His phone buzzed, and he lifted it from his back pocket to read the face. “We’re going at midnight. There’s no sign of your father at Saul’s New York location, but I promise I’ll get the information from that bastard. You’re going to have to trust me.”
She glanced at the antique clock on the mantel. They had three hours before he put himself in danger. There were so many words she wanted to say, but none of them really mattered. So she moved around the sofa and stepped into his arms. “I do, Theo. But don’t underestimate Saul. He’s been planning this for a while.”
“I won’t.” Theo clasped his hands at the back of her waist, pulling her tight against what felt like steel. “We are getting mated, Gin. I’ll give you a couple of days to come to terms, but I’m only negotiating on the small stuff. The bigger decision has been made.”
“No,” she said softly.
“I’ll just have to change your mind.” Without giving her warning, his mouth took hers. He lifted her, turning and walking toward the bedroom.
She wrapped her arms around his neck, holding tight, her thighs hugging his hips. Liquid lava poured through her veins, catching her off guard. Hunger shook her, shooting through her. How did he do that? She kissed him back, and suddenly cold air brushed her bare skin as he removed her shirt.
He managed to toss her bra wherever her shirt had landed, and she didn’t care. “God, you’re beautiful,” he murmured, kissing along her neck. “That’s not why, Gin.”
She bit his jaw. “Not why what?”
He leaned back, desire glittering in his eyes. “Your beauty. I do like it, but it’s your spirit that calls to me. Your attitude and your brains. Those turn me on even more than your unbelievably stunning eyes.”
Everything in her softened.
He released her, letting her slide down his body. “I’m not good with the mushy words, but I want this. I want you. Forever.”
She blinked. Those were great mushy words. “We’re rushing this.”
“Your survival is more important than time,” he said, running his hands down her sides. “Say yes. Please let me save you.”
It hit her then. Harder than any punch ever had. She wanted him. Had for centuries. When she saw her heart, when she daydreamed, it had always been him. But he hadn’t mentioned love. Didn’t even consider it. What better way to fall in love than to be mated? She could be what he wanted. They could find love.
She lifted her chin and met his gaze. The challenge of Theo Reese was hers to accept. “Yes.”
Chapter 9
Everything inside Theo settled. Right then and there. She said yes. “You won’t regret it.” He’d spend a lifetime making sure of it—after he saved her life. He slid his hand up her back to capture her nape, leaning down to kiss her.
His damn phone buzzed again. Swearing, he reached for it, reading the face. “Shit. Saul ordered a car at eleven.” He stepped back, his mind going into battle mode. “We have to go now.” Somebody banged on his door. “Coming.” He set Ginny to the side. “Get dressed, Gin.” He hustled out, shutting the door and jogging through the living room to the front door. At this point, he was never going to get inside the woman.
He yanked open his front door.
Jared and Chalton moved in, already shrugging into bulletproof vests. “Where the hell would he be going tonight?” Jared muttered, handing over a vest.
“Who knows?” Theo fastened the Velcro and then moved over to remove a long painting of an island that no longer existed in the Arctic. He planted his hand flat against the wall, and it slid open to reveal a small room holding a multitude of weapons. He stepped inside and started handing out guns and knives, already knowing his brothers’ preferences.
Ginny poked her head around the corner. “That’s a nice Fremt.”
He nodded and slid the green laser gun into the back of his waist. Lasers turned to solid bullets when impacting immortal flesh. “I don’t plan to use it. I’m better with a knife.” He didn’t want her to see this side of him, but maybe it was necessary. When they mated, they’d need to let each other in to their hidden worlds. “I’ve called for Realm soldiers to guard the door and exits to the building here,” he said, partly for her comfort and partly to warn her. “You’re to stay safe.”
She rolled her eyes. “I have the flash drive, which keeps me safe from Saul. You’re the one running into danger.”
“I’m glad we already have our roles straight,” he said, enjoying the instant swirling temper in her eyes.
Jared cut him a curious look, but he didn’t respond. So Jared finished suiting up and headed back out. “I’ll make sure the guards are at post out here.” He disappeared with Chalton on his heels.
Theo inserted a couple more knives along his right leg. “I’m sorry about earlier.” They kept getting interrupted.
She smiled. “That’s all right. We were both carried away. This is probably better.”
He stood to his full height. “It’s a done deal, Gin. There’s no other alternative for you, and you know that deep down. Don’t worry. We’ll make it work.” He grasped her and kissed her hard. “Stay here.” Without waiting for an answer, he moved into the hallway to follow his brothers down to transport.
He fully intended to end Saul Libscombe for good.
