Crystal Mac: A prologue novella to Captive Series Book 3 HELL'S HILLTOP by J. A. Dennam Page B

She shifted her head, peered back at him. “Believe me, the only ones I told are dead.”
    Still, her actions proved she wasn’t his team player, either. Mac’s expression must have said as much because Crystal pursed her soft pink lips and faced front.
    “I tried, Mac,” she said, her voice firm. “But, it didn’t take long to realize Derek’s plan wasn’t going to work. I had to think fast. They all thought I’d died in the explosion last night and I needed a plausible excuse for my absence. When you came looking for me, I figured the truth would work in my favor.”
    “Derek would have come after you , if not me.”
    “I know.”
    “He won’t be as easy to convince when we get back to the house.”
    Crystal reached out and turned the knob, cutting off the steady flow of water. The remnants dripped, preventing complete silence. “You believe me?” she asked softly.
    Something in her tone touched a cord. Mac found himself staring at the clean contours of her back, wondering if her lightly freckled skin felt as silky as it looked. “I’ve been suckered before,” he murmured as he finished taping the bandage.
    Her shoulders relaxed. “That’s what I like about you, Macon Reed. You’re a decent guy. I could tell right away.”
    He reached down between her legs and pulled the plug, allowing the crimson water to drain. His face lingered close to hers while a single fingertip grazed her inner thigh. “You’re the reason I’m not in a dumpster, so I guess that warrants some kind of trust.”
    Her muscles constricted beneath his touch and she edged closer, her lips curving upward. “If you want the complete truth… I was tempted to stay. I thought about it.”
    Mac swallowed hard. A mixture of emotions swirled with the primal urges that continued to plague his body. “Why didn’t you?”
    “I’m still not entirely sure,” she said quietly. Her fingers hovered over the knife wound on his shoulder. “The IGP life is a strange one. Dangerous. Unpredictable. You follow orders you don’t always like, but it’s… familiar . You know?”
    Her eyes were begging him to understand, which he did. More than she knew. It was a most confusing, most pivotal time in her life and he should say something profound. But, the longer they stared at each other, the thicker the air became and all he could do was nod.
    When he tried to pull away, she captured his hand. “Help me wash my hair?”
    She was naked, bold, but with a contrasting edge of vulnerability.
    Mac was painfully aware that her effect on him was out there, plain to see beneath the flimsy sweatpants. So he allowed himself a slow, smoldering look at her bared curves, watched as her nipples grew dark and distended beneath the weight of his gaze.
    The last of the water gurgled down the drain.
    While he drank her in, his needs ramped up an agonizing degree. H e leaned over again and turned the knob. Water rushed from the faucet. “Get on your hands and knees,” he said thickly, their gazes still locked.
    Her brow went up. She assumed the position in a slow, provocative way, heavy breasts dangling above a flat, toned belly. “Get in with me.” A brief wiggle of her ass made it clear where she wanted him. “Wear me out so I can sleep.”
     

 
     

     
    Blood roared in his ears as Mac stood up and flexed his hands. He shouldn’t be doing this. It would mean letting his guard down completely… to a woman who could still be a traitor.
    But, that just made him want her more, like a forbidden fruit k ind of thing.
    “It’s just sex, Mac,” she urged dryly. “We both need to disconnect for a while.”
    She was absolutely right. It was just sex. No hearts and flowers or strings attached. That was how Crystal seemed to operate, so why should he feel guilt of any kind?
    With a determined set to his mouth, Mac hooked his thumbs in the waistband of his sweatpants and yanked them down. Her eyes widened on his thick erection as it sprung free. Leaving the