What She Thought She Knew (Rachel Moore Mystery Book 1), стр. 43

I huffed in indignation. "Cheap bastard," I muttered.

He merely laughed in response.

I rolled my eyes, and followed John to wherever the booze was kept.

He took us to his room.

His personal items were arranged in an organized fashion on the round table. There was a double-sized bed on the far wall.

John rummaged through a box, and took out two sleek bottles.

He then went to the kitchenette and grabbed two clean glasses.

He placed all of the articles on the table, and filled both glasses with the amber liquid. "In times like these, I like to call upon a dear friend of mine: beer." He said as he placed the filled glass in front of me.

I snorted in amusement. "You're a man of fine taste." I mocked as I held the glass.

John smirked. "And you're a woman with a smart mouth. I'm surprised that you haven't killed anyone yet with just an appropriate choice of words."

I chose to ignore his remark.

I took a deep breath, and then brought my glass up. "Cheers," I started, "to the end of the world."

John raised his own glass. "May you be in heaven for half an hour, before the devil knows you're dead."

We clinked our glasses together after our bizarre toast, and took generous swings of the cool alcohol.

When I was done, I set my glass on the counter. "Well, talk about being positive." I remarked sarcastically.

John snorted at my remark. "We're in the middle of a war; if you were acting positive, I'd suspect that you were on drugs."

I chuckled lowly. "I'd think the same thing."

John shook his head in amusement, and brought out two more beer bottles.

He filled our glasses again, and downed half in one go.

He sighed loudly. "I can't believe Fear and I are being sent to go babysit some luxurious building."

I snorted. "At least you're doing something. The rest of us are being called back to New York as if we have a curfew." I paused to drink my beer. "I can only imagine what sort of assignment they could give to us 'low-leveled' agents."

John went still, and regarded me with a serious look. "Come on, Rachel. You know that HQ doesn't see you as inferior. You're a Scout. Reconnaissance is just as hard as going in head first. It's probably even harder." He then rested his arms on the counter. "Your rank is a great asset to Warriors; you go in and search the area to ensure their safety. You're practically like their Guardian."

I smiled slightly at his attempt to make me feel useful. "Thanks John." I said quietly.

Said person nodded in return.

I downed the rest of my drink, and then grinned lopsided. "Since we're parting ways, does that still make you my Guardian?" I joked.

John's eyes widened at my question.

He then relaxed as he saw my smile. "I believe so." He replied. "After all, the Directors never gave me the order to let you go."

I then stared at John intently. "Let me go, huh?"

John noticed my change of mood, and stared at me with an unfamiliar expression.

His grey eyes seemed to have turned into molten silver, and my breath hitched.

It was just like the night at Salute to Vienna, although this time it was definitely willingly on my part.

John stepped around the table, and pulled me up.

I stared at him expectantly.

He looked back. "Rachel, what were you really going to say back in the conference room?" He asked.

I opened my mouth, but shut it quickly. I gave him a sad smile as I hoped that my eyes would have somehow been able to tell him what I could not say. "You know that I'm bad with words." I tried to joke.

John nodded.

I then placed my hands on his chest, and looked at him through a slightly hazed vision. "But perhaps I could show you."

John's eyes widened momentarily, before they closed shut as I trailed my hands all over his muscular chest until they reached the lining of his shirt.

I looked up at him as I voicelessly asked for permission.

John nodded, and placed his hands over mine.

Together, we swiftly took off his shirt.

I couldn't help but stare in appreciation. It was as if a sculptor made him.

I flicked my eyes upward.

John's eyes were shining brightly even in the dim light.

His face then curved into a smile. "You like what you see?" He asked teasingly.

A slight blush colored my face. "You're… beautiful." I said quietly.

John chuckled slightly, though there was a hint of bashfulness in his manner.

He placed his hands behind my head, and gently removed my ponytail.

My hair came down in long, thick waves. I shook my head to adjust their position.

The Guardian caressed my hair, trailing lightly over my skull and down to the ends.

I stifled a shiver at the intimate gesture.

In return, I traced my thin fingers over John's well defined jaw. I held my fingers still when they touched his smooth lips.

John took both of my hands, and kissed them softly. His eyes glimmered like molten silver shining under a light.

He smiled at me tenderly as his eyes examined every aspect of my face.

I smiled shyly as a result

John then grabbed me by my hips, and brought me closer. He brought his face close to mine, causing my heart to accelerate like a race car.

As he leaned forward, I parted my lips slightly.

His lips hovered over mine, his warm breath caused me to tremble slightly.

At last, he pressed his lips against mine, and I closed my eyes.

The sensation was amazing: his soft lips fit perfectly against mine, allowing all of my nerves to become electrified in pleasure.

I wrapped my arms around his neck