On the Hunt - Page 34

“I wasn’t. But you were, and you bled all over Mack.”

Harlan looked down as the dog gently licked his hand.

“Do you think I’d let you do that to me?” Kira said. “I told you that I did what I thought best. I had to free those dogs from a housing unit and take them down to the clinic where they’d be safe. You just got in my way.”

“My apologies. But it definitely wasn’t best in this case.”

“Then you’d better start keeping your word so that I won’t have to make decisions based on lies.”

“They weren’t lies. The situation just changed, and I had to change with it.”

“You mean there was an opportunity and you decided to take advantage of it,” she asked shakily. “Was it Taylor?”

“No, only a few of his men were using drones to attack us. I wanted to show them we’re able to fight back.”

“And enjoyed every minute, I’m sure.” She got to her feet. “I could see how restless you were when you left.”

He stood and grabbed her by the shoulders when she tried to turn away. “Yes, as a matter of fact I did. But I was also tending to what needed to be done.”

“I understand that.” Her voice was suddenly fierce, her eyes glittering with anger as well as tears as she looked up at him. “But never again, Harlan. It was my fight, too, and I won’t be left behind again. The next time you decide to ‘tend’ to business, you’ll know I’m right behind you. I brought you into this and I won’t let you do it alone. We’re partners. I’m not going to have you risk your life if I’m not there to watch your back.”

“Shh.” His hands were suddenly gentle as they moved up from her shoulders to cup her cheekbones and brush a tear away. “We’ll talk about it later. Heaven forbid I turn down a tough ally like you when I may need all the help I can get. I still have to meet your friend Kalim.”

“No, we’ve already discussed that.” She cleared her throat. “I just wanted you to know I accept my responsibilities where you’re concerned. We’re in this together.”

“Whatever you say.” He was pushing her gently toward the tents. “Now will you go to bed? I don’t believe I’m going to need anyone to watch my back for the rest of the night.”

“You can never tell.” She was trying to smile. “I owe you. I’ll be there for you if I think it’s necessary.”

He shook his head. “Kira, you might have heard I’m trained to take care of myself.”

“So I understand. All that SEAL stuff that everyone raves about. I got to see it firsthand when Taylor closed in on me on those cliffs in Colorado. I pay my debts, Harlan.” She looked down at Mack. “You’re lucky he didn’t tear you apart. Mack is usually very protective. I think he realized it was you before I did, and he thinks of you as his buddy.”

“I am his buddy.”

Mack barked and wagged his tail.

Kira shook her head. “He probably thought we were playing a game. He’s used to that here on the island.”

“Not the kind of play I appreciate,” he said. “Not with you, Kira.”

“As you say, I’m tough.” She didn’t wait for him to reply. “I’ll see you in the morning.”

But she didn’t move. She just stood there staring at him, somehow not wanting to leave him yet. She only wanted him to touch her once again.

And then he did touch her, reaching out to gently brush his hand against her neck. She flinched, and he jerked his hand away. “I did hurt you.”

“No, you were the one bleeding. Maybe I should bandage it. Let me see it.”

“It’s nothing. I’ll get a bandage when I get back to camp. It will give Belson something to do while I set up the work crews to help clear the bridge debris. You’re the one who’s going to have bruises.” He touched her throat again.

Heat tingled through her this time. She inhaled sharply.

“I like that,” he said softly. “Do you?”

She didn’t answer directly. “I’m not sure. It was… unexpected.” She went into her tent and whistled for Mack to come to her before she zipped it. “Good night, Harlan.”

“Will you at least call me next time you decide you need to come to my rescue?” he asked gently. “If I promise to invite you along on all the fun and games?”