Rule Breaker (Project ROOT Book 1) Read online

  “Good. Good. How about you?” Asher sidled up to her, crowding her personal space.

  “F-fine. Why?” Being this close to him made her nervous.

  “Can’t I care?”

  Well, sure. She supposed so. But, issues. “As you can see, I am good. A little tired. A bit hungry.”

  He cursed under his breath. “I should have realized. You’ve been down here all night. I’ll have breakfast for everyone brought down.”

  “It’s four in the morning. I doubt the kitchen crew would be up for a while.”

  He chuckled. “Shit. I’m messing up all of this.”

  “It’s okay.” She reached out and touched his arm. “I appreciate you thinking about us.”

  Heat bloomed where she touched him, and radiated up her arm then over her chest. She wouldn’t say heart. Asher appeared so in charge out in the field seeing him fumble surprised her, yet endeared her to him.

  “Of course.”

  “So,” she stated, walking him to the door. “When they wake, I’ll let them know breakfast is on the way.”

  “Damn it.” He hauled her into his arms and covered her mouth with his.

  Surprise filled her while liquid arousal pooled low in her belly. The way he dominated the kiss, taking what he wanted and demanding more, undid her willpower. His tongue slid over hers in the most erotic way, coaxing her to give. She moaned, wrapping her arms around his neck. Yes, she needed this. The hard press of his erection against her stomach sent her girly parts tingling. She ached for this man to the point it scared the shit out of her.

  The manic beep of the medical monitors shoved Rae back to reality. Stumbling out of his arms, she turned as Sydney sat up and cried out, holding her side. “Oh no.” It’d been hours since the last contraction and she’d thought they were in the clear. However, as the wave increased on the monitor, she feared they would be unable to stop the baby from coming.

  “What’s wrong?” Resolve with a hint of fear colored Asher’s features.

  “Better call Joseph down here. I think we’re about to have a baby.” She hurried from his side and slammed through the door of the room.

  Gabby was wide awake crying while the machine continued to whirl and filter her blood. Amniotic fluid covered the sheets. She had to get everything under control. The door slammed open once more and Asher came to a stop at her side.

  “What do you need me to do?”

  “See the countdown on the machine? She’s not ready to come off it yet. I need you to transfer her gently to the chair next to it.” She pointed to where she wanted the little girl to sit. “You’ll need to grab a couple of blankets to keep her warm.”

  He grunted and set to work while she got a doubled-over Sydney to calm down. “I know this sucks, but you’ve done this before, you’ve got this. Remember your breathing exercises. Two quick inhales and slowly let it out. Release the tension.” Rae gripped her hand and her elbow and eased her out of bed. “Did you sway the last time?”

  Sydney turned her wide, fear-stricken gaze toward Rae and shook her head. “No. I had to be induced.”

  “Okay. Not a problem. I can’t allow you to lay in that mess. One, it’s disgusting, and two, it’s not fair to you. So, what I would like for you to do is stand and sway. When you get a contraction, breathe through it and rock. It’ll help with the pain.” She glanced at Asher, who crouched in front of Gabby tucking in her blankets. “How’s she doing over there?”

  “We’re making it work.” He tipped his chin up at the little girl. “Right?”

  Gabby’s lip trembled as she nodded her agreement. “Mommy?”

  “She’s fine, sweetheart. I think your brother wants to make a special arrival. I bet you he’s going to always be impatient.” She winked at the little girl as she removed the soiled sheets from the bed. “Asher, where is the bedding?”

  “Should be in that closet.” He pointed to the plain wooden door across from them.

  “Thanks.” She patted Sydney’s hand. “I’ll be right back, then I’ll check you.”

  “Hurry,” she cried. “I think he’s coming.” Her body tightened and she began to squat.

  Shit. She ran for the cabinet and swung the door wide. After grabbing what she needed, she hurried back to the bed. “Okay, Sydney, you have to hang tight for one more second.”

  “It hurts so bad.” She sobbed, clutching her stomach as she went to crouch again.

  “Please tell me you have OB kits here.”

  Asher patted Gabby’s knee then stood. “I think so.” He went to the supply cabinet and pulled out a tray and some towels. “Don’t have baby blankets, though, Doc.”

  “I don’t care right now.” She helped Sydney onto the bed then broke it down for delivery. Once she had Mom secured, she glanced at a very frightened little girl. “It’s going to be okay. But Mommy’s in a lot of pain. In a little bit, she’ll be just fine.” If not a lot tired and overwhelmed.

  Rae positioned her legs into the stirrups then lifted the sheet, covering her. Sure enough, the baby was crowning.

  “Franks is on his way. O’Malley is grabbing him.”

  “Stay with Gabby. When her timer goes off, remove the port hook up and put a patch over it.” She pointed to the attachment where it met the line she’d set the night before.

  “Doc, I’m not sure about this,” Asher murmured.

  “You can do it. Just twist it gently and it will come apart. I trust you.” Rae donned a pair of gloves before opening the kit. “Give me two more seconds, Syd.” She unfurled the catch bag and deposited all the utensils she’d need onto the tray. “When you feel another contraction, I want you to bear down as hard as you can.”

  “Okay.” She nodded, pushing her hair out of her face. “Is he going to be okay?”

  “He’ll be just fine. He’s a healthy weight. Good size. We’ll make sure he’s breathing fine and then you can hold him. But first, I need you to push, now.”

  She did as Rae asked.

  Adrenaline spiked through her system. She hadn’t been ready for the baby yet. She hadn’t even gotten around to asking Asher if they had what she’d need. This place housed military men and teams, not a NICU.

  Fuck it. She didn’t have time to lament about what she did or didn’t have. The baby was coming and there was no stopping it. Sydney grunted through the next contraction, her body straining through the pain.

  “You’re doing great. Hold tight, don’t do anything, just breathe.” She picked up the bulb suction off the tray then proceeded to clear the baby’s nose and mouth as he began sucking on her thumb. “He’s already suckling.”

  “Is that okay?” Sydney furrowed her brows as sweat trickled from her temples.

  “It’s perfect. It means he’s strong. Healthy. Okay, a couple good pushes and you’ll be able to meet your son.”

  The door opened once more and heavy footsteps came toward her. “Syd? Gabby? Holy shit. Doc…Doc…is this really happening?”

  “Sure is.” She caught the wiggly bundle of baby. “You can stop now, Sydney. He’s here.” Rae clamped off his cord then handed Joseph a pair of scissors. “Go ahead, Daddy.”

  “Where?” His hand shook as disbelief colored his features.

  “Between the clamps. Then I’ll get this tyke cleaned up so he can meet his mommy.” She waited patiently as he cut the cord. “Good job.” After finishing sucking out the crud from his nose and mouth, she began cleaning him up. The pink baby gave an ear-piercing cry and she grinned. Baby Franks would be A-okay. “Impatient, even out of the womb.” She wrapped him in a couple towels and placed him on Sydney’s chest. “Congratulations.”

  While mom and baby bonded, she finished cleaning Sydney up. By the time she was done, Gabby was at her mother’s bedside, peering up at the squalling bundle in her mother’s arms. Asher was slumped in the chair, his head in his hands, scrubbing his temples. She almost laughed. Poor guy did better with war situations than birthing babies.

  “Thank you, Rae.”

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nbsp; She glanced at the other woman and smiled. “My pleasure.” She stood and excused herself. “Hey, you should come with me. I’ll get you a cup of coffee.”

  Asher glanced at her. “Coffee?”

  She chuckled softly. “Yeah. Give them a moment alone.”

  “Shit. You’re right. Uh…fuck. Give me a list of what you need, and I’ll have it delivered within the hour.” He followed her out the door.

  “Well, we’ll need clothes for the baby. Formula and diapers. Plus, a room Sydney and the baby can stay in so I can monitor them for now.”

  He nodded. “I thought about moving them to one of the bunker apartments. It’s close to here.”

  “I’m sure they’ll appreciate it.” They turned the corner and entered a small room.

  He closed the door behind them, then had her braced against the wall. His mouth came down on hers and exhaustion fled her. The hunger laced in the thrust and retreat of his tongue turned her inside out. His hands were all over her, leaving gooseflesh in their wake. Anxiety and excitement did amazing things to the human body.

  “Asher,” she whispered, pushing her hands under his shirt. “What are we doing?”

  “I think you know what we’re doing.” He nipped at her neck before pulling off her top.

  “We shouldn’t. What if someone sees us?” Her excuse was weak even to her ears.

  “They won’t.” He lifted her with ease, and carried her to desk. “Plus, we’re adults.”

  “I don’t even—” Her breath hitched when his mouth cover her nipple.

  He groaned, the vibrations shot straight to her sex. Her clit throbbed as she grew wetter by the second. “Shh, not now. Later. You can hate me later.” Asher exposed her breast to his perusal. He laved the peak, then drew it into his mouth.

  Rae arched toward him. Like a bitch in heat she rubbed against him, growing wilder by the second. She shouldn’t be doing this yet, even though she understood the risks associated with allowing this moment between them. She couldn’t stop. She liked him as much as she hated him. Which didn’t leave much in between. She ran her fingers through his short hair, scraping his scalp.

  “Mmm, hellcat. I love it.” He worked open her pants, then flipped her so her stomach was pressed to the table.

  She rubbed her ass across his groin and her eyes fluttered shut. The feel of the hard length of his erection had anticipation coiling low in her belly. Her brain shut down as the cool kiss of air hit her over-sensitized flesh. Before she had a chance to assimilate to the sensations crashing over her, his middle finger found her clit and he worked the tight bundle of nerves.

  “Asher,” she cried, trembling in his arms.

  “So wet.” He slid his finger deep into her channel. “Mmm. We’re going to have fun together, Rae.”

  “Stop talking.” She bit her bottom lip as her grip tightened on the table.

  He laughed. “Why? Don’t you like talking during sex? Knowing what it feels like for me? How you’re clenching around me. How hot you are.”

  She whimpered, writhing under him. “Please.”

  “Uh, huh. I got you.” He shifted then retreated, dragging his finger from her passage. When he filled her again, he grunted. “Can’t wait to get inside you.”

  The warmth of his body left her momentarily, and when he returned he kicked her legs apart. The sound of foil being ripped opened a few seconds later had her pulse kicking up a notch. Her heart pounded out a wild cadence as she waited. Then, he was there, his forehead pressed to the middle of her back as he teased her with the tip of his cock. She rocked against him, trying desperately to notch him inside her. Yet, he seemed happy to take his time.

  She whimpered, frustrated by his teasing her. “Damn it, Asher.”

  He chuckled, kissing her spine. “Impatient? A minute ago, you weren’t sure about this.” Asher rubbed the head of his dick against her clit, and her breath left her in a shudder.

  “You’re going to drive me insa—”

  He filled her with one thrust and electricity crackled over her skin. Her mouth fell open on a silent scream as her release rushed through her. Behind her, he moaned her name, grinding his pelvis against hers. “Mmm, fuck, yes.”

  He gripped her tightly as he retreated and filled her again. The delicious drag of his cock along her delicate walls drove her insane. The intense pleasure coursing through her overwhelmed her ability to think of anything but where they were connected. His chest pressed to her back, changing the angle of his thrusts. With each pump of his hips, his grunts and groans grew more passionate.

  “Oh God.” She trembled in his arms, the bliss rolling through her threatened to pull her under an emotional tidal wave. She couldn’t hang on. He kept pushing her higher and higher before backing off to tease her.

  “You’re so tight. I can feel your pussy quiver, and I swear it’s like you’re trying to make me come.” He pulled from her. “Not yet, though.” He turned her over and helped her up onto the desk. Laying her out, he stared down at her. “You’re perfect, Rae.”

  The second he filled her, he kissed her. His mouth mimicked the way his hips shifted, filling her completely as their tongues twined together. Yes, she wanted this. Couldn’t believe she tried to stop this man from doing as he pleased to her body. Asher kissed a path down her neck to her breast. He sucked her nipple into his mouth as he slammed into her, over and over.

  She hung on for dear life, digging her nails into his shoulders as he muttered her name. “More, Asher. Please.” She didn’t know how much more she could take.

  “I like it when you moan my name. It turns me on. Makes my dick twitch. Fuck, so good.” He fit his hand between them as he went back to sucking on her nipple.

  The second his middle finger wiggled her clit, she arched against him. Pleasure sparked down her spine as she cried out. She rocked her hips in time with his thrusts. The intensity of the moment expanded within her while narrowing her world down to him and her and nothing else. His pace faltered, becoming erratic while she continued to chase her release.

  “That’s it, Rae.” His lips brushed over the shell of her ear. “Get off on my dick. Come for me.” He pressed down on the hard bundle of nerves while he slammed into her.

  She came apart in his arms. A low whimper fell from her lips as she clung to him as her release washed over her. He came unhinged, rutting and growling as he grew frantic. He shoved into her twice more before burying his face in her neck and groaning her name. The rhythmic pulse of his release sent a thrill down her spine, and sparks of pleasure erupted inside her.

  Rae groaned and covered her face as a laugh bubbled up in her. “I can’t believe we did that.”

  He pulled from her and grinned. “I can.” He took care of the condom, then stuffed himself back into his pants. “You’ll say it was anxiety and the excitement of a baby being born. I’m saying it was meant to be.”

  She shook her head as she slowly righted her clothes. “Such a cocky man.”

  He stepped to her and tipped her chin up. “Not cocky. I wanted you. Have for a while now. I’m not sorry this happened.”

  The sincerity in his gaze threw her off balance. Holy crap. He meant it. Every word. He wanted her. “For how long, though?” The words tumbled out. “Until this is solved? Until you grow tired of having me…us around? Sex doesn’t make a relationship.”

  “Damn, woman, why do you have to try and ruin a beautiful moment between us?” He tugged her into his arms and held her tightly. “This wasn’t a one-time for me, and I aim to prove it.”

  Chapter Ten

  The look of disbelief in her eyes before he pulled her into his arms had him reeling. She was unsure of him, of what they had just done. Who could blame her, though? He’d come at her like a rutting bull and they just had sex in an office. On a desk, with barely any foreplay, and he loved foreplay.

  Next time.

  When he had more time, and a bed.

  He needed to get his head together and stop thinking.

 
“How?” she asked.

  He swore he could feel the warmth of her breath against his chest through his uniform. It made him regret not undressing fully earlier. “How what?”

  “How do you aim to prove it?”

  “Boss.” O’Malley’s voice came through his Tac-Com in his ear. He reached up, tapping the device, allowing him to reply to his 2IC.

  “Yeah.” He pointed to his ear, moving away from Rae.

  “We have a problem,” O’Malley continued, his tone even more abrupt than normal.

  “We have several problems. Can you be more specific?” he demanded.

  Rae’s walls he worked to bring down were being rebuilt as he stood there. He could see it in her facial expression and in the stiff way she fiddled with her clothing.

  He wouldn’t allow it. Not after what he considered the single best sexual experience of his life. It was saying a lot, since he lost his virginity at the ripe old age of fifteen and had been around the block. More than a time or two.

  O’Malley huffed in his ear. “Security contacted me. Barclay’s man Anthony James was found dead in his cell.”

  “Son of a bitch,” he mumbled. “How, and do they suspect foul play?”

  Rae stopped fiddling her clothes and finally looked up at him.

  “Not sure. I just hung up with them. They wanted permission to take his body to the morgue. I told them not till we come down to take a gander at his body and the cell.”

  “I want all the incoming and outgoing feeds from in and around holding as well. I also want the feeds from his cell,” he said.

  Rae stepped around him and made a beeline for the office door. He made no attempt to stop her. Doing so would alert O’Malley and he didn’t have time to play twenty questions. He also didn’t need anything negative swirling around Rae.

  “Order an autopsy,” he stated, following Rae out of the room. She walked back to the room where the Franks family were. No doubt Barclay would accuse them of killing Anthony James.

  “Command doesn’t have one of those types of doctors lying around, Asher.” Sarcasm dripped from O’Malley’s voice.