Page 17 of Isla by Any Other Name

“Why the change of plans?” Isla said, feeling groggy.

“We had a tip that there’s a hit on your head—like we didn’t know that. I’m still not confident that there isn’t an informant at the Agency. So we’re still considering this a black op. I know my team and I’d trust them with my life, but I’m not ready to trust anyone else. My superiors agree with me. So we’ll continue to play this out my way. I keep my promises, Molly. I’ll keep you safe and my superiors will find the leak. Now how about we get something to eat. What would you like?”

“How are we going to do that?”

“I’ve got a burner phone. Colt will bring us whatever we want.”

“I really don’t care,” Isla said. Thinking that someone wanted very badly to murder her didn’t give her much appetite. “Why don’t you decide?”

“Pizza and wings sound good to you?”

“That’s fine, no anchovies!”

“Uck! How about pepperoni and mushrooms?”

“Perfect.”

Mitch made the call. Thirty minutes later, Colt and Lara came through the door with dinner in hand.

“Where are you guys?” Mitch asked.

“Four doors down. We told the desk clerk we were on our honeymoon,” Colt said as he put his arm around Lara and pulled her to his side, nuzzling her neck.

“Stop!” Lara said as she slugged him in the stomach.

“Ouch! Why’d you do that?”

“Because I’m not your wife, so cut it out or you’ll be on your back on the floor,” said Lara toughly. Isla could tell she was enjoying this banter though.

“Are you on the floor with me?” Colt asked coyly.

Lara cracked her knuckles.

“Now children…” Mitch chuckled.

“Why do I always have to play the loving wife with Colt?” Lara asked. “Why not Dirk or Max?”

“Because the way the two of you bicker,” Mitch laughed. “You’re the most convincing.”

Lara rolled her eyes. “We wouldn’t last a week together. It’s bad enough we have to spend so much time together. He’s like a toothache!”

They ate their food cross-legged on the beds. Isla was yawning for the fifth time when Colt said, “We’re out of here. Come on, wife. It’s time for us to leave so Molly can get some shut-eye. If all’s clear, we’ll be back at the compound by noon tomorrow. Call if you need us. Lara’s on watch tonight.”

“Hopefully, we won’t need to,” said Mitch. “Get some sleep, we’ll see you in the morning. Seven o’clock work for you both?”

“We’ll bring coffee and breakfast and be on our way.”

When it was just the two of them, Isla said, “I’m going to take a shower. Hopefully that’ll take the kinks out of my neck.” She took her bag and went into the bathroom. After a nice hot shower, her shoulders and neck still screamed. She finished brushing her teeth and pulled on a pair of yoga pants and a T-shirt. When she reentered the bedroom, Mitch was on his laptop, engrossed in whatever he was reading.

“All set?” Mitch asked, concerned. “How’s your neck?”

“I’ll be fine.” She smiled to hide her pain.

“Come here,” he said, patting the bed. “Now sit.”

Isla sat on the edge of the bed and Mitch climbed behind her. He put his hands on her shoulders, then started to knead out the knots. “You really are tight,” he said, as he continued to massage her neck and shoulders. “The stress of this whole situation has taken a toll on you, hasn’t it?”

“It has—but whatever you’re doing feels really good,” she said, then dropped her head onto her chest. She was practically purring as he continued massaging her shoulders. His touch was golden, and her body hummed. Desire pooled between her legs and her core pulsed.