Free Dangerous Desires by Dee Davis Page B

overhanging leaves.
    “Thank God,” Madeline sighed, heart still pounding.
    “Be still.” Drake’s words were barely audible and she froze, her eyes scanning the opening for some other sign of danger.
    A shadow detached itself from behind a tree, holding position for a second before melting back into the jungle.
    “We’ve definitely got hostiles,” Drake said, still talking into his mic. “Only one verified so far, but I’ve got a bad feeling.” He frowned at the trees and then motioned her backward.
    To her right, Nash and Avery appeared on the terrace, both with guns at the ready as they made their way down the stone steps.
    “How much longer?” Drake asked as his friends joined them in relative security behind one of the large stone statues.
    “She’s almost got it ready,” Nash said.
    “And Jason?”
    “He hasn’t managed to establish radio contact.” Nashshook his head. “But he says he’s close. Piggybacking on a satellite, I think.”
    “Any idea who’s out there?” Avery asked.
    “None at all,” Drake said. “Just saw something definitely human. I figure he was on recon. Which means he’ll need to report back.”
    “And you’re sure he saw you?” Nash frowned as he searched the perimeter for signs of life.
    “Not definitely, no. But I’d say the odds are that he knows we’re here.”
    Madeline sucked in a ragged breath and glanced surreptitiously across the courtyard at the ancient rain tree that marked the beginning of the steep steps that led to the pool below. She knew that she should tell them about it now. Give them another way out. But Drake had made it clear that their primary objective was to see the mission through, no matter the cost.
    And Madeline wasn’t interested in the greater good. All she cared about was escaping from Ortiz. Better to go now while she could and let Drake and his team provide unwitting cover. They’d hold off Ortiz and she’d make her break.
    She’d seen Drake and his friends in action. They’d been amazing, actually. But she’d worked for Ortiz a long time. And she, more than anyone, knew what he was capable of. He was a dangerous man, especially when he was feeling threatened. And he’d made it more than clear what he’d do to her if she betrayed him.
    The hard cold facts were that if Ortiz was coming, not even Drake Flynn would be able to stop him.
    “Jason, any luck reaching Hannah?” Avery asked, while Drake kept an eye out for further signs of life.
    “Not yet. But I think I’m almost through,” Jason said, his voice sounding miles away. “If you’re right and there are hostiles in the area, you’re not going to be able to make it to the rendezvous.”
    “Roger that,” Nash said, moving across the stream. “The easiest area for a chopper to land would be the terrace by the temple.”
    “You’re going to try to land a helicopter in here?” Madeline said, moving closer to try to hear the other side of the conversation.
    “It may be our only alternative,” Drake responded with a shrug.
    “Are you out of your mind?”
    “Look, Madeline, you’re just going to have to trust us.” He frowned down at her. “In the meantime, I want you to head for the temple and help Tyler.”
    She opened her mouth to argue and then with an exasperated sigh headed up the stone stairs toward the building.
    “She okay?” Avery asked.
    “I have no idea. The woman’s impossible to read.” Impossible period, not to put too fine a point on it. “Where’s the helicopter going to put down?”
    “I’ve vetoed the terrace,” Avery said. “It’s too close to the weapons cache. Tyler is going to have to blow it without benefit of computer remote, which means she’ll have to be right on top of it. The chopper, and anyone in it, would just be collateral damage.”
    “So we’ll use the basin.” Drake nodded toward the concentric rings of the pool. “It’s not ideal, but it should be far enough from the blast to keep the helicopter safe and