Ethan shook his head. “Yes, but I also want you aware of the threat before it becomes critical.”
Kate raised a brow, “And just how am I supposed to do that if we don't know who or what the threat is?”
“You are always aware. No matter where you are, you know your surroundings.”
“Of course I'm aware. My job is catching the details other people miss.” Irritation lined her tone, but she couldn't help it.
Ethan didn't react at all, instead he clasped his hands behind his back, spread his legs apart and said, “Close your eyes.”
Chapter 12
In the military,you didn't question orders, you did as you were commanded. But Kate's naturally inquisitive nature was one of the reasons she was a top analyst and Ethan would have to remember that fact.
He waited for Kate to roll her eyes, but she simply closed them, following his command. A hum of pleasure slid down his spine at her unexpected acquiescence, as did the rapid rise and fall of her chest and the way the morning sun made her pale skin glow.
Focus, dammit.Kate's safety was far more important than his base needs. “Tell me what structures are around you.” He decided to start with the basics.
“The house is to my right, a small barn further behind me and a tan tent to my left.”
“Good. What about doorways? There could be attackers hiding in there waiting.”
“The kitchen door and barn door, but it's open. Is that it?” She cracked open an eye.
“Close your eyes.”
“Yes, sir.” Her snarky tone made him smile.
“Now, tell me how many people are in your immediate vicinity.”
She paused, her brow pulled low in thought. Ethan took theopportunity to motion for Aaron to come forward, silently, behind Kate.
“Three men, not counting you.” Her lips curled up into a soft smile of satisfaction.
She was good. Merc and Riser were bent over the table about twenty feet away, studying different documents and maps. Aaron stopped about ten feet behind her.
“How many of them have weapons?” Weapons, people, suspicious behavior - these were things Ethan took stock of everywhere he went. Like the fact that Aaron had a nine millimeter sidearm on his hip and Ranger had double holsters under his arms. He even noticed a bulge at Riser’s back when the material of his shirt shifted.
Her smile dropped into a frown and she chewed her bottom lip, leaving Ethan staring at her mouth once more.
“Who's armed? Who poses the most significant threat? To you and your HVT?”
“I don't know.” She opened her eyes, the confidence from earlier suddenly shaken. She’d been so sure she already knew everything, that she just needed a bit of brushing up on her skills. But Ethan had taken her complete self-confidence and replaced it with the knowledge that she did need him and did need to listen.
Ethan didn't like that vulnerable look one bit. He eased closer, drawn to her, to the need to touch her. “You’re doing really well. Now, we're going to practice this over and over until you get comfortable.”
“You think I've got enough time to learn?”
“I think you'll surprise yourself.”
Ethan caved to his need and touched her shoulder, a move that to anyone else would look like a confidence booster, when in reality it was because he couldn't stand not to. And this time, Kate didn't jerk away.
Heat trailed from her shoulder into his fingers, up his armsand spread wide and deep across his chest. Kate trusted him.
Damn. She was relying on him to teach her the skills needed to save her life. He should be clamming up but he felt taller, more confident, and suddenly Ethan wanted nothing more than ever to live up to the expectation he saw in her gaze.
“Aaron, get Celine back out here. She's gonna be our Caroline. I want Kate to practice with a body to protect.” Ethan stepped back, breaking that precious contact, and vowed he'd do whatever it took to ensure Kate was ready.
“Dude, she won't listen to me,” Aaron protested.
