Rebel Heart

Yet, he'd refused her offer to become his companion. The way he kissed her and the way his gaze lingered on her every time they spoke was more than enough to convince her he was attracted to her. She wondered what kept him back and what exactly he wanted. He'd asked for nothing.

"You're staring at me. What?" Brady asked, without looking up.

"I'm trying to figure you out."

"There's nothing much to me. I'm a soldier."

"Traitor to your country."

"You're smart enough to know better. The PMF will be the only thing that holds this country together. You just don't want to admit what's going on around you."

"That makes two of us," she mused.

Brady glanced over his shoulder at her.

"I was thinking about how you kissed me," she said. "It was … ah … anyway, Brady, I feel like I know you already."

He bristled. Instead of answering, he rose and faced her. Lana stepped out of the doorway as he approached, assuming he meant to ignore her and head to the bedroom to rest. Brady paused in front of her, meeting her gaze.

"What do you think?" he asked.

"I wouldn't have asked if I thought otherwise," she replied.

He kissed her in response, as intense as he had been at the entrance of the underground base. She sensed his restraint break. His hands roamed her body, and she returned his hot kisses, wanting him with the same lust she felt from him. Her question slid away from her mind as he maneuvered her into the bedroom and lowered her onto the bed. Lana pulled him on top of her, certain he wouldn't walk away this time.

Brady made love to her with passion and tenderness, a combination that made her fall even harder for the side of him that had kept her company for weeks and protected her. He held her afterwards until she drifted into a doze. She awoke beneath the sheets of his bed, warm and comfortable. Her skin smelled of him, and she smiled.

Brady stirred across the room. He was getting dressed in his uniform.

"Gotta fight bad guys." His voice held a tight note, one she couldn't place. He didn't look at her.

"Are you all right?" she asked, pushing herself up.

"Yeah." He was distant again.

Lana pulled the blankets up as well, feeling exposed rather than comfortable at his sudden change.

"You're not upset about what happened are you?" she asked.