Suddenly unsure of herself, she realized her hand was still lifted in a knocking position. “Uh, I was just…it was…breakfast. You really shouldn’t…um…”
“Annalissa,” he said softly. “You don’t have to be afraid of me.”
Her gaze shot back up to his and he noticed that with a tiny lift of her chin, she drew herself up, defiance in her eyes.
“I’m not afraid. I was just wondering…” she began to falter again. Dammit, it shouldn’t be so hard to just say what I’m thinking. Trying again, she said, “I wanted to thank you for breakfast, but it was…um…kind of…presumptuous. But nice. Um…I didn’t know this door was…open…or rather…unlocked.”
Sighing, she looked back down. God, I’m such a wimp. He must think I’m a stupid child who can’t even speak.
Vinny watched in fascination the woman standing in front of him, struggling to ask him why he barged into her room. Fuck! She has everyone taking over her life and I just fell right in with the rest of them.
He reached out and lifted her chin with his fingers, hoping she would not be afraid. “Annalissa,” he said softly. “You’re right. It was very presumptuous of me and I apologize.”
Her eyes widened, sending shock waves through him. Looking into her large, green eyes, he felt a punch to his gut. Stop looking at her as though she were a woman. She’s the mission. The internal struggle was in full swing and he knew it was still early in the day. He had to get through the entire day, keeping his hands to himself.
“Oh, Vinny,” she exclaimed. “You shouldn’t apologize. The breakfast was lovely.” Looking down at her feet, she could not help but notice his large boots standing in front of her tiny, pink-tipped toes. Sucking in a huge breath, she lifted her gaze back to his smiling one. “How did you know I liked scrambled eggs and bacon?”
Laughing, he confessed, “Of everyone around you yesterday, Parker seemed to be the one most in tune with you, so I asked him.”
Her mouth dropped opened at his simple act of kindness. Giggling, she said, “Todd usually orders what he likes and then fusses when I don’t eat.” Leaning forward as though sharing a secret, she added, “I hate poached eggs.”
“Duly noted,” he smiled. “I’m glad Parker got it right.”
Smiling shyly, she backed up and turned to move over to her suitcase. He watched her every movement. Delicate, and yet with purpose. He realized she was painfully shy, but not standoffish. And obviously tired of everyone around her taking over. They only had today together, but he found himself wishing for more. I wonder if I could see her when we get back to Richland? Friends, maybe? Looking at the talented musician who would soon be traveling the world, he scoffed to himself. Yeah, right. What would she need a friend with a womanizing reputation like mine for? Filled with a strange sense of recrimination, he wished he had more to offer her, but felt lacking.
Watching as she walked over lovingly caressing her harp case, he pulled himself up to his full height, determined to offer them both his protection as long as they needed it.
“We’ll head to the limo in about fifteen minutes,” he said, as she turned and graced him with a full smile. It rocketed straight to his heart.
*
Finally settling into the first class seats on the straight flight from Los Angeles to Dulles, Vinny and Annalissa both heaved a sigh of relief at the same time. Looking at each other, smiling, they acknowledged hating the crowds and security lines.
“I always dread that, don’t you?” she asked. “Just trying to push through the crowds.”
“With my size, I usually just glare and people move away,” he admitted.
She looked over at the man filling his seat and the long legs stretched in front of him. “Come to think of it, you did manage to get us through the crowds without me getting squished. I don’t think that’s ever happened before,” she grinned.
“Then maybe you should keep me around as your crowd mover,” he joked.
Her smile reached her eyes, as she admitted, “I’d like that. I’ve never had that before. Usually Todd and Gordon are either meanly pushing people away or they walk ahead talking which leaves me to find my own way.”
He forced his smile to stay on his face, but what he wanted to do was get up, go back to the hotel, and punch those two.
She sat in the window seat, nervously wiping her hands on her jeans. She had worn her nice jeans, slip on shoes to make it easy to get through security and a lightweight sweater, not knowing if she would be chilly on the plane. She should have known that being a few inches away from Vinny would have her warm. Way beyond warm.
“Nervous?” he asked.
“Not too much. Just take off and landing,” she said, looking over at him. Looking down, she saw that he had turned his hand over, palm up, and gave her a questioning look. He was offering his hand. Not grabbing hers. Letting it be her choice.
Reaching out hesitantly, she placed her left hand on top of his upturned right one. He closed his fingers around hers gently. Not squeezing. Smiling, she looked back out of the window as the plane taxied to the runway.
“Don’t worry,” he assured. “Nothing’s going to happen. I’m sure this flight will be as uneventful as all my other flights.”
He felt the slight pressure of her fingers as her grip increased during takeoff. Aware of her delicacy, he was also aware of the strength in those fingers. Of course. She uses her fingers every day as she plays the harp. Like her. Delicate and yet with strength underneath.
Hearing a deep sigh as they were airborne, he turned to see her smiling at him again. Releasing her hand regretfully, he asked, “Why Easnadh? Do all harpist name their instruments?”
Immediately her eyes sparkled as she spoke, “The Celtic name for music or musical sound is Easnadh. It’s pronounced As na.” Giving a little shrug, she added, “Not all harpist name their instruments, but I suppose I’m sentimental. She’s a beautiful instrument and when I play her, it’s as though I’m a part of her sound. Her music.” Looking back up at him, she blushed. “I’m sure that sounds silly to you, doesn’t it?”
He wanted to tell her that some soldiers name their weapons, but assumed her world would never understand that piece of information when all she brings is joy from her instrument. Instead he just said, “I think the name and the harp are beautiful, but not nearly as much as the player that brings out the music.”
Annalissa was used to compliments. About her talent. Her music. Even the way she looked when all made up for a concert. But it had been a really long time since a man told her she was beautiful as though he really meant it just for her. Blushing, she looked back out of the window, unable to keep the smile off of her face.
A female voice from the side broke the moment. “Mr. Malloy, how nice to see you again. Is there anything I can get for you? Anything at all?”
The seductive purr had Annalissa’s head swinging around quickly. The flight attendant was bending over Vinny’s seat, her breasts straining at the navy blouse that was unbuttoned a couple of buttons below what was surely regulation. The woman’s face held a sensual expression, her mouth opened slightly as her tongue slipped out to moisten her already glossy lips. Annalissa’s gaze flew to Vinny’s face and she could not help but notice his eyes drop to the woman’s chest before lifting back to the attendant’s face.
The attendant leaned closer, whispering to Vinny but in a voice loud enough for Annalissa to hear. “I don’t know if you remember, but we met the last time you took a flight out to California. We had a very good time the night you were there.”
Annalissa thought, Of course. That would be exactly what a man like him would want. Worldly. Sophisticated. Ready to jump into bed at his panty-melting smile. She started to turn her head back to the window, refusing to see the interest flare in his eyes, when his hand came to rest on her arm.
He leaned over to her and asked, “Do you want anything to drink? It’s going to be a long flight, do you want some coffee or juice?”
Her ga
ze shifted back to his, seeing him looking directly at her and not the attendant, who still had a smile on her face that now did not reach her eyes. “Some juice would be nice,” she answered. “If it’s not too much trouble.”
Turning back to the attendant, whose body language had stiffened, he gave their order before giving Annalissa’s hand a gentle squeeze. He felt her pull her hand away from his and place it in her lap. Shit, I would have to run into someone I’ve fucked before.
Leaning back he closed his eyes, his mind whirling. What is it about Annalissa? The attendant was exactly what he had been going for ever since getting out of the Army. Stacked. Exuding confident sex. Easy. Easy? Yeah, he admitted to himself. Always easy. Nothing I had to work for. No one to have to explain things to, make excuses to. Relationships took too much work and when he had been in the Army and since working for Tony…that was all the work he wanted to concentrate on. No one to impress other than my prowess in bed. Get ’em off, get me off, and get outta there.
Opening his eyes as their drinks were served, he noticed a different attendant now. Good. One less thing from my past right in my face. Looking sideways at the woman next to him sipping her juice, he was overwhelmed with the desire to know her. Really know her. He snorted. But what the fuck would she want with me? At least we have several hours together.
“Tell me how you got started with the harp?” he asked, hoping she was still talking to him. Her shy smile was the response he craved.
“My mother was a violinist. She was amazing,” she said with conviction. “Not just with her musical talent, but as a person.”
“Was?” he asked, curious, then instantly hating the sadness that flashed through her eyes.
“She died about five years ago. I had just finished the music conservatory when she lost her battle to cancer.” Lifting her gaze back to his, she added, “But she did get to hear my senior recital. They wheeled her in from the hospital just so she could be there.”
“That must have meant a lot to her. And to you,” he said simply.
Nodding, her gaze was unfocused, years away in her mind. “Yes,” she agreed softly. “She said…” her voice broke and she swallowed several times to battle back the emotions that threatened to overwhelm her.
He sat perfectly still not wanting to interrupt, but watching her carefully. He saw her battle back the tears and lift her chin a little higher. She does that, he realized. When she’s steeling herself for strength, she lifts her chin.
“She told me,” Annalissa said, her voice stronger, “That listening to me play the harp was like listening to the angels welcoming her into heaven.” Neither of them spoke for a moment and then she added, “The next day, mama died peacefully.”
He looked down at their clasped hands, not even remembering when he reached over to take hers. Her tiny, yet strong fingers, were intertwined with his. When was the last time I held hands with a woman? He could not remember, but this felt right.
Rubbing her palm, he began to feel the tingles of electricity jolting between them. Her gaze shot up to his and he knew she felt it too. Jerking his hand away, he cursed himself. Keep your mind on the job. But damn, I didn’t even give her time to finish telling me about her music. Glancing back over, he saw her turn to the window effectively blocking him out.
Disappointment flooded her as she felt him his hand move away. Turning she looked out of the window again, the clouds below them, and wishing once more that her mom was still around for her to talk to.
*
Vinny saw that Annalissa had finally fallen asleep and leaned his head back as well. Movement to his left caught his attention as the older man in the seat across the aisle loosened his tie, grimacing. His complexion was pasty and Vinny was instantly on his feet, his Army medic training kicking in.
“Sir, do you have chest pain?”
The man nodded as Vinny assisted him in removing his tie and unbuttoning his shirt. The man’s wife began to panic, trying to grab her husband while Vinny spoke to calm the woman. The flight attendant moved over quickly and said, “I’ll alert the captain,” before moving away. Another attendant came to assist and Vinny barked, “Get your AED.”
Annalissa was instantly alert, watching the activity across the aisle from her, wishing there was something she could do. Seeing the wife getting in the way, she maneuvered past Vinny in the aisle and moved to the empty seat behind the woman. “Ma’am, please come back here so your husband can lay down.”
In her panic, the woman appeared unable to understand, crying and grasping at her husband. Annalissa stood and placed her hands on the woman’s arms, pulling them away. Speaking sharply, she continued to talk and pull the woman back. The wife finally turned and looked at Annalissa, fear in her eyes.
“I’ll help you, but you must move to let them help your husband,” she said, more gently. As the woman finally understood, she allowed Annalissa to assist her over the back of the seat. It was rather undignified, but with the help of a gentleman in another row, they managed to get the wife settled where she could see but not be in the way.
Vinny glanced at Annalissa as he laid the man down across the double seats, shooting her a look of gratitude. By then the attendant returned with the AED. “The captain needs to know if you have done this before.”
“Army Special Forces Medic,” Vinny answered, gaining a nod of approval from the attendant. With Vinny attending to the man, Annalissa sat with her arms around the now crying woman, soothing her as best as she could.
The Captain announced that they would be making an emergency medical landing in Kansas City and shortly they began their descent. Vinny and a nurse from the back of the plane had the man as stabilized as they could, but he was hoping they would land soon. He did not like the coloring of the man’s face, nor the erratic heartbeat.
Suddenly, the plane lurched slightly and Vinny was immediately aware that the plane was at a slight angle at it came in. What the fuck? He jerked his eyes over the seat to Annalissa knowing she hated landings. “Hold on,” he shouted to her as the plane landed hard, veering to the right. The shuttering of the aircraft told him that they had landed too hard on one of the wheels, but the pilot managed to right it so that they were able to come to a stop.
The hard landing caused the oxygen masks to fall from the overheads and the screams of several passengers could be heard.
Goddammit, he cursed looking at the dismay on Annalissa’s face as she sought his eyes for reassurance. “We’re okay, babe,” he said, reaching back to grab her hand.
She gave him a curt nod, keeping one arm around the woman. The captain explained that they were safe, but that an ambulance would be out to remove the ill passenger and then the aircraft maintenance would need to see about the plane. All passengers would have to disembark and be moved to the terminal for the duration.
This was, of course followed by apologies from the Captain and grumblings from the fellow passengers. The ambulance arrived shortly and Vinny stepped back to allow them access as they removed the ill man and his wife.
He looked down at Annalissa seeing the affects of stress etched on her face, and without thinking pulled her into his arms. Tucking her in tightly, he cupped the back of her head against his chest, her face resting against his heart. The other hand encircled her small waist, pressing her into his warmth.
She went willingly, enveloped in his protection. Comfort. Care. After a moment, she was aware of the sensations of being held so close by such a virile man. She felt the strength of his arms as hers gripped his biceps. She was aware of her breasts pressed against his stomach. And against her stomach…she could feel the bulge of his arousal.
Vinny’s awareness was also heightened. Her breasts, which had seemed much smaller than he was used to when holding a woman, pressed firmly against him and he could swear her nipples were actually poking his abdomen. Her check against his chest had his heart beating loudly, sure that others could hear as well. And his dick…it had a mind of its own and right now was tell
ing him that this woman in his arms was all woman. And very desirable.
Pulling back regretfully, he kissed the top of her head saying, “Let’s go, babe. We need to get off with everyone else.”
Sorry for the loss of his heartbeat against her face, she knew that he was just comforting her. Nothing else. Even if he called me ‘babe’. I’ve never been anyone’s ‘babe’. But I know him…he probably calls everyone that. Determining to be brave, she pushed away, nodding.
“I thought you said this flight would be uneventful?” she joked.
Shaking his head, he smiled at the beauty in front of him. “Guess I was wrong about that. But surely we’ve had our share of excitement for one trip. Hopefully, it’ll be smooth sailing the rest of the way.”
Chapter 5
Hours later, the hotel near the Kansas City airport was filled with the passengers from the flight. The airline determined that their flight would be canceled and they were shifting the passengers to other flights. Wanting one more day with her, Vinny agreed to take a flight the next day and she readily acquiesced. Once again, they had connecting rooms in the nearby hotel. Easnadh had been unloaded along with their luggage and they were comfortably settled.
Vinny called Tony to give him an update before calling Gabe. Assuring them both of their safety and comforts, he hung up listening to Annalissa talking to her father.
“I’m fine. We just had an emergency landing and are having to spend the night in a hotel in Kansas City. Yes, Easnadh is with me. Yes, right here in the room. No, I haven’t checked her but the landing wasn’t that hard. Yes, dad, I’ll take her out tonight and make sure. Mr. Malloy is in the room next to mine. Dad, I’m not leaving Easnadh with him. The harp is perfectly fine in my room.”
Vinny listened, his anger growing. The man hardly asked about his daughter, only caring about the instrument. He heard her hang up and moved away from their connecting door. Waiting a few minutes before knocking, he entered. She sat on the bed, a faraway look on her face. Startled, she jumped when she saw him standing there.
Vinny: Alvarez Security Series Page 4
