Page 17 of The Spy

She laughed. “Only if you go with me.”

“You’re on.” He took off at a run into the low swells of water, then he held her tightly and she held her breath and he looked like he was going to dive them both in.

Shouts from the beach interrupted and a man came running, waving his arms. Lucan immediately tightened his embrace. “What’s this?”

“He’s on my security staff.” She dreaded what might be the reason for so urgent a summons.

Lucan started plowing through the water, his strong thighs pushing through the waves. Once on the sand, he placed her down gently.

“We’ve received word of some entrances into the country.”

Anna stiffened. “Who?” Thinking of Lucan, being in danger, she worried for his life.

“Arun and Ba Tu.” She gripped Lucan’s hand. “Ba Tu is the man I took down in Cairo last year.”

Lucan bristled. “What time did he land? And why was he allowed entrance?” In Torren he had a list of banned people that grew every week.

“In Spain, we are not at liberty to simply ban people from our nation. We have a governing body here, laws to uphold…”

“I’m sorry, you are correct, of course.” They gathered their shoes and followed the security messenger back up the paths and into the house, Anna’s clothes sticking to her while she walked. “I assume we have taken measures.”

“Certainly, and as soon as you are back in the palace, all security will be in place.”

“And you are having him tailed?” Lucan hated not being in charge, not having all the answers.

The man eyed him. “Yes. Of course.”

“Perhaps Lucan could join you and take a look at exactly what measures you have in place. I’m also sure he would appreciate access to some of your equipment?”

“I’d like a whole set up in my room, if you don’t mind.” He raised an eyebrow.

Anna smiled. “Make it happen for him, please. Whatever Lucan requires.”

She was sick with worry. How could she bring such danger upon them all? “I want these two found. I want them out of our lives forever.”

Lucan frowned. “They don’t know who you are. They couldn’t.”

Anna stopped. “That’s true, but I can’t risk it.”

“No, of course not, but I wonder if we should do some research to see why else they might be here.”

“Already being done…and we will share our findings with you.”

Lucan nodded.

“And now, if we might change out of these clothes?”

“Yes, chafing.” Lucan walked bow legged and inspired a laugh from Anna. She had forgotten how easily he handled stress and pressure and how quickly he was able to put her at ease, at the same time that he filled her with confidence.

“Meet me in my conference room in fifteen minutes.”

“I’ll be there. And Anna, where is your room?”

The security detail moved further away.

He pulled her close and said, “I am nervous about keeping you safe. Is your room anywhere near mine?” His breath, a hint of cinnamon, his lips, inches from her own, the intensity of the situation all combined to send a charge of energy through her body.

“I’ll take you there tonight.”

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