by Rebecca Deel
Nico nodded. “I do the same thing when I go home to see my family.” He stood and held out his hand. “Come on. You need to eat. After that, I’ll make plans with my team for the trip to headquarters and one of the local malls.”
They walked into the kitchen to find Eli had taken over kitchen duty. He glanced over his shoulder. “Hope you like omelets because that’s what we’re eating.”
“Love them,” Nico said. “I thought you and Jon needed to leave first thing this morning.”
“The girls are going out for breakfast. After we finish here, we’ll head home to sleep.”
Nico’s cell phone signaled an incoming text. He looked at the screen. “Zane came through, Mercy. You can call Senator Jeffries after you eat.”
All the operatives turned to stare at Nico and Mercy. “He commissioned her to do an art job a few weeks ago. Mercy is going to ask for a delay on the hearing.”
“Good luck with that,” Jon murmured. “I hear he doesn’t accommodate anyone but himself.”
She sat on a barstool since she didn’t need to oversee breakfast preparations. “You’re right. I’m hoping he’ll make an exception.”
“Why would he do that for you?” Sam asked.
“He owes me a favor.”
Silence greeted her statement.
Nico climbed onto the stool beside Mercy’s and explained the connection between her and the senator and his father.
Trace frowned. “You never saw Dwayne?”
Mercy shook her head. “He travels extensively for the company.”
“Who was at the estate when you were there?”
“Several people. Sean doesn’t go anywhere without an entourage.”
“Did you recognize any of them?” Joe asked.
“To be honest, I didn’t pay attention. I was more concerned about taking photographs of the house and grounds.”
Jon set down his coffee mug with a thud. “You have photographs?”
“That’s how I work. I take many pictures and form a composite shot in my head that I draw.”
“What are you thinking, Jon?” Eli asked.
“Might be a worth taking a look at the pictures. Mercy, where are they?”
She already knew where this was going and didn’t like it one bit. “The memory card is in a fireproof safe at my house in Kentucky.”
Nico rubbed his jaw, looking resigned. “Guess we’re going on a road trip.”
CHAPTER TWENTY-THREE
“A trip to Sherwood might be a total waste of time.” Mercy twisted in the front seat of the SUV to stare at Nico. They were parked in the underground garage at Fortress headquarters. The rest of Shadow had gone into the building. “There must be some other avenue to explore that would be more productive.”
“It’s worth the four-hour drive to find out.” He wrapped his hand around hers and squeezed. “We won’t know for sure until we look at your shots of the Jeffries estate.”
“I don’t want to go home, Nico.” Couldn’t he see how dangerous this was? What if one of Shadow was hurt? What if Nico was hurt again?
“We have to track down every lead, even ones that seem improbable, to find the person responsible for the bounty on your head and end the danger to you.”
“I’m afraid the price is too high.” She stared out the windshield, troubled and afraid.
“Mercy, look at me.” When she did, Nico lifted her hand to his mouth and kissed her fingers. “This is what we do, and we’re good at it. If the two of us have any chance to make this relationship work, you must trust me.”
“I have since the moment I laid eyes on you in Mexico.” That didn’t alleviate the horrible fear something terrible would happen to Nico and the others because of her.
“Then know this. I won’t take unnecessary chances with my own life or my teammates’ lives.” He leaned over the console and captured her mouth in a blazing display of passion and possessiveness. “I’m not Aiden, kitten, and I have an excellent reason to stay alive. You.” Without giving her a chance to reply, he opened the driver’s door and came around to help her from the vehicle.
She remained silent during the walk through the cavernous garage and the elevator ride to the third floor. Was Nico right? Could her near panicked state at the prospect of him facing danger be connected to her losing Aiden?
Mercy blew out a breath, frustrated with herself. She’d warned Nico she had baggage. Looked like she should have reminded herself of that fact. Even if she walked away from the relationship before giving it a chance, Mercy couldn’t protect Nico from harm. He would never abandon her now. He wasn’t built that way and neither were his friends. Might as well face up to the truth that she had no control over this situation.
Worse, if she didn’t want to lose a chance at a special relationship with an amazing man, she had to find a way to accept who and what he was. And that’s when she realized she wanted a deeper relationship with Nico Rivera. As improbable as it seemed, she was utterly fascinated by him and the prospect of walking away from him now left her feeling hollow inside.
Nico threaded his fingers through hers as they left the elevator and walked to a communications center. A broad-shouldered dark-haired man in a wheelchair turned at their entrance to the room.
“Nico, good to see you. Who’s the pretty lady?”
“Zane, meet Mercy Powers. Mercy, our tech wizard and communications genius, Zane Murphy.”
Nico’s friend smiled and held out his hand to shake hers. “How’s the shoulder?”
“Better today. Thanks for taking care of the phone for me.”
“Happy to do it.” He wheeled across the room to a file cabinet and pulled out a black phone with a handful of cases. “Nico said you prefer simple things. I thought you might like this case.” He handed her one with a beautiful cover of gradually deepening blue.
Her breath caught as she trailed her fingers over the waterfall of color. “It’s gorgeous. This is perfect. Why is the cover so thick?”
“A protective barrier in the lining to prevent someone from scanning your phone and stealing information.”
“Nico said the phone was encrypted.”
“It is.” He shrugged. “Technology is evolving all the time. Better to be safe than risk you or Nico. I’ve already programmed Nico’s number in there as well as the rest of Shadow’s numbers, mine, and Maddox’s. If you need help, one of us will be available.”
On impulse, she leaned down and kissed his cheek. “Thank you, Zane.”
His cheeks flushed a deep red. “You’re welcome.” Zane looked at Nico. “Brent’s waiting for you in the conference room. President Martin is due to call any time.” He zoomed back to his console, grabbed a small box, and handed it to Nico. “In case you think Mercy needs these.”
Nico propped open the lid, nodded once. “Thanks.” He slid the box into his cargo pocket and turned to Mercy. “Come on. It’s not wise to keep your uncle waiting.”
He laid his hand on her lower back and guided Mercy to the opposite end of the hall to the conference room. Inside, a buzz-cut blond waited along with the rest of Nico’s teammates.
Zane rolled in behind them and moved to the computer console.
“Just in time,” Sam said. She indicated the coffee. “Want a cup?”
“I do.” Nico seated Mercy before taking the coffee Sam poured for him. He dropped into the seat beside her. “Brent, this is Mercy Powers. Mercy, my boss, Brent Maddox.”
Brent shook her hand. “Good to meet you, Ms. Powers.”
“It’s Mercy. Thank you for sending Nico and the others to rescue me.”
“I’m glad I had a team available.”
“Call coming in,” Zane said.
“On screen.” Maddox sat down and faced the wall.
The screen flickered and a moment later, Mercy’s uncle appeared.
Although he looked tired, he smiled. “Mercy, you look good, sweetheart.”
“Can’t say the same for you. Another late night?”
/> He chuckled. “An early morning. I see your protection detail is present. My thanks to all of you for a job well done. I’m happy to say the Scorpions are rattled by the mysterious team who stole their valuable hostage in the middle of the night.”
“They’re searching for Mercy,” Nico said. “Have you made any progress delaying the hearing with the Intelligence Committee?”
“I’m afraid not. They’re insisting that Mercy’s testimony is critical to national security.”
Under cover of the table, Mercy gripped Nico’s hand. “There’s nothing you can do, Uncle William?”
“I contacted Senator Jeffries personally. He’s not budging, honey. You and your security detail can stay at the White House. You’ll be close to the Hill and behind protective barriers. You’ll be safe.”
Nico shook his head. “With respect, sir, I don’t want Mercy to draw that much attention. I’d prefer to make arrangements for lodging myself.”
“The Secret Service agents are well trained.”
“We’re better. More important, we don’t have a security leak.”
Her uncle straightened. “You have proof?”
“Not yet. We’re working on it.”
“Where’s the leak?”
“ATF. We’re not ruling out others.”
A pained expression crossed the president’s face. “In other words, I need to stay out of the arrangements for Mercy.”
“Yes, sir. I will take care of her. Nothing is more important to me than her safety.”
Her uncle looked thoughtful. “I see.”
Maybe he did see. Uncle William was an insightful man, a great thing in a president. Mercy wasn’t sure how she felt about her uncle’s insight into her personal life.
“Are you sure about this, Mercy?”
Nico’s hand squeezed hers. Was she sure? No, but she didn’t want to run in fear and never find out if she and Nico had something worth fighting for. “I trust Nico.” There, let her uncle and the others interpret that statement however they wanted.
“Nico, if I can help, I will. Otherwise, I’ll trust you and your team to take care of my niece. Brent, watch your back, my friend. Many people are speculating as to the identity of the team who rescued Mercy. That may lead them back to you. It’s no secret Fortress is the best in the black ops business.”
“I’ll be ready.”
A nod. “Keep me posted. I want to know what’s happening. Direct communication only.”
“Yes, sir.”
“Mercy, if you have a chance, call Charlotte. She’s worried about you.”
“As soon as I leave here, I’ll contact her.”
When the president signed off, Trace whistled softly. “Nico, you better not screw up, man. I’d hate for Martin to have a target on my back.”
He lifted their joined hands and kissed the back of Mercy’s. “Totally worth the risk.”
Brent’s eyes narrowed. “Everybody out except Nico and Mercy.”
Zane left the conference room first, followed by the rest of Shadow.
“Something you need to tell me?” Brent asked, his gaze locked on their clasped hands.
“I’m crazy about Mercy and she’s agreed to see where a relationship between us goes.”
“Are you okay with this, Mercy?”
“Brent.” A warning sounded in Nico’s voice.
“Zip it, Patch. I won’t have one of our principals feeling pressured by an operative.”
Nico stiffened, then rose to his feet. He placed his hands on the conference table and leaned toward his boss. “Are you accusing me of brainwashing Mercy and forcing her to accept me?”
His quiet words held a lethal edge that made cold chills surge up Mercy’s back. Undercurrents she didn’t understand swirled around the enclosed space. There was a story here, but what?
“Sit down,” Brent snapped.
“Answer my question.”
“You know better than that. This is not about you, Rivera. Sit down or get out. Those are your only choices.”
His jaw clenched in raw fury, Nico returned to his seat, his gaze locked on his boss.
Mercy breathed easier, feeling as though the possibility of imminent bloodshed had passed for now.
“I’ll ask you again, Mercy.” He glared at Nico when he growled. “Are you comfortable with Nico’s personal interest in you?”
“He didn’t pressure me. This was my choice.”
“And if I thought it would be better to assign a different team as your protection detail?”
Mercy’s heart skipped a beat, then raced ahead in a frantic rhythm. She didn’t want Brent to assign her another team. She trusted Shadow. A glance at Nico told her he would refuse to leave her side no matter what his boss thought was best. “Nico?”
He turned to her, eyes glittering. “Brent has the authority to reassign my team. However, if he chooses to use that power, I will take an immediate leave of absence and stay with you and the new team until the danger to you is ended.” A cold smile curved his lips as he glanced at Brent. “My guess is the rest of my unit will do the same. That means you’ll have two teams tied up with one principal. You can’t afford to do that since Durango is out of mission rotation for a few more weeks.”
“Resorting to blackmail, Patch?”
Nico shrugged. “Whatever it takes. I’m not walking away from Mercy unless she kicks me to the curb.”
Brent watched him for a long beat before shoving away from the table and pacing the length of the room. “One moment of inattention on your part could result in the death of both of you.”
“Something you don’t have to tell me. I’m aware of the stakes.”
“Yeah? You’re not the one who would have to answer to President Martin about why his beloved niece is dead.” He swung around to face them. “Fine. You stay on the detail for now. But the minute you realize your emotions are affecting your judgment, I want to know about it. I will pull you off the detail. You can be the overprotective boyfriend and stay with her. However, if you interfere with the new team that’s assigned, I’ll cut you and the rest of Shadow loose even though it would kill me to do it. I’d rather have you alive and gunning for me than dead.” Brent stalked from the room.
“Are meetings with your boss always that volatile?”
Nico dragged a hand down his face, his beard stubble already rasping against his fingers. “Not usually.” He stood, drew Mercy to her feet, and looped his arms around her waist. “I was honest with Brent. I am crazy about you, Mercy. However, if you need more time to decide, I’ll step back.” He grimaced. “It might kill me to do it, but I want you in this relationship by choice, not coercion.”
Mercy wrapped her arms around his neck and captured his mouth in a kiss that set her blood on fire. “My choice,” she murmured against his lips. “You didn’t persuade me one way or the other.” Another soft kiss, then, “Is there something you need to tell me?” Something that made him react as he had with Brent.
Nico’s grip tightened. “Not now. Soon.”
Fair enough. She could wait for answers. “What’s next?”
“The mall to purchase the clothes you’ll need and a bag to pack them in. After that, I think it’s time for a road trip.”
She’d been afraid he would say that. Nico was taking her home.
CHAPTER TWENTY-FOUR
Nico parked in the lot at Cool Springs Galleria. When Mercy reached for the door, he caught her arm. “Wait.” He scanned the area for unusual interest in them. Nico saw nothing to set off his internal alarm.
When his teammates approached, he circled to open Mercy’s door. On the way into the mall, Nico and Mercy were surrounded by the rest of Shadow.
Mercy’s gaze darted this way and that, fear draining the color from her face.
“Relax, kitten,” he murmured. “It’s our job to worry. Plot your purchasing strategy.”
She flashed him a faint grin.
Not as much of a smile as he wanted, but he’d take it. “You h
ave an hour to purchase what you need.”
Mercy stopped on the sidewalk. “Nico, I don’t have money. I left everything except my license and passport in Kentucky. I was afraid to take it to Mexico.”
Nico got her moving again. “I’ll take care of it.”
“Let’s just go. I have clothes in Sherwood.”
“You saw what those clowns did to your house. You don’t know if they left your clothes intact.”
She swallowed hard. “You’re supposed to reassure me the bad guys didn’t have time to destroy my wardrobe.”
“Don’t all women want new clothes?”
“Shopping is not my favorite pastime. I limit my time in a store.”
Yet another reason to be entranced with this woman. “Focus on what you need for one week. We’ll buy more if the people who broke in trashed your wardrobe.”
Inside the department store Mercy selected, she and Sam headed for the racks while Nico trailed them and the other members of Shadow kept watch around the women’s clothing area. Trace, Ben, and Joe garnered a fair amount of interest from the ladies who were shopping.
Although prepared to wait more than the allotted hour, Nico was pleasantly surprised to find himself at the checkout counter in forty-five minutes. He didn’t blink at the price the sales associate quoted him, just handed over his credit card.
“I’ll pay you back,” Mercy whispered. She looked distressed.
He dropped a quick kiss on her lips and gathered the bags in one hand when the transaction was complete, leaving his gun hand free. “It’s lunchtime. I’d rather wait until we’re out of town before stopping.”
Mercy nodded. “Thanks for taking me to the mall. At least I have clothes no matter what we find at my house.” She slid him a sideways glance. “Shopping with you was fun.”
Nico grinned. “You expected me to be impatient.”
Her face flushed. “I did. I’m glad I was wrong.”
