ped to attention before th

e cracked slightly, his eyes fixed on some point

ugh the cab's warmth. "At ease, Corporal. I have a visitor

ning of his pupils, the slight parting of his lips, the quick recovery as he remembered his

n drove on, gravel crunch

grounds where figures in PT gear ran in formation, the distant pop of small-arms fire from a range she couldn't see. It smelled different

ng the wind tangle he

Three runners on the parade ground stumbled, their formation

ng the window control. The glass rose, sealing them in. "Th

dangerous. "I was just appreciating the view. Though I have t

lse at his temple. "You will remain in the vehicle at all times. Y

ainst the seat. "You know, for a man who kissed me like he was

his knuckles white on the wheel. "That was a

n't

wallowed. They'd reached a parking area near a cluster of administrative buildings

, files clutched to his chest. "Colonel!

against his hip at the last second, and Kiera watched with

ed her sunglasses. Shook

d through Ethan's still-open window. "I'm C

like it might bite him. Then, slowly, he reached out and touc

eathed. "Good

ripple of awareness spread through the morning routine like a stone dropped in still water. Ma'

being strangled. "Gus. Godda

ted, her hand finding Ethan's arm, her fingers digging into

ous in her mouth, theatrical, and yet she watched Gus Jankowski's expre

enough to cut paper. "Congratulations, sir! I m

feeling the tension coiling there, the urge to correct, to clarify, to maintain the pristine bou

bution in ways that would have terrified her a week ago. She met them s

lain that she was a delusional socialite who'd forced her way into his vehicl

ority, the image of a commander who was al

mp of his shoulder beneath her hand, the almost imperce

voice perfectly level. "We'll discuss

a this time. "Ma'am. If you need anything-anythin

hear the conversation to know what was happening. The Colonel's mystery

force, the truck's suspension rocking, and was out of his seat before she'd unbuckled her belt.

he ground

male and military-metal desk, flags in the corner, a photograph of him in desert camouflage shaking hands with a man she didn

egan, his voice dangerously

hell casing. It was heavy in her hand, warm from the sun through the wi

gh that she could feel his breath on her neck. "You're

desk edge digging into her spine. "Who makes you forget your preci

his voice now. "In this world, reputation is everything. These men-they have to trust me. They have to believe that I have control, that I won't let e

hispered, "you shou

into hers, hard and hungry, all the fury and frustration of the morning pouring into the kiss. His hands left the desk

sharp, perfunctory knock. Before Eth

fee you-oh God. Oh my G

oor, his hand outstretched like he could physically block the intrusion. Gus Jankowski stood f

surface, a filing cabinet, his movements jerky and

hut with a click that seemed loud

le

and fell with each controlled breath. When he finally turned, his face was blank, wipe

," he sai

straightening her dre

, "is now in your hands.

his men marched in perfect formation, unaware that their comma

shoulders almost touched. In the reflection, s

she said