Page 42 of Heat Force

When she finally came undone, it was like nothing she’d ever experienced. Her body trembled violently beneath him, her cries of pleasure echoing through the small cabin. He followed seconds later, his release explosive, his hands gripping her as if he was afraid to let her go.

For a long time, they lay there together, their bodies tangled, their breathing heavy. Hawk’s arms were wrapped tightly around her, his chest rising and falling against her back.

Tears slid silently down her cheeks as she closed her eyes. She didn’t know what tomorrow would bring, but tonight, she was his. And he was hers. And that, for now, was enough.

CHAPTER 18

The first rays of sunlight crept through the window, casting a warm, golden hue across the room. Lexi sat on the edge of the bed, clutching her knees to her chest, and gazed at the man lying beside her. Hawk was sprawled on his back, one arm slung above his head, his chest rising and falling in the peaceful rhythm of sleep. Even in stillness, he radiated strength, the sharp lines of his jaw softened only by the slight scruff he hadn’t bothered to shave.

Her heart twisted.

What a night.

Passionate, raw, and overwhelming in ways she hadn’t been prepared for. They’d come together like two forces of nature, and for a few precious hours, she’d allowed herself to forget everything else—her work, her fears, her past. But now, in the cool light of dawn, reality was pressing down on her, making it harder to breathe.

Hawk stirred, his eyes fluttering open, and when his gaze landed on her, his lips curved into a sleepy smile.

“Morning,” he murmured, his voice rough with sleep.

Lexi felt her breath hitch. “Morning.”

He reached out, his fingers grazing her thigh as he pulled her gently back down beside him. “Come back to bed.”

She wanted to give in—to let herself be cocooned in this fleeting bubble of warmth and desire, but that would be foolish. He’d already ruined her for anyone else. Going another round with Hawk would destroy her completely. Instinctively, she knew that. There was only so much heartache she could bear.

“I can’t,” she said softly, her fingers brushing against his as she slid out of reach. “I have to check on the silverback. Patrick’s probably already at the clinic.”

Hawk groaned dramatically, running a hand through his messy hair. “Surely Patrick can take care of him for one morning. I, on the other hand…” His voice trailed off as he sat up, his broad shoulders catching the morning light. He looked at her, hope flickering in his expression. “This is your last chance, you know.”

Lexi froze, unsure if he was teasing or not. His words were laced with a bittersweet finality, a stark reminder that this moment—their moment—was slipping away.

“I know,” she whispered, not even managing a sad smile. “I wish I could stay.”

She turned away, pulling on a T-shirt, as the silence stretched between them.

There was a creak as Hawk climbed out of bed and crossed the room to the small shower. Lexi’s eyes flicked to him against her will, remembering how it felt running her hands over every inch of that magnificent body.

For a fleeting moment, she imagined what it would be like waking up to this sight every day, making love to him every night. Sharing a life with him.

Her chest tightened and she choked back the tears. Hawk disappeared into the shower, the sound of running water fillingthe space. She busied herself with pulling on her jeans and putting on her shoes, tying the laces with trembling hands.

By the time he joined her outside on the doorstep, the air between them was lighter but no less heavy with unsaid words. The morning chorus of the jungle surrounded them—the chirp of birds, the distant rustle of leaves—but Lexi could hardly hear it over the pounding of her heart.

“What time do you leave?” she asked, trying to keep her voice even.

“UN escorts arrive around noon,” he replied. “I need to head back to the Lodge to pack my things and have breakfast with Robert. He’ll probably guess where I’ve been.” He shot her a heated look. “Not that I mind.”

Lexi forced a smile. “I don’t suppose it matters. It’s just one night, and you’ll be gone soon.”

He turned to face her, his dark blue eyes locking onto hers. “I want you to know that last night was… well, it was incredible. It wasn’t just one night to me. I don’t want you to think that.”

Her stomach twisted. “No,” she said quickly, shaking her head. “Of course not. I didn’t mean it like that.” She looked down at her hands, the words tangling on her tongue. How could she explain? How could she make him understand that it had meant everything to her, but that everything could only last for one night?

“I won’t forget you, Lexi, or what we shared.”

Her throat tightened. “Neither will I.”

There was a pause.