Accidental Commando Read Free

his arms. His body looked just the way it had felt. Big, solid and very male. The only thing she hadn’t been able to feel when he’d pinned her to the floor was the rifle that was slung over his back.
    Finally, Emily did scream. She dropped the receiver and ran for the bathroom.
    The blond man caught her from behind before she’d gone two steps. He slid one arm in front of her waist, lifted her from her feet and backed up so he could hang up the phone. Then he clamped his free hand over her mouth. “I’m not going to hurt you, but I can’t let you call the police.”
    She twisted her head, trying to bite his hand, but he moved one finger under her chin to keep her jaw closed. She wriggled and kicked backward. One of her heels connected with his kneecap. Her elbow hit his ribs. And both her breasts rubbed and jiggled against his bare arms.
    “Ma’am.” His voice was strained. “This is not a good idea.”
    She could see that. Although his grip wasn’t hurting her, it was solid enough to leave no doubt that he had her overpowered. Her struggle was getting her nowhere. It was only proving how strong he was. And how naked she was.
    Oh, God. Maybe this was a nightmare and in another few seconds she would wake up in a heap of half-eaten strawberries and spilled champagne…
    “No problem,” he said. “It’s under control.”
    Under control? Anger gave her a spurt of strength. She lifted her arms, aiming her nails at his face. He ducked his head behind hers, and she grabbed a handful of his hair instead. She yanked hard.
    His grip didn’t loosen. “Does anyone have him?”
    She continued to flail as she tried to make sense of his question. He hadn’t let go of her mouth, so he likely wasn’t expecting an answer.
    “White shirt, tan pants. No hard hat or tool belt. He left them on the first balcony.”
    It sounded as if he were describing the short man, the one who had struck her. But why? He didn’t even seem to be talking to her.
    “There was a civilian in the room. He opened fire. I lost him when I knocked her down.” He spoke beside her ear. “Ma’am, are you hurt?”
    What kind of criminal worried about the welfare of his victim? Or referred to her as a civilian? He was oddly calm about all this, too. As if he chased armed men through hotel rooms every day.
    He had been chasing the guy who’d hit her. He’d tackled her when the bullets had started flying. And so far he hadn’t retaliated to any of her jabs or kicks, other than to restrain her. If he’d wanted to harm her, wouldn’t he have done it by now?
    It took a few seconds for the facts to click. It took a little longer than that for Emily to regain control over her body. She dropped her arms and went still.
    He hesitated. “You’re not hurt?”
    She shook her head against his palm. “’m ’kay,” she mumbled.
    “I’m going to take my hand away from your mouth. Don’t scream again.”
    She nodded an agreement. “’kay,” she repeated.
    Maintaining his hold on her waist with his other arm, he lifted his hand a scant half inch.
    She inhaled as deeply as his grasp allowed. Which caused her breasts to rub across his arm again. She had to ignore it. He apparently was. Not that she had much there to keep a man’s interest…
    Focus! she ordered herself. This man might be able to overpower her physically, but he’d freed her mouth, and to Emily, words had always served as her best defense. “Who are you?” she demanded. “Are you a cop?”
    “My name’s Tyler Matheson.”
    “Who was that short man? Why were you chasing him?”
    “That’s confidential.”
    “You sound American. What’s an American cop doing in Rocama? Why don’t you want me to call the police?”
    “It’s for your own safety, ma’am.” Still holding her suspended against the front of his body, he moved beside the bed. Then he pulled off the top sheet, gave it a flick to get rid of the bits of glass, and set Emily on her feet. “It’s better if you don’t