Her focus sharpened, taking in his well-formed nose, the lightly whisker-shadowed angles of his jaw, his straight eyebrows. Strands of dark hair had fallen onto his forehead and she couldn't stop herself from pushing them back, letting her fingers glide through his hair as she stroked over the crown of his head, then down to his nape. The feel of his silky waves between her fingers sent erotic threads weaving through her. Of its own volition, her other hand slid to his neck and she pulled him down to meet her lips.
He came—willingly, eagerly—and passion flared between them. Bright and bold. All consuming. She wanted him. Now. Here. On the kitchen floor. She didn't care as long as she could feel his body against her. Inside her. She wanted to rip off the clothes that came between them, feel his bare skin on hers.
She felt him pull away and she groaned her objection. "Frank? What's wrong?"
Resting on one forearm, stroking tendrils of hair from her face, he stared down at her tenderly. "So all I have to do to seduce you is tickle? That's an approach I've never tried before."
His lips turned up in that heart-stopping grin she'd come to both long for and dread. Dread because it did frightening things to her equilibrium. Long for because no healthy, warm-blooded woman could stop herself from wanting to see that boyish, seductive smile. Her eyelids drooped as she stared longingly at the sheen of light reflecting off his full lower lip and she moistened her own as she anticipated the feel of his mouth against hers. She slid her hands onto his cheeks and drew him back to her.
Their lips grazed for an all-too-brief kiss and then he pulled back again.
"Angel," he murmured. "We both know where this will lead, but you're not ready. Nothing has changed since St. Lucia. We've got a lot of things to sort out before we can carry our personal relationship further, and that won't happen until one of us decides on a drastic change in lifestyle. Am I right?"
She stared at him. His words, spoken gently but with determination, cut through the haze that obscured the proper functioning of her brain. She sucked in a deep breath and slid a hand over her forehead, shoving wayward curls off her face..
"You're right. I'm sorry." Her cheeks burned. "I don't know what came over me."
"Besides me, you mean?" His lips brushed her cheek lightly and he pushed himself onto his knees with one powerful thrust of his arm. He grabbed her hand and pulled them both to their feet. "I don't think an apology is exactly appropriate. Not when I enjoyed that as much as you did."
He hooked his hands around her waist then slid up her sides, as though he didn't want to stop touching her. "Believe me, if things weren't so unsettled between us, I'd take you up on your invitation."
How could Frank be so sensible? And so wonderfully sensitive. How could she help but love him? And how could she stop from being hurt by him?
Not him, really. Their situation. Their differing needs. Never by Frank.
He leaned her against the counter and handed her the glass of water she'd filled earlier. "Here. Now back to business, you slouch. We were talking about setting Vendetti up to hire me."
He straddled one of the kitchen chairs, leaning his arms on the back, facing her, reminding her to drop hints to Carlos about Frank needing work. Carlos knew Angel had a strong work ethic and would be bothered by Frank's unemployment. Frank also pointed out that Carlos would be smart enough to see the benefit of having them both in his organization, allowing him to garner Frank's loyalty as well as Angel's. With both of them under his rule, he would have no worries about Angel inadvertently leaking information to a man who may feel free to pass it on to unscrupulous listeners.
* * *
On the night of the party, Angel chose a jazzy black knit dress to wear. Short and clingy, it had a gold thread twisted through the yarn to give it a glitter effect. Gold flowers and vines were embroidered around the scoop neckline, studded with large gems.
"You look dazzling, Angel," Frank said when she strolled into the living room. He had been reading a book while she got ready, having already changed in the bathroom.
"Thank you, Frank. You look pretty spiffy yourself."
She reached up and straightened his tie, knowing she did it more so she could touch him than any other reason. He looked fabulous in his black, light wool suit, his jade green and charcoal tie setting off his aqua shirt.
When they arrived at the party, several vehicles were already parked by the six car garage of Carlos' huge home. The butler took their coats and ushered them into the party. Carlos saw them arrive and excused himself from a small circle of guests.
"Angel! How wonderful you look tonight." Carlos grasped Angel's arms and kissed her cheek. "Married life agrees with you." He turned to Frank and pumped his hand. "Welcome to my home, Frank. You seem to be taking good care of my girl."
"I'm doing my best."
The adoring smile Frank gave her as he pulled her more firmly against his side made her heart beat faster.
Carlos led them to the bar and got them set up with drinks, then he left to greet some new arrivals. Angel sipped her wine spritzer and surveyed the room, pointing out various key figures to Frank. She caught sight of Dino leaning against the wall across the room watching her, scowling. Tipping her glass at him, she smiled. His scowl deepened, but he nodded in acknowledgment, then turned away.
Angel took Frank around and introduced him to most of the people she knew. Many had been at their wedding. Frank surreptitiously watched Vendetti all evening. When he saw the older man break away from a group of people to go to the bar, Frank excused himself from Angel's side.
* * *
"So, Angel tells me you're out of work."
Frank scratched his jawline. "Yeah, well, I'm relatively new in town and don't have many contacts yet."
"What line of work are you in, Frank?"
Frank glanced down at his drink and swirled it around, the ice cubes chinking against the sides of the glass. "You could say I work in security."
Vendetti's eyebrows went up. "You mean like a security guard?"
Frank smiled. "Not exactly. I worked for Victor Fantucci out in Vegas for a while, until he decided to retire. The stuff I did for him involved checking out the background of new people joining his organization, overseeing shipments of money from the casinos, and other operations he had going. Things like that."
"I know Victor. He has a good-sized operation. There'd be lots of opportunities for an ambitious man like yourself. Why did you leave?"
"I'd been with Victor for a few years and worked my way up in the organization. I'd been hoping for a promotion to head of security for his casinos, but when the time came, Victor promoted a guy named Giovanni Labentti. Now, I don't have anything against the guy, have never even met him, but I'd been hoping for that position for a long time. So, I decided it was time to move on. You know, try my luck somewhere else. I pulled up roots and came out here to New York. I understand there are lots of opportunities here." He glanced at Angel, chatting animatedly with an older woman in a royal blue, satin suit, and smiled broadly. "Best thing I ever did."
Vendetti followed Frank's gaze. "Yes, I imagine you were pleased to find Angel after all these years."
"You bet. I just hope I can make her happy." He swirled his glass again. "The first thing I need is a job. I'm not living off my wife."
Frank's cover had been carefully decided before the honeymoon. Victor Fantucci had been killed a few weeks ago so he could not deny Frank's story. There had been a Frank Marino whose position in the organization fit what Frank had described. The Bureau also had an undercover agent in Fantucci's operation who would intercept any communication and make sure queries were answered to confirm Frank's cover.
Vendetti placed a hand on Frank's shoulder. "I think I might just have a solution to your problem, Frank.
* * *
Angel felt a tap on her shoulder and turned to find Dino standing behind her.
"Dance with me, Angie."
She would have declined, but he'd already taken her hand and
was pulling her onto the dance floor. A slow number was playing and couples drifted across the shiny hardwood slats. Dino's hand slid around her and he pulled her too close to his body.
"Dino, what are you doing? Frank—"
"Is busy with Carlos right now. I'm sure he can spare you." He glared down at her, his brown eyes smoldering. The pressure of his hands was almost painful. "Why, Angie? I've been trying to get you to take me seriously for months now, then this creep walks in and takes over. Within a month you two are hitched."
"Dino, I told you, Frank and I have known each other for years. When I—"
"Yeah, then how come I never heard anything about him before this? If you were so—close—how come you never mentioned him?"
She glanced at Frank, in deep conversation with Carlos. "We lost touch. I didn't think I'd ever see him again. There was never any reason to mention him to you."
"You lose touch, then he just shows up in your life? You pick up where you left off? Come on. It sounds fishy to me. If you two were so close—"
"Dino, we were young. It wouldn't have worked out then. Frank went off in search of excitement and—"
"And didn't even keep in touch with you?"
She glanced up at him. His eyes were burning embers of anger.
"Angie, something's going on here that I just don't buy. I don't like it and I intend to find out—"
"Excuse me. I'd like my wife back."
Angel felt Frank's hand on her shoulder and Dino let go of her, scowling at Frank. Dino spun around and marched away while Frank took Angel in his arms to continue the dance. "What did he want?"
"He suspects something, Frank. We'll have to be careful."
He pulled her close, pressing his lips to her temple. "Don't worry about it. He's just annoyed because he lost you to me."
He nuzzled her neck and his hand slid down to the small of her back, pulling her closer to his body. Heat surged through her and she longed to pull him into a passionate kiss. For the rest of the evening, Frank kept her body heated and longing for him with frequent stolen kisses, tender touches, and warm smiles. Everything a loving newlywed husband would do to show his bride, and the world, how much he wanted her.
More than ever, Angel longed for the illusion to be real. She longed for things she couldn't have. Like a life with Frank at her side. For real. For always.
* * *
Angel sank into the back seat of the cab Frank had flagged down. It felt good to be off her feet after all that dancing. Frank slid in beside her, curling his arm around her waist. She leaned against him, loving the feel of his hard, warm body against her.
"So it looks like your layabout husband will be working again soon."
"Carlos offered you a job?" Frank really knew how to get things done.
He smiled. "Did you ever doubt me?"
"Well…" She grinned, pursing her lips.
His eyebrows arched up in mock surprise. "Really? I guess I'll just have to remind you how capable I am."
He lowered his mouth to hers, his heated lips igniting a flame within her that had been smoldering all evening. He lifted his face from hers and smiled his ultra-sexy half grin. "Well? Still doubt me?"
"Never." She knew the breathy word left no doubt as to how much his kiss had affected her.
He nuzzled her ear. "So how capable are you?"
"Hmm?"
"Vendetti told me to have you schedule an appointment for me sometime Monday so we can discuss details." He nipped her lobe. "Will you remember that?"
"Mmm hmm."
The cab pulled up in front of the townhouse and Frank eased away from her. He helped her out of the car, keeping hold of her hand all the way to the door. He unlocked it, then gestured for Angel to proceed him inside.
Angel flicked off her shoes with her toes, thankful to be out of the high heels. Gingerly, she stepped down flat on the floor, the stretched muscles of her calves complaining. She unbuttoned her coat and felt Frank ease it off her shoulders, his fingertips causing a tingling sensation to dance down her back. She glanced in the stained glass hall mirror. She could only see part of his face below the large pink lilies bordering the top of the design. His gaze lingered on her bare shoulders and he probably saw the swell of her breasts, given his height and position behind her. He turned and hung up her coat and they both turned around to face each other.
Angel knew she should flee from the cramped entranceway. From Frank. From the desire that was building inside her. But there was nowhere to run. She was going to have to face her feelings, face what she knew she wanted.
She looked at him, expectant. They had been so close this evening. Every time he'd touched her, she'd felt another chink fall from her armour
She wanted him, she couldn't deny it… but she reminded herself she couldn't have him.
At least, not permanently.
But… not everything lasted forever. For the first time in her life, she felt herself considering something short term. Something that would make her happy.
Everything she'd ever done, at least as an adult, had been for long term goals. Her cover had been a long term commitment. It had taken years to infiltrate the mob, to work to a position where she could get information of any real use. Even then, the information she passed on was often held back, in recognition that putting a stop to individual activities was not as important as Angel working herself to a position where the Bureau could get a line on some of the high level workings of the organization.
So, Angel had never considered the possibility of short term gratification. But now, as she looked into Frank's heated blue eyes, she did just that. Thought of the possibility of making love with Frank because she wanted to, knowing it couldn't last, but knowing that more than anything else in the world, she wanted to be in his arms, to be loved by him.
Frank lowered his lips to hers and she tipped up her chin in anticipation. The kiss was sweet, sensual, drawing a rising tide of response that threatened to sweep her away. He stroked his hands down her back until they rested on the curve of her hips and he dragged her firmly against him. The swell of his arousal pressed against her stomach and she stiffened.
This was not the right time. She needed to think, to know if she was really ready. She eased away from him. "Frank, I…"
He put a finger to her lips, making a shushing sound, then tapped the tip of her nose. "I know, Angel. The evening was fun, but it ends here. I know the rules. And I know why they're important."
No bitterness tinged his words, only regret. She wished she could reach out to him, tell him she loved him… tell him she wanted him… but she knew now wasn't the time. When she made love to Frank, she wanted to be sure it was a logical decision, not based on too much wine and an overdose of hormones.
As he turned away, she grabbed his arm and pulled him back to face her. Her hands flew to his cheeks. She popped up on her tip toes and joined her lips to his in a short burst of a kiss. She slid her hands to his shoulders for support—and because she was reluctant to stop touching him.
"Frank, thank you, I… It was a lovely evening. You did a great job… acting the loving husband and all."
"An easy role with you as my co-star, Angel."
He smiled that half grin of his and she knew if she stayed any longer she'd be lost. She slid her hands off his shoulders, reveling in the feel of the soft, finely-spun wool of his suit jacket.
"Good night, Frank." She turned and marched to her room before she changed her mind. Closing the door snugly behind her, she leaned against it for a few moments while she caught her breath.
She took off her makeup with cold cream and brushed out her curls, then put on her favourite red plaid, flannel night shirt. Once she noticed the strip of light under her door darken, she slipped into the bathroom to complete her night time ritual.
I'm turning into a coward. Afraid to pass Frank in the hall for fear of falling into his arms. I definitely have a bad case of… Of what? Of love, yes. Of wanting Frank. Of a need she'd been nurtu
ring subconsciously for years. She wanted… needed… everything with Frank. Marriage—a real one. Love. A home. Forever.
But she couldn't have forever.
Still, why did that mean she couldn't have now? They both knew they would have to part when the case ended. Frank wasn't about to stay in his cover role. No way. But they were together now, and they were husband and wife. Why not allow herself a little happiness—the happiness she could find in his arms? Frank had made it clear he wasn't averse to making love, even though theirs was a marriage destined to end.
It seemed so clear now that being with Frank—giving Frank all that she was capable of giving under the circumstances—was the best way to express her love. Maybe they didn't have forever, but they had now, and each other, and the memories they would make together would last a lifetime. And somehow Angel knew it would be her only chance at love.
* * *
Frank settled under the blue-flowered quilt that had been his only comfort since he'd been living with Angel. It smelled faintly of the sweet herbal fragrance she wore. Saying goodnight to her had been almost impossible tonight. He sensed something different in her. The way she'd looked into his eyes, as though she'd wanted to reach out to him. Maybe it was just the party and the drinks making her let down her guard, but he felt as though she were trying to make a decision. About him.
He heard her door open quietly and he feigned sleep, knowing she'd been waiting for him to turn out the light so she wouldn't have to face him. He watched her with lids barely lifted as she tiptoed into the bathroom. Even in a long flannel nightshirt, she managed to look deliciously sexy, her curls tumbling over her shoulders and down her back. He had a feeling that if he were to lift his covers and invite her to join him, she just might say yes. But he wouldn't. If they made love it had to be her decision, with no pressure from him. He couldn't live with anything else. So, he'd wait patiently. Forever, if he had to.
* * *
Holding Out For A Hero: SEALs, Soldiers, Spies, Cops, FBI Agents and Rangers Page 111