“I’m going to be really nice, honey. I’ll let you sleep for half an hour and then you’re going to be begging for mercy.” He crawled up beside her and collapsed again, flinging one arm possessively around her waist and closed his eyes.

AND he wasn’t lying.

ISABEAU spent the next four days with Conner as her ruthless taskmaster, a ruthless commander who demanded perfection of both Jeremiah and her. She had to shoot guns for hours, take them apart and put them back together as well as keep working on combat techniques. Jeremiah had it worse. He had to shift on the run, and the entire team was merciless with him. Fortunately, he was so proficient with a rifle, she could tell they were all impressed with him.

The next four nights were spent behind the waterfall, with Conner as her demanding lover, a man never quite sated and always pushing for more. There were times she wasn’t certain she would survive the intensity of their love-making, but she really didn’t care. All that mattered was the feel of his body inside hers and the love in his eyes when he claimed her.

Chapter 11

11

“REMEMBER to stay close to Elijah no matter what happens.” Conner kept his hand on the car door, refusing to open it, although everyone was waiting. “Once we go in, don’t look at me. Anyone in there can be working for her. You have to put on the best acting job of your life. And Isabeau—” He caught her chin in his hand, his glittering eyes staring straight into hers. “So will I—I’ll be acting too.”

Isabeau swallowed hard and nodded. “I know, Conner. I can do this.”

“If you get into trouble, signal Rio or Elijah. They’ll get you out of it.”

“We’ve gone over this a hundred times.” Her mouth was dry and fear had gripped her in spite of all her good intentions. She wanted to cling to Conner, but instead forced a small smile. “I’m ready.”

“We’re going over it again, just to be sure. Jeremiah will be outside up high in the trees with a rifle. He can shoot the wings off a butterfly; he’ll protect you outside. If there’s a problem . . .”

“I take the barrette out of my hair.”

“That’s the signal to shoot. If you’re in trouble, use it.”

“Conner, I’m going to be fine.”

“She won’t come in until late. Don’t get antsy or alarmed. Her security detail will come in first and sweep the room, looking for people like us. You’re going to stand out, honey. You’re a female leopard and the two rogues are going to sense you’re close to the Han Vol Dan. That will agitate them, make them more aggressive. You cannot be alone with one of them. Do you understand?”