Chapter 22

Maria

Hours had gone by. Again.

I wasn't certain I could ever manage to stand this kind of concern and anxiety when my husband left the house on unknown business. Although I certainly had a sense of what he was doing this lovely humid evening.

Spilling blood. Copious volumes of it.

It was disgusting to me but obviously a usual part of the man's life. I remained pacing the floors, moving from room to room. All the while, another soldier sat like a vulture, lifting his head when I passed by heading into the kitchen for another glass of wine then returning. On the third pass, I noticed he was reading a book while sitting in a hardback chair under the harsh lights of the foyer.

Who did that?

And the man seemed perfectly content, as if he was thoroughly used to the scene, his duties as a soldier-slash-bodyguard. I finally stopped only a few feet short, studying the large man intently. Maybe I hadn't paid him much attention before, but he was quite good looking in a boyish kind of way, his long blond hair pulled back into a ponytail. Had it been before?

What I also noticed was how extensive the cuts and bruises were on his face. Had that been from the accident? Certainly, they must be. Or had he been in a bar fight? Or worse?

I wasn't positive of his name even though I'd heard it at least twice and that troubled me. I was usually very good with names, which led me to believe I was still unsettled from the whirlwind week.

Well, duh. Of course you are.

My inner voice had been knocking me more than it had been before, encouraging me to tell the man I'd married the truth. But to what end? Death to either Maria, myself, or her family? I couldn't allow that to happen.

I wasn't certain how to broach a conversation but when I noticed he was reading Tom Clancy, I laughed involuntarily. "Executive Orders?" I asked.

When he lifted his head, I was stunned by the warmth in his bright green eyes. I hadn't noticed them before either. What was wrong with me? Had I forgotten all my manners, acting as if he was the hired help when I should be in that position? Instead of the harsh way Kane always looked at me, as if I was destroying his buddy's life, this man instantly broke out into a smile before jerking up as if the house was burning down all around us.

When he reached for his weapon, which was holstered on his side, I threw out my hand. "I'm sorry. I didn't mean to interrupt."

"Is there something wrong, Mrs. Thorn? I'm so sorry. I shouldn't have been reading. I apologize. I won't allow it to happen again."

Why did I have the distinct feeling he was worried that I'd tell his boss he'd been caught on the job reading instead of hovering over me? His reaction brought a smile to my face and I walked closer. "Don't be silly. I can take care of myself and I can tell you're not going to allow anyone inside that door or anywhere else in this house for that matter."

He smiled, nodding several times. "No one will get to you until they go through me and they won't like that very much. I'm trained."

"By Daniel?"

"No, ma'am. I was a Marine up until a year ago."

"I'm sorry. I forget your name and I so apologize." I held out my hand for a shake and he seemed confused, but grinned seconds later more easily than before as he accepted my gesture.

"Brock Mullins, Mrs. Thorn. Real pleased to meet you." His slightly southern accent was so appealing.

"Please for the love of God call me Maria. My mother is Mrs. Thorn." God, the lies were coming so much easier now.

He exhaled, darting a glance from one side of the room to the other. "My boss won't like it if I disrespect you."

"For calling me by my first name? You allow me to handle my wayward husband. Okay?"

His grin was so boyish, highlighting his dimples, that I had a feeling we might just get to be friends. "Yes, ma'am. I mean Maria."

"So you like Tom Clancy?"

"I do. I just got started reading his books though. I went through several other authors including Clive Cussler and Mr. Thorn suggested I try Mr. Clancy."

He said the writer's last name as if in reverence. "He's a wonderful author. I'm glad you're enjoying it. It just seems… out of the ordinary."

"You mean for bad men to care about bettering themselves?"

"I didn't mean to insult you."

"You didn't. I know what people might think, including my family."

"Why are you working for Daniel? I have to ask since you served our country honorably."

"I have a Purple Heart to prove it," he said, obviously so proud of himself. "The truth is that my brother worked for Mr. Thorn for years and spoke highly of the man and how he handles his soldiers. When my brother was killed, it seemed natural to take his place. But the rest of my family doesn't seem to think so."

"How did he die?"

"Protecting Mr. Thorn and his family."

He made the statement so easily, so naturally that I had a feeling he'd easily step into the line of fire to protect Daniel or me. I was floored and uncertain what to say. "I'm so sorry, Brock. Losing your brother must have been tough."

"It was but more on my mom and dad. Mr. Thorn tried to make it right though. He purchased them a vacation house in Florida and paid off their current mortgage and of course provided all the expenses for John's funeral. He even set up a trust fund for my niece and sister-in-law. Everything is taken care of. That's how generous Mr. Thorn is."

"Huh. That's interesting. So you like working here?"

"What's not to like? I have eight weeks of paid vacation, fully paid health care, and a fat 401-K that's matched every paycheck. And I'm paid so damn well I have money in the bank for the first time in my life. He treats us real good, including a Christmas bonus. The whole family is that way. They remember our birthdays too." He was genuinely happy.

And I was genuinely shocked.

"That's wonderful to hear. Thank you for watching out for me."

"Don't worry, ma'am. I mean Maria. No one is getting into this house. I got your back."

"I can tell you do." There was something very special about the way the man talked, the true respect he had for Daniel and the rest of the family. It brought me pause. And thoughts.

And desires.

I'd seen another side of Daniel, and it was still all so confusing. "Let me ask you something. On a regular basis, do you normally go out and… handle enemies?" I had no idea what terminology to use.

"Oh, heavens no," he said, laughing. "This is very unusual. Other than an occasional corporate business meeting that gets a little aggressive, I've never encountered Defcon four."

I opened my eyes wide and he laughed harder.

"I'm sorry. That's my terminology for the highest level of danger. I apologize if it scared you."

"No. Not at all." I was lying again.

"Do you need anything? I'm happy to do anything for you," Brock offered.

"Not a thing. I guess I'm just a little worried."

"Don't worry about Mr. T. He's a skilled man in every aspect of handling business, including whatever enemies he has. I'm certain he'll be home soon."

Sadly, I wasn't and it continued to nag at me.

"Thank you, Brock. Enjoy your book. Don't forget there's more comfortable seating in the living room."

"I am just dandy right here, Mrs. Thorn."

It was back to business as usual. He remained standing as I walked away, a polite gentleman with good manners. I was so weirded out I needed something stronger than wine. I headed into the kitchen, noticing a bottle of whiskey on the counter. I had to search for a glass before finding one, although the one I chose was a kid's glass with Mickey Mouse logos all over it.

As I held it into my hand, I realized maybe for the first time that Daniel was a dangerous man, yet he was also a son and a brother, an uncle and a friend to someone. The fact he was so well respected did say something about his character. I laughed to myself and poured some of the liquor, holding it into the light and closing my eyes.

The talk we'd had while riding horses, the moment of real passion had been mind-blowing. I'd adored the way he'd been, dominant yet open with me. Then we'd been interrupted. I wasn't certain of a lot of things, including my ability to keep playing a part, but I was certain about one aspect of this crazy life.

I was falling head over heels for the man. All the pushing him away, all the posturing I'd done to try to lock down my emotions had failed. He'd allowed me to see through the armor to the real man and I'd done the very same thing.

Now what the hell was I going to do with the rest of my life?

I stood against the counter nursing the drink, debating the position I'd placed myself in until I heard a noise. Not just any noise but a happy sound coming from Brock. I wasn't certain whether or not I was supposed to see what was going on. Oh, heck. I was a nosy girl. I'd demanded that I be a part of Daniel's entire world. I needed to know what was going on.

With the glass still in my hand, I headed into the hallway leading back to the entrance. I was barely two feet from the kitchen when I noticed Daniel talking with Brock, his back turned to me. That wasn't in and of itself strange. However the cooing Brock was doing, a man who stood six foot five easily weighing likely two hundred and fifty pounds was crazy and incredible.

A man actually cooed?

I inched closer and something drew Daniel's attention, the man slowly turning around. There were few things in my life that shocked me any longer or had in my past life. I'd seen crimes where people swiped purses, a terrible hit and run where the driver was never found. I'd witnessed kids breaking into a store as if it was child's play and they'd been maybe ten years old.

And I'd witnessed my mother fading before my eyes only to come back to live with verve.

But this… this was extraordinary.

In Daniel's arms was a puppy.

I squealed and almost dropped the glass in my effort to get to them. The little creature was docile but as soon as the pup saw me, he started squealing as well.

"I'd say a match made in heaven, Mr. T," Brock said, which made my smile wider. I adored the nickname the man used.

"What did you do?" I asked as soon as I reached the two adorable creatures, winking at Brock at the same time.

"You mentioned that you didn't have a pet so I thought I could bring a smile to your face," Daniel said, grinning from ear to ear. He noticed the glass in my hand and laughed. "Mickey Mouse, huh?"

"It works. Okay?" I was so shocked tears formed, at least two splashing past my eyelashes. "You have no idea…"

"Are you happy?"

"Are you kidding me?" I was trembling all over and when Brock took my glass from my hand, I didn't fight him, reaching for the puppy immediately. He was black with long fur and the darkest chocolate eyes I'd ever seem. As soon as he was in my arms, he licked my face.

"It's finalized, Mr. T. The pup adores Mrs. Thorn."

"Yes, I believe he does," Daniel said as he cupped my face. "Anything to make my beautiful wife happy."

I spun around in a circle, squeezing the little tyke in my arms. "What is he?"

"From what the shelter told me, half black lab and half Irish setter." He kept his grin as he watched me and that's when I noticed he had blood on his shirt.

I instantly tensed but kissed the pup on the head, trying to shove away the awful thoughts. "He's beautiful."

"Just like you are. What are you going to name him?"

The name came to me instantly. "Zorro."

"I like that name, Mrs. Thorn," Brock said.

"Brock, do you mind bringing in a couple bags from the car? I purchased dog food, a bed, and a couple of toys but we'll need to go back to the store tomorrow."

"You got it, Mr. T." He placed the glass on the entrance foyer table, humming a tune as he opened the front door.

After it was closed, Daniel turned his full attention to me, cocking his head, his eyes twinkling from amusement. He quietly stroked Zorro but his eyes never left mine.

"I'm glad I could bring a smile to your face," he said. "You light up a room when you're happy."

"I was worried. And you have blood on you." To demonstrate, I licked my finger then brushed it across a spot on his neck. He did the craziest thing, grabbing my hand and shoving the same finger into his mouth. I wanted to be disgusted, repulsed from the thought someone else's blood was splattered on his neck and chiseled jaw, but it seemed he had the ability to make anything look sensual. My breath was skipping, my heart hammering harder than it had before.

After taking a few seconds to suck it clean, he purposely rubbed the tip around his lips before growling. "You'll learn that underestimating me isn't in your best interest, little pet."

"I know what you're made of."

"And what's that?"

"Spice and danger."

He laughed more robustly than I was used to, gripping my jaw and lowering his head. "I missed you too, my lovely wife."

Every time he kissed me, I felt like a highschooler who finally managed to snag a kiss from her crush, lightheaded with butterflies swarming in my stomach. As he swept his tongue inside, I felt an entirely different moment shared with the man I'd married. It was almost as if seeing him in a new light had been exactly what I needed to allow the brick wall I'd surrounded myself with to crumble all around us.

The puppy wiggled and huffed from our close connection, finally struggling to get out of my arms. I was the one to break the sweet intimacy, laughing softly before biting my lip. "I think he's going to be a handful."

"Just like you are. Come on, let's get a drink together. And not in a Mickey Mouse cup." He didn't seem bothered in the least by whatever action he'd taken, acting as if he was happier than he'd been in a long time.

"Party pooper."

I eased the pup to the tile floor just as Brock returned, his arms stuffed full of puppy goodies. He didn't bother to ask where to put everything, heading straight for the kitchen.

Zorro barked once then trotted behind the soldier, already figuring out he had a new family. I clapped my hands, happier than I thought I could be.

Daniel yanked me against him a second time, fisting my hair. "My wife."

I pressed my hand against his chest, trying to keep a slight distance but he was increasingly delectable. "You worried me. You were late. You should have called to let me know you were alive."

"As my brother would say. And so it begins. Don't worry, honey. I'll see what I can do the next time."

I punched him playfully and he nipped my lower lip in response before lifting his leg. I was more shocked than usual around him when he tossed me over his knee, immediately bringing his hand down against my jean-covered bottom several times. That didn't mean a flash of pain didn't rush through me.

"Ouch. Ouch. Don't. You were the bad one, not me," I groaned, fighting to try to gain some traction.

"How do you figure that to be the truth?" He was obviously enjoying himself, popping his hand down with enough force my body was jarred.

And on fire, red-hot heat coursing through me.

"Always the bastard." I couldn't help but tease him and this time, that's exactly what it was, all teasing.

"Keep insulting me," he said in a husky tone. "It turns me on."

"There's something wrong with you."

"You just figured that out?" He laughed heartedly, continuing the spanking, cheerfully moving his hand from side to side on my bottom.

Where I'd fought him with everything I had before, I stopped trying altogether, indulging in the strange combination of pain and extreme pleasure. I was hanging off his knee, marveling at the fact he could so cleverly and without any swaying stand on one foot. The man was masterful at far too many things.

"Maybe I should scream for help and all your men will come running to provide assistance."

"You should save your screams for later tonight."

"Have I told you how much I hate you?" Another lie. Even the scent of his testosterone was amazing, fueling my senses and keeping every inch of my body tingling.

"Not lately but keep going. I'm going to fuck you long and hard because of that alone."

I didn't get the chance to object, Zorro trotting into the foyer as if he already owned the place. When he started barking, there was no chance to resist laughing from his antics and the sweet wag of his tail.

For about a million crazy reasons, I began to wonder whether or not I could finally consider this as my home.