“If he’s anything like you, it is most likely deserved.”
He laughed, and they walked back to the cottage. There was a vehicle parked in front, and Zara stiffened until she realized nothing in Noah’s body language indicated there was cause for alarm. It was an expensive convertible sports car. In most places, it would be wildly out of place, but in Monaco, it fit right in.
“That fool leaning against the car is Thom Lynden. My guess is he decided to wait where I could see him.”
“Ah, so the brains of the operation.”
“Careful, sweetheart. Just because your ass is still sporting those welts, don’t think I won’t give you a good swat when you need it.”
Deciding to take the bull by the horns, she called to Thom, “Does your employer know his field operatives have a bad habit of beating the women in their protection?”
Noah laughed as did Thom, who called back, “Not only does he probably know, I’m sure they have his full support.”
“Jesus, I’m doomed.” She extended her hand. “Noah says you’re Thom Lynden. I’m Zara Hughes.”
“I’m aware, Ms. Hughes…”
“Zara, please.”
Thom nodded. “Zara, then. I’m a big fan. This guy been taking care of you?”
She looped her arm through Thom’s as she led him back to the house.
“In ways you can’t even begin to imagine.”
Thom looked haplessly over his shoulder at Noah.
“Oh, don’t be afraid of the big bad wolf. He’s really rather pleasant as long as he gets laid often and well.”
Zara smiled as Thom blushed, and Noah laughed.
“Don’t worry about the supplies. I’ll be happy to bring them in,” Noah said, still laughing.
Chapter 15
Thom was surprised. He wasn’t sure what he’d expected, but a laughing, teasing, flirtatious Zara Hughes wasn’t it. The fact Noah seemed far removed from the usual lethal presence he presented to the world was quite interesting. Zara was the furthest thing any of them had ever expected of Noah. As much as they teased him about finding a hellion, they’d always believed he really would settle down with a quiet girl without a lot of spirit. Zara was the antithesis of that, yet it was easy to tell Noah was besotted. And unless Thom was wrong, Zara felt the same way about him.
He hated being the one who would have to burst their bubble, but they needed to be brought up to speed. They needed to know, so Zara could be kept safe, and Wild Mustang could get the situation with Fariq resolved once and for all.
Noah entered the cottage with groceries and other provisions, feeling inordinately happy until he got a good look at Thom’s face. The man couldn’t play poker to save his life.
Putting the groceries down, he accepted Zara’s embrace before saying, “What’s wrong, Thom?”
Zara looked between the two men.
“It’s Fariq. The FBI took him into custody and promptly lost him.”
“Fucking Feebies,” Noah cursed.
“Feebies?” Zara asked.
“The FBI—Feeble Brained Idiots,” Thom explained.
“That’s not nice, Noah,” she said.
“Maybe not, but in this instance… accurate,” Noah snarled.
Zara turned back to Thom, “What do you mean, lost him?”
“They were transporting him using a commercial airline,” said Thom. “There was a layover, and according to the Feebies, he just sort of slipped away.”
“And Reid?” asked Noah, in a tone that said he already knew the answer.
“He’s in the wind as well,” said Thom. “Finn is pretty upset.”
“She’s worried about him?” Noah asked.
“No, she wouldn’t be,” said Zara. “She’d be upset he appears to be a part of this. That won’t sit well with Finn. If she’s fallen for Croft, the fact Reid is involved in something that could get all of you hurt is going to royally piss her off.”
“Actually, I think she’s most upset since we’re pretty sure he’s the one who put the hit out on you. And, speaking of that, we’ve let it be known you are under our protection.”
“That may dissuade some. Have they gone outside their own organization to get the job done?” Noah asked, concern evident in his voice.
“Unfortunately, that’s what we’re hearing.”
“How secure are we here?” Noah asked.
“Very. This place has been in the works for a couple of months, and I think it would be even harder to breach than Wales, but Mac…” Thom looked from Zara to Noah and back. “Do you want to talk in private?”
Noah could feel Zara’s body stiffen.
“In a perfect world, yes.”
“Noah…” she said threateningly.
“I know, sweetheart.” He kissed her to reassure her. “I didn’t end up with that nice quiet girl I thought I wanted. This hellcat would have my guts for garters if I tried to freeze her out.”
“What makes you think I wouldn’t go for your private parts?” she asked archly.
“Because you are way too fond of them,” he rejoined, making Thom laugh and Zara smile.
“Mac wants us to conference this afternoon. He’s inclined to pull you back to headquarters.”
“The story is here,” Zara said.
“The story is nowhere as far as you’re concerned,” Noah growled. “But I’m not sure I think we need to hunker down. I don’t think that’s the right play, and I’ll tell Mac that. When does he want to talk?”
“I told him I wanted to get the last things done here while it’s still light.”
Noah nodded. What he really dreaded was Zara’s reaction when he told Mac he thought Zara should be back with them. She would be safer in Mesa, but she’d fight him tooth and nail. Hopefully, Avery was already en route to whisk Thom and Zara back to the States.
“Noah, I could use some help getting some of this set up. Either you or Zara, doesn’t matter.”
“I’ll take care of it. Zara, do you want to come with us or just stay up here?”
“Would you mind if I stayed up here?” she asked Noah.
“Not at all. I just didn’t want you to think you were being excluded.”
“I appreciate it. I think I’ll just hang out.”
Thom and Noah left and headed to the car Thom had driven to pick up the gear that was needed.
“I never thought I’d live to see the day…” Thom started.
“Watch it. That’s my woman, and I’m rather particular about the way anybody, including you, talks about her. You want to give me shit, feel free to do that in front of her, but you don’t say anything that would embarrass her. This isn’t easy on her. Hell, I’m not easy, period. So, I won’t have anybody contributing to that.”
Thom stopped, putting his hand on his friend’s arm.
“You’ve fallen for her,” he said incredulously. “I mean, I figured you were sleeping with her and… other things,” he stumbled. “But you’re planning a future with her.”