Code Name: Kayla's Fire by Natasza Waters Read Free Book Online Page B

hers.
    The sails in her mind
drooped, having to give way to his point.
    Thane leaned his head back,
and peered into the heavens. “Kayla, I know trust must be the hardest thing in
the world to you.”
    The statement had so
many spurs she didn’t know how to answer. “I suppose,” she replied, gazing at
the distinct, strong angles of his features.
    “I read your note. I
heard you in my mind when things were the toughest.” He darted a quick look at
her, and then turned his attention upward again. “To be honest, I’ve had plenty
of notes over the years, but I only kept one—yours.” His forehead wrinkled
tight with his thoughts. “I actually laughed out loud reading it. The team
thought I’d lost my mind, but, I hadn’t lost it, I’d made a decision. I’d
annihilate an entire country to see you again.”
    She stared at him not
knowing what to say, instead she covered his hand with hers, and he quickly
folded it in his warmth.
    He drew her close.
“Kayla, leave your fear in my arms, and believe in me. It’s all I’m asking.”
    With his body warming
hers, and his strength wrapped around her, her heart grew heavy. “I don’t know
why I’m crying.”
    “Because you’re
frustrated. I know you want this over, and it will be, but until then I need to
know you’re safe,” he whispered against her lips, and followed the curve of her
mouth, kissing her with little nips.
    Her heart thundered as
she broke their kiss. “You have to be the most stubborn man I’ve ever known.”
    Thane chuckled, and
pulled out his phone. “Hey, Mace, you know the code on my back door?” He
paused. “Use it tonight.” Another pause, and he rolled his eyes. “Yeah, you can
use the Jacuzzi but stay the hell out of my wine cellar.”
    She laughed at that.
“Don’t hold your breath.”
    “I know.” Thane twisted
and nudged his head over his shoulder. “Ever been to that restaurant over
there? Awesome Mexican, and you left that appetizer platter behind.”
    Her stomach growled in
response, and she darted a look toward the ground.
    The music reached out
to them as they walked across the field toward the colorful banners stretched
across wood beams. Torches flickered in the evening light, and created shadows
across the oversized puppets standing watch on either side of a stage. A couple
dressed in authentic Spanish costume danced around each other impressing the
crowd, who sat on small benches to watch.
    “Thane?” They stopped
to enjoy the performers, and she leaned against his warm chest. His arms
wrapped her in a tight bundle. “Thank you.” She twisted her neck to look up at
him.
    The lines on his
forehead relaxed, and an honest smile shone in his eyes. He spun her gently,
and suddenly all was silent being in her hero’s arms.
    “Ms. Banks, no matter
how crazy things may get, we’ll hang onto each other and ride out the storm.”
    “Who’s the captain?”
she teased, narrowing her eyes.
    Thane’s cheeks puckered,
and then he laughed. “You’re always in charge, sweetheart. I’ll make sure of
it.”
    “Let’s eat, I’m
starving.” She squirmed away from him, taking a step toward the restaurant.
    With a quick swipe, he
grabbed her hand. “Not so fast.”
    “What?”
    “One little issue we
haven’t resolved.”
    “Please, don’t—”
    “Kayla, be serious,
you’re not going on a bloody vacation with him.”
    Better to walk away
than start another fight.
    “Nope, stand and
fight,” he growled, clinging to her hand. “What guy would let his girlfriend
get on a plane with some other guy?”
    She yanked her fingers
from his, and thrust them onto her hip. “So you’re trying to tell me you’re my
boyfriend. Really! Tell me one boyfriend thing you’ve ever done.”
    Thane’s shoulders
straightened with a jerk. “Well, there’s—you know.”
    “I can walk into that
bar over there and get you know, and
he isn’t my boyfriend.”
    “I’ve made you dinner,”
nodding his head sharply.
    “Uh-huh,