Zara's Surrender

by Delta James

  She rolled her eyes and hit him with a pillow.

  “Out!” she said, pointing to the door.

  He pulled on a pair of jeans and his shoes then reached for his shirt that she’d worn the night before.

  “Give me that.” She snatched it away from him. “I want to picture you half naked outside and then get to see you come back through the door without your shirt on.”

  He shook his head. “Shameless.”

  “And whose fault is that?” she teased.

  He leaned over and kissed her. “Mine,” he said, barely moving his lips away from hers. “All mine.”

  ***

  She watched him leave their room and then the cottage and sighed. He wasn’t half wrong; moving around was not without pain. Not only were the welts still exceedingly uncomfortable, but her entire body was protesting the intensity and frequency with which he had taken her throughout the previous night.

  Zara slowly made her way into the bath and showered without him. She decided she much preferred it when he was the one lathering up the sea sponge and using it to get her clean. When she dried her hair, she found someone had included some minimal makeup and hair products for the safe house.

  She got dressed in a pair of loose sweatpants—both jeans and leggings were uncomfortable against her punished backside. Noah had really done a number on it. She’d examined herself in the bathroom mirror—not only was her derriere still showing a lot of residual color from his hand, but the welts were still pronounced. She went to grab one of the tops someone had sent for her but opted instead for one of Noah’s sweaters. She liked the feel of it and that it was his.

  Zara exited the bedroom and made her way into the kitchen. If he was going to cook, the least she could do is clean up the kitchen. Once order had been restored, she found the coffee grinder, beans in the freezer, and the French press. By the time Noah entered the cottage, the coffee was ready, and Zara had put the bouquet in a makeshift vase with water.

  “I feel bad,” she said as he hugged her.

  “Physical or…”

  “My ass still hurts, if you’re interested, and the rest of me is reminding me it’s been a while since I had a romp in bed and never with anyone of your skill,” she said, nibbling his ear.

  He chuckled. “Don’t start with me. Thom will be here in a bit. But what has you upset?”

  “Not upset, really. It’s just you knew how I like my coffee. I think you said you liked honey as well. I see we have organic honey.”

  “And if you check, you’ll find they have clotted cream as well.”

  “You really do pay attention to small things.”

  “I’ve found over the years, it’s the small things that end up meaning the most.”

  She nodded. “It’s funny the things you miss.”

  “About Damian?”

  “No, actually I was thinking when I was in the shower that I liked it better when you were in it with me, which is weird.”

  “How so?”

  “I always liked showering alone. I’ve never once invited a man to share a shower with me, but I missed you being there this morning.”

  He kissed her neck. “I’ll make sure to be there when I can.”

  Zara went to hop up to sit on the counter and was reminded immediately why that was a bad idea. “Sonofabitch!”

  He laughed and deflected the half-assed blow she directed at him.

  “Give it a couple of days, and don’t do it again. I could put you on your belly on the counter and kiss it to make it better.”

  “I thought you said we don’t have time for that.”

  “We don’t, really. I could just tell Thom to stay outside until I’m done having at you.”

  “Will you ever truly be done?” she teased.

  “Doubtful. I’ll probably be hounding you even after I’m dead.”

  He started preparing the filling for an omelet.

  Zara’s heart clutched. “That’s not funny, Noah. Please don’t say things like that.”

  “Shhh, sweetheart. I have no intention of getting myself killed. I am one hard sonofabitch to kill, and now I have you to make me want to make it back home. Does it bother you to think about Damian?”

  “Not really. And I feel badly that it doesn’t. It isn’t that I didn’t love or care for him, but we lived such separate lives in so many ways. Does it bother you if I talk about him?”

  Noah shook his head. “If something were to happen to me, I wouldn’t want you to stop thinking or talking about me. I would hope your memories would help you push through your grief and find your way back to happiness. I’m not afraid of Damian’s ghost.”

  “And there you go being all kind and sensitive. It really was much easier resisting your charm when you were tranq’ing me in the ass and beating me.”

  “I don’t beat you, and you know it. As you said earlier, resisting me was a losing proposition for you even then.”

  “You think you’re irresistible?” She rolled her eyes.

  “No, I think you and I were inevitable. And I think, for you, I’m catnip for a very lusty pussy.”

  She could feel the heat of her blush spreading across her cheeks. What was it about him that called to her in such a fundamental way? He was a primitive force of nature and yet could make her feel shy and unsure of her own footing.

  “And what am I?”

  He turned from the cutting board and bussed her lips. “I told you…you’re my everything.”

  “I’m going to remind you of that the next time you have me face down over your knee, spanking me.”

  “Sweetheart, I’m never more aware of it than when I have my hands on your ass.”

  Zara laughed in spite of herself. He really was insufferably arrogant and incredibly wonderful. She left him in the kitchen, intending to sit on the couch. Thinking better of it, she went back into the bedroom and returned with the two bed pillows. Noah turned around and cocked his eyebrow at her, the hint of a smile playing across his lips.

  “Not one word out of you.”

  “Not a peep. By the way, I notice you appropriated my sweater this morning. I have to tell you, I rather like the fact that you seem to keep doing that.”

  They shared breakfast, and Noah went over some of the safety protocols already in place. He also showed her where all the guns were kept in case of an emergency.

  “I’ll double-check with Thom, but my guess is this vintage-looking seeded glass is actually bulletproof.”

  “You think they could have had all the windows replaced in that amount of time?” she asked.

  “You’d be amazed what a little flex of reputational muscle and a lot of money can accomplish. Thom is the best at wielding both. And we may have had this place in the works for a while. That’s more on the operational side, which is something I avoid like the plague.”

  “Do you think sometime Mac might be willing to sit down for an interview?”

  “Doubtful.”

  “Not any kind of exposé. I think people would be fascinated by all that you guys do, how Mac put the team together…that kind of thing. I think it would be great advertising.”

  “I hate to burst your bubble, but we don’t need the advertising. Mac picks and chooses what things we take on. We have a lot more business than we can handle. In fact, we’re always on the lookout for another operative. But again, that’s operational, and you’re welcome to ask him. By the way, thanks for cleaning up the kitchen. You didn’t have to.”

  “I know, but I figured turnabout was fair play. You cooked it, so I tided it up. Given your prowess in the kitchen, that’s a deal I’m happy to make.”

  “I didn’t think it was my cooking prowess you enjoyed.”

  “What can I say? I’m a lucky girl. I got a man with both. Do you think we might go for a walk on the beach?”

  “I think I can arrange that. Let me go get finished dressing. You might enjoy seeing me half naked, but I’m really not Thom’s type.”

  “Good to know becaus
e I don’t share.”

  He pulled her tight and kissed her with a dizzying intensity that made her feel week at the knees. “Neither do I.”

  She watched him walk away. He really was delicious eye candy.

  Noah had showered and was pulling on the loose knit cotton sweater as he re-entered the sitting room. She saw him notice the flowers he’d picked for her on the coffee table and smile. He stretched his hand out to her, and she took it as they headed outside.

  The property was truly inspiring, and Noah pointed out its strategic location and setting. She enjoyed hearing what he had to say and liked he was so willing to share things with her and not try to keep her at arm’s length from what he did.

  “It’s too bad they don’t have a boat,” she said.

  “I’ve been wondering about that. For an escape, you’d want something with a motor, but to accommodate that, we’d have to build a dock. I plan to ask Thom about it. It might prove useful. Do you like the water?”

  “I do. If I didn’t live in the mews in London, I’d be somewhere with water close at hand. I love this place and the one in Wales as well. Just beautiful. You go trail riding? I try to indulge myself at least monthly with a private cruise up the Thames. Very peaceful and serene. I find I can gather my thoughts there and get centered. How about you?”

  “I like the water, but I’m more of a whitewater kind of guy. It’s like a very wet roller-coaster. A bit like fucking you.”

  She batted at him. “You’re such a jackass.”

  “I can’t be a jackass.”

  “Oh, but you are.”

  “No, Croft is the jackass. Ask Finn. He says he now thinks of it as her pet name for him.”

  “If he’s anything like you, it is most likely deserved.”

  He laughed, and they walked back to the cottage. There was a vehicle parked in front, and Zara stiffened until she realized nothing in Noah’s body language indicated there was cause for alarm. It was an expensive convertible sports car. In most places, it would be wildly out of place, but in Monaco, it fit right in.

  “That fool leaning against the car is Thom Lynden. My guess is he decided to wait where I could see him,” said Noah.

  “Ah, so the brains of the operation.”

  “Careful, sweetheart, just because your ass is still sporting those welts, don’t think I won’t give you a good swat when you need it.”

  Deciding to take the bull by the horns, she called to Thom. “Does your employer know his field operatives have a bad habit of beating the women in their protection?”

  Noah laughed as did Thom, who called back, “Not only does he probably know, I’m sure they have his full support.”

  “Jesus, I’m doomed.” She extended her hand. “Noah says you’re Thom Lynden. I’m Zara Hughes.”

  “I’m aware, Ms. Hughes…”

  “Zara, please.”

  Thom nodded. “Zara, then. I’m a big fan. This guy been taking care of you?”

  She looped her arm through Thom’s as she led him back to the house. “In ways you can’t even begin to imagine.”

  Thom looked haplessly over his shoulder at Noah.

  “Oh, don’t be afraid of the big bad wolf. He’s really rather pleasant as long as he gets laid often and well.”

  Zara smiled as Thom blushed and Noah laughed.

  “Don’t worry about the supplies. I’ll be happy to bring them in,” said Noah, still laughing.

  Chapter 15

  Thom was surprised. He wasn’t sure what he’d expected but a laughing, teasing, flirtatious Zara Hughes wasn’t it. The fact that Noah seemed far removed from the usual lethal presence he presented to the world was quite interesting. She was the furthest thing any of them had ever expected of Noah. As much as they teased him about finding a hellion, they’d always believed he would settle down with a quiet girl without a lot of spirit. Zara was the antithesis of that. And yet, it was easy to tell that Noah was besotted. And unless Thom was wrong, Zara felt the same way about him.

  He hated being the one who would have to burst their bubble, but they needed to be brought up to speed. They needed to know, so Zara could be kept safe, and so Wild Mustang could get the situation with Abdal resolved once and for all.

  ***

  Noah entered the cottage with groceries and other provisions. He was feeling inordinately happy right up until the minute he got a good look at Thom’s face. The man couldn’t play poker to save his life.

  Putting the groceries down, he accepted Zara’s embrace before saying, “What’s wrong, Thom?”

  Zara looked between the two men.

  “It’s Abdal. The FBI took him into custody and promptly lost him.”

  “Fucking feeble-brained idiots,” Noah cursed.

  “What do you mean, lost him?” asked Zara.

  “They were transporting him back and used a commercial airline. There was a layover, and according to the feebies, he just sort of slipped away.”

  “And Christian?”

  “He’s in the wind as well,” said Thom. “Finn is pretty upset.”

  “She’s worried about him?” asked Noah.

  “No, she wouldn’t be,” said Zara. “She’d be upset that he appears to be a part of this. That won’t sit well with Finn. If she’s fallen for Croft, the fact that Christian is involved in something that could get all of you hurt is going to royally piss her off.”

  “Actually, I think she’s most upset because we’re pretty sure he’s the one who put the hit out on you. And, speaking of that, we’ve let it be known you are under our protection.”

  “That may dissuade some. Have they gone outside their own organization to get the job done?” Noah asked, concern evident in his voice.

  “Unfortunately, that’s what we’re hearing.”

  “How secure are we here?” asked Noah.

  “Very. This place has been in the works for a couple of months. and I think would be even harder to breach than Wales, but Mac…” Thom looked from Zara to Noah and back. “Do you want to talk in private?”

  Noah could feel Zara’s body stiffen.

  “In a perfect world, yes.”

  “Noah…” she said threateningly.

  “I know, sweetheart.” He kissed her to reassure her. “I didn’t end up with that nice quiet girl I thought I wanted. And the hellcat here would have my guts for garters if I tried to freeze her out.”

  “What makes you think I wouldn’t go for your private parts?” she asked archly.

  “Because you are way too fond of them,” he rejoined, making Thom laugh and Zara smile.

  “Mac wants us to conference this afternoon. He’s inclined to pull you back to headquarters.”

  “The story is here,” said Zara.

  “The story is nowhere as far as you’re concerned,” growled Noah. “But I’m not sure I think we need to hunker down. I don’t think that’s the right play, and I’ll tell Mac that. When does he want to talk?”

  “I told him I wanted to get the last things done here while it’s still light.”

  Noah nodded. What he really dreaded was Zara’s reaction when he told Mac he thought Zara should be back with them. She would be safer in Mesa, but she’d fight him tooth and nail over it. Hopefully, Avery was already en route to whisk Thom and Zara back to the States.

  “Noah, I could use some help getting some of this set up. Either you or Zara, doesn’t matter.”

  “I’ll take care of it. Zara do you want to come with us or just stay up here?”

  “Would you mind if I stayed up here?” she asked Noah.

  “Not at all. I just didn’t want you to think you were being excluded.”

  “I appreciate it. I think I’ll just hang out.”

  Thom and Noah left and headed for the car Thom had driven to pick up the gear that was needed.

  “I never thought I’d live to see the day…” started Thom.

  “Watch it. That’s my woman, and I’m rather particular about the way anybody, including you, talks a
bout her. You want to give me shit, go ahead and feel free to do that in front of her, but you don’t say anything that would embarrass her. This isn’t easy on her. Hell, I’m not easy period. So I won’t have anybody contributing to that.”

  Thom stopped, putting his hand on his friend’s arm. “You’ve fallen for her,” he said incredulously. “I mean I figured you were sleeping with her and…other things,” he stumbled. “But you’re planning a future with her.”

  “I am,” said Noah definitively.

  “Holy shit. The mighty have fallen. This is even better than I thought. You do know she is never, and I mean never, just going to fall into line.”

  Noah laughed. “I’m aware. And when I tell Mac I think she needs to go back with you and Avery… He is sending the plane, right?”

  Thom nodded.

  Noah continued, “She’s going to throw a major tantrum. My guess is we’ll need to buy new dishes.”

  “Why?”

  “Because my sweet, quiet girl who likes to fuck and make my life easy—by the way I did get one of those attributes right—has a major temper and has no problem giving free rein to it. My suggestion is when it starts, you get behind a door somewhere and let her have it out with me.”

  “We can’t really take her against her will…”

  “Who says we can’t?”

  “Um, everybody in law enforcement…”

  “We’re not law enforcement. I need her safe, Thom. If you and Avery aren’t on board with taking her home despite her protests, I’ll fly home to Mesa, get Zara settled, and then come back. We need to be tracking Abdal and Reid closer to their home stomping grounds.”

  “Abdal’s are outside of territorial waters.”

  “Yes, but he likes warm, temperate waters, which puts him in this neck of the woods.”

  ***

  Zara was startled when Noah’s phone rang. She picked it up. “Hello?”

  “Ah, Zara,” came the heavily accented voice of Fariq Abdal. “I was so hoping to be able to talk to you.”

  “So, you call Noah Taylor?”

  “Yes, I had thought I would have to go through your Mr. Taylor to speak to you. I would like to presume on an old friendship.”