Shadow Guardian

by Rebecca Deel

  “Please, Nico. I need to feel your arms around me.”

  Who could resist that request? He eased onto the bed beside her and gently gathered her against him. “Tell me if I hurt you.”

  She settled against his side with a sigh. A moment later, she was asleep.

  With Jon on watch, Nico allowed himself to drift into a light doze. He woke when Mercy jerked and moaned in her sleep. He rubbed her arm. “Mercy, you’re safe.”

  She stilled. “Nico?”

  “Right here. Do you need a nurse?”

  Mercy shook her head slightly. “Just need you.”

  He kissed her forehead, a place he knew wasn’t bruised. “You have me, Mercy. Always.”

  She relaxed against him and snuggled closer. “Love you,” she whispered.

  Nico froze. “What did you say? Mercy?”

  No response.

  Great. She was asleep again. Did she mean what she said or was that the meds talking?

  Two hours later, a light tap sounded on the door and Maddox eased into the room. He nodded at Nico, then settled in a chair at the foot of the bed.

  Eyebrows winging up, Nico stared at his boss. What was the Fortress CEO doing in D.C.?

  Maddox signaled that everything was fine.

  Unwilling to wake Mercy by asking questions, Nico relaxed and slept, knowing he and Mercy were safe.

  At four o’clock, a commotion in the hallway outside the room had Maddox on his feet with a weapon in hand and Nico on alert.

  Trace walked in and inclined his head toward Mercy. “She has a visitor.”

  Maddox strode to the doorway, peered out, then glanced back at Nico. “It’s the president.”

  “Give us a minute.”

  The door closed as his boss greeted the most powerful man on the planet in soft tones.

  Nico turned his attention to the woman still snuggled against his side. “Mercy.”

  “Mmm.”

  “Your uncle is here.”

  She opened her eyes as Maddox returned with President Martin on his heels. Two Secret Service agents trailed them.

  Martin flinched when he saw Mercy. “Oh, sweetheart.”

  “I look that good, huh?”

  He looked at Nico. “Injury report.”

  “Cracked ribs, a lot of bruising. Needed three stitches replaced in her shoulder. Her voice is raspy because Morris choked her out more than once. She’ll recover, Mr. President.”

  “Federal law enforcement is filing multiple charges against Theo Morris. He’ll be an old man before he’s released from prison.”

  “Is he the reason I was kidnapped in Mexico?” Mercy asked.

  Martin shook his head. “The Scorpions do want their leader released and planned to kidnap the US representative at the funeral regardless of who it was. They bagged an unexpected prize when they kidnapped my niece. Dwayne Jeffries being in the Scorpion compound at the same time you were was a coincidence. Morris and the Scorpions had a mutually beneficial business arrangement. When Morris needed muscle for his dirty work, they provided assistance in order to keep their mole in place.”

  “And Sean?”

  “He and his father didn’t know they were negotiating with the wrong people to save the child.”

  “How is the girl?” Nico asked.

  “She’s fine. The woman who watched over Georgia gave her allergy medicine to keep her docile. The pediatrician said although the medication wasn’t necessary to treat allergy symptoms, the nanny was careful to give the toddler the correct dosage. Georgia’s with Senator Jeffries and her mother right now.”

  President Martin curled his hand around Mercy’s. “I’m glad you’re safe, sweetheart. I don’t suppose you’ll be willing to take another diplomatic mission for me after this.”

  “Only if I’m with her.” Nico refused to let her leave the country again without him by her side.

  Martin turned his gaze to Maddox, silently questioning if that was possible.

  “I’ll work it out.”

  “Excellent.” He leaned down and kissed Mercy’s forehead. “I apologize for visiting so early this morning. I leave for Europe in an hour.”

  He held out his hand to Nico. “Thank you for saving Mercy. I knew I could trust you with her life.”

  “She will be safe in my care.”

  Martin’s eyebrows rose. “I see. See that you treat her right, son.”

  “Yes, sir.”

  The president turned to Maddox. “Walk with me.”

  In less than a minute, the room was empty except for Nico and Mercy.

  “What did you mean by that?” Mercy asked, her voice soft.

  “What did it sound like?” Nico’s heart rate sped up.

  “That you plan to be in my life permanently. Do you?”

  “Yes.”

  She studied his face a moment. “As a friend?”

  He cupped her chin and brushed his lips over hers. “As your friend, your lover, your husband.” He punctuated each statement with another soft kiss. “I love you, Mercy. Before I met you, my life was empty. You awed me with your courage in Mexico, and I started to fall in love with you the moment I saw you in the cave. I know I’m not your first love, but I want to be your last.”

  “Oh, Nico.” Mercy reached up with a trembling hand, cupped the back of his neck, and kissed him. “I love you, too. I’ve been afraid to tell you. I thought you wouldn’t believe I knew my own heart.”

  Nico pressed his forehead to hers. “I want a family with you. A home filled with kids and a couple pets. Will you do me the honor of marrying me, Mercedes Powers?”

  “I would love to be your wife, Nico Rivera.”

  “Soon?”

  Mercy smiled. “As soon as we can. I know you’ll want your teammates to be there. How is Sam?”

  “She’s in ICU. Joe said she’s resting easily. The doc says she’ll recover, but it will take a while.”

  “What if Brent calls Shadow for a mission?”

  “I’ll ask another medic to take her place until Sam’s ready to roll.”

  That brought a frown. “Only the best. I want you and the others to have the best medical care if you need it.”

  He dropped a quick kiss on her mouth. “I know of two or three other medics I trust as much as I do Sam. They’re as good as she is.”

  Nico cupped Mercy’s nape. “I promise to take every precaution. I won’t take unnecessary risks. I have too much to live for, and I don’t want to cause you fear or grief.”

  “When will you leave?”

  “When you’re healed. For my peace of mind, I need to know you’ve recovered. After that, I’ll plan the mission, secure a medic and spotter, and tap operatives I trust at my back.”

  “Who is your spotter?”

  “Joe.”

  “Of course. I should have guessed.”

  “I need to talk to your father.”

  Mercy blinked. “Why?”

  “I want his permission to marry you.”

  “I’ve been living on my own for years, Nico.”

  “Doesn’t matter. I want his blessing before I make you mine.”

  After another light tap on the door, Maddox entered the room and returned to his seat at the foot of the bed.

  “I’m surprised to see you in D.C.,” Nico said.

  “I thought you could use a hand since the other units are tied up. Looks like I arrived too late to do much.” He folded his arms across his chest. “I want in when you go after the Scorpions and so do several other operatives.”

  “I want a list.” He’d promised Mercy to take care. He didn’t intend to break that promise.

  “You’ll get it. How long before you’re ready to move on the Scorpions?”

  “Probably two weeks. Depends on Mercy’s recovery.”

  “We’ll start gathering intel. By the time we’re finished with those clowns, they’ll be nothing but a bad memory.”

  CHAPTER THIRTY-EIGHT

  After Sam was released from the hospital in
Joe’s care, Nico drove Mercy to Sherwood to help her with the mess the Scorpions had left behind and to spend time with her family.

  She was careful to keep large sunglasses perched on her nose to shield her face from the curious busybodies as they drove through the center of town toward her home. If she didn’t, the gossips would speculate about Nico’s role in her bruises.

  Walking inside her house, the chaos stole her breath once again. “Those creeps don’t mess around when they want to send a message, do they?” she murmured.

  “We’ll repair or replace everything.” Nico rested his hand against her lower back. “Call your family and tell them you’re in town before they show up unannounced and have an unpleasant shock. I don’t want to fight my future brothers-in-law and father-in-law before we have a chance to explain what happened.”

  Right. She needed to prepare her father and brothers for the sight of her colorful face. Otherwise, they might gang up on Nico.

  She called her father first and told him about the second kidnapping. “I’m fine, Dad. I have facial bruising, though. Morris wasn’t happy when I refused to talk.”

  “I want to see for myself that you’re all right.”

  “Why don’t you and the boys come over for dinner tonight? We can order take out.”

  “I know what you like. I’ll pick up dinner for everyone. We’ll see you tonight at six.”

  Mercy and Nico filled multiple trash bags until he insisted she rest for a while. Although Mercy didn’t think she would sleep, she woke a few minutes after six to the sound of the doorbell.

  She slid her feet into her shoes and walked to the living room. All conversation stopped. Her father and brothers moved closer, scowls on their faces.

  Her father glanced at Nico. “Tell me you did something about this.”

  “The man who hurt Mercy has a concussion, a broken nose and cheekbone, and four fewer teeth than when he laid his hands on your daughter. He’ll be using a walker when he’s released from prison.”

  “Good.” He inclined his head toward the kitchen table loaded with bags from Mercy’s favorite hamburger joint. “Let’s eat.”

  “Should have killed him for what he did,” her oldest brother muttered.

  “I agree.” Nico seated Mercy, then sat in the chair beside hers. “I didn’t want your sister to visit me in prison.”

  After dinner, Nico said, “Mr. Garwood, will you join me on the porch? I want to discuss something with you.”

  When the two men left, her brothers turned on Mercy. “What’s that about?” Chris demanded.

  “Nico wants to marry me.”

  The men exchanged glances. “The feeling is mutual?”

  She smiled. “I love Nico and can’t imagine my life without him.” Didn’t want to imagine it.

  “Where will you live?”

  “Nashville. That’s his home base. Nico works for a private security firm. He has to train with his teammates on a regular basis. He can’t do that if he lives here.”

  “Are you sure, Mercy? Aiden’s death devastated you,” Wyatt said. “Nico’s job is more dangerous than Aiden’s.”

  “I loved Aiden with my whole heart, but he’s gone. He wouldn’t want me to mourn him the rest of my life. I think Aiden would have like Nico. Be happy for me, not worried. Nico’s a great man with a heart of gold. It’s time for me to live again.”

  The next two weeks passed in a blur of activity. During that time, she and Nico made trip after trip to the dump to get rid of things the thugs had destroyed, and he completed repairs around the house and repainted the interior.

  And then it was time for him to go. Early in the morning, Nico grabbed his Go bag and his duffel, and carted them to his SUV. After he closed the hatchback, he wrapped his arms around Mercy and tucked her against his chest.

  “I don’t know how long I’ll be gone. It could be a few days or a few weeks. We can’t afford to let any of the Scorpions escape, kitten. If we do, they might come after you, and I won’t allow that to happen.”

  Mercy slid her arms around his waist. “I understand. Promise me you’ll be careful.”

  “Always, my love. I’ll call you when I can. Don’t worry if I miss a day or two. When we hunt, we don’t watch the clock. If you need anything, call Zane. He’ll take care of it.”

  “I’ll be fine. My father and brothers are here.”

  “Call Zane, too. He can provide things your family can’t.”

  Seeing the worry in his eyes, Mercy tightened her arms around him. “All right. I’ll call your friend. How will I know if something goes wrong on your mission?”

  Nico cupped her face. “You’re the first person on my contact list. Either Maddox or Z will contact you immediately.” He captured her mouth for a series of blistering kisses. “I have to go. I’m missing you already.” More kisses before he released her. “Go inside so I know you’re safe before I leave. I love you, Mercy. I’ll return as soon as I can.”

  “However long it takes, I’ll be waiting, Nico. I love you.” With tears blurring her vision, Mercy forced herself to turn away from him, walk to the house, and lock herself inside. She stood at the window until his taillights faded from view.

  Wiping the wetness from her cheeks, Mercy went to the room she used as an art studio. With the house back in order, she turned to drawing to keep her mind busy.

  She smiled wryly. The next few weeks could be productive ones as she sought activities to distract herself. After a three-hour session, Mercy worked the kinks out of her back, wondering if Nico was close to Nashville.

  That line of thinking wouldn’t help the days pass. She walked to the kitchen and filled the tea kettle. She needed something positive to think about while Nico was away.

  The wedding. Nico’s only request was for a simple wedding. She liked that idea. Her wedding to Aiden had been an elaborate affair. He’d wanted a huge celebration.

  An idea popped into her head. The more she thought about it, the more the idea seemed doable if she had assistance from Nico’s teammates and friends. Knowing Trace and Ben would be awake, Mercy sent them a text, explaining what she needed and swearing them to secrecy. Their reply was immediate and enthusiastic. Nice.

  Next, she checked the time. Zane was probably awake by now. Just in case he wasn’t, she sent him a message, detailing what she needed. The communications guru called her less than a minute later.

  “This is going to be fun,” he said, laughter in his voice. “I can’t wait to see Nico’s face.”

  “You’ll tell me when he’s coming home, right?”

  “I will although I figure you’ll know before I do. We’ll have everything ready on our end. Send me the list of what you want me to do, and I’ll get it done. What about your family? Will they be comfortable with this?”

  “As long as I’m happy, they’ll go along with it. Thank you, Zane.”

  “No problem. I’ll be in touch soon.”

  Satisfied that the plans were in motion now, she poured hot water into her mug and dropped an herbal tea bag in the water to steep. She needed paper to start the list. After that, she had some searching to do on the Internet.

  Two hours later, her phone rang.

  “I’m in Nashville and getting ready to board the jet,” Nico said. “I love you, Mercy. I’m looking forward to the day when I can wake up with you in my arms.”

  Oh, man. Mercy’s heart melted. “I love you, too.” Instead of tears when the call ended a short time later, she sat at her computer and got to work.

  CHAPTER THIRTY-NINE

  Four weeks later, Nico grabbed his Go bag and duffel and hurried toward the jet’s exit. If he pushed the speed limit a little, he could be in Sherwood by six, just in time to surprise Mercy and take her out to dinner.

  He’d missed her until his heart ached with every beat. The texts and phone calls had been his lifeline during the long, grueling weeks in Mexico. He and his teammates had left the US branches of the Scorpions to law enforcement. The ATF and FBI had bee
n systematically dismantling the groups for the past month.

  Nico’s teammates all stood near their seats, waiting for him to pass. They had huge grins on their faces. “What?” he demanded.

  “Go on,” Trace said, clapping Nico on the shoulder. “You have an appointment to keep.”

  Odd, but he was too interested in going to Mercy to demand clarification. Nico strode down the aisle and hurried down the stairs to the tarmac.

  Nico glanced up and came to an abrupt halt. Mercy. He drank in the sight of her, eager to hold her in his arms after such a long time apart. She raced across the tarmac. Nico had just enough time to drop his bags and shift his stance to take her weight when she threw herself into his arms.

  He swung her around in a circle, set Mercy on her feet, and covered her mouth with his. Long minutes later, he broke the kiss. “I missed you.”

  “Good because I missed you, too.” She smiled, her eyes glowing in the bright afternoon sun. “I have a surprise for you.”

  He blinked. “You do?”

  Mercy nodded. “I hope it’s a surprise you’ll like. I’ve been working on it since the morning you left.”

  “A drawing?”

  “Come on.” She tugged on his hand. “If you’ll give me the keys to the SUV, I’ll drive.”

  Intrigued, he shoved his hand into his pocket and drew out the key fob. “Knock yourself out.” All he wanted to do was sit back and look at the woman he loved.

  Two minutes later, Mercy drove them away from the airport. They crossed town to the south side of Davidson County into Rutherford County.

  Nico’s brow furrowed. Where were they going? She parked in the lot of a church he’d been to before. The parking lot was nearly full. “Why are we here?”

  “You’ll see. Come on.” Mercy led him up the stairs into the vestibule where Zane waited for them, dressed in a suit.

  “Z. Good to see you, buddy.” He shook his friend’s hand. “What are you doing here?”

  “Waiting for you. Let’s go, man. You need to change clothes.” He spun his wheelchair around and led Nico down the hall to the men’s restroom. “What you need is in there.”

  He glanced inside and saw the black suit, shirt, and shoes. Puzzled, he looked at Zane. “What’s going on?”