Manu (Hell Squad #16) Page 3

  “Doesn’t Lauren want you home?”

  “My girlfriend understands that I need to hang with my team.” A wide smile. “She’ll be waiting for me.”

  Must be nice to know someone was waiting. Blow off some steam, Kate. Relax. “Okay,” she agreed reluctantly. “I have time for one drink.”

  Chapter Three

  Kate followed Miles into the rec room. The place was buzzing. Most of the chairs were filled, and the games tables were surrounded by people. She spotted her security team sharing some homebrewed beers around a small table. Miles nudged her forward, and she got nods and hellos. Someone shoved a beer bottle into her hand.

  She listened to the flow of conversation. She had a good team. They were dedicated and hardworking. Several were older, experienced hands like Miles, and others were young, fresh, and keen. Suddenly, wild laughter broke out across the room and she glanced over at the source.

  Her gaze fell on the berserkers.

  The men of Squad Three were all big, tattooed, and covered in beards or scruff. A year ago, they would have set her teeth on edge. She was well-aware they were wild and unruly, as most of them were former mercenaries, bikers, or criminals.

  She spotted Manu with them and her muscles locked. He was hard to miss. He stood a few inches taller than the rest of the berserkers. He was talking with the dark-haired Dom Santora—a man who made every instinct in Kate go on high alert. She’d heard dark whispers about the man and his questionable past. Manu laughed then, and turned to elbow his brother, Hemi. Tane was nearby, as well, and taking the trio in all at once, there was no missing the fact that the three of them were brothers.

  All of a sudden, Manu’s head shifted and his gaze locked with hers.

  She held those dark eyes for a second, before she looked back at her team.

  Miles and a younger former soldier, Brandon, were deep in a hot discussion about the Gizzida, and the black octagon device that the berserkers had spotted on a previous mission. Rumors were running rife throughout the Enclave as to what possible horror the aliens were cooking up next.

  Everyone knew the aliens were working on some mysterious weapon to wipe out the last of humanity. What they didn’t know, though, was if the octagon was that weapon or not. She let them talk, listening and absorbing, not joining in. Suddenly, she noticed that everyone’s drinks were getting low.

  “I’ll grab another round,” she said.

  At the self-service bar, Kate set the empties in the recycling box, and opened the fridge to grab some fresh homebrews. Two big hands gripped the bar on either side of her, caging her in.

  She stared at the bronze, brawny arms for a long moment, before she turned her head. “Rahia.”

  “Captain.” He had an unreadable look on his face.

  “There a reason you have me blocked in?”

  “Wanted to talk.”

  When he didn’t say anything else, Kate fought the unfamiliar urge to fidget. “I got the carbine.” That’s it, Kate, be polite and professional. “Thank you.”

  “My job. Can’t see what caused the problem, but it’s fixed for now.”

  She turned, gaze falling to the black cotton stretched over his enormous muscles. He still didn’t back off.

  His lips quirked. “I’ve been watching you for months. You’re always so cool, but I liked seeing you get fired up about the carbines. You should lose your cool more often.”

  Damn, she was just glad he thought it was solely about the carbines. She dragged in a deep breath and smelled him. Musk and man. She cleared her throat. “It’s not my job to lose my temper.”

  “You’re not always on the clock.” A pause. “I’m still running some diagnostics on the carbines. Don’t like the fact that two went at the same time.”

  She nodded. “I’m sure you’ll sort it out.” She ducked under one of his arms and slid sideways, trying to escape. When he moved with her, a hint of panic spurted in her veins.

  If the man didn’t back up, she’d embarrass them both by doing something very un-Kate-like. Like tear his clothes off and lick his skin. Or climb his big body and rub against him.

  Distraction. She needed a distraction. “So, you were out on a mission today.”

  He was silent for a beat. “Yeah. Drones picked up some strange alien activity in the mountains. Looks like they exploded something. Probably a test.”

  Damn. Her interest sharpened. “Something to do with the octagon?”

  “Couldn’t tell. I’m examining the debris.”

  They lapsed into silence again. She got another deep breath of male mixed with soap and she locked down her body’s response. She needed to get away from him.

  “Heard you put your team through their paces in the gym today,” he said.

  She looked up at him. “Where did you hear that?”

  “Oh, I’ve heard all about Captain Scott’s rigorous, torturous training sessions.”

  She straightened. “They need to be prepared. I train them just as hard as the squad soldiers.”

  He nodded. “Good.”

  His simple praise made her feel warm inside. “I will never lose a team member because they didn’t have the skills they needed.”

  Manu tilted his head. “You lost people in the past.”

  He hadn’t phrased it like a question. Her throat tightened.

  He lifted a hand, touching her hair. “I was a mercenary for a decade. Saw lots of shit and lost some good soldiers. People who should have gone back to their families to hug their kids, instead, they went home in a box.”

  He understood. She swallowed. “I had a mission go bad.” God, it hurt to think of those kids. And they had been kids, most not even out of their teens.

  His big, blunt fingers brushed her cheek now and she shivered. She had to get away from him. She looked around the room desperately and spotted a blonde head.

  “Oh, I see Liberty. I need to talk to her. Thanks again.” Gripping the glass bottles, she arrowed across the room. “Liberty.”

  The blonde bombshell turned and smiled. Her hair was loose, styled in gorgeous waves, and she wore a strawberry-red dress that somehow looked sexy and sweet. “Hi, Kate.”

  As always, Kate tried to work out how this sexy, lush woman had ended up with General Adam Holmes. The man was the perfect example of a controlled military man, with an aristocratic edge. As head of the Enclave, he and Niko were the top-ranking leaders in the base. Adam and Liberty seemed like polar opposites, but from everything she’d seen, the couple were happy and in love.

  Again, Kate felt a flash of something that could only be envy.

  Liberty pressed a hand to her belly, and Kate remembered that the woman was pregnant. The image of the general cradling a baby tried to form in her head, but she couldn’t quite picture it.

  “I wanted to ask if…” Kate swallowed, heat filling her cheeks. Liberty ran an underground market on beauty products, toiletries, and other necessities in the Enclave. Shampoo, moisturizer, condoms…and other things. Whatever someone needed, Liberty could usually find it.

  The blonde woman nodded, her smile encouraging.

  God, this was harder than Kate had imagined. “Never mind.”

  Liberty grabbed her arm. “Talk to me. Do you need condoms? The doc has short-term contraceptive implants working now, so the demand has dropped. I have plenty.”

  Kate sensed Manu was still watching her from across the room. She felt his gaze on her back like a touch. “No. I’m…not seeing anyone.” She sucked in a breath. “That’s kind of the problem.”

  Liberty’s smile grew wider and knowing. “Hmm, self-induced relief not cutting it?”

  “Ah…”

  The woman nodded. “And I know it’s hard being the boss.” The woman turned her head, something soft flowing over her face. Kate saw the woman was looking at Holmes. “Add in being a strong, experienced female, and it gets hard in a place like this to find…the right company.” Liberty winked. “I know exactly what you need.”

  Embar
rassed relief filled Kate. “Thanks.”

  “I’ll take care of it.” Liberty patted her shoulder. “I’ll be in touch soon.”

  Kate delivered the drinks to her team. This time, she made an effort to join the conversation. Music started up in one corner, and she spotted Cruz from Hell Squad playing a guitar. His wife and two daughters sat nearby, watching.

  Soon, people started breaking away to dance or play pool. She decided it would be okay to sneak out now while Miles wasn’t looking. She edged away from her team. She’d taken three steps when a big body stepped in front of her and blocked her way. She bumped into a hard chest.

  “Leaving?”

  She looked up at Manu. God, she couldn’t catch a break. Her skin prickled and her fingers curled into her palms. They wanted to touch. They wanted to know what he felt like.

  Desire curled in her belly, low and insistent. Why? Why couldn’t she get a grip on this?

  “Kate.”

  That deep rumble worked its way through her, and she forced herself not to reach for him. What she needed was to get out of there, fast, and put some distance, and preferably a few concrete walls, between her and Manu Rahia.

  Wary blue eyes stared up at Manu. Kate was watching him and there was something moving behind her gaze that he couldn’t quite read.

  Damn, this woman was proving a fascinating puzzle. He was certain most people merely glanced at her composed demeanor and made assumptions. He sure had. But with every interaction, he glimpsed hints of the woman she kept hidden under the captain.

  He heard Hemi’s laughter echo from across the room and Manu glanced over. His squad was laughing and partying, and several women were hanging with the single guys, faces lined with flirty smiles.

  That’s usually what he liked—smiles, humor, easy charm.

  None of which described Kate Scott. He looked back at her. Fuck, she smelled good, and he knew she wasn’t wearing any perfume, it was just her.

  “I’ve got work to do.” She skirted around him and headed out of the rec room.

  Manu followed her. “You’re off duty.”

  “I still have work to do. Security is twenty-four seven.” She lengthened her stride.

  “That’s why you have a team.”

  Her eyes sparked. “And I’m their leader.”

  He smiled. “You can’t delegate. Figures.”

  Her shoulders stiffened. “I delegate.”

  “You’re a control freak.”

  She stopped and took a step closer to him. “I take my job seriously.”

  Why was he riling her? Maybe because he wanted to see that flare of passion he’d seen in her earlier. Maybe because he was dying to see what she kept hidden.

  “Which is admirable.” He reached out, touching the swing of her hair. “But you need some downtime too, Kate.”

  “I work out. You’ve seen me at the range.”

  He shook his head. “That’s still work. It’s important to remember why we’re fighting.”

  Again, he saw something move through her eyes. “Did you lose someone?”

  Her brow creased. “What?”

  “In the invasion. Did you lose a husband, a lover?”

  Her face smoothed out. “No. Only my career.”

  “That’s not what I meant.” He stroked his fingers down her arm. He felt toned muscle beneath her shirt.

  “I didn’t have anyone to lose.” She tried to tug her arm from his. “Stop touching me.”

  He didn’t release her arm. “I like touching you.”

  Blue eyes met his, something unreadable moving through them.

  Suddenly, husky feminine laughter echoed ahead in the tunnel, followed by a man’s deep groan. They both swiveled and Manu spotted Levi’s tattooed body. He had a curvy redhead pressed up against the side of the corridor. Chrissy’s legs were wrapped around her lover’s hips, her head tipped back as he kissed her neck.

  Manu stifled a chuckle. If the two of them weren’t arguing—and they argued a lot—they were going at each other in a completely different way. This was a couple who sucked the marrow out of life.

  He looked down and found himself riveted by Kate. She was staring at the couple like she couldn’t look away. Her face was tinged with color, her lips parted.

  Levi sank a hand in Chrissy’s hair, his mouth taking hers. Chrissy undulated against him.

  “Kate,” Manu murmured quietly.

  She looked up and the heat in her gaze made his gut clench. Then he watched as she locked it down. She blinked and her gaze was as cool as a lake. “I have to go.”

  Manu tightened his hold on her and raised his voice. “Hey, King, get a room.”

  Levi didn’t even look his way, just shot Manu a finger. Then the man hefted his woman up over his shoulder and strode off. Chrissy laughed.

  Kate stared after the couple.

  “You like to watch?” Manu asked.

  Her eyes widened. “What? No!”

  “But you’re turned on.”

  Her lips pressed together. “No. I’m not…I don’t…” She dragged in a breath. “I’m not the wild, passionate sort. I’m not into exhibitionism or voyeurism.”

  He leaned closer. “You’re aroused, Kate. I can see it in your face. Did you imagine yourself in Chrissy’s position? Being touched, kissed, loved?”

  A shudder ran through her. “Manu.”

  Now he heard something he’d never, ever heard in Kate’s voice. Nerves mixed with heat. Wasn’t that interesting? “I like it when you say my name like that.”

  “Stop.”

  “You imagine me pressing you into the wall? My mouth on your skin?”

  “This isn’t me.” She straightened. “I’m not some party girl. You want company, go back to your friends.” She started to turn.

  He grabbed her other arm. “You have no idea what I want.”

  He saw her chest hitch and the faintest blush of color stain her cheeks. “I could make you let me go. It’ll hurt you more than it hurts me.”

  Manu smiled. “I know, but I don’t think you want me to stop touching you.” He reached up, running a finger down the side of her neck. “I’m starting to wonder what it is you want, Captain Scott.”

  Her eyes closed. “Don’t.”

  “If this alien invasion has taught us anything, it’s that life’s too short. If you want something, you go after it.”

  She turned her head away, staring at the wall. “I like to analyze, assess, and weigh the risks. I don’t just go after anything.”

  “Sometimes the risk is worth it.”

  Her eyes cut back to him now and they were strangely blank. “Sometimes risks are dangerous.”

  They stared at each other, the air between them thick and charged. Then there was a faint vibration under their feet.

  Manu lifted his head and frowned. He saw a matching frown on Kate’s face.

  “What was that?” she said.

  “I felt it too.” Grabbing her hand, he pulled her back toward the rec room. Through the door, he saw that most people were still drinking and partying, not sensing anything.

  But the berserkers had gone still, all of them trading glances. Suddenly, Kate’s communicator beeped.

  She yanked the device out of her pocket. “Scott.”

  “Captain.” It was one of her team’s voice that came through the speaker. Fast and urgent. “Felipe and Kendra are out on patrol.”

  “And?” Kate urged.

  “There was an explosion. They set something off.” A harsh expulsion of air. “It’s bad.”

  Kate’s face cooled, turning to stone. “I’m on my way.”

  Chapter Four

  Focused, Kate jogged down the hall, ignoring Manu as he ran beside her.

  She hurried toward the Command Center and, as the glass doors opened, she rushed through. Bypassing the main area where the comms officers and the drone pilots worked, she shoved her palms against the door to the security office. It slammed open.

  “Status,” she deman
ded.

  Her on-duty team was sitting at a row of comps. A grizzled, older man, Rob, glanced at her, face grim. “Felipe triggered something.”

  “Earpiece.” Kate held her hand out.

  “The camera closest to the explosion was taken out,” a woman, Genie, said. Her face was deathly pale as she handed an earpiece to Kate.

  Kate quickly shoved the device in her ear. Screams of pain echoed across the comm line. Her body tensed and she gritted her teeth.

  She felt a brush of fingers at her lower back, and shot Manu a look before she looked back at her team. “Any sign of alien activity?”

  Genie shook her head. “I have the drone team on the line. They haven’t detected anything.”

  Thank God for small favors. “Rob, you’re with me. Everyone else, initiate preliminary lockdown procedures. Genie, I need a squad for backup.”

  The woman cleared her throat. “The berserkers are on call.”

  “Round them up.” More screams came through the comm line. Kate wasn’t waiting. “Get Doc Emerson and her team on standby as well.”

  Kate shot through the door. She knew it took three minutes to get to the Security Team locker room. It was right beside the squad locker rooms, where everyone kept their armor and weapons.

  Wasting no time, she hurried down the corridor, rounded a corner and slammed into the room. She yanked open her locker and pulled out her carbon fiber vest.

  She was going to rescue her people. They were her team. Her responsibility.

  She slammed the armor in place and then grabbed a carbine, checking it over. She also attached two small boxes to her belt. The tiny devices that contained iono-stretchers to carry any injured.

  A muscled, brown arm reached past her and grabbed another carbine out of the locker.

  She swiveled to look up at Manu. “You aren’t coming.”

  “I am.” He checked the weapon over with practiced ease.

  “You’re not.”

  He raised a brow. “Who’s gonna stop me?”