Unable to stop herself, Senna reached, trailing her fingers over the band. “A man in boxers is very sexy. But even better when he’s out of them.”

  His trembling hands framed her face, and he looked deeply into her eyes, as if searching her soul. “So long as I’m the only man wearing boxers for you, or not.”

  “Only you,” she agreed. Senna slid his underwear over his hips, past the jutting length of his erection, then forgot them as they came together again, skin against skin.

  She moaned as her peaked nipples brushed his chest, shattered what was left of their combined control, and the kiss that followed was ravenous. Lips moving and teeth scraping with the urgency.

  His hands cupped her breasts, flicked at the nubs as she cried out, back arching. “Franklin.” The word telegraphed her hunger.

  They moved—him directing Senna to the bed—until the metal rubbed behind the back of her legs, sending her down with a thud, and he followed, his body mashed against hers.

  “I could eat you up,” he growled, lips sliding against hers, hips grinding as her legs opened, bracketing his waist and pulling him closer to her burning heat.

  Franklin’s cock nudged at the lips of her sex, sliding with in without resistance, her arousal coating him. “Please,” she entreated, hands curved over his shoulders, needing him closer. Tugging at him so he’d follow her urgent demands.

  “I want more than a quick release, Senna. I want everything. I want to grow old with you.” The timbre of his words dragged her momentarily from the fog of passion. In his eyes Senna read both promise and hope.

  It took seconds for her brain to form a response. “Good to hear. I want that too, but later. Now, I want you,” she rasped. Flexing her legs, Senna pulled him closer, urged him to fill her, and when he did, the sensation of fullness completed her, while ratcheting that hot coil of hunger tighter.

  She dropped once more into the well of pleasure, where sounds and scents fed the need in her soul. Musk filled the air along with their cries and moans. In this world, only the two of them in that moment existed.

  Senna slid her fingers over miles of hot flesh, then gripped his ass, her nails biting into his firm skin as she urged him on. Her thighs flexed, and they slid and rocked together in the most ancient of rhythms. Every sound enhancing the intimacy as they sought the orgasm that lay just beyond them both.

  His mouth, hot and urgent, settled over her breast as stars shattered beneath her closed eyelids. “Fra… Franklin!” She arched, back off the bed as she tangled her fingers in his hair and pulled tight.

  “Senna, come for me,” he chanted, moving faster and harder and wilder until she couldn’t tell where the next wave would crash over her.

  One final move and she splintered.

  Down.

  Deep.

  Somewhere far away he called, emptied himself deep within her body, and hot tears scorched her cheeks.

  “I love you, Franklin,” she whispered.

  Hauling on his clothes as Senna lay there asleep in the bed was the hardest thing Franklin had ever done. He knew there was a chance he might not return, so he wanted to drink in every last second they might have together. That she was sleeping was both a blessing and a curse.

  “I love you, Senna.”

  On the pillow beside her, he dropped a small case, the one he’d bartered for after learning she was still alive. He’d wanted to give it to her last night, but at the time it felt cruel. Now, in the light of day, he rethought his decision to propose this way. The hastily scrawled message inside told her what he should have said last night.

  With a final glance, he carefully pulled the sheet over her nude body, then turned and left the cabin. As the door clicked shut, he was sure he’d left the best of himself behind with the woman he loved.

  Senna woke, groggy, and reached for Franklin. The pillow was cold, and that shoved her into awareness. Even as she sat up, she knew he’d left. “Oh, Franklin, why didn’t you say goodbye?”

  The small blue box he’d laid on her pillow cracked the shell around her heart. Tears dribbled as she reached for the box, and inside lay a ring, a tiny diamond winking at her through her tears. Inside the box was a rolled piece of paper. Her fingers shook as she plucked it out and unrolled it.

  Senna,

  I wanted to ask last night, but I was a coward.

  Marry me.

  Wear this ring as a promise I’ll return if I can. If not, wear it in my memory.

  With all my love forever.

  Franklin

  A sob erupted, followed by another, and she gave in to the fear that swallowed her. The weeping gave way to hope. “You’ll come back to me, Franklin, even if I have to hunt you down.”

  The ring, slender and intricate, didn’t weigh much, until she slipped it on. Now the promise contained in this small gift carried the weight of her hope and love. It twinkled in the light, and she stared at it. The bright jewel picking up the stray sunrays that slid through the curtains.

  With a tiny sigh, she rose, dressed with efficiency, and prepared for the day.

  Senna’s hand had just touched the handle of the door when three knocks sounded. “Come in.”

  Jonah entered, the skinsuit they had agreed she would wear in his arms. “They’re rolling out in fifteen. You’ll be in the final wagon, and Franklin’s already on his way to the plane. You need to be fast. I’ll wait for you outside with your bag of tricks.”

  “Jonah? I know it feels wrong to keep it from him, but thank you.”

  His nod was curt until his gaze caught sight of the ring. He glanced up, his eyes wide. “Franklin will kill me if anything happens to you, so no chances, understand?”

  She nodded, at a loss for words because that damned lump, the one she’d thought had melted away, returned to her throat. “I’ll be quick.”

  Shutting the door, Senna shucked off the dress and slid into the skinsuit, then sighed, looking at her bare feet.

  She opened the door again, and Jonah held out socks and boots, which she gratefully accepted. “How long do you think it will take to reach the mountains?”

  He shrugged as she tugged on the shoes, thankful he’d had someone retrieve her own worn-in favorites. “Ten, maybe twelve hours. Franklin’s team will make an initial stop at a closer abandoned base. I had men clear it so they’re closer and can move quickly. They’ll have a quick refresher course, then be airborne tonight, ready for the drop.”

  Standing, Senna followed him out of the cabin, but as she closed the door, she turned, hoping that one day she and Franklin would return to it. She shook her head at the whimsical notion that it was a tangible reminder of what lay between them, as much as the tiny ring on her finger.

  “You’ll need to remove the ring.” Jonah spoke quietly, and she wanted to argue, but of course, he was right.

  “I don’t want to leave it behind.”

  He reached up and unfastened a chain surrounding his neck. “Daniella gave me this. Use it, but give it back when you’re done,” he said gruffly, handing the gold links to her.

  “Oh, Jonah, I can’t.”

  He stopped abruptly, and she cannoned into him. “He’s my best friend, Senna. My brother in every way that counts. Wear the ring on it.”

  Tears stung her eyes, and she nodded. “Okay. I’ll look after it.”

  With a quick motion, she slid the ring from her finger, feeling the loss immediately, and popped it onto the chain. It slid over her head, and she dropped it out of sight under the neck of her suit, close to her heart.

  “Good. Now get on that truck.” Jonah shoved the rifle slung over his shoulder at her and her bag into her hands. “Be safe. Hunt well.”

  Without any more to say, she hurried forward, climbed into the truck, and settled into the last spot, waiting for the roll call.

  The tailgate was fastened, the flaps over the back of the truck closed as the engine began with a rumble, then it lumbered forward, heading for the fight.

  CHAPTER 19

  The air-transport rumbled through the night, the rear door now wide open, and the wind made it hard to hear. One by one, those who were jumping stood, fastened themselves to the safety line, and moved forward, the sack on their back containing the chute that would carry them safely to the ground.

  Franklin shuffled forward, constantly replaying the instructions in his head. Attain a stable position. Arms slightly ahead, back arched and head up. Pull the lever with the right arm, left across the body. Legs together and hold chin down. Aim for a feet first landing with knees bent to absorb shock.

  Finally, he was there, staring into the abyss. His clip released, and he was falling, the air rushing past him as he worked through the steps. The chute deployed with a thud, but his fall slowed and he had time to prepare.

  It was over in moments, his feet once more connecting with the earth, and he thanked the deities for their care.

  He stripped out of the chute, rolled it up, and looked for a safe stash point.

  Others landed nearby, and he trudged to the pre-assigned meeting point, the whole time silence his friend. Glancing at his watch, he noted they were slightly behind schedule. More time for the diversion to set in.

  The mountainous terrain featured a range of flat plains, and that was where they had come down, within a mile of the meeting point, and once more he gave thanks. As the group came together, he tugged a carefully shielded torch from his pack and the map, and as the men gathered, they settled under a tree, canteens passed around and some dry biscuits consumed.

  “Right, the diversionary operation should be starting soon. We need to get into position, wait for the flares to tell us they’re ready for us to move.” He’d already grouped the men by skillsets and reminded them of the coordinates of their starting points. “Stealth is of the utmost importance. Even when the diversion begins, we can’t be sure they won’t have a body of children standing by just in case, hidden in some bunker. We know their strategic planning is poor, but for my money, I’d expect their best to be on standby, and of course those directing the actions, protecting their queen.”

  “They would have seen the trucks though. Won’t that tip them off?”

  Franklin had thought long and hard about that. “Yeah, but they’re only aware that those troops were deployed. Unless they caught wind of the planes, our position here should be safe. But we have to move quickly and quietly. Now, the earbuds you were issued are new. They’ve got a scrambler built in and can pick up any sound, no matter how quiet. Fit them, then get moving.”

  He stood and waited as the teams headed off, melding into the night. With him were Sevres, Fairburn, David, and Erin. All capable and highly trained. Their chances of survival were better than most, but it was no foregone conclusion.

  “Stay together and focused. We don’t know what we’re going into.” With those words, Franklin started the final march to battle.

  By the time the truck stopped, Senna felt battered and bruised. I’d forgotten what it’s like to be in the back of one of these trucks!

  The back opened, and she jumped out and moved to the side. Just like old times. Except this time she wasn’t supposed to be in the thick of things. Jonah’s admonition played in her mind, and she looked about, seeking cover, a place to hunker down during the worst of the fighting.

  She was there for one purpose only. To find out who those murdered were and to ensure they wouldn’t be forgotten. But she wasn’t a fool. If the children worked out that she, or anyone else opposing them for that matter, was there, they’d have no qualms in killing her.

  The team leader trotted over. “You’re aware you are not to participate in any action?”

  Senna nodded, aware of the restrictions Jonah had placed on her. “Yes, I’m to look for cover.”

  “Yes, however, we did wonder if you’d be able to take the military vid-processer with you. He’s also to remain out of the field of battle, but to be honest, he’s a dead weight. If I have to appoint someone to babysit him—”

  “That’s fine, send him to me.” Senna watched as some of the tension eased from the man’s face.

  “Good. We were about to look around and determine a sheltering locality—”

  “Leave that with me, sir. I’ll find somewhere to hunker down.” If Senna were honest, it felt better to have something, a responsibility, during this time. She felt that there was now a justifiable reason for her to be there.

  The man left and returned a few minutes later. The tall, thin man with him was clearly out of place, the uniform he wore fitting his legs but pouching at his waist. “Devonham Illes at your service.”

  Fish out of water here, Senna. “Nice to meet you. Now come with me, and we’ll find somewhere to shelter.”

  “I do need to be near the battle.”

  Senna rolled her eyes at the man’s tone. “I’ll do my best, but this is not an ordinary situation, Devonham.” She gripped his sleeve, tugged hard as he looked away over the field before them. “We also don’t have a lot of time, so come on.”

  She trudged through the treeline, searching for roots they could bury themselves in yet keep an eye on the action.

  Emotions ran high, the darkness settling as she scooped away some dirt with her foot and aimed the torch on her belt into the dark recess below. “This should do.”

  “But…”

  She glanced at the man to her side, already regretting accepting this task. “It’s that or you get back on that truck and get out of here.”

  “But the public and their right to know—”

  “Your problem, not mine. I was told to keep you safe, and that’s what I’m doing. Now get in there and be quiet.”

  Devonham muttered about dirt in his lenses and cleanliness as she followed him down.

  Senna simply tugged off her pack and pulled out some camouflage netting, adjusted it, and scowled. “I’m going out to find leaves and light branches to drape over the net. Stay here and be quiet.” She slid up and out, moving quickly before she dropped down once again.

  “What about if I need to…”

  She turned to him. “You hold it,” she growled, and he blinked; a pair of white eyes in the dark. Quickly, she found what was required and set about staging their hiding place.

  “My camera?”

  With a sigh, she took it, and rearranged the netting so it draped without giving away their location. “There.”

  A boom echoed. The ground shook.

  “It’s started,” she said. “Now be quiet, no matter what you hear or see.”

  Franklin hunkered down, heat-seeking binocs to his face as he scanned. “I’m reading multiple life forms in this building. If the specs we secured are correct, this is where our main targets will be holed up.” He turned his attention to the next building and swore. “At least thirty if I’m reading correctly in the building to the left. None in the right… Hang on a couple, but they appear to be asleep. Could be our guards are a mixture of daytime and night variety. Fan out and check the grounds. I need intel on any patrols.”

  Though he was barely whispering he knew all the men had heard his commands, and he waited patiently.

  How on earth did they do this before the gadgetry we have now?

  The first blip came as the thought melted. “I’ve got a team, maybe ten or twelve on the far edge and a platoon or more making their way down the mountain. They’ve taken the bait.”

  Sevres nodded with quick moves, and his excitement speared Franklin. That was one group they’d need to be assured were long gone before they began their attack. The last thing him and his small band could cope with was in influx.

  But still, he needed more information. A clear picture of what they faced so they could tailor their attack for the best outcome. “Fairburn?”

  “I’m reading nil life forms in the rear cabin near the pit. I’d say, given the size of it though, it’s where the majority were camped. The smell is pretty rank here, Franklin.”

  It would be, given what we’ve seen on the feed.

  One by one, the other team members responded in kind. No other warriors in residence. Unless there was a hidden bunker. His scalp itched, warning him to unseen danger. This surely couldn’t be their entire force. Yet he also felt a surge of something close to pleasure that thus far things were going as well as could be expected.

  “Right, get yourselves back here,” Franklin ordered, “but watch for guards and surprises.”

  His men all knew how to melt into the darkness, were highly trained, but their enemies weren’t the usual combat-ready soldier. No, they were kids. Badly in some cases or half-trained and led by people with only some military and strategic training. They couldn’t afford to take any of this cheaply because they could and likely would react badly.

  Once his men reassembled, he breathed a sigh of relief. When Fairburn opened his mouth to speak, Franklin held up a hand to stop him. If they’d been seen, a posse would be quickly forthcoming.

  Franklin waited, listened. Quiet.

  He knew the silence meant nothing, but time was slipping away. They had to act now. “Break into three teams, and we move on the buildings.”

  He gave the signal and they moved away, his group creeping forward toward the buildings, as he heard the booms and crashes from the battle below. The others had engaged the enemy. He just had to hope the diversion worked the way he planned.

  His much smaller posse circled the building where only a few lay sleeping within. The door opened silently, and he sent up a prayer of thanks for whoever had oiled the hinges.

  They advanced on the sleeping children, and he reached into his small pouch, pulled out a hypo spray, and hit the first child, while the others took care of the two others.

  “Fasten them up, then slide them back under their covers. We can’t afford to blow our cover if someone checks.”