Free Texas Stand-Off: The Omega Team Novella (Kindle Worlds Novella) by Sable Hunter

know it, be the one responsible for getting her killed. “About earlier, that shouldn’t have happened.”
    Taz kept walking. “I enjoyed it.”
    Deacon felt his cock twitch in agreement as he started down the path behind her. “I still think a woman on the Omega Team is a bad idea.”
    “I wouldn’t be the first, or even the second. Athena and Jacqui are part of the team and there might be more by now.” A night bird’s cry pierced the dark and she flinched involuntarily at the sudden intrusion. Crossing her arms across her chest, she hugged herself tightly.
    “Yes, but none that I sanctioned. Women have a place; their contributions can be valuable without exposing them to the harsh realities of war or violence.” What he said made absolute sense. He didn’t know why everyone didn’t agree.
    “How magnanimous of you, Mr. Jones. Unfortunately, war and violence can’t always be avoided, sometimes we’re thrust into their midst against our will.”
    “I know. Unlike you, I’ve been in war and I’ve been responsible for placing a woman in danger, much to my regret.”
    Taz stopped in her tracks. The sorrow in his voice tore at her heart. When he came even with her, she couldn’t have stopped herself from reaching out to him if she tried. “You should not take upon yourself unnecessary burdens. The woman you speak of made her own choice. I have to face my destiny as well.”
    Deacon hated that Natasha knew more about him than he did about her. “I can’t fault your abilities. You held your own with me, you’re every bit as talented as Grey said you were.”
    Taz absorbed his words, they were a balm to her soul. “Thank you, you won’t be sorry. We will work well together.”
    “We tied in the tests, Levin. We’re well matched.” God, he couldn’t argue with that fact. He’d never been with a woman who he felt was with him every breath of the way. “I can’t argue with your abilities. But, I didn’t say I changed my mind. We still have the interview to go.” Deacon didn’t know if he was giving her false hope or if he was losing his mind. “Let’s go inside. The temperature is dropping quickly. News said bad weather is on its way.”
    When he placed a hand on the small of her back, Taz trembled. “I am ready for this interview.”
    “Tomorrow, when we’re both more clear-headed.” Tonight, his mind was still too clouded from the haze of desire he felt every time she was near. Like now. He couldn’t forget how she’d responded to him, how it felt when she flew apart in his arms. If things were different–if he were whole, she’d be in his bed right now and he’d be buried to the hilt in her velvety heat. Deacon bit back a moan. He felt like a starving man who’d been given just a taste of heaven and now he ached for more.
    Had his fingers moved? Was he caressing her. Taz needed to be sure. “I enjoyed being with you, Deacon.”
    Fuck! Deacon almost shook with frustration. Could she accept him? Hell, he’d always thought he was a brave man. He was wrong. Deacon now knew he was a coward of the worst kind. The only thing he could think to do was pick a fight with her to get her mind on other things. “I’m sure you did, Natasha.” Was that cold enough? “What kind of name is Natasha anyway? If you’re going to live in America, you might not want to have such a cliché Russian name. Every time I say it, I keep looking around for Moose and Squirrel.”
    In the face of his insult, she didn’t want to laugh at his poor joke. Natasha didn’t always understand all of his references, but the fact he was having fun at her expense was plain enough. Why was he acting this way? She hadn’t been the only one to enjoy their encounter, she could still remember the hot splash of his cum deep within her. As far as her name… “Natasha is a very respected Russian name. It is derived from Natalia which refers to Natal Day or the birth of Christ. Many girls born around Christmas are given this