Milan Courtship: The Zoey Jane Files

By H.M. Barone

This is the third installment in the Zoey Jane Files. Follow Zoey and her team as she suffers the consequences of the choices she made to pursue Andre Karpov. Now she is forced to go into deep cover as an infamous cat burglar and saboteur to gain the confidence of a deadly terrorist and infiltrate his organization. You will also see what becomes of her beloved Killian while she is away. Will their love be able to survive time and distance?

• Language: English
• Publisher: H.M. Barone
• Release date: Oct 1, 2016
• ISBN: 9781370214587

H.M. Barone

My name is Heather Barone. I am a single mother of two girls. I have always loved writing, art and photography. I started writing a series nearly ten years ago but it did not completely survive our move, five years ago. After the loss of so much hard work, I decided to write something that was more in tune with my personal beliefs as well as with the adventures I wanted to have. I have always believed that anything a man can do, a woman can do too. That was when I created the characters in my current series.I earn a paycheck at the local ice cream factory, as a janitor. This affords me the free time to write and research for my books. Some of the people I work with may even find bits of themselves scattered in the pages.I am a born again believer in Jesus Christ. I do my best to reflect biblical beliefs in my stories as well. I am not perfect, nor are my characters. I hope you fall in love with them, nonetheless, the same way I have.

Book preview

Milan Courtship

The Zoey Jane Files

By: H.M. Barone

Published by Heather M. Barone at Smashwords

Copyright 2016 Heather M. Barone

Prologue

You look awful," he said flatly.

She arched an amused eyebrow. You’re not looking that fantastic yourself. He’s been keeping you all busy, hasn’t he?

He bobbled his head. Between him, Gemma, Jax and Bri I’ve had my plate pretty full.

"Wait, did you just say a girl’s name in there? she gasped with a hand over her mouth. As in you’ve got a real serious relationship with a human of the opposite gender?"

He folded his arms over his chest and scowled. "She’s seven, Z. Bri and I rescued her. She was kidnapped to try and manipulate her parents."

"Wait, did you just call him Bri? Like the cheese?" Zoey giggled, her hand still over her mouth.

He chuckled. That’s what she said too. But no, evidently he’s had it since he was young. It’s understandable. I’m a little surprised you didn’t think of it too.

Zoey shifted her weight and studied him carefully. I’m impressed, Garrick. You’ve been the glue that’s kept everyone together, haven’t you?

Garrick shrugged. Not really, Z. I think that was more your dad. If it weren’t for him, things would be different now. But enough about me, I came to see how you’re doing and find out what happened to you down there.

She leaned back against the wall and pulled her knees up to her chest. I made it all the way to Panama City on my own. Then, I met up with some old acquaintances who introduced me to new ones. With their help, I made it all the way to Buenos Aries before I got nabbed by Mace and his team.

But you got him, didn’t you? Garrick pressed. You caught Karpov and brought him back with you.

Zoey smiled softly and nodded. Yes, I caught him and brought him home. They shipped him off to Gitmo the day after we returned. They shipped me off to a medical center where my wounds were treated. After keeping me overnight for observation, they remanded me back into Agency custody. I’ve been here ever since.

You haven’t had a trial? he asked, clearly confused.

She shook her head. No, and I don’t expect I will either. Oh, I’m sure there will be some questions and vetting of my information, but for the most part, they’ll keep me here as punishment until they decide where they’re going to send me.

He ran his hand over his head and heaved a sigh. That’s harsh.

She bobbled her head. I’m a fugitive from justice. To be honest, I’m surprised they’ve been as benevolent as they have, so far. They must want me to do something for them.

Thoughtfully he chewed on his lower lip. Your father mentioned something a while back. Your current situation lends credence to that.

Zoey arched a questioning eyebrow. What’s that?

Jax came across some information that suggests your escape may have been a set-up so they could leverage you to handle something they’re having trouble with in Eastern Europe.

That makes sense, I suppose, she murmured. But only time will tell.

There was banging on the door. Zoey pushed herself up and strode to the nearest corner. She faced it and laced her fingers behind her head.

Thanks for the visit, Garrick, she said over her shoulder. I appreciate it.

Take care, Z, he remarked and left the room.

The door banged shut behind him, and Zoey returned to her cot. She folded her arms over her knees, closed her eyes and rested her head on her arms.

*

Z, I’d like you to meet someone, Jax offered as she turned to face him.

Her face lit up as she saw them. With a cry of joy, she launched herself forward and flung her arms around his neck.

Jax, it’s so wonderful to see you, she grinned. Is this who I think it is?

He gave her a look of confusion. "I’m not sure. Who do you think he is?"

Terry stood beside him, clearly at a loss. Zoey took a step back and extended her hand to him.

I’m the bane of Jax’s existence, she quipped, Zoey McGlynn. You must be his college sweetheart?

They looked to one another, befuddled.

Daddy gave me Cliff’s notes, she smiled. I’m so happy for the two of you. Now please, a name?

Terrance, he answered, Burton. Terry, for short.

It’s a pleasure to finally put a name and face with the story, she said. I’m sorry I don’t have anywhere for you to sit. I’m a dangerous fugitive, after all, so they don’t allow me the amenities.

Terry glanced to Jax. He inclined his head slightly.

Yeah . . . Jax ventured. About that . . . What’s the deal? They’ve had you here for a month now.

A whole month? she mused. I wasn’t sure how long it had been. I don’t have a window or a clock, so time feels like it passes differently. I’m sure it’s part of my punishment.

How is your trial going? They haven’t called any of us in for questioning like the last time, Jax persisted.

She shrugged. They won’t call anyone in either. There isn’t going to be a trial. I’m surprised Garrick didn’t tell you as much. Or haven’t you seen each other?

He rubbed his neck and smiled sheepishly. Killian hasn’t had any work for us since you got back, so we’ve been left to our own devices. I’ve been spending most of my time with Terry. Bri’s been with Claudia a lot. Garrick has been visiting Gemma a couple of times a week. I think he’s her godfather or something since he rescued her. Arlene’s been making sure Killian goes to all his appointments with the physical therapist and psychologist. She’s also been keeping him on a short work schedule with plenty of rest. After his scare while, you were away . . .

Zoey’s eyes were bright with moisture. She dropped onto her cot and raked her fingers through her hair.

I saw the picture of you with the pixie cut, he said, abruptly changing the subject. It’s grown out pretty quick since then.

She bobbled her head. I suppose so. I miss it. There isn’t much I can do with it at this length.

Terry gave a knowing smile. I’ve got this girl who could give you some fantastic tips for it. Maybe after . . .

Zoey stood and hurried over. She hugged him gently.

That sounds wonderful. Thank you.

They really haven’t told you what they’re planning to do with you next? Jax pressed.

She shook her head as she stepped back. Garrick said something about Eastern Europe, but the only people I’ve seen, aside from the three of you, have been the guards.

Sooner or later they’ll have to do something with you, Terry stated.

I’d rather it were sooner, she agreed. I’m not one for being locked in a cage.

There was banging on the door. Zoey strode to the nearest corner. She faced it and laced her fingers behind her head.

Thanks for the visit, Jax and Terry, she said over her shoulder. I appreciate it.

Take care, Z, they remarked and left the room.

The door banged shut behind them, and Zoey returned to her cot. She pulled her knees up to her chest and rested her chin on them.

As the pair approached the elevator, they were intercepted by an older man.

Sloan, Jax commented, this is an unexpected surprise.

He inclined his head slightly. I heard you were stopping by to visit Zo today. I thought I would see what you’d found. You have been looking into that for me, haven’t you?

Jax sighed and raked his fingers through his hair. I did, but you’re not going to like the answer I have for you.

I’m sure I won’t, he answered. All the same . . .

He handed Sloan a slip of paper.

Sloan looked at it, nodded and tucked it in his pocket. You’re absolutely certain of this?

I checked it three times, Jax said.

It was Sloan’s turn to sigh. He gave Jax a reassuring pat on the shoulder, turned and headed off down the corridor.

What was that about? Terry asked.

I’ll tell you when we get home, Jax answered. I’m not sure it’s safe to discuss such things here.

Terry shrugged and followed him into the elevator.

*

You must be Claudia, Zoey murmured. Oh Bri, she’s beautiful. I hope you’re keeping him in line.

The older woman inclined his head slightly. More or less, I’ve been keeping him out of trouble.

All right, Z, Briarious scolded, that’s enough out of you.

She gave him a playful wink. Where’s the fun in that?

He thumped her playfully on the shoulder. She cried out and gripped the spot. A look of surprise and dismay spread over his face.

Is that wound still bothering you? he gasped. I’m so sorry. I had no idea.

With a mischievous grin and laugh, she embraced him. That was mean of me. I’m sorry. I couldn’t resist.

Briarious held her out at arm’s length and studied her carefully. Are you serious?

Zoey pulled back her tee shirt to reveal her mostly-healed bullet wound. Yes, I’m serious. Leila did an impressive job stitching me up on the fly. When they got me into custody, I was taken straight to the medical center where they patched me up even better. They released me after less than forty-eight hours and remanded me here.

Still no word on whether they’re going to have a trial? he asked, abruptly changing the subjects.

Zoey shook her head. How long since I got back? I’ve got no real way of telling time in here.

Briarious was silent and pensive for a minute.

It’s been about six weeks since he told me you were back, Claudia volunteered.

She nodded slowly. "I expect they’ll drag me in for questioning any day now, then. After that will be the vetting process and then comes the sentencing. Both Garrick and Jax said something about problems in Eastern Europe. What can you tell me, Bri?"

He ran a hand over his braids and heaved a sigh. "All I know for sure is there are a few big terrorist organizations out of that corner of the world right now. The heaviest hitters are a group who call themselves Nex Addo. They’ve claimed over half a dozen bombings of embassies, consulates and religious buildings belonging to United States allies."

"Nex Addo? You’re certain that’s what they call themselves? Zoey pressed. What do we know about them?"

Yes, I’m certain that’s their name, why? Briarious responded.

That is Croatian for Death-bringers, she said. From your lack of response, you don’t know what the government has on this group.

He shook his head.

Not even newsgroups can get close enough to find out much about them, Claudia stated. I’d be surprised if the government has anything on them.

Zoey inclined her head slightly. You hear a lot in your line of work, don’t you? You’d make a fabulous . . .

Don’t even think about it, Z, Briarious snapped. I know that look you get when you’re trying to pull someone into the life. I won’t have you putting Claudia in danger like that.

She took a step back and frowned. "I’m hurt that you’d even think I would consider putting her in danger. No, I was thinking about ways for me to get in close. Bartenders, servers and bus boys probably hear all sorts of things they don’t even realize they hear. I’ll have to tuck that nugget away for later. It was lovely to have met you, Claudia. I wish you and Bri all the happiness in the world."

Claudia smiled sweetly. Thank you.

There was banging on the door. Zoey strode to the nearest corner. She faced it and laced her fingers behind her head.

Thanks for the visit, Bri, Claudia, she said over her shoulder. I appreciate it.

Take care, Z, they remarked and left the room.

The door banged shut behind them, and Zoey returned to her cot. She pulled her knees up to her chest and rested her chin on them.

*

The door banged open. She scrambled to her feet and hurried to the nearest corner. Her hands were barely behind her head when they were jerked down behind her back and secured.

Let’s go, he directed. They’re ready to talk to you now.

Aren’t I a lucky girl? she quipped, lifted her chin and rolled her shoulder back.

Behave yourself, now, he instructed. I’ve been given permission to Taze you if you can’t play nice.

She glanced at him with a sweet smile and a playful wink. Behaving is overrated. Lucky for you, I have no further plans to cause trouble.

They rode the elevator up to the eighteenth floor in silence. Zoey shifted her shoulders as she leaned back against the wall. After a moment, she took half a step closer to her guard and lifted his handcuff keys. She freed herself and returned the key as the doors to the elevator slid open. As they strode down the hall toward the room where the tribunal was held, she gripped the cuffs to give the illusion of restraint.

He opened the door and ushered her to a single chair in front of the now-familiar table. She met the chairwoman’s gaze, winked and turned to the guard.

Thank you, old boy, she patted his shoulder, draping the cuffs over them, that’ll be all for now.

Gracefully, she lighted on the chair. She sat up straight with her shoulders rolled back, and her chin lifted high. Wordlessly, she met the gaze of each member of the tribunal.

After a minute of stunned silence, the chairwoman nodded to the guard. Thank you, Howard. I’ll let you know when we’re ready for you to take her back.

He inclined his head slightly, as he retrieved his cuffs from his shoulder, turned and left the room.

The woman folded her arms over her chest, leaned back in her chair and studied Zoey with a quiet regard.

I must say, Miss McGlynn, she announced at length. We were all extremely impressed with your performance in Central and South America. You saved us possible years of work to remove some of the most dangerous cartel wet-work teams in those regions.

Well, if you know about all the cartel goons I helped eliminate, what are we doing sitting around here? Zoey smirked. I’m sure you’re all terribly important people who have much better things to do in this Agency than to waste your time playing twenty questions with little ol’ me.

The woman’s gaze narrowed and she studied Zoey carefully. Not at all, Miss McGlynn, she retorted. "We have nothing but time to devote to getting to the truth of exactly what happened around you while you were fleeing justice. So, why don’t you regale us with your adventures? Start with your escape from custody, if you would."

Zoey cracked a smile, inclined her head slightly and leaned back in her chair.

*

His hands slid slowly up her back. Her soft skin was warm beneath his fingertips. A quiet sigh escaped her. His lips pressed gently against hers. Slowly, his hands continued up over her shoulders and into her hair. His fingers tangled in her short hair. He pressed against her and teased her tongue with his.

She clung to him as though afraid he would vanish. A small noise of pleasure slipped from her lips.

I never thought I’d see you again, he breathed in her mouth.

I’m afraid this may be our last time seeing each other, she murmured, pulled away slightly and rested her head on his chest.

I know, he replied quietly, so I want you to listen to me, Z, and listen well.

Emerald eyes stared intensely up at him. Her expression was serene and gentle.

It wasn’t your fault, what happened to me, he explained. I never once blamed you or held you responsible.

Her gaze dropped to the floor. She took half a step back.

He caught her hands and pulled her close. Gently, he hooked his index finger under her chin and lifted her eyes to meet his.

Zoey, his tone demanded her acknowledgment, this was never your burden to bear. It was never your responsibility. Granted, no innocents were harmed, but what you did was unnecessary.

A silent, unwanted tear slid down her cheek. Her lower lip trembled uncontrollably.

I was the only one who could stop him, she managed at length. "I never meant for you to get hurt and I don’t blame myself for that. What I do blame myself for is acting so recklessly in the first place. I should have gone after him right after the funeral incident, alone. I’m not proud of all the lives lost, however, it was kept to cartel members, criminals."

His brow furrowed in concern. Are you . . . I’m not sure I understand what you’re saying Z.

I’m saying . . . I’m not sorry for the way things played out while I was hunting him, she said softly. I only regret involving those I care about.

A heart-wrenching sadness filled his dark brown eyes. He gave a quiet sigh and placed a gentle hand on her cheek. Lightly, he played his thumb over her lips.

Zoey . . .

She placed her hand atop his. I’m sorry, she managed. I’m not as strong as we thought. I’ve . . . I’ve fallen. I’m just not able to get back up again.

There was banging on the door. Killian took her face in his hands and kissed her breathless. Zoey strode to the nearest corner. She faced it and laced her fingers behind her head.

Thank you for the visit, my love, she said over her shoulder. I appreciate it.

"When you realize you can’t do it alone, he murmured, and when you understand you don’t have to."

The door banged shut behind him, and Zoey returned to her cot. She pulled her knees up to her chest and rested her chin on them.

Chapter One

You are out of your mind, she grumbled. I left for a reason."

"If you give them another six months, Milan Gelashvili, leader of the Nex Addo and his organization they won’t put you away for life, Sloan explained. They’ll count it as time served."

She heaved a soft sigh, ran her fingers through her hair and leaned back against the wall. For a long while, she stared up at the ceiling.

"And they thought if you presented their proposal I’d be less likely to turn it down, she murmured. It won’t end with Gelashvili and the Nex Addo if I can even do it on my own. You know that. It’ll always be one more operation. That’s the way things work in this would."

He gave his head a slow shake. They said they would put it in writing.

With another frustrated sigh, she jammed her fingers into her hair and closed her eyes. How much time do I have? she questioned quietly. To make a decision, I mean.

Sloan closed his eyes, shook his head and gave a soft sigh. Twenty-four hours, at the most.

Slowly, her eyes opened, and she nodded. Then I will use every last second allowed to carefully and prayerfully consider this.

He gave a heavy sigh, turned and nodded. I will inform them of your current standing.

At that, he banged on the door. She strode to the opposite corner, faced it and interlaced her fingers behind her head. It was second nature now.

As the door swung open, Sloan stopped. I nearly forgot: you don’t need to hide it anymore. If you accept, you have permission to wear it. What shall I tell Killian?

For a long minute, she hesitated. At last, she reached into her bra, withdrew it and slid it onto her left hand, covering the red thread tattoo. With that, she returned her hands behind her head.

He’ll be overjoyed, he beamed, as am I. Congratulations, Zo.

You still have to endure the next twenty-four hours before you start making any sort of plans, she retorted. I’ve said yes" to him, but I’m still undecided about their offer."

Fair enough. The door closed behind him with a resounding bang.

Her hands slid silently to her sides. A soft sigh escaped her. At last, she dropped to her knees, threw herself onto her cot and wept quietly.

She didn’t realize she had fallen asleep until she startled awake. There were no windows in the cell, giving her no inkling as to how long she had slept. It was disorienting and unnerving, despite all of her training. She knew it was part of their tactics, their punishment. By the way, everyone spoke, she had been held for nearly two months.

With a quiet growl, she pushed herself to her feet. She strode to the center of the room where she began her daily workout. It gave her focus and distraction all at once. She pushed herself until her muscles screamed and her clothing was drenched in sweat.

After several more repetitions, she dragged herself to her feet and strode to the door. She tapped at it until someone outside banged in response. At that, she moved to the nearest corner, faced it and laced her fingers behind her head.

What? he demanded.

Shower and clean clothes? she requested gently.

Fine, he grumbled, let’s go. You know the drill.

She followed him out of her cell and down the hall. He stopped outside the ladies’ locker room.

Fifteen minutes and no funny business, he growled. Cindy will be here when you get done.

Zoey nodded. Thank you.

She pushed the door open, took a clean change of clothes from the designated locker, draped them over the shower wall, turned on the hot water, stripped down and stepped beneath the torrent. An audible sigh of relief slipped past her lips. After several minutes, she began washing her hair and body. Finally, she turned the water off, toweled herself dry and dressed.

How is it looking today, Agent Teech? she queried.

Healing quite nicely. It’ll be just like the others before you know it, the younger woman answered. Is it true? Have you agreed to do it? I’ve heard the stories of his atrocities: all those consulates, churches, and embassies he bombed.

What’s that? Zoey questioned. Have I agreed to do what? I’m not sure I follow you.

There’s talk of you coming back, Cindy explained, of you going after Gelashvili. That it’ll keep you out of Gitmo.

Zoey gave a heavy sigh. I’m still contemplating which is the lesser of the two evils. While I am at peace with them throwing me into Gitmo . . . I just don’t see myself being there for too long. And I’d rather be the one leading my team than going in to bail them out and being further beholden to these cretins.

A startled look of surprise crossed the younger woman’s face. It seems you’ve already given this a great deal of thought.

Zoey handed her dirty clothes to Cindy and followed her back to the holding cell. As the door shut with a resounding bang, Zoey dropped onto the cot. She drew her knees up to her chest, folded her arms over them and rested her head on her arms.

Sooner than she expected, the door to her cell swung open. She rose and moved to the corner where she laced her fingers behind her head.

Was Cindy telling the truth? asked her father’s voice from the doorway. His tone was hopeful.

That depends on what Agent Teech told you, Zoey replied softly.

She said you have chosen to accept the offer to retrieve Gelashvili, he stated, "and the Nex Addo."

Zoey’s head and shoulders slumped slightly. Yes. She spoke the truth. I’d rather lead my team than be forced to rescue them later. Though I’m sure this will come back to haunt me, I’m in no position to demand the agreement in writing.

Well then, I’ll be back for you in a while, he responded and closed the door with a resounding bang. I need to deliver your decision to the tribunal.

She gave a heavy sigh and dropped back onto her cot. Before long, as promised, her father returned. He cuffed her hands behind her back and escorted her out of her cell.

They rode the elevator in silence. Her shoulders slouched forward, and her head drooped slightly. There was a slow sullenness to her step.

Are you ready? Sloan questioned, stopping in front of the door.

She rolled her shoulders back and lifted her chin. As ready as I’ll ever be, she breathed.

He nodded, opened the door and ushered her into the room. The council waited at their table.

Have a seat, Miss McGlynn, the woman directed.

I’ll stand if you don’t mind, Zoey replied softly.

The woman inclined her head slightly. Have it your way.

Sloan tells us you have accepted our offer? the man to the woman’s right stated.

I have one small condition, Zoey said quietly, if you don’t mind?

That’s brazen, snorted the man on the right end of the table.

Zoey stood silent, waiting for a response from the others. Her emerald eyes studied each of the seven.

All right, the woman responded at length, what is it?

Zoey inclined her head slightly. "I would like to use my team for the operation if I may. I know and trust them. They are good at what they do, and they’ll handle themselves well with this."

A soft murmur of surprise rose from the table. Zoey gave a faint half-smile of amusement. This was clearly not the request they were expecting.

That is an acceptable request, Miss McGlynn, the man on the left end of the table announced.

You and your team are to leave tomorrow at zero-six-hundred, the woman stated. You may release her, Sloan.

With a nod, he unlocked the handcuffs. Zoey nodded her gratitude and followed him out of the room.

You can collect your things downstairs, from Kevin, he stated as they stepped onto the elevator. He’ll be your new handler.

Yes, sir, she answered quietly.

The elevator dinged softly as the doors slid open. For a moment, she hesitated. Her companions milled around in the lobby. Killian was the first to spot her. He rushed over and swept her into his strong arms and a bottomless kiss. The others crowded around her chattering joyfully.

What’s the plan, Boss? Briarious asked over the noise of the group.

Zoey looked to him, Garrick and Jax. "If you three gentlemen are interested and available, I’m in need of a team to back me in Europe while I try to bring down a dangerous man by the name of Milan Gelashvili and his terrorists Nex Addo."

Killian still had a firm arm around her waist. He studied her carefully as she spoke. His brow furrowed with concern.

I’m not sure I follow you, love, Killian murmured. What are you talking about?

She took half a step back and looked up at him with a soft, sad smile. I was given a choice: Gitmo for the rest of my life or six months and Milan Gelashvili.

He groaned softly and then noticed her left hand. You’re serious.

"Of course, I’m serious, she replied gently. I want you to stay here, though, love. You still need to rest and recover. If they agree, Briarious and the guys will keep you informed of my movements. I’m sure they’ll also do their best to keep me safe. Besides, you’re on the verge of building a great empire. I can’t get in the way of that."

Killian took hold of her wrist and held up her left hand. "I meant you’re serious about this. I know they will take care of you as best they can. I know your new handler will do his best, and I know you will come home to me safe and whole."

Oh, yes, I accept your proposal, dear heart, she beamed, wrapped her arms around his neck and kissed him with ardor. I’m the happiest woman in the world to have you ask me. I think you’re completely mad, but I love you more than anyone in the world, and I’m honored to be your fiancé. Daddy said he was going to tell you.

Arlene squealed with delight. She jumped up and down flinging her arms around the pair’s necks. As realization swept through their companions, congratulations went around.

We need to celebrate this, Arlene insisted.

"I’m afraid that is going to be quite impossible, Zoey said quietly. We leave at zero-six-hundred tomorrow morning and will be gone for at least six months."

This time, the murmur was more filled with concern. Oh, Z, Killian sighed, really?

She inclined her head slightly. Sadly.

He glanced to Sloan, for confirmation. The older man dipped his head.

Is this your team, Agent McGlynn? asked a voice behind her. All six of them?

Zoey shook her head and motioned to Garrick, Jax, and Briarious. Just these three gentlemen here . . . if they’re willing.

The three men looked to one another. They nodded.

Life has been terribly dull without you, Z, Briarious remarked.

Bri’s right, Garrick agreed. And who would watch your back if we don’t?

We agree, the team . . . down south did an admirable job, Jax added, but this is a whole different ball game you’re talking about.

Kevin shrugged. As long as you all have things sorted, that’s all that matters. I trust you to meet me at the airport tomorrow morning.

Zoey inclined her head slightly. Track me however you like, or take my word for it.

Her new handler glanced to her father. The older man shrugged.

I’m sure you don’t want another international manhunt for you, so I’ll take you at your word, Kevin remarked.

With a graceful bow, Zoey motioned for her companions to leave the building. Arlene and Jo led the way. Garrick, Briarious, and Jax followed the two women. Killian took Zoey by the hand and started out the doors. She glanced at her father. He nodded slightly. Zoey blew him a kiss and waved farewell.

The group piled into a waiting limousine. Killian pulled Zoey onto his lap, buried his fingers in her hair and kissed her with fervor. Her companions talked and laughed around them.

Zoey was lost in Killian. Her dainty form responded to his touch, his body, and his desire. She straddled him, her fingers tangled in his long hair. His fingers gripped her haunches, holding her firmly against him. His touch strayed beneath the edge of her tee shirt. She caught his wrist and tangled her fingers with his.

No, love, she breathed in his mouth, "not like this. We can wait, it’ll be worth it. You know that."

I know, he managed. I just . . .

She adjusted herself to sit beside him, draping her legs over his lap. Her gaze turned to her companions.

All right, gentlemen, Zoey remarked, who’s got keys to the safe houses?

Garrick held up a set of keys. I have some.

I have the other set, Briarious chimed in. What are they for . . . Boss?

We need to gear up for a long haul, she explained. "We’re going . . . I’m going into deep cover, and you’re my backup, my lifeline. We all need to be as well-equipped as possible. I’ll explain my . . . alias to you en-route. Of course, I suggest we drop these lovely ladies off with their gentlemen before we do so. I’ll also make sure to get