Secure Desire Page 29

  Blood dripped from Martin’s hairline. “Rocket-propelled grenade. Hit the corner of the house. Fire-suppression system kicked in,” he choked out.

  Baroosh! A second massive explosion shook the ground.

  “Shit, the gases in the OR.” Tucker held his arm across his face, turning from the flash.

  Kieran tossed each man an automatic weapon and night-vision goggles. “Looks like a rocket came from the water.” Macho Man took Sean and Frank in pursuit on the Saturn.

  “Christian, Caleb, and Noah, split up to join our people. According to the cameras, we have eight extra signatures.” Kieran was in full combat mode.

  “I think I flushed her feeding tube right, but it was fast.” Ian’s eyes never stopped searching for danger.

  Martin wiped away blood from his face, his eyes scanning side to side. "Farmer, let me stop the bleeding—and then we’ll take care of Cassie,” Eric said.

  “Guys, check on Monique too,” Kieran said.

  “Don’t worry,” Eric called back at him.

  Ratatatatat! Driving rain and wind pelted them as automatic weapon fire erupted in the distance.

  “Man down. Man down. We are engaging,” Caleb said over the com.

  Vroom! Flash. Bam. A second rocket hit thirty-five feet from where Kieran and Ian stood. Ian tackled Kieran to the ground behind a cement planter as fiery shrapnel burned Ian’s side.

  “Anybody hit?” Martin called out as he ran back toward them. “Genius? Hornet?”

  “I’m good,” Kieran, call sign Genius, answered.

  “I’m fine,” Ian, known as Hornet, said. He used the planter to pull himself to his feet. “Move!” The automatic weapons were coming closer.

  The shelter was equipped with a satellite communication room, a separate ventilation system, food, and a living room bordered with bunk beds. Cassie shook with anger as Knight sat on her feet. “This is because of me.”

  Monique hugged her. “Cassie, listen to me. Everything is going to be fine, doll. Anger isn’t going to help you or them.”

  “This is what they do,” Luke said.

  “You don’t understand. If anyone gets hurt, it’s my fault,” Cassie whispered. Ellen brought her a cup of chamomile tea, which she pushed away. Rachel slipped beside her.

  Sam helped Monique fire up the communication system to watch the live feed with Luke. She froze when the pool house came into view. The whole corner holding Cassie’s room and the OR was missing, and the remainder of the building was engulfed in flames. Monique notified all the Chase Group division heads of the attack.

  The door to the room opened, and Tucker stepped inside. Cassie cried out, “Tuck, are you okay?” before trying to stand. Rachel pulled her back.

  “You’re scaring her to death.” Ellen grabbed clean towels, pushing Tucker into the bathroom and handing him a fresh pair of pants and a T-shirt.

  Once he cleaned up, he positioned himself to block Cassie from getting up. “Just a little soot, darlin’.”

  “Soot. Like hell—you’re covered in cuts.” She ran her tiny hands over him. “Tuck!” He refused to move while checking the feeding tube.

  Monique and Luke watched groupings of green tracers lighting up. When two of them didn’t move, Luke’s expression was grim. They observed orange figures appear to freeze and lie down. The front gate reported that local fire and law enforcement were approaching.

  Noah’s voice came over the feed, “Team 1 clear. Three targets neutralized. Six Tango Uniform,” which was slang for “toes-up—deceased.” “All units report?”

  One by one, the teams responded. In the end, two men from the estate security team were dead, four were injured, six of the bad guys were killed, and two attackers were injured.

  “Situation under control,” Luke announced.

  Christian and Noah, covered in mud, dragged two injured commandos with them. Caleb carried the grenade launcher and walked beside Sean. “He’s from the boat.” Sean escorted another man at gunpoint. Boom. An explosion sounded on the water. “That’s Macho Man and Frank. They had some stuff to clean up.”

  “We took out six. No IDs, but two had Dragunov SVD sniper rifles. They all had SR-3M silenced automatic rifles; four had Makarov PMMs, and the RPG-26 is also Russian.” Noah frowned.

  Ian, in command mode, was clear and focused. “Kieran, meet the police and fire department at the gate. Farmer and Noah, secure these three. No one knows they’re here. We need information from them. I’m not letting what happened in San Diego happen again.” They walked the two injured men and the man from the boat toward the house.

  Ian instructed Tucker via com to take Cassie up to his room. “If you have to, drug her. I don’t want to hear about consent. She doesn’t leave that room.” He looked at Eric, Caleb, Christian, and Sean. “I’m putting Operation Fake Out into effect. Kieran and I devised this contingency. The only way to keep her safe is for the world to think she is dead. I’m sending the message out now. Are we clear? Cassie died in the attack.” Everyone nodded.

  “Eric, go check our wounded. Christian, head to the dock to meet Macho Man and Frank. Caleb and Sean, secure every weapon but the ones the PD will want for ballistics. Once you do that, grab your brothers, scrub up, and get dry. Farmer can watch the prisoners until reinforcements get here. No matter what anyone asks, you never touched a weapon. Do you all understand?” Ian wanted to protect the active-duty soldiers, who—by Pentagon directive—were prohibited from acting in a military capacity on US soil.

  Once things were in motion, Ian started moving toward the house. The combination of the wound in his side and the adrenaline ebb hitting him fast, he dropped to his knees.

  “Medic! Hornet’s down. I need a medic forthwith.” Caleb dropped the weapon he was carrying, put Ian over his shoulder, and ran with him toward the house.

  Luke was speaking with the director on the satellite phone when he heard the distress call. “Report.”

  “Is it clear?” Eric asked.

  “Roger,” Luke replied.

  “I’m fine. Put me down.”

  “Ian, shut up. Get him in the house.” Caleb placed him on the table, where only hours earlier he shared a meal with Cassie. Eric exposed a two-inch piece of metal protruding from Ian’s right flank and cleaned the wound.

  “This is going to hurt. You’re gonna feel a pinch.” Eric injected the numbing medication. “We need to wait about ten minutes for it to work.”

  “We don’t have ten minutes. Just do it.” Ian clamped his jaw shut while Eric made a small incision near the wound and inserted a sterile, gloved finger to explore how deep the metal pierced.

  “If this opened your abdominal cavity, I don’t care what you say, you will need an OR.” Eric was firm as he explored the wound, making Ian wince. “I wish I could get a CT scan, but I think you’re a lucky SOB. I want Hunt to see it.”

  Ian tried to sit up.

  “Ian, damn it. Stop moving. I have my finger in the wound, and the shrapnel is still there. You need stitches.”

  “Do it fast. I need to know what’s going on.” When Ian moved again, Caleb held him down.

  “Like I said, shut up, don’t move. Luke and Kieran are working with the locals. Rachel is helping Tuck with Cassie. And Farmer is doing basic first aid until I can get to the two injured tangos. I also want to do a better check on him. Getting out of the fire, he took a nasty blow to his head again. Our four injured will be treated and transferred to the hospital by the locals. I’m sorry, but we lost two on the house team.” Eric stitched.

  Ian felt heartsick. He lost men under his command before, but this was at home—his home. While Eric continued sewing, Ian contacted Tate. “Make sure they know there will be no cost to them. Whatever they want for the funerals. If they are out of town—flights, hotels, food, rental cars, and anything else.”

  “Ian, the wound has a waterproof covering since I expect you to go back into the storm. I put a total of eighteen beautiful mattress stitches in your side. Don’t rip
them out.”

  Caleb helped Ian sit up. “Thanks, Eric.”

  “Anytime.”

  “You too, Caleb.” Ian grimaced as he stood.

  The weather was relentless, with hail, thunder, lightning, and buckets of rain continuing to fall. A second lieutenant from the Fairfax County Police Department, two FBI forensic specialists from Quantico, two FBI special agents, the deputy chief of Fairfax Fire and Rescue, and the young chief of the McLean Volunteer Fire Department walked the perimeter of the pool house with Luke and Ian. Cassie’s room was incinerated, and the rest of the building received substantial damage. The basement was flooded and inaccessible because of collapses of the floors above.

  “You’re sure she was in there?” the McLean chief asked.

  “Yes, Chief. I just left her side. Cassie was in bed at the time of the blast. Tucker Hanlon, Eric Seton, and Martin Bailey were also in the building at the time of the explosion, but couldn’t reach her. It was too hot.” When Ian rubbed at his eyes, Luke placed a supportive arm around his shoulder.

  News vans arrived like locusts outside the main gate. The grounds of the estate were overrun with law enforcement, fire, and hazardous materials personnel. The pool house was cordoned off.

  Andy and Javier arrived with files to aid the investigation. Both detectives appeared distraught, advising their Virginia counterparts that solving this case was personal for them.

  Near four o’clock in the morning, the police finished taking statements from all the witnesses. After the chief of police and the FBI director conferred, they decided the PD would be the public face of the investigation, utilizing FBI resources to aid with the investigation. An immediate press release declared Dr. Cassiopeia Ellis died in a heinous, violent way. No other information was issued.

  Ian invited Andy and Javier to join Kieran and him in the office. “Chase, I’m sorry. You did the best you could. Hell, who would think RPGs?” Andy stopped speaking. “Shit, you two are cold bastards. You don’t look upset.”

  Javier stamped his foot. “In fact, you look relieved. Where is she?”

  “Rachel and Tuck are with her. She’s upstairs in my room.”

  “You bastards. You—” Andy cursed.

  “We needed believability,” Ian said without guilt.

  “You think this will force them out, don’t you? And keep Cassie safe.” Andy leaned back in the chair.

  At four-thirty, Kieran encouraged Rachel to leave Cassie’s side. He wanted her, Ellen, Sam, and Monique to go to bed.

  As Ian entered his suite, Tucker turned his weapon on him. “Stand down.” Ian rested a hand on the gun’s slide.

  “I’m sorry, Rachel and I told Cassie some of what happened and the plan. I know you wanted to tell her, but she was starting to tear the place apart to get to you. In fact, she began her salvo by standing on the bed and yanking out the feeding tube.” Tucker let out a choked laugh.

  “I’ve got her. You need to take a break. Call Nikki and get some sleep. My folks are en route. Mom can take care of Cassie if need be, and Pete is coming in to relieve Eric—he needs to rest too.”

  “And you?”

  “Don’t worry about me.” Ian locked the door behind him. After a fast shower, careful to protect his wound, he climbed into bed beside Cassie, content she was safe.

  The wind and rain remained recalcitrant. When thunder exploded overhead, Cassie sat up with a gasp. “It’s okay, sweetheart.”

  She scrambled to her knees. Shaking, she held his face in her hands, worry washing over her eyes. “Ian?” She kissed him. “Ian?” She kissed him again. “Tuck told me some, but what’s going on? He’s covered with bruises. Who else is hurt?” She inspected his head and face. “What could I possibly know that makes them want me dead?”

  “Right now, we both need more sleep. I promise I will tell you everything later.” Ian eased her back under the covers.

  “Please hold me. I need to know you’re safe,” Cassie said.

  Ian pulled her into his arms. “There is nothing I’d rather do more.”

  Chapter Forty

  Her body trembling, Cassie cried out Ian’s name in her sleep. He gave her a gentle shake until her eyes met his. Overwhelming emotion hit him—again, he almost lost her. Tuck and lousy weather prevented both of them from dying in her room.

  Animalistic need took over as he seized her mouth in a frenzied kiss. “I can’t lose you.”

  “I’m here. You have me. All of me.” She sat up and lifted her T-shirt over her head. All she wore was a wisp of green lace.

  “Cassie, sweetheart, I don’t want to take advantage of what happened tonight.”

  “I promise you’re not. Life is too short, and there are tons of things to be afraid of. One thing I am very sure about is I’m not afraid of you.”

  The sure look in Cassie’s eyes made his heart flutter. “Cassie, I will never hurt you. I adore you.” He trembled as he planted slow, sweet kisses against each eyelid, her soft cheeks, and the tip of her nose.

  Blushing, she took his face between her hands. “Tuck took out the tube. I got a little upset before.”

  “Hmmm. I heard a different story. My feisty girl.” Their mouths met. This time, with complete control, Ian coaxed her lips apart with his tongue and felt her lean into him as she returned a gentle kiss. Conscious of her silky skin and honeysuckle scent, he lost himself in her soft sounds. He sighed at the touch of her hands sliding into his damp hair, down his neck, and across his broad shoulders.

  He trailed the back of one finger along her temple, the length of her cheek and down her throat, resting on her pulse point. One finger glided beneath her chin. “Look at me, my sweet Cassie,” he said, breaking their kiss. “I need you to tell me if something feels wrong—if you want to stop—I will. I promise.”

  Her long auburn lashes fluttered. “I swear I’ll tell you.” Cassie placed her hands on his chest and explored the definition of his muscles.

  Reaching behind him, he pulled his T-shirt free, sucking in a breath as she caressed his exposed flesh, his skin heating beneath her touch. When her hand ran over his bandage, Cassie’s eyes widened. “Ian?”

  “A little piece of shrapnel. I’m just fine, sweetheart.”

  “Oh, Ian, I’m so sorry.” Tiny fingers moved over every plane as she discovered his other battle scars. Her lips pressed against a round, faded circle under his left shoulder and along a jagged, white line below the fresh bandage.

  Rolling to his knees, Ian caressed her mouth with his, his fingers a flutter across the tops of her chest. His Adam’s apple bobbed as he kissed the crest of her full, pink-tipped breasts and her hands came up to cover herself. Nipping her bottom lip, his voice was thick. “No, don’t ever hide from me.” He lifted her hand, kissing each fingertip. “You are beautiful.” The red surgical scars and bite scars she was trying to cover didn’t matter to him. Bashful, she lowered her other hand.

  Sapphire eyes gleaming, Ian smiled with approval. “Cassie, these scars don’t define who you are. They are part of your journey to be who you are. And you are the woman I love.” He kissed each bite and scar.

  “My sweet Cassie, tonight is about you. Just keep looking at me. You’re blessing me with a precious gift.” His fingers trailed down her chest, palming a round breast in each of his hands. His fingernails brushed against her nipples, coaxing them to hard peaks, allowing his lips to wrap around one of those swelling buds, nudging it with the tip of his tongue. “You’re gorgeous.”

  She gasped, “I’ve never done this before.”

  Ian looked at her through his thick lashes. “We can learn about what you like or don’t like together. We can slow down or stop whenever you want. Your choice. No judgments. No pressure.”

  Cassie’s eyes were speckled with glints of gold. “I’m afraid I’ll let you down.”

  Ian pulled her up into his arms. “You could never let me down.” He nuzzled the silky skin behind her ear. “Tell me what you want. We can just kiss and hold each other.” He
tugged her earlobe between his lips, following it with a soothing lick.

  “Don’t stop. I…I want to learn.” Her eyes closed with a soft mew.

  Ian pressed her back against the pillows, watching for every cue. Her pleasure meant everything to him. Cassie’s eyes reflected her desire, her body reacting to every kiss and touch. His eyes turned a warm turquoise with his increased arousal. Taking his time, he kissed back up her silky throat to nibble her sweet lips. Soft sounds and small hitches of breath fell from her mouth.

  Letting his hand slide leisurely across her belly, one finger circled her navel, making Cassie giggle. Ian looked at her happy face, and his heart filled. A waft of her feminine scent increased the fire within him. His touch morphed from a tickle to need, and as his exploring fingers moved lower, her body stiffened. He flattened his heated palm on her belly. “Talk to me, sweetheart?”

  She placed her hand on top of his. “I’m afraid I won’t be able to.”

  “We can stop anytime.” Brushing another kiss against her lips, he crooked a finger under her chin to make sure she was looking at him.

  “I don’t want to stop.”

  “Do you trust me?” Patient, he let her choose. Soon, she slid her hand up his arm. The look on her face broke him—love and trust.

  A bolt of desire traveled between them when Ian’s hand slid down and cupped her lace-covered mound. His hand rested against her, his thumb rubbing a figure eight. Her eyes grew glassy with need, and the heat and moisture of her arousal bloomed beneath his touch. Slipping his hand beneath the lace, her soft curls wrapped around his fingers.

  He locked his eyes with hers as one finger ran along her damp, intimate folds. At his touch, Cassie parted her thighs farther. “That’s it, sweetheart. Just feel. Let me take care of you.” His voice was warm and seductive.

  Hooking his thumbs in the lace, he slid her panties down, placing a kiss to her thighs, knees, and ankles. He moved back up her body, kissing the soft flesh of both inner thighs, avoiding her bandages.