Project Terminal: Devil's Virus (4 page)

Adam lifted his gaze skyward, saying a silent prayer to God they’d be able to succeed. Maybe God wouldn’t listen to them after they’d behaved like delinquent children, toying with creation.

Sweat broke out on Adam’s brow, and he wiped a hand over his face and backed away from the fire. The coming day promised to be a hot one, already the air hung ripe with humidity. He wanted to be home in the Colorado Rockies, hidden away in his personal exile in the small hunting cabin he’d paid cash for. Cool crisp nights, even in the height of summer, were welcome compared to the South’s oppressive heat.

By the time the flames lowered the morning sun had started inching over the horizon. Adam dug a shallow grave near the funeral pier and scooped the char into it, stamping out the remainder of the coals. With the job done, they left the site and got into the Jeep. Max huddled by the passenger door, her eyelids drooping. He’d forgotten how exhausting one night’s lost sleep could be, and felt sorry for the woman.

“Try to catch a few minutes rest,” he said.

She blinked, forcing her eyes open. “I’m okay.”

He couldn’t suppress a grin. “You sure about that? You look a little like a zombie.”

She wrinkled her nose. “Please, I don’t want to hear that word for at least a week.”

On impulse, he reached out and took her hand, giving it a comforting squeeze. The softness of her skin sent warmth through his system, and he clung to it longer than needed. Max stared at their joined hands in much the same way she’d stared at the undead. Eyes widening, mouth agape. He couldn’t be sure if she appreciated his touch, so he dropped her hand, keeping his distance.

* * * *

They rode in silence; Max didn’t want to be the first to broach the subject of what had happened back at the college. Outside of the undead attacks, which, by all reasoning, should be her utmost concern since there had been multiple infected at the site. She viewed it as her own selfish needs making her focus on the makeout session. An ugly, self-centered thing she should put to the wayside. After all, it’d been her stubbornness to prove the virus useful, making her forge ahead after Reed had warned her about her twin’s plans, ending their relationship in the process.

Why were there so many undead at the college? How many more are there?
Her groggy brain couldn’t quite work out the questions; she wanted sleep more than anything. She looked over to Reed who remained wide awake, but of course he would. He could go four days without sleep and still function, thanks to his genetic engineering.

When he’d taken her hand the unexpected touch had been nearly as thrilling as the makeout session back at the laboratory. Her skin still tingled, as did her pussy. But just as quickly he’d broken the contact.

Max forced her thoughts to what was important. At least they’d managed to take the equipment she needed. She hoped it didn’t get damaged as they took the jostling back roads. With enough caffeine she could work sixteen hour days, and she’d push her physical limits until she found the reason for Laura’s immunity. Then she’d put an end to the ravages of R1LN.

“I know a place we can stop,” Reed said, breaking into her thoughts. “It’s owned by my first stepfather. It’s an older vacation home, but isn’t used this time of year. Not much chance your sister or anyone else would think to look there. My mother was only married to him for six months when I was eight.”

Max hadn’t even realized his parents had been divorced. How sad that she’d been involved with him and hadn’t bothered to find out more about his childhood. Not that he’d been forthcoming with personal information outside of medical and military history. Nothing else had mattered in the project.

She stifled a yawn. “Okay, that’s fine with me.”

An hour later they pulled down a long driveway. Her mouth fell open when she caught sight of the home. It appeared to be more a plantation house than a vacation place. Two stories, with a ground level porch running the length of the front and tall pillars supporting a second deck on the top floor. Painted white with black shutters, it had overgrown juniper bushes growing near the foundation, making it look a bit wild. Brown, dead grasses tangled with new green growth in the lawn. The place looked as if it hadn’t been used in a while.

“Mike is a real estate investor,” Reed said in way of explanation. “Honestly, I don’t think he remembers owning this place. He has homes scattered all over the country, or at least he did when I was a kid.”

“It’s beautiful,” Max said, feeling starstruck. “I’ve never been in a house this big. How many rooms does it have?”

“Eighteen, I think.” He gave her a quick smile. “Didn’t realize you’d be the type to fall for a fancy home. I figured if it didn’t come equipped with a science facility you wouldn’t be interested.”

His teasing tone drew out her smile. “Outside of science I have a love of architecture. I see all the mathematical angles in the construction.”

He shook his head. “I always hated math.”

“You scored high in your tests.”

“Doesn’t mean I enjoy it. Believe it or not I was in the choir in my father’s church. I liked music.”

“You? Music?” she sputtered.

“Dad wouldn’t have allowed me to join theater, but I always wanted to try out for a musical.” He winked and she couldn’t be sure if he was serious. “So I focused on sports, academics, and a future in the Marines.”

He pulled behind the house to hide the Jeep. They unloaded the equipment and other supplies Reed had brought. Basic staples of food, water, lanterns, and a couple of sleeping bags, along with her own overnight bag.

“There’s no electricity,” he said, noting her examination of the battery operated lamps. “Judging by the looks of things, the lights haven’t been on in a while.”

Max shrugged. “We don’t need anything elaborate, but I’ll require some sort of generator to operate the lab.”

“There’s one out back. It makes a lot of racket, but I doubt anyone can hear it out here, and we’ll only have it on when you need it.”

He picked the backdoor lock and they walked inside. The home smelled of dust and disuse, but it was fully furnished with sheets draped over the furniture scattered throughout the first floor. A huge crystal chandelier hung in the foyer, cobwebs stretching within its gold plated arms. Max had the sudden idea ghosts lived in the home and chills raced over her skin. Of course ghosts didn’t exist, unless someone had managed to create them in a laboratory. Which didn’t make her feel any better.

Chapter 5

Adam set up the makeshift lab in the dining room, Max instructing him on what went where. He had rudimentary knowledge of the use of the equipment, but he still needed her help. She’d lost color in her face and her tired gaze begged for sleep. Though he kept insisting she take a couple of hours to rest, she trudged on like a soldier in the field, needing to see the job through. He respected that about her, she’d always been driven which was what made her a success, outside of her astounding intelligence. Though he’d scored well on IQ tests, she made him appear incompetent in comparison. Not many women could claim both brains and beauty like she could. And not many men could really appreciate what she had to offer. He certainly hadn’t.

Max walked around the dining room for a final inspection. She yawned before giving a nod of approval. “All we need to do is get out to Strong Stock and I can start.”

“We’re not going anywhere until you get some sleep. You won’t be any good if you’re too exhausted to think.” He held up his hand when she looked like she’d argue. “You know I’m right, and if I have to I’ll tie you down.”

Her full lips curved upward. “You promise?”

Awareness shot through him like lightning and he sucked in a breath. She was feeling drunk with her exhaustion and she hadn’t meant the flirtation, Adam reasoned. Regardless, thoughts jumped to mind, vivid mental images making him hard.

Her gaze dropped to his crotch and color returned to her cheeks.

“It’s been a long time,” he said, feeling the need to explain his erection.

She licked her lips, meeting his eyes again. “Yeah, for me too.”

He wanted her, and the surge of lust left his legs trembling. He needed to back away, leave the room, before temptation overcame him.

“About what happened back at the college…” She cleared her throat. Her chest rose and fell with increased respiration; her nipples budded against her shirt. “I think maybe we were in the heat of the moment. Dramatic circumstances can sometimes cause people to have unexpected physical reactions.”

“Shut up, Max.” He stepped forward and yanked her against him. She gasped but he swallowed the sound as his mouth crashed into hers.

Her resistance was fleeting and she melded against him, opening to his mouth, meeting the thrust of his tongue with her own. He cupped her ass, drawing her tight to his pelvis, needing an outlet for his throbbing cock. She rubbed against him, inflaming his libido, driving him to seek more. He reached for the hem of her t-shirt and drew back long enough to tug it over her head, and after a flick of his fingers her bra popped free. Her breasts were high and firm, tipped by dark pink nipples. An invitation to make a man weak. He covered them with his hands before stroking over her nipples with his thumbs. She moaned, leaning into the pressure.

“I’ve never forgotten how beautiful you are when you’re aroused.”

“I want you,” she replied on a breath.

It’d be a sin to take her when he had no kind of future to offer. A one-room cabin in the Colorado Mountains wasn’t much of a home. Hell, he couldn’t even have kids—he’d given up his fertility before being genetically altered. He leaned in, teetering on indecision, burying his face between her breasts. “I don’t think this is a good idea.”

She grabbed his head and pulled his lips to hers. “Shut up, Preacher.”

The kiss continued until his resolve evaporated, and he shoved her against the wall. He lifted her off her feet and she wrapped her legs around his hips, using her strong thighs to grind against his cock. He needed out of his pants and buried deep inside her pussy. He carried her to the living room and let her slide to her feet before he grabbed the end of the sheet draped over the couch. He tugged it off, sending dust motes flying into the air, then pulled his shirt off. His hand moved to his fly. “You sure about this, Max?”

“I’ve never felt so sure of anything in my life.” She reached out and unfastened the button to his jeans before grasping the catch to the zipper. It gave way beneath her fingers and his cock bobbed free. She wrapped her long fingers around him, stroking to the base and back up again. He groaned, heat pooling until he had to clamp his teeth together to stay in control. She knelt down and lapped his tip, sending a shockwave through his system.

“Get your pants off,” he commanded.

Max obeyed, shedding them. Her panties followed, leaving her lithe form ready to be devoured. He pulled her close and fell back on the sofa. She straddled his hips and he held his breath while she sheathed his length within her tight walls.

“Oh God, Adam.” Her head fell back, exposing her throat, and he brushed his lips over the soft skin. “You feel incredible.”

She rode him at a slow pace, building the heat higher, until his balls drew tight. He shut his eyes, forcing back the orgasm. He couldn’t lose it now, not so soon.

* * * *

Reed filled Max up, making her want to burst into a million pieces. She took her time, milking him with her pussy, loving the feel of their union. She let the pleasure sweep her higher and higher until she at last crested.

“Adam.” The name tore from her throat in a choked sob.

He grunted and thrust his hips into her, shuddering in release. She collapsed against him. Fatigued, the last of her energy reserves spent, her eyelids wouldn’t remain open. Reed murmured something in her ear, but she didn’t quite catch it as she drifted off.

When Max awoke it took several seconds to orient herself. She laid on the sofa she and Reed had shared, a sleeping bag covering her. Light streamed around the edges of the curtains and she wondered how long she’d slept. She shoved the makeshift blanket away and rose to collect her clothes and redress. Afterward she headed for the dining room. Reed sat in a dining chair, redressed, his long legs stretched out and a cup in his hand. The aroma of coffee perked her interest, and she zeroed in on the pot.

“Help yourself,” he said, tilting his head in the percolator’s direction. “It’s fresh. I hope you still drink it black, we don’t have cream or sugar.”

“This is perfect, thanks.” Max grabbed a cup and poured it full, taking a moment to inhale the strong brew. His gaze never left her while she kept her attention on the floor-to-ceiling window, not really seeing through it.

“How are you feeling?” The husky tone of his voice made goose pimples break out over her skin.

“Awake. How long did I sleep?”

“Four hours.”

She shot him a look. “Why did you let me sleep that long? I have work to do.”

“Like I said, you’re no good to anyone if you can’t think straight.” His face remained impassive though his blue eyes were stormy. “We’ll head out to Strong Stock after nightfall.”

“Okay.”

They weren’t going to discuss making love. Actually
sex
, she couldn’t use the prior term when no emotion had been involved. None
had
been involved, not on her end…right?

She sipped the coffee, trying to enjoy the taste, but the bitterness was too sharp. Her eyes were gritty and a headache had settled in her temples—not exactly post-coital bliss. She braced her hip on the dining table, brushing away dust on its top, giving her free hand something to do besides tremble.

Reed closed his eyes. She took the opportunity to admire his features—a study of perfect symmetry. That’s what made males and females attractive to one another. It wasn’t the nose size or mouth structure, what drove reproduction forward was symmetry. Adam Reed had been blessed. High cheekbones, full lips, straight nose, and deep set eyes all in perfect balance. She understood his parentage to be a mix of French and German.