15. Savior

15

SAVIOR

“ S cramble everything at Ashcroft as well,” I said to Con before turning to Gus. “Kindly arrange helicopter transport.”

“To?” he asked.

“I’ll let you know as soon as I’ve spoken to Typhon.”

“Copy that.”

“That’s where you’re off to, then?” Tag asked.

“Since I don’t yet know where I’m going, I don’t see how you would.”

“Ash, come on?—”

I spun around on Con. “Do not even think about talking me out of this.” I turned to Gus and Tag. “In my meeting with Periscope, she said, ‘They’ll come for you. In fact, they already have.’ I will not sit by, knowing whatever security we have in place isn’t good enough to protect Sullivan.” I shook my head. “I cannot,” I added under my breath.

“You were going to contact Typhon,” said Gus, standing and walking over to me.

“Right.” I looked over at Con.

“You’re clear to communicate with whomever you’d like. As I already said, everything’s been jammed since Tag gave us his report.”

“Thanks.” I pulled out my mobile.

“I’ll see what I can do to tighten the schedule at Ashcroft,” Con added.

“Appreciated.”

I stepped out of the room and placed my call.

“I need to relocate Sullivan Rivers immediately.”

“You’ve heard, then?”

“Heard what?”

“They found Periscope about an hour ago.”

“Cause of death?” I asked.

“Unknown. The medical examiner is working on it now.”

“She said she was already dead.”

“Poison?”

“Definitely a possibility.”

“Where do you want to go?” Typhon asked.

“The safest place you can find.”

“Got it. I’ll arrange transport.”

“This isn’t just about me wanting to protect Sullivan. Whatever she knows, whether aware of it or not, is enough that they’ll not stop until they silence her.”

“Understood.”

“I appreciate this, sir.”

“Just remember this when it’s your turn.”

I shook my head. “No way in hell I’d take your job, Marras.”

“You’re a smarter man than I was. Oh, and for the time being, Orion is your handler.”

It had been so long since I’d heard anyone use Gus’ official code name that I’d forgotten it.

“And you’re inactive.”

If I had my say, I’d remain that way permanently, not that I’d initiate that dialogue now. All I cared about presently was getting Sullivan somewhere where Weber couldn’t get his hands on her.

“Typhon’s arranged for transport,” I told Gus when I returned to the room after ending the call.

“Copy that.”

“He relayed more news.”

Both Con and Tag raised their heads.

“Periscope?” Gus asked.

“They found her about an hour ago.”

“COD?” he asked.

“Unknown.” I turned to Con again. “I want Ashcroft locked up tighter than Vauxhall Cross before I’ll even consider returning.”

“Understood.”

“Gus, make contact with Typhon. Regardless of where we’re headed, even if it is SIS’s headquarters, I want security teams in place around the clock.”

“Roger that.”

“Anything else?”

“What does she know, Ash?” Tag asked.

“I wish I knew. I’m not sure even she does.”

“Maybe it’s time we found out,” Con suggested.

“My first priority is her safety.”

“Understood. However, if whatever they’re doing is big enough that Weber will risk everything to get to her, then we bloody well better find out what it is.”

I went upstairs, and when I passed Sullivan’s room, I overheard her and Fallon speaking.

“What do you want me to do with this?” Fallon asked.

“Review it in the safest place you can find. Then brief them if you’re comfortable doing so.”

“Not without you, I won’t.”

“The choice is yours. However, time may force your hand.”

I rapped on the door and entered without being bidden. “What is that?” I asked, motioning to the piece of cardboard Fallon held in her hand.

“There’s a microSD card attached,” Sullivan responded.

“My apologies, but would you please give that to me?”

“I beg your pardon?” Sullivan said. Fallon, on the other hand, held it out to me.

“Periscope is dead. We don’t yet know the cause, but someone got to her. Whatever is on that card, whatever you’ve uncovered about Tower-Meridian, whoever possesses that knowledge will have a target on their back.” I faced Sullivan and looked into her eyes. “Do you understand?”

“I do.”

“Transport is on the way, and when they arrive, we’ll depart.” I turned to Fallon. “While Con assures me Glenshadow is airtight in terms of what we discussed, my belief is that Weber is able to assess our current vulnerabilities and act on them. That you were here at all already makes you a target.

“What do you suggest?” she asked.

“Protection.”

She nodded. “Understood.”

“Will you excuse us?” I asked.

“Of course.” Fallon walked out the door and shut it behind her.

“Forgive my intrusion—” I began, but stopped when Sullivan covered her face with her hands.

“No need to apologize. I didn’t realize…”

“What have you uncovered, Sully?” I asked after putting my arms around her.

“I wish I knew,” she said, resting her cheek against my shoulder.

Once we arrived wherever Typhon was sending us, I’d ask her to share the contents of the card with me. It would be up to Sullivan whether she trusted me enough to do so.

The helicopter that arrived on Tag’s estate was different from the one I’d taken to Edinburgh. The pilot was someone I recognized from Unit 23.

“Savior,” he said when we got in.

“Osprey,” I responded, wondering if Sullivan had picked up on his use of my code name. No doubt she had.

We went as far as the private airfield in Glasgow, where we boarded a private plane also owned by Unit 23.

“Hello, Angel,” I said when we boarded and I saw her in the cockpit. She often flew with an American pilot who was a contractor for the unit. “Is Crash with you today?” I asked.

“No. Condor, who hasn’t yet arrived, will be copiloting.” I’d never met her or him, but Angel was clearly not pleased about their tardiness. Given my current state of high anxiety, neither was I.

“Sullivan, this is Teagon, who as I’m sure you heard, we call Angel.”

After the two women shook hands, I led Sullivan into the cabin. “Do you have a preference as to where we sit?” I asked.

“You’re kidding, yes?”

I cocked my head.

“I’ll confess I’ve never traveled via private plane, so no, I do not have a preference.”

“One grows to take it for granted, I suppose.” Particularly given when I had occasion to make use of it, it was to carry out an assignment.

I chose captain’s chairs in the middle of the cabin.

“So, Savior?”

I half smiled. “Caught that, did you?”

“Interesting code name, although I have considered you mine.”

I wasn’t one to embarrass easily nor would anyone describe me as particularly humble. Sullivan’s words made me feel both.

“Have I thanked you for saving my life?” she asked, resting her hand on my arm.

“More than once, err, I mean, thanked me.”

“He’s arrived,” Angel said from the front of the plane. “Once we’re in the air, flight time will be approximately ninety minutes. Feel free to help yourselves to what’s in the galley.”

“Would you like anything? Something to drink or eat?” I asked after thanking Angel.

“Whatever you’re having.”

I typically refrained from having anything on my way to an assignment. Afterwards, I had two fingers of bourbon, neat. While I was certain there were plenty of offerings, I had no idea what they might be. “Shall we take a look?” When I stood and held out my hand, Sullivan took it. Without releasing it, I led her to the front of the plane just as the copilot arrived.

“Hello,” the man with an American accent said.

I nodded once but didn’t respond, nor did I introduce him to Sullivan.

“Charcuterie, more charcuterie, and a wide range of beverages, including my favorite bourbon.”

“That sounds quite good, actually.”

I poured two glasses. “Ice?” I asked.

Her eyes widened. “And water it down? Never.”

I chuckled. “A woman after my own heart.” Not that she didn’t already own it. Given I hadn’t eaten much in the last few days and doubted Sullivan had either, I also brought two charcuterie trays to our seats.

“Based on travel time, my guess is we’re on our way to London. From there, I’ve no idea.”

She’d just popped a piece of cheese in her mouth, so she nodded in response.

“I’m a bit surprised you haven’t asked.”

Her cheeks flushed. “I’m learning.”

I rested my head against the seat and gazed at her. “I like your inquisitive nature. I always have.”

“Coming as close as I did to dying has tempered my curiosity.”

“Don’t let Weber win.”

Her eyes opened wider. “You’re right.”

Like she had in the SUV, Sullivan fell asleep almost immediately. Having her head on my shoulder felt like the most natural thing in the world. Any discomfort I felt when with her was my own forced doing. And why? Hadn’t I already stopped myself too many times from allowing people to get close to me? If it weren’t for Gus, Con, and Tag, I’d have no friendships or relationships outside of work. And while I did work with them, that we’d known each other since childhood made it different.

I silently vowed not to allow myself to push Sullivan away nor would I allow her to do the same to me. At the very least, I wanted us to be friends. Ideally, far more.

When my phone vibrated, I pulled it from my pocket as gingerly as I could so as not to disturb her. The message I received was from Typhon, saying we’d be transported to his flat once our flight landed and that standard entry procedures used for SIS had been activated. Given his place served as one of the Unit 23 command centers, it probably had security systems in place that rivaled Vauxhall Cross—or better. As far as somewhere I felt confident Sullivan would be safe, I couldn’t have come up with a better idea.

Much appreciated, I responded.

In town. Will arrange to meet.

Copy that, I responded, not that I was anxious to do so. In fact, given the close proximity to the holidays, I was hoping Sullivan and I could spend it quietly, just the two of us.

Something told me the weeks that followed would be anything but tranquil.

“Hello,” I said when I realized Sullivan’s eyes were open and she was staring up at me.

“I fell asleep.”

I leaned down and kissed her temple. “You did.”

“What were you thinking about?”

“You.”

“Good or bad thoughts?”

“Always good.”

She raised a brow as though she didn’t buy it.

“It’s the truth.”

“Why?”

If her expression wasn’t so serious, I may have chuckled. Instead, I touched the tip of her nose with my index finger. “Is it so hard to believe I like everything about you?”

“No one else does,” she said under her breath. “In fact?—”

I silenced her with a kiss, and when she tried to pull away, I cupped her cheek. “Perhaps I’m the only one who truly knows you.”

“While that’s very sweet. I would include my parents in my blanket statement.”

“How much of the real you do you let them see?”

Her eyes darted between mine. “Likely very little.”

I wove my fingers with hers. “We’ll be landing soon.” I waited several seconds to see if she’d ask where we’d go from there, but she didn’t. I found myself disappointed. “You’re taking the fun out of this adventure.”

She leaned back. “I thought you said you liked everything about me.”

“I’m teasing.”

“Where are we staying, Davy?” she asked in a voice that sounded more like her eight-year-old self.

“You’ll see.”

When she slugged my arm, I laughed.

Typhon’s place was much like I’d pictured it. In fact, it reminded me of my flat, here in the city. I’d purchased it furnished, kept nothing personal in it, and was rarely there. Perhaps after he’d married, he’d taken mementos with him. Or, like me, he had none.

“This is, err, nice,” Sullivan said once we were inside.

“It belongs to my boss.”

“It’s, um, very modern.”

I chuckled. “It’s also cold.” I walked over and flipped a switch that, as I’d expected, lit a gas fireplace. “There are three bedrooms, I believe. Take your pick.”

“It doesn’t matter to me. Wherever you’d be most comfortable. Wait. I mean, pick the one where you would be.”

I stepped closer to her. “I like your first idea better.”

She rubbed her arms. “I don’t think the chill has much to do with the temperature. It’s the overall feel of the place.”

“If it helps, I don’t believe he spends time here anymore. He was recently married.”

Sullivan walked over to the windows in the main room. “It has a lovely view.”

I looked down at what was one of my favorite pubs in the city, hating that I wouldn’t feel comfortable taking Sullivan there. Which reminded me that I hadn’t followed up with Gus about the protection I requested to be put into place. I sent him a message asking for confirmation.

“For someone who doesn’t live here, he keeps his refrigerator well stocked.”

I hadn’t noticed Sullivan walking away. “Hungry?” I asked, joining her in the kitchen that was twice the size of the one in my flat.

“Not really?”

“A drink?” I suggested.

“Sure.”

I noticed a wine cooler beneath the counter. “Fancy a glass?”

She shook her arms like they were noodles. “Something stronger might be better. I feel so…”

“Uncomfortable?”

“I’m sorry. It’s just so utilitarian. And before you say it, I know I should just be grateful to be alive, not complaining about my accommodations. It’s just that, never mind.”

I pulled her over to the sofa where we could sit near the fire. “Tell me.”

“I was most comfortable at the cottage. It felt like”—she shrugged—“you, I guess. The suite at Tag’s was lovely…God, I sound so ungracious.”

“The suite was lovely, but…”

“It was so big, no?”

I smiled. “Castles can be that way.”

“Do you spend much time at yours?” She snuggled closer to me, and I put my arm around her.

“I haven’t done. As I said, I don’t spend time anywhere, really. What about you?”

“If I’m not at the office, I’m home. I don’t really go anywhere else.”

“Tell me what it’s like.”

She raised a brow.

“Come on. Play along.”

That made her laugh out loud. “Well, it’s a bit of a mess, typically. I’m sure you find that very surprising.”

“Tell me your favorite thing about it.” When her cheeks flushed, I was even more intrigued. “Come on. What is it?”

“My bed.”

I nuzzled her neck. “I have a strong suspicion it would be my favorite thing too.”

“David?”

“Too much?” I asked, removing my hand from where I was caressing her shoulder.

Her breath caught. “Not enough.”

“God, Sullivan. Do you know how much?—”

She leaned up and caught my words with her mouth, and when our tongues met, it was like fire flowed through my veins with the ferocity of my desire.

The fevered kisses I trailed down the side of her neck were met by my hand that I had snaked under her blouse. When Sullivan reached up, unfastened the buttons, and pulled it open, I moved the cup of her bra out of my way and sucked her pink, hardened nipple.

I raised my eyes, making sure she felt the same intense desire I did. Her head was thrown back, her mouth open, and her fingers weaved in my hair.

“David,” she gasped when I nipped her creamy flesh as I made my way to her other breast. Breathless moans escaped her lips when I cupped her mound with my palm. Feeling her wetness through her trousers made me need her naked—now.

I gathered her in my arms and carried her to the hallway, stopping at the first door I came to. When I kicked it open and saw a bed inside, it was all that mattered to me. I rested her on the mattress, then lay on top of her, nestled between her spread legs.

“I can feel how much you want me,” she said, reaching between us to cup my shaft.

“And you, Sullivan? Do you want me too?”

“You know I do.”

“Then, let me have you.” I rolled to my side. “Undress for me.” When she stood, I rolled to my back, put one arm behind my head, and watched as she leisurely, seductively, removed every stitch of clothing.

Once naked, she ran her hands over her bare skin, stopping to fondle her breast with one. When she reached between her legs, I was off the bed, grabbing both her wrists.

“You’re driving me mad,” I said, kneeling in front of her and spreading her legs before running my tongue through her folds. I couldn’t remember being with any other woman, let alone one who kept herself bare. It made my already painfully hard cock rigid.

Sullivan wriggled her wrists from my hold and backed away. “Now, you.” She lay where I’d been on the bed and, also like me, put one arm behind her head.

Unlike her, there was nothing languid about the way I tore my clothes from my body.

Once they were in a heap on the floor, I spread her legs and knelt between them. She reached for my cock, and I shuddered when she wrapped her hand around it.

“David, do you have a condom?” she asked, squeezing me until I almost came.

I reached over and pulled the beside table drawer open, saying a silent prayer of thanks when I saw an unopened box of them.

As much as I wanted my mouth on her, there’d be time for that later. All night. All day tomorrow. As often as she’d allow me, my mouth, my hands, my body would lavish her with the love I knew in my soul I felt for her, even when I knew I couldn’t say the words.

I tore a foil packet open and observed her eyes as she watched me roll it on. That desire to see, to know, was one of the things I liked best. No—loved most.

“Please, David.” She reached for me again, and I positioned myself at her entrance and eased into her tight channel. Her fingers dug into my arms, and the muscles of her legs that she’d wrapped around me stiffened. I stilled.

“Sullivan?” I said when I looked up and saw her face scrunched. “Am I hurting you?”

“No. It’s just been a while.”

“For me too.”

She pried her eyes open and gazed into mine. “It was just the once.”

I leaned down and kissed her, making love to her mouth with my tongue while I waited for her body to let me in. When I felt her pussy softening, I eased in a bit farther, then stilled again, keeping my eyes riveted to hers before reaching between us and fingering her clit.

“David?” I thrust into her, then withdrew before doing it again. “David?” she repeated.

“Yes, love?”

“I think, I mean, I’m going to…”

I increased my pace but restrained myself from going too hard and too deep, all the while gently rubbing her clit until she cried out, her body arching to take more of me as she repeated my name again and again.

I moved my finger and slowed but didn’t withdraw, biding my time until I was certain she was ready for more. When she reached around and grabbed my arse, forcing me deeper inside, I let myself go. Knowing I wouldn’t last much longer, I found her mouth, crashing into it with mine, wanting desperately to feel her kiss as I came. My cock pulsed, and I shuddered, knowing that, for the first time in my life, I’d made love. It was more than sex. It was love with the woman I’d spent years dreaming about.