“Minor details,” he assured her, then smiled again when she scoffed at the suggestion.
They were outside, and Lucas opened the passenger door to the truck. The area around the building was quiet and deserted.
“So, what happens now?” she asked while they drove out of the parking lot.
“We’ll leave this truck at the hotel and drive your car home,” he explained smoothly. “Then, you need to pack a suitcase suitable for a trip overseas for a few weeks. You’ll get a good night’s sleep, then we leave at dawn. But first, we’ll get some dinner. Are you hungry?”
“Starving, actually.”
“Let’s grab something on the way, then we’ll eat at your house.”
They drove around the block to the hotel, then switched to her Porsche from there. Alex let him drive. They were on the highway with a few more minutes of silence.
“Did you find the guys that set the fire?”
Lucas looked over at her, speculatively. In every mission, there was a decision made on how much information should be revealed to the asset under threat. Too much could cause panic and irrational behavior, not enough might lead to reckless and uncooperative actions. Sometimes, their client made stipulations up front, but in this case, Marco Passante had already shared all aspects of the mission with Alex.
“We did,” he confirmed, making the gut decision to provide full transparency, at least for now. “Hopefully, they’ll lead us to whoever paid them to do it.”
“That’s great!” she exclaimed, clearly relieved by the news. “Sounds like I might have to cut my European tour a little short. How unfortunate.”
He looked over at her profile, amused by her sense of humor, but still surprised by how well she was dealing with his situation. They made the rest of the drive to her town house in silence, stopping to order burgers from a local restaurant. Lucas parked in her driveway then carried both of the travel bags into the house while she held her purse and a paper bag with their meals.
When they got inside, her cousin Noelle was sitting in the living room watching television. Lucas gave a polite hello then took Alex’s overnight bag up to her room before doing a full security sweep. He also wanted to give Alex some time to tell Noelle about her trip in private.
When he returned to the living area about ten minutes later, Alex had food set out on plates in the kitchen and she was a few bites into her burger. Noelle watched his progress across the room with suspicious and questioning eyes, but she didn’t say anything. Lucas sat down beside Alex and started eating.
“Noelle doesn’t believe that I’m vacationing by myself. She thinks I’m taking off with you in secret,” Alex suddenly announced to break the awkward silence.
Lucas continued eating calmly.
“Did you explain to her that I’m providing security detail in Toronto? My job ends when you leave tomorrow,” he finally replied in an even, casual tone.
“I did indeed, but she watches too many old movies.” She flashed him a big smile with her eyes sparkling mischief. “Apparently, it’s obvious that I’ve fallen for your pretty charms, and you’re whisking me off to take advantage of my unfortunate situation at work. Her words, not mine.”
Lucas wanted to laugh, but he didn’t take the bait. She really enjoyed stirring things up. He just finished his burger in one more bite while looking back at her stoically.
“See, Noelle? Mr. Johnson is paid strictly to provide protection. He has absolutely no interest in taking advantage of me.”
Lucas still held her gaze, refusing to back down from what they both knew was the truth. He had wanted her the moment she had sat down in front of him in the restaurant, and certainly still did. The chemistry between them was vibrating at a low frequency that was impossible to ignore. But that did not mean he meant to act on it again.
“I’m going to pack,” Alex finally stated before heading off up to her bedroom.
Apparently, Noelle was too embarrassed by her cousin’s outburst to stick around, which left Lucas to himself to read through all the details and logistics sent to him by his partners.
Fortis had secured a large housekeeping cottage on Skaneateles Lake in upstate New York. The area was quiet in the spring, which made it easier to secure, but close enough to Auburn and Syracuse in order to get supplies or receive shipments. The property also had a large shed that would be converted to a workshop for Alex to work on the engine.
Lance and Ned would pick him and Alex up at six o’clock in the morning for the drive to the Island Airport. From here, Ned would pilot a small, leased seaplane to their destination. The cottage was fully stocked, and the housekeeping services would include the delivery of groceries and other basic supplies. They only had to bring their bags.
Lucas sent Ned and Lance a quick note to confirm their plans for the morning, then went back to work reviewing the portfolio Michael had pulled together on what they knew about Nunez, Petrov, and the third man. At ten o’clock, he went upstairs to check on Alex and suggest she get some sleep.
CHAPTER 16
Alex had managed to get about five hours’ rest. Packing had proven to be more challenging than she had anticipated. It started out simple, with a few piles of jeans, yoga pants, T-shirts, and a couple of hoodies suitable for work. Then it hit her. She might end up away with Lucas for the next five, maybe six weeks. Should she bring anything a little more feminine? Maybe a casual dress, at least one pair of nice shoes. A blouse. That decision took a long time. Even asking herself the question forced Alex to think about why. And about what happened in the hotel room.
Eventually, she figured it was better to be safe than sorry, adding a few items suitable for something other than working.
Sunday morning, Alex was up by five thirty to take a long shower and pack up her toiletries. The skies were a clear blue, the morning air was still chilly in late April. She dressed in comfortable cotton twill pants and a light sweater. Noelle had said good-bye the night before, so Alex crept downstairs without waking her. Lucas was waiting by the front entrance, wearing all black and looking serious. There were a few polite words of hello before he loaded her things into the large black truck parked out front. She tied up her sneakers and took a short trench coat out of the closet, then grabbed her purse.
“All set?” Lucas asked when there was nothing left to do but leave.
“Ready as I’ll ever be,” she replied in a tone that was much lighter than she was feeling. “Do I get to call shotgun?”
His lips quirked.
“We have a short ride. You’ll be fine in the backseat.”
Alex shrugged and followed him into the car where Lance was in the driver’s seat and Ned was beside him. Lucas opened the rear passenger door and helped her into the spacious interior. Then he walked around the side to sit beside her.
“We’re driving to the Island Airport,” he told her after Lance started up the car. “Then we’re taking a small plane into Upstate New York. We’ll get you some coffee and a bite to eat before we take off.”
“You might have mentioned that earlier,” Alex protested. “You’re lucky I thought to bring my passport as part of this elaborate ruse.”
“Don’t worry, it’s not needed. We’ve already provided the required travel documentation to U.S. Immigration,” he explained.
“Wow, okay,” she breathed. What world did these people live in where that was possible? “Can you tell me more about where we’re going now, or am I still on a ‘need to know’ basis?”
“I will tell you whatever you want to know, Alex,” he replied patiently. “As long as you remember that you cannot reveal anything to anyone that doesn’t align with your cover of being on vacation overseas. That includes Marco.”
“I understand,” she conceded.
“Good.”
Lucas then proceeded to tell her about the cottage they would stay in for as long as needed. Alex was excited to hear that there was a work shed on the property that was solely for her use, and relieved to know that all of her supplies were already on their way. Though how that was accomplished so quickly was beyond her comprehension.
The rest of the trip went by quickly. As promised, Alex was able to get a hot fresh cup of coffee and a toasted bagel in the airport. Then, they were on a flight into New York State in a small eight-seater amphibian plane piloted by Ned. It took off on the tarmac, then landed smoothly on a beautiful, still lake about fifty minutes later. She felt more and more like Alice in Wonderland every minute.
Lucas helped her exit the plane and onto the long, wooden dock with a boat tethered on the other side. From there, steep wooden steps led up a hill to a modern home on the landing. The large windows along the back of the house reflected the blue skies and sparkling sunlight. The men were busy unloading the bags and other cargo, so Alex made her way up to the house, looking around at the lush, manicured landscaping that surrounded the property. The work shed was a modest structure about the size of the double garage and situated in the back corner of the lot, almost at water’s edge.
As much as she wanted to explore, Alex hesitated to go farther into the property, suddenly concerned that she was alone and exposed. She looked behind her, relieved to see both men approaching from the steps.
“Come inside and get settled,” Lucas instructed as he walked past her carrying her suitcase and his smaller bag. “Then we’ll look around a bit.”
She let out a deep breath and followed his path. As they reached the house, Alex immediately noticed the extensive network of tiny mounted security cameras that moved to track their approach to a side door. Lucas entered a code into a security pad and the door unlocked. He pushed it open farther to allow her entry first into a wide mudroom with coat hooks, storage cupboards, and laundry machines. From there, she walked into the crisp, white kitchen with big windows. It opened to a great room with high vaulted ceilings and a wall of glass to showcase the wonderful backyard and lake view. There was a sitting area in front of a fireplace and a wall-mounted television to one side, then a long harvest table surrounded by eight deep upholstered chairs on the other.
It was a very cozy home.
“The bedrooms are through here,” Lucas told her as he continued toward a small hallway on the opposite side of the kitchen and off the living area. “There are four. Ned and I will take the first two rooms. You can have the one at the back. There’s a second bathroom there for you.”
They passed a few doors until he pushed into the last one at the end. It was a good-sized room with a queen bed, dresser, and night tables. Lucas put down her suitcase near the closet.
“Let’s meet in about half an hour or so. I’d like to go over the security protocols as soon as possible.”
Alex nodded, and he left the room. She let out a deep breath and looked around again. If she ignored the surreal events of the last week, this place could feel like a relaxing vacation rental. It made her want to lie back on the bed and dream of long spa visits and leisurely shopping excursions. Or at least that’s what Noelle and Aunt Nadine would suggest. Alex’s dream would have her sitting on a comfy chair in a coffee shop reading through articles on automotive design and new technology. But hardly worthy of a getaway to a decked out lakefront cottage.
And she wasn’t here to relax.
With another sigh, Alex unpacked her things, starting in the bathroom connected to her bedroom. About forty minutes later, she returned to the living area to find Lucas and have that talk. He was sitting at the dining table where he had set up a laptop and several other pieces of network equipment.
“Would you like some coffee? Anything to eat?” he asked, sensing her presence while still focused on his task. “There’s a fresh pot brewed.”
“Yeah, sure,” Alex replied, walking over to the kitchen.
A quick look around revealed mugs and sugar in the cupboard, and a new box of cream in the fridge. There was a bowl of fresh fruit on the counter as well. She made a cup of coffee, and grabbed a small bunch of grapes.
“Ned has gone into Syracuse to pick up some of the things we’ve ordered for you,” Lucas explained when she was seated at the end of the table. “Another large shipment will be delivered here tomorrow.”
“That’s great. I need to get started right away if I have any chance of meeting our timelines,” she replied, sipping at the hot, rich drink.
“Like I said, just let us know what you need and we’ll get it delivered. But, I need you to follow my instructions to the letter,” he stipulated with his gaze now fixed steadily on her. “We’ve already discussed the communication protocols. And I’ve configured your work e-mails to be routed through an IP address in France. You’re supposed to be on an overseas flight right now, so I’ve also made sure that any network activity on your devices will be delayed until you would have landed in France. But I’ll need your cell phone to complete the adjustments.
“Will anyone be expecting you to post pictures or status updates on social media? Your online profiles are pretty sparse.”
“No, not really. I haven’t had time to be very active over the last couple of years,” she admitted.
“Good, that makes it easier. But we will keep a file of photos that you can access if anyone expects one and would be suspicious otherwise,” he explained. “Now, let’s discuss your security while here. You will have free use of the property, but do not go onto the street or down to the docks without either Ned or me with you. Always make sure the door is closed behind you when you leave or enter the house or the shed. I will provide you with the entrance codes for both.”
Alex nodded. It sounded a little constricting but she understood the rationale.
“Do not use or answer the land line phone. It’s strictly for outgoing emergency calls. Do not answer any of the doors, ever. And keep your cell phone with you at all times, even in the bathroom. If there is a situation that requires lockdown, we will send you a text message with only the word ‘red.’ Wherever you are, lock yourself in and do not leave until we call you or send a text message with the word ‘blue.’ Do you understand?”
“Yes,” she replied automatically, her appetite for coffee and fruit having completely disappeared.
“This is just a precaution, Alex,” he added in a much softer tone. “This house and the grounds are very well wired to ensure no one comes close without advanced warning. So, it’s very unlikely that we’ll need to use any of those tactics. But in the unlikely event that something does happen, it’s incredibly important that you follow my instruction to the letter.”
“Okay, I get it,” she whispered back, remembering the force of his displeasure after she had left the shop on Thursday without telling him. “What if I want to go for a walk, or if I need something at the store?”
“Just tell us and one of us will go with you.”
That all didn’t sound so bad, Alex thought to herself. Chances are, she’d be too busy for excursions. And taking one with Ned didn’t seem very appealing. One with Lucas was even less so, for very different reasons.
“There’s one more thing that we need to address.”
Alex felt her stomach drop a little. His tone, and the fact that he had walked away from her to stare out at the back windows at the view, told her it was going to be something awkward.
“What happened yesterday should not happen again,” he stated.
Her stomach dropped further. Hearing him say the words felt worse than Alex expected, even though she had already told herself the same thing.
But, why did he get to decide to draw the line after being the one to pursue her first? Sure, he didn’t know who she was at the time, but that didn’t change the physical attraction that was between them. It was a little insulting for him to make that decision now.
“What exactly are you referring to?” she asked, as her stubborn streak refused to let him off that easy. “The wedding? The fire? It was a busy day.”
She tossed a plump grape into her mouth, though it tasted sour on her tongue.
There was a heavy pause. Usually, Alex took guilty pleasure in moments like these. When she needed to show someone that she was a force to be reckoned with, that she wouldn’t take the polite way out by avoiding a confrontation like all the other sweet, likeable girls often did. Alexandria Cotts had never developed that particular feminine characteristic. In a houseful of testosterone-flooded men, a sweet girl would have been eaten alive.
But now, while she sat straight and waited for Lucas’s response, Alex wished she knew how to back down a little. Her assertiveness was about as endearing to men as her superior knowledge of car mechanics. Lucas turned to face her in a more relaxed stance than she expected.
“I’m referring to you, lying back on the dresser in my hotel room wearing underwear and pretty sandals. Does that jog your memory?”
Alex felt the heat rise in her body until her cheeks felt flushed. It should have been with embarrassment or shame, but it wasn’t. It was the warm flutter of growing desire. She plucked another grape and slowly placed it her mouth. This one was a little sweeter.
“It sounds familiar. But I’m sure it will happen again,” she murmured after swallowing. “I think it’s my favorite position.”
“Alex,” he muttered, and it sounded like a warning.
“Don’t worry, Lucas. It won’t be with you.”
Feeling victorious, she stood up, intending to turn sharply on her heel and make a regal exit. But he stopped her in her tracks, blocking her path by moving with lithe speed that shouldn’t have been possible for a man his size. Alex stepped back, bumping the table with her hip and wondering how she was again trapped by the mere presence of this man.
“That was clever,” he said softly, looking down at her with sparkling eyes.
“I thought so,” she quipped back, never knowing when to quit.
They stood like that for several seconds, and she didn’t dare move. The soft warmth that had ignited in her body was now intensified by the masculine scent of his aftershave. And suddenly, all they could think about was being laid back on the wooden credenza and feeling the hard thrust of his thick penetration.
“Stop doing that,” he growled.
She licked her lips, enjoying this duel immensely.
“Stop what?”
His nose flared and he leaned a little closer.
“Let me give you a little advice, Alex. Don’t ever play poker,” whispered Lucas, his warm breath brushing her cheek. “Everything you’re thinking is written clearly in your eyes.”
Then his lips were on hers, hot and intense, stroking deep. Jesus, it felt good. Alex knew she should remember his words, the feel of his rejection, more than once. She had made her point, proved that he felt the same attraction she did, despite his arrogant suggestions otherwise. Now was the perfect time to feed him some of his own medicine.
Alex meant to push him away, step out of his reach. But then his hands fell onto her hips and brought her up against the long, lean length of his body. Whatever she intended to do was overpowered by delicious sensual pleasure.