Page 207 of Wild Mustang Security Firm

Noah showered and was pulling on the loose-knit cotton sweater as he re-entered the sitting room. She saw him notice the flowers he’d picked for her on the coffee table and smile. He stretched his hand out to her, and she took it as they headed outside.

The property was truly inspiring. Noah pointed out its strategic location and setting. She enjoyed hearing what he had to say and liked that he was so willing to share things with her and not try to keep her at arm’s length from what he did.

“It’s too bad they don’t have a boat,” she said.

“I’ve been wondering about that. For an escape, you’d want something with a motor, but to accommodate that, we’d have to build a dock. I plan to ask Thom about it. It might prove useful. Do you like the water?”

“I do. If I didn’t live in the mews in London, I’d be somewhere with water close at hand. I love this place and the one in Wales as well. Just beautiful. You go trail riding? I try to indulge myself at least monthly with a private cruise up the Thames. Very peaceful and serene. I find I can gather my thoughts there and get centered. How about you?”

“I like the water, but I’m more of a whitewater kind of guy. It’s like a very wet roller-coaster. A bit like fucking you.”

She batted at him. “You’re such a jackass.”

“I can’t be a jackass.”

“Oh, but you are.”

“No, Croft is the jackass. Ask Finn. He says he now thinks of it as her pet name for him.”

“If he’s anything like you, it is most likely deserved.”

He laughed, and they walked back to the cottage. There was a vehicle parked in front, and Zara stiffened until she realized nothing in Noah’s body language indicated there was cause for alarm. It was an expensive convertible sports car. In most places, it would be wildly out of place, but in Monaco, it fit right in.

“That fool leaning against the car is Thom Lynden. My guess is he decided to wait where I could see him.”

“Ah, so the brains of the operation.”

“Careful, sweetheart. Just because your ass is still sporting those welts, don’t think I won’t give you a good swat when you need it.”

Deciding to take the bull by the horns, she called to Thom, “Does your employer know his field operatives have a bad habit of beating the women in their protection?”

Noah laughed as did Thom, who called back, “Not only does he probably know, I’m sure they have his full support.”

“Jesus, I’m doomed.” She extended her hand. “Noah says you’re Thom Lynden. I’m Zara Hughes.”

“I’m aware, Ms. Hughes…”

“Zara, please.”

Thom nodded. “Zara, then. I’m a big fan. This guy been taking care of you?”

She looped her arm through Thom’s as she led him back to the house.

“In ways you can’t even begin to imagine.”

Thom looked haplessly over his shoulder at Noah.

“Oh, don’t be afraid of the big bad wolf. He’s really rather pleasant as long as he gets laid often and well.”

Zara smiled as Thom blushed, and Noah laughed.

“Don’t worry about the supplies. I’ll be happy to bring them in,” Noah said, still laughing.

Chapter

Fifteen

Thom was surprised. He wasn’t sure what he’d expected, but a laughing, teasing, flirtatious Zara Hughes wasn’t it. The fact Noah seemed far removed from the usual lethal presence he presented to the world was quite interesting. Zara was the furthest thing any of them had ever expected of Noah. As much as they teased him about finding a hellion, they’d always believed he really would settle down with a quiet girl without a lot of spirit. Zara was the antithesis of that, yet it was easy to tell Noah was besotted. And unless Thom was wrong, Zara felt the same way about him.

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