The Phoenix Agency_Her Uncommon Protector

by Kate Richards

  “Don’t apologize, just be careful.” He would have to be faster to protect her from herself. “Did you hurt your leg?”

  “No, I’ve hit my legs on that table more often than I like to admit. If it wasn’t so handy for working and eating, I’d smash it up and burn it in the fireplace.” She leaned into him for a moment before stepping away. “So, who is out there? I gather if it were a danger, you’d have yanked me away instead of just reminding me not to be an idiot.”

  “No, I got a text letting me know they were a few minutes out while you were brewing the tea.” Clive guided her toward the door, relieved she didn’t limp. “Come outside and meet the crew. They’re a very specialized group, here to make the property secure.” A half-dozen vehicles were parked along the curb and in her driveway. He’d heard them arrive, but for some reason she hadn’t. They’d have to work on her awareness of surroundings. The fact she was so successful in her fieldwork indicated she bore the skills, but she would need to remember to apply them all the time, including at home.

  “But…this is just a temporary problem.” Penny followed him out into the yard, aglow with floodlights and populated by a dozen tall, muscular men carrying equipment toward her home. “This is crazy.”

  “No.” He waved to the crew chief, a man he’d known years before. “Unless you plan to give up your international work, it’s a problem likely to recur. Our goal is to ensure your safety now and in the future.”

  “Oh.” Her very soft reply made his heart ache and his protective instincts flare. “I always felt safe here. But I see that was foolish.”

  Clive squeezed her waist and stepped away from her. “Allow me to introduce Trent O’Donnell. He was in the RAF, worked on jets, along with me, but on the computer side, where I was a mechanic digging around in motors. Smart bloke who turned his talent into a successful civilian business. Trent, meet Professor Penelope MacKay. The client.”

  Trent’s open, friendly manner and almost comical beanpole physique, made more obvious by the muscular types who carried out his commands, charmed Penny just as he’d expected. “Nice to meet you, Professor. We’ll try not to disturb you or the neighbors too much.

  Penny accepted his congenial handshake and returned his smile. “Since my nearest neighbor is a quarter mile away, I doubt that’s a danger. And how could I be upset at you helping me? What I am worried about, Clive, is how I can afford this.”

  “Trent, we’ll go inside and leave you to it. Text if you need me.” They left him and walked side by side back inside the house, Penny practically twitching beside him. “Wait until we’re alone, and I’ll try to put your concerns to rest, okay?”

  “Whatever you say.” She stumbled over the doorstep. “Dammit, I’ll end up breaking a leg at this rate.”

  He steadied her, and, once they were inside, he closed the door.

  “You aren’t locking it?” Penny asked. “Oh, silly. Because we have a yard full of protection.”

  “That and they’ll be replacing it shortly.”

  “The lock?”

  “The door.”

  “Oh no. I agonized over just the right one with the pretty stained-glass panes and… I’m an idiot.”

  “I keep telling you you’re not.” They sank onto the couch. This time, he sat next to her with a scant inch between them. “You’re a brilliant and insightful woman.” He patted her arm. “And pretty, too.”

  “Do you think so?” She blushed. “Wait, don’t do that.”

  “What?” He picked up an Oreo and screwed it open. “We’ve only had these in England for a decade or so, but I’ve become quite fond of them.”

  “Quit trying to distract me. Compliments and cookies?” She stuffed an Oreo into her mouth and sat back, chewing.

  “Saw right through me.” Outside, lights flashed, thunks and low voices carried to them. Anyone would be unsettled, and she appeared so petite and delicate, although her field record indicated more steel inside than posies. “I think you’ll agree, sleep is impossible while they work, so let’s use the time to go over the procedures we’ll be employing to protect you.”

  She swallowed and licked a crumb from her lips. Clive tried not to think about it or they’d be kissing again. If he couldn’t focus on his job, he’d have to remove himself from it. “By we, do you mean the crew out there and then, after they leave you?”

  “The particular guys outside will be withdrawing in a couple of hours. Their monitoring from that point will be offsite, with the exception of one man who will be staying in the apartment over the garage. I hope that’s all right. I found it when I was surveying the place.”

  “Sure, of course,” she mused. “But”—her gaze flashed to him, alarm in her wide eyes—“I am comfortably off, but this…this has to be beyond my budget. I doubt I can even afford you.”

  He shrugged. “His Lordship’s compliments. There will be no bill.”

  “Oh, I can’t possibly accept. No matter how kind he is, I am not his responsibility.” She moved to stand up, but he gripped her wrist. “No, let go. I need to tell all those men to stop.”

  “You can’t.” He tugged her against him and laid his arm over her shoulders.

  “What do you mean I can’t?” She tried to shrug him off, but he hugged her while keeping her from standing up. “Let go of me.”

  “I will. But first listen. Your cousin cannot have any worries. At all.”

  She sagged against him. “I don’t suppose you want to tell me why?”

  “Her pregnancy is not as smooth as the doctors would like, and they have ordered her to rest, preferably in bed. That’s the main reason you got me and not his Lordship.”

  “Well, crap. Why didn’t she say anything? It’s not fair that he should bear the burden of taking care of me when Amelia needs him. And paying? No. I can’t accept that.”

  “Amelia will be fine as long as she relaxes, and his Lordship insisted. As Amelia’s favorite cousin, you’re his family as well. The money is no issue, I assure you.”

  “God, I hate this.”

  Clive stroked her hair, the fall over her shoulders like black silk. “I know. You’re a strong, independent woman. But allow him his pleasure in taking care of family.” He felt a pang, thinking of his own mother. Hopefully, she would be well while he was away.

  “Did I say I hate this?”

  He chuckled. “I think you mentioned that. Now, let’s start to go over the plan.”

  Two hours later, the crew cleared away, leaving a new front and back door, sensors installed on all the windows, and a plethora of other security measures behind. A man was ensconced in the apartment over the garage, to watch monitors and take a stroll around the property every hour.

  Satisfied, Clive decided it was time for bed.

  Chapter Five

  Penny sighed and pushed to her feet. The fire had burned down to coals as she turned toward the stairs to the loft level. After spending the afternoon and evening with Clive, she felt as if she’d known him much longer. The sense of danger had not dissipated, but it had lessened. Some of that probably related to her new steel doors which, to her great relief, although they did not have pretty stained-glass panels, were nonetheless attractive. Nobody would have thought them anything but dark, glossy wood with metal accents. In fact, they were a better fit for the style of the house than the ones she’d chosen.

  She paused in the hallway between her bedroom door and the guest room directly opposite while he went in and checked under the bed and in the closet. That shouldn’t have been as sexy as it was. While traveling, she was responsible for everyone’s safety. Having someone watch hers? Odd but awesome. “Thank you for everything. I am sorry if I’ve been difficult.”

  He emerged. “Difficult?” The corner of his lip quirked up. “I’ve never had a more pleasant client.”

  “Do you work for Phoenix often?”

  He shook his head. “No. This is my first time, but while with MI6, I bodyguarded a few times. And I can assure you, most of those p
eople gave new and unpleasant meaning to the word difficult.”

  “I bet you have great stories, or are they all secret?”

  “Some I can talk about, when we have time, but you need your rest.” She’d given him access to her digital calendar. “You have an early class tomorrow.”

  “I do.” Penny hesitated. She’d never wanted a man more. “I should go to bed.”

  “Yes.” He turned toward the other room. “Good night.”

  “Good…oh hell. Can I ask you something?” She held her breath, about to make a move she’d never made before.

  “Of course.” He paused, one foot in the guest room. “What is it?”

  “Would you…that is, I…”

  He turned to face her again. “What’s wrong? Are you scared? Worried about anything? Want me to check your room again?”

  “No.” She swallowed hard. “I’m fine, but I want—” His lips came down on hers before she could finish the sentence. After they finally came up for air, she nodded. “Yes, that. And more.”

  Penny, who’d never been all that into sex, who’d gotten more satisfaction out of this man already than all her previous lovers put together, took his hand and walked into her bedroom. “I want you to stay with me tonight.”

  He dug in his heels and jerked her to a halt. “Just to be clear. Are you saying you want me to sit in the chair over in the corner and watch over you.”

  “No.” Here goes nothing. “I am saying I want you to take off all your clothes, get into my bed with me and”—her bravado almost fled—“and make like a fiancé.” Because I am a woman who knows what she wants. Finally.

  “It would be my pleasure.” He kissed her again, “And, I hope, yours.”

  His response to her daring thrilled her to her toes, but his arms wrapped around her sent her to the moon. And back to find her blazer gone, her tee sliding over her head, and her world changed forever. She knew before he even pressed his lips to her ear and whispered what he intended to do to her that she’d be ruined for all other men. But she didn’t care. Those lips slid down the side of her throat to close over her lace-covered nipple.

  While she sucked in a breath, the bra fell away and he cupped her breast and bent close again. Her knees trembled, so she eased back, intending to sit on the edge of the bed, but he stopped her. “I thought we were getting naked.”

  “Oh, right.” Cheeks blazing, she complied.

  In the time it took her to unclasp her bra, Clive had stripped out of his sweater and jeans to reveal a decided lack of underwear. Penny swallowed hard. Hard. His cock jutted toward her in invitation of all things naughty and fun. She flexed her hand, feeling the heavy antique gold ring with small sapphires and diamonds halfway around it on her ring finger. The engagement might be fake, but her desire for him was real.

  She stood in only her tiny lacy panties, feeling outclassed by the man before her. His clothing, while well fitted, had not done justice to his broad shoulders and ripped abs. The man either worked out or had the best genes ever. Strong, muscular thighs supported his buff torso, and he managed to be all muscles and smooth skin without that bulked-out gym rat look. “Oh my god.”

  “Not a god, luv, but thank you.”

  She slapped his shoulder. “You know what I mean. I’m an ordinary person and you…oh my god.”

  He grinned, but then it faded. “I think you underestimate yourself. Now, if you don’t mind divesting yourself of your kickers...”

  Divesting? How could that be sexy? But as she pushed her panties to the floor and kicked them away, she trembled with need.

  Clive lifted her in his arms and brought his lips down onto hers. He settled on the edge of the bed with Penny astride his lap, kissing her with great thoroughness until she forgot she was out of her league and only knew how much she wanted him. When he lifted his head, she drew a breath, ready to go again.

  His cock nestled between her legs, hard, long, and ready for action, and she rose onto her knees.

  “Wait, luv…safety.”

  For once, careful safety-first Penny stepped aside. She’d never had a man inside her without a condom, despite using other birth control. But she wanted skin on skin. “I’m clean. My doctor tested after my last relationship ended. And I’m on the pill.”

  “I’m clean.” And with no further words, he drove into her, her arousal more than enough to ease his way despite his size. She’d never felt so full or so happy.

  Clive gripped her hips, guiding her up and down on his cock. Tight. So tight but so wet, he glided within her, encased in the silken glove of her pussy. Most women wanted a lot of foreplay, and he liked it himself, but not this time. He’d been ready to spurt the moment she sat on his lap. Thank all the gods on Olympus she was as ready for him as he was for her. But he didn’t want to come before her and leave her wanting. “Luv, we’ve got to slow this down or it will be over. You feel too good.”

  Penny laid her palms on his shoulders, panting, when he held her in place. “No, don’t stop.”

  “No stopping, I promise.” He rose with her still on his lap and turned to face the bed. “Just easing up a bit.” Clive sat her on the edge of the mattress “Relax and let me make you feel good.”

  He knelt between her legs and eyed her breasts. Rounded, more than a mouthful but as he closed his lips around a hardened nipple, he thought them the perfect size. He worked first one then the other, loving her gasps and caught breaths. He wanted to learn her body, every inch of it, but the current situation, the possibility of having to leap up and defend her from murderers, lent a certain urgency to the situation. With a final suck, he trailed his lips down her belly. “Lie back.” When she did, he cupped her bottom and lifted her to his mouth. Pink and sweet, her pussy was slick with her juices, and he lapped them up before going in for more.

  “Legs wider, luv,” he murmured, sliding his hands to her calves and pushing them back, opening her for his viewing and tasting. “Now I can see everything.” Bracing her feet on his shoulders to hold her in place and free up his fingers for other things, he added them to his exploration, pushing two into her pussy while licking and sucking her clit. When she shuddered, he bit down, and she shrieked, bucking and grabbing at his hair, her juices flowing more freely in her orgasm.

  Without giving her time to come down, he stood and pushed his cock into her tightness. Within moments she was coming again, her muscles massaging his cock, rippling around him. His balls tightened and his cum jetted into her, milked by her third orgasm in a row. He bit so hard on his lip he tasted blood to keep from roaring his pleasure.

  They curled together in the bed and fell asleep. He didn’t know how long the assignment would last, but once it was over, they would have to talk. He couldn’t walk away without trying to find a way to make it work for them. Long-distance relationships were not usually successful, but, for this woman, he’d try anything.

  Chapter Six

  Clive woke at the first creak of the hardwood floor. His instincts had been honed in his years of working for MI6, and, while he’d been concerned his civilian life had dulled them, a day back on the job proved that concern wrong. He was on his feet, gun in hand, and facing a very naked, very shocked Professor Penny before his eyes were completely open.

  “Oh my god. Don’t shoot me!”

  Okay, instincts may be overly honed. He set the gun on the nightstand and scrambled over the bed to where she stood. “I’d never. How did you sleep, luv?”

  “I…well, fine for the hour or so since we last”—her cheeks flamed in the bathroom light, telling him he’d not caught her first step since she’d obviously already been in the other room—“you know.”

  “I’m sorry to frighten you.” Sorrier than he could express. “You okay?” Wrapping his arms around her waist, he pulled her to him. “It’s very late. I’d try to lure you into another round of ‘you know,’ but that would be unfair since you have to get up to work in a couple of hours.”

  “I’d say we can sleep when we’re
dead, but for a moment there, I thought it might be now.” Although she stiffened, she let him take her into the bed with him. She couldn’t have missed his interest level sticking straight out from him and butting her hip. “That said, I don’t think I can get back to sleep.”

  “Can I take that as a yes, then?” He nuzzled the base of her throat. “Because I’m that eager, luv.”

  “I—”

  Kaboom! An explosion rocked the house, sending the perfume bottles and framed family pictures flying from her dresser. Crashes came from elsewhere as he leapt to his feet, dragging her with him.

  Spotting her phone on the nightstand, he grabbed it and shoved it into her hand. “Get in the wardrobe and block the door with whatever you can. Mute your ringtone, and I’ll let you know when it’s safe to come out.” He didn’t wait for her to act, just towed her along and gave her a push inside. “Don’t make a sound.”

  “Clive?” She must be so frightened. “Be careful.”

  “I will.” Giving her a hard kiss, he warned her. “Just stay in there, no matter what you hear. Promise?”

  “Yes.” Sobs choked her words, but she looked him straight in the eye. “I’ll be fine. Take care of yourself.” She kissed him quick and closed the door.

  He had only a fraction of a second to absorb her concern for him rather than herself before he was yanking on his pants and grabbing the phone, tapping out a text.

  Trent. Code Red. We just had some kind of explosion nearby.

  On our way. I can’t reach my man on the ground there.

  Clive glanced at the door, considering barricading it, but that would trap him inside, unable to act, and he couldn’t do that. So he dropped to his knees and crept to the window.

  The garage is rubble. I hope your man got out.

  I do, too. We’ll know soon enough.

  Going to survey the house for damage.

  In a normal neighborhood, the police would probably be outside already, but, even if her nearest neighbor had heard and called, it would take them some time to get this far out, unless they happened to be nearby. They’d need to be brought in, but if he, and with any luck Trent, had a little time to examine the damage first, it might help them to protect Penny against further attacks.