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A large wagon loaded with hay and a couple of cream-colored cows tied to the back of the wagon driven by a man and woman. Jake hoped they were a married couple and not some of Azizi's watchdogs.

  "Come on, Fontana.” Jake took the lead, walking out to meet the wagon with a smile and a wave. “Good evening."

  The stoic man slowly answered. “Hola."

  Jake was cautious, unobtrusively touching his sidearm as he approached the couple. “We ran our jeep into a ravine a few miles back. We kind of got lost from our party.” He hugged Fontana. “My wife and I are part of a geologist survey here to preserve the water source in the forest."

  The farmer interpreted for his wife, gesturing in Jakes direction. A moment later, he turned back to the weary travelers. “We can take you as far as our home. Our farm is a far distance off the road. You're welcome to ride."

  Jake's smile was genuine. “We'd appreciate any help. My wife's injured her leg and is covered with bug bites."

  After a brief conference, the farmer gestured to the back of the wagon. “Carmelita and I invite you to our home. She has medicine for the injury and the bites. She wants to help."

  At last, they were making some headway. This ride, no matter how brief, was a gift from above.

  After helping Fontana into the back of the wagon, Jake climbed in beside her.

  She didn't seem at all put out by the fact a couple of mutton butts were precariously near her.

  He moved as far away from the sheep as space allowed, holding her close. She scratched at one of her many bites and yawned over a question.

  "Do you think they'll feed us?"

  "Won't hurt to ask."

  They didn't talk anymore as the wagon rumbled down the road. Jake was too worried about the mess they were in to make light conversation. He had no idea how far they must go to find their target. The possibility they were headed into a trap meant he wouldn't close his eyes that night.

  Chapter Twelve

  Jessica dozed off and on even though the rickety wagon constantly reminded her of every scrape and bruise. Closing her eyes didn't diminish the strong, unpleasant smell of sheep. After what seemed like hours of torture, bouncing over ruts and rocks, the wagon came to a noisy halt. Someone gripped her arm and tried to pull her upright. Flinging straw aside and gripping her weapon, she stared at the man trying to take her from that odorous place.

  "Claypool!” She heaved a sigh of relief, only to be hit with the aching condition of her hip. “I can get down with no help."

  "Sure you can.” He pulled her into his arms and carried her to a small shed near what must have been the main house. “Did you talk this over with the owners?"

  "While you snored.” He put her down on a pile of straw. “And, you snore damn cute."

  She didn't care what he said. She just wanted something to stop the misery of insect bites and her empty belly.

  Jake surveyed the area from the doorway. “I'm going to the house for the things Maria offered. She made the bug stuff sound damned good. Not supposed to stink or sting. You stay put."

  "Yes, sir.” He didn't have to tell her twice. Jessica tossed the straw around until it assumed the look of a bed. She slowly sank down into it and heaved a deep sigh.

  What a life. Groveling to strangers for food and shelter. At that moment, she missed the comfort of stuffed shirt Peter's way of life. The bastard. Right now, he was probably enjoying a snifter of brandy, maybe going out for the evening with his new lady friend. Poor woman. Hell no. He was snoring under a down comforter and snuggling on silk sheets.

  The face of her watch wasn't visible under its coating of grime. She got up and went to the open doorway to rub mud from the crystal. Nine o'clock. Yes, she'd forgotten people here had their evening meal later in the day.

  Jessica drew back from the door. Someone in a hurry approached the hut. Damn. She hoped that person was her partner.

  The weapon in her hand was cool compared to the heat of the night.

  "Don't shoot me, Fontana."

  "It was close.” Her ribs hurt from the steady pounding of her heart. “What did you bring?"

  Jake handed her a jug of water and set several covered bowls on the dusty milking stool. “I think it's rice and some peppers thrown in. I didn't get a menu."

  "Thank you anyway, horse's ass.” She tipped the jug to her lips and drank. Never had water tasted so sweet and heavenly.

  She watched him for a few seconds. He appeared to be in a grim mood. Nothing new, but the lawman scowl seemed darker tonight.

  Wasting no time, he tossed a dark gray blanket of rough wool onto the straw. “The heads a few yards down the hill."

  Jessica carefully sat the water down, and shook her head. “I'm not going down there in the dark."

  "I'll go with you.” He chuckled. “Hold your hand or kill the bats."

  "I'm not kidding."

  "Neither was I."

  She felt foolish, not like an agent with years of trouble under her belt. “I just don't want more bugs on my naked ass."

  He pressed a finger to her lips. “Shhh. Its not bugs I'm worried about.” He lit the small lantern he'd found hanging from on a hook by the entrance. “Something's just not jelling here."

  Her hunger disappeared. “What's wrong?"

  "I don't know exactly. Maybe the fact they have a wireless in the house. That's about all they have. I found the set while they were both out of the room.” He looked over his shoulder. “We haul ass out of here as soon as the house is dark."

  Jessica gazed at the bowls with hunger clawing her belly. “That shouldn't be long. I'll bet they don't have cable."

  "No. But they're young."

  "Meaning?"

  "They probably screw half the night, and then go to sleep."

  "They're farmers. They're asleep as soon as their heads hit the pillow."

  "Sure.” Jake chuckled. “I have to go back to the house. Carmelita promised the stuff would be ready in a few minutes. Uh, holster that damned forty-five."

  He left, going back to the modest home to get her medicine. Such a nice boy, making a special trip for her. She snorted over her description of him.

  The absolute loneliness of the place surrounded her. Too quiet, too remote, and damn frightening. She wasn't a roughing it type girl.

  Hearing Jake's footsteps outside the hut, she leaned against the wall and waited for him, breathing easier knowing he was coming back. He came inside and dropped the dusty burlap curtain over the doorway.

  She eyed the bottle he held. “I hope there's a miracle cure in that stuff."

  He shook the bottle several times, looking unsure. “Take your clothes off."

  "What?"

  "Carmelita advised me to put this over your entire body.” He grinned. “Won't work otherwise."

  "You made that up."

  "Fine. You want to keep digging at those, or what?"

  "Okay."

  He was right, and she didn't intend making any virginal objections.

  She quickly removed both her shirts, caring little that she was wearing nothing more than a demi-bra. Dropping her trousers, she sighed with the idea of sweet relief.

  He sat beside her on the rough bed, his gaze hungry. “Where do you want it?"

  "Claypool."

  "Okay.” He breathed deep and made a low, mournful sound of misery in his throat.

  "What was that?"

  "Don't worry. Just me.” He dabbed the cool liquid from the bottle over her back and neck.

  Jessica groaned with pleasure. Whatever was in the potion should be patented. “More, Claypool. More."

  He stroked the cool medication down her spine and above her hips. “You have places on your ass. Am I allowed to work down there?"

  "We'll play doctor.” She lay on her stomach, wriggling under his touch, turning onto her back at his suggestion. “Don't ease off now, Claypool. It's feeling wonderful."

  The volume of her own moan surprised Jessica, and she tightened her butt cheeks to ward off another roun
d of pleasure purring.

  His big hand caressed her burning flesh and built a smelting pot heat between her legs. The sting of insect attack cooled and now her body now warmed from her crotch to her throbbing breasts. An aching, longing anticipation pulsed through her.

  What now? She wasn't sure Jake wanted to play around while insurmountable odds were against them. He'd become the consummate agent, probably convinced himself he should not take a roll in the hay with her. She wanted to change his mind.

  "Jake.” She got to her knees to face him, gazing at him with open desire. “Want me to do you?"

  With tantalizing, unhurried ease, he unhooked her bra, gently cupping her breasts in his big hands. Jessica shivered, tremors of pleasure streaking through her body.

  "I'm not through doing you, Fontana.” He pressed his lips to her throat, nipping lightly on his way to her mouth.

  This was feeling a lot like the first time, exciting, sweet, and a little frightening. She was afraid he wouldn't find her body to his liking, or her scent or something would turn him off.

  No time to worry, not when he pulled her close and his heart thudded against her breasts. The way he kissed, deep and hard, taking her mouth in a searing kiss until she felt faint, swept her to the fiery heat of climax until she opened her mouth to beg him for sex.

  Warm and full, no other lips had taken hers so completely, or brought her to the center of her own sexuality. She was hot, so sensually aroused the earth spun under her.

  The air had become stifling, and her skin beaded with sweat. She didn't care. The man obviously loved sliding his belly against hers, lifting her up to suck her nipples until she moaned through clenched teeth.

  And to think she'd dubbed him a simple diversion in the beginning. Heavens, had she been off the mark. This Texan was experienced and delivering what his smile promised. Pleasure!

  She wasn't imagining this, the way he drove her wild with desire, easing her back down to tease her wet folds until she squirmed hard, lifting up on her knees, squeezing her herself around the fingers he slipped deep inside her.

  The lawman must be pleased with her. He was like fevered iron in her fingers, heavy in her palm.

  The sensation of falling through space didn't bother her or cool the flame of passion in her blood. Jake held her tight, dropping down on the blanket to take her senses away with more blood drugging, deep kisses.

  Why had she been worried? He was perfect. His voice stroked her breasts and between her legs, bringing up the fire of desire while he told her the lantern had to be extinguished. Too dangerous to have it lit.

  Oh hell! How could she have forgotten why she was in that hot, hellhole?

  With his tongue playing with hers, she squeezed her eyes shut, grasping every little burst of pleasure and trying to convince her self the moment would last forever.

  Please don't do this to me. Don't make me remember duty!

  Jessica knew the silent little plea was out of line, that she shouldn't be having an erotic moment, not while that murdering devil she hunted was still free to kill.

  Forget about him, her nasty, inner voice coaxed. “I will,” she moaned aloud just as Jake bit her neck and took her with the strength she had longed for. Deep, deliberate, and powerful thrusts pushed her to the heavenly sordid climax that sizzled through her blood and muscles.

  He came, rocking into her with a loud groan and kissed her into a swoon of helpless delight she'd never experienced. So, quick, hot sex was really worth waiting for. She sighed and held his face close to hers, sucking his plump lower lip into her mouth.

  "I think I loved that, Claypool.” The sex had been exactly how she'd wanted it. Anticipation had kicked out the need for long foreplay, and the sex had been incredible, hard, fast and deep. Maybe next time the party would have twelve courses.

  "I know you did.” He laughed, letting his weight rest on her. “Not as much as I did.” He kissed her softly, running his tongue between her pulsing lips. “Want it again?"

  "If only. I'll take a rain check.” Enjoy it while it's here. Jessica took advantage of the moment to squeeze the bunched mounds of his ass, testing the hard muscles of his shoulders and arms. “My god, you're tight as a bow."

  "I might say the same for you, lady. Damn, you smell incredible.” Jake sniffed her hair. “Just like apple blossom."

  She'd forgotten the bug medication and the fact she had been ravenous earlier. Pure contentment allowed her relax and stretch beneath him. “If we had more time, I'd take a bath in the cattle tank I saw outside the door."

  He rolled off her, patting her ass several times. “We'd better get ready to pull out of here, pronto.” He yanked on his pants and then his shirt. Setting a pail of water near the makeshift bed, he grinned at her. “Not much of a toilet for my lady, but we're kind of in a bind here.'

  "It's fine, Claypool.” She wasn't shy with him. No time and no inclination. He was her partner and now her lover. They would never have secrets from each other like ordinary people. She wondered if he wanted to talk.

  With only time for a quick pan bath, Jessica washed quickly and put on her clothes, then tried to brush straw from her hair. The cloth rag Jake had given her provided material to tie back her hair.

  The weight of her weapon on her waist gave her a feeling of completion once again. What more could a gal want than blistering hot sex and a vicious weapon? She grimaced with self-deprecation. Indeed what?

  The shoelace thing came back to haunt her. They were knotted in a dozen places.

  "Fontana.” Jake had reverted back into his bad-assed self. “Shake a leg. The house is dark."

  He stood with undisguised impatience, anxiously looking outside, waiting for her to tie her boots. She had a problem. “Give me your blade."

  "What? We don't have time to screw again."

  "Oh pu-leeze! Your knife, jackass."

  He squatted down in front of her, reworking the tattered laces in her boots. “I told you about this."

  "Don't worry about it."

  "I guess that means you're pissed off at me."

  "Why, of course not.” She got her boots on and pushed him aside. “If those farmers are finished having sex, we can be on our way."

  He picked up the blanket and folded it. “Here.” He handed her a bowl of the food Carmelita had given him. “Go ahead. It's clean."

  He devoured his in a few bites, setting the bowl on a small shelf. Jessica hesitated but figured if he'd gulped it down, she'd risk it.

  Damn, it was delicious. She greedily licked the bowl before he took it from her hand. “Let's make a recon mission around the place."

  She wiped her mouth. “Check."

  He lifted the dusty curtain and went outside. Before she left, Jessica checked around the small room. They couldn't afford to leave anything behind.

  The moon had risen, and the area was lit up like a sound stage. Jake looked like a sleuth in one of those wild and fictitious cop shows. His hair stood on end and his chin was covered with a two-day prickly beard. It made no difference. He looked awesome, and her body tightened in appreciation.

  Lord, she must look like a hag. Filthy clothes and weed-choked hair would be any man's dream. She snorted with amusement.

  Pulling her self together, Jessica thought about the spot they were in. Not for long however. While a skim of thin clouds defused the moon glow, Jake stopped at the water pump near the hut. He worked the pump handle, leaning over to let the cool water splash over his head. He combed his hair with his fingers and ran a hand over his chin.

  "Your hair still sticks straight up.” She managed to stifle her laugh.

  "You love it.” Touching his knuckles to her jaw, Mister Fun Time vanished and Mister Agent stepped in. “Stop horsing around and check your weapon. We're outta here."

  Before her flip reply slipped over her lips, he grabbed her arm, pulling her along to take cover behind a large shrub that smelled of spice.

  Brilliant light from a huge black RV's headlight's sliced thro
ugh the dark. She followed suit when Claypool dropped to the ground. “I don't think those old boys are farmers."

  "Killers, right down to the fat guy pissing on the back tire."

  Jessica pulled her Glock from its clip and checked the ammo again. Old habits never die. Careless agents always do. Her hard-assed Field instructor had branded that cryptic little ditty into her brain.

  She had no intention of biting the bullet. Far too many things to finish back home in Seattle. And, there was Jake. He needed her, at least at the moment. Okay, so it wasn't personal, just business.

  She grumbled behind the man that probably would never be far from her thoughts. “I'll be damned if I die here, ravaged by bugs and stinking to high heaven."

  He patted her ass, obviously tying to convey agreement, or maybe it was pity. “Fontana.” He crouched against a rusting barrel. “Let's make sure the main pimp isn't in the house."

  "Okay. And if he isn't?"

  "We take the RV."

  She didn't relish walking another mile. “I say we take the damn thing no matter what."

  "Damn, Fontana.” He turned to grin at her. “You're a regular little hood. “Where'd you learn that bad-ass stuff?"

  "Same place you did."

  "It's making me hot."

  "Get the RV, and I'll cool your jets."

  Chapter Thirteen

  Jake felt Fontana's hand on his waist, her light touch reminding him there was another world away from hunting slack jawed killers and perverts. He reached back and squeezed her hand.

  "Let's have a look-see in the back window."

  They moved cautiously, reaching the windows without a hitch. He could see inside the house, five men in dark suits. They were messing with the radio he'd seen earlier. That answered his questions. It was more than likely one Azizi's many communication sources.

  The farmer and his wife huddled in a corner. They looked scared out of their wits.

  The knot of concern he'd fought all night nearly just became the size of a basketball. He pressed his mouth to her ear. “How many men arrived in that RV?"

  She glanced around. “Six. Don't tell me!"

  "Yeah. One of our chicks has flown the nest."