Alaskan Heat (6 page)

“Stop beating yourself up.”

“The sound of grinding mental anguish woke me up.”

Sophie swallowed a lump in her throat, determined not to cry. “I’ve got no clue what you’re talking about.”

“Yes, you do. You’re having doubts whether or not you would have fired on Bob and Jack.”

Her temper overheated, and words bubbled from her mouth. “I’m so damn sick and tired of you, Joe Hawkins. You think you know me. What I’m thinking, what I’m feeling, what I want or don’t want. News flash. You don’t have a fucking clue what you’re talking about.”

“Calm down.” He trailed his finger down her bare arm. She slapped it away.

“Hey,” he said, “keep your hands where they belong. It’s a long drop down these embankments.”

Hawk turned and faced her. “What you’re asking yourself isn’t unusual. You’re not the first agent to doubt themselves and you won’t be the last. Ease up on yourself.”

“Can we change the subject?”

He shrugged. “Sure.”

“Tell me about Dan and Maria.”

Hawk pinched the bridge of his nose. “Why don’t you apply for a transfer to the interrogation department? You excel at it.”

Sophie wondered at his hesitancy. Stan had mentioned Hawk’s friendship with the couple. Why didn’t he want to discuss them? “I’m waiting.”

“They’re former agents.”

She might as well try to pull a cat’s tooth. “Tell me something I don’t know. If you don’t want to talk about your friends,” she said, giving him a big smile, “we could always talk about us.”

He jackknifed from his slumped position in the seat. “Us? What about us?”

Sophie tapped her finger on the horn. “You know…our relationship.” Was it her imagination or were those beads of sweat forming on Hawk’s brow? If it hadn’t been so sad, she’d have laughed. Amazing how men reacted to the word relationship. Cripes. She was acting like a star struck teenager. Was she hoping after a few nights in her arms Hawk would fall madly in love with her? The sooner she accepted the man didn’t believe in love, the sooner she’d be able to drag herself out of her fantasy and get on with her life. He threw himself whole-heartedly into sex while guarding his heart like it was the Hope Diamond.

Hawk started cracking his knuckles. Something she’d not seen him do before. She’d really hotwired his nerves. He cleared his throat. “I’m not ready to have this conversation. After I take care of Bob and Jack, then…well, we’ll talk.”

Sophie latched onto those words faster than an alligator would snatch a stray cat. Frightened to make more of it than it was, she let it slide.

“I met Dan and Maria about ten years ago. We went through the academy together.”

He gave her a quick look, and when she raised her eyebrows, he continued. “We hit it off. Became buddies.”

He visibly relaxed. Tension drained from his face as he shared his friends. “I was a wreck when they got married. Thought that’d be the end of the friendship, but I was wrong. They’ve always treated me like part of the family.”

Sophie knew how important the feeling of family must be to Hawk. It was also a reason to fear love and commitment. She came out of her musings just in time to hear him say, “Dan and Maria are the only two people I’d trust with my life.”

Whoa! She’d hoped by now Hawk had at least some faith in her. Her instincts were as bad as her bravery.

“Anything else you want to know?”

“Why’d they leave the Bureau?”

“Burn out. Saw too much action. They both loved the AK, so it made sense that’s where they’d head. I don’t talk them as much as I used to, but I got the impression making a living up there isn’t easy.”

“Do they work?”

“Maria’s a freelance writer for nature magazines. Last I heard Dan had formed an Internet company to design websites and whatever else computer geeks do. It’ll be great to see them.”

Sophie took a deep breath, hoping her next question wouldn’t rile Hawk. “I’m curious. Exactly what do you think they can do to help? Especially since we know Bob and Jack probably know your destination.”

The silence stretched on, but Sophie was patient. She’d learned Hawk sometimes gave considerable thought to his answers.

“I planned to ask them for a safe haven and their help while I cleared my name. Ask them to come out of retirement. I thought they might still have clout with higher ups in the Bureau. Now it’s all changed. The last thing I want to do is bring trouble to their door, but I trust they can handle it. I’m confident they’ll help me when Blair and Reed show up. Once those two bastards are in custody, I’ll turn myself in.”

Unable to keep it down, Sophie burst into laughter. “I’ve never seen anyone lie so smoothly and without a hint of guilt.”

He pressed his hands over his heart. “You wound me.”

“You’re still planning your own form of vengeance. Then you’ll be wanted for another crime. Is that what you want?”

Leave it to Sophie to stick a pin in a festering boil. He swallowed and forced his answer by a lump the size of a tennis ball. “Don’t worry about me.” Hawk reclined on the headrest and attempted to sleep. A whirlpool in his head tossed around her words. When had he become more intent on settling scores than letting justice prevail? He pushed revenge aside and attempted to drag out possible scenarios of his next encounter with the traitorous agents. Exhaustion won and he drifted on the verge of sleep. Sophie’s voice snapped him from his private place.

“One more thing.”

Damn women. Always have to pick apart every word, every thought. “Spill it.”

“Your idea of driving straight through to Eagle is insane. Driving this road in the dark with the hills and curves, we’d be asking for trouble. Moose hang out in the road at night, not to mention dense patches of fog lurking at this time of year.”

“I knew it was too good to be true when you agreed so readily.”

“I never agreed. I just kept my mouth shut.”

“I should be so lucky,” he muttered. “What time is it?”

“The clock on the dash right in front of you says ten o’clock.”

Okay. She was cranky. He was cranky. The circumstances bred one huge mother fucking crank ball. Pulling out the map and Milepost, he hunkered in the seat with a pencil.

“What are you doing?”

“Calculating distances.”

“We’re less than one thousand miles from Eagle. It’s four hundred miles to Whitehorse. Ten hours or less if we don’t run into problems. Five hundred nineteen miles from Whitehorse to Eagle. I figure we can make Whitehorse tonight. If we hit the road at dawn tomorrow, we’ll be in Eagle in eleven hours or so.”

At a loss for words, Hawk stared at Sophie. “Wow. You had it all figured out.”

She gave him a cheeky smile, which in turn gave him a hard-on. “It’s what I do for a living.”

Hawk popped the question he’d put off asking. “Are you ready to tell me what Stan has up his sleeve? Am I going to be barraged by FBI agents the moment we drive into Dan and Maria’s driveway?”

The eyes Sophie turned in his direction held nothing but honesty. He’d swear on it. “I have no idea. My assignment was to accompany you there and make sure you didn’t do anything crazy.”

“It’d be nice if you could find out.”

Without warning, Sophie slammed on the brakes and pulled the wheel sharply to the right. A tractor trailer truck had veered into their lane and was coming straight at them. Hawk pitched forward and, if not for the seatbelt, would have smashed into the dash. “Jesus! Where do these fools get licenses?”

The pickup slid onto the gravel shoulder, and Sophie fought to control it. Hawk prepared himself for a rollover, whispering a prayer of thanks when she managed to bring the rig to a complete stop. “Are you all right?” He breathed the words, barely hearing them over his heavy heartbeat.

“Yes. I heard a thump in the back, so I think Rueger took a spill.”

“We’ll stop at the next turn out and check on him. Too dangerous to do it here.”

Sophie leaned forward to rest her forehead on the steering wheel. This didn’t look good. Was she hurt or just shaken? “Talk to me. Do you want me to drive?”

She sat up and twisted her body. Never had he seen anyone so pale. Her legs were shaking so hard he doubted she’d be able to step on the gas pedal. “Please. I’d appreciate it.”

Sophie letting him drive without an argument? His worry deepened. He let himself out. A quick check in the back reassured him Rueger was okay. “Slide over,” he said after opening the driver’s door.

“Rueger?”

“Other than a bruised ego, he’s fine.”

Soon they were on the road and she hadn’t said a word for over thirty minutes. With her head turned away from him, she stared out the window.

“Hey. Are you awake?”

The question earned him a nod.

“Something bothering you other than you haven’t recovered from the close call with the ditch?”

“That truck driver tried to kill us. He almost succeeded.”

Huh? “It was an accident, Sophie. Not intentional.”

She glared at him. “I don’t think so. He deliberately ran us off the road. I’m sure he’s with Jack and—”

“You’re wrong. The man had a cell phone wedged between his ear and shoulder. It was driver inattention. That’s all.”

She shrank in the seat and seemed to fold within herself. “I’m sorry.”

Those were the last words she spoke for the rest of day. He stopped twice for gas. Like a robot, she climbed out, went into the store to pay, got back in and pretended to doze. Hawk knew damn well she didn’t sleep a wink. Her breathing fluctuated between ragged and shallow. Not once was it even as it would have been during a deep slumber.

“You did a great job today, Sophie. You handled this rig like a pro. I thought for sure we were going to tip and roll down the embankment.”

She ignored him.

The woman had enough insecurities to fill a number of dumpsters. Her brothers had gone overboard protecting her over the years. Now she doubted her ability to do anything with any degree of skill. Zilch for self-confidence. Why had Jeb and Cal shielded her like they had? If he ever met up with them again, he’d give them a piece of his mind. Even though they’d more than likely beat the crap out of him.

The rest of the day he put himself on auto-pilot and drove, half-heartedly enjoying the stupendous scenery. He tried to formulate a plan for trapping Jack and Bob, but came up blank. He was counting on Dan and Maria to help him brainstorm. He munched on crackers and peanuts. After five hours, he admitted he missed Sophie’s chatter.

When they rode into Whitehorse, Yukon Territories, a spark of exhilaration hit him. Tomorrow night they’d be in Eagle, Alaska. The days had grown longer the farther north they’d traveled. It was nine-thirty, yet the sky was bright. He resisted the urge to keep driving. Sophie needed a good night’s sleep and so did he.

Ten miles outside of town, he turned into a rustic campground. As much as he craved peace and isolation, he once again chose a site near other campers. He reached across the seat and shook Sophie. She sprang at him with fire in her eyes.

“Hey! It’s me.” Hawk stared into her unfocused eyes. “I’m stopping for the night. Must have been some dream.”

The stiffness left her body and she yawned. “Sorry. Guess I’m jumpy.”

“A bit. What’s for supper?”

That earned him a small chuckle. “Leave it to a man. Always thinking of his stomach.”

Amongst other things.
Wisely, he left the words unspoken.

Stan picked up on the first ring. “Where the hell have you been?”

“Hello to you too. Look I don’t have much time.”

“Where are you?”

“Whitehorse…in the Yukon. We’ll arrive in Eagle tomorrow evening. I need information. Hawk’s not going to give up and come in from cold.”

“That’s too bad. Our people in Alaska have been monitoring the situation in Eagle. The news isn’t good.” Uneasiness in his voice carried through the phone line.

Dread mushroomed, filling her chest. She closed her eyes and leaned against the counter. His next words clogged her air passages.

Stan grew impatient. “Are you listening?”

“Yes, but I can’t—”

“You can do this, Sophie. You have no choice.”

No. I. Can’t.
She hated the subterfuge. She hated the danger. “I need to tell Hawk what’s coming down. Someone could get hurt.”

“No!” Stan shouted. “He’d never agree. We do this my way. Just follow the plan.”

“But—”

Sophie slid to the floor, listening to a dial tone. Oh, God, she’d never be able pull this off. She’d fail like she always did. Regardless of the end result, when this was over Hawk would be lost to her forever.

Engrossed in her misery, she didn’t hear the screen door open. “What’s wrong? You look like you’ve run into Big Foot.”

“What?” The warm concern in Hawk’s eyes pounded guilt through her heart. “Nothing. I’m fine.” She slid her cell into her pocket, avoiding his gaze, and lied. Something she was getting good at. “I just called Cal. As usual, he read me the riot act, telling me how crazy I am to go into the wilderness on a camping adventure by myself.”

“Your brothers didn’t do you any favors by treating you like a piece of china. Come outside. Supper’s ready.”

She stalled. “I haven’t made a salad.”

“No matter. It’s late. Come eat.”

Why did Hawk choose now to be nice? If she took one bite of a hamburger, she’d either choke or hurl. But she had to. Otherwise Hawk would know something was wrong, and she had to avoid that at all costs.

Dragging her feet, she followed him to the campfire.

At first, Hawk either didn’t notice or ignored her silence. He ate with enthusiasm and appeared at peace in his own world. Probably going over his strategy for tomorrow. Sweet Jesus. If he knew the truth, he’d…no, she wouldn’t think about it. How many times had she asked him to trust her?

“Hey, you.” Hawk waved his hand in front of her face. “You going to eat your hamburger or play with it?”

Sophie glanced at her plate, surprised to see she’d broken the bun and meat into pieces. “Sorry. I’m not very hungry.”

Pouring coffee from a thermos they’d filled at the last stop, he sat beside her, handing her a cup. “Want to talk about it?”

She sipped the hot brew, shaking her head.

“Thinking about today’s near miss?”

“Not really,” she said, forcing a smile. “I guess the whole adventure’s catching up to me. I’ll be fine after a good night’s sleep.”

Hawk laughed. “Every woman should come with an owner’s manual.”

Despite her anxiety, Sophie joined his laughter. “Now that wouldn’t give women a fighting chance.”

“Finish your coffee so we can hit the sack.”

“Go ahead. I’m going to sit by the fire for a while.”

Sophie fought not to pull away from his hand as it cupped her chin. His penetrating gaze searched her soul. “My radar is bleeping. Something’s up. If it involves me, I want to know.”

“Not everything is about you,” she snapped, immediately feeling remorse. Hawk dropped his hand as if she’d bitten him.

“Sorry. Good night.”

He tossed his leftover coffee into the bushes and walked away. “Don’t forget to douse the fire.” He tossed the words over his shoulder.

Well, shit.
She’d alienated the man who’d stolen her heart when all she wanted to do was jump his bones one more time and let him bring her to heaven as only he could do. Perhaps now her treachery wouldn’t come as so much of a surprise.

She set her plate on the ground. “Here, Rueger. Enjoy.” Then she helped herself to the rest of the coffee and settled down to gaze at the million stars in the sky, looking for an answer to her dilemma.

Hawk lay in the bed, hands behind his head, staring at the ceiling. What the fuck was wrong with Sophie? Had talking to her brother put her in this funk? He doubted it. She’d dealt with Cal her entire life. More of his bullshit would make her angry. It wouldn’t make her withdraw. Well, hell. Screw it. He didn’t care. He wasn’t falling in love with her. She was just stuck in his head and, after tomorrow, he’d knock her out. Go on with his life. Alone.

Almost an hour passed. What was she doing out there? He decided to go check at the same time the truck door slammed. He listened to Rueger getting comfortable on the front seat.

“Are you awake?” Sophie asked as she entered the camper.

“Yep.”

“I’m setting the alarm for three-thirty. That way we’ll get to Eagle by late afternoon.”

“Sounds like a plan.”

Sophie undressed. His cock hardened as he kept an eye on her. Her back tapered to a slim waist before the slight flare of her hips. Long muscled legs hinted at strength, complimenting her femininity. Why a man would prefer a pencil thin woman, no matter how humungous her breasts, was beyond his comprehension. Sophie was perfect. She yanked an overlarge T-shirt over her head, ending the show.

After placing her weapon on a shelf above the pillow within easy reach, Sophie climbed into bed. Hawk’s heart took a nosedive. If she put any more distance between them, she’d fall on the floor. She’d brought a chill to the warmth under the covers that had nothing to do with the night air. He’d give his eyeteeth to know what rattled around in her mind. If she didn’t want to share, he’d stay in the dark. He waited a good fifteen minutes to see if she’d relax before he took the matter into his own hands.

He drew her rigid body into his arms. “Relax. I just want to hold you.”

“We need to rest,” she mumbled.

Were those tears he heard in her voice? “You’re too tense to sleep.” He kneaded her shoulders and massaged her unyielding muscles, until she caved to his ministrations.

“Feel better?” For once in his pathetic life, his intentions had nothing to do with sex. Tell that to his errant cock poking her buttocks.

Sophie flipped to face him. “I want you.”

He drank in her tear drenched face. Tonight he’d put his own needs and desires aside and make love to her like she deserved. Sophie was a lady and it was time he treated her as such. He kissed her forehead, brushed a curl from her cheek, ran his finger across her lips and trailed it to her breasts. She thrust forward, filling his hands with her soft mounds.

Hawk clenched his jaw to stop himself from ravaging her.
Go slow. Show some respect.
He captured her open lips and savored her sweet mouth. Despite the fire raging inside, he kept the kiss low key. Her tongue flicked his, and he almost shot through the roof. Tearing his mouth from hers, he burrowed his face in her neck’s hollow. He hoped to God she was ready for him, because he couldn’t stand much more torture.

Her fingers curled around his erection. He groaned loud enough that Rueger growled. “You’re so sweet,” he gasped. Sweet? She was so fucking hot, he feared going up in flames.

“Sweet?” Sophie questioned. He felt her smile against his throat. “Am I in bed with a stranger? Where’s Joe Hawkins?”

He pumped his hips because he couldn’t help it. “I’m right here, sweetheart.” Okay. It was now or never or he’d come in her hands. He thrust his knee between her thighs and covered her body with his. Like a homing pigeon, his cock found her moist opening, and he entered her with gentleness totally out of character.

Sophie was having none of it. Bracing her feet on the mattress, she lifted her hips and thrust upward until their pelvic bones met. Fully embedded, he grabbed her hips, preventing further action on her part. Damn. She wasn’t making this easy.

“Hawk? What’s wrong?”

“Nothing. Just let me bring you pleasure.” He moved in and out with slow precision, stifling the urge to pound into her core until they both screamed their release. The kitten-like noises coming from Sophie’s throat didn’t sound like the beginnings of a climax, whereas he was ready to blow a gasket. Not sure if this was part of making love to a lady, he took a chance and pushed his hand between their bodies, finding her clit. His thumb worried the nub. Sophie moaned. Her body stiffened, and he knew she’d climax soon. Somehow he managed to hold back until he felt her spasms. He let go and sank onto her softness.

“That was…umm…different.”

Huh? Not “Oh, Hawk, that was wonderful. You made me feel so special.” What the fuck was going on? Not knowing the appropriate reply, he rolled off and snaked an arm under her body, bringing her close. “Good night, Sophie.”