More Than Strangers by Tara Quan Page A

two are, it’s not that.” Dan was nothing if not astute. Too bad he was blind where his own life was concerned. Then again, most men were.
    “Fine. But this isn’t the time—”
    Jason was talking to Dan’s back. “There were multiple bullets heading her way this afternoon. There may be even more aimed at her before the night is over. Is arguing with me really what you want to do right now?”

Chapter 8
    The bathroom door was ajar. Soft yellow light flowed through the crack. The sound of running water had stopped. Jason flattened his palm on the wood surface and hesitated. It had been six months since they shared that night in the desert. A great deal could change in half a year.
    But nothing had. The realization hit him like a staggering blow. The way they talked, the way she softened in his hold, the way she had rested her head on his chest—that night could have been yesterday.
    There was one difference. He now knew he would never want any woman but her.
    Yet keeping Nulli was a distraction he couldn’t afford. The goal he strived for had never been a white picket fence and a houseful of children. He wanted wealth and the power that came with it, not a family or home.
    His greatest asset was independence. At a moment’s notice, he could fly into a war zone and go for months without any contact with the outside world. It wasn’t enough to possess the ability to complete tough assignments. His success hinged on the desire to take on risks others would shy from.
    Loving her would unbalance his life’s equation. He should be keeping a wary distance, not hovering less than a few feet away.
    The door opened although he didn’t exert any force. He forgot to breathe. Nulli was wrapped in a white towel. Wet and plastered against her face, her hair was a darker shade of sunset. Drops of water beaded over her porcelain skin. Rivulets trailed down her neck and flowed toward her cleavage. Her face devoid of makeup, she was still a vision.
    “Are we alone?” Her voice was husky and laced with invitation.
    In lieu of an answer, he grabbed her shoulders and pulled her into the bedroom. She trembled as they passed the vent. Cold air poured over her damp skin. She clutched the towel tighter over her breasts.
    “You’re cold.” The backs of his legs met the edge of the bed. He shrugged off his jacket and draped it over the corner.
    “You’ll warm me up.” Standing toe to toe with him, her fingers brushed the topmost button of his shirt.
    He caught her wrist. “We shouldn’t. I don’t have a condom.” It was an excuse but also a statement of fact. He hadn’t carried around protection since they parted ways. It wasn’t a conscious decision, but he was beginning to realize the implications. He had never planned to be with anyone but her.
    She freed her hand and continued to undress him. “I never went off birth control. You’ll have to come up with a better reason than that.”
    He knew this path led to perdition. Each touch, each word, each kiss bound them closer together. He had failed to break things off six months ago, and now he feared he might no longer have the ability. Having sex with her was a terrible idea
    Too bad his penis was doing a phenomenal job inhibiting brain function.
    “Whatever it is you’re worried about,” she said as her fingers continued to move down, “it can wait until we’re safe.” The back of her hand brushed his skin. She bent her head to kiss his chest. Every muscle in his body tightened.
    “How much time do we have?” The shirt parted. She slid onto the bed behind him and pulled it off.
    He should lie and tell her Dan was coming back. Instead, Jason muttered, “More than enough.”
    Hot wet kisses trailed down his spine. Damp fingers ran over the muscles on his back and torso. She nipped him just under his shoulder blade. “Could you be more specific?”
    His voice resembled a growl. “At least an hour.”
    The caresses continued. Her tongue darted. Her teeth grazed. Her