Tequila Sunset: A Military Erotic Romance (Sexy Siesta Series Book 2) by Talina Perkins Read Free Book Online Page B

spot?”
    “Thanks, I’ll catch you later when I find out more, bro.” Gabriel hung up and pocketed the cell.
    She stood still, amazed by the man’s clipped, hurried words. The way he spoke with such confidence turned her on when she should be concerned about the fire.
    “Do you always expect to have your orders followed?” In bed he was conscious of what she needed, listened to what she wanted, and obeyed her body’s desires. Out of bed, he liked to be in control. Come to think of it, they never really spent much time together out of bed. Seeing him tonight under less than romantic circumstances brought a completely new light to the man.
    “When someone I care about is in trouble, there’s no hesitation, baby. We’ll get to the bottom of this and when we do, the people responsible will pay for trying to hurt you.”
    She didn’t agree with him about her being the target. “What makes you think it’s me their sights are set on? I was safe on the beach, remember?”
    He grew rigid. “You shouldn’t be outside alone like that. And the fact still remains. Bougainvillea is up to something. You heard what he said tonight to you. The whole ‘you’re a traitor’ line of crap was aimed at you, precious. And in my experience he was throwing down a threat if not a damn promise at our feet.”
    She wrapped her arms around herself, worrying her lower lip. “True, but he seemed to have a beef with you military boys more.”
    She’d seen the hatred in the darkness of the other man’s eyes tonight. Something was off there and it looked more and more as though she’d made a mistake in asking Bougainvillea as her date to Lucas’s wedding.
    Gabe nodded. “Looks like the man has a few issues and something to prove. He won’t get that chance as long as I’m next to you.” Gabe moved over to her and softly curled a single finger under her chin. “And, precious, you’re not going anywhere without me. I’ll never let anyone hurt you, Ema.” Her breath caught and her body hummed with anticipation at his tender touch. He sealed his words with a kiss. Lightly at first then he took it deeper.
    Her head cautioned her against promises, but her heart swelled with relief. Like two opposing angels on her shoulders, her head quickly jumped to override her heart’s desires. He’s dedicated to the uniform, not you, chica. Military men had their duties. Love was secondary.
    “You ready to go rock ’n roll?”
     

Chapter Five
     
    Twenty minutes and a couple of shots of Mexican gold later, Ema was pretty damn sure there was no problem in the world tequila couldn’t solve. She didn’t intend to get drunk, but she needed something to dull the tension knotting her nerves.
    While Gabriel made his calls to his CO stateside, she’d showered off the soot and was wide awake at some ungodly hour with an eight-hour road trip ahead of her come morning. That was another thing. She couldn’t leave Gabe here by himself to find out what tonight was all about. Not to mention, she wanted answers, too.
    “I can see that pretty mind of yours clocking in some overtime. Worried ‘bout what happened tonight?” Gabriel walked up behind her and placed the cell down before resting his hands on her hips. She leaned against his bare shoulder causing the sheet she had wrapped around her to loosen around her breasts. “Hmmmm…lovely.”
    Always a flirt. She nodded. “Just thinking about my trip back.”
    Gabe’s chest rose and fell with a deep sigh. “Can I offer you another option?”
    Ema turned to face him. Streaks of moonlight poured through the window to cast a pale light over his features. Dimmed sconces complemented the low lighting.
    Half of his face remained in shadow, but nothing could hide the hope in his eyes. One thing was for sure though—the man wore sexiness and protectiveness with a touch of broodiness like a second skin.
    Wistful thoughts flitted across her mind at what it would be like to wake up to a man like Gabriel every