Chapter Three
People who Knew Gage in Scott Springs wouldn’t recognize the man that came off the plane at the Seattle airport. His long legged stride was the same along with his confident posture, but it was the hardened expression on his handsome face that would throw them. His intelligent eyes were devoid of any hint of emotion and the firm set of his jaw even told strangers that this was a man who was to be reckoned with. However, his posture and radiating air of authority had no problem drawing female eyes as he walked steadily through the building, but he ignored them. It was the sexual charisma he gave off that attracted them even if he didn’t wear the four thousand dollar navy three piece suit he had on now. Regardless, he wasn’t there to attract a woman, not this time anyway. He already had one that is if he could get approval from the General.
Thaddeus Thomas met Gage at the airport. They shook hands and Thad gave Gage an affectionate pat on the shoulder.
"How is she?" he asked eagerly.
"Beautiful." He answered honestly.
Thad shot him a sideways glance as they walked side by side leaving the terminal. "Is that right?"
"We need to talk."
"I see that." He waved down a taxi, "When we get to our hotel." Lietha Wards 68
"I’m fine with that. Jesus I could really use a cigarette." Gage said as the taxi pulled away from the curb.
"I thought you quit?"
He grinned, "I did."
"Are you telling me that she has you that worked up?" The older man said with surprise.
"In spades."
"Christ." Thad said calmly and reached inside of his suit jacket, "Here." He flicked open the top of his cigarette carton and offered him a one.
"Thanks." Gage said as he took it knowing he couldn’t smoke in the cab, so he leaned his head back on the seat and waited until they were at their hotel.
At the hotel, Gage got out of the cab and grabbed his bag while Thad pulled out a cigarette of his own and lit them both.
Gage took a long draw off of his before he spoke. His eyes searched out his superior’s, "I need permission to be with her."
Thad shook his head, "Absolutely not."
"You know I’m the best one to protect her. Give me this." Gage argued.
"Don’t pull that shit on me. I’ll replace you in a heartbeat." He gritted out, "Or I’ll have you shot."
Gage snorted knowing damn well he wouldn’t, "I’m your best man."
"That’s debatable at this moment. I didn’t send you there to get laid!"
This time Gage’s anger showed. His eyes darkened and narrowed. "It’s not like that."
Thad studied Gage for a moment unmoved by his change in mood, "Then what’s it like?"
He ran his hand through his hair and took another long drag off the cigarette before tossing it on the ground with a Mercenary’s Conquest 69
curse and twisting the toe of his boot over it.
"Convince me Gage." Thad said after he realized that Gage wasn’t going to say anything.
Gage nodded and faced the older man again, "She’s really sweet."
"So was her mother."
"yeah, well, I didn’t know her mother." He said sarcastically. This whole conversation was entirely too uncomfortable for him and from the smile that just appeared on the General’s face, he knew it.
"Gage, she doesn’t know anything about you or why you’re in Scott Springs."
"Yes, I know."
"If she finds out, she might not be too happy that I sent you." He studied the younger man’s expression for a moment before he spoke again, "You’re really falling for her aren’t you."
"She’s as sweet as hell." He repeated, "I never met anyone like her."
"That’s not what I asked." He said sternly.
"Yeah General, I am." He finally said.
"I chose you because you were the strongest of your team."
"I know that, but give me a war any day over this."
"Oh, hell." Thad said looking at the younger man.
"So it seems you’re in a dilemma."
"I am."
"I can see that you care about her Gage, but there are other things at stake here. I don’t want her hurt—"
"I won’t hurt her." He interrupted.
"Just being who you are will hurt her. She doesn’t know that you’re a mercenary. She doesn’t know I asked you to watch her, or anything about your past."
"I’ve thought of that in great detail." Lietha Wards 70
"Or," he added, "The things you’ll be doing in the future."
"I’ll give it up." He said without hesitation.
The general’s brows rose, "Tell me I’m hallucinating?"
Gage shrugged, "I’m ready to give it up. Scott Springs is a nice place. I like my job, I like the people there, especially Mia. I’m wealthy beyond my means, so money is not an issue."
"—and your team?"
"I think they’ll understand once they meet her." He paused, "That’s if you still want me to bring her to North Carolina next week."
"Yeah I do." He answered, "Its about time she knows who I am."
Gage nodded, "When’s the hearing?"
"Friday morning. I don’t think we’ll have a hope in hell."
Gage nodded studying his superior’s expression for a moment, "I’m falling in love with her." He raised his hand to stop the older man from talking, "Look, I know this is hard to take, but think about how it affected me when I figured it out. She woke something up in me general and I’m not that stupid to look a gift horse in the mouth."
Thad considered this for a few minutes while Gage waited patiently. Finally, he nodded and tossed his cigarette on the ground putting it out with the heal of his shoe, "For that reason, I’m going to grant you your request. That way you can stay close to her." He brought his gaze back to Gage’s, "but if I found out that you’ve hurt her in any way, I’ll have the men drop you out of a plane without a parachute. Is that understood Sergeant?"
"It is." He couldn’t’ help but smile.
The two days that Gage was gone, Mia was miserable. She missed him terribly. At least she had to work at the diner because her father had gone to Arizona with Teddy and it kept her mind off of him periodically. What was wrong with her? She Mercenary’s Conquest 71
hardly knew him, but she felt obsessed constantly thinking about him.
Then on Friday the party at Lisa’s house wasn’t what Mia expected. Lisa had been keeping her glass full all night with some sort of alcohol and encouraged her to drink the contents and before long, Mia wasn’t feeling very good and made her way into Lisa’s room to get away from the noise and the crowd. She shut the door and sat on the edge of the bed with her face in her hands. Now she realized she shouldn’t have come. This wasn’t her scene, it never was but she felt pressured into celebrating Lisa’s nineteenth birthday while both their parents were out of town.
Just then the door opened and Liam entered, "Hey honey, are you feeling all right? Lisa saw you come up here and asked me to check on you."
"Not really." She looked up at him.
He pursed his lips, "You don’t look well. Maybe I should take you home."
"Lisa will be mad at me."
"I’ll talk to her, don’t worry." He sat down beside her and put an arm around her shoulders, "Do you feel like you’re going to be sick?"
"No, I did, but it’s gone now. I think I will let you take—Liam?" she locked gazes with his. His thumb was caressing the nape of her neck.
"I’ve always wondered what you felt like." He said, bringing his other hand to her jaw, "Among other things."
Her eyes widened, and she flattened her palms against his chest, "Wait—"
"No—Mia, you’re so beautiful." He said crushing her mouth under his and flattening her out on the bed at the same time. She could taste whiskey on his breath and realized that he Lietha Wards 72
wasn’t as sober as she thought he was.
Her muffled cry didn’t get past his mouth as her palms pushed against his chest. She finally turned her head to the side, "Stop!" she squirmed under him.
"you feel so damn good." He groaned as if he didn’t hear her.
"Liam please." She pleaded causing him to finally raise his head and look at her.
Tears coursed down her cheeks, "Oh Christ! What the hell am I—" his voice was cut off by the door splintering open.
Seconds later Mia felt him being lifted off of her and saw Gage with the most menacing look on his face shove Liam against the wall then grab him by the throat. She screamed.
"You son of a bitch!" he ground out, "I told you to leave her alone!"
"Gage!" Mia jumped off the bed and wrapped her hands around his arm, "Let him go! You’re hurting him." It would have been easier to hold back the tide than his arm she realized, because he moved as if he didn’t even feel her, slamming Liam back against the wall again. Mia could see his skin turn read as he tried to breathe.
"No more than he was doing to you." He said without taking his eyes off of Liam who was struggling for a breath.
"He’s drunk! God let him go, he stopped—he really did." She defended. This brought his gaze to hers. Slowly his eyes lightened and after a brief pause, he nodded and released Liam who slumped to the floor holding his throat and gasping for air.
"I’m sorry Gage—" he managed, "I don’t know what got into me."
"You touch her again—" he stuck a finger toward him, "I’ll f*cking kill you Liam!" He waited until Liam nodded that he heard him before he turned away and grabbed Mia’s arm, "You’re leaving." He half dragged her out of the house and didn’t Mercenary’s Conquest 73
stop until he deposited her in his jeep and got in the driver’s seat. His eyes were unreadable as he studied her, "How much have you had to drink?"
"Too much." She leaned back in the seat and closed her eyes.
"This is the last time you go to Lisa’s parties." He said tersely.
She opened her eyes and looked at him. "Gage—I—"
"Mia, I found my girlfriend under a co-worker in her best friend’s bed. I’m a little angry right now."
She sat up straight, "Wait a minute! Do you think I welcomed his advances?" The silence was filled with angst as she waited for his response, and he took his time answering her causing her heightening concern.
"No." she visibly slumped in relief. "However, before you think I don’t blame you for some of this, you’re dead wrong. Firstly, you shouldn’t have come here. You know what Lisa is like. Secondly, you didn’t tell me a damn thing!"
"I called, you didn’t answer your phone Gage." She defended, "I talked to Jane when I phoned the house. She said she’d tell you." His brows shot up.
"You did?"
She nodded.
He swore, "She didn’t tell me and she’s staying at a friend’s tonight." He held his hand up when she was going to say something, "thirdly, you’re stinking loaded."
"that was my fault." She said shamefully, "Lisa kept filling my cup."
"That girl is going to be talked to by her father and when I’m through with her she’ll be scared into a new religion." this confession made her eyes go wide. "It’s time she grew up or got spanked, because she certainly doesn’t act her age. Now, as for you—" he moved his eyes over her, "—You’re coming home with Lietha Wards 74
me."
"What?"
He started the jeep and pulled away from the curb, "You heard me Mia."
Mia just stared at him as he focused on the road. She was speechless. What did he expect from her? Sex? Oh God, she thought, he couldn’t’ possibly—he was so angry.
‘Whatever you’re thinking, you’re right." He said flicking her a glance, "I’m through playing the gentleman. Especially after tonight. I’m going to show you exactly why I think your mine Mia."
"Gage I told you that—"
"Enough Mia!" he said followed by a sharp glare. "You’ve been insinuating for weeks now that you want me—"
"Not like this—you’re angry."
He swore, "Damn rights I am—I keep seeing you under Liam." He swore again.
"Gage—" she reached out and touched his arm, "Please, you’re scaring me."
He took a deep breath and counted to ten. He knew how menacing he could look when he was angry. He pulled over to the side of the road and put the vehicle into park. Then he faced her, but this time he was calm. It wasn’t her he was really angry with and he really didn’t mean to frighten her. "okay, you’re right Mia. The last thing I want to do is frighten you."
She nodded, searching his expression.
He reached over and took her hand kissing the palm. "I’ve missed you honey. Come home with me." His other hand reached over and caressed her jaw, "You know we’ll be good together. Can’t you feel that electricity between us?"
"I do." She mouthed, "I really do."
"Come here." He said curling his hand around to the back of her head to pull mouth to his. Mercenary’s Conquest 75
Mia could have felt her toes curl with the way his tongue worked hers. He took his time enticing her with his mouth, nibbling and suckling her bottom lip until she felt heat flush through her lower pelvis making her gasp against his mouth. Finally he lifted his head and gave her one of those jaw dropping sexy grins.
She never said anything because she was literally kissed speechless.
He seemed to know and without a word, turned, started the vehicle and pulled back out onto the road towards Evan Parson’s ranch.
He pulled in front of his house and got out, walked around to the passenger side and helped her down before taking her hand and leading her into his house.
"Gage, I’m—well, I’m a little scared." she confessed.
He smiled down at her, "I promise that nothing will happen that you don’t want to happen. If you just want me to hold you, I will. However, I know that I missed you more than anything else in my life the two days I’ve been gone. You monopolize my thoughts to the point of almost making me insane, and you must be possibly the most beautiful woman that I’ve ever laid eyes on."
She felt her heart soar at that confession, "Really?"
He bent his head and brushed his mouth across hers, "Yes." He said smiling against her mouth, "Now, come on." He took her hand and led her into the house.
Once inside his room, he turned to her and pushed her back against the door bringing his mouth down on hers possessively. It took a fraction of the time he thought it would for her to begin to respond. Maybe it was the alcohol or maybe the passion he’d seen in those blue eyes of hers. Regardless, he felt a surge of triumph as he reached down and easily lifted her off her feet to carry her to his bed. He kneeled in the center, laid Lietha Wards 76
her down and brought his weight down on top of her while taking her mouth again.
She fit perfectly under him, soft and supple. He nudged her legs apart and moved his hardness against her belly causing her to hesitate.
"Gage." She gasped stiffening at the intimate contact. She could feel the length of his erection against her and it momentarily brought her back to reality.
He paused and looked down at her. Then he sat back on his heels and pulled her up with him, "Okay Mia, we’ll slow down." He said brushing her hair off her shoulders so it cascaded down her back. "We have all night together."
"Okay." She said softly. She really wanted him but she was also frightened.
"You start honey."
"Start?"
He nodded with a smile and took her hands placing them on his shirt, "Take my shirt off."
She felt herself smile but it was more unsure compared to his confident one. Slowly she started undoing the buttons of his shirt. He never helped her, nor said a word but she could feel the heat of his eyes on her face. However, she forgot about it when she finished unbuttoning his shirt and moved her hands up his bare chest to push it off his shoulders, "Gage, you’re so perfect." She whispered. Even though she never forgot how he looked when they went swimming, she never got to touch him like she did now.
He chuckled and reached over to grip her hips and pull her closer to him, "My turn." He murmured and undid the buttons of her blouse mimicking her movement and pushing it off her shoulders revealing a lacy pink bra, "that’s damn sexy." He said roving his eyes over her.
She felt herself flush, Mercenary’s Conquest 77
His hands slid up her sides to cup her breasts and she gasped but didn’t pull back. His eyes went to hers as he reached behind her and undid the clasp and pull it off her shoulders. He tossed the lacy garment aside and lowered his eyes to her chest, "When I saw you in that bikini two weeks ago, I knew then you had a beautiful body."
She flushed, "Gage—"
"Don’t be embarrassed Mia, you’re exquisite."
"I’m nervous." She breathed.
"I’ll take care of that." He said deeply leaning down toward her and taking her mouth again.
Mia moved her arms around his neck and threaded her fingers in his hair. Gage had this unequalled talent of making her forget herself when he kissed her and as soon as he involved that hot experienced tongue, she practically forgot her own name.
Gage bent her back over his arm and lowered his head to her breasts. This time when she said his name there was no hesitation in it. She tightened her fingers in his hair painfully as he flattened her out on the mattress and moved himself back in between her thighs. Quite frankly he found her aggressiveness a turn on and it took some willpower not to lose his patience and plunge into her endlessly. He needed to make sure that she was ready for him so he didn’t frighten her.
Mia heard herself moan feeling the pressure of his hard body on hers. When he took one of her breasts in his mouth she started making louder noises as he teased and tortured her with it. Now she knew what Lisa meant by an orgasmic tongue, but everything about this man was orgasmic, his hands, his mouth and his whole darn body for that matter. Then he started moving on top of her so she could feel every sinewy muscle of his bare top against her chest and abdomen while his mouth travelled back up to hers. This time she met his tongue with Lietha Wards 78
hers and there was no more encouragement needed to overcome her fears because she no longer had any. Suddenly he lifted up and away from her.
It was the worst empty feeling ever, "No—"
"Just a minute honey," Gage said his voice sounding rough with desire. "I need to get my pants off." He quickly stripped off the rest of his clothing then pulled off her skirt and panties before coming back down on her again. This time she was eager for his weight and instantly wrapped her limbs around him causing him to growl roughly.
If that deep throated sound was supposed to excite her, it certainly worked. Gage was completely masculine to the core and obviously he did know exactly what to do with a woman, even one as inexperienced as herself.
Then he shifted and lifted himself so he could ease into her, "Mia open your eyes and look at me." He rasped.
Mia didn’t even realize that her eyes were closed until he told her to open them. Then he thrust his hips down and she felt a sharp pain rivet through her causing her to cry out.
Gage stilled and kissed her tenderly, and gently brushed the hair off her wet cheeks, "Shhh baby, it’s done." He kissed her again and managed to lift his hips and slide further into her, "No more pain. I promise."
She nodded and took a deep breath as it began to subside.
"Here—" he slide a hand down to grasp her thigh and pull it up past his waist, "It’ll help." He brushed his lips across her wet cheek as he reached down and did the same with her other leg, "there." Then he carefully pulled back and pushed deeper into her. This time she gasped. "See?" her eyes filled with wonder as he continued the slow rocking until he felt her arch toward him. Only then did he increased the force and speed of his rhythm Mercenary’s Conquest 79
"Oh God!" she groaned, "Gage—" she lifted her head and dug her nails into his shoulders.
He lifted himself above her by placing his hands on either side of her head to get better momentum and seized her mouth with his as he felt his rising climax. He knew she was close by the tightening of her thighs on his waist and the force of her nails down his back. Not only that the mewling noises she began to make pushed him over the edge. He released her mouth to groan his release at that exact moment she gasped and arched toward him in a spasm of her own. Once more he pushed deeply into her draining the last climax before collapsing on top of her with a satiated groan. She was his, all his. Every inch of her belonged to him now, and he was not letting her go. He’d meant every word he told the General the day before about wanting her. She shifted her hips slightly and he groaned again. "Baby you need to lay still for a moment." He said roughly or he was going to have her all over again. He could still feel himself throb within her as small ripples of pleasure still pulsed through him. Maybe it was her innocence that made him feel so close to her, or maybe it was the enticing body, or her sweet personality. Whatever the reason, she had woken something inside of him that actually caused him to really care for her.
Mia was dealing with her own astonishment of what they just shared. She never knew it could be that way between two people. "Lay still?"she heard herself say.
He lifted his head and grinned down at her, "Yes, or I’m going to have you again."
Her eyes widened and then she felt herself smile.
"don’t start," he said narrowing his gaze, "Honey, you need time to rest. You must be sore."
"I don’t know." She said honestly, "I’m still in shock."
He groaned and lowered his head kissing her tenderly. Then he rolled to his side and pulled her too him, "Damn." He said, "I Lietha Wards 80
agree. That was hot."
She smiled against his chest and the hair tickled her nose.
He pulled back and tilted her head up to look at him, "Are you okay Mia?"
"More than you know." She said with a grin.
"God help me, I love your honesty." He chuckled, "But seriously, did I hurt you."
"I’ll be okay. I’m a little sore, but you were right. It did pass—God did it ever!" she added with awe.
This time he laughed, "You do wonders for a man’s sex appeal honey." He kissed her forehead, "However you also exhausted the hell out of me. Go to sleep."
Like he needed it, she thought, wow. "As you wish." She moved up tighter against him and he circled his strong arms around here keeping her there. Soon after they both fell asleep.
"Mia."
It seemed like his voice was in the distant and soon she realized where she was. She opened her eyes to see Gage staring back at her, "Hmm—what time is it?" she said seeing that there was barely any light in the room. Her eyes went to the window and saw the first hint of day in the sky.
"Five thirty." It was unusual for him to wake up with a woman in his bed, and in the past when he did, he couldn’t wait to get rid of them, but this one, he was willing to keep forever. Also he wasn’t used to waking up with a rock hard erection after the night they had together either, and there was no way in hell he was getting up without satisfying his lust. With the soft exquisite body beside him, he intended to do just that.
She groaned, "five thirty?"
"Honey," he pushed her onto her back, "I’ve got to be at work by seven." He leaned down and kissed her, "So that gives me just about one hour to ravish you again, "So wake the hell Mercenary’s Conquest 81
up."
She smiled, "One hour? Mister—you are in for a treat." She slid her arms around his neck as he growled and moved ontop of her.
An hour and a half later Gage kissed her passionately when he dropped her off at her house.
"I’ll call you later."
She smiled rather shyly and nodded.
"Are you sure I wasn’t too rough?" he lowered his head to meet her eyes.
"No, you were very gentle." She managed through her shyness and leaned over to kiss him, "Thank you for that." She turned and got out of the Jeep. She stood in the driveway and watched him pull away before she went into the house. There were three messages on the answering machine, all from Lisa, but she was too tired to call her and she probably wasn’t even up yet. Chances were she heard about the scene at her house and wanted to see if she was okay.
Tossing her purse on the side table she went up to her room and lay on her bed. Gage had thoroughly exhausted her and she was still not feeling well from the consumption of alcohol the night before. It was a while before she fell to sleep because the images of their bodies together kept surfacing in her mind causing her body to tingle and butterflies to flit about in her stomach.
At noon she heard a vehicle in the driveway and saw Gage’s police car through the window. Rushing down the stairs, she got to the door just as he was opening the screen. Neither one of them said a word, but she might have if he didn’t suddenly grab her and crush her mouth under his. However, if she had any words to say they dissolved when his hands slid her dress up her thighs and pinned her against the wall.
"I’ve missed you." He said hoarsely against her mouth. Lietha Wards 82
Her only response was an agreeable moan as he lifted her on his hips after the distinct sound of his belt getting undone followed by the rasp of the zipper of his uniform pants, because he’d smothered her mouth with his again.
He cupped her bottom and groaned as his fingers slid into the distinct shape of her thong panties, "How f*cking sexy," he murmured and quickly made a small obstacle out of them before he guided her onto his shaft. The exquisite moan that escaped her parted lips at the invasion, nearly had him come undone. It had made him impatient though, and he thought he might have been a little rough until the sexy noises began spilling out of her. Then she shoved her fingers into his hair to pull his mouth closer to hers. Christ, she was like a wildcat, he thought while she heightened his desire to possess her. He never thought he had it so good and he’d had plenty of women to compare her to, but they didn’t hold a candle to her. Afterward he would remember thinking that it was good for them that Mia and her dad lived in a isolated area because the noises they were making would have brought the house down if it wasn’t so firmly rooted to the foundation.
Her shouts were drowned out by his as he exploded in her while burying his face in her neck and shoving himself as far in her as he could possibly get. After a moment he knew he probably left bruises of his fingers on her hips.
"I think I died." She managed to say
"Me and you both baby." He breathed into her neck. "I honestly didn’t come to here to make love to you—" he paused lifting his head and looking over her at the wall. then he grinned, "—against the wall of all places."
She smiled, "Well maybe if you sucked at it, I would have stopped you." She moved and flinched.
"What is it?"
"Something’s poking my thigh," she giggled. Mercenary’s Conquest 83
He eased away from her and chuckled, "My gun." Gripping her waist, he lifted her off of him like she weighed nothing and set her down gently. However, he didn’t release her. He bent his head down and took her mouth with his, "God I’ve never tasted anything as sweet as you." He kissed her again, "Anyway, I came here," he lifted his head and gave her a sexy grin as he reached down to do up his pants with a rattle of metal followed by the rasp of his zipper, "To ask you if you’d come with me to my grandfather’s birthday celebration next week."
"Here?"
"No, North Carolina." He answered
"Oh." She said apprehensively, "I don’t know how dad will take this."
"I’ll speak to him." He said as he reached over and adjusted the lines of her dress, trying his best to set her right. Then after a slight hesitation he pulled her back into his embrace to kiss her again, "This has got to be a sickness." He smiled against her lips.
"I agree." She murmured back.
"You so belong to me." He groaned and kissed her again.
"Am I interrupting?" George said after clearing his throat. He tried to keep the anger and the astonishment out of his voice and his expression. He’d come up the steps and what he saw through the screen door didn’t please him in the least. His daughter was in a rather intimate embrace with the Deputy and they were kissing. Of course he’d expected this from them, they were both young and clearly attracted to one another, but to see it was a different state of mind. He still thought of her as a little girl despite how beautiful and intelligent she was.
Both of them swung their heads toward the door as George came in and set his luggage in the hall. He noticed the guilty look on Mia’s face, but Gage’s was only pleasantly surprised. Didn’t anything faze this man? Lietha Wards 84
"Dad!" said Mia and gave Gage a complicated look over her shoulder as she stepped forward and hugged her dad, "You came home early. I didn’t expect you until tonight."
"Obviously," he shot Gage and accusatory look.
"Oh dad please, it was only a kiss." She shot a wide eyed glance to Gage who couldn’t help but grin. It was a hot, sexy, spur of the moment interlude that actually caught both of them by surprise.
Gage knew he was crazy about her before, but now she was like an addictive drug and he already wanted her again after that lustful act. Never had he gotten so excited from just seeing her after a few seconds and to take her against the wall in the hall when her father could have walked in at any moment was thoughtless. Yet, he didn’t care because after seeing her, he had to have her again and it consumed him.
Unfortunately he was picked for this job because of his impeccable self control, yet she’d managed to shatter it from the first moment he laid his hands on her in the police station. Finally he tore his eyes away from her remembering what he’d come there to do. "George, can I speak to you for a moment." Gage said finally tearing his eyes from Mia.
"Sure thing." He kissed Mia on the forehead, "Could you take my luggage upstairs?"
"I can." She said picking up the bag and giving Gage a worried look before leaving.
George waited until his was sure she was out of earshot before he turned his angry gaze on Gage, "I don’t appreciate you pawing my daughter the minute I leave."
Gage ignored him, "I want to take Mia to North Carolina next week."
"Over my dead body!" George seethed.
"We need a more private place to talk," Gage said calmly while he flicked a glance toward the stairway. Mercenary’s Conquest 85
Mia still held her father’s luggage in her hands as she waited out of view at the top of the stairs hoping to hear something. Then she heard the door shut to his study. What she wouldn’t do to be a fly on the wall at that moment. However, she knew Gage’s power of persuasion having experienced it herself the previous night. Blushing at the images that came flooding back to her she turned to go down to her father’s room to put his luggage away.
"I’m going to give it to you straight George." He said after the man went straight to the scotch bottle and poured himself a drink.
"I never thought it would be any other way Gage." He lifted his glass, "drink?"
"I can’t I’ve got to get back to work, but I’ll certainly take a rain check."
"All right then," he took a gulp, "Tell me how you intend to convince me to let you take Mia across the country."
"My so-called grandfather’s name is General Thaddeus Thomas." He quickly rushed forward to steady George as he dropped his glass, swayed slightly and paled several shades. "Here, sit down." He said with concern as he reached for a nearby chair and pulled it toward the man.
George accepted the chair that Gage helped him into. It took him a moment to overcome the initial shock, "Does she know?"
"No. He doesn’t want me to tell her."
"Well, all of this makes sense now." He said almost to himself. "You here and after her like a bee to honey—"
"—That was not in the deal George." Gage interrupted, "The attraction is real."
This brought his head up to face Gage. The older man studied him for a bit, "Okay Gage, I can see you care about her, but my concerns still stand." Lietha Wards 86
"Who better to protect her George? I take it from your early arrival that your food convention didn’t go well."
"You and I both know that was no food convention." He pressed the palm of his hand to his forehead, "F*ck."
"Let me take her to North Carolina. I can protect her better there."
"You’re sleeping with her aren’t you." George didn’t phrase it as a question. "My only daughter." He saw the kiss, and the way Mia looked at Gage. He knew something had happened between them.
"First of all, that’s really none of your business, and secondly, she’s not your daughter." He said firmly, "If anyone has first rights to her it’s the General."
"I know that." George said in defeat. "But I raised her as my own."
"He knows that. It’s why you still have her."
Mia waited impatiently on the front lawn by his car twisting her hands together. It was a good half an hour when the screen door opened and closed she couldn’t help but rush toward him. The grin he was wearing made her smile back. "Well?"
"Start packing honey."
"You’re kidding?" she said with complete astonishment.
"No, now come here and show me how much you appreciate me."
She laughed and practically leapt on him as he lifted her up in the air and kissed her passionately, "Now I’ve got to get back to work, " he set her down.
"What did you say to him?"
"We’ll talk later. I’ll call you tonight." He bent his head down and kissed her again, "Later honey." He gave her another sensual grin before he got in the car and drove away.
She watched the car disappear before she went back in Mercenary’s Conquest 87
the house, "Dad?" she called and got no answer. So she went to the last place she knew he went and walked up to the door to his study, ‘Dad?" she repeated to the closed door.
"Come in."
There was something in his tone that made him apprehensive, "Are you okay?" she opened the door and stepped in just to see him with a drink in his hand. Her eyes guided to his face he looked worried, "What happened?"
"Nothing Mia."
Her eyes narrowed, "You lie worse than mom." Did she actually see him flinch at the mention of her mother? "Did Gage upset you?"
"Absolutely not!" he defended, "Gage was a gentleman as usual."
"Oh." She looked doubtful. Especially after the way he defended him, because he was so over protective when he was around. Something happened between then and now to make him change his mind.
"I mean it Mia. He was full of promises to take good care of you and I believe him." He added seeing her sceptical expression.
"Really?" she sat in the chair next to him, "then why are you so upset?"
When he didn’t say anything, she reached over and touched his hand.
He managed to force a smile, "Mia, just know that I love you more than life itself and if it hadn’t been for you, your mother and I would have led very empty lives."
What brought that on?
He noticed her concern, "I don’t mean to worry you honey, I just know I’m getting older and want you to know how much I appreciate you."
"Are you well?" Lietha Wards 88
"Healthy as a horse." He saw her become visibly relieved. "It’s just not often I say that."
"so you’re okay with Gage taking me to North Carolina? What about the diner?" she watched his expression for anything suspicious and there was nothing when he spoke.
"I think its about time you got out and away from this small town, especially after what Liam did."
"Oh-my-God, he told you." She said incredulously.
"And Lisa." He added with a narrow look, "She’s becoming too damn spoiled."
Mia flattened her face in her hands.
"Honey." Her father reached over and squeezed her shoulder, "I’m sorry I seem so apprehensive about Gage to begin with, but if I were to chose anyone for you to see, it would be him."
"You really mean that?" she said softly seeing the honesty in his expression.
"yes, I do. In the beginning the age difference bothered me, but I can’t think of anyone else I’d rather have you dating at the moment. He’s got a good head on his shoulders." He sighed heavily, "I know I’ve been working you to the bone for these past few months. I’ll talk to Joan and Al and see if they can work the extra shifts for that time because you really need this. You’ve been raised in this small town your whole life and you need a change. Not only that Gage said Jane would help out."
Was she hearing him right? "How much have you had to drink?"
He held up his glass which was still three quarters full, "This was the only one and I only took one drink."
"Something upset you Dad. Why don’t you want to talk about it?"
He forced another smile and shook his head, "I just miss your mother. Sometimes I get a little upset, and I’ve been able Mercenary’s Conquest 89
to hide it from you until now." He gave her a sheepish smile, "You have enough on your plate." He patted her hand affectionately, "Now you have a chance at a enjoying your life for however long this thing with Gage lasts, but he seems to genuinely care about you."
"I think so." She said with a subtle smile.
"And vice versa?" he asked.
"Oh yes!" she said without hesitation causing him to smile for the first time in the last two days.
Gage went back to the office that afternoon and as he walked in the door, the desk clerk Ellie, waved at him, "Gage Honey, you have a message." She gave him a piece of paper, which he read nodded his thanks and went through the door, by the desks and into his office to return the call. Unknown to him Ellie’s eyes roved down to his nicely rounded backside. Then she rolled her eyes and fanned her face dramatically.
"Something that sinful should be shot." She said to herself.
Gage went into his office and shut the door to phone General Thomas.
"Is she coming?" came the familiar older voice on the other end of the phone.
"Yeah, it wasn’t hard to convince him."
"Good. I want you here first before others start to arrive, so I can get to know her. Something I should have done years ago."
"I’ll have my plane readied for Friday." Gage said.
"Have you told her anything about yourself?"
"No. Just what her father knows. I’ll leave everything else up to you like you wanted."
"That will be fine. I’ll see you Friday afternoon." He Lietha Wards 90
hung up.
Gage followed suit. He stared at the phone for a moment wondering how this would thing was going to go over with Mia and closed his eyes in thought. What if she felt betrayed? He had come to care for her more than he expected and losing her would quite possibly tear him in two. He never meant to make love to her, only protect her like he promised the General, but he also never expected to feel for her the way he did either. She was different that what he was used to. Hell, she was fantastic and he was crazy about her. Standing, he ran his hand through his hair in frustration. All of this was becoming too complicated. Then Teddy caught his eye as he walked through the squad room focusing his thoughts in another direction.
Still meaning to have a word with him over his daughter’s behaviour he went out and followed the man to his office.
Teddy had gone with George on his trip to Arizona and he was just as solemn as George upon returning. Maybe because it wasn’t Arizona they went to, and it wasn’t a golfing slash food convention.
Gage wasn’t sure if George had time to phone the Chief and tell him about his visit at noon, but he had a few things he wanted to talk to the man about besides that. He wrapped on the door jam and Teddy waved him in. Gage stepped in and shut the door, "I need to speak with you about Lisa."
"My daughter?"
"Yeah, when you and George left the day before last, Lisa had a party at your house and invited Mia."
"She did what?"
"Hang on, let me finish." Then he saw Liam enter the squad room and take a seat at his desk. He was sure his look turned deadly as he eyed the man, "I found Mia half blitzed in Lisa’s room with Liam on top of her." Mercenary’s Conquest 91
"What the f*ck did you just say?" He shot to his feet, "You had better be lying to me Gage."
Gage didn’t move he just sat there staring calmly at him, while sweeping his arm toward the room through the office window, "As you can see I didn’t kill him. He’s still alive." He paused, "For now."
"Are you saying my daughter had a hand in that?" He pointed an accusing finger at him, "And you better choose your words carefully."
"Yes I am." He held up his hand when he thought the man was going to burst an artery, "However, I don’t think she expected Liam to take advantage of her. I think she was just trying to get her to loosen up a bit, and instead she ended up getting her drunk."
"Jesus Christ." Ted plopped down in his chair again. From the look on Gage’s face, he wasn’t lying, "I didn’t know."
"Let me be honest with you Ted, I don’t want Lisa around Mia anymore unless you do something about this."
"You can’t possibly expect me to believe that this was all of Lisa’s doing."
"No, but she influences Mia because she’s popular and Mia’s been vulnerable since her mother died three months ago. Lisa’s taken full advantage of that."
"And you haven’t." Ted accused. "You are no different."
"I genuinely care about Mia." He said in the same controlled voice, "You’re daughter is out of control and you needed to know regardless of how pissed off at me you are, I know you’re an honourable man and in time you’ll see what I meant." He finally stood up, "Keep her away from Mia Ted, or I will."
"What the hell does that mean?" then he stopped, took a deep breath and waved a hand, "All right, let’s assume that you’re right, then I will handle this, but you keep out of it, until I Lietha Wards 92
deal with it, and I will deal with it if I think she’s done what you said."
"That’s fair enough. You’re a good man, I really don’t want to cross you seeing that you’re my chief, but I have a duty here that you don’t know about, and Mia is my priority."
This brought Ted’s brows up, "How about filling me in then. I take it this has something to do with the time off you asked for next week."
"I can’t, but you can ask George what he knows because I have no control over him talking to you." He said with a speaking look before he left the room.
In about ten minutes Ted left the police station and Gage knew exactly where he was going.
"Gage I need to talk to you."
Gage knew Liam’s voice before he even turned around to face the man. "I think you need to give me a few days Liam, because I still want to shoot you."
Liam looked past him to the others who were in the room hoping none of them could hear them, "Look, I can’t apologize enough. Can we talk in your office?" He’d already been the brunt of a few of the men’s anger when word had reached them of how stupid he’d been. Although they never frightened him like Gage did, it was embarrassing enough and the guilt was eating him alive.
"By all means—" he waved his arm ahead of him. His voice may have sounded calm but inside he was raging.
When they were inside he shut the door, "You’d better make it quick, because I’m not sure how much restraint I have in me from breaking your neck." He said with almost too much calm.
Liam didn’t miss the deadly tone and held his hands up, "I know, I was a complete ass, but Gage, you need to know, I’ve been in love with Mia since she was sixteen." Mercenary’s Conquest 93
"she didn’t ask for your advances!"
"I know, but I had too much to drink and thought that maybe if I kissed her she would see how much I care. That’s no excuse, but before I knew it I was on her—" he stopped when Gage took a menacing step toward him, " but I did stop." He defended causing the other man to pause.
"I know, she told me." he admitted reluctantly, "But that doesn’t excuse your behaviour."
"She did?"
"She still defended you Liam, though you really didn’t deserve it. From now on," his expression darkened, "if I so much as catch you looking at her with anything close to affection, I’ll tear you in two."
"yeah Justin mentioned that." He said then paused studying him, and his expression became guilty again, "I need to know if she’s alright. I didn’t frighten her did I?"
‘You did, but she’s fine. Just remember what I said, because I swear to God I’ll bust all of your f*cking teeth out next time."
"I hear you." He held out his hand, "I hope we can stay friends."
Gage just stared at him flicking a brief glance to the man’s outstretched hand.
"I swear on my father’s grave it won’t happen again." He added and that was when Gage’s threatening stance finally relaxed somewhat and he reached out and shook the other man’s hand.
"Agreed then." He allowed a subtle smile to grace his features, "You’d better love your father more than your own life Liam. If I find out he was an alcoholic wife beater, I’m coming after you."
"I swear." He smiled, "I did." Lietha Wards 94
As Gage promised he called Mia later that evening.
"Gage?"
He chuckled, "Hi baby."
"Hi," she said and smiled into the phone.
"I wanted to come and see you tonight, but for some odd reason I’m really exhausted."
"Hmm,’ she said not missing his meaning, "I could sneak out of the house and meet you." She suggested huskily.
He near groaned. "Oh Christ honey, don’t get me going. I really need some sleep, and if I have you in my bed that’s the last thing I’ll be doing, but I promise I’ll pop by the diner and see you tomorrow." Truth is, he had a lot of planning to do for their trip. He’d already spoken with Jane and she was more than happy to help out George. Somehow she’d even swindled the keys of his jeep from him. At least their housekeeper was around if she needed anything and she did have the number of his mobile. He shouldn’t worry about her, he raised her well to look after herself, but she was still only sixteen. Mia’s sweet voice cut through his thoughts.
"Okay."
"I’ll have you all to myself next week, remember that." He said deeply.
She laughed, "I’m giddy just thinking about it."
He chuckled, "Goodnight honey."
"Goodnight." She hung up and sighed looking at the phone. What was wrong with her? She couldn’t go half a day without missing him terribly. Secretly hoping he felt the same way, she got up and went into her room to change into her pyjamas. Just then the phone rang again and she scooted back to it. "Gage?"
"It’s Lisa."
It sounded as if she was crying, "What’s wrong?"
"Mia, I didn’t know about last night." Mercenary’s Conquest 95
"What?"
"With Liam—I never thought he’d hurt you." She sniffed loudly, "Gage told Dad and he came home—" her voice cracked, "He came home early and caught Charlie and I—Oh God I feel like a tramp."
"I’m coming over."
"No—dad said I had to stay away from you."
"What?"
"I’m in so much trouble," she sobbed, "He took my car, kicked Charlie out and told me I was grounded for the rest of the summer. H—he threatened to charge Charlie with assault, Oh God—he’ll never talk to me again!"
"Of course he will Lisa, he loves you." She defended, "I’m coming over. Meet me out back by the gazebo."
"I can’t," she lowered her voice and hiccupped, "Dad’s so mad. I’ve never seen him like this. I’ve been such a brat." She sobbed again, "Mia, just please forgive me okay?"
"There’s nothing to forgive," she offered, feeling her own eyes water, "It wasn’t that bad."
"Don’t lie, I don’t deserve it. When dad lets me see you again, I’ll make this up to you okay?"
"I told you there’s nothing to forgive." She repeated. "I still want to come over. It sounds like you need a friend."
"I have a good friend. Especially after last night because she still says she is." She paused, "I will call you when dad isn’t so mad. Bye Mia."
"Bye Lisa." She hung up. Gage should have left this between them, not gotten Lisa in trouble. Although it did show her that he cared about her, she was upset for Lisa.
That night she hardly slept worrying about her friend and when her alarm went off the next morning she had trouble dragging herself out of bed to the shower. Her father left several hours ago to prep the diner for the morning, and she Lietha Wards 96
really liked the walk to town. She chose a summery pale yellow halter top dress, locked the door and proceded down the front steps when Gage’s car drove up. Part of her wanted to leap for joy, but the other wanted to give him hell for interfering in her life. When he spoke in the husky deep voice she came to adore, the other won over and she gave him a stunning smile, but that didn’t mean that she wasn’t going to talk to him about Lisa.
He pulled in to the driveway and rolled down the window, "Get in honey, I’ll give you a lift."
She got in the car and leaned over to give him a kiss.
"I should pick you up every morning after that delicious greeting."
"Maybe you should—Gage we’ve got to talk." It was hard concentrating on anything when he was around.
"Oh-oh, this is about Lisa." He said studying her expression, "I told you I was going to handle it."
She couldn’t help but frown, "Okay, you did, but Lisa’s upset."
"She should be."
"I disagree." She said with surprise at his harshness.
"Ah-the wildcat—"
"Wildcat?"
Putting the car into park, he shut off the engine and turned to her, "Honey, as if you didn’t notice, our relationship has been moving fast, and I feel as though I’ve been blindsided. Never can I admit to feeling like this about a woman before. Now, I’m not used to this, " he waved an arm back and forth between them, "you and me—so I’m a little possessive. I can also step back and look at this situation between you and Lisa objectively. That woman is jealous of you and is doing her best to bring you down to her level so she doesn’t feel so inferior."
"That’s not true—Lisa’s popular and beautiful—"
"Not as half as beautiful as you Mia." He said softly. Mercenary’s Conquest 97
"What did you say?" her voice was barely a whisper of disbelief.
"I know you don’t believe it yourself, but I mean it. It’s the reason I asked you out to begin with. Besides the fact that you’re as sweet as hell." His hand came up and caressed her jaw.
"Really?"
"Really." He gave her a sinful grin, "I knew from the first time I laid eyes on you, that I wanted you."
"I—find that so hard to believe."
"Mia, I don’t really date women, I never really have, but then I saw you, and from that moment you affected me more than anyone. My life has been full of meaningless physical relationships and you’re the first woman that has gotten under my skin. Your dad let you know some of what I did before I came here. Years of that life can harden a man and I didn’t realize how much until I met you. So if I’m a little protective, you’ll have to forgive me." His eyes searched hers and he couldn’t help but feel a sense of relief when she nodded.
"Okay," she smiled, "I pretty sure that after that confession, I’m just about to fall at your feet."
"You too huh?" he leaned over, "Because I’m feeling pretty much the same way, now kiss me."
"Anytime." She said as she leaned toward him.
Although Mia left the house over an hour ago and she had a ride, she was still a half an hour late for work. Hopefully her father wouldn’t see the blush that rose when she entered the diner over her guilt at what she had been doing. At least he remembered to remove his gun this time.
"Mia?" her father said as he came out from the back.
"hi Mia," came Al’s voice.
She waved at him, "I slept in, sorry dad. Lisa phoned me last night upset, and I was worried about her so I didn’t sleep well." Which was the truth. Lietha Wards 98
"is she all right?"
"I don’t know, she didn’t want to see me."
"Well, Mia, this is probably for the best right now."
"What does that mean?" she said defensively. Why was everyone suddenly picking on Lisa? Mia knew perfectly what she was like but loved her anyway and that night wasn’t all Lisa’s fault. She didn’t have to drink whatever she kept pouring in her cup, but she did and Gage knew that.
He nodded toward the window, "She does influence you even if you don’t admit it, and Gage is right, you are too sweet for your own good." He certainly didn’t want to tell her that her life was in danger.
She flushed, "Dad."
He smiled and kissed her forehead, "All right, no more embarrassment. Get to work, we open in five, and I’m sure the deputy chief will be here at lunchtime like he always is since he set his eyes on you."
"Thanks for not embarrassing me anymore," she laughed and walked into the back to get her apron.