17
LIAM
MARGARET LOOKS SHOCKED to see Ford walk through the door. Her assumption was probably that he died in the blaze, and we haven’t gotten around to discussing that part of the story since I got her out of the place where Anton was keeping her.
I’m still trying to figure out how she hasn’t gone hysterical from everything that’s happened. It would be the normal reaction, something like how she acted at first when she thought I was going to get her murdered, which I’ve almost done twice now.
It baffles me, but at the same time I find relief in knowing she hasn’t run scared from what I’ve shared with her. Whether I like it or not, she’s become important to me, and a small sliver of me hopes when I end this mission, when this is all over, she’ll let me try again. I hope she’ll give me a second chance so I can try to have a normal—or somewhat normal—relationship with her.
Relationship…fuck.
I never thought I’d say those words; I was determined to be the perpetual bachelor my entire life, but then Mo walked into it and changed everything I’d ever thought was important. Now the only thing I can think about is how to fix this mess I’ve made and get us both to a place where that can become real.
When I left her in exchange for Mike’s family, I was sure I was never going to see her again, but when I got the call from Anton, I knew I couldn’t let her be killed by that asshole. The fucking dick was so cocky, and by the time he’d sent me the location of where she was being held, I was already on my way, following the tracker I’d put in the phone.
When I asked my contacts about his whereabouts, several people knew where he was because it was where the heavy dealers picked up their ‘quota’ for the week, as they told me. They also told me it changed every week and I should hurry if I wanted to find them.
I didn’t waste time. It’d already been two days since he’d blown up the safe house and taken her, and when I heard her yelling through the phone, when I heard the punch that hit flesh, I saw red. I was going to do to him whatever he did to her and worse.
I knew she was strong and wouldn’t let him get to her, but I was worried that her mouth was going to get her into some serious trouble before I could find her.
Fucking Mo and her stubbornness—it’s as hot as it is irritating.
Having Margaret in my life has changed a lot of things for me. In the short amount of time I’ve known her, I’ve let her get under my skin in a way no one has before. I’d never even been concerned with my own family because no one knows who I really am. That’s been hidden deep, deep in the alcoves of the FBI’s system, never to be released or used ever again.
“What—how—” Margaret stumbles over her words, staring in shock as he walks into the room. “You’re alive!” she blurts out.
“Yes, I am, though not for lacking of trying on the Russians’ part.”
She shakes her head. “What about Agent James? Is she…?”
“She’s okay, in the hospital resting. She took the brunt of the explosion, unfortunately, but she’s tough and will probably try to attempt to escape out from under the doctors’ noses.”
“Oh, thank goodness she’s all right.” Margaret holds a hand to her chest and looks to me as she blinks and smiles shyly. “Oh, Liam…this is…uh…” She looks to Ford, but I speak first.
“I know who he is,” I say, not liking that he was so efficient in getting here. I was expecting more time with Margaret before he arrived. Now, I know she’s going to be pissed at me. “This is Ford. He’ll be taking you somewhere safe.” I don’t have to wait long before her protest comes.
“‘Take me’? What do you me he’s taking me somewhere?” Margaret turns all her attention on me, folding her arms under her boobs, which pushes them up. I catch a glimpse of her cleavage and can’t help but look. She’s trying to intimidate me and it’s cute, but I barely have to try to make my stance more intimidating before she glances back at Ford, breaking eye contact with me.
“Until I can figure out what’s going on, I have to get you somewhere safe,” I say, reaching for one of her hands.
Her eyes become big and her concern blantant. “No,” she argues, shaking her head. “I go with you.”
I sigh because I knew she’d fight me, and it’s harder to be strict with her when all I want is her to be with me, all the time. I look to Ford and he takes the hint, going out into the hall to give us a minute alone.
“Margaret, I know you want to come, and I admire your strength with everything you’ve been through. It’s absolutely frightening how strong you’ve been.” I take her other hand and draw her closer; it’s a strange yet comforting feeling. “But this isn’t safe.” I hold my finger over her mouth when she tries to interrupt. “I’ve almost lost you twice—I can’t do it again.”
“Don’t be such a condescending asshole, Liam,” she says, practically spitting the words. For someone who’s had little to no nutrients, she sure is feisty. “I’m with you through the end here, and I have to get back at Anton. I am the one he messed with, so I want to be the one who takes him out.”
This—this right here is why I don’t get attached to women. They’re fucking crazy. I love that Margaret is tough, but putting her life on the line—again—it not going to happen. “Mo, I cannot let you come with me. It’s not safe.” I cup my hands on the sides of her jaw and pull her closer. “When this is over, I’ll come get you, and maybe we can have a do-over of that first date.”
The fight seems to drain from her body at my words, and I feel her lean into me. Taking advantage of the situation, I keep hold of her jaw with one hand and pull her hips to mine with the other. I lean in, take her mouth with my own, and taste her.
God. It’s as amazing as it was the first time, and I can’t imagine depriving myself of this for the rest of my life. We battle for dominance and eventually she relents, letting me control the kiss and tipping her head just right to get a better angle.
After a minute, I pull my lips from hers, but I stay close. I open my eyes and laugh lightly at her still-closed eyes then give her another peck on the lips, prompting her to open her eyes again.
“I don’t want to leave you.” Her whispered admission rocks my heart. I’ve never had someone say that to me, have never had someone care before.