Page 40 of Crowned In Blood
I had to close my mouth before I drooled. It was a thing of pure beauty.
Marco smirked. "Have you ever used one of these before?"
I shook my head. "I've always wanted to, though."
He held his hand out for my shotgun and I gave it to him.
"Stand in front of me."
Before I realized it, I did as he commanded. It was something about his voice, the smooth, rich, authority within it. For a moment, I wished I could simply surrender everything, give up control, leave everything in his hands.
That revelation shocked me to my core, but I didn't have time to fixate on it. Marco lifted the bazooka, then placed it on my shoulder.
"Is it too heavy for you?"
"No, I thought it would be heavier." I adjusted my arms around it, holding it in place.
"It's a Carl Gustaf M4. It comes in a variety of sizes, but since we don't need to blow up a tank, this one is big enough to be useful. Do you see that red dot?"
"Yes, is that the targeting system?"
"Yes. I'm going to load it, then stand to the side and keep you grounded."
How does he plan to do that?
He loaded the weapon first, then stood beside me. His hand came to my stomach and the middle of my back, holding me.
Heat raced along my body. Even though his hands never moved, it felt as if he was surrounding me. His scent enveloped me. Something like cedar, vanilla, sandalwood, and musk. It wasintoxicating.
I licked my lips. "Why does it feel like you're doing this for an entirely other reason?"
He chuckled, low and deep, his breath soft against my ear, sending shivers down my spine. "I brought them because you're a vicious woman and I was certain you'd enjoy them. My intentions are as pure and innocent as you want them to be."
Goosebumps rose over my entire body, and I huffed. "There's not a single thing pure or innocent about you."
He laughed softly. "Look at how good you're doing. You're getting to know me so well."
His tone was warm, flirtatious, but something about his words, hispraise,nearly made my eyes roll into the back of my head.
"Shoot on a count of three. Don't worry, I'll breathe with you."
His voice jarred me back to my senses. I wanted to tell him it was impossible to shoot this way. I could barely focus with him beside me like this. How were we going to synchronize our breathing for the shot?
But when I looked at him, not a shred of doubt clouded his eyes. He actually seemed… happy.
Get it together, Catalina.
I took a deep breath until I could feel the pounding of my heartbeat slow, then nodded to him. I was ready.
"One."
I fortified my stance.
"Two."
I grasped the trigger.
"Three."
