Warriors of Poseidon 05 - Atlantis Redeemed

sensitizing every inch of her skin. She wanted to cling to him; climb inside him; ride his hot, hard body until the desperate need was sated.
    Suddenly, she realized she was rubbing against his body like a cat, and she pulled away from him, shocked and a little frightened by the depth of her hunger.
    Atlantis Redeemed – Warriors of Poseidon 05
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    “Brennan,” she whispered, but he kept kissing her. Her neck, her face, her lips again. She pushed against his chest and managed to speak up a little louder. “Brennan. Stop.”
    He stopped kissing her but still held her loosely, as he drew in deep, ragged breaths. “I am not sure I will survive a reunion with you after more than a two-minute parting,” he finally managed. “I am sorry I keep mauling you like a clumsy youngling.”
    She shook her head. “I’m not sure exactly why this keeps happening, but it’s definitely mutual.”
    A slow, dangerous smile spread over his face, and her knees threatened to buckle again. The man was pure seduction. “Had I known that emotions would be so incredibly threatening to my control, I am not sure I would have wished for their return. And yet, for the opportunity to hold you in my arms, I would surrender everything I own. Is this how the rest of the world feels all of the time? If so, how do you survive it?”
    She tried to answer him, had to swallow past the blockage in her throat, and then finally was able to speak. “No. I mean, yes,” she said, her voice husky. “Emotions are threatening my control with you, too, but we have a job to do, and this is so complicated, and—”
    “Should we go, then? I must change my clothing to something more formal. I believe a tuxedo is required.” He released her, his face again impassive, betraying nothing of what he said he’d been feeling just seconds ago.
    Neat trick.
    She tried it herself, but was doubtful of her success, since she was still trembling the tiniest bit.
    “Yes. Except, where are we going?”
    “The reclusive billionaire who has donated half a million to the cause, with more to come, surely has a suite reserved for him in this hotel,” he said dryly. “Will you determine if this is the case?”
    She nodded, not completely trusting her own voice, and turned toward the phone on the desk, smiling to herself when she caught him running a hand roughly through his hair.
    Everything he owned to hold her in his arms, he’d said. She picked up the phone, an entirely different kind of warmth spreading through her body. A warmth that felt almost like home.
    Naturally, she couldn’t trust it.
    The desk clerk picked up on the first ring. “How may I help you, Ms. Baum?”
    She told him.
    “Of course we have Mr. Brennan’s suite ready. Should we send someone to meet him there?”
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    She took the room number, thanked the clerk, and hung up the phone. “I’m guessing we’re getting dressed in your room?”
    “Lucas arranged for suitable clothing to be delivered there. You will bring your belongings and come with me?” A hint of desperation sounded underneath the calm, even tones of his voice, and when she nodded, grabbing her backpack, she couldn’t miss his relief.
    “I believe we have a party to attend,” he said. He took her suitcase and opened the door, scanning the hallway before gesturing to her to lead the way.
    “A party to attend,” she repeated. “Can’t wait.”
    She wondered if she was trying to convince him—or herself.
    Brennan scanned his new hotel suite, noting the proximity of windows to the bed. Any attack would come from there; any intruders would smash through the glass and attack sleeping guests before they had a chance to wake up.
    Well enough. He didn’t plan on sleeping in that bed.
    Tiernan had spent several minutes scanning the room with a small electronic device before telling him the room was free of electronic surveillance. They must be very sure of his compliance, then. He smiled at the thought.
    Tiernan blinked. “So that was a scary smile. What are you thinking about?”
    “Scientists who overestimate themselves.”
    She narrowed her eyes, but didn’t pursue it. “Well, you can at least turn your back while I get dressed,” Tiernan said, tossing her backpack on the bed. “That surely won’t be long enough to set off the curse.” She sat down on the edge and pulled off her shoes. “Right?”
    His mind suddenly stuttered to a stop at the