Mind Over Matter Page 9

  “I’m not alone anymore, Bryan.”

  He frowned for a moment and then his face cleared. “Don’t you think I know it? Do you think it matters? If I can handle you, I can take on your whole damn family. You’re mine Shanna, and I’m going to keep you!”

  She gave a little sob as he kissed her again, this time so deeply her legs gave out beneath her. Finally she tore her mouth away. “I’m not talking about my family, Bryan.”

  He grinned down at her. “Then what?”

  She bit her lip, suddenly afraid.

  “Hey,” he said when he saw her trepidation, “there’s nothing we can’t handle now that we know we love each other.”

  She swallowed and lifted her chin. Taking his hand, she guided it down to her still flat tummy. “How about a baby?”

  Bryan froze and his eyes dropped to her stomach. He went pale and swallowed several times before croaking out, “A baby?”

  She nodded, unable to think of anything else to say.

  “How? When?”

  She raised an arched brow. “I think you can figure that out on your own!”

  Bryan shook his head at the foolishness of the questions. “I can’t believe it!” Then he thought back to a tiny hotel room and turned a dark shade of red. He should believe it. He’d done nothing to protect her. Had he, even then, known that they were meant to be together?

  When he saw her smile, he realized he’d spoken out loud. He smiled too and then fell to his knees in front of her. He dropped a kiss on her stomach. “Hey there, kid. It’s your dad. Boy, are you lucky. You have one hell of a mom!”

  Shanna’s eyes filled with tears. “Oh, Bryan. Are you sure?”

  He pulled her down into the grass beside him. “Of course I am. It may not be the best timing, but in my mind it makes you just that much more mine!”

  She laughed at the utterly possessive look he wore. “And you mine?”

  “Damn straight,” he growled. “And as soon as your parents get here, I’m going to marry you!”

  Shanna grinned. “Good, cause I’m going to marry you.”

  They both laughed as their lips met. Electricity shot through them both, and then there was no more laughter. His mouth moved over hers gently, yet with such hunger that Shanna knew there would be no waiting.

  “Make love to me, Bryan,” she whispered. “Right here, where we told each other we love each other for the first time.”

  He touched her face. “Are you sure, Shanna? You deserve more than the hard ground.”

  She bit him on the chin. “Who says I’m going to be on the bottom?”

  His eyes flared with heat. “Baby, I like the way you think.”

  Twisting, he pulled her on top of him, then brought her mouth down to his for a deep sensuous kiss. It felt like the first time, and they both moaned in appreciation as more of the familiar lightning flared between them. Their tongues danced as they were reminded of the reasons they desired each other so much.

  “I love you,” she gasped when she was free.

  “Not as much as I love you, baby,” he groaned. “And I swear I’m going to spend my life proving it.”

  She sat up and stared down at him playfully. “I never did get to give you that lap dance.”

  Bryan’s cock went rock hard in an instant. “I ... ummm.”

  Shanna laughed. “Let’s see if you like this.” Keeping her eyes on his, she slowly began to unbutton her blouse, one hole at a time, till it slipped easily off her shoulders. Then she ran her hands up her body until she was cupping her full breasts. Bending slightly, she teased his lips with the lace covered mounds.

  “Shanna,” he groaned. His jeans were suddenly way too tight.

  “Still not enough?” she questioned. “How about this?” Shanna reached behind her and undid her bra, still holding it over herself in the front. One arm at a time, she slipped off the straps then bent over Bryan’s face again.

  “What do you want now?”

  His eyes were fastened on the hint of nipples he could see. He ached to taste them. “Take it off, baby. I want to see your pretty breasts.”

  Slowly, drawing out the moment, she eased the bra away and he groaned. His hands reached up to hold them, but she slapped his hands away. “Mustn’t touch,” she giggled. She leaned down again and ran her hard nipples over his lips. “But maybe I’ll let you taste.”

  Bryan opened his mouth and lapped at the dark pink berries that hovered so enticingly above him, gently at first, and then with more heat. Soon they were both moaning at the feeling, as he sucked and nibbled on her luscious nipples.

  His hand moved under the full skirt she was wearing, tracing circles as he moved up her thigh. When he got to her silk-covered folds, Shanna gasped.

  “This isn’t the way to do a proper lap dance.”

  Growling, Bryan pulled her against him and quickly reversed positions. “You better not know how a proper dance goes.”

  She grinned up at him. “You can teach me.”

  “Damn straight.”

  Standing, he quickly divested her of her shoes, skirt, and panties. He stared at her, lying naked in the moonlight. “God, you’re beautiful.”

  Her cheeks pinkened, but she only held out her arms. He pulled his own clothes off and then lay down beside her. He touched her stomach gently. “It won’t hurt the baby?”

  Shanna shook her head, loving him even more for asking. “It’ll be fine, don’t worry.”

  “Good,” he grinned as he pulled her back on top of him. His mouth fastened on her breast again, as his fingers danced between her legs.

  Shanna’s hands were also busy. She reached down between their bodies and took hold of his hard, swollen cock. He groaned around her breast and then sucked hard, making her cry out in pleasure.

  In retaliation, she began to stroke him, moving her hand up and down his pulsing length until he was moving his hips along with her.

  He groaned again, and in a swift move that took her by surprise, he pushed two fingers deep inside her. She shuddered as his callused fingers began to move in the same rhythm she was using on him.

  It wasn’t long before she was writhing against him. Shanna’s eyes were closed, and her body was flushed with the desire that was close to exploding within her.

  “Now, baby,” he said gutturally. “I want to be inside of you.”

  Her eyes opened and she stared at him. Using his strong arms, Bryan lifted her up and with one quick move, impaled her on his hard, throbbing cock.

  Shanna gave a keening cry and dropped her head against him as she got used to the feeling of him swelling inside her.

  “Ride me,” he said, and slowly she began to move. Up and down, at first slowly as she caught the rhythm of his thrusts, and then faster as desire took over. Soon they were both moaning in need as she pistoned up and down on his pulsating length.

  When Bryan knew he couldn’t stand it any more, he used his thumb to press against her small button that throbbed with its own hot need. One touch on her clit sent Shanna over the edge, her cry muffled by his seeking mouth as he, too, exploded, deep within her loving depths.

  * * * *

  Bryan wasn’t sure how long they lay there enjoying the soft afterglow of their lovemaking. He was glad she was on top. There was a stick poking him in the ass that was driving him crazy.

  Grunting, he reached down and moved it, then wrapped his arms back around Shanna. “Did I tell you how much I love you?”

  He felt her smile against his chest. “Just a couple of times, but I don’t think I’ll ever get tired of it.”

  “Good, ’cause you’re gonna hear it every day of your life.”

  Tears smarted in her eyes. “I do love you.”

  “Remember that when I forget to put down the toilet seat!”

  Shanna laughed so hard their bodies came apart. Rolling over, he leaned down and kissed her. “I mean it, Shanna. I’m going to marry you.” Then his face changed. “I mean ... will you marry me?”

  Joy w
elled up inside of her. “Yes,” she whispered. “I’ll marry you.” Their lips met in a long, loving kiss.

  Then she thought of something. “You said my parents were coming?”

  He nodded and looked at her seriously. “PAPRA will know I visited them. I’m sorry, babe, but I probably gave them away by doing that. Once they know, they may try and use them to get to you.”

  Her eyes widened. “Oh, Bryan.”

  “It’s okay. They’re safe. Adam thought ahead and had them out of there immediately. Others are packing up their things. If we’re lucky, the agency won’t find anything.”

  Shanna hugged him. “I hope so.”

  Bryan nodded. “My parents too.”

  Her hand flew to her mouth. “I never thought of that.”

  “Once they know I’ve turned, PAPRA could go after them. Adam has sent someone to them tonight.”

  She hugged him again. “It’ll be okay, Bryan. It just has to be.”

  He hoped she was right. “At least we’ll have both sets of parents at the wedding.”

  Shanna kissed his hard mouth. “And then once and for all, everyone will know that we belong to each other!”

  Chapter Thirteen

  “Damn it!” Bryan glared at Adam. “It’s not gonna happen. Not as long as I live and breathe.” He wrapped his arm around Shanna and pulled her close to him. “No way Shanna’s gonna be bait.”

  “Who died and made you king?” Ethan snarled. “This plan was in place long before you rode into town.”

  “That was before, and this is now.” He stepped up close to Ethan. “She may be your sister, but she’s gonna be my wife.”

  “Bryan,” Shanna began.

  His glare softened as he looked at her, but his face was just as determined. “No! Period, end of story.”

  “She might be marrying you, but you don’t own her, PAPcop!”

  “Ethan,” shouted his sister. She glared at the both of them. “Bryan isn’t a PAPcop anymore, and I can make decisions for myself.

  Bryan growled low in his throat. “It’s not just you that you’re deciding for.”

  Shanna blushed.

  Adam frowned. “What the hell are you talking about?”

  Bryan stared at Shanna. “If it was just you, I’d be worried enough babe, but if they got you with one of their stun guns....”

  She bit her lip. “I didn’t think of that.”

  Ethan looked back and forth between the two of them. “Would someone please tell me what the hell’s going on?”

  Bryan pulled Shanna to him again. At her hesitant nod, he grinned proudly. “We’re having a baby.”

  There was utter silence in the room before Adam cursed long and loud.

  His brother-in-law-to-be frowned. “Hey! I didn’t expect overwhelming excitement, but I think that’s a little over the top!”

  Adam glared at his sister. “It’s not that.” He turned to his sister. “You were going to go on the mission and not say anything?”

  Shanna flushed again.

  Ethan stared at her. “Damn it, Shanna!”

  “Enough,” Bryan said. “It’s over. We’re pregnant, and she isn’t going anywhere. But that doesn’t mean I can’t take her place.”

  “Bryan!”

  He gave her a hug. “It makes sense, Shanna. Either they won’t know I’ve turned, or they will and they’ll want me back.”

  Adam tapped his finger on the table. “It could work.”

  Ethan gave a sneer. “If we can trust him.”

  Bryan’s eyes flashed. “I’ve put up with a lot of crap from you, Ethan. But I’m giving you fair warning. I love your sister, and I’m here to stay. If you fuck with me again, I’m going to knock you on your ass. I owe you.”

  Ethan’s jaw tightened, but he said nothing more. In fact, there was a hint of respect in his golden eyes.

  Adam swallowed a chuckle. “Well then, if we’re all agreed. Let’s make it happen.” He grinned and pulled his sister to him for a hard hug. “And congrats, little sister. You’re gonna be a mommy.”

  * * * *

  “I’m going Bryan, and you can’t stop me.”

  He ran a frustrated hand through his hair. “Damn it, we decided you’d stay here.”

  Shanna shook her head. “We decided that I wouldn’t be bait. I’m a strong talent, Bryan. You’ll need me.”

  He pulled her into his embrace. “I need you safe, more,” he said gruffly.

  “I’ll be safe,” she murmured. “I’ll be with my brothers. Don’t worry.”

  He cupped her face in his hands. “I can’t help it. I just found you, and I don’t want to lose you. I love you.”

  Shanna leaned up and kissed him. “I love you too, but chances are this baby is going to be Psy. I want to help make this world safe for our child to grow up in.”

  Bryan sighed. “You promise to stay with your brothers?”

  “When at all possible.”

  He didn’t like the answer, but he knew he didn’t have a choice. He’d just put a special bug in Adam’s ear about keeping her safe, or Bryan would be the one to do the killing this time.

  * * * *

  They pulled up in front of PAPRA headquarters and sat looking at the huge building.

  “Are you sure you wanna do this?” Ethan asked.

  Bryan’s jaw clenched. “We need those records. If we can find out the names of the true leaders of the agency, then we can strike at the heart of the organization.”

  Shanna took a shaky breath. “I’m scared, Bryan.” She buried her head against his chest. “Don’t you do anything stupid, like be a hero.”

  He chuckled as he kissed her firmly. “I’ve got to stay around and keep an eye on you and the little one, babe. I’m not going anywhere!”

  “Promise?”

  “Promise.”

  “Good,” she sniffed. “’Cause I’m gonna kick your butt if you do!”

  The men all chuckled, and then Bryan kissed her one more time before he climbed out of the car.

  “I can hear your thoughts, but I’m not sure how far,” Adam said. “If it starts to get fuzzy, use your power to enhance it.”

  “I will.” Bryan gave Shanna one more long look and then turned and walked toward the building that had sheltered him for fifteen years.

  * * * *

  Twenty minutes later he was deep in the bowels of PAPRA. Bryan was somewhat shocked that he hadn’t been stopped, but he’d take all the good luck he could get. All he wanted to do was get the information and get the hell out of there.

  He punched his code into the key lock of the information center and walked in. There were several other operatives there, and they all nodded pleasantly to him.

  Returning the greetings, he made his way to the main computer terminal and sat down. Okay, Adam, he thought. I’m here.

  Great, let me know when you’re in.

  Bryan quickly fed the computer all the necessary info and was soon at the main directory. Okay, what now?

  Find the file that says ‘New Beginnings.’

  Got it!

  Is there a sub-file that says Eden?

  Yeah, but its password protected.

  Try this--Adam and Eve.

  Bryan paused with his hands over the keyboard. You’re kidding, right?

  Adam chuckled. They aren’t real creative.

  I’m in! The names are all here.

  Then download the damn thing and get the hell out of there. There was a pause and then Adam continued in a disgruntled voice. Oh, and Shanna says she has a surprise for you, if you hurry.

  Bryan grinned as his cock twitched. He couldn’t wait to get back to her arms.

  Quickly, he glanced around and then slipped a small chip under the monitor. Working rapidly, he sent the command to upload the file onto the chip and then to the computer back at the resistance camp.

  Bryan, I’m sensing that someone is trying to break through the block I have on your mind.

  Jerking his head up, he looked around the ro
om, but saw nothing out of the ordinary.

  Are you sure?

  It’s making it difficult for me to hear you. Try boosting the signal.

  Better?

  Yeah, I can’t tell who it is, Bryan. You better hurry. You’re out of time.

  He kept his mind focused on the task at hand, but his instincts were screaming at him to get out of there--now.

  As soon as the upload was completed, he grabbed the chip and came to his feet, moving swiftly out of the room.

  Bryan tried to move normally, but he was sweating. The exit seemed to be as twice as far away as before. Step by step he walked, praying that whatever Adam had felt was far behind him.

  When he made it to the front doors, he breathed a sigh of relief.

  “Hey! Bryan Campbell. Just a minute!”

  Bryan’s jaw clenched and his heart beat a fast tattoo against his ribs. He ignored the summons and stepped outside. At least out here, he’d have some fighting room.

  Adam, I’ve got company.

  On our way. Hold on.

  He continued walking, but it wasn’t long until he heard another shout behind him.

  “Bryan Campbell. Stop where you are!”

  Slowly, Bryan turned around. There were at least a dozen PAPcops standing behind him. Forcing a grin, he lifted his hands. “What’s up, guys?”

  One of the cops, a man he’d trained himself, pointed a stun gun at him. “The director wants to see you. Seems you failed at your last assignment.”

  Bryan narrowed his eyes. “Is that so? He must be mistaken. I didn’t fail at all. I succeeded just fine.” He heard Adam’s mind message and smiled. “In fact, I found her.”

  “Looking for me?” called a sweet female voice.

  The PAPcops all turned. To the right of Bryan, Shanna stood between her two brothers, her long dark hair waving in the breeze. Her eyes glowed with her power.

  The leader gaped and then pointed his stunner at her. “You’re under arrest.”

  Shanna laughed. “I don’t think so.”

  With a twist of her hand, she concentrated her power and the stun gun flew out of his hand and into Bryan’s.

  “Thanks, baby.” He turned it on his old partners. “Sorry, guys, but I’ve learned a few truths about the agency. It’s not what you think it is.”