Page 65 of Silver Fire

“I take my word seriously, Mr. Becker,” Justin replied. “Wouldn’t you feel better if you at least tried to save your family?”

Nash Becker stared at his wife and son. Swallowing painfully, he said, “What do you want me to do?”

* * *

Sophie blinkedher eyes open to the drone of the television. Her head was on Derek’s lap; she must have fallen asleep after watching that chick flick she insisted they watch. Derek rolled his eyes at her choice, but let her have her way. Such were the joys of courtship. Women get their way the majority of the time. Derek seemed to be making up for their rocky start.

He had not claimed to be a good cook, but he had several basic recipes in his arsenal. He made an impressive chicken parmesan for dinner and paired it with a nice Chianti. Derek was a great conversationalist when he wasn’t making sexual innuendos. He had traveled extensively when he was in the Army and had an interest in old European architecture and ancient military history.

“It was more about strategy than firepower during medieval times,” Derek said. “I’ve always been fascinated with Alexander the Great; his tactics against the Persian Empire were brilliant. They were outnumbered, yet they sustained minimal losses of their men.”

“Is that why you became a tactical analyst at AGS?” Sophie asked.

Derek grinned and nodded.

“You know, a general is only as good as the men he puts in command of his phalanx,” Sophie said.

“Why, my dear Dr. Leroux, I believe you know a thing or two about ancient military history,” Derek said with amusement.

“I watch movies,” Sophie replied blithely. “Speaking of which, I think that new Kate Harris romantic comedy is out to rent now.”

Derek groaned. “Is this my punishment for this morning? Torture by chick flick?”

Sophie laughed and dragged him out of the chair. “Why don’t you look for it on TV, and I can clean up over here.”

“That’ll take two seconds, let’s clean up together and we can be watching your romcom sooner.”

And so they took care of the dishes like an old married couple, sat down on the couch and watched a chick flick. And now she had her head on his lap. He was only wearing boxers and she was sure if she would shift her head a little, the no-carnal exploration suggestion earlier would be a moot point.

“Sophie,” Derek whispered. “I know you’re awake.”

Pretending to yawn, she pushed up and slumped back beside him. “What time is it?”

“It’s 1:00 a.m.”

“Sorry, I fell asleep on you, the news always does that to me,” Sophie replied. “I’m heading to bed.”

“What’s the rush? It’s Sunday,” Derek said silkily, his intentions clear. His eyes were almost black from the television’s light, but there was no mistaking the hunger in them.

“You promised.”

“As I recall, I refused to promise.” He pushed her down on the couch, fell on top of her, and wrapped her legs around him. “Because I know I can’t keep it.”

“I don’t think this is a good idea. I need space.”

“Angel, I’ll give you all the space you want,” Derek leaned down and brushed her lips. “As long as I’m in it with you.”

Sophie did not say anymore because her mouth got busy. Derek kissed her gently, a slow sensual kiss meant to tease. She was wearing shorts and a camisole and he wasted no time taking advantage as his hands caressed her bare legs. She could feel his erection nudging between her legs, realizing that she wanted him to fill her completely. Leaving open-mouthed kisses down her neck, his fingers pushed aside her left cami strap to bare her breast. His lips immediately followed, his tongue swirling around the areola, refusing to suck or to draw her nipple between his teeth. She arched her back and gasped, “Derek!”

“Tell me what you want, baby,” he murmured against her breast.

“Suck it, please.”

He captured one nipple, lightly grazing with his teeth as his fingers trailed the sensitive skin of her thighs through her shorts, again refusing to touch her quite at the target. It wasn’t enough, he was torturing her.

She bucked her hips to position his fingers where she wanted them, but he moved them away.

“What else do you want, Angel?”