by T. C. Clark
Three
Chapter 3
* * *
Lily and Sandy arrived in Bulgaria a couple of days later. Dmitri was acting as the connect for everyone on their missions. He was using Luca’s company Rossi IT as a cover. They had a variety of international servers that he could run his work through.
He’d located an area where he believed the Benefactor’s daughter was being held. He needed a little more time to find the actual address. They’d checked into a dingy hotel to wait on his call.
Sandy had left the hotel to get supplies. Lily stayed behind; her skin color drew too much attention here. It didn’t help that she was also beautiful. When he got back to the room, he frowned. He’d told Lily to get some rest; she hadn’t really slept since Mina’s party. He was used to a lack of sleep. He’d been trained as a kid on how to survive for a weeks without it. He shook his head. She never listened to him.
Lily was working on the computer. He placed a cup of coffee and a bag of donuts in front of her. She didn’t look up from the brightly lit screen.
She’d opened a notebook and scribbled some more notes. Lily wouldn’t want to stop, not with so much at stake. He needed to distract her with something else. He took a doughnut out of the bag and waved it under her nose.
She laughed and leaned forward to take a quick bite. She groaned as the cinnamon and sugar hit her tongue. She grabbed it and devoured the rest. She sipped the hot coffee carefully. When she was done she ran a hand through her short hair.
“Thank you. I didn’t know I needed that.”
“Still nothing?” he asked with a frown. He leaned over her and examined the codes she was using. He knew she wanted to help Dmitri with locating the leaders of NICON, but she was doing too much. Dmitri was safe on an island surrounded by security and family. Lily was exposed out here. She needed to worry about herself.
“I think Dmitri narrowed down where the Magician is taking the kidnapped engineer. It’s going to be hell getting to him. He never stays in one place and travels with a team of mercenaries.” She opened the bag and grabbed a strawberry filled donut. She handed him one with chocolate sprinkles. She knew they were his favorite. They devoured the donuts and Sandy immediately reached for two more, earning a laugh from Lily. He loved her laugh. It wasn’t rare, like his. But it was beautiful nonetheless.
He asked the first question that popped into his head. “Your cousins, they are so different from you. What was it like growing up with them?” he asked seriously. He’d never known normal in his life.
“I’ll tell you about my childhood if you tell me more about yours. You never talk about it.” Lily sat back and waited for him to talk. She watched him closely. She’d asked him about it more than once. He’d never been one to share information about his past. Information like that could leave an agent vulnerable in the future.
But Lily wasn’t just the Librarian to him. She was more than that, and he couldn’t ignore the genuine curiosity in her eyes. Plus, he wasn’t sure how long they would have together. Ghost would be here soon and he would take Lily and Nancy away from here. She would never forgive him for that.
“My childhood was no childhood,” Sandy began quietly. He focused on the window on the other side of the room. “My mother was a prostitute in the old part of Russia and I’m not sure who my father was. I did find out from an old neighbor that I have three older siblings, although I couldn’t tell you who they were. My mother wasn’t a good woman. When I was eight, she told me she’d had enough of being a mother and sold me to a farmhouse. I survived it, but it was… difficult.”
Lily’s eyes were luminous as she stared at him. “I’m so sorry, Sandy.”
He shook his head. “Don’t get upset, Lily. Life is tough everywhere. I’ve accepted that I was lucky I made it out. A lot of the other kids didn’t.”
“What’s a farmhouse?”
“It’s a place where they train children to become future agents for the government. It taught me a lot. I watched friends die at a young age. It changed me. Hell, it changed all of us. I wasn’t hiding my past; there is just nothing to say about it. I didn’t have one. I trained, I slept, I ate, I killed, and I survived.”
“Sandy…” Lily reached out and grabbed his hand. She kissed his palm. She pulled him to her. They both sat down on the edge of the bed and Sandy continued his story.
“I hated all of them. The trainers, the other children. But to be honest, that brutal training has saved my life more than once. The thing I hated most was being lonely; they kept us apart in separate, isolated rooms. They wanted to make sure we never learned how to form attachments.” Sandy stopped talking as a brutal memory from his past resurfaced. He swallowed hard. “Can we talk about yours now?”
Lily couldn’t deny him the truth about her life. It was time for them to talk about their pasts. Somehow she could see a future with Sandy and that meant honesty. She thought about it for a moment. “Our childhoods were very different. Tara and Bella’s dad was my mother’s brother. He was in the military, so they moved around a lot. They tried to keep track of us, but it was hard. My mom had issues, really bad ones. I learned how to take care of her before myself.” She stood up and began to pace. She needed something to distract her from the memories. She forced the words out.
“She had schizophrenia. She wasn’t officially diagnosed until I was sixteen. So growing up, people just thought she was crazy. We were homeless most of the time. The only reason we stayed alive was because of my photographic memory. I learned early on how to use that skill to get what we needed. I was a great actress, seriously Oscar worthy. The weird thing about her disability was that she would be fine for months. We would visit Tara and Bella’s family and I would have to pretend like everything was okay. I knew my mom wouldn’t survive if I wasn’t there. She literally had no concept of what she was like. I knew she loved me; it was on her face every time she looked into my eyes. But…sometimes, I wished she would die so I could be free of it. I wanted to live like Bella and Tara and be a part of a normal, good family. I told her that once after a really bad episode. Then one day she sent me away to visit Tara and Bella. While I was gone she stole some money from a really dangerous man, and he killed her.”
“What man did this to her?” Sandy asked.
“I already took care of him. He was the first person I killed. The sad thing is she put the money in an account under my name. Two weeks later, I received a letter in the mail from her. She’d written it in one of her more lucid states. She told me how much she loved me and how proud she was of me. She didn’t want to be a burden. She told me I was the best thing she’d done in her life. She knew in her heart no matter what I said I wouldn’t leave her so she made the decision for me.”
Sandy didn’t know what to say. Lily was so upbeat most of the time. He’d never thought her past would be like his. He wondered how they would have been if they’d met when they were younger.
“Lily…”
She stopped walking. He could tell she he didn’t like reliving that time in her life. He went to her. He needed to erase the sadness building on her face.
“Sandy, I want you to help me forget.” she said when he was close enough to feel her breath. That was all the invitation he needed. He took her lips. He forced her head back with the strength of his kiss.
His tongue warred with hers. It took her a second to respond, but when she did it was over. She pulled at his hair and her hand slipped under his shirt. She rubbed his chest, her small fingers glided over his muscles. She traced the sinuous curves lightly as her body moved against his.
He lifted her from the ground and carried her to the bed. He wanted to explore her body again. He loved the way she wrapped herself around him as if she couldn’t get close enough. He wondered how he’d ever lived this long without her. He put her on the bed and stepped back.
He was getting too hard to move around in his jeans. He pulled off his shirt and she did the same. She gave him a mysterious smile as she removed
her pants. He groaned as inch by inch rich caramel skin was revealed.
When he was naked, he stood proudly in front of her. He wanted her to see how much he needed her. She reached out to take him in her hand. She guided him to her using his cock. Her hand stroked him as she pulled him down for a kiss. He stood still as she drove her tongue deep. He loved when she took control. In these moments she showed him how much she wanted him.
His rough hands traveled her silken body. Her skin was so soft. He unhooked the bra and took it off. Two small chocolate-tipped breasts were revealed. His mouth watered at the sight. He leaned down and took one into his mouth, sucking hard, devouring what was his.
Her hand tangled in his hair as he did so. She urged him on with her body. She leaned back to give him better access. He pushed her back against the sheets and covered her body with his own. His mouth moved from one nipple to the other sucking and biting. His hand traveled down her body. He growled when he encountered her silk panties.
She lifted her hips— tempting him as surely as a siren did a sailor. He couldn’t deny her call. He slid them off and she rewarded him by opening her legs. His body stilled as he encountered the slick wetness between her thighs.
She was always like this with him. He fucking loved it. He thrust one finger deep inside to test her readiness. She was so tight. He was surprised that he could fit inside her. He moved his finger slowly as he flicked his thumb back and forth over her swollen clit.
She closed her eyes. Her light brown skin was flushed. She started to ride his hand gently. His cock jumped in anticipation. The swollen mushroom tip started to seep, hungry for a chance to be inside.
She pulled his head back to her mouth. He was close to losing control. His hand left her and she whimpered softly. She tried to say something, but his mouth captured hers.
Her arms wrapped around his neck as she gave up to his demand. He wanted to savor her. He moved his body in a way that made it difficult for her to move. He cupped her head and held her to him as he tasted her mouth. Her small hands glided over him, teasing him, trying to break his control. He ignored the fire she left in the wake of her touch. He pulled back and was satisfied at how long it took her to catch her breath.
He brought the wet fingers to his mouth and licked them. This could be one of the last times he had her like this. He didn’t know what would happen tomorrow.
She leaned back against the pillows and opened her arms. He moved over her slowly, pressing her body into the thin bed. Her hands traveled his back, her nails digging into the muscled skin. She moved against his body, provocatively trying to tempt him. He felt every curve but he ignored the call. He grabbed both of her hands and pinned them above her head. She tried to speak but he took her words into his mouth. He could spend all day like this with her. He would take his time with her tonight and create a memory that would sustain him.
Once she’d relaxed under him, he rolled over and adjusted her over his hips. She straddled him with a wicked smile on her full lips. She liked this position. He’d found that out months ago. She tried to move on him but he stopped her by placing his hands on her hips and holding her in place.
“I want you, Sandy,” she said huskily. She leaned forward and placed a kiss on the tip of his nose. She ran her hands down his chest and raked her nails across his nipples. She was positioned right over his cock he could feel how slick she was as she moved over him.
Her words sent a fire rushing through his body. He tried to hold back but the feel of her above him, needing him, was too much. He widened his legs which forced her thighs further apart and she dropped forward. He thrust through the tight folds until he was buried deep.
She gasped as he impaled her. He held her still over him. She tried to move but he trapped her there. He needed her muscles to relax before he moved. He knew once he started he wouldn’t be able to stop. He didn’t want to hurt her.
They’d always been a tight fit. His hands clenched on her hips with enough force to bruise. Lily bit her lip as she tried to relax.
Her hands traveled up her body to cup her breasts. She played with her breasts, pinching her nipples until her body grew wet.
As soon as her muscles relaxed around him, he moved. He stretched her, blending the feelings of pleasure and pain. He thrust up and pulled her down. She gasped and he groaned as he started to increase the pace.
Thick steel invaded her mercilessly. He watched her expression closely and adjusted his angle with every whimper she released. She closed her eyes and threw her head back as her body started to clench and contract around him.
Her fingers pulled at his hands on her waist as she tried to slow down the pace. He could feel how close she was to the edge but he refused to let up. He thrust harder, pushing through her tight channel relentlessly. The friction was too much. She raked her nails across his chest as she came.
Her muscles clamped down around him so hard that he growled. She fell forward across his chest and his arm locked her there. He rolled her until she was beneath him. He continued to thrust as her womb tightened and convulsed around him. He gritted his teeth as his release rushed through his body. He swelled inside of her as he came. He ground his hips deep as his seed filled her.
He couldn’t stop moving. His body was greedy for more of what it found with her. He looked down at her as his cock inevitably started to harden once more.
Lily smiled up at him through a haze of exhaustion. She knew Sandy needed more than one time to be satiated. He leaned down and whispered to her in Russian; sexy, arrogant words that made her moan. She closed her eyes as she submitted to his need. She couldn’t deny him and to be honest, she needed this. If anyone could wipe away the viscous memories threatening to overwhelm her it was him. She relaxed around him and gave herself to the brutal man who was holding her close.
* * *
Lily woke up a few hours later exhausted and sore. Sandy was still asleep. She forced herself to move. Sandy had been relentless earlier, continuously drawing orgasms from her. She wondered if he’d noticed her weird mood. She knew he would have questions about what happened.
She didn’t want to talk about it, but he’d earned the right. She knew he cared for her; it was there in his face every time he looked at her. Whatever he thought he was, he didn’t lack emotion. She would have to deal with that later. Right now she needed to focus on finding Nancy.
She knew what could happen to a little girl in the type of safe houses people like the Magician used. Lily was determined to get her out. Gingerly, she walked over to her laptop and sighed when she saw an unread message from Dmitri.
She should have never let Sandy distract her. She knew it would take time for Dmitri to find Nancy’s location but still, she could have been working.
Her eyes went back to the giant blond on the bed. He was an unexpected addition to her already complicated life. The depths of her feelings for him were illogical. She stretched her back. She could still feel the imprint of his body on hers.
One night had turned into something spectacular. Lily knew he was up to something, though. He’d been growing increasingly protective of her lately. She had a feeling that hearing about what happened to her would only make it worse.
She opened Dmitri’s email. Her heart started to race. He’d finally figured out Nancy’s location. He sent her a list of details about the people in the house. She took her time memorizing the floor plan. She would be the one to collect Nancy. Sandy would only make the little girl more nervous.
She grabbed her bag and took one of the pills she’d gotten in France. It was supposed to help with her anxiety. The only thing they seemed to do was take the edge off. She walked over to the bed and shook Sandy awake. It only took him a moment to gather his things. She cleaned the room as he did so.
While they were driving, she broached the subject of her being the lead operative. Typically when they had a case like this, she worked defense while Sandy worked on offense.
“Why do you need to go in?” he ask
ed, suspiciously. He obviously didn’t like the idea of her going in alone. She sighed; he knew how many missions she’d completed solo. Ever since they’d started dating he’d started to see her as his woman, instead of the accomplished agent she was. Usually, she found his demeanor charming because she’d never experienced an overprotective partner, but right now his attitude was starting to work her nerves.
“Sandy, we’ve went over this. We don’t have a lot of time, and I’ve already memorized the layout of the house. It’s easier if I go in after her.”
“You hate working on site. I may not have a brain like yours, but I’ve seen enough of the blueprints to know how to handle this. We both know I’ve done more with less.”
“Sandy, just let me do this, okay? You know I’m more than capable of doing the active part of the mission.”
“Lily… ” He stopped talking and took a deep breath. She had a feeling he’d seen something in her eyes. He turned down the road where the house was and stopped at an abandoned house located a few blocks down.
“Okay, what do you want to do?” he asked. He kept his eyes on the road while he waited for her to explain her plan.
“I’ll enter from the back using one of the windows. You distract them using a Trojan horse up front. I want to be sure that this is a clean retrieval. I don’t know how traumatized Nancy is going to be after all of this.”
“You think they’ve done something to her?” Sandy asked as he reloaded his gun.
“I hope not. But trust me, if we don’t stop this now, and they somehow get her back, they definitely will. Look at how they killed her dad.”
He nodded solemnly. They didn’t have time for questions. He handed her a set of knives and one gun. He opened the door and went to the trunk. He pulled out a small briefcase when she walked up. “I promise you, everyone in that house will die today.”