Read Online Flawlessly Executed (Dark Horse Guardians Book 3) by Ava Armstrong - Free Book Online Page A

got something coming up around the Thanksgiving break.” He watched Lara’s beautiful green eyes become expressionless. Ben felt an overwhelming urge to reassure her, “It’s not a big deal. It’s an overseas trip, but no longer than a week or two. It won’t be like that last one. Oh, darlin – please don’t look at me like that.”
    Lara glanced down at the food on her plate and she peered at Larson as she took a sip of water from the crystal glass. Ben sensed she was a bit intimidated sitting across from the CIA’s Special Activities Director and he wished he would have told her in advance.
    She was silent for a few minutes and Ben dreaded what might be coming. Finally, she spoke. But it wasn’t with a tone of anger or frustration.
    “Sure, I understand.” Her eyes moved over Larson and his wife, “It’s strictly business. I won’t be cooking a turkey dinner this year. It’s no big deal.”
    Larson smiled, which was rare for him. Then he took a sip of brandy, “Support is very important in this field, Lara, and I’m glad to see you are so understanding with the Chief, ah,…I mean Ben.”
    However, Ben perceived a mood swing in her lovely demeanor. He detected the slightest hint of a tear welling in her eyes. Dinner was over. Although he had anticipated lingering with Larson and his wife at the table, he stood up and caught the waiter’s attention. As he paid the bill, he asked him to put the cheesecake with fresh blackberry sauce in a container to go.
    “I’m sorry.” Ben whispered to Larson. “I’ll be in touch.”
    Larson nodded, “I understand.”
    Lara was quiet as Ben slipped her sweater around her shoulders and she graciously said goodbye to their guests. As Ben opened the car door, he saw one teardrop slide down her cheek.
    “I don’t want you to go, Ben,” she whispered. Lara touched his hand. He embraced her tightly for a moment. She slid into the passenger seat while he drove. Lara fumbled for a tissue in her bag. The ride home was absent of conversation. A cynical inner-voice spoke to him, you’re leaving her alone again. Don’t you see what it’s doing to her?
     
    ~ Lara ~
    Inside the house she stopped feeling sorry for herself. She pulled her hair loose and walked onto the porch where Ben was sitting with Einstein. When she looked into Ben’s blue eyes he seemed to be pleading with her for mercy. She pulled him from the porch glider and he followed her into the master bedroom.
    The room was dark but the hall lamp illuminated Ben’s features. She pulled him toward her and felt him come alive. She felt a lovely heady sensation as Ben nuzzled her neck. His kiss was slow, thoughtful, and she was loving it. His tongue traced the fullness of her lips. This was what she needed; an affirmation of Ben’s love here and now. It seemed she never needed him so much.
    She hastily removed his shirt and pants and tossed her clothing on the floor, then whispered, “I’ll meet you in the shower.” As she strolled across the room she felt Ben watching her and knew he couldn’t wait. She turned the hot water on and got into the shower and instantly felt him behind her, his lips on her neck and his hands on her waist. She gave him the soap and he washed her body slowly and sensuously until she couldn’t stand it any longer. His gentle massage sent currents of desire through her. He knew he was putting her close to the edge, and she’d pull away and tease him, too. He took her hands, encouraging her to explore. She soaped him and they enjoyed the powerful pulse of hot water as they rinsed together.
    Toweling off, Lara kissed Ben with a lingering French kiss, savoring the moment. Ben did just what she was hoping he would do. With a fiery look in those blue eyes, he lifted her and carried her toward the bed.
    Gently he eased her down and stood above her staring for a brief moment. He traced his fingertip across her lip and she shivered with delight. The calm was shattered with the hunger of his