17. Savior

17

SAVIOR

W e spent two days at Typhon’s flat in London before Con made contact, saying the security updates were complete at Ashcroft Castle and we could return.

While I was happy to leave the city, I would always remember his flat fondly, given it was where Sullivan and I had first made love. In fact, it was what we spent the majority of our time there doing.

In preparation for our departure, I requested Gus’ help with several things. First, knowing that Sullivan had preferred staying in Primrose Croft over Glenshadow Castle or the flat, I asked him to ensure there’d be no security issues involved in our staying at Thistle Gate.

When he assured me it was as safe as anywhere else on the estate, I made my second request.

We traveled to Glasgow via the same private aircraft we’d flown on three days ago. Rather than by Condor, Angel was accompanied by Crash, whose call sign made Sullivan giggle. From the airfield, we had the same helicopter pilot ferry us, except rather than land at Glenshadow, we touched down on Ashcroft, where we were met by Gus.

“Welcome home,” he said when we deboarded and raced over to the SUV.

“Couldn’t have arranged warmer weather, mate?” I joked. It was well below zero this morning when the average temps could reach as high as twelve Celsius.

“My apologies. Next time.”

I shuddered and put my arm around Sullivan. “I promise we’re going someplace warm.”

“Shall I?—”

“Yes,” I interrupted, wanting her to be surprised when we arrived at Thistle Gate.

“It all looks so beautiful,” she commented on the ride from the open pasture through the woods and to where the view opened up to the castle. It, along with the surrounding grounds, had been decorated in a way I hadn’t remembered since I was a child.

“You’ve gone all out,” I commented to Gus.

“My mum’s to thank, as always.”

I chuckled, but it was true. Ashcroft had been her home since she was born, and while she’d always lived in quarters reserved for those in the family’s employ, she took great pride in all of the estate looking its absolute best.

I felt a twinge of guilt that Mrs. Drummond was working at a time of year when she’d typically not be, but something told me getting to pull out all the stops for Sullivan made her happy.

When we passed Primrose Croft, I noticed Sullivan’s disappointment and expected she’d ask where we were going. Perhaps the reason she hadn’t was because we were already beyond the turnoff to the castle.

“This is Thistle Gate cottage,” I said when Gus pulled the SUV up beside it. Like everywhere else, it was adorned with twinkling lights, greenery, and other Christmas decorations.

“It’s so beautiful,” Sullivan said when I came around, opened her door, and helped her out. “And it’s right on the loch.” She put her arm around me and kissed my cheek. “Thank you for bringing me here.”

“If you’re happy to, this is where we’ll spend the majority of time. Or if you prefer the castle?—”

“No. This is perfect. Unless you’d prefer?—”

“I wouldn’t.”

Gus shook his head and chuckled at the way we kept interrupting each other. “Everything is as you wanted it,” he said under his breath when he and I collected the bags from the back of the SUV.

“Including the locket?” I whispered.

“Yes, including that. You should also know Fallon is anxious to see Sullivan as soon as possible.”

“Understood.” Gus had informed me Ms. Wallace was staying at Blackmoor with Con, given the potential threat from Eric Weber. “How’s it going with her and Infidel?”

“Neither has said. However, I wouldn’t be surprised if the reason she’s so anxious to see Sullivan is because she’s had enough of Con.”

“She could always stay at Shadowglen.”

Gus nodded. “Or here.”

Based on his smirk, he knew full well I wouldn’t be in favor of that option.

“Shall we?” I asked, brushing past Sullivan on my way to the cottage’s door.

She glanced up at the chimney, where smoke billowed. “A real fireplace,” she murmured.

“More than one, in fact.” As I went through the protocols to access the interior, I motioned to Gus. “Will Sullivan be able to come and go on her own?” I asked.

“I’ll make sure of it before I leave.”

“Many thanks,” I said when the lock clicked and I opened the door.

Sullivan gasped when she followed me inside. “A Christmas tree?” Her eyes sparkled.

“And decorations,” I said, motioning to the boxes containing ornaments I hadn’t seen in years.

“My mum wanted me to give this to you,” he said, standing between Sullivan and me with what looked like a journal in his hands. “With it, comes the message that this is only if you want to prepare some of your own meals. She and the staff are set up to fully provide whatever you’d like otherwise.”

When my eyes met Sullivan’s, we both laughed, then she held her hand out to take the book.

“Will she provide lessons?” she asked.

Gus grinned. “It would be her fondest Christmas memory to do so here in Thistle Gate.”

“What a lovely name for it,” Sullivan said, looking around the cottage that had never looked cozier.

“One I don’t recall having heard before,” I said. “Gus reminded me of it a few days ago.”

“Only after my mum reminded me.”

I took our bags to the largest of the three bedrooms while Gus gave Sullivan the rundown on the security systems recently installed, including setting up access.

“This is also for you,” I said, walking over to the table where a mobile sat.

Before we left London, I asked Sullivan how she felt about not being with her parents for Christmas. She responded that she hadn’t been for the last few years and it wasn’t an issue. I’d already requested Gus arrange for her to have a secure mobile, but I especially wanted it to be here when we arrived after she said she did wish she could call them.

“If there’s nothing else you need, I’ll be on my way,” said Gus. I’d already checked the kitchen and noted there was enough food prepared that the two of us wouldn’t have to do our own cooking for several days, unless Sullivan decided she wanted to. I’d be happy either way. Truthfully, apart from needing sustenance, just being with her was all that mattered. Especially alone.

“Do the accommodations suit?” I asked when Gus stepped outside.

“It couldn’t be nicer, David. I appreciate this more than you’ll ever know.”

“I hope you can feel somewhat at home here.”

She laughed. “You’ll regret those words should I truly make myself comfortable.”

“Ah, yes, I recall you saying your flat was unorganized.”

She raised a brow. “And that is being generous.”

I squared my shoulders and raised my chin before gathering her in my arms. “I’m an SIS Sniper. I have no fear.” We kissed in the same way we had been for the last couple of days. With passion and a complete lack of propriety, which I was reminded of when Gus opened the door and cleared his throat.

“Your mum’s hot chocolate recipe,” he said, handing me a thermos. It wasn’t among the things I’d requested, but seeing the smile on Sullivan’s face, I was very grateful he’d thought of it. Although it was more likely Mrs. Drummond who had.

“Many thanks,” I repeated, escorting him to the door.

“Con is equally anxious to meet as Fallon is,” he said quietly.

“Noted.”

When I turned around, I saw Sullivan had removed her coat and was warming herself near the fireplace. “This couldn’t be more ideal. Thank you,” she said when I came up behind her and wrapped my arms around her waist.

“Can I interest you in hot chocolate?”

“I’d love it. May I?” She motioned to the boxes.

“By all means.”

I poured two cups of cocoa and uncovered a plate I correctly guessed hid Christmas cookies, then carried all three into the living room.

When Sullivan held up an ornament, I saw her eyes were misty. “This is from your first Christmas.”

I set the cups and plate on the table, then took it from her hand. It was a glass baby shoe, and written on the bottom was my date of birth, weight, and length. “Funny how it takes me back. I’ve forgotten so much about the time before my mum passed.”

After Sullivan and I finished placing the ornaments and had devoured most of Mrs. Drummond’s cookies, we made love in front of the fireplace. The glow of it and the lights on the tree on Sullivan’s naked body made one of the most beautiful things I’d ever seen. Every minute I spent with her, I struggled not to confess my undying love for her. Instead, I lavished it on her with every touch of my hands, my mouth, and cock. With every special surprise I’d arranged and with every gaze when our eyes met. The best part was that I felt that love coming from her in the same way.

Despite wanting to use the excuse that it was Christmas Eve to beg off meeting with the guys and Fallon, I’d rather do it today than on Christmas.

When I broached the subject with Sullivan. She lamented the timing like I had, but concurred today would be preferable over tomorrow.

“How would you like to spend Christmas?” I asked, knowing a big gathering wouldn’t be prudent from a security standpoint but that we might be able to have dinner with Gus and his mum at the castle.

“Am I terrible for saying I’d like to spend it alone with you?”

“Not at all,” I responded, smiling broadly. “I had the same desire.”

“Can we get the meeting over with, then?”

“As you wish.” I sent a group message via the secure app we used and suggested gathering in my office, where we typically met, if everyone was agreeable. “They’ll be here in one hour,” I said when I received an immediate response.

“Then, we’d better hurry,” she said, winking as she raced into the bedroom.