Page 51 of Sam's Salvation
Sam frowned, tipping his head as he wondered why she’d think that. “Why would I get hurt? You planning to break my heart?”
A slight smile crossed her face. “No. I meant physically. Being with me could be dangerous.”
He arched an eyebrow. “You do remember what I used to do for a living, yes?”
“And it almost got you killed. I don’t want that to happen again.”
Sam let out a soft exhale. “Audra, whether I put myself in harm’s way or not is my decision to make. I’d rather run the risk and have you by my side than go back to Costa Rica and try to forget that you’re out in the world without me. I’m done doing that. Fate’s given us a second chance, and I don’t intend to squander it.”
She searched his gaze. He let her. He had nothing to hide. Almost from the moment he showed up to help, he’d been all-in on being together. He wasn’t about to return the gift fate had given him.
“It won’t be easy,” she said, her fingers drifting higher to toy with the ridge of his collarbone.
Heat traveled over his shoulder and raced up his neck, sparking a need that made his scalp tingle. “Probably not.”
“There will be times we won’t be able to contact each other. Sometimes for weeks or months.”
“I know.” Though with the friends they both had, he figured there would be a way around that. He leaned closer, ready to end this conversation.
“I’ve been single a long time, and I’m pretty stuck in my ways.” She tipped her face up.
“Me too.” He dipped his head, an invisible force pulling him in.
“We might?—”
“Stop talking.” He closed the gap and fused his mouth to hers, unable to hold back any longer.
A soft whimper escaped her as he delved into her mouth. Her hands skated up over his shoulders to wrap around his neck, turning the tingle racing over his skin into a steady hum. Sam shifted his hold, drawing her into his body. A wash of need flooded him, heating his muscles and making him want to lay her down on the bed and peel off her clothing.
But his mind knew her body wasn’t ready for that, so he ignored the hum vibrating him down to his bones and forced his body to heel. Gentling their kiss, he lifted his head.
Her lashes fluttered for a moment before she turned her liquid chocolate eyes on him. A slight wrinkle formed between her eyes. “I know why you stopped, but it doesn’t make it any easier.”
He offered her a crooked smile and dropped a quick kiss on her forehead. “No. But one day, you won’t be all beaten up.” His gaze heated. “Then there will be no stopping.”
She pulled his head down and kissed him again, then just as swiftly pulled back and pushed him away. “Let’s go eat. We both need the distraction.”
Twenty-Three
The words on the laptop screen blurred, and Audra blinked, stifling a yawn. She was so tired of being cooped up, going over Liam’s files. They’d read, reread, then reread them again. At this point, she doubted they’d see anything, even if there was something there to see. They were too close to it.
What they really needed was for that cybersecurity specialist to contact them. It had been a couple of days since Asher dropped his bombshell, and they’d heard nothing so far. Audra had expected the delay, but it didn’t mean she liked it. Hopefully, the wait would be worth it.
She glanced at Sam over the top of the laptop. He’d perched in the reading chair by the window, his phone in his hand. He was looking at the files too. And probably wishing he’d grabbed his laptop when he hopped on a plane out of Costa Rica. She knew she would be if she was forced to do all her work on a tiny phone screen.
With a huff, she closed the laptop. “I need some air. Do you feel like taking a walk?”
Sam glanced up. “Sure. It’s not like we’re getting anywhere.” He got up and slipped his phone into his pocket.
Audra climbed off the bed and slipped on her shoes, then they were out the door. Sam took her hand, as he had every other time they’d gone somewhere. She glanced away to hide her smile. She quite liked the feeling of holding his hand.
Outside their hotel, they headed for a row of shops nearby. They were near Buckingham Palace, so the place was awash with tourists. That was fine with her. They could blend in.
Audra’s hip had begun to heal nicely, so they strolled along for a few minutes, looking at the architecture. She pointed out several things to him, proud to show off her city. Eventually, they stopped at a small café with a little seating area. It wasn’t quite teatime yet, so the place wasn’t too crowded. They could sit and sip a coffee without feeling pressured to leave.
“So, tell me…” Sam leaned forward on his elbows after they placed their order. “Why isn’t it raining?” He grinned.
Audra laughed. “It doesn’t always rain in England. Especially in the summer. Now if it were winter…” She trailed off and tipped her head.