have let him control the situation. She watched his nostrils flare as he stared at her in this new position. Her natural inclination would be to use words to draw him near. Not the time for words, but for observation. Without letting her gaze meet his, she smiled and lifted her arms in a welcoming gesture. And waited for him to step into her embrace.

The crush of his upper body pressed her hard against the wall and his nose burrowed into her hair. A hand traced her side, his thumb drawing circles and swirls as it descended. Then his fingers petted and combed the thatch of clipped hair between her legs.

The warmth of his body invaded her skin. She remembered the odd petting gesture from the first time. What did that mean?

His fingers slid along her pussy lips, moving in dual trails on her slick labia. He tickled her clit with quick thumb flicks and pressed a finger inside her vagina with a long, slow move.

Relaxed by his gentle manner, she focused only on his touch, enjoying the sensations zinging from her swollen cunt. From beneath her droopping eyelids, she watched his expression for a sign of recognition. All she saw was naked lust. Hoping to reach him through her caresses, she lifted her knee and rubbed a foot along the side of his calf.

Strong hands grabbed her waist and he lifted her and took three steps to the left. With a twist, he draped her over the arm of the sofa. His knees braced her legs apart, pinning her in place.

“Oof.” The air whooshed out of her chest and she struggled to lift her head. Not exactly a position that allowed her to watch.

With a single push, he thrust his cock deep inside and flexed his hips, pumping in long gliding strokes. His hands moved along her curves.

But a great position for sex. Her pussy stretched to receive him, a delicious burn on sore muscles. She grabbed the cushions and held tight, pressing backward against each stroke to enjoy the most sensation from riding his hard cock. She wanted to feel every glorious inch as his shaft filled her moist pussy. Her pebbled nipples brushed the upholstery with each stroke, receiving little jolts. What she wanted was his hands on her—molding her breasts and teasing her tender nipples until she went mad with the pleasure.

“Kol, touch me.” Her skin was overheated and she ached for the caresses like the ones he’d given her in the bedroom. The ones that let her know he shared something of what she was feeling.

His hand curved around her ass cheek and tickled her inner thigh. Then his thumb slid toward her cleft.

No, not there. She strained to pull her thighs closed but Kol Thorstein’s thighs were formidable objects to dislodge. When that didn’t work, she straightened her arms and arched her back, tossing a look over her shoulder in the hopes of making eye contact. But his moves rocked her body into a delicious rhythm—the friction of his shaft driving into her pussy, the glide of his rigid penis filling her moist vagina the swaying of her breasts. Her struggles merely produced a satisfied rumble from deep in Kol’s chest.

His thumb circled her tight rosebud then pressed in rhythm with the strokes of his cock, his digit easing inside a millimeter at a time.

The initial burn subsided along with the feeling of being invaded. What lingered were tingling waves that amplified the matching ones in her slick core. Never had she experienced such a reaction. The dual stimulation overloaded her body and deep inside her womb, the spirals started. She bit her lip to keep from crying out.

His grip on her hips tightened, his thrusts increased, pounding his groin against her ass. Hard, hair-covered thighs pressed against her tender inner thighs. His breathing labored and grew harsh. A low groan built to a loud growl, and his thrusts grew frenzied.

Helpless to do more, she tightened her inner muscles around him and angled her hips, seeking direct pressure on her clit. Waves of heat contractions enveloped her pussy and her release throbbed. Her arms collapsed and she burrowed her forehead into the cushion, unable to back her scream of pleasure any longer. “Ahh!”

* * * * *

Zoia’s satisfied cry was all he’d been waiting for. “Let me hear you, kitten.” He tightened his hold on her hips and pumped fast, his balls aching for release. His hips jerked one last time and his body stiffened. The only part of him that moved was his cock shooting streams of hot semen. At his climax, he leaned forward and kissed a trail of nibbling bites along her damp back to her shoulder and up her neck. An unfamiliar scent entered his awareness, but his attention focused on his release.

Her orgasm faded, but her cavern walls still milked his cock, squeezing out every bit of his cum. When his breathing slowed, he rubbed his forehead against the back of her head and raised a hand to draw circles on her nipple. “Damn, that was good.”

She stilled and lifted her head. “Kol?”

“Expecting someone else between your legs?” Heart racing, he leaned a forearm against the back of the sofa and worked hard to get enough air into his lungs. Let the furniture hold him up for the next couple of minutes.

Her shoulders wiggled and she looked over her right shoulder. “You’re back?”

The hesitancy in Zoia’s voice forced him into action. Feeling as if he moved in slow motion, he tilted his head and brushed aside her curls until he spotted her face. Then he froze. Maybe shadows were playing tricks on the lighting. He stiffened and pulled back so he could see her face better. “What the hell happened?”

Her body stilled and her eyes widened. “What’s wrong?”

“Where are you hurt?” His gaze took in the blood streaks staining her neck and jaw. Suspicion nagged the back of his mind. “Why didn’t you say anything?”

A frown wrinkled her brow and she shook her head. “But I’m not hurt.”

Wasn’t this why he’d sequestered himself? Urgency to know what was going on shot adrenaline through his body. With the gentlest of actions, he scooped her into his arms. Soft curves heated his muscles and he held her close, knowing in that moment she was safe. When he lowered her, her body stiffened.

“Grab a towel. I’m all…wet.” Her head dipped at the last word.

A t-shirt hung over the back of a chair and he twisted to grab it. He tossed it on the couch and set her on top of it, then knelt in front of her, brushed back her hair, his gaze scanning her jaw and neck.

Her hands gripped his biceps. “Kol, you’re scaring me. Tell me what you’re doing.”

“I’m looking for where you’re cut. “ He swallowed against the dry lump in his throat. “There’s blood on your neck.”

“I told you, I’m not hurt.” She leaned away from his touch, her gaze riveted on his hands. “But…”

He held out his hands, looking at his palms and turned them over. Reddish stains marked the skin between his fingers and trails ran down the back side almost to his wrist. His stomach clenched and bile rose in the back of his throat. “Tell me I haven’t left the cabin today.”

Zoia crossed her arms over her chest and blinked rapidly. “You were gone when I woke.”

Oh, God, had his worst nightmare come true? Had he hurt someone while in one of his blackouts? His chest tightened and the edges of his vision blurred. His jaw clenched and he ground out the words. “How long?”

“How long have I been awake? Is that what you’re asking?”

He nodded, unwilling to meet her gaze. Unwilling to see censure in her gaze. Not after the way they’d communicated this morning. For the first time in months, he’d reached out to a woman. Now, his mysterious ailment might destroy their budding relationship.

“An hour, maybe a little longer.”

“Fuck.” Lost time. Again. He rose to his feet and stalked across the room, aware of the air on his naked skin. His thoughts raced for what he remembered from before participating in that A-number one fuck session. Nothing. He shot a glare over his shoulder. “I returned buck naked, right?”

She chewed her lip for a moment before nodding.

“Shit.” He returned his gaze to the forest out the window, knowing he couldn’t look into her dark, caring eyes and give the order he had to. His heart wouldn’t let him, but his brain screamed to get her to safety. “Zoia, pack your stuff and head out.”

“What? Kol, you can’t mean that.” Eyes blazing, she shot off the couch and started across the room.

He fisted his hands and forced command into his words. “Stop where you are.”

Her feet stumbled. “I don’t understand.”

“You’re in danger here. I want you to leave. Get back to your transport and get off the mountain.”

“Sorry, can’t do that.”

He turned and took two steps toward the feisty woman who stood in all her naked glory with fisted hands on her hips, head jutting forward. Like the old banty rooster on his uncle’s farm. Didn’t she understand what he just said? “Why not?”

“Because you’re in danger too. Since I’m the one responsible…” Her stance loosened, she shrugged and shot him a weak grin. “I have to stick around to explain.”

Irritation at being countermanded didn’t sit well. He was used to others following orders. No questions, no arguments. “What the hell are you talking about? What danger?”

“No, no, no.” Her dark curls bounced as she shook her head. “I’m not having this conversation stark naked. Ten-minute time out while we clean up and get dressed then meet back here. Agreed?”

Determination radiated from the woman, in the thrust of her jaw and the glint in her dark eyes. After answering her with a nod, he watched as she grabbed her clothes and headed toward the bathroom. Anger did wonderful things to a woman’s walk. He went to the kitchen and braced his hands on the edge of the sink. His head dropped between his arms. She’d taken this new twist a hell of a lot better than he had. What had happened out in the forest he might never know—although he could make an intelligent guess. But, right here and now, he vowed to do everything possible to keep Zoia Stavros safe.

Straightening, he ran a sink of water to soak off the dried blood. A quick swipe at the rest of his body with a towel and he headed toward his room, pausing outside the bathroom door to listen.

From inside came the sound of water running and singing. Did she sing when she was happy or nervous? He’d probably never get the chance to find out. After their talk, after he told her about the weird conditions he’d been going through, she’d run in the opposite direction.

And that act would hurt. More than he could imagine.

As he pulled on cargo pants and a t-shirt, he evaluated that thought. Deep down, he didn’t want to send Zoia away. She’d brought light and laughter into his isolation. Awakened his lust for life—and her sweet body.

Her safety was more important than whatever he might want. He stalked into the living room and paced, as if he could walk away from what had to happen.

“I see you’re working out your frustration on the floor again.”

Forcing calm into his expression, he flopped onto the end of the couch, letting one leg droop over the edge, and waved a hand at the other end. “Tell me why you have to stick around. Then I’ll tell you why you must go.”

She dropped onto the closest cushion sideways and drew one leg close to her body. Her dark gaze was direct and serious. “You may be in danger. And I caused it.”

A repeat of her earlier statement and it still made no sense. “What could you have caused? Before yesterday, you’d never heard of me and you haven’t been outside this compound.”

Her gaze flicked down and nervous fingers plucked at the couch fabric.

Shit. His stomach clenched, and he dug his fingers into the back of the couch. Her body language gave her away. “You weren’t lost last night, were you?”

Her head lifted and shook. “I wasn’t lost.” She took a deep breath and squared her shoulders. “I’m not really a research photographer. I’m a private investigator and I was—”

At the words “private investigator”, he breathed a sigh of relief. His thoughts raced with this new information. The government wasn’t hunting him—they wouldn’t put someone from the private sector on his tail. But her investigation had to be tied to his recent release. If not the government, then who? This unknown danger could be worse.

“The stupid truck alarm gave me away.” She waved her hands in the air. “I had to play out my backup plan.”

What was she talking about? He scooted closer and grabbed one of her hands. “Zoia, I need short answers. Who hired you?”

Her fingers gripped his tight. “The Halcyon Institute.”

The name didn’t mean anything, and he shrugged. “What did the person you talked to look like?”

“I never met anyone. The interview took place over the phone.”

That couldn’t be good. “Does that happen often?”

“Not really, but let me explain. My business—”

“Short answers.” An uneasy sense of urgency flooded him, and he breathed in through his mouth. “What was your assignment?”

“Track down a missing soldier and report his location.”

He watched her face as he asked the next question. “Didn’t you think that should be the government’s job?”

A smile touched her lips and she laughed. She shook her head. “Kol, in my business, you wouldn’t believe…”

He tightened his grip over her trembling hand. Shit, he was scaring her and all he needed were straight answers.

“Sorry. No, the situation wasn’t so odd.”

“What’s your method for reporting in? And have you done so?”

Her body shifted and she tugged at his hold. “I’m not one of your enlisted soldiers and I hate being interrogated like this. Let me tell it in my own way.”

The lady was right. Nothing to be gained from bullying her. He released her hand and leaned back, linking his fingers behind his neck. He watched her face, judging if she was spinning another story or not. Part of him marveled that she’d conned him the previous night. “Go ahead.”

“I was supposed to use my satphone because the imbedded GPS would have registered your global position. But the unit got damaged. So I logged on to your notelink and sent my assistant an email. This was last night, but I just told her I was safe.” She reached out a hand to touch his arm but withdrew it before touching him. “I swear I didn’t confirm the quarry had been located.”

“Then after this morning, after our…” Her eyes rounded. She jumped up and walked to the door and back. “But this afternoon when you weren’t here, I used your notelink to retrieve the research I had on PTSD. You remember I told you about my brother, the policeman, because that’s definitely what I think you’re experiencing.” Running a hand through her hair, she heaved a long sigh before continuing. “That’s when I discovered my computer had a tracking bug placed by Halcyon and that’s why you’re in danger.”

“Quarry?” His thoughts jumped from statement to statement, trying to follow her leaps of logic. “I’m in danger because your computer is bugged? How?”

“Not because of the bug. But the fact they bugged my computer means they’re probably tracking the money card.”

The muddy explanation was clearing. “They gave you a money card as payment? And you’ve been using it?”

“Well, yeah. That is what they’re for.” Her eyebrows shot up and she crossed her arms over her chest. “I had to cover my expenses. But I haven’t used it in almost twenty-four hours so I’m worried they’ll be converging on this region.”

He forced his thoughts into analysis mode. GPS on a satphone, tracer on a computer, money card transactions. His buddy Evan had sufficient hacker skills to get them out of this problem. “Are you going to report that you found me?”

“What?” She sucked in a breath and jammed her hands on her hips. “Of course not.”

The indignation in her tone boosted his ego. “And that’s the extent of the danger?”

“That’s all I discovered.” She sank onto the couch, a soft hand resting on his knee. “I’m so sorry for bringing this problem to your door. Aren’t you mad?”

Her dejected tone tugged at his conscience and he shook his head. “A single phone call will throw them off the track. But you still need to leave.”

“I know I lied about who I was.” Blinking quickly, she pressed her lips tight before continuing. “I can understand why you’d want me gone.”

“Shit, Zoia. This is not about a professional fib.” He clenched his fists along the top of his thighs to keep from reaching for her sweet body. “Have you forgotten in what condition I returned to the cabin? Weren’t you scared at what you saw?”

“What I saw?” Her eyes shone and a sly smile crept across her lips. “A sexy man in his prime intent on having sex with me. Nope, not scary at all.”

The little tease. He forced his gaze to narrow and gritted his teeth. “Zoia, I meant the blood.”

“I know.” She scooted along the couch until she rested her head against his shoulder. “I’m telling you I was never afraid, Kol.”

“Why not?” He fought the urge to wrap his arm around her. “I must have looked like a raging bull.”

“You did, but I kinda stumbled onto the log of your blackouts.”

Vulnerability wasn’t a comfortable fit. He twisted to glare. “That was—”

“Private, I know.” She sighed and rested a hand on his chest, fingers moving in a light caress. “Calm down. I apologize for invading your privacy, but I can help.”

Under his shirt, his skin warmed under her hand. “I’ve been chewing this over for weeks and haven’t made any progress. You’ve been here less than one day.” He raised a hand and let it drop to his thigh. “How are you going to help?”

“Exactly. You’ve been working solo, but this is a job for a team.” She sat forward and touched her pointer to her chest. “I’m a professional observer. Who better to track you when the weird sensations start and you decide to go clothing optional again? Which I must say, is a good look for you.”

“This is serious.” He hated involving her but damn if her idea didn’t make sense.

“Believe me, I know how serious PTSD is.” Her curls bounced when she nodded. “Working together, I’m positive we can figure this out.”

Relief that she wouldn’t be leaving vied for top place in his thoughts. He laid a hand on her shoulder. “Tracking me could be dangerous. From what I’ve seen, you’re not exactly the outdoors type.”

She shrugged and rubbed her cheek against his hand. “So we confine you.”

“You got an answer for everything?”

“To help you…I’ll find whatever answer we need.” She paused and then whispered, “Can I stay?”

He couldn’t ensure her safety and that fact rankled the hell out of him. But the need to identify his problem prevailed and he let his fingers trail over her soft cheek. “Welcome, partner.”

Chapter Six

Zoia didn’t know when she’d heard words more beautiful. The knot in her chest loosened. “What’s our first step?”

“Figure out how to confine me.” He dropped his head to the back of the couch and leaned toward her.

She hated his haunted look—drawn cheeks, dull eyes. “The ropes on the four-poster bed sure kept me in one place.” She winked, hoping to lighten the mood.

“Don’t remind me.” He shuddered and looked away.

She rested a hand on his arm. “Sorry, I know this will be easier with two.”

“Not in the cabin.”

“You don’t want your family’s things around.”

“No.” He hooked a finger under her chin and turned her head. “I want you to have a safe place to run. If things go bad.”

The look in his eyes was deep and serious. A lump clogged her throat. “I appreciate that, but I’m not leaving our side until we figure this out.”

“Yeah?” A brown eyebrow arched. “I anticipated that answer. I’m hanging the storm window outside my window and installing a deadbolt on my bedroom door. Just in case.”

His concern for her safety made her heart sing. If he didn’t care, those actions wouldn’t be necessary. “I’m handy with a screwdriver.”

“Stock the room with water and food for twenty-four hours. Find something in the barn to serve as a portable toilet.”

“You’re serious.”

“Better ready than surprised.” He stood and pulled her to her feet. “Gather your supplies then meet me in the barn.”

Twenty minutes later, she stood next to him in the musty barn, surveying two empty stalls and one containing an exercise contraption. The scent of leather and manure was faint but still discernible. “What’s the plan?” She turned to look at his face as he scowled at nothing in particular.

“We have to secure a stall. I found a couple old cattle guards to place on top of the rails. I—we’ll tie them down with baling wire.” He hesitated, clenched his jaw then met her gaze before finishing. “I’ll need you to nail the gate shut.”

“Okay, but that’s later. What can I do now?”

He pulled gloves from his back pocket and handed her the pair. “Grab that roll of wire and carry it to the middle stall.” With a grunt, he hefted a rusty metal grate over his head and walked into the stall.

She yanked on the gloves, grabbed the metal wheel of wire and followed him. Slap a pair of Levis, a denim shirt and a Stetson on Kol and he’d be one helluva fine cowboy. Her favorite look, though, was naked warrior.

As they worked, they talked about inconsequential things—their childhoods, his summer vacations here at the cabin, her crazy, smothering Greek family—anything except the serious, dangerous reason behind the need for the pen.

Finally, after rechecking each fastening, he pulled off his gloves. “It’s ready.”

This moment had to come. She’d known it but had pushed it far into the back of her mind while they worked. With tears burning the back of her eyes, she nodded and slipped her hand into his. “Looks strong.”

He squeezed her hand once and headed out of the barn into the dusk. “I’ll update the log. Have you got what you need? Pens, paper?”

“In my pack.” She tried to match his purposeful stride but he moved out too fast. “Do you have a voice recorder? I left mine in the transport.”

At the base of the porch steps, he hesitated and glanced over his shoulder. “No recorder, sorry.”

“That’s okay.” She watched him disappear into the cabin. He must need time alone. Lowering herself to the top porch step, she leaned back her head and scanned the evening sky, enjoying the deepening blues and purples. Off to one side, a star twinkled. Or was it a planet?

Since arriving on this mountain, she’d been all turned around. In more ways than one. What would this night bring?

The flutter of wings overhead and the sight of a small darting creature at the edge of her of her vision made her jump. Uncertainty over the unknown nightlife convinced her Kol’d had enough alone time. She dashed up the steps and into the cabin. A quick check of her pack confirmed she had what she’d need. From the outside pocket, she extracted a plastic card then wandered down the hall to his room, hesitating in the hallway.

He sat in front of his notelink, a topographic map displayed on the screen. With each click of the mouse, he switched views from an aerial shot to a variety of lateral shots then to a realistic photo.

Concern about invading his personal space ran through her. “A favorite vacation spot?”

His shoulders stiffened then relaxed. “Never been there.”

“That’s a lot of images of a place you’ve never visited.”

“Weird, huh? I can’t explain it, but I have a strong urge to go there.”

“That craggy peak looks familiar.” She leaned over his shoulder and focused on the readout at the bottom of the screen. “Davis Mountains. Hey, those are in west Texas. I drove through them on my way here.”

He turned and looked up, a frown creasing his brow. “They’re not on the direct route from San Antonio.”

“Yeah, well, I took a wrong turn somewhere outside of Fort Stockton. By the time I realized it, I’d driven too far to go back.” She shrugged, tossing her curls. “So I just plotted a new route.”

“Some investigator.” He grinned.

The teasing note in his voice relieved her worries a bit. “Hey, I got here, didn’t I?”

His knuckles grazed her ass and his hand grabbed her hip, tugging her against his side. “I’m glad you did. Have I thanked you for what you’re doing?”

With that one sentence, he grabbed a piece of her heart. Do not cry like a baby. She swallowed hard. “It’s nothing. Hey, you wanted to do something with the money card. Here it is.”

He took the card and turned it over, scrutinizing the encoding strip. “Great, I’ll email this data to a buddy of mine. He’s an electronics whiz. I’ll get him to order a pizza and rent a motel room in Colorado Springs.” With swift movements, he tapped the keys to create the message and hit the send button.

Her stomach jumped with nerves. Although he’d just made that really sweet comment, what if she was presuming way too much? Gratitude for assistance was not a strong base for a possible relationship. “I have one request.”

“Computer hibernate.” He waited until the screen saver appeared then scooted the rolling chair away from the desk. “Okay, ask.” A smile picked up the corner of his mouth.

“Before you enter that pen, I want a real kiss.”

“A goodbye kiss?” Brown eyebrows rose and he crossed his arms. “What happened to looking at the positive?”

“No, our first one.” She met his gaze, pushing aside the nervousness about what her request might reveal. “On the lips.”

“Our first, huh? Gotta fix that.” As he stood, he grinned and closed the distance. With a gentle stroke, he smoothed a curl behind her ear and rough fingers cupped her jaw. His other arm came around her shoulders and he drew her against his chest.

Her arms circled his back and she waited, heart beating double-time. His breath brushed her waiting mouth an instant before warm lips pressed to hers. His lips tasted hers, first gentle then with increasing pressure. She gripped him tighter and gave herself up to the sensation of breathing Kol’s scent, of listening to his quickened breathing, of learning the texture of his lips. When the tip of his tongue probed the seam of her lips, she was eager to open and taste more. His tongue teased hers, invading and retreating, enticing her to duplicate the play. Her nipples tightened against her sports bra and she couldn’t resist grazing them against his chest. His kiss incited her lust and she hungered for more.

He groaned and leaned away, cradling the back of her head and easing it to his chest. “Can’t go too far here.”

Exhaling a frustrated breath, she nodded, knowing he spoke the truth. “I’m ready if you are.”

“No choice, this is what has to be done.” His fingers ran through her hair, playing with the springy curls for just a moment, then he released her.

After gathering their supplies, they returned to the barn. Kol grabbed a couple of horse blankets from a chest and tossed them on the stall floor. “The box of nails and a hammer are on that bench. Make sure you use at least a half dozen.” He stood before the opening of the pen, hands on hips. With a deep breath, he bent at the waist and walked inside, pulling the gate closed behind him.

Knowing this was for the best, she centered the first nail in the board and smacked it with the hammer. Out of the corner of her eye, she saw Kol flinch, an action he repeated with every blow. Each thwack of the hammer tightened the knot in her stomach, and hot tears streamed down her cheeks. After the last stroke, she leaned a forearm against the stall and sucked in a deep breath.

“Put in a couple on the other side.” His words were strangled and pitched low.

With slow steps, she moved to do what he instructed. Hating his reaction to each thud of the hammer. Five minutes later, she settled herself on a campstool next to the gate, watching for his next move.

Kol stood with arms braced against the stall rails, head drooping between hunched shoulders. A darkened patch ran down the middle of his shirt.

“So, what shall we talk about?”

He turned and walked the inside perimeter of the pen, his head ducked several inches to avoid scraping the cow grates. “Talk about?”

“To distract you.” She propped her chin in her hands and thought. “Okay, answer this. You’ve got twenty dollars for entertainment. Do you enjoy a single event or buy an item that can be enjoyed more than once?”

With jerky steps, he moved to the far side and walked back and forth. “Zoia, I can’t handle this. I hate being confined.”

“I know about that feeling. My mom can’t stand crowded elevators. The family almost always had to take the stairs.” She grabbed the pad and pen to record his admission. “Claustrophobia. Have you always had it?”

“No, the symptoms are recent.” He held on to a rail, planted his feet at the bottom and pulled his chest close. In quick succession, he repeated five standing pushups. “At times, I need to feel the fresh air on my skin.”

No kidding. She forced a sultry note into her voice. “I’ve noticed.” A wide grin spread across her lips, but he didn’t look up from his exercise. “What other symptoms?”

He moved close to where she sat and squatted so he could see her between the slats. “Promise not to open that gate until I tell you. And you know it’s me. By now, I’m sure you can tell.”

Yeah, and usually when you’re not wearing clothes. “But what if you need my help?” She strained to connect with his gaze but he’d moved and now the barn lighting cast his face in shadow.

“You’ll help by writing down everything I say. We’ll sort out the clues later.” He reached a hand through the slats, palm up. “Take my hand, Zoia, and say the words. Promise me you won’t open the gate until you feel safe.”

She slipped her hand in his large one and squeezed, hoping the touch helped him in some small way. “I promise.”

An hour passed. Playing a few games of Hangman kept him preoccupied for only a short while until the restlessness returned. He’d gotten a crick in his neck from bending over while pacing so he performed calisthenics when the walls started closing in.

Two hours passed. Zoia gave up on conversation because Kol quit responding. He alternated between pushups, sit-ups, and sitting with his back in a corner, a stormy expression on his face. On a prowl around the barn to help her stay awake, she found an outdated horse enthusiast magazine and started reading aloud.

“Zoia, stop. I don’t care about the advantage of alfalfa over other grains.”

The confinement had to be tough on an active man. She ignored the sharpness of his tone. “I admit the subject isn’t exciting, but I’m getting bored and sleepy. Just listen to my voice, and you’ll know you’re not alone.”

Somewhere in the middle of the fourth article, she drifted off to sleep, a forearm propped against the gate cradling her head.

“No, let me rest.”

At the sound of his strangled words, Zoia jerked and sat up, blinking against the light from the bare overhead bulb.

“My turn again?” His voice shook. Scuffling sounded followed by a loud bang.

Vibrations ran along the wooden rails. She kneeled next to the stall and watched Kol, sweating and agitated, back himself into a corner. “What’s wrong, Kol?”

“I’ll answer questions. No injection.” He leaned forward and swiped a hand at the back of his neck. “Uh, something hurts.”

She grabbed her pad and a pen. “What do you see? Tell me what you hear.”

“Taste sweat. Want water. Tall mountain to climb. Hell Hospital.”

“Kol, look at me.” She scooted opposite him but his gaze was unfocused.

“Voices of pain.” He covered his ears and rocked back and forth. “Tormented pleas. Women screaming names. Children crying.”

“Kol, can you hear me?” Whatever he was remembering had taken him somewhere else. Somewhere she couldn’t reach him. Her throat ached with frustration and she wished she could touch him. “I can’t help you if you won’t share. Where are you?”

He kneaded a hand at the back of his neck and shook his head. “Can’t tell. Punishment.” With teeth gritted, he groaned, eyes squeezed tight, his body shaking.

She scrambled to the far side of the stall, stretched her arm between the rails and stroked his shoulder. “Kol, I’m here.”

He whirled, edging away. “Don’t touch me.” The overhead light caught his eyes and they glowed amber.

At the sight, a shiver ran over her skin, but she didn’t back away—she kept jotting notes.

“Argh. Pain.” Kol grabbed at his body—his elbows, his hips, his knees. “Can’t fucking stand it.”

Was he sick? She gripped the edge of the rail. “Kol, what’s wrong? What can I do?”

He writhed, sweat running down his face. His yells turned guttural.

The sounds he made caused gooseflesh to run over her body. “I’m getting you out.” She dashed to the tack room, grabbed the hammer and ran back to the row of stalls. With jerky movements, she tried to lever the claw under the nail heads. It wouldn’t catch—Kol had hammered them too deep. “Kol, you’re not alone and I’m going to help.” When that didn’t work, she stretched her fist inside the pen and clumsily pounded at the board.

Kol sprang at her on all fours and snarled. “Don’t.”

Instinct pushed her back, and the hammer fell from her hand. The sound was so raspy and guttural she couldn’t tell if he’d really spoken a word. As she watched, he paced on hands and knees, his movements strangely rhythmic. She scurried to her pack and dug out her binocs, resting them on the middle rail.

He crawled past her position, threw back his head—a head that looked too round—and let out a strangled cry.

A cry like a woman dying. High pitched and eerie.

Big white teeth showed in his too-wide mouth. Four front teeth were pointed and longer than the others. She gasped but clicked a couple images. From her research, she’d learned only one animal made that sound. A predator that was supposed to be gone from this region. The memory of the footprint near the clearing flashed in her mind. The stack of twigs and leaves. Surprise stilled her movements. “Can’t be.”

Kol tore off his clothes and resumed pacing, yowls emitting from deep in his throat. A strange shimmer covered his body.

As she clicked the magnification on the binocs, she saw fur sprouting on his skin, his ears growing points, and a tail curling from his ass. Her breathing ratcheted up and her chest tightened with fear. Her grip on the binocs tightened and she scooted back from the stall. The events happening before her eyes were unexplainable.

How could a man change into a cougar?

Whatever was happening was scaring the shit out of her.

In rapid succession, she remembered the details of her contact with Halcyon—the urgency of the request, the hints of his location, the fee prepaid in cash. Guilt at her involvement weighed heavily in her heart. She rested a hand on the barn floor and leaned forward, her gaze tracking the ani—Kol’s movements. He no longer seemed in pain, just nervous, as he stalked the length of the stall turned and stalked back, tail swishing behind him. The cougar moved without hesitation as if it took no notice of her presence.

Some time later, the binocs dropped to the floor with a thud and she jerked awake.

The cougar rested three feet away with his head on his paws, ears pricked and amber eyes watchful.

Good, he’d calmed. Her eyelids drooped but she forced herself to walk to the adjoining stall. Maybe a workout on the rowing machine would help her stay awake. “I’m here, Kol. I could talk so you have a human connection.”

As she moved, one of her grandma’s Greek songs came to mind. The words tumbled out and she closed her eyes, using the rhythmic pulls to work out her frustration. How could she have been so stupid? To have taken a job solely for money. Why hadn’t she thought of how the success of her assignment might hurt him? When perspiration dripped into her mouth, she stopped and leaned her arms on her knees.

A shuffling sounded from the pen followed by a groan, and she turned, hope lightened her thoughts.

Kol lay curled into a ball on the hard floor, naked and shivering.

“Oh thank the Spirit, you’re back.” She rushed to the stall and stretched an arm through the slats but he was too far away. “Kol, look at me and let me know you’re okay.” When he didn’t answer, she squeezed her body between the slats and approached him. “It’s Zoia, I’m here with you.” She grabbed one of the blankets and gently laid it over his body.

He flinched but didn’t turn his head.

Crouching, she rested a hand on his shoulder. “Kol, I’ll keep talking and when you’re ready, you can answer. I tried to write down everything you said. You can read over my notes and tell me what I left out…if you remember.” She tugged the blanket edge up to his shoulder. “You know, I don’t mind keeping up more than my half of the conversation. My brothers—”

“The four cops, right?” His words were rough and low pitched.

“Kol!” She threw herself on top of him and squealed. “Oh, I’m so glad to hear your voice.”

He rolled to his back and grabbed her tight against his chest. “Didn’t you promise to stay outside?”

Her gaze searched his face and saw his lips quirk at the edges. She tossed her head and grinned. “But I didn’t open the gate.”

“What did we learn? What did I say?”

She drew back and ran her hand along his smooth chest, avoiding his gaze. “A few things.”

He lifted her chin until he could look into her eyes. “Tell me.”

“I don’t know how.”

His intense gaze searched hers. “Judging by the fact I’m buck naked again, I had another episode.” His lips tightened to a straight line. “I remember details of my capture. That’s a first. Did you get any notes on that?”

“Yes, but they are real brief. That was only part of what happened.” How to share the event? She wished for the time to compose an answer but his narrowed gaze told her he wanted answers. “Kol, somehow you transformed into a cougar.”

He jerked and sat up, running a hand over his face. “What are you talking about?”

Entangling herself from his embrace, she walked to the side of the pen and scooped up the binocs. “Uploading these would give us better images, but click this. You’ll see…”

Doubt clouding his expression, he accepted the binocs, held them to his eyes and flicked the buttons.

She recognized the minute he saw the transformation. She was watching as the color drained from his face and her chest ached. What must he be thinking?

His body stiffened and he almost fumbled the instrument. His breathing grew labored before he shot to his feet and moved away.

Her gaze swept over his rigid body. Even with dirt and hay clinging to his skin, the man was beautiful. “I think they implanted something in your back. You kept pulling at it, complaining it hurt. I noticed a scar in that area when I gave you the massage.”

Keeping his back to her, he held out a hand, his body rigid. “Hand me the hammer and stand back.”

Twenty minutes later, they’d both showered and Kol tapped on the notelink’s keys. “Evan took care of those transactions. I’m keeping him in the loop about what we’ve discovered.”

Gazing at the lightening sky, Zoia rubbed a towel over her hair. “Do you want to talk about what’s happened?”

“Plenty of time for talking on the drive.”

“Drive?” She turned, a frown creasing her brow. “We’re taking a trip?”

“Two seconds.” He stared at the screen and then gave a short nod. “Computer shut down.” In two long strides, he crossed the room and embraced her, tugging her against his chest and resting his chin on her head. “Remember I mentioned an urge about the Davis Mountains? Evan’s been tracking chatter about unusual activities—too many vehicles and strangers traveling into that area.”

Being worried about excessive traffic seemed too mundane. After the astounding fact they’d just learned? Her body stiffened. “That thing in your back has to be checked by a doctor. With it gone, your blackouts may stop.”

“Removing it will be your job.” He tightened his arms and nuzzled her neck. “Can’t trust anyone else. You’re the only one who knows my secret.”

Doubt about her ability to perform that task chilled her thoughts but she shoved them away—for now. Instead, she snuggled deeper into his embrace and looked into his hazel eyes. Those normal, human eyes. “Your trust means a lot.”

Leaning forward, he touched her forehead with his. “I need to discover who did this and find Hell Hospital. I owe it to the others left behind.”

“You think I can help. I’m flattered.” Her heart beat faster at his words.

“Let’s see…you found my remote location, invaded my home, helped yourself to my food and hospitality—”

“I sound more like an unwelcome intruder.” Suddenly unsure of herself, she pushed against his chest. “Why would you want me along?”

With no warning, his mouth descended on hers in a fast, hard kiss. A hand cradled the back of her head and held her in place. His mouth covered her lips from one angle then shifted and kissed her from another, his tongue claiming the inside of her mouth in long, bold strokes. When he pulled back, their breathing rasped throughout the room. “There’s more. Are you listening?”

Zoia swallowed and nodded, somehow knowing his next words would change her life. Excitement fluttered in her stomach and she waited, hope clutching her throat so she could only nod.

“I’m heading back to civilization. An act I wouldn’t have considered two days ago.” His hands lifted to cup her cheeks, thumbs running along her chin and lower lip. “And I want you at my side.”

His touch was driving her crazy. She wanted to let her desire loose but she held back. “But will you be safe?”

“Me?” He threw back his head and laughed, squeezing her to his chest. “You’re about to travel with a man who shapeshifts into a cougar, but you’re worried about my safety. That’s the caring spirit that brought me out from the shadows. And that’s just one of your attributes I want to explore in greater detail.” He kissed her, nibbling her tender lips, pulling the lower one between his and sucking.

A sigh escaped her throat and she rose on tiptoes to gain better access to his delicious mouth. Kol wanted her close—that’s all she needed to know. Now her considerable abilities would used to help him fight whoever caused his dilemma. “To think I once thought you were a man of few words.”

“Another change you’ve created.” He kissed the tip of her nose. “We’re a team now and we’ll see this through to the end.”