“For business or pleasure?”
“Both. Dubai is nice, but I wouldn’t recommend Bagram nowadays.”
It’s sobering to hear him say that.
“Ellie? Did I say something to upset you?” Kayne’s face drops.
“Why were you there? Can you tell me?”
“Training exercises mostly. We were dropped in the baddest of the bad and left to find our way back to home station.”
“But you don’t have to go back, right?”
“No, not at the moment. But there’s always a possibility. Does that worry you?”
“Maybe.” I chew the inside of my cheek. It makes me think long and hard about what it’s like caring for a man who puts himself in danger as his day job.
“Hey. Whatever you’re thinking about, please stop. I don’t like that look.”
“I’m sorry.” I blink rapidly out of my silent thoughts. “I’m not thinking about anything.”
“Ellie, please. Let’s get something straight. You’ll never be able to lie to me. No matter how hard you try. So if something is on your mind, just say it.”
I’m not sure I’m ready to tell him that putting his life in danger terrifies me. That after only spending one day together, I’m already getting attached. Or that old feelings are resurfacing faster than I expected. No, I’m not ready to tell him any of that yet, because I’m just coming to terms with it myself.
“It’s just scary, that’s all.”
“What’s scary?”
“The thought of you being in a place that’s so dangerous.”
“You get used to it after a while.” He starts ushering me along.
“How about we sit down with Matias and set up some excursions. This vacation is all about fun, and I think we can both use a huge dose of that.” He does a good job of spinning the topic of conversation.
“Agreed,” I relent, wrapping my arms around his waist and squeezing tightly. A healthy dose of fun is exactly what I need. We walk arm in arm until we reach our butler’s office, then spend over an hour plotting out activities for the next week.
“I AM SO READY FORa shower.” I head straight for the bathroom once we get back to the bungalow.
“Sounds like a plan to me.” Kayne rips off his shirt and follows close behind me.
“I don’t remember inviting you.” I coquettishly look over my shoulder at him.
“I didn’t think I needed an invitation.” Kayne wraps his arms around me and kisses my cheek. It’s a sexy, lust-fueled gesture.
“What if I said no?”
“I would respect that, and then just stand here and watch you lather up all my favorite parts of your body. I enjoy watching you touch yourself just as much as I enjoy touching you.” He slides my bathing suit top over my head.
“Oh, really?”
“Yup.” My bottoms are gone a second later.
He drops my bikini into the sink.
“I’m never going to see that again, am I?” I ask him.
“Nope. Now get in the shower.” He taps me lightly on the ass.
