Irresistible Knight

by Tierney O'Malley

  “Follow me.” Without picking up the gun off the ground, the man walked ahead of him, whistling.

  Nerves on high alert, Bors followed the man inside the house. He could be walking to his death right now. A fat chance that he wouldn't come out alive hovered in his head. He thought about his parents and siblings. Before coming here, he left them a message. A short one. Love you all. Now that he thought about it, he shouldn't have done it. They were probably worried sick right now. If Jean let him come out of here in one piece, he'd explain to his family why he had to do this. They would understand. He hoped. Bors sighed. Teta's right. He was an imbecile at times.

  If the mansion was an eye catcher on the outside, inside it looked simple and yet elegant. Every corner of the room boasted good taste and wealth. Just like Taylor when he had first met her. She looked so refined, beautiful and simple.

  They passed the living room and walked in a long and wide hallway that opened to another big room—billiards room.

  “This is Miss Taylor's home. So don't touch anything.”

  “Where is she?”

  “You're not here to see my daughter,” Jean, who stood by the bar, spat the words with enough venom and contempt. “How dare you defile my daughter? How dare you touch her with your fucking hands!”

  Bors just stared at him. If Jean thought he'd cower, that he would tuck his tail in and whimper from his shouts, he was wrong. Jean could turn blue from screaming, but he would never back down. He knew why Jean was mad, but fuckin’ eh, he should blame himself for what happened. “What's wrong with my hands, Jean? I would think mine are cleaner than yours.”

  The black man he had yet to learn the name raised his club. Bors reacted quickly and took a step back. The club hit the table and left a hole in the middle.

  “Big, stay out of this.”

  Big. So apt. “Yeah, Big. Stay out of this if you want to stay big.”

  “Shut your fucking mouth, agent. You're arrogant, aren't you? Why, you think your father's power could match mine? I can kill you right now and he won't be able to do a damn thing.”

  “That's what you think, Jean.”

  “Ah, you spent a week with my daughter and now you think you know everything about me.”

  “I know enough.”

  “What you know—”

  “Is hurting your daughter, you son of a bitch. Do you have any idea how much your fucking dirty business is killing her?”

  “Killing her? My business gave her this house, expensive clothes. She lives in a luxury reserved only for the rich.”

  “Do you honestly think that money and all of the material things you offered at her feet made her happy? Yes, you gave her everything, but you took away her freedom. Treated her like some criminal, guarded and under twenty-four-seven watch.”

  “It's for her own good. This...” Jean spanned his arms wide, “is all for Taylor. Everything that's under my name is for Taylor. I did what I had to do to keep her away from bastards like you.”

  “I think you got it backward, Congressman. You live in a world of filth. You think everyone else is the same like you. You're afraid Taylor will meet a man as dirty as you, fuck ass. That's why you built Taylor her own prison.”

  “Because I love her. I should have sent her to an island because this prison is not good enough,” Jean said, breathless with rage.

  “And she loves you, too. She ran away to see my dad so she could ask for his advice.”

  “What advice?”

  “On how to help you to save your soul. That's love. Your daughter loves you so much she's willing to leave this fucking wealth you wrapped her in. She doesn't need it. She needs you. She believes somewhere deep in your black heart kindness lurks. She didn't run away to stab you in the back. Why do you think she came back to you without a fight? Because she learned who I am—the man who is after your fucking ass. She would rather remain your prisoner so long as she can keep an eye on you and make sure you don't sit your ass in jail. Right now, she's probably looking for another way to help you before it's too late.”

  “You fucking liar.”

  “I didn't come here just to lie to you.”

  “Tell me why you came here again?”

  Bors stared at Jean. He came here for one reason—Taylor. “To help Taylor get her wish. If you really love her, you will cut a deal with me.”

  “You. An FBI agent who has been after my blood—wants to cut a deal?”

  Bors ignored Jean's supercilious comment. “Give Taylor the right to live without your bodyguards, end your business for her sake. Give me everything about the girls, their whereabouts, and other people involved and you won't sit your ass behind bars. You will be under protective custody.”

  “I have powerful connections, agent. Protection is not my problem.”

  “What about Taylor's. Have you thought about her?”

  “Taylor has nothing to do with my business. My daughter is innocent.” Jean's voice shook from anger. His eyes turned into slits.

  “Then agree with me. Prove that you love her.”

  “What about you? Agent Knight, you wouldn't come here to cut a deal with me if my daughter didn't mean anything to you. You came in my pit, alone. Why?”

  “What I feel toward Taylor has nothing to do with my deal.”

  “Bullshit. You're not stupid so don't act like it. I'm a man, Knight. My daughter is beautiful like her late mother. If living with her for a week didn't have an effect on you, then there must be something wrong with you. So, I'll ask you again. How important is my daughter to you?”

  Bors didn't hesitate. He took out his badge from his pocket and tossed it on the table. He dug in his pocket, took out the rock he carried all the time and gently placed it on the table. “Deal with me.”

  Jean's brows rose. “A badge for a deal. Can you believe this, Big?”

  “Yeah, boss,” Big sneered.

  Bors was about to repeat himself when a man carrying a high-powered machine gun barged in the room.

  “Sir, there's an Agent Branyan outside the gate, three angry looking guys, and a mad woman with purple hair. They want this agent.”

  Fuck! What the heck are they doing here?

  “Your reinforcements, Knight?”

  “Your worst nightmare.”

  Bags in the trunk of his car, Bors sat in the driver's seat and stared at his parents’ house. When he came out of Jean's house in one piece, he received his brothers’ wrath while Branyan watched. They called him all kinds of names before each one hugged him roughly. But it was Teta's screams that had him kicking himself in the ass. He made them worried to their stomach.

  For the first time, he let his work get to him on a personal level. A bad thing, a big no-no. Thus the reason why his bags were packed. Simms accepted his resignation from the bureau and offered him a ride to desk at the citizenship and immigration office in San Diego. It was a less than desirable job, but it would do. With his sterling resume, USCIS San Diego was more than happy to take him.

  It would be the farthest he'd ever lived from home.

  He and his brothers, including Kirsten, promised their parents that they wouldn't wander too far, that they'd stick close enough to the home base. When he called his parents and siblings, he could tell they didn't like the idea of him moving, but they supported him nevertheless. Besides, he'd be back here during the holidays. The weekend visits ... well, he'd call instead.

  He picked up the box from the passenger's seat and got out of the car. Darn Kirsten. Why did she have to throw a goodbye party? It would only make the leaving harder on his parents, especially his mom.

  Well, time to face the family and say their goodbyes. He walked up to the front door. He didn't have to unlock it. Percival, who must have seen him arrive, opened the door. His brother clapped him on the shoulder. “Good to see you, bro. You really want to do this?”

  “Yeah. I hear music. Did Kirsten invite the whole town?”

  “Go see for yourself.”

  “Man.” Bors
walked toward the back of the house and all the way to the backyard. The house was big enough to fit in two more families, but like a vortex, they would always converge in the backyard. He'd miss the scrimmage with his raucous brothers, the brat, and his parents. His chest constricted. Damn, it isn't like I'm going to a different continent for good. This assignment would keep him away for at least two years, but he'd be back.

  He could hear Gawain arguing with Kirsten about eating the whole bag of chips. Bors grinned. He'd miss the bickering, too.

  With a hand shoved in his pocket, he walked out into the open space of their backyard.

  His family, Branyan and his wife Lucy, his supervisor Simms, and even Trish all stood by the picnic table, huddled together, and turned to look at him.

  “Hey, guys.”

  “Hey, handsome.” Julie walked to him and gave him a hug.

  “There's my favorite brother.” Kirsten grinned, then she, too, hugged Bors.

  “You're a turn coat, brat.”

  “You're such a jealous prick, Gawain.”

  “Hey, bro. Miss seeing your ugly face.”

  “I just saw you a week ago.” Bors clapped hands with his brother. And then like Kirsten, Gawain stood on the side facing Kirsten. Are they going to form a line? “What's up, guys?”

  “Hello, darling.” Katherine hugged Bors.

  “Son.” Arthur offered his hand.

  Done with the greetings, his parents stood on the line. Odd, he thought. Next one to approach him was Simms.

  Simms held up the resignation letter he submitted the same day he talked to Jean and started ripping it. “I don't need this. San Diego will have to find a top-notch staff. I'm keeping mine. You're staying. We have work to do. Jean gave us enough info to last us a lifetime in exchange of what you promised him.”

  “Jean agreed?”

  “Yes.”

  Before Bors could say more, Simms stood beside his father, smiling. When Branyan and his wife moved away from the table, it was then that he realized why they were huddled together.

  Bors stood rooted on the spot. His eyes directed to the woman he loved so much but thought he would never see again. But what was she doing here? To say goodbye? Bors shook his head. If this was one of Kirsten's jokes, there was nothing funny about it.

  Branyan cleared his throat. “I think this is yours.” He handed Bors his badge and gun. “Welcome back, partner. Four days without you are hell.”

  “Thanks, man.”

  “Now I can breathe. It's wonderful to know my husband is partnered with the best of the best.” Lucy kissed Bors on the cheek.

  “Thanks, Lucy.”

  Bors already anticipated her next move. Sure enough, Lucy stood beside Branyan. His family and friends formed a path that led to Taylor.

  “Hey,” Taylor greeted.

  “Hey,” he replied.

  “How are you?”

  “Fine, I guess.”

  A loud snort came from Teta, sitting on the lawn chair. Wow. How did I miss seeing her there? Moron, because you only have eyes for Taylor.

  “I heard you're selling your house.”

  “Yes. I still have the condo.”

  “Why? I thought you love everything about San Juan's. What about the woods, the birds, the cove?”

  “The whole place looks different now, Taylor. It isn't the same anymore.”

  “Why?”

  Bors swallowed. He was told that Taylor loved him, but would her love be enough to accept what he was about to say?

  “Why?” Taylor repeated.

  Gawain whacked him on the shoulder none too gently, then nodded toward Taylor.

  He closed their distance to an arm's length. God, he wanted to touch her, hug her so badly. With the sunlight reflecting on her silky hair, she looked so beautiful. “Because ... because you weren't there anymore.” With tenderness, he moved the soft wisp of hair from her temple, then traced the familiar soft skin of her cheek. She felt smooth and warm. “When you left, you took the colors, sound and the sunshine with you. Without you, life is dull, void. Lifeless.”

  “What if I come back?”

  “I want nothing else. But why would you do that?”

  “It's the only way I could get my freedom.”

  “I don't understand, love. Simms said your dad already agreed with my deal. And part of it is that you'll live free.”

  “True. But you see, I can roam around the world without a bodyguard, but I will still never be free.”

  “Why?”

  “Because you have something that belongs to me. Without it, I would never truly be free.”

  “What is it?”

  “My heart.”

  “Babe.” Still holding the box, he pulled Taylor toward him for a rough embrace. “God. I love you so much.” He closed his eyes and inhaled her scent.

  “I love you, too.”

  “How can you love me? I'm everything you hate in a man.”

  “Don't say that. I love everything about you.” Taylor framed Bors's face. “I don't care whether you're a vermin catcher, boxer, basket weaver, or an FBI agent. I will love you no matter what you do for a living. You gave up your badge for me. I'm more than willing to give up my idea that all men in uniform are the same. You are unique. A gem in the bureau.”

  “I can say the same thing about you. Do you really want to come back to the house?”

  “Positive.”

  “For good?”

  “What are you saying?”

  Bors grinned, then kissed Taylor's smiling lips. What better opportunity to propose than today. His family and friends would bear witness when he pledged his love and loyalty. This was what he'd imagine his proposal would be like. Too bad he didn't have a ring.

  Holding Taylor's hand, he kissed her again, then went down on his knee. He put the box on the ground. He brought the box here to ask Kirsten to wrap it nicely for him. Now there was no need for it.

  “Finally. I thought I'd have to stun him to find the courage,” Teta said to no one in particular, earning a round of laughter from everyone.

  “He told me he hadn't found the right woman who deserved the three magical words. Looks like he found the perfect one. She had him on his knees already. Keep him down there, Taylor. That's the best place for a Knight,” Teta said.

  Bors leaned his forehead into Taylor's hand, laughing. Taking a deep breath, he looked up at Taylor. “You heard Teta. I've never said the three magical words to any woman. But with you ... I'll do anything. Taylor, I don't have a ring right now, but I hope this will do.” He opened the box and took out a shoe that Taylor left in the parking lot. He had them fixed before he went to see Jean.

  “You kept my shoes? They look so new.”

  “Yes.” Cupping Taylor's ankle, he removed her sandals. “Taylor, the way you described how you felt about my house the first time you'd seen it is exactly the same way I feel right now—you are my last stop, my destination. I love you and will love you more everyday forever. Through tough times, with you and me together, we'll survive. Taylor, will you marry me?” He slipped the shoe on her foot.

  “This isn't really happening.”

  “I know I should give you a ring—”

  “No, no. This is better. It's just I didn't expect this. Bors, how can I say no? You're such an irresistible Knight. Yes, honey. I will marry you.”

  Bors stood, scooped Taylor up and hugged her tight. The sound of birds chirping was loud in his ears. The ferryboat tooted its horn. He could hear the water as it crashed into the shoreline. The trees were green and majestic again. And it was all because of the woman in his arms. “I love you. Please don't leave me again.”

  “Not going to happen. I love you more than enough to stay beside you forever.”

  “Wow. He is really a cheapskate. Shoes instead of a ring,” Teta commented.

  “I know. So Taylor will carry the shoe in her purse so she can show it to her friends? What is she gonna say, hey this is my engagement shoe. Wow. Only a Knight would
do this kind of thing,” Teta shook her head.

  “Well, maybe Taylor will wear the shoes until they get married,” Gawain said.

  “I think it's really romantic,” Kirsten said in a teary voice.

  “Man, I hope this isn't gonna be a new Knight tradition.”

  “Oh, such a wonderful idea, Percival. Now, you'll have to bring your girlfriend here to propose.” Kirsten grinned.

  “What girlfriend?”

  “Find one and we'll help with the preparation,” Julie beamed.

  “Lord have mercy.”

  “I'm hungry. Let's bring out the food, folks,” Gawain announced.

  “How could you be hungry again? You just ate.”

  “Percival, unlike you, I have a man stomach.”

  “You mean a cow's stomach. You're such a dick.”

  “Technically, cows don't have more than one stomach, but rather four digestive compartments.”

  “Technically, you can shut up, doctor. Can we eat?”

  “Gawain, you're gonna have to marry a chef someday.”

  “Haven't you heard, Julie? I'm engaged to Sarah Lee.”

  Exchange of words flew around Bors and Taylor.

  “Welcome to the family, love. I hope you won't change your mind.”

  “I love your family, Bors.”

  “And they love you, too. Wanna visit the cove?”

  “We can't leave yet. Everyone helped prepare the food. We have to partake.”

  “Let's eat quickly then.”

  Taylor laughed and hugged Bors tightly. “I love you.”

  “I love you more.” Bors stared at Taylor before giving her a long drugging kiss that held a promise for more.

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  Author Bio

  Tierney O'Malley always enjoyed writing stories—first on her school books, journals, and then to her first personal computer. Addicted to romance books, she dreamed of one day publishing her stories and sharing it to a wider audience. eXtasy Books, in conjunction with three other wonderful publishers—all listed on her page—have made her dream come true. She is the bestselling author of steamy Knight Brothers and Wicked Night Before Christmas. Visit her website to find out more about her recent romance books.