The door slammed behind him and Liam gulped for air. Now Sherry was safe. If they had to live in a bunker for the rest of their lives, it would be better than how he felt right now. The CIA drilled in his head not to care, but that was impossible when it came to Sherry. All his life he thought about her and wanted a chance to prove himself to her.
The library was the last place they should go.
Joe, her huge dog, jumped up to her shoulders as she struggled to unzip herself. The second her jacket was open, she leaned down and petted him, "Are we taking your car in the garage?"
Her curves were clear in that skirt in her position. He sucked in his lips for a moment as he tried to think of his argument.
"We're not going to meet Vladimir."
Joe's tail wagged as she stood up and crossed her arms.
"Yes we are."
"No, absolutely not."
She had to be safe. Nothing else mattered. He stood taller. There was no way she'd meet Vladimir. As he outed himself, the CIA just needed time to capture him. The FBI and Secret Service also now had jurisdiction as his brother, the US senator, was threatened on a recorded call.
"Let the authorities handle this."
"Yeah right." She widened her stance and gazed into his eyes. "Look, I don't want to die today, so I want your protection, but I can't live my life wondering what's around every corner. I need you with me but I will go alone."
"Don't be crazy."
If he drugged her again, even if it was to keep her safe, he'd never see her again. His mind raced to find a way to keep her here, where he could protect her.
She lifted her chin, "I won't, as long as you're there to help."
No. She trusted him. Now he had to honor that trust with his life. His skin grew cold.
"We can't give him the files."
She shook her head and tapped her foot.
"I can't spend my life in hiding."
The plan to meet a criminal face to face was on the list of bad ideas. There had to be a way for her to see that.
"The files are government property."
She shrugged, "Then think of something to do because I want this to end."
He raised his eyebrows without otherwise moving. "So you will risk your life?"
Without blinking, she held out her hands and said, "I don't see it that way if you come with me."
Her ice cream sundae flavor wafted in his nostrils. His skin tingled with nerves, and he couldn't think. No, he'd not turn into who he was in high school again. Years of training should go in his head, but all he could see was her walking out the door and then dying in his arms. He reached out and took her hands.
"I won't let anything happen to you."
"I know."
She leaned into his chest and he licked his lips to quench his thirst for her. Her smile told him that she believed in him, and he couldn't let her down.
She then said, "Liam..." she inched closer to him, her soft skin near his sent a vibration through him. "this Valentine's day..."
If only they were having a simple day, where he could shower her with flowers and tell her that he always loved her. It was too soon, and he was usually so carefree when it came to women. Everything about Sherry was different. He licked his lips. "We'll celebrate tonight, when everything is done."
Her eyes widened and he stepped away. She followed. "Good. So, do you have a plan?"
No. Nothing came to mind. Her plan made no sense. He'd have to figure out a way to make her bullet proof as he'd not lose her. The clock struck three and the grandfather clock in the corner chimed. When the sound ended, he let her hands go.
"I'm working on it. Let's get going."
She tugged his arm and pulled him close again.
"Wait."
He tilted his head, "What for?"
"This." Her hands wrapped around his neck and she pressed her lips to his. Embers coursed through his blood, making him hard but eager. He wrapped his arms around her waist and kissed her.
She tasted better than berries. He suckled on her lip and a deep sigh came out of her tender lips.
His heart beat fast.
The moment she stepped out of his embrace, he was powerless to say anything. He licked his lips to get the extra taste of ice cream.
He struggled to say something, but quietly asked, "What was that for?"
She smiled as she hugged her waist.
"I don't want to die without having kissed you."
"We should stay here then and be safe."
Sherry should not put herself in any danger. She should stay in his home. He'd protect her.
"This ends today." She grabbed his jacket and zipped him up. "We're going."
He reached into his back pocket and found his keys. "You're crazy."
"Think of a plan fast, Liam." Joe raced behind her as she headed toward the garage door. He twirled his keys in his hand, unable to think of a logical argument. Then he followed them to his car.
Sherry loaded Joe in the backseat and he still hadn't stopped this. Once Joe was settled she went to the side door and opened it herself. Without a word, he slid into the driver's seat.
"I was jealous when I read your name linked with Victor's. You deserve the best."
"Open the gate and let's get going."
She pressed her hand on his shoulder. A shudder rushed through him as he followed her directions. Once he had the car outside and on the street, she pushed her hair behind her ear and said, "You were jealous?"
He hit the brakes and the car jerked. Joe barked. There had to be a way to keep Sherry safe and have a carefree date tonight. He had to think. He lurched the car forward and then nodded his head.
"You are worth far more. You deserve love."
"Maybe tonight, after you arrest Vladimir."
Arrest. Yes. The word made him think about work. He'd need to find a way to ensure enough police were around that no one could get away, if Vladimir was going to show up in the library. The thoughts raced in his mind.
"I never understood why you didn't speak to me."
He turned the corner but saw how her brown hair shone in the bright sun that was about to set. He turned away to not be burned from the radiance.
"You're the most beautiful creature I ever met. I had no idea what to say."
"Liam..."
Her hand brushed against his shoulder. Then he remembered the safe house on Elm. If they hurried, they could make it there and get supplies. He gritted his teeth. "Wait. I have a plan. We'll have to be fast."
She massaged him. "I knew I could count on you."
A few minutes later, he parked inside the garage on Elm. 'Ace' and 'Elma' came through the garage door as he opened his door. Joe barked, but stayed next to him when he opened the backseat.
Ace nodded his head, "Black Falcon, the boss wants to speak to you."
Liam glanced at his phone and saw three missed calls. He needed to ensure as much protection on Sherry as he could get.
"Elma, get Sherry suited up while I talk to him."
Sherry clutched his arm.
"I don't think Vladimir will talk to me if I show up in full armor."
Her face was white.
Elma then stepped forward which caused Joe to bark. "We can get your suited up underneath your pretty outfit."
Liam nodded and petted Joe who calmed down.
"Thanks Elma."
Sherry let his hand go and followed her. Liam clutched his phone as he watched her walk into the house as Elma said, "The First Lady wears fashion over her protection all the time. The press just makes comments on her weight, but better to be joked about and live, is my opinion."
At the door, Liam called out, "Elma... be nice to her. I want her back in two minutes."
"More like five. It takes a few minutes to dress, Black Falcon," Elma answered.
Liam and Sherry stared. He nodded at her to somehow say 'I'll be right here for you.' He had no idea if she understood, but she smiled and went inside with Elma.
Ace told him, "Call now."
Liam dialed as he walked into the house with Ace and Joe at his tail. Joe ran to the bedroom where Sherry was and then back toward him in the kitchen area.
Nebraska, his boss, answered on the second ring and instead of hello he launched into business. "Status report."
Liam paced the room and walked into the living area, checking all windows. "Vladimir Kravenski called and wants the information."
"We don't have a warrant for him."
He let his fingers trace every piece of furniture in the house, from the coffee table to the desk. "I have his phone conversation recorded where he said the file was his."
"I received it, but I cannot authorize you to give any files to him."
"I understand." Liam answered as he took a blank tracer from the desk in the living room and pocketed it without a word to Ace or Nebraska. "I will need the FBI undercover but close."
"They owe you a favor for catching Boroni a few months ago." Nebraska coughed. "I'll have people outside the library, but let me repeat. You are not authorized to hand over anything."
"I understand." Liam glanced at the bedroom door. A moment later, Sherry came out and Joe went to her side immediately. Liam then told his boss. "I'll call with a status update soon."
He hung up the phone. Then he went to meet Sherry halfway, in the hall. His hands traced her neck and his lips tingled to kiss her. He couldn't though. She sighed and lowered her eyelids. "Yes?"
"Come here." He studied her ear and checked her wire. Then he took the other piece and placed it on his ear. "Your earring are our means to communicate."
"I thought it strange the CIA wanted me to wear faux diamond studs."
His fingers lingered on her neck. There was no way she should walk into this. He swallowed. "I'll get you real ones."
"You don't have to."
"Tonight, we celebrate Valentine's."
"Now that I accept."
He stepped away and let his hands fall to his sides. "I'll hear everything you do without you having to lean one way or the other. It's important that you act natural."
Ace tipped his Celtics cap as he led her to the car. Then he picked up an assault rifle. "We'll be close by Black Falcon."
"Thanks."
He then helped Joe and Sherry and retook the driver’s seat. If he couldn't talk her out of this, then he'd do everything in his power to keep her safe. He refused to let the woman he had always loved die because of him. He'd rather die protecting her.