Project Terminal: Devil's Virus Read Online Free PDF Page A

the trees surrounding them. How would he keep his distance after tasting her again? Knowing she still responded to him with abandon like she used to. His groin ached, his cock pressing against the zipper of his jeans. He wanted to push her into the stand of pine away from the cursed fire and take her until he worked the energy out, until he got over her sweet face and sweeter taste. Their history hung over him thick as the smoke spiraling into the air. He tried to use the flames as distraction, but could only watch her from his peripheral vision. She shifted from foot to foot, her arms folded close to her chest. The khaki pants she wore accented her long legs, and her pale blue shirt set off her creamy complexion.
    He’d fallen in love with her back in the days of the project, but she’d loved her work more than she could’ve ever loved him. He’d been jealous and hadn’t wanted to compete with her career. When he’d stumbled upon Doc talking with another scientist about possible uses for the R1LN virus, it’d been an excuse to run. He’d warned Max beforehand, but she’d ignored him. Mary, a Navy lieutenant who had volunteered for the enhancement process, had gotten infected with R1LN in some unknown way. Reed suspected Doc had wanted a guinea pig; her twisted mind could’ve justified murder. R1LN was the ultimate weapon to be turned loose on the enemy, letting them destroy themselves. A reasonable idea in theory, but much too dangerous—his worst fear for the project now stalked the countryside.
    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