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He was such a comfort to her. She laid her head on his chest and breathed him in.
His hand ran up to her neck and then into her hair, fingers moving over her scalp. “So you and Zach run the team.”
She nodded, not moving because he hadn’t let her go. It felt too good to be in his arms. She would stand here forever if he would let her. “He’s our military liaison.”
“And he cares about you,” Dare said slowly, as though contemplating the words. “That’s the point. To have a team that cares about each other.”
“We’re friends.”
“Did your father hire him knowing he would try to get into your panties?”
She gasped and stepped back. “What are you talking about? Zach is a friend. Nothing more.”
Dare reached out and brought her into his arms again. “I’m sure he seems that way to you, but I happen to know the truth. He should understand that if he tries anything, I might not have a military background, but I can be ruthless, too. But you should be gentle with him. He seems to be an okay guy. See, I could understand you having a thing for him. That would make sense. Chet is awful. He’s like the comic villain in a bad rom-com, the one the whole audience knows is a douchebag. Only the heroine thinks he has any value at all.”
She hugged him tight. “I’m a foolish and impatient heroine who should have waited for the right man. When you think about it, you should probably spank me for that.”
A shudder went through him, one that had nothing to do with distaste and everything to do with anticipation. “I don’t have any idea what to do with you. I’m so fucking lost.”
She hated she’d put him here. Patience. It was the word of the day. “Then let’s just be.”
If she could give him peace for the time being, she would. And then she would fight like hell. The truth of the matter was she might have to choose him. She might have to choose between a life in the Agency and a life with him.
Her family would understand if it came to that.
“Let’s just be.” He lowered his mouth to her, kissing her with a slow hunger.
That was when a chime went through the suite, letting them know someone was at the door.
Dare groaned. “It’s probably more food. I swear that Aussie is going to double his costs in food alone.”
“I’ll get it.” She went on her toes and pressed a kiss against his lips. “You go and find a way to get rid of Ben. I don’t need another briefing on how dangerous Huisman is.”
She strode to the door, throwing it open to let in whatever staff member was bringing them food or towels or…her dad.
“Hey, Natasha. I’m afraid we’ve run into a bit of a problem.” Her father stood there, a grim expression on his face. The fact that he’d called her Natasha let her know they weren’t giving away their family ties. It was a shorthand to let her know how to behave.
“What’s the problem, boss?”
“I’m afraid he’s talking about me.” Emmanuel Huisman stepped into view.
Yep, that was one big-ass problem. She opened the door and let the men in. It looked like unwinding would have to wait.
* * * *
Dare stepped out of the kitchen, expecting to see Tasha letting in someone from the staff. Likely someone who had no idea their staff room had been used as an access point earlier in the day.
He wished he didn’t find the whole family so amusing, wished he could find a way to be cold to all of them.
Instead, he found himself staring at one of the aforementioned family. Ian Taggart walked in.
Ah, there was the man he wanted to harass. He was a man who seemed to not have a problem talking about embarrassing things. Well, they were going to test that theory. “Hey, we need to talk about the lackadaisical way you have chosen to raise your children. Did you know what…”
“Dare, we have company.” The expression on Taggart’s face stopped him cold. “I’m afraid we’ll have to talk about my parenting skills later. Dr. Huisman came to visit. Me. In a house he shouldn’t have known about.”
Dare felt his eyes widen as Dr. Huisman walked in, passing Tasha.
“I’m afraid I have my own security, and when I realized what was happening with Oakley, I could stay silent no longer. Especially not when I realized the Agency was involved. We have a connection, Mr. Taggart and I. I thought I could avoid this trouble, but I worry I’m being painted as a villain. Normally I can handle it. I might even deserve it in some people’s eyes, but I need to make you listen to me. Mr. Nash, you are in danger.”
