Page 29 of Liberating Mia
“Ms. O’Connor. This is a surprise. It’s good to see you again,” he spoke to a beautiful woman.
“Agent Finn. Always lovely to see you.”
“Please, feel free to just call me Finn.”
She nodded gracefully. “Finn it is.”
“Could I ask a big favor, ma’am?”
“Yes, of course. Ask away.”
“The boss wants a word. Would it be alright if Mia here stayed with you? She’s had a bit of a rough time, and I don’t want her sitting by herself.”
“Absolutely. She’s most welcome.”
Both sets of eyes swiveled in Mia’s direction. It took everything in her to stand her ground when all she wanted to do was hide behind Finn. She could only imagine what she must look and smell like, having been kept prisoner in a cage for days.
“Mia, this is Ms. O’Connor. The boss man’s fiancée. Ms. O’Connor, this is Mia Shore. A friend of mine,” he made the introductions. “I best get over there. My esteemed leader is looking mighty impatient.”
The other woman laughed and made a shooing gesture. “Best you get over there then. Wouldn’t want to get him any more riled up than he already is.”
“Yes, ma’am.” Snapping a smart salute, he walked away, leaving Mia standing there feeling conspicuous.
“Please. Have a seat. What can I get you, Mia? Something to eat or drink?” Tahlia asked.
Slipping into a seat, Mia suddenly wanted nothing more than something icy cold to drink. “A tall glass of iced water would be great, please.”
When the waiter placed the glass dripping with condensation down in front of her, it took everything Mia had to drink it down slowly. For a moment, they sat there in silence. She tried hard not to squirm under Tahlia’s gaze.
“Please don’t be offended, lovely. But you look like you could do with a good meal, a hot shower, and a decent night’s sleep. In that order.”
“Yes, I guess you’re right. It’s been a difficult few days.”
“I’m so sorry to hear you’ve been through a difficult time.” Tahlia reached over and squeezed Mia’s hand. “I just need to have a quick word with Larry. I’ll be right back.” As Tahlia rose gracefully to her feet, Mia noticed movement over her shoulder. As she looked, her gaze collided with curious one of the very man Tahlia was going toward. Startled, Mia dropped her eyes to the table.
“Sure. No problem. I’ll be right here.”
Envy swamped Mia as Larry wrapped a possessive arm around Tahlia and leaned in to place the gentlest kiss on her forehead. In turn, Tahlia leaned her weight into her man, clearly reveling in his attention. Once again, those eyes, so much like Finn’s, swung back to her as he lowered his head to listen to whatever Tahlia was saying to him. Larry said something, and almost as one, the three of them made their way over to where she was sitting.
Larry held out his hand as he reached her. “Larry Keon.”
Giving him a shy, embarrassed smile, Mia shook his outstretched hand. “Mia Shore.”
“I’m pleased to make your acquaintance. I’ve heard so much about you.” The grin he gave her made Mia glad she was sitting down. It was easy to see why Tahlia was so crazy about him. The man’s smile and demeanor were lethal. His very presence was commanding.
“After hearing Finn’s account of the raid, I’m sure you’d like nothing more than some rest and relaxion, so I won’t keep you. Finn’s on six weeks’ mandatory sick leave. I’d be grateful if you could see to it he takes things easy.” Drawing Tahlia back against his side, he continued, “Lia and I are staying in the hotel, so I’m sure we’ll be seeing more of each other. In the meantime, I think the two of you should go get some rest.”
Bidding them a good night, the older couple took their leave. Finn’s sigh caught Mia’s attention.
“Everything alright?”
“I’ll live.”
“Tell me,” she invited.
“The local is wearing off, my boss is forcing me to take time off, and I’m dying for a hot meal and a hotter shower. Other than that, I’m just dandy.”
“God, I could totally devour a burger right about now.” Mia groaned.
