Page 30 (2/2)

Grant smiled, smooth and friendly Even under all that paint he was a fine-looking man "Hell, Captain We're not here for you We came on account of the lady here You kno I can't keep my hands off the redheads" His suy was a serious wo hand on his shoulder "Easy, David Grant doesn't know she's your woman"

Noelle blushed and wondered if soawky nerd with y clothes How surreal

Grant held up his hands in surrender and took a ful step away from Noelle "I think I just found one redhead I can steer clear of I guess that just proves there's always a first ti"

David's eyes searched Noelle's body, hovering at her face "You sure you're okay?" he asked

Noelle's pulse had slowed, but she was still quaking inside The adrenaline crash after this scare wasn't going to be fun Already she was starting to feel cold and weak And she really had to pee

Caleb gave her a sheepish look "Sorry if I hurt you I tried to be careful, but I couldn't take the chance you'd put a bullet hole in my buddy"

"I' out a co hand before he let it fall to his side without touching her

Again

She offered hi inside and hated it that she wasn't o put on some hot coffee Anyone interested?"

Caleb and Grant nodded, but David just stared, his blue gaze hot and unwavering "Go warm up We'll be in in a minute"

It was a dislad to obey just to be back inside where it arm, where David didn't look at her like he was about to kiss her

If he kissed her, emotions without naht She was already on edge, struggling to keep control over her fear and worry and lust There was no roo more and she'd break

David had to use every ounce of self-control just to keep hi her naked toand pale, and he just wanted to hold her until all the bad stuff went away The things that had raced through his head when he heard that gunshot and saw her thrashing and fighting to get free of Caleb still made his blood run cold He'd never been more afraid in his life

Not even when he'd been about to descend into the Swarm's camp and recover Mary's body

He wasn't sure as happening to hiood for his thinly held control

"She's cute Kinda pixielike," said Grant, strategically standing well out of striking distance from David

David scowled at Grant "She's a hell of a lot more than just cute, and you stay the hell away froot it loud and clear, sir"

David looked at Caleb, as slowly studying the tree line Even hten Caleb's coal black hair His skin was even more tanned than David reed The man inside seemed to be more of an emotionless soldier than David re man to keep watch, but Caleb was more than just cautious He was suspicious and watchful as if he expected an ambush at any moment

David was so relieved to have him at his back it nearly drove him to his knees

"How did you know about Noelle?" he asked Caleb

Hard, black eyes met David's "You mean how did I know she was your woed one massive shoulder "She had your scent and the smell of sex all over her No way she'd sainst her"

David felt himself harden at the words He'd done a lotto do it again Too bad Noelle didn't feel the same way

Neither otten used to his uncanny abilities years ago

"Good choice in woe cloth off his head, revealing his sun-bleached hair "She's no wilting flower to stand back and let herself get killed It was s, and, frankly, I'm surprised she didn't try to shootlike that, but I wouldn't have been shocked if she'd tried"

"I should have been here," said David, hating hih to save her the fear of encountering two strangers eapons What if it hadn't been his buddies?

His gut clenched into a knot at the thought, and he ruthlessly pushed it away Thoughts like that would freeze him up and make him useless to her

"Yeah, and we're supposed to be back in that desert hunting sand rats," said Grant "You can't be everywhere at once Get over it"

Easier said than done, thought David "How did you two get here so fast?"

"A few days ago we got word that you'd rejoined Delta We'd been trying to find you, but until your call cah, we had no idea where to look"

"Why were you looking forcohout the Middle East Your name came up," said Caleb

"Needless to say," continued Grant, "we started listening a little harder Word's out that you're back in the ga for you The Swar, and as you're the man who nearly destroyed thee to anyone else who ht try to do the same"