Redemption is Here (An FBI/Romance Thriller Book 9) Page 11

  Now, he’d found something beneath the simple desire to mate. He was feeling…

  Attachment.

  Protectiveness.

  Interest.

  This was something new. Already, just by looking at this woman, he wanted to get to know her. Yeah, it was a far cry from picking up a girl in a bar and having some sweaty romp.

  Tony was confused as hell. The doctor called to him, and that he was smart enough to pick up, but why? Was it the crystal blue pools that threatened to pull him in or the fiery red hair?

  He wasn’t sure, but now he wanted to make Jaxon dinner and talk to her.

  Yeah, if Chris was here, he’d be laughing his ass off.

  Could Tony blame him?

  When he watched his buddy get entangled in this exact mess, he’d busted his ass. Now, he was slipping too.

  Damn you, karma!

  This woman was going to be trouble.

  There was something about Jaxon Armstrong that tripped him up. While they were walking through the store to gather their provisions, she remained at his side the entire time. While he asked her questions, she simply watched him with calm eyes.

  It confused the hell out of him.

  Actually, she made him nuts. It was something about the way her hair smelled. That one touch, letting it run through his fingers, had been burned into his mind. It called to him, begging Tony to touch it again, but this time against his naked flesh.

  Yeah, this was one hell of a conundrum.

  In her Jeep, she eagerly drove as they listened to the GPS chirping out the location. It was pleasant, and Tony found himself watching her as she effortlessly shifted through the gears with her delicate fingers. He couldn’t help but picture her hands on his body.

  Yeah, he was in over his head.

  He was smart enough to see it coming but tripped up enough to not know how to escape it. When the woman would glance over and smile at him, his heart would thump.

  What he wouldn’t give to know what was going on in her head at that moment. Tony wondered what her lips would taste like.

  Honey?

  Wine?

  Heaven?

  Damn it! He needed to focus on the task at hand.

  “It’s pretty out here,” she said, listening to the directions. They were just about there. The man beside her was incredibly quiet, and it was making her nervous.

  She tried not to think of him sexually, but he smelled so damn good. Focusing on work, she reminded herself that this man was one of the best in their field. His papers were legendary, and when it came to word of mouth, so many people wanted the opportunity to work with him.

  Tony Magnus was one of the best in Forensic Anthropology, and she was getting a shot at seeing him in action. This didn't happen every day. In fact, he was selective about who he worked with. If you weren’t FBI, he didn't have the time. She knew, because so many had tried to get him out into the field to co-run a site.

  Oh, and his big sexy brain was a turn on. Smart men were always at the top of her list. Yet, in her life, she’d had a hell of a time finding one. You’d think in their field there would be a plentitude, but there weren’t.

  There were pompous assholes who would cut you to get to the top. So far, Tony Magnus was nothing like that. At the sound of his voice, she glanced over.

  “Yeah, I really like camping, so this cabin is going to be pretty close to that. Plus, there’s the lore of the indigenous people. I’ve always found their past interesting. Maybe it has to do with working with Ethan and Callen.”

  “I read your paper on fraternal polyandry in the modern world. I have to say that I was enthralled that you found a couple willing to let you study them. In today’s society, it’s not the norm.”

  Yeah, he was well aware that the Blackhawks threw him a big bone. That article boosted his cred in the anthropological society. The next one was going to be on their children. He couldn’t wait to write it.

  “I was very lucky. I almost wasn’t able to do it. Anonymity was key. Where they don’t hide it, they don’t flaunt it either.”

  Pulling up to the little cabin, Tony could see a Navigator not far away, parked in front of another small cabin. It was nice to know that the team was close, just in case. After all, they were finding bodies on the Rez.

  “We’re here,” she said cheerfully as she hopped out. When she grabbed the grocery bag, he stared at her. Part of him wondered if he should play the role of male or let her be a strong female.

  “I’ll carry that, Jax,” he offered.

  She stopped him. “It’s okay, Tony. You’re cooking, so this is the least I can do.”

  Still, he wanted to take it from her.

  Shit! He was screwed.

  There was this wave of masculine protectiveness welling up in him, and it was very reminiscent of an era long gone. He couldn’t help but think of the mating dance of the caveman. First, he would cater to the female, showing her attention. Then, he would bring her a trinket or token food item to prove interest. Finally, he would bed her, claiming her as his.

  Heat flushed his body.

  It was already beginning.

  This was just one more move in the intricate DNA dance. Tony had to wonder if being an anthropologist was going to hinder his chances with her. After all, she knew what he knew.

  It wasn’t like she wouldn’t see this coming a mile away.

  “Okay,” he finally said, heading to the door. Once inside, he found a small kitchen and living room with a couch and fireplace. There were two bedrooms off the main room. Yes, it was simple, but he liked it. The closer he could be to Jaxon, the better.

  They each carried their bags in and stood outside the two rooms.

  “I’ll take this one,” she suggested. “It’s smaller and I take up less space,” she offered, letting her eyes roam the length of his body. Yeah, her blood pressure went up.

  Jax prayed she didn't blush.

  Tony had to throw his bag in and not look at her. He wasn’t accustomed to these feelings. Yes, lust he understood, but this didn't feel the same. Being unable to put words to it freaked him out. He was good with categorizing his emotions, but this was out of his element.

  “I’ll start making dinner,” he stated. “Do you want me to make a fire?” he offered.

  Holy shit!

  He was a caveman. If someone wanted to write a paper, it should be on him. Years of evolution had brought him back to his genetic roots. He wanted to grab her by her hair and drag her back to his room.

  “I can take care of that, Tony,” she offered. “I've slept outside under the stars at a dig many times. I can get one going for us.”

  He followed her out to the living room, trying to keep far enough away that he couldn’t smell her hair. If he got any closer, he might do something stupid. “Then I’ll get cooking,” he offered.

  In the kitchen, he was glad for the distance. Already, it was hard to concentrate. Jaxon was making his brain short circuit and his mouth water.

  Pulling out the stored pots and pans, he began working. He was going to make her his favorite dish. Cyra had taught him, and it was deceivingly easy. When he got back home, he was going to beg her to teach him more.

  Then, it hit him.

  Jax wouldn’t be there, so why bother.

  Oh crap!

  He was in trouble.

  To keep his mind occupied, he focused on the cooking. Sautéing the garlic, he added the chicken breasts and cream. Putting the lid on, he let them cook as he prepped the rest of the meal. Jax looked fit, and he hoped she liked vegetables.

  Then, he realized he was doing it again. The caveman would pick a mate by how healthy she appeared. The shiny hair, sparkly eyes, and vibrant smile showed vigor in their species. It would help propagate his line.

  “Shit,” he muttered.

  “Are you okay?” came her reply, as she worked on the fire.

  He needed to cover and fast. “Yeah, I nearly cut myself. I’m good.”

  She smiled over a
t him. There was something sexy about him cooking for her. Here was this older man with mussed up black hair, slaving away in the kitchen. When she stared into his aqua eyes, they were full of expression as he toiled over the food. It appealed to her on some level. In all honesty, Jaxon couldn’t remember any man cooking for her before.

  Yeah, there was a reason. She never stayed in one place long enough to make attachments. In her life it was all about the job. Get in, find the victims, and get the hell out so she could forget what she’d seen.

  Now, she liked what she saw.

  A lot…

  “Do you need help?” she offered, going in to stand beside him.

  He glanced over. “No, I think I’m just about done. Are you good with a salad?” Tony asked.

  Jax grinned. “Yeah, I am.”

  In the cramped space, her being so close was making it hard for Tony to work. If he didn't do something, he was going to be pressed against her. When her hand touched his back, Tony couldn’t take any more.

  “Forgive me,” he muttered, before turning to face her. Quickly, before she could protest, he placed his hands on her waist and lifted her to sit on the counter.

  She was surprised at how fast and effortlessly he moved. Her heart thudded at the contact. No, it was all about his eyes. They were sexy as hell.

  Tony went back to cooking, the entire time trying not to look at her. “So, tell me about you, Jax.”

  It wasn’t easy to refocus. Now, she was thinking about the whispers of electricity still reverberating through her body from his touch.

  “Well, I’m a doctor. I like digging in the dirt, and bones are the coolest thing in the world.”

  He laughed. “I agree. Why a burial rat?” he asked. In their field there were really only three options. What she had done, what he did, and then strict academia. Tony picked his area because he truly loved his work. Giving a victim their identity back was so empowering.

  It was also personal.

  “Yeah, right out of school I went into the field and never looked back. I have a knack for it. When I work, my team busts my ass about being a bone magnet. Put me in the woods, and I’ll find you the remains.”

  He grinned. “That’s a handy skill to have. I don’t have to do that with Elizabeth Blackhawk. She finds plenty and dumps them in my lap.”

  “You’re pretty well renowned in our field, Tony. In school, I recall reading your early papers, and they were spectacular. You could do just about anything, so why the FBI?”

  He began dishing up their food, but the question made him pause. It always did. “When I was a kid, I only had one parent. My dad bailed before I was born.”

  She listened.

  “When I was twelve, my mom was taken from me.” There was emotion there, but it was buried so deep that it didn't hurt nearly as much as it used to. “She was abducted on her way home from a late shift at work. The police thought that she was murdered by a serial killer. Her remains were never found,” he offered.

  Why he told her, he’d never know. Only Chris and Elizabeth knew that. His personal life was never brought up at work.

  “That’s horrible,” she admitted.

  “Yeah, as a twelve year old, it was crushing. So, I was bounced around a lot. When I went to college, I decided to find the lost and give families what I never had-closure.”

  She hopped down from the counter before touching his arm. “That’s a pretty amazing gift to give.” Jaxon was touched. This man wasn’t just good at what he did, he had a soul. After seeing all the death they lived, that was special. Too many in their field lost their humanity. Death desensitized them.

  He stared down at her. “Part of me hopes that one day, I’ll find her. It keeps me focused. So, yeah, the papers are good, and I enjoy the accolades, but it’s not why I do what I do. Until I find her, I’m just some lost boy still searching for answers.”

  Her heart skipped. Gently, she reached out and touched his cheek with her fingertips. “I have no doubt you’ll find her. You’ll get your answers one day, Tony. Have faith.”

  This was all so new to him. Like a giant chicken, he changed the subject. “Are you ready to eat?” Handing her a plate, Tony waited for her to head into the living room. There wasn’t a table, so they sat on the couch.

  When she tucked her feet beneath her, Tony settled down right beside her. In the silence, they began to eat.

  Jax took a bite. “This is pretty amazing, Doctor. You have some mad cooking skills.”

  He started laughing, all the pain of his past draining away. “Thank you, but our other ME’s wife taught me. I think she was sick of me being at their house all the time. That or she gave up on teaching her husband.”

  Jax Armstrong relaxed. Being around this man was easy and something she could get used to.

  Then, she realized they worked on opposite sides of the country. She needed to reel it in, and fast.

  “So, you mentioned you worked for a few governments. Care to share?” he asked, curious about the woman beside him.

  Her hand paused halfway to her mouth.

  Tony saw it.

  It was right there on the surface.

  Fear.

  She lowered her hand before taking a deep breath. He’d shared his past, and she had to do the same, despite what talking about it would do to her later.

  “I mostly worked for our government, but occasionally I was lent out on assignments to other parts of the world.”

  He waited.

  “The US would help smaller countries search for the victims of genocide and other atrocities.”

  Tony knew what that meant. It was a part of their job that no anthropologist enjoyed. No one liked playing in mass graves to find countless victim of murder. The few times that he’d done it for the FBI had been pretty damn horrible.

  “Where have you been?”

  She laughed sardonically. “Does it matter? If you’ve dug up one dead child, you’ve seen it all.”

  He placed his fingers on her knee. “It does matter. Each and every victim matters, Jax.”

  Taking a deep breath, she continued. “Chechnya, Somalia, Maguindanao, and Vukovar, to name a few.”

  She didn't have to say anything else. He understood. Jax Armstrong was used to digging in the worst situations. All those places were where the governments of questionable countries had buried their murdered. There were women, men, and children, and they were discarded like none of them had mattered. She’d spent years giving faces to victims of genocide.

  It had to be hard.

  “Can we talk about something less gruesome? I’m enjoying dinner, and I don’t often get to eat food that’s prepared for me,” she stated calmly.

  Tony saw the pain and wanted to help alleviate it. “Absolutely. How about we talk about your family?”

  That seemed to calm her down.

  Sort of…

  “I have a brother. He’s pretty awesome. He’s in the military, so I don’t get to see him often.”

  “Which branch?” he asked, trying to help her forget about the previous discussion. Tony could see the artery in her throat still throbbing in distress.

  “Jagger is a Marine. He’s off saving the world. We laugh, because it’s his job to keep people out of graves, and my job to dig them up after their dead. My parents would find that funny.”

  Tony wanted to ask, and she must have sensed it.

  “My parents are both deceased,” she offered, but didn't give him any more. She’d already talked about the graves. This conversation was ruining her mood.

  Jax knew she’d pay tonight.

  “How long have you been with the FBI?” she asked, changing the subject.

  “Right out of school, so about twelve years.”

  She looked up at him. “How old were you when you earned your degree?”

  “Twenty six,” he replied. “I blew through my masters and was on a mission to earn those letters behind my name,” he offered, smiling. “If your next question is my age, I’m f
orty one.”

  She thought he was much younger. The man before her didn't look any older than his thirties. While she was good at skulls and bones, if there was flesh, she was out of her element.

  “How old are you, Jaxon?” he asked, finishing his chicken.

  “I’m almost thirty two,” she replied. Yeah, he had a hell of a lot more experience in the field than she did. Almost double the time. No wonder his articles were so well versed. In over a decade, he’d lived a lot more.

  Tony couldn’t help but be drawn to her, but now he had a few more concerns. The first being their age difference. He was older, and she was running from fear.

  “How was dinner?” he asked, standing from the couch.

  “Amazing, and I’ll never forget it.” Getting up, she took his plate from him. “You cooked, so I’ll clean up. Why don’t you get ready for bed?” she offered.

  He wanted to stay by her side, but Tony was smart enough to know she needed space. His worry was he’d screw this up and make her bolt. Now, he couldn’t back away. He was too damn curious for his own good, and he needed to know more.

  “Thank you,” he offered, watching her walk away.

  Tony did the smartest thing he could. He escaped to the bathroom to shower. If he stayed, he’d say something wrong and upset her. There was no doubt in his mind he’d screw it up. For now, a hasty retreat was best.

  Jax didn't look up until she was in the kitchen. When he walked away, she wanted to cry. The old demons were dug up and her heart hurt.

  She hated being alone, but what choice did she have? Death was her only companion, since she’d chosen this road in life.

  Still, it would have been nice to have him stay.

  It would have given her a little light into the darkness of her soul.

  Tony finished his shower and was working on his tablet in his room. He’d gotten a beep and immediately knew who it was. Chris Leonard had found a few minutes to talk to him.

  “Hey! How’s the honeymoon?” Tony asked, completely jealous.