“I need to know more before I can answer your specific question.”
“From whom?”
“You.”
“I’m not saying another word until I speak with my contact directly.”
“Of course,” I answered, pushing the chair back in that I had just pulled out.
“Thank you.”
I walked out of the room and into the hallway where Z was waiting.
“What’s his condition?”
“No change.”
It was ironic that in the last forty-eight hours I’d told Wren that if it had been up to me, Matthew would be dead. Now, I prayed the man would stay alive, if only long enough for us to find out who’d tried to kill him.
“The doctors think Caird was without air long enough for cerebral hypoxia to become anoxia.”
“A reduced supply of oxygen that turned into total deprivation.”
“That’s correct.”
“Brain damage is likely.”
“Highly.”
I ran my hand through my hair. “Have you notified Shiv?”
“I thought it best to leave that to you.”
“What about Rivet?”
“On his way here now.”
“And Darrow?”
“Pinch is responsible for securing your sister.”
“Right,” I mumbled. I knew what Z meant; I just wasn’t crazy about the way he phrased it.
“Officer Harlow?”
“She requested to speak with ‘her contact’ privately.”
Z nodded.
“Do you trust this person you’re so secretive about, Z?” I asked.
“Whether I do or not is irrelevant.”
“Unless Wren is in danger.”
“The mobile is untraceable. No one but you will know where she is once she leaves here.”
The door to the private room opened slightly. When Wren didn’t come out, I went in and closed it behind me.
“Why am I in MI6 custody?”
I was confused. Where had that question come from? “You aren’t.”
“I’m to be taken to a secure location. Why isn’t my own government facilitating it?”
“Because ‘your contact,’ as you called her, requested SIS handle it. Did she not explain that to you?”
“She informed me. She didn’t explain. I want to know why.”
“I can’t answer on her behalf.”
“What did you do?”
I pulled out a chair and motioned for her to be seated. Surprisingly, she did, so I sat in the chair beside her.
“I had nothing to do with it.”
“Nothing at all?”
“I’m not sure what you’re suggesting, Wren, but I’d hardly use the Secret Intelligence Service as a guise for keeping you in England, or whatever it is you’re thinking.”
“I requested immediate transport back to the States.”
“And?”
“You already know her response, don’t you, Whittaker?”
I hated the way she spat my name as though I had somehow become the enemy. “Tell me what you know, Wren.”
“I don’t know anything. My mission was to extradite Caird to the US.”
“And investigate him.”
“Not necessarily.”
Her hostility puzzled me. “I’m not ‘interrogating’ you, Officer Harlow. I’m trying to figure out how best to protect you.”
“I don’t need to be protected.”
“Your own government believes you do.”
“Where am I being taken?”
“Somewhere safe.”
Wren stood and folded her arms. “How serious is Caird’s condition?”
“Very. The doctors think he may have suffered irreparable brain damage.”
“Whether he lives or dies, they’ve succeeded in silencing him.”
I studied her. There was something about her last statement that didn’t sit right. Something was off. Her tone of voice had changed when she spoke, as did her expression. That, coupled with her hostile attitude, suddenly made sense.
“Who are you, Finley Harlow?”
“What do you mean?”
“What’s your real mission?”
“I was sent to extradite Matthew Caird and return him to the United States to face prosecution.”
“Evidently, the honesty you expect from me isn’t to be reciprocated. Do you even work for DHS?”
I watched her closely. It had only been a split second, but I caught the quick intake of breath, the simultaneous eye movement. Would she even bother trying to lie to me?
“Why would you ask that question?”
“Why won’t you answer?”
“Who I do or don’t work for isn’t relevant. I’m here on behalf of the United States government.”
“NSA, then.”
“I didn’t say that.”
I stood, rubbing the back of my neck. “You already know whom he was working with, don’t you?”
She didn’t need to respond; I could see the answer in her eyes.
I took a seat across from her and laid my arms out on the table. “Tell me this much, if nothing else.”
She nodded, but with minimal movement of her head.
“Is my family in immediate danger?”
“I don’t believe so.”
Raising one arm, I slammed my fist down on the table. “Yes or no.”
“I can’t answer definitively.”
“You’ve played this well, officer—or is it agent?”
I stood and walked out of the room; Z hadn’t moved from where he stood earlier.
“Who does she work for?”
Z shook his head.
“Is she CIA or NSA?”
“I can’t say for certain.”
“Dammit, Z, don’t make me fish. Tell me what you know.”
“About what?” asked Shiver, coming around the corner.
“Come with me,” Z said to us both.
“What about Harlow?” I asked.
“She isn’t going anywhere,” Z answered.
Given Caird was also on this floor, I should’ve known every entrance and exit was secure.
“Get me caught up,” said Shiver as Z led us into another private meeting room and closed the door.
“Rivet is on his way up. He knows more than I do.”
“We’ll wait, then,” said Shiver, squeezing my shoulder. “Give us a moment, Z?”
The DG nodded and left the room.
“You fill me in.”
I told him about Wren’s odd behavior. “I don’t think she’s with the DHS.”
“Of course she isn’t,” said Shiver.
“What do you mean?”
“It was immediately obvious to me.”
I stared him down. “It didn’t occur to you to bloody tell me?”
“For God’s sake, Wild, I figured you knew. Wasn’t it part of your cat-and-mouse game with her?”
I pulled out a chair and sat down. “Z has never once let on whom his contact works for. I asked about Wren, and he said he couldn’t say.”
“What’s your gut telling you?”
“NSA.”
“Agreed.”
“There’s more, Shiv.”
My brother sat down in the chair beside me.
“Wren knows whom Matthew was working with.”
“She told you that?”
I shook my head. “No, but when I specifically asked, her reaction told me I was on the right track.”
“That’s why they asked Z to get her to a secure location.”
“My guess is she knew coming in. Her mission was to get Matthew out of the UK. Rather than to interrogate him, it was to protect him,” I speculated.
“And whomever they were protecting him from, got to him, so now Wren is in danger as well.”
“It adds up, Shiv.”
“What else did she say?” asked Shiver.
“She wants to return to the States, but the mystery woman pulling strings behi
nd the scenes denied her request. When I told her I was merely trying to protect her, she told me she didn’t need to be.”
“Which, of course, means she does. Do you trust her, Wild?”
“Am I wrong to?”
Shiver shook his head. “No, you’re not.”
Rivet came in followed by Z and closed the door behind him.
“Before you begin, I’ll accept nothing but the bloody truth from you, Riv,” I told him.
“Matthew is dead.” Rivet’s voice caught.
“I’m sorry,” I said at the same time I saw Shiver put his hand on Ranald’s shoulder.
I stood and left the room. It didn’t matter if Rivet knew whom Wren worked for. All I cared about was getting her out of here and somewhere safe. Once I did, I’d ask her again myself.
“What’s happened?” Wren asked when I came back into the room where she was waiting.
“Caird is dead. We’re leaving.”
“Where are you taking me?”
“Somewhere you’ll be safe.”
I stalked toward her. Wren’s back was against the wall, but that didn’t mean she couldn’t have moved. She didn’t, even when I stood right in front of her and grasped the back of her neck with my hand.
“Shiver said he knew right away that you didn’t work for DHS.”
Wren looked into my eyes, but didn’t respond.
“He also said that I was right to trust you.”
I moved closer so my cheek rested against hers. “Tell me, Wren. Am I right to trust you?”
“Yes,” she whispered.
“Do you trust me?”
“I do.”
When I brushed her lips with mine, Wren put her arms around my waist. I wound my tongue around hers and put my hand on the small of her back, bringing her body closer to mine so her sex rested against my hardness.
“I’m only going to ask once. This, what’s happening between us right now, is it what you want, Wren?”
“It is.”
14
Wren
I watched as Wilder pulled out his cell phone, pushed a button on the screen, and brought it to his ear. “Meet us in the lowest level of the garage,” he said and then disconnected the call.
He took my hand in his and led me out of the room and over to the elevator.
“Wilder?” I said when the door closed behind us and we were alone. “I’m sorry—”
“We’re starting over, Finley Harlow. Whoever we were last night, isn’t who we are today.”
“What does that mean?”
“We’ll discuss it once we’re on our way.”
When the elevator door opened to the garage, I saw Shiver waiting for us.
“Anything else we need to know before we leave?” Wilder asked his brother.
“Not at this time.”
“Very well. You know where we’ll be.”
“I’ll be in touch.”
As we drove out of the garage, I saw Shiver was still standing near the bank of elevators.
“Is he okay?” I asked.
Wilder took my hand in his and brought it to his lips. “I’m not sure any of us are at the moment.” He turned my hand over and kissed my palm. “But we will be.”
We’d left the city and were on the motorway before either of us spoke again.
“Are you going to tell me where we’re going?”
“Things are going to change between us, Wren, and for now, we’re doing things my way.”
“I guess that means no.” I met his gaze before he turned back to look at the road. Where had the man gone who had kissed my hand only a few minutes earlier? “You said we’re starting over and who we were last night isn’t who we are today. You also said we’d discuss it once we were on our way. We’re on our way.”
Wilder scrubbed his face with his hand. “I’m taking you to Cumbria. My mother’s parents were the Duke and Duchess of Cumberland. When they passed on, my uncle inherited the title and the estate. I’m his namesake.”
“Uncle Sutton?”
I smiled when Wilder did. “Yes, but I can’t quite imagine referring to him that way.”
“What does Uncle Sutton think about my arrival?”
“Our arrival, and he isn’t there. He also has a place in the South of France where he winters. The house is open for family members.”
“He leaves it open?”
Wilder turned to me again, only this time, he was smiling rather than glaring. “Not literally. There are staff, Wren.”
“Is he aware we’re visiting?”
“He is.”
“And does he know why?”
“We’re on holiday.”
“As a couple.”
“That’s right.”
“Is that what you meant when you said things would be changing between us?”
Wilder grasped my hand like he had earlier. “When I asked specifically, you said you wanted it to happen, Wren. Have you changed your mind?”
“No.”
“Good.” He brought my palm back to his lips and kissed it. “I’m done denying either of us.”
“What’s going to happen, Wilder?” My own voice sounded breathy; my heart was ready to beat out of my chest, and the ache between my legs was maddening.
He let go of my hand. “Let me see you.”
I raised a brow.
“Open your blouse, Wren. I want to look at you.”
I was incredulous at what he was asking me to do; however, that didn’t mean I wouldn’t.
“Do it, Wren.”
I slowly unfastened the buttons of my blouse.
“Spread it open and pull the cups of your bra out of my way.”
My breath hitched as I opened it a minimal amount.
“Touch yourself.”
“Wilder—”
“I didn’t say you could talk. I told you to touch yourself.”
The tone of his voice and his demands alone were almost enough to bring me to orgasm. God, how had he known I would respond to him the way I was?
“Do you want to know what I’m going to do to you when we get to Cumberland Manor?”
I couldn’t speak.
“I’m going to kiss you. Everywhere. I’ll touch you, and I’ll look at you. Do you know how much I’ve longed to have you stand before me naked, just so I could look at you?”
“Wilder,” I groaned, closing my eyes and taking a deep breath while I fought against covering myself.
“Maybe I’ll send the staff away and then take your clothes so I can gaze at you as much as I like, and so you’re naked and ready for me wherever and whenever I want you.”
He reached over and moved my hand away from my breasts, putting his hand in its place. “Tell me what you’re feeling.”
Could I? Did I have the words to say that I’d never been more turned on in my life, never wanted a man more than I wanted him right now?
“Look at me.”
I met his gaze.
“Tell me how your nipples feel.”
“They’re throbbing.”
Wilder took a deep breath like I had moments before. “What else?”
“I want your hands on me.”
“Just my hands?”
“No. I want everything.”
“You have to tell me what you want, Wren. How else will I know?”
He was smiling, and before he returned his gaze to the road, he winked. How could he be so unaffected? A deep breath—was that all it took for him to get back under control? I felt like a pulsating puddle of need. I needed everything. His hands, his mouth, every part of him on me and inside me.
“Tell me now, Wren. You’re running out of time,” he said, cupping my sex with his hand.
“What do you mean?” I groaned.
“We’re here, and once we’re out of this car, it begins.”
“Thank God,” I breathed, moving to refasten my blouse.
“No,” he said, taking one of my hands away. “Leave it.”
“I can’t ju
st leave it open, Wilder. The staff…”
He pulled up to the gate and rolled down the window.
“Hello, sir,” said a voice that came through an intercom.
“Good afternoon, Jarvis.”
The gate opened, and Wilder pulled through, his hand still holding mine, keeping me from covering myself.
“Wilder, please…”
He pulled the car over and shut off the engine. “Not yet.” He spread my blouse so it was completely open and brought his mouth to one nipple while he pinched the other with his fingertips.
My hands were in his hair, holding him where he was while, at the same time, wanting to push him away.
“I need you, Wilder. Don’t make me wait any longer.”
He nipped at the side of my breast and gave me a mercurial smile. “You’ll wait, Wren. As long as I want you to.”
How many people could Wilder’s uncle possibly employ? Had they invited the neighbors over as well as everyone who lived in the nearby town? I felt as though I’d spent an hour shaking hands and thanking everyone who welcomed us and said to let them know if there was anything I needed.
Right now, all I needed was Wilder alone, naked, and preferably inside me. Every part of my body was at a heightened awareness. I could feel him breathe and his gaze as it settled on me. Where he moved, I followed.
I was right behind him when Wilder rounded a corner. He pushed me up against the wall and covered my now-hidden breasts with his hands.
“Please, Wilder…”
“What, my sweet? You still haven’t told me what you want.”
“Alone. Please, can we just be alone?”
“Soon, my precious little bird. Very soon.”
Soon was nothing of the sort. When Jarvis, the man whose voice I’d heard at the gate, asked Wilder if he’d like afternoon tea served, the bastard agreed!
“You’ve got to be kidding,” I said as he led me into a formal sitting room.
“What’s wrong?” he asked, cupping my cheek.
I was tempted to swat it away. However, at the same time he brought his lips to mine, he reached between my legs.
“What do you want, Wren?”
“Sex,” I gasped as he tightened his hold on me.
He pulled back and looked into my eyes. “Are you sure? Maybe you’d like to think about it a while longer.”
“No. I don’t want to do any more thinking. I need you inside me, Wilder. Now.”
The Lord and the Spy Page 8