When he didn’t answer immediately, her stomach turned over. First, the CIA agreed to help, and now, he was hesitating before answering. She wasn’t stupid, and it was obvious there was a lot more going on than Luke could tell her. She didn’t know what he did in the military, but the more she learned about him, the more she suspected he was part of a special operations group. Still, she didn’t appreciate being kept in the dark.
Luke said, “We have to check into some intel in that region, and we always go as a team. We’ll be there for the money exchange, too.”
She may not know him well, but she recognized bullshit when she heard it. He may not have had a choice, but it was still a lie. If he knew something about her parents, she had a right to know. Didn’t she?
“That’s a relief. It’s been worrying me. I don’t know how to deal with any of this on my own. I can’t afford to screw it up,” Gwen said, struggling to remain calm.
“I would have figured out a way to go with you, princess. You’d never have had to go alone.”
“Thank you. And you’re sure there’s nothing else going on?”
“Nothing that affects you and your parents,” Luke answered.
Until this point, he’d given her no reason not to trust him, but the niggling doubt wouldn’t go away.
“Should I meet you outside of Fort Hood?” Gwen asked. “I still need to pack. Damn. What should I wear? I probably should have paid more attention to what Mom brought on her trips.”
“Long pants and light-colored clothing are probably best. It’ll be warmer there than it is here. Good walking shoes or hiking boots if you have them. You’re not required to wear a head covering, but a hat would be a good idea.”
“You’ve been there before?”
“Maybe a time or two. I’ll come and get you. I’d feel better picking you up, and then you don’t have to leave your car here.”
Gwen frowned. “Are you sure? You’re already doing so much I hate to make you drive out here and then drive back.”
“Don’t worry. Just try to relax, although I know that’s probably impossible.”
“I’ll try. I really appreciate all you’re doing. I don’t know what we’d do without you.” Gwen’s eyes filled with tears.
“I know, princess. I have to go now. I’ll see you soon.”
“Bye.” As he hung up, she heard loud voices in the background and wondered what was going on. Hopefully, it had nothing to do with the trip.
At least now she had a much-needed distraction. Shopping would be more fun if she’d been going on vacation and not to rescue her parents. But getting out and doing anything was better than pacing the bookstore and worrying.
But first, she needed to tell Gramps he didn’t need to gather the money, and Luke had arranged the trip. Gramps would want to come, but after seeing how frail he’d looked earlier, there was no way she’d let him even if Luke didn’t object.
As Gwen had expected, Gramps was sitting at the desk in his office, concentrating on whatever was on his screen. After she told him about the plane and that Luke’s team was traveling to Egypt with her, Gramps had agreed to stay home. But he’d made her promise to keep him updated as much as possible.
Then, she stopped by the kitchen to let Grams know she needed to pick up a few things and pack her bag. Destiny offered to join her, and Gwen was grateful for the company. Maybe Destiny would have some advice on what she should bring, too. Luke knew what she needed, but a woman's input was safer.
“I need to pick up a pair of hiking boots. We don’t have a lot of options in Lancelot,” Gwen said.
“Did Merlin say you needed them?” Destiny asked.
“He said if I had them, to pack them. I only have a pair of Keds. But since I don’t know where I’ll be going after I get there, I wasn’t sure they’d be good enough.”
“Good point. I haven’t been to Egypt. I’d think regular shoes would work, but it can’t hurt to have the boots.”
Destiny followed Gwen back to her house to drop off her car. Then Destiny drove them to the shoe store. It felt like fate when there was a brand new display of hiking boots in the front window of the store, and she easily found a pair that fit.
After that, they went into a few other stores and eventually found some light-colored shirts and a couple pairs of light-colored slacks. Since Gwen didn’t know how long they’d be in Egypt, she made sure she had five days of clothing in light colors.
“I love that shirt you got, Gwen. It’s so pretty,” Destiny said as she helped carry their bags into the house.
They’d both bought more than they needed. Gwen had forgotten how much fun it was to shop with another woman—and more expensive. And why had she let Destiny talk her into sexy lingerie? She didn’t plan on seducing Luke while they were around his team.
“Thanks,” Gwen said. “Oh, I hope you’re not allergic to cats since you’re about to meet Sir Galahad.”
“Nope, no cat allergies. Aren’t you the gorgeous dude?” Destiny said as she set down the bags to kneel and look into the cat’s amber eyes. It surprised Gwen when he rubbed against Destiny and allowed her to pick him up. Maybe the precocious feline finally felt secure enough to trust others.
“Do you want something to drink?” Gwen asked as Destiny followed her into the kitchen, still carrying Galahad.
“Water or tea?”
“I have tea, but it’s not sweet.”
“That works.”
Gwen filled two glasses from the pitcher of tea and then opened a container and added a slice of lemon.
“You can look around,” Gwen offered. “I’ll just be down this hallway, so I can pack. I wish I had time to wash all the new clothes, but it should be okay, right?”
“Yeah, I’m sure it will be fine.”
Grabbing her bags and the glass of tea, Gwen went to her room and unpacked everything. After she spread the purchases on the bed, she realized she bought a lot more than she’d planned. It had been a while since she’d gotten anything new, and she’d wear all of it eventually.
Destiny came into the room as Gwen finished the last of the de-tagging and folding. “Did Merlin say how many days you’d be there?” she asked.
“No, and I didn’t think to ask. I figure five days’ worth should be enough.”
“Yeah, probably. I hope you’ll get your parents and leave right away.”
“Me, too.”
Destiny sat on the edge of the bed. “Don’t forget toiletries since you don’t know where you’ll be. And sunscreen. I don’t know if you usually wear a lot of makeup, but I wouldn’t while you’re there.”
“No worries. This is usually it. Just mascara and lip gloss. Damn. I didn’t remember to pick up a hat and I don’t have one.”
“Do you have a scarf?”
“Umm, let me see. My mother gave me a couple a few years ago. Now where did I put them?” Gwen rummaged through her dresser drawers. She’d been about to give up, but found them in the fourth drawer she checked. “Will this work?” She held up a silk scarf in various shades of blue.
“As long as you can tie it over your head to keep the sun off, it’ll be fine. Maybe Merlin can give you a ball cap.”
“Good idea. Okay, I think that’s everything. I threw in the Keds, just in case. They didn’t take up much room.” She’d gotten everything into a carry-on sized roller bag. Packing was one thing her mom had taught her, even though she rarely traveled.
“That’s great. You’d make a great flight attendant,” Destiny said with a smile.
“Oh, no, I wouldn’t. I’m perfectly content to stay in the bookstore and read about far-off places. With my parents on the road all the time, someone had to stay and help my grandparents with the store.”
“You might surprise yourself. I didn’t get the feeling you were shy when we were together at lunch.”
“I’m not really shy. I don’t have problems with customers, but I guess I grew out of the desire to travel after being stuck here.”
�
�Maybe you’ll change your mind, or maybe Luke will,” Destiny said with a smile.
“Well, he’s taking me to Egypt, so maybe,” Gwen said. Maybe she would have fun traveling with him, though not this time.
“You’ve fallen hard, huh?”
“What?” Gwen’s cheeks heated, but Destiny was right. “I guess I have. It’s happening too fast. And now, the kidnapping? I’m not sure it’s the right time.”
Destiny patted her arm. “Hon, it will never be the right time. There is always something that screws things up. Trust me, I’ve been there. But Trent said Merlin has never reacted like this to anyone.”
“That’s what Luke said, and he’d have no reason to lie to me,” Gwen agreed.
“It’s easy to forget that they have big hearts when they’re surrounded by all those yummy muscles. So if you’re not sure how you feel, don’t lead him on,” Destiny said.
Gwen shook her head. “I won’t. I’d never do that.”
“I didn’t think so, but they are like Trent’s brothers, and that makes them my family, too. I don’t want to see any of them hurt.”
“I understand. I hope Trent realizes how lucky he is.”
Destiny’s eyes danced with humor. “Oh, he does.”
Without thinking, Gwen hugged Destiny. They didn’t know each other well, but it felt right. “Thank you. Seriously, Destiny, I don’t know how I would have gotten through today without you here.”
Destiny hugged her back. “You don’t have to thank me. I was happy to come. I’m glad we’re getting to know each other. Promise to stay in touch when you get back?”
“I will.”
When Gwen’s phone dinged with a text message, it startled them both. She had forgotten she’d turned up the volume for the alerts and the ringer, not wanting to miss anything. It was Luke.
Luke: I’m on my way. See you in about thirty minutes.
Gwen: Be careful. I need you in one piece.
Damn. She sounded like Grams.
Luke: I will. See you at the bookstore.
Gwen sighed. “He’s on the way. I guess it’s time to go back to the bookstore.”
“Who will watch the cat?”
“Grams or Gramps. They have keys to the house. I go away sometimes to visit my friend in Dallas, and they come and check on him. He’s never happy when I return, and I usually end up with a few scratches for punishment.”
Destiny shook her head at the cat as he bathed on the bed. “Wow, Sir Galahad, that’s not very nice.”
The cat stopped mid-lick when he heard his name and gave them a bored look.
Gwen ruffled his head. “I’m going away for a few days. Don’t trash the house, mister, and I’ll get you a present.”
He meowed in response, but she doubted he understood.
Chapter 16
As soon as Merlin pulled up in front of the bookstore, Gwen ran out to meet him. He’d known she’d be watching for him, so it didn’t surprise him. He’d used every argument he could come up with to keep her in Texas, but his team had shot them all down. With no other choice, he’d resigned himself to Gwen accompanying them to Cairo. He might have given in, but they knew without a doubt that he wasn’t happy about it.
“Hi, princess. How are you holding up?” He followed her into the store and pulled her against him for a hug and a quick kiss.
She sighed. “I don’t know. Numb. Worried. Scared. I’ve been trying not to lose it in front of my grandparents.”
“I’m sure they’d understand,” Merlin said as he pushed a lock of her hair behind her ear.
“Maybe. Probably. But I’m worried about them, too.” Gwen stopped and looked up at him. “You need to know that I’ll do whatever it takes to get my parents back.”
“I know you will, but you won’t be alone. We’ll have your six.” Merlin grabbed her hand and laced his fingers with hers, hoping to give her some of his strength.
The flight would take about fifteen hours, depending how often they would need to stop to refuel. While they were in the air, he’d tell her as much as he could about the plan, and hopefully, it would help her relax. What he wouldn’t give to make her scream his name with a good orgasm and pass out from exhaustion. But she’d probably kick him in the balls if he suggested it. Thinking about his little bookworm getting feisty almost made him smile.
Everyone had gathered in the kitchen, and a pot of coffee and cake sat on the table. Had she been drinking coffee all day? No wonder she was trembling—caffeine overload would do that.
Destiny shot him a brief smile and nodded, letting him know Gwen was holding up okay. He didn’t know how he’d repay her, but he owed her big time.
“Is that cake?” Merlin asked, trying to ease the tension that filled the kitchen.
“Yes, Grams and Destiny baked. It’s delicious,” Gwen said as she cut him a slice. “It’s sour cream coffee cake.”
“With cinnamon?”
“Good sniffer. Yes, the swirly stuff is cinnamon and sugar,” Grams answered with a smile.
The moist cake melted in his mouth, the cinnamon and sugar coating his tongue in sweetness. They weren’t kidding. It was delicious. “It’s delectable, Becca and Destiny,” he said with a grin. “I’d have a tough time not eating it in one sitting.”
Destiny laughed. “You and Trent both. But I have the recipe, so if he likes it I can make it for him.”
“And we made an extra one for you to take on the plane. It was the least I could do. You’re doing so much for my family,” Grams said as tears filled her eyes.
“You didn’t have to do anything. It’s what we do. But I’m sure the guys will fight over it.” Even Duff wouldn’t be able to pass this up.
“Maybe I should have made two for you,” Grams said.
“No, one is fine. But I’d bet the guys turn up for a visit after we get back,” Merlin warned.
“You’re all welcome. Anytime,” Gramps said.
Merlin was pleased to see Gramps had mostly recovered from the morning’s shock—at least on the surface. He couldn’t promise them a successful mission, though he’d already done it with Gwen. But he needed to offer them hope. “We’ll do our best to bring everyone home safe.”
“I know you will, and that’s all we can ask,” Gramps said with a nod.
“We should get going,” Merlin said as he popped the last bite of cake into his mouth. “Are you ready, princess?”
“I guess so.” Her answer didn’t convince him, but he hoped to fix that by the time they landed in Cairo.
Hugging Destiny, he whispered, “Thank you. And Zip said he’s been texting you, but you haven’t answered. Will you call him before he loses his mind?”
“Damn. I had my phone in my purse. Sorry. I’ll calm him down,” she said, then turned toward Gwen. “See what you have to look forward to?”
Gwen smiled, and Merlin wondered how much Destiny had shared about him while they were together.
Gwen didn’t say much during the ride to Ft. Hood, and Merlin let her have time to process everything. Once they got on the plane, there would be no quiet unless the guys went to sleep. He doubted that, especially since they were flying on a private plane.
Roe had said Sand arranged for a Gulfstream jet to take them to Egypt. If it was anything like he’d read about, they’d be traveling like rock stars. How he’d arranged for the jet, Merlin didn’t want to consider. After working with the CIA for so many years, there were some things better left alone.
The others were waiting at the airfield as he pulled up. After grabbing their bags, he went around to the passenger side to help Gwen out of his truck.
“Ready?” he asked.
“Yeah. I mean yes,” she answered with more determination than he expected.
“They are great guys and will do everything in their power to keep you safe and rescue your parents.”
“Destiny said the same thing.”
“Good.”
Roe stepped forward and extended his hand. “Ms. Dedmond, I
’m Commander Turano. I’m sorry to meet you under these circumstances.”
“Commander,” she answered, taking his hand. “Are you coming, too?”
“No, I’ll be monitoring the mission from here. It’s just Merlin and his team. But you’re in excellent hands.”
Gwen nodded, and her eyes grew wide as each of his teammates stepped up to introduce themselves. They were all at least as tall as Merlin, and they dwarfed her five-foot frame.
“Don’t smother the woman,” Merlin grumbled as they’d surrounded her.
“The money is on board. It’s stowed in the rear under one of the convertible beds. I double checked. I still don’t trust Sand,” Turano said quietly.
“Me, either. Considering Hassan is dead, and he was deep cover, you’d think they’d be more concerned.”
“Exactly. Watch your six, and I’ll be trying to figure this out from here.”
“Thanks.” He glanced over at the guys, barely able to see Gwen’s head from the middle of the team. “I still wish we could leave Gwen here.”
“I know, but you need her.”
“Copy that. See you in a few days,” Merlin said and saluted his CO.
“Time to go,” he said as he broke through the circle of guys.
At his words, a flash of fear dimmed Gwen’s green eyes, but it disappeared almost as fast as it appeared. “Let’s get my parents.”
“Hell, yeah,” the team responded as they made their way up the steps of the Gulfstream.
After stowing their bags, they settled into seats in the first-class accommodations. There were no flight attendants on board, but whoever got the plane ready had made sure the galley was well stocked. Talk about flying in luxury.
“Is this how you usually travel?” Gwen asked as she fastened her seatbelt.
“I wish,” Jangles said. “Usually, it’s whatever will get us there fastest. This is a first.”
“Does that mean I’m your lucky charm?”
“Maybe.” Merlin struggled with the yearning to kiss her. Instead, he reached for her hand as they taxied down the runway.
The pilots were CIA, and the flight plan they’d filed was for a nonstop trip to Cairo. When he’d read that in Roe’s text, it had surprised Merlin. Maybe this was a CIA plane, since most private planes didn’t have the fuel capacity for such a long trip.
Gwen's Delta (Special Forces: Operation Alpha) (Delta Team Three Book 3) Page 15
