“A gold mine. It must have taken your father years to get this information.” Charlie’s fingers lingered on the keys.
“What does it mean?” Stacey asked. There were nine names at the top, the Vice-President being one of them. She recognized several other names of prominent politicians and businessmen from the Washington DC area.
“It’s the whole Zenith organization in America. They have cells all over the United States. This information will help us take down the whole group,” Charlie said.
“Not us. The Shadow Walkers are going into retirement by order of the chief. We have to rebuild our numbers and protect our culture. Our unit working on this problem with Zenith is temporary,” Hugh said.
“We should send this information to Star Fire,” Stacey said. “Their mission is to take down Zenith. Nadezhda needs this data.” The diagram would help Nadezhda’s unit accomplish their directive, then maybe they all could get back to living a normal life.
A moment of guilt left a bitter taste in Stacey’s mouth. She’d promised Hugh to walk away from the spy business and intended to keep that promise. Now, it was someone else’s job to save the world. She needed to save herself before there was nothing left to save.
“I’m sending the data to Raven. I have no idea how to get the information to Star Fire. Do you?” Charlie asked.
Stacey shook her head. “Nadezhda left without saying goodbye.”
“Didn’t she call Star Fire from the clinic? Maybe we can get the number and call them,” Hugh suggested.
“I can’t access the phone system remotely. One of our safeguards.” Charlie shook his head. “I’ll have to look for it when I get back to Isanti. If I find a way, I’ll send Star Fire the data. Right now, though. I’ve sent the information to Raven.”
“Thanks, Charlie.” Stacey patted his shoulder.
“I hope we haven’t painted a target onto the Shadow Walker’s back. Zenith would kill to keep this information a secret.” Charlie looked at them, his gaze concerned.
“Knox said the Shadow Walkers are already on their list. They can’t figure out how we get around without them being able to track us.” Hugh shrugged.
“Yeah, but this information could make it ten times worse,” Charlie said. “I’m going to call Raven and warn him. You guys need to be careful at the Vice-President’s party. If he’s with Zenith, he’ll try to find a way to take you down.”
“They’ll have to know we’re there first. Don’t worry, Charlie. I won’t let anything happen to Hugh.” Stacey took Hugh’s hand and pulled him back to the chairs. She pushed him down and then straddled his lap.
“What are you doing, tehila?” Hugh’s eyes darkened.
Stacey leaned down to kiss him. “I’m enjoying my husband,” she whispered against his lips.
Stacey kissed him hard. She could have lost him at the boathouse. She needed to feel him connected to her. Hugh returned her kiss, his mouth as demanding. His arms tightened around her, holding her crushed to his chest.
“Um, you know, there’s a cabin in the back of the plane, with a bed and everything,” Charlie said.
Stacey pulled back and smiled at the look of lust on Hugh’s face. She could feel the bulge growing in his pants and pushing against her. “I think we’re making Charlie uncomfortable. Do you want to come to the cabin with me?”
“Absolutely.” Hugh helped her stand.
Stacey’s knees wobbled. Hugh did that to her, made her feel weak and feminine. He grabbed her hand and pulled her toward the back of the plane. Once inside the small room, Hugh closed and locked the door.
She looked around at the small full size bed built into the cabin. Hugh lifted her and laid her on the covers. She reached up and pulled him on top of her, continuing the kiss she’d started in the main compartment.
“I need you. Right now.” Stacey tugged at his shirt, wanting it off. She needed to feel him, skin to skin.
“You’re always in a hurry.” Hugh stood and removed his clothes.
Stacey worked on getting hers off. She held her arms out to him. Hugh smiled and settled between her legs on the bed.
“One day, when we aren’t on a mission, I’m going to take my time with you. I want to kiss you from head to toe, front to back. I want to know every place that makes you hot.” Hugh kissed her gently on the nose.
“I’d like that,” Stacey said on a sigh. “We’re going to be landing in less than an hour, so we need to move here.”
“Not before you’re ready for me. I want you wet and dripping.” Hugh probed the skin between her legs. He found her clit and swiped at the tender nub.
Stacey groaned. “Foreplay is overrated. I want you inside me.” She reached down to caress his bulging flesh and the drop of liquid on the top.
“I will be. So deep you’ll never get me out. First, you’re going to come all over my hand.”
Stacey felt an answering flush of liquid from Hugh’s voice alone. God, she loved it when he talked like that. His finger dragged up some of the wetness and circled her clit, rubbing and tantalizing her flesh until she squirmed.
She gripped his shaft, squeezing with her fingers before pulling up and swirling the liquid over the head. Hugh shuddered. They’d see who made whom come first.
“You’re trying to rush me,” Hugh said.
“Is it working?” Stacey asked, smiling.
Hugh sucked her nipple into his mouth and then nipped the end. More liquid gushed from her core. Hugh added a second finger to the one probing her insides. He didn’t answer her and Stacey didn’t care. She liked his mouth on her. In fact she liked everything. Too much. Her body began to tremble. Heat poured over her, mixed with desire. Hugh moved to the other breast. Stacey moaned. So good, it felt so good.
She continued to work his member, copying the thrusts of his fingers. In and out, up and down. She refused to come without him inside her. Heaving and pushing, she flipped Hugh to his back and climbed on top of him in seconds. Before he could stop her, she aligned his shaft with her entrance and sank down, taking him deep.
They both moaned. Stacey sat, her body full and tingling. Hugh gripped her waist and lifted her before letting her drop onto him again.
“Ride me, tehila. You took control, now finish this.”
Stacey lifted, loving the dragging of flesh against flesh. Then dropped down, the heat building and growing. She found her rhythm. Taking control like Hugh said. Giving him pleasure and taking her own.
Hugh gripped her waist and then fondled her breasts, pulling and rolling the nipples. Stacey threw her head back and leaned forward to give him better access.
“Hugh…I’m close, baby. Come with me.”
Stacey leaned down and sucked his bottom lip into her mouth. Then her tongue dove deep, tangling with his. Hugh sucked her tongue deeper. Ravishing her mouth as she rode him, higher and higher.
Her body trembled. Suddenly, she fell over the cliff. Snatched up and flying. Hugh thrust up and shuddered. Joining her in ecstasy. His arms wrapped around her, holding her tightly. She sank, her head resting in the crook of his neck. Hugh held her close, their hearts beating a wild tune. He ran his hand up her back giving her shivers.
He reached over and flipped the blanket over them. Stacey let the world go. She was safe in her lover’s arms.
Chapter Nineteen
David hugged his sister. Hugh watched, knowing it would be hard for Stacey to let David go.
“Your car just arrived,” Charlie said from the door. “The driver knows the address of the place you’re staying and Katherine arranged formal wear as requested.”
“You be careful, sis. I want Amy to know her Auntie Stacey.” David kissed her cheek and stepped back.
“I’ll see to it your sister is safe. It was nice meeting you, David.” Hugh held out his hand.
“Yeah, same here. Come visit us when this is all over,” David reciprocated and they shook.
“Take care, and remember to pay everything in cash,” Stacey said, moving
to the door.
“I know the drill, Stacey. I lived with Dad all my life.”
Stacey nodded and bit her lip. Hugh walked forward forcing her to leave the plane. He waved at Charlie and followed Stacey down the stairs.
“David will be fine. Charlie will help set things up for him and his family.” Hugh held the door open so Stacey could slip into the backseat of the dark sedan that waited for them.
“I should have gone behind Dad’s back and contacted David. He’s my brother.”
“By following your father’s dictates, you kept your brother safe. You didn’t have a choice, Stacey.” Hugh reached over and squeezed her knee.
The driver turned and nodded to them. It was Robert Grey Wolf. Stacey stiffened.
“If you’re here, who is watching my father?”
“Not to worry, Stinger. We’ve got men on the general. Right now, he’s at his office. I’ll be informed if something goes wrong.”
“After being ambushed in New York, I’m not sure that’s reassuring.” Stacey wrapped her arms around her middle. Hugh pulled her as close as the seatbelts allowed. He scowled at Robert.
“Hey, I’m following orders. Raven wanted you guys protected. We’ll keep you and the general safe. There’s food at the house and you guys will have some time to sleep. With the time difference, I’m sure you’re feeling a little jet lagged.”
“We’ve been running on adrenaline all night. Thanks for coming, Grey Wolf.” Hugh gave the driver a nod of appreciation. With Robert standing guard, they could both rest.
“I wouldn’t miss it. I have a score to settle with Nadezhda and the woman who knocked me out in South America. Nadezhda called her ‘Cat.’”
Hugh wasn’t sure of the look on Robert’s face. Who was Cat and why was he hearing about this now?
“Nadezhda is my sister and one of the good guys. Don’t cause trouble between the Shadow Walkers and Star Fire.” Stacey sighed, and leaned her head back.
“Trouble isn’t what I want with the woman.” Robert’s knuckles on the steering wheel turned white. Hugh leaned forward. A smile broke out on his face.
“This ‘cat’ woman is your mate, isn’t she?” Hugh asked.
Robert glanced into the review mirror, a look of confusion on his face. “She’s something. I intend to find out what.”
Hugh nodded and decided not to torment the man any longer. Stacey’s breathing had deepened. She’d fallen asleep.
“How long until we get to the safe house?”
“Around forty minutes if the traffic is good,” Robert answered.
Hugh nodded.
§
An hour later they arrived at a gated community. The traffic hadn’t stayed as good as they hoped, but with a few detours, Grey Wolf still made good time. He lowered his window and talked to the guard before driving through. Hugh reached over and shook Stacey’s shoulder to wake her. He’d tuck her into bed once they got inside.
Her eyes flashed open and she frowned, taking in the neighborhood through the windows.
“Where the hell are we?”
“The house is right around the corner here,” Robert said. He turned on his signal and took a left.
“This neighborhood is pretty upscale,” Hugh pointed out.
“What? Did you think Raven would make you stay in a rundown motel like the place in Montreal?” Robert asked. Since that was exactly what Hugh thought, he kept his mouth shut. “Not all safe houses are dumps, besides, with a guard at the gate, it gives us one more layer of security for your stay.”
“Well, I hope you were right about the food. I’m starving.” Stacey rubbed her stomach. “Then I want a long, hot shower.”
Hugh almost moaned thinking of Stacey in the shower. Maybe he could convince his wife to make it a shower for two.
Grey Wolf pulled into a driveway and hit a button on the visor for the garage. He drove in and they waited until the door hit the ground before exiting the vehicle. The door to the inside possessed an electronic keypad. Robert put in the code and the door clicked open.
“Here we are, home sweet home.”
Hugh followed Stacey into a huge white kitchen with granite countertops and stainless steel appliances. A sliding glass door led to a fenced backyard and the sun sparkled on the surface of a swimming pool.
“Wow. This place must cost a pretty penny.” Stacey ran her hand over the stone counter.
“Yeah,” Hugh said. “Most safe houses are out in the middle of nowhere and nothing as nice as this.”
“Tell me about it. I’ve been staying in those houses for years.” Stacey opened the refrigerator. “So who’s cooking breakfast?”
“I’ll cook. Omelets okay?” Robert asked. Stacey stared at him. “What? Just because I’m single doesn’t mean I don’t know how to cook. There are three bedrooms upstairs. Go pick the one you want. It won’t take me long to have something fixed for you.”
Stacey nodded and headed out of the room. She grabbed Hugh’s hand and pulled him behind her.
“Don’t get sidetracked. Twenty minutes tops before breakfast is ready,” Robert called after them.
“Did you know he could cook?” Stacey asked, heading for the stairs. Hugh shook his head.
He took in the formal living and dining room before enjoying the view of Stacey’s behind in leather pants walking up the grand staircase. She looked over her shoulder at him and winked.
“You heard the chef. We can’t get sidetracked.”
“I’m just enjoying the view, tehila.” Hugh smiled.
“I know you are, and after breakfast you can do more than look. Come on, I want to find the master bathroom and check it out. I wasn’t kidding when I said I wanted to get hot and wet.” She grabbed his hand again and tugged him down the hallway. She peeked into the first room and kept going.
“No worries there, hot and wet are my specialty.” Hugh grabbed her for a kiss outside the second bedroom.
One touch and he was on fire. The kiss went deeper, harder, more frantic. Stacey wrapped his shirt in her fists and pulled him closer. He pushed her against the wall. His hands went from her hair to her waist. His fingers moved to the buttons on her shirt, but he paused as Stacey’s stomach growled loudly. Dammit, he needed to make sure she ate. She’d said she was starving. He pulled back enjoying the whimper that signaled her disappointment.
“Food, first. Hot and wet, second.” Hugh ran his thumb over her plump bottom lip, enjoying the dazed look in her eyes.
He stepped back and kept his hands at her waist to steady her. A wave of love for this woman crashed over him. He couldn’t move. He could only hold her and look at her gorgeous face.
“Hugh,” she whispered on a sigh. She cupped his cheek. “I love you.”
“I love you, too, tehila. More than anything.”
She nodded. Without a word, she took his hand and headed for the final door and the master suite. Bright light flooded the room from the many windows and French doors leading to a balcony. A double door led into the master bathroom. Hugh followed Stacey inside. Her face lit up when she saw the huge shower with a bench along the back. Fluffy white towels rested on the marble counters. The space was bigger than his bedroom in his apartment at Isanti.
“Wow. This is going to be a treat.” Stacey opened a cabinet and fingered the bottles lined up.
Hugh frowned at the many windows and the direct lines of sight from the buildings next door, as well as the trees in the backyard. This suite would be a sniper’s dream.
“It’s not safe. There are so many places a shooter could sit and wait. I don’t like this room. We should pick a different one.”
“Oh, come on. We aren’t even going to be here a full twenty-four hours. After we stop Nadezhda, we’ll be going back to Isanti, Inc. We’ll probably Shadow Walk and be back in your apartment tonight.”
Hugh looked at the towels. There were probably more in the closet or in the cabinets. He picked them up and began to drape them over the windows. At least now, no one
could see into the bathroom.
“We’ll get more towels after breakfast.” He’d have to make sure their house plans for Montana included a grand master bathroom like this one.
Robert chose that moment to call from downstairs breakfast was ready. Hugh grabbed Stacey’s hand. She smiled tenderly and kissed him lightly on the lips.
“No one ever worries about me like you do. Let’s eat. I can’t wait to get back in here.”
§
The sun had set when Stacey walked down the staircase wearing a blue silk evening gown. Hugh waited at the bottom in his tuxedo. He literally forgot to breathe. She was gorgeous. Her smile was his undoing. He reached for her, his mouth claiming hers in a kiss. She chuckled low in her throat, pulling back.
“Careful, you’ll mess up my makeup.”
“I’ll mess up a lot more than that,” Hugh promised.
“All right, love birds,” Robert said, walking into the foyer wearing his formal outfit. “We have a mission. Stinger, White Owl called. David is safely sequestered with his family. Raven tried to get in touch with your sister, so far there has been no response. We have to assume the hit on your father is still on for tonight.”
“Well, then it’s time to go, since we have to drive to get there. Has my father left his house yet?”
Hugh held out his arm for Stacey and escorted her through the kitchen to the car.
Robert checked his watch as he followed. “Fifteen minutes ago. I have agents following him. We should arrive at the Vice-President’s mansion at the same time. Is that dress going to survive Shadow? Once we’re at the residence, we’ll need to Shadow Walk to get in.” Grey Wolf set the security system using the keypad in the garage and stepped up to the driver’s door.
“Everything is all natural, except…damn.” Stacey’s hand went to her hair. It was done up in a twist at the back of her neck.
“What is it, honey?” Hugh asked. He opened the back passenger door so she could get into the vehicle.
“The minute I step into Shadow my hair is going to come undone. The pins holding my hair up are not all natural.” Stacey slipped inside the car and scooted over so Hugh could join her.
Trapped In Shadow (Shadow Walker Romance Series Book 4) Page 18