Glazier

by Bri Clark

  Chapter Ten

  Henry

  At the base in Norway

  My time with Marie at the base was the only time I truly relaxed. It was easy to get caught up in watching her while she was quiet and thoughtful. However coming back to the base with an order to see Abram immediately put me on alert. When Abram told me of our assignment to Anchorage, I was furious at first. All I could remember was his insistence that all missions to North America stop shortly before Marie came around. His reasons for the change didn’t help my mood. When I inquired further why the sudden change, his response was one I would expect from him but not easy to accept about Marie.

  "Why so worried Captain, scared she’ll remember something or someone she loved?"

  That was one of the few times I ever lost control. Before I knew what I was doing, I had him by the throat and hanging from the wall. It took me a moment to clear my head, thinking of the possibility that Marie loved someone. Releasing him, I grabbed desperately to my composure and I mumbled an apology.

  Abram straightened his suit and only laughed. A sound that caused the hairs on the back of my neck to jump to attention. That was the sinister laughter of a man who had discovered a weakness…one he could exploit. Something Abram didn’t know was that I was no soldier of servitude. He was of the understanding that I was a man of little means and even less wits. Soon he would discover his mistake. It was a day I began planning after I first laid eyes on Marie in the infirmary…planning our escape.

  On this assignment, we were to scale the tallest building in Anchorage. It was located in the center of town and was basically four walls of windows. There were too many different security systems in place inside and the information we were to retrieve was on the penthouse level. So the most logical plan was to ascend from the outside. However, I hated to climb, especially with Marie. It was hard to watch her in dangerous situations.

  She didn’t know that was my reason. She was under the impression I was competitive. Life was different at the base. We were comfortable and had a routine. The environment was controlled. I could also handle myself better around her. On missions, it was as if I turned into another man.

  Away from the cameras and roles we assumed at the base, I felt free. The incisive need to touch her consumed me. The desire to be a gentleman with her was easy. Such as opening her door, guiding her with my hand at the small of her back and helping her put her coat on. It seemed a logical thing for a man to act this way with a lover. Only she wasn’t my lover. I was no stranger to the role of lover, and I'd been with more than my fair share of women. Yet treating Marie like any of them was never an option. A lifetime's worth of fear prevented me from entertaining such a possibility. However, a life’s worth of fear kept me from entertaining the thought of being more.

  After I told Marie about the job, she worked fast packing, all the while babbling about her excitement. Trying to rest on the flight was impossible, for her joy was too infectious. After we landed, an SUV was waiting for us at a secluded airport. Never flying commercial and landing at an inconvenient place far from the target destination was the usual protocol. These small but significant details kept a spy ahead of the rest. We were not people who blended into a crowd easily. This is why I insisted she wear a wig on our missions. Cropped blonde hair was more common than her brilliant coppery tresses.

  “There’s the target.” I pointed to a large building in the center of downtown as we exited the interstate. Marie inspected, blowing a stray platinum hair from her eyes. Tipping her head back as far as she could, she inspected the building. Sensing satisfaction from her scan, I shook my head. We drove several blocks East then parked on the top floor of a parking garage. I walked around and opened her door then retrieved the bags.

  Gesturing to the hotel a couple of building over, she nodded. Running and jumping via rooftop dipping and dodging the different obstacles of the cement and steel building helped us to keep public contact to a minimum. After we landed on the roof of the hotel, I punched in a code to the keypad at the suite door.

  I retrieved some binoculars from my bag and inspected the target myself. Marie checked her blades and made sure her wig was secure and we left. Hanging back just across from the target Marie gestured to the street below, where several scantily clad women clung together like sheep on the corner. Prostitutes. That would prove challenging. Across the street, an obvious drug deal was going down between a skinny youth and a stringy-haired older man. More problems.

  We agreed the best place to ascend would be the alley that ran along the back. We both did a quick scan of the area. Our eyes met and we gave the signal to move forward. Scaling the roof in a matter of minutes was easy.

  After reaching the top, I wasted no time moving to the glass doors and finding another numbered keypad. I could not control myself from rolling my eyes and having a small chuckle. The hotel had the same keypad, granted I knew the code there. But it was as if the city was crawling with the same system. Supposedly, the SR7000 was the best security system a company could install and it was—except when I was the intruder.

  I used my special chemical compound that can detect microscopic DNA from the wiped fingerprints the keys illuminated. Once the numbers were identified it was simply a matter of patterns. Experience helped me to isolate it to at least two. The latch popped on the first try and we moved in, straight to the office. Marie provided my cover while I hacked the CEO’s computer. I had always wanted to share with Marie my knowledge of computer hacking and security system expertise, but she was uninterested. However, she did ease my mind by letting me teach her the basics.

  “We need to get going, the sun will be up soon,” I said as we headed back to the roof with the data retrieved. Sampson had stressed to me the importance of Marie receiving proper rest. His theory was that Glazier was subconsciously always working by suppressing Marie’s memories and that took more away from her on top of whatever her physical exertion used.

  When we descended, the streets were deserted, ensuring we were undetected getting back into the SUV we headed back to the hotel. As Marie took off her wig and replaced her blades in their cases, I closed the blackout curtains. She yawned and I secretly awaited her slumber. As REM overtook her the muscles of her face and body would relax into a soft but chiseled beauty. A glory Da Vinci himself could have never captured. In those private moments when she was unaware oddly enough, it was the most intimate I had ever been with any woman. The most beautiful sight I had ever seen was when she slept.

  The temptation to move a strand of her red hair away from her face won against my battle to remain unaffected by her. Carefully, I reached out and tucked the silky strand behind her ear. She hummed softly and settled once again.

  I woke her late in the evening. The sun was setting, and I pulled the curtains back to allow her the view from bed. She nodded her approval with a sleepy smile. A storm was coming, which worked beautifully with my plans for the evening. Rolling a cart with a silver tray on top of it, I positioned it in front of her. While I didn’t want to rush her we would have to leave the suite soon.

  “What’s this?” she asked as she yawned and tried to smooth her bedraggled hair down. Her stomach let out a low growl. Then she sighed and giggled.

  “I think your stomach already knows,” I teased her while lifting the lid to reveal the elaborate meal. Sitting on the edge of the bed, she drank some juice then tasted a little bit of everything. I leaned against the wall, happy to watch.

  “Uh, Henry are you going to eat?” she asked with wide, curious eyes.

  “I ate earlier. I’m fine,” I assured her.

  “Earlier? How long have you been up?” She pushed the cart away and went for her overnight bag.

  “I've been up a few hours. Not too long.”

  “Why didn’t you wake me up sooner?” She tossed clothes left and right.

  “Are you so eager to return to the base?” I held my breath and prayed she wasn't.

  “No.”

  I release
d my breath.

  “Well now that I’m up, what do you want to do, or are you ready to go back to the base?” She stopped her tornado of garment flinging and looked me in the eye. The tint upon her cheeks rose and she turned, hiding her face from me behind locks of radiant copper. Moving closer, I slid my hand along the side of her soft cheek and smoothed her hair away from her face. When I looked into her eyes and saw the reflection of myself, I longed for a miracle. That somehow, somewhere there was no one else looking for her and we could be together.

  “You have nothing to fear. I am in no hurry to return to the base. I would much rather spend my time here with you.” Her breath caught at my admission, and I became aware at how intimate this moment was. I sensed her emotions and found the one I was looking for—arousal. So I affected her, too.

  Before I could kiss her tempting pout, I walked to the window, fearing myself and the myriad of emotions running through me.

  “You should get ready. We don’t want to be late.” I said clearing my throat. Her reflection in the mirror was going to be the end of me.

  Tousled, fiery hair, as though she'd been thoroughly loved, clouded around her face. She wore the same garment she'd worn when we scaled the building earlier, but now it seemed too sexy, too much for me to look at. I swallowed down the lump in my throat.

  “Late? Where are we going?”

  “You’ll see.” She eyed me with an arched, defiant brow. How many times had I looked at her and saw playfulness she intended? Now, all I could see was a sexy, sultry look as she stalked toward me, no doubt ready to make me give in.

  “Don’t bother, my lips are sealed,” I warned.

  With a feminine squeal and a dainty clap of her hands, she dressed in a hurry. I tried not to think about the fact that she was naked, even for the small amount it took her. As she threw the door open, freshly changed into ordinary jeans and a sweater, I felt like someone had punched me in the gut. Logically, I'd seen her in jeans a million times over the years. But I noticed the way they hugged her hips, squeezed her bum and accentuated her tiny waist.

  Everything was different now. It was past time I admitted to myself what my heart and Glazier already knew. I loved Marie.

  I loved everything about her.

  Relieving her of her bag I threw it over my shoulder then helped her with her coat. A snowstorm had settled over the city. We both inspected the fat, ominous clouds.

  “Perfect,” I whispered. “Let’s go. You’re not going to want to miss this, especially with snow.”

  I peeled out of the parking garage heading north, away from the city into the countryside. It was dark, but the moon was almost full, the same silvery hue illuminating the land just as it did in Norway. I was sure Marie was thinking the same as she watched the world outside our windows. It was eerie how similar the beauty was to Norway, yet there were distinct differences. The mountains here had more of a blue tone to them. There was a substantially larger amount of green fir trees covering the land. Their smell spilled into the cab. It was a mix of fresh air and pine.

  After we drove for a good hour away from civilization, I stopped and put the truck in 4WD then grinned wickedly at Marie’s puzzled expression. I was quick to find the trail my source had tipped me on. It was clear of trees and obstructions. The opening was close enough that we could walk from where we stopped. I grabbed Marie’s extra hat and gloves and handed them to her.

  “Are we hiking?” she asked.

  “Not exactly.” I still didn't want to reveal any thing. She sighed, but obeyed. The storm that had hovered over the city was positioning itself over the clearing, blocking out the light of the moon. Large flakes of crystal precipitation began to fall from the clouds.

  “Perfect, let’s go!” I reached for her hand. She stumbled, the deep snow throwing her off balance. Because of my impatient haste, I picked her up and carried her the rest of the way.

  Repeating words my father had told me long ago, “To serve the woman you love is to ensure her happiness and therefore your own as well.” This event was about Marie. This saying became a repeated mantra in my mind after she draped her arms around my neck and her sweet fragrance assaulted my senses. The aroma of her natural perfume was the most exotic scent I had ever encountered, and I was a traveled man.

  For a moment, I thought I felt her lips against my neck. My pulse jumped and I pulled her closer. My body screamed at her nearness, but I didn't—couldn't—listen. Marie was so much more than anyone else ever had been to me.

  A breeze blew and was I sure we were at just the right spot. I turned my face upward…she copied me. Our breaths caught as we watched bands of colored lights dance across the night sky. Red and green being the most dominant, moving in a unique waltz, constantly touching, swirling and spinning, folding in out and around each other.

  The snow fell among the pair as light danced and sparkled around them like glitter. The green and red band’s dance seemed to end. Their colors fading slightly as blue and violet became more vibrant. Their dance was aggressive, a tango. Smooth, strong movements sometimes alone, sometimes interlaced seemed to plow through the snowflakes. Then just as quickly as it appeared, it faded out, the clearing no longer illuminated, the dark clouds blocking out the moon completely now.

  We stood there in the dark under the falling snow motionless and silent. She took a deep breath to speak but then no sound came. Suddenly she pulled herself close to my face, and placed a petal soft kiss upon my cheek. I leaned in, savoring her nearness during such a magical moment.

  I was stunned at how a kiss so small and gentle could cause such a current of power within me. She lingered a little longer than necessary and her fingertips trailed against my skin. She snuggled into my embrace and I found I never wanted to let her go.

  Chapter Eleven

  Marie

  At the base

  After we returned from Alaska, I was surprised to find Henry’s lighthearted mood still intact. His kindness continued, such as carrying my bags and opening doors. It was wreaking a pleasant havoc on my heart and on Glazier. She didn’t understand the responses that my body had and or my feelings for Henry. How could she? I didn’t even understand.

  “What would you say to attending a celebration?” he asked me after sparring one day.

  “Sure, why not? What are we celebrating?”

  “You’ll see.” His painfully gorgeous smile erupted, his chiseled features lighting up. I rolled my eyes. He was always keep me in the dark.

  Walking back to our quarters, Henry’s playfulness increased and he wrapped his arm around my waist as we walked. We were both sweaty and gross, but when I breathed, all I could smell was his captivating scent. It reminded me a lot of how Alaska had smelled the night we saw the lights. Thinking of him and that night always made my heart feel like a hummingbird on a caffeine high. I graciously let him have the shower first, then used the much-needed time to calm myself.

  It wouldn't do for him to sense my attraction. He'd probably run as far and as fast as he could.

  Loud musical whistling indicated he was done. He came out wearing nothing but a towel that hung low on his hips. Flawless skin formed taut lines that outlined the breadth of his chest and biceps. I knew what those arms felt like around me and oh, how I wanted to feel it again.

  His scent was stronger after a shower. It was cold and refreshing like waves crashing on a beach in the fall. My head became clouded, the room began to spin, and it felt like I was spinning. I sat down.

  Henry was on the bed beside me in an instant. I closed my eyes and took a deep breath. The intake didn’t help my head but it got my heart beating. Putting his hands on the top of shoulders he tried to steady me. I couldn’t think clearly.

  “Marie, what’s wrong? Are you all right? Talk to me,” he pleaded. His voice was thick with concern.

  “I’m…” I peeked under my eyelashes. His face helped me gain control.

  “I'm okay.” I put one hand up to my head and one on his chest, trying to find s
omething solid to anchor to, a pathetic attempt to stop the room from spinning. That was a mistake. I could feel his rock hard torso under the warmth of his skin.

  “Marie…. Please….” he rasped. I wasn't sure if he was still concerned or more worried about what he could sense inside me.

  “Hen...ry… I… am…” I stammered.

  “What happened?” His face was drawn tight, almost painful.

  He put his arms down but still sat close. I could think a little clearer now that he wasn’t touching me. Then I felt a heat start to saturate my skin. What was I going to tell him? I couldn’t tell him he he made me feel! I couldn’t even explain it. Furthermore, I was probably more like an annoying little sister to him.

  “Was it training today? If it was, don’t be embarrassed,” he offered. “I'll let you win next time. But try to calm down. I don’t want something…bad to happen.” Black out was what he was going to say. I felt terrible. He had been so happy a few minutes ago. However, he did give me an excuse. Always to my rescue, even when he didn’t know it. I was determined to salvage his mood.