Free Yellow Ribbons by Caitlyn Willows Page B

Perfect. His. At least for now. And that was all that mattered.
    Lani clamped her lips against the orgasm that drenched his hand. Greg rested his head against hers, breathing in the moment.
    “It’s Friday,” he whispered. “Stay with me this weekend, Lani. I need you. Need you.”
    She pulled in a short breath, held it, then nodded. It was all he could do not to fuck her again.

Chapter Seven

    Standing room only in the commanding general’s waiting room. Lani knew this wasn’t going to end well. All the major players cooled their heels waiting for the summons to enter, each with their own report. In the end, Lani knew there was only one thing General Drake would want to know—what the fuck was going on. She couldn’t tell him.
    Jordan looked like he’d been on a three-day bender. A long night and brutal crime scenes had taken their toll. He’d propped himself against the wall, sucking on yet another breath mint to cover his coffee breath. Though he’d remembered to shave and put on a fresh shirt, neither helped his appearance. He looked half-dead and rumpled. Every so often, Lani saw him pinch the webbing between his thumb and forefinger. Most likely trying to stay awake. His grip on the battered leather portfolio under his arm suggested it was a losing battle.
    “Don’t forget to turn off your phone,” she whispered.
    “Thanks. Want to go get a bite after we’re done here?”
    Another invite? Maybe Greg was right to be suspicious. She glanced to where Greg huddled in the corner with Lieutenant Colonel Seaberg, wondering if he’d overheard. Thankfully, the two were engrossed in their own muted conversation and seemingly oblivious to the world around them. If they turned any farther, they’d have their backs to the room.
    “I have plans tonight. Weekend plans, actually.”
    “That’s presuming we’ll have a weekend.” He pushed away from the wall and stepped into her personal space. “Somehow I have a feeling you and I are about to be made examples of. Why else would the CG drag all these people into his office? He knows by now that we’ve got nothing new on these murders. Unless there’s something you’re not sharing.”
    “It’s difficult to share information when you don’t have any and can’t look for it.”
    “Exactly, and now we’re facing a trial by fire, and not only are we not on the same sheet of music, we don’t know what song’s playing.”
    “Given the fact the victims are members of my section, and the fact any investigation on our parts would lead to suspect evidence, the only person who has anything to sing about is you.” Lani thought about ordering him out of her red zone, but his nearness hinted of attempts to coerce, possibly intimidate, and Lani refused to give him the satisfaction of doing either.
    “Something tells me you’ve got plenty to sing about.”
    Jordan’s lips thinned, and his eyes narrowed ever so slightly; he looked clever, like he had something on her. It lifted Lani’s hackles, put her on alert.
    “I know you had Major Kenyon’s office searched. I know you’ve spoken to his wife. I suspect you’ve surreptitiously questioned CID personnel. It would be out of character for you to not get all your ducks in a row. Just make sure they don’t get shot down before you’re ready to fly them.”
    “Are you threatening me, Special Agent Beck?” Lani kept her voice low and menacing. This was no one’s business but theirs. She could fight her own battles.
    “No…” Eyes wide, he stepped away. “I didn’t mean to imply—”
    The door to the inner sanctum swung open. “General Drake is ready to see you now,” his aide said.
    They filed toward the door in the order of who stood closer. Jordan barred her way, bending too close again.
    Lani challenged him with a lift of her eyebrow. “You do live dangerously, don’t you, keeping the commanding general waiting?”
    “I needed to say I’m sorry. I’m tired. I’m frustrated. I could use a friend