Shattered Lies (Web of Lies #3)(19)

Grant flashed her a smile. “See, that wasn’t so hard.”

Valeria narrowed her eyes. “Then what’s your weakness?”

“Stubborn women. It’s the Scot in me,” he said, sending her a wink. Valeria blinked as she realized he wasn’t disparaging her. In fact, he admired it. “But I do have a tendency to disobey orders I don’t think are right. Now, are you going to tell me what you found in Mexico?”

“There’s a lot more to tell before we get to that point.” Valeria looked out over the controls and began laying everything out.



* * *



He looked at the map and smiled. Soon, very soon. He would bring the world to its knees and then they would turn to him to save them. Countries, presidents, monarchies, and working people alike would hail him as their savior as they handed over everything he wanted. So what that Shanghai didn’t go according to plan. That’s what test runs were for. He had many other more important locations ready and waiting. However, the president was another matter. One that he needed to take care of immediately.





9





Lizzy unlocked the door to her townhouse and walked inside. Soon she’d have to make a decision whether or not to keep the place or if she would move to Quantico full time. However, since finding out her father had been murdered and getting tangled in the web of lies she found herself trying to unravel, the future didn’t seem so futuristic. It seemed more like an hour at a time.

“Valeria and Grant are on a plane to Andrews. They’ll be here in three hours. Alex is meeting us here, and we’ll video call with Tate, Birch, and Humphrey,” Lizzy called out as she set down her keys and turned on the kitchen light. A thin layer of dust covered the kitchen table and all her plants were turning brown.

“Jason will meet us here as well,” Dalton told her as he put his phone on the kitchen table and looked around. “Seems strange that Dave isn’t here.”

Lizzy smiled at the thought of her rescued Bichon Frise being doggy-sat by Snip back in Quantico. “I’m looking forward to seeing that furball again.” Lizzy poured a glass of water into one of her plants but figured it was a lost cause. Her therapist had told her to care for the plants to help her recovery. Then she’d rescued Dave. Dave had helped more than the plants. But what really helped was finding out she hadn’t messed up and caused the death of her ex . . . well, until she killed him in the South China Sea. She didn’t feel too badly about that since she found out Dan was with Mollia Domini.

Lizzy felt Dalton’s arms wrap around her from behind as his lips nuzzled her neck. “We have three hours, and you told me you loved me.” Dalton’s hand slid up under her shirt and cupped her breast. “I can think of a way to mark this milestone in our relationship.”

“Sandra—” Lizzy started to say until Dalton pulled her head back and kissed her.

“Can wait three hours. We need a plan on how to handle her anyway, and right now my plan is to make you forget everything except me,” Dalton said roughly as he spun her around to face him. “In three hours you’ll no longer be mine. You’ll be at the will of the president. Right now you’re mine.”

Dalton lips were on hers, coaxing her mouth open as his hands worked her body. He knew where to touch and how to touch her in ways that left her breathless. Never one to surrender, Lizzy snapped the button of Dalton’s jeans and reached inside. His erection was ready for her as she stroked him, earning a carnal growl for her attention.

Dalton dropped his sensual torture of her breasts long enough to shove down his pants, slip on a condom, lift her onto the counter, and delve into her. Lizzy’s head dropped back in pleasure as his head lowered to pull one taut nipple into his mouth as his thrusts assaulted her senses. Lizzy arched her back, her mouth falling open on a silent cry as Dalton sent her over the edge. When she looked up, his jaw was clenched, his face looking as if he was battling for control. Lizzy clenched her legs tight around him, and his control snapped as he came. They only had hours to be Dalton and Lizzy. And she’d be damned if they spent it sleeping.



* * *



Valeria woke up feeling warm and safe. She blinked her eyes and realized she was looking at a very close-up view of Grant’s neck. The warmth was coming from his large arm wrapped around her, holding her against him. Her face rested on his rugged chest. The man was a heater, and Valeria wanted to curl up closer to him, but the plane jerking to a stop told her they were home.

“Ah, you’re up,” Grant whispered. Three words . . . yet because of how kindly they were spoken, Valeria felt calmed. After what she had endured for the last week, and then to know two people she cared about had nearly been killed, she welcomed Grant’s gentle tone. It was like a balm to her battered heart. But it simultaneously worried her. She liked banter and arguing, and how it kept people at a distance. Kindness, trust, and respect were things that brought people together. She didn’t need to be on that level with a man again while she was a part of this team. Not when her life depended on it. She’d already made that mistake once, and Valeria wasn’t going to repeat it.

“Sorry. I guess I fell asleep,” Valeria said, sitting up and looking at the sculpted face of Grant Macay.

Grant chuckled easily. “You did more than that. You passed out. It’s okay, though. I also have a weakness for women who fit perfectly in my arms.”