by M Brereton
Everyone was loyal to the President and First Lady, even the ones who didn’t vote for him or initially complained of his lack of experience. Noah and Eva had won them all over and almost him as well, but he was just reminded why she raised a red flag over at the Agency. The questions were always there, who trained her well enough to take on experienced military-trained agents with ease and for what purpose?
Her past held the key. Losing two agents in Italy under seemingly normal circumstances confirmed this. Both were made to look like accidents, food poisoning and a car accident with an old lady who died on the scene as well. The old lady had claimed the brakes failed before she died, the car was impounded by Sicilian police, but then got transferred to nowhere ….as it disappeared on route.
Someone was hiding something. Then there were her assistants Tyler and Kate. On paper, they were US citizens she met doing her Masters, but their relationship seems deeper than that. Kate was as elusive as the First Lady and walked just as silently. Servants are usually silent, but her steps had a deadly air to them. Speaking of deadly, Tyler took the cake. He was impossible to follow. His home was never locked and there were no concealed weapons anywhere, but Agents felt like they were being watched the entire time they searched the compound.
His job is listed as a personal assistant, but he acted as a bodyguard and both he and Kate passed the lie detector test, but like the First Lady, something was definitely off about them.
Then there was the death of Special Agent Cooper Daniels. The bureau covered up some issues surrounding his death. A gas blast killed him when he was conducting a security check was the official spiel. The truth was a set of charges were deliberately set off killing him and a barrage of armed men. Out of courtesy, the CIA let the lie slide, after all, it was done in the interest of protecting the bureau’s image especially when one of them who was close to Daniels was running for the Presidency.
Maybe the Agency should find out just who died with Daniels that day? Somehow Rafe felt that was important. Sources said she and Daniels didn’t see eye to eye. Maybe she didn’t like Daniels having Marshall’s attention. You can’t manipulate someone with someone else holding the reins too.
Why can’t everyone see she was trying to control him? Even the President says she’s trying to control him. They all think it’s a marriage issue, but trained as she is, it could be a terrorist issue. What if through her a terror cell has control of the free world? She’s definitely more than a pretty package and Rafe was not about to drop his guard because of some 3D curves and midnight blue eyes.
Like if he conjured her from his thoughts. Eva reappeared with her detail in tow. The sexy deadly diva thing she had going on had a way of luring you in while letting you know it would be at your own risk. There was no denying on the surface how she hooked the President, but just how deep those hooks were and how deadly Rafe could only guess.
She paused, smiled and nodded at Hector then gave Rafe the frostiest look as though she was reading his mind and knew where his loyalties lay. She stared into his soul and imparted an unspoken threat, she knew what he was about, and he would not succeed.
When she passed through the doors into the Blue room, Rafe released the breath he hadn’t realized he was holding, his body began to relax ….
“What the hell is wrong with you?” Hector cursed.
“What do you mean?”
“Take your fucking hand off your weapon, idiot!”
Only after Hector said it, Rafe felt the grip he had on the gun. His instincts had kicked in and he had immediately reached for his weapon.
“Maybe you should take perimeter duty. I don’t think you’re cut out to be a shield.”
“Okay…I don’t know what happened…I just…it was a feeling…”
“A feeling…huh. Take a walk.” Hector ordered then spoke into his mike. “Frank can you come spot Rafe, he’s not 100%, he needs some air.”
“Ten-four,” Frank replied.
“I’m sorry I-I…” Rafe stuttered.
“Take a walk, Agent!” Hector ordered once more.
Rafe pulled out his earpiece and strode off dejectedly. He still didn’t know what came over him. His instincts went on red alert as soon as she looked at him and he automatically braced for an attack. She was just a woman, she was five feet five and weighed 120 lbs at best, hardly any sort of threat to a trained six-two CIA Agent. But he felt fear grip him when she looked into his eyes, why was he afraid of her?
Maybe, his mind consoled, it was all the talk of her training and the fact he just found out she took down agents without breaking a nail that had him so jumpy, but in his gut, he knew better.
His instincts were never wrong.
45
Bedtime Story
He was officially off duty, but still, he needed answers and following the First Lady was out of the question. So he followed Noah instead, more like he used his itinerary to anticipate where he would be and waited there.
Rafe was hiding out in the saloon when Noah appeared, but he wasn’t with his detail, but he wasn’t alone either.
“The decision has already been made, Eva. You won’t change my mind.”
“I already came to that conclusion myself,” Eva replied then froze. Noah tensed with her looking around the room. Both of them stopped, then resumed their conversation as though nothing strange had occurred while they split up and discretely searched the room.
“What I don’t understand is why can’t you choose a desk job.?”
“This is a desk job!” Noah countered, “It also gives me a chance to do what I can to protect my country. Why can’t you be happy about that?”
Eva silently approached Rafe’s hiding spot and signaled Noah, who took aim at the closet door. She swung it open and Rafe came face to face with Noah’s gun.
“I can explain!” Rafe spoke rapidly.
“Explain,” Eva said behind him, causing him to jump.
“I was just checking in here and you guys walked in, so I thought staying in the closet, I’d stay out of your way. That’s all”
“Except you’re supposed to be off duty now,” Noah stated.
“I-I was just getting ahead for the next shift.”
“You’re not supposed to be on the compound until your next shift.” Noah pointed out, still aiming at his head.
“I think he is doing his job,” Eva agreed, and Noah raised an eyebrow, “his CIA job. He was sent here to spy on us.”
“You seem very sure of that Ma’am. Why is that?”
“I read.”
“Read what?” Rafe asked.
People. Eva answered internally, but to Rafe she said, “Noah has all your records. It doesn’t take a genius.”
“But essentially, you are a genius, aren’t you?” Rafe questioned Eva.
“You seem bent on interrogating my wife and not at all concerned that I am within my rights to shoot you on sight.” Noah pointed out, interrupting Eva’s response. “She was a child she hardly had a say in who put her with whom. She did as the adults told her to do.”
“What did they tell her to do? Do you know?” Rafe asked him.
“I know what I’m going to do if you don’t…”
“It’s okay, Noah. He’s just doing his job. Maybe he should know the truth.”
Noah dropped his aim.” Baby, I don’t think this is a good idea.”
“I’m tired, Noah. They want to know the truth. I’ll tell him the truth.” Eva began and put up her hand when Noah looked like he was about to object. “My father was a mafia boss. It was by accident, he got the position because he never set out to become one. At least that’s what I found out after he died.”
“Who was he?”
Eva debated with herself then said. “Terrance Welker.”
“He’s dead?” Rafe said “He was an elusive mother-fu…I mean how do you know he’s dead.”
“I never said this was an interview.” Eva stated before continuing, “I recently met my new cousin, he told m
e about my father’s past.”
She was lying. Noah realized as he relaxed, giving him some of the story to throw him off and explain Ethan all at the same time.
“Apparently, from what I have been able to piece together, my father put me in the nunnery to keep me safe then allowed the Molino’s to take me out, so I would be trained. He trained me, so I could survive in his world, so I wouldn’t end up like my mother.”
“So, you were in the mafia.”
“Not exactly, I wasn’t really aware of my father’s dealings. Until I met Noah. My father was going to marry me off to another mafia family, but then I met Noah…”
“Who was investigating your father?”
“He thought that I could use Noah. It didn’t work out that way. Noah wasn’t like him and I didn’t want to be in that life anymore, so I pushed Noah to be President thinking it would please my father, after all, who has more power than the President? He wasn’t pleased that Noah couldn’t be used, and he-he wanted to hurt him. So, I chose Noah over my father.”
Eva had tears in her eyes when she was finished and Rafe realized either she or the President killed the Mafia boss. What the hell was he going to do with the information? There was no evidence unless he knew where this person was buried…Did she just play him? She gave him a bunch of info with no evidence! The thing was a story! He couldn’t do anything with it! Rafe felt like a fool but played along.
“I’m sorry to hear that. It must have been hard.”
“Yes, it was.” Eva agreed, “Now people judge me based on who my father was. I’m not my father. I found out he did things…to protect me. Sometimes, I feel he has people protecting me from beyond the grave…I worry about people knowing about me…so I keep quiet for their protection…I don’t want anyone getting hurt.” She finished tearfully.
Bitch! Rafe thought but nodded in understanding. She made the threat subtle. If anyone knew they would die, he couldn’t call her on it because the President was already consoling her believing this crap. Did she feed him this hogwash too? No doubt he believed her and believed he was a hero by rescuing her.
“I’m sorry I-but it’s my job you know…”
“I understand…you have to protect Noah.”
“You can go now.” Noah dismissed softly holding Eva.
“I’m sorry…” Rafe began, but Eva waved him off and he left.
Eva’s tears immediately dried up as the door closed and placed her fingers on her lips. Noah nodded as she scanned the room. Once done she said, “He didn’t believe me, but he has no proof, so he’s stuck back at square one.”
“You told him everything and gave him nothing. Please don’t ever lie to me.” Noah said seriously.
Eva smirked then frowned as she resumed their argument “But you lied to me. You didn’t even discuss your plans with me!”
“You would’ve tried to talk me out of it…”
“And if you knew that, why did you do it?”
“Because I wanted a job with more freedom to choose! For the last four years, everyone has been telling me what to do, you were the worst! Everyone acted as if my brain went on vacation and I’m stupid! I think things through! I just don’t think I have to check every little thing with everybody!”
“Okay,” Eva conceded softly, coming to the realization maybe the problem wasn’t just about her. “I don’t need you to check everything with me, just the things that affect us as a family…”
“You choose my clothes. You oversee my meals. You double-check my speeches. You tell me what job…”
“Alright!” Eva conceded. “Alright, I do those things but that is because I love you and I think you deserve the best, so that’s my way of making you look and be your best…”
“I’ve been dressing myself for almost three decades before I married you, I’ve been feeding myself….”
“So, don’t cook for you?”
“I never said that!” Noah replied quickly. “I just meant. Stop choosing my meals when we go out…”
“Noah, you can barely read those menus…”
“Stop choosing expensive shit then!”
“Do you hate me?”
“No, I don’t hate you, that’s not what I’m saying….”
“I get the feeling you resent everything I do for you! You even complain about sex, I’m doing my best, I-I just…wanted to make you happy….” Eva cried.
“You do make me happy!”
“No, I don’t! You just complained about everything I do…”
Noah hugged her as he apologized, “I’m sorry, I’m feeling caged….it’s not you baby. I’m sorry I got mad at you…I’m sorry.”
“I won’t do those things anymore, I’m sorry…”
“It’s not you…I shouldn’t have said those things…. maybe I can do something safer. I’ll tell them I changed my mind…”
“No! Don’t do that! Then you’ll be mad at me. You want the job, you take the job.”
“Are you sure about that?”
“I would love it if you were home more, but if the job can make you happier than I do, then take the job.”
Noah stiffened. Now realizing the trap she set. If he took the job, his marriage was over. On paper, they’d be married, but as far as Eva was concerned, his new job might as well be his new wife. He had painted himself into a corner.
Noah pulled away from her and walked away as he muttered “I’ll explain things and see if I can get out of my contract.”
“Oh baby, I know how much you wanted that job,” Eva said, trying not to smile in triumph. “I’m sure you’ll find something else to do.”
Oh, he’d find something else alright. “I can take the Secretary of Defense job, I guess.” That job was way worse and involved regular trips to the military bases around the world. He would barely see the redhead witch.
She grew quiet.
Jackpot! Noah thought as he turned to face her. He could practically see that little brain of hers racing. She was outmaneuvered, but she conceded gracefully.
“Um…maybe the Homeland Security thing isn’t so bad, maybe you should keep that one.” Eva countered.
It was like a chess match dealing with Eva, Noah mused. You always had to focus on the entire board or you’d miss her little sneaky plays. One bonus - he would never get bored playing with her.
“I suppose, I could do that,” Noah replied, trying not to grin.
“It’s a good thing you’re gracious about this or else I’d still be mad at you!” Eva admitted, letting him know she was aware of the game he played.
“You started it, Miss Tears.”
“I never faked those tears! The next thing you’ll be accusing me of faking orgasms!”
“You don’t fake those.” Noah declared.
“You sound so sure.” Eva teased.
“I am sure. Want me to show you why?”
46
Naughty or Nice
“I’m not in the mood. Especially since we’re not gonna have actual sex.” Eva countered walking out.
Noah followed her out as he argued, “I told you why we can’t!”
Eva didn’t bother to argue. Tomorrow was election night. Then two months until they were free. She could curse Noah without the Secret Service so near at hand then.
“EVA!” Noah said, grabbing her hand and stopping her. “I’m doing this for you.”
“No, you’re doing this to assuage your guilt!” Eva replied pulling away, but he held fast, and she got angry blurting out. “So, you left a few bruises. I was sore. Get over it!”
The agents surrounding them ears grew hot and all of them stepped back in a synchronized unit.
Noah hid his red face as he whispered his reply “I can’t just forget what happened. I – I think we should be careful…”
“You’re being too fucking careful!” Eva cursed in Italian. “Let go of my arm, you’re hurting me.” He let go immediately and she said. “See you left a mark, maybe you shouldn’t ever touch me.”
&n
bsp; “Maybe I shouldn’t.” Noah agreed, staring at her arm, not understanding.
“No stupid!” Eva corrected “I was being sarcastic! I get marks if you hold too tight. It’s not a big deal! You know I’m tougher than that!” To prove it she punched the wall next to him.
Noah heard the impact and winced as he cursed, “What the fuck are you doing?”
“Showing the imbecile, I married what I can take.” She pulled back her fist to do it again and Noah snatched her hand mid-swing and brought her bruised fist to his lips.
“Please don’t do that!” Noah begged as he kissed her bruised knuckles. “We’ll put some ice on it…”
“You’re babying me!”
“I shouldn’t?”
“NO!” Eva replied, pulling her hand away. “Stop it!”
“I don’t understand why I shouldn’t,” Noah responded puzzled. “I want to keep you safe…”
“Even if it is from you?” Eva whispered.
“Yes,” Noah admitted, “I remember those months Eva. I’m not about to turn into Richard or An…any other asshole who felt he had a right to your body. And I am certainly not about to abuse the rights you have given me.” He took hold of her hands and kissed them both saying, “I love you too much to use you like that. I will cherish the gift I have been given.” Then looked up to see Eva giving him that look that made him say, “Oh Fuck!”
“Dios Mio!” Eva cried before tackling him.
“I’ve got to remember those lines,” Hector smirked as Eva mauled Noah.
She had him braced against the wall and was kissing the breath from his body. When she finally released him, the words she spoke made his ears burn and Noah was pleased she spoke them in Italian, but when he looked at Granger and Sam he saw their ears red. It seems they were learning the language.
She then turned and headed to the bedroom leaving no room for him to argue. Wasn’t she listening to the part where he didn’t want to hurt her? No. All Eva cared about currently was getting him in bed and disappointing her would lead to another argument.
