He stood up and stretched. She watched because she always enjoyed seeing the way his muscles moved every time he did. There was something to what he said. She hadn't thought about that.
He moved close, reached down, pulled her legs apart and stepped even closer, wedging his hips between her thighs. It was an intimate thing to do and her body responded with damp heat and blood pounding through her clit.
"I think you may have left a couple of very important things out when you were talking to me about your ability to fight."
She swallowed and avoided his eyes. "I told you I could fight. I trained just like everyone else." She couldn't control the blush and she knew he saw it. He never missed anything.
"I'm not talking about combat or weapons training, baby. I'm talking about that little bomb you just dropped when you were threatening Zeke, and I'm fairly certain you know that's what I'm referring to."
She glanced up at him from under her lashes, trying to judge how angry he was--or if he was at all. It was impossible. He didn't give much away. His gaze was steady on hers. Compelling. She sighed. There was no getting around Gino when he wanted something. He'd just stare at her until she caved.
"Okay, fine. Bellisia has a venom. I do as well. It's kind of a fail-safe. Whitney's first idea with us was combat. He wanted to see what we could do in the field together, an all-female team, water, desert, climbing, air, whatever was needed. There were two other women with Shylah, Bellisia and me. They were killed first time out. He was furious. They'd tried to escape rather than fight his army of supersoldiers." It had left the three of them to fight alone against the team he'd sent against them. "After that, when we were sent out, he held one of us back."
"You're stalling."
She was. She hated telling him the truth because she knew he'd look at her differently. Right now, he looked at her as if she needed him--and she did. He looked at her as if she could be the center of his world--and she knew she could be if given the chance. Her ability to drop someone in seconds would change everything.
"I can call up venom under my nails if necessary. One rake and my enemy is dead."
He studied her face. "You had the ability to kill Zhu and you resisted. You allowed him to torture you."
She nodded. "I had to. If I didn't, Cheng would know for certain I was an agent. He didn't believe I was. Zhu convinced Cheng I was what they thought I was--the woman who developed the VALUE system and came to various businesses to talk about it and answer questions. As long as my cover was intact, the GhostWalker program was safe. If they knew I was an agent, Cheng would have a GhostWalker to take apart and study. I couldn't allow that to happen no matter what."
He shook his head. "And you say you're not brave." He caught her chin with two fingers and lifted her head. His mouth brushed hers gently. "So, when I've got you coming apart in my arms and screaming my name while you rake my back with your fingernails, are you going to make certain you keep that venom under control?"
Her heart accelerated. It was a wonder she hadn't had a heart attack around him yet. She nodded. "I think I can do that, but I've never actually been that out of control. Maybe we should try to find an antidote before we try it."
"What poison did he use?"
"Deathstalker scorpion, but he multiplied the strength of the venom. It's lethal under most circumstances. I try to control it, but it doesn't always work, depending on my level of panic."
"You had to be panicked when Zhu was torturing you."
"There were others to think of, Gino. All of you. Bellisia and Shylah. Every person Whitney experimented on. We don't need another Whitney, and trust me, Cheng would have been far worse with his experiments. Whitney is a patriot; Cheng has no one he is loyal to, unless it's Zhu."
"I can't get over you, woman, thinking you aren't brave. Does Bellisia know you have enough venom to protect yourself if needed?"
She nodded. "She encouraged me to try to learn to control it. She thought if I was out on a mission and someone did catch me, I could possibly scratch them lightly and get away. I'm not that good. I would never harm an innocent person or take the chance of harming one in order to protect myself like that. They'd never find the SSD so they could never prove I stole their work. If I'm caught, I just have to ride it out, and in this case, it was a rough ride."
She looked down at her hands. "When we were on missions, it wasn't easy on either Bellisia or Shylah. I hated killing others. I could take them down, but I rarely could make myself finish them off. Bellisia or Shylah had to do it, whichever one was with me. The two of them covered for me all the time because Whitney detested that I couldn't do what he wanted. He would keep me up for days, having one of his soldiers screaming at me while I stood at attention that all I had to do was scratch the enemy's arm or neck or any part of his body and he was dead. Bellisia and Shylah sometimes lied and got caught and then they'd be punished in front of me."
Now he knew what a thief, a coward and a fraud she was. Yes, she had venom, but no, she didn't use it. Deep down she knew she could under extreme circumstances, like saving someone else's life. She would do it to save Gino. Or Bellisia. Or not do it to save them.
"Let's go for our picnic." Abruptly he changed the subject.
She was desperate to get out of the room. "Yes, please. I'm really excited about our trip. I like it here and want to get to know everyone better, but being inside is making me crazy."
"Give me a minute to finish putting the mosquito repellent on you."
He was touching her legs now, smoothing on the repellent. His hands were large and calloused. She liked the way his fingers glided over her skin, almost possessively. She wanted him to be possessive. "You stay here at this house," she said, trying to sound causal. "Do you have a home somewhere else? A place that's yours?"
He had turned away, rummaging in a drawer. "I've got a few of them. I bought property up by Trap, in the swamp. I've got a crew building now. All of us are establishing homes here. We're building a fortress, trying to put the Fontenot home in the middle. Wyatt has three kids and another on the way. He's got Nonny. We all claim them as family as well, so we're working to ensure their safety. Trap's place is nearly impenetrable now. That's our go-to in an emergency. I want to be close to that so my woman and any children we have together can get there fast. This is the swamp so underground tunnels require a lot of work. The water table is very high and it's dangerous, so we're coming up with other solutions."
He turned back to her with a fresh shirt. This wasn't the usual T-shirt. The blouse was a pale mint color with a small laced edge up either side of the front, closed by a knotting the lacy edges under her breasts, really more of a cover-up than a blouse. It was hot outside. Sultry. The humidity in the swamp was off the chart. "Put your arms up."
Zara did so and he pulled the shirt she'd been wearing over her head and tossed it aside. He always was impersonal when he dressed her, and that was a little annoying. Still, it made it easier on her so maybe it was easier that way on him.
The blouse was sexy, no question about it, and she wasn't certain who had bought it. He hadn't left her side for very long, a couple of hours here and there, maybe while she slept. It was very difficult to slide her arms into the sleeves and have him settle the material over the swell of her breasts and tie the knot just below them without reacting. Her nipples peaked, two hard temptations, pushing at the thin material as his knuckles rubbed her sensitive skin.
"There's a matching thong and sarong." He crouched down on the floor and put first one foot and then the other into the thong, pulling the scrap of mint green up to her thighs. "Can you lift up, princess?"
He wasn't as unaffected as his features said. His eyes had darkened with desire, with a lust that took her breath away as his gaze moved up her body. She lifted off the bed and he slid the thong over her hips, settling the thin mint lace just under her belly button.
"Turn over."
Heart beating hard, she complied with his order, rolling over and stretching
out on the bed. His hand smoothed over her buttocks and then settled the little scrap of lace between her cheeks. His fingers dug into her flesh for a moment. "Does that hurt? At all? Tell me the truth, Zara."
She had to fight for air. "No." She didn't want him to take his hand away.
"I love the way you look laid out like this on my bed, sexy as fuck, woman. I'm warning you right now, as of today, things are changing between us." He smoothed his hand over her buttocks again and then caught at her arm to help her roll over and sit up.
Zara looked up at him, her body feeling hot and flushed. Deep inside that persistent throbbing beat at her.
"I've given you every opportunity to say you want out, and you haven't taken it. You could have asked Zeke and Bellisia to take over, but you didn't. Why?"
She touched her tongue to her lip, and his eyes went predatory. "I want to be with you."
"Do you understand what being with me means, Zara? You're almost completely healed. There's only your feet and resting them a couple of more weeks should have you walking. Maybe not running, but at least walking, and with physical therapy you'll be good. You don't need me as your doctor."
"I know." She did. She was terrified he'd decide she only wanted to stay with him because he'd rescued her. She knew that was what Bellisia thought, but the more time she'd spent with him, the more she wanted to be with him.
"Once you're mine, baby, there isn't any going back, so you be damn sure I'm what you want."
Just his voice, that soft bite, could command her complete attention no matter how quietly he spoke. A shiver went down her spine and little fingers of desire danced over her thighs.
"You are." She felt very daring telling him, but she meant it. She wanted what she'd had these last couple of weeks, this man, solid and confident, standing by her side, or in front of her. She didn't feel less around him, he made her feel more. "I'm certain, Gino."
His hand cupped the side of her face, his thumb sliding along her jaw. "I'm certain as well, princess. You're going to feel overwhelmed at times, and afraid. When you do, you come to me. You tell me what you're thinking and feeling at all times. That's important to me. I want to know the things that matter to you. The things you want. I'm talking about everything from household items to what you want or need in the bedroom."
She found herself blushing, but she nodded to let him know she understood. He always seemed to want her to talk to him and when she did, he listened to her. She hoped Bellisia had that from Ezekiel. They'd had each other and Shylah at the compound, but not a single person ever listened to a word they said, or cared when they were hurting or hungry or needed anything.
She needed to make the effort to reassure Bellisia she was happy with Gino. She also needed to make the effort to get to know Ezekiel. Misunderstandings were piling up and she was certain it was her fault. She loved Bellisia. She should never have lied to her about liking to travel.
She loved her work, and truthfully, she loved talking about it with anyone interested, but she didn't love the airports and people, the hotels and people, the strangers in the businesses. All those decisions when any moment she could say or do the wrong thing. She hated those. Bellisia would have understood. And she'd probably be more understanding of Gino as Zara's choice. It wasn't fair that she was expecting Bellisia to like Gino when she hadn't even taken the time to try to get to know and like Ezekiel. She vowed to talk to Bellisia when they got back home.
"Let's get your sarong on and get moving. I want to show you so many places in the swamp. I've put cushions in the boat, so hopefully you'll be comfortable."
"This is kind of see-through, don't you think?" She couldn't keep the amusement out of her voice. More than once, he'd hastily covered her up when someone came into the room and the T-shirt she was wearing had hiked up her thighs.
"It's meant to be a bathing suit cover-up. I didn't want you wearing the suit yet and having it press too tightly against your skin. This will hopefully make you feel covered, but still be cool enough. No one's going to see you where we're going."
She hoped not, because it was really see-through. Still, it made her feel beautiful, sexy and very desirable, something she wasn't used to, but wanted more of.
He reached for her, and helped her to stand gingerly on her feet. Pain flashed through her immediately but she stayed very still while he tied the mint, lacy sarong around her hips. It was just as thin as the blouse. She felt feminine and very sexy, but that was probably just the way Gino looked at her, not the clothes.
"Is this outfit the type of clothing you like me to wear?" Her voice sounded shaky and shy even to her.
"I love how you look right now, baby, but it's only for me. When we're alone together. Otherwise, you're covering up when we go out in public. I like the clothes you wear on your trips, they're classy."
"I chose them," she said, happy he liked the things she liked. The smile faded. "I like skirts. I'm kind of girly in how I like to dress."
"I like your 'girly' look, Zara. You want to wear skirts, wear them, as long as they aren't so short I want to yank you into the nearest closet and have my way with you."
She laughed. "You're so crazy. I like long skirts, but I wouldn't mind going into the closet with you so I might go short if I think it would get me you."
"You have me, Zara. Anytime you want. When we're alone, I'd like you wearing the kinds of things I choose for you. You're so beautiful, and I like seeing your body. You going to give that to me?"
"It will take me some time to get to know what you like, Gino, but of course." Because who didn't want to feel sexy? It was exciting to think he wanted her to wear sexy lingerie for him. She wanted to be able to surprise him occasionally once she learned what he liked.
"I enjoy buying them for you, baby, but you'll get a feel for my preferences after a while. Until then we can shop together." He gave her another smile. "I won't mind if some of the time you go without your panties in your long, elegant skirt when you're talking to a roomful of brainiacs. I can sit there and wonder, is she? Or isn't she? The idea makes me hard as a fuckin' rock."
"You're so crazy." But she loved it. Loved the way he could make her feel so sexy and wanted.
"We've got to get moving, princess. I don't want to wait too long. Where I'm taking you is a distance away."
He put a tote bag with two towels sticking out of it into her arms and lifted her into his. He always cradled her close, tight against his chest. She inhaled him, taking his scent into her lungs. "I love the way you always smell." She was used to him carrying her and she buried her face in his neck, feeling very daring when she gave into the impulse to touch her tongue to his skin, tasting him. She'd wanted to do it almost since she'd arrived at the Fontenot home, but she'd resisted.
He paused in the hallway, just outside the door to their room. "You're going to get yourself in trouble."
She lifted her head and looked into his eyes. "What happens when I get in trouble? Is it good or bad?"
"That depends." He started walking again. "We'll see what you think when it happens."
Just for that nonanswer, she scraped her teeth along the pulse beating so steadily in his neck. It wasn't fair. Her pulse was beating out of control, and his was as stable as a rock. She heard his breath hiss out in a long rush, but he didn't say anything. Satisfied that she got to him and that the terrible need building in her was also wreaking havoc with him, she lifted her head to catch that first glimpse of the river stretching out in the sun.
She could understand why Nonny and her husband had chosen this spot all those years ago. Sitting on the porch, one had the view and it was breathtaking. She could be happy sitting on porch with Gino, holding hands, watching the sunset as she imagined Nonny had done with her husband.
"The land you bought, Gino, does it have river frontage?"
"Yes. It was important to have direct access to water, land and air."
"I was thinking more of porches in the evening," she admitted. "I guess I should thi
nk more about defending our home from Whitney and Zhu and anyone else who might come for us."
"You think about the sun setting and the two of us sitting on our porch. That's the point of you being with a man like me, Zara. You don't need to worry about whether or not you and the children are protected. If you know me, and you will get there, you'll never have to ask yourself that question."
He stepped carefully into the boat with her cradled against his chest. She didn't know how he could remain so balanced, especially with her in his arms. The boat rocked, but his body seemed to just go with it, uncaring as he stepped to the center to place her carefully on the thick cushions.
"Tell me if that feels all right. It's important to always tell me the truth. Few things get me pissed, Zara, but lies can get me there fast. There isn't any need for lies between us."
She nodded, knowing he meant every word of that. He was doing his best to show her who he was, so she understood what he expected in the relationship. He wanted her to do the same. She didn't know what to expect because not only hadn't she ever been in a relationship, she'd never seen one. She knew that was another reason Bellisia worried about her choosing Gino so fast. Bellisia knew Zara was going to have to follow Gino's lead, but what she didn't understand was that took all the worry and fear from her. She didn't have to be afraid she was doing the wrong thing.